will@cvradio.com Matt Hillyard andwithhis father Lyle Hillyard LOGAN Matthew Hillyard, son of Senator Lyle Hillyard, passed away Thursday morning at his home in Logan, according to the Utah Senate. A tweet was sent out Thursday morning announcing the passing. Hillyard was 42.
Governor Gary Herbert and other state politicians took to social media to express their condolences and share memories of Hillyard, who could often be found around the Utah State Capitol during legislative sessions.Matthew Hillyard, son of Senator Lyle and Alice Hillyard, passed away peacefully this morning at home. Oh, how we love Matt and will deeply miss him!#utpol #utleg pic.twitter.com/apnJ0wBFOV Utah Senate (@utahsenate) January 4, 2018
We love you, Matt. Thanks for sharing your light with us for so many years. God be with you till we meet again. #utpol @utahsenate @SenLyleHillyard pic.twitter.com/OoLnQeiRHT Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) January 4, 2018
This breaks my heart.? We love Matt and will miss him so much. He touched the lives of everyone on Capitol Hill. We were the same age and shared a love of hugs, pancakes and karaoke. Our hearts are with @SenLyleHillyard and his family. https://t.co/cc196wXs5E Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) January 4, 2018
R.I.P. Matt Hillyard #utpol #utleg pic.twitter.com/YVhPDSO4A1 Todd Weiler (@gopTODD) January 4, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of sweet Matt Hillyard. When I was Sen. Hillyards intern he was like my little brother. The worlds a little darker today without Matts light. Hugs to Alice and @SenLyleHillyard https://t.co/NgTzaCSTR9 Angie Stallings (@StallingsUT) January 4, 2018
Deeply saddened at this news. My deepest sympathies to the Hillyard family. Matt brought joy to so many. He will be missed. https://t.co/MvDnjTNL4X Sharon (@SharonGF_NBCT) January 4, 2018
Videos on Twitter show Hillyard singing karaoke in the capitals rotunda as part of his annual birthday celebration.Matt Hillyard was a bright light in the Utah Senate and always welcomed me back to the Capitol with a hug and huge smile. You will be missed. #utpol Ben McAdams (@BenMcAdams) January 4, 2018
The Matthew David Hillyard Endowment Scholarship Fund provides students financial support in Utah State Universitys Special Education Department. Hillyards family established the fund after he was born with Down syndrome. He was recognized in April as an honorary member of the Logan Kiwanis Club. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, a series of new documentaries and films such as The Demon of the Revolution, Trotsky, The Great Russian Revolution and The Genuine History of the Russian Revolution were broadcast on major Russian TV channels. Clearly, these films were designed to disrupt popular Russian perceptions of the revolution and instead foster a hostile narrative of the events. Alongside its major domestic motivations, this narrative also has significant implications for post-Soviet nations. BACKGROUND: Post-Soviet Russia has had no officially approved narrative on the 1917 revolution. Moscows main approach has been to stay neutral on the subject, although the Kremlin has often implicitly taken a negative view of it, resulting in an ambiguous position on the part of the regime. In effect, little public historical discussion has been devoted to the events in 1917. Yet the new series of films on the 1917 revolution broadcast on the anniversary of the Bolshevik revolution epitomizes a shift in this regard. One of the Kremlins main media figureheads Dmitry Kiselyov, who is the head of Russias government-owned international news agency Rossiya Sevodnya, directed a film titled The Great Russian Revolution. In the film, Kiselyov, who was dubbed Russias chief propagandist by the Economist and chief spin doctor by BBC, termed the 1917 events the first color revolution. In the Kremlins discourse, revolutions and particularly colorful ones are inferior, negative and hostile to Russian interests and are perceived as synonymous with a foreign plot. They are often associated with the arrival of pro-western governments in power in Georgia and Ukraine. Another film, The Genuine History of the Russian Revolution, describes Lenin as a fierce proponent of the policy of terror and alludes to the revolution itself as a Germany-funded coup. A source of inspiration for this narrative is President Putins comments blaming Lenin and the Bolsheviks for dismembering the Russian Empire into the small republics constituting the Soviet Union: They [Lenin and the Bolsheviks] planted a nuclear bomb under the building called Russia, later to blow it up, he said. These comments made on January 16, 2016, were so controversial that the presidents spokesman Dmitry Peskov sought to downplay Putins remarks on the same day. A few days later, however, the president made even harsher remarks against Lenin. IMPLICATIONS: Culture was widely used as a political tool throughout the Soviet era, with television and films at the forefront. Modern Russia inherited this practice from the Soviet Union. As Putin ascended to power in Russia, he made sure that major TV broadcasters were under the Kremlins full control. For the majority of the Russian population, a few central TV channels still remain the primary source of information despite hundreds of available alternatives. Through government-controlled TV, the Kremlin has shaped a new kind of cultural borders of Russia, aside from the official borders. These cultural borders are known as Russkiy Mir (Russian World) or historical Russia. This became particularly evident amidst the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The KrimNash (Crimea is Ours) campaign was based on the narrative that Crimea was a historical part of the Russian territory and culture, for which Russia fought bloody wars and made sacrifices, and that Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev granted it to Ukraine. In fact, Russian TV is guarding the borders of historical Russia and sacralizes the cause to protect those historical borders. The new films on the 1917 revolution are just a case in point. A general subtext of the films is the shaping of a narrative to justify Russias redrawing of the borders of the post-soviet nations. The Russian Church acts as a political tool and a high moral and spiritual authority for that purpose. The Church canonized Tsar Nicholas II in 2000 and views the 1917 revolution as a Judeo-Masonic conspiracy. The films delicately echo this message by placing an eye-catching emphasis on the ethnicity of prominent revolutionary figures of Jewish origin such as Lev Trotsky and Alexander Parvus, and depicts Alexander Kerensky, another key figure during the 1917 events, as a leader of the Russian political masonry. The Genuine History of the Russian Revolution, in particular, uses the late tsar Nicholas II to sacralize the borders and territories of historic Russia the Russian Empire. The films portray him as a weak leader but a devout Christian with a strong belief in God, who prays for the protection of the empire. According to the narration, the Tsar viewed protecting Russia its territories and borders, which are the cultural and historic borders of Russia in todays Russian discourse, as his holy responsibility before God. Nicholas II therefore personifies the sacralization of the protection of historical and cultural Russian borders. By depicting Nicolas II as a weak leader, the films basically seek to justify a strong president Putin and his annexation of Crimea, a part of historic Russia, in the run-up to the 2018 presidential campaign. President Putin has explicitly blamed Khrushchev for transferring Crimea to Ukraine, and reiterated this message at his year-end press conference on December 14. Earlier, he has similarly accused Lenin of transferring Donbas and other regions to Ukraine. Putin has defended Stalin over Lenin, saying that Stalin wanted to establish the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) on the basis of autonomy for the subjects of the future state, but that Lenin favored the establishment of the USSR on the basis of full equality of the constituent republics with the right to exit the Soviet Union. Putin also lashed out at Lenin for what he termed an absolutely arbitrary and unjustified definition of the borders of the republics. The transfer of the Donbas region to Ukraine is just a case in point, Putin said. He also referred to the short-lived Transcaucasian Federation, consisting of present-day Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, as the southern part of Russia. And Russian TV followed suit. The films blame the Bolsheviks specifically for the rise of the independence movement in Ukraine and for separatism in the South Caucasus. The films present the rise of separatism and demands for autonomy and independence in the regions of the Russian Empire as a result of the 1917 revolution but ignore the importance of the same factors in driving the events of 1917. There is no mention of the Russian Empires Central Asian regions in the films, as opposed to repeated references to separatism and demands for autonomy and independence in the Baltic, Eastern Europe and South Caucasus regions. Yet this should not necessarily be seen as reassuring for Central Asian countries. It simply means that Moscows current focus is on Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. CONCLUSIONS: Through television and films, Moscow demonizes Lenin and the Bolsheviks, and sacralizes the protection of the Russian Empires borders the so-called cultural or historic borders of present-day Russia or the Russian World. The films are broadcast as the Russian national euphoria associated with the annexation of Crimea is fading and ordinary citizens are becoming less enthusiastic about the conflicts in which Russia is involved. The films aim to shape a narrative serving to prepare the Russian population and rally domestic support for a continuation and even amplification of assertive policies in Russias near abroad. Therefore, the post-Soviet countries may be facing a new wave of turbulent times in their relations with Russia in the coming years, particularly following the 2018 Russian presidential election. This is of particular concern to the GUAM countries Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova. Russia actively seeks to influence their sovereign choices regarding if and how to develop relations with Russia-led integration structures the Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Defense Treaty Organization and the rival European Union and NATO. AUTHORS BIO: Rahim Rahimov is a political analyst focusing on Russia and the post-soviet space with an interest in conflicts, foreign policies and economic and political integration projects. He holds an MA in International Relations from Hult International Business School in London, UK and a BA from Baku State University, Azerbaijan. Twitter: @r_rahimov Image source: By en.kremlin.ru accessed on 1.2. 2018 The National Permanent Secretariats 2018 roadmap is tailored to generate more income for the national treasury report CT. ADS The Kimberley Process in Cameroon is managed by a National Permanent Secretariat placed under the auspices of the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Technological Development. Its Steering Committee headed by Minister Ernest Gbwaboubou held an extraordinary session in Yaounde, December 29, 2017. The institutions 2017 activity report was reviewed and a roadmap charted for 2018 with a budget of over FCFA 2.1 billion. A newly appointed executive bureau of the four-year old Permanent Secretariat was presented and urged to ensure the smooth implementation of the roadmap. Daniel Mackaire Eloung Nna, Permanent Secretary of the Kimberley Process in Cameroon told reporters after the closed- door meeting that they have laid down strategies to ensure that the exploitation of diamond generates more income for the national treasury. He said in order to reach the goal set in the extraordinary session, the secretariat will increase its activities on the ground, basically mapping out existing diamond production sites and carrying out research on potential ones. Loung Nna also disclosed that geologists and other mining technicians would be schooled on the Kimberley Process and encouraged to make the exploitation of precious stones beneficial not only for the state, but also to people in communities involved in mining. Citizens involved in artisanal mining are currently selling their precious stones at prices below their worth. We are laying emphasis on field work in 2018 to turn the tide, he said pointing out that field visits will also help them curb transit through Cameroon of conflict diamonds from wartorn Central Africa Republic. MBOM Sixtus | BY Lynchy | Consider iProspect Malaysia is starting the year strong with four senior hires throughout the last four months. Siti Raflise joins as Chief Data Officer, Jeetinder Kahlon takes on Head of Media role, Filip Adamski is Head of E-Commerce and Bee-Lee See leads as Head of Content. Spearheading the agencys ambitious expansion, Kasper Wandi, CEO of Consider iProspect said, Weve recorded some pretty remarkable achievements since we started, but were not about to rest our laurels. The industry is moving in breakneck speed that if you snooze you lose, and one key component in ensuring we stay ahead is the talent we have. Talent is indeed our most important asset and good talent is hard to come by, so were pleased to have an army of them with us, committed in providing the best solutions for our clients, Wandi added. Apart from the Head of Content role, the rest are newly created positions, a strong indication of where we see the potentials and growth opportunities are to take our business to the next level, he shared. Raflise brings 19 years of success in project management, business intelligence and customer insights. Previously, her roles included Head of Insights for Taylors Education Group, Sales and Operations Director of Arte 38, and Global Market Research Manager for Microsoft EMEA. Her approach to data-driven businesses has produced results she single-handedly developed Taylors Business Intelligence strategy targeting undergraduates and achieved 20% cost savings for Microsoft through efficient vendor management. Siti was the winner of Microsofts Gold Star Award for outstanding performance. In her new role, Raflise is responsible for the agencys data strategy, create portfolio of products and solutions to offer to its clients, and spearhead data-led consultancy projects. She reports to Wandi. Kahlon brings in-depth experience in both online and offline channels from five agencies across London over the last 10 years. He has implemented media systems and processes to improve the efficiencies of agencies and clients alike. Prior to joining Consider iProspect, he was the Group Head of Media and Analytics at Lion & Lion, where he managed a team of more than 20 professionals and oversaw all digital media strategies and business development. In his new role, Kahlon is tasked to manage clients media strategy and paid media performance. He reports to Andrew Turner, Chief Business Officer, Consider iProspect. Adamski was part of the original Consider Digital (before the agency was acquired in 2015 by Dentsu Aegis Network) when it was only a 10-staff agency. He was the Senior Account Manager for P1 and Estee Lauder. Then he returned to Poland, a country where 50% of sales takes place online, where he took on the Head of Marketing role for one of the largest e-commerce players in Europe. Now back in Malaysia, Adamski has rejoined Consider iProspect as its new Head of E-Commerce to accelerate digital transformation for companies through e-commerce opportunities. He reports to Turner. See joins Consider iProspect from Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier of Malaysia, where she was the Senior Marketing Manager and Head of Content. Having worked and lived in nine different countries in the last 18 years, See speaks eight languages and brings with her diverse experience from varied functions including Corporate Communications, Marketing & Publishing, Business Development and Budget & Control. Being multilingual is not her only talent she is also certified by the Writers Digest in a series of storytelling fundamentals such as plot & character development, writing dialogues and novel writing among others, and has trained in Hollywood by the American Screenwriters Association. In her new role, she is responsible for working closely with brands to craft and implement holistic content strategies across all channels. She also reports to Turner. Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 1:45PM EVs or electric vehicles are expected to be front and centre at the upcomng Canadian International Auto Show and now visitors aged 21 or older with valid driver's licenses can experience first hand what driving an EV feels like. Various manufacturers including GM, Nissan BMW, Fiat-Chrysler, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Volvo will showcase their latest EV and Hybrid electric cars. The automotive world is changing and the Canadian International AutoShow is changing with it, said AutoShow General Manager Jason Campbell. You cant go to any major auto show in the world, be it in Frankfurt or Shanghai or Los Angeles, and not see large numbers of electric vehicles on display. In February, the Canadian International AutoShow will be no different. AutoShow President Bob Redinger said that hardly a week goes by these days without an announcement of yet another major technological breakthrough in the industry. Automakers are embracing all the technological advances available, be they electric, hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell or autonomous innovations and the 2018 Canadian International AutoShow will reflect this, he said. The test drives, sponsored by Toronto Hydro, FLO (the AutoShows official EV charging network) and the Globe and Mail will be administered by the North York Electric Vehicle Discovery Centres Plug n Drive program. news, latest-news Behind the scenes and out of uniform, ACT Policing's liaison officers play a huge role in developing strategies to help recognise and prevent crime in the capital. Meet three policing members who are helping address online grooming and cyberbullying, elder abuse and youth crime. Talking to children about online grooming is an uncomfortable topic for many, but ACT Policing's education and diversion officer Shona Butler takes the conversations in her stride. Unfortunately in Canberra, Ms Butler said, it was common for children under the age of 13 to have social media accounts, despite it being against policy for many of the sites. It was also common for these accounts to be public. Cyberbullying and online grooming are becoming major issues in the ACT and more widely. As cyber safety educator, Ms Butler teaches children about them and the dangers of being online. "I attend primary schools to deliver the Think U Know program to years five and six," Ms Butler said. "I talk about general privacy settings, how to stay safe online and who they should and shouldn't be friends with online." Ms Butler said some parents or carers were proactive in having these conversations with their children, but not all were. "One of the challenges I have is that kids are really vulnerable and they seem to trust people that are online, which can pose a lot of dangerous situations for them. "I talk to them about the people that might be online that they're making contact with, and that they shouldn't believe everything they see online." She said every child had a different response to the content she presents. "A lot of them are shocked, but it's not my intention to scare the children," she said. "I do warn them at the beginning of the presentation that a lot of the stuff I talk about might make them uncomfortable, it might be a little scary. But that's not what I'm there for. I'm there to give them the tools to stay safe online." One of the recurring questions that comes up in relation to online grooming and cyberbullying is "why?". "I get asked a lot 'why are there online groomers?' and I tell children I don't know why. I don't know why people do that. But I do know that it's against the law, so these people aren't allowed to do that." Ms Butler said she doesn't tell the children what the consequences of online grooming can be. "I never mention murder, paedophilia, child pornography," she said, but she does use real examples of online grooming to help the children understand. The appearance of online popularity plays a huge role in how vulnerable children can be caught out on the web. "There is this massive popularity context with children to have more friends than their classmates," Ms Butler said. "I tell them that having more friends than somebody else doesn't make you a better person, it just puts you in an unsafe situation. "I tell them if you're going to be chatting with somebody online, and you're going to be sharing things about your personal life, they need to be somebody that you've met in person and you trust them." She also explains trust is a big word. "It's not somebody you've met once at a friend's sleepover or a sporting event, it's somebody you would share your life with and perhaps invite to your birthday party." Another vulnerability for children is celebrity social media accounts. It was only recently that a fake Justin Bieber account was created, by an older man for the wrong reasons. "Unfortunately he had millions of followers because kids are vulnerable, they believe what they see." During the presentation to schools, Ms Butler mentions one app in particular that she asks children to delete. "The Kik app I ask that they perhaps think about deleting it, because people can send you inappropriate content [out of the blue]." Whether it's online grooming or cyber bullying, the takeaway message is to block, report and delete - and speak with a trusted adult. For more information visit the Think U Know website, or find out more from the Office of the E-Safety Commissioner. Elder abuse is on the rise in Canberra, and it can be a challenging area for police to manage. For the ACT Policing senior's liaison officer Lina Webber, it's a tough issue. "The victim is usually apprehensive to report it because they know the perpetrator is, in most cases, a family member," she said. "They're isolated, they know if they talk about it that relationship will be affected." Ms Webber said if elder abuse was suspected, police will monitor the situation. If clear physical abuse exists, they will step in. "If I go in and it's clearly identified elder abuse like bruising, not eating and financial debts then a general duties patrol will usually become involved and a course of investigation will be assessed. "If it's something like they're simply not eating because they don't have the support or the carers there then I will look after that end." But it's psychological and financial abuse that are harder to address. "Psychological can relate to isolation, withdrawing that person from services, subtle things but things that might be noticed by other people. "Financial abuse is, in a lot of cases, people who take advantage of the individual because either they don't understand that the decision to take finances off the person is in their best interest, or they use the finances for their own personal gain." Ms Webber said it was important for people to know their neighbours, to help ensure these subtle things didn't go unnoticed. "I think in Canberra people tend to think because it's a public service town that someone will always be there to look after these people, but that's not always the case," she said. "We can only monitor a situation from a certain aspect. If a neighbour has concerns, they can talk to that person or to me." Part of Ms Webber's job is to visit elderly people who might have come to police attention, either because they've committed a crime themselves or the more common problem that they've been the victim of a crime. "If a burglary has occurred, I'll go out and see them two to three weeks later to make sure they're comfortable in their surroundings again," Ms Webber said. Another issue she helps police address is an increase in calls from people with dementia. "Some people who have dementia will ring police and say there are things happening at home that aren't happening. "I monitor them, visit them and call them a few times a month, and that seems to ease the pressure on our operations centre," she said. "It also gives me the chance to see how that person is progressing, and when the Department of Health might need to become involved." But Ms Webber said the fear of nursing homes can sometimes scare people out of contacting her. "They won't contact me even though they need help, because they automatically think a police member knocking on their door will lead to them going into a home. "They don't recognise that support services are out there, and there is a focus on keeping the individual at home as long as possible." The senior's liaison officer position was created almost 10 years ago in response to an increase in calls from older people. Ms Webber has been in the role for four years. There are many things she likes about her work, but her favourite thing is the stories. "I love going to do home visits and listening to stories that the community give me," she said. "A lot of them have lived a generation where there's been a war involved, so I enjoy the stories about how they survived the war. Some of them aren't good stories, but they need to talk about it. Most of them have had very colourful lives." To report elder abuse contact the APRIL hotline on 6205 3535 or the police assistance line on 131 444. In an emergency phone Triple-0. Breaking down the barriers between police and Canberra's youth is the main aim of the job for Lee-Anne Johnson. After a year as ACT Policing's youth liaison officer, Ms Johnson said she's settling in to the busy position, but there are plenty of challenges that come with a job like hers. "I'd say we only connect with a minority of youth falling through the cracks," Ms Johnson said. "There are a lot of kids out there that aren't on the radar." Mr Johnson deals with "high-risk" youth aged 11 to 18 who have been flagged by general duties officers, those who aren't engaging in school, and those involved with drugs and alcohol. "A lot of the kids have trauma backgrounds, so it's about trying to get them engaged in counselling to break down the barriers of the trauma they're dealing with," she said. "A lot of them aren't attending school, so if mainstream schooling isn't working, it's trying to get them into something that will work for them." One of the most frustrating aspects for Ms Johnson is youth who don't take up the offer of assistance. "It is really frustrating a lot of the time because everything is voluntary, you can't make them go to programs or engage with services, so that can be really quite challenging," she said. "A lot of them will see that drugs and alcohol and hanging with their mates and not attending school is what they want to do. They find that no rules and doing what they want to do is better than engaging with services." But despite this, Ms Johnson continues to offer them assistance and hopes one day they take it up. "We try to get the kids engaged with something they're comfortable with, so if it doesn't work the first, second and third time, we just keep trying." Ms Johnson took on the job because she loves kids, and she's working hard to break down the barrier between youth and the police. She accompanies uniformed officers to youth centres to play pool, and with children on trips to meet the water police, the dog unit or traffic cops. "We try to break down the barriers with police so they see them as normal people," she said. But there was always room for more support. Ms Johnson said waiting lists in Canberra for programs to help youth were long, and programs in place at the moment could only take so many. "The main thing is making sure the supports are in place and making sure the kids aren't falling through the cracks." /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/14dbda89-c13e-4772-a294-5aa17c0e76e0/r0_102_2000_1232_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news The Canberra visual arts scene in 2017 once again could be characterised by a superfluity of exhibitions but a superfluity that was exemplified by richness, depth and an accompanying thematic and aesthetic diversity that made the visitor experience always an exciting, difficult and sometimes beautiful confrontation. My role here is to single out those artists whose exhibitions I reviewed that struck a particular chord with me, and that I believe will continue to do so. Canberra Contemporary Art Space (CCAS) exhibition program continues to excite, provoke and deliver cutting-edge (don't you hate this expression!) exhibitions that not only provide proof of the necessity of organisations such as this to continue, but reinforce the "DUH" factor of the preceding. David Broker, CCAS Director, curated HYPERactive. As often with Broker, the curatorial premise was intellectually incisive. The elision/division between experienced reality and the re-creation of that reality was the starting point. The choice of individual artists was purposefully didactic, and in their combination visually and conceptually challenging. Artists included Cathy Laudenbach, Claudia Chaseling, Jay Kochel and Bianca Beetson. The works ranged across a number of media including photography, painting, sculpture and video, and each iteration provided provocative and sometimes powerfully beautiful visual statements. A stunner! Ex Machina, curated by CCAS program manager Alexander Boynes, showcased a number of artists and although I found weaknesses in both the choice of artists and in the exhibition's ostensible premise and the actualising of that, I really enjoyed the work of a number of artists selected. Prime among these for me was the work of Nicci Haynes (no relation). She is an artist who is full of innovation and original ways of approaching medium and subject, these being strongly showcased here. Other artists demanded active viewer participation often questioning the challenges innate in the complex relationships between technology and use. Brian McNamara's and Pia van Gelder's works exemplify this.PhotoAccess continues to offer a stimulating program that questions the photographic medium in all its manifestations in ways that I find stimulating and provocative. It is difficult to eliminate a number of exhibitions from my Top Five but I will take the liberty of mentioning two that I found too compelling to omit. These are Ioulia Terizis's Quanta and Kate Disher-Quill's Right Hear, Right Now. But my "favourites" at PhotoAccess were Chinese Whispers and Other Stories curated by Pia Johnson, and Dylan Smith's A Construct. The former showcased the work of four female artists of Chinese heritage living in Australia. Its theme of "cultural identity, migration and belonging in Australia today" holds particular resonance and the selected works were beautiful, evocative and in their questioning of the theme, conceptually and intellectually enticing. It was broadly about the coexistence of multiple identities within our society. Janelle Low's Reconcile series exemplified this. She used images of her body. These were faceless and incomplete, states that intimated a "disconnect" between artist, place and viewer. Low also showed exquisitely composed still-life images that spoke of "a" fusion of the East and the West. Tammy Law's evocative pieces used images of a suburban Australian landscape superimposed with images of Myanmar to underscore the poignancy of the "displaced", a further reference to the "disconnect" of the exhibition's theme. Dylan Smith's A Construct was a multi-layered exposition on notions of artifice and reality; on what is "real" and what isn't; on what do we actually "see" when we look at an image. It offered a sophisticated take both visually and intellectually. I liked the interrogative thrust and the manner of visualising that thrust was particularly apposite. Smith's notion of what is original was obviously pertinent when looking at (reproducible) photographs and his intellectual edginess clothed in (often) seductive images held great appeal for me. At Form Studio and Gallery, its final exhibitions of 2017, Part of the Process and Dross combined four highly individual aesthetic languages. In the former the three artists Julie Pennington, Jo Searle and Heidi Strachan demonstrate three very different ways of dealing with the ceramic medium. Each is a skilled and adept maker with a deep understanding of their medium that allied with finely honed visual languages and choice of thematic subject-matter, produced three beautifully nuanced bodies of work. Curatorially the exhibition transcended its parts (whilst nevertheless simultaneously celebrating them) and demonstrated a sophisticated embracing of the relationships within each artist's practice and within these practices combined within the gallery space. I spoke of the space as an aesthetic corollary to the works and I would like to reinforce that here again. The exhibition was truly an inclusive and embracing aesthetic experience. Kirrily Humphries' Dross was simply beautiful. The seven works were meditative spaces that spoke thematically of the private and the universal, and aesthetically of the controlled and the expressive. Each was exquisitely nuanced and in combination provided an overall "place" for contemplation, memory and beauty. Congratulations to Form for bringing these four artists together. All galleries in the ACT (funded and otherwise) continue to spoil the visitor with choice, range and variety. We are lucky to be so visually blessed. While I spoke of "superfluity" above, it is a "superfluity" that I for one would not miss. Bring on 2018. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/d1c43a83-bc11-4911-b454-9719bdd2a3c1/r0_437_1993_1563_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg comment Michael McCarthy (Letters, January 3) writes "it is time to achieve Aboriginal equality". Whatever that generality means, when it comes to equality in job availability I know of no jobs where being an Aborigine per se precludes an applicant from employment. However, there are numerous positions advertised as reserved on an "only Aborigines need apply" basis or where the listed qualifications make it obvious that being of Aboriginal heritage would be to an applicant's advantage. Being of the opinion that a little racism on occasion doesn't go amiss, I have no argument with this. However, I'm surprised our Racial Discrimination Commissioner Tim Soutphommasane, whose acute sensitivities have led him to apparently invent something called "casual racism", has made no complaint about it. Bill Deane, Chapman There has been much written and said by both critics and apologists on the blatant, aggressive interference by the organs of the Chinese government in the domestic affairs of countries such as Australia. This essential debate does not, and should not, demonise the ordinary people of China, or the majority of the diaspora, or those who visit our country with benign intent. Recently, professor Hugh White nailed the new reality. An assertive China is on the march; a dissolute US is on the wane. A New Order is fast emerging, and it will not embrace the principles of liberal democracy, the rule of law, or the rights of the individual which all of us in Western countries have taken for granted since the order of things was dictated by us when Britain ruled the waves and after the US was handed the baton. Australia is a middling power, our natural resources sought-after by conventional means, but there to be taken from us if necessary. Our existence in the longer term as an independent sovereign state is precarious. Soviet foreign minister Lavrov reportedly recently referred to Australia dismissively as "not a real country". He will not be alone in this view. A. Whiddett, Forrest I was amused to read how Kevin Cox (January 2) would ensure that investors in light rail get a positive return on money invested in light rail even though he doesn't argue that the business as a whole will make a huge loss. He says that benefit/cost issues have nothing to do with financing but they certainly relate to profitability. He makes the point that the current investors in light rail will get their money back plus a return on their money, not from the business but from the government and suggests that we, the community, step in to replace the investors and so cream off the "handsome returns", to use his phrase, that would otherwise go to them. That leaves hanging the question of where the government will get the money, not just to cover the losses from the tram but to pay these handsome returns. The answer is clear. Ultimately, the citizens of Canberra have to cover these costs through increased taxes and charges. As for his suggestion that the community should have a "robust discussion" about what infrastructure we will build. I agree. Had that been done, or had Gallagher and Corbel been interested in the best value for money for transport to Gungahlin instead of doing deals with the Greens to get the ALP back into government in 2012 no matter what the cost, we would probably be on the way to at least a partial solution to the Gungahlin public transport issue without wasting the money involved in the tram. Stan Marks, Hawker Some estimates indicate sugar-induced diabetes, dialysis, obesity, cardiovascular problems etc could in the medium-term cost governments as much as our current total health budget. The financial implications will force federal and state treasurers and governments eventually to ignore the pressure from the large retailers and the Beverages Council, hopefully sooner rather than later. But let's not forget the cane growers in Queensland and northern NSW have the most to lose ... and they constitute a small but powerful sector of the Nationals' support, sufficient to delay a sugar tax. They have a strong case for assistance from the government to ease the transition to growing food crops other than sugarcane. The context is the unemployment situation in Queensland highlighted by the Adani mine controversy and threats to tourism on the Barrier Reef ... with One Nation hoping to capitalise on the situation. We must cut down Australia's sugar consumption, but the federal and state governments should avoid confrontation and involve the sugar growers in innovative and co-operative measures to make the inevitable transition with a minimum dislocation to the families, towns and regions involved. John Brummell, Duffy Sanctions in the past on apartheid South Africa and pre-invasion Iraq were inhumane and so are sanctions on North Korea. Sanctions don't get governments to change policy but restrictions on basic goods necessary to sustain life, like oil, coal, food and medicines only harm ordinary citizens. If the UN, and the larger bullying nations, are serious about sanctions they should place them on wealthy arms manufacturing nations that promote so much death and misery worldwide, particularity on the poorer nations of Africa, Middle East and Asia. However, the bullying nations are the major arms manufacturers. Arms manufacturers are greedy and racists and are happy to see their weapons tested on poor people in war often caused by the bullying nations. Governments that promote arms sales to poor countries are human rights criminals. Australian governments have been an ally of a bullying nation, the US post-WWII, on a number of occasions which have achieved nothing militarily and only made the situation worse. The pointless UN Security Council should be dissolved. Adrian Jackson, Middle Park, Vic Your editorial (January 4, p.12) explaining why rapprochement between North and South Korea is necessary was very welcome. The alternative, the present impasse, cannot continue indefinitely. If normal relations between the north and the south of what was once a single nation is seen as driving a wedge, then there must be something wrong with the present analysis. Donald Trump's tweet that his nuclear button is bigger than Kim Jong-un's is factually correct, as is his assertion that his button works. The implication, that Kim's button does not work, is probably also correct. The essential guidance system for nuclear weapons requires an expensive system of satellites. A quick internet check reveals that the US GPS system costs $US400million per year in maintenance alone. The Russian system GLONASS consumed a third of the Russian defence budget in 2010. In China, the BeiDou navigation satellite system is currently partially deployed: when the full system is in place, it will be even more accurate than the US GPS. Why this expensive triplication of GPS systems? It seems probable that the system can be denied to unauthorised users, and any nation with the ambition to destroy the world with its ICBMs must undertake the launching of at least 24 patrolling satellites to guide their bombs to the target. If this is the case, North Korea's bombs can only be sent in roughly the chosen direction, and any kind of accuracy is impossible, with any retaliation precise and devastating. Can anyone confirm that this supposition is correct? Harry Davis, Campbell Geoff Davidson (Letters, January 4) wonders why, if coal energy is a good investment, private entities aren't building new coal-fired power stations? Geoff, try reading the federal government's "The Renewable Energy Target: a quick guide", found on the internet. You will see that the RET forces the use of renewables on the electricity grid. They have first priority on the grid, leaving the coal-fired generators unable to sell their product for some of the time, operating inefficiently. Any grid managers that don't meet their RET quota have to pay a fine of $65 per MWh of shortfall to the government (sounds like a hidden tax to me). This cost is, of course, paid for by the electricity user. Considering that a coal-fired power plant can, given a chance to operate efficiently, produce electricity at about $40 per MWH, you can see that is a very large fine. That forces the use of renewables to the detriment of fossil-fuelled generators, which, of course, is the real aim of the RET. Coal-fired power plants operate efficiently if run at close to 100per cent output all of the time (base load), excluding maintenance shutdowns; and very inefficiently the way the RET forces them to operate. As long as the RET is in effect, coal-fired power plants are uneconomical, not a good investment, and no private organisation will consider building such. After all they exist to cover their costs and make a profit. Now, Geoff, you know. John McKerral, Batemans Bay I agree wholeheartedly with the letter written by Don Stephon regarding his rooftop solar panels. (Letters, December27). Our rooftop panels were not installed to make money but merely to reduce our bills also. However, another advantage being the reduction of carbon emissions. In the past seven days we have reduced carbon emissions by 81.30kg, according to the inverter, which is connected to our computer. This is the figure from 14 panels which were installed seven days ago. We do not have a figure for the other 12 panels which were installed two years ago. A win win for not only our bills but also the environment. Solar panels should be mandatory for every new home being built, even if it means building a slightly smaller home. Solar hot water should also be mandatory for new homes, and anyone replacing their hot water service. Having had solar hot water for nine years, we have enjoyed free hot water without another added expense. The cost of installation is well worth the money spent. Robyn Lewis, Raglan, NSW The fact that refugees have travelled through or over other countries to get to Australia does not make them any less deserving of protection than those who came from Indonesia or New Guinea who are our only close neighbours. The fact that on Nauru 87per cent of those we trafficked there illegally are refugees means they were refugees before we traded them to overseas prisons and we could have saved about $5billion by just doing their claims here. In fact, it will be higher than 87per cent because those who apply to our own High Court for legal appeals all win their appeals. On Manus, 71per cent of those we illegally traded to the illegal prison are refugees, which means they were refugees before we broke the law and trafficked them to the illegal prison. Why the hell do letters editors continue to peddle the line that it's OK to traffic and torture people and illegally jail them in other nations because they didn't come straight here? After all, we have claimants from all over the world who fly here over many nations and we never say the same about them and we import refugees from all over the world. Honest to goodness, enough! Marilyn Shepherd, Angaston The latest disenfranchised group in the news: Sudanese youths in Victoria. Let's hope the government learns from their 200 years of failure with Aboriginal communities and actually works with African communities to come up with sustainable solutions. We've heard the punitive language of "intervention" before, and we know that simply "locking 'em up" doesn't solve problems. C.Shipp, Tuggeranong Police now come out and say we do have a crime gang problem in Melbourne. Why has it been denied for so long and why didn't Daniel Andrews make the announcement? The community has been seriously let down and no doubt a lot have suffered physical and psychological injury as a result of the massive cover-up. Not good enough. Bill Dobell, Sebastopol, Vic Over the holiday break, a Sydney bus driver rang into 2CC to inform listeners that the city's light rail would be "out for a month". Realisation dawns, yes? Light rail, heavy expense, not-so-regular service? I hope our Chief Minister enjoyed his Spanish trip. The trains from Spain may yet cause lots of pain. Christina Faulk, Swinger Hill HOW TO SAVE $100M Malcolm Turnbull has raised the possibility of having a plebiscite or postal vote to determine if Australia should become a republic after Queen Elizabeth's reign. The recent same-sex postal vote cost taxpayers over $100 million and the cost of a plebiscite/postal vote would most probably be the same if not higher. However, with a general election due later this year why not hold a plebiscite at the same time. Jack Wiles, Gilmore SMALL MERCIES FROM US So, former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer reckons that the US has insulted Australia by not appointing an ambassador. Why can't we be grateful for small mercies? John Richardson, Wallagoot, NSW WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2018 On May 5, 2018, the world will celebrate 200 years since the birth of Karl Marx and on November 11, 2018, the world will celebrate 100 years since the end of World War I, The Great War. Will religion and ethics have a place in the world economy, in the world news, in 2018? Jane Wallace,Riverwood, NSW NO CONTRADICTION Douglas Mackenzie (Letters, January 1, "Hoisted with own petard" [or "Hoist" originally the past participle of "hoise"] points to the apparent contradiction of a couple comprising two husbands (male spouses) or two wives (female spouses). But that is what a same-sex couple is. Michael McCarthy, Deakin RAIL TO THE NODE I have recently learned that the new light rail network is being built to connect to the node rather than the premises. What sort of antediluvian cost-saving is going on here? I don't want my speed slowed by having to walk to the nearest interchange each time I want to use high-speed transit. The next thing they will be telling us is that the service speed will be shaped during peak periods. What ajoke. Simon Cobcroft, Lyneham MT AINSLIE TOO DRY At Mt Ainslie's summit today, Tuesday, the water station and tap were waterless. It was an extremely hot day with many locals, tourists and dogs walking to the top. Not only is this another example of the neglect of basic services by our City Council, it reflects badly on Canberra and is a health risk in hot weather. Felicity Chivas, Scullin SLAVE LABOUR LAWS Slave labour laws, unless framed to encompass all Australian businesses, including franchises, will be akin to employers being flogged with a warm lettuce (apologies to Keating). Pervasively workers are cowed into contributing unpaid labour and receive cash-in-hand, sub-minium wages. Albert M. White, Queanbeyan, NSW Email: letters.editor@canberratimes.com.au. Send from the message eld, not as an attached le. Fax: 6280 2282. Mail: Letters to the Editor, The Canberra Times, PO Box 7155, Canberra Mail Centre, ACT 2610. Keep your letter to 250 words or less. References to Canberra Times reports should include date and page number. Letters may be edited. Provide phone number and full home address (suburb only published). /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/2f873dfb-a14e-442b-9a51-1098ad9b10da/r0_7_353_206_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg The State Attorneys Office will not file criminal charges in a domestic violence complaint involving the city of Cape Corals No. 2 administrator. The office for the 20th Judicial Circuit has issued a no further action decision on the complaint filed against Assistant City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn, the city said in a release issued late Tuesday. Ilczyszyn will remain on paid administrative leave, however, pending the outcome of an administrative investigation to now be conducted by outside counsel, officials said. City Manager John Szerlag has authorized an administrative investigation to begin immediately, the release states. The no further action decision was based on several factors, according to the State Attorneys Office. This came in as an agency review, it was not a request for a warrant, said Samantha Syoen, spokesperson. It was reviewed by Assistant State Attorney Anthony Kunasek. It was also looked at by Assistant State Attorney Francine Donnorummo, Special Victims Unit Chief. Kunasek made a decision of no further action after reviewing all of the evidence, she said. Some factors that went into his decision is the victim declined to give a taped sworn statement to law enforcement, declined to have law enforcement take photographs, and filled out a written form that she did not want to go forward with any potential case, Syoen said. Szerlag first placed Ilczyszyn on paid administrative leave in December pending the outcome of a domestic violence investigation. According to a police incident report, Ilczyszyn denied the allegation. The investigation began after police received information on an alleged domestic violence incident at a Cape residence the evening of Dec. 5, according to a report released by the Cape Coral Police Department. Officers contacted the reported victim, who spoke with officers but declined to provide a taped statement. No visible signs of injury were noted, the report stated. Police then contacted Ilczyszyn, who gave a verbal statement denying the allegations. He also declined to give a taped, sworn statement at that time. The matter was subsequently referred to the State Attorneys Office. As is standard in such incidents, the Florida Department of Children and Families was contacted due to children/witnesses being present during the alleged event. As of Wednesday, that investigation remained open, according to Natalie Harrell, spokesperson for the SunCoast Region of Florida Department of Children and Families. As per state statute, no details could be released. At this time we do not have any further information that can be disclosed, she said via email. The agency previously said it has had no prior contacts with the family. Szerlag appointed Ilczyszyn as the citys assistant city manager in March 2015, starting him at $115,000 per year in the administrative No. 2 spot. Ilczyszyn had been filling the role on an interim basis since September 2014. As assistant city manager, Ilczyszyn has oversight responsibility of the city of Cape Corals service departments, City Clerk, Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology, as well as the utilities extension project. He began his career with the city in 2002 as a water plant operator at the citys reverse osmosis plant. His focus on identifying process improvements at the plant led to his promotion to business manager for the Public Works Department in 2007. In 2011, Ilczyszyn transferred to the City Managers Office, where he directed and oversaw special projects. Ilczyszyn has a bachelors degree in environmental science and a masters degree in public administration, both from Florida Gulf Coast University. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1997-2000 performing counterdrug operations aboard the USS Yorktown, according to biographical information previously provided by the city. Editors Note: This story has been updated to include information provided by the State Attorneys Office as well as information provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families. The Neighborhood Watch of Cape Coral will hold its first quarterly Citizens Meeting of 2018 at its new home at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9. The new location is the Community Resource Center at 4816 Chester Street, off Cape Coral Parkway behind Starbucks. Officer Carl Cannady, District Resource coordinator from the Cape Coral Police Department will be the keynote speaker. Topics will include tips to make your home less attractive to burglars; using proper lighting; commercial quality locks; and many other devises that will make it more difficult for anyone to break into your home. Come early, as seating is limited. Please do not park in the Starbucks lot. Head-turning designs and an engaging driving experience are just two factors in Mazdas move towards the premium space. Above all, the Japan... Hyundai will visit the CES 2018 in Las Vegas with its next-generation FCEV to showcase a trio of new technologies, including its all-new autonomous systems. The yet-unnamed, hydrogen-powered fuel cell EV will also reveal its name at the same time, while Hyundai will detail the new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that come with it. The new Hyundai will become the newest member of the companys eco-friendly model family, adopting an SUV bodystyle and an innovative approach to its interior. Hyundai calls the new interior approach the Intelligent Personal Cockpit, featuring AI-enhanced voice recognition and vital sign-based wellness care. The dashboard will feature a pair of digital displays sitting side by side while the center console will be elevated for a more cockpit-like feeling. Hyundai will reveal all the details of its new FCEV on Monday, January 8 during the press conference at the CES 2018. PHOTO GALLERY Cartoon Brew: What would have been your first experience using visual effects as a director? Bong Joon-ho: My first experience with vfx was during my first feature film Barking Dogs Never Bite. Theres a scene in which the male protagonist throws a dog from the roof of an apartment building, and I used bluescreen for the first time in that scene. Of course it was imperative that no animals were harmed during filming, so we had safety measures for the actual throwing of the dog during the shoot. For the bluescreen shoot, the actor threw the dog onto a safety mat just a short distance below, and the actor and dog were later composited onto a multi-story apartment building through vfx. That was the very first vfx scene I tackled as a director, and it was during the early days of Korean vfx in the late 90s when the first vfx companies were emerging. The Host had a fantastic creature largely brought to life with cgi. What did you learn on that film in terms of visual effects and creature animation performance that you were able to apply to Okja? Bong Joon-ho: It was the first time I dealt with a cgi character, a creature, so I perused vfx magazines and also looked at other vfx-heavy films released during that time, like Hellboy and Lord of the Rings, for reference. At the time, Korean actors and DPs [director of photography] were likewise inexperienced with vfx shoots, so we used storyboards, pre-visualizations, and animatics to help them visualize. The actors were actually not that jarred by the experience of performing with an imaginary creature and got used to it in less than a week. What were some of the first conversations you had with Method and Erik De Boer about how you wanted Okja to be brought to life, and how did this get refined over time? What kind of artwork, sketches, and models helped flesh it out? Bong Joon-ho: I think the first thing I told him was how much I loved Life of Pi and how much I admired his vfx work on the tiger Richard Parker. I remember telling him that our animal protagonist Okja should consist of similar realism. I told him she should not be akin to dragons and monsters in fantasy films. Although shes not a real existing animal like Richard Parker, she should be depicted with the same excruciating realism. And we would base her on actual animals. We shared many photos of hippos, elephants, and manatees. By the time I first met Erik De Boer, the creature design for Okja was nearly complete so I was also able to share many conceptual artworks. For our second meeting, I brought a Okja maquette created by our Korean creature designer Hee-Chul Chang, and we used it for our discussion. Did you utilize previs on Okja? How important is previs to you in realizing vfx-heavy, or any other, scenes, and how did you use it on set? Bong Joon-ho: The two most important vfx scenes for which we used animatics were the opening cliff scene, where Okja saves Mijas life, and the tunnel scene, where Mija reunites with Okja. Im usually pretty faithful to my storyboards and previsualizations, so our vfx and camera crew also relied on them throughout the shoot. During filming of Okja, how important was it for there to be something on set in place of the character, or was this not especially important? What kinds of things would you tell the crew and actor to help them imagine a real creature there? Bong Joon-ho: On the set, we had a foam puppet, approximately the size of the would-be Okja, called a stuffy. The stuffy was especially important for Seo-hyun, the actress who played Mija, because she had many scenes in which she touched Okjas face and otherwise physically interacted with the creature. We had separate stuffies for different body parts, such as the head, bottom, and mid-section, and the actors would push and physically interact with them. During pre-production, we held stuffy rehearsals with Seo-hyun and other actors who had scenes with Okja. It helped the actors visualize Okja as an actual living being. Can you talk about what your schedule was like during post-production how did you interact with Erik De Boer and the visual effects team? Bong Joon-ho: I visited Method Studios in Vancouver two times, but aside from that, I remained in Seoul throughout post-production because we had our editing and sound facilities here. Naturally I had many Skype meetings with the vfx crew. Several times a week. For example we would have a Skype meeting at 9am Korea and 5pm Vancouver. Erik and [animation supervisor] Stephen Clee would be on the other end along with the sequence supervisor or other vfx artists, and on our end, we would have the vfx AD, post supervisor, and myself. Almost everyday we would do a shot-by-shot vfx review and share feedback, ideas. We did that for more than six months. Thanks to the availability of cineSync, we didnt really feel any constraints of being in different countries, but I guess the biggest obstacle, if you could call it that, was the time difference. As long as we could figure out a time to Skype, there wasnt much difficulty. What was one of the most challenging visual effects sequences in Okja to pull off, either in the planning stage, during shooting, or in post? Bong Joon-ho: The cliff sequence, which I mentioned earlier, was the most difficult and challenging sequence in the film. First of all, it was a difficult location, and the logistics were challenging what kind of equipment to use, etc. And since our lead was a minor, we had to be extra thorough with the safety aspects (one of the scenes involved the actress hanging from a cliff). So we divided the shots into three categories shots in which we see the actress face, shots that show the stunt double, and shots that use a digital double so we knew exactly what we would shoot at the actual location. The location itself was a combination of Korean and Vancouver locations because the shooting schedule didnt allow shooting the entire sequence in one location. Much of the cliff you see is actually vfx, and nearly everything except for Mija in that sequence is vfx. We finished that sequence just a few days before submitting the DCP to Cannes. It was an arduous sequence which we worked on right until the very end, and Im happy that it came out well. Photo: Contributed Nugget is a 100-pound lap dog who needs some help. UPDATE 4:20 p.m. The call to help a lovable pooch named Nugget has been answered. Nugget is a 100-pound 'lap dog' that needs surgery on two ruptured cruciates, estimated to cost around $9,000, but one Okanagan veterinarian is willing to do the crucial surgery for $6,000. Marco Veenis with the Okanagan Veterinary Hospital, said he would be happy to help the dog. At my hospital, we take a special interest in orthopedic cases and perform large numbers of these surgeries, said Veenis in an email to Castanet. As Okanagan veterinarians we have a long-standing positive relation with the SPCA and other animal-related charities and are always willing to do our bit. Nugget is currently at the Vernon SPCA. Nugget is a 100-pound lap dog who needs some help. The large, loveable pooch came to the Vernon SPCA with two torn cruciate ligaments in her back legs. The fawn-coloured mastiff mix sometimes wags her tail so hard, she injures herself and the damaged ligaments affect her ability to walk. Without treatment, the injury will lead to arthritis in her joints. Nugget is such a sweet and goofy girl. Despite the pain, shes in, she just wants to love you and be loved. We now keep her tail bandaged, as she has hurt it a couple of times while in her kennel from wagging it so hard, said Chelsea Taylor, BC SPCA Vernon & District branch manager. She thinks shes a 100-pound lap dog. We just want her to have the chance to lead an active, healthy life. Shes not even two yet, and still has a lot of love to give. The medical costs associated with Nuggets surgery, care and recovery are expected to exceed $9,000. A non-profit organization, the BC SPCA relies primarily on public donations to help the provinces most vulnerable animals. Anyone wanting to help Nuggett can do so online, or in person at 800 Haney Rd. Photo: Contributed Skye McCluskey, second from left, won a car just before Christmas. Talk about a Christmas present. Skye McCluskey received a car thanks to a local tire shop manager. Brandon Colvin manages the Vernon Fountain Tire store and just before Christmas 2017 he handed McCluskey the keys to a 2008 Pontiac G5. We put a new engine in it and a whole pile of parts, said Colvin. The car's in great shape. It was a fun project. Colvin had heard about other car giveaways and wanted to do something similar. I didn't think it was going to happen and then this car came out of nowhere, said Colvin. A customer brought a car in with an engine knock and it was discovered the motor had to be replaced. Not wanting to put that much money into the car, the owner agreed to sell it to Colvin who fixed the car up and gave it away. People then submitted their stories and Colvin and his co-workers went through them all to determine a winner. It was a tough decision, he said, adding that it was a friend of McCluskey's who submitted her story of a single mom who recently lost her partner. Winning the new set of wheels has made life easier for the Lumby resident. I was, and still am, completely shocked, said McCluskey. It's made a huge difference. I don't have to worry so much about it breaking down anytime soon, unlike my old car. As much as I loved my old car it was constantly breaking down and I could never afford to take it into a shop so my poor dad would always make the three-hour trip to Grand Forks just to fix it for me. McCluskey said even her six-year-old daughter is excited about our new car. Madison Erhardt UPDATE: 6:25 p.m. West Kelowna RCMP and RCMP Central Okanagan Traffic Services (COTS) remain on scene as they continue their investigation. The collision, involving a southbound Nissan Titan and a northbound Dodge Durango forced the closure of Highway 97 in both directions to allow emergency crews to extricate a patient who had been trapped inside the Dodge. The driver of the Dodge Durango, a 57-year-old woman from the Central Okanagan, has been transported to hospital, with what are believed to be serious non-life threatening injuries. The driver of the Nissan Titan is also in hospital with what are believed to be non-life threatening injuries. Traffic in the area is once again flowing, however it is being restricted to one lane alternating traffic at this time, said Cpl. Jesse ODonaghey. Motorists may see another temporary closure or closures to allow for both the vehicles, which sustained significant damage to be safely removed from the roadway. Our emergency crews greatly appreciate the publics patience as we work to clear the scene, he added. Witnesses who have not yet spoken to police are asked to call the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. UPDATE: 3:25 p.m. The driver of the Dodge Durango involved in Wednesday afternoon's head-on collision, a 57-year-old woman, was taken to the hospital with what were considered serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. A man, driving the southbound Nissan Titan that police believe crossed the centre line, was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Traffic in the area is once again flowing, however it is being restricted to one lane alternating traffic at this time, said Cpl. Jesse ODonaghey. Motorists may see another temporary closure or closures to allow for both the vehicles, which sustained significant damage, to be safely removed from the roadway. Police have asked anyone who witnessed the crash to call the West Kelowna RCMP at 250-768-2880. UPDATE: 3:10 p.m. Traffic is moving once again on Drought Hill after a serious head-on collision closed Highway 97 in both directions. The highway is now open to single-lane alternating traffic, as tow trucks work to remove the two vehicles involved from the scene. At least one person involved in the crash, a woman in the Dodge Durango, suffered "serious injuries." UPDATE: 2:55 p.m. Paramedics are treating patients for injuries after a southbound Nissan Titan crossed the centre line and collided head on with a Dodge Durango. A woman in the Durango is being treated for "serious injuries" at the scene, after emergency crews removed her from the SUV. Police say she will be taken to the hospital. The condition of the person in the Titan is unknown. Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey of the Kelowna RCMP says he doesn't believe anyone has died in the serious collision. Highway 97 remains closed in both directions, but Cpl. O'Donaghey says they are hoping to open one lane of alternating traffic shortly. ORIGINAL: 2:30 p.m. Traffic is backed up on Drought Hill near Peachland Wednesday afternoon, after a two-vehicle crash closed Highway 97 in both directions. The crash, which occurred at about 2 p.m. south of the highway's junction with Highway 97C, appeared to be a head-on collision between a pickup truck and an SUV. A tarp is covering the driver's seat of the SUV. One man who's been waiting in the southbound lane for about 15 minutes says the crash looks "pretty severe," and there are four police cars and two ambulances at the scene. He says Highway 97 in that area is quite dry and not covered in ice or snow. The extent of any injuries suffered by those involved is unknown at this time. Photo: Contributed Linda Yule is cautiously optimistic the United Way North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap will reach its fundraising goal set out last December. The executive director of the United Way NOCS said they set a goal of $240,000 for the agency's annual fundraiser. Of our $240,000 goal, the goal for individuals was $45,000, said Yule. Over the last weekend of the year, several online donations came in, and a family group made a significant donation to push this part of our campaign to over $72,000. While that is still a long way from their overall goal, Yule said they are waiting on some corporate donations. We wont know some of our other results until probably early February as a couple of workplaces just wrapped Dec. 31 and their reporting is compiled nationally, said Yule, adding the group still could reach its target, or at least come close. We have between 10 and a dozen workplaces that we are waiting on. The United Way is an umbrella organization for 23 agencies that provide more than 30 programs for the community. Yule said it would be a shame if agencies had to fundraise on their own when they should be focussing on programs that help the community. Last year, we were asked for 100 per cent more than we had available to distribute. We know that several of our funded agencies are being asked for more services and looking to United Way to fill that need in the community, she said. Photo: Global News It is unusual to have Ottawa related political news occurring this time of year. However, recently the unusual in politics has become the usual. In late December, media were made aware of what they described as a "secret meeting" that occurred between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Joshua Boyle, who was recently freed after being held in captivity in Afghanistan for the previous five years. Media were suspicious of this particular meeting because it, and the reasons for it, were not publicly disclosed by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). Journalists only discovered this meeting had occurred when members of the Boyle family circulated pictures on social media. This week, Ottawa police announced that Boyle was being charged with 15 different offences from alleged actions that include assault, sexual assault, unlawful confinement, uttering threats, public mischief and administering a noxious thing. These alleged offences are related to the period of time since Boyle returned to Canada in October 2017. As a result, there are serious questions being asked why the Prime Minister requested a meeting with Boyle. By extension, questions have been raised on security protocols that should protect the Prime Minister. The judgment of the advisers who represent Trudeau in allowing this meeting to go forward also come into focus. The judgment of the advisers working in the PMO was also raised when the Prime Minister was recently found guilty of four counts of ethics violations. These violations were related to free luxury vacations the Prime Minister accepted from a registered lobbyist who receives millions in Government of Canada funding. The judgment of advisers and political staff is a subject that is seldom raised outside of Ottawa. For obvious reasons, it is being questioned currently. I have also had some questions on this topic and I can report that the most recently audited expenses for what is called the Trudeau PMO were $8.3 million in the 2016-2017 fiscal period. As a comparison, this figure is higher than during any year in the previous Prime Ministers last term in office. All elected officials have staff and in the case of politically appointed staff, they typically only work in their capacity until the writ period, when the election is called. At that point, the vast majority will become unemployed. Rehiring depends on who is re-elected and if employment is again offered. In the case of the Prime Minister, some are suggesting a staff shakeup is required. Others see this as unfairly throwing the staff under the bus. Most agree that answers are needed on why Prime Minister Trudeau met with Boyle and why this meeting was kept confidential. My question this week: Do you believe Canadians deserve an answer to why this meeting was held between Prime Minister Trudeau and Joshua Boyle? I can be reached by email at [email protected] or at 1-800-665-8711. Photo: Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary Better late than never. At 7 lbs and 14 oz. Alora was the first baby born at Vernon Jubilee Hospital in 2018. The little bundle of joy entered the world at 5:10 p.m. on Jan. 1. The parents, Taylor Carey and Franjo Beg, received a gift basket full of goodies from the Vernon Hospital Auxiliary Crafters & Knitters, a teddy bear, gift certificates as well as a bouquet of flowers for mom. Alora was born not too far behind Owen Harrington, who was born at noon on Jan. 1, 2018 the first new arrival at Kelowna General Hospital. The first baby born in the Okanagan was in Penticton, weighing in at 10 lbs. Lawson John Spain was born at 2:07 a.m. And at 8 lbs 7 oz. British Columbia's first born in 2018 belongs to a Surrey couple. The baby girl was born nine seconds after midnight. Photo: Getty Images It may be a new year, but for many on the front line of the opioid crisis in the Okanagan, it feels like nothing has changed. Kelowna has the unflattering distinction of having the highest opioid hospitalization rate in Canada at 37.9 per 100,000 people. For comparison per 100,000 people: Vancouver's rate is 20.5 Toronto's rate is 7.9 The figures were released in a joint report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. There are more patients being seen in emergency departments, more patients being hospitalized, and the lengths of stay for hospitalizations are quite long it all adds to the burden, according to one of the authors of the study. The opioid crisis is putting increased pressure on the health care system. "While we do not have the final numbers for 2017, we know that it is expected to have more than 1,400 deaths," explained Adriane Gear, the executive councillor for health and safety and mental health for the BC Nurses Union. "We know that certain areas of the population have seen a higher impact, and Kelowna has certainly been one of the cities that has been hit very hard. But this crisis is all over B.C.; all over Canada; all over North America." BC Coroners Service stated in a December press release that in 2017 from Jan. to Oct. fentanyl was detected in approximately 83 per cent of drug overdose deaths. In that same release, it showed that from 2012 to 2017 the Interior Health Authority reported 322 fentanyl-related deaths in its region with the overwhelming majority of those deaths occurring in 2016 and 2017. I hope it never becomes routine, but sadly nurses and first responders are dealing with this on a daily basis ... we know that our members and other first responders are suffering psychological effects of the overdose crisis. You can only resuscitate, and deal with so many of these very scary situations. Gear said that the BCNU is very concerned that its members are at risk of compassion fatigue due to the physical and psychological demands of the opioid crisis. Compassion fatigue is a real concern for some nurses. It's that repeated exposure to human suffering. When you can't make a difference; when you can't provide relief; when you can't address an issue for somebody, it does weigh heavily on a person. Gear said she hears too often that this crisis deals with a problem. What concerns her most is that society doesn't see this as the public health crisis it is. For more than twenty years Susan Kirwin has worked in the emergency room at Kelowna General Hospital. Kirwin has seen first hand the realities of the opioid crisis. We have dealt with it as well as anyone could. It is always top of mind. We keep it very high in our suspicion when people come in with trouble breathing or trouble with their consciousness. There are the people who are the chronic substance users, and then there are the people that maybe don't consider themselves drug users, the victims of this opioid crisis vary. Surveillance data provided to Interior Health by front-line workers at the region's hospitals suggest, of the 1,245 reported overdoses from June 1, 2016, to Oct.31, 2017, 64 per cent were male and 36 per cent were female. And 19 per cent of those, who self-reported their drug use history, considered themselves occasional or infrequent users. Naloxone has been used more regularly in the emergency room at Kelowna General Hospital. In the past nurses assessed a patient much longer, now, Kirwin said, they are quicker to use it. That's been supported, and we have had good results. We have been able to get people back quickly when we have given it quickly. Kirwin said that it is only her observation, but it seems like the numbers were down in December. "Hopefully, the message is out." But, for Kirwin, and many front-line workers, the opioids part of this crisis it is only part of it. There are chronic issues that every place, and all first responders, face. One of the things that have made a huge difference that we've seen has been housing. It has been well studied that if housing is provided first, a lot of people are able to manage their problems; their mental health problem; their substance abuse problem and the emergency department becomes much less of a fall back for treating all of the things they have." Across Canada, opioid poisonings resulted in an average of 16 hospitalizations a day in 2016 2017, which is a 19 per cent increase from the daily hospitalization rate in 2014 2015. Photo: Skylar noe-vack Penticton Just after 7 p.m. Penticton Emergency crews where called to the intersection of Skaha Lake Road and Galt Ave for a car into a telephone pole. Upon arrival crews saw significant damage to the front of the vehicle. The motorist was seen walking around with no serious injuries, according to a bystander. Earlier Wednesday, emergency crews were called to the intersection of Industrial and Quebec at 4:10 p.m. for a two vehicle crash. Traffic was slowed, but no significant injuries were reported there either. With temperatures still below zero roads remain slippery in some areas, particularly side roads. Photo: The Canadian Press The freezing drizzle had already been falling for four days when Normand Chaput left his home in St-Hyacinthe, Que., on Jan. 9, 1998. Throughout the inclement weather, the Hydro-Quebec line worker had begun each day counting how many utility poles had fallen the previous night. That morning, not a single one was still standing. "There was nothing left," Chaput said in a phone interview. "All the poles were down, everything was down." Twenty years ago, nearly five million Canadians in southeastern Quebec, eastern Ontario and parts of the Maritimes were battered by three successive waves of freezing rain between Jan. 5 and 10. The precipitation, which some dubbed "The Storm of The Century," covered everything in a thick layer of ice and left some people without electricity for more than 30 days. For weeks, Chaput and his work colleagues worked 16-hour days, first concentrating on clearing roads and removing downed conductors, and then on rebuilding the collapsed grid from scratch. Tim Petch, an apple farmer from Hemmingford, Que., remembers waking up to the cannon-like boom of tree branches crashing onto frozen snow. "It was a smash and shattering, just like glass going across a marble floor," recalls Petch, now 54. He said many of his trees lost up to 40 per cent of their branches, leaving a cleanup job that would last months. Petch, who had no power in his home for 29 days, remembers huddling around a wood stove with his family and going out to check on the tractor-powered generator that was sent by the farmers' union to keep his fruit stores from spoiling. What he remembers most, however, is the way the tight-knit community near the U.S.-Canada border pulled together by amassing communal stores of firewood and supplies, bringing in generators and checking on neighbours. "We all just pulled together," he said. The storm caused about $3 billion in damage. At least 30 deaths were attributed to the onslaught, and the Canadian military was called in to assist in the days that followed. Photo: USGS San Francisco Bay Area residents were shaken out of their slumber by a magnitude 4.4 earthquake that was felt over a wide area but caused no major damage early Thursday. The quake struck at 2:39 a.m. about three kilometres from Berkeley, just across the bay from San Francisco, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The magnitude was revised after it was initially reported as magnitude 4.5. It happened at a depth of 13 kilometres. Social media posts showed people were awakened more than 60 km to the north and south, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. "Felt like a big truck drove into the building or something blew up downstairs. It just rocked the room and bed like two or three times quickly with a decently loud rumble in North Berkeley," Dale Fest wrote on the San Francisco Chronicle's Facebook page . Bay Area Rapid Transit said it had checked tracks for damage and found no problems. Early delays in train service were cleared up by 5:30 a.m., the agency said. Jack Boatwright, a geophysicist with the USGS Earthquake Science Center in Menlo Park, said the shaking from the quake "seemed a little weak, about half as strong as what you would expect." He told the Chronicle that by 4:15 a.m., there had been no aftershocks, which he called "a good sign. It may mean less likelihood of a larger earthquake to follow." Photo: The Canadian Press An airline passenger rights advocate is suing the Canadian Transportation Agency and Air Transat An airline passenger rights advocate is suing the Canadian Transportation Agency and Air Transat over an incident last summer in which hundreds of people were left stranded in planes on the tarmac at the Ottawa airport for hours. Gabor Lukacs has filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court of Appeal over the agency's handling of the incident. He says the agency found that Air Transat had violated numerous regulations, but levied only a nominal fine and then waived the penalty. His suit seeks to have the penalty overturned and sent back to the CTA for reassessment and asks the court to rule that the agency does not have the authority to waive such penalties. Last July, two Air Transat flights were diverted to Ottawa by bad weather and passengers were kept aboard the planes for five hours without adequate water or food and, in one case, without air conditioning, to the point where one traveller called 911 for help. The agency and the airline have yet to respond to the suit. "The CTA applied a slap on the wrist fine, far below the level established in its own enforcement manual," Lukacs, founder and co-ordinator of Air Passenger Rights, said in a statement. In waiving the fine, the agency said the airline would get credit based on compensation settlements to passengers. Lukacs said that is wrong. "If the fines are reduced by amounts passengers receive in compensation settlements, then the fines are effectively zero and have no deterrent value." Air Passenger Rights is a non-profit network of volunteers which seeks to educate people about their rights while travelling. It works through education, advocacy and litigation. Photo: The Canadian Press The Canadian military has reversed what had become a worrying trend by reporting a small increase in the number of people in uniform last year though it still has a long way to go to fill all the holes in its ranks. New figures show that there were about 450 more military personnel at the end of March 2017 than the previous year, with about half being regular-force members and the other half reservists. That represents the first real growth in the number of people in uniform in several years, as increased attrition and recruiting challenges exacerbated by Conservative-era budget cuts steadily thinned the ranks. Yet officials are unlikely to celebrate, as the military is still short about 2,000 regular-force members and 5,300 reservists even before the Trudeau government's promise to grow both forces in the coming years. The Liberals plan to increase the regular force to 70,500 members from its authorized strength of 68,000 and the reserves to 28,500 from 27,000 to defend against growing global instability and emerging threats such as cyber. Senior commanders have said streamlining the recruitment system and addressing attrition are their top priorities, but at the current pace, it could be many years before the military has enough people in uniform. Photo: CTV Lions Gate Bridge shrouded in fog. A heavy fog advisory has been issued for Metro Vancouver, southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Environment Canada says moisture trapped under a temperature inversion will see thick fog persist until this afternoon. The fog severely limited visibility on Vancouver roads overnight. "If travelling, be prepared for areas of near-zero visibility," the weather agency posted. A Pacific frontal system is expected to clear out the fog later today. The fog cancelled Harbour Air seaplane flights this morning as well as some flights in and out of Vancouver Island airports. with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: CTV A man is in hospital with serious injuries Thursday after an early morning shooting in Surrey. Police aren't releasing a lot of information but a white BMW that crashed into a power pole in Surrey's Cloverdale neighbourhood had a visible bullet hole in the driver's side door, near the window. Police tell CTV Vancouver the shooter fled the scene before they arrived, and the victim was taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. "The investigation is still in its early stages but initial indications are that this is likely a targeted incident," Surrey RCMP said in a news release. "It is too early to determine if this incident is related to drugs or other shootings." -with files from CTV Vancouver Photo: The Canadian Press The death of a woman who apparently slipped away from a Winnipeg hospital while she was intoxicated by drugs could and should have been prevented, her family says. The frozen body of Windy Sinclair, a 29-year-old mother of four, was found outside a Winnipeg apartment building Dec. 28. It was two days after she had been taken to hospital while she was hallucinating on crystal meth, her mother says. "Why didn't they keep an eye on her at all times for the safety of herself and to the others around her?" Eleanor Sinclair asked Thursday. Windy Sinclair was struggling with drug addiction and was high on crystal meth and hallucinating after having Christmas dinner with the family, her mother said. The next morning, the younger woman called 911 and an ambulance came and took her to hospital. "I said, 'There's no way for her to get back home' ... and they said, 'Oh, we'll provide her with a taxi slip to come back home,'" the mother said. She said she later called Seven Oaks General Hospital and was first told her daughter had been treated and released. She made phone calls and posted messages on social media but no one had seen the hospitalized woman. Eleanor Sinclair called the hospital again on the 27th. "And this time they said, 'Oh, she was seen, but she left on her own and ... we don't keep tabs on people that leave the hospital.'" The city was in the middle of a cold snap at the time. Temperatures were well below -20 C. Photo: BC Poverty Reduction An impoverished Halifax-area couple have regained custody of their toddler daughter, after a judge declared: "There is a difference between parents who are poor, and poor parents." The province took the girl into care in June 2016 because of her parents' multiple challenges, including mental-health issues, interpersonal conflict and unstable living circumstances brought on by poverty. But Justice Elizabeth Jollimore said the biracial toddler was not put in a "culturally appropriate" foster home, and noted the couple have worked to improve their circumstances and relationship prospects. "The parents cannot be faulted for their inability to afford homes in better neighbourhoods," the Nova Scotia Supreme Court judge said in a written ruling released Wednesday. The ruling paints a picture of a young couple trying hard to overcome many obstacles. They got together in the summer of 2015; she was 18 and learned she was pregnant by another man a few weeks into their relationship. She had struggled with mental-health issues, including self-harm. Her 22-year-old boyfriend, shaken by his discovery of a friend's suicide, suffers from PTSD and anxiety. He was proud to have never been fired from a job, but became unemployed when his employer lost a contract in late 2015. The boyfriend had called police several times because of conflicts and a suicide attempt by his girlfriend. At one point, she was taken into police custody after a physical confrontation between the couple. The province took the child into care in June 2016. The couple had a son that December, who was also taken into care a few months later, and is now living with his paternal grandparents. But the judge noted the woman has had no mental-health crises for 17 months, and previously sought help when needed. She said the woman works as a babysitter, and has extensive experience caring for five younger siblings, and is "a confident, competent and capable care-giver." "Parents who have poor mental health are not deprived of their children; parents whose poor mental health puts their children at risk and who do not seek needed treatment are," Jollimore said in her ruling. Meanwhile, the boyfriend had to switch to a lesser-paying job because of the court proceedings, but is a hard worker committed to providing for his family, the judge said. Photo: The Canadian Press An Alberta couple is hoping to bring skijoring with miniature horses to skiers who want to give it a whirl. The recreational winter sport's name comes from a Norwegian word that means ski-driving. A person on skis is pulled by a horse, a dog or a motor vehicle. Patty Kramps runs Patty's Pony Place, north of Edmonton, where she, her husband and some friends have been trying skijoring with some of their mini horses. A video posted online of her husband, Kelly Miller, behind a horse named Supertonk has more than two million views. Kramps already offers horse rides and says she would like to give people a chance to try skijoring. "I have the area here to do it," she says. "I've got three acres of bush lot on my little 10-acre spot and ... there's a half a mile carved through that bush that intertwines and makes loops and swoops. I have 10,000 LED lights on it. The whole half mile is lit. "We do Christmas drives here, but now with this skijoring thing we do see that as an opening for a further expansion of what we do." Kramps also makes harnesses for skijoring that she sells to people around the world. Photo: Contributed A Vancouver police officer will not face any charges following an incident in March 2016 when his service dog bit a suspect during an arrest. The Independent Investigations Office looked into the incident, and concluded no charges should be laid against the officer who deployed the police dog. The dog caused serious injuries to the suspect's arm during the arrest. A statement explaining the reasoning behind not approving charges will be released after legal proceedings have finished. Photo: The Canadian Press/file photo The mayor of Fernie says an immediate priority for her East Kootenay city is to reopen the local arena months after three men were killed there. Fernie Memorial Arena has been closed since Oct. 17 when two city workers and a contractor from Calgary were killed by ammonia gas as they worked on the ice rink's refrigeration unit. Mayor Mary Giuliano says the city would like the arena to return to normal operations as soon as possible. RCMP and WorkSafeBC, the organization that investigates workplace accidents, have not publicly updated their investigations of the leak and there is concern the arena could remain closed for the rest of the winter. Despite the opening of a recently donated outdoor rink, the mayor says teams and skaters in Fernie have been challenged by the need to travel to neighbouring communities for ice time, and some players have dropped out. Wayne Hornquist and Lloyd Smith, both of Fernie, and Jason Podloski of Turner Valley, Alta., were killed when the toxic gas leaked. Giuliano says other goals for Fernie this year include completing a review of all city departments to improve efficiencies. Ongoing Rise is collecting donations of backpacks and school supplies for local students of all ages from elementary school to high school that will be handed out before the new school year begins. Students can come in to the Rise Thrift... This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions Gladys Virginia Knust Gard, 88, of Ringgold, passed away Monday, January 1, 2018. A native of Lick Prairie, Il., Gladys has lived in the north Georgia area for the past 54 years. She was a former employee of the Salvation Army, and of Golden Gallon. She was a member of Scott Memorial Church of God in East Ridge. She was met at Heavens gate by her husband of 57 years, Robert Gard; daughter, Janie Gard; and parents, Peter Raymond and Pearl Easter Brines Knust. She is survived by four sons, Mike (Anita) Gard of Ringgold, David Gard of Rossville, Danny (Connie) Gard of Knoxville and Duke (Teresa) Gard of Knoxville; sister, Kate McDowell of West Salem, Il.; 10 grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3 in the funeral home chapel, with Dr. Keith McLeod and Dale Pettigrew officiating. Interment will be held 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. Arrangements are by Wilson Funeral Home Wallis-Stewart Chapel Ringgold. Voice of the People Recently four members of Porter County Board of Zoning Appeals approved to give an Iowa company special exceptions and variances to build a THIRD gas station at U.S. 6 and Indiana 149, on the northwest corner adjacent to Liberty Township. In this growing age of... Voice of the People We havent betrayed the Afghan people; they betrayed us. Monday morning quarterbacks criticizing our government and military are nothing more than cheap shot malcontents. Id like to see or at least hear how, under these same circumstances, they could do better. Joel Sutlin Chesterton September... Voice of the People Chesterton needs an Italian beef place like Portillios or Pops. Next to the new Aldi would be a great location. Please and thank you. Linda Williams Westville Monitor childrens online activity to prevent exploitation Now that the new school year has begun and notwithstanding the increase of in-person classes, our children will likely continue to use their various devices with access to the internet. By doing so, they can unknowingly become the target of online human traffickers and predators,... Despite big risks, interest in bitcoin has continued to rise. Bitcoins price skyrocketed in 2017, and eventually led Chicagos two main exchanges to open the door for bitcoin futures trading. The digital currency was trading around $1,000 at the beginning of last year, and rose to more than $19,000 on some exchanges in the days leading up to its debut on the Chicago Board Options Exchange and Chicago Mercantile Exchange last month. Its price has since cooled. Though the category still holds just a small fraction of the market compared with print and e-books, sales of audiobooks are growing briskly. Publishers saw a 30 percent increase in revenue from downloadable audiobooks in the first seven months of 2017 over the same period in 2016, according to the most recent data available from the Association of American Publishers. The cafe opened in 2010 in an already-existing Panera-run restaurant blocks from the St. Louis County government buildings. The idea for the Clayton cafe was that people who could afford to pay the suggested price or more would do so, subsidizing those who could pay just a portion of the price or none at all. Even so, Consumer Reports magazine has taken the unusual step of advising against eating romaine lettuce until more is known about the potential risk. Bolstering the magazine's argument is the fact that the Canadian government recently linked 41 cases of E. coli illness in its eastern provinces to romaine lettuce. Canada subsequently advised people in that part of the country to consider other leafy greens. Wikstrom's story, for the most part, seems to take place not just in a different movie, but in an entirely different time period, with sets and costumes and Kaurismaki's directorial choices all suggesting the 1960s, not today. Wikstrom's life and his restaurant represent Old Finland, where the only choice at lunch is meatballs or sardines. For Khaled, on the other hand, Helsinki is a city of imports: One of the first sounds he hears upon arriving is a street musician singing the blues. Khaled's new life includes encounters with Iraqis, Iranians and Somalis. Wikstrom's world is Finnish to the core. As preparations take place for the males-only funeral procession, Chandra reconnects with ex-wife Durga (Asha Margranti), a fiercely independent lower-caste woman accused of "polluting" Chitra's funeral rites by touching his body after he passed away. Unconcerned with such matters, Durga desperately wants Chandra to sign paternity papers for her young daughter, Pooja (Sumi Malla). Chandra is not the girl's biological father, but without his signature, Pooja cannot be issued with a birth certificate and subsequently will not be permitted to attend school. In heart-wrenching scenes, Pooja begs Chandra to say he's her father. Wanting to hear exactly the same thing is Badri (Amrit Pariyar), a 10-year-old war orphan whom local gossips claim was actually fathered by Chandra. A probable cause affidavit says Doukas robbed Fro Play on McCord Road on Nov. 15, placing "a sock on the counter, which appeared to have a pipe in it" and told an employee to "give me the case in the register." He shoved $150 in his pocket and fled with the employee's phone, records state. Vegans have a hard time dining out. Their menu choices are often limited to a melange of sides and salads, or they have to risk looking fussy by asking servers and chefs to alter dishes to their liking. The vegan entree is usually just boring grilled vegetables. Then there's the fear that, inadvertently or purposefully, a chef will slip some animal products into their meal: That the cheese is not actually nondairy, or the "vegetable broth" actually has chicken stock in it. Even more frightening: That a chef would do that, and brag about it. That's what may (or may not) have happened at Carlini, an Italian restaurant in Shifnal, England. Laura Goodman, the restaurant's co-owner and chef, wrote in a Facebook group that a "pious, judgmental vegan (who I spent all day cooking for) has gone to bed, still believing she's a vegan." She also posted that she "spiked a vegan." The comments sent Brits into an immediate furor, and people have been bombarding various sites that list the restaurant with negative reviews. "Regardless of your views on animal rights, why would you eat somewhere where the chef does that? Wonder how much spit soup she's served up in her time," posted one person on the restaurant's Google listing. Goodman's fiance and business partner, Michael Gale, has a different explanation for her comments. Gale told the BBC that "spiked" was a poor word choice, but that Goodman didn't slip animal products into a diner's meal unwittingly; rather, "He explained his fiancee's posts by saying she had designed a special vegan menu for a party of diners, one of whom then ordered a pizza containing cheese" off the regular menu. The diners have not come forward. Goodman has apologized, but it wasn't enough: Due to the controversy, she has resigned, the BBC says. She has been the subject of death threats online. While many vegans or vegetarians report feeling sick after accidentally consuming meat, there are few studies on the matter. Even if they have not eaten meat for a very long time, vegetarians and vegans do not lose their ability to digest meat, said professor Bjrn Skalhegg of the University of Oslo's Department of Nutrition in ScienceNordic. There are numerous reports of vegetarians and vegans feeling ill after they realized they had been served animal products, but some say their symptoms may have been psychosomatic, because the idea of eating animals was distressing to them. Nevertheless, pranking vegans into eating meat - or making them think they ate meat - is a recurring theme on YouTube. And it's not cool. RELATED STORIES: Good cheeses that everybody even nondairy folks can eat How to stick to a vegetarian or vegan diet while traveling You don't need to go full vegan to get the vegan benefits The restaurants still use traditional Syrian family recipes, spices and other ingredients for their Middle Eastern menu. Vegetarian and meat sandwiches and plates include the namesake falafel, as well as hummus and shawarma, plus lentil soup, stuffed grape leaves and the honey-soaked phyllo-walnut pastry baklava. Alongside a photo of the fancy booze, the owner shared two black-and-white snapshots of the disguised suspect taken from the establishment's surveillance system.In the description, the owner values the bottle at $1.3 million. According to Newsweek, the spirit - Russo-Baltique - is only so expensive because its bottle is made of nearly 7 pounds of gold with the same amount of silver and a diamond-encrusted cap. (It seems unlikely there could be anything million-dollar-special about the spirit itself, because vodka specifically isn't supposed to taste like anything.) "I don't believe there are 'struggling' readers, 'advanced' readers or 'non' readers. I'd love to walk away from my two years as Ambassador with the qualifiers gone and young people able to see themselves beyond stigma or oft-times debilitating praise. Martin Luther King Jr. said people should not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. In that regard, I think young people should not be judged by the level of their reading but by the way a book makes them think and feel. By the way it gives them hope. By the way it opens them up to new perspectives and changes them. I'm excited to have these conversations with some of the best conversationalists in our country our young people." Matt Forti, One Acre Fund founding board chair and managing director, introduced Andrew Youn, calling him the "bravest and boldest, social entrepreneur." As an MBA student at Northwesterns Kellogg School of Management, Youn co-founded the organization in 2006 with John Gachunga. Forti said, "Because of Andrew, 2 million children will wake up tomorrow morning fully fed, better prepared to learn at school and more likely to escape the poverty their families have endured for generations. (Since) graduation, Youn has lived in rural Africa among the clients that we serve. He has uniquely woven together perspectives from some of the world's most educated agronomists with those of the world's hardest-working farm families, and in doing so, he has created a powerful solution that will end global hunger in our lifetimes." For 17 years, Chalfonte LeNee Queen suffered periodic episodes of violent retching and abdominal pain that would knock her off her feet for days, sometimes leaving her writhing on the floor in pain. "I've screamed out for death," said Queen, 48, who lives in San Diego. "I've cried out for my mom who's been dead for 20 years, mentally not realizing she can't come to me." Queen lost a modeling job after being mistaken for an alcoholic. She racked up tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, and her nausea interrupted her sex life. Toward the end of her illness, Queen, who stands 5-foot-9, weighed in at a frail 109 pounds. Throughout the nearly two decades of pain, vomiting and mental fog, she visited the hospital about three times a year, but doctors never got to the bottom of what was ailing her. By 2016, she thought she was dying, that she "must have some sort of cancer or something they can't detect," Queen said. But she didn't have cancer. She had an obscure syndrome called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition only recently acknowledged by the medical community. It affects a small population namely, a subset of marijuana users who smoke multiple times a day for months, years or even decades. There's no hard data on the prevalence of the illness. But in California and Colorado, which have loosened marijuana laws in recent years, emergency physicians say they're seeing it more often. One study in Colorado suggests there may be a link. Dr. Aimee Moulin, an emergency room physician at University of California, Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, said she has seen a rise in the number of cases since California voters legalized recreational marijuana last November. She expects to see another increase after commercial sales are permitted starting this month. Doctors say it's difficult to treat the condition. There is no cure other than to quit using marijuana, and many patients are skeptical that cannabis is making them sick, so they keep using it and their vomiting episodes continue. Doctors can do little to relieve the symptoms, since traditional anti-nausea medications often don't work and there are no pills to prevent the onset of an episode. Patients may need intravenous hydration and hospital stays until the symptoms subside. "That's really frustrating as an emergency physician," said Moulin. "I really like to make people feel better." Diagnosing the syndrome can also be frustrating and expensive. There is no blood test to link the stomach ailment with marijuana use, so physicians often order pricey CT scans and lab tests to rule out other medical problems. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome was first documented in Australia in 2004. Physicians have historically misdiagnosed it as the more generic cyclic vomiting syndrome, which has no identifiable cause or, as in Queen's case, acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). "Five years ago, this wasn't something that (doctors) had on their radar," said Dr. Kennon Heard, an emergency physician at the University of Colorado in Aurora, who co-authored the Colorado study showing a possible tie between the liberalization of marijuana and a surge of the vomiting illness. "We're at least making the diagnosis more now." One surefire sign of the illness is when patients find relief in hot showers and baths. Queen said she would vomit repeatedly unless she was in a hot shower so she'd stay in there for hours. Toxicologists say the heat may distract the brain from pain receptors in the abdomen but, like the syndrome itself, that phenomenon is not well understood. The exact cause of the condition is still a mystery. Toxicologists say the chemical compounds in marijuana may throw off the normal function of the body's cannabinoid receptors, which help regulate the nervous system. Some people may be genetically predisposed to the syndrome, or marijuana's potency or chemical makeup may have changed over time, said Dr. Craig Smollin, medical director of the San Francisco division of the California Poison Control System, who also works as an emergency physician at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. The vomiting link to cannabis is counterintuitive to many, because of its widely known reputation as an anti-nausea remedy for cancer patients. "A lot of times, people just don't believe you," said Dr. John Coburn, an emergency physician at Kaiser Permanente in south Sacramento. Even after being told that quitting may help, some patients will visit the hospital multiple times before they stop smoking marijuana, Coburn said. "I can't really tell you why. I mean, why do people ride motorcycles without helmets on?" (Kaiser Health News is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.) Cameron Nicole Beard, 19, of East Moline, Ill., said she struggled to believe her doctors about the link between pot and severe vomiting. "Who wants to be told you can't smoke marijuana, when you think marijuana can help?" said Beard, while recovering from a marijuana-related vomiting episode at a University of Iowa hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, in October. She said she had lost 20 pounds in 10 days. Although there's still no magic cure for a patient's marijuana-related hyperemesis, Moulin and other doctors say they're getting better at treating the symptoms, using old antipsychotic medications and cream for muscle aches. Dr. Heard said the cases in Colorado seem to have leveled off. But without hard data, and because the overall numbers are small, it's hard to say for sure. Heard said he doesn't believe cases of the pot syndrome increased after recreational use was legalized in 2012, because chronic users probably already had medical marijuana cards. Queen is still struggling to completely quit marijuana, but her symptoms are down to a dull stomachache. She smokes a couple of times a day, compared with her near-constant use in the past. She said it's the only thing that works for her depression and anxiety. Queen is back to a healthy weight and hasn't been to the hospital in a year. She said she wouldn't want to discourage anybody from smoking weed; she just wants people to know heavy use can bring them some serious misery. "Now, if I get sick, as sad as I'll be and as upset and disappointed with myself as I would be, at least it's a freaking choice," she said. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation. "This is the best data to date that shows women undergoing hysterectomy have a risk of long-term disease even when both ovaries are conserved," Laughlin-Tommaso said in a Mayo news release. "While women are increasingly aware that removing their ovaries poses health risks, this study suggests hysterectomy alone has risks, especially for women who undergo hysterectomy prior to age 35." Our 200 To-Do List is divided into 10 categories, each with 20 entries. We're rolling out a new category each month. We kicked it off in December with 20 history-related things to do. In January, "events" is the tie that binds. Compared with the billions of taxpayer dollars spent on schools, the amount isnt all that great. But the arrogance of the scammers is superb, yet like other Chicago Way stories of this kind, those with clout are allowed to walk, or resign, because who wants to cause colleagues pain just for ripping off kids? Most recently, a man suffered a gunshot wound to the hand when he tried to rob a rideshare driver in the Park Manor neighborhood on the South Side early Thursday, police said. The 25-year-old driver told police that it happened about 2 a.m. in the 7200 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue when he picked up a passenger, who announced the robbery and showed a gun. The driver tried to disarm the would-be robber and the gun discharged, hitting the offender in the hand. The injured man was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized. Charges were pending against him. Chicago police spokesman Frank Giancamilli minimized the decision in a statement Wednesday, saying: This ruling is narrow in scope and does not have any immediate impact on the operations of the Chicago Police Department. Officers will continue to wear and use body cameras, which serve to protect them and the public. We are proud that Chicago is now home to the largest body worn camera program in the nation and we are already working with the Law Department to appeal aspects of the ruling." Those are the types of things that I think people who finance and support the district, theyre going to be looking to see how we make decisions with regard to that, Jackson said. The enrollment is continuing to go down, eventually thats going to mean fewer dollars from the state and the federal government. This district has to be prepared for that and responsive to that. Someone who was the friend of Silbermans parent contacted the FBI and relayed that Silbermans parent was going to pick him up from a drug detoxification center and take him to their attorney and have him turn himself in, the complaint said. The Schluckebiers said their crop yield on the soil above the pipeline was down 50 percent this year. Other areas above the pipeline were choked with 6-foot weeds during the summer, leading to worries that the weeds may return in the future. The family is financially compensated for crop loss for three years. The Schluckebiers will be protected by contract for one more year, but the brothers worry about the long-term effects on the land. Anyone with information is asked to call the Chicago office of the FBI at 312-421-6700. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture. A person driving a Nissan failed to stop at a red light and hit a Kia and a semi-tractor trailer truck, police said. A passenger in the Nissan and the driver of the Kia were taken to Christ Medical Center, where their conditions were stabilized, police said. Three men between the ages of about 18 and 23 drove up in a vehicle and hit the womans vehicle from behind, then got out of their vehicle and demanded the woman give up hers, according to police. The employee, 26, saw the boys pulling merchandise from a display shelf and approached them. Two of the boys ran away but one pulled out a knife and stabbed the employee in the chest, police said. "That's going to hurt a lot of middle-class families and higher income families and it's going to push more employers out of the state. That's going to hurt job creation and that's going to increase the cost of living for the people of Illinois," Rauner said in an interview with WJOL 1340-AM in Joliet. The reality is, and this is what's not getting into the reports, the Legionnella bacteria is in most water systems in Illinois. There were just two infections of Legionnaires at Northwestern Hospital, which is not even an old facility and I think is regarded as a really well-run facility. These things happen, the Joliet newspaper quoted Rauner as saying hours before he began his stay. The pattern continued during his presidential campaign. Trump threatened to sue the Times over an article about his alleged unwanted advances on women - but he never did. He threatened to sue the women who said he made the advance - but he never did. And he said during the campaign that he might take action to make it easier to sue journalists - but so far he has not done so. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Thursday that "the security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House is a top priority for the Trump administration and therefore starting next week the use of all personal devices for both guests and staff will no longer be allowed in the West Wing." One official said that there are too many devices connected to the White House wireless network, and that personal phones aren't as secure as those issued by the federal government. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an internal White House matter. Aides who opposed the ban said they cannot use their work phones for personal use, and that work phones can't accommodate texting. They believe the ban will be a hardship because texting is often the easiest way for their families to reach them in the middle of a busy day of meetings. Associated Press contributed What makes this legal-constitutional answer so weird and wonderful is, of course, that Trump never wanted the Mueller investigation to happen in the first place. No doubt he would be very happy to make it go away if it were politically possible. Yet Trump's formal legal authority to fire Mueller (albeit after repealing the regulation that restricts that decision to the attorney general or his proxy) is the reason Manafort's lawsuit can't go anywhere. Other than dissociating itself from the future status of North Korea, the U.S. should ensure that it does not give any concessions to China to remove the nukes. Such an indulgence would only reward North Korea nuclear roguery and ensure that the cycle of the last three decades would be endlessly repeated. In the United States, we dont much govern at gunpoint, Zagel told the courtroom on Dec. 7, 2011. We require willing and creative cooperation and participation to prosper as a civil society. This happens most easily when people trust the person at the top to do the right thing most of the time, and more important than that, to try to do it all of the time. My fellow Americans, including all of my enemies and haters, you idiot-holes. There are those who say that I am unfit to hold this office and who are calling for my impeachment. But what they do not realize is this: I'm rubber, you're glue. Whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you. Tag, no tag-backs. Yes, Democrat jerk-weeds kept us from repealing Obamacare, but we passed a huge tax cut for the rich. In your face! And after years of nothing from President Wimpy McSissypants, I told Islamic State: Talk to the hand, because the face ain't listening. Illinois State University graduate student is missing. I need you to see him, recognize him and grab him, his mom pleads to the public. Illinois State University student missing, family offering $25k to find him I fear we are not paying enough attention to the message of nationalism because it is too easy to focus on its unattractive messenger. In truth, nationalism has always been present in American political culture, but it rarely holds the reins of power. Within the Republican Party, it's been a junior partner in the various coalitions that make up the party. Nationalism has a new voice and new confidence in the age of Trump not just from the president himself, but from a wide variety of media personalities and other policymakers. That makes it all the more imperative to take its claims seriously and meet them head on. It may not be enough of a cudgel to get Pakistan to change its ways. It certainly hasnt been in the past. But its hard to justify sending hundreds of millions of dollars in anti-terrorism aid to a country that continues to give shelter to terrorist groups. Assistance to Pakistan has always been framed as incentive for Pakistan to do more in the fight on terror. But the right way to frame the rationale is to flip it around. Aid to Pakistan should be contingent on the countrys earnest cooperation in battling terrorists, regardless of their affiliation. In addition to the findings on Odom, investigators determined that another official who helped vet the lottery proposal also did not disclose a friendship with Elk. That person, Michael Mahoney, left his job as a Rauner policy adviser last year and now works for House Republicans. Reached Wednesday afternoon, he told reporters he had to go to a meeting and would call back later that day. He did not do so. I started to just kind of like reflect on what does this mean, what does it mean for me to be a black woman in a very white, traditionally white space? she said. Like literally just looking around and seeing that I was more often than not the only woman of color and you know, rarely if ever had a black woman guiding class. ... I knew what it felt like to actually be surrounded by other women of color in a space and like that feel-good kind of familial kind of energy. I was like, Why can't that be in a space like this? PHOTOS 20 questions you should be ready to answer at a job interview Preparing for a job interview, like training for a marathon or learning a new hobby, takes time, energy and practice. Knowing where in the process to start can be tricky. To help, job-search site Glassdoor sifted through tens of thousands of job interview reviews and discovered the most commonly asked interview questions of the bunch. To better your chances of scoring that new position, consider how you would respond to these 20 questions. Bolf went into the Lisle bank at about 10:08 a.m. Dec. 29 wearing dark blue jeans, tan boots, a black coat with the hood up, sunglasses, black gloves and a tan scarf over his mouth, according to the federal complaint. He carried a black satchel. Bank surveillance video shows a robber approaching a teller and saying he had a gun in his bag and wanted "all the money," the complaint states. It was the pedestrian bridge which is estimated at about $3.3 million that convinced the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning to rate the project highly. In turn, the federal government also rated it highly, and awarded the city $11.4 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funding toward the overall project. The federal government also granted as much as another $2.8 million in funds to cover cost increases in the project, although at this point, it appears the city will use only about $1.4 million of that. In their pleas, Mohsin and Khan said they sold products labeled as potpourri and not for human consumption, knowing customers were buying them to get a marijuanalike high. The agreements, each signed by U.S. attorneys, federal defenders and Mohsin or Khan, state each faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. While each party is free to recommend a sentence they think is appropriate, the judge can sentence the defendant up to the maximum. Judge Charles Norgle Sr. has been handling their cases. Khan has not yet been sentenced. Police haven't determined whether there are several groups of burglars or one group working alone, he said. In the alert to the community Wednesday, officials warned that "these offenders have been known to ring your bell or knock on your door claiming to be utility representatives, solicitors or even snow shovelers. Do not open your door for any unexpected person or persons. Also be aware of any occupied vehicles parked on your street for a long period of time. Please make sure you always keep your house, garage and cars locked and be aware of your surroundings at all times." According to Powers, at about 8:30 a.m. today, the pedestrian was walking north on Harlem and was crossing North Avenue. He said the pedestrian was struck by a vehicle turning east onto North Avenue from the southbound turn lane of Harlem. Police said the vehicle had a green left-turn signal and that the pedestrian was crossing against the light. Haynes and Tyler asked "for the location of the money," referring to a Facebook picture posted the day before of the 18-year-old holding $4,000, records show. They told the victims they "had five seconds to get the money or they were going to start shooting," according to the affidavit. "This organization has been the greatest help to me throughout my collegiate career. It has provided me with a job, an internship and research opportunities, as well as molding me into a leader on campus," said Maynie. "I was able to learn how to budget finances, manage people, and also travel to places I had never been before for conferences." Helene Servin, of Gary, said she already is paying more for her NIPSCO bill than her rent. "Something is not humanely right with this ... people can't live with these increases. We can't afford it." Federal authorities said Jokic solicited a Chicago pimp to bring a 16-year old girl to his home, according to court documents, and also solicited sex acts from two other females, who were 15 and 16 years old. A cooperative defendant said from June 2015 to October 2015 she made arrangements and drove three minor females from Chicago to Jokic's Schererville home to engage in sex acts, according to court documents. The many disturbing attacks on women by once-venerable figures in Hollywood, Washington, and beyond underscore the need for a seismic shift in thinking. While the #MeToo movement has brought to light the sexual predators who abuse their power to silence, intimidate, and disrespect women, we would be remiss if we did not hold domestic violence cases to the same standard, especially when they originate in our own backyard. Regardless of political party, we must all denounce not only violence itself, but also the all too frequent victim-shaming that accompanies it. The second arrest of one of our County Councilmen for domestic violence casts a shadow over Lake County; a person convicted for strangulation and battery and facing five felony charges has absolutely no place in government. Shame on Lake County we deserve better! Spawned from the Hebrew program, the Israeli Club at Niles North has existed for close to 20 years, according to organizers. It used to be an after school club but was shifted to the lunch hour about four years ago, which helped draw new members, they said. When I was raising my godson, and he was having a hard time at school academically, but he had access to museums and libraries and I took him everywhere. It was working with him and his fourth grade teacher that I realized I need to teach. I need to be in a classroom. I need to help to make sure all kids get what they need. Pueblo West parent and educator enters Pueblo D70 board race Anne Ochs, an instructional designer at Stride K12 with 11 years of experience as an educator, is running for the board's District 2 seat. By Ana Cicenia Recently, the city of Wuhan announced that they will be opening a police station run solely by artificial intelligence (AI) no employees need apply. Although the station would be limited to vehicle and driver related administrative work, the government anticipates increasing AI use in many other areas of governance. Automated government offices like these are just one way that new technologies are being integrated into the Chinese society. It also represents a larger trend in the Chinese economy: the growth of the digital economy. In 2016, Chinas digital economy accounted for 30.3 percent of GDP, an 18.9 percent rise from 2015, according to a China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) white paper. The digital economy is part of the governments vision of an economy driven by innovation a key part of their goal of making domestic firms more competitive globally. In recent years, the Chinese government has pushed several national economic initiatives aimed at the development of the digital economy. These include the 13th Five Year Plan (March 2015), Made in China 2025 (May 2016), the Robotics Industry Development Plan (April 2016), and the Three-year Guidance for Internet Plus Artificial Intelligence Plan (May 2016). China has shown that it has ambitious plans to upgrade its economy and industrial policy and these efforts are accelerating going into 2018. RELATED: Chinas AI Industry: Identifying Opportunities for Foreign Investment Plans for 2018 On October 11, 2017 the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) published the Notice on the Organization and Implementation of the Internet Plus Action, the Creation and Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Major Pilot Projects of Digital Economy in 2018 (the Notice). The Notice clarifies what kinds of projects are eligible to be considered a major pilot project and can receive funding and other forms of government support and benefits. Although these areas are not completely distinct from each other and often overlap, they offer varying opportunities for foreign investors. Internet Plus Premier Li Keqiang first introduced Internet Plus in a speech in March 2015. The term refers to the use of the Internet and information technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in traditional industries. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize almost every sector of the economy and have already shown promise in manufacturing, finance, agriculture, and medicine. Internet Plus manufacturing, for example, integrates IoT technology, where a network of devices and sensors can record and communicate data such as energy consumption, heat levels, and inventories. This increases efficiency at every stage of the factory line and can even continue to track data as the product moves through the supply chain, largely eliminating human made error. There is space for foreign investment in Internet Plus sectors not subject to the Negative List and investors should also expect to see exciting opportunities within the newly transformed traditional industries. Investments into the following project areas are eligible for incentives under the Notice: Cloud computing (including next generation cloud computing operating systems), edge computing platforms and applications, and heterogeneous computing platforms and applications; Internet of Things (IoT), including the location-based semiconductor industry, autonomous vehicles, drones, and robot sensors; and Internet+ customer service and customization platforms, flexible manufacturing and supply chain management platforms. AI Initiative AI refers to intelligence displayed by machines, the ability of computers and systems to think. Applications vary wide from facial recognition and voice recognition systems to machine learning, which enables computers to look at large data sets, search for patterns and make predictions. As AI continues to improve, new industries and applications will be opened to the AI revolution. In the past few years, the government has prioritized and invested heavily into AI. As a result, Chinas AI capability has raced ahead and is expected to surpass the US very soon. Although, Chinas internet sector has been historically off-limits to foreign investment leaving foreign investors with a significant disadvantage, opportunities for joint ventures can offer high rates of return. Investments into the following project areas are eligible for incentives under the Notice: Core technology and application of AI (including deep learning semiconductors), applications, and open-source platforms; Public service and infrastructure platform projects (including facial-recognition systems and applications and voice-recognition systems and applications); Intelligent unmanned system applications, including drones; and Intelligent robotics development and application projects (including high-end service robots). Digital Economy Initiative Digital economy is an economy that utilizes digital computing technologies, or more generally, any industry that integrates the internet into their products or services. Major examples include e-commerce, e-business, and telecommunications. China is already poised to be the world leader in this respect; e-commerce is booming with giants like Alibaba and Tencent. Additionally, more than half of e-commerce transactions in China are made on mobile devices, and companies with existing social media platforms like WeChat are leveraging their customer base to enter the e-commerce business. Foreign investment is welcome in various forms, a subsidiary company, a joint venture and more recently WFOEs. Foreign investors can apply for an internet content provider (ICP) license to conduct e-commerce businesses in FTZs and pilot zone cities. Investments into the following project areas are eligible for incentives under the Notice: Government information consolidation and sharing application projects; Big data applications in healthcare, transportation, education, finance, logistics, environmental protection, and location information; Digital economy public infrastructure, including e-governance platforms and e-commerce credit systems; China-ASEAN digital hub pilot projects; OBOR digital cooperation projects. Business Strategy and Operation Advisory from Dezan Shira & Associates Challenges for foreign investors Although sectors like AI and e-commerce are open to foreign direct investment, foreign AI firms might face trouble with the required national security reviews as these technologies are either dual-use or have implications for Internet security. Additionally, because the Chinese market is already populated with major players like Alibaba, JD, and Xiaomi that have a monopoly on the existing customer data, the most prudent route would be for foreign investors to seek out joint ventures. Domestic and foreign investors alike should also pay close attention to Chinas new Cybersecurity Law and its potential effects on investments in the Internet Plus, AI, and digital economy fields. Announced in November 7, 2016, the Cybersecurity Law covers data protection and cyberspace sovereignty. Under the law which went into effect on June 1, 2017, critical information infrastructure businesses and firms with access to personal information are subject to data localization requirements. Although the government gave companies a 19-month grace period to comply with parts of the law, the data localization requirements will significantly increase data processing costs for companies, especially for those firms that are leveraging big data. The law also poses a strange contradiction to the governments support for a growing role of the digital economy and its use of big data. With the advent of IoT and the various applications of AI, all of which require large collection of data, theres a potential that the law could touch on a wider variety of products and services than anticipated. Similarly, Chinese companies can expect some difficulty expanding abroad as several countries have formed their own cybersecurity regulations. For example, the EUs General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) establishes specific customer consent practices as well as data localization requirements by certain member countries. In spite of these difficulties, Chinas digital economy does not seem to be slowing down. E-commerce especially has exploded in the last several years, with China taking up 40 percent of the global e-commerce market, and the rapid growth of mobile payment systems has transformed the way people consume. If this trend continues, China watchers should expect continuing innovation and growth in this sector. About Us China Briefing is published by Asia Briefing, a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. We produce material for foreign investors throughout Asia, including ASEAN, India, Indonesia, Russia, the Silk Road, and Vietnam. For editorial matters please contact us here, and for a complimentary subscription to our products, please click here. Dezan Shira & Associates is a full service practice in China, providing business intelligence, due diligence, legal, tax, IT, HR, payroll, and advisory services throughout the China and Asian region. For assistance with China business issues or investments into China, please contact us at china@dezshira.com or visit us at www.dezshira.com Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide. An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2017 This Dezan Shira & Associates 2017 China guide provides a comprehensive background and details of all aspects of setting up and operating an American business in China, including due diligence and compliance issues, IP protection, corporate establishment options, calculating tax liabilities, as well as discussing on-going operational issues such as managing bookkeeping, accounts, banking, HR, Payroll, annual license renewals, audit, FCPA compliance and consolidation with US standards and Head Office reporting. Managing Chinas Financial System Foreign investors often find Chinas financial system to be one of the most difficult areas to navigate when establishing or growing their presence in the country. Navigating Chinas tax system, and its complexities, requires time and commitment. In this issue of China Briefing magazine, we look at the factors that make Chinas tax system unique, and identify steps foreign investors can take to manage its challenges. We first examine the issues that most commonly disorient foreign investors. We then discuss the importance of pre-investment capital planning, within the context of tough foreign exchange controls, before examining the ever-maturing regulations for the transfer pricing system. Dezan Shira & Associates Special musical performances were held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from Dec 24-25 to celebrate the New Year and to enhance cultural exchanges between China and Nepal. The two-day concert, staged by China's Tianjin Symphony Orchestra and organized by China Cultural Center in Nepal, was the first of its kind in the Himalayan country. The event held at the capital's Army Club drew an audience of about 300 guests including government secretaries, officials, political leaders, former ministers and music enthusiasts from different walks of life. Addressing the function, Yang Shichao, deputy chief of mission at the Chinese embassy in Nepal, noted that Tianjin Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1985, is one of the largest and most popular symphony orchestras in China. "Music is a bond to link civilizations and mind with body. We believe such events are helpful to boost people to people exchanges and cultural cooperation," Yang said. According to the organizer, Tianjin Symphony Orchestra has successfully performed nearly 1,000 large symphonic works within China and in various countries such as the United States, Australia, Japan and Germany. During the one-hour-long performance, Chinese artists treated the audience with a number of well-known solo and duet pieces. The performances drew hearty rounds of applause and appreciation from the Nepali audiences. "Though I could not understand the language, I could feel the story through their music. It is important to hold such programs time and again to bring people of two countries closer," Ananda Pokharel, a former culture minister, told Xinhua after watching the performance. Apulal Awale, president of Nepal Chinese Guide Association said, "I am very pleased to watch this performance from Tianjin. The music is soothing and relaxing." China's DiDi Chuxing, the world's largest ride-hailing company, has acquired Brazil's ride-hailing leader 99, the Chinese company announced on Wednesday. While DiDi did not specify the amount for the transaction, Brazilian media placed the figure at around 300 million U.S. dollars. The acquisition comes a year after DiDi bought a "strategic" 10-percent stake in 99, which operates in 500 cities throughout Brazil and is considered to be the homegrown rival to Uber, a U.S. company. "The investment builds upon the deep existing partnership between DiDi and 99 to further accelerate market growth in Latin America and bring more transportation choices to the region's citizens," the company said. DiDi has partnerships with seven "major international players" as part of a global network that serves more than 1,000 cities and reaches over 60 percent of the world population, according to the firm. "Globalization is a top priority for DiDi," company founder and CEO Cheng Wei said of the deal. "With enhanced investments in AI capabilities and smart transportation solutions, we will continue to advance the transformation of global transportation and automotive industries through diversified international operations and partnerships," Cheng added. 99 CEO Peter Fernandez said "we are confident that being part of DiDi Chuxing will vastly enhance our capability to expand our services throughout Brazil to bring critical value to users, drivers and cities." DiDi's market value is estimated at some 56 billion U.S. dollars, since buying out Uber's Chinese operations in 2016, and making other acquisitions. Ant Financial Services Group is calling off its acquisition of US-based Money-Gram International Inc, after failing to gain approval from Washington's national security panel, which is increasingly obstructive toward Chinese investment in US firms. The demise of the deal is the latest example of political concerns trumping business factors at a time when the White House has toughened its stance on the sale of entities to Chinese buyers, experts said. The two companies announced on Wednesday the termination of their merger agreement following the inability to obtain the required approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, and instead plan to work together on strategic initiatives in the remittance and digital-payment markets. In a written statement, MoneyGram Chief Executive Officer Alex Holmes attributed the failure to a changing "political environment", saying that the CFIUS will not approve this merger "despite our best efforts to work in cooperation with the US government". China hopes the United States can create a level playing field and a stable environment for Chinese enterprises, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday in response to the rejection of the deal. The proposed transaction first surfaced last January, when the Chinese payment giant agreed to pay $880 million for the deal. But it upped its offer to $1.2 billion, or $18 per share in cash, after a US company offered a counterbid in April. Doug Feagin, president of Ant Financial International, said cooperation on global remittance capabilities will still make its services more accessible to under-banked and underserved communities globally, even if a direct ownership relationship is currently absent. But the decision still deals a heavy blow to Ant Financial, backed by Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's founder Jack Ma, as it seeks to expand internationally to shed reliance on the home market and compete with Tencent Holdings Ltd's rival payment system. "It's more of a political issue than a legal one," said Ling Xiao, partner of Hui Ye Law Firm. "The future really depends on where the foreign policy of US President Donald Trump is heading." Ling said that financial services would be one sector that is vulnerable to getting clearance from the committee, given its backbone status in the US economy and the integrity of personal data. The collapse of the high-profile deal is the latest in a string of Chinese acquisitions of US companies that were torpedoed by the CFIUS. Following US government opposition, aluminum manufacturer Zhongwang USA LLC dropped its bid to buy US metals producer Aleris Corp in November. Chinese outbound investment is likely to face more headwinds, as countries including the US tighten their rules and increase their scrutiny of foreign investment, said Han Qi, a researcher at Shanghai Chamrich Equity Investment Fund Management Co Ltd. For example, newly introduced screening mechanisms have given Germany more time to probe takeover bids and extend the range of deals eligible for examination by the authorities, he said. "But the judgment of whether a deal breaches national security is highly subjective," said Han. "Even additional measures and protocols from companies to address concerns could fail to reassure the inspection agencies," he said. Chinese actress Gan Wei, better known as the spouse of beleaguered tycoon Jia Yueting, said on Wednesday that she would deal with the debt issues plaguing LeEco. In a post on her Sina Weibo account, China's Twitter-like social media, Gan said that she would meet the creditors to resolve the debt problems and confirmed that Jia owed 6.9 billion yuan ($1 billion) on loans connected to pledged shares, and has paid 1.7 billion yuan towards interest on the same since 2014. She urged investors, media, government and the society to give more time and space for Jia. Gan landed in Beijing on New Year's Eve, posting messages on her Weibo account from the airport, saying that she was back with a mission. However, her husband had defied orders from the country's securities regulator to return to the country to take action over the mounting debts, saying he needed to stay in the United States to work on his electric car startup. Jia said in a statement on Tuesday that he had asked his brother, Jia Yuemin, and his wife, Gan Wei, to represent him at LeEco's listed armLeshi Internet Information & Technology Corpin exercising shareholder rights and handling the sale of assets. "I feel deeply guilty and blame myself for the negative impact from the LeEco debt crisis," he said. "The fundraising for Faraday Future, the US-based electric car company, has made significant progress and there are many tasks that need to be undertaken to ensure the mass production and timely delivery of the FF 91 vehicle." Jia also placed much of the blame for LeEco's cash-flow problems on a single late payment in July, which he said led to the freezing of his assets and triggered a cascade of early loan recalls. He also cited false and malicious reports that led to problems with creditors and suppliers. The mounting cash problems meant the shutdown of nearly all the group's non-listed companies and the laying off of 10,000 employees. "The only thing left for the company was to sell its assets to repay the debt," Jia said. However, LeEco's listed arm Leshi said in a filing on Tuesday that it hasn't resolved its debt problems with closely held entities associated with Jia. "Up to now, the parties haven't come to an executable and substantial solution to its overall debt issues," Leshi said in one of several filings to the Shenzhen bourse. "The listed firm will continue to do its utmost to engage Jia Yueting and the non-listed affiliated companies to reach a resolution." The company announced plans for a unit to buy LeEco's online business Lemall.com for 92.9 million yuan. Shen Meng, director of boutique investment bank Chanson & Co, said though Gan's statement seemed to absolve the responsibility for Jia, she has not come up with any real solution to problem, other than seeking "sympathy from the public." "Jia didn't come back even after the securities regulator ordered him to return, which indicates that he has been escaping the responsibility," Shen added. Lawyers have pointed out that Jia's defiance of the CSRC's instruction may have civil, rather than criminal implications. "Based on their marital relationship, Gan could act on behalf of Jia and deal with financial crisis and unpaid debts. The key is to handle the relationships with creditors and communicate actively with them, as well as clarify the doubts from the public," said Yan Yuejin, research director at E-house China R&D Institute. Last week, the Beijing branch of the China Securities Regulatory Commission said in a notice that Jia must return to the country before Dec 31, 2017 to "fulfill his obligations" and protect investors' rights, saying Jia and his sister failed to provide loans to Leshi as promised. Jia has been placed on a national list of debt defaulters after failing to comply with a court order, a move taken by Chinese courts to put pressure on people and entities to repay debts. Information on Jia Yueting, including his name and ID number, were disclosed on the defaulter website in December after he failed to comply with a verdict by Beijing No 3 Intermediate People's Court. Jia made his fortune at Leshi with a video-streaming service similar to Netflix, but he borrowed heavily against his shares in the company to expand into new ventures, such as smartphones and electronics. Jia had publicly admitted that the company's expansion efforts had gone too far, which worsened LeEco's cash flow problems. Courts in some regions, including Beijing and Shanghai, have frozen his shares in the company. In July, Jia resigned from all his positions at Leshi due to unpaid debt and financial crisis. Jia is focusing on LeEco's automobile unit and struggling to raise capital to fund a US-based electric car startup Faraday Future. Jia recently announced that his electric car company Faraday Future has raised $1 billion to start production of electric cars. But one of the purported investors, Thailand's leading energy group, PTT, denied its involvement. On Sina Weibo, a netizen named "Zhongyongzhidao" said that "Jia is a cheater, and he has no courage to come back. He cheated us, but now needs our trust. Why should shareholders pay bills for you?" "Please give Jia more time," said a netizen surnamed Ma on Weibo. MOSS POINT, Miss. -- A woman traveled to a friend's home in Moss Point simply to visit, but an encounter with an old friend landed her in the hospital, according to Chief Calvin Hutchins. Barbara Mccauley was visiting a friend on Wednesday, when a dog came up to her to greet her. According to Hutchins, Mccauley attempted to pet the dog -- a pit bull, but the dog began to attack her. Ofc. Casey Vick responded to the scene on Gregory Street where he saw Mccauley being attacked by the pit bull. Vick intervened, killing the pit bull with his firearm. Hutchins said the dog was on a leash, but broke the chain that it was on before he approached Mccauley. Apparently, Mccauley was familiar with the pit bull -- according to Hutchins, Mccauley had given the pit bull away to a local woman. Mccauley was transported to Singing River Hospital where she underwent surgery for her injuries. Because of the trauma caused by the mauling, she also suffered a heart attack in the process. She is still being held at the hospital under observation and is listed in stable condition. As for the pit bull, he was transported to the kennel, processed, sent to the health department, and will finally be sent to Jackson for examination to make sure it did not have rabies or any other transferable viruses. Leash laws are in effect in Jackson County, meaning allowing your pet to roam free on the property of your neighbors or any other public property is illegal. Per the Jackson County Animal Shelter, owners who are in violation of that can be charged with a crime or could include fines of up to $100 per charge. Statewide, Mississippi does not have laws banning a certain breed of dog breeds. While the City of Gautier has enacted laws for dangerous pets, Moss Point has not. After finally saying farewell to 2017, we should acknowledge some important events for the people of India and China. It's not possible in a brief article to discuss everything, but enough occurred to give hope for new vitality in Sino-Indian relations at all levels. There's no doubt the relationship is one of the most important for the region and the world and that it has weathered severe tests and thus become more mature. The year started with a few provocative and confrontational diplomatic moves towards China by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government which can be summed up as cutting off India's nose to spite China's face. On May 14-15, China successfully hosted the high-profile Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, which was attended by 30 world leaders and official government representatives from at least 30 more. Notably absent was India. India is concerned about the Belt and Road Initiative's flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), a territory claimed by India, even though the CPEC is an economic project that has nothing to do with the Kashmir issue. Over the past four years, the Belt and Road Initiative has been serving as China's blueprint for global development and coordination. So far, the initiative has won support from more than 100 countries and international organizations, over 40 of which have signed cooperation agreements with China. While India remains wary, its neighbors Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Myanmar are already seeing results from their participation. By not joining, India is missing out an opportunity for participating in regional economic development. In summer, Indian policy towards China entered a dangerous phase when over 270 of its border troops crossed into Chinese-controlled territory at the border near Donglang (Doklam) in southern Tibet. The move came despite China holding "indisputable sovereignty" under the "Convention between Great Britain and China Relating to Sikkim and Tibet" signed in 1890. Thankfully, the standoff was eventually resolved through diplomatic means on August 28, allowing India-China ties to get back on a healthy track. The ice quickly melted away when Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to China to attend the 9th BRICS Xiamen Summit on September 3-5 and paved the way for dialogue. Modi and President Xi Jinping also had opportunities to meet each on the sidelines of summits like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Astana and the G20 Summit in Hamburg. In June, China and Russia strongly backed India to become full member of SCO which will help it to build cooperative mechanisms on combating terrorism with other SCO members. A private dialogue in Beijing on December 5, meanwhile, enabled the two large and rapidly growing developing countries to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in trade and investment. It raised prospects for India partnering with China in areas such as electric-powered mobility, clean energy, higher education and development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). On December 11, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in New Delhi, sitting down with his Indian counterpart, Sushma Swaraj, as part of a meeting among the foreign ministers of Russia, India and China. During his visit, the Chinese foreign minister also met with Indian President Ram Nath Kovind. Wang Yi has rightly pointed out that, "China and India must learn lessons from the Donglang incident to avoid such an incident in the future." On December 22, at the 20th round of talks between Indian and Chinese special representatives on boundary issues in New Delhi, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi exchanged views with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on bilateral ties, border issues and international and regional issues of common concern. At this stage, it's unrealistic to expect an early settlement on the sticky border issue. However, crisis management is very important to maintain peace along the 4,000-km-long border between them and Yang and Ajit did exchange ideas on various confidence building measures. It is also worth mentioning that the Indian blockbuster film "Dangal" captivated Chinese moviegoers' hearts during the year. The tremendous success of the film has done much to further India's soft power in China. India should build on this through such means as films, festivals, yoga, media exchanges, and so on. The development of India-China relations in 2017 has kept the momentum, thanks to efforts from both sides, but is still far from satisfactory. Well over twobillion people on twosides of the Himalayas live under the same sky. It's to be hoped that the top leaders can forge lasting friendship and be sincere friends, so that the coming generations will not be burdened by unresolved issues. Rabi Sankar Bosu, Secretary of New Horizon Radio Listeners' Club, West Bengal, India Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Most people in the West thinking of the Chinese economy tend to associate it with the "Made in China" label. This is a natural tendency because numerous products they are consuming or using in their everyday life are indeed fabricated in China. However, future developments might challenge conventional wisdom. The "Made in China" label could become a "Created in China" one. This means that the country will be able to make the difference by also relying on qualitative production. The change is not happening overnight. The Chinese administration is setting long-term goals and meeting them slowly and patiently. Since 2015, it has strongly encouraged intelligent manufacturing. Innovation is the key element to guarantee success for generations to come. Through critical investments and the takeover of foreign companies, China is acquiring the necessary technological "know-how." However, this is not necessarily sufficient. So, the country is simultaneously laying emphasis on research and development for its own technological achievements. Several examples can be given: from robotics in medicine to clean energy, mobile coordination and sophisticated Internet linkages. And from automated container terminals in ports to the construction of aircraft, aircraft carriers and exploration satellites. The policy of reform is interwoven into China's shift from a country with double-digit growth rates to one enjoying lower rates, but stability and quality. In that regard, President Xi Jinping is stressing the idea of "supply-side reform." The principal objective has been to reduce overcapacity and corporate costs. The head of the Asia Pacific division of JPMorgan Chase, Jing Ulrich, recently commented that this "reform actually has come to fruition" because even traditional industries are becoming profitable once again. General numbers show transformation of the Chinese economy is on track. Its GDP expanded 6.9 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2017, with a slight decline of 6.8 percent in the third quarter. This was the ninth straight quarter for China to see economic growth of at least 6.7 percent. For its part, the World Bank is optimistic. Only a few days ago, it raised its forecast for the country's economic growth in 2017 to 6.8 percent from the 6.7 percent it projected in October, as personal consumption and foreign trade supported growth. Another necessary presupposition for the strengthening of high-quality development is the introduction and improvement of relevant mechanisms. According to the statement of the annual Central Economic Work Conference they include indicators, standards, statistical and performance assessment systems. The prevention of financial risks, and tackling illegal activities in the financial industry are of additional significance. A more efficient regulatory screening seems to be emerging. Initial results are encouraging. For instance, local officials responsible for misconduct and irregularities related to local government debt are regularly being identified and detained. Symbolically, 2018 is important as it marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up policy. These elements have turned the country into the world's second-largest economy. The expansion of those elements by the current Chinese administration in recent years in parallel with the launch of new policies will yield equally satisfactory results. The ongoing mission is perhaps even more complex, as requiring difficult decisions under time pressure. Two years ago, Western commentators were largely anticipating the bursting of a "Chinese bubble," but the Chinese administration has proven them wrong. Of course, problems do exist. But what matters more is the determination to look at the reality and improve the situation than to only predict devastating scenarios. This year of 2018 is not the one in which the "Created in China" label will be definitely established. However, it is the year during which the systematic, hard work towards this goal will be continued. China's qualitative and sustainable growth is not a theory. It already exists. George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Flash At least 11 people in the United States have died in link with severe cold since Tuesday morning, officials said Wednesday. A 27-year-old woman, Lindsey Klima, was found dead on the shore of Lake Winnebago after she left a New Year's Eve gathering in Fond du Lac, the state of Wisconsin. Authorities said she stepped outside to smoke a cigarette and could have fallen at the shoreline before she succumbed to the cold, CNN affiliate WLUK reported. Klima's death is among five weather-related deaths in Wisconsin. Two other people have died in the states of North Dakota and Missouri. Four others have died in Texas, including two homeless people who died in Houston after being exposed to freezing conditions, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted. The northeastern America is bracing for another brutal arctic invasion on Wednesday, as a new storm is making its way to the country's southeast, prompting schools to close in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. It is forecast to head north, where there is the potential for the storm to become a "bomb cyclone" as it strengthens off the New England coast on Thursday. Heavy snow, hurricane-force gusts and blizzard conditions are all possible in this scenario. Flash Ethiopia announced on Wednesday it will release jailed opposition figures as part of an amnesty program to create national consensus and speed up democratization. In a statement posted on Facebook, the Office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, said an infamous detention center Maekalwi located in Addis Ababa will also be closed. The statement didn't give details on the identity of those who will be released or when Maekalwi will be closed. Opposition supporters and activists accuse the Ethiopian government of using the detention center to coerce confessions from suspects usually charged under an anti-terror law. Ethiopia faced in 2016 unrest that killed hundreds, dubbed by analysts the gravest challenge to the ruling coalition Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front in 25 years. The unrest involving the country's two most populous regional states of Oromia and Amhara led to an imposition of martial law in October 2016 which was only lifted in August 2017. Many ethnic Oromos and Amharas which make about 33 and 27 percent of Ethiopia's estimated 100 million population accuse ethnic Tigrayans who make up six percent of the nation's population of unduly dominating the country's political and economic scene. You are here: World Flash The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday continued its contact with the Republic of Korea (ROK) through a reopened cross-border communications channel. Thursday's first hotline call was made at 9:30 a.m. local time (8:30 a.m. BJT) to examine the communication lines, said ROK's Ministry of Unification. The cross-border hotline linking the two countries, which had been out of action for two years, was reopened on Wednesday. Through the hotlines, the two countries reportedly discussed the possible bilateral talks. Flash Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will attend the second Lancang-Mekong River Cooperation (LMC) leaders' meeting in Phnom Penh and pay an official visit to Cambodia from Jan. 10 to 11. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang made the announcement on Thursday. According to Geng, Premier Li will co-chair the leaders' meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen. During the meeting, leaders from China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam will review the progress made through the sub-regional cooperation mechanism and discuss the future of cooperation. As to the official visit, Li will meet with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, and hold talks with Hun Sen to promote bilateral cooperation. The Lancang River originates on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in southwest China. It is called the Mekong River as it flows through Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam before emptying into the sea. You are here: World Flash Chief negotiators from China and the Republic of Korea for the six-party talks will meet in Seoul, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang confirmed Thursday in Beijing. China's vice foreign minister Kong Xuanyou, also the special representative of the Chinese government on Korean Peninsula affairs, will travel to Seoul from Friday to Saturday and hold consultations with Lee Do-hoon, the ROK's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, Geng said at a daily press briefing. Heres a fascinating story out of Utah, well reported by Charles McCollum at The Herald Journal: An art history teacher in the school, Mateo Rueda, assigned his 6th grade students to choose a work of art and to analyze the artists use of color. Students chose from a box of images produced by a commercial publisher that had long been in his classroom. The problem? Apparently, the set contained images of nudes or partial nudes, like Francois Bouchers Odalisque or Amadeo Modiglianis Iris Tree, above. Im sure you can guess what came next. A parent complained, another defended the teacher, and somehow in the middle of this the cops were called on a pornography complaint. (No charges were filed.) Rueda and his principal disposed of the images, but for reasons that are still not entirely clear, the teacher was then fired. He and the district dispute how he handled the matter once students said they were upset by the images. Rueda plans to appeal to the school board. In an interview with the newspaper, Rueda said he had not known that the box of artworks contained a few nudes and did not think they were appropriate for 6th graders. But in a Facebook response to one parent, also published in the newspaper, he also attempted to explain why art history often requires engagement with images that challenge or discomfort people. Some students expressed discomfort about some of the images, so I immediately took back from students the postcards I felt could make students feel uncomfortable. Then I explained to the whole class that art can sometimes show images that are not always comfortable to all, that art is better understood when placed in its proper context, that the human body is often portrayed in art, and that the images in the school collection are icons of art history and a patrimony of humanity, Rueda wrote. This incident does raise an interesting, broader question: From the Lascaux cave paintings to the Venus of Willendorf to Da Vincis Vetruvian Man through to Cindy Shermans or Robert Mapplethorpes photographs, it is impossible to engage with the history of art and to avoid images of the body. And as art history scholars will volubly tell you, part of the important critical analyses in the field concern such imagesincluding why the artist has chosen that representation, for what purpose or audience, and how it was informed by or pushed back against contemporary discourse. I posed a question about guidelines for teachers about handling the teaching of the nude in art history to the National Art Education Association, which pointed me to one of its position statements , on freedom of speech. You should read the whole thing , but the gist of it is that teachers need to balance diversity in the images students study with age-appropriate teaching. Two key sections: It is the role of the art educator to expose students to a diversity of art experiences and to help support students in developing the ability to interpret, to tolerate, and to think critically. The art educator need not like or endorse all images, ideologies, and artists made available to students, but should both allow and help equip the individual student to choose from among widely conflicting images, opinions, and ideologies. ... In practice, art educators must consider age-appropriate content, and be sensitive to the distinct nature of their community and education system, as they support their students in freedom of expression. I imagine, too, that this issue must come up a fair amount in field trips to museums, especially anything specializing in Renaissance or 19th century art. (In one of those embarrassing stories that parents love to tell, my mother reports that, when we visited the Musee dOrsay when I was 10, my big question for her was why the Impressionists were always painting women taking baths.) So on that note Id be interested in hearing from art history teachers: Is there an age or grade level at which its appropriate to introduce images of the nude? Should these images be avoided? Are there other factors that inform your decision? Comments section is open. Image: Amadeo Modiglianis Iris Tree (Female Nude), one of the images that caused controversy in a Utah classroom. Credit: Wikimedia commons A federal district judge has denied a preliminary injunction to a group of students who challenged an Illinois districts policy of allowing a transgender student to use the restrooms and locker rooms corresponding to her gender identity. Meanwhile, a case involving a Wisconsin school district seeking to keep a transgender boy from using the restrooms of his gender identity that has been pending at the U.S. Supreme Court may soon be settled. The cases from Wisconsin and a suburban Chicago high school district are among several long-running, high-profile lawsuits around the country dealing with transgender student rights in school. In 2015, Township High School District No. 211, based in Palatine, Ill., agreed to allow a transgender girl identified in court papers as Student A to use the girls locker room only after the intervention of the U.S. Department of Education s office for civil rights during President Barack Obamas administration. But the district was soon sued by a group of students backed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based group that has taken the lead in the fight to keep transgender students from using school restrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity. Those challengers, whose group is called Students and Parents for Privacy, argue that allowing transgender students into their gender-corresponding restrooms and locker rooms infringe the challengers right to privacy. They lost before a federal magistrate judge in 2016 when that judge recommended against the injunction they sought. In a Dec. 29 decision in Students and Parents for Privacy v. U.S. Department of Education , U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso of Chicago adopted the recommendations of the magistrate. (The federal Education Department was dismissed as a defendant after President Donald Trumps administration early this year withdrew Obama administration guidance that a Title IX regulation under the federal statute against sex discrimination covers bias against transgender students. But Alonso made clear that even though the Obama administration guidance is off the table, a number of court rulings, including one binding on him by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit , in Chicago, have held that Title IX itself is now interpreted to prohibit a school district from treating a transgender student differently from a non-transgender student. Alonso noted some of the privacy protections added by District 211 during the case, saying the restrooms at issue here have privacy stalls that can be used by students seeking an additional layer of privacy, and single-use facilities are also available upon request. Given these protections, there is no meaningful risk that a students unclothed body need be seen by any other person. In a statement, ADF Senior Counsel Gary McCaleb said, Because the court should have suspended the districts privacy-violating policies, we will likely appeal. Meanwhile, one of those cases in which the 7th Circuit has taken a broad view of Title IXs protections involves a transgender boy named Ashton Whitaker and the Kenosha, Wis., Unified School District. Whitaker graduated from high school last spring, but the parties contend the case is not moot. The school districts appeal of the 7th Circuit decision has been pending at the Supreme Court, with both sides having sought extensions for the filings of their briefs. Now, in a filing with the court, the lawyer for Whitaker told the justices that the case may soon be settled. At this time, the parties are in advanced settlement negotiations and expect a final resolution of this case in the near future, the lawyer, Sasha Samberg-Champion, said in the letter asking for another 30-day extension of time to file his brief for Whitaker. Samberg-Champion said the lawyer for the school district consents to this request. Last term, the high court dismissed the appeal in the Gloucester County School Board v. G.G. case, which as it stood before the justices was based on the informal Education Department Title IX guidance that was withdrawn by the Trump administration. Now, the latest transgender case before the justices appears unlikely to be taken up by them. Governors will have an outsized role in the coming years in crafting their states education agendas. And with 36 governors seats are up for election this year, candidates for that job and others already are crafting their thoughts on the state of public education and how they plan to improve it. In Wisconsin, state superintendent Tony Evers, a Democrat, filed last year to run for that states governorship, putting several of his policies, including the states accountability plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act , under Republican scrutiny. Previously, Jared Henderson, the former head of a nonprofit group that recruits teachers to work in low-income areas, said he will run as a Democrat in the Arkansas race for governor race. And in Ohio this week, State Sen. Joe Schiavoni, a Democrat and candidate for governor, said state board member Stephanie Dodd will run with him as a candidate for lieutenant governor. Already, teachers and principals have already filed to run for state office, such as the state legislature, where the bulk of education policies are now decided, as weve noted here . But the governorship remains the big prize, and its no surprise to see K-12 high on the list of campaign topics. We see time in and time out that education has been a big driver in thinking for gubernatorial candidates, Javaid E. Siddiqi, the executive director of the Hunt Institute, which trains state politicians interested in the governor position about education issues, told Education Week earlier last year. Governors are going to be, whether they want to or not, thrust into the limelight and forced to lead on several education policy decisions in their states. Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics. This blog is looking for wisdom, to have and to share. it is also looking for other rare character traits like good humor, courage, and honor. It is not an easy road, because all of us fall short. But God is love, forgiveness and grace. Those who believe in Him and repent of their sins have the promise of His Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the Way. Christians and Muslims have been featured singing a song of hope and unity together in an online film that tells the story of Filipinos who escaped execution by extremists who overran the city of Marawi in the southern part of the Philippines. In cooperation with advertising agency TBWASantiago Mangada Puno, the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas, and National Women's Peace Table put together an online film that delivered a message of hope and unity for the recent Christmas season. In the movie, Maranao performers from different faiths sang "Oh Holy Night" together in their native language, The Philippine Star detailed. While the Christian and Muslim performers were singing, there were also other artists who portrayed how Marawi residents narrowly escaped being executed by terrorists with the help of Datu Norodin Alonto Lucman. Many of the Christians who survived the siege in Marawi City in May 2017 were part of the song performance that conveyed a message of unity and peace. Last year, The National ran a report on how Lucman kept 71 Christians hidden inside his home in Marawi. The former vice governor also said there were two instances in which he had turned away the Islamic State-inspired terrorists from his home when they came knocking to ask for food and weapons. When their supplies ran out after two weeks, Lucman led the large group out of the house and through the streets, all the while trying to dodge sniper fire. They were then joined by other people, as they made the two-kilometer sprint for freedom. Some of the escapees were stopped by militants who asked if they had any Christians in the group. Jaime Daligdig, a Christian, said they were allowed to go through after shouting "Allahu Akbar." As they escaped, they all saw the effects of the battle between government troops and the Islamist rebels, who had reportedly sought to establish a caliphate in the Philippines at the time. Canadian pop superstar and songwriter Justin Bieber has offered to help families impacted by the California wildfires by selling Christ-centered art he painted and giving the proceeds to them. In a post on Instagram, Bieber showed a photo of his very own painting titled "Calvary," which bore an image of a cross. The 23-year-old pop star told his millions of followers that he was planning to sell the piece of artwork in order to help the victims of the California wildfires, the Christian Broadcasting Network relayed. In December, Bieber announced via an Instagram video that he planned to help the victims of the California wildfire. He vowed to talk to people who may be able to help him come up with a solution for the people affected by the disaster, saying he would do all in his power to help restore the affected communities, The Christian Post reported. "I'm going to have a conversation with some people and we are going to get moving on a solution," said Bieber in his Instagram video. "Obviously I'm not a fireman but I can use my resources to figure out ways to get some sort of restoration in certain communities and fundraisers or whatever we can do. I'm going to get on that and in the meantime, all the families and all the people who are struggling, just know that everything is going to be OK." In addition, Bieber called on people to donate food, clothing and other items that the wildfire victims would need. He also gave a number of places where people could drop off their donations. Bieber has been using social media to spread the message of Jesus Christ to his millions of followers. Just last month, he posted a photo of a hand-scribbled message on a whiteboard that said God can take away a person's pain, guilt and fears, and provide help to those who feel exhausted and helpless. It is worth noting that Bieber went through a phase in his past where he got involved in various forms of trouble including vandalism and marijuana. However, developing a relationship with Jesus Christ changed his life, and he is now openly sharing his Christian faith with his fans. The weakening of Christian values is one of the things that people in the Czech Republic are concerned with the most for the year 2018, a new poll has revealed. Based on the survey conducted by Median Agency on Dec. 14-15, 2017 on 1,000 adult respondents, the top concerns of Czechs for 2018 include terrorism, migration, and the weakening of Christian values. The majority (68 percent) of them see the terror attacks by the Islamic State as the top threat for their country, Radio Praha detailed. In addition, the survey revealed that the top second fear of Czechs concerned the effect of the wars in Syria, Africa, and Asia. The third concern for 2018 was with regard to the brewing conflicts between Russia and Eastern Europe. "Fear of terrorism will have been fuelled by attacks that hit Europe last year as well as the media attention they received," said Median Agency head PAemysl Aech. "After that, the poll revealed worries over the lessening of European and Christian values due to migration, people are also concerned about tax fraud and that there will not be enough money in the state coffers." Nevertheless, the poll suggests that 44 percent of Czechs were confident that 2018 would be better compared to the previous year. However, people over the age of 60 were more pessimistic for this year. In an interview with Evangelical Focus in October 2015, Czech Evangelical Alliance's General Secreatry, Jiri Unger, said it was a mistake to see their country as an unspiritual or an atheist nation. He acknowledged that 75 percent of people were not religiously affiliated, and that the population was generally very secular, but he added that the figure did not mean that they were not religious. Moreover, Unger admitted that though the churches in the Czech Republic were a bit weak, they still provided a sense of community life for people in smaller cities and rural regions. He also said the situation affected the country's morality, ethics, and values, as Czechs have become more liberal when it comes to abortion, the sex industry, gambling, homosexuality, and other hot-button issues. Knights of Columbus Applauds FEMA Reversal on Aiding Religious Institutions Once blocked, houses of worship, like other nonprofits, can now seek help to rebuild Contact: Joe Cullen, Knights of Columbus, 203-415-9314, joseph.cullen@kofc.org NEW HAVEN, Conn., Jan. 3, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Knights of Columbus applauds the government decision that churches and other houses of worship are now eligible to receive disaster relief funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The decision, which overturned a longstanding rule barring such religious institutions from receiving FEMA aid, allows houses of worship damaged since Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas to now receive money to help rebuild. "Having stepped into the breach to help meet the great needs of the affected communities, we welcome the significance of FEMA's decision," said Knights CEO Carl Anderson. "The destruction due to the flooding and hurricanes is of such a magnitude that the government must help in the response." The Knights of Columbus has given $1.4 million to repair or help rebuild churches that were destroyed or badly damaged in the late summer hurricanes that assaulted Texas, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Knights of Columbus Charities raised $3.8 million for disaster relief in the months following the disasters. More than $720,000 was used to pay for food, water and other critical supplies in the immediate aftermath of the hurricanes. On a local level, many Knights took the initiative to rescue those stranded by rising waters and help neighbors in a variety of ways. The Knights have also earmarked a significant amount of money for upcoming church repair efforts in Puerto Rico. The Knights earlier donated $100,000 to the Archdiocese of San Juan and provided generators, food, water and other necessities to aid relief efforts. Church repair has been a key component of Knights' relief efforts in the past. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the New Orleans area in 2005, the K of C contributed $6.7 million to various dioceses to help rebuild the Catholic infrastructure in the area, aiding in the repair of schools, churches and other buildings. "Help from both the government and the non-profit sector in the restoring of churches and other spaces dedicated to religious activities will send an important signal that these communities are coming back, that the spirit of the people is alive and well," said Anderson. "That spirit is also nourished by the many charitable and social services that these houses of worship provide." The K of C was founded in 1882 by Venerable Father Michael McGivney, a parish priest, in New Haven, Connecticut. The organization was formed to provide charitable outreach and care for the financial well-being of Catholic families, focusing on the protection of widows and orphans. It has grown to include 1.9 million members worldwide. The Knights set a new all-time record for charitable donations in 2016, with more than $177.5 million in donations and more than 75 million hours of service valued at $1.8 billion. Share Tweet Former Radical Muslim Urges Prayer for Iranian People Pastor Reza Safa of TBN Nejat Television says Iran poised for political, spiritual freedom Contact: Jonathan Safa, 714-880-8670, jonathan@nejattv.org LOS ANGELES, Jan. 4, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- Iranian-American Pastor Reza Safa, a former radical Muslim and founder of the Farsi-language Christian network TBN Nejat Television, has issued an urgent request for Christians around the world to pray for Iran and its people as political unrest rages in the Muslim controlled nation. Since December 28th tens of thousands of Iranian citizens have taken to the streets of the northern city of Mashhad and elsewhere to protest political oppression, with at least 20 individuals killed in violence. Safa, whose TBN affiliate network reaches deep into Iran with the gospel message, noted that the protests mark the second time in less than ten years the people of Iran have risen up against the nation's oppressive Islamic government, which first gained control with the overthrow of Shah Reza Pahlavi in 1979. "For the past 39 years the Islamic regime has done nothing but oppress the people of Iran," said Safa. "The Iranian people are fed up with the government's corruption and its squandering of the nation's wealth to fund terrorism abroad." Iran's economy is in shambles, with an unemployment rate that Iran's Interior Ministry estimates may be as high as 60 percent in some areas of the country. Safa said that young people under 30, a demographic that constitutes more than half of Iran's population, are particularly affected, which has helped to fuel the anger against the government. "In Iran today the people have virtually no freedom," said Safa. "Even the way they dress publicly is controlled by the government. So now, for the second time since 2009, the people have taken to the streets in cities across Iran to protest against economic hardship and political repression." However, he added, there is a major difference this time around. "Today in Iran the gospel is going forward as never before," said Safa. "Through outlets like TBN Nejat Television, the message of salvation through Jesus is impacting literally every major population center across the nation despite aggressive efforts by Iran's government to stop it. Over the past several years countless thousands of Iranians have come to faith in Christ, so that today the nation of Iran is poised for positive change." Safa emphasized the importance of Christians around the world joining together in spirit to pray for the people of Iran at this crucial time. "It is important to think in terms of the Church and salvation of souls when we read historical events and political changes," he said. "I believe that God is preparing an army of ex-Muslims to evangelize the Islamic world in the days ahead. If this is the time for a political change in Iran, our prayers today need to be that a proper and right government is established in this nation and people loved by God. Will you join me in interceding on behalf of Iran and its people?" CLICK HERE to find out more about Pastor Reza Safa's efforts to bring the gospel message to the people of Iran through TBN Nejat Television, and CLICK HERE to watch TBN Nejat live. About the Trinity Broadcasting Network Trinity Broadcasting Network is the world's largest and most watched faith-and-family broadcaster, reaching over 175 nations across the earth with inspirational and entertaining programming 24 hours a day in 14 languages and on 33 global networks. As the world's most influential non-profit religious broadcaster, TBN has led the way in expanding the impact of faith-based television across the earth through the creation of innovative content designed to reach every viewer demographic with the life-changing message of hope and grace. To find out more about the Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks, visit us at tbn.org. Share Tweet NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Plans for an underground natural gas liquids storage hub pegged as a major job creator for the chemical industry in struggling Appalachia have cleared their first big hurdle. The Appalachia Storage & Trading Hub initiative got approval Wednesday for the first of two application phases for a $1.9 billion U.S. Department of Energy loan, the Appalachia Development Group said in a news release and department spokeswoman Shaylyn Hynes confirmed. Appalachia Development Group, which is heading the project, said it also aims to secure $1.4 billion through other financing. The project has taken eight years to reach this point, and Appalachia Development Group CEO Steve Hedrick said it would take several more years to come to fruition. It's still unclear how long the second phase of the application will take, and nothing's guaranteed. Hedrick said the initial approval is still a win for the large-scale project. The American Chemistry Council estimates the facility could attract up to $36 billion in new chemical and plastics industry investment and create 100,000 new area jobs. That could be life-changing for people in economically downtrodden parts of Appalachia, the northern stretches of which are drilled for natural gas in Marcellus, Utica and Rogersville Shale formations, he said. The hub's location hasn't been decided yet, Hedrick added. The project would include a piping system into the Ohio and Kanawha valleys. Then a facility such as an ethane cracker could use the natural gas to produce ethylene, which is widely used in plastics and other chemical industries, Hedrick said. The natural gas liquids are also expected to be exported internationally for use by U.S. allies, he added. The storage hub faces opposition from the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition and other environmental groups. But the proposal has drawn plenty of interest from congressional lawmakers, including U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito and Rep. David McKinley of West Virginia, who hope to attract the project to their home state. Capito called it a "game-changing idea," adding that Wednesday initial approval is "a clear indication of the strength of their application." Gov. Jim Justice joined the chorus of praise Wednesday, saying he's eager to see the project come to fruition. In November, state officials announced an agreement with China Energy Investment Corp. Ltd. for the company to invest $83.7 billion in shale gas development and chemical manufacturing in West Virginia over 20 years. Part of the focus is on underground storage of natural gas liquids and derivatives. Drillers will again trim spending on oil and gas exploration in 2018, even after clocking the worst year on record for new discoveries. The oil industry is set to spend about $37 billion on exploration this year, down 7 percent from last year's $40 billion and 60 percent lower than in 2014, when exploration spending peaked around the world, energy research firm Wood Mackenzie said on Thursday. WASHINGTON - Nearly the entire U.S. coastline - from Alaska to Florida to New England - would be opened to offshore drilling under a proposal by the Trump administration, a dramatic shift from previous administrations that limited offshore oil and gas production primarily to the Gulf of Mexico. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said Thursday that up to 90 percent of the Outer Continental Shelf, which begins roughly three miles off the U.S. mainland, is under consideration for oil and gas lease sales beginning next year and extending through 2024. That includes almost the entire Pacific and Atlantic coastlines, as well as the Eastern Gulf of Mexico. "This is the largest number of lease sales ever proposed," Zinke said. "If you look at the last eight years the opportunity to generate revenue through responsible energy development took a backseat to, in many cases, special interest groups." The move marks a victory for the offshore oil and gas industry, largely centered in Houston, which has lobbied for years to drill in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Most of the world's biggest oil companies, including Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Royal Dutch Shell, have a major presence in Houston, as do firms specializing in offshore drilling and services, including TechnipFMC, National Oilwell Varco, McDermott International and Transocean. Vast stores of oil and gas are believed to lie beneath the ocean floors of the Arctic and Atlantic. And while test wells have turned up little hard proof as of yet, the areas represent potential new frontiers for an industry eager to expand its reserves. "The plan announced today is a long-term commitment to securing our energy future, and would help cement America's role as an energy superpower, creating jobs and contributing to our economy," said Karen Harbert, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Energy Institute. RELATED: Arctic oil and gas development dealt blow by Obama President Donald Trump's effort to advance his plan for U.S. "energy dominance" by expanding offshore drilling faces a number of challenges, particularly low oil prices that have significantly curtailed offshore exploration. Many oil companies are focusing investments in lower-cost and higher-margin shale projects in West Texas and other onshore fields. Crude settled Thursday at $62.01 a barrel, well below prices in 2008, when oil companies spent tens of billions of dollars competing for drilling rights in the Arctic Ocean. Earlier this year, a federal lease sale in the Gulf of Mexico drew what Trump officials conceded Thursday was less than stellar interest from oil companies. "We do not control the price of oil," said Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Kate MacGregor. "The price of oil is very hard to predict." The proposal released Thursday was only a draft, beginning a monthslong process in which Trump is expected to face strong opposition from environmentalists as well as residents and political leaders in coastal states. Florida Governor Rick Scott, a Republican, said Thursday he had already reached out to Zinke to get his state removed from the drilling plan. When former President Barack Obama considered expanding offshore drilling into the Atlantic Ocean in 2015, protests erupted up and down the Eastern Seaboard as environmentalists clashed with pro-business politicians - including some Democrats - eager to attract the economic boost of oil and gas drilling. Obama ultimately used his presidential authority to ban drilling in the Atlantic. Trump's plan would open a much more extensive stretch of coastline to drilling, unlike anything that has ever been proposed by a U.S. president, Republican or Democrat, said Niel Lawrence, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, an advocacy group. "This is an out-and-out declaration of war on America's coasts and the people who use and depend upon them," Lawrence said. Already environmental lawyers are fighting the Trump administration in Alaska federal court, where they filed suit earlier this year to block Trump's move to reverse Obama's protections against drilling in the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. At stake are some of the world's most pristine marine environments in Alaska's Beaufort and Chukchi seas, both of which are slated to be opened up for auction next year under Trump's drilling plan. The offshore industry, meanwhile, is still trying to clean up its image after the 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, which left eleven people dead and spilled over 3 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. "We are continuously developing and improving safety standards, programs, new technologies and best practices to protect our workers, the environment and marine life," said Erik Milito, upstream director at the American Petroleum Institute, the industry trade group. Under Trump's proposal, the Interior Department would hold 47 lease sales between 2019 and 2024, including 19 off the coast of Alaska, seven in the Pacific region, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, and nine in the Atlantic region. Comerica Bank will get its name at the top of 17-story Two Riverway building as part of a deal to relocate its Houston market headquarters from Brookhollow Central to the Galleria area midyear. The Dallas-based bank has leased 34,624 square feet in the building, according to Stream Realty Partners. The new office, just south of Woodway near South Post Oak Lane, will house Comerica's middle market banking, treasury management, small-business banking, wealth management and human resources operations, according to Comerica. Two Riverway's design and collaborative, high-tech workspaces factored in to the relocation decision. The bank will move from 219,000 square feet at Brookhollow II, 2900 North Loop West near U.S. 290, by August. "We look forward to moving to a more centralized location and joining other businesses in the thriving Galleria area," Houston market president J. Downey Bridgwater said in an announcement. Comerica will occupy the 14th floor and half of the 13th floor, according to Stream. Ryan Bishop and Craig McKenna of Stream represented the landlord, Sidra Real Estate, in the lease. Doug Elliot of CBRE represented Comerica, which has nearly 50 banking centers and more than 450 employees in the Houston area. The new market headquarters will be smaller in size, but Comerica said staffing levels will remain the same. All employees at the Brookhollow location, which Comerica gained with the acquisition of Sterling Bank in 2011, will move to the new Riverway location. Sidra Real Estate, which has owned the property since 2008, is wrapping up the first phase of improvements at the building including a new lobby, outdoor seating areas and landscaping. Ziegler Cooper Architects designed the renovations. Stream, which manages and leases the building, is overseeing the project. "Two Riverway's prime location and comprehensive renovation project supports Comerica's customer-centric culture and provides a fresh amenity-rich environment for their employees," Sidra Real Estate president David Barry said in an announcement. The bank's brand will go where the CB&I name used to be, according to Ryan Bishop, executive vice president with Stream. CB&I vacated 160,000 square feet, or about 45 percent of the building, last year. In 2017, 101,000 square feet has been leased there including the Comerica space and a 30,061-square-foot renewal and expansion by Ace American Insurance Co., according to Stream. Texas country legend Mickey Gilley and his son were involved in a car crash On Wednesday, according to reports, and suffered several injuries. The honorary Pasadena native, 81, was on the way to a concert gig in Branson, Missouri when the incident happened in Lufkin. RELATED: Looking back at the boot scootin' 'Urban Cowboy' premiere in Houston Gilley's personal spokesperson Jeff McDonald said that both Mickey and son Michael were back in Pasadena on Wednesday night recovering after the crash. Michael's wife, Susan Gilley, told KFDM-TV in the Lufkin area that said that her father-in-law suffered a broken ankle and shoulder. Her husband seemed to only be suffering some soreness. Mickey Gilley's Personal Update Page According to the Gilley camp, a driver had run a stop sign ahead of them and Michael swerved his 2013 Toyota SUV but clipped another vehicle in the process, which led to his vehicle rolling over and landing upside down on the side of the road. McDonald said that there was no expectation of surgery for Gilley. Gilley posted a video to his public Facebook page, letting fans know that he is a little bruised but has no plans on retiring. Gilley still owns a theater and regularly performs in Branson, along with doing his own touring around the country where he still plays to large crowds. Pasadena honky-tonky legend Gilley opened up the famous Gilley's nightclub with area entrepreneur Sherwood Cryer in the early '70s. RELATED: Honky-tonk legend Mickey Gilley turns 81 years old While racking up a number of country music hits, the pair tapped into a market in the area that desperately needed a place to live out their whiskey-fueled barroom fantasies when they weren't in the boardroom or toiling in plants. Cryer and Gilley earned international acclaim for the deluxe honky-tonk famous in the film "Urban Cowboy." Gilley's next show is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 6 in Greenville, Texas. For now that show is still on, according to McDonald. Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. He's an intolerable native Texan with too much ink in his skin and too much brisket stuck in his teeth. Oil traded near the highest in three years as optimism on the global economy, cold weather and political unrest bolstered a market that's finally shaking off a prolonged surplus. Crude is having its best start to a year since 2012, hitting $62 a barrel in New York. Swollen inventories in the U.S. are declining and could shrink further as winter storms boost demand for heating fuel, while a strong economy underpins consumption. OPEC is continuing its fight against a global glut, while street protests are stoking concern over the stability of the group's third-biggest producer, Iran. RELATED: Oil saw seismic shifts in 2017 Oil has risen for two years running as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia led a coalition of oil producers in cutting output. Prices have also been boosted by stoppages at pipelines in the U.K. and Libya. However, they are now at levels that are expected to help U.S. shale producers ramp up drilling, unlocking more crude and undermining OPEC's efforts. See also: Iran's Elite Guard Says Anti-Government Protests Are Over "The year has started very, very well for OPEC," Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at consultants Energy Aspects Ltd., said in a Bloomberg television interview. "The inventory overhang, for all intents and purposes has drawn down. There's not that much really left." West Texas Intermediate for February delivery was at $61.67 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, up 4 cents, at 8:56 a.m. Total volume traded was about 1 percent above the 100-day average. Prices closed at $61.63 on Wednesday, the highest since December 2014. Brent for March settlement fell 13 cents to $67.71 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange after climbing 1.9 percent Wednesday. The global benchmark crude traded at a premium of $6.17 to March WTI. The gains have been amplified by "the freezing polar vortex hitting the U.S., firing up heating demand, and spurring concern about a potential impact on oil production and trade," said Jens Naervig Pedersen, an analyst at Danske Bank A/S in Copenhagen. Nonetheless, the rally is fanning speculation that U.S. production is poised for another boom. "We may soon see an end to the rally because prices at this level will only make U.S. drillers boost production," said Will Yun, a commodities analyst at Hyundai Futures Corp. The U.S. rig count, which held steady at the end of December, will "substantially increase" with crude prices between $61 and $65 a barrel, according to 42 percent of industry executives surveyed by the Dallas Federal Reserve last month. An additional 31 percent would increase investment when prices top $66, the survey found. Oil-market news: U.S. crude inventories slid by 4.99 million barrels last week, the American Petroleum Institute was said to report. Government data Thursday is forecast by analysts to show supplies fell by 4.7 million barrels, which would be a seventh weekly decrease. OPEC's 14 members pumped 32.47 million barrels a day in December, according to a Bloomberg survey of analysts, oil companies and ship-tracking data. Iraq exported near-record levels of oil from the south in December as the federal government seeks to make up for production disruptions after territorial disputes in the country's north. Attached Media Federal grant money lost by Central Care clinics that leaders say will shut down its six locations has been awarded to Houston Area Community Services, a well-known local health provider to the underserved that has rebranded as Avenue 360 Health & Wellness. Central Care Integrated Health Services, which serves about 10,000 patients in Third Ward, Acres Homes and Sunnyside among other areas, has sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to continue receiving the grant money. A temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge in December extended the funding until Monday. Central Care officials, patients and supporters joined U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on Wednesday for a news conference defending the city's first federally qualified health center and seeking reconsideration of its application for continued funding by the Health Resources and Services Administration, known as HRSA. HRSA, which is part of HHS, is the primary federal agency responsible for improving health care for underserved populations, including the economically and medically vulnerable, as well as those who are geographically isolated. Central Care lost a service area competition to receive three years of additional funding by scoring lower than Houston Area Community Services, according to HRSA communications director Martin Kramer. In 2017, Central Care received nearly $5.4 million from the federal agency. According to the competition details on the HRSA web site, the 2018 service area for the grant included the high-need ZIP codes of 77033, 77048, 77004, 77051 and 77021. The service area is geographically centered on the city's north and south sides with a projected 26,969 patients. "A service area competition was held for this particular service area and a different health center grantee received a higher score on their application than the health center that lost funding and they will then take over that service area," Kramer said Thursday, adding that Houston Area Community Services expects to provide care to about 26,000 patients. Health centers receive about 20 percent of their funding from HRSA, he said. Centers fill out their budgets with patient care reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program and private insurance. Many also receive state and local government aid as well as private charitable contributions. Kramer added that losing HRSA funding doesn't have to determine whether any center continues to operate. Central Care officials have said the HRSA funding will cause them to close. The organization has faced HRSA eligibility issues in recent years, including losing access to health professionals who receive student loan reimbursements for working in medically underserved areas. A nearly one-year lapse between restored eligibility and access to physicians crippled Central Care's most recent service area competition application, CEO La Toya Darden said in court documents and during Wednesday's news conference. A hearing on Central Care's suit in scheduled for Monday morning in federal court. A Round Rock man accused of kidnapping his dead roommate's children apparently blamed his decision to flee with the girls on fear of "crazy Mexicans" he linked to the killing, according to federal court documents. Terrance Allen Miles was taken into custody Wednesday after authorities in Colorado pulled him over and found the two missing children 14-year-old Lilianais Victoria Cake Griffith and 7-year-old Luluvioletta Mariposo Bandera-Magret in the car with him. The Las Animas County traffic stop capped off days of searching begun in late December after authorities responded to the Leslie Court home of Tonya Ellen Bates for a welfare check. The mother of two had failed to show up for work for her 7 a.m. shift the day before, prosecutors said. When Round Rock police stopped by her home they found Bates dead from blunt force trauma, according to court documents. Investigators later determined she'd died sometime on Dec. 29, and her car and both daughters had disappeared. Authorities sent out an Amber Alert along with a tip that Miles, then considered a person of interest in the "suspicious" death of his roommate, could be headed to Louisiana. Police initially said the girls were in "grave or immediate danger" after an abduction. Surveillance footage later recovered from a Round Rock Walmart showed Miles purchasing camping supplies just after midnight on Dec. 30, driving what appeared to be Bates' vehicle, prosecutors later said. He stocked up on sleeping bags, tarps and ropes, according to court documents. About an hour after his late-night shopping trip, Miles' mother got a text, believed to be sent by her son from the older girl's phone. BACKGROUND: 2 missing Round Rock children found safe "Mom I left with the kids and came home to something bad I think Tonyas boyfriend," it said, according to court documents. "I cant talk now tonya was involved in some bad stuff I will talk to you later when im safe these guys are crazy Mexicans." By 6 a.m, the girl's phone pinged off a tower near Lubbock, and by mid-morning someone was using it to make calls in New Mexico. Investigators located the younger girl's phone where it had been apparently discarded in a wooded area near in Round Rock. Just after noon, license plate readers near Raton, New Mexico, recorded the dead woman's car headed north toward the Colorado border, according to court records. Later that day, police said, Miles was spotted on surveillance footage at a Trinidad, Colorado, business. Although authorities initially issued an Amber Alert covering much of Texas, by Wednesday police were certain enough the girls were in another state to call off the alert and reissue one for Colorado. Late Wednesday, a Las Animas County deputy acting on a tip spotted the missing vehicle and tailed it for a few miles before pulling over the erratic driver. Both girls were found safe inside, and Miles was taken into custody without incident, police said. "I'd like to say thank you to that tipster," said Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks, adding that Miles' arrest with the help of the multi-state Amber Alert was "a prime example of the system working." Miles doesn't appear to have priors in Texas, according to Texas Department of Public Safety records. But he is already on probation for a 2015 domestic violence conviction in Louisiana and is considered a person of interest in a 2014 slaying there, according to authorities. He was also charged with second-degree attempted murder for trying to suffocate a woman he was dating in 2011 and allegedly staging a suicide scene. Miles is charged in the Western District of Texas but was slated to make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon in Colorado. He waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Colorado and prosecutors have filed a request to deny bail, citing the severity of the crime and possible flight risk. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Just months after taking a hit in federal court for refusing to provide air conditioning for heat-sensitive inmates, Texas prison officials on Wednesday denied multiple complaints of unheated and under-heated units at roughly two dozen prisons amid a near-historic cold snap. Prisoner advocates in recent days have fielded dozens of reports of insufficient heating from concerned families of Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmates locked up at facilities from North Texas to the Rio Grande Valley. Some reported no heat at all and others complained that only cold air came out. "Historically, I've heard complaints in the winter about the prisons being cold," said state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston. "I'm told by prison officials they're all heated, but in some of the older units you might have some failures." Despite the slew of reports of unheated units from across the state, TDCJ spokesman Robert Hurst said only one facility the Formby Unit in Plainview had a broken heater and that it was quickly repaired. "All TDCJ units are operating with adequate heating," Hurst said Wednesday. But inmates' families pushed back against that assessment. LOCKED UP:Holidays difficult for victims and death row inmates "It may just be a fact of them not turning it on," said Chelsea Collins, whose husband is at the Coffield Unit in Tennessee Colony, where nighttime lows have dipped into at least the 20s in recent weeks. Not long after receiving a tip from the family of an inmate at the Allred Unit a North Texas unit where a 10-day hunger strike just ended Jennifer Erschabek of Texas Inmate Families Association put out a call on Facebook for reports of unheated and under-heated units to make a list to pass along to state political leaders. The responses came flooding in, from Luther, Allred, Robertson, Eastham, Coffield, LeBlanc, Stiles, Pack and more than a dozen other units. "I've never seen an issue about cold like this in the past," Erschabek said. "I don't know if it's just because it's such a frigid outbreak of weather or because people are starting to find their voice when it comes to complaining and getting things fixed." Complaints about temperatures By Wednesday evening, Erschabek said, a few inmates' families said the heat seemed to have been turned on or fixed at some units. Men who've done time said that chilly indoor temperatures aren't anything new, though the differences in the way heating and cooling systems are set-up from unit to unit creates some variation systemwide. David Kreger lived on the Wynne Unit in Huntsville during the roughly two decades he spent behind bars. "There was times in the winter months on the cell blocks that the water would freeze in the toilets overnight," he said. Lewis Conway Jr., who served time in a slew of different prisons across the state, said officers sometimes wielded control of the heater to make a point. "If you weren't being compliant or obedient, that thing stayed off," said the Austin man who now works with Grassroots Leadership. "Every winter the only choice you have is a heater that blows on high regardless of the temperature so you're in a sweltering hell or if you're in a dorm where there's no central air or heating and it's just concrete and steel." TDCJ officials said all units are heated, according to Whitmire, though some rely on older systems. "When you have that many prisons and a lot of these older structures you're going to have a lot of maintenance issues," said former union chief Lance Lowry. "It's older buildings, a lot of them aren't insulated. There's a lot of drafts." MOONLIGHT RIDE: Transfers begin for more than 1,000 prison inmates from Pack Unit But however old the building is and whatever heating is available, TDCJ "strives to keep the temperature around 70 degrees or higher," Hurst said. Yet former death row inmate Anthony Graves scoffed at the idea. "Seventy degrees below zero, maybe," he said. He acknowledged that it wasn't the case at every facility. Right to safe conditions The recent online outcry about cold prisons comes on the heels of a class-action lawsuit over sweltering summertime temperatures inside the Pack Unit in Navasota. To comply with a federal judge's ruling, TDCJ was forced to move more than 1,000 heat-sensitive inmates to air-conditioned prisons. Attorney Jeff Edwards, whose Austin law firm represents the inmates in the Pack Unit lawsuit, said that if inmates have been exposed to cold indoor conditions, the prisons should address it urgently and immediately. "Just as it is well established that prisoners have a right to be safe from high temperatures it is equally well established that they have a right to safe living conditions in freezing temperatures," he said. "TDCJ has heat. If it is choosing not to use it, that is unconscionable. If mechanical equipment has broken down, it should be fixed immediately." Edwards noted that U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison made it clear that when prisons deprive people of certain liberties, they shoulder certain responsibilities, chief among them is to provide safe and humane living conditions. "TDCJ acknowledged that access to the heat in cold conditions is a right that all inmates have," Edwards said. "If that right is being violated there are only two possibilities incompetence and indifference." Gabrielle Banks contributed to this report. A former Texas pharmacist accused of paying for sex from a 14-year-old girl and attempting to pay her mother to keep it from the police has started his trial. Stanley Turner, 65, appeared in court on Tuesday in Nacogdoches, according to news station KTRE-TV. Prosecutors said Turner had sex with the teenager in August 2014 and then drove her and a friend to the store to buy hair products, according to the news station. An arrest affidavit obtained by KTRE-TV states Turner reportedly tried to pay the victim's mother $2,000 if her daughter told police that he didn't have sex with her. PROSTITUTION IN TEXAS: Spa still has license after multiple prostitution charges Turner was arrested during a sting set up by police after the mother agreed to meet with Turner, KTRE-TV reports. On Wednesday, the woman accused of setting up the meeting between the teenager and Turner testified in court. Marshia Lasha Robinson told the judge that she initially thought the victim was 20 years old and from Houston, according to another KTRE-TV report. Robinson reportedly set the pair up to have sex in her apartment and said she later learned the victim was much younger. The arrest affidavit from the Nacogdoches Police Department obtained by the news station reportedly states the teen was originally reported as a runaway in Lufkin. She allegedly told officers that she had sex with multiple men while she was in Nacogdoches and that she had been paid for some of the encounters. HAVE YOU SEEN THEM?: 2 missing Round Rock children may be out of state after mother found dead Turner and Robinson were identified by the teen during police questioning, according to the reports. Turner was originally charged with solicitation of a prostitute under 18, sexual assault of a child, tampering with a witness and trafficking. KTRE-TV reports all but one of the charges were dropped but failed to state which charge. Robinson was charged with felony trafficking. The Nacogdoches County District Attorney's Office was not open Wednesday. The Nacogdoches Police Department did not comment on the case. Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com. Read more of his stories here and follow him on Twitter. Looking at the world through the eyes of the Web Random thoughts and observations As I couldnt settle on one particular topic for this column, I decided to just roll with a few things... Protect the children, mask up In response to Hundreds of Parents join Republican Party to Protest Mask Mandate, Aug. 26. I remember holding my newborn... GETTING IT RIGHT To clarify, in a story Aug. 26 regarding an anti-mask rally held outside the Genesee County Health Department recently, organizers... Remember When In some countries they had places known as work houses up until the 20th century but starting in ancient times... Abilene Christian University is urging students not to apply for a job at a new Hooters location that is just weeks away from opening. According to local Abilene new station KTXS, the director of public and media relations for the Texas university told them that the campus has asked students to avoid working for the establishment. Satellite data shows that the Earth's ozone layer is recovering -- and scientists say it's a direct result of a decades old international chemicals ban. The findings were published Thursday in the journal Geophysical Research Letters and came after scientists measured with NASA's Aura satellite the levels of ozone and ozone-destroying chlorine during an Antarctic winter. Measuring has taken place since 2005. Data showed that there was 20 percent less ozone depletion than a decade ago. The ozone hole forms during Antarctica's winter, which is why researchers measure trace gases over the continent at this time, using an instrument on the Aura satellite known as the Microwave Limb Sounder. Researchers have concluded that this ozone recovery is linked to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The protocol, signed in 1987 after the Antarctic ozone hole was discovered, eventually laid down a complete ban on chlorine-containing man-made chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, according to the Kenya-based The Ozone Secretariat at the United Nations Environment Programme. "We see very clearly that chlorine from CFCs is going down in the ozone hole, and that less ozone depletion is occurring because of it," Susan Strahan, an atmospheric scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, said in a Thursday news release. The ozone protects the planet by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation than can cause health problems such as skin cancer, and can damage plant life. Scientists anticipate that the ozone hole will continue to recover as CFCs leave the atmosphere, but full recovery will take decades. Alex Stuckey covers NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey. The level of atmosphere that sits directly between Earth and space is home to astronauts who live on the International Space Station for months at a time, satellites that provide information to navigation systems and radio signals that help guide airplanes and ships. But little is known about this boundary zone, called the ionosphere, which begins about 60 miles above Earth. NASA plans to change that later this month. The Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) instrument is expected to launch Jan. 25. It will be sent about 22,000 miles above Earth to collect data about what causes changes in the ionosphere -- whether it be the Sun, the Earth's magnetic field or its lower atmosphere -- because these changes can impact astronauts on the space station and communications here on Earth, scientists said Thursday during a news conference at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. The mission is led by the University of Central Florida. Learning more about this boundary area is important, NASA's website states, to better "protect astronauts, spacecraft and humans on the ground." Scientists know, for example, that charged gas bubbles in this area can interfere with radio communications. GOLD will study these disruptions, commonly seen over the equator and tropics. The ionosphere sits directly above the Earth's ozone layer. Sarah Jones, Goddard's GOLD mission scientist, said researchers now believe that both Earth and space weather force changes in this level of atmosphere. Researchers currently suspect that certain types of weather, such as tropical cyclones and hurricanes, impact the ionosphere more than others. Data from GOLD, and another mission set to launch later this year, will help answer those questions. That other mission, Ionospheric Connection Explorer, or ICON, will be launched to a much lower location -- about 350 miles above Earth -- and collect data on the effects of shifts in neutral winds, pressure gradients and solar activity on the ionosphere. GOLD specializes in bigger picture snapshots of the zone, while ICON captures up close details. The missions' overlap will allow researchers to more easily identify the causes of changes. Alex Stuckey covers NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com and Twitter.com/alexdstuckey. It's a mystery that a Rice University historian and online commenters can't seem to figure out: Where was this photo of Houston taken around 1915? Melissa Kean, historian at Rice University, posted a photo from Elmer Shutts' scrapbook from Rice's archives on the Rice History Corner blog on Wednesday. Though the post is titled "City of Houston from Rice, c1914-15," Kean told Chron.com that the photo probably wasn't taken from Rice. PRAISE FOR RICE: Rice University is among the best-value colleges for 2018, according to Kiplinger "Whoever labeled the picture was wrong!" Kean said. "On close inspection, there's no way that shot was taken from the top of Lovett Hall." Kean posted the photo on her Facebook page, pushing online sleuths to guess where the photo was taken. I found this recently in a scrapbook that was kept by Elmer Shutts '16: It looks great but unfortunately things have... Posted by Melissa Kean on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 The biggest guess so far is that Shutts meant the Rice Hotel. "Could 'Rice' have meant Rice Hotel. Nothing in the photo remotely looks like the area around the university," commented Philip Walters. "I'm thinking Rice Hotel, too, in part because what appears to be a bayou winding through the right 1/3 of the image," commented Rachel D Vor. "Most of downtown Houston was residential at that time." BEAUTIFUL: Brand new Rice University building gets recognized for its stunning design In a follow up post written on Thursday, Kean notes that some of the sentences on Shutts' photos are more faded than others, indicating that he may have mislabeled his photos as he got older. "This makes me suspect that the older Shutts just didnt look all that closely or didnt remember accurately where hed taken that photo," Kean wrote. So what do you think, Chron.com readers? Where was this photo taken? Scroll through the gallery above to see more historic photos of the areas around Rice and West universities. Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com. Read more of his stories here and follow him on Twitter. Efforts to curb Texas' disturbingly high rate of pregnancy-related deaths are being undermined by data so bad it's difficult to construct an effective prevention program, according to a new study. The study, conducted by the team that a year ago reported a nearly doubling of such deaths in Texas since 2011, draws a direct link between the lack of quality data and women dying during pregnancy, in childbirth or the 42 days thereafter. It said Texas' death rate is not as high as previously found but still worse than other states. "Texas' high maternal mortality rates and substantial data problems identified in the study constitute an urgent call for action," said Marian MacDorman, a professor at the University of Maryland Population Research Center and the study's lead author. "If accurate data is not available, prevention efforts are scattered and unfocused and more women die." MacDorman said that while the dual problem is most concerning in Texas, it is a nationwide issue. The study, published online Friday by the journal Birth, gave no new overall numbers for the magnitude of Texas' problem because it determined some deaths recorded as pregnancy related weren't actually related to the pregnancy. But MacDorman noted that the rate increased 36 percent from 2006-2011 to 2011-2015 in women under 40, the group least likely to have their data overreported. She called that a "very significant spike." Overreporting occurs because of Vital Statistics coding that records deaths as pregnancy related - regardless of what is written on a death certificate as the cause of death - if a box is checked that the death occurred during pregnancy or the postpartum period. MacDorman wrote in a commentary accompanying the study that if "sunburn is written as the cause of death and if the pregnancy or postpartum checkbox is checked, it is coded as a maternal death." MacDorman added the problem is easily fixed if the political will is there. Her commentary noted that Dr. William Callaghan, leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's maternal and infant health branch, recently assessed "the difficulty of collecting accurate maternal mortality data as about a 3 on a scale of 1 (easy) to 10 (hard)." Dr. Lisa Hollier, chair of a Texas task force researching the problem and working on a plan to reduce the numbers, said the University of Maryland study shows why there is "such a national push for state-based maternal mortality reviews." "We agree that Vital Statistics data alone both over- and under-identifies maternal deaths," said Hollier, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. "Detailed case reviews are necessary for a better understanding of the issue, which is what our task force is doing." MacDorman said her study didn't find much underreporting. Hollier said the task force's review of Texas records found more overreporting but also underreporting. MacDorman said the task force is very close to producing a report providing numbers and causes of Texas' 2012 pregnancy-related deaths, then will proceed to subsequent years. It produced a 2016 report that found black women by far bear the greatest risk of such death, and that heart conditions, overdoses by legal or illegal drugs, and high blood pressure during pregnancy were the leading causes. Hollier noted that bills passed by the 2017 Legislature provided funding that should improve the data collection system. It includes a verification process in which a pop-up on the doctor or medical examiner's computer screen appears to ask if they really meant to check a pregnancy-related death box. Hollier said the task force's review found evidence of occasional such human error. MacDorman's team undertook the new study to learn more about what's occurring in Texas, whose high death rate in the 2016 study became a national story. The study, based on Vital Statistics data, found an 87 percent jump in Texas' pregnancy-related deaths from 2006-2011 to 2011-2015, MacDorman said at the time the team didn't expect the increase and couldn't explain it. She said she was surprised at "just how bad the data was" after completing the new review. She noted that Texas' death rates for women 40 and over who'd recently delivered were 36 times higher than they were for women 25 to 29 years old, "a pretty clear indication something's wrong." In some other countries, MacDorman said, the 40 and over rate is three to four times higher. Reducing pregnancy-related deaths has been a top international goal since 1990,the study noted. Following a United Nations program to reduce the numbers, maternal mortality decreased by 44 percent worldwide from 1990 to 2015, including a 45 percent decline among developed nations. Meanwhile, U.S. numbers have increased. "People have suggested that's because the U.S. numbers were so low to begin with, but that's poppycock," said MacDorman. "In 2014, there were 3.9 maternal mortality deaths per 100,000 births in the U.K., 3.5 in France and 3.2 in Sweden. There were 23.8 in the U.S. and 34.2 in Texas." Rodney Lyle Roberts, a software consultant, was sentenced on Tuesday to 18 months in federal prison for preparing false tax returns, according to the U.S. attorney's office for the western district of Texas. U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra ordered Roberts to pay $143,590 restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and be placed under supervised release for a one-year period upon completion of his prison term. A federal jury on Oct. 4 found Roberts guilty of four counts of making false tax returns. The case against Roberts was conducted by the IRS' criminal investigations unit and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney General Gregory J. Surovic. Roberts, who worked as a software consultant in the San Antonio area, prepared false and fraudulent income tax returns by failing to report his income for tax years 2010 through 2013, according to court records, the press release stated. He said he had zero income during that tax period when he actually had more than $380,000 in income. Judge Ezra ordered Roberts, who is currently out on bond, to report to federal authorities on or before Feb. 6, to begin his prison sentence. We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Why Apple, Aspect Are Keen on India We spend a lot of time here in the U.S. talking about digital transformation. But something truly transformational has happened in India. And smart companies like Apple and Aspect Software seem to understand that, and they are positioning to move on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Indias adoption of new technology has enabled it to bring every single person in this heavily populated country into a new system that removes the barriers to getting proper documentation. That has allowed more people in India where before 2009 nearly half of the population lacked proper identification to get insurance, open bank accounts, purchase cell phones, and much more. And that has greatly expanded new opportunities for both individuals and businesses in India. For example: Within three years more than 270 million bank accounts were opened and $10 billion in deposits were made. Aadhaar accounts enabled people to instantly open mobile phone accounts. The government of India invited leaders from Google, Microsoft, and other tech leaders to develop Aadhaar-compliant devices. And a year ago in December, the Indian government launched a digital payments platform called Bharat Interface for Money, which employs the Unified Payments Interface. All those villagers without birth certificates, [and] farmers who could never get insurance because they had no certificates and no proof of anything, now suddenly come into the system, explains Raoul Pal of research publication Global Macro Investor. They get bank accounts which means they get subsidies. They can purchase and use mobile phones, which they can use to make transactions. And a new stored and encrypted documentation technology called India Stack keep everyones proof of identity, bank statements, and bills in an online repository. That means you can go into a bank and you can open a bank account with your fingerprint, explains Pal, who said this biometric effort in India is known as the Aadhaar project. They just pass electronically and know your client details instantaneously. That takes all the friction out of everything. This helps explain why Apple CEO Tim Cook recently noted that India is among its top priorities. I am very bullish on India because of its people, its culture and the leadership, Cook told The Hindu media outlet in an interview late in the summer. I love the culture and warmth of people. Every time I meet Prime Minister Modi and listen to him and then see his actions, including GST, I see bold things that I dont see in any other place. I am super impressed and optimistic. So what we are doing in India is to ramp up. We just got started on local production of iPhones and its very successful so far. I am extremely happy and its ramping up nicely. We want to continue to ramp up the production which means more volumes and more products for us. Aspect Software is another company that is investing a lot of resources on India. The company sells business intelligence, telephony, and workforce management solutions. Edited by Mandi Nowitz That loud rumbling sound New Yorkers are hearing is the ground shifting beneath their feet. The recently enacted federal package of tax cuts and increases does much more than increase the states outsized contribution to the federal treasury. It will fundamentally transform New Yorks government and politics by undermining support for current school funding arrangements. To provide a quality education to a population with many high-needs students, New York spends more per pupil than any other state an average of more than $22,000 a year. This figure varies throughout the state and there is a lot of attention paid to disparities in school spending. Many school districts dont have sufficient local resources and need state funds to pay for teachers, physical space and supplies. Most education money comes from two separate taxes. The local share is usually paid mostly by property taxes, a particularly regressive tax that does not consider the taxpayers income or ability to pay. In most of the state outside New York City which has low property taxes and an income tax school property taxes are an enormous social and political problem. The state steps in with its own funding on top of the local share, getting its money from the income tax, and distributing it through a formula that sends most of the money to poorer districts. A wealthier suburban district can get as little as 5-7 percent of its budget from the state. Poorer districts, most of them upstate, get 70-75 percent of their budgets from the state. New York City gets 40-50 percent of its budget from the state, largely because it is a wealthy district when compared to the statewide average. RELATED: How the tax law could exacerbate NY's stagnant population growth Its not as complicated as it seems. The state redistributes income tax revenue to make up for disparities in wealth. Schools across the state function under the system. Taxpayers everywhere complain, but it has been a stable system. The regional impacts are clear. Generally speaking, New York City gets back in state dollars a little less than it sends to Albany in tax payments. Upstate gets an enormous subsidy provided by suburban taxpayers. President Donald Trump has blown up that delicate balance. Measured across all state programs not just education New York City and the suburbs send billions of dollars to upstate communities. That system has been tolerated partially because its fair: State dollars are directed at communities that need the money for basic services, including schools, and partially because political leaders bargained their way into a sustainable compromise. Enter Donald Trump. His tax reform legislation unravels a central economic premise of New Yorks school funding system. Suburban taxpayers pay both high property taxes and high state income taxes, but they could deduct from their federal income taxes what they paid in state and local taxes. That deduction is now capped at $10,000, far less than the state and local taxes paid by many middle-class and affluent homeowners in New York City and its suburbs. So now many of those New Yorkers will see their total tax liability increase by thousands of dollars a year. New York, already the largest net donor among the states, will be sending an additional $14 billion per year to Washington. This will undo the political bargain that has kept the current system afloat. Suburban taxpayers might be willing to absorb an additional burden if those dollars flowed to their home districts. Instead, slowly but surely, they will learn that their money is heading out of town and they wont like it. That will inevitably erode public support for regional subsidies. A taxpayer revolt is coming. RELATED: The tax law won't help New York clean up its act To make matters more complicated, many upstate voters are under the false impression that they are subsidizing downstate, and many advocates for low-income communities in New York City already want to redirect more school funds from the suburbs to the city. The city as a whole isnt poor, but it has large numbers of high-needs students children from neighborhoods of concentrated poverty, special education students and English language learners that drive up costs. As the Trump tax reform law and other Republican policies take more money from New York and cut more social spending, local government budgets will feel the squeeze. Upstate Republicans and New York City Democrats will both be looking to get more money for education from the same suburban taxpayers who are already taking a huge hit from Trumps tax law. The state government, especially Gov. Andrew Cuomo, will have to find a solution to this brewing problem. When this conflict will come to a head is uncertain, as it will take time for state voters and politiciansto make connections between their growing tax bill and the school aid debate. But it will happen, and the smart folks in Albany better start thinking about how best to respond to it. In his State of the State address, Gov. Andrew Cuomo took aim at the pharmaceutical industry, noting how life expectancy decreased in 2017 for the second year in a row due to an uptick in drug overdoses, particularly opioid-related abuse. Unscrupulous distributors developed a $400 billion industry selling opioids, and they were conveniently blind to the consequences of their actions, Cuomo said. We will sue them, and we will stop the spread of opioids because too many innocent lives have been lost and the time for action is now, before we lose another single life. But he did not explain any legal strategy or what other action, if any, New York will take to stop opioid addiction. That left other state officials without much information to weigh in on, although some were eager to show their support for holding manufacturers accountable. In a written statement provided to City & State, a spokesperson for Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that his office has been leading the investigation of the opioid industry. In September, Schneiderman announced at a press conference that 41 state attorneys general had served subpoenas to opioid manufacturers and requested documents from distributors. Working with the Governor, we will take enforcement actions against opioid distributors that breached their legal duties to monitor, detect, and report suspicious orders of prescription opioids, the spokesperson wrote in the statement. RELATED: Staten Island opioid deaths keep rising Bill Hammond, director of health policy at the Empire Center, a conservative think tank, said that while he had not yet had time to study the governors proposal, and could not speak to how successful possible lawsuits against manufacturers would be, he could see the big picture argument these cases would make. I think it's been pretty well-established, at least in the early days, these drugs were pitched to providers as being safe that they weren't going to cause addiction and that turned out not to be true, as experience later showed, he said. So whether you can demonstrate that the people, at the time that they were making those claims, whether they knew they were false or should have known they were false, that would seem to be the crux of the case. Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, chairman of the Assembly Health Committee, said in a statement to City & State that he was dedicated to working on this crisis and holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for inappropriate opioid marketing and distribution. But he also seemed unclear as to what Cuomos proposal to sue manufacturers would entail. I look forward to seeing the specifics of Governor Cuomos proposals and to working with the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Senate to craft appropriate, enforceable legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, he wrote in an email to City & State. The state Legislature has already made combating the opioid crisis a priority, with the state Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Abuse created to examine addiction and produce bills to combat the opioid crisis. In the 2017 legislative session, the Senate passed bills which would have increased penalties on dealers, but failed to pass in the Assembly, which prefers a less punitive approach. Despite differences in approach between the Senate and Assembly, state Sen. Kemp Hannon, chairman of the Senate Health Committee, said in a November interview with City & State that addressing the crisis remained a priority for the Legislature. It still is the major concern in every neighborhood in the state, from Niagara to Riverhead, he said. RELATED: Staten Islanders face limited funding in fighting heroin Cuomos desire to hold opioid manufacturers accountable may be complicated by ties between drug companies and members of the state Legislature. The USA Today Network reported in 2016 that the Pain Care Forum, a group which includes drug manufacturers and allied advocacy groups, had given $1.2 million to the state Senate Republican Campaign Committee and $560,000 to its Democratic counterpart between 2006 and 2015, and given $53,000 to Hannon and $22,000 to Assembly Democratic Majority Leader Joe Morelle. When asked whether the donations would affect his approach to crafting policy on the crisis, Hannon pushed back by discussing his legislative record, which includes restricting the number of opioid pills a doctor may prescribe, working to educate doctors on abuse, expanding access to naloxone and helping to found the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Abuse. Suing the drug manufacturers who falsely portrayed opioids as effective and non addictive would help repay for the State and local expenses, Hannon wrote in a statement to City & State. Most importantly, it would allow NY to continue the fight against drug addiction. Whether lawmakers ties to opioid manufacturers will affect their support for Cuomos plan to sue depends upon what the governors plan actually entails. Big corporations own Washington," Cuomo said to applause as he proposed confronting drug companies, "but they dont own New York. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed a statement to Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The quote was provided by his spokesperson. Gov. Andrew Cuomo didnt mention Donald Trump by name until the final minute of his State of the State address, but it was a shot that was hard to miss. A photo of the empty Oval Office with an American flag flashed on the screen next to the governor as he spoke. Out of many, one, Cuomo said in his remarks. Those words are on the flag that is hung in the Oval Office every day, right behind Trumps desk. To find a way forward, the president only needs to turn around. Cuomo was calling on the president and Congress to embrace unity. But Cuomo, like Trump in Washington, is spoiling for a fight. And his underlying message, like Trumps on the campaign trail, is I alone can fix it. RELATED: Four big takeaways from Cuomo's State of the State Throughout his speech, which seemed equally designed to appeal to a Democratic presidential caucus-goer in Des Moines as much as the average voter in Elmira, Cuomo subtweeted Trump. Cuomo excoriated the Trumps major legislative achievement thus far a tax law that he says will adversely impact New York by limiting deductions for state and local taxpayers, and promised to sue the federal government to block it. He inveighed against division and variations on that word 11 times and he promised to stand firm against sexism and religious or racial discrimination. Cuomo didnt have to mention Trump for everyone to know who he was talking about. And the governor clearly intended to portray himself as an avatar of New Yorks diversity and tolerance he used the word progressive 10 times in the speech and also in its title that stands in opposition to Trumps politics. Cuomos eight State of the State also had the usual nods to the states local regions and key constituencies, of course. The Southern Tiers industrial hemp industry was promised support. The National Comedy Center in Jamestown got a shoutout. Lyme and tick-borne disease is getting a control plan. Red Hook might get a subway line. Cuomo cheered the playoff-starved Buffalo Bills a team Trump nearly bought in 2014 within the first few minutes of his speech. In the middle, he praised the New York Islanders and its owners who reached a deal with the state to build a new rink at Belmont Park. And near the end of his 90-minute stemwinder, as heads sagged in the audience, Cuomo recognized he Mets, whose delegation included owner Jeff Wilpon, General Manager Sandy Alderson, and an infielder who wasnt David Wright. But the president hovered like a malevolent specter. Cuomo chided Congress and the White House for robbing the blue states to pay for the red states which could cause residents to flee New York and discourage businesses from coming here. It is crass, ugly, divisive, and partisan, Cuomo thundered. It is an economic civil war. He noted the rise in anti-semitism, religious animosity, and racially-based attacks in the past year and he chastised Trump for governing by dividing and always pitting one group against the other. Cuomo seemed to be using Trump as a foil for both his reelection this year and a possible run for president. Unlike Trump, whose sole legislative achievement last year was overhauling taxes, Cuomo touted a bevy of accomplishments including raising the minimum wage, establishing paid family leave, and passing seven on-time budgets that he reached with bipartisan support. And while Trump has talked about rebuilding infrastructure without actually doing so thus far, Cuomo emphasized his tangible construction projects he ticked off a drumbeat of billion-dollar investments redeveloping airports and train stations, building new hospitals, and erecting new bridges. Washingtons swamps seep with partisan squabbling and foaming hatred, said Cuomo, but he knows how to get Republicans and Democrats work together in Albanys hills. They understand that government is about doing good things for people, and moving the state forward, Cuomo said. And they have the professionalism to remember that we may be Democrats, we may be Republicans, but we are New Yorkers first and that's how we act. We find common ground and we move forward. The message was clear Cuomo knows how to build things, pass laws, and bring people together instead of tearing them apart. And Cuomo would protect New Yorkers from a bullying federal government that seeks to increase their tax burden while dismantling their rights. RELATED: Muted support for ethics, voting reforms in State of the State While Trumps Justice Department encourages prosecutors to pursue harsher sentences for criminals, Cuomo would waive cash bail for minor crimes. While the Environmental Protection Agency undwinds regulations for polluting businesses, Cuomo would compel General Electric to clean up the Hudson River. While the Supreme Court could dismantle public sector labor unions, Cuomo vowed to protect the states union workers and their rights to organize. While the Department of Transportation refuses to pay for a rail tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey, Cuomo is ensuring the state invests in new rail lines in Long Island, renovates Penn Station, and fixes the subway system. And when the presidents Twitter tirades grip a tired and anxious nation, Cuomo will reassure the states residents to remain calm. Anxiety is at a fever pitch, he said. You feel it up around your neck. And now there's a negative synergy, a sense that we are out of control, and that breeds a fear, and that fear breeds an anger, and that anger breeds a division, and that division makes us smaller and weaker. Its going to be okay, Cuomo says. Cuomo is in control. AKRON, Ohio -- A Medina man who was shot in the head while his friends drank and played with guns in Akron has died, officials said. Noah Pettit, 20, was shot late Tuesday at a home on East Exchange Street near Fountain Street, police said. He died the next day at Summa Akron City Hospital, the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office said. An Akron Police Department spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment on whether the man accused of shooting Pettit will face additional charges. Dominic Radesic, 19, of Medina, is currently charged with felonious assault, tampering with evidence, obstructing official business and having weapons under disability in the shooting. Radesic is in custody at the Summit County Jail, records show. Detectives learned that the seven men drank and aimed guns at each other, a report says. The friends were also put the guns in their own mouths. Radesic pulled the trigger while aiming a gun at Pettit's head, police said. Detectives seized two handguns from the home, police said. Radesic left the home before detectives arrived. He was arrested later at his home in Medina, police said. Detectives also arrested a Medina man who is accused of interfering with the investigation. Rick S. Oberacker, 24, is accused of grabbing a detective's voice recorder during the investigation and screaming into the device, police said. Oberacker is charged with misconduct at an emergency in the incident, police said. To comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Two armed men robbed three Collinwood businesses in a one-hour span Tuesday evening, police reports say. No arrests have been made in the case, but police reports indicate that the robberies could be connected because of the similar description of the suspects, the time and where they took place. The first robbery happened about 7:40 p.m. Tuesday at Georgio's Pizza on Lakeshore Boulevard near East 159th Street. A man walked into the business, pulled a gun on the 33-year-old employee and demanded cash, police reports say. The business has bulletproof glass that separates customers from employees, so the employee walked to the back of the store and called 911. The robber left without taking anything. The two robbers showed up at the Subway restaurant less than a block away on Lakeshore about five minutes later, police reports say. One guarded the door while the other put a gun on the counter and demanded a 25-year-old employee open the cash register. She complied and the robber took about $30 out of the drawer, police reports say. The robber demanded cash from the store's safe several times, but the employee told him repeatedly that they did not have one, according to police reports. The robber yelled at the employee before both men ran out of the store, police reports say. The robbers about 8:30 p.m. walked into Mr. Hero's restaurant on East 152nd Street and Waterloo Road, about a mile south of the other two robberies, police reports say. One man pointed a gun at the 30-year-old employee and told her to open the cash register, police reports say. The employee told the store owner what was happening and the owner told her to comply with the robbers' demands, police reports say. The robbers demanded money from the safe. They also took cash from the register, police reports say. In all, they took $1,372 cash before running from the store, according to police. The owner told police that she believes the same duo robbed her store about two weeks ago. To comment on this story, please visit cleveland.com's crime and courts comments section. United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. John D. KING, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, Defendant-Appellee. No. 15-12031 Decided: January 03, 2018 Before WILLIAM PRYOR, JILL PRYOR and ANDERSON, Circuit Judges. John D. King, Pro Se. Colin P. McDonell, Linda Julin McNamara, Arthur Lee Bentley, III, U.S. Attorney's Office, Tampa, FL, Bradley M. Bole, U.S. Attorney's Office, Orlando, FL, for DefendantAppellee. This appeal requires us to decide whether a provision of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3730, waives the sovereign immunity of the United States. In 2008, John King filed a qui tam action under the Act that the district court dismissed because King committed discovery violations. In 2014, King filed a complaint for money damages against the United States on the ground that the government had secretly settled the violations he identified in his original action. The district court dismissed his complaint as barred by sovereign immunity. We affirm. I. BACKGROUND In 2008, King filed a qui tam action as a relator on behalf of the United States. In that action, King alleged that several defendant corporations violated the False Claims Act. The government did not intervene. Later, the district court dismissed the action with prejudice because of King's discovery violations. And we summarily affirmed this dismissal. After his qui tam action was dismissed, King filed this suit against the United States. He alleges that the government conducted an investigation of the fraud he identified and covertly settled with the defendants in his qui tam action before its dismissal. King seeks a share of an alleged settlement of more than $7.5 million paid to the government. He argues that this allegedly covert settlement violated his rights under section 3730(c)(5) of the False Claims Act, which provides that, when the government purses an alternate remedy, the person initiating the action shall have the same rights in such proceeding as such person would have had if the action had continued under this section. 31 U.S.C. 3730(c)(5). The government responds that it filed a declaration in King's original qui tam action to explain that the government had investigated the allegations in King's complaint and that, after the investigation, it invoked its contractual rights with the defendants in the qui tam action and settled for the amount of the costs that the United States had incurred in its investigation. The district court dismissed King's complaint as barred by sovereign immunity. It concluded that King's argument that the government waived its immunity relied only on sections 3730(c)(5) and (d)(1) and that neither section contains an express waiver of sovereign immunity. II. STANDARD OF REVIEW We review de novo the district court's dismissal of a complaint for sovereign immunity. Contour Spa at the Hard Rock, Inc. v. Seminole Tribe of Fla., 692 F.3d 1200, 1203 (11th Cir. 2012) (italics added) (quoting Sanderlin v. Seminole Tribe of Fla., 243 F.3d 1282, 1285 (11th Cir. 2001)). [W]e take as true the facts as alleged in [the] complaint Id. at 1201. And we read briefs filed by pro se litigants liberally Timson v. Sampson, 518 F.3d 870, 874 (11th Cir. 2008). III. DISCUSSION King wants to sue a different kind of king, but we are heirs to a system in which the sovereign, the king, was not amenable to suit. Antonin Scalia & Bryan A. Garner, Reading Law: The Interpretation of Legal Texts 281 (2012). Absent a waiver, sovereign immunity shields the Federal Government and its agencies from suit. Fed. Deposit Ins. Corp. v. Meyer, 510 U.S. 471, 475 (1994). Waivers of the Government's sovereign immunity, to be effective, must be unequivocally expressed. United States v. Nordic Village, Inc., 503 U.S. 30, 33 (1992) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also City of Jacksonville v. Dep't of Navy, 348 F.3d 1307, 1314 (11th Cir. 2003). In other words, a waiver of sovereign immunity cannot be implied. Franconia Assocs. v. United States, 536 U.S. 129, 141 (2002) (internal quotation marks omitted); see also Scalia & Garner, supra, at 281 (A statute does not waive sovereign immunity unless that disposition is unequivocally clear.). Section 3730, which addresses [c]ivil actions for false claims, provides no express waiver of the sovereign immunity of the United States for a collateral attack on a settlement between the government and a qui tam defendant. 31 U.S.C. 3730. King's complaint alleged a violation of section 3730(c)(5). But that provision, known as the alternate remedies clause, enables the government to elect to purse an alternate remedy, notwithstanding the earlier filing of a relator's suit about the same claim. And it provides the relator the same rights in that alternate proceeding as the relator would have had in the original suit. 31 U.S.C. 3730(c)(5). This section does not permit a relator to sue the government for money damages after his qui tam suit has been dismissed due to his own discovery violations and after the government has successfully obtained an alternate remedy. Likewise, section 3730(d) specifies when a court shall award a relator a portion of the proceeds of the action or settlement of the claim and an amount for reasonable expenses, attorneys' fees[,] and costs against the defendant. 31 U.S.C. 3730(d). That section says nothing about a complaint filed against the government by a relator whose qui tam action was dismissed for a discovery violation after the government obtained a settlement. It does not expressly waive sovereign immunity from that kind of collateral attack. IV. CONCLUSION We AFFIRM the dismissal of King's complaint. WILLIAM PRYOR, Circuit Judge: YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO -- What was going to be a tearful farewell party for a Youngstown business scheduled to be deported Sunday, will be a celebration now that immigration officials decided Thursday afternoon to let him stay. Amer Othman Adi said he received a call from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official who said, "You're not going anywhere Sunday." "I thought it was someone playing with me," said the 57-year-old owner of the Downtown Circle Convenience store in Youngstown. "I could not believe it. I am so happy." Adi has already sold his house and asked his sister-in-law to run his businesses as he and his wife, Fidaa, prepared to leave the country on Sunday to move to Amman, Jordan. They had planned a farewell party for Saturday night at the Youngstown Arab Community Center, which he said will now be a massive celebration. Niles-area Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, who successfully blocked Adi's deportation in 2013 and tried again this year, was among the first to call to congratulate Adi. "I am pleased to announce that our friend Amer's deportation has been postponed," Ryan said in a statement. "We will continue to fight for Amer to stay in Youngstown -- his home. Today is a big day." Adi's attorney, David Leopold, said the "stay" issued by ICE does not mean that the fight is over, but is a definite step in the right direction. "I'm gratified they are taking a close look at the case," he said. "The guy is an asset to the community. There was a tremendous outpouring of support from all over, including the Youngstown mayor and a congressman. This speaks volumes." Leopold said he is happy that the deportation was at least temporarily halted, something that has rarely occurred since Donald Trump was elected president and a crackdown on undocumented immigrants began. Adi has operated numerous businesses in downtown Youngstown for more than 30 years, employing hundreds of people. Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown called Adi's opening the Downtown Circle Convenience store "the catalyst" that sparked a renaissance in the blighted downtown 10 years ago. ICE told Adi in September that he had three months to get his affairs in order and buy a one-way ticket back to the Middle East. According to an ICE official, Adi's case had "undergone exhaustive judicial review at multiple levels of the nation's courts, including before the immigration courts, federal appeals courts and U.S.district court. In each review the courts have uniformly held that (Adi) does not have a legal basis to remain in the U.S." ICE declined to comment on today's news beyond stating, the deportation was "t emporarily postponed while ICE finalizes removal arrangements ." Adi came to the United States in 1979 on a visa and later married an American citizen. Based on that marriage, he was given a "green card," which allowed him to stay in the United States.They were divorced less than a year later. After the divorce he moved to Youngstown where he started several businesses, including two gas stations. He and his second wife, Fidaa Musleh, moved to Brazil for three years and when they returned to the United States, his green card was taken from him because he had been out of the country for too long. Musleh tried to sponsor her husband for a new "green card," but was denied because immigration officials said his first marriage was "a sham." His first wife initially signed an affidavit to that effect, but then later signed a second affidavit confirming that the marriage was legitimate and said she was pressured by agents to say it was a sham. Leopold contends his first marriage was valid and noted that Adi never had a chance in court to prove it. "The decision that the marriage was a sham was made by a low-level ICE functionary," Leopold said. "Adi never had the chance to fight it." ICE ordered Adi deported in 2007, but suspended the order while Adi fought the decision. In 2013, Ryan stopped the deportation by drafting a "private bill" in the U.S. House of Representatives. "The private bill is a longstanding agreement that says a deportation can be stayed until it can be fully resolved, if a member of the house asks for it," Ryan said previously. "We filed the bill every year since because Adi's contribution to Youngstown has been amazing. He never committed a crime, ran businesses, paid taxes, sent children to Catholic schools and was a big part of the downtown renaissance. And this is the thanks he gets." Ryan said this year the Department of Homeland Security and ICE has declared that they will no longer honor the "private bill." Adi estimates that he has employed hundreds of people in his businesses, which includes two gas stations, an IGA market, a car dealership and others. He said he currently employs about 60 people. ELYRIA, Ohio -- A Lorain man was sentenced to two years in prison for the death of a woman who body was dumped along an Elyria road while she was overdosing. Gregory Ralston, 27, was sentenced Wednesday in Lorain County Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Rothgery's courtroom. Ralston pleaded guilty in December to corrupting another with drugs, reckless homicide, tampering with evidence and two counts of trafficking in drugs in the April 12 death of Naomi Caulfield, court records show. Ralston's co-defendant, Anthony Barker, 24, pleaded guilty in July to reckless homicide and tampering with evidence and was sentenced to a year in prison. Barker and Ralston did not get medical attention for Caulfield after she suffered a drug overdose at a home on Raleigh Drive near Fox Chase Drive, investigators said. The two men put her in a 2009 Ford Escape and dumped her body along Fowl Road near Albrecht Road, police said. Ralston gave her the drugs she used prior to the overdose, police said. They ditched her shoes and sweatshirt which were left in the car after they dumped her body. An Elyria woman found Caulfield's body the next day while walking her dog. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section. OBERLIN, Ohio - When Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar arrived on campus last September she was met with a warm welcome and numerous challenges. The nationally-recognized private liberal arts college faces enrollment and budget problems that have led to an extensive evaluation of its resources and programs. "There are challenging things to do," Ambar said in a recent interview. "My little joke about this is that there is always a sunrise on a college campus but never a sunset. It is much more difficult to think about what we can no longer do." Ambar said everyone on campus has to be an institutionalist, placing an emphasis on the college at the expense of individuals. "We have to think about what is best for Oberlin," she said. "I have no doubt that the Oberlin community is up to the challenge. I came here because of the resiliency and commitment to social justice and action." Oberlin faced a $5 million deficit last year after the incoming class was smaller than expected. Undergraduate fall enrollment was 2,827, according to the college. That was a decline from 2,895 in 2016 and the lowest enrollment since 2,762 in 2007. Enrollment this fall is expected to be similar to 2017, Ambar said. The financial issues are not new. In 2016, the college offered buyouts to faculty and staff, which was expected to save about $3 million a year. Annual tuition and fees are $53,510. Oberlin meets the full demonstrated financial need of every student and commits more than $59 million annually to provide grant aid, the college said. Chris Canavan, chair of the board of trustees, wrote in a letter to the college community in October that Oberlin needs to rely less on endowment funds to cover operating costs and needs to widen the college's appeal to high school students. He wrote that the board asked Ambar and the administration to "find ways to reduce spending in the short run so that we have breathing room to develop sound long-term strategies for raising and spending and raising money more efficiently." Ambar said her nine years as president of Cedar Crest College, a private, liberal arts women's college in Allentown, Pa., prepared her for Oberlin and likely made her an attractive candidate. While at Cedar Crest, she oversaw enrollment growth, the launch of 18 academic programs, multi-million dollar surpluses and a 35 percent growth in net assets, the college said. The college's endowment increased by almost 92 percent. Following are Ambar's responses to a series of questions on her tenure thus far. What three words describe your first months? "Exhilarating, challenging and welcoming." What do you enjoy most about being president? "It is always the interaction with students." She said she enjoys the far-ranging conversations with young people who are on the beginning of their journey. "One of the things I had the most fun doing was conducting the orchestra at the conservatory. I had a blast." She has hosted more than 40 events in her home with students, faculty and staff. She visits classes and has asked students to take her on a tour of the city and campus. She controls her Twitter account and has begun using Instagram. What do you enjoy least? "I think every institution has its own particular challenges. But it is the thing I do well. How do you take a complex challenge, break it down to its appropriate pieces and find the answer to the way forward? Within that process there are missteps and things you don't know yet. What I least like about the experience are the things you don't know that you need to know to get the answers you need." She knew about Oberlin's national profile, but was somewhat surprised at how local issues, such as the lawsuit filed by a local bakery alleging the college accused it of discrimination, become national news. "On most college campuses you have meetings and discussions to work through the exciting and challenging things. Because of the attention Oberlin garners nationally, really local issues become those that others pay attention to. Sometimes you get a call and you think 'Really?' There are great things about having a national and international reputation, but it is challenging too. It makes sense for alumni to call in and weigh in, but people unconnected in any way who weigh in is surprising to me." How are you and your husband coping with being in different cities? When Ambar was president of Cedar Crest her husband, Saladin Malik Ambar, a political science professor, taught at nearby Lehigh University. He is currently an associate professor at Rutgers University in New Jersey. "One of the things we agreed to is that it is tough for your spouse to be a faculty member where you are president." The couple has 10-year-old triplets. At some point, he may move into the area. They are managing, although she and the children miss him, she said. He drives home every Friday. How do you propose to address the challenges at Oberlin? "The challenges Oberlin is experiencing are industry challenges. Higher education is dealing with the changing landscape - just as health care did in the last 25 years. There is a declining number of high school students nationally and questions about the value of liberal arts. "Oberlin has been a bellwether institution. So goes Oberlin - so goes higher education. We need to rethink the financial model and rethink (the model of) small private liberal arts. I do not know if there is a better institution to demonstrate how to do it well." Parents and students want to be assured that college is worth the investment, she said. Students who may have chosen Oberlin are being recruited by public colleges with honors programs. "It takes time," she said about overcoming the challenges. "One of the things about this issue: It does not take one year to find yourself in a situation where expenditures outstrip revenues - it does not take you one year to get out of it." How can Oberlin succeed? "We will find our way through because we have the ability to do it because we have the resources (because of its healthy endowment) to have the time to do it in a thoughtful way. I think the first way forward is to focus on some short-term things to do to manage costs and expenditures." Oberlin's endowment of $770 million was the 117th-largest endowment in the country in the 2016 fiscal year, according to Inside Higher Ed. The endowment had dropped sharply in market value, by 7.5 percent year over year, the report said. There will be an academic and administrative review to determine what the college does well, what it should invest in and what resources will be reallocated from things the college does not do so well, she said. Small liberal arts colleges have to be open to different types of students, she said, including adults and transfer students. "We are ready to make the difficult decisions we need to make. We are ready to grow in interesting and exciting ways. It is not an exercise in cutting. imagine our next areas of growth and taking our resources and reallocating them in a way to move the college forward." WASHINGTON - Champaign County GOP Rep. Jim Jordan on Thursday said Attorney General Jeff Sessions should leave office because he can't keep his Justice Department subordinates from blabbing to the media. House Freedom Caucus leaders Jordan and North Carolina GOP Rep. Mark Meadows published an opinion piece in the Washington Examiner that says media reports on accusations of collusion between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign that cite anonymous Justice Department sources show that Sessions "has no control at all of the premier law enforcement agency in the world." The pair urged Sessions to stop violations. They concluded the piece by asking "When is the time for a new attorney general? Sadly, it seems the answer is now." The Justice Department's press office did not respond to a request for comment on the pair's suggestion. Thursday's salvo is part of Jordan's ongoing campaign to question the Federal Bureau of Investigation's handling of multiple matters. In a television interview last month, Jordan accused the FBI and Justice Department of plotting to keep Trump from becoming president and said the House Judiciary Committee is preparing to subpoena several of their officials who may have tried to discredit Trump. Along with other conservative members of Congress, Jordan has also questioned the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server during her term as Secretary of State, and ties between a Justice Department official and a dossier on Trump's alleged ties to Russia that was partly paid for as opposition research by Clinton's presidential campaign. He also says there's "no evidence of any collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russians" despite "constant headlines" and "rampant speculation" that's overshadowed Trump administration accomplishments such as last month's tax overhaul, the stock market's rise, and the decline of the Islamic State in the Middle East. Jordan's Thursday column attacked a New York Times article that suggested the FBI began investigating Trump's campaign after one of its volunteers - George Papadoupolos - told an Australian diplomat the Russian government had stolen emails it intended to use to embarrass Hillary Clinton weeks before the emails were made public. Papadopoulos subsequently pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators about his contacts with Russians. The column called the article "far-fetched and ill-supported," and questioned the motivation of FBI and Justice Department officials who illegally leaked information to reporters. "The alarming number of FBI agents and DOJ officials sharing information with reporters is in clear violation of the investigative standards that Americans expect and should demand," the column said. WASHINGTON - Sixty-one-year-old Portage County resident Larry Harmon showed up to vote in 2015 only learn his registration was canceled. Harmon hadn't cast a ballot since the 2008 presidential election because he saw abstention as a way to express his dismay with politics. But the Navy veteran who works as a computer consultant didn't realize infrequent voting would trigger Ohio's process to remove him from the voting rolls. And he wasn't happy. Harmon complained to Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted's office. Eventually, he joined a legal challenge that contends Ohio's method of purging inactive voters amounts to voter suppression and unfairly targets vulnerable groups, such as low-income and minority voters. The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the legality of Ohio's process after hearing arguments from both sides on Jan. 10. A federal court rejected Ohio's vote culling procedures in 2016, and Husted appealed. While the case worked its way through the courts, an injunction let more than 7,500 voters cast 2016 presidential ballots that would otherwise have been disqualified under Ohio's system. The process at issue is triggered by not voting during a two-year period. Registration is canceled if the voter does not cast a ballot during the next four years or update his or her address. Repeated notices are sent to voters whose registration has been flagged. Critics say voters often mistake those notices for junk mail, and 80 percent ignore them. They say many infrequent voters have problems making it to the polls, and Ohio's purge process puts another hurdle in place to disenfranchise them. They say that like Harmon, many voters first learn their registration has been canceled when they show up to vote and are turned away. "Countless Ohioans have been denied their right to vote as a result of these purges," said Stuart Naifeh, an attorney for Demos, which is among the organizations challenging Ohio's law. Husted argues the current process ensures accurate, up-to-date voter rolls. He says his efforts removed nearly 560,000 dead people from the rolls and resolved the cases of more than 1.65 million Ohio voters with multiple registrations. Proper voter roll maintenance means that fewer Ohioans have trouble casting ballots, and more ballots are counted, Husted says. Husted, a Republican, says Ohio's procedure has been in place for more than two decades, and was administered the same way by both Republican and Democratic secretaries of state. "This case is about maintaining the integrity of our elections, something that will be harder to do if elections officials are not able to properly maintain the voter rolls," said a statement from Husted. Naifeh acknowledged Ohio's practices have gone on for decades. He says the lawsuit was spurred by particularly aggressive purging in 2015. Ohio had record voter turnout in 2008, when Barack Obama was first elected president, and many voters who registered to vote in that election were purged in 2015. Naifeh said Ohio also eliminated same-day registration for early voting in 2014, which made the process more harmful by removing an opportunity that voters had to correct erroneous removals and vote. He says it would be more fair for Ohio to clean up its voter rolls by using other indicators that someone has moved, such as returned mail, or changed drivers license information. Dale Ho, who heads the American Civil Liberties Union's Voting Rights Project, says that Georgia, Montana, Oregon, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Oklahoma also have a voter list culling process that's triggered by inactivity, but Ohio's two-year trigger is the shortest of any state. Because a large proportion of voters only vote in presidential years, he said they have to miss just one presidential election to be kicked off its rolls. Andre Washington of the Ohio A. Philip Randolph Institute said the 2015 purge of infrequent voters removed approximately 40,000 individuals from the rolls in Cuyahoga County alone, and a "disproportionate number of those people came from low-income neighborhoods and communities of color." Challengers of Ohio's procedure say it's illegal under the National Voting Registration Act of 1993, which forbids states from using voter inactivity to spark removal from the rolls. But Husted and his supporters including the Trump administration say the state's procedure complies with the law because it requires that voters fail to respond to a notice as well as fail to vote in repeated elections. When Obama was in office, the Justice Department supported the challengers. The case was originally scheduled for November arguments, but the date was postponed when an attorney slated to argue the case became ill and her substitute needed more preparation time. A decision upholding Ohio's law would pave the way for more aggressive vote purging efforts in Ohio and other states, while the law's elimination would "send a strong signal that the federal government and the National Voter Registration Act place important limits on what states can and can't do with their voter rolls," says Ho. The case represents the latest skirmish in a nationwide partisan war over ballot access. Republicans say voter rolls need scrutiny to prevent fraud and promote ballot integrity, while Democrats insist the efforts are meant to reduce turnout from Democratic-leaning groups like racial minorities. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump disbanded a Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity he assembled in May after claiming fraud was behind Hillary Clinton's 2.9 million popular vote edge in the 2016 presidential election, despite Trump's electoral college win. In addition to winning the Electoral College in a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 27, 2016 White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump dissolved the advisory commission because many states refused to provide information it requested "despite substantial evidence of voter fraud." She said Trump ended it rather than engaging in "endless legal battles at taxpayer expense." The Department of Homeland Security will review the commission's findings, she said. Groups like the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights called the commission a "sham" and applauded its end. "This travesty of a commission was nothing more than a tactic of voter suppression and an unnecessary distraction from legitimate threats to our democracy," said a statement from League of Women Voters President Chris Carson. "It is now time for our leaders to focus on the the very real work of securing our elections against foreign interference, while making sure all eligible voters are free to exercise their right to vote." LORAIN, Ohio -- A U.S. Marshals task force arrested a Lorain man who is charged with murder in a New Year's Day killing, police said. The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Marlon J. Johnson on Tuesday morning at a house on Lorain's east side. The 42-year-old man was taken into custody without incident just after 10 a.m., police said. Johnson made his initial appearance Wednesday in Lorain Municipal Court, police said. Bond information was not immediately available. He is scheduled to appear in court for a pretrial hearing Jan. 9, police said. Detectives have not identified a motive for the killing of Todd Dais, 45, who was fatally shot early Monday at a home on West 22nd Street near Beech Avenue, police said. Officers arrived just after 5:30 a.m. and saw several men running from the home, but no arrests were made at the time. Johnson was identified as a suspect because he was spotted driving away in a car, police said. Dais was found in the basement with multiple gunshot wounds, police said. Detectives are still trying to identify others who may have been involved in the killing, police said Wednesday afternoon. Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call the Lorain Police Department at 440-204-2100. If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments section. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio's fledgling medical marijuana program won't immediately be affected by a new federal marijuana enforcement policy announced Thursday by U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Ohio regulators are moving ahead with establishing the program, and state medical marijuana programs are still protected by a federal budget amendment preventing the Department of Justice from spending money on enforcement in those states. But industry players and experts said the policy change will generate more confusion and uncertainty about whether it's legal to grow, sell and buy marijuana in Ohio and 28 other states while the drug remains illegal federally. And the move puts pressure on Congress to keep in place what's become a $16 billion industry, according to one industry researcher. Sessions on Thursday rescinded the Cole memo, named for the deputy attorney general who authored the policy, and several other Obama-era policies that together allowed regulated marijuana industries and state regulators to operate under state law. The 2013 Cole memo, which followed a 2009 medical-only policy, directed prosecutors to focus on certain violations, such as selling marijuana to minors or trafficking marijuana across state lines, and leave alone state law-abiding businesses and individuals. Sessions' new memo leaves enforcement to each district attorney. The Southern District of Ohio won't change its approach to marijuana and other drug crimes, U.S. Attorney Benjamin Glassman indicated in a statement issued Thursday night. "Congress made marijuana illegal under the Controlled Substances Act. That was true under Deputy Attorney General Cole's 2013 memorandum on marijuana enforcement, and it's just as true under the attorney general's memorandum today," Glassman said. Glassman said federal law enforcement continues to work with limited resources and is focused on prosecutions that have the biggest impact on public safety. Glassman cited efforts fighting the opioid and heroin epidemic and increase in cocaine and methamphetamine. The U.S. attorney's office for Ohio's northern district did not respond to questions from cleveland.com on Thursday. Sessions, a former GOP senator and opponent of marijuana legalization, has previously repealed past DOJ directives to give more leeway to local authorities to enforce federal law. President Donald Trump said on the campaign trail that he supported medical marijuana and states' rights to legalize marijuana. Policy change doesn't immediately stop Ohio's program State regulators are nearing the end of a two-year process to set up Ohio's highly regulated medical marijuana program. The state awarded provisional licenses to 24 marijuana cultivators in November 2017 and licenses for marijuana processors, testing labs and dispensaries will be awarded in the coming months. State law requires the program to be fully operational by Sept. 8. The Ohio Department of Commerce plans to move forward with setting up the program in accordance with state law, a spokeswoman said. "Our responsibility is to fulfill all statutory mandates in establishing Ohio's medical marijuana program," spokeswoman Stephanie Gostomski said in a statement. "The department cannot speculate on any decisions made at the federal level, but our program officials will continue to monitor any developments." Pressure on Congress to act In addition to the Cole memo, Ohio and the other 28 medical marijuana programs are also protected from enforcement of federal marijuana laws because of a budget rider prohibiting use of federal dollars for such action. But that rider, called the Rohrabacher-Blumenauer Amendment, expires Jan. 19, putting pressure on Congress to act immediately. Thomas Rosenberger, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association of Ohio, called on Ohio's congressional delegation to help renew the amendment to "protect Ohio patients' access to legal medical marijuana." Doug Berman, an Ohio State University law professor, expects the debate over the amendment will also include whether to extend it to recreational marijuana. Eight states have legalized recreational marijuana; sales began in California on Monday. A recreational measure could appear on Ohio's November ballot. "One of the numerous reasons I've always thought Ohio and medical marijuana regimes are relatively safe is Congress has included in every spending bill language that says the DOJ can't use any resources to interfere with state medical marijuana programs, and that's been interpreted to mean you can't bring a prosecution," Berman said. Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi released a statement Thursday urging renewal of the amendment and expanding it to states that have "decriminalized" marijuana. Morgan Fox, spokesman for D.C.-based lobbying group Marijuana Policy Project, said Sessions' policy change highlights the need to remove marijuana from the most dangerous group of drugs within the federal Controlled Substances Act. "This just shows that Sessions has a personal vendetta against marijuana and is out of touch with his own task force that looked at this issue, the president and the majority of American people who support legalization," Fox said. More confusion and uncertainty Sessions' decision was a win for anti-legalization groups and critics who say legalization has led to more drugged driving incidents and illegal drug trafficking. "There is no more safe haven with regard to the federal government and marijuana, but it's also the beginning of the story and not the end," Kevin Sabet, president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, told the Associated Press. Sabet was among several anti-marijuana advocates who met with Sessions last month. Sabet said without the federal protection of the Cole memo, investments in the industry will dry up. Northeast Ohio attorney Tom Haren said he and his clients -- a cultivator licensee and others who have applied for Ohio marijuana business licenses -- are carefully watching to see what effect, if any, the policy change has. Legalization supporters said it's too late to dismantle an industry that thrived before the Cole memo. "This industry generates about $6 billion in annual retail sales, is the lifeblood of several hundred thousand workers, consists of tens of thousands of responsible companies, filters hundreds of millions of dollars annually into state coffers, and has the support of the majority of the U.S. population," Chris Walsh, editor of trade publication Marijuana Business Daily, said in a statement. "It will fight back." Mobile readers, click here to read the memo. Ali Mohamed is founder and editor of GubanMedia, an online source of news and commentary about the Horn of Africa. LEWIS CENTER, Ohio -- In November, the voters of the unrecognized Republic of Somaliland in the volatile Horn of Africa region went to the polls to elect a new leader. It would be the second time since 2010 that an elected leader of Somaliland handed over power peacefully to another one. It would be the first time an incumbent president, in this case Ahmed Silanyo, decided not to run, which is very rare in the Middle East or Africa. The Somaliland National Election Commission, to combat fraud, deployed the world's first-ever iris recognition technology to all polling stations. During the election campaign, all political parties had free access to state and private media and campaigned freely to conduct get-out-the-vote efforts. On Election Day, thousands of voters drove or walked miles to their polling stations. They stood all day patiently in the baking sun, waiting eagerly just to vote. They were voting to decide their own political destiny, and to help efforts for Somaliland to gain diplomatic recognition. According to the National Election Commission (NEC), they chose Muse Bihi Abdi with 55 percent of the vote. Abdi is a former military commander who fought against the murderous and corrupt Siad Barre regime of Somalia. In an op-ed piece in the Financial Times of London, Bihi acknowledged the challenges facing Somaliland: dilapidated infrastructure; a rudimentary health care system; corruption; and recurring droughts due to climate change that decimated Somaliland's livestock. The country's economy depends on the export of mutton and sheep to the Middle East. Bihi also vowed to attract foreign investment to address youth unemployment. So far, the deal by Dubai-based DP World to invest $442 million to expand the deep sea port of Berbera is the largest single foreign investment Somaliland has received. The new project will help landlocked Ethiopia, the region's largest economy, to get alternate access to shipping lanes. In 1992, following the collapse of the authoritarian Somali government, Somaliland declared independence from the rest of Somalia. The 4 million Somaliland people, not by sheer luck but through painstaking reconciliation and hard work, embarked a nation-building process. Today, what Somalilanders have for their efforts is a legitimate, functioning state, albeit a poor one, that has the consent of the people, maintains law and order, protects its people, and boasts a security force that has denied a sanctuary for terrorists. In May 2001, the will of the people was supported in a referendum for Somaliland independence by more than 90 percent of the population. Somaliland's frequent free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power demonstrate that Somalilanders not only have managed their own affairs but also have embraced democracy and the rule of law in a dangerous but strategically located region, infested with violence, corruption, despotism and terror. Yet efforts for Somaliland to gain diplomatic recognition, or even acknowledge its transformation into the only functioning democratic state in the Horn of Africa, for political reasons, languish. Somaliland's order is a stark contrast with Somalia, where the United States and others have expended billions to stabilize the country, but still it is in ruins and even has failed to exercise the minimal functions of a sovereign nation. The difference between Somaliland and Somalia is leadership. Somaliland leadership has its own flaws, but it delivered good governance to its people. In contrast, Somalia's leaders believe that the United States, the European Union, United Nations and African Union would: manage their own affairs: fight on their behalf; and feed and protect of their own population. The man President Donald Trump and the Pentagon generals are backing as the leader of the country of Somalia is holed up in a hilltop palace in Mogadishu -- where a tenuous government exists that is unable to protect its people, administer justice, and deliver services. In fact, Somalia is not better off since President George H.W. Bush dispatched 28,000 U.S. troops in late 1992 to save millions of Somalis from starvation. President Trump in taking the oath of office laid out a noninterventionist U.S. military policy and transparent foreign policy. But now the Trump administration is risking more American lives and treasure on dangerous places and an open-ended mission -- Somalia's quagmire. More than 500 American troops are advising and assisting the Somali army made up of rival clan militias against al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-allied militant group. Last May, a U.S. Navy SEAL was killed in action in Somalia while he was advising the Somali army. Furthermore, the Trump administration also has yet to explain to American voters: Why are U.S. troops still fighting in Somalia? What are they trying to accomplish? When will our troops come home? And what is the United States' long-term political objective in Somalia? It's time for the U.S. Congress to reassess U.S. policy on Somalia and not only hold hearings on the deepening U.S. military involvement in Somalia, but also examining Somaliland as a partner worth recognizing diplomatically. Ali Mohamed is the editor and founder of GubanMedia, a 24/7 online magazine of news analysis and commentary about the greater Horn of Africa region. To contact Ali Mohamed: aliadm18@gmail.com Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts, and stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Notification Settings (in blue). ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- An 87-year-old woman is dead in an early morning house fire, officials say. The fire broke out about 6:30 a.m. on Lake Road near Brandon Place, Lakewood fire Chief Scott Gilman said. Another woman escaped from the home and was taken to the hospital with injuries, he said. Her condition was not immediately available. When crews arrived on scene, fire could be seen coming from the first floor windows, but officials do not know exactly where it started, Gilman said. Lake Road is closed at the Bay Village, Rocky River border as a result of the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Firefighters from Lakewood, Fairview Park, Westlake, Bay Village, North Olmsted, Avon, Columbia Station assisted Rocky River fire at the scene. A crew from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport also assisted with a tanker after crews experienced issues with fire hydrants, Gilman said. Fatal house fire in Rocky River 5 Gallery: Fatal house fire in Rocky River If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments section. United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit. UNITED STATES of America, PlaintiffAppellee v. Patrick LANIER, DefendantAppellant No. 16-20181 Decided: January 02, 2018 Before REAVLEY, ELROD, and SOUTHWICK, Circuit Judges. John A. Reed, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Carmen Castillo Mitchell, Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas, Houston, TX, for PlaintiffAppellee. Mervyn M. Mosbacker, Jr., Houston, TX, Robert Henry Renneker, Dallas, TX, for DefendantAppellant. Patrick Lanier was indicted and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1343 and 1349 (Count 1); wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1343 (Counts 215); harboring and concealing a person from arrest, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1071 (Count 16); and assisting a federal offender, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 3 (Count 17). A jury convicted him on each count save Count 14. Lanier received a sentence of 204 months in prison based on the fraud-related convictions and a concurrent 22month sentence based on the Counts 16 and 17 convictions. The district court also sentenced him to three years of supervised release and ordered a $1,600 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $37,544,944.16. Challenging his conviction and sentence, Lanier appeals. I. BACKGROUND This case features complex facts spanning several years. We supply only those necessary to make sense of the following discussion. Patrick Lanier was once a successful securities lawyer practicing in Austin, Texas. Somewhere along the way, Harris Dempsey Ballow became a client. Lanier provided Ballow with legal services relating to criminal cases and SEC investigations. In 2000, Ballow was involved with a company called EpicEdge and paid Lanier in EpicEdge stock. EpicEdge turned out to be part of a fraud scheme, and Lanier sold all of his shares just before their value cratered. In 2003, Ballow was permanently enjoined from engaging in the promotion of securities, and Lanier (who was representing Ballow's co-defendant) knew of this. Lanier's initial involvement with Ballow did not lead him into legal trouble. Their union ended, for a time, in late 2004 when Ballow pleaded guilty to an 18 U.S.C. 1957 violation then fled the country while released on bond, becoming a fugitive. The men renewed their relationship in 2006. Ballow was hiding in Mexico, and he needed a lawyer. In mid2006, Lanier visited Ballow in Mexico for the first time. From that point on, he was Ballow's attorney once more. He assisted on numerous projects, providing legal assistance as problems arose. Ballow used false names during this period, and Lanier incorporated these false names into his work product. While Lanier and Ballow often communicated directly, sometimes long-time Ballow associate Ruben Garza Perez (Garza) acted as an intermediary. Garza even set up a special email account for Lanier (the patlawbest account), and Lanier used this account rather than his professional account when working with Ballow. Ballow had not reformed. He was still engineering and implementing fraudulent schemes to bilk unsuspecting investors. In Mexico, he primarily used ESOL International Corporation (ESOL), Medra Corporation (Medra), and Aztec Technology Partners, Inc. (Aztec). Lanier provided legal services for each of these fraud-facilitating corporations. Law enforcement never stopped looking for Ballow. Lanier monitored the manhunt and repeatedly supplied Ballow with updates on its progress. For example, in 2008 he provided Ballow with a link to a news article describing the ongoing search and indicating the FBI's belief that Ballow was in Mexico. The investigation eventually bore fruit. Ballow was arrested, and so was Lanier. With four other defendants, Lanier was charged in a thirty-five-count indictment. He faced 17 counts including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, harboring and concealing a fugitive, and assisting a federal offender. Unlike his co-defendants, Lanier went to trial. The jury convicted him on 16 of the charged counts, securing an acquittal only with respect to one count of fraud. In addition to a period of supervised release and a special assessment, the district court sentenced him to 204 months imprisonment. Lanier timely appealed. II. DISCUSSION Lanier advances numerous arguments. They can be classified as follows: sufficiency of the evidence challenges, Brady challenges, evidentiary challenges, attorney-disqualification challenges, and sentencing challenges. We address them in that order. A. Sufficiency of the Evidence Challenges 1. Standard of Review Ordinarily, sufficiency-of-the-evidence challenges are reviewed de novo, with all evidence viewed in the light most favorable to the government and all reasonable inferences made in support of the verdict. United States v. Grant, 850 F.3d 209, 219 (5th Cir. 2017). If, under this standard, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, the conviction must stand. Id. (quoting United States v. VargasOcampo, 747 F.3d 299, 301 (5th Cir. 2014) (en banc)). Our review is circumscribed still further when error is unpreserved. In such cases, review is only for a manifest miscarriage of justice. United States v. McDowell, 498 F.3d 308, 312 (5th Cir. 2007). When this standard applies, the conviction will stand unless the record is devoid of evidence pointing to guilt or if the evidence is so tenuous that a conviction is shocking. United States v. Delgado, 672 F.3d 320, 33031 (5th Cir. 2012) (en banc) (quoting United States v. Phillips, 477 F.3d 215, 219 (5th Cir. 2007)). A motion for acquittal generally preserves sufficiency arguments for the purposes of appeal. See, e.g., United States v. Beacham, 774 F.3d 267, 272 (5th Cir. 2014). Here, Lanier moved for acquittal, but only with respect to Counts 16 and 17. Accordingly, his sufficiency challenge to those counts will be reviewed de novo, but his fraud-related sufficiency challenge will be reviewed only for a manifest miscarriage of justice. 2. The FraudRelated Counts Lanier attacks the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his convictions for wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The challenge is limited to one element common to each convictionintent to commit fraud. See United States v. Kuhrt, 788 F.3d 403, 41314 (5th Cir. 2015). Under the circumstances, the question of intent reduces to a factual question of attorney knowledge. See United States v. Beckner, 134 F.3d 714, 71819 (5th Cir. 1998). Ultimately, we must determine whether the record is devoid of evidence that Lanier was aware [Ballow] was engaged in a fraudulent activity and knowingly worked to further it. Id. at 720. In Beckner, we determined that the lawyer-defendant inadvertently contributed to his client's fraudulent scheme in the course of providing routine and proper legal services. Lanier contends that his case is the same. But Beckner does no more for Lanier than sharpen our focus on the key factual questionknowledge vel non. Lanier's claimed lack of knowledge rests on his assertion that his involvement with Ballow was very limitedhe acted only as an attorney to unwind one Medra transaction. The record does not support this claim of limited representation. Lanier was involved with Medra from its earliest stages, giving advice on reinstatement of the forfeited corporate charter, providing his own address as an address at which Medra could receive mail within the United States, and assisting with tax matters. And his work for Ballow was not limited to Medra. To provide but one example each for ESOL and Aztec: He prepared a Letter of NonDistributive Intent that paved the way for the sale of 1 million shares of restricted ESOL stock. He either prepared or had a significant role in preparing Aztec's business plan. These examples merely scrape the surface of Lanier's work for Ballow. Given that Lanier's sufficiency argument proceeds on a false factual premise, it is unsurprising that there is plenty of evidence from which a jury could infer attorney knowledge. Even Lanier's role in the one transaction he is willing to acknowledge suggests knowledge of the fraud. After being issued 40 million Medra shares and appointed as corporate officials, two men sought to disassociate themselves from the entity, contending they had never agreed to any involvement with Medra. The men were represented by Aaron Ghais, a Maryland attorney who worked with Lanier to undo the stock issuance and appointment. Lanier told Ghais that he represented a Medra shareholder name John Gel, but Gel is a Ballow alias. He also held Lorraine Barrowcliff out as the president of Medra, but Barrowcliff was one of multiple aliases belonging to Ballow's wife. False names were a repeated ingredient of Lanier's work product. Further, with knowledge that Ballow was enjoined from promoting securities, Lanier assisted with stock-related schemes, even drafting an ESOL International 2007 Stock Option Agreement. On a separate occasion, he did counsel Ballow to stay away from the word investment on ESOL brochures relating to a real estate scam. But his motivation was not compliance with the injunction, a la Beckner, 134 F.3d at 716, but rather a concern that the word investment will bring focus on the managers almost immediately. Scrutiny of the managers was something to be feared because ESOL's purported managers included Gel and an entirely fictitious person, Robert Remington. The record contains more evidence, plenty to support the jury's finding that Lanier knowingly acted to further Ballow's scheme. The government has set forth evidence that Lanier was not only aware of the fraud, but actually helped perpetrate the fraud. Kuhrt, 788 F.3d at 416. And Lanier has certainly not shown a manifest miscarriage of justice. See United States v. Oti, 872 F.3d 678, 689 (5th Cir. 2017). Lanier's sufficiency arguments fail as to the fraud-related counts. 3. Venue, Counts 16 & 17 (Harboring and Assisting a Federal Offender) Because Lanier preserved his sufficiency of the evidence challenge as it relates to venue and Counts 16 (harboring) and 17 (assisting a federal offender), our review is de novo. Venue need be proven only by a preponderance of the evidence. United States v. Strain, 396 F.3d 689, 692 (5th Cir. 2005). Thus, the question before us is whether any rational finder of fact could have found venue proper by a preponderance of the evidence. See id. The parties agree that the analysis germane to Count 16 controls the outcome of Count 17, and so our focus is on the harboring offense. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law U.S. Const. amend. VI. When the relevant criminal statute lacks a venue provision, the Sixth Amendment controls and requires that trial occur in the the district or districts within which the offense is committed. United States v. Anderson, 328 U.S. 699, 705, 66 S.Ct. 1213, 1217, 90 L.Ed. 1529 (1946) (footnote omitted). Where, as here, the Government alleges a single continuing offense committed in multiple districts, it must show that the trial is taking place in any district in which [the] offense was begun, continued, or completed. Strain, 396 F.3d at 693 (alteration in original) (quoting 18 U.S.C. 3237(a)). To determine if the harboring offense was begun, continued, or completed in the Southern District, we must first determine which acts constitute harboring acts. Criminal harboring of a fugitive occurs when a defendant (1) knows a federal arrest warrant has been issued, (2) engages in physical acts that help the fugitive avoid detection and apprehension, and (3) intends to prevent the fugitive's discovery. United States v. Green, 180 F.3d 216, 220 (5th Cir. 1999); see also 18 U.S.C. 1071. The government contends that each of Lanier's criminal acts qualify for one reason or another. We place Lanier's acts in two categories. First, there are traditional acts of harboring, as when Lanier repeatedly emailed Ballow information about the government's investigation, which a jury could infer had the purpose and effect of keeping Ballow one step ahead of law enforcement. Second, there are general conspiracy-furthering acts. The government acknowledges that these acts are not typical, straightforward acts of harboring but contends they qualify nonetheless because acts aiding the conspiracy inevitably helped Ballow avoid detection and arrest and to obtain money and stock. We do not agree that Lanier's conspiracy-furthering acts qualify as harboring acts simply because they provided Ballow with a revenue stream that funded his life on the lam. This court has already observed that direct financial assistance to a fugitive does not necessarily amount to harboring. United States v. Stacey, 896 F.2d 75, 77 (5th Cir. 1990). The same is necessarily true of any indirect financial assistance Lanier provided by dint of his participation in the conspiracy. The key is intent. Further, by declining the government's invitation to conflate the conspiracy and harboring offenses for purpose of the venue analysis, we dutifully uphold the Sixth Amendment's offense-specific approach to venue. See United States v. Davis, 666 F.2d 195, 198 (5th Cir. 1982) (Venue may properly be laid in one district with respect to one count of an indictment, but still be improper with respect to the other counts.); United States v. Schlei, 122 F.3d 944, 979 (11th Cir. 1997) (Venue must exist for each offense charged.). As already noted, Lanier sent several emails that a jury could find rendered him criminally liable for harboring a fugitive. The evidence, however, is that these emails were sent from Austin, which is not in the Southern District of Texas. Accordingly, the government rightly cites these emails to show harboring generally, but not for the purpose of showing that venue was proper. Instead, the government draws our attention to five acts and seeks to persuade us that the acts both bore the requisite connection with the Southern District of Texas and continued the harboring offense. The government has not shown that any of these acts continued the harboring offense, however. Rather, in each case, the government tries to bootstrap venue from an act that, at most, furthered the fraud conspiracy. Three of the acts speak for themselves in this regard. While in Houston, Lanier tried unsuccessfully to check his patlawbest account. On another occasion, Lanier drafted a release for the signature of one Chaz Robertson, a Ballow employee located in Houston. And, finally, Lanier received an email containing a forged document that had been notarized by a Harris County, Texas notary. The final alleged acts fail for the same reason but require a bit of explanation. In November 2006, Lanier traveled through Houston to meet Ballow. This episode, if it would otherwise create venue, cannot represent a continuation of the harboring offense because it occurred prior to the beginning of that offense. Our review of the record shows the first act of harboring did not occur until mid2007, when Lanier first provided Ballow with an update on the FBI's investigation and information that he was being sought in Panama. Accordingly, Lanier's travel through Houston can only be associated with the already-ongoing conspiracy. Finally, Lanier and Ballow routinely communicated at what the government labels a Houston telephone number due to its Houston area code. Again, even assuming the phone calls might somehow establish venue, without evidence regarding the calls' contents, they cannot be said to represent harboring. See Strain, 396 F.3d at 696. The government appears to recognize this, urging not that an inference of direct harboring was warranted but instead that the purpose of Lanier's communications, including the phone calls, was to assist Ballow in operating the fraud scheme. We could accept this argument only if we were willing to conflate the conspiracy and harboring offense, but we have already held such intermixing to be inappropriate. The government has attempted to draw several links between Lanier, the Southern District, and the harboring offense. On inspection, however, the government has not shown that Lanier continued the harboring offense in that district. Accordingly, the convictions as to Counts 16 and 17 must be vacated. B. Brady Challenges We review de novo the Brady question of whether the prosecution withheld material evidence favorable to the defendant, but any underlying factual findings are entitled to deference. United States v. Severns, 559 F.3d 274, 278 (5th Cir. 2009). Lanier alleges two Brady violations. First, he complains that prosecutors failed to disclose that Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek had previously represented Harris Dempsey Ballow in matters in which Lanier was involved (but unaware of her representation). This allegedly undisclosed fact was discovered by Lanier in his own files, so there was no Brady violation. See United States v. Dvorin, 817 F.3d 438, 450 (5th Cir. 2016). Second, Lanier complains that the prosecution failed to disclose its methodology in calculating the damages suffered by the victims. But Lanier fails to develop any non-disclosure theory and instead quibbles with the calculation itself, thus failing to establish a Brady violation. See United States v. Brown, 650 F.3d 581, 588 (5th Cir. 2011) (suppressed evidence is an integral element of any Brady violation). C. Evidentiary Challenges Lanier chose to take the stand. The cross-examining prosecutor elicited Lanier's testimony that he had once been paid by Ballow in EpicEdge stock, then zeroed in on the timing of its subsequent sale: And you weren't worried at all that there would be a connection between the fact that you sold the last EpicEdge stock when the stock collapsed? According to Lanier, [b]y stating or implying Lanier had engaged previously in an illegal scheme to defraud with the same actor, Harris Ballow, the Government successfully destroyed Lanier's entire defensei.e., the lack of specific intent to commit fraud. Of course, the government may attempt to destroy a defendant's entire defense and counts it as a pretty good day when successful. And so, for his gripe to have traction, Lanier must demonstrate why the question was improper. He perceives two errors. First, Lanier contends that the question violated Rule 404(b) of the Federal Rules of Evidence, which governs the admissibility of [e]vidence of a crime, wrong, or other act. Fed. R. Evid. 404. The Rule 404 argument found in Lanier's brief was largely copied and pasted from his original motion for a new trial. This is problematic because the district court explained in a written order that its decision to admit the evidence was not based on Rule 404 at all but instead on Rule 608, which applies when other-acts evidence is offered to impeach a witness, to show the character of the witness for untruthfulness, or to show bias. United States v. Tomblin, 46 F.3d 1369, 1388 (5th Cir. 1995) (quoting United States v. Schwab, 886 F.2d 509, 511 (2d Cir. 1989)). Because Lanier's appellate brief ignores the very ruling that is being appealed from, he has abandoned the issue, which was not briefed properly to address the basis of the district court's ruling. United States v. TaveraJaimes, 609 Fed.Appx. 254, 255 (5th Cir. 2015) (per curiam); see also Friend v. Valley View Cmty. Unit Sch. Dist. 365U, 789 F.3d 707, 712 (7th Cir. 2015) (striking argument sections from an appellate brief that did not inform [the court] why the district court erred and, indeed, could not respond to the district court's decision, since each section [was] directly copied and pasted, essentially word for word from the underlying filings). Lanier also asserts that the question violated the Confrontation Clause because it assumed facts not in evidence thus transforming the prosecutor into an unconfronted fact witness. When combined with a witness's testimony, the questions of a prosecutor designed to introduce testimony about out-of-court testimony that would otherwise be inadmissible hearsay, can violate the Confrontation Clause. United States v. Kizzee, No. 16-20397, F.3d , , 2017 WL 6398243, at *3 (5th Cir. Dec. 15, 2017). But see United States v. Solis, 299 F.3d 420, 442 (5th Cir. 2002) (holding that because closing arguments do not constitute evidence, a prosecutor's statement did not implicate the Confrontation Clause). Here, the prosecutor's questioning was not designed to introduce inadmissible hearsay evidence but to impeach the witness. Moreover, the district court found that documents in evidence provided support for the decline in the stock price, meaning the prosecutor's reference to the decline was not objectionable at all. Lanier has shown no error relating to the EpicEdge question. D. Attorney Disqualification Challenges Generally, the existence of a conflict of interest is a legal question subject to de novo review. See, e.g., United States v. Garza, 429 F.3d 165, 171 (5th Cir. 2005) (conflict between defendant and own counsel). With respect to criminal matters, the Supreme Court establish[ed] a categorical rule against the appointment of an interested prosecutor, adherence to which requires no subtle calculations of judgment. Young v. U.S. ex rel. Vuitton et Fils S.A., 481 U.S. 787, 814, 107 S.Ct. 2124, 2141, 95 L.Ed.2d 740 (1987). Accordingly, our standard of review is de novo with respect to the legal question of conflict, and reversal is automatic if conflict is found. See id. (holding that harmless-error analysis is inappropriate in reviewing the appointment of an interested prosecutor). Prior to trial, the district court rejected Lanier's efforts to disqualify prosecutor John Lewis. Lanier assigns error, alleging Lewis was conflicted out of the prosecution. Lanier advances two theories. First, Lanier alleges that Lewis disclosed materials obtained through a criminal investigation for the benefit of a party in a civil action and then teamed up with that party to pursue an indictment of Lanier. We have reviewed the record as it relates to this accusation and find that Lewis acted at all times with a proper investigative purpose, in the clear interest of his office, and in an open and forthright manner. What information he shared was for the documented purpose of advanc[ing] the government's investigation of Mr. Ballow, and the decision was made only after giving Ballow's counsel an opportunity to object. Indeed, the episode of which Lanier complains was fully documented across five letters between the parties, and we can find nothing resembling objectionable conduct on Lewis's part. Lanier's second attorney-disqualification theory is nearly as risible. Years ago, when acting as an attorney for Ballow, Lanier accused Lewis of prosecutorial misconduct. The accusation was frivolous and incomprehensible; it went nowhere. Lanier's unilateral actan unfounded, unpursued, difficult-to-parse accusationdid not create a conflict of interest forever disqualifying Lewis from prosecuting Lanier. E. Sentencing Challenges Lanier contends the district court erred by failing to classify him as a minimal or minor participant in the conspiracy for purposes of sentencing. Such a designation would have rendered him eligible for a lighter sentence recommendation under the Guidelines. The standard of review is clear error. United States v. TorresHernandez, 843 F.3d 203, 207 (5th Cir. 2016). We have already rejected Lanier's attempts to minimize his role in the conspiracy. While he doubtless played a lesser role than did Ballow, the conspiracy's ringleader, Lanier has not shown that he was substantially less culpable than the conspiracy's average participant.' Id. at 205, 207 (quoting 3B1.2 cmt. n.3(A)). His related, but broader, argument that the sentence was substantively unreasonable is also unavailing. The 204month sentence was within the properly calculated Guidelines range and enjoys a presumption of reasonableness that Lanier has failed to rebut. See United States v. Cooks, 589 F.3d 173, 186 (5th Cir. 2009). The district court found that victims of Ballow's fraudulent scheme lost more than $37 million and ordered restitution in the amount of $37,544,944.16. Alleging that ESOL shares retain value, Lanier contends that this loss calculation is flawed to the extent that it treats the victims' ESOL investments as a total loss. Assuming the soundness of the argument's premise, Lanier has failed to show that the district court clearly erred. United States v. Brown, 727 F.3d 329, 341 (5th Cir. 2013). To the contrary, the evidence in the record indicates that ESOL investments are entirely worthless. III. CONCLUSION The convictions as to Counts 16 and 17 are VACATED. In all other respects, the judgment is AFFIRMED. As the sentence imposed on Counts 16 and 17 was to run concurrently with the sentence imposed on the remaining counts, resentencing is not necessary. Nonetheless, we REMAND so that the district court can issue a judgment reducing the special assessment and otherwise reflecting our decision. FOOTNOTES . There is evidence that Lanier knew Barrowcliff did not exist. Even as he was working with Ghais, Lanier continued to work with Garza and Ballow on reviving Medra. Because of Barrowcliff's purported status with Medra, the corporation could not obtain a federal tax identification number without providing her social security number. Lanier promised to find a solution to the problem. Of course, if she were a legitimate person, the obvious answer would have been simply to ask her for the social security number. Lanier's ultimate proposal was to use someone's social security number and hope to not get caught. In his words: the only way to get fed tax id is to go ahead and use someone's ss# on the officer line [they] didn't use to require such but no way around having some # in that slotnot sure if its cross matched later for tax purposes should corp not pay its taxes etc. . Each asserted act fails for multiple reasons. For purposes of efficiency, we have discussed only the common reason shared by all of them. This opinion should not be read to suggest that the government's theories found traction with this court in any respect. . We present the allegation as made by Lanier. The actual evidence in the record belies the substance of the accusation. . Lanier states that questions regarding attorney disqualification are reviewed for plain error, citing U.S. ex rel. S.E.C. v. Carter, 907 F.2d 484, 488 (5th Cir. 1990). He fails to note, however, that in Carter, the appellant did not seek disqualification before the trial court or even raise the issue on appeal. See 907 F.2d at 485, 488. The plain-error standard applied in that case because the court raised the issue sua sponte. See id. . Regrettably, this very appeal shows how loose counsel can be with accusation of prosecutorial misconduct. While attorneys must zealously represent their clients, we lament the willingness of Lanier's counsel to distort the record and challenge opposing counsel's integrity with accusations that (in our view) could not have been made in good faith. . Lanier also argues that the loss calculation included losses beyond what Lanier could have foreseen. But this argument rests on the already-rejected contention that Lanier's role in the conspiracy was limited to unwinding a transaction involving Medra. REAVLEY, Circuit Judge: United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. DANIEL J. TAYLOR, aka Danny J. Taylor, aka Billy J. Taylor, aka Germaine L. Thompson, aka Joseph Taylor, Defendant-Appellant. No. 17-5302 Decided: January 03, 2018 BEFORE: SUHRHEINRICH, GRIFFIN, and THAPAR, Circuit Judges. Daniel J. Taylor appeals the district court's denial of his motion to withdraw his guilty plea. As set forth below, we affirm. Pursuant to a written plea agreement under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(c)(1)(C), Taylor pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with carjacking in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2119. Over a month later, Taylor moved to withdraw his guilty plea, asserting that he was innocent and wished to proceed to trial. At the hearing on the motion, Taylor also requested appointment of new counsel based on his belief that defense counsel was providing ineffective assistance and not acting in his best interests. At the conclusion of the hearing, the district court considered the factors identified in United States v. Bashara, 27 F.3d 1174, 1181 (6th Cir. 1994), and denied Taylor's motion to withdraw his guilty plea. The district court subsequently appointed new counsel. At sentencing, Taylor renewed his motion to withdraw his guilty plea, which the district court denied. After reviewing the sentencing factors under 18 U.S.C. 3553(a), the district court accepted the parties' agreement and sentenced Taylor to 156 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. In this timely appeal, Taylor challenges the district court's denial of his motion to withdraw his guilty plea. We review the district court's decision for abuse of discretion. United States v. Giorgio, 802 F.3d 845, 848 (6th Cir. 2015). After the district court accepts a guilty plea, the defendant may withdraw the plea if the defendant can show a fair and just reason for requesting the withdrawal. Fed. R. Crim. P. 11(d)(2)(B). The purpose of Rule 11(d) is to allow a hastily entered plea made with unsure heart and confused mind to be undone, not to allow a defendant to make a tactical decision to enter a plea, wait several weeks, and then obtain a withdrawal if he believes that he made a bad choice in pleading guilty. United States v. Dixon, 479 F.3d 431, 436 (6th Cir. 2007) (quoting United States v. Alexander, 948 F.2d 1002, 1004 (6th Cir. 1991)). In determining whether a defendant has shown a fair and just reason, we consider the totality of the circumstances, including the following factors: (1) the amount of time that elapsed between the plea and the motion to withdraw it; (2) the presence (or absence) of a valid reason for the failure to move for withdrawal earlier in the proceedings; (3) whether the defendant has asserted or maintained his innocence; (4) the circumstances underlying the entry of the guilty plea; (5) the defendant's nature and background; (6) the degree to which the defendant has had prior experience with the criminal justice system; and (7) potential prejudice to the government if the motion to withdraw is granted. United States v. Catchings, 708 F.3d 710, 717-18 (6th Cir. 2013) (quoting Bashara, 27 F.3d at 1181). The Bashara factors are a general, non-exclusive list and no one factor is controlling. United States v. Bazzi, 94 F.3d 1025, 1027 (6th Cir. 1996) (per curiam). Taylor filed his motion to withdraw on December 19, 201656 days after he signed the plea agreement and 46 days after he entered his guilty plea. This court has found that similar periods of delay support the denial of a motion to withdraw. See Bashara, 27 F.3d at 1181 (six-week delay); United States v. Goldberg, 862 F.2d 101, 104 (6th Cir. 1988) (55-day delay); United States v. Spencer, 836 F.2d 236, 239 (6th Cir. 1987) (five-week delay). Taylor contends that he told defense counsel that he wanted to withdraw his guilty plea on December 6, 2016, during their first meeting after the change-of-plea hearing, and that the length of time between his guilty plea and his stated desire to withdraw did not constitute significant delay. As the district court pointed out, the delay of over a month did not reflect any sort of a mistake on Taylor's part in deciding to plead guilty. Taylor provided no explanation for his delay other than limited phone access. Taylor purportedly maintained his innocence with defense counsel. In the plea agreement and during the change-of-plea hearing, however, Taylor admitted that he committed the carjacking and affirmed that he was pleading guilty because he was in fact guilty. The circumstances underlying Taylor's guilty plea support the denial of his motion to withdraw. Taylor's guilty plea was not hastily entered. The district court granted Taylor four extensions of the plea deadline. During the nearly six months between Taylor's initial appearance and his guilty plea, the parties engaged in extensive negotiations resulting in the Rule 11(c)(1)(C) agreement. The transcript of the change-of-plea hearing reflects that the magistrate judge complied with Rule 11 and that Taylor's guilty plea was knowing, voluntary, and intelligent. See Dixon, 479 F.3d at 434. Although Taylor claimed that he did not understand a lot of things during the change-of-plea hearing, he failed to specify what he did not understand. (RE 54, Page ID ## 331-32). As the district court pointed out, given Taylor's experience with the justice system, [i]t's very hard to believe that [he] did not understand what [he was] doing when [he] pled guilty and when [he] entered the plea agreement. (RE 54, Page ID # 334). According to Taylor, the magistrate judge should not have conducted the change-of-plea hearing because the magistrate judge had previously represented him. Defense counsel discussed the prior representation issue with Taylor before the change-of-plea hearing, and Taylor waived any potential conflict of interest. After reviewing the transcript from the change-of-plea hearing, the district court found that the magistrate judge handled everything very well and that there was nothing else that the magistrate judge could have possibly done that he didn't do. (RE 54, Page ID ## 329-30). At the time of his guilty plea, Taylor was 50 years old and had obtained his GED. Taylor had a great deal of prior experience with the justice system, as evidenced by his criminal history category of V. (RE 54, Page ID # 334). In addition to numerous state convictions, Taylor had a prior federal conviction and was serving a term of supervised release when he committed the carjacking. Taylor argues that the district court either ignored or at least misapplied the Bashara factors, pointing to the government's concession that granting the motion to withdraw would result in minimal prejudice to the government. However, prejudice to the government need not be established or considered unless and until the defendant has established a fair and just reason for vacating his plea. Alexander, 948 F.2d at 1004. Having found that Taylor had failed to meet his burden under Rule 11(d)(2)(B) to show a fair and just reason for requesting the withdrawal, the district court was not required to address prejudice to the government. Taylor further contends that the district court did not conduct a meaningful inquiry into his allegations of ineffective assistance of counsel. During the hearing on Taylor's motion to withdraw, the district court asked Taylor to explain his basis for requesting new counsel. Taylor made two specific complaints: (1) defense counsel allowed him to waive any potential conflict of interest with the magistrate judge and (2) defense counsel had not obtained additional discovery that Taylor believed existed. The district court addressed these arguments. After reviewing the transcript from the change-of-plea hearing, the district court found that the magistrate judge handled everything very well and did not see anything that would have been different, in the least, with any other magistrate judge that [Taylor] might have appeared before. (RE 54, Page ID # 330). With respect to discovery, defense counsel asserted that discovery had been provided to Taylor and that there was no reason to believe that there was additional discovery. Given that Taylor failed to specify what discovery materials were missing or how any missing discovery would have affected his decision to plead guilty, the district court stated that it did not have enough information to make a decision on this issue. At sentencing, new counsel renewed Taylor's motion to withdraw his guilty plea based on ineffective assistance of counsel and, when asked by the district court, failed to offer any additional information about prior counsel's alleged ineffectiveness. Our consideration of the Bashara factors leads to the conclusion that the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying Taylor's motion to withdraw his guilty plea. Accordingly, we AFFIRM the district court's judgment. PER CURIAM. United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff-Appellee, v. RICHARD THORNTON; KEENEN CRANE; DAVID TATUM, Defendants-Appellants. Nos. 16-5429 Decided: January 03, 2018 BEFORE: BATCHELDER, GRIFFIN, and WHITE, Circuit Judges. Appellants Richard Thornton, Keenen Crane, and David Tatum were members of a large bank-fraud conspiracy. The conspiracy took place between March 2014 and February 2015, reached across thirteen states, and included approximately 1,400 counterfeit checks and almost $3 million in intended loss. The conspirators stole checks from businesses' mailboxes, targeting industrial or business parks, used the stolen checks to create fake business checksmade out to homeless individuals whom they had recruited to cash the fake checksand fleeced local banks for a day or two before moving on to another town. The conspirators were eventually caught and pleaded guilty. Thornton, Crane, and Tatum appeal several sentencing issues. For the reasons that follow, we affirm. I. Thornton, Crane, and Tatum were indicted in March 2015 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. Thornton and Tatum were both charged with (1) conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1349; (2) bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1344; and (3) aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1028A. Crane was charged only with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1349. Each of three pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and raised several objections at sentencing. Thornton, Crane, and Tatum were sentenced to within-Guidelines sentences of 136 months, 80 months, and 66 months of imprisonment, respectively. Each timely appealed his sentence. The present consolidated appeals raise four issues regarding the procedural and substantive reasonableness of their sentences. First, each of the appellants argues that the district court erred in calculating his advisory Guidelines range by applying a two-level enhancement for using a means of identification in the offense. Second, Crane and Tatum argue that the district court erred by applying a two-level enhancement for relocation of the scheme to evade law enforcement. Third, Crane argues that the district court clearly erred in calculating the intended loss amount attributed to him. Finally, Crane argues that the district court abused its discretion by failing to grant his request for a downward variance. II. Sentencing challenges are reviewed for abuse of discretion. United States v. Coppenger, 775 F.3d 799, 802 (6th Cir. 2015) (citations omitted). We review a sentence for procedural reasonableness, including whether the district court properly calculated a defendant's Guidelines range. United States v. Jackson, ___ F.3d ___, No. 16-2415, 2017 WL 6015425, at *2 (6th Cir. Dec. 5, 2017) (quoting United States v. Seymour, 739 F.3d 923, 929 (6th Cir. 2014)). We also review a sentence for substantive reasonableness, including whether a district court imposed a sentence arbitrarily, based on impermissible factors, or unreasonably weighed a pertinent factor. Coppenger, 775 F.3d at 803 (citing United States v. Adkins, 729 F.3d 559, 563 (6th Cir. 2013)). A district court's interpretation of the Guidelines is a legal question that we review de novo. United States v. Duke, 870 F.3d 397, 401 (6th Cir. 2017). But with respect to a district court's application of the Guidelines, we review the district court's factual findings for clear error and mixed questions of law and fact de novo. Id. (quoting United States v. Tolbert, 668 F.3d 798, 800 (6th Cir. 2012)). A finding is clearly erroneous where, although there is evidence to support it, the reviewing court on the entire evidence is left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed. Id. (quoting Tolbert, 668 F.3d at 800). A. Means-of-Identification Enhancement Thornton, Crane, and Tatum argue that the district court erred in calculating their advisory Guidelines ranges by applying a two-level enhancement for using a means of identification in the offense. The means-of-identification enhancement states: If the offense involved the unauthorized transfer or use of any means of identification unlawfully to produce or obtain any other means of identification increase by 2 levels. USSG 2B1.1(b)(11)(C)(i). The term [p]roduce includes manufacture, design, alter, authenticate, duplicate, or assemble. USSG 2B1.1, comment. (n.10(A)). And [m]eans of identification has the meaning given that term in 18 U.S.C. 1028(d)(7), except that such means of identification shall be of an actual (i.e., not fictitious) individual USSG 2B1.1, comment. (n.1). Section 1028(d)(7) defines means of identification as any name or number that may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a specific individual, including any(A) name, social security number, date of birth (C) unique electronic identification number, address, or routing code See United States v. Johnson, 658 F. App'x 244, 24546 (6th Cir. 2016). This particular enhancement is appropriate where a person uses one means of identification to generate another. United States v. Gonzalez, 644 F. App'x 456, 464 (6th Cir. 2016) (citing USSG 2B1.1, comment. (backg'd)). The district court properly applied the means-of-identification enhancement. The district court found (and Thornton and Crane admit) that, although the aim of the conspiracy was to steal, forge, and cash business checks, on one occasion a personal check was stolen and counterfeited during the course of the conspiracy. From that personal check, the conspirators created seven counterfeit checks payable to three different individuals. That is, during the course of the conspiracy the conspirators stole at least two unique means of identification from that personal check: an actual person's name and that individual's bank account and routing number. They used those means of identification to producemanufacture, alter, duplicate, or assemblecounterfeit personal checks. The counterfeit personal checks included at least two means of identification from the original personal check: an actual person's name and that individual's bank account and routing number. The conspirators' theft and counterfeiting of a personal check is sufficient to support application of the means-of-identification enhancement. See United States v. Norwood, 774 F.3d 476, 482 (8th Cir. 2014) (We read the Guidelines's definition of produce to include duplicating a means of identification such as a bank account number and transferring it onto a new medium, such as a counterfeit check.). Thornton, Crane, and Tatum present two reasons why the enhancement should not apply. Neither has any merit. First, they argue that the district court interpreted the term involve, as used in USSG 2B1.1(b)(11)(C), too broadly. They assert that the plain meaning of the term involve requires more than a limited use of an actual person's identification. In construing the Guidelines, we employ the traditional tools of statutory interpretation, beginning with the text's plain meaning. United States v. Babcock, 753 F.3d 587, 591 (6th Cir. 2014) (citation omitted). As the district court found, the plain meaning of the term involve does not include a substantiality requirement. The term involve means [t]o contain as a part; include, American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 921 (4th ed. 2000), or to have within or as a part of itself, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 617 (10th ed. 1994). See also United States v. Scheels, 846 F.3d 1341, 1342 (11th Cir. 2017); United States v. Montgomery, 468 F.3d 715, 71920 (10th Cir. 2006). The plain meaning of the term includes even slight inclusion. See Plane v. United States, 750 F. Supp. 1358, 1373 n.4 (W.D. Mich. 1990). Even though the personal check was not a large part of the overall conspiracy offense, it was still involvedcontained or includedin the offense to which Thornton, Crane, and Tatum pled guilty. Second, they argue that the enhancement was not intended to apply to their conduct here. Instead, they argue, the means-of-identification enhancement was designed to punish breeding offenses: using means of identification to obtain new means of identification, such as opening a new account or a new line of credit. See United States v. Williams, 355 F.3d 893, 898900 (6th Cir. 2003) (discussing breeding offenses). But, [t]he language of the statute is the starting point for interpretation, and it should also be the ending point if the plain meaning of that language is clear. United States v. Henry, 819 F.3d 856, 870 (6th Cir. 2016) (quoting United States v. Jackson, 635 F.3d 205, 209 (6th Cir. 2011)). The intent of the Sentencing Commission and Congress does not overcome the plain language of the Guidelines. We are further persuaded by the several other circuits that have upheld application of the means-of-identification enhancement in similar circumstances, where the original means of identification was duplicated onto another medium rather than used to obtain a different or new of means of identification. See United States v. Sash, 396 F.3d 515, 524 (2d Cir. 2005) (noting that even if the court were to resort to the background commentary of the means-of-identification enhancement, nothing in the commentary requires that identity theft or breeding be found in order to apply the [e]nhancement); accord Norwood, 774 F.3d at 482; United States v. Newsome, 439 F.3d 181, 185 (3d Cir. 2006); United States v. Melendrez, 389 F.3d 829, 83334 (9th Cir. 2004). We hold that the district court properly applied the means-of-identification enhancement in calculating Thornton's, Crane's, and Tatum's advisory Guidelines ranges. B. Relocation Enhancement Crane and Tatum assert that the district court erred in calculating their advisory Guidelines ranges by applying a two-level enhancement for relocating the scheme to evade law enforcement. We find no error. The relocation enhancement is found at USSG 2B1.1(b)(10)(A): If (A) the defendant relocated, or participated in relocating, a fraudulent scheme to another jurisdiction to evade law enforcement or regulatory officials increase by 2 levels. This enhancement punish[es] multi-jurisdictional criminal enterprises and criminal methods that prevent detection by law enforcement. United States v. Lyles, 506 F. App'x 440, 447 (6th Cir. 2012). This court and others have found that the relocation enhancement applies where travel to other jurisdictions was a key component of a fraud scheme. See United States v. Savarese, 686 F.3d 1, 1516 (1st Cir. 2012) (affirming relocation enhancement because the theft and fraudulent use of credit cards in a variety of locations comprised the heart of the enterprise); United States v. Hessa, 464 F. App'x 473, 475 (6th Cir. 2012) (affirming relocation enhancement because the logical explanation for defendant's travel to numerous states to make fraudulent returns was to avoid detection); accord United States v. Johnson, 486 F. App'x 412, 414 (5th Cir. 2012). Relocation need not be motivated by a specific threat of arrest as opposed to a more general intent to evade law enforcement. United States v. Vega-Iturrino, 565 F.3d 430, 433 (8th Cir. 2009); accord United States v. Braxton, 374 F. App'x 248, 24950 (3d Cir. 2010). The district court properly applied the relocation enhancement. The district court determined that relocation was key to the scheme. The very essence of this conspiracy was getting as much money as possible through cashing counterfeit checks and then leaving that jurisdiction before law enforcement was able to detect the activity. Even though the conspirators presented some evidence that many of them lived in the Atlanta area, the district court rejected the argument that Atlanta was the hub of operations because [t]here's really no evidence that the parties met, planned, divvied up the money, [or] made decisions about where [they were] going to go next from Atlanta. The district court found that the conspirators effectively carried their conspiracy with them to each new town, relocating the scheme each time they changed location. See Hessa, 464 F. App'x at 475. Crane and Tatum argue that the district court should have interpreted the term relocate to mean the moving of something with a fixed location, citing United States v. Hines-Flagg, 789 F.3d 751, 755 (7th Cir. 2015), and United States v. Morris, 153 F. App'x 556, 55758 (11th Cir. 2005). Crane and Tatum's argument is incorrect for two reasons. First, the plain meaning of the term relocate does not require permanency or intent to remain in the new location. The term relocate means [t]o move or be moved to a new place, American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 1525 (3d ed. 1992), or to locate again; establish or lay out in a new place; to move to a new location, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 988 (10th ed. 1994). See Morris, 153 F. App'x at 558. Second, Hines-Flagg and Morris are inapposite because the schemes in those cases operated in multiple jurisdictions with a specific location as a home base. In Hines-Flagg, the defendant would research victims and make fake identifications using her home computer in Detroit. Hines-Flagg, 789 F.3d at 753. And, even though she would leave Detroit twice a year to open store credit cards and use the fraudulent identifications, she would return to Detroit to fence the merchandise she bought. Id. at 75374. As the Seventh Circuit explained, the scheme was not relocated to Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois when HinesFlagg traveled to those locations for temporary trips and returned to Detroit. Id. at 755. Similarly, the Morris defendants left town on a temporary basis and returned to their home base in the Northern District of Georgia. Morris, 153 F. App'x at 558. The conspiracy at issue here did not include a home base of operations. Instead, as the district court found, the scheme moved with the conspirators from town to town. Crane and Tatum also argue that the district court clearly erred by finding that they relocated for the purpose of evading law enforcement, because, they assert, the entire scheme was dedicated to changing locations. This court has previously rejected similar method of operation arguments. See Hessa, 464 F. App'x at 475 (rejecting the argument that the defendant did not have a purpose of evading law enforcement and was instead defrauding different stores as a method of operation); accord Lyles, 506 F. App'x at 448. In this case, the government presented evidence that the relevant bank fraud was completed in each new location: the conspirators would steal checks, recruit check cashers, make the counterfeit checksusing the computer and printer that they carried with them specifically for that purposeand cash the counterfeit checks before leaving town. The conspirators presented minimal evidence disputing the government's proof, and the district court properly found that the conspirators' relocation was done with a purpose of avoiding detection. Obviously, staying in one location too long would result in banks and branches of banks providing notification to law enforcement, and it would be very difficult to continue the scheme. Based on this information, the district court did not clearly err by finding that the scheme was relocated to evade law enforcement, and the court properly applied the relocation enhancement. C. Loss Amount Crane argues that the district court clearly erred in calculating the loss amount attributed to him. It did not. We review the district court's calculation of the amount of loss' for clear error, but consider the methodology behind it de novo. United States v. Washington, 715 F.3d 975, 984 (6th Cir. 2013) (citing United States v. Poulsen, 655 F.3d 492, 51213 (6th Cir. 2011)). The loss amount is the greater of actual loss or intended loss. USSG 2B1.1, comment. (n.3(A)). Here, the parties do not dispute that the intended loss amount is greater. Intended loss' (I) means the pecuniary harm that the defendant purposely sought to inflict; and (II) includes intended pecuniary harm that would have been impossible or unlikely to occur. Id. 2B1.1, comment. (n.3(A)(ii)). The court need only make a reasonable estimate of the loss, and the court's loss determination is entitled to deference. Id. 2B1.1, comment. (n.3(C)). [A] court does not have to establish the value of the loss with precision; it simply needs to publish the resolution of contested factual matters that formed the basis of the calculation. United States v. Patel, ___ F. App'x ___, No. 15-2001, 2017 WL 4461040, at *2 (6th Cir. Oct. 6, 2017) (quoting Poulsen, 655 F.3d at 513). To find whether the district court erred in calculating the loss amount, we must determine (1) whether the amount was in dispute; (2) if it was in dispute, whether the district court adequately ruled on the disputed amount; and (3) if the district court ruled, whether the factual findings indicate clear error. Id. (quoting Poulsen, 655 F.3d at 513). Crane disputed the intended loss amount, which was determined by the district court during a two-day evidentiary hearing in which the government presented evidence that the conspirators used a computer and VersaCheck programa software program for writing and printing checksto write and print the counterfeit checks. Forensic review of that computer revealed saved images of stolen checks and authorized signatures and the VersaCheck program, which contained a detailed ledger of the counterfeit checks that the conspirators had printed and a database of account information for various financial institutions, businesses, and payees. The VersaCheck ledger revealed that approximately 1,416 checks had been printed between March 4, 2014, and February 10, 2015, totaling approximately $2,980,022.68 and including over 100 victims. The government calculated the conspiracy's intended loss amount by corroborating the raw data from the VersaCheck ledger with conspirator testimony and documentation from the financial institutions and businesses targeted by the conspiracy. In response, Crane asserted that the VersaCheck ledger was not an accurate representation of intended loss because the government could not prove that the conspirators intended each check they printed to be cashed. Crane argued, instead, that the district court should adopt a loss-amount formula based on the average number of successful payouts and confirmed checks used per business per payee. The district court adequately explained why it rejected Crane's argument. The district court credited the government's evidence and determined that the government's calculation, based on the VersaCheck ledger, witness testimony, and corroborating documents, was a conservative estimation of the intended loss and that the ledger demonstrated the conspirators' intent to cause loss. Specifically, the district court found that the printed checks were given to conspirators who managed the check-cashers, and then, based on the success of the check-cashers and the subjective evaluation of the conspirators, the check-cashers would be given additional checks to cash. Based on this evidence, the district court found that, even though only some of the printed checks were cashed, the intent to defraud these businesses [was] adequately demonstrated by the check[s] that were printed and provided to these individuals. The indicted conspirators were then each held accountable for the intended loss that occurred during his or her admitted timeframe of participation in the conspiracy. The district court's factual findings were not clearly erroneous. Based upon evidence presented during the evidentiary hearing, the district court properly determined that the ledger of printed checks was an accurate record of intended loss because it adequately represented the amount of harm that the conspirators sought to inflict. Crane presented minimal evidence to counter the government's proof, instead pointing to the lack of corroborating physical documentation for some of the entries in the ledger. The district court's factual conclusions regarding the loss amount are due deference in this complicated fraud case, and Crane's quibbling is insufficient to undermine those conclusions. The district court did not clearly err in calculating the intended loss amount. D. Downward Variance Sentence Finally, Crane argues that the district court abused its discretion by failing to vary downward, based upon the economic reality principle and the difference between the intended loss ($1,701,529.21) and the actual loss ($263,555.17) attributed to him. A properly calculated, within-Guidelines sentence is presumed to be substantively reasonable. See Rita v. United States, 551 U.S. 338, 347 (2007); United States v. Vonner, 516 F.3d 382, 38990 (6th Cir. 2008). We have recognized that the economic-reality principle may be relevant [w]here sentencing is based largely or solely on intended loss. United States v. McBride, 362 F.3d 360, 375 (6th Cir. 2004). The underlying theory behind this principle is that where a defendant devises an ambitious scheme obviously doomed to fail and which causes little or no actual loss, it may be unfair to sentence based on the intended (but highly improbable) loss determination from the [ 2B1.1] table. Id. (alteration in original) (citation omitted). But the economic-reality principle is inapplicable where the fraud scheme was not obviously doomed to fail, nor were the losses from the scheme highly improbable. United States v. Jordan, 544 F.3d 656, 672-73 (6th Cir. 2008); see McBride, 362 F.3d at 375. Crane's 66-month sentence is near the middle of the applicable advisory Guidelines range, and he has not rebutted the presumption of reasonableness. The district court properly considered Crane's variance argument and explained its reasons for imposing a sentence within the Guidelines range. The district court explained that a variance based on the economic-reality principle was unwarranted here, first, because the fraud was a successful scheme. The district court determined that the scheme was not doomed to fail and the losses were not highly improbable. Second, the district court specifically considered the McBride case and explained that a variance was unwarranted here because the disparity between the actual and intended loss amounts attributed to Crane was not as significant as the disparity justifying departure in McBride. Crane's 66-month sentence is not substantively unreasonable, and the district court did not abuse its discretion by imposing it. III. For the foregoing reasons, we AFFIRM the judgments of the district court. FOOTNOTES . Tatum argues that the theft and counterfeiting of a personal check should not have been attributed to him as relevant offense conduct because he could not reasonably foresee that activity. This argument was not presented to the district court. The argument, therefore, is waived and we apply plain-error review. Jackson, ___ F.3d at ___, 2017 WL 6015425, at *3. As Tatum did not present any evidence to counter the government's proof of his knowledge of and agreement to the bank-fraud conspiracy, we cannot find that the district court plainly erred by finding Tatum responsible for the theft and counterfeiting of a personal check that occurred in connection with that conspiracy. . We focus on these particular dictionary editions because the means-of-identification enhancement was added to the Guidelines (originally at 2F1.1(b)) in Guidelines Amendment 596 in November 2000, see USSG Supp. to App. C (2001), and it has remained largely unchanged since that time. In determining the plain meaning of a term, we give terms the ordinary meaning that they carried when the provision was put into effect. United States v. Henry, 819 F.3d 856, 870 (6th Cir. 2016) (quoting Norfolk S. Ry. Co. v. Perez, 778 F.3d 507, 512 (6th Cir. 2015)). We note that the meaning of the term involve has not changed significantly since that time. . The district court also found that the conspirators stole and duplicated an authorized payor's signature on many of the counterfeit business checks and that such conduct was also grounds to apply the means-of-identification enhancement. The Eighth Circuit has recently held the same. See United States v. Weaver, 866 F.3d 882, 884 (8th Cir. 2017) (citing cases in support). We need not address this matter, however, because the conspirators' theft and counterfeiting of a personal check is sufficient ground on which to affirm the application of the enhancement. . We focus on these particular dictionary editions because the relocation enhancement was added to the Guidelines (originally at 2F1.1(b)) in Guidelines Amendment 577 in November 1998, see USSG Supp. to App. C (2001), and has remained largely unchanged since that time. See supra note 2. The meaning of the term relocate also has not changed significantly since that time. . Crane argues that this objection is subject to de novo review because he claims to dispute the district court's calculation methodology. However, it is not the district court's methodology that Crane disputes, but rather the factual conclusions that the district court used to support its methodology. We therefore apply clear-error review. ALICE M. BATCHELDER, Circuit Judge. the complete review - fiction Record of a Night too Brief by Kawakami Hiromi general information | review summaries | our review | links | about the author Japanese title: Translated by Lucy North - Return to top of the page - Our Assessment: B : vivid and creative tales See our review for fuller assessment. Review Summaries Source Rating Date Reviewer The Japan Times . 27/5/2017 Damian Flanagan SCMP . 9/2/2017 James Kidd From the Reviews : "The quality of the stories in Record of a Night Too Brief steadily improves as Kawakami moves away from simple dream narratives and experiments with psychology and magic realism instead. (...) Kawakami might not be operating on the same intellectual parnassus as Soseki and Kuroswawa, but she is able to give entertaining takes -- filled with dream-like insight -- on the peculiarities of modern life, fusing both South American-style magical realism with the folklore concepts of being spirited away and snake-human transformations." - Damian Flanagan, The Japan Times steadily improves as Kawakami moves away from simple dream narratives and experiments with psychology and magic realism instead. (...) Kawakami might not be operating on the same intellectual parnassus as Soseki and Kuroswawa, but she is able to give entertaining takes -- filled with dream-like insight -- on the peculiarities of modern life, fusing both South American-style magical realism with the folklore concepts of being spirited away and snake-human transformations." - "At once funny and humane, the authors estranging fiction is bewitching. If Japan were in need of a Lewis Carroll, look no further." - James Kidd, South China Morning Post Please note that these ratings solely represent the complete review 's biased interpretation and subjective opinion of the actual reviews and do not claim to accurately reflect or represent the views of the reviewers. Similarly the illustrative quotes chosen here are merely those the complete review subjectively believes represent the tenor and judgment of the review as a whole. We acknowledge (and remind and warn you) that they may, in fact, be entirely unrepresentative of the actual reviews by any other measure. - Return to top of the page - The complete review 's Review : Record of a Night too Brief collects three stories, the last of which -- 'A Snake Stepped On' -- both won the prestigious Akutagawa Prize (one of the leading Japanese literary prizes) and was the title used when this collection was first published in Japanese. The English translation takes its title from the first of the stories; like the others, this one features surreal physical distortions beginning with the night literally "nibbling into" the narrator. The story 'Record of a Night too Brief' is itself divided into nineteen short, titled chapters -- steps and stages through a transformative night, the second already promising: 'Chaos'. It's a story of surreal encounters, exchanges, and changes: time flows unevenly, while physical form -- personal and otherwise -- is transformed. The narrator pours coffee -- only to find she is pouring night; a fire consumes her "so completely that not even our bones were left" (yet she can immediately complain: "'Why do you do such things ?' I asked angrily"). It's a creative trip, wildly imagined, with an effective contrast of everyday reaction to the completely absurd. It is certainly action-packed -- but practically loses itself in it's own rapid-flow adventures. The middle story, 'Missing', is set in a somewhat more stable world, closer to our own -- yet also with some striking differences. The narrator is a young woman in a family, with two older brothers; among the oddities of this world or society is that traditionally families live together in groups of five -- one leaving whenever a new member is added. It's not a hard and fast rule, but in her family it's still the case. The story begins with her eldest brother going missing -- simply vanishing into thin air, more or less. It's not entirely surprising: there's a family history of people (and objects) going missing. And sometimes reappearing. And even though the brother is gone, he's sometimes back as a 'presence': My brother no. 1's presence would come and go; at times it was intense, at times quite faint. Of everyone in the family, I was the one who was most sensitive to it. "Well, you stepped on me," the human being announced, "so now I don't have a choice." - M.A.Orthofer, 4 January 2018 - Return to top of the page - : Pushkin Press publicity page publicity page Excerpt See Index of Japanese literature Other books from Pushkin Press under review - Return to top of the page - About the Author : Japanese author Kawakami Hiromi ( ) was born in 1958. - Return to top of the page - Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. It is said that your health is your responsibility. Of course, it is. 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In the early morning hours of May 2, 2016, a passenger in a Chrysler Pacifica fired multiple rounds at a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling from the Winnebago Indian Reservation to the Omaha Indian Reservation. A federal jury convicted Anthony Whitewater as the shooter. The sole issue on appeal is whether the district court erred in allowing evidence at trial from the photo lineup used to identify Whitewater. Whitewater claims the photo lineup was impermissibly suggestive. We find it was not and affirm the district court. I. Around 1:30 a.m. on the morning of the shooting, Jason Miller and Vincent Wolfe, members of the Omaha Nation Tribe, attended a party on the Winnebago Indian Reservation. Whitewater, a member of the Winnebago Tribe, was also at the party, but left after he got into a fight with another guest. Shortly thereafter, Miller and Wolfe also left the party in Miller's Chevrolet Tahoe. As Miller drove home around 3:30 a.m., a blue Chrysler Pacifica pulled alongside the Tahoe on the driver's side. A man was hanging out of the Pacifica's passenger window, shouting and holding a handgun. Miller recognized him as the man who was ejected from the party based on his neck tattoo and floppy hat depicting marijuana leaves. The passenger fired two shots into the air. As the Tahoe sped away, the Pacifica gave chaseits passenger firing several rounds into the back of the Tahoe. An Omaha Nation law enforcement officer spotted the speeding vehicles and pulled over the Pacifica, after briefly losing visual contact. The Pacifica's driver was Marcus Blackhawk: Whitewater's older brother. There was no passenger, but Blackhawk admitted that his bro had been with him. Blackhawk's girlfriend, Santita Medina, later testified that Whitewater had come to her home earlier that morning around 3:00 a.m. to get Blackhawk. The two men then left in Medina's blue Chrysler Pacifica. Over the next two days, FBI Special Agent Stephen Friend separately interviewed Miller and Wolfe, who both provided almost identical descriptions of the shooter: a Native American male with dark hair, squinty eyes, and a throat tattoo, who was wearing a black floppy hat with green marijuana leaves on it. An FBI employee pulled images from a database that matched Miller and Wolfe's description. In June 2016, Special Agent Friend met with Miller and Wolfe separately to conduct a six-photo lineup, in which both Miller and Wolfe identified Whitewater as the shooter. Whitewater was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country under 18 U.S.C. 113(a)(3) and 1153, use of a firearm during a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. 924(c)(1)(A)(iii) and 1153, and being a felon in possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). The district court denied Whitewater's motion in limine to exclude evidence of the photo lineup and in-court eyewitness identification, finding the lineup was not impermissibly suggestive. At trial, Miller and Wolfe testified that they identified Whitewater from a photo lineup, and both identified Whitewater in court. The jury found Whitewater guilty on all charges, and the court sentenced him to 240 months imprisonment. Whitewater appeals his convictions, claiming the district court improperly allowed evidence from the photo lineup at trial. II. The Due Process Clause protects against the admission of evidence derived from improper identification procedures. Neil v. Biggers, 409 U.S. 188, 196 (1972). We review the admissibility of identification evidence de novo. United States v. Donelson, 450 F.3d 768, 772 (8th Cir. 2006). To determine whether such evidence is admissible, we [first] determine whether the defendant has shown that the identification procedures were impermissibly suggestive. Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). If that showing is made, we examine the totality of the circumstances to determine whether the suggestive procedures created a very substantial likelihood of irreparable misidentification. Id. at 773 (internal quotation marks omitted). Because we find the photo lineup was not impermissibly suggestive, we do not reach the second inquiry. When there are no differences in appearance tending to isolate the accused's photograph, the lineup is not impermissibly suggestive. Schawitsch v. Burt, 491 F.3d 798, 802 (8th Cir. 2007). To create the photo lineup at issue here, the FBI pulled five images from an online database matching the description Miller and Wolfe provided. The district court concluded that the photo lineup was not impermissibly suggestive because [t]he individuals are all males appearing to range from about 20 years of age to as much as 50 years of age. They all are dark-skinned, olive-skinned individuals with very short black hair. And they all have neck tattoos. Whitewater challenges this conclusion by pointing out that he was the only confirmed Native American, the only confirmed resident of the Winnebago or Omaha Reservations, and the only party attendee included in the lineup. No doubt a photo lineup displaying persons of markedly different race or ethnicity may be unduly suggestive. United States v. Wilson, 787 F.2d 375, 385 (8th Cir. 1986). However, a photo lineup is not suggestive solely because the display did not depict persons of the same race or ethnic group. Id. (upholding photo lineup where defendant was the only Hispanic man included). On appeal, Whitewater alleges only that the ethnicity of the other five men in the photo lineup was unknown. But even if Whitewater were in fact the only Native American, all of the men featured in the lineup shared similar physical characteristics such that Whitewater's ethnicity did not isolate him. Furthermore, Whitewater cites no legal authority for his proposition that including only one local resident and party attendee made the lineup suggestive. We therefore agree with the district court that the photo lineup was not impermissibly suggestive. Whitewater also challenges the reliability of the photo lineup identifications, butwhen no improper law enforcement conduct is involveddue process does not require a trial court to screen such evidence for reliability before allowing the jury to assess its creditworthiness. Perry v. New Hampshire, 565 U.S. 228, 245-47 (2012) (listing safeguards built into our adversary system that caution juries against placing undue weight on eyewitness testimony of questionable reliability, including right to confront witnesses and government's burden to prove defendant guilty beyond reasonable doubt). Because the identification procedures were not impermissibly suggestive, the district court properly allowed the evidence of the photo lineup to go to the jury. III. For these reasons, we affirm. FOOTNOTES . The Honorable Laurie Smith Camp, Chief Judge, United States District Court for the District of Nebraska. . Although Whitewater contends that his Native American neck tattoo made him stand out, he cites no evidence in the record suggesting his neck tattoo was distinctively Native American while the other men's were not. SHEPHERD, Circuit Judge. United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Dylan STEWART, an individual, on behalf of himself and all other similarly situated, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. SAN LUIS AMBULANCE, INC., a California Corporation, Defendant-Appellee. No. 15-56943 Decided: December 29, 2017 Before: Johnnie B. Rawlinson and N. Randy Smith, Circuit Judges, and Edward R. Korman,* District Judge. ORDER CERTIFYING QUESTIONS TO THE SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA Before this panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit is an appeal concerning the applicability of meal- and rest-period regulations to the employers of ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts. Also before the panel is the issue of whether meal period violations may form the basis for unpaid wages and improper wage reporting claims under sections 203 and 226 of the California Labor Code. As we are aware of no controlling state precedent that resolves these issues, we respectfully ask the Supreme Court of California to exercise its discretion to accept and decide the certified questions below. I. Questions Certified Pursuant to Rule 8.548 of the California Rules of Court, we request that the Court answer the following questions: 1. Under the California Labor Code and applicable regulations, is an employer of ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts required to relieve attendants of all duties during rest breaks, including the duty to be available to respond to an emergency call if one arises during a rest period? 2. Under the California Labor Code and applicable regulations, may an employer of ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts require attendants to be available to respond to emergency calls during their meal periods without a written agreement that contains an on-duty meal period revocation clause? If such a clause is required, will a general at-will employment clause satisfy this requirement? 3. Do violations of the meal period regulations, which require payment of a premium wage for each improper meal period, give rise to claims under sections 203 and 226 of the California Labor Code where the employer does not include the premium wage in the employee's pay or pay statements during the course of the violations? We understand that the Court may reformulate our questions, and we agree to accept and follow the Court's decision. Cal. R. Ct. 8.548(b)(2), (f)(5). II. Background Dylan Stewart worked as an Emergency Medical Technition (EMT) for San Luis Ambulance, Inc. (SLA) for over a year. As an SLA employee, Stewart had a written agreement (the twenty-four hour shift agreement) with SLA indicating that he was required to remain on duty, and ready to respond to any emergency calls that c[a]me in, throughout all [twenty-four] hours of [his] shifts. Stewart acknowledges that he was paid for all twenty-four hours of his shifts with SLAirrespective of whether he was responding to emergencies; engaging in other employment related duties; or eating, sleeping, or enjoying leisure at the ambulance station. During the course of his employment with SLA, Stewart also worked several shifts of less than twenty-four hours. These shorter shifts were subject to a separate agreement called a Day Car Agreement. Both the twenty-four hour shift agreement and the Day Car Agreement had language stating that meal periods would be paid and meals would be taken on-duty. However, the Day Car Agreement also had explicit language stating that an employee could revoke the on-duty meal period agreement at any time. The twenty-four hour shift agreement did not have this revocation language, but it did have an at-will employment clause indicating that either party could terminate the employment at any time. SLA employees were authorized to take their meal periods and rest periods at any time they were not attending to an emergency call. And SLA required its employees to keep a log of each day's emergency calls. Stewart never reported being unable to take a meal period or rest period, and his activity logs indicate that every day he had time to take meal and rest periods during his employment. Nonetheless, SLA required Stewart to remain available to respond to an emergency call during meal and rest periods. Stewart voluntarily terminated his employment and subsequently brought suit alleging violations of federal and state labor law. At issue here are four California state law claims for violation of regulations as to meal periods, rest periods, failure to timely pay wages, and inaccurate wage statements. The district court granted summary judgment to SLA on each of these claims, and following resolution of other federal- and state-law claims remaining in the lawsuit, Stewart timely appealed. On appeal, Stewart seeks reversal of the award of summary judgment against him, and he asks for summary judgment to be entered in his favor on each of the four state-law claims. With respect to his meal- and rest-period claims, he seeks a judgment that he is entitled to compensation for an additional two hours of work for each day that he worked without proper meal or rest periods. See Cal. Lab. Code 226.7(c). He further claims that he is entitled to an award of statutory penalties for SLA's failure to timely pay or accurately reflect these premium wages in his pay statements. See Cal. Lab. Code 203, 226(e)(1). Having considered the parties' briefs and arguments, we are now convinced that resolution of these claims turns on the proper interpretation of Wage Order 9, in light of the apparent tension between Monzon v. Schaefer Ambulance Service, Inc., 224 Cal.App.3d 16, 273 Cal.Rptr. 615 (1990), and Augustus v. ABM Security Services, Inc., 2 Cal.5th 257, 211 Cal.Rptr.3d 634, 385 P.3d 823 (2016), as modified on denial of rehearing March 15, 2017. We therefore request clarification in order to decide this case. III. Explanation of Certification This case presents two sets of issues that are unresolved under state law. The first involves the application of rest- and meal-period regulations to ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts of duty. The second, which is contingent on resolution of the first issues in favor of Stewart, turns on whether a meal period violation may form the basis for a claim for unpaid wages or improper wage reporting. Each of these issues will be addressed in turn. A. Rest and Meal Periods No controlling precedent establishes whether ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts may be required to remain available for emergency calls during rest and meal periods. Although the Court recently addressed rest periods in Augustus, interpreting Wage Order 4 to require off-duty rest periods, see Augustus, 211 Cal.Rptr.3d 634, 385 P.3d at 82526, Augustus does not control the interpretation of Wage Order 9. Wage Order 9 includes express exemptions to certain overtime requirements in the context of ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts of duty. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 11090, subd. 3(K). Section 3(K) and Monzon are similarly not controllingneither directly addresses payment for meal or rest periods. The parties' dispute turns on the open question of whether section 3(K) and Monzon by implication limit the applicability of the rest-period (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 11090, subd. 12 & Cal. Lab. Code 226.7) and meal-period (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 11090, subd. 11(C)) requirements of Wage Order 9 as applied to ambulance attendants working twenty-four hour shifts of duty. 1. Rest Periods In Augustus, the Court, interpreting Wage Order 4, held that during rest periods employers must relieve employees of all duties and relinquish control over how employees spend their time. 211 Cal.Rptr.3d 634, 385 P.3d at 829, 832 (emphasis added) (The ordinary meaning of rest conveys, in this context, the opposite of work. Rest is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as the [c]essation of work, exertion, or activity. So, ordinarily a reasonable reader would understand rest period to mean an interval of time free from labor, work, or any other employment-related duties. (quoting Rest, American Heritage Dictionary (4th ed. 2000))). The Court further held that on-call rest periodswhere an employee remains subject to being called into action at all times during the breakare also incompatible with the text of Wage Order 4 and California Labor Code section 226.7. Id., 211 Cal.Rptr.3d 634, 385 P.3d at 83233. The rest period language of Wage Order 9 is identical to that in Wage Order 4. Compare Cal. Code Regs., tit. 8, 11040, subd. 12, with Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 11090, subd. 12. Nonetheless, importing this interpretation into Wage Order 9 would create a conflict with section 3(K), which affirmatively contemplates [twenty-four ] hour shifts of duty for ambulance attendants. Cal. Code Regs. tit. 8, 11090, subd. 3(K) (emphasis added). Additionally, for the past twenty-seven years, California courts have permitted employers of ambulance attendants to exclude sleep periods from compensable time without a written agreement, despite the fact that the employer retains control throughout the twenty-four hours to wake the employees from their sleep every time an emergency arises. See Monzon, 273 Cal.Rptr. at 63234 (applying a federal regulation allowing deduction of sleep time from compensable time where there is an agreement between the parties to do so and the employee receives a minimum of five hours of uninterrupted sleep during the shift). This precedent, unique to the ambulance industry, makes the applicability of Augustus to Wage Order 9 a difficult open question. 2. Meal Periods Meal periods present a similarly difficult issue. In addition to the issues addressed above, Monzonthough technically a sleep-time caseinterpreted Wage Order 9 consistent with a federal regulation allowing exclusion of sleep periods and meal periods from compensable time without a written agreement. Monzon, 273 Cal.Rptr. at 63031, 633 (citing 29 C.F.R. 785.22). Thus, the issue of meal periods is even more closely linked to existing precedent. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether California would extend Monzon to meal periodseven though the two circumstances are governed by the same federal regulation incorporated in Monzon. The Court recently limited [Monzon] to its facts. Mendiola v. CPS Sec. Solutions, Inc., 60 Cal.4th 833, 182 Cal.Rptr.3d 124, 340 P.3d 355, 363 (2015). If the relevant facts to which Monzon is limited include the realities of [the ambulance] industry the Court may well extend Monzon to cover the circumstances at issue here. Id. But the Court could just as easily limit Monzon to its precise factssleep periods for ambulance drivers and attendants. Since Monzon, the Court has made clear that courts should not incorporate a federal standard concerning what time is compensable [a]bsent convincing evidence of the [Industrial Welfare Commission's] intent. Id., 182 Cal.Rptr.3d 124, 340 P.3d at 364 (first alteration and emphasis in original) (quoting Morillion v. Royal Packing Co., 22 Cal.4th 575, 94 Cal.Rptr.2d 3, 995 P.2d 139, 150 (2000)). Monzon did not identify evidence of the Industrial Welfare Commission's intent before looking to federal law. See Monzon, 273 Cal.Rptr. at 63233. If the Court requires evidence of intent as a prerequisite to extending Monzon to meal periods, it may be difficult for SLA to meet the high bar identified in Mendiola. Accordingly, the panel seeks clarification of these open questions under California law. B. Unpaid Wages and Improper Wage Reporting If the Court determines that SLA violated applicable regulations by failing to include a clause expressly allowing for revocation of on-duty meal periods in its twenty-four hour shift agreement, the Court should determine whether the failure to pay the premium wage associated with such a violation may also form the basis for a waiting time penalty claim under California Labor Code section 203 and an inaccurate reporting claim under section 226. In Murphy v. Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc., 40 Cal.4th 1094, 56 Cal.Rptr.3d 880, 155 P.3d 284, 297 (2007), the Court characterized the extra hours paid for meal period violations as a premium wage rather than a penalty, but, in Kirby v. Immoos Fire Protection, Inc., 53 Cal.4th 1244, 140 Cal.Rptr.3d 173, 274 P.3d 1160, 116768 (2012), the Court held that a meal-period violation is not tied to the nonpayment of wages. Since these rulings, courts have been inconsistent in their interpretations. Several have concluded that a meal period violation properly forms the basis for claims under sections 203 and 226pointing to Murphy. See Finder v. Leprino Foods Co., No. 1:13-CV-2059 AWI-BAM, 2015 WL 1137151, at *3*5 (E.D. Cal. Mar. 12, 2015) (collecting cases). Yet others have rejected such claimsrelying on Kirby. See Jones v. Spherion Staffing LLC, No. LA CV11-06462 JAK, 2012 WL 3264081, at *2*9 (C.D. Cal. Aug. 7, 2012) (collecting cases). If the Court finds Kirby more analogous and rejects a meal-period violation as an adequate basis for a section 203 or 226 claim, this decision would provide the panel with an adequate alternative basis for affirming the district court on this issue. Alternatively, if the Court finds that a meal-period violation may provide the basis for a section 203 or 226 claim in light of Murphy, the panel will still be required to determine whether the district court erred in concluding that the alleged violation was not willful or intentional. But this issue will be significantly easier to determine in light of the Court's ruling on the applicability of the meal-period regulations to ambulance attendants. Thus, a ruling from the Court would greatly clarify the law and aid the panel in rendering its decision. IV. Administrative Information The names and addresses of counsel are listed in the appendix at the end of this order. Cal. R. Ct. 8.548(b)(1). If the Supreme Court of California accepts this request, the Plaintiff-Appellant, Dylan Stewart, should be deemed the petitioner. The Clerk is hereby directed to transmit forthwith to the Court the original and ten copies of this order as well as a certificate of service on the parties. Cal. R. Ct. 8.548(d). The Clerk shall also transmit along with this request, ten copies of the district court's Order Re Defendant's Motion for Summary Judgment and Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment, Order Denying Plaintiff's Motion for Reconsideration and Denying as Moot Plaintiff's Motion to Certify for Interlocutory Appeal, and the appellate briefs of the parties. The Clerk shall provide additional record material if so requested by the Supreme Court of California. Cal. R. Ct. 8.548(c). The case is withdrawn from submission, and further proceedings in this court are stayed pending final action by the Supreme Court of California. The parties shall notify the Clerk of this Court within three days after the Court accepts or rejects certification, and again within three days if the Court renders an opinion. The panel retains jurisdiction over further proceedings. V. Stay of Proceedings and Withdrawal of Submission In light of our decision to certify the issues set forth above, the submission of this appeal is withdrawn, and all further proceedings in this case before our court are stayed pending final action by the Supreme Court of California, save for any petition for rehearing regarding this order. The Clerk is directed to administratively close this docket, pending further order. The parties shall notify the Clerk of this court within fourteen days of the Supreme Court of California's acceptance or rejection of certification, and again, if certification is accepted, within fourteen days of the Supreme Court of California's issuance of a decision. QUESTIONS CERTIFIED; PROCEEDINGS STAYED. Appendix Counsel for Plaintiff-Appellants Hernaldo J. Baltodano, Esquire, Attorney Baltodano & Baltodano LLP 733 Marsh Street Suite 110 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Peter R. Dion-Kindem Peter R. Dion-Kindem, P.C. Suite # 900 21550 Oxnard Street Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Allison Lee Ehlert, Esquire Ehlert Appeals P.O. Box 1024 El Cerrito, CA 94530 Paul Keith Haines, Esquire, Attorney Haines Law Group, APC 2274 E. Maple Avenue Suite A El Segundo, CA 90245 Jeff Holmes Jeff Holmes, Esq. 3311 E. Pico Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90023 Counsel for Defendant-Appellee Sean McLoughlin Hill, Farrer & Burrill, LLP One California Plaza 37th Floor 300 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90071-3147 The poster from the 2016 Riverbend Festival is signed by all the artists who performed at the 35th anniversary Arts at Erlanger celebrates the sounds of Tennessee with its newest art installment, Tennessee Music, now on exhibit at the Erlanger Baroness Hospital Gallery Corridor. Current pieces on display were submitted by area artists, including Thomas Cory, Lupina Poi Haney, Spears McAllester, Margaret Park and many others. Riverbend posters, a photo taken in the Grand Ole Opry, and a painting of musical instruments with a reference to Sun Records, are just a few of the works in Erlangers latest art exhibit. Information about each artist and their art can be found alongside their artwork, and also online at the Arts at Erlanger website. This show is one of our most comprehensive yet, said Martica Lambiase, co-chair of Arts at Erlanger. We have beautiful art, all from local artists, including photography from a Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, Robin Hood, and colorful, graphic styled posters from Riverbend with autographs from the artists who performed each year. The Tennessee Music art show is on display at the Erlanger Baroness hospital in the Gallery Corridor, adjacent to the D elevators, now through April 20. Many of the pieces or copies are available for purchase, as well as copies from the permanent art collection on display throughout Erlanger East Hospital. The permanent art collection at Erlanger East Hospital was curated by the Arts at Erlanger program and has been recognized nationally. The year just ended saw an unprecedented wave of consolidation in the data center industry as the world's largest colocation providers looked to keep pace with demand from enterprises and public clouds by acquiring regional competitors. The $20 billion in mergers and acquisitions closed in 2017 far exceeded spending from the two preceding years combinedwith 2015 seeing roughly $6 billion in activity through 17 deals, and 2016 roughly $10 billion through 28 deals, according to a new report from Synergy Research. The surge to 48 data center consolidation deals in 2017 is part of a trend that will likely continue for some time, wrote Synergy's chief analyst, John Dinsdale, in the report. [Related: Emerging Vendors 2017: 20 Data Center Startups You Need To Know] "We expect to see much more data center M&A over the next five years," Dinsdale said. Consolidation is being driven by enterprises divesting from their own infrastructure, and cloud services providers looking to rapidly scale into new geographies. Four more deals totaling $2.6 billion in value are already pending, according to Synergy. The vast majority of the 2017 spend came from Equinix and Digital Reality. The industry's two leaders paid out between them $19 billion on acquisitions, even before counting Equinix' deal for Metronode, an Australian company. Digital Reality paid $7.6 billion for DuPont Fabros in the largest single purchase of 2017. Equinix has made major acquisitions around the world, Synergy noted, while Digital Realty has focused on the United States and Europe. CyrusOne, Peak 10, Digital Bridge, NTT, Carter Validus, Iron Mountain, Cyxtera and Elegant Jubilee also took part in last year's M&A surge, according to Synergy. Regional data center operators looking to succeed in a landscape dominated by wholesale giants that will only continue growing bigger must focus on offering differentiated services, the leaders of two boutique providers told CRN. Lief Morin, CEO of Key Information Systems, said his Los Angeles-area data center business is experiencing a "microcosm of that larger trend" in market conditions that's driving consolidation among the global colocation providers. Businesses are rapidly moving their IT operations off-premises and into colocation facilities or public clouds, eliminating risk that doesn't lend those companies any value, Morin said. "You got companies all over the place, they have closets with servers in them, they're trying to get them out of those closets and put them into a formal data center, then setup networks to constantly communicate with those data centers," Morin said. Amid that acceleration of IT outsourcing, the largest colocation providers are investing to ensure they have the capacity "to capitalize on the longer tail of that whole lifecycle of technology services," Morin said. Those providers need to expand their geographic presence to meet the needs of multi-national enterprise clients who want to minimize latency while ensuring compliance across countries. "In the technology space, scale matters," he said. Kevin Goodman, managing director of BlueBridge Networks, a boutique operator of data centers in Ohio, told CRN that hyper-scale cloud providers growing into secondary markets where it doesn't make sense for them to build their own facilities are also playing a major role in the consolidation trend. The proliferation of data, and modern applications like Internet of Things, predictive analytics, artificial intelligence and big data, are forcing those clouds to get closer to customers through leases with "wholesale megawatt providers," Goodman said. "In a world in which milliseconds matter, you see a lot of the large data centers utilized by cloud providers and SaaS providers," Goodman said. That encourages the data center providers to expand their wholesale businesses. Just like the cellular industry in previous decades, consolidation will be an unstoppable force in the market, Morin told CRN. It's likely that many midsize data center operators will be swept up in the acquisition sprees of the future. But smaller players can remain highly competitive by "managing their strengths," Morin said. That means serving a niche. While some regional operators could jump on the bandwagon by looking to be acquired, Goodman said, "boutique shops that differentiate themselves, do what they do in an exceptional way, that's also a recipe for success." The mega-providers have gotten better at customer service. But "human relationships, pointing to the cluster, knowing your customers' business and IT objective, that's where the regional player has to compete," Goodman told CRN. HP Inc. Thursday said it is recalling approximately 50,000 lithium-ion batteries for 11 laptop models due to a potential for the batteries to overheat and catch fire. The batteries in question are embedded in the PCs and are not easily removable. As a result, HP is planning to send technicians to customer sites to replace the affected batteries at no charge. [Related: HP Expands Its Notebook Battery Recall Due To Overheating Risk] According to Mike Nash, HP's vice president of customer experience for personal systems, 0.1 percent of HP's PCs sold between December 2015 and December 2017 are affected by the recall. "Because these are embedded batteries, customers will be guided to our website to learn and check if their battery is affected, and therefore should be replaced," Nash told CRN. For customers with affected systems, "a battery will be promptly shipped to the customer, and HP will send a service technician on site to replace the battery," he said. Users will also be directed to install a BIOS update that will deplete the battery down to a safe level, and users will be able to continue using their PC connected to a power charger. The affected PCs include commercial and consumer notebooks, as well as mobile workstations. The manufacturer of the affected batteries and the estimated total number of affected PCs are not being disclosed by HP. Affected models are the HP Probook 64x (G2 and G3); HP ProBook 65x (G2 and G3); HP x360 310 G2; HP Envy m6; HP Pavilion x360; HP 11 notebook; and the HP ZBook (17 G3, 17 G4 and Studio G3) mobile workstations. Nash said he expects that solution providers will arrange the battery replacements for customers in many cases. "Solution providers can act on [customers'] behalf for sure," he said. "As a partner we are always glad to see vendors be proactive on any issues in their products in the field," said Rick Jordan, director of sales and strategic aliances at Toronto-based Tenet Computer Group. "As an Authorized HP Service Centre here in Canada for HP, we are always here to support the cause to right the situation, not only for our clients but for HP Inc. as well." HP is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on the recall. HP has received a total of eight reports of batteries that overheated, melted or charred, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. There had been one report of an injury -- a first-degree burn to the hand -- and about $4,500 in propery damage. A year ago, HP for several models to cover 101,000 batteries, up from 41,000 batteries that were recalled in June 2016. In that situation, which covered PCs sold between 2013 and 2016, replacement batteries were provided to customers. Trends in laptop design have gravitated toward embedded batteries in recent years, however. This is the first HP recall for embedded batteries, Nash said. Visit HP's website for the recall program here. Faculty from the Division of Humanities and Fine Arts at Chattanooga State Community College are expecting a good turnout from local high school students at the annual upcoming Young Writers Conference focused on creative writing within a multitude of disciplines. It will be held in Chattanooga States Humanities Auditorium on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Faculty volunteers lead sessions on different genres and elements of fiction, poetry, film, theatre and many other types of writing and performing. Young adult guest author, Jeff Zenther, will present a reading and lead a discussion at 1 p.m. Students at the conference have the opportunity to submit works of poetry, short fiction or nonfiction essays for a writing contest. A yearly collection of work from each student also will be available for each person in attendance. An award ceremony for student writing will follow the guest authors reading. For more information, or to be contacted about the 2019 conference, email Stanley Buck Weiss at Stanley.weiss@chattanoogastate.edu, or call 423-697-5508. If anyone is a fan of Woody Guthrie, its David Lutken. The actor and musician is also the creator of the touring show, Woody Sez: The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie. Woody Sez was an Off-Broadway hit last summer when Lutken, who is also a playwright and director, starred in the title role. This month he brings his acclaimed show to the Westport Country Playhouse, Tuesday, Jan. 9, through Saturday, Jan. 20. Guthrie is known as Americas greatest folk poet, and especially for the song, This Land is Your Land. But Lutken will tell you those two details just barely scrape the surface of how and why Guthries life inspired this unique production. Its really a combination of things, said Lutken, who considers Guthrie among Americas greatest lyricists. His life was quite varied and difficult at times. The music and poetry he came up with, that came out of the life he lived, amazes me. Guthrie was born in Oklahoma in 1912, and died at 55, in 1967. Artists from Bob Dylan and Harry Chapin to Bruce Springsteen have acknowledged him as a major musical influence. Lutken first learned some of Guthries tunes while growing up in Dallas, Texas. After attending acting school and doing a good deal of theater, including shows with folk music in them, he became friends with Harold Leventhol, who was Woodys old manager. Leventhol encouraged him to put the show together, and especially wanted it to be biographical. There were other shows about his music, but Leventhol really wanted someone to do a cradle to grave kind of thing that really showed some two hours worth of his life, because he was a really interesting guy. Guthrie traveled all over the place and was a hobo and merchant marine. He wrote thousands of songs, was a star on the radio, and then turned his back on that, Lutken said. Among the messages shared through his works: America is a big beautiful country meant for everyone, and we should all take care of her, and of each other. The stuff he came up with is just incredible the greatest topical, political, cultural, observational songs in the entire canon of American musical history, and (this show) only serves to fill out the dimensionality of his power. That sounded a little pretentious, but its true. The depth of the meaning of what he wrote is illuminated and enhanced by knowing more about the life he lived. Four people play multiple roles in Woody Sez, which includes such tunes as Union Maid, Deportees, and This Train Is Bound for Glory. Though live music is included about three dozen tunes its not a concert. Its the story of his life told through his own words, for the most part. The main thing I want everybody to see is how relevant this is now. lkoonz@newstimes.com; Twitter: @LindaTKoonz HARTFORD Homework alone will no longer be enough for the lions share of students in the state who are expelled from public school. New standards approved Wednesday by the state Board of Education will require districts to give students access to programming comparable to what they would get in the regular classroom setting, and to address the issues that led to expulsion in the first place. Districts previously may have thought (homework) was in alignment with the law, Commissioner of Education Dianna Wentzell said after the unanimous approval With the new standards clearly it is not, except in extreme cases. In December, the board was presented with a report that showed 46 percent of expelled students get homework assignments and nothing else while they are excluded from school. Another 14 percent get tutoring and 23 percent are put into an alternative education setting. Nearly one in 10 gets nothing. In keeping with a relatively new state law, however, the state Department of Education developed step-by-step guidelines with the help of stakeholders to make sure districts know what alternative education is considered appropriate, who should be involved in the process and how to monitor the plan developed for each expelled student. Charlene Russell Tucker, chief operating officer for the department, said the goal is to make sure students have access to high quality programming even as the number of students expelled, on a statewide-basis, continues to decline. A student is expelled when he or she is excluded from school for more than 10 consecutive days in a school year. In Connecticut public schools last year, the average expulsion lasted 115 days. In 2016-17, there were 750 expulsions in the state compared, with 954 in 2012-13. Students who are expelled run a greater risk of academic failure, dropping out and ending up in the juvenile justice system. Tucker acknowledged the new standards may require a change in mind set. The group that developed the guidelines continues to work on formulating a list of best practices and establishing timelines for implementation. The department intends to send districts notices immediately. Wentzell said there is still some flexibility, given that each student expelled may have unique needs. There are 80 alternative education providers in the state districts can look to, she added. It is unclear what will happen if districts dont comply. Wentzell said it depends on the situation and how it is reported to the department. Fran Rabinowitz, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and a former interim superintendent in Bridgeport, said it really comes down to what is best for the child. They should not just be out on the streets, Rabinowitz said. A couple of hours of homebound (instruction) is not enough. Kids need to be brought to a place where there is tutoring and counseling. Its not just about missing algebra one. Marisa Masolo Halm, an attorney with the Center for Childrens Advocacy, who works primarily to defend the educational rights of children, agreed. The traditional expulsion experience of part-time tutoring is not acceptable, Halm said. Rabinowitz acknowledged that cost is a factor. The Bridgeport district lost its alternative education program this year one of many programs eliminated due to chronic budget cuts. Still, she said, the new standards are not overbearing and focus on the need to address social and emotional issues of students. If more of that were done earlier, Rabinowitz said, expulsions would be less likely. State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier announced Wednesday she is not seeking re-election to the office she first won in 1998, leaving her with exactly one year left in a remarkable run of activism and reform, with some pretty good financial returns. Ive reached the conclusion that its time. Its time, the 66-year-old Democrat said after delivering a lengthy statement about her tenure. I dont think I have to convince people that its time for new blood. Its time for someone that is well qualified with fresh ideas to take the reins and move this office forward in the manner that I did. Nappiers decision throws wide open a race that already includes some people in both parties considering a run for the powerful office, which controls pension funds now valued at more than $34 billion. Three Democrats likely to run are Arunan Arulampalam, a Hartford lawyer and former lobbyist; John Blankley, a Greenwich business executive and town official; and Shawn Wooden, a Hartford lawyer who was president of the city council. Arulampalam and Blankley have both formed exploratory committees and issued statements Wednesday praising Nappier. Wooden has told people he intended to explore a run if Nappier did not seek re-election, according to numerous sources. In January 1999, Nappier inherited a state Treasury that would soon be wracked by an investigation leading to a guilty plea in a kickback scheme and federal prison time for Paul Silvester, the predecessor she defeated. In her second year, she helped push through reforms that included creating a chief investment officer and boosting the role of the investment advisory committee. Nineteen years and four re-elections later, she oversees an office that has hit its investment targets, for the most part; launched or dramatically enlarged programs such as the states college savings vehicle and financial literacy; and made a national name for itself herself as a shareholder activist on corporate governance. Over the years, Nappier waved a flag for the state to address its dangerously underfunded pensions. As recently as a few months ago, she railed against a change in the teachers pension system that will leave it slightly less funded. Nappier showed some bitterness Wednesday that, for years, people didnt listen to her warnings about an admittedly dry topic. The Legislature didnt think it was all that significant, she said. And from the start, Nappier made the office one of the nations most prominent shareholder advocates for corporate governance reforms leading the call at many publicly traded companies for up-or-down votes on executive pay, for separating the roles of chairman and CEO, for requiring that auditors are not also doing lucrative consulting work at the companies they audit, and against corporate investments in nations that commit or sanction genocide. In another strain of her activism, Nappier has crusaded for policies on greenhouse gas emissions to address global warming. She co-founded the Investor Summit on Climate Risk at the United Nations, which by 2016 grew to more than 100 institutional investors with $13 trillion in assets. Numerous companies have come under fire from Nappier, including The Walt Disney Co., Mattel, Office Depot, McDonalds, General Electric, Caterpillar, Stanley Black & Decker, and many energy companies as part of her climate work. Shareholder activism for a state treasurer was the road less traveled in the early years, Nappier said. Nearly 20 years later, that road is crowded and active, she said, proudly citing a fellow state treasurer who claimed he was using the Nappier Playbook. That playbook has earned sharp barbs for Nappier from some business groups who say she overreaches. Nappier, in response, insists her efforts are part of smart investing making sure the companies whose stocks were held by the state pension funds were well run and more likely to be profitable with rising stock values. In one example, Nappier in 2002 wrote to board members at Stanley, then The Stanley Works, urging them to reject an ill-conceived corporate headquarters move to Bermuda, known as an inversion, because, she said, the move would leave shareholders less protected by governance rules and create ill will among customers. She also fought layoffs in Connecticut at MetLife. Amid harsh public criticism of companies, Nappier has also quietly negotiated reforms with management, using leverage as one of the most powerful fiduciaries in the country. Connecticut law does not require approval of investment decisions by a board or by other public officials. Nappier was the first African-American woman elected as a state treasurer anywhere, and the first elected to statewide office in Connecticut. In 2006, she was named one of the 100 most powerful people in finance by Treasury & Risk Management magazine. Despite her activism and testimony at the Capitol, Nappier has generally maintained a low profile when it comes to speaking engagements, including on the campaign trail. In 2011, Hartford police issued Nappier a summons charging her with misusing license plates and operating an unregistered vehicle that lacked insurance after questioning her in the parking lot of a Hartford housing project. They towed her state car and she walked three miles to her West End home. Six days later, the Hartford states attorney said the car, in the state fleet, had been registered and that the summons was unwarranted. Nappier told the Hartford Courant she suspected her race was a factor in how police handled the incident. In the last election, in 2014, she narrowly beat Republican Tim Herbst, then the Trumbull first selectman, now a candidate for governor. Herbst criticized Nappier in part because the pension funds are underfunded. She countered that returns under her watch generally beat benchmarks. The Connecticut Retirement Plans and Trust Funds stood at a record $32.4 billion on June 30 after a year with 14.2 percent returns, one of the best among states. Five months later the fund had grown to $34.2 billion. The yearly performance she mentioned on Wednesday? Fiscal 2009, when the fund was down more than 17 percent but still outperformed its benchmarks. Nappier will be the fourth statewide constitutional officer to declare shes not seeking another term in 2018, after Attorney General George Jepsen, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy who hailed Nappier for fighting for racial and gender parity in corporations. Nappier said her decision was not due to any sense that the fund is in for rocky times again, though we all know the boom market cant last forever. She asked, Who wouldnt want to go out on top? dhaar@hearstmediact.com TVA and Greater Chattanooga Robotics co-sponsored the 4th Annual VEX Robotics Competition with Chattanooga States RC-NET (Regional Center for Nuclear Education Training) program. A total of 10 teams from East Hamilton, Ooltewah, Hixson, The Howard School and Central high schools, including an all-girls team from Central, competed. Each school provided one or more teams this year. First, second and third place winners were based on points, while other awards were based on the skill of the driver, team work exhibited and the design of the VEX robot. "When competition ended, East Hamilton High School Team 1 earned bragging rights and brought home the team trophy for their school. "Coming in second place was East Hamilton team 2, followed by Central High School team XL-1 in third place. The Skills Award was presented to Hixson High School; the Howard School Clovers constructed an outstanding robot winning Best Design; and the Ooltewah Psychopaths worked best together earning the Team Work Award. "This competition challenged students to not only use critical thinking skills, but also to pay close attention to the laws of physics so that robots move quickly and easily, can carry weight and move without tipping, as well as function properly," officials said. "The all-day competition has gained popularity, nearly doubling the number of teams, since its inception in 2014. In addition, co-sponsorship by TVA and Greater Chattanooga Robotics has greatly enhanced this STEM-related competition." Chattanooga State hopes to hold a state qualifying VEX EDR competition on Feb. 10 at the Volkswagen Academy. For more information about this and future competitions, contact Samantha Travis at 423-697-5514, or email her at samantha.travis@chattanoogastate.edu. Siskin Hospital announces that Vickie Blalock, PT, has completed all the requirements for Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy. This certification is awarded by the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. Ms. Blalock is a physical therapist in Siskin Hospitals Outpatient NeuroRecovery Program who specializes in amputee and lymphedema. She is certified in LSVT BIG therapy, a specialized treatment protocol for patients with Parkinsons disease, and during her 33 years of clinical experience has treated many patients with CVA and Multiple Sclerosis diagnoses. Manual Lymph Drainage is a very gentle manual (massage) treatment used to improve the function of the lymphatic system throughout the body. Complete Decongestive Therapy combines many different lymphedema treatment approaches, such as bandaging, compression garments, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise and self-care. To learn more about the lymphedema services at Siskin Hospital, call 423-634-1400. WTCI will host a special preview screening of the Academy Award-nominated film, "I Am Not Your Negro," at the Downtown Library, 4th Floor on Thursday, Jan. 11. This free screening will begin at 6 p.m., and tickets can be reserved online at wtciTV.org/palace. Sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, Allied Eye, Southern Adventist University and Brody Jewelers, this free monthly film screening series is hosted by WTCI and introduces audiences to the wide variety of genres of film provided by the community PBS station. Guests of the screening series have enjoyed preview screenings of PBS programs since September, including Poldark, a documentary about jazz great John Coltrane, and the debut episode of the highly anticipated Masterpiece series Victoria. "The 4th Floor is a public laboratory and educational facility with a focus on information, design, technology and the applied arts and is a part of the ever-changing ways that the Chattanooga Public Library system serves the community. WTCI is pleased to host this special screening with our longstanding community partner," officials said. New sustaining members who register during this screening event will receive special PBS gift baskets as a pledge thank you from WTCI. Community PBS stations like WTCI rely on support from members for over 50% of annual operating budgets. WTCI Passport members, sustaining members who contribute small monthly amounts, receive online access to local and national PBS programming, priority seating at WTCI screenings and subscriptions to the Chattanooga Magazine. Members of WTCI can visit www.wtciTV.org/palace to register for upcoming screenings and people interested in membership and member benefits can contact Member Services Manager, Lisa McDowd, at 423-702-7819 or lmcdowd@wtciTV.org. Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart, an American Masters documentary about the life and career of the seminal American novel, A Raisin in the Sun, will be featured on Feb. 8 at the Palace Theater. Review of "I Am Not Your Negro": In one of the most acclaimed films of the year, Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished with Baldwin's original words spoken by Samuel L. Jackson. "I Am Not Your Negro" is a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. Ultimately, by confronting the deeper connections between the lives and assassination of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr., Baldwin and Peck produced a work that challenges the very definition of what America stands for. Nominated as the Best Documentary Feature Film by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, this film will debut on-air in the Tennessee Valley on WTCI, Monday, Jan. 15 at 9 p.m. The White House is fighting back against Steve Bannon and the book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' for its bombshell allegations. Claims include details of Trump eating cheeseburgers alone in bed, Melania crying on election night and Ivanka revealing how Trump achieves his unique hair color. George Michael told a biographer Princess Diana was attracted to him and had a crush on the popstar, DailyMailTV has exclusively learned. The new biography claims the pair became close in the early '90s and shared late-night calls gossiping about the royal family. Get the details. A 'bomb cyclone' storm is hitting the Northeast with hurricane-force winds and heavy snow causing thousands of flight cancellations across the region. Lindsay Lohan has been turning heads and making headlines for nearly three decades. In this DailyMailTV exclusive, Lindsay answers all the questions you want answered including why she moved to Dubai, the chances of a Mean Girls sequel and what she says to her haters. Many of us look back at our child-hoods through rose-coloured spectacles, remembering the best bits and forgetting the worst. So I accept that the small corner of Shropshire in which I grew up was not heaven. But the little market town of Shifnal, just a few miles from where I was born and bred, was a quiet place full of solid and fair-minded people. There were no lynch mobs in Shifnal 40 or 50 years ago. Just decent folk. No longer. For the past few days, hatred has poisoned the town. There have been menaces of violence, death threats and talk of lawsuits. And why? Because a chef put mozzarella on a vegans pizza. Laura Goodman sparked a furious backlash on social media and has resigned from her job Laura Goodman had spent hours cooking dishes free from any taint of eggs, meat or dairy for a party of vegans visiting Carlinis Italian restaurant in Market Place, where she is (or, it now seems, was) a partner. In my youth most restaurants in that part of Shropshire were pretty basic, with meat and two veg being unceremoniously slammed down in front of you. In more ways than one, it would appear times have changed. Possibly Miss Goodman, 47, is a bit of a prima donna. She may have been reared watching too many highly strung and foul-mouthed chefs on television. Besides, she was born in Rome. In any event, whether rightly or wrongly, she took umbrage when one of the guests rejected her elaborate and carefully prepared cuisine, and instead chose a pizza topped with mozzarella which being milk-based is not vegan-friendly. So far as I can see, Miss Goodmans sin was one of omission. She did not draw attention to the cheese (though surely a vegan should have spotted it). Her mistake was to crow later on Facebook, when she was a little tired and emotional, that she had spiked a meal. Miss Goodman claimed to have 'spiked' a vegan's meal by not drawing attention to the cheese on a pizza All hell broke loose. Social media seethed with death threats. The police came round. There have been calls for Miss Goodman to be prosecuted for assault, and for the restaurant to be shut down. Yesterday, the poor woman resigned from Carlinis and its nearby sister establishment, having been described by her business partner and fiance, Michael Gale, as almost suicidal. According to a friend: Laura is in a bad way. She is too scared to leave the house. The police are taking the threats against her very seriously. Much of the furore has been whipped up by a local group called Telford Vegan. A tweet calling for people to email, call or leave negative messages has racked up hundreds of retweets and likes. The TripAdvisor and Google pages of the restaurant have been bombarded with bad reviews, dragging it down from five stars to one. I wonder what my parents and their friends would have said half a century ago if someone with the gift of prophecy had told them this story. Of course, the phenomenon of social media would have taken some explaining, but once that fence had been cleared they would have been aghast to hear what has happened. Shifnal was not rich or grand. Travellers did not often linger to sample its charms. It was a little dull and honest. A deep part of England. And in those days the English prided themselves on their level-headedness and sense of proportion. What has happened in the space of 50 years to turn a decent, self-effacing sort of place into an intolerant and cruel madhouse in which a woman who has put some cheese on a vegans pizza is literally run out of town? Half a century ago, I dont suppose there were many vegans in that part of Shropshire. If there had been, they would have been well-mannered and considerate. Sorry. I prefer to keep away from meat and dairy products if I can. Doubtless very tiresome of me. And meeting a vegan in those circumstances, a polite non-vegan might have replied: Not at all. Very sensible of you. I wish I had the strength of mind to give eggs a miss and stop eating beef. Somewhere along the line veganism became a cause, with some vegans not all, Im sure becoming ideological warriors convinced of their own moral superiority, and determined to assert it as loudly and frequently as possible. Laura Goodman and fiance Michael Gale, co-owners of Carlini Italian restaurants in Shropshire As far as I am concerned, people are perfectly free to be vegans. Who cares? Its their choice. But why the aggressive proselytising? Why the torrent of abuse and death threats when a tipsy chef unwisely boasts in the early hours of the morning about having put some cheese on a pizza? The moral error of some minority groupings, it seems to me, is to define themselves wholly in terms of their particular affiliation or proclivity while forgetting that we are all fellow members of the same nation. That is why some neighbours end up fighting like ferrets in a sack. It goes without saying that these entrenched new social divisions could scarcely be expressed without social media. If there were no Twitter or Instagram or WhatsApp, offended vegans would be reduced to grumbling down at the Dog and Duck, or pinning bilious notes on the noticeboard outside the town hall. The crucial point about social media is that they make people much more aggressive than they would otherwise be, partly because rudeness is the expected mode of expression, and partly because threats can be delivered anonymously. A friend said Laura Goodman is in a 'bad way' and is scared to leave the house. Police are taking threats against her seriously, said the friend One of Miss Goodmans tormentors calls himself Les Taylor. Is that a real name? He wrote on Facebook: Hope she goes bankrupt and living on the streets vile worthless human being. What a charming fellow. Its conceivable that some of those who bayed for the closure of Laura Goodmans restaurant, and even called for her death, are normally decent enough people who are members of the local bowls club and worship at St Andrews Parish Church. Others are simply plain nasty, whether they hail from my old part of Shropshire or further afield. Needless to say, whoever makes death threats against Miss Goodman should be prosecuted if only the police are able or willing to find them, which I doubt. Looking back, I suppose its possible that the Shifnal of half a century ago, which I remember as so sensible and moderate and law-abiding, was something of a mirage, concealing lots of twisted and bitter people who had no means of expressing their malice. Social media have released and propagated pitiless demons. If only they could be put back in the dark box they came from, but they cant. In the case of Laura Goodman, they are making her life a misery over a misplaced dollop of cheese. Hamilton County continues to experience dangerous cold temperatures which often mean people using additional heating sources to warm their homes, Hamilton County officials said.From using space heaters, to using their chimneys Emergency Management officials say putting comfort before safety can be deadly. As temperatures continue to fall, people are looking for additional heat sources to heat their home and as a result, safety gets pushed aside, said Director Tony Reavley, Hamilton County Emergency Management/Homeland Security.Director Reavley suggests space heaters should be at least three feet away from all combustibles.Clothing, furniture and curtains can easily catch fire from a space heater. If you are using a chimney, please make sure your chimney has been inspected by chimney professionals to check for creosote build-up and bird/animal nests which can contribute to start a house fire. We also want to encourage everyone to check their smoke detectors. Make sure they are working properly. Have you changed your batteries? Smoke detectors do save lives. says Dir. Reavley.Hamilton County EMA officials encourage pet owners to bring pets inside out of the frigid temperatures. "Check on the elderly. If you have to go outside, be prepared. Dress in layers to keep warm. Staying warm in this cold weather can be a tough task if your home is hard to heat," officials said. "Space heaters cause one-third of home heating fires and four out of five home heating fire deaths. Protect your family: if you're heating your home with a space heater or chimney this winter, take a few moments to review these safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration." The headlines on the front page of yesterdays Mail could scarcely have been more serious: Winter Crisis Cripples NHS, Up to 55,000 Operations Postponed. Not that youd have guessed it from the health service mandarins who rushed to decry the Mails reports and give the news their own spin. According to them, all is well in hand, thanks to a smooth-running management machine that is prepared for every eventuality. Well, as a hospital consultant with more than 30 years experience, I beg to differ. The headlines on the front page of yesterdays Mail could scarcely have been more serious: Winter Crisis Cripples NHS, Up to 55,000 Operations Postponed' What we are facing, 70 years after the founding of the NHS, is a torrential crisis that threatens to wash away its very foundations. When more than 50,000 planned surgeries are cancelled, those patients do not simply vanish from the system. Their operations must be rescheduled, which creates a mudslide of paperwork, consuming thousands of hours in management meetings and costing untold sums of money. As these operations are shunted further down the calendar, other patients end up on ever longer waiting lists. Its a domino effect, creating ripples of chaos for tens of thousands. Whole families are being affected. Younger patients booked for surgery will have planned to take weeks off work and perhaps seconded childcare to relatives. Older people will have been bracing themselves for months for that long-awaited hip or knee replacement. To have all those arrangements negated with a single stroke of a bureaucrats pen at the last moment is deeply upsetting and infuriating. According to NHS bosses, all is well in hand, thanks to a smooth-running management machine that is prepared for every eventuality In such scenarios, it does no good to have doctors politicising the crisis, shroud- waving on Twitter and elsewhere, and making ridiculous claims about British hospitals operating at Third World standards, as one attention-seeker did this week. For one thing, it simply isnt true. The hospital in question, the Royal Stoke, has just undergone a 350 million refurbishment. To compare it with facilities in the developing world is an insult both to our medical teams and to the struggling care-givers in these countries. Another doctor talked yesterday of battlefield scenes in A&E departments. Such hyperbole damages the confidence of vulnerable patients in those who are treating them. It is cynically destructive and self-serving. The truth is that this isnt just a winter problem. Its a long-running crisis that no one managers, doctors, individual politicians or their governments will face up to. Overcrowding, cancellations and emergency measures including mixed wards and patients being turned away from A&E, are part of daily hospital life all over Britain. Overcrowding, cancellations and emergency measures including mixed wards and patients being turned away from A&E, are part of daily hospital life So it is a deception for various NHS chiefs to claim that these are exceptional circumstances, that they had planned for this winter surge, and that everything is under control. Three chronic issues lie at the root of the crisis, and none can be blamed on factors such as a cold snap, the post-Christmas backlog of people who put off seeing a GP, or an outbreak of Australian flu. Britain is a growing population, boosted by a decade of uncontrolled migration, while the number of hospital beds has been falling for years. These are the simple facts, but NHS managers seem steadily blind to them, refusing to plan for the future. To tackle the question of bed shortages first: in the past five years, 15,000 beds have disappeared from our hospitals. In the ten years from 2006, the overnight bed capacity was reduced by 20 per cent. If we look back even further the past 30 years, say the statistics are even more staggering: the number of hospital beds in England has more than halved, from around 290,000 to 142,000. Against this backdrop, it is especially disconcerting that Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary (pictured), continues to insist that foreign patients are welcome here The NHS has fewer acute beds, per head of population, than almost any comparable health service in the world. And that ratio will only get worse, because thanks to net migration and natural growth (the fact there are more births than deaths), Britains population is expected to top 71 million by 2030. That could be a low estimate. In just one year, 2014-15, our population expanded by more than half a million. In these circumstances, to reduce bed numbers is setting a deliberate course for catastrophe. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has more worrying news. In 1975, 14.1 per cent of Britons were 65 or older. By 2015, that statistic had risen to 17.1 per cent. Not such an alarming difference, you may think. But look at the ONS projections: seven years from now, the percentage of those who are 65-plus will account for more than a fifth of the population. In 2045, it will be almost a quarter. Given the intense pressure an ageing population with its myriad medical and social needs is already exerting on our health service, how much longer can it cope? Against this backdrop, it is especially disconcerting that Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, continues to insist that foreign patients health tourists who come to the UK specifically to use the NHS are welcome here, provided they pay for treatment. When more than 50,000 planned surgeries are cancelled, patients do not simply vanish from the system. Their operations must be rescheduled, which creates a mudslide of paperwork Lets put to one side the issue of how bad the NHS is at collecting payment the Department of Health puts the bill at 110-280 million a year, but I believe the figure to be much higher what Hunt fails to understand is that the health service is not infinitely elastic. And this is the core of the problem. He, like almost all the people running the NHS, is not a doctor. He has no bedside experience, no years of practice at dealing with patients and relatives. I speak for many fellow consultants when I say that our daily encounters with the bureaucrats and pen-pushers who run our hospitals are deeply frustrating. One of my surgical colleagues, who ran a specialist unit outside London, was driven to retire several months early. The final straw, he told me, was when a 25-year-old sociology graduate with a second-class degree from a second-class university overrode my selection of cases for operations, which were based on clinical priority. These cases were replaced with ones from the waiting list in order to meet the hospitals targets, which was the management priority. Given the intense pressure an ageing population with its myriad medical and social needs is already exerting on our health service, how much longer can it cope? Hospital management is now a career like banking or industry. The entrants rarely come up from the clinical ranks. They arrive sporting irrelevant degrees and, after a graduate training scheme, go on to earn very considerable salaries more than 100 senior NHS chiefs are paid upwards of 150,000 a year, more than the Prime Minister. It will take years to extricate our health service from the mire and I despair of the political will to do it. In the meantime, there is one way in which we can all contribute to an immediate solution, and it has nothing to do with funding. I would urge everyone to rally around their elderly relatives when they need temporary care. A mild illness is often better treated at home, not in hospital. But I fear too many people have rejected responsibility for their own parents and grandparents, believing it is the states role to nurse them. It may be that GP services, especially the out-of-hours provision, have become so diminished that some relatives feel they cant take the risk of offering care-at-home. But it is also true that many more are simply shirking their duty to family and society. Britain has enjoyed a comprehensive health service, with everything free at the point of access and need, for so long that too many people are ignorant of the huge problems facing it, believing only too readily the lies of the Left that its all about Tory cuts and lack of funding. The NHS needs our support and we need to remember our responsibilities. A bizarre, see-through bra made out of plastic and available for purchase on the internet has left customers very disappointed, and has been branded a 'waste of money' with a 'horrible' fit. Shein, a retailer that originated in New Jersey, is selling the bra for $5 on its website, where it is described as a 'clear bra' with matching 'adjustable straps'. While the accessory has an average rating of 3.1 stars out of a possible five, several customers have left reviews explaining how sorely disappointed they were after purchasing the puzzling garment. Reviews: A bizarre, see-through bra made out of plastic and available for purchase on the internet has left customers very disappointed 'Got kinda crushed in the mail, definitely way too small (I bought a large and I usually wear a 34D) and it was tiny. But it was a NOVELTY and definitely worth the $5,' one person wrote in a three-star review. At least three other people compared the material to the plastic used to manufacture beverage bottles. 'Noisy material, sounds like coke bottle or Pepsi bottle when crushed, better plastic could have been used, u need to keep this bra separately in the wardwrob as there will be a crease on the bra by pressure, will be in a bad shape [sic],' another person wrote. Others pointed out that the bra is uncomfortable, and several had issues with the sizing. 'I wear a 32 C and ordered a size small which is what i normally wear and it was way to small,' one customer wrote. Product: Shein, a retailer that originated in New Jersey, is selling the bra for $5 on its website , where it is described as a 'clear bra' with matching 'adjustable straps' Issues: Several people compared the bra's material to the plastic used to manufacture beverage bottles, including this person who said the garment 'isn't wearable' Advice: One person warned other customers not to buy the plastic bra and called it 'pathetic' 'Just a joke': This customer said the material is 'really cheap' and called the fit 'horrible' 'Fits suuuper small. Band & straps are not stretchy, & minimally adjustable. Cups are hard plastic that dents & has no shape retention,' another person added. Some customers left short but blistering reviews, writing simply: 'Never try this', 'Absolutely wasted money' and 'Very bad quality'. 'Uneven fitting and is waste of money,' one person wrote. For other customers, however, the plastic bra seemed to be a success, and among the less-than-satisfied reviews, a few deemed the product 'nice' and 'so cute'. Shein, meanwhile, has been responding to the negative review with the same message apologizing to customers for their disappointing experience. 'Dear customer, Thank you so much for ordering from our site and we deeply apologize if our items did not live up to your expectation,' the brand has written multiple times. 'We have strict quality assurance before each product is packed and shipped, making sure they are delivered to you as advertised. There might be slight difference between the real thing and the pictures on our website due to different light exposure and viewing screens, were sorry for the hassle. Feel free to contact reviews@shein.com if anything, we will get back to you very soon.' The founder of a mothers' Facebook group has defended her controversial decision to charge her 24,000 members a one-off $10 joining fee. Mother-of-one Carly Abrahams, from Sydney, launched Mums the Word-Aus five years ago after she struggled to find a safe space online to seek advice. The private support group allows parents to converse safely about anything, including tips on motherhood and recommendations on contractors. But the social media page has divided the internet after the administrator called on fellow mothers to cover the costs of running the page, monitoring comments and replying to messages. However, Ms Abrahams told FEMAIL the decision was made after months of speaking with members on their thoughts about whether the rule should be applied. Founder of Mums the Word-Aus, Carly Abrahams has defended her decision after sparking controversy for asking her 24,000 Facebook members to pay a one-off $10 joining fee The private group has divided the internet after the administrator called on fellow mothers to cover the costs of running the page, monitoring comments and replying to messages 'It wasn't a decision made overnight,' she said. 'I contacted the mothers in the groups and met with business mentors. The consensus in the group fully supported the decision. 'People don't know this but it's a lot of work for me. There are a lot of rules I need to keep track of and legal issues so the workload falls back on me. 'I have no downtime because I'm constantly checking the page. I check every single post to make sure they don't breach the guidelines. It's a 24/7 job for me.' Ms Abrahams said the money will go into a 'business account', in which it would distribute a 'small weekly salary to keep the group running'. 'I am not going to run away on holiday with it,' she said. 'I don't think everyone's going to pay but I totally understand. It's fine if people don't pay. I can't make everyone happy 100 per cent of the time. 'There are Facebook groups out there that charge members to pay a fee. So I'm not inventing the wheel here. I just think it's unfair for trolls to attack me. 'This group is like joining a club, you pay a membership fee. You're not in it if you don't pay.' Ms Abrahams said the money will go into a 'business account', in which it would distribute a 'small weekly salary to keep the group running' The Sydney mother launched Mums the Word-Aus five years ago after she struggled to find a safe space online to seek advice Angry parents have calculated the fees, and if every existing members were to pay, Ms Abrahams would pocket at least $240,000 Angry parents have calculated the fees, and if every existing members were to pay, Ms Abrahams would pocket at least $240,000. 'I don't see it generating a huge amount. At the moment, we're talking a few hundred dollars,' she said. 'I know I won't get all the members paying so a lot of people will leave. And that's fine. The group has just been hard to manage since it got bigger. 'Other groups earn their money from ads, businesses and brands - but unfortunately brands won't work with groups like ours because they are closed. 'I have not been able to generate advertising income or get the voluntary help that's required.' The mother said she spends a lot of her time making sure inappropriate posts are removed from the page. She explained parents posting any medical questions can land the group in hot water or anyone ranting about a business can defame the owners. Many have jumped to Ms Abrahams' defence by throwing their support behind the decision The private support group allows parents to converse safely about anything, including tips on motherhood and recommendations on contractors (stock image) 'We have two pages of guidelines members need to follow which protect them as well as us,' Ms Abrahams said. 'But as most members fail to read the guidelines, the group has to be constantly moderated to keep it safe and supportive and also not spammed. 'I check every post that goes up on the group feed. In addition to this, members message or email me numerous times a day, every day and on weekends and nights with questions.' As for current members who choose not to make the payment, Ms Abrahams said she hasn't made a decision on what to do yet. 'At the moment we're going to have a grace period, I haven't set a date yet or whether will be removing people,' she said. New members can join the group once they pay the fee. 'We're also looking at setting up a trial period for new members because they don't know what they're paying for,' she said. Her comments comes after she posted a lengthy post in the group asking her members to pay a $10 so she can continue running the group. The new rule has been met with a mixed reaction, with many supporting her decision while others were far from impressed with the request 'I also have to spend a lot of time moderating the group so it's fair for everyone and a safe, supportive group for all members,' she said. 'This includes; vetting every new member, checking posts and comments, making sure it's safe, non-defamatory, non-life threatening and generally supportive, constantly removing spam and promotions and MLMs, answering private messages and emails, providing anonymous questions, fundraising help and more.' The new rule has been met with a mixed reaction, with many supporting her decision while others were far from impressed with the request. 'This actually laughable!! $10,' one woman said. 'I'll pay it when I see an invoice with a ABN - you are setting yourself up for a massive tax bill. You've clearly done no research. Good luck to you lady but I'm out.' 'Just wondering if you can point me towards the terms and conditions, refund policies, complaints policies and membership guidelines? Thanks,' one woman sarcastically added. Members have been asked to make a $10 payment as part of the group's new membership fee Others said the advice they had received over the past few years had been 'invaluable', and they would be happy to pay a 'bargain' price of $10. 'Best-spent $10 - I have massively benefited from what you have created,' one woman wrote. 'Done. This page has been the best resource ever. I know how much hard work you have put into it and you deserve to get something back. I'm backing you all the way. Let the haters leave, no problem,' another posted. While another mother said: 'When I saw the post about the fee I thought fair enough I have found all the advice helpful and comforting in my first year of motherhood.' And another wrote: 'This was the first Mum's fb group I ever joined! Come to think of it, you might have started the whole trend here in Australia! Love your work and transferred.' For the past few years, talented make up artist Anar Agakishiev has blown people away with his incredible make up transformations. The 32-year-old, from Baku, Azerbaijan, regularly shaves years off his clients' ages with his ability to banish wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles from the most senior of complexions. And now, Mr Agakishiev has shown off a host of brand new makeovers on his social media accounts - and two of the women are 80 years old. Scroll down for video For the past few years, talented make up artist Anar Agakishiev (right) has blown people away with his incredible make up transformations This 80-year-old lady arrived at Mr Agakishiev's Academy completely make up free with short hair and lines visible across her face - but after he finished, she looked like a new person One of the ladies arrived at Mr Agakishiev's Beauty Academy completely make up free with short hair and lines visible across her face. But after Mr Agakishiev and his hair team had finished, she boasted flowing brown locks, a glowing, fresh face of make up and a new set of false eyelashes. 'Wow she looks 20 years younger, you are magical,' one fan wrote. 'Omg what an amazing transformation. She looks much youthful and the her skin on her face and neck look less wrinkly,' another wrote. The 32-year-old, from Baku, Azerbaijan, regularly shaves years off his clients' ages with his ability to banish wrinkles, fine lines and dark circles from the most senior of complexions On this 80-year-old woman, Mr Agakishiev opted for a lighter, more contoured look to hide her lines complete with a pale pink lip, drawn eyebrows and a volumised hairstyle While many accuse him of Photoshopping his images, he insists this is not the case and regularly posts videos of them post make up to prove it is a true transformation What are his favourite make up brands? Huda Beauty Anastasia Beverly Hills Too Faced House of Lashes Mikasa Beauty Advertisement On the other 80-year-old woman, Mr Agakishiev opted for a lighter, more contoured look to hide her lines complete with a pale pink lip, drawn eyebrows and a volumised hairstyle. While many accuse him of Photoshopping his images, he insists this is not the case and regularly posts videos of them post make up to prove it is a true transformation. So how does he do it? While he refuses to give away all of his secrets, Mr Agakishiev does share some of his all time favourite brands - one of which is LA-based brand Huda Beauty (pictured is their lipstick) Other brands he uses include Anastasia Beverly Hills, Too Faced, House of Lashes and Mikasa Beauty Mr Agakishiev left medical school shortly after starting and began working as a hairdresser before training himself to 'master' make up application While he refuses to give away all of his secrets, Mr Agakishiev does share some of his all time favourite brands - one of which is LA-based brand Huda Beauty. He has made his love for this brand very clear over the past few months, with the $20 matte lipstick making a regular appearance during in his makeovers. Other brands he uses include Anastasia Beverly Hills, Too Faced, House of Lashes and Mikasa Beauty. Mr Agakishiev left medical school shortly after starting and began working as a hairdresser before training himself to 'master' make up application. He then travelled to Moscow where he took private lessons in both hair and make up before participating in workshops and master classes in countries like Germany, Italy and Spain Once trained, he started to work with leading stars of Azerbaijan and has since made a name for himself in the industry Speaking to TODAY previously, Mr Agakishiev's manager, Konul Seyidova, explained that the transformations came about after he did make up for a friend in her 60s before she went to a wedding He then travelled to Moscow where he took private lessons in both hair and make up before participating in workshops and master classes in countries like Germany, Italy and Spain. Once trained, he started to work with leading stars of Azerbaijan and has since made a name for himself in the industry. Speaking to TODAY previously, Mr Agakishiev's manager, Konul Seyidova, explained that the transformations came about after he did make up for a friend in her 60s before she went to a wedding. The talented artist regularly takes to Instagram to show off his looks and is famed for his ability to use make up to banish wrinkles and dark circles from his clients' complexions After finding success online, Mr Agakishiev was then inspired to start a new project with 12 women throughout 2017 - one for each month - where he showed pictures of their dramatic transformations Each one takes around two hours and includes both make up and hair styling 'He wants to make them look at least 10 years younger,' she said 'He did her makeup and totally changed her,' Ms Seyidova said After finding success online, Mr Agakishiev was then inspired to start a new project with 12 women throughout 2017 - one for each month - where he showed pictures of their dramatic transformations. Each one takes around two hours and includes both make up and hair styling. 'He's a very ambitious person and always looking for a challenge,' Ms Seyidova said. When mother-of-four, Stevie, went about her business one day, she didn't expect to be confronted by a member of the public. But the 27-year-old blogger from New South Wales was swiftly told she doesn't 'dress like a mum' and she 'shouldn't wear what I do'. 'There was even a comment about my clothing not being age appropriate,' Stevie wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of herself and one of her children on Wednesday. 'I was wearing this outfit.' Mother-of-four, Stevie (pictured), shared an Instagram photo of herself in her normal clothes - after she was attacked by a member of the public for wearing this outfit 'Umm what... excuse me? The 1950s just telegrammed and they want their outdated views back,' Stevie (pictured with one of her kids) wrote in a lengthy Instagram post In the photo, Stevie, 27, can be seen wearing ripped jeans, brightly-coloured sunglasses and a T-shirt. She used her post as a chance to hit back: 'Umm what... excuse me? The 1950s just telegrammed and they want their outdated views back,' she began her lengthy popular post. 'Did the government roll out and distribute a mum uniform and I missed the memo?,' she posted. 'Did they assign people to enforce and police such dress codes? Shall I go buy an apron too? 'Since when do I have to dress according to someone else's likes and dislikes?'. She asked the question: 'Since when do I have to dress according to someone else's likes and dislikes?' Stevie (pictured) confessed that she intends to dress however she likes until she is old: 'I plan to be 80, rocking ripped jeans, tulle trimmed unicorn shirts and rainbow hair,' she said Stevie continued her post by saying she intends to dress however she's like until she's old: Stevie (pictured) re-iterated the point that what you wear doesn't change who you are 'I plan to be 80, rocking ripped jeans, tulle trimmed unicorn shirts and rainbow hair. So you can take your "age appropriate" dribble back a few decades.' She explained that what you wear 'does now change who I am within': 'My appearance does not impact my personality... I will look however I want to look and dress in whatever I want to dress in and still be a mum'. She concluded: 'Good and kind people can have tatts [sic], mums can have piercings, caring people can ride motorbikes and wear a patch, poor people can be generous beyond their means and quiet people can be loud... 'Enough with the stereotypes... there is nothing worse or more ignorant.' Since the mum-of-four shared her powerful message online, Stevie - who runs the blog, My Tribe of Six - has received a hefty amount of support from other mothers Stevie (pictured with various members of her family) is known for her candid approach to motherhood and how she blogs online Since the mum-of-four shared her powerful message online, Stevie - who runs the blog My Tribe of Six - has received a hefty amount of support from other mothers. At present, the post has more than 1,000 reactions. Speaking to FEMAIL, Stevie re-iterated her point, confessing she 'can't believe someone could say that': 'So sad how far stupid remarks set back decades of fighting for equality and breaking stereotypes,' she said. To read more from Stevie, please visit her blog here. You've perfected your resume, nailed your cover letter, conquered the interview, and now just have to nervously wait and find out if you've landed that dream job. But new research has revealed it could be your own references that are derailing your chances from getting a promotion or new position - especially if you're a woman. The study, from Columbia University, found that gender bias is still present in recommendations, especially in fields such as science, business, and technology. New research has revealed that it your own references could be derailing your chances from getting a job - especially if you're a woman (stock image) Researchers examined data from 1,224 recommendation letters submitted from 54 countries around the world during the time period of 2007 to 2012. The study, which specifically focused on applicants for post-doctoral research in the geosciences, found that women were half as likely as their male counterparts to receive excellent endorsements - as opposed to just good. Further examination found that this was due to the fact that women were being described with adjectives like 'nurturing' and 'helpful', while men were bestowed stronger descriptors like 'confident' and 'ambitious'. 'This can, in turn, lead to stronger recommendations for male candidates,' the study concluded. 'These results suggest that women are significantly less likely to receive excellent recommendation letters than their male counterparts at a critical juncture in their career.' And, surprisingly, the researchers found that both male and female recommenders were as likely to write stronger letters for male applicants over female applicants. The study found that women were wre being described with adjectives like 'nurturing and male', while men were bestowed stronger descriptors like 'confident' and 'ambitious' (stock image) But the results of the study weren't shocking to Bec Brideson, who was one of only three per cent of females globally to receive the title of Creative Director in the advertising sector. Bec, who now teaches businesses how to tap the female consumer market, told Daily Mail Australia that gender bias is still very much alive in the workforce. 'We are still in an era that is suffering from the hangover where business was built by men, through a male lens, with men the likely or presumed workforce,' she said. Bec Brideson (pictured) said this is largely due to the fact men are 'more comfortable in identifying achievements in other men' And Bec believes men are more often described as 'confident' and 'ambitious' than women because these are the same characteristics they want to see in themselves. 'Men identify with the qualities they expect and value in themselves, and are more comfortable in identifying these achievements in other men,' she explained. 'They have either not seen the advantages in the qualities women bring or not had the opportunity to work with women in these roles.' But Bec said in the end this only hurts businesses as the economic influence of women continues to grow. 'By 2028, women will be responsible for 75 per cent of household discretionary spending,' she said. 'Having everyone in your business understand the powerful female economy is more important than ever.' 'So a course-correction is needed. Not one that disparages or destroys what men have proudly built, but one that includes the contributions, attributes, and innovations that women bring to bear - her female lens.' While women can focus their applications on 'results' for a 'male/business lens' focus, Bec said this will only preserve the status quo. One thing Bec believes that can help change the current disparity is 'male sponsors' - men who will 'speak highly of, recommend, and promote women in these roles' (stock image) 'This perpetuates that male traits are more valuable than female strengths and, in the long-run, won't seek to change the business world to a more gender intelligent or gender aware space - which is ultimately what we aspire towards,' she said. Bec believes that 'male sponsors' - men who will 'speak highly of, recommend, and promote women in these roles' - can help change course. '[These are] men who don't see gender, but see talent and are willing to help these women into roles that other women have not held before,' she said. Bec also recommends that job recruiters and candidates use programs such as Textio, which have gender-specific algorithms that seek to correct unconscious bias and override sexist language. And she believes it's important for businesses to learn that gender differences can only be beneficial. 'True gender intelligence is the ability to acknowledge that gender differences are powerful,' she said. 'This vision is smart, not discriminatory, and looking through both lenses leads to market growth and unseen opportunities.' A dog owner has revealed how he had his Jack Russell stuffed after she died and still takes her on holiday. Mitch Byers, from Portland, Oregon, appeared on ITV's This Morning along with his taxidermied dog Phoebe that has caused a stir on social media. The animal lover set up the Instagram account 'My Dead Dog and Me', which has 1,700 followers, documenting all his activities with his pooch who died in 2013. But the appearance left those watching at home aghast, taking to Twitter where they dubbed Mitch 'barking mad'. Mitch Byers takes his stuffed dog Phoebe on holiday and to all festivities and has started a Instagram account to document his adventures Mitch's beloved pet was taxidermied by his mother who surprised her family after paying thousands for it to be done Viewers watching Mitch and Phoebe's appearance on This Morning thought the idea was 'creepy' and that he was 'barking mad' 'I don't think I could stuff my dogs. It's just like taking your family member out of the coffin and standing them in the corner of the room,' shared one unnerved viewer. 'That bloke with his stuffed dog on This Morning is barking mad!' said another. Others were uncomfortable with the sight of the deceased animal staring at the camera: 'That was just too creepy.' While another said: 'Why would you stuff your dead dog? I feel sick.' Mitch said he isn't fazed by the negative attention the images have received, and explained that he wouldn't have time to get a living dog to replace Phoebe because he would feel guilty for travelling so much. Presenter Eamonn Holmes, who has a rescue dog named Maggie with his co-host and wife Ruth Langsford, thought the idea was brilliant, but Ruth wasn't not in agreement. Mitch explained that the process, which cost his mother 'a few thousand dollars', means Phoebe still has all her own fur and according to him 'feels normal'. He said his family find it comforting having the dog around, adding that he takes her with him to visit friends as well as on holiday: 'I take her on all sorts of family trips.' It was too much for some watching at home, who couldn't believe Mitch had preserved his pet and carried her around Mitch explained that Phoebe's head and neck were both hard and her body was made up of a stuffed bag Eamonn Holmes thought the idea of taxidermy for your pets was a brilliant idea but his wife Ruth Langsford wasn't so keen Mitch's mother was the person behind the idea, she's pictured here with Phoebe when the dog was still alive The photo that sparked the attention was of the Jack Russell in the passenger seat of Mitch's car. Soon after the photo went viral Mitch set up an Instagram account called 'My Dead Dog and Me', now boasting over 1,700 followers. His mother had Phoebe sent to a taxidermist in Colorado, as the ones she contacted in Oregon refused to do family pets. She kept the whole thing a secret from the family, but after four years the dog is still a big part of the family and gets involved in all sorts of festivities which Mitch captures on his Instagram account. A Japanese professor has compared the actions of the Princes in fairytales Sleeping Beauty and Snow White to those of a sex offender. Kazue Muta, a professor at Osaka University in Japan, claims the act of kissing a sleeping woman can be likened to sexual assault on an unconscious person. The feminist academic, 61, went as far as to say that the stories 'promote sexual violence'. Retweeting an article about a man who was arrested after kissing a sleeping woman on a train in December, Kazue claimed his actions closely resembled those seen in the classic children's stories. Kazue Muta, a professor at Osaka University in Japan, has compared the actions of the Princes in classics Sleeping Beauty and Snow White to those of a sex offender 'When you think rationally about 'Snow White' and 'Sleeping Beauty,' that tell of a 'princess being woken up by the kiss of a prince,' they are describing sexual assault on an unconscious person,' she tweeted. Her comments reportedly sparked a fierce debate on Japanese TV, but Kazue soon hit back at critisism, defending her right to 'raise awareness'. 'You might think I'm ruining the fantasy of it all, but these stories are promoting sexual violence and I would like everyone to be aware of it,' she wrote on Women's Action Website. The feminist academic, 61, went as far as to say that the classic fairytales 'promote sexual violence' due to the princes kissing the princesses without consent 'When you think rationally about 'Snow White' and 'Sleeping Beauty,' that tell of a 'princess being woken up by the kiss of a prince,' they are describing sexual assault on an unconscious person,' she tweeted 'There were many critical replies that state "Because the princess and prince lived happily ever after in the end, there is a presumptive consent regarding the kiss, so there's no problem,"' she continued. 'However, this understanding of it is actually dangerous. This kind of thinking fabricates the mindset of 'the ends justify the means,' and to what extent does this allow sexual violence to occur?' Sleeping Beauty tells the tale of a Princess, who is cursed by a jealous witch, falling into a deep sleep when pricking her finger on a spindle. The princess can only be awoken from her slumber by true love's kiss. In the classic fairytale, Snow White is cursed into a death-like sleep by her stepmother and queen, only saved by a kiss from a Prince Similarly, Snow White is cursed into a death-like sleep by her stepmother and queen, only saved by a kiss from a Prince. The tales also sparked controversy back in November, when a mother demanded her six-year-old son's school ban Sleeping Beauty because the princess does not give consent to be kissed. Sarah Hall, from Northumberland Park, North Shields, claimed the fairytale promotes an 'inappropriate sexual' message to young children. Posting a picture from her son's Sleeping Beauty book, she wrote: 'Tell you what, while we are still seeing narratives like this in school, we are never going to change ingrained attitudes to sexual behaviour #MeToo #consent #mysonisix The mother of two told MailOnline at the time: 'I think it's a specific issue in the Sleeping Beauty story about sexual behaviour and consent. Sarah Hall claimed the fairytale promotes an 'inappropriate sexual' message to young children back in November 'It's about saying is this still relevant, is it appropriate? In today's society, it isn't appropriate - my son is only six, he absorbs everything he sees, and it isn't as if I can turn it into a constructive conversation.' But despite her strong opinions on the fairytales, she doesn't think they should be removed from bookshelves completely. 'I don't think taking Sleeping Beauty books out of circulation completely would be right. 'I actually think it would be a great resource for older children, you could have a conversation around it, you could talk about consent, and how the Princess might feel. 'But I'm really concerned about it for younger children, would really welcome a conversation about whether this is suitable material,' she concluded. Sleeping Beauty harks back to literary tale Sun, Moon and Talia, written by Italian author Giambattista Basile in 1634. The dark story tells the tale of a girl who falls into an unbreakable sleep after being pricked by a splinter. She is then impregnated by a king in her sleep, and later gives birth still whilst still unconscious, before being awoken by one of her twins who sucks the splinter out of her finger. The Italian tale was later retold by French author Charles Perrault in 1697 as Sleeping Beauty, and by German academics the Brothers Grimm in 1812 as Little Briar Rose. A mother has shared a distressed warning with other parents after her baby son almost lost two toes due to a strand of hair that got tied around his foot. Heather Fricke, 34, took to Facebook recently to explain that her 10-week-old son Jacob had just woken up from a two-hour nap when she and the baby boy's father, Tommy, noticed something wrong with his foot. 'He woke up, I fed and changed both his diaper and clothes for a party we were going to,' the mother, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, wrote. Message: Heather Fricke, 34, has shared a warning with other parents after her baby son almost lost two toes due to hair tied around his foot (pictured after the hair was removed) 'I handed him to his dad Tommy to put socks on him when Tommy realized his two toes were blue and tied together with a strand of hair!!!' The frantic mother said she immediately removed as much hair as she could from her son's foot before taking Jacob to the ER. There, multiple doctors worked to remove the rest of the hair, which she said was hers, from the baby's toes. 'Doctors said if I didn't take off the hair that I was able to get off that his two toes they would've had to be amputated,' she wrote. Jacob is now doing 'just well' although Heather says that her son is still in a bit of pain, 'and his poor toes look like they hurt so bad', the mother added. Acting fast: The mom (pictured center with Jacob, right, and her other son, left) said she removed as much hair as she could before taking Jacob to the ER She urged other parents to watch out for possible strands of hair tied around their babies' bodies. Warning: Heather urged other parents to watch out for possible strands of hair tied around their babies' bodies in order to avoid similar incidents 'CHECK YOUR [BABY'S] TOES AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN!!!' she wrote. 'And if you have a baby boy even his PENIS. Yes I said penis... They are such tiny [babies] and our hair can be such a hazard but it's something that we never really pay attention to.' The mother also shared a photo of her son's foot, which she said was taken 12 hours after the hair was removed. A mark can still be seen where the strand of hair wrapped around Jacob's toes, tracing a deep line into the baby's skin. Heather's message has received 61,000 reactions on Facebook as well as 44,000 comments, with many people wishing Jacob well and sharing similar stories that happened either to their children or other people's little ones. She is often snapped posing with models, celebrities and fellow society beauties at the world's most glamorous parties. And this sweet childhood photo shows that Lady Amelia Windsor, 22, has never lacked confidence in front of the camera. The young royal is seen winking and smiling cheekily in the family snap, which she shared as part of a recent Instagram story. Cheeky: Lady Amelia Windsor, 22, shared this sweet family photo as part of a recent Instagram story. The society beauty is seen winking for the camera, her head tilted to one side Party time: The young royal recently celebrated New Year's Eve with friends in Costa Rica The image shows the Edinburgh University graduate trying out a new pose, with her head tilted slightly to one side. She is seen with two other children, possibly her sister Lady Marina, 25, and 29-year-old brother, Edward Windsor, Lord Downpatrick. The family photo was shared on the social media site, where Lady Amelia keeps her nearly 30,000 followers entertained with photos of chic outfits and jet-set lifestyle. She recently returned to the UK following a jaunt to Costa Rica, where she rung in the New Year with friends. Society sisters: Marina 'Win' Windsor, left, and Amelia 'Mel' Windsor show off their matching diamond-set necklaces from Annoushka during their recent Meribel skiing holiday Before that Lady Amelia joined her family for a glamorous ski trip in Meribel, where Pippa Middleton celebrated her secret hen party. She posted a photo of herself wearing matching necklaces with her sister Lady Marina. The personalised diamond-set necklaces from Annoushka spell out their nicknames, Mel and Win, and are believed to have cost 1,520 each. In another snap, Amelia, who is signed with Kate Moss's former modelling agency Storm, can be seen frolicking in the snow in a 1,085 Moncler jacket. Bundled up in a 1,085 jacket, the modelcaptioned this snap: 'Snow nice to see you here' Pedigree: The society beauty, who is 36th in line to the throne, was once dubbed 'Britain's most beautiful royal' by society magazine Tatler, has walked the runway for Dolce & Gabbana The society beauty, who is 36th in line to the throne, was once dubbed 'Britain's most beautiful royal' by society magazine Tatler and has walked the runway for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana. The University of Edinburgh graduate also recently appeared in new British Vogue editor Edward Enninful first ever issue. Industry experts have predicted that Amelia - who has all the kudos of royalty without any of the restraints placed on more high profile members of the family - could make 1 million a year through brand collaborations alone. What better way to start the new year than by remembering two of my very favorite topics: Vocational Education, and Music in the Schools? My old high school was one of these - Kirkman Vocational HS - which served a very large number of students for many years. Granted, the majority of students who went there were not interested in anything but to "get out of school and go to work", as many students came from poor homes where money was needed - immediately - without all the social niceties of a four-year college (or university) program following high school. My old school is well-remembered as "Kirkman Vocational HS", changing its name slightly to "Kirkman Technical HS" in later years. Kirkman was FULLY ACCREDITED in every way, enabling any graduate desiring a college degree to continue at the higher university or college level. That is exactly what I did - and I learned things at Kirkman that were not taught at the university - and which came in rather handy for my later employment at the U.S. Mint, where hand lettering was absolutely required of the job! In my day, there were many local industries that actually had a dependency on Kirkman HS graduates; they depended on each year's crop of Kirkman graduates to start working up their employment ladder - and I am referring specifically to industries such as Combustion Engineering and Chattanooga Glass Company - both now gone. At least one student I knew went to work for one of those industries, climbed the ladder of Success and became very wealthy from all the patents he earned for his company. (No college degree!) A new Kirkman-type vocational school would not have the limitations of former "smoke-stack" industries, but the new curricula could be adapted to the digital age just as easily. And such adaptation would not place it in conflict with already existing computer programs - as at Chattanooga State Tech. Students would still be learning Social Studies, English and Math in the morning, and then getting a fine intro into simplified Computer Science in the afternoons. Such a program could then possibly deliver a better-qualified student to the higher level institution. The new vocational school would be acting almost like on-the-job training while the student was earning his or her high school diploma. An entire new crop of both students and teachers could benefit from such a new school. Kirkman had both eager students and highly dedicated instructors such as Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Pennington, Frank Huffaker, Willie Blanche Wheeler Looney, David Dicus, Charlotte Roesslein, "Chief" L.B. Bender, and many others of equal abilities. All of these are gone now, but who can say that an equally competent new breed of teacher is not waiting in the wings to guide an ever-increasing number of students in the right direction to fulfill their New Age dreams? It should be noted that Ms. Wheeler-Looney (above) came to Kirkman HS with both a law degree - and a teachers' certificate: she chose Teaching! And now to my second favorite topic: MUSIC IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS! That used to be a really big deal, folks - and the only "letter" I ever earned in all my 12 years of public schooling was when Brainerd Junior HS won a statewide Band competition - at Oak Ridge - in 1947! (Not exactly a "letter", but we all got circular emblems telling of the event, and that could be sewed on the sweater of our choice.) Mr. Albert Richard Casavant was the new Music Director for all the city schools, and Mrs. Frank Huffaker was head of the music department at Brainerd Junior HS (going later to City HS).They were both very proud of our efforts. Music classes - especially Band and Orchestra - were a lot of fun, too, and there were a great many participants. Same was true for every school in the City system. (City and County schools were divided then; County schools did not have a similar music program.) I remember after school in the afternoons when everybody would be trying to crowd onto a bus while carrying a load of books in one arm and a clunky instrument case in the other! (That was in the days before the very sensible modern "back packs" had been discovered!) And then in the downtown area you could always see a few school-age students carrying instruments hidden in cases, and you would wonder what sort of instrument it concealed. Was it a saxophone like yours, or....what? These young musicians hung together pretty well, too, and created long-lasting friendships which people like local world-class clarinetist, Jay Cravens, could attest to. On the national news programs I have also noticed in recent years how special music programs in formerly high-crime areas of large cities have greatly reduced those problems. I am speaking specifically about Juvenile crime - and how the former street gangs are being broken up by the stronger desire of the young people to make MUSIC in their after-school down time. I personally think it was wrong to let Kirkman Technical High School simply drop off the map - and I feel the same as regards the music program we once had in our schools. Kirkman was not "zoned" in my time, as students came there from far distances in every direction. It is true that Howard High School has assumed some of Kirkman's former prominence in that field, yet I believe that it may be zoned in some way to keep the flocks of students that Kirkman once had from attending; don't know for sure. I only know our city could benefit once again by strong Music and Vocational Ed programs. The picture at the top of this story shows an unidentified group at Kirkman Technical High School, perhaps made about 1960. Both teacher and students show an intensity of dedication so obvious that I will let it stand for itself as proof of the need for another Kirkman! * * * Chester Martin is a native Chattanoogan who is a talented painter, sculptor and artisan as well as local historian. He and his wife, Pat, live in Brainerd. Mr. Martin can be reached at cymppm@comcast.net. The hit science fiction show Black Mirror has come under fire from female fans and women's health organizations for one of its newest episodes, which they say irresponsibly conflates emergency contraception with medical abortions. Since the release of the entire fourth season was released on Netflix on December 29, many viewers have taken issue with a plot detail in episode two, called Arkangel, which was directed by Oscar winner Jodie Foster. Even Planned Parenthood and the pro-choice group NARAL have chimed in, correcting the misinformation being disseminated by the show. Scroll down for video Inaccurate: An episode of the newest season of Black Mirror that incorrectly portrays how emergency contraception works has left many viewers angry Problems: Both Planned Parenthood and NARAL have spoken out about the misinformation in the episode Arkangel Criticized: The episode was directed by Jodie Foster, who has also been bashed online The episode Arkangel tells the story of a teen named Sara (played by Brenna Harding), whose mother Marie (played by Rosemarie DeWitt) has a chip implanted in her brain to monitor her activity, feelings, and health. When Marie learns through the chip that Sara has had sex and is pregnant, she buys emergency contraception over-the-counter at a pharmacy and crushes it up into a smoothie for her daughter. Later, at school, Sara begins to feel ill. A school nurse tells her it is being caused by 'EC', which Sara doesn't know she has taken. 'Emergency contraception. For terminating a pregnancy,' the nurse says, erroneously describing what emergency contraception does. 'It will work in spite of the vomiting. You don't have to worry about that. You're not pregnant anymore.' In the week since the episode went live online, many fans have been bingeing the new season and quite a few have been struck by the incorrect description of emergency contraception. Do your research! Several viewers, including medical professionals, have called the show out for getting facts wrong Iffy: In the episode, a teenage girl (right) is slipped emergency contraception by her mom, and is later told that it gave her an abortion which is not what EC does They're not only upset with the science fiction show for wrongly portraying a matter of science, but they're also accusing writer Charlie Brooker and director Jodie of acting irresponsibly by propagating incorrect and even harmful information. 'One of the episodes of @blackmirror conflates emergency contraception and the abortion pill, which is INFURIATING because emergency contraception can't terminate a pregnancy & conservatives use this falsehood against it all the time,' wrote one New York City writer. 'I watched @blackmirror and I'm PISSED that they equated Emergency Contraception to an abortion pill. EC prevents pregnancy. It does NOT terminate pregnancy. This is so damn irresponsible,' wrote Charlene Carruthers. As many are pointing out, emergency contraception often called the morning-after pill is not the same thing as the abortion pill. The morning-after pill can be purchased over-the-counter, as the character in Black Mirror shows. It comes under several brand names, including Plan B and Take Action. It does not cause an abortion rather, it prevents a pregnancy from occurring. The pill must be taken 120 hours (or five days) after having unprotected sex, and it stops ovulation and an egg's ability to implant in the uterus. Not good: Many people have sounded off on Black Mirror for spreading incorrect information, calling it 'dangerous and irresponsible' Truth: Activists (pictured) and even Planned Parenthood chimed in to explain that emergency contraception is taken immediately after sex and prevents pregnancy Elizabeth Clark, Planned Parenthood Federation of America's Director of Health Media, explained how it works to the Daily Beast following the episode's release. 'Pregnancy doesn't happen right after you have sex,' she said. 'Sperm can actually live inside someone's body for up to six days after sex, waiting for an egg to show up to be fertilized. The morning-after pill works by temporarily stopping ovulation so the ovary doesn't release an egg.' The abortion pill works more like the drug used in the episode but it is an entirely different medication. First, it must be prescribed by a doctor and is taken under that doctor's supervision. Also called a medical abortion, it's actually a set of two medications mifepristone and misoprostol that are taken one after the other. The first pill is taken at a doctor's office or clinic, and prevent the body from producing progesterone, which is necessary to a pregnancy. The second pill, taken at home 6 to 48 hours later, causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus. Conflated: It's the abortion pill which is taken under the supervision of a doctor that causes a medical abortion No one checked this? Some have said that the show has a responsibility to get facts right 'Film and television have a unique opportunity to portray sexual and reproductive health care in medically accurate and nonjudgmental ways for millions of viewers,' added Clark. 'With access to health care and sex education under constant attack, it's more important than ever for us to see accurate storylines when it comes to contraception, abortion, and other sexual health issues as well as a whole range of peoples authentic experiences.' NARAL Pro-Choice America agrees. On January 2, the organization tweeted: 'Not only is the idea of emergency contraceptives as "abortifacients" an idea propagated by anti-choice extremists to limit access to birth control it's also scientifically & medically inaccurate. Not cool, @blackmirror.' Several Black Mirror fans are also angry, and are calling on the show's creator to correct the mistake. 'Is @blackmirror going to address the issue many of us have been raising about the erroneous conflation of emergency contraception & medication abortion in Arkangel? Please do something to help correct this misperception,' tweeted epidemiologist Chelsea Polis. Response? Both the show's writer Charlie Brooker and director Jodie Foster have come under serious criticism Many have worried that less-informed viewers will believe the false information 'Hey @charltonbrooker, if you plan to write any more @blackmirror episodes involving reproductive health and abortion, give me a call. You have an important platform where you can educate the public, correct misinformation, and contribute to the development of good health policy!' added Dr. Daniel Grossman, a clinical and public health researcher on abortion and contraception. 'I really wish Jodie Foster and @netflix had actually done some research on abortion pills and emergency contraception. It was wildly inaccurate, from how EC works to the symptoms,' tweeted activist Renee Bracey Sherman. Writer Lauren Rankin also shared an all-caps message: 'EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION IS NOT THE SAME AS THE ABORTION PILL. THEY ARE TWO DIFFERENT MEDICINES THAT DO DIFFERENT THINGS. CONFLATING THEM IS DANGEROUS AND IRRESPONSIBLE.' So far, neither Charlie Brooker nor Jodie Foster have responded to the criticism. LIV LITTLE Editor-in-Cheif and founder of gal-dem, Liv is one of the youngest faces in list at just 23. The online and print magazine run by women of colour and the tea, is built up of over '70 women and non-binary people' employees. Liv launched the magazine in 2015 after becoming frustrated at the lack of diversity at her university. Describing the message behind gal-dem Liv writes: 'We want people of different shapes, sizes, sexes and ethnic backgrounds to engage with the work we are doing. It is no secret that the mainstream media doesn't represent or reflect us, so we are doing it for ourselves.' SOPHIE WALKER Journalist and author Sophie Walker took on the role of leader of the Women's Equality Party, set up by broadcaster Sandi Toksvig, in 2015. Speaking at the time, Sophie said: 'We want to put equality for women back on the mainstream political agenda. We believe that it's time to really take action to fix many things that have been left unfixed for too long.' Sophie, 46, who has two daughters and two step-sons, campaigned in the London Mayor elections in 2016. PARIS LEES Transgender model Paris Lees who describes herself as a 'writer, presenter and campaigner', is the first openly trans woman to be profiled by the magazine. Paris, 27, grew up as a boy in the former mining town of Hucknall, in Nottinghamshire. She assumed she was gay, until she served eight months in a young offenders institution for a robbery she committed when she was 16, where she vowed to turn her life around and become the woman she truly was and is. Lees was also the first out trans person to appear on BBC Question Time, and has been called the 'voice of a generation' by i-D magazine and 'the fearless, vital voice we need' by Dazed for her work to champion equality and combat bullying. DINA TORKIA Dina was named the 9th most powerful YouTube star in March this year, falling only behind the likes of Zoella and Alfie Deyes. Known as the 'hijab blogger' Dina has worked tirelessly to alter the perceptions around women who wear headscarves. She boasts a strong online presence with her YouTube channel amassing over 700,000 subscribers. GILLIAN WEARING The Turner-prize winning artist has become one of the leading names in British art. The artist shot to fame in the 1990s with a collection of photographs she had taken of strangers in the street, holding up signs with 'confessions' written on them. In 1997 she won the Turner Prize for 60 Minutes Silence, a film of uniformed police officers sitting together. Wearing was elected as lifetime member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London in 2007. In 2014 she turned heads in Birmingham when she unveiled a 100,000 bronze artwork featuring two single mums in Centenary Square representing what it means to be an ordinary family. And last year she was commissioned to make a statue for Parliamant Square opting for Millicent Fawcett, the suffragist leader. RENI EDDO-LODGE Reni is a writer on race and gender issues and a former contributing editor at Feminist Times, she was also a judge for the Woman's Hour Power List, 2014. Her most famous blog post, 'Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race' was a viral hit, and its book equivalent has since sold more than 30,000 copies. STELLA CREASY Labour MP Stella Creasy is the second politician to join the Vogue line up. Prior to her election as MP for Walthamstow in 2010, Stella, 40, worked as head of campaigns at the Scout Association and as deputy director of the thinktank Involve. She has become known for her campaigns against sexism in parliament having criticised her own party member Clive Lewis for his 'violent sexual' language in 2017. In 2013 she was applauded for calling out journalist Toby Young for his 'breasts' tweet about an MP live on Newsnight. In 2017 she fiercly campaigned for a woman to be featured on the new 10 note. The Dale family created their dream home with just 27,000, earning them a place on Grand Designs and the title of Britain's cheapest home. But a devastating fire has seen the family tragically lose their eco-friendlly abode. Friends of Simon and Jasmine Dale are asking strangers to help rebuild the Pembrokshire home after it burned down on New Year's Day in what is believed to be an electrical fire. Their Just Giving page says they are 'devastated' to have lost their home, with supporters already pledging over 2,000 to rebuild it. The house, which was built in the sustainable Lammas community in Pembrokeshire, was ravaged after fire crews battled the flames for six hours. Scroll down for video Simon and Jasmine Dale's eco-friendly home, which appeared on Grand Designs in 2016, tragically burnt down in a fire on New Year's Eve The family started the project with just 500 in the bank and spent a mere 27,000 completing it. It has been dubbed 'Britain's cheapest home' and appeared on Grand Designs last year. Friends of the family are asking for 20,000 to rebuild the home on charity site Just Giving. The page reads: 'Simon, Jasmine and their two children have been residents at Lammas eco village, Pembrokeshire, since the start of the project . They have been working on their family home for the last 6 years. The family started building the house with just 500 in the bank and spent a mere 27,000 Friends of the family have set up a Just Giving page to help them raise the money to rebuild it after the documentary captured them working on the project for over two years. Pictured: Simon and Jasmine with presenter Kevin McCloud 'This beautiful building was featured on Grand Designs last year. Sadly a fire started on New Years day and their beloved home was burned to the ground. 'Luckily no one was hurt but as you can imagine, the family are devastated.' Some 55 supporters have now donated 2,260 to the family's fundraiser. The family originally built their eco-friendly house because they wanted to live an outdoor lifestyle and surviving off the land. Simon excavated 12 feet into the hillside and built a retaining wall along the back, made from sandbags filled with the excavated earth. The page has already raised over 2,000 and their friends are hoping for a total of 20,000. Pictured: The mezzanine level featured a small study with reclaimed wooden units The couple's home was built on the sustainable Lammas community in Pembrokeshire. Pictured: The couple's son Cosmo's bedroom, decorated in red Floors were made from rammed earth, polished and hardened with linseed oil and the structure from round timber poles, using wood grown, felled, prepared and sawn by Simon. The same poles made up the roof, covered by a damp proof membrane and a sheep's wool insulation with grass on top for further insulation. Windows were reclaimed glass and the exterior timber framed walls filled with straw bales. Wrapping around front they built greenhouse to pre-heat air for the house and grow food, while they intended to source kitchen fixtures and appliances from car boot sales and eBay. The timber beams were all grown, felled, prepared and sawn as seen in the couple's daughter Elfie's bedroom (pictured) Simon and Jasmine managed to add to their funds throughout the project but still ended up spending only 27,000 'This won't be a cramped hobbit house, but a spacious, solid, three bed, low impact family home,' Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud said following its completion. When their house was finally complete in 2014 after construction began in October 2012, an overwhelmed Simon was seen looking around his dream property. He said: 'I don't think I could quantify it, but I can feel it in my heart when I walk around at the end of the day and see the bats flying round and hear the birds sing. 'It's been hard and I wasn't asking for an easy life. I like challenge. To put in a hard day's graft and be tired at the end of the day. That exhaustion is a nice feeling.' Jenni Murray decided at the age of 21 she wouldn't conform to societal norms and ditched the Lady Shave My first step towards total defiance of one of my mothers absolute requirements when it came to personal grooming came at the age of 21. I was standing in the shower and I had the Lady Shave (pink, of course) in one hand, the shaving cream, borrowed from my dad, in the other and the words of one Germaine Greer, author of the newly published The Female Eunuch, in my head. Women suppress hairiness just as they suppress all the aspects of their vigour and libido, shed said. In extreme cases women shave or pluck their pubic hair so as to seem even more sexless and infantile. How right she was, for here I was, one morning in 1971, razor in hand, about to literally scrape away the evidence of my female maturity and sexuality like it was something to be ashamed of. I had, I must make clear, never attacked the pubic area, but the armpits and legs had been almost a daily bind ever since Mum had presented me with my first razor as soon as the first few hairs materialised when I was a teenager. To her, soft, smooth, hairless skin was a vital part of basic cleanliness and femininity. When Lourdes posted this affectionate picture comparisons were immediately made to her mother, whos also been a proud champion of the anti-razor movement over the years To me it was nothing but a hassle that often gave me an ugly, red-raw rash which stung like mad when I applied deodorant. And, even before Greer had voiced it in her book, I had often wondered why hair was considered attractive and acceptable in a man, but a woman was supposed to retain the bald appearance of a baby or a little girl. So I made a radical decision and threw the razor in the bin. A few days later enough time for a healthy little thatch to be forming under my arms I put on a short-sleeved dress and prepared to face the onslaught from my mother. Good grief, Jen, surely youre not going out looking like that. At the 1999 premiere of Notting Hill, when Julia Roberts raised one arm to wave to the crowd, baring her hair covered-pits, she sent the assembled paparazzi into a frenzy If you havent time to shave, at least put on a cardigan and DONT TAKE IT OFF! I did my best to explain the sexual politics of what felt like a proud and bold strike for feminism. My mother was having none of it. She told me I looked common, cheap and shabby. I weathered her fury, ignored her advice and created yet another subject on which we would never agree!. And so it remained. For the rest of my mothers natural life, and indeed for the next 47 years, my armpits have remained as nature intended. Sophia Loren, one of many celebrities who refused to shave, certainly wasn't shy about showing the world that she had armpit hair I remain proudly and defiantly hirsute, as the words of Germaine Greer still ring in my head: It takes a great deal of courage and independence to decide to design your own image instead of the one that society rewards, but it gets easier as you go along. And yet it still astonishes me that a woman showing off her hairy armpits creates controversy after all these years, but apparently it does. Look at Madonnas daughter, Lourdes. Not so little now, at the age of 21, but there she was this week, cuddling up to her mother, with one arm thrown above her head, showing off a bit of underarm fluff. Comparisons were immediately made to her mother, whos also been a proud champion of the anti-razor movement over the years (in 2014, she posted a picture on Instagram with the caption Long hair, dont care!). Julia Roberts did it too, at the 1999 premiere of Notting Hill, when she raised one arm to wave to the crowd and sent the assembled paparazzi into a frenzy. In 2014, Madonna posted a picture on Instagram with the caption Long hair, dont care! boasting a thick batch of under-arm hair Hairy armpits as a propaganda tool is not just a Western phenomenon. In 2015 the Chinese womens rights activist Xiao Meili used a popular blogging site to hold an armpit hair competition. She was protesting against the social pressure on women to shave under their arms. There were more than 1.7million hits. Now Madonnas daughter has taken up the mantle. This is Lourdes second outing: in April she was caught on a beach in Miami, with a shockingly stubbly armpit, prompting all sorts of debate, with commentators arguing whether it was a feminist backlash against the image-obsessed industry which had propelled her mother to fame, or just a way to get attention. Scout Willis, an advocate of the no-shave brigade, revealed her unshaven armpit hair a in a photo shared by her sister Tallulah Did no one consider that she might just be a dark-haired, Latino girl, long past puberty, who was on holiday and simply couldnt be bothered? Everyone seems to have an opinion when they see a hairy armpit. Mine didnt go unnoticed when I went out over the years. I was often asked how Id found the courage to do it, but nobody voiced any horror (apart, of course, from my mother who never really got over my refusal to shave). None of my friends seemed to find it surprising and a number of them followed suit. I guess wed all been reading the same book. The first time Lourdes showed off her stubbly armpit on a beach in Miami last April people questioned whether it was a feminist backlash against the image-obsessed industry which had propelled her mother to fame, or just a way to get attention Boyfriends seemed to find it rather engaging. I like to think theyd all seen the famous photos of a hirsute Sophia Loren taken in the mid-Fifties and were making favourable comparisons. As for the hygiene side of things, I continued to wash and apply deodorant just as I always did, and no one ever took me aside for a quiet word. Now we hairy ladies, I am delighted to report, are no longer unusual. Ive been talking to the mothers of teenage girls who are as pleased as I am that their daughters are rebelling against the expectation that they will follow that airbrushed, hairless, image of a woman made popular by pornography. It seems girls and young women have learned for themselves that a boys assumption that theyll resemble (and behave like) a shorn porn star is an insult to their basic humanity. Miley Cyrus bared her armpits as she spoke onstage during the 30th Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Hall They may also have picked up some hints from mothers who fell for that barbaric fashion fad for the Brazilian wax and saw them limping home shrieking and shaking with the agony of it. Theyre far too switched on and sensible to believe that old no pain, no gain lie when it comes to personal grooming. There are so many advantages to being hirsute as nature intended. No more bits of toilet paper stuck on the legs to stem the bleeding when the razor slipped. No painful boils under the arm as a result of an infected hair root (my mother had one and Im ashamed to say I was not particularly sympathetic). It turns out that the 'armpit' hair that featured in one of Gigi Hadid's shoots was 'loose fibre' but that didn't stop social media users slamming the model telling her it was 'distracting' No itching, no shrieking after applying deodorant and no stubble, which Ive always considered so much more unattractive than the clean, fresh down of natural growth. Germaine Greer was right when she said it gets easier to design your own image as you get older, rather than obey the rules demanded by society. Maturity and wisdom seem to underline the right to make your own choices. It no longer takes courage to say stuff it! Ill please myself and I dont care what anybody thinks. And as for my legs, I deeply regret following the fashion of my youth. When I started to shave there was nothing there but barely visible fluff. Shaving made the hairs darker and coarser, but I gave it up years ago. Another case of cant be bothered! Nowadays, however, my armpit hair is rarely seen. Nobody notices anything unusual about a woman in her late 60s going out only in a dress or top with long sleeves in the height of summer. Women my age tend to cover their upper arms for reasons other than bodily hair. I think theyre known as Bingo Wings, and, sorry Germaine, Im not ready to be out and proud with them just yet! If you're served a beer with a generous head of foam on top you might be tempted to send it right back and demand another one, but according to beer sommelier Max Bakker your perception of what the ideal glass looks like is all wrong. Max who is the first and only Master Cicerone in New York - a certification that recognises exceptional understanding of brewing, beer, and pairing told Business Insider that tilting the glass and pouring slowly means the CO2 in the beer has nowhere to escape to. This means that the carbon dioxide goes straight into your stomach, leaving you feeling bloated - and things get worse if you pair your beer with a snack. As soon as the food goes into your stomach and disturbs the liquid it will start releasing the CO2 and making you feel even more full and uncomfortable. In fact, CO2 that's the equivalent of 2.5 times the volume of beer you've drunk can be released in your stomach because it hasn't happened in the glass during pouring. If you tilt the glass and pour slowly to avoid your beer foaming over the sides of the glass, you've been doing it all wrong (stock image) According to Max the perfect way serve beer is to tilt the glass and pour with vigour, even if you're left with a significant head. While people tend to see too much foam as a negative, Max insists it's not a proper beer without it. 'In this foam is where we're going to taste the sweetness of the malt and the bitterness of the hops,' he said. 'But really it's going to protect the integrity of the aroma that's underneath that foam through each sip. The foam protects the taste of the beer underneath and is a sign that you won't be getting too much CO2 building up in your stomach (stock image) As well as making mistakes with beer, you could also be drinking your wine all wrong if you open a bottle and leave it to languish for days before finishing. Wine educator Collin Lilly of the Andretti Winery in Napa Valley gave Popsugar his expert view on how to enjoy wine at its best, and insisted that for optimum taste you 'need to drink that entire bottle that night'. He explained that once you've consumed half the bottle or more, there's a gap of air filling the bottle and one the wine is exposed to air the phenols which affect its taste start to 'dissipate and become negative flavours'. This means that even if you leave the bottle open for a day or two before dipping in again, the taste will already be spoiled as it's continuing to change rapidly and you'll notice the difference even as little as 24 hours later. 'When you open a bottle, it's best to drink it within four to six hours of opening without compromising taste,' Collin said. Once you've opened a bottle, you create a pocket of air that starts to affect the structure of the wine and change the taste By the time it's been open for two or three days, or any longer, it's likely to taste actively unpleasant to some, depending on your standards for wine. And, according to Colin, the same applies to cooking so think twice before adding a splash from an open bottle that's been languishing in the cupboard if you don't want to ruin the flavours in your dish. Another important tip you need to remember for preserving the quality of your wine is to store it correctly. Alcohol shelf life Unlike wine, spirits have an extremely long shelf life provided they're stored properly. Whiskey, for instance, only ages in the cask, but not in a bottle. You should store it at 15.5 to 19.4 degrees in a dark environment, and make sure it's upright so it doesn't come into contact with the cork. When taken care of properly, whiskey can be kept indefinitely, while the same goes for gin and vodka. Take care with cream liqueurs however, that will start to spoil over time. Advertisement If you've been keeping your bottles with corks in an upright position, you've definitely been storing them wrong. It turns out that there is a very good reason why winemakers, restaurants and wine snobs keep their bottles in a rack. Wine critic Joanne Simon told Cosmopolitan: 'Bottles of wine should be stored horizontally to keep the wine in contact with the cork and help prevent the cork from drying out.' If the cork becomes too dry, it can become brittle and break up, causing it to get stuck in the neck. Even if you do pull it out in one piece, tiny pieces of cork can still end up floating in your wine. Simon added that it's best to use a 'smooth, rounded' corkscrew rather than one with a 'sharp, bevelled edge' to avoid breakages. If you don't have enough room for a wine rack, stick to screwcap wines which don't need to be stored horizontal. With eight Michelin stars to their chef's name, it promised to be a memorable evening of fine dining. But sadly, for actress Tracy-Ann Oberman, her romantic dinner-for-two was unforgettable for the wrong reason after her husband tried to eat his napkin. The couple had been left increasingly baffled by the Spanish restaurant's bizarre take on haute cuisine provided by acclaimed chef Martin Berasategui. Their confusion reached its peak when the her husband Rob Cowan decided to tuck in to a white dish served in a rope-bound block of stone only to discover he had taken a bite out of a napkin. Unhappy: Tracy-Ann Oberman and her husband Rob Cowan (pictured together in 2010) Miss Oberman, 51, who starred in EastEnders, later complained online about the meal at the 'pretentious' restaurant, calling the staff patronising. Posting pictures of how their food had been served on Twitter, she wrote: 'This is what happens when you apply a Michelin star or two or three. Honestly.' With another picture of food on what appeared to be a wooden slab, she wrote the caption: 'This made us squeal.' The actress added: 'You know it's a Michelin star when the napkins are inflated with water in a Neanderthal carver holder. Rob tried to eat it. They [staff] were horrified. Whine and dine: Miss Oberman's romantic dinner-for-two was unforgettable for the wrong reason after her husband tried to eat his napkin (above) Served by acolytes of nonsense! One course of her meal was served on a piece of wood 'The amuse bouche was served with a reverence that bordered on religious fervour. Bloody Michelin pretentiousness. 'Delicious food served by acolytes of nonsense on receptacles of pure folly. #minireview.' Mr Berasategui has eight Michelin stars across his restaurants, where a 14-course tasting menu sets diners back 200 and an apple pie costs 28.50. Miss Oberman, who also writes scripts for BBC Radio 4, addressed a tweet to the chef, telling him: 'Your food was exquisite, your presentation a tad pretentious but your staff were so patronising. It's a restaurant not a church.' She also directed her Twitter posts at the We Want Plates account, which claims to be on a 'global crusade against serving plates on bits of wood and roof slates, chips in mugs and jam-jar drinks'. We want plates! Miss Oberman shared photos of the food, including this pot that was used to serve a starter We want plates! She also directed her Twitter posts at the We Want Plates account, which claims to be on a 'global crusade against serving plates on bits of wood and roof slates' It is not known which one of Mr Berasategui's 12 restaurants the couple were dining at, though his main restaurant is located close to the town of San Sebastian in northern Spain. Previously named one of the best 30 in the world, the restaurant has a typical 40 starter that includes a single oyster with 'iced cucumber slush'. For 63, diners can tuck in to a main course of 'stuffed Iberian pork trotters with quince paste and crunchy black pudding pearls'. In the foreword to his menu, the chef, who won his first Michelin star by the time he was 25, writes: 'We would destroy the spirit of the meal if we served them in very large portions. 'I only conceive the following dishes in small potions with the brevity of three or four mouthfuls.' A 14-month-old girl inhaled an LED bulb that was originally used as a decoration on her family's Christmas tree, a bizarre new case report reveals. The French baby, whose name is unknown, suffered from coughing and wheezing in the run-up to Christmas last year. Doctors suspected she had developed asthma and dished her out drugs to combat her symptoms. However, they didn't work. Medical scans three weeks later revealed a U-shaped foreign body in her left lung, which surgeons were concerned about. The French baby, whose name is unknown, was found to have inhaled a LED lightbulb (pictured is the chest X-ray of a U-shaped foreign body in her left lung) The object was found to be an LED bulb. It was removed using a bronchoscope a flexible tube with a camera and light attached to the end. Her parents, who are believed to be from Marseille, then realised it had come from their Christmas tree because they were missing a bulb. The tale, published in Respiratory Medicine Case Reports, prompted doctors to joke about how Christmas tunes often lead many to relive childhood memories. Writing in the journal, they said: 'We are not absolutely sure that this young, 14-month-old girl will be in the same spirit in the coming years.' Doctors at the University Hospital Timone-Enfants in Marseille warned this isn't the first time a baby has inhaled a Christmas decoration. A 15-month-old Chinese girl also had a tree light bulb lodged in her lung after she inhaled it, medics in Hong Kong revealed in 2015. Her parents, who are believed to be from Marseille, realised the decoration had come from their Christmas tree because they were missing one ANOTHER BIZARRE CASE OF AN INHALED OBJECT The new case comes after MailOnline broke the news in September of a postman who inhaled a Playmobil cone that was lodged in his lung for 40 years. Paul Baxter, from Croston, Lancashire, was suspected to have cancer after doctors found a mass in the ex-smoker's lungs. Tests at first appeared to confirm their fears - until they inserted a tiny camera to look at the suspected tumour. They burst into laughter when they saw. What they believed was a malignant growth turned out to be a toy plastic traffic cone from a Playmobil set he received as a seventh birthday present. Mr Baxter, 50, has since kept it as a souvenir of his ordeal, which came out in 'perfect working order'. He also revealed doctors could have found it 20 years ago but missed it. Advertisement LED bulbs should be modified The French doctors claim that manufacturers should 'possibly reconsider the shape of some LED bulbs'. They also highlighted fatal cases of children inhaling plastic Christmas bow pins, which prompted US firm 3M Company to modify its design. And they described how a child needed an emergency tracheostomy two years after inhaling a flat plastic Christmas tree that was embedded in its throat. They wrote: 'To diagnose a foreign body in the respiratory tract at the Christmas period in a young child may be a challenge. 'Nearly all children are sick during this period.' They said wheezy respiratory infections are so frequent that a misdiagnosis can be easy. Writing in the journal, they added: 'Therefore the "Christmas bronchial aspiration" should be of particular knowledge. 'The imagination of our children for inhaling objects, including Christmas decorations, is limitless.' The little girl was reported to have made a good recovery after the procedure. It is common for young children to aspirate a toy, say experts, but the problem is usually spotted very quickly as it causes breathing problems. It most often happens in toddlers under three. Usually children swallow items instead of inhaling them. These pass through the body naturally, although thin, sharp objects can cause internal injury. The health trend for drinking 'raw' water has been branded potentially deadly by experts. The demand for untreated, unsterilized spring water has skyrocketed in parts of the US, but authorities say it can contain E. coli bacteria, viruses, and parasites as well as cancer-causing compounds. Firms are selling unfiltered water across the United States and the craze is particularly popular in Silicon Valley with some charging $60.99 for a 2.5 gallon jug. The New York Times reports that one company selling it in San Diego has seen its sales double every year since launching three years ago as the 'water consciousness movement' grows. Advocates of the trend are 'looking to get off the water grid' to avoid the added fluoride, which they brand as 'toxic', and because of the lead pipes used in treatments. They say the process removes beneficial minerals and healthy bacteria. One described public provisions as 'drinking toilet water with birth control drugs in them'. Firms are selling unfiltered water across the US, advertising it as a reprieve from fluoride- 'poisoned' public tap water The Times investigation found that raw water is in vogue on the West Coast and in other pockets around the country. Start-ups such as Live Water in Oregon which provides 'convenient delivery of pristine mountain spring water' as well as tools to gather it independently and Tourmaline Spring in Maine have emerged in the last few years. Arizona company Zero Mass Water, which installs systems allowing people to collect their own rain water, began taking orders in November from across the US. It has raised $24 million in venture capital. HOW IS DRINKING WATER TREATED IN THE US? Public drinking water systems use various methods of water treatment to provide safe drinking water for their communities. How it is treated depends on the quality of the water that enters the treatment plant. Typically, surface water requires more treatment and filtration than ground water because lakes, rivers, and streams contain more sediment and pollutants and are more likely to be contaminated than ground water. Today, the most common steps in water treatment used by community water systems (mainly surface water treatment) include: The Environmental Protection Agency's image shows how public drinking water is typically treated Coagulation and flocculation Coagulation and flocculation are often the first steps in water treatment. Chemicals with a positive charge are added to the water. The positive charge of these chemicals neutralizes the negative charge of dirt and other dissolved particles in the water. When this occurs, the particles bind with the chemicals and form larger particles, called floc. Sedimentation During sedimentation, floc settles to the bottom of the water supply, due to its weight. This settling process is called sedimentation. Filtration Once the floc has settled to the bottom of the water supply, the clear water on top will pass through filters of varying compositions (sand, gravel, and charcoal) and pore sizes, in order to remove dissolved particles, such as dust, parasites, bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Disinfection After the water has been filtered, a disinfectant (for example, chlorine, chloramine) may be added in order to kill any remaining parasites, bacteria, and viruses, and to protect the water from germs when it is piped to homes and businesses. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advertisement At the Rainbow Grocery, a cooperative in San Francisco, California, one brand of water is so popular that it's often out of stock. Mukhande Singh, the founder of Live Water, believes that public water has been 'poisoned'. He told the Times: 'Tap water? You're drinking toilet water with birth control drugs in them. 'Chloramine, and on top of that they're putting in fluoride. Call me a conspiracy theorist, but it's a mind-control drug that has no benefit to our dental health.' However, Dr Donald Hensrud, the director of the Healthy Living Program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, told the newspaper: 'Without water treatment, there's acute and then chronic risks.' According to him these are E. coli, viruses, parasites and carcinogenic compounds. He said: 'There's evidence all over the world of this, and the reason we don't have those conditions is because of our very efficient water treatment.' According to the World Health Organisation, drinking contaminated water causes over half a million diarrhea deaths every year. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says drinking water supplies in the US are among the safest in the world. The authority states on its website that water is treated to remove disease-causing agents that cause cryptosporidium, hepatitis A and giardia intestinalis, and other pathogens along with E. coli. Fluoridation of water prevents tooth decay safely and effectively, according to the agency. It says: 'Water fluoridation has been named one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century.' However, it says that as a result of treatment some water supplies may also contain disinfections by-products, inorganic chemicals and radionuclides, as well as organic chemicals. Seattle-based food safety advocate and food poisoning attorney Bill Marler told Business Insider: 'Almost everything conceivable that can make you sick can be found in water. He said untreated water can contain animal feces, spreading giardia, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea and results in 4,600 hospitalizations a year. Cholera and hepatitis A, which resulted in 20 deaths in a California outbreak in 2017, can also be spread through unprocessed water. 'The diseases that killed our great-grandparents were completely forgotten about,' said Mr Marler. 'It's fine till some 10-year-old girl dies a horrible death from cholera in Montecito, California.' Comparing the raw water trend to similar to the anti-vaccine movement, he believes fans are failing to see the argument for it flies in the face of scientific advancements and lacks evidence. 'You can't stop consenting adults from being stupid,' he said. 'But, we should at least try.' NHS bosses have failed to declare nearly 4 million of luxurious pay outs, a damning investigation concludes. Regional health trusts accepted 5,027,818 from firms, including some of the biggest drug companies, between 2015 and 2017. However, only 1,283,767 was listed - meaning clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have ignored strict requirements from NHS England. VIP tickets for a Manchester United FC match and a Beyonce concert were among the thousands of gifts that were publically declared. Critics are concerned the vast amount of funding CCGs get from pharmaceutical firms could 'result in prescribing that harms'. The investigation, published in the British Medical Journal, was based on freedom of information requests from all 207 CCGs in England. VIP tickets for a Manchester United FC match (pictured right is the club's French footballer Paul Pogba) and a Beyonce (left) concert were among the gifts that were publically declared Funding declaration data from each CCG was then compared to the sums that were jotted up in the FOI figures. NHS England requires all CCGs to declare all conflicts of interest and to maintain and publish registers of potential conflicts and procurement decisions. Researchers from the University of Bath and Lund University, Sweden, analysed the data to make the conclusion. Their investigation revealed only two thirds of the 4,600 payments accepted from private firms and charities were listed by the CCGs. This amounts to three quarters of the total sum having been hidden from patients and public over the space of two years. Warwickshire North CCG was given 89 payments with a value of 24,150 between 2015 and 2017 to sponsor educational events. Critics are concerned the vast amount of funding CCGs get from pharmaceutical firms could 'result in prescribing that harms' However, these weren't listed in the CCG's current online register. Nine CCGs accounted for nearly half of the number of payments received, including Warwickshire North. The others were: Sheffield, Waltham Forest, Swale, Coventry and Rugby, North East Essex, South Tyneside, Coastal West Sussex and South Kent Coast. Professor Paul Glasziou, at the Centre for Research in Evidence-Based Practice at Bond University in Australia, was concerned over the research. Doctors are often unaware of the effect of drug companies' activities on their own behaviour, he said. WHAT OTHER PAY OUTS WERE THERE? In 2015: Property investment company AMP Infrastructure gave NHS Medway CCG a ticket to an England cricket match, worth 75. In 2016: Centreplate, a catering and hospitality company, gave NHS Rotherham CCG eight tickets to Rotherham Uniteds Christmas ball and eight tickets to the football clubs awards ceremony, worth a total of 1216. Property developer Renova gave NHS Halton CCG Manchester United VIP packages, including a meal and match tickets, worth 120. Sunderland University gave NHS Sunderland CCG tickets to a Beyonce concert worth a total of 319. Refused payments NHS Greenwich CCG refused an offer from the law firm Ward Hadaway of tickets to the Rugby World Cup. Advertisement He added: 'Pharmaceutical company dominance of the funding of continuing medical education can result in prescribing that harms.' Piotr Ozieranski, of Bath University, who helped with the investigation, thinks it is inappropriate for commissioning bodies to accept funding from the private sector. He said: 'It seems rather peculiar that CCGs are permitted to accept any payments or benefits in kind from private sector companies.' CCGs often outsource the logistics of arranging event sponsorship to hospital trusts and private companies. The local health boards, which decide what scarce funds should be spent on in certain regions, have also sought funding from drug firms to support internal meetings. More than two thirds (73 per cent) of the funding from pharmaceutical firms was for sponsorship of education and training events. Some 19 per cent of the total funding from big pharma was for projects. Southwark CCG received 24,000 in funding for a project - but it failed to declare the five-figure sum in its online registers. The money was provided to the board from Bayer - which makes Aspirin, Pfizer - famous for Viagra, and Boehringer Ingelheim. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry says drug companies have an important role in supporting healthcare organisations. A spokesperson added it 'shares an ambition' with the NHS for greater transparency and disclosure of financial information. And several CCGs say sponsorship arrangements with drug companies allow them to host more educational events than they otherwise could. However, many CCGs already accept no payments from charities or private companies. For example, NHS Hastings and Rother CCG told the BMJ this 'helps to avoid any potential or real situations of undue bias or influence'. One in four women develop mental health problems while pregnant, a study has found. Awareness is growing about post-natal depression but few people know problems can arrive before the baby is born. Researchers at Kings College London diagnosed mental health problems among 27 per cent of pregnant women. Using a gold-standard psychological screening technique at midwife appointments, they found 11 per cent of women had depression, 15 per cent had anxiety, 2 per cent had eating disorders and 2 per cent obsessive-compulsive disorders, with many women having combinations of different problems. These are usually missed because people wrongly believe women always suffer a feel-good glow when they become pregnant. One in four women develop mental health problems while pregnant, a study has found. Awareness is growing about post-natal depression but few people know problems can arrive before the baby is born This is a myth, said researcher Professor Louise Howard, of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at Kings. People think that pregnancy is protective of mental health, and then the post-natal period is a trigger for problems. But in reality problems start during pregnancy or even earlier it is very common. She said rare and serious forms of mental disorders such as severe post-natal psychosis may be triggered by childbirth. But less severe depression and anxiety are likely to start during pregnancy itself. Clinical psychologist Dr Camilla Rosan of the Mental Health Foundation, an expert in maternity, said pregnancy was a huge transformation in a womans life. Its a time of lots of changes, she said. There is a major renegotiation of a womans identity, anxiety about what kind of mother she might be, and it sometimes reactivates problems from her own childhood. These are all potential triggers and old traumas and pre-existing problems can also return. Crucially, she said, women are at a vulnerable point in their lives. And the impacts of depression or anxiety can have lasting effects on women and babies. When you experience stress when you are pregnant it leads to changes in levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Studies show these can have an impact on the development of the growing baby' She said: When you experience stress when you are pregnant it leads to changes in levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. Studies show these can have an impact on the development of the growing baby it can affect their later academic achievements and cause problems with the development of emotional relationships. The study, funded by the research arm of the NHS and published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, involved 545 pregnant women in South London. Professor Howard said women are seen so often by medical professionals during pregnancy they should never slip through the net. Her study showed using proper psychological screening tools, based on simple questions about mood, could pick up problems. In clinical practice, maternity professionals need to identify whether or not a woman has any mental disorder, not only mood disorders which until recently have been the main focus of concern. Women should be asked, by a non-judgemental and supportive health professional, at all contacts in pregnancy and after birth about their emotional wellbeing. This year, which marks the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.s death, the national MLK Day falls on his birthday, Jan. 15. On this occasion, students and employees of Southern Adventist University will spend the day as they have every MLK Day for 25 years: serving their community. Southerns MLK Service Day coordinates more than 1,000 participants to serve local organizations and community members within the Chattanooga area. As in previous years, Southern is partnering with more than 30 organizations including the Chattanooga Zoo, Creative Discovery Museum, Salvation Army, American Red Cross, Lookout Mountain Conservancy and the Samaritan Center. The university is also joining in the City of Chattanoogas Day of Service opening events, with Voculus, a Southern Adventist University a cappella group, performing with members of the universitys gymnastics team, Gym-Masters. A&E consultant Richard Fawcett (left) apologised for the situation at Royal Stoke University Hospital Patients have defended their local hospital after a consultant compared conditions there to the 'third world'. A&E consultant Richard Fawcett apologised for the situation at Royal Stoke University Hospital, where patients faced long waits for treatment as staff struggled to cope with demand. He said frail and elderly people were being forced to wait in corridors for 'hours and hours' due overcrowding, with one patient claiming to have spent 18 hours on a trolley waiting for a bed. Mr Fawcett tweeted on Tuesday: 'I personally apologise to the people of Stoke for the third world conditions of the department due to overcrowding.' Yesterday, patients in Stoke were still facing long delays, with reports some people were even sleeping on the floor. But they said it was wrong to suggest conditions there were on a par with the third world. One patient, a middle aged woman who did not want to be named, said: 'I'm not going to lie I've been here over two hours, but they're busy. 'But to suggest it's like living in the middle of nowhere is ridiculous. I think the Government need to do more, but the NHS is still something to be proud of.' Information screens at the Stoke hospital told patients that they faced a waiting time in excess of four hours. Non-emergency patients said they had been seen by the triage nurses after just over an hour. Carl Foster, from Stoke, said on Facebook: 'People need to re-evaluate the use of the words 'third world'. The fact that the hospital exists in the first place means that it isn't third world. Dr Fawcett had taken to Twitter to apologise for the overcrowding at the hospital 'People really need to get some perspective and stop being so melodramatic. A state-of-the-art hospital would not exist in a third world country. So not third world like conditions either.' The Royal Stoke hospital is a far cry from images of Third world clinics conjured up by Mr Fawcett's Tweets. It was formerly the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, but was rebranded when the troubled Mid Staffordshire Foundation Trust was dissolved following the scandal of high deaths and neglect at Stafford Hospital. It is now run by University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. Dr Fawcett said frail and elderly people were being forced to wait in corridors for 'hours and hours' due overcrowding at Royal Stoke University Hospital (above, file photo) It was rebuilt between 2009 and 2015 at a cost of 370 million following a private finance initiative, making it one of the most expensive hospitals in the country. In August 2015 the trust launched the new rapid access Royal Stoke MS Centre for Multiple Sclerosis patients. The centre of excellence now cares for 2,500 patients. In January 2016 a new 1.5m unit for patients with eye problems opened. And in September, health chiefs announced that 45 extra beds were to be created at the hospital as part of a 2 million investment to speed up A&E waiting times for thousands of patients. The hospital, which has an annual budget of 750 million, employs more than 6,000 staff. Just three days ago hospital bosses announced they were setting up free yoga and pilates classes for stressed-out NHS workers to stop them going off sick. By contrast, the Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi in southern Africa has just 59 doctors and 286 nursing staff, serving a population of four million. By contrast, the Kamuzu Central Hospital (above) in Malawi in southern Africa has just 59 doctors and 286 nursing staff, serving a population of four million Overcrowding is constantly a problem, and on Christmas Day four children died when a power cut stopped their oxygen ventilators working. The hospital, in Malawi's capital Lilongwe, is considered one of the country's best. But Malawi is experiencing country-wide critical power outages as the utility provider Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi is failing to generate enough power to meet demand, the Nyasa Times reported. Dorothy Ngoma, executive director of Malawi's National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives, said the health care system was in crisis and nurses were having to use torches and their mobile phones for light. 'There's people's lives concerned here,' she said. 'We are witnessing the worst incident of a crumbling health service delivery system in recent times.' Speaking on Times Radio, she added: 'We have cases of premature babies dying in hospitals due to the absence of power for the incubators.' The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust did not respond to request for comment. Families are being asked to look after elderly patients at home to free up hospital beds. Managers urged relatives to help ensure patients are discharged quickly, including collecting them and becoming familiar with their medication. The advice was issued at three hospital trusts in what has been described as the NHS's worst winter crisis since the 1990s. Families are being asked to look after elderly patients at home to free up hospital beds On Tuesday, hospitals were told to cancel up to 55,000 non-urgent operations to free beds and frontline staff amid a rise in flu cases. Yesterday: Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt apologised to the thousands of patients whose operations will be cancelled; A&E doctors warned of severe risks to patient safety as at least 16 hospital trusts said they were on the highest alert; Labour and trade unions were accused of politicising the crisis, as Tories insisted it was a 'long-term' issue. Doctors say the conditions in A&E are the worst they have seen and patients are being treated in corridors due to a bed shortage. The first week in January is normally very busy for hospitals, but this year many more patients are succumbing to severe chest infections and flu. Official figures today are expected to confirm there has been a surge in flu cases as well as an increase in A&E waiting times. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt (pictured) apologised to the thousands of patients whose operations will be cancelled But the pressures are likely to intensify later this week, with the return of freezing temperatures predicted across the UK. Experts are particularly worried about an aggressive flu strain, H3N2 responsible for Australia's worst flu epidemic in 50 years. The main reason A&E units are overcrowded is because hospital wards are extremely full, so anyone arriving to A&E who needs to be admitted must wait for hours on a trolley until a bed is free. Many of the patients occupying hospital beds are elderly and medically well enough to go home. But doctors cannot discharge them due to a lack of social care. Managers at Northampton General Hospital, Bedford Hospital and Western Sussex Hospitals have urged relatives to do what they can to help patients go home as quickly as possible. The alerts over the past two days were endorsed by NHS England. A spokesman said relatives could give patients a lift home, making a bed available up to four hours earlier than if they were sent home on hospital transport or in a taxi. Experts are particularly worried about an aggressive flu strain, H3N2 responsible for Australia's worst flu epidemic in 50 years. File photo The NHS England spokesman encouraged relatives to speak to their loved one's doctor and familiarise themselves with all the patient's medication. Bedford Hospital put an 'urgent public notice' on its website yesterday that it was 'extremely busy'. It added: 'We ask that relatives support us and their loved ones by helping us discharge patients that are medically well to return to the most appropriate environment such as their own home or a community care home.' A spokesman urged relatives to 'give up their time' to cook meals and visit. Western Sussex Hospitals sent out a reminder on Monday having begun a campaign last month asking families to help get patients out of hospital. A spokesman said relatives could help by allowing them to move in to spare rooms. Age UK's Caroline Abrahams warned this was 'no substitute for the social care service that many older people require'. Yesterday 16 hospital trusts said they were on the highest alert, meaning patient safety is at risk and managers are turning to contingency plans such as drafting in extra staff and diverting ambulances. The total number is likely to be higher as many refused to confirm their status. Dr Adrian Harrop, a senior A&E doctor at Scarborough and York hospitals, said patients were waiting for a 'full day', adding: 'That's the worst I've seen.' Jackie Weaver said her elderly father, who has dementia, was made to languish on a trolley for 36 hours at the Royal Stoke Hospital. Jeremy Hunt said: 'If you are someone whose operation has been delayed I don't belittle that I apologise to everyone who that has happened to.' My surgery was cancelled as the taxi to the hospital waited outside The taxi ordered to take Joan Myers to hospital for her knee replacement was waiting outside her house when the phone rang. It was the hospital to say her operation had been cancelled again. Mrs Myers, 79, had been waiting since September for the surgery. 'It's appalling,' the grandmother said yesterday. The taxi ordered to take Joan Myers (above) to hospital for her knee replacement was waiting outside when the phone rang. It was the hospital to say her operation had been cancelled 'This isn't just about numbers, this is real people's lives which are being affected ... My husband and I are keen walkers, we used to love going to the Lake District, but these days I struggle to move around the house.' Mrs Myers, from Romiley, Greater Manchester, was booked in at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport at 11am yesterday but was called an hour before her appointment to say it had been cancelled. Instead she has been offered a date next week, but is sceptical as to whether things will have improved in time. She said: 'If things are this bad at the moment, who's to say it will be any better next Monday?' The retired primary school teacher, whose husband Arthur, 80, is a retired engineer, said her operation was first cancelled last month due to the surgeon being ill. 'My husband had one hip replaced on the NHS in 1984 and the other in 2005, and both times it was perfectly straightforward,' she said. 'I just don't know what's happening.' Grandfather left lying in corridor for ten hours after fall at care home A grandfather of six was left lying in a hospital corridor on a line of stretchers for ten hours after he had a fall at his care home. Alzheimer's sufferer Derek Thomas, 81, had a suspected head injury and needed a CT scan when he was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, on December 27. Derek Thomas was left lying in a hospital corridor on a line of stretchers for ten hours after he had a fall at his care home Mr Thomas, who lives in a care home in Hertford, arrived at 10.30pm by ambulance but was not taken for his scan until 4am and it was only when his son Colin chased up doctors arriving on the morning shift that he was given his test results and the all-clear to go home. His father, a retired retail worker, then had another accident on Friday evening and had to wait five hours for an ambulance. When they finally arrived, paramedics said he did not need hospital treatment. Colin Thomas, an architectural engineer, 56, said: 'I must have been in this situation at least half a dozen times and it's never quick. 'We've never waited in corridors like that before, we've always been admitted to one of those small rooms where you get examined.' The married father of two, from Ware, Hertfordshire, added: 'It's not the hospital's fault. You can see the pressure they are under ... The staff are as embarrassed as we are.' The BBC was under fire last night after the broadcaster allowed a nurse to repeatedly attack the Government over the state of the NHS without mentioning she was a pro-Corbyn supporter. Danielle Tiplady, once photographed alongside the Labour leader, was interviewed by BBC 5Live during which it was claimed she reeled off Labour attack lines on the NHS. But the BBC introduced the staff nurse only by saying 'Let's bring in Danielle who is a staff nurse'. Danielle Tiplady (pictured at a protest in 2016) was interviewed by BBC 5Live over the state of the NHS without mentioning she was a pro-Corbyn supporter Listeners were not told that she was a left-wing activist who had previously written for the communist Morning Star newspaper. Yesterday (Weds) the BBC admitted it should have made clear on air she was a political activist. A spokesman said: 'BBC 5 live seeks a wide range of voices for its phone-ins. We should have established and made clear on air this contributor was a political activist. 'The programme also spoke to Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston, Chair of the Health Select Committee in the House of Commons.' Danielle Tiplady was interviewed by BBC 5Live during which it was claimed she reeled off Labour attack lines on the NHS According to the Guido Fawkes website, until recently Ms Tiplady's Twitter account used the name 'Danielle vote Labour'. The Labour leader even referred to her in a recorded clip for a Labour Party Political Broadcast as 'lovely', 'wonderful' and 'superb'. It was the second time the BBC has admitted it should have made clear she was a pro-Corbyn campaigner when they interviewed her. In April last year she took part in the BBC News Channel's 5pm bulletin and endorsed Labour's plan to end a 1 per cent cap on NHS pay rises. Presenter Huw Edwards introduced her as a 'community nurse from London' but made no mention of her support for Mr Corbyn (pictured) or Labour during a five minute interview Presenter Huw Edwards introduced her as a 'community nurse from London' and described the Tory position but made no mention of her support for Mr Corbyn or Labour during a five minute interview. The broadcast was seized upon as an attempt by the BBC to promote Mr Corbyn and his policies. A BBC spokesman admitted at the time that the broadcaster should have established and made clear on air that the interviewee was a political activist. One of the youngest people to develop a rare cancer after digesting asbestos fibres as a child has been told she is now free of the killer disease. Danielle Smalley has been given the all clear after being 'gutted and virtually disembowelled' in a 10-hour operation. The 23-year-old was last year diagnosed with mesothelioma an aggressive illness which usually develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart, caused by the dangerous substance. Doctors believed the asbestos had been present in her body for about 20 years, meaning she had swallowed some when she was three. Last month, the client relationship manager had groundbreaking surgery during which she was sliced open from her chest to her pubic line so that all traces of cancer were cut away. Her entire stomach lining was removed and her bowel was 'rearranged' and kept in place using healthy tissue from her diaphragm. Danielle Smalley, from Hampshire, was diagnosed with aggressive mesothelioma Her entire stomach lining was removed and her bowel was 'rearranged' in a 10-hour operation Ms Smalley, from Aldershot, Hampshire also had her abdominal cavity filled with heated chemotherapy drugs three times to wash her organs and kill any remaining cancer cells. She said: 'I'd pretty much written off Christmas this year, as I thought I would be too ill, after being gutted and virtually disemboweled. 'This is a really rare form of cancer and for many people, it's found too late. My doctors have been amazing and I can't believe I have come through the other side.' Baffled by cause Ms Smalley's cancer was diagnosed in April 2017 after medics initially speculation that she had an ovarian cyst, then irritable bowel syndrome, before a malrotated bowel was discovered where the intestines are on the wrong side of the body. Believing it was causing a blockage in her stomach, doctors tried to remove it in January 2017, but found numerous cysts and tumours behind her bowel, growing on the peritorium or stomach lining. It then took several months to diagnose mesothelioma. With 50 per cent of cases found in men over 75, it is rare in women, but even rarer in young people. Doctors believed the asbestos had been present in her body for about 20 years but her family, including mother Amanda Smalley, 47, pictured right, are baffled as to how she ingested the dangerous substance There were with only two sufferers under 25 diagnosed between 2009 and 2016 in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics. Ms Smalley and her parents were baffled as to how she had contracted the disease. She said: 'It's unlikely we'll ever find out where the asbestos was. It could have been anywhere, so I don't blame anyone. 'The type of mesothelioma I have means that I have ingested asbestos. I could have eaten something at a friend's house, or in an old shed in the park I was playing next to, or anywhere, really. I've just been incredibly unlucky.' Fertility worries In October last year, doctors discovered the cancer had spread quicker and further than they had anticipated. This left no time for Ms Smalley to freeze her eggs before starting treatment in a bid to give her a chance of having children in the future. She said: 'I was devastated, as I knew I wanted kids in the future, but knew I needed to have treatment quickly. 'Amazingly, though, they were able to move my ovaries further back in my body and they were protected from the chemotherapy so they think I will still be able to have children.' The 23-year-old moved in with her boyfriend Jack Carter a week before the operation There was not time for Ms Smalley to freeze her eggs but doctors said she may still be able to have children Surgeons did an amazing job Now looking forward to the 'best year ever' in 2018, Danielle is amazed by the skill of the surgeons who have saved her life. Speaking about her operation at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital she said: 'It was incredible and went better than anyone could ever have imagined. 'I had been warned that there was a really high risk I could die, that I would get pneumonia or that they wouldn't be able to get it all out but they did. 'I had been told I probably would need a temporary stoma bag, which may later become permanent, but they managed to avoid that, too. I am in awe of their skill and everything they did for me.' Sedated for five days to give her body time to heal, while her family and boyfriend sales manager Jack Carter, 25, sat by her bedside, Ms Smalley remained in hospital for three weeks. During this time she was tube-fed because her stomach could not cope with solid food. Getting back to normal But, after eating a few pieces of satsuma on December 1, she was able to return to the house she had moved into with Mr Carter a week before the operation. She explained: 'I still struggle to eat a lot, but I'm slowly building it up. I've lost over a stone since the surgery because of it. 'I was really worried about losing my hair, but while it's thinned a bit, it's still there. I've lost some of my eyebrows and my leg and pubic hair but, if anything, that's more convenient.' Amazingly, on December 13, Ms Smalley was declared cancer-free and has continued to amaze her doctors. Ms Smalley pictured with her father Simon the whole family are grateful for the surgeons' successful efforts 'When I went to see them, they couldn't believe how well I am doing, but then they have never performed this surgery on someone so young before,' she said. 'It's usually for much older people and I think I have been able to bounce back much faster. 'They've told me they've removed all the cancer, but I will need yearly check-ups, as the asbestos fibres are still in my stomach. If it grows again, though, I can have more hot chemotherapy through a drain and it will be treated quickly.' Still very tired, Ms Smalley is taking things slowly, but hopes to go back to work part time in February and build up to full-time again before too long. 'Now 2018 is looking so much brighter and I can't thank my doctors enough,' she said. 'My friends, colleagues, family and Jack have just been amazing throughout as well and I think they have really helped me to get back on my feet.' Prime Minister Theresa May has finally apologised to patients who face a delay after NHS bosses announced 55,000 operations will be postponed. Her comments followed official data which showed record numbers of patients are being forced to wait in ambulances for treatment. Some 16,900 people were forced to wait for more than 30 minutes in ambulances to be seen by staff at A&E over the Christmas week - the highest total this winter. An extra 4,734 ambulances had a wait of at least an hour - despite guidelines saying this should take no longer than 15 minutes - during the week ending New Year's Eve. Mrs May apologised during a visit today to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, one of many trusts affected by the NHS move to cancel procedures, this morning. After refusing to accept the NHS was in a crisis yesterday, she said this morning: 'I know it's difficult, I know it's frustrating, I know it's disappointing for people, and I apologise.' The new figures came after the unprecedented move to cancel up to 55,000 non-urgent operations to free up beds and frontline staff amid a rise in flu cases. The decision prompted an apology from Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt yesterday, following pressure from his critics that he was 'running scared'. Families have also been asked to look after elderly patients at home to free up beds as hospitals struggle to cope with the ever-increasing pressure. The crisis has prompted Prime Minister Theresa May to apologise for delays many patients will face after bosses announced 55,000 operations will be postponed (pictured talking to patient Sandra Dunn during a visit to Frimley Park Hospital near Camberley earlier today) Just yesterday Mrs May refused to accept the NHS was in a crisis (pictured at Frimley Park Hospital this morning) Her comments followed NHS England statistics which show 16,900 people were forced to wait for more than 30 minutes in ambulances to be seen by staff at A&E (pictured with Andrew Morris, CEO of Frimley Health Foundation Trust) The new statistics, published by NHS England, also showed 12 trusts, which manage 16 hospitals, were operating at 100 per cent bed occupancy levels - meaning no beds were free. This figure is double that of the same day in 2016, when just six were recorded. The Red Cross branded the situation last winter a 'humanitarian crisis'. The figures for the hour-long waits for ambulances have doubled since the previous week, when just 2,413 faced at least a 60 minute wait. Usually, it should take up to 15 minutes to transfer patients from an ambulance into hospital. Delays can happen when there isn't enough A&E staff to take the patient. THE FLU JAB DOESN'T WORK! Health officials have admitted a flu jab that has already been dished out to thousands may be targeting the wrong strain of the virus. Public Health England has announced the trivalent vaccine is not effective against a common type of influenza B which is currently circulating. An analysis revealed 21 cases of influenza B have been caused by the B/Yamagata type - which isn't covered by the cheaper jab. The strain has been responsible for a surge in cases of flu, including the dreaded 'Aussie flu' across England and Wales this winter - putting extra pressure on the NHS. In a letter to GPs, PHE suggested only adults given the quadrivalent vaccine would face protection from the emerging B strain. GPs in the south west were told: 'It is possible that flu will be seen among individuals, both staff and patients, who have accepted this vaccination.' The trivalent vaccines, which protect against one strain of B and two of A, are most commonly used in NHS surgeries because they are cheaper, The Times reports. Advertisement And the overall bed occupancy rate sits at 91.7 per cent - above the recommended safe level of 85 per cent, according to data from all 137 trusts across England. A spokesman for NHS England, which runs the health service, said: 'Hospitals, GPs, ambulances and other frontline NHS services have been extremely busy between Christmas and New Year.' They added that all have reported 'higher levels of respiratory illness and some indications of increasing patient illness severity and flu'. 'These increased pressures were mirrored in the NHS 111 service,' the spokesman continued. Jonathan Ashworth MP, Labours Shadow Health Secretary, said the 'news confirms the very worst fears of patients and staff: another winter crisis has arrived'. 'Despite the heroic efforts of our fantastic NHS staff, Theresa Mays reassurances have proved meaningless and hollow. Tory underfunding and cuts have left our health service more vulnerable than ever before. 'Jeremy Hunt must urgently tell us how many elective operations he expects to be cancelled and how many more people will be waiting longer in pain and anguish because their scheduled operation has had to be cancelled.' Saffron Cordery, director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, said: 'The figures reflect what we are hearing from the NHS front line that despite planning more meticulously than ever before, the level of demand for services means severe pressures remain across the health and care system.' It comes after 24 trusts issued 'black alerts' yesterday - deemed the highest level of concern, signalling beds are full or nearing capacity. Calls to NHS 111, the non-emergency hotline, have also soared by 21 per cent in the space of a week, with 480,400 calls recorded. PENSIONER DIES AFTER WAITING 98 MINUTES FOR AN AMBULANCE A pensioner has died after waiting 98 minutes for an ambulance after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. The unnamed man in his 60s, from Lancashire, became ill on Tuesday and his family dialled 999 at 6.07am. But the crew failed to arrive until 7.45am. Treatment was further delayed for an unspecified time as paramedics needed fire crews help to enter the patient's home in Chorley. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has since apologised for the incident (stock) It is not known whether the man had died before paramedics reached him or if he died after finally receiving treatment. North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has since apologised for the incident. The trust said the 999 call was classified as a 'category two' emergency as the patient was conscious and breathing meaning the target time average is 18 minutes and a vast majority should be dealt with within 40 minutes. An NWAS spokesman said: 'We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the patient's family. Our response time was not as quick as we would like. 'We are making attempts to contact the family as part of our investigation into the incident.' Advertisement NHS data shows the winter pressures have gripped A&E units across the country, with ambulance delays and bed occupancies also rising Professor Derek Alderson, Royal College of Surgeons president, said: 'It is concerning that bed occupancy, especially for critical care beds, has increased slightly compared to the same period last year. WHAT TRUSTS HAVE NO FREE BEDS? Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn, NHS Foundation Trust Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Bolton NHS Foundation Trust Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust Weston Area Health NHS Trust Advertisement 'In particular, Christmas Day was still above 85 per cent bed occupancy the level at which has been considered to be safe for patients. This is traditionally one of the quietest days of the year.' Greater Manchesters most senior health chief has since warned the regions hospitals are very close to running out of space. Jon Rouse, chief officer for Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, said this years winter pressures could be about to get even worse. Managers have urged relatives to help ensure patients are discharged quickly to cope with the crisis, including collecting them and becoming familiar with their medication. The advice was issued at three hospitals, Northampton General Hospital, Bedford Hospital and Western Sussex. The crisis, which has also been denied by Professor Keith Willett, NHS England's director for acute care, has been described as the worst since the 1990s. A&E staff have taken to social media to condemn the situation, revealing they are 'ashamed' over the 'substandard care' the NHS is offering. Others have branded the crisis as 'battlefield medicine' and warned it is unusual for the winter pressures to begin so early. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt apologised to those affected following pressure from critics for him to speak out about the move (pictured outside the BBC Wogan House in London this morning) A&E doctors also warned of severe risks to patient safety as at least 16 hospital trusts said they were on the highest alert. Doctors say the conditions in A&E are the worst they have seen and patients are being treated in corridors due to a bed shortage. HOW HOSPITALS WILL TACKLE THE CRISIS CANCELLED OPERATIONS Non-urgent operations and hospital appointments scheduled for the rest of January are to be postponed. Cancer operations and time-critical procedures should go ahead as planned. Hospitals should contact patients to tell them if their appointments are cancelled. MIXED SEX WARDS NHS rules banning mixed sex wards will be temporarily lifted to help hospitals use all available beds. Usually hospitals are fined 250 every night that a patient has to stay in a mixed ward, but this will be waived. Patients can request a move if they have strong objections. DOCTORS ON THE DOORS Consultants whose appointments are cancelled are expected to pitch in by manning the doors of A&E. Patients could be questioned by doctors as soon as they arrive at hospital. They will then be told to wait for a full examination, be seen immediately, or be given advice and sent home. Advertisement The first week in January is normally very busy for hospitals, but this year many more patients are succumbing to severe chest infections and flu. The pressures are likely to intensify later this week, with the return of freezing temperatures predicted across the UK. Experts are particularly worried about an aggressive flu strain, H3N2 responsible for Australia's worst flu epidemic in 50 years. The main reason A&E units are overcrowded is because hospital wards are extremely full, so anyone arriving to A&E who needs to be admitted must wait for hours on a trolley until a bed is free. Many of the patients occupying hospital beds are elderly and medically well enough to go home. But doctors cannot discharge them due to a lack of social care. Managers at Northampton General Hospital, Bedford Hospital and Western Sussex Hospitals have urged relatives to do what they can to help patients go home as quickly as possible. The alerts over the past two days were endorsed by NHS England. A spokesman said relatives could give patients a lift home, making a bed available up to four hours earlier than if they were sent home on hospital transport or in a taxi. The NHS England spokesman encouraged relatives to speak to their loved one's doctor and familiarise themselves with all the patient's medication. Bedford Hospital put an 'urgent public notice' on its website yesterday that it was 'extremely busy'. It added: 'We ask that relatives support us and their loved ones by helping us discharge patients that are medically well to return to the most appropriate environment such as their own home or a community care home.' A spokesman urged relatives to 'give up their time' to cook meals and visit. Sick people were told to drive themselves to hospital as more than 20 ambulances queued for up to five hours to hand over patients at an A&E. A spike in patients and staff shortages plunged Portsmouth's Queen Alexandra Hospital into chaos on New Year's Eve Western Sussex Hospitals sent out a reminder on Monday having begun a campaign last month asking families to help get patients out of hospital. A spokesman said relatives could help by allowing them to move in to spare rooms. Age UK's Caroline Abrahams warned this was 'no substitute for the social care service that many older people require'. SOARING CASES OF 'AUSSIE FLU' The dreaded Aussie flu outbreak expected to be the worst in 50 years is continuing to wreak havoc on Britain, official figures show. Some 1,649 people were struck down with flu in England and Wales as temperatures plummeted over the week of Christmas. The Public Health England data shows cases have soared by 48 per cent in a period of seven days - and are higher than previous winters. The rocketing number of flu cases has been put down to a surge in two aggressive subtypes attacking the population simultaneously. One includes the so-called 'Aussie flu', a strain of influenza A which wreaked havoc on hospitals in Australia during the country's winter. Usually, just one subtype, either influenza A or B, is responsible for the majority of cases. It spreads much easier in the cold weather. But last week 684 cases of influenza A and 915 of influenza B were recorded across England and Wales. Some 54 cases are yet to be identified. Advertisement Yesterday 16 hospital trusts said they were on the highest alert, meaning patient safety is at risk and managers are turning to contingency plans such as drafting in extra staff and diverting ambulances. The total number is likely to be higher as many refused to confirm their status. Mrs May rejected claims that the NHS is in 'crisis' saying the health service is better prepared 'than ever before' during a visit to Wokingham yesterday. She said: 'Can I say a huge thank you to NHS staff for their hard work, they work hard and do a fantastic job for us day in and day out all year round, but obviously there are extra pressures in winter. 'They're doing a fantastic job and their dedication is ensuring that people are getting treatment that they need. 'The NHS has been better prepared for this winter than ever before, we have put extra funding in. 'There are more beds available across the system, we've reduced the number of delayed discharges of elderly people who would otherwise have been in NHS beds rather than in social care. 'But I recognise for those people that have had their operations postponed this is disappointing, it's frustrating. 'We will ensure that those operations are put back as soon as possible and once again I say that NHS staff are doing a fantastic job.' Her comments followed the denial of a crisis by Professor Keith Willett on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. Professor Keith Willett (left), NHS England's director for acute care, admitted the drastic decision was 'not ideal'. Former GP Sarah Wollaston (right) warned ministers had to 'understand the sheer scale of the increase in demand across health and social care' The former surgeon admitted the drastic step of postponing all routine procedures and turning away non-urgent patients from A&E was 'not ideal' He also insisted the health service was 'better prepared' for the seasonal pressures than ever before - despite saying pressure is the worst since the 1990s. DEMENTIA PATIENT SLAMS THE 'THIRD WORLD CONDITIONS' An 80 year-old dementia sufferer was left on a trolley in the corridor of a NHS hospital slammed by one of its own consultants over 'third world conditions' for a day and a half, it has been revealed. The shocking case highlights the pressure on services with patients being forced to wait almost 10 times the NHS recommendation to be seen at the 350 million Royal Stoke Hospital. Horrific tales of the conditions some people faced over the festive season came to ligfht after Dr Richard Fawcett took to social media to apologise to people attending the hospital's A&E unit. Jackie Weaver spoke out about the conditions after her 80-year-old dad was left on a trolley for 36 hours. He suffers from epilepsy and severe dementia and was taken to the Royal Stoke at 4pm on Saturday suffering with breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed with pneumonia. Mr Weaver, from Wolstanton, Stoke-on-Trent, said: 'It was absolutely horrendous. I have never witnessed anything like that before.' Advertisement His comments came as Theresa May faced demands to 'get a better grip' on the NHS, with senior Tory MP and former GP Sarah Wollaston warning ministers had to 'understand the sheer scale of the increase in demand across health and social care'. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was accused of 'running scared' of defending his performance after he did not take to the airwaves this morning - although aides said he would be doing interviews later. In his first TV interview since the unprecedented move by the NHS, he apologised to anyone who has been affected by the decision to postpone some procedures, telling Sky News 'it is absolutely not what I want'. He said yesterday: 'If you are someone whose operation has been delayed I don't belittle that and I apologise to anyone who that has happened to.' Mr Hunt added that NHS staff were doing a 'heroic job'. 'I think what is different this year compared to last year is that we had a lot of operations cancelled at the last moment. 'We recognise that it is better if you are unfortunately going to have to cancel and postpone some operations that you do it in a planned way.' Health bosses across various fields, including the British Medical Association, dismissed Professor Willett's insistence that there isn't a crisis. In response to Professor Willett's comments, made on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Dr Anthea Mowat, BMA representative body chair, said: 'The NHS is in the grips of another winter crisis. 'Patients face long delays in care, operations are cancelled and staff find themselves working under extremely difficult circumstances.' Chris Hopson, chief executive officer of NHS Providers, moaned that nothing has changed in the NHS since last winter - which was branded a 'humanitarian crisis' and saw the Red Cross drafted in to help. No such plans have been made yet. NOW WE'RE RELYING ON FIREFIGHTERS Firefighters with six days of first aid training are being sent to thousands of medical emergencies. They are being dispatched in fire engines or cars to treat patients who have suffered cardiac arrests, strokes, fits or heavy bleeding. Last year, fire crews were sent to more than 44,000 emergency calls which would normally have been dealt with by ambulances a rate of 120 a day. The situation has come about because ambulance services are struggling to cope with a surge in calls on top of a recruitment crisis of paramedics. The volume of calls has increased partly because the population is rising and ageing and patients are finding it increasingly difficult to see a GP. At the same time, calls to the fire service have declined thanks mainly to major improvements to fire prevention and safety. Advertisement And lawyers have warned the only way this 'annual crisis can be avoided' is through a long-term review of the 'chronic under-funding of hospitals'. In an unprecedented move earlier this week, NHS chiefs demanded radical action to free up beds and medical staff. Casualty units are under 'extreme and sustained' pressure with flu cases on the rise. Up to 55,000 non-urgent operations will be postponed until February, along with thousands of outpatient appointments and scans. Managers will be allowed to put patients on mixed-sex wards and consultants will be assigned to casualty units to assess patients on arrival. Anyone not judged to be seriously ill faces being turned away. Professor Derek Alderson, Royal College of Surgeons' President and member of the pressures panel said that 'cancelling operations is a necessary evil'. 'Staff in the NHS are pulling out all the stops to manage the impact on all patients. It is much better that patients are given several weeks' notice, rather than a day's, that their operation won't go ahead. 'This avoids wasting their time and the guidance from NHS England is helping hospitals to better support their emergency and urgent patients. 'Unfortunately it is unlikely to help performance against the 18 week waiting time target. Cancelling operations is a necessary evil. Mark Nevison, a senior charge nurse at Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital, tweeted his concerns over the sustained pressure Dr Anu Mitra, a consultant emergency physician based at Charing Cross Hospital, London, echoed the concerns 'But it also highlights the fundamental problem that, despite the welcome extra money provided in the Budget, we still do not have adequate funding or capacity in our health or social care services.' It came after an A&E consultant at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust apologised for the 'third world conditions' endured at his hospital this weekend. MEDICS ARE 'ASHAMED' OVER THE 'BATTLEFIELD MEDICINE' CRISIS An 'ashamed' A&E nurse has spoke of his disgust over the 'substandard care' the overwhelmed NHS is providing as the winter pressure bites. Others have described the situation, which has seen hospitals ordered to cancel thousands of operations to tackle the crisis, as 'battlefield medicine'. Mark Nevison, a senior charge nurse at Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital, tweeted his concerns over the sustained pressure he has faced. He wrote: 'I have worked in A&E for 10 yrs, I have never been so ashamed of the substandard care we are now offering due to a lack of capacity and resources. 'I work in one of the best performing trusts in the country, I dread to think what the others are like!! [sic]' Dr Anu Mitra, a consultant emergency physician based at Charing Cross Hospital, London, echoed the widespread concerns. He posted a series of tweets describing the 'battlefield medicine' situation, which saw patients being treated in corridors. 'Two years ago I'd have point blank refused to examine a corridor patient until they were in a cubicle,' he tweeted. 'Now on days like this it's unavoidable. I'm ashamed to say.' Advertisement Dr Richard Fawcett revealed that the department had run out of corridors to house patients. He blamed the crisis, which saw some patients have to wait for 12 hours, on overcrowding. Other A&E staff have taken to Twitter today to condemn the situation that trusts across the country are facing. An 'ashamed' A&E nurse has spoke of his disgust over the 'substandard care' the overwhelmed NHS is providing as the winter pressure bites. Mark Nevison, a senior charge nurse at Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital, tweeted his concerns over the sustained pressure he has faced. He wrote: 'I have worked in A&E for 10 yrs, I have never been so ashamed of the substandard care we are now offering due to a lack of capacity and resources. 'I work in one of the best performing trusts in the country, I dread to think what the others are like!! [sic]' Dr Anu Mitra, a consultant emergency physician based at Charing Cross Hospital, London, echoed the widespread concerns. Mark Nevison, a senior charge nurse at Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital, tweeted his concerns over the sustained pressure He posted a series of tweets describing the 'battlefield medicine' situation, which saw patients being treated in corridors. 'Two years ago I'd have point blank refused to examine a corridor patient until they were in a cubicle,' he tweeted. Now on days like this it's unavoidable. I'm ashamed to say.' Government figures also reveal confirmed cases of flu have risen 50 per cent in a week and experts are worried about an especially aggressive 'Australian' strain. It was responsible for the worst flu outbreak in 50 years Down Under and has already claimed a number of lives in Ireland. A&E CONSULTANT APOLOGISES FOR 'THIRD WORLD' CONDITIONS Dr Richard Fawcett works at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust A consultant at one of the country's largest A&E units has apologised for the 'third world conditions' endured at his hospital this weekend. Dr Richard Fawcett, who works at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, revealed that the department had run out of corridors to house patients. His heartfelt tweet, which made national headlines on Saturday, described the true situation that faced many A&E units across the country. He said County Hospital in Stafford couldn't hold any more ambulances and they were stacked up outside the other trust-run A&E at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Dr Fawcett has now blamed the crisis, which saw some patients have to wait 12 hours to see a doctor, on overcrowding. Dr Fawcett tweeted: 'As an A&E consultant, I personally apologise to the people of stoke for the 3rd world conditions of the dept due to overcrowding [sic]' Strangers responded to his tweet, posted this morning, in admiration for his honesty and refused to blame him for the situation at the hospital in Staffordshire. Dr Richard Fawcett, who works at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, apologised for the third world conditions at this A&E department Dr Fawcett revealed County Hospital in Stafford is having to turn away A&E patients because even the corridors are too full Advertisement There were reports yesterday of waits of up to ten hours at casualty departments and managers issued social media alerts pleading with the public to stay away. Two NHS bosses said the pressures were the worst in 30 years with one doctor apologising for 'Third World' conditions. However, Professor Willett told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I fully accept that for the individual that will be really very uncomfortable. 'But what we know is if we don't have a plan in place and we don't do this in a structured way, what will happen, as we've had in previous winters, is lots of last-minute cancellations which is really distracting for patients, it's inconvenient, it upsets the plans they've put together with their family, particularly for elderly patients where their care needs are often quite significant.' Professor Willett went on: 'We've gone into this winter in a way that we've never prepared before, so we went into the winter before Christmas having cancelled fewer elective operations than we had previously, discharges from hospital were at a lower level than they had been previously, so we were better prepared. A number of ambulance services are also under severe pressure, with two even resorting to taxis to ferry patients to hospital 'We've also set up a national, regional and local structure - if you like, a winter pressures protocol - which we are invoking now and we are monitoring a whole series of things, activity in the service and the pressures. 'We are monitoring the weather alerts in anticipation of weather changes because we know that's important, and we also monitor the seasonal illnesses like flu. 'We've started to see those change, that's why the National Emergency Pressures Panel has now come out with these clear recommendations.' Commenting on Professor Willett's interview, Joshua Hughes, head of complex injury at lawyer firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, said: 'There needs to be a fundamental, long term review of the chronic under-funding of our hospitals and community care. Only then can this annual crisis be avoided.' Dr Wollaston, chair of the cross-party Health Select Committee, said the NHS was running a 'full stretch' and there was still 'not enough money' being spent - even though budgets have risen significantly in real terms since 2010. 'The point is, if you have a very major increase in people who are living longer with complex conditions, that produces particular demands on the health system that I think they need to get a better grip on, to understand the sheer scale of the increase in demand across health and social care. And that's what they need to do better planning for,' she said. It comes as out-of-hours services in Northern Ireland announced they are buckling under the strain of winter pressures, Pulse reports. Dr Tom Black, chair of the BMA's Northern Ireland GP committee, said they needed 400 extra GPs to cope with the surge in demand. A Department of Health spokesperson said: 'We know the NHS is extremely busy as it always is at this time of year.' Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'The entire health service is facing intense winter pressures again this year and with the prevailing cold weather and peak of the flu season, these pressures are unlikely to let up anytime soon and NHS staff in all areas of the service are working incredibly hard to deliver the best care possible for their patients.' Dr Peter-Marc Fortune, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said pressures have reached 'extreme' levels. The move comes after leading medics warned that every emergency department in the country is struggling to cope with winter pressures The first week of January is always busy with patients coming in with flu, chest infections, heart attacks and strokes. But doctors say the pressures this year are greater even than in January 2017 which was itself considered unprecedented. It is the first time NHS England has told hospitals to take such drastic measures during the winter. The measures were announced by Bruce Keogh, the NHS medical director, following a meeting of the National Emergency Pressures Panel, which includes representatives of the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Nursing. Afterward Sir Bruce said: 'I want to thank NHS staff who have worked incredibly hard under sustained pressure to take care of patients over the Christmas. WHERE ELSE IS STRUGGLING? Some hospitals have declared themselves at the most severe pressure level while doctors warned that scores are operating at almost full capacity. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine warned that overcrowding in A&E departments leads to avoidable deaths. It also cautioned that pressure on the system is leading to lengthy waits and patients being treated in corridors. Meanwhile a number of ambulance services are also under severe pressure, with one even resorting to taxis to ferry patients to hospital. The East of England Ambulance Service said that during December 30, 31 and January 1, 13 patients deemed to be low acuity calls were transported to hospital by taxi. In the last four days, paramedics working for the trust have wasted more than 500 hours waiting outside hospitals to admit patients due to 'handover delays'. A number of hospital trusts have declared that they are Operational Pressures Escalation Level 4 meaning patient care is compromised. Darent Valley Hospital A&E in Kent, Royal Cornwall Hospital and University Hospitals Of Leicester NHS Trust have all said they have declared OPEL4 in the last week. Meanwhile, Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group said the health system in the whole county has declared OPEL4. University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust's medical director Dr John Oxtoby admitted the pressure was severe over Christmas. Advertisement 'We expect these pressures to continue and there are early signs of increased flu prevalence. 'The NHS needs to take further action to increase capacity and minimise disruptive last-minute cancellations. That is why we are making these further recommendations today.' The main measure is the postponement of tens of thousands of pre-planned operations due in January. NHS England said up to 55,000 non-urgent operations would probably be delayed, including hip and knee surgery and cataract procedures. This figure could rise to 350,000 if day case procedures are included, although officials said this was unlikely. Cancer surgery or any other procedure which is considered urgent will not be delayed. Patients will receive letters in the post if they are affected. Fines for mixed sex wards will be temporarily suspended until February to ensure patients are placed wherever there is a spare bed. And patients coming into A&E will be assessed by a consultant on the door to establish very quickly whether they are seriously ill. Anyone with a minor illness or injury may be told to go to a walk-in centre, a GP or pharmacist. Hospital doctors have also been told to review their cases twice a day to ensure that anyone who has recovered is discharged quickly. Patients are being urged to call NHS 111 or go to a pharmacy rather than A&E unless they are very seriously ill. One ambulance trust was asking family members to ferry patients to hospital as it was so overwhelmed with calls. The North East Ambulance Service said it had been hit by an 'unprecedented levels of demand' between Christmas and New Year. The East of England Ambulance Service said some patients had been ferried to hospital by taxi in the last three days as there were no free ambulances. The move comes after leading medics warned that every emergency department in the country is struggling to cope with winter pressures Paramedics at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, Hampshire, had to wait up to five hours to take patients into hospital on Sunday. There were reports that 24 ambulances were parked outside the hospital at its busiest point, with an average of ten to 14 vehicles waiting to drop off patients throughout the day. Usually, it should take up to 15 minutes to transfer patients from an ambulance into hospital. Hospital staff were so stretched they declared an 'internal incident' on New Years Eve, the most serious alert usually reserved for unexpected catastrophes. Senior officials clashed with the Government following November's budget, when they were allocated a third of the money they had asked for. Later that month they announced that up to 3,000 prescription medicines would be rationed because the NHS could no longer cover the cost. The increase in pressures on A&E is being driven by the ageing population, with many more frail and elderly patients succumbing to serious illness. Saffron Cordery, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals, said: 'Preparations for winter in the NHS have been more extensive and meticulous than ever before. 'Many are dealing with unprecedented demand, reflecting the recent rise in cases of flu and respiratory illness, the impact of norovirus and in some places primary care, including GPs, working at more than full stretch.' Jonathan Ashworth, Labour's health spokesman, said: 'Tory underfunding and cuts have left our Health Service more vulnerable than ever before.' 'Facial yoga' makes women look two years younger, new research reveals. Women who look 50 years old are thought to be 48 after just 20 weeks of facial 'workouts', with puckering the lips and sucking in the cheeks being the most age-defying movements, a study found. This is thought to be due to facial exercises increasing the size of muscles in the face, making cheeks look fuller and firmer, according to the researchers. Lead author Dr Murad Alam from Northwestern University describes facial yoga as 'non-invasive, non-toxic, at-home exercises that anyone can perform [that] can possibly slow or correct the appearance of volume loss in the face. 'Facial attractiveness and youth are associated with a smooth, full facial contour, so even a modest improvement of facial contour is a win for patients.' 'Facial yoga' makes women look two years younger, new research reveals. Puckering lips and sucking in cheeks, known as 'smiling fish face' is a particularly age-defying movement How the research was carried out The researchers analyzed 16 healthy women aged between 40 and 65 years old with skin damage from UV radiation, mild to moderate facial skin cell degeneration and an interest in facial exercises between March and July 2013. All of the participants attended two 90-minute facial exercise sessions from a trained instructor who taught them how to do 32 workouts including smiling and sucking in their cheeks. They then performed 30-minute exercises every day for eight weeks at home. Nine to 20 weeks into the study, the participants practiced the movements every other day. Two doctors assessed the participants' 'before and after' photographs to assess any changes to their appearances. They also estimated the participants' ages. The participants completed a questionnaire that rated how satisfied they were with the results. OTHER FACIAL YOGA POSES TO FIGHT THE SIGNS OF AGING The facial yoga pose 'satchmo' is thought to help keep people's cheeks firm Satchmo Puff up both cheeks with air, then transfer the air from cheek to cheek. Alternate from side to side until you run out of breath. Repeat three times. This is thought to keep cheeks firm. 'Lion face' stretches people's facial muscles and relieves tension Lion face Involves inhaling through the nose, while making fists and squeezing your facial muscles. Then, exhale through the mouth, stick out your tongue, roll your eyes and open your hands. Repeat three times. This stretches facial muscles and relieves tension. 'Surprise me' smooths wrinkled brows by practicing a startled expression Surprise me Involves widening your eyes without wrinkling the brow, then focusing on a point in the horizon for five to 10 seconds. Repeat four times. The pose smooths wrinkled brows. Advertisement YOGA BENEFITS THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, STRENGTHENS IMMUNITY AND GIVES PEOPLE A SENSE OF FOCUS Yoga benefits the central nervous system, strengthens immunity and gives people a sense of focus, research revealed last August. Practicing the ancient spiritual exercise reduces anxiety and depression, and boosts mindfulness, a study found. It also increases protein and hormone levels that are associated with improved resilience to stress, the research adds. From a physical health perspective, yoga and meditation reduce inflammation, which is linked to improved function of the central nervous and immune systems, the study found. Lead author Dr Rael Cahn from the University of Southern California, said: 'To our knowledge, our study is the first to examine a broad range of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in a healthy population before and after a yoga-meditation intervention.' Advertisement Face yoga knocks two years off people's suspected ages Results reveal facial yoga makes people look significantly younger after just 20 weeks. Women who were judged to look 50.8 years old, are thought to be 49.6 and 48.1 years old after eight and 20 weeks, respectively, of exercising their faces. The study's participants were highly satisfied with the outcomes, noting significant improvement in 18 out of 20 of their facial features. Upper and lower cheek fullness was particularly improved. The findings were published in the journal JAMA Dermatology. Too much facial yoga may cause wrinkles Dr Alam adds, however, certain facial exercises may be aging. For instance, frequently frowning can cause people to develop deep vertical creases between their eyebrows, while smiling can lead to crow's feet around the eyes. It is unclear how long it takes for such exercises to have a potentially negative impact on people's appearances. Dr Alam said: 'Maybe we can "have our cake and eat it, too," meaning we can build up our cheek muscles without doing many exercises that worsen the [wrinkles in the] forehead and eyelids. 'Facial attractiveness and youth are associated with a smooth, full facial contour, so even a modest improvement of facial contour is a win for patients. '[These are] non-invasive, non-toxic, at-home exercises that anyone can perform [that] can possibly slow or correct the appearance of volume loss in the face.' Women who are unhappy with the size of their breasts are less likely to check them for any cancerous lumps, new research suggests. And scientists found those who are conscious their breasts are too small or large are less likely to visit a doctor straight away if they do find one. The findings, made by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University, suggest initiatives to boost self-examinations for breast cancer aren't working. Some consider checking for cancer 'a threat to their body image', psychologists concluded after surveying 384 British women. And scientists found those who are conscious their breasts are too small or large are less likely to visit a doctor straight away if they do find one (stock) Some 31 per cent admitted they wanted smaller breasts, while 44 per cent said they would prefer them if they were larger. A third of these revealed they rarely, or never, checked their breasts for cancer - despite recommendations from the NHS. Professor Viren Swami, author the study published in the Body Image journal, said women need to be encouraged to love the shape of their breasts. He suggested doing so would be life-saving because it would allow doctors to spot cancer earlier, making the disease more treatable. Figures show more than 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Britain. In the US, it is in the region of 250,000. It is estimated one in eight women will develop the disease at some point in their lives - making it the most common form of cancer among females. An image created by Corrine Ellsworth Beaumont, founder of the charity Worldwide Breast Cancer, has gone viral after being shared by a cancer patient on Facebook Professor Swami said: 'Our findings suggest that greater breast size dissatisfaction is significantly associated with less frequent breast self-examination. 'For women who are dissatisfied with their breast size, having to inspect their breasts may be experienced as a threat to their body image. 'Breast size dissatisfaction may also activate negative self-conscious emotions, such as shame and embarrassment, that results in avoiding breast self-examination.' More than half of women in the study said they would visit their doctor immediately if they detected a change in their breasts during an examination. But one in ten revealed they would delay seeing their GP for as long as possible - or completely avoid booking an appointment. Experts recommend women check their breasts regularly for any unusual changes so the disease can be spotted early, increasing the success of treatment. The NHS also encourages women to learn what their breasts look and feel like so an abnormal changes can be spotted early and examined by a doctor. Professor Swami added: 'Promoting greater breast size satisfaction may be a means of empowering women to incorporate breast self-examinations. 'And promoting greater breast awareness may be a useful means of helping women view their breasts in more functional terms, rather than purely aesthetic terms.' A SPOT OF FOLLY by Ruth Rendell (Profile 14.99) A SPOT OF FOLLY by Ruth Rendell (Profile 14.99) Gathered from publications long out of print, this collection of short stories covers a large part of the career of one of our foremost crime writers. The range is extraordinary, not least in her concept of what constitutes a short story. The Thief, in which a girl steals not for profit, but for revenge on those who get in her way, is almost a novel in itself. The twist, that has her paying the price for her vicious nature, is a superb demonstration of Rendells talent for spotting the contradictions in human nature. By contrast, the opening story, while no less effective, is only a single paragraph. It brings into play the supernatural element, a recurring feature of the book. My favourite is The Haunting Of Shawley Rectory, a traditional ghost story told with such conviction as to be totally believable. An anthology of this quality begs the question: how many other Ruth Rendell gems are still buried in the archives? SOMEBODY AT THE DOOR by Raymond Postgate (British Library 8.99) SOMEBODY AT THE DOOR by Raymond Postgate (British Library 8.99) A suburban commuter dies from gas poisoning on the train home. This being war time, when the lethal potential of liquid gas was common knowledge, suspicion falls on the victims fellow travellers. Any one of them could have used a dozen ways to administer the deadly fumes. That each has a motive for disposing of a mean-spirited trouble-maker becomes clear as their stories and secrets unfold. Though faithful to the traditions of classic crime, Raymond Postgate departs from the norm by giving full, almost stand-alone character studies of those central to the plot. They range from a love-lorn youth smitten with an older woman, to a German refugee caught up in a people-smuggling racket. Lengthy diversions can be distracting, but Postgate can be trusted to pull together the strands to resolve an intriguing mystery. HELP I AM BEING HELD PRISONER by Donald E Westlake (Titan Books 7.99) HELP I AM BEING HELD PRISONER by Donald E Westlake (Titan Books 7.99) Harry is a practical joker. He means no harm, but when he displays a provocative image close to the freeway, causing a multi-vehicle pile-up, he goes to prison. An easy-going character, he is soon involved with a coterie of inmates who have found a tunnel that gets them in and out of prison without fear of detection. This makes for an easy life, until Harry discovers that his new-found friends are planning a foolproof bank robbery. Can he deploy his misguided sense of humour to frustrate their efforts? In this joke-infested caper, resuscitated after 30 years, Westlake lives up to his reputation as the funny man of crime fiction. HISTORY FACED WITH MAMETZ by Garffild Lloyd Lewis (Carreg Gwalch 8) Garffild Lloyd Lewis remembers sitting on his great-uncle Elliss knee at about five years old, looking up and thinking: Uncle Elliss face isnt quite the same as everyone elses. It would be decades before Lloyd Lewis learned that this gentle old mans nose, upper lip and half his teeth had been blown off his face during World War I, and that Ellis Williams had been among the first dozen soldiers to undergo experimental facial reconstruction surgery at a specialist hospital in Boulogne. Like many traumatised veterans, Williams seldom spoke of the war. But in his 60s, he wrote a memoir which he left to his great-nephew, telling the story of a bright, young farmhands journey to the trenches, the 20 months he spent in hospital and his struggle to create a new life, with a new face, in post-war Wales. Williams received his injuries at the Battle of Mametz Wood in July 1916. One mile deep and one mile wide, densely packed with tall trees and thick undergrowth, Mametz was the largest wood on the Somme battlefront. Ellis Williams (pictured before his injury) wrote a memoir in the 60s recalling his time at the Battle of Mametz Wood and the operations needed to recover from his injuries British generals expected the 38th Division comprised largely of inexperienced Welsh soldiers to take the position in a matter of hours. In the event, the battle lasted five days, racking up around 4,000 casualties on the British side and similar losses for the Germans. The 38th Division managed to push the German line back a mile, only for the Germans to retake the ground weeks later and retain the position for the rest of the conflict. Lloyd Lewis quotes Williamss comrade, Emlyn Davies, on the gory scenes that confronted young soldiers ordered over the top on the third day of fighting. Mangled corpses in khaki and in field-grey; dismembered bodies, severed heads and limbs; lumps of torn flesh halfway up the tree trunks; a Welsh Fusilier reclining on a mound, a red trickle oozing from his bayoneted throat; a South Wales Borderer and a German locked in their deadliest embraces they had bayoneted each other. Williams remembered liquid fire showering over the wood, generating an unbearable heat. And then a coal box shell exploding, blotting out the light with a thick blanket of smoke. He heard the moans of dying soldiers and realised he was lying among them. Blood was pouring down my face, he wrote. I attempted to bandage myself with the first aid from my pocket . . . then I came to a full stop and had to sit down. He later told his niece that while he lay almost unconscious, he heard some Welsh soldiers say: Leave him to die. It was a group of Germans who came to his aid. His niece recalled he was so grateful that in later life he stood and saluted whenever Germans appeared on TV. Ellis Williams (pictured after his injury) left his memoir to his nephew Garffild Lloyd Lewis who recalls scenes from the memoir in a new book Hospitalised, Williams was lucky to fall into the hands of eccentric surgeon Auguste Valadier, who specialised in the innovative treatment of oral injuries. The surgeon may have secured his position with the British Medical Corps by sweet-talking General Haig while treating his toothache. Valadier arrived in Boulogne in his chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost towards the end of 1914 and established a hospital in an old sugar warehouse, paying for all the medical equipment out of the profits from his private practice in Paris. Facial reconstruction was then in its infancy. Pioneering New Zealander Harold Delf Gillies was developing a method he called flap surgery, which entailed taking healthy skin from another part of the body, rolling it and reconnecting both ends of this skin tube to the affected area. Williams wrote that Valadier had a sculptor who was able to carve a face or a skull to demonstrate what you looked like when you arrived and another to show what you would look like following the surgery. FACED WITH MAMETZ by Garffild Lloyd Lewis (Carreg Gwalch 8) Repairing Williamss face took 18 operations. A section of his rib was cut out and initially inserted into his forehead to get the blood flowing through the cells, before being used as the foundation for a new nose. Williams agreed to have an extra piece of his ribcage cut out to help repair the face of the soldier in the bed next to him. When he eventually returned home to Wales, his own father did not recognise him. After struggling to find a job, he finally found work at the railway station. He married and lived until the age of 71. His niece remembers him taking her out for family outings in his Austin 7. She saw him really hurt on only one occasion in the Sixties, when a small boy shouted: Look, mam, hes got a face like a monkey! For a moment, she saw her uncle totally broken. For many decades, the soldiers of the 38th Division were accused of cowardice at Mametz Wood. Some said the poorly trained and ill-equipped Welshmen had failed to advance with enough spirit. But in 1987, the statue of a dragon was finally erected on the site: a twist of barbed wire in its steel paw. Above the memorial, birds sing in regrown trees. After so much noise, blood and wasted life: peace at last. BOOK OF THE WEEK IN SEARCH OF MARY SHELLEY by Fiona Sampson (Profile Books 18.99) Exactly 200 years ago, in January 1818, Frankenstein was published: a Gothic page-turner of a novel that has never been out of print since. It gripped the nation, but shocked critics because it portrayed the creation of a man-made, rather than God-made, human being: an 8ft-tall, yellow-eyed creature made in a laboratory by a student called Victor Frankenstein. The student, disgusted by his hideous creation, abandons it. The monster, lonely and loathed, roams round Europe taking revenge. It was out of the feverish imagination of an 18-year-old girl, Mary Shelley, that this ghoulish bit of early science fiction sprang. So who was Mary? And what was her life like? Well, Frankenstein might be thrilling, but I found this story of its creator just as much of a page-turner in its way. Mary Shelley (pictured) wrote the Gothic novel Frankenstein exactly 200 years ago Fiona Sampson is a sleuth of a biographer, combing the details of Marys journals and letters for clues to the truth about her experiences and feelings. Rarely has my jaw dropped on so many occasions while reading a biography. Something horrible is always just round the corner. The horror begins in chapter one, when Marys mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, revolutionary author of A Vindication Of The Rights Of Woman, dies an agonising death ten days after giving birth in 1797. It was a common occurrence for clinicians fatally to infect women during childbirth, Sampson informs us. So much for the rights of women, then, in those days of doctors with dirty hands. Marys life story, full of pathos, struggle and tragedy from that moment onwards, is also a vindication of the spirit of a woman who just goes on living and writing, though buffeted by unimaginable sadnesses the next one being that her previously kind father, William Godwin, marries a grasping woman who becomes Marys unloving stepmother and turns him against her. How does the poet Shelley come into the story? Marys father was a political philosopher and struggling publisher, running his failing business from a jerry-built premises in Holborn, and he desperately needed a man of means to support him financially. This man was the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, heir to a baronetcy. When Percy first set eyes on Mary, she was wearing a fetching tartan dress. I like Sampsons summing-up of Marys vivacious character: ranging from icily furious intellectual to pint-sized blonde in a fit of the giggles. Godwin lapped up Shelleys money and depended on his income for ever after, but he was not happy when the already-married man eloped with his 16-year-old daughter. Sampson tells the story in the present tense, so its as if its happening to us, now. And the elopement scene with Shelley is so vivid that I felt both seasick and homesick reading it. Madly in love with her irresistible 21-year-old poet, and dreaming of building a new life together in romantic Switzerland, Mary elopes with him across the Channel but theres a storm and the crossing takes 12 hours. She spends the whole night being sick. Mary got the name of her famous character whilst passing German castle the Burg Frankenstein on a journey into Switzerland Weirdly, its not only the two of them eloping: Marys stepsister Jane comes along, too Sampson suggests this might be because Shelley likes the idea of rescuing not one, but two damsels in distress. Jane will stick to the couple like a limpet for years, causing Mary untold anguish and repressed jealousy. Meanwhile, her stepmother is following in the boat behind theirs, trying to catch them in Calais and thus rescue the familys respectability. She fails. By spending a single night with Shelley, Mary has ruined her familys reputation. This is not funny: Marys elder sister Fanny, now having no prospect of making a good marriage, will kill herself just one side-effect of Shelleys romantic impetuousness. Another is that his abandoned pregnant wife Harriet will also commit suicide, throwing herself into the Serpentine. Do the eloping trio at least have a romantic onward journey through France to Switzerland in the post-Revolutionary dawn? Not a hope. Its all rat-infested inns, sprained ankles, running out of money, losing treasured possessions, accepting bad bargains for donkeys and terrible weather: More like a holiday from hell than a romantic fantasy, writes Sampson. When the weary group eventually limp into Switzerland, its so freezing in their filthy rented rooms that they last only a week before turning round and travelling all the way home, 800 miles along the Danube. Sampson compares them to todays feckless gap-year students running out of money. Mary (pictured) became truly depressed after the death of her three year old son William Its on this journey that they pass a German castle the Burg Frankenstein giving Mary the idea for her characters name. Picture this scene two years later: Mary, Percy and Jane are staying at the poet Lord Byrons villa on the edge of Lake Geneva. Its supposed to be a summer holiday, but 1816 is the year without a summer, when Europe is swathed in rain, hail and ice for months, due to the eruption of a volcano in the East Indies. Jane is pregnant with Byrons baby. Theres nothing to do during the cold evenings but regale each other with ghost stories. Shelley looks at Mary one night and tells her hes suddenly thinking of a woman who has eyes instead of nipples. And Byron says: Well each write a ghost story. This challenge will prove to be the spark for Frankenstein. The poets soon give up their efforts; but Mary keeps going. Her creation is astonishing. But is she allowed to become a feted author, the toast of literary London? Again, not a hope. In order to keep her man, Mary spends most of her life packing up and moving. Theyve already lived in Holborn, Torquay, Clifton, Vauxhall, Knightsbridge, Pimlico, Bloomsbury, Windsor, Marlow and Bath, but as soon as Frankenstein is published, Shelley insists they move (still with Jane in tow, who has now changed her name to Claire) to Italy where theres a cholera epidemic. IN SEARCH OF MARY SHELLEY by Fiona Sampson (Profile Books 18.99) This brings us to the deepest horror of all: every one of the three children they take with them to Italy will be dead within three years. The selfishness of those Romantic poets, dragging their constantly pregnant and grieving women across Europe! Mary will do anything to placate Shelley. Shes terrified of becoming an abandoned wife like Harriet. When her beloved three-year-old son William dies, Mary becomes truly depressed: I never know one moments ease from the wretchedness and despair that possess me, she writes in a letter to a friend. Percy, meanwhile, is now flirting with other women and writing gushy poems to them. And what does he go and do next? The ultra-Romantic-poet act: he hires a boat off the coast of Italy, which capsizes, and he drowns at the age of 29. Not only bereaved but now utterly alone, abandoned by her in-laws and her friends who turn on her, Mary will struggle on for another 30 years, living for one person only: her surviving child, Percy Florence. Little did she know that she would actually live on for ever after, through her fictional creation that, as Sampson writes: Uniquely sums up the restless, experimental spirit of her Romantic times. Morning Pointe Senior Living presented the annual corporate leadership awards to five of its assisted living and Alzheimers memory care communities for exemplifying exceptional commitment to quality care and customer service for residents and their families. Annually, the Chattanooga-based senior healthcare services company acknowledges top-performing teams of caregivers, directors and customer service associates across the Southeast. Executives from each of the winning communities received a plaque and a trip to Chattanooga to be recognized by corporate leadership during Morning Pointes annual year-end awards banquet. Honors presented include: Campus of the Year Award Morning Pointe of Russell and The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence, Russell, KY Marketing Award The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimers Center of Excellence, Collegedale, TN Customer Service Award Morning Pointe of Franklin, TN TEAM Award Morning Pointe of Richmond, KY Operational Achievement Award Morning Pointe of Tullahoma, TN Make Your Mark Award Morning Pointe of Greeneville, TN I appreciate the commitment to compassion that is demonstrated by all of our associates, sayid Greg A. Vital, president and CEO of Morning Pointe. We are proud to have the opportunity to honor these communities that make Morning Pointe the regions choice for senior care. During the ceremony, Morning Pointe reflected over its two decades of service with the Make Your Mark campaign, as residents, associates and volunteers came together to give back more than 40,000 hours of community service in 2017. The healthcare services company also presented the peer-reviewed annual Exceeding Expectations awards to individual associates for caregiving and customer service excellence. Additionally, caregivers, nurses, maintenance and other support personnel are recognized every quarter, receiving honors for exceptional senior care all year around. At the very core of great care is a team of compassionate associates who are ready to go above and beyond whenever they are needed, said Rob Pollard, regional vice president at Morning Pointe. It is because of their dedication that we can make a difference in the lives of seniors, families and the communities we serve. THE FIRST IRON LADY by Matthew Dennison (William Collins 25) History may have forgotten Caroline of Ansbach, but she certainly left an indelible impression on everyone who met her. The future wife of George II was possessed of a bosom of exemplary magnitude, wrote one dazed witness. And, according to her biographer, Matthew Dennison, the legendary renown of her magnificent bosom spread through the kingdom. Mercifully, there turns out to have been rather more to Caroline than that. Matthew Dennison reveals the forgotten impression Caroline of Ansbach (pictured) left on those who met her in a new biography When she married Prince George Augustus of Hanover in 1705, no one took much notice of her least of all her dimwit husband. She had been chosen as his bride mainly because she spoke the same language German and appeared to possess the sole requirement of a royal spouse: fertility. Right from the start, though, Caroline made it clear she saw her role in very different terms. In 1714, George became Prince of Wales and the couple moved to England where Caroline set out to woo everyone she came into contact with. She was so keen to ingratiate herself with the Welsh that she wore a large leek on St Davids Day alas, history does not record how, or indeed where, she wore it. When George became king in 1727, they moved into Kensington Palace, where Caroline promptly kicked out the tigers and civet cats that roamed the place and replaced them with giant tortoises. She turned a blind eye to her husbands numerous affairs he seems to have been powerless to resist sexual temptation. An early keep-fit fanatic, Caroline would go on long walks around the grounds every day, often accompanied by court musicians playing French horns. She also took an unusual for the time number of baths, ordering 20 new wooden tubs for the royal household. THE FIRST IRON LADY by Matthew Dennison (William Collins 25) She went to the theatre whenever she could, championed inoculation, studied Newtonian physics and kept abreast of new ideas. Not everyone was smitten, though. One visitor described Caroline as fat and very ugly; and she once was burned in effigy by a mob who blamed her quite unfairly for a rise in tobacco duty. As Matthew Dennisons title suggests, he sees her as a kind of spiritual forebear of Margaret Thatcher, possessed of a similarly unswerving determination and absence of self-doubt. The trouble is that by the early 18th century, it was no longer the king or queen who held the reins of power; it was the Prime Minister. For much of Carolines time as Queen, the Premier was Robert Walpole. For all that, Caroline was clearly a woman of considerable intellect and boundless curiosity. By the end of her life, even George had come to recognise her qualities. I never saw the woman fit to buckle her bows, he told a courtier. Not that he repined for long. Within a year he had installed his mistress in St Jamess Palace in her place. Growing speculation that more international deals could be in the pipeline has sent shares in Ocado flying. The online grocer surged 7.8pc, or 30.5p, to 423p yesterday amid rumours that it is poised to announce more deals to sell its warehouse technology to companies abroad. Ocado first announced a long-anticipated partnership to license its Ocado Smart Platform, which includes mechanical handling equipment and software for a customer fulfilment centre, with the French retailer Casino back in November. Making strides: Ocado's technology is desirable around the world Markets are now speculating it is set to reveal another deal with Swedish retailer ICA Gruppen. According to Swedish reports a deal is imminent and likely to be announced early this year. The City is also rife with rumours that the US giant Walmart is in talks to make an outright swoop for the company. Shares in Ocado have surged by more than 35pc since its tie-up with Casino was first announced. Prior to the announcement the company had faced a backlash from shareholders over its failure to secure a substantial expansion deal abroad. Ocado is also one of the most shorted stocks where traders bet on a firms share price falling on the London Stock Exchange. As much as 14.3pc of its stock is short-sold, according to Financial Conduct Authority figures. That represents around 35.2m of its market value. Activist investor Crystal Amber, which snapped up a stake in the firm last year amid claims of underperformance, said in December: We are of the view that one or two further international partnerships are highly likely to be secured sooner rather than later. Shares in Whitbread, the UKs largest hospitality group, also nudged up, by 0.1pc, or 4p, to 3974p, after Barclays analysts upgraded its target price and said a sale of Costa coffee shops was the most obvious step forward, if a shake-up was to happen. In December activist investor Sachem Head, a New York-based hedge fund, snapped up a 3.4pc stake in Whitbread, prompting speculation it would push for a break-up of the FTSE 100 giant. Barclays said it received numerous requests from investors trying to understand the potential willingness of the board and key shareholders to engage with Sachem Head. Barclays added: We see the most obvious step, if any, as a sale of Costa rather than a break-up of the hotels. It reiterated its equal weight rating, stating: We see potential for Whitbread to be a break-up story in 2018 with a sale of Costa the most imminent source of potential value creation. However, while this could bring some upside we remain cautious given the highly uncertain UK outlook. Elsewhere, the FTSE 100 ended the day up 0.3pc, or 23.01 points, to 7671.11. And the FTSE 250 also finished ahead by 0.3pc, or 62.45 points, at 20743.90. Recruitment firm Staffline fell 3.4pc, or 34p, to 976p after revealing its sales for the full-year will miss its 1bn target. The company, which helps get unemployed people into work, had set itself the ambitious target four years ago but said it was unlikely to reach the goal. Despite the miss, it said it still expects sales to be about 9pc above the 882.4m it reported in 2016, while its profits will be in line with expectations. The news pushed recruitment firms Hays down 2.6pc, or 4.7p, to 178.6p, and PageGroup lower by 4.5pc, or 20.6p, to 442.8p. Smoothie maker Innocent Drinks is at the heart of a probe into the merger of two companies. Dutch firm Refresco, which has Innocent Drinks, Ocean Spray and Um Bongo among its brands, had proposed a 935m takeover of US-based Cott, which is behind Old Jamaica ginger beer and fizzy drink Ting. Both make, package and distribute soft drinks for brands in the UK. But the Competition and Markets Authority has raised alarm bells over the deal as both use a production process that allows its juice drinks to be sold preservative-free and without requiring refrigeration. It is understood this refers to Innocent Drinks' production process. Rachel Merelie, CMA acting executive director, said: 'It is important that we address any issues to ensure that shoppers do not lose out.' The CMA said it will refer the merger for an in-depth probe unless it feels Refresco has addressed competition concerns. Refresco said it would work with the CMA to address the issues raised. It has received clearance for the merger in the US and Canada. House prices rose by just 2.6 per cent last year, the smallest rise in any year since 2012, new analysis shows. The average price of a UK home stood at 211,156 in December, after just a 0.6 per cent month-on-month increase. London witnessed the first annual fall in house prices in eight years, but still remains the least affordable region for buyers - and it's actually more expensive than it was just before the financial crash, according to the figures from Nationwide. The UK capital saw prices fall by 0.5 per cent in the year to December. 2017 'shift': Rates of house price growth in the South moderated towards those in the rest of the country, Nationwide said The building society said that 2017 'saw the beginnings of a shift', as rates of price growth in the South moderated towards those in the rest of the country. Londons house price decline is the first since 2009 and makes it the worst performing region for the first time since 2004, although it is still the most expensive region with prices averaging 470,922. The decline comes after years or worsening affordability in the capital, which has priced increasing numbers of aspiring buyers out of the market. Robert Gardner, chief economist at Nationwide, said that the variations of affordability across UK regions had increased over the past decade. Affordability has improved in Wales, Scotland and the North of England, but the most marked improvement has been in Northern Ireland. This is largely due to the significant correction in house prices in Northern Ireland, which are still around 40 per cent lower than in 2007,' he said. Meanwhile in London and the South East, affordability has become even more challenging, with more people priced out of the market or needing to borrow a greater multiple of their income. Variations: Homes in London and the South East are less affordable now than decade ago Nationwide used regional income data to calculate where in the income distribution a prospective purchaser would lie if they were purchasing the typical first time buyer property in each region, with a 20 per cent deposit and borrowing four times their single income. It said that the picture that emerges is one where the typical buyer moves up the income spectrum as you move from the North to the South of the country. In Scotland and the North of England, this buyer would lie in the 30th income percentile, while in the South East they would be at the 80th percentile and above the 90th percentile in London. Nationwide also found that saving for a deposit remained a tough quest for most first-time buyers. Again, those wanting to get on the property ladder in London face the biggest struggle compared to the rest of the country. A 20 per cent deposit in London is now in excess of 80,000, which is about 30,000 higher than a decade ago and by far the highest in the country. Furthermore, while in most regions it would take about eight years to save for a deposit, this rises to nine years in the South East and to nearly ten years in London, even though the prospective typical buyer in the capital is in the top 10 per cent of the income distribution. Jonathan Harris, director of mortgage broker Anderson Harris, said: The majority of first-time buyers who come to us have some sort of financial assistance from the Bank of Mum and Dad. House deposit: Deposits in London are about 30,000 more expensive than a decade ago Getting the deposit together is still the biggest challenge for most first-time buyers and even a slowdown in property price growth is not enough to make the difference between being able to get on the property ladder or not, particularly in London. With Nationwide calculating that it would take the typical buyer around eight years to save for a deposit in most regions, rising to nearly a decade in London, that is a lot of saving that needs to be done, and may seem insurmountable for those also juggling higher living costs, poor savings rates and limited salary increases.' Looking at regional house prices, Nationwide found that the strongest-performing region was the West Midlands, with prices up by 5.2 per cent annually, followed by the South West at 4.8 per cent. In most regions it would take about 8 years to save for a deposit, but in London it's more An increase of 3.3 per cent was seen in Wales, with 2.6 per cent in Scotland and 2 per cent in Northern Ireland. Gardner said subdued economic activity and an ongoing squeeze on household budgets is likely to exert a modest drag on housing market activity and price growth in 2018. He said: 'Overall, we expect house prices to record a marginal gain of around one per cent in 2018. 'Over the longer term, once the economy regains momentum, we expect house prices to rise broadly in line with earnings.' Advertisement Investors from the Middle East are still ploughing money into London's commercial property and spent an eye-watering 1.28billion in the last year. London is still the number one destination for Middle Eastern investors looking to expand their portfolio despite the uncertainty caused by Brexit. More than 24million sq ft of the capital's properties is owned by them. Middle Eastern investors spent 1.28billion on commercial London property between April 2016 and 2017, according to CBRE's Middle East 'In and Out 2017' report. Qatar Holding bought luxury department store Harrods (pictured) from businessman Mohamed Al Fayed for around 1.4billion in 2010. The famous store in Knightsbridge, London, is on a five-acre site and was founded in 1834. Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani flew to London to complete the deal in May 2010 Egyptian businessman Mohammed Al Fayed (pictured left) sold Harrods in 2010. Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani (right) flew to London to complete the deal in May 2010 New York City was second, attracting significantly less at 625million, followed by Washington, D.C. with 357 million in investment. Just this week, investors snapped up a 20-storey commercial building on London's iconic Southbank for 266.5million. Wolfe Asset Management Limited - which is owned by Dubai's Al Gurg family - exchanged contracts to buy the 226,271 sq ft building at 240 Blackfriars Road. That acquisition has added to the ever-growing list of well-known buildings owned by wealthy businessmen who come from the Middle East. Most notably, Qatar owns an impressive property portfolio in the capital, including the EU's tallest building The Shard and luxury department store Harrods. In 2015, Qatar Holding and Canadian company Brookfield bought the 22million sq ft Canary Wharf Group estate (pictured in the distance) for 2.6billion. More than 100,000 people work in Canary Wharf in east London and the site is home to a number of banks including HSBC and Barclays. It is also home the UK's second tallest building, One Canada Square The Shard (pictured) is the tallest building in the EU at 1,017ft and is one of a number of high profile developments Qatar owns in the city. The State of Qatar now owns 95 per cent of the building, which was completed in July 2012. It was developed by Sellar Property Group, who own the other 5 per cent The state owns 95 per cent of The Shard, which was completed in July 2012. The Sellar Property Group, which developed the building, owns the remainder. Qatar Holding bought the famed department store in Knightsbridge from Eqyptian businessman Mohamed Al Fayed for around 1.4billion. The country's then Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani flew to London to finalise the deal in May 2010. Since then, Qatar has continued to amass extravagant properties in London. In 2013, the Qatari royal family purchased 1, 2 and 3 Cornwall Terrace, for an estimated 120million. They have plans to convert the buildings, which overlook Regent's Park, into a palace. Other Middle Eastern investors with significant property holdings in London include Emirati businessman Mahdi Al Tajir (pictured left) and Israeli billionaire Teddy Sagi (right), who bought Camden Market in north London for 400million In December 2017, Middle Eastern Investors investors snapped up the building on 240 Blackfriars Road on London's iconic Southbank for an eye-watering 266.5million. The recent purchase highlights that international interest in UK prime real estate is still going strong In 2013, the Qatari royal family bought 1, 2, and 3 Cornwall Terrace (pictured), which overlooks Regent's Park and they had plans to convert it into a 200million palace. Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, one of the three wives of Qatar's former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, bought the homes for an estimated 120million four years ago Meanwhile, Qatar's current Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al Thani owns half of One Hyde Park through his property development company Waterknights. Rolex, McLaren and the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank are all based in the building. Qatari Diar the state's investment arm teamed up with UK property developer Delancey Estates to but the Olympic Village in Stratford for 557million. They also bought the US embassy building in Grosvenor Square in 2009. The five-star Berkeley Hotel, also in Knightsbridge, was added to Qatar's portfolio in 2015 after it bought a 64 per cent stake in The Maybourne Group, which owns it. The prime minister of Qatar, Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, owns half of One Hyde Park (pictured) through his property development company, Waterknights. The building, in Knightsbridge, was completed in 2009 and Rolex, McLaren and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank are all based there The luxury five-star hotel, the Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge (pictured), is owned by Emirati businessman Mahdi Al Tajir. Prices for the executive suites at the hotel, which was built in 1973, start at 569 and some of the rooms offer panoramic views of London Qatar Holding, which shares in Barclays and Sainsbury's, owns a 10 per cent stake in the London Stock Exchange (pictured). In July 2014, Qatar Holding announced it was going to cut its 15 per cent stake in LSE by one third. The building is near St Paul's Cathedral In 2015, investors from Qatar agreed to purchase a majority stake in the company which is behind the world-famous Claridge's Hotel in Mayfair (pictured). The hotel opened in 1812 and penthouses there start at more than 4,600 per night. It has become famous for its Christmas tree display every year Qatari Diar, the state's investment arm, teamed up with UK property developer Delancey Estates to buy the Olympic Village for 557million. The estate was built for the 2012 London Olympics and the joint deal for the village included 1,400 new homes and six other plots as part of a wider urban regeneration scheme in that part of east London That year, investors from Qatar also agreed to buy a majority stake in the company behind the world-famous Claridge's Hotel where penthouses start at more than 4,600 a night - in Mayfair. Another Mayfair hotel the Connaught is owned by hotel company Coroin, in which Qatar now holds a majority stake. In 2015, Qatar Holding and Canadian company Brookfield bought the Canary Wharf Group estate for 2.6billion. Other Middle Eastern investors with significant property holdings in London include Emirati businessman Mahdi Al Tajir. He owns the five-star Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge. In 2014, Israeli billionaire Teddy Sagi bought Camden Market in north London for 400million. Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment bought the US Embassy building in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair (pictured) in 2009. The new embassy is currently being built in Nine Elms. The new $1billion US embassy will become the most expensive embassy building in history The Connaught hotel in Mayfair (pictured) is owned by hotel company Coroin, in which Qatar now holds a majority stake. In 2015, it was announced that Constellation Hotels - which is owned by Qatar Holding - had purchased a 64 per cent stake in the company which owns a number of luxurious London hotels, including The Connaught In 2007, Qatari Diar bought the site of the Chelsea Barracks in west London (pictured) from the Ministry of Defence for nearly 1billion. The site was originally tipped to sell for 250million but the figure was almost nearly four times that when a consortium made up of the CPC Group and Qatari Diar had their bid accepted He now has plans to invest a further 300million to develop the popular tourist attraction and market area by next year. Chris Brett, from real estate investors CBRE, said much of the purchases over the past year have been from wealthy individuals from oil-rich sovereign nations making 'opportunistic acquisitions.' Mr Brett added investors have remained undeterred by the Brexit vote and are attracted to the UK capital by the cheap pound, high demand, long leases and strong yields. 'In the past year we have seen Middle East investors securing opportunistic acquisitions in London, most notably family wealth from ultra-high-net-worth individuals and sovereign wealth funds,' he said. 'Whilst this has partly been driven by a correction in yield levels and a favourable currency effect due to the depreciation of sterling, it reaffirms London's status as a global gateway market.' In 2014, Israeli billionaire Teddy Sagi bought Camden Market in North London (pictured) for 400m. He now has plans to invest a further 300million to develop the popular tourist attraction and market area by next year. He currently owns four of the six sections of the market The Berkeley Hotel (pictured) is a five star hotel based in Knightsbridge, London. It opened 150 years ago. In 2015, it was added to Qatar's impressive property portfolio in the capital after it bought a 64 per cent stake in The Maybourne Group, which owns the hotel Chinese investors spent 3.96BILLION on London property in the first six months of 2017 - including snapping up the iconic Cheesegrater and Walkie Talkie skyscrapers Chinese and Russian investment in London's property market also continued to rise in 2017. Chinese investment in London commercial property more than trebled since before Britain voted to leave the European Union, a CBRE report in August last year revealed. Most of it was channelled through Hong Kong at a time of heightened political uncertainty in the former British colony. While others have pulled back from British property following the Brexit referendum, investors largely from Hong Kong snapped up the British capital's best-known skyscrapers including the 'Cheesegrater' and 'Walkie Talkie'. Investors largely from Hong Kong snapped up the British capital's best-known skyscrapers including the 'Cheesegrater' and 'Walkie Talkie' In the first six months of 2017, Chinese investors spent 3.96billion on London commercial property according to data from the CBRE real estate group, outpacing significantly the 2.69billion spent in the whole of 2016. Hong Kong accounted for 92 percent of the Chinese investment, according to the Knight Frank agency. Hong Kong food conglomerate Lee Kum Kee reportedly paid 1.28billion for 20 Fenchurch Street - the 34 storey skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie - a record for an office building in Britain. Meanwhile, Russian investors continue to look for real estate opportunities abroad despite the economic crisis in the country. Properties in central London in Kensington, Chelsea and Knightsbridge in particular are also highly sought-after, according to Dominus Alliance. Hong Kong food conglomerate Lee Kum Kee reportedly paid 1.28billion for 20 Fenchurch Street - the 34 storey skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie Belgrave Square in central London, which is lined with 19th century townhouses and home to foreign embassies, is nicknamed 'Red Square' after a series of wealthy investors from former Soviet states moved in. Mark Hollingsworth, who co-wrote Londongrad: From Russia with Cash, said oligarchs consider owning property in central London as a sign of respectability. The capital also offers them access to international banking and legal services. London ranks as the best city in the world for the global ultra-rich taking into account factors such as quality of life, business and leisure, according to the consultancy arm of estate agent Knight Frank, followed by New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. A lucky stone collector in China has found a rock which bears an uncanny resemblance to the country's most treasured animal: a giant panda. The black-and-white pebble stone has amazed visitors in a recent rock exhibition in central China. The owner, who remains anonymous, said he had previously turned down an offer of 10,000 yuan (1,138) from a businessman who wished to purchase the rock. Precious rock: A black-and-white pebble is displayed on an exhibition in central China The natural stone has features of a giant panda including eyes, nose and eyes Pictures have emerged showing a palm-sized stone that resembles a resting panda looking to a side. The stone was displayed in the first Han Jiang Rock Collection Festival in Zhangwan district of Hubei Province on December 28, reported Hubei Daily. The selected stones are picked from districts in Shiyan city. It has to be found from the Han Jiang region. The panda-looking stone was one of the very few that stood out from the exhibition and it was crowned with a silver medal. The similar resemblance of a giant panda has won the owner of the stone a silver medal Expert from Chinese University of Geosciences said the pattern on the rock are unique Apparently, similar 'panda' stones can be easily found along rivers. Experts from the Museum of Chinese University of Geosciences told Chutian Metropolis Daily that the black-and-white rocks are usually a hard sedimentary rock known as quartzite or chert. The rocks will take hundreds or thousand of years to form and the black colour of the rock contains high levels of silicon. The pattern on the rock forms naturally, therefore the appearance of a panda shape are unique. The owner received a request from a stone collector by offering him 10,000 yuan (1,138) to buy the stone, but he refused. Chinese President Xi Jinping told the country's armed forces to improve its war-winning capability and strengthen real combat training in a speech on Wednesday. He ordered all levels of military to follow the guidance of 'enhancing military training and war preparing'. The 64-year-old, widely considered the most powerful Communist leader since Mao Zedong, also instructed his military that they should not fear hardship or death, according to a report on China's state broadcaster CCTV. Thousands of soldiers stood in formation at a mobilisation meeting in Baoding, Hebei Province, as Xi issued the commands. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the chairman of China's Central Military Commission, is pictured issuing the order at a mobilisation meeting yesterday in Baoding, Hebei Province Thousands of armed soldiers are pictured vowing to serve their country after the speech Apart from being the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi is the chairman of the Central Military Commission, which controls the country's armed forces. Xi is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China. According to China's state news agency Xinhua, this was the first time the Central Military Commission of China had held a mobilisation meeting for the whole armed forces. Xi started delivering the speech at 10am wearing a military uniform. He was at the main venue of the mobilisation meeting, reported to be the shooting range of a unit of China's land forces. He attended the meeting accompanied by senior Communist officials. More than 7,000 armed officers and soldiers listened to the speech in cold weather, as rows of military tanks were parked around them. Xi's two-minute-long speech was also broadcast live to over 4,000 branch venues for soldiers across China to follow. The branch venues covered China's land, navy and air forces as well as the Rocket Force, which was formed on January 1, 2016, to manage the 2,500 ballistic missiles China claims to own. Military personnel start training after Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered the speech In yesterday's speech, Xi urged his soldiers to enhance military training focussed on combat readiness and strengthen joint military training. He said Chinese soldiers should be ready to be ordered to fight at anytime. He also called for military training and fighting competitions for the general public. The armed forces should master the skills of 'being able to fight and being able to win', said Xi. Xinhua reported that Xi reviewed assembly of soldiers on the site and training of troops via televised devices after the meeting. Xi Jinping has been considered by many to be the most powerful and influential Communist leader since Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China who passed away in 1976. China's ruling Communist Party enshrined President Xi Jinping's political thought into its constitution during the 19th National Congress in Beijing in October last year. No other leader since Mao has had an eponymous ideology included in the Constitution of the Communist Party of China while in office until Xi. President Donald Trump issued an extraordinary statement bashing former top advisor Steve Bannon after the president's longtime consigliere was quoted trashing Donald Trump Jr. and claiming his father would have immediately been made aware of an infamous Trump Tower meeting with Russians. Bannon claimed a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer, supposedly to obtain unflattering information about Hillary Clinton, was 'treasonous' and 'unpatriotic,' prompting an unprecedented brushback of the former White House aide from the president. 'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said in a statement provided by the White House that torches his former chief strategist. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.' Steve Bannon, chairman of Breitbart News Network LLC, speaks during a campaign rally for Roy Moore, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Alabama Trump's press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then told reporters that the president was 'furious' and 'disgusted' by Bannon's assault on the president's son and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who also attended the Trump Tower meeting. And late on Wednesday evening, attorneys for Trump issued a cease and desist letter to Bannon threatening legal action. Trump attorney Charles Harder said in a statement: 'This law firm represents President Donald J. Trump and Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. 'On behalf of our clients, legal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon, that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent.' The cease and desist letter reads in part: 'You [Bannon] have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company [the campaign], disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members.' The White House's full-scale attack on Bannon, who was once one of Trump's top advisers, was ripe with personal slights, exposing a dramatic rift between the president and the conservative provocateur who is also the Breitbart News executive chairman. It followed Bannon's comments undercutting the president's eldest son and a suggestion that Donald Trump was involved in the 2016 meeting with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer that Bannon is now quoted as saying should have been reported to the FBI. 'Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party,' Trump said. 'Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look.' Trump said Bannon 'doesn't represent my base, he's only in it for himself' and 'had very little to do' with his victory, but 'everything to do' with the loss of the Alabama Senate seat. The cutting statement went on to say, 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.' Bannon backed losing candidate Roy Moore, who Trump ultimately campaigned for in the special election after claiming the Republican would have a tough time winning the general election and endorsing his primary opponent. Sanders said Wednesday that the loss contributed to the falling out between the president, who last spoke to Bannon sometime in early December. Accusing the president's son of treason is also not a way to 'curry favor' with Trump, she stated, calling the allegation 'ridiculous.' 'I think there are a number of factors that played in,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I would certainly think that going after the president's son and an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way, is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody.' After the press briefing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose wife Callista is U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, walked through a press work space on his way to a Fox News interview. 'Bannon has no contingent,' he told DailyMail.com and another reporter ripping into the former White House aide. 'There's a Trump wing of the Republican Party. There's not a Bannon wing.' The White House had also rejected the notion that feud would weaken Trump's base. 'The base and the people that supported this president supported the president and supported his agenda, those things haven't changed,' Sanders said at her briefing. 'The president still exactly who he was yesterday as he was two years ago when he started out on the campaign trail.' Trump's spokeswoman said, 'Look at all he's accomplished, I think they're pretty happy with where he is.' President Trump had also sought to discredit Bannon, considered to have a played a key role in shaping his own victory. 'Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books,' the president said. The blast came just hours after Bannon was revealed to have called the infamous June 2016 meeting between top Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous.' Further, Bannon expressed certainty that then-candidate Donald Trump would have been made aware of the meeting at the time a claim that, if verified, could play into a collusion narrative being explored by special counsel Robert Mueller. Trump said Bannon 'spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was' Bannon, who held a top role in the campaign, shares his disdain in Michael Wolff's forthcoming book, excerpts of which were published Wednesday, that other top officials went into the Trump Tower meeting blind instead of dispatching a legal team to vet information in a hand-off way and failing to alert authorities of a possible crime. 'Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s***, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately,' Bannon mused. He went after Donald Trump Jr. explicitly for participating, then expressed certainty about what happened next. 'The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office of the 26th floor is zero,' Bannon said, in an excerpt from 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.' 'The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers,' Bannon vented in excerpts in the book obtained by the Guardian The White House issued a separate statement from Sanders before her daily news conference trashing the expose. 'This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House,' Sanders said. 'Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy,' she added. Stephanie Grisham, communications director for Melania Trump, responded to claims in the book that the first lady cried when Trump the election because she never expected him to win. 'The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did,' Grisham said. The book also claims the Trump have separate bedrooms in the White House. NBC News reported Bannon's comment about the chance Donald Trump also met the Russians. Sanders pointed to Trump's previous denials of collusion when it came up at her news conference. Trump Jr. told the House Intelligence Committee during testimony that he did not tell his father about the meeting at the time it took place, the Washington Post reported in December. He told Fox News host Sean Hannity after word of the meeting broke: 'In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently.' He said he did not tell his father about the meeting because nothing came of it. 'It was just a nothing,' the president's son said. 'There was nothing to tell.' Attending the meeting were Donald Trump Jr., Trump son in law and Bannon's White House rival Jared Kushner, and former campaign chair Paul Manafort, who has since been indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges. They met with Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an offer of potential dirt on Hillary Clinton got dangled to Trump Jr. via an email approach. 'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon, a former Naval officer and Goldman Sachs employee who runs Breitbart News, said of the president's eldest son. They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV He laid out how the campaign should have handled such an approach. If any meeting happened, it should have been done 'in a Holiday Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire, with your lawyers who meet with these people'. That would allow information to get 'dump[ed] down to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication,' he said, referencing the Breitbart News site he runs. 'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon said of the president's eldest son, who attended the Trump Tower meeting A picture taken on November 8, 2016 shows Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya speaking during an interview in Moscow Bannon took new shots at his rival Trump son in law Jared Kushner. He predicts special counsel Mueller will go after top officials on money laundering to get to President Trump White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (R) listens to U.S. President Donald Trump at the beginning of a meeting with government cyber security experts in the Roosevelt Room at the White House January 31, 2017 in Washington Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon speaks during the Asahi Shimbun interview on November 16, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan 'You never see it, you never know it, because you don't need to But that's the brain trust that they had,' he said dismissively. Trump named Bannon as chief executive of his campaign in August 2016, two months after the Trump Tower meeting with Russians occurred. Bannon, who says he continues to advise President Trump, also issued predictions about the Mueller probe. 'You realize where this is going,' he said. 'This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Wessman first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to f***ing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr. and Jared Kushner It's as plain as a hair on your face,' he said. According to the Guardian, Bannon insisted that he doesn't know Russians, won't be a witness in the related probes, won't hire a lawyer and won't end up on TV answering questions. Trump Jr. has denied doing anything improper and says he got nothing of value out of the meeting. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges. Kushner's lawyers say he is cooperating with investigators. The book also quotes a friend of President Trump confidant Tom Barrack as having told a friend: ''He's not only crazy, he's stupid.' Russian president Vladimir Putin lost at least seven planes when so-called radical Islamists attacked a Syrian airbase, it has been claimed. If confirmed, it would be the single biggest loss of military hardware for the Kremlin strongman since he began supporting Syria's president Bashar al-Assad. The planes were destroyed on New Year's Eve when rebel shelling rained down on the Hmeymim air base, according to a Russian daily newspaper. Russia's defence ministry dismissed parts of the report as 'fake' but acknowledged the attack in Latakia Province had occurred and that two servicemen had died. Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses servicemen as he visits the Hmeymim air base in Latakia Province, Syria December 11, 2017 An Su-24 bombers on the runway at the Hmeymim air base in Syria. At least four were destroyed, according to reports Russian daily newspaper the Kommersant reported the incident late on Wednesday, stating that more than 10 servicemen were wounded in the assault. It was the most potent attack on Putin's arsenal since an air strike back in 2015, it said. At least four Su-24 bombers, two Su-35S fighters and an An-72 transport plane, as well as an ammunition depot, were destroyed by the shelling, Kommersant said on its website, citing two 'military-diplomatic' sources. Russia's defence ministry today said two servicemen had been killed in the mortar attack by Islamist militants in Syria on New Year's Eve, but denied reports about the seven military planes being destroyed. 'As darkness fell, the Hmeimim air base was subjected to sudden mortar shelling from a mobile group of militants. 'As a result of the shelling, two servicemen were killed,' the defence ministry said. A Sukhoi Su-24 fighter jet takes off from the Hmeymim air base near Latakia, Syria Russian military jets are seen at Hmeymim air base in Syria, which came under attack from rebel shelling Earlier on Wednesday, the ministry said a Mi-24 helicopter had crash-landed in Syria on the same day due to a technical fault and two pilots died. Last month, Russia began establishing a permanent presence at Hmeymim and a naval base at Tartous although President Vladimir Putin has ordered a 'significant' withdrawal of his military from Syria, declaring their work largely done. The Syrian civil war has created a conflict of interest between Russia and the UK and US. While Moscow has backed Assad, Westminster and Washington have thrown their support behind the opposition fighters aiming to overthrow the dictatorship. An Islamic funeral director who went on a bizarre rant about Muslims drinking and having sex made an earlier video with a father whose boy died in a classroom tragedy. Ahmad Hraichie, who conducts ceremonies for the Lebanese Muslim Association, made a video on New Year's Eve which has been viewed 689,000 times online. In the clip, filmed near western Sydney's Rookwood Cemetery, he tells Muslims to avoid drinking alcohol or having sex outside of marriage as he wheels a corpse in a body bag into a fridge. 'This is where we are all going to spend to spend our New Year's party if we die on New Year's Eve in a fridge, in a fridge where the brothers and sisters have now have probably got their drinks all in the fridges and their snacks,' he said. In November, Mr Hraichie filmed a message of forgiveness from the father of a nine-old-boy, who was killed when a four-wheel drive crashed into his classroom at Greenacre, in Sydney's west. Mr Hraichie, a former undertaker at Rookwood cemetery, drove the hearse carrying the body of Jihad Darwiche - one of two boys killed when a Toyota Kluger slammed into the Banksia Road Primary School. During that trip in the hearse, he videoed a conversation with Jihad's grieving father, Raed, agreeing that forgiveness was 'the way a proper Muslim acts in a time of calamity and tribulation'. Ahmad Hraichie (right) made a video with Raed Darwiche who son, 9, died in a school accident He told Daily Mail Australia his latest video, filmed in a funeral parlour, was designed to highlight to Muslims the perils of sin. 'Committing adultery in Islam and many other religions is seen as a wrong act,' he said. 'It should be kept for marriage.' 'Drinking, well I know of Muslims that drink and that's their bad. We are all not perfect. 'It's not a perfect world. We all make mistakes. The best of us are the ones who correct there errors and be of good benefit to one another as humans.' The Lebanese Muslim Association funeral director filmed a message of forgiveness Rookwood Cemetery undertaker Ahmad Hraichie ranted about Muslims having sex outside of marriage as he put a dead body into a fridge On New Year's Eve, attending to a dead body near the Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney's west, Mr Hraichie railed against Muslims who had sex outside of marriage with another Muslim. 'We're going to put our brother in the fridge. 'That could have been me. That could have been you. That could have been anybody. I say this with my heart: this brother was alive now he's not. 'I could be next, you could be next. 'Beware of what youse do tonight. Anyone who's going to do anything that goes against our religion of Islam drinking, fornication, Zina look at this man and this is an example Allah has given us. 'Stop it. Stop it before it's too late.' The Muslim undertaker warned Muslims against the evils of celebrating New Year's Eve Ahmad Hraichie denounced Muslims who drank alcohol or had sex as he wheeled a dead body He also called on Muslims to avoid celebrating New Year's Eve with non-believers who drank alcohol. 'Any other day is alright but not tonight because tonight we know what goes on.' Mr Hraichie, who is also a body builder, told Daily Mail Australia he made the video to remind Muslim youths to 'uphold their faith' and enjoy the fireworks away from the party temptations. 'Like all true Christians or Jews who abstain from sex before marriage and drinking alcohol, it's a reminder to stay steadfast in life and honest and true no matter what religion you are,' he said. Ahmad Hraichie, who is also a body builder, is urging Muslim youth to avoid alcohol altogether 'My point is to our youth who lose their ways when they go all crazy partying. 'What begins with one drink ends up with drink driving and all other problems.' He slammed the Muslim fundamentalist Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association, which has called for Muslims to avoid non-Muslim activities altogether, adding he had no problem with Christmas decorations or New Year's Eve fireworks. 'They are extreme and there is no place for extremist clowns in Australians society,' he said. 'Everyone is entitled to worship what they want. 'I actually enjoy seeing houses decorated and the holiday season. 'Nothing wrong with fireworks. I actually watched them from the TV. Best view.' While Hraichie criticises Islamist extremist groups, his estranged 20-year-old son Bourhan, an Islamic State sympathiser, is serving time inside Goulburn Supermax, Australia's highest-security prison. During his initial sentence at Kempsey prison, Bourhan was charged with carving the Islamic State slogan 'e4e', or 'an eye for an eye', into a fellow inmate's forehead in April 2016. Bourhan also threatened to behead New South Wales prisons boss Peter Severin. During his career Ahmad Hraichie has buried underworld figures. He grew up in Penshurst, in Sydney's south, alongside many men who eventually turned to a life of crime, including ex-Comanchero bikie boss Mick Hawi. An often overlooked but important component of TN Promise is the required community service hours each student must complete prior to the start of each college semester, officials said. The idea is to ensure students are cultivating a culture of giving back to their communities. It is also an opportunity for students to explore possible career paths. "Since tnAchieves, the precursor to TN Promise, launched in 2008, our students have given back more than 1.5 million community service hours. TN Promise greatly contributed to this number with over 1.1 million of those hours completed since the launch of Gov. Haslams scholarship and mentoring program," officials said. TN Promise funding is critical to our students success; however, I believe the support provided by our volunteer mentors as well as increased community involvement via the community service requirement are equally important to our students growth, says Krissy DeAlejandro, executive Director of tnAchieves. Through the community service requirement, students gain a greater perspective on the needs in their community. This past semester, TN Promise student Harrison McSpadden decided to give more than the required 8 hours of volunteer service. Each semester Mr. McSpadden has volunteered with Veterans First, a resale store that assists veterans in his community. This fall, Mr. McSpadden decided to donate a car that he and his father had restored to the organization. Volunteering at Veterans First was an eye opener. It connected me to something bigger than myself, said Mr. McSpadden. I felt happy when I donated the car. It brought joy to the organization and I knew the car was going towards a better use. TN Promise students can select the organization where they complete their community service hours. While many choose familiar organizations, other students explore possible career options by shadowing a teacher, an accountant, a welder, etc. On Nov. 10, 2017, tnAchieves Job Shadow Day provided 106 TN Promise students exposure to some of the largest employers in their region, while also satisfying the community service requirement. The participating companies included Arconic, Caterpillar Financial, Eastman, FedEx, Maury Regional Hospital, Radio Systems Corporation and Unum. Each business incorporated an overview of their company, professional development activities and individual job shadowing. The concept for the Job Shadow Day stemmed from efforts by the Tennessee Attorney Generals Office and Hiltons Memphis Operations Center. Both organizations have hosted TN Promise students for job shadow days in the past. tnAchieves helps students find volunteer opportunities in their communities across Tennessee. Organizations interested in having TN Promise students volunteer throughout the year can email Allie Greer at allie@tnachieves.org. A couple who recently moved to Utah from Switzerland may have planned a murder-suicide together that left them and two children dead, according to newly unsealed search warrants. Investigators found messages between Timothy and Jessica Griffith about 'when this tragic incident would take place', police said in court documents unsealed on Wednesday. Jessica Griffith, 42, may have had terminal ovarian cancer and had little time left to live, the messages and online searches detailed in court documents. Family members told investigators she had suffered from depression, and her husband Timothy Griffith, 45, was violent and may also have struggled with an undiagnosed mental illness, the search warrants state. Investigators found messages between Timothy and Jessica Griffith about 'when this tragic incident would take place', police said in court documents unsealed on Wednesday. The couple and their four children were found dead in a murder-suicide in November in Mapleton, Utah Jessica's daughter and Timothy's stepdaughter Samantha Badel (left), 16, was also shot dead, along with the couple's five-year-old son, Alexandre Griffith (right) The family of four was found dead in November, just months after Timothy Griffith's job with Nestle took them from Switzerland to Mapleton, Utah, about 55 miles (88 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City. Police also found the bodies of their five-year-old son Alexendre Griffith and Jessica Griffith's 16-year-old daughter, Samantha Badel. A neighbor said Timothy had met Jessica Griffith (pictured) in Europe while working for Nestle Timothy Griffith shot all three with one gun before killing himself with a different weapon, a shotgun, according to police. He also killed the family dog, police said. Police declined to answer additional questions about the documents. Timothy Griffith's stepmother Linda Sue Prater said on Wednesday that she never knew him to be violent or suffer from mental illness, though he hadn't been in close contact with family members after moving back to the United States in July, she said. Family members are still grappling with what happened and searching for answers, said Prater, who lives in Hanceville, Alabama. He had always been a steady, calm man who loved children and animals, she said. 'He just never seemed like the type that would do something like that,' Prater said. 'A thing like this eats at you every day because you don't know what happened.' Timothy Griffith had done some unusual things recently, like registering his cell phone under a made-up business name and saying he didn't want anyone to know where he was, she said. Timothy Griffith shot all three with one gun before killing himself with a different weapon, a shotgun, according to police. He also killed the family dog, police said Timothy Griffith had done some unusual things recently, like registering his cell phone under a made-up business name and saying he didn't want anyone to know where he was. The couple's family home is pictured above The man moved to Switzerland after falling in love with a Swiss exchange student who stayed with the family during his high school years in Granite City, Illinois, Prater said. The couple divorced after having three children together and he married Jessica Griffith, who was also from Switzerland, about six years ago, she said. Timothy Griffith bought the guns he used in the murder-suicide in September, just months after the family moved to Utah. The family was discovered after Timothy Griffith failed to show up for work at the Nestle facility in Springville and neighbors noticed their cars hadn't moved in days and the lights in the house had been off. A neighbor told The Salt Lake Tribune that Timothy Griffith had met Jessica while working in Europe as an employee of Nestle. The couple had moved into their home in Mapleton, Utah, in July after moving to the United States from Switzerland Another neighbor, Doug Allen, told Fox 13 Now that when Timothy got an opportunity to transfer to Utah, he accepted and the family relocated to the US. 'Never heard them fight, never heard a thing over there,' he said. 'Quite a shock to me. When I got up this morning, I seen all the (police) lights on over there, 15 to 20 cars. 'I thought, "This don't look good". Sad deal. Those little kids sure didn't deserve that.' In response to DailyMail.com's email seeking comment, a spokesperson for Nestle confirmed that Mr Griffith worked as a maintenance mechanic. According to a post from April 2015 on Jessica and Timothy's joint Facebook account, the man had served as a pilot in the US Navy in his younger days. The long-dormant social media page is filled with photos of the many pets the Griffiths had while living in Neuchatel, Switzerland, including two dogs, a cat, a lizard and a scorpion. Hundreds of passengers were struck down with severe bouts of gastro just days into the two week cruise on the Sea Princess. The cruise ship docked in Brisbane Thursday morning after more than 200 passengers were forced into isolation after contracting the virus, including Helen Perry. The 57-year-old told Daily Mail Australia she was locked in her cabin for 60 hours after she caught the virus shortly after they left Wellington, New Zealand despite 'fastidious hand washing'. Hundreds of passengers were struck down with severe bouts of gastro just days into the two week cruise on the Sea Princess including Helen Perry (pictured) The 57-year-old, who was travelling with husband David (pictured together) told Daily Mail Australia she was isolated for 60 hours after catching a virus leaving Wellington, New Zealand The cruise ship docked in Brisbane Thursday morning after the two week cruise from Brisbane to Brisbane via New Zealand over Christmas and the New Year (stock image) 'Who knows when I caught it but I do suspect it was a woman ... she was green around the gills and coughing,' Ms Perry said. 'She was probably out and about when she should have been in isolation.' Travelling with her husband David, a doctor, Ms Perry said while she was actively unwell for 12 hours, her room was sanitised twice daily and was given flat coke and crackers when she was well enough to eat. 'I certainly was extremely unwell, but not the worst Ive had,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I usually end up on a drip. But this time, it stopped quite quickly - by my standards!' The clinical psychologist said they had 'desanitisers in masks' cleaning the cabin from top to bottom and twice daily visits from the medical teams. 'I didnt leave isolation until I had been un-symptomatic for a full day. After that I was very weak for a day,' Ms Perry said. With reports of hundreds of people struck down with the virus, the Brisbane local said she saw a few other rooms being sanitised. 'People were very matter of a fact about it,' Ms Perry said. 'Taking their precautions, except for some who didnt seem to see the point.' Ms Perry (pictured on the Sea Princess) said her cabin was sanitised twice daily and she was fed flat coke and crackers once she was well enough to eat '[I had] 60 hours in a lovely cabin with a gorgeous view (pictured) ... best sick bed I've ever stayed in,' Ms Perry told Daily Mail Australia Despite the Sea Princess cruise being hit with the debilitating gastro bug, the 57-year-old accepted it was just part of life. '[I had] 60 hours in a lovely cabin with a gorgeous view ... best sick bed I've ever stayed in,' she said. 'I enjoyed myself enormously in spite of it. 'I allowed myself to enjoy the downtime. Slept. Meditated. Read. Watched movies with my husband. And just looked at the sea and beautiful views from my cabin.' Ms Perry said being struck down with the illness wouldn't stop her from going on another 'fantastic' cruise. The Sea Princess Cruise, which can hold up to 2,000 passengers, went from Brisbane to Brisbane via New Zealand over Christmas and the New Year. Queensland Health told ABC News on-board testing found norovirus to be the cause of more gastro cases where sanitation procedures were in place with more to follow once the cruise ship docked in Brisbane. A volunteer firefighter is recovering from burns sustained during a tragic Oklahoma house fire that claimed the lives of his wife and two young children. Kevin Fraley, 29, suffered second- and third-degree burns on 18 percent of his body and is hospitalized in Tulsa due to the fire around 3am Tuesday, News Oklahoma reports. His newlywed wife Tiffany Fraley, 21, and their children Rayden, 2, and Mia, 1, died in the fire at their home in Porum, about one-and-a-half hours outside of Tulsa. A house fire early Tuesday in Porum, Oklahoma claimed the lives of Tiffany Fraley, 21, and her two children Rayden, 2, and Mia, 1. Her husband and the children's father, 29-year-old Kevin, survived but suffered second- and third-degree burns on 18 percent of his body. Pictured are Tiffany and Kevin Kevin, a volunteer firefighter, had tried to save his family, his father said. Firefighters say the believe the fire started in the bedroom of the children (pictured) Kevin had tried to save the family, his father Ervin, who had been next-door neighbors with the family, told the Muskogee Phoenix. Ervin added that Kevin and Tiffany had only been married in December. 'I can't imagine what he's going to go through as a parent,' Ervin told the Phoenix. 'It's not soaked in what he has lost.' Firefighters told local media outlets that they are investigating what caused the trailer-house to go up in flames but believe a space heater used to warm the home amid unusually frigid temperatures might have been to blame. They also said they believe the fire began in the children's bedroom, which is corroborated by Ervin's account. Ervin said he awoke to Kevin pounding on his door frantically yelling about how his son had been screaming and that the child's bed was on fire. 'I can't imagine what he's going to go through as a parent,' Kevin's father said. 'It's not soaked in what he has lost.' Pictured is Tiffany and one of the children who perished Courtesy of FOX 23 The nighttime low in the town was 12 degrees Fahrenheit the night of the fire, according to Accuweather. The average low at this time of year is 31 degrees. The Porum Fire Department's Facebook account notes that a fund has been set up for Kevin and that donations can be made at Armstrong Bank. The tragedy comes after three children perished in another Oklahoma house fire on New Year's Day. Mayley Jean Redbird, who was just 22 months old, 3-year-old Gunner Ray Redbird and 4-year-old Amylah Dawn Redbird died when their bedroom went up in smoke, at the family's El Reno, two-and-a-half hours from Porum. Stu the snake catcher wrote sometimes snakes 'just want to snuggle' The photo shows the python laying comfortably at the top of the woman's bed A woman in Queensland got the fright of her life when she woke up in the middle of the night to find a snake in her bed. Sunshine Coast Snake Catchers posted a photo on Facebook of the curled up python, explaining how the familiar serpent, which usually lived on the roof of their home near Eumundi, fancied sleeping elsewhere on Tuesday night. 'I was sent this photo by one of my followers yesterday. They had a resident python that lived in there roof at their home just outside of Eumundi for a while and they would see him from time to time but he would always go back up into the roof,' Stu the snake catcher wrote. A woman in Queensland woke up in the middle of the night to find a snake in her bed (pictured) The photo shows the python curled comfortably on her bed next to a pillow (pictured) 'However one night she woke to find the snake curled up in the bed with him at 3am! 'Crazy. Snakes don't want to hurt us, sometimes they just want to snuggle,' he added. The photo shows the python curled comfortably at the top of her bed, right next to her pillow. The snake catcher advised residents to install a fly screen and keep doors and windows closed to avoid the unwanted slithery guests. Under the photograph, Facebook user Jamie Buckley wrote: 'I wouldnt be able to sleep anymore and have to move if this happened to me.' Pamela Ankney commented: 'Snakes don't bother me at all. However, I'm not fond of spooning with them.' An anti-alcohol group have presented a new tax plan that would see the price of beer rise, despite the already huge tax placed on alcoholic beverages. The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education have suggested a surge in the excise paid on beer in a bid to help the Government save money and Australians drink less. FARE has suggested a tax increase of 'at least 10 per cent' for alcohol across the board, and wants to increase the tax on draught beer to match the tax paid on bottled and craft beers. The foundation argues these tax increases, including additional increases on cask wine, will save the Australian Government more than $2.9 billion. The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education has called for a 10 per cent increase to the tax paid on alcohol in Australia, which would see the price of beer, wine and spirits rise (stock image) Of this money, FARE has requested $27.5 million to educate the public on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and on the other societal harms caused by drinking. Currently, beer sold in large kegs in large quantities is taxed significantly less than packaged beer sold in smaller quantities. Michael Thorn, Chief Executive of FARE, says 'beer is beer is beer', and despite its packaging or the volume it is sold in, it should fall under one tax policy. 'Our view is we should preference lower alcohol products, - there should be a lower tax rate on light beer to encourage people to drink lighter alcohol products,' he said. Australia is already home to some of the most expensive beer in the world, but Mr Thorn, the Chief Executive of FARE, says it's not enough FARE are not looking to only minimise the drinking habits of just heavy drinkers, they want to see everyone drinking less, as Mr Thorn says even light drinkers can cost the economy a fortune. 'Alcohol is a perverse product. While we certainly need to be targeting heavy drinkers, light to moderate drinkers also cause problems because of the way they drink. 'They may not drink much during the week, but then have a binge drinking session that could lead to a car crash or injury. 'Its all those instances that lead to the problems the country then has to deal with.' Melbourne is currently the eighth most expensive place to buy a beer in the world, according to 2017 research from Deustche Bank. Sydney is equal 20th on the list, with Madrid in Spain. Mr Thorn says alcohol is a 'perverse product' which causes huge economical losses to the nation The pre-budget submission from FARE claims the current price of alcohol needs to 'more accurately reflect its costs to society'. 'This includes direct costs to government, as well as indirect and social costs stemming from such issues as lost productivity and reduced quality of life,' the document reads. 'Research has consistently demonstrated that the level of alcohol tax is not sufficient to recoup the expenses associated with alcohol.' FARE are also hoping to target drinking promotions, such as happy hours and discounted drinks. 'Many of the states and territories are taking a strong line against anything that promotes more drinking. Things like 2-4-1 have been banned across Australia,' Mr Thorn said. 'Any marketing that promotes more drinking should be frowned upon.' The Australian Hotels Association has been contacted for comment. FARE are also hoping to target drinking promotions, such as happy hours and discounted drinks John also speaks about their turn to serious crime, which started last year, and saw a victim hand over $25,000 But he said the gang of 400 to 500 'go out together for thrills' but did not go out with the intention of hurting anyone John*, 21, said the notorious gang was 'get rich or get robbed' and 'you don't want to be the one left behind' Advertisement A founding member of Melbourne's notorious Apex gang has opened up on the African group's spiral into serious crime - from taking cars for cheap thrills to seeing a victim cough up $25,000 to save himself from being 'rolled' by members. John*, 21, spoke exclusively to Daily Mail Australia and said the gang was about 'standing up, and making a name for themselves'. 'It is get rich or get robbed, you don't want to be the one left behind,' he said. A founding member of Melbourne's notorious Apex gang has opened up about the African group's spiral into serious crime John said the gang met up frequently as a way to escape their boring lives. 'We go out together for thrills - it's our chance not to give a f***,' he said. 'We don't go out with the intention of hurting people but it can happen.' The gang started in 2013 in Hamilton Park in Melbourne's south-east - not on Apex Street like the name suggests - but they chose the name for its easy pronunciation as the founding members learned English as a second language. 'We just like the name "Apex", it has nothing to do with the street in Dandenong like everyone says,' John said. 'There are a lot of streets called that on Melbourne. We thought it was catchy and it was easy to say so we started using it.' The gang 'just wanted to go partying and f*** things up', John, who arrived in Australia from Sudan in 2002, told Daily Mail Australia. 'But then last year it escalated and when we would see people walk down the street we would just take their bags,' he said. John*, 21, spoke exclusively to Daily Mail Australia and said the gang was about 'standing up, and making a name for themselves' The gang started in 2013 in Hamilton Park in Melbourne's south-east - not on Apex Street like the name suggests John said the gang - which has between 400 and 500 members - met up frequently as a way to escape their boring lives It was shortly after that some people within the group decided they could make money from crime - and serious offences became more and more common. Gang members started heading to wealthier areas away from Dandenong and the south-east to pick up flashy cars and cash. WHO ARE THE APEX GANG? The group originated in, Dandenong, about 30 kilometres south-west of Melbourne The members are primarily from a Sudanese refugee background The gang have been involved in a string of carjackings and home invasions in the Melbourne area They are responsible for the Moomba riots in March Thirteen teenagers were arrested this week relating to a series of crimes They were aged between 13 and 17 The parents of members are so worried they are sending them back to Africa Advertisement 'You see some people with bundles of cash and just say "f*** it - go for it" and they give you stuff,' John said. 'The biggest handover I have seen personally was $25,000.' And there is a 'right' and 'wrong' way to take cars according to John. But it has nothing to do with the violence. 'Some people take cars just for the thrill and burn them but that is a waste and is the wrong way,' John told Daily Mail Australia. 'The people that do it right take the cars for the thrill but then they make money by chopping it up and selling it.' John said he had no criminal record and he had learnt to 'be smart and how to carry himself'. John admits 12-year-old boys are among those who go with them. 'They just want to earn their stripes and get a name for themselves,' he said. 'One part of me doesn't approve of that because getting a criminal record is stupid but we do let them ride with us.' John blames the parents of the young boys who join the group and soon replace them as family. 'Our parents aren't looking after us so what the f*** are we supposed to do,' he said. 'Joining is a coping mechanism and because of the lack of support we get in our community. 'A lot of our dads have gone back to Africa and our mums don't care. 'If our dads lived here and we got back at five o'clock in the morning they would knock us around but our mums can't do that.' Gang members started heading to wealthier areas away from Dandenong and the south-east to pick up flashy cars and cash. Above is a member pictured in the suburb John said since the Moomba riots in March the group had become very well-known and now has between 400 and 500 affiliates He said since the Moomba riots in March the group had become very well-known and now has between 400 and 500 affiliates. 'There are people who are with Apex spread all over town people get in touch and want to join and it just spreads,' John told Daily Mail Australia. TIMELINE OF APEX EVENTS Early 2013 - Apex gang is formed in Melbourne's Hamilton Park November 2015 - Spate of carjackings happened across Melbourne. Mother-of-two Amanda Matheson died after she was hit by car driven by a suspected Apex member March 2016 - Riot breaks out in central Melbourne at the Moomba Festival and is linked to Apex gang May 2016 - Police start up 'Operation Cosmas' to combat the violent carjackings and robberies July 2016 - Group of thugs threatened to kill a 12-year-old girl during a carjacking of a luxury BMW X5 Advertisement He said while the Apex crew in the south-east started with Sudanese members the wider group now has people of all different origins - except 'Aussies'. 'There Sudanese, Islanders, Afghan, Asian and some white guys too,' he said. John works full-time but when his friends say 'let's kick it' he 'goes with the flow'. 'We have drinks and take pills to lose ourselves, so we don't give a f***,' he said 'Then someone will come up with an idea for a thrill and we will go do it.' John said he was bullied at school by 'Aussies' until he made his own 'ethnic' friends. 'I am not afraid of anyone anymore - at school you can't get up and fight back and teachers do nothing but people don't run at me anymore,' he said. John said new people were accepted in the community if they approached the boys and asked. 'We look at the person and decide if they're one of us and then we let them come along,' he said. He is also upset that other gangs in the area use Apex as a 'scapegoat' and try to blame them because they are 'coloured'. 'They go around hurting people and give us a bad name,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'We don't tag things with APEX it isn't our tag - that's how you know it is a fake using our name. 'The majority of these things are probably done by people who are coloured - when whites do the same thing they don't care. He said while the Apex crew in the south-east started with Sudanese members the wider group now has people of all different origins - except 'Aussies' John said new people were accepted in the community if they approached the boys and asked This is Apex Street in Dandenong, which many think is where the gang's namesake comes from but they were actually formed at Hamilton Park 'Gangs use our name 'cause they can't make there own because they just get over run.' While he would not comment on any specific incidents which had occurred recently, he said not all Apex people are bad - and 'they won't bash you if you say hello'. 'Not in our group here in south-east anyway - we aren't all that bad,' John said. 'When we are with other people it's "do this, do that" and we get sick of it. Here we are with family.' He feels bad that people are afraid of all Africans because of the gang but showed no signs of cutting ties in lieu of recent events. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to cooperate. Trump convened the commission to investigate the 2016 presidential election, after alleging repeatedly and without evidence that voting fraud cost him the popular vote. Trump won the electoral college. The White House blamed the decision to end the panel on more than a dozen states that have refused to comply with the commission's demand for reams of personal voter data, including names, partial Social Security numbers, voting histories and party affiliations. 'Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action,' White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. Scroll down for video President Donald Trump (seen left with First Lady Melania Trump at the White House on Monday) signed an executive order Wednesday disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to cooperate Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify Trump's claims of voter fraud. Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Clinton received 2.8 million more votes than Trump nationwide. While there have been isolated cases of voter fraud in the US, past studies have found it to be exceptionally rare. Critics also viewed the commission as part of an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (above), the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a 'tactical change' and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Trump win, hacking email accounts and spreading false stories. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a 'tactical change' and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently. 'The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks,' Kobach said. 'The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling.' Kobach, a conservative Republican and vocal supporter of tough voter ID laws, alleged Democrats wanted no investigation. 'Their motto is, "Nothing to see here",' he said. One of the members of the commission, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, sued the commission in federal court, alleging it had violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents available to other members, among other charges. Three Democratic senators - Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - had also asked the US Government Accountability Office to investigate the commission, which it agreed to do in October. Kobach said he intends to work closely with DHS and the White House, and expects the bulk of the DHS investigation to be done by midsummer. More than a dozen states, as well as the District of Columbia, had rebuffed the commission's request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimize the idea that voter fraud is widespread. While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls contain outdated data, there is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has impacted election results. Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Voters above cast their ballots at a polling station in Brooklyn on November 8, 2016 A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud. During the commission's first meeting, Trump had questioned the motives of states that refused to comply with the commission's request, suggesting they had something to hide. Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded Wednesday's decision. 'It is no surprise that a commission founded on a lie of widespread voter fraud proved to be a fraud itself,' said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who had refused to comply with the commission's request for voter data. 'No taxpayer dollars should have been wasted on Mr. Trump's voter suppression crusade.' Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, accused the commission of engaging in 'a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonizing the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate - with the not-so-secret goal of making voting harder with unnecessary barriers. 'President Trump has tried and failed to spread his own fake news about voter fraud,' Ho said. Children under 16 are to be banned from buying high-caffeine energy drinks at Waitrose. It follows warnings from teachers that the drinks fuel disruptive behaviour and risk taking. The leading supermarkets ban applies to energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre. These drinks carry health warnings which read: High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women or persons sensitive to caffeine. Children under 16 are to be banned from buying high-caffeine energy drinks at Waitrose following warnings that the products fuel disruptive behaviour Caffeine, sugar and chaos in class Energy drinks that contain more than 150mg of caffeine per litre must carry a health warning under EU labelling rules introduced in 2014. Caffeine is a stimulant and when combined with the high sugar content in an energy drink can make children excitable, difficult to teach and even violent. The drinks can make existing nervous disorders and heart problems worse. Effects are stronger in children, who have a smaller frame and body weight. Abruptly cutting out caffeine may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, muscle ache, and irritability. Brands in the UK that carry the health warning include Monster Energy, Relentless Original, Rockstar Punched, Red Bull (pictured) and many supermarket own- brand versions. All these drinks contain 320mg of caffeine per litre, which is more than double the warning point. The European Food Safety Authority recommends an intake of no more than 105mg caffeine per day for an average 11-year-old. Advertisement However, the warning is not legally enforceable and most retailers sell high caffeine drinks such as Red Bull or Monster Energy to all ages without restriction. On average, young people in the UK consume more energy drinks than those in other European countries. Energy drinks sales in the UK increased by 185 per cent from 2006 to 2015, with 672million litres drunk in 2015. Waitrose will now impose its own ban, with any customer who appears to be under 16 asked to provide proof of age. The move, which comes into effect in March, will put pressure on other retailers to follow suit. The chains director of technical and corporate social responsibility, Simon Moore, said: As a responsible retailer we want to sell these products in line with the labelling guidance. These drinks carry advice stating that they are not recommended for children, so were choosing to proactively act on that guidance. Last month, teachers called for a ban on sale of the drinks to under-16s because they contain huge amounts of caffeine and sugar. The NASUWT, one of Britains largest teaching unions, described the drinks as readily available legal highs that can trigger bad behaviour in classrooms and on playgrounds. Darren Northcott, of NASUWT, said teachers had registered concern at the effects of the excessive quantities being drunk. He added: Young people and parents are often not aware of the very high levels of stimulants that these drinks contain. Waitrose will impose its own ban, with any customer who appears to be under 16 asked to provide proof of age Researchers at Fuse, a public health research centre at Teesside University, found children were able to buy the drinks for less money than water or pop. They found packs are often sold in promotions of four for 1 and one in three young people said they regularly consume energy drinks. The British Soft Drinks Association, which represents manufacturers, said its voluntary code of practice included guidelines on marketing energy drinks in schools. It added: Energy drinks and their ingredients have been deemed safe by regulatory authorities around the world. A Pennsylvania man killed his wife before fatally shooting himself - only three days after the couple had celebrated their daughter's fifth birthday, police say. Matthew Eberhardt, 45, fatally shot his wife Kristin, 42, on the doorstep of their Northampton, Pennsylvania home on Tuesday night, the Morning Call reports. He then killed himself, police said. Matthew Eberhardt, 45, fatally shot his wife Kristin, 42, before killing himself in a shocking murder-suicide that has rocked a suburban Pennsylvania community. They are survived by their one-year-old son and their five-year-old daughter. All four are pictured in a family photo this past holiday season The incident occurred on Tuesday night, only days after the couple had thrown their five-year-old daughter a birthday party. Pictured is a scene from the site of the crime The couple had lived in the home together for eight years and also had a one-year-old son, who survives them. Both children have been placed in the care of relatives, police said. WFMZ reports that both children were inside the home during the shootings. Neighbors described a happy and sociable family that had just thrown their daughter a birthday party over the weekend and were shocked by the murder-suicide. One neighbor told the Morning Call that Matthew was 'a super-nice, down-to-earth guy' and described Kristin as 'very nice'. Neighbors said that Matthew had operated an excavator for a construction company. Kristin had been employed at Porzio Life Sciences LLC as a senior regulatory analyst and had been with her company for more than a decade. 'She was a very dedicated, wonderful young woman,' the firm's managing partner told Lehigh Valley Live. 'Our heart breaks for the family, but particularly for those two children,' Vito A Gagliardi Jr added. A neighbor said that Matthew was 'a super-nice, down-to-earth guy' and described Kristin as 'very nice'. Pictured is another scene from the crime And the last public Facebook photo posted by Kristin on December 21 shows the family in front of their Christmas tree. Their front lawn was also plastered with Christmas decorations such as inflatable reindeer, which remained standing as of the morning after the shocking deaths. Police have not commented to media on any potential motive. Court documents indicate the family was not experiencing any financial hardship. Jeremy Corbyn was under increasing pressure last night to speak out against the Iranian regime following a week of deadly protests. The Labour leader has not issued a statement on the unrest which has claimed at least 21 lives. Mr Corbyn has kept silent despite a long-standing interest in the country and being vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on Iran. Jeremy Corbyn was paid was paid nearly 20,000 to present a series of programmes for Press TV, the Iranian state-owned television network Iran has been gripped by a wave of protests that began about economic conditions but have developed into calls for political change Tory MP Jack Lopresti said: For a leader of the Opposition who aspires to run our great country to appear not to have a view on a very serious matter of foreign policy and the wicked oppression of a people is just staggering. At best Corbyn is a useful fool. At worst if he ever became prime minister his perceived sympathy through his silence in relation to the Iranian regime who are the worlds biggest sponsor of global terror would represent a real threat to our national security. Mr Corbyns silence follows a similar reticence to condemn Venezuelas socialist leadership during its crackdown on civilian protest last year. His links to regime Jeremy Corbyn is vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on Iran, whose mission is to foster good relations with the parliament and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He was paid nearly 20,000 to present a series of programmes for Press TV, the Iranian state-owned television network, whose broadcasting licence was revoked by Ofcom in 2012. The channel was banned for its part in filming the detention and torture of an Iranian journalist. The last of the Labour leaders five appearances came six months after the Ofcom decision. In 2004 Mr Corbyn defended Iran in a blog post for the Morning Star. Advertisement In a sign of a party dissent, Labour MP Wes Streeting said: We should be speaking with one clear voice in support of those in Iran fighting for the basic freedoms we take for granted. The suppression of democracy and oppression of women and gay people isnt something any of us should be silent about. Irans Revolutionary Guard said yesterday that the unrest was over. We can announce the end of the sedition, said Mohammad Ali Jafari, the elite units commander. There were a maximum of 1,500 people in each place and the number of troublemakers did not exceed 15,000 people nationwide. 'A large number of the trouble-makers at the centre of the sedition, who received training from counter-revolutionaries ... have been arrested and there will be firm action against them. Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry had called for the Iranian authorities to show restraint. She said events were highly uncertain, adding: One thing is absolutely clear: The escalation of violence must be stopped. A Labour spokesman said Miss Thornberrys comments reflected Labours position and Mr Corbyn agreed with them. He has supported the Tehran regime in the past and was paid nearly 20,000 to present a series of programmes for Press TV, the Iranian state-owned television network, between 2009 and 2012. He has also appeared at an event to mark the establishment of the government the protesters are trying to topple. Police used tear gas to break up demonstrations at Tehran University at the weekend Pro-government demonstrators march in Iran's holy city of Qom, as of thousands gathered across the country in a show of strength for its Islamic rulers after days of unrest A Labour spokesman said: Jeremy did not praise the regime but made clear his opposition to nuclear weapons and called for peace through dialogue. The protests began last Thursday in the city of Mashhad against price rises and corruption but turned toward wider anti-government sentiment. Major General Ali Jafari announced that the unrest was over as tens of thousands of people attended pro-government rallies called to counter the unrest. He added: We can say that this is the end of the 96 sedition, referring to the current year 1396 in the Persian calendar. He said security preparedness and peoples vigilance had led to the defeat of enemies and that the guards had only intervened in a limited way in three provinces. The general blamed the countrys enemies for the protests, accusing them of trying to pose cultural, economic and security threats against Islamic Iran. His comments echoed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who has blamed unspecified enemies for the uprising. In a bid to slow the unrest, Tehran shut down access to the messaging service Telegram and the photo-sharing app Instagram, which joined Facebook and Twitter in being banned. And the head of Tehrans Revolutionary Court reportedly warned that protesters who were arrested could face the death penalty. Children as young as ten are becoming dependent on social media for their sense of self-worth, a major study warned. It found many youngsters now measure their status by how much public approval they get online, often through likes. Some change their behaviour in real life to boost their image on the web. The report into youngsters aged from eight to 12 was carried out by Childrens Commissioner Anne Longfield. Children as young as ten are becoming dependent on social media for their sense of self-worth, a major study warned (file photo) She said social media firms were exposing children to major emotional risks, with some youngsters starting secondary school ill-equipped to cope with the avalanche of pressure they faced online. Snapchat, WhatsApp and Instagram were the most popular social networks for the children even though all three supposedly require users to be at least 13. The youngsters confessed to planning excursions around potential photo-opportunities and then messaging friends and friends of friends to demand likes for their online posts. The report found that youngsters felt their friendships could be at risk if they did not respond to social media posts quickly, and around the clock. Children aged eight to ten were starting to feel happy when others liked their posts. However, those in the ten to 12 age group were concerned with how many people like their posts suggesting a need for social validation that gets more intense the older they become. Last month a former Facebook boss claimed the social networks dopamine-driven feedback loops were ripping apart the social fabric of how society works. It found many youngsters now measure their status by how much public approval they get online, often through likes (file photo) And ex-Facebook president Sean Parker said: God only knows what its doing to our childrens brains. Miss Longfield warned that a generation of children risked growing up worried about their appearance and image as a result of the unrealistic lifestyles they follow on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, and increasingly anxious about switching off due to the constant demands of social media. She said: What starts as fun usage of apps children are using it with family and friends and to play games when they are in primary school turns into an avalanche of pressure when children really are faced with a cliff edge of social media interaction when they start secondary school. 'While social media clearly provides some great benefits to children, it is also exposing them to significant risks emotionally. I am worried that many children are starting secondary school ill-equipped to cope with the sudden demands of social media as their world expands. In their own words, the child 'addicts' A major study has found social media firms are exposing children to emotional risks When you get 50 likes it makes you feel good cos you know people think you look good in that photo. Harry, 11 If I got 150 likes, Id be like thats pretty cool, it means they like you. Aaron, 11 I send Bridie lots of messages saying respond until she [replies] Merran, 12 When you get a buzz, and then you go to get it but you dont. And then you get another buzz and another buzz, and another buzz. And then youve just got to go get it, and then you just go off course with your homework. Billy, 9 I probably use it [social media] 18 hours in a day. Bridie, 11 You might compare yourself cos youre not very pretty compared to them. Aimee, 11 If you dont have designer and expensive things people will make fun of you. Harry, 11 I saw a pretty girl and everything she has I want, my aim is to be like her. I want her stuff, her white house and her MAC make-up. Seeing her makes me feel cosy. Bridie, 11 My mum takes pictures of me on Snapchat, to send on Whatsapp I dont like it when your friends and family take a picture of you when you dont want them to. Hassan, 8 I just edit my photos to make sure I look nice. Annie, 11 Advertisement She said children compared themselves to others online in a way that was hugely damaging in terms of their self-identity, in terms of their confidence, but also in terms of their ability to develop themselves. Miss Longfield added: Then there is this push to connect if you go offline will you miss something, will you miss out, will you show that you dont care about those people you are following, all of those come together in a huge way at once. For children it is very, very difficult to cope with emotionally. The Childrens Commissioner for Englands study Life in Likes found that children as young as eight were using social media platforms such as Snapchat, WhatsApp and Instagram, largely for play. However, the research involving eight groups of 32 children aged eight to 12 suggested that as the they headed toward their teens, they became increasingly anxious online. By the time they started secondary school at age 11 children were already far more aware of their image online and felt under huge pressure to ensure their posts were popular, the report found. However, they still did not know how to cope with mean-spirited jokes, or the sense of inadequacy they might feel if they compared themselves to celebrities or more glamourous friends online. The report said they also faced pressure to respond to messages at all hours of the day especially at secondary school when more youngsters have mobile phones. The Childrens Commissioner said schools and parents must now do more to prepare children for the emotional minefield they faced online. And she said social media companies must also take more responsibility. They should either police their websites better so that children do not sign up too early, or they should tailor their websites to the needs of younger users. Javed Khan, of childrens charity Barnardos, said: Its vital that new compulsory age-appropriate relationship and sex education lessons in England should help equip children to deal with the growing demands of social media. Its also hugely important for parents to know which apps their children are using.' A senior zookeeper who was attacked by a rhinoceros was feeding the four-tonne beast when she suffered a shocking puncture to her forearm. The woman's arm is also suspected to be broken after she was gored by Kei, a southern white rhino, at Mogo Zoo on the NSW south coast on Wednesday. The 47-year-old was completing a routine feeding procedure when she was injured, the zoo said in a statement in which the incident was described as 'minor'. 'A first aider at the scene applied treatment and as a precaution an ambulance was called,' the statement read. The woman's arm was gored by Kei (pictured), a southern white rhino, at Mogo Zoo on the NSW south coast on Wednesday The woman is pictured shortly before being airlifted to Canberra Hospital for treatment on her arm 'Assistance was rendered and both keeper and rhino are OK.' Zoo owner Sally Padey described the woman's injuries as a 'puncture wound' and the incident as a 'freak accident'. 'To tell you the truth, I don't know exactly what happened yet and she is not in the position to answer questions. That will come later,' Ms Padey told Sunrise. She said the victim was recovering in hospital and was 'doing very well'. The woman was airlifted to Canberra Hospital for treatment where she remains in a stable condition. The 47-year-old was completing a routine feeding procedure when she was injured, the zoo said in a statement in which the incident was described as 'minor'. Zoo owner Sally Padey described the woman's injuries as a 'puncture wound' and the incident as a 'freak accident' In another statement the zoo confirmed both the woman and the rhino, named Kei, 'are okay', and that the occurrence was a 'minor incident'. Mogo Zoo is located about 10 kilometres of Batemans Bay. The attack occurred in a part of the park that is closed to the public. Kei arrived at the park in 2015, alongside his half-brother Jabari. The two white rhinos are both aged 11. The facility offers a wide range of hands on experiences with its rare animals, including meeting and feeding the creatures. They offer a 45-minute session with their rhinos for as much as $150 per person. The 47-year-old was attacked around 1pm while feeding Kei at Mogo Zoo 'For the animal enthusiast who wants to get behind the scenes and see how it all works. This encounter not only brings you Up Close and Personal with our impressive male White Rhinos but also allows you access to our off exhibit area,' the program description reads. 'You will be guided behind the scenes by an experienced keeper where you can see the night dens, yards, feed area and learn all about how we manage these two beautiful boys.' 'Why not bring the whole family down to enjoy and learn together? You might even get to have a scratch! What an amazing photo opportunity.' Mogo Zoo say they will be investigating their current safety protocols. Tony Blair today furiously denied claims he warned Donald Trump's aides that British agents may have spied on them during the election at the behest of Obama administration. An explosive new book alleges that the former prime minister passed on the gossip during a visit to the White House last February as he was angling for a job as the US President's Middle East envoy. During the meeting with Mr Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and a senior aide, Mr Blair is reported to have shared a rumour that GCHQ spies were monitoring the communications of Trump campaign staff and perhaps the future president himself. But Mr Blair angrily denied the claims, made in a book by US journalist Michael Wolff, dismissing them as 'absurd' and a 'complete fabrication'. 'I have never had such a conversation inside the White House, outside the White House, with Jared Kushner, with anybody else,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. The revelations echo Mr Trump's claims in tweet in March last year his 'wires were being tapped' by Barack Obama's administration during the presidential election. Tony Blair said in an interview today that the allegations he relayed the rumour to Trump aides was a 'complete fabrication' Tony Blair (pictured left today) warned Donald Trump's aides that British intelligence may have spied on them during the election, it is claimed in an explosive new book Mr Blair (pictured at the BBC studios in London today) has angrily denied the claims, made in a book by US journalist Michael Wolff, dismissing them as 'absurd' and a 'complete fabrication' In Mr Wolff's book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, he claims that 'the British had had the Trump campaign staff under surveillance, monitoring its telephone calls and other communications and possibly even Trump himself'. It suggests that Mr Blair gave the impression that the Obama administration may have dropped hints that such surveillance would be helpful. The explosive book draws on 200 interviews with Mr Trump's circle and the president himself. In an extract printed in the Times, the book states: 'In February Blair visited Kushner in the White House. 'On this trip the now freelance diplomat, perhaps seeking to prove his usefulness to this new White House, mentioned a juicy rumour: the possibility that the British had had the Trump campaign staff under surveillance, monitoring its telephone calls and other communications and possibly even Trump himself.' In March last year, Mr Trump accused Barack Obama's administration of wire tapping him during the presidential election It later adds: 'It was unclear whether the information was rumour, informed conjecture, speculation or solid stuff.' The book explains that Mr Kushner and Steve Bannon went out to CIA headquarters in Langley to investigate the claims. A few days later, the CIA reported back that the information was 'not correct it was a 'miscommunication'. A month after Mr Blair's alleged tip-off, Sean Spicer, then White House press secretary, also claimed that GCHQ, Britain's eavesdropping agency, had spied on Trump Tower during the election. In a rare statement, GCHQ denied the claims as 'utterly ridiculous' and said such claims should be ignored. Mr Blair said today: 'This story is a complete fabrication, literally beginning to end.' Asked if he had met Mr Kushner, the former prime minister replied: 'Of course I have met him and we discussed the Middle East peace process.' Mr Blair insisted he had not been 'angling for some job' during the meeting. 'I never sought one, was never offered one, don't want one,' he added. A spokeswoman for Mr Blair said: 'The allegations printed in The Times are categorically absurd. They are a complete fabrication, have no basis in reality and are simply untrue.' The book provides a scathing portrait of Mr Trump and paints the West Wing as a place plagued by inexperience and feuding among its senior staff. It goes on to allege that Mr Trump had promised his wife, Melania, that he would not win the presidency and she wept when she found out he had won. It also claims that his daughter Ivanka, who is married to Mr Kushner, wants to be the first female president. Other allegations include that Mr Trump has banned domestic staff from touching his belongings, especially his toothbrush, over fears he could be poisoned. This phobia apparently goes towards explaining his love of fast food, which is 'safely pre-made' by a McDonald's cook. A spokeswoman for Mrs Trump described the book as 'bargain fiction', adding: 'Mrs Trump supported her husband's decision to run for president. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did.' Gable Tostee made headlines after a 2014 Tinder date ended in a woman's death. After he was found innocent of any wrongdoing, the 31-year-old developed a strong Facebook following, where he now weighs in on current affairs and his attempts to rejoin the dating world. On Wednesday, Mr Tostee, now known as Eric Thomas, hit back against a woman he claims tried to use his infamy to gain attention by claiming the pair had matched on Tinder. A woman claimed she matched with Gable Tostee, now Eric Thomas, on Tinder this week, sharing her match to Facebook with the hashtag 'lucky I don't have a balcony anymore' Thomas, 31, says the pair never matched. He immediately commented on the woman's post, saying she was not his type, and dozens of his supporters flocked to the post to cheer him on Earlier, the woman had shared pictures of Thomas' Tinder account to her own Facebook account, telling followers the pair had matched, and captioning the picture 'when you match with Gable Tostee', and using the hashtags 'lucky I don't have a balcony anymore' and 'accident'. Thomas was found not guilty of the death of Kiwi tourist Warrena Wright in 2014 after the woman he met on Tinder fell from his balcony. The 31-year-old somehow stumbled across the post, and commented immediately telling the woman they had not matched, she was not his type, and she clearly had not read his biography on the app. His friends soon joined in, cheering Thomas on for 'roasting' the woman. Unable to get past the allegations, Thomas then shared a screenshot of their earlier interaction, and labelled the woman 'a ho' who was looking for attention Thomas was found not guilty of the death of Kiwi tourist Warrena Wright (right) in 2014 after the woman he met on Tinder fell from his balcony Shortly after, she deleted her post, but her alleged match had already taken screenshots and shared them to his own social media account. Clearly still affected by the allegations, Thomas captioned the set of pictures, including the screenshots of others supporting him: 'When a ho claims she's matched with you just to get attention, gets roasted, then deletes her post'. Just two days earlier, the 31-year-old slammed Madeline Anello-Kitzmiller, who made headlines this week after she and a friend confronted a fellow reveller for groping her at the Rhythm & Vines festival in Gisborne on New Year's Eve. The 20-year-old American-born woman was wearing a sprinkling of glitter covering her exposed breasts and a short skirt when a man crept behind her and friend Kiri-Ann Hatfield before groping her breast. In a Facbook post on Tuesday night (pictured), the 31-year-old slammed Madeline Anello-Kitzmiller who made headlines this week after she and a friend confronted a fellow reveller for groping her at the Rhythm & Vines festival in Gisborne on New Year's Eve Tostee began his social media rant by saying 'that everyone, no matter how they are dressed (or not dressed), has the right to not be groped or sexually assaulted, and that all blame for unprovoked assault should lie solely on the assailant and not the victim.' 'But at the same time (cue the outrage), can anyone honestly tell me that this girl wasn't expecting attention by going to a public festival full of crowds of intoxicated people, wearing nothing but glitter on her tits?' Tostee said he didn't have a problem with the way the women were dressed but believes 'she was out looking for a fight, because what she did to the guy after wasn't simply self-defence, it was also assault.' 'I think it would only be fair if both the guy as well as glittert**s were charged with assault,' he said. Women seeking to change sex should be allowed NHS funding to freeze their eggs, the British Fertility Society has said. Transgender people born female but transitioning to male should be no less eligible for free treatment than those left infertile by cancer drugs, the doctors group believes. The BFS has published the first guidance on fertility preservation which includes people changing sex. The British Fertility Society said transgender people born female but transitioning to male should be no less eligible for free treatment than those left infertile by cancer drugs It says transgender men should retain their chance of becoming a genetic or biological parent, and be offered the chance to freeze their eggs as soon as possible during their treatment. Every year, almost 600 girls under 18 in Britain are estimated to have hormone-blocking treatment to halt puberty, meaning they change sex before their bodies fully develop the reproductive system of an adult woman. These young people, as well as adults having sex change surgery, will then become infertile. The cost of freezing eggs to have a baby later in life using a surrogate mother is 5,000, with storage costs amounting to 300 a year. The process is already available for free in Scotland and Wales, but health trusts have varying policies on whether to fund it in England. The BFS says people transitioning from female to male should be eligible for egg freezing on the NHS, as are cancer patients who may be left infertile by chemotherapy. Professor Adam Balen, BFS chairman, said: Infertility is a real disease, recognised as such by the World Health Organisation, that requires treatment because of the direct and indirect burden of ill health on the NHS and wider society. In principle, the reason for infertility should not affect the decision to consider treatment. The cost of freezing eggs is 5,000, with storage costs amounting to 300 a year, and is already free in Scotland and Wales For many people undergoing gender transition, it is the medical treatment they receive that causes infertility we do not consider this any differently than we do infertility as a consequence of, for example, life-saving cancer treatment. The BFS guidelines, which will become the standard for doctors and nurses, say female cancer patients should be spoken to about fertility preservation as soon as possible. This can mean egg or embryo freezing, removing ovarian tissue which can be re-implanted later in life, or ovarian transposition to move their ovaries away from the area being blasted by cancer drugs. The guidelines say the options should also be discussed with people changing sex from female to male. They say transgender people should receive counselling, adding: If appropriate, fertility preservation should be performed as early as possible in the treatment pathway. Dr James Barrett, of Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic in London, said the clinic discusses future fertility with patients but they are not always able to self-fund. He added: Infertility is a real disease and it is hugely frustrating that the whole NHS is not always able to help our patients with that part of their lives. NHS Clinical Commissioners, the body representing clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), said the NHS does not have unlimited resources adding: On a daily basis [CCGs] are forced to make difficult decisions that balance the needs of the individual against those of their entire local population tough choices that have to be made, which we appreciate can be difficult for some patients. The mangled wings, obliterated propeller and shredded fuselage of a Sydney Seaplane have been pulled out of the water after a fatal New Year's Eve crash. A floating crane is being used to recover the DHC-2 Beaver from the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney on Thursday. Six people died in the horrific crash, including a British family of five and the experienced Canadian pilot. Authorities said the plane suffered 'severe damage' when it struck the water, and most of the wreckage has now been recovered. Scroll down for video Wreckage of the Sydney Seaplane which crashed into a river on New Years Eve killing all six people on board has been pulled out of the water The first pictures have emerged showing the wreckage of the Sydney Seaplane which crashed into a river on New Years Eve killing all six people on board being pulled out of the water The plane is resting on its roof in about 15 metres of water, according to All Waterfront Constructions operations director Chris Kemp Parts of the plane are being loaded onto a barge to be taken away The tragic crash killed all six people on board including a British family of five In addition to recovering the plane police are investigating the cause of the crash The operation started at dawn and is expected to run into the afternoon on Thursday Wreckage from the fatal flight is being pulled out of the Hawkesbury River Emma Bowden and her 11-year-old daughter Heather died in the seaplane crash Experienced Canadian pilot Gareth Morgan (left) died in the crash along with high-profile British businessman Richard Cousins (right) Pilot Gareth Morgan, 44, died in the crash along with high-profile British businessman Richard Cousins, 58. Mr Cousins' two adult sons William, 25, and Edward, 23, his fiancee Emma Bowden and her 11-year-old daughter Heather also died when the plane plunged into Jerusalem Bay on December 31. The fuselage, one wing and the floats of the DHC-2 Beaver have been hauled onto a barge in Jerusalem Bay during a day-long retrieval operation which used slings and a crane. 'From the time the wreckage was brought on the barge, we saw that there was severe damage to the plane, and it appeared there'd been quite an impact on hitting the water,' Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings told reporters on Thursday afternoon. Police divers - working in zero visibility at a depth of almost 15 metres - and barge operators are still retrieving the final pieces of the plane that crashed on December 31 killing five British tourists and the Canadian pilot. The Beaver is a Canadian-built aircraft and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau says their Canadian counterparts will assist during the 12-month investigation into Sunday's crash. 'They have significant experience in investigating incidents with this type of aircraft,' ATSB executive director Nat Nagy told reporters. 'That will be definitely of help to us in the course of our investigation.' The wreckage of the Beaver will be taken by barge to Bayview where it will be placed on a truck and taken to a secure facility to be examined by bureau investigators. Parts of the plane are pulled up from the river north of Sydney They'll 'carefully assess all aspects related to the aircraft's airworthiness', a spokeswoman said in a statement, adding the bureau would 'examine in detail the history of this aircraft'. Experienced Canadian pilot Gareth Morgan died along with high-profile UK businessman Richard Cousins, his two adult sons Edward and William, his fiancee Emma Bowden and her 11-year-old daughter Heather when the plane plunged into Jerusalem Bay on the Hawkesbury River. It was revealed on Thursday the plane was previously involved in another fatal incident in November 1996. The Beaver was being used as a crop duster near Armidale when its left wing hit the ground causing the plane to cartwheel and crash, killing the pilot, a safety bureau report states. Crews are attempting to lift parts of the plane onto a barge from the river It was rebuilt and has since been owned by several businesses including, most recently, Sydney Seaplanes. Civil Aviation Safety Authority spokeswoman Peter Gibson told AAP the plane was repaired according to the manufacturer's specifications and checked by qualified engineers. 'They submitted the paperwork and it was re-registered and away it went again,' Mr Gibson said on Thursday. The ATSB is working to determine why the seaplane went down on New Year's Eve. One possibility is the plane stalled. CASA has confirmed the Beaver didn't have a stall warning system but also notes they aren't required in Australia. A crane is used to pull the mangled wreckage from the water A Canadian report, published in September 2017 following a fatal crash involving a DHC-2 Beaver in Quebec two years earlier, recommended that warning systems be made mandatory. But Australian aircraft maintenance engineer Michael Greenhill told AAP this week 'even if the Beaver (that crashed in NSW) had this system fitted there's a large possibility there would have been insufficient time to rectify the situation due to the low altitude and approaching terrain'. An ATSB preliminary report is expected to be ready by the end of January. A more comprehensive report will take a 12 months to complete. The plane was resting on its roof in about 15 metres of water, according to All Waterfront Constructions operations director Chris Kemp. Two slings were lowered and passed through the aircraft's cabin by police divers. One of those involved in the recovery said one of the wings was badly damaged in the crash The recovery crew believes there is a wing still intact on the plane on the fuselage 'Then we'll be lifting the whole lot up and placing it on the barge,' Mr Kemp said. 'One of the wings is pretty badly damaged and bent over on the plane itself, so we'll be pulling that back down and lashing it to the plane.' 'We were on it the other day with the police divers and the cameras and it looks like there is still a wing intact on the fuselage.' The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is attempting to determine with the seaplane went down. One possibility they are considering is that the plane stalled. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is attempting to determine with the seaplane went down One possibility they are considering is that the plane stalled New South Wales Police will attempt to recover the DHC-2 Beaver from the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney on Thursday Parts of the mangled wreckage have already been recovered Parts of the plane were pulled from the river by a large crane Two slings will be lowered and passed through the aircraft's cabin by police divers A floating crane will be used to recover the Sydney Seaplane which crashed into a river on New Year's Eve, killing all six people on board Ms Bowden and her daughter Heather pictured in front of the Sydney Opera House Aircraft maintenance engineer Michael Greenhill said it was not mandatory in Australia for Beaver planes to have stall warnings installed, but most did. 'A stall is when the aiurflow over the aircraft's wing becomes insufficient enough to produce lift,' he said. 'So basically the wing stops flying.' A Canadian report published in September 2017 recommended the warning system should be mandatory on all Beaver planes. The wreckage of the plane is expected to be recovered on Thursday before being taken to a reserve in Bayview. This is believed to be the last photograph taken of the pilot Gareth Morgan 'Even if the Beaver had this system fitted there's a large possibility there would have been insufficient time to rectify the situation due to the low altitude and approaching terrain,' Mr Greenhill said. The wreckage of the plane is expected to be recovered on Thursday before being taken to a reserve in Bayview. The ATSB is investigating witnesses' claims the plane made a right-hand turn before it plunged into the water. Ellie Walsh, 18, died after suffering a complication during a surgical procedure to remove a tumour from her stomach A teenage girl who died on the operating table just days after she went partying on Christmas Eve was completely unaware she had terminal stomach cancer. Ellie Walsh died after suffering a complication during a surgical procedure to remove a tumour from her stomach. The growth had been detected five weeks earlier, following a scan, but the 18-year-old aspiring lawyer and her family had no idea how serious her condition was at the time. Though, doctors had decided to remove the tumour on December 27, it was only after Ellie's death on the operating table did they grasp its full extent - with medics telling her family she would likely have died a few months later anyway. Her devastated mother Emma Walsh, 37, from Lincolnshire, said she never got the chance to properly say goodbye. 'We didn't realise just how ill Ellie was. She had tummy pains for a few years and then about five weeks ago, a scan showed she had a tumour', she said. 'We have been going to the doctors since 2014 as she has lost a lot of weight and had bad pains in her side but it was always passed off and she was given paracetamol. 'She died during the operation but before she went in [for the operation] I told her I loved her and that I would see her later. 'When they told me I was in shock and my head went into a spin. You could see they were upset but they did all they could. Ellie, left, with her friends, who her mother said had 'stuck by her all the way through school' Ellie and two of her friends during a night out. Her mother Emma Walsh, 37, described her daughter as 'kind and funny' 'I wouldn't wish that on anybody though.' The bubbly teen had looked set to start an exciting career, having just been taken on as a permanent receptionist, after impressing as an apprentice at law firm Burton and Co in Lincoln. Ms Walsh said: 'She was quite a private person and had a small group of friends, but they have stuck by her all the way through school. 'They loved partying and even though Ellie was usually quiet, she would talk to anyone on a night out. 'I am taking comfort from the fact Ellie got to do all the things she wanted to do as had she had known, she wouldn't have enjoyed herself as much.' Ms Grant said: 'She had a great sense of humour but was so brave. I will miss her forever.' (Ellie, right, with a friend at a concert) HOW DANGEROUS IS CANCER SURGERY? Surgery to remove cancerous tumours in the stomach comes with numerous risks, including death. The general risk of death is low, but blood clots, infections and heart problems - all of which can kill on their own - are some of the known issues. The American Cancer Society warns that damage to other tissue can happen during the removal of tumours - as well as damage to other organs. And Cancer Research UK claims the operation to kill cancerous cells in the stomach is a 'major operation'. Common side effects of the surgery include feeling unwell, shivering, feeling sick and swelling. Stomach cancer is more common in men than women. Figures suggest 50 per cent of cases strike those over the age of 75. Around 6,700 people are diagnosed with stomach cancer in the UK each year - the equivalent of 18 each day. The figure is four times higher in the US. Advertisement Doctors believe that even if Ellie's operation had been a success she may have only had a few months left to live. Ms Walsh said she is glad people will be able to remember her daughter for the bright and smiley girl she was. 'Ellie was so kind and funny. She was a great sister and daughter', she said. 'She had a great sense of humour but was so brave. I will miss her forever.' Friends have paid tribute to Ellie online and Ms Walsh said they had helped the family during a difficult time. 'I want to say thanks to everyone who has got in touch,' she added. 'The nice things said about Ellie have been a real comfort. 'Both Lincoln and Sheffield hospitals were great as well.' Mary-Anne McNulty also paid a heartfelt tribute to her best friend of 14 years. She said: 'I went to primary school with Ellie and we started secondary school together until she left to go to LSST, but we still remained as close as ever. 'Ellie was a kind, generous, beautiful and funny young girl. She will always remain my best friend and she will never be forgotten.' An exact cause of death has yet to be determined. Vile posters have been plastered around a university campus by a neo-Nazi group denigrating minorities and homosexuals. Antipodean Resistance hit the Bathurst campus of Charles Sturt over the Christmas break as part of a long-running campaign at universities. One of the posters showed a shriveled figure menacingly holding up its hands with the words 'reject Jewish poison' underneath. Neo-Nazi group Antipodean Resistance put up posters showing a shriveled figure menacingly holding up its hands with the words 'reject Jewish poison' underneath The group hit the Bathurst campus of Charles Sturt over the Christmas break as part of a long-running campaign at universities Another read 'national socialism or nothing' along with a picture of Adolf Hitler wearing sunglasses and a third asked 'life or death? family or f****try?' Others featuring swastikas and white supremacist messages urged students to join the Antipodean Resistance 'organising in your area'. 'Our people are being brainwashed by the education system and media to hate themselves, their culture and traditions,' the group told the Central Western Daily. 'This leads to the destruction of community, alienation and hopelessness for our youth. 'We are being replaced by foreign hordes, in the nation that we had made into one of the best countries in the world due to the labour and struggle of our white European people.' Others featuring swastikas and white supremacist messages urged students to join the Antipodean Resistance Other recent posters claimed gay couples were 30 times more likely to molest children and that same-sex marriage enabled paedophilia Antipodean Resistance's website declared Australia to be 'terminally ill' and claimed a 'national socialist' revolution was the only way to save it. 'We oppose substance abuse, homosexuality, and all other rotten, irresponsible distractions laid before us by Jews and globalist elites,' it read. CSU said it quickly took down the posters and would not tolerate offensive material on its campus. 'The posters were detected by campus security staff over the weekend and were removed at the earliest possible opportunity,' it said. Antipodean Resistance declared Australia to be 'terminally ill' and claimed a 'national socialist' revolution was the only way to save it Antipodean Resistance's 'December action report' bragged about stickering the university along with other sites around Australia. Other recent posters claimed gay couples were 30 times more likely to molest children and that same-sex marriage enabled paedophilia. A festive-themed poster showed the group's skull logo wearing a Santa hat with 'dreaming of a white Christmas' underneath with various minorities crossed out. Another common slogan was 'no drugs, no degeneracy, no tolerance'. The group also runs secretive camps, most recently in October, to indoctrinate youthful recruits and teach them to fight Photos from the camp in rural Victoria showed recruits with their faces obscured making Nazi salutes and holding the Nazi flag and swastikas The group also runs secretive camps, most recently in October, to indoctrinate youthful recruits and teach them to fight. Photos from the camp in rural Victoria showed recruits with their faces obscured making Nazi salutes and holding the Nazi flag and swastikas. Antipodean Resistance first showed up in late 2016 and put up racist and homophobic posters around Melbourne university. They called for 'sh**skins', 'ni***s' and 'chi**s' to get out of Australia, and to 'get the sodomites off our streets' with a gay zombie being shot in the head. The journey from a hot and dusty African refugee camp to a top-tier Melbourne law firm has been a long and emotional walk for Nyadol Nyuon. As a child at Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp, she saw people die from malaria, typhoid, tuberculosis or from injuries sustained in a street fight - after her own younger sister had almost died as a three-week old baby fleeing a civil war. The South Sudanese woman grew up in a mud hut shanty town, where food was rationed and one tap was shared by 2,000 people. Her experience has given her an insight into Melbourne's gang violence spree involving African youths. Scroll down for video Nyadol Nyuon has had a long journey from a Kenyan refugee camp to a Melbourne law firm Nyadol Nyuon witnessed extreme poverty and death growing up in a UN refugee camp The lawyer has also rebutted calls from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton for African-born gang members to be deported from the country, arguing it's an issue of youths feeling alienated. 'It really does demonstrate to people who are not criminals that their Australianness is up for debate,' she told Daily Mail Australia on Thursday. 'It means that for me, as a South Sudanese Australian, my citizenship, my sense of identity and attachment to Australia is not as valued as an Anglo person.' Melbourne is more than 12,000 kilometres from the Kakuma refugee camp, in north-west Kenya, where many malnourished residents would queue up from 4am just to get a scarce supply of chlorinated water instead of drinking from a dirty well. People there were lucky to eat two meals a day. Ms Nyuon, a 30-year-old Melbourne Law School graduate lawyer with Arnold Bloch Leibler, was born at the Itang refugee camp in Ethiopia, where her family had gone to escape the long-running civil war in what is now South Sudan. The lawyer born at a refugee camp in Ethiopia says calls to deport Africans give people When she was a young girl, in 1991, her family was forced to flee a new outbreak of conflict in Ethiopia, crossing into Kenya via Sudan. During this time Ms Nyuon's younger sister, who was barely a month old, nearly died during the 40-day walk through a quagmire. 'It was raining heavily, it was very muddy,' she said, recalling how her mother had carried her younger sister on her head in a plastic tub. 'She covered the top of my little sister's head with some clothing and my then my little sister stopped breathing. 'She saw that she was dead and then some older woman started pouring cold water on the top of my little sister's head and then eventually she started breathing. 'The horrible thing about it all is, I asked my mum what would have happened if she actually died and she said, "We would have just left her there." The commercial litigator fled civil war in Ethiopia and South Sudan for a new life in Australia Nyadol Nyuon (pictured far right) visiting Ethiopia with her mother (second right) to see her grandmother who she hadn't seen for 20 years 'There would have been no burial. This is actually really emotional.' For the next 14 years, a United Nations refugee camp at Kakuma, in northern Kenya, was Ms Nyuon's home. Her mother was absent for those first five years, as she returned to Ethiopia to find other family members caught in the conflict. But 1996 was also the year she lost her father, who was a soldier, in the South Sudanese conflict. Witnessing or learning about death was a regular part of Ms Nyuon's childhood. 'People died quite easily in the camp,' she said. 'I suppose if you're really starved and your body is kind of functioning at a survival level, it's easy for an infection or something to just tip you over.' Emotionally, while her culture gives people the space to mourn, the trauma of death did breed resilience. As a teenager (pictured left with a friend), Nyadol Nyuon was an avid reader in a Kenyan camp Nyadol Nyuon was born at the Itang refugee camp in Ethiopia (pictured in 1991) after her family fled civil war in Sudan 'Maybe in the back of your mind, you knew how helpless the situation was and you just tried to live your best because it could be you, it could be anybody and it could be anytime,' she said. 'In some ways it makes me resilient and I think in some ways it makes me very vulnerable. 'You've seen some very tough things and how difficult life can get and sometimes you feel like that you've not really escaped the refugee camp, you're constantly concerned. It's left with you no matter where you go.' Living in Melbourne, as the second eldest of eight children, Ms Nyuon has often been asked to comment in the media about Melbourne's spate of youth gang violence, involving people from Africa. The Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya was where Nyadol Nyuon spent 14 years of her childhood The Itang refugee camp (stock image) in Ethiopia - the crowded compound where she was born The lawyer's call for politicians to frame the thuggery as an 'Australian youth issue' instead of an African gang problem has made her a magnet for criticism. 'If you find yourself sometimes complaining or feeling overwhelmed by certain things, backlash - some of it has been racist - I'll be like, you know what, "You can survive that",' she said. 'If you survive a refugee camp, that's not the worst thing.' While Ms Nyuon doesn't excuse the spate of violent crime in Melbourne involving African youths, she has condemned calls from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and Melbourne-based federal Liberal MP Jason Wood to deport African youths convicted of violent crime. The South Sudanese Australian has slammed a call from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton (pictured) to deport African youths convicted of violence crime 'Whenever a young, white Australian commit a crime and they do it multiple times, are we deporting them to the country where their parents came from? Nobody suggests that,' she said. She has drawn from her own experiences of escaping conflict and surviving extreme poverty in Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya to explain how it is possible to embark on a successful career in Australia with hard work and the right inspiration. 'My mum really encouraged me to pursue education,' she said. 'She used to tell us around the camp, the main reason I want to take you to Australia is that you can get an education and better yourself and have better lives.' Prince Charles described his old school as 'Colditz in kilts' and judging by their portrayal of Gordonstoun in TV drama The Crown, Netflix has taken his word for it. But now an old boy has leapt to the defence of the 36,000-a-year Scottish public school in an attempt to set the record straight. Retired civil servant and former pupil Hugh Lamont has disputed Netflix's portrayal of the school after watching an episode showing a young Prince Charles enduring a miserable time while a student. Netflix's The Crown portrayed Prince Charles' time at Gordonstoun as largely negative - but a former pupil has disputed their claims The Queen visits the school to open the new sports centre. Charles, as guardian (head boy) of the school, is seen wearing the traditional open neck shirt and pullover with the Stuart kilt Charles (pictured here with the Queen) was famously quoted as saying the school was like 'Colditz with kilts' In a letter to the Telegraph, the 70-year-old said: 'It is so untrue and inaccurate that one wonders what other liberties with the truth have been taken throughout this much lauded and hugely expensive television spectacular. 'Plenty I suspect.' Mr Lamont, who was a pupil a year ahead of Prince Charles from 1960-65, said he had never heard any evidence to suggest the royal was bullied. He added: 'The stories of unacceptable violence must have been damaging to a decent school down the years and the people who run Gordonstoun now are not in a position to dispel them because they cannot know what happened more than 50 years ago.' One episode of The Crown shows a young Charles sleeping beneath a broken window while it rains, being bullied and failing an orienteering challenge. This is a dormitory similar to the one Charles would have stayed at while a pupil at the school Charles escorts an unidentified visitor around the building. There were no girls at the school Gordonstoun, which has fees of 36,000-a-year, has itself moved to show itself in a better light regarding Charles' time there And the Prince himself reportedly alluded to an unhappy spell at the school as was famously quoted as describing it as 'Colditz in kilts'. But Mr Lamont rejected Netflix's portrayal of the school, saying there were no broken windows and no challenges for the Prince to fail. Mr Lamont told the Telegraph no-one had put him up to defend the school, but he felt compelled to after seeing The Crown. And the school has also moved to show itself in a better light regarding Charles's stay there, releasing a statement highlighting praise for the school. A Muay Thai fighter has hunted down the alleged young thief who stole his credit card and escorted him to the police station - performing his third citizen's arrest. Geelong man Johnny Bourke tracked down the 15-year-old boy who allegedly spent up large courtesy of the stolen card using social media and his own contacts. His detective work meant he was able to locate the youngster after noticing where he was allegedly spending the money. Geelong man Johnny Bourke tracked down the person who allegedly spent up large courtesy of the stolen card using social media and his own contacts Mr Bourke posted a photo of the alleged offender at the Waurn Ponds police station, captioning it 'Detective Bourke's quickest turnaround'. 'It was small amounts initially from a milk bar and IGA, like pies and chips and drinks, and I thought 'Gee, how drunk was I last night', but soon realised large amounts were being spent on online shopping,' he told the Geelong Advertiser. Mr Bourke said he left one of his credit cards in his car on New Year's Eve, and when he woke up the next day he found it was missing and someone had been spending on the account. He owns several businesses including a juice supplier, and used the contacts from his work to trace receipts and access CCTV footage. As he was driving from shop to shop on the hunt for the alleged thief he was alerted to the presence of a young person who had returned to a milk bar with the credit card. 'I'm a professional kick boxer and said 'We can do this the easy way or the hard way, I'm taking you to the cop shop',' Mr Bourke said. The alleged thief then asked if he could call his father. Mr Bourke posted a photo of the alleged offender at the Waurn Ponds police station, captioning it 'Detective Bourke's quickest turnaround'. He said it was the third time he had carried out a 'citizen's arrest', and hoped his actions were a way to combat crime. Mr Bourke said he empathised with the police who were fighting similar crimes 'Everyone always jokes that my life is like a cartoon, but I've got other mates who own Geelong businesses and they're forever getting vandalised and broken into, it just seems to be normal now.' Mr Bourke said he empathised with the police who were fighting similar crimes. A Victoria Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the 15-year-old boy has been charged after a stolen credit card was used at a Grovedale milk bar. 'It is alleged a credit card was stolen from a car on Carnarvon Drive in Grovedale and later used to purchase items at the milk bar. 'The Whittington boy has been charged with theft from motor vehicle, obtain property by deception and handle stolen goods.' The boy has been bailed to appear at a children's court. An advertisement calling for a nanny to complete an extensive list of duties for $25 an hour has received a frank and deeply underwhelming response. The note, seeking an after-school au pair, was posted on a Woolworths supermarket community message board in Balmain in Sydney's inner west. 'We're a Balmain family looking for an after-school caregiver for 14 hours per week ($25 per hour) starting early 2018,' the advert reads. The suitable candidate would be required look after two children, aged four and eight, for four hours per day from Monday through to Thursday. But that's not all. An advertisement calling for a nanny to complete an extensive list of duties for $25 an hour has received a frank and deeply underwhelming response Among the nanny's duties would be to cook dinner, clean, and walk the dog (stock image) 'The role involves school pick-ups in the Balmain/Birchgrove area so the successful applicant will need his/her own car as well as a clean driver's license. 'As well as a kind and generous nature, excellent English is essential as you will be helping our Year 3 child with spelling and other homework. 'Other duties include preparing kids' dinner, making school lunches, walking our dog as well as light housework such as folding washing.' The ad finishes by explaining the successful applicant would be required to commit to role for a minimum of six months, and would need a Working with Children check and First Aid certificate. Social media users have reacted online with a mix of outrage and understanding The successful applicant would also be required to help children with their homework (stock) Poll Is $25 an hour enough to do the advertised job? Yes No Is $25 an hour enough to do the advertised job? Yes 349 votes No 419 votes Now share your opinion Scribbled in blue pen at the bottom of the advertisement, a shopper wrote: 'Don't want much for $25/hr do you?' Social media users have reacted online with a mix of outrage and understanding. 'Get out of town! That's basically slavery for what they are wanting to pay,' one wrote. 'God I hope they pay for fuel. This seems a bit much other ones at least offer a spare car so the nanny can take their children to school and whatever else,' another said. Others argued the wage was perfectly reasonable and noted that nannies and au pairs in Australia are entitled to $22.86 an hour - the national minimum wage for casual workers. 'Probably cash in hand job so great for a student,' one noted, while another said: 'It's pretty much in line with what childcare workers get paid.' A mother and father have lashed out at the criticism they received for leaving their teenager daughter home alone for a few days - resulting in the family home being trashed by uninvited party guests. The Sydney-based parents went on a holiday over the new year period and allowed their 16-year-old to remain at their Kings Langley house. The girl decided to have friends over on Tuesday night, before an outside group of teenagers caught wind of the free house and gatecrashed the gathering on Ashcott Street. The ensuing scenes saw arrests, a policeman requiring surgery, destroyed property and a young girl being punched in the face, but the parents say it was their daughter who 'went behind their back' by having friends over in the first place. The Sydney-based parents went on a holiday over the new year period and allowed their 16-year-old to remain at their Kings Langley house The ensuing scenes saw arrests, a policeman requiring surgery, destroyed property and a young girl being punched in the face Neighbours initially attacked the parents for their decision to allow such an incident to occur, saying the 16-year-old girl was too young to be left alone. They say as many as 15 destructive youths reaped havoc on the quiet street, causing violent and 'cowardly' injuries. 'Very much out of control, guys running up and down the street, damaging property, throwing things in our pool,' one local resident said. However, the teenager's parents labelled their reaction 'disgraceful' and said they have no right to tell them how to raise their children. 'She's gone behind our back within 10 hours of us leaving, she's invited I don't know how many, seven, eight, nine people over,' the girl's father told Seven. 'Devastated, disappointed, angry, this is not what we expected from our children,' her mother added. 'We have the right to leave them for one or two days.' The girl's parents blamed their daughter for the incident, saying she 'went behind their backs' and labelled neighbours' criticism as 'disgraceful' Damage on the street was visible, with mirrors missing from parked cars, smashed pot plants and ripped up letterboxes CCTV footage captured by a neighbouring home shows the group of teenage boys fleeing the area as police arrived Damage on the street was visible, with mirrors missing from parked cars, smashed pot plants and ripped up letterboxes. CCTV footage captured by a neighbouring home shows the group of teenage boys fleeing the area as police arrived. One officer tripped chasing after the group, badly damaging his finger which will require being operated on. NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia a 16-year-old boy was arrested at a nearby location and charged with common assault after a 16-year-old girl was pushed to the ground and punched in the face. He was granted conditional bail and will face a children's court on January 29. About 30 per cent of phone calls placed in the United States are fraudulent 'robocalls,' amounting to about 30billion total each year that cost U.S. consumers $350million in telemarketing fraud costs, according to figures from multiple sources. The Federal Trade Commission noted that it received more than 3.4million robocall complaints in 2016 and, between January 2017 and August 2017, had received more than 3.5million. The increase in complaints about robocalls - automated voice calls used by scammers to try to take people's money - came despite consumers adding themselves to 'Do Not Call' registries that make such calls illegal. Between January and August 2017, more than 3.5million consumers complained to the Federal Trade Commission about 'robocalls,' or automated voice calls used by scammers to try to take people's money (file image) 'The problem is all the people who don't respect it, who are the scammers who [couldn't] care less,' the CEO of blocking service YouMail told CNBC this past summer. So while legal telemarketing operations - certain sorts of fundraisers, for example - cannot call people who are on Do Not Call lists, scammers who are not bothered with legal technicalities simply bypass them. CNBC notes that many such scammers are actually calling from abroad, and so to a certain extent are untouchable by U.S. authorities. All the while, the phone user cannot differentiate a legitimate call from a robocall and wastes valuable time on the phone. Some of the more elaborate robocall scams use a tactic known as 'spoofing,' or calling 'from' numbers that appear to be authentic. Once a person answers one of these calls, their phone number is marked and will be exploited at some point, regardless of whether the number has been registered on the 'do not call' list. Recommendations for small businesses to avoid the pitfalls of robocalls include using business lines rather than personal lines (file image) The Federal Communications Commission has been waging war on such scammers and recently issued new call blocking rules in an effort to curb such calls to cell phones. But their efforts still do little to deter criminals looking to take advantage of consumers. Aside from wasting time, there is a risk to businesses here - particularly to small business start-ups, which often rely on employees using their own personal cell phones for business calls in the absence of landlines. Recommendations for small businesses to avoid the pitfalls of robocalls include using business lines rather than personal lines. Businesses can do so through, for example, utilizing a cloud-based phone system that runs off of the Internet rather than a telecommunications provider. 'The role of technology is to enhance business efficiency and quality. Cloud-based Voice over Internet Protocol [VoIP] phone systems offer advanced phone system features and a unified workplace phone system that works where the team works,' said Amr Ibrahim, the CEO of cloud-based phone service ULTATEL. The daughter of a woman charged with murder claims she was abused by the boyfriend she is accusing of shooting dead. Paanice Lawrence was arrested on Wednesday after her partner of six months Scott James Morrison, 46, was found dead in her Gold Coast home. The 39-year-old called triple-0 about 2am after Mr Morrison was allegedly shot metres from her young son, but paramedics couldn't revive him. Scroll down for video Paanice Lawrence, 39, was arrested on Wednesday after her partner of six months Scott James Morrison, 46, was found dead in her Gold Coast home Her daughter said the alleged domestic violence was kept quiet but she was aware of times when hit hit her. 'My mum is not a murderer, he was abusing her - no one seen (sic) what happened behind closed doors. My mum never intended anything like this to happen,' she told News Corp. She said though Lawrence loved Mr Morrison 'so dearly', she could see her mother wasn't happy at the same time. 'My mum has been through hell and back in her life and is fighting cancer and is very stressed and him abusing her wasn't helping,' she said. Detectives earlier said: 'There is no knowledge of domestic violence... but we are exploring whether there was any DV that has not been reported to police.' Lawrence (pictured in blue) was charged with murder but her daughter claims she was abused by the boyfriend she is accusing of shooting dead. The daughter, who said was was shocked and 'in pain' by the killing, insisted there were 'two sides to every story' and much that was said wasn't true. 'I'm behind my mum all the way I don't care what she is made out to be... I know the truth. And I will always love my mum no matter what happens,' she said. Lawrence listed her relationship status on Facebook as 'it's complicated', with her last post showing photos from a relative's birthday on a boat. She quit her job in Auckland in 2016, having lived there for some years after she grw up in Berkeley Vale on the NSW Central Coast. Lawrence showed no emotion when she appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday morning and had her case adjourned until next Friday. Morrison was shot just metres from his young son sometime around 2am on Wednesday at the home in Waverley Street on the Gold Coast Police interviewed two other people who were in the home at the time of the shooting while a child and two other adults were in a caravan on the property. Mr Morrison, who did not live at the property, is believed to have arrived at some point during the night. 'Suffice to say he hadn't been there for a substantial period of time,' Detective Acting Inspector Matt Ward said. Attorneys for Donald Trump have issued a cease and desist letter to Steve Bannon threatening legal action after the president's longtime consigliere was quoted trashing Donald Trump Jr. and claiming his father would have immediately been made aware of an infamous Trump Tower meeting with Russians. The letter seen by ABC News comes on the heels of an extraordinary statement - part of which was apparently directly proclaimed by the president himself - bashing Bannon, the former top Trump advisor. Bannon claimed a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer, supposedly to obtain unflattering information about Hillary Clinton, was 'treasonous' and 'unpatriotic,' prompting an unprecedented brushback of the former White House aide from the president. Bannon himself, after news of his alleged comments broke, said on Brietbart News Tonight radio show that Trump is a 'great man' and added: 'I support him day in and day out.' Trump attorney Charles Harder said in a statement: 'This law firm represents President Donald J. Trump and Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. 'On behalf of our clients, legal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon, that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Former White House strategist Stephen Bannon has termed a June 2016 meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous' in a forthcoming book about the Trump White House. Trump attorneys have now filed a cease and desist letter against him threatening legal action The cease and desist letter reads in part: 'You [Bannon] have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company [the campaign], disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members.' Ivanka and Jared Kushner have a Clinton-style pact that SHE will run for president The president's elder daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner are said to have a pact that she will run for president if the opportunity arises, in a pact reminiscent of the Clintons Wolff also writes that Trump believes that Kushner is a 'suck-up' and has griped that the couple shouldn't have moved to Washington. In the chapter of the book that ran on Wednesday, Wolff says, among other things, of Jared and Ivanka that they took West Wing jobs, working for Ivanka's father, 'over the advice of almost everyone they knew.' 'It was a joint decision by the couple, and, in some sense, a joint job,' the excerpt states. 'Between themselves, the two had made an earnest deal: If sometime in the future the opportunity arose, shed be the one to run for president.' Wolff states, 'The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton; it would be Ivanka Trump.' The proposal, which was not directly sourced to anyone, elicited horror from foe Steve Bannon, who the author did interview. Advertisement The letter alludes to 'monetary damages' which could be owed to the President. 'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said in the statement provided by the White House that torches his former chief strategist. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.' Both of those quotations in the statement were pronounced directly by Trump himself, sources told the Daily Beast. Trump's press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then told reporters that the president was 'furious' and 'disgusted' by Bannon's assault on the president's son and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who also attended the Trump Tower meeting. Trump Jr. also took to Twitter to unleash on the ex-White House strategist. 'Steve had the honor of working in the White House & serving the country. Unfortunately, he squandered that privilege & turned that opportunity into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. 'Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist,' the president's son wrote. In another tweet, Trump Jr proclaimed: 'Andrew Breitbart would be ashamed of the division and lies Steve Bannon is spreading!' Trump's attorneys warn: 'Legal action is imminent.' Bannon is pictured with Advisor Stephen Miller and former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus After the book excerpt quoting Bannon was revealed, Donald Trump Jr issued multiple tweets criticizing the ex-White House strategist. The tweet at the bottom of this list appears to be a reference to Anthony Scaramucci's tirade given to New Yorker reporter Ryan Lizza in which he said, among other things, 'I'm not Steve Bannon, I'm not trying to suck my own c**k' Secrets of Trump's hair revealed - by Ivanka! The color of the president's hair, described in the book as an orange-blond, is from Trump not leaving Just For Men in long enough Ivanka Trump has spilled the beans to her friends on how her father's unusual hairstyle came to be, author Michael Wolff's new book reveals. 'She often described the mechanics behind it to friends: an absolutely clean pate a contained island after scalp-reduction surgery surrounded by a furry circle of hair around the sides and front, from which all ends are drawn up to meet in the center and then swept back and security by a stiffening spray,' Wolff wrote. The book also claims that the president, at age 71, is no longer a natural blond. 'The color, she would point out in comical effect, was from a product called Just for Men the longer it was left on, the darker it got,' Wolff said. Just for Men is usually used to hide gray hairs. 'Impatience resulted in Trump's orange-blond hair color,' the forthcoming book, entitled 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' said. Advertisement The White House's full-scale attack on Bannon, who was once one of Trump's top advisers, was ripe with personal slights, exposing a dramatic rift between the president and the conservative provocateur who is also the Breitbart News executive chairman. It followed Bannon's comments undercutting the president's eldest son and a suggestion that Donald Trump was involved in the 2016 meeting with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer that Bannon is now quoted as saying should have been reported to the FBI. 'Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party,' Trump said. 'Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look.' The latter quotation above also came directly from Trump himself, the Daily Beast reports. Trump 'eats McDonald's because he fears being poisoned' President Donald Trump's taste for McDonald's goes deeper than a liking for cheap meat, he prefers it because he fears being poisoned, according to an explosive new book about his first year in office. Michael Wolff writes one of the reasons the president prefers fast food is that no one knows he is coming to the establishment, and the food is, presumably, safely premade. In his first days at the White House, a paranoid president gave a very specific order that the housekeeping staff touch nothing in his room, 'especially not his toothbrush.' Advertisement Trump said Bannon 'doesn't represent my base, he's only in it for himself' and 'had very little to do' with his victory, but 'everything to do' with the loss of the Alabama Senate seat. The cutting statement went on to say, 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.' Bannon backed losing candidate Roy Moore, who Trump ultimately campaigned for in the special election after claiming the Republican would have a tough time winning the general election and endorsing his primary opponent. Sanders said Wednesday that the loss contributed to the falling out between the president, who last spoke to Bannon sometime in early December. Accusing the president's son of treason is also not a way to 'curry favor' with Trump, she stated, calling the allegation 'ridiculous.' 'I think there are a number of factors that played in,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I would certainly think that going after the president's son and an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way, is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody.' Steve Bannon, chairman of Breitbart News Network LLC, speaks during a campaign rally for Roy Moore, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Alabama. The White House issued an extraordinary statement condemning the ex-White House strategist today After the press briefing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose wife Callista is U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, walked through a press work space on his way to a Fox News interview. 'Bannon has no contingent,' he told DailyMail.com and another reporter ripping into the former White House aide. 'There's a Trump wing of the Republican Party. There's not a Bannon wing.' The White House had also rejected the notion that feud would weaken Trump's base. 'The base and the people that supported this president supported the president and supported his agenda, those things haven't changed,' Sanders said at her briefing. 'The president still exactly who he was yesterday as he was two years ago when he started out on the campaign trail.' Trump's spokeswoman said, 'Look at all he's accomplished, I think they're pretty happy with where he is.' President Trump had also sought to discredit Bannon, considered to have a played a key role in shaping his own victory. 'Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books,' the president said. The blast came just hours after Bannon was revealed to have called the infamous June 2016 meeting between top Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous.' Further, Bannon expressed certainty that then-candidate Donald Trump would have been made aware of the meeting at the time a claim that, if verified, could play into a collusion narrative being explored by special counsel Robert Mueller. Trump said Bannon 'spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was' Bannon, who held a top role in the campaign, shares his disdain in Michael Wolff's forthcoming book, excerpts of which were published Wednesday, that other top officials went into the Trump Tower meeting blind instead of dispatching a legal team to vet information in a hand-off way and failing to alert authorities of a possible crime. 'Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s***, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately,' Bannon mused. He went after Donald Trump Jr. explicitly for participating, then expressed certainty about what happened next. 'The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office of the 26th floor is zero,' Bannon said, in an excerpt from 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.' SEAT OF POWER: 'Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books,' said Trump TRUMP'S STATEMENT TORCHING BANNON The following is a 'Statement from the President of the United States' released by the White House: Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican party. Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country. Yet Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than thirty years by Republicans. Steve doesn't represent my basehe's only in it for himself. Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was. It is the only thing he does well. Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books. We have many great Republican members of Congress and candidates who are very supportive of the Make America Great Again agenda. Like me, they love the United States of America and are helping to finally take our country back and build it up, rather than simply seeking to burn it all down. Advertisement 'The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers,' Bannon vented in excerpts in the book obtained by the Guardian The White House issued a separate statement from Sanders before her daily news conference trashing the expose. 'This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House,' Sanders said. 'Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy,' she added. Stephanie Grisham, communications director for Melania Trump, responded to claims in the book that the first lady cried when Trump the election because she never expected him to win. 'The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did,' Grisham said. The book also claims the Trump have separate bedrooms in the White House. NBC News reported Bannon's comment about the chance Donald Trump also met the Russians. Sanders pointed to Trump's previous denials of collusion when it came up at her news conference. Trump Jr. told the House Intelligence Committee during testimony that he did not tell his father about the meeting at the time it took place, the Washington Post reported in December. He told Fox News host Sean Hannity after word of the meeting broke: 'In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently.' He said he did not tell his father about the meeting because nothing came of it. 'It was just a nothing,' the president's son said. 'There was nothing to tell.' Attending the meeting were Donald Trump Jr., Trump son in law and Bannon's White House rival Jared Kushner, and former campaign chair Paul Manafort, who has since been indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges. They met with Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an offer of potential dirt on Hillary Clinton got dangled to Trump Jr. via an email approach. 'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon, a former Naval officer and Goldman Sachs employee who runs Breitbart News, said of the president's eldest son. They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV He laid out how the campaign should have handled such an approach. If any meeting happened, it should have been done 'in a Holiday Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire, with your lawyers who meet with these people'. That would allow information to get 'dump[ed] down to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication,' he said, referencing the Breitbart News site he runs. 'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon said of the president's eldest son, who attended the Trump Tower meeting A picture taken on November 8, 2016 shows Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya speaking during an interview in Moscow Bannon took new shots at his rival Trump son in law Jared Kushner. He predicts special counsel Mueller will go after top officials on money laundering to get to President Trump White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (R) listens to U.S. President Donald Trump at the beginning of a meeting with government cyber security experts in the Roosevelt Room at the White House January 31, 2017 in Washington Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon speaks during the Asahi Shimbun interview on November 16, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan Trump's son, Don Jr, wrote on Twitter: 'Steve had the honor of working in the White House & serving the country. Unfortunately, he squandered that privilege & turned that opportunity into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist' 'You never see it, you never know it, because you don't need to But that's the brain trust that they had,' he said dismissively. Trump named Bannon as chief executive of his campaign in August 2016, two months after the Trump Tower meeting with Russians occurred. Bannon, who says he continues to advise President Trump, also issued predictions about the Mueller probe. 'You realize where this is going,' he said. 'This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Wessman first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to f***ing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr. and Jared Kushner It's as plain as a hair on your face,' he said. According to the Guardian, Bannon insisted that he doesn't know Russians, won't be a witness in the related probes, won't hire a lawyer and won't end up on TV answering questions. Trump Jr. has denied doing anything improper and says he got nothing of value out of the meeting. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges. Kushner's lawyers say he is cooperating with investigators. The book also quotes a friend of President Trump confidant Tom Barrack as having told a friend: ''He's not only crazy, he's stupid.' A New Zealand father has tragically lost his own life in a bid to save his daughter, who became caught in a rip. Wairongoa Clarence Renata was spending a day at Cable Beach with family, when a number of children, including his 11-year-old daughter, became stuck in a rip, The New Zealand Herald reported. Mr Renata called for help before dashing out to save the kids at about 4pm on Tuesday, but became caught up in the choppy waters himself. He was unconscious when another beach-goer pulled him to shore, and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. New Zealand father Wairongoa Clarence Renata (pictured) drowned in a rip on Cable Beach after rushing in to try and save his 11-year-old daughter on Tuesday The 54-year-old was remembered as a 'hero to the end', and was greatly respected in his community The 54-year-old was remembered by those close to him as a man with close family and community ties, who was well respected and a 'great friend'. 'Our hearts are broken and our minds full of memories of a man that was devoted to his family, friends and country,' one friend wrote to his grieving wife. 'You will surely be missed and that cheeky smile of yours. Our love is with you and your beautiful children whom he adored.' To many, it came as no shock that he would give his own life in the hope of saving his daughters, with one mourner referring to him as a 'hero to the end'. His daughter Manea, 11, was pulled from the water by a paddleboarder and rushed to hospital in a critical condition. She has since recovered from her ordeal His daughter, Manea, was pulled out of the water by a paddleboarder and taken to hospital in a critical condition. She has since been discharged, having made a full recovery. The four other children, who are all understood to be either siblings or cousins, were also saved from the dangerous rip. They were assessed by paramedics on the scene but did not require medical attention. A single-engine plane bound for Texas has gone missing over the Gulf of Mexico. The plane took off from Oklahoma City at around 2.20pm on Wednesday headed for Georgetown Municipal Airport, but it diverted and went south, according to Kens5. The Coast Guard is searching for the aircraft - a five-seater Cirrus SR22 with the tail number N325JK amid fears that it may have crashed. The plane took off from Oklahoma City on Wednesday headed for Georgetown Municipal Airport, but it diverted and went south The FAA says the pilot was unresponsive to traffic control. North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) launched two F-16 fighters from Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston to attempt to make visual contact with the plane. "They tried to make radio communications contact with the pilot, as well as doing some basic military maneuvers around the aircraft to get the pilots attention but the pilot was unresponsive," said Major Mary Ricks, a spokeswoman for NORAD and U.S. Northern Command. The F-16 pilots determined that only the pilot was aboard the aircraft. The plane which has gone missing in the Gulf of Mexico aircraft is reportedly a five-seater Cirrus SR22 Two additional F-15's from New Orleans, Louisiana were ordered to replace the F-16's that were running low on fuel as they continued to follow the plane over the Gulf of Mexico. But Maj Ricks said the F-15's were not able to reach the plane to make visual contact. The Mexican government was alerted about the plane's status and they tracked the aircraft on radar but then lost visibility with it at 6:08pm Central Standard Time. Ethan Narber, a pilot and aviation enthusiast, said on Twitter that the pilot was upright in his seat but not responding. 'Definitely a medical incident. So sad,' he added. KOCO News 5 reports the plane was last seen on radar 219 miles northwest of Cancun at 15,000 feet. It comes one day after President Donald Trump took credit for 2017 being the safest year in commercial aviation. 'Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation,' Trump tweeted Tuesday morning. 'Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!' Trump was referring to a study by the Dutch aviation group To70, which reported that there were zero deaths in passenger travel for 2017. Joshua Boyle, who was recently freed from captivity after years of being held hostage in Afghanistan, has been arrested and faces 15 charges including sexual assault A Canadian court on Wednesday postponed a bail hearing for former Taliban hostage Joshua Boyle, who was arrested on Saturday and faces a total of 15 criminal charges including assault, sexual assault and forcible confinement. Boyle was recently freed from captivity in Afghanistan with his wife and children - 2- and 4-year-old boys and an infant daughter. When they returned to Canada with three children born in captivity, Boyle said a fourth child had been murdered and his spouse raped after their capture by the Taliban-allied Haqqani network. The Taliban denied the accusations of rape and murder. Boyle, 34, appeared in an Ottawa courtroom on Wednesday via video link dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit. He confirmed his name, but did not enter a plea to the charges. He is due to appear again in court on January 8. The court imposed a publication ban that prevents media from reporting on information that could identify any victims or witnesses. The ban also prohibits reporting on the details of the bail hearing. The charges include eight counts of assault, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of forcible confinement and one count of uttering death threats. Boyle has retained the services of Lawrence Greenspon, one of Canadas leading criminal defense lawyers. A Canadian court on Wednesday postponed a bail hearing for Boyle, who is seen above in a court sketch showing him wearing an orange jumpsuit while he appeared via video link in an Ottawa courtroom Mr. Boyle is presumed innocent of all charges. He has no criminal record and has never been in trouble with the police, Greenspon said in an e-mailed statement. As Mr. Boyle has only just been charged, we are waiting to receive more information about these allegations so that we can respond to them appropriately in court, Greenspon said. He declined to comment further. A sign attached to the door of the Boyle apartment in Ottawa said family members would not be speaking to the media and requested privacy. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp posted a picture of the notice on its website. Boyle, of Canada, his American wife Caitlan, and their three children were rescued in October in Pakistan, five years after the couple was abducted by a Taliban-linked militant group while on a backpacking trip in neighboring Afghanistan. Boyle was reportedly charged with one count of causing someone to 'take a noxious thing, namely Trazodone,' an antidepressant, court documents indicated Tuesday. There is also a charge of uttering a death threat and a charge of misleading a police officer. The purported acts allegedly occurred between October 14 - the day after the family returned to Canada - and December 30. The misleading the police charge stems from an incident on December 30 where Boyle called police to report someone being suicidal and missing. He allegedly concocted the story to 'divert suspicion from himself'. A judge granted lawyer Ninetta Caparelli's request for adjournment until Monday so the defense can work on a bail plan. Authorities said the charges include eight counts of assault, two accounts of sexual assault and two counts of unlawful confinement. Boyle was reportedly charged with one count of causing someone to 'take a noxious thing, namely Trazodone' A day after they were rescued, Boyle told the AP in October that his wife, Caitlan (pictured) had been hospitalized in Ottawa, but did not specify why she was taken to the hospital In a statement to the Toronto Star, Boyle's wife (left) wrote: 'I can't speak about the specific charges, but I can say that ultimately it is the strain and trauma he was forced to endure for so many years and the effects that that had on his mental state that is most culpable for this' Ottawa police declined comment. In a statement to the Toronto Star, Boyle's wife wrote: 'I can't speak about the specific charges, but I can say that ultimately it is the strain and trauma he was forced to endure for so many years and the effects that that had on his mental state that is most culpable for this.' 'Obviously, he is responsible for his own actions,' she added, 'but it is with compassion and forgiveness that I say I hope help and healing can be found for him. As to the rest of us, myself and the children, we are healthy and holding up as well as we can.' When the family returned to Canada in October, they briefly stayed with Boyle's parents in Smith's Falls, Ontario, but have since moved to an apartment in Ottowa. According to reports, Caitlin's parents have traveled from the U.S. to support her and her children. Boyle told the AP in October that his wife had been hospitalized in Ottawa, but did not specify why she was taken to the hospital. He took a picture of her in her hospital bed and emailed it to the AP. Boyle and his wife were abducted in 2012 by a Taliban-linked militant group while on a backpacking trip in Afghanistan The parents of Caitlan, who is from Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, said after the rescue that they were elated she had been freed, but they also expressed anger at their son-in law for taking their pregnant daughter to Afghanistan. They are pictured while still in captivity Pakistani troops rescued the family in an operation October 11 aimed at their captors from the Taliban-linked Haqqani group He also told the AP that he and his wife decided to have children even while held captive because they always planned to have a big family. 'We're sitting as hostages with a lot of time on our hands,' Boyle said. 'We always wanted as many as possible, and we didn't want to waste time. Cait's in her 30s, the clock is ticking.' Boyle said then that their three children were 4, 2 and 'somewhere around 6 months'. 'Honestly we've always planned to have a family of 5, 10, 12 children... We're Irish, haha,' he wrote in an email in October. The parents of Caitlan Boyle, who is from Stewartstown, Pennsylvania, said after the rescue that they were elated she had been freed, but they also expressed anger at their son-in law for taking their pregnant daughter to Afghanistan. The Pakistanis caught the Haqqani fighters at some point after they had moved with their captives across the border from Afghanistan Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the operation was based on a tip from US intelligence. Boyle is pictured with one of his children at their family home in Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada Pakistani troops rescued the family in an operation October 11 aimed at their captors, the Taliban-linked Haqqani group. The Pakistanis caught the Haqqani fighters at some point after they had moved with their captives across the border from Afghanistan. Caitlan said that they were being moved in a car when they came under fire and were rescued by the Pakistani forces. Boyle said he was hit by shrapnel in the incident and that the last thing he heard his captors say was 'kill the hostages'. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said the operation was based on a tip from US intelligence. Boyle was once briefly married to Zaynab Khadr, the older sister of former Guantanamo Bay detainee Omar Khadr and the daughter of a senior al-Qaida financier who had contacts with Osama bin Laden. The Canadian-born Omar Khadr was 15 when he was captured by US troops following a firefight and was taken to the US detention center at Guantanamo Bay. Officials had discounted any link between that background and Boyle's capture, with one describing it in 2014 as a 'horrible coincidence'. Boyle and his family met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the leader's office last month. A Twitter account named 'The Boyle Family' with the handle @BoylesVsWorld posted photos of Boyle, his wife, and their three children inside what appears to be the prime minister's Parliament Hill office. Many are now questioning Trudeau's wisdom for agreeing to the visit and have questioned whether Boyle was already under police investigation at that time. In a statement Trudeau's office said the meeting was arranged at the request of the family and that the prime minister would always agree to meet freed Canadian hostages. The discussion of the hostage-taking was the main purpose of the meeting with the Boyles, a government official told www.metronews.ca. The Prime Minister's office wouldn't comment on the charges due to the ongoing investigation. In September, Trudeau said he couldn't imagine what the family were going through. In a separate tweet Boyle revealed he had met Trudeau previously, back in 2006 before he had left for Afghanistan. He did not elaborate on the purpose of the meeting. Boyle and his family met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the leader's office last month More than 200 Australian visas have been issued to North Koreans in the past five financial years, the Department of Immigration has revealed. In the past 12 months alone, at least 25 visas, most of them Temporary Resident visas, have been issued to citizens of the rogue state, and only 25 visas have been refused over the past five financial years. The figures have been released just weeks after a 59-year-old Australian man was charged with brokering and discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction. North Korean citizens have been issued more than 200 visas to Australians over the past five years, figures from the Department of Immigration and Border Security reveal Chan Han Choi, 59, was allegedly in contact with 'high-ranking officials' within the North Korean regime attempting to transport oil and coal, and provide military expertise. He was also accused of selling missile components, including software for guidance weapons. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection were asked for information on North Koreans granted visas to Australia by Labor Senator Kim Carr, on behalf of Shadow Immigration Minister, Shayne Neumann, in October. Their answer revealed North Koreans had been issued Student, Temporary Resident (other), Temporary Resident (skilled), Visitor and Skilled Independent Visas over the past 12 months. North Korean citizens must meet specified public interest criteria to enter Australia, the Department's answer noted. These include considerations of foreign policy interests, weapons of mass destruction proliferation, national security and character. In October, the Pyongyang regime criticised Australia for supporting the US and South Korea, labelling the nation's actions 'dangerous', and warning if they continued, Australia will not be able to 'avoid disaster'. The rogue state has also made headlines globally over the past few months for an increasingly frequent number of missile tests, and has reportedly successfully tested a new missile capable of hitting virtually anywhere in the world. The visa figures come just weeks after Australian man Chan Han Choi, 59, was arrested and charged with brokering and discussing the supply of weapons of mass destruction Chan Han Choi, 59, was allegedly in contact with 'high-ranking officials' within the North Korean regime attempting to transport oil and coal, and provide military expertise The country ended a 10-week pause in its weapons testing in November when it fired off a Hwasong-15 rocket - its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile yet which the regime claimed could be fitted with a 'super heavy nuclear warhead'. The acting shadow minister for Immigration and Border Protection told Daily Mail Australia it was 'incumbent' on the government to check refugee eligibility. 'Every person who visits Australia (must) meet strict eligibility criteria including health, character and security checks, and that entry is in accordance with Australia's international obligations, including those under applicable sanctions regimes,' Michelle Rowland said. A spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs said visitors from all nations, including North Korea, had to satisfy visa requirements. 'Anyone wishing to visit Australia must satisfy Australias visa requirements, including health, character and genuine temporary stay requirements,' the spokesperson said. North Koreans have been issued Student, Temporary Resident (other), Temporary Resident (skilled), Visitor and Skilled Independent Visas over the past 12 months Lady Florence Bjelke-Petersen's four children have paid tribute to their mum, a 'true woman of strength' who dedicated her life to serving others. Ruth Cummins, Helen Folker, John Bjelke-Petersen and Meg Noack delivered the eulogy at her state funeral on Thursday. Hundreds of mourners, including politicians from all sides of politics, gathered at the Kingaroy Town Hall in regional Queensland on Thursday to farewell the former Nationals senator. Lady Florence Bjelke-Petersen was laid to rest (pictured) on Thursday in regional Queensland Family and friends (pictured) paid their respects at the state funeral for Lady Flo in Kingaroy Lady Flo's son John Bjelke-Petersen arrived with his mum's famous pumpkin scones (pictured) A sign saying 'Love you Flo' was displayed at the funeral alongside two pumpkins (pictured) Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) was amoung the many politicians at the funeral Politicians from all sides of politics including Pauline Hanson (left) and Barnaby Joyce (right) paid their respects for the former Nationals senator Hundreds gathered (pictured) to remember the extraordinary life of Lady Flo who died December 20, 2017 It was the same venue that hosted the state funeral for her husband, former premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen in 2005. Ms Noack said following her father's death, nothing provided the woman affectionately known as Lady Flo with more joy than news from her family. She also continued to play scrabble, attend bible study group and play the church organ at her nursing home right up until before she died on December 20 at age 97. Ms Noack said throughout her life her mum proved herself to be cheerful, caring and someone who freely gave herself to those around her. 'She was a true woman of strength, centred around her faith, her family and her community,' she said. 'Her leadership and care, proven so often in her public life, was brought to bear when it mattered most in her own home, and we will all be forever grateful.' Lady Flo (pictured) continued to play scrabble, attend bible study group and play the church organ at her nursing home right up until before she died Lady Flo's state funeral was held at the Kingaroy Town Hall, the same location as where her late husband, former premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen's funeral was held in 2005 Ms Bjelke-Petersen's coffin was carried by family members, including son John (centre) Margaret Bjelke-Petersen (centre) with her daughters at the funeral in regional Queensland Lady Flo's son, John, (centre) spoke about his mother while his sister Meg Noak remembered her mother as someone who proved to be 'cheerful and caring' Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) arrived at the state funeral held on Thursday Mr Turnbull (pictured) was one of many politicians who remembered Ms Bjelke-Petersen Ms Noack said her mum was a woman who 'left an indelible mark on Queensland and her family and demonstrated a lifelong commitment of serving others'. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce also paid tribute to his former party colleague. Mr Joyce said although she wasn't a great orator, it was her 'homespun anecdotes' that had cut through with people. 'The life she lived was a splendid example to the people around her,' he said Mr Joyce described Lady Bjelke-Petersen as a champion for rural women, who didn't shy away from her own beliefs but who accepted people for what they were. 'It was a great honour to know Lady Flo,' he said. Lady Flo's children Ruth Cummins, Helen Folker, John Bjelke-Petersen and Meg Noack delivered the eulogy while other family members paid their respects Member for Kennedy Bob Katter (left) and Mr Joyce (right) attended the state funeral Almost every school in a New Zealand town has been trashed in just five months by gangs of youths as young as 10. Lakeview School in Masterton, the country's South Island, was the latest hit with thousands of dollars worth of damage discovered on Tuesday. Two classrooms were broken into, about 10 reinforced glass windows smashed, a flat-screen TV was ripped off the wall and the the pool are damaged. Almost every school in a New Zealand town has been trashed in just five months by gangs of youths as young as 10, including smashing TVs The pool area was one of many things damaged in the attack on Lakeview School in Masterton, on New Zealand's South Island Principal Tim Nelson was shocked because nothing was stolen and it appeared the vandals just wanted to damage the school. 'It looked like it was just pointless, mindless damage, which is pretty frustrating. 'It would be really good if someone could be held accountable,' he told Stuff. 'The people doing this have to know that they are probably hurting people that they know and love, it is hard to understand.' Lakeview was earlier vandalised in October along with almost every school in the town in a series of attacks since August. Two classrooms were broken into, about 10 reinforced glass windows smashed Principal Tim Nelson was shocked because nothing was stolen and it appeared the vandals just wanted to damage the school Lakeview was earlier vandalised in October along with almost every school in the town in a series of attacks since August Wairarapa police sergeant Ian Osland said the damage was caused by different groups of teenagers aged 10 to 15. Three of the five youths who attacked Lakeview were identified from CCTV as current or former students, with one having a vandalism record. The school said it received overwhelming support from its community with people offering to come in and clean up. 'This is hugely appreciated and demonstrates what a fantastic community we have; one that is proud of and really cares about Lakeview School,' it said. Wairarapa police sergeant Ian Osland said the damage was caused by different groups of teenagers aged 10 to 15 A 'clumsy' two-year-old puppy has been left on death row after an incident which left a seven-year-old girl with severe facial injuries. According to the girl's mother the dog, called Hank, made a 'deliberate, unprovoked attack' on her child, The Courier Mail reports. But his owners, also from Queensland, are trying to fight for him to be released from 'doggy jail' and his death sentence believe Hank's tooth got caught on the girl's face. Hank, a two-year-old Neapolitan mastiff, pictured, will be euthanised after being involved in an incident which left a seven-year-old girl needing facial reconstruction surgery His owners Tammy Bradshaw, pictured, and Nathan Wallace don't believe the incident was an attack and are trying to save the dog Tammy Bradshaw and Nathan Wallace who have owned Hanks since he was eight weeks old claim their dog never intentionally hurt the young girl. And their story is being supported by a neighbour - who owns the home where the alleged attack happened. 'It was an accident and the gangly dogs teeth simply came in contact with the child.' The Moreton Bay Regional Council declared the dog dangerous after the alleged attack in 2016. The young girl needed reconstructive surgery to correct the injuries caused by Hank, her mother said. More than 16,500 people have petitioned to save the dog. A petition to save the animal - who has been declared dangerous by council - has been signed by over 16,000 people A small dog that was snatched by an eagle and carried high into the sky in Pennsylvania remarkably managed to escape death after it was found bruised and covered in icicles four miles from its home. Zoey the 8-pound Bichon Frise was seized by the hungry raptor on Tuesday and transported over the trees near the banks of the Lehigh River. Felipe Rodriguez said he thought he was hallucinating when he witnessed the bird of prey take his sister's little white dog from her yard, flap its massive wings and disappear over the trees with it screeching in agony. Monica Newhard, right, and her granddaughter, Helen Welch, hold their pet bichon frise, Zoey, as the dog's rescuer, Christina Hartman, stands behind them Zoey is understandably a little reluctant to go out for walkies after its ordeal , its owners say Heartbroken Moncia Newhard at one point thought she would never see her beloved pet again 'It seemed like something from the 'Wizard of Oz,' the 50-year-old healthcare executive - visiting from Chicago - told The Associated Press on Wednesday. 'I'm a city boy. This doesn't happen in my world.' A massive search operation was then initiated, with Mr Rodriguez scouring the neighborhood's woodland along with his sister Monica Newhard and her husband. When the rescue team failed to find Zoey, Mrs Newhard said that she was heartbroken and 'did nothing but cry all day'. Yet little did the mourners realize that Zoey had in fact been later that afternoon - a full four miles away. She is not really herself but she is getting lots of love.. She doesn't want to go out... I really can't blame her. Zoey's rescuer was Christina Hartman, 51, who said she was driving on a snow-covered back road when she came across a furry white lump ahead of her, prompting her to pull over and investigate. 'I notice this little frozen dog, icicles hanging from all over. It could hardly move,' Ms Hartman said. She picked up the wounded and bedraggled animal, wrapped it in a blanket and took her home, feeding it two bowls of chicken-and-rice soup as she did so. Gradually, the Bichon warmed up and began to show some signs of life. But Ms Hartman noticed several small wounds on the back of her neck, and the dog walked with a limp. It had no collar but Ms Hartman said she realized it obviously came from a family and she was determined to find out who owned it. It didn't take long. She spotted Newhard's public Facebook post on Wednesday morning - Newhard had uploaded a photo of Zoey - and made an excited call. 'I said, 'It's a miracle! I have your dog!' Zoey had some bruising and a few missing patches of fur. It's not clear how far the eagle might have carried the dog, but Rodriguez said it was a miracle that Zoey survived. 'She is not really herself but she is getting lots of love,' Ms Newhard, told AP late Wednesday. 'She doesn't want to go out... I really can't blame her.' Experts say that eagles are quite capable of taking a small dog or a cat. 'It has been documented before, but not that often,' said Laurie Goodrich, a biologist at nearby Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a ridgetop preserve that annually records tens of thousands of migrating hawks, eagles and falcons. 'Food is scarce right now, particularly with this cold snap,' she said. 'The waterways are freezing up. They're going to be looking a little more widely and taking advantage of whatever might be out there.' A New York City father-of-10 has died after he was sucker-punched, which caused him to call onto subway tracks. Jacinto Suarez, 65, was on his way back from a Wednesday meeting with city officials about his social security check that never came, family members told the New York Post. Suarez, a grandfather-of-13 from Staten Island, was standing on the subway platform at the Jay Street-MetroTech stop in Brooklyn when he was approached by 18-year-old Edward Cordero. Jacinto Suarez (pictured with three of his 13 grandchildren), 65, was sucker-punched while standing on the subway platform at the Jay Street-MetroTech stop in Brooklyn, New York The punch caused Suarez to fall onto the subway tracks (crime scene pictured). He was pulled up from the tracks by Good Samaritans but suffered a heart attack and died The teenager, who police say was 'talking about the devil' on Wednesday, approached Suarez and allegedly proceeded to punch him. The punch caused the grandfather to fall onto the subway tracks, and he was then pulled up by Good Samaritans. Somewhere within this chain of events, Suarez suffered a heart attack, the New York Daily News reports. He was then taken to Brooklyn Hospital, where he died a couple hours after the afternoon attack. Witnesses say Edward Cordero (not pictured), 18, pushed Suarez. If officials find that Suarez's fatal heart attack was caused by the punch and consequent fall, then Cordero, who was arrested at the scene, could be charged with murder. Pictured is the crime scene Cordero's family members say he was off his medication for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Pictured is the crime scene Pictured is an exterior shot of the station. 'He's a pain in the butt, but he was a sweetheart... always dancing with the kids, cracking jokes,' one of Suarez's 10 children said 'He's a pain in the butt, but he was a sweetheart... always dancing with the kids, cracking jokes,' one of his 10 children told the Post. Cordero, who attends a public school serving students with disabilities, could be charged with murder if officials are able to establish that Suarez's heart attack was caused by the assault. He was arrested at the scene and taken to a police station. Sources said they believe he will be conveyed to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation. His family members told the Daily News that he had stopped taking medication for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. 'He's paranoid. He's very secretive,' his sister told the Daily News. 'He attacks members of our family.' South Korean women who were kept as sex slaves in wartime Japan has criticised Tokyo's compensation efforts during a meeting with President Moon Jae-in. Thousands of Korean girls and women were forced to work in Japan's military brothels, euphemistically termed 'comfort women' by Japan. Japan agreed to a 6.5million payout in 2015, but this has been rubbished by the women, with one saying Tokyo can have its money back. Survivor: South Korean President Moon Jae-in met some of the last surviving sex-slaves kept in Japanese military brothers, including Kim Bok-dong, who rubbished Tokyo's 6.5m payout The 'comfort women' - the around 30 who are still alive - want Japan to take legal, binding responsibility for its actions. Eight of the women met Moon for lunch at the presidential compound, known as the Blue House, in Seoul, following a government panel ruling on the 2015 agreement. The panel set up by the South Koreans to investigate the compensation deal announced last week that it had concluded that it failed to meet the comfort women's needs. Moon said the 2015 deal, under which Japan apologised to victims and provided one billion yen (6.5million) to a fund to help them, was seriously flawed. Japan said any attempt to revise it could damage relations between the two nations. South Korean President Moon Jae-in greets South Korean women who were forced to work in Japanese wartime brothels as 'comfort women', at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul Discussion: Eight of the around 30 comfort women who are still alive met President Moon for lunch at the the Blue House 'We told you the previous government's agreement was wrong and this issue hasn't been resolved,' Moon told one of the women before the lunch. 'It's still not an easy situation to handle within our bilateral relationship.' Moon wanted to gauge the women's reaction to his government's position on the deal, the Blue House said in a statment. Moon visited one of the women, Kim Bok-dong, separately in the morning as she was ill and unable to attend the lunch. 'We survived when bullets were raining down and we'll be able to get through this,' Kim told Moon. 'The money should be sent back to Japan,' she said. South Korean activists estimate that there may have been as many as 200,000 Korean women forced to work in the brothels. As of December, there are at least 32 surviving, according to a South Korean civic group set up to look after their rights. Helping hand: President Moon and first lady Kim Jung-Suk greet one of the surviving 'comfort women' on Thursday It was the second time former 'comfort women' visited the Blue House during Moon's presidency after one was invited to a dinner when U.S. President Donald Trump visited in November. Moon's announcement on the Japanese deal last week raised consternation in Japan, where media reported said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may decide not to visit South Korea for the Winter Olympics there next month. South Korea's foreign ministry said on Thursday it would seek final measures on the issue as quickly as possible while one ministry official told Reuters the measures could be finalised as early as next week. Strained ties come as the U.S. allies are trying to cooperate on security in the face of North Korea's nuclear and missile development. But their bitter history, including Japanese colonisation of the Korean peninsula and the issue of the women, has regularly been a source of rancour between them. Moon came to power in May after the removal of his disgraced predecessor, Park Geun-hye, whose conservative government was criticised for failing to fully consult victims over the 2015 settlement. CBS News fired political director Steve Chaggaris over alleged 'inappropriate behavior,' it was reported late Wednesday. Chaggaris, a longtime employee of CBS News, was most recently in charge of overseeing the division's coverage of the Trump administration. News of his ouster was first reported by CNN. Chaggaris deleted his Twitter account sometime in the past two days. His firing comes six weeks after CBS dismissed another big name from its roster of journalists, Charlie Rose. CBS News fired political director Steve Chaggaris over alleged 'inappropriate behavior,' it was reported late Wednesday Rose, who co-hosted the morning show, was fired after The Washington Post revealed allegations of sexual misconduct made by a number of women. CBS News said it encouraged staff members to report instances of harassment and other inappropriate behavior in the wake of a rash of high-profile cases. A spokesperson for CBS News told CNN that the allegations against Chaggaris surfaced just before the Christmas holiday. 'In the last two weeks, accounts of inappropriate behavior by Steve Chaggaris were brought to our attention and were immediately investigated,' a network spokesperson told CNN. His firing comes six weeks after CBS dismissed another big name from its roster of journalists, Charlie Rose 'As a result, CBS News has severed ties with Mr. Chaggaris for violating company policy, effective immediately.' CBS employees were told of the decision to fire Chaggaris on Wednesday. Chaggaris had been with the network since 1999. During his tenure with CBS News, he worked as a producer, reporter, and editor. Last March, he was promoted to be its political director. Since the revelations of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein's alleged sex crimes this past October, a number of high-profile media figures have been forced out of their jobs due to similar accusations of misconduct. Since October, New York Times reporter Glenn Thrush; author Mark Halperin; NBC's Matt Lauer; Matthew Zimmerman, also of NBC; Michael Oreskes of NPR; Vox's Lockhart Steele; Hamilton Fish of The New Republic; and The Atlantic's Leon Wieseltier have either been suspended or fired due to varying degrees of alleged harassment or assault. Before the Weinstein allegations came to light, Bill O'Reilly and Roger Ailes were forced out from Fox News over allegations they sexually harassed women in the workplace. This is the blog of China defense, where professional analysts and serious defense enthusiasts share findings on a rising military power. Nine backpackers were rushed to hospital in Perth, Australia, after ingesting a travel sickness drug they mistook for cocaine. The seven men and two women, aged between 21-25, snorted a white powder they found in a houseshare in a Perth suburb, and soon descended into various states of 'agitated delirium' and paralysis. Three of them, two Frenchmen and one German woman, remain in critical condition in hospital Thursday, two days after snorting the drug. Lucky escape: One of the nine backpackers who mistook a white powder for cocaine and has lived to tell the take leaves hospital on Wednesday Shocking scenes: Neighbours described a frightening scene in which the delirious young people were wheeled out of the house (pictured) on stretchers to nine ambulances The drug was on Thursday identified as motion sickness drug hyoscine, which is also used as a date rape drug as it puts victims into a 'zombie-like' state. 'Several of these people would have died I'm pretty sure without medical intervention,' Royal Perth Hospital emergency doctor David McCutcheon told the West Australian newspaper. 'They were hallucinating, their hearts were racing, several of them had to be put in a medically induced coma for their own protection and I really need to emphasise how seriously unwell they were.' Five French citizens, aged between 21 and 24, two Germans, aged 21 and 22, an Italian, 25, and a Moroccan, 24, were released from hospital on Wednesday. Emergency services were called to the home in Perth just before midnight on Tuesday, finding a group of seriously ill people in different states of unconsciousness Another survivor, which includes five French citizens, aged between 21 and 24, two Germans, aged 21 and 22, an Italian, 25, and a Moroccan, 24, leaves hospital The prescription drug Hyoscine which can be found in travel sickness drugs such as the one pictured, was found in the samples taken from the patients Western Australia Police said Hyoscine - also known as Scopolamine - was the only identifiable drug detected in the samples taken from the patients. One victim, an Italian who gave his name as Simone, told the West Australian the drug arrived at the house in a package addressed to a person who did not live there anymore. When the residents opened the package, they found some white powder wrapped in a piece of paper with the word 'scoop' written on it. Thinking it was cocaine, they divided the powder up and snorted the substance, Simone said, telling the newspaper that he then became paralysed and could not scream for help. 'We were powerless, we couldn't do anything,' he added. All nine people who were hospitalised are either backpacking or studying in Perth Neighbour Sophie Barnet told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the nine were suffering from seizures and had glassed eyes when they were taken from the house on stretchers. 'It was so scary to look at... A lot of them were shaking and trying to get out of the bed, but I don't think they knew they were doing it.' Another local resident described the house as a backpacker's 'bed and breakfast', and said the victims were acting in an almost zombie-like state. 'It was just absolutely crazy. People just started coming out in stretchers, most of them were in like an unconscious state, but one of them was kicking and having almost like a spasm.' Police seized substances from the home and Organised Crime were notified of the presence of drugs. Parker (pictured) had been sleeping rough near the arena that night and stole a mobile phone and a purse A homeless man hailed a hero after he claimed to help to comfort people injured in the Manchester Arena bombing has been branded the lowest of the low by the family of a young girl killed in the atrocity. Chris Parker, 33, took injured Pauline Healey's purse as her 14-year-old granddaughter Sorrell Leczkowski lay dying just minutes after the atrocity which killed 22 innocent people. Graphic footage was played at Manchester Crown Court which showed Parker kneeling over bodies, rifling their bags and taking photographs of dead bodies as he made his way through the foyer to try and steal from victims. Charlotte Hodgson, whose daughter Olivia Campbell, 15, from Bury, was one of Abedis victims, branded Parker disgusting. She added: People raised money for him to try and get him off the streets. He should be ashamed for what he has done. Paul Hodgson, Olivias stepfather, described Parker as the lowest of the low. More than 3,700 people gave a total of 52,539 in good faith after Parker's sham story spread around the world. Michael Johns, who started the fundraising appeal, said all the money will be now refunded. Charlotte Hodgson, whose daughter Olivia died in the attack, branded Parker disgusting In a statement on the GoFundMe page, Mr Johns said: 'I would like to extend my sympathies to his victims that night and also apologise to them for any distress this campaign may have caused them whilst they continue to recover and grieve.' He added that GoFundMe policy prevents him from giving the funds to any other charity or cause. Olivia Campbell, 15, from Bury, was one of Abedis victims CCTV footage showed Parker prodding Mrs Healey's body to check if she was still alive before stealing her purse just moments after the attack on May 22. The thief, who had been sleeping rough nearby that night, later stole a teenage girl's iPhone 6 and used Mrs Healey's bank card to buy food in McDonald's. Just minutes earlier at least 400 people were injured following an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena. He had initially been hailed a 'hero' after he described wrapping an injured girl in a T-shirt and cradled a dying woman in his arms. But he was arrested after CCTV footage showed him stealing the purse of Mrs Healey as her granddaughter lay dying yards away and also taking the mobile phone. The horrifying footage was played as Parker, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to stealing a purse, a second charge of theft of an iPhone 6 from a girl - who cannot be named - and fraud by using one of Mrs Healey's cards. He denied further charges of attempting to steal the content of a handbag, attempted theft of a coat, using Mrs Healey's bank card in a Tesco store and of using it on the Greater Manchester public transport system. After the pleas, it emerged he had been on the run for a month when he was bailed to a hostel on condition he wore an electronic tag. It is believed he cut the tag off and dumped it in a soup can before failing to appear in court on December 6. A warrant was issued for his arrest three days before Christmas. The attack in May last year (pictured) killed 22 innocent people and left more than 400 injured Shocking 20 minute video shows shameless homeless man steal from terror victims In a 20 minute compilation of CCTV footage from the arena, too graphic to be released, the defendant is seen going in and out of the foyer, walking around various parts of the entrance. The footage begins with scenes of crowds leaving the arena visibly flinching as the bomb detonates and a second later terrified concert-goers putting their hands to their mouths and running. Moments later people gingerly return to the smoke-logged bomb scene and though the footage is pixelated, it is clear there are bodies strewn across the area. There are also pools of blood and what appear to be body parts and pixelated mounds of people, not moving. Parker, carrying a rucksack on his back and wearing a woolly cap, is seen walking around, clearly agitated, either looking at his phone or with it to his ear, as dazed people wander around. The defendant appears to go to the aid of one woman, crouching down as she sits up. Police and what appear to be arena staff in hi-visibility jackets then appear before more police arrive en masse. He also speaks to one bewildered young girl, comforting her along with a police officer. The youngster's mother is believed to be one of the fatalities. Advertisement Parker was detained on Tuesday evening when police found him hiding in a loft hours after he failed to show up for his trial having earlier told his ex-girlfriend he planned to give himself up. The court also heard that after his arrest Parker had been remanded in custody at HMP Manchester but was unable to leave his cell because of death threats from fellow inmates. He showed no emotion and bowed his head in the dock as prosecutor Louise Brandon said: 'He has admitted stealing items from the victims of the terror attack at Manchester Arena. 'Under these circumstances the prosecution accept his pleas and will not be looking for a trial on the remaining counts.' John Broadley, defending, said: 'The only thing he can do is plead guilty and sincerely apologise for his appalling behaviour on that evening. 'The defendant does not shirk from the fact this will be a custodial sentence.' Parker will be sentenced on January 30 and was remanded in custody. Judge David Hernandez said: 'A custodial sentence is likely in this case. 'Christopher Parker you have pleaded guilty to the counts on the indictment and the prosecution accept these.' Earlier the footage showed Parker looking over his shoulder as people run in the foyer after the explosion. Chris Parker pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday to stealing a purse and a mobile phone from victims of the attack Parker ended up being reunited with his mother Jessica (pictured) after his story went around the world following the attack More than 50,000 was raised after a GoFundMe page was set up for Parker following the attack He went on his own mobile phone before going into the arena and walked past bodies and was kneeling over them. He kicked a bag and looked inside it before walking around around talking to police at the scene. Seconds later he was back on his phone again before squatting on the floor appearing to looking for items. Parker was seen to pick up a phone but was not seen putting it down again. He was also seen speaking outside the venue to a child believed to be 12-year-old Millie Kiss whose mother Michelle died in the explosion. He spent several moments with the girl before going back on his phone and returning inside the arena where he was spotted taking photographs of the scene. Parker was seen to bend down over Mrs Healey and touch her before picking up her bag and looking in it. He was also taking pictures of her. Photos found on his phone showed bodies strewn around the floor in the foyer, a shirtless man being tended to as he lay seriously injured and a third picture of Mrs Healey with her hand over her face eyes closed in pain. A fourth image showed a pound coin next to a nail shrapnel. The grandmother underwent 15 hours of surgery to remove shrapnel from her body and also suffered multiple compound fractures to her arms and legs, while Sorrell's mother was also seriously injured. Sorrell, who was a pupil at Allerton High School in Leeds, was hoping to be an architect and wanted to study at Columbia University in New York. Shocking moment homeless man says he would 'happily do it all over again' when pretending to be a hero Chris Parker, 33, became an overnight celebrity after he claimed he helped injured victims following the atrocity. But he denied being a 'hero' and said he was simply a 'regular guy' who ran into the Manchester Arena because he 'heard children screaming'. But he was later found to be a fraud after he admitted stealing from the victims when they were fighting for their lives. Speaking just days after the attack, he said: 'My name is Chris Parker. I'm supposed to be a hero, but I'm not a hero. Chris Parker (pictured) spoke just days after the attack and said that was just a 'regular guy' 'I'm just a normal guy. Just a normal, regular guy who ran into the arena that night all because I heard kids screaming - I had no choice. And I'd do it all over again quite happily. 'I'm still homeless on the streets, even though the public has been funding all these funds. 'The funds don't get released until next week so I'm struggling, really struggling. 'Someone's even just bought me chicken and chips for god's sake. 'I'm hoping to get my family back together, that's what I'm hoping to get. It would be a big start for me.' A man accused of punching a teenage girl at Schoolies has fronted court. Footage of an 18-year-old yelling at a young woman before reportedly hitting her in Victor Harbor, South Australia, surfaced online as schoolies wrapped up in November. Police confirmed she didn't sustain any serious injuries from the attack, but the initial blow did 'knock her off her feet.' Scroll down for video A man accused of punching a teenage girl at Schoolies in South Australia has fronted court The teenager was arrested and charged with assault and disorderly behaviour, Nine News reported. Saturday was only the first day of revelry for south coast teenagers like the accused, who has since been arrested and charged with assault (pictured) An estimated 8,000 young people are expected to descend on South Australia over the next week, with many camping or hiring campervans around the Fleurieu Peninsula. An 18-year-old was also taken to South District Hospital with back pain and lacerations to his neck after an accident at a beach on Friday morning. It is believed the young man dived into the ocean and didn't see the sharp rocks lurking below the surface, The Advertiser reports. The arrest comes just hours after police praised the 'chilled and relaxed behaviour' of school leavers at Victor Harbor. The arrest comes just hours after police praised the 'chilled and relaxed behaviour' of school leavers at Victor Harbor Holidaymakers have one final change to squeeze in a getaway for a bargain price before heading back to the daily grind. Low cost airline Tigerair has release a host of cheap fares for holiday destinations around the country, but jet setters will need to reserve their seats before January 6. One way flights can be purchased for less than $40 for east-coast based travelers, and a flight from the east to west coast will cost less than $130. Australians can still book themselves on a last minute getaway before heading back to work, with Tigerair releasing a host of cheap fares from as little as $39 One way flights can be purchased for less than $40 for east-coast based travelers, and a flight from the east to west coast will cost less than $130 The only catch bargain fares will need to be enjoyed on pre-selected dates from late January through to early March. Sydney-based flyers can head to Coffs Harbour or the Gold Coast for $39, Brisbane or Melbourne for $49, Whitsunday Coast for $75, Cairns for $99 or Perth for $129. Those in Melbourne have access to similar deals, and can get to Hobart for $39, Adelaide and Sydney for $49 and to Cairns and Townsville for less than $100. Flights Melbourne to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Canberra, Cairns and Townsville are also all on offer for under $100 one-way. Eager travelers can enjoy a trip to Melbourne (pictured) for just $49 if they're flying from Sydney or Adelaide, and just $39 if they're flying from Hobart Queensland's beautiful Gold Coast (pictured) can be enjoyed from late January to early March for a bargain price - Sydney flyers can get there for just $39, and Victorians only $69 CHEAPEST DEALS Sydney - Coffs Harbour $39 Sydney - Gold Coast $39 Melbourne - Hobart $39 Sydney - Melbourne $49 Adelaide - Melbourne $49 Whitsunday Coast - Brisbane $49 Melbourne - Gold Coast $49 Sydney - Adelaide $59 Perth - Melbourne $129 Brisbane - Adelaide $79 Advertisement Dates available for the steal prices vary for each location but span from January 30 through to March 18, with a large portion of the generous deals available mid February. Queenslanders can also get in on the action, with affordable flights out of the Gold Coast to Sydney for $39, Melbourne for $69, or Hobart for $99. Brisbane flyers can get to both the Whitsunday Coast and Sydney on less than $50, while a fare to Melbourne, Adelaide or Canberra will set them back less than $80. Perth-based jet setters can enjoy the rare opportunity to snap up a cheap trip to the east coast, with flights to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne costing just $129. A summer sunset in the gorgeous Coffs Harbour can be accessed on the cheap from Sydney, for $39, or Melbourne for $69 A flight to the stunning Whitsunday Coast from Brisbane costs just $49, and from Sydney just $75 Those in South Australia haven't been left out, with a fare from Adelaide to Melbourne costing just $49, to Sydney a dismal $59, and to Brisbane only $79. While the New Year's Leave special offers unbelievably cheap deals, flyers should keep in mind fares won't be refundable and are not inclusive of checked baggage. Extra luggage, meals, seat selection and equipment will hike the total cost up, and commuters may need to settle for less than ideal flight times. A man who allegedly dragged a young mother from her car in a shocking road rage attack is being hunted by police. The middle aged man is accused of violently attacking the woman on Scottsdale Dr at Robina, on the Gold Coast, about 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon. Queensland Police released an image of the man the day after the attack hoping it leads to information about his identity. A man who allegedly dragged a young mother from her car (pictured) in a shocking road rage attack at Robina, on the Gold Coast, on Wednesday afternoon is being hunted by police The middle aged man is accused of violently attacking the woman on Scottsdale Drive about 1.30pm on Wednesday afternoon The image shows the man stepping into a white ute in the moments after the attack. A spokesperson for Queensland Police said no charges had been laid and they were looking for the alleged offender. A man has been charged after police seized over 100 guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition on the weekend. Detectives from Darling River Local Area Command visited a rural property in Cobar, western New South Wales, on December 31 for a firearms audit. During a search of the property police allegedly found and seized 118 firearms, including 109 which were allegedly unregistered and not safely stored. A man has been charged after police seized over 100 guns (pictured) and thousands of rounds of ammunition on the weekend The haul included revolvers, rifles, shotguns and shortened rifles, and thousands of rounds of ammunition were also seized. A 56-year-old man was arrested on Thursday and charged with the unauthorised possession of firearms in circumstances of aggravation and not keeping firearms safely. The man's firearms licence was suspended, and he was granted conditional bail. He will face Cobar Local Court on Wednesday January 24. Gary Sims (pictured) was driving to join his wife on holiday when he made a 'spontaneous' decision to see the secluded falls in the Derbyshire Peak District The body of a businessman who was fascinated with waterfalls was found four days after he suffered a fatal fall at a beauty spot wearing just shorts and espadrilles. Gary Sims was driving to join his wife on holiday when he made a 'spontaneous' decision to see the secluded falls in the Derbyshire Peak District. The nature lover wanted to visit the natural water features high up on the moorlands after reading about them in a guide. However a coroner heard how the 60-year-old was ill-prepared, dressed in shorts and a jumper and carrying a rucksack containing a towel and change of clothes. The father-of-two had parked his car on the A57 Snake Pass and set off to walk the short distance to the Fair Brook falls at the foot of Kinder Scout. But at some point he fell, fracturing his ribs, pelvis and skull, before he collapsed and died as he tried to make it back to his vehicle. He had told no one about his plans to visit the area and his body lay undiscovered for four days before it was found by mountain rescue teams. Chesterfield Coroner's Court heard the blow to his head caused a bleed on his brain, but he may have been able to walk some distance before he fell to the ground. Mr Sims of High Wycombe, Bucks, was found dead near to the Snake Inn pub on the A57 on Friday, August 24 last year. A police report said he had last been seen alive on Monday, August 21, as he left his hotel in Manchester. He ran his own broadcast equipment company and had been working in the city. The father-of-two had parked his car on the A57 Snake Pass and set off to walk the short distance to the Fair Brook falls (pictured) at the foot of Kinder Scout He had told his wife Tanya that he would meet her at a holiday cottage in Whistable, Kent, later that afternoon, but he never arrived. His family reported him missing two days later. Fair Brook is on the northern edge of Kinder Scout and is less than half-a-mile from the Snake Pass road which runs from Glossop to Sheffield. His blue VW Polo was spotted on traffic cameras heading towards South Yorkshire just after 11am on the Monday morning. That led to the search along the road and his car was found in a layby 24 hours before his body was discovered. The brook which leads up to Kinder Scout has several waterfalls along its way and guides warn that it can be 'tricky' to get down to, but 'well worth it' because of the views and the summer heather. He had become interested in waterfalls after a holiday to Australia in 2015 and had bought a copy of 'The Waterfalls of England: A Practical Guide for Visitors and Walkers'. Mr Sim's family described him as a 'methodical planner' who made technical notes of walks he was undertaking. A coroner heard how the 60-year-old was ill-prepared, dressed in espadrilles (stock image), shorts and a jumper and carrying a rucksack containing a towel and change of clothes But the inquest, which none of Mr Sims's family attended, was told his footwear was not suitable for the terrain in the ravine and his injuries were consistent with 'a heavy fall'. Derbyshire's Assistant Coroner Peter Nieto said: 'It's highly likely that he wanted to explore the area just off the A57, but he had not discussed it with his wife. 'It was probably a spontaneous decision he made while travelling by himself. He was wearing pumps with no socks which were not suitable walking attire. 'It is an easy walk, unless you leave the natural pathways. There are trip hazards and rocks hidden in the foliage. Wearing unsuitable footwear would make this even more dangerous.' Two post mortems were carried out and police mounted a large investigation to establish how the businessmen had died after initial fears of foul play. Eventually the cause of death was established as a head injury consistent with Mr Sims' head hitting a rock or heavy object. Giving a conclusion that Mr Sims died as the result of an accident the coroner added: 'The exact sequence of events will never be known, but all the evidence points to him suffering a fall while walking by himself. 'He tried to make his way back to his car, but sadly perished before he could be found. 'On the balance of probability he has slipped on rocks while wearing footwear that was not suitable and suffered injuries, most notably a head injury, that resulted in his death.' Drinkers can raise a toast to Princess Charlotte in the first pub ever named after the Royal toddler. The bespoke boozer in Colchester, Essex, has just started serving punters and has proved a hit with regulars. It was hoped the bar staff could pop a cork of Champagne when the The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's second child was born - but it was hit with a two-year planning delay. McMullen's Brewery, who own the pub, said it would invite Kate, William, Charlotte, and George to see what's on offer. The Princess Charlotte in Colchester, Essex, is the first pub named after The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's second child It was due to open just after she was born but was hit by a two-year planning delay Princess Charlotte has a busy month ahead as she is due to start nursery today. Luckily, owner McMullen's Brewery said it would invite William, Kate, George and Charlotte along to visit The pub is the second of the brewery's named after a royal baby with the Prince George recently opening in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire The history of Royal pub names Naming pubs after royalty has a long history in the UK From 1393 pubs were ordered to hang a sign outside to make them easily visible. Many chose to hang signs with symbols on, as most people were illiterate. One of these signs was the white hart, the personal badge of the king at the time, Richard II Others adopted the crown symbol as it meant they would not have to change their sign with the death of each ruler - and it is now the second most common pub name in the country Another popular name is the Royal Oak, which is named after the tree Charles II hid inside to escape from Oliver Cromwell's forces during the Battle of Worchester in 1651. Naming a pub after the royalty was a way of demonstrating loyalty - particularly after the restoration of the monarchy Other Royal names include the Prince of Wales (with many pubs being renamed to the Princess of Wales after Diana's death), the Queen Victoria, the King's Arms, the Queen's Head, and the Prince Regent Advertisement Managing director Heydon Mizon said: 'We aim to treat every guest like Royalty at the Princess Charlotte and this would of course include the Princess herself. 'The pub had been due to open shortly after Princess Charlotte was born, the baby wasn't at the mercy of a lengthy planning delay and so arrived on time, the pub however was significantly overdue.' The pub is the second of the brewery's named after a royal baby with the Prince George recently opening in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. He added: 'McMullen's have been brewing beer, operating pubs and looking after our pubs for over 190 years. 'With this in mind, we try to select names that are interesting, relevant to the time or place that a pub is built and that will stand the test of time.' Sporting a regal pub sign inspired by The Royal Coat of Arms the establishment stocks traditional English ales. Despite its high-class name the humble new-built boozer serves classic pub grub like burgers, chicken and curry. Local Dave Smith said: 'I'm not a Royalist, but I've certainly raised a glass or two in there.' Managing director Heydon Mizon said: 'We try to select names that are interesting, relevant to the time or place that a pub is built and that will stand the test of time' He added: 'We aim to treat every guest like Royalty at the Princess Charlotte and this would of course include the Princess herself' The tot is due to start at the Willcocks Nursery School where fees are 9,150 a year for morning sessions and 5,400 for afternoons With so many pubs named after royalty, it's no surprise some members of the family are partial to a good pint. Here the late Queen Mother enjoyed a pint in the Queen's Head pub in London During a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin in 2011 the Queen eyed up a pint poured by Master Brewer Fergal Murray Here His Royal Highness Prince Charles pours a pint while visiting Poundbury, Dorset, in 2002 Joe Hirst, 22, was flying to the Canary islands with his girlfriend, Shannon Potter,(pic outside Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday) to celebrate his birthday when the alleged assault happened A passenger on his first-ever flight abroad stroked a male airline steward's groin 'for a laugh' after he got drunk with his girlfriend to calm his nerves, a court heard. Briton Joe Hirst, 22, was flying to the Canary islands with his girlfriend to celebrate his birthday - but at 30,000 feet he inexplicably reached out and fondled the purser's inside leg in a 'cupping motion' as the victim was serving drinks to other passengers, it was alleged. The steward, who as the victim of a sexual attack cannot be named for legal reasons, rebuked Hirst for his behaviour but was met with a drunken grin and snigger by the unruly holidaymaker who also said: 'Ooooohhh' to him in a mock-gay flirtatious voice, a jury heard. Hirst, of Brighouse, West Yorkshire, was later escorted off the Jet2 aircraft by Spanish police when it touched down at Fuerteventura but was not arrested on suspicion of sexual assault until he arrived back in the UK after his holiday. It emerged the alleged assault had been carried out after he had been drinking beer and vodka bought earlier from duty free. The incident occurred on January 15 last year after Hurst, a driveway builder, and his girlfriend of six months, Shannon Potter boarded the 10am flight from Manchester for the trip which had been booked for him as a birthday present. The steward, who cannot be named, rebuked Hirst(pictured with girlfriend Ms Potter) for his behaviour but was met with a drunken grin, the jury heard Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester heard trouble began two and a half hours into the flight when Hirst kept putting his leg in the aisle causing an obstruction to cabin crew as they served drinks and snacks. The steward - who cannot be named - told the hearing: 'Throughout the flight there seemed to be an issue with his left leg in the aisle. 'That happened on numerous occasions where colleagues had asked for his leg to be moved. 'Initially he wasn't a problem but as the flight progressed he seemed to become less aware of things and his reactions were much slower. The holidaymaker(pic outside court) also said: 'Ooooohhh' to him in a mock-gay flirtatious voice, the court heard 'At about 12.30, during the second bar service he began to reach with his arm as if getting something from the trolley and when I asked what he was doing he looked up and with the same hand he reached around and touched my thigh with an upward stroking motion. 'I was facing towards the rear of the plane and he was on my left. He seemed to take it as a bit of a joke - there was a little laugh and snigger. 'He said the word: "Ooohhh" in a flirtatious voice and then went to touch my genital area. 'Initially I was totally shocked and I couldn't even think what had just happened. I said to him: "Do you think that is appropriate," and he responded with a snigger. 'I tried to carry on but my colleague told me to get off the bar and I went to the front of the aircraft where I told a senior member of crew what had happened.' Another cabin crew member said: 'His legs were constantly in the aisle and every time we were on a cart service we had to ask him to move them. 'We were going out on our final drinks service and we were heading towards Row 27 where the defendant was sat. Passenger Audrey Pritchard, who was sat next to Hirst during the flight, said: 'He didn't buy any drinks but seemed a bit drunk.' Pic: Stock photo of a Jet2 flight 'My colleague asked him to move his leg which he did after a long period of time. But his left hand then reached over as if he was going to steal something from the cart draw. He then reached up into his inner thigh and groin area with an open cupping motion. 'As his hand went up, my colleague jumped back and said: 'Do you think that is appropriate.' His expression changed and he looked angry so I told him to back to the front and get him away from the situation.' In his defence Hirst said: 'The holiday was booked for my birthday - this was me and my girlfriend's(pic) first holiday together and my first ever time on a plane' Passenger Audrey Pritchard, who was sat next to Hirst during the flight, said: 'He didn't buy any drinks but seemed a bit drunk. 'He seemed to have a bottle of cola in his hand and it just never seemed empty even though he was drinking it. He kept going to the toilet, I think about five times. 'He kept putting his leg out on the aisle and as people went past they had to step over it. Once or twice members of the cabin crew asked him to move it. 'When the crew came round with the drinks trolley, he leaned forward and went to touch the member of crew in the groin. He laughed when he did this. 'The crew member pushed his hand away and said something like: "Don't do that, it is very inappropriate". I think he was in shock.' In his defence Hirst said: 'The holiday was booked for my birthday - this was me and my girlfriend's first holiday together and my first ever time on a plane. 'I was nervous and on the morning of the flight I felt really nervous. 'When we arrived at the airport we went and got some breakfast and had a couple of bottles beers and vodkas - I think I had about four or five drinks. Hirst(pic with Ms Potter) said: 'I had only reached my arm out to get a drink because I was messing around. I didn't intend to touch him and I didn't touch him' 'I drunk because I was nervous, it was never my intention to carry on drinking on the flight. 'I wouldn't say I was drunk, I was a bit merry - about a two or three on a scale of one to 10. I had my last drink about an hour before boarding the plane. 'We bought a litre bottle of vodka from duty free which my girlfriend kept in her hand luggage bag.' He added: 'I just didn't have enough room in my seat, I am 6ft and I cannot sit still half the time in general. I didn't realise I was being an obstruction - I didn't mean anything by it. Miss Potter 22, a care assistant(pic with Hirst) said: 'This was our first holiday together and he told me that he hadn't been on a flight before and he was very nervous about it' 'On the drinks round, the male crew member tripped over my leg and said I shouldn't have done that, he seemed quite annoyed but that was the end of the incident. 'I had only reached my arm out to get a drink because I was messing around. I didn't intend to touch him and I didn't touch him. My hand was a good foot away from him. 'When the Spanish police spoke to me after the flight I thought they wanted to speak to me about my foot. I had never been on a flight before.' Miss Potter 22, a care assistant said: 'This was our first holiday together and he told me that he hadn't been on a flight before and he was very nervous about it. 'We arrived at the airport at about 7am and had about four or five vodka and colas. Joe seemed fine, he knew what he was doing and saying. 'He seemed fine to me. He kept saying he was nervous and I reassured him but other than that he was okay. 'He had stuck his leg out three or four times because there was no leg room. At one point, the male cabin crew member got to Joe's leg and stumbled back a few steps. 'He said to Joe: "You shouldn't have done that," and Joe said: "Sorry, I didn't mean to do that." Joe had been pointing towards a drink on the trolley, I didn't see him make any contact. Hirst(pic with Ms Potter) denies sexual assault on a man. The trial at Minshull Street Crown Court continues 'When we left the plane we were wondering why the police had wanted to speak to us but we both just carried on with our holiday. 'I had thought the allegation was about him sticking his leg out and the cabin crew member tripping over it.' The court heard the steward complained to police when he returned to the UK. Prosecuting Mr Alaric Bassano said: 'There is no suggestion that the defendant is gay but the sound he made seems to have been said in a way as if the defendant believed that the complainant was gay or implying that male members of cabin crew are likely to be gay. 'The defendant had been drinking and making a nuisance of himself and for reasons best known to himself almost certainly contributed to by alcohol he deliberately touched the genitals over clothing of a male member of cabin crew.' Hirst denies sexual assault on a man. The trial continues. Donald Trump spent his early evenings in the White House eating cheeseburgers in his room and trashing members of his senior staff on the phone with friends, according to an explosive new book. The President used these calls speculate on the flaws and weaknesses of each lieutenant vying for his attention, in scathing and often personal remarks. Chief strategist Steve Bannon was disloyal and always looked like s**t, chief of staff Reince Priebus was weak and too short - a midget - while press secretary Sean Spicer was an idiot who also dressed terribly. Counselor Kellyanne Conway was derided as a crybaby and son-in-law and senior advisor Jared Kushner was branded a suck-up who should never have come to Washington with wife Ivanka, the book claims Trump said. Donald Trump spent his early evenings in the White House trashing his senior advisers to friends over the phone, including chief strategist Steve Bannon, who he described as a disloyal man who always looks like s**t, according to a new book Trump's opinion of chief of staff Reince Priebus was no more flattering, describing him as weak and a midget, according to columnist Michael Wolff The astonishing account is contained in columnist Michael Wolff's new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, which he pieced together from time spent embedded in the President's residence and more than 200 interviews. An excerpt was published on Wednesday in New York Magazine. He details how Trump and his team were caught completely off-guard with their election victory, having never intended to win, meaning the early days of the new administration were chaos. During this time Bannon, Kushner and Priebus vied against each other for the President's attention, each knowing that 'the last person the president spoke to ended up with enormous influence', the book says. Each used a different strategy to appeal to Trump, with Bannon relying on 'a f***-you show of force', Priebus offering flattery from congress and Kusher promising the approval of businessmen. While Trump wanted to approval from all three camps, he found their attentions vexatious and vented his frustrations to anyone he could get on the phone. By 6.30pm Trump was usually in his room eating a cheeseburger, watching three TV screen and calling acquaintances to complain about his new life as President Senior advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner did not escape, and was described as a suck-up. He and wife Ivanka should never have come to Washington, Trump allegedly said During one 26-minute, unsolicited phone call to a 'casual acquaintance', he railed against Bannon - who had appeared on the cover of Time claiming to be the real President - telling them that his strategist had 'zero' influence over him. He also bashed Kushner, saying he had 'a lot to learn', but was complimentary of Conway, calling her 'very fair'. Trump also railed against the dishonest media, especially the New York Times, CNN and SNL, accusing them of treating him more unfairly then any President in history. But he was adoring of Rupert Murdoch, saying the mogul never used to call him but was 'now calling all the time', which he viewed as a compliment. After the excerpt ran, Trump issued an extraordinary statement bashing Bannon, who went on the record to Wolff. Kellyanne Conway, Trump's counselor, was branded a 'crybaby' during one of the phonecalls Sean Spicer, Trump's press secretary, was blasted as an idiot who also dressed poorly 'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said in a statement provided by the White House that torches his former chief strategist. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.' 'Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party,' Trump said. 'Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look.' Trump said Bannon 'doesn't represent my base, he's only in it for himself' and 'had very little to do' with his victory, but 'everything to do' with the loss of the Alabama Senate seat. The cutting statement went on to say, 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.' Trump's White House press secretary also sent out a statement of her own that called the book 'trashy tabloid fiction' full of 'false and misleading accounts'. Sanders told reporters that the president was 'furious' and 'disgusted' by Bannon's account of his time in the White House. On Monday, Israeli archaelogists revealed that they found a 2,700-year-old clay seal impression that they believed was once used by a biblical governore of Jerusalem. The artefact had an ancient Hebrew script inscribed on it and said 'belonging to the governor of the city.' Archaeologists believe that it was likely attached to a shipment or was given as a s souvenir on behalf of the governor of Jerusalem. The Israeli Antiquities Authority stressed that the impression was like a small coin and showed a picture of two men facing each other similar to a mirror and wearing striped garments that reached up to their knees. The Authority also shared that the seal impression was located near the plaza of Judaism's Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. In a quote from the Antiquities Authority from excavator Shlomit Weskler-Bdolah, he said 'It supports the Biblical rendering of the existence of a governor of the city in Jerusalem 2,700 years ago.'. Governors of Jerusalem were always appointed by the king and have been mentioned at least twice in the Bible. The first instance was in 2 Kings where Joshua held the position and the second was in 2 Chronicles where Masseiah was appointed to the post under King Josiah's reign. The announcement of the latest find came several weeks after US President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital. However, the announcement was met with hostilities from various parties and brought in international concern over the issue. North Korea may have accidentally hit one its own cities with a missile, it has been claimed. Satellite images show damage caused by a failed test launch that struck Tokchon, a city of 200,000 in the interior of Kim Jong-un's secretive state, according to a US government official. The Hwasong KN-17 medium-range rocket was fired from Pukchang Airfield in South Pyongan Province, 40 miles north of Pyongyang on April 28 last year, it is claimed. But it failed shortly after take-off, the Diplomat reports, before crashing down in the Chongsin-dong area of Tokchon, apparently damaging what looks like an agricultural or industrial building. North Korea may have accidentally hit one its own cities with a missile, it has been claimed. File picture shows a North Korean medium range rocket launch in August Satellite images from May 2017 show damage caused by a failed test launch that struck the North Korean city of Tokchon weeks earlier in April, according to a US government official Google Earth images show the same site in October 2016 when it appears that one of the 'damaged' buildings had not yet been constructed The Hwasong KN-17 medium-range rocket was fired from Pukchang Airfield in South Pyongan Province, 40 miles north of Pyongyang on April 28 last year, it is claimed The unnamed source pointed out where the rocket had landed and Google Earth images taken on May 18 last year, just weeks after the launch, appear to show damage to a greenhouse-style structure at the same spot. The official, who is described as having knowledge of North Korea's weapons programmes, told the Diplomat that the missile's flight lasted just one minute before suffering engine malfunction and travelling 25 miles northeast before crashing down. Had it completed its flight without failing, it may have been destined to land in the northern parts of the Sea of Japan, the Diplomat reports. There have been no reported deaths as a result of the apparent stray rocket, but the damaged building is close to heavily populated areas. In November, North Korea test-fired its most powerful ICBM ever which is likely capable of striking almost anywhere on earth. Kim Jong-un could be seen walking alongside a huge new mobile launch platform, which Pyongyang said was specifically constructed for the missile, before the rocket was maneuvered into place. The Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile was launched eastward from Pyongsong in North Korea's South Pyongan Province. Kim Jong-un (centre) has pursued an aggressive programme of nuclear and missile development over the last year North Korea reopened a long-closed border hotline with South Korea on Wednesday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump (pictured) appeared to mock Kim Jong Un by saying he has a 'bigger and more powerful' nuclear button than Kim does It flew for around 50 minutes, reaching an unprecedented altitude of 2,800 miles, before splashing down in the Sea of Japan around 620 miles away. It marked the first missile launched since one was fired across Japan and into the Pacific Ocean on September 15. Yesterday, North Korea reopened a long-closed border hotline with South Korea on Wednesday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to mock Kim Jong Un by saying he has a 'bigger and more powerful' nuclear button than Kim does. The reopening of the line, which North Korea shut down in February 2016, came only hours after Trump, who has repeatedly mocked Kim as 'Little Rocket Man', ridiculed the North Korean leader again on Twitter. 'Will someone from his depleted and food-starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!' Trump tweeted. Trump and Kim have exchanged insults in recent months, raising alarm worldwide, with Trump at times dismissing the prospect of a diplomatic solution to a crisis in which both sides have threatened to destroy each other. On Wednesday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence told the Voice of America Trump was responding to Kim's New Year comment about having a nuclear button on his desk, and making clear that 'America will not be bullied, America will not be threatened.' President Donald Trump issued an extraordinary statement bashing former top advisor Steve Bannon after the president's longtime consigliere was quoted trashing Donald Trump Jr. and claiming his father would have immediately been made aware of an infamous Trump Tower meeting with Russians. Bannon claimed a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer, supposedly to obtain unflattering information about Hillary Clinton, was 'treasonous' and 'unpatriotic,' prompting an unprecedented brushback of the former White House aide from the president. 'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said in a statement provided by the White House that torches his former chief strategist. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.' Steve Bannon, chairman of Breitbart News Network LLC, speaks during a campaign rally for Roy Moore, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Alabama Trump's press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then told reporters that the president was 'furious' and 'disgusted' by Bannon's assault on the president's son and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who also attended the Trump Tower meeting. And late on Wednesday evening, attorneys for Trump issued a cease and desist letter to Bannon threatening legal action. Trump attorney Charles Harder said in a statement: 'This law firm represents President Donald J. Trump and Donald J. Trump for President, Inc. 'On behalf of our clients, legal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon, that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent.' The cease and desist letter reads in part: 'You [Bannon] have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company [the campaign], disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members.' The White House's full-scale attack on Bannon, who was once one of Trump's top advisers, was ripe with personal slights, exposing a dramatic rift between the president and the conservative provocateur who is also the Breitbart News executive chairman. It followed Bannon's comments undercutting the president's eldest son and a suggestion that Donald Trump was involved in the 2016 meeting with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer that Bannon is now quoted as saying should have been reported to the FBI. 'Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party,' Trump said. 'Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look.' Trump said Bannon 'doesn't represent my base, he's only in it for himself' and 'had very little to do' with his victory, but 'everything to do' with the loss of the Alabama Senate seat. The cutting statement went on to say, 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.' Bannon backed losing candidate Roy Moore, who Trump ultimately campaigned for in the special election after claiming the Republican would have a tough time winning the general election and endorsing his primary opponent. Sanders said Wednesday that the loss contributed to the falling out between the president, who last spoke to Bannon sometime in early December. Accusing the president's son of treason is also not a way to 'curry favor' with Trump, she stated, calling the allegation 'ridiculous.' 'I think there are a number of factors that played in,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I would certainly think that going after the president's son and an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way, is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody.' After the press briefing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose wife Callista is U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, walked through a press work space on his way to a Fox News interview. 'Bannon has no contingent,' he told DailyMail.com and another reporter ripping into the former White House aide. 'There's a Trump wing of the Republican Party. There's not a Bannon wing.' The White House had also rejected the notion that feud would weaken Trump's base. 'The base and the people that supported this president supported the president and supported his agenda, those things haven't changed,' Sanders said at her briefing. 'The president still exactly who he was yesterday as he was two years ago when he started out on the campaign trail.' Trump's spokeswoman said, 'Look at all he's accomplished, I think they're pretty happy with where he is.' President Trump had also sought to discredit Bannon, considered to have a played a key role in shaping his own victory. 'Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books,' the president said. The blast came just hours after Bannon was revealed to have called the infamous June 2016 meeting between top Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous.' Further, Bannon expressed certainty that then-candidate Donald Trump would have been made aware of the meeting at the time a claim that, if verified, could play into a collusion narrative being explored by special counsel Robert Mueller. Trump said Bannon 'spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was' Bannon, who held a top role in the campaign, shares his disdain in Michael Wolff's forthcoming book, excerpts of which were published Wednesday, that other top officials went into the Trump Tower meeting blind instead of dispatching a legal team to vet information in a hand-off way and failing to alert authorities of a possible crime. 'Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s***, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately,' Bannon mused. He went after Donald Trump Jr. explicitly for participating, then expressed certainty about what happened next. 'The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office of the 26th floor is zero,' Bannon said, in an excerpt from 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.' 'The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers,' Bannon vented in excerpts in the book obtained by the Guardian The White House issued a separate statement from Sanders before her daily news conference trashing the expose. 'This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House,' Sanders said. 'Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy,' she added. Stephanie Grisham, communications director for Melania Trump, responded to claims in the book that the first lady cried when Trump the election because she never expected him to win. 'The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did,' Grisham said. The book also claims the Trump have separate bedrooms in the White House. NBC News reported Bannon's comment about the chance Donald Trump also met the Russians. Sanders pointed to Trump's previous denials of collusion when it came up at her news conference. Trump Jr. told the House Intelligence Committee during testimony that he did not tell his father about the meeting at the time it took place, the Washington Post reported in December. He told Fox News host Sean Hannity after word of the meeting broke: 'In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently.' He said he did not tell his father about the meeting because nothing came of it. 'It was just a nothing,' the president's son said. 'There was nothing to tell.' Attending the meeting were Donald Trump Jr., Trump son in law and Bannon's White House rival Jared Kushner, and former campaign chair Paul Manafort, who has since been indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges. They met with Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an offer of potential dirt on Hillary Clinton got dangled to Trump Jr. via an email approach. 'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon, a former Naval officer and Goldman Sachs employee who runs Breitbart News, said of the president's eldest son. They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV He laid out how the campaign should have handled such an approach. If any meeting happened, it should have been done 'in a Holiday Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire, with your lawyers who meet with these people'. That would allow information to get 'dump[ed] down to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication,' he said, referencing the Breitbart News site he runs. 'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon said of the president's eldest son, who attended the Trump Tower meeting A picture taken on November 8, 2016 shows Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya speaking during an interview in Moscow Bannon took new shots at his rival Trump son in law Jared Kushner. He predicts special counsel Mueller will go after top officials on money laundering to get to President Trump White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (R) listens to U.S. President Donald Trump at the beginning of a meeting with government cyber security experts in the Roosevelt Room at the White House January 31, 2017 in Washington Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon speaks during the Asahi Shimbun interview on November 16, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan 'You never see it, you never know it, because you don't need to But that's the brain trust that they had,' he said dismissively. Trump named Bannon as chief executive of his campaign in August 2016, two months after the Trump Tower meeting with Russians occurred. Bannon, who says he continues to advise President Trump, also issued predictions about the Mueller probe. 'You realize where this is going,' he said. 'This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Wessman first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to f***ing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr. and Jared Kushner It's as plain as a hair on your face,' he said. According to the Guardian, Bannon insisted that he doesn't know Russians, won't be a witness in the related probes, won't hire a lawyer and won't end up on TV answering questions. Trump Jr. has denied doing anything improper and says he got nothing of value out of the meeting. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges. Kushner's lawyers say he is cooperating with investigators. The book also quotes a friend of President Trump confidant Tom Barrack as having told a friend: ''He's not only crazy, he's stupid.' Two New South Wales men have been arrested in Bali after they were busted climbing the island's intermittently erupting Mt Agung. Indonesian Police arrested Ricky Tonacia, 34, and Jack Dennard, 26, about 10am Thursday - eight hours after they began scaling the volcano. The men reportedly told police they were unaware of the exclusion zone, despite it being widely publicised and the volcano erupting earlier in the week. New South Wales friends Rick Tonacia (left), 34, and Jack Dennard (right), 26, were busted climbing the Bali's intermittently erupting Mt Agung Thursday morning The pair (pictured in the ute tray) were arrested about 10am Thursday at the foot of the mountain - eight hours after they began their trek up the volcano The men reportedly told police they were unaware of the exclusion zone, despite it being widely publicised and the volcano erupting earlier in the week They could face serious penalties for ignoring the warnings, Seven News reports. An eight to 10 kilometre exclusion zone has been enforced since eruptions began in November, and warning signs clearly spell out dangers of climbing the mountain. The police chief from the town of Selat, Sudartawan, recalled how the arrest of the two men unfolded, ABC News reported. 'We went to the gate at border of the no-climbing danger zone, and we met two guides who were waiting for them to come back down from the top,' he said Mr Tonacia (pictured) is a father of one and, according to his social media profile, a former fire and rescue officer The friends could face serious penalties for ignoring the warnings, which police say have been abundantly clear since November An eight to 10 kilometre exclusion zone has been enforced since eruptions began, and warning signs clearly spell out dangers of climbing the mountain Photos taken after the two men were arrested show Mr Dennard appearing to be speaking on this mobile phone via loudspeaker 'The local military chief and I and some volunteers waited for them to come back and when they came back we secured them afterwards at Selat Police Office, to get their statements.' Mr Tonacia is a father of one and, according to his social media profile, a former fire and rescue officer. The pair were reportedly released from police custody and allowed to return to their Canguu accommodation, on the island's south coast. 'We went to the gate at border of the no-climbing danger zone, and we met two guides who were waiting for them to come back down from the top,' The police chief said 'The local military chief and I and some volunteers waited for them to come back and when they came back we secured them afterwards at Selat Police Office, to get their statements' A Virgin Media broadband outage left hundreds of furious customers without internet for hours this morning. The issue began at 7am today and one disgruntled customer slammed the 'ridiculous' service after not being able to get online. A map produced by independent website Down Detector showed the areas where people complained about a lack of internet. Huge parts of the UK including London, Nottingham, Grimsby, Lincoln, Glasgow, Birmingham and Cornwall seemed to be affected. The map was produced by independent website Down Detector and showed the areas where customers had been complaining about a lack of internet service The website had received more than 500 complaints from customers by 8am this morning By 8am today Down Detector had received more than 500 complaints from people who were unable to get online this morning. Their outage tracker records when a service is down after monitoring social media posts relating to a certain issue. It is unclear what has caused the outage but one customer claimed they were told the internet 'could be down for 24 hours'. Furious customer Gego Lego wrote on Twitter: 'How unfortunate that I pay you every month for internet that goes out constantly? 'Fix your service or give me my money back.' Another user added: 'Yet again Virgin is down, becoming a more and more regular occurrence now isn't it! This is ridiculous.' Virgin Media has now confirmed that the issue has been 'resolved' and has apologised to its customers Another customer said: 'After holding for 40mins the agent said that they were told that Virgin internet could be down for 24 hours over a very wide area.' Virgin Media confirmed that the issue has now been resolved and said some parts of the country were affected. A spokesman told MailOnline: 'We were aware of an issue affecting broadband services for some of our customers in Nottingham, Grimsby and Lincoln which has now been resolved. 'We apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused.' A Swedish man in his 70s has been convicted of exposing himself to children after he was caught in the act by a Google Street View camera. The man, who lives near a school, had reportedly been standing on his balcony and shouted at children walking past his address in order to get their attention. Several of the young witnesses told police that the man had exposed his genitals to them on multiple occasions. Caught on camera: The man told a court he never goes out on his balcony during the day, but a Google Street View car snapped him standing there while exposing himself The unnamed assailant initially told a court in Umea, northern Sweden, that it could not possibly be true as he never goes out on his balcony during the day. However, a Google Street View car which takes photographs of addresses for the internet search engine's Maps service happened to drive past as the man was on his balcony. The Street View photo shows him on the balcony, wearing a white top, naked from the waist down, Vasterbottens-Kuriren reports. The man, a pensioner in his 70s who lives near a school in Umea, had reportedly been standing on his balcony exposing his genitals, and shouted at children walking by to get their attention The man has now been found guilty of exposing himself to six victims, a majority of them under 15, between 2014 and 2017. He was convicted on 18 counts of sexual molestation by Umea County Court. He has been given a suspended sentence and heavy fines, and in addition he must pay each of the six victims 5,000 SEK (453) A man who allegedly attacked and killed a DJ at a house party on Christmas Day was a young kickboxer known for having a 'short fuse'. Chris Bradley was allegedly punched in the head by Javen O'Neill at a home in Byron Bay, before he dropped to the ground and died in front of horrified onlookers. O'Neill, 24, has since been charged with the murder of Mr Bradley, a prominent local DJ known by as 'DJ Dad Bod'. The pair knew each other and were Facebook friends. One witness to the alleged attack on the 28-year-old told police the blows sounded 'unlike anything I've ever heard before', the NSW Supreme Court heard on Thursday. Scroll down for video Javen O'Neill (pictured) has been charged with the murder of Chris Bradley, who he allegedly punched at a house party in Byron Bay on Christmas Day Mr Bradley (pictured), a prominent local DJ known by the name 'DJ Dad Bod', knew his alleged attacker and was Facebook friends with him Prosecutor Jason Rafeeq told the court O'Neill was a trained Muay Thai kickboxer with an 'underlying short fuse' and three witnesses, including his girlfriend, said they saw him punch Mr Bradley before he collapsed. The DJ died as a consequence of blunt-force trauma, according to forensic pathologist Professor Timothy Lyons, who performed the post-mortem examination. But O'Neill's lawyer, Dennis Miralis, questioned whether illicit drugs Mr Bradley reportedly consumed that night could have contributed to his death. The lawyer also argued issues with the reliability of witnesses who admitted taking drugs. Mr Miralis said O'Neill's actions after Mr Bradley collapsed suggested he didn't have any intent to murder or cause serious injury. He said O'Neill tried to resuscitate the DJ, saying 'come on, you can do it', and later asked paramedics if Mr Bradley could have died from a punch. However, Justice David Davies said that based on the evidence before him, the Crown's case was reasonably strong. Prosecutors told the NSW Supreme Court that Mr Bradley's (right) alleged attacker was trained as a Muay Thai kickboxer with an 'underlying short fuse' O'Neill was refused bail after Justice Davies approved an application by prosecutors, despite his lawyer suggesting another possible cause of death (Pictured is NSW Supreme Court) The judge said there was evidence O'Neill had anger management issues, was known to binge on alcohol and drugs, and could offend if released on bail. One witness told police the accused was 'a beautiful soul but he has another side to him' while another said: 'He is a big guy and knows how to hit'. O'Neill appeared via video link and was refused bail after Justice Davies approved an application by prosecutors, despite his lawyer suggesting another possible cause of death. The kickboxer, who put his head in his hand after the decision was announced by the Justice, is scheduled to reappear in a Lismore court on January 16. A teenager once named 'The World's Hairiest Girl' has revealed that she has married the 'love of her life' and now chooses to shave her face. Supatra 'Natty' Susuphan, 17, from the Thai capital Bangkok, has been showing off her newly hair-free face on social media in loved-up photos with her new husband. She suffers from an extremely rare genetic condition called Ambras Syndrome, also known as Werewolf Syndrome, which is a form of hypertrichosis which causes excessive body-hair growth. Then and now: Supatra Susuphan when she was named Hairiest Girl in the World in 2010, left, and now as a 17-year-old, right Loved up: Supatra Susuphan, 17, formerly the Hairiest Girl in the World, is posing with her new husband on her social media account Ms Susuphan, who was named the hairiest girl in the world by Guinness World Records in 2010, has thick hair growing over her face, ears, arms, legs and back. Even laser treatment has failed to completely stop the hair growth, and she now regularly shaves her body, her father told local media. Her social media feed suggests she has found happiness with her unnamed husband after she posted: 'You're not just my first love, you're the love of my life.' Ms Susuphan is one of a few dozen known sufferers of Ambras Syndrome to be documented since the Middle Ages. 'Love of my life: The teenager has captioned one of the photos 'You're not just my first love, you're the love of my life' Teenage behaviour: Ms Susuphan poses for a selfie on her social media account last year Before the disease was understood, sufferers were branded 'werewolves', and to this day some are shunned by their communities. But while Ms Susuphan revealed that her condition had sometimes seen her called names including Wolf Girl and Chewbacca at school, her family and friends always had her back. She previously told the Guinness World Records: 'I don't feel any different to anyone else, and I've got lots of friends at school... Being hairy makes me special. Happy families: Ms Susuphan aged 12 with her sister Sukanya, left, her father Sammrueng and mother Somphon Growing up: Ms Susuphan and two of her school friends around the time she won the title 'There were a few people who used to tease me and call me monkey face but they don't do it any more. 'I'm very used to this condition. I can't feel the hair as it has always been like this. I don't feel anything. 'It does sometimes make it difficult to see when it gets long. I hope I will be cured one day.' A murder victim had her throat slashed before being left to die in a pool of her own blood in a suburban street, according to horrified neighbours. Police say the 44-year-old woman, who was wearing a pink coat, was pronounced dead at the scene opposite a nursery school in Ilford, east London, on Wednesday evening. Shocked local residents told how they heard screams and saw blood on the pavement where the woman lay. Part of the suburban street, where homes sell for around 500,000 remained cordoned off today, with a blue forensics tent erected on the pavement. Police today remained in a street where a woman is said to have had her throat cut last night Witnesses said the woman, who they believe was Eastern European, may be a local resident One woman living on the street said her family were told a knife was found in a bin nearby. Another resident Abid Khan, 65, said he saw the woman lying on the pavement at about 7.15pm on Wednesday. The grandfather-of-three said: 'She was lying on the floor, and the blood was pouring on the side of the road. There was a pool of blood on the floor. 'There were a lot of people standing around calling the police. The paramedics turned up and tried to resuscitate her. By that time she was dead. 'A couple of the women said they heard screaming. It was quite loud. There was a lot of screaming going on up there. There's a lot of families here.' The pensioner said he believed the victim was from Eastern Europe. Fahad Khan, 35, who lives a few doors down, said: 'The incident happened just after 7pm. A woman screamed. I think she was Eastern European: Romanian or Polish. 'I saw the body. She had been cut from the neck - slashed across the neck. There was a lot of blood in the street. 'The police came. They covered the body, and then they blocked everything for DNA and forensics.' The 44-year-old victim died in this street in Ilford, east London after suffering stab wounds Police forensics teams were scouring the area last night before a man was arrested today Mr Khan, a security officer who lives with his wife and two children, added: 'This woman lives in the road, I think. She was probably going down to the station or the local shops.' He said he saw two men and a women talking to police officers in the street, who he believes were relatives or friends of the victim. Mr Khan said: 'The woman was crying and screaming. She was in her 30s, she was a relative or a friend. 'As a father, it's very shocking. I feel sorry for the ladies who have children here. There's a nursery opposite. I am scared for the women down here.' Residents in the street said they heard a scream before seeing police and ambulances arrive Another witness told the Evening Standard: 'She just looked like someone who would have been coming home from work. It's shocking.' Police have set up a crime scene just yards from a children's nursery and a nearby high school. A Met Police spokesman said: 'Police were called by London Ambulance Service (LAS) to Norfolk Road, Ilford at 19:09hrs on Wednesday, 3 January following reports of an unresponsive woman in the street. 'Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a 44-year-old woman with serious stab injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 19:16hrs.' Police have said enquiries are ongoing and have appealed to anyone with information The spokesman added: 'Next of kin have been notified but formal identification awaits. A post-mortem examination will be held in due course. 'Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command investigate, led by Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams. 'In the early hours of Thursday, 4 January, a 45-year-old man was arrested by detectives at an address in Newham on suspicion of murder. 'He was taken to an east London police station where he remains at this time. Enquiries are ongoing.' A pensioner is facing up to 14 years in jail today after he mowed down and killed a father who sacrificed his own life to save his nine-year-old daughter. Edward Whalen, 89, who was driving a Kia Picanto during evening rush hour in Wythenshawe, Manchester, ploughed into healthcare worker Paul John at a road junction as the victim was walking hand-in-hand with his youngest child, Angela. Father-of-two Mr John, 47, whose wife works as a nurse at a hospital in South Manchester, pushed Angela out of the way before taking the full brunt of the impact, according to witnesses. Edward Whalen (left, outside court today), 89, mowed down and killed Paul John (right), 47, at a road junction in Wythenshawe, Manchester, as he was walking hand-in-hand with his youngest child, Angela. Mr John, who pushed his daughter out of the way, died two days later Father-of-two Mr John, whose wife works as a nurse at a hospital in South Manchester, took the full brunt of the impact, according to witnesses. Pictured above with his family, including Angela in the white dress He died two days later and, in a final act of selflessness, his organs were donated to save the lives of others. Angela sustained minor cuts and bruises. A woman pushing her two-year-old son in a buggy was also injured in the impact at 5pm on March 14 last year. Whalen, who lives in the Burnage area of Manchester, remained at the scene of the tragedy but was later charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. At Manchester Crown Court yesterday, he was warned he faced jail after he admitted both offences during a brief hearing. He arrived at court wearing a flat cap and winter coat and walked slowly with a slight limp. In the dock, Whalen spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality before entering his pleas. The pensioner strained to hear what was being said, leaned forward from his seat and initially looked confused during proceedings. Mr John, who worked for an NHS trust in Manchester, moved to the city from Kerala in southern India in 2001 and was an active member of St Elizabeth's Roman Catholic Church. His wife, Mini (also pictured, with Angela), works as a staff nurse at Wythenshawe Hospital He will be sentenced on February following the preparation of pre-sentence reports. Whalen was granted unconditional bail and given an interim driving ban but Judge Timothy Smith told him: 'These are very serious offences and the court will have to consider whether it is appropriate to pass a custodial sentence on you. Whalen, of Burnage, Manchester, is now facing up to 14 years in jail 'That will be at the forefront of the court's mind on that occasion. Offences of this nature clearly pass the custodial threshold. You must be expecting to receive a custodial sentence. 'A pre-sentence report must be completed by the date of your sentence. In the meantime you will be disqualified on an interim basis until your sentence is passed.' Mr John, who worked for an NHS trust in Manchester, moved to the city from Kerala in southern India in 2001 and was an active member of St Elizabeth's Roman Catholic Church in Wythenshawe. His wife, Mini, works as a staff nurse at Wythenshawe Hospital. Police were called to the accident scene on Woodhouse Lane at the junction of Hollyhedge Road, Benchill to find Whalen's black Kia Picanto had been involved in a collision Mr John and his daughter - along with Stephanie Kendal, 27, and her two-year-old son. Ambulances attended and Mr John was rushed to an unnamed hospital in a critical condition. Miss Kendal was treated for a broken wrist and her son was uninjured. Officers said Whalen helped police with enquiries and said their thoughts were with Mr John's family - but added they were 'thankful' the other victims of the crash were not more seriously injured. Witnesses reported seeing Mr John desperately push Angela out of the way of the car during the incident. Moments later, the Kia struck Miss Kendal and her son. In a tribute to Mr John last year Sajan Chacko, president of the Manchester Knanaya Catholic Association, said: 'Paul was very involved in church activities, and was a very active member - we are like a family at the church. 'He was a lovely man, he always had a nice smile on his face. He was never rude, and was always very friendly. He was very religious. He spent most of his time with the family, looking after the kids. That was his life. He would go to work, then go back and look after his family.' Police were called to the accident scene on Woodhouse Lane at the junction of Hollyhedge Road, Benchill to find Whalen's black Kia Picanto had been involved in a collision Mr John and his daughter Dominic Hemington, headteacher of St John Fisher and St Thomas More, where Angela is a pupil, said: 'Everyone here in school is deeply saddened at the news of Paul John's death. 'His daughter Angela is a kind and caring little girl, with a lovely family, who we know very well. She has lots of friends here in school and pupils have been making cards and writing prayers. We are continuing to pray for everyone involved at this very sad time.' Sarah Corcoran posted on Facebook said: 'Truly heartbreaking, hope the little girl will grow up to know just what a true hero her daddy was.' Last November, retired textile merchant Philip Bull, 90, was given a suspended sentence after he ran down and killed a couple outside Withington Hospital in Manchester after he pressed on the accelerator instead of the brake in his automatic car. He admitted two counts of causing death by dangerous driving. Recent figures from the RAC Foundation said more than 4million people over the age of 70 have full UK driving licences with almost 200 of them over the age of 100 with a licence. Currently, drivers convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, or death by careless driving while drunk or on drugs, face up to 14 years in jail - but the Ministry of Justice said plans were under way to increase the maximum punishment to life imprisonment - making the offences the equivalent of manslaughter. Cadbury has been accused of short changing customers and wasting packaging after selling a variety box of treats - with just eight biscuits inside. Photos posted on social media show one disgruntled customer opening the Cadbury Biscuit Assortment after receiving it as a gift to find the miserly selection inside. His wife was given the box, which measures eight by eight inches and has an inner tray 1.5inches deep, by one of her pupils at the school where she works before Christmas. Photos posted on social media show one disgruntled customer opening the Cadbury Biscuit Assortment after receiving it as a gift to find the miserly selection inside The husband, from Birmingham, who does not want to be named for fear of embarrassing the pupil, said: 'Cadbury's are quite literally taking the biscuit. 'It was a box given to my wife from one of her pupils at Christmas which was a lovely gesture. 'We saved the biscuits until after Christmas and we sat down with a glass of red wine and thought we'd open it up and tuck in. 'I saw eight biscuits and thought they would be double-stacked. To my amazement it was just one biscuit in each compartment. 'What angered me was the plastic tray inside the box had been built up by at least an inch to make it look like it was deeper than what it actually was. 'Looking at the depth of the box, a customer would think there were lots of biscuits in there. It's not just a waste of packaging but quite misleading to the customer.' His wife was given the box, which measures eight by eight inches and has an inner tray 1.5inches deep, by one of her pupils at the school where she works before Christmas According to website Cadbury Gifts Direct, the box is a '107g Cadbury Biscuit Assortment Box - Cadbury Milk Chocolate Biscuits in seven varieties.' The description, which is incorrect because there are actually eight biscuits in the box, states: 'A scrumptious Cadbury chocolate biscuit selection. 'A Cadbury box with seven biscuit flavours to choose from! 'Chocolate Chip Cookie, Vanilla Crisp, Half Coated Shortie, Milk Triangle, Hazelnut Falvour Crispette, Crunchy Milk Ring and Simply Shortcake.' The husband, from Birmingham, who does not want to be named for fear of embarrassing the pupil, said: 'Cadbury's are quite literally taking the biscuit' Other dissatisfied customers left reviews of the confectionary gift online. One person who left a one-star review on Amazon said: 'I bought this item but didn't realise the picture is all you get - one of each biscuit, there are actually eight biscuits in a box, not what I was expecting.' Twitter user Tom P said: 'Trade descriptions Cadbury! Full-sized box to house eight measly biccies. Sadbury more like!' Cadbury was sold to US giant Kraft Foods for a reported 11.5billion in 2010. It is now part of global snacks business Mondelez. Since the takeover, the company has been accused of betraying the principles of its Quaker founders, including the axing of its commitment to use Fairtrade chocolate. Customers have also complained of changes to the taste of some of Cadbury's most iconic snacks. The company said: 'We are sorry to hear that the consumer was disappointed. 'However, we do not believe our packaging is misleading as the weight of our products is clearly labelled on pack so people can be certain of what they are getting, as is standard across the food industry. 'We are committed to providing great tasting Cadbury biscuits people love, at the best possible value.' China's DiDi Chuxing, the world's largest ride-hailing company, has acquired Brazil's ride-hailing leader 99, the Chinese company announced on Wednesday. Photo shows the logo of car-hailing service Didi Chuxing. [File photo: VCG] While DiDi did not specify the amount for the transaction, Brazilian media placed the figure at around 300 million U.S. dollars. The acquisition comes a year after DiDi bought a "strategic" 10-percent stake in 99, which operates in 500 cities throughout Brazil and is considered to be the homegrown rival to Uber, a U.S. company. "The investment builds upon the deep existing partnership between DiDi and 99 to further accelerate market growth in Latin America and bring more transportation choices to the region's citizens," the company said. DiDi has partnerships with seven "major international players" as part of a global network that serves more than 1,000 cities and reaches over 60 percent of the world population, according to the firm. "Globalization is a top priority for DiDi," company founder and CEO Cheng Wei said of the deal. "With enhanced investments in AI capabilities and smart transportation solutions, we will continue to advance the transformation of global transportation and automotive industries through diversified international operations and partnerships," Cheng added. 99 CEO Peter Fernandez said "we are confident that being part of DiDi Chuxing will vastly enhance our capability to expand our services throughout Brazil to bring critical value to users, drivers and cities." DiDi's market value is estimated at some 56 billion U.S. dollars, since buying out Uber's Chinese operations in 2016, and making other acquisitions. A drunken man who went on an aggressive rant inside an airport terminal after being kicked off his flight has been charged with three offences. The 45-year-old man was booted off his Perth to Brisbane flight on Thursday after the cabin crew on-board judged him to be acting aggressive and in an intoxicated state. Australian Federal Police officers were called to Perth domestic airport after the man was led back into the terminal, where he continued to aggressively abuse officers. A drunken man who went on an aggressive rant inside Perth Domestic Airport (pictured) after being kicked off his flight has been charged with three offences When the man refused to leave the terminal he was arrested and later charged with obstructing a public officer, disorderly behaviour in a public place and trespassing. AFP Acting Manager Aviation, Superintendent Andrew Donoghoe said abusive behaviour would not be tolerated at airports or on aircraft. 'Authorities have zero tolerance for abusive and aggressive behaviour in airports or on aircraft,' Superintendent Donoghoe said. 'We need to treat each other the way we want to be treated, with respect. 'During this peak holiday travel season, with many families travelling, the AFP is urging people to consider their alcohol intake, consider their fellow travelers and consider if their behaviour is appropriate.' The man was bailed and will next appear at the Perth Magistrates Court on 23 January 2018. Advertisement An adorable pup has become the first dog to be dumped in 2018 after its owner bought him online and then became homeless. Eight-week-old mongrel Ronnie was left at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in south London on January 2 after he was given as a Christmas present. The poor pup became the first unwanted pet to be dropped off at the rescue so far this year, after his owner lost their home and was unable to look after him. Ronnie is undergoing medical checks, with Battersea telling MailOnline that the pup is currently staying with staff member Alice Holt, but could be ready for rehoming by next week. Eight-week-old mongrel Ronnie was left at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in south London on January 2 after he was given as a Christmas present The poor pup became the first unwanted pet to be dropped off at the rescue so far this year, after his owner lost their home and was unable to look after him She told MailOnline: 'Ronnie has only been at home with me for one night but he is settling in so well. 'He's so affectionate, even with new people, and loves a cuddle and a fuss. He also loves playing with toys and running around the kitchen. He's such a sweet boy.' Home intake manager Steven Craddock said: 'It doesn't shock any of us that the first dog through our doors in 2018 was bought online. 'Ronnie is just one of many thousands of dogs who will be bought off an unregulated website in the coming months and end up in a home where the owner is unprepared and unable to take proper care of them. 'His new owner did the right thing by bringing him into us where we can look after him and find him a loving new home, which we doubt will take long as he's such a lovely boy. 'However, this doesn't change the fact that he never should have been sold online in the first place. 'We believe he may have been taken from his mother far too young and likely sold by a breeder with absolutely no regard for his welfare. Ronnie is now undergoing assessment at Battersea and will be vaccinated and microchipped before he is ready to go to a loving new home 'It's so easy to sell a dog online and this is one of the biggest challenges that Battersea faces today.' It comes as Battersea launched their In From The Cold fundraising campaign in order to help stray pets this winter. Over 20,000 pets in the UK will be abandoned over the course of this winter, with Battersea Dogs and Cats Home looking after 550 dogs at any given time. Mr Craddock added: 'I'd encourage anyone thinking of welcoming a new pet into their lives to consider rescue over shopping online.' Ronnie is now undergoing assessment at Battersea and will be vaccinated and microchipped before he is ready to go to a loving new home. Meet the lovable dogs and cats looking for a home in 2018 Dogs and cats walk in and out of the Battersea centre everyday, with 2018 proving to be yet another busy for the team in south London. In fact, 899 Staffies alone were left at Battersea in 2016 - 53 per cent more than the next most left breed, mongrels, at 425. Since New Year's Day, the Battersea team have welcomed four more additions - one of which is the young pup Ronnie. Lexi (left) is three-year-old Beagle which arrived at Battersea's sister site in Brands Hatch on Wednesday. Meanwhile, British Shorthair Charlotte (right) was the first cat to arrive at the London Battersea site on New Years Day Charlotte, a British Shorthair, was the first cat to arrive at the London Battersea site on New Years Day. The 5-month-old was sadly being advertised for free online until her owners bought her to the animal shelter. Buddy Bear, a Bengal cat,arrived at the London Battersea site the next day, after his owner could no longer look after him due to having a baby. And then there is Lexi, a three-year-old Beagle which arrived at Battersea's sister site in Brands Hatch on Wednesday. His owners separated and could no longer find the time to look after him. He is is undergoing assessment and medical checks before finding a new home. Buddy Bear, a Bengal cat, arrived at the London Battersea site the next day, after his owner could no longer look after him due to having a baby A puppy born with a cleft lip and palate and a whole host of health problems has defied all the odds to survive. Sasha, a pit bull, was unable to nurse at just a day old, and is facing surgery due to her brain not growing properly. But the puppy has pushed through all the difficulties and has just turned four months old despite only weighing two pounds and is living in a lovely home in Westchester County, New York. When she was born in September, the litter's owner called SNARR Animal Rescue Northeast, a center for animals with special needs in New York. Sasha was unable to nurse at just a day old, and is facing surgery in Westchester, New York. But the pit bull has pushed through all the difficulties and has just turned four months old When Sasha was born in September, the litter's owner called SNARR Animal Rescue Northeast, a center for animals with special needs in New York, in hopes of finding a way to nurse the puppy The rescue center contacted Marie DeMarco, a nurse practitioner who normally looks after cats with special needs, for help with tube feeding the small puppy, who couldn't nurse because of the cleft lip and palate. DeMarco, 46, who runs rescue charity FURRR911, said Sasha now needs life saving surgery. The pit bull also has hydrocephalus and her brain is only about a third the size it should be. She also has difficulty walking, breathing problems and developed a urinary tract infection. In just one day she suffered four seizures before DeMarco rushed her emergency medical treatment. The rescue center contacted Marie DeMarco, a nurse practitioner who normally looks after cats with special needs, for help with tube feeding the small puppy, who couldn't nurse because of the cleft lip and palate. DeMarco, 46, who runs rescue charity FURRR911, said Sasha now needs life saving surgery due to her brain being too small But foster owner DeMarco has hailed the dog a 'miracle' for surviving against all the odds. DeMarco said: 'She's defying all the odds. For her to survive is an absolute miracle. 'She has had medical conditions. She shouldn't be her. But she has shown such an amazing and strong will to live. 'We have had so many people wanting to adopt her. But I've had her since day one - she is in my heart.' At DeMarco's home, Sasha is fed every three or four hours a day, and wears sweaters to stay warm. She also spends time with DeMarco's many foster kittens and cats. Osama bin Hamza bin Laden (pictured), the 12-year-old grandson of 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden was killed in an airstrike, it has been claimed The 12-year-old grandson of 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden was killed in an airstrike, it has been claimed. The child, named Osama like his terrorist grandfather, is believed to have died along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border last year. He was praised for his 'martyrdom' by father Hamza Bin Laden, who jihadis have hailed as the 'heir' to the leadership of al-Qaeda. A letter written by Hamza, whose father was shot dead by a US Navy Seal team in 2011, mourned the death of the 'hero cub' and described his eldest son as 'the grandson of bravery' - adding that he liked to play-act scenes of martyrdom. Further details of his death - including the location of the apparent airstrike - were revealed by the Pan-Arab news website Arabi 21, which cited jihadi sources. But there have been conflicting reports, with some saying he died of illness. The note called 'Letter From Sheikh Mujahid Hamza Bin Laden', was published by Al-Qaeda's propaganda arm, the Global Islamic Media Front, along with a picture image of a young Osama and addressed to the Bin Laden family. It said: 'We console ourselves and you on the martyrdom on the hero cub... the grandson of bravery... our son Osama, may Allah have mercy on him.' The note says that young Osama often play-acted scenes of martyrdom while playing with other children - but it is not known where he lived. In November, Osama bin Laden's 'favourite' son called on Muslims around the world to launch terror attacks on the US for killing his father. The child, also named Osama, was praised for his 'martyrdom' by his father Hamza Bin Laden (pictured), who jihadis have hailed as the 'heir' to the leadership of al-Qaeda A letter written by Hamza, whose father Osama Bin Laden (pictured) was shot dead by a US Navy Seal team in 2011, mourned the death of the 'hero cub' and described his eldest son as 'the grandson of bravery' - adding that he liked to play-act scenes of martyrdom In an audio message, Hamza bin Laden, believed to be around 28, urged Muslims to 'to take revenge on the Americans, the murderers of the Shaykh [Osama bin Laden], specifically on those who participated in this heinous crime.' It came just days after Hamza's wedding video was released, showing the 'Crown Prince of Terror' as an adult for the first time. This was released by the CIA as part of a trove of material recovered during the May 2011 raid that killed the terror group leader at his compound in Pakistan. Until then, the public had only seen childhood photos of Hamza, which have been used as propaganda tools by al Qaeda. It's believed the militants have not released pictures of him as an adult for his own safety. In recent years, he has emerged as the heir to his father's throne and become a prominent member of the terrorist organization. In November, Osama bin Laden's 'favourite' son Hamza (pictured as a child) called on Muslims around the world to launch terror attacks on the US for killing his father Dubbed the 'Crown Prince of Terror', he has purportedly called for terrorist attacks on London, Washington and Paris in an audio message released by Al Qaeda. In January of this year, he was officially designated a terrorist by the United States. The U.S. State Department added him, to its list of global terrorists after confirming he had followed in his father's footsteps to join al Qaeda. Al Qaeda senior leader Ayman al-Zawahiri released a tape in August 2015, claiming that Hamza had joined the group. In the audio message, Hamza himself spoke and called for lone wolf attacks. The Al Qaeda leadership believes there is huge propaganda value in invoking the bin Laden name because it allows them to stake their claim to be the legitimate representative of jihad in the Middle East. In recent years Al Qaeda and its Syrian affiliate, Jabhat al Nusra, have lost territory and fighters to the more dominant ISIS during a long-running mutually destructive conflict. Al Qaeda has also lost key leaders as a result of ISIS assassinations and Coalition bombings. Little children in China have been forced to steal after their parents rented them out to professional criminals for financial profit. Two girls, aged five and eight, were recently caught stealing in shops in Shanghai after their parents leased them out for 50,000 yuan (5,600) a year each, according to a local court. The court has taken away the parents' custody of the girls. The criminal gang has been sent to prison. One of the girls who have been rented to criminals by parents is seen in a store in Shanghai The two girls have been sent back to their hometown in Hunan Province. It's understood that they would carry on with their education in Hunan. According to Chinese news site Kan Kan News, the girls, five-year-old Wang and eight-year-old He, were sent to various shops in the Qingpu district of Shanghai between March and May, 2016. The two children and the criminal gang were caught by policemen in early 2017. The police detained four adult suspects who had ordered the girls to steal: two sisters surnamed Song and their two accomplices. The gang focussed on using children as their tools to commit crimes, said Gao Bin, the assistant to the prosecutor of the Qingpu People's Court, according to Kan Kan. The suspects are said to have ordered the two girls to steal phones and money. After investigation, the court discovered that both Wang and He were previously 'left-over' children. In China, 'left-over' children means those whose parents work in another city, leaving them to live with their grandparents in their hometown. One of the two girls is caught stealing after their parents leased them out to a criminal gang The gang members received a three-and-a-half-year imprisonment by Qingpu People's Court The prosecutor of Qingpu People's Court said the parents received 50,000 yuan (5,679) a year for renting each of the girls to the gang. The court has removed the two children from the custody of their parents. The two main suspects, surnamed Song, were each sentenced three years and six months in prison and given a fine of 10,000 yuan (1,137) for organising juvenile crimes. The penalties for the other two suspects were not reported. Zhu Jie, another assistant of the prosecutor, told Kan Kan News that the two children would continue their studies. Their teachers would closely monitor their behaviour and report regularly to the police. Amber Rudd has fuelled speculation she is planning a bid for the Tory leadership by hiring a stylist employed by Samantha Cameron in Downing Street. The Home Secretary is taking advice from Isabel Spearman, an expert in 'power dressing' who served as a special adviser to Mrs Cameron. Ms Rudd pays privately for Ms Spearman's services and has received advice ahead of important events for the past year, The Times revealed today. Amber Rudd (left at Tory conference and right in Downing Street) has fuelled speculation she is planning a bid for the Tory leadership by hiring a stylist employed by Samantha Cameron in Downing Street The Home Secretary (pictured ahead of the election debate in May) is often seen with distinctive 249 Rock Optika glasses and frequently appears at official events wearing smartly tailored jackets The new hire comes after Ms Rudd employed Lynton Crosby's firm to help her shore up her Hastings and Rye constituency, one of the tightest marginals in the country. Being on track for a significantly improved majority would be crucial to Ms Rudd's hopes in any future contest for the Tory leadership. The Home Secretary - an ally of Theresa May - is not thought to be plotting a move against the Prime Minister but wants to be ready for when she steps down. Ms Spearman is credited with getting Ms Rudd to wear fashionable white Adidas Gazelles trainers. The Home Secretary is often seen with distinctive 249 Rock Optika glasses and frequently appears at official events wearing smartly tailored jackets. Ms Spearman writes a fashion column on workwear in the Daily Telegraph and recent advice included how to copy catwalk trends at work and what to wear to the office Christmas party. She was credited with shifting Mrs Cameron's style from luxury brands to more accessible high street fashion. The adviser was controversially given an OBE by David Cameron in his resignation honours after he quit Downing Street in the aftermath of the EU referendum. The Home Secretary is taking advice from Isabel Spearman (right), an expert in 'power dressing' who served as a special adviser to Samantha Cameron (pictured together in 2011) Ms Rudd is one of a series of contenders for the Tory crown after Mrs May leaves Downing Street. She is seen by some as the leading candidate on the Remain wing of the Conservative Party, likely to face off against contenders including Boris Johnson, Andrea Leadsom or Jacob Rees-Mogg. Ms Rudd held Hastings by just 364 votes at last year's general election, a dramatic slashing of her majority that makes it one of Labour's top target seats. Crosby Textor has been credited with overhauling her social media campaigning to try and shore up the seat, creating viral 'Vote for Rudd' material and boosting Facebook activity. Victoria police have revealed confronting photos of men rioting outside one of Milo Yiannopoulos' conferences during his controversial visit to Australia in December. Thirteen men are wanted over the violent altercation, which erupted in Melbourne after the secret Kensington location was leaked by Yiannopoulos' critics. Left-wing protesters descended onto Stubbs Avenue, in the city's north-west, on the afternoon of December 4 ahead of the right-wing firebrand's speech. Scroll down for video Victoria police have revealed confronting photos of men rioting outside one of Milo Yiannopoulos' (pictured) conferences during his controversial visit to Australia in December Thirteen men are wanted over the violent altercation, which erupted in Melbourne after the secret Kensington location was leaked by Yiannopoulos' critics Police in riot gear were forced to intervene when verbal clashes turned physical between the protesters and Mr Yiannopoulos's supporters. Capsicum spray was used by officers to subdue some of the more violent demonstrators. Dozens of officers erected a battle line in an effort to separate the two protest groups. About 150 people descended on the north-west Melbourne street, which was eventually blocked, to protest against the UK-born political commentator. Dozens of officers erected a battle line in an effort to separate the two protest groups Police in riot gear were forced to intervene when verbal clashes turned physical between the protesters and Mr Yiannopoulos's supporters Protesters could be heard chanting 'Milo is a w**ker' before the clash turned physical. At least 10 men were pictured throwing punches, with several brandishing make-shift weapons including wooden clubs and sticks. Some of the men were later seen holding their heads in hands after police used capsicum spray to separate the brawlers. Milo Yiannopoulos, 33, touched down in Melbourne earlier in the week, for the third leg of his speaking tour. Capsicum spray was used by officers to subdue some of the more violent demonstrators Protesters could be heard chanting 'Milo is a w**ker' before the clash turned physical About 150 people descended on the north-west Melbourne street, which has since been blocked, to protest against the UK-born political commentator The US-based commentator's tour has proven controversial since it kicked off in Adelaide on Friday. The self-confessed 'troll' and 'provocateur', has offended Muslim groups and women's rights acitivists with his controversial opinions. A video of the personality went viral when he told a Muslim presenter he thought all Muslim people should be deported to the Middle East. 'Expel Islam from the West,' he told Australian-born Muslim reporter Emma Eros. 'Anyone who describes themselves as a Muslim, send them back to the Middle East.' Some of the men were later seen holding their heads in hands after police used capsicum spray to separate the brawlers At least 10 men were pictured throwing punches, with several brandishing make-shift weapons including wooden clubs and sticks While he had his critics, Mr Yiannopoulos also attracted a cult following, with supporters praising him for his opinions. Mr Yiannopoulos' first Melbourne event was due to kick off at 6.30pm, with another two scheduled the same night. In disturbing footage taken at the Melbourne demonstration, Yiannopoulos' supporters could be heard yelling racial slurs at Muslim protesters. 'Fit in or f*** off you bunch of little f****ts,' one man yelled through a loud speaker. The supporters positioned themselves across the road from the Muslim protesters and yelled across a busy intersection. The Italian actress who promised oral sex to anyone who voted against the country's Prime Minister has postponed her tour after a dog bit her face. Paola Saulino, 28, vowed to perform a sex act on everyone who voted 'no' in an Italian referendum in 2016. Ever since the no vote won with 59 percent she claims to have been on tour and by March last year Saulino said she had pleasured 400 men. But the Pompa Tour, which translates from Italian to Oral Tour, is on hold after doctors told her to rest her mouth after a dog mauled her. Paola Saulino, 28, vowed to perform a sex act on everyone who voted 'no' in an Italian referendum in 2016 The Italian actress who promised oral sex to anyone who voted against the country's Prime Minister has postponed her tour after a dog bit her face She told The Sun Online: 'Pompa Tour is still going. I mean Pompa Tour actually is my life-style. It's my way to be free. 'The doctor suggested me to not do big movements with my mouth for several months. 'Reducing physical activity of my face helps it heal better, to cure the scar on the inside.' Her face was badly injured when a friend's dog jumped up and bit her in the face as she stroked it on the back at a Halloween party back in October. Saulino's nose was cut as well as her mouth and lips, but doctors have said the wounds on the inside and outside of her mouth will heal in nine months. Once she is healed up, she plans on getting back on the horse to continuing her tour and has said she would like to add a British leg to the trip. Paola Saulino, 27, said she completed the first date of her tour after promised to perform a sex act on everyone who voted no in Italy's referendum She posted a photograph of herself on Instagram on Saturday (left), along with the caption: 'First step of Pompa Tour is gone. A little bit tired, but everthing is okay' Paola Saulino burst onto the scene in 2016, saying she was a 'woman of [her] word' after announcing tour dates in 10 Italian cities in December. She posted a photograph of herself on Instagram along with the caption: 'First step of Pompa Tour is gone. A little bit tired, but everything is okay.' The actress and glamour model added at the time: 'This year is started in a best way as possible.' Saulino, whose Instagram page features a number of suggestive shots, had flown from her home in Los Angeles to begin the first leg of her Pompa Tour. She initially made the promise to perform a sex act on everyone who voted no in Italy's referendum on November 23, before announcing tour dates in December. Ms Saulino said she would be visiting Rome, Florence, Bologna, Verona, Milan, Turin, Naples, Bari, Lecce and Palermo this month for the first leg of her tour, urging people to fill in a booking form if they had voted No. Ever since the no vote won with 59 percent she claims to have been on tour and by March last year Saulino said she had pleasured 400 men. But the Pompa Tour, which is an Italian translation of the word oral, is on hold after doctors told her to rest her mouth after a dog mauled her Some dismissed the tour as a publicity stunt, with several Instagram users asking for 'evidence' that she had kept her promise. However, others defended the actress and told critics to 'stay quiet' if they didn't know - adding that photographs were not permitted to be shared online. Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi had called a referendum on constitutional reforms, which became a vote on confidence in his government. A male wedding guest was kidnapped from an Indian ceremony and forced to marry a woman at gunpoint as her family screamed: 'Shut up - we're only marrying you, not hanging you.' Vinod Kumar had gone to the wedding of his friend in Nalanda district, near Patna in north east India's Bihar state when he was seized by a group of men. The steel engineer was hauled away and 'thrashed' before guns were pointed at his head as the family of a woman he had never met forced him to marry her against his will. A male wedding guest was kidnapped from an Indian ceremony and forced to marry a woman at gunpoint as her family screamed: 'Shut up - we're only marrying you, not hanging you'. He is pictured after being dragged away to meet his new bride Vinod Kumar had gone to the wedding of his friend in Nalanda district, near Patna in north east India's Bihar state when he was seized by a group of men According to Gulf News, relatives of the woman could be heard saying: 'We are only performing your wedding, not hanging you. Why are you crying loudly? Shut up.' They wiped away his tears with their saris as the nuptials were taking place. The ritual is known in the area as 'Pakadua Vivah' or forcible marriage and is quote common in Bihar, Gulf News reports. They are often carried out by families who are looking for suitable grooms but cannot afford heavy dowry costs. The steel engineer was hauled away and 'thrashed' before guns were pointed at his head as the family of a woman he had never met forced him to marry her against his will The junior steel plant engineer said he was not cooperating because he had not had his parents' consent. Moments later a gun was held to his head. He is quoted as saying: 'They (the girl's family) befriended me during the wedding and asked me to step out. They kidnapped me and took me to a home where I was forced to put vermillion in the hair of a girl. I had never seen her and I don't know who she is.' Police have launched a probe into the incident, in Mokama, Patna. A Turkish religious body has come under fire for suggesting that girls as young as nine could marry. An online glossary posted by Turkey's state religious affairs body - effectively headed by Tayyip Erdogan - sparked a public outcry, including calls for an inquiry and the dismantling of the organisation. The glossary of Islamic terms, which has since been removed, defined marriage as an institution that saves a person from adultery and said girls can marry when they reach puberty - as early as aged nine. An online glossary posted by Turkey's state religious affairs body - effectively headed by Tayyip Erdogan (pictured) - sparked a public outcry, including calls for an inquiry and the dismantling of the organisation The main opposition party has asked prosecutors to investigate. The Directorate of Religious Affairs, or Diyanet, has denied approving underage marriages and said the glossary merely interpreted Islamic laws, Hurriyet newspaper reported Thursday. For boys, the minimum age was listed as 12, according to Arab News. Head of the High Commission of Religious Affairs Ekrem Keles today told the Turkish newspaper the minimum age for ta girl to marry was 17 and a boy had to be 18. He said: 'Forget a nine or a 10 year old child marrying, a child at 15 should not marry and should not be married.' Legally Turkish people have to be 18 to get married, although the country's law makes exceptions for 16-year-olds to marry in 'exceptional circumstances'. Turkey's main opposition party the Republican People's Party (CHP) have been quick to criticise the governments approach to child welfare. CHP lawmaker Murat Bakan said underage marriages 'violates children's rights, women's rights and human rights,' He too called for there to be a parliamentary investigation into child marriages after the religious body's publication. A Turkish religious body has come under fire for suggesting that girls as young as nine could marry Diyanet previously caused an uproar by suggesting a father could lust after his daughter in an online fatwa, which was also quickly retracted. In other rulings, the Diyanet has said Muslims cannot marry non-Muslims and that engaged couples cannot be left alone or hold hands. Women's rights groups say underage marriage is widespread despite the laws and accuse authorities of not taking sufficient steps to protect girls from becoming 'child brides.' In 2016, the government scrapped a proposal that critics said would have allowed men accused of statutory rape to go free if they were married to their victims, following similar outrage. Advertisement A historian has shed new light on a little-known series of Victorian murders, from the Earl of Lucan's mistress found stuffed in a cupboard to a family wiped out by a vengeful vagrant. Seven members of the Marshall family were bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer at their home by John Owen in May 1870. Owen mutilated their corpses then donned the father's smartest suit, sauntered out of the house and pawned his goods. Seven members of the Marshall family were bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer at their home by John Owen in May 1870, in one of the grisly stories revealed in a new book. Owen(seen here being captured at a pub in Reading in 1870) mutilated their corpses then donned the father's smartest suit, sauntered out of the house and pawned his goods In April 1872, French widow Marie Caroline Riel was living in plush Park Lane in central London. Intriguingly, she was the long-term mistress of the Earl of Lucan. She was strangled to death by her servant, 29-year-old Marguerite Dixblanc. Pictured is her body being discovered by two women Marguerite(pictured) was caught pilfering from Madame Riel's wine cellar. At this point, Marguerite punched Madame Riel in the face, strangled her to death with a rope and threw the body into a large dustbin. She told the other servant, who was not present during the murder, Madame Riel 'had gone away for a few days' Jan Bondeson has investigated 56 gruesome murders from the era for his new book, Victorian Murders. He also delved deeper into the murder of the Earl of Lucan's mistress by an aggrieved former servant who stuffed her body in the dustbin, drank her finest wine then made off with the cash in her safe. Blacksmith Emmanuel Marshall lived with his wife Charlotte and his four children, as well as his mother and sister, in a humble cottage in Denham, Buckinghamshire. The family was last seen alive at the nearby Uxbridge market on May 21, 1870. Two days later, a woman who was making a wedding dress for Emmanuel's sister Mary came to the family's cottage. Since there was no response when she knocked on the door, she peeped through a window. She was horrified to find the floor of the cottage was drenched with blood and strewn with corpses. Left to their own devices, they drank kegs of beer and vintage bottles of fine from the cellar before Marguerite absconded to Paris, although not before raiding the safe. Police followed Marguerite to Paris and she was caught with some of the stolen money in her luggage. She was extradited to England to face a murder trial at the Old Bailey. Pictured: Madame Riel's body Blacksmith Emmanuel Marshall lived with his wife Charlotte and his four children, as well as his mother and sister, in a humble cottage in Denham, Buckinghamshire. The family was last seen alive at the nearby Uxbridge market on May 21, 1870. Two days later, a woman who was making a wedding dress for Emmanuel's sister Mary came to the family's cottage, where she saw their corpses. Members of the public tried to lynch John Owens when he reached Slough Station(pictured) The cottage(pictured) contained six corpses - Emmanuel's wife, mother and sister, and the three children. They had all been beaten to death with a sledgehammer. Intriguingly, detectives noticed some of Emmanuel's clothes were missing. A murder investigation was launched headed up by Superintendent Thomas Dunham Screaming, she ran to fetch the village constable. The cottage contained six corpses - Emmanuel's wife, mother and sister, and the three children. They had all been beaten to death with a sledgehammer. At first, it was thought Emmanuel might have murdered his family, but a further search found his body in the smithy. His head had been beaten in with a series of powerful blows, just like those of the other victims. Intriguingly, detectives noticed some of Emmanuel's clothes were missing. A murder investigation was launched headed up by Superintendent Thomas Dunham. Officers interviewed neighbours and one woman said she saw a respectably dressed man leaving the cottage the day after the murder who she had initially thought was Emmanuel. The same man was spotted later that day having a drink at the local pub and carrying a canvas bag. The next day, a bricklayer known as Coombes who lived in a lodging house in Uxbridge informed police about a rough-looking fellow lodger he knew only as 'Jack'. This individual had been very poor before the weekend, but flush with money on Monday. 'Jack', who was in fact John Owen, told him he was going to Reading on the 6.45pm train. Police followed him to Reading and took a punt he would be in the Oxford Arms public house in Silver Street, a popular haunt among the homeless. Officers interviewed neighbours of the cottage(pictured) and one woman said she saw a respectably dressed man leaving the cottage the day after the murder who she had initially thought was Emmanuel. The same man was spotted later that day having a drink at the local pub and carrying a canvas bag. The next day, a bricklayer known as Coombes who lived in a lodging house in Uxbridge informed police about a rough-looking fellow lodger he knew only as 'Jack' This individual had been very poor before the weekend, but flush with money on Monday. 'Jack', who was in fact John Owen, told him he was going to Reading on the 6.45pm train. Police followed him to Reading and took a punt he would be in the Oxford Arms public house in Silver Street, a popular haunt among the homeless. Pictured: The cottage in Denham When they entered the pub, Coombes, who had accompanied the officers, pointed out one of the men and exclaimed it was 'Jack'. Owen tried to draw his pistol, which he had taken from the cottage, but it was torn out of his hand and he was captured after a violent struggle. Several items belonging to the Marshalls' were found on him as well as some tickets for the items he had already pawned to get some spending money. Pictured: The cottage in Denham When they entered the pub, Coombes, who had accompanied the officers, pointed out one of the men and exclaimed it was 'Jack'. Owen tried to draw his pistol, which he had taken from the cottage, but it was torn out of his hand and he was captured after a violent struggle. Several items belonging to the Marshalls' were found on him as well as some tickets for the items he had already pawned to get some spending money. It later emerged Owen was a disgraced former blacksmith who had done time for larceny and sheep-rustling. The killings were not random, but motivated by a long held grudge against Emmanuel who had once employed him to mend some wheels. Since Owen, in Emmanuel's estimation, had done the job so badly, he refused to pay him. Police speculated this insult had stuck in his mind and Owen had craved a bloody revenge. Dixblanc, the murder of Madame Riel, was surprisingly spared the death penalty and sentenced instead to 20 years in prison. Pictured is a woodcut showing the case from the murder itself, left and middle, to the servant's confession, right Dixblanc pictured in a woodcut, which were produced for printing in pamphlets and books which sold in their millions during the Victorian age The bodies of the murdered Marshall children and the killer, Owen, who was hanged at Aylesbury Gaol on August 8, 1870 Owen was released from prison two days before the massacre and was heard speaking of a man in Denham who owed him money, adding that if he did not get it he would murder him. When the judge sentenced Owen to death, the vagrant said his only regret was not shooting Supt Dunham as well. Owen was hanged at Aylesbury Gaol on August 8, 1870. In April 1872, French widow Marie Caroline Riel was living in plush Park Lane in central London. Intriguingly, she was the long-term mistress of the Earl of Lucan. She had several servants including 29-year-old Belgian Marguerite Dixblanc, who doubled as her cook. In an angry confrontation, Marguerite was told she would receive just one week's wages, instead of the month's wages she expected. Ten days later, Marguerite returned to Madame Riel's home and was caught pilfering from her wine cellar. At this point, Marguerite punched Madame Riel in the face, strangled her to death with a rope and threw the body into a large dustbin. She told the other servant, who was not present during the murder, Madame Riel 'had gone away for a few days'. Left to their own devices, they drank kegs of beer and vintage bottles of fine from the cellar before Marguerite absconded to Paris, although not before raiding the safe. When the judge sentenced Owen to death, the vagrant(pictured left and right) said his only regret was not shooting Supt Dunham as well. Owen was hanged at Aylesbury Gaol on August 8, 1870 Mr Bondeson, 56, who lives near Edinburgh, has held a life-long fascination with Victorian murders and written several books on the subject. He said: 'Denham is one of the most devastating family massacres in British history and my account of it is the most comprehensive yet.' Pictured are the people involved in the case, including Mr Marshall, top, and the police detectives, bottom Two woodcuts showing Marguerite Dixblanc, left, and Madame Riel, which were produced after the grisly case became headline news Police followed Marguerite to Paris and she was caught with some of the stolen money in her luggage. She was then extradited to England to face a murder trial at the Old Bailey. Surprisingly, she was spared the death penalty and was instead locked up for 20 years. Mr Bondeson, 56, who lives near Edinburgh, has held a life-long fascination with Victorian murders and written several books on the subject. He said: 'Denham is one of the most devastating family massacres in British history and my account of it is the most comprehensive yet. 'It is pretty remarkable to consider it was committed by a tramp because he had a grudge and that was enough for him to murder an entire family. 'They did well to catch him. Had he got the fastest train to London instead of going to the pub he may well have gotten away with it. Marguerite I believe was very lucky to have been executed for her murder. 'Had she been a man I suspect she would have been executed but society at the time was squeamish about putting a woman to death. 'It truly has been fascinating to pour over these old murders.' Victorian Murders by Jan Bondeson is published by Amberley and costs 14.99. France is feared to be plotting a Brexit raid on the UK's 8trillion asset management industry. British negotiators are said to be bracing for an attempt to restrict UK-based fund managers from controlling money held in EU cities like Dublin. Currently so-called 'delegation' rules allow investment staff to be based in London but still be in charge of funds, with around 900billion in Ireland and Luxembourg said to be managed in this way. Toughening the system could push more business towards competitors such as Paris and Frankfurt. Currently so-called 'delegation' rules allow investment staff to be based in London (pictured) but still be in charge of funds in other parts of the EU One member of Theresa May's Brexit told the Financial Times: 'There has been a lot of focus on the impact of Brexit on investment banks, but this is becoming the key issue.' British officials are concerned that French President Emmanuel Macron wants to increase supervision of delegation decisions. Last year Paris-based financial watchdog the European Securities and Markets Authority complained that 'letterbox' entities were being established as vehicles for funds to be managed from outside the EU. Keith Skeoch, co-chief executive of Standard Life Aberdeen, warned 'any changes to the current delegation arrangements, however great or small, will have reverberations around the world'. But others expressed doubt that the EU would force the issue. Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg, who has been a fund manager himself, said changes to 'delegation' rules would be most likely to hurt Ireland and Luxembourg. It would also cause ructions with 'the US, Switzerland and other jurisdictions as well', he told the newspaper. A Treasury spokesman said: 'The UK is the pre-eminent global centre for financial services, and the asset management industry plays a pivotal part. 'We are determined that the UK remains a global hub to this important sector.' Palaniappan Saravanan has now lost his licence with the General Medical Council after being reported to the regulator by the trust, which dismissed him in November A top NHS doctor has been sacked and lost his licence to practice after he was accused of sexually harassing three junior doctors. Dr Palaniappan Saravanan was a consultant cardiologist at the Wirral University Hospital Foundation Trust in Birkenhead, Cheshire until his dismissal in November. Following his dismissal, he was probed by the General Medical Council who stripped him of his licence to practice medicine. According to the Health Service Journal, concerns were raised about the culture inside the hospital's cardiology department. In a report to the General Medical Council, the hospital trust admitted: 'In cardiology, a consultant was dismissed recently for harassment of junior doctors of a sexual nature. Those who knew about this behaviour had not felt able to escalate concerns.' It was alleged Saravanan touched three junior doctors in a sexual nature. He was also accused of bullying and harassment. A spokeswoman for Wirral University Teaching Hospital FT said: 'I can confirm that Dr Saravanan has been dismissed for reasons of gross misconduct, accordingly the matter has been referred to the GMC.' Merseyside Police said no formal complaint had been made against Dr Saravanan. On the GMC website Dr Saravanan is listed as registered without a licence. Dr Saravanan could not be contacted for comment and it is understood that he has now left the UK. The GMC could still take regulatory action against him in his absence although it has not yet announced any investigation Yale professor Dr Bandy X Lee, an expert on violence, believes that President Donald Trump is 'unraveling' and that he poses a 'public health risk' by being in office A Yale University psychiatry professor has met with lawmakers to discuss President Donald Trump's mental health. Dr Bandy X Lee, an expert on violence, believes that the president is 'unraveling' and that he poses a 'public health risk' by being in office. Lee gave a presentation in Congress on why Trump's presidency was an 'emergency' to a group of Democrats and one Republican senator during private meetings on December 5 and 6. 'From a medical perspective, when we see someone unraveling like this, it's an emergency,' Lee told the New York Daily News. 'We've never come so close in my career to this level of catastrophic violence that could be the end of humankind.' She added that psychiatrists are prohibited from diagnosing from afar, but said Trump's behavior is worrying. 'He's very attracted to means of violence as a way of burnishing power,' Lee said, noting the threats and attacks he has made since becoming president. The professor previously edited the book The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President. Lee gave a presentation on why Trump's presidency was an 'emergency' to a group of Democrats and one Republican lawmaker during private meetings on December 5 and 6. Pictured above, Trump with First Lady Melania Trump Lee said lawmakers were 'enthusiastic' to speak with her and her colleagues last month, adding that their 'main concern' was getting Republicans to agree on Trump's behavior. 'What they were saying is that Republicans were also concerned [about Trump's mental health] possibly equally concerned, but as to whether they would act, that was a different question,' she told the Daily News. Earlier this week, several experts mentioned the 25th amendment after Trump tweeted about Kim Jong-un after the North Korean leader threatened a nuclear attack. Trump wrote: 'Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!' Richard Painter, a former ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush said 'This tweet alone is grounds for removal from office under the 25th Amendment'. The Constitution's 25th Amendment created a system for replacing the president and vice president in case of death, removal, resignation or incapacitation. Earlier this week, several experts mentioned the 25th amendment after Trump tweeted about Kim Jong-un after the North Korean leader threatened a nuclear attack The amendment allows the Cabinet to remove a president if physical or mental health impairs him or her from performing the daily duties of the office. It states that, if the vice president 'and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide' declare that the president is unable to perform his duties, the vice president will assume powers as an acting president. The amendment was formed after the assassination of President John F Kennedy in 1963. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended Trump's tweet about Kim on Wednesday, saying Americans should be concerned with the North Korean leader's mental fitness. 'The president and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea,' Sanders said. 'He's made repeated threats, he's tested missiles time and time again for years, and this is a president who's not going to cower down and who's not going to be weak and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do and that is stand up and protect the American people,' she added. A suspected mass overdose of nine backpackers at a rental home in Perth came after what they thought was cocaine turned out to be a travel sickness pill, also commonly used as a date rape drug. Hyoscine, a common prescription medicine, has been identified as the drug that left the nine friends acting like 'zombies', rolling around or unconscious on the floor. Two Frenchmen, aged 22 and 25, are fighting for life in Royal Perth Hospital while a German woman also remains in an induced coma, in a serious but stable condition. Scroll down for video A suspected mass overdose at a home in Perth came after what the victims thought was cocaine turned out to be hyoscine, common in travel sickness pills (pictured) Two Frenchmen, aged 22 and 25, are fighting for life in hospital while a German woman also remains in an induced coma. All other survivors returned home on Wednesday (pictured) Hyoscine can be used as a recreational drug but is considered highly dangerous and is also a favourite of robbers due to it leaving people in a 'zombie-like' state. Authorities say the three backpackers and their friends could have died if not for the chance return home of a resident of the property who then quickly raised the alarm. Three French citizens, as well as a German, Italian and Moroccan, aged from 21 to 25, were also involved in the incident. All have been released from hospital. Some were seen around the house again on Wednesday and Thursday smiling and looking relaxed but did not want to comment. The patients reacted violently to a drug they claimed to believe was cocaine after it arrived as a package in the mail that was not intended for them, but they consumed. Neighbours described a frightening scene in which the delirious young people were wheeled out on stretchers to nine ambulances. Hyoscine can be used as a recreational drug but is considered highly dangerous and is also a favourite of robbers due to it leaving people in a 'zombie-like' state A total of nine people were found unconscious at a home in Perth about midnight on Tuesday. Three French citizens, as well as a German, Italian and Moroccan, aged from 21 to 25, were also involved in the incident All reportedly had 'glassy eyes' and one man was behaving aggressively, punching at the air. They suffered paralysis and were unable to speak, were hallucinating, ill, in a state of agitated delirium and had racing hearts and overheating bodies. He said it was too early to know what permanent organ damage the patients might have suffered. Police acting deputy commissioner Gary Budge said the investigation into the source of the drugs was continuing. Australian Medical Association president Michael Gannon urged people not to 'put anything in their body that you don't know what the contents of it are'. Neighbours described a frightening scene in which the delirious young people were wheeled out of the house (pictured) on stretchers to nine ambulances The large wood-finished home has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a battle-axe driveway that leads to off-street parking He said he did not support pill testing to make drug use safer, saying while it had potential for harm minimisation it was not considered effective currently. 'The criminal gangs that cook up drugs in bathtubs around Australia ... that put in white powder and substances or make things into pills, they are criminal and they do nothing but harm people,' he told reporters. The owners of the Colombo St house are being investigated by the Victoria Park council, due to it apparently being used illegally as a backpacker hostel. Author Michael Wolff, whose forthcoming book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' has thoroughly rattled the Trump administration, says he has one major takeaway from reporting on President Trump's first year in office. Those surrounding Trump at 1600 Pennsylvania think he's not up to the job. 'Hoping for the best, with their personal futures as well as the country's future depending on it, my indelible impression of talking to them and observing them through much of the first year of his presidency, is that they all 100 percent came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job,' Wolff writes in a new op-ed for the Hollywood Reporter, in which he gives a first-hand account of how he did the reporting for his book. President Trump's aides '100 per cent came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job,' wrote author Michael Wolff in the Hollywood Reporter previewing his forthcoming book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' In the Hollywood Reporter, Michael Wolff explained how the book came to be, noting how he spent months holed up on a couch in the West Wing and conducting interviews across the street from the White House at the Hay-Adams Hotel Wolff first explained how the book came to be, pitching it to Trump himself. '"A book?" he responded, losing interest. "I hear a lot of people want to write books," he added, clearly not understanding why anybody would,' Wolff recalled of his conversation with Trump. Author Michael Wolff alleges that White House staffers believe President Trump is incapable of doing his job The president then brought up author Ed Klein, whose books tear into Hillary Clinton. Trump said he thought Klein should write a book about him, according to Wolff, and then gave the author a green-ish light to write his own. 'But sure, Trump seemed to say, knock yourself out,' Wolff recalled. That arrangement allowed Wolff, who regularly writes for the Hollywood Reporter, USA Today and British GQ, to have a sort of 'fly on the wall' status at the White House, where he would hole up on a West Wing couch or beckon high-level staffers across to street for interview at the Hay-Adams Hotel. In this scenario Steve Bannon, Kellyanne Conway, Reince Priebus, Jared Kushner, Sean Spicer, Mike Pence, Gary Cohn, Michael Flynn and then Flynn's replacement H.R. McMaster were 'all neatly accessible.' 'The nature of the comedy, it was soon clear, was that here was a group of ambitious men and women who had reached the pinnacle of power, a high-ranking White House appointment with the punchline that Donald Trump was president,' Wolff wrote. From day one, Trump's aides didn't really know what to do about him, the author captured. 'You can't make this s*** up,' former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer is quoted as saying as he was forced to spend his first minutes behind the podium defending the size of President Trump's inauguration crowd Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway was eventually taken off the airwaves because other top White House aides 'found her militancy idiotic,' the author wrote. 'Even Ivanka and Jared regarded Conway's fulsome defenses as cringeworthy' Spicer is heard muttering, 'You can't make this s*** up,' as he was pressed to get behind the podium of the press briefing room for the first time to defend Trump's inauguration crowd size numbers. Priebus, Trump's original chief of staff and the former Republican National Committee chairman, believed during the transition that he might not be able to stay in the position through inauguration, Wolff reported. Once in the top staffer job at the White House though officially co-leading the team with Bannon Priebus hoped to make it a year. He 'quickly' scaled that goal back to six months. Early on, Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway played the role of Trump's most vehement defender, treating the news media to new terms like 'alternative facts.' Wolff wrote that while the president liked her show, she was pulled off the air by others in the White House who 'found her militancy idiotic.' 'Even Ivanka and Jared regarded Conway's fulsome defenses as cringeworthy,' Wolff wrote. Bannon who the president had a spectacular falling out with yesterday, issuing an official White house statement charging that the former chief strategist had 'lost his mind' tried playing the role of being the adult in the room during his eight-month tenure at Trump's side. Former Chief Strategist Steve Bannon openly told others that President Trump only had a 33.3 per cent chance of weathering his term in office, Wolff said. He believed the president was equally likely to be impeached or resign under threat of the 25th Amendment being invoked Trump staffers were relieved when longtime ex-aide Sam Nunberg (pictured) came out of the woodwork and explained that the president was merely a 'f***ing fool,' the book alleged. Nunberg briefly worked for Trump's presidential campaign and was quickly pushed out 20 MOST JAW-DROPPING CLAIMS IN EXPLOSIVE TRUMP BOOK Steve Bannon described Don Jr's Trump Tower meeting with Russians as 'treasonous and unpatriotic' and thinks he will 'crack like an egg' under the pressure of the Russia investigation Bannon said there's 'zero' chance Donald Trump didn't know about the meeting and said Don Jr likely 'walked them to his father's office' First Lady Melania Trump openly wept on the night her husband won the election - and the tears 'were not of joy' The whole campaign from the top down thought Trump would lose and everyone had planned for defeat, with Trump himself planning a TV network because he would be 'the most famous man in the world' Trump and Melania sleep in separate bedrooms and he demanded a lock on his bedroom door against the wishes of the Secret Service Trump orders McDonald's so he's not poisoned, told staff not to touch his toothbrush and strips his own bedsheets Trump regularly sits in bed eating a cheeseburger at 6.30pm while calling his friends and watching three TVs Rupert Murdoch called Trump a 'f***ing idiot' after a phone call and billionaire backer Tom Barrack said 'he's not only crazy, he's stupid' Trump's aides say he doesn't read and 'for all practical purposes is no more than semi-literate' Trump would try to bed his friends' wives by goading their husbands to cheat while the wife listened in on speakerphone White House Communications Director Hope Hicks dated married Corey Lewandowski and Trump later told her: 'You're the best piece of tail he'll ever have.' The president called acting attorney general Sally Yates a 'c***' after she refused to enforce his immigration ban Sean Spicer, then press secretary, said 'you can't make this s*** up' after his first briefing and went on adopt the phrase as his personal mantra Trump tells the same stories three times in ten minutes and forgot a succession of old friends' names at a Mar-a-Lago party He called Jared Kushner a 'suck-up' and said he should never have let Ivanka and her husband move to Washington Among his verdicts on his staff: Bannon 'looked like s***', Reince Priebus was a midget and Kellyanne Conway was a crybaby Among his staff's verdicts on him: 'dope', 'dumb as s***', 'hopeless idiot', 'just a f***ing fool', 'lost his mind', 'incapable of functioning in his job' Trump wondered what a 'golden shower' was after reading reports about the notorious Russian dossier Trump offered to marry Morning Joe's Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough - and mocked Jared Kushner for saying he'd do it Ivanka Trump jokes with friends about her father's hair secrets: He had a scalp reduction, combs over from the sides, and uses Just for Men badly Advertisement 'Everybody in the West Wing tried, with some panic, to explain him, and, sheepishly, their own reason for being here,' Wolff wrote. 'He's intuitive, he gets it, he has a mind-meld with his base.' 'But there was palpable relief, of an Emperor's New Clothes sort, when longtime Trump staffer Sam Nunberg fired by Trump during the campaign but credited with knowing him better than anyone else came back into the fold and said, widely, "He's just a f***ing fool,"' the author said. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch, Wolff said, made a similar assessment himself. 'What a f***ing moron,' the owner of Fox News Channel said. Staffers and their chronic infighting is also chronicled in the book came to believe that the president wouldn't survive the Russia probe, being helmed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. 'Whatever the substance of the Russia "collusion," Trump, in the estimation of his senior staff, did not have the discipline to navigate a tough investigation, nor the credibility to attract the caliber of lawyers he would need to help him,' Wolff wrote. The 71-year-old Trump's viability was also an issue. 'There was more: Everybody was painfully aware of the increasing pace of his repetitions,' Wolff said, insinuating that the president was suffering from dementia. The president will receive his first White House physical on January 12. 'It used to be inside of 30 minutes he'd repeat, word-for-word and expression-for-expression, the same three stories now it was within 10 minutes,' the author said. 'Indeed, many of his tweets were the product of his repetitions he just couldn't stop saying something.' Wolff outed Bannon for 'openly handicapping' Trump's chances of staying on through his first term at 33.3 per cent. Bannon guessed that the president also had a 33.3 per cent chance of getting impeached and another 33.3 per cent chance of resigning under the pressure of being deemed 'incapacitated' by the vice president and a majority of the cabinet as laid out in the 25th Amendment. Bannon was a major on-the-record source for the book. The author also included this detail: 'At Mar-a-Lago, just before the new year, a heavily made-up Trump failed to recognize a succession of old friends.' 'Happy first anniversary of the Trump administration,' Wolff said, ending his column. The White House has aggressively pushed back against the allegations found in the book, labeling it fiction. In Thursday morning tweets, President Trump revealed that he still believes there was widespread voter fraud despite disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission on Wednesday. 'Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission on Voter Fraud,' Trump tweeted. 'They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D.' Shortly after his election, the president has charged that 'millions' had voted in the 2016 presidential election illegally, which robbed him of winning the popular vote. Scroll down for video President Trump took to Twitter to call for stronger voter identification laws on the heels of closing down his controversial voter fraud commission. He blamed its failure on 'Democrat States' he charged were hiding evidence of widespread voter fraud Complaining over the fact that he had to close down his controversial voter fraud commission, on Thursday President Trump urged states to pass stronger voter ID laws and charged that 'Democrat States' had thwarted the commission, despite knowing people are 'voting illegally' President Trump encouraged states to pass voter ID laws arguing that 'As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do,' except voting 'As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country,' Trump said. 'Push hard for Voter Identification!' The issue of whether voters should have to present a voter ID at the polls tends to be split along party lines with Republicans supporting it and Democrats opposing the state laws, arguing they create a burden on voters especially minorities, who tend to vote Democratic. Trump signed an executive order Wednesday disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to cooperate. Trump convened the commission to investigate the 2016 presidential election, after alleging repeatedly and without evidence that voting fraud cost him the popular vote. Trump won the electoral college. In its official statement, the White House blamed the decision to end the panel on more than a dozen states that have refused to comply with the commission's demand for reams of personal voter data, including names, partial Social Security numbers, voting histories and party affiliations. 'Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action,' White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify Trump's claims of voter fraud. Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Clinton received 2.8 million more votes than Trump nationwide. While there have been isolated cases of voter fraud in the US, past studies have found it to be exceptionally rare. Critics also viewed the commission as part of an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach (above), the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a 'tactical change' and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Trump win, hacking email accounts and spreading false stories. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a 'tactical change' and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently. 'The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks,' Kobach said. 'The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling.' Kobach, a conservative Republican and vocal supporter of tough voter ID laws, alleged Democrats wanted no investigation. 'Their motto is, "Nothing to see here",' he said. One of the members of the commission, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, sued the commission in federal court, alleging it had violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents available to other members, among other charges. Three Democratic senators - Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - had also asked the US Government Accountability Office to investigate the commission, which it agreed to do in October. Kobach said he intends to work closely with DHS and the White House, and expects the bulk of the DHS investigation to be done by midsummer. More than a dozen states, as well as the District of Columbia, had rebuffed the commission's request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimize the idea that voter fraud is widespread. While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls contain outdated data, there is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has impacted election results. Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Voters above cast their ballots at a polling station in Brooklyn on November 8, 2016 A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud. During the commission's first meeting, Trump had questioned the motives of states that refused to comply with the commission's request, suggesting they had something to hide. Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded Wednesday's decision. 'It is no surprise that a commission founded on a lie of widespread voter fraud proved to be a fraud itself,' said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who had refused to comply with the commission's request for voter data. 'No taxpayer dollars should have been wasted on Mr. Trump's voter suppression crusade.' Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, accused the commission of engaging in 'a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonizing the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate - with the not-so-secret goal of making voting harder with unnecessary barriers. 'President Trump has tried and failed to spread his own fake news about voter fraud,' Ho said. A rare medal struck after the Duke of Cumberland's loyalists crushed the Jacobite rebellion in 1746 is tipped to fetch 100,000 at an auction. The Battle of Culloden, in which 1,500 Jacobites were killed while only 50 government troops lost their lives, was the last pitched battle fought on British soil. It was the last of the great Jacobite risings - popular attempts to reinstate a Stuart monarch on the throne of Britain - and was led by Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie or the Young Pretender. The gold medal bears the bust of the duke on one side and a naked Apollo leaning on his bow and pointing to a dragon wounded by his arrow on the other The Battle of Culloden, in which 1,500 Jacobites were killed while only 50 government troops lost their lives, was the last pitched battle fought on British soil After the crushing victory the Duke of Cumberland - also known as 'Butcher' Cumberland because of his harsh suppression of the rebellion - formed the Cumberland Society to commemorate the triumph. Medals were presented to 26 senior officers and one further member was elected to the society every year until the duke's death in 1766. After the crushing victory the Duke of Cumberland formed the Cumberland Society to commemorate the triumph The gold medal bears the bust of the duke on one side and a naked Apollo leaning on his bow and pointing to a dragon wounded by his arrow on the other. Only around 50 medals are believed to have been struck. The society met annually on April 15, which was the duke's birthday, and the eve of the anniversary of Culloden. Members were required to wear their medals both at the reunions and also in battle, with the society pledging to meet the cost of a replacement if it was lost in a battle. Daniel Fearon, consultant at auctioneer Baldwin's of St James's, of London, who are selling the medal, said: 'Fifty or so medals were struck for the society and surprisingly very few of them have survived so this medal is extremely rare. 'You may find a few of them in museums but virtually none are on the private market. 'This medal would be particularly fascinating for anyone interested in Jacobite history. 'It is a beautiful medal with a very good portrait of the Duke of Cumberland.' The auction takes place in New York on January 14. A 24-year-old man was sentenced in Denmark to two years in jail for aggravated manslaughter Thursday for crashing his jet ski into a boat in Copenhagen and killing two American students last year. The Copenhagen City Court said the Danish defendant, who cannot be named under a court order pending a possible appeal by the prosecution, fled after the fatal accident on May 6, 2017, to a suburban harbor where he was arrested. He has admitted steering the jet ski that slammed into a rental boat containing a group of students celebrating the end of their semester in Copenhagen. Justice for students: Leah Bell, 18 (left) and Linsey Malia, 21 (right), lost their lives in May 2017 when a jet ski crashed into their rental boat in Copenhagen, Denmark The 24-year-old operator of the jet ski on Thursday was jailed for two years on a charge of aggravated manslaughter. Pictured: one of the jet skis that were in Copenhagen Harbor on the day os the crash is pulled from the waters Nautical disaster: Malia, Bell and five other students from Study Abroad in Scandinavia had gone on the boating excursion on May 6, 2017 Leah Bell, 18, of Madisonville, Louisiana, and Linsey Malia, 21, of Easton, Massachusetts, were killed in the crash. Malia was a junior at Stonehill College in Massachusetts, majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology. She was supposed to graduate this year. Bell was a junior at Pomona College in Claremont, where she also majored in psychology. They had gone on the boating excursion with five other students from the Copenhagen-based Study Abroad in Scandinavia foundation. The man had denied aggravated manslaughter and told the court he lost control of the jet ski and smashed into the small boat near a bridge in Copenhagen Harbor. Bell (left) was a junior at Pomona College in Claremont, California. Malia (right) was a junior at Stonehill College in Massachusetts, majoring in psychology Students comfort each other at a makeshift memorial near Langebro bridge in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the days after the deadly accident Defense attorney Jane Ranum told Denmark's TV2 the man 'is relieved it is over,' and he has no plans to appeal Thursday's verdict. Seven other people - six men and one woman - also were on trial in the same case but were not charged with aggravated manslaughter. All were given fines for riding jet skis within the city harbor without proper permission. Judge Pia Petersen said the eight people didn't meet beforehand to sail as a group but joined each other as they rode through the harbor. A license to ride a jet ski has become mandatory in Demark following the crash. The government has called for some identification of jet skis, like a registration plate. What a difference a year makes. In his new book Fire and Fury, Michael Wolff writes that President Donald Trump was incredibly eager to officiate the wedding of Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski last January, months before the two were even engaged. President Trump was so excited about the idea that he even volunteered to host the wedding, and made fun of his son-in-law when he offered his services for the ceremony. It is a story Scarborough himself told back in May when he and Brzezinski did get engaged in the South of France, and their relationship with President Trump had deteriorated from cordial to combative. Scroll down for video They do: In his new book Fire and Fury, Michael Wolff reveals that President Donald Trump offered to officiate the wedding of Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough (Morning Joe hosts and President Trump above in March 2016 town hall) Overstepping: When President Trump suggested that they get married, Jared Kushner said: 'I can marry you! Im an internet Unitarian minister' (President trump and Kushner above in December) The Morning Joe hosts were having lunch at Mar-a-Lago in January of last year after being invited down to Palm Beach by the Commander-in-Chief following his first full week in office. The conversation had become a bit heated when Scarborough informed President Trump that he thought the roll-out of his controversial immigration order had been disastrous, prompting the newly inaugurated host to switch topic. 'So what about you guys? Whats going on?' asked President Trump according to an excerpt from the book obtained by Daily Intelligencer, referencing Brzezinski and Scarborough's not-so-secret relationship. 'You should just get married.' That is when Jared Kushner, less than a week into his new role at the White House, jumped in and said: 'I can marry you! Im an internet Unitarian minister.' Kushner's eagerness to join Scarborough and Brzezinski in holy matrimony did not sit well with his father-in-law however, who scoffed at the notion. 'What are you talking about? Why would they want you to marry them when I could marry them?' asked President Trump. 'When they could be married by the president! At Mar-a-Lago!' Scarborough told a very similar version of this story to Vanity Fair four months later after her and Brzezinski did in fact become engaged. He told Vanity Fair that while eating a lunch of fish and scalloped potatoes, the topic of conversation turned at one point to his relationship with Brzezisnki, with President Trump saying the two should have their ceremony at Mar-a-Lago or the White House. 'Thats when Jared interrupted and said, "Hey, you know what? Ive got my license. I could marry you,"' said Scarborough. Scarborough went on to state in the interview that President Trump then said: 'What? What are you talking about? Why would they want you to marry them when I could marry them? When they could be married by the president! At Mar-a-Lago!' It was shortly after this lunch that the relationship between President Trump and the Morning Joe hosts began to fall apart. Things hit a boiling point in June when President Trump tweeted: 'I heard poorly rated @Morning_Joe speaks badly of me (don't watch anymore). Then how come low I.Q. Crazy Mika, along with Psycho Joe, came to Mar-a-Lago 3 nights in a row around New Year's Eve, and insisted on joining me.' He then added: 'She was bleeding badly from a face-lift. I said no!' Palling around: Scarborough previously shared the same story back in May, saying President Trump offered to host at Mar-a-Lago or the White House (President Trump and Scarborough in Iown ahead of the Republican primary in January 2016) Old fiends turned new foes: The MSNBC morning show hosts have been at odds with President Trump ever since that lunch, and said he is no longer invited to the wedding (President Trump above in a March 2016 town hall with the Morning Joe hosts) 20 MOST JAW-DROPPING CLAIMS IN EXPLOSIVE TRUMP BOOK Steve Bannon described Don Jr's Trump Tower meeting with Russians as 'treasonous and unpatriotic' and thinks he will 'crack like an egg' under the pressure of the Russia investigation Bannon said there's 'zero' chance Donald Trump didn't know about the meeting and said Don Jr likely 'walked them to his father's office' First Lady Melania Trump openly wept on the night her husband won the election - and the tears 'were not of joy' The whole campaign from the top down thought Trump would lose and everyone had planned for defeat, with Trump himself planning a TV network because he would be 'the most famous man in the world' Trump and Melania sleep in separate bedrooms and he demanded a lock on his bedroom door against the wishes of the Secret Service Trump orders McDonald's so he's not poisoned, told staff not to touch his toothbrush and strips his own bedsheets Trump regularly sits in bed eating a cheeseburger at 6.30pm while calling his friends and watching three TVs Rupert Murdoch called Trump a 'f***ing idiot' after a phone call and billionaire backer Tom Barrack said 'he's not only crazy, he's stupid' Trump's aides say he doesn't read and 'for all practical purposes is no more than semi-literate' Trump would try to bed his friends' wives by goading their husbands to cheat while the wife listened in on speakerphone White House Communications Director Hope Hicks dated married Corey Lewandowski and Trump later told her: 'You're the best piece of tail he'll ever have.' The president called acting attorney general Sally Yates a 'c***' after she refused to enforce his immigration ban Sean Spicer, then press secretary, said 'you can't make this s*** up' after his first briefing and went on adopt the phrase as his personal mantra Trump tells the same stories three times in ten minutes and forgot a succession of old friends' names at a Mar-a-Lago party He called Jared Kushner a 'suck-up' and said he should never have let Ivanka and her husband move to Washington Among his verdicts on his staff: Bannon 'looked like s***', Reince Priebus was a midget and Kellyanne Conway was a crybaby Among his staff's verdicts on him: 'dope', 'dumb as s***', 'hopeless idiot', 'just a f***ing fool', 'lost his mind', 'incapable of functioning in his job' Trump wondered what a 'golden shower' was after reading reports about the notorious Russian dossier Trump offered to marry Morning Joe's Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough - and mocked Jared Kushner for saying he'd do it Ivanka Trump jokes with friends about her father's hair secrets: He had a scalp reduction, combs over from the sides, and uses Just for Men badly Advertisement The affianced co-hosts recounted shortly after those tweets were posted how President Trump called them up 'screaming' weeks after their Mar-a-Lago lunch, taking issue with Scarborough's treatment of Stephen Miller on their program. 'He said, "I invited you over to lunch and youre so rude! Youre killing this kid!"' Scarborough told New York. He went on to claim that President Trump told him he should have invited Sean Hannity to the lunch. Not to be outdone, Brzezinski told her own salacious tale about a frustrated Ivanka Trump being forced to shout at her father during a White House meeting when he ignored her attempts to discuss woman's issues. Brzezinski said that the 'disturbing' interaction made it clear that the billionaire businessman was 'way too into' being president. At that point the two already believed that President Trump was 'long gone,' with Scarborough claiming that winning the election 'has just amplified as of his insecurities,' a conclusion he came too just hours after the inauguration when he got a phone call from the new Commander-in-Chief. 'I talked to him for three seconds. You know when you talk to somebody and you know theyre gone,' explained Scarborough. Oh, this place is so great!, he recalled the President saying during that call, while also 'talking about the phone system and all the, basically, toys, new toys he had not his words.' Scarborough added: 'I remember getting off the phone really fast and, to Mika, I said, Hes long gone. This is bad.' Brzezinski soon found out first hand she said in the interview. Not a happy camper: President Trump has taken issue with multiple stories in the book, which goes on sale January 9 (above) 'When I spoke to Ivanka that morning, she was like, "Were really going to talk to him about some of these things that I want to do,"' recalled Brzezinski. 'And I was all about supporting anything thats good for empowering women, whether its a Republican as president or a Democrat. Im open to hearing it all.' Ivanka was still months away from actually having a formal position in the White House at the time, but that did not excuse the way her father treated her that day said Brzezinski. She claimed that the First Daughter tried to bring up a discussion of woman's issues, but was ignored by her father, who eventually offered up a 'what?' That eventually resulted in Ivanka shouting out 'Women!' and then 'Woah-men!' for emphasis said Brzezisnki. Ivanka also began drawing the figure of a woman in the air with her fingers to try and help her father. Brzezinski went on to state that President Trump finally responded to his frustrated daughter's outburst by saying: Oh, women. Yeah, honey. Yeah, honey. We can do that.' On top of all this, President Trump also kicked things off that day by asking Brzezinski if she had been to the White House prior to visiting him in the Oval Office earlier that month. Brzezinski explained that she first visited when she was 9 because her father Zbigniew Brzezinski was the national security adviser to former president Jimmy Carter. President Trump tried to bounce back by then saying: 'Well, I bet it was your first time, Joe.' Scarborough informed President Trump that he got the chance to previously visit as well when he served in Congress two decades prior. 'That was pretty much it for both of us,' said Scarborough. And the title of that cover story? Donald Trump Is Not Invited to the Wedding. A man has been trampled and killed by a cow while herding cattle on a farm near the Victorian and New South Wales border. The stock agent passed away aged 58 after suffering fatal injuries on the Georges Creek Road property about 9am Thursday. A police spokeswoman revealed the man had been drafting the large animals inside a set of stockyards before being struck down, The Age reported. A man has been trampled and killed by a cow while herding cattle on a Georges Creek farm near the Victorian and New South Wales border Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer said the man's family had been left devastated by his 'unfortunate' death. 'We dont believe his death is suspicious. We will obtain all the information we can, with the assistance of WorkSafe, and we will prepare a report for the coroner,' Sgt Simpfendorfer said. The tragic death was the second for the state in less than a month, prompting WorkSafe to remind those working in agriculture to not become complacent. 'Year after year we see experienced farmers doing everyday tasks they have done many times before who are getting injured and killed,' Trevor Butler of WorkSafe said. The stock agent passed away aged 58 after suffering fatal injuries on the Georges Creek Road property about 9am Thursday 'It is a stark warning to everyone in the farming community to make safety their number one priority.' The small community of Georges Creek is likely to be affected by the man's death, with it's population just 62 according to 2016 records. People from surrounding properties reportedly visited the scene throughout the day and spoke to crews in attendance. The death comes three weeks after a man was crushed and killed by a bull in Dunkeld, in the state's west, on December 15. A woman who appeared to help her slain co-worker's 11-year-old daughter when tragedy struck by setting up a GoFundMe account which raised $38,000 has been arrested for fraud. Arlene Petty, 30, from Capitol Heights, Maryland has been charged with one count of first-degree fraud by Washington DC police stemming from her use of the account, the Washington Post reported. Petty's co-worker Stephanie Goodloe, a 39-year-old church youth ministry director, was shot to death in her own home near Capitol Hill, in June 2016. Her little girl was asleep in the next room, woke up to four gun shots and saw the man she had called 'Daddy,' Donald Hairston, 49, run past her room before finding her mother's lifeless body in bed. Stephanie Goodloe (pictured), a 39-year-old church youth ministry director, was shot to death in her own home near Capitol Hill, early on a Saturday morning in June 2016; Arlene Petty, 30, from Maryland quickly set up a GoFundMe account for Goodloe's daughter, and is now charged with fraud related to keeping 'the majority of the funds raised for herself' The campaign had collected $38,185 before it was flagged for misuse and temporarily suspended, DC police said in an arrest affidavit. Goodloes cousin, Kim Smith, 47, said the family would be following this case very closely, as it still grapples with proceedings against Hairston, the alleged murderer. 'Along with the murder trial, this is yet another case that the family has to follow so we know that justice has been served,' Smith said. Petty had initially given joint access to the fundraiser to the grandmother of Goodloe's daughter. But on March 29, a relative filed a complaint with GoFundMe, when the grandmother said she had been 'locked out' of the account. The arrest affidavit alleges that Petty transferred to $35,054 of the money from the campaign to a personal account, and that she 'kept the majority of the funds raised for herself.' The affidavit also said that $9,000 of the total money raised had been transferred to the daughter's grandmother. That leaves $26,054 unaccounted for, of the money allegedly transferred to Petty's personal account. DC police did not immediately return a call requesting clarification on the amount of money at issue in relation to Petty's fraud charge. The campaign was created on June 20, 2016, just two days after Goodloe's killing. Goodloe's loved ones thought it was odd that a work colleague had created the GoFundMe page. Smith also could not recall which of Goodloe's multiple jobs Petty knew her cousin from, but when Smith voiced concerns, she was comforted by finding out the fundraising campaign was set up as a joint account with the daughter's grandmother. A memorial was held for Goodloe in Washington, DC on June 29, 2016 Bobby Whithorne, a spokesperson for GoFundMe, told the Post that misuse of the site occurs in 'less than one-tenth of one percent' of all campaigns launched on platform. '[Users are] fully protected and we guarantee the money goes to the right place,' Whithorne said. Whithorne pledged on behalf of the crowdfunding site to work with police and the courts to 'ensure all of the money raised goes to the family.' He added that 'GoFundMe will make a donation to the family' if the courts fail the Goodloes in getting their money back from Petty. Petty was arrested and released from jail over the weekend. Her next hearing in scheduled for January 22 in Washington, DC Superior Court. Petty could not immediately be reached for comment. Hairston, Goodloe's ex-boyfriend and the man her daughter saw in their home on the night she was killed, has been charged in Goodloe's killing. The mother had been granted a restraining order against her ex just two weeks before her death, according to court records. Hairston's trial is scheduled to begin in April. An Ohio grandmother with a history of opioid addiction has been found guilty of charges related to the methadone overdose death of her toddler grandson last year. Norma Carraballo-Vasquez, 46, could receive 11 years in prison after pleading no contest on Wednesday to involuntary manslaughter and child endangering for the death of two-year-old Noah Harvey in March 2017. Carraballo-Vasquez's sentencing is scheduled for January 31. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office ruled that Noah on March 27, 2017, died after ingesting an adult dose of the opiate treatment drug methadone. Guilty: Norma Carraballo-Vasquez, 46 (left), has pleaded no contest to charges in the March 2017 methadone-related death of her two-year-old grandson, Noah Harvey (right) He also had large doses of the allergy medicine Benadryl and the cough medicine Robitussin in his system, reported Cleveland.com. An assistant county prosecutor said the methadone container had a child-proof lid and that Carraballo-Vasquez, a recovering heroin addict who had been taking the drug twice a week, must have left the container open and in reach of her grandson while baby sitting him at her home on West 20th Street in Cleveland. A police report indicated that Noah's mother came home from work to have lunch midday on March 27 and found the toddler 'sad and clingy' and asking her to stay home. Carraballo-Vasquez later texted her daughter saying Noah seemed unwell, as if he was suffering from an ear infection. The mother returned home at 4pm and found her son asleep with his great-grandfather. Carraballo-Vasquez, a recovering heroin addict, was looking after Noah when prosecutors say the toddler somehow ingested an adult dose of methadone, resulting in a fatal overdose When the woman went to check up on Noah at 10pm that night, the woman discovered her son unconscious in his crib. Noah was rushed to MetroHealth Medical Center, then airlifted to a children's hospital where he was pronounced dead the next day. In court, prosecutors said the toddler had three methadone pills in his body. After Wednesday's hearing, Carraballo-Vasquez's daughter told Cleveland.com she wants her son's case to serve as an 'eye-opener' for other parents and urged families to be vigilant about their children's caretakers. Turkey's Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu has stood by his call for police to break the legs of drug dealers who are seen outside schools. He told critics that it was as important to defeat the drug pushers as it was to fight the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and that he was would take full responsibility for his advice to police. 'If a dealer is near a school the police have a duty to break his leg. Do it and blame me. Even if it costs five, 10, 20 years in jail - we'll pay.' Turkey says it at the forefront of the war against drugs and that it is constantly intercepting shipments - like this huge consignment of heroin on the border with Bulgaria in 2014 Turkish anti-drugs officers said that there were in excess of 80,000 drug-related incidents in 2016 The interior minister has compared the threat posed by drugs to that presented by PKK separatists The minister's comments created a storm on social media - while some praised him for his bravery in the fight against drugs, critics said that his words in effect provided police with an execution warrant. One opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) MP has already instigated legal action against Mr Soylu for 'incitement to commit a crime'. But officials have rigorously defended Mr Soylu's comments, arguing that they reflect his determination to eradicate drug abuse. The minister went on to say that the authorities must show the same resolve against drug dealers as they have used against separatist PKK terrorists. 'No one can poison our future. 'What the security officer does is my responsibility.' Mr Soylu said the seizure by the security forces of 20 tonnes of heroin in 2017 had made it a record year for intercepting drug consignments. Deputy Prime Minister Recep Akdaq Expert said on Thursday that more drugs have been seized in Turkey than the whole of Europe. No one can poison our future. 'What the security officer does is my responsibility Drugs trafficking often starts in Afghanistan and reaches Europe via Iran or Turkey, he said. Another trafficking route which starts from the Netherlands and partly from Belgium and Austria and is also targeting Turkey. 'The substances are used by young people who end up in a sorry state on the streets. They are manufactured in the Netherlands, Belgium or Austria and partially Poland,' Mr Akdaq said. 'Please prevent these poisons from being manufactured in your countries.' A 2017 report by the EU's European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction said that drug-related offenders account for about 20% of the Turkish prison population, and their numbers are growing. But at the same time drug abuse rates in Turkey appear to be markedly lower than in more developed European countries. The report says that about 1.5% of youths aged 15-16 have taken drugs at least once. Turkish anti-drugs officers said that there were in excess of 80,000 drug-related incidents in 2016, with nearly 15,000 arrests. Turkish security forces have say they have in addition destroyed marijuana plantations in some south-eastern areas of the country where Kurdish separatists have their powerbase. Turkey has been fighting Kurdish insurgents in the south-east for many years, and has often argued that the PKK itself is involved in drug-trafficking. Marion 'Suge' Knight has accused the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department of listening in on his conversations with his lawyers, according to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com. The former Death Row Records boss is currently jailed and facing charges of murder and attempted murder for running over two men in Compton, California, with his red truck in January 2015. The 52-year-old's trial is slated to begin next week but his legal team filed a motion late last month to the Los Angeles Superior Court claiming disqualified judges granted orders that allowed the prosecution and sheriff's department to listen in on his phone calls. Citing this 'abuse of power', Knight's attorneys are requesting all court orders from early last year to be thrown out because their client would not be receiving a fair trial. Marion 'Suge' Knight has accused the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and prosecution of listening in on his attorney-client privileged conversations in aspect to his upcoming murder trial, which is scheduled to begin next week Knight's lawyers also claim the opposition is using these orders to ruin the relationship between Knight and his fiancee Toi-Lin Kelly (pictured), who has Power of Attorney for Knight According to the court documents, Knight's team claims that the prosecution and sheriff's department were granted these 'eavesdropping' orders by judges who were not qualified to grant them. Knight's calls and jail visits between his lawyers have been reviewed by the opposition since August 2016, the motion claims. The motion states: 'The Prosecution and Sheriffs have secretly listened to every word the undersigned has ever spoken to the Defendant. 'Using void orders from disqualified judges, the Prosecution and Sheriffs currently continue to this day to listen to every word the undersigned speaks to the Defendant and their jail visits, despite attorney-client privilege protections. This abuse of power described herein was set in motion been by the power warranted from these void orders. 'Defendant will suffer continued irreparable harm to his ability to properly defend himself if the present circumstance set forth herein below, are not immediately judicially addressed. 'At the present, the undersigned have NO MEANS of counseling their client without government interference and eavesdropping. ' However, a judge denied the motion to have the orders thrown out, TMZ later reported. The former Death Row Records boss is currently jailed and facing charges of murder and attempted murder for running over two men in Compton, with his red truck in January 2015 The lawyers argue that the judges were disqualified in granting these orders because a judge partially recused himself in Knight's case, which is barred in the State of California. Knight's team also accuse the opposition of using the 'void' orders in their attempt to 'destroy' Knight's 'relationship' with his fiancee Toi-Lin Kelly. Kelly was sentenced to 100 hours of community service in October for selling a video that was sealed evidence in Knight's upcoming murder trial. Kelly pleaded no consent and was ordered to pay $55,000 to the hamburger stand in Compton that provided surveillance video of Knight hitting two men with his truck two years ago. Kelly had sold the video to TMZ for the same amount. Knight has been incarcerated since his February 2015 arrest for running down two men at the burger stand parking lot in Compton, killing businessman and friend Terry Carter and injuring Cle 'Bone' Sloan. Knight's legal team filed a motion in December claiming disqualified judges granted orders that allowed the prosecution and sheriff's department to listen in on his phone calls. Pictured: The scene of the accident where two men were run over Citing this 'abuse of power', Knight's attorneys are requesting all court orders from early last year to be thrown out because their client would not be receiving a fair trial. Pictured: Knight's red truck that was involved in the murder and attempted murder case Carter and Sloan had been working as security on the location set for the NWA biopic movie Straight Outta Compton and earlier in the day got in a dispute with Knight. Knight has pleaded not guilty and claims he accidentally struck Carter as he fled the scene in fear for his life, suspecting an armed ambush. The former rap mogul was charged with murder, attempted murder and two counts of felony hit-and-run in the incident and could face 25 years to life in prison, if convicted. Although behind bars, Knight still talks about his beliefs about what happened to rapper Tupac Shakur, who he was with on September 7, 1996, - the night he obtained his fatal gun shot wounds. The pair, who had earlier attended the Bruce Seldon vs Mike Tyson fight at the MGM Grand were stopped at a red light when a 'bow-tied' assassin opened fire. Tupac was shot four times , twice in the chest, once in the arm and once in the thigh. In April, Knight claimed that his ex-wife and former Death Row Records security chief Reggie White Jr killed Tupac Shakur (pictured together), and insisted he was the real target of the 1996 drive-by He died from his wounds six days later from respiratory failure that led to cardiac arrest with his killer never being identified. In September, Knight told Ice-T and Soledad O'Brien from jail for the Fox special Who shot Biggie and Tupac?, that he believes the rapper could still be alive. He said: 'When Pac died... if he really did, you know. 'I mean when I left that hospital, me and Pac was laughing and joking. So I don't see how someone can turn from doing well to doing bad.' When asked by the incredulous host if he seriously thought the music legend might still be alive, Suge responded: 'I'm gonna tell you with Pac, you never know.' And back in April, Knight claimed that his ex-wife and former Death Row Records security chief Reggie White Jr killed Tupac Shakur, and insisted he was the real target of the 1996 drive-by. SUGE KNIGHT'S RAP SHEET Suge Knight, who is currently facing murder charges, has an arrest record that goes back to 1987 1987: Knight was arrested for domestic violence, allegedly stealing a car, carrying a concealed weapon and attempted murder. 1990: Knight pleaded guilty to two battery charges. 1991: Rumor has it Knight held Vanilla Ice over a balcony to get him to sign over his publishing rights - which he reportedly did. 1992: Charged with assault and battery. 1996: Knight was sent to prison for nearly five years for badly beating a rival with rapper Tupac Shakur at a Las Vegas, Nevada, hotel. The beating came shortly before Shakur suffered fatal gunshot wounds. 1997: Linked to death of Notorious B.I.G. 2002: Knight was jailed for violating his probation by associating with gang members in Los Angeles. 2003: He went back to jail on a parole violation after punching a parking lot attendant outside a Hollywood nightclub. 2005: Knight was shot in the leg during an MTV Video Music Awards pre-party in Miami. No arrests were made. 2006: Death Row Records filed for bankruptcy, and a Los Angeles judge ordered a trustee to take it over because of gross mismanagement. 2009: Knight was hospitalized for treatment of facial injuries following a fight at a hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona. 2013: The rap music figure was arrested on an outstanding warrant and later released after being pulled over for a traffic violation in Los Angeles. 2014: Ahead of the MTV Video Music Awards, Knight was shot six times during an altercation at a Hollywood nightclub at a party hosted by Chris Brown. 2014: Katt Williams and Knight were accused of stealing a camera from a photographer. He pleaded not guilty after being charged with robbery and could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted. 2015: Knight was arrested on suspicion of murder in a hit-and-run wreck that killed a man and injured another. Advertisement Pictured: Motion filed on behalf of Suge Knight claiming that the prosecution and sheriff's department was listening in on his phone calls without his knowledge The White House slapped down speculation that the president is 'unfit' for office on Thursday after anecdotes in a bombshell book about the first year of Donald Trump's presidency raised new questions about the 71-year-old's mental competency. 'It's disgraceful and laughable. If he was unfit he probably wouldn't be sitting there, wouldn't have defeated the most qualified group of candidates the Republican Party has ever seen,' press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. A news report also revealed today that congressional Democrats invited a Yale psychiatrist to provide them with an assessment of president's cognitive state. Author Michael Wolff claimed in a Thursday essay in the Hollywood Reporter that Trump is increasingly forgetful, repeating stories word-for-word inside 10 minutes and failing to recognize old friends. The essay is based on his explosive book, Fire and Fury, and includes other material. To hide his failings from the public, Wolff claims the White House hatched a plan last fall to have interviewers submit their questions beforehand. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO To hide his failings from the public, Michael Wolff claims White House Communications Director Hope Hicks (left) hatched a plan last fall to have interviewers submit their questions to President Trump beforehand. They're seen aboard Air Force One in November From erratic tweeting to slurred speech, Trump's mental state has continually been questioned by Democrats, some of whom are trying to impeach him. 'Morning Joe' host Joe Scarborough also assessed after a set of recent incidents that Trump appears to be suffering from dementia. Retiring Sen. Bob Corker also drew blood in August when he asserted that Trump has not shown the 'stability nor some of the competence' that's necessary for him to be successful in his position. Wolff delivered another blow to the president when said in a Thursday column of the Trump White House, 'Everybody was painfully aware of the increasing pace of his repetitions. It used to be inside of 30 minutes he'd repeat, word-for-word and expression-for-expression, the same three stories now it was within 10 minutes. Indeed, many of his tweets were the product of his repetitions he just couldn't stop saying something.' 'At Mar-a-Lago, just before the new year, a heavily made-up Trump failed to recognize a succession of old friends,' Wolff writes. The author, who says he was provided widespread access to the White House after running his book pitch by Trump himself, says the president's advisors and family 'all 100 percent came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job' within months of Trump taking office. Michael Wolff claimed in a Thursday essay in the Hollywood Reporter that Trump is increasingly forgetful, repeating stories word-for-word inside 10 minutes and failing to recognized old friends. He's seen on NYE at his Palm Beach resort celebrating the holiday with friends White House Communications Director Hope Hicks is especially 'attentive to his lapses and repetitions' and 'urged him to forgo an interview that was set to open the fall season' of '60 Minutes, 'he claims. That is how Fox News' Sean Hannity landed an Oct. 12 interview with Trump. Wolff says White House insiders told him that Hannity offered to 'supply the questions beforehand,' setting a new standard in the Trump administration. 'Indeed, the plan was to have all interviewers going forward provide the questions,' Wolff wrote in the Hollywood Reporter, which employs him as a columnist. Hannity disputed this claim through a spokesperson, telling DailyMail.com: 'I never provided questions ahead of time to President Trump and never said I was going to quit my longtime, successful TV and radio career to work for his administration. As copy from Wolff's unreleased book circulated on Wednesday, a fresh inquiry was raised about Trump's mental stability following a tweet the president sent needling North Korea's 33-year-old tyrant. Kim had said that he has a 'nuclear button' that can launch missiles capable of hitting targets anywhere in the U.S. 'Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!' Trump on Tuesday evening responded. 20 MOST JAW-DROPPING CLAIMS IN EXPLOSIVE TRUMP BOOK Steve Bannon described Don Jr's Trump Tower meeting with Russians as 'treasonous and unpatriotic' and thinks he will 'crack like an egg' under the pressure of the Russia investigation Bannon said there's 'zero' chance Donald Trump didn't know about the meeting and said Don Jr likely 'walked them to his father's office' First Lady Melania Trump openly wept on the night her husband won the election - and the tears 'were not of joy' The whole campaign from the top down thought Trump would lose and everyone had planned for defeat, with Trump himself planning a TV network because he would be 'the most famous man in the world' Trump and Melania sleep in separate bedrooms and he demanded a lock on his bedroom door against the wishes of the Secret Service Trump orders McDonald's so he's not poisoned, told staff not to touch his toothbrush and strips his own bedsheets Trump regularly sits in bed eating a cheeseburger at 6.30pm while calling his friends and watching three TVs Rupert Murdoch called Trump a 'f***ing idiot' after a phone call and billionaire backer Tom Barrack said 'he's not only crazy, he's stupid' Trump's aides say he doesn't read and 'for all practical purposes is no more than semi-literate' Trump would try to bed his friends' wives by goading their husbands to cheat while the wife listened in on speakerphone White House Communications Director Hope Hicks dated married Corey Lewandowski and Trump later told her: 'You're the best piece of tail he'll ever have.' The president called acting attorney general Sally Yates a 'c***' after she refused to enforce his immigration ban Sean Spicer, then press secretary, said 'you can't make this s*** up' after his first briefing and went on adopt the phrase as his personal mantra Trump tells the same stories three times in ten minutes and forgot a succession of old friends' names at a Mar-a-Lago party He called Jared Kushner a 'suck-up' and said he should never have let Ivanka and her husband move to Washington Among his verdicts on his staff: Bannon 'looked like s***', Reince Priebus was a midget and Kellyanne Conway was a crybaby Among his staff's verdicts on him: 'dope', 'dumb as s***', 'hopeless idiot', 'just a f***ing fool', 'lost his mind', 'incapable of functioning in his job' Trump wondered what a 'golden shower' was after reading reports about the notorious Russian dossier Trump offered to marry Morning Joe's Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough - and mocked Jared Kushner for saying he'd do it Ivanka Trump jokes with friends about her father's hair secrets: He had a scalp reduction, combs over from the sides, and uses Just for Men badly Advertisement Kim's New Year address also included a warning to the US that he has a 'nuclear button' on his table, prompting a furious response from President Trump via Twitter (above_ NBC White House Correspondent Peter Alexander subsequently asked the White House if Americans should be 'concerned about the presidents mental fitness.' 'I think the President and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea,' Trump spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders fired back. Swatting the line of questioning down at the televised news conference, Sanders said: 'This is a President whos not going to cower down and hes not going to be weak, and is going to make sure that he does what hes promised to do, and thats stand up and protect the American people.' Asked about Trump's mental state again on Thursday, Sanders said, 'This is an incredibly strong and good leader that's why we've had such a successful 2017 and why we're going to continue to do great things as we move forward in this administration.' More than a dozen Democrats and one Republican senator were briefed last month by a Yale psychiatrist, Politico revealed on Thursday. Trump's tweets were the impetus. 'We feel that the rush of tweeting is an indication of his falling apart under stress. Trump is going to get worse and will become uncontainable with the pressures of the presidency,' Democratic Congresswoman Barbara Lee told the publication. Scarborugh, an ex-Republican congressman who now co-hosts an MSNBC program, has also evaluated Trump's durability. Noting that the president has demonstrated cognitive interruptions similar to the behavior he has observed in his own mother, Scarborough said during a December show, 'Unfortunately in the case of my mother, I can move that to the side and I am totally fine with that. 'In this case, Donald Trump has control of nuclear weapons,' the former Republican congressman added. On another program, Scarborough said Trump is in the 'early stages of dementia.' 'Everybody around Donald Trump knows hes not stable. Everybody around Donald Trump knows hes not stable now. Everybody,' Scarborough stated. Mohammed Sangak, 31, was said to be 'at the heart' of an operation which saw 87 illegal immigrants being smuggled into the UK has been stripped of his luxury cars and cash A human trafficker said to be 'at the heart' of an operation which saw 87 illegal immigrants being smuggled into the UK has been stripped of his luxury cars and cash. Iraqi Kurd Mohammed Sangak, himself a former asylum seeker, was described as the prime organiser and 'driving force' of seven people-smuggling trips across the Channel. The immigrants originated from China, Kurdistan, Vietnam, Iran and Iraq, and were hidden among van loads of second-hand furniture, mattresses and tyres after being picked up by the gang in Dunkirk, France. Details of how much money was paid by the desperate refugees were not revealed when 31-year-old Sangak was jailed last year for 10 years after admitting conspiracy to breach UK immigration laws. But on Tuesday a court ruled the one-time health and bodybuilding magazine model had pocketed 298,863. However, a judge was told at the confiscation hearing his assets available to be seized totalled just over a third of that amount. These include a Range Rover worth 70,000, a Mercedes valued at 30,000, and 4,976 in cash. Sangak was therefore ordered to pay 104,976 within three months, or serve a further 18 months behind bars in default. Maidstone Crown Court in Kent heard in April last year that 15 illegal entrants, including three children, were discovered secreted in a void among a pile of mattresses after border control officers at the Channel Tunnel spotted condensation on a van roof. Others were found as they were smuggled through Dover Docks in Kent. Last year Sangak was jailed for 10 years along with other members of his gang, but he has since been ordered to pay back nearly 105,000. Gang members included Marcus Shorter (left) and Nicodin Ardelean (right) Prosecutor Edmund Fowler told the court Sangak was responsible for overseeing the general operation and involved in every one of the seven smuggling trips carried out between May and December 2015. On one occasion he paid 2,500 to one driver to bring in a secret 'load'. Sangak, formerly from St Mary's Island in Chatham, Kent, was also convicted last year of involvement in a 'cash for crash' insurance fraud, said to have netted him almost half a million pounds. He organised the necessary paperwork in relation to 21 'staged or invented' crashes which resulted in substantial payouts running into thousands of pounds to cover vehicle damage, personal injury, medical costs and solicitors' fees. However, the prosecution said this number was just 'the tip of the iceberg' as hundreds of driving licences, passports, MOT certificates and hand-drawn maps of accident locations were found at his home. He was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud between December 15, 2011 and April 1, 2015. Judge Philip St. John-Stevens said at Sangak's sentencing hearing that both conspiracies were so serious that consecutive jail terms of eight years for human trafficking and two years for the fraud had to be imposed. He told the father of one: 'It is clear to everyone that individuals trafficked into this country may well be, and often are, vulnerable and can be preyed upon by criminal organisations,' said the judge. 'Often the way they are conveyed into this country is fraught with danger, hidden behind cover loads that in itself is a dangerous enterprise. 'In addition to the position of vulnerability of the individual is the issue of national security. Given the present climate we live in, to facilitate individuals into this country who avoid border controls or official scrutiny has the potential of undermining or at least compromising national security and the seriousness of that cannot be underplayed. 'You were responsible for overseeing the operation. You were a prime organiser. There was significant financial gain for yourself and there was a significant and sophisticated degree of planning given the numbers involved.' It is not known if confiscation proceedings are to be held in relation to the fraud as all his assets have now been seized. Sangak, the leader of the gang, owns a Range Rover worth 70,000, a Mercedes valued at 30,000, and 4,976 in cash. He will have to sell these to pay the courts. John William Newitt, 35, (left) and Adam Dunning, 29, (right) were also gang members who pleaded guilty The court heard Sangak, who is also known as Rameo Mohammed, was granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK after he fled his home in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, in 2001. His family was said to be in danger as his father worked for the government. But Sangak was the only one who left, travelling alone to the UK across five countries in six months via boat, car and lorry, at the age of 14. He was placed in foster care and said to be 'indebted' to the family who cared for him. However, the court heard he has amassed 11 other previous convictions for 16 offences including battery and possessing drugs. Four other men involved in the human trafficking operation were jailed for a total of more than 14 years at the same court in November 2016. One was a Romanian national wanted on a European arrest warrant in respect of a six-year prison sentence in his home country imposed in 2009 for 'participation in a criminal organisation'. Sentences of the four ranged from two-and-a-half years to four years and nine months. Another two men involved were jailed at Canterbury Crown Court for three years and two years four months respectively. Two gang members were each jailed in France for a year. Two women were handed suspended sentences. Ukip leader Henry Boltons new lover dated the cousin of Pink Floyd star Dave Gilmour and contacted him on Facebook because of his family name, his friends claim. Jo Marney, 29, is understood to have been in a relationship with Patrick Gilmour from the middle of 2016 until they broke up acrimoniously last summer. Friends told Mail Online she initially made contact with Patrick, who lives in Australia, via Facebook and was desperate to meet his famous musician cousin. Jo Marney, the new lover of Ukip leader Henry Bolton, dated Patrick Gilmour (above) - cousin of Pink Floyd star Dave Gilmour - as friends claim she contacted him because of his name The 29-year-old (with Henry Bolton today) is understood to have been in a relationship with Patrick Gilmour from the middle of 2016 until they broke up acrimoniously last summer Friends told MailOnline Miss Marney initially made contact with Patrick via Facebook and was desperate to meet his famous musician cousin Dave Gilmour (above) After they broke up, Miss Marney used her connection to the celebrity family to score one-upmanship online. Pictured: Patrick with his famous cousin Dave Gilmour Miss Marney took to Facebook to highlight her links to the Gilmour family and claimed to live in a world surrounded by celebrity Both Miss Marney and Patrick posted a series of romantic pictures on social media. In several images the couple are kissing, while in others Miss Marney is wearing Patrick's distinctive skull scarf. After they broke up, Miss Marney used her connection to the celebrity family to score one-upmanship with music manager Chip Latham online. 'It's really not that impressive to me mate...' she wrote. 'My ex is a Gilmour. I come from a world of famous people.' When approached by MailOnline, Patrick refused to comment on the relationship. Friends of the former couple said they struck up a relationship with after she contacted him via Facebook in March 2016. They claimed she initially tried to connect with Matt Gilmour - son of Dave Gilmour - before getting in touch with Patrick online. She spent months trying to get him to visit the UK from Australia so she could meet Dave,' the source said. 'For nearly a year she begged him to introduce her, dragging him around on the two occasions where he came to see her in October 2016 and in May last year. Both Miss Marney and Patrick posted a series of romantic pictures on social media. Friends say she encouraged Patrick to dye his hair in order to look more like the pop star Sting and took an keen interest in his appearance In several images the couple are kissing, while in others Miss Marney is wearing Patrick's distinctive skull scarf. Patrick has refused to comment on the relationship Friends of the former couple said they struck up a relationship with after she contacted him via Facebook in March 2016. Pictured: With Henry Bolton today in Kent They claimed Miss Marney (pictured with Tom Jones) initially tried to connect with Matt Gilmour - son of Dave Gilmour - before getting in touch with Patrick online She then made claims about her association with the music icon David Gilmour. She met David and then they eventually split in July this year. Friends say she encouraged Patrick to dye his hair in order to look more like the pop star Sting and took a keen interest in his appearance. The relationship broke down, it is claimed, when the self-styled 'bad girl of Brexit' started seeing someone else. They said: Shes attracted to power and self-gain. She told Patrick that they would probably marry and had a future together and that shed never felt like that about anyone else before. And they hadnt even met then.' Miss Marney, who has modelled at London Fashion Week, was revealed this week to be in a relationship with the Ukip leader. The relationship broke down, it is claimed, when the self-styled 'bad girl of Brexit' started seeing someone else. Pictured: Miss Marney and Mr Bolton enjoying a Boxing Day drink Miss Marney took to Facebook this morning to defend her relationship with Mr Bolton. She has also caused outrage by describing Grenfell Tower - where 71 people died last summer - as a nest of illegal immigrants Mr Bolton, the twice wed ex-Army captain, 54, who has separated from his wife Tatiana (above) and mother of his two young children, emerged from Miss Marney's family home this morning Mr Bolton, the twice wed ex-Army captain, 54, who has separated from his wife Tatiana and mother of his two young children, emerged from Miss Marney's family home this morning. Miss Marney took to Facebook this morning to defend her relationship with Mr Bolton. She has also caused outrage by describing Grenfell Tower - where 71 people died last summer - as a nest of illegal immigrants and saying that more than 50 of movie mogul Harvey Weinsteins rape and sex assault allegation victims are whinging little divas. Arsonists have been caught on camera as they set fire to a pizza shop in Perth's north, CCTV footage shows. Police are appealing for public help to find the arsonists who set alight the Market City Shopping Centre in Ballajura shortly before 4.30am on December 2. The blaze tore through a pizza shop before spreading to the Chinese restaurant next door, leaving a $500,000 damage bill. Arsonists have been caught on camera as they set fire to a pizza shop in Perth's north, CCTV footage shows Footage shows the crooks splashing liquid through what appears to be a kitchen, before attacking the floor and tables in the neighbouring dining area. Chemical-fueled flames are then seen surging through the establishment after the the brazen arsonists flee the area. Rewards of up to $50,000 are on offer for information leading to an arson conviction. Anyone with information or who saw or heard anything suspicious near the Market City Shopping Centre between midnight and 4.30am on December 2 should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au. Chemical-fueled flames are then seen surging through the establishment after the the brazen arsonists flee the area President Donald Trump issued an extraordinary statement bashing former top advisor Steve Bannon after the president's longtime consigliere was quoted trashing Donald Trump Jr. and claiming his father would have immediately been made aware of an infamous Trump Tower meeting with Russians. Bannon claimed a Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer, supposedly to obtain unflattering information about Hillary Clinton, was 'treasonous' and 'unpatriotic,' prompting an unprecedented brushback of the former White House aide from the president. 'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency,' Trump said in a statement provided by the White House that torches his former chief strategist. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.' Trump's press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then told reporters that the president was 'furious' and 'disgusted' by Bannon's assault on the president's son and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who also attended the Trump Tower meeting. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Former White House strategist Stephen Bannon has termed a June 2016 meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous' in a forthcoming book about the Trump White House The White House's full-scale attack on Bannon, who was once one of Trump's top advisers, was ripe with personal slights, exposing a dramatic rift between the president and the conservative provocateur who is also the Breitbart News executive chairman. It followed Bannon's comments undercutting the president's eldest son and a suggestion that Donald Trump was involved in the 2016 meeting with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer that Bannon is now quoted as saying should have been reported to the FBI. 'Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination by defeating seventeen candidates, often described as the most talented field ever assembled in the Republican Party,' Trump said. 'Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look.' Trump said Bannon 'doesn't represent my base, he's only in it for himself' and 'had very little to do' with his victory, but 'everything to do' with the loss of the Alabama Senate seat. The cutting statement went on to say, 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.' Bannon backed losing candidate Roy Moore, who Trump ultimately campaigned for in the special election after claiming the Republican would have a tough time winning the general election and endorsing his primary opponent. Sanders said Wednesday that the loss contributed to the falling out between the president, who last spoke to Bannon sometime in early December. Accusing the president's son of treason is also not a way to 'curry favor' with Trump, she stated, calling the allegation 'ridiculous.' 'I think there are a number of factors that played in,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I would certainly think that going after the president's son and an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way, is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody.' Steve Bannon, chairman of Breitbart News Network LLC, speaks during a campaign rally for Roy Moore, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate from Alabama After the press briefing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose wife Callista is U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, walked through a press work space on his way to a Fox News interview. 'Bannon has no contingent,' he told DailyMail.com and another reporter ripping into the former White House aide. 'There's a Trump wing of the Republican Party. There's not a Bannon wing.' The White House had also rejected the notion that feud would weaken Trump's base. 'The base and the people that supported this president supported the president and supported his agenda, those things haven't changed,' Sanders said at her briefing. 'The president still exactly who he was yesterday as he was two years ago when he started out on the campaign trail.' Trump's spokeswoman said, 'Look at all he's accomplished, I think they're pretty happy with where he is.' President Trump had also sought to discredit Bannon, considered to have a played a key role in shaping his own victory. 'Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books,' the president said. The blast came just hours after Bannon was revealed to have called the infamous June 2016 meeting between top Trump campaign officials and Russians 'treasonous.' Further, Bannon expressed certainty that then-candidate Donald Trump would have been made aware of the meeting at the time a claim that, if verified, could play into a collusion narrative being explored by special counsel Robert Mueller. Trump said Bannon 'spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was' Bannon, who held a top role in the campaign, shares his disdain in Michael Wolff's forthcoming book, excerpts of which were published Wednesday, that other top officials went into the Trump Tower meeting blind instead of dispatching a legal team to vet information in a hand-off way and failing to alert authorities of a possible crime. 'Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s***, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately,' Bannon mused. He went after Donald Trump Jr. explicitly for participating, then expressed certainty about what happened next. 'The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office of the 26th floor is zero,' Bannon said, in an excerpt from 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.' 'The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers,' Bannon vented in excerpts in the book obtained by the Guardian The White House issued a separate statement from Sanders before her daily news conference trashing the expose. 'This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House,' Sanders said. 'Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy,' she added. Stephanie Grisham, communications director for Melania Trump, responded to claims in the book that the first lady cried when Trump the election because she never expected him to win. 'The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did,' Grisham said. The book also claims the Trump have separate bedrooms in the White House. NBC News reported Bannon's comment about the chance Donald Trump also met the Russians. Sanders pointed to Trump's previous denials of collusion when it came up at her news conference. Trump Jr. told the House Intelligence Committee during testimony that he did not tell his father about the meeting at the time it took place, the Washington Post reported in December. He told Fox News host Sean Hannity after word of the meeting broke: 'In retrospect, I probably would have done things a little differently.' He said he did not tell his father about the meeting because nothing came of it. 'It was just a nothing,' the president's son said. 'There was nothing to tell.' Attending the meeting were Donald Trump Jr., Trump son in law and Bannon's White House rival Jared Kushner, and former campaign chair Paul Manafort, who has since been indicted on money laundering and conspiracy charges. They met with Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an offer of potential dirt on Hillary Clinton got dangled to Trump Jr. via an email approach. 'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon, a former Naval officer and Goldman Sachs employee who runs Breitbart News, said of the president's eldest son. They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV He laid out how the campaign should have handled such an approach. If any meeting happened, it should have been done 'in a Holiday Inn in Manchester, New Hampshire, with your lawyers who meet with these people'. That would allow information to get 'dump[ed] down to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication,' he said, referencing the Breitbart News site he runs. 'They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV,' Bannon said of the president's eldest son, who attended the Trump Tower meeting A picture taken on November 8, 2016 shows Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya speaking during an interview in Moscow Bannon took new shots at his rival Trump son in law Jared Kushner. He predicts special counsel Mueller will go after top officials on money laundering to get to President Trump White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon (R) listens to U.S. President Donald Trump at the beginning of a meeting with government cyber security experts in the Roosevelt Room at the White House January 31, 2017 in Washington Former White House Chief Strategist Stephen Bannon speaks during the Asahi Shimbun interview on November 16, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan 'You never see it, you never know it, because you don't need to But that's the brain trust that they had,' he said dismissively. Trump named Bannon as chief executive of his campaign in August 2016, two months after the Trump Tower meeting with Russians occurred. Bannon, who says he continues to advise President Trump, also issued predictions about the Mueller probe. 'You realize where this is going,' he said. 'This is all about money laundering. Mueller chose [senior prosecutor Andrew] Wessman first and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to f***ing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr. and Jared Kushner It's as plain as a hair on your face,' he said. According to the Guardian, Bannon insisted that he doesn't know Russians, won't be a witness in the related probes, won't hire a lawyer and won't end up on TV answering questions. Trump Jr. has denied doing anything improper and says he got nothing of value out of the meeting. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to money laundering charges. Kushner's lawyers say he is cooperating with investigators. The book also quotes a friend of President Trump confidant Tom Barrack as having told a friend: ''He's not only crazy, he's stupid.' With Melania Trump often keeping a low profile, White House staffers refer to first daughter Ivanka Trump as her father's 'real wife' and Communications Director Hope Hicks as the president's 'real daughter,' a new book alleged. Author Michael Wolff, who wrote the forthcoming 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' revealed these designations in the context of who is now closest to Trump, with many high-level aides leaving within the president's first year. That distinction goes to Hicks, the president's 29-year-old former campaign press secretary who Wolff said is now Trump's 'most powerful White House advisor.' Scroll down for video White House staffers told author Michael Wolff that Communications Director Hope Hicks (left) plays the role of President Trump's 'real daughter,' while his daughter Ivanka Trump (right) plays the role of the president's 'real wife' 'Hicks' primary function was to tend to the Trump ego, to reassure him, to protect him, to buffer him, to soothe him,' Wolff wrote in a story about the writing of his book, published Thursday by the Hollywood Reporter. Author Michael Wolff alleges that White House staffers believe Hope Hicks plays the role of Trump's daughter and Ivanka Trump plays the role of his 'wife' 'It was Hicks who, attentive to his lapses and repetitions, urged him to forgo an interview that was set to open the 60 Minutes fall season,' the author continued. 'Instead, the interview went to Fox News' Sean Hannity who, White House insiders happily explained, was willing to supply the questions beforehand.' In a preview of the book published Thursday in the Hollywood Reporter, Wolff also explained how Trump couldn't say no to his kids, casting this characteristic as 'foolishness.' 'It's a littleee, littleee complicated,' the president reportedly told his first Chief of Staff Reince Priebus when explaining why he wanted to give Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner official White House jobs. They're now serving as senior advisers in the West Wing. However, Wolff did not describe their tenure as a happy one. 'By July, Jared and Ivanka, who had, in less than six months, traversed from socialite couple to royal family to the most powerful people in the world, were now engaged in a desperate dance to save themselves, which mostly involved blaming Trump himself,' Wolff wrote Thursday in the Hollywood Reporter. 'It was all his idea to fire Comey!' the couple nicknamed 'Javanka' reportedly said, referring to Trump's ouster of the former FBI director that prompted the appointment of a special counsel. Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, who Trump blames for the bulk of the book, as he was one of Wolff's most prominent sources, reportedly told people that 'The daughter ... will bring down the father.' Shocking surveillance footage captured the moment a gang opened fire on a Bronx apartment in an attempted execution. Police are hunting for the four men seen shooting at the occupant of the apartment on Wednesday evening. Incredibly, the intended target survived with just a gunshot wound to his right thigh. Shocking surveillance footage captured the moment a gang opened fire on a Bronx apartment in an attempted execution Police are hunting for the four men who seeing shooting at the occupant of the apartment on Wednesday evening (pictured left and right are two of the men involved) Cops are asking that anyone who recognizes these men to call them and report them anonymously (pictured left and right are two of the men involved) Surveillance footage shows the gang entering the building located on Walton Avenue, in the Bronx, New York, at around 8.30pm Wednesday. All four cast nervous glances left and right, before heading into the elevator. Once they arrived on the right floor, the gang filed out and surrounded the door of the apartment, while one kept watch on the stairs. The video shows one of the men knock on the door, which is opened by a woman who has a brief discussion with the group. Surveillance footage shows the gang entering the building located on Walton Avenue, in the Bronx, New York, at around 8.30pm Wednesday All four cast nervous glances left and right, before heading into the elevator Suddenly, the woman seems to back away as two of the men whip out handguns and began firing through the open door. The woman who answered the door was not injured but a 34-year-old man was shot in the right thigh. Moments later, the gang fled down the stairs and outside the building. Meanwhile, an ambulance was called for the victim who was taken to Lincoln Hospital in a stable condition. There were no other reported injuries. Once they arrived on the right floor, the gang filed out of the elevator They surrounded the door of the apartment, while one kept watch on the stairs The video shows one of the men knock on the door, which is opened by a woman who has a brief discussion with the group Suddenly, two of the men whipped out handguns and began firing through the open door The gang are described as two African American men, and two Hispanic men. One wearing a gray jacket, one wearing a blue jacket with white hood, one wearing a bubble jacket with red hat, and one wearing a dark colored jacket. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS or for Spanish 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential. The woman who answered the door was not injured but a 34-year-old man was shot in the right thigh Two sisters from Texas who went missing after their mother was found dead in their home have been found safe. Police said 14-year-old Lilianas Griffith and seven-year-old Luluvioletta Bandera-magret were found on Wednesday in Trinidad, Colorado, nearly 700 miles from their Texas home. The girls and their alleged kidnapper, 44-year-old Terry Allen Miles, were last seen Saturday on surveillance video inside a Trinidad store, CBS Denver reports. Miles was also found and is in police custody. Scroll down for video Lilianas Griffith, 14, and Luluvioletta Bandera-magret, seven, (right) were found in Trinidad, Colorado after they were abducted from their home in Round Rock, Texas allegedly by Terry Allen Miles (left). Miles was also found and is in custody Miles was captured after a deputy in Las Animas County spotted his gray 2007 Hyundai Accent Miles and the girls were last seen on December 30 on surveillance video at a store in Trinidad The girls' mother has been identified as 44-year-old Tonya Bates. Her cause of death has not yet been revealed Round Rock police chief Allen Banks said the girls were located after a deputy in Las Animas County spotted Miles' gray 2007 Hyundai Accent after it had been described in the AMBER alert. The Las Animas County Sheriffs Office, the Huerfano County Sheriff's Office and the Trinidad Police Department worked together to capture Miles, according to KKTV. When the deputy tried to pull Miles over he started driving erratically. The deputy called for backup and authorities initiated a 'high-risk traffic stop.' Miles was then taken into custody without incident. Police said Griffith and Bandera-magret were inside the vehicle. Round Rock police said the girls would be taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation, and then placed in the custody of child protective services in Colorado before heading home to Texas. The girls and Miles will also be interviewed, Banks told the outlet. Police issued an AMBER alert for Griffith and Bandera-magret on Monday, one day after their mother was found dead in their Round Rock home. Police discovered the body of 44-year-old Tonya Bates, during a welfare check. Miles, who is believed to have been Bates' roommate, was immediately eyed as a suspect in the girls' disappearance. He's also being investigated for his role in Bates' death. Police believe Bates and Miles were roommates Lilianas Griffith (left) and Luluvioletta Bandera-magret will be placed in the care of child protective services before they are returned home to Texas Miles has a long criminal past and was arrested at least seven times between 2006 and 2015, including for porn involving a juvenile. The case is still being investigated It remains unclear how Bates died, but police are calling the death suspicious. Miles has an extensive criminal past, officials have said. Tony Mancuso, sheriff of Calcasieu Parish in Louisiana, told CBS Denver that Miles was arrested at least seven times between 2006 and 2015. One of those times was for porn involving a juvenile. When we interviewed him for that it was a pretty disturbing interview, Mancuso said. Lewis Coats, with the Sulphur, Louisiana police department, said the alleged kidnapper was also investigated in 2015 for the alleged rape of a 13 or 14-year-old girl. He said Miles moved to Texas during the investigation, and the case remains open. This is the tear-jerking moment a four-year-old boy sings at a makeshift memorial honoring his late baby sister. Texas dad Samir Deais posted a video on December 30 showing his son, Alexander, playing his guitar while singing a sweet Disney song on what would have been his sister's first birthday. 'My son singing 'Remember Me' from the movie 'Coco' to his baby sister, Ava, who we lost this past May,' Samir explained in the post. 'He's only 4 years old and he understands... he didn't even know he was being recorded. He just wanted to sing to her for her 1st birthday! Happy Birthday mamas, we miss you!' This four-year-old Texas boy sang to his late baby sister in honor of her first birthday Saturday Dad Samir Deais posted a video showing Alexander playing his guitar while singing 'Remember Me' from the Disney move 'Coco' for his sister Ava Baby Ava was just four-months-old when she passed away in May from a kidney condition called hydronephrosis, Stephanie and Samir Deais told MySanAntonio.com of the family's tragedy. The father said in the interview that 'Coco,' a movie about the tradition of the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos, helped Alexander cope with the loss. 'It's made it so easy to understand for him and for us to explain to him in a beautiful way,' said Samir. 'I couldn't be more thankful for the movie.' As of Thursday morning, the heart-wrenching video already received 143,000 likes. Mom Stephanie, dad Samir, Alexander and Ava are shown in a family wedding photo on Facebook Baby Ava was just four-months-old when she passed away in May from a kidney condition called hydronephrosis, Stephanie and Samir Deais told MySanAntonio.com The memorial for baby Ava is shown inside the family's San Antonio, Texas home On Tuesday, Samir wrote an update to his page following the overwhelming love and support. 'My wife and I were literally brought to tears seeing how much love Alex and Ava and our family has received,' he said on social media. 'We were FLOORED last night!! I couldn't me more thankful. Thank you to everyone from our little family! What a 1st birthday baby girl! All Glory to God.' Also on baby Ava's birthday Saturday, the family gathered at her memorial. Also on baby Ava's birthday Saturday, the family gathered at her memorial shown with flowers and balloons Samir shared a photo of the memorial with colorful flowers and 'Happy Birthday' balloons, writing, 'Happy Birthday to my angel, Ava Lynn. I can't believe you're already ONE! 'Mama and Baba love you so very much and miss you just as much. I think of you every moment of my existence... I feel you in my heart and soul. I wish I was holding you in my arms watching you take your first steps,' Samir wrote. 'I wish we were having a huge party with all of our family and friends. All I can think about everyday is what new thing you'd be learning. If you would've said your first word already, and then go on to argue with your mom that you said 'Baba' before 'Mama.' He concluded: 'I wish for so many things to be different... It doesn't feel fair and it never will. I was supposed to have forever with you. But maybe God needed you more. Maybe heaven needed an angel. And hard to argue with that, because who better than you?' In October, the couple announced they were also expecting a girl, who they are naming Stella Grace. Samir said in the announcement: 'After every storm comes a rainbow' My wife and I are proud to announce the newest edition to this family.' A crack cocaine addict who sexually assaulted a bed-bound woman of 96 during a cowardly night-time raid on a care home was jailed today for more than six years. Cat burglar Jake Morris, 24, crept in through the victim's bedroom window at 5.30am under the noses of on-call staff and molested her under her nightdress when she bravely tried in vain to stop him stealing rings off her fingers. Morris, of Leigh, Greater Manchester, then vanished into the night leaving a trail of muddy footprints on the carpet and on her bed clothes. Carers at the privately run home carried out their regular checks just an hour after the raid to find the woman's bedroom window wide open, the metal seal broken and the woman nursing injuries to her lip. Crack cocaine addict Jake Morris (above), 24, of Leigh, Greater Manchester, sexually assaulted a bed-bound woman of 96 during a cowardly night-time raid on a care home. He was jailed today for more than six years The unnamed victim who has Alzheimer's and dementia was taken to hospital where tests showed she had also been molested under her nightwear. She later said she had vague recollections of the 'naughty man' who came into her room, and is now very anxious he 'might come back'. Inquiries into the assault revealed Morris also stole a TV and suitcases during the same raid from a store room and also the room of another elderly resident who was in hospital. The career criminal claimed he was heavily under the influence of crack cocaine at the time. At Bolton Crown Court, Morris admitted sexual assault and burglary and was jailed for six years and four months. The incident occurred on January 28 while the old lady was asleep and night staff were on duty at the care home. Prosecutor Paul Treble said: 'Staff began carrying out their morning duties at 5am. They went into the complainant's room to check on her and all was well. 'Then at around 5.30am the defendant entered through a window into another resident's room, who fortunately was in hospital at the time. 'Whilst the defendant was in the room, he took a TV set, left, then went via a window into the next room, which turned out to be a store room. He then made his way to the third window, which was the complainant's room. Morris crept in through the victim's bedroom window at 5.30am under the noses of on-call staff and molested the woman - who has dementia and Alzheimer's - under her nightdress when she tried to stop him stealing rings off her fingers. At Bolton Crown Court (above), Morris admitted sexual assault and burglary and was jailed for six years and four months 'She is an elderly patient with dementia and Alzheimer's and is bed-bound and cared for round-the-clock by the staff who monitor her health and well-being. 'She is strapped to her bed to prevent her from falling out of it. When the defendant entered the room, he turned the big light on, like he did with the other rooms he entered. 'This woke the lady and upon noticing her in bed, he approached her and attempted to remove her rings off her fingers. He struggled to do so as she fought back by scratching him. But she received injuries to her hand and face. 'He then put his hand under the duvet and under her nightdress. Staff checked her again at 6.30am and noticed her bedroom window was wide open and the metal seal was broken. 'There were signs of muddy footprints on the carpet, on her bed and on her bed clothes. They went to check the other rooms and saw the other windows were open and again, there was mud and grass throughout. My mother doesn't have a clear recollection of it but she remembers the 'naughty man' who came into her room Victim's son 'They checked with the elderly lady seeing she had a cut on her lip and her lip had swollen. They saw that her pad had been disturbed and moved. The experienced members of staff knew this has never happened before. 'She received injuries to her face, with a cut inside her lip, which was swollen and red. The police were contacted. She was taken to Bolton hospital to receive treatment. She was examined in respect of any attempt of sexual assault. 'Tests showed that the defendants DNA was found under her finger nails, which suggests that she scratched him whilst he was trying to remove her rings. This was a deliberate attack on vulnerable elderly people.' Morris was seem rummaging through a suitcase on a footpath which runs parallel to the rear of the woman's bedroom. His DNA was found on the woman and he was arrested the following month. He initially denied sexual assault. In a statement, the victim's son said: 'We are shocked and upset about what has happened to my mother although there is no fault on the part of the staff. My mother doesn't have a clear recollection of it but she remembers the "naughty man" who came into her room. She is very anxious and worried that the "naughty man" will come back.' The court heard Morris had various previous convictions for assault, harassment and criminal damage. His lawyer Nicola Gatto said in mitigation: 'At the time he was a young man gripped by a drug addiction and had a habit of spending around 100 a day on drugs. 'In a way it is a blessing that this witness has little recollection of the incident and does not have to go through the discomfort of giving evidence in court, thanks to the guilty plea by my client. 'At the time he was leading a chaotic lifestyle. When he was younger his mother had many partners, who would often be violent towards him. He tells me he went to a school for children with behavioural problems. All he ever knew was fighting and he was brought up to defend himself using violence from an early age. 'He had a close relationship with his grandma, and would stay at her house around two nights a week. However his addiction to drugs, especially crack cocaine, caused issues between them and he began sofa surfing. He had dabbled with drugs from 11 years old but became addicted in 2014 after the death of a close friend in a car accident. 'This was an opportunistic offence and it wasn't pre-planned. He knows this lady should be able to feel safe in her bed and he is sickened by his actions and speaks of this incident with revulsion. 'He has already been attacked violently by other prisoners whilst on remand in prison because of the nature of this offence. This was a fleeting instance, but he is sickened with himself.' Passing sentence Judge Timothy Clayson told Morris: 'This was a persistent attack at a care home in which an elderly woman tried to fight you off as you went to take the rings off her fingers. Her family are shocked and upset at what has happened. 'At the time you were living in a chaotic lifestyle but your lawyer has made me aware that you have been working hard to combat your drug addiction. I am also aware that you have been having a difficult time in prison.' Morris was also banned under the terms of a restraining order from entering care homes unless he had 'appropriate permissions'. After the case Det Con Andy Partington of Greater Manchester Police said: 'Morris saw an opportunity to sexually assault one of the most vulnerable people in our society and shamelessly took it. 'He has no place in our society and now, as someone who would stoop so low to break into a care home and violate the safety of the residents, he is exactly where he belongs. 'My only hope from today's outcome is that the woman and her family can now be at peace that Morris is behind bars. They have shown a tremendous amount of courage in what has been an extremely distressing and trying time.' A Zimbabwean court on Thursday freed an American journalist charged with subversion for allegedly describing the former president onTwitter as a 'sick man'. Martha O'Donovan, from Martinsville, New Jersey, had faced up to 20 years in prison for the alleged crime. The 25-year-old journalist has denied accusations she insulted 93-year-old former leader Robert Mugabe, who resigned in November under pressure from the military and ruling party amid fears his unpopular wife was positioning herself to succeed him. A magistrate removed her from remand after prosecutors failed to provide a trial date, freeing her from the charges, but only temporarily. Martha O'Donovan (pictured on Thursday), from Martinsville, New Jersey, was removed on Thursday from remand after prosecutors failed to provide a trial date, freeing her from the charges but only temporarily The 25-year-old journalist has denied the allegations of insulting 93-year-old former leader Robert Mugabe, who resigned in November under pressure from the military and ruling party amid fears that his unpopular wife was positioning herself to succeed him A smiling O'Donovan, looking relieved, said she had no comment and left the courtroom to hugs from friends O'Donovan was accused of being behind a tweet posted by anonymous Twitter user @matigary on October 11 At the time of her arrest, she was charged with attempting to overthrow Mugabe as well as undermining or insulting the veteran leader, now 93 O'Donovan's lawyer Obey Shava said she can still be summoned back to court if the prosecution feels it has more evidence against her. But she can get her passport back. 'It all depends on what they gather but for now the case has crumbled. She is free for now,' said Shava with the organization Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. In previous cases, the government has rarely followed up to summon people again. A smiling O'Donovan, looking relieved, said she had no comment and left the courtroom to hugs from friends. New President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a longtime Mugabe ally whose firing as vice president sparked the whirlwind events leading to Mugabe's departure, has declared that the southern African nation should let 'bygones be bygones'. Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights says it has represented nearly 200 people charged under a law that criminalizes insulting or undermining the president. On Sunday, the military rounded up eight activists for carrying placards denouncing Mnangagwa during a church service presided over by the president. A court on Tuesday released them after ruling that the military had no arresting powers. O'Donovan (pictured in December) can still be summoned back to court if the prosecution feels it has more evidence against her. But she can get her passport back O'Donovan's (pictured in December) arrest in November came just weeks after the government appointed a cybersecurity minister tasked with policing social media O'Donovan was released from a 'hellhole prison' in November on a $1,000 bail as she awaited trial The account she was accused of using was still active days after O'Donovan's arrest. The tweet above was posted while O'Donovan was in custody O'Donovan was released from a 'hellhole prison' in November on a $1,000 bail. Her arrest in November came just weeks after the government appointed a cybersecurity minister tasked with policing social media. O'Donovan was accused of being behind a tweet posted by anonymous Twitter user @matigary on October 11. The tweet labeled Mugabe, 93, a 'selfish and sick' man and suggested he was relying on a catheter. Police claimed they traced its IP address to her home and they claimed she was behind the entire account, despite the fact that it was still active days after she was thrown in jail and is still tweeting to this day. It was said she 'founded' Magamba - the political satire TV network which she works for - and allege that she may be trying to 'overthrow' the government through her work for it. After discovering the tweet about Mugabe, police claimed they traced its IP address to her home and they said she is behind the entire account despite the fact that it was still active days after she was thrown in jail O'Donovan, a graduate of NYU, has been in Zimbabwe for the last year working for the local TV network Magamba and bartending She went to Africa in 2013 to teach young local people how to become radio journalists as part of her NYU fellowship on human rights in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa 'LOL they think she is me,' said one of the tweets. The person behind the account also joked that they had tried to turn themselves in but that the authorities wanted to keep O'Donovan behind bars because she is foreign. Before paying bail, she was held in at the notoriously grotty prisons Chikurubi. O'Donovan, a graduate of NYU, has been in Zimbabwe for the last year working for the local TV network Magamba and bartending. She went to Africa in 2013 to teach young local people how to become radio journalists as part of her NYU fellowship on human rights in Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. She was previously involved with campaigning for the release of Pastor Evan Mawarire who was jailed last year on similar charges. Magamba TV, which she now works as a producer for, describes itself the home of 'satirical comedy sensations'. They jokingly claimed that they turned themselves in after O'Donovan's arrest but were turned away because they were 'after muzungu' - an African term for foreigners Magamba was founded in 2007, when O'Donovan was 15, by Comrade Fatso & Outspoken, two African men and hip hop artists. Plans for a drive-thru KFC restaurant near a high school have come under fire with claims it will have an impact on children's health. Proposals have been put together to build the restaurant in the car park of a shopping centre in North Shields on a site where there is an existing supermarket and other shops. But the plan has attracted objections from residents worried about the potential impact on the health of children at the nearby John Spence Community High School, which has more than 800 pupils aged between 11 and 16. The proposed KFC drive-thru will be built in the car park of a supermarket One local woman, Deborah Pritchard, has begun a petition against the proposed development. The change.org petition says: 'The application is for a KFC drive through to be built with such close proximity to a number of schools and goes against the Council's and Government's mandate to encourage healthier eating by the pupils in the area. 'Although a takeaway is not permitted to be built within 400 metres of a school a drive through KFC is not considered a takeaway! This application is for a KFC within 400 metres of John Spence Community High School. 'Obesity in children is at an all time high in the UK and particularly in the North East. This food is high in fat and salt, there have also been reports the chicken used is not ethical. 'Other problems associated with this build would be the drive through traffic, littering in the local footpaths and the effect on the atmosphere of the area. A drawing of the proposed outlet has been posted on the North Tyneside Council's website 'Lets get the community together against this to protect our young and the beautiful area we live in.' Voicing her objections on North Tyneside Council's planning application page she added that KFS has 'very high in saturated fat and salt leading to higher levels of many health problems costing our health service huge amounts of money' Another objector wrote: 'I do not think that this business should be sited here as this is on a route taken by many school children at regular intervals during the day. Given that there is a determined push to persuade schoolchildren to eat more healthily, this will not encourage this practice. 'There are already two fast food outlets ( Domino's Pizza and Subway sandwiches) within 50 yards of the proposed development. Another claimed the plans has been 'been sneaked in over Christmas with no real consultation or plans. 'It sits directly between 3 schools who will be able to access unhealthy fast food at lunch time. As a resident and a parent I strongly disagree.' Locals claim the plans will lure pupils from the local school, which is just 400 metres away Local Councillor Martin Rankin said he is objecting to the proposal and will be asking for it to be examined at a planning committee. 'In my opinion, this is completely wrong for the area. It's very close to the school and people have major concerns about issues of healthy eating,' he said. 'The council has a policy about the fact there should not be any hot food takeaways within 400m of a school. The applicants are saying this is a restaurant and are not classing it as a hot food takeaway. 'However, I believe this application should be treated as a mixed use site, as people will be able to go in and take away food.' Concerns have also been raised about the effect on traffic, noise and litter. The application, by Erindale Ltd And Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc, has been submitted to North Tyneside Council. In the planning documents, the applicants acknowledge the drive-thru would be a takeaway facility, but said the primary use would be a restaurant. They also point out that children would not be able to use the drive-thru unless accompanied by an adult with a driving licence and a vehicle. The application states the applicants would be willing to impose a policy where employees are not allowed to serve children wearing uniforms and would engage with the school to ensure this is implemented effectively. In addition, regular litter patrols would be carried out by staff around the restaurant and surrounding area, and there would be several bins located around the store. A man has died after being gored by a bull he was baiting during a controversial festival in Colombia. Footage from the event shows the moment the beast furiously charges at the man in an arena in Sincelejo, in the northern Colombian department of Sucre. The man, named as Jorge Barrios, was taking part in the traditional but controversial 'corralejas' event, which celebrates bull fighting and baiting. In the footage, the arena is filled with people baiting bulls while wearing red capes to encourage them to attack before dodging away at the last minute. But Mr Barrios was not so lucky. After three other people successfully baited and dodged the bull, it gored Mr Barrios at full force, sending him flying through the air. This is the moment Jorge Barrios was gored by a bull during a controversial Colombian bull-baiting festival in Sincelejo Three other participants had managed to successfully bait and dodge the bull before it struck Mr Barrios He lands spreadeagled on the floor as the bull carried on its incensed charge. A number of horrified participants and spectators rush to Mr Barrios's aid and try to drag him away from the arena. However, the man filming sickeningly points the camera at himself and grins while making a cut-throat gesture, suggesting that the injury is fatal. Shocked spectators and participants rushed to Mr Barrios after he was gored by the bull although many also were seen ran away The stunned spectators dragged Mr Barrios away from the arena and he was rushed to the nearby University Hospital of Sincelejo but died of his injuries Mr Barrios was carried out of the arena and rushed to the nearby University Hospital of Sincelejo but died shortly afterwards from his injuries. It is reported he was a construction worker, with some people claiming he was intoxicated when he joined in the bullfight. Bull baiting festivals have attracted significant controversy in recent years. . Critics claim the sport is outdated and cruel to the animals, as well as causing injuries to human participants every year. Supporters, on the other hand, are eager for it to continue. Hair-raising video shows the moment a rancher wrangled a five-foot snake out of a home's toilet, using a device he made himself using just a mop handle and some string. Ben Tedrick, who contributes video blogs for The Eagle newspaper in Brazos County, Texas, had a friend film him catching the snake on Saturday - a task most would leave to the professionals. Tedrick says some workers were cleaning out a house on his ranch, which had stood vacant for a few years, when they noticed a snake peak its head out of one of the toilets which had recently been turned back on. Scroll down for video Workers cleaning up a ranch house in Brazos County, Texas on Saturday got a surprise when they saw a snake peak its head out of a toilet Rancher Ben Tedrick crafted a makeshift device using a mop and some string to try and catch the snake around the neck, but the snake got away on the first try Normally, he would have let the snake escape on its own, but he says it appeared that it had become stuck in the pipes when the water was turned back on, so he decided to catch it and release it back into the wild. 'Plus, we had people working, trying to get stuff done, and it's just a distraction. It's your worst nightmare,' he told The Eagle. So he fashioned himself a snake catching device, using a mop handle and a piece of string to create a noose that he submerged in the toilet. When they started flushing the water in the toilet, the snake peaked its head out again and Tedrick finally caught the critter Tedrick (pictured) then struggled to pull all five feet of the snake out of the pipes 'I had him out about three feet when he coiled up again, and he pulled me forward. I was afraid his head was going to pop off, but he was perfectly OK,' Tedrick said When the snake swam out out into the toilet, its head passed through the noose and Tedrick pulled it tight to try and catch the snake's neck. But the critter was too fast the first time and disappeared back into the pipe. So they started flushing the water to coax the snake out again, and Tedrick got the snake on the second try. It wasn't smooth sailing from there though, as Tedrick is seen struggling to pull the snake out. Once he got the snake out of the toilet, he took it outside and showed it off to the people who had gathered to watch the feat A friend helped him put the snake into a pillowcase so that he could release it back into the wild Tedrick took the snake down the road and released it near a pile of wood where it would make its winter den Tedrick said he was 'impressed' by the snake's strength. 'I had him out about three feet when he coiled up again, and he pulled me forward. I was afraid his head was going to pop off, but he was perfectly OK,' he said. Tedrick told KBTX that he eventually decided not to fight the snake, and just keep constant pressure and just wait until the snake relaxed. That did the trick and soon he pulled all five feet of the snake out of the toilet. The video then shows Tedrick walk the snake out of the house, past the awestruck faces of those who had gathered to watch the feat. Once outside, a friend helped Tedrick put the snake into a pillowcase, which he used to take the snake down the road to a pile of wood where he was released into the wild. The clip ends with the snake slithering away into its new den. It's believed that the snake was a rat snake, a nonvenomous snake that hunts rodents and are found throughout the southeast U.S. Rat snakes can become an issue in the cold winter months as they pursue their prey who seek shelter in buildings. In order to prevent rat snakes from gaining entrance to houses, home owners should stuff holes with copper wire. If one does end up in the home, home owners should close the door to the room and call animal control. A Conservative MP has triggered a furious row after claiming more children from Labour-run Lambeth go to prison than university. Maria Caulfield was condemned by senior Labour MP Chuka Umunna and Metropolitan Police Superintendent Roy Smith. Lewes MP Ms Caulfield grew up in Lambeth during the 1970s and 1980s and insisted her remark referred to her own youth in the borough. Conservative MP Maria Caulfield has triggered a furious row after claiming more children from Labour-run Lambeth go to prison than university Ms Caulfield made the claim in defence of Toby Young amid a growing row about his controversial appointment to a new university regulator She made the claim in defence of Toby Young amid a growing row about his controversial appointment to a new university regulator. The decision to give Tory supporter Mr Young a position on the Office for Students Board has prompted a storm of criticism that he is not qualified, despite his experience opening free schools, and that he is inappropriate because of a history of offensive tweets and writing. Ms Caulfield triggered the row on New Year's Day, hours after the appointment was first announced. She tweeted: 'As a working class kid who went to school in the socialist state of Lambeth where more kids ended up in prison than university, why the outrage at the appointment of Toby Young? 'He's set up schools that have helped thousands of working class kids.' Superintendent Smith hit back at the message today branding the remark 'inaccurate, offensive and unfair'. He said: 'I'm sorry I can't comment on your views of appointments but to suggest the majority of kids in Lambeth end up in prison is inaccurate, offensive andunfair to the majority of wonderful young people in the borough despite in some circumstances having a range of personal challenges.' Lewes MP Ms Caulfield triggered the row on New Year's Day (pictured), hours after the appointment was first announced Metropolitan Police Superintendent Roy Smith hit back at the message today (pictured) branding the remark 'inaccurate, offensive and unfair'. Senior Labour MP Chuka Umunna branded the remarks 'offensive garbage' today (pictured) and demanded evidence or an apology Streatham MP Mr Umunna, who represents part of Lambeth in the Commons, piled in behind Mr Smith. He blasted: 'This is offensive garbage Maria Caulfield. You say more Lambeth kids end up in prison than university. 'Provide the evidence and if you can't provide an apology.' Ms Caulfield replied: 'Come on Chuka you are better than this. Im talking about my experiences growing up where I went to school in Lambeth and working class kids like me were dismissed. 'Im sharing my experience of what happened to kids at my school.' Lewes MP Ms Caulfield grew up in Lambeth during the 1970s and 1980s and today insisted her remark referred to her own youth in the borough (pictured) The MP admitted Lambeth was 'very different now' as she came under a storm of criticism In response to the row, Ms Caulfield told the Standard: 'My tweet is about MY experience of growing up as a working class kid in South London where there was little or no expectations for kid like me. 'The only careers advice given to me was how to get on the council housing register and as a result very few people I grew up with, including me, never went to university. In fact more people I knew went to prison than university. 'The area is a very different place nearly forty years later and many of us who grew up three left once the area became gentrified as we could not afford to stay. 'It is sad that people want to dismiss the experiences of the working class community I grew up in. Perhaps the reaction from Labour politicians shows just why they are losing the working class vote in this country'. Two sisters were bracing for their first Christmas without their father. So their mother decided to give them a special gift that would keep his memory alive. A heartbreaking video shows the moment Stephanie Angel from Phoenix, Arizona, handed her youngest daughters, Aaralyn, 12, and Allani, seven, teddy bears with a recording of their father's voice. The girls break down in tears as they cradle the soft toy, which were also doused in their dad's favorite cologne and wearing a shirt made from one of his button-ups. The family lost Albert Angel at just 34-years-old in June after he battled with Lupus for five years. The clip, recorded by the girls' older sister Alina, 16, has since gone viral and has more than 1.2 million views. Alina and her mother wanted to do something for the two youngest daughters and their grandmother, so they bought three teddy bears from Build-A-Bear Workshop that they were going to personalize, reported 12 News. The bears were sprayed with their father's preferred Burberry scent and they wore a blue, striped shirt taken from one of his go-to outfits. When they squeeze the bear it plays a recording of Albert's voice. He is heard singing You Can't Keep a Good Man Down by Alabama, one of his favorite songs. Albert (pictured left) is seen here with his daughters and Stephanie before he lost his battle with Lupus in June 2017 The mother Stephanie gave her two youngest children Aaralyn, 12 (left) and Allani, seven, (right) customized teddy bears that play a recording of their late father's voice when they are squeezed Pictured here are the three teddy bears that were custom made for the two youngest daughters and their grandmother The heart-wrenching video was posted online with Stephanie captioning the clip: 'This video was taken Christmas morning by my 16 year old daughter, Alina Angel. 'She is the oldest of 3 daughters who lost their father, when he lost his battle with Lupus Disease.' 'He was 34 years old. My daughter's referred to him as their best friend. 'Alina happened to have several voice recordings in her phone of her father. I knew we had to do something really special for them in memory of their father.' 'The bears would be for Aaralyn, Allani, and their grandmother. Needless to say, the girls were filled with emotions as they opened these gifts. 'They were able to hear his voice and smell him. For a moment they felt as if they had their dad with them for Christmas. They now use them to sleep with every night.' The daughters were overwhelmed and visibly emotional when their mother and eldest sister gave them the teddy bears Albert (second from right) is pictured here with his three daughters Apparently all the daughters' names begin with A in honor of their father. Alina, the eldest sister, said the reaction has been so supportive and overwhelming. 'I would have never expected that. Most of my videos get 6 views,' she said. The family have since set up a GoFundMe page for Albert which has raised over $3,500 - $5,000 is their goal. The teenager accused of murdering his girlfriend's parents after they convinced her to break up with him over his extreme, neo-Nazi views has been named as 17-year-old Nicholas Giampa, a Papa John's pizza worker from Lorton, Virginia. Giampa is accused of murdering Buckley Kuhn-Fricker, 43, and Scott Fricker, 48, in their home in Reston, Virginia, at 5am on December 22. It came days after Ms. Kuhn-Fricker reported a Twitter account she believed was his to the school he attended with her daughter. The account belongs Kevin Gallo who tweets under the handle @doctorpepper35. It was revealed on Thursday as Giampa remained in hospital. He shot himself after allegedly murdering the girl's parents and remains in hospital with a brain injury. Police have charged the teenager, who remains in hospital after shooting himself at the scene, with murder but have not released his name. However, The Huffington Post spoke with friends of the Fricker family who gave his name. They linked him to the Twitter account by an email address which was used for both Giampa's Facebook page and the Kevin Gallo account. Nicholas Giampa is the teenager accused of murdering his girlfriend's parents on December 22 by shooting them in their home after they told their daughter to break up with him over neo-Nazi tweets they say he posted Buckley Kuhn-Fricker, 43, and Scott Fricker, 48, died in their home on December 22 after being shot at around 5am Among its memes and photographs he retweeted is one of Adolf Hitler in which he appeared dressed in a cape. The accompanying caption read: 'If not all heroes wear capes, explain this to me.' Two months before allegedly shooting dead his girlfriend's parents, Giampa mowed a giant swastika into the grass of a community field in Lorton, Virginia, where he lives. Residents told his parents about it instead of the police. On Twitter, @doctorpepper35 most often retweeted anti-semitic posts. He shared content which denied parts of the Holocaust and said the biggest tragedy of WWII was the death of Hitler's dog. Huhn-Fricker was alerted to the posts on her daughter's phone and was horrified. Giampo is said to have tweeted under the name Kevin Gallo to repost and share pro-Nazi content online. It was posts such as this one which Ms. Kuhn-Fricker reported to the school he attended before she was shot dead Other posts he shared questioned the Holocaust. All of the content was violently derogatory towards Jews Under the Kevin Gallo Twitter account, Giampa also retweeted this image depicting a girl drawing a swastika. Two months before the Frickers' killing, he mowed a swastika into grass of a community field in Lorton, Virginia, according to residents According to friends and relatives, Ms Kuhn-Fricker had been trying to split her daughter and Giampa up for months. She eventually listened to her and dumped the boy a few days before her mother's death She pleaded with her daughter to break up with the boy and wrote an email to their school alerting them to the harmful content. In that email, she called the boy a 'monster' who was 'spreading hate'. Her daughter, who DailyMail.com is not naming, followed her advice and broke off their romance after an intervention from her mother and grandmother days before the shooting, according to friends. On the morning of their deaths, the Frickers had several other people in their home. The family had gathered there for Christmas. The couple woke up to sounds coming from their daughter's room and went inside to find Giampa there. Scott and Buckley Fricker with their daughter and 10-year-old son. He was in the front yard when police arrived at their home on December 22, according to charging documents It is not clear where he got his weapon from or if he ever intended to harm the teenage girl. After arguing, he allegedly shot both of her parents and then himself. He survived and was taken to hospital where, according to a relative, he is suffering a brain injury. The boy was described by friends and neighbors of the family as 'troubled'. It is not known what other interaction he ha had with the police if any at all. After the swastika incident in October, residents took it upon themselves to re-mow the grass themselves. Giampa's family have not commented since the Frickers' deaths. Taxi driver John Worboys was jailed for raping and sexually assaulting passengers in 2009 One of the country's most infamous rapists is set to be released from prison. John Worboys, known as the 'black cab rapist', was jailed for raping and sexually assaulting 12 passengers in 2009. He was accused of carrying out sexual assaults on more than a hundred women after spiking their drinks. The Parole Board recommended Worboys' release without contacting any of his victims. The decision has provoked outrage among campaigners against sexual violence. Karen Ingala Smith, chief executive of women's sexual and domestic violence charity, Nia, said: 'The police believe that Worboys may have raped more than 100 women, others think this is a conservative estimate. 'He's served nine years and nine months, that's just over a month per rape victim. How can we say justice has been served? 'On top of this, according to the CPS, the proportion of rape reports ending in a conviction has more than halved over the last seven years. 'Whilst this in part reflects increased reporting, it seems to me that the law is failing to deliver justice to too many women victims of sexual violence. 'The rehabilitation of offenders is as important principle, but the law should function to protect liberties and rights of the population and should act as a deterrent. Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the Parole Board's decision 'Six weeks per rape victim? What sort of a message does this send? I struggle to think anything other than women will be less safe with Worboys on the streets.' At his sentencing Worboys was told he must serve a minimum of eight years in prison for his attacks and would not be released until officials were convinced he did not pose a threat to women. I struggle to think anything other than women will be less safe with Worboys on the streets Karen Ingala Smith of domestic violence charity Nia Yet the 60-year-old's release has been signed off by the Parole Board, despite a pre-sentencing report in 2009 finding that he was 'a repetitive predatory sexual offender'. Police believe Worboys may have carried out more than 100 attacks, despite convictions for just 12. Campaigners are now likely to question why further convictions were not sought, as Worboys would likely have been given a much longer sentence preventing him from being released in 2018. The decision not to pursue new charges and a therefore lengthier sentence would have fallen to Labour MP and shadow Brexit minister Kier Starmer, who served as Director of Public Prosecutions at the time. Worboys will now have to report to probation staff each week, having spent ten years behind bars and a period on remand. In a statement, the Parole Board added: 'We can confirm that a three-member panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Mr John Worboys, following an oral hearing. 'The arrangements for Mr Worboys release will be managed by the Ministry of Justice.' Carrie Symonds (left) was singled out as she waited for a night bus in Chelsea in July 2007. Shown right, one of Worboys' rape kits, including alochol and cups he used to drug victims In 2010, Worboys appealed his conviction, but it was thrown out by the Court of Appeal, as Lord Justice Moses labelled his offences as 'appalling'. Worboys, a former porn actor and stripper, attacked numerous women during a five-year period between 2002 and 2008. Many of his victims were young women who had been drinking in trendy night spots in the West End and Chelsea. On several occasions he offered to drive a woman home for a fraction of the normal cost, or even for free, claiming that he lived in their direction. But once he had them secure in his taxi, the driver who occasionally used the name Paul or Tony - would put his plan into action. His constant theme was sex and often asked the women if they would perform sex acts for varying amounts of money, or exposed himself. He took trophies from his victims, including a wristband from one and scribbled the names and addresses of several others in a notebook. During the seven week trial, victim after victim told how they felt safe with the middle-aged driver because they were stepping into a registered black London taxi. Police found a rape kit in the back of Worboys' taxi which including sleeping tablets, condoms and an ashtray he used to crush the drugs (top right) Most of the women were young professionals lawyers, insurance brokers, office workers or journalists. One victim was a new mother out celebrating for the first time with her friends. He offered the women cheap lifts home after nights out, telling them he had just won thousands on a bet and wanted to celebrate. To aid his pretence, Worboys kept as much as 4,000 in cash stashed in a plastic bag which he showed his victims as evidence of his win. The rapist would convince the women to share a glass of wine or champagne with them, spiking the drinks with sleeping pills. The drugs left the women insensible and unable to protect themselves as he pounced on them in the back of the vehicle. Police also found a 'rape kit' in the back of his taxi which including sleeping tablets, condoms, gloves and an ashtray he used to crush the drugs. Worboys, who called himself Terry the Minder, was jailed indefinitely in April 2009 with a minimum tariff of eight years. A report published after his conviction found there was a 'mindset' among police that the driver of a black cab was unlikely to be responsible for a sex attack. The paper by the Independent Police Complaints Commission discovered a catalogue of missed opportunities, errors of judgment and failures by Scotland Yard had left Worboys free to prey on women. Worboys is a former porn actor and stripper who called himself Terry the Minder (left). Shown right, the Hackney flat Worboys shared with his former wife Jean Clayton Two of Worboys' victims would go on to win human rights cases in the High Court against the Metropolitan Police in 2014. The pair known as DSD and NBV claimed there had been serious failures in the investigation which led to Worboys to avoid detection and re-offend. Another of his victims, Carrie Symonds, was singled out as she waited for a night bus after an evening out on the King's Road in Chelsea in July 2007. Worboys offered to take the 20-year-old home to East Sheen six miles away. She described how, after making her feel indebted to him for the lift, she drank a glass of vodka he offered her, after which she remembers little. She thought her drink must have been spiked but had so little memory of what happened that she did not report the incident until February 2008 when police made a public appeal. Another of Worboy's victims told the BBC today that they were completely unaware that Worboys was due to be released. The decision not to pursue new charges and a therefore lengthier sentence for Worboys would have fallen to Kier Starmer, who served as Director of Public Prosecutions at the time Worboys was first arrested in July 2007 after a 19-year-old student reported a sex attack in South-East London. Officers traced him using CCTV. But instead of turning up at his house unannounced, they arrested him by appointment - giving him the opportunity to get rid of evidence such as his 'rape kit', which contained drugs and drinks. Police also failed to search his home and taxi. The investigation was later dropped by senior officers. Sarah Craigie encountered the evil of Worboys in May 2007 after she went to see a former boyfriend working as a DJ in a West End nightclub. Walking near Leicester Square she was crying and 'in a bit of a state' when she came across a cab rank and Worboys asked if she needed a lift. 'I told him that I needed to get back to Dagenham but only had 30 on me and that would not be enough,' she recalled. Jean Clayton met Worboys in 1988 at a pub in Hackney, east London where he worked as a stripper. The pair married shortly after before splitting in 1995 Kathy Martin, who was Worboys' girlfriend at the time of the attacks said she was unaware of what he was doing in his taxi cab 'He said, 'Don't worry darling... I will get you home safe.' Within five minutes of the journey starting, Worboys had asked her why she was crying and if she had a boyfriend. Miss Craigie - who admits she was drunk - poured her heart out. 'It was then he said he had enjoyed a great day and had won thousands of pounds at the races,' she said. 'He asked me if I wanted to have a drink to celebrate. By that time I had really had enough alcohol but he offered me vodka, champagne, wine - he said he had anything I wanted to drink. 'I said I would have a soft drink and after a while he passed me a can of Coke. After that the journey became a blur. Within about 20 minutes I was feeling really nauseous and drowsy. I was just dizzy and feeling so out of it.' Miss Craigie rang a friend who advised her to text her boyfriend. She remembers little else until she woke up somewhere near home. 'The driver said he needed to go to the toilet and he got out of the cab and was away for a few minutes,' she added. The rapist's ex-wife Jean Clayton is pictured left, near her home in Yambol, Bulgaria. Right, Worboys arrives at Sutton Magistrates Court ahead of a preliminary hearing into his rape trial 'The next thing I remember was him being in the back of the taxi with me. He had a white plastic carrier bag full of cash - I have never seen so much money - and he was sipping champagne from a glass. 'He then came towards me - really close and I felt very intimidated and vulnerable. 'Worboys just kept on invading my personal space and it was then I then got angry. 'I shouted at him, 'This just isn't right - you should not be drinking. Just take me home.'' She recalled that Worboys then became aggressive and replied: 'Don't get out of your f***ing pram - I only wanted to celebrate my good fortune with you.' He drove her home and Miss Craigie recalled her relief at seeing her boyfriend waiting outside her home. 'He literally pulled me out of the cab.' Worboys drove off at speed. Miss Craigie believes the journey home, which should have lasted only 30 minutes, had taken two hours. Yvonne Traynor of Rape Crisis South London described the time Worboys spent in prison as 'woefully short'. She said: 'It feels far too soon for this dangerous and manipulative perpetrator to be released into the public having served this woefully short time in prison. 'He may be free to live amongst us but the women he raped will never be totally free from his despicable actions.' Fay Maxted, chief executive of The Survivors Trust, called Worboys' crimes 'calculated' and 'deliberate'. She said: 'Naturally the victims are going to feel, I think cheated that he is being released ... you think you're going to be safe when you're in a taxi, so it will be very frightening for his victims to know that he is being released.' Fay Maxted, chief executive of The Survivors Trust, called Worboys' crimes 'calculated' and 'deliberate' and said it will likely take 'significant resources' to monitor him as he settles back into society. She said: 'I doubt whether the victims will feel Worboys has served a sentence that reflects the seriousness of his crimes or, at a time when specialist rape and sexual abuse services are struggling with lack of funding and huge waiting lists, that society has supported the victims as much as they needed.' Sophie Walker, leader of the Women's Equality Party, said: 'The parole board may have satisfied itself that he can be prevented from ruining even more lives, but that will come as little comfort to the more than 100 women who he is thought to have attacked.' Sarah Green, from the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said: 'The decision to release John Worboys beggars belief. It is likely to be the product of a justice system and a society that cannot and perhaps will not deal with rape.' Lawyer Harriet Wistrich said two victims had not been informed of the decision to release Worboys. She told Channel 4 news the first they learned of the news was while 'listening on the radio, cooking tea for the kids'. She said: 'They've both said they're absolutely sick and disgusted and shocked to the core about it.' It is understood all those who were signed up to the victim contact scheme were informed as soon as the parole board decision was made. Labour MP Yvette Cooper insisted the Parole Board's reasoning behind the decision should be published to allow scrutiny. She said: 'There are many serious questions why this dangerous man has been given parole after serving such a short sentence for his attacks against women. 'Given the seriousness of this case, the Parole Board should publish their reasons immediately so both the decision and the process can be scrutinised before this man is released. We also need to know what information and support was given to all the victims before this decision was taken.' He gave me vodka... I'm sure it was spiked: Worboys victim speaks out Carrie Symonds believes that Worboys spiked her drink in 2007 Carrie Symonds was waiting for a night bus after an evening out in Chelsea in 2007 when she was approached by Worboys, who offered to take her home in his cab. Tipsy after several drinks, the 19-year-old accepted his lift back to East Sheen in west London, six miles away. On the journey Worboys, who appeared friendly and very genuine, persuaded her to drink a glass of vodka. The next memory Miss Symonds had was waking up at 3pm the next day after being violently sick and passing out in the bath at home. She thought her drink must have been spiked but had so little recollection of what happened that she did not report the incident until February 2008, when police made a public appeal for victims. Miss Symonds, who waived her right to anonymity, said previously: Ill never be able to get in a black cab again It is terrifying to think what might have happened to me. I think I would instinctively know if I had been sexually assaulted and Im 99 per cent sure I was not, but that 1 per cent of doubt is always there. Miss Symonds was one of 14 women who gave evidence against Worboys in court. She said: He offered me a cigarette which I accepted he told me hed won a lot of money and showed me stacks of cash. I thought the conversation was seedy but I wasnt too worried. I just thought he was weird. Worboys offered her champagne but she poured it on the floor. She downed the vodka only after he promised to pay her 50 and give her the lift home for free. She added: He puts you in a position where you feel indebted to him Hes a professional conman. Advertisement The US has agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Winter Olympics, the Pentagon has said - just a day after Trump bragged about his 'nuclear button'. Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said President Donald Trump agreed to the delay in consultation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Col Manning said in a brief written statement: 'The Department of Defense supports the president's decision and what is in the best interest of the ROK-US alliance.' President Donald Trump agreed to the delay joint military exercises following a discussion with South Korean President Moon Jae-in (bottom right) North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (left) has repeatedly deplored the joint-military exercises, describing them as a provocation and a direct threat to Pyongyang. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, pictured right, talks with Trump on January 4 That was a reference to the US defense treaty with the Republic of Korea. The decision was confirmed by a statement released by the Blue House, South Korea's presidential building, in Seoul, saying that Trump and Moon 'agreed not to host joint military drills during the period of Pyeongchang Olympics'. Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning (pictured) said the Department of Defense supports the president's decision North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has repeatedly deplored the joint-military exercises, describing them as a provocation and a direct threat to Pyongyang, according to CNN. The announcement comes on the heels of renewed communication between the North and South, with Kim ordering to revive a communication line that has laid dormant for nearly two years. The hotline between Pyongyang and Seoul was utilized on Wednesday and Thursday, CNN reported. The talks were sparked after Kim expressed hope that North Korea would be allowed to participate in the Winter Olympics during a New Year's Day address. The decision pushes back a set of annual military exercises known as Foal Eagle, which normally are held between February and April. Foal Eagle is a series of exercises designed to test the readiness of the two countries' militaries. 'America supports President Moon 100%,' Trump said to Moon following their 30-minute discussing on Thursday. The decision to hold off on the military exercises is a significant difference between the President's approach earlier in the week, when Trump bragged in a tweet that his 'nuclear button' is 'much bigger and more powerful' than Kim's. Despite the bellicose exchange, Trump sought to capitalize on the small but significant progress being cultivated on the Asian peninsula. 'With all of the failed "experts" weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasn't firm, strong and willing to commit our total "might" against the North,' Trump tweeted Thursday morning. 'Fools, but talks are a good thing!' he added. The Winter Olympics begin on February 9 to 25 in Pyeongchang. Joe Biden hopes Trump stays away from the nuclear button after the President bragged that his was bigger than Kim Jong-un's. The former Vice President sighed deeply when asked by reporters as he walked across Capitol Hill what he made of Trump's comment. 'I just hope he doesn't touch it,' he responded after a short pause. Joe Biden said he hopes Trump will stay away from the nuclear button after he was asked what he though about the President's bragging Trump fired off a tweet in the early hours of Wednesday claiming his nuclear button was 'bigger and more powerful' than North Korea's Biden was also asked by The Hill what he makes of the new book detailed the chaotic first few months inside the Trump White House. That elicited an even bigger sigh and a laugh, with Biden seemingly lost for words. Eventually he responded: 'Folks, this is a mystery novel.' Trump bragged about his nuclear button after Kim Jong-un issued his New Year address in which he claimed to have installed a button on his own desk. The whole of the US is now within range of North Korea's weapons, Kim said, adding: 'They should accurately be aware that this is not a threat but a reality.' That prompted an astonishing response by Trump, who tweeted: 'Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!' In his New Year address, Kim Jong-un claimed to have a button placed on his desk capable of striking anywhere in the US with a nuclear weapon While that tweet was reported around the world earlier this week, by Thursday the globe's attention was on a new book by Michael Wolff who embedded himself in the new White House during its early days. Among the sensational claims are that Trump prefers to spend nights alone in his bedroom eating cheeseburgers, watching three televisions, and calling friends to complain about his staff and family. Questions have also been raised about his mental health, relationship with Melania and fitness for the job. Wolff also claims in a Hollywood Reporter essay that John Kelly was appointed chief of staff without being told and accepted out of a sense of duty, and that Mitch McConnell has bragged that Trump will sign anything you put in front of him. He also writes that nobody in Trump's senior staff expects him to survive the Russia probe, and that insiders believe the only reason Mueller hasn't been fired is because Trump simply doesn't realise how much trouble he's in. Michael Joseph Lynch (pictured) was convicted of attempting to harm his neighbor's two dogs over a four day period in July 2016 by tossing sausages spiked with ricin An Oregon man accused of trying to kill his neighbor's dogs with poisoned meat was sentenced on Wednesday to probation. Michael Joseph Lynch was convicted of attempting to harm his neighbor's two dogs over a four day period in July 2016 by tossing sausages spiked with ricin over his fence. Police investigators said that Lynch, 77, wanted to harm the animals because he was enraged by their constant barking, according to The Oregonian. Neighbors told detectives during their investigation, however, that the dogs caused little disturbance when they were outside. Lynch was also sentenced for putting his neighbor's health in jeopardy, who handled some of the poisonous meat by taking it from the mouth of one of the dogs. Richard Schmidtke said he was forced to seek urgent medical care for respiratory distress and placed on a ventilator, the Oregonian reported. During the trial, Schmidtke said Lynch has 'absolutely no respect for what is socially acceptable, no moral compass', calling Lynch's actions 'unconscionable'. 'What kind of person stoops so low as to poison animals?' he added. Defense attorney Stephen House told the Oregonian that Lynch will abide by the court and avoid all contact with his neighbor as stipulated in the judge's ruling. 'Mr. Lynch ... wants to live the rest of his life in peace and harmony with his neighbors,' Houze added. Until Wednesday's conviction, Lynch had never run afoul of the law, working as a railroad engineer for nearly 40 years. Investigators later found castor beans (pictured right) - which naturally create ricin- inside Lynch's home (Richard Schmidtke pictured left) Defense attorney Stephen House (left) represented defendant Michael Joseph Lynch (right), seen here at Lynch's plea and sentencing hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 Lynch pleaded no contest to attempted first-degree animal abuse, second-degree animal abuse, two counts of recklessly endangering another person and possessing a loaded firearm in public, the Oregonian reported. The dogs, two-year-old Bandit and five-year-old Snowflake, are American and French Brittany Spaniels who Schmidtke said were bred for bird hunting. Schmidtke said that he has lived at his Portland home for more than 20 years and never had a problem with his neighbor until he tried to feed his dogs poisoned meat. Schmidtke told the Oregonian that Snowflake first became ill on July 10. 'She immediately started vomiting,' Schmidtke said, saying the dog was near death when he brought her to the veterinarian. 'She couldn't move,' Schmidtke said. 'Her eyes were rolled back. She was in desperate trouble.' Schmidtke only realized what his neighbor was doing when he caught him in the act while he was sitting on his back patio. Laboratory tests later proved the meat was laced with ricin, leading investigators to issue an arrest warrant for Lynch. Investigators later found castor bean- which naturally create ricin- inside Lynch's home. They also discovered a container labeled as having botulism inside. Schmidtke also filed a $400,000 civil lawsuit against Lynch, and the case is still headed toward trial, according to the Oregonian. Dillan Tabares, 27, had been paroled from state prison (above in his mugshot) a week before he was fatally shot by police in a videotaped encounter outside of a California convenience store The cop who shot dead a homeless Navy veteran outside a Southern California convenience store last year was justified, the Orange County District Attorney's office said Wednesday. Video shows the man reaching for the officer's belt as the two struggled before seven shots were fired, the office said. Dillan Tabares, 27, was killed outside a Huntington Beach convenience store in September after confronting the officer, punching him and grabbing his belt. Bystanders recorded video of the incident at a busy intersection near a high school. County prosecutors released nearly 13 minutes of video footage of the shooting. The office said Officer Eric Esparza declined to give investigators a statement about the incident. In November, authorities said they believed that days before the shooting Tabares had beaten to death an 80-year-old friend. Video clips that captured the shooting, which were filmed from inside a car in the parking lot, start with the officer pointing a stun gun at Tabares (above) and ordering him to sit down This clip appears to show Tabares (above) throwing punches at the police officer during a scuffle outside of the 7-Eleven. The officer appears to get Tabares in a headlock and they wrestle to the ground Once they are on the ground, the cop can be heard shouting, 'let go of my gun!' though he appears to retain full control of the weapon during the encounter. Moments later, Tabares stands up and the officer fires his weapon striking the 27-year-old several times (above) Brandon Tabares said his brother's life had unraveled into homelessness, drug use and mental illness after he failed a drug test and was discharged from the Navy five years ago. Dillan Tabares had a series of arrests in California and was released on parole Sept. 14 after serving a sentence for a felony battery conviction, according to state parole records. Dillan's brother Brandon Tabares said his life had unraveled into homelessness, drug use and mental illness after he failed a drug test and was discharged from the Navy five years ago He absconded and was marked as a "parolee-at-large" on Sept. 20 - two days before the shooting. His family repeatedly sought help for him and said he was treated at psychiatric facilities. Tabares joined the Navy in 2008 and served as an Information technology systems technician aboard a guided-missile cruiser and amphibious assault ship before he was discharged in April 2012. While he was serving in the military, he bought a house in Norfolk, Virginia, and got married. But after he failed the drug test - testing positive for marijuana - he was discharged, lost his home, and his wife filed for divorce. Brandon said Tabares then moved to California, spent time backpacking with his brother and started dating one of his brother's friends. When they broke up, Dillan 'didn't brush himself off.' Instead, he started living in a park behind the public library in Huntington Beach and was known among locals as 'the kid who lived in the woods,' according to his brother. 'He was always high on drugs - so high that he had become a drug-induced paranoid schizophrenic,' Brandon said of his brother. Dillan Tabares mans an M240B machine gun on the bridge wing of the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio. He was discharged from the navy after testing positive to marijuana Melissa Cazares, a resident of Huntington Beach, places a candle outside the 7Eleven store where Dillan was fatally shot His family repeatedly sought help for him and he was treated at psychiatric facilities. Dillan Tabares also wrote several angry posts about police on Facebook, including one in 2015 that contended police officers were working with al-Qaeda as part of a sex trafficking ring. 'He had a distaste for police officers, no doubt about that, but not to the extent that he'd go out of his way to attack them,' Brandon said of his brother. The video clips, which was filmed from inside a car in the parking lot, start with the officer pointing a stun gun at Tabares and ordering him to sit down. Tabares seems unaffected when the officer fires the stun gun and quickly rushes toward the officer before repeatedly punching him. The officer appears to get Tabares in a headlock and they wrestle to the ground. Once they are on the ground, the officer can be heard shouting: 'Let go of my gun!' though he appears to retain full control of the weapon during the entire encounter. Tabares stumbled on his feet and staggered backwards before the cop fired his seventh shot Moments later, Tabares stands up and the officer fires his weapon striking the 27-year-old several times. He is seen stumbling backward before falling to the ground against a wall. A second video, which was posted on Twitter on Friday, showed Tabares grabbing an object from the officer's belt as they struggled next to a parked car. The officer then pulls out his gun and backs away. Another video clip shows Tabares jumping to his feet and he's almost immediately shot. Six rounds are fired before the officer calls out, 'get on the ground.' After a short pause, a final, seventh gunshot is fired and Tabares stumbles backward and collapses against a wall. Huntington Beach Police Chief Robert Handy said the officer had been forced to defend himself and had the right to fatally shoot the man if he felt his life was in danger. 'This is clearly an assault on an officer,' Handy told reporters Friday. 'I don't know what preceded that assault, we don't know that yet, but clearly this person attacked our police officer, and I don't think that there's any way an officer is expected to not defend them self and that includes a lethal force at times.' Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci said several times Thursday that he wants Steve Bannon to play take-backsies with comments he made to the author about President Trump and his family in an explosive new book. 'You've got to get back to your therapist and get back on the air and take it back,' Scaramucci advised Bannon on CNN, taking particular offense to the Breitbart head's assessment that Donald Trump Jr's meeting with the Russians was 'treasonous.' Scaramucci, who only held his White House job for 11 days, has long been a critic of Bannon, and whose foul assessment of the Trump chief strategist partially led to his ouster in late July though in recent days he's been used as a pro-Trump voice on the air. Scroll down for video HE'S BACK: Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci returned to morning television Thursday to support President Trump and whack Steve Bannon for comments made in a new book MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle (left) asked Anthony Scaramucci (right) about previous comments he made about Steve Bannon, including one where he suggested Bannon liked to suck on his own manhood Over on MSNBC, the network's Stephanie Ruhle asked 'The Mooch' if he felt vindicate now that a line in the sand has been drawn between Bannon and the Trump White House. 'I don't necessarily feel vindicated as much as I would like Steve to knock it off and rejoin the team,' Scaramucci said. 'He needs to knock it off.' The former communications director's answer miffed Ruhle, who reminded Scaramucci that he had told the New Yorker's Ryan Lizza, in an accidental on-the-record interview, that Bannon was 'trying to suck my own c***.' 'I'm not trying to build my own brand off the f***ing strength of the president, I'm here to serve the country,' Scaramucci said at the time. Scaramucci pointed out that, sans expletives, what he said six months ago and what President Trump said in a statement about Bannon yesterday were 'fairly similar.' Trump charged that Bannon spent his time at the White House 'leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was.' 'It is the only thing he does well,' Trump said. Scaramucci boasted, 'I think I have the right read on the guy.' 'There's two things you can do with a guy like that. You can either excise him or shun him, which I don't think is the best recommended strategy or tell him to knock it off and bring himself back into the fold,' Scaramucci said, preferring the latter. 'What I said about the guy six months ago and what the president said yesterday, that he's focused on himself and he's focused on his own brand,' The Mooch continued. 'That's a foolish way to be if you're trying to create functionality and you're trying to help the president pursue his own agenda.' Bannon has seemingly already tried to make peace by telling a caller on Breitbart Radio Thursday morning that 'nothing will ever come between us and President Trump and his agenda.' The former chief strategist also said Wednesday that, 'The president of the United States is a great man.' 'You know I support him day in and day out,' Bannon added. During his Thursday television appearances, The Mooch also pushed back on some of the allegations found in the new book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,' written by Michael Wolff. Scaramucci, who did work on Trump's campaign, said it was false that the president intended to lose the presidency, using the experience as a way to heighten his brand. 'You may remember this but 24 hours before the election he was moving from Pennsylvania before Michigan, one last time in Michigan before the polls opened, so he's a tireless worker. He's somebody who wanted to the presidency,' Scaramucci said in yet another Thursday interview, this one with ABC's George Stephanopoulos. Scaramucci also didn't care for the characterization that Trump was dumb, as a number of people in the book are quoted saying including media mogul Rupert Murdoch and longtime aide Sam Nunberg. 'I don't think any one of those people think the president is an idiot, dumb or dope,' Scaramucci said. 'And let me tell you something Bill Clinton said about George W. Bush a few years ago,' Scaramucci said. 'People were calling George W. Bush all those sorts of adjectives and he said you cannot be dumb to win the American presidency.' 'You know he's not dumb, I know he's not dumb. If anything he probably has the best emotional intelligence in terms of sizing and reading people and he got Steve Bannon right,' Scaramucci added. The victim of a knife rampage in Ireland yesterday has been identified as a Japanese call centre worker. Yosuke Sasaki, 24, died when an 18-year-old Egyptian asylum seeker allegedly stabbed him in the back in Dundalk, County Louth. Police had been investigating whether or not the attack was terrorism-related, and a statement released today said the inquiry has now spread across the globe as detectives try to establish a motive. Yosuke Sasaki, 24, died when an 18-year-old Egyptian asylum seeker allegedly stabbed him in the back in Dundalk, County Louth Another victim, Irishman Cian Murphy, 22, was also stabbed in the back, but was today released from hospital One person died and two others were injured in what was described as a 'random stabbing attack' in Ireland Mr Sasaki had been living in Ireland for the past year and worked at the National Pen call centre, manning the phones for service calls for the Japanese market, according to the Irish Times. Another victim, Irishman Cian Murphy, 22, according to the Irish Daily Mirror, was also stabbed in the back, but he was released from hospital today. He is a sales assistant and a media and arts students. Both men were on their way to work when a knifeman struck, stabbing them both in the back. Police said at the time of the arrest that terrorism was one line of enquiry they were pursuing. 'At this time, we can find no established link to indicate that this tragedy is terrorist-related,' they said in a statement on Thursday. 'However, enquires are continuing internationally as the investigation develops.' The rampage was described as a series of 'random attacks' yesterday when Gardai arrested a heavily-armed teenager born in North Africa. The knife attack happened shortly before 9am in Dundalk and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The attacker has been identified as an 18-year-old Egyptian who had been in contact with the police on New Year's Day with regards his immigration status. The body of one of the victims is removed from the scene of a fatal attack on Avenue Road, Dundalk this morning just after 9am Two forensic officers are suited up in the middle of the street where a Japanese man is said to have been killed in a knife attack A forensic tent is erected in Dundalk this morning. Three scenes were preserved for technical examination in Avenue Road, Inner Relief Road and Seatown, County Louth, police said Police officers confronted and disarmed the attacker, who was said to be carrying a number of weapons. Investigators were yesterday working to establish whether or not the knifeman knew his victims and whether the incident was planned. Gardai have not established a definite motive for the violent spree, but Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said yesterday a potential terror link was being investigated. 'A terror attack is a line of inquiry,' he said yesterday. 'It is certainly a line that we would look at. We will endeavour to establish the suspect's background, who they are and where they have come from and why are they here. 'Those are the very important questions we are endeavouring to ask and answer. And as to why the attacks took place, why an innocent bystander going about their work would be attacked in the middle of Dundalk in the morning slightly before 9am.' Garda officers close of the road and a forensic tent can be seen erected on the left and side of the road, straddling the road and the pavement Mr Mangan declined to confirm whether a potential mental health link was another line of inquiry. He said the suspect had come into contact with gardai on January 1 when inquiries about his immigration status were conducted. The senior officer said he believed the teenager was seeking asylum in the Irish Republic. Mr Mangan said he believed the perpetrator was on foot and the victims were selected at random. 'There is nothing to suggest whatsoever that any of these people involved in the attack and the subsequent assaults were known to each other,' he said. 'It would certainly appear to be random and unprovoked.' He said there was no evidence that anyone assisted the attacker. Mr Mangan said gardai were making efforts to contact the dead man's relatives. 'It is going to be very, very hard for the family,' he said. 'They have someone over here working and the next thing they get attacked and killed in a foreign country.' He said the investigation would have an international dimension and gardai would be liaising with the authorities in Egypt. Councillor Ruairi O Murchu lives close to the scene of the attack in Avenue Road. He said there was major concern among local people. 'The community is in shock,' said the Sinn Fein representative. 'Our thoughts are with the family of the person killed and those that have been injured.' A police officers and a man in trainers and a long, white coat talk near the scene of the crime The series of attacks started when Mr Sasaki was fatally stabbed on Avenue Road shortly before 9am. Mr Murphy was stabbed a short time later on nearby Coes Road. At 9.40am gardai received a report that another local man was attacked with a fence pole at Seatown Place. Neither of the two Irish victims sustained serious injuries. The suspect was arrested at around 9.45am on Inner Relief Road in Dundalk. He has been detained at Dundalk Garda Station, but no charges have been filed. President Donald Trump's White House went scorched earth on Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser, on Thursday as a fight between the two men continued to dominate the national conversation. In his first public appearance since excerpts from an explosive book that quoted Bannon seared through his administration, Trump said that he's not on speaking terms anymore with his one-time strategist. 'He called me a great man last night. He obviously changed his tune pretty quick,' Trump said, referring to comments Bannon made yesterday on Brietbart News' Sirius XM program. Trump then told reporters as he met with Republican senators to discuss an immigration compromise, 'I don't talk to him. I don't talk to him.' White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said later that Breitbart 'should look at or consider' firing Bannon over the dispute with the president as she tangled with reporters at her daily briefing. President Donald Trump said Thursday in his first public appearance since excerpts from an explosive book seared through his administration that he's not on speaking terms anymore with former chief strategist Steve Bannon Trump 's White House went scorched earth on Bannon as a feud between the two men continued to dominate the national conversation. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Breitbart News should consider firing Bannon Sanders said that they were never 'particularly close' as she doubled down on a claim that they had not spoken since December and had only been in touch a handful of times since Bannon departed Trump's service. Responding to a question about DailyMail.com about a claim that they would frequently have dinner together, Sanders said, 'The book also says that he had been sidelined by April, which I think further goes to indicate that he had very little credibility to give much information, particularly after that point, which most of the book is based after that time frame.' 'Again, this book is mistake after mistake after mistake,' she said, refusing to acknowledge that she'd just validated at least one aspect of Wolff's reporting. 'I would certainly say they've spoken a few times since they left the White House, but it's not like there were regularly scheduled calls or certainly no meetings between the two of them. Trump said in his remarks before senators that it was just a 'misnomer' that he was ever as close with the Breitbart News chief and former aide who spilled White House secrets to author Michael Wolff as 'Fire and Fury' makes him out to be. A statement Wednesday from the president himself stressed that Bannon had 'not only lost his job, he lost his mind.' One of Trump's personal lawyers demanded on Thursday that a publisher cancel next Tuesday's release of the explosive book about the president and his White House. Bannon has emerged as the villain in the new year's first seismic political quake, drawing condemnation and a separate lawsuit threat from the president's legal orbit. But Thursday morning's letter from California attorney Charles J. Harder, known for representing pro wrestler Hulk Hogan and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, puts 'Fire and Fury' Wolff's book about the Trump's first year in the White House on dicey footing. Harder demanded publisher Henry Holt and Co. 'immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book,' including excerpts and summaries. 'Your publication of false/baseless statements about Mr. Trump gives rise to, among other claims, defamation by libel per se, false light invasion of privacy, tortious interference with contractual relations, and inducement of breach of contract,' he wrote. Michael Wolff, 64 (right) is the man behind the sensational tell-all from Donald Trump's first months in the White House, and now the president is trying to stop the book before it's released on January 9 Lawyer Charles Harder, who has represented Trump won-in-law Jared Kushner and former pro wrestler Hulk Hogan in the past, wrote a scathing 11-page letter to Henry Holt & Company and its newest star author Michael Wolff Representing the Trump Organization, the president's private company, harder has already accused Bannon of breaching a confidentiality agreement, saying legal action was 'imminent.' 'You have breached the Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company,' read Harder's letter to Bannon. In a brutal statement Wednesday, Trump denounced his former campaign CEO as a self-promoting political faker who was exposed as a fraud when he was fired last year. 'Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency,' the statement said. 'When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.' Bannon said later on the Breitbart News Tonight program on Sirius XM, 'The President of the United States is a great man.' 'You know, I support him day in and day out,' Bannon said. Attorney Charles Harder (center) is leading the charge for Trump again Michael Wolff and his publisher; Harder previously represented Hulk Hogan (right) in a case against the now-defunct Gawker website 20 MOST JAW-DROPPING CLAIMS IN EXPLOSIVE TRUMP BOOK Steve Bannon described Don Jr's Trump Tower meeting with Russians as 'treasonous and unpatriotic' and thinks he will 'crack like an egg' under the pressure of the Russia investigation Bannon said there's 'zero' chance Donald Trump didn't know about the meeting and said Don Jr likely 'walked them to his father's office' First Lady Melania Trump openly wept on the night her husband won the election - and the tears 'were not of joy' The whole campaign from the top down thought Trump would lose and everyone had planned for defeat, with Trump himself planning a TV network because he would be 'the most famous man in the world' Trump and Melania sleep in separate bedrooms and he demanded a lock on his bedroom door against the wishes of the Secret Service Trump orders McDonald's so he's not poisoned, told staff not to touch his toothbrush and strips his own bedsheets Trump regularly sits in bed eating a cheeseburger at 6.30pm while calling his friends and watching three TVs Rupert Murdoch called Trump a 'f***ing idiot' after a phone call and billionaire backer Tom Barrack said 'he's not only crazy, he's stupid' Trump's aides say he doesn't read and 'for all practical purposes is no more than semi-literate' Trump would try to bed his friends' wives by goading their husbands to cheat while the wife listened in on speakerphone White House Communications Director Hope Hicks dated married Corey Lewandowski and Trump later told her: 'You're the best piece of tail he'll ever have.' The president called acting attorney general Sally Yates a 'c***' after she refused to enforce his immigration ban Sean Spicer, then press secretary, said 'you can't make this s*** up' after his first briefing and went on adopt the phrase as his personal mantra Trump tells the same stories three times in ten minutes and forgot a succession of old friends' names at a Mar-a-Lago party He called Jared Kushner a 'suck-up' and said he should never have let Ivanka and her husband move to Washington Among his verdicts on his staff: Bannon 'looked like s***', Reince Priebus was a midget and Kellyanne Conway was a crybaby Among his staff's verdicts on him: 'dope', 'dumb as s***', 'hopeless idiot', 'just a f***ing fool', 'lost his mind', 'incapable of functioning in his job' Trump wondered what a 'golden shower' was after reading reports about the notorious Russian dossier Trump offered to marry Morning Joe's Mika Brzezinski and Joe Scarborough - and mocked Jared Kushner for saying he'd do it Ivanka Trump jokes with friends about her father's hair secrets: He had a scalp reduction, combs over from the sides, and uses Just for Men badly Advertisement The White House had also released a statement from first lady Melania Trump's office slamming the Wolff book as a 'bargain fiction' offering. The Republican National Committee defended Trump by claiming Wolff has 'a long history of making stuff up.' Sanders told reporters Wednesday that the president was 'furious' at and 'disgusted' by the pre-release material from Wolff's book that found its way online. She also said Wolff had 'never actually sat down with the president' since Inauguration Day and had shared only on brief phone call 'that had nothing to do, originally, with the book.' Trump's spokeswoman doubled down on the claims on Thursday, offering that Wolff requested an interview with the president and that was denied. In all, more than 30 requests for information from the White House for the book were denied, she said. Trump has unleashed the full weight of his presidential bully pulpit on Bannon, casting him Wednesday as an opportunist who sought to steal credit for his stunning 2016 election victory. 'Steve doesn't represent my base he's only in it for himself,' Trump said in his Wednesday statement. 'Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was,' the statement continued. 'It is the only thing he does well.' Trump also said, 'Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books.' Asked Thursday if he felt betrayed by Bannon, the president commented that his former aide had 'changed his tune' pretty quickly. (CNN Money) America could be crowned the oil world's new king in 2018. The United States is poised to ramp up crude oil production by 10% in 2018 to about 11 million barrels per day, according to research firm Rystad Energy. Surging shale oil output should allow the United States to dethrone Russia and Saudi Arabia as the planet's leading crude oil producer, Rystad predicted in a recent report. The U.S. hasn't been the global leader, nor ahead of both Russia and Saudi Arabia, since 1975. "The market has completely changed due to the U.S. shale machine," said Nadia Martin Wiggen, Rystad's vice president of markets. The prediction shows how the fracking revolution has turned America into an energy powerhouse a transformation that President Trump has vowed to accelerate by cutting regulation. This long-term shift has allowed the U.S. to be less reliant on foreign oil, including from the turbulent Middle East. U.S. oil production slipped but didn't completely collapse after Saudi-led OPEC launched a price war in late 2015 aimed at reclaiming market share lost to shale and other players. A massive supply glut caused crude to crash from around $100 a barrel to a low of $26. Cheap prices forced shale companies in Texas, North Dakota and elsewhere to dial back. Domestic output bottomed at 8.55 million barrels per day in September 2016, down 11% from the recent peak in April 2015, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Related: 6 ways life in Saudi Arabia will change in 2018 But the resilient oil industry, led by the shale hotbed of the Permian Basin of Western Texas, rebounded nicely last year. The comeback was driven by higher crude prices as well as new technology that makes it cheaper and easier to frack. The EIA recently forecasted that U.S. crude oil production would jump to an average of 10 million barrels per day in 2018. That would take out the previous annual record of 9.6 million barrels set in 1970. Rystad Energy is even bullish on American oil. The Norwegian firm sees U.S. crude output hitting 11 million barrels per day by December, narrowly surpassing global leader Russia and OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia. Others are skeptical. Byron Wien, vice chairman of Blackstone's private wealth solutions group, predicted this week that fracking production would be "disappointing" in 2018, lifting crude oil prices above $80 a barrel. Crude climbed above $61 a barrel on Wednesday for the first time in 2-1/2 years. The recent bump in prices has been driven by a pipeline explosion in Libya and protests in Iran. Bigger picture, the oil rebound has been caused by solid demand and the whittling down of the epic supply glut that caused prices to crash in the first place. A big key behind fixing the oversupply problem has been OPEC and Russia dialing back their pumping. In late November, OPEC and Russia agreed to extend oil production cuts until the end of 2018. The production cuts have helped stabilize oil prices, paving the way for U.S. shale output to ramp up. Related: Crude closes above $60 a barrel By contrast, Trump has vowed to usher in an era of "American energy dominance," in part by reducing red tape around oil drilling. Last week, a U.S. safety regulator proposed rollbacks to offshore drilling rules. The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, which was formed in the wake of the deadly 2010 BP oil spill, estimates the revisions would slash industry "compliance burdens" by at least $228 million over 10 years. The rule change "moves us forward toward meeting the Administration's goal of achieving energy dominance without sacrificing safety," BSEE director Scott Angelle said in a statement on December 28. Rystad Energy said market forces, not deregulation, has underpinned the upswing in U.S. oil output. "I don't think it's had a significant impact," Rystad's Martin Wiggen said of Trump's efforts to roll back environmental regulations. She added though that there is "not a fear under the Trump administration that he will suddenly outlaw shale." Bernie Sanders called for a national ban on fracking during the 2016 campaign. Regardless of the driver, the ramp-up in oil pumping has lessened the need for the U.S. to rely on oil from unstable places like Venezuela and the Middle East. "The fact that the U.S. produces more oil is a fantastic development in terms of security," said Martin Wiggen. U.S. oil imports have dropped by 25% over the past nine years, according to the EIA. At the same time, the U.S. oil exports have flourished since the 40-year ban on shipping crude overseas was lifted in 2015. Exports have more than tripled over the past year to record highs. The U.S. still imports more oil than it exports, but that gap is shrinking. This story was first published on CNN.com, "America could become oil king of the world in 2018." This video captures the horrifying moment a man taking part in a bull ring challenge was tossed in the air by two different raging beasts. The man, dressed in a red shirt, had been in the arena during a bullfighting competition in Costa Rica when one came up behind him and threw him in the air. He is seen cowering and covering his head with his hands when he falls back to the ground as three people come to his aid and help him up. A video captured the horrifying moment a man taking part in a bull ring challenge was tossed in the air by two different raging beasts The man, dressed in a red shirt, had been in the arena during a bullfighting competition in Costa Rica when one came up behind him and threw him in the air But as he is making his getaway with his eye on the bull behind him, another bull charges at him from the front, hurling him into the air before repeatedly goring him. The incident is believed to have taken place in Costa Rica, but it is not known exactly where. It was aired on the Toros Teletica network, who posted a 25-second clip of the man's attack on their Facebook page on Wednesday, where it has been viewed more than 595,000 times. A 16-second clip was also shared on the Ataque Futbolero Facebook page on Wednesday, where it has since attracted almost 60,000 views. He is seen cowering and covering his head with his hands when he falls back to the ground Three people come to the man's aid and help him up off the ground and lead him away But a different bull charges at him while his head is turned and hurls him into the air In addition to infuriating President Trump, former chief White House strategist Steve Bannon has now put off a key financial backer of his Breitbart news site. Bannon, who unleashed stunning attacks on Trump and members of the Trump family in excerpts from a new book by Michael Wolff, has relied on Mercer as a prime supporter of his projects over the years. She will not support further Bannon projects, the Washington Post reported on Thursday. The paper reports that she was irked by his support of Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate race, a contest that pitted Bannon against much of the GOP establishment. Rebekah Mercer has reportedly said she will no longer support Steve Bannon projects in the future A person familiar with a conversation between them told the paper that Mercer was alienated when he told other donors he could count on Mercer money to support him if he ran for president. 'The core constituency for Breitbart is what you would call the Trump Deplorables. That's the audience. And if they're asked to choose between Steve and Trump, they're going to choose Trump. That's clear,' the paper quoted a person familiar with the company's ownership as saying. Vanity Fair reported in December that Bannon told an advisor in October he would consider running if Trump didn't seek reelection in 2020. Last November, billionaire investor Robert Mercer announced he was selling his share of Breitbart to his daughters. Mercer was put off by statements Bannon reportedly made to donors saying she would back him if he ran for president in 2020 Mercer is an owner of Breitbart News Bannon has another backer in Chinese billionaire Miles Kwok, according to the Drudge Report Miles Kwok is a member of Mar-a-Lago Miles Kwok posted at a Mar-a-Lago entrance Miles Kwok posted numerous shots of Bannon on his Twitter feed Matt Drudge tweeted about Bannon's new billionaire backer Not long after reports that Rebekah Mercer was pulling back, the Drudge Report posted a tweet by Matt Drudge picturing Bannon with Chinese billionaire, Guo Wen Gui, also known as Miles Kwok. 'Steve Bannon finding opportunity and happiness in the arms of a new billionaire benefactor, Miles Kwok, aka Guo Wen Gui. Mercer is yesterday's mashed potatoes..' according to the tweet. Kwok has been putting out information about powerful figures inside China in order to disrupt the Chinese Communist Party's grip on the nation. He also is a member of Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club in Palm Beach Florida. President Trump dismissed Bannon in brief comments to the media Thursday, referencing a Bannon interview on Sirius radio. 'I don't know he called me a great man last night. He obviously changed his tune pretty quick,' Trump said. 'I don't talk to him.' Omar Nemeth, 19, was rushed to nearby Saint Agnes Medical Center by paramedics and declared dead shortly after his arrival A California college student was found dead at a fraternity house near campus on Wednesday. Authorities say they received a medical call from the Cal State University-Fresno Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house at about 2.30pm. The school is located three hours south of San Francisco. Omar Nemeth, 19, was rushed to nearby Saint Agnes Medical Center by paramedics and declared dead shortly after his arrival, ABC News reported. Friends told local affiliate ABC 7 that the young man was a 19-year-old student visiting the Delta Sigma Phi house during Winter break when someone 'gave him Fentanyl'. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid which is used as a pain medication and together with other medications for anesthesia. Scroll down for video Authorities say they received a medical call from the Cal State University-Fresno Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house (pictured) on Wednesday Friends said that the young man was a 19-year-old student visiting the frat when someone handed him 'Fentanyl,' a powerful opioid, but police have not confirmed the information Courtesy KSEE24 Police have not confirmed the information. The student remains unidentified pending family notification. Friends claim he lay unconscious for hours on the front porch of the fraternity until help finally came, according to ABC 7. The fraternity did not respond to requests for comment, but did release a statement saying: 'While the investigation continues, it is important to note that this was not connected to any chapter event and occurred during the school's winter break.' In a message posted to Twitter on Thursday, Fresno State said it was devastated by the news and said the school's thoughts are with the student's loved ones In a message posted to Twitter on Thursday, Fresno State said it was devastated by the news and said the school's thoughts are with the student's loved ones. 'Our hearts are broken today as we learned that an enrolled Fresno State student has died at an off-campus location,' the statement said. 'President [Joseph] Castro joins the campus community in sending condolences to the student's family and friends.' An investigation by Fresno authorities into the college pupil's death is currently underway. Police have reportedly blocked off the house with police tape and were seen interviewing a number of students wearing the fraternity's sweatshirts at around 5pm. It was unclear whether the student was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, according to ABC News. Ellen DeGeneres has roasted Eric Trump for complaining about being encouraged to follow her on Twitter. On Tuesday, Trump said it was 'shocking' that Twitter suggested he should follow DeGeneres and claimed a liberal conspiracy was behind it, writing: '#DeepState' along with a screenshot of the recommendation. The algorithm-based suggestion also told him to follow Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, neither of whom he does. An upbeat Ellen responded to his remarks with ridicule on Wednesday. 'So I have two questions. First of all, which one is Eric? Did he kill the elephant or the cheetah?' Ellen began. 'Second, what is Deep State? Is it near Dollywood cause I'm in, if it is,' she carried on, joking about the theme park in Pigeon Hole, Tennessee. After declaring the remark 'crazy', she continued: 'Apparently Eric Trump thinks that Twitter is trying to trick him into following liberals. 'Apparently I am part of some secret government conspiracy called the Deep State. 'Have you heard of deep state anybody? No? Neither had I,' she begged of the audience. With her first swipe at Eric out of the way, she directed her jokes at his father, breaking her no-politics rule to slam the president. 'The Deep State is a group of people they believe are trying to undermine Donald Trump which is ridiculous because no one has undermined Donald Trump more than Donald Trump.' Spurred on by the audience's cheers and applause, she dove back into mocking Eric's remarks. On Tuesday, Eric Trump complained about Twitter suggesting he should follow DeGeneres along with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama On Wednesday, Ellen responded by calling Eric's remark the 'craziest thing' she had seen all week 'I just want to say Eric I am honored that you think I am powerful enough to be part of a large government conspiracy, I am sorry to disappoint you, I am not part of the Deep State. 'Even if somebody wanted me to be involved, I don't have that kind of time. I've got my gay agenda meetings on Mondays, I've got on Wednesday, Beyonce and I host an Illuminati brunch. 'Then Portia and I on the weekends are desperately trying to have a baby so I can't, I don't have time,' she said. The 59-year-old then pointed out a more likely explanation for the algorithm-produced suggestion. 'It could be a conspiracy or it could be because your sister Ivanka follows me on Twitter and your sister Tiffany follows me on Twitter and maybe you should follow me because I post a lot of cute videos. Ellen said it was more likely that Twitter made the suggestion because both of Eric's sisters follow her 'We might not agree on politics but I think we can both agree, this is cute,' she finessed, directing the audience and camera to a video of a cat stroking a dog in the neck. DeGeneres spoke out against President Trump last year to vow never to have him on her show. Disgraced Today host Matt Lauer had asked her why she would never invite Trump on as a guest when she responded: 'Hes against everything that I stand for. We need to look at someone else who looks different than us and believes in something that we dont believe in and still accept them, and still let them have their rights.' Her first jab was last January in response to Trump's travel ban on seven Muslim majority countries. 'Over the weekend, on Friday, the president gave an order banning people from seven countries from entering the United States, including people with green cards. Eric (above with his wife Lara at Mar-a-Lago on New Year's Eve) has not responded to Ellen's remarks 'And then on Saturday, the president screened Finding Dory at the White House. I don't get political, but I will say that I am against one of those two things. 'Like I said, I dont get political, so Im not gonna talk about the travel ban. Im just gonna talk about the very nonpolitical, family-friendly, Peoples Choice Awardwinning Finding Dory. 'Dory lives in Australia, and these are her parents, and they live in America. And I don't know what religion they are, but her dad sounds a little Jewish. It doesn't matter. 'Dory arrives in America with her friends Marlin and Nemo. She ends up at the Marine Life Institute behind a large wall. 'They all have to get over the wall, and you wont believe it, but that wall has almost no effect in keeping them out... Even though Dory gets into America, she ends up separated from her family, but the other animals help Dory. Animals that dont even need her. 'Animals that dont even have anything in common with her. They help her, even though theyre completely different colors. 'Because thats what you do when you see someone in needyou help them,' she said. In earlier interviews, she has dubbed Trump 'dangerous'. 'He is who he is and he has enough attention. There's nothing I'm going to say to him to change him and I don't want to give him a platform because it validates him. 'For me to have someone on the show, I have to at least admire them in some way and I can't have someone that I feel is not only dangerous for the country and for me personally as a gay woman but to the world. 'He is dividing all of us.' Paul Gallon, 36, ran his ex-girlfriend Holly Blake, 33, and her new partner William Nicholson, 44, with a bicycle in November 2016 in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside An angry ex boyfriend used a pedal bike as an offensive weapon after seeing his former lover walk past his workplace with her new boyfriend. Paul Gallon, 36, was working in a fishing tackle shop when he looked up and saw Holly Blake, 33, walking past with William Nicholson, 44. Ten minutes later, as the couple strolled near the seafront at Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, Gallon hurtled into them on his mountain bike as they looked in the opposite direction on a Monday afternoon in November 2016. Holly, formerly a keen horsewoman, was critically injured and rushed to hospital fighting for her life with head injuries. Mr Nicholson, who is no longer with Ms Blake, suffered a broken eye socket, fractured temple and shattered cheekbone. He has made a full recovery. Ms Blake is still recovering over a year later and has been unable to enjoy her previously active lifestyle. She attended court yesterday where she was unsteady on her feet and still bearing the scars from the attack. She was hekped up and down the steps of Newcastle Crown Court by a male companion. Judge Stephen Earl asked whether the attack by Gallon had been 'what the French call a crime passionel.' But prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw told the court: 'This was anything but a crime of passion, it was a crime of anger,' He added: 'The complainants were not even looking in the direction of the defendant when he cycled down the street and into them. 'They had passed by Ollie's Bait Supplies where he works in the direction of Miss Blake's then address.' Although he admits two counts of causing grievous bodily harm using the bike, Gallon claims he had been threatened by Mr Nicholson at the tackle shop, a point which is disputed by prosecutors. Mr Wardlaw said: 'It was some considerable distance, a lapse of at least 10 minutes so even if threats were made they were not being issued at the time of the assault.' The case was adjourned until May 30th for a trial of issue, known as a Newton hearing, which will be held in front of Judge Earl without a jury. Holly Blake, pictured centre, being helped from Newcastle Crown Court today, is was left in a critical condition following the attack Gallon, pictured arriving at Newcastle Crown Court this morning was due to be sentenced today, but the hearing was adjourned after the judge ordered a Newton hearing to consider whether Gallon had been provoked before the attack which would influence sentence The hearing will decided whether Gallon mowed the couple down purely out of anger and revenge, or whether he had been receiving threats from Mr Nicholson. Brian Mark, for Gallon, said he had also received texts threatening his family. Mr Mark requested phone records be produced for the defence ahead of the trial of issue. Gallon will give evidence as will Mr Nicholson, who is expected to appear via videolink as he is now working abroad. Judge Earl said: 'There will need to be a trial of issue as it will affect sentencing if there was a previous issue which happened on that day which caused the defendant to act in the way that he did.' Outside court Ms Blake said: 'I'm not happy, I expected this to be dealt with today, this has been dragging on for over a year now.' Gallon, of North Shields, North Tyneside, admits causing GBH with intent on Mr Nicholson and GBH without intent on Ms Blake. Nathalie Allport-Grantham, 23, said she was accused by workers of 'wasting their time' when she asked for assistance on her way to Nice in France A chronically ill passenger who suffers constant pain has claimed Stansted Airport staff refused to help her board a flight because she was not 'disabled'. Nathalie Allport-Grantham, 23, said she was accused by workers of 'wasting their time' when she asked for assistance on her way to Nice in France. Miss Allport-Grantham, from east London, suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which effects who ability to move about - often leaving her needing a wheechair. She had booked 'special assistance' for her flight but when she appeared at the gate she said staff were 'awful' to her and refused help. Miss Allport-Grantham told BBC's Newsbeat: 'She basically looked at me and said 'I'm here to help disabled people, I'm not here to help you''. 'But she didn't ask my name. If she'd just looked at her list she would've seen I was the person she was waiting for.' Miss Allport-Grantham also suffers from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which increases her heart rate and limits how far she can walk. She explained that because her chronic illness was not always obvious, she was often judged as a result and even called a 'liar'. Miss Allport-Grantham was eventually helped onto her flight, but said the experience was extremely upsetting. Miss Allport-Grantham, from east London, suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which effects who ability to move about - often leaving her needing a wheechair Miss Allport-Grantham had booked 'special assistance' for her flight but when she appeared at the gate she said staff were 'awful' to her and refused help She said: 'I've been told before 'You look too pretty to be disabled'. People have an idea that a disabled person has to look a certain way.' Standsted Airport said an investigation had been launched to get to the bottom of the incident. 'We are very disappointed to hear about Ms Allport's experience and apologise for any distress caused', a spokesman said. 'We are speaking to the provider to find out more about the circumstances of the incident.' A woman who killed a four-year-old boy with her car when he stepped out into the road embraced the youngster's grieving mother at an inquest into his death. Naza Ali hit Yusuf Jatta when he stepped out into the road while waiting at a pelican crossing in Leeds. He was with his mother and other family members at the time. Yusuf's father Lamin Jatta, 48, from Leeds told a distraught Ms Ali: 'We forgive you and do not hold any grudges against you or your family.' Yusuf had been stood on a pedestrian refuge on a central reservation with his family when he ran out into the road straight into the path of Ms Ali's Vauxhall Corsa. Yusuf Jatta, 4, died in April after being hit by a car. At his inquest, his parents forgave the driver of the car that hit him saying 'we do not hold any grudges against you or your family' Ms Ali would only have had a second to react before the collision on April 29, the inquest at Wakefield Coroner's Court was told. She told Yusuf's parents in court that she is a mother-of-four, adding: 'I'm really sorry.' Ms Ali, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, then embraced Yusuf's mother Fatou Bojang, 48, as both women wept. Police collision investigator Martin Ward said CCTV footage from a shop, a bus and an NHS centre indicated the car was travelling at 27mph in a 30mph zone when Yusuf ran into the road. Mr Ward said the fact no-one else had left the pedestrian refuge in Chapeltown, Leeds, led him to believe the lights were on green for vehicles. He said: 'As the vehicle approached the child entered the road into the path of the vehicle. The parents of Yusuf Jatta forgave the driver of a Vauxhall Corsa that hit their son in April, Wakefield Coroner's Court (pictured) heard 'The vehicle has struck the child approximately one second after.' Recording a verdict that Yusuf died in a road traffic collision, senior coroner David Hinchliff said: 'According to CCTV evidence there was a second. 'That wouldn't have given an opportunity to stop.' Ms Bojang wrote in a statement read to the inquest: 'He was a lovely son and loving brother to his brothers and sisters - we all miss him greatly.' At the time of the collision Ms Bojang and Mr Jatta released a statement via West Yorkshire Police saying: 'Yusuf attended nursery at Hillcrest Academy and was loved by his teachers and was happy there. 'His dad had just returned from a month in Gambia and spent a day with him before this tragic accident. 'Yusuf enjoyed travelling and we visited London and Scotland with him. It is unfortunate that Yusuf's grandparents could not see him. 'The family would like to give special thanks during this difficult time to the staff and management of Hillcrest Academy, the Gambian community in the UK, the local community in Leeds and our local councillors Jane Dowson and Eileen Taylor.' The Trump administration on Thursday moved to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan that would open up federal waters off the California coast for the first time in more than three decades. The new five-year drilling plan also could open new areas of oil and gas exploration in areas off the East Coast from Georgia to Maine, where drilling has been blocked for decades. Many lawmakers in those states support offshore drilling, although the Democratic governors of North Carolina and Virginia oppose drilling off their state coasts. Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, also opposes offshore drilling near his state, as do the three Democratic governors on the West Coast. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the plan Thursday, saying that responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security while providing billions of dollars to fund conservation along U.S. coastlines. Trump plan: The president's interior secretary Ryan Zinke said a draft plan to open up waters to drilling would boost jobs and economic security Expansion: Drilling is already happening off the California coast, including at Refugio State Beach in Goleta, but federal waters would see drilling permitted under the plan 'This is a draft program,' Zinke said in a conference call with reporters. 'Nothing is final yet, and our department is continuing to engage the American people to get to our final product.' Industry groups praised the announcement, which would be the most expansive offshore drilling proposal in decades. The proposal follows President Donald Trump's executive order in April encouraging more drilling rights in federal waters, part of the administration's strategy to help the U.S. achieve 'energy dominance' in the global market. A coalition of more than 60 environmental groups denounced the plan, saying in a joint statement that it would impose 'severe and unacceptable harm' to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life. 'These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground. They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies,' read the statement, which was signed by leaders of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups. Impact: A worker uses a suction hose to remove oil washed ashore from the Deepwater Horizon spill, in Belle Terre, Louisiana 'This extreme proposal is a shameful giveaway' to the oil and gas industry, which supported Trump in the election campaign, the groups said. The proposal comes less than a week after the Trump administration proposed to rewrite or kill rules on offshore oil and gas drilling imposed after the deadly 2010 rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig killed 11 workers and triggered a massive oil spill that continued for months. The administration called the rules an unnecessary burden on industry and said rolling them back will encourage more energy production. Environmentalists said Trump would raise the risk of more deadly oil spills. The Obama administration imposed tougher rules in response to the BP spill. The rules targeted blowout preventers, massive valve-like devices designed to prevent spills from wells on the ocean floor. The preventer used by BP failed. The rules required more frequent inspections of those and other devices and dictated that experts onshore monitor drilling of highly complex wells in real time. The White House will no longer allow West Wing guests and to carry personal devices as of next week. Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed the ban on Thursday, citing security concerns. 'Staff will be able to conduct business on their government-issued devices and continue working hard on behalf of the American people,' a statement from Sanders read. The White House will no longer allow West Wing guests and to carry personal devices as of next week. Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed the ban on Thursday, citing security concerns White House social media director Dan Scavino is pictured in the Oval Office holding two phones in March, one of which appears to be a personal device The new measures were put in place to protect the security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House.' White House staffers who oppose the move said it will also make it more difficult to stay in touch with family throughout the day The new measures were put in place to protect the security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House.' White House staffers who oppose the move said it will also make it more difficult to stay in touch with family throughout the day. Staffers told Bloomberg that they are not allowed to use their government-issued devices to attend to personal matters. In barring them from using personal cell phones, they will not be able to stay in contact easily with family members, including their children. White House servers also block them from using Gmail or Google hangouts to stay connected. Devices issued by the White House are not capable of receiving text messages at all, cutting them off from the outside altogether. The White House was said to be considering a device blackout in November at White House Chief of Staff John Kelly's command. Kelly had been pushing for stricter measures since his own personal device was hacked. Former White House chief of staff Reince Priebus also tried to spearhead a ban of personal devices before he was replaced by Kelly over the summer, but his effort was unsuccessful. President Donald Trump has complained about the level of leaks since the administration began, and even said earlier this year that he was seeking Department of Justice action. Former press secretary Sean Spicer once confiscated communications staffers' phones in an attempt to root out leakers that backfired when his hunt for moles leaked to the press. He also warned them against using encrypted messaging apps that run afoul of government record-keeping regulations. The leaks are not the reason for the new restrictions, though, the White House has said. A new book from columnist Michael Wolff that he says is based on interviews he conducted in and around the White House is also not behind the policy change. 'Absolutely not. Thats a ridiculous characterization,' Sanders said. Already, the White House requires staffers to leave their mobiles outside of meeting rooms where sensitive or classified information will be discussed. A Bloomberg article on the early efforts to keep personal cell phones out the West Wing altogether mentioned concerns that too many devices were plugged into the wireless network and that personal phones are not nearly as secure as the ones that are issued by the federal government. The statement from Sanders simply said, 'The security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House is a top priority for the Trump administration and therefore starting next week the use of all personal devices for both guests and staff will no longer be allowed in the West Wing.' The millionaire heiress who is accused of hurling anti-Semitic slurs at a 77-year-old grandmother before attacking the woman's son outside a restaurant on New Year's Eve appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday. Jacqueline Cooke, 29, was dragged off in handcuffs on Wednesday afternoon and booked at the 19th Precinct station in Manhattan's Upper East Side at 4:30pm. She then spent the night in a holding cell before appearing in court for a pre-arraignment deposition, with the troubled socialite facing a felony charge of assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon. Cooke appeared entirely disinterested in the proceedings on Thursday and showed no emotion in the courtroom despite the fact that she is facing up to seven years in prison. She is the daughter of the late Jack Kent Cooke, who at one time had ownership stakes in the Washington Redskins, Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Kings. Cooke was released on her own recognizance on Thursday and is due back in court next month, with an order of protection put in place requiring her to stay away from her alleged victim. Scroll down for video Emotionless: Jacqueline Cooke, 29, appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday (above) after being arrested Wednesday afternoon for allegedly assaulting a lawyer Anti-social socialite: She is facing a felony charge of assault with intent to cause physical injury with a weapon after allegedly bashing Matthew Haberkorn with a Lulu Guinness clutch Cuffed: The incident occurred on New Year's Eve outside the Upper East Side eatery Caravaggio (above in cuffs on Wednesday) Under the cover of darkness: Cooke, whose late father Jack Kent Cooke owned the Redskins and LA Lakers, had claimed she was not out on New Year's Eve just hours before her arrest Cooke is accused of attacking Matthew Haberkorn, 52, outside the Manhattan eatery Caravaggio on December 31. The lawyer, who lives with his family in Redwood City, California, claims that the trouble with Cooke began when his mother was getting her coat after their meal at Caravaggio. 'Hurry up, Jew,' Cooke said to the 77-year-old grandmother claims Haberkorn. 'Hurry up Jew, I got places to be.' Haberkorn decided to confront Cooke about the statement outside he said, and that is when she bashed him in the head with her mirrored Lulu Guinness clutch at around 11:45pm according to an NYPD spokesperson. Video taken by his daughter shows Haberkorn bleeding from the head just moments after the alleged assault. Cooke meanwhile can be seen laying on the ground and struggling to stand. 'You called me a f***ing bitch, you called me a c**t,' Cooke can be heard shouting in the video. Haberkorn then looks at Cooke and shouts: 'You called me a f***ing Jew.' His daughter meanwhile can be heard shouting don't touch him as Cooke's boyfriend wraps his arms around the man. Cooke than appears to try and take a swing at Haberkorn, at which point she again falls on the ground. As her boyfriend wraps his arms around Haberkorn, Cooke appears to get up and then fall as she takes another swing at him. Cooke then rushes at the man and tries to pull him to the ground, which again results with her falling on the pavement. 'You're throwing a woman on the floor,' Cooke's boyfriend yells at Haberkorn. Cooke and the man then run off with Cooke yelling 'self-defense' and Haberkorn saying he wants to call 'the f***ing police.' A spokesperson with the NYPD said that the investigation is ongoing and that the Hate Crimes Task Force is involved. New year tear: Haberkorn's bloody gash (left) after he was hit by Cooke (right on the ground in video filmed by Haberkorn's daughter) Weapon of choice: Cooke (above with Amanda Hearst in April) can be seen carrying the same purse at an event last year Candid camera: Haberkorn's daughter began filming the incident after her father confronted Cooke about an anti-Semitic comment she allegedly made to his mother (Cooke in court on Thursday) Dad: Cooke, whose late father Jack Kent Cooke (above in 1994) owned the Redskins and LA Lakers, had claimed she was not out on New Year's Eve just hours before her arrest Cooke told the New York Daily News on Wednesday that she was not out on New Year's Eve, and said a splint on her finger was the result of slamming her hand in a cab door. Hours later she was arrested by police at her apartment, two blocks from the restaurant. Her Instagram page, which is set to private, reveals that she is preparing to launch her new business Cane Casa. It will offer 'premium dog beds for premium canines.' Cooke previously worked for shoe designer Isa Tapia as the director of PR and marketing. Her mother Suzanne was the third of Jack Kent Cooke's four wives, marrying the millionaire businessman when she was 31 and he was 74 in 1987. The two divorced after just 72 days, and Suzanne later gave birth to a daughter Jacqueline. Jack married Marlene Ramallo Chalmers, his fourth wife, in 1990 and again in 1995 after divorcing her three years into their marriage. The two were married at the time of Jack's death. He did however provide for his two children, Jacqueline and John Kent Cooke Sr, who is now 75. His third child, son Ralph, died two years before his father at the age of 58 from liver failure. John and Ralph were both born during their father's first marriage to Barbara Jean Carnegie. When the two divorced in 1979 after 45 years, Barbara received a then-record $42 million settlement. Baby love: Jacqueline, who was named after her father (photo on bedside table), is seen her with her mother Suzanne after she was born in January 1988 (above four months after Suzanne's divorce) Older brother: John Kent Cooke Sr (above in 2016), who is 75, was left with the interest on $10 million, and an additional $15 million to be paid out over several years by his father in his will Stepmom: Jack Kent Cooke's fourth wife Marlene Ramallo Chalmers (above in 1997), who he married twice, was almost deported in 1986 for cocaine trafficking but ultimately worked out a deal however with the CIA and DEA that kept her out of jail and in the US John Sr was left with the interest on $10 million, and an additional $15 million to be paid out over several years by his father in his will. He also received almost all of his father's possessions, including clothing, a Patek Phillipe watch, his sterling silver, antiques, jewelry, works of art and 'any one of my automobiles, other than my 1962 Bentley Continental, as my said son, in his sole and absolute discretion, shall choose.' That aforementioned Bentley was left to Ralph. Jacqueline received no material possessions, despite having had a close relationship with her father in the final years of his life. The two did not meet until she was three, but began exchanging letters in his final years. Jacqueline also received considerably less money than her brother, but much more than her father's fourth wife and her own mother, who were both cut out of the will. Chalmers later successfully sued for $20 million, a sizable payday for the Bolivian beauty who was almost deported in 1986 for cocaine trafficking. She ultimately worked out a deal however with the CIA and DEA that kept her out of jail and in the US. 'At the time of her father's death, Jacqueline Cooke was left a $5 million trust, which was structured to pay her $25,000 a year until she reached 16, when the annual payout jumped to $50,000,' reported The Washington Post back in 2007. 'When she turns 21, payments are set to rise to $100,000. At 35, she will begin receiving annual sums equal to 8 percent of the trust, currently valued at more than $6 million.' Jacqueline was suing her father's trustees at the time, which included her brother, saying that her education should be covered by the trust and not have to come out of her own pocket. Her mother said that the annual payout her daughter received was instead meant to be her 'walking around money.' Jacqueline first filed a lawsuit against the trustees just after her father's death, with lawyers making sure that Chalmers payout would not impact the young girl's inheritance. She was 10 at the time. In 2008, a 20-year-old Jacqueline was arrested by police in Boston and charged with operating under the influence and operating without a license. She was stopped by police after leaving a diner without paying her bill according to Boston.com, and started her car despite their instructions to not turn on the vehicle. Prior to getting in the car because she could not find a taxi, Cooke 'stepped into the street, lifted her skirt, and exposed her buttocks to the officers.' While being booked she asked if they knew who her father was and threatened to have their badges stripped, stating: 'One-billion dollars goes a long way.' Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) The world's most beautiful face of 2017 celebrates her 20th birthday today, and her actor boyfriend left a sweet Instagram message for her. Enrique Gil, 25, called Liza Soberano "mi corazon" (spanish for "my love" or "my heart") in his latest Instagram post showing a photo of her and Soberano making faces in front of the camera. "You fill the gaps in my life with your love, simplicity and kindness, seeing you smile makes me feel completely and genuinely happy," the caption on his post read. Gil also said his birthday wish for her is "to be happy in all that you do." As of 12 p.m, the post had garnered over 170,000 likes. The two are currently in Spain to celebrate the holidays with some friends and family. Netizens are also greeting Soberano on social media, some even posting baby photos of the actress. #Happy20thLizaSoberano was trending in the Philippines as of 12 p.m. The two made their debut as an on-screen couple in the 2014 romantic comedy show 'Forevermore.' They also starred in the films 'Just The Way You Are', 'My Ex and Whys' and 'Everyday I Love You'. Yazmin White, 11, was killed after being hit by a train in Haines City Wednesday evening An 11-year-old girl was hit and killed by an Amtrak train in Florida while she was looking down at her phone. Yazmin White left Carmelita's Food Mart in Haines City and was walking through the woods when she tried to cross over railroad tracks at an intersection. The Amtrak train's conductor told Polk County Sheriff's Office that he immediately slammed on the breaks and blew the horn repeatedly to try and warn White. But she was distracted and didn't notice the train, ABC Action News reported. The train, with 12 passengers on board, was travelling at 68mph when it hit the teenager. White was pronounced dead at the scene. The Amtrak train's conductor told Polk County Sheriff's Office that he immediately slammed on the breaks and blew the horn repeatedly to try and warn White but she didn't hear The Amtrak train was traveling southbound towards Winter Haven at approximately 68 mph. In a statement from Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd he said 'We are completely heartbroken and send our deepest condolences to Yazmin Whites family.' 'This is a tragedy no parent or family should ever have to go through. Please keep them in your prayers.' The principal of Davenport School of the Arts where White attended said the young girl was a talented musician and was a piano major at the school. One dog in southern California is getting a second chance after he was rescued from the side of the road in Mount Baldy. The four-year-old male pit bull was found around 2.30pm on New Year's Eve tied to a sign post, the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA said in a press release. The dog, which was named Chance by staff members, had been left for dead with no food or water. He also had a massive tumor on his scrotum which had become infected. Scroll down for video A four-year-old pit bull was found on New Year's Eve tied to a pole on a road in Mount Baldy, California The dog, named Chance by staff members at a Pomona humane society, had a massive tumor on his scrotum Rescuers aren't sure how long Chance had been abandoned or why his owner left him. The Humane Society said the dog had injuries 'consistent with neglect.' Dr. Cynthia Kinney with the Inland Valley Humane Society told KTLA that someone driving by spotted Chance and alerted authorities. It's not clear what temperatures reached to on Sunday, but Kinney said it's typically hot during the day and cold at night. Hes just a total love bug, wants attention, Kinney said. Very, very sweet. Very affectionate. Chance received emergency treatment at the Pomona facility on Wednesday, and underwent surgery to have his tumor removed. Kinney said he appears to be healthy and has been active with staff members. Chance underwent a surgery to remove the tumor and is said to be healthy The dog is now in the care of the Inland Humane Society & SPCA Chance could be up for adoption if a series of tests are more successful After he undergoes more testing, the dog could be up for adoption soon. James Edward, the operations manage at the Inland Humane Society & SPCA, told KTLA he hopes the dog's owner comes forward so they can figure out what happened. Kinney speculates that the owner may have not been able to afford the dog, got desperate and left him hoping someone else would take him in. The organization is asking anyone with information about the dog to call their investigative department at 909-623-9777 Bruce (pictured), 41, and Schrell Darlene Hopkins, 40, refused to release the body of eight-year-old Caleb to the authorities for weeks after he died from an asthma attack in their Girona apartment An American couple who lived for more than a month with the body of their seven-year-old in their home have avoided jail. Bruce, 41, and Schrell Darlene Hopkins, 40, refused to release the body of eight-year-old Caleb to the authorities for weeks after he died from an asthma attack in their Girona apartment. The couple were facing at least three years in prison, with the prosecution claiming they were guilty of homicide with serious imprudence. But a Spanish court has ruled there were aggravated circumstances and fined them instead. Caleb suffered a fatal asthma attack and rather than take him to hospital, the couple sat beside him and prayed. During the trial, they said they took care of their son with traditional and alternative medicine. They claimed he had got over his asthma attack and went to sleep but never woke up. The Hopkins, together with their three children, came originally from Detroit but moved to Girona where they rented a flat. Police made the horrifying discovery of the boy's dead body in January of 2016 when they went to the couple's home and detected 'a nauseating stench'. They saw the couple and their two other children looking down on them from the top floor and realised the smell was coming from their home. The flat was said to have been full of rubbish and flies and the corpse was found in a bedroom wrapped in a sheet. The Hopkins apartment in Girona, where police found they had been living with the decomposing body of they eight-year-old Caleb Inside was the body of the seven-year-old in such a decomposed state that the smell made it 'virtually impossible to live inside the room'. Forensic tests showed he had died about one month before of an asthma attack and rather than call in the authorities following his death, the family kept vigil next to his body. Police said creases on the sheet suggested they even slept next to him. Bruce Hopkins, an engineer and writer, is said to have told officers from Los Mossos: 'He is not dead, he is asleep.' He agreed the boy had suffered an asthma attack but claimed he had recovered after being treated with traditional and homeopathic medicine. The court was told they originally lived on the bottom floor of the duplex flat but later moved upstairs to the bedrooom to be with their dead son, despite the flies. Police found a large number of alternative medicines, mainly homeopathic, as well as large quantities of fruit in their home. The family was decribed as very religious, being Pentecostal Christians. The couple met in a church in Detroit and had three children, with Caleb being the youngest. Police said the smell inside the Hopkins' apartment in Girona, Spain, was 'nauseating' The other two children, a boy and girl, are now 15 and 13. After the discovery of their brother's body and the arrest of their parents, they had to undergo treatment at a pyschiatric unit. According to El Periodico, the Hopkins lived in Missouri and California, before finally separating from their families in the United States and moving to Spain to seek a safer and quieter life. They knew no-one in Girona and according to their landlady, failed to pay the rent which is why she gave the flat keys to the police. None of the children went to school and never left the house. The Criminal Court No. 1 of Girona was asked by the prosecution to jail the couple for three years and three months, claiming their imprudence had caused Caleb's death, together with their religious, moral and ethical approach. Their defence lawyer asked for their acquittal on the grounds that the parents always gave the child necessary care and treatment. One psychologist likened the way the family lived to 'a sect', using Chinese remedies and praying. The court agreed that the child had needed hospital care which his parents did not give him but fined them 990 euros for a crime of homicide for 'less serious imprudence' with aggravating kinship. The child was said to have suffered the asthma attack some time between the end of November and the beginning of December 2015 though the actual date of his death was not determined. The sentence is subject to an appeal by either the prosecution or defence within ten days. A special policy in his battalion enabled a United States soldier deployed overseas to carry out one of the most important missions of his life. US Army combat engineer Francois Clerfe made it all the way back from Iraq to Monterey, California, just in time to witness the birth of his first child, with his wife, Natalia Svistunova, on New Year's Day. 'From Kuwait to Turkey, Turkey to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Baltimore, Baltimore to Atlanta,' Clerfe said, listing off the cities he traveled through on his journey home while talking to KSBW's news team. And at the end of that long stretch of sky, he was greeted with his first-born, a daughter named baby Julia. Scroll down for video US Army combat engineer Francois Clerfe made it back from Iraq to Monterey, California, just in time for the birth of his first child, with his wife, Natalia Svistunova, on New Year's Day Clerfe's path to welcome his little girl took him on seven planes, with 10 connections over a span of two days. 'It was fun and exciting at the same time,' the new father said, as he described the nervous energy he felt while he was trying to make it back in time. 'I had the feeling that he would make it because he really wanted to be here next to us,' Svistunova said. For Clerfe, the feelings were hard to put into words. Clerfe's path to welcome his little girl took him on seven planes, with 10 connections over a span of two days 'You can't explain but inside of you, [you're] just jumping for joy,' he said, talking about being a new father. Baby Julia must have been just excited to meet her parents for the first time, too, because she arrived more than a week early. The couple's original due date was January 9, but Julia made her grand entrance into the world on January 1. With deliveries, though, the fact that anything can happen was not lost on Clerfe. 'I'm glad that baby Julia waited for me,' the proud father said. Baby Julia must have been just excited to meet her parents for the first time, too, because she arrived more than a week early The soldier will get to spend 30 days with his family before utilizing 10 more days of paternity leave, but then must head back to Iraq Clerfe's days home are limited, so that made the timing of Julia's birth all the better. Since she came early, that means the trio gets a little extra time together before Clerfe has to return to his duty station. The soldier will get to spend 30 days with his family before utilizing 10 more days of paternity leave, but then must head back to Iraq. Baby Julia came into the world at Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula at 9.53 am Pacific time on Monday. The couple's original due date was January 9, but Julia made her grand entrance into the world on January 1 The experience was definitely one of a lifetime for Clerfe. 'That moment, having your first kid [come] into the world on the very first day of the new year...' he said. 'I think it's going to be a very good year.' She was the first baby born at the hospital in 2018. Hannah Whitley(pictured), 23 was riding a motorbike in the popular tourist spot of Canacona, Goa on December 22 when her bike collided with a truck These are the first pictures to emerge of the 23-year-old who died following a head-on crash with a lorry while holidaying in India. Hannah Whitley, was riding a motorbike on a sightseeing tour in the popular tourist spot of Canacona, Goa on December 22 when her bike collided with a truck. Miss Whitley was one of two British tourists who were killed during the crash along with Daniel John, 38. The two backpacker's bikes collided with the oncoming lorry and were crushed to death under its wheels. Tributes to Miss Whiteley flooded in on social media following the news of her death. John Broderick posted on social media on Christmas Day: 'Our thoughts & prayers are with little Han, her parents and family at this heart breaking time, a beautiful girl taken too soon who touched so many lives, who's creativity and brilliance is only surpassed by her beauty, charm and wit.' Mr Broderick went on to thank people for their support, he added: 'If you, like us had observed these two free spirits, soul sisters enjoying life on their adventures in India sharing, liking posts getting little messages, via text, face time, what's app or what ever WiFi they could get on. Miss Whitley was one of two British tourists who were killed during the crash along with Daniel John, 38 John Broderick posted on social media on Christmas Day paying tribute to tragic Hannah Whitley 'Watching whilst secretly being proud of how they were coping and adapting to India having the time of their lives, tragically cut short in a terrible accident. 'To our new friends in Dylan's Beach Palolem who went beyond the call of duty to assist, frantic parents thousands of miles away Glyn Hardy, Russell Woodcock, Kayleigh a sincere thank you, from the heart, to Alexandra the Italian stranger who comforted our girl in her loneliest moments at Goa airport, having witnessed her so distressed. Max Tunon and Jill from the British Consulate thank you.' Many friends reacted to the heartfelt post. Jay Smith said: 'Lovely words, my heart goes out to every person who's life she's touched. Hope you can try make something of the day. Love to all.' Andrea Urmston added: 'I'm so sorry to hear this terrible heartbreaking news and my thoughts are with Hayley, family and friends. Life is so unfair and cruel at times. Sending love.' Tributes to Miss Whiteley flooded in on social media in response to John Broderick's post following the news of her death One user posted: 'Lovely words, my heart goes out to every person who's life she's touched. Hope you can try make something of the day. Love to all.' Another post written by Katie Holt said: 'Absolutely heartbreaking news my heart goes out to all who knew her and to bigs hugs for Hayley.' Paula Halligan said: 'Just heart breaking, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.' Paul Cryer added: 'John, Vicky and Hayley - no words can do justice to such sad circumstances. Sending over a massive hug to you all and god bless Hannah and her family.' Joanne Burns : 'How awful John. Am so sorry. God help the family of this beautiful girl and rest in peace Hannah. My thoughts are with you all.' Pictured is the Indian paradise Canacona, Goa, a popular tourist spot, where Miss Whitley was holidaying when the tragic crash happened Miss Whitley and Mr John's bikes collided with the oncoming lorry and were crushed to death under its wheels while staying in Canacona, Goa A third Brit, named as Gary Powell, 72, is said to have been rushed to hospital after being knocked off his bike in the crash. The driver of the truck that hit them was arrested has been charged with dangerous driving, Web India reported. A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: 'Our staff are assisting the family of a British woman who has died in India, and are in contact with the Indian authorities.' They later added: 'Our staff are supporting the family of a British man following his death in India, and are in contact with the Indian authorities.' Supermarket staff and shoppers have been accused of unwrapping Cadbury's Creme Eggs and putting them back on the shelf in an attempt to win 2,000. Chocolate fans went wild last week when Cadbury's announced that they will be selling a limited number of white chocolate Creme Eggs in the run up to Easter this year. There are only between 350 to 400 of the white chocolate goodies on sale - and they will be hidden in normal Creme Egg wrappers. Shoppers have been tweeting images of rewrapped Creme Eggs and accusing shoppers and staff of unwrapping the chocolate and putting them back on the shelf But any lucky chocolate fans find them, they could also be in with a chance of winning up to 2,000. The trick is reminiscent of Willy Wonka's promotion in the Roald Dahl book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when the chocolate maker hid five golden tickets in chocolate bars for children to find. But the gimmick may have backfired, as it appears people are now unwrapping the classic Easter treat and putting them back of shelves if they are not the winning ones. Shoppers from all over the country have been sharing pictures online of apparently tampered with Cadbury Creme Eggs Scott Bartlett tweeted saying the competition was causing 'unwrapped and unwanted' Creme Eggs Ryan Reeves, from Essex, tweeted a picture of pile of tampered with eggs and said '@sainsburys The search for a white chocolate creme egg has gone to your employees heads clearly'. Another shopper found unwrapped Creme Eggs in a Tesco Express in Essex. 'I opened one of the other boxes that was stacked in the store and they were the same. I can't see how that could have been done by shoppers!' he told The Sun. Another user tweeted: 'This white creme egg thing just means every single creme egg has been unwrapped and touched by some randoms in tesco' Every white egg will be worth at least 100, according to Cadbury. One of the eggs on sale at a Co-op supermarket will be worth 2,000, while 33 will be worth 1,000 and the rest 100. There are 500 million Creme Eggs produced a year and about 333 million of those are sold in the UK, meaning shoppers will have about a 1 in 850,000 chance of winning a prize. Paul Lang said he initially thought there was a production problem with the Creme Eggs, but later realised it was due to people searching for the 2000 prize Shoppers across the country have shared pictures of the Creme Eggs on social media, saying people are unwrapping sweets in the store in the hope of winning a white chocolate treat Kate Flood noticed on New Year's Day that people had already unwrapped the Creme Eggs in a shop in the hope to win 1000 Hoping to bring some cash into the New Year. One Twitter user noticed that all the Creme Eggs were unwrapped in one shop Freelance writer Paul Lang tweeted a picture of some unwrapped Creme Eggs saying at first he thought there was a production problem, but he's since realised they were unwrapped due to the confectioners competition. On New Year's Day, Kate Flood from Manchester tweeted a picture of Creme Eggs saying 'Shout out to the person whose first life choice of 2018 was to stand in the middle of the shop and unwrap all the Creme Eggs to find a prize'. Tasmin Dawes tweeted: 'Every single creme egg in the co-op clearly already been opened and re wrapped.... somethings telling me this definitely isnt a white one' Trainee Pilot Josh Slesser, from Newcastle tweeted at Cadbury to express his disappointment at the apparent wrapping and unwrapping of the chocolate eggs Another eagle-eyed shopping spotted unwrapped chocolate in a branch of co-op. Tasmin Dawes tweeted: 'Every single creme egg in the co-op clearly already been opened and re wrapped.... somethings telling me this definitely isnt a white one'. Trainee Pilot Josh Slesser, from Newcastle tweeted at Cadbury to express his disappointment too. 'Well not only do these look smaller, I see people have already started unwrapping the foil to look for the white creme eggs' he said. The white chocolate Creme Egg will have the same gooey fondant yolk centre as the classic Creme Eggs, but will have a white chocolate shell instead of a milk chocolate one. They are available to find in stores now until April 1. The adorable and comical moment a couple collapsed on the same chair during a proposal was captured on video Christmas morning in Nova Scotia, Canada. Chad Stone and Chelsea Budge were sitting in their kitchen when Chad decided to pop the question. The video started by Chad saying 'Chelsea can I ask you something?' 'Will you marry me?' he said as he pulled out a ring box from inside his pocket. Visibly shocked she buried her head in her hands as she murmured 'Are you serious?' before excitedly shouting 'yes!' She immediately rushed over to him, gave him a hug and sat on his lap, which is precisely when the incident occurred and the pair went flying after the chair unfortunately collapsed. The duo and their family instantly erupted into laughter as the engaged-to-be couple embraced the moment and kissed on the floor while their dogs roamed around them. Chad Stone popped the question to his girlfriend on Christmas morning and after she said yes she ran into his arms which is when the chair collapsed beneath them One of the family piped up as he joked in the background 'I guess I should have fixed that chair.' The laid back couple, who were both casually dressed in their pajamas, eventually stood up as Chad put the ring on Chelsea's finger. To end the video Chelsea jumped on her fiance and gave him a big koala hug. Chad Stone and Chelsea Budge plan to get married in the summer of 2018 Speaking about the proposal they said: 'Christmas morning came with a hilarious memory for our family in Nova Scotia!' 'Two people who have been in love with each other and accident prone since high school. They had a very rough year in 2017, but everything was brought together on Christmas morning.' 'Hopefully the chair isn't an indication of how the rest of their life will go. The wedding will be summer 2018.' Malachi Love-Robinson, 20, the Florida teen who pretended to be a doctor, was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison on Thursday A Florida man accused of impersonating a doctor and stealing from a patient when he was a teenager has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison. News outlets report that a Palm Beach County judge sentenced 20-year-old Malachi Love-Robinson Thursday after he pleaded guilty to grand theft, practicing medicine without a license and other charges. His trial was scheduled to begin later this month. Love-Robinson was facing a total of 14 criminal charges, according to the Sun Sentinel. As part of his sentence, he must repay his victims $80,000 when he gets out of prison. Love-Robinson was arrested in February 2016 after law enforcement officials said he was practicing medicine without a license. Authorities say Love-Robinson was illegally operating a medical practice, complete with an office, a lab coat and stethoscope. An undercover police officer went to his office, The New Birth New Life Medical Center and complained of lethargy, sneezing and a sore throat. He took the undercover officer's temperature and also used a stethoscope to check her heart and lungs. He then told her she was suffering from allergies and recommended she take an over-the-counter medication, police say. News outlets report that a Palm Beach County judge sentenced Love-Robinson Thursday after he pleaded guilty to grand theft, practicing medicine without a license and other charges The police report said that Love-Robinson told the officer he was a doctor of homeopathic medicine and said he had a medical doctor on staff to prescribe antibiotics. Love-Robinson has defended his actions in several interviews and claims that he never told anyone he was a medical doctor. However, he has claimed to have a PHD, but has never shown documentation or said what field it is in. 'There are many types of degrees out there that hold the title of doctor - whether they are physicists or engineers. Just because someone has the title of doctor in front of their name does not necessarily imply "MD",' he told ABC. The teen was first arrested February 16, 2016 when an undercover police officer went to his office and Love-Robinson examined her. The two women in the photo are not accused of any wrongdoing Love-Robinson's biography on the New Birth New Life website refers to him as a 'well rounded professional' and highlights his preference for alternative therapies Love-Robinson was first detained at age 17 when he was found wandering around St. Mary's Medical Center wearing a doctor's coat and speaking with patients. He then filed paperwork and began his own 'practice'. He also pleaded guilty to stealing $35,000 from an elderly patient. Love-Robinson previously pleaded guilty to charges in Virginia related to trying to buy a Lexus using a fake earnings statement. He was then arrested again in March and charged with two counts of practicing medicine without a license, two counts of practice of naturopathy without a license, three counts of forgery, two counts of grand theft from a person 65 or older, and three counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information. In August of 2016, he was arrested again after he was accused of writing a bad check for $1,500 as a down payment for a car at West Palm Nissan in May 2015. Love-Robinson was first detained at age 17 when he was found wandering around St. Mary's Medical Center wearing a doctor's coat and speaking with patients. He is seen above during his first court appearance on March 2, 2016 in West Palm Beach, Florida Previously, Grieco Mazda in Delray Beach filed a lawsuit seeking roughly $7,200 in damages and interest claiming that he wrote them a bad check for a new car. A lawsuit claims that in June 2015, Love-Robinson gave a salesman a Wells Fargo check for $1,800 as a down payment for a 2016 red Mazda 6 costing more than $27,000, the Palm Beach Post reported. The bank refused to cash the check, saying the account was closed. Records show Love-Robinson responded to the suit in writing in August. He claimed the bad check was a mistake, and that the dealership didn't give him enough time to fix it. The Sun Sentinel reported Love-Robinson lost that case in April 2016. Combined Love-Robinson could have been sentenced to as many as 90 years in prison. An ungrateful boyfriend had to spend Christmas and New Year behind bars after lashing out when his girlfriend told him his present was a 2 Lynx deodorant gift set. Steven Manson, 21, lost his temper when his partner Nicole Armstrong, also 21, told him about the gift during a row. At a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court, near Glasgow, Scotland, Ms Armstrong explained how the argument started at her flat in Kilbarchan on December 1. Manson, of Paisley, got 'really angry' when he found out about the present, 'jumping about and waving his arms', before punching a hole through her door, the court heard. Steven Manson (pictured), 21, lost his temper when his partner Nicole Armstrong, also 21, told him about the gift during a row at her flat in Kilbarchan, Scotland on December 1 She told the court: I't cost 2 and was only something I had picked up. 'I would've got him something better. But the Lynx set came back up again and the argument escalated from there.' Defending himself, Manson said: 'I asked her "What else are you getting me?" 'She said, "What else am I getting you! You ungrateful b******.' The 21-year-old cleaner said he had tried to give her a cuddle, but the fight continued. The court heard the couple continued arguing into Ms Armstrong's kitchen, where he punched a whole in the door. She called police, but Manson managed to kick her veranda door while waiting for a taxi home. Sheriff Janys Scott found Manson not guilty on one count of assault and another of putting her in a state of fear or alarm, but he was convicted of damaging her door and ordered to pay 100 compensation for it during a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court (pictured) He was later arrested and remanded in custody. The couple have now split up. A witness, Shona White, 57, told the hearing she heard a male voice shouting outside the flat for around 10 minutes, but was unable to identify Manson in the dock. Mark Chamber, defending, said his client had spent 30 days in custody, including Christmas and New Year - the equivalent of a two-month prison sentence. Sheriff Janys Scott found Manson not guilty on one count of assault and another of putting her in a state of fear or alarm. He was convicted of damaging her door and ordered to pay 100 compensation for it. South Australia and Victoria are set for their worst fire weather in more than two years. Hot and dry air will be dragged across southern Australia this weekend by northwesterly winds, bringing extreme heat and high risk of fire. Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino said the combination of wind speed, temperature and humidity could result in the worst bushfire conditions since Black Saturday in 2009 - which killed 173 people and injured 414. In Sydney, it will be a hot and sunny weekend with the mercury set to soar to 31C on Saturday It will reach 38C in Sydney on Sunday, with a slight chance of rain in the afternoon 'The worst fire weather is likely to occur in central and eastern parts of South Australia and western Victoria,' he said. 'This region should see temperatures reach the high thirties to mid-forties, relative humidity below 10 per cent and wind gusts in excess of 60km/h this Saturday. 'This mix of dry, hot and windy weather would be capable of producing forest fire danger index values well above 100 in areas that have not seen much rainfall recently.' The fire danger ratings would be classified as 'Catastrophic' in South Australia and 'Code Red' in Victoria, the highest possible in both states. Forecast models show that fire danger index values could reach above 140 in parts of both South Australia and Victoria. In Sydney, it will be a hot and sunny weekend with the mercury set to soar to 31C on Saturday and 38C on Sunday, with a slight chance of rain in the afternoon. New South Wales Police are advising residents to be prepared for heatwave conditions They are also reminding people it is an offence to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles in the warm weather New South Wales Police are advising residents to be prepared for heatwave conditions. They are also reminding people it is an offence to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Recently a dog died after being left in a car at Rose Bay, while a 32-year-old man was arrested and charged at a Guildford hotel after allegedly leaving a six-year-old boy in a car. People make the most of the hot and sunny weather with a swim in the ocean Hot and dry air will be dragged across southern Australia this weekend by northwesterly winds Melbourne is in for a scorching 41C on Saturday with a sudden cooling off to 21C the next day. Sunday will be partly cloudy with a chance of light showers. Brisbane will be mostly sunny all weekend with temperatures in the early 30s, with light winds. Perth will reach 29C on Saturday and 31C on Sunday, with clear skies and some winds predicted for the weekend. The temperature will continue to be warm early in the week with highs of 33C for both Monday and Tuesday. Adelaide will reach 41C on a very hot and sunny Saturday before cooling off to 26C on Sunday. Manila (CNN Philippines Life) For Red Horse Beers first edition of Rockoustic Sessions, band members Ian Tayao (vocals), Louis Isok (guitar), Jesso Montejo (drums), Jeck Malacanang (guitar), and Keith Francisco (bass) perform three of their new songs unplugged. All three tracks were released within this year. The first song, "Hella Matta," plays with rhythm, changing it to beats of three instead of the usual four. The next, "Jackstone," has been around for a decade now, Tayao explained, but only now did it feel right. This is the rendition they like best. And the last song in the jam session, "Sunken ID," aims to be the relatable one, a track anyone can sing along to. Watch the video below and let us know in the comments section which songs you liked best, and if youd like to see Wilabaliw return to the Red Horse Beer Rockoustic Sessions: A British maritime security officer is facing a lengthy prison sentence in the United Arab Emirates after a customs officer refused to believe legally prescribed anti-anxiety medication was for his own use. Perry Coppins, a former soldier, tried to explain to the officer at the port of Fujairah that he had to have enough to last him a six month voyage at sea but was arrested and jailed despite the medication being legal in the Middle Eastern country. The 61-year-old is now on bail in Dubai after spending five weeks in prison and has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, for which he has been denied treatment, say charity Detained in Dubai, who have taken up his case. Perry Coppins is a maritime security officer and needs six months worth of medication to cover his time at sea Mr Coppins, pictured, is due to appear in court in Dubai around January 15 Mr Coppins, a father-of-three from Nottingham, is due to appear in court around on January 15 and Detained in Dubai, he is facing a 'years' in prison. His heartbroken family, daughters, Pia, 24, and Mia, 10, son, 21-year-old son Cameron, say they miss him and are pleading with the UAE authorities to allow him medical treatment. 'It's so cruel. Nobody should be treated like this. He is not a young man and he needs medical help to cope with his anxiety,' said Pia. 'Not being allowed his cancer treatment is like giving him a death sentence. Does human life mean nothing to those people?' Mr Coppins troubles began during the luggage check at the port when, Perry's prescription paperwork was not accepted by a customs officer. He has been diagnosed with anxiety and for the last 21 years has been taking Temazepam, Clonazepam and Citalopram prescribed by his GP. As at sea for months on end, he has to bring enough of his prescribed medication to last the voyage and cannot function without them. Mr Coppins was detained at the port of Fujairah after a customs officer refused to believe his medication was for personal consumption Mr Coppins, pictured requires a lifesaving operation for prostate cancer Mr Coppins knows to keep his prescription paperwork with him to satisfy customs officers at the various ports through which he passes, say Detained in Dubai. He was denied his medicine in jail, and Perry's psychological condition deteriorated rapidly, experiencing severe withdrawal from all the medicines. Without his medication, he has suffered hallucinations, extreme stress, lost 20kg, and suffered intense pain, bouts of blindness and uncontrollable sweating. He now needs a lifesaving operation for his prostate cancer but this is also being denied by the UAE authorities, who are also denying help for his mental health. Mr Coppins has lost his job, had his passport confiscated and life savings will run out altogether soon. His ex-wife Lesley has also made a plea for him to receive treatment. He is now facing a lengthy prison sentence in Dubai, said the charity that has representing him 'Perry and I spilt up, but he is a good man who loves his kids. I really hope the Dubai authorities decide to do the humane thing and let him free. Those medicines are taken by millions of people. He needs them to function.' Radha Stirling, Detained in Dubai chief executive, said: 'UAE laws on medicines are often vague and front-line law enforcement officials are frequently unaware of exactly what the rules permit or prohibit; so they make uneducated, arbitrary judgement calls. 'In fact the three medications which Perry possessed, are all legal in the UAE, provided the patient has prescription documentation, which Perry has. 'The initial mistake of the customs officer should never have escalated into criminal charges. 'But this reveals the lack of professionalism within the legal system, and what appears to be the capriciousness of the Public Prosecutor's office. 'Perry needs urgent treatment for his prostate cancer. To deny him this in a timely fashion is an absolute violation of his human rights. 'We hope that the UAE will show compassion to Perry and his children, and release him immediately, so that he can return home for the medical treatment he needs.' A man has been jailed for life without parole for murdering his girlfriend's 18-month-old son. Scott Jurewicz was sentenced in Detroit, Michigan, on Thursday, three years after killing Brenden Hartranft by violently shaking him and throwing him down in his Playpen in March 2015. He was convicted of first degree murder and child abuse in November after a lengthy trial. Jurewicz, 29, was dating Brenden's mother Brooke when he killed her son. Scott Jurewicz, 29, was jailed for life without parole on Thursday (above) for the 2015 murder of his girlfriend's 18-month-old son He had been trusted to put Brenden to bed but lashed out and after seven minutes out of the boy's mother's sight, he brought his unconscious body back to her at their home. Brenden died in hospital from head and neck injures several days later. It took several months for police to charge Jurewicz over Brenden's death. In the weeks between it and his arraignment, the man began dating another single mother. On May 21, a day before his arrest for Brenden's death, the second woman's son died while in Jurewicz's care. Jesse Pepper Jr. was found dead in his Playpen. He was 21-months-old and had been smothered to death. He also had evidence of injuries on his back and his dead. Jurewicz has not been charged in his death and jurors at his trial over Brenden's killing were not allowed to know that it was considered a homicide. Jesse's mother Andrea Conaway has also been questioned over his death but no one has been arrested or charged with it. Jurewicz gave 18-month-old Brenden Hartranft a 'good shake' as he put him to bed on March 17 2015. The child fell unconscious and died in hospital days later Jurewicz was dating Brenden's mother Brooke when he killed the boy in his room On Thursday, the judge sentencing Jurewicz told him: 'I think you're a psychopath. 'You affected so many lives. Seeing your complete lack of conscience, I don't think you'll do well in prison. 'Your mother, if she wants to see you, can see you in prison. Brenden's family don't have that option. Jurewicz denied murdering the boy throughout his trial. His attorney said he would appeal his conviction. Another baby, 21-month-old Jesse Pepper Jr, died in his Playpen while Jurewicz was in the house two months after Brenden's death. Jurewicz was dating Jesse Pepper Jr's mother. The baby died in his Playpen and he had been smothered. He is pictured with his father. No one has been arrested over his death On Thursday, Jurewicz was labeled a 'psychopath' by the Detroit judge who jailed him He has also denied having any role in the other boy's death. Brenden's mother did not speak at the sentencing hearing, which Michigan Live attended, but her mother did. She told her grandson's killer: 'You didn't just kill a child, you destroyed everyone's life. 'I hope you can never forget his name. You have blood on your hands. 'I wish I could put a photo of Brenden in your cell so you would never forget what you did to him.' School leavers can now earn up to $100,000 without a university degree, with many employers favouring 'life skills' over a qualification. From air-traffic controllers to operation and construction managers, many unskilled jobs are now just as financially profitable as those requiring a tertiary degree. According to a jobs experts, the decision by universities to enroll more students in courses than the number of jobs available once they graduate is making degrees obsolete - and increasing the financial worth of unskilled positions. Scroll down for video School leavers can earn up to $100,000 without a university degree, with many jobs such as Air Traffic Controllers (pictured) now regarding 'life skills' as more crucial than a qualification Professions such as radiation therapists (pictured) can earn close to $80,000 without a degree Raife Watson, the CEO of jobs vacancy website Adzuna, told the Today Show there are a number of positions with salaries of up to $100,000 that don't require degrees. Topping the list are Air Traffic Controllers, who have an average salary of more than $108,000. 'A high pressure job with minimal error to be had and they deserve every cent they can get,' Mr Watson said. Also high on the list of 'degree-free' positions are management roles for operations and distribution companies such as Amazon. COULD YOU DO ONE OF THESE TOP PAYING 'DEGREE-FREE' JOBS? Air Traffic Controller - $108,040 General and operations managers - $94,400 Construction manager - $83,860 Transportation and distribution manager - $80,210 Police supervisors and detectives - $78,260 Radiation therapist - $77,890 Nuclear power reactor operator - $75,650 Elevator installer - $70,910 Source: Raife Watson, Adzuna CEO Advertisement According to jobs expert Raife Watson (pictured) universities enrolling more students in courses than the number of jobs available once they graduate are making degrees obsolete Police sergeants and detectives are paid well, while construction roles are also among the top jobs with many building projects being launched across the country Construction roles are also among the highest paying, with many building projects being launched across the country. 'Think about what we need in Australia - more houses to bring down housing prices,' Mr Watson said. Rounding out the list were operating roles at power stations, radiation therapists and installing elevators, which all have salaries of more than $70,000. However the jobs expert said not going to university didn't mean people could only pursue a career in labouring or the like, with corporate positions readily available. Rounding out the list were operating roles at power stations and elevator installers which both have salaries of more than $70,000 According to Mr Watson, working in areas of personal interest are key to success. 'I think passion has got a lot to do with it, so pick a company you are really interested in or an industry, and try to get an entry level job in there. 'Once you are in you can start letting it be known that this is the type of job you want to do.' A Texas community is barring a Marine Corps veteran and his wife from flying the American flag outside their home, saying the display violates Home Owners Association (HOA) rules. Former Marine Corporal Michael Pereira said the HOA is also keeping him from flying a Marine Corps flag outside his Rosenberg home two months after moving into the neighborhood. 'If they're going to take them down, it's going to be a fight to take them down, and no one fights harder than a veteran combat Marine,' Pereira told KPRC on Wednesday. Former Marine Corporal Michael Pereira (pictured) said the HOA asked him to take down the flags earlier this week Pereira, who was in the Marines from 2002-2009, serving three tours in Iraq, said that he and his wife are outraged by the HOA's decision, adding that its an affront to every service member of the armed forces. The flags 'show respect for all the people I went to war with and the ones that didn't come back,' Pereira said. 'I got to take them down every night and put them up every morning.' Pereira, who was in the Marines from 2002-2009, serving three tours in Iraq, said that he and his wife (pictured left) are outraged by the HOA's decision Pereira told KPRC that he never experienced a problem with the association until this week, positing that a neighbor in his Kingdom Heights community must have alerted them to the issue. 'I'm guessing somebody didn't like it or someone reported it or something because I got a call from the property manager who works for the Home Owners Association asking me to take them down,' Pereira said. After being told by the HOA employee to remove the flags, Pereira's wife posted the situation on Facebook on their neighborhood page Tuesday night. Within hours, the post garnered hundreds of comments, virtually all in support of the couple. Ashley Johannsen, the couple's neighbor across the street, told KPRC that the HOA is being frivolous in its demands. 'It doesn't bother me. I think it's kind of silly to have someone take down their flags -- especially if he fought for the country,' said Johannsen. Pereira said that he's already filed an exemption with the HOA and is waiting to hear back. 'If they don't get those rules changed, I'm going to start a petition to get the rules changed,' Pereira said. The 18-year-old girl was trying to break up a fight at Victor Harbour schoolies Filip Manevski-Radin was filmed allegedly attacking the girl at Schoolies An 18-year-old man who was caught on camera allegedly punching a teenage girl at Schoolies in November has apologised in court. Filip Manevski-Radin was filmed allegedly attacking an 18-year-old girl during Victor Harbours Schoolies event in South Australia. The victim was trying to break up a fight at the time of the incident, 9 News reports. Scroll down for video Filip Manevski-Radin, 18, fronted court on Thursday after being charged with allegedly assaulting a teenage girl at Schoolies in November The victim was reportedly trying to break up a fight when Mr Manevski-Radin allegedly punched her Mr Manevski-Radin fronted Victor Harbour court on Thursday, after being arrested and charged with assault and disorderly behaviour following the attack. The 18-year-old said he was 'apologetic' and described his behaviour as unacceptable. Police confirmed the teenage girl didn't sustain any serious injuries from the attack, but the initial blow did 'knock her off her feet'. The case was adjourned after a short time on Thursday morning to allow Mr Manevski-Radin to seek legal advice. His next court appearance is scheduled for March. Gas and electricity giant SSE has told staff to save 2m by slashing pay-outs to customers who complain. Chiefs have told workers at the firm to offer goodwill pay-outs of 20 instead of 30. SSE boss Alistair Phillips-Davies, 49, was paid 2.92m last year, up from 1.7m the year before. And the firm itself made a 1.8bn profit last year. One customer service worker said: 'They're trying to make us scrape every penny from our customers. It's embarrassing. Gas and electricity giant SSE has told staff to save 2m by slashing pay-outs to customers who complain 'We make a fortune and yet they are asking us to save 2million this year for no reason other than greed.' Last night campaigners blasted the strategy, dubbed 'Goodwill - Give Less', at a time when households' energy bills are rising. SSE, the UK's second largest energy firm with around 7.7m customers in the UK and Ireland, hiked average bills by 73 per year last April, to 1,142 per year. Its five major competitors also increased bills, sparking widespread anger. Industry analysis suggests average energy bills increased by more than 240 last year, from 1,383 to 1,625. Laura Hill, from affordable energy campaign group Switched On, said: 'Yet again, SSE are putting their bottom line ahead of hard-up customers struggling to make ends meet because of rip-off fuel bills. SSE boss Alistair Phillips-Davies (pictured) was paid 2.92m last year, up from 1.7m the year before 'This is just the latest example of the Big Six's blatant profiteering. Their meagre scraps of 'goodwill' aren't enough.' Mike Shamash, from energy switching site The People's Power.co.uk said: 'It's hard to be outraged when this is completely normal behaviour. 'Energy companies are very good at hassling you for payment but when it comes to reimbursing customers, they are appalling.' Staff at SSE's offices in Portsmouth, Cardiff, Glasgow and Perth were urged to save the cash, according to the Sun. SSE insists the move is designed to make sure payments properly reflect the complaint. Firms typically offer goodwill payments when they want to keep customers happy without necessarily accepting liability for the complaint. The move comes as SSE and other energy firms are battling increased competition and a looming price cap. SSE has lost 410,000 customers over the latest year in the UK and Ireland, from 8.13m in September 2016 to 7.72m in September 2017. Mark Todd, of energy switching site Energy Helpline, suggested SSE's strategy with goodwill payments could be a sign of things to come as firms cut down on bells and whistles to focus on prices amid tougher competition. Chiefs have told workers at the firm to offer goodwill pay-outs of 20 instead of 30. File photo He said: 'I think it shows how much energy firms are being squeezed right now - there are about 70 suppliers. 'SSE is the second biggest and all these little suppliers are really nipping away at their customer base so it's really hard to maintain their profitability. 'The whole sector is potentially going to get a bit Ryanair: in a very competitive environment customers want the cheapest price so suppliers will do everything to deliver that cheaper price. 'What competition tends to do is that headline prices go down - it does not necessarily mean that people get better standards of service. 'British Airways got rid of meals to compete on price, so I think this might be a sign of things to come.' An SSE spokesman said: 'We know how important it is to offer market-leading customer service and we're proud we have the lowest number of complaints via the Energy Ombudsman. 'At SSE we encourage our customer service teams to treat all our customers fairly and to offer goodwill payments that properly reflect the nature of the complaint.' It is the latest blow for SSE, which in 2016 was exposed by the Mail on Sunday for using scare tactics to try to stop customers switching to cheaper rivals. SSE said the practices were inappropriate and did not reflect its culture and values. Campaigner Ms Hill added: 'Local councils should lead the way on bringing down bills. By setting up municipal non-profit energy companies that prioritise customer service and fairly priced renewable energy, we can dump the big six.' NoahFace helps Bahista Cafe connect with its customers and remember their usual orders An early morning coffee is a staple for almost everyone, and the owner of a small Sydney coffee shop has recently unveiled a technology that could revolutionise the way we order. When you enter Bahista Cafe, an iPad scans your face and your name, favourite order and rewards points immediately flash up on another iPad facing the barista. Invented by Bahista owner Geoff Cropley, the technology - which he's called NoahFace - is a high-tech facial recognition system that he initially created to help remember his regular customers' names. At Cafe Bahista (pictured) the baristas will know the names and coffee orders of the customers Geoff Cropley (left) demonstrates the use of NoahFace to help remember customers' details Mr Cropley bought Bahista Cafe almost four years ago, and has been searching for a way to establish better relationships with his customers since day one. After two years of work in conjunction with developer John Maclean, Mr Cropley launched NoahFace in July 2016. And since then, business has been up 37 per cent with a turnover of $1.2 million. 'I thought I could use my human brain and I failed miserably,' he told Sydney Morning Herald. 'I searched the world for a low-cost face recognition [system] and there was nothing out there, all the solutions were multi million-dollar ones. So I went about creating what we have today.' And the technology will only become more advanced in the future - Mr Copley is working on improving the app and adding other features. 'We are now using the underlying technology in a range of other business solutions, including time and attendance integrating with payroll,' Cropley explained. 'Following that, which will be mid-next year, we will launch access so when you walk to a door it will open.' Mr Cropley also made is clear that customers can easily opt-out if they want to; the cafe is 'very open and frank' that we have the the program. At the point of sale at Bahista Cafe, there is a large sign warning customers that their biometric data may be recorded for better customer service. If they don't want to participate, customers can inform the barista and their details will not be recorded. Bahista owner Geoff Cropley invented NoahFace to help him deliver better customer service Customers at Cafe Bahista (pictured) can easily decide not to use the facial recognition app But it's not just Bahista Cafe benefiting from the use of facial recognition software. 'Face recognition has been around in some form for a number of years, but really it has only been in the last few years that it has taken on a strength that makes it very viable,' said Chris de Silva, global head of facial recognition at tech giant NEC. There is also plenty of misinformation surrounding the technology, which can be used for authentication, identification and monitoring. 'Some people like to talk up this Big Brother scenario,' Mr de Silva said. 'The issue is not the technology, but the issue of privacy and how you deal with that.' NEC is working with other small businesses and start-ups to help them utilise facial recognition - notable with the night-club entry and security system NightKey. Founder Mario Madaffari initially invented a finger print registration system to be used at the entrance, which has now been enhanced with the addition of facial monitoring inside the club. Security system NightKey combines fingerprint recognition with facial recognition software NoahFace is steadily growing in popularity, too, with Canberra Airport and Rhino Rack Australia both signing up to use the technology. Mr Cropley lauded the benefits of automatic, individual identification of people via facial recognition can apply to almost any business scenario, saying that he is excited for potential future growth. NoahFace attracted more than $1 million in seed funding, including a sizeable investment from Toby's Estate founder Toby Smith. Other coffee shops and bars and also beginning to use the technology - Bar Bellaccino, Adelaide's Hotel Richmond and Coffee Roasters in Brisbane are all on board. When Henry Bolton was elected Ukip leader in September, supporters breathed a sigh of relief. After the loss of three leaders in less than a year and support for the party in freefall, they hoped the former soldier and police officer turned security expert would instill discipline. Among the first to welcome his surprise victory was Nigel Farage, who described Bolton as a man of real substance, adding: Is he a solid, sensible, decent, non-extreme human being? Absolutely. Henry Bolton, pictured leaving the home of his model girlfriend Jo Marney yesterday morning, was described by Nigel Farage as a 'solid, sensible, decent, non-extreme human being' Mr Bolton, pictured here with Ms Marney, claimed he was entitled to a 'degree of privacy' But whether Boltons second wife Tatiana, 42, agrees with the Farage assessment we can only guess. The Ukip leader, who looks a decade older than his 54 years, said yesterday: Whilst I fully accept that as a national political figure I can expect to be the subject of media attention, I also believe were all entitled to a certain degree of privacy. Perhaps Kenyan-born Bolton should have thought about such issues before his new girlfriend posted photographs of the couple canoodling on social media. Bolton, who studied at Sandhurst, served with the Royal Hussars in Britain and Germany. After leaving full-time service in 1990 he spent eight years as a police officer with the Thames Valley force, and he was awarded a bravery medal. He signed up as a reservist in 1992 and two years later was promoted to captain, serving in Bosnia as an infantry company commander and reconnaissance officer. Kenyan-born Bolton has left his Russian wife for Kent-based model Jo Marney, pictured Buried in Boltons biography on professional networking site LinkedIn are two further remarkable claims. Bolton, who looks more like an assistant bank manager than a derring-do military figure, says he was a French commando and had a spell of jungle warfare. There are suggestions the reference may relate to two courses with the French military while in the TA. When he left the Army there were big changes in his personal life too he married his Danish first wife with whom he has a daughter, 32. His second wife, Russian Tatiana Smurova, made the news in May 2016 when she went into labour on a train to London. Bolton fetched paramedics at St Pancras and she gave birth to their second daughter in the carriage. Less than a fortnight earlier his bid to be named Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent had ended in defeat to the Tories. As a security consultant, Bolton has advised the EU and Home Office, and had spells working in Kosovo, Bosnia, as well as Afghanistan, for which he was handed an OBE in 2013. Bolton joined Ukip only four years ago after running as Lib Dem candidate in Runnymede and Weybridge in 2005, standing against now Chancellor Philip Hammond. Not renowned as a speaker or noted for his charisma, most Ukip veterans thought he would struggle to make an impact. So it has mostly proved, although he is always up for a challenge. On TV station Russia Today after becoming leader, he embraced some of their ideas for an initiation test. The one that was probably most suitable for me was chasing a badger across Dartmoor, capturing it and breaking its neck with ones bare hands, he said. The remarks never sat easily with his pledge to make the party more professional. Last month, in a little noticed message to party members, Bolton conceded the going was tough and there was no money. The party has very few resources and I have inherited no office and no equipment or staff. He had insisted he would do things differently to the colourful Farage, saying: I have my own style, I have my own personality and I think you will see that emerge. Hes right about one thing hes no Farage. The latest opinion poll put Ukip on less than 5 per cent. The feud between President Trump and his ex-svengali Steve Bannon could see another courtroom escalation after a new hint that Bannon may sue for defamation. The possible legal move comes after a Trump attorney fired off a cease-and-desist letter demanding Bannon cease disparaging comments about Trump, in possible violation of a non-disclosure agreement. High-profile defense lawyer Mark Geragos floated the idea in an appearance on CNN, asked if Bannon might make a defamation case. 'I have it on pretty good authority that he's considering that,' Geragos said, immediately referencing a Trump statement from Wednesday saying Bannon had 'lost his mind.' Mercer was put off by statements Bannon reportedly made to donors saying she would back him if he ran for president in 2020 'No kidding?' the CNN show's host, Brooke Baldwin responded. 'Yeah, so when you say somebody has lost their mind or implied they didn't do this or that that also could be potentially a defamation action, where Bannon has the ability to do it,' Geragos said. 'It's got about as much merit, if not more, than the things that they are claiming that Bannon has to cease and desist about.' The threat came amid signs that Bannon could get ousted from his Breitbart News site. The Wall Street Journal reported staffers there were wondering whether Bannon would last the day. The paper reported that board members were debating whether to remove Bannon as chairman, according to a person familia with the exchanges. The discord followed earlier reports that Bannon supporter and Breitbart part-owner Rebekah Mercer was backing away from Bannon projects. Bannon, who unleashed stunning attacks on Trump and members of the Trump family in excerpts from a new book by Michael Wolff, has relied on Mercer as a prime supporter of his projects over the years. She will not support further Bannon projects, the Washington Post reported on Thursday. The paper reports that she was irked by his support of Roy Moore in the Alabama Senate race, a contest that pitted Bannon against much of the GOP establishment. Rebekah Mercer has reportedly said she will no longer support Steve Bannon projects in the future A person familiar with a conversation between them told the paper that Mercer was alienated when he told other donors he could count on Mercer money to support him if he ran for president. 'The core constituency for Breitbart is what you would call the Trump Deplorables. That's the audience. And if they're asked to choose between Steve and Trump, they're going to choose Trump. That's clear,' the paper quoted a person familiar with the company's ownership as saying. Vanity Fair reported in December that Bannon told an advisor in October he would consider running if Trump didn't seek reelection in 2020. Last November, billionaire investor Robert Mercer announced he was selling his share of Breitbart to his daughters. Mercer is an owner of Breitbart News Bannon has another backer in Chinese billionaire Miles Kwok, according to the Drudge Report Miles Kwok is a member of Mar-a-Lago Miles Kwok posted at a Mar-a-Lago entrance Miles Kwok posted numerous shots of Bannon on his Twitter feed Matt Drudge tweeted about Bannon's new billionaire backer Not long after reports that Rebekah Mercer was pulling back, the Drudge Report posted a tweet by Matt Drudge picturing Bannon with Chinese billionaire, Guo Wen Gui, also known as Miles Kwok. 'Steve Bannon finding opportunity and happiness in the arms of a new billionaire benefactor, Miles Kwok, aka Guo Wen Gui. Mercer is yesterday's mashed potatoes..' according to the tweet. Kwok has been putting out information about powerful figures inside China in order to disrupt the Chinese Communist Party's grip on the nation. He also is a member of Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club in Palm Beach Florida. President Trump dismissed Bannon in brief comments to the media Thursday, referencing a Bannon interview on Sirius radio. 'I don't know he called me a great man last night. He obviously changed his tune pretty quick,' Trump said. 'I don't talk to him.' Two massive security flaws could put billions of people worldwide at risk of being hacked, in a shocking lapse affecting nearly all devices. Meltdown and Spectre could let cyber criminals steal passwords and other data from nearly every gadget containing chips from Intel, AMD and Arm, thanks to 'design flaws' in their manufacture. The bugs affect desktops, laptops, servers, smartphones and tablets, as well as smart devices like baby monitors, smart cars and thermostats, powered by processors from these firms. Patches have been created by a number of device manufacturers to try and plug the huge security holes, but fixing the underlying issue will be extremely difficult. Scroll down for video Details have emerged about two massive security flaws which put billions of people worldwide at risk of being hacked. Meltdown and Spectre could let cyber criminals steal data from nearly every computing device containing chips from Intel, AMD and Arm Security researchers at Google's Project Zero computer security analysis team, in conjunction with academic and industry researchers from several countries, exposed the two flaws. Meltdown, which is specific to Intel chips, lets hackers bypass the hardware barrier between applications run by users and the computer's memory, potentially letting hackers read a computer's memory. It was first discovered by Project Zero in June last year, when expert Jann Horn found that passwords, encryption keys, and sensitive information open in applications that should have been protected could be accessed. A second bug, called Spectre, affects chips from Intel, AMD and Arm. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF Google - Patch coming tomorrow On January 5, Google is issuing a security update to protect Android phones. Google-branded phones should automatically download the update and you need to just install it. With Pixel and Pixel 2 the update will automatically install too. Some Android phone manufacturers are slow to patch, so you should contact them to make sure they update it as soon as possible. The patch for Chrome will be installed on January 23 and some Chromebooks had a mitigation in its OS 63, released in December, write Wired. If don't want to wait until then an experimental feature from Google called Site Isolation can help in the meantime. This feature makes it harder for malicious websites to access data from other websites you are looking at, writes Cnet. To use this feature on Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS or Android copy and paste chrome://flags/#enable-site-per-process into the URL in Chrome. Click 'Strict Site Isolation' and then press 'Enable'. Save your work and then press 'Relaunch now'. A few Chromebooks are not expected to get the patch because they are too old. Here is a full list (look for 'no' in the right-hand column). According to Google no other products are affected by these vulnerabilities. Microsoft - Windows 10 patch available, older versions to come There is already a patch available for Windows 10 which will automatically be applied. For older operating systems a patch will be available next week. According to the company, Azure infrastructure is updated. Apple - No public comment There has been no public comment from the company. One researcher has suggested MacOS 10.13.2 has mitigation for the flaw. Linux - Patch available The system has a patch. Reports suggest it can slow down Linux-based systems by as much as 17 per cent. Users can opt out if they do not want it. Amazon - Cloud services patched The company says its web services have been updated. Major cloud services aimed at business customers, including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform and Microsoft Azure, say they have already patched most of their services Consumers should check with their device maker and operating system provider for security updates and install them as soon as possible. Advertisement This lets hackers potentially trick otherwise error-free applications into giving up secret information. Project Zero disclosed the Meltdown vulnerability not long after Intel said it's working to patch it. Intel says the average computer user won't experience significant slowdowns as it's fixed. Tech companies typically withhold details about security problems until fixes are available, so that hackers don't have a roadmap to exploit the flaws. Both Intel and Google said they were planning to disclose the issue next week, when fixes will be available. But Intel was forced to come clean about the problem yesterday after news of the flaw became public. Meltdown, which is specific to Intel chips, lets hackers bypass the hardware barrier between applications run by users and the computer's memory, potentially letting hackers read a computer's memory MELTDOWN AND SPECTRE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Researchers from Google, academia and cybersecurity firms discovered two flaws in computer chips that affect nearly all modern computers: Meltdown This is a flaw that affects laptops, desktop computers and internet servers with Intel chips. It lets hackers bypass the hardware barrier between applications run by users and the computer's kernel memory. This has the potential to let hackers access the content of this portion of a computer's memory. This would enable them to steal data, such as passwords saved in web browsers. Spectre This bug affects chips from Intel, AMD and ARM and lets hackers potentially trick otherwise error-free applications into giving up secret information. 'Spectre' affects chips in smartphones and tablets, as well as computer chips from Intel and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Hackers can trick apps into leaking sensitive information. Spectre is a broader bug that applies to nearly all computing devices. It is harder for hackers to take advantage of but less easily patched and will be a bigger problem in the long term, experts say. Advertisement In an interview with CNBC yesterday, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said: 'We've found no instances of anybody actually executing this exploit. 'Phones, PCs, everything are going to have some impact, but itll vary from product to product.' However, clips on social media claim to show computer security experts using the exploit. Michael Schwarz, who has a PhD in information security, posted on Twitter 'Using #Meltdown to steal passwords in real time', along with a GIF animation of the procedure. Researchers say Apple and Microsoft have patches ready for users for desktop computers affected by Meltdown. Microsoft declined to comment and Apple did not immediately return requests for comment. Daniel Gruss, one of the researchers at Graz University of Technology who discovered Meltdown, called it 'probably one of the worst CPU bugs ever found' in an interview with Reuters. Gruss said Meltdown was the more serious problem in the short term but could be decisively stopped with software patches. WHY DOES THE FLAW EXIST? Modern computer processors rely on a method called speculative execution to try and optimise their performance. Both exploits target this process, which is hardwired into the design of CPUs. Chips break down data processing into a pipeline, dividing incoming instructions into a series of sequential steps. This ensures that every part of the processor is kept busy, maximising its performance. To free up space from the pipeline, modern chips try to guess what information will be needed at a given time. They load this data into the memory, even on occasion when it's unnecessary, allowing the system to access it quicker. However, this means that sensitive information may be loaded into the memory which shouldn't have been, before any security checks have been made. Once the processor realises the information isn't needed, it should remove all traces of it, but this isn't always the case. The exploits let hackers detect remnants which remain lodged in the memory. Advertisement Spectre, the broader bug that applies to nearly all computing devices, is harder for hackers to take advantage of but less easily patched and will be a bigger problem in the long term, he said. Intel's CEO said Google researchers told Intel of the flaws 'a while ago' and that Intel had been testing fixes that device makers who use its chips will push out next week. Before the problems became public, Google on its blog said Intel and others planned to disclose the issues on January 9. Intel was forced to come clean about the Meltdown problem yesterday after news of the flaw, which affects laptops like this HP, became public The bugs affect desktops, laptops, servers, smartphones and tablets, as well as smart devices like powered by processors from a range of manufacturers. Apple's iPhone is likely to be among the devices affected, as it's processors are based on a 64-bit Arm chip. There has been no public comment from the company. One researcher has suggested MacOS 10.13.2 has a fix for the flaw affecting its desktop and laptop machines Google said it informed the affected companies about the 'Spectre' flaw on June 1, 2017 and reported the 'Meltdown' flaw after the first flaw but before July 28, 2017. The flaws were first reported by tech publication The Register. It also reported that the updates to fix the problems could causes Intel chips to operate five to 30 per cent more slowly, with some experts claiming this could be more like 50 per cent. Security researchers at Google's Project Zero computer security analysis team, in conjunction with academic and industry researchers from several countries, discovered the two flaws. Google's own Home smart speakers use Arm processors Intel denied that the patches would bog down computers based on Intel chips. 'Intel has begun providing software and firmware updates to mitigate these exploits,' the Santa Clara, California, Company said in a statement. 'Contrary to some reports, any performance impacts are workload-dependent, and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time.' INDUSTRY'S BIGGEST PLAYERS Intel, AMD and Arm are three of the biggest names in the world of computer processors. Intel Intel, the world's leading semiconductor manufacturer, started life producing memory chips, including the first metal oxide semiconductor in 1969. The firm's introduction of the Pentium microprocessor in 1993 helped usher in a personal computer revolution during that decade. Major companies, including Dell and HP, were early adopters of Intel's chips in their PCs. Today, most laptop and desktops in the world are powered by an Intel CPU, including rival Apple Macs, which dropped its proprietary chips in favour of the industry leader's in 2005. AMD Advanced Micro Devices, better known as AMD, is Intel's only significant rival in the PC processor marketplace. Alongside Nvidia, it is also one of two dominant players in the manufacture of graphics processing units, used in PC video gaming. Both Microsoft and Sony chose AMD processors over Intel's to power their latest consoles, the Xbox One and PS4. AMD processors are also the preferred choice for many custom and home built PCs, particularly among the gaming community. Arm Arm processors have conquered the world of smart devices, thanks to their stripped back design. British company Arm Holdings develops the design of the chips, which is then licensed to other firms. Processors that use the company's RISC architecture require fewer transistors than larger personal computer chips. This makes them cheaper, use less power and give off less heat, making them ideal in smaller, more portable gadgets. This ranges from smartphones to internet connected baby monitors. Advertisement ARM spokesman Phil Hughes said that patches had already been shared with the companies' partners, which include many smartphone manufacturers. 'This method only works if a certain type of malicious code is already running on a device and could at worst result in small pieces of data being accessed from privileged memory,' Mr Hughes said in an email. AMD chips are also affected by at least one variant of a set of security flaws but that it can be patched with a software update. A second bug, called Spectre, affects chips from Intel, AMD and Arm. This lets hackers potentially trick otherwise error-free applications into giving up secret information. This image shows a Motorola video baby monitor which uses Arm chips Patches have already been created by a number of device manufacturers and operating system creators to plug the huge security holes. This image shows Mio's DigiWalker GPS system, which also uses an Arm processor The company said it believes there 'is near zero risk to AMD products at this time.' Google said in a blog post that Android phones running the latest security updates are protected, as are its own Nexus and Pixel phones with the latest security updates. Gmail users do not need to take any additional action to protect themselves, but users of its Chromebooks, Chrome web browser and many of its Google Cloud services will need to install updates. Amazon Web Services, a cloud computing service used by businesses, said that most of its internet servers were already patched and the rest were in the process of being patched. The defect affects the so-called kernel memory on Intel x86 processor chips manufactured over the past decade, The Register reported citing unnamed programmers, allowing users of normal applications to discern the layout or content of protected areas on the chips. That could make it possible for hackers to exploit other security bugs or, worse, expose secure information such as passwords, thus compromising individual computers or even entire server networks. WHAT IS KERNEL MEMORY? Kernel memory is part of the kernel layer, the central module of an operating system like Windows or Mac OS. This is the part of the operating system that loads first and starts up core processes and tasks required to run your computer. Kernel memory remains in a protected area of the system's main physical and virtual memory, which is made up of RAM chips and specially allocated areas of your hard drive. While other parts of the main memory may be overwritten, kernel memory is allocated to perform important system processes like disk, memory, process and task management, as well as for communication between hardware components and devices. As such, it contains sensitive information which is off limits to the the rest of the system, to protect any unwanted errors from occurring within the OS. Advertisement Dan Guido, chief executive of cyber security consulting firm Trail of Bits, said that businesses should quickly move to update vulnerable systems, saying he expects hackers to quickly develop code they can use to launch attacks that exploit the vulnerabilities. 'Exploits for these bugs will be added to hackers standard toolkits,' Mr Guido said. Shares in Intel were down by 3.4 per cent following the report but nudged back up 1.2 percent to $44.70 (33) in after-hours trading. Shares in AMD were up one per cent to $11.77 (8.70), shedding many of the gains they had made earlier in the day when reports suggested its chips were not affected. It was not immediately clear whether Intel would face any significant financial liability arising from the reported flaw. 'The current Intel problem, if true, would likely not require CPU replacement in our opinion. However the situation is fluid,' Hans Mosesmann of Rosenblatt Securities in New York said in a note, adding it could hurt the company's reputation. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3) The Department of Education (DepEd) has lifted the moratorium on field trips and off-campus activities as it issues new implementing guidelines for private and public schools. The guidelines, issued by Education Secretary Leonor Briones on December 27 through Department Order 66, states that the implementation is in support of the K to 12 curriculum. The following are the guidelines which all co-curricular and extra-curricular activities must adhere to: Ensure relevance and alignment with the educational competencies of the K to 12 Curriculum and leadership development of learners; Uphold child protection principles and that no learner shall be disadvantaged in any form; and Observe the safety and security protocols for all participants before, during and after the activity. The Department Order effectively repealed DepEd Memorandum No. 47 series of 2017, which took effect following a bus crash in Rizal on February that killed 13 students and one teacher who were on a field trip, along with the driver. The Commission on Higher Education had also earlier issued stricter guidelines for educational field trips, which included mandatory insurance for students, scrutinizing the vehicles to be used, and making the activities voluntary. Scientist have developed the first bionic hand with a sense of touch that can be used outside a laboratory. Almerina Mascarello, 62, lost her left hand in an accident in a steel factory in 1993. The married mother-of-two has now been fitted with the robot hand that is not only controlled by her brain, but can also feel what it picks up. It allow her to carry out actions that most of us take for granted but pose great difficulties for amputees such as getting dressed. Almerina Mascarello lost her left hand in an accident in a steel factory in 1993 and she says the device is almost like having her hand back The hand was developed by scientists in Rome and allows her to carry out her hobby of fixing cars Mrs Mascarello says the device, which has been compared to the robotic hand fitted to Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, is almost like [her hand] is back again. In tests, Mrs Mascarello was able to tell whether an object she picked up with the device was hard or soft. She told the BBC that the hand, developed by scientists in Rome, allows her to carry out her hobby of fixing cars. In 2014 the same international team produced the worlds first feeling bionic hand but the device was so bulky it could not leave the laboratory. The latest version of the device is portable - small enough to fit in a rucksack. The development team from Italy, Switzerland and Germany included engineers, neuroscientists, surgeons and electronics and robotics specialists. The robotic hand simulates a living hands ability to feel with sensors that can detect information about whether an object is soft or hard. The same team produced a hand simulates a living hands ability to feel in 2014 but was so bulky it could not leave the lab This information is linked to a computer in a rucksack that converts these signals into electronic impulses that the brain will understand. The information is relayed to Mrs Mascarellos brain via tiny electrodes implanted in nerves in the upper arm. In tests Almerina - who was blindfolded - was able to tell whether the object she was picking up was hard or soft. She said: The feeling is spontaneous as if it were your real hand; youre finally able to do things that before were difficult, like getting dressed, putting on shoes - all mundane but important things - you feel complete. Professor Silvestro Micera, a neuroengineer at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne told the BBC: We are going more and more in the direction of science fiction movies like Luke Skywalkers bionic hand in Star Wars - a fully controlled, fully natural, sensorised prosthesis, identical to the human hand. The latest version of the device is portable and is small enough to fit in a rucksack A robotic prosthesis better than the human hand is still a long way off, but the team believe it might eventually be a reality. Prof Paolo Rossini, a neurologist at University Hospital Agostino Gemelli, Rome said: Once you can control a robotic prosthesis with your brain you can think about creating one that allows more complex movements than a hand with five fingers. The researchers paid tribute to Almerina and the other amputees who joined the project. Mrs Mascarello has kept the bionic hand for six months, but it has now been removed, as it is still a prototype. The scientific team say they hope to miniaturise the technology even further so that a sensory bionic hand can be commercialised U.S. drone sales in 2017 topped $1 billion for the first time ever, but don't raise a glass too quickly if you're in New Jersey, where lawmakers on Thursday are poised to outlaw drunken droning. It is one of a wave of U.S. states moving to bring the unmanned aircrafts' high-flying fun back to earth. New Jersey's Assembly on Thursday is slated to vote on a Senate-approved bill to ban inebriated or drugged droning, as well as outlaw flying unmanned aircraft systems over prisons and in pursuit of wildlife. The bill would impose a punishment of up to six months prison and a $1,000 fine for 'drunk droning'. The Senate-approved bill will ban inebriated or drugged droning, as well as outlaw flying unmanned aircraft systems over prisons and in pursuit of wildlife DRONE EXPLOSION New statistics set for release next week show 3.1 million drones were sold in the United States last year, up 28 percent from 2016, said Richard Kowalski, manager for Consumer Technology Association. U.S. drone sales in 2017 topped $1 billion for the first time ever. Advertisement 'It's basically like flying a blender,' said John Sullivan, 41, of New York, a drone buff and aerial cinematographer. He said he opposed drunk droning but also fretted about regulatory overreach. 'If I had like one drink, I'd be hesitant to even fly it.' A 2015 drone crash on the White House lawn fueled debate in the U.S. Congress over the need for drone regulations. It was a drunken, off-duty employee of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency who flew the 2-foot-by-2-foot (60 cm by 60 cm) 'quadcopter' from a friend's apartment balcony and lost control of it over the grounds surrounding the White House, the New York Times reported. New statistics set for release next week show 3.1 million drones were sold in the United States last year, up 28 percent from 2016, said Richard Kowalski, manager for Consumer Technology Association. 'This was the first year that drone revenues reached $1 billion,' Kowalksi said in an email. The bill would impose a punishment of up to six months prison and a $1,000 fine for drunk droning New Jersey is among at least 38 states considering restrictions on the devices this legislative year, including Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, said Amanda Essex, senior policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures. 'Like any technology, drones have the ability to be used for good, but they also provide new opportunities for bad actors,' said Assemblywoman Annette Quijano of Elizabeth, New Jersey. She backed the bill, which would impose a punishment of up to six months prison and a $1,000 fine for drunk droning. Already, nine states prohibit drones from operating near or over prisons, including Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin, Essex said. A drone carrying wire cutters and a cell phone likely aided a prisoner's escape in July from a maximum security prison in South Carolina, officials said. New robots designed to replace workers in airports, hotels and supermarkets have been announced by LG Electronics. The firm is showcasing a trio of robots designed to carry your suitcase, shopping and drinks at the global Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week. Tech companies are racing to create automated machines capable of carrying out service industry tasks, threatening the jobs of up to 800 million workers worldwide. Scroll down for video Each of LG's three new robots is bin-shaped, shorter than a human, and moves via a hidden set of wheels at its base. One of the machines is designed to serve drinks and food (left), while another hauls luggage (centre). A third has been designed as a shopping assistant (right) THE NEW ROBOTS Each of LG's new robots is bin-shaped, shorter than a human, and moves via a hidden set of wheels at its base. The first of the new machines is a server robot designed to carry food and drinks to customers at hotels and airport lounges. A built-in sliding tray installed into the assistant will collect the food and protect it while the robot is in transit. The second is a porter robot capable of carrying hotel guests' luggage to and from rooms. Lastly, LG will unveil a machine that works with customers at supermarkets, telling them product prices and then guiding them through the aisles. Advertisement Each of LG's new robots is bin-shaped, shorter than a human, and moves via a hidden set of wheels at its base. A circular screen with a bright-eyed digital face gives the machines a 'human' touch. The robots all feature prominent touch-screen displays to provide people with information and receive instructions. A spokesman for South Korean firm LG told CNBC that the robots are still 'concept' products and are 'a long way from ready to go public'. The first of the new machines is a server robot designed to carry food and drinks to customers at hotels and airport lounges. A built-in sliding tray installed into the assistant will collect the food and protect it while the robot is in transit. The second of the three new machines is a porter robot capable of carrying hotel guests' luggage to and from rooms. The machine can also handle 'express check-in and check-out services', though LG has given no further detail on what these entail. Lastly, LG will unveil a machine that works with customers at supermarkets, telling them product prices and then guiding them through the aisles. The machines form part of LG's new 'CLOi' range, which is the new brand for all of its robot products. LG is currently trialling airport robots (pictured) designed to help passengers check-in and find their boarding gates at South Koreas Incheon Airport. Its newest robots will be unveiled at the global Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week LG will likely begin trials of the service machines soon. The firm's two airport robots, designed to help passengers check-in and find their boarding gates, are already being tested at South Koreas Incheon Airport. If popularised, service industry robots could see the jobs of millions of worker across the globe lost to automation. Last month, a report claimed that as many as 800 million workers worldwide could be replaced by machines in the next 13 years. Even if automation is adopted at a slower pace, 400 million people could still lose their jobs, it said. The report, called 'Jobs lost, jobs gained: Workforce transitions in a time of automation', was put together by London-based consultancy firm McKinsey. If popularised, service industry robots - including LG's airport machines (pictured) - could see the jobs of millions of worker across the globe lost to automation It assessed the number and type of jobs that could be lost to automation by 2030. The report said: 'The results reveal a rich mosaic of potential shifts in occupations in the years ahead, with important implications for workforce skills and wages. 'Our key finding is that while there may be enough work to maintain full employment to 2030 under most scenarios, the transitions will be very challenging - matching or even exceeding the scale of shifts out of agriculture and manufacturing we have seen in the past.' Intel's CEO cashed in $24 million (18 million) worth of stock in the company, months after it was informed of a massive 'design flaw' in its chips. Brian Krzanich took the decision to divest the maximum stake in the firm possible just four months after Intel found out about the security bug. The issues, known as Metldown and Spectre, could affect billions of gadgets worldwide that are powered by the company's CPUs. They only came to public attention in recent days but, according to reports, the microprocessor manufacturer was informed in June last year. Scroll down for video Intel's CEO Brian Krzanich, pictured, cashed in a whopping $24 million (18 million) worth of stock in the company, just four months after it was informed of a massive 'design flaw' in its chips INTEL'S TWO SECURITY VULNERABILITIES Two massive security flaws could put billions of people worldwide at risk of being hacked, in a shocking lapse affecting nearly all devices. Meltdown and Spectre could let cyber criminals steal passwords and other data from nearly every gadget containing chips from Intel, AMD and Arm, thanks to 'design flaws' in their manufacture. The bugs affect desktops, laptops, servers, smartphones and tablets, as well as smart devices like baby monitors powered by processors from these manufacturers. Patches have been created by a number of device manufacturers to try and plug the huge security holes, but fixing the underlying issue will be extremely difficult. Advertisement The sale drew attention when it was originally announced, as it left Krzanich with just 250,000 stock in his firm, the minimum required by the terms of his employment. The timing is likely to raise even more eyebrows after revelations in recent days about the scale of the problems facing Intel, as well as how much the CEO knew when the sale went through. Intel says the sale was planned in advance as part of a standard deal and has no connection to the recently disclosed chip flaw, which affects processors built over the past decade. In a statement to Business Insider UK, a representative for Intel said: 'Brians sale is unrelated. 'He continues to hold shares in-line with corporate guidelines.' Executives at high powered firms often have plans in place to automatically sell part of their stocks or shares, precisely to avoid charges of trading on insider knowledge. Krzanich sold 245,743 shares of stock he owned outright, as well as a further 644,135 shares that were part of rights specified in his contract, under such an arrangement. But, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing, this plan was only put in place on October 30. The issues, known as Metldown and Spectre, could affect billions of gadgets worldwide that are powered by the company's CPUs. They only came to public attention in recent days but, according to reports, the microprocessor manufacturer was informed in June last year INDUSTRY'S BIGGEST PLAYERS Intel, AMD and Arm are three of the biggest names in the world of computer processors. Intel Intel, the world's leading semiconductor manufacturer, started life producing memory chips, including the first metal oxide semiconductor in 1969. The firm's introduction of the Pentium microprocessor in 1993 helped usher in a personal computer revolution during that decade. Major companies, including Dell and HP, were early adopters of Intel's chips in their PCs. Today, most laptop and desktops in the world are powered by an Intel CPU, including rival Apple Macs, which dropped its proprietary chips in favour of the industry leader's in 2005. AMD Advanced Micro Devices, better known as AMD, is Intel's only significant rival in the PC processor marketplace. Alongside Nvidia, it is also one of two dominant players in the manufacture of graphics processing units, used in PC video gaming. Both Microsoft and Sony chose AMD processors over Intel's to power their latest consoles, the Xbox One and PS4. AMD processors are also the preferred choice for many custom and home built PCs, particularly among the gaming community. Arm Arm processors have conquered the world of smart devices, thanks to their stripped back design. British company Arm Holdings develops the design of the chips, which is then licensed to other firms. Processors that use the company's RISC architecture require fewer transistors than larger personal computer chips. This makes them cheaper, use less power and give off less heat, making them ideal in smaller, more portable gadgets. This ranges from smartphones to internet connected baby monitors. Advertisement This is well after Intel learned of the problems with its x86-64 range of chips, which Business Insider UK reports happened in June. Security researchers at Google's Project Zero computer security analysis team, in conjunction with academic and industry researchers from several countries, discovered the two flaws. Meltdown and Spectre could let cyber criminals steal passwords and other data from nearly every gadget containing chips from Intel, AMD and Arm, thanks to 'design flaws' in their manufacture. The bugs affect desktops, laptops, servers, smartphones and tablets, as well as smart devices like baby monitors powered by processors from these firms. Patches have been created by a number of device manufacturers to try and plug the huge security holes, but fixing the underlying issue will be extremely difficult. In an interview with CNBC yesterday, Krzanich said: 'We've found no instances of anybody actually executing this exploit. 'Phones, PCs, everything are going to have some impact, but itll vary from product to product.' However, clips on social media claim to show computer security experts using the exploit. Michael Schwarz, who has a PhD in information security, posted on Twitter 'Using #Meltdown to steal passwords in real time', along with a GIF animation of the procedure. Researchers say Apple and Microsoft have patches ready for users for desktop computers affected by Meltdown. Daniel Gruss, one of the researchers at Graz University of Technology who discovered Meltdown, called it 'probably one of the worst CPU bugs ever found' in an interview with Reuters. Gruss said Meltdown was the more serious problem in the short term but could be decisively stopped with software patches. Spectre, the broader bug that applies to nearly all computing devices, is harder for hackers to take advantage of but less easily patched and will be a bigger problem in the long term, he said. Apple's offer to replace flagging batteries at a slashed rate could be a hurdle for iPhone unit sales in 2018 if more users take the deal over upgrading to a new device, Barclays analysts write in a note. Apple's customers have not been very pleased since the company said last month it intentionally slowed down older iPhones with weakening batteries to prevent the handset from shutting off abruptly. Following consumer outrage, Apple apologized and slashed the price of out-of-warranty replacement batteries to $29 from $79 for iPhone 6 or later models. Last week Apple issued an unprecedented apology over its handling of the admission it slows down older iPhones. Now, it appears the Cupertino-based firm will replace all batteries in the iPhone 6 or later - even if it passes their Genius Bar diagnostic test. This image shows CEO Tim Cook at the launch of the iPhone 6 on September 9, 2015 HOW TO TEST YOUR BATTERY Apple users can run a diagnostics test remotely. To initiate this contact the firm or schedule an appointment using the Apple Support App. Reports suggest customers who paid to have their batteries replaced before the announcement are eligible for a refund on request. Initially the company said the price would be effective from the end of January but has since said it applies immediately. Earlier models such as 5, 5S and 5C are not covered. Reports suggest customers who paid to have their batteries replaced before the announcement are eligible for a refund on request. Advertisement Barclays analyst Mark Moskowitz says 77 percent of iPhone customers are using iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and SE, which means even a small percentage opting for battery replacement over upgrade could have meaningful impact on iPhone sales. Barclays estimates that there are 519 million iPhones eligible for the $29 battery replacement and predicts that Apple will do swaps on about 10% or 54 million of them. While the $29 charge would create about $1.56B in revenue, the company could be giving up around $10B from the potential loss of the estimated 16M iPhone sales. The company faces eight lawsuits filed in California, New York and Illinois over the issue. Last week Apple issued an unprecedented apology following its admission that it slows down older iPhones to save battery life. Now, it appears the Cupertino-based firm will replace all batteries in the iPhone 6 or later - even if it passes their Genius Bar diagnostic test. An internal memo states customers should receive a battery for $29 (25) - even if a diagnostics tests proves it can retain more than 80 per cent of its original capacity. It comes as the firm faces several lawsuits from customers in states including California, New York and Illinois, as well as customers in Israel and France. The concession was made two weeks after the firm admitted it 'throttles' phones to extend their life and stop them from shutting down as batteries age and become less effective, triggering lawsuits across the world. Last week the company published a letter saying 'We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down', and revealed it is planning to show users exactly how much their battery has degraded. To appease angry customers, Apple said it is reducing the price of an out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacement by $50 from $79 (79) to $29 (25) for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced. Last week the company published a letter saying 'We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down', and revealed it is planning to show users exactly how much their battery has degraded. Pictured is the iPhone 7 However, a new report by French website iGeneration suggests that as of yesterday Apple will replace batteries even if they pass their diagnostics test. Apple users can run a diagnostics test remotely so you don't need to visit an Apple store. To initiate this, contact the firm or schedule an appointment using the Apple Support App. Reports suggest customers who paid to have their batteries replaced before the announcement are eligible for a refund on request. Earlier models such as 5, 5S and 5C are not covered. 'We apologize. Theres been a lot of misunderstanding about this issue, so we would like to clarify and let you know about some changes were making', the company said. 'First and foremost, we have never and would never do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades,' Apple said. 'Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that.' Early in 2018, it will issue an iOS software update with a new features that give users more visibility into the health of their iPhones battery, so they can see for themselves if its condition is affecting performance. The firm said two weeks ago that it slows down phones to extend their life and stop them from shutting down as batteries age and become less effective, triggering lawsuits across the world. In addition a South Korea's Communications Commission has reportedly asked for an explanation of the issue from Apple, while in France a consumer group has filed filed preliminary, legal complaints in court. 'We are hoping to get some answers on whether Apple intentionally restricted the performance of old iPhones and tried to hide this from customers,' the Korean Commission said. French consumer association called 'HOP', standing for 'Stop Planned Obsolescence', has filed preliminary, legal complaints in court against Apple and Epson. APPLE'S BATTERY APOLOGY LETTER IN FULL 'Weve been hearing feedback from our customers about the way we handle performance for iPhones with older batteries and how we have communicated that process. We know that some of you feel Apple has let you down. We apologize. Theres been a lot of misunderstanding about this issue, so we would like to clarify and let you know about some changes were making. First and foremost, we have never and would never do anything to intentionally shorten the life of any Apple product, or degrade the user experience to drive customer upgrades. Our goal has always been to create products that our customers love, and making iPhones last as long as possible is an important part of that. How batteries age All rechargeable batteries are consumable components that become less effective as they chemically age and their ability to hold a charge diminishes. Time and the number of times a battery has been charged are not the only factors in this chemical aging process. Device use also affects the performance of a battery over its lifespan. For example, leaving or charging a battery in a hot environment can cause a battery to age faster. These are characteristics of battery chemistry, common to lithium-ion batteries across the industry. A chemically aged battery also becomes less capable of delivering peak energy loads, especially in a low state of charge, which may result in a device unexpectedly shutting itself down in some situations. To help customers learn more about iPhones rechargeable battery and the factors affecting its performance, weve posted a new support article, iPhone Battery and Performance. It should go without saying that we think sudden, unexpected shutdowns are unacceptable. We dont want any of our users to lose a call, miss taking a picture or have any other part of their iPhone experience interrupted if we can avoid it. Preventing unexpected shutdowns About a year ago in iOS 10.2.1, we delivered a software update that improves power management during peak workloads to avoid unexpected shutdowns on iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE. With the update, iOS dynamically manages the maximum performance of some system components when needed to prevent a shutdown. While these changes may go unnoticed, in some cases users may experience longer launch times for apps and other reductions in performance. Customer response to iOS 10.2.1 was positive, as it successfully reduced the occurrence of unexpected shutdowns. We recently extended the same support for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in iOS 11.2. Of course, when a chemically aged battery is replaced with a new one, iPhone performance returns to normal when operated in standard conditions. Recent user feedback Over the course of this fall, we began to receive feedback from some users who were seeing slower performance in certain situations. Based on our experience, we initially thought this was due to a combination of two factors: a normal, temporary performance impact when upgrading the operating system as iPhone installs new software and updates apps, and minor bugs in the initial release which have since been fixed. We now believe that another contributor to these user experiences is the continued chemical aging of the batteries in older iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s devices, many of which are still running on their original batteries. Addressing customer concerns Weve always wanted our customers to be able to use their iPhones as long as possible. Were proud that Apple products are known for their durability, and for holding their value longer than our competitors devices. To address our customers concerns, to recognize their loyalty and to regain the trust of anyone who may have doubted Apples intentions, weve decided to take the following steps: Apple is reducing the price of an out-of-warranty iPhone battery replacement by $50 from $79 to $29 for anyone with an iPhone 6 or later whose battery needs to be replaced, starting in late January and available worldwide through December 2018. Details will be provided soon on apple.com. Early in 2018, we will issue an iOS software update with new features that give users more visibility into the health of their iPhones battery, so they can see for themselves if its condition is affecting performance. As always, our team is working on ways to make the user experience even better, including improving how we manage performance and avoid unexpected shutdowns as batteries age. At Apple, our customers trust means everything to us. We will never stop working to earn and maintain it. We are able to do the work we love only because of your faith and support and we will never forget that or take it for granted. Advertisement HOP said it filed its complaint against Apple in Paris last week. A prosecutor opened an investigation into Epson in November, a judicial source said on Thursday, following a complaint filed in September by HOP in a court in the Paris suburb of Nanterre. Laetitia Vasseur, co-founder of HOP, told Reuters the aim of both complaints was to apply the French consumer law, which was modified in 2015 to include the notion of planned obsolescence. Apple is already facing lawsuits in the United States over accusations of having defrauded iPhone users by slowing down devices without warning to compensate for poor battery performance. Under French law, companies risk fines of up to 5 per cent of their annual sales for deliberately shortening the life of their products to spur demand to replace them. All the US lawsuits - filed in U.S. District Courts in California, New York and Illinois - seek class-action to represent potentially millions of iPhone owners nationwide. A similar case was lodged in an Israeli court last month, the newspaper Haaretz reported. One of the lawsuits, filed in San Francisco, said that 'the batteries' inability to handle the demand created by processor speeds' without the software patch was a defect. 'Rather than curing the battery defect by providing a free battery replacement for all affected iPhones, Apple sought to mask the battery defect,' according to the complaint. The problem now seen is that users over the last year could have blamed an aging computer processor for app crashes and sluggish performance - and chose to buy a new phone - when the true cause may have been a weak battery that could have been replaced for a fraction of the cost, some of the lawsuits state. 'If it turns out that consumers would have replaced their battery instead of buying new iPhones had they known the true nature of Apple's upgrades, you might start to have a better case for some sort of misrepresentation or fraud,' said Rory Van Loo, a Boston University professor specializing in consumer technology law. But Chris Hoofnagle, faculty director for the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology, said in an email that Apple may not have done wrong. 'We still haven't come to consumer protection norms' around aging products, Hoofnagle said. Pointing to a device with a security flaw as an example, he said, 'the ethical approach could include degrading or even disabling functionality.' The lawsuits seek unspecified damages in addition to, in some cases, reimbursement. A couple of the complaints seek court orders barring Apple from throttling iPhone computer speeds or requiring notification in future instances. Stefan Bogdanovich and Dakota Speas from Los Angeles have filed a lawsuit with the US District Court for the Central District of California. They are accusing Apple of interfering with their devices without consent. The pair are trying to get the case certified to cover all people in the United States who owned an Apple phone older than the iPhone 8. Their application for the lawsuit states: 'Plaintiffs and Class Members never consented to allow Defendants to slow their iPhones. HOW APPLE'S IPHONE THROTTLING WORKS Apple says with a low battery state of charge, a higher chemical age, or colder temperatures, users are more likely to experience unexpected shutdowns. To get around this, it introduces software in iOS to manage the issue. 'This power management works by looking at a combination of the device temperature, battery state of charge, and the batterys impedancem' Apple says. 'Only if these variables require it, iOS will dynamically manage the maximum performance of some system components, such as the CPU and GPU in order to prevent unexpected shutdowns. 'As a result, the device workloads will self-balance, allowing a smoother distribution of system tasks, rather than larger, quick spikes of performance all at once. In some cases, a user may not notice any differences in daily device performance. The level of perceived change depends on how much power management is required for a particular device. In cases that require more extreme forms of this power management, Apple says users may notice effects such as: Longer app launch times Lower frame rates while scrolling Backlight dimming (which can be overridden in Control Center) Lower speaker volume by up to -3dB Gradual frame rate reductions in some apps During the most extreme cases, the camera flash will be disabled as visible in the camera UI Apps refreshing in background may require reloading upon launch However, it says the following areas are not affected: Cellular call quality and networking throughput performance Captured photo and video quality GPS performance Location accuracy Sensors like gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer Apple Pay Advertisement 'As a result of Defendant's wrongful actions, Plaintiffs and Class Members had their phone slowed down, and thereby it interfered with Plaintiffs' and Class Members' use or possession of their iPhones.' A second lawsuit, filed by five plaintiffs in the Northern District of the State of Illinois, accuses Apple of deliberately keeping its power management features under wraps to persuade people to upgrade to newer devices. 'Apple's iOS updates purposefully neglected to explain that its purposeful throttling down of older model devices and resulting lost or diminished operating performance could be remedied by replacing the batteries of these devices,' the lawsuit states. 'Instead, Apple's decision to purposefully slowdown or throttle down these devices was undertaken to fraudulently induce consumers to purchase the latest iPhone versions of the iPhone 7, as well as new phones such as the iPhone 8 and iPhone X .' In a statement sent to MailOnline last week, a spokesman for Apple said: 'Our goal is to deliver the best experience for customers, which includes overall performance and prolonging the life of their devices. 'Lithium-ion batteries become less capable of supplying peak current demands when in cold conditions, have a low battery charge or as they age over time, which can result in the device unexpectedly shutting down to protect its electronic components. 'Last year we released a feature for iPhone 6, iPhone 6s and iPhone SE to smooth out the instantaneous peaks only when needed to prevent the device from unexpectedly shutting down during these conditions. 'We've now extended that feature to iPhone 7 with iOS 11.2, and plan to add support for other products in the future.' Elon Musk has likened future versions of Tesla's Model 3 production line to an 'alien dreadnaught' Musk has said the facility, which is separate from the firm's 'Gigafactory', will be 'the machine that makes the machine,' and told analysts it will stun people. 'It's like, 'What the hell is that?'' said Musk. Musk revealed the in-house term for the manufacturing advancement he hopes to introduce is 'alien dreadnought.' 'The point at which that's what the factory looks like, that's when you know you've won.' He also revealed the line will evolve in stages. 'By version 3, it won't look like anything else,' he said. 'You can't have people in the production line itself, otherwise you drop to people speed. 'So there will be no people in production process itself. 'People will maintain the machines, upgrade them, and deal with anomalies.' However, there will still be people working in the factory, though, mostly overseeing the robots and making sure everything is running at peak efficiency. A Reddit user claiming to work for robot making company Kuka posted images in April 2017 of what he said were 467 robots being delivered to the car-making firm's California HQ. The photos show a large shipment of unmounted robots that will form part of the ambitious production line. SoutheastTraders forum user Mac11FA, via the Tesla subreddit, said he is a Field Service Engineer for Kuka Robotics. The robots captured in the photos appear to be largely manufactured by Augsburg, Germany-based Kuka robotics, according to Teslarati. The robots, each costing anywhere between $50k (35k) to as much as $500k (355k) can manage multiple tasks by switching adapters and moving across multiple axes. The first 30 models were handed over to customers during a glitzy ceremony at the company's factory in California last Friday. It came two days after the environment secretary Michael Gove announced a ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2040 'Kuka is the world's leading provider of production systems in the automotive industry,' the firm boasts on its website. 'With years of experience, we are the master in the design of flexible and efficient production processes.' The company's desire to move beyond its current position as a niche maker of luxury cars largely rests on the Model 3. The lower-cost model, which starts at $35,000 (35,000 anticipated UK price), has now gone on sale in the US. Tesla said it is preparing its factory in Fremont, California, to produce 10,000 Model 3 sedans per week sometime in 2018, up from its current production rate of 5,000 Palo Alto, California-based Tesla is also expanding its network of stores and charging stations to meet anticipated demand. Tesla said it plans to open 100 retail and service locations worldwide in 2018, including its first stores in Dubai and South Korea. It also plans to double the number of fast-charging Supercharger stations to 10,000. Advertisement If you thought that staying somewhere remote or quirky, or both, meant sacrificing luxury - think again. From a converted bus with comfortable beds, to an iron age roundhouse with extravagant interiors and even a luxury shipping container by a lake, MailOnline Travel presents unusual stays that still provide high levels of comfort. They can all be booked through Canopy & Stars, a glamping website that describes itself as marketing 'a wonderful collection of beautiful, quirky and special places to stay in the great outdoors in the UK and Europe'. Scroll down for luxury holidays with a difference. The Canvas Hotel, Telemark, Norway The inside of the Canopy Hotel in Telemark, Norway, which is located in the middle of the Norwegian wilderness for ultimate seclusion The hotel is made up of 10 small yurts that come with a warm bath in a wharf-side tub, a sauna and a hot shower that can be hung between trees The Canvas Hotel, pictured, boasts a manager who used to be in the country's special forces and a cook, who is a genuine African safari guide The hotel is located on the middle of an island, pictured, and is described as a being 'indescribable luxury and an unforgettable experience' Located in the middle of the Norwegian wilderness, the Canvas Hotel boasts a manager who used to be in the country's special forces and a cook, who is a genuine African safari guide. The hotel is made up of 10 small yurts on the middle of an island and includes a pond for swimming, a warm bath in a wharf-side tub, a sauna and a hot shower that can be hung between trees. Prices start from 365 per night and Canopy & Stars describes the hotel as being indescribable luxury and an unforgettable experience. The Bower Treehouse, Somerset The Bower Treehouse in Somerset, which guests have to find themselves using a lantern and a map provided to them The treehouse has a cosy living room, a bedroom, pictured, a luxury under-floor heated bathroom as well as a huge outdoor bath tub The Bower Treehouse is described as gentle extravagance as each guest gets their own 'private patch of wilderness'. Guests are given lanterns and a map in order to make their way through the woodlands to their treehouse. It has a cosy living room, a bedroom, a luxury under-floor heated bathroom as well as a huge outdoor bath tub. You can stay at the Bower Treehouse for 250 per night. Studio Hoose, Scottish Highlands The Studio Hoose in the Scottish Highlands has uninterrupted views of the loch and combines it with modern comfort The mountains are visible from every room in the holiday rental as is the loch, which stretches into the distance for miles The Studio Hoose in the Scottish Highlands is described by Canopy & Stars as combining modern comfort with a rugged frontier feel. The mountains are visible from every room as is the loch, which stretches into the distance for miles. The company says: 'Freshly baked bread awaits your arrival in the modern fitted kitchen, equipped with all youll need to rustle up meals to fuel exploration of the landscapes on your doorstep by foot, bike or even kayak.' The stunning house is owned by couple Michael and Anne-Marie, who live close to the studio and wanted to create an artistic and sustainable space. The cabin cost from 130 per night and sleeps up to four people. Parsons Camp, Dorset A former double-decker bus that used to run tourists around the Norfolk coast now hosts guests at Parson Camp in Dorset The bus has a kitchen cabin at one end of the top deck and an open-air dining area at the other end so guests can eat outside The bus has five single beds inside and a further four guests can stay at the nearby bunkhouse, which has space for four It was formerly a bus that ran tourists around the Norfolk coast but now it has been transformed into a place to stay at Parsons Camp in Dorset. The bus has a kitchen cabin at one end of the top deck and an open-air dining area at the other. According to Canopy & Stars, the bus sleeps five in single beds, with any other passengers heading for the beds in the nearby bunkhouse. The camp can sleep up to nine people and is available from 128 per night. Fishermans Cabin, Dordogne The Fisherman's Cabin in Dordogne, France, is located on the edge of a private lake close to a ninth-century chateau The cabin also has a handmade raft guests can use or they can sit on the decking to enjoy the views of the private lake The cosy cabin close to the Augignac and Perigod areas can be hired for just 84 per night and sleeps two adults with extra space for children Located on a private lake in Dordogne, France, the eco-friendly Fisherman's Cabin is close to a ninth-century chateau set among woodland. It is suggested that the best way to explore the Augignac and Perigod areas is to hire a bike and cycle around the villages. While Canopy & Stars says: 'You can paddle around on Bob's handmade raft or jump into the lake if you fancy a splash and a swim, whatever the weather. 'Carp have been spotted, so do try out the fishing rods, but have a plan B for supper: they're tame, and catch on quickly.' The cabin can be hired from 84 per night and sleeps two people with extra space for children. The Roundhouse, Cornwall The Roundhouse in Cornwall, which was built during the Iron Age, is described as the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city The bedroom, which boasts a handmade four-poster bed with flowers woven into the willow headboard as well as Egyptian cotton sheets and a duck-down duvet Formerly an iron age roundhouse, the Roundhouse in Cornwall is described as the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life in significant comfort. The bedroom boasts a handmade four-poster bed with flowers woven into the willow headboard as well as Egyptian cotton sheets and a duck-down duvet. Guests also have exclusive use of the nearby treehouse, which also has a kitchen, sitting room and bathroom. Canopy & Stars says: 'Seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep in ancient grandeur and wake to the sound of birdsong and the wind swishing through the trees. The Roundhouse sleeps two people from 175 per night. Pella Roca Cabane & Spa, Tarn-Et-Garonne, France The Pella Roca Cabane and Spa is located in the French region of Garonne, which is famous for sparkling wine, saffron and truffle oaks The cabin in the woods is described as pure luxury with private hot tubs overlooking the old farmhouse and a pool with views of the endless hills The Pella Roca Cabane and Spa is located in the French region famous for sparkling wine, saffron and truffle oaks. So it's no surprise that this cabin in the woods is described as pure luxury with private hot tubs overlooking the old farmhouse and a pool with views of the endless hills of Garonne. Canopy & Stars says: 'Youll probably live mainly on the tree-surrounded terrace, lounging in deckchairs enjoying your breakfast hamper or ordering dinner before retiring to the hot tub.' A cabin for two people can be hired from 150 per night. Knepp Wildland Safaris, Sussex Knepp Wildland Safaris offers guests tents, with each one having its own secluded spot in a wildflower meadow in Sussex According to Canopy & Stars, the best way to enjoy Knepp Wildland Safaris is to 'listen to the sounds of nothing but the wildlife around you' Talk about a field of dreams. The tents at Knepp Wildland Safaris each has a secluded spot in a wildflower meadow. There is a kitchen to share, a huge gas fired range and everything you will need to cook up a storm. According to Canopy & Stars, the best way to enjoy Knepp Wildland Safaris is to 'sprawl out in a bell tent with its own firepit or curl up in one of the beautiful vintage huts, and listen to the sounds of nothing but the wildlife around you'. Prices start from 83 per night for two people sharing. The Lake, Cornwall Behold The Lake - a massive shipping container that has been dumped on the side of a lake in Cornwall and converted into a holiday home The container at The Lake, pictured, is described as being a tranquil retreat that provides comfort, peace and privacy A shipping container dumped at the side of a lake might not seem the ideal place for a luxury stay. But the container at The Lake is described as being a tranquil retreat that provides comfort, peace and privacy. Guests must arrive in daylight hours so the owners can show you around (we'd imagine that's a short tour) - but after that the container is all yours. The container, which sleeps two people, is available from 110 per night. The Woodsmans Treehouse, Dorset The Woodsmans Treehouse in Dorset is perched in a tree, and has been built using locally sourced materials The holiday rental boasts a sauna and hot tub on the upper spa deck, left, and an open air tree-shower on a huge second deck, right The Woodsman's Treehouse is described as a stylish combination of a sustainable property and luxurious interiors. It boasts a sauna and hot tub on the upper spa deck, a revolving woodburner, an open air tree-shower on a huge second deck and a stainless steel slide. The accommodation was built using local materials and is marketed as a place to 'recoup, restore and revive.' A night for two in the treehouse costs from 390. Humble Bee, Devon The Humble Bee allows guests to stay in a human-sized beehive tucked away in the countryside in Devon There are two beds inside the Humble Bee house, one to use during the day for lounging on and another suspended from the ceiling The Humble Bee allows guests to stay in a human-sized beehive tucked away in the countryside. It has a day bed for lounging on and a king-size bed suspended from the ceiling. Canopy & Stars says: 'Sip champagne as the steam from the outdoor bath drifts up the rock walls that make the Humble Bee such a hidden spot or fold back the various doorways and let the woodland flow in.' A cabin for two costs from 120 per night. Carswell Beach Hut, Devon The Carswell beach hut is in a very secluded spot in Devon, down a steep cliff path after a 15-minute walk from the parking spot The beach hut sits in a tiny cut in the rocks above a personal strip of sand for guests to enjoy alone Due to the remoteness of the hut, it has no mains power, a compost loo outside the property and an outdoor shower Perched right on the coastline, the Carswell beach hut is down a steep cliff path after a 15-minute walk from the parking spot. It sits in a tiny cut in the rocks above a personal strip of sand and private beach. It boasts a BBQ and a wood fired hot tub but the remoteness of the spot means no mains power, a compost loo in a shed just outside the door and an outdoor shower experience. A cabin for two people is from 325 per night. Hundreds of British passengers were left stranded last night after a massive snowstorm in America forced numerous flights to cancel- and forced others to return to the UK while over the Atlantic. Some 2,700 flights to the east coast were disrupted by the storm leaving passengers stuck in airports on both sides of the Atlantic. Holidaymakers who left London Gatwick bound for John F Kennedy Airport, in Manhattan, were rerouted to Washington DCs Dulles International Airport. But when flight DY7015 landed at around 9.30pm local time on Thursday, passengers claim they were held on the runway for two and a half hours. Passengers travelling on flight DY7015 from London Gatwick to John F Kennedy Airport were rerouted to Washington DC's Dulles International Airport, 260 miles away, due to extreme weather Families with young children were left to sleep on the floor after the Norwegian Air flight from London was diverted The Boeing 787-9 landed at Washington at around 9.30pm local time last night. They were held on the runway for two and a half hours before being told their luggage would not be unloaded that night Flights were temporarily suspended at JFK airport in New York, pictured, due to the snow Travellers said their luggage was not unloaded - and they were left to spend the night in the airport, 260 miles away from New York. Passengers claimed airport staff told them the pilot and crew from the Norwegian Air flight stayed at a nearby hotel. They claim they were not given alternative transportation to New York and no representatives from the budget Scandinavian carrier were available. It was one of around 2,700 flights to and from the New York area that were delayed or cancelled after a blizzard dubbed the bomb cyclone brought the capital to a standstill. Travellers said their luggage was not unloaded - and they were left to spend the night in the airport, 260 miles away from New York It was one of around 2,700 flights to and from the New York area that were delayed or cancelled after a blizzard dubbed the bomb cyclone brought the capital to a standstill Niall Conroy tried to see the funny side in the cancellations which caused major disruptions Gareth Bird was one of the passengers stranded at Dulles Airport in Washington Naomi Victoria was one of the thousands of passengers whose travel plans were scuppered One of the passengers, MS sufferer Edwina White, 60, a grandmother and mum-of-two from Yapton, West Sussex, was set to embark on a 16-day Caribbean cruise from New York on Friday but doesnt know if shell make it. Speaking in the early hours today, the former chartered accountant said: 'Its the first time Ive been to the States and I havent flown away since 2000. 'I have MS which affects my balance and means I have cognitive problems. If Im stressed my symptoms get worse. 'This holiday was supposed to be chilling and relaxing. I was really looking forward to it. Now I just want to go home.' Another Norwegian passenger, analyst Kim Jowett, 40, who was supposed to be enjoying a four-day minibreak in the Big Apple with her daughter Ellie, 17, was also stranded in Washington DC with no transport or luggage. The apron outside Terminal Five at JFK was covered in snow as a result of the storm Passengers were warned to contact their airlines before arriving at the airport The mum, from Dorset, said: 'We are disappointed. The way they have handled it is disgusting. They havent handled it at all. 'I saw the crew leaving a few hours after we landed but we still dont know what is going to happen. I have tried calling but I was on hold and then I got cut off. 'Its the first time weve been to New York and Ive wanted to go for as long as I can remember. 'At the end of the day the weather isnt the airlines fault but they havent dealt with it. If someone had just come out and apologised and said we will do what we can, at least that would have been something.' Ellie, a student, added: 'Im just annoyed really.' Another stranded traveller, who asked not to be named, said: 'Its a complete mess. No one has a clue what to do because weve been given zero information. 'A manager at the airport told us the crew and pilot are staying at a nearby hotel which is a slap in the face when Norwegian havent organised anything for us.' One British Airways flight was forced to return to Heathrow off Ireland's west coast because of the poor predicted weather conditions along the US east coast which caused massive delays Aircraft planning to land in New York have chosen to divert to alternative airports One British Airways Boeing 747 was forced to abandon its journey to New York less than two hours into its crossing. The jumbo jet, which left Heathrow at 8.40pm turned back around 150 miles west of the Irish coast. Airports in New York and New Jersey were forced to close for several hours due to whiteout conditions, with Newark International reporting that by noon local time, more than 70 per cent of flights had been cancelled. Ten U.S-bound flights from Heathrow due to depart on Thursday were cancelled, including two Virgin Atlantic flights and three BA flights to Boston Logan International and John F Kennedy International in New York. Delta and United also cancelled Boston and New York-bound flights from Heathrow due to depart on Thursday afternoon, according to Flightaware.com, and Norwegian said that its passengers should expect disruption. Earlier today, all flight operations were suspended at JFK and LaGuardia airports due to wind and whiteout conditions. Several aircraft have recently abandoned attempts to land in the New York area and have diverted to Washington, Detroit and even Chicago. In New Jersey, some 867 flights had been cancelled at Newark Liberty Airport by noon - some 73 per cent of its activity. Two thirds of all flights at Port Authority of New York and New Jersey airports were cancelled. Passengers were urged to call their carrier before going to the airports on Thursday or later this week and also should not go to the airports unless they have a reservation. The snowstorm hitting the Northeast is expected to drop 6 to 10 inches of snow in the New York City area. British Airways said in a statement: We're very sorry that some of our customers' travel plans have been affected by the snow forecast across the East Coast of the US. We're doing everything we can to minimise the disruption and are advising customers to check ba.com for the latest information about their flights. A satellite image showed the extent of the storm which closed down much of the East Coast Aircraft arriving to JFK have been diverted as far away as Chicago according to Flightradar 24 Passengers at Heathrow Airport were outraged their flights to New York were delayed Some people arrived at the airport only to discover their flights had been cancelled Hundreds of flights were cancelled across the New York region yesterday due to the storm Virgin Atlantic also advised its customers to check the status of their flights. It said: Due to adverse weather conditions on East Coast of the United States our flights to and from Boston and New York City are subject to cancellations and delays. 'We are contacting our customers and rearranging their travel arrangements as required. Wed like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding and ask they continue to check their flight status on our website for the latest information before travelling to the airport. In view of the forecast weather conditions, customers booked to travel to, from and through Boston, New York JFK and Newark - on 5th January who prefer to rebook, may do so for travel up to and including 12th January 2018, subject to availability. Customers should contact their travel agents or for direct bookings only, call our flight disruption line on UK 0344 209 8711 or US 1 800 862 8621. A spokesperson for Norwegian advised its customers to check Norwegian.com for flight updates, adding that it is likely that some transatlantic flights will be cancelled to ensure the safety and security of passengers. Gatwick Airport also issued a statement, saying: 'We advise all passengers flying to the US East Coast to check with their airline for the latest information regarding their flight before travelling to the airport.' Some aircraft turned around in midair because of the conditions over New York Some twitter users admitted booking a flight to New York in early January was optimistic British Airways confirmed that its Thursday New York departure from Gatwick had been cancelled JFK Airport warned passengers to check with their airline before heading to the airport Abta, meanwhile, advised customers to check whether they'll be able to claim compensation for cancelled flights. It said: 'Customers currently in the USA who have missed their return flight due to cancellation will be entitled to accommodation and food and refreshment at their airlines expense under EU regulation 261 until they are placed on an alternative flight, but only if the airline they have travelled with is based in the EU. They will not be entitled to additional compensation. 'If their airline is not based in the EU they will need to check what, if any, welfare provisions will be offered by the airline.' In the U.S airlines cancelled more than 2,700 flights for Thursday thanks to the major winter storm that will bring blizzard conditions from the coastlines of Maine all the way to Virginia. Many of the large domestic carriers, including American, Southwest, United, Delta, and JetBlue, announced travel waivers for more than a dozen East Coast destinations. Ten U.S-bound flights from Heathrow (pictured) that were due to depart on Thursday were cancelled, including two Virgin Atlantic flights and three BA flights to Boston Logan International and John F Kennedy International in New York The bitter cold temperatures in New England have caused the formation of slurpee waves, or waves that have almost frozen over entirely Ice formed on the water fountain in Forsyth Park as snow and cold weather blanketed Savannah, Georgia, which is believed to have been hit by one of the snowiest days in the city's history A local skis behind a car on Waterway Blvd while heavy snow comes down on the Isle of Palms, South Carolina, on Wednesday Most of the flight cancellations were for flights scheduled to depart or arrive at some of the large Northeast airports, including Boston's Logan International Airport, New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark International Airport. Meteorologists have been using the term 'bomb' to describe storms for decades, but the phrase went viral on social media this week. A storm bomb - or bombogensis - happens when a storm's barometric pressure drops by 24 millibars in 24 hours, greatly strengthening the storm, the New York Post reported. The effect is seen along the northeastern coast every winter, but this storm will be particularly powerful, said Judah Cohen, a visiting scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 'This one is unique in how quickly the pressure is going to fall,' Cohen said. 'The pressures could rival a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane.' Passengers scheduled to fly Thursday or Friday either into or out of the East Coast will not be charged a fee - which is usually $200 - if they wish to re-schedule their flights, according to the Dallas Morning News. Richard Gere was spotted splashing around in the ocean on Monday in Tulum, Mexico. The 68-year-old actor looked fit in a pair of blue board shorts and was in good spirits despite getting knocked down by a few large waves. He rang in 2018 alongside his girlfriend Alejandra Silva. Rumors of an engagement were sparked in December when Silva was seen with a large diamond on her ring finger. Fun in the sun: Richard Gere was spotted splashing around in the ocean in Tulum, Mexico A future wedding hasnt been confirmed by the couple who have been dating since 2015. I am recently divorced. As far as a legal wedding, no, but maybe well have a celebration, Silva said when asked about marriage on a red carpet in June. You know, the perfect couple is made of two people who can be what the other needs. Im living the type of life you see in the movies, truly.' Richard was formerly married to actress Carey Lowell for 14 years and model Cindy Crawford for a brief four years. He shares son Homer, 17, with ex-wife Lowell. Midnight kiss: Gere rang in 2018 alongside his girlfriend Alejandra Silva, 34 Keep swimming: The 68-year-old actor looked fit in a pair of blue board shorts and was in good spirits despite getting knocked down by a few large waves Alejandra is a 34-year-old Spanish businesswoman and has one son from her previous marriage. Both Gere and his girlfriend have found a common ground being human rights activists. However, his love for politics and activism has put a significant damper on his career over the years. His outspoken ways have not always been well received by Hollywood, especially in relation to his efforts against Chinas occupation of Tibet. Still going strong: Richard and Alejandra Silva have been dating since 2015 There are definitely movies that I can't be in because the Chinese will say, 'Not with him,'' he said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. 'I recently had an episode where someone said they could not finance a film with me because it would upset the Chinese. But Richard isnt the least bit worried about appeasing the Chinese market. I'm still making the same films that I was making when I started, he said. Small, interesting, character driven and narrative driven stories. It hasn't impacted my life at all. Wedding bells: Rumors of an engagement were sparked in December when Silva was seen with a large diamond on her ring finger, but nothing has been confirmed by the couple The Pretty Woman heartthrob has changed quite a bit over the past few years and he told Extra that it's all thanks to meditation. Theres no doubt that if you meditated for an hour you would feel different, Gere said. I dont get as angry as I did as a kid. Ive gotten much nicer. I was a horrible person five years ago. The brain actually changes. Gere is also an active practitioner of Buddhism. He was taught by none other than the Dalia Lama himself. The actor shared a bit about their friendship on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE. He sees humor in everything. He is very lighthearted, the Norman star said about the infamous Tibetan. 'He breaks down that expectation that of course everyone would have, its like meeting the Pope, you expect to be healed or transcended and he breaks that down. He has garnered a more than 600,000 followers on Instagram thanks to his work in comedy. But David Walliams sent his fans into a frenzy on Wednesday, as he posed for a snap with unlikely celebrity pals David Beckham and David Schwimmer. Joking the handsome trio were in the running for the 'world's sexiest Dave competition', the Little Britain star, 46, sent his followers wild with the post - which they branded 'too sexy' and 'the best photo on Instagram' in the comments. Scroll down for video 'World's sexiest Dave competition': David Walliams sent his fans into a frenzy on Wednesday, as he posed for a snap with unlikely celebrity pals David Beckham and David Schwimmer The trio beamed widely for the camera in the snap, as they posed with their arms around each other in matching casual wear. In his usually playful style, David then poked fun at their matching monikers in the caption, which read: The Worlds Sexiest Dave competition reaches its final three.' The comedian's followers immediately took to the comments to vent their excitement, and swoon over the handsome stars involved. Overwhelmed: The comedian's followers immediately took to the comments to vent their excitement, and swoon over the handsome stars involved One kicked things off by writing: 'This is literally the best photo on Instagram today!' while others added: 'Too much sexy in one picture' and 'I like this a lot!' Another wrote in agreement: 'You are all beautiful inside and out' while another wished: 'I want to be on this holiday' Further fans chimed in playfully: 'What a motley crew!' and 'Now that's a fun trio to come across!' while another added, more perplexed: 'Im so confused how this friendship happened but ok.' A handful of followers even continued the joke of the fake competition, and put other Dave's forward for the role. Supportive: Others joke of the fake competition, and put their faith in comedian David that he would win 'hands down' Seas the day! Walliams later posted a snap of himself and the Friends star in the sea, captioned: 'Schwimming' One wrote: 'But wheres the hoff??' as another joked: 'David Guetta is looking good there' While others put their faith behind comedian David, writing: 'My vote goes to you!' and '@dwilliams you win it hands down with your personality.' Judging from their holiday clothing, children's author Walliams is clearly enjoying some time off in the sunshine, after airing the TV adaptation of his hit book Ratburger on Christmas Eve. Sheridan Smith, 36, took centre stage in the project - and proved to be unrecognisable as she transformed into lazy stepmother Sheila. The talent was worlds away from her usual glamorous self as she hilariously donned a frumpy jumper, leopard print leggings and body padding for her new role. Clearly relishing her transformation, the playful star scoffed a bag of Prawn cocktail crisps as she reclined on a tan leather sofa, with her pink and blonde locks tied back into a high bun. Working some seriously orange make-up, chunky gold hoop earrings and pointy nails the star was every inch the couch potato as she got stuck into the role. Sheridan plays the stepmother of protagonist Zoe (Talia Barnett), who she continually clashes with. Gruesome twosome: She stars alongside former Little Britain comedian David, 46, as Burt - a burger van owner who covets Zoe's new friend - a dancing rat, but has a sinister motive She stars alongside former Little Britain comedian David as Burt - a burger van owner who covets Zoe's new friend, a dancing rat, but has a sinister motive. In the promotional snaps for the show, Sheridan posed beside David in front of a burger van, with David working an Elvis inspired quiff and sideburns. Covering his eyes with dark shades he has on a grease-stained apron and shirt as he serves up some dubious looking burgers. Meanwhile, David Schwimmer is continuing to work on his short films which raise awareness for charities such as the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, and David Beckham is enjoying a winter getaway with his family in the States. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) Two personalities involved in the controversial smuggling of 6.4 billion worth of shabu are facing more charges, this time a multi-million tax evasion case each. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed tax evasion raps against fixer Mark Taguba and middleman Kenneth Dong, amounting to over 850.6 million and 11.4 million, respectively. The cases were lodged before the Justice Department, which had earlier filed drug charges against Taguba, Dong, and 10 others over the 6.4-billion shabu shipment, one of the biggest hauls of smuggled drugs in the country. Read more: DOJ files drug charges vs. customs fixer Taguba, 11 others over P6.4B shabu shipment BIR Commissioner Cesar Dulay said investigations began when Taguba and Dong testified in congressional hearings, revealing millions worth of income. Taguba told lawmakers he was paid up to 190,000 per container van he processed. BIR's probe showed Taguba actually earned over 1.26 billion in 2016, but his business was not registered. The agency said Taguba only had his "trucking and other business ventures" registered in September, under the name Golden Strike Trucking Services. "Taguba thus did not file any Income Tax Return or Value Added Tax Return for the years 2009 to 2016 as per records of the BIR and thus failed to declare any income for the said period," the BIR said in a statement. Dong, meanwhile, told the Senate Taguba paid him a referral fee of up to P10,000 for each container van of shipments, resulting in an income of P320,000 from September to December 2016 alone. The BIR said he has not filed tax returns since 2003. Documents obtained from the Commission on Elections also showed Dong contributing a total of 11 million to some senators' 2013 and 2016 campaigns. He also has millions worth of properties including luxury vehicles and a townhouse, the BIR said. Dong has been tagged in the controversy that hounded the Bureau of Customs as the person who received the original packing list of the 6.4-billion, 604-kg. shabu shipment. The shipment from China entered the country via an express lane in the customs bureau on May 24, 2016. Taguba said he was paying Customs officials and employees "tara" or grease money to ease the release of his shipments, but denied the drugs came from the containers he processed. During a Senate hearing in August, Dong was also arrested for rape. He's been open about his mother 'abandoning him' at the age of eight, and leaving his father. And in this week's WHO magazine, Australian actor Hugh Jackman again spoke about his childhood. The Greatest Showman star said his mother leaving the family and going back to the UK was 'traumatic.' Scroll down for video 'It was traumatic': Hugh Jackman talks about his mother 'abandoning him' at the age of eight and leaving his father 'It was traumatic,' Hugh told the publication about his mother, Grace. 'I thought she was probably going to come back.' 'And then it sort of dragged on and on,' he added, saying how his father Christopher raised him and his four siblings. The Greatest Showman actor added that after his mother left the family, he saw her about 'once a year'. His mother: Hugh is pictured recently with his mother Grace His dad: He then gushed about how well his father (pictured) juggled fatherhood and his career as a lawyer He then gushed about how well his father juggled fatherhood and his career as a lawyer. In December 2012, the Wolverine star broke down in tears discussing his mother's abrupt departure, during an interview with 60 Minutes. 'I can remember the morning she left, it's weird the things you pick up,' Hugh emotionally explained.. 'I remember her being in a towel around her head and saying goodbye, must have been the way she said goodbye. As I went off to school, when I came back, there was no one there in the house. In December 2012, the Wolverine star told 60 Minutes about his mother leaving, and broke down in tears His clan: Hugh is married to Deborra-Lee Furness, with the pair sharing adopted children Ava, 12, and Oscar, 17, together 'The next day there was a telegram from England, Mum was there. And then that was it.' He added: 'Dad used to pray every night that Mum would come back.' Hugh is married to Deborra-Lee Furness, with the pair sharing adopted children Ava, 12, and Oscar, 17, together. The clan spent the festive period in Australia, and have just jetted back to the US, where they are based in New York. This time last year, she was in a relationship with fellow Bachelor contestant Tiffany Scanlon. And a single Megan Marx has returned to Bali, a place where she and her former love once called home. The 28-year-old Bachelor star took to Instagram to share a snap of herself in a mismatched bikini on the steps of a traditional type home on Wednesday. What a difference a year makes! A single Megan Marx has returned to Bali, a place where she and her former love Tiffany Scanlon once called home With her arms covering her ample assets, she only gave fans a small glimpse of her cleavage and washboard abs. Megan simply captioned her post: 'Happy.' Fans of the blonde beauty praised her stunning looks in the post, one follower wrote: 'Wow looking so fab here.' While another added: 'Living the dream megz.' Ringing in the New Year! Just days before she shared a snap of herself at New Years celebrations at Perth's Cuban Club Second chance at love: Megan, who is set to make an appearance in the upcoming Bachelor In Paradise, captioned her post: 'When your skirt matches the backdrop. Happy New Year Earth! Thank you for an epic day - truly felt like Narnia' Just days before she shared a snap of herself at a New Year's celebration at Perth's Cuban Club. Looking gorgeous in a black tank top and a multi-coloured mini skirt with blue tassels, she was all smiles for the camera. Megan, who is set to make an appearance in the upcoming Bachelor In Paradise, captioned her post: 'When your skirt matches the backdrop. Happy New Year Earth! Thank you for an epic day - truly felt like Narnia.' Last year was a very different story for the reality TV star turned social media sensation. 'My biggest accomplishment in my arms on the first day of 2017!' Last year was a very different story for the reality TV star turned social media sensation. On January 2, 2017 the blonde beauty shared a snap of herself with Tiffany in her arms at a music festival On January 2, 2017 the blonde beauty shared a snap of herself with Tiffany in her arms at a music festival. 'My biggest accomplishment in my arms on the first day of 2017,' Megan wrote in the caption at the time. The couple arranged to move to Bali, Indonesia but cracks seemed to appear in the relationship through their social media posts, causing fans to speculate they had broken up. In March their split was confirmed and in a later interview, Megan told The Fix that she accepted blame for the breakdown of their romance. 'I regret the way that I publicised the relationship, because I think essentially, it broke it down,' she told the online publication. Winter is coming! Megan's ex Tiffany recently caused fans to speculate that she joined Bachelor: Winter Games, which was being filmed in Vermont at the same time that Tiffany took her mystery sabbatical during December It all adds up! Adding fuel to the fire, the US-based reality show is also set for release in February next year- the same time Tiffany is set to spill the news of her secret project The couple have since gone their separate ways, despite being on the same sponsored trip to The Philippines. In recent months, Megan has been spotted on the set of Bachelor In Paradise at the Mango Bay Resort in Fiji, which is set to be on air in February. Photos show her appearing to get close to Bachelorette star Jake Ellis. Meanwhile, her ex Tiffany recently caused fans to speculate that she has joined Bachelor: Winter Games, which was being filmed in Vermont at the same time that Tiffany took her mystery sabbatical during December. The US-based reality show is also set for release in February next year - the month Tiffany said she would spill the news of her secret project. Tiffany was also spotted among the crowd at the Bachelor: Winter Games opening ceremony. After enjoying a sun-filled holiday vacation in Hawaii, Minka Kelly is ready to get back to work on her brand new series Titans. The Friday Night Lights alumnus, 37, arrived at the Toronto Pearson International Airport alongside her hunky co-star Alan Ritchson on Wednesday. Kelly looked tanned and happy after switching from swimsuit weather to chilly days in a baggy coat. Back to work: Minka Kelly and Alan Ritchson returned to Toronto to continue work on their new series Titans on Wednesday Minka chose comfort over glamour for her flight. She wore black leggings, classic Reebok sneakers, a baggy grey sweater with an oversized black coat with their AWAY luggage. She wore a news boy cap over her long brunette lock that she left loose. Ritchson, who starred in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Blood Drive, wore a pair of fitted black jeans, a white t-shirt and black high-top sneakers. The gorgeous pair even sat together for the long flight. Kelly shared a photo of them goofing off on Instagram, looking quite comfortable together. What a pair: Kelly and Ritchson play a couple on the small screen DC Comics series Up close: The paired shared an in-flight photo showing they were seated together and having fun Minka and Alan play on-screen lovers Dawn Granger/Dove and Hank Hall/Hawk, respectively, on the Warner Bros. Television production. The live-action drama series will be entering it's first season, and it follows a group of young soon-to-be Super Heroes recruited from every corner of the DC Universe. Both are recurring characters that have the potential of becoming regulars for season two. If the pairing is a hit, there is speculation they might even get their very own spin-off. The series will air exclusively on a DC-branded direct-to-consumer digital service in 2018. Fighting crime: The gorgeous pair star as superheroes Hawk and Dove They're due to star alongside each other in Australian dating series, Bachelor In Paradise, on Channel Ten. And the former Bachelor reality star rejects have hinted they may have formed a relationship together while on the secluded island. Tara, 27, shared a private photo of the duo chatting on FaceTime, using the word 'couple' to caption the screenshot. Are they dating? Bachelor In Paradise contestant Tara Pavlovic and Davey Lloyd hint at being 'couple' by sharing private snaps together Comfortable with each other, they both pulled silly faces as Tara jokingly wrote: 'Couple of tens.' Davey's screenshot displayed the time of 7.59pm, as he shared a similar comedic post, writing: 'same same but kettle.' Tara was wearing a low-cut white dress, while Davey appeared to be in the car in a black T-shirt. 'Couple of tens': Comfortable with each other, they both pulled silly faces as Tara jokingly wrote: 'Couple of tens' Davey's screenshot displayed the time of 7.59pm, as he shared a similar comedic post, writing: 'same same but kettle' Stars looking for a second-chance at love! And Network Ten's debut season of Bachelor In Paradise is certainly living up to the hype, with the likes of Apollo Jackson, Keira Maguire, Laura Fleure, Michael Turnbull and Sophie Monk's 'stage-five clinger' runner-up Jarrod Woodgate also joining the cast The exciting casting announcement was made as part of Channel 10's annual Upfronts in November. And Network Ten's debut season of Bachelor In Paradise is certainly living up to the hype, with the likes of Apollo Jackson, Keira Maguire, Laura Fleure, Michael Turnbull and Sophie Monk's 'stage-five clinger' runner-up Jarrod Woodgate joining the cast. Magician Apollo previously claimed he was keen to strike up something with nanny Tara, who also lives in Queensland. 'I can definitely see the two of us getting on': Magician Apollo previously claimed he was keen to strike up something with nanny Tara, who also lives in Queensland 'From what I've seen of Tara, she seems like so much fun, and I can definitely see the two of us getting on,' he told The Daily Telegraph. Meanwhile, Tara claimed she was looking for fun on the reality show and not necessarily a man. 'I think Paradise is going to be a bit like schoolies week: getting lit with my mates around a pool why not?' The official launch date has yet to be announced, but Channel Ten's Bachelor In Paradise is due to air over the next few months. He's the star of the Channel Nine sitcom Here Come The Habibs! And on Thursday Tyler De Nawi was mixing A-lister Joel Edgerton, as he happily posed with the fellow Australian actor while out and about in Sydney's Bondi. The 28-year-old took to Instagram to share the selfie with The Great Gatsby star, along with his Habibs co-stars Kat Hoyos and Sam Alhaje. Starstruck? Here Come The Habibs! star Tyler De Nawi shared a selfie with Hollywood heavyweight Joel Edgerton as they donned matching shirts in Sydney's Bondi (Pictured from left: Kat Hoyos, Tyler De Nawi, Joel Edgerton and Sam Alhaje) The actor was beaming in the photo next to the Zero Dark Thirty actor who was also wearing a striped shirt. He captioned his post: 'Matching stripes - dinner with these Bright faces. #fknactors #beards #nickjakoby,' making references to Joel's Netflix flick, Bright. While many fans enjoyed seeing the cast of Here Come The Habibs with the Los Angeles-based actor, one follower asked Tyler if the comedy was coming back to the small screen. Season two! While many fans enjoyed seeing the cast of Here Come The Habibs with the Los Angeles based actor, one follower asked if the comedy was coming back to screens. Tyler replied back to the comment, saying: 'We'll be back before you know it!! #HereStayTheHabibs' Diverse: Last year Kat Hoyos (centre) told Confidential 'It's time to put away the whole label of it being an ethnic show because I think anyone can watch the show and see something they relate too' 'Miss seeing guys on TV!! Come back already!!' they wrote. He replied back: 'We'll be back before you know it!! #HereStayTheHabibs' Last year, Kat Hoyos spoke to Confidential about the show. 'It's time to put away the whole label of it being an ethnic show because I think anyone can watch the show and see something they relate too,' she said. 'Ultimately, it's a story about family that hopefully makes everyone, no matter what race, laugh,' she added. What a year: The past 12 months has also been a big year for Joel who starred in two films, It Comes At Night and Bright alongside Hollywood heavy weight Will Smith (left) The past 12 months has also been a big year for Joel who starred in two films, It Comes At Night and Bright - the latter of which also stars Will Smith. The Blacktown-born actor recently flew into Sydney for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Joel appears to have an equally huge year ahead of him, with four films set for release, including Red Sparrow with Jennifer Lawrence. She's the Australian supermodel who was famously known as The Body during her '80s and '90s catwalking heyday. And it appears that Elle Macpherson has found the fountain of youth, with the 53-year old looking ageless as she posed in a bra and towel on Thursday. Elle took to Instagram to share the envy-inducing shot that showed her languidly posing against a wall wearing a net bra from her Elle Macpherson Body range. What's her secret? It appears that Elle Macpherson has found the fountain of youth, with the 53-year old defying her years as she flaunted her ageless form in a bra and towel on Thursday Elle teamed the look with a tassled towel that she wrapped around her svelte waist. She accessorised with a straw hat that she had pulled down so as to obscure her face for an added element of mystery and added a chunky wooden necklace. The stunner completed the look with a touch of 'bling' thanks to a gold watch and bracelet. Her long, brunette locks framed her face, obscuring it even more. Elle showed off an incredible set of taut, washboard abs that would have many people half her age jealous. Ageless: Elle took to Instagram to share the envy-inducing shot that looking barely older than how she did in her modelling heyday The ensemble also flaunted Elle's iconic legs that looked trim and well-toned, with a healthy bronzed glow. '"Net" in khaki,' Elle simply captioned the post while a slew of fans gushed over the age-defying snap. 'You must bathe in formaldehyde to maintain looking like this. Cheers to you for 2018,' one fan wrote, while another chimed in with a similar; 'Looking as amazing as you did back in the 80s.' Jealous? Elle showed off an incredible set of taut, washboard abs that would have many people half her age jealous While the epithets about Elle's youthful appearance came thick and fast, some followers issued their disappointment that Elle hid her face in the photo. 'Perfect Body ... Maybe one day I will get to see your eyes. Mysterious Woman,' came one comment. 'The sentiment was further summed up with: 'Girl, come out from under that hat!' He spent the silly season luxuriating on the beach in Bali with his beau Jack Stratton-Smith. But Joel Creasey's merrymaking was sadly cut short after the comedian was struck down by a particularly bad stomach sickness. On Wednesday, the 27-year-old took to his Instagram Story to lament about the unfortunate experience, sharing a photo of a drip in his forearm as he lay in a hospital bed. That's hard to stomach! Joel Creasey's merrymaking was sadly cut short after the comedian was struck down by a particularly bad stomach sickness this week 'Well the Bali Belly took a turn overnight': On Wednesday, the 27-year-old took to his Instagram Story to lament about the unfortunate experience, sharing a photo of a drip in his forearm as he lay in a hospital bed 'Well the Bali Belly took a turn overnight...,' the TV presenter cheekly captioned the snap. It wasn't long before Joel's health improved, however, with the peroxide blond uploading a subsequent Instagram Story post of himself and Jack wearing festive masks while dancing in the bathroom. 'Dosed up on anti-biotics to attempt the flight home,' he captioned the Boomerang-style clip, adding: 'The doctors here were amazing.' 'Dosed up on anti-biotics to attempt the flight home': It wasn't long before Joel's health improved, however, with the peroxide blond uploading a subsequent Instagram Story post of himself and Jack wearing festive masks while dancing in the bathroom Joel also uploaded a photo to his Instagram page to document the trip on Wednesday. In the snap, the sassy glamazon is seen perched by the hotel pool while looking wistfully into the distance from behind a pair of sunglasses. 'Started the year with a trip to Bali. I am originally from Perth after all - its like an annual pilgrimage for us,' he wrote in the caption, in part. 'Unfortunately I ended the last 24 hours with some sort of stomach bug': Joel also uploaded a photo to his Instagram page to document the trip on Wednesday He later explained: 'Unfortunately I ended the last 24 hours with some sort of stomach bug. The doctors here were fantastic.' 'I think that partly has to do with the amazing hotel but also because the doctors were convinced my boyfriend was James Franco. I ran with it, of course' Joel is gearing up for his 2018 national stand-up tour Blonde Bombshell, which will see him perform in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Canberra. Priyanka Chopra enjoyed a jet-setting festive season with trips to Indian and England. But on Wednesday, the actress was spotted back in chilly New York City resuming filming on her TV series Quantico. The 35-year-old star bundled up in a black coat with faux fur trim and wore snow boots as she tried to stay warm in between scenes. Scroll down for video It's freezing: Priyanka Chopra bundled up on the location set of her ABC drama Quantico on Wednesday as filming on the show's third season resumed in New York City Priyanka also had on ear muffs and sipped on a hot beverage and managed to stay upbeat despite the bone-chilling cold. The Indian beauty flashed a big smile for the camera as she waited for the call to 'action.' Once cameras rolled, she was seen in a stylish ensemble of a belted winter coat over a white turtleneck and black skinny pants. She strolled out purposefully in character in a pair of black lace-up heeled ankle boots. Waiting game: The 35-year-old star bundled up in a black coat with faux fur trim and wore snow boots and ear muffs as she tried to stay warm in between scenes. In character: Once cameras rolled, Priyanka was seen striding out purposefully in character in a pair of black lace-up heeled ankle boots Starring role: The Indian actress was dressed in a stylish ensemble of a belted winter coat over a white turtleneck and black skinny pants In the scenes shot in Madison Square Park in Manhattan, Priyanka was joined by New York-based actress Jennifer Hecht. Hecht's character carried a gun as she strode alongside the series star. Priyanka's role as FBI recruit Alex Parrish in the ABC drama has catapulted her to international fame but she also returns regularly to her native India to visit family and nurture her fledgling production company based there. During her Christmas trip, she also took part on a panel with UNICEF India discussing issues affecting Indian youth. On a mission: In the scenes shot in Madison Square Park in Manhattan, Priyanka was joined by New York-based actress Jennifer Hecht Mean girls: Hecht's character carried a gun as she filmed with the series star Fun on set: The two shared a joke on set as they bravely battled the freezing temperatures Priyanka is also good friends with Prince Harry's fiancee Megan Markle and is rumored to possibly be a bridesmaid at the Royal Wedding in May. The pair first met at a party in Toronto, Canada - where Meghan, 36, filmed Suits - two years ago. After Meghan interviewed her for her blog The Tig, they became friends and Priyanka has publicized photos of them together - including one where they drank cocktails together in a dimly-lit bar in Los Angeles. For her part, Meghan has shared pictures of herself and the Indian actress at Soho House in New York, at Broadway plays and hanging out by a pool. The younger son of the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles announced his engagement to the Suits actress Harry and Meghan announced the happy news of their engagement in late November after 16 months of dating. She just returned from Tokyo, where she celebrated her husband John Legend's 39th birthday. And Chrissy Teigen was not ready to have the holidays over as she posted a playful Instagram pic of her family on Wednesday. The 32-year-old supermodel showcased her baby bump as John, daughter Luna, and her mother wore festive striped pajamas with the caption: 'Christmas is not over'. Family affair: Chrissy Teigen, 32, posted an adorable Instagram pic of her family on Wednesday With a gorgeous Christmas tree in the background, the fun family had their arms around each other wearing huge smiles. They sported matching red and white striped sleepwear with Chrissy going barefoot and her mom wearing big slippers. One-year-old Luna sat on her father's shoulders as she clutched his head for better support. Meanwhile, the happy couple - who announced in November a second child on the way - had returned from an eventful trip to Tokyo ahead of John's 39th birthday. Bumping along: The happy couple - who announced in November a second child on the way - had returned from an eventful trip to Tokyo. The plane the couple were on had to turn around and land at LAX after finding a passenger was on the wrong flight. They eventually made it back to Japan, where they celebrated John's birthday. Chrissy and John married in Lake Como, Italy, in September 2013 and welcomed Luna in April 2016. The beauty has been open about her desire to expand her family, recently telling E! News she would love to be 'pregnant for the rest of her life' if she could. On Friday, Chrissy Teigen revealed via Twitter that the couple plans to use a unisex name for their unborn child She shared: 'I really want to just knock 'em out. That's my dream, I want to just be pregnant kind of for the rest of my life. Not for the rest of my life, but the rest of my fertile life. So we'll see.' On Friday, Chrissy revealed via Twitter that the couple plans to use a unisex name for their unborn child - although the search is currently proving fruitless, as she tweeted her frustrating with 'Jesus Christ my baby will have no name'. The list showed names such as; 'Ash, Aspen, Basil, Bay, Berry, Blaze, Brook/Brooke and Cedar'. Chrissy later posted another tweet following the list of unisex baby names. She joked: 'nevermind change of plans. the name is Blaze Legend'. Olivia Wilde and her fiance Jason Sudeikis bundled up for a romantic morning stroll through the frozen Big Apple on Wednesday. This week marks the fourth anniversary of the Brooklyn-based, divorced couple's engagement. The 42-year-old SNL alum ended his marriage to writer-producer Kay Cannon in 2010, and the 33-year-old SAG Award nominee ended her marriage to Italian filmmaker Tao Ruspoli in 2011. Scroll down for video Still going strong! Olivia Wilde and her fiance Jason Sudeikis bundled up for a romantic morning stroll through the frozen Big Apple on Wednesday And in 2016, Jason ominously joked on Watch What Happens Live that they 'won't get married until weed is legal in every state.' Olivia - sporting red leggings with a grey sweatshirt - told The New York Times on Tuesday that she got eyelash extensions to shorten her beauty routine. Missing were the New York native and the Virginia-born, Kansas-raised funnyman's son Otis, 3; and daughter Daisy, 15 months; whom they brought to Hawaii for a family getaway last month. 'Daisy's one, so she's psyched about food and most things. She's cute as pie. She's in her, visually adorable, but audibly she shrieks. She's a shrieker,' Sudeikis said on the December 22 episode of The Tonight Show about their restless flight home. 'We won't get married until weed is legal in every state': This week marks the fourth anniversary of the Brooklyn-based, divorced couple's engagement Casual: The 33-year-old SAG Award nominee - sporting red leggings with a grey sweatshirt - told the NY Times on Tuesday that she got eyelash extensions to shorten her beauty routine 'Literally, people's tans were falling off it was so loud. Their leis were wilting. It was horrible. The vacation was null and void by the time we landed.' The Downsizing actor will next reprise his role as astronaut Mike Miller in the fourth season of The Last Man on Earth, which continues this Sunday on Fox. Jason also executive produces and plays Carter Grant in the second season of Detroiters, which premieres in April on Comedy Central. 'She's a shrieker': Things didn't go smoothly when they brought their son Otis, 3; and daughter Daisy, 15 months; to Hawaii for a family getaway last month The 42-year-old SNL alum told The Tonight Show of their flight home: 'Literally, people's tans were falling off it was so loud. Their leis were wilting. It was horrible. The vacation was null and void by the time we landed' Resumes this Sunday! The Downsizing actor will next reprise his role as astronaut Mike Miller in the fourth season of Fox's The Last Man on Earth As for Wilde (born Cockburn), she earned her first Emmy Award on December 20 for co-producing the documentary short Body Team 12 about the Red Cross workers of Liberia. The Time's Up activist and True Botanicals chief brand activist dedicated the honor to her journalist mother Leslie, who won an Emmy in 1999 for her work on CBS' 60 Minutes. The 1984 thespian also told her 5.6M social media followers that her New Year's resolutions include doing more cardio, trying to eat anchovies, and directing a movie. As for Wilde (born Cockburn), she earned her first Emmy Award on December 20 for co-producing the documentary short Body Team 12 about the Red Cross workers of Liberia Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) Police and barangay tanod involved in the December 28 shooting incident in Mandaluyong City could face charges as survivors are considering filing complaints against them. National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Vice Chairman Rogelio Casurao revealed this latest information to CNN Philippines Thursday. "Just this afternoon...the survivors of that shooting incident, including the relatives of the two fatalities, went to the office...will lodge a formal complaint for administrative infraction." Casurao said. Casurao added he believed the complainants were still in the NAPOLCOM office as he was giving the information during the show On the Record. As the NAPOLCOM will also investigate the incident, Casurao said he would not be at liberty to discuss information the complainants would give. "I'm afraid I cannot, because we have to be neutral now," added Casurao. Casurao clarified that while information made public so far are true accounts of the incident, they are incomplete as NAPOLCOM is still receiving new information. "Just to support what has been shown in the video, even after they were made to lie down - face down - there were still shots delivered," Casurao revealed, adding this information was not part of what has been made public by investigators. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) Police and barangay tanod involved in the December 28 shooting incident in Mandaluyong City could face charges as survivors are considering filing complaints against them. National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Vice Chairman Rogelio Casurao revealed this latest information to CNN Philippines Thursday. "Just this afternoon...the survivors of that shooting incident, including the relatives of the two fatalities, went to the office...will lodge a formal complaint for administrative infraction." Casurao said. Officials continue to discuss the Mandaluyong shooting incidents that happened on December 28 Casurao added he believed the complainants were still in the NAPOLCOM office as he was giving the information during the show On the Record. As the NAPOLCOM will also investigate the incident, Casurao said he would not be at liberty to discuss information the complainants would give. "I'm afraid I cannot, because we have to be neutral now," added Casurao. Casurao clarified that while information made public so far are true accounts of the incident, they are incomplete as NAPOLCOM is still receiving new information. "Just to support what has been shown in the video, even after they were made to lie down - face down - there were still shots delivered," Casurao revealed, adding this information was not part of what has been made public by investigators. On the Record: Mandaluyong shooting incident However, Casurao advised against making hasty judgements as the video is just one part of the investigation. "When you go into an investigation like this, a video footage is just one of the sources of evidence that can be utilized. It can be contested by more superior evidence. Who knows?" he said. PNP official: No firearms registered to Mandaluyong City tanods It was also revealed Thursday that there were no guns registered to tanod in Barangay Addition Hills, the area in Mandaluyong where the first shooting took place. C/Supt. Valeriano de Leon, Firearms and Explosives Office Head of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said, "In this particular instance, the firearms for Mandaluyong City or particularly those three Bantay Bayan mentioned in the report were not all licensed to bear firearms." De Leon said 923 barangays nationwide were issued licenses for firearms not one of those licenses given to Addition Hills. "Out of the 27 barangays of Mandaluyong, wala pong nakarehistrong baril sa barangay," he said. [Translation: Out of the 27 barangays of Mandaluyong, there are no registered gunsa in this barangay.] Jimmy Isidro, Mandaluyong City's chief of staff, said tanod are officially armed with a whistle, a billy club (batuta), and handcuffs. Interior Assistant Secretary RJ Echiverri said under the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, tanod were deputized as force multipliers, but even then, they were not permitted to be armed with guns. Should they be allowed to do so, Echiverri said tanod would have to be deputized. The authorization would be for special circumstances only, and they should be closely supervised by the police. Even if a tanod were to own a licensed gun, it can only be used in self-defense and never in a police operation. Only barangay chairmen, he said, were allowed to carry guns with proper licenses. Mistaken identity likely led to shooting It may be a case of mistaken identity that killed a person in a shooting incident in Mandaluyong City on December 28. S/Supt. Moises Villaceran, Mandaluyong police chief, said tanod involved in the Barangay Addition Hills shooting incident told the police the white van was carrying the suspect. However, Villaceran said they found out the van's passengers were helping shooting victim Jonalyn Ambaan who was being rushed to a hospital. RELATED: Mandaluyong police chief, 10 others relieved for 'mistaken identity' shooting Survivor Mhury Jamon described how the police and barangay officials from Addition Hills continued to fire at them late Thursday night despite their explanation they were bringing a shooting victim to a hospital. READ: Mandaluyong shooting survivor: Police did not listen to our plea we were innocent CNN Philippines digital producers Lara Tan and VJ Bacungan contributed to this report. A Canadian pub owner has revealed how shocked he was when photos of himself emerged in the press, which misidentified him as Olivia Newton-John's missing lover, Patrick McDermott. Wes Stobbe made international headlines in November, when he was mistaken for Patrick and the image was splashed across publications. New Idea first published the image of Wes and claimed it was Patrick, describing the missing man as being alive and well in Mexico. Scroll down for video Mistaken identity: Grainy photos of Olivia Newton-John's missing ex turn out to be of Canadian pub owner Wes Stobbe (pictured), who has revealed his shock at accidental fame Awkward! In November, New Idea claimed Olivia Newton-John's missing lover Patrick McDermott (pictured) was alive and well in Mexico, but used photos of Canadian pub owner Wes to illustrate The photo showed Wes lounging alongside a woman, who turned out to be his wife Bridget. 'Apparently if you make the photo fuzzy enough and grainy enough, it might be passable, but I don't think I look like him,' Stobbe told CBC Manitoba's Radio Noon, according to CBC News. He and his wife said their family found the mistake rather hilarious. 'I have a face that seems to be recognised falsely more than once. It happens to me so often for some strange reason,' Wes added. Making headlines: The photo showed Wes lounging alongside a woman, who turned out to be his wife Bridget (pictured)... as the couple admitting they found the mistake rather funny The magazine: New Idea first published the image of Wes and claimed it was Patrick He also added that he's heading back to Mexico soon and joked: '[I might] get myself a T-shirt printed that says, "not Patrick." Patrick owed thousands of dollars in backdated child support payments for son Chance at the time of his disappearance in 2005. Patrick was declared dead in 2008, despite not one of 22 passengers on board fishing boat Freedom seeing him go overboard in San Pedro, California. Back with Olivia: Patrick owed thousands of dollars in backdated child support payments for son Chance at the time of his disappearance. Patrick was declared dead in 2008 Last year, top private investigator Charlie Parker supported the theory that it was Patrick in the image that surfaced in November. 'The widow's peak is exact. The eyes are very similar and the ears extend down on the head the same distance. I believe it is him,' he told New Idea, adding that it is a '90 per cent match'. Previously, private detective Philip Klein - who was hired by Dateline in 2009 to track Patrick down - said it was 'concluded beyond reasonable doubt' that Patrick is alive. As recently as 2016, Olivia explained Patrick's disappearance was 'very hard' for her confessed she still often wondered whether he was alive. Grief: As recently as 2016, Olivia explained Patrick's disappearance was 'very hard' for her confessed she still often wondered whether he was alive. In an interview with Australia's 60 Minutes last year, the star admitted she has struggled to accept both his disappearance and claims he faked his death. She explained: 'It was very hard, he was lost at sea and nobody really knows what happened.' When asked by reporter Karl Stefanovic whether she still thinks about the disappearance, Olivia said while she wonders, it doesn't consume her life like it once did. 'It's human to wonder. Those are the things in life you have to accept and let go because whenever you go through difficult times there are always those concerns but...' She paused and added: 'I live on.' She celebrated five years of married life with husband Michael Miziner this week. And Rachael Finch has shown off a massive bouquet of flowers gifted to her to commemorate their anniversary. The 29-year-old former beauty queen took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a snap of herself holding the sizable floral arrangement in her arm. Spoilt! Rachael Finch shown off a bouquet of flowers gifted to her to commemorate their anniversary. The 29-year-old former beauty queen took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a snap of herself holding the floral arrangement in her arm Dressed in her range of active wear, Rachael posed looking adoringly at the beautiful bunch, which appeared to be larger than her four-year-old daughter Violet. Violet also featured in the snap and nestled her head in between the flowers and her mother's toned tummy. Rachael captioned her post: 'Spoilt' and also used the hashtag '#5yrstoday'. Fans loved the former beauty queen's cute post and congratulated herself and Michael on their milestone, including one who wrote: 'Youre just beautiful and such a nurturing mother.' While another commented: 'I literally love watching your family.' '8 years together, 5 years married': Earlier in the day, the model shared an intimate bedroom snap on her Instagram Story to mark the occasion. In the photo, the brunette beauty appeared with her eyes closed and tenderly embraced her husband 'He still gives me goosebumps' The day before their anniversary Rachael shared another gushing post about her partner alongside an image of herself with her arms wrapped around her man Earlier in the week, the model shared an intimate bedroom snap on her Instagram Story to mark the occasion. In the photo, the brunette beauty appeared with her eyes closed and tenderly embraced her husband. Michael, also with his eyes closed, lovingly held Rachael's face as she nuzzled into his body, while the model casually rested her hand on his bulging bicep. 'Today. 8 years together. 5 years married,' Rachael captioned. Family time: The couple share two kids: daughter Violet, three, and 10-month-old son Dominic On Tuesday, Rachael shared another gushing post about her partner alongside an image of herself with her arms wrapped around her man. Quoting writer Leo Christopher, she captioned it: 'There's only one thing more precious than our time and that's who we spend it on.' Referencing Michael, Rachael then added: 'He still gives me goosebumps.' Rachael met and fell in love with Michael when she took part in Dancing With The Stars and they were matched as partners in 2010. The couple wed in 2013 and now share two kids: daughter Violet, three, and 10-month-old son Dominic. Catt Sadler is starting the year on a high note. The 43-year-old TV personality is romantically-linked with Nick LaKind, an interior designer based out of Los Angeles, the New York Post reported Wednesday. The Indiana-born broadcaster - who made headlines when she left E! News in December over a disparity in pay with her co-host Jason Kennedy - took to her blog The Cattwalk Sunday with a post recapping the year that was, revealing that her love life is on the upswing. Scroll below for video Romance: Former E! host Catt Sadler, 43, is now dating Nick LaKind, an interior designer based out of Los Angeles, the New York Post reported Wednesday 'Speaking of love, I found that, too,' said Catt, who filed for divorce from producer Rhys David Thomas in March of 2016. 'I have a new best friend who makes me laugh every single day. He lights up my life. He is also sober and his commitment to healthy living astonishes me. 'He teaches me. I am growing.' According to the newspaper, she's been linked to LaKind since this past summer, as the two were pictured together in an Instagram post when attending a wedding together. On Tuesday, Sadler uploaded a shot to the site in which she was pictured on a rock at a beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with the caption, 'Stole his hat.' Life's a beach: Sadler on Tuesday was pictured in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where she implied that she wear wearing LaKind's cap Bearded beau: Sadler said LaKind, seen here in an Instagram selfie,'lights up my life' Sadler was wearing a maroon hat with a black bikini top and denim shorts in the photo. Catt, who has two sons with her first husband Kyle Boyd - Arion, 12, and Austin, 16 - delved into detail about the challenges she had faced during 2017, which she dubbed 'the year that didnt kill me.' She wrote: 'I got divorced. My grandfather died. A close family member went to rehab. My eldest son was diagnosed with ADD. That meant doctors and more doctors compounded with his heart issues. This drug, that drug. I cried more tears than anyone would ever know.' In the comprehensive essay, Sadler touched on the professional issues that paved the path to her quitting her job at E! after a dozen years with the network. She wrote of the show Daily Pop: 'Professionally, I got another show - amazing - but that meant starting my work day three hours earlier each morning; exhaustion was a familiar feeling.' Former co-workers: Sadler last month left E! after learning that Kennedy (L) was making near twice what she was Sadler said of her contract with the network: 'Negotiations began. Negotiations stagnated. Negotiations collapsed. I would decide to leave my job after twelve years.' Sadler last month told People how she decided to leave after learning that Kennedy - who had a similar job duties and tenure at the network - 'wasnt just making a little bit more than me but was making double my salary and has been for several years.' She said that learning that news was 'really hard to swallow,' but set the stage for her asking for a similar salary, 'expected to be paid, based on the law and based on what [she knows] to be fair.' Sadler said that the pay issue struck her as 'heartbreaking' after she gave her 'all to this network.' 'Its almost insulting because you know you work really hard ... Ive sacrificed time away from my family and I have dedicated my entire career to this network,' she said. 'And when you learn something like that, it makes you feel very small and underappreciated and undervalued.' She's the Bali drug trafficker that appeared to have dropped a cheeky hint on Wednesday, that she's interested in becoming the next Bachelorette. Schapelle Corby shared a playful Instagram video of herself posing with a red rose - the flower famous for its role in the dating series. And just shortly after, the 40-year-old cryptically posted a C.S Lewis quote to her Story that read in part: 'You are never too old to dream a new dream.' Scroll down for video 'You're never too old to dream a new dream': Bali drug trafficker Schapelle Corby, 40, shared an inspirational post to her Instagram Story on Wednesday...after hinting at becoming the next Bachelorette Taking to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, Schapelle shared with her 194,000 followers a popular quote by C.S Lewis that read: 'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.' While the quote is open to interpretation, it coincidentally comes after the former beautician dropped a cheeky hint that she's interested in following Sophie Monk's lead, and becoming the next Bachelorette. An Instagram video saw Schapelle playing with her cute pooch, using a filter to add a red rose. Cryptic: Taking to her Instagram Story on Wednesday, Schapelle shared with her 194,000 followers a popular quote by C.S Lewis that read: 'You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream' Sending a message? Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Schapelle shared a video of herself playing with her cute pooch, using a filter to add a red rose The post does nothing to quell fan speculation that the brunette is set to make her mark in reality TV, since being deported from Bali back to Australia in May 2016. Social media went into meltdown last year with fans speculating Schapelle could be set to star on the prime time series. One Twitter user mused: '"The Bachelorette 2018: Schapelle". You can hear the TV execs frothing now. #schapellecorby.' Another suggested: '#bachelorette starring #Schapelle,' and tagged the show in their comments. However, Schapelle's sister Mercedes Corby dismissed the rumours, telling The Kyle and Jackie O Show in May: 'That's not gonna happen!' Social media speculation: One Twitter user mused: '"The Bachelorette 2018: Schapelle". You can hear the TV execs frothing now. #schapellecorby' Fake news? However, Schapelle's sister Mercedes Corby (pictured second from left) dismissed the rumours, telling The Kyle and Jackie O Show in May: 'That's not gonna happen!' Since starting her Instagram account upon her return to Australia, Schapelle has proved a hit with her male social media followers. Her Instagram comments are often peppered with compliments, date requests and even the occasional marriage proposal. Schapelle made headlines in Australia, and around the world, after she was arrested in Bali in October 2004. After boarding a flight to the Indonesian island from Brisbane, via Sydney, customs officers discovered cannabis wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag. Popular: Since starting her Instagram account upon her return to Australia, Schapelle has proved a hit with her male social media followers Despite always maintaining her innocence, she was convicted of drug smuggling in 2005 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Schapelle's sentence was later reduced, and she received several remissions for good behaviour over the years. She was eventually released on parole in February 2014. She remained in Bali during her parole period until May this year, when she was deported back to Australia. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Schapelle for comment. Girlfriends Rating: A Stitch in Time Rating: That drawer in the shed needs sorting. Its months since the computer had a proper back-up. And if you dont organise that box of old music cassettes into alphabetical order, who will? Chaps of a certain age had better find important jobs to do at 9pm on Wednesdays for the next few weeks . . . because their ladies will be watching Girlfriends (ITV). Chaps of a certain age had better find important jobs to do at 9pm on Wednesdays for the next few weeks . . . because their ladies will be watching ITV's Girlfriends (pictured) This rollicking menopausal melodrama boasts an all-star cast and a writer at the height of her powers. Kay Mellor, fresh from penning Love, Lies And Records on the Beeb, is top of the league at creating believable, engaging, full-on female characters. Theres Sue (Miranda Richardson), the needy magazine journalist who can make any event even an old friends funeral all about her. And theres ferociously loyal mother Gail (Zoe Wanamaker), ready to tear apart anyone who dares breathe a word against her useless son. Theres Sue (Miranda Richardson, left), the needy magazine journalist who can make any event all about her. And theres ferociously loyal mother Gail (Zoe Wanamaker, centre). Best of all, theres Linda (Phyllis Logan, right) Best of all, theres Linda (Phyllis Logan, best known as housekeeper Mrs Hughes from Downton). Shes a kind, somewhat scatty mum, newly widowed and in danger of losing her house. Without a scrap of caricature about her, Linda is ordinary and normal and right at the centre of the story. SUN TAN OF THE NIGHT: Inspecting a family home on Love It Or List It (C4), presenter Phil Spencers bronzed face was the same colour as the owners scarlet leather three-piece suite. Where does he go on his summer holidays the Sahara? Advertisement The supporting cast is superb too, with Wendy Craig as Sues octogenarian mother, getting ready to marry again, and Paula Wilcox turning up on Lindas doorstep with a humdinger of a plot twist at the end of the opening episode. What you dont get are strong male roles which is appropriate, since our heroines are at that stage of life when they are most liable to snort: Men! Theyre all hopeless, who needs em? and pour themselves a half-pint of vino blanco while hubby wisely opts to give the dog a walk. The blokes in Girlfriends are especially feeble, none more than magazine boss John (Anthony Head). He thinks he can get away with sacking Sue, despite being her ex-lover. He was even stupid enough to yell at her: You are no longer relevant, Sue! What happens to John will probably resemble a wildlife documentary, where lionesses rip a large and dozy water buffalo to shreds before devouring his innards. Except John will suffer more. A different sort of sisterhood got to work on A Stitch In Time (BBC4), as a group of female historians (pictured) set about recreating a costume styled by King Charles II When Sue, Linda and Gail first became pals, they were in a pop group, performing gigs to support the Greenham Common women protesting against nuclear weapons. That alone should tell us whether they need men or not. Wednesdays at 9pm promise some barnstorming drama, though I might suddenly remember that I havent finished putting up those shelves in the back bedroom. Amber Butchart, who with her beret and copper bob looks like a David Bowie mannequin from his Scary Monsters period, quizzed the historians on A Stitch in Time A different sort of sisterhood got to work on A Stitch In Time (BBC4), as a group of female historians set about recreating a costume styled by King Charles II noting gleefully that tailoring was once an exclusively male occupation. They were quizzed by the fabulously named Amber Butchart, who with her beret and copper bob looks like a David Bowie mannequin from his Scary Monsters period. This half-hour documentary packed far more information on the history and art of making clothes than youll find in an entire series of the Great British Sewing Bee. We learned that the flamboyant king invented the forerunner of the three-piece suit, in a conscious effort to create a style that was quintessentially English. How ironic that suits are now what men wear when we want to be conformist, even invisible. The French hated Charlies suits, of course. King Louis dressed his footmen in the English vest, as a deliberate snub. What do the French know about fashion anyhow? Lady Gaga kicked off 2018 with a make-up free, hair extension-free snap of the heavily-tattooed left side of her body wearing nothing more than a white thong bikini. 'Happy New Year!' the 31-year-old pop diva - who boasts 159.2M social media followers - tweeted Wednesday. 'To happiness. Health. Love. And to the simplicity of beautiful unforgettable nature, life.' The six-time Grammy winner was pictured sunning herself at either her seaside Malibu mansion or in Tulum with her rumoured fiance Christian Carino and manager Bobby Campbell. Scroll down for video 'To happiness. Health. Love!' Lady Gaga kicked off 2018 with a make-up free, hair extension-free snap of the tattooed left side of her body wearing nothing more than a white thong bikini Inseparable: The 31-year-old pop diva was sunning herself at either her Malibu mansion or in Tulum with her rumoured fiance Christian Carino (L) and manager Bobby Campbell At 48, the CAA talent agent is 17 years older than his No. 1 client (born Stefani Germanotta), whom he popped the question to last summer - according to Us Weekly. Carino - who has Gaga tatted on his left bicep - was last linked to The Walking Dead's Lauren Cohan, while she ended her engagement to her You and I video stud Taylor Kinney in 2016. Aside from her alleged nuptials, the Five Foot Two stunner has her Las Vegas residency at MGM Resort's 5200-seat Park Theater starting next December to look forward to planning. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Cure crooner signed a two-year contract agreeing to about $14.4M for 36 shows, averaging $400K per concert. '$14.4M for 36 shows': Aside from her 'nuptials,' the six-time Grammy winner has her two-year Las Vegas residency at Park Theater starting next December to look forward to planning Busy: But first, Lady Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta) will kick off the third leg of her 59-date Joanne World Tour on January 14 at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona (pictured November 7) But first, Lady Gaga will kick off the third leg of her 59-date Joanne World Tour on January 14 at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona. It's unclear if Mother Monster's grueling schedule will allow her to return to her Manhattan hometown January 28 to compete for two trophies at the CBS-broadcast Grammy Awards. The Oscar-nominated songwriter's record Joanne scored a nomination for pop vocal album and her single Million Reasons is up for pop solo performance. 2018 will also see Gaga make her big-screen debut as Ally in Bradley Cooper's remake of A Star is Born, which hits US theaters May 18. Hollywood stars are often treated like royalty, but Kate Beckinsale is ensuring that even her beloved cat is reaping the rewards of her fame. The Pearl Harbor actress, 44, has revealed the plush new sleeping arrangements for her feline friend in a picture online, in which a haughty Clive luxuriates in a vintage Monarch black leather suitcase refashioned into a custom-made bed by Cat Napper Cat Beds. Kate Beckinsale is ensuring that even her beloved cat is reaping the rewards of her fame The Pearl Harbor actress, 44, has revealed the plush new sleeping arrangements for her feline friend in this picture online 'Just to recap, this is his delighted face,' Kate writes. It should be a welcome break for Clive, who has endured various indignities at the hands of his owner, including being made to wear a lettuce leaf on his head and squeezed into a dinosaur costume. Three decades after earning the nickname 'The Body', supermodel Elle Macpherson (pictured left in 2008 and right, in 2018) proves she is still worthy of the moniker Three decades after earning the nickname 'The Body', supermodel Elle Macpherson proves she is still worthy of the moniker. Turning heads on a beach in the Bahamas this week, the 53-year-old Australian blonde showed off her toned and slender physique in a floral bandeau bikini looking nearly identical to beach snaps of her from 2008 and 1998. 'Over the years my focus has changed now I look after my body not so it looks good, but so I am healthy, strong, energised and happy. That's more important than the number on the scales,' she has said. The 53-year-old Australian blonde still looking nearly identical to beach snaps of her from 1998 (pictured) Elle has been spending time over Christmas with her ex-partner, French financier Arpad 'Arki' Busson, who is the father of her two sons Flynn, 19, and Aurelius, 14. Three Davids, three beards What's the difference between these three Davids? Comedian David Walliams sparked a debate when he shared this picture online from Miami of him with his famous bearded pals David Beckham and David Schwimmer, 51, who played Ross Geller in Friends. Comedian David Walliams (left) sparked a debate when he shared this picture online with his famous bearded pals David Beckham (centre) and David Schwimmer (right( who played Ross Geller in Friends 'The World's Sexiest Dave competition reaches its final three,' joked Walliams. There's no guessing why Becks, 42, might have the smuggest grin. While he's worth around 300 million, Walliams, 46, and Schwimmer come in at just 25 million and 60 million respectively. Michael Morpurgo may have been knighted in the New Year's Honours List but he certainly isn't going to let the gong go to his head. 'My wife will become a Lady when I'm knighted, but you know what? She's been a lady ever since I've known her,' says the 74-year-old War Horse author. 'And I was a teacher for many years, so I'm used to being called Sir. So what's new?!' The Great British Bake Off's former presenter Mel Giedroyc, who has declared that 'family is everything to me', has been left devastated after the death of her beloved father. Michal Giedroyc, a Polish aristocrat sent to forced labour in Siberia by the invading Soviet army in 1939, has died 'suddenly' at the age of 88. 'Dad has instilled in me a need to make my mark in life,' said Mel, who has a long-standing comedy partnership with Sue Perkins, her former Bake Off co-host. Michal Giedroyc has been left devastated after the death of her beloved father (pictured together in 2010) 'I have a strong need to achieve things for myself and I think that comes from him. He and I have a lot in common. We're as tough as old boots and both have a good sense of humour.' Mel, 49, was deeply moved when her father wrote a poignant memoir in 2010 about his struggles as a refugee during World War II. Michal, whose own father was a senator and a judge, was ten years old in 1939 when the Russian police seized his home and imprisoned his dad. He was flung on to the streets with his mother and two sisters. Transported in cattle trucks to Siberia, they were forced to work on a farm with other refugees until 1941, when Soviet leader Stalin released all Polish deportees. 'Dad has instilled in me a need to make my mark in life,' said Mel (pictured with Paul Hollywood on The Great British Bake Off) The family, who were said to be on the brink of death, escaped and began a long journey to England. They later discovered that Michal's father was shot dead in 1941. 'Dad lost all material possessions, but maintained a deep sense of who he was,' said Mel, who lives in Ealing, West London, with her husband Ben Morris, a television director, and their two daughters. 'That has been passed on to me along with a strong pride about where I come from.' Michal read aeronautical engineering at Southampton University before going on to design aeroplanes in Hong Kong. Before Mel was born, he moved back to Britain and worked as a civil engineer. A spokesman for the family described Michal as a 'beloved husband' to his widow, Rosemary, and 'adored grandfather'. Supermodel Naomi Campbell's (above) ex Flavio Briatore is divorcing Elisabetta Gregoraci Supermodel Naomi Campbell once dreamed of marrying him and having babies. But her ex-fiance Flavio Briatore went on to wed Wonderbra model Elisabetta Gregoraci. Now the couple are divorcing after nine years. They split just before Christmas after signing a consensual separation agreement. Despite the break-up, both Briatore, 67, and Elisabetta, 37, will continue to live in Monaco for the sake of their son, Falco, seven. Briatore, former owner of Queens Park Rangers FC, will pay 'substantial' maintenance. Campbell, 47, has never married and is said to be dating Egyptian tobacco tycoon Louis C. Camilleri. Asked who is the love of her life, former Olympic golden girl Victoria Pendleton replies: 'My horse Vesper. He's a black beauty French-bred, elegant and very slender. 'Oops, actually I've just thought that's a bit embarrassing as I should have said my husband, Scott!' TV makeover guru Kirstie Allsopp says she is starting to feel decrepit as she approaches 50 TV makeover guru Kirstie Allsopp, 46, may look a picture of health and has recently lost 2st, but she says she is starting to feel decrepit as she approaches 50. Sighs Kirstie: 'You put on weight easily, you don't metabolise alcohol so well and you can't go anywhere without your bloody specs. 'I never had to go to the hairdresser because why would you colour your hair? 'Now I'm a grey-haired old woman, I get it coloured and can't see a menu without my specs. Sad, really.' She's the wildlife warrior who has been enjoying a European vacation with her boyfriend of four years, Chandler Powell. And now Bindi Irwin has uploaded a series of romantic shots to Instagram of the smitten couple as they take in the sights of Venice, Italy. The 19-year-old posted a series of photos taken from the famous canal-lined city while finding the time to gush about her beau - something fans of her page would be well used to. Sweet: Bindi Irwin has taken to Instagram to share a series of romantic shots with boyfriend Chandler Powell as they take in the sights of Venice One photo showed the happy couple huddling close for a romantic snap against the city's picturesque backdrop. Another image used a black and white filter and showed Chandler standing on a set of stairs near a concrete archway. Chandler posed with his hands in his jacket pocket while beaming broadly back at Bindi who took the photo. Fawning: One black and white image showed Chandler, standing on a set of stairs near a concrete archway as Bindi augmented the picture with: 'my love' For her part, Bindi offered a saccharine-sweet: 'my love' which she had written over the image, with a love heart. It appears that, like many, Bindi was captivated with the enchanting city, taking the time to snap photos of its old-world architecture and the famed gondolas. Enchanted: It appears that, like many, Bindi was captivated with the enchanting city, taking the time to snap photos of its old-world architecture and the famed gondolas She also posted a short gif-style video that featured the pair hamming it up by the waterside. 'We enjoyed the sunshine in Venice while getting totally, happily lost amongst the colourful buildings and winding water. This was a magical day,' Bindi captioned the post, augmenting the sentiment with a love heart emoji. The couple, who had previously enjoyed a stop in the city of lights and love - Paris - have been dogged by rumours for months that they were planning to walk down the aisle. Gorgeous: 'We enjoyed the sunshine in Venice while getting totally, happily lost amongst the colourful buildings and winding water. This was a magical day,' Bindi captioned a short video, augmenting the sentiment with a love heart emoji New Idea quoted an unnamed source in August, claiming that the pair had become engaged. However, Bindi revealed to In Touch magazine in December that the couple were 'too busy' to plan an engagement. 'We're so busy with everything, we haven't had time to think about the pressure,' she said. She continued: 'We're really enjoying the moment, adventuring around the world and having fun. We'll let you know!' She is currently enjoying a sun-soaked getaway with best pal Tiffany Watson in Australia. But Frankie Gaff still found time for a sizzling photo shoot on Wednesday, as she shared a number of scantily-clad shots to her Instagram page. The reality star, 23, showed off her enviably slender frame in nothing but a plunging crop top and thong as she danced around a rooftop in Sydney - in a bid to make 'the rain go away' while Down Under. Scroll down for video Leggy lady: Frankie Gaff slipped into nothing but a spotted crop top and thong on Wednesday as she embarked on a sizzling roof top photo shoot in Australia The blonde showed off her impressively slender figure in the crop top, patterned with a frill at the hem and white polka dots all over. Plunging into a deep V to tease at her cleavage, the top then cut off just below her bust, to leave her toned stomach and tiny waist on show. Paired with nothing but a skimpy black thong, which rose to an eye-watering height at her rear, Frankie displayed her peachy derriere to all as she playfully danced and twirled on the rooftop in Sydney. Life's peachy: Slipping into a black thong, which rose to an eye-watering height at her rear, Frankie displayed her derriere to all as she danced and twirled on the rooftop in Sydney Adding sporty striped sliders and leaving her hair in loose, tousled waves, the reality star was effortlessly stunning as she put on a sizzling display for the camera. Clearly bored of the drizzly weather while away, Frankie captioned the playful shots: 'Trying to do the sun dance so all this rain in Sydney goes away.' The blonde joined best pal and MIC co-star Tiffany Watson in Australia last week, who spent the festive period Down Under. Bring the sun back: Clearly bored of the drizzly weather while away, Frankie captioned the playful shots: 'Trying to do the sun dance so all this rain in Sydney goes away' Frankie and Tiff have grown even closer in recent months following their break-ups from E4 hunks Jamie Laing and Sam Thompson. Frankie and Jamie called it quits on their on/off relationship in July after a year-long romance. It was her flirty behaviour with club promoter Harry in the summer that put the nail in the coffin as the pair were unable to put it behind them. Reunited: The blonde joined best pal and MIC co-star Tiffany Watson in Australia last week, who spent the festive period Down Under During their turbulent romance, Frankie hooked up with someone else while Jamie was also seen to have been 'inappropriate' with another girl. In April, she discussed the problems the couple were experiencing in an interview with Heat magazine, revealing: 'Things with Jamie aren't great. Everything is up and down with us at the moment. But we're together for now.' Since the demise of the relationship, she has enjoyed a string of dates with a slew of handsome suitors hoping to win her heart. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) There will be no elections in 2019 if the planned shift to federalism pushes through this year, lawmakers said. "That's a possibility," Senator Bam Aquino told CNN Philippines on Thursday. President Rodrigo Duterte's allies in Congress are proposing a constitutional assembly shortly after both houses resume session on January 15. The assembly will introduce changes in the Constitution to give way to a federal form of government a major platform of the Duterte administration. Following this timeline, Filipinos can vote for or against federalism in a plebiscite simultaneous with the May 8 barangay elections, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said in a January 3 press release. When asked to comment on Alvarez' statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said, "Unless the Constitution is amended, which includes being ratified by the people prior to the date set in the Constitution, elections will have to push through." Senators dread no-election scenario Possible amendments to the Constitution include drastic changes such as the postponement of elections for 10 years, Senator Kiko Pangilinan said, citing "whispers" in Congress. This would cover not just the 2019 midterm elections but the 2022 presidential polls as well. "May 10 taon na transition period sa federalism na wala munang eleksyon at itutulak ang term extension para sa mga nakaupo," Pangilinan said in a statement as he listed possible changes to the Constitution. Translation: "There is a 10-year transition period for federalism where elections would be postponed and the term of officials will be extended." He said all locals officials would be appointed in the absence of elections. Aquino, a Liberal Party (LP) member, said the postponement of polls would undermine the country's democracy. "Dumadaan ka sa mga prosesong yan dahil demokrasya tayo. Mahalaga na meron tayong eleksyon," he said. Translation: "We undergo the election process because we are a democracy. Elections are important." Senator JV Ejercito said, it "might be difficult to make people accept that there will be no elections. People look forward to elections which is a referendum of all elected officials." Senate President Koko Pimentel said it would only take a three-year transition period to shift to a federal form of government. Duterte to serve beyond 2022? Pimentel said shifting to federalism is not tantamount to automatically extending Duterte's term. But this could happen "if really necessary" and "if he's (Duterte) amenable to it." Pimentel's statement however caught the ire of opposition lawmakers who criticize the government for pushing for federalism to stay in power. "The cat is out of the bag! At least, the real purpose of federalism is out -- term extension! LP will oppose such immoral proposition," Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said. Duterte has repeatedly denied any intention to stay in power, even offering to resign once federalism is in place in the country. In 2008, joint resolutions were filed in Congress to amend the Constitution in a bid to shift to federalism but the initiative failed. Talks of shifting to federalism gained steam again when Duterte won the 2016 elections and became the first president from Mindanao. He believes this form of government will finally bring peace to the conflict-stricken region. A federal government creates autonomous states that have greater power over the administration and resources of the territory they cover. Under the current presidential system, authority is centralized in the national government based in Manila. WATCH: What is federalism? Paige Butcher treated her daughter with Eddie Murphy to a trip to the park on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The 38-year-old actress showed her model looks in a gold sweatshirt, grey skinny jeans and black boots for the mother-daughter bonding experience. Paige had her blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail and accessorized with sunglasses. Mother and daughter: Paige Butcher treated 20-month-old daughter Izzy Oona to a trip to a park on Tuesday in Los Angeles She held hands with her 20-month-old daughter Izzy Oona as they walked together on a footpath in the park. Izzy looked kid cute in a printed top, grey sweats and little Nike trainers with hot pink swoosh. Paige also played with Izzy as they climbed aboard a slide together. The native of Perth, Australia flashed her cute smile while climbing into a black SUV after their trip to the park. Blonde beauty: The 38-year-old native of Perth, Australia looked casually chic in a gold sweatshirt and grey skinny jeans Going down: Paige and Iggy climbed aboard a slide at the park Paige and Eddie have been in a relationship since 2012 and welcomed Izzy in May 2016. Eddie rose to fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1984. He went on to star in films such as 48 Hrs, Trading Places, Coming To America and the Beverly Hills Cop series. Cute smile: The doting mother smiled as she climbed into a black SUV after the park trip Eddie will join Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in the sequel Triplets currently in pre-production. It was also reported that he would reprise his role as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop 4. Eddie has eight other children from past relationships. The Brooklyn native has five children with his former wife, Nicole Mitchell, and one child each with former flames Mel B, Tamara Hood Johnson and Paulette McNeely. Taylor Swift wants a copyright lawsuit against her dropped. The pop star has been sued by two songwriters claiming her hit single Shake it Off stole phrases from their 2001 song called Playas Gon' Play performed by 3LW. But the 28-year-old's legal team said on Wednesday that 'the phrases in question are too short to get legal protection' according to TMZ. Hot water: Taylor Swift has been sued by two songwriters claiming her hit single Shake it Off stole phrases from their 2001 song called Playas Gon' Play performed by 3LW Back in September, Sean Hall and Nathan Butler dropped a lawsuit asking for financial reimbursement claiming '20% of Shake It Off is their song'. Playas Gon' Play - which hit 88 on Billboard's Hot 100 - featured the lyrics: 'Playas, they gonna play and haters, they gonna hate.' Shake It Off has Swift singing 'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play. And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate'. However, Swift's lawyers said Hall and Butler 'cannot monopolize the idea that players will play and haters will hate." First cut: Playas Gon' Play - which hit 88 on Billboard's Hot 100 - featured the lyrics: 'Playas, they gonna play and haters, they gonna hate.'; (3LW pictured in 2001) One of Taylor's reps told TMZ: 'This is a ridiculous claim and nothing more than a money grab. The law is simple and clear. They do not have a case.' 3LW was a girl group formed in 1999. Its founding members were Adrienne Bailon, Kiely Williams, and Naturi Naughton. Butler has worked with Aaron Carter and The Backstreet Boys while Hall has worked with Justin Bieber, Maroon 5. and Pink. Echo: Shake It Off has Swift singing 'Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play. And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate' Meanwhile, Shake It Off was from Swift's last album 1989 while her new album Reputation is tearing up the charts with major record sales. And tickets for her forthcoming tour of the same name moved more than $180 million in sales in its first week. Tickets for the 33-show tour, which begins May 8 in Glendale, Arizona and runs through October 6 in Arlington, Texas, initially hit the market December 13, with fans verified through a promotion getting the first crack at the tickets for four days, with sales opening up to everyone thereafter. Saoirse Ronan and her Lady Bird director Greta Gerwig coordinated in matching white ensembles to accept their honors at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards in Manhattan Wednesday. The Irish-American 23-year-old received best actress for her role as misfit teen Christine 'Lady Bird' McPherson in the 34-year-old NoCal native's directorial debut, which earned best picture. Saoirse and Greta both opted for white because they're wearing all-black attire at this Sunday's Golden Globe Awards as part of a planned anti-sexual harassment protest. Scroll down for video Twinning: Saoirse Ronan (R) and her Lady Bird director Greta Gerwig (L) coordinated in matching white ensembles to accept their New York Film Critics Circle Awards on Wednesday On-set snap: The Irish-American 23-year-old (L) received best actress for her role as misfit teen Christine 'Lady Bird' McPherson in the 34-year-old NoCal native's (R) directorial debut, which earned best picture 'I'm bringing one of my best friends with me and she'll be wearing black also,' Ronan told Page Six on Tuesday. 'The relationships between women are so strong when you have them and it's about time that we get to experience that in our industry, too, you know?' The Beverly Hilton red carpet will be flooded by ebony ensembles from Gal Gadot, Mary J. Blige, Allison Janney, as well as the founders of the newly-launched initiative - Time's Up. Meanwhile, the two-time Oscar nominee dazzled TAO Downtown in a Calvin Klein blazer, black pants, hot-pink pumps, and David Webb 'Streamer' earrings selected by stylist Elizabeth Saltzman. Feminists: Saoirse and Greta both opted for white because they're wearing all-black attire at this Sunday's Golden Globe Awards as part of a planned anti-sexual harassment protest Ronan told Page Six on Tuesday: 'I'm bringing one of my best friends with me and she'll be wearing black also. The relationships between women are so strong when you have them and it's about time that we get to experience that in our industry, too, you know?' Chic: The two-time Oscar nominee dazzled TAO Downtown in a Calvin Klein blazer, black pants, pink pumps, and David Webb 'Streamer' earrings selected by stylist Elizabeth Saltzman Sophisticated: Hairstylist Ben Skervin slicked back Saoirse's blonde locks and make-up artist Talia Sparrow applied her gothic Laura Mercier 'Velour Extreme Matte' lipstick 'I wasn't insecure about it': When the Galway Girl video vixen's flawless complexion broke out during her Broadway run in The Crucible, she used the blemishes for her part in Lady Bird Hairstylist Ben Skervin slicked back Saoirse's blonde locks and make-up artist Talia Sparrow applied her gothic Laura Mercier 'Velour Extreme Matte' lipstick. When the Galway Girl video vixen's flawless complexion broke out during her Broadway run in The Crucible, she used the blemishes for her part in Lady Bird. 'I wasn't insecure about it, for whatever reason,' Ronan told Variety on Wednesday. 'I just felt totally game to do it.' CBS Sunday Morning anchor Jane Pauley presented the award to Greta, who let her natural beauty shine through with minimal make-up and simple hoop earrings. Impassioned: Greta gave an animated speech as she hit the stage in her stunning dress Strutting her stuff: She looked chic in her all-white ensemble which made the most of her statuesque frame Short hair, don't care: CBS Sunday Morning anchor Jane Pauley presented the award to Greta, who let her natural beauty shine through with minimal make-up and simple hoop earrings Basic: The two-time Golden Globe nominee bared her biceps in a sleeveless column dress fastened at the side and matching pumps selected by stylist Cristina Ehrlich Hey you! Gerwig reunited with her Lady Bird leading man Timothee Chalamet (L), whose Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino (2-L) presented him with the best actor prize PDA; The former Mumblecore queen even gave the 22-year-old Golden Globe nominee an affectionate hug on the red carpet Having a laugh: The blonde beauty was chatting on the red carpet - and seemed to be having a hoot while talking to presenters The two-time Golden Globe nominee bared her biceps in a sleeveless column dress fastened at the side and matching pumps selected by stylist Cristina Ehrlich. Gerwig excitedly reunited with her Lady Bird leading man Timothee Chalamet, whose Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino presented him with the best actor prize. The former Mumblecore queen even gave the 22-year-old Golden Globe nominee an affectionate hug on the red carpet. British fans can finally catch Timothee as edgy musician Kyle Scheible in the Barnard College grad's coming-of-age dramedy when it hits UK theaters on February 16. It boy: British fans can finally catch Timothee as edgy musician Kyle Scheible in the Barnard College grad's coming-of-age dramedy when it hits UK theaters on February 16 Handsome: And the Loving Vincent actress cozied up to Chalamet's onscreen leading man, Armie Hammer, who's also receiving Oscar buzz for his part as elusive, bisexual Oliver Dapper duo: Hours earlier, the ex-boyfriend of Lourdes Leon thanked Elizabeth Chambers, the wife of his 31-year-old castmate, for 'letting me crawl all over your husband for two months' And the Loving Vincent actress cozied up to Chalamet's handsome onscreen leading man, Armie Hammer, who's also receiving Oscar buzz for his part as elusive, bisexual Oliver. Hours earlier, the ex-boyfriend of Lourdes Leon thanked Elizabeth Chambers, the wife of his 31-year-old castmate, for 'letting me crawl all over your husband for two months.' Gerwig and Ronan will compete for four Golden Globes - motion picture musical/comedy, actress musical/comedy, supporting actress, and screenplay - during the Beverly Hills broadcast on NBC. Airing Sunday on NBC! Gerwig and Ronan will compete for four Golden Globes - motion picture musical/comedy, actress musical/comedy, supporting actress, and screenplay Airing January 21 on TNT/TBS! The talented twosome will then compete for three trophies - lead actress, supporting actress, and ensemble - at the Screen Actors Guild Awards The talented twosome will then compete for three trophies - lead actress, supporting actress, and ensemble - at the Screen Actors Guild Awards airing January 21 on TNT/TBS. Also at TAO Downtown was Girls Trip scene stealer Tiffany Haddish, who took home the prize for best supporting actress for playing the outrageous, unemployed Dina. Make-up artist Dionne Wynn applied the 38-year-old comedian's kohl-rimmed eyes and stylist Bryon Javar selected her leggy, bell-sleeved silk gown. Thigh's the limit! Also at TAO Downtown was Girls Trip scene stealer Tiffany Haddish, who took home the prize for best supporting actress for playing the outrageous, unemployed Dina Strike a pose! Make-up artist Dionne Wynn applied the 38-year-old comedian's kohl-rimmed eyes and stylist Bryon Javar selected her leggy, bell-sleeved silk gown Still going strong! The Florida Project star Willem Dafoe - who scored best supporting actor - suited up alongside his Italian wife of nearly 13 years, Giada Colagrande Mingling: Black Panther's Michael B. Jordan looked dapper in his all-black suit while Get Out actress Betty Gabriel was pretty in an off-the-shoulder pink ombre cocktail dress Lovely ladies: Mudbound director Dee Rees (L) honored her cinematographer in a blue maxi-blazer while Phantom Thread actress Lesley Manville (R) wore a black lacy creation The Florida Project star Willem Dafoe - who scored best supporting actor - suited up alongside his Italian wife of nearly 13 years, Giada Colagrande. Black Panther's Michael B. Jordan looked dapper in his all-black suit while Get Out actress Betty Gabriel was pretty in an off-the-shoulder pink ombre cocktail dress. Mudbound director Dee Rees honored her cinematographer in a blue maxi-blazer and wide-leg trousers while Phantom Thread actress Lesley Manville wore a black lacy creation. She has had one heck of a trip in 2017. And Tiffany Haddish was ready to celebrate an even better new year as she won Best Supporting Actress at the New York Film Critics Awards on Wednesday. The Girl's Trip star, 38, left little to the imagination in a dark satin wrap dress as she turned heads on the red carpet. But it was her speech that got all the attention. 'First, I want to thank God,' she began, 'because without God my Mom and Daddy wouldnt have put their two uglies together and made me.' 'Im thankful for the critics. Im learning a lot about you guys. The only critics I knew before this were Siskel and Ebert and when they passed I was like "Oh well'". Scroll down for video Daring to impress, the comedian allowed her ample bosom to take center stage as the dress plunged low. Her gorgeous gams were on full display as the couture gown had a high and wide slit that ended at her lithe waist. As she made various poses with the long sleeved gown, her flawless skin tone shined under a slight smokey eye and touch of amber lip. Tiffany's trademark brunette tresses were tightly curled and wrapped in a Grecian bun on top of her head. Legs for days: Her gorgeous gams were on full display as the couture gown had a high and wide slit that ended at her lithe waist Glamour gal: As she made various poses with the long sleeved gown, her flawless skin tone shined under a slight smokey eye and touch of amber lip Larking around: The stunning star posed for a playful selfie with Kristen Anderson-Lopez The outing comes after the actress was snubbed for a Golden Globe nomination earlier in December, but Tiffany was not upset. The actress responded on Twitter after Jada Pinkett Smith lashed out at the Hollywood Foreign Press for overlooking her Girls Trip co-star. 'Thank all of yall for your love and support, I dont know or care much about snubs because Im not nasty like that!!' the 38-year-old tweeted. Hair today: Tiffany's trademark brunette tresses were tightly curled and wrapped in a Grecian bun on top of her head Playing around: The stunner was flashing a peek of her endless legs from beneath the perilously slashed gown Drink up! She was gulping down a cocktail as she took a break from her speech New York Film Critics Circle Awards Best Picture Lady Bird Best Director Sean Baker - THE FLORIDA PROJECT Best Screenplay Paul Thomas Anderson - PHANTOM THREAD Best Actress Saoirse Ronan - LADY BIRD Best Actor Timothee Chalamet - CALL ME BY YOUR NAME Best Supporting Actress Tiffany Haddish - GIRLS TRIP Best Supporting Actor Willem Dafoe - THE FLORIDA PROJECT Best Cinematographer Rachel Morrison - MUDBOUND Best Animated Film Coco Best Non-Fiction Film (Documentary) Faces Places Best Foreign Language Film BPM (Beats Per Minute) Best First Film Jordan Peele - GET OUT Special Award Molly Haskell - CAREER ACHIEVEMENT Advertisement 'But I love my girl Jada and I love all of you! @jadapsmith @VanityFair #SHEREADY' The day before, Jada went on a lengthy Twitter rant, accusing the HFPA - the non-profit organization that votes for the films - of refusing to even watch Girls Trip, which Jada and Tiffany both star in. 'I'm not upset about @TiffanyHaddish or @GirlsTripMovie not getting a nom... I'm discouraged about the fact that the Hollywood Foreign Press/@goldenglobes wouldn't even WATCH the movie.' 'Girls Trip was one of the most successful films this summer & Tiff was hands down the funniest person on screen in 2017 and we couldn't get eyes on the film or a press conference. Jada concluded: 'Moments like this occur so that we have an opportunity to discuss, recreate and regenerate old paradigms. It's all about growth. Love.' She's the PR maven who has just returned from a lavish post-Christmas family vacation on the Gold Coast. And it seems the yuletide spirit of giving has stuck with Roxy Jacenko, as she donated a slew of toys to a children's charity in Sydney on Thursday. The 37-year-old directed her generosity toward the East Village Shopping Centre in Zetland, that is running a're-gifting drive' that will see goodies donated to the not-for-profit Weave Youth and Community Services. Charitable: It seems the yuletide spirit of giving has stuck with Roxy Jacenko, 37, into the new year, as she donated a slew of toys to a children's charity in Sydney on Thursday Roxy looked stunning in a sleeveless black Chanel dress that finished just above the knee. Her blonde locks hung in loose waves over her shoulders as she finished the ensemble with a pair of bow-embellished black heels. Roxy's look was completed with a light rose shade for her lip and a subtle application of highlighter to accentuate her cheekbones. Good cause: Roxy directed her generosity toward the East Village Shopping Centre in Zetland in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, that is running a 're-gifting drive' that will see goodies donated to the not-for-profit Weave Youth and Community Services Svelte: The talent manager looked stunning in a sleeveless black Chanel dress that finished just above the knee On point: Her blonde locks hung in loose waves over her shoulders as she finished the ensemble with a pair of bow-embellished black heels Chic: Roxy's look was completed with a light rose shade for her lip and a subtle application of highlighter to accentuate her cheekbones Armed with a myriad of goodies that included Lego sets and dolls, Roxy looked as though there was no place she'd rather be as she made the charitable donation. It was unclear if Roxy rounded up the toys from friends and colleagues, or if they were from her children's private stash. Roxy even found the time to chat to an adorable tiny tot about one of her gifts and looked as though she was enjoying telling the little girl all about it. Chuffed: Armed with a myriad of goodies that included Lego sets and dolls, Roxy looked as though there was no place she'd rather be as she made the charitable donation Giving back: Roxy even found the time to chat to a an adorable tiny tot about one of her gifts, and looked as though she was enjoying telling the little girl all about it Joy: Roxy was pictured engaging in conversation with one of her Sweaty Betty employees Similarly, the cherubic tot looked to be hanging off every word Roxy imparted as she tightly held on to a Lego set. Roxy was also joined by a Sweaty Betty employee, who chose a black, thigh-length ensemble and a pair of strappy shoes. She also carried a large handbag over her shoulder and a purse and mobile phone in her hand. Elegant: Roxy was also joined by a Sweaty Betty employee who chose a black, thigh-length ensemble and a pair of strappy shoes Haul: Roxy also toted a large weaved bag, which possibly held her slew of goodies Roxy also toted a large weaved bag, which possibly held her slew of goodies. While the day was all about the spirit of giving, Roxy didn't go away empty handed. After her charitable duties, she stopped by a florist for some inspiration. After perusing the flora on offer, Roxy decided on what looked to be a light purple coloured bell flower in a dainty white pot. Retail therapy: While the day was all about the spirit of giving, Roxy didn't go away empty handed She's the young actress who bagged the lead part in the Star Wars reboot. Now Daisy Ridley has reflected on the impact advice from her co-star and Star Wars' original leading lady, Carrie Fisher, had on her. 'Carrie Fisher said not to shrink away from the success but to enjoy it. And that was wonderful,' the 25-year-old told Elle Australia. 'It gets into your mind': Daisy Ridley has reflected the meaningful piece of advice passed on to her from the late Carrie Fisher Carrie, who was best known for her pivotal role as Princess Leia in the series, shared her words of wisdom to the young starlet before she became a household name. And with those words of wisdom bestowed upon her, Daisy dug deep for the reboot's last film, The Last Jedi. The London-born beauty told the magazine the most difficult part of being part of Star Wars was how much her life changed as a result. 'At work, you're normal, you're not the anomaly, unlike in other situations,' the former bartender said. Allies: 'Carrie Fisher said not to shrink away from the success but to enjoy it. And that was wonderful,' the 25-year-old said No wars here: And with Carrie's words of wisdom bestowed upon her, Daisy dug deep and worked hard on the second installment, The Last Jedi (cast and directors pictured) The year ahead looks to be very busy for the brunette stunner as she has two films due for release. Ophelia, a re-imagining of Hamlet from Ophelia's perspective, will hit US cinemas in January. Big changes: The London-born beauty told the magazine the most difficult part of being part of Star Wars was how much her life changed as a result Hard at work: 'At work, you're normal, you're not the anomaly, unlike in other situations,' the former bartender said She will also voice the part of Cottontail in Peter Rabbit, a new animation that also stars Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki and Rose Byrne. Daisy will also appear in the final, currently untitled, Star Wars: Episode IX film, which is slated for a 2019 release. This comes after The Last Jedi was named one of Australia's best performing films at the box-office raking in $20million mark on it's first weekend. She donated $50,000 to the Time's Up cause that helps 'less privileged women' fight sexual harassment. And Jessica Chastain was sure to show her support for the initiative as she donned a slogan shirt to leave the Jimmy Kimmel Live studios in Hollywood on Wednesday. She had arrived at the set looking typically stylish in a navy dress with black accents and a hanky hemline. Scroll down for video Political: She donated $50,000 to the Time's Up cause that helps 'less privileged women' fight sexual harassment. And Jessica Chastain was sure to show her support for the initiative as she donned a slogan shirt to leave the Jimmy Kimmel Live studios in Hollywood on Wednesday Times Up aims to support women who bring complaints of sexual harassment and abuse and was launched Monday with the support of actresses and executives including Reese Witherspoon, Shonda Rhimes, Natalie Portman and Kerry Washington. Put together by a group of influential female attorneys in Tinseltown and published the week of the Golden Globes Awards. The letter acknowledges the privilege enjoyed in Hollywood and calls for a national sea change in gender equality. Blue-tiful! Jessica She had arrived at the set looking typically stylish in a navy dress with black accents and a hanky hemline teamed with high-heeled black sandals Activist: She has been an outspoken critic of discrimination and abuse against women in Hollywood and she made sure to show support for the coalition formed to support victims Star with a message: Jessica was spotted leaving the talk show in an all-black ensemble of sleeveless top and high-waisted slacks promoting the Time's Up initiative Generating buzz: Just 24 hours earlier, Jessica had glammed it up at the Palm Springs International Film Festival's gala where she received the coveted Chairman's Award The coalition is asking women to wear black at the Golden Globes in on Sunday in a sign of solidarity with the victims of sexual harassment who have spoken out over the last few months. Who gave what? Legal fund donors Almost 5,000 people had donated a total of $13.7million to the Time's Up fund by Tuesday. Below are some of the highest profile donors, and the amount they donated. Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw - $2million J.J. Abrams and his wife Katie McGrath - $1million Reese Witherspoon - $500,000 Meryl Streep - $500,000 Jennifer Aniston - $500,000 Shonda Rhimes, producer - $500,000 Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm head - $250,000 Taylor Swift - $100,000 Oprah Winfrey - $100,000 Emma Stone - $50,000 Natalie Portman - $50,000 Cate Blanchett - $50,000 Jessica Chastain - $50,000 Anne Hathaway - $25,000 Blake Lively - $25,000 Jessica Capshaw - $25,000 Sheryl Sandberg -$25,000 Justin Timberlake and his wife Jessica Biel - $25,000 Donations are being accepted through Go Fund Me Advertisement Jessica has been nominated for Best Actress in the upcoming ceremony for her leading role in the film Molly's Game, as has the film's screenplay, which was written by the director Aaron Sorkin. The film is based on Molly Bloom's memoir, Molly's Game: From Hollywood's Elite to Wall Street's Billionaire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure in the World of Underground Poker. Jessica was continuing to promote the Aaron Sorkin-directed feature during her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's late night show. The actress arrived at the ABC studio in Hollywood wearing a sleeveless navy and black frock. She left the bodice unfastened for a more causal look and stepped out in high-heeled black sandals. She wore her trademark flame-red hair loose and had bright red color on her lips. Just 24 hours earlier, Jessica had glammed it up on the red carpet at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. She was at the festival's star-studded gala night to receive the coveted Chairman's Award. Also seen arriving at Jimmy Kimmel Live was recording artist and music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The 48-year-old wore a blue sweater with a roaring tiger motif on the front and faded blue jeans. Diddy also has a project to promote - his new Fox show The Four: The Battle for Stardom that premieres on Thursday. He joins Fergie, DJ Khaled, Meghan Trainor and Charlie Walk in the latest incarnation of a singing reality show competition. She's in the midst of a heated legal battle with the Kardashian clan. But Blac Chyna showed she isn't letting the drama get to her when she took to Instagram to debut her new pink hair on Wednesday. The 29-year-old slipped into a perilously short plum dress with a plunging neckline that gave more than a glimpse of the reality TV star's assets. No sweat: Blac Chyna showed she isn't letting her legal dramas with the Kardashians get to her when she took to Instagram to debut her new pink hair on Wednesday The star wore the long-sleeved, thigh skimming dress with plum colored high heels. Chyna wore a full face of impeccable makeup, including a light pink shade of lip liner that matched her hair color. The entrepreneur wore her wavy pink tresses untied and parted down the center. Pretty in pink: The 29-year-old slipped into a perilously short plum dress with a plunging neckline that gave more than a glimpse of the reality TV star's assets Thigh's the limit: The star wore the long-sleeved, thigh skimming dress with plum colored high heels Meanwhile, her ex-fiancee Rob Kardashian has denied Chynas claims that he assaulted her during an alleged incident in April 2017. The 30-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shares 13-month-old daughter Dream with his former partner, who has claimed in a lawsuit filed late last year that he had been violent towards her during their tumultuous relationship. Chyna claimed in the documents filed in November that when she tried phoning her former partner Tyga - with whom she has five-year-old son King Cairo - the alleged attack happened. Power couple: Meanwhile, her ex-fiancee Rob Kardashian has denied Chynas claims that he assaulted her during an alleged incident in April 2017. Pictured January 2017 She claims Rob 'immediately grabbed the phone from her hand and violently knocked her to the ground where she landed on her hands and knees.' However, in a response filed last week and obtained by The Blast on Tuesday, the star insisted Chyna did not 'suffer any injury or harm' at his hands. 'Plaintiffs causes of action are barred because she did not suffer any injury or harm as a result of any conduct by Defendant,' part of the response said. Seconds please: The 30-year-old Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shares 13-month-old daughter Dream with his former partner. Seen in a March 2017 episode of KUWTK 'Damages resulting from any injuries or harm Plaintiff claims to have suffered must also be offset against the damages Defendant suffered as a result of Plaintiffs wrongful acts.' It comes after Chyna, 29, also claimed she 'suffered pain and difficulty walking for days' after the alleged incident. She said she called King's nanny, who took him away, before locking herself in her bedroom. Date night: Chyna claimed in the documents filed in November that when she tried phoning her former partner Tyga the alleged attack happened. Seen in April 2017 However, she then alleged that 'Rob Kardashian lost all control and tore the hinges off of Ms. White's bedroom door. Ms. White then retreated to the bathroom, hid in the bathroom closet, and locked the door.' The court documents state: 'Ms. White suffered pain and difficulty walking for days following the domestic dispute as a result of Rob Kardashian violently knocking her to the ground.' In addition to alleging that Rob assaulted her, Chyna is also seeking legal action against his famous family, whom she claims prevented their reality show Rob & Chyna from being renewed for a second season. Madonna wants everyone to start the new year off right. The Material Girl posted a sweet snap of herself with a group of children from Malawi asking her followers to 'BE the CHANGE' they want in 2018 on Wednesday. 'This year we'll begin by building 4 brand new schools in the Kasungu District of Malawai,' the pop superstar, 59, captioned the photo. Challenge: Madonna, 59, posted a sweet snap of herself with a group of children from Malawi asking her followers to 'BE the CHANGE' they want in 2018 on Wednesday 'Let's start 2018 off right.' she began the caption of the picture of herself in a woven fedora and multicolored scarf. 'I'm challenging you all to stand up, come together and BE the CHANGE you want to SEE in the World!' she continued. The Express Yourself songstress went on to tag Instagram accounts that would help raise money for the charitable project. 'That's 14 schools in total that will help thousands of kids get the education they so rightfully deserve!' Madonna wrote. Fight the good fight! The Express Yourself songstress went on to tag Instagram accounts that would help raise money for the charitable project Famous friends: One shot had the Like A Virgin hit maker in a mesh lace ensemble as she was kissed by artist Keith Haring 'Now is the time! Joine the #revolutionoflove!' The adorable snapped showcased the iconic superstar wearing ripped denim and a white long sleeve shirt in front of the large crowd of children. Meanwhile, Madonna posted several photos on her Instagram account as she rang in the new year. Extraordinary friends! 'Fun Fun Fun in 2019. My friends are far from ordinary,' wrote the Who's That Girl actress on a photo filled with beautiful people One shot had the Like A Virgin hit maker in a mesh lace ensemble as she was kissed by artist Keith Haring. 'Fun Fun Fun in 2019. My friends are far from ordinary,' wrote the Who's That Girl actress on a photo filled with beautiful people. And an adorable photo of Madonna and her 21-year-old daughter Lourdes was captioned: 'We are ready for you 2018!' His sister tragically died of cancer in September after raising millions of dollars for charity. And Samuel Johnson has reflected on his tough but inspiring 2017, taking to the Love Your Sister Instagram on Tuesday to share his 'best nine' memories from the year. The Gold Logie winner shared a sweet childhood snap of him and his sister, as well as photos of them working together for their cancer charity. Scroll down for video 'Shes always here': Samuel Johnson shares sweet childhood snap of him and late sister Connie as he reflects on 2017 A black and white photo of the pair showed a young Connie smiling for the camera, with baby Samuel just slightly out of the camera shot. Another snap saw Connie posing arms outstretched in front of their Big Heart Project a fundraising project which raised more than $2.5 million and broke the world record for the longest line of coins. 'LYS Village #2017bestnine,' the collage of photos were captioned, alongside two love heart emojis. Throwback: A black and white photo of the pair showed a young Connie smiling for the camera, with baby Samuel just slightly out of the camera shot Tragic death: Connie died in September, a day after she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her work fighting breast cancer Supporters of Samuel were quick to comment on the sweet photos with one follower writing: 'Shes always here. In your heart, and mine, and everyone who was blessed to have been a part of her.' 'What a woman! An inspiration to all those on a cancer journey,' another commented. Connie died in September, a day after she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her work in the fight against breast cancer. Samuel retired from acting in 2016 to support his sister's charitable projects and the siblings raised millions for cancer research and help. Speaking to TV Week last month, the Molly star said he was embracing life after Connie's death. Inspiring pair: Samuel retired from acting in 2016 to support his sister's charitable projects, the siblings raising millions for cancer research and help 'It didn't crush my spirit': Speaking to TV Week last month, the Molly star said he was embracing life after Connie's death 'My life has become progressively more surreal since my sister's cancer diagnosis,' Samuel confessed. The actor explained that Connie's cancer battle had taught him to live more in the moment. 'It can defeat you or it can give you a real understanding that now is awesome and I'm really glad I fell on the right side of it because it didn't crush my spirit, instead, it increased my zest for life,' Samuel said. 'I'm a big believer that death can be a positive experience.' Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) Former Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon slammed Senate Blue Ribbon Committee (SBRC) chair Richard Gordon for allegedly inflicting "cruel, degrading, and inhuman punishment" on him. In a statement on Thursday, Faeldon cited several instances to justify his allegation, saying Gordon kept his loved ones from him during Christmas and New Year's days, and he was also unable to observe his religious practices. Faeldon has been in Senate detention since September 10 after refusing a summons to appear at the inquiry on the corruption in the Customs bureau and the P6.4-billion drug smuggling. He added the senator also did not allow him to be examined by his cardiologist to check on his heart ailment, and he was deprived of being present at the birth of his youngest child. In a letter obtained by CNN Philippines, Gordon also denied the request of Atty. Jose Dino to allow Faeldon take his oath as a newly appointed deputy administrator of the Office of the Civil Defense at the Defense department's headquarters in Quezon City. The oath-taking will take place on January 10 before Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad. He was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte to the post on December 22. "I was warned that if I came out with this press statement, my visitation rights would be totally cut-off, along with the electricity and water in my detention room. Go ahead Sen. Gordon, kick me and punish me some more, if that makes you a bigger man," Faeldon said. The former Customs commissioner added Gordon was taking orders from Sen. Panfilo Lacson whom he described as "the cement-smuggler senator." Faeldon had earlier tagged Lacson and his son Panfilo Lacson, Jr., of being involved in smuggling cement to the country. "I thought that Sen. Gordon was man enough to stand-up to the cement-smuggler senator. I was wrong again," Faeldon said. CNN Philippines has reached out to both Gordon and Lacson, who have yet to release their statements. His desire for more plastic surgery has reportedly forced him to pull out of this year's Celebrity Big Brother. And Rodrigo Alves, who is now hoping to change his 'Human Ken Doll' moniker to 'Roddy Doll', looked in his element as he shopped till he dropped while flaunting his surgically-enhanced frame in London on Wednesday. His sighting comes after the plastic surgery addict, 34, shared never-before-seen images exclusively to MailOnline which showed his appearance ten years before his quest for perfection. Scroll down for video Loving life: Rodrigo Alves, 34, who is now hoping to change his 'Human Ken Doll' moniker to 'Roddy Doll', looked in his element as he shopped till he dropped in London on Wednesday Before: His sighting comes after the plastic surgery addict, 34, shared never-before-seen images exclusively to MailOnline which showed his appearance ten years ago Rodrigo, who has spent an eye-watering 480,000 on his quest for perfection, commanded attention as he paraded his augmented frame. The Brazilian opted for a snazzy tailored blazer to combat the winter chill and complemented it with his figure-hugging white shirt. He teamed the look with a pair of skinny trousers and loafers, while toting all of his essentials in an oversized Gucci bag. Rodrigo's blonde mane, which is a result of a gruelling 19k transplant in LA, were slicked to the side - putting prominence on his features, which appeared to be accentuated by a layer of bronzer. Work it! The plastic surgery addict, 34, couldn't resist flaunting his surgically enhanced frame in a sartorially savvy, skin-tight ensemble as he took to the streets of the British capital Eyes on his: Rodrigo, who has spent an eye-watering 400,000 on his quest for perfection, commanded attention as he paraded his augmented frame Sartorially savvy: The Brazilian opted for a snazzy tailored blazer to combat the winter chill and complemented it with his figure-hugging white shirt The TV star, who has made no secret of his desire to go under the knife, proved to be thrilled as he posed for selfies with fans. Rodrigo has now shown how far he's come over the course of ten years by sharing snaps exclusively to MailOnline on his appearance before his surgeries and procedures. The fresh-faced reality star looked thrilled as he posed away for snaps. In images taken in 2006, the then 24-year-old donned a plaid shirt and grey trousers, along with a Dolce & Gabbana belt, which no doubt hinted at his future flair for fashion. Previously: Rodrigo has now shown how far he's come over the course of ten years by sharing snaps exclusively to MailOnline on his appearance before his surgeries and procedures Ten years ago: In images taken in 2006, the then 24-year-old donned a plaid shirt and grey trousers, along with a Dolce & Gabbana belt, which hinted at his future flair for fashion On holiday: The fresh-faced reality star looked thrilled as he posed away for snaps Other snaps shared to MailOnline appeared to show Rodrigo a few years down the line. The Latin star's face looked altered compared to his 2006 images - proving he had started his plastic surgery journey. Meanwhile, this comes after reports he's not stepping in the Celebrity Big Brother house amid claims he's set to have some ribs removed in another cosmetic surgery. In December, Rodrigo revealed plans to have six ribs removed in what would be his landmark 60th cosmetic procedure. But he was left left frustrated after surgeons refused to perform the full procedure over fears it would compromise his lungs. His journey begins: Other snaps shared to MailOnline appeared to show Rodrigo a few years down the line Changes: The Latin star's face looked altered compared to his 2006 images - proving he had started his plastic surgery journey Back in the day: Rodrigo looked in his elements as he worked his angles in the throwback snaps Old snaps: In another blast from the past image, Rodrigo showed his frame in a skin-tight white top Instead, a top Hollywood surgeon will remove four floating ribs in a 28,000 procedure to give the jet-setter, who has spent an estimated 400,000 on plastic surgeries, an 'elegant and classic figure'. Sources claim the TV personality will fly out to Los Angeles this week for the surgery despite being rumoured to appear on Celebrity Big Brother. The star spoke exclusively to MailOnline, saying he was initially disappointed not to have the green-light for the original operation after he tried to convince his doctor to remove six ribs. He said: 'I was frustrated at first because I really want to be able to fit back into my four breast blazers as before but removing two extra ribs could compromise my lungs, and my doctors must be very careful that my health is not compromised. 'They said a big no to that and said that safety always come first. Aesthetically speaking the results will be the same as if six ribs were removed. The visual impact will be the same.' In good condition: Meanwhile, Rodrigo's blonde mane, which is a result of a gruelling 19k transplant in LA, were slicked to the side - putting prominence on his features as he continued about his day in London Famous: The TV star, who has made no secret of his desire to go under the knife, proved to be thrilled as he posed for selfies with fans Social media savvy: Rodrigo was seen trying out different brow colours on Instagram Priorities: Rodrigo's sighting comes after reports he's not steeping in the Celebrity Big Brother house amid claims he's set to have some ribs removed in another cosmetic surgery 'My life shall be changed forever as from January 2018 and by summer 2018 I will be looking like a fitness model.' The fashion-forward star said he was motivated to go under the knife once more so he would feel more confident in his couture blazers, and because he felt his hunky physique had become 'shapeless and big'. Despite his extensive catalogue of procedures, the socialite admitted to nerves ahead of the operation, which he says has been favoured by many celebs, but said he was looking forward to not 'bursting out of his slim-fit blazers.' He said: 'It will be my surgery number 60 between countless procedures but I'm nervous yes because this is not a plastic surgery where skin or fat will be removed, we are talking about my floating ribs. Bruno Langley was written out of ITV soap Coronation Street with immediate effect, when an investigation into sexual assault began in October. But actors from the show have proved that they are standing by the star, after he broke his silence on social media, despite his conviction for sexual assault. Bruno was met with a wave of support from stars such as Beverley Callard and Claire King when he wished his Twitter followers 'all the very best for 2018' in a festive post. Scroll down for video Rallying around: Bruno Langley's Twitter post was met with a wave of support from old colleagues and friends on Monday Liz McDonald actress Beverley quickly replied: 'Happy new year to you, darling! 'So much love! X.' When asked if Bruno was still her friend, Beverly keenly responded: 'Without doubt!!!! Much love.' Former soap actress Claire King, famous for playing Erica Holroyd, wrote to Bruno: 'You too Hun x.' And one-time Coronation Street writer Daran Little said: 'Same to you my lovely friend. Here's to a fantastic New Year, hope 2018 is amazing for you xxxx.' Stand by your man: Beverly Callard (left) and Claire King (right) sent messages of support to Bruno on Twitter Soap axing: Bruno (left) is best known for his role as Todd Grimshaw (here with soap mother Eileen Grimshaw) alongside actress Sue Cleaver but he was written out of the soap in late 2017 Friend and fellow soap actor Ayden Callaghan, who plays Joe Roscoe in Hollyoaks, wrote: 'Happy new year pal. X' Ex-CBeebies presenter Sarah Jane Honeywell also replied: 'Happy new year lovely - hope we see you soon xxx' Bruno was axed from Coronation Street after being convicted of groping two women on a drunken night out. It was quite a contrast to the response of Bruno's soap mother Sue Carter, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, who offered little compassion in December, saying: 'He had everything he ever wanted and now hes lost it all.' Bruno, 34, most famous for playing Todd Grimshaw, has not returned to social media since September but did break his silence to wish his followers well on New Year's Day. He wrote: 'I Hope everyone had a nice Christmas, and I wish you all the very best for the very impending 2018 x.' 'I wish you all the very best': Shamed Coronation Street star Bruno broke his silence on social media with a positive New Year's message after being convicted of sexual assault Trying to make amends? It's the first time Bruno has addressed his fans since September Messages of support: Soap actors were quick to reply to Bruno to show that he still had friends among them Some of Bruno's fans were also quick to write back to the star, with words of support such as: 'Hope 2018 is a better year for you Bruno and you can move forward, really miss you on Corrie.' 'Happy New Year Bruno and all the very best for 2018 !' 'Merry Christmas/NewYear Hope you had an amazing time ! Missing you very much. Hope to see you very soon. Lots of love xx' Yet not everyone reacted in a positive way to his message. Another wrote: 'I don't condone what you did, I don't even know the full details, but what I do know is regretting an action after too much alcohol, the real demon here. Some of us learn the hard way. Good luck for the future.' Something to say: Bruno's fans were largely supportive, yet divided by his words on social media Hasty: Coronation Street's Todd made his exit from the soap in Friday night's double bill, fleeing the street off-screen after actor Bruno was axed from the soap Another simply added: 'He pleaded guilty.' Meanwhile, Coronation Street fans said goodbye to Todd in a hasty exit scene, after writers scrambled to write around actor Bruno's axing from the soap. Viewers took to Twitter in confusion at the final scene, which saw Todd apparently flee Weatherfield with adopted daughter Summer off-screen. In the scene, which aired in the second part of Friday's double bill, fans saw Todd's mum Eileen (Sue Cleaver) standing in the street with Summer (Matilda Freeman), as a car screeches to a halt on the pavement. A dubbed voice, meant to be Todd's, tells Summer to get in the car before speeding away, leaving Eileen baffled as to where her son was going. Fans were baffled by the scene, with some unaware this was to be Todd's exit, while others were disappointed at the character's conclusion. One tweeted: 'So was that how they get rid of #Todd in #Corrie - A faceless voice in a car telling Summer to get in with his mother confirming it's him.' Uncertain: While sources revealed viewers will learn more about Todd's exit in coming episodes, others still took to Twitter in confusion as to what had happened Another wrote: 'I'm guessing that's Todd's last episode and we will not be seeing him again.' The Sunday People also reported earlier this month that Todd fled the UK after punching a police officer off-screen, with Bruno's last on-screen appearance seeing him accept a phonecall while watching a carol service in the local church. Considering Todd's vicar beau Billy had just confessed to killing Peter Barlow's mum Susan, perhaps this led to his violent turn. The shamed actor, who has played Todd for 16 years, was pulled from filming for the soap in October after a woman complained to ITV that he had sexually assaulted her on a night out. A source told MailOnline: 'Bruno's contract ended on October 26th following an internal inquiry which is separate to any police investigation. 'He has not filmed any scenes since the inquiry started, but scenes featuring Bruno will continue to be screened until December 24th. Storylines beyond this point have been rewritten.' Bruno pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault at a hearing in November, and was given a 12-month community order, including 40 days of rehabilitation activity and to submit to a curfew. The actor offered a tearful apology for his actions, and has since said he is attending therapy session and alcoholic anonymous meetings. He told The Sunday Mirror: 'I've been living way too fast for too long... My drinking had escalated. The wheels fell off. 'I wasn't particularly happy... I've started going to see a counsellor and been attending AA meetings and that's helped.' Malika Haqq's reality TV career once saw her dealing with the murder of her boyfriend Chinx. Having come over to the UK for Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother, Malika's hidden grief has come to light in a newly-resurfaced clip of the days following a drive-by shooting in 2015 that claimed his life. Revealed on E!'s Dash Dolls two years ago, the 34-year-old television personality is seen crying in bed after discovering her partner died of multiple gun shot wounds. Scroll down for video Heartbreaking: Celebrity Big Brother star Malika Haqq, 34, went through a distressing ordeal as her ex boyfriend and rapper Chinx was murdered in 2015 Comforted by her twin sister Khadijah, Malika receives consolation from her BFF and reality TV co-star Khloe Kardashian. Asking how her long-time friend is coping with the tragic situation, Khloe is seen enquiring: 'You okay?' Bedbound Malika muttered: 'I don't know' as she is filmed scrolling through messages on her phone. Devastating: Her ex Chinx (second from right) - who was close friends with Khloe's former beau French Montana - was shockingly gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Queens, New York, in May 2015 Khloe continues in a somber tone: 'It's hurtful and sad and sometimes you'll cry and you have to keep going.' Malika's twin Khadijah quickly adds: 'Don't cry, OK, I know this is hard.' 'If you don't feel like leaving just stay in bed. I can order room service. I gotta get you to eat something.' Doting sister: Malika's twin Khadijah quickly comes to her defence to say: 'Don't cry, OK, I know this is hard.' Her ex Chinx - who was close friends with Khloe's former beau French Montana - was shockingly gunned down in Queens, New York, in May 2015. The 31-year-old was a member of French Montana's collective of rappers named 'Coke Boys', and rose to fame with his hit song I'm A Coke Boy. There was some controversy over Malika and Chinx's relationship, as the New York rapper was married to Janelli Pickens, who shared a son. Tragic: There was some controversy over Malika and Chinx's relationship, as the New York rapper was married to Janelli Pickens, who shared a son (second from right) Malika is currently on this year's Celebrity Big Brother, where she revealed that she would like to gain popularity on her own terms. On Wednesday's edition of the show, the reality star confessed: ''Well it's been very difficult for me to break outside of working with my sister [Khadijah] and my best friend [Khloe]'. Explaining her intentions to co-star Amanda Barrie, she continued: 'So it's taken some of the most aggressive challenges for me to step outside of myself'. Hilary Duff cut a casual figure as she stepped out in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The American actress dressed down in black leggings and a baggy white top which flashed just a hint of her toned waist as she was seen clutching a green smoothie. Adding to her look with a knitted navy cardigan, trainers and a denim shirt tied around her waist, the 30-year-old flashed a smile to the camera as she strolled down the street. Scroll down for video Feeling casual: Hilary Duff sported a low-key ensemble which consisted of a white top and leggings as she was pictured in Los Angeles on Wednesday Hilary wore minimal make-up for the outing and let her blonde locks fall down past her shoulders. The Younger star's baggy top offered a glimpse of her stomach as she was pictured with car keys, a drink and phone in hand. The Houston native topped off her casual ensemble with a beige cap and matching trainers. Going green: Clutching a healthy smoothie, the 30-year-old appeared in good spirits as she was pictured strolling down the street Hat's the way: Hilary, who sported a beige cap, has recently reconciled with singer/songwriter Matthew Koma Hilary is fresh from enjoying the festive period with beau Matthew Koma two months after the couple reconciled for a third time. The pair headed to Arizona to bring in the New Year in style, sharing pictures on their respective Instagram accounts as they explored the unique desert rock formations of Amangiri. Posting a snap of the loved-up couple staring into each other's eyes, Hilary wrote: '@matthewkoma and I surfing desert waves. No big.' Reunited: In November, Hilary announced that the pair were giving it another shot after breaking up earlier in 2017 The trip came on the back of a vacation in New York prior to Christmas, with the actress posting a picture of the pair embracing. The former Lizzie McGuire star, who originally split from Matthew in March, revealed in November that the pair were getting back together. She told Billboard: 'Timing is such a big deal third time's the charm. 'I think that you have history and a past with someone and love, and just because it doesn't work out the first time, the second time as long as there's not too much damage done then it can always work out again.' Through an impressive display of both brains and beauty, she won the heart of Bachelor Matty J this year. But looking amazing isn't as simple as Laura Byrne makes it look, she revealed on Thursday. Sporting her au naturel locks in an Instagram selfie, the reality star wrote: 'I'll just quickly jump in the shower and we can leave' - said no girl with curly hair ever.' Rock out with your locks out! Laura Byrne flaunts au naturel curls in sultry selfie before blaming high-maintenance hair for constantly making her late The Bachelor contestant sported a revealing strapless outfit for the picture, which was taken from the front seat of her car. Despite still looking stunning in the image, it's clear Laura is sick and tired of her high-maintenance hair making her late for events. Luckily, the beauty arrived on-time for her idyllic Sydney Harbour cruise with boyfriend Matty J on New Year's Day. Genetically blessed: Laura Byrne has confessed that - surprisingly - looking amazing isn't as simple as she makes it look and, in fact, takes some effort Matty posed for an Instagram snap on Tuesday, seen sitting on the lip of a dinghy while Laura lay at his feet. A shirtless Matty looked every bit the bronzed Aussie, showing off his well-toned form while the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge loomed in the background. Like her beau, Laura also exuded a healthy summer glow in a simple black bikini. Perfection takes time: It's clear Laura is sick and tired of her high-maintenance hair making her late for events The couple looked over the moon to be spending quality time on the water, proving that their relationship was in no way lost at sea. In captioning the photo, Matty sent out a gushing tribute to Laura with: 'You're easily the highlight of 2017.' Matty's legion of fans were quick to fawn over the romantic photo with comments such as: 'Favourite Bachie Couple' and 'best couple to come out of 2017'. Smitten: Matty 'J' Johnson and Laura Byrne started 2018 with a splash with the pair looking suitably loved-up as they cruised around Sydney Harbour on New Year's Day Couple goals: Matty took to Instagram on Tuesday to share a photo that showed the Living Room presenter sitting on the lip of a dinghy while Laura lay at Matty's feet with an arm perched on his knee Chuffed: The couple looked over the moon to be spending quality time on the water, proving that their relationship was in no way lost at sea Another chimed in with a similar: 'You two are so cute together, happy New year's Day!! I love you guys.' Matty sent Australian hearts aflutter in September when he confessed his love for Laura at the Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa in southern Thailand for the Bachelor finale. 'Laura, I love you,' he said, as she burst into tears. 'I really do think you are so perfect.' Florence Pugh, Tessa Thompson and Daniel Kaluuya, Josh OConnor and Timothee Chalamet have all been nominated for the 2018 EE Bafta Rising Star award. And Pugh, 22 - who stars in the British crime series Marcella and appeared in 2016's Lady Macbeth - looked delighted as she arrived for the nomination announcement at BAFTA in London on Thursday. Reflecting on her nomination, Florence revealed: 'The journey to get to this rewarding moment has been exhilarating, and so to feel recognition for doing something I love and the hard work many have put in feels very touching.' Scroll down for video One to watch: Florence Pugh, 22, looked delighted as she arrived for the nomination announcement of the 2018 EE Bafta Rising Star award in London on Thursday Rising stars: Florence is set to compete with Tessa Thompson and Daniel Kaluuya for the coveted award (both not present at event) Florence cut a casual, yet chic figure, in a clingy grey top, with a cream coloured pair of trousers and a matching draped cardigan. The star of the future already has various accolades under her belt - such as The Evening Standard Breakthrough of The Year Award and The Dublin Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress. Florence was joined by fellow nominee Josh - who has made waves after starring in the British drama God's Own Country last year. The critically acclaimed movie follows the story of a young sheep farmer in Yorkshire whose life is turned upside down by a Romanian migrant. Talented: Josh O'Connor, 27, who has made waves after starring in the British drama God's Own Country last year, was also in attendance at the event Stateside success: Timothee Chalamet, 22, is also nominated for the award, but was not present at the event (Stock photo) Stylish: Florence cut a casual, yet chic figure, in a clingy grey top, with a cream coloured pair of trousers and a matching draped cardigan Wow: Florence already has various accolades under her belt - such as The Evening Standard Breakthrough of The Year Award and The Dublin Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress He told the Evening Standard newspaper of his success: 'I don't think any of us working on the Yorkshire Moors filming this intimate story expected the incredible journey it has been on in the past year.' And the 27-year-old proved to be thrilled as he rocked up to the event in a navy sweater and roll-up jeans. Fellow nominees include Los Angeles born actress Tessa Thompson, 34, who starred in 2017's Thor: Ragnarok. Trendy: Josh proved to be thrilled as he rocked up to the event in a navy sweater and roll-up jeans Josh told the Evening Standard: 'I don't think any of us working on the Yorkshire Moors filming this intimate story expected the incredible journey it has been on in the past year' Hitting the big time: The fellow nominees looked delighted at the recognition of their success as they posed away Incredible performance: Daniel Kaluuya has seen international success with his role in the horror flick, Get Out, last year Impressive: Timothee Chalamet, 22, has won critical acclaim for his role in the romance drama, Call Me by Your Name Fellow American Timothee Chalamet, 22, has also been nominated for the award. The talented star has won critical acclaim for his role in the romance drama, Call Me by Your Name. Speaking previously about his nomination, Chamalet revealed: 'British audiences embraced the film in a uniquely strong and passionate way. 'I feel an enduring sense of gratitude seeing this response echoed around the world, and for being included in this category.' Previous recipient: Juno Temple, who won the award back in 2013, was also present at the event and made for a stylish display Sensational: Hammersmith born Juno flaunted her flair for fashion in large gold hoop earrings and a chunky necklace Bloomin' beautiful! Juno posed alongside Edith Bowman who wowed in florals The coveted award has been previously been won by the likes of John Boyega, Tom Hardy, Kristen Stewart. Juno Temple, who won the award back in 2013, was also present at the event and made for a stylish display. The winner of the EE Rising Star Award will be announced at the BAFTA Film Awards on February 18. Advertisement She is said to have been 'horrified' this week by the leak of nude pictures taken when she was feeling 'under-confident' about her body. But Amy Childs put on a brave face at the poolside on Friday as she posed on her sun-drenched getaway to Cape Verde. The 27-year-old former TOWIE star took her mind off the dream as she enjoyed a relaxing swim in a plunging black swimsuit. Stunner: Amy Childs showed off her incredible post-baby figure as she took a dip in the pool during her sun-drenched getaway to Cape Verde She flaunted her enviable silhouette in the figure hugging ensemble, which featured sheer polka dot straps and ruching over her bust. Amy was dressed to impress as she paraded her tremendous pins in a pair of glamorous gold Valentino wedges. The Essex beauty styled her famous red locks in loose waves and shielded her eyes with a pair of oversized sunglasses as she topped up her tan. She accentuated her good looks with bronzed cheeks and a pouty pink lip as she sipped on a refreshing beverage. Killer curves: The 27-year-old ensured all eyes were on her for the relaxing swim as she showed off her killer curves in a plunging black swimsuit Relaxed: The former TOWIE star flaunted her enviable assets in the figure hugging ensemble, which featured sheer polka dot straps and ruching over her impressive bust Glamorous: The Essex beauty styled her famous red locks in loose waves and shielded her eyes with a pair of oversized sunglasses as she topped up her tan Leggy: Amy was dressed to impress as she paraded her tremendous pins in a pair of glamorous gold Valentino wedges Refreshing: Amy looked like she was thoroughly enjoying the sunny climes as she closed her eyes for a brief moment Her getaway comes after the reality starlet was left 'horrified' after naked pictures of her were allegedly leaked on to an X-rated website. The former TOWIE beauty reportedly shared the nude images with her friends some time ago. She is said to have discovered the pictures on Wednesday morning, and has since been trying to get them taken down. Stunner: She accentuated her good looks with bronzed cheeks and a pouty pink lip as she sipped on a refreshing beverage Cooling off: The starlet looked thoroughly relaxed as she altered the halterneck swimsuit while dipping her feet in the pool Chic: The beautician looked every inch her glamorous self as she flaunted her pink manicure while adjusting her designer wedges Worlds away: Amy seemed preoccupied on her phone before she took to the waters for a quick swim Privacy breach: Amy has been left 'horrified' after naked pictures of her were allegedly leaked on to an X-rated website A friend of the star told The Sun: 'Amy is horrified and feels the leak is a real invasion of privacy. 'They were private snaps sent to her girlfriends two years ago and they were meant to stay private. 'She was lacking confidence at the time and wanted to tell her friends she was planning to tighten up her body. They were certainly not aimed at any male admirers.' MailOnline has contacted the star's representative for comment. Shocking: A friend of the star told The Sun : 'Amy is horrified and feels the leak is a real invasion of privacy' Hard times: The leak of nude pictures taken were reportedly when she was feeling 'under-confident' about her body Upset: 'She was lacking confidence at the time and wanted to tell her friends she was planning to tighten up her body. They were certainly not aimed at any male admirers,' the source told The Sun Amy has been documenting her fitness journey on Instagram, and has often posted pictures of herself in swimwear or tight fitting clothing. Since giving birth to her daughter Polly in April Amy has been using a waist trainer to tone her abs, she revealed to her fans on the social media site. She also went on a 28-day weight loss programme as a way to trim down her figure. Taking care of herself: The Essex beauty has been documenting her fitness journey on Instagram, and has often posted pictures of herself in swimwear or tight fitting clothing Curvy: Since giving birth to her daughter Polly in April Amy has been using a waist trainer to tone her abs, she revealed to her fans on the social media site The red-haired beauty has spoken openly about her struggles of being a single mother, after she split with her ex-convict boyfriend Bradley Wright just six weeks after the birth of their daughter. Talking with OK! Magazine about the break-up, Amy said: There are times when its really tough. Polly usually sleeps through the night, but shes teething at the moment so shes been waking up every hour. 'Its times like that when Id love to have a partner who could help me out or look after her while I have a bath. 'I get a lot of help from my parents as they live just down the road, but it doesnt replace what Im missing in a partner.' Just days ago, Phoebe Burgess named these two her combined highlight of 2017. And with South Sydney Rabbitohs star hubby Sam and daughter Poppy looking adorable together at all times, it's not hard to see why. Sharing a cute snap of the pair with the hashtag 'blue-eyed babies,' the NRL WAG earned yet another collective 'nawww!' from her Instagram faithful on Friday. 'Blue eyed babies': NRL WAG Phoebe Burgess dotes over hubby Sam and daughter Poppy in adorable family snap It captured another precious moment of father-daughter bonding, as Poppy stood tall and proud on her dad's knee. Not as proud as Sam though, who hasn't been able to wipe the smile off his face since his pride-and-joy entered the world in January last year. He's dished-out his fair share of smile-worthy moments as well of late, the prop forward leaving his wife huddled over in laughter as recently as Tuesday. Family time! Sharing a cute snap of the pair with the hashtag 'blue-eyed babies,' the NRL WAG earned yet another collective 'nawww!' from her Instagram faithful on Friday Taking to Instagram, Phoebe shared a snap of her bloke cleaning out the pool wearing nothing but budgy smugglers. The elite athlete's muscular back and legs were heavily featured in the shot, captioned: 'Crushing on the #PoolBoy @samburgess8.' With her husband hard at work cleaning rogue leaves out of the pool, Phoebe raised a glass in the corner of the frame to prove she too was keeping busy. 'Crushing on the pool boy': Sam's dished-out his fair share of smile-worthy moments as well of late, the NRL star his wife huddled over in laughter over his pool cleaning attire this week Loves it!Tuesday wasn't Sam's first foray into the world of revealing swimwear either Tuesday wasn't Sam's first foray into the world of revealing swimwear either. In snaps from their idyllic Fiji getaway before Christmas, the Rugby League player managed to outdo his stunning wife in the dare-to-bare stakes. To draw even more attention downstairs, he made sure to wear the pair emblazoned with his UK homeland's St. George's Cross flag. Winner? In snaps from their idyllic Fiji getaway before Christmas, the Rugby League player managed to outdo his stunning wife in the dare-to-bare stakes She recently admitted 2017 had been one of the worst years of her life due to her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins maiming clubbers with acid back in April. But Ferne McCann put on a brave face on Thursday as she returned to This Morning for the first time since her ex-boyfriend was convicted for the horrific acid attack. The 27-year-old reality star, who gave birth to her daughter Sunday in November, looked thrilled to be back to her day job as she went behind-the-scenes of 'Cilla: The Musical'. Scroll down for video Confident: Ferne McCann put on a brave face on Thursday as she returned to This Morning for the first time since her ex-boyfriend was convicted for the horrific acid attack The former TOWIE beauty revealed she was 'so excited' to catch up with leading lady Kara Lily Hayworth, who beat thousands of hopefuls to play Cilla Black. 'I'm so excited to finally be here and catch up with Kara. I can't wait to watch the show today and find out how shes' been getting on,' she said. Beaming at the camera, Ferne oozed charisma in the TV segment as she reaffirmed her comeback as a This Morning co-presenter. Tough year: She recently admitted 2017 had been one of the worst years of her life due to her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins (pictured above) maiming clubbers with acid back in April Happy: The former TOWIE beauty revealed she was 'so excited' to catch up with leading lady Kara Lily Hayworth, who beat thousands of hopefuls to play Cilla Black Last month Ferne revealed she was ready to move on and concentrate on being a mother to daughter Sunday, following 'the most difficult chapter of her life'. Her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins was jailed for 20 years last month after being found guilty of a horrific acid attack carried out in April. Ferne has now revealed she is ready to move on and concentrate on being a mother to daughter Sunday, after 'the most difficult chapter of her life'. Speaking to Fabulous, Ferne admitted the situation surrounding her pregnancy had been 'completely out of her control' - and that she is already concerned about how she will tell her little girl of the attack in the future. Natural presenter: Beaming at the camera, Ferne oozed charisma in the TV segment as she reaffirmed her comeback as a This Morning co-presenter Meeting the team: The former TOWIE beauty brought her daughter Sunday to the This Morning studios in December Cute: The former TOWIE star, 27, took a maternity break after she gave birth to baby girl Sunday on November 2 Bond: Ferne revealed she was ready to move on and concentrate on being a mother to daughter Sunday, following her ex-boyfriend Arthur Collins conviction for a horrific acid attack She admitted 2017 had been one of the worst years of her life due to her ex-boyfriend's shocking crime in April - but that the arrival of her daughter had kept her strong. Looking back at the attack, she said: 'It's been the most difficult chapter of my life to date and the hardest thing I hope I'll ever have to face. 'It was all completely out of my control. The only thing I can control now is how I raise my daughter.' Last month Collins plead guilty to hiding a mobile phone in prison. Acid attack: Her ex-boyfriend Arthur was jailed for 20 years last month after being found guilty of a horrific acid attack carried out in April Collins, 25, stashed a mobile phone, two SIM cards, two USB sticks and a charger in a pair of crutches when he was on remand for the attack. He needed the crutches after fracturing both his heels trying to escape police while on the run from Wringer and Mangle E8 nightclub in Hackney, east London. He is said to have called his ex Ferne McCann while in jail on remand when she was pregnant with their daughter. He could be facing a further two years added to his sentence. Red handed: Arthur pleaded guilty to concealing a mobile phone and USB sticks in a pair of crutches whilst on remand for attacking 22 people with acid in a packed night club The striking model recently jetted to Miami Beach for a warm festive holiday, far away from the chilly climes of London. And Lottie Moss has taken her sunny journey to the Bahamas, where she showcased her busty cleavage in a tiny pink boob-tube while soaking up the sun on the island's crowd-powered events by The Bucket Lust on Wednesday night. Taking to her Instagram account, the 19-year-old commanded a strong social media presence with her revealing post, which also took a peek at toned legs. Scroll down for video Sultry! Lottie Moss, 19, showcased her busty cleavage in a tiny pink boob-tube while soaking up the sun on the Bahamas' crowd-powered events by The Bucket Lust on Wednesday night Knelt on a grey sofa, the younger sister of Kate Moss grabbed the attention of her 200,000 followers as she teamed her plunging pink bralet with Aztec-inspired shorts and box-fresh trainers. She let her striking dotted festival paint take centre stage, which covered her toned physique, as well as her stunning face. Contrasting with the light coloured print, Lottie opted for a slash of deep red lipstick, heavy eyeliner and lashings of mascara. Her dusty blonde tresses were swept into an effortless ponytail as she gaze the camera a sultry gaze. The stunning blonde has recently showcased her sensational body in an array of revealing numbers while soaking up the sun on her festive Miami break. Moss show off her model figure! Braless Lottie showed off her impressive cleavage in a tie front crop top as she enjoyed a festive break in Miami Beach last Thursday Lottie went braless to flaunt her impressive cleavage in a sizzling social media post last Thursday, where her tie front crop top attracted attention with its colourful floral design. Alex Mytton's ex-girlfriend teamed her skimpy garment with a tiny pair of distressed shorts to best showcase her toned tummy. The model exuded confidence as she placed her hand on her hip to draw attention to her incredibly tiny waist while she posed up a storm for the bathroom selfie taken with her iPhone. Festive: Glamorous Lottie gave her 198,000 Instagram followers a glimpse into how she spent Christmas day with a number of photographs of herself slipped into a flirty spotty number The blonde beauty, who is younger half-sister of Kate Moss, spoke to Vogue about her decision to skip attending university, saying: 'Not going to university was a very big decision for me. And one that I had to consider carefully, and with my parents. 'All my friends pretty much went to university, and this made my decision harder. In the end I had to acknowledge the fact that this wasnt the right thing for me. 'My modelling career was taking off and I wanted to build on that and focus on developing my projects within the fashion industry.' Her own rules! The blonde beauty, who is younger half-sister of Kate Moss, spoke to Vogue about her decision to skip attending university, saying: 'Not going to university was a very big decision for me. And one that I had to consider carefully, and with my parents Lottie is known for previously dating Alex Mytton from the E4 reality series but their on and off nine-month romance came to an end in July earlier this year. Following their split, the model has since moved on from her heartache as she has been romantically linked to rugby player Elliot Clements. The gorgeous model was scouted for her first modelling agency at the tender age of 13 and first courted the attention of the modelling world when she attended her older half-sister Kate's wedding to her ex-husband Jamie Hince in 2011. Sussex native Lottie has gone onto land campaigns with Calvin Klein and Bulgari, as well as fronting the cover of Vogue Paris in 2016. She was recently announced as the new face of French cosmetics line Cle de Peau Beaute. And Felicity Jones looked every inch the fresh-faced beauty as she posed for the luxury skincare brand's new A Radiant Day Campaign. Shot by renowned British photographer David Sims, the 34-year-old actress positively smouldered as she modelled the line's lavish products, as well as a chic black dress. Scroll down for video Breathtaking: Felicity Jones looked every inch the fresh-faced beauty as she posed for Cle de Peau Beaute's new A Radiant Day Campaign Felicity proved her modelling credentials are just as strong as her acting ones as she ran her fingers through her hair while posing from the shallow depths of a lake. But while she perfected her stoic pout when the camera was flashing, it was a different story behind-the-scenes as Felicity giggled with the crew. Speaking about the brand's decision to recruit the A Monster Calls star, brand director Yukari Suzuki gushed: 'A crucial element of Cle de Peau Beaute is to help customers feel that our brand belongs in their lives. Work it! Felicity proved her modelling credentials are just as strong as her acting ones as she ran her fingers through her hair while posing from the shallow depths of a lake Ready for her close up! Shot by British photographer David Sims, the 34-year-old actress positively smouldered as she modelled the line's lavish products, as well as a chic black dress 'Felicity is aspirational, yet highly relatable, which makes her the ideal face of Cle de Peau Beaute. She embodies the brand's DNA: intelligent, uncompromising and exquisite. 'Her passion and incredible dedication to her craft have allowed her to make an impact on the world and those around her.' Also praising her involvement with the cosmetics company, Felicity enthused: 'It's important to me that my values align with any brand I'm affiliated with. Best of both: While she perfected her stoic pout when the camera was flashing, it was a different story behind-the-scenes as Felicity giggled with the crew 'Cle de Peau Beaute made it clear that they approached me because of my principles and dedication. I'm so proud of the Spring/Summer 2018 campaign and cannot wait to unveil it to the world.' The Spring/Summer 2018 campaign was shot over the course of two days in London. It will break globally across Asia, the United States, Canada, Russia and Travel Retail this year, with the actress set to attend exclusive launch events around the world, beginning with a special event in Los Angeles this month. Proud: Also praising her involvement with the cosmetics company, Felicity enthused: 'It's important to me that my values align with any brand I'm affiliated with' Back to her roots: The Spring/Summer 2018 campaign was shot over the course of two days in London Fashion designer Ashley Olsen made an appearance on the west coast this week. The New York-based fashionista was spotted leaving celebrity favorite restaurant Sushi Park in West Hollywood after having dinner with a friend on Wednesday. Ashley, 31, wore dark layers, sporting a long slouchy cardigan over slim fit pants and ankle boots which gave her petite frame a boost. Seafood fix: Ashley Olsen is pictured leaving a sushi restaurant in West Hollywood on Wednesday night The former TV star wore her dark blonde locks loose and carried a chic leather handbag no doubt from one of her own collections. Ashley and her twin Mary-Kate gave up acting over 10 years ago to pursue their career in the fashion industry. Last summer they opened up their first stand-alone store for Elizabeth and James at The Grove in Los Angeles. Ashley ended her five-month relationship with 58-year-old financier, Richard Sachs, earlier this year. Winter layers: The 31-year-old fashion designer teamed an oversize sweater with slim fit pants and ankle boots A source told US Weekly they broke up because the former Full House star wants to focus on her fashion empire. Mary-Kate meanwhile is married to French banker Olivier Sarkozy, 48. In an interview with People this week Ashley's Los Angeles-based personal trainer dished the details on her dedication to her Pilates workouts. Fashionistas: Ashley, along with sister Mary-Kate head up two fashion lines; The Row and Elizabeth and James 'She is extremely strong and works incredibly hard,' Jessica Schatz revealed. 'We do a lot of planks and variations of planks, like reverse planks, and side body core and leg work,' she said. Schatz occasionally trains Ashley in New York City when the designer is there, but without Pilates equipment. 'Ashley is extremely disciplined, hard working and open to trying anything new.' They met on the second series of Love Island in 2016, and are set to tie the knot later this year. And Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen looked more loved-up than ever on Thursday, as they enjoyed a shopping trip in Milan, Italy. The reality star couple were spotted indulging in a number of smooches as they explored the city, where they are celebrating Olivia's 25th birthday, hand-in-hand. Scroll down for video That's amore: Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen looked more loved-up than ever on Thursday, as they enjoyed a shopping trip in Milan, Italy The duo could not take their hands off each other as they took in the sights of Milan, before enjoying a spot of retail therapy in the city's famously fashionable shops. Clasping tightly onto her beau's hand, Olivia could not wipe the beaming smile off her face as they explored the landmarks together - and indulged in a number of kisses on their way round. The blonde beauty kept casually cool for the outing in a cream cable knit jumper, paired with figure-hugging leather look leggings and chunky leather boots. Besotted: The reality star couple were spotted indulging in a number of smooches as they explored the city, where they are celebrating Olivia's 25th birthday, hand-in-hand Known for her chic sense of style, Olivia co-ordinated her footwear with a sleek leather jacket, and accessorised with a playful handbag emblazoned with bright cartoon images, for an added pop of colour. Sweeping her hair back with her oversized sunglasses and opting for her trademark contoured make-up look, Olivia was effortlessly glamorous as she spent a day in the city with her man. Alex meanwhile matched her casual ensemble in black skinny jeans and a checked shirt, layered beneath his own leather biker jacket. Say cheese! Having found huge popularity on social media since Love Island, the hunk was then spotted taking a number of snaps of Olivia in the shopping centre Here she is: Olivia later posted the winning snap to her Instagram page, gushing to her 1.3 million followers: 'What a beautiful place!' Having found huge popularity on social media since Love Island, the hunk was then spotted taking a number of snaps of Olivia in the shopping centre - which she later posted to her Instagram with the caption: 'What a beautiful place!' The blonde beauty jetted to Milan to celebrate her birthday with Alex, who she has been dating since the ITV2 series in June 2016. The pair embarked on a whirlwind romance, and the former scaffolder popped the question during their holiday to New York over Christmas that year. Romantic getaway: The blonde beauty jetted to Milan to celebrate her birthday with Alex, who she has been dating since the ITV2 series in June 2016 The couple readily admit that making their relationship work after the reality show was 'hard work'- but credit their long-lasting romance to the fact they put in the effort to see each other every day after their stint in the villa. Alex said last year: 'If Olivia has a job I'll go with her, if I have a job she'll come with me. I had a lot of PAs when I first came out. But I would spend every night in my own bed. 'It was such hard work but we made it work, and we're really happy together. She's the controversial radio star who's no stranger to flaunting her ample cleavage on social media. But things took an awkward turn for Mel Greig on Thursday, when she veered close to suffering a wardrobe malfunction. Attending the Sydney premiere of The Wizard of Oz musical, the 35-year-old was seen adjusting her low-cut frock as she posed on the red carpet. That was a close one! Mel Greig almost suffers wardrobe malfunction as her sizable assets threaten to spill out from EXTREMELY low-cut dress at The Wizard Of Oz premiere in Sydney Looking down at her ample assets, the blonde was seen trying to fix her clothing in order to prevent a sartorial disaster. Ensuring that the low v-neck cut fell right in the centre of her busty decolletage, Mel appeared to shift the tight-fitting ensemble around until it was even. Mel donned a metallic silver dress, which was cinched in at the waist, for the musical's opening night, with the frock also featuring a racy front split. Picture perfect: Ensuring that the low v-neck cut fell right in the centre of her busty decolletage, she shifted the tight-fitting ensemble around until it was even Putting her best foot forward: 'Just working the curves for the opening night,' captioned Mel on an Instagram photo that drew attention to her chest region 'Just working the curves for the opening night,' captioned Mel on an Instagram photo that drew attention to her chest region. Keeping warm, the part-time dating columnist was also seen effortlessly throwing a white blazer over the top of her cocktail ensemble. Posing with a black box clutch in hand, the blonde beauty styled her hair into loose waves that draped over her shoulders. Ensuring she looked the part, Mel drew attention to her piercing blue eyes with fake lashes and a fresh and radiant complexion. The former Bachelorette has an impressive 455,000 followers on Instagram. And Sam Frost playfully mocked boyfriend Dave Bashford's woeful social media skills on Thursday. Sam, 28, filmed her hunky beau lining up a snap for his account, as she wrote: 'Yes maaaate get it on the gram.' Scroll down for video 'Umm... really solid IG content Bash': Sam Frost playfully mocks boyfriend Dave Bashford's woeful social media skills on Thursday Dave could be seen holding up an aperol spritz in front of the television, as he used his other hand to snap a picture. Sam could be heard laughing as she watched her man concentrate on the task, to which he laughed back and joked: 'unbelievable scenes.' He later uploaded the final product to Instagram Stories, to which Sam playfully teased on her own account. 'Yes maaaate get it on the gram': Dave could be seen holding up an aperol spritz in front of the television, as he used his other hand to snap a picture 'Totally worth it': He later uploaded the final product to Instagram Stories, to which Sam playfully teased on her own account Sam captioned his original upload: 'Umm... really solid IG content Bash #TotallyWorthIt.' She went public with her relationship with Dave in July last year, and has already admitted to being 'in love'. Prior to her relationship with Dave, Sam dated Sasha Mielczarek, 31, whom she met on the 2015 season of The Bachelorette. Smitten! She went public with her relationship with Dave in July last year, and has already admitted to being 'in love' The newbie actress made her debut on Channel Seven's soap Home And Away two weeks ago, during an intense finale which saw Pia Miller run off the road. Sam, who plays character Jasmine Delaney, was hunched over the wheel of her car and was later seen unconscious in hospital. The former radio star is due to become a regular character on the show when the series returns later this month. A five-year-old boy who was shot in the face by his older cousin continues to fight for his life in a Queensland hospital. Police believe the young boy was accidentally shot at a rural property in Cottonvale after 4pm on Tuesday and flown to Lady Cilento Children's Hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition, a hospital spokeswoman said. "They're children. It's an accident - an unfortunate one. I don't know why it's happened," the boy's grandfather Tony Calvisi told The Courier-Mail. Federal Labor is demanding the Turnbull government give Victoria its fair share of the national infrastructure funding pie. Labor's infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese says Victoria receives just 9.7 per cent of federal funding despite being the country's fastest growing state, with more than 25 per cent of the population. "We've seen a massive decline in support for infrastructure projects here in Victoria ... from $201 per Victorian from the federal government down to $92," Mr Albanese told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday. A 38-year-old woman has died and a 40-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly fleeing a violent incident in Perth. St John Ambulance had been called to attend the house at Hardey Road, Cloverdale to help the woman but they rang police, saying a man was acting aggressively and refused to let them inside. Police had also been called to the house at about 7.50pm about a woman being assaulted by a man known to her. They say the man then fled and when paramedics found the woman and treated her she was unresponsive. She later died at Royal Perth Hospital. A large number of police searched for the man and at about 4am a 40-year-old man who was known to the woman was arrested near Cohn Street, Rivervale. Australia has appointed a new ambassador to East Timor, following a tense year in bilateral relations. Peter Roberts, a career diplomat, will take up the posting replacing the outgoing Peter Doyle. Australian-East Timorese relations were sensitive in 2017 as the two countries nutted out a deal to end a long-running maritime boundary dispute. An agreement was reached in September and now the countries are negotiating the future carve-up of revenue from the Greater Sunrise oil and gas reserve. The fields are estimated to hold gas worth about $53 billion - almost 30 times East Timor's annual national income. While my friends were in party dresses drinking bubbles, I sat shivering on a rock, covered in dirt and dust with grazes on my hands, taking a quick break along New Zealand's Tongariro Alpine Crossing. What better day of the year to trek 19.4 kilometres over and around active volcanoes than New Year's Eve, when you can immediately resolve never to do it again - at least not in any rush. After almost two years in the land of the long white cloud, I'll be heading back to Australia soon and this was the one big thing left on my bucket list. So with a few friends we set off from our National Park hostel at around 7am and hit the trail an hour later. I'll be honest, by the time we reached Soda Springs at the base of the Devil's Staircase - the steepest and most difficult uphill part - I was already exhausted and seriously wondering how I'd survive the rest. Slow and steady with lots of breaks. So many breaks. The steep uphill parts aren't easy but it's the stairs that are the real killer. I'd be feeling those stairs for many days to come. For the most part it's mind over matter, one foot in front of the other, and ignoring the super fit people running past you. At the Southern Crater it seems the hard part is behind you. The crater is a big open space, barren, devoid of anything but tourists and incredible views of Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings). The North Island's volcanic plateau - within New Zealand's first national park - is popular not only with fans of the films but hikers generally, and the alpine crossing is regarded as one of the world's best one-day walks. The region has been volcanically active for two million years and the trio of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, ranging between 1978m and 2797m, are all still active. Craters on Tongariro erupted as recently as 2012 and warning signs along the track warn they could blow again at any moment with little opportunity for a safe escape. It's a scary thought that you put to one side as you concentrate on the next uphill climb, so narrow in places there's chains and wires to hold onto because a couple of feet wrong could send you over the edge. The beauty of this trail is there's no end of spots to take a break under the guise of snapping yet another postcard-perfect image. There's one at the top here before the final ascent. Exhausted smiles and encouraging words greet you at the top, along with incredible views of the Red Crater and Emerald Lakes. The most thrilling part of this view for me is that you can't get it by driving to a lookout. The only way to experience it is to put in the hard yards. It's Mother Nature's reward for your hard work. It's almost all downhill from here but as our our feet searched for something solid in the volcanic sand we pined for the uphill again. Pro tip - stay low, it's not as far to fall. You will slip, people behind you will slip and you'll make friends by plotting to crowdfund a water slide to the bottom. Safe and sound at the foot with only a few grazes, we're treated to up-close views of the beautiful, though sulphur smelling, Emerald Lakes. Downhill a bit further is the flat central crater and uphill again (yes, uphill stretches continue to the end) is the blue lake. Following the lake around, you say farewell to the beautiful views as you reach the final leg which, honestly again, is a bit of a grind. You can do the walk both ways and I pity anyone who started from the less common Ketetahi end as opposed to the much more popular Mangatepopo Hut end. The first part is nice, taking you around the side of a mountain while overlooking Lake Taupo below before the trail becomes almost comically windy, traversing back and forward down the same hill face. The Ketetahi Hut marks two-thirds of the way and provides another change of scenery - the addition of shrubs either side of the trail. The final part is beautiful and covered, almost rainforest like. There's bubbling streams and a few bridges to break up the monotony before finally comes the most appreciated view - the bus-filled car park. A hot shower to soothe our already aching muscles and a quick power nap and we were ready to celebrate the arrival of 2018, proud of our achievement and resolving not to do it again for at least a year. IF YOU GO GETTING THERE: There are multiple flights daily from Australia to Auckland or Wellington. The Tongariro National Park is around four hours drive from both cities. Shuttle services operate between nearby towns and the start and end of the crossing trail, costing around $40pp return. STAYING THERE: The YHA National Park is the closest backpackers to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing and enjoys magnificent views of the volcanoes right from the doorstep. Prices vary. Visit https://www.yha.co.nz/hostels/north-island-hostels/yha-national-park/ PLAYING THERE: Officially the trail is 19.4km with optional side trips. It feels much longer. Get a good pair of hiking boots. Ankle support is particularly useful. For more info: http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/ The writer travelled at her own expense. 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. Japan's Naomi Osaka has pushed through illness to claim a thrilling upset victory over world No.15 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in their Hopman Cup tie in Perth on Thursday. After not being able to play at all against the USA on Tuesday, Osaka, ranked 68, required assistance from the doctor during the second set against the Russian, but continued under duress to claim a 6-4 3-6 7-6(5) victory. Osaka claimed all 15 points when she landed her first serve during the opening set, assisted by four aces. But she could hardly cover the court in the second set and at times in the third. However, she managed to hit enough winners in a see-sawing final set to pinch the win. She looked to be cruising to an easy tiebreak victory when leading 4-0, but couldn't keep concentration then either and quickly found herself in a battle at 5-5. Pavlyuchenkova struggled to win points on her own serve, even when she did get her first attempt in. After forfeiting against the USA and losing in straight sets to Switzerland's Belinda Bencic, Osaka was happy to not only get on the court, but notch up a win. "I have been really nervous to play here, especially the first night against Federer and Belinda (Bencic) but it's been an experience," she said. "I am really happy I could play somewhat well in the last match. "I just feel like to play like that against someone so well and not be 100 per cent and still win I should be proud of myself." Pavlyuchenkova leaves Perth without a singles victory. The 2017 Australian Open quarter-finalist also lost to Bencic and the USA's CoCo Vanerweghe during the tournament. Neither Japan nor Russia can qualify for Saturday's final, having both lost their respective ties to the USA and Switzerland, who will fight for a place in the play-off on Thursday night. Karen Khachanov will battle Yuichi Sugita in the men's singles in a bid to keep Russia in the tie. West Australians have been told to start adapting now before a ban on plastic bags kicks in later this year. But people will get a say in how it is implemented and have been asked for their input. The ban starts July 1. Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said he wants the community to start thinking about how they will change their habits in the lead up to the ban. "The discussion paper gives the community an opportunity to be part of efforts to reduce the impact of plastic bags on our environment," he said. He said it was time WA joined other states that had done so, including South Australia, which was the first in 2009, followed by the ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania. Queensland and Victoria also committed to a ban from July. Major supermarkets including Coles, Woolworths and IGA intend to ban single-use bags. However lighter-weight bags used for fruit and vegetable packaging, bin liners, paper and heavier department store plastic bags are excluded. Retailers who flout the ban will be penalised. The discussion paper on the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation website will be open for feedback until March 9. American hot-head Ryan Harrison has avoided a meltdown to beat German lucky loser Yannick Hanfmann and advance to the Brisbane International quarter-finals. Angered by the music coming from the nearby centre court, a frustrated Harrison lost the first set in a tiebreak and threatened to unravel on Thursday night. But as the music eventually faded, lucky loser Hanfmann - beaten in qualifying but handed the injured Andy Murray's place in the second round - couldn't finish the job. Harrison regained his composure in the second set, saving three break points before breaking himself in a decisive swing and eventually prevailing 6-7 (5-7) 6-4 6-2. The world No.47 will play Denis Istomin in the quarter-finals, after the Uzbek eased past American Jared Donaldson 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 earlier in the day. Kyle Edmund then battled past South Korean Hyeon Chung 7-6 (7-3) 5-7 6-4.in a two-hour, 38 minute exchange. The 22-year-old Brit, who prevailed in a bruising three-set first round with Denis Shapovalov, will meet either top seed Grigor Dimitrov or Australian John Millman in the quarter-finals. Edmund was able to steal back momentum after Chung pounced late to force a third set. "I made an effort to really try and step up the intensity and energy and put some pressure on him," Edmund said. "The way I was serving in that third set, I knew if I got a break I was going to have a very good chance at holding out." The British No.2 will fly the flag into the Australian Open in the absence of Murray, who announced his withdrawal from Melbourne earlier on Thursday because of a hip injury. "You would like to see him playing but, unfortunately, he hasn't been around the last six months," Edmund said. "I'm still pretty young, so every tournament I go back to, I'm trying to get better and better. "Definitely my best tennis is ahead of me." There are only two seeded players left in the depleted men's singles in Brisbane and both are on the other side of the draw - defending champion Dimitrov and Australia's Nick Kyrgios. Emergency services are expected to continue an aerial and land search for a NSW man last seen in northern Queensland on New Year's Eve. Jayden Penno-Tompsett, 22, has not made contact with friends or family since he was last seen near a Charters Towers roadhouse in the early hours of December 31. Queensland Police say they hold concerns for his welfare, launching an air and land search in the Tower Hill area on Thursday. Mr Penno-Tompsett is described as Caucasian in appearance, 175cms tall and with mousy-brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black singlet, navy blue board shorts, and black and red thongs. Aviation experts are working to determine what caused a seaplane to crash into a river north of Sydney, killing all six people on board, after it was recovered from the water following a complex operation. The DHC-2 Beaver, which crashed into Jerusalem Bay on New Years Eve, was pulled from almost 15 metres of water on Thursday afternoon, revealing significant damage to the aircraft. Police said the visible damage gave some insight into how hard it hit the water. "From the time the wreckage was brought on the barge, we saw that there was severe damage to the plane, and it appeared there'd been quite an impact on hitting the water," Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings told reporters on Thursday afternoon. The wreckage of the plane was recovered on Thursday evening and placed on trucks before being driven to a secure facility, according to police. They'll "carefully assess all aspects related to the aircraft's airworthiness", a spokeswoman said in a statement, adding the Australian Transport Safety Bureau would "examine in detail the history of this aircraft". The ATSB is working to determine why the seaplane went down. One possibility is the plane stalled. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has confirmed the Beaver didn't have a stall warning system but also notes they aren't required in Australia. The Beaver is a Canadian-built aircraft and the ATSB says its Canadian counterpart will assist during the 12-month investigation into Sunday's crash. Experienced Canadian pilot Gareth Morgan died along with high-profile UK businessman Richard Cousins, his two adult sons Edward and William, his fiancee Emma Bowden and her 11-year-old daughter Heather when the plane plunged into the Hawkesbury River. The brothers of Mr Cousins, Simon and Andrew, have arrived in Sydney and thanked both emergency services workers and the general public for their help. "We are fortunate and thankful for the outpouring of love and support we've received from across the world," the brothers said in a statement to Ten News. Victorians are being told to get ready for extreme temperatures this weekend. A total fire ban has been issued across the entire state for Saturday, with Melbourne tipped to experience its hottest day in almost two years. There's an all-day ban on lighting open airfires and the CFA is advising residents living in fire-prone areas to activate their bushfire plans. Melbourne is expected to swelter through 41C in the city on Saturday, with northerly winds reaching up to 40km/h. It make it the hottest day the city has experienced since January 13, 2016, when temperatures soared to 42.2C. Temperatures are also expected to soar elsewhere in the state on Saturday - with Geelong and Bendigo expecting a high of 42C and Avalon, Echuca and Warracknabeal expecting 43C. Life Saving Victoria has warned beachgoers of potential dangers after four drownings along the state's coastline since Christmas Day. Lifesaving operations manager Greg Scott says vulnerable swimmers need to choose a sheltered spot and warns rips are the number one beach hazard. Campers and bushwalkers have been urged to take care in national parks, reserves and state forests this Saturday, with bushfires and heat stress being key risks. Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi urged people to check conditions before entering parks and forests, to stop and rest in the shade, drink water and head back immediately if someone becomes unwell. Two men have been charged over a double stabbing in Sydney's west. The two male victims were attacked at a home in Rooty Hill early on Thursday morning, with the pair telling officers they had been set upon by two men armed with a gun and knives. A 60-year-old man was left with a groin wound while a 34-year-old man was stabbed in the leg. Both were taken to Westmead Hospital. A 32-year-old man and a 35-year-old man were arrested and charged over the attack following a police pursuit in Mt Druitt at about 8.30am on Thursday. The pair was refused bail and both will appear at Parramatta Local Court on Friday. A man has been found dead in the back of a crashed car in Melbourne's north, with the others inside the vehicle believed to have fled. Emergency crews were called to Bindts Road, Wollert, about 6am on Friday after a passer-by found the car crashed into a pole. A man, yet to be identified, was found dead in the back of the vehicle and police say a number of occupants may have also been in the car and fled the scene. They want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity. Police are hunting two men over a violent carjacking attempt, an assault and the theft of multiple cars in southeast Queensland. The crime spree started when one of the men, armed with a knife, attempted to steal a car from a Sunnybank Hills home in Brisbane at midday on Thursday. As he backed down the driveway the car's female owner jumped in, causing the offender to run to a nearby stolen getaway car driven by his accomplice. The male resident of the house then chased them and reached into their car to grab the keys, and his hand was slashed with a knife. A police helicopter tracked them to the Sunshine Coast where the offenders crashed their vehicle before assaulting a man, 63, and stealing his car. It's further alleged the offenders stole a Mazda 6 sedan from a Dundowran Beach home, and were last seen driving on the Bruce Highway near Tiaro on Thursday evening. Police are appealing for witnesses or those with dash cam footage. A jury found Mehmet Hakan Atilla, deputy chief executive of Turkish lender Halkbank, guilty of five counts of bank fraud and conspiracy A Turkish banker was convicted in New York on Wednesday in connection with a massive scheme to help Iran evade US sanctions, in a case that strained ties between Ankara and Washington. A jury found Mehmet Hakan Atilla, deputy chief executive of Turkish lender Halkbank, guilty of five counts of bank fraud and conspiracy. The federal trial hinged on the testimony of well-connected Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab, who became a government witness after admitting his involvement in the multi-billion-dollar gold-for-oil scheme to subvert US economic sanctions against Iran. His testimony implicated former Turkish ministers and even President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the scheme, and identified 47-year-old Atilla as a key organizer Zarrab, a prominent gold trader, agreed to testify after striking a deal to plead guilty to violating US sanctions. Before the trial, Erdogan reportedly pressed US President Donald Trump to quell the investigation and strongly criticized Washington, calling the case a "plot" aimed at hurting Turkey. Acting US Attorney Joon Kim said the case was a warning to anyone who would violate US sanctions. "Foreign banks and bankers have a choice: You can choose willfully to help Iran and other sanctioned nations evade US law, or you can choose to be part of the international banking community transacting in US dollars. But you can't do both," Kim said in a statement. "If you lie repeatedly to US Treasury officials and fabricate documents -- all as part of a secret scheme to smuggle billions of dollars in Iranian oil money past the US sanctions net -- as Atilla did, then you should be prepared for the consequences." Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is now Africa's longest-serving leader Clashes were reported in Equatorial Guinea near the border with Cameroon on Wednesday, shortly after the West African state said it had thwarted a coup against President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Africa's longest-serving leader. Government troops had shot dead a "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse them in the forests along the border", state television TVGE said, without specifying how many "mercenaries" were involved or how long the clashes lasted. Reports of the shooting came after Security Minister Nicolas Obama Nchama said in a statement on public radio that an attempted coup had been mounted on December 24, allegedly by foreign mercenaries recruited by political opponents. "A group of Chadian, Sudanese and Centrafricans [citizens of the Central African Republic] infiltrated Kye Ossi, Ebibeyin, Mongomo, Bata and Malabo to attack the head of state, who was in the Koete Mongomo presidential palace for the year-end holiday," he said. The "mercenaries... were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers", the minister said. The attempted infiltration had been repelled thanks to an operation carried out "in collaboration with the Cameroon security services", he said. Sources told AFP that the country's ambassador to Chad had been arrested and was being held in a military camp. Formerly a Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea is one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives in poverty. Obiang, in power for more than 38 years, is accused by critics of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption. - Ambassador arrested - Wednesday's announcement came after Cameroon on December 27 arrested 38 heavily armed men on the border with the tiny state. Two days later, Equatorial Guinea's ambassador to France, Miguel Oyono Ndong Mifumu, referred to the incident as an "invasion and destabilisation attempt". The suspects, taken into custody in a bus on the border, had rocket launchers, rifles and a stockpile of ammunition, according to his office. Map of Equatorial Guinea, locating Ebibeyin, one of the towns where officials say they thwarted an attempted coup against President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, Africa's longest-serving leader On Saturday, the 75-year-old Obiang said "a war" was being prepared against his regime, "because they say I have spent a lot of time in power". The same day, the country's ambassador to Chad, Enrique Nsue Anguesom, was arrested in the district of Ebibeyin, on Equatorial Guinea's border with Cameroon, one of his cousins and a senior police officer told AFP on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity. He was being held in a military camp in Bata, Equatorial Guinea's economic capital, "in connection with the investigation concerning the arrests" on December 27, said one of the sources. Sources said Equatorial Guinea's borders with Gabon and Cameroon were closed on December 27. Other sources said reinforcements had been sent to the frontier with Cameroon. Officials could not be reached to confirm these accounts. - Contested regime - Obiang took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad. He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, gaining more than 90 percent of the vote, according to the official results. Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, with more than 90 percent of the vote. Critics have accused him of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption Legislative elections on November 12 last year saw the ruling party win 92 percent of the vote, a result condemned as fraudulent by dissidents. The Citizens for Innovation (CI) opposition group, which secured one out of the 100 seats in the legislature, later reported that at least 50 of its members were detained after the ballot. Its leader, Gabriel Nse Obiang, denied Wednesday that the CI had played any part in the attempted coup. "I have no idea what they're talking about," Nse Obiang said, reached by phone from the capital Malabo. "The authorities are unable to come up with any proof." "Is the real problem that we are a serious opposition party who does not want to play along with the regime?" he asked. In 2004, mercenaries attempted to overthrow Obiang in a coup thought to be largely funded by British financiers. Mark Thatcher, son of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, was reportedly involved in the funding and was convicted and fined in South Africa. In October last year, a French court handed down a three-year suspended jail term to Obiang's son, Teodorin, who is also vice president, after convicting him of siphoning off public money to fund a jet-set lifestyle in Paris. He was accused of spending more than 1,000 times his official annual salary on a six-storey mansion in a posh part of the French capital, a fleet of fast cars and artworks, among other assets. His lawyers said they would appeal the ruling. The US Congress kicks off its 2018 session facing a looming deadline for funding the federal government US lawmakers returned to work Wednesday with Congress and President Donald Trump racing against the clock to reach a compromise within two weeks that avoids a government shutdown and prevents mass deportations. The effort took on new urgency in Washington's heated political atmosphere, as Trump engaged in an explosive feud with former White House strategist Steve Bannon and taunted North Korea's leader over the potential use of nuclear weapons. On Capitol Hill, the new year's session kicked off with two Democrats being sworn in as new members of the US Senate, narrowing the chamber's already slim Republican majority just as negotiations over crunch issues intensify. Topping the agenda is funding the federal government by a January 19 deadline. Failure to do so would trigger a government shutdown, a potentially costly political scenario for Republicans -- who control both chambers of Congress and the White House -- just months before November's mid-term elections. With the budget deadline fast approaching, the four leaders in Congress huddled with White House officials in a bid to set budget caps for military and domestic spending for the remainder of fiscal year 2018. Republicans have stressed they are keen to boost military funding, but Democrats warn that non-parity increases would come at the expense of domestic social programs that help working and middle-class families. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and the Senate's top Democrat Chuck Schumer said they had a "productive" meeting with Republican leadership about crafting an agreement. "All parties have agreed to continue discussing a path forward to quickly resolve all of the issues ahead of us," they said in a joint statement. Democrats are prioritizing funding for various issues including relief for hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico and a children's health insurance program. - Democrats bolstered - Another critical issue for January is immigration reform. The Senate is expected to take up a bill to regularize the status of hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as children. The swearing in of Democratic US Senator Doug Jones shrinks the Republican majority to just 51-49 in the chamber Trump said in September that he was scrapping the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program put in place by predecessor Barack Obama, but he then delayed enforcement to give Congress six months to craft a lasting solution. Schumer said Democrats were "ready to negotiate a reasonable border security package to pass alongside DACA," provided Republicans did not insist on "unreasonable demands" like the US-Mexico border wall repeatedly proposed by Trump. With thousands of potential deportations looming, some Republican senators expressed determination to find a solution. "Hopefully we'll go back to the table and get to a good place," Senator Thom Tillis told reporters about DACA negotiations. But in a joint statement, the White House, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan stressed the need to "not hold funding for our troops hostage for immigration policy." "We've been clear about these budget priorities from the beginning and hope that further discussions will lead to an agreement soon," they added. Ryan and McConnell are scheduled to meet with Trump next weekend at Camp David, the presidential retreat outside Washington, to discuss Republican budget priorities. The party is coming off a December high, when Trump got his tax reform bill through Congress for his first major legislative victory. Democrats have blasted the tax cuts as giveaways to corporations and the wealthy, and Schumer called 2017 "a lost year" for the middle class. The latest shifts in the Senate may strengthen Democrats' hands in the negotiations and make it harder for Trump to push his agenda through Congress. - 22 Senate women - Two new senators dropped into Washington's political cauldron Wednesday. Doug Jones won a special election last month in Alabama to claim a Senate seat long held by Republicans, while Tina Smith was appointed to replace Minnesota Democrat Al Franken, who resigned over a series of sexual misconduct allegations. Smith made history, by bringing the number of current female senators to 22, an all-time high. Jones's upset victory does not change the balance of power in the 100-member chamber, but it trims the Republican Party's majority to 51-49. The shutdown-and-immigration showdown comes amid heightened brinkmanship between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, with both bragging that they have a "nuclear button" at their disposal. At least one senator dismissed the suggestion that the cross-Pacific bluster could prove a distraction during all-important budget negotiations. "That stuff doesn't distract me," Tillis said. "Hopefully it won't distract anybody else in this building." President Donald Trump scrapped the investigation into unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud in the 2016 election, but still insisted there was "substantial evidence" of wrongdoing at the ballot box President Donald Trump on Wednesday disbanded an investigation into alleged voter fraud in the 2016 election, but refused to back down on unsubstantiated allegations of massive wrongdoing at the ballot box. Facing opposition from US states and an uphill battle to prove something that almost all experts agree did not happen, Trump ditched his controversial panel of inquiry. But the president did not seem to completely abandon his unproven claim that between three million and five million people voted illegally in the 2016 presidential election. "Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry," Trump said in a statement. "Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today I signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and have asked the Department of Homeland Security to review these issues and determine next courses of action." Trump won the election because he garnered more state electoral college votes, but lost the popular vote by around three million votes. The Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity raised alarm bells when its vice chair Kris Kobach, the Kansas secretary of state, sent a letter to all 50 states asking for sensitive information on all registered voters. Kobach sought names, addresses, date of birth, party affiliation, the last four digits of social security numbers, military status, data on felony convictions and "voter history." Some states rejected the White House request, warning the information could be misused in voter disenfranchisement efforts. Trump -- who had also raised the specter of voter fraud prior to the election that brought him to office -- sought to cast the refusals as evidence of a potential cover-up. "Numerous states are refusing to give information to the very distinguished VOTER FRAUD PANEL. What are they trying to hide?" he wrote on Twitter last year. A Syrian man walks amid destruction following bombardment a day earlier in the rebel-controlled town of Misraba, in the eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, on January 4, 2018 Syrian regime forces battled Thursday to reach an encircled army base in rebel bastion Eastern Ghouta, as a monitor said over 40 civilians and soldiers were killed in two days of bombardments. State television said "army units had launched an assault to break the siege" of the Armoured Vehicle Base where some 250 soldiers are believed to be cut off. On the outskirts of Damascus, Eastern Ghouta is one of the last remaining opposition strongholds in Syria and has itself been under government siege since 2013, causing severe food and medicine shortages for up to 400,000 residents. The regime base on the edge of the region was surrounded by rebels at the start of the week after an offensive that involved Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an alliance dominated by a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, said the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said "violent clashes were taking place" Thursday close to the base, the only one in Eastern Ghouta still held by President Bashar al-Assad's forces. - Dead and wounded - As government forces looked to gain ground rebel shelling of regime positions on the edge of Eastern Ghouta killed 14 soldiers, the Observatory said. State news agency SANA also said a woman was killed and 22 people wounded when a rebel shell hit a district in Damascus's Old City. That bloodshed came after Abdel Rahman said Russian and regime strikes on Wednesday claimed the lives of 29 civilians in Eastern Ghouta. Syria: Ghouta siege Twenty were killed in Russian air raids in the town of Misraba, while the remainder died in regime strikes and shelling in other areas. Seven children and 11 women were among those killed, said the head of the war monitor, which relies on a network of sources inside Syria. Victims were taken to a hospital in Douma, where an AFP correspondent saw rescuers bringing in mostly women and children. Medical staff tried to revive a child who had been pulled from the rubble, but without success. A young girl among the wounded received stitches for a serious injury to her face. A medical source at the hospital told AFP: "Among the wounded were two women in their 20s. One of them lost both eyes and the other lost one eye." Eastern Ghouta is one of four "de-escalation zones" agreed by Russia, as well as regime backer Iran and rebel supporter Turkey, to help halt fighting around Syria. The deal excludes Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, but other larger rebel groups in Eastern Ghouta are part of it. Last week 29 emergency medical cases were evacuated from the area under a deal between rebels and the regime, but the UN says hundreds more remain in critical condition. - Attack on Russian base - The latest fighting there comes as regime troops backed up by Russian airpower battle rebels and jihadists on the edge of northwestern Idlib province, the only one still fully beyond government control. A Syrian child who was wounded in bombardment of the rebel-held town of Misraba receives treatment in the nearby town of Douma late on January 3 The government push near Idlib -- also a "de-escalation zone" -- follows two months of sporadic fighting that the United Nations says has displaced more than 60,000 people. Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry on Thursday said two servicemen were killed in a New Year's Eve mortar attack by Islamist militants on its Hmeimim airbase in Latakia province. Moscow has declared its mission in Syria largely completed after a two-year intervention that has shifted the conflict firmly in Assad's favour. Russia says it has carried out a partial withdrawal but it will still keep soldiers and bases in Syria. The war in Syria has killed more than 340,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. President of the Mormon church Thomas Monson, pictured in 2010, has died at age 90 Thomas Monson, who had headed the Mormon church since 2008, died at age 90 in the US state of Utah, the church announced. "With tender feelings we announce that Thomas S. Monson, president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints died... in his home in Salt Lake City," it said in a statement on Tuesday, using the church's official name. "He died at age 90 from causes incident to age," it said. President Donald Trump offered his condolences on Wednesday. "While serving for over half a century in the leadership of his church, President Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion," Trump said in a statement. "Considered a prophet by the nearly 16 million members of the LDS Church, his message was one of optimism, forgiveness, and faith," Trump said. Monson became the 16th president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008 at age 80. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles -- who like the church's president are considered prophets by Mormons -- will select Monson's successor. But the church said is this not expected to happen until after his funeral. Founded in 1830 by American pioneer Joseph Smith, the Mormon church considers itself a Christian body, but bases its doctrines on the Book of Mormon, a text purporting to contain a fuller version of the words of Jesus Christ than that recorded in the Bible. Smith said he received the content of the book on gold tablets during a vision of an angel called Moroni in 1827. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims a total membership of more than 15.8 million people. To save energy, the Chinese government decided in the 1950s that areas of the country south of the Qinling mountains and Huaihe river in north-central China would not have state-provided central heating Amidst the skyscrapers of a modern Chinese metropolis, the city's oldest neighbourhood shivers through the winter thanks to an old rule forbidding central heating. In Laoximen, not far from Shanghai's swanky riverfront Bund, locals and migrant workers bundle up in thick coats inside houses built decades ago. To save energy, the Chinese government decided in the 1950s that areas of the country south of the Qinling mountains and Huaihe river in north-central China would not have state-provided central heating. Shanghai lies in the designated southern zone even though average temperatures in winter are around four degrees at night and 12 degrees during the day. In Laoximen, not far from Shanghai's swanky riverfront Bund, locals and migrant workers bundle up in thick coats inside houses built decades ago And in the city's lower-income neighbourhoods such as Laoximen, people are too poor to pay for electric heaters. Many of them own air conditioners that can double as heating devices, but they are left largely unused in the winters because residents cannot afford the resulting electricity bills, which can top 100 yuan per month ($15) or much more. The area used to be the city's cultural centre. Surrounding a Confucian temple, the mostly two- and three-storey wooden buildings remain at the heart of Shanghai's commercial district even today. It is in this neighbourhood that migrant workers can rent homes for just 1,000 yuan ($150) a month. For Zhang Dongjun, a 57-year-old street sweeper, a heater was too much of a luxury to pack into his tiny single room: a bunk bed takes up most of the space. He uses an electric blanket to keep himself warm at night. A woman in her 70s who gave only her surname, Yin, complained about the lack of a more affordable heating system. The cold weather makes her legs ache, Yin said, adding she spends most of her retirement money on healthcare costs. "Heaters use electricity and we never turn them on unless we have friends or family visiting us," she said. Bao Shanchun came to Shanghai 15 years ago from nearby Jiangsu province hoping to make his fortune "Most of the time, we just use a hot-water pouch to keep our hands warm." Bao Shanchun, who collects antiques from the many old houses being demolished around Shanghai, shares a heater with another man in a space less than 10 square meters. But it is not turned on even at night. "I'm very happy here to earn one or two hundred yuan a day. To make money every day makes me happy," said Bao, who came to Shanghai 15 years ago from nearby Jiangsu province because he thought "gold is everywhere" in the city. "I will go back to my hometown when I'm 70," said Bao, now 64. "I have big houses there." Lin Huiqing moved to Beijing to look for work when his children were still in diapers They fuelled their nation's dramatic economic rise, toiling in jobs far from home, but China's migrant workers are now finding themselves increasingly unwelcome as authorities try to cap the population explosions in key cities. Lin Huiqing moved to Beijing to look for work when his children were still in diapers. For the last eighteen years, he has seen his family just once a year, the rest spent doing the hard labour most Beijingers would prefer to avoid. The 50-year-old is one of hundreds of millions of migrants who moved from the countryside to the cities, a colossal demographic shift that made China's ascent possible. But last month Lin was evicted from the village where he lived on the capital's outskirts, another victim of a city-wide demolition plan to limit Beijing's population to 23 million by 2020 -- a target that could come at the cost of its economy. "If I go home, I have no way to support my wife and kids," Lin lamented. According to the Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily, the city plans to demolish 40 million square metres of "illegal" structures. Many are the homes and shops of low-income migrants like Lin. The government plans to demolish 40 million square metres of "illegal" structures When he first arrived in Beijing, Lin and his friends pooled their money and took out loans to purchase delivery trucks. He made a living hauling the wares of small-scale shopkeepers and traders, but the moving business has taken a hit as the city condemns buildings en masse, evicting tens of thousands into the winter cold. "Our customers are commoners like us," he said. "With their small businesses shut down, there's no stock for us to move. We're basically unemployed now." - 'Can't make it here anymore' - Authorities say the campaign, which kicked into high gear after a fire in an illegal structure killed 19 in November, is needed to clean the city up once and for all. But it is also removing vibrant chunks of Beijing's economy, such as retail and small scale manufacturing, and throwing into chaos other sectors like delivery, the bedrock of the booming e-commerce trade. Relegated to the periphery, migrants have kept China's economy humming, handling the difficult, dirty and sometimes dangerous work that the city's permanent residents won't do. Urban industries like construction, domestic work and sanitation are almost completely staffed by migrants. Many migrant workers have been evicted from their homes, victim of a demolition plan to limit Beijing's population to 23 million by 2020 Eli Friedman, associate professor of international and comparative labor at Cornell University, said China's biggest cities "simply cannot function without migrant workers". "If every non-local were to actually be removed from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, these economic engines for the whole country would completely collapse," he told AFP. But that is exactly what is happening, said Li Ning, one of the 60,000 delivery drivers who criss-cross Beijing's streets. Li was recently evicted from a village on the city's outskirts, forcing him into an apartment where the rent quadrupled. Then authorities came for his delivery company's warehouse, forcing staff to sort packages on the sidewalk and sending his income plummeting. "In Beijing all the migrants are leaving. We can't make it here anymore," he said, adding he plans to leave for good during the upcoming spring festival. Another delivery franchise owner surnamed Wang said she will "give up" if authorities knock down her current warehouse, which they marked in black paint with the character "chai" -- (demolish) -- in mid-December. She had just moved in December 1, after she had to close two other delivery hubs this year, forcing her to cut her work force from 240 couriers to 60. "There's no stability. I don't know what I'll be facing tomorrow," she said, tears welling in her eyes. - 'Now we have to start over' - The demolitions have also hit Beijing's retail sector, decimating once affordable mom and pop shops and pushing consumers online or into high-end malls. Two years ago, Ge Guoxiang moved with his wife from their home province of Jiangsu to take over his brother's textiles stall. It had thrived for over 20 years in Beijing's Tuanjiehu Tianyu market. But three months ago, they received notice that authorities will shutter the market. Dozens of small-scale community markets have been forced to shut down this year -- including the iconic Beijing Zoo market, where hundreds of merchants organized rare street protests against the evictions. Officials said they have designated certain areas in the neighbouring Hebei province where merchants can move their businesses to. But Ge is unconvinced. "It takes years for businesses like ours to build up clientele. Now we have to start over," he said. "Our clients are mostly older people who don't know how to shop online. Where will they go?" Park is already on trial on 18 charges including bribery, coercion and abuse of power Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-Hye was charged Thursday with accepting millions of dollars worth of bribes from the state spy agency, news reports said. Park allegedly received between 50 and 200 million won (now $47,000 to $188,000) from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) every month from early 2013 -- soon after her swearing-in -- until mid-2016, prosecutors told South Korean media. The cash -- said to total 3.65 billion won ($3.4 million) -- was reportedly delivered by NIS agents to Park's aides in uncrowded parking lots or in back alleys near the presidential Blue House. The money came from the spy agency's "blind budget" -- millions of dollars of special funds that can be spent without receipts for anti-espionage activities -- Yonhap news agency said. Park is said to have spent much of the funds for personal purposes, including Botox injections, clothes and illicit mobile phones used by her friends, including close confidante Choi Soon-Sil. Prosecutors have demanded 25 years in prison for Choi, charged with colluding with Park to extort millions of dollars from conglomerates including Samsung. Park is already on trial on 18 charges including bribery, coercion and abuse of power for offering governmental favours to tycoons. Prosecutors will add two more counts -- bribery and embezzlement -- to the indictment regarding the payments, reports said. South Korea's first female president was impeached by parliament after months of mass protests over a sprawling graft scandal, and the constitutional court upheld the decision in March last year, dismissing her from office. She has been in custody since March 31. Her trial began in May but she has refused to attend since October, infuriated by a court decision to extend her detention by six months. Her legal team also quit over the extension, accusing the judges of bias. Park has since refused to cooperate with a team of state-sponsored defence lawyers appointed by the court. Prosecutors sought to question Park in prison twice over the fresh allegations, but she refused to cooperate. Two former NIS chiefs have been indicted over the bribery charges. The blaze is the latest to highlight concerns over fire safety in Mumbai, where millions live in cramped dilapidated properties Two children were among four killed in a fire in Mumbai on Thursday, the third deadly blaze to hit India's financial capital in just a few weeks. Five people were also injured when the fire broke out on the fourth floor of a residential building in the city's Andheri East area. "Four died, including two children aged 10 and 14. Five others have been admitted to hospital," a spokesman for Mumbai's disaster management cell told AFP. It is the latest blaze to highlight concerns over fire safety in Mumbai, where millions live in cramped dilapidated properties. On December 29, 14 people were killed when a huge inferno tore through a popular upmarket bar and restaurant. They died of asphyxiation after apparently being unable to escape through a narrow exit door. That disaster came just over a week after a fire swept through a sweet shop, sparking a building collapse which killed 12 sleeping workers. Activists say builders and landlords often cut corners on safety to save costs and accuse Mumbai's civic authorities of negligence and apathy when it comes to inspections. Most of Singapore's 5.6 million inhabitants are ethnic Chinese but it is also home to substantial Muslim Malay and Indian minorities, as well as many expatriates Singapore banned a documentary featuring a Palestinian teenager charged with assaulting Israeli security forces from being screened at a festival Thursday, warning the "inflammatory" work could stir hatred. The city-state's media regulator said the film, "Radiance of Resistance", had a "skewed narrative" and could cause divisions among its ethnically diverse population. Most of Singapore's 5.6 million inhabitants are ethnic Chinese but it is also home to substantial Muslim Malay and Indian minorities, as well as many expatriates. It has strict laws against anything seen as provoking disharmony. The film was due to be shown Thursday at the Singapore Palestinian Film Festival, which showcases works by Palestinian filmmakers and artists and has been running since 2016. Four other films will still be screened at the festival, according to its website. The banned work looked at the lives of two young girls presented as the new faces of Palestinian resistance to the Israeli military occupation. One of the girls, 16-year-old Ahed Tamimi, has been hailed as a hero by Palestinians who see her as bravely standing up to Israel's occupation but Israelis accuse her family of using her as a pawn in staged provocations. She was charged in an Israeli military court Monday with several offences, including assault, after a video of her kicking and slapping two Israeli soldiers in the West Bank went viral. The charges relate to the events in the video but also five other incidents. "In holding up the girls as role models to be emulated in an ongoing conflict, the film incites activists to continue their resistance against the alleged oppressors," Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority said on its website. "The skewed narrative of the film is inflammatory and has the potential to cause disharmony amongst the different races and religions in Singapore." Film festival organiser Adela Foo told AFP she respected the decision and would not appeal. "Naturally, I am a little sad and disappointed," said Foo, a 23-year-old student. A film was also banned at the 2016 edition of the festival, she said. Singapore and Israel have a friendly relationship, unlike some of the city-state's Muslim-majority neighbours who have no diplomatic ties with the country. Officials from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and New South Wales police speak to the media about the seaplane accident in Sydney which killed six people A seaplane that crashed into an Australian river, killing five British tourists and the pilot, was recovered Thursday as reports emerged of the aircraft's involvement in another deadly accident two decades ago. The DHC-2 Beaver Seaplane was returning from a restaurant on New Year's Eve when it made a right turn and plunged into the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney. Richard Cousins, the 58-year-old boss of catering giant Compass, his sons Edward and William, fiancee Emma Bowden and her daughter Heather Bowden-Page died alongside pilot Gareth Morgan, who was reportedly Canadian-born. New South Wales state police Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings said Thursday investigators could see the plane had sustained "severe damage" after they raised it from the water. "It appeared that there's been quite an impact on hitting the water," he told reporters in Sydney. Three key parts -- one wing, the floats and the fuselage of the single-engine aircraft -- were removed from the river and divers were working to recover the rest amid very poor underwater visibility. The parts are set to be examined by engineering and maintenance experts from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), with a preliminary report into the crash due in 30 days and a final report within a year. The "very complex operation" came as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the same plane was "destroyed" in a fatal accident in 1996, citing ATSB documents. The plane -- built in 1963 and which was a crop duster at that time -- was involved in a serious crash near Armidale in NSW that killed the pilot, the ABC reported. Investigators could not pinpoint what caused that crash, but said it was likely the aircraft stalled. The plane was later entirely rebuilt, recertified and owned by other businesses before it was bought by Sydney Seaplanes, which was operating the aircraft when it went down on December 31, Fairfax Media reported. The ATSB's executive director of transport safety Nat Nagy said Thursday he was aware of the seaplane's history and it would be part of the current investigation. "In terms of the state of the aircraft, we are reasonably confident that we will be able to do a thorough examination of the key components of the aircraft, to understand whether they were operating correctly at the time," he added. The recovery also came as the brothers of Cousins, Simon and Andrew, arrived in Australia and thanked the public for "the outpouring of love and support we've received from across the world". Iranians rally in support of the government in the city of Mashhad on January 4, 2018, after authorities declared an end to days of deadly unrest sparked by economic concerns Washington slapped sanctions on five Iranian companies Thursday and called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, further stepping up pressure on Tehran over the deadly unrest that has gripped the country. The US moves came even as Iranian authorities declared an end to the turmoil, and pro-regime demonstrators rallied across the nation while officials switched focus to addressing the economic concerns that have fueled protests. The US imposed sanctions against five Iranian firms alleged to have been working on an illegal ballistic missile program, linking the move to the protests. "These sanctions target key entities involved in Iran's ballistic missile program, which the Iranian regime prioritizes over the economic well-being of the Iranian people," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said. On the streets of Tehran meanwhile, a heavy police presence lingered though there were no reports of fresh protests overnight. Limited social media activity suggested unrest in provincial towns was also down. Iranian state TV showed huge pro-government crowds marching across 10 cities, including Isfahan, Ardebil and Mashhad, where the protests first erupted a week ago. "We are together behind the leader," chanted the demonstrators, in reference to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The UN Security Council was set to hold an emergency meeting on Friday afternoon to discuss the wave of protests in Iran, at the request of the United States. Russia has criticized the US push for Iran to be discussed at the Security Council and it remained unclear if other council members would try to block the meeting via a procedural vote. - Underlying issues - In a bid to address grievances that drove the initial unrest, Iranian authorities were weighing options including blocking unpopular measures in President Hassan Rouhani's recent budget. "The people's main demand now is for the government and officials to deal with the economic problems," Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Khamenei, told the semi-official ISNA news agency. Demonstrations in Iran The head of the army, General Abdolrahim Mousavi, thanked security forces for "putting out the fire of sedition." A total of 21 people died and hundreds were arrested in five days of unrest that began December 28 as protests over economic woes and quickly turned against the regime as a whole, with attacks on government buildings and police stations. - 'Grotesque intervention' - Women hold posters of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a pro-regime rally in second city Mashhad on January 4 Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli said 42,000 people had taken part in the unrest nationwide. It was a higher figure than the 15,000 given by the head of the Revolutionary Guards a day earlier, but still far below the hundreds of thousands that took to the streets during the last major protest movement in 2009. A US State Department spokeswoman said those killed and detained "will not be forgotten," after the White House warned it could impose sanctions on any officials it holds responsible. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly tweeted his backing for the protesters, his most recent saying he has "such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government." Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted back: "Trump has an odd way of showing 'such respect.'" "From labelling them a 'terrorist nation' and banning them from visiting the US, to petty insults on the name of the Persian Gulf," he wrote, referring to Trump's use of the term "Arabian Gulf." US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis underscored Trump's message, saying: "The American people do not have an issue with the Iranian people. We've got a big issue with the Iranian authoritarian regime." Russia jumped to Iran's defense, with deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov telling state agency TASS: "Despite the many attempts to distort what is really going on (in Iran), I am sure that our neighbor, our friend, will overcome its current difficulties." The question now is whether Trump will continue to waive nuclear-related sanctions suspended under the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Messaging platform Telegram has been blocked on mobile phones in Iran Under the deal, Trump must actively lift certain sanctions every few months and the next deadline falls on January 12. Iran -- which has long accused the United States and Sunni Arab rivals led by Saudi Arabia of interference in its affairs -- said external "enemies" were behind recent unrest. Online messaging and photo sharing platforms Telegram and Instagram remained blocked on mobile phones, having been interrupted soon after protests began. - Parliament responds - Many have called on Iran's President Hassan Rouhani (C) to address the economic grievances that sparked days of deadly unrest Iran's political establishment has closed ranks against the unrest, with even reformists condemning the violence. But many have also called on Rouhani to address the economic issues that drove the initial protests. There have already been moves in parliament to block the unpopular budget measures announced last month, which included cuts to welfare and fuel price hikes. Rouhani came to power in 2013 promising to mend the economy and ease social tensions, but high living costs and unemployment have left many feeling that progress is too slow. Rural areas, which have seen years of drought and under-investment, are particularly hard-hit. In the capital, there is widespread sympathy with the economic discontent fuelling the unrest, particularly an unemployment rate that is officially close to 30 percent for young people. An Iranian woman walks through tear gas during a protest driven by anger over economic problems at the University of Tehran on December 30, 2017 But some Tehranis said US claims they were desperate for freedom were overblown. "If the people of Iran have something to say, it's about economic problems. They want to see their demands, what they voted for, fulfilled," Hamid Rahimi, a 33-year-old bank employee, told AFP. Mount Agung has been periodically spewing molten clouds of ash and smoke for months, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people living nearby -- and drawing some foreign thrill seekers eager to climb its peak Two Australians were briefly detained by Indonesian police Thursday for climbing to the summit of a rumbling volcano on the holiday island of Bali, hours before authorities shrunk an exclusion zone around the belching crater. Ricky Tonacia, 34, and Jack Dennard, 26, were questioned by police after flouting a highly publicised danger zone up to 10 kilometres (six miles) from the volcano. Mount Agung has been periodically spewing molten clouds of ash and smoke for months, forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people living nearby -- and drawing some foreign thrill seekers eager to climb its peak. Authorities were alerted to the men's expedition after a nearby military post observed torch light on the volcano around 3:00 am local time Thursday (2000 GMT Wednesday), authorities said. The pair and two Balinese men who drove into the exclusion zone to pick them up were detained several hours later as they attempted to descend the mountain. "We took them to the Selat Police post for questioning," Captain Wayan Mustika from the Karangasem military post told AFP. "They said the hotel where they were staying told them the volcano is safe. "We released them at 11:25 am because there was no criminal offence," he added. Mustika added that a Russian man was briefly taken into custody after he was caught trying to climb Agung last week. The volcano's alert level remains at maximum, but the 10-kilometre radius danger zone was reduced to six kilometres by Indonesia's volcanology centre on Thursday afternoon. "Mount Agung is still in the eruptive phase and could impact settlements," the centre said in a statement. Agung rumbled to life in September, forcing the evacuation of 140,000 people living nearby. Activity decreased in late October and many returned to their homes, but the volcano has again been belching towering columns of thick grey smoke and ash for the past six weeks. A spike in activity in late November sparked travel chaos, forcing hundreds of flights to and from the tropical holiday island to be cancelled and severely impacting its tourist-dependent economy. More than 100 men a month have been making a pilgrimage to a clinic in Thailand which offers a penis whitening procedure. The Lelux Hospital in Bangkok began offering the unconventional treatment six months ago, and now has three to four clients per day. The much-hyped procedure, a laser treatment of the groin, has left the public both baffled and alarmed, but the clinic says they have more inquiries than ever. The future is bright: The clinic has been offering penis whitening for six months and now has three to four clients per day undergoing the treatment 'These days a lot of people are asking about it. We get around 100 clients a month, three to four clients a day,' Bunthita Wattanasiri, a manager for the Skin and Laser department at Lelax Hospital told AFP. The procedure got wide play on Thai television and social media on Thursday after the hospital released images of a man undergoing the treatment. 'We have to be careful because it's a sensitive part of the body,' Bunthita said, adding most clients are aged between 22 and 55, with many from Thailand's LGBTQ community. The whitening service costs around 480 for five sessions. 'I think it's a good market to enter so we offer the ultimate body treatment to our clients, either men and women,' Bunthita said. Whitening and bleaching treatments are particularly sought after in Thailand, where skin-whitening ads have caused outrage and accusations of racism. 'The obsession... people nowadays can't embrace their own skin color,' said one Facebook user in response to the Lelax Hospital's images. Another user Parin Ruansati posted: 'Oh god... what ever happened to the world?' Another simply questioned; 'Why not?'. North Korea has rattled the international community in recent months with multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test China will send a special envoy to Seoul to discuss the situation on the Korean peninsula ahead of proposed talks between North and South Korea, the foreign ministry said Thursday. China's Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou will visit Friday and Saturday to "exchange views" with Lee Do-Hoon, Seoul's envoy on Korean peninsula peace talks, a ministry spokesman said. Their meeting comes as South Korea prepares for its proposed high-level talks with North Korea next Tuesday to discuss "matters of mutual interest" including the North's participation in next month's Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. North Korea has rattled the international community in recent months with multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb. It has shrugged off a raft of new sanctions and heightened rhetoric from Washington as it drives forward with its weapons programme, which it says is for defence against US aggression. But the new year has begun on a more positive note with the two Koreas on Wednesday restoring a cross-border hotline that had been shut down since 2016, after North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un offered to send a team to the Winter Olympics hosted by the South in February. The Olympic offer prompted Seoul to respond with its offer for talks next week -- the first since 2015. A six-nation effort to dismantle North Korea's nuclear programmes was begun in 2003, bringing together China, the United States, both Koreas, Russia and Japan. North Korea pledged to give up those programmes in 2005, but carried out its first atomic blast the following year. It walked out of the talks three years later, detonating its second device soon afterwards. A Kurdish-led force expelled Islamic State group fighters from the northern Syrian city of Raqa last year, signalling the collapse of its so-called caliphate Female French jihadists arrested in Kurdish-held parts of Syria should face justice there so long as they can be guaranteed a fair trial, the French government said on Thursday. Debate has been swirling in France over the fate of women who went to Syria to marry Islamist fighters and now find themselves in custody, not least following heavy defeats for the Islamic State group. This week Emilie Konig, a 33-year-old Muslim convert from Brittany who became a notorious jihadist recruiter, became the latest of a string of European women to plead publicly for repatriation. But French government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux indicated there are no plans to bring her home. If "there are legal institutions capable of guaranteeing a fair trial assuring their right to a defence", women arrested in Kurdish-held Syria should be "judged there", Griveaux told RMC radio. "Whatever crime may have been committed -- even the most despicable -- French citizens abroad must have a guaranteed right to a defence," he added. "We must have confirmation of that." Konig, who features on UN and US blacklists of dangerous militants, was arrested last month and is being held in a Kurdish camp with her three young children along with several other French women. "They have been arrested, and as far as we know they did not surrender of their own accord," Griveaux said. "They were arrested in combat." Konig's lawyer Bruno Vinay argued Wednesday that France must repatriate her under its "international commitments". A policeman's daughter who converted after meeting her first husband, Konig set off for Syria in 2012, leaving her first two children in France to join her new partner, who was later killed. She frequently appeared in propaganda videos and French intelligence intercepted messages to her contacts at home urging them to attack French institutions or the wives of soldiers. Some 30 French jihadists, both men and women, are currently in the custody of Kurdish and Iraqi forces, according to a source close to the investigation. - 'Must face justice for crimes' - Of some 5,000 EU Islamists believed to have gone to fight, around a third have returned home, according to the Soufan Center, a US-based NGO that conducts research on global security. So far, France, Germany and Britain have tackled returnees on a case-by-case basis. The Syrian Kurds' representative in France told AFP that authorities in their territory, covering swathes of north and northeast Syria, were ready to either take the women to court or send them home with their children. "With France, an allied country, we can come to an agreement that works out well, bearing in mind that the priority is that these terrorists are held accountable for their crimes," Issa said. No foreign national has yet appeared in court in Kurdish-held areas, Issa added, adding that their forces on the ground have some 1,300 "terrorists" in custody including foreigners. Kurds currently hold just under a third of Syrian territory -- including the Raqa region, IS's former "capital" -- while the regime holds around a half, following the multi-sided civil war which has raged since 2011. France is part of the US-led international military coalition that has been carrying out air strikes against IS. burs-kjl/cb/dcr China's first attempt to open the M503 route in 2015 sparked protests in Taiwan Taiwan on Thursday demanded China immediately close new flight routes launched close to the island, calling it a "reckless" and politically motivated move. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced Thursday that it is opening four routes to help ease congestion in its airspace over the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from mainland China. But Taipei said Beijing had not consulted it over the move which "ignores flight safety and disrespects Taiwan". "We believe... this is purposefully using civil aviation as a cover for improper intentions regarding Taiwan politics and even military affairs," Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement. Critics say that the main route in the dispute, M503, runs too close to the island's airspace. China's first attempt to open the route in 2015 sparked protests that prompted Beijing to move it closer to the mainland and use it only for north-to-south flights. "The rapid growth of flights in western Taiwan Strait airspace in recent years has caused increasingly serious delays," CAAC said Thursday. The M503 can now be used for south-to-north flights too, it announced, adding the four new routes are only for civilian flights and that China will maintain technical communications with Taiwan. Taiwan's defence ministry said Thursday that the military will intercept, warn and repel if necessary any planes that cross into Taiwanese airspace and threaten the island's security. China and Taiwan split after a civil war in 1949 and the island has been self-ruled since. But Beijing still claims the island as part of its territory to be brought back into its fold -- by force if necessary. Beijing has cut off official communications with Taipei since Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen came to power in May 2016, as it does not trust her traditionally pro-independence party. Beijing has also exerted military pressure on Taiwan's airspace by stepping up drills around the island. Russian soldiers gather in the government held side of the embattled city of Aleppo on December 15, 2016 Russia's defence ministry on Thursday said two servicemen were killed in a mortar attack by Islamist militants in Syria on New Year's Eve, but denied media reports seven military planes were destroyed. "As darkness fell, the Hmeimim air base was subjected to sudden mortar shelling from a mobile group of militants. As a result of the shelling, two servicemen were killed," the defence ministry said in a statement to Russian agencies. The Kommersant business daily reported seven military planes had been "practically destroyed" in the attack, citing two military-diplomatic sources, but the ministry said the report was "fake". The news comes a day after the ministry announced a Russian helicopter crash in Syria that killed two pilots following a technical fault, also on December 31. With four fatalities this is one of the deadliest single days for the Russian army in Syria since it entered the conflict and brings the total number of officially reported losses to 44. Security around the Hmeimim base was being stepped up after the mortar attack, the defence ministry said. "The Russian air force in Syria is combat-ready and continues to fulfill all intended tasks," the statement added. Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Syria last month where he ordered the start of a pullout of Russian troops, saying their task in the war-torn country had been largely completed. Three battalions of military police and officers of the Russian Center for Reconciliation would remain in Syria, as well as two Russian bases, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on a subsequent trip. Russia became involved in the multi-front conflict in September 2015, when it began an aerial campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad's military. Moscow acknowledged in recent months that its special forces are also active on the ground in the offensive against Islamic State jihadists. Phan Van Anh Vu (C), who held a senior rank in the Vietnamese secret police, was stopped last week at a border checkpoint in Singapore A fugitive Vietnamese intelligence officer wanted for allegedly revealing state secrets was detained on arrival in Hanoi on Thursday afternoon, officials said, hours after he was deported from Singapore. Phan Van Anh Vu, who holds a senior rank in the Vietnamese secret police, was stopped last week at a border checkpoint in Singapore as he attempted to cross into neighbouring Malaysia. The 42-year-old -- who is also a prominent property developer -- is mired in a complex and high-profile corruption case, part of a wider crackdown on graft driven by the Communist leadership. His detention in Singapore came after Vietnamese police had announced that Vu was wanted for disclosing state secrets, without giving further details. "Phan Van Anh Vu violated the immigration laws of Singapore and has been deported," said a statement published on the website of Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security. On Thursday afternoon "investigators at the ministry of Public Security received and arrested the suspect", it said. Lawyers in Germany had been pushing for Vu to be sent to the European country. They argued he may have information about the alleged kidnapping of a Vietnamese executive, Trinh Xuan Thanh, in Berlin last year and have warned he could be condemned to death if repatriated. German authorities say Thanh was brazenly snatched in a park in an operation carried out by Vietnamese spies -- an allegation Hanoi has denied. Thanh is set to face trial in Hanoi alongside dozens of other suspects next Monday in a high-profile case that could see him sentenced to death. Despite fears for Vu, Singapore authorities said Thursday that he had been sent back to Vietnam for using falsified documents to enter the city-state. "He had entered Singapore using a Vietnamese passport bearing a false identity," a spokesman for Singapore's Home Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "ICA has required Phan Van Anh Vu to leave for Vietnam." Observers say Vietnam's anti-corruption sweep, which has echoes of a graft crackdown in Communist China, is being led by a conservative leadership in place since 2016. Many believe it is as much about weeding out political enemies aligned with the former leadership as cracking down on corruption. burs-apj/ssm/kaf Israeli novelist Aharon Appelfeld has died aged 85 Israeli novelist Aharon Appelfeld, a Holocaust survivor who became one of the foremost contemporary Hebrew-language writers, died on Thursday aged 85, officials said. Israeli public radio said that he passed away at Beilinson hospital near Tel Aviv in the early hours of Thursday morning. Maariv newspaper said he would be buried in Jerusalem on Sunday. Born in 1932 in a village near what was then the Romanian city of Czernowitz -- today part of Ukraine -- he escaped from a Nazi camp in 1942 after the murder of his mother and the arrest of his father. He told AFP in a 2010 interview how he fled into the forests, where he was "adopted by a gang of Ukrainian criminals". He was recruited into the advancing Red Army until 1945 and left the following year for Palestine. "No one wanted orphans in Europe. The only place we could go was Palestine," he told AFP. In 1957 he discovered that his father had also survived and they were reunited in Israel. He published the first of more than 40 novels and collections of poetry in 1962 and won several awards throughout his career. They included the prestigious Israel Prize in 1983 and France's Prix Medicis literary award for best foreign book in 2004 for his 1999 autobiography "Story of a Life". Although much of his writing is of Jewish life in Europe before, during and after World War II, he refused to be classified as a Holocaust writer. "You cannot be a writer of death. Writing means you're alive," he said. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin said on Twitter that he and his wife Nechama were "deeply saddened at the passing of our cherished author Aharon Appelfeld. May his memory and his works be blessed." Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev said Appelfeld "left us stories of life that will remain in our collective and personal memory". Tibetan education advocate Tashi Wangchuk, pictured on the right-hand placard, was featured in a New York Times documentary A Tibetan who has waged a campaign to preserve his region's ancestral language was put on trial in China for inciting separatism Thursday in a case Amnesty International denounced as "ludicrously unjust". Tashi Wangchuk was featured in a New York Times documentary that followed him on a trip to Beijing, where he attempted to get Chinese state media and courts to address what he describes as diminishing use of the Tibetan language. Wangchuk was put on trial at the Intermediate People's Court in Yushu, his hometown in a Tibetan area of northwestern China's Qinghai province. The charge can carry a sentence of up to five years, but Wangchuk's lawyer Liang Xiaojun said prosecutors were expected to seek even more jail time. Wangchuk pleaded not guilty, and the trial did not come to a verdict on Thursday. But nearly every case that goes to trial in China -- especially on sensitive state-security issues -- ends with a guilty verdict. "He doesn't believe he's incited separatism. He only wants to strengthen Tibetan language education," Liang said. Wangchuk has been detained in Yushu since January 2016, not long after the New York Times published its story and documentary video about his activism, according to the Times. Liang said the short documentary was "the most important evidence" used by the prosecution. In the video, Wangchuk complained of a "systematic slaughter of our culture". "In politics, it's said that if one nation wants to eliminate another nation, first they need to eliminate their spoken and written language," he said. In the Times' stories Wangchuk notably says he wants to use Chinese law to build his case, and praised President Xi Jinping. Beijing says it "peacefully liberated" Tibet in 1951 and insists it has brought development to a previously backward region. But many Tibetans accuse the Chinese government of exploiting the region's natural resources and encouraging an influx of China's majority Han ethnic group that critics say is diluting the native culture and Buddhist faith. China's constitution protects free speech but critics say in reality there is little room for voicing any opinions that challenge government policies, and rights groups have accused Xi's government of an escalating crackdown on expression. Amnesty International said it was "appalling" that Wangchuk could face jail time. "These are blatantly trumped up charges and he should be immediately and unconditionally released," Amnesty's East Asia Research Director Roseann Rife said in a statement. Maya Wang, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, said Wangchuk was merely exercising his constitutionally guaranteed rights. "If Chinese authorities consider that 'inciting separatism', it's hard to tell what isn't," Wang said. The documentary ends with Wangchuk discussing the many Tibetans who have self-immolated in protest at China's policies over the years, while adding what he would do if he is "locked up or they force me to say things against my will". "I will choose suicide," he said. Egypt's grand mufti Shawqi Allam has declared the trading of the digital currency Bitcoin unlawful - issuing an official fatwa and warning it could be used by terrorists. The theological leader, who is the country's official interpreter for the religion, issued the fatwa because the trading of it could be used for criminal exchanges. Allam added that it could provide 'stable and secure financial resources for terrorists and criminal groups'. Egypt's grand mufti Shawqi Allam (pictured) has declared the trading of the digital currency bitcoin unlawful - issuing a fatwa and calling it forbidden in Islam. Bitcoin, launched in 2009 and based on a peer-to-peer payment system, poses 'high risks to individuals and states,' Allam said in a published ruling. Suggesting his decision to declare a fatwa was based on discussions with economic experts, he concluded bitcoin is not permissible as it undermines the state - a central feature in Islamic sharia. Minting and issuing currency is an 'absolute right' of monetary institutions and 'one of the most specific functions of the state,' said the country's official interpreter of Islamic law. Bitcoin, launched in 2009 and based on a peer-to-peer payment system, poses 'high risks to individuals and states,' Allam said in a published ruling Suggesting his decision to declare a fatwa was based on discussions with economic experts, he concluded bitcoin is not permissible as it undermines the state - a central feature in Islamic Sharia Bitcoin is a virtual currency created from computer code. It and other virtual currencies use blockchain, which records transactions that are updated in real time on an online ledger and maintained by a network of computers. Its value surged as high as $19,500 in December from around $1,000 last January, but has slipped back after a series of warnings from governments and analysts about the risk and volatility associated with cryptocurrencies. Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, target of a reported failed coup bid, addresses the UN General Assembly in September 2017 as Africa's longest ruling leader after 38 years The United Nations said Thursday it will dispatch an envoy to Equatorial Guinea after authorities in the oil-rich country said they had thwarted a coup attempt against President Theodoro Obiang, Africa's longest-serving leader. The West African nation was put on alert Wednesday after a senior government official announced that a putsch mounted by foreign mercenaries on December 24 had been put down. Hours after Security Minister Mahamat Zen Cherif's televised statement, state broadcaster TGVE reported clashes with "mercenaries" near the border with Cameroon. Government troops shot dead one "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse (others) in the forests along the border", it said, without specifying how many fighters were involved or how long the clashes lasted. Chad's Foreign Minister Mahamat Zen Cherif, in a visit to Malabo Thursday, condemned the attempted coup as a "major threat" to central Africa. "The attempt at destabilisation is not just an affair that only concerns Equatorial Guinea, it is also a major threat of destabilisation that concerns the entire sub-region of central Africa," he said in remarks reported by TVGE. Formerly a small Spanish colony, Equatorial Guinea has become one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population lives in poverty. Obiang, 75, who seized power in 1979, has faced a string of coup attempts during nearly four decades in office. Critics accuse him of brutal repression of opponents, electoral fraud and corruption. - Dozens of Chadians held - A UN spokesman said that the organisation's envoy for West Africa, Francois Louceny Fall, will travel to Malabo for talks next week. The spokesman said that while "little information" had emerged over last month's alleged coup attempt, "we condemn all attempts to seize power unconstitutionally" in the country. Cherif, who was cited by state media after he spoke with Obiang on Wednesday, called for an inquiry and said he would travel on to Cameroon for talks with leaders there. According to Malabo's security minister, the mercenaries were Chadian, Sudanese and Central African Republic nationals, as citizens of the Central African Republic are called, and were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers." The attempted infiltration had been repelled with the help of the Cameroon security services, according to the authorities. Equatorial Guinea Sources told AFP that the country's ambassador to Chad, Enrique Nsue Anguesom, who was on holiday in Equatorial Guinea's Ebibeyin district, had been arrested and was being held in a military camp. Cameroon says that on December 27 it arrested 38 heavily armed men on its border with Equatorial Guinea, which consists of mostly dense forest territory on the African mainland and an offshore island where the capital lies. Cameroonian security sources on Thursday said those arrested included an ex-general in the Chadian army, Mahamat Kodo Bani, who was once a senior officer in the presidential guard. He is being held in Yaounde, the Cameroonian capital, they said. In Gabon, which also borders Equatorial Guinea, a senior government official said "security measures" had been taken on the border. Chad's ambassador to Malabo, Paul Nahari Nguaryanan, told AFP that more than 65 Chadian merchants had been detained in recent days, though a foreign ministry source said some had been released. - Opacity - Facebook, Whatsapp and VPNs in Equatorial Guinea have been blocked. "There is a real lack of transparency on what's really going on," a diplomat in the region said. Obiang took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad. He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016, gaining more than 90 percent of the vote according to the official results. Legislative elections on November 12 last year saw the ruling party win 92 percent of the vote, a result condemned as fraudulent by dissidents. The Citizens for Innovation (CI) opposition group on Wednesday strongly denied it had played any part in the attempted coup. The United States and South Korea will not carry out military exercises -- like this one featuring US aircraft in December -- during the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang The United States and South Korea have agreed to delay joint military exercises until after the Winter Olympics next month, the government in Seoul announced Thursday, in an apparent move to de-escalate tensions with Pyongyang. The move came just hours after US President Donald Trump said that high-level talks set for next week between North and South Korea were "a good thing." North Korea has rattled the international community in recent months with multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb. "The two leaders agreed that the US-South Korea joint military exercises will not be carried out during the Olympics period, and the armed forces of the two countries should do their best to guarantee the safety of the Olympics," said a statement from the office of South Korean President Moon Jae-In. Trump and Moon made the decision during a phone conversation Thursday, Seoul said. The statement quoted Moon as telling Trump that delaying the exercises would help ensure the success of the Winter Olympics -- being hosted by the South next month in Pyeongchang -- "in case the North does not make any more provocations." "The Department of Defense supports the president's decision and what is in the best interest of the ROK-US Alliance," a Pentagon spokesman, Colonel Rob Manning, said, referring to South Korea by its official acronym. The North-South talks set for next week -- which would be the first since 2015 -- are meant to focus on "matters of mutual interest", including the North's participation in the Winter Olympics. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has shrugged off a raft of new sanctions and heightened rhetoric from Washington as his regime drives forward with its weapons programmes, which it says are meant to defend against US aggression. But the new year has begun on a more positive note -- on Wednesday, the two Koreas restored a cross-border hotline that had been shut down since 2016. The move came after Kim offered to send a team to the Winter Olympics, which will take place from February 9-25 in Pyeongchang, a mountain resort just 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of the heavily fortified North-South border. Pyongyang boycotted the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. Michael Wolff's new book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," is making waves in Washington -- and its bombshell claims have prompted Donald Trump's attorney to ask that its publication be blocked An attorney for President Donald Trump sought Thursday to halt publication of an upcoming bombshell-filled book about his White House, claiming it was "libelous." The cease and desist letter sent to author Michael Wolff and publisher Henry Holt and Co. claims the book contained "numerous false and/or baseless statements" about Trump. The book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," is scheduled to be published on January 9, but several media outlets released excerpts on Wednesday, prompting an angry reaction from the White House. In the letter, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, Trump's attorney Charles Harder said statements made in the book "give rise to claims for libel" that could result in "substantial monetary damages and punitive damages." "The book appears to cite no sources for many of its most damaging statements about Mr. Trump," the letter said. "Also, many of your so-called 'sources' have stated publicly that they never spoke to Mr. Wolff and/or never made the statements that are being attributed to them," it added. Trump's attorney demanded the publisher "immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the Book" and provide a "full and complete retraction and apology to my client." The letter also alleged that former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon had breached a confidentiality agreement with Trump by speaking to Wolff and making "disparaging" remarks about the president and members of his family. Trump rounded on Bannon on Wednesday after one excerpt in which the former aide described Trump's eldest son's meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," the Republican president said in a statement. Bannon was one of the main architect of Trump's upset victory in 2016 presidential elections, and the president's chief White House strategist for six months. On Thursday, Bannon nevertheless heaped praise on Trump, saying he was a "great man" that he continued to support "day in and day out." An aerial view of the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland A former contractor for the US National Security Agency's elite hacking group has agreed to plead guilty to removing classified documents in a case that highlighted a series of disastrous leaks of top-secret NSA materials. Harold Martin, who reportedly worked for an NSA unit focused on hacking into target computer systems around the world, will plead guilty to one of 20 counts against him with the aim of concluding a 15-month-old case couched in deep secrecy, according to court documents filed late Wednesday. The indictment filed on February 8, 2017 accused Martin of hoarding an estimated 50 terabytes of NSA data and documents in his home and car over a 20-year period. The material reportedly included sensitive digital tools for hacking foreign governments' computers. His arrest in late 2016 followed the NSA's discovery that a batch of its hacking tools had fallen into the hands of a still-mysterious group called the Shadow Brokers, which offered them for sale online and also released some for free. At least publicly, Martin has not been accused of responsibility for any NSA leaks. In December, Nghia Hoang Pho, 67, a 10-year veteran of the NSA's Tailored Access Operations hacking unit, was charged with and agreed to plead guilty to one count of removing and retaining top-secret documents from the agency. Vietnam-born Pho also had taken home highly classified NSA materials and programs. According to The New York Times, apparent Russian hackers broke into his personal computer to steal the files, accessing them via Pho's use of Kaspersky software. But that case also has not been linked to the Shadow Brokers theft. Those leaks, and others from the Central Intelligence Agency, have hobbled the US spy agencies' abilities to hack into the computer systems of foreign governments and other espionage targets, according to intelligence experts. Martin will officially submit his plea on January 22, according to court filings. He faces up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing won't take place until the 19 other charges are resolved -- an indication that the government, while entertaining his single-count plea, is not completely satisfied that Martin's actions were harmless. Kabul has become one of the deadliest places in war-torn Afghanistan for civilians in recent months A suicide attacker blew himself up near a crowd of police and protesters in Kabul Thursday, killing at least 11 people and wounding 25 others, officials said, in the latest deadly violence to rock the Afghan capital. The attack happened during a protest against the death of a shopkeeper in a police operation targeting alcohol bootleggers, an unnamed official said. "A suicide attacker has detonated himself... close to a number of police who were trying to provide security for an ongoing protest," deputy interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi told AFP. Health ministry spokesman Wahid Majroh told AFP that 11 bodies had been taken to hospitals around the city along with 25 wounded, adding that that the toll could rise. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack via its Amaq propaganda agency, according to the SITE intelligence group, which monitors jihadist networks. Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said the suicide bomber had targeted police officers, five of whom were killed and another 11 wounded. "He detonated his vest very close to police who were trying to stop the protesters," Mujahid told AFP. A security source who spoke to AFP on the condition of anonymity said 20 people had been killed and 20 wounded in the attack, but that higher toll could not be immediately confirmed. Footage shown on Afghanistan's Tolo News showed men, purportedly shopkeepers, gathered on a street during the day, angrily denying they were bootleggers. Afghans are prohibited from selling or consuming alcohol in the Muslim-majority country. President Ashraf Ghani condemned the "barbaric attack" and ordered an investigation, according to a statement from the presidential palace. - Civilians in crosshairs - The deadly assault comes a week after more than 40 people were killed and dozens more wounded in a suicide blast claimed by the Islamic State group that targeted Shiites in Kabul. That was the third deadly attack claimed by the group in the Afghan capital in December alone. The IS group has gained ground in Afghanistan since it first appeared in the region in 2015 and has scaled up its attacks in Kabul, including on security installations and the country's Shiite minority. Afghanistan Kabul has become one of the deadliest places in war-torn Afghanistan for civilians in recent months, as the Taliban step up their attacks and IS seeks to expand its presence in the country. A suicide bomber killed six civilians in a Christmas Day attack near an Afghan intelligence agency compound in the city, which was also claimed by IS. And on December 18, militants from the group stormed an intelligence training compound in Kabul, triggering an intense gunfight with police, two of whom were wounded. Security in Kabul has been ramped up since May 31 when a massive truck bomb ripped through the diplomatic quarter, killing some 150 people and wounding around 400 others -- mostly civilians. No group has yet claimed that attack. Despite the increased security measures, militants continue to plan and carry out devastating attacks. On Wednesday, Afghanistan's spy agency announced it had busted a 13-member IS cell in Kabul that had been hatching "a series of big terrorist attacks" in the city. An Iranian woman raises her fist amid the smoke of tear gas at the University of Tehran during a protest driven by anger over economic problems The United States warned Iranian officials Thursday that protesters jailed or killed in a crackdown on anti-government demonstrations will "not be forgotten." "We condemn in the strongest possible terms the deaths to date and the arrests of at least one thousand Iranians," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said. "We have ample authorities to hold accountable those who commit violence against protestors, contribute to censorship, or steal from the people of Iran," she said. "To the regime's victims, we say: 'You will not be forgotten'." Popular unrest flared in Iran last month and at least 21 people are known to have died in clashes between demonstrators and the Islamic republic's security forces. Washington, a long-standing foe of Tehran, has stood up for the protesters' right to be heard, and Nauert has now gone further in endorsing what she said were their demands. "We support these legitimate aspirations of the Iranian people, and call on the government to allow the free exchange of ideas and information," she said. "All of us should be able to enjoy the same basic economic and political freedoms, including the right to peaceful demonstration." Iranian officials now claim to have the crisis under control and state television is carrying footage of pro-government counter demonstrations in several cities. New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art will begin demanding mandatory entry fees starting March 1 Visitors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art will now have to pay $25 to enter if they do not live in New York state starting March 1, a first in half a century. Since 1970, this cultural landmark on New York's Fifth Avenue only asked for a "suggested" donation of $25 per adult, which Met president Daniel Weiss noted was "uncommon." Under the new policy, the fee -- which will be paid largely by tourists -- will fetch a ticket that lasts for three days and also covers entry to the museum's annexes -- Met Breuer for modern and contemporary art, and The Cloisters for medieval and decorative arts. "We think that is an extraordinary value," Weiss said. In order to not penalize students from New York and the surrounding region, they will only be asked to pay what they can. Students and seniors visiting from other regions will get reduced fares of $12 and $17, respectively. Entry will be free for children under the age of 12. The move follows months of talks with New York City Hall. Fred Dixon, president of the city's destination marketing organization NYC & Company, said City Hall accepted the new policy of this "catalyst" of cultural tourism, confident it would not negatively impact tourism. "The role the Met plays (in tourism) is tremendous," added Dixon. Weiss, who landed in his current post in 2015 to bolster the prestigious museum's finances, noted that while 63 percent of visitors paid the full suggested price in 2004, only 17 percent did so last year. So while attendance kept increasing, admission revenues were flat. Pointing to "a significant diminution in the effectiveness of our policy," Weiss stressed that "admission revenues would still be one of the lowest of all art institutions we have seen in the last 12 years." Admissions would still account only for a fraction of the Met's annual budget of $305 million. They currently account for 14 percent of revenue. Even with the new mandatory fee, they would still only represent no more than 17 percent of revenue, according to Weiss. The Met receives relatively minimal public subsidies -- compared to the world's other top public institutions, such as the Louvre in Paris -- and obtains most of its revenue from donations, which cover half of its annual budget. No caption Two senior Democratic senators asked the country's intelligence chief Thursday to assess the national security risks of President Donald Trump's tweets on North Korea. Senators Martin Heinrich and Ron Wyden asked the Director of National Intelligence, Daniel Coats, to "assess the risk to the United States and to US interests and personnel" arising from a tweet Trump posted on January 2. In that tweet Trump made a veiled threat to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, who a day earlier opened the New Year with his own defiant statement calling to speed up the deployment of nuclear weapons. "North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.' Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Trump wrote. Heinrich and Wyden, both members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said they would like the intelligence community to assess the impact of Trump's tweets on Washington's credibility. "We request that the assessment address the likely North Korean response to the President's January 2 tweet and the President's other threatening tweets and statements, and whether this rhetoric serves as a deterrent or a provocation." Kim's New Year statement extended an olive branch to Seoul, which in the subsequent days led to a renewal of direct contacts, reopening a cross border hotline and a proposal to hold bilateral talks on January 9. On Thursday Trump turned to Twitter again to claim credit. "With all of the failed 'experts' weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasn't firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!" Tunisia suspended flights by the Dubai-based carrier on December 24 after women from the North African state complained they were delayed after being targeted for additional checks as they flew to the UAE Tunisia said Thursday it was allowing Emirates Airline flights to the country again after halting them following outcry over security measures by the United Arab Emirates targeting Tunisian women. Tunisia suspended flights by the Dubai-based carrier on December 24 after women from the North African state complained they were delayed after being targeted for additional checks as they flew to the UAE. Tunisian officials said the authorities in the UAE told them they had "serious security information about the possibility of terrorist attacks" involving either Tunisian women or a women with a Tunisian passport. The controls sparked ire in Tunisia and the presidency complained that the rights of Tunisian women should not to be violated "whatever the justification". In a statement Thursday, Tunisia's transport ministry announced the "resumption of Emirates flights to Tunisia" after the "lifting of measures against Tunisian women". The ministry said an agreement was struck with the airline that would see it "respect rights and international accords". BOSTON (AP) - A Boston police detective is set to be sentenced Thursday for lying to federal officials so he could take his gun on planes during personal trips and allow a friend to avoid airport security. Sgt. Detective Bruce Smith faces up to a year of probation under the terms of a plea deal. He has also agreed to resign from the department and pay a $7,500 fine. The 28-year veteran of the force was charged last year with falsely telling Transportation Security Administration officials that he was on official police business and was authorized to carry his firearm. Prosecutors allege he flew armed on about 28 trips from Boston's Logan International Airport. Smith's attorney says he had no "ulterior motive" for flying with a gun and was simply visiting his parents. LAS VEGAS (AP) - A Nevada woman who was twice convicted of a 2001 killing and sexual mutilation that she insisted happened when she was more than 150 miles away was freed Wednesday from a Las Vegas jail - five days after her exoneration and release from prison. Kirstin Blaise Lobato was 18 when she was first arrested and is 35 now. She was released from the Clark County Detention Center hours after a judge credited her with time already served and waived a one-year misdemeanor sentence in a prisoner sexual contact case. "I feel overwhelmed. I feel excited. I feel grateful," Lobato said after hugging a longtime supporter and friend, Michelle Ravell, and greeting several attorneys who worked on her case. Kirstin Lobato, 35, who spent more than 16 years incarcerated for the killing of a homeless man reacts to loved ones after walking out of Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Lobato was released Wednesday from the Clark County Detention Center after a judge gave her time served on a one-year misdemeanor sentence in a 2007 prisoner sexual contact case. Lobato is 35. She was 18 when she was first arrested. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP) "I'm just so happy and I'm ready to go," Lobato said, heading to Ravell's car outside the jail. Ravell called Lobato's release "a dream come true and the end of a very long fight, all in one." Joye Taylor, a former inmate who befriended Lobato in prison and greeted her upon her release, said she expected the woman who goes by the name Blaise will appreciate doing "stuff we take for granted." "She hasn't been able to do whatever she wants for all these years," Taylor said. Ravell helped Lobato's case gain a large Facebook following and online backing that caught the attention of the Innocence Project, a New York-based legal advocacy organization. It enlisted experts whose testimony about the absence of blowfly larvae on the slain man's body when it was found near a trash bin in summer heat narrowed his time of death to a period when witnesses said Lobato was in her hometown of Panaca. "We are extremely grateful this day has come," said Vanessa Potkin, an Innocence Project lawyer who said Lobato is the 200th person to win exoneration with the New York-based organization. Lobato was 19 when she was convicted in 2002 of murdering Duran Bailey. His badly beaten body was found in July 2001 near a Las Vegas trash bin with a slashed neck, cracked skull and missing genitals. No physical evidence or witnesses connected Lobato to the killing, and she maintained she never met Bailey. But jurors were told that Lobato confessed in jail that she killed a man during a three-day methamphetamine binge after he tried to rape her. Ravell pointed Wednesday to Bailey's severe injuries and Lobato's relatively small size as a teenager, and said she felt Las Vegas police focused quickly on Lobato while ignoring the possibility that Bailey was killed in retaliation for sexually attacking another woman. The Nevada Supreme Court in 2004 threw out the 2002 verdict and Lobato's prison sentence because her lawyers weren't able to cross-examine the prosecution witness who said Lobato made the jailhouse confession. Lobato was tried again in 2006, convicted of manslaughter, mutilation and weapon charges, and sentenced to 13 to 45 years in prison - a sentence that would have made her eligible for parole in August. The Innocence Project and attorneys David Chesnoff and Richard Schonfeld in Las Vegas took up Lobato's case after the state Supreme Court in late 2016 ordered the evidence hearing that lasted a week in October. The state high court faulted Lobato's trial lawyers for failing to hire an expert witness such as the insect expert to pinpoint Bailey's time of death. Justices also cited what they termed "strong alibi evidence" from people who testified they saw Lobato in Panaca about the same time Bailey was killed. FILE - In this May 8, 2002, file photo, Kirstin Blaise Lobato awaits opening statements in her trial on charges of killing and sexual mutilation of a homeless man in Las Vegas in 2001. Lobato, who was twice convicted of a 2001 murder and sexual mutilation that she maintained happened while she was more than 150 miles away was exonerated Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, by a state judge in Las Vegas. (Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, File) Kirstin Lobato, 35, who spent more than 16 years incarcerated for the killing of a homeless man, gets a hug from Jane Pucher, and attorney with the Innocence Project, after walking out of Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Lobato was released Wednesday from the Clark County Detention Center after a judge gave her time served on a one-year misdemeanor sentence in a 2007 prisoner sexual contact case. Lobato is 35. She was 18 when she was first arrested. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP) Kirstin Lobato, 35, who spent more than 16 years incarcerated for the killing of a homeless man greets Michelle Ravell, left, and Vanessa Potkin an attorney with the Innocence Project, after walking out of Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Lobato was released Wednesday from the Clark County Detention Center after a judge gave her time served on a one-year misdemeanor sentence in a 2007 prisoner sexual contact case. Lobato is 35. She was 18 when she was first arrested. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Democratic California lawmakers are exploring ways to blunt the impact of the new federal tax law on the state's taxpayers. Federal law has long allowed people to deduct their state and local taxes from their federal tax bill, but the tax overhaul signed last month by President Donald Trump caps that deduction at $10,000. That change will be especially notable in high-tax states like California, where more than a third of taxpayers claimed the deduction for an average of $18,438 in 2015 - the third highest after New York and Connecticut, according to IRS data. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon plans to introduce legislation allowing people to make a donation to the state in lieu of income taxes. That would allow them to claim the federal charitable deduction, at least partially getting around the change. De Leon, of Los Angeles, is running for U.S. Senate. His legislation could be introduced as soon as Thursday, when lawmakers return to Sacramento after a three-month break. "Our hard-earned tax dollars should not be subject to double-taxation, especially not to line the pockets of the Trump family, hedge fund managers and private jet owners," de Leon said in a statement last week. De Leon said he is working with law professors from University of California, Los Angeles; UC Davis and the University of Chicago on his plan. Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association that lobbies for lower taxes, said he is skeptical that the proposal is legal and suspects it would be quickly overturned by Congress. "I think it's clever but I'm not sure it's going to fly," Coupal said. The proposal is modeled on an existing law that allows people to get a partial tax credit for contributions to the CalGrant program, which provides college scholarships. Other states use similar policies to offer tax credits for private school vouchers. Darien Shanske, a UC Davis law professor who is consulting with the Senate on the proposal, said there's little doubt it's allowed under current IRS regulations. There's a risk that the IRS or Congress could change the rules, but Shanske said that's unlikely in part because the private school tuition benefits are popular in Republican-leaning states. De Leon's measure would not affect property taxes, which are paid to local governments. Some aspects of the proposal remain to be resolved. Crafting laws in response to the federal tax overhaul has been especially challenging in California, where voters have enshrined much of the tax code in the constitution, placing them off-limits to lawmakers, Shanske said. Many changes would require support from two-thirds of lawmakers. The charity proposal has garnered most of the early attention because it can pass with a simple majority. Among other potential responses, the state could shift some of the income tax burden from individual taxpayers to businesses, which would be able to deduct their state taxes from their federal bill. The state also could raise tax rates on pass-through businesses, a type of business that will see a substantial tax cut under the federal bill. DENVER (AP) - He was once a standout student in law school and an Army medic who deployed to Iraq. By last weekend, he lay dead in a Colorado apartment building, killed by a SWAT team after he gunned down a 29-year-old deputy. Matthew Riehl's six-year descent from a budding attorney to a gunman who live-streamed some of the final violent hours of his life was accompanied by episodes of mental illness, according to police and a document from the Veterans Affairs Department. Three days after the gunbattle with authorities, it was still unclear whether Riehl's problems were grave enough to legally disqualify him from buying a weapon. Police have said he had a rifle, but they haven't released details about what weapons were used or how he obtained them. This undated photo released by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office shows Matthew Riehl. The 37-year-old man was shot to death Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, after shooting at the deputies, killing one. Authorities in suburban Denver are investigating what led Riehl to fire more than 100 rounds in his apartment on sheriff's deputies. (Douglas County Sheriff via AP) Federal standards prevent anyone from buying a gun who has been determined to be a danger to themselves or others by a court or other authority. People who have been involuntarily committed to a psychiatric institution also can't buy from federally licensed gun dealers. Riehl was hospitalized at a VA psychiatric ward in Wyoming in 2014, and at one point he was placed under a 72-hour mental health hold there, according to a VA document obtained by The Associated Press and other news outlets this week. But the agency declined to say whether that treatment meant Riehl should not have been allowed to own a gun. Stephen Fischer, a spokesman for the FBI division that manages the background-check databases used for gun purchases, didn't immediately respond Wednesday to a request for more information. KDVR-TV in Denver reported Wednesday that Riehl had purchased 11 firearms from a store in Laramie, Wyoming, between 2010 and 2013, but it wasn't immediately known whether any of those guns were used in the Colorado shooting. A Laramie Police Department report said David Smith, owner of Dave's Guns, told police Riehl passed the required background checks. No one answered an after-hours call to Smith's store Wednesday. Revelations about Riehl's mental health history came to light amid increased scrutiny of background-check databases. After former Air Force member Devin P. Kelley massacred 26 people at a Texas church in November, the Air Force acknowledged it failed to alert the FBI that he had a criminal history. Kelley had been convicted of assaulting his then-wife and stepson in 2012, when he was still in the Air Force. The military never reported the conviction to the FBI, which should have stopped Kelley from buying weapons, and later blamed training and compliance measures. Kelley was found dead after the killings. In Riehl's case, a sketchy but striking picture of his life began to emerge. He joined the Army Reserve in 2003 and later the Wyoming Army National Guard, serving as a medic. He enrolled in the University of Wyoming College of Law and was named to the dean's honor roll in fall 2007. He interrupted school to serve a tour of duty in Kuwait and Iraq from 2009 to 2010. Returning to law school, he won a coveted spot on a team of students which sometimes got to argue before the Wyoming Supreme Court. He graduated in 2011 and left the military with an honorable discharge in 2012. Some news reports have cited people who described Riehl sometimes behaving oddly in law school. Riehl's records did not show any military service-related psychiatric disorders, according to the VA document. But within two years of his discharge, he appeared to lose his way: In April 2014, he suffered a psychotic episode and was hospitalized in the mental health ward of the Sheridan, Wyoming, veterans hospital, the document said. He escaped but was found and returned, the document said. A year later, in June 2015, he had an "urgent contact for mental health" with a different VA hospital, according to the document. It offers few details and does not describe the nature of Riehl's psychiatric problems. The VA has refused to elaborate, citing privacy concerns. By mid-2016, Riehl was at the center of a string of worrisome events reported by police in Colorado and Wyoming: A fight with his father and a call to police from his mother, who was concerned about his mental health. He posted tirades on social media about the faculty at the Wyoming law school and sent harassing emails to police after getting a speeding ticket, authorities said. University of Wyoming police began investigating Riehl last October after the social media posts, including a vague threat to shoot someone, The Denver Post reported . Riehl's brother told campus police that Matthew Riehl had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. By Nov. 14, university police were concerned enough to call Colorado authorities about Riehl, according to police in Lone Tree, Colorado, about 18 miles (25 miles) south of Denver. On Sunday, Riehl dialed 911 and police responded to his apartment in Highlands Ranch, not far from Lone Tree. He opened fire, police said, killing Douglas County Deputy Zackari Parrish and wounding four other officers and two civilians. Parrish's funeral will be Friday. ___ This story has been corrected to reflect the accurate spelling of Devin P. Kelley's last name in the 11th paragraph. SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) - Before the Army's 27th Infantry Division was decimated in a bloody World War II battle, Stan Dube sketched portraits of his fellow soldiers. The 17 drawings were forgotten after the war and stashed in an attic for decades before being found a year ago by his son. Now, Ira Dube is on a mission to identify the men in his late father's 75-year-old artwork. So far he has definitively identified two of the soldiers, both New Yorkers who served in the 27th Division's 105th Infantry Regiment, which suffered heavy casualties in the Battle of Saipan in the Pacific. One was killed on Saipan; the other died in the 1970s. Because the 27th was a former New York National Guard unit, Dube believes most or all of the other 15 men also were New Yorkers. He recently donated the original sketches to the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in hopes its artifacts and records could be used to help identify more of the soldiers. It's not known whether any of the men depicted in the artwork are still alive. These sketches provided by Ira Dube of U.S. Army 27th Infantry Division soldiers were among more than a dozen done by his father, Stan Dube, during World War II. Ira Dube, found them stashed in the attic of his sister's home. Now Ira Dube is hoping to identify the men, so he has donated 15 sketches to the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs. (Stan Dube/Ira Dube via AP) "These people need to be remembered," said Ira Dube, 61, a retired Navy veteran living in Woodland Park, Colorado. "I look at these sketches and I see a hero." Dube found the signed sketches in the attic of his sister's home in Mississippi early last year while they were going through their father's belongings. Stan Dube, who died in 2009, was drafted into the Army while studying architecture at Syracuse University, and he put his drawing skills to use by sketching pencil- and charcoal-on-paper portraits of his fellow soldiers while the 27th Division was stationed in Hawaii in 1943. The sure-handed sketches mostly show young men looking pensively into the distance, though a few crack a smile. Dube drew no backgrounds and barely sketched out his subjects' shoulders, but he took care to capture his subjects' eyes and faces. On all the drawings, Dube put the month, year and his signature in the lower right corner. Three of the soldiers signed their names next to Dube's: Kenneth Reid, Joseph Joner Kratky and Joe Orbe, who added his nickname, "Solid Jackson." Using information he found online, Ira Dube was able to track down Kratky and Orbe's relatives in upstate New York. Kratky was killed on Saipan in 1944. Orbe, a New York City native, survived the war and died in 1974. Dube hasn't definitively identified the soldier in the Reid sketch. The unidentified drawings were delivered to the military museum Dec. 1. Director Courtney Burns said the sketches will be posted on the museum's website and likely will be displayed in an exhibit this year. "We may never know who any of them are," Burns said. "But I think that's part of the mystery and part of the intrigue of them." Wilfred "Spike" Mailloux, a 105th Regiment veteran who was wounded during a massive banzai attack near the end of the Saipan battle, recently perused the sketches at the museum to see whether he recognized any of the soldiers. None looked familiar. "It was such a long time ago," said Mailloux, 94, a General Electric retiree from the Albany area who's one of the last surviving 105th Regiment veterans. "We were young squirts back then." In this Dec. 8, 2017 photo, World War II veteran Wilfred "Spike" Mailloux looks through a series of sketches of U.S. Army 27th Infantry Division soldiers while visiting the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. They were done in Hawaii by Stan Dube in 1943, a year before the 27th Division fought in the Battle of Saipan. Now his son, Ira Dube, is hoping to identify the men, so he has donated his late father's 15 sketches to the museum. (AP Photo/Chris Carola) BEIJING (AP) - An activist promoting the Tibetan language stood trial Thursday in western China for inciting separatism after he appeared in a documentary video produced by The New York Times, highlighting the risks that Chinese citizens often face when speaking to the foreign media on sensitive issues. Tashi Wangchuk's lawyer Liang Xiaojun told The Associated Press that a judge in Qinghai province heard oral arguments for four hours and will issue a verdict at an unspecified date. Tashi, 32, has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he could face a prison term of five years or as many as 15 years, Liang said. Liang says prosecutors presented evidence focused on a nine-minute video the Times made in 2015 that told of how Tashi tried to sue local officials for denying Tibetans language and culture education. The Times' website is blocked in China. Tashi was detained in January 2016, two months after The Times published its video and accompanying article. Liang said Tashi, who has been in jail for two years while awaiting trial, was treated well in detention and in good mental condition. Liang added that he was given ample time to present his defense, which hinged on the argument that appearing in the documentary did not amount to separatist activity. "The prosecutors are ideologically too strong," said Liang. "Their main evidence was this video - just nine minutes and 13 seconds." In the documentary, Tashi, who was also described as a shopkeeper, speaks extensively in Mandarin about the "pressure and fear" felt by Tibetans and his worry that their culture is being wiped out through the steady erosion of their language. He notes that 140 Tibetans have died from self-immolations since 2009 and says he believes they were also protesting the disappearance of their culture under Beijing's rule. "I want to try to use the People's Republic of China's laws to solve the problem," Tashi says in the documentary. He added that if the courts refused to hear his case, it would prove that issues surrounding Tibetan rights would not be solved through the Chinese legal system. "If this comes to an end and I'm locked up and cannot proceed with what I'm doing and they force me to say or do things I don't want to say, I will choose suicide," he added. He is shown seeking redress through official channels as he travels to Beijing, where he tries, unsuccessfully, to file a lawsuit against local officials and convince journalists at China's powerful state broadcaster, CCTV, to cover his case. Minority rights are protected under China's constitution, as is the right to sue government officials, he says in the video. "All Tashi Wangchuk has done is peacefully advocate for constitutionally guaranteed rights," said Human Rights Watch China director Sophie Richardson. "If Chinese authorities consider that 'inciting separatism,' it's hard to tell what isn't." China's ruling Communist Party often equates advocacy for greater autonomy or rights for its ethnic minority Tibetans, Uighurs and Mongolians with outright separatism. And its courts often hand down particularly harsh punishment to those criticizing the government's ethnic policies relative to other issues. Rights groups around the world widely condemned China after it issued a life sentence in 2014 to Ilham Tohti, a moderate though outspoken Uighur critic of Beijing's policies in Xinjiang, the region that is home to the Uighurs. He was convicted of fanning ethnic hatred, advocating violence and instigating terror through his classroom teaching and a website on Uighur issues. DOVER, Del. (AP) - The remains of an American soldier killed fighting in eastern Afghanistan are back home. Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin's remains arrived at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday. The 34-year-old was from Fort Lee, New Jersey. A military statement issued Tuesday said four other soldiers were wounded in the Jan. 1 battle in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. It said two of the wounded were in stable condition and the other two have returned to duty. An Army carry team moves a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. According to the Department of Defense, Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, N.J., died Jan. 1, 2018, in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark) Gen. John Nicholson, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, says "we are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own." The United States formally concluded its combat mission in Afghanistan at the end of 2014 but still carries out operations against the Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate, both of which are active in Nangarhar. Vice President Mike Pence, left, stands during a prayer near a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. According to the Department of Defense, Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, N.J., died Jan. 1, 2018 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark) Vice President Mike Pence, left, stands during a prayer near a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. According to the Department of Defense, Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, N.J., died Jan. 1, 2018 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark) An Army carry team moves a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. According to the Department of Defense, Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, N.J., died Jan. 1, 2018 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark) An Army carry team moves a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. 1st Class Mihail Golin at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. According to the Department of Defense, Golin, 34, of Fort Lee, N.J., died Jan. 1, 2018 in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, after being engaged by enemy fire while on a dismounted patrol. (AP Photo/Steve Ruark) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump is disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to cooperate. On Twitter early Thursday he said states that wouldn't cooperate must know they have people voting illegally. Trump convened the commission to investigate the 2016 presidential election, after alleging repeatedly and without evidence that voting fraud cost him the popular vote. Trump won the Electoral College. FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump, responds to reporters asking questions as he leaves the White House in Washington. Trump has signed an executive order disbanding his voter fraud commission. The White House in a statement blamed the decision on numerous states that have refused to provide voter information to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File) The White House blamed the decision to end the panel on more than a dozen states that have refused to comply with the commission's demand for reams of personal voter data, including names, partial Social Security numbers, voting histories and party affiliations. Trump said in tweets early Thursday that the states, mostly Democratic leaning, "fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally," he tweeted. "As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country." White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Wednesday: that Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the commission "rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense. "He has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action," she said. Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify Trump's claims of voter fraud. Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Clinton received more than 2.8 million more votes than Trump nationwide. While there have been isolated cases of voter fraud in the U.S., past studies have found it to be exceptionally rare. Critics also viewed the commission as part of an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides. The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Trump win, hacking email accounts and spreading false stories. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a conservative Republican and the commission's vice chairman, characterized the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a "tactical change" and argued DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently. "The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks," Kobach said. "The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling." Kobach, a vocal supporter of tough voter ID laws, alleged Democrats wanted no investigation. "Their motto is, 'Nothing to see here,'" he said. One of the members of the commission, Democratic Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, sued the commission in federal court, alleging it had violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents available to other members, among other charges. Dunlap on Wednesday said Kobach and his allies "were the ones that were stonewalling," saying they had "very definite ideas of what they wanted this commission to come up with." Three Democratic senators - Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - had also asked the U.S. Government Accountability Office to investigate the commission, which it agreed to do in October. Kobach said he intends to work closely with DHS and the White House and expects the bulk of the DHS investigation to be done by midsummer. More than a dozen states, as well as the District of Columbia, had rebuffed the commission's request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimize the idea that voter fraud is widespread. While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls contain outdated data, there is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has affected election results. A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud. During the commission's first meeting, Trump had questioned the motives of states that refused to comply with the commission's request, suggesting they had something to hide. Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded Wednesday's decision. "It is no surprise that a commission founded on a lie of widespread voter fraud proved to be a fraud itself," said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who had refused to comply with the commission's request for voter data. "No taxpayer dollars should have been wasted on Mr. Trump's voter suppression crusade." Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, accused the commission of engaging in "a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonizing the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate - with the not-so-secret goal of making voting harder with unnecessary barriers. "President Trump has tried and failed to spread his own fake news about voter fraud," Ho said. ___ Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press writer Ken Thomas contributed to this report. MOSCOW (AP) - Russia's Defense Ministry says two of its soldiers were killed in a mortar attack on the Russian air base in Syria. The ministry says the attack on the Hemeimeem base took place on Sunday and that it was carried out by a "mobile sabotage group" of fighters. Thursday's reports by the state news agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti did not specify the attackers' affiliation or say if they were members of a specific rebel or militant group in Syria. Russian forces also lost a helicopter in a Sunday crash in Syria that killed one of the two pilots. The ministry said a technical fault caused the crash and that the Mi-24 did not come under fire. ISLAMABAD (AP) - Japan's foreign minister has assured Pakistan of his country's cooperation with Islamabad on the subject of security and counter terrorism efforts. During a two-day visit, Taro Kono met with Pakistani army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa at the military's headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. A military statement on Thursday says Kono was briefed on Pakistan's war on terror and contributions toward regional peace. It said the Japanese minister expressed appreciation of Pakistan's efforts toward regional peace and stability and assured his hosts that Tokyo looks forward to enhancing its security cooperation with Pakistan, especially in the field of counter terrorism. Kono was also to meet with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abasi, Foreign Minister Khwaja Asif and other officials during his visit. FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Four women and two men will decide whether to recommend expelling Kentucky's Republican House speaker after he signed a secret sexual harassment settlement with a woman in his office. Eight Republican lawmakers filed formal disciplinary charges against Jeff Hoover on Wednesday, alleging he sexually harassed a woman in his office and then used taxpayer resources to cover it up. They asked a special committee to recommend expelling Hoover from the House. House rules require the Republican and Democratic leaders of the House to appoint six people to a special committee to investigate. Democrats appointed Reps. Sannie Overly, Joni Jenkins and Chris Harris. Republicans appointed Reps. Donna Mayfield, Diane St. Onge and Jason Petrie. Kentucky GOP House Speaker Jeff Hoover attends annual ethics and anti-sexual harassment training for the state legislature on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, in Frankfort, Ky. Hoover has temporarily stepped aside from his duties while the Legislative Ethics Commission investigates a sexual harassment settlement he signed with a woman who once worked in his office. (AP Photo/Adam Beam) Republican state Rep. Jerry Miller will chair the committee, but will only vote to break a tie. Overly, Harris, Petrie and St. Onge are attorneys, chosen for their legal expertise in conducting an investigation. Jenkins, a House member since 1995, has been a longtime advocate for preventing violence against women. Mayfield is retired from the U.S. Marshals. Overly was House Majority Caucus chairwoman in 2013 when some female state workers sued then-Democratic lawmaker John Arnold, alleging sexual harassment. Overly was scheduled to give a deposition in the case in 2015 while she was a candidate for lieutenant governor. She sought to have that deposition sealed, fearing it would be used against her for political purposes. But the case ended up settling for $400,000 and her deposition was not taken. Overly did not return a phone call seeking comment. House Democratic Caucus spokesman Brian Wilkerson said none of the Democratic members of the committee would comment. Hoover told The Associated Press he believes the complaint is motivated by politics. Its signers include Republican Rep. Phil Moffett, who Hoover said has "wanted to be speaker since he got here." Hoover has denied sexual harassment, but said he sent inappropriate yet consensual text messages to a woman who once worked for the House Republican Caucus. Moffett declined to respond to Hoover's comments, but said "we have a duty and a responsibility to discipline our members." In November, Hoover announced he would resign as speaker but keep his seat in the legislature. But Tuesday, Hoover said he was only temporarily stepping aside as speaker "until further notice." The settlement signed by Hoover and three other Republican lawmakers was handled outside of court and paid for with private money to avoid publicity. But the Courier Journal exposed the settlement, creating an uproar in a state that was transitioning to Republican rule after decades of dominance by Democrats. The complaint was signed by Moffett and fellow Republican state Reps. Addia Wuchner, Kim King, Russell Webber, Stan Lee, Robert Benvenuti, Tim Moore and Joe Fischer. It says Hoover sent text messages to the woman requesting photos of her in a "black lace g string," saying they were "for my eyes only" and promising to delete them. It also says Hoover created a hostile work environment by using his office to "conduct interviews and intimidate witnesses (who) had knowledge of his illicit relationship." Hoover and the other Republican lawmakers who signed the settlement say a confidentiality clause prevents them from discussing it publicly. House GOP leaders have asked the Legislative Ethics Commission to use its subpoena power to determine if lawmakers used money from political donors or registered lobbyists to pay the settlement, which could violate state law. Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has previously called for Hoover to step down. In a speech Thursday night in Lexington, Bevin never mentioned Hoover by name, but addressed the issue indirectly. When discussing his hopes for the new legislative session he said there have been some "distractions." "You know what they are," he said. "We don't need to reiterate them. But I again would ask of you ... expect of us that we will hold a high standard on all fronts. That we will have a high moral standard, high integrity. That we will exercise good judgment. You should expect nothing less of us." ___ Associated Press reporter Bruce Schreiner contributed to this story. FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2017 file photo, Jeff Hoover looks up to the cheers from the gallery following his swearing in Frankfort, Ky. Kentucky's House speaker, who said he would resign his leadership position after acknowledging he settled a sexual harassment claim with a female legislative staffer, now says he's reconsidering that decision. Hoover announced his resignation in November, saying at the time that it was "effective immediately." But his resignation is not official until he submits it to the House of Representatives. The House convened Tuesday, but Hoover did not resign. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File) DENVER (AP) - Authorities say Matthew Riehl's six-year descent from a budding attorney to a gunman who killed a deputy was accompanied by episodes of mental illness. A document from the Veterans Affairs Department says Riehl was hospitalized at a VA psychiatric ward in Wyoming in 2014, and at one point he was placed under a 72-hour mental health hold there. But the agency declined to say whether that treatment meant Riehl should not have been allowed to own a gun. This undated photo released by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office shows Matthew Riehl. The 37-year-old man was shot to death Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, after shooting at the deputies, killing one. Authorities in suburban Denver are investigating what led Riehl to fire more than 100 rounds in his apartment on sheriff's deputies. (Douglas County Sheriff via AP) Federal standards prevent anyone from buying a gun who has been determined to be a danger to themselves or others by a court or other authority. A SWAT team killed Riehl after Sunday's attack. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - A court in Norway said Thursday that the government can hand out oil drilling licenses in the Arctic, dealing a blow to two environmental groups that had filed a lawsuit against further drilling in the Barents Sea. The Oslo District Court acquitted the government against charges from Nature and Youth and Greenpeace Nordic that drilling for oil and gas in Arctic waters would violate with the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Norwegian constitution. The court cited the constitution, saying "natural resources shall be managed on the basis of long-term considerations, which will safeguard this right for future generations as well." Activists decried the decision. "Climate change is global. And climate scientists are freaking out. The Norwegian oil policy is letting down my generation and threatens my future," said Ingrid Skjoldvaer, head of Nature and Youth. The groups had sued Norway's Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in an attempt to invalidate the latest round of 10 production licenses in the Barents Sea on the edge of the Arctic Ocean. The oil ministry had said the licensing round was in compliance with the constitution and noted that it was backed by a large majority in Norway's parliament. The government said following the court ruling that it now "had a sound basis for its decision to award the production licenses." The court also said the groups should pay legal expenses worth 580,000 kroner ($71,435). Greenpeace spokesman Truls Gulowsen said the group is considering whether to appeal. MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP) - Nigerian authorities say another girl seized during a mass abduction from a boarding school in Chibok nearly four years ago has been found. More than 100 of the girls remain captives of the Boko Haram Islamic extremist group, with many forced to marry their kidnappers. Col. Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed Thursday that the girl's name was on the list of abducted Chibok girls. She was found in the company of another young woman who had a child with her. Chibok community leader Madu Usman expressed happiness that the girl finally was free but said efforts must be made to find all those who remain in captivity. The militants abducted 276 girls in 2014. Some escaped on their own, while more than 80 were released last year after negotiations. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on a new book about President Donald Trump (all times local): 4:40 p.m. The publisher of a new book about President Donald Trump's first year in office apparently isn't cowed by demands to halt publication - it is moving up the date the book comes out. FILE - In this Jan. 23, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump smiles as he walks in from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, to host breakfast with business leaders in the Roosevelt Room. Sitting at the table are then-White House senior adviser Steve Bannon, left, and Kevin Plank, founder, CEO and Chairman of Under Armour. Trump returned fire with both barrels Wednesday against criticism leveled at him in a new book that says he never expected - or wanted - to win the White House, his victory left his wife in tears and a senior adviser thought his son's contact with a Russian lawyer during the campaign was "treasonous." (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) Henry Holt and Co. says in a statement that it will move up the release date of Michael Wolff's "Fire and Fury" four days, to Jan. 5, citing "unprecedented demand." Trump attorney Charles Harder has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Wolff and Steve Rubin, president and publisher of Henry Holt. It demands a halt to publication of the book or excerpts. "Fire and Fury" paints a derogatory portrait of Trump, describing him as an undisciplined man-child who didn't actually want to win the White House. Wolff himself is tweeting: "Here we go. You can buy it (and read it) tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. President." __ 2:35 p.m. President Donald Trump has made his first appearance in the White House briefing room - but on video. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders played a brief recorded video of Trump reading a statement about the tax cut bill he signed into law before Christmas. Trump's video appearance came the day after details from a forthcoming book painted an unflattering portrait of Trump and his administration. The Oval Office is a short walk from the briefing room, but the video appearance allowed Trump to deliver a message without having to face questions about the book and other topics. Trump says in the video that the tax-cut legislation is already delivering major economic gains. The president says various companies have announced bonuses or higher minimum wages for their employees as a result of the law. ___ 1:25 p.m. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich agrees with the president about former Trump strategist Steve Bannon. Gingrich told reporters Thursday, "Well, I think Bannon has lost his mind, so that was an accurate tweet." The Georgia Republican was responding to President Donald Trump's statement Wednesday that Bannon has "lost his mind." Bannon questioned Trump's fitness for office and made scathing criticisms of the president in a new book about Trump's first year in the White House. Trump also tweeted this week that he has a "nuclear button" that is "much bigger" than the one claimed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Gingrich says, "The fact is, he's going to be president, probably for eight years, and you guys just have to get used to the fact that he is who he is." ___ 11:59 a.m. President Donald Trump says he no longer speaks with former chief strategist Steve Bannon, who unloaded on his administration in a new book. Trump told reporters Thursday, "I don't talk to him," before he began a White House meeting with Republican senators on immigration reform. Bannon questioned Trump's fitness for office and made scandalous allegations against the president and his family in excerpts of the book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," by Michael Wolff. As the bombshell book surfaced Wednesday, Trump unleashed on Bannon in a statement, saying he had "lost his mind." Speaking on Thursday at the White House, Trump said Bannon spoke positively of him Wednesday night on his Breitbart radio show. Trump noted, "He called me a great man last night." And Trump added that his counter-attack had its desired outcome. "He obviously changed his tune pretty quick." ____ 10:55 a.m. President Donald Trump is demanding the author and publisher of a new book about him immediately halt its release. Trump attorney Charles Harder sent a cease-and-desist letter dated Thursday to Michael Wolff, author of "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House." The same letter was also sent to Steve Rubin, president and publisher of Henry Holt and Co. It demands a halt to publication of the book or of excerpts. Wolff's book is set for release on Jan. 9. It paints a derogatory portrait of Trump. Harder also demands that Wolff and Rubin issue a "full and complete" retraction and apology to Trump. The attorney also asks that Wolff and Rubin immediately forward electronic and hard copies of the book to his office in California. ___ 3:38 a.m. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on former top adviser Steve Bannon, responding to a new book that portrays Trump as an undisciplined man-child who didn't actually want to win the White House and quotes Bannon as calling his son's contact with a Russian lawyer "treasonous." Hitting back via a formal White House statement rather than a more-typical Twitter volley, Trump insisted Bannon had little to do with his victorious campaign and "has nothing to do with me or my Presidency." "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said Wednesday. It was a blistering attack against the man who helped deliver the presidency to Trump. It was spurred by an unflattering new book by writer Michael Wolff that paints Trump as a leader who doesn't understand the weight of the presidency and spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the phone to old friends. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is partially abandoning its 'pay-what-you-wish' admissions policy for a new approach that favors New Yorkers. Starting March 1, the museum will charge a mandatory $25 entrance fee to most adult visitors who don't live in New York state, the Met's president and CEO, Daniel Weiss, said Thursday. Admission cost will still be on a volunteer basis for individuals that live in the state. Starting March 1, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is partially abandoning its 'pay-what-you-wish' admissions policy and will charge a mandatory $25 entrance fee to most adult visitors who don't live in New York state The old way of doing things had made the Met a favorite egalitarian destination for generations of art lovers, even those who could barely afford a bus ticket into town. But the museum, which has a $305 million operating budget, registered a shortfall of about $10 million in the 2017 fiscal year. The policy change could potentially bring in enough extra money to bridge that gap in 2018. Charging for those visiting from other states will raises an additional estimated $6 million to $11 million per year, and help bring long-term fiscal stability to the institution, Weiss said. The museum, which has a $305 million operating budget, registered a shortfall of about $10 million in the 2017 fiscal year, the Met's president and CEO, Daniel Weiss, said Thursday The old way of doing things had made the Met a favorite egalitarian destination for generations of art lovers, even those who could barely afford a bus ticket into town People from all over the world have been able to come to the museum for nearly nothing since its founding in 1870, but the number of people willing to pay a suggested donation of $25 has dropped off substantially in recent years. 'The goal of the policy is to find a better balance for the institution,' Weiss said. 'The current policy has failed.' Entrance will remain free for all children under 12 and pay-what-you-wish for students up to graduate school in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Students living outside the tri-state area will be charged $12 and seniors $17. The fee change will affect about 30 percent of the museum's visitors. The rest are either state residents, Met members, or they come in as part of a tour group or via a multi-attraction pass. People from all over the world have been able to come to the museum for nearly nothing since its founding in 1870 The number of people willing to pay a suggested donation of $25 has dropped off substantially in recent years The mandatory $25 fee will also allow visitors to enter the Met over three consecutive days, instead of just one, Weiss said. Two cousins visiting the Met from Italy on Thursday chose to pay $15 each and said that was plenty. 'But $25 is a lot, it's absolutely too much,' said Francesca Betocchi, an attorney from Bologna celebrating her 35th birthday. 'We think art education should be a free, open door for everybody, not only for those who have more money,' said Paola Borri, 51, an accountant, also from Bologna. The formal change follows years of debate and litigation over the Met's admissions policies. As part of the late 19th-century legislation that allowed the museum to open in Central Park, admission was initially required to be free most days of the week. In 1970, city officials agreed to let the museum charge fees, as long as the amount paid was up to the visitor. Lawsuits in recent years have challenged signage at the museum listing a $25 'recommended' admissions price, saying some visitors were misled into thinking they had to pay that amount. In 1970, city officials agreed to let the museum charge fees, as long as the amount paid was up to the visitor Lawsuits in recent years have challenged signage at the museum listing a $25 'recommended' admissions price, saying some visitors were misled into thinking they had to pay that amount Since 2004, the number of adults who have paid the full suggested entrance price has dropped from 63 percent to 17 percent. The voluntary contribution now averages only $9, the museum said. Factors that may have contributed to the diminution include the economic recession as well as Met programs aimed at drawing additional younger people to the Fifth Avenue complex. 'We're not exactly sure, but the world is changing,' Weiss said. But even though the number of visitors paying the suggested admission rate has dropped considerably, the Met's overall attendance has increased by 40 percent in the past eight years, to a record 7 million last year. Even though the number of visitors paying the suggested admission rate has dropped considerably, the Met's overall attendance has increased by 40 percent in the past eight years An entrance fee of $25 would be in line with admissions to other New York art institutions, from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Guggenheim, which both charge a $25 entrance fee, to the Whitney, which costs $22 to get in. Two other city institutions - the American Museum of Natural History and the Brooklyn Museum - have retained their voluntary contribution policy, though both charge fees for certain special exhibitions. Several other museums around the US offer pay-what-you-wish rates, but only during certain hours and only on some days of the week. For example, the Philadelphia Museum of Art does it on the first Sunday of every month from 10-5 pm Eastern, as well as every Wednesday evening after 5 pm. Some, like the 19 Smithsonian national museums, are free. Asked how the museum will verify whether visitors are New York state residents, Weiss said they'll be asked to present evidence such as a driver's license, a utility bill or IDNYC, the free identification card for city residents. The new admissions policy has received the required approval from New York City, which owns the land on which the Met sits and subsidizes the museum for 9 percent of its operating budget. Separately, the Met has endowments of $3 billion. ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - The jailed co-leader of Turkey's pro-Kurdish opposition will step down during a party congress next month. Selahattin Demirtas announced his decision not to seek another term at the Feb. 11 congress in a letter made public by his Peoples' Democratic Party, or HDP, on Thursday. The popular politician was jailed along with close to a dozen other HDP lawmakers last year. Prosecutors are seeking a total of 142 years in prison for him on charges of leading a terror organization, engaging in terror propaganda and other crimes. He denies the accusations. In a related development Thursday, a court convicted HDP legislator Idris Baluken on charges of membership in a terror group and engaging in terror propaganda and sentenced him to 16 years in prison. Baluken is expected to appeal. BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Prosecutors allege the last suspect fighting charges in what's believed to be the first large-scale Jamaican lottery scam tried in U.S. courts funneled money between the two countries through her airline job. They also say Melinda Bulgin, of Providence, Rhode Island, received legal training at university, contradicting her assertion that she was confused about her legal rights when questioned by authorities. The government is opposing Bulgin's effort to have statements from interrogations in Jamaica and Rhode Island in 2015 disallowed at her September trial. Bulgin maintains her constitutional rights were violated. A hearing is scheduled Jan. 22. Authorities say at least 90 Americans lost a total of more than $5.7 million to the scam. Twenty-seven people were charged. All but Bulgin have pleaded guilty or been convicted. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on the decision by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to end a federal policy affecting states that have legalized marijuana. (all times local): 2 p.m. Colorado's U.S. attorney says his office won't change its approach to prosecuting marijuana crimes. That's after Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a new policy giving federal prosecutors more leeway to enforce federal laws against pot. In this Jan. 1, 2018 photo, a customer purchases marijuana at Harborside marijuana dispensary in Oakland, Calif. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is going after legalized marijuana. Sessions is rescinding a policy that had let legalized marijuana flourish without federal intervention across the country. That's according to two people with direct knowledge of the decision. (AP Photo/Mathew Sumner) Bob Troyer's office released a statement Thursday after Sessions rescinded the Obama-era policy that had helped legalized marijuana to flourish in Colorado and other states. Sessions says prosecutors can decide how aggressively to pursue marijuana cases. Troyer says his office has always focused on prosecuting marijuana crimes that "create the greatest safety threats" and will continue to be guided by that goal. He says that's consistent with Sessions' latest guidance. Troyer took office in August 2016 after former President Barack Obama's appointee stepped down. President Donald Trump hasn't nominated a replacement. ___ 12:32 p.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has rescinded an Obama-era policy that allowed legal marijuana to flourish in states across the country. In a memo Thursday, Sessions says federal prosecutors should decide on their own whether to devote resources to marijuana cases based on other demands in their districts. Sessions writes in the one-page memo that "prosecutors should follow the well-established principles that govern all federal prosecutions" by considering the seriousness of the crime and its impact on the community. It is not immediately clear how the decision will impact sales of the drug, which are legal on the state level in eight states and Washington, D.C. But, as Sessions notes in the memo, marijuana remains federally illegal. Justice Department officials say they could take further action against states that have legalized pot but stopped short of offering specifics. ____ 10:39 a.m. A Republican senator from Colorado is reacting angrily to Attorney General Jeff Sessions' plans to change the federal policy affecting states that have legalized marijuana. Cory Gardner says in a tweet that the Justice Department "has trampled on the will of the voters" in Colorado and other states. The AP reported Thursday that Sessions will rescind an Obama-era policy that generally barred federal law enforcement officials from interfering marijuana sales in states where pot is legal. Gardner said this would contradict what Sessions had told him before the attorney general was confirmed. He said he was prepared "to take all steps necessary," including holding up the confirmation of Justice Department nominees, "until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation." ___ 8:40 a.m. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is going after legalized marijuana. Sessions is rescinding a policy that had let legalized marijuana flourish without federal intervention across the country. That's according to two people with direct knowledge of the decision. They were not allowed to publicly discuss it before an announcement expected Thursday and spoke on condition of anonymity. The move will leave it to U.S. attorneys where pot is legal to decide whether to aggressively enforce federal marijuana law. The move likely will add to confusion about whether it's OK to grow, buy or use marijuana in states where it's legal, since long-standing federal law prohibits it. The decision comes days after California began selling recreational marijuana. Sessions compares marijuana to heroin and blames it for spikes in violence. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration condemned Iran's government Thursday for cracking down on protests across the country and warned that the United States has "ample authorities" to impose sanctions in response. At the same time, the United States imposed new sanctions on five Iranian entities over their involvement in developing ballistic missiles. Those sanctions were unrelated to the ongoing protests. But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said more sanctions "targeting human rights abuses are coming," adding that the U.S. would call out Iran's economic mismanagement - a key complaint of the protesters. At the State Department, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Iran's government had imprisoned more than 1,000 people and was killing "those who are brave enough" to protest in the streets. She accused Iran's government of limiting the flow of information, restricting speech and trying to prevent the rest of the world from witnessing the repression. Nauert said the United States supports Iranians' "legitimate aspirations" and calls on Iran's government to ease controls on information and allow peaceful demonstration. "To the regime's victims, we say: You will not be forgotten," Nauert said. The fresh expression of support for the protesters came as the United States looks for additional ways to embolden and assist those demonstrating against corruption, economic problems and mismanagement by Iran's government. The U.S. has called on Iran to stop blocking social media sites and has sought through the media and other channels to signal to Iranians that the world is watching closely and lending moral support. The United States is looking at ways to potentially open up access to the internet despite the Iranian government's efforts to restrict it, U.S. officials have said. The Trump administration is also looking into sanctions that could be imposed on Iranian officials in response to the crackdown, using existing U.S. authorities related to human rights, censorship and free assembly, said the officials, who weren't authorized to comment by name and demanded anonymity. Iran, in return, has tried to portray the protests as fomented by the United States, rather than the spontaneous result of homegrown frustrations. On Thursday, Iran directly blamed a CIA official for the protests, though the Trump administration has denied having any hand in starting them. The CIA declined to comment. The new sanctions designations announced Thursday target subsidiaries of Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group, part of the Iranian Defense Ministry. Shahid is already under U.S. sanctions. The new designations ensure its subsidiaries are punished, too. Last month, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley showed reporters missile parts with logos suggesting they were manufactured by Shahid. Haley said the fragments were recovered from missiles launched at Saudi Arabia by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. ___ Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Five western nations have warned Kosovo against repealing or amending a law on a war crimes court, saying it would suffer negative consequences "in international and Euro-Atlantic integration." A statement Thursday from the nations - the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Italy - said they were "deeply concerned by ongoing efforts to undermine the work of the Specialist Chambers." It called on Kosovo politicians and lawmakers "to abandon any thought of repealing or re-negotiating any aspect of the law ... (because that) calls into question Kosovo's commitment to the rule of law." In December, a group of Kosovo lawmakers tried to amend the law, seeking to extend its jurisdiction over Serbs, their former adversaries in the 1998-1999 war for independence. The court now has jurisdiction only over potential war crimes suspects who were Kosovo citizens. "(This move) puts the interests of certain individuals above the interests of Kosovo society. We condemn such a move," the nations said. Kosovo detached from Yugoslavia following a three-month NATO air war in 1999 to stop a bloody Serbian crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatists. It then declared unilateral independence from Serbia in 2008, a move recognized by 114 states but not by Serbia. The court law was passed in 2015 as a result of U.S. and European pressure on Kosovo's government to confront alleged war crimes that the Kosovo Liberation Army committed against ethnic Serbs. The court, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands, with judges from European Union member countries, the U.S. and Canada, is part of Kosovo's legal system. It has yet to hear any cases. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration moved Thursday to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan that would open up federal waters off California for the first time in more than three decades. The new five-year drilling plan also could open new areas of oil and gas exploration in areas off the East Coast from Florida to Maine, where drilling has been blocked for decades. While some lawmakers in those states support offshore drilling, the plan drew immediate opposition from governors up and down the East Coast, including Republican Govs. Rick Scott of Florida and Larry Hogan of Maryland, who pressed President Donald Trump to withdraw their states from consideration. Democratic governors on both coasts blasted the plan. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo called it "another federal assault on our environment" while California Gov. Jerry Brown vowed to block "this reckless, short-sighted action." FILE - In this May 13, 2010 file photo, pelicans float on the water with an offshore oil platform in the background in the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif. The Trump administration on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018 moved to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan that would open up federal waters off the California coast for the first time in more than three decades. The Channel is one of those areas. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the plan, saying that responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security while providing billions of dollars to fund conservation along U.S. coastlines. The five-year plan would open 90 percent of the nation's offshore reserves to development by private companies, Zinke said, with 47 leases proposed off the nation's coastlines from 2019 to 2024. Nineteen sales would be off Alaska, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, nine in the Atlantic and seven in the Pacific, including six off California. "This is a draft program," Zinke told reporters during a conference call. "Nothing is final yet, and our department is continuing to engage the American people to get to our final product." Industry groups praised the announcement, which would be the most expansive offshore drilling proposal in decades. The proposal follows Trump's executive order in April encouraging more drilling rights in federal waters, part of the administration's strategy to help the U.S. achieve "energy dominance" in the global market. "To kick off a national discussion, you need a national plan - something that has been lacking the past several years," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association. President Barack Obama blocked Atlantic and Pacific drilling under a five-year plan finalized in 2016. A coalition of more than 60 environmental groups denounced the plan, saying it would impose "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life. "These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground. They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies," read the coalition's statement, which was signed by leaders of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups. The proposal comes less than a week after the Trump administration proposed to rewrite or kill rules on offshore oil and gas drilling imposed after the 2010 rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig killed 11 workers and triggered the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. history. The Trump administration called the rules an unnecessary burden on industry and said rolling them back will encourage more energy production. Environmentalists said Trump was raising the risk of more deadly oil spills. The Obama administration imposed tougher rules in response to the BP spill. The rules targeted blowout preventers, massive valve-like devices designed to prevent spills from wells on the ocean floor. The preventer used by BP failed. The rules require more frequent inspections of those and other devices and dictate that experts onshore monitor drilling of highly complex wells in real time. The Gulf of Mexico is still recovering from the BP spill, said Diane Hoskins, campaign director for the marine conservation group Oceana. "Americans have seen the devastation that comes from offshore drilling," she said. "Will we allow Florida's white beaches or the popular and pristine Outer Banks to share a similar fate? What about the scenic Pacific coast or even remote Arctic waters?" Zinke's announcement "ignores widespread and bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling," including from more than 150 municipalities nationwide and 1,200 local, state and federal officials, Hoskins said. Scott, the Florida governor, said he has asked for an immediate meeting with Zinke to discuss his concerns. "My top priority is to ensure that Florida's natural resources are protected," Scott said. Hogan, of Maryland, said he would oppose the plan "to the fullest extent that is legally possible." California was the site of the first offshore drilling in the U.S. more than 120 years ago, but the region was tarnished by one of the worst spills in U.S. history in 1969, when more than 3 million gallons of oil poured into the ocean near Santa Barbara. Thousands of sea birds were killed, along with dolphins, elephant seals and sea lions. Virtually all commercial fishing near Santa Barbara was halted, and tourism dropped dramatically. Public outrage generated by the spill helped spark the modern environmental movement, and no federal leases have been granted off the California coast since 1984. Democratic Govs. Jerry Brown of California, Kate Brown of Oregon and Jay Inslee of Washington issued a joint statement slamming the proposal, which they said ignored science and the devastation of past offshore spills. "For more than 30 years, our shared coastline has been protected from further federal drilling and we'll do whatever it takes to stop this reckless, short-sighted action," they said. This May 16, 2015 photo shows oil drillings offshore of a service pier in the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of Southern California near Carpinteria. The Trump administration on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018 moved to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan that would open up federal waters off the California coast for the first time in more than three decades. The Channel is one of those areas. (AP Photo/John Antczak) DETROIT (AP) - The Latest on the sentencing of a Detroit-area couple who were blamed by prosecutors for the deaths of five immigrants in a house fire (all times local): ___ 2:40 p.m. A Detroit-area man has been sentenced to nine months in prison for employing five Mexican immigrants who died in a house fire. Federal prosecutors wanted seven years in prison for Roger Tam, who owned a restaurant. But Judge Marianne Battani (Ba-TAN'-ee) said she wouldn't hold Tam and his wife responsible for the deaths at their suburban Detroit home. A teen and four men from Mexico were in the U.S. illegally. They died in 2016 when they failed to escape a basement fire that was linked to careless smoking. Autopsies showed three had been drinking heavily. Tam told the judge Thursday that he was "deeply heartbroken" over the deaths. The victims lived in Tam's house and were 16 years old to 23 years old. Tam's wife, Ada Mei Lei, wasn't given a prison sentence. ___ 1:03 a.m. Lawyers for a Michigan couple who owned a home where five immigrants died say the fire was a tragic accident that doesn't justify years in prison. Roger Tam and his wife, Ada Mei Lei, are returning to federal court Thursday. A teenager and four men from Mexico were in the U.S. illegally and working at a Detroit-area restaurant that was owned by the couple. The five died in 2016 while living in the basement of Tam's Novi home. Tam and Lei pleaded guilty to harboring immigrants. The government wants a seven-year prison sentence, saying the couple created a high risk of death. Defense lawyers deny it. They say the basement was finished with two bedrooms, a kitchen and living area. The fire has been linked to careless smoking. A Texas man charged with kidnapping two girls after their mother was killed has blamed 'crazy Mexicans' as cops revealed he has been wanted for questioning over her death. Terry Allen Miles, 44, was arrested in a remote area of southern Colorado on Wednesday after several tips of sightings had been reported there. Lilianas Griffith, 14, and seven-year-old Luluvioletta Bandera-magret, were recovered safely some 700 miles from their Texas home and taken to a hospital to be checked for injuries. Miles has been charged with kidnapping. Law enforcement have been looking for Miles as a person of interest after the girls' mother, Tonya Bates, 44, was found dead in their Round Rock home. It has also emerged that he sent a text message to his own mother saying that he had 'left with the kids and came home to something bad' adding that 'Tonya was involved in some bad stuff' and 'these guys are crazy Mexicans'. Meanwhile, it has also been revealed that Miles is still a person of interest in the 2014 homicide of the mother of a woman in Louisiana he was dating and living with at the time. Terry Allen Miles, 44, was arrested in a remote area of southern Colorado on Wednesday after several tips of sightings had been reported there Lilianas Griffith, 14, and Luluvioletta Bandera-magret, seven, (right) were found in Trinidad, Colorado after they were abducted from their home in Round Rock, Texas allegedly by Terry Allen Miles (left). Miles was also found and is in custody The girls' mother has been identified as 44-year-old Tonya Bates. Her cause of death has not yet been revealed A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office in Denver, where Miles made his first appearance in court Thursday afternoon, said he waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Colorado and consented to being transported to Texas. Spokesman Jeff Dorschner said Miles reserved his right to have a preliminary hearing and detention hearing when he arrives in Texas. Law enforcement officials have been looking for Miles as a person of interest in the death of the girls' mother, Tonya Bates. Co-workers called police in Round Rock, about 20 miles north of Austin, Texas, to ask that they check on Bates when she did not show up for work Saturday. An officer found Bates dead from apparent blunt force trauma. An affidavit submitted by an FBI special agent seeking kidnapping charges against Miles says police contacted Bates' family, who told them Bates' daughters lived with her and she had a roommate, who they identified as Miles. Police issued an Amber Alert for the girls, noting they could be with Miles and could be driving in Bates' car, which was also missing from her home. Special Agent Sean Mullen wrote in the affidavit that Miles' mother had received a text message from him about 1 a.m. Saturday using one of the daughters' cellphones. Miles was captured after a deputy in Las Animas County spotted his gray 2007 Hyundai Accent Miles and the girls were last seen on December 30 on surveillance video at a store in Trinidad According to the affidavit, the text read, 'Mom I left with the kids and came home to something bad I think Tonyas boyfriend. I cant talk now tonya was involved in some bad stuff I will talk to you later when im safe these guys are crazy Mexicans.' Law enforcement officials tracked the girls' phones, finding one in the woods near a Wal-Mart in Round Rock. Surveillance footage from the store showed Miles buying camping gear, including a 10-person tent, rope and tarps, then leaving in a vehicle that matched Bates' car. The other daughter's phone showed a location near two cell towers in New Mexico on January 1. A license plate reader also captured a picture of the car travelling toward Colorado. Law enforcement officers in several Colorado cities and counties checked hotels in the area after receiving multiple reports of sightings. Deputy Chief Jay Harrison of the Trinidad Police Department in Colorado said Miles may have been camping near Stonewall. He said deputies and officers had been looking for Miles in the remote area near the Sangre de Cristo Mountains about 24 miles west of Trinidad, Colorado, Wednesday evening. After he was spotted, authorities said he began to drive erratically. Police believe Bates and Miles were roommates Lilianas Griffith (left) and Luluvioletta Bandera-magret will be placed in the care of child protective services before they are returned home to Texas Miles has a long criminal past and was arrested at least seven times between 2006 and 2015, including for porn involving a juvenile. The case is still being investigated After more deputies arrived, Harrison said they were able to pull over Miles and take him into custody without any problems. According to Louisiana court records, Miles is on probation from a 2015 domestic violence conviction and a 2014 conviction for possession of stolen goods. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso told the Austin American-Statesman that Miles had a history of domestic violence arrests and convictions. He was convicted two other times in 2009 and 2011 on domestic violence charges. Mancuso said Miles is still a person of interest in the 2014 homicide of the mother of a woman he was dating and living with at the time. He was also charged with second-degree attempted murder for trying to suffocate a woman he was dating in 2011 and allegedly staging a suicide scene. The 2011 charges were dropped when that woman killed herself before she could testify. 'He will live with a woman until she's had enough, then he beats up on her and moves on and finds another victim,' Mancuso said. Miles was also convicted twice in California with of injuring a spouse or cohabitant, in 1995 and 2002. SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Police in San Antonio recently took the unusual step of charging a man suspected of smuggling 12 immigrants with a state felony instead of referring the case to federal authorities. Herbert Alan Nichols of Houston was arrested Dec. 23 and charged with smuggling of persons. In a report published Thursday, police told the San Antonio Express-News that they interviewed the 12 people inside the tractor-trailer Nichols was allegedly driving, then released them. According to the newspaper, the 12 people were suspected of having entered the U.S. illegally. In July, when San Antonio police discovered a trailer outside a Walmart in a smuggling case where 10 people died, U.S. authorities charged the driver and detained the people found inside. The driver, James Matthew Bradley Jr., pleaded guilty in October. Another person remains charged in that case. An additional 29 people who survived being in the trailer were detained. Immigrant advocates representing the survivors have said that many of them were eventually deported or sent back to their country of origin. San Antonio police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Ramos said it made sense for the city to handle the new case in part because the department received a $500,000 grant last year to train its officers on human trafficking and smuggling. "We certainly will work with our federal counterparts," Ramos said. "We have a working relationship." A spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told the newspaper that the agency offered its help. ICE did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment from The Associated Press. Smuggling of persons is a felony under Texas law. Prosecutors don't have to prove that the people being smuggled were immigrants. It is a rarely used charge in San Antonio, despite the city's proximity to major interstate highways and the U.S.-Mexico border city of Laredo, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) away. The Express-News reported that according to online court records in Bexar County, which includes San Antonio, just one person has been prosecuted in the county since 2011. San Antonio is among the cities that challenged a state law that targets so-called sanctuary cities. Parts of the law were allowed to go into effect by a federal appeals court last year. San Antonio police Chief William McManus was an outspoken opponent of the law. As it went into effect, the department changed a policy that prohibited officers from asking people it detained about their immigration status. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice backed the law and the state in court. In Nichols' case, McManus arrived at the scene where officers spoke to Nichols outside his tractor-trailer, according to a police report released Thursday. The report says Nichols admitted to picking up the people inside from a warehouse in Laredo and driving them to San Antonio, where they were going to be picked up. Bradley, the driver of the trailer in July, also admitted driving from Laredo to San Antonio, though he initially denied knowing people were inside his trailer. Nichols did not have a listed phone number or an attorney in online records who could comment on his behalf. ___ Information from: San Antonio Express-News, http://www.mysanantonio.com In a story Dec. 28 about a neo-Nazi website publisher's whereabouts, The Associated Press reported that the publisher, Andrew Anglin, mocked a process server's claim that he recently spotted Anglin at an Ohio grocery store. The story included comments that Anglin posted on social media before the process server detailed his claims in a sworn affidavit. Anglin's social media posts referred to an earlier Huffington Post report on the process server's claim. A clarified version of the story is below. Judge won't tolerate 'game-playing' by neo-Nazi site founder A neo-Nazi website publisher's whereabouts are a key issue in a pair of lawsuits he faces. That may not remain a mystery for much longer. A federal judge has warned Andrew Anglin's attorneys that he won't tolerate any "game-playing" and expects The Daily Stormer's publisher to disclose where he has been residing. Anglin has dubiously claimed he lives in Nigeria, but a process server swears he recently spotted him at a grocery store in his native Ohio. A neo-Nazi website publisher's whereabouts may not be a mystery for much longer now that a federal judge has warned his lawyers he won't tolerate any "game-playing" By MICHAEL KUNZELMAN Associated Press Andrew Anglin, founder of a neo-Nazi website notorious for its racist internet trolling campaigns, has dubiously claimed he lives in Nigeria. A process server swears he recently spotted The Daily Stormer's publisher at a grocery store in his native Ohio. Anglin's whereabouts - a key issue in a pair of lawsuits he faces - may not remain a mystery much longer. A federal judge in Montana has warned Anglin's attorneys that he won't tolerate any "game-playing" and expects him to disclose where he has been residing, according to a court transcript obtained by The Associated Press. Marc Randazza, one of Anglin's lawyers, told U.S. Magistrate Jeremiah Lynch during a Dec. 14 pretrial conference that he didn't know where his client is. Anglin's site takes its name from Der Sturmer, a newspaper that published Nazi propaganda. It has struggled to stay online since Anglin published a post mocking a woman killed in a deadly car attack at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August. "I can represent that he is outside of the United States," Randazza said, according to the transcript. "I had asked him where he is situated, and he changes locations regularly, and I don't know his whereabouts." Montana real estate agent Tanya Gersh sued Anglin in April, accusing him of orchestrating an anti-Semitic internet trolling campaign that terrorized her family amid her dispute with the mother of a leading white nationalist. Months passed before Anglin's lawyers formally responded to the suit, arguing the First Amendment protects his posts calling for a "troll storm" against Gersh. Anglin's attorneys have argued the court doesn't have jurisdiction over the case - and therefore must dismiss it - because Anglin is "not a citizen of any state." In a Nov. 30 court filing, they cited a CNN report that included Anglin's oft-repeated claim that he is living in Lagos, Nigeria. The judge told Randazza he should "emphasize to Mr. Anglin there's not going to be any game-playing here." "I don't want to be perceived as being an advocate, but he's going to have to detail what his travels have been, what his changes in location have been, because as you know, ultimately, again, I have an independent obligation to determine whether there's jurisdiction here. The ultimate question is his domicile," the judge said. Gersh's lawyers accuse Anglin of playing a "childish game of hide-and-seek" and cite evidence he is living in the Columbus, Ohio, area. Jeffrey Cremeans, a process server hired by Tanya Gersh's attorneys from the Alabama-based Southern Poverty Law Center, said in a sworn affidavit that he was shopping at a grocery store in a Columbus suburb on Dec. 10 when he saw a man who strongly resembles Anglin at a self-checkout register. "He appeared very paranoid, looking over his shoulder," Cremeans' affidavit says. Cremeans said he asked the man if his name is Andrew. "The man replied 'Nope' and then quickly fled the store," he said. Cremeans said he was "absolutely certain" it was Anglin, but couldn't serve him with the suit because he was on a personal errand and didn't have the paperwork. In response to a Huffington Post report on the alleged sighting - before the affidavit was filed - Anglin mocked the process server's claim in social media posts. "There are 2 million people in Columbus metro area. A process server happens by coincidence to run into me in a checkout line," he wrote on his Gab account. "No one (expletive) believes this. It is statistically impossible." Gersh says her family received a barrage of threatening and harassing emails, phone calls and other messages after Anglin published their personal information, including her 12-year-old son's Twitter handle and photo. In a string of posts that began last December, Anglin accused Gersh and other Jewish residents of Whitefish, Montana, of engaging in an "extortion racket" against the mother of white nationalist Richard Spencer. Gersh's lawsuit said she agreed to help Spencer's mother sell commercial property she owns in Whitefish amid talk of a protest outside the building. Sherry Spencer, however, later accused Gersh of threatening and harassing her into agreeing to sell the property. During the Dec. 14 discussion, one of Gersh's lawyers said they will be exploring whether others - including Richard Spencer - "may have participated in the decision-making process to start the troll storm" and therefore "might bear liability for the actions at issue here." Anglin faces a separate federal lawsuit filed in Ohio by Muslim-American radio host Dean Obeidallah, who says Anglin falsely labeled him as the "mastermind" behind a deadly bombing at a concert in England. Anglin hasn't responded to that suit. PANAMA CITY (AP) - Panama has extradited a fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. Panama's foreign ministry confirmed Thursday's extradition of former Quintana Roo Gov. Roberto Borge. Mexican authorities were escorting him to Mexico City. Borge was governor of the Caribbean coastal state from 2011 to 2016. Last year prosecutors seized 25 state properties that were allegedly sold to private parties at a fraction of their value during Borge's time in office. In this photo released by the Panama Foreign Ministry, Mexico's former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge, center, is escorted to a waiting plane in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Panama extradited the fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. (Efren Giron/Panama Foreign Ministry via AP) Borge denied the accusations against him in court appearances in Panama, and his legal team there had fought his extradition for months. He is the third ex-governor from Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto's political party to face corruption allegations. In this photo released by the Panama Foreign Ministry, Mexico's former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge looks over his shoulder as he is escorted onto a Mexican plane in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Panama extradited the fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. (Efren Giron/Panama Foreign Ministry via AP) In this photo released by the Panama Foreign Ministry, Mexico's former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge is escorted to a waiting plane in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Panama extradited the fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. (Efren Giron/Panama Foreign Ministry via AP) In this photo released by the Panama Foreign Ministry, Mexico's former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge, left, is processed for extradition by officials in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Panama extradited the fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. (Efren Giron/Panama Foreign Ministry via AP) Mexico's former Quintana Roo state Gov. Roberto Borge, center, is escorted to a waiting plane in Panama City, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. Panama extradited the fugitive Mexican ex-governor wanted on corruption charges after holding him in custody for more than six months. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco) CINCINNATI (AP) - Merchandise inspired by Ohio's famous baby hippo, Fiona, has returned nearly half a million dollars to the Cincinnati Zoo. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the zoo has collected about $480,000 in sales from businesses with merchandising agreements. Products include everything from clothing and ornaments to beer and ice cream. The zoo says it isn't keeping track of cash the hippo-themed products are turning over. But zoo spokeswoman Michelle Curley says more than $200,000 of the money was used for Fiona's neonatal care. Curley says the remainder is helping with the care, feeding and enrichment of all the zoo's hippos. Fiona moves in for a close-up in Hippo Cove at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Fiona will turn one on Jan. 24. Her parents are Bibbi and the late Henry. Nile hippos are considered vulnerable. Merchandise inspired by Ohio's famous baby hippo, Fiona, has returned nearly half a million dollars to the Cincinnati Zoo. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the zoo has collected about $480,000 in sales from businesses with merchandising agreements. Products include everything from clothing and ornaments to beer and ice cream. (Liz Dufour /The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP) The beloved baby hippo will celebrate her first birthday Jan. 24. Local merchants expect the celebration to spur an economic boost as businesses roll out more Fiona-themed products. ___ Information from: The Cincinnati Enquirer, http://www.enquirer.com MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Latest on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker plan to shut down juvenile prison (all times local): 3:30 p.m. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's plan to move juvenile inmates out of a facility under federal investigation wouldn't be implemented until after voters decide whether to re-elect him this fall. Walker announced the $80 million on Thursday. It calls for changing the Lincoln Hills-Copper Lake prisons into medium-security adult prisons. The state would also open five new regional juvenile prisons and expand a mental health facility in Madison to house youthful offenders. Under the plan, most of the juveniles wouldn't be moved until next year at the earliest. But Walker's spokesman says that if the Legislature wants to speed up the timeline, the governor would support it. Democratic critics say Walker isn't acting quickly enough. A federal judge six months ago ordered the prisons to dramatically reduce the use of pepper spray, shackles and solitary confinement on inmates. ___ 12:14 p.m. Juveniles will no longer be housed at a Wisconsin youth prison that's been under federal investigation and the subject of multiple lawsuits alleging inmate abuse. Gov. Scott Walker announced Thursday that the Lincoln Hills-Copper Lake prisons will be changed into medium security adult prisons. The state will instead open five regional juvenile prisons across the state. A federal judge last year ordered the state to dramatically reduce its use of solitary confinement, shackles and pepper spray on inmates at the juvenile prison. The facility is located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Wausau. The announcement comes as Walker is up for re-election to a third term in November. He has never traveled to visit Lincoln Hills, a point his Democratic opponents have been hitting him on for months. UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The U.N. Security Council is planning an emergency meeting about Iran on Friday, after the U.S. asked the world body to show support for Iran's anti-government protesters. With council members divided in their views of the demonstrations that have roiled the Islamic Republic, it's not yet clear how the discussion will take shape or what might come out of it. Alma Konurbayeva, a spokeswoman for current council president Kazakhstan, confirmed that Friday afternoon's meeting is about Iran. The U.S. called on Tuesday for such a session, but council members could insist on a vote before taking up the topic, and it would take nine of the 15 votes to go forward. FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2017 file photo, Gholamali Khoshroo, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks at a U.N. Security Council meeting at U.N. headquarters. As nationwide protests have shaken Iran over the last week, the Islamic Republic increasingly has blamed its foreign foes for fomenting the unrest. So far though, there's no direct evidence offered by Tehran to support that claim. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) The U.S. mission had no immediate comment Thursday night. Iran's interior minister said up to 42,000 people took part in the week of protests and unrest sparked by economic woes. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has accused the U.S. of instigating the protests. Iran's prosecutor general, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, said Thursday that an American CIA official was the "main designer" of the demonstrations. And Iran's U.N. envoy, Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo, complained in a letter to the Security Council president Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump's "absurd tweets" had "incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts." Trump's administration has denied having any hand in the demonstrations, saying they arose completely spontaneously. The CIA declined to comment. The president's tweets haven't called for violence or disruptive acts, but he has commended the protests, expressing "such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government" and pledging "great support from the United States." U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley praised the anti-government protesters as brave and said "the U.N. must speak out" to support them. "The people of Iran are crying out for freedom. All freedom-loving people must stand with their cause," she said at a news conference Tuesday. Not all council members see a need to weigh in. Russia's U.S. embassy warned Monday against "external interference" in what it views as a domestic issue in the Islamic Republic; the two nations have close ties. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova went on to mock the U.S. call for a U.N. discussion. "The U.S. delegation undoubtedly has something to share with the world. For example, Nikki Haley could share the American experience of dispersing protest rallies," Zakharova said on Facebook Wednesday, mentioning mass arrests during the Occupy Wall Street protests, among other things. Russia's and Iran's U.N. missions didn't immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday's Security Council meeting. Iran isn't a member. The Iranian protests have given Trump a fresh avenue to try to muster world opinion against a nation he has decried since he ran for president. After taking office last year, Trump refused this past fall to certify Iran's compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal that lifted some sanctions in return for Iran curbing its nuclear program. Trump said Tehran was getting disproportionate benefits, considering its concessions. The U.S. imposed new sanctions Thursday on five Iranian entities over their involvement in developing ballistic missiles. While those sanctions were unrelated to the ongoing protests, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said more sanctions "targeting human rights abuses are coming." ___ Associated Press writers Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow and Josh Lederman and Bradley Klapper in Washington contributed. Investigators in the Sydney seaplane crash say they will be looking into whether there were any similarities to incidents involving the same model of seaplane, including one which killed another British family in 2015. Air accident investigators are examining the wreckage of the De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver, which plunged into the Hawkesbury River off Jerusalem Bay, 25 miles north of Sydney city centre, on New Years Eve, killing all those on board. Richard Cousins, the 58-year-old chief executive of FTSE 100 company Compass Group, died alongside his sons Will and Edward, aged 25 and 23, his fiancee Emma Bowden, 48, and her 11-year-old daughter Heather. The experienced pilot, Gareth Morgan, 44, also died. The incident has drawn comparisons to a crash in Quebec, Canada, in August 2015, involving another CHC-2 Beaver plane, in which a British family of four died. The ATSB's Executive Director, Transport Safety, Nat Nagy briefed @TenNewsSydney and other media today on the fatal DHC-2 Beaver Seaplane accident at Cowan Creek, Hawkesbury River, NSW on New Year's Eve. https://t.co/bioSdvzOjs pic.twitter.com/S5ZheyM6ow ATSB (@atsbgovau) January 2, 2018 The small aircraft crashed into the side of a mountain, also killing a French passenger and the pilot. On Tuesday, Nat Nagy, executive director of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, told a press conference that all incidents involving the same model of plane would be looked into as part of the investigation. He said: We will be looking at any previous incidents and accidents specifically around this type of aircraft. Its been in use and service for many decades so we will be thoroughly looking at it. (PA Graphics) I think its important not to draw any conclusions that this is something that is a systemic issue. We havent identified anything previously that theres anything systemic. Over the course of this week we will be able to piece together the factors surrounding the accident and from there, if we do identify any issue that is a safety critical issue, we will notify the appropriate authorities immediately. Mr Nagy said the aircraft was manufactured in 1963, and that it was not unusual to have a plane of that age still in use. The exact circumstances surrounding Sundays crash remain unclear, and investigators are working to reconstruct the events leading up to it. A search and rescue helicopter flies above the scene of the crash (Australian Media Pool via AP) Mr Nagy told reporters the Sydney Seaplanes flight had left Cottage Bay Inn, where the family had reportedly enjoyed a meal, at about 3pm, for a return flight to Rose Bay, near Sydney Harbour. He said the plane made a right hand turn prior to the impact with the water about 10 minutes later. Todays press conference with Aaron Shaw can be viewed here -https://t.co/O6kzTSyV4V https://t.co/LXc2SBuo3x Sydney Seaplanes (@SydneySeaplanes) January 1, 2018 His team will now be examining the aircraft data to find out what happened at the time of the incident, including whether the plane was operating at full power and whether it was climbing or descending at the time. Any recovered mobile phones, iPads and GoPros will also be examined by experts. After the Canadian crash in 2015, a report by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) found the plane, operated by Air Saguenay, stalled in a steep turn and descended vertically before crashing into the mountain and bursting into flames. Investigation findings (A15Q0120) into the fatal August 2015 De Havilland DHC-2 aircraft accident near Tadoussac, Qc https://t.co/INw6KV2XAy TSB of Canada (@TSBCanada) September 7, 2017 Fiona Hewitt, 52, her husband Richard, 50, and children 14-year-old Harry and 17-year-old Felicity, all from Milton Keynes, died. The TSB recommended that the Canadian Department of Transport required that all commercial DHC-2 aircraft in Canada be fitted with a stall warning alarm. Mr Nagy said it was not yet clear whether the plane involved in the Sydney crash had a warning system fitted. A Tory council leader who claimed rough sleepers had made a commercial life choice to prey on residents and tourists in Windsor has sidestepped calls to apologise. In a series of Twitter posts Windsor and Maidenhead council leader Simon Dudley said beggars could present the town in a sadly unfavourable light when Prince Harry marries American actress Meghan Markle in May. And in a letter to police, he complained about aggressive begging and intimidation, and bags and detritus on the streets. Simon Dudley His comments attracted criticism from homeless charities, and Prime Minister Theresa May said she disagreed with his assessment. But Mr Dudley, who is currently in the US, declined to comment when asked if he regretted his comments. Instead he said that the local authority had a homelessness action plan, adding: We await a response from the PCC on the concerns we have raised. Asked about the remarks during a visit to a hospital in nearby Camberley, Mrs May said: I dont agree with the comments that the leader of the council has made. I think it is important that councils work hard to ensure that they are providing accommodation for those people who are homeless, and where there are issues of people who are aggressively begging on the streets then its important that councils work with the police to deal with that aggressive begging. Murphy James, of Windsor Homeless Project, said Mr Dudleys comments were sickening. He said: Its absolutely abhorrent that anybody has got these views in this day and age, especially a lead councillor of the borough. I went out on Christmas Day and there were 12 people laid out on Windsor High Street. They were not there by choice. Here is a statement from the leader of the council regarding antisocial behavior in Windsor and a letter he sent to Thames Valley Police: https://t.co/0eAFM5YzNt RBWM (@RBWM) January 3, 2018 One homeless woman in Windsor, who gave only her first name, Tracy, said: The homelessness has not just arose in the last couple of months, homelessness has been going on for years, even in this town. But its only because of this royal wedding that theres been all of a sudden this uproar over the homelessness and the disgrace on the Windsor streets. Statement from the Police and Crime Commissioner regarding an open letter from the Leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council on policing in #Windsor https://t.co/SGgZWH1tsI Thames Valley PCC (@TV_PCC) January 3, 2018 If everyone were to do their job properly there would not be this problem its taken for a wedding for them to pull their finger out their bum to sort things out. Asked what she would say to Mr Dudley, Tracy told the Press Association: Come spend some time out on the streets with us, get to know us people individually and then tell me where you find these aggressive beggars and these voluntary homeless people. He doesnt have a clue what hes talking about. A 40 million euro (35.6 million) jackpot winning EuroMillions ticket was sold in a local shop in Malahide, Dublin, it has been revealed. Amy Cong, owner of the independent Village Shop in the towns shopping centre, said she has a lot of regulars but has no idea who the winner is. This is a small shop in the centre of Malahide but we are busy and we have a lot of regular customers, she said. The holder of a 40 million euro winning Euromillions ticket is still unknown (Niall Carson/PA) Revealed: The Village shop in Malahide Co.Dublin sells the 38.9 Million #EuroMillions ticket!Congrats to all involved in the winning store pic.twitter.com/INSqRZ7XrM The Irish National Lottery (@NationalLottery) January 4, 2018 Ms Cong said: We have been barely able to contain our excitement since we were told by the National Lottery yesterday that we sold the ticket. We had absolutely no idea! There is an amazing buzz here today. We have no idea who the lucky winner is but we wish them the best of luck in the future. The holder of the winning jackpot ticket worth 38.9 million euro (34.6 million) from last Fridays draw has contacted the National Lottery offices and arrangements are being made for the prize to be collected in the coming weeks. A spokeswoman said: We have verified the winning ticket and the ticket holder is understandably delighted at their good fortune. They are getting independent legal and financial advice, and we look forward to having them come to the winners room to collect their cheque in the near future. This is a life-changing amount. Ms Cong, originally from the Shandong province in east China and living in Ireland for the last 20 years, said she expects to be a lot busier after selling the ticket for the massive windfall. She also gets a 25,000 euro (22,282) bonus for selling the jackpot numbers. My husband and I have been running the Village Shop for over five years now but weve never experienced anything like this, Ms Cong said. At the moment, we have just one employee working in the shop but todays exciting announcement could make us a whole lot busier in the coming months as one of Irelands lucky EuroMillions winning retailers. Ireland has had 12 jackpot winners in the EuroMillions including two syndicates in the last year which won separate pots of 88.5m euro and 29m euro. Researchers are calling for an urgent review into how populations of giraffes are managed in the wild when living alongside lions. The giraffe population has declined by 40% in the past 30 years, with lions the primary predator to the worlds tallest mammals. In a first, a study from the University of Bristol investigated the impact of the presence of lions on giraffe populations in the wild. Giraffes in Kenya, East Africa, during a study by the University of Bristol (Zoe Muller/PA) It found that the number of calves is likely to be reduced by up to 82% when lions are kept in the same conservation area as giraffes. The work, published in the journal PLOS One, examined giraffe populations at two adjacent sites in Kenya one with no lions and one with a high density of lions. In areas with no lions, juvenile giraffes less than a year old made up 34% of the population, but made up only 6% in areas with lions. Zoe Muller, a PhD student at the University of Bristol, warned of an unrecoverable situation if giraffe calves continued to decline. This research has significant practical implications, she said. Giraffes are a threatened species, suffering ongoing decline in the wild, and this research highlights how managing giraffes alongside lions inside a conservation area a common practice in Africa has detrimental effects for giraffe populations. The continual loss of juveniles within a population due to lion predation may lead to an unrecoverable situation where the population crashes, since population growth and sustainability rely on enough calves surviving until they are sexually mature. She called for an urgent reassessment of how populations of giraffes are managed in the wild, given their severe and ongoing decline. Giraffes in Kenya, East Africa, during a study by the University of Bristol (Zoe Muller/PA) Giraffes are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. There were approximately 151,702 giraffes in the wild in 1985, with the number dropping to 97,562 by 2015. Threats to the population include illegal hunting, habitat loss, conflict between humans and wildlife and civil unrest. Giraffes in Kenya, East Africa, during a study by the University of Bristol (Zoe Muller/PA) It is thought that lions preferentially target giraffe calves in the wild, and there is anecdotal evidence of this, including observations of lions eating young giraffe carcasses and of lion claw marks on adult females, thought to be a result of them defending their calves, Ms Muller said. However, no-one has ever investigated if this preference for hunting calves has an impact on the population as a whole. The research will now be replicated in other areas of Africa, to see if lions create the same effects in other giraffe populations. A historic factory making Colmans mustard is to close with the loss of jobs, dealing a devastating blow to the workforce. Unilever said its site in Norwich will close by the end of 2019, although the company said it will protect the historic link between the city and Colmans by retaining production of mustard powder, the mustard milling process and mint processing in a new facility in the area. Manufacturing of other products will move to other sites in the UK, mainly Burton upon Trent, while other work will switch to Germany. Jobs at risk as Colmans announce the closure of its mustard plant in Norwich (Nick Ansell/PA) The decision will affect 113 jobs, although 40 will transfer to Burton and around 25 roles will be created in the new facility near Norwich. Unilever said in a statement that a recent decision by Britvic to close its factory on its shared site in Norwich had serious implications for the company. We will protect the historic link between Colmans and Norwich by retaining the production and packing of Colmans mustard powder, the historic mustard milling process, and mint processing in a new state-of-the-art facility in the Norwich area, created through a new long-term partnership with a consortium of local farmers, backed by significant investment from Unilever. We will also continue to source our mint and mustard locally as we have for generations. Manufacturing of the vast majority of the other products is planned to move to other sites in the UK, predominantly Burton upon Trent, home of Marmite and Bovril, reaffirming our commitment to UK food manufacturing. The packing of dry sauces will be absorbed by existing production lines and existing employees at a Unilever factory in Germany, which already makes the dry sauce mix. GMB shocked by Unilever closure https://t.co/JI3sObUW2b GMB London Region (@GMBLondonRegion) January 4, 2018 The review concluded that the proposals announced today represent the best long-term solution for Unilever while protecting the link between Colmans and Norwich. We recognise that these proposals will be difficult news for our Norwich employees, their families, and the whole community in Norwich. We are committed to supporting our employees during this difficult time. We will also offer all employees whose roles would be affected by the proposals a package of support, including redeployment opportunities at other sites, and services to help people find new employment. Warren Kenny, regional secretary of the GMB union, said: This is absolutely devastating news for the workforce at Colemans, for the city of Norwich and for manufacturing in East Anglia. It is our immediate intention to speak with our members at Unilever and to seek an urgent meeting with the company and local elected representatives to fully understand what has lead Unilever to make this devastating decision, and whether there are alternatives that should, and must be considered. Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy said: We are urging Unilever to look again at its business case for closure. The decision last month by Britvic to close its half of the site, which produces its Robinsons and Fruit Shoot brands, was unhelpful for the future of Colmans Mustard in Norwich but we still dont believe that closure is the only option for the dedicated workforce. Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said: The closure is a blow not only to the workers at Colmans and their families but to the town and region more generally. Despite their claims to the contrary, the Government havent done anywhere near enough to stop this closure. This highlights exactly why we need a Labour government with a forward-thinking industrial strategy to attract and keep firms in the UK. A Government spokesman said: The Government is disappointed Unilever has decided to close its Norwich plant, though we welcome Unilevers commitment to mustard milling and mint production in Norwich. While this decision is no reflection on the performance of the sites highly skilled workforce, it is still clearly a worrying time for Unilevers dedicated workers and their families. The company will now enter a consultation period and the Government will continue to work closely with Unilever, local MPs and unions throughout this process. WARSAW, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Poland is in talks with Hungary to create a development bank aimed at investments in infrastructure in the region and plans to involve Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the project, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Wednesday. Morawiecki met his Hungarian counterpart Viktor Orban in Budapest to discuss economic and political co-operation, including European Union migration quotas which they oppose, as well as issues regarding energy and the next EU budget. "We talked about a Visegrad development bank. We can afford a bank that would support infrastructure development in the region," Morawiecki told reporters after his Budapest trip, referring to a group of central European countries comprising Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic. "We strongly confirmed (with PM Orban) that we're interested. If Czechs and Slovaks respond positively we could quickly set up this bank," he said without providing more details. Morawiecki also said his cabinet had not changed its sceptical view about adopting the euro in the near future despite recent calls from local economists trying to convince the Polish government to join the euro zone soon and keep Poland close to the core of the EU. "We have not changed our rhetoric with regard to this. This is not an issue today," Morawiecki said. Morawiecki and Orban appeared to have struck up a good personal relationship, reinforcing their countries' diplomatic rapprochement within the EU. When the EU's executive body launched an unprecedented legal action against Warsaw in December in an attempt to force it to reverse judicial reforms that Brussels says undermine democracy, Orban signalled he would use Hungary's right of veto to block any punitive sanctions against Poland. "We are like-minded countries," Morawiecki said when asked if Poland offered anything to Hungary in exchange for Orban's gesture and added that Budapest could rely on Poland in the future. Both Orban's Fidesz and the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) in Poland are riding high in national opinion polls, thanks to their strong economic record, tough anti-migrant policies and their defiance of EU institutions. Critics say reforms introduced by Fidesz in Hungary and by PiS in Poland are eroding democracy and the rule of law, charges rejected by Budapest and Warsaw. (Reporting by Marcin Goclowski and Krisztina Than; Editing by Lidia Kelly and Richard Balmforth) Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Thursday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 1 hour): BOND TENDER Polish finance ministry to offer treasury bonds worth between 3.0 billion zlotys ($870.63 million) and 5.0 billion zlotys at a switch tender at 1030. DISCOVERY NETWORKS Discovery, which is in talks to buy a leading Polish private broadcaster TVN from Scripps Network Interactive, is expecting to receive regulatory approval for the takeover in the first quarter, Katarzyna Kieli, head of Discovery Networks EMEA region, tells the Polish daily Rzeczpospolita. JUDICIARY New Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tells the Catholic weekly Gosc Niedzielny that he will try to explain during his visit next week to Brussels the reasons for implementing an overhaul of the country's judicial system that has met with harsh criticism from the European Union and some Western countries. EURO Most Polish entrepreneurs are in favour of bringing the country into the eurozone, seeing greater chances for growth and development with the single European currency, the daily Rzeczpospolita reports. LPP Poland's leading clothing retailer LPP stops publishing monthly sales reports and will report sales only on quarterly basis, the business daily Parkiet reports. ****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.**** For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX ($1 = 3.4458 zlotys) (Reporting by Warsaw Bureau; Editing by Christian Schmollinger) KHARTOUM, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Sudan has extended a unilateral ceasefire with rebels until the end of March, state news agency SUNA reported on Thursday, citing a presidential decree. In October, the United States lifted 20-year-old sanctions tied to progress on progress on counter terrorism cooperation and on resolving internal conflicts. Fighting between the army and rebels in the Kordofan and Blue Nile regions broke out in 2011, when South Sudan declared independence. Conflict in Darfur began in 2003 when mainly non-Arab tribes took up arms against Sudan's Arab-led government. The ceasefire was set to expire at the end of December. (Reporting by Ali Abdelaty;-writing by Dahlia Nehme; editing by John Stonestreet) JERUSALEM, Jan 4 (Reuters) - The Israeli military said on Thursday it would further investigate the death of a wheechair-bound Palestinian who was killed in clashes over U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The Dec. 15 death of Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh was denounced by the Palestinians and decried by U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, who said the a 29-year-old amputee was shot in the head by Israeli troops close to the Gaza-Israel border fence. The Israeli military said its own operational investigation, carried out shortly after the incident, had found that it was not possible to say what had killed Abu Thurayeh. It said no live fire had been directed at him during the dispersal of the demonstration, in which protesters hurled explosive devices and rocks and set tyres alight. "In order to further examine the case, including information received from organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, it was decided that the circumstances of Thurayeh's death will also be examined by a Military Police investigation," the army said in a statement. Trump's announcement on Jerusalem infuriated the Arab world and upset Western allies. It has sparked violent protests on a weekly basis along the Israel-Gaza border and in the occupied West Bank. Abu Thurayeh was a regular at such demonstrations. In media interviews, he had said he had lost both his legs in a 2008 Israeli missile strike in Gaza. The status of Jerusalem has been one of the biggest obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians for generations. Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be its capital. Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of a future independent state of their own. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Catherine Evans) By John Geddie and Mi Nguyen SINGAPORE/HANOI, Jan 4 (Reuters) - A fugitive Vietnamese property tycoon who is accused of spilling state secrets was arrested in Hanoi on Thursday after Singapore deported him, despite appeals that his life could be in danger in Vietnam. Phan Van Anh Vu, 42, told his lawyers he was also a senior officer in Vietnam's secret police and was trying to get to Germany and could have details of an operation in which a wanted Vietnamese oil executive was spirited home from Berlin last year. Vu's case put a new international spotlight on a sweeping crackdown on corruption in the communist state, where graft has flourished alongside years of rapid economic growth that have made it a prime destination for investors. Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security said on its website that Vu was arrested in Hanoi after being deported from Singapore and that it would "investigate according to Vietnamese law". Vu had been detained in Singapore on Dec. 28 as he tried to leave for neighbouring Malaysia. Singapore authorities said he had entered the country on a passport with a false identity while carrying another Vietnamese passport with his real identity and also had a third passport in his possession. Singapores Ministry of Home Affairs said Vu was wanted under an Interpol "Red Notice" issued by Vietnam and had been removed by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. A lawyer for Vu in Singapore said he was only informed about the deportation nearly three hours after Vu had been flown out. "I am disappointed that, despite our best efforts for our client, he was deported without our knowledge or given an opportunity to contest the allegations made against him," Remy Choo told Reuters. Singapore has close diplomatic and trade ties to Vietnam and both share a concern at China's growing regional influence. This year, Singapore is also chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations grouping that aims to boost regional cooperation. SPEED "Speed has been the enemy of both transparency and justice in this case," said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for New York-based Human Rights Watch. "Singapore deserves utter condemnation for forcing him back to face what will certainly be a kangaroo court trial, and quite possibly a death sentence." Serious security offences can carry the death penalty in Vietnam although that also depends on the motivation and the degree of damage caused. Vietnamese police have not said which secrets Vu is accused of revealing. Police published a wanted notice for Vu on Dec. 21 after failing to find him at his home in the central resort city of Danang, where he had been nicknamed "Aluminium Vu" for his background making window and door frames. For years, he had been a prominent business figure in the city with public connections to authorities, among them the head of its communist party, who was fired in October for misconduct. Dozens of officials and business people have been arrested in a crackdown on corruption that gathered pace last year after changes at the top of the communist party gave greater sway to the security establishment. The fight against corruption is broadly welcomed in Vietnam, but government critics say they believe it is also being used to undermine officials linked to the administration of former prime minister Nguyen Tan Dung. The crackdown drew global attention last summer when Germany accused Vietnam of kidnapping former oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh from a Berlin park. Vu's German lawyer, Victor Pfaff, told Reuters that as a senior employee in Vietnam's secret police Vu would have known about the disappearance of Thanh and that he had important information about the case. German officials did not comment on Vu's case. (Reporting by John Geddie in SINGAPORE and Mi Nguyen in HANOI; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) By Tulay Karadeniz ANKARA, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Turkey on Thursday condemned the U.S. conviction of a Turkish banker for evading Iran sanctions as unprecedented meddling in its internal affairs, pushing back against a case that President Tayyip Erdogan has cast as a political attack. Wednesday's court decision capped a trial that had strained diplomatic relations between the two countries and is likely to further aggravate tension between the NATO allies. The case has angered Erdogan and his ministers, some of whom accuse U.S. court officials of ties to a cleric blamed for a 2016 coup attempt. Some of the testimony at the trial implicated senior officials, including Erdogan. Ankara has said the case was based on fabricated evidence. Mehmet Hakan Atilla, an executive at Turkey's majority state-owned Halkbank, was convicted on five of six counts in a Manhattan federal court, including bank fraud and conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions law. "The U.S. court, in a process carried out by relying on so-called 'evidence', which is fake and open to political exploitation, ... made an unprecedented interference in Turkey's internal affairs," Turkey's foreign ministry said. U.S. prosecutors have charged a total of nine people in the case, including a former economy minister, Zafer Caglayan. However, only Atilla and a wealthy Turkish-Iranian gold trader, Reza Zarrab, are in U.S. custody. Erdogan, who has yet to comment on the decision, has previously dismissed the trial as a politically motivated attack on his government, and has attempted to use it to tap into anti-American sentiment among his supporters. Ankara has not, however, threatened to take concrete measures. "POLITICAL PLOT" The U.S. case against Atilla was based on the testimony of the gold trader Zarrab, who cooperated with U.S. prosecutors and pleaded guilty to charges of leading a scheme to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran. In his testimony Zarrab implicated top Turkish politicians, including Erdogan. Zarrab said Erdogan, who has governed Turkey for nearly 15 years, personally authorised two Turkish banks to join the scheme when he was prime minister. "The Zarrab court case is a political plot", Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag tweeted on Thursday. Halkbank said Atilla had the right to appeal against the decision and said it had not been a party to the U.S. case. It noted there had been no financial or administrative decision taken against it by the court. The bank has denied any wrongdoing and said its transactions were in line with local and international regulations. Halkbank shares were flat by late afternoon, giving up gains after advancing more than 4 percent. The court decision is unlikely to damage Erdogan or his government at home, said Wolfango Piccoli of Teneo Intelligence, a London-based consultancy. "Domestically, I don't believe it will make any difference at all... The government has managed to cast a huge shadow on it by portraying it as a plot against Turkey and the government," Piccoli said. "I think it is much more important in terms of the bilateral relations with the United States. This is a relationship that has been difficult for some time." Less clear was the potential fall-out for the banking sector, with some analysts seeing the possibility that one or more Turkish lenders could be hit by fines over the case. "The whole thing is really about what the consequences will be for the relationship between Turkey and the U.S.," said Paul Fage of TD Securities in London. "Obviously, the U.S. will impose fines, and the question will be how Turkey is going to respond to that, and whether this is going to escalate into some tit-for-tat thing." Turkey has said it will take any necessary measures to protect its banks from the potential impact of the case. "If anything is going to happen, in this situation we will stand by the banks," Finance Minister Naci Agbal told Reuters last month. "We must not allow any eventuality that would weaken our banking system." (Additional reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen in Istanbul and Karin Strohecker in London; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Nick Tattersall and Janet Lawrence) By David Brunnstrom and Christine Kim WASHINGTON/SEOUL, Jan 4 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday called potential talks between North and South Korea "a good thing" and agreed with South Korea there would be no joint military drills, which North Korea bitterly opposes, during next month's Winter Olympics. South Korea's Presidential Blue House said Trump told South Korea's President Moon Jae-in in a telephone call he hoped inter-Korean talks would lead to good results and that he would send a high-level delegation, including members of his family, to the Winter Olympics, which will be held in South Korea. A senior U.S. administration official told Reuters there had been discussion about Trump's daughter Ivanka attending the games in Pyeongchang. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this but said Trump and Moon agreed "to de-conflict the Olympics and our military exercises" to ensure the security of the games and that a "high-level delegation" would attend. At the same time, the two leaders also "agreed to continue the campaign of maximum pressure against North Korea," it added. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters the joint drills, which North Korea denounces as a prelude to invasion, would now take place sometime after the Olympics and Paralympics, which run from Feb. 9-25 and March 9-18. Mattis called their delay a "practical" matter. Mattis said it was too early to say if North Korea's offer to talk to South Korea was a genuine olive branch, but said it was clearly the result of international pressure. In a tweet earlier, Trump, who hurled fresh insults at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this week, took credit for any dialogue. "Does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North," Trump tweeted, adding that "talks are a good thing!" Washington had earlier responded coolly to Kim's suggestion of inter-Korean talks in a New Year's Day message, with the State Department saying Pyongyang "might be trying to drive a wedge" between Washington and Seoul. The head of U.S. forces in South Korea warned on Thursday against raising hopes over North Korea's overture amid a war of words over Pyongyang's development of nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting the United States. Trump and North Korea's Kim have exchanged bellicose comments in recent months, raising alarm across the world, with Trump at times dismissing the prospect of a diplomatic solution to a crisis in which both sides have threatened to destroy each other. In his New Year address, Kim said he was open to dialogue with South Korea and could send a delegation to the Winter Olympics. Kim also warned he would push ahead with "mass producing" nuclear warheads in defiance of U.N. sanctions and warned that the entire United States was in range of North Korean nuclear missiles and a nuclear button was always on his desk. "LITTLE ROCKET MAN" Trump responded by mocking Kim as "Little Rocket Man" and saying that his nuclear button was bigger and more powerful and worked. Seoul answered the North Korean talks overture by proposing high-level talks at a border village next week and on Wednesday, the two Koreas reopened a border hotline that had been closed since February 2016. The senior administration official said that despite Trump's positive words, there was concern in the administration that South Korea could go too far in offering concessions to North Korea that could weaken the U.S. pressure campaign. "I dont think people view the talks as an unalloyed good, that under all circumstances North and South talking is a good thing," the official said. "I think we have seen in the past that sometimes the North exploits these talks, especially when you have a left-of-center president in South Korea whose base is encouraging him to make concessions that we probably would not be comfortable with." "So theres a level of wariness about that." State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said she understood any talks would be limited to the Olympics and domestic issues and added that Washington and Seoul were in close contact. "This is not something where (South Korea) is going to go off freelancing," she said. "Could that meeting that could potentially happen ... lead to something more in the future? Perhaps it could but I dont want to speculate." On Tuesday, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said Washington would not take any talks between North and South Korea seriously if they did not contribute to denuclearizing North Korea. She also said Washington was hearing reports that Pyongyang might be preparing to fire another missile and warned of even tougher steps in response if it did so. The commander of U.S. Forces Korea, General Vincent Brooks, said the North Korean overture was a strategy to divide five countries - the United States, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia - to reach its goal of being accepted as a "nuclear capable" nation, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. "We must keep our expectations at the appropriate level," he was quoted as saying in an address to a university in Seoul," he said, adding it was important for the United States and South Korea to maintain an "ironclad and razor-sharp" alliance. The five countries Brooks mentioned were involved in years of on-again-off-again "six-party talks" with North Korea aimed at resolving the crisis, but eventually North Korea pulled out. (Additional reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka in Tokyo and David Brunnstrom, Susan Heavey, Phil Stewart and Matt Spetalnick in Washington; Editing by Susan Thomas, James Dalgleish and Lisa Shumaker) HELSINKI, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Finland on Thursday effectively gave up control of oil refiner Neste by donating shares to a charitable foundation and the government may cut its stake further. The state donated shares worth 50 million euros ($60 million) to a Finnish foundation that promotes the wellbeing of children, reducing the state's Neste holding to 49.7 percent from 50.1 percent, the government said in a statement. The centre-right government last year got the parliament's mandate to cut the Neste stake to 33.4 percent as it seeks funds for potential investments in new growth companies. But this prompted protests from employee groups who were worried that such a move could put Neste's Finnish jobs at risk. The government has not made a decision about the sale of the 16 percent stake, but a new state-owned company which will handle those shares began operation this week. "No one knows when it would happen, but the assumption is that the shares will be sold, mainly to institutional investors... That would improve liquidity of the stock," Henri Parkkinen, analyst at OP Equities, said. He said that stakes of that size were usually placed in the market at a small discount. Neste's share price has climbed 48 percent in the past year on the back of the company's profit growth. The stock fell 1.6 percent on Thursday. Neste last month picked Singapore over United States as the site for its planned new biofuel plant. It currently has biofuel plants in Singapore and Rotterdam, and two conventional refineries in Finland. ($1 = 0.8290 euros) (Reporting by Jussi Rosendahl, editing by Terje Solsvik and Jane Merriman) PARIS, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani assured him that the situation in Iran, where protests have left 21 people dead, will stabilise in a day or two. Erdogan also said in the interview, broadcast on Thursday by the French televisions stations LCI and TF1, that foreigners were acting as provocateurs in Iran, echoing comments by Iranian leaders after a week of unrest in towns across the country. "I talked with Mr Rouhani on the phone and ... the situation will stabilise within a day or two, there's no need to be worried, that's what they told me," Erdogan said in comments dubbed into French, later adding that Rouhani had told him the situation "would be back to normal by the weekend". The protests erupted a week ago in Iran's second city, Mashhad. While many protesters have been complaining about high youth unemployment, costly living standards and alleged corruption, some have also demanded a change of government or an end to clerical rule. "Obviously some people from abroad are provoking this situation, and these provocations are not all right, this is an internal Iranian affair ... and people from abroad should not meddle in internal affairs," Erdogan said. Erdogan is due to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday, and said his relationship with his new French counterpart had got off to a good start. (Reporting by Michel Rose, Ingrid Melander; Editing by Kevin Liffey) ANKARA, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Turkey's Interior Ministry removed the opposition mayor of Istanbul's Besiktas municipality from office on Thursday, accusing him of links to the 2016 attempted coup and corruption. In a statement, it said police were investigating Murat Hazinedar's alleged links to the network of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of masterminding the plot. Hazinedar, a member of the secular main opposition Republic People Party (CHP), denies any link to Gulen. Gulen denies any involvement in the attempted coup. At a news conference, Hazinedar called on President Tayyip Erdogan to "get his hands off my family", after his wife and son were barred from travelling abroad due to the investigations. The ministry said it had also removed two other members of the council in Besiktas, one of the largest municipalities in Turkey's biggest city of Istanbul. The move against Hazinedar marked the second time the ministry has removed a CHP mayor from office since its chairman in November accused members of Erdogan's family of transferring $14 million to a company in the Isle of Man. Erdogan denied and dismissed the accusations as lies, and has since taken CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu to court, saying he would "pay the price". Last year, Erdogan also called for the resignation of mayors in a purge of local politics leading six mayors to step down, including those of Istanbul and Ankara. (Reporting by Gulsen Solaker; Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Ece Toksabay and Alison Williams) PANAMA CITY, Jan 4 (Reuters) - A former state governor for Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was extradited on Thursday from Panama to Mexico, where he faces corruption charges, Mexico's attorney general's office and secretary of external relations said in a statement. Roberto Borge, who governed the touristy state of Quintana Roo from 2010 to 2016, was taken under strict security from the offices of Panama's national police to an air force base, where he boarded a Mexican plane, local television footage showed. Mexican prosecutors accuse Borge of using funds obtained illegally, embezzlement and abuse of public office. Borge has denied the allegations. Borge was arrested in Panama City in June as he was preparing to board a flight to Paris. Panama's foreign ministry said last week that it would send Borge to Mexico. For the PRI, the extradition is the latest reminder of corruption scandals as the party tries to rehabilitate its image ahead of a presidential election in July. The PRI, which is trying to keep hold of power as President Enrique Pena Nieto's term ends, has faced a spate of graft allegations, and four of its former governors were arrested on such charges last year in various countries, including Borge. Last month, Mexican authorities arrested Alejandro Gutierrez, a former high-ranking PRI official, in a corruption investigation in the northern state of Chihuahua. (Reporting by Elida Moreno; writing by Julia Love; Editing by Susan Thomas) BUDAPEST, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Hungary and Ireland expressed strong opposition on Thursday to any effort to harmonise corporate and other tax rules across the European Union, saying such moves would damage competition in the single market. Hungary, which relies heavily on foreign investment to power its economy, runs the EU's lowest corporate tax rate at 9 percent, while Ireland's 12.5 percent rate is also among the lowest in the 28-member bloc. "Taxation is an important component of competition," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban told a joint news conference with his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar. "We would not like to see any regulation in the EU, which would bind Hungary's hands in terms of tax policy, be it corporate tax, or any other tax," Orban said. "We do not consider tax harmonisation a desired direction." There have been attempts to harmonise the corporate tax base in the EU, but those efforts have struggled to make headway as opponents say that would just be a foot in the door, eventually leading to harmonised tax rates. Varadkar said the two leaders agreed that the European economy was strongest where there was competition among member states. "We share a view as governments that we should continue to have competition among member states in terms of tax policy," he said. "We are very much of the shared view that countries should set their own taxation rates. Both for corporation taxes and income taxes." The EU's tax commissioner Pierre Moscovici said in November that the Commission was considering using extraordinary powers to strip EU states of their veto power on tax matters to break resistance over blocked legislation. Orban and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki demanded a bigger say in the bloc's future after a meeting on Wednesday, with Orban saying trade between countries in central Europe and Germany was bigger than between Germany and France. (Reporting by Gergely Szakacs; Additional reporting by Jan Strupczewski in BRUSSELS; editing by Ralph Boulton) By Bozorgmehr Sharafedin LONDON, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi urged the United States and international community to support nationwide protests in Iran with political sanctions and not economic measures that could hit the general population. The protests, which began over economic hardships suffered by the young and working class, pose one of the most sustained challenges to the clerical rulers in almost a decade. In an interview with Reuters on Thursday, Ebadi said she supported the protests "one hundred percent" and urged the people of Iran to stay in the streets in peaceful protests and engage in civil disobedience. "People should stop paying electricity, water and gas bills. They should not pay their tax. They should withdraw their money from banks," said Ebadi who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003. Iran's army chief declared on Thursday that police had already quelled anti-government unrest that has killed 21 people but that his troops were ready to intervene if needed. "I call on my dear children in the police forces and the Revolutionary Guards to put down their guns and do not kill their own brothers and sisters. If the country's situation improves, you would also benefit from it," said Ebadi, one of the exiled critics of Iran's leadership. Reacting to the Revolutionary Guards commander, Mohammad Ali Jafari who said on Wednesday that the protests were over, Ebadi said: "That's his opinion. People are still in the streets. Even if they go home, their anger would remain, and the protests would resurface months or years later." SANCTIONS A senior U.S. official said on Wednesday that the United States aimed to collect "actionable information" that could allow it to pursue sanctions against Iranian individuals and organizations involved in a crackdown on protesters. The move is part of an effort by President Donald Trumps administration to swiftly side with anti-government protesters who have rattled Irans clerical leadership. Trump tweeted on Wednesday that United States would throw its support behind Iranian protesters at an "appropriate time". Ebadi said: "If Iranian government has the right to talk about human rights abuses in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Syria, other countries, including America, have the right to talk about human rights abuses in Iran." She said the economic sanctions and U.S. visa restriction on Iranians -- that both started under Obama -- had only made life more difficult for people, not the government. "During the Obama presidency, I said they should impose political sanctions on Iran, not economic ones. For example, they should ban sales of arms or any tools that can be used to suppress people," Ebadi said. She also called for a restriction on Iran's dozens of radio and television stations, that she said were part of Iran's "wrongful" foreign policy, and "spread hatred and lies" in different languages. She asked world powers to provide young Iranians with "free and fast" satellite internet that cannot be censored by the Iranian authorities. It was unclear how the protests might affect Trumps thinking about the 2015 nuclear pact that eased economic pressure on Tehran in exchange for limits on its nuclear program. Trump must decide by mid-January whether to continue waiving U.S. sanctions on Irans oil exports under the terms of the international deal. If he reimposes sanctions on oil, it could increase the economic pain for Irans leaders. But analysts said it could also send the wrong message about U.S. support for Irans people in the middle of the boldest challenge to the leadership in a decade. (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin; editing by Ralph Boulton) KHARTOUM, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Sudan has recalled its ambassador from neighbouring Egypt for consultations, the foreign ministry said on Thursday, without giving details on why or how long he would stay. Egypt's foreign ministry said it is evaluating the situation in order to take "appropriate action". Relations have been soured by disputes over the ownership of the Halayeb Triangle border area, and over the use of the water from the River Nile that passes through their territories. Sudan has accused Cairo of political meddling and banned imports of Egyptian agricultural products last year. (Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz; Writing by Nadine Awadalla; Editing by Andrew Heavens) SYDNEY, Jan 5 (Reuters) - A major outbreak of coral-eating crown of thorns starfish has been found munching Australia's world heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, scientists said on Friday, prompting the government to begin culling the spiky marine animals. The predator starfish feeds on corals by spreading its stomach over them and using digestive enzymes to liquefy tissue, and the outbreak hits as the reef is still reeling from two consecutive years of major coral bleaching. "Each starfish eats about its body diameter a night, and so over time that mounts up very significantly," Hugh Sweatman, a senior research scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio. "A lot of coral will be lost," he said. That would mean a blow for both the ecosystem and the lucrative tourism industry which it supports. The crown of thorns were found in plague proportions last month in the Swains Reefs, at the southern edge of the Great Barrier Reef, by researchers from the reef's Marine Park Authority, a spokeswoman for the authority told Reuters by phone. The remote reefs, about 200km (120 miles) offshore from Yeppoon, a holiday and fishing town some 500km north of Queensland state capital, Brisbane, are well south of the most-visited sections of the Great Barrier Reef, where most culling efforts are focused. But the government's Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority already killed some starfish at Swains Reefs in December and will mount another mission this month, a director at the authority, Fred Nucifora, told the ABC. "The complexity with the Swains Reef location is ... they are logistically difficult to access and it is actually quite a hostile environment to work in," Nucifora said. There have been four major crown of thorns outbreaks since the 1960s in the Great Barrier Reef but it recovered each time because there were always healthy populations of herbivorous fish. The outbreaks are usually triggered by extra nutrients in the water but the reason for the current outbreak was unclear, Sweatman said. The reef is still recovering from damage wrought by the worst-ever coral bleaching on record, which in 2016 killed two-thirds of a 700km stretch of reef. On Friday a report published in the journal Science found that high ocean temperatures are harming tropical corals much more often than a generation ago, putting reefs under pressure. The Great Barrier Reef, covering 348,000 square kilometres, was world heritage listed in 1981 as the most extensive and spectacular coral reef ecosystem on the planet, according to the UNESCO website. (Reporting by Tom Westbrook, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Thirteen Indian fishermen had been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for engaging in illegal fishing in the Sri Lankan territorial waters in the seas off Kachchathivu Island this morning, Navy Media Spokesman Commander Dinesh Bandara said today. He said that a Fast Attack Craft attached to the Northern Naval Command arrested the fishermen along with two trawlers. The fishermen were handed over to the Assistant Fisheries Director of Jaffna for legal action. Meanwhile, Indian media alleged that the Sri Lankan Navy personnel had damaged a few more boats and fishing gear belonging to the flotilla of Indian fishermen using iron rods, before chasing them away. The Indian media cited Indian Assistant Director of Fisheries A. Manikandan as saying that more than 2,000 fishermen from Thangachimadam had ventured into the sea on Wednesday in 523 boats and were fishing near Kachchathivu, when the Sri Lankan Naval men came to the spot and arrested the 13 fishermen. They also snapped the fishing nets of 50 boats and damaged some boats using iron rods, he was quoted as saying. (Chaturanga Pradeep) The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) today called on the Government to convene Parliament immediately so as to amend laws, including the Monetary Act, as recommended by the PCoI Report. JVP MP Vijitha Herath said Parliament is scheduled to be convened on January 23 and urged the Government to convene it immediately as normal procedure would take long time to amend laws. President Maithripala Sirisena in his special statement said yesterday that the Commission had recommended adapting of a new Monetary Act in order to avoid malpractices in the Central Bank in future. (Ajith Siriwardana) Video by Isuru Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) yesterday claimed that the Chinese Company which was handling the Hambantota Port Project did not have the authority to hoist the Chinese flag within Sri Lankan territory. It was reported that the Chinese flag and the Sri Lankan flag were hoisted in the Hambantota Port premises on January 1 with both flags at the same level though it had been the custom to hoist the Sri Lankan flag at a higher level than the other flags. PHU General Secretary and MP Udaya Gammanpila told a news conference that only the Chinese Embassy had the authority to hoist the Chinese flag in Sri Lanka and at events at which the Chinese leader was participating. Hoisting a flag belonging to a certain country at a certain place depicts its authority over that land. The Chinese Company has no right to hoist the Chinese flag. They are also governed by the Sri Lankan law and they should abide by it, he said. The MP said the flag-hoisting incident raised doubts as to whether the Hambantota Port belonged to China and it was questionable whether there were more agreements which were not revealed with this regard. (Kalathma Jayawardhane) Video by Susantha Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono arrived in Sri Lanka this evening with a delegation of 24 members on a official visit. Earlier, a statement from the Japanese embassy here said this is the first time in fifteen years for a Japanese Foreign Minister to visit Sri Lanka. The statement said, This visit is aimed at further consolidating the Comprehensive Partnership between Japan and Sri Lanka based on previous visits by President Maithripala Sirisena in May 2016 and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in April 2017". "Strengthening cooperation and collaboration with Sri Lanka is important for the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific area based on the rule of law, it said. During his visit, Kono will pay courtesy calls on the President and the Prime Minister, as well as have a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Tilak Marapana. (T.K.G. Kapila) The extra set of Cabinet and non-Cabinet ministers appointed by the National Government has become unconstitutional and illegal today, the Joint Opposition (JO) said today. It said the number of Cabinet and non-Cabinet ministers had been determined by the 19th Amendment to the Constitution and that number stands at 70. According to the clause 46 (a) and (b) of the Constitution, the number of Cabinet ministers shouldnt exceed 30 and non-Cabinet ministers 40. However, it says in an event where a National Government was formed, the number of ministers could be increased. Hence, we have 100 ministers, 30 extra, today, JO National Organiser and MP Dullas Alahapperuma told a news briefing. He said with the expiration of the agreement between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the United National Party (UNP) for a National Government on December 31, the functioning of excess 30 ministers was unconstitutional and illegal. Continuing to maintain these excess ministers on public funds was a a blatant waste, he said. The MP said the SLFP belittles concerns raised by others to the effect of the expiry of the agreement for a National Government. Perhaps the two parties already have an agreement in secret, he said. When asked about the action the JO was mulling to take over the unconstitutionality of the Cabinet, he said they will have to wait till Parliament convenes on January 23 or Supreme Court on January 6. However, we will take all necessary action, he said. Meanwhile, he said everyone who is against the government should vote for the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna at the Local Government election on February 10. Make us victorious and before the National New Year in April, we will show how to change the government, he said. (Lahiru Pothmulla) Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayaka said today the case involving the 2006 killing of five Tamil students in Trincomalee was now progressing as new reforms have allowed the use of Skype evidence. In a tweet, Minister Ratnayaka said, We could not proceed with the case as the main witness was overseas and was not in a position to support proceedings. The case is now progressing as new reforms have allowed the use of Skype evidence. The Minister made this revelation in response to a tweet by US Ambassador Atul Keshap. Referring to the delay in the case, the US Ambassador said justice delayed is justice denied. In a statement, Minister Ratnayakes Media Unit said the five Tamil students were killed on January 2, 2006 in Trincomalee allegedly by a group of Police Special Task Force officers. Twelve STF officers were later arrested by the Police in connection with the killings. Dr. Kasipillai Manoharan, the father of one of the five students, attended the UN Human Rights Council annual review meeting in March 2013 to demand justice for the murders. Dr. Manoharan, in his speech said, My son Rajigar was one of the five university students assassinated in Trincomalee. On behalf of the five students I am seeking justice. Seven years have elapsed after the brutal killings of the students, but so far justice was not served, In Sri Lanka, however, the authorities found it hard to proceed with the case for a long time as Dr. Manoharan, a key witness in the case, was overseas and was not in a position to support proceedings. The popular question that is making the rounds is Who would come on top, at this election? They mean Which party? Will MR and his SLPP (Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna) outnumber Sirisenas SLFP and the UPFA? What most, want to know in advance is the outcome of the elections. The winner for sure will not be decided by the voter. If the party that takes control of the most number of LG bodies is counted as the winner that will be decided within hours and days by elected men and women, who would leapfrog to create majorities in LG bodies. This election would leave many frustrated and disgusted voters away from polling booths. Bloated and ballooned aspirations that accompanied the January 2015 euphoria shrank and were deflated even before the 100-Day Programme was over. Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was dethroned seven months before, bounced back strong, leading the SLFP/UPFA campaign. He campaigned for the SLFP/UPFA with the horrible disadvantage of having a President (Also the President of the SLFP) who threw every spanner, every hammer against his campaign that yet gave the SLFP/UPFA the 95 seats in the present Parliament. It was also evident in Wickremesinghe and his UNP with many allies calling themselves the United National Front for Good Governance (UNFGG) failing to win the minimum 113 seats required for majority rule. The President, who promised to be the servant of the people, who promised to be non-partisan and would leave after the first term, would do away with the Executive Presidency, is nowhere to be found in political terms In terms of voting, with 77.6 percent polled, Rajapaksa gained 42.4 percent while Wickremesinghe led UNFGG polled 45.6 percent. Two years and five months later, the situation is worse. The President, who promised to be the servant of the people, who promised to be non-partisan and would leave after the first term, would do away with the Executive Presidency, is nowhere to be found in political terms. So is the UNFGG leader Wickremesinghe who promised clean and transparent governance, promised to roll back all Chinese projects the Rajapaksas began and promised fast track investigations on corruption against all in the previous regime including Rajapaksa. As the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has failed with his Government in resurrecting an ailing economy, he keeps blaming the Rajapaksas for. Yet, his Government has taken over all Chinese projects that during 2015 Presidential Election campaign were condemned as unsolicited, worthless projects. His UNFGG Government is seen and talked of as corrupt as the Rajapaksa regime or even more. It is publicly labelled as wholly inefficient too. The synergy of all those negatives in society will not see 77 percent going to polls t February 10 LG Elections have never generated enough enthusiasm to bring large numbers to vote. At the last LG elections with a post-war exuberant Rajapaksa Presidency in 2011, the total polled was only 65.5 percent. This time, it would be an unexplainable miracle, if more than 60 percent decides to vote. There is also the possibility of counting a higher percentage of rejected votes than usual. The biggest disadvantage of a large percentage drop in voting would be for the UNP and the ITAK. Burdened with a terribly discredited government accused of mega corruptions, Wickramasinghe led campaign will not be able to maintain the 45 percent they previously got out of the total polled. Within the UNP there is also the cold and dejected feeling of running elections with Wickramasinghe at the head. All of it would leave the UNP vote this February around 35 percent of the total polled. So would it be for the Sampanthan - Sumanthiran led TNA. The TNA started off with fractures. Suresh Premachandran EPRLF, the well-spread organisation from among former armed groups, has allied with Ananda Sangarees TULF. At the local level, this new combination could be the recipient of frustrated and dissenting Northern votes. Meanwhile, the ITAK leadership has over the past two years lost credibility by playing truant with this Yahapalanaya Government. Unable to politically read this government as another Colombo based Sinhala Government, their blind faith in the UNP leadership has left them as betrayers of the war-affected Tamil people. The TNA (In fact it is ITAK) leadership failed in securing release of youth detained without charges, failed to stand along with agitating women, who demand answers from the Government on disappeared relatives, failed in securing private land occupied by the security forces and they refrain from speaking about continued militarization of Northern and Eastern socio-economic life. Nor will the promised political solution through a new Constitution that Sampanthan said would be complete before end December 2016 ever see the light of day even after December 2018. Not even after the TNA leadership dropped the Federal solution promised in their 2015 Parliamentary election manifesto. The TNA will therefore not be able to poll the percentages they had in North and East at the 2015 Parliamentary elections. At that election when Sampanthan wanted the hand of the TNA strengthened to make him a stronger bargaining power for Tamil people, the TNA polled 69.1 percent in Jaffna, 54.6 percent in the Vanni, and a total of 30.9 percent in the East with Batticaloa gaining 53.3 percent of the total polled in the district. The EPDP and TULF campaigns would also add to the already heavy baggage of the TNA, especially in Jaffna and Vanni. Northern Province Chief Minister Wigneswaran playing it safe and his absence would not be for the advantage of the TNA either. Bottom line is, the ITAK leadership will be clearly told by the Tamil people, they are not worthy of the war-affected Tamil peoples vote and what they poll is due to the absence of a viable alternate Tamil leadership. In the Southern Sinhala districts, with a large percentage of Christian-Catholic vote traditionally going the UNP way despite its efforts to win more of the Sinhala Buddhist votes, the battle between President Sirisenas SLFP/UPFA campaign and that of Rajapaksa with his SLPP is for the bulk of the Sinhala Buddhist vote. Sirisena leading the SLFP/UPFA campaign cannot reach the UNP vote bloc. Even those local UNP leaders, who are disappointed with their own party leadership, will not choose Sirisena as an option. President Sirisena, therefore, has nowhere else to go for votes but to the 4.7 million that Rajapaksa brought together for the SLFP/UPFA at the 2015 August election. That is a totally anti-UNP vote. President Sirisenas leadership cannot address that voting bloc unless he stands as a strong anti-UNP leader. This is not possible with Rajapaksa and the SLPP targeting him as part of the UNP Government and him chairing Cabinet meetings during the next four weeks, taking decisions along with PM Wickremesinghe. For that reason, he is charting an anti-corruption, puritanical path. He perhaps believes that would make him attractive to the anti-UNP rural voter. Reading out a carefully written statement on the Bond Scam Report, President Sirisena on Wednesday made all attempts to sound his anti-corruption drive is non-partisan while promising all recommendations would be implemented and monitored. He concluded by saying not only the Bond Scam Report but also the PRECIFAC Reports so far handed over to him would go through their due processes of litigation. He also promised they would not be politically interfered with. Interestingly, while he refrained from naming persons, he nevertheless said PM Wickremesinghes responsibility for former Central Banks former Governor Arjuna Mahendrans appointment and conduct had been established. He also said former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake could be held responsible for interference and could be further investigated on the Penthouse renting issue an indicted. He thus laid the Bond Scam squarely on the UNP leadership though without much hype. All that indicates, his own SLFP Ministers and campaigners would now go on an open anti-UNP campaign. They may even name others, who are held responsible by the Commission for manipulations and cover-ups. Political campaigns dont end up one way. The SLPP campaign to retain their anti-Government SLFP vote bloc will not allow President Sirisena to go without responsibility in all corruptions alleged under this Yahapalanaya Government. President Sirisena himself has been accused of a big deal over the purchase of a Russian Naval vessel and a much heavier spectrum deal that is said to be over Rs.03 billion given without any tender procedure by the TRC that comes under President Sirisena. For both deals it is said two top men, the Navy Commander Admiral Travis Sinniah and ICTA CEO/MD Muhunthan Canagey were moved out most unceremoniously by President Sirisena. It is any ones guess, the UNP campaign would also have its share of name calling on corruption. The LG elections this time may be one that would expose many corrupt personalities. In February when the LG election concludes, the future of the Yahapalanaya Government would also be decided by it. If Rajapaksa with the SLPP retained the larger share of the 4.7 million anti-UNP vote, it would mean the SLFP has politically morphed into Rajapaksas SLPP. President Sirisena will then be left with a serious crisis in his own camp. Most would want Rajapaksa back again with the SLFP to face their own elections in mid-2020. Either way, the results would leave very little possibility for the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe Government to continue, except as a coalition of two very shameless opportunist camps. As for the people both in the North and the South, the LG Elections would serve no purpose. It would leave them with political instability amidst economic chaos and many episodes of political backstabbing at the high level. A fast-moving year of predictable crises all around. In the wake of President Maithripala Sirisenas statement on the Central Bank bond scam, the joint opposition today said President Sirisena should also be held responsible for the fraud as he was the appointing authority of Arjuna Mahendran as the Central Bank Governor who cleaned out the Treasury. Addressing a news conference on behalf of the joint opposition, former minister Prof. G.L. Peiris said President Sirisena had only appointed Mr. Mahendran. He also said yesterdays President Sirisenas statement was merely to distance himself from the fraud which had caused a whopping loss of Rs. 11 billion to the state. Though President Sirisena vowed to recover money through legal means as Mr. Mahendran being a Singaporean would have spirited away the stolen money. Therefore, it is practically difficult to prosecute him. Even if he is prosecuted, the extradition law has to be applied which is a long and complicated process, he added. He said the second bond scam had taken place after the Parliament was dissolved and added that it could have been prevented if President Sirisena had not dissolved the Parliament allowing the the Parliamentary Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) headed by former Minister D.E.W. Gunasekera to proceed with the investigations. While referring to the statement by President Sirisena that the Bond Commission is of the opinion that similar incidents as revealed in the Commission Report had happened even in 2008, he said it was completely outside the scope of the commission to consider about it and urged the authorities not to distract the attention of the people. (Kalathma Jayawardhane) Video by Sanjeewa REUTERS, 03rd JANUARY, 2018- Singapore has banned a film festival from screening a documentary later this week that features a teenage Palestinian female activist whose arrest last month has made her a symbol of resistance to Israeli military occupation in the West Bank. Justifying the ban, authorities in the Southeast Asian city state said the film Radiance of Resistance was skewed and potentially divisive for Singapores multi-ethnic population. The documentary, which looks at the Palestine-Israeli conflict through the eyes of 16-year-old Ahed Tamimi and another young female activist, lacked counterbalance, the Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) said on its website. The skewed narrative of the film is inflammatory and has the potential to cause disharmony amongst the different races and religions in Singapore, the IMDA said. The documentary was due to have been shown at the Singapore Palestinian Film Festival on Thursday. It was screened at a number of festivals worldwide in 2017 and won Best Documentary at the Respect Human Rights Film Festival in Belfast, but has become even more topical following Tamimis arrest last month. REUTERS, 03rd JANUARY, 2018 - Many businesses in the Indian financial hub of Mumbai closed on Wednesday as protesters from a low-caste community blocked traffic and shopping malls and staged sit-ins on railway lines after clashes with right-wing Hindus. The call for a general strike across the western state of Maharashtra led to largely peaceful protests, but life in many parts of Mumbai was disrupted with Dalits pelting buses with stones and deflating tires in some areas. Railway lines and some major roads leading into the city were blocked. The Dalits, who rank at the bottom in Indias ancient caste hierarchy, called the strike in protest against attacks from right-wing groups in the city of Pune on Monday. The strike shut businesses and schools in Mumbai and other cities across the state. The government didnt arrest the perpetrators of violence in Pune. Hindu group members were beating Dalits and the police were just watching from afar, said protester Sandeep Kamble. We are demanding the arrest of the culprits. Buddhist discussion on Poya day While mindfulness has taken the west by storm with neuroscientists and psychiatrists recommending it to everyone across the globe. More than 2500 years ago Gautama Buddha espoused mindfulness as the gate keeper that protects his noble disciples. Drawing parallels between a well-protected fortress of a city and the life of a disciple, the Enlightened One had emphasized the centrality of mindfulness in the Simile of Fortress in Anguttara Nikaya. The Buddha pointed out that using mindfulness a noble disciple discerns skillful and unskillful thoughts and cultivates the skillful ones while abandoning the unskillful ones, thus paving the way for wisdom. The Buddha equated this mindfulness to the vigilance of a gatekeeper who carefully lets in the friends and loyalists while keeping away the enemy. This very topical theme was the focus on the afternoon Dhamma sermon of the English Dhamma programme of Mahamevnawa, held on January 1st (Duruthu Poya Day) at the Institute of Personnel Management, Colombo 5. Mahamevnawa, one of the largest Buddhist monastery networks in the world with over 40 local and overseas branch monasteries and about 700 monks under its wing, was founded by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera.The Poya Day English Dhamma programme is organized every month under the guidance of the much respected Ven. Gnanananda Thera in view of disseminating Buddhas message to the English speaking followers of the Dhamma. Its specially aimed at enhancing the Dhamma knowledge of the Buddhist students attending private and international schools so that they can grow up to become noble citizens. A useful simile Elaborating on the simile that was used, Ven. Kurunegala Rohanakitti Thera, who conducted the afternoon session of the programme, drove home the appropriateness of this simile including the word fortress drawing parallels between seven features of a fortress. These are features that should be present in the practice of all Buddhists. The Unshakable confidence towards the Buddha was compared to the, strong firm pillar dug half of the pillar to the ground, which is located in the front of the fortress and the deep and the wide moat or the canal around the fortress to the sense of shame of a disciple which keeps him away from the unwholesome. The Sutta which was delivered by the Enlightened One in Sravasti compares the road that encircles the fortress to the sense of concern of the repercussions of bodily, verbal and mental transgression and the weapons stored in the fort to the Dhamma knowledge stored and retained by The Buddhas disciples, by listening to Dhamma. The latter helps a disciple to differentiate between the wholesome and the unwholesome. Parallels have been drawn between the army including elephants and cavalry to persistence with which a disciple abandons the unskillful and cultivates the skillful and the ramparts to his discernment of the arising and passing away. The audience which comprised students from private and international schools and a sizeable adult crowd displayed keen interest for the topic with Ven. Rohanakitti Thera regularly posing questions to the audience to keep the session interesting and useful. The Thera also explained the steps taken by his teacher Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnananda Thera to ensure that the Sri Lnakan children who emigrate for higher studies are given an opportunity to continue their association with the Dhamma. Mahamevna through Mahamevna branch monasteries in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and several other countries helps these students in their attempts to pursue the Dhamma. The discussion on the Simile of Fortress was followed by a meditation session and another Sutta discussion. Pics by Nadeeka Daya Bandara Dandenikumbura in the Meemure Division in the district of Kandy could perhaps be the only village in Sri Lanka with a population of one man. Its a village deserted by the people for want of minimum facilities in a human habitat. The members of more than 30 families had left the village about 15 years ago and settled in other areas as their last resort when their continual representations to successive Governments since independence, regarding their hardship, had failed. All houses vacated by them have been left to the mercy of the jungle. The only man living in the village, an Aryurvedic physician, is Mahagedara Heenbanda (70). He pointed out that several houses had collapsed and others had been encroached by the jungle. The people did not have the basic facilities including an access road, a school, a hospital, or even a sub-post office. They had to make a long trek of more than five kilometers through hard terrain, wading across the river to reach the closest town of Meemure. They carried their produce on foot or used pack bulls. They had to wade through Heenganga on their way to the nearest village of Sulugune which was about eight kilometers away. They had to wade through Divigolleoya river to reach Meemure. More than 200 acres of terrace paddy fields that provided them livelihood is now covered with shrub jungle. None of the children had a school in the village to attend and they had to walk five kilometers to attend the closest school. When Divigolleoya and Heenganga overflowed during heavy rain the children remained at their homes for weeks. The people in more than 30 families deserted the village and settled in Meemure, Sulugune, Galamuduna, Hettipola and Godaulpotha villages. However, they obtain treatment from me. I inherited indigenous medicine from my father. My two sons are practicing Aryurveda in Meemure. I provide treatment free of charge. My sons visit me once a week. Heenbanda said. He said he would not leave the village and that his main duty is to serve alms to the Buddhist monk living in seclusion to practice mediation. The village is being encroached by the surrounding thick jungle. My parents lived in this village and I will live here until I breath my last. The buffaloes left by the villagers have turned wild and raid the village and destroy crops. It is a matter of serious concern that the authorities who boast of development ignore the condition of this historic village. A project to construct a road from Kiulwadiya to Batalawatta has been completed. This new road should run from Meemure through Dandenikumbura to Batalawatta to make it a human habitat again. Politicians come, when an election is around, stay for a couple of days planning development projects and leave. This is how they cheat the people. Banham Zoo at Norfolk in England is celebrating the birth of two rare and endangered Sri Lankan leopard cubs which were born in September, the Eastern Daily Press reported on Wednesday. With fewer than 1,000 Sri Lankan Leopards in the wild, the birth of the cubs has been warmly welcomed by the zookeepers at Banham. These endangered animals have bred successfully at the zoo for many years but this is the first time for Sariska and her mate Mias, wrote Harriet Orrell. Michael Woolham, the zoos animal manager, said its very exciting for the zoo. Sariska has so far been a super mother - very attentive and protective. Im sure the cubs are going to grow up to be very healthy. Because Banham has a lot of experience with big cats and in particular Sri Lankan leopards, Mias was sent to us with the view that we might be able to persuade him to breed. The cubs, now almost four months old, have had their veterinary checks and vaccinations and have been identified as two females. Meanwhile, the Eastern Daily Press has launched a competition to name the pair of baby leopards. Banham Zoo said it would like the cubs to be given names associated with Sri Lanka and is inviting readers to send their suggestions. To enter, email two name suggestions to marketing@zsea.org The competition closes on Friday, January 5. Hard on the heels of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) headed by President Maithripala Sirisena and the United National Party (UNP) led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on the so-called National Government having lapsed on December 31, the President on Wednesday made public the findings of the report of the Presidential Commission on Central Bank bond scam, to the utter disappointment of the UNP. The personal interest taken by the President to make the findings of the report public would surely have hurt the leaders of the UNP and worsened the already strained relationship of the two partners of governance, as the report incriminates directly and indirectly some of the leaders of the UNP for one of the biggest frauds in the Sri Lankan history. Worse, the report is being released during the height of the campaign of an election at which parties led by the President and Prime Minister are contesting. Also the Sri Lankan voter has a slavish mindset, which is always prepared to justify any crime committed by the leaders of his/her party It is not clear as to what the direct impact of the findings of the report on the general voter, given the intricacy of bond transactions in general and the findings of the report in particular to the voter. Also the Sri Lankan voter has a slavish mindset, which is always prepared to justify any crime committed by the leaders of his/her party. Yet, the report can have some bearing on the educated people who voted for the UNP at the last Parliamentary elections. However, it is too early to conclude that all wrongdoers including former Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran, his son-in-law Arjun Aloysius and former Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, as named by the report, would be punished or the more than Rs. 11 billion allegedly plundered through the controversial bond transaction, would be recovered by the Central Bank, given the Sri Lankan history against corruption. The report is being released during the height of the campaign of an election at which parties led by the President and Prime Minister are contesting It is noteworthy to remind that there had been criticisms even on some of the proceedings of this Commission as well. Basically, Sri Lankas track record on Commissions of Inquiry has been disappointing and dismal. Many past Commissions, as with the case of the Bond Commission, had made startling revelations during their proceedings, but ended up in flops. Of around fifteen various Commissions that had been appointed by various governments since early 1960s, no justice has been meted out to anybody who had been suffered due to the incidents that had prompted the appointment of those commissions. Nor was the legal system of the country benefitted by the findings of those Commissions. The Commissions on the death of former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike, 1977 ethnic violence (The Sansoni Commission), killing of 67 civilians in Kokkattichcholai, in the Eastern Province in 1991, Batalanda Torture Chambers during JVPs second insurrection in 1988/89, Killing of inmates of Bindunuwewa Rehabilitation Centre in 2000, ethnic violence in 1981, several Commissions on disappearances of people during armed conflicts and the commission on the failure of the Cease Fire Agreement of 2002 (Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission - LLRC) were the major Commissions appointed during the past 50 years in the country. It is not clear as to what the direct impact of the findings of the report on the general voter, given the intricacy of bond transactions in general and the findings of the report in particular to the voter The reports of all these Commissions were swept under the carpet by all Governments. The Commissions on disappearance of people during armed conflicts were the worst in respect of the findings and follow up remedial actions. There had been nine commissions inquired into the disappearances of people during the armed conflicts in the south as well as the north since 1991. President R. Premadasa during whose tenure it was said that around 60,000 persons disappeared in the south, appointed three Commissions followed by another one by his successor President D.B. Wijetunga. President Chandrika Kumaratunga appointed four Commissions on the same matter and her successor Mahinda Rajapaksa appointed one, the recent Paranagama Commission. But, none of these nine Commissions could help trace a single man or woman said to have disappeared. However, the reports of two Commissions have been different from the others. The report of the LLRC appointed by President Rajapaksa was internationally accepted, though with reservations and four resolutions were adopted at the UNHRC in four consecutive years, based on it, pressing Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations of that report. However, the Government is still dragging its feet. And now the Central Bank Bond Commission has issued a serious report with unprecedented recommendations to take legal action even against the bigwigs of the ruling party, the UNP. However, there is still a long way to go through a complex legal process and promulgation of new laws, as the President vowed to do, before the culprits are punished and lost moneys are recovered by the Central Bank. The UNP cannot give vent to their anger or disappointment in public over the release of the report or making public of some of the findings of it by the President, in the light of its claim that it has created a new culture with Ravi Karunanayakes resignation from his ministerial post, soon after his relationship with Arjun Aloysius was exposed at the Commission and with the appearing of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe before the Commission. It also cannot absolve itself from the allegation that it attempted to cover up the fraud from the very inception of the controversy. However, both the President and the Prime Minister are in a tight corner over the matter, as being at each others throats would jeopardize the very survival of the government. The President can play politics with issues but only to an extent that would not endanger the cohabitation of the two parties. Thus, he seems to have attempted to pacify the UNP and justify his appointment of the bond commission by declaring that he would appoint a commission on the activities of the National carrier SriLankan Airlines and the Mihin Air, the outcome of which would be detrimental to the leaders of the former regime, especially the Rajapaksas. On the other hand, despite the rhetoric by some ministers, the UNP too cannot take any drastic action against the President or his SLFP, since it has only 106 seats in the Parliament seven seats shorter than what it requires to form a Government of its own. In case of a fall out between the two parties in the government, the UNP would have to win over or buy over Presidents men or men from former President Mahinda Rajapaksas camp to secure the Parliamentary majority. One cannot rule out such a possibility. In the light of the current criticisms leveled against the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) by the Tamil nationalistic and extremist forces as well as a section of the Tamil diaspora for supporting the Government, it is unlikely that the Tamil coalition would come forward to fill the void and help the UNP to form a Government. The maximum extent it can go to is to support a minority UNP Government from outside. But then it would give ammunition to the racist elements and the Joint Opposition to carry out harmful propaganda against the UNP during the future elections- Provincial councils, Parliamentary and Presidential elections. Therefore, if the UNP did not resort to horse-trading with the Presidents or former Presidents men, the only option left with the Prime Minister, as well as the President, is to put up with the situation, until the next major national election is held, though it would be a bitter experience. Christopher Nolan is popular worlwide and Amitabh Bachchan seems to be in awe of him. Mumbai: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Wednesday said that acclaimed director Christopher Nolan will be visiting India by March this year. The 75-year-old actor said the 'Dunkirk' director, who has stayed true to the art of filmmaking by creating masterpieces such as 'Inception' and 'The Dark Knight' trilogy, on film, will be coming to the country to lend his support to Kodak's new facility here. "It is all about to change yet again... Kodak that largest name for film is coming back... Many in the world of direction and production are finding values in the product done on film to be the more liked subject... "So like 'Dunkirk' the film by that renowned Christopher Nolan uses only film for his pictures... 'Dunkirk' was not digital it was film... And in a month or so the man himself, Mr Nolan, is coming to India to inaugurate or at least lend support to a few matters," Bachchan wrote on his blog. The actor also took to Twitter to announce, "Kodak is to open its facility again fresh and productive in Mumbai soon... by March 2018... Hollywood is apparently switching back to film... hai hai apni digital film ka kya hoga (Now what will happen to our digital films)." T 2580 - NEWS !! don't know if it deserves the Tag BREAKING !! but Celluloid film is back .. KODAK is to open its facility again fresh and productive in Mumbai soon ... by March 2018 .. !! Hollywood is apparently switching back to film .. hai hai apni digitel film ka kya hoga pic.twitter.com/oNXO781DbE Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 2, 2018 This would be Nolan's first India visit. In 2014, it was rumoured that the director will be coming to the country for an event organised by IIT Bombay, a claim his rep denied after the story went viral on social media. Mumbai: Sidharth Malhotra, last seen in Ittefaq is gearing up for his upcoming release Aiyaary. Aiyaary is a story of two soldiers, a mentor and his disciple who turned into their biggest enemies. Post Aiyaary, Sid will be working on Vikram Batra biopic. Capt. Vikram Batra was the man who gave up his life during the Kargil war so he could save his men. When asked about working on Vikram Batras biopic, Sidharth told Hindustan Times, "This story is based on the Kargil war and its very inspiring and touching. Ive never played a character thats real. Their family approached me a while ago and said that if anyone had to play their son, then theyd be very interested if I could do it. It was very overwhelming, because I had heard of his story, but when I got into the details, it was amazing to learn about his life and journey." "Its very difficult to portray someone who, at such a young age, gave up his life for the country. You have to give it respect because were talking about a martyr. Thats more challenging than being compared. He is not a celebrity, so I have less to worry about in that regard, but I have to be sensitive so that I do justice to the role and dont offend people. I feel very answerable to the family; they approached me for the role. I hope they feel satisfied and happy when the film releases," added the actor. For the uninitiated, Sidharths grandfather too was a proud army officer. Theres also anticipation to see if the film, as is the rumour, is inspired from 2009 French film Largo Winch. (Photo: DC) While theres ample buzz around Agnyaathavaasi, theres also anticipation to see if the film, as is the rumour, is inspired from 2009 French film Largo Winch. T-Series that holds the remake rights of the film has already sent a notice to the films makers. And now, the latest is that the director of the original has expressed his curiousity to see the film. Jerome Salle, who helmed the original, heard about the plagiarism controversy surrounding the film and took to social media to express his interest in watching the film. I think I'm gonna buy a ticket (plane first, then movie) #Curiosity #Agnyaathavaasi #Largo-Winch (sic), he tweeted. After the promos of Agnyaathavaasi were released, similarities with the French film were pointed out by many. The makers havent commented so far. Yet another TV actress from Mumbai is making her Telugu debut. Rasheeka Dutt, who did a Hindi serial titled Twist Wala Love will be seen as the female lead in Nivena Nanu Pilichinadi. Born and brought up in Bengaluru and partly educated in Rajasthan, Rasheeka was the runner-up of the Miss Rajasthan contest in 2013. After my graduation, I shifted to Mumbai and joined the theatre group Rang Rasiya. I worked with them for more than a year and then did a few commercials too, says Rasheeka. It was after she was spotted in a South Indian advertisement that Rasheeka was approached for this Telugu film. I am playing the lead and its a romantic horror film, she says, admitting that she knows Hyderabad since her childhood. I have a few friends here in Tollywood and have been to Hyderabad a lot of times, says Rasheeka, whose debut film has been shot in Hyderabad, Warangal and Ongole. Its been a learning experience for me as I learnt acting and also the Telugu language, she says, adding, I want to dedicate myself to Telugu, and am concentrating on it. I have a tutor to teach me Telugu and I am trying to grasp it quickly. When asked why she signed a small film though she has many friends here, Rasheeka explains, I was approached for some big projects, but they didnt happen because I was studying or busy with some other work. Now I want to sign films with only known people. The actress shares that she has watched many Telugu films while shooting here, including the recent Nani-starrer Middle Class Abbayi. I love watching Telugu films and even watched Ranas Nene Raju Nene Mantri, she reveals. Rasheeka completed her BBA from BITS Pilani and then did her diploma in fashion designing from NIFT, Bengaluru. The revellers used the low tide to their advantage and built the structure in the Tairua estuary on the Coromandel peninsula on December 31. How far will you go to ensure you get your tipple? If you were part of this New Zealand group of revellers, the answer is quite far. To beat a ban on drinking in public places, this group created an island in coastal waters, in order to enjoy a New Years party. The island was built of sand, and started off as a joke. The revellers used the low tide to their advantage and built the structure in the Tairua estuary on the Coromandel peninsula on December 31. They then went on to install a picnic table and icebox for drinks. There had been a ban on drinking in public places in Coromandel over the New Year, with fines of $250.They claimed that since they were in international waters, the ban wouldnt apply to them. Luckily for the group, the authorities seem to have taken the stunt in a funny vein. Thats creative thinking if I had known [about it] I probably would have joined them, local police commander inspector John Kelly told BBC. Chennai: The XVIII Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Saidapet, on Thursday awarded three-and-a-half years rigorous imprisonment to a 40-year-old man on charges of marrying three women and making away with cash and jewellery from them soon after the wedding. A team led by N. Giri, inspector, Teynampet police station, SI Ranganathan and constable Vasambu, nabbed A. Kumar, 40, of Kallakurichi, eight years after duping and marrying women. Kumar duped three women and married them posing as a college lecturer and an orphan. According to assistant public prosecutor E. Edwig, posing as a lecturer and an orphan, Kumar married a woman, Ramya, (name changed) in Teynampet on March 19, 2009. They went to Cuddalore, native place of the woman and stayed for a day. Next day, he left from the place along with 12 sovereigns of gold jewelry, which was given to him as dowry. After leaving the woman, he never returned home. A few months later he returned home only to demand money. On suspicion, Ramya filed a complaint before Teynampet police station. After noticing his photo in newspapers, two other women lodged complaint against him for duping them in the same fashion. Edwing said Kumar posed as a lecturer and an orphan and married Punitha in 1999 and Dhanalakshmi of Kattankulathur in 2008. He escaped from their houses with valuables and jewelry, given to him as dowry. Kumar absconded for over eight years. Based on direction of commissioner, a team was formed comprising N. Giri, inspector, Teynampet police station, SI, Ranganathan and constable Vasambu. The team nabbed Kumar, who was hiding in Tiruvannamalai in October 2017. Chargesheet was filed against him under sections 417, 420 and 498 (A) of IPC before XVIII Metropolit-an Magistrate, Saidapet. The trial was completed in four months. When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, judge J. Mohana convicted Kumar on charge of marrying Ramya after concealing his marriage with two other women. The judge sentenced him to undergo three and a half year of RI and slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 on him. Guntur: Kidney donors claiming to be relatives and giving fake personal details came to light at Narasaraopeta in Guntur district. Narasaraopeta tahsildar Vijaya Jyothy Kumari found that a person in no way related to the patient but claiming to be so, offered to donate his kidney, following which a complaint was lodged with the police. A native of Telangana furnished the Aadhaar card of one Ravi, of Prakash Nagar in Narasaraopeta, after changing the photo for kidney donation. Investigation revealed that Mudavath Venkateswarlu Naik of Chandrakunta Thanda in Guntur district had moved to Telangana and was residing in Nalgonda district. He used a fake Aadhaar card in the name of Ravuri Ravi Chowdary, 12-3-35/1 door number, Prakash Nagar, Narasaraopeta, to prove that he was a relative of Siva Ramakrishna, the patient in need of a kidney. Tahsildar Kumari said Telugu Desam leader and businessman Kapilavai Vijaya Kumar asked her over the phone to certify the relationship for kidney donation. The leader recommended clearance of the certificate since the patient was undergoing treatment at the hospital of his son-in-law Dr Chinta Ramakrishna. This was denied by Vijaya Kumar. Since the Aadhaar document and other details were found to be fake, she lodged complaint with the police. Dr Chinta said the patient came to their Vedanta Hospitals in critical condition after failure of both kidneys. Since the patients relatives could not find a donor, the patient was moved to another hospital in Vijayawada. DSP K. Nageswara Rao said Naik had submitted fake documents to the tahsildars office for the certificate necessary for kidney donation to Siva Nageswara Rao of Chandramouli Nagar of Guntur. He said the patient contacted Naik for kidney donation which he accepted and submitted fake documents. The complaint was filed on November 20 and the police were on the lookout for Naik, he added. CHENNAI: Police on Thursday arrested 11 persons from Karnataka after they assaulted and threatened two city businessmen at knife-point and attempted to waylay them during a business transaction near Pallavaram on Wednesday evening. T. Babu (49) of Nehru Nagar, Pallavaram runs a scrap iron business along with his friend, Aaroon Rashid (26) of Pallavaram. The duo used to buy scrap iron from a construction company, BLR Construction, on Pallavaram Thoraipakkam radial road. On Wednesday, around 5 pm, the duo went to purchase the scrap iron when the incident happened. They had taken their truck and were loading the scrap when a gang from Karnataka had come, also to buy the scrap iron. The gang entered into an argument with the duo and the verbal duel escalated into a brawl. All of a sudden, the gang took weapons from their cars and threatened the businessmen at knifepoint and attempted to waylay them and escape with the scrap iron load. Hearing their screams, a crowd gathered and the gang attempted to flee. Pallavaram police rushed to the scene on information and secured the gang. The businessmen were moved to a hospital for treatment. Eleven persons- F Sheikh Khan (40), Zakid Zameer (34), Syed Mubarak (24), Mohammed Salim (30), S Richardson (29), M Pradeep Raj (25), K Jairamesh (36), R Stephen Raj (20), K Mohan (33), M Mukaithir Basha (32) and Naeem Sharif (29) - all residents of Bengaluru - were arrested. Three cars and weapons were seized from them. They were produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody. NIZAMABAD: A village revenue assistant (VRA) was mowed down to death by a sand-laden tractor driven by an operative of the sand mafia in Kamareddy district. The incident took place on Wednesday night at Kakivagu of Mardanda village in Pitlam mandal. The deceased, Sailoo, 36, was working as VRA and was a native of Karegoan village in the same mandal. It is believed the sand mafia driver carrying illegal material from Kakivagu was asked to stop the tractor. Instead, the driver drove the vehicle over the employee, who died instantaneously. Villagers who spotted the body on Thursday staged a protest and demanded action against the mafia. Police rushed to the spot and shifted the body for post-mortem. They have also taken into custody sand transporter Durgaiah and his brother Raju, who were allegedly responsible for the death. Pitlam police seized the tractor and registered a case. Addressing a meeting, Mamata Banerjee had accused the Centre of 'excluding' names of Bengalis in Assam from the first draft of the NRC. (Photo: File/PTI) Guwahati: A case was registered against Mamata Banerjee by the Assam Police on Thursday over her statement on National Register of Citizens (NRC). The case was filed after BJP urged the authorities involved with the NRC in Assam to file a complaint in the Supreme Court against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for alleging that the Centre was "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from the northeastern state earlier on Thursday. Assam BJP chief Ranjeet Kumar Dass claimed Banerjee made the comment to lure Bengali-speaking people towards the Trinamool Congress, as the saffron party was strengthening foothold in West Bengal. "We appeal to the NRC authorities to register a case of contempt of the Supreme Court," he told a press conference here. The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration. Its first draft was published on December 31 midnight. Dass alleged that Banerjee does not have any understanding of NRC's progress and wants to hamper the cordial relations between various religions and languages. "It was a conspiracy for political gain. She made this emotional statement as the Trinamool Congress is becoming weak. She knows that the BJP is going to come to power in West Bengal in future like other states," Dass claimed. He also claimed that even Bengali youth organisations in Assam were opposing the West Bengal chief minister's remark. Asked if the BJP will file a complaint against Banerjee, he said, "We have informed the Assam chief minister about it." Addressing a meeting on Wednesday, Banerjee had accused the Centre of "excluding" names of Bengalis in Assam from the first draft of the NRC. "I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire... This is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.8 crore people from the state," she had said. On BJP MLA Shiladitya Dev's reported statement that the first draft of the NRC contained names of foreigners, Dass said the legislator is a responsible person and should inform the NRC authorities if he has proper information. Reminding Manmohan Singh (L), A Raja in the letter said, 'I assured you several times that I had done nothing wrong but rather acted in the national interest and that I would prove this.' (Photo: PTI) Mumbai: Days after a Special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court acquitted all 19 accused including former telecom minister A Raja and DMK supremo Karunanidhis daughter Kanimozhi, A Raja has written a deeply emotional letter to his ex-boss and former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Assuring Singh of his loyalty, Raja wrote that although he had been a loyal supporter of Singh, "compulsions" prevented the-then Prime Minister from openly supporting him. Reminding Singh, Raja in the letter said: "I assured you several times that I had done nothing wrong but rather acted in the national interest and that I would prove this." It went on to say: "I also understand the compulsions that prevented you from openly supporting me. I hope you will acknowledge that I remained loyal and faithful to you -- unlike some senior cabinet colleagues -- and ensured that you did not suffer personal embarrassment in the trial proceedings. "Now that the truth about 2G is out in the open, perhaps you too, could come forward in my support, which you could not earlier," the letter read. Interestingly, to this Singh replied saying, "I am very happy that you stand vindicated in the 2G case. Former telecom minister A Raja's letter to Manmohan Singh. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) Former PM Manmohan Singh's reply to A Raja's letter. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) Pronouncing the scathing judgement, Special CBI judge OP Saini said there was no concrete evidence submitted against the accused. "There is no evidence on the record produced before the court indicating any criminality in the acts allegedly committed by the accused persons relating to fixation of cutoff date, manipulation of first-come-first-served policy, allocation of spectrum to dual technology applicants, ignoring ineligibility of STPL (Swan Telecom Pvt Ltd) and Unitech group companies, nonrevision of entry fee and transfer of Rs 200 crore to Kalaignar TV (P) Limited as illegal gratification," Justice Saini said. Saini further noted that the chargesheet misrepresented the official record and included oral statements of the witnesses that are not acceptable in law. "The chargesheet of the instant case is based mainly on misreading, selective reading, non-reading and out of context reading of the official record. Further, it is based on some oral statements made by the witnesses during investigation, which the witnesses have not owned up in the witnessbox. Lastly, if statements were made orally by the witnesses, the same were contrary to the official record and thus, not acceptable in law", the Special CBI Judge said. In its charge sheet filed in April 2011 against A Raja and others, the CBI had alleged that there was a loss of Rs 30,984 crore to the exchequer in allocation of 122 licences for 2G spectrum which were scrapped by the Supreme Court on February 2, 2012. All the accused facing trial in these cases had denied allegations levelled against them by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. US President Donald Trump had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit in return for USD 33 billion aid. (Photo: AP) New Delhi/Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday alleged that US President Donald Trump's recent remarks against his country showed that he was talking in the language of India. Briefing the Parliamentary Committee on National Security about tension between Pakistan and the US following Trump's remarks, Asif said the US is making Islamabad a scapegoat for its failure in Afghanistan. Trump had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit in return for USD 33 billion aid. Sources privy to the discussion in the meeting said Asif told lawmakers, Trump was speaking in the language of India. The statements from the US leaders are contrary to the facts, Asif said. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who heads the body, told the media after the meeting that there should be balanced response to the statements from the US. The country's dignity should be maintained, while engaging with the US," he said. He said the committee has decided to reconvene next week for a briefing by security agencies. The closed-door meeting came at the heels of a high-level National Security Committee meet and the cabinet meeting earlier this week. Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir was also present in the meeting. Dastagir said when US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary James Mattis visited Pakistan, they presented their stance in accordance with diplomatic norms and the talks were not threatening and insulting, Geo TV reported. (But) this was present in Trump's tweet and before that when US Vice President Mike Pence made the 'put Pakistan on notice' statement from Afghanistan, the defence minister said, referring to the threatening tone of the US leaders. "We need to have a holistic review of the entire situation. We are conducting a complete analysis and coolly formulating our response," he said, adding that there should not be any doubts when it comes to the defence of Pakistan. "The question is will America create a situation which will harm Pakistan...We are ready for this but still want to engage the US," he shared. Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and NSA Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Janjua also briefed the participants. Mr Khatri said they have opened a helpline, 18004250012, and the public or vendors can call the number and give information on any death of birds. We will check for symptoms and send bird samples for examination. It is being done as a precautionary measure and people should ensure that they provide information. Bengaluru: A day after a case of bird flu was reported in Bhuvaneshwari Nagar in Dasarahalli near Hebbal, officials from the animal husbandry department and BBMP on Wednesday directed poultry shops within one kilometre radius to shut down to allow culling operations. Dr Rajkumar Khatri, principal secretary, Animal Husbandry Department, said, A few days ago, a vendor brought to our notice that a few country fowls, which were supplied to the shop, died, which gave rise to suspicion. The samples were collected and sent to the National Institute of High Security, Bhopal, where one bird was tested positive for H5. There should be no panic as H5 virus can rarely transmit to humans. All the shops falling within one km radius were shut down and culling process began. 71 birds were culled in the area. The cullers will also be kept under observation and will be quarantined for over 10 days. We have taken all precautionary measures as it is a sensitive issue. We are also ensuring that the virus does not spread. The cullers have been told to take necessary safety measures. We will observe them and ensure that they do not become carriers. We have mobilised teams from all departments concerned and various teams have been formed to carry out surveillance in Dasarahalli and surrounding areas. Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner and BBMP officials are also keeping a watch on the situation. Employees from BBMP, Asha workers and members of Gram Panchayath have all been roped in to monitor the situation. P.T. Srinivas, deputy director, Poultry Disease Diagnostic Lab, said, The birds were sourced from Tamil Nadu and details of the supplier are being collected from the vendor. The entire city need not be worried as it is a stray case and there is no need for panic. Screening has been carried out in various parts of the city and as of now, no positive cases have been reported. Officials will conduct tests once in 15 days, he said. On the New Years Eve, they reduced AC Volvo fares by 37% on a pilot basis and Airport bus fares permanently, but Bus Bhagya campaigners are still not content. (Photo: DC) The BMTC that runs as a corporation survives on profits, unlike transport divisions of other metros where public buses are funded by the state. Respective state governments waive off taxes and take care of employee salaries, irrespective of revenues generated. Though the state Transport Department reduced AC bus fares recently, activists believe that it can do a lot more. They feel that if the state government supports the public bus service, it will have a better social and economic impact on Bengalureans and increase ridership by 30-40 percent. On December 15 last year, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation management told Deccan Chronicle that seeking financial aid from the state is not good for many reasons, including a dip in the quality of services. Managing Director Ponnuraj said, Many people argue for budgetary support for BMTC, but if we start depending on the state for our operations, the quality will deteriorate. We will have to wait for the money coming in four instalments annually to run the day-to-day services. Reliability of services and cash flow will take a hit. Read| GUEST COLUMN| BMTC, dont deny funds from government, you are here to serve us His statement was soon after Transport Minister Revannas announcement on reducing AC bus fares. He said, The BMTC is considering reducing AC bus fares as the patronage has fallen to unprofitable levels. We don't have such plans for non-AC services, as the BMTC is under loss." On the New Years Eve, they reduced AC Volvo fares by 37% on a pilot basis and Airport bus fares permanently, but Bus Bhagya campaigners are still not content. In their campaign in February 2017, the Citizens for Bengaluru and Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike demanded reduction of fares by 50% and doubling of the fleet to 12,000. Srinivas Alavilli, a member of the Citizens for Bengaluru, believes that reduction of AC bus fares is a welcome move, but it is too little and too late. He said, If you are going to do a pilot, do it at least for three months and cover all the services. Why restrict it only to AC buses? The project also has to be taken up in association with the traffic police and experiment on marking bus priority lanes. Vayju Vajra Volvo buses saw less patronage, not because they were unaffordable to the IT crowd and others. It was because the people prefer getting stuck in a car during a traffic jam than a bus. The golden solution here is to make buses go faster than cars. On the MDs statement getting funds from the government would affect the quality of service, Alavilli said, Such mentality is wrong. Funds should be seen as an investment to help public. Bus is not a poor mans vehicle. What is the correlation between funds and quality? Just because India Canteen gives subsidised food, doesnt mean the quality should be bad! He said that ordinary buses are the lifeline of Bengaluru, but remain unaffordable for the urban poor. Also, carrying 50 lakh riders per day, BMTC remains our best weapon against pollution. State must waive off all taxes on BMTC Last year, the state government announced that it will waive off Rs 120 crore in Motor Vehicle Tax for the next five years for BMTC. But the corporation, which operates like a private company, still has to shell out diesel tax, road tax, spare parts tax, salaries of its employees and more. Fare revenue is the bread and butter of BMTC, unlike Namma Metro and public bus services in Chennai, Mumbai, which are funded by the government. On July 4, 2017, BMTC Chairman Nagaraja Yadav announced, Last financial year, we incurred a loss of Rs 260 crore, of which Rs 120 crore went for Motor Vehicle Tax. Now, we have been exempted from this by the state government for five years, reducing our losses by 50%. A necessary and overdue move, it is still not enough to reduce bus fares and increase the fleet. The Bus Bhagya campaign pointed out that Bengaluru bus fares are the highest in the country. Lack of tax breaks has also had an effect on employee salaries. With no budget provision to pay arrears, dearness allowance and bonus, the drivers, conductors, mechanics and other staff are suffering. Their disgruntlement translates to strikes, affecting commuter movement and increasing pollution by 15-18% (data from July 2016 strike) in the city. This is an issue that BMTC recognises too. Mr Yadav said, It is high time that the BMTC MD asked CM Siddaramaiah to declare BMTC as an essential service. It is high time that the state government exempts us from road, diesel and other taxes just as they did with Motor Vehicle Tax. He also revealed that talks are on between the BBMP and BMTC to exempt Rs 7 crore property tax per year. If these taxes are waived off, the BMTC will be able to serve its purpose without compromising on affordability, operational expenses, fleet expansion, etc. Vijayan even went on to say that North Korea fared better than China. (Photo: PTI) Kozhikode: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sparked a fresh controversy after he praised North Korea for "successfully defending the pressure imposed by the United States". "North Korea has been following tough anti-USA agenda. It has successfully defended the pressure imposed by US," Vijayan said while addressing a CPM Kozhikode district committee meeting on Tuesday. He even went on to say that North Korea fared better than China. "China's fight against imperialist forces is not living up to the expectations of the people," Vijayan was quoted as saying by India Today. The statement comes as a shocker from the chief minister of the southern state when no other leaders have spoken on the issue. In December, a CPI (M) poster carrying a picture of Kim Jong-Un emerged in Kerala's Nedumkandam. The poster was put up in the state to invite CPI (M) cadres to attend a party meeting. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) His statements have come up at a time when US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong-Un are involved in a bitter war of words over latter's nuclear weapons programme. Despite warnings, North Korea has conducted several missile launches since Trump came to power in January last year. Kim earlier in his annual New Year address, had warned that he has a "nuclear button" on his table. Trump in his reply on Tuesday warned Kim Jong-Un that he possessed a nuclear button that is "much bigger and more powerful" than that of the North Korean leader. A massive shutdown called by Dalit groups and parties across Maharashtra was called off on Wednesday after a day of protests and sporadic violence. (Photo: PTI/File) Mumbai: A 16-year-old boy, who was part of the mob blocking a road during the Maharashtra bandh in Nanded city, was crushed to death while escaping police on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Hadgaon area of Nanded in Marathwada region in the afternoon when protesters were blocking a road, a police official said. According to police officials, the teenager, identified as Yogesh Jadhav, also ran along with the demonstrators while they were being chased in the violence struck state. "He, however, lost his balance and fell on road. He suffered serious injuries to his forehead and other parts of the body as he was trampled upon by fleeing protesters," the official said. "Jadhav was admitted in government hospital in Hadgaon, where he succumbed to his injuries," Hadgaon police station senior inspector Keshav Latpate told PTI. Meanwhile, another official said that protesters have alleged that Jadhav died in police lathi charge. Jadhav's postmortem is not yet performed and his family members are yet to claim his body, Latpate said. A massive shutdown called by Dalit groups and parties across Maharashtra was called off on Wednesday after a day of protests and sporadic violence. The shutdown had generated tension in Mumbai and a number of areas across Maharashtra, as the state marked its third day of seething tension between Dalits and upper castes, mainly Marathas. In Mumbai, demonstrators tried to block trains, metro and buses, and forced shops in some areas to shut down. Two major roads in Mumbai's Bandra were blocked. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a judicial inquiry into the violence. The precautionary measure is only to keep over 1,500 birds and animals at the zoo safe. Mysuru: With a case of bird flu (Avian Influenza -H5N8) being reported from Bengaluru, Mysuru Zoo authorities on Wednesday started precautionary measures to prevent the spread of flu among birds and animals at the zoo. There have been no incidents of flu in the Mysuru Zoo. The precautionary measure is only to keep over 1,500 birds and animals at the zoo safe. As a confirmed case was reported from a place in Bengaluru, we have taken up these measures, said Mysuru Zoo Executive Director Ravishankar. After the visiting hours for tourists, virus disinfectants were sprayed from 5.30 pm to 7 pm. While aviary zone was covered on Wednesday, rest of the areas will be covered from 6.30am to 8.30a m on Thursday morning, before visiting hours for tourists and post visiting hours from 5.30 pm to 7pm again on Thursday evening. We have two spraying equipment and two teams of five members each are spraying the disinfectants. The entire process is monitored by veterinarians Dr Ramesh and Dr Manjunath, two supervisors and I, he said. Last year, the zoo was closed from January 4 till February 2, as per Central Zoo Authority directions, after the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) at Bhopal confirmed avian influenza among six migratory and free ranging birds which had died at a pond in Mysuru Zoo in December 2016 end. Puducherry: For the next two months, visitors to Manakula Vinayagar Temple will miss its star attraction elephant Lakshmi as the animal left for the rejuvenation camp at Thekkampatti in Coimbatore district from here on Wednesday. She boarded the truck with all arrangements after receiving special pooja at the temple in the morning. The elephant will be in the rejuvenation camp for 48 days Prakruti of the Sri Dharbaraneswara Swamy temple located in Thirunallar, Karaikal, will also be participating in the camp for the sixth consecutive year along with Lakshmi. The 29-year-old Lakshmi was donated to the temple when she was ten and is the darling of visitors since then. Lakshmi is part of all rituals in the temple and in the evenings, she stood near the entrance, blessing devotees with her trunk. Devotees in return had gifted Lakshmi many things including her silver anklets. The temple had often landed in controversy also the over ownership of the animal and denying proper care for it. Animal right groups including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) had several times asked the Forest Department to cancel the ownership certificate issued to the temple citing the cruelty to the elephant and demanded that the animal should be transferred to a sanctuary citing the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)s authorised inspection report on foot rot and mental health. The government and Lt Governor Kiran Bedi had locked horns last year over the issue as the later had asked the government to send the elephant to forest following a representation from PETA. The elephant has not visited the temple since December 14 last year after the Department of Forest and Wildlife directed temple authorities not to bring it to the temple until further orders were given, reportedly in response to a compaint given by PETA which raised concerns over the health condition of the animal. In the rejuvenation camp, the health of the elephant will be monitored by a team of experts and they will be supplied with vitamins and other supplements. The elephant will be back by February 22. BJP MP Somaiya also claimed both pilots had come out of the cockpit which was a violation of rules. (Photo: PTI | Representational) New Delhi: A probe has been ordered into the incident of a Jet Airways' pilot allegedly slapping his woman commander on a London-Mumbai flight, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Responding to the issue raised by Kirit Somaiya (BJP) during the Zero Hour, Raju said a probe into the incident has been ordered and time-bound action would be taken. Somaiya alleged that the incident had put the lives of hundreds of passengers at risk and sought action against the airlines and the two pilots. He claimed that both the pilots had come out of the cockpit which was a violation of rules. He also objected to the reported statement of the airlines that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding. Jet Airways grounded two of its senior pilots following the mid-air brawl on a London-Mumbai flight on January 1, in which the male commander allegedly slapped his female counterpart. Rajiv Satav (Cong) raised the issue of the death of a schoolboy allegedly in police lathi charge in the aftermath of the Dalit-Maratha violence in Maharashtra. He blamed the state government for the incident and sought compensation for the boy's family. Prahlad Joshi (BJP) alleged that over 20 "political murders" have taken place in Karnataka after the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government took over. He claimed that despite NIA charge-sheet naming some PFI cadres for violent incidents, the state government has withdrawn cases against them. Ravneet Singh (Cong) referred to reports that a group of office-bearers claiming to represent 14 gurudwaras in Canada has imposed ban on Indian diplomats from entering the place of worship. He said some Khalistani supporters in Canada haveeven threatened the chief minister of Punjab. He said they were damaging the image of Sikhs all over the world and pro Khalistan elements should not be tolerated. N K Premachandran (RSP) referred to reports about Chinese soldiers attempting to construct roads inside Arunachal Pradesh and said after Dokalam, the development assumes significance. Prahlad Singh Patel (BJP) alleged that girls from scheduled tribes in Tripura were raped and murdered but no postmortem was undertaken. He alleged that the girls' kin were forced to perform their last rites without postmortem, alleging the role of some CPI-M members in the incident. His remarks were strongly opposed by members from the Left parties. 'A ruler surrendered in a single phone call, our country, we went through the worst bloodbath,' said Asif, about the military dictator Musharraf. (Photo: AFP) New Delhi: Days after US president Donald Trump accused Pakistan of lies and deceit, foreign minister of Pakistan Khawaja Asif responded to Trump in a series of tweets and said: You ask what we've done?... From our bases you carried out 57,800 attacks on Afghanistan...thousands of our civilians and soldiers became victims of the war initiated by you. Khawaja Asif repeatedly talked of Pakistanis' sacrifices. And directly in response to Trump's words, said his own version of the US President's "No more!" "Our forces are fighting an unusual war, there is an unending saga of sacrifices. Now, history teaches us not to blindly trust the US. We are feeling sorry they are not happy, but we will not compromise on our dignity anymore," Pakistan foreign minister said. Asif began his series of tweets by attacking Pakistans former-president Pervez Musharraf, who was in charge when the 9/11 terror attacks occurred in New York. "A ruler surrendered in a single phone call, our country, we went through the worst bloodbath," said Asif, about the military dictator Musharraf. Asif implied that if anyone was a fool it was Pakistan for getting involved in US's war. He was talking about Trumps first tweet of 2018 where the US president said that Islamabad takes Americans for fools. "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!," tweeted Trump on January 1, 2018. Read: They give lies, deceit in return for billions in aid: Trump tears into Pak Trump's blistering attack didn't go down well with anyone in Pakistan. Asif responded immediately on Twitter. "Will let the world know the truth...(the) difference between facts & fiction," said Asif on Monday. Then, a day and a half later, he expanded on what he believes is the truth. "We stood by you, considered your enemy our own. We filled Guantanamo Bay," said Asif, talking about the detention camp which was opened on January 11, 2002. Pakistan's foreign minister referred to his country's cooperation in helping the US find terrorists and war criminals and dispatching them to the prison established by then US President George W Bush's administration during its 'war on terror', an international military campaign to hunt down "a radical network of terrorists and every government that supports them. The Pakistan foreign minister said not only his country found terrorists for the US, it also opened itself up for operatives of the now disgraced Blackwater, a firm of private military contractors. "We issued tens of thousands of visas as a result of which the networks of Blackwater spread across our country. And for the past four years, we have been cleaning up (their) rubbish," said Asif. When Tharoor also said Hindi is official language of only one country India, Swaraj countered him, saying that Hindi is the official language of Fiji and is also spoken widely in Mauritius, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and many other countries. (Photo: PTI/File) New Delhi: India is ready to bear all expenses, if necessary up to Rs 400 crore, to make Hindi one of the official languages of the United Nations, but its rules for acquiring such a status prevents the country from doing so, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said in Parliament on Wednesday. According to the UN rules, support of two-third member countries (129 nations) is required out of the total 193 member nations, Swaraj said in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour. Besides, all member nations will have to bear the cost of making Hindi one of the official languages of the UN. It is not difficult to get the support of two-third member nations. But when the issue of bearing the expenses comes, many small nations become hesitant which has led to a big hurdle in making Hindi an official languages of the UN, Swaraj was quoted as saying in the Lok Sabha, adding that despite this, the efforts are on. When a BJP member said that India has to pay Rs 40 crore as cost for making Hindi one of the languages in the UN, the minister said the government is ready to pay even Rs 400 crore if required but the world bodys rules does not allow it to do so. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor then asked why India should make the effort to make Hindi as one of the languages in the UN as it is only Indias official language and not the national language. If tomorrow someone from Tamil Nadu or from West Bengal becomes the PM, why should we force him to speak in Hindi at the UN, he said. When Tharoor also said Hindi is official language of only one country India, Swaraj countered Tharoor, saying he was unaware that Hindi is the official language of Fiji and is also spoken widely in Mauritius, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and many other countries. In her written reply, Swaraj said, The government continues to take measures for the acceptance of Hindi as one of the official languages of the UN and to popularise Hindi worldwide. On several occasions Indian leaders have delivered statements at the UN in Hindi, including Prime Ministers statement at the 69th UNGA in September 2014, the address of Prime Minister to the UN Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015, and the addresses to the UNGA by External Affairs Minister during its 70th, 71st and 72nd sessions in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively. Necessary special arrangements were made for simultaneous interpretation of these statements into English by the Permanent Mission of India in New York. She added, A World Hindi Secretariat has also been set up in Mauritius in February 2008 to promote Hindi as an international language. Efforts to propagate Hindi worldwide are also being made by our Diplomatic Missions/Posts abroad; in the current financial year Rs 5 crores has been allocated for this purpose. Government continues to make such efforts towards securing due recognition for Hindi at the UN. On the issue of passports in Hindi, the MEA informed Parliament, The pre-printed portion of the passport is already in Hindi and English languages. At present, the personal details of the applicant are printed in the English language only. The Government has now decided to print personal details on passports in both Hindi and English. Before being taken away from the court room on Thursday, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav urged the judge to think with a cool mind. (Photo: PTI) Ranchi: Even in the midst of proceedings to decide the quantum of sentence in a fodder scam involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad, the leader did not miss to crack a funny joke when he told the judge that it was very cold in jail to which the judge replied play 'tabla'. A special court earlier deferred the sentencing of Prasad in the fodder scam case till Friday when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court. Prasad, known for his funny liners, said in the court, It is very cold here (in jail). CBI Special Court Judge Shiv Pal Singh, hearing the case, was quick to reply, "Then, play tabla (musical instrument)". During the course of proceedings in the packed court room, the judge told Prasad that he had read the latter's record and had vigilance remained tight, such a thing (fodder scam) would not have happened. The judge further commented that the RJD chief did not act promptly on which Prasad in his characteristic style said "I am also an advocate." Prasad is an LLB from Patna University. The judge also informed Prasad about the contempt notices to RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Prasad's son and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejaswi Yadav, Congress leader Manish Tiwari and RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari. On this, the RJD chief requested him to drop the notices. Before being taken away from the court room, Prasad urged the judge to think with a cool mind. When the judge said he could opt for video conferencing for hearing on arguments on the quantum of sentence on Friday, Prasad requested for personal appearance. The judge said he would decide on Friday about it. The fodder scam relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago. While the sentencing of Prasad was deferred for Friday, the arguments on quantum of sentence of IAS officer Beck Julius, political leader Jagdish Sharma, former treasury officer Krishna Kumar Prasad, fodder transporter/suppliers Gopinath Das and Jyoti Kumar Jha, ended on Thursday. On a plea by three former IAS officers --- Beck Julius, Phoolchand Singh and Mahesh Prasad --- the court directed to lodge them in the higher division of Birsa Munda jail where RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav is given. In all, 16 persons along with Yadav were convicted in the case on December 23 while six others, including former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, were acquitted in the case. Hyderabad: Cockfighting, which glorifies illegal activities, should not have a place in the civil society, say activists of Human Society Internatio-nal (HSI). The High Court had banned cockfighting in 2016 during Sankranti. However, despite the ban, cockfights continue in AP. The Hyderabad High Court on Thursday directed the Andhra Pradesh government to strictly follow its order. The HC also directed the state government to form an inspection team comprising the collectors of West and East Godavari, Krishna and Guntur districts to identify the places where cockfights take place and conduct raids. The committee should be set up by January 7. The collectors and the police are asked to ensure that playgrounds are not used for conducting cockfights. Action will be initiated against the erring tahsildars and police officers for their failure to ensure implementation of the Andhra Pradesh Gaming Act, 1974, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. N.G. Jayasimha, managing director of Human Society International, said, In 2016, the High Court asked the government of AP to prevent cockfights. But cockfights are taking place and the government is turning a blind eye to them. We urge the government to follow the HC order. He added, Cockfighting is not only cruel to animals but also encourages gambling and child labour. A practice that glorifies illegal activities should have no place in a civil society. Alokparna Sengupta, deputy director of HSI, said, We urge the Chief Minister to follow the High Court order strictly. HSI has been campaigning to end the practice and has urged the public to report any cockfighting taking place near them at the nearest police station or at their tip line on 8899117773. Kochi: The state government on Thursday informed the Kerala High Court that it can no longer support the KSRTC financially and also cannot bear the expenses towards pension for those who had retired from the transport corporation. In a counter-affidavit submitted before the court, the counsel for the transport department said that the state government had given all possible financial support to the KSRTC to help it tide over its financial crisis and that the government had already done its maximum in this regard. The counsel also said that the government was not in a position to do anything more. It was informed that though the government was not directly liable in the case of KSRTC pensioners, it had done whatever it could to help them from 2015. Moreover, a monthly aid of Rs 30 crore also is given to the corporation. The counsel said that nowhere in India a transport corporation pays pension to its retired staff from its own income. The counsel for the KSRTC told the court that pension was introduced as per the directions of the state government. However, the government did not provide special funds or aid for the purpose. The KSRTC does not have the wherewithal to provide pension to the retired staff. The monthly income of the corporation is Rs 175 crore while the expense, including pension, is Rs 345 crore. The petition was filed by the KSRTC Pensioners Organisation and the High Court had sought the opinion of the government on it. The petitioners pointed out that pension was not disbursed due to lack of government aid. Chennai: After being in a state of hibernation for more than two years on the ongoing beach beautification project along the coastline of Chennai, the cash-starved Chennai corporation has successfully bagged the financial sanction for a tune of Rs 19 crore to spruce up Marina and Elliots beaches. However, the administrators at Ripon Buildings, the city civic headquarters have failed to get funds and sanction for the beautification of Neelangarai and Kottivakkam beach, pending since 2014. According to a senior corporation official, the state has cleared the beach beautification on two stretches covering Marina and Elliots beaches where public access and sanitation are to be improvised. Tenders are ready and the works to beautify the beaches would start shortly and we are focusing on improving the beach access to public and the maintenance of shoreline, the official said, adding that ramps for differently abled, more beach cleaning machines and enhancement of greenery will be the focus under the facelift project, he said. When asked about the delay in beautifying the Neelangarai and Kottivakkam beach stretches the official said that the proposal was still in the pipeline. Beaches are a natural gift of Chennai and the entire coastline from Chennai to Kancheepuram needs regular beach cleaning mechanism. The beaches are not only a tourist destination, but they also serve as a habitat for nestling Olive Ridley Turtles and small marine species, so the state should periodically address the sanitation issues and conserve the ecological value of Chennai beach, said avid bird watcher N. Balaji of The Nature Trust. During the DMK regime beach beautification was given maximum attention and more than Rs 25 crore was spent to spruce Marina and Elliots, but the second and third phase of the project was shelved since 2013, said former Chennai Mayor M. Subramanian. Further the beach serves as a face of Chennai and it needs periodical maintenance and regular beautification without concretisation, the MLA from south Chennai added. Bhopal: It may sound bizarre, but thats what happened in a Chhattisgarh district. A man, a resident of Podi village in Surajpur district in north Chhattisgarh, did not hesitate to file an FIR against his son for killing his pet dog. Shivmangal Sai (50) took the police by surprise when he insisted on lodging complain against his son Sidhantari (26) in the local police station accusing him of hacking to death his pet dog, Jhabu, on Wednesday evening. He carried the dead dog on his bicycle to the police station and wanted to file an FIR against son for killing the pet animal. A case has been registered under Section 429 (mischief by killing or maiming an animal) of Indian Penal Code against his son, a senior district police officer told this newspaper on Thursday. According to him, Shivmangals two sons did not like the pet dog and wanted their father to get rid of the animal. Shivm-angal however refused to part with the dog, which subsequently led to his son killing the dog. The impact will be felt most by Telugu speaking people as a large number of visas and green card applications are issued to people from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Hyderabad: The proposal being circulated in the Department of Homeland Security of the United States government to end the provision of granting extensions to H-1B visas holders waiting for their green cards (permanent residency in the United States), is causing some amount of insecurity among that section of the Indian diaspora. If the proposal goes through, it could put the visa status of between 5,00,000 and 7,50,000 Indians in jeopardy. The impact will be felt most by Telugu speaking people as a large number of visas and green card applications are issued to people from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These two states send the most number of students to the US every year. Furthermore, when these students pass out of American universities, they prefer to work in the US rather than return to India. K. Pradeep is a software engineer based in Chicago, who entered the US as a student. He does not think its time to press the panic button yet. As of now, no government agency has officially expressed the intention of deporting people. Immigration attorneys are key people who can educate and create an impact to a certain extent. However, people of Telugu origin are not getting much help from immigration attorneys. If the Indian government doesnt intervene and lobby at the proposal level itself, it cannot be of much help at later stages. Techies in the US are certain that any law that the Trump administration will bring in cannot be done at the drop of a hat, but will take at least two years. According to a widely circulated LinkedIn post among the Telugu diaspora by Rajiv Khanna, Managing Attorney of Immigration.com, discontinuing H-1B extensions beyond six years is easier said than done. The law that permits, in fact mandates, the availability of extensions beyond six years is clearly binding upon the Trump administration. The idea that is being floated that there are occasional uses of the word may, which permits the government to implement or not to implement the extension provisions is incorrect, Mr Khanna posted. Taking away the H-1B extensions by Executive action is going to be extremely difficult if not impossible, he added. Telugu diaspora keen on staying in US The Telugu diaspora is keen on staying in the US. Jay Challa, head of the business group of the American Telugu Association, recently said that there are a lot of business persons from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the United States and the government will certainly not shut its doors completely to skilled labour, considering the fact that the country has to be economically competitive. While tightening immigration policies will hurt Indians, there will be a loss of income to the USA as well. Many Indians are holding off making big investments like buying a house or investing in business until there is more clarity. Lasya Reddy, whose green card is in the processing stage, said, If this becomes a law, certainly I will be deported. However, I have a couple of years to get the next extension. While the fear is not as much as is being portrayed, there is a sense of insecurity among us. Most of us postponed our plans of purchasing a home as we will not be able to pay the mortgage immediately if something goes wrong. This is going to be a slow poison. Every time a person goes for a visa, they are thoroughly scrutinised and there are a lot of factors based on which they get extension. There is a possibility that the extension for a lot of people will be stalled over the next two years. But deportation in one go may not happen, said P. Venkat, who works in Philadelphia. CHENNAI: Sri Lankan Navy allegedly detained 13 fishermen from Tamil Nadu for fishing in their waters on Thursday morning, prompting Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami to dash off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in their release. In the letter, Palaniswami said since the AIADMK has challenged the constitutional validity of the Indo-Sri Lankan Agreement of 1974 that ceded Katchatheevu to the neighbouring island, he asked the Union Government not to treat the issue of International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) as settled. Sri Lankan Navy arrests Tamil Nadu fishermen frequently for fishing beyond Katchatheevu, but the state government says the fishermen fish well within the Indian border and they dont venture into the Sri Lankan waters. Palaniswamis latest letter came hours after the Sri Lankan Navy apprehended 13 fishermen in 2 boats in the wee hours. He also thanked the Prime Minister for securing the release of 79 Tamil Nadu fishermen from Sri Lankan custody, who reached home a few days ago. I would like to bring to your kind notice, the recent spate of apprehensions of our fishermen in their traditional fishing waters of Palk Bay in which 84 fishermen in 14 mechanised fishing boats were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy in 8 incidents, Palaniswami said, adding that these fishermen set sail for fishing from various fishing bases in Ramanathapuram, Pudukottai and Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu to eke out their livelihood. The Government of Tamil Nadu is extremely concerned about these frequent apprehensions, prolonged incarceration of our fishermen, detention of their fishing boats for long duration leading to its deterioration, the CM said. He also noted that fishermen who were apprehended since November 2017 are still languishing in Sri Lankan jails and their families back home are subjected to abject poverty. I also request you to secure the immediate release of the remaining 84 fishermen and 159 fishing boats including the 13 fishermen and their 2 mechanized fishing boats which were apprehended on 4.1.2018, without any further delay, Palaniswami said. Chennai: Government transport employees went on strike on Thursday crippling bus services across Tamil Nadu and leaving thousands of commuters stranded. The strike was declared late evening after the negotiations by the staff unions with state transport department demanding wage revision among other things, failed. However transport minister, M.R.Vijayabhaskar reconvened and called for yet another round of talks to resolve the dispute. Of the 46 unions that participated in the final round of talks chaired by transport minister, M.R.Vijayabhaskar, held at Chromepet, 13 major unions including Labour Progressive Federation (LPF), Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) came out with the strike announcement. The ruling AIADMK union, ATP (Anna Thozhirsanga Peravai) is not expected to participate in the strike, but its members could only be a small percentage of the total 1,30,000 workforce. Unless the deadlock is broken quickly to get the 22,000-strong fleet back on roads, the state could face a crisis in terms of public transport, that too during festival time. We are sorry for putting people through this difficulty, but we are helpless as we have been fighting for over an year for our wage revision and clearing our dues amounting to Rs 7,543 crore, which include retirement benefits and provident fund benefits said M.Shanmugam from LPF, adding that they are still open for negotiations. The striking employees of state transport have been insisting for a pay scale revision to Rs 30,000. However, the authorities have agreed in principle to pay only `24,400, which the employees feel is a great injustice for the workers who deal with severe traffic and stress on a daily basis. With 70 per cent of the 22,000 buses going off roads, public transport crippled in the city and commuters were stranded for long hours. While the bus services at Poonamallee, Tambaram, Koyambedu, Vadapalani, Tondiarpet and Thiruvanmiyur bus depots were stopped by 6 pm, the rest of the bus stops stopped operating after 8 pm when the strike was officially announced by the unions. The office-goers were put to hardship, as they could not reach home as services were suspended. At Koyambedu bus terminus, passengers protested against low frequency of buses and urged the government to resolve the issue before Pongal. Elephants line up after being bathed and fed at the rejuvenation camp near Thekkampatti. (Photo: DC) COIMBATORE: Despite farmers protesting against the organsing of an elephant camp at Mettupalayam, the tenth state-wide temple elephants rejuvenation camp started near Thekkampatti on Thursday. This refreshing unwinding exercise for the tamed pachyderms of temples under the State HR and CE department was first started at the Mudhumalai-Theppakkadu camp under an initiative by the former Chief Minister, J J Jayalalitha in 2003 and continued there for the next four years. Later on, considering the difficulties in transporting the elephants over a long distance and to avoid driving them to the hills in lorries, the venue was shifted to Mettupalayam-Thekkampatty near Vanbathrakaliamman temple close to the Bhavani river bank at the foothills of the Western Ghats. This year, around 33 elephants from several temples and mutts from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were brought to Thekkampatty to attend the 48-day camp along with their mahouts. The camp started on Thursday and will go on till February 20, official sources told DC. Excellent arrangements were made by the HR&CE department for the annual camp. The HR&CE minister Sevvoor S.Ramachandran along with Forest department minister Dindigul Srinivasan inaugurated the camp. Local area MLAs including P R G Arunkumar, O.K.Chinaraj, Amman Arjunan, Eshwaran, Coimbatore district collector, Mr. T.N. Hariharan, DFO Satheesh and officials from various departments also took part in the modest function. The elephants were given a splendid bath under showers installed at the camp, given food supplements and medications, in what was a rare get-together for the temple jumbos. Mahout feeding an elephant at the camp. (Photo: DC) S.Palanisamy, president, Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, Coimbatore chapter told the DC that when many elephants are camped at one place, a strong smell spreads across the woods attracting wild elephants towards the camp for mating, this being their migratory season. These wild elephants enter neighboring villages and remain in the surrounding areas, ravaging crops and creating possibilities for man-animal conflict. Last years camp saw such an incident, he said. On Wednesday, villagers from 23 villages around Thekkampatty along with farmers and activists gathered near the Karamadai taxi stand and staged a protest, demanding dropping of the elephants camp at Thekkampatty. They also raised slogans demanding change of venue. Chennai: Amid speculation that rebel TTV Dhinakaran, charged up after his huge RK Nagar bypoll win, could rock the boat for the AIADMK government, the ruling party on Wednesday held a meeting of its MLAs to brief them on how to stay composed and maintain decorum even if someone says or does something provoking. The MLAs meet, convened by AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam and co-coordinator Edappadi K. Palaniswami, was attended by 103 legislators while eight others - including three ministers - could not make it due to either personal reasons or official engagements in the districts, senior minister D. Jayakumar told reporters later. He also brushed aside suggestions that Dhinakaran's entry into the Assembly could pose problems for the government, saying his presence would make no difference. After winning the December 21 bypoll by a thumping margin of over 40,000 votes over the AIADMK candidate E. Madhusudhanan, TTV had virtually served a notice on the government's survival saying its continuance rested on the compliance of his demand that five-six senior ministers, including CM Palaniswami and deputy CM OPS, should step down. All his subsequent muscle-flexing before the TV cameras only indicated that he was bracing for a showdown with the government when the Assembly opens its maiden session for 2018 with the Governor's customary address. It would also be the first session since the disqualification of 18 pro-TTV MLAs by Speaker P. Dhanapal last September, a decision that they have challenged in the Madras high court. On the Wednesdays MLAs meet, party sources said both EPS and OPS made a passionate plea to the gathering to ensure that the discipline and decorum taught to them by Amma Jayalalithaa was maintained during the session whatever be the provocation from the opposition side. They were also told to get ready for the local body elections, which could be expected around April, and work hard to ensure the partys victory. He alleged that Mr Rajender had influenced Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao to promote him as director and reappointed him for three years as the HoD. Hyderabad: The Telangana Congress on Thursday demanded that finance minister Etela Rajender resign for allegdly favouring his brother-in-law L. Venka-tarami Reddys reappointment as head of the horticulture department and getting promotion after retirement. TPCC spokesperson Konagala Mahesh told mediapersons that Mr Venkatarami Reddy had retired as additional director in the horticulture department on November 30 last. He alleged that Mr Rajender had influenced Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao to promote him as director and reappointed him for three years as the HoD. This, Mr Mahesh said, was against the norms applied for non-IAS cadre officials. Mr Mahesh said the finance department had earlier advised against reappointment of officers. The finance minister had himself violated the orders, and ensured that GO 57 was issued to favour his brother-in-law when he retired, Mr Mahesh claimed. Mr Mahesh demanded that Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan should examine the issue and take st-eps to cancel the reappointment of the official. Otherwise the Congress would approach the court to get the orders annulled. He said that there was a conspiracy hatched by Mr Rao and Mr Rajender to misuse Rs 1,200 crore granted by NABARD for taking up horticulture and allied works in the state with the cooperation of the official. There is strong speculation regarding Saudi pressure on Nawaz Sharif to step aside and hand over the party leadership to his younger brother to ensure the unity of the ruling party. The sudden dash by the Sharif brothers to Saudi Arabia and their reported audience with the crown prince gives a new twist to the ongoing political soap opera. Whatever transpired at the meeting is likely to have an extremely significant impact on the Sharif familys future political course. It will be particularly interesting to see whether Nawaz Sharif continues with his politics of confrontation or takes a moderate path following this visit. The possibility of some kind of deal being negotiated cannot be ruled out. There is strong speculation regarding Saudi pressure on Nawaz Sharif to step aside and hand over the party leadership to his younger brother to ensure the unity of the ruling party. One is, however, not sure about the former PM accepting any enforced abdication of his leadership role while facing trial on corruption charges. It will certainly not be easy for him to back down after throwing down the gauntlet and promising to take the fight to the end. The very fact that the two leaders were summoned gives credence to reports about Saudi concerns over growing political instability in Pakistan, one of the kingdoms most critical allies in the region. While the Saudi involvement in Pakistans internal politics is not new, there is no precedence for political leaders being summoned to the kingdom for negotiations on a purely internal political matter in this way. Interestingly, the Saudi government sent a special plane to fly Shahbaz Sharif to Riyadh where he reportedly held a series of meetings with senior Saudi officials before the arrival of his elder brother. Strangely, Nawaz Sharif was not given the same protocol, and, reportedly, had to wait for an audience with the crown prince. It appears that the Saudi rulers have put their weight behind Shahbaz Sharif. But one is not sure that the Saudi involvement even at the highest level could tilt the balance in Pakistani politics. Of course, such a proposition may have the support of some senior PML(N) leaders as well as the security establishment. Despite his disqualification and being charged on various counts of financial misdeeds, Nawaz Sharif remains perhaps the most formidable political force in the country. Any deal to keep him completely out of the political scene may not be that easy. Indeed, the Sharif family owed much to the Saudis for getting them out from Gen Musharrafs prison and hosting them during their exile. But that close relationship came under strain after the Sharif government declined the Saudi request to send Pakistani troops to Yemen. The change of leadership in Saudi Arabia after the death of King Abdullah had also affected that close relationship. That cooling of relations was reflected in the reported refusal of the Saudi government to come to the rescue of the Sharif family during the JIT probe into the money trail leading to the Sharifs London properties. It is also evident that the monarchy has traditionally maintained a much closer relationship with Pakistans military establishment. Such foreign involvement adversely affects the democratic process. Any deal brokered by the Saudis must be rejected. Instead of looking towards Saudi Arabia, the Sharifs should decide about their political future themselves. By arrangement with Dawn. The clashes that have engulfed important centres in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, testify to a sense of outraged dalit consciousness in the face of perceived historical oppression within the countrys stultifying caste framework, and also a claim to the valour of the oppressed. The clashes that have engulfed important centres in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, testify to a sense of outraged dalit consciousness in the face of perceived historical oppression within the countrys stultifying caste framework, and also a claim to the valour of the oppressed. Considering the expanse of the disturbances, which began from the Bhima Koregaon area of Pune on New Years Day and quickly took in a number of towns and district centres, including large areas in the state capital, it is noteworthy that, fundamentally speaking, violence was not the motif of the frightful disorder. There was one unfortunate death in Pune during clashes between dominant caste groupies flying saffron flags and a massive dalit crowd that had gathered to commemorate the 200th anniversary of a military event that gives the dalits solace and, equally, riles the socially dominant Maratha sections. While there is no accurate accounting yet of the private and public assets destroyed, it is possible to say that the level of chaos that was seen may ordinarily have produced far greater damage. The Maharashtra government has done well to order a judicial probe, but it appears glaring that the authorities failed to anticipate and prevent trouble that was waiting to happen. A Facebook page in Marathi, purporting to be on history, had been causing instigation for a week. Upper caste and Hindutva elements, among whom was an organisation led by a mischief-maker known to the police, had gathered in strength to disrupt the traditional Dalit celebration, which this year was a much larger affair in view of the special anniversary. The authorities lackadaisical attitude has led Hindutva opponents to suggest the mischief-makers made their pitch in the belief that they would easily get away in a BJP-run state. Anti-dalit social actions in Gujarat, Haryana and the Rohith Vemula case, which prima facie had political and state backing, could have emboldened anti-dalit elements. Given the context, it is surprising to see Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis speak of a conspiracy to create disturbance to malign his government. His finger is pointing at Dalit militants like Jignesh Mevani, the Gujarat leader who has just become a legislator, and some on the far left. This is regrettable, and may be seen as an attempt to prejudice the judicial probe. The RSS and the Sangh Parivar have taken up the CMs refrain. There were strong echoes of the unfortunate developments in Parliament. Dalit and Marxist students demonstrated outside the Maharashtra government guest house in New Delhi. Cooler heads must prevail. If the rioting spreads outside Maharashtra, involving the dalit communities and their social opponents, we could be in for a torrid time. Pursuit of goodness will suffice: Narasimhan Vijayaraghavan, practising advocate at the Madras High Court If I say once, it is akin to saying a hundred times, is one of his famous punch dialogues in Tamil films. Now, Thalaivar has spoken, My entry into politics is certain. To his legion of fans, waiting an eternity for this, its a New Year gift. But would it be a bonanza for the state? Would this tectonic buzz lead to a paradigm shift in the polity in Tamil Nadu and impact the nation too? In 1996, in the backdrop of the repulsive wedding celebrations of the adopted son of the Iron Lady, the protagonists led by Cho Ramaswamy, a friend, philosopher, guide were convinced that voters had made up their mind and if the erstwhile conductor deigned, he could go on to capture the public vote and conduct the affairs of the state, but he missed the bus. Now, Rajini says, I miss Cho. Based on this construct, the naysayers are going to town that Rajini has bitten the bullet after his teeth have been pulled out and that he is daydreaming he can carry his legion of fans as voters to the booth. His fans may cut across sex, religion, caste, creed and region but will they find a stimulant in the sounding of the beagle? The year 2018 may not be 1973 (Dindigul, MGR) and 1983 (Andhra Pradesh, NTR). But the core theme of why the ordinary voter seeks change in the political climate has remained immanent. The citizens at the hustings are simple folks with good in their heart. They expect the same of their leaders. They have seen Rajini in real life the bald, unkempt persona caring ever so little for his image. How a person conducts himself in public is a huge plus, and they may see it that way. Whenever Rajini has spoken on public issues, he has delivered his lines with a nationalistic perspective, and never parochial or regional. He is far too famous to seek more fame. But his ideology has not yet been defined to fit the label of left, right or centre. That too matters little for none of the political adventurists of today have boasted of an ideological thrust. Pragmatism and humanism could be the catchwords for his march to power, not ideology. It is all very well to suggest he is not an intellectual and we do not know where his allegiances lie on sensitive social issues. But it is not as if the present lot are so brilliant that we are stuck with a profusion of choices. It is no empty rhetoric in Tamil Nadu and, as Cho put it, often, the choice is between a pickpocket and a dacoit. Rajini is neither and his spiritual inclinations, publicly known, would suffice to support his candidature and party. The present lot has miserably failed us. Last year, as Rajini said, captured the rot in all its hues. This may be a great place to start. No matter what political or economic ideologies he is imbued with or may pursue, just the pursuit of goodness would suffice for the expectations of the people. Therein may lie the seeds of success of Maaveran (superhero) to become the true Thalaivar that Tamil Nadu has been longing for. Spiritual politics wont sell: D. Ravikumar, general secretary of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and an anti-caste activist Rajinikanth has finally announced his decision to enter politics. He is the latest entrant into the hurly-burly of politics from the Tamil film industry after M. Karunanidhi, M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa all the three had ruled Tamil Nadu at different stages. While announcing his entry into politics, Rajini promised to practice spiritual politics that transcends religion and caste. Spiritual politics is not new in Indian polity seven to eight decades back Mahatma Gandhi, who fought a spirited but bloodless battle to secure independence from the British, gave a clarion call to all politicians to make spirituality the essence of their politics. But the difference between the two statements is while Mahatma Gandhis spiritual politics was truly philosophical, Rajinikanths is just a hollow concept. He might have said his spiritual politics would go beyond all religions, but he quoted verses only from the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindus holy book. The term spiritual politics is already being used by the BJP to claim that Rajinikanth will challenge decades-old Dravidian politics and would make Hinduism an integral part of his yet-to-be launched party. Rajinikanth will be used by the BJP to implement its agenda in Tamil Nadu the saffron party wants to destroy Dravidian politics and replace it with its communal agenda. And the BJP may have found its man in Rajinikanth. His entry is dangerous because he would be playing into the hands of the BJP, which does not mince words in saying that it wants Hindu Rashtra. The actor knows that he will be rejected instantly if he had referred to Hindutva in his speech and hence he spoke of spiritual politics. Rajinikanth has a cult image among his fans as he has been acting in films for the past 42 years. When film heroes take the plunge into politics, the politician becomes a star and the electorate his fans. In a democracy, according to B.R. Ambedkar, hero worship is demoralising for the devotee and dangerous for the country, and unfortunately Tamil Nadu has been witnessing a hysterical form of hero worship for the past many decades. If one goes deep into his speech on December 31, Rajinikanth exhorted his supporters to start fan clubs in every village across the state. He introduced an app and asked his fans to register. His politics is not spiritual and not even democratic, it is the politics of spectacle. The spectacle is the ruling order and nonstop discourse about itself, its never-ending monologue of self-praise and its self-portrait at the stage of totalitarian domination of all aspects of life. MGR used his films for his politics. But Rajinikanth is trying to convert politics into a film. In Tamil Nadu, where cinema is another form of religion, heroes want to be gods. The symbols and images cunningly used by Rajinikanth prove his wish. He is not a man for change and by avoiding social issues he indirectly supports the status quo. In 1968, Pope Paul VI addressed himself to the people of good will in the whole world to observe January 1 as the Day of Peace. All the popes thereafter have delivered messages of peace for all, making January 1, 2018 the 51st World Day of Peace. 2018 has begun with a bang giving birth to several new plans, dreams and hopes. But is there a way to prioritise them? In 1968, Pope Paul VI addressed himself to the people of good will in the whole world to observe January 1 as the Day of Peace. All the popes thereafter have delivered messages of peace for all, making January 1, 2018 the 51st World Day of Peace. One wonders as to why starting from Pope Paul VI, all the popes have insisted on peace as their first priority on the very first day of the year. Could they not, for instance, speak about financial growth as a priority which would ensure bread for every hungry stomach? Or think of faith since popes are leaders of faith communities? The address of Pope Paul VI answers that question: We think that this proposal interprets the aspirations of peoples, of their governments, of international organisms, which strive to preserve peace in the world, of those religious institutions so interested in the promotion of peace, of cultural, political and social movements which make peace their ideal; of youth, whose perspicacity regarding the new paths of civilisation, dutifully oriented toward its peaceful developments is more lively The proposal to dedicate to peace the first day of the New Year is not intended, therefore, as exclusively ours, religious, that is, Catholic. Japan is universally known as the Land of the Rising Sun and the Korean peninsula as the Land of Morning Calm. It is now time for a new template. Yes, be ready to acknowledge China as the indisputable Land of Morning Warning. This new proverb was introduced by none other than Chinese President Xi Jinping. On a chilly winter morning, the Chinese leader gave this well-crafted and well thought-out chilling statement, prima facie with an intention to replace the age-old adage on Japan and Korea by the Han ruler himself to put a Chinese stamp on the world arena. Henceforth, the new template of the old proverb morning shows the day will emanate from Beijing without the soothing words and sounds of the ancient proverb. The world at large may note or ignore it at its peril. China will have a say on all major international issues, declared Mr Xi in a matter-of-fact manner, recalling imperial rulers of a bygone era. Surprising? Shocking? Not exactly! This is the new China calling to the world; to all the 223 states, including the semi-independent ones and protectorates. However, what remains undefined and unformulated is: what is the actual meaning or definition of all major international issues? Who is to define and decide these issues? What is the yardstick or the formula? Does it get its relevance through the eyes of the Hans alone or through a recognised international institution like the United Nations, International Court of Justice, World Trade Organisation or the World Bank? Each of these has some sort of universal standing, identity and acceptability with legal or semi-legal status on their own merit. Lets try to understand what Mr Xi has in mind. That China will resolutely uphold the authority and status of the UN and actively fulfil Chinas international obligations and duties is a noble thought indeed. However, how will China, with its veto power, judge issues before the UN when connected to its self-interest? For instance, when the issues pertain to those between India and China, CPEC, the South China Sea, Tibet, Taiwan, Senkaku or currency manipulation, terror outsourcing, trade war or tariff hike? Is China amenable to the verdict of international institutions? Did China listen when, in a significant court ruling on maritime territorial dispute between China and the Philippines, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) concluded on July 12, 2016 that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the nine-dash? Further, after considering the characteristics and features of the South China Sea, the PCA came to the conclusion that none of the Spratly Islands is capable of generating extended maritime zones and that the Spratly Islands cannot generate maritime zones collectively as a unit? Under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), islands generate an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 200 nautical miles and a continental shelf but rocks which cannot sustain human habitation or economic life of their own shall have no exclusive economic zone or continental shelf. The PCAs verdict notwithstanding, Chinas brazen defiance has been going on unabated for quite some time. (In a striking way, China today is imitating the aggressive, abrasive and China-bashing militant Japan of the 1930s.) Reportedly, China has created a large number of military installations and artificial islands in the contested waters since 2013 when the Philippines claim was lodged. While unsurprisingly, the PCA verdict was rejected by Beijing, its legal application and its repercussions affect not only the Philippines but a number of other countries, including the United States. These points were referred to as a test case to pose a question to the lofty idealism-preaching Chinese leadership, which vowed to have a say on all major international issues. How do the Chinese leaders defend, rationalise or interface this with their New Year statement that China will resolutely uphold the authority and status of the UN and actively fulfil Chinas obligations and duties? There are several other points too, the very mention of which or whose analysis are likely to be embarrassing for Beijing. Suffice it to state that the primary objective of China is to penetrate the vast geography of rich geology with sparse or declining demography without any legal recourse to international diplomatic norms and niceties. The word trap used by Greek historian Thucydides in the 5th century BC, chronicling the magnum opus Peloponnesian War, comes to mind. It is all about unconventional and unorthodox ways to undermine and scuttle the rival, using indirect ways to avoid direct confrontation. Thus when Mr Xi emphatically refers to his grandiose BRI/CPEC/OBOR, it is the Thucydides trap at its best (or worst?). Indeed, the OBOR/BRI/CPEC are major international issues, the ones conceived, created and carried by China alone. Hence, it is a major international issue where China has to have its say! Try having a closer look and the real picture will emerge before you. It is a parallel national goal to undermine the conventional and established global diplomatic order. It is a unique form of unilateral multilateralism of the new Chinese world order, in which no bilateral, trilateral or multilateral meeting, negotiation, convention, treaty are required to be mutually-signed or endorsed. Under the guise of promises for a series of economic and infrastructure development projects, financed and built by China, the Hans make a seamless entry/penetration across the terrain and territory of 70 nations. A sublime Thucydides trap, for all 70 nations, at its best. The BRI/OBOR/CPEC, therefore, clearly stand as a parallel organisation competing with the likes of WTO. The classic ends thus: In Europe, a China-led group called 16+1 brings together 11 members of EU and five non-EU central and eastern European countries into a political and commercial grouping. All 16 members are also BRI countries and several have signed up to Chinese-financed infrastructure deals, boosting Beijings influence inside European Union. Isnt it the trap of Thucydides? Has this trap turned into a penetration point-of-no-return? Is this the New Year message or warning to those like India who, under no stretch of imagination, can afford to play with the sovereignty that Mr Xi himself cherishes as Chinas President? Hasnt Beijing already trapped India economically and commercially in the last two decades? And is now steadily progressing to penetrate the strategic psyche of Lutyens landlords too, with a point of no return in the near future? Samsung announced that it has been selected to supply Verizon with commercial 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network solutions. The two companies will begin by launching commercial 5G services in Sacramento, California in the second half of 2018. The industry has been discussing 5G connectivity for years, and through our joint collaboration with partners like Samsung, we are beginning to make it a reality for our customers, said Ed Chan, Chief Technology Architect and Network Planning, Verizon At the same time, Samsung applied lessons learned from these real-world trials to ensure that our complete end-to-end 5G portfolio is ready for commercial service. We are delighted to work with Verizon on this journey to create unprecedented user experiences powered by 5G, said Mark Louison, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Networks Division, Samsung Electronics America. Last year, Samsung and Verizon began 5G customer trials across seven U.S. cities in early 2017, and have successfully tested and verified 5G performance using millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequency to provide FWA pre-commercial service. These trials were conducted in California, Georgia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Michigan, Texas, and Washington D.C. 5G Trial Findings: After conducting trials in key markets across the U.S., Samsung and Verizon have collected results that will help in calibrating a 5G future. Key findings include: A single 5G radio has been able to reach the 19th floor of a multi-dwelling unit (MDU). Broadband service has been achieved in line of sight (LOS), partial LOS and Non-LOS connections. Environmental factors, including rain and snow, have not interrupted services. Samsung will provide Verizon with commercial 5G home routers (CPEs), 5G Radio Access Units (RAN) comprised of a compact radio base station and virtualized RAN elements, as well as 5G radio frequency planning services. To provide these services, Samsung has leveraged in-house technology and assets to develop the first commercial ASIC-based 5G modems and mmWave RFICs. Verizon and Samsung will continue to develop the use cases and applications of Samsungs 5G technology. Source: Samsung Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Although the new colour might not be everyones choice, it adds a bit of life to the otherwise muted colour options of Samsungs flagship, at least for the UK market. Samsung has launched a new colour variant for its flagship Galaxy S8. Now users can pick up the phone and its bigger sibling in a new Rose Pink. Unfortunately, the new option is only available for consumers in the UK. The Galaxy S8 now offers five colours to choose from Midnight Black, Orchid Gray, Coral Blue, Arctic Silver, and Rose Pink. Although the new colour might not be everyones choice, it adds a bit of life to the otherwise muted colour options of Samsungs flagship, at least for the UK market. Take note that the new colour option is not a new one it is available for consumers in Taiwan and South Korea. Surprisingly, the colour was a popular choice there, so it might attract users in the UK as well. To recall, the Samsung Galaxy S8 features a 1.9GHz octa-core Samsung Exynos 8895 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. Theres 64/128GB storage on board along with 256GB expandable microSD card slot. A 12MP f1.7 dual pixel camera does the rear cameras duty while an 8MP f1.7 auto-focus camera is there to work as the front camera. The standard S8 has a 5.8-inch 1440p sAMOLED Infinity Display while the S8+ has to do with a 6.2-inch 1440p version of the same. Theres Bixby on board along with Googles Assistant to assist you in your daily life. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Bannon, who left the White House in August, is also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election will focus on money laundering. (Photo: AP) Washington: US President Donald Trump unleashed a spectacular denunciation of one of his closest political allies Wednesday, describing his former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as insane and irrelevant. The statement from the president came after the release of explosive excerpts from a new book about the Trump White House, in which Bannon describes a meeting between Trump's son Don Jr and a Russian lawyer during the 2016 presidential election campaign as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said in a statement that was notably abrasive, even for America's combative 45th president. Trump said Bannon -- who engineered the New York real estate mogul's link to the nationalist far right and helped create a pro-Trump media ecosystem -- was "only in it for himself." The book -- the "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," by journalist Michael Wolff -- is to be published next week. But both The Guardian and New York magazine released excerpts that also touch on the presidential ambitions of Trump's daughter Ivanka -- and which say that Trump himself did not believe he would defeat Clinton. Bannon, who left the White House in August, is also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election will focus on money laundering. The investigation by Mueller, a former FBI director, is looking into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to get him elected -- a charge the president has repeatedly and vehemently denied. 'You should have called the FBI' Don Jr took the June 9, 2016 meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya after an intermediary promised material that would incriminate Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and then campaign chairman Paul Manafort also attended the meeting at Trump Tower in New York. "The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor -- with no lawyers," Bannon was quoted as saying in the book. "They didn't have any lawyers. "Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately," he said. 'Little to do' with election win Trump responded quickly and cuttingly to the reported comments by Bannon, a former investment banker and the executive chairman of influential ultraconservative outlet Breitbart News. "Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country," Trump said. "Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was," he added. "Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books." Wolff's book -- which he says is based on interviews with Trump, his senior aides and others -- also mentions that Trump did not initially know who former House speaker John Boehner was, and that he eats food from McDonald's because he believes it to be safe. "This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," said Trump's press secretary Sarah Sanders. Trump and Kim have exchanged repeated insults in recent months in a crisis over North Korea's program to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of reaching the United States, raising alarm worldwide. (Photo: File) Washington/Seoul: The White House on Wednesday defended Donald Trump's tweet about the size of his nuclear button, saying Americans should be concerned about the North Korean leader's mental fitness, not their president's. On Tuesday, Trump responded to a New Year's Day speech in which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned he had a nuclear button on his desk by saying that his nuclear button "is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" The tweet provoked strong criticism, especially from Trump's Democratic opponents, and former Vice President Joe Biden called it dangerously cavalier. Asked whether Americans should be concerned about the president's mental fitness after he appeared to be speaking so lightly about nuclear threats, White House spokeswoman Sara Sanders told a regular news briefing: "The president and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea. "He's made repeated threats, he's tested missiles time and time again for years, and this is a president who's not going to cower down and who's not going to be weak and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do and that is stand up and protect the American people." Trump and Kim have exchanged repeated insults in recent months in a crisis over North Korea's program to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of reaching the United States, raising alarm worldwide. Trump has at times appeared to dismiss the prospect of a diplomatic solution and both sides have threatened to destroy each other. Former Vice President Joe Biden said Trump had shown "really poor judgment." "The only war that is worse than one that's intended, is one that is not intended," Biden was quoted as saying by CNN. "This is not a game. This is not about, you know, can I puff my chest out." "The United States has a role in the world that the world has come to expect. I think the president is much, much too cavalier. And it's dangerous." Senator Edward Markey, the top Democrat on the Senate's East Asia Subcommittee, said Trump's tweet "bordered on presidential malpractice, needlessly deepening a crisis and squandering a fresh opportunity to attempt diplomacy." In his New Year speech, Kim warned that the entire United States was in range of North Korea nuclear missiles and added: "A nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat." Kim said his country would focus in the coming year on mass producing nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles for operational deployment, but added that these would be used only if North Korea's security was threatened. US Vice President Mike Pence told the Voice of America Trump was making clear that "America will not be bullied, America will not be threatened." He said that while all options remained on the table, there was the opportunity for a peaceable solution to the crisis if "North Korea will abandon their nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions, if they will dismantle those programs." Hotline Reopened In his address, Kim also said he was open to speaking with US ally South Korea and would consider sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea in February. US officials have responded coolly to this overture and the State Department said North Korea "might be trying to drive a wedge" between Washington and Seoul. On Tuesday, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said Washington would not take any talks between North and South Korea seriously if they did not contribute to denuclearizing North Korea. Haley also said Washington was hearing reports that Pyongyang might be preparing to fire another missile and warned of even tougher steps in response if it did so. On Tuesday, Seoul responded to Kim by proposing high-level discussions at the heavily armed Korean border next week, and on Wednesday North Korea reopened a border hotline that had been closed since February 2016. South Korean officials at the border received a call from the North at 0630 GMT and officials on both sides conducted a conversation for about 20 minutes, South Korea's unification ministry said. It did not disclose the content of the discussion. There was no immediate US comment on the reopening of the hotline, although a State Department spokeswoman, Katina Adams, said Washington remained in close contact with Seoul "about a unified response to North Korea." She said that as South Korea President Moon Jae-in had stated, "'the improvement of relations between North and South Korea cannot advance separately from resolving North Korea's nuclear program. The reopening of the hotline came hours after the tweet from Trump, who has repeatedly mocked Kim as "Little Rocket Man". Kim's New Year's Day speech followed a steep increase in missile launches by North Korea in 2017, as well as its sixth and most powerful nuclear test. North Korea's KCNA news agency quoted Ri Son Gwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, as saying talks with South Korea would aim to establish formal dialogue about sending a North Korean delegation to the Olympics. "We will try to keep close communications with the south Korean side from sincere stand (sic) and honest attitude, true to the intention of our supreme leadership, and deal with the practical matters related to the dispatch of our delegation," he said. Washington: Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon has described a meeting between President Donald Trumps son Don Jr and a Russian lawyer during the 2016 presidential election campaign as treasonous and unpatriotic, The Guardian reported. Bannon made the scathing comments in a book to be published next week Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, by journalist Michael Wolff, the newspaper said.Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, Bannon reportedly said. Bannon, who left the White House in August, was also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election will focus on money laundering. Bannon, an executive with right-wing news outlet Breitbart News, joined Trumps White House bid two months after the June 9, 2016 meeting between Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya and Trump campaign officials. Besides Donald Trump Jr, Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and then campaign chairman Paul Manafort attended the meeting at Trump Tower in New York. Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, he said. In reply, Trump unleashed a spectacular denunciation of Bannon, calling him insane and irrelevant. Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said in a written statement. Trump said Bannon was only in it for himself. US media said Charles Harder, a lawyer for Trump, has sent Bannon a cease-and-desist letter accusing him of violating a non-disclosure agreement by speaking to the author of the book. Rome: Thieves have stolen precious Indian jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection that were on show in a Venetian palace, making off with a brooch and a pair of earrings by mixing in with the crowd on the final day of the exhibition, police said. The stolen jewels were considered to be of lesser value than some of the highlights of the Al Thani Collection, which includes gems dating from the time of the Mughal Empire. But police said they were made of gold, platinum and diamonds and news reports estimated their value in millions of euros. Venice police said the security alarm went off at around 10 am (local time) at Venices Doges Palace and police immediately sealed the area.By then, the thieves had already made their escape from the museum, known as the Palazzo Ducale and one of Venices top tou-rist destinations on the edge of St Marks Square. Venice police chief Vito Gagliardi said the thieves managed to delay the triggering of the alarm system, allowing them to escape. The Al Thani Collection is a renowned collection of 270 pieces of Indian and Indian-inspired jewelry and precious stones, spanning 400 years from the Mughal period to the present and assembled by Qatars Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani.Forbes magazine has said there is no comparable collection on the planet. The Venice exhibit, Treasures of the Mughals and the Maharajas, was due to close on Wednesday, the latest stop in a travelling exhibit that has brought the collection to Paris Grand Palais, Londons Victoria and Albert Museum, New Yorks Metropolitan and the Miho Museum near Kyoto, Japan. A spokesman for the collection, John Maxse, said it was in regular contact with Italian authorities and Venices Foundation of Civic Museums, which runs the Doge's Palace. The foundation said the brooch and earrings stolen were contemporary pieces and consequently are of less historical value than other items in the collection.Police noted that since the items are so unique, they will be nearly impossible to sell them. London: A homeless man hailed as a hero for apparently coming to the aid of victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack last year admitted on Thursday he had instead robbed them. CCTV footage played in court showed Chris Parker wandering between victims bleeding on the floor after the bombing outside a pop concert in the northern English city in which 22 people were killed. Parker 33, was seen in the footage taking a purse from the handbag of Pauline Healey, whose 14-year-old granddaughter lay dying nearby, and he later used her bank card at a local McDonalds, the court heard. He was interviewed by British media in the aftermath of the attack carried out by Salman Abedi, saying he had been begging outside the concert arena when the bomb went off. A tearful Parker told the Press Association news agency at the time: I heard a bang and within a split second I saw a white flash, then smoke and then I heard screaming. "It knocked me to the floor and then I got up and instead of running away my gut instinct was to run back and try and help",he said. There was people lying on the floor everywhere, he said, adding that a woman had died in his arms. Parker was also accused of stealing a mobile phone from a teenage girl at the scene of the explosion. Parker has a string of previous convictions, including shoplifting and burglary. He had failed to appear in court yesterday and was found hiding in the loft of a house in Halifax in West Yorkshire, where he was arrested. Pak banned Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led JuD from collecting donations after Trump accused Islamabad of 'lies and deceit' and providing 'safe haven" to terrorists.' (Photo: File) Lahore: The JuD has said it will serve a legal notice to Pakistan's defence minister for "defaming" it, days after the government banned the Hafiz Saeed-led outfit from collecting donations following US President Donald Trump's outburst against Islamabad's sheltering of terrorists. Taking exception to Khurram Dastgir's statement that action against the Jamaat-ud Dawa was not taken due to mounting pressure from the US, JuD spokesperson Yahya Mujahid said Dastgir is "speaking the language of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi". He also criticised the minister for saying that the action was taken against JuD, FIF and other organisations so that "terrorists cannot open fire on schoolchildren anymore." "This is outrageous," Mujahid said adding "we are serving legal notice to the minister for his outrageous remarks." Pakistan banned Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led JuD and Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF) from collecting donations on Monday, after Trump accused Islamabad of giving nothing to the US except "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists. In a statement, the JuD spokesperson said, "World knows who is behind the steps against JuD and FIF. Our rulers are reluctant to mention the involvement of India in terrorist activities in Pakistan. Efforts are being made to please external lords by propagating against those forces that have actively played role in Pakistan's defence," he said. "Those trying to malign Pakistan's national security institutions through conspiracies such as Dawn Leaks have finally met their fate (a reference to ousted premier Nawaz Sharif) but still they seem to have learnt no lesson. Now, when America is openly threatening us and inciting India to take action against Pakistan, Pakistani rulers are engaged in the sycophancy of India and America," Mujahid said. On Thursday, Dastgir had said Pakistan acted against JuD and FIF not under "pressure" from the US but after "serious deliberations", as part of the military's operation to disarm and eliminate hidden terrorist sleeper cells across the country with support of local law enforcement agencies. The government has banned companies and individuals from making donations to the JuD, the FIF and other organisations on the UN Security Council sanctions list. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) issued a notification prohibiting the collection of donations by the JuD, the front organisation of banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, as well as several other such organisations named in a list of banned outfits by the UN Security Council. Poor attendance of lecturers appointed for the evaluation of answer sheets has forced Bangalore University to write a letter, asking principals to ensure attendance or face action. The evaluation of the answer scripts of the examinations conducted in December was to begin on December 26. However, due to a boycott by the lecturers' association, it began only on December 30. Even after the strike was called off, the attendance has been poor. "For English, we are getting only about 50% attendance from evaluators. For other subjects, it is about 70%. Evaluation work is mandatory. We have written to the department of collegiate education, asking it to withhold the salary of lecturers from government and aided colleges who fail to turn up for the duty," said Prof C Shivaraju, Registrar (Evaluation), BU. He added that the results of private colleges would not be released if they did not ensure that lecturers appointed for evaluation work completed the task. Further, a disaffiliation process could be initiated against them. The letter requested the principals to relieve lecturers who have been assigned evaluation duty. It also warned colleges that have already reopened after vacation, as they are not following the university schedule. Breaking her studied silence on the Triple Talaq Bill brought by the Central Government, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday termed the Bill as defective and said more consultation is needed with all the stakeholders on the issue. Addressing a gathering at Ahmedpur in Birbhum district, Mamata said, We never strongly oppose the Triple Talaq Bill, because we are in favour of women. But, the BJP has brought a defective Bill in the Parliament. In this defective Bill, women will be exposed to more dangers and harassment than being protected. BJP is playing politics with the Triple Talaq Bill. Demanding that the Bill be sent to a parliamentary select committee, Mamata said more and broader consultation is needed with all stakeholders on the issue and to ensure that the intended results of protecting Muslim women are properly addressed. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017, criminalises instant divorce, which is triple talaq, was passed in the Lok Sabha last week and was tabled in the Rajya Sabha today. Mamata Banerjee also lashed out against the BJP on the issue of the first draft of the consolidated list for National Register for Citizens (NRC) in Assam and accused the saffron party of playing divisive politics. What is going on in Assam in the name of NRC is selective ostracisation of Bengalis from that state. A conspiracy is going on to oust those who have been staying in that state for over 40 years. We have come to know that using the NRC as a ploy, around 1.25 crore are being threatened with eviction from Assam. We want to remind BJP not to play with fire and practice divisive politics. They should maintain peace. People will not accept such arbitrary moves and Trinamool Congress will not leave any stone unturned in protesting any eviction in the name of NRC, Mamata said. Meanwhile, West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh has accused the Trinamool Congress and its leaders, including party supremo Mamata Banerjee of practicing soft Hindutva. TMC is practising soft Hindutva in Bengal to prevent consolidation of Hindu votes in favour of BJP. The so-called secular leaders are trying this formula now as they have become aware that the Hindus are uniting under BJPs flag. They have realised that Muslim appeasement will no longer pay dividends in elections, Ghosh said here. A week after the Kamala Mills tragedy, another major fire broke out at a residential building in Marol in Andheri East area of Mumbai, killing four members of a family including two children. The deceased were identified as Sakina Apasi Kapasi (14), Mohin Apasi Kapasi (10), Taslim Apasi Kapasi (42) and Dawood Ali Kapasi (80). According to Mumbai Fire Brigade officials, the fire engulfed the flat on third floor of an apartment from all four sides which trapped the Kapasi family. The cause of the fire is not yet known but short circuit has not been ruled out. The neighbouring family of Kotharis, residents of fourth floor were also injured in the fire and were rescued by the fire brigade team. The family is currently being treated at Cooper Hospital. The deceased were identified as Ibrahim Kothari (57), Sakina Kothari (53), Hussain Kothari (26) and Hafiza Kothari (21). Of the four, Ibrahim is admitted to the ICU. Another lady, Zara Cutlerywalla (42) was injured, however, she was discharged from hospital after primarily medication. On December 28, a major fire broke out at the Kamala Mills compound in Lower Parel in which 14 people were killed. #WATCH: Visuals of fire that broke out at Maimoon building in #Mumbai's Marol in the late night hours and claimed four lives. Situation now under control pic.twitter.com/nLp0zL9rdU ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018 Rahul Gandhi will next week embark on a visit to Bahrain, his first foreign trip after becoming Congress president, during which he will address a convention of NRIs and is likely to meet the country's prime minister. According to party sources, Gandhi will be the state guest of the Kingdom of Bahrain and will address NRIs settled there on January 8. He will leave for Bahrain on January 7 and is likely to return on January 9. The NRIs settled there have invited him. Gandhi is also likely to meet Bahrain's Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the members of the royal family, the sources said. They said that he was to also address NRIs in Dubai but that visit has been postponed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the UAE later this month. Party sources say Gandhi's visit to Bahrain will be on the lines of his US trip last year. Rahul Gandhi was in Goa on New Year along with his mother Sonia Gandhi. The Shiv Sena today tore into the Devendra Fadnavis government over the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Maharashtra, alleging it had no work except to fight elections using the state machinery and police. The BJP's bickering ally said it was time the government geared up to fight enemies. "Incidents that raise questions on the ability and the stand of the Fadnavis government are happening everyday. The chief minister has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bhima-Koregaon incident but every government does the same thing. What is new in that?" an editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana' read. The Sena said the government should have had the knowledge about mischief mongers working behind the curtains to cause social unrest and the people coming from other states to create tension. "The state is bearing the brunt of the BJP having control of the Home department and politics in the police department. When the only work left is to fight elections using the government machinery and the police, violent incidents take place," it alleged. The party said the government should bring its feet on the ground, and that there was a whole life to fight the Sena. "You can try all your might to politically finish the Sena later. For now, this might should be used to fight the enemies," said the party, which has frequently criticised the Maharashtra government and the Centre though it is a constituent of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra. Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins and the victory is seen as a symbol of Dalit assertiveness. Angry over the violence on the anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, protesters yesterday attacked buses, stopped suburban trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups. The body of Hindu activist Deepak Rao who was hacked to death on Wednesday was shifted from the A J Hospital to his home in Katipallada on Thursday morning. However, the shifting caused major dissatisfaction among Bajarang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishat, Hindu Jagaran Vedike and Durgavahini activists. They demanded that the body be taken back to the hospital from where it shall brought home in a procession and tribute. The Hindu activists began showing their discontent immediately after Deepak's body arrived at his house and demanded that permission be granted for a procession. They blamed the police for not informing anyone about the shifting. Activists remained adamant and prevented removing the body out of the ambulance. City Police Commissioner T R Suresh who was present at there, tried convincing the activists, but they refused to yield. This led to tense moments and police security was beefed up at the site. Deepak's mother, brother and family and the people of the village sat in front of the ambulance to express their discontent. It is learnt that the police had shifted Deepak's body from the backdoor of the hospital to avoid a showdown with Hindu activists. Katipallada was still tense at that time. The last time such a procession was allowed was when another Hindu activist Sharath Madiwala was killed. Incidents of stone pelting had occurred then. Hence the police are reluctant to permit a procession for Deepak Rao. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here. Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year. Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said. As Netanyahu prepares for his four day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi. The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately USD 111,000). Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel. "I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration. Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water. It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of sea water and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards. The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet. "There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted. The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there. The government has already sanctioned Rs five lakh to the kin of the Hindu activist Deepak Rao murdered in Mangaluru on Wednesday. Further, the government has released another Rs five lakh to be paid to them from the Chief Minister's special relief fund. "So please maintain peace in the city," appealed Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner S Sasikanth Senthil. At that moment, activist leader Satyjit Surathkal spoke and demanded that the government must release a relief amount of Rs 25 lakh to Deepak's kin; failing which the activists will stage a dharna in front of the DC's office. The protesters there, adamantly demanded Rs 25 lakh and no less an amount. Gopal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishat (VHP) spoke and said that the fight was not for the money. He tried to placate those who disagreed to the government's sanction of Rs 10 lakh saying, that the DC should be allowed to try and obtain a higher relief amount for Deepak's kin and the matter should be put to rest then and there. The VHP leader said that the DC's word should respected and the last rites should begin. State VHP president Jagadish Shenava assumed responsibility for Deepak's funeral arrangements. Soonafter, the body was taken out of the ambulance and prepared for last rites. When reports from Deepak's family last came in, a procession of the body in Mangaluru city is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The procession will begin at Ganesh Katte and end at the Hindu crematorium. It is confirmed that the city police have granted permission for this procession. The last rites will be performed according to the Kshatriya custom. India has initiated an anti-dumping probe into import of a Chinese chemical used in detergents following complaints from some domestic companies. Gujarat Credo Mineral Industries and Chemicals India have filed an application before the Directorate General of Anti- dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) for initiation of an investigation into import of 'Zeolite 4A (Detergent Grade)' from China. In a notification, the DGAD said prima facie it has found sufficient evidence of dumping of the chemical. The anti-dumping duty, if imposed, would help guard domestic players in the sector against cheap imports of the product. "The authority hereby initiates an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry," it said. In the probe, it would determine the existence and effect of the alleged dumping and recommend the amount of anti- dumping duty, which if levied, would be adequate to remove the injury to the domestic industry. The period from April 2016 to June 2017 (15 months) will be taken for the probe. Countries carry out anti-dumping probe to determine whether their domestic industries have been hurt because of a surge in cheap imports. As a counter measure, they impose duties under the multilateral regime of WTO. The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practises and creating a level-playing field for domestic producers with regard to foreign producers and exporters. India has already imposed anti-dumping duty on several products to tackle cheap imports, including from China. The country has imposed the duty on as many as 98 products, as on December 27 last year, imported from China. The Special CBI court hearing the fodder scam on Thursday deferred pronouncement of jail sentence of RJD chief Lalu Prasad and 15 others by one more day. The quantum of punishment will now be known on Friday as CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh on Thursday heard the pleas of convicts in alphabetical order. Lalu, whose name starts with L, has been asked to reappear in court on Friday. The former Bihar chief minister was thereafter repatriated to Birsa Munda Jail in Ranchi. An apparently unperturbed Lalu, reportedly told the CBI judge that "it was biting chill inside the jail". Ranchi has been experiencing a chilly winter for the last one week with minimum temperatures in the Jharkhand capital hovering between seven and nine degrees celsius. Lalu is also believed to have told the judge that he was innocent and had done no wrong. "I am also a law graduate," Lalu told the CBI judge, who convicted him on December 23 in one of the fodder scam cases - RC 64A/96, related to fraudulent withdrawal of around Rs 90 lakh from Deogarh treasury. Refuses video conference The judge then asked the RJD chief whether he would like the quantum of punishment to be pronounced through video conferencing (when in jail). Lalu said: "No Sir, I will be present in the court whenever you order so." The CBI judge then asked Lalu to come on Friday as his name was lower down in the list of accused prepared in alphabetical order. Thereafter, amid tight police security, Lalu was shifted to Birsa Munda jail in Hotwar, on the outskirts of Ranchi. Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale today held talks with Guo Yezhou, Vice Minister, International Department of the ruling Communist Party, amid efforts by the two nations to improve their ties post-Dokalam. Guo is the senior most vice minister of the international department of the CPC which plays key role in policy formulations of China's external relations. The details of the meeting were immediately not available. Bambawale, a seasoned diplomat who till recently served as high commissioner to Pakistan, assumed charge as India's ambassador to China last month. The meeting took place as a high-level Chinese delegation headed by Meng Xiangfeng, a close confidant of President Xi Jinping and the Deputy Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, is currently visiting India under an exchange programme with the Ministry of External Affairs. The exchanges between the CPC and the MEA followed the visits of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi to New Delhi last month. Wang's talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and other officials on the sidelines of Russia-India-China Foreign Ministers' meeting last month set the stage for a broader dialogue on improving the relations this year. The two neighbours had a roller-coaster relationship in 2017 which was repeatedly blighted by issues like the Dokalam standoff, blocking of India's NSG membership bid and moves to declare the Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Massood Azhar a terrorist. The 73-day standoff at Dokalam in Sikkim where Chinese military attempted to build a road close to Chicken Neck corridor has sparked a new round of tensions at the border. It finally ended after China agreed to stop road building. As the two sides made efforts to improve ties, officials here said a new incident of Chinese militarys attempts to build a road inside the Indian territory in Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh has been resolved. The Chinese construction equipment seized by the Indian troops is expected to be handed over to Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) troops at a local commanders meeting. The series of meeting at various levels currently underway were between the two countries were aimed at resetting the relations back on track averting a further downturn in the bilateral ties, they said. BJP MP Pralhad Joshi on Thursday demanded a probe into the brutal murder of Hindu activist Deepak Rao by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in Lok Sabha. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, he said that a total of 22 members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have so far been murdered in Karnataka during the Siddaramaiah regime. He demanded the NIA probe into all 22 murders including Deepak Rao. He accused the Congress government in Karnataka for turning a blind eye on killings as it "wants to adopt the Kerala model" of governance where BJP members "are being targeted." "I demand an NIA inquiry into all these cases," Joshi said in Lok Sabha. According to police, Rao was hacked to death in broad daylight on Wednesday when he was returning after collecting some documents from his shop owner Abdul Majid. He was riding a motorbike on his way to work when when four assailants came in a car waylaid him and attacked at him with a sharp-edged weapon. 'The modus operandi is same in the all the 22 cases of murder," Joshi said in the Lok Sabha. He also read out the names of some of these slain BJP workers, insisting for a NIA probe into all these cases. Joshi said that the NIA investigation into the murder of Rudresh "has established" that the five persons arrested in connection with the case were the members of the Popular Front of India. "And it (Popular Front of India) is (an) affiliate of the the political organisation Social Democratic Party of India. In spite of the NIA clearly stating (this) in their chargesheet, the Congress covernment (in the State) have withdrawn a total of 175 cases against the workers of the organisation," he said. This has bolstered the confidence of those perpetrating the killing of the BJP workers in the state, he charged. Actor Salman Khan appeared in a court here today during final arguments in a case against him for the alleged poaching of two black bucks in village Kankani on October 2, 1998. According to Khan's counsel H M Saraswat, the accused has to remain present in the court during final arguments and they had been seeking exemption for the actor till now. "Today, we were present in the court during the final arguments," said Saraswat after Khan appeared before the chief judicial magistrate. During the arguments, Khan appeared to be a bit uneasy and emotional at times but remained silent, according to advocates present in the court. The final arguments in the Kankani poaching case began in the trial court on September 13. The prosecution counsel had described the spot of alleged poaching citing the statements of witnesses Poonam Chand and Chhoga Ram and the post mortem report. While submitting his arguments, Saraswat today ran the video recording of the statements of Poonam Chand and drew the attention of the court to the "contradiction" in his statements taken by the investigating officer and the statements given by the witness. "Videography of the statements of Poonam Chand clearly showed that the official noting the statements had been copying them from a paper lying on the table beside him," argued Khan's counsel Saraswat. Earlier, the actor had appeared in the district and sessions court on August 4 for filing bail bonds after the state challenged his acquittal in the case under Arms Act by the trial court. Telangana has responded positively to Karnataka's request to utilise 3.5 tmc ft of water under Rajolibanda diversion scheme to mitigate the acute water shortage in the Tungabhadra catchment area in the state (Karnataka), Water Resources Minister M B Patil said on Thursday. Patil had led a high-level delegation to Telangana and met his counterpart Harish Rao in Hyderabad, to discuss the issue. The minister said the delegation had highlighted the distress condition prevailing in the Tungabhadra basin in Karnataka and the urgent need to meet the drinking water and irrigation demands. He said it had been decided that engineers from both states would work out the water requirement for each state and then make available the minimum requirement of water to Karnataka. During the meeting, Karnataka highlighted the gesture shown by the state by releasing one tmc ft of water to meet the needs of Telangana in 2016-17 and also in 2017-18. Karnataka has assured full support to the modernisation works of Rajolibanda diversion scheme, so that the works could be completed by July 2018. As per the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal award, Telangana's share of water towards Rajolibanda diversion scheme is 3.501 tmc ft on pro-rata basis and the said quota has not been utilised by Telangana. In the backdrop of disruptions in Rajya Sabha on various issues, its Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu today urged members to act responsibly to ensure smooth proceedings and assured them that whatever decision he takes would be to enhance the image of the House. During a meeting with members of various parties on functioning of the House, the Triple Talaq Bill was also discussed and the chairman asked both the opposition and the treasury benches to sort out the issue between them, sources said. Naidu asked the parties to introspect if it is appropriate to cause frequent disruptions and adjournments of the House in order to press their political agenda. The Rajya Sabha has seen disruptions on a number of issues in the winter session including on Triple Talaq Bill and caste violence in Maharashtra. The sources said some members have also complained to the chairman that smaller parties are deprived of their chance to raise matters of public importance in the Upper House as the main parties try to push their agenda and cause disruption. Naidu, the sources said, has waived the time limit for moving a proposed amendment by Congress leader Anand Sharma on the Triple Talaq Bill. "Whatever decision I take will be guided by the aim to enhance the image of the House," he told the members, the sources said, adding that he urged the MPs to also follow this principle. The business advisory committee had fixed a time limit of four hours for the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill, but members wanted more time and the chairman said he was open to the idea, the sources said. MUMBAI, DHNS: Four members of a family died in a "suspicious fire" in a building at Marol in Andheri East in Mumbai in the early hours of Thursday. Five others were injured in the fire, while the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) successfully rescued eight people. The fire broke out at Mehmud Building at Shivaji Nagar, Church Road in Andheri past midnight. The fire broke out at 2 am and could be doused only by 4.15 am, MFB officials said. The deceased were identified as Sakina Abbas Kapasi (14), Mohin Abbas Kapasi (10), Tasneem Abbas Kapasi (42) and Daud Ali Kapasi (80). The deceased, who lived on the third floor, died of suffocation and burn injuries. They were taken to Cooper Hospital, where they were declared dead on admission. The owner of the flat, Abbas Kapasi, escaped the fire. The injured were identified as Ibrahim Saifuddin Kothari (57), Sakina Ibrahim Kothari (53), Hussain Ibrahim Kothari (26) and Hujefa Ibrahim Kothari (21). All of them suffered suffocation and are currently admitted to Holy Spirit Hospital. Zara Cutlerywalla (42) was injured, but was discharged after primarily medication. "The outbreak of the fire is suspicious and the matter has been reported to the police for a detailed questioning of the owner of the flat, who was present at the time of fire in the flat," an MFB official said. The Supreme Court on Thursday decided to examine the state of affairs at orphanages across the country, saying if children are sold over there, nothing can be more disastrous for the country. "A child cannot be parted ways with at the whims and fancies by person-in charge of orphanages. Such a person would be liable for violation of human rights. It is necessary to have a comprehensive view of orphans, orphanges, mode and method of adoption and treatment meted out to children," a three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said. The court issued a notice to all states and Union Territories and sought their response within two weeks. It put the matter for consideration on January 22. The court admitted for consideration a special leave petition argued by Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on behalf of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). Observing that the rights of a child is to be absolutely sacred, the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, stayed a Calcutta High Court order of August 28 last year that had restrained the top child rights' body from taking cognisance of allegations of child trafficking from an orhpange at Jalpaigudi in West Bengal on the basis of a news report. The high court had passed its order on a plea by Additional DGP of West Bengal contending that the matter should be left to the state commission for protection of child rights to consider. Mehta submitted such cases had pan India repercussions and at times child trafficking had cross-border connections. The court broadened the scope of the petition and ordered for making all states as parties. The court also sought to know from the states if a special court under the Protection of Human Rights Act ,1993, has been set up over there to deal with cases of violation of human rights. The state BJPaon Thursday demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for "failing" to protect the lives of Hindu activists. Addressing a press conference here, BJPastate generalasecretary CaTaRavi said 24 Hindu activists had been killed in the state in the last four years including Deepak Rao, who was murdered near Suratkal in Dakshina Kannada district on Thursday. "These killings prove there is no safety and security to the common man. This is also an indication of the collapse of law and order. What government is in existence in the state?aCivilian government or Taliban government?"ahe said. Ravi charged that the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) was directly involvedain the murders and the organisation had the support of the state government. "The Congress government has withdrawn 175 cases that were filed against members of the organisation. After this, the killing of Hindu activists has been going on unabated," Ravi said. The BJPaleader said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had never shown the political will to crush "terror elements"aaand "anti-social" elements in the state. He wanted to know why the Congress government was hesitant to send a report to the Centre about banning SDPI and Popular Front of India. The BJPahas demanded that the probe into the murder of Deepak Rao should be handed over to the NationalaInvestigating Agency. Yogi visit confirmed The BJPaconfirmed the participation of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the third-leg of the Parivarthana rally in Bengaluru on January 7. The party is planning to hold the mega convention at the Balagangadharanatha Grounds in Vijayanagar. An alert was sounded in Uttar Pradesh, which had witnessed large-scale caste violence in Saharanpur district a few months back, after various Dalit outfits staged demonstrations to express solidarity with their community members in Maharashtra. According to the sources, a Dalit outfit has convened a meeting in communally-sensitive Muzaffarnagar district on Sunday in which thousands of Dalits are expected to take part. "Attacks on Dalits in different parts of the country may come up for discussion at the meeting," said an official in Muzaffarnagar, about 450 km from here. Members of the Bheem Sena, a Dalit outfit, and some other groups held demonstrations at Deoband and Saharanpur town decrying reported atrocities on the community in some parts of the country and warned of an agitation if the attacks did not stop. The authorities were also concerned about messages concerning the caste clashes in Pune that had gone viral on social media platforms. Police sources said on Thursday that the district police chiefs had been asked to maintain a high degree of alert and keep an eye on the social media platforms. "District police chiefs have been asked to augment security and take prompt action in the event of any flare-up...they have also been asked to monitor the social media messages," said a senior police official. Two persons were killed and over two dozen injured, when members of Thakur and Dalit communities clashed following a dispute over taking out a procession at Shabbirpur village in Saharanpur district a few months back. Police had arrested Chandrashekhar, the founder of the Bheem Army. He was released on bail but was re-arrested and booked under National Security Act. The ghost of kidney racket mafia has returned to Palnadu region of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh after years, with middlemen using Aadhaar cards as their main weapon to encourage illegal trade of the vital organ. Police registered a case against unknown persons, who have so far sold three kidneys to renal patients from donors not related to them, with the help of morphed Aadhaar cards. According to Narsaraopet town Circle Inspector Sivaprasad, the police got a wind of the kidney racket through a vigilant tehsildar of Narsaraopet. Vijayajyothi Kumari found out that a photo in an Aadhaar card submitted for a family member certificate by one Ravuri Ravi was not matching with that of the records. The applicant mentioned that he is willing to donate his kidney to his relative, Sivanageswara Rao, a resident of Chandramouli Nagar in Guntur. The police used a mobile-based app and found out that the photo belonged to one Mudavat Venkateswara Naik, who is in no way related to the patient. A police team then stopped the fourth kidney transplant by the mafia before it could take place. Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Thursday accused the BJP of trying to politicise the death of its activist Deepak Rao, while also blaming the saffron party for arriving at conclusions even as the police investigated the case. "Four persons have been arrested following the killing. Two were held while driving a car, two others were arrested while trying to escape. Two of them are in hospital and two are in police custody. Enquiry is underway to find out whether the accused as well as the deceased had any political affiliation whatsoever," Reddy told reporters after attending a meeting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired to review the situation. "Whether or not the killing was the result of a clash between two parties or personal rivalry we will know after the enquiry," he said. "But soon after the incident, the BJP has claimed that Rao was one of their own. That way, they are trying to politicise it. It's wrong to bring religion into this." Responding to BJP general secretary C T Ravi's charge that the Congress government was "indulging in politics over dead bodies," Reddy asked if there were no killings during the BJP's rule. The BJP has claimed that radical Islamic outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) was behind Rao's killing and has accused the Congress of tacitly supporting the group. "Why will the Congress support PFI? In fact, it was the BJP that joined hands with the PFI to defeat the Congress in the last Savanur gram panchayat election," Reddy said. "Six PFI workers and 11 BJP/RSS workers have been killed. The police have already made arrests and chargesheets have been filed," he said. The police have been asked to ensure law and order in Dakshina Kannada district, Reddy said. "The police transported Rao's body to his house. The situation is peaceful." 'Let Centre ban PFI, SDPI' Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy and Food and Civil Supplies Minister U T Khader, who represents the Mangalore Assembly constituency, have dared the BJP-led Centre to ban the Popular Front of India (PFI) and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). They were reacting to BJP's demand that the state government must ban such "jihadi forces," to which the saffron party has attributed the recent killings of Hindu workers. "The Centre has the authority to impose a ban on PFI," Reddy said. "But shouldn't the BJP also demand a ban on other organisations that are involved in illegal activities," he asked. Khader said the Congress did not support the PFI or SDPI as claimed by the BJP. "Let the Centre ban these organisations. Let BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje raise this issue in Parliament," he said. The minister claimed Deepak did not belong to party or organisation. A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the High Court of Karnataka, questioning the misuse of state funds by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his political interests during the ongoing 'Sadhana Samavesha' rallies. According to the petition, the objective of the rallies is to highlight the public welfare schemes of the state, but the chief minister is using it for his party's campaign. The petition says, as part of the rally, Siddaramaiah is travelling only to those places, from where members of the ruling party have been elected to the Assembly. The petition filed by Keertivardhan Joshi, a student of the Karnataka State Law University, states that the ruling party is using public money to fulfil its political objectives. The Sadhana Samavesha is a series of rallies and programmes that have been organised across several Assembly constituencies with the aim of highlighting the achievements and welfare schemes of the government. A considerable amount of money has been spent for the rallies. According to the petitioner, instead of highlighting the schemes of the government, the ruling party is using state funds for its campaign. The petition says the ruling party has used the 'Sadhana Samavesha' rallies as a platform to highlight the shortcomings of the opposition parties in the speeches of its leaders. The public gathered at such events could easily be misled that they are party meetings, instead of state events meant for public welfare. The petition seeks directions to the government and the principal secretary, department of finance, to stop the grant of further funds to 'Sadhana Samavesha' and declare the ongoing rallies as illegal and unlawful. The violence which erupted on January 1st during the 200th-anniversary celebration of the Bhima Koregaon battle captured the headlines in Indian media. Protests against the violence on the participants of the commemoration stalled the entire state of Maharashtra for two days. DH spoke to Somnath Waghmare, a participant of the celebration and also the director of a documentary titled 'Bhima Koregaon - an unending journey'. He is currently a research scholar at Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS), Mumbai. Do you visit Bhima Koregaon every year? Yes, I had visited Bhima Koregaon during my childhood. But it has become an annual event since I moved to Pune for my postgraduate degree in 2009. What happens during the celebration? Are there any rituals involved? The celebrations start on December 31. People throng to Bhima Koregaon and stay there through the night. On Jan 1st and 2nd, there are multiple programmes by various Dalit-Bahujan organisations. People pay homage to the 'stupa' with flowers. At night, speeches by Buddhist monks and Dalit leaders and cultural programmes are held. Lakhs of people from all around the world visit the Koregaon during this period. What led to the violence this year? Earlier in December a committee of Peshwa family had requested the authorities to not allow the Bhima Koregaon Battle anniversary at Koregaon as it affects their sentiments. But no notice was issued to that effect. On December 29, members of a local Sangh Parivar outfit attacked the tomb of Govind Gaikwad, who is known for performing the last rites of Sambhaji, son of Shivaji Maharaj, at Wadhu Budruk village near Bhima Koregaon. Next day, the village committee of Koregaon asked the police to close entry to the village. On December 31, a committee of nearly 200 organisation conducted a programme at Shaniwar Wada in Pune to commemorate the Bhima Koregaon battle. Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mewani, JNU Scholar Umar Khalid and others addressed the programme. They spoke against the growing threat of Hindutva to the society, especially to the lower castes and minorities. Unlike each year, there were no Maratha shops and houses on the way to Koregaon open on January 1st. An eatery run by a Dalit, vehicles in nearby villages were torched and people on their way to Koregaon were also attacked. I suspect this was a pre-planned attack on Dalits orchestrated by the Sangh Parivar. Why do people celebrate the victory of British colonial troops? Isn't it the real reason for provoking right-wing outfits? The battle of Bhima Koregaon was not just a battle between the English East India Company and Maratha-Peshwa's, it was the decisive fight of lower castes in order to achieve social justice. The Mahars, who were the backbone of the Maratha army since Shivaji, defected to the Company army due to the brutal caste discrimination during Peshwa rule. This was an inspiration for all lower castes as well as people who wished to see equality in Indian society. Moreover, the battle was against a princely kingdom, not against the Indian nation. It happened long before the concept of Indian nationalism emerged. We have to consider the positive aspect of the battle - the victory of lower caste over oppressive rulers. The Indian Army still has a Mahar Regiment formed by the British after the Koregaon battle. The regiment comes and salutes the 'stupa' every year. There is a middle class that has emerged among Dalits, who are assertive and question the existing caste-based social order. Sangh Parivar outfits who are still stuck in age-old Brahmanical mindset are not ready to accept the assertive Dalit voice. So they resort to violence. What do you think the aftermath of this violence and Dalit protests? For a long time, there was no media coverage of the annual congregation in Bhima Koregaon. This year, due to the violence, they are now talking about the Bhima Koregaon congregation and battle. I see it is a positive step, though some media groups tried to distort the events. The violence has created a sentiment among lower castes against the ruling Hindutva group. Even some Marathas groups supported the Dalits in this movement. Therefore, I see a bright future where Dalits will lead the democratisation of India as envisaged by Babasaheb Ambedkar. WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY ON BHIMA KOREGAON ALSO READ: Docu-film on intriguing 1818 battle premieres in Bengaluru The triple talaq bill was deferred once again on Thursday and may come up only in the Budget Session. The government refused a vote on the Opposition's demand for sending the proposed legislation to a select committee. With the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, not being taken up on the penultimate day of the Winter Session and the ruling BJP in no mood to accept the demand for sending it to a select committee, it is to be seen whether the government would give it another try on Friday. Usually, on the last day of the session, private members' business is taken up. The Opposition claimed a moral victory as Deputy Chairman P J Kurien over-ruled Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's objections to the motions. The government, too, had reasons to cheer as the Chair did not accede to the Opposition's demand for voting on sending the bill to a select committee first before taking up the Goods and Service Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill. If there is no resolution, a decision on triple talaq bill will be delayed by at least a month when Parliament reconvenes for Budget Session. The House was adjourned for the second consecutive day amid speculation that BJP chief Amit Shah would make his maiden speech by participating in the debate on GST amendment bill. The government had listed the GST Bill as the first legislative business after a short duration on the state of the economy, followed by triple talaq bill. Sources in the Opposition said that the day's developments showed that the government was taking a confrontational stand. Charges and counter-charges flew inside and outside the House with the Opposition claiming that the BJP was exposed, while the ruling side said that the Congress-led Opposition's double standards were exposed. Inside the House, Jaitley accused the Opposition of "sabotaging" the bill. The Trinamool Congress' Derek O'Brien countered saying, "It is clear that this side (Opposition) wants to empower Muslim women and that side (BJP) does not want that". To this, Union minister Smriti Irani replied, "Absolutely not. If you want to empower women, start the discussion now." The Opposition MPs were on their feet around 5:25 pm soon after Kurien called Jaitley to introduce the amendment bill. They wanted the "pending" business of a decision on their motion to be taken up first. Jaitley countered them saying that the two motions moved by the Opposition were not in order and had flaws, to which Kurien said Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has allowed it and he cannot change that. However, Kurien said it is the government's prerogative to list the business and he cannot take up the triple talaq bill now. This resulted in an uproar following which the House was adjourned. In yet another case of planned murder of a husband by the wife, the Hyderabad Police stumbled upon a case where one of the supari gang members revealed a ghastly incident. The gang member had decided to reveal the story after he allegedly trying to commit suicide as he was unable to bear the guilt. According to Mehdipatnam police, Deepak, one of the four gang members who took supari for the murder of Nagaraju, a techie, on night of December 31, tried to commit suicide by slashing his throat with a blade on Thursday. Deepak, along with Naresh, Karthik and Yaseen, allegedly took Supari from Nagaraju's wife Jyothi. Jyothi, who was having an affair with a man called Karthik, hatched a plan to murder her husband with Karthik and saw to it that Nagaraju was murdered on New Year's. The body was then dumped near Choutuppal on the outskirts of the city. However, Deepak who was deeply disturbed by the murder, tried to call the police to inform about the murder. However, after the police took his confession as a joke, he tried to kill himself. After the suicide attempt failed, he spilled the beans to the media about the murder, while being shifted to a hospital. Following his confession, police investigated the leads and found that Deepak was telling the truth. They have arrested the other gang members; Jyothi is being questioned. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh has broken his silence on the acquittal of A Raja in the 2G spectrum allocation case after the latter wrote to him, pointing out that he had never backed him "out of compulsions." In response, the former prime minister expressed happiness at Raja being vindicated. "I am very happy that you stand vindicated. You and your family have suffered greatly in the process and we are greatly relieved that truth has prevailed," Singh wrote to Raja in a letter dated January 2. Former telecom minister Raja had written on December 26 to the former PM following his acquittal, recalling that the former PM did not back him despite his past assurances that he had done nothing wrong and acted in the national interest and would prove it. "I also understand the compulsions that prevented you from openly supporting me," Raja said, adding that Singh could support him openly now as he was acquitted, Raja's letter stated that a few powerful people launched a propaganda machinery against the then UPA government and mislead Parliament and the judiciary in the 2G case. "It cost you the UPA government and seven years of my life, including 15 months in jail," the former telecom minister said. Raja recalled in his letter that he ensured that the former PM's image was not tarnished during the trial proceedings despite no backing from the government. "Unlike some senior Cabinet colleagues, I ensured that you did not suffer personal embarrassment in the trial proceedings. Now that the truth about the 2G case is out in the open, perhaps you too could come forward in my support," Raja said. Raja has been miffed that no senior Congress leader chose to call or meet him after his acquittal in the 2G spectrum case by a Delhi court. The Congress' adulation was focused on DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, daughter of party patriarch M Karunanidhi. Not only Congress chief Rahul Gandhi speak to her phone after the verdict, senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad and Anand Sharma visited her at home to convey their party's greetings. A CBI court acquitted Raja and Kanimozhi in the 2G spectrum allocation case on December 21. CBI judge O P Saini had said he did not find any merit in the submission of prosecution that allocation of spectrum to telecom firms on "first come first serve" basis amounted to the abuse of power by A Raja." The CBI has said it would appeal against the verdict in the higher court. The defence ministry approved purchase of a surveillance training solution for the navy from the USA, besides sanctioning procurement of an e-warfare suite for the army from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru. The training solution for navy's P-8I aircraft will be bought from US defence major Boeing at a cost of Rs 1,949.32 crore. The deal also entails a 10-year comprehensive maintenance service for the module, the defence ministry said in a statement. By accurately simulating the P-8I mission systems, the training solution would help naval personnel train and realistically rehearse for sophisticated missions involving P-8I aircraft, at a fraction of the cost of practising in a live aircraft. The Indian Navy currently operates eight P-8I aircraft as its principal reconnaissance aircraft. In 2016, the defence ministry placed a follow-on order for four more P-8I, the delivery of which will begin in 2020. The P-8I aircraft is equipped for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of broad area, maritime and littoral operations. Communications systems The second proposal approved by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is to buy the Low Intensity Conflict Electronic Warfare System for the army at a cost of Rs 470 crore from the BEL. It will equip the Indian Army with upgraded communications infrastructure to effectively deal with the advanced ones being used by terrorist groups. A day before, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre informed Parliament that India inked 187 contracts worth Rs 2.4 lakh crore with foreign and domestics firms for procurement of various military platforms and equipment in the last four years. While 119 contracts worth Rs 1.62 lakh crore were signed with Indian vendors, the defence ministry inked 68 procurement deals worth Rs 1.24 crore with foreign players. BJP member Pralhad Joshi on Thursday demanded in the Lok Sabha that an NIA probe be ordered into the killing of party worker Deepak Rao, at Surathkal near Mangaluru. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Joshi said as many as 22 members of the BJP and Hindu outfits have so far been murdered in Karnataka, during the Siddaramaiah regime. He accused the Congress government of turning a blind eye to the killings as it "wants to adopt the Kerala model" of governance, where BJP members "are being targeted." He said the NIA probe into the RSS worker Rudresh's murder in Bengaluru "has established" that the five people arrested in the case were the members of the PFI. "And it (PFI) is (an) affiliate of the political organisation - SDPI. In spite of the NIA clearly stating (this) in their charge sheet, the government has withdrawn a total of 175 cases against the workers of that organisation." The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to examine a fresh plea by Karti Chidambaram, son of former finance minister P Chidamabaram, seeking permission to travel to the United Kingdom from January 10. Karti faced CBI investigation in a case of alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when his father was the Union finance minister. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud is likely to hear on Monday Karti's application for allowing him to travel to the UK between January 10 and 20. Last year, Karti was allowed to travel to the UK from December 1-10 for his daughter's admission to the Cambridge University. BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa on Thursday accused Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister Ramanath Rai of having a hand in the murder of Hindu activist Deepak Rao at Katipalla near Surathkal. Addressing a press meet at Hoovinahadagali in Ballari before the Parivartana Yatra on Thursday, Yeddyurappa said the state government was responsible for the murder of at least 21 Hindu activists, including Prashant Poojary, Rajeev Kotyan and Sharath Madiwala. Padayatra in M'luru Yeddyurappa said the BJP will launch a massive agitation to protest against the murder of Deepak Rao. It will take out a padayatra in Mangaluru to create awareness among the people. A meeting of the party leaders will be called in Bengaluru and a decision will be taken in this regard, he said. The International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS) in Hesaraghatta intends to train scientists in gravitational astronomy so that when the LIGO gravitational wave detector proposed to be set up in India is ready there will be a community of researchers who can use the facility. The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) came into the public eye when two such existing observatories in the USA detected gravitational waves, confirming a 100-year-old theory by Albert Einstein. Several researchers from ICTS were even involved in the large-scale international collaboration which resulted in the discovery, which eventually won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 2017. P Ajith, one of the faculty at ICTS who leads the work in this area, said: "While building the facility itself is a challenge, we also need to develop a community which will be able to use this data to do science." Towards this effort, ICTS has been organising annual summer programmes since 2013 for graduate students to learn about gravitational astronomy. Speaking at a press conference to highlight achievements of the institute which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, Rajesh Gopakumar, the centre's director said that science programmes in Bengaluru attract a lot of attention and interest from the public. "We have several outreach programmes and public lectures, including ones at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. There is a hunger for science in the city, even among 11-year-olds. A lot of interesting questions are asked and even the speakers are stumped by them," he said. The sessions get a good response even on social media where they are live-streamed. In the coming years, the ICTS intends to encourage scientific research in areas which are less developed in the country. The centre conducts several programmes where scientists from different backgrounds such as Theoretical Physics, Astronomy, Mathematics and others can interact and collaborate. Spenta Wadia, founder director of the institute, said that a request to the state government asking for more land to create new facilities was still pending. "We need an additional five acres of land close to the existing campus for more hostels and other infrastructure. We requested for it about three to four years ago and there was a recommendation from the Department of IT, BT to give us the land but there has been no progress on that," he said. As part of its 'ICTS at ten' programmes, several public events have been planned including a lecture on January 11 at the centre, by Nobel Prize for Physics 2017 winner, Prof Kip Thorne from Caltech, US. At a San Dieguito Union High School District facilities workshop last fall, demographics indicate that enrollment at La Costa Canyon High School will continue to decline, from 1,936 in the fall of 2014 to 1,684 in 2023. Capacity at LCC is nearly twice that, at 3,172. Enrollment at Torrey Pines High School is projected to increase slightly, from 2,619 in the fall of 2014 to 2,955 in 2023. Capacity at TP is 3,291. LCC and TP are the two boundary schools, LCC for the northern portion of the district and Torrey Pines in the south. The two academies, San Dieguito in Encinitas and Canyon Crest in Carmel Valley, are open enrollment for students district-wide. Demand by students for attendance at both academies remains high, with facilities and resources impacted. Of the districts five middle schools, only Pacific Trails in Pacific Highlands Ranch will see increased enrollment through 2023. Enrollment district-wide during that same period of time appears flat, going from 12,538 in 2014 to 12,863 in 2023. LCCs available space Noticing the decline in enrollment and the amount of available space at La Costa Canyon, thoughts turn to San Dieguitos charter school, SOUL (School of Universal Learning), which struggled for months to find a suitable facility last year. The founders finally found a home at the Solana Beach Boys & Girls Club, which allowed them to open last fall, but the location was secured late in the summer which negatively affected enrollment numbers. This year, according to their rights under Californias Proposition 39, SOUL founders applied for facility space from their home district, San Dieguito, for the 2018-2019 school year. This application included 96 Intent to Enroll forms completed by students residing within San Dieguito boundaries (80 are required to qualify under Prop. 39). San Dieguito denied SOULs request, writing in a letter that the district objects to the projected average daily attendance, claiming that the increase from SOULs current ADA enrollment of San Dieguito students to the number expected next school year is unreasonable. The district used a formula (46 students x 72 percent in-district x 95 percent ADA rate) to calculate 31.46 ADA for SOULs current year (SOUL has an enrollment of 46 students but not all reside within San Dieguito boundaries). Based on this calculation, the district disagreed with SOULs projection of 160.55 ADA, claiming the number is closer to 59.6, far less than the required 80. SDUHSDs letter also cites SOULs inability to meet initial enrollment projections for this year, although SOUL founders say thats because it was difficult to secure a suitable facility early in the year. What may be the over-riding reason the district rejected SOULs application, however, was after staff contacted every name on the Intent to Enroll list and did not receive yes answers from at least 80. Calling every name SDUHSD superintendent Eric Dill said in an email that he asked three staff members to call every name on the list which he estimated took about seven hours. According to the district, SDUHSD staff found 33 families meaningfully interested in SOUL, 17 not meaningfully interested, and the rest did not return calls and could not be reached. About one-third of people we spoke with indicated they were not actually interested in dis-enrolling their students from our schools and enrolling in SOUL, so we applied that same proportion to those we could not verify, Dill said. So, of the 50 they reached, about two-thirds said they were interested in enrolling. Of the 45 or 46 they could not reach, the district assumed that two-thirds would enroll. We also asked them if they intended to dis-enroll from an SDUHSD school to enroll in SOUL, and if they said no, we counted that as a no, he said. Thats how the district arrived at its 59.6 number. For school districts to spend staff time and money to call every name on the Intent to Enroll list is unusual, according to Miles Durfee, Regional Advocacy Vice President for the California Charter Schools Association. It is not typical for the district to call all the names on the list, he said. It is also not typical to eliminate names just because they do not answer. Due diligence The district has to do its due diligence, said SOUL co-founder Marisa Fogelman. But there is clearly an intimidation factor when a San Dieguito employee calls and asks parents if they are certain they intend to pull their kids out of a district school and want to know why. Fogelman said when parents said they werent sure, that was counted as a no. Co-founder Michael Grimes was told that parents were asked why they dont want a district school for their kids and what they feel SOUL can offer that a district school cannot. The next step in this process is for the school to respond to the districts incorrect ADA projections process, CCSAs Durfee said. I would expect that the charter school is preparing to send a letter to the district by Jan. 2 not agreeing to the methodology that the district used. Fogelman said they applied for facility space under Prop. 39 just to keep our options open but are prepared to remain at the Boys & Girls Club. Even if the district decided to offer a portion of La Costa Canyon, she said that having our own place is more ideal than sharing a site. The Boys & Girls Club facility is beautiful, she said. They have been amazing to work with. She said their community interests are aligned, the location is central to many families, theres public transportation, and the students are able to utilize the on-site pool for P.E. For all those reasons, we want make this work, Fogelman said. She said its best for student morale to be consistent and remain at the same location, and we want to be protective of our culture. But finding enough room for future growth may present challenges. We would have to get creative, she said. But we will try to make it work for another year, because we love being at the Boys & Girls Club. La Costa Canyon would also be fine, she said, because a large percentage of their students live in Encinitas and south Carlsbad, although they might lose some families who live farther south. Facility improvement priorities shuffled The same facilities workshop disclosed the latest schedules and costs for Proposition AA facility improvements, revealing changes in priorities. The charts show that many projects have been delayed, some with associated cost increases, explained SDUHSD Associate Superintendent for Business Services Tina Douglas. Its what we thought we were going to do, she said, but we cant do all of that in that time frame. The biggest project, the $13 million reconstruction of Sunset High School, has been pushed up and is now a priority item. It was previously scheduled to begin in 2025. The goal now, said Douglas, is to begin in August 2018. Also scheduled to begin in August is the modernization of the Industrial Arts and A&B buildings at San Dieguito Academy, a $3.6 million project. Third on the Aug. 2018 priority list is La Costa Canyons weight room (in lieu of the field house), at a cost of $1.44 million. Three other projects scheduled for Aug. 2018 include: - Torrey Pines High Schools Arts & Industrial Arts building, the Tech building, and planning for the gym renovation (cost: $944,000) - Planning for Oak Crest Middle Schools classroom modernization (cost: $520,000) - Canyon Crest Academys Learning Commons, or Media Center (cost: $354,000) Some delayed projects could be pushed out as far as 2035. The later the projected start date, the higher the cost. Weve seen some escalation costs, Douglas said, but called the increases normal escalation. The following projects are now delayed (dollar numbers are rounded): - a new black box theater and dance room at CCA (original estimate when subtracting the cost of the Learning Commons was $3.43 million; with escalation for the delay, new estimate is $5.81 million) - reconstruction of the gym and remodel of the Mustang Center at SDA (original estimate was $20.8 million; new estimate is $50.53 million) - a two-story classroom building, science classroom building, administration remodel, and renovation of two buildings at LCC (original estimate was $20 million; new estimate is $26.8 million) - the multi-purpose room at Oak Crest (original estimate was $2.3 million; new estimate is $3.5 million) - the parking lot and traffic circle, administration, and multi-purpose room at Diegueno Middle School (original estimate was $13.26 million; new estimate is $35.2 million) - administration and multi-purpose room at the districts La Costa Valley site (original estimate was $6.8 million; new estimate is $18.1 million) Douglas said its hard to predict actual costs until the projects begin, and its possible the Prop. AA money may run out before all projects can be completed. Were hoping to still do all the projects, she said, adding that a new bond might be required to provide more funding. Disneyland And now for something completely different. Only three more days until Disneylands wondrous world of Christmas lights and decorations ends on Jan. 7. If youve not been to Disneyland during the holiday season, its worth a trip. Yes, it costs an outrageous $110 to get in, not including the $20 parking fee. The drive north generally takes less than 90 minutes, although it can take up to an extra hour to park, go through security, catch the tram, buy tickets and enter the main gate. So its a hassle. But once youre in, its a feast for the senses. The highlights: - The Main Street Christmas Tree stands 60 feet high, replete with hundreds of festive decorations. - Sleeping Beautys Winter Castle is aglow with more than 50,000 twinkling lights, sparkling icicles and shimmering snow-capped turrets. - The attraction Its A Small World is astonishing, with more than 400,000 lights and festive holiday decorations that celebrate customs for all parts of the globe. Its sensory overload and enough to make you forget that song that on normal visits worms its way into your brain and wont let go. - The Haunted Mansion is transformed into a delightfully creepy combination of Tim Burtons The Nightmare Before Christmas mixed with its usually impressive Halloween-themed extravaganza. The special effects are truly jaw-dropping. If only the little cars would move slower, to absorb in its complete ghoulish splendor this extraordinary collision of holidays. - The Main Street parade and elaborate floats are worth the visit alone. Fireworks, falling snow, special activities for youngsters, strolling musicians, marching bands, festive food and gifts (loved the variety of Mickey ears), and decorations everywhere make the visit quite an experience. Opinion columnist and Sr. Education Writer Marsha Sutton can be reached at: suttonmarsha@gmail.com. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Fake news MSNBC just picked up the story.The NYPD says it's aware of and investigating what's being described as "ISIS selfies" posted on social media. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe A well-known Donegal GP has called for a closure of schools for the next two weeks to prevent the spreading of seasonal influenza. The call comes as the Health Service Executive (HSE) urged people in high-risk groups to get the flu vaccine as the number of reported cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Ireland increased in the week before Christmas. It said there had been a small number, under ten, of deaths directly related to influenza in the last two weeks. Dr James McDaid said he expected a spike in cases in the next week as schools reopen. He said schools should be closed for two weeks to stop the spread of influenza. The former Donegal TD and government minister said that schools are willing to close due to bad weather but when it comes to matters pertaining to medicine, unfortunately, they dont. The Letterkenny GP said his practice has been exceptionally busy in recent days and 90 per cent of the cases are related to influenza-like symptoms. Usually flu relates to only ten per cent of the cases, he said. Children come to me, then they go back to schools and they are met with the whole avalanche of the virus and they are back again with me. It's a vicious circle. If you reach a peak you need to close down the schools for two weeks. They are ill and then they are back to school and then they are back to me in three weeks time. He said he expected a spike in flu cases in January because the schools will be back. Dr McDaid said it is likely that the strain of flu he is seeing is the so-called Australian flu, and that he would be concerned about people with chronic illness, diabetes and long-term illness. We will undoubtedly get a number of people who will succumb to it, he said. Dr Kevin Kelleher, Director of the HSEs Health Protection Surveillance Centre said influenza-like illness has increased in all age groups except in those aged up to four years old. Hospitalised cases of influenza and influenza-associated outbreaks in residential care facilities have also increased, he said. The HSE has in the last fortnight also been notified of a small number of deaths directly related to influenza (less than 10). These indicators tell us that flu is actively starting to circulate in the community, yet its not too late for people at risk to get the vaccine from their GP or Pharmacist. Prevention is better than cure, and the increase in flu activity means it is even more important to get your flu jab if you are in an at-risk group. Initial indications so far point to more people in at-risk groups and more healthcare workers getting the flu vaccine this year. The HSE would urge those who have not yet been vaccinated to join their peers and their colleagues in getting the flu vaccine. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said a motorway between Dublin and Donegal is a priority. The taoiseach said he will prioritise the motorway from Dublin to Donegal via Derry as part of his intentions to focus much of the nations infrastructure spend on the North and the all-Ireland economy. There will be a big focus on regional development, making sure all parts of the country share in the economic recovery and that there is more employment in all parts of the country particularly in the regions furthest from the east coast. There will also be a focus on the North and the All-Island economy, improving infrastructure over the next ten years, building a motorway to connect Dublin and the border counties to Derry and Letterkenny and also examining the Dublin to Belfast rail line. He also said the government will invest 100billion in broadband provision. Our target is to have 75 per cent of homes in the country connected to high-speed broadband by the end of 2018. We are currently at about 60 per cent now. In January we will publish the ten-year capital plan and that will be adding up to 100 billion investment or more, thats State investments and semi-state investment. What its all about is ensuring our economy has the capacity to grow because we will be up against very obvious constraints in terms of the countrys ability to grow economically. It will also mean much-needed investment in public services that have been neglected in years gone by. It has to be about things like economic infrastructure, investing in public transport, education and higher education, housing and health reform, particularly in areas like ICT which I think, could be the real game changer. The Commission on the Future of Policing will host an open evening for people in Donegal next week. Members of the public, local community groups and interested stakeholders with views on the future of policing have been invited to attend. The open evening will take place in Letterkenny Public Services Centre on Neil T Blaney Road next Thursday, January 11th between 6pm and 8pm . The open evening is an opportunity for members of the public to drop in and meet with commission members in an informal setting to discuss the future of policing. The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland was established by Government in May 2017 to develop a blueprint for policing in Ireland into the future. The commission is tasked with undertaking an independent, comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing in Ireland, including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Siochana, as well as the full range of oversight bodies. The chairperson of the commission, Kathleen OToole said: Im delighted that the commission will be in Donegal as part of our nationwide meet and greet programme on our important work. Consultation is central to informing the commissions work and we are eager to hear the views of the people across the county, in Letterkenny and beyond. As we work towards a blueprint for policing in Ireland it is essential that we hear directly from the very communities that a police service seeks to serve and protect. Through these public meetings and our call for submissions, the commission wants to stimulate a genuine national conversation on the future of policing in Ireland so we would encourage everyone with an interest in the issue to come to our open evening in Letterkenny, and send us their views and opinions. All of these perspectives will help to inform our work. Reports from the hospitality sector in Donegal have indicated great satisfaction with business during the festive season with many commenting that it is still continuing into the new year. Many hotels and restaurants remained open in what once was a time when families dined at home and many venues enjoyed full capacity. Noel Cunningham of Harvey's Point told the Democrat: There is no point in my underplaying it, we had one of the best Christmases ever with people dining out much more frequently and remarkably, taking their winter breaks with us. There is no doubt that the Wild Atlantic Way, the National Geographic article and the Star Wars phenomenon have all put Donegal very much on the map. It has also succeeded in instilling a great self-belief among hoteliers who have finally realised that we do indeed have a great product in Donegal. Mr. Cunningham also highlighted an emerging trade in the wedding sector. Back in the middle of the recession we experienced a lot of sadness with the growth of emigration, he said. However, every cloud has a silver lining and we are now seeing many of these successful young couples returning on holidays from all corners of the globe and getting married at home. It all augurs well for the future and Imm delighted that we are still enjoying great business in this, the first week in January. Annette O'Donnell of the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny, which is hosting a large wedding fair on Sunday said: It has been an exceptionally good Christmas and New Year in all areas of the hotel - accommodation, restaurant/bar and in the banqueting departments. It is not a return to the excesses of the Celtic Tiger era. People are more prudent and looking for value. In spite of the exchange rates we still are enjoying a very buoyant market from the north of Ireland. Terry McEniff of the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny was in total agreement. All aspects of the hotel have shown growth and I am confident of a good 2018," he said. "Brexit or the exchange rates have not had any negative impact. I believe that once the product is right people will come. All the signs are very positive. sframephoto/iStock/Thinkstock(RICHMOND, Va.) -- After weeks of political drama, the Virginia Board of Elections drew the name of Republican incumbent David Yancey out of a ceremonial blue and white ceramic bowl to determine the certified winner of the Virginia House of Delegates 94th District seat. Democrat Shelly Simonds, who sat next to her family and watched as James Alcorn, the Chairman of the Board of Elections, announced her opponent's name to a packed room inside the Patrick Henry Room in Richmond's Capitol Square, did not concede in the aftermath of the drawing, leaving open the possibility of an additional recount. Following weeks of heated legal battles and protestations from both sides to determine the outcome of the race, the method for picking a winner was simple -- both names were typed on a sheet of paper, placed in separate, new, Amazon-bought film canisters, then stirred around in the ceramic bowl made by a local artisan. Alcorn, the Chairman, picked out the winning name by hand. "Today we have witnessed an unprecedented event in the history of the commonwealth of Virginia," said Vice Chairman of the Virginia Board of Elections Claire Wheeler. The last time the state of Virginia drew a name out of a bowl was 1971. But this time more was at stake, as the winner could sway who is picked as Speaker of the House and number of people on committees. "This has never been done before for the longest-running legislative body in the New World," said Wheeler. After the Democrats swept Virginia races in November, this statewide race had the power to determine the balance of the Virginia House of Delegates. Republicans have held control of the House for 17 years, but this rare tie in Virginia could have brought the House to 50 Democrats, and 50 Republicans, allowing Democrats a little more wiggle room to push through items in their legislative agenda. Initially, Yancey, who did not attend Thursday's drawing due to the snow storm that affected his coastal Virginia home, won by 10 votes, but after a recount, the votes were tied 11,608 to 11,608. One ballot came in question over a confusing mark, causing the race to draw comparisons to Florida's hanging chad fiasco in the 2000 presidential election. With Yancey's win Thursday, the House will be at 51 Republicans, 49 Democrats, allowing Republicans to likely hold onto their control of House committees. Still, Simonds said she was not conceding the race but instead will take time to reflect on a run that has brought unprecedented national attention to the state race. "At this moment I am not conceding but I am reflecting on a very interesting campaign and a very hard fought campaign," she said. Simonds could potentially ask for a second recount, which would delay the seating of the race's winner until after the House convenes on January 10. In a gaggle with reporters following the drawing, Simonds said that it was a "sad conclusion for me and the people of Virginia who needed Medicaid expansion, which was really on the line here." Simonds cited the support of Emily's List in helping her as a female candidate, and said she plans to run again. "This race was really the pale end of a blue wave," said Simonds of Democratic wins in the state. "And people better get ready." Pledging to serve all the residents of the Newport News constituency, Yancey said in a statement, "The election is behind us, the outcome is clear, and my responsibility now is to begin the work I was re-elected to do. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Three newly commissioned Multi-Purpose Assault Crafts (MPAC MKIII) of the Philippines Navy will soon be equipped with Spike ER multi-purpose missiles, the local Department of National Defense (DND) said. The missiles are expected to arrive in country during the first quarter of 2018. Israels Rafael Advanced Defense Systems company is providing three Mini Typhoon weapon systems for the new boats, that were commissioned into service in May 2017. Each will receive the remotely controlled weapon mount also fitted with missile launchers. will receive three locally built Multi-purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC MKIII) constructed by the new boats are constructed by a joint venture between Philippine shipbuilder Propmech Corporation and Taiwanese builder Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corporation. The boats will be equipped with Mini Typhoon remote weapon stations mounting 12.7mm heavy machine guns and Spike-ER missile launchers. The missiles enable the boat to extend effective engagement to eight kilometers. The operators will be able to use the weapon either against targets that are in sight by the electro-optical system on board or against targets that are beyond line-of-sight, employing the missiles camera for target engagement. The Philippine Navy already operates six MPACs of earlier models that are not receiving the missiles. Three are the 15-meter MPAC MKI and three 17-meter MKII, both types were built by Propmech. The MPAC MKIII is longer than the previous models and is the first to carry missiles. The Philippine Navy also considers buying a fourth version of the MPAC. A series of meetings will take place across south Donegal in a bid to achieve community consensus in relation to securing a positive future for the Irish language. The Irish Language Planning Strategy for the Sliabh aLiag peninsula, which includes the parishes of Cill Chartha, Gleann Colm Cille and parts of Ard aRatha, is being developed at present and will be finalised by the end of January 2018. There are more than 1,200 houses in the area. The chairperson of Beal an Phobail, the planning and steering committee in the south Donegal area, Eunan Cunningham, said the Irish language exists in the area and the population have a healthy and positive attitude towards the Irish language, according to a survey that was carried out in the area ahead of Christmas. It may be one of our final opportunities to save the Irish langugage. We have to be realistic. People have it but they aren't speaking it as often as they should. In our survey we found people were positive about the Irish language, he said. The meetings will take place in January. Mr. Cunningham said the strategy is all-inclusive and opinions and suggestions are sought from non-Irish speakers as well as native speakers. The committee's mission is to adopt the ethos of languages co-existing rather than letting any disappear from the landscape. The committee are exceptionally eager that everyone in the area contributes to the plan. We also want to make the language more visible in the area. The feedback that we have received from people and parents is positive. We want to get their opinions and take their thoughts on board, he said. The Language Planning Strategy is being driven by Lar Chomhairle Pharoiste Ghleann Cholm Cille and people are being encouraged to call in to one of the public meetings listed or to contact the office. The committee hope to introduce language emmersion into schools in the future by using a gradual process. It is in some schools and it will be a gradual process. Irish can exist beside English, they can co-exist, he said. A meeting will be held in Colaiste Aodh Mhic Bricne, Teileann on Tuesday, January 9th at 7pm; in Seanscoil na Carraige, An Charraig on Tuesday, January 9th at 7pm; in Aislann Chill Cartha, Wednesday, January 10th at 7pm; Ionad Phobail Min an Aoire, Wednesday, January 10th at 8.30pm; Oideas Gael, Gleann Cholm Cille, Thursday, January 11th at 7pm; and Ionad na Paroiste, Ard an Ratha, January 11th at 8.30pm. You can contact the office by email on oifiglcpg@gmail.com or call on 074-9730894. A 1968 graduate of St. Eunans College in Letterkenny has generated positive reaction with news that he wishes to organise a reunion with his former classmates. The 1968 reunion will mark the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation. Joe Strain of St. Eunans class of 1968 said that he is of the opinion that between 15 and 20 are certainly going to the upcoming reunion. The class of 68 began their tenure at St. Eunan's college in 1963. Originally from Devilmore, Carrigart and now living in County Louth, Joe returns to his native Donegal where he meets up with friends on a regular basis. The former bank worker who attended the Letterkenny-based school said that he has mixed memories of his days in St. Eunan's Collge. There were 47 in the class. School days Originally intending on spending only one year at the college, Joe won a scholarship, one thing led to another and he ended up spending five years there. During a visit to Carrigart over a year ago, Joe asked some former classmates what their thoughts were on having a reunion for their class and he was greeted with positive reaction. Joe said that many of those who attended the college failed to keep in touch with each other after they left the college and he is unsure where they are now. Joe has many fond memories of Canon Dinny McGettigan who was present at the college when he was a student there. He was a saintly man if ever there was one, Joe who was appointed prefect in 68 said. Joe was appointed prefect and allowed to go down to Letterkenny town whenever he wished. Article generates interest As a result of an article, which ran in the Donegal Democrat detailing the reunion, Joe has received emails and correspondence from as far afield as Germany. http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/news/home/243395/were-you-in-the-class-of-68.html The idea of the reunion came to the fore when Joe was on the phone to Hugh McClafferty from Downings. Hugh told Joe that he should go ahead and organise a reunion and encouraged him to pursue the idea. They were a good class now, in fairness, Joe said. Joe hopes that when members of the class come together they can enjoy a nice meal and spend some time together recalling the days that they all spent together in the college. A date for the event is yet to be organised. Contact details Any 1968 graduates interested in a reunion next year should contact Joe on ejniarts@hotmail.com. A FRIEND of the Japanese man who was killed yesterday morning after a knife attack told The Dundalk Democrat that she is in shock over his tragic death. The female friend from Japan lived in Ireland for a time and met the late Yosuke Sasaki at a language school in Dublin. Sasaki is originally from Ebina-Shi, Kanagawa, Japan. His friend said Sasaki lived in Dublin for a year before moving to Dundalk. She added that he moved to Dundalk last August and has been working at National Pen since then. "I can't believe this happened to him," she said. Gardai have recovered one of the weapons used in the attack in Dundalk which left one man dead and two others injured, according to Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan. At a press briefing given by Chief Supt Mangan yesteday at 3pm at Dundalk Garda Station, the press heard that a Japanese male was found in an unresponsive state after being stabbed on the Avenue Road. It is thought the attacks were random and unprovoked but gardai said they are also investigating a possible terror link. A motive for the attack has yet to be established. An 18-year-old suspect is being detained at Dundalk Garda Station for questioning and can be held for 24 hours. The suspect has been in Dundalk since January 1, 2018. Gardai in Dundalk are being assisted by national and local units. Chief Supt Mangan praised people in Dundalk for coming forward with information relating to the attacks. Above: L-R: Det Insp Pat Marry, Chief Supt Christy Mangan, and Superintendent Gerard Curley at a press briefing on January 3, 2018 at Dundalk Garda Station As Dundalk, and the entire country reels in shock after the events that unfolded yesterday morning, in which a Japanese man was killed and two Irish people were left with serious injuries, we take a look at what we've learned so far about the suspect and the victims. The suspect was apprehended on the Inner Relief Road yesterday morning The Suspect: 18-year-old 'Mohamed' from Egypt The man who went on a rampage around Dundalk yesterday morning just before 9am has been calling himself Mohamed, according to media reports. He is an Egyptian national aged 18-years-old. The suspect arrived in Ireland very recently via Scotland and Northern Ireland. The UK authorities refused his asylum application. He began his asylum application in Ireland on January 1. Media reports this afternoon revealed that gardai had sealed off a semi-derelict house on the corner of Avenue Road and the Inner Link Road, where the suspect is believed to have been squatting prior to the attacks. It is not known how long he may have been squatting there, but it is believed he was sheltering in some shed buildings at the rear of the vacant house. Neighbours told Independent.ie that they did not see anyone coming or going from the house in recent days. At a press conference in Dundalk yesterday, Gardai said 'Mohamed' had 'routine' contact with Gardai on January 1. However, they had no reason to believe he was dangerous. Following his arrest yesterday morning, he was examined by a doctor and found to be unfit for an interview. The 18-year-old was said to be in a frenzied state following the attacks. Gardai say they were forced to suspend his detention until a doctor confirmed he was fit to be interviewed (later yesterday evening), with the assistance of an interpreter. Speaking to the Journal.ie, Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said gardai are working to establish why the 18-year-old was in Dundalk. He said: We are very interested to know who he was staying with, who he knows and what he was doing here. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact Dundalk Garda station on 042 938 8400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. They are particularly interested in anyone who was in the Avenue Road area shortly before 9am, or on Coes Road or Seatown Place or the Inner Relief Road between 8.30am and 9.40am. The Victims Victim #1: 24-year-old Yosuke Sasaki from Japan Japanese man Yosuke Sasaki was stabbed in the back yesterday morning as he walked to work with a pair of earphones in unaware of his attacker. According to media reports, the suspect used two knives in the horrific attack. Paramedics tried to resuscitate Yosuke at the scene but were unsuccessful. The 24-year-old had been living in Dublin for 1 year where he attended language school. He is originally from the Japanese city of Ebina-shi, in Kanazawa Prefecture, a suburban city that's roughly an hours drive west of Tokyo. He moved to Dundalk last August and had been working manning the phones for service calls for the Japanese market in National Pen since then. A friend of Yosuke's, from his native Japan, contacted The Dundalk Democrat this morning to express her shock over her friend's tragic death. I can't believe this happened to him, she said. His post-mortem is currently taking place in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. A spokesman for the Japanese Embassy told The Irish Times they had made contact with and were providing support to Mr Sasakis family. The embassy requested that the media respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time. At the scene of the stabbing on Avenue Road this afternoon, bouquets of flowers and a small can of tinned coffee from Japan, have been left as tributes to Yosuke. A message on one of the bouquets read: "Life taken too early, under such tragic circumstances." Victim #2: Cian Murphy, 22-years-old from Dundalk Cian Murphy was walking to work in National Tile when the suspect attacked him from behind and stabbed him. Cian was treated in hospital and was released the following day. Gardai say his injuries are non-life-threatening. Mr Murphy is also a student in media arts and technology at Dundalk Institute of Technology. Victim #3: 23-year-old Irish male from Faughart, name unknown The second victim is a 23-year-old Irish male who was attacked at Seatown, beside the Windmill at shortly after 9:30am. He had just gotten off a bus when the suspect battered him with a fence pole. He managed to make his way into the nearby Pharmacy, (Smyth's Life Pharmacy) where he was treated for head wounds. Sources say that the assailant entered the pharmacy briefly before staff called the Gardai. Speaking to The Irish Times, staff at the pharmacy said the 23-year-old went into shock. Pharmacy owner, Anne McEntegart told The Irish Times, "The wound was pumping, there was a lot of blood. He appeared to go into shock. We wrapped him in blankets and we took turns putting pressure on his head. The 23-year-old victim is currently recovering in hospital and is said to be doing well. Gardai say his injuries are non-life-threatening. Gardai arrived at the scene swiftly and managed to disarm the suspect. The suspect was then taken to Dundalk Garda Station. St Vincent's Secondary School and Post Primary School will be part of a group of only 40 schools around the country to teach a new subject for Leaving Certificate students. Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton has announced that Computer Science will be part of the Leaving Cert curriculum from September 2018. The first students to sit the exam will do so in 2020. The announcement is part of the STEM strategy and Action Plan for Education, which aims to make Ireland the best education and training service in Europe by 2026. As part of the subject, students will be taught computational thinking, they will also learn about programming languages. Creative design and analysing computational problems will also be part of the subject. Speaking at the announcement, , Minister Bruton said: "There is a digital revolution taking place which is having a transformative effect on our economy, workplace, and lifestyle. In order to be the best in Europe, our education system must respond to these changes. "The introduction of this new subject will teach our young people flexible, solution orientated thinking." Louth Fianna Fail Councillor Emma Coffey says she is thankful that Dundalk schools were still on their holidays yesterday after violent attacks occurred on the Avenue Road, Seatown and the Inner Relief Road. Cllr. Coffey told The Dundalk Democrat: "Thank god the schools were still off. The Avenue Road is a very busy area. The scene on the Avenue Road yesterday morning "My own little daughter is in playschool nearby. Usually, there would be kids on bikes and children on the footpaths with their parents coming up along that road at that time [ 9am ]." "But thankfully, they were off. It could have been so much worse." The Louth Councillor, whose family home in just minutes from where the 24-year-old Japanese man Yosuke Sasaki was brutally stabbed, also told how locals are still "in a state of shock". She said: "People are still in a state of shock and are asking how and why this attack happened. "Obviously, my sympathies are with the poor young deceased man who was walking to work, just going about his business when he was attacked, and the two Irish victims too. The Louth Councillor continued: It's the randomness of it that's frightening. Areas like the Avenue Road would be a quiet enough residential area. And then the Coe's Road is more of a commercial area. "It was the time of day and the time of year too. You don't expect violent incidents to happen so early in the morning. It just makes you think it could happen anywhere." The Louth Councillor said that people should think of the victim's family in Japan and the terrible news they would be receiving: We have to think of the victim's [Yosuke Sasaki] poor family and the terrible news they're going to get. Ms. Coffey also said that whilst the mood in Dundalk was still one of shock, many people a lot of questions. "People have a lot of questions surrounding the attacker, such as how did he get into Ireland? Where are his family? It is worrying that authorities can't identify how the man got into Ireland. But people shouldn't make assumptions about this case. We should all be cautious and just let the Gardai do their job. "I think the local Gardai are launching a very well-coordinated investigation. Hopefully, it will come to a speedy conclusion. But of course, that's no comfort to the family of the man who was killed." The Fianna Fail Councillor also commended Dundalk gardai for their quick response time and handling of the situation. She said: "Driving around town this morning, there was a very strong Garda presence. I really have to commend the Gardai. "Within 45 minutes of yesterday attacks, the gardai had tackled and disarmed him. The way they handled the situation is a testament to their work. You hear a lot of negativity about the gardai, but they were on the ball yesterday. Even the fact that they held the press conference so early into the investigation yesterday, I think they are giving out as much information as they can to the public and are being very respectful to the victim's family. The Louth Councillor concluded saying: "I would encourage any members of the public to get in touch with the gardai if they've seen anything. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact Dundalk Garda station on 042 938 8400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider subscribing to our ePaper and/or free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Fianna Fail TD for Louth Declan Breathnach says it is appalling that it will take until 2023 before the Government connects 8,528 rural homes and businesses in Louth to broadband, under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). Responding to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fail, the Communications Minister Denis Naughten said that network rollout will take 3-5 years following contract award under the NBP. The contract is expected to be awarded in 2018 which means that Louth internet users and over half a million homes and businesses across Ireland, will have to wait until 2023 for the service to be rolled out. Deputy Breathnach said: Its almost impossible to believe that more than a decade after the National Broadband Plan was first launched, thousands of premises in Louth will still not have a high-speed broadband connection. He continued: The rollout of the NBP by successive Fine Gael-led Governments has been a disaster. They have repeatedly missed their own deadlines for delivery and kicked the can down the road in the run-up to elections. This is having a detrimental impact on rural communities which rely on broadband for connectivity. The Fianna Fail TD also said that the delay and lack of action on the National Broadband Plan for rural areas, is costing jobs, threatening rural sustainability and creating a digital divide between urban and rural Ireland. Deputy Breathnach concluded: This Governments neglect of rural Ireland cannot be allowed to continue and commitments must be made to ensure that all premises in rural areas are connected to essential broadband services as a matter of priority. Louth County Library is hosting a Mindfulness Colouring Station for adults in Dundalk Library until January 20. The de-stressing sessions are taking place as part of the First Fortnight Festival which aims to challenge mental health prejudice through art therapy. First Fortnight is a two-week mental health arts festival that being staged in Dublin and venues nationwide since 2009. A post on Louth County Libraries Facebook page said: "Colouring pages and pencils will be provided in the Library until January 20th so make sure to come in and relax. "First Fortnight was created to challenge mental health prejudice through art therapy with mindfulness colouring being one of the many great ways to relieve stress." As part of the First Fortnight festival another event, called Inside Out, will be held in Creative Spark, on Thursday January 11 at 12pm . Organisers for the Creative Spark: "Everyone is invited to bring their art and creativity out of the home or studio and into the community. All art forms are welcome including painting, poetry, sculpture, photography, singing/songwriting, and dance." Visit www.firstfortnight.ie/ for more details on events happening throughout the country. AN angry mob gathered at Dundalk courthouse this evening as a special sitting took place for Mohamed Morei - the suspect in the fatal stabbing of Japanese national Yosuke Sasaki. As Morei was led into the courthouse by Gardai, crowds pushed and shouted abuse at the suspect. Jeers of "Welcome to Dundalk" and "This is for Ireland" could be heard as the mood outside became more aggressive and members of the media were pushed and shoved in the scuffle. Gardai cautioned some local men, telling them: "Quieten down, or you'll be lifted." The mood in the courtroom was sombre . The suspect sat surrounded by Gardai, occasionally speaking to his interpreter. The thin young man, who was dressed in grey tracksuit bottoms and a dark jumper, sat with his head back and his eyes closed. After the hearing, the suspect was taken away by Gardai. Outside, a larger crowd had gathered and the atmosphere had become even more hostile as locals waited to catch a glimpse of the suspect. Outside two women commented to the Dundalk Democrat about the gathered crowds saying: "That was terrible. He's only a child." Morei, whose nationality has not yet been confirmed, was brought to Dundalk District Court in handcuffs shortly before 7pm this evening in relation to yesterday's attack which left one man dead and two injured. The court heard that the accused was arrested at The Crescent, Dundalk at 4.31pm today and was charged at 5.20pm. WATCH: Shouts and jeers as suspect in Dundalk fatal stabbing led into courthouse (REUTERS / Kim Kyung-Hoon)Believers take part in a weekend mass at an underground Catholic church in Tianjin November 10, 2013. Within three decades, China, often viewed as an atheistic country, may be home to the largest Christian population in the world, the World Council of Churches says announcing that it is sending a delegation to the most populous country on the planet. The WCC which represents more than half a billion Christians said in a Jan. 4 statement that it is sending its delegation there as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations. The delegation will be led by the Geneva-based WCC's general secretary, Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit during its Jan. 7-16 visit to China. He said, "China has the world's largest population and is very significant partner in addressing the global challenges of our time. The church in China has a very significant role in shaping the Christian witness and service in our time, both in China and in the global fellowship." The delegation will visit Shanghai and meet with the China Christian Council and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, as well as with the leadership and students at the East China Theological Seminary after the Chinese groups invited the WCC to visit. They will also travel to Xi'an and visit Shaanxi Bible School and Jing Xin Church said the WCC which represents Christians mainly from the Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant traditions. "Since China opened up to the world in the late 1970s, tolerance for religion has gradually increased, and religious life prevails in China and the numbers of baptized Christians in China have grown significantly," said the WCC, noting China's enormous economic growth. The church groups the WCC will encounter are the State-approved and backed churches that are linked to the State-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement. THREE-SELF PATRIOTIC MOVEMENT In April last year The Atlantic, however, wrote about an "explosion of faith" in China when it referred to the decades of anti-religious campaigns that followed the 1949 communist takeover. It said is giving way to a spiritual transformation noting that among the fastest-growing drivers of that transformation are unregistered churches. "Once called 'house' or 'underground' churches because they were small clandestine affairs, these groups have become surprisingly well-organized, meeting very openly and often counting hundreds of congregants," wrote Ian Johnson in The Atlantic. He said house churches have helped the number of Protestants soar from about 1 million when the communists took power to at least 60 million today. "Of these believers, about two-thirds are not affiliated with government churches. In other words, Protestants in non-government churches outnumber worshippers in government churches two to one," wrote Johnson. 'MILLIONS LIFTED OUT OF POVERTY' In his statement Tveit praised China for the development of its people saying, "Millions have been lifted out of poverty by this growth, raising renewed hope of the possibility of eradicating the most extreme forms of poverty globally. "In addition, we noted with appreciation China's example and leadership in ratifying the Paris Agreement on climate change and in scaling up its investment in developing renewable energy." The Three-Self Patriotic Movement is a Protestant church in the People's Republic of China, as well as one of the largest Protestant bodies in the world. The WCC delegation includes its Asia president Sang Chang and Peniel Rajumkar, who heads its Interreligious Dialogue program. "I am eager to meet more representatives from churches, particularly students and youth who represent the church of the future," said Tveit, a Norwegian Lutheran. Religion in China may be mushrooming, but it is still under the watchful eye of the State. Since President Xi Jinping came to power in late 2012, Freedom House said, the scale of religious oppression has increased at all levels of society, despite widespread resistance "The scale and severity of controls over religion, and the trajectory of both growing persecution and pushback, are affecting Chinese society and politics far beyond the realm of religious policy alone," the U.S. network quoted researcher Sarah Cook saying in a statement. TIGHT GOVERNMENT CONTROL Religious practice in China is tightly controlled by the government. There are five recognized faiths: Chinese Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism and Taoism. They are supervised by official organizations such as the Protestant Three-Self Patriotic Movement or the Buddhist Association of China. "Places of worship are registered, religious leaders are monitored, theological content is managed, and annual festivals or pilgrimages like the Muslim Hajj are organized under official auspices," Freedom House said. Open Doors, which monitors Christian persecution globally says there are some 85 million Christians in China. In its latest report on China it says that "a considerable part of persecution targets the small convert minorities among the Tibetans and the Muslim Uighurs, but Christians among the main Han majority face increasing restrictions too." It notes that the campaign of breaking down crosses in the Zhejiang province has ended, but church meetings continued to be disrupted in several provinces. "The new NGO law and the new draft regulations on religion are signs for tightening control on Christians in particular. As Christians are the largest social force in China not controlled by the Communist Party, there are increasing efforts to bring them under state control." Guangzhou is the top city in China for cross-border e-commerce, after bringing in a total revenue of 21 billion yuan ($3.23 billion) in 2017. The results come off the back of the city strengthening its efforts to foster new business formats for foreign trade and improve its trade facilitation. In 2017, more than 210 million import and export manifests were processed by Guangzhou Customs with more than 1.58 billion yuan in tax contributed to the local economy, up 31.7 percent and 180 percent respectively year-on-year. On Nov 11, China's biggest online shopping day, Guangzhou Customs reviewed and processed over 2.5 million cross-border e-commerce manifests worth 630 million yuan, three times the volume of last year. More than 100,000 manifests were dealt with every hour by Guangzhou Customs, nearly 25 times the speed on normal days. Workers sort parcels at a bonded warehouse in Nansha district, Guangzhou on Nov 11, 2017. [Photo/Chinanews.com] The smooth handling of e-commerce manifests at peak hours is the result of Guangzhou's fast-growing cross-border e-commerce industry and strengthened efforts to roll out intelligent customs clearance systems, cut red tape and explore new approaches in e-commerce pilot zone and e-commerce industry cluster construction. The special "Market Purchase" declaration mode enables the customs office to finish declaration in seconds. It also means we can choose to declare exports in Guangzhou's Huadu district while exporting from Nansha or Shantou ports, which saves a great amount of transportation cost, according to a customs declarer of a Guangzhou-based foreign trade company. The "Market Purchase" mode refers to a special pilot foreign trade pattern in Guangzhou which allows a foreign trade company purchasing products with a total value of less than $150,000 for each deal at a designated market place to handle the customs clearance procedures within the city it purchases products. Over 2.5 million cross-border e-commerce manifests worth 630 million yuan are inspected by Guangzhou Customs on Nov 11 last year. [Photo/Chinanews.com] The Iowa Lakes Alumni Foundation and TRIO-SSS hosted the annual Career Etiquette Dinner at the Iowa Lakes SERT Center Nov. 8, 2017. The evening began at 5 p.m. with a welcome from the TRIO-SSS director and a workshop for the students. The workshop included a presentation about the TRIO-SSS program and the benefits of joining, such as advising, tutoring, workshops, scholarships/grant aid, campus visits and cultural enrichment opportunities. Then students received instruction on proper dining etiquette, social setting tips, and place settings. The workshop concluded with a presentation by Melissa Lutat, career pathway navigator, on the power of networking. Following the workshop, the professionals arrived and introduced themselves to the student group as they entered the dining area. The professionals each sat at a table with five to seven students for a four-course meal. During the meal, the students could put their dining etiquette skills to use and ask the professionals questions about their careers. The next 45 minutes were filled with great conversation and food. After the meal, the professionals participated in a panel where students could ask questions about their careers or advice on interviewing, landing a job, and advancing in the workplace. The professionals answered their questions and gave advice on the importance of teamwork within the workplace, the impacts of social media, and the qualities they look for in a potential employee. The event closed with a thank you to the professionals, Iowa Lakes Food Service, and maintenance staff. Professionals in Attendance: Nancy Diekmann Med Surg/OB Nurse Manager, Avera Holy Family; Chris Fuhrman Lawyer, Pelzer Law Firm; Greg Lear Partner at Spencer Ag; Mikel Jones Certified Public Accountant, Kerber Milling; Brad Jungers Commercial Ag Banker, Northwest Bank; Diane Twait-Nelsen Special Education Transition Coordinator, Prairie Lakes AEA; Michelle Nicoson Human Resource Director, GKN; Amanda Olson Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Champion State of Mind; Brent Shatto Chief of Police, Estherville Police Department; Dr. David Shirbroun Veterinarian, Spencer Ag; Joel Taylor Engineer, GKN; Allison Walders Math Teacher, North Union TRIO-SSS Staff in Attendance: Tiffany Neavin, Stacey Geerdes, Monica Rosacker, and Trudy Ahrens Iowa Lakes Staff in Attendance: Tony Condon, Melissa Lutat, Dan Lutat Students in the Powersports and Power Equipment Technology program at Iowa Lakes Community College will benefit from the success of one of their fellow students. Ernies Harley-Davidson officially presented students at Iowa Lakes with a Harley-Davidson 2016 FXSE CVO Pro Street which had been accepted by the Iowa Lakes Trustees earlier this year. On hand for the formal presentation were Jim Wilcox, owner of Ernies Harley-Davidson, along with Matt Bohl, Assistant Professor and alumnus Craig Sundblad, Albert City, the Iowa Lakes student who earned a gold medal at the National SkillsUSA competition held in Louisville, Ky. Ernies Harley-Davidson is honored to be able to present this award to Iowa Lakes and its students, said Wilcox. Its always amazing to see the talented young students honored for their hard work at these competitions. We have hired many Iowa Lakes students and the colleges team effort to educate at the highest level is outstanding. Our belief is that our past and future success is bright based on the efforts these students have made. Sundblads success is also helping future students at Iowa Lakes. Its definitely worth the time and money, said Sundblad of the colleges Powersports program. Its a skill a lot of people dont have anymore and its in high demand. you get to work on fun toys and very rarely do you do the same thing over and over again-its different every day. He praised his teachers for their teaching, as well as for preparing him for SkillsUSAs events. In June, he faced off with competitors from across the nation where students perform tasks representative of those encountered in a dealerships service department. Technical skills include performing scheduled maintenance tasks; use of manuals; electrical diagnostics; precision measurement; brake service; chassis/suspension service; fuel delivery system inspection and repair; transmission and drive systems; and power train systems. Judges look for clean and organized work habits, correct use of reference materials, the ability to follow directions and good technical skills. Students in Motorcycle Technology participate in two days of competition, said Matt Bohl, Assistant Professor at Iowa Lakes. We were extremely proud of Craig. Reaching the top level in the nation is a big accomplishment. Jolene Rogers, Executive Director of Community and Business Relations for Iowa Lakes is proud of the partnership of business with the college. The level of industry support for the SkillsUSA competitors is overwhelming. Students are able to apply the skills theyve mastered in the classroom and future students benefit from their demonstrated accomplishments, Rogers said. The addition of the bike will be appreciated for many years and the opportunity for them to participate in the donation experience is one they will remember for years to come. Bohl also had a second student from his Powersports and Power Equipment Technology program who took fourth place in the nation in the Power Equipment Technology division. Jacob (Jake) Cole, Ruthven, returned to classes this fall to earn his Associate in Applied Science degree. Jim and Jeanette Frambach reside on ten gorgeous acres in Emmetsburg, Iowa. One of the most notable buildings on their property is an old barn and silo built by the first recorded owners in 1947; the silo was completed in 1948. The barn measures 40 feet by 32 feet and is now home to some of the greatest social gatherings in Emmetsburg. Buford Henry, the original owner, obtained the property through a trade agreement. In 1917, Henrys parents owned a Victorian home in Storm Lake; the land (which was originally 80 acres) was sold to the Henry family as a trade for the Victorian. Buford used the barn for dairy cows. Once a year, he would herd Poland China pigs into the building and auctioned each hog off to the highest bidder. The attendees of the auction sat on stacked hay bales placed in the bottom of the barn specifically for the auction. Bill Henry, Bufords son, sold the property to Jim and Jeanette Frambach in 1977. The Frambachs continued to use the barn for livestock until the mid 1980s. The barn has two floors- the lower level was used for livestock while the upper level was used mostly for hay storage. The Frambachs noticed that the roof was rotting and the floor was in bad repair. Their original intent was to only repair those two projects on the barn. Clint Young Construction of Emmetsburg completed the roof in 2001, and the two ends of the building were completed in 2005. Jim and his son, Boyd, worked together to repair the floor saving most of the original flooring. Frambachs daughter, Holly, announced that she was getting married, Jim and Jeanette decided to focus on making the barn an overflow space in case the weather at the October wedding was inhospitable. The barn was completed before the wedding in fall of 2014. The barn is filled with antiques many of which are unique to Emmetsburg. Jim Frambach spent some time working at the Emmetsburg transfer station. He was able to save many treasures from being destroyed including a rather valuable toy car for children. The chairs that are used for large events were rescued from destruction when the Emmetsburg Country Club became The Shores at Five Island. One of the most notable antiques in the Frambach barn is an old cash register that once belonged to Wigdahls Hardware of Emmetsburg. Jeanettes mother, Betty Jane Hough, passed away in July 2017. In honor of her memory, the barn includes many different items salvaged from her property, which was located only a quarter of a mile away. Steel that was rescued from the Houghs cattle barn was used to build the bottom of the bar as well as the walls for the storage closet in the barn. They were also able to save a solid redwood shed door along with the rail and rollers from the Hough farm. The bar and storage closet were built by Boyd Frambach with help from his wife Lindsay. The Frambach barn features a balcony, indoor and outdoor seating, and a bar. This barn has hosted many special events including birthday parties, wedding receptions, graduation parties, and a surprise retirement party. The most recent event the barn accommodated was Jeanettes 50th high school reunion. The Frambachs do not rent the building, as there is no running water or bathroom facilities. The visitation for Lewis Heghin will be held on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at the church. Reverend Peter Morlock will officiate. Interment will be in Story City Memorial City in Story City. Martin-Mattice Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Lewis C. Heghin, son of Lewis A. and Gladys M. (Johnson) Heghin, was born Aug. 12, 1946 in Minneapolis, MN. After several moves his family moved to Iowa and settled in Fairfield where Lewis graduated from Fairfield High School in 1964. Following graduation, Lew attended Iowa State University in Ames where he graduated from the College of Agriculture and Life Science with a degree in Microbiology and Plant Pathology. He later continued his education and received his Masters Degree. Lew was employed as an agronomist for McHone Seed, working in seed corn production and development. He also had test plots in South America as well as throughout the United States where he was perfecting popcorn seed, especially designed for theater popcorn. Lew enjoyed visiting the Garst family in Coon Rapids for Thanksgiving dinners and visiting about seed developments. Lew moved to Emmetsburg where he lived until the time of his death on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis C. in 2000 and Gladys in 2005. He is survived by cousins and friends. Condolences can be left at www.martinmatticefuneralhome.com Hailey Baldwin and Shawn Mendes only recently confirmed their relationship but rumors are already swirling in regards to a possible engagement between them. According to a new report, Baldwin sparked rumors of a potential engagement during a recent trip to Miami. There, she was photographed spending time with friends on the beach and sporting a suspicious ring on her left-hand ring finger. In the photos shared by Hollywood Life on Jan. 2, Baldwin is seen walking on the beach with a massive diamond ring on her finger as she showed off her pink hair and matching pink bikini. As the outlet pointed out, however, Baldwin's boyfriend was nowhere in sight and also seemingly skipped out on spending the New Year's holiday with her. Instead, Baldwin spent New Year's Eve with her friends at LIV Nightclub, where Kylie Jenner's boyfriend and baby daddy, Travis Scott, was performing. Baldwin and Mendes were first linked to one another several months ago after being spotted getting cozy with one another at a Halloween party in Los Angeles. He was holding her hand and putting his hand on her lower back to guide her through the party, an insider told Hollywood Life at the time. He was very comfortable showing her affection and she loved the attention, looking at him adoringly. He had his arm wrapped around her, keeping her close. At the end of the night, he took her by the hand and they left together. As the report revealed, Baldwin was hosting the party at Delilah nightclub in West Hollywood with her famous friends, Kendall Jenner and Justine Skye. Baldwin was linked to Justin Bieber in 2016 but after celebrating the holidays together, the couple seemed to go their separate ways. Then, months later, as Bieber seemingly moved on with Kourtney Kardashian, Baldwin was briefly linked to Drake. As fans may know, Drake has since been linked to Baldwin's longtime friend Bella Hadid. While Baldwin hasn't said anything publicly about her relationship with Mendes, she made it quite clear that they were dating during a recent visit to his hometown in Toronto, Canada. Prior to her relationship with Mendes, Baldwin was linked for several weeks to YouTube star Cameron Dallas. However, after being spotted with one another post the Met Gala last May, the couple appeared to go their separate ways. Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber may have recently celebrated the New Year holiday together in Cabo San Lucus, Mexico. However, according to a new report, the couple may not be on the best of terms. Gomez and Bieber flew back to Los Angeles from Mexico earlier this month on a private jet together but when they made their way off the plane, they were said to be arguing. On Jan. 2, The Blast claimed that after a romantic trip to Mexico, Gomez and Bieber left the airport in Van Nuys separately without so much as a hug or a kiss. Could a breakup be looming? While nothing has been confirmed quite yet, the recently rekindled couple was recently said to be in couples therapy. As TMZ explained last month, Gomez and Bieber reportedly came to blows after Gomez reportedly learned that Bieber had been in contact with his former girlfriend, Hailey Baldwin. According to the report, sources at the Hillsong Church claimed Bieber had reached out to Baldwin in an effort to make amends following a sour breakup years prior. Then, because he has taken on an "open and honest" approach to life, he informed Gomez about their conversation. Although Bieber was thinking that honesty would be the best policy, he reportedly found himself in hot water with Gomez who wasn't happy to hear that he had been in touch with an ex-girlfriend. Gomez and Bieber rekindled their on-again, off-again romance at the end of October following Gomez's 10-month relationship with The Weeknd. Since then, they've been faced with a number of rumors in the months since going public, including breakup rumors and rumors of a future wedding. They've also been dealing with ongoing rumors regarding Gomez's family's alleged disapproval of their relationship. At the end of last month, a source spoke to Hollywood Life about Gomez's family's reported thoughts on her romance with Bieber. The insider claimed that Gomez is understanding of her mother's stance but hopes she will soon see that her boyfriend is a changed man. Selena gets why her mom has so many reservations about her seeing Justin again, but she just wishes Mandy would trust her judgement and give him a break," the insider said. "Shes upset, but totally not phased by her familys disapproval though, if anything it makes her all the more determined to make it work out with Justin to prove them wrong." Kourtney Kardashian refused to entertain the idea of marriage during her nine-year relationship with Scott Disick, the father of her three kids. However, according to a new report, she's planning to marry her much younger boyfriend just months into their romance. After going public with their romance this past summer, Kardashian, 38, and her boyfriend, 24-year-old Younes Bendjima, are allegedly planning for an elopement -- and refusing to allow any members of her famous family to attend. Kourt just doesnt want the fanfare of a traditional Kardashian wedding, an insider revealed to Radar Online on Jan. 3. She wants to marry Younes but would prefer to be just her, him, and a celebrant on the beach, with no cameras around. According to the source, Kardashian has been discussing a potential secret ceremony at her friend's home in Punta Mita, Mexico, and Bendjima reportedly loves the idea. In fact, he may prefer to get married without Kardashian's family present because the Kardashian circus simply isn't something he has gotten used to. "Kourtneys crazy loud mom and sisters freak him out! the source added. In addition to her alleged plans to marry Bendjima, Kardashian is reportedly hoping to welcome a fourth child "soon." She talked about this with Younes and he is definitely down to try for a baby! He knows that if he gets Kourtney pregnant he will be set for life. And he gets to have a kid! the insider said. Kardashian shares three children with her former boyfriend, Disick, namely 8-year-old Mason, 5-year-old Penelope, and 3-year-old Reign. Kardashian and Bendjima were first introduced in September 2016 in Paris and after Kim Kardashian was infamously robbed, it was Bendjima who helped Kardashian through the traumatic event by translating what the authorities were saying about the crime. Throughout the end of 2016 and early 2017, Kardashian and Bendjima were regularly seen together. However, it wasn't until the summer when they were finally caught getting cozy with one another on a yacht in Cannes. Since then, they've spent tons of time with one another in Europe and Los Angeles. To see more of Kourtney Kardashian and her family, including her sisters, Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, don't miss new episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians Season 14 on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on the E! Network. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have spent years renovating their new Hidden Hills home in Los Angeles, California. The Wests have only been living in their new mansion for a few weeks now and Kim has already set a new house rule: no jewelry allowed. According to TMZ, Kim decided to put the policy in place because she doesn't want to be the target for thieves. Learning From The Past On Oct. 3, 2016, Kardashian was attending Paris Fashion Week with her sister Kourtney Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, until things took a turn for the worse. Later that night, it was reported that Kim was robbed at gunpoint of jewelry worth at least $8 million dollars. The incident stunned Kardashian fans and even caused Kanye to immediately walk off stage at his concert in Queens. Paul Sorvino, the father of actress Mira Sorvino, has a bone to pick with Harvey Weinstein. In fact, he wants to ruin Weinstein's life. A Scorned Sorvino The elder Sorvino does not have any kind words to say about the disgraced movie mogul after reports surfaced last year that Weinstein targeted his daughter. Director Peter Jackson offered proof to both Sorvinos about Weinstein's misdeeds in an interview with New Zealand publication, Stuff Magazine. Jackson revealed that both Weinstein and his brother, Bob, warned him that casting Ms. Sorvino in the Lord of the Rings films would be a bad idea. While the veteran actor did not learn of his daughter's dark past with the former Weinstein Company leader until much later in life, Mr. Sorvino added that he would have put the disgraced movie mogul in "a wheelchair." Sorvino also believes that if Weinstein did not end up in jail for his numerous sexual misconduct allegations, he would personally take care of the movie mogul. "He has to meet me," said Sorvino. "And I will kill the (expletive). Real simple." On Dec. 8, 2017, Ms. Sorvino wrote a guest column on the Hollywood Reporter website that brutally described her torture at the hands of Weinstein. The actress revealed that the movie mogul allegedly groped her during the media circuit of her 1995 film Mighty Aphrodite. The future Falling Skies star earned both a Best Supporting Actress Oscar and a Golden Globe award for her portrayal of Linda Ash. "My daughter's ... a courageous and a wonderful human being, and doesn't deserve to have been treated that way by this pig," said Mr. Sorvino. The older Sorvino is also confident that Weinstein will not only be brought to justice but also claimed that the movie producer would rot in jail. Weinstein's Victims Speak Out The Sorvinos are not the only people who want to see Weinstein in jail. Actress Salma Hayek revealed in an editorial piece that not only did Weinstein was her monster, but he also harassed her during the filming process of her 2002 Frida Kahlo biopic Frida. Hayek's co-star, Ashley Judd, also revealed in an Oct. 26, 2017, interview with Diane Sawyer that Harvey Weinstein sexually assaulted her during a meeting at a Beverly Hills hotel. Game of Thrones actress Lena Headley also stated that she felt "powerless" during her encounters with Weinstein. Headley reported that the former movie mogul bullied her throughout the filming process of the 2005 fantasy horror film The Brothers Grimm. Weinstein still claims that he is innocent regarding all 80 sexual misconduct allegations against him. However, Weinstein is currently seeking "sex addiction" treatment in Arizona. The Punisher star Jon Bernthal had some harsh words for alt-right fans of his character, Frank Castle, during a recent interview. Bernthal, who features on the cover of Esquire's winter issue, spoke candidly about working on the Netflix series and alt-right fans of his work. On Prepping For His Role As 'The Punisher' Bernthal told Esquire's Stephen Rodrick that he had to do a lot of research for his role as Frank Castle a.k.a. The Punisher on the titular Netflix series, which was greenlit for a second season last month. The Walking Dead alum revealed that he visited comic-book stores and purchased vintage copies of the series. He told the publication that he was also warned by Punisher completists not to "f-K" it up. He said he would often put on his headphones, wear a loaded backpack and walk the streets of New York City in order to become one with the character and wouldn't even meet any of his friends while they were filming the series in the city. "Ask people on set and they'll say I'm difficult," Bernthal told Rodrick. "But it's not about my trailer or the food; it's always about making the role make sense." On People Sporting The Punisher's Skull Logo When asked about how he felt about soldiers in Iraq rocking the Marvel character's skull logo, the 41-year-old actor said he felt honored to play the role of a character that serves as an inspiration to people who put their lives on the line. However, soldiers aren't the only ones sporting the long-fanged Punisher logo. It was also spotted on the shoulders of alt-right protesters during a white-supremacy rally in Charlottesville, Virginia in August and when this was brought to Bernthal's notice, the actor's response was a blunt and simple, "F-k them." On His Stance On Gun Control Given that his character has a liking for guns, Bernthal was also asked about his stance on gun control. Although the actor owns a gun himself, he is in favor of having some restrictions in place, especially after the tragic events of the Texas church shooting in November and the Las Vegas massacre in October, due to which The Punisher's debut was postponed by a month. I have a gun in my house to keep my family safe," the actor said. "I'm trained in that gun's use. I know how to keep it away from my kids, and I know how to use it if I need to. Should there be a way that a guy with mental issues like the asshole in Texas can't get guns? Absolutely. We have to have a dialogue, and that's not happening." French President Emmanuel Macron urged Iran and Israel yesterday (3 January) to maintain a mutual dialogue, warning that the tone of comments adopted by the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia toward the Iranian regime was virtually a path to war. The official line pursued by the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia, who are our allies in many ways, is almost one that would lead us to war, President Macron said. He further commented that this was a deliberate strategy for some countries but France is seeking to maintain some balance. Otherwise, we end up surreptitiously rebuilding an axis of evil, he said, referring to the term once used by former US President George W. Bush to describe countries including Iran, Iraq and North Korea. President Macron also said that he would only visit Tehran if calm and respect for freedoms are restored. EU head of diplomacy, Federica Mogherini, commented that the EU was closely following the ongoing demonstrations in the country including the unacceptable loss of human lives and the increase of violence. For the EU, human rights have always been the key component of the relations with Iran and peaceful demonstration and freedom of expression are fundamental rights that apply to every country, the Commission holds. The EU authorities have been in touch with their Iranian counterparts in the spirit of openness and respect but the European expectations are such that all concerned will refrain from violence and the right of expression will be guaranteed. Ensuring and supporting the full implementation of the nuclear deal in order to further improve and deepen bilateral cooperation remains at the core of the EU-Iran relations. During the EU-Africa summit in late November, leaders of both continents agreed that young people are going to be the key force behind future development of Africa. Demographic growth will be one of the main challenges for Africa in the coming years, with its population forecasted to double by 2050. Despite the urgency of the population changes, leaders did not agree on any mid-term or long-term measures to address the issue. Instead of the intended focus on African demographics, the summit was overshadowed by recent evidence of human trafficking and the allegations of slavery practices in Libya. To address this issue, African, European and Libyan leaders agreed to create an EU-AU-UN Task Force in Libya including voluntary evacuation of irregular migrants, the facilitation of migrants repatriation and the resettlement of those in need of international protection. The Task Force will also step up efforts to dismantle transnational traffickers and criminal networks, accompanied by information campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers. The establishment of the Task Force is a major achievement and a concrete step to fight human trafficking and slavery. Migrants have gotten to the forefront of exploitation and it has become as profitable to keep migrants captive as it is to send them on vessels heading for Europe. Despite the successful creation of the Task Force, its actual work is up against a complex set of challenges. Libyas many armed groups make it very complicated to intervene against human trafficking, but without having these groups on board, it is likewise very complicated to achieve anything at all. On the positive side, armed groups are trying to gain international legitimacy and fighting smuggling and trafficking could help them to achieve this goal. On the negative side, working with the local armed groups might exacerbate existing conflict lines, which could create an even more dangerous environment for both migrants and Libyans. The Summit came at a time of polarization in Europe and while the EU is trying to prevent illegal migrants from coming to Europe, African leaders want more legal opportunities for Africans to come to Europe. The gathering served as a platform for dialogue and helped European and African leaders to find a common ground. Despite this reconciliation, the question remains whether the EUs self-interest of stopping migration is compatible with African development. Most importantly, future migration policies should be based on a greater understanding between transnational irregular migration, political institutions and greater governance dynamics in order to draft politically sensitive policies that target irregular migration without contributing to one of the root causes. At the same time, these policies can only be implemented in a sustainable way if policy makers understand and take into consideration how proposed measures could influence the responsiveness of the state and the potential dynamics of conflict. It is time to implement a more holistic and conflict-sensitive strategy of migration management in which migration is seen only as one of the many challenges facing the continent. The EU-AUs Response to Slavery and Migration: A Way Forward? Opinion by Fransje Molenaar, Anca-Elena Ursu & Floor El Kamouni-Janssen Clingendael / Netherlands Institute of International Relations. (The Opinion can be downloaded here) Alicia San Miguel remembers the impact of the head-on collision Sept. 13 and the pain in her right leg, which shattered when she slammed on the brake of her new Volkswagen Jetta. She doesnt recall being hit by two of the three cars that smashed into hers, but remembers fire erupting in the engine of the pickup that hit her first. Her leg in a walking boot, San Miguel, 29, stood in front of her sixth-grade English class Wednesday and explained why she hadnt been back to Losoya Intermediate School for almost four months. A gentleman who made bad choices he was drinking and driving he crashed into us, San Miguel said. He hit our car head-on, and it hurt me. It hurt my husband. It broke my leg really badly. Thats why Ive been out for so long. She added, You may know peers or friends who have considered or thought about drinking. Im going to tell you its a bad choice, especially when you get in the car. Turning her experience into a teachable moment, San Miguel pulled up a photo of her totaled car on a projector screen. I was very lucky to get out of it with just a broken leg, said. Wednesday was the Southside Independent School Districts first day back from winter break, and San Miguels first day back in the classroom since the wreck. She taught fifth grade at Losoya for two years before moving up to sixth grade this year. Half of her students only knew her for a few weeks before the crash, but the other half had her all last year. Students were saddened to hear San Miguels story and greeted her Wednesday with flowers and complaints about substitute teachers who disciplined them. Reinna Harris, a girl in San Miguels second-period class, fell sobbing in her teachers arms. Most of San Miguels students are 11 or 12. Many have seen older siblings who drink alcohol, and some have taken drinks themselves, San Miguel said. One of San Miguels former fifth-graders, 11-year-old Katelyn Cleeves, said she was worried her teacher wouldnt recover enough to return to the classroom. San Miguels speech taught her a lesson: If you see anybody drinking, dont let them drive. Just before 11 p.m. on Sept. 13, San Miguel and her husband were headed to their Northwest Side home from a Janet Jackson concert at the AT&T Center one postponed since January 2016. On the way to get a bite to eat, her car was struck by a northbound Ford F-150 pickup on Medical Drive. The truckveered across a center turn lane and hit them, a Police Department report stated. Unable to avoid the crash, another vehicle rear-ended San Miguels car, knocking it into an SUV, whose operator was waiting to pull out of a private driveway, according to the police report. Police charged the driver of the pickup, 21-year-old Carlos E. Ramirez, with intoxication assault and two outstanding Municipal Court warrants. Ambulances took San Miguel and her husband to University Hospital. In addition to her broken leg, San Miguels shoulder muscle separated from the bone. Glass from the windshield still is embedded in her scarred hands. Her husband, Kevin San Miguel, a supervisor at Nationwide Insurance, suffered back and neck pain. Alicia San Miguel underwent two leg surgeries and had to be cared for by family in Amarillo. She lived apart from her husband until Thanksgiving. Shes still receiving physical therapy and expects to wear the walking boot for at least another month while the swelling subsides. San Miguel said she and her husband werent the only ones hurt in the wreck: Her students were harmed as well. The sixth-graders had to spend class time learning the limits of their substitute teachers, San Miguel said. A retired certified teacher substituted for most of San Miguels absence, but every time a substitute takes over, students have to relearn classroom routines and expectations, said Manuel Ornelas, Losoyas principal. San Miguel has several students with special needs, and the substitutes also needed time to understand the required accommodations, Ornelas said. Its establishing a relationship with students which is critical, he said. San Miguel said it was hard for her to think about all the negative effects of one persons bad choice. Its like somebody threw a rock in a pond, she said. They didnt see the ripple effect. Alia Malik is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | amalik@express-news.net | @AliaAtSAEN Satellite data shows that Earths ozone layer is recovering and scientists say its a direct result of a decades-old international chemicals ban. The findings were published Thursday in the journal Geophysical Research Letters and came after scientists measured the levels of ozone and ozone-destroying chlorine during an Antarctic winter using NASAs Aura satellite. Measuring has taken place since 2005. The data showed that there was 20 percent less ozone depletion than a decade ago. The ozone hole forms during Antarcticas winter, which is why researchers measure trace gases over the continent at this time, using an instrument on the Aura satellite known as the Microwave Limb Sounder. Researchers have concluded that this ozone recovery is linked to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The protocol, signed in 1987 after the Antarctic ozone hole was discovered, eventually laid down a complete ban on chlorine-containing man-made chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, according to the Kenya-based The Ozone Secretariat at the U.N. Environment Programme. We see very clearly that chlorine from CFCs is going down in the ozone hole, and that less ozone depletion is occurring because of it, Susan Strahan, an atmospheric scientist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, said in a Thursday news release. The ozone protects the planet by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation than can cause health problems such as skin cancer and that can damage plant life. Scientists expect that the ozone hole will continue to recover as CFCs leave the atmosphere but that full recovery will take decades. AUSTIN Longtime Republican state Sen. Joan Huffman of Houston won a key endorsement Thursday from Gov. Greg Abbott in her primary re-election fight with an outspoken GOP challenger. The move is expected to deepen existing divisions in the Texas Republican Party that have been simmering for years and have surfaced anew as control of the party took a hard-right conservative turn in recent years that left party moderates and the establishment wing increasingly isolated. Thursdays endorsement is Abbotts ninth of conservative lawmakers who support his political positions and comes after he last fall endorsed the conservative challenger to incumbent Republican state Rep. Sarah Davis, whose House district overlaps with Huffmans. The announcement came just weeks after Abbott appointed Huffmans GOP challenger, Missouri City attorney Kristin Tassin, to a gubernatorial special advisory commission on special education. Joan has been a key partner of mine in passing common-sense solutions for Texas, Abbott said in a statement. Joan is principled. She keeps her word and I know she will continue fighting by my side to make Texas even better next session. While it is generally rare for governors to get involved in a local legislative campaign, Abbott was irked last summer by House leaders who derailed roughly half of his must-pass agenda including a bathroom bill and had promised that he would help those who stood with him in the upcoming legislative re-election campaigns. The support of Abbott, who remains popular across Texas in recent polls, signals that he could campaign for some House and Senate candidates and perhaps help financially. With well over $40 million in his own campaign war chest, and as the states top Republican elected official, the governor is being looked to by many less-well-funded Republican candidates for support and encouragement. Huffman, who chairs the powerful Senate State Affairs Committee, has served in the Senate since 2008. Before that, she worked as a Harris County assistant district attorney rising from misdemeanor court to chief felony prosecutor and served for two terms as a state district judge. In recent legislative sessions, her committee has vetted a slew of controversial bills including the bathroom bill and a ban on union dues deductions from government paychecks. Those measures angered moderate Republicans and Democrats and targeted her for opponents in her re-election campaign. In the GOP primary, she faces Tassin, the president of the Fort Bend Independent School District board of trustees who is an outspoken critic of Huffman on public education. In the November general election, the winner of the Republican primary will face Fran Watson, an attorney and past president of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. Both Tassin and Watson insist that Huffman is too conservative to represent the interests of the economically and socially diverse district that includes parts of Harris, Brazoria and Fort Bend counties. Huffman has responded that Tassin has a history of voting in past Democratic Party primaries, though voting records show she voted in GOP primaries in 2014 and 2016. In a speech to an education group last year, House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio who challenged Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick over their conservative agenda publicly singled out Tassin for praise for an op-ed article she had written on a public education issue. At another point, in urging members of the Texas Association of School Boards to get more involved in the political process, Straus said, I bet a few of you would make great members of the Texas Senate. KERRVILLE Its clear from his swanky accommodations at Kerr Countys animal shelter that Nelson, a large gray pit bull mix lounging on a pillow in the facilitys office, is no ordinary stray. For the past three years he served as the countys official canine ambassador, appearing at area school campuses and other venues with shelter staffers delivering tutorials about rabies control, the importance of spaying and neutering and related topics. The kids loved him, said Mike Wong, who met Nelson during the dogs visit at the now-closed countys juvenile detention center, where he was a detention officer. It brought up their spirits, Wong, now a county animal control officer, said Wednesday. Having a dog there reminded them of their own pets at home. County commissioners decided in November to retire Nelson and discontinue the ambassadorship because of liability concerns after discovering the countys insurance policies didnt cover him. The move also is intended to save the county money. Three people made unsolicited requests to adopt Nelson, said County Commissioner Jonathan Letz who, like other officials, wants to ensure the county finds a good home for the former ambassador. For now, hes grounded at the shelter. There has been a hitch, Letz said, because of Nelsons official county diplomatic standing and because taxpayers had covered a $2,306.54 vet bill incurred in 2016 when he was hit by a car while on an official outing. After the county attorney started looking at it, she concluded that Nelson was a county asset, said Letz. Like property, you cant just give him away after the county had put money into him. The county could declare him surplus and put Nelson up for auction, but theres no assurance that the high bidder would provide a good home, Letz said. County Attorney Heather Stebbins said that, as county surplus, Nelson could also legally be donated to a nonprofit organization. He doesnt have the training like a drug dog or a police dog or a cadaver dog, but he was the countys canine ambassador and he is county property, she said. He was more like a service dog than one who could be put on the general adoption rolls. To try to solve the problem, officials decided to recoup the countys veterinarian expense by setting Nelsons adoption fee at $2,306.54 rather than the shelters normal $45 fee for dogs. Although one would-be adopter agreed verbally to pay the higher fee, Letz said, in the interests of ensuring everyone had a fair chance at acquiring a county asset, the county posted a Dec. 8 notice advising that Nelson was available for adoption at $2,306.54 and setting a Dec. 22 deadline to apply. But the deadline passed without anyone stepping up to adopt Nelson prompting unfounded rumors that he would then be euthanized leading to a cascade of criticism of county officials on social media sites. Even if the option for euthanasia is off the table he doesn't deserve to be caught up in government red tape, at the shelter! read a Dec. 30 post on the Facebook page Free Nelson, written by Susan Hunter. He deserved a home to spend Christmas in, and he deserves a home to spend the rest of his life in. He deserves it NOW! The group page was created by Hunter, a Bandera County resident who until recently had fostered dogs from the shelter and took and posted photos of its adoption candidates. We feel it is unethical and not good for an animals mental health to be confined to a facility for an indeterminate period of time when there are viable options to allow him to be removed, she said Wednesday. Many people have said they would adopt him in a heartbeat if he were available for a standard adoption fee. Reagan Givens, the countys director of environmental health and animal services since September, described the outpouring of online opinions and misinformation surrounding the situation as a crazy deal. Were not a popular department, you could say, he said Wednesday. It definitely did raise safety concerns for my staff. Theres been comments about our staff being the devils spawn and that animals are better than humans, he said. Everyone is outraged by the adoption fee, Debbi Haughey wrote on the Free Nelson page, They are going to be getting all that money in pennies??? This is absolutely insane and I pray that Nelson becomes famous as well as the jerks that are exhorting this $$$$$. Because of the absence of public interest in adopting Nelson for the $2,306.54, Letz said county officials are exploring other options for finding Nelson a good home. The ironic part is that, for a pet, Nelson is treated like royalty, he said Wednesday, suggesting critics look beyond this one celebrity cause. They should be concerned about trying to adopt the other dogs at the shelter. Zeke MacCormack is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | zeke@express-news.net | @zekemac In the wake of a Houston federal lawsuit by three Texas churches damaged during Hurricane Harvey, the Trump administration has followed through this week on its promise to reverse a long-standing disaster aid policy that denied relief to houses of worship. The announcement of a Federal Emergency Management Agency rule change which an attorney for the Justice Department earlier told a judge was pending means the three churches and any other religious institutions that provide service to their broader local communities can immediately be eligible for Harvey aid, according to newly published FEMA documents. President Donald Trump had signaled his support for churches getting aid shortly after the Houston lawsuit was filed, tweeting on Sept. 8 that Churches in Texas should be entitled to reimbursement from FEMA Relief Funds for helping victims of Hurricane Harvey (just like others). The FEMA rule states that the change was made possible after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June in a Missouri case, Trinity Lutheran Church of Columbia Inc. v. Comer, involving state grants for playground equipment. In the Trinity case, the majority found the First Amendment required religious groups to receive equal access to widely available public programs. Private nonprofit houses of worship will not be singled out for disfavored treatment, the rule says. The rule change applies to all disasters declared since Aug. 23, FEMA announced. Pastor Charles Stoker of Hi-Way Tabernacle in Cleveland said in a news release that it was a perfect way to kick off the new year. Its been a cold day, and this news will warm us all up here! Were delighted that FEMA will start treating us like other charitable groups. And we look forward to continuing to help our neighbors as they recover from Harvey, Stoker said. Likewise, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America celebrated the announcement as a long-fought victory. We at the Orthodox Union have been working for more than 15 years to have this policy changed, Nathan Diament, executive director for public policy, said in a news release. We thank the Trump Administration for righting this long-time wrong and treating disaster-damaged churches, synagogues & other houses of worship fairly on the same terms as other nonprofits such as museums, community centers and libraries stricken by natural disasters. Opponents of the rule change saw it as extremely problematic. We are deeply troubled by this policy change, said Alex Luchenitser, associate legal director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State in Washington, D.C., whose organization has filed briefs in support of the former FEMA policy. Its a clear violation of the U.S. Constitution and its protection of the separation of church and state. The lawsuit, filed in September by Harvest Family Church in Cypress, Hi-Way Tabernacle and Rockport First Assembly of God, challenged FEMAs former policy. Two Florida synagogues damaged during Hurricane Irma filed a parallel lawsuit, Chabad of Key West v. FEMA. After a federal judge in Houston denied an emergency injunction in December, the three Texas churches asked U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito for emergency relief. Alito asked FEMA to respond to the churches request, and FEMA published its new policy before its deadline to respond at the Supreme Court, according to a news release by Becket, a law firm specializing in religious liberty cases that represents the Texas churches and the Florida synagogues. Better late than never, Daniel Blomberg, an attorney at Becket, said in a statement. By finally following the Constitution, FEMA is getting rid of second-class status for churches, which in the words of the Supreme Court was odious to the First Amendment. The Texas churches injunction denial has been appealed to both the 5th U.S. Circuit Court and the Supreme Court. The Florida synagogues case is pending in federal district court in Key West, according to Becket. Those lawsuits will remain in place, said Eric Rassbach, co-counsel with Blomberg. It seems that FEMA needed a nudge from the lawsuit to follow the Constitution. However, the lawsuit is not over for instance, FEMA has not yet actually started processing our clients applications. But this is a move in the right direction, he said. Police Chief William McManus on Thursday defended his decision to release 12 people suspected of being in the country illegally after arresting the driver of a tractor-trailer in December, saying his officers dont have jurisdiction to enforce immigration laws. But the head of the union representing police officers said the chief burned the general manual when he decided to charge the truck driver under a state law and release the immigrants found inside the trailer. In a news conference, McManus said he made the call to bring state charges against Herbert Alan Nichols, 58, of Houston, who was arrested Dec. 23 on the East Side. A passing motorist had flagged down police after seeing people being unloaded from the truck and put into waiting vehicles, McManus said. By the time an officer arrived, 12 people were left, a police report states. About 15 officers were on the scene by the time he got there, McManus said. It could have gone federal, it could have gone state, McManus said. So because we had 12 people sitting on the corner, we had all of our officers queued up waiting to see how we were going to handle this, I made the call to handle it at the state level. It was an unusual decision. McManus said he didnt know if San Antonio police ever had used the state transporting of people charge before, and District Attorney Nico LaHood said he hasnt prosecuted a case under the statute since he came into office in 2015. If convicted, Nichols could face up to 20 years in prison because one of the immigrants in the trailer was younger than 18. The 12 immigrants, who were suspected of being in the country illegally, were taken to police headquarters and interviewed, then released to Catholic Charities, McManus said. A spokesman for the Archdiocese of San Antonio said Catholic Charities assisted seven individuals with food, clothing and providing hotel rooms. All seven left the city by Dec. 25. McManus was careful to say the decision to charge Nichols with a state crime and release the witnesses wasnt pursuant to a particular policy, which could have put the department in violation of the new Texas ban on so-called sanctuary cities. Passed last year, Senate Bill 4 creates penalties for local officials who interfere with immigration enforcement. Portions of the law have been struck down by the courts, but a segment that punishes local officials who have policies preventing police from asking about immigration status still is in place. This call was situational, based on a fairly fluid situation on the scene, McManus said. So this is not necessarily the way every case is going to be handled going forward. Mayor Ron Nirenberg left the news conference without taking questions about the smuggling incident. A spokesman for Gov. Greg Abbott, one of SB 4s biggest supporters, didnt respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office will enforce the provisions of the law that have been left in place. Mike Helle, the president of the union representing San Antonio police officers, said an agent with Homeland Security Investigations, the branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that handles criminal matters, works out of police headquarters and was on his way to the scene when McManus decided to refer the case to the district attorney. Smuggling cases have been referred to ICE as a matter of course in the past, including Julys smuggling incident that left 10 people dead who were being smuggled from Laredo to San Antonio in a tractor trailer. In that case, police found dozens of people in a truck parked near a South Side Walmart, and the driver was charged with federal crimes. This case should have been handled by homeland. Theyre the ones that should be handling human smuggling cases, Helle said. Somehow McManus gets ahold of this, interjects himself into the situation, and basically starts calling Catholic Charities and all the people he can get ahold of to basically get rid of all these illegals before the feds get there. At police headquarters, Helle said, detectives were told not to check the witness names against federal and state criminal databases, which he said is a violation of standard procedure. As a result, he said, police didnt know if any had past criminal histories. The guys that were not in the room could not believe it. If any one of our guys did this, any one of them, theyd probably be put on administrative duty and terminated from the Police Department, Helle said. Theyre actually in (police headquarters) and the people from the Catholic churches, God bless them, theyre already making arrangements for people to escape. Helle made his comments after McManuss news conference, and a spokeswoman for the Police Department did not respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon. Earlier in the day, McManus said local police had to release the 12 people because they dont have authority to investigate federal immigration violations. Once the folks got here to police headquarters, we had no jurisdiction to hold them, to detain them, he said. McManus is correct that local police do not have jurisdiction to investigate most immigration violations, said Cesar Garcia Hernandez, a law professor at the University of Denver. I think what matters ultimately is if these are individuals themselves are suspected of engaging in criminal activity, Garcia said. The presumption is that were all entitled of our liberty, and if any government official wants to deprive us of our liberty, then its up to the government to show theres some suspicion of wrongdoing. Being in the United States without the federal governments permission is violation of civil immigration law, not criminal immigration law. After last summers deadly smuggling incident, the city reached an agreement with Catholic Charities and Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services to work with the survivors of smuggling incidents, McManus said. Jonathan Ryan, the executive director of RAICES, said his organization is working on getting the 12 immigrants visas available to witnesses of crimes who work with law enforcement. To say that this is the first time an immigrant or undocumented person has been the victim of a crime, has been encountered by San Antonio police and provided a witness statement and been released is absurd, Ryan said. Ive been director of RAICES for 10 years, and weve received referrals from SAPD since the first days I was here. The difference is we now live under the lid of such a toxic anti-immigrant climate and an anti-immigrant administration that respecting the basic human rights of people and treating victims with dignity and respect is apparently and all of a sudden a revolutionary concept. jbuch@express-news.net The age-old question Whos the worst driver in the family? may soon be answerable if the city adopts a voluntary safe-driving program next year with a smartphone app that has had some success in other cities in reducing speeding, hard braking and distracted driving. San Antonios Transportation & Capital Improvements department plans to partner with a Cambridge, Massachusetts, firm whose DriveWell app was downloaded by about 5,000 Bostonians in 2016 and was credited with reducing speeding among the most active users by some 35 percent and distracted driving by 47 percent. Seattle is now several weeks into the program and has shown more modest gains. Offering the incentives of sponsored cash prizes often through insurance companies and friendly competition with friends and family, Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) markets the app to cities as a possible catalyst for saving lives, reducing human error and perhaps helping urban planners and engineers to design better roadways. And its really great for tracking your teenage driver, said City Councilman Greg Brockhouse to some empathetic laughter at a recent hearing of the councils transportation committee. Brockhouse said he and his wife subscribe to a similar monthly service that, like the DriveWell app, can send real-time reports on juniors driving to parents phones. She tracks the kid all the time, said Brockhouse, who said he cringes a bit about the Big Brother-ability of the program. Shell get a report on the phone, call him up and say, Hey, what was that hard-braking deal about 15 minutes ago? Brockhouse and council members Ana Sandoval, Manny Pelaez, Rey Saldana and Shirley Gonzales all seem impressed by the CMT program, but voiced concerns about privacy and said they would want assurances that the personal data users must supply the company before its app can be downloaded would be kept anonymous. I would be concerned if CMT or the city could determine from the data that I have traveled down a certain street at a certain time, Brockhouse said. I can see how that might be useful to police, divorce attorneys, all kinds of people who dont really have a right to see it. Art Reinhardt, assistant director of the city transportation department, said drivers maybe should think twice about participation if they dont want their daily movements known to the city, CMT or perhaps an insurance company. CMTs vice president for marketing, Katherine Wellman, said this week that the only personal data a participating city would get would be a leaderboard for its safe-driving competitions, which would only include a users online moniker and email address both of which could be fictitious, she added. When we get someones data at the end of their drive, it is transmitted through Amazon Web Services, which is highly secure and reliable, Wellman said. The cities dont send us anything that can identify people. Thats definitely a concern of the cities, and thats understandable. Reinhardt suggested that the DriveWell app would be no more invasive than, say, letting Bluetooth track your whereabouts before accessing a music service such as Spotify. Its just driving behavior, he said. I dont anticipate theyll give us a long list of users. We dont care about who - just the what, when and how. But no one with the city denies that CMT, at some point, would have thousands of user names and the ability to know where they were driving. When that data would be anonymized and sent to the city has not yet been agreed upon between the parties, Reinhardt said. In Seattle, the citys safe-driving website says CMT collects email addresses, ZIP codes, phone sensor data and location data, all of which is made anonymous within 60 days after the competition ends, so that it cannot be used for any other purpose. It also says a participating insurance company would receive the data. However, on the same website page, the city of Seattle reminds its citizens: Please note that the City of Seattle is subject to the Washington Public Records Act. By participating in Seattle's Safest Driver, any records you submit to the City of Seattle may be subject to disclosure pursuant to the Public Records Act. Like most states, Texas similarly makes local government records subject to public release. Wellman confirmed that the company only needs a username, ZIP code and an email address from participants. They cant disable their phones GPS, because the program uses it to display the locations of unsafe driving incidents on a map, she said. The app runs in the background - otherwise drivers might get distracted - and posts a running score based on their speed, acceleration, braking, cornering, turning and phone use. The competition also gives points for biking and taking the bus. An app isnt going to make streets safe, Tom Fucoloro, founder of the Seattle Bike Blog, said in an interview via email. But I have heard from folks that it has made them think more about how they drive. And it provides a clear disincentive to using your phone while driving, which is great. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says 3,477 people were killed on U.S. roads in 2015 in crashes involving distracted driving and more than 391,000 were injured. Teenagers comprised the largest group of distracted drivers. The San Antonio program, if approved by the full City Council, is expected to cost near $50,000 thats for CMTs construction of the app and would likely begin in April, which is the National Safety Councils Distracted Driving Awareness Month. CMT makes its free app available on the internet separately from the city-sponsored programs. And with the data gathered from some 15,000 drivers who covered 18 million miles over a four-month period in 2016, the company was able to determine that within U.S. metropolitan areas with more than 100,000 people, motorists are significantly distracted on 31 percent of all drives. And, yes, the company can also determine which streets saw the most smartphone-induced distracted driving among those users. Bruce Selcraig Just months after taking a hit in federal court for refusing to provide air conditioning for heat-sensitive inmates, Texas prison officials on Wednesday denied multiple complaints of unheated and underheated units at roughly two dozen prisons amid a near-historic cold snap. Prisoner advocates in recent days have fielded dozens of reports of insufficient heating from concerned families of Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmates locked up at facilities from North Texas to the Rio Grande Valley. Some reported no heat at all and others complained that only cold air came out. Historically, Ive heard complaints in the winter about the prisons being cold, said state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston. Im told by prison officials theyre all heated, but in some of the older units you might have some failures. Despite the slew of reports of unheated units from across the state, TDCJ spokesman Robert Hurst said only one facility the Formby Unit in Plainview had a broken heater and that it was quickly repaired. All TDCJ units are operating with adequate heating, Hurst said Wednesday. But inmates families pushed back against that assessment. It may just be a fact of them not turning it on, said Chelsea Collins, whose husband is at the Coffield Unit in Tennessee Colony, where nighttime lows have dipped into at least the 20s in recent weeks. Not long after receiving a tip from the family of an inmate at the Allred Unit a North Texas unit where a 10-day hunger strike just ended Jennifer Erschabek of Texas Inmate Families Association put out a call on Facebook for reports of unheated and underheated units to make a list to pass along to state political leaders. The responses came flooding in, from Luther, Allred, Robertson, Eastham, Coffield, LeBlanc, Stiles, Pack and more than a dozen other units. Ive never seen an issue about cold like this in the past, Erschabek said. I dont know if its just because its such a frigid outbreak of weather or because people are starting to find their voice when it comes to complaining and getting things fixed. By Wednesday evening, Erschabek said, a few inmates families said the heat seemed to have been turned on or fixed at some units. Men whove done time said chilly indoor temperatures arent anything new, though the differences in the way heating and cooling systems are set-up from unit to unit creates some variation systemwide. David Kreger lived on the Wynne Unit in Huntsville during the roughly two decades he spent behind bars. There was times in the winter months on the cell blocks that the water would freeze in the toilets overnight, he said. Lewis Conway Jr., who served time in a slew of different prisons across the state, said officers sometimes wielded control of the heater to make a point. If you werent being compliant or obedient, that thing stayed off, said the Austin man who now works with Grassroots Leadership. Every winter the only choice you have is a heater that blows on high regardless of the temperature so youre in a sweltering hell or if youre in a dorm where theres no central air or heating and its just concrete and steel. TDCJ officials said all units are heated, according to Whitmire, though some rely on older systems. When you have that many prisons and a lot of these older structures, youre going to have a lot of maintenance issues, said former union chief Lance Lowry. Its older buildings; a lot of them arent insulated. Theres a lot of drafts. But however old the building is and whatever heating is available, TDCJ strives to keep the temperature around 70 degrees or higher, Hurst said. Former death row inmate Anthony Graves scoffed at the idea. Seventy degrees below zero, maybe, he said. He acknowledged that it wasnt the case at every facility. The recent online outcry about cold prisons comes on the heels of a class-action lawsuit over sweltering summer temperatures inside the Pack Unit in Navasota. To comply with a federal judges ruling, TDCJ was forced to move more than 1,000 heat-sensitive inmates to air-conditioned prisons. Just as it is well established that prisoners have a right to be safe from high temperatures, it is equally well established that they have a right to safe living conditions in freezing temperatures, said attorney Jeff Edwards, whose Austin law firm represents the inmates in the Pack Unit lawsuit. TDCJ has heat. If it is choosing not to use it, that is unconscionable.. Staff Writer Gabrielle Banks contributed to this report. The atom bomb was no great decision. It was merely another powerful weapon in the arsenal of righteousness. The words loomed large on a screen at First Presbyterian Church during this weeks Retired Mens Assocation lecture. They belonged to Harry S. Truman a man of scripture, the 33rd president of the United States, and the president who found himself in command of the worlds first nuclear weaponry. On Aug. 6, 1945, Truman, despite recommendations from prominent military advisers, gave the order to drop an atom bomb on Hiroshima, ushering in the nuclear age. Three days later, he did the same to Nagasaki. Seven decades later, the U.S. is still trying to determine the ethics of that decision. On Wednesday Arthur Gottlieb a local historian, clinical social worker and former curator at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum brought the conversation to Greenwich. Gottlieb said the modern discussion is one of morality, based more on philosophy than statistics or other such quantifiers, and weighed down by time. My bias, if you will, comes from my job at the Intrepid, which is a place where I interviewed personally hundreds of veterans, Gottlieb said. But whether analysts choose a more traditional or revisionist view of the subject, there are a few contextual clues that lend to a better understanding of why Truman dropped the bomb in the first place. Gottlieb outlined the events leading up to August 1945: Over the course of World War II, more than 15 million soldiers (a conservative estimate) died in bloody battles; Gottliebs statistics did not take into account the estimated tens of millions of civilians who also lost their lives. Meanwhile, the conflict drained trillions from international military coffers. And then there was the reality of the opponent a Japanese society enamored by the Bushido code where an individual life was expendable. The Japanese forces had suicide jets, suicide submarines, suicide small boats and of course, the Kamikaze suicide squadron. Were dealing with a culture of death, where its more honorable to be dead than it is to be alive, Gottlieb said. When youre dealing with an enemy, in this case one that is more invested in the glory and from their standpoint the principle of death over life, it is a different ethic that has to be dealt with. As factions of the U.S. military planned for a Japanese land invasion, troops including Gottliebs father waited for deployment. Among the veterans who served in the Pacific theater whom Gottlieb interviewed over the years, none expected to survive a Japanese invasion. Meanwhile, ethics on the battlefield were already gray. Carpet bombings in Europe most famously in Dresden and Hamburg had normalized the war tactic among the Allies. According to statistics cited by Gottlieb, more than 300,000 Japanese were killed during B-29 raids, and the firebombing of Tokyo killed 97,000 people in March 1945. This is what we were doing night after night, after night, after night, Gottlieb said. The only thing that was missing was the radiation. In that environment, Gottlieb asked, was dropping the bombs actually an act of mercy? It really gives you a lot to think about, you know, and the decision that Harry Truman had to make, said Andy Holmes, a member of the RMA. I would not have wanted to be in his shoes. I think he made the right decision, Holmes continued. Yeah, I think it did end the war more quickly. Based on his reading of Hiroshima Nagasaki by Paul Ham, Gerald Pollack, another RMA member, questioned some of Gottliebs assertions, especially about an impending Japanese invasion in August 1945. Still, he found the talk to be good. Given the worlds current political climate, Pollack said it could prove useful to reconsider the original atomic strike. Its important to look back because it would seem that some of our leaders have lost sight of the catastrophic loss of life entailed in nuclear warfare, he said. Todays nuclear weapons are far more powerful than those used against Japan, he said. One modern bomb would destroy Manhattan. GREENWICH Naquan Ferguson was due to serve prison time for masterminding a jewelry-store robbery in Greenwich in 2011, but he took off for Asia instead. He was captured on the run in China last summer. On Friday morning, Ferguson will go before a judge in Superior Court to find out how much time he will have to spend behind bars for the robbery of Rolex watches on Greenwich Avenue and his flight to China. Besides the three felonies he is facing on the jewelry-store theft, Ferguson is due to be sentenced on a felony count of skipping out on his previous sentence, which carries a penalty of one to five years. For the robbery charges, in which five Rolex watches were stolen by a small group of thieves, Ferguson is facing a 60-year maximum sentence for the crimes he already pleaded guilty to. In 2014, after Ferguson was out on bail, he left the county and ended up in Asia before his sentencing. At the time, he was looking at a sentence of eight-and-one-half years in jail, following a plea deal. Police in China apprehended Ferguson, now 31, in the summer of 2017, and he was turned over to the U.S. Marshals for extradition to Connecticut. Ferguson and two other men, who were given lengthy prison sentences, were involved in the robbery of watches from the Lux Bond and Green store on Greenwich Avenue. One of the robbers, Raymond Nunes, walked into the Greenwich Avenue store and passed a note saying, I'm holding. Give me your watches. Ferguson was originally from Brooklyn. It was unclear from previous court appearances what Ferguson was doing in Asia or what led him there. Authorities located him in Guangzhou, in southern China. He has been in state custody since his return to the U.S. STAMFORD A water main break on Long Ridge Road closed at least one lane of traffic on one of the citys main north-south arteries Wednesday night for several hours. The break was reported at about 4:40 p.m. at Cold Spring Road. A city sander was dispatched to the scene to throw sand down after the water freezes in order to keep cars moving in the area. By Adam Russell The statewide search for seeds from native Texas grasses and forbs is expected to expand to East Texas in 2018, according to Texas A&M researchers. Forrest Smith, the Dan L. Duncan Endowed director of the Texas Native Seeds project for the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, said the interest in re-establishment of native grasses and forbs is growing, and research initiatives are expanding. The vision (of Texas Native Seeds) is to find and collect important native plant species and increase them to meet demand for restoration, he said. Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has provided staff expertise, in-kind access to facilities, field space and equipment at Texas A&M Research and Extension Centers in Corpus Christi and Stephenville in support of that mission. AgriLife Research scientists have been close cooperators on several restoration methodology projects as the native seed project began its statewide expansion in 2010. Texas A&Ms Texas Foundation Seed Service, meanwhile, certifies and licenses the projects native seeds to make them available to the public. Smith said the project started in 2000 in South Texas after private landowners with major holdings approached the institute looking for ways to re-establish native grasses and forbs, restoring regional ecosystems that support native wildlife. Researchers are seeking to increase a diverse seed mix of native species to provide to seed companies for production, Smith said. The native seeds would be for commercial production to keep up with demand. They would be maintained in a species database available for future research. Seeds are collected from specific locations, and information, such as soil type and adjacent species, are recorded, Smith said. Researchers collected around 1,200 native plant species in West Texas and around 750 species in Central Texas in the past few years, on top of over 2,000 seed collections made since 2001 in South Texas. Similar efforts in other parts of the state will be undertaken in 2018, he said. The native plants are being grown and evaluated for specific traits including survivability, germination, aesthetics and seed production, Smith said. Seed mixes and individual seed varieties will be certified and released through Texas Foundation Seed Service once the evaluation process is complete. Smith said seeds from the various regions of Texas are being sought because species traits can differ in such a large and ecologically diverse state. For instance, little bluestem, a prolific warm-season perennial grass, grows from Canada to Mexico, Smith said. Seeds from this species in Canada differ greatly from those found in Texas, because the plants internal schedules, such as seeding, differ. A Texas little bluestem may produce seed later in the year because of warmer environmental conditions, he said. Texas little bluestem would face low survivability if its seeds faced earlier wintry weather in Canada. Click here to see more... TRACTORS and art rarely share the same stage, however an award winning robotic tractor has managed to merge technological innovation with futuristic design. Recently the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design and Metropolitan Arts Press, announced the Case IH autonomous concept tractor a winner of the prestigious Good Design Award. The award recognises the most innovative and cutting-edge industrial, product, and graphic designs produced around the world. Based on the current Case IH Magnum row crop tractor, the Case IH autonomous concept tractor was designed by CNH Industrial. It was the worlds first high horsepower, cabless autonomous concept tractor. Andreas Klauser, brand president, Case IH said the concepts design was focused on both form and function, re-imagining the tractor for a future autonomous era by eliminating the traditional operator cab. This award marks a satisfying conclusion to the celebration of our 175 th anniversary, he said. The autonomous concept tractor is perhaps the best illustration of how we are living up to the anniversarys tagline Celebrating the Past by Looking Toward the Future. Mr Klauser said the concept tractor had toured the world, since the unveiling. Over the past year, we have used this concept tractor as a way to kick off a dialog with our customers as to what the future of farming will look like in five or ten years time, he said. From talking to customers in different countries, we see that for the near term, they want to have the flexibility of still having a cab on the tractor. This is the direction we are taking because we want our customers to feel comfortable as they begin to delegate more tasks to the machines themselves. Mr Klauser said the concept program had flow on benefits to current models. We have already begun to see some of the applications of this concept study being applied in our current lineup, he said. Mr Klauser said the headland turning software which runs the product AccuTurn was developed through the autonomous concept tractor program. Last Tuesday, it was casually mentioned that there was snow forecasted for the week ahead. Now, had I been sitting in London, I would have rolled my eyes and spent the next five minutes casually complaining about how the city cant take a single flurry without going into meltdown, whereas us Americans are ready for anything the crazy weather patterns can throw at us. Alas, Im in South Carolina and Ive never, in my lifetime, seen snow here before. Its been heard of. People have told me tales of moments when flurries have fallen and children have looked at the sky with great confusion. But, I have never seen such a moment with my own eyes. As the morning approached, when the big snow day was set to arrive, it seemed the entire South Carolina system had shut down. Never again will I have a word to say about London and stopping traffic at a the drop of a flurry. Shutdowns happened before a single flurry hit the ground. This was in anticipation of a storm like nothing South Carolina had ever seen or prepared for. And it was as if the authorities had a direct dial to the big guy in the sky. By noon we were overwhelmed with freezing rain and sleet, which more or less made it impossible to drive. All surrounding bridges were closed, so we were officially stuck on the island with nowhere to go heaven! Then, around 1pm, the large chunks of snow started to fall. I honestly couldnt believe my eyes. I sat in the window of my house and watched as a winter wonderland formed around us. On either side of me sat two golden retrievers that had never seen anything like it before. To them this must have been like giant flakes of snow cone falling from the sky that left a most unusual playground behind for them to play in. Once a few inches had fallen, we bundled up warm and headed out to explore. The dogs chased around in the snow like wild beasts, slipping around here and there, but more or less making their way to and fro with great ease. They rolled, wrestled and nearly walked straight into the water due to a rather muddled snowy shoreline. After I was quite sure I was getting frostbite in my rear-end, from spending time on the ground with them, we came inside to regroup. Mom had made her famous chili, which was greatly appreciated after I could find feeling in my fingertips once again, and Dad had come in from defrosting our heating unit (again we live in the south and our units are outdoors and not equipped for such weather). We were all pretty shocked by the day that had unfolded, but were equally excited that I was home to experience it with them. To see a tropical island, covered in palm trees and decorated with spanish moss, instantly blanketed in white snow, is truly a special and unexpected gift to start the new year. Naturally, I went out with my camera and snapped away. In fact, the days total came to 509 pictures taken. I know you dont want to scroll through all of those. After all, Im not your grandmother making you sit down for a slideshow of my latest cruise around the world. So, Ive put together a dramatic edit to show the highlights of a snowstorm in South Carolina. A snowstorm in South Carolina. words I thought Id never ever say. A former hedge fund highflier charged last year with civil FCPA violations is now indicted for defrauding a big charitable foundation by hiding his conflicts of interest in a multi-million dollar investment deal. Michael Cohen, 46, was the executive managing director of hedge fund giant Och-Ziff Capital Management Group LLC. In a criminal indictment unsealed Wednesday, he was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit investment adviser fraud and one count of investment adviser fraud. Hes also facing one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, one count of obstruction of justice, and one count of making false statements. The indictment was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Brooklyn, New York on October 5, 2017. Cohen lives in London and isnt now in U.S. custody, according to sources who spoke to Bloomberg. A year ago, the SEC charged Cohen and another Och-Ziff executive with orchestrating bribes across Africa that violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The SEC said Cohen, who headed Och-Ziffs European office in London, and Vanja Baros, caused tens of millions of dollars in bribes to be paid to high-level government officials in Africa. In September 2016, Och-Ziff paid $412 million in criminal and civil penalties to resolve one of the biggest FCPA enforcement actions ever. Two other Och-Ziff executives, including founder and CEO Daniel Och, settled SEC charges that they violated the FCPA. Daniel Och agreed to pay nearly $2.2 million to resolve the SEC action. In June 2017, a former consultant to a mining company owned by an Och-Ziff joint venture was sentenced to two years in prison for conspiring to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Samuel Mebiame, 43, the son of a former Prime Minister of Gabon, admitted bribing officials in Niger, Chad, Guinea, and other countries. According to the indictment unsealed Wednesday, in 2008 Cohen and others recommended an investment in an African mining company to a large charitable trust that was an Och-Ziff client. The charitable foundation is the Wellcome Trust, Bloomberg reported. It supports research in science and health, among other things. The indictment alleges that Cohen never disclosed that a seller of the African mining company shares owed Cohen millions of dollars. The debt was part of a delinquent $18 million personal loan Cohen had made to finance the purchase of a luxury yacht, the DOJ said. When the borrower sold his shares in the African mining company to the charitable foundation, $4 million of the proceeds allegedly went to Cohen. Cohen violated his fiduciary duties to the charitable foundation by making material misrepresentations and concealing conflicts of interest, the DOJ said. The indictment also accuses Cohen of conspiring to cover up facts about the transaction after the SEC began investigating Och-Ziff in 2011. The DOJ said Cohen obstructed investigations by concocting a false, backdated letter and making false statements to federal agents and the SEC. Cohens lawyer, Ron White, told Bloomberg: Mr. Cohen has done nothing wrong and is confident that when all the evidence is presented, it will be shown that the governments charges are baseless. ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. A number of residents became convinced the aliens were invading after a mysterious light was seen in the sky. Mysterious lights cause alien panic In a series of videos, the large ball of light can be seen hanging in the sky at night for several minutes because it moves further away and then extinguishes in the distance, the Mirror Online reported. At the time the people of Ocana in Norte de Santander, Colombia, were concerned the ball of light was in fact an alien invasion but others pointed out that it could be a flare or another fired object. Local authorities are reportedly still trying to find out what the light actually was and some witnesses claim the orange glow disappeared into the neighbouring town of Aguas Claras. Meryl Streep has recalled Dustin Hoffman slapping her during a scene on 'Kramer vs. Kramer' and admits she always felt he overstepped the boundaries as an actor with his action. Meryl Streep Streep, 68, starred alongside Hoffman, 80, in one of her earliest films with her performance in the 1979 drama earning her the best Supporting Actress Oscar. But Streep can never forget that on her first day on set being spontaneously struck by her co-star and although she can accept that Hoffman was in character and committed to his art she feels that his action would not be acceptable during a shoot now. Speaking to The New York Times, Streep said: "That was when we were making 'Kramer vs. Kramer'. This is tricky because when you're an actor, you're in a scene, you have to feel free. I'm sure that I have inadvertently hurt people in physical scenes. But there's a certain amount of forgiveness in that. But this was my first movie, and it was my first take in my first movie, and he just slapped me. And you see it in the movie. It was overstepping. But I think those things are being corrected in this moment. And they're not politically correct; they're fixed. They will be fixed, because people won't accept it anymore. So that's a good thing." Hoffman, 80, has recently been accused by Anna Graham Hunter, who worked as an intern on his movie 'Death of a Salesman' in 1985, of sexually harassing her on the set 32 years ago. Hunter alleged Hoffman "grabbed" her ass on the set and asked her to give him a foot massage and her claims led to him issuing a statement in which he said: "I have the utmost respect for women and feel terrible that anything I might have done could have put her in an uncomfortable situation. I am sorry. It is not reflective of who I am." This news comes just months after numerous Hollywood stars - including Kevin Spacey and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein - have been accused of sexual harassment and rape allegations. Prince George reportedly always holds his father Prince William's hand to "reflect the importance" of their "bond". The Cambridge's Parenting expert Jasmine Peters has revealed that the four-year-old prince is likely to always be close to the 35-year-old royal - who is expecting a third child with wife Duchess Catherine - when seen out in public, to show that he is raising him ready for his future role as King. Whilst two-year-old Princess Charlotte is also holding her mother Catherine's hand to show they are "loving parents". Peters told the Daily Mail newspaper: "It is not uncommon to see a father with his son to set the foundation of what his role and responsibilities will be in life with a family. "It is often believed that it takes a man to raise a boy to be a man. "It could reflect that Catherine and William are traditional, but it also reflects the importance of the bond created between father and son and mother and daughter that they both treasure and hold dearly as responsible and loving parents." Meanwhile, Charlotte will be starting London's Willcocks Nursery this month, and Catherine will be encouraged to take part in "stay and play" sessions with her daughter to help the youngster settle in. William may well also attend the regular "fathers' breakfasts" put on by the education establishment. The nursery has 32 kids aged between two and five, and the youngsters are split up into three age groups named after birds, Cygnets, Swifts, Swallows and Swans. Charlotte won't be required to wear a uniform at Willcocks, where morning sessions are priced at 3,050 a term, and 1,800 for the afternoons, meaning parents fork out 14,550 a year for their youngsters to attend both sessions for three terms. There is also an informal Lunch Club session which can be added on to the package, where kids bring a packed lunch with healthy eating encouraged. The nursery - located near to London's Royal Albert Hall - received an Outstanding rating in its latest Ofsted report, and they are excited for Charlotte's impending arrival. Willcocks Nursery School said previously:" "We are delighted that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen the Willcocks Nursery School for Princess Charlotte. We look forward to welcoming Charlotte to our nursery in January." Prince Harry has been "thanked" for his support by an amputee veteran looking to set a world record by rowing unaided across the Atlantic. Prince Harry Lee Spencer, who served in the Royal Marines for over two decades, lost his leg whilst fighting in Afghanistan, but he's determined to make the trip with the help of the 33-year-old royal's charity the Endeavour Fund. Speaking to Harry, Mr. Spencer said: "When you go outside [leave the military], you think I'm going to miss the lads, miss the laughs, the camaraderie and everything that goes with it. But actually, it's the sense of service, sense of doing something that matters." The royal joked that after completing the challenge last year, but with three other people, he wouldn't have to make small talk this time. He smiled: "This is a massive task you're taking on, but you've already done it once. "You've got three less people but you won't have to make conversation and you will get to sleep when you want to sleep." Thanking Harry for his support and for changing lives with Endeavour, which he help set up in 2012 with his brother Prince William and his wife Duchess Catherine to help the recovery of the wounded and sick servicemen and women, Lee said: "The work he and the Endeavour Fund do has made a very big difference to many people's lives and in a very real way. "I will carry with me his words of support across everyone one of the 3,500 Atlantic ocean miles I am about to face." Princess Charlotte has had her first ever pub named after her. The Cambridge's The two-year-old daughter of Prince William and Duchess Catherine - who is due to start her first day at Willcocks Nursery in London today (04.01.18) - has been honoured by having the drinking hole, The Princess Charlotte, in Colchester, Essex, run by McMullen Brewery opened with her moniker. The boozer's owner Heydon Mizon says everyone who visits the establishment is treated like a royal, and that he's looking forward to the day the tot is old enough to come down and have a drink. According to the Daily Star newspaper, he said: "We aim to treat every guest like royalty at The Princess Charlotte and this would, of course, include the youngster herself." It follows Charlotte's four-year-old brother having The Prince George opened in Milton Keynes by the brewery previously. The Princess Charlotte was originally set to open when the royal was born in 2015, however, planning was delayed. Mizon laughed: "Thankfully the baby wasn't at the mercy of a lengthy planning delay and so arrived on time. "But the pub was significantly overdue." Asked how they choose the titles for their pubs, he said: "We try to select names that are interesting, relevant to the time or place that a pub is built and that will stand the test of time." Amanda Barrie has claimed she was asked to take Prince Charles' virginity. Amanda Barrie The former 'Coronation Street' star has revealed that she was asked by James Robertson Justice - a friend of Charles' father Prince Philip - to teach the 69-year-old royal about sex while he was attending Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland. According to the Daily Mail newspaper, Amanda claimed James - who died in 1975 - had called the invitation an "ultimate compliment" but told her not to be "offended" by it. She explained: "He was obviously very embarrassed and went round and round in circles before it came out. Finally, he admitted he was one of eight people who had been selected to help 'launch the royal males into their future life', as he put it. "Between them, they had to choose anyone they thought would be suitable to teach Prince Charles about sex, and James had decided that I was suitable. "He actually said: 'We don't really want people who are experienced but on the other hand, well, obviously they have to know the ropes. Frankly, the main thing one needs is a sense of humour and I know you have got that. "James indicated that if things went well, I would be a kind of fixture -- not a girlfriend, but someone in the background. He said: 'They [the royals] can't possibly go off into the world without their own person.' It was to be a privilege as no payment was offered." But Amanda - who came out as gay when she was 67 and married Hilary Bonner - turned down the request because she didn't want to be blamed for the experience. The 82-year-old actress said: "The one thing that put me off was he suggested I take a pair of khaki shorts to go shooting. It was those that did it. I couldn't imagine me, in my wig and false eyelashes, dressed in khaki shorts striding across the moors. I had this terrible image of having to face the Queen over breakfast. What would she say? 'So, Amanda, how was it? I also thought that because Charles was so young, it might be a dreadful experience and I might be blamed. I had to say 'no'." Anna Jones tells National Geographic Food magazine why turnips and swedes should become regular on your plate. By Georgina Luck Almost always in season, but often overlooked, these versatile roots are more delicious than you might think. Turnips and swedes have a bit of a PR problem. Neither has the elegance of the asparagus spear, the shine of an aubergine, the candy-shop colour of beetroot. Both these affordable, British, long-seasoned veg get passed over time and time again for something prettier, juicier or sweeter. I do it myself, pouncing on bobbly, deep-sea green cavolo nero, or rainbow carrots and bushy purple sprouting broccoli, leaving the swede and turnip sobbing in the vegetable aisle. Theres something that feels a little mundane about both these root vegetables; it doesnt help that swede finds itself inextricably associated with stews and braises. They havent kept up with our quest for more exotic flavour or been singled out for a resurgence like cauliflower or beetroot by any of the chefs who influence our eating. But Id make a case for them being equally delicious, versatile and easy to cook. To my mind their dowdy reputation in the UK is down to the fact that, more often than not, they are served boiled. But done right, boiled swede, mashed with butter and thyme is wonderful and comforting, while boiled turnip dressed with lemon and oil is just as good. Both are favourites of veg box schemes, too, as they keep well and are sturdy enough to survive the trip. Of all the unloved vegetables, its these lonely leftover roots that Im most often asked about. The good news is there are a million ways to eat them (check out a few ideas below), but first how to prep? Shorn of their thick outer peel, both swedes and turnips have a dangerous habit of slipping as you try to cut them. TOP TIP: A good tip for getting round the problem is to cut off a chunk from one side and stand the vegetable on its flat side while you chop. Anna jones is a cook and food writer. Her latest book, The Modern Cooks Year, is published by Fourth Estate (26) FACT FILE Turnip and swede are both root vegetables available year-round in the UK. A good swede or turnip will feel heavy for its size, and smaller ones may be sweeter. Both should have firm, tight skin swede will have golden yellow flesh and a vibrant purple hue, while turnip can be all white or white and purple. Turnip tops can be used in the same way as spring greens or spinach. HOW TO COOK THEM Turnip Try them grated with carrot in a neat little salad dressed with lemon, a splash of olive oil and toasted cumin seeds. Tops can be quickly blanched, chopped and sauteed with chilli and garlic then tossed through warm pasta with some good olive oil. Swede Chop into chips, dust with salt and paprika; drizzle with oil and bake at 200C, fan 180C, gas 6 for 30 mins. For a gratin, slice thinly and place in a baking dish; dot with butter, herbs and seasoning; cover with stock and bake for 1hr at the same temperature National Geographic Food is the latest magazine from National Geographic brand which captures food in its every facet alongside mouth-watering imagery. As an introductory offer, readers have the opportunity to subscribe to the first three issues for 3 at www.natgeofood.co.uk One of Londons hottest chefs, Nuno Mendes, discusses the food of his home city, Lisbon, and shares some of his favourite recipes with National Geographic Food. Mushrooms With Alentejo-Style Chickpeas Recipe also available in Nun Mendes cook book Lisboeta: recipes from Portugals city of light Cogumelos com pure de grao a alentejana (Mushrooms with alentejo-style chickpeas) SERVES: 4 AS A SIDE TAKES: 45 MINS The mushroom season is much enjoyed in Lisbon. Ive stuck to only a few varieties in this recipe, which means it can be made throughout the year. The puree is based on another commonly used ingredient in Portuguese cooking: the chickpea. Its super tasty and will find its way into other dishes. INGREDIENTS For the chickpea puree 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 200g tinned plum tomatoes 1 x 400g tin chickpeas, drained (liquid reserved); or 160g dried chickpeas, soaked and cooked (cooking liquid reserved) freshly squeezed lemon juice smoked paprika, to taste sea salt flakes and white pepper extra virgin olive oil, to serve For the mushrooms 3 tbsp olive oil 150g whole portobello mushrooms 20g vegan butter 1 garlic clove, crushed 150g oyster mushrooms splash dry white wine small handful parsley leaves, roughly chopped freshly squeezed lemon juice METHOD To make the puree, heat the olive oil in a pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 10 mins, or until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Season with sea salt, pepper and paprika. Add the tomatoes and increase the heat to cook until caramelised. Add the chickpeas and cook to warm through. Pour in 150200ml of chickpea liquid and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 20 mins, or until the chickpeas are starting to fall apart. Season to taste and add a dash of lemon juice. Remove from the heat and puree briefly with a stick blender. For the mushrooms: heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Season. Add the portobellos and cook for 3 mins on each side, or until golden. Remove from the pan. Reduce the heat, add the butter and garlic and cook gently until soft and fragrant. Return the portobellos to the pan. Increase the heat, then add the oysters and cook 1-2 mins, basting with the butter. Add the wine and cook for 1 min more. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley with a squeeze of lemon juice. Drizzle the chickpea puree with extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of paprika and serve it alongside the mushrooms. National Geographic Food is the latest magazine from National Geographic brand which captures food in its every facet alongside mouth-watering imagery. As an introductory offer, readers have the opportunity to subscribe to the first three issues for 3 at www.natgeofood.co.uk WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - California Popsicle, Inc. dba Polly Ann Ice Cream of South San Francisco, CA, is recalling ice bars because it may contain undeclared milk. The recall was initiated after notification by FDA of a consumer complaint in Canada regarding an allergic reaction. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction, if they consume these products. The following products are included in this recall, Polly Ann Mango Ice Bar UPC#7-00730-28866-1, Polly Ann Red Bean Ice Bar UPC#7-00730-26868-7 and Polly Ann Green Bean Ice Bar UPC#7-00730-26666-9. These products are packaged in cardboard boxes with four bars per box and contain an expiration date ranging from 07/01/2018 through 07/31/2018. The recalled products were distributed to distributor customers located in CA, NY, and Canada during August 2017 and were further distributed by customers to various Chinese markets potentially nationwide. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. During JP Morgan Healthcare Conference San Francisco, January 8-10, 2018 Regulatory News: OSE Immunotherapeutics (ISIN: FR0012127173; Mnemo: OSE) (Paris:OSE), today announced that Dominique Costantini, CEO, will present an overview of the Company's business and will be available to participate in one-on-one meetings with investors at the Biotech Showcase 2018 to be held January 8-10, 2018, in San Francisco, CA. The details of OSE Immunotherapeutics' presentation are as follows: Event: Biotech Showcase 2018 Conference Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2018 Time: 4:30pm (PT) Location: Franciscan B (Ballroom level), Hilton San Francisco Union Square 333 O'Farrell Street The presentation will be webcast live and remain available for 3 months thereafter on: https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1175696&tp_key=dfc9baeebb ABOUT OSE IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS Our ambition is to become a world leader in activation and regulation immunotherapies: OSE Immunotherapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative immunotherapies for immune activation and regulation in the fields of immuno-oncology, autoimmune diseases and transplantation. The company has several scientific and technological platforms: neoepitopes, agonist or antagonist monoclonal antibodies, ideally positioned to fight cancer and autoimmune diseases. Its first-in-class clinical portfolio offers a diversified risk profile. In immuno-oncology: Tedopi,10 combined neo-epitopes to induce specific T activation in immuno-oncology.Phase III trial in advanced NSCLC:after temporary pause of new patient accrual end of June 2017, new recruitment strategy defined in December 2017 to focus the trial on patients who failed a previous treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor. Enrollment will resume after formal approval of the new recruitment strategy from the Competent Authorities. Phase II with Tedopi in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor planned in advanced pancreatic cancer,in collaboration with GERCOR, a cooperative group of clinical research. OSE-172 (Effi-DEM), new generation checkpoint inhibitor targeting myeloid cells via the SIRP-a receptor In preclinical development for several cancer models. Clinical program planned end of 2018. (Effi-DEM), new generation checkpoint inhibitor targeting myeloid cells via the SIRP-a receptor In preclinical development for several cancer models. Clinical program planned end of 2018. OSE-703 (Effi-3), cytotoxic monoclonal antibody against the alpha chain of IL-7R Under a research collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. In auto-immune diseases and transplantation: FR104 , CD28-antagonist in immunotherapy - Phase 1 trial completed For the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for use with transplantation Licensed to Janssen Biotech Inc. to pursue clinical development. Phase 2 planned end of 2018 in rheumatoid arthritis. , CD28-antagonist in immunotherapy - Phase 1 trial completed For the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for use with transplantation Licensed to Janssen Biotech Inc. to pursue clinical development. Phase 2 planned end of 2018 in rheumatoid arthritis. OSE-127 (Effi-7), interleukin receptor-7 antagonist- In preclinical development for inflammatory bowel diseases and other autoimmune diseases. Clinical phase planned end of 2018. License option agreement with Servier for the development and commercialization. The portfolio's blockbuster potential gives OSE Immunotherapeutics the ability to enter global agreements at different stages of development with major pharmaceutical players. Immunotherapy is a highly promising and growing market. By 2023 Immunotherapy of cancer could represent nearly 60% of treatments against less than 3% at present and the projected market is estimated at $67 billion in 2018 **. There are more than 80 autoimmune diseases that represent a significant market including major players in the pharmaceutical industry with sales towards $10 billion for the main products. The medical need is largely unmet and requires the provision of new innovative products involved in the regulation of the immune system. *Citi Research Equity **BCC Research Click and follow us on Twitter and Linkedln Forward-looking statements This press release contains express or implied information and statements that might be deemed forward-looking information and statements in respect of OSE Immunotherapeutics. They do not constitute historical facts. These information and statements include financial projections that are based upon certain assumptions and assessments made by OSE Immunotherapeutics' management in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current economic and industry conditions, expected future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements include statements typically using conditional and containing verbs such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "target", "plan", or "estimate", their declensions and conjugations and words of similar import. Although the OSE Immunotherapeutics management believes that the forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, the OSE Immunotherapeutics' shareholders and other investors are cautioned that the completion of such expectations is by nature subject to various risks, known or not, and uncertainties which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of OSE Immunotherapeutics. These risks could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. These risks include those discussed or identified in the public filings made by OSE Immunotherapeutics with the AMF. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. This press release includes only summary information and should be read with the OSE Immunotherapeutics Reference Document filed with the AMF on 28 April 2017 under the number R.17-038, including the annual financial report for the fiscal year 2016, available on the OSE Immunotherapeutics' website. Other than as required by applicable law, OSE Immunotherapeutics issues this press release at the date hereof and does not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information or statements. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180103005763/en/ Contacts: OSE Immunotherapeutics Sylvie Detry, +33 143 297 857 Sylvie.detry@ose-immuno.com or French Media: FP2COM Florence Portejoie, +33 607 768 283 fportejoie@fp2com.fr or U.S. Media: LifeSci Public Relations Matt Middleman, M.D., +1 646 627 8384 matt@lifescipublicrelations.com or U.S. and European Investors Chris Maggos, +41 79 367 6254 chris@lifesciadvisors.com SOFIA, Bulgaria, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fibank was awarded by a professional panel and research team of the magazine, based on the following criteria: Asset Quality, Governance Structure, ROE, Tier 1 Capital Ratio, Corporate Social Responsibility and Customer Service. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160518/369255LOGO ) Jay Reddy, Head of branding at Global Brands Magazine commented, "I would like to congratulate First Investment Bank (Fibank) on winning the awards. These awards are a true testament on the bank's efforts in developing and improving the internal bank structures and systems, the service models and product positioning, and at creating prerequisites for future sustainable growth." Fibank is known as the biggest Bulgarian bank, a growing, innovative, customer-oriented bank that offers outstanding products and services to their customers. With over 3100 employees, they have the largest branch network in Bulgaria and are first rated when it comes to investments for advertising in financial sector in Bulgaria. In terms of the coefficient of the marketing power of the brand, they are the most rapidly increasing. They are also the biggest corporate donor part of the long-term strategy for CSR. All these and more can be attributed to why they are very much successful when it comes to their area of specialization. About Global Brand Magazine Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Global Brands Magazine is a leading brands magazine providing opinions and news related to various brands across the world. Content includes news, opinions, discussions, highlights and features sourced by expert analysts on various brands across the world. About Global Brands Awards Global Brands Awards was established with the aim of honoring excellence in performance and rewarding companies across different sectors. The awards honor companies who have performed extraordinarily well in the field of Finance, Education, Hospitality, Lifestyle, Automobiles, & Technology. The awards are given to acknowledge key players who strive for distinction and reward their performance with the ultimate global recognition. They also aim to identify and create awareness about the significance of exceptional solutions and service delivery in different segments. Find out more about Global Brands Awards here http://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/about-the-awards/ BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 2.00 am ET Thursday, Nationwide Building Society is scheduled to release UK Nationwide house price data for December. Economists forecast house prices to grow 2 percent year-on-year in December, following a 2.5 percent rise in November. Ahead of the data, the pound traded mixed against its major counterparts. While the pound rose against the greenback, it fell against the euro, the yen and the franc. The pound was worth 0.8895 against the euro, 1.3211 against the franc, 1.3525 against the greenback and 152.21 against the yen as of 1:52 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --Leidos, a global science, engineering, and information technology company, has today announced the appointment of Matt Wiles CB CBE as Chief Executive of Leidos UK. Currently, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Wiles has been instrumental in Team Leidos' delivery of the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Logistic Commodities Services Transformation (LCST) programme, including the recent opening of a state-of-the-art military logistics hub, the Defence Fulfilment Centre at MoD Donnington. Previously, Wiles served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), leaving as Air Vice-Marshal. During his career, Wiles worked as the Director General of the UK Joint Support Chain, with responsibility for 7,000 staff and annual purchases of over 2bn, and as the Chief of Personnel for the RAF. In recognition of his military service, Wiles was made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2008 and a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 2013. Prior to joining Leidos in 2016, Wiles worked for Serco in roles including Partnership Director for the Atomic Weapons Establishment and as Managing Director Defence. Leidos' work in the United Kingdom includes providing innovative technology and solutions for some of the most complex problems in defence, healthcare, government, safety and security, and transportation. Examples include managing and modernising critical infrastructures, applications and business processes for clients such as the Scottish Government, Ministry of Justice, NATS, National Health Service and the UK MOD's 6.7 billion LCST programme. Commenting on the appointment, Roger Krone, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Leidos said, "Matt has been fundamental to the success of Leidos in the UK. His leadership of Team Leidos and the success of the LCST project in delivering enhanced information technology and logistics services to the UK's Armed Forces demonstrates the opportunities the UK can unlock through technology, service and partnership." Matt Wiles added, "I am delighted to have been appointed Chief Executive of Leidos UK at such an exciting time for our clients' challenges and opportunities as well as for our business. The success of our work with the MoD, across the British Government to organisations that are critical to our national infrastructure such as NATS, shows that we are a trusted partner in the UK and that our people can deliver innovative solutions to solve the most complex problems." About Leidos Leidos is a global science and technology solutions leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defence, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $7.04 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2016. Leidos UK has more than 1,200 employees servicing defence, public services, health, transportation, and safety and security clients. For more information, visit www.leidos.com/uk. Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 30, 2016, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Contact: Robert McNeill rmcneill@leidos.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/4662/leidos_logo_4817_21071_.jpg LAUSANNE, Switzerland, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Oculis (www.oculis.com), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of breakthrough non-invasive topical treatment for back-of-the-eye diseases, announced it has successfully closed a Series B financing round of CHF 20 million (USD 20.3 million). The financing was led by a syndicate of leading international life science investors including Bay City Capital, Novartis Venture Fund and Pivotal bioVenture Partners. Existing investors, including Brunnur Ventures and Silfurberg, also participated in the financing. The funds will be used to advance the clinical development of the Company's lead program OC-118, a proprietary topical product currently in a Phase IIb clinical trial for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), the leading cause of blindness in young adults in developed countries. In prior pilot studies, OC-118 demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement of visual acuity and reduction of central macular thickness of DME patients. OC-118 has been developed using Oculis' novel Solubilizing Nanoparticle (SNP) technology platform, which improves both the ability to formulate drugs as eye drops and their bioavailability in the eye tissues including anterior and posterior segments. Existing pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that the SNP technology can open the way for formulating drugs as effective and well-tolerated topical treatments of retinal conditions with unmet need, including DME. Significant improvement of tolerability and dosing frequency for anterior segment conditions may also be expected. In addition to the Phase IIb DME program, Oculis is advancing OC-118 in other ophthalmic indications and is developing other drug candidates using SNP technology to the clinical stage. The Series B financing will allow further development of these candidates. In conjunction with the financing, Oculis is re-locating its corporate headquarters to Lausanne, Switzerland, while its R&D remains in Reykjavik, Iceland. Dr. Riad Sherif,formerly Area President Europe, Middle East & Africa at Alcon andformerlyasenior executive at Novartis, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Oculis, with Pall Ragnar Johannesson, becoming Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director of Oculis in Iceland. Dr. Sabri Markabi, previously Senior VP, Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer at Alcon, will join as Chief Scientific Officer, and the Company's founders, Prof. Einar Stefansson and Prof. Thorsteinn Loftsson becoming Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Research and Technology Officer, respectively. Florent Gros (Novartis Venture Fund) will be joining the Board as Chairman, in addition ofArni Blondal (Brunnur Ventures) and Stefan J. Sveinsson (formerly Global EVP RD at Actavis),Lionel Carnot (Bay City Capital) and Rob Hopfner (Pivotal Bioventure Partners). Commenting on Oculis' future, Dr. Riad Sherif, CEO of Oculis, stated: "I am extremely pleased to be joining such a great team to develop what could be the next generation of ophthalmic treatments. Oculis founders have meticulously developed the novel SNP technology that improves both the ability to formulate drugs as eye drops and their bioavailability in eye tissues including the posterior segment. This technology opens a new era of breakthrough ophthalmic therapies that could provide important benefits to patients. Our goal with the lead program OC-118 is truly to transform the way DME is treated and managed today." Florent Gros, chairman of Oculis' board of directors, and Managing Director at Novartis Venture Fund, said: "Considering both the lead clinical program and the breadth and depth of possible applications, the commercial potential of Oculis is clearly very exciting." Prof. Einar Stefansson, MD PhD, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Oculis commented: "We are transforming eye drop technology and improving drug delivery to all parts of the eye. Treating retinal diseases with eye drops instead of injecting the eye with a needle provides comfortable and accessible treatment options for potentially tens of millions of patients with retinal disease." About Oculis Oculis is leading the way in non-invasive topical drug delivery for eye diseases, advancing several drug programs and a pivotal clinical study in Diabetic Macular Edema patients. The Company has demonstrated the clinical potential of its drug delivery technology in two pilot trials with OC-118 in DME patients and several studies in uveitis, glaucoma and post-operative care. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, with research operations in Reykjavik, Iceland, Oculis was founded by two leading scientists, Prof. Einar Stefansson and Prof. Thorsteinn Loftsson, who have over a course of 25 years made step-wise inventions to solve the obstacles of efficient ocular drug delivery. To learn more visit www.oculis.com. About Novartis Venture Fund Novartis Venture Fund is a financially driven corporate life science fund whose purpose is to foster innovation, drive significant patient benefit and generate superior returns by creating and investing in innovative life sciences companies at various stages of their development. To learn more, visit www.nvfund.com. About Pivotal bioVenture Partners Pivotal bioVenture Partners is a $300MM venture capital fund established in 2017. Based in San Francisco, California, the fund invests in US and European companies with a primary focus on innovative therapeutic solutions to major unmet medical needs. To learn more, visit www.pivotalbiovp.com . About Bay City Capital GF Xinde International Life Sciences Fund Bay City Capital GF Xinde is a cross-border life sciences venture capital fund with a global diversified strategy ranging from seed stage to public companies, and including innovation, restructuring opportunities, and growth investing. To learn more, visit www.baycitycapital.com or www.gf.com.cn. About Brunnur Ventures Brunnur Ventures was established in 2015. The Fund invests in Icelandic start-up companies with innovative, scalable business models, extraordinary entrepreneurial talent and a strong competitive edge generated by patentable technology or exclusive, proprietary know-how. To learn more, visit www.brunnurventures.com . Contacts: Oculis Riad Sherif | CEO | riad.sherif@oculis.com Pall Ragnar Johannesson | CFO | pall.johannesson@oculis.com Tel: +41-21-711-3970 (CH) or +354-546-4440 (IS) Media relations Marine Perrier, Mark Swallow, Citigate Dewe Rogerson oculis@citigatedewerogerson.com Tel: +44-207-638-9571 PARIS and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- - Proceeds will be used to progress lead development programs - EB8018 for IBD and EO2315 for cancer - Secures 40 million loan facility ($48 million) from the European Investment Bank ENTEROME SA, a clinical-stage biotech company pioneering innovative therapies to treat microbiome-associated diseases with a focus on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and immuno-oncology (IO) indications, announces that it has raised 32 million in a Series D financing. All current Enterome investors - Seventure, Health for Life Capital, LundbeckFonden Ventures, Omnes Capital and Nestle Health Science - participated in the round, alongside new venture investor Principia SGR and strategic investor Bristol-Myers Squibb. The proceeds of the fundraising will be used primarily to progress two proof-of concept clinical trials of Enterome's lead development programs, a Phase 2 study of the Company's oral FimH blocker EB8018 for the treatment of Crohn's disease, and a Phase 1b study of EO2315, a novel immuno-oncology candidate, in patients with aggressive brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme). In addition, Enterome will pursue the development of the next generation of its proprietary metagenomics drug discovery platform, reinforcing its leadership in the discovery and development of new therapeutic leads and targets for microbiome-associated diseases and expanding the reach of its technology platforms. In conjunction with its equity financing, Enterome has entered into an agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for access to a 40 million loan facility to further support the acceleration of its pipeline and technology development. Enterome's EB8018 is a novel, first-in-class oral small molecule that is gut-restricted and minimally absorbed into the bloodstream. It represents a non-biologic, non-steroidal, non-immunomodulatory approach for the treatment of Crohn's Disease. EB8018 inhibits FimH-mediated adhesion of some pro-inflammatory bacteria invading the microbiome of Crohn's patients, such as Adherent Invasive Escherichia coli and Klebsiella, to receptors in the gut wall, thereby reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines including TNF. EB8018 successfully completed a Phase 1 trial in 2017, demonstrating safety and minimal blood absorption. In IO, EO2315 is the lead candidate originating from Enterome's technology platform, which is being applied to discover novel bacterial antigens that display similarities with cancer antigens. Such bacterial antigens have been shown to trigger a robust immune response against host antigens specifically expressed in tumors in animal models, thus providing innovative solutions to making cancer cells the target of the adaptive immune system. Enterome has already demonstrated that EO2315 generates a strong immune response against an undisclosed tumor target, resulting in potent tumor cell-killing ex vivo and controlled tumor growth in vivo when combined with a checkpoint inhibitor. Pierre Belichard, Chief Executive Officer of Enterome, said: "We are very pleased to receive the funding and support from this group of current and new investors, who have recognized the potential, versatility, and uniqueness of our microbiome-derived drug discovery platform. The microbiome influences many areas of human disease through its effects on the immune system, and we believe that many new therapies will be discovered based on a greater understanding of its function. Enterome, which is at the forefront of this approach, is already developing two exciting programs based on this knowledge and this financing will allow us to progress these programs through the major inflection points of clinical proof of concept, and to expand our clinical work to additional inflammatory bowel diseases and oncology indications." Paolo Siviero, Head of Investments at Principia SGR, said: "We are very pleased to join a prestigious syndicate of venture and strategic investors - we strongly believe Enterome is geared to achieve the major clinical milestones that are ahead. We are convinced that the differentiated approach pioneered by Enterome in the field of immune diseases caused by defects of the gut microbiome, will lead to the successful development of a new therapeutic arsenal against immune-related disorders affecting millions of people around the world." "Enterome's innovative research in the gut microbiome and its role in the immune system across cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases offers a tremendous opportunity to discover differentiated therapies to help patients," said Paul Biondi, senior vice president, head of Business Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "We are excited to support their continued progress in microbiome-derived drug discovery and development." "Enterome has been the first investment of our microbiome fund Health for Life Capital," said Seventure Partners CEO Isabelle de Cremoux. "We are proud to see that our initial support is backed by a unique mix of strategic and finance investors to support Enterome's pipeline at a very exciting point of its development." "Supporting innovation and businesses is a priority of the European Union's bank. It is our responsibility to create the optimal conditions for financing research in biotech companies, which is essential for developing new treatments," said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. "The gut microbiome is becoming a key strategic area in both medical and pharmaceutical worlds, so the EIB is very pleased to support Enterome's innovation and development projects in such a strategic field. This is an innovative financing operation that will have a strong impact on the health and daily life of Europe's citizens." About Enterome Enterome is pioneering the development of novel pharmaceuticals and diagnostics to support personalized therapies in microbiome-related diseases such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and cancer. Enterome is also leading the development of new industry standards in gut microbiome quantitative and functional analysis. This technology leadership allows Enterome to open up the new field of therapeutic target discovery in the microbiome in order to address significant unmet medical needs. Enterome has established partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and academic research institutes, including Johnson & Johnson Innovation/Janssen Biotech, Takeda and Abbvie in inflammatory bowel and gastro-intestinal diseases; and Bristol-Myers Squibb in immuno-oncology. Enterome also has a 50/50 joint venture with Nestle Health Science, called Microbiome Diagnostics Partners, focused initially on the development of novel microbiome-based diagnostics for IBD and liver diseases. The Company was established in 2012 in Paris (France) to develop the discoveries made by the INRA metagenomic platform, and is backed by leading venture capital investors (Seventure Partners, Lundbeckfonden Ventures, Health for Life Capital, Omnes Capital and Principia) and strategic investors (BMS, Nestle Health Science, Shire & INRA Transfert). Additional information about Enterome is available through its website: www.enterome.com About Principia SGR Principia SGR, founded in 2002, is one of the leading Italian venture capital operators. The SGR currently manages 4 investment fund: Principia II, Principia III - Health, Principia IV - Alis and Principia V Utopia. The fund Principia III - Health, dedicated to Venture and Growth capital investments in the Healthcare sector, raised 206 million euros, and made 9 investments as of today deploying 80 million euros. Principia IV - Alis is the fourth Fund of the SGR dedicated to the development of the excellence of Made in Italy, focused on fashion and design. The fund it is currently in fund raising. Principia Utopia is the most recent Fund launched by Principia with a target size of 70 million. The Fund has a very well-defined strategy: funding and supporting Life-Tech start ups for patents development in the first and second stage with management of the intellectual property. The focus will be on projects that develop molecules, curative devices and advanced diagnostics for prevention. About Bristol-Myers Squibb Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. About the European Investment Bank Group The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the EU bank, and together with the European Investment Fund (EIF) forms the EIB Group. Thanks to its reliable expertise and the financial attractiveness of its AAA rating, the EIB Group has doubled the volume of its activities in France since 2012 (reaching EUR 9.3bn in 2016), not only supporting SMEs and innovation but also financing investment in strategic sectors such as climate action, energy, healthcare, education for young people and training facilities. Follow the EIB Group: www.eib.org Twitter: @eib About Health For Life Capital' Seventure Partners launched Health for Life Capital', the first venture capital fund focused mainly on investments in the microbiome, food and nutrition space. Europe is the primary focus of the fund, but it also invests in North America, Israel and Asia. The 160m fund attracted strategic investments from prestigious organizations including Danone, Novartis, Tereos, Tornier, Lesaffre and Bel, as well as financial institutions and entrepreneurs. Health for Life Capital' is managed by Seventure's Life sciences team. Contact Pierre Belichard, CEO pbelichard@enterome.com Mark Swallow / Marine Perrier / David Dible Citigate Dewe Rogerson +44-207-638-9571 enterome@citigatedewerogerson.com TOKYO and LONDON, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Publication in Nature highlights opportunities to target C5a receptor with selective small molecules via novel mechanism of action Sosei Group Corporation ("Sosei"); TSE Mothers Index:4565) announces that scientists at its wholly owned subsidiary, Heptares Therapeutics, have published the first high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of the complement C5a receptor (a G protein-coupled receptor, GPCR) binding a small molecule allosteric antagonist. The findings, published in Nature today, reveal the location of a new allosteric binding site outside the transmembrane helical bundle and provide insights to the mechanisms by which small molecules interact with and modulate the receptor. This research further emphasises the potential importance and value of structure-based methods to enable the design of selective and optimised small molecules targeting GPCRs for treating a range of diseases. The C5a receptor (C5a anaphylatoxin chemotactic receptor 1, also known as CD88) plays a key role in the innate immune response. It is part of the complement system, a crucial component of the host response to infection and tissue damage. Activation of the complement cascade generates anaphylatoxins, including the glycoprotein C5a, which exerts a pro-inflammatory effect via the C5a receptor. Inhibitors of the complement system are of interest as potential drugs for treating diseases including sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease and ischaemia-reperfusion injuries. More recently a role of C5a in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease has been identified. C5a also plays a role in cancer through actions on tumour cells, angiogenesis and regulation of the immune cells in the tumour microenvironment. Peptide antagonists based on the C5a ligand have been evaluated in clinical trials in psoriasis and RA, however these peptides exhibited problems with off target activity, production costs, potential immunogenicity and poor oral bioavailability. Fiona Marshall, Chief Scientific Officer of Heptares and Sosei, said: "Our ability to determine the structures of GPCRs with high definition alongside our other structure-based drug design technologies and expertise provides a unique opportunity to tackle high value but difficult targets. With the C5a receptor, these capabilities and the insights they generate provide opportunities to design novel and selective therapeutics to address areas of clear medical need." Reference Robertson, N et al. Structure of the complement C5a receptor bound to the extra-helical antagonist NDT9513727 (2018) Nature 553, 111-114 (doi:10.1038/nature25025) Notes to Editors About Sosei Sosei Group Corporation is an international biopharmaceutical company originating from Japan that discovers and develops innovative biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, cancer, migraine, addiction, metabolic disease, and other indications. By utilizing its GPCR structure-based drug design platform technology, Sosei has established a product pipeline with first/best in class potential. Through development and commercialization partnerships, Sosei has already delivered two bronchodilators for COPD which generate significant and stable revenue streams that enable further growth. Sosei partners include Novartis, Allergan, AstraZeneca, MedImmune, MorphoSys, Teva, and Pfizer and we are actively looking for new partnerships to enhance the development of our products and help us deliver them to patients worldwide. For further information about Sosei, please visit http://www.sosei.com/en/. Sosei Group Corporate Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development and commercialisation of products. Various risks may cause Sosei's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialise products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialisation activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. CREVE COEUR (dpa-AFX) - AngioDynamics Inc. (ANGO), Monsanto Co. (MON), and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) are scheduled to release their financial results on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. AngioDynamics Inc. (ANGO) is due to report its Q2 financial results before the bell today, with analysts polled by Thomson Reuters estimating earnings of $0.16 per share on revenue of $88.42 million. The company is expected to capitalize on significant international opportunities and benefit from strong porfolio management. The company expects fiscal 2018 revenues to be in the range of $352 million - $359 million, and adjusted EPS in the range of $0.64 - $0.68. Five Wall Street analysts have a consensus earnings estimate of $0.66 per share and revenue of $353.33 million for 2018. Also, AngioDynamics expects to generate more than $35 million in free cash flow. ** Monsanto Co. (MON) is scheduled to release its Q1 financial results before the bell today. Analysts are looking for earnings of $0.42 per share and revenue of $2.77 billion for the quarter. In the prior-year period, the company reported total net sales of $2.65 billion, and net income of $29 million or $0.07 per share. Earnings per Share from Ongoing Business was $0.21. ** Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) is slated to release its Q1 results before the bell today, with analysts estimating earnings of $1.26 per share on revenue of $30.35 billion. Last year, the company reported GAAP net income of $1.1 billion or $0.97 per share, adjusted net income of $1.2 billion or $1.10 per share and sales of $28.5 billion. The company expects fiscal 2018 adjusted earnings to be in the range of $5.40 - $5.70 per share. Wall Street analysts are looking for earnings of $5.56 per share for fiscal 2018. ** RPM International Inc. (RPM), Sonic Corp. (SONC), AZZ Inc. (AZZ), Franklin Covey Co. (FC), Hurco Companies Inc. (HURC), Park Electrochemical Corp. (PKE), and PriceSmart Inc. (PSMT) are few other companies lined up to release their quarterly results today. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de TEL AVIV, Israel, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Purchase of New Jersey-based 'AccountEdge' business accounting software developer and services provider strengthens small business offering and brings 75,000 customers Priority Software Ltd., a leading provider of business management solutions, today announced the expansion of its global operations with the recent acquisition of Acclivity, a New Jersey-based software developer. Best known for their award-winning AccountEdge software, powerful small business accounting for the Mac and Windows desktop, privately-held Acclivity develops and supports a range of small business accounting solutions for the company's 75,000+ customers from various market sectors. As part of Priority's continued global expansion, the new acquisition of Acclivity follows the company's purchase of Israel-based Monitin Information Systems ERP activity earlier this year and prior, the establishment of Priority Software U.S. in 2016, following the purchase of US-based ERP consulting and services firm, Performa Apps. Priority Software empowers companies and organizations of all sizes by providing the most comprehensive, flexible and affordable ERP solutions on the market today. Available both on premise and as SaaS, Priority is targeted to the SME market to offer an alternative to the complex, costly traditional ERP systems from giant vendors. Acclivity services small businesses in a variety of industries, with a product suite that includes AccountEdge Basic, AccountEdge Pro, Checkout POS and Rerun, a recurring billing solution. Optional add-on modules include AccountEdge Connect, Payroll, Credit Card Processing, Web Pay, Shopify Connector and more. "As we welcome Acclivity, its employees and customers, into Priority's group of companies, we believe that their expertise in small business accounting solutions will greatly contribute towards expanding our product offering," said Andres Richter, Priority CEO. "We are united by a common business culture and the desire to deliver quality solutions that serve customers' real needs. There is a great synergy between our two companies and the acquisition now makes Priority a contender in the small business accounting software market in North America, enhancing the company's future growth and performance from both lines of business. Acclivity brings in excellent products and an established consumer base of over 75,000 satisfied customers." "We've found a partner in Priority who both values our existing AccountEdge products and customers, while recognizing the opportunity for Priority's solutions in the U.S., especially with the growing search for robust cloud solutions," commented Tom Nash, Acclivity Co-founder. "We're excited by what's ahead." "This acquisition is simply a win-win for both companies and customers," added Scott Davisson, Acclivity Co-founder. "AccountEdge customers continue to receive our undivided attention, while Priority's powerful portfolio of products are incorporated into the lineup as a potential next step for those AccountEdge businesses who need more, as well as a viable option for U.S. businesses of all sizes and industries." About Priority Software Pioneers in the global ERP solutions market, Priority Software empowers companies and organizations of all sizes, by providing the most comprehensive, flexible and affordable ERP solutions on the market today. Founded in 1986, with the mission of making ERP easier, Priority offers a more accessible alternative to complex and costly solutions to increase profitability and efficiency. Over 8,500 companies across a wide range of industries in 40 countries have come to rely on Priority to manage and grow their business. Priority is offered both as on premise and cloud solutions, both of which deliver 100% system functionality, enabling users to access their data in real-time from mobile devices and tablets. To date, 1,700 customers successfully use Priority in the cloud. Backed by cutting-edge technologies and a skilled and talented team of professionals, Priority is supported by offices in the U.S. and the UK and a network of business partners around the globe. Visithttp://www.priority-software.com. AboutAcclivity Established in 2005, Acclivity is a leading accounting software and business solutions company. Headquartered in New Jersey, the company provides over 75,000 global businesses with a range of solutions to help them save time and money. The company's product suite includes AccountEdge, small business accounting for up to 10 users with a host of optional add-ons. For more information, visithttp://www.accountedge.com. For more information, contact: Emma Davies Red Lorry Yellow Lorry PR +44(0)20-7403-8878 Emmad@rlyl.com LONDON, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- New partnership brings better document quality and compliance for healthcare and biomedical customers Infosys (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in consulting, technology and next-generation services, today announced a new partnership with paperless validation company ValGenesis, that will bring even stronger compliance and quality management for its customers in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Under the partnership, Infosys will integrate ValGenesis' Validation Lifecycle Management System (VLMS) within its suite of services for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, which will be delivered in a rapidly deployable, highly secure cloud environment. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130122/589162 ) ValGenesis is a leading paperless validation lifecycle management solution in the life sciences industry that allows customers to automate the validation process fully, eliminate inefficiencies found in paper-based manual processes, while also reducing costs and validation cycle times.The ValGenesis Validation Lifecycle Management System (VLMS) efficiently manages all types of validation activities such as equipment, computer systems, cleaning, analytical methods, and process validation. The system delivers technology solutions that are fully configurable and rapidly deployable onsite or by way of a secured cloud environment. Validation systems are still almost entirely manual, paper-based process, resulting in significant inefficiencies, higher costs and more significant opportunity for errors to creep in. They can also result in delays to life-saving medicines and procedures to patients. ValGenesis' VLMS includes a regulatory framework allowing validation requirements to be specified in advance. Risk Management, a key component of VLMS, is integrated and flexible, giving companies the ability to leverage standard risk tools to best suit their needs. Reusability is inherent and available at test and requirement levels, significantly improving efficiency via pre-approvals. Consistency is also driven by standardization which improves a company's compliance posture. Infosys' Life Sciences Practice works with 50+ leading pharmaceutical and medical devices companies, providing premium regulatory, quality and compliance services. Leveraging its extensive capabilities and experience in the life sciences space, Infosys will deploy the ValGenesis Validation Lifecycle Management System (VLMS) to its customers as a single "paperless" system that manages every activity in the entire validation lifecycle. Through this partnership, Infosys will help biopharma and medical devices customers transform to next-generation of automation driven quality and compliance services which will help organizations generate significant efficiencies and allow them to focus on their core business. Sangita Singh, Executive Vice President and Head, Healthcare & Lifesciences, Infosys, said, "Healthcare is potentially the world's most stringently-regulated industry. The huge volumes of highly-sensitive information that biotech and life sciences firms generate is subject to incredibly strict standards - for example, recording the outcomes from clinical trials. The digitization of the industry to ensure better data and document accuracy is incredibly important for many ethical, legal and business reasons, with auditors and regulators demanding that data regarding equipment, computer systems, processes, and outcomes be properly recorded and validated. ValGenesis is pioneering paperless validation, and our new partnership will bring significant savings and much better compliance to our customers." Narayan Raj, VP Sales at ValGenesis, said, "Infosys' long pedigree in life sciences makes them the perfect partner for ValGenesis as we seek to transform validation for the life sciences and biomedical sectors. Infosys has a comprehensive understanding of the pressures faced by these firms, such as the demand for reducing costs, optimising efficiency, and ensuring that they meet the most stringent regulatory requirements. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership, with ValGenesis' technology complementing Infosys' product set to redefine the way that biopharma firms conduct their business, optimising patient safety, and helping to bring new treatments to the public as quickly and safely as possible." About ValGenesis ValGenesis, Inc. is the creator of an innovative software platform serving as the foundation for managing compliance-based validation activities in Life Sciences companies. ValGenesis, Inc. provides the first enterprise application to manage the corporate validation lifecycle process. As the only system for managing validation execution and approval 100% electronically, ValGenesis was selected by an industry peer review committee to receive the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) New Innovative Technology Award. The solution is fully compliant with U.S. FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 requirements. For more information, visit ValGenesis' website athttp://www.valgenesis.com. About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in technology services and consulting. We enable clients in 45 countries to create and execute strategies for their digital transformation. From engineering to application development, knowledge management and business process management, we help our clients find the right problems to solve, and to solve these effectively.Our team of 198,000+ innovators, across the globe, is differentiated by the imagination, knowledge and experience, across industries and technologies that we bring to every project we undertake. Visit http://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise thrive in the digital age. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. These filings are available athttp://www.sec.gov Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law. - The Road to Automotive Design's Digital Transformation SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The car industry is developing fast, competition is becoming fiercer by the day, and new products are released at a faster rate. This presents more and more requirements in terms of car design. These growing car design requirements challenge the car industry's existing ICT infrastructure, CAE, and other computing assisted applications, promoting the fast-digital transformation of the industry. Evolving Design of Dream Cars Automotive designers as well as drivers fantasize about experiencing tomorrow's "Dream Car" today. By accelerating the speed of innovation, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) tools shorten these daydreams by rapidly changing design approaches for the automotive industry. Designers have moved their blueprints of their ideal cars from paper to the computer screen with simulation models instead of physical ones. To envision moving these dream automobiles towards reality, digital transformations significantly reduce both design cycles and costs. Statistics show that CAE has shortened the average development cycle of a new model by up to 50 percent, decreased the proportion of the expenses on the new model development to the total development costs from 80 percent to 90 percent to a mere 8 percent to 12 percent, and further reduced manufacturing and testing costs of the prototypes by up to 50 percent. Challenges of Design Acceleration to ICT Infrastructure Today's CAD tools help to render the designer's exterior appearance of a car, while CAE capabilities improve the auto's performance by creating safer, more comfortable vehicles. However, the increase in simulation application modeling developed for CAE tremendously impacts both computing and storage platforms. For example, large car manufacturers may conduct tens of thousands of collision tests each year, which are mostly simulated by software, with only a few hundred tests performed on physical prototypes. Simulation alone generates dozens of or even hundreds of large exabytes (EB, or 1 billion gigabytes) of data each year. Even if only the key data is selected through data filtering, the results still produce large quantities of data measured in hundreds of terabytes. Enable Digital Transformation of German Automotive Industry With its strong design as well as Research and Development (R&D) teams, automotive industry in Germany has been renowned in the field of automotive design and is one of the first carmakers to implement CAD and CAE for vehicle design and simulation. In order to use the latest technologies to visualize customers' diverse demands in terms of vehicle appearance and performance; launch their dream cars faster than its competitors; and alleviate ICT infrastructure limitations with scalability for growing CAE simulation computations, automotive companies in Germany are now accelerating their digital transformation. Huawei has served the world top three automotive companies of Fortune 500 in Germany by offering a customized HPC solution based on high-density computing platforms. The HPC solution provides an efficient, stable, and open ICT infrastructure platform for automotive R&D to improve productivity and shorten the design cycle. Moreover, the platform enables car makers to save energy and physical space, simplifying the operation and maintenance, substantially lowering overall costs. This solution offers a wide range of professional, including consultation and planning, construction and deployment, migration and integration, custom development, and disaster recovery. Open and Sustainable Automotive Ecosystem At Munich OpenLab, Huawei is also collaborating Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) in the automotive ecosystem to create an open platform that combines CAE and HPC, and to jointly develop automotive R&D simulation cloud solutions. The platform provides professional optimization and recommendations by customizing parameters and application models. In the near future, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be integrated into the design of the dream car, leading to automated means of intelligent creation. Simulation and testing of automobiles will move into the realm of Virtual Reality (VR), making the process even more realistic. All efforts will bring futuristic cars into actuality sooner in ways yet to be imagined. To date, 197 companies on the Fortune Global 500 list and 45 of the top 100 enterprises have chosen Huawei as their partner for digital transformation. To know more about Huawei helping enterprises achieve digital transformation, please visit http://e.huawei.com/topic/leading-new-ict-en/index.html?utm_campaign=lni17-minisiteen&utm_medium=hwdc&utm_source=ebghome-en&source=eebghq175155l (From L) Denis Tse, Research Committee Chairman of the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association and Managing Principal of Asia-IO Advisors Ltd; Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC; Diana Cesar, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee; James Chang, Financial Services Consulting Leader of PwC China; and, Lee George Lam, Chairman of Cyberport Hong Kong HKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department Billy Ng Tel: +852 2584 4393 Email: billy.km.ng@hktdc.org HONG KONG, Jan 4, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - The 11th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held on 15-16 January at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). More than a hundred international speakers, including financial policymakers, business leaders and heavyweight investors, will gather in Hong Kong to examine the latest economic trends and to offer their insights for investment planning in the coming year. Innovation and technology will be a prioritised component at this year's forum, to address the latest development models of the new economy. Experts will forecast the impact brought about by technology, giving AFF participants a headstart in identifying new economic opportunities.Diana Cesar, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and; Group General Manager and Chief Executive, Hong Kong, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd, said: "Around the world, economies are looking for a new growth engine and companies are developing new digitally-led, business models. Innovation is the key to accelerating growth and driving returns for companies and investors in China, Asia and globally. Because of its central importance to markets and economies today and in the future, the 2018 AFF will focus on innovation."Steering Growth and Pioneering Innovation: Asia and BeyondUnder the theme "Steering Growth and Pioneering Innovation: Asia and Beyond," this year's AFF will open with David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Igor Shuvalov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, delivering keynote addresses on the Asia's Economic Outlook 2018. At plenary sessions, James Lau, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of The Government of the HKSAR, will be joined by Jiang Yang, Vice Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission; Takehiko Nakao, President of the Asian Development Bank; Pierre Gramegna, Finance Minister of Luxembourg; and Kelly O'Dwyer, Minister for Revenue and Financial Services of Australia, to discuss how Asia can leverage innovation to maintain growth and drive the global economy.At this year's Policy Dialogue on "Impact of China Policies on Global Economic Development," speakers will share their views on China's economic and financial policies, including China's exchange rate and monetary policies, industrial development initiative, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative, and how they impact the global economy and the financial markets. The session will be chaired by Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, who will discuss with Andreas Dombret, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Bundesbank; Stuart Gulliver, Group Chief Executive of HSBC Holdings plc; Hu Huaibang, Chairman of the China Development Bank; Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; and David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF.Other discussion sessions examining such topics as the global economy, China opportunities and financial regulations, will welcome speakers including Set Aung, Deputy Minister of Planning and Finance of Myanmar; Inga Beale, CEO of Lloyd's; Fang Fenglei, founder and Chairman of Hopu Investment Management Co; Fu Yuning, Chairman of the China Resources Group; Steven Maijoor, Chairman of the European Securities and Market Authority; and Neil Shen, Founding and Managing Partner of Sequoia China.At the keynote luncheon on the first day, former US Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J Lew will offer insights on the global and US economic outlook, and touch on issues related to his term as Treasury chief, including the debt ceiling, trade sanctions and regulatory policies. Mr Lew will also talk about the significance of the recently passed US tax reform legislation.InnoTalks - Forward-looking discussionsStephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "We aim for the AFF to not only examine the latest economic developments, but to identify future economic and business models that are predicated upon technological development. We have invited many technology experts to discuss a variety of subjects pertinent to the financial and business sectors." On the second day of the AFF, the new InnoTalks series will tackle Fintech, innovations in banking, big data, digital identity and regulatory technology, otherwise known as Regtech. At the keynote luncheon, Professor Daniela Rus, Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; will speak about the latest developments in artificial intelligence and robotics.To help industry practitioners and decision-makers keep pace with and capture opportunities presented by rapid developments in technology, Christine Tsai, Founding Partner and CEO of 500 Startups, will hold a Fireside Chat session on technology and entrepreneurship. The HKTDC and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will co-organise a workshop to examine how technological developments will influence future labour demands and foster a new generation of entrepreneurs to maintain sustainable economic growth. Speakers include Nicolas Aguzin, Asia Pacific Chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase & Co; Pacita U Juan, Chairwoman of the ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Network and President of ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle; and Wong Kong-Kat, co-founder and Vice President of Xiaomi Technology.In addition, JP Nicols, Managing Director of FinTech Forge and Chairman of NextMoney.org, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential opinion leaders in FinTech, will share his experience helping financial institutions build and strengthen their ability to innovate, as well as discuss how financial enterprises can leverage innovation to succeed in the global market.AFF Deal Flow: Fostering cooperation, supporting start-upsOver the years, AFF has also served as a platform for investors and project owners to explore cooperation. This year's Forum will once again co-organise the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session with the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association to provide pre-arranged deal-sourcing and matchmaking meetings for project owners and investors. The investment projects will cover digital technology, Fintech, environment and energy, healthcare technology and infrastructure and real estate services.To leverage the AFF platform for start-ups, the new InnoVenture Salon will debut this year to connect start-ups with potential investors and partners. The programme will include a Start-up Showcase, Investors Meet-up, Start-up Project Presentations, as well as Mentor Hours on setting-up, fundraising, business-scaling and pitching. Participating investors and mentors include representatives from the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Beyond Ventures, Cocoon Ignite Ventures, Hong Kong X-Tech Startup, MindWorks Ventures, Nest Ventures, VC Growth Partners and Vectr Ventures.Websites:Asian Financial Forum: www.asianfinancialforum.com/enProgramme: http://www.hktdc.com/ncs/aff2018/en/s/programme.htmlSpeakers List: http://www.hktdc.com/ncs/aff2018/en/s/speaker2018.htmlPhoto download: http://bit.ly/2EVSSybMedia Registration: Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.About HKTDCEstablished in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong's businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.- Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdc- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdc- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-councilSource: HKTDCContact:Copyright 2018 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. AIM-listed Sirius Real Estate has bought a business park in Krefeld, Germany, for 9.2m including acquisition costs. The business park, which was acquired at a 6.7% EPRA net initial yield, is the third site Sirius has bought in Krefeld. It comprises 10,398 sqm of modern, quality office and warehouse space, with occupancy of 72% and annualised rental income of 0.7m. Chief executive Andrew Coombs said: " Krefeld is one of the markets we know extremely well in Germany and we are confident of adding ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 4, 2018 / MVC Technologies o/a Sail Cannabis ("Sail") is pleased to announce that it is has completed a brokered private placement led by Canaccord Genuity Corp. In connection with the brokered private placement, Sail has completed the acquisition of all assets of Medeval Corp o/a Canna Care Docs ("CCD") for cash and consideration shares of Sail. CCD, a cannabis clinic evaluation business with 21 evaluation centres across 9 US states with legalized medical cannabis programs, has enjoyed considerable growth in operations and positive cash flow over the last 3 years. With over 250,000 patients certified for medical cannabis, CCD is one of the largest cannabis evaluation groups in the United States. Injected with new cash from Sail and an accretive leadership team, the new venture anticipates seeing strong and aggressive growth over the next 12 months as CCD centres continue to expand in existing markets and new States as medical cannabis programs are rolled out. "We are excited about this next step in our company's future, and the opportunities we can attain together," says Kevin Kafka, Founder of CCD. "Merging the technology of Sail with our operations will help to strengthen both current operations, and more importantly, enable us to scale more efficiently into new states. I am excited about what this means for Sail and my team." Sail Cannabis is a Canadian company that bridges the gap between practitioners, patients, and regulated vendors as a trusted medical resource. Sail simplifies the cannabis journey and provides secure, clinical, and peer-peer data-driven solutions. Sail has been operating in Canada since 2016 and has seen over 30,000 patient encounters with thousands of medical documents issued through the platform. Sail has also been active in the US across multiple states since 2017 as the technology behind CCD. "The acquisition of CCD means significant growth for Sail in the American markets as both an accretive relationship to expand our services to the CCD network of patients, but also to be able to provide a supported patient journey for the thousands more that will touch the CCD and Sail brand," says Pradyum Sekar, CEO of Sail. "We are honored to grow with a team that has accomplished so much to date and still has so much more room for growth operating as Canna Care Docs under the Sail umbrella. We look forward to explosive growth in the US markets." Funds from the private placement will go towards the acquisition as well as to fund future growth in existing and new US states that have allowed for legalized medical cannabis programs. To learn more, patients can create an account on Sail for free by simply visiting sailcannabis.co and signing up. Clinics and regulated Suppliers can contact info@sailcannabis.co to register. For more information, please contact: Pradyum Sekar MVC Technologies Inc. o/a Sail Cannabis psekar@mvctech.ca www.sailcannabis.co SOURCE: Sail Cannabis TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/04/18 -- Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX: DML)(NYSE MKT: DNN)(NYSE American: DNN) is pleased to announce that it has retained Stantec Consulting Inc. ("Stantec") and ENGCOMP Engineering and Computing Professionals Inc. ("ENGCOMP") to lead and author the Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Wheeler River project, which is the largest undeveloped high-grade uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region in northern Saskatchewan. In addition to the Company's in-house project development team, Denison has assembled a group of leading engineering and consulting firms, with mine development, metallurgical, and environmental experience applicable to the development of a large-scale uranium mining operation in northern Saskatchewan, to support the completion of the PFS for the Wheeler River project. The Wheeler River PFS team includes: - Stantec & ENGCOMP These firms have been assigned responsibility for authoring the PFS in accordance with NI 43-101, including completion of the level of engineering design required to assemble a Class 4 capital cost estimate, project schedule, and an evaluation of infrastructure services and systems required for the development of a mining project in northern Saskatchewan. The work is planned to be managed primarily from Saskatoon and Sudbury, and is expected to leverage Stantec's experience and track- record of executing all phases of mining studies and development, as well as ENGCOMP's experience in Saskatchewan with heavy industrial projects in uranium and potash mining. - Hatch Ltd. ("Hatch") Hatch has been assigned responsibility for the mineral processing scope of the PFS, which is expected to include the development of an appropriate process design criteria for the recovery of uranium from the Gryphon and Phoenix deposits, as well as carrying out a capacity review of Denison's 22.5% owned McClean Lake mill and developing various mineral processing inputs into the overall PFS. In completing this work, Hatch is expected to leverage its previous experience with the McClean Lake mill facility. - Denison Environmental Services ("DES") Throughout the course of the PFS, DES has been assigned responsibility for managing the on-going environmental baseline data collection and regulatory aspects of the project to ultimately support the federal and provincial environmental assessment processes. DES is expected to leverage its experience working with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, as a uranium facility operator for the Company's reclaimed uranium mine sites in Elliot Lake, Ontario. The purpose of the PFS is to establish the best economic options for the development of Wheeler River's Gryphon and Phoenix deposits into a large scale, low cost uranium mining operation. In addition to focusing on project economics, the Company's development team is committed to addressing the challenge of sustainability - ensuring the Wheeler River project is able to deliver value to the Company's shareholders, while simultaneously providing economic and social benefits to impacted communities and minimizing its environmental footprint and impact. Update on Status of Gryphon Resource Estimate On September 12th, 2017, the Company announced a significant increase to the summer 2017 exploration drilling program at Wheeler River, which necessitated the continuation of exploration activities, in the vicinity of the Gryphon deposit, through to late October. On November 27th, 2017, the Company announced assay results from the 64 drill holes completed during the summer drilling program. The results were highlighted by 91% of drill holes intersecting significant uranium mineralization, leading to considerable geological interpretation and review ahead of the completion of an updated estimate of mineral resources for the Gryphon deposit. The updated estimate is expected to incorporate the results from an additional 141 drill holes completed at Gryphon since the maiden mineral resource estimate for the deposit was completed in late 2015. Work towards the completion of an updated estimate of mineral resources for the Wheeler River project is expected to continue during the first quarter of 2018. The updated estimate of indicated mineral resources for the Wheeler River project is an important part of the PFS process. While the Company is currently targeting completion of the PFS by mid-2018, the timing of the PFS will ultimately be contingent on various factors, which includes the timing of the completion of the updated estimate of the mineral resources. About Wheeler River Wheeler River is the largest undeveloped high-grade uranium project in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin region, in northern Saskatchewan. The project is a joint venture between Denison (60% and operator), Cameco Corp. ("Cameco") (30%), and JCU (Canada) Exploration Company Limited ("JCU") (10%), and is host to the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix uranium deposits discovered by Denison in 2014 and 2008, respectively. On April 4th, 2016, Denison announced the results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") for the Wheeler River Project, which considers the potential economic merit of co-developing the high-grade Gryphon and Phoenix deposits as a single underground mining operation. The PEA returned a base case pre-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 20.4% based on the current long term contract price of uranium (US$44.00 per pound U3O8), and Denison's share of estimated initial capital expenditures ("CAPEX") of CAD$336M (CAD$560M on 100% ownership basis). Exploration results from the subsequent drilling programs have not been incorporated into the resource estimate or the PEA. The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. On July 19th, 2016 Denison announced the initiation of a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") for the Wheeler River property and the complimentary commencement of an infill drilling program at the Gryphon deposit. As previously announced on January 10, 2017, Denison has entered into an agreement with its Wheeler River Joint Venture partners, Cameco and JCU, to fund 75% of Joint Venture expenses in 2017 and 2018 (ordinarily 60%) in exchange for an increase in Denison's interest in the project to up to approximately 66%. Under the terms of the agreement, Cameco will fund 50% of its ordinary 30% share in 2017 and 2018, and JCU is expected to continue to fund its 10% interest in the project. About Denison Denison is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. In addition to its 60% owned Wheeler River project, which hosts the high-grade Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits, Denison's exploration portfolio consists of numerous projects covering approximately 347,000 hectares in the Athabasca Basin region, including 327,000 hectares in the infrastructure rich eastern portion of the Athabasca Basin. Denison's interests in Saskatchewan also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture ("MLJV"), which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, which is currently processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest and Midwest A deposits, and a 64.22% interest in the J Zone deposit and Huskie discovery on the Waterbury Lake property. Each of Midwest, Midwest A, J Zone and Huskie are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill. Denison is also engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Denison Environmental Services division and is the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: exploration (including drilling) and evaluation activities, plans and objectives; the results of Denison's PEA; plans and objectives with respect to updating its resource estimates and preparing a PFS; and Denison's percentage in its properties and its plans and agreements with its joint venture partners, as applicable. Statements relating to "mineral reserves" or "mineral resources" are deemed to be forward-looking information, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the mineral reserves and mineral resources described can be profitably produced in the future. Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Factors, such as environmental impacts, stakeholder approvals, and capital needs can significant alter plans and achievements. Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be accurate and may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the factors discussed in Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 23, 2017 under the heading "Risk Factors". These factors are not, and should not be construed as being exhaustive. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking information and the assumptions made with respect thereto speaks only as of the date of this press release. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this press release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in Denison's expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation. Cautionary Note to United States Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources: This press release may use the terms "measured", "indicated" and "inferred" mineral resources. United States investors are advised that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission does not recognize them. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of measured or indicated mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves. United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource exists, or is economically or legally mineable. Contacts: Denison Mines Corp. David Cates President and Chief Executive Officer (416) 979-1991 ext. 362 Denison Mines Corp. Sophia Shane Investor Relations (604) 689-7842 www.denisonmines.com Follow Denison on Twitter @DenisonMinesCo TORONTO, 2018-01-04 13:00 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BELGRAVIA CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL INC. (CSE:BLGV) (OTCQB:BLGVF) ("Belgravia Capital", "Belgravia", or the "Company") is pleased to announce the execution of a letter of intent with R&D Pharma (the "Letter of Intent"), to collaborate in the development of Belgravia's distributed and decentralized blockchain medical cannabis provenance and quality attestation database. R&D Pharma Corp., a Canadian private company, is building a vertically integrated medical cannabis business in the Country of Jamaica. Jamaica has sophisticated medical cannabis laws in place consistent with the best in class laws of Canada and Israel. Further, well recognized international regulated cannabis production and distribution companies are establishing footholds in Jamaica due to the recognized quality of the strains and, also Jamaica's history of medical research in this space. For example, Dr. Henry Lowe of Kingston, Jamaica, a specialist in medicinal chemistry, a chemistry-based discipline involving biological, medical and pharmaceutical sciences, has contributed 50 years to the fields of biotechnology ethical drug development, including drug regulatory validated cannabis sativa products, for conditions such as nausea, pain, appetite stimulation, motion sickness, inflammation, and high ocular pressure which can lead to glaucoma. The provisions of the Letter of Intent with R&D Pharma include: -- R&D will provide validated input data regarding concentration of Cannabinoids in products, and other active ingredients, and levels of any impurities which will be required to be consistent with established standards; -- R&D will provide references on the blockchain will be provided to off-chain documents including hash indexes to reports of independent analytical labs for microbiology, heavy metals, pesticides, and metabolites; -- Belgravia will invite R&D to be a permissioned node on the distributed blockchain; and -- Revenue sharing models will be negotiated in due course, and as business cases are further evaluated, and a significant number of additional industry players, regulators, and consumer conduits are established through social media marketing and other consumer outreach forums. It is anticipated that medical cannabis provenance and attestation data will be encapsulated on the blockchain in both native and encrypted format, and that detailed supporting hash-proven documents will be searchable through hash indexes on the blockchain-validated blocks associated with unencrypted identifiers of products, strains, and other relevant parts of the seed to sale production blockchain. The blocks will by searchable by domestic and international consumers, governments, and industry players and other interested stakeholders or parties. Mr. Mehdi Azodi, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Belgravia stated: "As we have previously communicated we are advancing carefully thought out plans for the development of Blockchain distributed databases as a service to retail consumers, and as a value-added technology for the medical cannabis industry. This work will require the building out of a team of conceptual thinkers in blockchain business applications, programmers, and marketers to both industry players and consumers. Well thought out user interfaces will need to be developed to support easily accessible consumer searches from smart phones and point of sales terminals, as well as personal computers, where software can be downloaded to nodes. Although some degree of decentralisation will be maintained in the structure of the medical cannabis attestation blockchain, a trusted and fully disclosed consortium will grant read write permissions to other participants. The consortium will be subject to thorough governance and audit. Consortium blockchains will be standard for blockchains being developed in various industries where the intention is to provide consumer-friendly transparency and social responsibility to consumers, regulators, governments, and all other stakeholders. Customers and the public will be able to validate inputs by accessing off-chain database documents, likely for a reasonable fee. Belgravia is proud to be part of this industry and these developments." Mr. Azodi continued: "In addition to these developments, the company has invested approximately $675,000 as it commences to build a portfolio of strategic research and development investments in companies which will provide value-added services to Belgravia in terms of profitable ideas and relationships. The Company plans to establish a royalty division." About Belgravia Capital Belgravia Capital International is focused on the provision of clearly value-added services to the international legal Cannabis industry. This includes the production of specialized organic fertilizers for Cannabis Sativa plants, and the organization and development of blockchain technology software for seed-to-sale tracking and quality attestation of intermediate and consumer products. The wholly-owned subsidiary of Belgravia, ICP Organics, is a research and development company incorporating agronomic and health perspectives in the Cannabis space. Belgravia is also developing a royalty-streaming subsidiary. Belgravia Capital intends to establish joint research and development partnerships with Licensed Producers operating under ACMPR regulations in Canada and in other jurisdictions where medicinal cannabis is fully legal. Belgravia Capital may invest in various private and public companies in diversified sectors on an opportunistic basis. For more information, please visit www.belgraviacapital.ca. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding planned investment activities & related returns, trends in the markets for fertilizers and medicinal or recreational use of cannabis, the timing or assurance of the legalization of recreational cannabis, the timing for completion of research and development activities, the potential value of royalties from water and other resources, and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, changes in market trends, the completion, results and timing of research undertaken by the Company, risks associated with resource assets, the impact of general economic conditions, commodity prices, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory, environmental, and governmental approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing, and risks associated with cannabis use for medicinal or recreational purposes. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. For More Information, Please Contact: Mehdi Azodi, President & CEO Belgravia Capital (416) 779-3268 mazodi@blgv.ca CHARLOTTE (dpa-AFX) - Merrill Lynch has banned its clients and financial advisers from buying bitcoin-related investments due to concerns over the investment standard of the cryptocurrency and related products, reports said Wednesday, citing an internal memo circulated among the firm's brokers and clients. The ban covers all accounts and prevents the brokerage firm's roughly 17,000 advisers from pitching bitcoin-linked investments and executing client request to trade the Grayscale's Bitcoin Investment Trust, or GBTC, the Wall Street Journal and Reuters reported citing an unnamed source. The decision to ban new purchases of GBTC was driven by 'concerns pertaining to suitability and eligibility standards of this product', the memo said. The Bank of America's brokerage arm had put the ban in place on December 8, just before the launch of the first US bitcoin futures. Further, the memo said clients with existing positions in bitcoin and related investments can maintain them, but those with fee-based accounts must sell their holdings. Bitcoin Investment Trust is run by Grayscale Investments that was founded by a prominent cryptocurrency supporter Barry Silbert. The fund is traded in the over-the-counter market. In the past 12 months, the fund gave a return of over 1,565 percent versus bitcoin's 1,336 appreciation. Traditional finance is yet to welcome bitcoin entirely into the mainstream though the Chicago exchanges have started futures trading in the digital currency. Many prominent bankers such as JP Morgan's Jamie Dimon has called it a 'fraud' and warned that it is an investment bubble waiting to burst anytime. The price of Bitcoin was $14,615.38 as of 5 am ET on Thursday, according to coinbase. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - January 04, 2018) - Luxe Energy LLC ("Luxe Energy") and Luxe Minerals LLC ("Luxe Minerals") (collectively, "Luxe") are pleased to announce the successful closing of an upsize in total combined available capital commitments to $820 million. The new commitment upsize from co-investors, combined with the existing commitment from NGP through NGP Natural Resources XI, L.P. and the Luxe management team, represents the largest dry equity commitment in the history of NGP. Luxe Energy's strategy is to acquire unconventional properties in oil and liquids rich basins throughout the United States and to apply innovative technologies to drive operational excellence. Luxe Minerals' strategy is to acquire mineral and royalty interests in oil and liquids-rich basins throughout the United States and to leverage the technical expertise and large-scale data analytics of the Luxe Energy management team. The Austin, Texas based Luxe Energy most recently divested its Delaware Basin assets to a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc. for $560 million in only eighteen months from formation. Co-founders A. Lance Langford and Jeff Larson have worked together for over 26 years at Burlington Resources and more recently as executives at Statoil. Prior to joining Statoil, Lance and Jeff served as executives for Brigham Exploration ("Brigham") and drove Brigham's success in the Bakken. Lance and Jeff continued to manage Brigham's significant growth in the play through the merger with Statoil in 2011 until leaving to form Luxe in 2015. A. Lance Langford, Chief Executive Officer of Luxe commented, "We are excited by the continued vote of confidence received from NGP and the shared vision for Luxe Energy's and Luxe Minerals' paths to success. This upsize equity raise will further empower Luxe to capitalize on the exceptional opportunities found in today's market for unconventional resources." "NGP is pleased to provide additional capital to the Luxe management team," Tony Weber, Managing Partner of NGP, said. "Their strong pipeline of actionable opportunities continues to impress and warrant additional capital investment. We have an extremely high degree of confidence in the technical and operational skillset of this team and their ability to execute on building two great businesses." For more information about Luxe, please visit www.luxeenergy.com. About NGP Founded in 1988, NGP is a premier private equity firm in the natural resources industry with approximately $17 billion of cumulative equity commitments organized to make strategic investments in the energy and natural resources sectors. For more information about NGP, please visit www.ngpenergycapital.com Contact: A. Lance Langford Chief Executive Officer 512-640-3280 llangford@luxeenergy.com Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals (Pierre Fabre) and Boston Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Boston Pharmaceuticals) today announced they have entered into a worldwide licensing agreement for Pierre Fabre's selective potassium channel blocker, F17727. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005644/en/ F17727 is a small molecule in late preclinical development for the potential treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Under the terms of the agreement, Pierre Fabre grants Boston Pharmaceuticals worldwide exclusive rights for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of F17727. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. "While our R&D and commercial focus has shifted away from cardiology, we are committed to ensuring that promising compounds are advanced through strategic partnerships to the benefit of patients," said Frederic Duchesne, President CEO, Pierre Fabre Pharmaceuticals. "Boston Pharmaceuticals' R&D excellence, collaborative approach and dedication to patients aligns well with our mission and we are pleased to enter this agreement with them for F17727 "This agreement, with such a patient-driven and innovative partner as Pierre Fabre, marks a further significant step in our plan to assemble a diverse portfolio of clinical candidates across a broad range of mechanisms and therapeutic targets. F17727 represents the seventh addition to our rapidly advancing pipeline and our first candidate that addresses cardiovascular disease," said Robert Armstrong, Chief Executive Officer of Boston Pharmaceuticals. "We believe F17727 works through a potentially differentiated, highly selective mechanism with the potential to treat atrial fibrillation and look forward to advancing this candidate to further evaluate its potential." About Pierre Fabre With a portfolio representing a continuum of activities spanning from prescription drugs and consumer healthcare products to dermo-cosmetics, Pierre Fabre is the 2nd largest dermo-cosmetics laboratory in the world, the 2nd largest private French pharmaceutical group and the market leader in France for products sold over the counter in pharmacies. Its portfolio includes several global brands and franchises among which Eau Thermale Avene the worldwide dermo-cosmetic market leader Klorane, Ducray, Rene Furterer, A-Derma, Galenic, Elancyl, Naturactive, Pierre Fabre Health Care, Pierre Fabre Oral Care, Pierre Fabre Dermatologie and Pierre Fabre Oncologie. In 2016, Pierre Fabre generated 2,282 million euros in revenues, of which 60% came from its international business and 59% from its dermo-cosmetics division. Pierre Fabre, which has always been headquartered in the South-West of France, counts more than 13,000 employees worldwide, owns subsidiaries and offices in 47 countries and enjoys distribution agreements in over 130 countries. In 2016, Pierre Fabre dedicated ca. 195 million euros to its R&D efforts, split between oncology, central nervous system, consumer healthcare, dermatology and dermo-cosmetics. Pierre Fabre is 86%-owned by the Pierre Fabre Foundation, a government-recognized public-interest foundation, and secondarily by its own employees through an international employee stock ownership plan. The independent French certification group AFNOR audited Pierre Fabre for its corporate social responsibility policy at the "exemplary" level, according to the ISO 26000 standard for CSR. For more information, please visit www.pierre-fabre.com. About Boston Pharmaceuticals Boston Pharmaceuticals (the "Company") is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing differentiated therapeutics. By leveraging a highly experienced drug development team, Boston Pharmaceuticals is building a portfolio of high value clinical candidates addressing important unmet medical needs. The Company partners with innovative biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical companies and academic groups to acquire or in-license drug development candidates at late stages of pre-clinical development through early stages of clinical development. Following completion of human proof-of-concept trials, Boston Pharmaceuticals intends to partner successful development candidates to larger pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies for registration and commercialization, or alternatively build its own late stage portfolio, enabling the best molecules to reach patients while creating downstream value for the innovator and the Company. Boston Pharmaceuticals is funded by Gurnet Point Capital and is building a diversified portfolio of clinical candidates across multiple therapeutic areas. For more information, please visit www.bostonpharmaceuticals.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005644/en/ Contacts: Pierre Fabre Valerie Roucoules, (33) 1 49 10 83 84 valerie.roucoules@pierre-fabre.com or Boston Pharmaceuticals MacDougall Biomedical Communications Kari Watson, 781-235-3060 kwatson@macbiocom.com LONDON, 2018-01-04 14:05 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The pharmaceuticals industry is going through one of its most exciting periods yet. Generic pharmaceuticals have taken off, leading to much more innovation in the market and a wave of consolidation across the US. Keeping on top of all these changes is Robert Wessman, CEO and founder of pharmaceuticals organisation Alvogen. His knack for spotting industry developments has seen the company soar to great heights and become a pharmaceutical leader. Wessman recently spoke to World Finance magazine, in a three-part video series, to share his knowledge - and predictions - for the pharmaceutical market. Though only created in 2009, Alvogen has grown substantially over the years. Wessman discusses its inception in the video series; astonishingly, the vision for Alvogen was initially sketched out on a napkin. Wessman had met investors in a New York restaurant and it was the easiest way to communicate his pharmaceutical vision. They were sold. Today, Alvogen's ability to thrive in one of the world's most competitive sectors is underpinned by its fast responses to industry movements and strong team. Later on in the video series, Wessman gives his top tips for leadership, explaining what traits are needed in order to make a business work. He also explains why it's so important to know what you're looking for in recruitment - so as to build the perfect team. For some of the best insights in the generics pharmaceutical industry, go to World Finance online - where the three-part video series is available: https://www.worldfinance.com/videos/alvogen-founder-generic-drug-price-wars-will -drive-consolidation https://www.worldfinance.com/videos/i-took-my-napkin-and-off-we-went-robert-wess mans-billion-dollar-vision https://www.worldfinance.com/videos/robert-wessman-a-leader-must-be-able-to-act- when-most-others-dont World News Media is a leading publisher of quality financial and business magazines, which enjoys a global distribution network that includes subscriber lists of prominent decision-makers around the world. CONTACT INFORMATION World News Media Elizabeth Matsangou Editorial Department +44 (0)20 7553 4162 elizabeth.matsangou@wnmedia.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A controversial forthcoming book on the Trump White House, which has already sent shock waves after blunt revelations from his former chief strategist Steve Bannon, has gone on top of Amazone's best-sellers. Journalist Michael Wolff's book 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' is scheduled to release next Tuesday. But, by 3 p.m. ET Wednesday, it was ranked No. 1 on the online trader's best-selling books list. The Guardian and New York Magazine posted excerpts of the book in which Bannon is quoted as saying some remarkable comments about the Trump family and the Russia investigation. According to Brannon, Trump did not want to be the president, and was shocked and horrified by his election win. The First Lady Melania was reportedly in tears on election night - not of joy, but on knowing about the surprising electoral victory of her billionaire husband. With extraordinary access to the Trump White House, Michael Wolff tells the inside story of the most controversial US presidency of modern time. In this explosive book, he provides an array of new details about the chaos in the Oval Office. Among the revelations are what President Trump's staff really thinks of him; what inspired Trump to claim he was wire-tapped by President Obama; why FBI director James Comey was dismissed; and who is really directing the Trump administration's strategy after Bannon was fired from the job. A second excerpt will come out on Thursday, and the controversial media columnist will be interviewed on NBC's 'Today' show on Friday, CNN reports. Meanwhile, Trump's lawyers issued a legal notice demanding that Bannon stop making disparaging comments about Trump and his family. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - With the release of the closely watched monthly jobs report looming, the Labor Department released a report on Thursday showing an unexpected uptick in first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits in the week ended December 30th. The report said initial jobless claims edged up to 250,000, an increase of 3,000 from the previous week's revised level of 247,000. The increase surprised economists, who had expected jobless claims to drop to 240,000 from the 245,000 originally reported for the previous week. 'We wouldn't read too much into that increase, however,' said Paul Ashworth, Chief U.S. Economist at Capital Economics. 'Claims are notoriously volatile at the best of times and particularly around holidays.' 'The bottom line is that claims remain at an unusually low level, providing more evidence of labor market strength,' he added. The less volatile four-week moving average rose to 241,750, an increase of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average of 238,250. The Labor Department noted claims taking procedures continue to be disrupted in the Virgin Islands, while the claims taking process in Puerto Rico has still not returned to normal. Meanwhile, the report said continuing claims, a reading on the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment assistance, fell by 37,000 to 1.914 million in the week ended December 23rd. The four-week moving average of continuing clams still crept up to 1,922,500, an increase of 750 from the previous week's revised average of 1,921,750. On Friday, the Labor Department is due to release its more closely watched monthly employment report for December. The report is expected to show an increase of about 190,000 jobs in December following the jump of 228,000 jobs in November. The unemployment rate is expected to hold at 4.1 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de MONTREAL, QUEBEC and QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS -- (Marketwired) -- 01/04/18 -- Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA) announced today that its subsidiary Atlantic Broadband has completed the acquisition of cable systems owned by Harron Communications, L.P. and operating under the MetroCast brand name ("MetroCast"). Atlantic Broadband raised US$1.85 billion of secured debt through a combination of term loan B and revolving credit facility financings as well as US$315 million of equity through an investment by Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec ("CDPQ") for a 21% interest in Atlantic Broadband's holding company. These proceeds were used to finance the US$1.4 billion purchase price and to refinance Atlantic Broadband's existing debt. With the completion of this transaction, Atlantic Broadband will expand its operations across 11 states on the east coast of the United States. On a pro forma basis, the combined company will have 1,250 employees and will generate over US$710 million in combined revenue. As of today, MetroCast will maintain its existing brand name and will continue to offer its current TV, Internet and Phone services to business and residential customers. Starting in spring of 2018, MetroCast will begin offering a suite of enhanced services under the Atlantic Broadband brand name. "After our highly successful acquisition and integration of the MetroCast Connecticut system more than two years ago, we understand the significant residential and business growth potential in this business," said Richard Shea, Atlantic Broadband President and Chief Executive Officer. "A core strength of MetroCast has been its excellent operational and service team. We are pleased to welcome all MetroCast operating employees, including the local General Managers, to the Atlantic Broadband family. We look forward to working together to launch new and improved TV, Internet and Phone services to residential and business customers in these markets." "This acquisition establishes Atlantic Broadband as a strategic platform in the U.S. with a diverse footprint extending up the East Coast from Florida to Maine," said Louis Audet, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cogeco Communications Inc., the parent company of Atlantic Broadband. "It has been a great opportunity to partner with CDPQ for this transaction and we look forward to working with them to continue to grow this business in the U.S." ABOUT ATLANTIC BROADBAND Atlantic Broadband, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA), is the 9th largest cable operator in the United States, based on the number of television service customers served. The company provides its residential and business customers with Internet, TV and Phone services in 11 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Atlantic Broadband is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. To learn more about Atlantic Broadband, please visit www.atlanticbb.com. ABOUT COGECO COMMUNICATIONS INC. Cogeco Communications Inc. is a communications corporation. It is the 8th largest cable operator in North America, operating in Canada under the Cogeco Connexion name in Quebec and Ontario, and in the United States under the Atlantic Broadband name in 11 states along the East Coast, from Maine to Florida. Cogeco Communications Inc. provides its residential and business customers with Internet, video and telephony services through its two-way broadband fibre networks. Through its subsidiary Cogeco Peer 1, Cogeco Communications Inc. provides its business customers with a suite of information technology services (colocation, network connectivity, hosting, cloud and managed services), through its 16 data centres, extensive FastFiber Network and more than 50 points of presence in North America and Europe. Cogeco Communications Inc.'s subordinate voting shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CCA). ABOUT CAISSE DE DEPOT ET PLACEMENT DU QUEBEC Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) is a long-term institutional investor that manages funds primarily for public and parapublic pension and insurance plans. As at June 30, 2017, it held $286.5 billion in net assets. As one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers, CDPQ invests globally in major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. For more information, visit cdpq.com, follow us on Twitter @LaCDPQ or consult our Facebook or LinkedIn pages. Contacts: Atlantic Broadband Diane Carragher, Matter Communications 978-518-4509 atlanticBB@matternow.com Cogeco Communications Inc. Nancy Bouffard Director, Corporate Communications 514-764-4700 Investor and Analyst Contact Cogeco Communications Inc. Andree Pinard Vice President and Treasurer 514-764-4700 MUMBAI, INDIA, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Highly recommended, Who's Who in Russia is an outstanding biographical reference work containing comprehensive information on the key figures in Russia. Due to the strength of their achievements and their influential positions, these prominent individuals have become highly esteemed in public life. Bharat Book Bureau announces the addition of the report "Who's Who in Russia 2018" to its offering. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130128/590935 ) The biographies include data and place of birth, career highlights, awards, academic education and special contributions to the public interest or economic progress which were instrumental in making these individuals well known. Each honoree provides a role model of excellence whether in government, business, academic, religion, media or public service. These individuals exemplify the wealth of talent and leadership with which Russia is blessed, and it is fitting that their accomplishments are being acknowledged in this way. Get a sample of Who's Who in Russia 2018 Report: https://www.bharatbook.com/request-sample/557597 The Who's Who also surveys the country in detail from a historical, political and economic perspective. Comprehensive background information such as details on the functions and activities of government, official awards and other relevant facts from the world of politics and economics further a fuller understanding of this great country Biographical Section: This section of the Who's Who sets out precise biographical details on eminent individuals from every sphere of activity - government, politics, the diplomatic service, the military, administration, science, legal professions, finance, arts, education, music, medicine, literature etc. Entries include: Nationality; date and place of birth; education; marital and family details; past career and current position; honours; awards and publications; leisure interests; current address and contact details. Survey of Russia Section: In this section you can find details on Russia in a matter of seconds. It gives you a breakdown of the following subjects - companies and organizations in Russia, history, constitution, economy and culture, containing information on: Head of State: Government Departments Addresses Of Embassies And Consulates Important Banking/Financial Institutions Major Companies Universities The Media; Cultural And Tourist Centres. Who's Who in Russia remains quite indispensable as a superb one-stop research tool which records the lives and achievements of recognised established Russian personalities and those rising to prominence. Valuable and unique, Who's Who in Russia will prove an invaluable acquisition for researchers, academic, public, and business libraries, and to governments, corporations, the media, organizations and anyone needing up-to-date information on Russia. To know more about report and who is it suited for, head over to: https://www.bharatbook.com/business-market-research-reports-557597/whos-who-russia.html About Bharat Book Bureau: Bharat Book Bureauis the leading market research information provider for market research reports, company profiles, industry analysis, country reports , business reports, newsletters and online databases Bharat Book Bureau provides over a million reports from more than 400 publishers around the globe. We cover sectors starting from Aeronautics to Zoology.In case the reports don't match your requirement then we can do a specialized Custom Research for you. Contact us: Bharat Book Bureau W: http://www.bharatbook.com E: info@bharatbook.com P: +91-22-27810772 / 27810773 LinkedIn:http://www.linkedin.com/company/bharat-book-bureau Twitter:https://twitter.com/researchbook Blog:https://www.bharatbook.com/blog/ A team from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass) have developed a polymer based energy storage system, which releases energy on demand as heat. The scientists say that their system utilizes a polymer chain 'organized like a string of Christmas lights' and can achieve more than double the storage density of previous polymer based systems.A new battery being developed by scientists at UMass could provide an alternative to lithium storage. The battery stores energy in chemical bonds, releasing it as heat rather than electricity. According to research published in the journal Scientific Reports, the system developed was able to achieve an average storage density of 510 joules/gram, and a maximum of 690, compared with previous polymeric storage systems, whose density was in the range of 200 joules/gram. "Theory says that we should be able to achieve 800 ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recent global automotive body control module (BCM) marketreport from 2017-2021. This market research report also lists 10 other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005523/en/ Technavio has published a new market research report on the global automotive body control module market 2017-2021 under their automotive library. (Graphic: Business Wire) Competitive vendor landscape The global automotive BCM market is facing intense competition due to the presence of large players in the market. The major reason for the increasing rivalry between the players is the increasing cost pressure because of the increasing electronic content in vehicles. The increasing electronic content in vehicles demands the integration of various sensors in a module. According to Amey Vikram, a lead analyst at Technavio forautomotive electronics research, "The increasing demand for auto electronics increases the need for automotive BCM. The use of multiple BCMs in luxury cars is increasing competition among players. During the forecast period, the auto electronics manufacturers that make automotive ECUs are anticipated to enter the manufacture of automotive BCM, which is also a type of ECU." Avail Technavio's Year-End Special offer: Get 50% off on this report and all other reports covering industries like ICT; energy; food and beverage; healthcare and life sciences; automotive; industrial automation; education; and many more. Offer valid only from Dec 18 Jan 7 Technaviomarket research analysts identify the following key vendors: Bosch Bosch is the world's largest supplier of automotive components. The core products offered by the company include automotive components, industrial products, and building products. Automotive components contribute to 60% of the total revenue. The BCM provided by Bosch acts as the integration platform for several applications such as internal lighting applications and external lighting applications. Continental Continental offers products and services for the automotive and rubber industries. The company engages in the manufacture of soft rubber products, rubberized fabrics, solid tires for carriages and bicycles, and automotive electronics. The BCM or central BCM offered by the company has several functions such as external lighting, interior lighting, windshield wipers, windshield washer systems, and central locking systems. Delphi Delphi is a global technology company that provides a wide range of products and solutions for the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors. The company's products help in making vehicles safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. Delphi BCM links its inputs and outputs with powerful microprocessors. Delphi BCM uses ASIC and surface mounted devices (SMD) to make the body electronic components to be small and reliable. DENSO DENSO supplies advanced automotive technologies, systems, and components to established players in the automotive industry. DENSO offers a variety of automotive products and technologies such as powertrain control systems, electronic systems, thermal systems, information and safety systems, and small motors. Inverter power conditioning unit (PCU) offered by the company consists of an inverter and other devices that regulate the current flow from the battery to the electric motor. HELLA HELLA is an internationally operating automotive supplier operating out of Germany. The company develops and manufactures lighting and electronic components and systems for the automotive industry. The company offers automotive EMS components, such as actuators, body electronics, driver assistance systems, and sensors. Looking for more information on this market? Request a free sample report Technavio's sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report including the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more. Browse Related Reports: Global Automotive Fuel Level Sensor Market 2017-2021 Global Electric Vehicle Battery Current Sensor Market 2017-2021 Global Automotive Power Folding Mirror Systems Market 2017-2021 About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 10,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005523/en/ Contacts: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 www.technavio.com The KOHLER Experience Center by Expressions Home Gallery will serve design professionals and consumers by offering a global immersion in the full offering of KOHLER products LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 4, 2018 / Premier showroom brand, Expressions Home Gallery and Kohler Co., a global leader in the design and manufacture of kitchen and bath products, joined the Los Angeles market with the opening of a new KOHLER Experience Center (KEC LAX). The new Showroom opened its doors at 8955 W. Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood on December 5, 2017. Located in West Hollywood, KEC LAX is one of just seven in the world and one of two in the United States. This location offers consumers and design professionals the widest array of functioning products from KOHLER, Kallista and Robern, as well as Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, the industry leaders in premium refrigeration, wine preservation and cooking equipment. The two story, 10,000 square-foot space houses more than 20 bath vignettes and five full kitchen vignettes to enable customers to fully immerse themselves in the design experience and functionality of the superior products. This includes the Experience Center within KEC LAX, which is a space specifically designed to give customers a private, product trial to fully experience products and gain a deeper knowledge of how the products work within a space. "Our KOHLER Experience Center location in Los Angeles offers an unparalleled service experience that we are excited for our west coast consumers and trade professionals to have at their fingertips," said Mike Swedick, President of MORSCO Plumbing Division. "A Kohler team of experts along with our knowledgeable product consultants will be available to guide guests through the expansive product floor. Our partnership with Kohler has produced great customer-centric showrooms, including our recently opened Kohler Signature Store in Culver City, and we plan to continue creating unique and comprehensive shopping experiences for our consumers, which is what is embodied in the Los Angeles location." KEC LAX will be open seven days a week, welcoming walk-ins. For more information visit www.kohlerexperiencecenterlax.com. Launched in 2014, Expressions Home Gallery is the premier showroom brand for the MORSCO platform companies. MORSCO, Inc. is a Fort Worth, Texas-based distributor of commercial and residential plumbing products; heating and cooling equipment (HVAC); pipe, valves and fittings (PVF); and underground utility products. Photo Caption: MORSCO executives join Kohler President and CEO, David Kohler, center, for the grand opening of the new Kohler Experience Center in West Hollywood on December 5, 2017. From left to right are MORSCO's Bryan Schiff, Senior Vice President, Plumbing Operations; Kerry Warren, Chief Financial Officer; Ron Bohannon, Vice President, Plumbing Sales; and Mike Swedick, President, Plumbing. About MORSCO MORSCO is a leading U.S. distributor of commercial and residential plumbing, waterworks and HVAC supplies. The company was founded in Fort Worth, Texas, and is now one of the fastest growing in its market. MORSCO is a private company sponsored by Advent International and led by a team of industry veterans. The MORSCO family of brands consists of Express Pipe & Supply Co. (CA); Farnsworth Wholesale Supply (AZ); Morrison Supply Company (TX, OK, NM, KS); Murray Supply Company (NC, SC, VA); Wholesale Specialties (CO), DeVore & Johnson (GA); Fortiline Waterworks (AL, AZ, FL, GA, KS, KY, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA) and MORSCO's premier showroom offering in these markets, Expressions Home Gallery. For additional information regarding MORSCO or any of its brands, please visit www.MorscoUSA.com. About Expressions Home Gallery Expressions Home Gallery is the premier showroom brand for the MORSCO platform companies. Expressions Home Gallery associates have dedicated industry experience and the business' history dates back to 1917. The showroom offers kitchen & bath products, lighting fixtures, hardware, Sub-Zero appliances and more. Each sales consultant is a highly trained industry expert who can assist in guiding customers down the right path to achieve the home of their dreams. For more information, please visit www.ExpressionsHomeGallery.com. CONTACT: Lara Price, Branding & Communications Specialist, Plumbing & Showrooms MORSCO 100 East 15th Street, Ste. 200, Fort Worth, TX 76102 (817) 870-2227 llprice@morsco.com SOURCE: MORSCO DUBLIN, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Mobile Analytics Market 2017-2021" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering. The global mobile analytics market to grow at a CAGR of 20.36% during the period 2017-2021. Global Mobile Analytics Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market. One trend in the market is growing focus on BI. Organizations are investing in BI and analytics to improve the decision-making capabilities of enterprises. This integration with mobile platforms has helped analytics solutions to become comprehensive. BI solutions combined with analytics are capable of handling a large amount of unstructured data to help identify and analyze business patterns. In most cases, BI applications collate data from data warehouses, analyze the data, and provide a decision-support system. According to the report, one driver in the market is emergence of big data. Big data is the set of structured and unstructured data in an organization that cannot be processed using a structured database and software implementation. Organizations collect information about their customers through cache data and their browsing habits. This raw data is converted into business intelligence by using mobile analytic tools and is used to make business decisions. In addition, this technology allows organizations to use historical data in combination with present insights for the prediction of future outcomes. Further, the report states that one challenge in the market is lack of skilled analytics professionals. The mobile analytics model is a relatively new technology for most enterprises, which do not have the experience of working with analytics vendors. Hence, it has become one of the most challenging factors for organizations. The lack of confidence or experience of analytics vendors to perform tasks is decreasing the adoption rate of mobile analytics. In many cases, inexperienced users do not recognize the sources of data and are not able to analyze them properly. Enterprises providing cost-effective IT infrastructure are also concerned if the vendors can provide them with a good ROI. Moreover, as cloud computing does not have universally recognized standards, end-users face issues when framing compliance standards or while switching services from one cloud service provider to another. Market trends Growing focus on BI Increase in adoption of BYOD policy Integration with social media SaaS-based predictive analytics Key vendors Adobe Systems Amazon Web Services Google IBM Microsoft Other prominent vendors Adjust Amplitude Appsee CA Technologies Flurry (Yahoo!) Localytics Segment Upsight Webtrends Key Topics Covered: Part 01: Executive Summary Part 02: Scope Of The Report Part 03: Research Methodology Part 04: Introduction Part 05: Market Landscape Part 06: Market Sizing Part 07: Five Forces Analysis Part 08: Market Segmentation By Platform Part 09: Market Segmentation By End-User Part 10: Regional Landscape Part 11: Buying Criteria Part 12: Decision Framework Part 13: Drivers And Challenges Part 14: Market Trends Part 15: Vendor Landscape Part 16: Vendor Analysis Part 17: Appendix For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/xqpbpp/global_mobile?w=5 Media Contact: Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/04/18 -- ME Resources Corp. (the Company) has announced a transaction that will be considered a Fundamental Change pursuant to CSE Policy 8 . Trading in MEC has been halted and will remain halted at least until the documentation required under sections 1.6 and 1.7 of Policy 8 have been reviewed and accepted by the Exchange and posted to the Exchange website. During the halt, no Dealer may quote or trade in the security in any marketplace or over-the-counter, either as principal or agent. The halt is considered a Regulatory Halt as defined in National Instrument 23-101 Trading Rules. For further information about the transaction, see the news releases issued by the Company No information about the transaction or the status of the confidential review process will be provided by the Exchange, except through the publication of a bulletin. Contacts: Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) Listings (416) 367-7340 Listings@thecse.com www.thecse.com EAST WINDSOR, CT / ACCESSWIRE / January 4, 2018 / Insuritas, operating at the intersection of InsurTECH and FinTECH, successfully launched its i-Insure technology platform with 42 of the nation's leading auto and home insurance carriers today. i-Insure allows P&C carriers to leverage the real-time exchange of over 180 fields of data to deliver bindable rates within the Insuritas multi-channel virtual agency platform that provides insurance shopping to over 9 million retail households. The i-Insure technology allows carriers to quickly drive their latest innovations with products and pricing to our clients' customers as they shop for all of their auto and home insurance needs. i-Insure is built into our omnichannel master agency and is integrated with our partner bank and credit union loan origination and online banking platforms. Jeff Chesky, CEO of Insuritas, noted, "We have built powerful, trusted partnerships with the nation's leading auto and home insurance carriers, and have emerged as one of the fastest growing insurance distributors in the country with our third consecutive year of 40% + growth in profitable premium. Our goal was to build out an open technology platform that would allow us to move massive amounts of data seamlessly between our clients, their customers, and our carrier partners, and integrate with the burgeoning pool of third-party data that helps our carriers to compete and win profitable business. The i-Insure technology allows our omnichannel platform to deliver the right combinations of coverage and pricing that our high quality insureds expect. As our bank and credit union partners deploy our virtual insurance agency platforms deeper inside their ecosystems and leverage their trusted customer and member relationships, we can now further refine personalized insurance shopping and buying to the over 9 million customers in our addressable market." Tracy O'Brien, CTO of Insuritas, continued, "We are committed to supporting our carrier partners as they pursue innovation, data analytics, robotic process automation, machine learning, blockchain technology, and artificial intelligence, all in an effort to further refine their products, pricing, and conversion rates. A year in the making in collaboration with our carrier partners, i-Insure is a unique, agnostic multichannel middleware that allows our carrier partners to deploy their innovations real-time. Their innovations will allow them to write more profitable premium and allow us to deliver the right combinations of coverages at the right price to our clients over 9 million customers." About Insuritas Insuritas has reengineered insurance distribution in America, simply changing the way insurance works - by building a scalable platform that currently has a comprehensive knowledge of and active engagement with nearly 9 million retail and 1.4 million small business insurance buyers. Insuritas has reengineered insurance by building complex, private labeled insurance agency solutions embedded into the financial services industry, enabling these firms to own a turn-key insurance agency and offer their customers a comprehensive set of insurance and risk management products through a white-labeled, digitally-optimized solution installed, managed, and optimized by Insuritas. Insuritas has solved the most intractable problem for the $1.3T insurance vertical in the US; building a single fully integrated platform that can connect the over 300M+ insurance buyers in the US and all of their annual insurance needs to insurance carriers in a single, virtual insurance agency eco-system, collapsing the fragmented and antiquated customer acquisition, quoting and policy issuance model and finally replacing it with the IoT. Click www.insuritas.com for additional information. Contact: Jeffery Chesky 860-653-1134 SOURCE: Insuritas TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 01/04/18 -- On December 19, 2017, Marquest 2017-I Mining Super Flow-Through Limited Partnership - Quebec Class (the "Acquiror") which is located at 161 Bay Street, Suite 4420, Toronto, Ontario, M5J 2S1 acquired an aggregate of 4,545,454 common shares (the "Purchased Shares") in the capital of Vanadium One Energy Corp. (the "Issuer") pursuant to a non-brokered private placement financing by the Issuer of 4,636,454 "flow-through" common shares of the Issuer at the price of $0.11 per share (the "Transaction"). The Issuer's head office is located at 1 Adelaide Street East, Suite 801, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2V9. Prior to the Transaction, the Acquiror did not hold any common shares of the Issuer. On December 19, 2017, the Acquiror acquired direct ownership and control of the Purchased Shares pursuant to the Transaction. Immediately following the completion of the Transaction, the Acquiror had ownership and control of the Purchased Shares representing approximately 13.19% of the then issued and outstanding common shares of the Issuer on a non-diluted basis. The Purchased Shares were issued from treasury of the Issuer at a price of $0.11 per share for the aggregate consideration of $499,999.94. The Purchased Shares were acquired for investment purposes. The Acquiror may, from time to time, take such actions in respect of their holdings in securities of the Issuer, as they may deem appropriate, in light of the circumstances then existing, including the purchase of additional common shares or other securities of the Issuer or the disposition of all or a portion of their securityholdings in the Issuer, subject in each case to applicable securities laws and the terms of such securities. Pursuant to NI 62-103, the Acquiror will file an early warning report in respect of the Transaction with the applicable Canadian securities regulators, a copy of which will be available under the Issuer's profile at www.sedar.com. Contacts: A copy of the early warning report can be obtained by contacting the Acquiror at (416) 777-7350 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 4, 2018) - Crown Mining Corporation (TSXV: CWM) ("Crown" or the "Company") is pleased to announce test results from its initial metallurgical testing of mineralized samples from its Moonlight and Superior copper sulfide deposits located in the Light's Creek Copper District, Plumas County, northern California. The metallurgical test work for the Moonlight deposit resulted in a copper recovery of 88% with a concentrate grade of 32.1% copper. The table below provides additional results of the test work that was completed on the Moonlight and Superior deposits: Deposit Head grade Cu (%) Head grade Ag (opt) Rougher flotation Cu recovery (%) Rougher flotation Ag recovery (%) Cleaner concentrate grade Cu (%) Cleaner concentrate grade Ag (opt) Moonlight 0.56 0.21 88.0 72.3 32.1 7.0 Superior 0.43 0.24 86.8 60.4 22.1 11.3 Crown commissioned Dr. Corby Anderson, through Allihies Engineering Incorporated, in collaboration with Continental Metallurgical Services, to undertake an initial metallurgical evaluation of Crown's copper (silver) deposits. The intention of the test program was to confirm effective flotation reagent conditions and demonstrate the recoveries and concentrate quality that can be achieved with the tested material. The Allihies-Continental metallurgical report states that good recoveries and good grade concentrates are achievable with 90% of the grind passing 100 mesh with low reagent consumption. Additional testing will be required to determine optimum grind size and reagent mix. Mineralogical analysis using AMICS (Advanced Mineral Identification and Characterization System) identified chalcopyrite and bornite as the dominant copper minerals. The report also noted the absence of iron sulfide (pyrite) in the samples as being advantageous in the flotation of the copper mineralization as well as potentially having other operational advantages. The report recommends that the next phase of testing will evaluate a regrind circuit which could enhance recoveries, particularly for the Superior deposit. These metallurgical results will be incorporated into the Preliminary Economic Assessment on the Moonlight deposit currently being prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc of Vancouver. Crown controls approximately 15 square miles of patented and unpatented federal mining claims in the Light's Creek Copper District; essentially, the entire District. The District contains substantial copper (silver) sulfide and copper oxide resources in three deposits - Moonlight, Superior and Engels, as well as several partially tested and untested exploration targets. The Superior and Engels Mines operated from about 1915-1930 producing over 161 million pounds of copper from over 4 million tons of rock containing 2.2% copper with silver and gold credits. The Moonlight Deposit was discovered and drilled by Placer Amex during the 1960's. The three deposits host the following National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") resources, calculated using ordinary kriging and a cutoff grade of 0.20% copper: Deposit Tonnes Grade Copper (tons in brackets) (%) (pounds) Moonlight (Indicated) 146 million (161mm) .324 1.04 billion Moonlight (Inferred) 88 million (88mm) .282 496 million Superior (Inferred) 54 million .41 487 million Engels - oxide (Inferred) 2.5 million 1.05 60 million Further details of these resources and the parameters used to calculate them can be found in the Technical Report on the Moonlight Copper Property dated April 12, 2007 and the Technical Report on the Superior Project dated November 7, 2014 filed on Sedar.com. Additional historical resource estimates are also disclosed in these reports. Mr. George Cole is the Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101 responsible for the technical information contained in this news release, and he has reviewed and approved this news release. For more information please see the Crown website at www.crownminingcorp.com. For Further Information Contact: Mr. Stephen Dunn, President, CEO and Director, Crown Mining Corporation (416) 361-2827 or email info@crownminingcorp.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws and regulations, including statements regarding the future activities of the Company. Forward-looking statements reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management and are identified by the use of words including "will", "anticipates", "expected to", "plans", "planned" and other similar words. Actual results may differ significantly. The achievement of the results expressed in forward-looking statements is subject to a number of risks, including those described in the Company's management discussion and analysis as filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedar.com. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements. Bicycle Therapeutics, a Cambridge, UK-based biotechnology company pioneering a new class of therapeutics based on its proprietary bicyclic peptide product platform, has been awarded a grant from Innovate UK, the UKs innovation agency. The grant will allow Bicycle technology to develop the next generation of novel antibiotics. Led by Kevin Lee, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Bicycle Therapeutics is developing a unique class of chemically synthesized medicines based on its proprietary bicyclic peptide (Bicycle) product platform to address therapeutic needs unreachable with existing treatment modalities. Bicycles internal focus is in oncology, where the company is developing targeted cytotoxics (Bicycle Toxin Conjugates), targeted innate immune activators and T-cell modulators for cancers of high unmet medical need. FinSMEs 04/01/2018 NextCapital, a Chicago, IL-based provider of enterprise digital advice platform, completion a $30m Series C financing. The round was led by Oak HC/FT, with participation from existing shareholders Manulife Financial, Transamerica Ventures, Vermont Seed Capital Fund and Route 66 Ventures. In conjunction with the funding, Oak HC/FTs Patricia Kemp will join the NextCapital Board of Directors while Oak HC/FT venture partner Dan Petrozzo will join NextCapital as a Board Observer. The company intends to use the funds to bring new digital advice capabilities to market and open up new strategic business channels. Led by John Patterson, Chief Executive Officer, NextCapital provides institutions with an integrated and configurable platform to deliver automated personal financial advice, including holistic portfolio tracking, planning, savings advice, and portfolio management across multiple channels including 401(k), IRA, and taxable brokerage accounts. The company powers digital advice strategies for leading brands such as John Hancock, Russell Investments, State Street Global Advisors, and Transamerica. FinSMEs 04/01/2018 So youre thinking about setting up a business in Europe. Great choice! There are so many reasons why setting up a business in Europe is a good move, from the opportunity to expand your business to new parts of the world, to low corporate tax links. If you are considering setting up a business in Europe, remember to complete your E111 renewal before you go, to help you should you fall ill abroad and require emergency treatment. Without further ado, find our top tips for setting up a business in Europe below. Choosing The Best Location In Europe When setting up a business in Europe, in order for your business to be successful abroad, it is paramount that you consider the best location for your business. One of the most decisive factors when it comes to choosing the best location in Europe for your business is understanding where your potential customers and suppliers are. If a majority of your customers and suppliers are located in Italy, for example, it is in your businesses favour to incorporate a company in Italy. Choosing a location you prefer over one that is most suited for your business will impact its success, which is a huge risk for you, and your business. Tax Implications The next top tip for setting up a business in Europe is to take tax implications into consideration. Most countries in Europe, including the likes of Cyprus, Hungary and Ireland, offer low corporate tax links between 10% and 15%. This is an essential factor to consider for new businesses because cash flow is far less stable at the start of incorporation, and thus nothing is secured. Registering Your Company You will be pleased to know that the company registration process across Europe are very similar, and are more than less straightforward. Whilst company incorporation usually takes up to two weeks, incorporation of your company in the likes of Portugal, Italy and Denmark only takes days to complete, depending on your business sector. Furthermore, almost all European countries have one main point of contact that handles countless administrative procedures when it comes to setting up a business in Europe, so you can feel assured that nothing will get lost between people. Seek Advice When it comes to setting up a business in Europe, we highly recommend that you seek professional advice. As you will already know, hiring an expert lawyer when starting a business is paramount at home, but even more so abroad. Ideally you should hire a lawyer who is currently living in the European country you wish to set up your business in. This is because you will know that your chosen lawyer has all the relevant skills and knowledge required to lift your business off the ground overseas. Give Yourself Time As well as seeking professional advice, remember to give yourself time. You might be excited to move abroad and get your business started, but remind yourself that all good things come to those who wait. Take time to conduct thorough research to ensure you pick the right location to allow your business flourish. Most importantly, dont expect things to happen overnight because they wont. With a little patience and determination, your business start-up abroad will be well underway. Setting up a business in Europe takes time, and is certainly a process that you shouldnt rush to complete. In order for your business to be successful in Europe, you must first choose the right location before you can even begin thinking about how you will target your new audience, but dont worry all good things take time, and with a plan, your European business with come together in no time! For 15th Finance Commission, GST will usher in higher tax buoyancy by bringing in a large number of new tax payers into the net. The 15th Finance Commission, which the government notified on 27 November, 2017, will have to first contend with the slowdown in the Indian economy. There is an upward trend in the fiscal deficits of states. The inter-governmental transfer system has become overly complex with different sharing arrangements for different taxes; the spending autonomy of the states, combined with their ability to borrow, has obstructed efforts at consolidating public finances; there is little incentive for states to improve revenue performances and revenue-sharing arrangements have led to pro-cyclical policies at the state level. The high levels of inter-governmental transfers necessitate that states ensure that provincial tax enforcement and structural reforms are strengthened. The problem with persistent off-budget spending has proved a drag on the fiscal deficits of the states. The vertical balances to the states relative to the Centre's gross revenue receipts have shown trend increases in every Finance Commission and it would not be possible to reduce the devolution without a corresponding increase in fiscal and revenue deficits of the states. The higher devolution under the 14th Finance Commission have seen marginal increases in social sector allocations. There are pressures to increase allocations to the centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) for higher expenditure on health and education. The tax buoyancies have been affected by the transition to the goods and services tax (GST) and the GST compensation to states will continue till 2022. For the 15th Finance Commission, GST will usher in higher tax buoyancy by bringing in a large number of new tax payers into the net. Higher tax collections under GST will provide the Union government room for fiscal manoeuvre yto finance the inter-governmental transfer system. On the horizontal balances, the 15th Finance Commission has the responsibility of equalising the widening gap between richer states and the low-income states. These inequalities have resulted in widely differing social and capital expenditure between the states. A large part of the equalisation effort by the 15th Finance Commission would have to be through grants-in-aid rather than devolution. The 14th Finance Commission's recommendations ushered in a new era of fiscal federalism in India. Devolution to the states significantly went up from 32 percent to 42 percent. While most countries have found it difficult to finance federal transfers of about 30 percent to the provinces, India has taken it to 42 percent. The government followed up the historic devolution with the constitution of the NITI Aayog to promote cooperative federalism and enacted a constitutional amendment to establish the GST Council. These major progressive steps were backed by restructuring the CSS allocation ratio from 75:25 to 50:50 to provide greater flexibility and ownership to the states. In turn, the states were mandated to pursue the objectives of zero revenue deficit, fiscal deficit not exceeding 3 percent of GSDP, interest payments-to-revenue receipt ratio not exceeding 10 percent and debt-to-GSDP ratio not exceeding 25 percent. Despite these historic steps, there remain challenges. The resource requirements of the power sector remain very high. In some states, the fiscal deficit with power sector allocations have climbed to around 9 percent. The deteriorating public debt dynamics caused by the requirements of the power sector's restructuring would be a major area of concern for the 15th Finance Commission. An alternate fiscal scenario would need to be considered to limit the on-budget fiscal deficits to 3 percent by including the power sector. Then, a debt-to-GSDP ratio of 25 percent greatly limits the government's borrowing needs and has the potential to curtail social sector expenditure. The NITI Aayog has pointed out that social sector expenditure has increased only marginally since the 14th Finance Commission despite an increase in total central transfers to the states by 21.9 percent. The 14th Finance Commission assessed state finances as (a) for states with above-average tax-GSDP ratio the assumed tax buoyancy was 1.05, implying a moderate increase and (b) for other states, a higher buoyancy of 1.5 was assumed. An increase in aggregate tax-GSDP ratio from 8.26 of GSDP to 9 percent in the terminal year was assumed. On the expenditure side, the 14th Finance Commission included the expenditure incurred on CSS in revenue expenditure. The expenditure was projected as 11.12 percent of GDP against 13.57 percent projected by the states. In sum, the 15th Finance Commission will review the current status of the finance, deficit, debt levels, cash balances and fiscal discipline efforts of the Union and the states and recommend a fiscal consolidation roadmap for sound fiscal management, taking into account the responsibilities of the central and state governments. The Commission may also examine whether revenue deficit grants be provided at all. The best way forward would be to adhere to the letter and spirit of the constitution by balancing the Union and state's revenue powers with expenditure responsibilities listed in the 7th schedule of the constitution, appreciate the problems raised by stakeholders, and attempt to address the contemporary issues relevant to the terms of reference. For full coverage of Union Budget 2018, click here. (V Srinivas, an IAS officer, is chairman Rajasthan Tax Board and holds additional charge of Chairman Rajasthan's Board of Revenue. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at vsrinivas@nic.in) The finance ministry on Thursday sought Parliament's nod for extra expenditure of Rs 80,000 crore towards recapitalisation of public sector banks through bonds New Delhi: The finance ministry on Thursday sought Parliament's nod for extra expenditure of Rs 80,000 crore towards recapitalisation of public sector banks through bonds. Meanwhile, sources said the proposed recapitalisation bonds to be given to public sector banks would have non-SLR status and will be non-tradeable. The Rs 80,000-crore expenditure has been sought by the government in form of the Third Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2017-18. It is part of Rs 1.35 lakh crore recapitalisation bond to be provided to the banks over two years to shore up capital adequacy of NPA-hit state-owned banks, they said. Parliament's approval has been sought for "meeting additional expenditure towards recapitalisation of Public Sector Banks through issue of government securities", said the finance ministry document. Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) is a portion of deposits that banks need to invest in government securities. The SLR status to any instrument provides traceability option and they can be traded in the secondary market. "These bonds will have non-SLR status, the official said, adding these bonds to be cash neutral for the government," sources said. Asked by when the infusion would take place, the official said this would happen soon during this quarter. Interest payout and other aspect is looked at by the Department of Economic Affairs, the official added. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in October had announced an unprecedented Rs 2.11 lakh crore two-year road map to strengthen PSBs, reeling under high non performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans. Their NPAs have increased to Rs 7.33 lakh crore as of June 2017, from Rs 2.75 lakh crore in March 2015. The plan includes floating re-capitalisation bonds of Rs 1.35 lakh crore and raising Rs 58,000 crore from the market by diluting governments stake. The move could directly stop 500,000 to 750,000 Indian H-1B visa holders from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending The US is considering new regulations aimed at preventing the extension of H-1B visas, predominantly used by Indian IT professionals, as part of President Donald Trumps Buy American, Hire American initiative, a media report has said. The move could directly stop 500,000 to 750,000 Indian H-1B visa holders from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending. The proposal which is being shared between the Department of Homeland Security Department (DHS) heads is part of Trumps Buy American, Hire American initiative promised during the 2016 campaign, US-based news agency McClatchys DC Bureau reported. It aims to impose new restrictions to prevent abuse and misuse of H-1B visas, besides ending the provision of granting extension for those who already have a green card. The act currently allows the administration to extend the H-1B visas for thousands of immigrants, predominantly Indian immigrants, beyond the allowed two three-year terms if a green card is pending, the report said. The idea is to create a sort of self-deportation of hundreds of thousands of Indian tech workers in the United States to open up those jobs for Americans, it said, quoting a source briefed by Homeland Security officials. The agency is considering a number of policy and regulatory changes to carry out the Presidents Buy American, Hire American Executive Order, including a thorough review of employment-based visa programmes, said Jonathan Withington, chief of media relations for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. It is typically issued for three to six years to employers to hire a foreign worker. But H-1B holders who have begun the green card process can often renew their work visas indefinitely. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China. The proposed changes would have a dramatic effect particularly on Indian visa holders considering more than half of all H-1B visas have been awarded to Indian nationals, the report said, quoting the Pew Research Center report. This would be a major catastrophic development as many people have been waiting in line for green cards for over a decade, have US.citizen children, own a home, said Leon Fresco, who served as a deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department in the Obama administration who now represent H-1B workers. Fresco estimates more than one million H1-B visa holders in the country are waiting for green cards, many of whom are from India and have been waiting for more than a decade. The government in October last year announced plans to infuse Rs 2.11 lakh crore into PSU banks over the next two years New Delhi: Moody's Investors Service on Thursday said the government's Rs 2.11 lakh crore capital infusion in PSU banks would narrow the gap between the capital profiles of public and private sector banks. Besides, gross non-performing assets (NPAs) could peak in current fiscal, but elevated levels of provisioning on these NPAs will continue to negatively affect the banks during fiscals 2018 and 2019, Moody's Indian affiliate ICRA said. "The gap between the capital profiles of Indian public and private sector banks is expected to narrow following the government's announced Rs 2.1 lakh crore ($32 billion) recapitalisation plan for the public sector banks, which are financially weaker entities," Moody's said in a statement. The government in October last year announced plans to infuse Rs 2.11 lakh crore into PSU banks over the next two years. Of this, Rs 1.35 lakh crore would be infused through issue of recapitalisation bonds and remaining Rs 58,000 crore through government stake dilution. "The capital infusion will also help public sector banks build their provisioning coverage ratios as they will be able to allocate much of their operating profits towards loan-loss provisioning without having to worry about the impact on their capital positions," Moody's VP and Senior Analyst Alka Anbarasu said. Weak capitalisation profile is the "key credit weakness" of PSU banks when compared to their peers in the private sector, it added. As of September 2017, Tier 1 capital ratio of rated public sector banks was 8.7 percent compared to 12.2 percent for the rated private sector banks. "However, the gap is expected to narrow, given the government's recapitalisation package," Moody's said. Moody's believes that the package will facilitate the two key policy initiatives of non-performing loan (NPL) resolution and Basel III implementation. In addition, it will strengthen the government's bargaining position for pushing through some of its more fundamental reforms, such as those targeting corporate governance and industry consolidation, said the US-based agency. ICRA said while the gross NPAs are likely to peak by the end of FY2018, the negative impact arising from elevated provision levels for weak assets is likely to continue until fiscal 2019. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Oct had announced an unprecedented Rs 2.11 lakh crore recapitalisation road map to strengthen PSBs New Delhi: The finance ministry has approved proposal for infusion of Rs 7,577 crore in 6 weak public sector banks (PSBs) as part of the recapitalisation plan to bolster capital adequacy ratio. All these banks, which got capital support, are under prompt corrective action of the Reserve Bank of India. The funding comes under Indradhanus plan of the government which promised Rs 70,000 crore over period of four years ending March 2019. Lenders, which will receive capital through preferential issue of shares, include Bank of India, IDBI Bank and UCO Bank. The actual fund infusion will take place in the next few weeks after they get necessary regulatory approval, including nod from shareholders. Kolkata-based UCO Bank on Wednesday announced approval of board for the proposal to issue equity shares on preferential basis to the government against capital contribution of Rs 1,375 crore subject to necessary approval. Besides, Central Bank of India said the capital raising committee of the board approved raising of equity capital by allotting up to 3.88 crore shares at the issue price of Rs 83.15 per unit aggregating to Rs 323 crore. At the same time, the government has decided to infuse Rs 2,257 crore in the Bank of India, Rs 2,729 crore in IDBI Bank, Rs 650 crore in Bank of Maharashtra, and Rs 243 crore in Dena Bank. While the government decides the mode for recapitalisation of all state-run banks, it advanced the release of funds to these six banks to help them meet their equity requirements and enable them to resume normal business and help them come out of prompt corrective action. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in October had announced an unprecedented Rs 2.11 lakh crore two-year road map to strengthen PSBs, reeling under high non-performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans. Their NPAs have increased to Rs 7.33 lakh crore as of June 2017, from Rs 2.75 lakh crore in March 2015. The plan includes floating re-capitalisation bonds of Rs 1.35 lakh crore and raising Rs 58,000 crore from the market by diluting governments stake. The government is working on the modalities for issuing the recapitalisation bonds as it aims to front-load the infusion with an aim to strengthen the state-owned banking sector, sources said, adding that the announcement in this respect, including detailed guidelines, will be made during this month. Jaitley had also announced that banks would get about Rs 18,000 crore under the Indradhanush plan over the next two years. Under the Indradhanush road map announced in 2015, the government had announced infusion of Rs 70,000 crore in state-owned banks over four years, while they will have to raise a further Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the market to meet their capital requirement in line with global risk norms, known as Basel-III. In the last three-and-a-half years, the government pumped Rs 51,858 crore capital in the PSBs. The remaining Rs 18,142 crore will be injected into the banks over the next two years. The sole purpose of supplying Rs 200 notes through ATMs is to ensure more number of lower denomination currency in citizens' hands There is good news for citizens who prefer to withdraw money in small amounts and that too from automated teller machines (ATMs). The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked banks across the country to supply newly-introduced Rs 200 through ATMs and has directed lenders to recalibrate all their cash vending machines. So far, banks or cash supplying intermediaries were not filling ATMs with the new lower denomination currency notes the RBI had issued on 25 August, 2017. Since then, citizens have been pressing banks to load Rs 200 notes in ATMs. RBI's latest directive to banks comes as a big relief for people at large as currently only Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denomination notes are being supplied through ATMs. A report in The Economic Times cites two people familiar with the development as saying that the whole exercise of recalibrating ATMs will cost banks Rs 110 crore. In India, there are as many as 2,22,000 ATMs and the cost of recalibrating one cash machine is Rs 5,000. The RBI brought out new Rs 200 notes as part of its massive remonetisation drive in the aftermath of demonetisation on 8 November, 2016. By introducing the bills, the RBI also wanted to fulfill its target of supplying more number of lower denomination currency notes in the banking system. Immediately after recalling the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes in November 2016, the central bank printed and supplied new Rs 2,000 notes in the system, a move heavily criticized by people who keep a close watch on the banking sector. According to these hawks, the sole purpose of demonetisation to eradicate black money from the system was not fulfilled as after the note ban high value currency note of Rs 2,000 was issued. The ET report adds that even after the government's big push for cashless transactions was in force, total value of withdrawals from ATMs went up, though marginally, from Rs 2.22 lakh crore in September 2016 to Rs 2.44 lakh crore in September 2017. Apart from that, the total value of currency in circulation as per latest RBI figures is Rs 17 lakh crore which is 95 percent of pre-note ban levels. With a sequel, Netflix hopes to turn Bright into its first film franchise the kind Hollywood studios rely on. Despite scathing reviews from critics, Netflix has greenlit a sequel to Bright, with star Will Smith and director David Ayer expected to return. The streaming service announced the plans on Wednesday, just two weeks after the fantasy police drama debuted. Bright is Netflix's first big-budget, tentpole-style release, with estimates that it cost at least $90 million to produce. With a sequel, Netflix hopes to turn Bright into its first film franchise the kind Hollywood studios rely on. But it will be doing so with one of the worst reviewed films of 2017. Bright has garnered just a 28 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes despite featuring the key ingredients of a Hollywood blockbuster: an A-list actor, an experienced director, and special effects that light up the screen during shootouts and car chases. The film stars Smith as a police officer in an alternate version of Los Angeles where orcs, fairies and magic co-exist. Yes, really! Yet viewer data suggests Bright is a hit or, at least, a Netflix version of one. According to a report on Variety, Nielsen reported that 11 million watched Bright in the United States in the first three days release. If that many moviegoers had paid tickets for Bright, it would have earned close to $100 million over its first weekend, if going by the average movie ticket price. And Nielsen's tabulation is based on TV-connected Netflix viewing, and doesn't include those watching on their phones or computers. Netflix doesn't release viewing numbers, but it said Bright has been its most viewed movie in all of Netflix's 190-plus countries. It called Bright its highest viewed original film ever in its first week of release. It was subtitled in 26 languages and dubbed in nine of them. By releasing the movie to the companys 109 million streaming customers around the world to watch at home, Netflix delivered a Michael Bay-type blockbuster one that is loved by the public but panned by the critics. But you can't possibly blame the critics as that old Hollywood standby, the venerable buddy cop movie, met its anguished demise during holiday season. And what made it worse was it died at the hands of Will Smith. Director David Ayer has had a role in other buddy cop films, helming End of Watch and writing Training Day. This, though, is a labored affair with little stylistic coherence. Virtually every permutation of the genre has been done we've seen black cops teamed up with white cops, black cops with black cops, white cops and other white cops, a white cop and a Latino cop, an Irish cop with a Yank cop, two women cops, and human cops with dog cops. Alas, the category did not survive the latest: a human cop teamed up with an Orc. Yes, that's right an Orc, along with Elves, Fairies and at least one Centaur. Even with Smith being his most charming singular Smith, Bright was a total mess. To prepare for writing Bright, it seems Max Landis decided to throw every cop film cliche into a Cuisinart, put it on the high setting and leave the top off. But the Netflix model relies on todays internet-ready TVs and surround sound systems to provide a theater-quality experience at home. And the subscribers continue to stream the critically panned film. So, Netflix announced the sequel with a mock audition tape from various orcs hoping to land a role in the follow-up. Leaked footage of Orc casting confirms the rumors: there will be a sequel to #BrightMovie. pic.twitter.com/8ayiDYDfK5 Bright Film (@BrightNetflix) January 3, 2018 Along with Smith, co-star Joel Edgerton is also set to return. One person not coming back is screenwriter Max Landis, whose original script sparked a bidding war. Ayer will write the sequel. With inputs from agencies Billed as India's first space thriller, Tik Tik Tik marks the second collaboration of director Shakti Rajan and Jayam Ravi. The audio of Tik Tik Tik was launched today morning (January 4) in Chennai with the entire cast and crew in attendance. Tik Tik Tik, which stars Jayam Ravi and Nivetha Pethuraj as leads, marks the 100th project of music composer D. Imman. Billed as India's first space thriller, Tik Tik Tik marks the second collaboration of director Shakti Rajan and Ravi, who earlier joined forces for Miruthan which was touted as Kollywood's first Zombie film. "Tik Tik Tik will be a significant milestone in Tamil cinema," says Jayam Ravi Jayam Ravi recalled how no one believed in him when he said that he's going to work on a space film. "I think to script a movie like this itself was a great challenge. It needed a lot of vision and creativity. Once I read the script, I could foresee the result. Though the execution was strenuous, the outcome is quite satisfactory. It will definitely be a milestone film in my career and an important project in Tamil cinema," said Ravi. Showering lavish praise on Nivetha Pethuraj's dedication and hard work, Ravi said, "In any field, the contribution of both the genders is inevitable. And it wouldn't be inappropriate to talk about how physically demanding Tik Tik Tik was to Nivetha. She got badly injured many times on the sets while shooting some difficult sequences. But she never showed any physical or emotional strain at any point of time. She has got tremendous talent and I genuinely request her to channelize her career properly." Tik Tik Tik marks the on-screen debut of Jayam Ravi's six-year-old son, Aarav, who was also present at the event. "As a father, it's a very proud moment indeed. When I told my son that the director wishes to cast him in a character, he readily agreed. I asked him if he knows to act, he said: 'I will learn'." "Jayam Ravi is a very versatile actor," says Nivetha Pethuraj Nivetha Pethuraj, who co-stars with Ravi for the first time in the film, talked highly about his career choices. "Ravi is a very versatile actor. I have never seen an actor like him who is ready to take up different roles and genres. He is setting up a benchmark to people who look up to him. His keenness to work on content-driven films is a boon to new directors who can explore different genres and subjects," she said. "Tik Tik Tik will hit screens worldwide on 26 January", confirms director Shakti Rajan Shakti Rajan said he could complete an ambitious project like Tik Tik Tik only because of the trust Ravi and producer Jhabak had in him. "Not only in India, but an out and out space film is always looked as a problematic genre throughout Asia since it's considered increasingly onerous. Though the film is slated for Republic Day release, Imman sir handed over the re-recording files on the day of Christmas itself. I don't know if any other composer could pull this off without any hassles. Every song in this movie will be a narration in itself and will take the story forward," he said. Shakti Rajan said the entire visual effects work in the film was done in Chennai and how everyone was quite surprised about the final output on screen. "As soon as the news about Tik Tik Tik and its genre surfaced, almost everyone had doubts in their mind, and most of them were about the CG. The CG part is done by a Chennai based team, Ajax, supervised by Arun. They are the hidden heroes of this film. And I have been getting calls from various parts of India since many are impressed by Ajax's remarkable work in the trailer," he said. "Tik Tik Tik is my 100th project, but I still feel like it's my debut," says D. Imman "Director Shakti Rajan is a man of action. For a film that involves this massive scale of CG, a lot of re-syncing and rework needs to be done regarding the background score. But when Shakti gave me the visuals, he also provided me with the details about the length of each scene and what sort of CG work is going to happen. So there was not much rework after the CG was done. It feels so special that a genre-specific film like Tik Tik Tik is my hundredth film.To me, it feels like my first film Thamizhan; I have the same excitement," said Imman. Nawazuddin Siddiqui plays a corrupt Mumbai importer, Dilly Mahmood, in the much anticipated BBC miniseries. The new BBC drama McMafia, starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui, delves into the murky depths of global crime exploring the ties between the corporate world and well-heeled mobsters. The Gangs of Wasseypur star plays a corrupt Mumbai importer, Dilly Mahmood, in the much anticipated TV drama. So, here's everything you need to know about McMafia, the miniseries created by Hossein Amini and James Watkins. What is McMafia about? The eight-part series centres around Alex Goldman, played by British actor James Norton (War & Peace, Happy Valley), brought up in England by Russian exiles with mafia ties. Despite a successful career in finance, Goldman is dragged into his family's past and finds himself caught in an international web involving corrupt politicians and intelligence agencies. Based in London but taking in cities including Moscow and Tel Aviv, McMafia follows the criminal classes who appear far from mobster stereotypes. "The gangsters have changed, they are not in the shadows anymore. They can be bankers, lawyers, government ministers," Hossein Amini, co-creator of the series, told AFP. The luxurious lifestyles of the well-dressed polyglots are on show, complete with champagne and caviar."The line between the underworld and the overworld does not exist any longer," Amini said at a London screening, noting that these days it was possible to sit next to someone at a restaurant with no idea of their criminal ties. Watkins agreed. "The criminal is becoming corporate and the corporate is becoming criminal," he said. What is McMafia based on? The drama is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by British journalist Misha Glenny. He chose London as the novel's focal point in part due to the British capital's reputation among anti-corruption campaigners as a magnet for questionable wealth, much of which is invested in the luxury property market. Who else is in McMafia? It ws an overwhelming experience working with James Watkins (Dir) & Hossein Amini (writer) for Mac Mafia The excitement continues to CROATIA pic.twitter.com/Rz9Mv4QbC6 Nawazuddin Siddiqui (@Nawazuddin_S) December 24, 2016 Other than Siddiqui and Norton, the cast includes Russian actor Aleksey Serebryakov (The Method) and Faye Marsay, a British actress known for her role in "Game of Thrones". When will McMafia be aired? McMafia premiered on BBC on 1 January, before being distributed by the Amazon Prime online platform a day later. Olivia Munn is among Brett Ratner's sexual harassment accusers and has been fighting for reforms in Hollywood. Los Angeles: Organisers said on Wednesday that Olivia Munn will host the 2018 Critics' Choice Awards to be broadcast 11 January on the CW. Munn follows TJ Miller, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman when he was in college. Munn is among Brett Ratner's sexual harassment accusers and has been fighting for reforms in Hollywood. Joey Berlin, president of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, said in a statement that Munn's work as an actress along with her activism give her a powerful voice, making her the perfect candidate to lead the night. The awards are organized by Berlin's group and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association. Munn's next film will be the action thriller Hummingbird. She will star in Shane Black's The Predator opposite Keegan-Michael Key and Sterling K Brown. With Suriya's forthcoming release Gang, the Telugu dubbed version of Thaana Serntha Kootam, he hopes to break new grounds as he has dubbed for the first time in his own voice. It is given that Suriya is one of the few Tamil stars to enjoy a very good fan base in Telugu. With his forthcoming release Gang, the Telugu dubbed version of Thaana Serntha Kootam, he hopes to break new grounds as he has dubbed for the first time in his own voice. While it might not come across as a big deal, it surely will make an impact on the perception of his Telugu fans who have for long wished to see him dub on his own. Although Suriya has briefly dubbed for the Telugu version of Maattrraan, in which he played conjoined twins, this is the first-time he has dubbed at length in Telugu for a project. This move by Suriya is sure to pay rich dividends, given the fact that some of his dubbed Telugu films have done much better at the box-office than the Tamil version. According to an industry veteran, this attempt by Suriya will help him to create even bigger Telugu market. He should have done it much earlier but its never too late. By dubbing in his own voice, Suriya will make audiences see Gang as a straight Telugu film which will draw more audiences, especially in US where he has a very strong fan base, he said. Directed by Vignesh Shivan, who has collaborated with Suriya for the first time, Gang is the remake of Akshay Kumar starrer Special 26. The film, slated to hit the screens this Pongal, also stars Keerthy Suresh and Ramya Krishnan in key roles. In a recent interview to a leading Tamil channel, Suriya said that Thaana Serntha Kootam is the first film in a long time where he has not doled out any message to his fans and hes very glad about it. In Telugu, the film will release alongside Pawan Kalyans Agnyaathavaasi and Balakrishnas Jai Simha. In Tamil, itll be a three-way battle between Thaana Serntha Kootam, Vikrams Sketch and Arvind Swamis Bhaskar Oru Rascal at the box-office. The Post is being hailed as a timely reminder about press freedom, democracy, whistle-blowing and government lies. At a time when the media is being accused of peddling "fake news," Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks are bringing Hollywood star power to a movie celebrating journalism and the virtues of a free press. The Post is being hailed as a timely reminder about press freedom, democracy, whistle-blowing and government lies. It recounts the nail-biting behind-the-scenes story of the 1971 publication by The Washington Post of the Pentagon Papers, which exposed the lies behind US involvement in the Vietnam War. But its makers says it is also intended as an ode to feminism that resonates as powerfully today as the 1970s era in which it is set. In an interview with The New York Times, Streep and Hanks talk about Harvey Weinstein, The Post and its modern relevance among other things. On the fallout from the Harvey Weinstein scandal Streep said as person who is not active on Twitter, she "really had to think" before commenting on the scandal which has since engulfed prominent Hollywood A-listers such as her Kramer vs Kramer co-star Dustin Hoffman, Brett Ratner, James Toback and Kevin Spacey. "I really had to think. Because it really underlined my own sense of cluelessness, and also how evil, deeply evil, and duplicitous, a person he was, yet such a champion of really great work," she said. Tom Hanks believes the resultant #MeToo movement will act "as a reckoning that is going to make us a better society." On Dustin Hoffman Streep feels that her Kramer vs Kramer co-star Hoffman "overstepped" when he slapped her for real during a scene for the 1979 Oscar-winning film. On Melania and Ivanka's silence The actor also questioned the silence of US First Lady and President Donald Trump's wife Melania Trump and daughter Ivanka on Trump's infamous locker room talk compelling them both to "speak now." On fake news Donald Trump has been particularly scathing about CNN and The New York Times but he has also repeatedly attacked the Washington Post, calling it "dishonest," "phony" and his favorite "fake news." Hanks calls this a "guerrilla war" against the First Amendment. With inputs from agencies Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar has received fulsome praise for his speech in Parliament supporting the adoption of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017. Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar has received fulsome praise for his speech in Parliament supporting the adoption of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017. His speech was, in a way, an about-turn from the position he took on the Supreme Court judgment in what is known as the Shah Bano case. Akbar is said to have been instrumental in convincing the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi to overturn the judgment in Shah Bano through legislation. On how and why Akbar convinced Gandhi, Firstpost spoke to Wajahat Habibullah, who, after retiring from the Indian Administrative Service, served as Chief Information Commissioner and Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities. In 1986, Habibullah was in the Prime Ministers Office and was privy to the conversation between Gandhi and Akbar. Edited excerpts of Firstpost's conversation with Habibullah follow: What was your response to MJ Akbars speech on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in the Lok Sabha? My response was that Akbar was polemical, as politicians often are. As far as the Bill is concerned, it has attracted a lot of controversy. But the idea of legislating on the subject is an important step and is most welcome. But what was your response to the content of Akbars speech? He made his speech from the point of view of his party (Bharatiya Janata Party). But this point of view, judging from the piece you wrote for The Hindu in 2016, is very different from what he espoused in 1986. In the article, you wrote that Akbar convinced Gandhi to set aside the Supreme Court judgment in the Shah Bano case through legislation, called the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986. What happened? After the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in the Shah Bano case, the Prime Ministers Office received a lot of protest petitions, primarily from the Muslim clergy, against it. I was the Joint Secretary in the PMO when Rajiv was the Prime Minister. These petitions came to me because I was looking after the minority affairs. Summarising the petitions, I put up a brief note to Rajiv. I said that since the Supreme Court is the last court of appeal, the judgment should be allowed to stand. But if the clergy were insistent that the government should intervene in the Shah Bano issue, then it should tell them to file a review petition in the Supreme Court. All that the government should do is to not challenge that review petition. Your suggestion wasnt accepted. The note I sent to Rajiv did not come back for a long time. I assumed that he was consulting his colleagues. I had a very informal relationship with Rajiv. We were in school together. Were you Gandhis classmate? Rajiv was a year senior to me in Doon School. Sanjay was a year junior to me. Did you know them well? Sanjay was a closer friend. Rajiv was a reserved child. Sanjay was much more gregarious, a very naughty boy, very mischievous. Getting back, one day I entered Rajivs chamber and Akbar was sitting with him. They had been discussing the Supreme Court judgment in the Shah Bano case. When Rajiv saw me, he said, Come in, come in Wajahat, you are one of us. What did he mean by you are one of us? (Laughs) I was in the PMO, a friend of his. I was, obviously, one of them. I subsequently discovered that Akbar was the person who persuaded Rajiv that unless the government acts in the Shah Bano case, the Muslims will generally feel that their interest is not the governments responsibility. In order to reassure the Muslims that if they are concerned about an issue, the government, being also their government, will also be concerned about it. Did the conversation between Gandhi and Akbar take place before you? It continued when I entered Rajivs chamber. I cant recall the details, but what I told you was the gist of their conversation. There was nothing secretive about the line Akbar took. He took this line in his debate with Arif Mohammadd Khan (Khan was in the Congress then and opposed the overturning of the Shah Bano judgment through legislation) on Doordarshan. Khan took the line that the government shouldnt intervene in the Shah Bano case. He quoted extensively from the Quran to argue that there are certain things in it which are compulsory, but this issue (maintenance for a divorced woman) is open to interpretation. It is essentially recommendatory as to what husbands should do. Its interpretation is not the governments job, but that of legal minds. What was Akbars position? Akbar's believed that since there is a lot of concern in the Muslim community regarding the Shah Bano issue, the government should override the Supreme Court and rule through legislation. What I feel is similar to what Akbar said in Parliament and what he said earlier to Rajiv is that he actually thinks. Whereas my view has always been that the government shouldnt interfere. In the article in The Hindu, you quote Akbar telling Gandhi that if his government contested the Shah Bano judgment, he would show himself worthy of the support that the community had always placed in his family. Yet in his last weeks speech in Parliament, Akbar underscored the opportunities India missed under Nehru, Indira and Rajiv to reform Muslim Personal Law. Thats some turnaround, isnt it? At the very beginning of this interview, I said Akbar made his speech to defend a particular political line. In 1986, also, he was suggesting a particular line to Rajiv, that is to say his intervention (in the Shah Bano case) would be a politically wise decision given the legacy of his family. In Parliament last week, he argued a line that would be in the interest of the party leadership that he is now following. But doesnt that mark an about-turn? It is an about-turn in terms of the idea projected. But it is not an about-turn in terms of the cause he is defending. In both cases it was a political advice that the government should intervene in matters such as these (personal laws) is common to both. But Akbars idea of the nature of governments intervention in Muslim Personal Law has changed remarkably between 1986 and now... ...Yes, true. He recommended how the government should intervene then, and he has done the same today. His idea of the governments intervention today is in consonance with His partys policy. In the article, you suggested that Akbar thought the communitys position on the Shah Bano judgment was a defence of their religious position. Not religious position, but the defence of the orthodox tradition. I dont think I wrote religious position unless it was edited, so to speak. The stance of the clergy (on the Shah Bano case) was aimed at safeguarding their own authority. So what was Akbars position on that? Akbar interpreted it to mean that the clergys position was a defence of the Muslim communitys position on Shah Bano. I disagreed with that. It was just the clerics view on the subject. So you are making a distinction between the clerics point of view and that of the larger Muslim community, right? I wouldnt go so far to say that. The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act, 1937 was passed to defend the rights of clerics, whom the British wanted to win over. This was because the British had lost their support after 1857. This attempt to win them over had been going on for a long time. The 1937 Act was a culmination of that. The British thought that by winning over the clerics they could control the Muslims. The Government of India, led by the Congress post Independence, inherited this position. The resistance to the Supreme Court ruling in the Shah Bano case was generally by the clergy in defence of its own authority. Basically, in 1986, Akbar stood for going with what he perceived Muslims thought on the matter. And now, he is saying that if the thinking of the community is wrong, the government must intervene. That is a change from 1986, when he thought that even if the thinking in the community is wrong, one must support it, in order to reassure it that its interests are not being overlooked. In The Hindu article you wrote that Akbar convinced Rajiv Gandhi to overcome the Supreme Court ruling in the Shah Bano case. Do you think he was the only person to have convinced Rajiv? There would have been others. I interviewed Arif Mohammad Khan in 2015, and he identified Najma Heptullah as one of the persons who influenced Gandhi. I find it ironical that both Heptullah and Akbar have ended up in the BJP. (Laughs) Rajiv wouldnt have listened to Najma Heptullah. But Akbar? Yes. Rajiv took him very seriously as an intellectual and a thinker. He listened to Akbar, on Kashmir for instance. I knew Rajiv and I also knew Akbar very well. Though Akbar and I have met on one or two occasions in recent times, I cant anymore say I am a friend of his. But we were at one time friends. Did Rajiv discuss with you what Akbar thought about the issue? He didn't. I had already made my position very clear. Rajiv was taking a political decision. The ground of his decision wasnt on what I thought about it. Khan also told me that Rajiv's first and last instinct was of a modern, secular man and that he did not want to overturn the Shah Bano judgment. It was others who persuaded him to do so. The opinion I gave to Rajiv was that he should not intervene. It is possible that when Rajiv engaged Arif in discussion, my opinion could have still been on his mind. It is interesting why Rajiv would listen to Akbar, who was also a modern man. I get it since Rajiv thought of Akbar as a modern man and an intellectual, his suggestion that the community needs to be reassured must have been significant. That would have made the difference. Would you say Akbars arguments weighed on Gandhi and prompted him to overturn the Shah Bano judgement? I do think Akbars arguments prompted Rajiv to overturn the Shah Bano judgement. Why didnt Rajiv discuss Akbars suggestion with me? Had Akbars idea come from orthodox elements, even, say, from Arif, I do think Rajiv would have asked, Wajahat, you said this, but dont you think we should also look at it from another perspective? But Akbar wasnt an orthodox. He was of the same thinking as Rajiv and I. Therefore, he didnt think it made sense to consult me I had, after all, suggested a course contrary to Akbars. I suppose Akbar convinced Rajiv that the Shah Bano judgement must be overturned because it was politically the right thing to do. I dont think Rajiv decided to overturn the judgement on the ground that it would be good for the community. He did it because he was convinced that it was the politically right thing to do. Rajiv considered Akbar a politically astute person. Whether he was indeed astute, that is another matter. Not only astute, Rajiv looked upon Akbar as a modern-minded Muslim, not easily moved by the mumbo-jumbo of traditions and such like. Therefore, Rajiv would have certainly trusted Akbars judgement in overturning the Shah Bano judgment. How do you look upon the BJPs strategy of fielding Akbar to bat for the triple talaq bill? If the BJP asked Akbar to speak only because he is Muslim, and he accepted it, I wouldnt congratulate him on that. But if they asked him to speak as a man of authority, because of his association with the Bill that set aside the Supreme Court judgment, that would be justified. I have always shrunk from the idea of being asked to do something because one is Muslim. Luckily, in my own career, I hadnt sought or was given an assignment position because I was Muslim. When I was appointed secretary for the first time in 2003 I was made secretary, Consumer Affairs journalist Harish Khare (now editor of The Tribune) had written that because of the governments experience in Gujarat in 2002 (with the riots), it was keen to show I, a Muslim, had been appointed (to the top rung of the civil service). I took deep objection to it. I went to Jaswant Singh, who is virtually like my own brother, and asked him whether what Khare had written was true. He said, no, that he had in fact wanted me in his ministry. Singh was the then Finance Minister. He said his secretary didnt have the time to attend the meeting (convened for making appointments), and that whenever I wanted to be transferred to the Finance Ministry, I should tell him. He wanted me to handle banking. He had offered me the post later, but I had then gone on a fellowship abroad. What Khare had written was indeed objectionable. What do you think of the rising incidence of vigilantism on issues such as love jihad, cow-slaughter, etc.? I was among a group of civil servant who wrote a long letter expressing concern over the situation in India. My feelings are exactly that the social fabric of this country is under a great deal of strain. The whole history of India is a movement towards convergence. This came out beautifully in the Mughal times. You may object to the policies of one ruler or another, but the trend during the period, in terms of music, cuisine, poetry, was of intermingling. You couldnt tell one from another. This hasnt been recognised. It was a distinct Mughal contribution. It wasnt there in the time of Sultanate. Then the ruling class was inevitably Muslim. This wasnt so with the Mughals. The imperial Mughal family was largely Rajput. But these ideas the BJP wont express. That apart, I havent come across a statement from Akbar condemning vigilantism. How do you look at the fact that he defends the governments right to intervene in the realm of personal law, but doesnt speak out against vigilantism? All Right thinking people in Parliament should speak out. Akbar is not the only one in Parliament who could and should have spoken against vigilantism but hasnt. It is not a question of his speaking because he is a Muslim. It is a matter that concerns India. Since Indias social fabric is being torn apart, therefore every conscientious person who is committed to the idea of India more than a geographical entity India is an idea must speak out. The Battle of Koregaon, as a specific episode in the Anglo-Maratha Wars of the 18th and 19th Centuries, needs no historical introduction After the fracas over Padmavati, a cinematic rendering of Malik Muhammad Jayasis Padmavat itself a belated rendering of Alauddin Khilji's siege of Chittor in 1303, memory is again at the centre of politics. This is because memory a curious substance lost on history is itself deeply political both in its resonance and identitarian articulation. As history and historians attempt to distance themselves, often for good reason, from the dangerous faces that memory can, and does wear, they find themselves distanced from memory, and in turn, from the remembering and the remembered. Beneath history's veneer of certitude rests the vast world of memory, and it is this world that is lived, unlike historical narrative, in dimensions more intricate and an intimacy of profound texture. One is not arguing, as has been, that history is fictive imposition; precisely the contrary, in fact, for history, by emphasising that certain narratives are of greater veracity than others, can bolster the political critique of corrosive ideologies. Yet, and this has been a widely reiterated criticism, in precisely this emphasis, history can also silence the assertion of significant identities as they are being asserted, especially if they address grave historical injustice. In addressing the unfortunate incidents at Bhima-Koregaon, it is imperative that this be remembered. The Battle of Koregaon, as a specific episode in the Anglo-Maratha Wars of the 18th and 19th Centuries, needs no historical introduction. Succinct accounts of the conflict have, however, been composed. What is important to state here is that the afterlife of the event was more important than its life, for neither side triumphed decisively. The British and the Marathas both found it reasonable, if not urgent, to forget the battle for their own reasons. The eventual decline of empire forced on Britain a reconsideration of its imperial pursuit, and over the years, this reconsideration has become remorse or unimportant, with many exceptions. The Marathas have taken to forgetting as both historical and sentimental engagement with defeat this is apparent in the reconfiguration of Pune, the yesteryear stronghold of the Peshwas, into an urban metropolis renowned as a hub of software and information technology. Much of the outrage that underlies the attack at Bhima-Koregaon is a radical disruption in systematic forgetting. This memetic disruption is premised on the supposedly decisive role of the Mahar ('untouchable' by caste) regiment in the army of the East India Company leading to the humiliating defeat of the brahmin Peshwas, and to that end, a defeat of their historical persecution of the Mahars by rendering them untouchable, punishing them more frequently and gravely for offences, and denying to them every possibility of dignity and socio-economic aspiration. More than the triumph of the East India Company the centrepiece of outrage in certain quarters, it is the defeat of the Peshwas that the Mahars commemorate, even as they witness the continuation of their own oppression. The coming of BR Ambedkar, the foremost anti-caste intellectual of modern India and incidentally, the son of a retired army officer, coincided with the Mahar regiments protest against the colonial state and enmeshed it with and into the wider social, economic, and political struggle of 'Dalit' castes and communities. The obelisk a site of imperial memory, became a monument of Mahar protest, for it supplied, in Shraddha Kumbhojkars poignant words, the 'historical evidence' that the subordinated could, if they so willed, unsettle and possibly overthrow the powerful. In The Untouchables and the Pax Britannica, Ambedkar revisited the Battle of Karegaon to argue that the untouchables were instrumental in the emergence of colonial power and on that merit, the protests of both their regiment and their broader community must be acknowledged. Ambedkar's commemoration so became the pilgrimage of marginalised individuals and their communities a celebration that is profoundly notable for the massive proliferation of Ambedkarite literature that marks these as festivals. In the sense of history, this is, of course, untenable, even if the inscriptions at the memorial suffixed -ca (and therefore, Mahar) are taken to be reliable the thesis being that inscriptions at the obelisk memorial commemorating the martyrs have several names ending with "-ca"; this suffix, it is said, was associated with the Mahars and therefore evidences the predominance of their participation in the Company army. But the inscriptions, historians believe, are not very reliable to make such an argument because it reflects the present into the past the "-ca" suffix could mean many other things. This is not to deny that the Mahar regiment played a significant role in the battle, but that memory overstates it; it is certainly true that the Mahar regiment was a formidably prominent fighting force in the colonial army, securing for the Britannic Company critical victories in Multan, Kathiawar, and in wars with Afghans. This historical function of the Mahars as a fighting force weakens memory, for Mahar troops were recruited in the Peshwa army in appreciable measure the other prominent social group in the latter being the Arabs. The Company deftly utilised the Mahar regiment to crucial political ends, but as soon as certain sections of the regiment joined forces with the revolt of 1857, recruitment ceased. In the Victorian racism that followed Company rule, as Bernard Cohen has illustrated, 'martial' races were identified and fervently recruited, particularly the Gorkhas. Mahars were dubbed 'non-martial' and it is the Mahar regiments protest against this characterisation that enabled Ambedkar to carve a wider anti-caste politics; in the mass conversion to Buddhism that would follow many years later, the Mahars would be at the forefront. One need not agree with Anand Teltumbdes recent piece to acknowledge that caste radicalism is difficult to trace in the Mahar regiments involvement in the Battle of Koregaon. But while the Company did appear to be invested in the perpetuation of caste, it was also tremendous in its promise for 'mobile' caste groups from marginalised backgrounds; Independence from the British could then be seen as the mere return of upper-caste masters. In his critique of the most indolently used term 'identity politics', Teltumbde dissolves caste consciousness because he does not find it to be radical. But caste cannot be whisked away. In the world of this memory, events at Bhima-Koregaon can be intelligible. But by what name may we call them? Mridula Chari sees it as a skirmish between the 'saffron' Maratha and Hindutva groups, and the 'blue' of Ambedkarite groups. Significant, therefore, is the targeting of Maratha houses by 'Dalit' groups as the former found themselves accosted and isolated by the force of the crowd. "I am so angry, no matter what happens, I am going to burn down a Dalit house tonight," declared Ashok Dherange, president of the Shiv Sena in Shirur (Pune), cheerfully adding, "I dont care if you write this." This is in line with what seems to be the official interpretation of events being peddled by the mainstream in the media. In this version, the events take the face of a riot in which both agony and culpability are shared. But journalist Dhrubo Jyoti, in conversation with Firstpost, had vehement reservations. An eyewitness to the events as they unfolded at Bhima-Koregaon, Jyoti recounts that they "arrived on bikes, and in big numbers at around noon, chanting multiple slogans in the name of Bhavani and Ram". In such testimony, the event is configured as an attack, not a riot metaphorical of the 'ancient' Mahar persecution that continues, albeit transformed, to this day. This is because the word riot, in its connotation, presupposes an equitable dynamic of power, which, Jyoti emphasises, is forever lopsided against the vulnerable. Speaking of power, however, also calls into question the involvement of Rahul Gandhi and others into the political practice, given their caste positions and the historical complicity of the Congress party. These are questions yet undiscovered, concerned as mainstream narratives remain in the depiction of this 'riot' and the obfuscation of violence that declares even the memory of the marginalised to be criminal. In poignant remembrance, Jyoti speaks of a "79-year-old Ambedkarite woman who said she came there every year. Why, I asked. 'You are young,' she said, 'You wont understand. Do you think we could exist without this battle? We are here because of this. How can I not come?'. What violence can undo this memory? What history can understand it? To weld the two together, perhaps there is recourse in Urmila Pawar and Meenakshi Moons moving utterance aamhihi itihas ghadavla: we, too, made history. A 32-year old man, said to be a 'Hindu activist', was hacked to death by a four member gang who intercepted him while he was riding a bike at nearby Katipalla Mangaluru: A 32-year old man, said to be a "Hindu activist", was hacked to death by a four member gang who intercepted him while he was riding a bike at nearby Katipalla on Thursday, police said. The deceased has been identified as Deepak, an executive in a mobile SIM cards distribution company. Police said the political affiliation of the victim was not immediately known. The state BJP said Deepak was an activist committed to "Hindutva ideology" and was associated with the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Dakshina Kannada district. The assailants who came in a car stopped him while he was on his way to duty and attacked him with sharp weapons, police said. The motive behind the killing, as well as the identity of the assailants was yet to be known, police said. Strongly condemning the "cold-blooded murder",BJP leaders R Ashok and Ashwathnarayana demanded an NIA probe into it. They charged that the Congress government in the state had allowed "jehadi forces" to have a field day and to indulge in "wanton killings" of Hindu workers in pursuance of its 'vote-bank politics' and minority appeasement. With this heinous killing, the number of Hindutva workers who have fallen to the 'murderous agenda of jehadi forces' has risen to 22, they said. A series of killings of "Hindu activists" has often caused tension in the communally sensitive Dakshina district in the coastal region. BJP has been accusing the Congress of adopting "a soft approach" towards "jihadi forces", a charge dismissed by the Siddaramaiah government, which has accused the saffron party of trying to polarise the situation. A bandh called in Burhanpur town in Madhya Pradesh to protest Bhima-Koregaon caste clashes in Maharashtra's Pune district took a violent turn on Thursday with a mob allegedly damaging 12 vehicles and stoning trucks plying on Ichhapur-Indore state highway. Burhanpur: A bandh called in Burhanpur town in Madhya Pradesh to protest Bhima-Koregaon caste clashes in Maharashtra's Pune district took a violent turn on Thursday with a mob allegedly damaging 12 vehicles and stoning trucks plying on Ichhapur-Indore state highway. The shutdown was called by Dalit groupthe Buddhist Society, Bhim Sena, and other outfitsagainst the Monday's violence at Bhima-Koregaon village and nearby areas in Pune district during an event to mark the 200th anniversary of a battle between Peshwas and British forces. The bandh has affected normal life in Burhanpur town. Burhanpur district shares a common border with Jalgaon, Amravati, Buldhana, and Akola districts of Maharashtra which witnessed protests during the bandh called by Dalit groups on Wednesday. A senior police official said the windowpanes of 11 private buses parked at the inter-state bus stand and the windshield of a truck were broken by unidentified persons in the noon. Eyewitnesses said that some people gathered at the bus stand and vandalised the buses. They also said that the mob attempted to torch a bus but was chased away by police personnel present at the spot. "Unknown people broke the window glasses of 11 empty buses and a truck at the bus stand," Superintendent of Police Pankaj Shrivastava said. However, he denied that any attempt was made to set any bus on fire. According to eyewitnesses, stones were hurled at least six trucks on Ichchhapur-Indore state highway as a result of which traffic came to a standstill briefly. When asked about the highway incident, the Superintendent of Police denied the reports. He said the situation was under control now. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift the 'Gal-Mobile' water desalinisation and purification jeep to Narendra Modi when he visits India on 14 January, according to sources Jerusalem: Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift the 'Gal-Mobile' water desalinisation and purification jeep to Narendra Modi when he visits India on 14 January, according to sources. Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year. Netanyahu will now gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said. As Netanyahu prepares for his four-day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi. The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately $111,000). Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during Modi's visit to Israel. "I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water... Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration. Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water. It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of sea water and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards. The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet. "There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted. The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there. The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday foiled an attempt by militants to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan by killing an infiltrator Jammu: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday foiled an attempt by militants to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan by killing an infiltrator. A BSF official said alert troops noticed suspicious movement of two to three persons near the Nikowal border outpost in Arnia sector around 5.45 am. "The intruders were challenged and fired at, resulting in the death of an infiltrator. Other infiltrators managed to escape back to Pakistan." Border Security Force sources also claimed they destroyed two Pakistani mortar positions on Wednesday evening. A BSF Head Constable was killed in Pakistani sniper fire on Wednesday in Samba sector after which heavy firing exchanges started between BSF and Pakistan Rangers. The BSF has launched 'Operation Alert' along the over 200 kilometer long IB in Jammu and Kashmir to curb the increasing movement of infiltrating militants Jammu: The Border Security Force (BSF) has launched "Operation Alert" along the over 200 kilometer long International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir to curb the increasing movement of infiltrating militants from across the border. "There are inputs that there is movement of militants and accordingly, we have declared 'Ops Alert' on the border," Inspector General of BSF Jammu Frontier, Ram Awatar told reporters in Jammu on Thursday. The BSF gave a military send off by organising Wreath- laying ceremony at Frontier headquarters in Jammu in the honour of the late Head Constable Radha Pada Hazara, who was killed in sniper firing by Pakistan rangers along the IB in Samba sector on Wednesday. Jammu and Kashmir Police DGP SP Vaid, IGP Jammu Zone and SD Singh attended the ceremony along with the IG BSF Jammu Ram Awtar and other senior officers and Jawans of BSF. "It is because of that alertness, that they have acted like that (resorting to sniper firing). The moral of the BSF is high and will continue to remain high," the IG said. He said the effort of the BSF was to maintain peace along the border, but Pakistan was always trying to disturb this peace. "It is because of this machination of Pakistan that they martyred one jawan by sniping," he said. Giving details of Wednesday's incident, the IG said "this jawan was performing duty at a forward post and there were four to five rounds of fire from Pakistan and one of them hit him". "It was followed by automatic weapon fire. After getting intimation the neighbouring mounts retaliated back and solid response was given by the BSF in which Pakistan has suffered large human and property loss", he added. Pakistan posts were destroyed and the entire infrastructure in those posts has been damaged, the officer said. He added that one intruder was killed in RS Pura sector on Thursday. "There was movement under thick cover of fog and one intruder was spotted well inside Indian territory and he was fired upon and shot dead. He was resident of Sialkot district (of Pakistan). It was an infiltration attempt", the officer said. Either he was a member of the infiltration group or their guide, he said. Speaking to the reporters, SP Vaid said "those who are thinking they have done good by murder of humanity, need to introspect. Our forces are capable of giving them a befitting reply". Delhi High Court on Thursday termed as 'extremely suspicious' the conduct of the founder of a north Delhi-based ashram New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday termed as "extremely suspicious" the conduct of the founder of a north Delhi-based ashram where girls were allegedly kept in illegal confinement and asked the CBI to give a report on his whereabouts. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar prima facie found substance in the argument of a panel appointed by it that the ashram and its founder Virender Dev Dixit were making the girls housed there lodge false complaints against their family members. It said these complaints against family members appear to have been lodged to dissuade them from pursuing cases against the ashram and Dixit. The court said that while it will not interfere in any genuine, legitimate and honest spiritual activity, it will "not countenance any fraudulent or illegal activity". The bench also said that the entire organisation was run and managed by Dixit and arguments to the contrary by the ashram's lawyer are "falsified" by information on the website as well as YouTube videos. The court was hearing a PIL filed by NGO Foundation for Social Empowerment, which informed the court that several minors and women were allegedly being illegally confined at the "spiritual university" and were not allowed to meet their parents. The bench had earlier ordered a CBI probe by a SIT into the ashram and its founder. The SIT was also asked to investigate various complaints lodged against the ashram and its founder. BR Ambedkar's home state Maharashtra has been no stranger to caste-based violence. Throughout history, there have been several incidents of violent clashes between the many communities the state is home to Protesters attacked buses, stopped suburban trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai on Wednesday, as normal life was hit in the city. Other parts of Maharashtra too saw widespread violence. This was after an agitation was called by Dalit groups to protest violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago. On 1 January, the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Koregaon, thousands of Dalit activists visited the tiny village of Koregaon, about 25 kilometres northeast of Pune, which was the site of a battle between the British and the Marathas led by the Peshwa empire. However, the reason this particular skirmish happened between the British and the Marathas is remembered even today is that the local Mahar community fought alongside the British against the Peshwas, whose rule they considered as oppressive. Today, on the site of the battle, exists a pillar erected by the British to honour those who died in battle. Most of the names mentioned here are of Mahar soldiers who died fighting for the British. Thousands of Dalit men and women visit the site of the battle, on the banks of the Bhima river on 1 January every year. The Battle of Koregaon is considered a turning point in the history of Dalits in Maharashtra; until then, they had been considered untouchable and were prevented from joining the Maratha army. Maharashtra no stranger to caste violence Ironically, BR Ambedkar's home state Maharashtra has been no stranger to caste-based violence. Throughout history, there have been several incidents of violent clashes between the many communities the state is home to. Some, like the Khairlanji massacre or the Kopardi killing, have been extremely gruesome. And though Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Maharashtra is a "progressive state" and that some "people from outside" are trying to forment trouble, this seems unlikely given the track record of the state in dealing with caste-based violence. Khairlanji massacre On 29 September, 2006, Dalit farmer Bhaiyyalal Bhotmange, 61, went to work on his farm near Khairlanji village in Maharashtra, and when he came back, he found his wife Surekha, 45, daughter Priyanka, 17, sons Sudhir and Roshan, 21 and 19, murdered by a mob. The previous day, Surekha had lodged a complaint at the local police station against participants in an assault on a policeman from the village Siddharth Gajbhiye, another Dalit. The accused, who belonged to the influential Kunbi caste, were arrested but let off on bail. They allegedly returned to the village and massacred Bhotmange's family. There were also allegations that the women were sexually assaulted, but a CBI probe concluded they weren't. The incident led to massive protests by Dalits who started a statewide demand for justice. In September 2008, a fast-track court sentenced six men to death for the crime. However, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court ruled that it was a "revenge killing" and that there wasn't a caste angle to the case. Ruling that it wasn't a rarest of rare case, the court also commuted their death penalty. The case is currently being heard in the Supreme Court. Each year, Dalit and Buddhist organisations light candles at the spot where the family once lived. The hut is gone but Bhaiyyalal keeps an iron cot there as a reminder of the events that occurred. Kopardi killing A 14-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district in July 2016, a case that triggered massive outrage and protests among the state's substantial Maratha population. The girl, who belonged to the Maratha community, was bitten, had her hair pulled out, and her limbs and teeth broken. In the aftermath of the incident, silent marches were taken up by the Marathas across the state against the three culprits who belonged to the Dalit community. Through these marches, they demanded a quick investigation and a speedy trial in the case. The Marathas sought not only justice for the girl who was killed but also demanded the abolition of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Prevention of Atrocities Act (POA), 1989, alleging that an Act that was meant to prevent atrocities against the Dalits is ironically being used by the Dalits to target the Marathas. In November this year, a sessions court sentenced three men to death in the case. Rape and murder in Nashik Just weeks after the Kopardi incident, a five-year-old girl belonging to the Banjara community was allegedly raped by a man from the Maratha community in Nashik. The incident reportedly occurred when the victim was going to a public toilet where the accused followed her. The 40-year-old man was subsequently arrested, but in the immediate aftermath of this incident, there were large-scale protests across the state. The OBC community and the Marathas both held large-scale protests after the incident. While the Banjara community held a rally demanding justice for the victim, the Marathas held parallel rallies alleging misuse of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and also reservation for Marathas. Dalit houses attacked in Satara In December last year, Dalit houses in Chinchner village of Satara district were attacked by a mob, which set vehicles on fire and ransacked 50 houses. Aruna Mohite, a married woman from the Maratha community, was allegedly killed by her Dalit paramour. Mohite, 21, was a resident of Baramati in Pune. According to the police, she had been having an affair with Siddharth Danane, 24, a Dalit boy from a neighbouring village. Their families learnt about their affair and had Mohite married off, but she continued being in touch with Dahane. Following an argument about her marriage, Danane reportedly assaulted and killed Mohite. When the police interrogated Danane, he admitted to the murder. The confession enraged the Maratha community, which attacked the Dalit village where Danane lived. About 150 people bullied the women and children and damaged up to 50 shops and vehicles, some of which were set on fire. The hour-long rioting stopped after the police reached the village. An FIR was registered against 33 people from Chinchner Vandan village and 60 others from outside who participated in the rioting. Consequently, several Dalit political parties tried to impose a complete bandh in several parts of Satara to protest the ransacking. They also held protests outside the district collectors office and the police headquarters. As a precautionary measure, schools, colleges, and markets remained closed. With inputs from agencies On its part, Jet Airways has grounded the two pilots. New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju on Thursday informed the Lok Sabha that a probe has been initiated into the incident of an alleged physical altercation between two Jet Airways pilots on-board a London-Mumbai flight which was operated on 1 January, 2018. Responding to a question raised by BJP MP Kirit Somaiya during Zero Hour on Thursday, Raju said that action will be taken according to regulations and that "no one will be spared". On its part, Jet Airways has grounded the two pilots. The incident involved the male co-pilot slapping his female commander inside the cockpit of the aircraft which was ferrying 324 passengers, including two infants and 14 crew. Subsequently, the incident has been reported to the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). "A misunderstanding occurred between the cockpit crew of Jet Airways flight 9W 119, London-Mumbai of January 1, 2018. However, the same was quickly resolved amicably and the flight with 324 guests, including 2 infants and 14 crew, continued its journey to Mumbai, landing safely," a Jet Airways' spokesperson said on Wednesday. "The airline has reported the matter to the DGCA and the concerned crew have been taken off flying duties pending investigation, that has since been initiated." Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the intensification of Indo-Russia ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin on Wednesday as the two sides agreed to strengthen the bilateral special and privileged partnership New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the intensification of India-Russia ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin on Wednesday as the two sides agreed to strengthen the bilateral special and privileged partnership. Modi, during a telephonic conversation, greeted the Russian leader on the occasion of the New Year, a release from the Indian Embassy in Moscow said. "They discussed the intensification of the bilateral relations between India and Russia and their cooperation on international forums," the release said. They positively reviewed the exchanges between the two countries in 2017 and agreed to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, it said. The Union Cabinet approved the construction of Asia's longest bi-directional Zojila Pass tunnel at an estimated cost of Rs 6,089 crore New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the construction of Asia's longest bi-directional Zojila Pass tunnel at an estimated cost of Rs 6,089 crore, which will reduce the travel time between Srinagar and Leh to 15 minutes from the current 3.5 hours. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday gave its go-ahead to the 14.2-kilometre long tunnel project in Jammu and Kashmir to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, which remains cut-off from the rest of India during winters due to heavy snowfall. "Zojila tunnel will be the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. (Its) construction period (will be) seven years because of a very difficult terrain where in some areas temperature dips to minus 45 degree celsius. The tunnel shall be a engineering marvel as first of its kind in such a geographical area," Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said. The project would enhance the safety of travellers crossing Zojila Pass and reduce the travel time from 3.5 hours to 15 minutes, he added. "Defense forces have to face hard time ensuring supplies to border posts during winters. This pass is most strategic for the entire Kargil sector which has seen intrusion and war in the past," Gadkari said. He said the prime minister will lay the foundation stone of the project and work is likely to start this year. Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters (December to April) due to heavy snowfall and avalanches cutting off Leh-Ladakh region from Kashmir. The government has given its approval to the construction, operation and maintenance of two-lane bi-directional Zojila Tunnel with Parallel Escape (Egress) Tunnel excluding approaches on Srinagar-Leh section connecting NH-1A at Km 95 and at Km 118 in Jammu and Kashmir on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) mode. Earlier, the government in a statement said apart from providing all weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh, the project will bring about all round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. "The project has strategic and socio-economic importance and shall be an instrument for the development of the economically backward districts in Jammu and Kashmir," it said. The construction period of the project is seven years. "The civil construction cost of the project is Rs 4,899.42 crore. The total capital cost of the project is Rs 6,808.69 crore. It includes the cost towards land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities as well as maintenance and operation cost of tunnel for four years," the statement said. The project aims at construction of 14.15 kilometre-long two-lane bi-directional single tube tunnel with a parallel 14.2 kilometr-long egress tunnel excluding approaches between Baltal and Minamarg in the state. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). The main objective of the project is to provide all whether connectivity to strategically important Leh region in Jammu and Kashmir which at the moment is limited to at best six months because of snow on the passes and threat of avalanches. "This project along with other ongoing projects like 6.5 kilometre long Z-Morh tunnel at Gagangir would ensure safe, fast and cheap connectivity between the two regions of Kashmir and Ladakh," the statement said. It will further increase the employment potential for the local labourers for the project activities, it added. The government said that on completion, it will lead to enormous boost in employment as local businesses get linked to National market and the beautiful region is able to receive round the year tourist traffic. IL&FS Transportation last year in July had said it has emerged as the lowest bidder for Rs 4,899 crore Zojila pass tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir. "We wish to inform that the company has emerged as the lowest bidder for the aforesaid (Zojila tunnel) project. The company had quoted an amount of Rs 4,899.42 crore to be constructed in a period of 2,555 days (7 years)," IL&FS Transportation said. Gadkari had earlier said, "We understand the plight of the people in Leh and Ladakh region who face severe crisis during winters when they are cut off from the rest of India for six months. We are committed to undertaking the project." On 1 March, 2016, the transport ministry had ordered "re-bidding" for the project, which had been awarded to IRB Infrastructure. The decision was taken at a high-level meeting, chaired by Gadkari, after Congress leader Digvijay Singh alleged that guidelines were violated while awarding the contract. The ministry, however, had denied the charges. The Maharashtra bandh called by Prakash Ambedkar's Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh was a successful one even as Ambedkar told Firstpost that he wanted 'to congratulate the protesters for keeping their calm when emotions were running high.' The Maharashtra bandh called by Prakash Ambedkar's Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh on Wednesday was a successful one even as Ambedkar told Firstpost that he wanted "to congratulate the protesters for keeping their calm when emotions were running high." The protesters on Wednesday attacked buses, stopped suburban trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago. The bandh was called off at 4.30 pm on Wednesday but by that time the city had been brought to a standstill. Autos and taxis would not ply fearing the protesters. Shopkeepers kept their shutters down fearing loss of property. According to reports, the state lost business amounting to Rs 700 crore in the last two days. Most Mumbaikars preferred to stay at home. Heavy police deployment was seen in sensitive areas, including Thane, Kalwa, Mulund, Chembur and Ramabai Colony in Ghatkopar. Those who stepped out had to face disrupted road traffic. Mumbai local and transport bus services were thrown off the gear amid protests. Mumbai Police confirmed that more than 150 people were detained through the day across the city. As soon as there is a social or political unrest in the country, the first thing that cripples the state machinery and the citizens is, honestly, none of the above. It is the very-difficult-to-stop-even-harder-to-detect fake news. Fake news, which circulates and mushrooms and reaches your social media fix for the day which then proliferates into individual phones as "forwards." Below are some of the videos sold to us as "real" but which are actually not real, and in most cases, aren't even from the same day, or year. Dalits staged protests in suburban Chembur, Ghatkopar, Kamraj Nagar, Vikhroli, Dindoshi, Kandivali, Jogeshwari, Kalanagar and Mahim. Even though there were reports of the city coming to a halt, there were no incidents of any violence reported from any part of Mumbai. Train services were disrupted, however, no commuters were reported injured. This video, however, clearly negates facts. Even though there was no way of verifying when the video was actually shot, it is clearly not what happened yesterday. The police would have surely taken note of it. If not, then the media, that was stationed almost in every part of the city, would have deemed it important enough to feature in their reports. Considering the bandh was the biggest national news on Wednesday. Sample this video, for example: We could not verify when was the video recorded or where was it even shot. We don't know whether this is Maharashtra. But what we can assure is that at Wednesday's protests there were no bullets fired. Not a single round. Fake content, like this one, is what makes handling of a difficult situation worse. And those who simply help proliferating this phenomena don't give it a second thought before unmindfully forwarding it. The above video was generously shared on social media. Apart from spreading a false agenda, videos of this nature also breed widespread panic and hysteria. Another video that fell short of going viral on social media was that of a youth standing atop a parked vehicle and slamming it with a cinder block. The video was shot on the Western Express Highway. When? We couldn't verify that and after checking with local officials we concluded that it is not a clip from Wednesday's protest. If not debunked, this video would surely have festered an environment of anger and hatred. This is how protests look. Break property, weaken the nation. #MaharashtraBandh pic.twitter.com/lhHyCETA3q Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) January 3, 2018 There were other videos too that were being circulated without being properly vetted and even though the Mumbai Police advised the residents neither to believe nor spread rumours. "Dont believe or spread rumours, continue with your routine activities. Police administration is geared up to deal with any untoward situation," the Mumbai Police said on Wednesday. Hundreds of protesters tried to block the Western Express Highway on Wednesday morning but were moved from the spot by police. Incidents of stone-pelting were reported at a few places on the harbour line, a police official said. Protesters jumped on rail tracks of harbour line at Govandi, Mankhurd and Kurla, due to which suburban services towards Panvel, Belapur and Vashi were stopped for a few hours, the official said. All major arterial roads, including SV Road, Link Road, Eastern Express Highway, Western Express Highway and Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link Road, were blocked by protesters resulting in chaos. BEST stated that 90 of its buses were damaged due to stone-pelting and four drivers sustained minor injuries. As bad as all that was, it was nowhere near as bad as what was being put out on those videos. BJP leadership both in the state of Maharashtra as well as the Centre came under heavy criticism for rising incidents of violence against Dalits as Maharashtra came to a near standstill during the Mahrashtra Bandh on Wednesday Maharashtra came to a near standstill on Wednesday with members of the Dalit community marching the streets and halting rail services and traffic in the state in protest against the violence on the anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune. One life was also lost during the violence on 1 January. Congress, Dalit leaders demand clarification from Narendra Modi Prakash Ambedkar, president of Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh, who had launched the strike and called it off later in the evening on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make his stand clear on the caste violence gripping Maharashtra. "The prime minister should acknowledge that the person whom he has declared as his guru is bent upon creating chaos in this country. The prime minister is due for elections by 2019. He will have to answer the question whether he believes in the guru who believes in chaos; therefore I request the prime minister that he should make himself very clear in Lok Sabha by making a statement, he said. Ambedkar was referring to Milind Ekbote of Samast Hindu Aghadi, and Sambhaji Bhide of Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, who allegedly orchestrated violence during celebrations of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon on Monday. An FIR has been filed against the two. The Bhima-Koregaon violence and the subsequent protests in Maharashtra created a furore in Parliament as well with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge asking Modi to clarify his stand on the issue on Wednesday. "The RSS and certain hardcore Hindutva outfits are behind the violence. They are trying to drive a wedge between the Marathas and Dalits in Maharashtra," Kharge alleged. "Why is Modi silent on the issue? He always maintained silence on issues relating to Dalits. He has become a 'Mouni Baba'on Dalit issues. "When Dalits start living with dignity and organise some event, there are some people who try to disturb it. This happened in Koregaon (in Pune district)," Kharge added while demanding a probe in the Bhima-Koregaon incident headed by a Supreme Court judge and a statement from Modi on the issue. Congress politicising violence, says BJP Kharge's comments triggered an angry response from BJP MPs, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar rebutting the charges and accusing the Congress of trying to play politics over the issue. "Congress wants to politicise the issue. The party suffered electoral drubbing in so many states in the recent past and that is why they want to milk political mileage over the issue," Kumar said. The Bhima-Koregaon violence and Maharashtra Bandh was also a topic of discussion in Parliament on Thursday as well. Congress MP Rajni Patil and Samajwadi Party's Naresh Agarwal demanded action and constitution of a commission for a report on the matter on Thursday. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut commended the government for dealing with the crisis. ANI quoted him as saying: "Bhima-Koregaon violence was unfortunate. The Maharashtra government showed restraint in dealing with the violence. The situation could have worsened, but whatever the government did, it was the right thing to do." Raut's comment, however, was completely different from what the party stated through its mouthpiece Saamana. Shiv Sena takes on Devendra Fadnavis The Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP in the state as well as the Centre, not only criticised the Fadnavis government over the Bhima-Koregaon violence but also alleged that the state government had no work except to fight elections using the state machinery and police. "Incidents that raise questions about the ability and the stand of the Fadnavis government are happening every day. The chief minister has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bhima-Koregaon incident but every government does the same thing. What is new in that?" an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana read. The party also said the government should bring its feet on the ground, and that there was a whole life to fight the Sena. "You can try all your might to politically finish the Sena later. For now, this might should be used to fight the enemies," said the party. According to 101Reporters, reacting to developments in Maharashtra, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati criticised the BJP in Lucknow on Wednesday. She said, BJP and RSS do not wish that Dalits revisit and identify with their history, learn from it and live with self-esteem. Mayawati also said that the celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle irks the BJP, RSS and other anti-Dalit groups of the country, who have attacked Dalits as per plan. Nationalist Congress Partys (NCP) Mumbai secretary Pramod Gaikwad had said on Wednesday, What happened in Bhima-Koregaon has left deep wounds in the minds of followers of Babasaheb. The incident could have been averted. But on the contrary, it seems that it was done after full planning. The chief minister is answerable for this. He cannot escape. Sumit Wajale, state secretary of Republican Party of India (Athavale), who led the protest in Bandra (East) on Wednesday, insisted that the protest was not political in nature, and the entire Ambedkari Samaj (all Dalit organisations and Ambedkar followers) across party lines had come together to express their anguish against casteist mindset of the present government. Devendra Fadnavis blames outsiders According to ANI, Fadnavis said on Wednesday that an inquiry will be conducted in the incidents of violence. Inquiry will be conducted in the incidents of violence that took place across Maharashtra. We are monitoring the CCTV footage of the violence: CM Devendra Fadnavis #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/DNqzPHPC0Y ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 However, Fadnavis blamed outsiders for instigating violence in the state. The chief minister, however, claimed that outside forces will not succeed in influencing Maharashtras peace-loving people. We (Maharashtrians) have always striven to stay away from communal and castiest forces. But outsiders are coming to Maharashtra and trying to influence and instigate people of the state. They are trying to disturb the harmony. We are confident that people will not follow them, he said. With inputs from agencies and 101Reporters Why were there clashes around Bhima-Koregaon this particular year? The reason might well be the removal of a board at a Mahar samadhi. After protesters managed to bring Mumbai to a standstill on Wednesday, the trigger for the clashes was largely seen as the Dalit commemoration of the British victory in the battle of Bhima-Koregaon. However the day has been celebrated peacefully for 200 years. Why then, was there violence this time? The reason is actually the removal of a board at a Mahar samadhi. The Maharashtra bandh was called on Wednesday following violence in Pune on 1 January when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army. Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits. The battle has come to be seen as a symbol of Dalit pride because a large number of soldiers in the Company force were Mahar Dalits. Since the Peshwas, who were Brahmins, were seen as oppressors of Dalits, the victory of the Mahar soldiers over Peshwa force is seen as Dalit assertion. On Thursday The Indian Express reported that the immediate trigger for the clashes near Bhima-Koregaon was the removal of a board at Mahar samadhi at Vadhu Budruk village near the site of the clashes. The samadhi is dedicated to Govind Gaikwad, a Mahar (Dalit). IANS reported that Gaikwad had performed the last rites of the 31-year old Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was assassinated in 1689 and his body severely mutilated by Emperor Aurangzeb's soldiers. The Mughals had warned that anybody who dared to perform the last rites of the slain Maratha warrior king would be punished with death. However, defying the orders, Gaikwad managed to stitch together the pieces of the king's body and later helped perform the last rites. Though he was later killed by the British, he has remained a symbol of 'Dalit Pride and Courage' since centuries. For his courageous services, Gaikwad was honoured with a memorial opposite the tomb of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On 30 December, a board was found erected near the samadhi. The board said Gaikwad had defied the orders of Mughal king Aurangzeb and performed the last rites of Sambhaji Maharaj. People, who believed it was their ancestors who had performed the last rites of Sambhaji Maharaj, tried to remove the board, leading to an altercation. This resulted in police filing a case under the SC/ST (Preventions of Atrocities) Act against 49 people. The incident in Vadhu Budruk is believed to have triggered the caste clashes in Bhima-Koregaon on 1 January. The 200th anniversary of the Koregaon-Bhima battle of January 1, 1818 was celebrated by the Koregaon-Bhima Shaurya Din Prerana Abhiyan, participated in by an estimated 400,000 people from all over Maharashtra. Despite tight security, some groups waving saffron flags allegedly pelted stones at the gathering and this soon degenerated into violent riots, leading to the death of a 28-year-old youth from Nanded, Rahul Fatangale, with more than two scores of vehicles damaged. A grim Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hurriedly announced a judicial probe by a "sitting judge" of Bombay High Court, a CID investigation into the violence and compensation of Rs 1 million for the victim's family. However, seething Dalit groups were unconvinced by the government assurances and Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, a Dalit party headed by Prakash Ambedkar the grandson of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar, called for a "peaceful Maharashtra shutdown" on Wednesday to express anger over the Pune incidents of 1 January. The country's commercial capital Mumbai was partially paralysed and millions were stranded on roads and railway stations as Dalit groups indulged in road and rail blockages, processions and protest demonstrations on Tuesday. The Dalit parties-sponsored 'Maharashtra Shutdown' on Wednesday evoked huge response in Mumbai and other parts of the state due to rail and road blockages and protest marches, with the impact severe in the rural areas and Dalit strongholds in the state. With inputs from agencies A 16-year-old boy, who was part of the mob blocking a road during the Maharashtra bandh in Nanded city, was crushed to death while escaping police. Mumbai: A 16-year-old boy, who was part of the mob blocking a road during the Maharashtra bandh in Nanded city, was crushed to death while escaping police on Wednesday. The incident occurred in Hadgaon area of Nanded in Marathwada region on Wednesday afternoon when protesters were blocking a road, a police official said. As police chased the demonstrators, the teenager, identified as Yogesh Jadhav, also ran along with others. "He, however, lost his balance and fell on road. He suffered serious injuries to his forehead and other parts of the body as he was trampled upon by fleeing protesters," the official said. "Jadhav was admitted in government hospital in Hadgaon, where he succumbed to his injuries," Hadgaon police station senior inspector Keshav Latpate told PTI. Meanwhile, another official said that protesters have alleged that Jadhav died in police lathicharge. Jadhav's postmortem is not yet performed and his family members are yet to claim his body, Latpate said. A 32-year old man, said to be a 'Hindu activist', was hacked to death by a four member gang who intercepted him while he was riding a bike at nearby Katipalla today, police said. Mangaluru: A 32-year old man, said to be a Hindu activist, was hacked to death by a four member gang who intercepted him while he was riding a bike at nearby Katipalla on Wednesday, police said. The deceased has been identified as Deepak, an executive in a mobile SIM cards distribution company. Police said the political affiliation of the victim was not immediately known. The state BJP said Deepak was an activist committed to "Hindutva ideology" and was associated with the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad in Dakshina Kannada district. The assailants who came in a car stopped him while he was on his way to duty and attacked him with sharp weapons, police said. The motive behind the killing, as well as the identity of the assailants was yet to be known, police said. Strongly condemning the "cold-blooded murder",BJP leaders R Ashok and Ashwathnarayana demanded an NIA probe into it. They charged that the Congress government in the state had allowed "jehadi forces" to have a field day and to indulge in "wanton killings" of Hindu workers in pursuance of its 'vote-bank politics' and minority appeasement. With this heinous killing, the number of Hindutva workers who have fallen to the 'murderous agenda of jehadi forces' has risen to 22, they said. A series of killings of "Hindu activists" has often caused tension in the communally sensitive Dakshina district in the coastal region. BJP has been accusing the Congress of adopting "a soft approach" towards "jehadi forces", a charge dismissed by the Siddaramaiah government, which has accused the saffron party of trying to polarise the situation. Four persons were arrested on Wednesday in Karnataka's Suratkal town near Mangaluru for the alleged murder of a 32-year-old man, whom the opposition BJP claimed to be a 'Hindu activist'. Mangaluru: Four persons were arrested on Wednesday in Karnataka's Suratkal town near Mangaluru for the alleged murder of a 32-year-old man, whom the Opposition BJP claimed to be a Hindu activist. "The suspects were arrested when they were trying to escape after attacking the victim - Deepak Rao - at Katipalla in the town," Dakishna Kannada Superintendent of Police SK Reddy told IANS. Rao, a sales executive with a mobile phones distributor, in Mangaluru, about 350km from the Bengaluru, was riding a motorbike at Katipalla when the accused waylaid and assaulted him with a machete between 1.30-2 pm. "A bleeding Rao was rushed to a private hospital at Suratkal for emergency treatment, but doctors declared him dead," said Reddy. Mangaluru Police Commissioner TR Suresh saod that the suspects were nabbed after they were chased and intercepted by police which fired at the car in which they were fleeing from the crime spot. "We recovered the weapon (machete) with which Rao was hacked," added Reddy. The four arrested were identified as Mulky Naushad, Rizwan, Pinky Nawaz and Nirshan. Right wing outfit Bajrang Dal also claimed that Rao was one of its members in the coastal district. Meanwhile, state Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy rushed Additional Director General of Police Kamal Pant to the town to inquire into the incident. The state government also deployed additional police to maintain law and order and ensure peace, as the BJP and Bajrang Dal called for a day-long shutdown in the coastal district on Thursday in protest against the murderous attack on Rao. Northern army commander Lt. General D Anbu reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness in forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Friday, and asked troops to be vigilant, an army official said Northern army commander Lt. General D Anbu reviewed the security situation and operational preparedness in forward areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Friday, and asked troops to be vigilant, an army official said. His visit came two days after Jaish-e-Mohammad militants killed five paramilitary personnel in a pre-dawn attack on a CRPF camp in Pulwama district. He has visited several areas of the Valley, especially those close to the Line of Control (LoC), over the past three days. "The army commander interacted with the troops on the ground and exhorted them to be vigilant against the nefarious designs of inimical elements," the official said. Anbu complimented the "high standards of professionalism of the soldiers", he said. He visited the forward posts, where he was briefed on the counter-infiltration grid and operational preparedness of the formations for the coming months, the official said. He also visited the hinterland formations at Sharifabad and Awantipora, where he was given a first-hand account of the ground situation. Pakistan warned the US that the statements from Washington are 'detrimental' to bilateral relations that have developed over generations Islamabad: Pakistan warned the US that the statements from Washington are "detrimental" to bilateral relations that have developed over generations. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday and discussed strategies following US President Donald Trump's tweet in which he accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" in return for $33 billion aid. "The Cabinet viewed that American statements are detrimental to the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and US, a relationship that has developed over generations," reads the statement issued after the meeting. Pakistan has rendered huge sacrifices, both in terms of loss of precious human lives and substantial damage to the economy as a result of partnering in the global war against terrorism, it said. The Cabinet unanimously endorsed the stance of National Security Committee (NSC), which in its yesterday's meeting expressed deep disappointment over recent statements of the top American leadership. Foreign Minister Khawaj Asif briefed the participants about the background of the recent statements of the American leadership and the discussion held during the NSC meeting. Pakistan has so far cautiously responded to Trump's tweet in which he had said that the US has foolishly given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given "us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools". Prime Minister's adviser on finance, Mitah Ismael, told Geo News that out of $33 billion, $14 billion were against the services as coalition partner in the war on terror. "Our actual bill for Coalition Support Fund was about $24 billion, but they have reimbursed only $14 billion," he said. Ismael said another about $5 billion was given by the US to various NGOs which had nothing to do with the government of Pakistan. He also said that about half of this was support for the military, mostly in kind, for fighting the war on terror. When asked about the impact of the US withholding $225 million in aid, Ismael said smilingly, "I spent more than this daily to run the government of Pakistan." In the same programme, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said that Pakistan and the US were still friends and partners. "We have history of ups and down in relations but we (are) still partners," he said. Ghafoor also hit back at US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, pointing to her Indian connection, when asked about Haley accusing Pakistan for double standards. "The US should find out the elements which are aiming at deteriorating the US-Pakistan cooperation," he said. Meanwhile, the Cabinet also extended by 30 days the 31 December deadline set for the repatriation of about three million Afghan refugees living legally and illegally in Pakistan. "After a detailed discussion, the Cabinet agreed to grant only 30 days' extension for Proof of Registration (POR) and also decided that the issue of early repatriation of Afghan refugees shall be raised with the United Nations high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) and with the international community," the statement added. Responding to a question about India test-firing an interceptor missile, Faisal said Pakistan always maintained that anti-ballistic missile systems entail destabilising effects, especially in the regional context and can provoke an arms race. Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday rejected as "propaganda" reports that China was going to establish a military base near the strategic Gwadar port in southern Balochistan province. "There is no proposal of building any Chinese military base near Gwadar. This is all propaganda against the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and strengthening of relations between Pakistan and China," Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Mohammad Faisal said. The nearly $50 billion CPEC a flagship project of China's prestigious One Belt One Road passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). It links China's restive Xinjiang region with Pakistan's Balochistan province. India has objected to CPEC as it traverses through PoK. Responding to a question about India test-firing an interceptor missile, Faisal said Pakistan always maintained that anti-ballistic missile systems entail destabilising effects, especially in the regional context and can provoke an arms race. "We have proposed several missile and nuclear restraint measures to India that include the commitment not to deploy ballistic missile defence systems. Pakistan will continue to follow a policy of restraint and responsibility while taking all necessary measures to ensure our national security," he said. Faisal said India's attempts to attribute ulterior motives to the basic security protocol for Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav are "testament to their double standards". Police booked two for the abduction of a 16-year old girl from Kalyan on the pretext of taking her to an educational camp organised by her college Thane: Two persons were booked Wednesday night for allegedly abducting a 16-year old girl on the pretext of taking her to an educational camp organised by her college. According to police, the girl's father got a call from one of the accused, who was posing as a teacher at the college, informing him about the camp. "The girl's father in his complaint stated that on the night of 30 December, he received a call from one Vinay Kunte informing him about a two-day educational camp organised at Karjat starting on 1 January for which the girl had to pay Rs 850," police said. Police said that the girl's father went to leave his daughter at the college at 6 am on 1 January only to be called again by Kunte who informed that the departure time had been rescheduled for 10 am. "The girl and her father returned home and the daughter went back to college at 10 am to proceed for the camp," police said. Police added that the truth of the non-existent camp dawned on the father when he inquired with the girl's friends about such a camp. "He was told that no such camp was organised. The father called up Kunte again who told him that he was not a teacher. Kunte also told the father that another person Bhushan Pawar had abducted his daughter," police said. Calls made by the father to the girl went unanswered as the latter's phone was switched off, police said. The girl's father filed a complaint with police last night and a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code was registered with Kalyan's Bazarpeth police station, officials said. Police said that Kunte, a resident of Murbad, and Bhushan Pawar from Dombivali have been named as accused in the case. A search is on to rescue the abducted girl and also to nab the two accused, said police. A probe has been ordered into the incident of a Jet Airways' pilot allegedly slapping his woman commander on a London-Mumbai flight New Delhi: A probe has been ordered into the incident of a Jet Airways' pilot allegedly slapping his woman commander on a London-Mumbai flight, civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Responding to the issue raised by Kirit Somaiya (BJP) during the Zero Hour, Raju said a probe into the incident has been ordered and time-bound action would be taken. Somaiya alleged that the incident had put the lives of hundreds of passengers at risk and sought action against the airlines and the two pilots. He claimed that both the pilots had come out of the cockpit which was a violation of rules. He also objected to the reported statement of the airlines that the incident was the result of a misunderstanding. Jet Airways grounded two of its senior pilots following the mid-air brawl on a London-Mumbai flight on 1 January, in which the male commander allegedly slapped his female counterpart. Rajiv Satav (Cong) raised the issue of the death of a schoolboy allegedly in police lathi charge in the aftermath of the Dalit-Maratha violence in Maharashtra. He blamed the state government for the incident and sought compensation for the boy's family. Prahlad Joshi (BJP) alleged that over 20 "political murders" have taken place in Karnataka after the Siddaramaiah -led Congress government took over. He claimed that despite NIA charge-sheet naming some PFI cadres for violent incidents, the state government has withdrawn cases against them. Ravneet Singh (Cong) referred to reports that a group of office-bearers claiming to represent 14 gurudwaras in Canada has imposed ban on Indian diplomats from entering the place of worship. He said some Khalistani supporters in Canada have even threatened the chief minister of Punjab. He said they were damaging the image of Sikhs all over the world and pro-Khalistan elements should not be tolerated. NK Premachandran (RSP) referred to reports about Chinese soldiers attempting to construct roads inside Arunachal Pradesh and said after Dokalam, the development assumes significance. Prahlad Singh Patel (BJP) alleged that girls from scheduled tribes in Tripura were raped and murdered but no post-mortem was undertaken. He alleged that the girls' kin were forced to perform their last rites without post-mortem, alleging the role of some CPM members in the incident. His remarks were strongly opposed by members from the Left parties. In his first foreign visit after being elevated as Congress President, Rahul Gandhi will be going to Bahrain on 7 January evening and is scheduled to address an NRI conclave on 8 January New Delhi: In his first foreign visit after being elevated as Congress President, Rahul Gandhi will be going to Bahrain on 7 January evening and is scheduled to address an NRI conclave on 8 January, sources said. According to party sources, the visit is aimed at promoting Rahul Gandhi as a brand after his visit to the US last September received a positive response. The sole purpose of such trips is to bolster Rahul's global image as a popular leader and also reach out to the NRIs, as prime minister Narendra Modi has been doing since he came to power. Rahul Gandhi was in Goa recently to join his mother Sonia Gandhi to usher in the New Year. The Supreme Court asked the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) authorities to consider a representation of students who have questioned the 'gender discriminatory rules' The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) authorities to consider a representation of students who have questioned the "gender discriminatory rules" against the girl students. The apex court asked the students of the university, who had challenged the rules, to raise their grievances through the representation to the university authorities. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and M M Shantanagoudar granted liberty to the university to file its reply with regard to any misconduct by students after its counsel said that the petitioner was involved in protests and a FIR was lodged against him. Advocate Prashant Bhushan appearing for student Vikas Singh and others said that there were several gender discriminatory rules and regulations framed by the Mahila Maha Vidyalaya Womens' Hostel of the BHU. He said that the hostel does not allow girls to go out of hostel, even in the campus, after 8 pm. The girls cannot use cell phone after 10 pm and if they use it, then they have to put it on speaker mode. They are also not allowed to wear short dresses, he claimed. Bhushan said that the girls were not allowed to access wi-fi and internet in their hostel rooms, while the male students were given all such facilities. "If a girl is coming or going out of station from the hostel at night, she cannot go due to these rules. These are draconian and archaic rules," he said. The bench said that these are all matters which can be dealt by the university, and going out of station in the night are exceptional cases which can be addressed on case by case basis. The top court said that the students should make a representation to the university authorities with regard to their grievances and it will look into it. During a child custody hearing in late November, a doctor testified before a court that Sherin, who was adopted from India, had broken bones and had injuries in various stages of healing, indicating abuse. Houston: The much-awaited autopsy report in the death of 3-year-old Sherin Mathews says she died of "homicidal violence," US media reported on Wednesday, nearly three months after the adopted Indian girl was found dead in a culvert in suburban Dallas. Sherin went missing from her home in Richardson on 7 October and her body was found on 22 October in a culvert in suburban Dallas by a cadaver dog after an intense search. The toddler's body was identified days later using her dental records. Sherin died of "homicidal violence", a law enforcement official in Dallas, Texas, confirmed to WFAA TV station, indicating the manner of death for the girl. A cause of death could not be determined due to extensive decomposition, the official said. Steven Kurtz with the Dallas County medical examiner's office said that Sherin was a victim of homicide, the Associated Press reported. An earlier report had said that the autopsy report of Sherin has been handed over to the attorneys for the adoptive Indian-American parents of Sherin - Wesley Mathews and Sini Mathews. During a child custody hearing in late November, a doctor testified before a court that Sherin, who was adopted from India, had broken bones and had injuries in various stages of healing, indicating abuse. Initially, Sherin's foster father Wesley told police that he put her outside their home at 3 am to discipline her for not drinking her milk. His story changed after her body was found in a culvert, telling police that he "physically assisted" with pouring the milk down Sherin's throat and then moved her body after he realised she had choked and died. Wesley also admitted to police that he removed Sherin's body from the home after changing his story multiple times on the events leading up to her death. Wesley and his wife Sini also left Sherin home alone the night before her disappearance, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Wesley, 37, is charged with injury to a child, while the adoptive mother, Sini, 35, is charged with abandoning or endangering a child. Both are currently lodged in a Dallas jail. The attorney representing Sini Mathews said the report, received on Tuesday evening from the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, does not implicate her in Sherin's death. "There is nothing in the autopsy results that indicate Sini Mathews had anything to do with the death of Sherin Mathews," Mitch Nolte told WFAA in a statement. The news about the autopsy report on Sherin has reportedly been sent to Wesley and Sini as they are expected to appear in court later today for a Child Protective Services (CPS) custody hearing for their 4-year-old biological daughter. She was removed from the home by CPS officials after Sherin went missing. The couple can either forfeit their parental rights during today's hearing, or the court could decide a date for a civil trial to possibly terminate their rights, the report said. Wednesday's hearing would mark the third CPS hearing for the Indian-American adoptive parents of Sherin. Last month, the couple, hailing from Kerala, temporarily lost their rights to see their biological child, who has been placed with a family member in the Houston area. During the hearing, both Wesley and Sini pleaded the fifth amendment in court in response to pointed questions about their alleged involvement in Sherin's death to avoid self-incrimination. Wesley is still being held on a $1 million bond. Sini had her bond reduced from $250,000 to $100,000 in December. If she is indeed released, she will be required to wear an electronic ankle monitor, as she is said to be a 'flight risk' who could try to flee to India. Richardson Police have scheduled a press conference later today to release more details of the case. Meanwhile, a community group in Richardson has thanke the Richardson Police Department for its ongoing investigation into Sherin's death. A group made up of Richardson residents presented police with a plaque on Tuesday, thanking them for their response and hard work in the complex and high-profile case that had attracted international media attention. Bill Allen, who lived near where Sherin's body was found, presented the special plaque to the police department. With his neighbours, they formed an informal group to express gratitude for all the investigators. They also dedicated a bench in Sherin's memory this past weekend, FOX4News.com reported. "To have the community come together and come to us and acknowledge the good work that the men and women of this police department have done means so, so much to us," said Richardson Police Department Chief Jimmy Spivey. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Bangkok on Thursday on the first leg of a three-nation tour that will also take her to Indonesia and Singapore. Bangkok: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Bangkok on Thursday on the first leg of a three-nation tour that will also take her to Indonesia and Singapore. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that the Minister got a "warm welcome" in Thailand "our geographic, historic and cultural neighbour". During her two-day visit to Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will meet Don Pramudwinai, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the External Affairs Ministry, all aspects of bilateral relations will be discussed with particular focus on political, defence and economic ties and on further enhance India's engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Thailand will take over from Vietnam the role of coordinator country for India-Asean relations from the middle of this year. Sushma Swaraj will also share with her interlocutors information about the upcoming Asean-India Commemorative Summit that marks 25 years since the establishment of Dialogue Partnership between India and the regional bloc. In a unique first, the leaders of the ASEAN countries are expected to attend this year's Republic Day celebrations collectively as chief guests. After Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will visit Indonesia and Singapore. At least 23 civilians were killed in the Syrian opposition redoubt of Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, with the majority of victims perishing in Russian air raids, a monitor said Beirut: At least 23 civilians were killed in the Syrian opposition redoubt of Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, with the majority of victims perishing in Russian air raids, a monitor said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told AFP that 18 people were killed by Russian strikes in the town of Misraba, while the remainder died in shelling from government forces. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said three children and 11 women were among those killed. The war in Syria has killed more than 340,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. Eastern Ghouta, a small enclave east of the capital Damascus, is controlled mostly by rebels from the Jaish al-Islam group. Russia first launched bombing raids in 2015 in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's beleaguered forces. Those strikes have helped Assad regain control over much of war-ravaged Syria. The Observatory relies on a network of sources inside Syria and says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used. Mumbai Police swooped on the Bhaidas Hall, in the posh western suburb of Vile Parle on Thursday morning, and stopped the Left-leaning Chhatra Bharati's All India Students Summit which was scheduled to be addressed by Khalid and Mevani. Mumbai: After Wednesday's violence-hit 'Maharashtra Shutdown', police on Thursday abruptly axed permission to a day-long student convention in which Gujarat legislator Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid were to take part. Simultaneously, Pune Police registered a FIR against the two leaders for allegedly making inflammatory speeches at a meeting in Shaniwarwada in Pune on 31 December. Mumbai Police swooped on the Bhaidas Hall, in the posh western suburb of Vile Parle on Thursday morning, and stopped the Left-leaning Chhatra Bharati's All India Students Summit which was scheduled to be addressed by Khalid and Mevani. Considered the Dalit face of Gujarat politics and convenor of Rashtriya Dalit Adhikar Manch, Menvani was elected to the state Assembly last month as an Independent. The police broke up the planned convention, citing prohibitory orders imposed in Mumbai after Wednesday's state-wide shutdown which left a 16-year old student dead in Nanded. Opposing the police move, Chhatra Bharati members staged noisy protests, raised anti-government slogans and attempted to squat outside the venue. Many were seen running on to the main road outside. Defying the police, some attempted to enter the auditorium but were evicted by the police. Many were bundled into a police van and detained. Chhatra Bharati Vice President Sagar Bhalerao said the day-long event was planned long ago in which both Mevani, Khalid and others were listed speakers. Maharashtra legislator Kapil Patil said around 800 students and delegates including many girls were dumped into police vans and taken to various police stations where they were detained for several hours. "The police are acting at the behest of the BJP-Shiv Sena government to crush the voice of the students who raise uncomfortable questions. This is a fascist government," Patil told the media. Demanding the release of the detained students, scores of students squatted outside the Juhu police station raising anti-government slogans. In Pune, the police late on Wednesday booked Mevani and Khalid for 'inciting passions' between communities following a complaint by a Pune-based student, Akshay G Bikkad. Bikkad said that at a meeting held on 31 December, Mevani and Khalid made allegedly inflammatory speeches that could create misunderstanding between communities, and included excerpts from the objectionable speeches. The complainant said that such inflammatory speeches can create a wedge and enmity between communities. Provoked by these utterances, some miscreants attacked the Victory Pillar (Vijay Stambh) in Koregaon-Bhima resulting in riots and created arson on January 1, he said. The developments came in the wake of the series of disturbances in Maharashtra starting with the desecration of a monument in Vadhu Budruk on December 29, followed by the riots in Koregaon-Bhima that left one dead on January 1, and the 'Maharashtra Shutdown' that killed one minor boy and left a trail of destruction across the state. Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh President Prakash Ambedkar said he and other leaders called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding the arrest and prosecution of Shivjagar Pratisthan President Sambhaji Bhide Guruji and Hindu Janjagruti Samiti President Milind Ekbote, against whom complaints have been lodged by Pune Police. He said Fadnavis told them that he had requested the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court to nominate a judge for the promised judicial enquiry into the entire episode. "We have demanded that the probe commission should be given enhanced powers to even recommend punishment to those found guilty. This is the first time an enquiry commission shall be bestowed with such powers," Ambedkar said. In its current form, the triple talaq Bill is designed to keep the issue alive for electoral and political purposes. It is definitely not a reform in Muslim family law. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 3 January. The Bill, which criminalises talaq-e-biddat (instant triple talaq), was passed by the Lok Sabha on 28 December without debate and discussion. There are serious issues with the Bill. Rajya Sabha must amend the Bill, or send it to dustbin in its current form. It fails Muslim families in the following ways. The Bill provides for the maintenance of a wife divorced via instant triple talaq. It does not provide for the maintenance for a wife divorced via other forms of triple talaq. It also doesn't provide maintenance for the wife divorced via any other means, notably when a Muslim woman is granted divorce by a court. The Bill also doesn't invalidate the infamous Shah Bano law, which was passed by the Rajiv Gandhi government in 1986, denying alimony to divorced Muslim women. There are serious questions on the Bill's maintenance clause. Take two scenarios: first, a security guard who earns a daily wage totalling 10,000 rupees a month utters instant triple talaq; second, a university lecturer who earns Rs 60,000 a month. In the first case, the security guard who will be jailed will earn around Rs 8,000 a year in prison. (Sanjay Dutt earned 38,000 over a five-year period in jail). Even if he gives all the money, what benefit it brings to the affected woman? Under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, a Mumbai court even rejected a maintenance of Rs 1,500 to a woman who was earning Rs 8,000. In the second scenario, if the lecturer's wife too is a lecturer or earns a decent salary in another high-paying job, there is no reason why she should be given maintenance. Her claim for maintenance can be effectively challenged on the grounds of the fundamental right to equality under Article 14 since she has a decent source of income. Courts have rejected maintenance to educationally qualified women married under the Hindu law. Courts have also granted maintenance to husbands where the wife was working and the husband was jobless even for regular litigation expenses. The bulk of cases of instant triple talaq involve the lower income groups of Muslims, affecting families in which men are mechanics, labourers, tailors, and so on. In cases affecting them, the major problem is for the woman because she will be required to go to court to prove that the husband divorced her via instant triple talaq. In cases of oral instant triple talaq, it will be almost impossible for such a woman to prove any case against the husband, who will languish in jail before finally being acquitted. Therefore, the triple talaq Bill is badly drafted. The sole purpose of the Bill seems to imprison Muslim men, not to help the affected women. The Bill ensures that a Muslim husband will be jailed for up to three years. By the Supreme Court order of 22 August, the instant triple talaq is already illegal. So, a question arises: why to jail the husband when the divorce hasn't taken place under the laws of India. Marriage and divorce must remain within the civil law. If the unwritten purpose of the Bill is to create another domestic violence law, the government can incorporate the instant triple talaq in the Domestic Violence Act of 2005, though I do not favour any civil matter to be criminalised. Under the Bill, the woman will get the custody of children. Irrespective of religious consideration, this is unfair on fathers. In all cases of separated and divorced families, children must be under joint custody. Fathers have a beneficial role in a growing child's life. The Bill punishes children. Its biggest flaw is that it assumes that the instant triple talaq has taken place. The Bill basically agrees with Islamic clerics' view that instant triple talaq is valid this is a violation of the Supreme Court's 22 August order which set aside this form of divorce. In a fine piece on legal inaccuracies of the bill, journalist Ajay Kumar argues: "If the talaq itself is void, there can hardly be a question of maintenance or custody. They only come into play post a divorce." The Bill is definitely not a reform in Muslim family laws. It doesn't address the essential question of unilateral divorce by Muslim husbands. Even after it becomes a law, a Muslim husband will be forced to use his unilateral power of divorce through two other forms of triple talaq: one, he must send one talaq to his wife and wait for three months for the divorce to take effect; two, he must send one talaq each month to his wife for three months, making the marriage invalid. Since the Bill doesn't make unilateral divorce invalid, how is it even a first step towards reform? Most non-Muslims don't grasp the fact that a Muslim husband is effectively barred from going to court for divorce. At present, a Muslim woman can go to courts, Islamic clerics, or community elders to seek divorce. However, Muslim husbands cannot go to court to seek divorce. The Rajya Sabha must amend the Bill, or write a new legislation, to enable Muslim husbands to go to court. The Supreme Court had reminded the government that Muslim husbands don't have a judicial forum to seek divorce. On 15 May, the then attorney general Mukul Rohatgi informed the Supreme Court that if instant divorce is struck down, the government would bring a law "to regulate marriage and divorce" among Muslims. The Bill that was passed by the Lok Sabha has failed to fulfil this promise. When the Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Congress in the House, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other Opposition MPs requested that the Bill be sent to the standing committee on law and justice. However, since the government has brute majority in Lok Sabha, it rejected this request. In democracies, the opposition serves as a catalyst for positive change. It doesn't appear that despite its own assurance to the Supreme Court, the government is interested in reform among Muslims with regard to marriage and divorce laws. Let's not forget: Muslim women who went to the Supreme Court against triple talaq did so in order to save their marriage because Indian society looks down upon divorced women. In its current form, the Bill is designed to keep alive the triple talaq issue, as I have argued, for electoral and political purposes. There are also other concerns that Muslim men can be harassed by cops, especially when communal leaders win in a certain region. Under this Bill, the instant triple talaq is cognisable offence, which means as noted by the writer Rana Safvi a policeman does not need a warrant to arrest, nor does the complaint have to be filed by the Muslim woman. Any person can file a complaint against a Muslim husband leading to his arrest. This Bill is arbitrary in nature. The Rajya Sabha, therefore, must introduce amendments in the Bill or consign it to dustbin and write a new expanded legislation that addresses numerous questions surrounding Muslim family laws. This is essential for reform among Muslims and their integration in the emerging social order of India. A Muslim family reform bill must outlaw all unilateral forms of divorce by a Muslim husband. It must also outlaw practices such as mehr, halala, polygamy, two Muslim women's testimony being equal to one man's, the girl's inheritance being half of a boy's, the guardianship of male over female, and so on. These are real issues facing the Muslim families. Tufail Ahmad is Senior Fellow for Islamism and Counter-Radicalization Initiative at the Middle East Media Research Institute, Washington DC. He tweets @tufailelif The BJP on Thursday asked the Election Commission to appoint micro-observers in poll-bound Tripura from outside the CPM-ruled state and deploy maximum paramilitary forces, alleging that an atmosphere of fear was prevailing there. New Delhi: The BJP on Thursday asked the Election Commission to appoint micro-observers in poll-bound Tripura from outside the CPM-ruled state and deploy maximum paramilitary forces, alleging that an atmosphere of fear was prevailing there. Only those government officials should be given election duty, who give a declaration that they are not members of any political party or any trade union affiliated to any political outfit, said Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP leader and convener of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which is part of the BJP-led NDA. "Micro-observers should be from outside the state because CPM has started giving membership to the state government employees in Tripura. The elections cannot be held with the Left party members inside the booth," Sarma told reporters outside the Election Commission (EC) office. Sarma, who is also a minister in the BJP government in Assam, claimed that more than 60 party workers were killed by the ruling CPM in Tripura and there was an atmosphere of fear and threat in the state. "We (BJP) have requested the Election Commission to deploy maximum paramilitary forces in the state to ensure free and fair elections in the state," he said. The Left party has been ruling Tripura since 1993. The state has traditionally witnessed a two-way fight between the Congress and the CPM. This time the BJP is trying to emerge as the principal opposition to the ruling Left party. Tenure of the 60-member Tripura Assembly ends in March this year. After cancelling an event which was supposed to feature Gujarat Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani and JNU student activist Umar Khalid, the Mumbai Police on Thursday also issued a serach warrant against the two leaders, After cancelling an event which was supposed to feature Gujarat Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani and JNU student activist Umar Khalid, the Mumbai Police on Thursday also issued a search warrant against the two leaders, CNN-News18 reported. On Thursday, Mumbai Police had denied permission to Chhatra Bharati, a socio-political NGO, to organise the All India National Students Summit 2018 at Mithibai College Auditorium in Mumbai's Vile Parle. According to Asian Age, Mevani and Khalid were supposed to speak on the Bhima-Koregaon violence. Chhatra Bharati is the student wing of the socio-political group Lok Bharati, led by Maharashtra MLC Kapil Patil. Police on Thursday had also imposed Section 149 around Mithibai College to stop any unlawful gathering, reported CNN-News18. Several students belonging to Chhatra Bharti were taken into preventive custody who were protesting the cancellation of the event. These students were taken to the Goregaon and Juhu police stations, reported CNN-News18. Meanwhile, the Pune Police registered an FIR against the two leaders for their "provocative" speeches at an event in Pune on 31 December. A case was registered under Section 153(A), 505 and 117 of the Indian Penal Code. According to reports, Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on 31 December. According to the complainants Akshay Bikkad and Anand Dhond Mevani and Khalid had made "provocative" comments at the event. Bikkad and Dhond, both locals, approached the Deccan Gymkhana police station with an application and demanded the registration of a case against Mevani and Khalid for allegedly promoting enmity between different communities. The complainant added excerpts from the speech by Mevani, "The (1 January, 1881) battle of Koregaon-Bhima can be a war of tomorrow. If they attack, it is time to retaliate, and winning this war will be a tribute to the martyrs. Crushing the new Peshwai' can be a homage to the heroes of the Koregaon-Bhima battle." The alleged excerpt from Khalid's speech,"If we want to win this war against the new Peshwai', we must carry forward the battle of Koregaon-Bhima. If we want to carry ahead the struggle, it cannot be achieved merely by electoral politics." "I believe that people who fight for the public causes must find a place in the legislatures in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and also in Parliament. However, caste system can be uprooted only by taking the fight to the streets. The dominance of one caste over the other can only be destroyed by battling it out on the streets," Khalid allegedly said. With inputs from agancies Two activists of the Bheem Sena, a Dalit outfit, have been arrested for allegedly insulting Hindu gods in a village, police said on Thursday. Muzaffarnagar: Two activists of the Bheem Sena, a Dalit outfit, have been arrested for allegedly insulting Hindu gods in a village, police said on Thursday. The incident happened in Nauna village in the Mansurpur police station area on Wednesday evening. Circle Officer Rajiv Kumar Singh told PTI that police filed a case against a number of activists of the Bheem Sena based on a complaint by Man Singh. Singh alleged Bheem Sena activists led by their leader Lokesh Kataria forced their way into his house and insulted Hindu gods. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said. Slamming West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for her statement on the update of National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Assam government on Thursday said her words were 'derogatory, insulting to Assamese and against the constitution as well as the spirit of Supreme Court'. Guwahati: Slamming West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee for her statement on the update of National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Assam government on Thursday said her words were "derogatory, insulting to Assamese and against the constitution as well as the spirit of Supreme Court". Assam minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed Mamata's speech against the NRC update "politically motivated" and made to "appease her vote bank". "We condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee. It is derogatory and insulting to people of Assam. It is against the Constitution of India and the spirit of Supreme Court," he said at a press conference. Mamata had in a meeting in West Bengal on Wednesday accused the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of 31 December. "People have gone there (Assam) to work. In the name of NRC, they are planning to drive them out. I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire. It should not follow a divide and rule policy...this is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.8 crore people from the state (Assam)," she had said. Patowary said Assam was like a "mini-India" and all sections of the society live in the state peacefully. "She is making such emotional statements to appease her vote bank. She is unhappy that there was no disturbance after the first draft of the NRC was published and could not gain any advantage," the state industry minister said. Responding to Mamata's allegations of a conspiracy to drive Bengali-speaking people out of Assam, Patowary asked her to submit evidence to the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the updating process of the NRC. "She should not make such statements without knowing all facts. Both our states enjoy good relations," he added. The much-awaited first draft of the NRC contains 19 million names, out of the 32.9 million applicants, as citizens of India, in a massive exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh. The Registrar General of India has said that the rest of the applications are at various stages of verification. A Maharashtra minister claimed today that social media platforms were used to spread misinformation about what happened at Bhima-Koregaon in Pune district, where one person was killed in caste violence on 1 January. Mumbai: A Maharashtra minister on Wednesday claimed that social media platforms were used to spread misinformation about what happened at Bhima-Koregaon in Pune district, where one person was killed in caste violence on 1 January. Minister of State for Home (Rural) Deepak Kesarkar said the government will take strong action against those responsible for the violent clashes. Speaking to reporters here, he termed the violence at Bhima-Koregaon village unfortunate and claimed the incident happened because wrong information was spread on social media. "There is complete peace in Vadu-Budruk (near Bhima-Koregaon). But a wrong message, that atrocity cases have been filed against some people, was posted on social media platforms and this led to the incident," he said. "Some outsiders came and put up banners. Amid all this, rumours were spread on social media that the youth who died was a Dalit and the situation became tense. "However, it later came to light that the youth was not a Dalit," the Shiv Sena minister added. Dalit organisations, led by the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM), had called for a Maharashtra bandh to protest the state government's "failure" to stop the violence at Bhima- Koregaon two days ago. The BBM is led by Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar. The violence erupted when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's army. Right-wing groups have been blamed for the clashes. The Congress on Thursday alleged that the BJP government has neither the policy nor the intention to get the contentious triple talaq bill passed in Parliament, and also accused it of running away from a debate on the matter. New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday alleged that the BJP government has neither the policy nor the intention to get the contentious triple talaq bill passed in Parliament, and also accused it of running away from a debate on the matter. The bill, which has divided political parties and drawn criticism from several Muslim bodies, was passed by the Lok Sabha on 28 December. It now has to be passed by the Rajya Sabha to become a law. But the Congress, which supported the bill in the Lok Sabha, wants certain changes to the bill such as making provisions for providing financial aid to Muslim women divorced through instant triple talaq before supporting its passage in the Upper House. It accused the ruling BJP of practicing a policy that disturbs communal harmony and alleged that violence against Dalits has risen in all states where the BJP was in power. Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said even parties like the TDP and the BJD, which have stood with the BJP, were with the Opposition on the issue. Even "independent" parties like the INLD have distanced themselves from the BJP, he added. "The BJP has neither the policy nor the intention to get the triple talaq bill passed in Parliament," he told reporters. Tiwari alleged that it was the BJP's policy to "divide the society" and the ruling party was running away from a debate on the matter. He said as per the traditions of the Rajya Sabha, any motion that has been taken up and if the House was adjourned the next day it is taken up. On the Dalit protests in Maharashtra, Tiwari alleged that wherever the BJP has been voted to power violence against the community has increased. "Whenever BJP is in power or is seeking to gain power, its first attack is on breaking the society on caste and religious lines," he said, adding that it's attempt in Maharashtra was also to creak social harmony in the society. Senior Congress leader PL Punia alleged it was clear that the BJP and the RSS ignited violence in Koregaon village in Pune district on 1 January and the Maharashtra government failed to control the violence. He demanded immediate arrest of the two accused named in the FIR for allegedly instigating violence in Pune, and questioned why the government was protecting them. Punia alleged that the two accused, who were linked to Hindutva outfits, were stated to be close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. "We demand legal action against those who were trying to disturb harmony (in the society)," he said. He claimed that the Pune violence was spreading to other states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. "The BJP and RSS does the work of dividing society on caste and religious lines. Dalit atrocities also rise wherever the BJP is in power," he alleged. Meanwhile, the Congress also slammed the Modi government over the reported breach in the Aadhaar data, saying the right to privacy was being "flouted with impunity". Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala tweeted: The Congress has condemned the Maharashtra government's decision to deny permission to an event supposed to be addressed by Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid in Mumbai on Thursday. Mumbai: The Congress has condemned the Maharashtra government's decision to deny permission to an event supposed to be addressed by Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid in Mumbai on Thursday. In a stinging attack, the Congress said the "weak" government got "scared" of students. In the wake of the Monday's Bhima Koregaon violence and subsequent Maharashtra bandh, the police denied permission to 'All India Students Summit 2018', scheduled to be held in a western suburb. The event was supposed to be addressed by JNU student leader Umar Khalid and Dalit leader from Gujarat Jignesh Mevani, an MLA. "The government has suddenly cancelled a scheduled conference of students and has arrested students," state Congress spokesman Sachin Sawant said. He said the conference was scheduled last month and was supposed to be addressed by student leaders from across the state. "While Hindutva leaders Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote who were responsible for the Bhima Koregaon violence are roaming free, the police arrested students after cancelling the permission to the conference at the last moment. We condemn this action," Sawant said. Earlier in the day, police detained some students and activists gathered outside a hall in suburban Vile Parle. If Dalits continue to clash with upper-caste Hindus, it would destroy its dream of a 'virat' Hindu 'parivar' that votes just for the BJP. Indian politics has always been pulled in opposite directions by Mandal and Kamandal. Protests by Dalits in Maharashtra and the backlash by the Marathas show, after a brief hiatus, rival forces of the two brands of identity politics have begun their tug-of-war again. That a 200-year-old battle between Dalits and Peshwas at Koregaon has revived this political war isn't just a coincidence. For the past few years, the politics of religion, symbolised by the Kamandal (Ram Mandir) movement, had been asserting itself in India. Its counter, the politics of caste symbolised by the Mandal movement, was inevitable. The Mandal and Kamandal movements have always been ideologically opposed to each other. Dalits have historically been oppressed by the upper castes, especially in rural India. They have valid grievances against the socio-cultural and political hegemony and tyranny of the trinity of Tilak, Tarazu and Talwar (Brahmins, traders and Kshatriyas) that have never been resolved or addressed completely. This animus has intensified over the decades because of the desire of the Dalits to assert themselves through two means: One, through political mobilisation that seeks more power for Dalits and their representatives. Two, by seeking quota benefits and opposing the extension of reservation to communities that have been politically, socially and socially more advantaged. This desire for more political space and quota benefits have pitted them against the upper castes. The forward (agada) castes resent the political aspirations of the backward communities and Dalits (pichhadas). For them, reservations is an injustice that needs to be erased because it deprives them and their future generations of equal opportunities and, thus, gradually erode the privileges they have enjoyed. This friction between the two polesagada and picchdahas always existed in India. With every passing decade, with rising unemployment, stiffer competition and greater awareness, it has intensified. The biggest symptom of this trend has been the demand for reservation from more and more communitiesJats, Kapus, Gurjars, Marathas, Patidars, and even Brahmins and Kshatriyas of Rajasthanand its political opposition by Dalits and OBCs. But, instead of finding a solution, the political class has been offering lies and fake promises. It is no surprise thus that the underlying magma is now erupting. To understand how the political class keeps the tension simmering, consider the case of the Gurjars of Rajasthan and Patidars of Gujarat. When Gurjars, who are currently among the OBCs, took to the streets for their inclusion in STs in 2007-08, the BJP government led by Vasundhara Raje promised them five percent reservation as special backward classes. This solution was unviable from the very beginning because the promised quota exceeded the 50 percent ceiling that can't be breached without the Supreme Court's intervention. For Raje, and the Congress later on, the simpler solution could have been to take Gurjars out of the OBC list and reduce the quota benefits to the backwards proportionately. But, politics being supreme, it decided to increase the quota by five percent, thus, taking away more from the general category and not touching the benefits already enjoyed by OBCs (21 percent), ST and SC (28 percent). Incidentally, the Congress promised the same to Patidars in Gujarat in its election manifesto. Considering their demand for quota benefits, it promised to include them by breaching the 50 percent ceiling. The BJP, which promised exactly the same to Gurjars in Rajasthan, called this unconstitutional and, thus, null and void. The point is this: Both the Congress and the BJP have failed to address the reservation issue with honesty, they have just kept the pot boiling by offering illegal solutions and, ironically, discarding the same when offered by rival parties in other states. This double-speak and obfuscation have left the ailment untreated. The BJP was hoping its Hindutva appeal will keep the agadas and pichhadas united. Emboldened by the outcome in the 90s when it had countered Mandal effectively with Kamandal, it had hoped the bogey of political and socio-cultural domination of Muslims would keep the Hindutva forces under one tent. But, the developments in Gujarat and the clashes in Maharashtra show the communal glue is coming off. The caste fault lines are reappearing. Since the BJP is in power, it is wary of the evolving situation. Its concerns were reflected in the ongoing RSS conclave at Ujjain on Tuesday when Mohan Bhagwat talked at length about bringing the Dalits under the Hindutva fold by having a quota for them within the Sangh. (Imagine the worry lines when an outfit that always opposed quota argues for reservation within the organisation!) The BJP knows mobilisation of Dalits, minorities and liberals could pose an electoral threat in 2019. If Dalits continue to clash with upper-caste Hindus, it would destroy its dream of a virat Hindu parivar that votes just for the BJP. Unfortunately, with its politics of religion-based nationalism, it has unleashed the counter forces of casteism. Its politics of Hindutva has birthed new caste leaders like Jignesh Mewani, Hardik Patel and revived the career of Prakash Ambedkar. India's politics is hurtling back to the 90s where caste and religion were constantly at war. The political ramifications are unlikely to be different. Now with just one more day remaining in the ongoing Winter Session, the fate of the controversial triple talaq bill remains shrouded in suspense The Rajya Sabha was adjourned until 11 am on Friday, without any discussion on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 (or the triple talaq Bill as it is more commonly known) amid huge uproar in the Upper House, shortly after the bill was taken up discussion. Now with just one more day remaining in the ongoing Winter Session, the fate of the controversial bill remains shrouded in suspense as the government virtually rejected an overwhelming demand from the Opposition for referring it to a Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha for detailed consideration. The Opposition, on the other hand also refused to relent as Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Bill was not fit to be passed as it as it would "finish off Muslim women" instead of "empowering them." Azad stood up to raise his objection soon after the matter was taken up for discussion. He said that the soul and intent of the bill are laudable, and no party is opposed to it. However, the clause criminalising talaq-e-biddat (or instant triple talaq) will "finish off Muslim women", contrary to the government's claim that it will empower them. Azad said, "If the government plans to send their (Muslim women's) husbands to jail, who will provide for them in the meantime, who will pay for their children's upbringing... the government should then a make a clause to provide for those women as well in the absence of their husbands." He concluded his point by demanding that the suggestions moved by Anand Sharma, Sukhendu Shekhar Roy, or Derek O' Brian, which in essence demand that the bill be referred to a Select Committee, should be taken for consideration. Jaitley stood up at this point and raised objections on technical grounds at the Opposition parties' motion, which was moved and admitted on Wednesday. He said that the motion could not be admitted and should be held invalid because the rule states that a prior notice of at least 24 hours should be given. To this Deputy Chairman of the House PJ Kurien responded in negative. He said, "The Leader of the House is a very learned advocate himself and all points raised by him are of relevance." The rule he quotes that a prior notice should be given is also correct, he said. "However, the same rule adds that the Chairman of the House (Vice-President of India M Venkaiah Naidu) has the power to admit such a motion and which is why I cannot overrule it. It is now admitted and hence is the property of the House, only members can amend it," Kurien said. He said that the bill will not be taken up until there is a consensus in the House. Jaitley further expressed his displeasure at the composition of the Select Committee as suggested by the Opposition parties. "The rule clearly states that any Standing or Select Committee should be formed so as to reflect the nature of this House. That is not the case here," Jaitley said. He was apparently referring to the fact that the list of suggested members to comprise the committee did not include any MPs of the BJP. All India Trinamool Congress MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy chose to respond to this. He said that he had included members from all parties who were willing to send the bill to the Standing Committee. However, BJP members were not included because the government was not willing to send the bill to the committee. Roy added that if the BJP is interested in sending the Bill for further scrutiny, he has no objection to amending the list to include its members as well. The government after this asked the Chair to take up the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017 instead of the triple talaq bill, which spurred a pandemonium in the House as Opposition insisted that the matter of sending the triple talaq bill to the Select Committee should be resolved first. The House was finally adjourned for the day. The bill was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, but then too, it did not see much debate or discussion as political parties indulged in a slugfest both inside and outside Parliament. While the government wanted a debate on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition wanted it to be sent to a Select Committee for scrutiny before it is a made a law. Following this, in an unprecedented move, it was the ruling BJP that forced an adjournment in the Rajya Sabha as the Opposition pressed for the triple talaq Bill to be sent to a Select Committee of the House for closer scrutiny. Earlier on Tuesday too, a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee of the Rajya Sabha ended without a consensus on the issue as the government was keen that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 be adopted as passed last week by the Lok Sabha. The government had insisted that the opposition should not press for amendments to the bill or to recommend its reference to a parliamentary committee. However, the entire Opposition, including those friendly to the ruling BJP like TDP and AIADMK, demanded that the bill be referred to a Select Committee so that "lacunae" in the legislation could be rectified. The government had, however, insisted on bringing the bill to the House and take its sense before deciding about its final fate. However, various reports suggest that owing to the lack of numbers and consensus in the Rajya Sabha the ruling party will be forced to send the bill to a Select Committee of the House. And it would only be taken up again in the Budget Session in 2018. Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have geared up for panchayat elections after the state government recently decided to hold the polls in February. Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have geared up for panchayat elections after the state government recently decided to hold the polls in February. The state government is looking at undertaking a mammoth exercise to elect nearly 18,785 panchs and 2, 369 sarpanchs in Kashmir during the elections. On Tuesday, Governor NN Vohra, in an address to the joint sitting of state legislature, announced that the panchayat elections will be held in February, which will be followed by urban local body polls. With the third tier of governance in place, the governments administrative and developmental initiatives will gather renewed steam, said Vohra. Director (Rural Development) Kashmir, Gazanfar Ali, said that across Kashmir division 18,785 panchs and 2, 369 sarpanchs will be elected. The decision has however evoked opposition by the separatists who have asked the people to boycott the elections. Despite the government's announcement, political activity in Kashmir is missing. But all political parties in the Jammu region have started the process of fielding candidates as panchs and sarpanchs. For Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, peaceful elections will send across a message that she has been able to deliver on the ground and that the PDP has regained the lost ground in Kashmir after the unrest over killing of Hizbul Muhajideen militant commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani. However after the announcement about the election by Mehbooba, the PDP's coalition partner BJP has decided that it will field its own candidates in the elections. BJP state president, Sat Sharma, said that the party will field candidates even on those panch constituencies in Kashmir where the PDP would put up its candidates. We will field candidates who are ideologically aligned with us, he said. These elections will not be fought on party symbols. However, we have started the process of identifying the candidates who will contest the elections. However, Opposition parties including the Congress have said that the ruling PDP-BJP alliance was aiming at electing its own representatives after a recent amendment in the Panchyati Raj Act, 1989, to elect the sarpanchs through voting by panchs. Congress state vice-president, GN Monga said that the party has protested the amendment in the Panchayat Act during the Assembly Session which started in Jammu. The indirect elections of sarpanchs will encourage horse-trading, he said. The panchayat elections have been due since June 2016, when the term of the incumbents expired. Earlier, the elections were held in 2011 after a gap of 38 years. However Monga said that it will be difficult to hold the elections in some areas of Kashmir particularly in the south due to the precarious security scenario. In Kashmir, the youth continue to pour on the streets during the anti-militancy operations, even as the security situation improved considerably in the past year as compared to 2016. Jammu and Kashmirs chief electoral officer, Shaleen Kabra, however said that the notification will be issued by the government shortly to hold the panchayat elections and that they are fully prepared for the polls. From the beginning of 2016, the government had set into motion the process to hold the elections and carried out the delimitation of panch constituencies and panch halqas. A senior government official said that a sarpanch will be elected by 6 to 10 panchs in each panchayat halqa. As per the Panchyati Raj Act, each halqa panchayat shall consist of not less than seven and not more than eleven panchs including the sarpanch. Chairman of All J&K Panchayat Conference, Shafiq Mir, said that the government has left the panchayats without powers due to which there is a lack of enthusiasm among the people to take part in the election process. He said that although the elections have been due for over one and half years, the government failed to hold the polls earlier. We have sought that the 73rd amendment of the Indian Constitution should be enforced in Jammu and Kashmir as well, and panchayat elections should be held in a time frame. He added that adequate funds should be made available to the panchayats to enable them to function effectively. Mir said that the decision to do away with the direct elections for the sarpanchs has divested the people of the right to vote to elect the sarpanchs and has eroded accountability. He further said, "The sarpanchs elected by the people were accountable to them, but that will not happen now." If violence is allowed to assume an identity and administration becomes selective in implementing law and order, then the underpinnings of civil society are threatened and the social contract comes unstuck. The most disturbing aspect of Dalit protests that brought entire Mumbai to a standstill on Wednesday and inflicted massive damage on state resources and properties was not just the violence itself that took the life of one more youth, but the normalisation of it. Democracy ensures the right to air grievances and lodge protests, not resort to violence. When protests lead to violence, it must be curbed or at least questioned -- regardless of its identity or character. Failure to do so results in condoning it. This is dangerous in a country such as India whose superstructure is built on a rainbow coalition of faiths, ethnicities and identities. Condoning one act of violence will unleash genies that cannot be rearrested. Even as media telecast non-stop the footage of thuggish conduct by Dalit protestors amid calls for a statewide bandh, the Devendra Fadnavis government (rightly) came in for a lot of flak for failing to curb rioting and vandalism. Yet not even once was the onus of hooliganism put on the mob or leaders who had incited it. And as if to confirm the narrative, the administration and its entire law and order machinery stood by and steadfastly looked the other way. The scale of the violence was staggering. Media reports indicate a 16-year-old boy was crushed to death by a mob who had gathered around a police station in Nanded. Indian Express reports that two officers and eight constables were injured in clashes in Aurangabad, another nine injured in Mumbai while five cops were hit by missiles in Latur. A BJP MLAs office was vandalised in Chandrapur, more than 55 buses were damaged, arterial Mumbai trains were stopped in tracks, traffic halted, businesses, shops and commercial establishments forcibly shut. Schools remained closed and exams were affected. Times of India reports that the mob tried to set alight a police station in Powai. The newspaper says 20 cops were injured in the attack and some police bikes were set on fire. Around 90 BEST buses were also damaged and four drivers sustained injuries from glass shards. While all of this was being reported and telecast, Prakash Ambedkar, Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader who had called for a bandh on Wednesday, appeared on TV screens and nonchalantly denied the violence. He told Sanjay Sawant of Firstpost, "I want to congratulate the protesters for keeping their calm when emotions were running high." For his blatant denial of violence despite the presence of live footage, the BBM leader faced no media scrutiny from otherwise irascible TV anchors who usually double as interrogators. There were no questions asked why protests would lead to widespread violence despite lack of any provocation. It wasnt as if the protestors were chased or accosted by the cops. In fact, despite the adequate deployment of forces in sensitive locations, violence continued unabated because cops were reportedly under instructions not to act. Times of India quotes affected citizens in reporting that police failed to tackle miscreants even on sight and in some areas were found even "escorting" the angry mobs. A BJP minister told the newspaper that police were asked to play it cool instead of using physical force. Instructions apparently came from the party high command. Contrast the Maharashtra cops kid-glove approach in tackling Dalit aggression with other caste-related violence in India. Identity-based agitations are nothing new. In most cases when protests turn from peaceful to violent, the law and order machinery kicks in. Be it the Jat quota agitation in Haryana, demand for Gorkhaland in West Bengal or Patidar stir in Gujarat, violence has nearly always been met with censure. Patidar leader Hardik Patel has been arrested multiple times for his conduct. (See here and here). In some cases, the boundary between peaceful protests and blatant violence wasnt crossed despite grim provocations. Last years Maratha agitations that stemmed from the brutal rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl at Kopardi village in Ahmednagar and later grew in scope to include demands for quota in education and jobs never once descended into violent behaviour. It was strange, therefore, to see protestors paralyse parts of Maharashtra on Wednesday, cops refusing to act, media failing to ask questions and politicians blaming widespread destruction on everyone but the perpetrators. Dalits doubtless have suffered historical, institutional caste oppression and a denial of history. Their anger is rooted in legitimate grievances. But should that grievance be taken as an allowance to indulge in violent conduct? If violence is allowed to assume an identity and administration becomes selective in implementing law and order, then the underpinnings of civil society are threatened and the social contract comes unstuck. Stripped to the bone, every act of violence can be taken to mean lawful resistance. This is a slippery slope. It is not hard to grasp why the Indian society finds it difficult to meet Dalit assertiveness with firmness. On the one hand, it is driven by a memory of institutional and civilisational oppression that a still casteist Hindu society is unable to look in the eye. On the other hand, Dalit assertiveness falls in a sweet political spot. The BJP doesnt want to take a misstep and be dubbed as anti-Dalit, and the combined Opposition wants precisely that outcome. This explains why the Fadnavis government went out of its way not to censure the rampaging mob. It also explains why Parliament reverberated with cries of atrocities against Dalits that sparked violence without even once condemning the actions of those who indulged in blatant aggression. Violence is a short step away from assertiveness and in this case, it slips through the cracks of political compulsions. The price could be too steep for India in the bargain. Terming West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to a temple in Birbhum district as 'soft Hindutva', state BJP President Dilip Ghosh Kolkata: Terming West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's visit to a temple in Birbhum district as "soft Hindutva", state BJP President Dilip Ghosh on Wednesday said the ruling party was trying to arrest consolidation of "Hindu votes" in favour of his party. "If we go to temples, we are branded as communal. But if Trinamool leaders visit temples, they remain secular. The Trinamool Congress is practicing soft Hindutva in Bengal to stop the consolidation of Hindu votes in favor of BJP," he said. The "so-called secular leaders" realised that the Hindus are uniting under BJP and secular leaders understood they would no longer be able to win elections by appeasement politics, Ghosh said. Citing Congress President Rahul Gandhi's visit to temples in Gujarat during the Assembly poll campaign, he said Banerjee was taking lessons from him. DMK working president MK Stalin on Wednesday said that Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement, where there was no place for spiritual politics as enunciated by top star Rajinikanth. Chennai: DMK working president MK Stalin on Wednesday said that Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement, where there was no place for spiritual politics as enunciated by top star Rajinikanth. He made the remark just after the top star called on his father and DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai, days after announcing his entry into politics. Citing Rajinikanth's assertion of "spiritual politics" Stalin told reporters that Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement. "Some are creating an impression that Rajinikanth is to launch a party at the instigation of people who intend to decimate the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu." "Let me tell you this is the land of Periyar Anna (Dravidar Kazhagam founder EV Ramasamy Periyar) and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi)... such efforts in the past have ended in a fiasco." Asked if Rajinikanth sought DMK support, he said such things could be decided only during elections. Announcing his political debut on 31 December last year, Rajinikanth batted for honesty in politics and good governance. He said "everything needs to be changed" and declared that "spiritual politics" needs to be ushered in, sans shades of any caste or religion with transparency. Stalin said the top actor calling on Karunanidhi was nothing new and that he had called on the nonaengarian leader some months back to enquire about his health. Actor Vijayakanth too had called on Karunanidhi and sought his blessings before launching his party, he said. "Rajinikanth visiting Kalaignar is nothing new...It is no surprise.It was political decency.We gave him a warm welcome." He said the actor also enquired about the health of his mother Dayalu Ammal. Just prior to Rajinikanth's meeting with the DMK leader, former union minister and Karunanidhi's elder son MK Alagiri called on his father. Rajinikanth during his meeting with Karunanidhi, extended his new year greetings to him and apprised the DMK president and his aides of his political plunge. Rajinikanth also enquired about the veteran leader's health. Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday alleged a conspiracy to drive out Bengali-speaking population from Assam, a charge rejected as 'baseless' by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. New Delhi: Opposition members in the Lok Sabha on Thursday alleged a conspiracy to drive out Bengali-speaking population from Assam, a charge rejected as "baseless" by Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Trinamool Congress member Saugata Roy raised the issue as soon as the Zero Hour began, pointing out that names of 1.3 crore people out of 3.29 crore population of Assam had not appeared in the first draft of National Register of Citizens, which aims at identifying illegal immigrants. "We fear this is a conspiracy to drive out Bengali-speaking people from Assam," Roy said, drawing vociferous support from his party MPs and some members of the Congress and the Left parties. Responding to the claim, the home minister said the NCR work was going on under the supervision of the Supreme Court and there was no need for anyone to feel concerned. "Those whose names have been left out can approach a tribunal. It is a baseless allegation that some people are being driven out," Rajnath Singh said. Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal had on Wednesday said all those excluded in the first National Register of Citizens draft should not worry as no one will be discriminated against on the basis of caste or community and given opportunities to prove their citizenship. Sonowal also said a mechanism has to be devised "humanely" by the Centre on what to do with those found to be illegal immigrants after finalisation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a list of the state's citizens. The BJP had made identification of illegal immigrants in Assam from Bangladesh, an overwhelming number of whom are Muslims, its key poll plank during the assembly polls in 2016. It went on to win the election with a strong majority, forming its maiden government in the state. Opposition parties have claimed that the exercise has harassed many genuine citizens as well. A day after the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha witnessed stormy scenes on Wednesday as several Opposition members sought to raise the issue of caste violence in Maharashtra, the Upper House of the Parliament is expected to discuss and pass the triple talaq bill on Thursday. Auto refresh feeds Speaking to ANI, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "For the first time a prime minister has accused former prime minister, former vice-president and diplomats of conspiring with Pakistan for Gujarat elections. Modi must clarify in Parliament." After bitter and acrimonious campaigning for Gujarat election, the Opposition, especially Congress, is up in arms and it is therefore expected that the first day of the Winter Session will be a stormy one. Hoping that the Winter Session will be a "constructive" one, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the media and said, "The Winter Session of Parliament is starting and I am confident that it will be productive session. I hope there is constructive debate and we come up with innovative solutions to our nation's problems. May this Parliament Session contribute to the nation's growth. At yesterday's all-party meeting, we all were clear that we need to take the country ahead and this session should be used positively to achieve that." I am confident that it will be a productive session: Narendra Modi Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, in response to Narendra Modi's appeal for a constructive session, said, "We are always in favour of constructive suggestion. We are very much interested to run Parliament and issues to be discussed, provided the government should take interest and create such an atmosphere which is conducive for discussion. They should respect the opposition." After obit references, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the Lower House for the day. The House will meet again at 11 am on 18 December, 2017. Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh Assembly Election results will be announced on 18 December, as well. The Winter Session will see some 19 amendment bills as part of the agenda. Some of these amendment bills such as the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 makes prior sanction necessary to in order to investigate officials and the Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015 specifies grounds under which disclosures related to corruption may not be made may attract a lot of flak from the anti-corruption brigade. Both the bills, have also been criticised for their half-hearted attempts to curb corruption. According to PRS Legislative , on agendar are some 40 bills focussing on areas such as overseas citizenship, consumer protection, rights of compensation for Mulsim divorced women, education, surrogacy, bankruptcy, corruption, and labour and transgender rights among others. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriages) Bill gives women from the community the right to seek maintenance from their husbands in case of triple talaq, while the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017 prohibits certain persons, including promoters of defaulter companies, from submitting a resolution plan, the PRS added. The new bills listed for introduction and passage include Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017, Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriages) Bill, 2017 and Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States_Amendment Bill), 2017. Opposition leaders in Rajya Sabha questioned the Chair's decision to disqualify senior JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav. Even as Chairman Venkaiah Naidu continued to tell the leaders of Opposition to sit down, Leader of Opposition in Upper House Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Opposition did not intend to question the Chair's decision but demanded clarification on why was Yadav expelled from the Rajya Sabha. The Opposition forced the first adjournment of the Rajya Sabha as leaders stormed the well demanding an explanation over JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav's expulsion. The Upper House is adjourned till 12 pm. Advocate Nizam Pasha, who filed the plea on the behalf of the leader, said the matter regarding which faction is the real Janta Dal was sub judice and a final decision is yet to be passed. Yadav was elected to the House last year and his term was scheduled to end in 2022. Anwars term was to expire early next year. The JD(U) had sought their disqualification on the grounds that they had attended a rally of Opposition parties in Patna in violation of its direction. The Rajya Sabha chairman had agreed to the JD(U)s contention that the two senior leaders had voluntarily given up their membership by defying the partys directives and attending events of Opposition parties. Yadav, along with another MP Ali Anwar, was disqualified from the Rajya Sabha on 4 December. Yadav had joined hands with the Opposition after JD(U) president and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar dumped the grand alliance with the RJD and the Congress in Bihar and tied up with the BJP in July this year. Former JD(U) president Sharad Yadav on 12 December, 2017 moved the Delhi High Court seeking setting aside of his disqualification from the Rajya Sabha. Yadav, in his plea, said he was not given any chance by the authorities before passing an order against him. The notification for the new seating arrangements has been issued by the Rajya Sabha secretariat for new members. Shah's seat is on the other side of the aisle from Modi and BJP's leader of the house, Jaitley. Shah has been allotted a front row seat of the treasury benches in the Rajya Sabha with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Shah will be occupying the seat held by M Venkaiah Naidu till he was elected as the Vice-President. BJP chief Amit Shah made his debut in Parliament today. He was elected as a Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat in August this year. Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad raises the issue of Modi's allegations against former prime minister Manmohan Singh and others of conspiring with Pakistan for Gujarat election. "Ye sadharan aarop nahi hai (This isn't a ordinary allegation)," Azad said. The Upper House witnessed two adjournments in the morning of the first day of the Winter Session. While it saw an adjournment for 20 minutes till noon in the beginning after Opposition uproar over disqualification of rebel JDU leaders Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar Ansari, the second one was over the Prime Minister's remarks. Rajya Sabha reconvenes after third adjournment on the first day "Congress has lost Himachal Pradesh, and I want to thank the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) for the unprecedented victory in Gujarat," Somaiya said While opposition members were seen standing at their seats and protesting, from the treasury benches BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, who had the first question listed against his name, said the Bharatiya Janata Party was headed for victory in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. The Lok Sabha witnessed an adjournment minutes after it met on Monday amid an uproar, and Speaker Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till 12 noon. Rajya Sabha adjourned till 11 am on Tuesday after Opposition continued to raise slogans in the House. The Opposition raises slogans demanding an apology from Narendra Modi ("Pradhan Mantri maafi mango"). Meanwhile the Speaker continues to run the House as numerous motions are passed in rapid fashion by voice votes. While Yogi Adityanath and Keshav Prasad Maurya resigned as they shifted to Uttar Pradesh politics, Nana Patole had quit the party citing Modi government's indifference towards agrarian crisis. While Nitin Gadkari is expected to move the Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, Hardeep Puri is expected to do so with the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill. Calling the FRDI bill anti-people, the Trinamool Congress and other Opposition parties are all set to corner the government over the law. The TMC has issued a notice for discussion on FRDI bill in Lok Sabha. The Congress has moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha seeking an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comment on Manmohan Singh. Now, Congress MPs come to the well of the Lok Sabha While Derek O' Brien raises the issue of FRDI bill, Congress MP Anand Sharma talks about undertrials in India, urging the Modi government to do something to curb the issue. Leader of House Arun Jaitley says, "Everybody must get speedy trials. Do we have vested interests in delaying trials of politicians?" Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, SP MP Naresh Agarwal asks Arun Jaitley if the NDA government will create special trial courts to try those who defaulted on Rs 8 lakh crore. His statement came after the government sought to push a new law to expedite the trial of MLAs and MPs. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Pratap Singh Bajwa asked the government to intervene in the stubble burning by the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. He also raised the issue of Sri Lankan cricketers wearing masks does not bode well for India's international reputation. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Pratap Singh Bajwa asked the government to intervene in the stubble burning by the farmers of Punjab and Haryana. He also raised the issue of Sri Lankan cricketers wearing masks does not bode well for India's international reputation. Speaking in RS, TMC MP Sukhendu Shekhar Roy urges government to protect the personal data linked to the Aadhar. He adds that privacy is a fundamental law and hence the government needs to make a law to protect the data from third party external organizations. Slogan shouting continued in the Lok Sabha as the Chair asked them not to disturb the Question Hour. "If you don't want the House to function, give that in writing," Mahajan said before adjourning the LS for half an hour. "The farming community in the coastal belt stands thoroughly devastated. I ask the government, 'Why can't you declare this as a national disaster? What is preventing this?'" CPI leader D Raja asks the government. Anand Sharma of the Congress says, "If the perception is created that special courts are needed only for MPs, other people should not have to bear the brunt of it." He adds, "It has an inherent potential to be abused in entirety by the government of the day." "Government believes in "sabka saath sabka vikaas". The committee is trying to create communal divide in the country. i request the government to replace the managing committee of Dyal Singh College in Delhi," SAD MP Naresh Gujaral says while requesting the government to not rename the institute "Vande Mataram College." Azad raises the issue of alleged EVM tampering in Gujarat. He also raises the issue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi making insinuation against Manmohan Singh, Hamid Ansari and Mani Shankar Aiyar. In RS, Azad says if any leader is found to be guilty then punish them. "PM Modi maafi maango" is heard in the House. While the Lok Sabha reconvenes, the noise over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement continues to disturb the working of the House. Chairman Venkaiah Naidu asks Congress to not raise the issue and disrupt the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. He said that the issue needs to be sorted out with a discussion with the Leader of the House (Jaitley). JP Narayan Yadav of the RJD tells the House, "I request Lalu Prasad Yadav's NSG protection to be reinstated. He might be killed today. A lot of people adore him and he needs to be protected." In Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley says, "Leaders of opposition shall be invited to discuss this issue." After his assurance, the House has been functioning smoothly. Over a question whether the government is taking any steps to address the lack of medical infrastructure, Nadda says that AIIMS standards cannot be diluted. But he adds that there is a lack of faculty which is being addressed. He said that despite the crude oil prices falling, the price of diesel and petrol has remained the same. "Now that BJP is in power and at Centre, when will it bring the petroleum under GST?" he adds. "When will the GST council decide to bring it under the ambit of GST? what is the position of the Centre?" the former finance minister asks. Chidambaram says that the Centre has a veto power over the decision taken by the council. "A constitutional bill has been passed. It stated that petroleum products is not out of the law. It is a part of GST but the decision to levy GST is concerned, it will be taken only after council takes decision. For that we need a 3/4th majority," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said. The issue has been raised by several Assam MPs in Lok Sabha. Looking at the seriousness of the issue, Union Minister Ananth Kumar has assured the House that the Centre will look into the issue. "Not happy with what they did. That they came into the well is shameful. You can interrupt us but do not disrupt the proceedings. They insulted the Chair. Even Mallikarjuna Kharge disrupted the House. We condemn it." Ananth Kumar said. The government has tabled the Companies Act (Amendment), 2017 in the Rajya Sabha. On the other hand, the government has introduced the Repealing and Amendment Bill, 2017 in the Lok Sabha. Chidambaram said that the Bill has noble objectives. However, he added that the relaxations given to small and medium companies under this law will apply to all companies because we have only one Companies Act. Chidambaram said that there is a need to consider having a separate comprehensive legislation for small and medium companies. This Bill seeks to repeal 131 Acts. Among the Acts that will be repealed, 30 are pre-Independence laws. This Bill also includes nine Ordinances promulgated before Independence. What will the Repealing and Amendment Bill, 2017 do? Speaking in the Lok Sabha, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee says, " While there is no doubt that the Emergency in 1975-77 affected many people, there is a kind of Emergency without even constitutionally declaring it nowadays. It is important to make a distinction between the official emergency in 1975 and the post-2014 situation," Banerjee adds. There is an undeclared Emergency now, says TMC MP 235 old laws to be repealed by this law! "Corporate Governance leaves much to be desired in India. May be it is a legacy issue in the country. The law is old. It took 15 years for us to bring the new law. In between, there were various excesses in corporate world. There have been no proper regulation of companies. So, there is much to be desired. Like, many companies do not pay taxes but are part of the Registrar," Chidambaram says while concluding his speech. 235 old laws to be repealed by this law! Shiv Sena in the Lower House, demanded that along with the 235 archaic laws, the government must also repeal Section 377, which grants Jammu and Kashmir special status. "Changes required to ensure that reserved seat for woman director is not occupied by family members of promoters," Seth said. He also raised the point of concentrated expenditure of CSR funds. "A lot of big companies are in Maharashtra, Gujarat. Hence CSR money is spent in those regions. CSR must be done in other regions of this country," he said. "This bill fails to address the differences between various acts like the RBI act, and SEBI act. There are various discrepancies which must be addressed," Gupta said. The bill will lead to conflict between two arms of the government. The removal of certain reasonable restriction will make money laundering easier," Gupta said. He said that the provision to give deposit security has been done away with, which is a serious problem. Gupta also said that the government is trying to fit everyoe under a sigle law, while evidence from past points to the contrary. He said that small and medium enterprises continues to suffer and the Companies amendment bill has nothing to address that issue. One size can't fit all, says Vivek Gupta in Rajya Sabha Meanwhile in LS, Law Minister RS Prasad responds to objections and questions raised on repealment of archaic bills The minister conceded that there is merits in decriminalizing Section 377 but there is opposition to it as well. There needs to be democratic consensus to repeal it. We need to debate, discuss and decide. He also said that the bill allows same relaxations to SMEs as it does to big companies which "amounts to holding the country at ransom." The CPM leader pointed out that the expenditure of CSR funds is not yet bounding on companies. He said that the Corporate Affairs Ministry merely accepts a mere explanation as to why money on CSR has not been spent. Roy also demanded a white paper on the actual ground work done in his ministry. He says that Gadkari used to be a vikas purush, but has now become a sapno ka saudagar (trader of dreams)." He said that whenever someone raises the point of funds, he says he will manage from foreign funds or here or there. On a lighter note, however, Roy wondered why, Rudy, the speaker before him was removed from the cabinet, even though he is a splendid speaker. "He is channeling money from one pocket to another pocket of his own ministry and we do not oppose it," Roy said. He said that since the money was being rerouted he will support the bill. "Odisha coast canal should be included in the national waterways to give the state the benefit of the revolutionary transport network," Jena said. Jena said that the state of Odisha has since-long been discriminated agaist by the central government. He requested Gadkari to formulate schemes to include the state in the development of transport networks. Samajwadi Party's Naresh Aggarwal objected to the passage and debate on two bills in the same day, adding that it eats away the time of short duration discussions. After a brief exchange, Yadav only resumed his seat after being assured from the Treasury Benches that at least one short duration discussion will be held in the House. IIM amendment bill proposes larger autonomy for management institutes and provisions to allow them to grant postgraduate degree rather than a diploma In Lok Sabha, Dushyant Chautala raises point of depleting water resources as House debates increasing budget for development of waterways The matter was raised by Bhartruhari Mahtab of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) during Zero Hour. After Lok Sabha members on Tuesday expressed concern over the Brahmaputra river being polluted by China, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar assured the House that he will take up the issue at the "highest level" in the government. He also brought up the problems faced by students passing from regional language schools. Agrawal said he would support the bill only for the fact that at least there was some will to bring about the change. He, however, lamented the lack of similar reforms in other educational institutes such as IITs or other higher education institutes. Naresh Agrawal says he supports IIM bill but questions lack of similar reforms in IITs, AICTE Gadkari told the Lok Sabha that a river traffic control system was already functioning between Haldia and Patna. He added that work on 10 waterways will be completed by 2018. In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, however, said the rural development ministry had advised the states and union territories to explore the possibilities of using consent-based Aadhaar authentication for registration of properties under the provisions of the Registration Act, 1908. There was no proposal to make Aadhaar linkage mandatory for property transactions, Parliament was informed today. Lok Sabha concludes proceedings for the day, to reconvene tomorrow at 11 am Congress leader said that the government should describe how they plan the transition between the current boards at IIMs and the Board of Governors as proposed in the new bill. He also asked what would be the criteria for appointment of these governors. Jairam Ramesh questions how board of directors will be appointed at IIMs after new bill Times Now reports that the government may meet Opposition leaders in a bid to find an amiable solution to the deadlock that rose after Narendra Modi insinuated that Manmohan Singh and his colleagues met Pakistani delegation during elections. The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017 will be tabled by Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the Rajya Sabha.The bill will make it an institution of national importance. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the old and many irrelevant pre-Independence laws were the "unfortunate part of the colonial legacy" and repealing them was a progressive move that reflects the "pro-reform" approach of the government. The Lok Sabha also passed two Bills to repeal 245 obsolete and archaic laws, including the 158-year-old Calcutta Pilots Act of 1859 and the 1911 Prevention of Seditious Meeting Act. The bill gives them powers to award degrees instead of postgraduate diplomas. The Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017 which was passed in the Lok Sabha in July this year grants statutory powers to the IIMs in their running including the appointment of directors and faculty members. The bill amended the companies law to strengthen corporate governance standards, initiate strict action against defaulting companies and help improve ease of doing business in the country. The Rajya Sabha passed the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2017 by a voice vote. It was adopted by the Lok Sabha in July this year during the Monsoon Session. "Now you are in the opposition and have a greater flexibility in changing your position," he said. He said the present government has persuaded the states to include petrol within the GST and the states reluctantly agreed to do so. He also sought to know why the prices of petrol and diesel did not decline with a fall in the global crude prices. Jaitley responded saying that a person familiar with the issue had asked the question. He said the UPA in its draft GST bill had kept petrol out of its ambit as it knew that the issue would be a deal-breaker between the Centre and the states. During the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram sought to know the Union government's position on bringing petrol and diesel under the GST. The Centre favours including petroleum products in the ambit of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) but it would want a consensus with the states before taking such a step, Finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Tuesday. Day 3 of the Winter Session had some lively debate on GST Opposition leaders come to well of the Rajya Sabha to protest against Modi's comment on Manmohan. Venkaiah Naidu's plea to Congress MPs to go back to their seats fall on deaf ears. Shrivastava said Veerendra Kumar, who was elected to the Upper House from Kerala last year with support from the Congress-led UDF, resigned "so that no one questions his integrity that he is aligning with (Bihar Chief Minister and JD-U President) Nitish Kumar". The 80-year-old, also a Karala media baron, submitted his resignation to Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday morning, Arun Kumar Shrivastava, also a rebel JD-U leader, told IANS. Disgruntled Janata Dal-United leader MP Veerendra Kumar on Wednesday resigned from the Rajya Sabha, days after rebel JD-U leaders Sharad Yadav and Ali Anwar were disqualified from the Upper House. "This is not the way," he said. "This is Parliament. This is Rajya Sabha. Wrong message is going." Stating that he did not appreciate their behaviour, Naidu said, "Please don't exceed limit. Please go to your seat." Naidu asked them not to create obstruction and allow other members to raise important issues. At this point, Congress members rushed to the Well of the House shouting slogans. No sooner had the listed papers been tabled, Congress members were up on their feet demanding an explanation from the prime minister on his remarks against Singh. Naidu disallowed them. Opposition Congress members today disrupted proceedings in the Rajya Sabha over the insinuations made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against his predecessor Manmohan Singh. However, the Congress MPs have again created a ruckus in the Rajya Sabha over Narendra Modi's comment against Manmohan Singh. Some of the MPs descended to the well of the House. The slogans of "Narendra Modi maafi maango" are being echoed in the House. Meanwhile... sloganeering can be heard in the Lok Sabha too The Lower House is currently being presided by Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai. The House is discussing the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Bill (Amendment), 2017. The bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha by Urban Development Hardeep Singh Puri. Over 1,000 cases of people securing jobs using forged caste certificates have been reported by various central government departments, the Lok Sabha was informed on Wednesday. The Department of Personnel and Training had in June sought data from all central government organisations regarding appointments made on the basis of fake caste certificates.- PTI "There is no question of middle path...The country's prime minister has alleged that the former prime minister has taken steps against the country and that too with the enemy nation. Don't you think it is an issue that calls for an apology?" Chowdhury told reporters.- PTI With Parliament witnessing repeated adjournments over Narendra Modi's remarks against his predecessor Manmohan Singh, Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury on Wednesday said that there was "no question of a middle path" on the matter till the prime minister apologised for his comments. Provisions of this bill violate rights of people, whose land is being acquired: MK Premchandran, RSP Bijoya Chakraborty of Guwahati BJP said this bill will immensely help tribal people G Hari of AIADMK enlists benefits of bamboo, says hopes this would be taken into consideration while passing bill BJD's Tathagata Satpathy objects to bill, says farmers will be affected by removal of bamboo from bill More than two lakh Chinese tourists visited India in 2017, according to data provided by the tourism ministry in Parliament on Wednesday. The figures provided by Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons in the Rajya Sabha assume significance in the backdrop of India's recent standoff with China over the Doka La issue.- PTI The farmer does not need our sympathy, they need less interference, says Tathagata Satpathy of BJD "I had done research. We had sent researchers in Tripura, Nagaland., Sikkim. Problems found were mainly regulatory. One of the reasons of high cost is on the count of the fact that bamboo, the amount of rent-seeking behaviour is just too much. Therefore, as a first step, we need to take a holistic approach. The first step is to redefine bamboo (by removing it from tree category)," Rai said. Rai demanded that the bamboo be unleashed from "all kinds of regulations". In 2014, He added that he had brought a similar bill on bamboo with a private members' bill in 2014. "People of north Sikkim were completely cut-off because of Mantam lake which was created because of landslide. They then made a bamboo bridge and are now able to cross the lake on foot," Prem Das Rai said in Lok Sabha. In India, one tonne bamboo costs Rs 10, 000 in some parts and Rs 10-15,000 in other parts The legislation to amend the Indian Forest Act to exempt felling and transportation of bamboo grown in non-forest areas from the state permit, was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Indian Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2017 which would omit bamboos growing in non-forest areas from the definition of trees was introduced by Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan even as BJD leader B Mahtab raised concerns and opposed the legislation.- PTI Legislation to amend the Indian Forest Act to exempt felling and transportation of bamboo Union environment minister Harshvardhan says soon people will be encouraged to take up bamboo cultivation Vociferous sloganeering on Thursday disrupted Sachin Tendulkar's maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha since his nomination. Members of the Opposition shouted "BJP sharam karo" as sloganeering continued in the Upper House of Parliament on the fourth day. Rajya Sabha was adjourned till 11 am on Friday following stormy scenes on the floor of the House. BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe has given adjourned motion notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 on remarks of Congress leaders against PM Modi Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the bill which will double the salaries of judges of the Supreme Court and 24 high courts, reported The Indian Express . The High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill 2017 provides for increased salaries as recommended by the Seventh Pay Commission. Discussion on natural calamities in the country with special reference to cyclone Ockhi in South India In the Rajya Sabha, M Venkaiah Naidu read the obituary of legislator Jalaluddin Ansari and a minute's silence was observed. Question hour starts in Lok Sabha. Business in the Rajya Sabha is proceeding fairly quietly while there is constant sloganeering in the Lok Sabha by the Opposition. Raut raises the issue of the deaths in the Gorakhpur hospital. He asks for the Centre to keep a check on the funds which are given to the state governments for health issues. Anupriya Patel, MoS, Health and Family Welfare answers saying that the Centre does indeed monitor the funds and the MP could monitor those funds for their own constituency as well. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien says Rajya Sabha TV should not be cut off when protests are taking place as that is one of the ways for the Opposition to express itself Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad asks for Rajya Sabha to be adjourned till the parties decide on the remarks issue outside Parliament In the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition insists that it is better to adjourn the matter with it raising uproar. It asks the Rajya Sabha to be adjourned till 2 pm till when the issue is resolved. Adjournment means no legislative business will take place in the Rajya Sabha over the next four days as well It seems doubtful that Triple Talaq criminalisation bill will be discussed today The issue of nurses' allowances has been raised. The concerned minister insists that most of the nurses' demands have been met and discussions are ongoing for the others. In the revised list issued by the Lok Sabha, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights of Marriage) Bill, 2017 was removed. In the original list , law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad was scheduled to introduce a bill to "protect the rights of married Muslim women and to prohibit divorce by pronouncing talaq by their husbands and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto". He admits that enough warning was given but there is a need for specific alarm systems. "Modern technology is needed to help the people. Unfortunately there has been a lapse by the authorities in informing the people about the cyclone. I am not blaming anyone as this should not be a political issue," he said. Professor Richard Hay, the nominated member from Kerala, talks about the ground situation in Kerala in the aftermath of Cyclone Ockhi Richard Hay says he had visited the coastal area of Kerala and Kanyakumari himself. "The fisherfolk want homes, food, education and security. I am not getting this from the media. I have visited the people and have listened to them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman had consoled those people," he said. Mahtab talks about how unseasonal rain and cyclones cause great harm to crops and farmers as well. He says the infrastructure needs to rebuilt after these calamities. "Once the deadlock in the Parliament is resolved, we will raise the issue of Jadhav in Parliament. What has happened to Jadhav's family in Pakistan is inhuman. We will demand a discussion on this issue in the House and will ask the Centre and the international community to ask an explanation from Pakistan on this matter." The Opposition, led by the Congress, plans to corner the central government in Parliament over the issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a report on India Today said. Congress leader Pramod Tewari was quoted as saying the party wants the government to clear its policy on how it plans to bring Kulbhushan Jadhav back from Pakistan. Trinamool joins Opposition Congress party in demanding a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs over the Kulbhushan Jadhav's meeting with his wife and mother in Pakistan. Any view that Narendra Modi meant to insult Manmohan Singh or other leaders during election speeches is erroneous and uncalled for, Arun Jaitley says I,on behalf of Congress, say that we disassociate from any comments that may have hurt prime minister's dignity, says GN Azad of the Congress Soon after the Lok Sabha resumed, Congress MP's started waving placards at the Treasury benches. They were protesting against Anant Kumar Hegde's comments on Constitution. Amid controversy over Naresh Agrawal's comment, the SP MP has written to Rajya Sabha chairman over the alleged ill-tretment of Indian prisoners in Pakistan. He also alleged that the government was not doing anything about it. AITMC MP Saugata Roy requested the Speaker to not pass bills while the House is not in order. He also said that the Speaker must pull up Union minister Anantkumar Hegde for insulting the makers of Constitution. He also added that he would not voice his opinions in the House as a mark of protest. Lok Sabha Chairman, however, dismissed the request and added that the House cannot be adjourned every day. From the Opposition, CPM MP Mohd. Saleem stood up to respond but refused to speak during the din. He again brought up the comments made by Hegde, but the Speaker refused to take those remarks on record. Discussion about unauthorised colonies in Delhi is underway in Lok Sabha. BJPs Ramesh Vidhudi has alleged that the Congress party has left the issue hanging for years. The Speaker took strong objection to the use of words and expunged the comments from record. She also added that nobody knows for certain what the minister had said, and since he was not present in House, the House's time should not be wasted on the issue. Reacting to Anantkumar Hegde's comments on secularists and the Constitution, senior Congress MP Malliakrjun Kharge attributed these words to Hegde: Those who label themselves secularists, they neither have mothers nor fathers, their blood line is not know. Kharge then asked that whether the minister was calling secularists Ba*****. "I just want to say that Modi ji and our Govt are committed to the constitution of India and ideals of Baba Saheb Ambedkar: Ananth Kumar," Parliamentary Affairs Minister in Lok Sabha on Opposition uproar over Union Minister Ananth Kumar Hegde's remark. In a reply to a question from Satyapal Singh, Minister of State for Human Resource Development (Higher Education), Rajan Gohain, MoS, Railways said in Lok Sabha that patients suffering from arthritis can book a berth of their choice (lower berth in this case) on first come-first serve basis. The railways today said it had no quota for patients suffering from arthritis and no plans of offering any concession in passenger fare for them as it was already losing revenue over the discounts granted in over 50 categories. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said he will convey their demand to the Law Minister. Later, Law Minister Ravi Dhankar Prasad said he will give a statement on the issue tomorrow. At present, the Andhra Pradesh High Court is the common High Court for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The TRS MPs also trooped into the Well of the House, showing placards and raising slogans demanding setting up of a High Court for Telangana. Members of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) disrupted proceedings in the Lok Sabha demanding immediate setting up of a High Court for Telangana. Raising the issue, TRS parliamentarian AP Jithender Reddy said the Centre is yet to set up a High Court for Telangana even three years after the formation of the state. The approved strength of the Supreme Court is 31, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI). There are six vacancies of judges in the Supreme Court, while nine high courts are working without regular chief justices, but the government has not received any proposal from the apex court collegium to fill up the slots, the Rajya Sabha has been informed. Union Minister of State for Law P P Chaudhary, in a written reply, has informed the Upper House of Parliament that the "government has not received any proposal for filling up of the six vacancies of judges in the Supreme Court and for appointment of chief justices in the nine high courts, which are functioning with acting chief justices". 'Govt yet to receive proposal to fill up judges' vacancies in SC' Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said if the Bill is not passed, it will lead to "unprecedented chaos" in the national capital. The legislation will give cover against punitive action on "as is where is basis" until December 2020, he said. The Lok Sabha today passed a bill to protect slums and unauthorised colonies in the national capital region from punitive action till a framework for orderly arrangements are in place. The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill gives immunity to slums and some unauthorised constructions till 31 December, 2020. The immunity under the existing Bill ends on 31 December. Rajya Sabha extends time until The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017 is passed "Many members have expressed concerns over the autonomy of the institute. I would like to assure them in this House today that it is our government's intention to make the institute fully autonomous. However, we cannot expect it to turn into a JNU, or DU from day 1. In the initial phases, there will be some hand holding but later on it will be completely autonomous.," Pradhan said. The authorities were ascertaining whether the "metallic object" in the shoes was a camera or a recording chip, Pakistan Today quoted Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Mohammad Faisal as saying. Pakistani authorities have sent the shoes worn by Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife for forensic examination to determine the nature of the suspected presence of a foreign object, a media report said on Wednesday. "There was something in the shoe. It is being investigated. We gave her a pair of replacement shoes. All her jewellery et cetera were returned after the meeting," Faisal said. In the statement, Pakistan had rejected as "baseless" India's contentions that Jadhav's wife and mother were harassed and claimed that his wife's shoes were confiscated on security grounds as there was "something" in it. "This included removal of mangal sutra, bangles, and bindi, as well as a change in attire that was not warranted by security," it said. India also accused Pakistan of disregarding cultural and religious sensibilities of family members under the pretext of security. The external affairs ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that Pakistan went so far as to have the mangal sutra, bangles, and bindi of Jadhav's mother and wife removed before they could meet him. The diplomatic strain over Jadhav's meeting with his family grabbed headlines not just in India, but also in Pakistan. Almost all major Pakistani newspapers gave prominence to the issue and carried reports of the Foreign Office issuing statement after India claimed that Jadhav's responses were "clearly tutoured" that the alleged spy was "under duress" during the meeting. The editorial lauds the Pakistan government's attempts to do what was "necessary in the international scheme of things" and "ignoring the deafening cacophony to do what was necessary." The Nation commented on the "cacophony of opinions" circling the issue. The piece in The Nation took a more balanced view of the issue at hand and wrote, "Ultimately however, these are all irreconcilable opinions and each can be considered correct if viewed from their subjective angle." "We are even more depressed now than we were before the visit," a relative of Kulbhushan Jadhav told news agency PTI. The family refrained from commenting further as it is an international issue. "If we speak something about it, that may hamper the process," he said. Various political parties, including the Shiv Sena, Trinamool Congress and AIADMK, strongly protested how Pakistan treated the wife and mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former navy officer sentenced to death in Pakistan. The episode drew outrage on social media as well. Jadhav's mother and wife were also harassed and subjected to outrageous questions by Pakistani journalists after they were forced to wait for their car. The family faced questions hurled at them like - "Aapke patidev ne hazaron begunah Pakistaniyo ke khoon se Holi kheli ispar kya kahengi? (your husband killed thousands of innocent Pakistanis, what do you have to say about that?)'" and "Aapke kya jazbaat hain apne kaatil bete se milne ke baad? (How do you feel after meeting your killer son?)". According to CNN-News18, the BJP has issued a whip to all its MPs to attend today's proceedings in Parliament. The Lok Sabha will be discussing the triple talaq bill today. The Indian National Congress is celebrating its 133rd foundation day today. It is for the first time that Rahul Gandhi will be steering an event as the president of the party. Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal hit back at the Congress, saying she does not know to what level theopposition party can fall, if it could not come together on the issue of treatment of women by a "terrorist" country which always worked towards harming India. Senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily on Wednesday hit out at the government, accusing it of "diplomatic failure", after Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother and wife were harassed by the Pakistani side during their meeting with the Indian national in Islamabad. We will get some relief because of new law, says a victim The bill, prepared by an inter-ministerial group headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, makes instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat in any form spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp "illegal and void" and provides for a jail term of three years for the husband. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill is listed for introduction in the Lok Sabha by Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on 28 December, according to the list of business in the Lower House. The bill will increase the salaries of the Chief Justice of India, other judges of the Supreme Court, chief justices of the high courts as well as other judges of high courts by over 2 times. Later, Prasad will table The High Court And The Supreme Court Judges (Salaries And Conditions Of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017. Bills to be tabled in Lok Sabha apart from triple talaq He was of the view that Pakistan "did not do any good for itself" by its handling of the meeting while showcasing to the world its gesture, a statement issued by the Vice President's Secretariat said. Referring to the restrictions, Naidu said the move to ask Jadhav's wife take off her 'mangal sutra' has not got down well with the people of India. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu termed as "inhuman" the restrictions imposed by Pakistan during Kulbhushan Jadhav's meeting with his wife and mother in Islamabad, saying it has hurt the sentiments of Indians. Sources told CNN-News18 that Pakistan will share the report on Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife Chetnakul's slipper with India. Pakistan had taken the slipper away suspecting a metallic object to be in it. This day will be more significant in Muslim women's life than Eid or Bakrid, says victim Congress sources tell CNN-News18 is that the party will be supporting the anti-triple talaq bill. However, the party is apprehensive of the criminality clause in the law, adding that the three-year jail for the divorce is arbitrary and Draconian. Three days after his controversial statement over the word 'secularism' in the Constitution, Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde has said the Constitution of India is supreme for him. "I can never go against the Constitution as a citizen. It is Supreme for me," says Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde. However, Mallikarjuna Kharge interrupts and says that Hegde has insulted Babasaheb Ambedkar. "We fear that if we speak a lot here, then there will be a danger to the life of Jadhav. but we know that the Pakistani Army does not believes in democracy. It does not know how to behave with prisoners who have been implicated in false case. What they did with Jadhav's wife and mother is condemnable. We may have political differences but on this issue we stand with the government," the LoP in Rajya Sabha said. "I spoke to the family of Kulbhushan Jadhav over the phone. She said that he was speaking under duress. He was telling whatever he was being tutored. He did not look healthy too. I hope people all Members of Parliament as well as the common man will denounce the behaviour of Paksitan," Sushma Swaraj said while concluding her statement. In a rare sense of unity, all parties in the Rajya Sabha have denounced the manner in which Jadhav's family was treated in Pakistan. "It was nothing like a humanitarian gesture. Human rights of the family members were violated again & again & an environment of fear was created for them," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in Rajya Sabha "Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother was not allowed to speak in Marathi. Two Pakistani officials present in the meeting kept stopping her repeatedly but when she continued, the intercom was switched off," Sushma Swaraj said in Rajya Sabha. Jadhav's mother was not allow to speak in Marathi Union Minister Ramdas Athavale gives a poetic statement to back Sushma Swaraj's statement, "Kulbhushan ki khatre mey hai jaan, Hua hai unke maata pita ka apmaan". He also thanked the Congress for supporting the government. Rahul had twisted Jaitley's name as "Jaitlie" in his tweet. The Rajya Sabha adjourned till 12 pm after Congress raises objections over Hegde's comments on the Constitution. After harassing his mother and wife, Pakistan media now claims that Kulbhushan Jadhav "confessed" to being an "Indian spy" during the trio's recent meeting. Pakistan's Geo News claims that the mother immediately chided Jadhav and asked him to speak the truth. The mother and wife, after the meeting, have repeatedly reiterated that the former Navy officer was being forced to toe Pakistan's narrative. The Congress party is continuing to create a ruckus in the Rajya Sabha over Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde's comments against the Constitution. The Congress MPs are demanding a point of order in Question Hour. However, Chariman Venkaiah Naidu refused to allow it. The Rajya Sabha has been adjourned within five minutes after being reconvened. The Upper House has been adjourned till 2 pm. "In April 2017, I had said that the death sentence was given in illegal manner. We were in constant touch with the family. We were helping them connect with Jadhav. The Pakistan government allowed a meeting in December. It is unfortunate that the meeting could have been a path-breaking event but Pakistan used it as a propaganda tool," Not returning the shoes was an act of cruelty, says Swaraj Opposing the bill over the criminalisation of the Islamic practice, Owaisi said that the law will be injustice to Muslim woman and lead to the abandonment of Muslim woman. Toeing the Opposition's line, the Biju Janata Dal said that the bill has fundamental flaws in it. "This is a hisotric day for India. This law is not linked to any religion, it is about the honour of women. The SC outlawed talaq e biddat But still goes on. Injustice is still going on. However, I ask whether the Parliament will still be silent? The parliament has to decide whether the Muslim women have any rights. Triple talaq still goes on. We are bringing a law finally. People say that it is against basic structure of the Constitution but isn't the honour of women important?" asked Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Triple talaq bill is for the honour of women, says RS Prasad Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge says that the party does not support the triple talaq bill as ruckus breaks out in the Lower House over the bill. On Thursday morning, in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur district, a woman was divorced through instant triple talaq for waking her husband up late in the morning. The husband left his home after divorcing her and is untraceable as of yet. The triple talaq bill will be put to vote and passed in the Lok Sabha today itself, announced Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. Pakistan Foreign Office is set to hold a press conference at 5:30 pm IST. The dept will be responding to Indias claims that #KulbhushanJadhavs family was mistreated. Pak FO will also clarify its stand on taking away Jadhavs wifes shoes and not returning them. While the discussion and voting over the triple talaq bill will take place after 2 pm, the Lok Sabha is currently conducting Zero Hour. Speaking during the Zero Hour, West Bengal Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary said, "Maldives media has been showing Narendra Modi as anti-Muslim. Now, China through its OBOR plan is entering the periphery of our neighbouring countries. I believe that our neighbourhood policy needs to be reoriented." "Congress supports the Supreme Court's judgment. Triple talaq should definitely go but as far as the bill is concerned, it will be scrutinised by the Parliamentary committee. If there are difficulties in the provisions that will be dealt with. Congress is definitely supporting triple talaq bill but the provisions will be scrutinised," says Manish Tiwari to CNN-News18. Now, Pakistani authorities are talking of chip, camera or a recorder being installed in the shoes, she said. The charge is "absurbity beyond measure," she said, adding that the two women had cleared security at airports in Delhi and Dubai and in Pakistan and no such device was detected during these thorough airport security checks there. "The Pakistan authorities have been cautioned against any mischievous intent in this regard through a Note Verbale yesterday," PTI quoted her as saying. After the meeting, Pakistani authorities also did not return the shoes of Jadhav's wife despite repeated requests. Swaraj said not returning the shoes has given rise to suspicion that Pakistan was up to some "mischief". This money will be spent on the affected people and areas, Tomar said while replying to a question during the Question Hour. Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar told the Lok Sabha that district mineral foundations, which were created after the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act came into being, have received Rs 13,398 crore and Rs 2,260 crore have been spent so far in developing local areas. A new law, which has made it mandatory for spending of a part of revenue made from auctioning mines in developing the areas they are located in, has resulted in improved living conditions of people in these regions, government claimed today. It takes time to set up separate high courts after bifurcation of states. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana need to sort out the issue with mutual consent, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Responding to the questions related to the bifurication issues, Home Minister Rajnath Singh added that governments of both states need to work together to resolve the issue. However, the Chair urges Congress MP BK Hariprasad to express regret for defying Chairman of the House. With the GST bill being declared a money bill, SP's Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Agrawal cries foul, saying that if every bill passed in the Lok Sabha is declared a money bill, then what will be the utility of the Upper House. To this, PJ Kurien, the deputy chairman of the House , taunted that the Samajwadi MP can amend the Constitution if he wants to. If every bill is money bill, then what is the use of Rajya Sabha? asks Naresh Agrawal "Nobody wants anyone to become unemployed. We don't want Air India to go the Kingfisher (Airlines) way. We want the Air India to serve the nation, to serve the people and fly high," he said during the Question Hour. The government does not want anyone working in Air India to lose job, Raju said in the Lok Sabha, adding that the disinvestment process of the national carrier has been initiated. The government does not want Air India to become defunct like the Kingfisher Airlines, promoted by embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya, and wants it to serve the nation, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said today. Given the circumstances detailed above, it seems naive at best and delusional at worst not to have expected the very worst from Pakistani hospitality in this situation, because it's clear that Islamabad expected the worst from New Delhi. Ultimately, Pakistan treated the family of someone it accuses of spying on it (and being involved in the deaths of many of its citizens) in a very predictable manner. By March 2019, all homes in the country will be provided uninterrupted 24-hour power supply throughout the year, Power Minister R K Singh said today. Singh said by December 2018, 1,694 villages, which are yet to be electrified, will have electricity connection and works in this regard has been going on. All homes will get 24-hour power by March 2019, he said during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, calling it a "historic day" amid opposition to its introduction by members of different parties, including RJD, AIMIM, BJD and All India Muslim League. A bill to make instant triple talaq illegal and void and awarding a jail term of three years for the husband, was introduced in the Lok Sabha today. Bill on National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special provisions) Second Amendment Bill 2017 has been tabled in Rajya Sabha. The Lok Sabha had passed the bill on Wednesday. The immunity under the exisiting Bill ends on 31 December. Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said if the Bill is not passed, it will lead to "unprecedented chaos" in the national capital. The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill gives immunity to slums and some unauthorised constructions till 31 December, 2020. On Wednesday, Lok Sabha had passed the bill to protect slums and unauthorised colonies in the national capital region from punitive action till a framework for orderly arrangements are in place. What will The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill do? "Countries like Eqypt, Pakistan, Bangladesh have regulated triple talaq. The Islamic countries have regulated triple talaq. They have said you can't say talaq in one sitting. The big question that I want to raise is that Islamic. India is a secular country. If here the women are facing abuse, we need to take a decision," said Prasad. "We hoped that the condition would improve after the Supreme Court's decision," said law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Prasad, who is also the IT minister, further added: "I had gone to Patna. I witnessed burqa-clad women were learning IT. On one side, we are hailing digital India and on the other side there is 'talaq, talaq, talaq'". Lok Sabha is India's biggest panchayat. I appeal, firstly, that this bill not be seen as a succession bill. Secondly, don't tie it under caste aspect,and, thirdly, don't tie it with religion. Fourthly, don't view it under vote bank." "The issue is not of faith, or puja but it is simply of gender justice, equality," said law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. INC leader Sushmita Dev said, "When the Supreme Court's judgment came Congress had a press meet. We welcomed the Supreme Court judgment. When the Supreme Court requested the Parliament to legislate on it, in a technical term, I'd say it was a minority judgment. The bill seeks to amend a critical law. We have seen historically that talaq is a unilateral act. Since 1939, women have been approaching court. However, the reality is, that this is a practice that is prevalent till today." INC leader Sushmita Dev said in Lok Sabha: "Everybody wants social reforms. It is not just an idea, it is a right. I want to ask Ravi Shankar Prasad, will we see the women's reservation bill coming to the Parliament. It is not just the representation of women, if you would have allowed more women in the Parliament, a legislation like this, full of lacunae, wouldn't have seen the light of the day in this House." Lekhi went on to call the practice of instantaneous divorce as "a joke on marriage". "This is practice over Whatsapp, email, text message. When you get married, you take the society along with you," she said Lekhi said that the laws of the Hindus and the Christians have been modified such that customary practices do not interfere with the rights of women. Women are the biggest minority in this country, Lekhi said. "The bill is not a ramvan to end all miseries. The practice of triple talaq needs to be discouraged. Supreme Court has said it is an arbitrary practice. Many people think women are commodities and that needs to be stopped," she further said. "Why didn't UPA end medieval laws," BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi asked in Lok Sabha as the Lower House discussed the bill on triple talaq. "Our opposition is about the way you intend to apply this bill. This bill is definitely not an initiative of this government. We always pass bills but we always seem to forget the implementation aspect and that is where things are going wrong in this country. Despite the AIMPLB saying that no such acts will happen, 100 plus annulments happened after the Supreme Court judgment." In Lok Sabha, Biju Janata Dal leader Tathagata Satpathy said: " This is about more than a decade that I have been noticing, we have only been passing economy-related bill. This (bill on triple talaq) is one of the socially relevant bill that the govt has found time for. The Opposition is very focussed. We are opposing the way it is being introduced. He added: "Bringing in criminality angle. When we are talking about introducing criminality into divorce, this is a civil matter. I am talking of the poorest of the poor. They see law in different angles. When there is compulsion by law that either you live together or go to prison, there could be happenings that are beyond the control of the government functionaries." In Lok Sabha, BJD leader Tathagata Satpathy criticised the government for delaying taking up the issue of triple talaq. "The government is so focussed on discussing whether bamboo is a grass or a tree to did not feel it necessary to bring forth an ordinance in this particular case. The game is somewhere else," he said. Sampath further criticised the Standing Committee for not involving women's organisations before the bill was tabled. "None of the women's organisation were consulted. We think we know what women want. We dictate and they have to receive. We make rules and they have to accept," he said. CPM leader A Sampath said in Lok Sabha:" My party has made its stand very clear. This bill is a transgression of the civil side and the criminal side. Marriage, succession, inheritance, adoption, dissolution of marriage is on the civil side. What type of criminal remedy can be attached to it? Supreme Court called the practice illegal. Here we have issues of equality also come into the fore." YSRC leader Varaprasad Rao Velagapalli said: "By putting extra (efforts to criminalise Muslim men), we are dealing the case in diverse manner for Hindus and Muslims. The punishment of 3 years should be taken back. I wish that government should have taken advice of state government.. I think this is the high time. The government is shedding extra tears for Muslim women" NCP leader Supriya Sule claimed that the bill on triple talaq did not help married Muslim couples reconcile. She said: "Marriages can be reworked. when you put a father in court. He could be a bad husband, but he could also be a wonderful father. Are we here to break marriages or to reconcile? This nation needs legislation from the heart. The personal touch with so much digitisation has just gone." SP leader Dharmendra Yadav said that the Centre should involve the state government while making the triple talaq bill into a law. He further criticised the three-year jail term suggested for offenders in the bill. ET Muhammed Basheer said that of the population of Muslims in the country, triple talaq cases were negligible. "You are unnecessarily taking gun to kill the mosquito. You have jeopardised the sanctity of the House," he said. RSP leader NK Premchandran said: "The main apprehension is the over enthusiasm of the NDA government led by the BJP. There is a cloud of suspicion. Triple talaq is already declared by Supreme Court as null and void. It has become the law of the land. Then the question is what is the need of further legislation?" Owaisi alleged that the Centre was giving an advantage to the offenders and was not helping the situation. "Your dream of having more Muslims in jail will be achieved. Please send the bill to the Standing Committee. You are forcing a Muslim woman to file an FIR against her husband. You are giving a handle to the Muslim man, who will have 90 days. If you are true to your intentions, create a corpus of 1000 cr," he said. "The Union law minister has failed to discriminate between civil law and criminal law. Not a single Muslim country has a penal provision. Triple talaq is a verbal and emotional abuse," Asaduddin Owaisi said. Lashing out at the concerns over the criminal aspect of the offense, Prasad said," We have left the decision of jail term on the magistrate." Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said: "We did not mislead the House. Supreme Court said that triple talaq is wrong. The law has not been made in haste. We are viewing this with the prism of humanity, not politics." Speaking to India Today, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that he understood the concerns of victims of triple talaq. "I have to maintain a balance between the law and your(victims') concerns. I hope that Congress support the bill in Rajya Sabha the same way it has in Lok Sabha," he said. "Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad while tabling the bill also quoted the board and a lady MP of the ruling party tried to answer the queries raised by the Board in a letter to the prime minister proving that the government recognises the board. So the board should have been taken into confidence," Nomani said The Shia Waqf Board, meanwhile, called for making the punishment to those indulging in 'triple talaq' more stringent. "We will take whatever steps required through democratic means to amend, improve or scrap it. There is no move to go to court as of now...The bill was brought in a haste," AIMPLB spokesperson Maulana Khalil-ur-Rehman Sajjad Nomani said. He said the board should have been taken into confidence on the issue. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) expressed serious reservations over the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill which was passed by the Lok Sabha and said it will take steps through democratic means to "amend, improve or scrap" it. Will take steps through democratic means to 'amend, improve or scrap' triple talaq bill: AIMPLB He claimed that the Muslim women celebrating the bill "did not know the law" and hoped that the Select Committee reject it in Rajya Sabha since the bill needs to be debated. "Section 3 says triple talaq does not end marriage. The burden of proof will now be on the innocent women. What kind of justice is this that a non-Muslim gets 1 year but Muslim will get 3 years," Asaduddin Owaisi told India Today. BJP issues a whip to all its parliamentarians asking them to remain present in the Parliament between 2-4 January NCP wants the Triple Talaq bill to be sent to select committee, DMK wants criminalisation clause removed According to the sources, Leader of Opposition in the Upper House Ghulam Nabi Azad has convened a meeting of the leaders of his party (Congress) as well as other parties in his Parliament chamber tomorrow, before the bill is taken up. The Congress would consult Opposition parties before finalising its stand on the contentious bill which proposed to ban instant triple talaq and make the practice a cognisable offence, party sources said on Monday. NCP leader Majeed Memon says the party has already made it clear that it is entirely against criminalisation of triple talaq Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu will chair a meeting in half-an-hour to discuss the triple talaq bill, reports News18 . MPs from both Congress and BJP will attend the meeting. Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi says that the triple talaq bill will be passed in Rajya Sabha with constructive debate and discussion The bill is an attempt to regulate the liquidation and insolvency of companies that file for bankruptcy. According to PRS legislature the bill prohibits certain persons from submitting a resolution plan in case of defaults. These include: (i) wilful defaulters, (ii) promoters or management of the company if it has an outstanding non-performing debt for over a year, and (iii) disqualified directors, among others. Further, it bars the sale of property of a defaulter to such persons during liquidation. The National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, as it stands today, proposes to allow practitioners of alternative medicines, such as homeopathy and ayurveda, practice allopathy after completing a bridge course. However, the Centre has agreed to refer it to Parliamentary Standing Committee for closer scrutiny after the uproar over the bill. The Indian Medical Association had called for suspending routine services today to protest against a bill that seeks to replace the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a new body. "The Prime Minister has also been quiet on the issue. On the other hand, National Security Advisor (Ajit Doval) is meeting his Pakistani counterpart..." he said. "Pakistan-sponsored terrorists attacked a CRPF camp, in which five of our jawans were martyred. The concern is that while on one hand, Army jawans sacrifice their lives, on the other hand, government does not appear serious about it. In the last three years, there have been so many incidents..." Scindia said. Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia raised the issue during the Zero Hour and also mentioned Bharatiya Janata Party member Nepal Singh's comments, who reportedly said "those in the Army are bound to die". The House also witnessed slogans against Pakistan being raised, as soon as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan entered the House, with some shouting 'Pakistan Murdabad'. The attack on a training centre of the Central Reserve Police Force in Jammu and Kashmir was raised in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, with opposition leaders accusing the government of inaction. He said there were 785 different types of cryptocurrencies operating worldwide. "The government is examining the matter. A Committee under the chairmanship of the Economic Affairs Department Secretary is deliberating over all issues related to cryptocurrencies to propose specific actions to be taken... Instead of taking any knee-jerk action, let's wait for the report of this committee." "One of the features of cryptocurrency is that there is lack of dependence on the state. It functions with a degree of anonymity. It operates within a virtual community which is created and enjoys the trust of that virtual community," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Rajya Sabha. There is no mechanism to prevent the misuse of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin by terror groups and other anti-national elements, the government said on Tuesday, adding it was awaiting the report of an expert group on the subject. The government has no plans to create a second capital in South India, the Lok Sabha was informed today. Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, while replying to a written question on whether the government has any proposal to create a second capital in South India (Hyderabad), said, "No". The Congress had moved amendments to certain provisions of the bill in the Lok Sabha but did not press for a vote. The Lok Sabha has already cleared the 'Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill and it is likely to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said that the government would like the Congress to maintain the stand it took in the Lok Sabha by not pressing for amendments. The government today urged the Congress not to press for amendments to the triple talaq bill, which seeks to criminalise the practice of instant divorce among Muslims, when it comes up for consideration in the Rajya Sabha likely tomorrow. The bonds, which would be valid for 15 days, will not carry the donor's name even though the purchaser would have to fulfil KYC norms at the bank, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said in the Lok Sabha while announcing the contours of the scheme. The electoral bonds, which are being pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties, will be available at specified branches of State Bank of India (SBI) for 10 days each in months of January, April, July and October. In a bid to clean election financing, the government on Tuesday outlined contours of the new electoral bonds that donors can buy from SBI and said receiving political parties can encash only through a designated bank account. During the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said the comments by the BJP MP reflected that the government was not serious about the lives of the armed forces personnel. The Congress today demanded an unconditional apology from BJP MP Nepal Singh for his reported comments that army jawans should expect death because of the profession they are in. The BJP held its parliamentary board meeting on Wednesday, whereby they discussed the triple talaq bill and the Constitution's 123rd amendment bill which will give constitutional status to the OBC commission. The Rajya Sabha was adjourned till noon after a massive ruckus was caused over Dalit protests in Maharashtra. "Whether it is in Gujarat, Una, Rajasthan, there is nothing but injustice wherever BJP is in power," Kharge said. "A Supreme Court judge should be appointed and he should inquire this. The prime minister should come to the House and make a statement. When such incidents are happening, he does nothing," he added. "RSS is behind the Bhima-Koregaon violence," said Mallikarjun Kharge in Lok Sabha. Uproar erupted in the House as soon as Kharge made this statement. Forcefully raising the issue in Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also trained his guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wondering why he was maintaining a studied silence on the issue. Read more here. As several parts of Maharashtra continued to reel under caste violence, Congress on Wednesday accused the RSS and certain Hindutva outfits of triggering it and demanded a probe by a Supreme Court judge into the clashes. Triple talaq practice is still continuing in some areas, says RS Prasad TMC and Cong want the bill to be sent to the Select Committee for consideration. "We are not opposed to the bill, but we want the bill to be strengthened. We want it to be sent to the Select Committee," TMC leader said. TMC, Congress want the bill to be sent to the Select Committee for consideration The house is taken by surprise that a motion is suddenly moved, it has not been submitted a day before. The motion has to be given at least 24 hours in advance, says Arun Jaitley on Anand Sharma's notice. House is taken by surprise, says Jaitley on Anand Sharma's notice Jaitley referred to judgement of SC, I want to correct the record, says Kapil Sibal Rajya Sabha adjourned for the fourth time till 11 am on Thursday as ruckus over triple talaq bill continued We are all for this bill, it is a faulty bill. No womens ' groups, stakeholders were consulted, says TMC MP Derek O' Brien He added: "If the other House has not scrutinised the bill, it is the constitutional duty of the Rajya Sabha to do that. The government doesn't want a debate on it, so it is wrong on the part of the Law Minister to say that we (Opposition) don't want to debate it." "The government is playing politics in the name of triple talaq bill by selectively misquoting and misrepresenting even the Supreme Court Constitutional Bench judgement, which was done by Leader of Rajya Sabha (Arun Jaitley) today," Sharma said. Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Union Finance Minister have lied on the issue. He added: "It is legally mandatory that all bills must go through a standing committee of Lok Sabha and if it doesnt happen then such bill should be referred to select committee of the Rajya Sabha." Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters that the BJP does not believe in democracy. "The bills are generally referred to the select committee based on the Sense of the House i.e majority. But, the government didnt accept which once again proved that the BJP doesnt believe in democracy, parliament, and parliamentary democracy," Azad said. The government alleged that the Congress and other Opposition parties were trying to derail the bill by demanding it should be referred to a select committee, that too without giving a notice a day in advance. The Congress said that the government was lying about the Oppositions intentions on Triple Talaq Bill in Rajya Sabha. BJP president Amit Shah is expected to make his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha today if a bill for the amendments to the Goods and Services Tax law, which has been fiercely attacked by the Congress during last month's Gujarat elections, is taken up by House for debate and voting. Amit Shah's maiden speech on GST could have a few pointers for Congress? As BJP's chief strategist, Amit Shah, rises to speak from his front-row seat in Rajya Sabha on amending the law to allow for imposing compensation cess on intra-State and inter-State supply of goods and services on Thursday, a BJP leader told NDTV said the Congress should expect a stinging rebuttal to its election campaign. Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017 Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013 Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2017 State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017 Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016 Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 High Court and The Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017 Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-third Amendment) Bill, 2017 Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017 National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 "We should not see the Bhima-Koregaon as a political issue. Rather than politicising the issue, we should try to control the situation and bring life back to normalcy. The state government will take strict action against the culprits," he said. "Everyone must strive to end caste wars and conflicts. Those involved in the incident must be brought to hook," says Ramadas Athawale. "Jignesh Mevani, Umar Khalid made inflammatory speeches leading to violence in Maharashtra. The Congress tries to connect every Dalit atrocity with Sangh. This too should be condemned like attacks against Dalits," says BJP MP Amar Shankar Sable in the Rajya Sabha amid protests from other members. DMK MP Tiruchi Siva says following ban on firecrackers in Delhi, factories in Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, have shut down causing deep economic hurt to businesses. "Fireworks is not the only reason for pollution. The work goes on throughout the year but the sales come up during Diwali," says Siva. West Bengal MP Ritabrata Banerjee said the Centre should consider renaming West Bengal as Bangla. A resolution in the matter was already passed in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, he said in Rajya Sabha. Flagging the issue of H-1B visas in the US under Donald Trump's administration, Congress MP from Karnataka Rajeev MV Gowda said, "More than 50% of H-1B visas issued goes to Indians. It is bad for US to engage in such a disruptive move. I urge the government to engage with their US counterparts as livelihoods of thousands of Indians is at risk." Human Resources Development Minister Prakash Javadekar responds to questions on the education sector. When asked about the dropout rate, Javadekar said one of the reasons was the lack of toilets. We constructed more toilets. Another reason was due to lack of quality training, he said. TMC MP Saugata Roy said the first draft of the NRC in Assam is a conspiracy to drive out Bengalis from Assam. As protests erupted in Lok Sabha over the Assam National Registry of Citizens, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Assam NRC is being conducted under the Supreme Court's supervision. If somenone's names have been left out, they can register again. It cannot be deleted. It is not a conspiracy to drive out certain sections of the population. Such allegations are baseless." Claims of Assam NRC driving out a certain section of population are baseless allegations: Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha In Rajya Sabha, questions were raised on persons with disabilities and if there is a need for their Aadhaar identification since their fingerprints are almost always mismatched, according to The Indian Express . Speaking in the Lok Sabha, BSP MP from Uttar Pradesh, Satish Chandra Misra says disabled persons need a place to stay apart from opportunities to come up in life. Disabled persons needs place to stay apart from opportunities, says BSP MP Satish Chandra Misra Most of the opposition parties, including the Congress, had supported the passage of the Bill in the lower house with some reservations. BJPs absolute majority in the Lok Sabha helped the ruling dispensation in the easy passage of legislation. The statute when brought to the Rajya Sabha faced some stiff resistance on Wednesday when a collective opposition insisted on sending the Bill to the Select Committee of the House. According to sources, Centre will try to hold a debate at 6 pm on the triple talaq bill before sending it to the Select Committee. The Bill, which criminalises instant divorce among Muslims with a three year penal provision, was passed by the Lok Sabha last week. RSP MP from Kollam, NK Premachandran raised the issue of Chinese aggression on Indian borders after reports emerged of China's incursion for one kilometre into Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh. He called it an issue of national security and demanded the Centre's response to it. He also added it was important was as Chinese officials have openly stated China has never recognised Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory. Chinese incursion for one kilometre into Arunachal Pradesh is matter of national security: RSP MP NK Premachandran He asked the government to specify the national investment, debts, and other economic indicators. He claimed that both national investment rate, and national saving rate, which are indicators of financial wealth of citizens, have fallen. He also said that the ratio between GDP growth and debt was increasing. Sharma said that Indian economy, contrary to the prime minister and finance minsters' claim, is not a galloping economy but a gasping economy. "None of the growth engine of the economy are running," Sharma said. He said that the Commission will have members from the Opposition as well and it is more open and inclusive than the collegium system. Shetty, while speaking on the discussion over The Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017 touched upon the National Judiciary Appointment Commission. Shetty said that the entire process of fighting a litigation has become so costly that justice will soon evade common man. He said that the advocates usually charge a fee every time even if the court just reschedules the date of hearing. He said that there should be a mechanism to regulate the fees charged by advocates. Gopal Chinayya Shetty says there is a need to regulate advocates fees too "I heard that an honourable member said that this government celebrates even slightest of improvements in numbers and metrics of economy like a little rainfall is cherished after a drought. It is right because the policy paralysis under the 10 years of UPA rule were akin to not just a drought but a misery. That's what they gave the nation in their 1o year's rule," Yadav. "Justices Nariman and Lalit ruled that since triple talaq could not be construed as an essential religious practice, the submission on behalf of the Muslim Personal Board that the ball must be bounced back to the legislature does not at all arise. the article read. The Supreme Court, in its judgment, held instant triple talaq unconstitutional and invalidated the practice. However, the final ruling by the majority judges catagorically mentioned that there was no need to pass the ball to the legilstaure's court, as this article in News18 points out. Notwithstanding the Congress' remarks on metrics demonstrating the health of economy, Yadav said that the figures are merely a web to confound the common man, and mean little on the ground. He said that if the people in villages are getting enough to eat, earning enough to protect themselves in harsh winters, then the economy is good otherwise it is not. Speaking during the discussion on state of Indian economy, Ram Gopal Yadav said that the elections are never fought on facts and figures or policy matters. They are won on slogans. However, the government must work for improving the state of economy. Elections can be won on mere slogans, but please work in the interest of nation, Ram Gopal Yadav urges govt Speaking on a bill to raise salaries of judges, BJP MP Tathagata Satpathy said that the judiciary needs several basic reforms. His suggestions included that advocates be allowed to advertise for their services, judges should have a system for automatic appraisal of salaries rather than the House debating each time they gate a pay hike. He also said that there was no reason that the judiciary was so reluctant to open itself to scrutiny. He said the provision for an TRI should be brought in. Speaking in the Lok Sabaha, TRS MP Konda Vishveshwar Reddy said that the hike in the judge's salary has been long ovrdue. To reassert his point, the MP said that while advocate charge lakhs of rupees for every sitting, the judge earns only Rs. 90,000. "Even a mid-level executive earns more than a High Court judge. The Pakistan judges are paid more than 10 times of what we are paying here," he said. Even Pakistan pays more salary to their judges than we do, says TRS MP Konda Vishveshwar Reddy Now with just one more day remaining in the ongoing Winter Session, the fate of the controversial bill remains shrouded in suspense as the government virtually rejected an overwhelming demand on Thursday from the Opposition for referring it to a Select Committee of the Rajya Sabha for detailed consideration. The Opposition, on the other hand also refused to relent as Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the Bill was not fit to be passed as it as it would "finish off Muslim women" instead of "empowering them." Various reports suggest that owing to the lack of numbers and consensus in the Rajya Sabha the ruling party will be forced to send the bill to a Select Committee of the House. And it would only be taken up again in the Budget Session in 2018. Triple talaq could most likely be taken up again in 2018 Budget Session According to News18 , MPs from Opposition parties have been told that both houses will be adjourned sine die (with no appointed date for resumption) post lunch. Arun Jaitley says the agriculture sector needs support. "Both the central and state governemtns have been making efforts," says Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Lok Sabha. "The Committee observes that the problems affecting the airlines are not personal; it is institutional. An institution like Indigo has to develop a consumer friendly approach in dealing with their passengers. The Committee believes that being a leader in market share, Indigo needs to look inward and find out the reasons for the discourteous attitude and rude and indifferent behavior of their employees, whether it is their cabin crew or the ground staff. The Committee emphasizes that the arrogant behavior of employees should stop." Extract from the Parliamentary panel chaired by TMC MP Derek O'Brien on rude staff behaviour, especially IndiGo Ram Vilas Paswan rose to withdraw the The Consumer Protection Bill, 2015. The Consumer Protection Bill and the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill have been introduced. As per PRS Legislative , LS sat for 13 days, 61 hours with 78 percent productivity. Sixteen bills were introduced during this time in the Lok Sabha. Twelve bills were passed by the Lower House. Apart from this, 46 starred questions were answered orally during Question Hour. As per PRS Legislative , LS sat for 13 days, 61 hours with 78 percent productivity. Sixteen bills were introduced during this time in the Lok Sabha. Twelve bills were passed by the Lower House. Apart from this, 46 starred questions were answered orally during Question Hour. Congress MP Viplove Thakur asks if Narendra Modi's promise of paying 50 percent more than the MSP to the farmer is being fulfilled. Jairam Ramesh also asks how is the cost of production fixed for MSP, "What is the new system for fixing the cost of production?" Jhama Das Badiya, CPM MP from Tripura says her luggage was stolen from Rajdhani Express. There are thousands like her who go through this with no security reinforcement. Rajya Sabha erupts in laughter after BJP MP Sarojini Hembram says her luggage was also stolen on trains Railway Minister Piyush Goyal replies that action against such oganised gangs will be taken and if any member has information about it, they should come forward and inform the ministry. The ministry is also trying to bring in a network of CCTV surveillance on trains and stations, Goyal informed the Rajya House. Latest updates: A day after the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha witnessed stormy scenes on Wednesday as several Opposition members sought to raise the issue of caste violence in Maharashtra, the Upper House of the Parliament condemned the violence on Thursday. Opposition members in Rajya Sabha demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter. In the Lok Sabha, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the first draft of the Assam NRC was not a conspiracy to drive out certain sections of the population as alleged by TMC MP Saugata Roy. On Wednesday, as soon as the papers were laid during Zero Hour, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu asked Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad to speak. In the meanwhile, Satish Chandra Mishra of BSP was on his feet and raised the Maharashtra violence eissue, alleging that the RSS and BJP were responsible for the violence against Dalits. Mishra and some other members said they had given a notice for holding a discussion on the matter. Several other opposition members as well as those from the treasury benches too were on feet. As many members tried to speak on the issue simultaneously, Naidu adjourned the House till noon. The adjournment during the pre-noon session comes a day after the House of Elders set a sort of record by completing all the Zero Hour matters and special mentions. Not only Maharashtra violence, but triple talaq issue also saw war of words between the Opposition and the Congress. The Opposition stalled a debate on the triple talaq bill insisting that it should be sent to a select panel, as the ruling BJP strongly sought its expeditious passage to stop the unlawful practice. Amid noisy scenes, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 for discussion and passage, but pandemonium broke out in the Upper House with the opposition creating an uproar and the BJP countering it vociferously. The House, which had met at 3 pm after witnessing three adjournments over the Maharashtra caste violence, also witnessed procedural wranglings from both sides. While the government emphasised the need to pass the bill on an urgent basis citing a Supreme Court judgement pronouncing triple talaq as unconstitutional, the opposition countered it saying the views of various stakeholders must be taken by the select panel. While supporting the bill, the Opposition parties especially those from the Congress, Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, insisted that it be referred to a select panel for further scrutiny. In the Lok Sabha, Congress led by Mallikarjuna Kharge slammed "Hindutva forces" for the violence in Maharashtra. The Congress also demanded a probe by a Supreme Court judge into the clashes while targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" over it. Kharge said the latest wave of violence against Dalits in several parts of Maharashtra was continuation of similar incidents witnessed in other BJP-ruled states including Gujarat. "The RSS and certain hardcore Hindutva outfits are behind the violence. They are trying to drive a wedge between the Marathas and Dalits in Maharashtra," Kharge alleged. A visibly anguished Kharge also tore some papers he was holding when BJP members vociferously protested his remarks and continued to shout. "Why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi silent on the issue? He always maintains silence on issues relating to Dalits. He has become a 'Mouni Baba' on Dalit issues," he said. With inputs from PTI Members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday condemned the spate of caste violence in Maharashtra and demanded an impartial and speedy judicial inquiry to punish the culprits. New Delhi: Members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday condemned the spate of caste violence in Maharashtra and demanded an impartial and speedy judicial inquiry to punish the culprits. The House, which had witnessed disruption of proceedings over the issue on Wednesday, held a brief discussion when several members appealed for peace and unity among the various sections of the society. Initiating the discussion, Rajani Patil of Congress alleged that atrocities against Dalits had taken place under the watch of the Maharashtra government and demanded setting up of a commission to investigate the entire incident. She also alleged that people behind the violence were associated with "Hinduwadi" outfits and demanded action against them. Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu had asked the members to help bring the situation under control and not say anything which may escalate tension. "Our approach should be to see that tempers come down and situation is brought back to normalcy. We should not accelerate the tension. After all, it is a social conflict," he said. A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) said the country should concentrate on development instead of caste and religious issues. Nadimul Haque (TMC) said the Maharashtra matter is not an isolated incident and a pattern is emerging. "This political lynching should immediately stop," he said while demanding an impartial judicial inquiry. Dilip Kumar Tirkey (BJD) demanded immediate action those involved in the violence against dalits. CPM leader TK Rangarajan alleged "tactical" support of the Maharashtra administration, ruling party and the police for the incident. He said an inquiry into the incident should be conducted by a sitting Supreme Court judge. Veer Singh (BSP) blamed "bhagwa jhandadhari" (saffron flag bearers) for the violence and seconded the demand of Rangarajan for a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge of the apex court. NCP chief and former Maharashtra chief minister Sharad Pawar apprised the House about the history of the Bhima-Koregaon event and the sentiments of Dalits associated with it. The veteran leader said he could recall that in the past 50 years, no violent incident has taken place, but this time, unfortunately stone-pelting was done on a massive gathering. Pawar said the state administration should have been more vigilant as a large gathering was expected in Pune and asked people to forget the incident and move one. He suggested that everyone should cooperate to bring about peace and harmony among the different sections of the society, amid thumping of desks by members of both ruling and Opposition parties. DMK member Kanimozhi said the violence should not be looked as an "isolated incident" and efforts should be made to find a "long-term solution" for safety and security of dalits. BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena too termed the incident as unfortunate and appreciated the state government's "patience" in dealing with the situation. Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena) said all such incidents should be not linked with Hindu organisations and alleged that an "invisible hand" is working to divide and rule the socity. D Raja (CPI), Ramdas Athavale (RPI), Amanr Shankar (BJP), BS Bhunder (SAD) and Sambaji Chhatrapati (BJP) also expressed their views. Yesterday, protesters had attacked buses, stopped trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago. Violence had erupted in Pune on 1 January, when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra. Winter Session of Parliament ends tomorrow and since later half of the day on Friday is devoted to Private Members Bill, it is unlikely that the now controversial Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 (or triple talaq Bill) would come up for discussion. Winter Session of Parliament ends on Friday and since the latter half of the day will be devoted to Private Members Bill, it is unlikely that the now controversial Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 (or triple talaq Bill) would come up for discussion. In the first half of the House's proceedings on Friday, besides question hour and zero hour, there could be some other urgent business like the GST Bill which couldnt be taken on Thursday. Thus, the triple talaq Bill will now come for discussion and passage only in the Budget Session of Parliament. But then Congress, the so-called 'secularist' parties and all those who were opposed to this Bill, albeit in garb of opposing only the clause criminalising talaaq-e-biddat (or triple talaq), have little reason to cheer; in fact they will have much to ponder over the coming weeks. The Congress has not helped its cause by the way it conducted itself in Upper House of Parliament. In some ways the party, under Rahul Gandhis leadership, was back to doing what Congress did in 1986, under leadership of his father Rajiv Gandhi. Enjoying a brute majority in both Houses of Parliament, the party had overturned a Supreme Court judgment in the Shah Bano case, to appease Muslim men and maulvis (clerics). Consider what Congress did now: It made token opposition to the bill in Lok Sabha over the clause criminalising triple talaq. In oral submission, its leader Sushmita Dev went a step forward to say I want to ask you (government) that when you criminalise something like this, will it alienate the Muslim community more than it already has. However, when the Bill was taken up for passage, the Congress didnt vote against the Bill. In effect it supported the Bill as it stands now. In Rajya Sabha, however, the Congress took an awkward position. For the records, it said that it was in favour of gender justice and hence supports the spirit of the Bill, but at the same time maintaining that it wouldnt allow the law to be passed in its current form. The Congresss position is same as that of Muslim clerics and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). In simple words, the Congress did nothing but found itself an excuse to stall the Bill in Upper House where the party and its partners in the United Progressive Alliance still have majority. Meanwhile, this does not augur well for Rahul Gandhi, who had tried to shed the pro-minority tag during Gujarat elections by going to over two dozen temples and not a single mosque or dargah. But his position, as reflected by his partys stand on the key Bill, may put him in same spot from where he had began in the run up to Gujarat elections. The problem for Congress is that by the time this Bill would be taken up sometime during the Budget Session, the electioneering for Assembly polls in Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Karnataka would have gained momentum. The BJP will have enough ammunition to taken on Rahul and Congress. The BJP through its strong position in the Supreme Court, then through whatever debate that could happened in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has smartly hijacked popular narrative on the subject. It has effectively addressed its own primary vote bank, in addition to a substantive section of Muslim women. More so, it didnt allow the Bill to be sent to Select Committee of Rajya Sabha and kept it alive in same form as it exists today to be debated in Budget Session. Though the triple talaq Bill, especially after the Supreme Court verdict, was meant to address gender justice, it has unfortunately become the most raging debate of 2018. The way the Bill-related proceedings progressed in both Houses of Parliament was indicative of how various political parties concerned ruling and opposition want to play politics over the issue. The burden of Finance Minister Arun Jaitleys argument in Rajya Sabha (whatever little he could say) was on highlighting the obvious duality in Congress' position. He said the whole nation was watching proceedings of Parliament on this issue and would make their own assessment of one political party, which supported it in the Lower House and has been making public statement that we support this Bill, is now, in this House, creating all kinds of obstacles. Outside of the Parliament, the BJP leaders stuck to the same point. After talking to some BJP leaders, it was fairly clear that the party had a fair idea about the fate of the bill in Rajya Sabha, where numbers are still not in its favour. Thus the partys strategy was to 'expose' the Congress and make it a political point that the Grand Old Party was still enamoured with the Muslim clerics and was not bothered about gender justice. In any case, the Congress did not make its stand clear on the issue, till the Supreme Court in August last year declared triple talaq illegal. Neither did it take a position while it was in government at the Centre for 10 years. The UPA had then maintained that it was for the Muslim community to take a call. In fact, one party's top brass, Kapil Sibal, a senior advocate and former Union minister, represented the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, which supported triple talaq in the Supreme Court. In its over enthusiasm, the Congress tread just the path BJP would have liked it to take. See what Congress did in Rajya Sabha while demanding it to be sent to `Select Committee. It wanted the bill to go to a committee, formed for the purpose of scrutinizing the bill, which would only have members from Congress and its allied parties, leaving members of the government out completely. This is what Congress leader Anand Sharma said while moving the motion: The Bill be referred to to a Select Committee of Rajya Sabha, comprising the following Members for parliamentary scrutiny and to ensure complete justice for the Muslim women and safeguard their interest and welfare. The names he proposed were Renuka Chowdhury, K Rahman Khan, Vivek K Tankha (all Congress), Derek O'Brien (Trinamool Congress), Javed Ali Khan (Samajwadi Party) Satish Chandra Misra (Bahujan Samaj Party), Tiruchi Siva (DMK), Majeed Memon (Nationalist Congress Party) KK Ragesh (Communist Party of India-Marxist) CM Ramesh (Telegu Desham Party), Prasanna Acharya (Biju Janata Dal), Misha Bharti (Rashtriya Janata Dal) Sanjiv Kumar (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) D Raja (Communist Party of India) Abdul Wahab (Indian Union Muslim League), KTS Tulsi (nominated as MP during UPA regime). Thus, the question is that could there be a parliamentary committee to examine a Bill of this nature without any member from ruling party onboard. The point was naturally exploited by Jaitley to lead Treasury benches' charge against the Opposition: What is the kind of parliamentary practice that you are creating. You give a void motion and say that only members representing a particular group will be on a Committee of Parliament. Tomorrow, if Parliamentary Committees are appointed, in whichever House a party has a majority, everybody of that particular party will constitute hundred percent of the Committee. This has never happened since 1952 in this Parliament. The winter session of Parliament ends on Friday but the triple talaq debate will continue to heat up the Indian politics in days and weeks to come. tech2 News Staff Amazon has patented a technology that could bring a blended-reality display into existence. So the next time you want to check out how you will look at the party, all you have to do is stand in front of the mirror, try on some virtual clothes and the display will show a customised image of the party venue in the background. The details concerning manufacturing and price point of such a display are not yet known. The patented technology is named as blended reality system and it combines the images reflected by the mirror with images transmitted from a screen behind the mirror. The system uses a mirror and a display to create a blended image of the reflection from the mirror and the illumination from the display. The new patented system will use projectors to illuminate and non-illuminate (based on what it wants to reflect) the object in front of the mirror. The illumination created by the projector will then be reflected by the mirror to create a blended picture of the object. Another similar technology developed earlier by Amazon was called the Amazon Echo Look which uses artificial intelligence to help you choose what to wear. The voice-controlled camera takes pictures using voice commands given to it. The camera which is connected to an app called 'The Echo Look', which recommends which of the two outfits is best, by syncing the pictures taken front the device to the app. The Echo Look is priced at $199.99 and can be ordered by requesting an invitation on the website. Reuters Beijing is planning to build a 13.8 billion yuan ($2.12 billion) artificial intelligence development park in the citys west, the official Xinhua news agency reported, as China pushes ahead to fulfill its ambition to become a world leader in AI by 2025. The AI park will house up to 400 enterprises and have an estimated annual output of 50 billion yuan, Xinhua said, citing a report from authorities in Beijings Mentougou district. Zhongguancun Development Group, the developer of the project, will look to partner with foreign universities and build a national-level AI lab in the area, Xinhua added. Zhongguancun Development and representatives for Beijings Mentougou district could not be immediately reached for comment. Chinas plan to fast-track AI development comes amid heightened tensions between Beijing and the United States over the competitive applications of AI in military technology. China aims to grow the local industry to over 150 billion yuan by 2020 and 400 billion yuan by 2025, according to the State Council. Locally, China has unveiled a series of plans to bolster talent, investment and research in AI, urging private, public and military firms to cooperate on national AI goals in a development roadmap released in 2017. The countrys burgeoning AI industry has also attracted foreign firms. Last month, Alphabet Incs Google announced it would launch a Beijing-based AI research team, targeting local research talent, even though the U.S. firms search engine remains blocked behind Chinas firewall. The new AI park will focus on attracting enterprises that work on big-data, biometric identification, deep learning and cloud computing, the Xinhua report said on Wednesday. Beijing also recently released blueprints for an autonomous driving zone on the citys outskirts, dedicated to testing and developing local autonomous vehicles. IANS Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) said on 4 January that its search facility for grievance redressal may have been misused but denied any breach or leak of Aadhaar data after a newspaper reported it bought unrestricted access to details of over one billion Aadhaar numbers, for just Rs 500 and in 10 minutes. The authority that collects and maintains biometric and other details for the unique ID holders called The Tribune report "a case of misreporting". But the newspaper stood by its story, saying the UIDAI claiming no breach of Aadhaar data "flies in the face of that". "UIDAI assures that there has not been any Aadhaar data breach... The Aadhaar data including biometric information is fully safe and secure," a UIDAI statement said, adding that the data was secure with a "robust uncompromised security". The authority said it had given search facility for the purpose of grievance redressal to designated personnel and state government officials to help residents. The search facility, the statement said, "gives only limited access to the name and other details and has no access to biometric details. "The reported case appears to be an instance of misuse of the grievance redressal search facility. As UIDAI maintains complete log and traceability of the facility, the legal action including lodging of FIR against the persons involved in the instant case is being done." The Tribune report, widely shared on social media, claimed that it took just Rs 500 and 10 minutes for the newspaper to get access through an "agent" to every detail of an individual submitted to the UIDAI including name, address, postal code (PIN), photo, phone number and email. The newspaper said it paid another Rs 300, for which the "agent" provided a software to facilitate the printing of the Aadhaar card after entering the Aadhaar number of any individual. In its point-by-point response to UIDAI's denial, the newspaper said UIDAI's admission that the search facility on its website had been "misused" did not change the fact that the theft had taken place. "Aadhaar data has been accessed by unauthorised people. The fact is that it has been misused to steal data, personal information such as name, date of birth, address, PIN, photo, phone number, e-mail, at will, for any Aadhaar number." The UIDAI said an Aadhaar number was not a secret number and needed to be shared with authorised agencies to avail certain service or benefit of government welfare schemes or other services and the proper use of Aadhaar number posed no security and financial threat as for a successful authentication fingerprint or iris of an individual was required. The newspaper said what it found in its investigation was that unauthorised persons have gained access to people's personal information. "The Tribune correspondent was also able to enter biometric data of specific individuals who were available at hand, at an unauthorised location, to print out Aadhaar cards. That is a partial breach of the biometric data too, even if biometric data was not downloaded." Reuters Alphabet Incs Google is exploring a potential sale of Zagat, the U.S. restaurant review guide which the search giant bought for $151 million in 2011, people familiar with the matter said. A sale of Zagat would mark a course reversal for Alphabets once ambitious plans for the brand, spearheaded by former Google executive Marissa Mayer, who went on to become Yahoo Incs chief executive. Zagat gradually became less of a priority as Google focused on drawing traffic to its Google+ social network. Google has held informal talks in recent months with multiple companies about offloading Zagat, the sources said, asking not to be named because the matter is private. Any deal would likely involve the Zagat brand name and website, the sources added. Googles asking price is not known, and there is no certainty it will agree to sell Zagat, the sources said. A spokeswoman for Google declined to comment. Google Maps incorporates Zagat reviews into its restaurant listings, and a small team at the company maintains Zagat.com, which features articles about restaurants in major cities. The unit makes up just a fraction of Alphabet, a sprawling holding company whose units include Google and an array of unrelated pursuits in areas such as healthcare, self-driving cars and urban planning. Founded in 1979 by Tim and Nina Zagat, the eponymous service became known for its familiar burgundy pocket-sized guides to restaurants in cities around the world. Many establishments feature Zagat stickers on their doors and windows. Over the past year, Alphabet has been pruning its portfolio and shedding smaller non-core assets. Last June, Alphabet agreed to sell two robotics firms, Boston Dynamics and Tokyo-based Schaft to SoftBank Group Corp. Last February, it announced it would sell the satellite imaging business it acquired in 2014 for $500 million called Terra Bella, to Planet Labs, a San Francisco-based private satellite operator. Alphabet also explored selling Nest, a maker of Wi-Fi enabled thermostats, in 2016, Reuters reported. IANS Global software major Infosys said on 4 January that it has entered into a partnership with paperless validation company ValGenesis to enhance compliance and quality management for its customers in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Under the partnership, Infosys will integrate ValGenesis' "Validation Lifecycle Management System" (VLMS) within its suite of services for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry which will be delivered in secure Cloud environment, Infosys said in a statement. South San Francisco, California-headquartered ValGenesis is a major paperless validation life cycle management solution in the life sciences industry that allows customers to automate the validation process fully, eliminate inefficiencies found in paper-based manual processes, while also reducing costs and validation cycle times. The ValGenesis Validation Lifecycle Management System (VLMS) manages all types of validation activities such as equipment, computer systems, cleaning, analytical methods, and process validation. The system delivers technology solutions that are fully configurable and rapidly deployable onsite or by way of a secured Cloud environment. Through this partnership, Infosys said it would help biopharma and medical devices customers transform to next generation of automation driven quality and compliance services which will help organisations generate significant efficiencies and allow them to focus on their core business. "Healthcare is potentially the world's most stringently-regulated industry. The huge volumes of highly-sensitive information that biotech and life sciences firms generate is subject to incredibly strict standards, for example, recording the outcomes from clinical trials," said Sangita Singh, Executive Vice President and Head, Healthcare & Lifesciences, Infosys. "The digitisation of the industry to ensure better data and document accuracy is incredibly important for many ethical, legal and business reasons," Singh added. In general, the validation systems are still almost entirely manual, paper-based process, resulting in significant inefficiencies, higher costs and more significant opportunity for errors to creep in. They can also result in delays to life-saving medicines and procedures to patients. "ValGenesis is pioneering paperless validation, and our new partnership will bring significant savings and much better compliance to our customers," Singh said. ValGenesis' VLMS includes a regulatory framework allowing validation requirements to be specified in advance. Leveraging its capabilities and experience in the life sciences space, Infosys plans to deliver VLMS to its customers as a single "paperless" system that manages every activity in the entire validation lifecycle. The White House on Wednesday defended Donald Trumps tweet about the size of his nuclear button, saying Americans should be concerned about the North Korean leaders mental fitness, not their president's. Washington/Seoul: The White House on Wednesday defended Donald Trump's tweet about the size of his nuclear button, saying Americans should be concerned about the North Korean leaders mental fitness, not their president's. On Tuesday, Trump responded to a New Years Day speech in which North Korean leader Kim Jong Un warned he had a nuclear button on his desk by saying that his nuclear button is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works! The tweet provoked strong criticism, especially from Trump's Democratic opponents, and former Vice President Joe Biden called it dangerously cavalier. Asked whether Americans should be concerned about the presidents mental fitness after he appeared to be speaking so lightly about nuclear threats, White House spokeswoman Sara Sanders told a regular news briefing: The president and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea. "He's made repeated threats, hes tested missiles time and time again for years, and this is a president whos not going to cower down and whos not going to be weak and is going to make sure that he does what hes promised to do and that is stand up and protect the American people." Trump and Kim have exchanged repeated insults in recent months in a crisis over North Koreas program to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of reaching the United States, raising alarm worldwide. Trump has at times appeared to dismiss the prospect of a diplomatic solution and both sides have threatened to destroy each other. Former Vice President Joe Biden said Trump had shown "really poor judgment." "The only war that is worse than one thats intended, is one that is not intended, Biden was quoted as saying by CNN. This is not a game. This is not about, you know, can I puff my chest out." "The United States has a role in the world that the world has come to expect. I think the president is much, much too cavalier. And its dangerous." Senator Edward Markey, the top Democrat on the Senates East Asia Subcommittee, said Trump's tweet bordered on presidential malpractice, needlessly deepening a crisis and squandering a fresh opportunity to attempt diplomacy. In his New Year speech, Kim warned that the entire United States was in range of North Korea nuclear missiles and added: "A nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat." Kim said his country would focus in the coming year on mass producing nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles for operational deployment, but added that these would be used only if North Koreas security was threatened. US Vice President Mike Pence told the Voice of America Trump was making clear that "America will not be bullied, America will not be threatened." He said that while all options remained on the table, there was the opportunity for a peaceable solution to the crisis if North Korea will abandon their nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions, if they will dismantle those programs. Hotline Reopened In his address, Kim also said he was open to speaking with US ally South Korea and would consider sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea in February. US officials have responded coolly to this overture and the State Department said North Korea might be trying to drive a wedge between Washington and Seoul. On Tuesday, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said Washington would not take any talks between North and South Korea seriously if they did not contribute to denuclearizing North Korea. Haley also said Washington was hearing reports that Pyongyang might be preparing to fire another missile and warned of even tougher steps in response if it did so. On Tuesday, Seoul responded to Kim by proposing high-level discussions at the heavily armed Korean border next week, and on Wednesday North Korea reopened a border hotline that had been closed since February 2016. South Korean officials at the border received a call from the North at 0630 GMT and officials on both sides conducted a conversation for about 20 minutes, South Koreas unification ministry said. It did not disclose the content of the discussion. There was no immediate US comment on the reopening of the hotline, although a State Department spokeswoman, Katina Adams, said Washington remained in close contact with Seoul about a unified response to North Korea. She said that as South Korea President Moon Jae-in had stated, "'the improvement of relations between North and South Korea cannot advance separately from resolving North Koreas nuclear program.'" The reopening of the hotline came hours after the tweet from Trump, who has repeatedly mocked Kim as "Little Rocket Man". Kims New Years Day speech followed a steep increase in missile launches by North Korea in 2017, as well as its sixth and most powerful nuclear test. North Koreas KCNA news agency quoted Ri Son Gwon, chairman of North Koreas Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, as saying talks with South Korea would aim to establish formal dialogue about sending a North Korean delegation to the Olympics. We will try to keep close communications with the south Korean side from sincere stand (sic) and honest attitude, true to the intention of our supreme leadership, and deal with the practical matters related to the dispatch of our delegation, he said. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said both sides should seize the Olympics as an opportunity to improve ties and make concrete efforts toward alleviating tension. A ballistic missile launched by North Korea last year failed in flight and crashed back to the ground, it has been reported A ballistic missile launched by North Korea last year failed in flight and crashed back to the ground, it has been reported. However, what makes it surprising is the revelation that it may have landed in one of its own cities, the city of Tokchon, about 100 kilometres northeast of Pyongyang. A report in The Diplomat has quoted a US government source with "knowledge of North Korea's weapons programme" as saying the missile, which was launched on 28 April 2017, failed after just a minute of powered flight, during which time it traveled less than 70 kilometres into the North Korean sky. It crashed into Tokchon, on a large field of commercial or argicultural buildings, the report said. While there were no confirmed reports of there being any casualties in the crash, The Diplomat has corroborated its claim with commercially available satellite imagery from April and May 2017. These images show "considerable damage to a complex of industrial or agricultural buildings". The failed missile launch was reported by the western media but the fact that it may have crash landed on North Korean territory went unreported. The report on The Diplomat further added that chances of failure were high, and that may have been the reason why Pyongyang chose the sea-side town of Sinpo as its initial test site rather than Pyongyang. Flight failure over the sea would have had a lower chance of striking human infrastructure. However, since April, North Korea hasn't held ballistic missile testing from Sinpo, it said. Tense times April 2017 was a tense time on the Korean peninsula. US president Donald Trump had said North Korea is "doing the wrong thing", and that he would be sending an armada to Pyongyang. "We are sending an armada, very powerful. We have submarines, very powerful, far more powerful than the aircraft carrier, that I can tell you," he said. "We have the best military people on earth. And I will say this. He is doing the wrong thing. He is doing the wrong thing." But in retaliation to this, North Korea refused to back down and even warned of further escalation. North Korean State media spoke of a nuclear attack on the US at any sign of American aggression, as a US Navy strike group steamed toward the western Pacific. "Our revolutionary strong army is keenly watching every move by enemy elements with our nuclear sight focused on the US invasionary bases not only in South Korea and the Pacific operation theater but also in the US mainland," its official Rodong Sinmun newspaper said, as reported by Reuters. With inputs from Reuters At least 31 loggers are believed to have been abducted by Boko Haram jihadists after they went missing in northeast Nigeria, security sources said Kano: At least 31 loggers are believed to have been abducted by Boko Haram jihadists after they went missing in northeast Nigeria, security sources said. The alleged kidnapping took place just days after 30 troops vanished following a raid on a military base in the same region amid a surge in bloody violence. Sources told AFP the loggers, mostly in their twenties, had left the town of Gamboru on the border with Cameroon Tuesday morning to fetch firewood in a Boko Haram hotspot. "All 31 have not been seen since Tuesday and it is obvious they were seized by Boko Haram," said Umar Kachalla, a militia in Gamboru fighting Boko Haram alongside the military. The loggers had left for Wulgo village in nearby Marte district, 15 kilometres away, with their axes and wooden carts to collect wood to sell and raise money to buy food, Kachalla said. Two weeks ago, Boko Haram gunmen shot dead 10 loggers from Gamboru in the bush outside Wulgo while collecting firewood, said another militia Shehu Mada. "We believe Boko Haram abducted them to use them as fighters, given their young age," Mada said. "They (Boko Haram) abandon the bodies of their victims when they kill them but the fact that the bodies of the loggers have not been seen is clear indication they were abducted," said Mada. Boko Haram fighters still operate in hard-to-reach rural areas where military operations are minimal. In August 2014, the group seized Gamboru, a trading hub along with the neighbouring town of Ngala. Nigerian troops retook both towns in September 2015 with the help of Chadian forces following offensives lasting months. Despite the recapture of the area, Boko Haram fighters continue to launch sporadic attacks, ambushing troops and vehicles, as well as attacking and abducting farmers. Last week two farmers were shot dead by jihadists while harvesting their crops in Bugda village outside Gamboru, according to resident Nasiru Saidu. Boko Haram's eight-year insurgency against the government of Nigeria has spilled into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, killing around 20,000 people and displacing more than 2.6 million. Most of the displaced rely on food handouts from aid agencies while others have turned to felling trees in the arid region for firewood which they sell to buy food. The jihadists have increasingly targeted loggers in their armed campaign, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military and the local militia fighting them. On Christmas Day the jihadists killed 25 loggers at a logging site outside the city of Maiduguri. At least 30 soldiers remain missing following a Christmas Day Boko Haram attack on a military base in neighbouring Yobe state in which five troops were killed, according to military and militia sources. Boko Haram jihadists in eight trucks stormed the military base in Kanamma village on the border with Niger, promoting a twin hour gun battle, said the sources. The attack was repelled with aerial support. "We lost five men in the attack and 30 still remain unaccounted for," a military officer told AFP. "It is not yet clear whether they are missed their way in the fighting or were seized by the terrorists," said the officer who asked not to be identified. "Thirty soldiers have not been heard of since the and there is fear they could have been taken by Boko Haram," said militia Grema Usman. Iran told UN officials on Thursday that Donald Trump and Mike Pence incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts via their numerous absurd tweets United Nations: Iran on Thursday charged that the US "has crossed every limit" in international relations by expressing support for Iran's anti-government protesters and said President Donald Trump's "absurd tweets" have encouraged disruption. In a letter to United Nations officials, Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo complained that Washington was intervening "in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs". He said Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were personally stirring up trouble. "The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts," the ambassador wrote to the UN Security Council president and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The US didn't immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington "has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations." At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said "enemies of Iran" are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is "failing at every level" and declaring that it is "time for change" in the Islamic Republic. "Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government," he tweeted yesterday. "You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!" Trump's UN envoy, Ambassador Nikki Haley, called Tuesday for an emergency Security Council meeting on Iran, saying the UN needed to speak out in support of the protesters. Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief announced the 'end of the sedition' on Wednesday as tens of thousands rallied in a show of strength for the country's Islamic rulers after days of deadly unrest Tehran: Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief announced the "end of the sedition" on Wednesday as tens of thousands rallied in a show of strength for the country's Islamic rulers after days of deadly unrest. General Mohammad Ali Jafari said the Guards only intervened "in a limited way" against fewer than 15,000 "trouble-makers" nationwide, adding that a large number had been arrested. Protests over economic problems broke out in Iran's second city Mashhad on 28 December and quickly spread across the country, turning against the regime as a whole. A total of 21 people have died in the unrest, with protesters attacking government buildings and police stations in some areas. "Today we can announce the end of the sedition," Jafari said, quoted on the Guards' website. "A large number of the trouble-makers at the centre of the sedition, who received training from counter-revolutionaries... have been arrested and there will be firm action against them," he said. Jafari spoke after thousands of pro-regime demonstrators took to the streets. Chants of "Leader, we are ready" were heard as images showed thousands rallying in the cities of Qom, Ahvaz, Kermanshah and elsewhere. The demonstrators waved Iranian flags and pictures of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as placards saying "Death to seditionists". AFP journalists reported a heavy police presence was still on the streets of Tehran, along with a large number of Revolutionary Guards. General Jafari added those behind the protests had "intervened massively on social media" but that "once restrictions were started, the troubles reduced". Telegram and Instagram were blocked on cellphones soon after the protests began on 28 December. Telecom Minister Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi said Telegram would only be unblocked if it removed "terrorist" content. "I had mail exchanges with the head of Telegram and I told him that the continuation of Telegram's activities is conditioned on the suppression of terrorist content," he said. There were few reports of anti-regime protests overnight, although it remained difficult to verify information from the provinces. President Hassan Rouhani expressed hope in a phone call with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the protests would end in a few days, a Turkish presidential source said. The political establishment has closed ranks against the unrest, saying the protests were part of a foreign plot to destabilise the regime. "The enemy is always looking for an opportunity and any crevice to infiltrate and strike the Iranian nation," Khamenei said on Tuesday. US president Donald Trump said Iranians were trying to "take back" their government, extending a drumbeat of encouragement for the protests. "You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!" he tweeted, without offering any specifics. UN human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called on the Iranian authorities to defuse tensions and investigate the deaths. "It is incumbent on the authorities that their actions do not provoke a downward spiral of violence, as occurred in 2009," he said in reference to the last major protest movement against alleged election-rigging. Even reformists in Iran, who backed the 2009 protests, have condemned the violence and the support the demonstrations have received from the US. But they also urged the authorities to address economic grievances. "Officials must acknowledge the deplorable situation of the country as the first step to hearing the protesters," tweeted Mohammad Taghi Karroubi, whose father Mehdi Karroubi has been under house arrest for almost seven years for helping lead the 2009 demonstrations. Many have been turned off by the violence, which has contrasted with the largely peaceful marches in 2009. But on the streets of the capital, there is widespread sympathy with the economic grievances driving the unrest, particularly an unemployment rate as high as 40 percent among young people. Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif alleged that Donald Trumps recent remarks against his country showed that he was talking in the language of India Islamabad: Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday reacted to US president Donald Trumps "lies and deceit" comments as he said that the remarks showed that Trump was speaking "the language of India. Asif also added that Islambad's civil and military leaderships were on the same page. Briefing the Parliamentary Committee on National Security about tension between Pakistan and the US following Trumps remarks, Asif said the US is making Islamabad a scapegoat for its failure in Afghanistan. Trump had accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit in return for $33 billion aid. Sources privy to the discussion in the meeting said Asif told lawmakers, Trump was speaking in the language of India. The statements from the US leaders are contrary to the facts", Asif said. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, who heads the body, told the media after the meeting that there should be balanced response to the statements from the US. The countrys dignity should be maintained, while engaging with the US, he said. He said the committee has decided to reconvene next week for a briefing by security agencies. The closed-door meeting came at the heels of a high-level National Security Committee meet and the cabinet meeting earlier this week. Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir was also present in the meeting. Dastagir said when US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary James Mattis visited Pakistan, they presented their stance in accordance with diplomatic norms and the talks were not threatening and insulting, Geo TV reported. [But] this was present in Trumps tweet and before that when US Vice President Mike Pence made the put Pakistan on notice statement from Afghanistan, the defence minister said, referring to the threatening tone of the US leaders. We need to have a holistic review of the entire situation. We are conducting a complete analysis and coolly formulating our response, he said, adding that there should not be any doubts when it comes to the defence of Pakistan. The question is will America create a situation which will harm Pakistan. We are ready for this but still want to engage the US", he shared. Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and NSA Nasser Janjua also briefed the participants. With inputs from agencies Niagara waterfalls frozen and covered with ice as Canada suffers a chilly winter. Montreal (Canada): Snow, lengthy de-icing procedures and missing crews created havoc at Canada's main airports on Monday, with hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed out of the country's biggest city Toronto. A deep freeze has settled over large parts of Canada and the United States, bringing extreme cold, piles of snow, and icy conditions. From the early hours of New Year's Day, Air Canada warned that holiday travel could be hectic, issuing a travel alert for passengers using airports in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Ottawa and waiving the usual fee for ticket changes. As the day wore on, the delays mounted, with take-off delays of four to five hours, according to data collected from airport websites. In Toronto, snow aggravated the situation, and by 2030 GMT, nearly 500 flights had been cancelled or delayed, according to flight tracker FlightAware. Passengers asked for help and vented their ire on social media. "You ppl have cost me two days of my vacation and a day's salary," traveler Carla Whyte said on Twitter. "UNACCEPTABLE. Ruined my vacation I have been waiting for all year. This is insane. Great way to start my 2018, @AirCanada," chimed in Anne-Marie Robart. One US citizen said he left Montreal more than two hours late only to find himself stuck in Toronto. Air Canada told him the earliest he could leave was Tuesday night. On top of the poor weather, WestJet said it had to cancel one flight due to a "crew shortage issue." "We would never wish to inconvenience our guests this way and we truly apologize," the airline said. Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has said North Korea should change its policies to help enrich its people. Tokyo: Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has said North Korea should change its policies to help enrich its people. Abe told reporters on Thursday that Japan would do its utmost, working with the US and South Korea, to pressure Pyongyang to shift its course and end its missile tests and nuclear programme. Abe said Tokyo is cautiously watching to see the impact of sanctions against North Korea, especially at this coldest time of the year when conditions are harshest. He said North Korea's diligent people and abundant resources could make the country richer if its leaders adopt the right policies. Abe did not directly mention recent overtures by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un toward South Korea, including a reopening of a communications link between the rival countries. Arab foreign ministers will meet in the Jordanian capital Amman on Saturday to discuss crisis arising from US recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital Amman: Arab foreign ministers will meet in the Jordanian capital Amman on Saturday to discuss crisis arising from US recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital, official source said. Six Arab Foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco are expected to attend the meeting along with Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Arab foreign ministers of these six countries are members of a ministerial delegation formed by the Arab League during its emergency meeting in December last year, Xinhua news agency reported. The ministers will look into the consequences of the US decision and Arab actions to find a solution regarding Trump's decision that affect Jerusalem and its historic and legal status, the soured added. At their meeting in December in Cairo, the Arab foreign ministers slammed the US decision and discussed a unified response to Trump's decision. The White House has said it would announce specific actions against Pakistan this week to force it to crack down on terrorists on its soil Washington: The White House has said it would announce specific actions against Pakistan this week to force it to crack down on terrorists on its soil, reflecting president Donald Trump's tough stance against the country over the issue. The remarks by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders came after Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for $33 billion aid over the last 15 years. "They can do more to stop terrorism and we want them to do that," Sanders said. The White House said it would likely announce actions to pressure Pakistan within days. "We'll continue to keep you posted as those decisions are finalised," Sanders said. "In terms of specific actions, I think youll see some more details come out on that in the next 24 to 48 hours..." Sanders told reporters on Tuesday during a news conference in which she asked Pakistan to step up its actions against terrorists and militant groups operating from its soil. Fox News reported that the announcement in this regard is expected Thursday. However, there was no response from the White House on the timing and nature of such an announcement. On Monday, in his first tweet of the year, Trump said that the US has "foolishly" given Pakistan more than $33 billion in aid over the last 15 years. A day later, the White House said that it was suspended $255 million financial security assistance to Pakistan as mandated by Congress in its 2016 budget. US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley also accused Pakistan of playing a "double game" by claiming to support the US-led war against terrorism while providing a haven to terrorist groups. Pakistan has expressed "deep disappointment" over the US statements, saying the accusations strike with "great insensitivity" at the trust between the two countries. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif in a tweet challenged President Trump's claim that the US has given Pakistan more than $33 billion dollars as aid over the last 15 years, saying verification by an audit firm would prove the US president wrong. Working from home? Switch to the DIGITAL edition of CLICK HERE to signup now! With Star Wars: The Last Jedi hitting theaters in less than a week, the Star Wars loyalist around the world is prepping up to grab the collectibles for themselves in a way of expressing love towards the most-successful franchise. We are sure for some Star Wars aficionados the movie alone cant satisfy their hunger. So we have compiled a list of things that can possibly satiate your hunger for Star Wars. So below are our favorite gadgets and collectibles in the Star Wars universe that you can get your hands on. OnePlus 5T Star Wars Limited Edition The Chinese upstart OnePlus joined the Star Wars mania by introducing the limited Star Wars edition of its recent flagship, OnePlus 5T. This limited edition 5T features a white back with the Star Wars branding at the bottom. The alert slider on the side is painted with a red finish in contrast with a white back. The company will be launching the limited edition smartphone in India at an event in Carnival Cinemax Wadala, Mumbai on December 14th. Moreover, the company also confirmed that the smartphone will go on sale exclusively on Amazon.in, oneplusstore.in and OnePlus experience zones in Bangalore and Noida from December 15th, Friday. Sphero Star Wars BB-8 App Enabled Robot Droid In the Star Wars universe, the BB-8 remains the second most favorite robot, after the R2-D2. Well, the real-life version of BB-8 is now available for sale on Amazon that can be controlled by an app. The tiny replica of BB-8 can roll and balance all by itself, perform some pre-programmed stunts, and even respond to voice commands as well. Further, the Spheros BB-8 is app-controlled, so make sure you have Android or iPhone to use it to its full potential. You can get your hands on BB-8 on Amazon.in at about Rs. 14,000. Star Wars Lego Start your journey through the Lego Star Wars universe with a range of themed Lego kits and quality buildable figures. The teenage Star wars fan loves to immerse themselves in some creative work with Lego to re-create their famous scenes from the movie. Building LEGO toys with kids is a perfect weekend getaway for all your problems. In fact, the Lego is one of the most educational toys available that helps your kids in various ways with persistence, sense of achievement, cooperation and much more. If you are a Star Wars fan, its safe to say that your kids will be too. It is available from Amazon.in from about Rs. 1200. Star Wars R2-D2 Bluetooth speaker Till now, in the history of Hollywood, Star Wars is one of most successful and icon series ever created. In this case, you get varieties of official and unofficial memorabilia with Star Wars branding. Having said that, we have added Star Wars R2D2 Bluetooth Speaker to the list that you should add it to your den. Not only the speaker, but it can also act as a centerpiece for your room. These are genuinely appealing collectible, where every true fan of the franchise should consider. You can buy this on Amazon.in at Rs. 2,698. Star Wars R2-D2 Wall Charger If you are an ardent Star wars memorabilia hunter, heres your chance to add one more to your fans collection. Presenting you the R2-D2 Wall Charger which you can pick it up on Amazon.in. It is compatible with anything that charges via USB, small in size and convenient to carry on the go as well. The R2-D2 comes to life and lights up its Red Eye plugged. The R2-D2 wall charger also can charge two devices at the same time. What else you need? Go for it. May the Force be with you. While it is known that Intel chips are facing a bug that is affected by serious Kernel memory leak issue on modern computers including Windows, Linux, and macOS, the exact problem and explanation for this bug remained a mystery. Windows and Linux have already started pushing the updates that will fix the issue, we now have what the flaw is and they have been named Meltdown and Spectre. The Meltdown was independently discovered by three groups; researchers from the Technical University of Graz in Austria, German security firm Cerberus Security, and Googles Project Zero. On the other hand, Spectre was found by Project Zero and independent researcher Paul Kocher. These bugs allow programs to steal data which is currently processed on the computer. Since programs are not allowed to read data from other programs, any malicious software or program can exploit Meltdown and Spectre to gain access to passwords, browser data, your personal photos, emails, instant messages, etc. stored in the memory of other running programs. These bugs can work on personal computers, mobile devices, and can even steal cloud data. The Meltdown attack allows a program to access the memory, and gain access to secrets, on the other hand, Spectre allows an attacker to trick error-free programs, which are best practices to leak sensitive information. Googles Project Zero researchers in a blog post mentioned that execution is difficult and limited on the majority of Android devices and the company has already rolled out additional protection in the January security update. Though Apple did not publicly comment, security researcher Alex Ionescu says that the macOS 10.13.2 update will address the issue. The question on everyone's minds: Does MacOS fix the Intel #KPTI Issue? Why yes, yes it does. Say hello to the "Double Map" since 10.13.2 -- and with some surprises in 10.13.3 (under Developer NDA so can't talk/show you). cc @i0n1c @s1guza @patrickwardle pic.twitter.com/S1YJ9tMS63 Alex Ionescu (@aionescu) January 3, 2018 Microsoft in a blog post has said, The majority of Azure infrastructure has already been updated to address this vulnerability. Some aspects of Azure are still being updated and require a reboot of customer VMs for the security update to take effect. Many of you have received notification in recent weeks of a planned maintenance on Azure and have already rebooted your VMs to apply the fix, and no further action by you is required. Azure customers should not see a noticeable performance impact with this update. Weve worked to optimize the CPU and disk I/O path and are not seeing noticeable performance impact after the fix has been applied. Source 1, 2, 3 It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover Quick Heal Security Labs has detected an Android banking trojan; Android.banker.A9480 which is said to be targeting more than 232 banking apps which also includes the apps offered by Indian banks. Like other banking trojans, even the Android.banker.A9480 is designed with the aim to steal login credentials, hijacking SMSs, etc. The trojan is being distributed through a fake Flash Player app on the third-party store, and it is not very surprising considering Adobes flash player is one of the most widely spread products on the Internet. Once the malicious app is installed the phone, it requests for Administrative rights and if even if a user rejects or terminates the process, it keeps throwing pop-ups until the user activates the admin privilege. The app then goes into hiding once the user taps on it.Once the icon is hidden, it looks for all the installed apps especially from the 232 apps that include banking and some cryptocurrency apps. If the trojan finds any one of the apps from the list of 232 apps, it throws fake notifications duping targeted banking app. if a user clicks on the notification, they are shown a fake login screen to steal the users confidential login details. The malware was capable of receiving and processing login credentials, hijacking SMSs, uploading contact lists and SMS on a malicious server, displaying an overlay screen. It can also intercept all incoming and outgoing SMS from the infected device which enables attackers to bypass SMS-based two-factor authentication. In order to silence SMS notifications, the malware can also set the devices ringer volume to silent. Targeted banking apps in India include Axis, HDFC, SBI Anywhere Personal, ICICI, IDBI, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank Mobile Banking and their respective apps. To avoid getting infected with this malware, avoid downloading apps from third-party app stores or links provided in SMS or emails, Always keep Unknown Sources disabled, install a reliable mobile security app. Source Some industries are bracing for the potential impact of a powerful cyclone bomb winter storm that is projected to cause record-setting cold and dangerous road conditions along the East Coast this weekend. The storm is expected to impact residents from Florida to Maine with freezing temperatures, freezing rain, snowfall and high winds. The National Weather Service warned the storm could cause dangerous travel, scattered power outages, tidal flooding and very cold wind chills, with temperatures 20 to 40 degrees below normal in affected areas, according to the Washington Post. The storms impact on the overall economy is currently fairly minimal, Wells Fargo Securities senior economist Mark Vitner told FOX Business on Wednesday. However, the wintry weather could hurt specific businesses and provide a boost to others. FOX Business breaks down how the storm could impact some sectors below. Winners... Commodities traders Commodities traders saw a boom in business when temperatures plummeted in late 2013 and early 2014, and an extended cold snap this year could produce similar results. Electricity prices and natural gas demand are surging amid the recent record-setting cold as Americans try to stay warm. Ticker Security Last Change Change % UNG UNITED STATES NATURAL GAS FUND LP UNIT (POST REV SPLIT) 16.42 +0.23 +1.42% USO UNITED STATES OIL FUND L.P. 48.66 -0.29 -0.59% Citigroup (NYSE:C), Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) and Macquarie Bank all saw strong returns in the first quarter of 2014, Reuters reported at the time. Winter wear companies The prospect of record-setting cold appears to have given Canada Goose a boost this month. Shares of the Canadian winter coat manufacturer, which is known for its fashionable $1,000 jackets, reached their highest level since the company filed its IPO last March. Ticker Security Last Change Change % GOOS CANADA GOOSE HLDGS 41.85 +0.45 +1.09% Overall, Canada Goose shares are up more than 50% since Nov. 1. Barrons reported on Wednesday that customers were lining up outside Canada Gooses New York City store. Snow removal related companies With a blizzard comes snow to remove and for that job consumers can call in Douglas Dynamics (NYSE:PLOW) which makes snow plows and salt spreaders and Alamo Group (NYSE:ALG) maker of commerical snow equipment. For those looking to shovel and salt the old fashioned way, Home (NYSE:HD) and Lowe's (NYSE:LOW) can help. Both retailers might see an uptick in east coast sales. Ticker Security Last Change Change % PLOW DOUGLAS DYNAMICS INC 39.20 -1.12 -2.78% ALG ALAMO GROUP, INC. 154.39 -0.73 -0.47% HD THE HOME DEPOT, INC. 330.34 +2.60 +0.79% LOW LOWE'S COS., INC. 205.98 -0.17 -0.08% Losers... Airlines Airline carriers have already canceled hundreds of flights to and from the East Coast as the winter storm approaches, and service could be further impacted based on the storms severity. A prolonged delay in normal flight service could hurt business for regional powers like JetBlue and Delta. Ticker Security Last Change Change % DAL DELTA AIR LINES, INC. 40.25 -0.57 -1.40% JBLU JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORP. 14.94 -0.26 -1.71% UAL UNITED AIRLINES HOLDINGS, INC. 46.22 -0.54 -1.15% AAL AMERICAN AIRLINES GROUP, INC. 19.37 -0.39 -1.97% LUV SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 48.86 -0.74 -1.49% JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are waiving change fees for customers whose flights are impacted by the weather. Delta customers can change their flights to depart as late as Jan. 8 without additional fee, though fares could change in that timeframe. Theme Parks Florida typically enjoys a temperate climate during the winter months, but the approaching cyclone bomb is already impacting some of the states tourist attractions. Ticker Security Last Change Change % DIS THE WALT DISNEY CO. 181.00 -0.86 -0.47% SEAS SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT INC 47.69 -1.69 -3.42% More on this... Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld shut down water parks ahead of colder weather Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld each opted this week to shutter their water parks due to the approaching wintry weather, Fox News reported. The parks are expected to remain closed through at least Thursday of this week, with parts of southeast Georgia and northeast Florida under a winter storm watch. A restaurant manager and his girlfriend have been charged in the fatal shooting of a cook following negative online reviews of the fried chicken restaurant where they all worked. Recent negative reviews of Bonchon Chicken on Yelp, a crowd-sourced review website, "could have been a culminating factor" in the case, Manchester police Capt. Christopher Davis told the Hartford Courant on Wednesday. The manager, James Goolsby, was arrested Tuesday and was charged with the murder of Norris Jackson, a Hartford native and father of seven who was shot four times inside the restaurant in Manchester around lunchtime Saturday. Goolsby's girlfriend, Leanne Robitaille, was presented on a charge of hindering prosecution. There was an ongoing dispute between the couple and Jackson, police said. Witnesses told police they saw Goolsby shoot Jackson four times after an argument. The medical examiner said Norris died of a gunshot wound to the neck. Bonchon Chicken, which is based in South Korea, said in a statement it was "deeply saddened by the tragic shooting." It expressed concern for the victim and his family. Goolsby was held Wednesday in lieu of $1 million bond. Robitaille was ordered held on a bond of $100,000. They couldn't be reached for comment while in custody, and it was unclear if they had lawyers who could comment for them. Reviews for the restaurant have been mixed, with many positive comments and a few negative ones, include two on Friday, but police didn't elaborate on how the reviews could have contributed to the cook's death. ___ This story has been corrected to show Goolsby was the manager and Jackson was the cook, not vice versa. When Kassem Eid first saw the mass anti-government protests in Iran, he thought back to the once peaceful anti-Assad marches in Syria, to the subsequent sarin gas attack he suffered from, to the eventual civil war that left hundreds of thousands dead, and he saw President Trump do what President Obama failed to: Support the protesters. We risked our lives, we risked our future, we risked everything, Eid told FOX Business Liz MacDonald. We marched peacefully in the streets for more than 11 months. And all we got was statements of a couple of meager reports and that is it. The regime kept killing and torturing people. The Iranian protests -- the largest since demonstrations following the 2009 elections -- began on Thursday across the country and, over the course of six days, have left at least 20 dead and more than 450 people have been arrested. Trump has tweeted about the protests seven times since Friday, often vocalizing his support. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government, he wrote in one tweet. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time. Trumps tweets marked a stark change in U.S. foreign policy under Obama, who did not want to be as meddling in Iran and faced partisan accusations of appeasement. The Iranian nuclear deal negotiated by Obama provided more than $100 billion sanctions relief to Tehran, and the administration made a $400 million cash payment to Iran at the same time the authoritarian government released American prisoners. (Though critics -- including Trump -- suggested this was a ransom, the administration denied that characterization.) But part of the reason why Eid, who was 24-years-old when the Syrian protests began in 2011, supported so vehemently Trumps decision to throw American might behind the Iranian protesters is because in 2012, Obama drew a red line for Syrian dictator Bashar Al-Assad, starting at the usage of chemical weapons. Despite this, Assad continued to use chemical weapons. In that particular moment, most of the world, and including a lot and a lot of people around the world like me who were looking up to the United States as the good guys, as the people who are going to help us and save us, but in that moment, Obama destroyed the credibility of the United States, Eid said. Security researchers on Wednesday disclosed a set of security flaws that they said could let hackers steal sensitive information from nearly every modern computing device containing chips from Intel CorpMatt Hillyards annual karaoke party in the Rotunda! #singingintherain #utleg #utpol @SenLyleHillyard pic.twitter.com/uvcOwh54Ao Utah Senate (@utahsenate) January 24, 2017
This weeks Israel in the News Perspective features The Fellowships Ami Farkas with a plea to pray for the Iranian protestors.
Former Egyptian Prime Minister and presidential hopeful Ahmed Shafiq returned to his house earlier this week from staying in a hotel following his return from the UAE and the announcement of his potential candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections, National Movement Party spokesperson Khaled El-Amowi told Ahram Online on Thursday.
According to El-Amowi, Shafiq returned back to his villa in New Cairo three days ago, where he continued his meetings with the leaders of National Movement Party, of which he is the founder.
Following his return to Egypt after a five-year stay in the Emirates, the 76-year-old Shafiq stated that he would assess whether he should run in the upcoming presidential elections in May 2018 or not.
Rumors spread following his return from UAE that he was under house arrest, but Shafiq denied this, saying that he was staying in a hotel till his villa was completely clean.
Shafiq served as aviation minister under former president Hosni Mubarak and briefly as prime minister during the 2011 uprising, before he was replaced in February 2012.
Shafiq narrowly lost the June 2012 presidential elections to the Muslim Brotherhoods Mohamed Morsi, who held the post for one year before being ousted in July 2013 following nationwide protests against his rule.
Shortly after the 2012 election, Shafiq claimed that the vote was rigged and travelled to the UAE, citing "concerns for his own safety."
While in the UAE, Shafiq was tried in absentia on a number of corruption charges, but was either acquitted or had charges against him dropped.
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FTC Gives Final Approval to Lenovo Settlement
Washington, DC - The Federal Trade Commission has given final approval to a settlement with Lenovo Inc., related to charges that the company harmed consumers by pre-loading software on some laptops that compromised security protections in order to deliver ads to consumers.
In its complaint, the FTC charged that beginning in August 2014 Lenovo began selling consumer laptops in the United States that came with a preinstalled advertising software program called VisualDiscovery that interfered with how a users browser interacted with websites and created serious security vulnerabilities.
As part of the settlement with the FTC, Lenovo is prohibited from misrepresenting any features of software preloaded on laptops that will inject advertising into consumers Internet browsing sessions or transmit sensitive consumer information to third parties. If the company preinstalls this type of software, the order requires the company to get consumers affirmative consent before the software runs on their laptops. In addition, the company is required for 20 years to implement a comprehensive software security program for most consumer software preloaded on its laptops. The security program will also be subject to third-party audits.
The FTC received 10 comments on the settlement. The FTC vote approving the final order as well as responses to the 10 commenters was 2-0.
Designations Under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998
Washington, DC - In far too many places around the globe, people continue to be persecuted, unjustly prosecuted, or imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief. Today, a number of governments infringe upon individuals ability to adopt, change, or renounce their religion or belief, worship in accordance with their religion or beliefs, or be free from coercion to practice a particular religion or belief.
In accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as Countries of Particular Concern. Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017. The Secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom.
The protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity. These designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries. We recognize that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom; we welcome these initiatives and look forward to continued dialogue. The United States remains committed to working with governments, civil society organizations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world.
This Isnt Our Last Love Letter
Dear Don Don,
Way back in 92
I walked into the room and knew
Never felt this way before
I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes
And the feeling grew
As I took a seat I knew
A love that would have my heart
Forever
I knew
Way back in 92
They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true
We were the exception to that rule
Our love had no where to hide
A spark set fire
As if this is how the universe started
I never doubted our love or what we could do
Together we grew
Forming a bond everlasting
That became our glue
My euphoria was YOU
Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared
For how fortunate we were :
to have and to hold
through sickness and in health
Til death do us part
Until we are together again
This isnt our last love letter
I love you with all my heart and soul
Yours forever,
Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)
Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.
A True American Hero
I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.
I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.
I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.
But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.
In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.
Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.
I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.
I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.
No one will ever do what he did.
I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO
David Jurist
IMUS IN THE MORNING
FIRST DAY BACK!
BAFTA has announced this years EE Rising Star nominees, predicting the actors set to dominate cinema screens over the coming years.
Leading the pack are British stars Daniel Kaluuya, Florence Pugh, and Josh OConnor, all of whom have already been hotly tipped for numerous nominations this awards season. They join American actors Timothee Chalamet and Tessa Thompson.
Kaluuya made headway last year after leading Jordan Peeles break-out horror film Get Out, while Pugh won critical acclaim for her role in Lady Macbeth, taking home the British Independent Film Awards best actress prize. At the same ceremony, OConnor won the best actor award for his role in God's Own Country.
Meanwhile, Chalamet has been hotly tipped for an Oscar nomination for his lauded leading role in Call Me By Your Name, while Thompson recently appeared in the Marvel blockbuster Thor: Ragnarok.
Im honoured and grateful to BAFTA and the Jury for the nomination and cant wait to celebrate it in my home city, Kaluuya said of the nomination.
Saying she felt truly honoured to be on the shortlist, Pugh added: The journey to get to this rewarding moment has been exhilarating, and so to feel recognition for doing something I love and the hard work many have put in feels very touching. Its a very proud moment indeed.
27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Show all 27 1 /27 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Black Panther Released: 12 February 12 February Director: Ryan Coogler Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Forest Whitaker, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Greatest Showman Released: 1 January 1 January Director: Michael Gracey Cast: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Darkest Hour Released: 12 January 12 January Director: Joe Wright Cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri Released: 12 January Director: Martin McDonagh 12 JanuaryMartin McDonagh Cast: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones > Twentieth Century Fox 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Coco Released: 19 January 19 January Director: Lee Unkrich ,p>Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Renee Victor 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Downsizing Released: 19 January 19 January Director: Alexander Payne Cast: Matt Damon, Christopher Waltz, Jong Chau, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Early Man Released: 26 January 26 January Director: Nick Park Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams, Timothy Spall 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Fifty Shades Freed Released: 9 February 9 February Director: James Foley Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Kim Basinger 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Maze Runner: The Death Cure Released: 9 February 9 February Director: Wes Ball Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Shape of Water Released: 16 February 16 February Director: Guillermo del Toro Cast: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Annihilation Released: 23 February 23 February Director: Alex Garland Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Lee, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Oscar Isaac 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Dark River Released: 23 February 23 February Director: Clio Barnard Cast: Ruth Wilson, Mark Stanley, Sean Bean 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Red Sparrow Released: 2 March 2 March Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Jeremy Irons 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Tomb Raider Released: 16 March 16 March Director: Roar Uthaug Cast: Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Dominic West, 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 A Wrinkle in Time Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Ava DuVernay Cast: Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Zach Galifianakis 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Pacific Rim: Uprising Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Steven S. DeKnight Cast: John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Roman J Israel, Esq Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Dan Gilroy Cast: Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo Columbia Pictures 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Isle of Dogs Released: 30 March 30 March Director: Wes Anderson Cast: Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Scarlett Johansson 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ready Player One Released: 30 March 30 March Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Mark Rylance, Simon Pegg 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Avengers: Infinity War Released: 27 April 27 April Director: The Russo Brothers Cast: Robert Downey, Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Untitled Han Solo Film Released: 25 May 25 May Director: Ron Howard Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Released: 8 June 8 June Director: J.A. Bayona Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pine, B.D. Wong, Toby Jones 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Deadpool 2 Released: 1 June Director: David Leitch 1 JuneDavid Leitch Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Zazie Beetz, Josh Brolin 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ocean's 8 Released: 22 June 22 June Director: Gary Ross Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Olivia Munn, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Matt Damon 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ant-Man and the Wasp Released: 29 June 29 June Director: Peyton Reed Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Soldado Released: 29 June 29 June Director: Stefano Sollima Cast: Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Jeffrey Donovan, Catherine Keener, Matthew Modine 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Incredibles 2 Released: 13 July 13 July Director: Brad Bird Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Samuel L. Jackson
Last year, Spider-Man actor Tom Holland took home the prestigious award, beating Anya Taylor-Joy, Ruth Negga, Laia Costa, and Lucas Hedges. The winner of this years award will be announced at the BAFTA ceremony on the 18 February.
Kathryn Bigelow's camera can navigate war zones - in The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty - but the streets she captured in her latest film weren't those of a battleground. This was an American city invaded by its own army.
In 1967, police raided an unlicensed speakeasy in Detroit, the Blind Pig, arresting all of its occupants, all of them black. The move sparked a widespread riot in the city, as black citizens retaliated against the police's reign of prejudice and brutality.
In response, Governor George Romney sent in the National Guard, while President Lyndon B. Johnson sent in paratroopers. 8,000 national guard marched into the city, alongside 4,700 combat troops, and 360 state police. The result left 43 individuals dead, 1,189 injured, while 7,231 were arrested and more than 2,000 buildings were destroyed.
Detroit became almost unrecognisable as the troops rolled in. As part of a new featurette for Bigelow's Detroit, US Congressman John Conyers Jr. relays that "it reminded me of my military experiences... it was like an invasion."
Mark Boal, the film's screenwriter, also describes some of the men's dangerous inexperience, as former Detroit police officer Ike McKinnon tells the story of police firing at a young person who had come to the window, mistaking them for a sniper.
Detroit is out now on Digital Download and Blu-ray & DVD from 8 January.
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Late last year, the New York Film Critics Circle Award winners were announced, many fellow critics praising their choice to award Tiffany Haddish for best-supporting actress for Girls Trip.
Appearing at the awards yesterday, Standing on stage with a special Tiffany Toast cocktail reportedly containing Finlandia grapefruit vodka, yuzu citrus, and a hint of pomegranate Haddish delivered an exceptionally funny speech.
First, the actor introduced the drink: Its delicious. I had two, and I do feel like magic. She then made sure the NYFCC spelled her name correctly on the award, declaring Its right.
27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Show all 27 1 /27 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Black Panther Released: 12 February 12 February Director: Ryan Coogler Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Forest Whitaker, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Greatest Showman Released: 1 January 1 January Director: Michael Gracey Cast: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Darkest Hour Released: 12 January 12 January Director: Joe Wright Cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri Released: 12 January Director: Martin McDonagh 12 JanuaryMartin McDonagh Cast: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones > Twentieth Century Fox 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Coco Released: 19 January 19 January Director: Lee Unkrich ,p>Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Renee Victor 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Downsizing Released: 19 January 19 January Director: Alexander Payne Cast: Matt Damon, Christopher Waltz, Jong Chau, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Early Man Released: 26 January 26 January Director: Nick Park Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams, Timothy Spall 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Fifty Shades Freed Released: 9 February 9 February Director: James Foley Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Kim Basinger 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Maze Runner: The Death Cure Released: 9 February 9 February Director: Wes Ball Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Shape of Water Released: 16 February 16 February Director: Guillermo del Toro Cast: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Annihilation Released: 23 February 23 February Director: Alex Garland Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Lee, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Oscar Isaac 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Dark River Released: 23 February 23 February Director: Clio Barnard Cast: Ruth Wilson, Mark Stanley, Sean Bean 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Red Sparrow Released: 2 March 2 March Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Jeremy Irons 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Tomb Raider Released: 16 March 16 March Director: Roar Uthaug Cast: Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Dominic West, 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 A Wrinkle in Time Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Ava DuVernay Cast: Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Zach Galifianakis 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Pacific Rim: Uprising Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Steven S. DeKnight Cast: John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Roman J Israel, Esq Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Dan Gilroy Cast: Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo Columbia Pictures 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Isle of Dogs Released: 30 March 30 March Director: Wes Anderson Cast: Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Scarlett Johansson 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ready Player One Released: 30 March 30 March Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Mark Rylance, Simon Pegg 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Avengers: Infinity War Released: 27 April 27 April Director: The Russo Brothers Cast: Robert Downey, Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Untitled Han Solo Film Released: 25 May 25 May Director: Ron Howard Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Released: 8 June 8 June Director: J.A. Bayona Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pine, B.D. Wong, Toby Jones 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Deadpool 2 Released: 1 June Director: David Leitch 1 JuneDavid Leitch Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Zazie Beetz, Josh Brolin 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ocean's 8 Released: 22 June 22 June Director: Gary Ross Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Olivia Munn, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Matt Damon 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ant-Man and the Wasp Released: 29 June 29 June Director: Peyton Reed Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Soldado Released: 29 June 29 June Director: Stefano Sollima Cast: Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Jeffrey Donovan, Catherine Keener, Matthew Modine 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Incredibles 2 Released: 13 July 13 July Director: Brad Bird Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Samuel L. Jackson
Haddish went on to thank God, because without God my Mum and Daddy wouldnt have put their two uglies together and made me.
She then spoke at length about the large statue behind the podium, thanked the critics (although admitting she doesnt read reviews), and detailed getting the role in Girls Trip. Watch the full 17-minute speech below.
Later this week, one of the first major award shows, the Golden Globes, will take place. While Haddish has not been nominated, there will no doubt be some excellent speeches nonetheless. Read about our predictions here.
Hostiles (15)
Dir Scott Cooper, 133 mins, starring: Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, Wes Studi
Westerns dont come much more brutal than Scott Coopers Hostiles. The film has a few moments of Little House On The Prairie-like tranquillity right at the start. We see homesteader Rosalie Quaid (Rosamund Pike) sitting in the parlour, teaching her daughters how to use adverbs as her husband works outdoors, sawing wood.
But then comes the slaughter: the scalping, the shooting, the wanton killing of children. From that point onwards, the tone doesnt lighten. The Comanches are killers. Their homicidal behaviour is matched by that of the US army. Cooper casts us into a world in which violence and cruelty are endemic and in which men are murdered or tortured in front of their families as a matter of course.
Captain Joe J Blocker is surely the darkest role that Christian Bale has yet tackled. The one-time child actor from Empire Of The Sun is here playing a grizzled, embittered old timer with a hangdog moustache whose hatred of Native Americans puts even that of John Waynes vengeful Ethan Edwards in The Searchers to shame.
Hes rumoured to have taken more scalps that Sitting Bull himself. He cant bear to be in a room with those people, as he calls his enemies. Ive killed savages; Ive killed plenty of them because thats my f***ing job, he hisses.
Blocker is utterly dismayed when his commanding officer orders him to lead a team accompanying cancer-ridden Cheyenne war chief Yellow Hawk (Wes Studi) back to his old hunting grounds in Montana to die.
Yellow Hawk and Blocker provide a twisted reflection of one another. Theyre both butchers. Theyre also men out of time. Its the 1890s and the old ways are changing. Civilisation, as represented by the banks, the politicians, the press and the railroads, is encroaching.
The violence that has distorted both their lives will no longer be tolerated, at least in open view. They can hardly feel nostalgic but the peaceful future looks as bleak to them as the violent past.
To call the mood here elegiac is to understate the matter. The journey shown is like a prolonged death march. At first, Pikes Rosalie is so traumatised with grief that she becomes delusional but her endurance and will to survive hint at a chance of reconciliation and redemption.
Hostiles - Trailer
In its own sombre way. Hostiles is very striking. It boasts exceptional performances from Bale and Pike.There is a rugged beauty to its evocation of the Old West. Cooper throws in shots of dawn rising over the plains and plenty of majestic imagery of mountains, forests and deserts. At the same time, it makes for downbeat and forbidding viewing. Its a film that begins and ends in loss.
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Much of the screenplay, which is based on a story written many years ago by Oscar-winning screenwriter Donald E Stewart, is predictable. The filmmakers go to such lengths early on to establish the enmity between Captain Blocker and Chief Yellow Hawk that we know theyll soon find common ground.
They may be killers but they have their own code of honour. Yellow Hawk is a Cheyenne, not a rattlesnake like the Comanches, who kill everyone indiscriminately.
The film cant make up its mind about human nature. The film suggests that religion and civilisation are no barriers when it comes to killing. Rosalie isnt coy about emptying the barrels of a revolver into the corpse of a dead Comanche.
Soldiers like Blocker and his old comrade Sergeant Metz (Rory Cochrane) are inured to violence. Metz even gets to deliver a little soliloquy which sounds nearly identical to the one Clint Eastwood uttered in Unforgiven (1992) in which he talked of killing everything that moved, whether man, woman or child. At the same time, all the main characters here are consumed by a sense of longing and regret.
Hostiles is far too traditional to be seen as a revisionist western. Characters are seen framed in doorways, just as in The Searchers. There are echoes of Fords cavalry westerns and of his late films like Cheyenne Autumn too.
The explosions of violence rekindle memories of Sam Peckinpah. There is a morose and self-conscious quality to the storytelling that may put some audiences off but the film also stands as a reminded of why westerns continue to be made. If you want to deal with the most primal emotions in the most rugged settings, to combine action and soul-searching, this is still the genre to turn to first.
Brads Status (15)
Dir Mike White, 102 mins, starring: Ben Stiller, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fischer, Michael Sheen, Jemaine Clement, Luke Wilson
From the ageing Derek Zoolander to the day-dreaming Walter Mitty, Ben Stiller has portrayed his share of angst-ridden, middle-aged nincompoops trying to make sense of their inchoate lives. He gives an appealing performance in a very familiar type of role in writer-director Mike Whites comedy-drama, Brads Status.
Stiller plays Brad Sloan, a husband and father living a comfortable middle-class life in the suburbs of Sacramento. He runs a small non-profit company; is happily married to the ever-accommodating Melanie (Jenna Fischer), and they have a talented musician son, Troy (Austin Abrams), who is hoping to go to an Ivy League college.
Brad, though, is prey to extreme status anxiety. There are moments you realise your entire lifes work is absurd and you have nothing to show for it, he laments in the voiceover that runs through the film. Theres no more potential. This is it. His problem is not so much with what he has failed to achieve as his obsession with the success of his old college friends. They all seem so much more prosperous than he is. For him, the world is a battleground. For them, with their money, girlfriends and private jets, its a playground.
When Brad accompanies Troy on a trip east to visit Harvard and Tufts (the colleges his son hope to attend), his paranoia mounts. Little indignities in airport check-in queues or at restaurants eat away at his sense of confidence.
Writer-director White (who also scripted School of Rock) keeps matters light. There are comical fantasy sequences in which Brad imagines the lives his friends are living or day dreams about successes he and his son might yet experience. Brad is neurotic and self-obsessed but Stiller plays him in good natured and comical fashion.
As his exasperated but devoted son, continually being embarrassed by his antics, Austin Abrams is effectively his straight man. There are funny cameos from Luke Wilson and Jemaine Clement as the friends whose gilded lives he so envies.
Michael Sheen is excellent value, too, as another of the friends, the preening, narcissistic Harvard professor/media celebrity Craig Fisher, who always gets the best table at restaurants and who, Brad thinks, relentlessly patronises him. Stiller can sometimes be a shrill or over-the-top screen presence. Here, he underplays and is all the more likeable as a result.
The only downside is that the film sometimes feels as superficial as its central character. Brads problems, as his sons friends point out to him, are strictly first world ones. He is not really having a mid-life crisis at all. It isnt so much despair that has engulfed him as a very mild envy and irritation at the lives of others. It goes without saying that he completely misreads those lives anyway.
Jupiters Moon (15)
Dir Kornel Mundruczo, 129 mins, starring: Merab Ninidze, Zsombor Jeger, Gyorgy Cserhalmi
The brilliant Hungarian director Kornel Mundruczos latest feature sits uncomfortably between political allegory and thriller. Its the story of a young Syrian refugee who is shot as he crosses the border. Instead of dying of his wounds, Aryan (Zsombor Jeger) develops magical powers he is suddenly able to levitate at will.
Aryan is taken in hand by Gabor Stern (Merab Ninidz), a sleazy, conscience-torn doctor, still racked with guilt over his part in the death of a young patient. Gabor realises he can make money by showing off Aryan as if the refugee is a novelty act. Both men are being pursued by Laszlo (Gyorgy Cserhalmi), a gnarled old police office, as relentless in hunting down his quarry as Inspector Javert in Les Miserables.
As in his earlier feature, White God, Mundruczo shows the paranoia and racism in a Hungarian society in which outsiders are regarded with loathing and fear, shunned or treated as potential terrorists.
However, rather than making a conventional political drama, the director turns to magical realism. There are obvious echoes of Wim Wenders Wings Of Desire. Aryan is the angel over Budapest, the other-worldly figure often shown up in the clouds, looking down on the city below.
On a formal level, the film is very striking. Aryan will be seen hovering upside down in a hospital ward or gently floating above the traffic and buildings. Mundruczo treats the levitation scenes in a matter-of-fact fashion which makes them all the more startling.
He throws in lengthy travelling shots in which the camera roams through the city as if it shares Aryans magical powers. Theres a tremendous car chase late on which unfolds at a ferocious pace but is seemingly filmed in a single shot.
Ninidzs Gabor is an engaging anti-hero, a crumpled opportunist who turns out to be more courageous and selfless than he first appears. Jegers Aryan, meanwhile, is the holy innocent type who doesnt seem to understand his own powers. Where the film comes unstuck is in its use of hackneyed action movie cliches.
The shoot-outs in hotel lifts and chases through basements and back streets play like scenes out of some low-grade Die Hard rip-off. These scenes seem all the more incongruous next to the meditative and poetic moments when Aryan takes wing.
Walk With Me (PG)
Dir Marc J Francis, Max Pugh, 94 mins, featuring: Thich Nhat Hanh
Walk With Me is a frustrating experience, a woolly minded documentary that doesnt offer viewers the spiritual relief that its main protagonist, Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh, clearly provides to his followers. The master, who left Vietnam in the mid-1960s and was forced into exile in France, is the founder of Plum Village, a rural retreat which (an intertitle tells us) is now one of the worlds leading mindfulness practice centres.
Alongside the often exquisite imagery of dawns and dusks or scenes of chanting monks walking through the fields and having their heads shaven, there are recitations on the soundtrack from the teachings of the master. These are read in sonorous fashion by Benedict Cumberbatch.
Directors Marc J Francis and Max Pugh have managed to get very close to their subject. This is an intimate portrait of the Zen master. One of its drawbacks, though, is that it tells us so little about him. The filmmakers observational style doesnt allow space for interviews or voiceovers or for any meaningful contextualisation.
They plunge us into the middle of the retreat. Its debatable whether watching the masters followers eating their breakfast in silence or watching them pray and chant takes us any closer to nirvana.
Late on, the filmmakers follow the master and the monks on a trip to the US, where his followers pack out theatres. We see the monks share their teachings at a correctional facility. They tell the inmates they have had to give up money, jobs and sex. Their lifestyle is based around meditation and discipline.
The filmmakers are clearly trying to be as respectful as possible towards their subjects. That means they never ask the simple questions that an investigative journalist might have done. We dont find out the back stories or even the names of the monks. Nor do we learn how Plum Village is financed.
At that moment, I felt perfectly at peace. Not one sad or anxious thought entered my mind. Ideas of past, present and future dissolved, Cumberbatch intones at one stage as we see a shot of a blackened sky with tiny stars in the background. We are told we are at the luminous threshold of a reality that transcends time, space and action.
This is all very well but doesnt make for either gripping or revealing viewing. When it comes to Zen and the art of movie making, Marvels Doctor Strange is much more fun than this.
The Netherlands has a highly ambitious renewable-energy plan in the works.
The country hopes to build the world's largest offshore wind farm by 2027, along with a 2.3-square-mile artificial island to support it.
As The Guardian notes, the farm would sit at Dogger Bank, a windy and shallow site 78 miles off the East Yorkshire coast. It would deliver power to the Netherlands, United Kingdom, and later Belgium, Germany, and Denmark.
Offshore wind farms typically use expensive underwater cables that convert the turbines' electric current into a type that electricity grids can use. TenneT's island, however, would house equipment that would perform this conversion on-site, thereby allowing the farm to send electricity directly to the UK and Netherlands via less pricey cables.
According to TenneT, the Dutch electric company spearheading the project, putting additional equipment on the island would also allow the team to operate more turbines at a lower cost and thus generate more power than a traditional offshore wind farm.
Though the cost of offshore wind power is often higher than onshore (without subsidies), the approach can be advantageous, since winds tend to blow harder and more consistently in the ocean.
The Dutch wind farm would be capable of producing 30 gigawatts of power more than double the amount of offshore wind power installed across Europe today.
The London Array, which can produce 630 megawatts of power over 47 square miles, is currently the largest offshore wind farm in the world. The world's largest onshore wind farm, China's Gansu Wind Farm, could generate over 6,000 megawatts (6 gigawatts) as of 2012 (the most recent data available), and has a goal of 20,000 megawatts (20 gigawatts) by 2020. However, according to a 2017 report from The New York Times, a number of Gansu's turbines are still sitting idle.
The potential for offshore wind energy in the US is massive. If the country were to build turbines in all of its available ocean space, the winds above coastal waters could provide more than 4,000 gigawatts per year. That's more than four times the nations current annual generation capacity.
Several American offshore wind projects are underway. North America's first offshore wind farm, called the Block Island Wind Farm, started delivering power to the New England grid in May 2017, and effectively helped shut down a diesel plant that previously provided electricity to Rhode Island. In 2018, Deepwater Wind also plans to install 15 turbines approximately 30 miles east of Montauk, New York.
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Read the original article on Business Insider UK. 2016. Follow Business Insider UK on Twitter.
A grandmother has spoken out about her outrage upon finding Disney false eyelashes for sale, marketed at children over the age of three.
55-year-old grandma-of-four Nicolette Harvey from Thurrock, Essex explained that shed found the eyelashes at Poundland but fears such products sexualise children from a young age.
The packaging on the Cinderella-themed eyelashes says theyre unsuitable for children under the age of three, but Harvey believes they could be dangerous for young children.
(Mercury Press)
Harvey claims the eyelashes, manufactured by cosmetics firm H&A, measure no more than three-quarters of an inch each, and theres no adhesive included.
This, she says, could lead to young children trying to apply the lashes unsupervised with craft glue.
I think its terrible that the product is for sale, Harvey said. Its shocking for children that age.
I don't agree with sexualising young girls in this way and Disney will attract them to the products. I know for certain that my granddaughter would be more attracted to them with the Disney logo on than any other brand.
Harvey has a four-year-old granddaughter called Mariah, but she fears the young girl could poke her eyes out with them.
Disney, who license H&A to manufacture the eyelashes, claim the three-plus symbol is to highlight a choking hazard and warn parents about the small size of the product.
The company claim the product is aimed at teens and adults, however the packaging does not explicitly say it is only for those ages.
I was most surprised because its Disney trademarked with Cinderella on it, Harvey said. Mariah absolutely loves Disney princesses. Products like this for young children are awful. The eyelashes were tiny. Its a bit hard to swallow.
It is completely opposite to what I thought Disney stood for. I thought Disney encouraged childhood innocence and imagination. You think theyre wholesome and about letting children enjoy childhood.
Harvey added that due to the size of the lashes, she believes they must be aimed at girls aged five to six.
Nicollette Harvey (Mercury Press)
Harvey was so shocked when she found the lashes in the store that she whispered Oh my God under her breath. When a member of staff overheard her, she reportedly said you dont know the half, and added that they sell false nails for children too.
Its worrying because my granddaughter loves Disney, especially the princesses and Frozen, and Id be terrified shed poke her eyes out, said Harvey.
The eyelashes were Disney with Cinderella printed on the packet and the trademark too. Why would you use the Disney brand if theyre for adults? You wouldnt go out as an adult and buy a Rapunzel mascara.
Harvey explained that her daughter - Mariahs mother - didnt want anyone bringing the false lashes into her home.
Disney confirmed that H&A made the eyelashes under license and that the age certificates on the back of the product are to warn parents of potential choking hazards.
A spokesperson said: The Disney-branded eyelashes, which are manufactured by H&A under a license with Disney and sold at Poundland, are designed for teens and adults, and can normally be found in stores within the beauty section only.
The 3+ symbol on the packaging does not refer to the intended age range of the product, but rather serves as a reminder that this item contains small parts.
They stated while other retailers had previously sold the eyelashes, Poundland were now the only stockists.
Poundland confirmed that they sold the products along with other retailers.
A woman who was suffering from undiagnosed endometriosis was dismissed as having period pains and fired from two jobs as a result.
Sinead Smythe visited A&E over 200 times due to the immense pain she was experiencing.
She was initially diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease before doctors realised the real reason why she was enduring so much agony.
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Smythe wants to raise awareness for endometriosis and support other women suffering with the condition, which is why shes set up a blog detailing her experiences.
On Christmas Day the young woman from Brighton posted a photo on Instagram that had been taken at the beginning of the year showing her in a hospital bed.
My start to 2017 was horrendous (as you can see in the photo - I was hospital bound), she wrote in the caption.
I cant even put into words what I had to go through physically and mentally.
I know its hard but look for something positive in each day - even if its getting out of bed in the morning ladies. Keep your heads high!
Previous articles have stated that Smythe believed that her pain could be due to an STI. However, Smythe took to Facebook to explain that this wasnt the case at all.
She wrote that these claims were "very incorrect information.
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I never feared over an STI as I was diagnosed with PID (pelvic inflammation disease).
Also they stated The now 20-year-old visited a sexual health clinic, fearing an undiagnosed STI could be causing her symptoms.
I visited a sexual health clinic because they treat pelvic inflammation disease and they actually moved me into seeing a consultant which then found my endometriosis!
Although doctors have suggested undergoing a hysterectomy, Smythe has explained that theres no guarantee that this would make any difference.
It has come across as if it says a hysterectomy is a cure for endometriosis but it is NOT, she wrote on Facebook in regard to previous articles.
Women go through with this and still find themselves in the same situation as before.
IF your doctor or anyone tells you a hysterectomy is a cure DO NOT LISTEN.
Endometriosis is a condition in which cells similar to those in the uterus can be found in other parts of a womans body, Endometriosis UK explained on their website.
Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding, their website states.
Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way of escape.
Endometriosis UK has clarified that there is currently no cure for endometriosis and estimates that around 1.5 million women in the UK currently suffer from the condition.
However, there are treatments available that can help ease the symptoms.
Egypt's Administrative Control Authority (ACA) arrested on Thursday 75 members of a large human trafficking ring made up of Egyptian citizens including governmental officials and foreign nationals, Al-Ahram Arabic website reported.
According to a 14-month investigation by the ACA, the members of the ring are involved bribery, profiteering, forging official documents, counterfeiting, facilitating illegal immigration, human trafficking and embezzling public and private funds.
The office of the Public Funds Prosecution has ordered that all defendants be detained pending investigations.
A team consisting of 250 ACA members raided several hideouts used by members of the crime ring in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Gharbiya, Daqahliya and Kafr El-Shiekh governorates.
The ACA has seized foreign currency, computers, illegal communication and scanning devices, as well as fake seals for a number of Egyptian government authorities and institutions.
Thousands of migrants and refugees from various countries have attempted in recent years to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe, with an increasing number departing via smugglers' boats from Egypt's northern coast.
In October 2016, Egypt's parliament passed legislation criminalising human trafficking and imposing penalties from three to 15 years in prison.
In September 2016, a migrant boat destined for Italy capsized due to overcrowding off the coast of the Egyptian Mediterranean city of Rosetta, leading to the deaths of at least 204 people.
Mums-to-be are expected to emit a happy pregnancy glow - but a new UK study has found that a quarter of pregnant women actually suffer from mental health problems during these nine months.
Researchers at Kings College London carried out the study by recruiting 545 pregnant women attending their ante-natal appointments from November 2014 to June 2016.
During these checkups, midwives asked the women two questions about their mood, a method that has been found to be extremely effective in identifying mental health issues.
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The results were surprising - and reflect a greater need for mental health checks for pregnant women.
According to the results, one in four women had mental health issues during pregnancy. 11 per cent suffered from depression, 15 per cent had anxiety, two per cent suffered from eating disorders, and two percent had obsessive-compulsive disorders, with many women suffering from multiple issues.
The research, which was carried out by Professor Howard and published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, aimed to bring awareness to the mental health issues pregnant women experience - and how simple it is to identify and treat them.
During checkups, pregnant mums needed to be asked about their mental health
Addressing these mental health issues during pregnancy is important because according to the study, mental disorders during pregnancy are associated with adverse outcomes for women, pregnancy, the fetus, infant, childhood, and adolescence.
Howard said: In clinical practice, maternity professionals need to identify whether or not a woman has any mental disorder, not only mood disorders which until recently have been the main focus of concern.
According to Howard: Women should be asked, by a non-judgemental and supportive health professional, at all contacts in pregnancy and after birth about their emotional wellbeing.
Implementing mental health testing during pregnancy should not be difficult - as women are seeing their doctors frequently during pregnancy.
In order to ensure both mums and children are safe and happy during pregnancy, health professionals need only ask.
One of the worlds biggest tobacco companies has said it is trying to give up cigarettes. Philip Morris, which makes Marlboros and a host of other brands, placed full-page adverts in UK national newspapers this week promoting its ambition to stop selling cigarettes in the UK.
Like many tobacco firms, Philip Morris is moving towards a focus on new products to replace cigarettes which claim millions of lives each year.
E-cigarettes and so-called heat-not-burn tobacco products offer a way to generate future profits as increasing numbers of consumers turn against smoking.
The company said it had spent 2.5bn on research into smoke-free products which are thought to be less harmful to health.
The company also pledged to help local authorities with measures to support people trying to quit smoking and said it would seek Government approval to include information on quitting and switching in its cigarette packets.
Deborah Arnott, chief executive of health charity Action on Smoking and Health described the adverts as "a PR stunt".
She said the company would not be able to assist the Government in helping people quit as this would amount to a donation.
Tobacco companies aren't allowed to make donations to the Government.
"Rather than making donations," Ms Arnott said, "they should be forced to pay the Government more of their enormous profits".
The company's advert read: Philip Morris is known for cigarettes. Every year, many smokers give them up. Now it's our turn."
Our ambition is to stop selling cigarettes in the UK. It won't be easy. But we are determined to turn our vision into reality. There are 7.6 million adults in the UK who smoke. The best action they can take is to quit smoking, it continued.
In December, an investigation by Reuters cited former Philip Morris insiders who reportedly questioned the quality of the companys internal research backing the claim that its smoke-free products are less harmful than cigarettes.
The company defended its research and told the news agency that all of its studies were carried out by suitably qualified and trained professionals.
Peter Nixon, managing director of Philip Morris, said he believed the company had an important role to play in helping the UK become smoke-free.
We recognise that never starting to smoke or quitting altogether are always the best option. But for those who continue to smoke, there are more alternatives than ever available in the UK, he said.
The NHS website states that current research suggests e-cigarettes are significantly less harmful than smoking but adds that we wont have a full picture on their safety until they have been in use for many years.
A British mobile advertising agency has sued Uber to force the ride-hailing company to pay millions of dollars of bills that Uber had refused to pay after claiming that ads being generated were fraudulent.
Fetch Media filed its lawsuit on Tuesday in the same California federal court where Uber had sued Fetch in September, accusing the agency of billing it for nonexistent, nonviewable or fraudulent ads, and failing to pass back rebates and commissions.
Uber voluntarily dismissed that lawsuit on 22 December, two weeks after the case was reassigned to US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, and said it would instead pursue related claims in a San Francisco state court.
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Ad fraud, sometimes called click fraud, is a persistent issue in online advertising, occurring when automated programmes mimic legitimate users by clicking ads.
Fetch, a London-based unit of Japans Dentsu, suggested that Uber dismissed its federal case on concern it might lose after it was assigned to Rogers, who has overseen other litigation involving the San Francisco-based company.
In Tuesdays lawsuit, Fetch asked that Rogers be assigned to determine both companies contractual responsibilities, and direct Uber pay more than $19.7m (1.4m) of invoices still owed for 2017.
Fetch does not believe that Uber can avoid federal-court scrutiny of its incorrect contract theories so easily, the company said.
Uber did not immediately respond on Wednesday to requests for comment.
The Association of National Advertisers, a trade group, last May estimated that marketers would lose $6.5bn in 2017 because of fake web traffic caused by bots.
Uber said in September that it had hired Fetch to place ads to encourage new riders to download the Uber app, and would pay for legitimate clicks that helped attract riders.
But it said Fetch wrongly claimed credit for app downloads that occurred without ads ever being clicked. Uber said it paid Fetch more than $82.5m, but that Fetchs failure to stop ad fraud contributed to at least $50m of damages.
Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.
According to Uber, the alleged fraud surfaced in early 2017 as customers began complaining about where its ads appeared.
Uber said, in one example, it had asked Fetch not to place ads on Breitbart.com, the conservative news website run by Steve Bannon, a former strategist for US President Donald Trump, but that ads appeared there anyway.
In court papers, Fetch called Uber a faithless business partner, and said it had helped Uber monitor ad fraud despite not being contractually required. Fetch also said its work helped Uber register more than 35 million riders.
The case is Fetch Media Ltd v Uber, US District Court, Northern District of California, No. 18-00015.
Reuters
Janet Benshoof was an American human rights lawyer who campaigned to expand access to contraceptives and abortions across the world. She led organisations that advocated on behalf of women from the US to Burma and Iraq.
In the American territory of Guam, she was once arrested for protesting against her countrys most restrictive abortion law.
Benshoof, who has died aged 70 in Manhattan, began her legal career just before the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v Wade established a womans right to an abortion in America.
She spent the next four decades fighting to uphold the cases legacy in US courts and to expand womens reproductive freedom around the world. She founded the New York-based Centre for Reproductive Rights in 1992 to defend clients such as abortion providers facing bomb threats.
In 2005 she set up the Global Justice Centre which tackled issues such as rape as a weapon of war.
Proclaiming the motto Power, not pity, she acquired a reputation as a fierce presence in the courtroom as a litigator for the American Civil Liberties Union, she argued sex education and abortion cases before the Supreme Court. She was a frank and witty guest on television shows.
I feel like Im married to the mob, she told the New York Times in 1998, only half-joking after anti-abortion activists murdered obstetrician Barnett Slepian.
Benshoof, who professed to being more worried about turbulent plane rides than militant abortion foes, played a supporting role in many of the legal and cultural flash points that followed Roe v Wade. At the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) she made abortion one of the groups top priorities, expanding the projects annual funding exponentially.
She made national headlines in 1990, when she flew to Guam to lobby against what was then considered the countrys most severe abortion legislation: a law that banned the advocacy of abortion and outlawed the procedure except when the life of the woman was threatened.
Benshoof arrived after the bill was signed into law, but at a news conference she stood up and announced that women who are pregnant, seeking an abortion, should leave the island and head to a Planned Parenthood clinic in Hawaii.
One day later, she was arrested for soliciting women to have abortions a violation of the new law and faced a $1,000 (740) fine, a year in prison and the wrath of the islands governor, Joseph Ada.
Its her right to question it, but shes making a mockery of our abortion law, he told People magazine. Thats not nice.
Legal niceties prevailed, however. The charges against Benshoof were dropped after the island faced an ACLU-backed lawsuit over its abortion law, which appeared to challenge the outcome of Roe. Five months after it was passed, the legislation was struck down by a federal district judge who ruled that Guam, like the rest of the United States, was bound by the Roe ruling.
Janet Lee Benshoof was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on 10 May 1947. Her father was a county prosecutor, and her mother was a teacher-turned-homemaker.
She received a bachelors degree in political science from the University of Minnesota in 1969. Three years later she graduated from Harvard Law School, paying her tuition using money from a summer job promoting a root beer brand.
Benshoof said she encountered a female lawyer for the first time while at Harvard, where she developed a friendship with future Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, co-founded the Harvard Womens Law Association and met her husband, Richard Klein, who became a law professor. They later divorced.
Survivors include her husband of six years, Alfred Meyer of Manhattan (Ginsburg officiated their wedding); two sons from her first marriage David Benshoof Klein and Eli Klein and a sister.
Benshoof worked for South Brooklyn Legal Services, filing class-action lawsuits where one or two people sue on behalf of a much larger group in New York, before joining the ACLU in 1977.
She left the organisation 15 years later, taking her entire staff with her, in what ACLU executive director Ira Glasser described as a dead of night departure.
Weeks later, she received a 150,000 genius grant from the MacArthur Foundation, providing what she described as a bit of much-needed financial stability as she established what was then known as the Centre for Reproductive Law and Policy. (She said she also donated some of the money to a womens health clinic in Minnesota.)
In one of Benshoofs most enduring achievements, the Centre of Reproductive Law effectively launched the use of the morning after pill as an emergency contraceptive, filing a petition to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1994 that asked for companies to label birth control pills as post-coital contraceptives.
Two years later, the FDA published a notice affirming the safe and effective use of the pills after sex, following a contentious hearing in which Benshoof testified that the pills could prevent up to 1.2 million unwanted pregnancies and as many as a million abortions each year. Opponents likened the emergency birth control method to murder.
You would think that finding ways to stop unwanted pregnancies would be common ground, Benshoof said at the time. The fact that it isnt shows just how anti-woman the anti-abortion movement really is.
Janet Lee Benshoof, born 10 May 1947, died 18 December 2017
The Washington Post
Hundreds of boys say they were subjected to sexual and physical abuse amounting to torture in youth detention centres, sparking calls for a public inquiry.
A lawyer representing the alleged victims said they had been raped, beaten and sexually assaulted during the 1970s and 1980s.
David Greenwood, the head of child abuse at Switalskis Solicitors, said he was already representing more than 400 men and being approached constantly by new claimants.
Clients Ive spoken to have said it was like torture they were locked up and couldnt get away, he told The Independent.
Most of them say it made them anti-authority, they felt as though they couldnt trust people.
For boys in for stealing to be subjected to this indiscriminate violence was a shock, and I say it was unlawful.
It made boys who had obviously done wrong in some respect into boys who were worse, and ended up in violence.
Former inmates at Eastwood Park Detention Centre in Gloucestershire have told Mr Greenwood they were punched if they did not answer officers responses with Sir.
Others described being regularly hit for the slightest misdemeanour, being whipped with rubber pipes, forced to perform extreme exercise, have cold showers and were made to crouch in stress positions without chairs.
The abuse came during a policy introduced by the Thatcher government, called short, sharp shock, for young offenders (Getty)
Noel Smith, who was imprisoned in a detention centre aged 15 after stealing a motorbike, said his three-month ordeal in 1976 drove his descent into more serious offences including bank robbery.
The 57-year-old recalled being punched to the floor by one officer while still at court, then smacked on the other side of his head by another, even before being taken to the institution.
When we arrived we had to run the gauntlet past the screws, he added. We were kicked, punched and had our ears pulled. Someone poked their finger in my eye.
Once we were inside, we were stripped and stood in the reception naked while everybody went about their business around us and staff made disparaging remarks. It frightened the life out of us.
Mr Smith said there were beatings from start to finish of his imprisonment, seeing guards drag inmates out of their chairs by their sideburns and grab them by the scrotum while smiling.
Now an author and commissioning editor of Inside Time, a prisoners newspaper, Mr Smith said: It made me bitter and twisted, it was one humiliation after another.
It turned us into hardened criminals. I went in for stealing a motorbike, and six months later I was appearing in court for armed robbery and possession of firearms... common sense should have told you then that brutalising kids would have an adverse effect.
Police are already investigating allegations relating to Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham and Kirklevington Detention Centre in North Yorkshire, where more than 400 victims have already come forward.
But Mr Greenwood said the scale of abuse is most definitely wider.
It was an institutional problem that seemed to have been taking place at all these detention centres at that time, he added.
When asked what kind of sexual assaults his clients told him took place in the centres, Mr Greenwood listed them as rape, indecent assault and oral sex.
Some of the alleged abuse has been attributed to policies brought in by Margaret Thatchers government, including Home Secretary Willie Whitelaws short, sharp shock initiative.
The policy saw young offenders detained in secure units and subjected to quasi-military discipline, despite the fact there was no evidence it would deter them from reoffending.
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There is a common pattern of random beatings and being put into stress positions as part of the short, sharp shock programme between the mid-1970s and 1980s, Mr Greenwood said.
The idea was perhaps taken too far, perhaps the training they were given was taken beyond the realm of legality. We need an inquiry to work out who was authorising this type of behaviour.
Professor David Wilson, a criminologist who was governor of a progressive young offenders institution in the 1980s, said detention centres were run to deliberately put inmates under psychological and physical stress.
That line between putting someone under stress and simply brutalising them seemed to never be clearly enough drawn, he added.
The short, sharp shock was clearly going to be interpreted by some members of staff in ways that would lead to abuse.
Victims are calling for a new public inquiry to be opened into the treatment of young male convicts at all detention centres in Britain.
HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) claimed the allegations would be covered by the ongoing Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, but critics argue its remit is not wide enough to fully address the new allegations.
Mr Greenwood argued the current inquiry does not specifically address physical abuse, and its scope is also limited by ongoing criminal proceedings. Were hoping that the Home Secretary will look at this again and think about a proper public inquiry, he added.
A HMPPS spokesperson said: There is already an inquiry looking into these allegations, which is part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
The allegations of abuse by former members of staff at Medomsley Detention Centre are subject to an ongoing police investigation, therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.
If you experienced abuse in youth detention centres and would like to discuss your experience anonymously, please contact lizzie.dearden@independent.co.uk
Additional reporting by PA
John Worboys, the black cab rapist who allegedly attacked more than 100 women, is to be released from prison.
He was told to expect a very substantial term of imprisonment after being convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting 12 victims and raping one woman in 2009.
But a three-member panel of the Parole Board directed Worboys could be released under strict conditions after an oral hearing.
The arrangements for Mr Worboys release will be managed by the Ministry of Justice, a spokesperson added.
News of his imminent freedom sparked outrage from members of the public and campaigners, who raised concern over the distress caused to victims.
There were calls for police and prosecutors to pursue dozens of other claims against Worboys that were not incorporated into the original court case.
Recommended Victims of London taxi sex attacker John Worboys win payout from Met
Yvette Cooper, chair of the Home Affairs Committee, said she was shocked by the decision to release the serial sex attacker, adding: His were the most appalling and vile crimes. Very serious questions about this decision.
Yvonne Traynor, the chief executive of Rape Crisis South London, described the time Worboys spent in prison as woefully short.
It feels far too soon for this dangerous and manipulative perpetrator to be released into the public having served this woefully short time in prison, she said.
He may be free to live amongst us but the women he raped will never be totally free from his despicable actions.
Fay Maxted OBE, chief executive of The Survivors Trust, said many people were rightly shocked by the decision.
The nature of the sexual assaults and manner in which they were committed demonstrates a very calculated and determined pattern of behaviour and offending against women and it will no doubt take significant resources in ongoing monitoring and support to integrate Worboys back into society, she added.
The majority of victims only came forward after Worboys had been convicted so they have had no opportunity for justice.
Sentencing and any compensation awarded to victims of sexual assault never seems to take into account the long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of victims or the ways in which their lives can be forever changed as a result of the trauma.
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Worboys, a former stripper and amateur porn star from south-east London, has been incarcerated for around 10 years including the period between his arrest and sentencing.
The Parole Board only approves an inmates release when it is satisfied they no longer need to remain in prison in order to protect the public.
Warboys is understood to face heavy restrictions over a licence period of over a decade, which will see him jailed again for breaching conditions.
Recommended Triple killer pleads guilty to murder of former partner
He was handed an indeterminate sentence for public protection with a minimum of eight years following the original eight-week trial.
The court heard how Worboys would ply female passengers with spiked champagne, which he persuaded them to drink by pretending he was celebrating a lottery or gambling win.
Police linked him with 83 crimes committed between 2006 and 2008 but more women came forward in light of the court case, bringing the potential total of victims to 102.
The Independent understands that 19 allegations that emerged following Warboys conviction were investigated by Scotland Yard but dropped with no further action on advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.
Scotland Yard was heavily criticised over its handling of the case after it emerged that Worboys had been arrested when victims came forward in 2007, but freed.
He went on to attack at least six other women before being arrested for a second time and charged in February 2008.
Lawyer Harriet Wistrich said two victims had not been informed of the decision to release Worboys.
She told Channel 4 news they first learned of the news while listening on the radio, cooking tea for the kids.
She said: Theyve both said theyre absolutely sick and disgusted and shocked to the core about it.
It is understood all those who were signed up to the victim contact scheme were informed as soon as the parole board decision was made.
Scotland Yard launched an internal review and reforms to the way it handles sex offences in light of the case (Getty)
A report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) found a student was laughed at by police officers after telling them she had been drugged and assaulted.
When I told them about my injuries they just laughed and said I must have fallen over, she said of the incident in July 2007.
Five officers were disciplined after it was found that opportunities that could have stopped Worboys striking again were missed.
The IPCC found officers had also given the victim incorrect information on the case, saying that files had been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service when they had not.
The woman was also told that drug tests she had taken had come back negative when they were positive, while the officer in charge of the case had a mindset that a black-cab driver could not have committed such an offence.
No officers lost their jobs over the case, which promoted public outrage and resulted in an internal review and reforms to training and the way sexual assault claims are handled.
Where Worboys attacked
Scotland Yard has asked the Government for 38m towards the Grenfell Tower investigation, saying it would be unreasonable for the force to foot the bill for the probe.
Around 200 Metropolitan Police officers continue to work on the criminal inquiry into the fire, which killed 71 people last June.
Detectives are considering manslaughter, corporate manslaughter and misconduct charges, as well as breaches of fire safety regulations, as part of what has been called an investigation of "unprecedented" scale and complexity.
The force has requested the Home Office pay the 27m cost of the inquiry in the coming year, their finance chief said on Thursday.
A further 11.1m was also being sought to cover overtime investigators have already worked.
Current rules allow police forces to apply for grants to help pay for an investigation once it exceeds 1 per cent of their budget.
Given how many officers Scotland Yard says are required to participate in the second year of the investigation, it has asked the Government to provide more funding.
Lynda McMullan, the Met's director of finance, told the hearing: "The impact of Grenfell, that has had a very significant impact and we've put in a special grant claim for the current year for 11.1m, in terms of the additionality of cost to do with the incident for the current financial year.
"We have also indicated that we would like we estimate that we will be spending close to 27m on that particular investigation.
"We are asking whether or not we can have dispensation, not just simply the 1 per cent referenced, but we also want to claim the full cost of our officer time for that investigation, not just the additionality, the overtime, in effect."
She added: "We don't think it would be reasonable for us to pick up the full costs, as we know that investigation will go on for some time."
Home Office officials have told the force the matter will be put to ministers, who will decide whether to approve the additional funding, the committee heard.
Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Show all 31 1 /31 Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn hugs a woman after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prince Harry leaving after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures A woman appears emotional as she leaves the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn consoles a mourner AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners carry pictures of victims of the fire and white roses as they leave St Paul's cathedral AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners carry white roses as they leave St Paul's cathedral after attending a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn consoles a relative of a victim AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners leave after attending the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Labour opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn embraces a mourner AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People hold photos and flowers as they leave after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners hold up photos of victims as they leave St Paul's cathedral after attending a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People hold photos and flowers as they leave after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Service members carry a Grenfell banner Rex Features Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People at the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prime Minister Theresa May attends the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Marcus Mumford, Adele and Carey Mulligan attending the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Attendees hold a banner at the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prince Harry, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Prince of Wales attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures The Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott arrive at St Paul's Cathedral REUTERS Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Members of the public gather outside St Paul's Cathedral ahead of the Grenfell Tower national memorial service Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Firefighters arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People arrive for the Grenfell Tower Memorial Service Rex Features Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Former footballer Les Ferdinand (right) arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Police officers arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for a memorial service in honour of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire REUTERS Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images
Suspects in the Met's investigation are not expected to be interviewed until later this year, while Scotland Yard expects to hand the tower which is still a crime scene back to Kensington and Chelsea Council in the spring.
A spokeswoman for the Home Office said it would consider the application "as a matter of priority".
Agencies contributed to this report
A Welsh jail has been accused of inexcusable failures after it emerged that four inmates took their own lives within a week of arriving at the prison in the past four years.
The UK prisons watchdog warned in a report published on Thursday that HMP Swansea was failing to respond effectively to high levels of suicide and self-injury, with self-harm having tripled since the last inspection.
Inspectors found the prison had not fully acted on recommendations by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), which investigates deaths in prisons.
Chief Inspector Peter Clarke said the PPO recommendations were significant and highly relevant and failure to implement them was inexcusable.
Despite stark warnings from the watchdog in 2014 that the prison must deliver better outcomes, the watchdog said the latest findings were very disappointing, adding that "the complacency [they] warned about after the last inspection had been allowed to take hold.
A third of prisoners said they felt depressed or suicidal on arrival at Swansea, but inspectors noted that mental health provision did not meet the high level of need.
Figures show HMP Swansea is the fifth-most overcrowded jail in England and Wales, holing 431 inmates despite being designed to accommodate 268.
The report notes that prisoners in the Victorian, inner-city jail usually had to eat their meals next to their toilets, which did not always have seats or lids.
More than half (53 per cent) of inmates said they had problems with drugs and 32 per cent has problems with alcohol on arrival - higher proportions than in comparable prisons. Yet far fewer prisoners than at similar jails said they had received help with drug or alcohol problems, states the report.
Inspectors said the suicide constant watch cell was unwelcoming, dirty and unfurnished, and that prisoners trained by the Samaritans to support vulnerable fellow prisoners as part of a scheme started in the 1980s - felt "underused and undervalued".
Violence had risen in Swansea since 2014 and drugs were a significant problem, while far too little attention was paid to ensuring that the 458 men could obtain the very basics for everyday living, such as socks, boxer shorts and sheets, the watchdog said.
A further area of significant concern was that purposeful activity had fallen to the lowest possible HMIP assessment of poor, with half of prisoners locked up during the working day, and unemployed prisoners locked up for around 22 hours each day.
Recommended Hundreds of prisoners left without running water over Christmas
The report also noted that there were no programmes for the many men who had problems with domestic violence.
Campaigners said the findings highlighted the failure of prisons to learn lessons from past mistakes, warning that overcrowding was sweeping inmates into "deeper currents of crime, violence and despair".
Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: The new year has begun as the last one ended. Less than a month after we saw an appalling report on Wormwood Scrubs, this inspection of Swansea prison should compel ministers to act without delay.
Swansea is one of the most overcrowded prisons in the country, where men find it easier to get drugs than clean clothes and bedding. But most concerning of all are the terrible findings on self-injury and suicide, which show that this prison is failing to learn lessons from past mistakes and men are dying as a consequence.
People should not be sent to prison to die. Bold action to reduce the prison population would save lives, protect staff and prevent more people being swept into deeper currents of crime, violence and despair.
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It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA UK news in pictures 23 July 2021 Children interact with Mega Please Draw Freely by artist Ei Arakawa inside the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London, part of UNIQLO Tate Play the gallery's new free programme of art-inspired activities for families PA UK news in pictures 22 July 2021 Festivalgoers in the campsite at the Latitude festival in Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk PA UK news in pictures 21 July 2021 A man walks past an artwork by Will Blood on the end of a property in Bedminster, Bristol, as the 75 murals project reaches the halfway point and various graffiti pieces are sprayed onto walls and buildings across the city over the Summer PA UK news in pictures 20 July 2021 People during morning prayer during Eid ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, in Southall Park, Uxbridge, London PA UK news in pictures 19 July 2021 Commuters, some not wearing facemasks, at Westminster Underground station, at 08:38 in London after the final legal Coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England PA UK news in pictures 18 July 2021 A view of spectators by the 2nd green during day four of The Open at The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 July 2021 Cyclists ride over the Hammersmith Bridge in London. The bridge was closed last year after cracks in it worsened during a heatwave Getty UK news in pictures 16 July 2021 The sun rises behind the Sefton Park Palm House, in Sefton Park, Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 15 July 2021 Sir Nicholas Serota watches a short film about sea monsters as he opens a 7.6 million, 360 immersive dome at Devonport's Market Hall in Plymouth, which is the first of its type to be built in Europe PA UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA
Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust, echoed her concerns, saying: The fundamentals of this depressing report about a failing prison are the same as so many others too many prisoners crammed into inadequate space with too little to do.
We know ministers plans to replace old prisons with new dont stack up financially and are already behind schedule. They need to tackle the fundamentals and end our national obsession with imprisonment.
Michael Spurr, chief executive of Her Majestys Prison and Probation Service, said: The Governor and his team have taken immediate action since the inspection to strengthen safety arrangements in the prison and reduce self-harm.
This includes work to improve the level of care and support given to new prisoners in the first night centre. A new senior operational manager has also been recruited to focus on safety and enhanced suicide and self-harm prevention training is being given to staff to increase interventions and support available to vulnerable prisoners.
Im pleased that the Inspector has recognised the progress that has already made. A robust action plan is in place to address the recommendations in this report.
Mr Spurr added that there were no self-inflicted deaths at HMP Swansea in 2017, and that the prison had implemented a new drugs strategy to reduce substance misuse.
Accident investigators are believed to be looking into the state of mind of the pilot of the Australian seaplane that crashed on New Years Eve, killing him and a British family of five.
Detectives were reported to have spent over three hours talking to the flatmates of Gareth Morgan, 44, who died alongside Compass Group chief executive Richard Cousins, 58, his magazine executive fiancee Emma Bowden, 48, her daughter Heather, 11, and his sons William, 25, and Edward, 23.
Australias Daily Telegraph said investigators had also asked to look at the pilots bedroom in the Sydney property, and would be examining every aspect of Mr Morgans mental state, including his political and religious leanings.
Recommended Four Britons feared to be among six dead in Sydney plane crash
The newspaper also said that an autopsy performed on Wednesday to establish Mr Morgans cause of death would have looked at whether he had drugs or alcohol in his system.
There have been past cases where passenger plane pilots have deliberately caused crashes, most notoriously when Andreas Lubitz, who had received treatment for suicidal tendencies, smashed a Germanwings jet into the French Alps in 2015.
In the seaplane incident, however, it is understood that the examination of Mr Morgans state of mind is just a routine part of the investigation and in no way based on any suggestion that he might have deliberately caused the crash.
Video supposedly shows seaplane flying moments before Hawkesbury River crash in Australia
Mr Morgan's flatmate Luke Thornley told the Daily Telegraph: As far as we are aware, Gareth was fine and happy and didn't give the impression anything was wrong.
Mr Thornley added that Mr Morgan had been looking forward to starting a new job with the Qantas airline.
'He went for runs every morning, said Mr Thornley, And was excited at the prospect of becoming a commercial pilot for Qantas, and was studying for exams.
The investigation of Mr Morgans state of mind came as it was reported that the DHC-2 Beaver seaplane had previously been involved in another fatal crash, in 1996.
Air crash investigation records seen by Reuters show a plane with the same serial number crashed when it was being used as a crop duster.
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. 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Reuters said that the 1996 accident report found that the DHC-2 Beaver had probably stalled in gusty conditions, killing the pilot.
One possible cause of the 2017 crash is that the seaplane stalled. A September 2017 Canadian study that followed a fatal crash involving another DHC-2 Beaver recommended that stall warning systems be made mandatory on the aircraft.
It is understood that after the 1996 accident, the DHC-2 Beaver was rebuilt, going on to be used by several companies before being bought by Sydney Seaplanes, the firm that owned it when it crashed on New Years Eve.
Experts said that after the 1996 crash, the plane would have been completely overhauled before re-use so it was at least as good as, if not better than new.
A spokesman for Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority told Reuters: "It was repaired after the accident and all appropriate approvals and checks were done. It was then re-registered and went back into service."
It is also thought that after every 1,200 hours of flying time, if not before, the seaplane would have been given a new engine.
On Thursday, investigators recovered the wreckage of the plane from the Hawkesbury River near Cowan, 40 km (25 miles) north of Sydney.
The seaplane had plunged into the river while Mr Morgan was taking Mr Cousins, Ms Bowden and their children on a short tourist trip from a riverfront restaurant to Rose Bay in the east of Sydney.
Police divers wrapped slings around the fuselage and a barge fitted with a small crane slowly lifted the wreck, upside down and without wings, from about 13 metres of water near Cowan.
The propeller, cockpit and front section of fuselage were crumpled, and the landing floats were raised separately. The pieces were loaded on to the barge deck and covered with a tarpaulin,
A preliminary report into the crash is expected in about 30 days, with a final report taking up to 12 months, according to Australian Transport Safety Bureau executive director Nat Nagy, who told reporters:
"We are reasonably confident that we will be able to do a thorough examination of the key components of the aircraft, to understand whether they were operating correctly at the time.
Piers Morgan has been accused of being utterly offensive after he joked about Caitlyn Jenners gender reassignment surgery during a TV interview.
The controversial host was also said to have gone too far and asked whether or not Jenner enjoyed having sex with women.
Transgender campaigners labelled Morgan the worst kind of bully, ahead of the episode of Life Stories which will be broadcast tonight on ITV.
Olympic gold medal winner Jenner underwent gender reassignment surgery last January, almost two years after she revealed her decision to transition from male to female.
During the interview, Morgan pulls out a toy model of a male track and field athlete and quizzes Jenner on the physical changes she has undertaken since her transition.
While pointing to the genital area of the model, he quips: Obviously, certain areas we know about.
Jenner starts to answer the question but breaks off to reprimand Morgan, to which he smiles and shrugs his shoulders.
You made a comment there and thats why youd get in trouble, Jenner tells him. You just said, Oh, certain areas. That, to a trans person, is disrespectful. You dont make a joke about that.
After asking why it is inappropriate to comment on or joke about a trans persons genitals, Jenner gets visibly angry and replies: Because its not funny. Its life. Its part of my life and its a very serious part of my life.
Morgan then asks: Cant life be funny?
Jenner replies: I take that very seriously and so, out of respect for myself and the community, its not something that you joke about. Its something as I said before, this is serious stuff. People die over this issue.
Morgan also asks Jenner if she considers herself to be entirely a woman and probes her about her sex life.
Tell me if I am going too far, but do you have sex now? he asks, to which Jenner snaps back: You are going too far, it is absolutely none of your business.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA UK news in pictures 23 July 2021 Children interact with Mega Please Draw Freely by artist Ei Arakawa inside the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London, part of UNIQLO Tate Play the gallery's new free programme of art-inspired activities for families PA UK news in pictures 22 July 2021 Festivalgoers in the campsite at the Latitude festival in Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk PA UK news in pictures 21 July 2021 A man walks past an artwork by Will Blood on the end of a property in Bedminster, Bristol, as the 75 murals project reaches the halfway point and various graffiti pieces are sprayed onto walls and buildings across the city over the Summer PA UK news in pictures 20 July 2021 People during morning prayer during Eid ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, in Southall Park, Uxbridge, London PA UK news in pictures 19 July 2021 Commuters, some not wearing facemasks, at Westminster Underground station, at 08:38 in London after the final legal Coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England PA UK news in pictures 18 July 2021 A view of spectators by the 2nd green during day four of The Open at The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 July 2021 Cyclists ride over the Hammersmith Bridge in London. The bridge was closed last year after cracks in it worsened during a heatwave Getty UK news in pictures 16 July 2021 The sun rises behind the Sefton Park Palm House, in Sefton Park, Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 15 July 2021 Sir Nicholas Serota watches a short film about sea monsters as he opens a 7.6 million, 360 immersive dome at Devonport's Market Hall in Plymouth, which is the first of its type to be built in Europe PA UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA
This clash with Jenner follows a spate of high-profile controversial exchanges between Morgan and the trans and non-binary communities in 2017.
In September, amid a row over institutionalised racism, he called trans model and campaigner Munroe Bergdorf an insufferable creature.
And in May last year, on an episode of Good Morning Britain, Morgan told trans couple Fox Fisher and Owl, who are both campaigners and filmmakers, that he did not understand gender neutrality and asked them if he was able to identify as an elephant or a black woman.
The couple said that Morgan needed to learn respect when it comes to talking to trans people and about trans issues, and to get a new hobby.
Regardless of what people might think of Caitlyn Jenner, she deserves dignity and for her privacy to be respected, Fox, who uses gender-neutral pronouns, told The Independent.
Piers also insistingly asked me about my genitals when I was on Good Morning Britain, even though it had absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand. Piers needs to learn how to respect the privacy of trans people. Just because we are out doesnt make us public property. What we have in our pants really isnt anyones business except for our sexual partners.
Juno Roche, transgender campaigner and author of Queer Sex, told The Independent than Morgan was the worst kind of bully and called to account ITV and other media organisations who allow transphobic views to be aired.
At the cliff face of misogyny are the men who feel able, among other things, to belittle trans women by asking them about their genitals and sex lives, she said.
We should all be terrified of this intrusive vileness put forward as free speech as it demeans us all. Im sure that Morgan pictures himself as almost godlike in his right to ask the questions that others wont, but in truth he is the worst kind of bully the bully who convinces themselves that theyre doing good on behalf of the masses.
Trans bodies have boundaries and trans lives have edges that deserve respect. Long gone are the days when I or any other trans person would feel forced to say, Ask me anything you want if you dont understand.
I think he is utterly offensive, but as offensive are the platforms that promote him and consider him good viewing or good reading they are utterly complicit in bullying.
According to LGBT+ charity Stonewall, more than one in four trans young people have attempted to commit suicide while 72 per cent have self-harmed at least once. Meanwhile two in five trans people have been attacked or threatened with violence in the last five years.
Paul Twocock, director of policy at the charity told The Independent: The media, especially the national media, has an important role in setting a respectful tone when talking about peoples identities.
At the moment, across sections of broadcast, print and online media, we are seeing a barrage of targeted transphobia and lazy stereotyping that is having a deeply harmful effect on trans people around Britain.
Many trans people face daily abuse across all areas of their lives at work, on our streets or when trying to access services most people take for granted. Everyone who cares about equality has a role to play in standing up and being visible allies to trans people. We need to listen to and hear the voices and experiences of trans people from across society, and move away from misleading and sensationalised headlines that only create more confusion and mistrust.
Lauren Simpson, a spokesperson for trans advocacy group Trans Actual, added: Obsessing about trans surgery in that way is like when a homophobe cant stop talking about the details of gay sexual practices. Its ignorant, offensive, and almost always rather embarrassing to everyone who isnt an equally obsessive homophobe or transphobe.
Surgery isnt what trans people are all about and when somebody like Morgan obsesses about it, this actually says much more about what is going on in the transphobes or homophobes mind than it says about LGBT+ people.
Its pretty clear Morgan is using Jenner as a proxy to attack trans people in general. Just like how, in past decades, his type would attack a gay celebrity as method of attacking all gay people. Its part of the same old anti-LGBT+ agenda, revived for one last gasp.
Egyptian Minister of Defence Sedky Sobhy and Army Chief-of-Staff Mohamed Farid Hegazy offered on Thursday felicitations for Christmas to Coptic Orthodox Pope Tawadros II at St Mark's Cathedral in Cairo, according to a statement by the Armed Forces spokesperson Tamer El-Refaie.
Sobhy told the pope that Egypt will, through the national unity of its people, remain safe from all forms of strife and crises, and will remain a treasured homeland for all Egyptians.
Pope Tawadros expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the Armed Forces in serving the nation and maintaining its security and stability, saying that Christmas represents hope for a bright future in light of the country's current achievements.
The visit to the church included commanders of various branches of the Armed Forces as well as top military brass.
Sobhy said that the men of the Armed Forces put the security of Egypt and the sanctity of its land above all other considerations, and are ready to make sacrifices to eradicate terrorism and extremism, and support construction and economic development.
Coptic Orthodox Egyptians, who make up 90 percent of all Christians in the country, celebrate Christmas on 7 January. A minority of non-Orthodox Christians observed the holiday on 25 December.
Coptic Christmas is a national holiday in Egypt.
Short link:
Tony Blair has launched a blistering attack on what he calls Labours confusing and mistaken stance on Brexit.
In a major intervention, the former Prime Minister warned that voters will not find Jeremy Corbyns approach to EU withdrawal credible.
Mr Blair singled out senior figures in Mr Corbyns top team including his key ally John McDonnell as having made apparently contradictory remarks on the partys proposals.
He concluded that if the country does leave, then Labours timidity will bear responsibility alongside Tory right-wingers who have been pushing for Brexit.
It comes just days after The Independent reported how insiders fear Labour is heading for a reckoning with the party apparently backing Brexit, but many supporters still believing it is opposed.
In a 2,400-word article published on his own website, Mr Blair dissected what he believes is the central contradiction in the Governments approach that it is incorrectly suggesting it can have the benefits of the single market without following its rules.
Instead, he predicted the UK will be left with a patchwork deal that allows the Conservatives to claim Brexit has been done, but actually means the country follows EU rules without a say in forming them.
Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA
Turning his fire on Labours approach, he said: Here Labour has its own cake and eat it phrases. The Shadow Chancellor [Mr McDonnell] says we will not be in the single market but a single market.
The shadow industry minister [Barry Gardiner] talks of keeping the benefits of the customs union agreements but still being free to negotiate our own trade deals.
This is confusing terrain on which to fight.
At the moment, Mr Corbyn says Labour would honour the outcome of the 2016 referendum and take Britain out of the EU, but that the party wants a deal that allows the best possible access to the single market.
While committing to Brexit, the party has launched successful attacks on Theresa Mays withdrawal legislation which have seen the Government lose votes in Parliament.
Branding the approach tactically mistaken, Mr Blair said it will mean that once a deal is agreed, Labours front bench will only be able to claim they would have negotiated a better one.
He added: This isn't credible.
Theresa May says 2018 will bring 'renewed pride' to Britain amid Brexit divisions
The former leader argued that as his party is failing to oppose Brexit outright, it is missing the opportunity to launch a more meaningful assault on the Conservatives.
He wrote: Because the Labour Party is saying that we too would do Brexit, we cannot attack its vast distractive impact.
Labour could mount such a powerful assault on the Governments record from the appalling state of the NHS to crime if we were saying to the country: heres the agenda which could be delivered for the people were not for the fact that all the energies of Government are devoted to Brexit.
And, second, it puts us in a vulnerable position when the Government concludes the deal some time in 2018.
Tony Blair: It's necessary that Brexit doesn't happen
He argued the party should fight for peoples right to rethink Brexit, either in a second referendum or an election, but that Labour would only be able to say Conservative divisions on the EU are harming the country, if the party itself opposes withdrawal.
He concluded: If we do leave Europe, the governing mind will have been that of the Tory right.
But, if Labour continues to go along with Brexit and insists on leaving the single market, the handmaiden of Brexit will have been the timidity of Labour.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn giving a speech to supporters in November (PA)
A Labour spokesman confirmed the party wants a final deal that retains the benefits of the customs union and the single market.
He added: Labour is flexible as to whether the benefits of the single market are best retained by negotiating a new relationship with the single market or by a bespoke trade deal.
Earlier this week, senior figures in the party raised concerns with The Independent that polling indicates Labour may suffer a loss of electoral support as the Brexit story unfolds.
In 2017, the British Election Study found Mr Corbyn had picked up extensive support from remain voters at the general election, another poll found rocketing support among students but with many believing the party opposed Brexit while a third survey found 66 per cent of people aged 18-24, a major support base for the party, want Brexit stopped.
One member of the Labour front bench said: Its fine for now when we are able to say this is just about process.
But there is going to be a reckoning at some point when the Tories are eating themselves and to capitalise on it electorally Labour has to get its act together and say clearly we are for X or we are for Y.
To be honest, when it comes to that Im not sure we can get our act together for the kind of unified position that is going to keep everyone happy.
More than half of grassroots Conservatives support the death penalty for serious crimes, according to a major survey that found rank-and-file members were a breed apart from other parties on their views.
Academics at Queen Mary University London found stark differences on Brexit, and economic and social issues between Tory members and their Labour, SNP and Liberal Democrat counterparts, after polling more than 4,000 party activists following the snap election in June.
Conservative members were less active and engaged than other parties and more likely to be disillusioned by how they are treated by their leadership, the report said, in findings that may concern party bosses considering future election campaigns.
Despite reports of a surge in youth support for Jeremy Corbyn, the comprehensive study also found that the average Labour member was 53-years-old, while the average Tory was 57-years-old, busting the myth that Conservative activists are a bunch of retired colonels.
Members in all four parties were more likely to be white, male and older than the average Briton, and tend to live in London and the South of England with the exception of the SNP.
Professor Tim Bale, one of the authors, said: Britains party members are the lifeblood and the footsoldiers of our democracy. But that doesnt necessarily mean they look like or think like their parties voters or, indeed, look or think like each other.
The Tory grassroots in particular are something of a breed apart from their Labour, Lib Dem and SNP counterparts.
The report found Tory members were authoritarian and resistant to ideas of political correctness, with 54 per cent in favour of the death penalty, compared to 23 per cent of SNP supporters, 9 per cent of Labour and 8 per cent of Lib Dems.
Eight out of 10 Conservatives wanted schools to teach children to obey authority, compared to around 31 per cent of Labour backers, while only four in 10 Tories support gay marriage.
At least eight out of 10 backers of other parties support the reform brought in by David Cameron.
The polling laid bare major differences on Brexit where nine out of 10 members of the other parties want to remain in the single market, but only a quarter of grassroots Tories support that option.
On austerity, only one in 10 Conservatives believe the policy has gone too far compared to nearly all Labour members, 93 per cent of SNP supporters and three-quarters of Lib Dems.
Professor Bale told The Independent he was surprised by how stark the differences were between party views and warned that the Tories needed to ensure they did not look old-fashioned or even nasty to younger voters coming of age.
He said: Many Conservative Party voters share those same kinds of conservative attitudes on those issues. The problem is, however, that they are a diminishing proportion of the electorate going forward, as society partly because of more people getting access to higher education becomes more socially liberal.
The Conservatives have to be careful that they dont get beached and look old-fashioned and even nasty to voters who are coming on stream in years to come.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA UK news in pictures 23 July 2021 Children interact with Mega Please Draw Freely by artist Ei Arakawa inside the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London, part of UNIQLO Tate Play the gallery's new free programme of art-inspired activities for families PA UK news in pictures 22 July 2021 Festivalgoers in the campsite at the Latitude festival in Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk PA UK news in pictures 21 July 2021 A man walks past an artwork by Will Blood on the end of a property in Bedminster, Bristol, as the 75 murals project reaches the halfway point and various graffiti pieces are sprayed onto walls and buildings across the city over the Summer PA UK news in pictures 20 July 2021 People during morning prayer during Eid ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, in Southall Park, Uxbridge, London PA UK news in pictures 19 July 2021 Commuters, some not wearing facemasks, at Westminster Underground station, at 08:38 in London after the final legal Coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England PA UK news in pictures 18 July 2021 A view of spectators by the 2nd green during day four of The Open at The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 July 2021 Cyclists ride over the Hammersmith Bridge in London. The bridge was closed last year after cracks in it worsened during a heatwave Getty UK news in pictures 16 July 2021 The sun rises behind the Sefton Park Palm House, in Sefton Park, Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 15 July 2021 Sir Nicholas Serota watches a short film about sea monsters as he opens a 7.6 million, 360 immersive dome at Devonport's Market Hall in Plymouth, which is the first of its type to be built in Europe PA UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA
Professor Bale said Conservative bosses had failed to capitalise on the consumerist trend where party members felt they should have more say if they are paying to be involved.
The survey found only 28 per cent of Conservatives believe they have a significant say on policy compared to three-quarters of Lib Dems and SNP members and 61 per cent of Labour members, and were less likely to have stepped up campaigning for their party during recent elections.
He said: Given how close some seats were at the last election and maybe at the next election the ability to get a bunch of people who are very well motivated and actually will come out and do stuff for you in reasonable numbers has to be a concern.
I think in the 21st Century its probably not good enough to sort of rely on the fact that people will campaign as it were for their elders and betters.
People want more involvement now and want more say now and that may be reflected in different levels of activity between parties.
Hundreds of millions of pounds will be seized from dormant bank accounts and used to tackle homelessness and help disadvantaged young people, a Government minister has said.
Up to 330m will be made available from bank and building society accounts across the country that have remained untouched for at least 15 years and where the holder cannot be traced by a financial institution.
Tracey Crouch, the minister for sport and civil society, said that housing initiatives aimed at homeless and vulnerable people, social enterprises and local charities will receive around 135m across England over the course of the next four years.
In the latest allocation, a further 90m will be used to help disadvantaged young people into jobs, and 55m is to go on financial inclusion initiatives such as tackling problem debt.
Up to 50m will also be distributed by the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
By unlocking millions of pounds from dormant accounts for a range of good causes, we can make a real difference to lives and communities across the country, Ms Crouch said.
This is part of the Government's commitment to building a fairer society and tackling the social injustices that hold people back from achieving their full potential.
But the announcement comes after a report, compiled by MPs last month, found that homelessness in England is now a national crisis, accusing the Government of having a unacceptably complacent attitude towards the issue. Their report said that since 2011, the number of people sleeping rough on the streets has increased by 134 per cent.
And recent research by charity Shelter revealed that child homelessness has reached a 10-year high, with nearly 130,000 children in Britain set to wake up homeless and in temporary accommodation this Christmas.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA UK news in pictures 23 July 2021 Children interact with Mega Please Draw Freely by artist Ei Arakawa inside the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London, part of UNIQLO Tate Play the gallery's new free programme of art-inspired activities for families PA UK news in pictures 22 July 2021 Festivalgoers in the campsite at the Latitude festival in Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk PA UK news in pictures 21 July 2021 A man walks past an artwork by Will Blood on the end of a property in Bedminster, Bristol, as the 75 murals project reaches the halfway point and various graffiti pieces are sprayed onto walls and buildings across the city over the Summer PA UK news in pictures 20 July 2021 People during morning prayer during Eid ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, in Southall Park, Uxbridge, London PA UK news in pictures 19 July 2021 Commuters, some not wearing facemasks, at Westminster Underground station, at 08:38 in London after the final legal Coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England PA UK news in pictures 18 July 2021 A view of spectators by the 2nd green during day four of The Open at The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 July 2021 Cyclists ride over the Hammersmith Bridge in London. The bridge was closed last year after cracks in it worsened during a heatwave Getty UK news in pictures 16 July 2021 The sun rises behind the Sefton Park Palm House, in Sefton Park, Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 15 July 2021 Sir Nicholas Serota watches a short film about sea monsters as he opens a 7.6 million, 360 immersive dome at Devonport's Market Hall in Plymouth, which is the first of its type to be built in Europe PA UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA
Since the initiative of using money in dormant bank accounts was introduced by the former prime minister Gordon Brown in 2008 almost 1bn has been identified, and more than 360m has been distributed towards good causes.
At the time, he said: Its a feature of modern life that people often lose track of small sums and deposits. Over time these build up as unclaimed assets in the banking system. Unclaimed assets when identified, will be put to use improve youth and community facilities around Britain.
Accounts are considered dormant if they have been open 15 years with no transactions being carried out, and the holder is not contactable.
Sadiq Khan has attacked the Government over being weak on the causes of crime and suggested that cuts could be driving rising violence.
Speaking after four young men were murdered in unrelated stabbings in the capital during New Years Eve celebrations, the Mayor said police were already doing everything in their power.
The police are being tough on crime, but the Government are being desperately weak on the causes of crime, he added.
Getting back to being tough on the causes of crime will require a massive investment in the services that have been neglected for too long, tragically letting our young people down.
Critics have hit out at Mr Khan for presiding over rising violence in London since he was elected mayor in 2016, having vowed to challenge gang culture and knife crime head on in his manifesto.
The number of teenagers murdered in 2017 was the highest since 2008 and there is mounting public concern over the number of stabbings and a spike in acid attacks and moped robberies.
Violent offences have risen by 19 per cent in England and Wales in the past year, and by 3 per cent in London.
Scene where woman was found dead in Finsbury Park
Mr Khan claimed real-terms funding cuts to youth services, community groups, education, probation and the police since the 2010 general election had reversed decades of progress in tackling the root causes of violent offending.
He also hit out at the botched partial privatisation of probation services, the ongoing prisons crisis and scandalous reoffending rates.
The Labour Mayor called on ministers to prioritise youth services, community work, mental health, probation and prisons to fight the causes of crime.
On this Governments watch, these critical services have been allowed to deteriorate and starved of funding and we are now paying a heavy price, Mr Khan said.
I am doing everything I can to tackle this scourge in our communities. Keeping the country safe should be the Governments priority too, and it is time ministers stopped shirking this responsibility.
Scotland Yard appealed for the publics help combating knife culture after the four New Years Eve murders, which have been followed by another stabbing in Harrow and a murder in Ilford.
Sir Craig Mackey, the Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said it was truly unusual and extraordinary for so many murders to take place in such a short period of time.
There are a number of issues affecting knife crime, he added. We are doing our part... but we need others working with us to help tackle those underlying issues around a knife culture that has emerged across London.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA UK news in pictures 23 July 2021 Children interact with Mega Please Draw Freely by artist Ei Arakawa inside the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London, part of UNIQLO Tate Play the gallery's new free programme of art-inspired activities for families PA UK news in pictures 22 July 2021 Festivalgoers in the campsite at the Latitude festival in Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk PA UK news in pictures 21 July 2021 A man walks past an artwork by Will Blood on the end of a property in Bedminster, Bristol, as the 75 murals project reaches the halfway point and various graffiti pieces are sprayed onto walls and buildings across the city over the Summer PA UK news in pictures 20 July 2021 People during morning prayer during Eid ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, in Southall Park, Uxbridge, London PA UK news in pictures 19 July 2021 Commuters, some not wearing facemasks, at Westminster Underground station, at 08:38 in London after the final legal Coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England PA UK news in pictures 18 July 2021 A view of spectators by the 2nd green during day four of The Open at The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 July 2021 Cyclists ride over the Hammersmith Bridge in London. The bridge was closed last year after cracks in it worsened during a heatwave Getty UK news in pictures 16 July 2021 The sun rises behind the Sefton Park Palm House, in Sefton Park, Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 15 July 2021 Sir Nicholas Serota watches a short film about sea monsters as he opens a 7.6 million, 360 immersive dome at Devonport's Market Hall in Plymouth, which is the first of its type to be built in Europe PA UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA
City Hall claimed that reductions to the central Government funding given to councils has triggered more than 22m of cuts to youth services since 2011, seeing 30 youth centres closed.
It said Londons schools face 99m in real terms cuts in 2018-19 alone, with the funding gap for childrens services predicted to reach 2bn by 2020.
The figures could not immediately be verified by The Independent and the Home Office has not yet replied to a request for comment.
Mr Khans office said mental health services were also chronically underfunded, leaving young people with behavioural problems in later life, and that the proportion of young male convicts returning to crime had risen to almost 40 per cent in London.
The capitals probation services have been partly handed to one of several private Community Rehabilitation Companies, which were heavily criticised in a recent watchdog report accusing them of putting the public at risk.
Senior police officers previously said they were being used as the service of last resort for shrinking public services, particularly in mental health, while calling for more funding to tackle rising crime and terrorism.
Sophie Linden, Londons deputy mayor for policing and crime, said the Met was in a very difficult position after officer numbers were cut to 30,000 in the capital.
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My concerns, and Ive been given assurances that it is possible to police London at those numbers, if they go below 30,000, which is exactly what the budget trajectory looks like, that is going to put the safety of Londoners at risk, she told the London Assembly budget and performance committee on Thursday.
30,000 officers, we can cope with it, but it is not ideal in any sense because we know demand is rising, the population of Londoners is rising, the young population of London is rising and that comes with its complexities, opportunities as well, but great challenges in terms of policing. It is a real worry.
She added: London is not in a good position, it is in no way a better position [than previously], it is in a very, very difficult position, and that is about safety.
Sir Mackey said cuts were forcing the Met to be more prescriptive.
We are having to make really, really difficult choices in terms of what we can prioritise and what we can do, he said.
What you're seeing is increasing prioritisation of workloads... having to be really, really clear when we take something on or try something new about what gives.
A Home Office funding settlement announced last month was heavily criticised for relying on elected Police and Crime Commissioners taking more money from council tax to fund forces.
The Metropolitan Police has already released guidelines instructing officers to stop investigating some low-level crimes as it works to save 400m by 2020 and other forces are believed to be considering similar policies amid a falling number of police officers.
A recent report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary warned that police forces are failing to respond to low-priority crimes because of significant stress caused by continued budget cuts amid a huge rise in demand.
A Government spokesperson said: Violent crime has devastating consequences on our communities and we are determined to tackle this head on.
The Metropolitan Police will receive more than 2.5billion in funding and also has 240m of reserves to draw from. The Mayor of London is accountable to the public for Mets performance and is empowered to raise local precept to increase funding.
The Home Office will publish a new Serious Violence Strategy shortly and has launched a public consultation on new laws on offensive and dangerous weapons, which includes plans to restrict the sale of knives online and banning the possession of certain weapons in private.
Theresa May has apologised to patients after NHS hospitals were told to postpone thousands of operations in January.
On Tuesday, the NHS National Emergency Pressures Panel took the drastic step of urging health trusts to delay non-urgent operations until at least the end of the month. Officials said up to 55,000 operations could be deferred.
Speaking during a visit to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, the Prime Minister said: I know its difficult, I know its frustrating, I know its disappointing for people and I apologise.
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I recognise that its difficult for people who are facing delays, I recognise its difficult if somebody is delayed on their admission to hospital or if somebody has an operation postponed. We hope to ensure that those operations can be reinstated as soon as possible.
However, the Prime Minister claimed the winter crisis had been prepared for better than ever before.
She said: The NHS was better prepared for this winter than ever before. We have put extra resources in 437m extra but of course its the staff who make the difference. Its their dedication and hard work that ensures that people are getting the treatment they need.
Measures have been put in place to ensure people needing urgent care receive it, she said.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA UK news in pictures 23 July 2021 Children interact with Mega Please Draw Freely by artist Ei Arakawa inside the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London, part of UNIQLO Tate Play the gallery's new free programme of art-inspired activities for families PA UK news in pictures 22 July 2021 Festivalgoers in the campsite at the Latitude festival in Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk PA UK news in pictures 21 July 2021 A man walks past an artwork by Will Blood on the end of a property in Bedminster, Bristol, as the 75 murals project reaches the halfway point and various graffiti pieces are sprayed onto walls and buildings across the city over the Summer PA UK news in pictures 20 July 2021 People during morning prayer during Eid ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, in Southall Park, Uxbridge, London PA UK news in pictures 19 July 2021 Commuters, some not wearing facemasks, at Westminster Underground station, at 08:38 in London after the final legal Coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England PA UK news in pictures 18 July 2021 A view of spectators by the 2nd green during day four of The Open at The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 July 2021 Cyclists ride over the Hammersmith Bridge in London. The bridge was closed last year after cracks in it worsened during a heatwave Getty UK news in pictures 16 July 2021 The sun rises behind the Sefton Park Palm House, in Sefton Park, Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 15 July 2021 Sir Nicholas Serota watches a short film about sea monsters as he opens a 7.6 million, 360 immersive dome at Devonport's Market Hall in Plymouth, which is the first of its type to be built in Europe PA UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA
Ms May added: We are putting record amounts of money into the NHS. We recognise that we wanted to ensure plans were there for the winter pressures thats why we put 437m extra into the NHS over this particular period. Record levels of funding are going into the National Health Service.
There are pressures over the winter period but these have been planned for better than ever before.
Ms May refused to echo her Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, in describing the situation as a crisis.
It comes as new data revealed there were fewer NHS beds available over Christmas than there were last year, despite Ms May having claimed yesterday that there are more beds available across the system.
Average bed occupancy across all trusts jumped to 91.7 per cent between Christmas Day and New Years Eve compared to 90 per cent occupancy in the same week last year, analysis by The Independents analysis showed.
It remains significantly higher than the recommended safe operating levels of 85 per cent occupancy, above which hospital infections and bed crises become more common.
Theresa May has slapped down the Conservative leader of her own local council after he demanded police clear the streets of homeless people before the royal wedding in May.
The Prime Minister said she did not agree with Simon Dudley, the leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, who triggered an angry backlash earlier in the week by calling for legal powers to be used to remove rough sleepers and their detritus from Windsors streets. Prince Harry is due to marry the actor Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle on 19 May.
In a letter to Thames Valley Police, Mr Dudley asked officers to take action against aggressive begging and intimidation and stop bags and detritus accumulating on the streets.
He accused some rough sleepers of having made a voluntary choice to be homeless and said they could present Windsor in a sadly unfavourable light when thousands of members of the public, along with the worlds media, descend on the town for the royal wedding.
Writing on Twitter last week, the council leader also complained of an epidemic of rough sleeping and vagrancy in Windsor and said: Residents have had enough of this exploitation of residents.
Mr Dudley promised to ask Thames Valley Police to focus on dealing with this before the royal wedding.
After the remarks provoked widespread criticism, Ms May, whose Maidenhead constituency falls within the Royal Borough, told reporters during a visit to a Surrey hospital: I dont agree with the comments that the leader of the council has made.
She added: I think it is important that councils work hard to ensure that they are providing accommodation for those people who are homeless.
Where there are issues of people who are aggressively begging on the streets then its important that councils work with the police to deal with that aggressive begging.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA UK news in pictures 8 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in Japan PA UK news in pictures 7 August 2021 People from the Glasgow Southside community take part in the Govanhill Carnival, an anti-racist celebration of pride, unity and the contributions immigrants have made to the community in Govanhill, at Queen's Park, Glasgow PA UK news in pictures 6 August 2021 Chijindu Ujah of Britain, Zharnel Hughes of Britain, Richard Kilty of Britain and Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake of Britain celebrate winning silver as they pose with Asha Philip of Britain, Imani Lansiquot of Britain, Dina Asher-Smith of Britain and Daryll Neita of Britain after they won bronze in the women's 4 x 100m relay during Olympic Games Day 14 Getty UK news in pictures 5 August 2021 A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration organised by supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) to protest against the inauguration of Iran's new president Ebrahim Raisi in central London AFP via Getty UK news in pictures 4 August 2021 England's Joe Root looks on as India's KL Rahul doesn't make it to a catch during day one of Cinch First Test match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham PA UK news in pictures 3 August 2021 Great Britain's Laura Kenny and Jason Kenny with their silver medals for the Women's Team Pursuit and Mens Team Sprint during the Track Cycling at the Izu Velodrome on the eleventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 2 August 2021 Great Britains Charlotte Worthington competes during the Womens BMX Freestyle Final at the Tokyo Olympics PA UK news in pictures 1 August 2021 EPA UK news in pictures 31 July 2021 James Guy, Adam Peaty and Kathleen Dawson celebrate winning the gold medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the Tokyo Olympics AP UK news in pictures 30 July 2021 Great Britain's Bethany Shriever and Kye Whyte celebrate their Gold and Silver medals respectively for the Cycling BMX Racing at the Ariake Urban Sports Park on the seventh day of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan PA UK news in pictures 29 July 2021 Team GB's Mallory Franklin during the Womens Canoe Slalom Final on day six of the Tokyo Olympic Games. She went on to win the silver medal Getty UK news in pictures 28 July 2021 Canoers on Llyn Padarn lake in Snowdonia, Gwynedd. It was announced that the north-west Wales slate landscape has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Status PA UK news in pictures 27 July 2021 A view of one of two areas now being used at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent, for boats used by people thought to be migrants. PA UK news in pictures 26 July 2021 A woman is helped by Border Force officers as a group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, onboard a Border Force vessel, following a small boat incident in the Channel PA UK news in pictures 25 July 2021 Vehicles drive through deep water on a flooded road in Nine Elms, London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 24 July 2021 Utilities workers inspect a 15x20ft sinkhole on Green Lane, Liverpool, which is suspected to have been caused by ruptured water main PA UK news in pictures 23 July 2021 Children interact with Mega Please Draw Freely by artist Ei Arakawa inside the Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in London, part of UNIQLO Tate Play the gallery's new free programme of art-inspired activities for families PA UK news in pictures 22 July 2021 Festivalgoers in the campsite at the Latitude festival in Henham Park, Southwold, Suffolk PA UK news in pictures 21 July 2021 A man walks past an artwork by Will Blood on the end of a property in Bedminster, Bristol, as the 75 murals project reaches the halfway point and various graffiti pieces are sprayed onto walls and buildings across the city over the Summer PA UK news in pictures 20 July 2021 People during morning prayer during Eid ul-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, in Southall Park, Uxbridge, London PA UK news in pictures 19 July 2021 Commuters, some not wearing facemasks, at Westminster Underground station, at 08:38 in London after the final legal Coronavirus restrictions were lifted in England PA UK news in pictures 18 July 2021 A view of spectators by the 2nd green during day four of The Open at The Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent PA UK news in pictures 17 July 2021 Cyclists ride over the Hammersmith Bridge in London. The bridge was closed last year after cracks in it worsened during a heatwave Getty UK news in pictures 16 July 2021 The sun rises behind the Sefton Park Palm House, in Sefton Park, Liverpool PA UK news in pictures 15 July 2021 Sir Nicholas Serota watches a short film about sea monsters as he opens a 7.6 million, 360 immersive dome at Devonport's Market Hall in Plymouth, which is the first of its type to be built in Europe PA UK news in pictures 14 July 2021 Heidi Street, playing a gothic character, looks at a brain suspended in glass at the worlds first attraction dedicated to the author of Frankenstein inside the Mary Shelleys House of Frankenstein experience, located in a Georgian terraced house in Bath, as it prepares to open to the public on 19 July PA UK news in pictures 13 July 2021 Rehearsals are held in a car park in Glasgow for a parade scene ahead of filming for what is thought to be the new Indiana Jones 5 movie starring Harrison Ford PA UK news in pictures 12 July 2021 A local resident puts love hearts and slogans on the plastic that covers offensive graffiti on the vandalised mural of Manchester United striker and England player Marcus Rashford on the wall of a cafe on Copson Street, Withington in Manchester Getty Images UK news in pictures 11 July 2021 England's Bukayo Saka with manager Gareth Southgate after the match Pool via Reuters UK news in pictures 10 July 2021 Australias Ashleigh Barty holds the trophy after winning her final Wimbledon match against Czech Republics Karolina Pliskova Reuters UK news in pictures 9 July 2021 England 1966 World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst stands on top of a pod on the lastminute.com London Eye wearing a replica 1966 World Cup final kit and looking out towards Wembley Stadium in the north of the capital, where the England football team will play Italy in the Euro 2020 final on Sunday PA
Mr Dudleys letter was copied to Ms May, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Culture Secretary Karen Bradley.
In it, he wrote: This is creating a concerning and hostile atmosphere for our residents and the seven million tourists who come to Windsor each year.
It is becoming increasingly concerning to see the quantities of bags and detritus that those begging are accumulating and leaving on our pavements, at times unattended, thus presenting a security risk.
Obviously, the level of tourist interest is set to multiply with the royal wedding in May 2018, and there are increased concerns from our residents about their safety. The whole situation also presents a beautiful town in a sadly unfavourable light. As leader of the Royal Borough this situation is totally unacceptable to me and my fellow councillors.
Mr Dudley said the police should use legal powers to move rough sleepers and also suggested courts could give homeless people Criminal Behaviour Orders, which are used to tackle serious anti-social behaviour.
In his previous comments on Twitter, the council leader wrote: This is not voluntary homelessness. It is commercial life choice praying [sic] on residents and tourists. Its been going on and getting worse for months. Enough is enough.
PMQs: Corbyn calls on May to pledge a reduction in homelessness in 2018
His remarks were strongly condemned by homelessness charities.
Murphy James, of Windsor Homeless Project, said: Its absolutely abhorrent that anybody has got these views in this day and age, especially a lead councillor of the borough.
If somebody is sleeping out on the street they are not there by choice, they are there because something has gone wrong.
He added: This shouldnt be a situation thats hit the headlines because of a royal wedding. This is a situation that should have hit the headlines because theres people sleeping in bus shelters.
Significantly more immigrant labourers in California said they were being threatened with deportation for seeking lost wages in the first year of Donald Trumps presidency.
Immigration-related retaliation complaints lodged with the California Labor Commissioners Office soared from single-digits in recent years two in 2014 and seven in 2015 to 94 through December 22 of last year, according to the commissioners office. That figure was nearly five times the 20 recorded in 2016.
Californias labor laws protect all workers, regardless of immigration status, a spokeswoman said in an email, adding that Under Californias labor laws, immigration-related retaliation is illegal, including threatening workers with deportation after they have exercised their labor law rights.
One complaint filed by the commissioners office alleges that a worker was offered $150 a day for construction tasks that included tiling a bathroom and placing stucco on walls. When he demanded the wages he was owed for six days work, his employer responded with a racial slur for Mexicans and threatened to call immigration authorities, according to the complaint.
When the worker suggested he might show up in person to claim his compensation, the employer allegedly warned that I will handcuff you take you into custody & wait for I.C.E. to come take you into custody, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In another case, an immigrant tile installers boss was notified the labourer had filed an unpaid wage claim. Contacted by a Labor Commission worker, the employer threatened to report the worker to ICE, according to the complaint. After being told the commission was formally pursuing the matter, the employer allegedly said he would contact ICE to appear at the hearing. He said You have to stop doing this for illegals, according to the complaint.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. 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
A third employer told a worker seeking some $24,000 in lost wages to take $5,000 and settle or the boss would call INS, the former name for ICE, according to a complaint.
Employers named in the complaints did not respond to The Independents requests for comment.
Californias treatment of immigrant workers has already emerged as a pressure point in the ongoing battle between the Trump administration, which has sought to aggressively crack down on illegal immigration, and a state committed to protecting most undocumented immigrants.
Earlier this year, California Labor Commissioner Julie Su barred ICE agents from attending commission offices and hearing rooms after multiple reports of them having done so (ICE called those reports false) and prohibited staff from sharing information on workers' whereabouts. Immigrant advocates worried that even with those barriers in place, immigrants already reluctant to approach government entities would be unwilling to seek lost wages
Firefighters were called to the New York home of Bill and Hillary Clinton after a fire reportedly broke out in an outbuilding.
The former President and Secretary of State were not harmed and there were no other known injuries, according to police.
The local Journal News, citing radio transmissions from the emergency services, said the fire was reported at 2.50pm and that it was quickly extinguished.
It was not immediately clear what caused the fire in a building used by the Secret Service.
The Clintons were not home at the time, said their spokesman Nick Merrill. All is OK! he said.
Sergeant Arthur Mendoza, of the New Castle Police Department, referred further questions to the Secret Service.
A spokesman for the agency could not immediately be reached.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
The Clintons purchased the five-bedroom, 5,232 sq ft home in Old House Lane in 1999, the Journal News said. Chappaqua is about 40 miles north of New York City.
Ms Clinton, the defeated Democratic nominee for president in 2016, represented New York as a senator for eight years before becoming Secretary of State under Barack Obama.
Additional reporting by agencies
The Malecon, a historic esplanade stretching along Havanas coast, comes alive at sunset. The whole city comes together to chat, drink and listen to music, as Soviet-era Ladas and Chevrolets rattle past, ferrying tourists from one side of the city to the other.
Along the boulevard, constructed in the 1900s for affluent middle-classes, a same-sex couple steal a kiss. A trans woman sits on the sea wall, chatting to friends. One man dances with another.
In a country which incarcerated LGBT people for most of Fidel Castros rule, the islands capital now has gay clubs and bars and celebrates Pride every year.
Luis de Armas, who was born in Matanzas, around 50 miles east of Havana, moved to the capital to go to university. He now organises LGBT-friendly tours of the capital for visitors.
Cuba has changed a lot and that includes the mentality of the people, he tells The Independent. There is no problem with being gay, transgender, lesbian or bisexual.
It is more accepted now, Luis adds. There are many inclusion programmes directed to teach people how to accept differences and support the gay community.
I feel good here I can be me. I am accepted in my building, in my work, in my neighbourhood, in my family and I think I speak for most of the people.
Cuba has changed drastically. In 1959, Castro came to power after leading a revolution that toppled the corrupt government of Fulgencio Batista.
Soon afterwards, police began to round up gay men. In the 1960s and 1970s, many LGBT people were imprisoned or forced into re-education camps. Homosexuality was viewed as going against the ideal of the hypermasculine revolutionary and was therefore deemed incompatible with the regime.
We would never come to believe that a homosexual could embody the conditions and requirements of conduct that would enable us to consider him a true revolutionary, a true communist militant, Fidel Castro told an interviewer in 1965.
Later, during the Aids crisis in the 1980s, HIV-positive Cubans were quarantined in sanitariums, which critics called prisons.
In 2010, Castro admitted responsibility for the injustices suffered by LGBT people after the revolution, telling the Mexican newspaper La Jornada: If someone is responsible, its me.
Fast-forward to 2017 and the landscape for LGBT rights in Cuba appears to have transformed. The countrys constitution bans any form of discrimination harmful to human dignity and healthcare and visibility has improved.
This is, in part, due to a campaign spearheaded by Mariela Castro, daughter of current President Raul and niece of Fidel, and director of the state-run National Centre for Sex Education (Cenesex).
Since 2008, gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy have been available free of charge under Cubas national healthcare system. The island has a comprehensive approach to healthcare when it comes to HIV; condoms are distributed, sex education has improved vastly and access to antiretroviral drugs has increased.
Attitudes are beginning to change too. In May, Cuba hosted its first transgender religious ceremony in Matanzas. In 2013, Cuban law banned workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and in recent years, calls have increased to legalise same-sex marriage.
When it comes to dating, though, Cuba is old-school. Internet access is sparse and expensive, so Cubans are less reliant on Tinder and other apps.
We do it the old way, we dont have data for now, so there is not constant internet access, Luis says. So we meet walking in the street, on the bus, at markets and of course parties.
That way its more real and we avoid misunderstandings, but it is nice to have internet. Some people use Grindr, we are getting into it.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
Cuba may be changing in many ways, there is some way to go to stamp out discrimination and intolerance. Problems remain, as is the case in all countries.
Compared with standards in other parts of the Caribbean (where consensual same-sex conducts between adults continue to be criminalised in many countries, such as Jamaica, Trinidad and other English-speaking nations), Cuba is probably one of the most advanced countries in the protection and promotion of the rights of LGBTI people in the sub-region, says Robin Guittard, a campaigner for Amnesty Internationals Caribbean Team.
However, stigma against LGBTI people remains present in the Cuban machista society.
In the north of the country, several miles from the rural-yet-touristy town of Vinales, taxi driver Antonio laments the lack of powerful and masculine masculino men heading the Cuban government.
Viva Fidel, he says, with emphasis.
Critics have also pointed out that because Cenesex is state-run, it faces governmental limitations which fail to address the politically rooted causes of homophobia in the country. Some also claim Ms Castros push to improve LGBT rights is merely PR for the Cuban government.
And the fact remains that the only LGBT activism allowed is that which is controlled by the state.
In the Cuban context where freedom of expression and association remain under tight control of the state and where independent civil society is still not officially recognised by the authorities, Cenesex is perceived as trying to assume a monopoly in the promotion of LGBTI rights, Mr Guittard says.
LGBTI rights activists who are critical of the state, Cenesex or Mariela Castro are often the target of repression in the same way it occurs to anyone trying to do human rights work outside the control of the Cuban state.
Speaking to the Washington Blade, independent Cuban activist Nelson Gandulla, president of the Cuban Foundation for LGBT Rights, claimed he had been hounded for criticising Ms Castro.
There has, undoubtedly, been a seismic shift in Cuba when it comes to LGBT rights, in terms of social acceptance, healthcare, legal recognition and visibility. But there is still a way to go before equality is reached.
The White House is believed to be banning staff members from using their personal mobile phones in the workplace in spite of employees voicing fears they will be wholly disconnected from loved ones.
Two White House officials, who chose to remain anonymous, told Bloomberg US president Donald Trump would not permit his aides to use their mobiles while on the White House grounds.
Chief of Staff John Kelly is said to have imposed the ban and cited security concerns for doing so.
One aide told the publication the controversial ban would be implemented from this Friday onwards.
Recommended Trump sparks security fears by giving mobile number to world leaders
White House aides against the prohibition of personal mobiles railed against the fact they are not able to use their work phones for personal use.
They also drew attention to the fact work telephones cant accommodate texting, explaining this is a problem given texting is often the best way for their children, partners, and other relatives to contact them on a hectic day.
Despite the fact the US president has perpetually complained about the number of leaks about his administration, aides said the move was not linked to worries about unsanctioned revelations to news publications.
One official said too many devices were linked to the White House wireless network and personal phones are not as secure as those the government has issued.
This follows reports the White House was considering banning its employees from using personal mobiles at work last November. This was said to be prompted by concerns about cyber-security.
The White House already takes substantial precautions with wireless devices, including a requirement for officials to leave phones in cupboards outside of meeting rooms where sensitive or classified information is addressed.
Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Show all 22 1 /22 Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Supporters of Difa-e-Pakistan Council a coalition of right wing Islamic parties, burn an effigy of US President Donald Trump, during a protest in Quetta, Pakistan EPA Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Israeli police scuffle with a Palestinian protester outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City Getty Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protesters burn pictures of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu following Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in Gaza City AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Israeli forces disperse Palestinian protesters outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on 7 December 2017 AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Supporters of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an Islamic organization, chant slogans as they burn Israeli and US flags during a protest against Donald Trump in Peshawar REUTERS Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinians paint an 'X' over the face of a picture of US president Donald J. Trump which was painted on the Israeli separation wall in Bethlehem EPA Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protestors burn the Israeli flag and a poster of US President Donald Trump in Gaza City AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Supporters of a Pakistani religious party rally against Donald Trump in Lahore AP Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protesters burn the US and Israeli flags in Gaza City AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital A poster depicting U.S. President Donald Trump is burnt during a protest against Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in the West Bank city of Ramallah REUTERS Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Israeli forces detain a Palestinian protester during clashes that followed protests against US President Donald Trump recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in Hebron AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protesters burn an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump AP Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protesters shout slogans against Donald Trump EPA Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital A Palestinian protester wears a Guy Fawkes mask used by the anonymous movement during clashes with Israeli troops in Hebron AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian demonstrators clash with Isralei troops during protests AFP/Getty Images Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Supporters of a Pakistani religious party chant anti-American slogans during a rally in Islamabad, Pakistan AP Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Pakistanis burn a representation of the U.S. flag during a protest rally in Hyderabad AP Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Young Palestinian women look on as smoke billows from burning tyres as fellow Palestinian demonstrators clash with Isralei troops AFP/Getty Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Protesters burn a picture of U.S. President Donald Trump at a protest in Islamabad REUTERS Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Protestors shouts slogans against US President Donald Trump as they hold Palestinian and Turkish flags during a protest near the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey EPA Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Palestinian protestors put their feet over a picture of US president Donald Trump during a protest in the West Bank City of Nablus EPA Protests erupt after Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital Pakistani protesters burn tires at an anti-Donald Trump rally in Multan AP
Early in the administration, former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer demanded members of his staff turn over their mobile phones for random checks to discern whether they had divulged damaging information to the press.
In spite of this, last May it emerged Mr Trump had been handing out his mobile phone number to world leaders and urging them to call him directly.
The invitation not only broke diplomatic protocol but raised concerns about the security and secrecy of the US commander-in-chief's communications.
As the first mobile phone carrying president, Barack Obama sparked concerns about cyber intrusions, particularly by foreign governments.
Nevertheless, in the end, concerns pulled the former president's devices firmly into the security bubble. According to former aides, many of the functions on Obama's BlackBerry were blocked and only a very small number of individuals had access to his phone number or email address.
It was a totally unexpected step, commented Diaaeddin Al-Kousi, an expert on water issues and former adviser to the minister of water resources and irrigation, in reaction to news that Egypt wants the World Bank to give technical advice on the building of the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
In a meeting with his Ethiopian counterpart Workneh Gebeyehu in Addis Ababa last week, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri proposed the involvement of the World Bank as an impartial third party in meetings of the technical committee studying the effects of the construction of the dam on downstream countries.
The one-day meeting between Shoukri and Gebeyehu aimed to break the impasse regarding the work of the tripartite technical committee made up of representatives of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan.
Ethiopia is attempting to prolong negotiations on technical matters in order to sidestep a report stating that the dam will harm downstream countries until after the completion of the dams construction, Al-Kousi added.
Involving the World Bank has several advantages, as it was the party that initiated the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) in 1999 on the management of the River Niles water and thus has ample experience in this regard.
The NBI was a partnership initiated by the Nile Basin countries as a platform for dialogue and joint work on sharing the rivers resources, promoting peace and stability in the region.
According to the international laws governing international rivers, differences between countries should be settled via direct negotiations between the involved parties followed by involving a third party or more. If the mediation fails, the issue can be referred to international organisations like the United Nations.
Al-Kousi added that the bank has experts who have long experience in mediation issues. I cannot describe it as 100 per cent unbiased, but they have the skills and the ability to read, understand and analyse the issues, he said.
Mohamed Hegazi, former assistant to Egypts foreign minister, agreed. During the difficult technical and political negotiations, World Bank experts assisted the involved countries in solving various legal hurdles and proposing the proper legal solutions to many problems that came up in the negotiations, he said.
Hegazi pointed to the role played by the World Bank in the difficult negotiations between India and Pakistan which had led to the historic signing of the Indus Water Treaty in 1960.
This was signed after nine years of negotiations between India and Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory to it. It lasted until December 2016, when India wanted to build various hydroelectric projects on the river, to which Islamabad raised objections.
The competition for water in the Indus River Basin has noticeably increased since the treaty was signed, necessitating the need for renegotiation of it. Delegations from India and Pakistan met at the World Bank headquarters in Washington in September last year for a round of talks on the issue.
After they had failed to agree, Pakistan requested the World Bank to fulfil its obligations by establishing a court of arbitration to settle the dispute in the light of the Indus Water Treaty.
Based on the success of previous third-party mediation in water-sharing issues, Egypt then suggested to Ethiopia last week that the World Bank be included in the River Nile negotiations.
The failure of the technical committee to agree on the preliminary report submitted by the consultancy firms will impede the continuation of the studies on the impacts of the dam on Egypt and Sudan, Shoukri told his counterpart in Ethiopia.
According to the Declaration of Principles signed in March 2015, the studies should be conducted before the dam filling process starts.
Assuring his countrys commitment to the Declaration of Principles and its determination not to cause harm to Egypt, Gebeyehu promised to study the Egyptian initiative and respond at the earliest opportunity.
Shoukri stated that he would submit the same initiative to Sudan within the next few days. The World Bank has not reacted to the Egyptian initiative, and no one was available to comment on the issue.
Negotiations between the three countries on the GERD broke down last November after the 17th round of technical talks was held in Cairo and attended by the irrigation ministers of the three countries.
After the meeting, Minister of Irrigation Mohamed Abdel-Ati declared that the technical track was facing deadlock. Egypt approved the preliminary report, but Ethiopia and Sudan demanded major amendments to the proposed studies. They failed to reach a compromise.
It is strange that Ethiopia did not accept the preliminary report, Al-Kousi said. It is even stranger that Sudan did not either, although it signed an agreement with Egypt stating that both states should follow the same policies regarding Nile water issues, he added.
The draft preliminary report was produced by a French consultancy firm in March last year. It includes studies to be conducted by the firm on the hydrological, hydraulic, environmental and economic impact of the dam.
During last weeks visit to Addis Ababa, Shoukri also met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to discuss the upcoming visit by Desalegn to Cairo later this month in addition to bilateral relations and the challenges facing the technical track on the dam.
The involvement of the World Bank, Hegazi added, would be likely to provide a catalyst for establishing a framework for regional cooperation in which a multi-purpose project integrating water, power grids, railway and road network between the three countries could be drawn up.
International financial institutions like the World Bank and other donors will certainly favour supporting a multi-dimensional project that involves many countries, in which water is just one factor in a multi-faceted cooperation programme, he said.
The construction of the GERD has been a source of tension between Ethiopia and Egypt for some years. The dam, begun in 2011, is due for completion in the middle of this year. It will hold a massive 79 billion cubic metres of water and will be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa.
Ethiopia argues that there will be no reduction of water downstream, as all the Blue Nile water will be cycled through the dam and eventually reach the downstream countries on its way to the Mediterranean. It also claims that more water will be available overall because there will be less evaporation.
*This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly
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US President Donald Trumps administration has been informing members of Congress that it will soon announce plans to cut off security assistance to Pakistan, congressional aides said on Wednesday, a day after the White House warned Islamabad it would have to do more to maintain US aid.
Aides in two congressional offices said the State Department called on Wednesday to inform them that it would announce on Wednesday or Thursday that aid was being cut off, although it was not clear how much, what type or for how long.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders declined to say whether an announcement was imminent. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The calls to Capitol Hill came a day after Washington accused Pakistan of playing a double game on fighting terrorism and warned Islamabad it would have to do more if it wanted to maintain US aid.
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Tuesday that Washington would withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan. Her statement followed an angry tweet from Trump on Monday that the United States had been rewarded with nothing but lies and deceit for giving Pakistan billions in aid.
Pakistan civilian and military chiefs rejected what they termed incomprehensible US comments and summoned US Ambassador David Hale to explain Trumps tweet.
Relations between Islamabad and Washington have been strained for years over Islamabads alleged support for Haqqani network militants, who are allied with the Afghan Taliban.
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The United States also alleges that senior Afghan Taliban commanders live on Pakistani soil and has signalled it will cut aid and take other steps if Islamabad does not stop helping or turning a blind eye to Haqqani militants crossing the border to carry out attacks in Afghanistan.
Many members of the US Congress, particularly Republicans, who control both houses of the legislature, have been critical of the Pakistani government and called for cuts in military and other aid.
Reuters
Donald Trump's attorney Charles Harder sent a letter demanding former adviser Steve Bannon "cease and desist" from speaking to author Michael Wolff over his new book on the President's administration.
The threat of legal action was intended to prevent Bannon disclosing confidential information harmful to the Trump White House.
The revelation emerges following President Trump's scathing attack on Bannon on Wednesday in response to Wolff's new book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, which portrays Trump as an undisciplined man-child who didn't actually want to win the White House and quotes Bannon as calling his son's contact with a Russian lawyer treasonous.
Hitting back via a formal White House statement rather than a more-typical Twitter volley, Trump insisted Bannon had little to do with his victorious campaign and has nothing to do with me or my Presidency.
When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said.
It was a blistering attack against the man who helped deliver the presidency to Trump. It was spurred by an unflattering new book by writer Michael Wolff that paints Trump as a leader who doesn't understand the weight of the presidency and spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the phone to old friends.
Later Wednesday, Trump attorney Charles Harder threatened legal action against Bannon over disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements. Bannon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
White House aides were blindsided when early excerpts from Fire and Fury were published online by New York magazine and other media outlets ahead of the 9 January publication date.
The release left Trump furious and disgusted, said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who complained that the book contained outrageous and completely false claims against the President, his administration and his family.
Peter King: Steve Bannon 'looks like some disheveled drunk that wondered onto the political stage'
Asked what specifically had prompted the President's fury with Bannon, she said: I would certainly think that going after the President's son in an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way is probably not the best way to curry favour with anybody.
In the book, an advance copy of which was provided to the Associated Press, Bannon is quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr, Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. The meeting has become a focus of federal and congressional investigators.
Bannon also told Wolff the investigations into potential collusion between Russia and Trump campaign officials would likely focus on money laundering.
They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, Bannon was quoted as saying in one section that was first reported by The Guardian.
Trump Jr lashed out in a series of tweets, including one that said Andrew Breitbart, the founder of the Breitbart News site that Bannon now runs, would be ashamed of the division and lies Steve Bannon is spreading!
Bannon, who was forced out of his White House job last summer, was not surprised or particularly bothered by the blowback, according to a person familiar with his thinking but not authorised to speak publicly on the matter. That person said Bannon vowed on Wednesday to continue his war on the Republican establishment and also predicted that, after a cooling-off period, he'd continue to speak with Trump, who likes to maintain contact with former advisers even after he fires and sometimes disparages them.
Sanders said Bannon and Trump last spoke in the first part of last month.
The former-and-current Breitbart News head has told associates that he believes Trump has been ill-served by some his closest allies, including eldest son Don Jr and Jared Kushner, the President's son-in-law. Bannon believes they have exposed Trump to the Russia probe that could topple his presidency and that Trump would be able to accomplish more without them
So far, there is no indication that Bannon is being investigated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller. But the House intelligence committee has invited him, along with former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, for a closed-door interview as a part of the panel's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, according to a person familiar with the invitation.
Trump, up until Wednesday, had been complimentary of Bannon, saying in October that the two have a very good relationship and had been friends for a long time.
In the book, Bannon also speaks critically of Trump's daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka, calling her dumb as a brick.
A little marketing savvy and has a look but as far as understanding actually how the world works and what politics is and what it means - nothing, he is quoted saying.
New York magazine also published a lengthy adaptation of the book on Wednesday, in which Wolff writes that Trump believed his presidential nomination would boost his brand and deliver untold opportunities - but that he never expected to win.
It says Trump Jr told a friend that his father looked as if he'd seen a ghost when it became clear he might win. The younger Trump described Melania Trump as in tears - and not of joy.
The first lady's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, disputed that, saying Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run, encouraged him to do so and was happy when he won.
The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section, Grisham said in a statement.
Wolff was generally granted access to the White House with a 'blue badge instead of the traditional press badge, giving him wide access to the West Wing, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal protocol. One former White House official said Wolff was known to camp out for hours in the West Wing lobby after meetings, sitting on a sofa as he waited to talk to staffers passing by.
Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters
Wolff said in an author's note that the book was based on more than 200 interviews, including multiple conversations with the President and senior staff. But Sanders said Wolff never actually sat down with the President and had spoken with him just once, briefly, by phone, since Trump had taken office.
She also said the vast majority of interviews Wolff conducted with other White House officials were done at Bannon's request.
Bannon's comments in the book are just his latest published criticism of the President and his family. In a Vanity Fair piece late last year, he was quoted telling friends and advisers that Trump had lost a step since his swearing-in and was like an 11-year-old child.
AP
Donald Trump has demanded the introduction of voter ID cards after accusing Democrats of covering up voter fraud.
The US President wrote on Twitter: "Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud. They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D."
Mr Trump's comments come just a day after he dissolved a voter fraud commission set up to look into his own unverified claims millions of people voted illegally in the 2016 election.
Although the billionaire won the 2016 electoral college vote, he has appeared unwilling to accept his defeat by Hillary Clinton in the popular vote, using claims of voter fraud to justify the loss.
The White House said in a press release on Wednesday: Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry.
Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action.
Trump to Kim Jong-un: 'My button is bigger than yours'
Critics claimed the commission was set up merely in an attempted to justify the President's outlandish voter fraud claims. Chuck Schumer, Democrat minority leader in the Senate, branded it a "front to suppress the vote".
The commission never had anything to do with election integrity," he said in a statement. It was instead a front to suppress the vote, perpetrate dangerous and baseless claims, and was ridiculed from one end of the country to the other.
But Mr Trump's renewed push for voter ID laws suggests he is not ready to drop the issue.
In a follow-up tweet, the 71-year-old wrote: "As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification!"
Republican-controlled states have in recent years passed voting restrictions seen by critics as an attempt to suppress racial minorities, who tend to vote for Democrats.
Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters
A study by the University of California, San Diego, found that strict ID laws doubled the turnout gap between white people and Latinos in general elections, and almost doubled the gap between whites and black people in primary elections.
Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner struck a deal for her to become US President, according to a new book of explosive claims purported to come from White House insiders.
Donald Trumps daughter and son-in-law discussed her ambitions to be Americas first female leader when they accepted jobs at the White House following the 2016 election, according to excerpts from the as-yet unpublished book.
The journalist Michael Wolff said Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House was based on more than 200 interviews with the President and his staff.
In an excerpt from the book published by New York magazine, the author says Ms Trump and her husband accepted posts as advisers in the West Wing over the advice of almost everyone they knew in the hope that his presidency would catapult them into a heretofore unimagined big time.
It was a joint decision by the couple, and, in some sense, a joint job, Mr Wolff writes. Between themselves, the two had made an earnest deal: If sometime in the future the opportunity arose, shed be the one to run for president.
The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton; it would be Ivanka Trump.
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon was said to be horrified when he heard about the deal.
They didnt say that? he is reported to have said, adding: Stop. Oh, come on. They didnt actually say that? Please dont tell me that. Oh my God.
Mr Bannon has previously laid bare his disdain for the couple, who he nicknamed Javanka, blaming them for being railhead of all bad decisions in the White House.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
The Presidents legal team has sent a letter demanding Mr Bannon "cease and desist" speaking to Mr Wolff after a string of explosive claims emerged in excerpts from Fire and Fury this week.
The threat of legal action comes after the book quoted the former strategist and Breitbart executive chairman as saying a meeting between a Russian lawyer and Donald Trump's eldest son was "treasonous and unpatriotic".
White House aides were caught off guard when excerpts from the book, which portrays Mr Trump as an undisciplined man-child and reluctant President, emerged online ahead of its 9 January publication date.
The excerpts left Mr Trump furious and disgusted, said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who complained the book contained outrageous and completely false claims against the President, his administration and his family.
Mr Trump later issued a statement claiming his former strategist had "lost his mind" and had "nothing to do with me or my Presidency".
New York Citys John F. Kennedy Airport has been temporarily closed due to heavy snow, ice and harsh winds in the area, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The airport, which suspended operations shortly before 11am local time (1600 GMT), was expected to reopen later in the eening, FAA officials said. Flights at La Guardia were also halted.
The temporary closures came as high winds and heavy snow barrelled into the US Northeast, shutting schools and government offices, leaving tens of thousands without power and snarling travel. Thousands of flights were cancelled, snow plows and salt trucks were omnipresent on roads and highways, and commuters who braved the storm to head in to their jobs hoped they would be able to make it home safely as the storm intensified later in the day.
Blizzard warnings were in place along the coast from North Carolina to Maine, with the National Weather Service forecasting winds as high as 70 miles per hour (113 km per hour) that may bring down tree limbs and knock out power.
More than a foot (30 cm) of snow was forecast for Boston and coastal areas in northern New England.
The storm is the product of a rapid plunge in barometric pressure that some weather forecasters are referring to as bombogenesis or a bomb cyclone, which brings fast, heavy snowfall and high winds.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
The wintry weather has been blamed for at least 13 deaths over the past few days, including three fatalities in North Carolina traffic accidents and three in Texas due to cold.
More than 3,300 U.S. airline flights were cancelled ahead of the storm's arrival in the Northeast on Thursday. At New York's three major airports - including JFK - and Boston's Logan International, as many as three out of four flights were called off, according to tracking service FlightAware.com.
Passenger train operator Amtrak was running reduced service in the Northeast, while mass-transit systems in major metropolitan areas, including New York and Boston, remained open.
I have a big meeting today, so I had to go in. If I didn't, I probably would have stayed home, Ann Gillard, 24, said as she waited for a subway in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to take her into the downtown Boston office where she works as a consultant.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority invested extensively in equipment to remove snow and keep tracks from freezing after extensive disruptions during the winter of 2015, when Boston got about 9 feet (2.74 meters) of snow. But Ms Gillard said her commute typically goes not that well in inclement weather.
My plan is to leave at 4, right after my meeting, and, hopefully, it will be OK, she said, adding that her backup plan was to walk home, probably. It's not that cold, it'll just be snow.
In the Southeast, historic cities saw their heaviest snowfall in nearly 30 years on Wednesday, according to AccuWeather.com senior meteorologist Alan Reppert. Charleston, South Carolina, received 5.3 inches (13.46 cm) of accumulation, within an inch of its record, while Tallahassee, Florida saw its first measurable snow since 1989.
Federal government offices delayed opening for two hours, while state officials in Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts ordered nonessential workers to stay home. In Maine, Governor Paul LePage ordered state offices closed for the day.
The snowstorm brought a break in extremely cold weather that has gripped much of the region since Christmas, frozen part of Niagara Falls, played havoc with public works and impeded firefighting in places where temperatures barely broke 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 Celsius).
Some 45,000 homes and businesses in the Northeast were without power early on Thursday, though that number was expected to rise as the storm intensifies across the region.
That raised fears that people would be left without power and heat on Friday and during the weekend when temperatures are forecast to drop sharply.
We can handle snow, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a news conference. It's snow plus the wind which is going to cause the trouble today. The wind is going to be high all through the day.
Schools were ordered closed in New York, many parts of New Jersey, Boston and elsewhere throughout the region.
The bombogenesis phenomenon occurs when a storm's barometric pressure drops 24 millibars in 24 hours. As a result, the accumulation of snow and winds intensifies, which can cause property damage and power outages.
Reuters
Some Disney hotels have eliminated Do Not Disturb signs to make it easier for staff to check rooms.
The signs have been replaced with Room Occupied and read: The Disney Resort hotel and its staff reserve the right to enter your room, even when this sign is displayed, for maintenance, safety, security or any other purpose.
Neither Disney nor the Hilton chain, which has similarly changed its policy, would confirm that the 2017 Las Vegas massacre prompted the change in security procedures, according to CNN Money.
Recommended Gunman opens fire on security guards in Las Vegas casino
Disney is not the only company to change its security policy, with the Hilton chain doing the same in November 2017.
Hiltons staff policy is now that staff need to alert a manager on duty if a room has displayed the Do Not Disturb sign for more than 24 hours.
The Las Vegas gunman Stephen Paddock had killed 58 people and injured nearly 500 after he rained down bullets from his 32nd floor room at the Mandalay Bay Hotel room on the Las Vegas strip.
Paddock had ten suitcases of 23 weapons and hundreds of rounds of ammunition stored in his room.
Las Vegas shooting in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas shooting in pictures People scramble for shelter at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People carry a person at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People run from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after gun fire was heard David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A handout photo released via Twitter by Eiki Hrafnsson (@EirikurH) showing concertgoers running away from the scene (C) after shots range out at the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Eiki Hrafnsson Las Vegas shooting in pictures People lie on the ground at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures A man in a wheelchair is taken away from the Route 91 Harvest country music festival after hearing gun fire David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures People stand on the street outside the Mandalay Bay hotel near the scene of the Route 91 Harvest festival on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA/Paul Buck Las Vegas shooting in pictures FBI agents confer in front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting during a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas police run by a banner on the fence at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival grounds after shots were fired David Becker/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures An injured person is tended to in the intersection of Tropicana Ave. and Las Vegas Boulevard after a mass shooting at a country music festival Ethan Miller/Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Metro Police officers pass by the front of the Tropicana hotel-casino after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures A woman sits on a curb at the scene of a shooting outside of a music festival along the Las Vegas Strip AP/John Locher Las Vegas shooting in pictures A cowboy hat lays in the street after shots were fired near a country music festival in Las Vegas Getty Las Vegas shooting in pictures Las Vegas Metro Police and medical workers stage in the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard South after a mass shooting at a music festival on the Las Vegas Strip Reuters/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus Las Vegas shooting in pictures Sheriff Joe Lombardo (2-R) speaking during a press briefing in the aftermath of the active shooter incident on Las Vegas Boulevard EPA
He had placed the Do Not Disturb sign on his door but even when housekeeping staff checked the room, they have said they did not notice anything awry.
Another Las Vegas hotel, the Orleans Hotel on Tropicana Avenue and Boyd Gamings dozens of other properties worldwide, have instituted a new policy as of October 2017 as well - welfare checks will be done if guests have used the Do Not Disturb signs for more two consecutive days.
Paddock had checked into Mandalay Bay three days prior to the 1 October 2017 shooting.
Located just a few miles away on the strip from Mandalay Bay, Wynn Las Vegas now requires staff to check rooms every 12 hours.
Paddock reportedly shot himself just ahead of police arriving at his room. It was the deadliest shooting in modern US history.
A motel chain illegally provided immigration agents with the names and personal details of thousands of guests, according to a new lawsuit.
Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson sued Motel 6 for allegedly instructing its workers to provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with customers information, including their names, dates of birth and drivers license numbers. That information was then used to arrest or detain motel guests, a complaint filed in King County Superior Court court alleges.
According to the lawsuit, sharing that information was a matter of policy that was included in new employee training. Workers were told to hand over guest registries without requiring ICE agents to prove probable cause or present search warrants, the lawsuit alleges, describing agents obtaining printouts of guest lists and then seeking to identify and single out guests based on national origin.
Motel 6 staff observed ICE identify guests of interest to ICE, including by circling 20 guests with Latino-sounding names, the lawsuit says.
Those disclosures could occur on a daily basis, the lawsuit alleges, and over the course of a little less than two years translated into Motel 6 handing over the information of more than 9,000 people in Washington state.
Motel 6 came under fire earlier this year after an investigation by the Phoenix New Times found motels in Arizona were sharing guests details with ICE. In a statement responding to Mr Fergusons lawsuit, Motel 6 said it had discontinued the practice.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
In September, Motel 6 issued a directive to every one of our more than 1,400 locations, making it clear that they are prohibited from voluntarily providing daily guests lists to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the statement said. Motel 6 takes this matter very seriously, and we have and will continue to fully cooperate with the Office of the State Attorney General.
But Mr Ferguson cited the Arizona revelation as an impetus for his lawsuit, saying in a press release that Motel 6 misleadingly implied the guest disclosures were a local problem.
We have found that is not true, he said. Washingtonians have a right to privacy, and protection from discrimination. I will hold Motel 6 accountable and uncover the whole story of their disturbing conduct.
Downing Street says soaring population proves UK needs tougher immigration laws
An ICE representative said the agency would not comment on the lawsuit, since it is not a party named in the complaint, and does not illuminate the source of its enforcement leads.
The agency receives viable enforcement tips from a host of sources, including other law enforcement agencies, relevant databases, crime victims, and the general public via the agencys tip line and online tip form," spokesman Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe said in an email, adding: Its worth noting that hotels and motels have frequently been exploited by criminal organisations engaged in highly dangerous illegal enterprises, including human trafficking and human smuggling."
The mother of a neo-Nazi who co-runs the white supremacist website Daily Stormer has said he has Jewish relatives on both sides of his family.
Andrew Weev Auernheimer, who has previously said Jewish children deserve to die, comes from a large, mixed race family and is of Jewish descent and Native American heritage, his mother Alyse told Newsweek.
Auernheimer, 32, from Arkansas, who runs the technical side of the website alongside editor Andrew Anglin, has been estranged from his mother for more than ten years, she told the magazine.
He is believed to be in Ukraine, where he has lived since serving a prison sentence in the United States on a computer hacking charge.
The Daily Stormer lost its dot-com status in August 2017 and struggled to find a provider to host the site after insulting Heather Heyer, who was killed by a neo-Nazi while protesting a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Auernheimer responded on the podcast Radical Agenda that the suppression of free speech would leave white supremacists no choice but to kill the children of their enemies.
If you dont let us dissent peacefully, then our only option is to murder you. To kill your children. To kill your whole families, he said last month.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
There is only one thing absent free speech that we can do to express our dissent and thats to slaughter you like dogs, and youre gonna have it coming and your children will deserve to die.
Auernheimers Jewish ancestry was first reported by Gawker in 2012, but this is the first time a family member has spoken about his heritage.
A prominent newspaper executive in Alabama has been accused of assaulting multiple female employees during the 1970s by spanking them, according to reports in Alabama news outlets this week.
H. Brandt Ayers, the former publisher of The Anniston Star and current chairman of the company that owns The Star and five other newspapers, on Tuesday admitted that he spanked at least one female reporter decades ago, claiming he was simply following a doctor's advice.
Ayers, now 82, told The Anniston Star he spanked the woman in her home. He claimed the woman, who worked at The Star between 1973 and 1974, had been psychologically ill, and a doctor had suggested he calm her down, Ayers told The Star. When Ayers asked the doctor if spanking would work, the doctor said it would, Ayers said. Ayers told The Star he could not recall the name of the physician.
The Star named the woman who was spanked, saying she may now be deceased. The Washington Post does not name victims of sexual assault who have not gone public with their stories.
Ayers also acknowledged allegations from Star reporter Veronica Pike Kennedy, who spoke publicly to The Star, The Montgomery Advertiser and The Alabama Political Reporter, that the publisher spanked her 18 times with a ruler in The Star newsroom in 1975. When asked about the alleged assault, Ayers told The Anniston Star: Let the accusation stand.
As a very young man with more authority than judgment, I did some things I regret, Ayers said in the statement to The Anniston Star. At my advanced age I wish I could relive those days again, knowing the seriousness of my position and with the accumulated judgment that goes with age.
Ayers said he had no intention of resigning as chairman of the board of Consolidated Publishing. Of course not, Ayers told The Star. I am the third generation of a family that has served honourably, even courageously, in the public interest.
The allegations against Ayers were first reported on the website Alabama Political Reporter and later described in articles in The Anniston Star and Montgomery Advertiser.
Kennedy told the three publications Ayers spanked her on a Saturday morning in February 1975, when the two of them were among a few employees in The Star newsroom. Kennedy was 22 at the time, and Ayers, then publisher, turned 40 that same year.
Ayers asked her to read an article he had written. After reading it, she told him it really is a good piece of writing, Kennedy recounted to The Montgomery Advertiser. Though she knew he had written the piece for an editorial, she joked, Can you tell me who wrote it?
And he said, 'Oh, you are being a bad girl,' Kennedy told The Advertiser. 'You know what I do to bad girls? I spank them.'
Kennedy said she then held onto her chair as Ayers picked me and the chair up and then bent me across the desk behind me.
He allegedly spanked her forcefully 18 times with a metal pica pole, a type of ruler used by newspaper designers and editors at the time.
I was fighting him the whole time. Trying to kick him. Bite him. Scratch him. Whatever I could do, Kennedy told Alabama Political Reporter. Then Ayers told her, Well, that ought to teach you to not be a bad girl.
Another Star reporter, Mike Stamler, then 22, said he witnessed the assault from across the room.
I was staring with my mouth hanging open, he told The Advertiser. I was stunned.
Kennedy didn't know what to do, she told The Alabama Political Reporter. I just had to pull myself together because I could lose my job. She also feared how her father would react, she said.
I knew I couldn't say anything because my daddy would get his .38 and shoot Brandy in the head, and he'd be in prison for the rest of his life, Kennedy told The Star, referring to Ayers by his nickname.
Ayers was described by The Star as among the best-known figures in Anniston, and one of the best-known small-town newspapermen in the South. He was the son of The Star's founder, Harry Ayers, and replaced his father as publisher in the late 1960s. He stepped down in 2016 but still serves as the publishing company's chairman.
Leading The Star during the civil rights era, he became known nationwide for his views as a Southern liberal. He advocated for school integration - a rare progressive voice in a conservative state. His syndicated column has been published in newspapers across Alabama.
A summary of one of his books, Cussing Dixie, Loving Dixie: Fifty Years of Commentary by H. Brandt Ayers, calls the newspaperman, A loyal son of Alabama who extols Southern culture and unapologetically calls for Alabamians to cast off the moribund ideologies of the past.
But in other writings, Ayers touched on the controversial topic of spanking. In his book In Love with Defeat: The Making of a Southern Liberal, Ayers wrote that in the 1940s, spanking was as American and Southern as fried chicken on Sundays.
He described a date with the woman who later became his wife, Josephine. At one point on the date, he became upset with her and made a comment not calculated to endear me, 'If I knew you better, I'd spank you.'
Trisha O'Connor, a journalism professor who worked at The Star as a reporter and editor during the 1970s, told the Associated Press that stories of Ayers's assaults on women were common knowledge in the newsroom at the time. She and other female employees at the newspaper would warn new female workers to avoid Ayers.
We took it to upper management and said, 'We need assistance. This is terrible,' said O'Connor, who teaches at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. Basically, from what we were able to see, nothing happened.
The allegations against Ayers first emerged in mid-November, in an online column by Joey Kennedy in The Alabama Political Reporter, vaguely mentioning allegations involving his wife, Veronica Pike Kennedy, against a publisher. He didn't initially mention Ayers by name.
Eddie Burkhalter, then a reporter at The Star, noticed the column and expressed interest in reporting on the story. Burkhalter claims the newspaper would not allow him to pursue the story about the allegations. In response, Burkhalter quit his job and reported the story for a different outlet, The Alabama Political Reporter.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
Ben Cunningham, managing editor at The Star, wrote in a commentary that Burkhalter's allegations about pursuit of the story are flatly false. Bob Davis, the current editor and publisher of The Star, wrote in a separate column that he instructed Cunningham to tell Burkhalter to suspend work on the story for a few days until they had a chance to discuss how they would go about treating anonymous sources. Burkhalter agreed to wait, Davis said, but later revealed that he had continued reporting anyway.
Then Burkhalter resigned and The Star assigned a new reporter to the story. The Star published its story shortly after The Alabama Political Reporter. On Tuesday, Burkhalter started work in a plumbing supply warehouse as a clerk.
The airing of these allegations, in our pages and elsewhere, are a difficult time for this extended family, Cunningham wrote. For the women who say Ayers attacked them, though, I hope it leads to peace and to a sense of justice.
The Washington Post
Donald Trump has claimed credit for renewed dialogue between North and South Korea, saying US threats of nuclear war had pushed Pyongyang to re-establish contact with Seoul.
On Wednesday, the North reopened a border hotline that had been dormant for two years, suggesting a tentative thaw in relations at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.
The move followed soon after the US President taunted his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong-un, about the size of his "nuclear button".
Recommended North Korea reopens hotline with South Korea
Responding to the prospect of improved relations between Pyongyang and Seoul, Mr Trump said in a tweet on Thursday morning that the threat of an attack by the US had been decisive.
"Does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North," he said, adding that those who doubted him were "fools".
He also said talks between the historic enemies, who are still technically at war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, were a "good thing".
Those remarks contradicted America's ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, who earlier this week sought to distance herself from the proposed contact.
We dont think we need a Band-Aid, and we dont think we need to smile and take a picture. We think that we need to have them stop nuclear weapons, and they need to stop it now," she said.
South Korea offers to hold talks with North on Olympic cooperation
The US State Department warned the proposal could be an attempt to "drive a wedge" between Washington and Seoul.
The call lasted roughly 20 minutes but its contents were not made public.
North Korea shut down the hotline in retaliation for the closing of a border factory town jointly operated by the two Koreas.
North Korea's KCNA news agency quoted Ri Son Gwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, as saying the talks would aim to establish formal dialogue about sending a North Korean delegation to the Olympics.
"We will try to keep close communications with the south Korean side from sincere stand(sic) and honest attitude, true to the intention of our supreme leadership, and deal with the practical matters related to the dispatch of our delegation," he said.
North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Show all 13 1 /13 North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents react after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un signing an order to test-fire the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile KRT via AP Video North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch A news broadcast displays Kim Jong Un's signed document AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch People cheer as they watch the news broadcast announcing Kim Jong Un's order to test-fire the new inter-continental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Residents react after the document signing AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents celebrate Kim Jong Un's announcement AFP/Getty North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Cheering Pyongyang residents react AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch To counter North Korea's missile test, South Korea fired missiles into the East Sea The Defence Ministry/Yonhap via REUTERS North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The Hyunmu-2 missiles firing during the drill South Korean Defense Ministry vi North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The exercise was carried out in an attempt to counter Kim Jong Un's order South Korea Defense Ministry via AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The South Korean army continue to carry out military exercises AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Where K-9 self-propelled howitzers were taking part in a drill Rex Features North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch US soldiers are also present in the border city of Paju AFP/Getty Images
In his New Year address, Mr Kim said he was willing to send a delegation to February's Winter Olympics, across the border in Pyeongchang.
But he also said he had a "nuclear button" on his desk and that the US mainland was within reach of his expanding weapons programme.
In response, Mr Trump tweeted: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!
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The Egyptian Embassy in Khartoum was officially informed on Thursday that Sudan has recalled it's ambassador to Cairo today for consultation, the spokesman for Egypt's foreign minstry said tonight
The foreign ministry spokesperson added that Egypt is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the situation in order to take the appropriate measure.
A statement by the Sudanese foreign ministry issued earlier Thursday announcing Khartoum's decision to recall its envoy to Cairo did not say why or how long he would stay, Reuters reported.
Short link:
Years before he could boast about the size of his nuclear button, Donald Trump got his kicks by having sex with his friends wives.
Or at least that is the claim being made in what some sceptics are now calling the tell-all book that Trumps post-truth presidency deserves.
After the pussy-grabbing tape and accusations of sexual misconduct from 19 women, Mr Trump must now face Fire and Fury, the warts and more warts book by controversial US journalist Michael Wolff.
Amid allegations covering everything from Russia to Ivankas jokes about her fathers hair, comes Mr Wolffs assertion that once upon a time Trump liked to say that one of the things that made life worth living was getting your friends wives into bed.
In pursuing a friends wife, Wolff wrote, he would try to persuade the wife that her husband was perhaps not what she thought.
Then hed have his secretary ask the friend into his office; once the friend arrived, Trump would engage in what was, for him, more or less constant sexual banter.
Do you still like having sex with your wife? How often? You must have had a better f*** than your wife? Tell me about it. I have girls coming in from Los Angeles at three oclock. We can go upstairs and have a great time. I promise ...
All the while, Trump would have his friends wife on the speakerphone, listening in.
For good measure, Wolff adds that one of the Presidents friends described him as having a lot in common with Bill Clinton, Except that Clinton had a respectable front and Trump did not.
Which just leaves one little question: is it true?
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. 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Wolff and his friends, of course, say it is. With a surprisingly small dash of journalistic cunning, they say, the writer was able to get inside probably the most chaotic presidency in decades.
Because according to New York magazine, one of the first to publish extracts of the book, the Trump administration was too inexperienced to impose limits on what Wolff could see and report.
There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed, the magazine said.
So, Wolff said, after Trumps inauguration he was able to take up something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing.
The book, he added, was based on more than 200 interviews with current and former Trump confidants and staff.
Which may of course have been his first problem.
Political journalist Benjy Sarlin of NBC News was among the first to point out: One problem with all insider accounts of Trump is that many of his insiders have a similar take on truth to Trump. It adds a gigantic grain of salt.
Although, arguably, the first person to point out Wolffs problem was Wolff himself.
In his books introduction, he wrote: Many of the accounts of what has happened in the Trump White House are in conflict with one another; many, in Trumpian fashion, are baldly untrue.
Those conflicts, and that looseness with the truth, if not with reality itself, are an elemental thread of the book.
Sometimes I have let the players offer their versions, in turn allowing the reader to judge them.
In other instances I have, through a consistency in accounts and through sources I have come to trust, settled on a version of events I believe to be true.
No one has yet addressed the alleged seduction of other mens wives, but the book is attracting a steadily growing number of denials despite still being five days away from going on sale.
Trump himself appears to have got his lawyers to issue cease-and-desist notices to the books publisher, warning of possible libel action against Wolff, and to former presidential adviser Steve Bannon, accusing him of breaching a confidentiality agreement.
The President has also issued a statement, apparently in response to what Mr Bannon was quoted as saying in the book about a treasonous meeting between Donald Trump Jr and a Russian lawyer.
Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, said Mr Trump. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders backed her boss up by calling Wolffs book trashy tabloid fiction filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House.
Tony Blair, the pretty straight sort of guy himself, also popped up on BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Thursday, denying the details of his own guest appearance in the book.
Wolff had said the former Prime Minister had gone to the White House in February 2017 angling for a Middle East adviser job. Mr Blair said this was complete fabrication, from beginning to end.
The Presidents billionaire chum Thomas Barrack Jr has denied ever telling a friend that Trump is not only crazy [but] stupid. Ex-White House adviser Katie Walsh has disputed a comment attributed to her in the book that dealing with Trump was like trying to figure out what a child wants.
And they are hardly the first to question Wolffs ability to quote accurately.
Wolff, 64, has written for a string of prestigious publications and won the National Magazine Award for commentary in 2002 and 2004.
But along the way questions have been raised about whether what he says is always 100 per cent accurate. Sometimes Wolff himself appears to have fuelled the questioning.
In his first best-seller Burn Rate, about his time as a 1990s internet entrepreneur, he confessed to stalling bankers by making up a story about his father having open-heart surgery.
How many fairly grievous lies had I told? he wrote. How many moral lapses had I committed? How many ethical breaches had I fallen into?
Like many another financial conniver, I was in a short-term mode.
And after the book was published, it was reported that a dozen people disputed the way they were quoted in it.
Wolff, though, got a job writing a media column at New York magazine. Pretty soon book editor Judith Regan was disputing nearly every line of the column Wolff wrote about her, saying she hadnt spoken to him in 30 years.
Other complaints about misquoting followed.
Now The Washington Post is drawing its readers attention to a New Republic profile of Wolff, written in 2004 when he had just won his first National Magazine Award.
In it, the New Republic writer Michelle Cottle stated, pretty bluntly: Much to the annoyance of Wolffs critics, the scenes in his columns arent recreated so much as created springing from Wolffs imagination rather than from actual knowledge of events.
Even Wolff acknowledges that conventional reporting isnt his bag. Rather, he absorbs the atmosphere and gossip swirling around him at cocktail parties, on the street, and especially during those long lunches at Michaels.
Intriguingly, given what the Fire and Fury author now says about his semi-permanent seat on the West Wing couch, Cottle quoted an editor who has worked with Wolff as saying: His great gift is the appearance of intimate access. He is adroit at making the reader think that he has spent hours and days with his subject, when in fact he may have spent no time at all.
He was never dull though.
Cottle quoted the qualified admiration of one of Wolffs former colleagues.
He did get a lot of things majorly wrong, the ex-colleague said, But he never was just pedestrian.
You have to admire his balls.
The President, of course, is unlikely to be so forgiving.
As to whether or not others believe the stuff about sleeping with the wives of friends: perhaps its a fair bet to say that those who hate Mr Trump will decide its true, and his base will instantly dismiss it as fake news.
Former White House strategist Steve Bannon once called President Donald Trump's daughter and White House adviser Ivanka Trump "dumb as a brick", according to the latest excerpt from a book that claims to provide a near-inside view of the tumult within the West Wing during the first year of Mr Trump's presidency.
Mr Bannon's quote is detailed in an excerpt provided to the Wall Street Journal. The book has been met critically by some who point out seeming factual inaccuracies. The White House has also denied many of the allegations.
The former White House advisor, who left the White House to run Breitbart News, didn't respond to requests for comment from that newspaper, but a source close to him reportedly did not deny the varacity of the insult.
Mr Trump himself attacked Mr Bannon after the excerpts -- which included comments from Mr Bannon saying that a previous meeting between Trump campaign officials and Russians in Trump Tower was "treasonous" -- saying that his former strategist had nothing to do with his campaign, or his time as president.
"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency," Mr Trump wrote in a statement distributed by the White House. "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."
Tiffany and Ivanka Trump mocked for Mar-A-Lago Christmas video
Mr Bannon reportedly had a strained relationship with much of the top White House during the nearly seven months he was there. In addition to the apparent conflict with Ms Trump, Mr Bannon frequently sparred with her husband, Jared Kushner, as well as former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus.
The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images
The "treasonous" comments in the book's manuscript revolve around a meeting that has become a focus of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 election. The meeting was reportedly set up by Donald Trump Jr after he received an email from a Russian-linked source, who promised he could connect him with a Russian-linked lawyer who could deliver dirt on Hillary Clinton.
Mr Bannon indicated that he felt that taking the meeting was ill-advised, and that they would have been wiser to take the meeting in a nondescript location, with lawyers, and that notifying the FBI may have been a smart move.
A new book detailing the tumultuous inner workings of Donald Trumps White House offers fascinating insights into his fledgling administration.
Journalist and author Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House contains lurid details about the first few months of the Trump presidency.
The claims, many of which are strongly disputed by the White House, left Mr Trump furious and disgusted, his press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said.
From the Presidents eating habits to his daughters reported desire to run for office, here are some of the highlights.
Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner have struck a deal for her to become US President, the book claims.
Mr Trumps daughter and son-in-law discussed her ambitions to be Americas first female leader when they accepted jobs at the White House following the 2016 election, according to excerpts.
Mr Wolff writes that Ms Trump and her husband accepted posts as advisers in the West Wing over the advice of almost everyone they knew in the hope that his presidency would catapult them into a heretofore unimagined big time.
Ivanka Trump appears at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, to talk about tax cuts and reform in November (Getty Images) (Getty)
The infamous meeting between a Russian lawyer and Donald Trumps eldest son and other senior members of his campaign team was treasonous and unpatriotic, ousted White House strategist Steve Bannon is reported to have said.
Mr Bannon is said to have claimed that Special Prosecutor Robert Muellers probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election was increasingly focused on possible money laundering.
Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV, he added, according to details of the book seen by The Guardian.
Mr Trump hit back at the claims, saying Mr Bannon had lost his mind and has nothing to do with me or my presidency.
Mr Trumps lawyer, Charles Harder, also threatened legal action against the former aide over disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements.
He had a longtime fear of being poisoned, one reason why he liked to eat at McDonalds nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade, writes Mr Wolff.
The author claims the President didnt want White House staff touching anything in his room, especially not his toothbrush.
He reprimanded the housekeeping staff for picking up his shirt from the floor, an excerpt from the book continues, quoting Mr Trump as saying: If my shirt is on the floor, its because I want it on the floor.
Mr Trump eating a McDonald's meal
Much has been made of the size of the crowd for Mr Trumps inauguration, with the Presidents former spokesman Sean Spicer famously having insisted that the President drew the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration, period.
But Mr Wolffs new book suggests there were other elements of the day that left Mr Trump unsettled.
The 20 January ceremony, attended by almost every living former US president, did not have enough A-list stars to please the new commander in chief, the book claims.
Mr Trump was also reportedly unsatisfied with his accommodation and argued repeatedly with his wife, Melania.
The scene of Donald Trump's inauguration as US President on January 20 2017 (L) and Barack Obama's first swearing in ceremony in 2009 (Reuters (L) Getty (R))
Trump and his aides didnt believe he would win
Most polls in the run-up to the 2016 presidential election gave Hillary Clinton the edge. But Mr Wolffs book claims the Trump team including the President-to-be himself were dubious he could win.
Even though the numbers in a few key states had appeared to be changing to Trumps advantage, neither [Kellyanne] Conway nor Trump himself nor his son-in-law, Jared Kushner the effective head of the campaign wavered in their certainty: Their unexpected adventure would soon be over, Mr Wolff writes.
Not only would Trump not be president, almost everyone in the campaign agreed, he should probably not be.
Trump found the White House scary
The corridors of the White House, lined with paintings of past heads of state, must be an intimidating place for any new president particularly one who had never held elected office.
Recommended Trump scraps controversial voter fraud commission
And Mr Wolffs account of the early days of the administration suggest Mr Trump found 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue vexing and even a little scary.
He retreated to his own bedroom the first time since the Kennedy White House that a presidential couple had maintained separate rooms, claims Mr Wolff.
In the first days, he ordered two television screens in addition to the one already there, and a lock on the door, precipitating a brief standoff with the Secret Service, who insisted they have access to the room.
Mr Trumps trademark feature is his orange-yellow hair. And, according to Mr Wolff, it was also a target of mockery for his daughter and top aide.
Ms Trump treated her father with a degree of detachment, even irony, going so far as to make fun of his comb-over to others, he writes.
The account suggests the President uses hair dye which darkens the longer it is left on. Impatience resulted in Trumps orange-blonde hair colour, Mr Wolff claims.
Donald Trump's hair is seen at a 2015 rally in Washington (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)
Michael Flynn was aware Russia speech money would be bad
Michael Flynn was aware that accepting Russian money for a speech was not...a good idea, the book claims.
Mr Trumps former National Security Adviser allegedly took $45,000 from Moscow and had been told by friends that it had not been a good idea.
Well it would only be a problem if we won, he is quoted as telling them.
Tony Blair denies claims contained in the book that he warned Mr Trumps aides British spies may have had them under surveillance during the 2016 election.
The former Prime Ministers team called the claim a complete fabrication after it was published in Mr Wolffs tell-all book.
A report in The Times suggested Mr Blair passed on a juicy rumour that the British had had the Trump campaign staff under surveillance, monitoring its telephone calls and other communications and possibly even Trump himself.
The US State Department announced it is suspending security assistance and aid to Pakistan until Islamabad takes action against the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani network terror groups after President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of "deceit and lies" when working with the US.
The total amount withheld from the country that has been an important logistical stop for US troops fighting in Afghanistan - America's longest war - is approximately $255m (188m).
"Today we can confirm that we are suspending ... security assistance only to Pakistan at this time until the Pakistani government takes decisive action against groups including the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network. We consider them to be destabilizing the region and also targeting U.S. personnel," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said during a briefing.
Ms Nauert said some aid could be let through should Islamabad demonstrate taking "decisive action" against these groups, but she did not elaborate as to what kind of action that should be or if any of the currently-withheld security assistance money could be used for it.
For now, military equipment will not be transferred nor any security-related funds, but it is unclear what "exceptions" will be made, which Ms Nauert mentioned.
A State Department representative has not yet responded to a request for comment.
Mr Trump had tweeted for the first time in 2018 that the US has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit."
Mr Trump also tweeted that Pakistan give[s] safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry could not be reached for comment, but Minister Khawaja Asif had said about Mr Trump on the local GeoTV station: He has tweeted against us and Iran for his domestic consumption.
He is again and again displacing his frustrations on Pakistan over failures in Afghanistan as they are trapped in dead-end street in Afghanistan, Mr Asif said.
Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir-Khan responded via Twitter as well, writing that Pakistan is an anti-terror ally of the US and as such has provided the American military with land & air communication, military bases & intel cooperation that decimated Al-Qaeda since 2001 when the war started as a response to the September 11th attacks.
The minister did not mention that terrorist Osama bin Laden was living in the garrison town of Abbotabad for several years before he was killed in a special forces raid during the previous administration of Barack Obama in 2011.
He tweeted that the US has given us nothing but invective & mistrust.
Mr Dastgir-Khan also accused the US of ignoring cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.
US Defence Secretary James Mattis had already delayed a military-specific aid package of $50m (37m) in July over concerns Pakistan was not doing enough to tamp down on the Haqqani Network or Taliban terror groups - both priorities for the US across the border in Afghanistan.
Though Pakistan is considered a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) ally of the US, it still needs the annual certification which Mr Mattis stalled in order to get the yearly aid package.
Agencies have contributed to this report.
State and local officials have called the Trump administrations sanctuary city rhetoric outrageous and unhinged after a top immigration official floated the idea of targeting local politicians in municipalities that seek to protect undocumented immigrants.
The harsh comments came after acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Thomas Homan told Fox News Neil Cavuto that he hoped the Justice Department would challenge sanctuary cities in the court, and that the department should hold these politicians personally accountable.
We gotta take [sanctuary cities] to court, and we gotta start charging some of these politicians with crimes, Mr Homan said.
Mr Homan continued on to say that California Governor Jerry Brown, who signed a state-wide sanctuary bill last year, should expect more immigration agents in his state.
If he thinks ICE is going away, we're not, Homan said. There's no sanctuary from federal law enforcement. As a matter of fact, we're in the process now I'm going to significantly increase our enforcement presence in California. We're already doing it. We're going to detail additional enforcement assets to California. California better hold on tight they're about to see a lot more special agents, a lot more deportation officers in the State of California. If the politicians in California don't want to protect their communities, then ICE will.
Officials and advocates say that those types of comments reflect a disrespect for the law shown by the Trump administration when it comes to immigration, and that the administration turns a blind eye to actual laws and court challenges currently on the books across the nation.
New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Show all 27 1 /27 New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Ethnic Yemenis and supporters protest against President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban Men pray during a protest by ethnic Yemenis and supporters over President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen on February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. At least 1,000 Yemeni-owned bodegas and grocery-stores across the city shut down from noon to 8 p.m. today to protest the order. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People gather for evening prayer at a rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally with flags at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest US President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban People rally at Brooklyn Borough Hall as Yemeni bodega and grocery-stores shut down to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen, on February 2, 2017 in New York. Bryan R. Smith/AFP/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner places a sign on the gate of his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 02: Yemeni business owner Musa closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty New York City bodegas strike to protest Trump's travel ban A Yemeni business owner closes the gate to his store February 2, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Across the city, Yemeni owned bodega and grocery-stores will shut down from noon to 8 p.m. to protest President Donald Trump's Executive Order banning immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. It is expected that over 1000 stores will be closed in protest with workers and owners participating in an afternoon rally in Brooklyn. Spencer Platt/Getty
Wed encourage this individual to better educate himself on what laws in California do and dont do before frothing and fear mongering on Fox News, Evan Westrup, a spokesman for Mr Browns office, told The Independent in a statement.
The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised sanctuary city policies, which allow local police and authorities to exercise discretion in response to federal immigration detainer requests when it comes to non-violent offenders. President Donald Trump has himself criticised the programmes, threatening to pull funding from the cities even though the legality of doing so has been questioned.
The Trump administration has also been ramping up immigration detentions in a change in policy that has been criticised as increasingly indiscriminate. At the same time, however, Mr Trump has overseen less overall deportations than his predecessor.
Californias state sanctuary bill from last year does not prohibit ICE agents from doing their jobs, does not prohibit sheriffs from allowing ICE agents to visit California jails to conduct routine interviews, and does not prohibit cooperation with federal officials for deportations related to serious offences.
The Trump Administrations anti-immigrant policies have taken a turn from the inhumane to the comically absurd. Whats next - deporting anyone who didnt vote for Trump? Kevin de Leon, the California State Senate leader and author of the bill, told The Independent in an email.
These threats from Homan are proof positive that the Trump Administration and ICE are basing their immigration enforcement on fear and not fact, pure hate and no heart, Mr de Leon continued. This is why California wont help them tear our families apart.
Other states have taken the opposite tact compared to California, and have been met with legal challenges. In Texas, for instance, the passage of Senate Bill 4, which would have outlawed sanctuary city policies in the state, was met with fierce opposition that tied parts of the bill up in the courts.
In New York City, the largest sanctuary city in the United States, officials similarly said that attacks on their policies and politicians is an unfortunate hallmark of the Trump campaign.
These unhinged and misinformed comments are irresponsible even for the Trump Administration, Seth Stein, a spokesman for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, told The Independent in an email. This is just another example of the Trump Administration twisting the facts about localities to stoke fear in an attempt to advance its deportation agenda.
Tony Blair has denied he warned Donald Trumps aides that British spies may have had them under surveillance during the 2016 election.
The former Prime Ministers team called the claim a complete fabrication after it was published in a tell-all book by US author Michael Wolff.
Previous reports suggested Mr Blair had met Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son-in-law, a number of times.
Now Mr Wolff claims he passed on the juicy rumour that the British had had the Trump campaign staff under surveillance, monitoring its telephone calls and other communications and possibly even Trump himself.
The allegation was first reported by The Times.
A Blair spokeswoman told The Independent: The allegations printed in The Times are categorically absurd. They are a complete fabrication, have no basis in reality and are simply untrue.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
Mr Wolff also claims in Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House that Mr Blair tried to land a role as a Middle East adviser to Mr Trump.
The former Labour leader has previously denied similar claims as an invention.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, asked about other claims in the book, said it was filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House.
The Pentagon has said US President Donald Trump has agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the Winter Olympics.
Mr Trump consulted with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the matter, according to Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning.
The Winter Olympics begin on 9 February amid rising concerns over a nuclear North Korea.
The decision pushes back a set of annual military exercises known as Foal Eagle, which are usually held between February and April. Foal Eagle is a series of exercises designed to test the readiness of the US and South Korean militaries.
The move comes after US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said there is evidence that North Korea is testing yet another nuclear weapon, once again in violation of UN sanctions.
Seoul also announced that it would begin direct talks with Pyongyang.
Mr Moon ran his presidential campaign last year with the promise and goal of a "sunshine policy" towards North Korea; more open economic relations and direct negotiating to achieve peace.
Mr Trump took credit for brokering the talks on Twitter, however.
Ms Haley said at a news conference at the United Nations, however, that the US "won't take any [inter-Korean] talks seriously" unless Pyongyang bans all its nuclear weapons and testing.
"They can talk with whoever they want," she said about North Korea, but made the US requirements clear.
North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Show all 13 1 /13 North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents react after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un signing an order to test-fire the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile KRT via AP Video North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch A news broadcast displays Kim Jong Un's signed document AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch People cheer as they watch the news broadcast announcing Kim Jong Un's order to test-fire the new inter-continental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Residents react after the document signing AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents celebrate Kim Jong Un's announcement AFP/Getty North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Cheering Pyongyang residents react AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch To counter North Korea's missile test, South Korea fired missiles into the East Sea The Defence Ministry/Yonhap via REUTERS North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The Hyunmu-2 missiles firing during the drill South Korean Defense Ministry vi North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The exercise was carried out in an attempt to counter Kim Jong Un's order South Korea Defense Ministry via AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The South Korean army continue to carry out military exercises AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Where K-9 self-propelled howitzers were taking part in a drill Rex Features North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch US soldiers are also present in the border city of Paju AFP/Getty Images
Mr Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un have been trading barbs throughout the US President's first year in office; Mr Trump called Mr Kim "Rocket Man" multiple times and the North Korean state news agency had called the US leader a "dotard".
In his New Year's address, Mr Kim threatened he has a "nuclear button" on his office desk and warned that "the whole territory of the US is within the range of our nuclear strike."
Donald Trump has nixed a controversial voter fraud commission that he created after falsely claiming that millions of people had voted illegally.
Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry, The White House said in a press release.
Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action.
Mr Trump launched the voter fraud commission after having claimed, without any evidence, that millions of people had voted illegally and he would have otherwise lost the popular vote (his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, outpolled him by about 2.8 million votes).
Given that context, sceptics warned that Mr Trumps investigation was informed by a false premise and intended to verify his unfounded claim. But even before Mr Trump broadcast his falsehood, questions about the integrity of elections and laws advanced to address the alleged issue came to carry partisan baggage.
Republican-controlled states have in recent years passed voting restrictions that are touted as means to ensure fair elections. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who has championed such measures, was tabbed to help lead Mr Trumps commission.
US Election night in pictures Show all 24 1 /24 US Election night in pictures US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Reuters US Election night in pictures Reuters US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Reuters US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures Getty US Election night in pictures AFP/Getty Images
Critics, including Democrats, counter that evidence of voter fraud is vanishingly rare and warn that efforts to roll back early voting and require identification at the polls are effectively attempts to suppress liberal-leaning constituencies. Judges have agreed with those arguments in striking down some new voting laws.
The commission never had anything to do with election integrity, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. It was instead a front to suppress the vote, perpetrate dangerous and baseless claims, and was ridiculed from one end of the country to the other.
From the start, Mr Trumps voter fraud commission was hobbled by the refusal of most states to share voters information and beset by legal challenges including one filed by a commission member, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap. State election officials rejected requests for their voter rolls as invasions of privacy. Pushback came from members of both parties.
They can go jump in the Gulf of Mexico and Mississippi is a great state to launch from, Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said in a June statement. Mississippi residents should celebrate Independence Day and our states right to protect the privacy of our citizens by conducting our own electoral processes.
The government in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has cut the number of discretionary holidays around Muslim festivals in religious schools, while making it compulsory for them to remain closed on some festivals of other faiths.
Previously, Muslim institutions in the state were only required to close during the major national, non-Muslim festivals of Ambedkar Jayanti and Holi.
The new annual calendar proposes that madrassas now shut for celebrations such as Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, the Times of India reported.
The institutions will also be shut on Mahavir Jayanti - a festival in Jainism - as well as during the Hindu festival of Dussehra and at Christmas.
The calendar proposes the number of recognised dates in the Islamic calendar cut from 10 to four.
Registrar of the UP Madrassa Board Rahul Gupta, told the Times of India: The 10-day holiday used to be at madrassas' discretion, but now this is predetermined and distributed round the birthdays of great leaders.
It's important for students to know who these people were.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
Eijaz Ahmed, president of the Islamic Madarsa Modernisation Teachers' Association, said: Madrassas are religious institutions that do require different kinds of leave around a number of minority events for which the former discretionary leave was used.
There is no problem in addition of holidays of other faiths, but it is totally wrong to cut down the ten discretionary special leaves.
A North Korean missile reportedly crashed into one of its own cities after it failed just minutes following its launch.
US officials said the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) was initially thought to have disintegrated mid-flight after it was fired on 28 April last year.
However, new data suggests it landed in the city of Tokchon, around 90 miles north of the secretive communist countrys capital, Pyongyang. Tokchon has a population of around 200,000.
North Korea TV shows video of ballistic missile launch
The missile likely exploded on impact, causing significant damage to a complex of industrial or agricultural buildings, The Diplomat magazine reported, citing a US intelligence source alongside satellite imagery.
After its launch from the Pukchang airfield, the missile flew approximately 24 miles to the north-east, the report stated, adding that it flew no higher than around 43 miles.
A US government source said the missiles first stage engines failed around a minute after it was launched.
Satellite images taken after the test show a cleared area where a building once stood (centre right) and damage to a greenhouse, beneath the cleared area (Google Earth)
Liquid-fuel missiles can cause massive explosions when they fail, and satellite images from Google Earth taken after the test show a cleared area where a building once stood and damage to a greenhouse caused by debris.
However, as the publication pointed out, it is impossible to verify whether the accidental strike caused any deaths due to the secretive nature of the North Korean regime.
North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Show all 13 1 /13 North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents react after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un signing an order to test-fire the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile KRT via AP Video North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch A news broadcast displays Kim Jong Un's signed document AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch People cheer as they watch the news broadcast announcing Kim Jong Un's order to test-fire the new inter-continental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Residents react after the document signing AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents celebrate Kim Jong Un's announcement AFP/Getty North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Cheering Pyongyang residents react AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch To counter North Korea's missile test, South Korea fired missiles into the East Sea The Defence Ministry/Yonhap via REUTERS North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The Hyunmu-2 missiles firing during the drill South Korean Defense Ministry vi North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The exercise was carried out in an attempt to counter Kim Jong Un's order South Korea Defense Ministry via AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The South Korean army continue to carry out military exercises AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Where K-9 self-propelled howitzers were taking part in a drill Rex Features North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch US soldiers are also present in the border city of Paju AFP/Getty Images
The report highlights the danger of another North Korean missile test failing at the wrong time. If the missile fell towards Japan, its trajectory may resemble an attack.
The hermit kingdom, which has launched ballistic missiles over Japan since August 2017, gives no warnings before its tests, leaving nearby countries and the United States little time to determine whether missile launches are a test or a legitimate attack.
The report also warned that the Norths newly constructed tunnels, hangars and storage sites mean its missiles wont be sitting ducks easily targeted on known launch pads.
The Diplomat article comes as Japans Prime Minister warned that the security situation facing his country is the most perilous since the Second World War because of North Koreas unacceptable provocations.
Shinzo Abe says Japan will work with South Korea and US on pressuring North to stop nuclear tests
It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War Two, Shinzo Abe said, as he vowed to bolster the countrys defences and protect the Japanese people.
By raising pressure on North Korea, together with the international community, I intend to do my utmost to solve North Koreas nuclear, missiles and abduction issues.
Earlier this week, Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said the US was hearing reports North Korea might be preparing to fire another missile.
A ballistic missile launch was possible, if not likely, in the coming days, military officials told NBC News. One official said a possible launch could happen mid-week, while another called the timeline short term.
Donald Trump also mocked Kim Jong-un by saying he had a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than the North Korean dictator.
North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger and more powerful one than his, and my Button works! the US President tweeted.
Lasheen Ibrahim, head of the National Electoral Commission (NEC) which is in charge of supervising the 2018 presidential election, has announced this week an election timetable will be made public on Monday.
Article 140 of the constitution stipulates all measures necessary to hold the presidential election must be announced 120 days ahead of polling day, said Ibrahim. This means a timeline needs to be announced as soon as possible in order for the vote to be conducted on time in April.
Ibrahim indicated the election would take place in the second half of April and by 3 May 2018 a week before Ramadan begins Egypt will have elected a president.
Informed sources say candidate registration has been scheduled for the first half of February. Mohamed Fahim Darwish, former head of Egypts Criminal Court and an election expert, told Al-Ahram Weekly the NEC will need to hold the 10-day registration period in February so the following month, March, can be devoted to settling election appeals and campaigning.
Ibrahim says the NEC is currently updating voter lists. An estimated 60 million Egyptians will be entitled to vote in the coming poll and the updating of voter lists will continue until the ballot day is announced by the NEC.
In an interview with the daily Al-Ahram Ibrahim said the number of polling stations will be increased to make voting easier. Electronic voting will also be allowed for the first time in the coming poll though it will be on a limited scale.
All polling stations will be under the supervision of judges.
We are committed to implementing the principle of a judge for every ballot box in the coming presidential election, said Ibrahim. In addition to judges, local and foreign civil society organisations will be able to monitor the poll.
A total of 389 public notaries across Egypt has been authorised to help citizens compile candidate recommendation forms.
Because hopeful candidates are required to collect signatures from citizens in different governorates a form has been designed to facilitate the process. Thousands of copies will be available through public notaries.
In the end we hope citizens will be keen to vote, encouraged by the necessary guarantees the poll will be fair and transparent.
The aim, says Ibrahim, is that the coming presidential poll will push Egypts democracy forwards.
The NEC will do its utmost to ensure candidates are treated on an equal footing in terms of campaigning, spending and media coverage.
According to Article 142 of the constitution, presidential candidates must secure the recommendation of at least 20 elected MPs or 25,000 eligible voters drawn from a minimum of 15 governorates, with at least 1,000 recommendations per governorate.
A ceiling of LE20 million has been set on campaign spending in the first stage of the poll, and of LE5 million in any run-off.
Commentators expect at least four presidential bids to be announced once the timetable is made public.
Although President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi has yet to give a final say on whether he will run he is expected to throw his hat into the ring once an election date is announced by the NEC, says Al-Ahram political analyst Amr Hashim Rabie.
A number of political parties and activists have already announced their backing for Al-Sisi though election rules clearly state campaigning can only begin after a final list of presidential candidates is made public by the NEC.
Political activists and parties already campaigning for President Al-Sisi are violating both the constitution and election regulations contained in legislation governing presidential elections, claims Rabie.
Darwish disagrees. Activists and parties backing Al-Sisi insist their campaigns aim only at collecting signatures from members of the public on petitions urging President Al-Sisi to run for a second term.
The pro-Al-Sisi In Order to Build It campaign said on 24 December that 13 million citizens had signed its petition urging the president to run for a second term. The campaign now intends to spread its net wider and encourage Egyptian expatriates to sign the petition.
Mohamed Al-Sewidi, head of the pro-regime Support Egypt parliamentary bloc, says the groups MPs have also been busy collecting signatures urging Al-Sisi to stand.
We support President Al-Sisi for a second term and once he takes a final decision we will coordinate with political activists on how to back his presidential campaign, said Al-Sewidi.
Rabie expects leftist lawyer and human rights advocate Khaled Ali and liberal politician Mohamed Anwar Al-Sadat to announce their candidacies once the registration door is opened, alongside former prime minister Ahmed Shafik who returned from the United Arab Emirates last month to prepare for his bid.
It is important that the poll is competitive and voters are able to see candidates from different political backgrounds who present programmes between which citizens can choose in a democratic climate.
*This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly
Short link:
The security situation facing Japan is the most dangerous since the Second World War because of North Korea's "unacceptable" provocations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said
The Japanese premier vowed to bolster Japan's defences in the face of the increased threat, but did not provide specific details.
Relations with the North have become more strained in recent months, particularly since the isolationist state conducted its sixth and largest nuclear test in September.
Recommended North Korea reopens hotline with South Korea
In November, the North said it had successfully tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach any part of the US mainland.
"It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since the Second World War. I will protect the people's lives and peaceful living in any situation," Mr Abe told a New Year news conference.
Japan increased its military budget last month for the sixth year in a row, increasing spending by 1.3 per cent to 5.19 trillion yen (34bn).
Around 137bn yen was earmarked for improvements to ballistic-missile defences, while 11bn yen was set aside to improve warning systems to help Japan deal with more complex threats, such as multiple missiles fired simultaneously. In March, North Korea launched four missiles simultaneously that landed in the Sea of Japan.
US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, said this week the US was hearing reports North Korea might be preparing to fire another missile, and she warned it not to.
It is absolutely unacceptable that North Korea is trampling the strong desire of Japan and the rest of the international community for peaceful resolutions and continuing with its provocative behaviour, Mr Abe said.
Mr Abe has said he wants to amend Japans pacifist constitution with the aim of loosening constraints on the military, although the public is divided over changes to the charter imposed after Japans World War Two defeat.
War-renouncing Article 9 of the constitution, if read literally, bans the existence of standing armed forces, but has long been interpreted to allow a military for exclusively defensive purposes.
Mr Abe said he wanted more debate on the issue.
I would like this to be a year in which public debate over a constitutional revision will be deepened further, he said.
North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Show all 13 1 /13 North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents react after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un signing an order to test-fire the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile KRT via AP Video North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch A news broadcast displays Kim Jong Un's signed document AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch People cheer as they watch the news broadcast announcing Kim Jong Un's order to test-fire the new inter-continental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Residents react after the document signing AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents celebrate Kim Jong Un's announcement AFP/Getty North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Cheering Pyongyang residents react AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch To counter North Korea's missile test, South Korea fired missiles into the East Sea The Defence Ministry/Yonhap via REUTERS North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The Hyunmu-2 missiles firing during the drill South Korean Defense Ministry vi North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The exercise was carried out in an attempt to counter Kim Jong Un's order South Korea Defense Ministry via AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The South Korean army continue to carry out military exercises AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Where K-9 self-propelled howitzers were taking part in a drill Rex Features North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch US soldiers are also present in the border city of Paju AFP/Getty Images
Mr Abes Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition retained its two-thirds super majority in parliaments lower house in a 22 October election, re-energising his push to revise the constitution.
Reuters contributed to this report
China's leader Xi Jinping said his countrys soldiers should fear neither hardship nor death as they fulfil the tasks bestowed by the Party and the people in the new era.
Addressing a military assembly in the northern province of Hebei, he called on the approximately 7,000 service men and women to create an elite and powerful force that is always ready for the fight, capable of combat and sure to win.
The comments from the Chinese Premier, who has consolidated his grip on power by ousting rivals in recent years, were met by a prolonged and thunderous applause, according to the state run Peoples Daily tabloid, which added that they vowed to resolutely obey Chairman Xis order.
Troops had gathered in 4,000 separate locations across the country to listen to the speech, the newspaper reported.
This is the first time since the founding of the country that instructions on military training have been directly issued by the chairman of the CMC [Central Military Commission], and it shows that improving combat readiness is now a strategic mission for the Chinese military, retired Major General Xu Guangyu told The Global Times, another state run newspaper.
It is the latest in a series of high-profile military reviews on the mainland and Hong Kong.
The display comes just a month after Mr Xi became the most powerful Chinese leader since Chairman Mao Zedong.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
At the Communist partys five-yearly Congress in October, the president had his ideas officially incorporated in the constitution the first Chinese leader to receive such an honour since Mao.
It prompted some commentators to suggest that Mr Xi is developing a cult of personality around his leadership and will not step down after the customary 10 years in power.
The seven-man leadership committee which was unveiled at the conference had no obvious heir to follow in Mr Xis footsteps.
Typically the chosen successor to the President serves as Vice-President for several years before taking over as Mr Xi took over from Hu Jintao in 2012.
But the current office holder, Li Yuanchao, is 66 and the party norm is for officials to retire at 68.
It has prompted some to suggest that Mr Xi, who is 64, may try to defy the unofficial retirement age and stay on in power after his second five year term is up in 2022 by building up support within the party.
He has continued to purge his rivals through his anti-corruption drive.
One of his closest rivals, Bo Xilai, was jailed for corruption and expelled from the party in 2012 after his wife was convicted of murdering British businessman Neil Heywood at a hotel in Chongqing in the south west of the country.
Nine backpackers were taken to hospital after accidentally overdosing on a drug they mistakenly believed was cocaine.
The drug was identified by authorities in Perth, Australia, as hyoscine, a common prescription drug used to treat travel sickness.
The group of seven men and two women, all aged between 21 and 25, reportedly included people from France, Germany, Italy and Morocco.
They suffered seizures, paralysis, overheating and hallucinations. Two people, believed to be French were in critical condition when they were admitted to hospital. The rest were discharged.
Police said emergency services found people unconscious or semi-unconscious.
One Italian victim told The West Australian that the drug had arrived at their house in a package addressed to someone who did not live at the property.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
The white powder was wrapped in a piece of paper with scoop written on the outside.
Hyoscine, also known as scopolamine, is prescribed to treat extreme motion sickness to prevent vomiting, but it has been used as a date rape drug due to its ability to incapacitate people in larger doses.
A sexism row has erupted after Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel, was criticised for refusing to follow protocol by standing behind her husband on state visits.
Ms Macron said this week she would no longer take a back seat in her role as First Lady, choosing instead to walk beside the President during official outings as she looks to take on a more meaningful role at the Elysee Palace.
A woman today does not have to be behind, she explained, according to radio station RTL.
Her declaration prompted derision and unflattering comparisons on social media.
Its confirmed: Brigitte Macron, unelected, thinks she is the Queen of France, sneered one tweet, while another said: We elected your husband, not you, so stay where you were please, darling.
Some likened Ms Macron to Marie Antoinette, the countrys last queen before the French Revolution, while others pointed out male spouses such as the Duke of Edinburgh were also expected to step back during state visits.
French politicians also waded in. Gilbert Collard a far-right MP and ally of Front National leader Marine Le Pen, joked in reference to the 24-year age gap between the French President and his wife: I imagine Macron, two steps behind, sucking his presidential thumb.
Donald Trump tells Brigitte Macron that she is in such good shape
But some accused Ms Macrons critics of lacking respect, with one telling Mr Collard: You still live in the olden days, sadly you are old-fashioned.
Tristan Bromet, Ms Macrons chief of staff, told French magazine Gala the First Ladys decision to flout convention showed her marriage was a modern union in which the woman is placed at the same level as the man.
Ms Macron is expected to take up position alongside the President when the couple visit China next week.
Last year the French leader was forced to abandon plans to give his wife an official salaried role as First Lady after more than 300,000 people signed a petition opposing the appointment, which would have required a change of the countrys constitution.
Under French tradition, the Presidents partner draws no salary but has state-funded staff and expenses.
Emmanuel Macron has said he will overhaul media law in France this year to fight the spread of "fake news" on social media.
Since he was elected last year, the French President has criticised Russian media in particular, openly accusing TV channel RT of sowing disinformation about him via its website and social media during the presidential election.
"If we want to protect liberal democracies, we must have strong legislation," Mr Macron told a news conference on Wednesday.
Mr Macron said the legislation would concern social media platforms, especially during election periods, and deeply change the role of France's media watchdog CSA.
Websites would have to say who is financing them and the amount of money for sponsored content would be capped, the French president said.
In the case of fake news published during elections, an emergency legal action could allow French authorities to suppress that content or even block access to the website, Mr Macron said.
He claimed press freedom would not be threatened by the proposed bill because it would only apply during campaigns.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
During last year's campaign Mr Macron was the subject of rumours about offshore banking which his party, En Marche, denounced as "fake news". He filed a legal complaint against his opponent, Marine Le Pen, for citing them publicly.
Speaking to journalists at the Elysee Palace, Mr Macron denounced the fact that "there is a financial strategy aiming at fostering doubt, forging alternative realities, that allows people to think that the media and politicians always are more or less deceptive".
He also said France and the European Union should consider "the consequences" of the recent US decision to eliminate net-neutrality protections for the internet, but did not elaborate.
"Press freedom is not only attacked by dictatorships, it is also battered in countries that are democracies" including in Europe, he said. He made a reference to Hungary and Poland and their recent crackdowns on media freedom.
Russia has warned the United States not to interfere in what Moscow calls Irans domestic affairs.
Donald Trump has pledged great support for Iranian protesters, who have been staging rallies across Iran over the past week against the countrys clerical leadership.
Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government, the US President tweeted. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!
We warn the US against attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sergei Ryabkov, the Russian deputy foreign minister said in an interview with state news agency TASS.
Mr Ryabkov also said Washington is tempted to use the moment to raise new issues with regard to the JCPOA, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that limits Irans nuclear programme, including restrictions on uranium enrichment for 10 years.
At least 21 people have been killed in the demonstrations, which are the largest to strike Iran since its disputed 2009 presidential election.
It is not immediately clear if the drop in reports of new demonstrations means the protests are subsiding or whether the authorities blocking of social media apps has stopped protesters from offering new images of rallies.
Iran protests in pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Iran protests in pictures Iran protests in pictures University students at an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures A university student at a protest inside Tehran University while a smoke grenade is thrown by anti-riot Iranian police, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures University students at a protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures University students run away from the police during an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures An image grab taken from a handout video released by Iran's Mehr News agency reportedly shows a group of men pulling at a fence in a street in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests in pictures Demonstrators gather to protest in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, December 30 2017 Iran protests in pictures Iranian clerics take part during a state-organized rally against anti-government protests in the country, in the holy city of Qom, south west Iran, 3 January 2018 EPA Iran protests in pictures In this photo provided by the Iranian Students' News Agency, a clergyman takes a picture of a pro-government demonstration in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, Iran, 3 January 2018 ISNA via AP Iran protests in pictures Pro-government demonstrators gather at the Massoumeh shrine in Iran's holy city of Qom, some 130 kilometres south of Tehran, 3 January 2018 AFP/Getty
Irans army chief said police forces had already quelled anti-government unrest, but his troops were ready to intervene if needed as thousands took to the streets in support of the government in new state-sponsored rallies.
Although this blind sedition was so small that a portion of the police force was able to nip it in the bud... you can rest assured that your comrades in the Islamic Republics army would be ready to confront the dupes of the Great Satan [United States], state media quoted Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi as saying.
Following six days of demonstrations, the Revolutionary Guard said on Wednesday it had deployed forces to quell unrest in three provinces where most of the trouble had occurred, in the clearest sign authorities were taking the protests seriously.
The Revolutionary Guard were instrumental in suppressing an uprising over alleged election fraud in 2009 in which dozens were killed.
Pro-regime supporters in Iran take to the streets in State TV footage
In a letter to United Nations officials, the Iranian ambassador, Gholamali Khoshroo, complained Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs.
He said Mr Trump and his Vice President, Mike Pence, were personally stirring up trouble. The President and Vice President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote.
Mr Trumps UN envoy, Nikki Haley, has called for an emergency Security Council meeting on Iran, saying the UN needed to speak out in support of the protesters. A meeting is yet to be scheduled.
Russia considers the proposal for an extraordinary meeting as harmful and destructive, Mr Ryabkov said in separate comments to Russias RIA news agency.
We see no role for the United Nations Security Council in this issue, he said.
A government body in Turkey has suggested that girls as young as nine and boys as young as 12 could marry under Islamic law, prompting the country's main opposition party to call for an investigation into child marriages.
An online glossary of Islamic terms was posted by Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs or Diyanet which is responsible for administering religious institutions and education.
The website said that, according to Islamic law, whoever had reached the age of adolescence had the right to marry.
Elsewhere, the beginning of adolescence was defined as nine and 12 for girls and boys respectively.
Although the glossary has since been removed, 30 MPs from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) have called upon the government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into child marriages.
The legal age of marriage in Turkey is 18, or 17 with parental consent. In exceptional circumstances people can marry at 16, subject to court approval.
However, child marriage in religious ceremonies is widespread in Turkey, taking place in clandestine ceremonies often conducted by a local elder and held at a family's home.
It is a problem the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) claimed it was trying to curb when it brought forward a controversial bill in 2016, which would have allowed men who sexually abused children the chance to have their convictions quashed if their married their victims.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
We cannot ignore this, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said at the time on the subject of child marriage. There are 3,800 cases and thousands of children. The children are paying the price of their parents mistakes.
Parliament approved the bill in the initial reading but it was pulled before it could reach a final vote, after thousands took to the streets in protest.
Murat Bakan, CHP's MP for Izmir and one of the 30 who called for the investigation, said: "The Turkish Civil Code clearly states that adulthood begins at the age of 18.
"Early marriages violate children's rights, women's rights, human rights. As CHP MPs we ask parliament to investigate child marriages."
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Seeking to clarify its stance Diyanet said that the glossary was merely meant as interpretation of Islamic laws.
"Forcing a young girl to marry someone before they obtain the psychological and biological maturity, and before they gain the responsibility to make a family and become a mother, would not comply with Islam, which puts consent and will as a condition in a marriage," it said in a statement. "Our directorate has never approved early marriages in the past, and it never will."
Although accurate data on the extent of the problem is difficult to come by, 15 percent of girls in Turkey are estimated to be married before their 18th birthday.
Eleven people have been killed and dozens wounded after a suicide bomber blew himself up in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
The blast happened close to a group of security personnel who were carrying out an operation against illegal drugs and alcohol dealing, officials said.
Wahid Majroh, a spokesman for the ministry of public health, said 11 dead and 25 wounded had been brought to city hospitals after the blast in an area of the city not far from the US Embassy and other foreign missions.
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As security forces arrived, a Reuters reporter saw four police vehicles carrying dead or wounded security personnel from the scene.
A security official at the scene confirmed the explosion had been caused by a suicide attack and Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid said at least five police had been killed.
An official at the ministry of public said 15 wounded had been brought into city hospitals.
Police officers at the scene said the bomber had been wearing police or army uniform and had approached a group of security personnel near where the controls on illegal drugs and alcohol had been carried out, but there was no official confirmation.
"Kabul police forces were there to prevent a possible protest when a suicide bomber approached them and detonated his suicide vest," Mr Mujahid said.
Protesters demand better security in Kabul Show all 10 1 /10 Protesters demand better security in Kabul Protesters demand better security in Kabul A woman tries to stop police from firing on protesters during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Afghan security officials use a water cannon to disperse demonstrators as they protest against a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, 02 June 2017. At least 90 people were killed and more than 350 wounded in a suicide bomb attack near the foreign embassies in Kabul on 31 May. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul A policeman rests during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Protesters shout anti government slogans during a demonstration to protest against the lack of security in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, Jun 2, 2017. Some 500 people are demonstrating in Kabul for better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed 90 people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Police forces run as protesters throw stones during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Protesters shout anti government slogans during a demonstration to protest against the lack of security in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, Jun 2, 2017. Some 500 people are demonstrating in Kabul for better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed 90 people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Protesters throw stones toward security forces during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. ( AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Police forces run as protesters throw stones during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul Protesters throw stones toward security forces during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP Protesters demand better security in Kabul A boy walks past protesters during a demonstration in Kabul, Afghanistan, Friday, June 2, 2017. Hundreds of demonstrators demanded better security in the Afghan capital in the wake of a powerful truck bomb attack that killed scores of people. AP
Isis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it had killed or injured some 80 Afghan police and security people.
While Afghan forces backed by US air strikes have claimed some success against Taliban insurgents since the US announced a stepped up military strategy last year, high profile attacks on civilian targets in Kabul have continued.
The attack happened days after a suicide bomber killed at least 41 people and wounded more than 80 at a Shi'ite cultural centre in Kabul, underlining the precarious security situation in the Afghan capital.
That attack was claimed by Isis, which has claimed responsibility for a number of similar attacks in Afghanistan over the past two years.
Reuters
An Israeli soldier has shot dead a 17-year-old Palestinian boy in occupied territory near Ramallah in the West Bank, the Israeli army has said.
Musab Firas al-Tamimi is believed to be the first Palestinian killed by Israeli forces in 2018.
He died shortly after the occupation forces fired a bullet into his neck, Maria Aqraa, a spokesperson for the Palestinian health ministry, told Al Jazeera.
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The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said in an emailed statement the teenager was taking part in a violent riot in Deir Nidham, around 14 miles northwest of Ramalla, that involved dozens of Palestinians.
Troops saw a rioter that appeared to be armed with a gun, the IDF said.
In response to the threat, forces shot towards the rioter, it said, adding that the incident was being reviewed.
The 17-year-old was critically injured when he was shot in the neck, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent told The Times of Israel.
Musab's death brings the number of Palestinians killed in unrest since Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israels capital in December to 14, the Palestinian health ministry said.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. 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. 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The IDF said on Thursday it had launched a criminal investigation into the death of disabled Palestinian man, Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh, at a protest along Gazas security fence last month.
Palestinian medical records showed he was killed by a bullet that struck him in the head, the Associated Press reported.
The military closed its initial probe into the death of Mr Abu Thurayeh after only a day, saying forces fired at protesters, but not directly at the wheelchair-bound double amputee. It was impossible to determine the cause of his death, it said.
Palestinian officials say the paraplegic activist was killed by Israeli sniper fire, but the military denies the claim.
Suspected Russian jets have killed at least 30 people, including 11 women and a child, and wounded dozens more in bombing raids on a besieged rebel enclave east of the Syrian capital, residents and a war monitor said.
At least four bombs flattened two buildings in the Eastern Ghouta town of Misraba, in an attack that killed around 20 and wounded more than 40 people, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and civil defence sources said.
Elsewhere in Eastern Ghouta, the last major rebel enclave near Damascus, at least ten people were killed in aerial strikes in other nearby towns, the Observatory, rescuers and residents said.
The Observatory, a war monitor based in Britain, said 11 women and a child were among the dead in the strikes in Misraba, which it said were carried out by Russian planes.
It said the death toll is expected to rise as some of the wounded are in a critical condition.
Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Show all 11 1 /11 Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Karim was injured twice from bombings on Eastern al-Ghouta, rebel-held Douma, Syria. He lost an eye, as well as his mother in the government shellings. EPA Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Activists worldwide launched a campaign in solidarity with Karim as a symbol for the besiegement of Eastern al-Ghouta AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling After spending 10 days at a hospital Karim Abdul Rahman was discharged to his house, in which another bombing led to a shrapnel to injure his skull. EPA Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Many people in the rebel-held town of Douma in Syria's besieged eastern Ghouta region, have joined in AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling A manon the street poses covering one eye AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Karim's aunt has been caring for him EPA Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling Children in Syria have joined in the campaign AFP/Getty Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling A girl poses covering one eye with her hand in the rebel-held town of Douma AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling A man poses covering one eye AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling As part of a campaign in solidarity with a baby boy, Karim, a child poses covering one eye with his hand AFP/Getty Images Syrian solidarity with baby who lost eye during government shelling This combination of pictures shows Syrians covering one eye with their hands in the rebel-held town of Douma AFP/Getty Images
Video footage posted by activists on social media showed rescue workers pulling women and children from the rubble. The footage could not be independently confirmed.
Backed by Russian strikes, government forces have escalated military operations against Eastern Ghouta in recent months, seeking to tighten a siege that residents and aid workers say is a deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war, a charge the government denies.
The rebel assault aims partly to relieve that pressure.
Jets have pounded rebel-held Harasta when rebels this week overran a major base in the heart of the enclave which residents say the army uses to pound residential areas.
Vladimir Putin meets Syrian president Bashar Assad
The United Nations says about 400,000 civilians besieged in the region face "complete catastrophe" because aid deliveries by the government were blocked and hundreds of people who need urgent medical evacuation have not been allowed outside the enclave.
Russia rejects opposition and human rights groups' accusations its jets have been responsible for the deaths of thousands of civilians since its major intervention two years ago that turned the tide in favour of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Scores of hospitals and civil defence centres have been bombed in what the opposition said is a "scorched earth policy" to paralyse life in rebel-held areas.
Moscow asserts it only attacks hardline Islamists.
Female French militants arrested in Kurdish-held parts of Syria should face justice there so long as they can be guaranteed a fair trial, the French government said on Thursday.
Debate has been swirling in France over the fate of women who went to Syria to marry Islamist fighters and now find themselves in custody, following a series of defeats for the Islamic State group.
This week Emilie Konig, a 33-year-old Muslim convert from Brittany who became a notorious militants recruiter, became the latest of a string of European women to plead publicly to be repatriated.
But French government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux indicated Thursday that there were no plans to bring her home.
If "there are legal institutions capable of guaranteeing a fair trial assuring their right to a defence", women arrested in Kurdish-held Syria should be "judged there", Griveaux told RMC radio.
"Whatever crime may have been committed -- even the most despicable -- French citizens abroad must have a guaranteed right to a defence," he added. "We must have confirmation of that."
Konig, who features on UN and US blacklists of dangerous militants, was arrested in early December and is being held in a Kurdish camp with her three young children along with several other French women.
"They have been arrested, and as far as we know they did not surrender of their own accord," Griveaux said. "They were arrested in combat."
Konig's lawyer Bruno Vinay argued Wednesday that France must repatriate her under its "international commitments".
A policeman's daughter who converted after meeting her first husband, Konig set off for Syria in 2012, leaving her first two children in France to join her new partner, who was later killed.
She frequently appeared in propaganda videos and French intelligence intercepted messages to her contacts at home urging them to attack French institutions or the wives of soldiers.
Some 30 French militants, both men and women, are currently in the custody of Kurdish and Iraqi forces, according to a source close to the investigation.
In October, around 20 families wrote to President Emmanuel Macron urging him to bring their daughters home to face the courts in France, warning they could face torture or death if left in Syria or Iraq.
Of some 5,000 EU militants believed to have gone to fight, around a third have returned home, according to the Soufan Center, a US-based NGO that conducts research on global security.
So far, France, Germany and Britain have tackled returnees on a case-by-case basis.
In France, rightwing politicians have come out firmly against repatriation, saying such women chose to betray their country and should be left to their fate.
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Most of us know the extremely rare but slightly creepy feeling of driving down a road or seeing a hill or listening to a conversation and being overcome by the absolute conviction that weve seen it or heard it before. Perhaps in an earlier incarnation. Or maybe just a few years ago, though we may not be able to place the experience in a time frame. It took me quite a while before a trusted friend was able to pinpoint why I found Irans latest miniature street revolution so weird. And so familiar. And so chilling.
Lets run through the sequence of events. A large number of young, disenfranchised and poor/unemployed young people take to the streets of a Middle East nation to complain about their poverty, the corruption of the regime, their own lack of freedom and quickly, they turn against their own leaders. Perfectly justified. But within days, guns are being used against opponents of the government which both claims the peoples right to freedom of speech but warns that those who use violence will pay the price. At least 21 two of them members of the security forces are killed as protestors respond to the shoot-to-kill tactics of the governments armed supporters.
The most powerful leader supported by state militias complains that the unrest is fomented by foreigners, traitors, spies. The most senior leader in the state puts it all down to money, weapons, politics and intelligence services. America, Britain and Saudi Arabia are named as the principal suspects. And then vast pro-government crowds dwarfing in numbers (if not in enthusiasm) the demonstrators, march in their hundreds of thousands to condemn the street protests, holding pictures of their beloved leaders above their heads. The regime calls the protests finished.
Iran protests in pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Iran protests in pictures Iran protests in pictures University students at an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures A university student at a protest inside Tehran University while a smoke grenade is thrown by anti-riot Iranian police, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures University students at a protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures University students run away from the police during an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures An image grab taken from a handout video released by Iran's Mehr News agency reportedly shows a group of men pulling at a fence in a street in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests in pictures Demonstrators gather to protest in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, December 30 2017 Iran protests in pictures Iranian clerics take part during a state-organized rally against anti-government protests in the country, in the holy city of Qom, south west Iran, 3 January 2018 EPA Iran protests in pictures In this photo provided by the Iranian Students' News Agency, a clergyman takes a picture of a pro-government demonstration in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, Iran, 3 January 2018 ISNA via AP Iran protests in pictures Pro-government demonstrators gather at the Massoumeh shrine in Iran's holy city of Qom, some 130 kilometres south of Tehran, 3 January 2018 AFP/Getty
The parallels are not exact the similarities much more so but isnt this pretty much, word for word, what happened in Syria in 2011? Isnt this the same scenario, the same stage-play, the same script? A mass of impoverished rural poor crushed by the madcap agricultural policies of their own government began to demonstrate against the Assad administration, then against its corruption and then quickly demanded its overthrow, just as demonstrators in Iran can today be seen burning posters of Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, and President Hassan Rouhani. The security forces began to shoot down protestors. And much earlier than we believed at the time armed opponents of the regime in the spring of 2011 began to attack the Syrian military, along the northern Lebanese border near Homs and in Deraa.
Bashar al-Assads regime immediately claimed that a foreign hand was at work behind the terrorists a word not used (yet) by the Iranian government about their armed opponents and named America and Saudi Arabia as conspiring to bring civil war to Syria. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians loyal to the regime paraded through Damascus each week waving posters of Assad. Repeatedly, the Syrian government referred to the crisis as finished.
It was not. But, despite the efforts of America and Saudi Arabia (and Britains support for regime change), Assad clung on with the same tenacity as the Iranian regime crushed the 2009 protests after the very dodgy presidential election victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (a man who had a lot in common with Donald Trump).
Now I shall drag forth my favourite, creaking but still relevant institution, the Department of Home Truths. No, Iran is no Western-style democracy when its officials decide who may or may not stand for president. But it does have a genuinely working parliament and after the experience of Trumps triumph not to mention a George W.Bush victory of doubtful provenance comparing Iranian freedoms with American freedoms may not be a great idea right now.
My own concerns lie in the inherent cruelty of a regime which can send a young and innocent woman to the gallows as a prison official yells taunts at her mother on the daughters mobile phone. Ive said before that the gallows stain Iran far more than the centrifuge.
You can negotiate over a nuclear facility. You cant reboot death. Take, for example, Delara Darabi only 23 years old who was dragged to the gallows in 2009, screaming to her mother on her mobile phone: Oh mother, I can see the hangmans noose in front of me. They are going to execute me. Please save me.
Delara had falsely confessed to killing her fathers cousin to save her boyfriend from the hangman. As the poor girl was strung up, her male executioner grabbed her phone and sneered to her mother that nothing could save her daughter now. Then president Ahmadinejad told me the same year that he was against capital punishment. But the Iranian judiciary was independent of the government, he announced. I do not want to kill even an ant.
He did nothing, of course. Almost 700 human beings were dragged to the gibbet in 2015, another 567 in 2016. Many of the victims, to be sure, were drug dealers. But their trials were shambolic and the executions contaminate the Islamic Republic as surely as they besmirch the authority of Hassan Rouhani, the man whom we were enjoined to trust after the Tehran nuclear agreement.
But now lets return to those haunting parallels between Iran and Syria. The Israeli war with Hezbollah in Lebanon in 2006 was an attempt to destroy Syrias closest ally in Lebanon and Irans protege. It failed. The Hezbollah claimed they won. They did not, but the Israelis lost. The next target became Syria in 2011. We know only part of the mournful, atrocious story since then. But the West and Israel lost again. Assad survived. He has won with the help of those pesky Russians and the Hezbollah and Iran.
And so now, is it Irans turn? Almost the same tactics. The same screenplay. The same enemies Saudi Arabia watches with delight. Britain hums and haws about human rights that is Boriss contribution but the Americans are gung-ho on the side of the innocent (if increasingly dangerous) protestors. The world is watching. Sure it is. But what puzzles me is that while Iran makes its usual claims of US conspiracies, the American media and our own, for that matter have not in this context once mentioned the name of a US intelligence official who was getting star billing only six months ago as the man appointed by Trump to run the CIAs Iran operations.
How very odd. For the New York Times, back in June, was profiling the new role of the Dark Prince or Ayatollah Mike as he was also apparently dubbed as one of a number of moves inside the spy agency that signal a more muscular approach to covert operations under the leadership of Mike Pompeo. Iran has been one of the hardest targets for the CIA quoth the paper that publishes all the news thats fit to print. The challenge to start carrying out President Trumps views falls to Mr DAndrea, a chain-smoking convert to Islam ... Perhaps no single CIA official is more responsible for weakening al-Qaeda ... Mr Trump has appointed to the National Security Council hawks eager to contain [sic] Iran and push regime change, the groundwork for which would most likely be laid through CIA covert action.
In the years after the 11 September attacks, the New York Times notes, DAndrea was deeply involved in the detention and interrogation programme, which resulted in the torture of a number of prisoners and was condemned in a sweeping Senate report in 2014 as inhumane and ineffective. DAndrea took over the CIAs Counterterrorism Centre in 2006 and, according to the paper, operatives under his direction played a pivotal role in 2008 in the killing of Imad Mougniyeh, one of Hezbollahs most senior officials (albeit in semi-retirement) in Damascus. DAndrea was apparently also instrumental in vastly increasing the use of pilotless drone attacks on the Pakistan-Afghan border.
A formidable adversary for the Iranians, therefore as well as the Syrians but its very odd we havent heard any more about him for all these months. Isnt he taking a serious interest in the latest events in Iran? Surely he is. Thats his job, isnt it? But why this silence? Are we unable to connect any threads here? Is there perhaps, maybe, by chance alone, nudge-is-as-good-as-a-wink, some link between the intelligence services about whom poor old Khamenei waffles in Tehran and the intelligence services run by Michael DAndrea, the man who must start carrying out President Trumps views? Im not at all sure that the world is watching. But it should be.
So that, it would appear, may be that. As Iranian city streets filled with pro-regime demonstrators, the head of Irans Revolutionary Guard declared the defeat of sedition by which he meant the past week of protests. But is what many saw wishfully, perhaps as the most serious threat to theocratic rule since the ayatollahs came to power really over, and was it that serious anyway?
The very use of the word sedition certainly amounted to an admission that the unrest had passed beyond a revolt against economic grievances, to acquire more than a tinge of the Green Movement protests that broke out after the 2009 presidential election. Not only that, but the complex of motivations had something of the sadly misnamed Arab Spring. Is Iran, with its overwhelmingly young population, its frustrated youth, and the double blight of Western sanctions and low oil prices, simply a decade or so behind the regional curve? If so, will the anti-regime protestors fade away, or will they regroup and return not this week or next, perhaps, but in months or a year?
So much of history depends on where you start from and the lens you are viewing it through. And any interpretation of the latest protests in Iran is no different.
For those who came in, as it were, after 1979 when the Islamic Revolution that swept Ayatollah Khomeini to power, they can indeed be seen as the first serious threat to theocratic rule, both by virtue of the political complexion they assumed and the rapid and wide geographical spread. They were not just, as some have argued, like a reprise of the provincial food protests of early 1990s. There seems to be or to have been more to them than this.
My perspective, however, is a little different. I spent a summer in Iran in the early 1970s, when the Shah was still in power, American backing for the regime was visible and an Islamic uprising was (barely) on the radar. Younger city women worked and wore heels and lipstick and regarded their chador-ed sisters in the religious cities and the countryside as backward. The assumed trajectory assumed that is by Irans urban middle class, by foreign investors and by the UK and Washington was that Iran was rapidly modernising and would take its place as a leading, and reliably pro-Western, regional power.
Pro-regime supporters in Iran take to the streets in State TV footage
Within the decade, that prospect was gone. And in 1978-79, watching the television footage of mass demonstrations in the south of Tehran and the triumphant return of Khomeini, I remembered some other details of my Persian summer, when I had stayed with, and been shown the country, by my formidable aunt.
Mary Isaac was headmistress of a charitable girls school in Isfahan, a character made of the same sort of determined and pioneering stuff as the solitary female travellers of earlier years. She had aspired to be a Christian missionary in China, but the missions there were being closed, and she was assigned to Persia instead. By the time the Shah nationalised education and declared that all school heads (among others) had to be civil servants, she was more educator than missionary, and was granted Iranian citizenship to continue her job.
When I visited, she was living in retirement in a flat in the precincts of her school, more Iranian in many ways than British. She even adopted an Iranian girl.
What I recalled in 1979, though, was this. She despaired of the impracticality of many of the new educated middle class, their condescension as she saw it towards their uneducated compatriots, and their refusal to become involved in politics, which left the field clear for clerics and the corrupt. She was also acutely aware of the authority wielded, largely invisibly, by the mullahs. That, she told me, nodding towards a small group of berobed and turbanned clerics conversing at the entrance to the bazaar, is where the real power lies.
She also took me into the depths of the countryside, where mores and conditions were essentially biblical. The gap between rich and poor, between those with education and without, between north Tehrans Westernised fast set and the shanty town that stretched as far as you could see on the citys southern rim and gave Ayatollah Khomeini his mass support base was obvious.
Iran protests in pictures Show all 11 1 /11 Iran protests in pictures Iran protests in pictures University students at an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures A university student at a protest inside Tehran University while a smoke grenade is thrown by anti-riot Iranian police, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures University students at a protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures University students run away from the police during an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures An image grab taken from a handout video released by Iran's Mehr News agency reportedly shows a group of men pulling at a fence in a street in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests in pictures Demonstrators gather to protest in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AP Iran protests in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, 30 December 2017 AFP/Getty Iran protests in pictures Iranians chant slogans as they march in support of the government near the Imam Khomeini grand mosque in Tehran, December 30 2017 Iran protests in pictures Iranian clerics take part during a state-organized rally against anti-government protests in the country, in the holy city of Qom, south west Iran, 3 January 2018 EPA Iran protests in pictures In this photo provided by the Iranian Students' News Agency, a clergyman takes a picture of a pro-government demonstration in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, Iran, 3 January 2018 ISNA via AP Iran protests in pictures Pro-government demonstrators gather at the Massoumeh shrine in Iran's holy city of Qom, some 130 kilometres south of Tehran, 3 January 2018 AFP/Getty
It never occurred to me at the time, and perhaps not to my aunt either, that the process of westernising widely seen as synonymous with modernisation would be eclipsed, either at all or for the early four decades it has been since Irans Islamic revolution.
Nor, I would hazard, did many appreciate how much that modernisation had been fostered from the outside, and how shallow and geographically limited its roots were. The very idea that a popular revolution could be regressive, rather than progressive, was hard to grasp, even though many a revolution can be seen with the benefit of hindsight to hold back development, rather than driving it forward.
Among the lessons I took from the overthrow of the Shah and the victory of an almost mediaeval theocracy was that attempts to impose or accelerate modernisation may be doomed to fail unless there is sufficient support or understanding for what is needed and the benefits spread beyond a privileged caste. The question then is whether Irans years under the ayatollahs have created the conditions where at least some of the sharper disparities have been eroded.
This, for me, is the question posed by the protests of the past week. Do they reflect a sudden and brief upsurge of exasperation that can be quelled by a few judicious price subsidies and the continued loosening, within boundaries, of theocratic rules? Or is there now a consensus for change, that could perhaps allow Iran to pick up where it so abruptly left off, though at a slower pace and with fewer of the artificially Westernising impositions?
Any new upheaval in Iran has far-reaching implications in the short term for the nuclear deal, and in the longer term for regional stability (Syria, Lebanon and Yemen) and regional power relationships (Saudi Arabia, Iraq). At best, social ferment could herald a new discussion at worst, it would descend into a fight: about what sort of country Iran wants to be, and how religion and the state might reach a new accommodation.
With so relatively few, either in Iran or abroad, now having a living memory of a very different Iran, the risk is of a Western lunge in pursuit of gain. Persians have always prided themselves on their long perspective. It is something the often short-termist West could usefully borrow.
Donald Trump and his cronies, blustering about the Russian investigation, do not see what is heading their way, Steve Bannon wanted to stress. They are sitting on a beach trying to stop a Category Five. The gathering storm is likely to be even fiercer after the US Presidents spectacular falling out with his former chief strategist and close ally.
In Michael Wolffs book, Fire and Fury, about this most extraordinary of presidencies, Bannon has a clear view of the direction special counsel Robert Muellers inquiry into Trumps Moscow connections is taking. This is about money laundering. Mueller chose Weissmann and he is a money-laundering guy. Their path to f***ing Trump goes right through Paul Manafort, Don Jr and Jared Kushner ... Its as plain as a hair on your face ... Theyre going to crack Don Jr like an egg on national TV.
Those who have been following the work by Muellers team would agree with that analysis. An increasingly prevalent view is that like Al Capone, Trump will be got on money. The investigators are looking deep into allegations of funds from Russian organised crime being used by the Trump organisation, focusing on individual suspects, and on specific projects.
There is also, of course, the strand of the investigation looking at whether Trump was the Muscovite Candidate in the presidential election and the Russians helped him to get to the White House. Three people, including Trumps former campaign manager, have already been charged and, in Bannons view, others are likely to follow including the Presidents son and his son-in-law.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
The former chief strategist to Trump has described a meeting in Trump Tower, New York, between Donald Jr, Jared Kushner, Paul Manafort and a Russian lawyer, with ties to the Kremlin, as treasonous and unpatriotic. Significantly, he made a point of stressing that there was zero chance that Donald Jr did not tell his father about the meeting which directly contradicts the Presidents claim that he knew nothing about it.
The scale of collusion between the Trump camp and the Russians and Donald Trumps own involvement is at the centre of the Mueller investigation and the special counsel would undoubtedly be keen to talk to the former White House chief strategist about what he knows.
The possibility of Bannon being questioned by Mueller has already been raised. He worked in the White House when Trumps national security advisor, Michael Flynn, left after his links with Moscow were revealed. Flynn subsequently pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and is now cooperating on the Russia probe. Bannon had discussed the firing of FBI Director James Comey with Trump, although he was later to say it was one of the worst mistakes in modern political history as it brought in Mueller with the extensive powers of special counsel.
Former Justice Department prosecutor Peter Zeidenberg commented: Post-election, theres a story every day about some other bombshell and Bannon would have had a conversation with Trump about it. It doesnt mean Bannon has violated any law, but theres no way this investigation gets done without him being interviewed thoroughly, the chance of him not being interviewed is zero per cent.
Its not just Muellers team who want to talk to Bannon. Congressman Adam Schiff, on the House Intelligence Committee carrying out its own inquiry into Russia and Trump, stated: It will be very important at an appropriate time to bring him before the committee. There are a whole range of issues we need to talk to him about.
Bannon appears to have been following the investigation closely. The Weissman he mentions is Andrew Weissmann, who has joined Muellers team. Nineteen years ago as a prosecutor he cut a deal with Felix Sater (aka Felix Sheferovsky) a Russian-born criminal being prosecuted for his role in a $40m organised crime scam which targeted the elderly, some of them Holocaust survivors.
Sater became an informer, avoiding a possible prison sentence of 20 years and a $5m fine (he paid $25,000 instead) and went on to provide information on Russian organised crime, American mafia families, al-Qaeda and foreign intelligence services according to recently unsealed Justice Department papers.
Afterwards Sater became a business associate of Trump, working for a real estate firm called Bayrock which had a suite of offices two floors beneath the Trump Organisations headquarters in Trump Tower. The two men appeared at ribbon-cutting ceremonies for joint projects and went on business trips together. Sater used Trump Organisation business cards.
Bayrock went into partnership with Trump over a hotel project, the Trump SoHo in New York. Trump SoHo is now part of the Mueller investigation over sources of funding from Russia and Kazakhstan. Sater is back helping Federal authorities into alleged money laundering by Viktor Khrapunov, Kazakhstans former energy minister, whose family invested 3.1m in Trump SoHo properties. It is not known if any or how much of the money went to Donald Trump.
Three months ago a joint investigation by the publications ProPublica, WNYC and The New Yorker found that Manhattan District Attorneys office had, in the past, dropped a criminal case for fraud against Ivanka Trump and Donald Jr after Donald Trumps long-term personal lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, made a personal contribution to the District Attorneys campaign. Kasowitz has been representing Donald Trump in the Russia investigation.
Michael Wolffs book recounts a conversation between Bannon and Roger Ailes in which the former Fox News head asks what Trump had gotten into with the Russians. Bannon replied: Mostly he went to Russia and he thought he was going to meet Putin. But Putin couldnt give a shit about him. So hes kept trying.
Sater told his childhood friend Michael Cohen, Trumps lawyer and a former vice-president of the Trump Organisation, that Putin would help Trump get to the White House. Our boy can become president of the USA and we can engineer it... I will get Putin on this programme and we will get Trump elected.
Sater could not engineer a meeting between Trump and Putin despite trying. But he was not without influence; he managed to arrange for Ivanka to sit on Putins chair when Trump asked him to squire her and Donald Jr on a trip to Moscow. Ivanka recalls a brief tour around the Kremlin and that this may have involved sitting at Putins desk.
Bannon, who has regularly disparaged Donald Jr, Ivanka and Jared Kushner, appears to believe that Donald Jr and Kushner at least will not escape the Russia inquiry unscathed. What secret Bannon himself holds and how much of it emerges is likely to depend on how the feud between Trump and the man who used to be described as the Shadow President unfolds in the coming days and weeks.
Almost the entire senior staff at the White House at the start of the Trump presidency, with the exception of Ivanka and Jared Kushner, have now gone. As well as Bannon this includes Michael Flynn, Katie Walsh, Sean Spicer, Reince Priebus, Gary Cohn, Dina Powell, Rick Dearborn and even longtime bodyguard Keith Schiller. Some of these people too may end up talking to Muellers team.
Meanwhile, Trump said in a statement, produced after several rewrites by the White House: Steven Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency, when he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee called Wolffs book a trashy tabloid fiction filled with false and misleading account from individuals.
Theres nothing sadder than a messy divorce. They just bring out the worst in people, and you can understand why. Divorce obliterates the foundations of all your hard-won hopes and dreams for the future. The end of a marriage can turn your world upside down, erode your sense of trust and really make you want to lash out at the person whos betrayed you.
One of the easiest ways to make your turncoat lover hurt? Plaster all of your hushed bedroom whispers far and wide for everybody to gawk at.
Those spilt secrets have the ability to bulldoze somebodys entire career. They destroy lives and if Steve Bannon gets his way, theyve got enough power to destroy a presidency, too.
But lets backtrack for a minute: does anybody actually remember who Steve Bannon is?
In case youve already forgotten, Bannons the ominously off-kilter head of the ultra-conservative Breitbart News Network which has this nasty habit of comparing birth control to the Holocaust.
'Political genius': Senate Leader Mitch McConnell mocks Steve Bannon
Bannon is often prepared to deploy a good homophobic slur, apparently thinks were all at war with Islam and is treated like some sort of political messiah by the far right. Hell, Bannons own ex-wife claimed the guy made antisemitic remarks but you get the idea. Hes totally toxic.
But to a friendless political outsider like Donald Trump, none of that mattered.
You see, nobody but Steve Bannon thought Trump had a snowballs chance in hell of beating the 17 actual Republicans vying for the partys 2016 presidential nomination. And so when Trump realised he had a firm friend in Steve, the worlds most unpleasant bromance was born.
They did everything together attack the media, belittle women, incite religious hatred it was just Trump and Bannon against the world.
Thats why a victorious Trump defied all logic by handing Bannon one of the most important (and made-up) jobs in the White House. As Chief Strategist, Bannon was effectively the Presidents right-hand man. He was privy to everything, and was often yelling in Trumps ear. The way most people told it, Steve Bannon was the one really calling the shots, too.
Thats ultimately why Bannon got sent to the chopping block back in August. After all, Steve was supposed to be Trumps personal cheerleader not de facto leader. And despite publicly thanking Bannon for his service and reportedly keeping him on speed dial for months after the break-up, Trump had to move on.
But Steve Bannon couldnt move on. Donald Trump was his entire world his ticket to eternal fame and glory. And if Steve cant have Donald, apparently neither can we.
This week, the White House has gone to Defcon One after Bannon accused Trumps son of treason for meeting with Russian operatives at Trump Tower in 2016. And ever the textbook definition of a bull in a china shop, Trump has already hit back by declaring Bannon a total failure whos lost his mind. Lawyers are getting involved, and this is definitely going to get pretty messy.
And you know what? By lashing out at Bannon, Donald Trump has tripped head over heels into his own political coffin but not for the reason you think.
Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters
At this point, Americas Teflon Don has been pretty much untouchable. Accusations of sexual assault, racism or dodgy business dealings dont faze him anymore. Theres no dirt icky enough to force him to resign or convince his congressional minions to issue a pink slip and to be honest, Steve Bannon probably hasnt got anything grimy enough to immediately rid us of Trump, either.
But in lashing out at Steve Bannon, the President has foolishly driven a sharp, bloody stake right through the heart of his own extremist support base. The voters who flocked to the couples shared banner must now choose a side, and this is going to be even more traumatic for the fans than when Brad split from Jen.
Are they going to pick the political heretic whos already flip-flopped on half his campaign promises, or do they stick with the alt-right prophet and true believer?
You can probably guess who the neo-Nazis will side with, but either way Americas most unpopular president loses. After all, by alienating the radicals and castigating Americas emphatic alt-right media scene, Donald Trump has totally squandered the biggest and loudest weapons in his arsenal. Hes just lost a huge chunk of his political capital, and theres no way to claw that power back.
Is this the end for Donald Trump? Probably not but things are only going to get worse for the guy.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reopened a key cross-border communication channel with South Korea for the first time in nearly two years Wednesday as the rivals explored the possibility of sitting down and talking after months of acrimony and fears of war.
The sudden signs of easing hostilities, however, came as President Donald Trump threatened Kim with nuclear war in response to his threat earlier this week.
In his New Years address Monday, Kim said he was willing to send a delegation to next months Winter Olympics in South Korea. But he also said he has a nuclear button on his desk and that all U.S. territory is within striking distance of his nuclear weapons, comments Trump latched onto Tuesday when he boasted of a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than Kims.
The two leaders exchanged crude insults last year, as the North received new U.N. sanctions over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test explosion and a series of intercontinental ballistic missile launches.
The recent softening of contact between the rival Koreas may show a shared interest in improved ties, but theres no guarantee tensions will ease. There have been repeated attempts in recent years by the rivals to talk, but even when they do meet, the efforts often end in recriminations and stalemate.
Outside critics say Kim may be trying to use better ties with South Korea as a way to weaken the alliance between Washington and Seoul as the North grapples with toughened international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.
Kims latest announcement, which was read by a senior Pyongyang official on state TV, followed a South Korean offer on Tuesday of high-level talks with North Korea to find ways to cooperate on next months Winter Olympics in the South and discuss other inter-Korean issues.
Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the state-run Committee for the Peaceful Reunification, cited Kim as welcoming South Koreas overture and ordering officials to reopen a communication channel at the border village of Panmunjom. Ri also quoted Kim as ordering officials to promptly take substantial measures with South Korea out of a sincere stand and honest attitude, according to the Norths state TV and news agency.
South Korea quickly welcomed Kims decision and later confirmed that the two Koreas began preliminary contacts on the channel. During their 20-minute communication, liaison officials of the two Koreas exchanged their names and examined their communication lines to make sure they were working, according to Seouls Unification Ministry.
Since taking office last May, South Koreas liberal President Moon Jae-in has pushed hard to improve ties and resume stalled cooperation projects with North Korea. Pyongyang had not responded to his outreach until Kims New Years address.
Relations between the Koreas soured under Moons conservative predecessors, who responded to the Norths expanding nuclear program with hard-line measures. All major rapprochement projects were put on hold one by one, and the Panmunjom communication channel had been suspended since February 2016.
Moon has joined U.S.-led international efforts to apply more pressure and sanctions on North Korea, but he still favors dialogue as a way to resolve the nuclear standoff. The Trump administration says all options are on the table, including military measures against the North. Moon has repeatedly said he opposes any war on the Korean Peninsula.
Some observers believe these differences in views may have led Kim to think he could drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington as a way to weaken their alliance and international sanctions.
Talks could provide a temporary thaw in strained inter-Korean ties, but conservative critics worry that they may only earn the North time to perfect its nuclear weapons.
After the Olympics, inter-Korean ties could become frosty again because the North has made it clear it has no intention of accepting international calls for nuclear disarmament and instead wants to bolster its weapons arsenal in the face of what it considers increasing U.S. threats, analysts say.
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If reports are to be believed, Bollywood's favorite couple, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone will be exchanging rings on the latter's birthday.
Earlier, it was being said that Deepika will be ringing in her birthday that falls on January 5 with her beau Ranveer in Sri Lanka.
The reports turned out to be true when, Ranveer was spotted at the Sri Lanka airport last week and Dippy who was holidaying in Vienna later flew down to Sri Lanka to join her man and spend time with him.
A close source was quoted by a leading daily, "The couple is going snorkelling, and will spend time with each other. There are people in Sri Lanka who can identify them, but then it's also a country that lets people be at peace and doesn't intrude on privacy. So, they will be able to spend quality time with each other."
And now, there are strong rumors that the couple will be getting engaged tomorrow.
If all these stories turn out to be true, then January 5, 2018 will be Ranveer- Deepika's engagement day!
Meanwhile, all we can do is wait and watch!
The path to victories for white Democrats is clear share power with the people that can put them in office. This holds true for both state and federal elections.
History has shown that while white candidates make pilgrimages to Black churches each election year like clockwork, they seldom cross the thresholds of those churches at any other time. We also know that white Democratic politicians hire smatterings of Black campaign workers for the sake of optics and to help with corralling Black support and enthusiasm. After their elections, these same politicians assign their Black campaign staffers to mostly ineffectual positions and hire precious few other people of color.
Despite our power to put Democratic candidates into office, Black folks often are no more than pawns on the political chessboard for many white Democrats. Anyone who doubts this needs to ask himself why African-Americans dont show up in the administrations of newly elected Democrats in the same proportion that we showed up for those Democrats at the polls.
Hillary Clinton was astonishingly tone deaf in her belief that she could muster Black support in a presidential election at the same levels enjoyed by Barack Obama. Claiming to carry hot sauce in her purse (a nod to a popular song by Beyonce at the time) and doing the nae nae on national TV to show she had a bond with a homogeneous Black electorate was insulting to many Black voters. Too many folks remembered her once referring to Black youth as predators. Too many people observed her campaign and saw no indication that there would be a significant improvement in the lives of African-Americans under a Clinton presidency.
While Clinton stumbled badly with Black folks (after all, she lost to the horror that was the Trump candidacy), Bernie Sanders fared no better. Sanders white campaign workers were breathtakingly tone deaf. The Bernie Bros acted as if they only had to say that Bernie marched with Dr. Martin Luther King 50 years earlier in order to gain Black support. Bernies campaign operatives in many Southern states ignored the Black political infrastructures that were already in place, thinking that white youth from out of state could parachute in and tell Black folks what to do. Never mind that local Black political activists had been working and managing local campaigns for decades.
It is a sad fact for Black folks that Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were the best that the Democratic party had to offer us in 2016.
This same old sad song of white Democrats failing to truly embrace inclusiveness continues to hit a sour note with Black voters. This off-key tune has a long history and continues to this day. In November 2017, Democrats in Virginia celebrated the victory of Justin Fairfax, the African-American attorney who won that states lieutenant governors seat. But the support he received from the Democratic Party during his campaign was shamefully, but typically, meager. Three decades earlier, when L. Douglas Wilder announced that he would run for lieutenant governor of Virginia, top state Democrats, fearful of having a Black candidate on the statewide ticket, met secretly to try to figure out what to do about the Wilder problem. Fortunately, they could not stop Wilder. He went on to become lieutenant governor and, four years later, became the states first Black governor.
History to the contrary, too many white Democrats refuse to learn that Blacks can win elections. Less than a week after Black voters were hailed for having saved America through a record turnout in Alabama to defeat Roy Moores bid for the U.S. Senate in December, pundits were advising the Democratic Party that it should reward its Black supporters by shoving them to the back of the political bus yet again. Bill Schers Dec. 20 article in POLITICO was typical of this bad advice. He suggested that in 2018, Democrats should run candidates like Doug Jones, who won a narrow victory over Roy Moore but polled lower than Moore among white voters.
Does Scher really believe that because it takes a right-of-center candidate like Doug Jones to get elected in Alabama, Democrats nationwide should shift their politics to the right and make Alabama politics the national standard? Scher may not realize it, but he is advocating that the Democratic Party reward its African-American voters by showing them that their interests, aspirations and lives dont matter.
We now stand in 2018, another busy election year. It is time to serve notice on the Democratic Party that Black folks no longer will be mere laborers in the field of politics. Any politicians expecting our support must incorporate Black staffers in effective policy-making positions in their campaigns and in their administrations.
More than 100 Black women have announced they will run for office in 2018. We should pay close attention to how their campaigns are supported, or not, by white Democratic Party chairs and higher ups.
It is time to demand that white Democrats support Black Democratic candidates. And it is past time for white elected officials to recognize the efforts of Black voters by bringing us to the tables of governance.
Oscar H. Blayton is a former Marine Corps. combat pilot and human rights activist who practices law in Virginia.
2017 has ended and she ushered in gave birth to another 365 days wherein humanity can strive toward human excellence, another blessed opportunity for us to set straight our affairs and to address unfinished business.
Our greeting is Happy New Year, but our prayer is that everyone has a very successful and healthy 2018 throughout all four seasons. A new year gives us a sense of newness when many of us will rededicate our lives to what is good and wholesome in hopes of making ourselves a better person.
A new year suggests that we got a new lease on life, that somehow we made it through some difficulties. It is at this time of the year when we despite our shortcomings recognize that our Creator has given us more than we deserve.
The Muslim calendar is observing the year 1439 A.H. (after hegira/migration). That means it has been 1,439 years since prophet Muhammed established his community in Medina, Arabia, after suffering 13 years of oppression and torture in Mecca, the town of his birth. The last Islamic new year occurred Sept. 21, 2017.
In America, we live under the Gregorian calendar. The year 2018 A.D. (anno Domini, Latin for the year of our Lord) is based upon the Christian era, also called the Common Era thus C.E. and A.D. are the same. The year 2018 is saying that 2,018 years have passed since the beginning of the Christian Era.
In Islam, time cannot contain our Creator, the Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that exist in between the two. We believe that our Creator Allah (G_d) is eternal, existing long before alpha and long after omega. Christians and Jews, too, believe in the eternal existence of an omnipresent masterful Creator of all that exists. New Years is observed differently on various calendars, but none can define or limit G_ds existence. Instead, each new year timestamps for mankind a mark indicating when their Creator extended His mercy upon us.
New Years in all of the worlds calendars represents a new birth in the lives of humanity. It is a chance to review the old and plan for the new as we seek to get closer to our families and communities, so that when the difficulties of life come our way, we can stand as a united family and confront what lies before us.
The new year also is a time for forgiving others as well as a time to forgive ourselves. It is a season for making all things new a renewal that is possible only if we dont hold onto old, tired ideas and values that repeatedly failed to answer our needs. This is the happiness of this new year that the Muslim American community wishes for our city, state and nation.
Lets pray to our Creator that He bless us to keep an awareness of the time that He has given us; that we make the best of the time we have been entrusted. Time is fluid and constantly passing us by, waiting on no one. It is very important that we do not let opportunities to speak out against injustice pass us by. We are reminded in Chapter 103 of the Quran: Verily in time mankind is lost, except for those who have faith and do righteous deeds, and counsel one another truth, patience and constancy.
Hopefully if we are blessed to live the whole year when Dec. 31, 2018, arrives, we all can humbly say, 2018 was a very good year. However, if we do not live each and every day that our Lord loans to us throughout the entire year with gratitude and faith, then that loan may become unbearable, yielding little or no return. Lets pray for the success of everyone within and around our lives. When all people around us are good, then everyone is in a good situation. Lets pray for the goodness of everyone regardless of their respective faith or belief system. This is the Muslim American hope for a happy and prosperous new year for all people. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Michael Saahir is the imam at Nur-Allah Islamic Center. He can be reached at nur-allah@att.net.
Neeta Bushan (second from left) pictured with the Indian American founders of the Chicago Womens Empowerment Campaign, Anuja Gupta (left), Rita Singh (second from right) and Shital Daftari. (photo provided)
Muslim women at Parliament Jan. 3, 2018. The government Jan. 3 tabled the Triple Talaq Bill in the Rajya Sabha amid uproar, with the Congress and other opposition parties demanding that it be referred to a parliamentary panel for detailed consideration. The government has got the bill passed in the Lok Sabha, ignoring the opposition's demand to refer the bill to a Parliamentary Standing Committee for closer scrutiny. (IANS photo)
Egypt's Minister of Interior Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar held a meeting on Thursday with top ministry officials and deputies to review plans for securing Christian places of worship for Coptic Christmas celebrations on 7 January.
Abdel-Ghaffar has ordered the highest security alert level as well as an intensified security presence around churches in coordination with the Armed Forces.
The minister also ordered an increased security presence on major streets and squares, public parks, areas of celebration and vital state facilities.
Coptic Orthodox Egyptians, who make up 90 percent of all Christians in the country, celebrate Christmas on 7 January. A minority of non-Orthodox Christians observed the holiday on 25 December.
Over the past two years, terrorist attacks targeting churches during religious holiday seasons have left dozens of Christians killed and injured.
Last week, nine people were killed and four were injured when a gunman opened fire outside the Mar Mina Church in Cairo's Helwan.
On Palm Sunday last April, 47 people were killed in two suicide bombings at the St George Cathedral in Tanta and St Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria.
In December 2016, a suicide bombing targeting Cairo's St Peter and St Paul Church killed 29 people, mostly women and children.
All four attacks were claimed by the terrorist group Daesh.
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Protestors disrupt railway services in Mumbai on Jan. 3 during a state-wide shutdown called by various Dalit parties against Koregaon-Bhima (Maharashtra) violence Jan. 1. Violence erupted in the village Jan. 1 during the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Anglo-Maratha War between the army of Peshwa Bajirao II with a small force of the East India Company that comprised a large number of Dalits. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Jan. 2 announced a probe by a Bombay High Court judge into the riots that left one person dead (IANS photo)
A policeman have been arrested by the Adamawa State Police Command for allegedly shooting seven farmers to death in the state.
The arrest followed a petition by a Civil Society Organization, Progressive Mind for Development Initiate.
The petition signed by the President of the CSO, Abubakar Abdulsalam, alleged that the officer, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, committed the offence on Nov. 23, 2017.
It indicated that the police officer, while in charge of Safer Highways Patrol Team, arrested the farmers who were working on their farms at the outskirts of Gombi town, tied and shot them to death.
The petition further alleged that the same officer had on April 30, 2016 while in charge of a police outpost in Kem village, Shelleng Local Government area of the state, killed four people suspected of committing robbery.
We as a concerned organization consider the act of the suspect (policeman) as an act against the provision of the Constitution and infringement on the fundamental rights of the people in question.
If such act is not checked it will continue to spread like wildfire and eventually Nigeria will be unsafe for its citizens, it added.
Spokesman of Adamawa Police Command, Othman Abubakar, said the policeman had been arrested and detained as an investigation continues into the case.
Source : (NAN)
At least 31 loggers are believed to have been abducted by Boko Haram jihadists after they went missing in Borno, security sources said Wednesday.
The alleged kidnapping took place just days after 30 troops vanished following a raid on a military base in the same region amid a surge in bloody violence.
Sources told AFP the loggers, mostly in their twenties, had left the town of Gamboru on the border with Cameroon Tuesday morning to fetch firewood in a Boko Haram hotspot.
All 31 have not been seen since yesterday and it is obvious they were seized by Boko Haram, said Umar Kachalla, a militia in Gamboru fighting Boko Haram alongside the military.
The loggers had left for Wulgo village in nearby Marte district, 15 kilometres away, with their axes and wooden carts to collect wood to sell and raise money to buy food, Kachalla said.
Two weeks ago, Boko Haram gunmen shot dead 10 loggers from Gamboru in the bush outside Wulgo while collecting firewood, said another militia Shehu Mada.
We believe Boko Haram abducted them to use them as fighters, given their young age, Mada said.
They (Boko Haram) abandon the bodies of their victims when they kill them but the fact that the bodies of the loggers have not been seen is clear indication they were abducted, said Mada.
Boko Haram fighters still operate in hard-to-reach rural areas where military operations are minimal.
In August 2014, the group seized Gamboru, a trading hub along with the neighbouring town of Ngala.
Nigerian troops retook both towns in September 2015 with the help of Chadian forces following offensives lasting months.
Despite the recapture of the area, Boko Haram fighters continue to launch sporadic attacks, ambushing troops and vehicles, as well as attacking and abducting farmers.
Last week two farmers were shot dead by jihadists while harvesting their crops in Bugda village outside Gamboru, according to resident Nasiru Saidu.
Boko Harams eight-year insurgency against the government of Nigeria has spilled into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, killing around 20,000 people and displacing more than 2.6 million.
Most of the displaced rely on food handouts from aid agencies while others have turned to felling trees in the arid region for firewood which they sell to buy food.
The jihadists have increasingly targeted loggers in their armed campaign, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military and the local militia fighting them.
On Christmas Day the jihadists killed 25 loggers at a logging site outside the city of Maiduguri.
Source: (AFP)
Four children have been confirmed dead in a fire outbreak that occurred at Awala Filin-Jirgi in Gusau metropolis in the state by the Department of Fire Service in Zamfara State.
Abdullahi Jibo, Deputy Director Fire Prevention and Public Enlightenment, made the confirmation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Gusau.
Mr. Jibo said that the house affected by the fire belonged to a driver attached to the Government House, Gusau.
He said that four children, comprising two boys and two girls, lost their lives in the incident which occurred on Tuesday night.
We received distress calls from the area on the fire around 10.00 p.m.
Before we got to the place, the fire had already taken over the house; we exhausted four water tankers to control the disaster, the fire officer said.
Mr. Jibo, who said that the fire might have been caused by power surge, urged residents in the state to always comply with safety guidelines, to forestall a recurrence of such outbreak.
Source : (NAN)
The Kano State Government on Wednesday commenced payment of N300 million scholarship allowance to 23,987 students in various Nigerian universities and other institutions of higher learning in the country.
Fatima Umar, the Executive Secretary of the State Scholarship Board, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano.
Ms. Umar said the payment was part of the debt inherited from the immediate past administration that failed to pay the scholarship allowances from 2011 to 2015.
She said that the payment was for 2013/14 academic session, adding that the board had already paid N360 million outstanding for the 2012/13 academic session to 24,901 students.
According to her, the payment was for the Kano State indigenes studying various programmes in 55 institutions across the country.
Since 2011 to 2015, the immediate past government did not pay scholarship to our internal students throughout its tenure. This had incurred a huge debt over the current administration.
We have since begun the payment for the 2012/13 academic session. We disbursed N360 million to 24,901 students then.
From today, we are beginning the payment for the 2013/14 academic session. We will disburse N300 million to 23,987 students studying in 55 institutions across the country, she said
Ms. Umar however, warned that any student that failed to access the payment should blame him/herself, affirming that the problem could happen if a student provided wrong account number, or failed to issue Bank Verification Number (BVN), or had a dormant account.
She said the state government would continue to pay the scholarship as part of effort to improve the standard of education, adding that government would continue to support indigent students to acquire education.
In the scholarship programme, Ganduje administration has shown more concern than any other administration in the history of Kano, she said.
Source: (NAN)
A Manhattan judge slammed the misogynist sicko who forced his girlfriend to march outside naked with the maximum sentence Wednesday sending him to prison for as many as seven years.
Jasson Melo, 26, faced time for coercion, a felony, for making the 22-year-old mother of his child undress and walk around his Harlem block. This followed hours of verbal and physical abuse inside his apartment, according to evidence submitted at his trial in Manhattan Supreme Court.
The Daily News reports that ,Jasson Melos view of women belongs to the Dark Ages, Justice Robert Mandelbaum said before sentencing the former United Nations chef to 2 1/3 to 7 years in prison.
To him, women are property.
Melo filmed the deranged shaming stunt, in which he can be heard scolding her in Spanish and calling her a whore.
He later promoted the video on Instagram and tried to sell merchandise with quotes from the twisted footage.
He even recreated the January 2016 walk for a music video and joked about the victims humiliation in social media posts.
Melo sent the clip to her relatives and men he believed shed been flirting with.
She has said they were in the process of splitting up, and she was moving without him to the Dominican Republic.
Their 2-month-old was left unattended on Melos bed at his W. 142nd St. building as he threatened to beat her with a metal Buddha statue if she refused to go outside in the nude.
The video went viral and became the subject of a widely covered news story when Melo was arrested.
Presidential aspirant and Motivational speaker, Fela Durotoye has shared his view about the leadership structure of Nigeria ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Durotoye, in an interview with Channels TV, said Money will fail in the 2019 elections.
He added that people are now smarter and they now know that when politicians offer you money, they are offering you money to enslave you.
He further explained that there is a leadership system called Selectocracy in Nigeria, in which the access to positions of authority and In some cases power, is determined by a few people who have a higher interest in themselves and their own select interest than they have in the interest of the general public.
We have not seen leadership in Nigeria. What we have in Nigeria are not leaders, we have rulers and we have to call rulers for what they are, he said.
See the interview below;
Since the online saga between a bride who called out her designer for giving her second wedding dress to Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe began, many social media users have sought to know who the face behind the controversial fashion brand, RikaotobyMe is.
For those who do not know, her name is Maryiam Elisha and she is a former beauty queen who had represented famous brands including Airtel, Delta Soap and a host of others in the past
Here are a few more things to know about the face behind RikaotobyMe
According to findings, She founded the Rikaoto by ME fashion brand in 2009, after she was crowned Miss Valentine in 2007.
Although she is from Kebbi state, she was born in Kano state to a now retired police officer father and a businesswoman mother.
The youngest of seven children, Maryiam had her primary and secondary school education in Kano state before relocating to Lagos state to study English Language at the University of Lagos.
After graduating from the university, she proceeded to the New Jersey Fashion School, in the United States to train for eight months in fashion designing.
Maryam was discovered by an agent while in secondary school, she learnt how to be a model and eventually worked as a model for close to eight years.
As a model, she became the first face of Airtel Nigeria (Zain), when it was Vmobile. She also modeled for other top brands like Delta Soap and Sterling Bank of Nigeria
In 2015, Miss Elisha and her fashion brand received public attention due to the success of pageant contestants she clothed and the awards they won.
She had a close shave with death in February 2017 when her Mercedes Benz G-Wagon worth 43 Million went up in flames. According to her, she stared at death in the face. I saw death staring back at me. I didnt believe that I would die in that fire because I was ready to kill the death before it gets to me, she told a magazine.
In the wake of 2018, she is being involved in a controversial spat with a bride who accused her of swindling her by taking money to sew a gown for her. Not only did she eventually deliver an obsolete dress, the brides dress was reportedly given to Mercy Aigbe for her 40th birthday shoot. The Brides outcry caused a general uproar online which led Miss Elisha to publicly apologise, blaming it on a dispatch error.
Her apology has been disapproved by online users who are advising the bride to sue the designer for the trauma caused by her fashion line.
source: Thenetng
Vanguard
Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors Forum, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has taken a swipe on President Muhammadu Buhari over his presumed silence on the recent killing of innocent Nigerians in Benue State by alleged Fulani herdsmen.
Punch
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, have described the former governor of the defunct Kaduna State, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, as a quintessential leader whose death will be a great loss not only to Katsina and Kaduna states but to the entire country.
Thisday
The nationwide blackout continued Wednesday after efforts by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to restore electricity failed, following a second system collapse of transmission network at exactly 14.19 hours.
The Sun
A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former member of the House of Representatives, Bitrus Kaze has urged President Muhammad Buhari, to shelve any ambition to contest the 2019 presidential election because he would be defeated just like Jonathan was defeated in 2015.
Daily Times
The Nigerian police have reportedly attacked Benue residents who were out in their large number protesting against the incessant and recent killings by Fulani herdsmen in the state.
Guardian
The Senate yesterday condemned reports attributed to President Muhammadu Buharis Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, suggesting that the failure to pay subsidy debts owed oil marketers was due to the chambers refusal to approve a loan request.
Daily Trust
Some groups and individuals have intensified calls on a former governor of Bauchi State, Malam Isa Yuguda, to re-contest the Bauchi South Senatorial District seat on the platform Green Party of Nigeria (GPN).
Tribune
WITH the idea of 2018 prophecies becoming popular, is there any need for CCT cameras and intelligence gathering or political analysts in the country now?
The Nation
Think twice about that frothy, bubbly alcohol you consume as scientists have issued a new warning about its health effects by unravelling the linkage between it and cancer.
Atef Naguib, director of the Coptic Museum in Cairo, is committed to spreading awareness about the many forgotten unknown pages of Egypts Coptic history.
It was in the mid-1960s that Naguib was set to join the Archaeology Department at Assiut University in Upper Egypt with the hope of studying Coptic history and archaeology. However, to his dismay, particularly for someone born and brought up in a Coptic environment in the Upper Egyptian city of Aswan, there was no department that specialised in Coptic archaeology and history at this or any other university in Egypt at the time.
There were only two departments; one for Pharaonic and one for Islamic history, art and archaeology, Naguib recalled.
After graduation, Naguib did not give up on his ambition to specialise in Coptic history, even though it was something that was not given serious attention in society or schoolbooks at the time. His time spent at a Coptic school meant that Naguib was allowed entry into an otherwise overlooked era of Egyptian history.
It was there that I developed a serious interest in learning more about this era, which did not receive serious attention at the time, he said.
At the Institute for Coptic Studies, which is affiliated with the Coptic Cathedral in Cairo, Naguib found a place to pursue his interest and receive a degree in Coptic archaeology. This was the beginning of a long path that led him to a PhD in the same discipline.
It was a long and revealing learning process that allowed me to find out a great deal of information about Coptic history, not only in religious terms as many might think, but also in terms of learning more about the history of Egypt. The country was introduced to Christianity in the first century CE and evolved to be predominantly Christian, essentially Coptic Orthodox, until the day [Muslim military commander] Amr Ibn Al-Aas conquered Egypt in the seventh century CE, Naguib recalled.
During these years, Naguib developed an interest in the Christian era of Nubia in particular, which he describes as a truly overlooked phase in the history of this country.
There is one narrative that is predominant in Egyptian culture about Ibn Al-Aass conquest of Egypt in 642 CE, which says that the countrys Copts were suffering from discrimination at the hands of the countrys Byzantine rulers and that the following years were marked by a general, even if interrupted, tolerance by Egypts new Muslim rulers for the Coptic population.
Naguib is not willing to contest this narrative. He merely says that it is one among other versions of what happened, and that the latter should also be examined in order to understand the history of the country.
There was discrimination against the Copts under Byzantine rule, but there were also Muslim rulers who discriminated against the Copts, Naguib said.
He added that what should not be forgotten is that for the most part people do not learn much about the history of the Copts even before, and not just after, the Arab conquest, and this is a function of a lack of general awareness.
Naguib is convinced that many Copts today might not be sufficiently informed about the history of Christianity in Egypt.
I know for a fact that not many are aware of the Christian period in Nubia, which lasted from the sixth to the 14th century CE, he argued.
We hardly even stop to think about the fact that many of todays Muslim Nubians carry what would otherwise be typical Coptic names like Dawoud, Elias and Yacoub, and of course Mariam, which is more shared by Muslims, Naguib said.
He noted that the archaeological excavations of the churches of Nubia, both Upper Nubia in todays Sudan and Lower Nubia in Egypt, are not given sufficient attention by the media, not even when the archaeological missions arrived upon the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the mid-1960s to save as many Nubian monuments as possible before the water covered what were once the lands of Nubia.
It is not really there in the newspapers or on TV, and it is not there in the history curriculum, so where are people supposed to learn about the Coptic history of Egypt? Nowhere, unless you are a Copt who attends cultural activities at your church, Naguib lamented.
This lack of communication about Coptic history is not made up for among history and archaeology students because it was only recently that universities started to give serious attention to Coptic studies.
The trouble is that we act as if Coptic history is a matter of religion that only interests followers of the Coptic faith. But this is untrue because it is part of our wider history and our culture, he said.
According to Naguib, the fact that Coptic history is not mentioned in textbooks and that there is limited interest in encouraging students to visit the Coptic Museum, not to mention the many Coptic archaeological sites, is an unfortunate situation that creates a lack of awareness in the wider population about an integral part of the history of their country and the culture of their fellow citizens who follow the Coptic faith.
Today, Naguib says, the many pages of Coptic history are essentially kept in strictly Coptic bodies. Apart from the Coptic Museum and sites such as the Hanging Church in Old Cairo, for example, Coptic history is kept by bodies such as the Coptic Cathedral, along with its associated Institute for Coptic Studies, the Association for Coptic Archaeology, the Coptic Culture Centre and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Centre for Coptic Studies.
Today, there is a bit more awareness in the media about the celebration of Coptic feasts, especially Christmas, but beyond that there are only a few reminders of the Coptic contribution to the culture and history of the country, Naguib said. This is so even though the Copts are not living in ghettos and have never done so, even if historically there were areas of higher density.
The way out of this alienation from Egypts Coptic history is to allow people to learn about it, he said.
I know that it is hard to change long-established norms, but we could start by some obvious and uncontroversial steps, such as including the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt in history textbooks as well as prominent Coptic figures over the centuries, including under Muslim rule, Naguib said.
He added that there was no reason to believe that anyone would object to the inclusion of a few lines in the history books about the arrival of Christianity in Egypt or the establishment of the first monasteries or a biography of Pope Kyrollos IV, who started Coptic schools in Upper Egypt for girls.
It is unfair to deny people knowledge of the history of the Copts and then to blame these same people for their lack of affinity towards the Copts. I believe education is essential if we are really committed to understanding one another better, and this is why the Coptic Museum tries to make use of every opportunity to welcome more visitors of all age brackets and backgrounds, Naguib said.
*This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly
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A suspected man who was in possession of 114 bags of Indian Hemp has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command.
The Command Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the suspect identified as Noah Olaore was arrested on December 29, 2017 in front of the Moshood Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta.
Men of Ogun State Police Command have arrested one Noah Olaore m with one hundred and fourteen bags of weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp, said Mr. Oyeyemi in a statement.
He said the arrest of the suspect followed information received by officials of Federal Anti-Robbery Squad that some hoodlums who specialised in importing hard drugs from Benin Republic into Ogun State were in town.
Upon the information, a team of FSARS operatives led by Inspr. Adeyemi Akeem were detailed to go after the hoodlums and they accosted them in front of M.K.O Abiola stadium where the suspect was arrested with the exhibits, Mr. Oyeyemi said.
He added that further investigation led the policemen to Igbo-Ora in Oyo State where more bags of the substance were recovered.
Mr. Oyeyemi said the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu has ordered a full scale investigation into the matter.
Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Abayomi Alaka who is wanted by the police in connection to the Badoo killings has made a shocking revelation about the Nigerian Police. He is now claiming that the police is after him because he refused to pay N10 million.
On Wednesday the Lagos State Government sealed off properties belonging to Alaka saying it violates the States Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010.
The police also declared him wanted, urging members of the public to present any information that may lead to his arrest.
Alaka however revealed to journalists that he refused to surrender himself to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Edgal Imohimi as he believes the CP will compromise the investigation.
He also added that the the police is yet to contact him or invite him to the station. He said:
Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Pulka today rescued one of the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram terrorists earlier in 2014.
So far, preliminary investigations reveal that the young girl identified as Salomi Pugo is the same as the Chibok girl published on serial 86 of the online list of abducted Chibok girls.
Currently the girl who was intercepted in the company of another young girl, Jamila Adams about 14 years old with a child are in the safe custody of troops and receiving medical attention.
-Tori
Suspected kingpin of the dreaded Badoo cult, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi, has said he is ready to submit himself to the Nigeria Police Force for investigations.
Last year, Alaka was declared wanted by the Lagos state police command for allegedly sponsoring the activities of members of the notorious cult groups that have reign terror upon residents of Ikorodu twon in Lagos state.
In an interview with Punch newspaper, the 51-year-old embattled businessman said he will only surrender himself to the Federal police investigation unit Abuja and not the state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, whom he says has been compromised.
Yesterday, the Lagos state government sealed off his filling station and hotel on Ijebu-Ode-Itoikin Road, in the Sabo area of Ikorodu, saying the properties violated the states Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010.
In the interview, Alaka says the police has no incriminating evidence before declaring him the Badoo kingpin.
What evidence did the police have before calling me Badoo (kingpin)? Did any suspect mention my name? What does sealing my property have to do with this case? I applied and paid for the Certificate of Occupancy for the filling station five years ago, but I have not got it. I have evidence of payments. Since the police declared me wanted, no policeman came to my house or office to invite me. The police have my number, but they did not call me on the telephone for invitation. I dont believe I am wanted because no invitation was sent to me. Since the police said they were looking for Badoo members, they have not arrested any prime suspect. I want the government to intervene. I am ready to appear before the police or any investigative body, but not before the Lagos State Police Command and Edgal (Imohimi). A team should be set up to investigate the matter, particularly from Abuja. He (Edgal) declared me a Badoo kingpin, but what evidence does he have? About five security men guarding the filling station have been arrested. he said
The embattled businessman alleged that his issues with the police started when he declined to pay N10m bribe to an Investigating Police Officer
I can no longer walk freely around Ikorodu for fear of area boys administering jungle justice on me. I have read about the herbalist that was arrested. I dont know him. Why didnt police allow him to talk to journalists? The case should be transferred from the Lagos State Command; they have dented my image. I sleep in my house in Magodo; no policeman came to arrest me. I will not show up at the Lagos State Police Command for three reasons: one, they dont have evidence against me. I was arrested and released the following day without being told to write a statement. Secondly, the CP has refused to appear in court. The case has been in court since August 2017. For three adjourned dates, the court was said to be on vacation. During the last sitting, the judge adjourned till February 2018 for ruling on the injunction, which is very suspicious. Thirdly, I will not surrender myself to the CP because he will compromise investigation. But I am ready to appear before the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly. The genesis of this issue was when the IPO requested that I should pay N10m to settle some police officers at the command. It was when I refused to pay the money that I was arrested. I have petitioned the National Assembly and the IG on this.
PUNCH
Former Big Brother 9ja star Tokunbo Idowu aka Tboss has really come a long way from her BBN days.
Tboss has capitalized on that platform (BBN) to amass for herself a strong and growing fan base and it seems likely to continue in that direction as her brand gets bigger. She has not only featured in several movies but has also been the darling of the camera in several photoshoots.
In this particular photoshoot which she did in Zanzibar a while back, the former reality star showed off her banging bod in a swimwear .
She shared the photos online today. See more below;
source: Gistreel
On December 28th 2017, the first phase of NEW NIGERIA, commenced with an intimate conversation with Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Designer Ade Samuel, hosted by Fashion Blogger Temi Otedola, also known as JTO fashion. The event took place at MILIKI, an exclusive members only club on Victoria Island, that supports contemporary creativity and culture in Lagos, Nigeria. Ade Samuel coined the term New Nigeria in efforts of bringing awareness to a sub culture of influential creatives and entrepreneurs that are Nigerians. The structure of NEW NIGERIA is to highlight the new age of designers, stylists, entertainers and artists that are helping to globalize Nigeria, overseas. The event was curated by A DAY LIVING, a creative collective (that focuses on producing culturally relevant content with a high level of depth and value) and fashion brand, VIVENDII.
During the event, Temi Otedola (JTO Fashion) interviewed Ade Samuel touching on the power of Social Media Influence and Entrepreneurship across the board in the Business of Fashion as well the assets needed in order to successfully run a business as a women in todays society.
More photos below
Source: Linda Ikejis blog
SAN FRANCISCO - January 4, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Datawallet, a leading C2B blockchain-based data exchange, today announced partnerships with the first and largest blockchain-based social network Steemit, and the decentralized network for professionals Indorse. The new Datawallet app, available now for download on iOS and Android, allows users to curate an advanced data profile from social media, online commerce, and offline transactions and opt-in to share their data with companies for profit. The integration of Steemit and Indorse into the Datawallet app will provide the opportunity to further reward users, and give them another monetization stream for the data created on each respective platform.
Serafin Lion Engel, Datawallet CEO said, "With the recent re-launch of Datawallet as a blockchain-based app, we are further aligning ourselves with what's more beneficial to consumers - transparency, trust, and giving back data ownership. Steemit and Indorse have been pioneering platforms in the industry, built on the common mission of decentralizing social media and fairly incentivizing users for their engagement, making them a natural fit to be a part of Datawallet. It's a powerful next step to offer their already active and engaged userbases another avenue to earn crypto, by giving Steemit and Indorse users the ability to participate in the networks they love, and then take that data they're creating and turn it around for profit on Datawallet."
Datawallet's mission to upend the existing data ownership model aligns closely to both Steemit and Indorse's strive to put the power back into the hands of the platform users, rather than the platform providers. Datawallet is working with these companies with an aim to further reward its users, by equitably compensating them for the data that they choose to provide.
Ned Scott, Steemit CEO said, "The social media monetization model is broken, both in terms of how platform users are rewarded, and how their data is owned and distributed. Steemit is currently working to resolve part one of that equation and Datawallet are tackling the second. This partnership is a great stepping stone in the long term vision of Steemit to build a living, breathing, and growing social economy."
Gaurang Torvekar, Indorse CTO said,"The quality of the data created on Indorse is unrivaled, making it a perfect fit for us to partner with Datawallet. Our first-rate data comes as a result of our process of information-validation through peers. Indorse uses internal rewards and a reputation system to incentivize members to add their skills and accomplishments, and indorse those of others. We love the idea of being able to give our users a further method of earning, through the provision of their data with Datawallet."
The Datawallet app is available for download now in the Apple app store and Google Play. For more information, visit www.datawallet.com, read the whitepaper here, and join Datawallet's Telegram channel here.
Datawallet CEO Serafin Lion Engel is available for interview
About Datawallet:
Datawallet is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Datawallet empowers developers to leverage a completely new data universe to build the most advanced applications ever. And it provides companies with insights that will boost their operations on a never before seen scale. They believe that data should be owned and controlled by the people who create it - the users. That's why they built the Datawallet, a blockchain powered data exchange that puts people in charge of their data and empowers developers to bring to live the next generation of world-class applications.
About Indorse:
Headquartered in Singapore, Indorse, the decentralized professional network which aims to build a social network where the user is in charge of their own data, rather than a third party, incentivizes professionals verifying and endorsing the skill sets of peers. Founded in 2017 by David Moskowitz and Gaurang Torvekar, Indorse envisions a serverless, decentralized future, where the users will build their profiles and profit from their reputation and from sharing their skills and activities on the platform via reward tokens.
About Steemit:
Steemit, Inc. uses blockchain technology to develop cryptocurrencies that support, improve, and monetize social media sites and networks. It is one the primary developers of the Steem blockchain and Smart Media Tokens (SMTs), as well as steemit.com, the world's first decentralized social network with millions of unique visitors per month.
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Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.
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Can Blockchain Technology Thwart Efforts from Organized Crime?
Andrew Richards, Spire Secure Logistics
January 4, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The gold rush of cannabis in California is off to a roaring start but with the glee and celebration, the rollout is not going smoothly everywhere. It may be months before the digital system designed to track and regulate sales is fully operational, and the drug is still only being sold for medical purposes in some large cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The digital system the state is using to regulate and track recreational marijuana sales just launched, and businesses have to be trained to input data before the state can make it mandatory, which could take months. Businesses are being asked to manually file invoices, which experts say is not only complicated but also risks marijuana sales slipping into the black market.
According to cannabis security expert, Andrew Richards from Spire Secure Logistics, moving from a black/grey cannabis environment into a legal recreational environment requires fail-safe, air-tight systems and processes to be effective. These systems and processes need to be tried and tested, in advance. If not, the black market and organized crime can and will continue to be able to operate in the space.
He believes organized crime looks for weak and vulnerable targets and will try and exploit them when identified breakdowns in the technological systems represent such vulnerabilities (beyond the already pre-existing human vulnerabilities the technology is designed to address!) and provide opportunities.
New Role for Blockchains
Richards states that there is ample blockchain technology available to prevent these sorts of missteps and is working with a number of companies to implement these systems into North American cannabis markets. We worry about the upcoming legalization in Canada and governments' (Federal and Provincial) abilities to implement these air-tight seed-to-sale tracking systems - this is not rocket science, it's basic systems thinking - when one interdependent sub-system in a much larger system breaks down, the entire system ceases to function in support of the over-arching aim - in this case, protecting the stakeholders in the legal adult recreational cannabis system from black market and organized crime interference, says Richards.
About Andy Richards:
Andy Richards spent thirty-four years in Canadian policing, retiring in 2015 as a Deputy Chief Constable. He specialized as an investigator, supervisor, and manager of complex covert investigations. He led many of the largest, most successful and highest-profile organized crime investigations in British Columbia, often targeting organized crime groups and prolific offenders who controlled or targeted elements of the illegal, grey, and legal medical marijuana industries. He is a court-recognized expert regarding the Hell's Angels. As Deputy Chief and member of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police, he was involved in the dialogue with Health Canada regarding marijuana regulations.
About Spire Secure Logistics:
Spire is a security and intelligence company with expertise in law enforcement training, high-risk mining security, and the cannabis sector. With services including compliance, information technology, buildout design and security program implementation, Spire aims to be the global leader in designing security programs and solutions for the legal cannabis sector.
Media Contact:
Janet Vasquez/JVPRNY 212-645-5498 jvasquez@jvprny.com
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Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.
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Toronto, Ontario - January 4, 2018 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Peat Resources Limited (TSXV: PET) (the "Company"), announces that the Company is increasing the size of its previously announced brokered private placement (the "Offering") of common shares of the Company led by IBK Capital Corp. The Offering will now consist of the sale of up to 15,000,000 common shares at a price of $0.05 per share for aggregate proceeds of the up to $750,000.
In connection with the Offering, the Company has agreed to pay IBK Capital Corp. a cash commission equal to 9% of the amount raised and broker warrants equal to 10% of the number of common shares issued pursuant to the Offering. Each broker warrant is exercisable into one common share at a price of $0.05 per common share for a period of five years from the date of issuance.
The securities to be issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period from the date of issuance. The closing of the Offering remains subject to completion of formal documentation and receipt of regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
For additional information, please contact:
Peat Resources Limited
Patricia Mannard
Telephone: (416) 862-7885
Email: pmannard@peatresources.com
Website: www.peatresources.net
IBK Capital Corp.
Michael White, President & CEO
Telephone: (416) 360-4511
Email: mwhite@ibkcapital.com
Forward-Looking Information
This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future production, reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the statements. There are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. These include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review registered filings at www.sedar.com.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders
Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.
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WASHINGTON, DC. - January 4, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The Trump Administration is ignoring sound science and broad public input in an exhaustive recent review, in its proposed Five-Year Plan for offshore oil and gas leasing released today. The proposed plan promises "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's publicly-owned oceans, coastal economies, public health, climate and marine life-all in a bid to pursue dubious energy sources that America does not need, according to 64 groups.
The proposed drilling plan unveiled by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke would radically expand offshore drilling in new areas of the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and Arctic waters, and auction off permanently protected areas.
The protections in the current five-year plan are based on scientific analysis and a multi-year public comment process, whereas the Trump Administration's hastily concocted proposal is rife with unsubstantiated claims, faulty economics, and runs roughshod over documented public opinion. Specifically, the proposal would expose the Arctic waters--our last undeveloped ocean-to drilling, put the Atlantic coast on the chopping block for the first time since 1983, open the Pacific coast--which has not seen federal drilling for decades, and further threaten the debilitated Gulf of Mexico.
The groups' joint statement follows:
"These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground. They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies.
The Trump Administration's plan to unleash the dangers of drilling offshore is a major, unacceptable risk to hundreds of local communities, their coastal economies, and marine life."
This extreme proposal is a shameful give-away that would sacrifice coastal communities, its economies, and our publicly-owned ocean waters.
Drilling threatens to coat our beaches with oil spills, pollute our air, decimate fisheries, interfere with military training, and keep citizens bound to the whims of foreign oil markets.
There is no need to force coastal residents to shoulder these risks. The nation can meet its energy needs and grow jobs by investing in clean, renewable domestic sources like wind and solar that never run out. We can cut pollution, and keep profits right here at home-not in the pockets of oil industry executives and foreign governments.
No community should have to live every day under the threat of an oil spill that could destroy tourism, shutter hundreds of local businesses, throw thousands out of work, and decimate traditional ways of life. We cannot afford another crippling Gulf of Mexico disaster-off the shores of Louisiana, the Carolinas, New England, Alaska, California or anywhere else.
The Trump Administration should heed the public call to preserve our ocean waters and turn back from this reckless, unnecessary expansion of offshore drilling that puts America and marine life last and the bottom lines of private oil companies first."
With the backing of science, economics, clean energy leaders, local businesses, and the vast majority of Americans, President Obama permanently protected most of the Arctic Ocean and a chain of deep sea canyons in the Atlantic Ocean, stretching from the Chesapeake Bay to Canada's border, from dirty and dangerous offshore oil drilling. He also removed the entire Arctic and Atlantic from the five-year leasing plan.
Americans have rejected the Trump Administration's move to abandon the Obama Administration's approach by expanding dirty and dangerous offshore drilling and energy exploration. That opposition includes tens of thousands of local businesses and hundreds of thousands of commercial fishing families that depend on clean coasts, the majority of Americans, over 130 coastal municipalities, many Alaska Natives, bi-partisan lawmakers at the local, state and federal levels, and a host of faith and conservation leaders.
Here is the alphabetical list of the 64 signers of the joint statement:
Alaska Wilderness League, Alliance for Climate Education, America Verde, American Littoral Society, Americans for Conservation & the Arts, Azul, Blue Frontier, Bold Alliance, California Coastkeeper Alliance, California League of Conservation Voters, Center for Biological Diversity, Checks & Balances Project, Clean Ocean Action, Clean Water Action, Climate Hawks Vote, The Climate Reality Project, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, Conservation Law Foundation, Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship, Corazon Latino, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Environment America, Environment California, Environment New Jersey, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Florida Conservation Voters, Friends of the Earth, Gasp, Green Latinos, Greenpeace, Gulf Restoration Network, Hands Across the Sand, Hip Hop Caucus, Inland Ocean Coalition, Institute for Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University, Latino Farmers and Ranchers, League of Conservation Voters, League of Women Voters of the United States, Marine Conservation Institute, Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Massachusetts League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, New York League of Conservation Voters, NextGen America, North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, Oceana, Oil Change International, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, The Power Shift Network, Sachamama, Save Our Shores, Sierra Club, Surfrider Foundation, Turtle Island Restoration Network, Vermont Conservation Voters, Vermont Natural Resources Council, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, Voces Verdes, Washington Conservation Voters, Washington Environmental Council, and The Wilderness Society.
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There was a little while there where unlimited data plans went the way of the Dodo bird, which left many wireless subscribers making sure to pinch their downloads on a monthly basis.
One way to make a big dent in the available monthly data allotment is to watch videos. Now that unlimited plans are back on the market, watching your data on a regular basis may not be as important, but that doesnt mean streaming video, or downloading videos, should eat up huge chunks of your data before you start getting throttled by your wireless carrier.
So, thats where the Alliance for Open Media comes in. This is a consortium of technology companies, including names like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and, now, Apple. The goal for this group of companies is to build a new industry standard high-efficiency video codec that will ultimately be called AV1. Apple is actually the last of the big name tech companies to join the ranks, which also includes the likes of Intel, Netflix, Hulu, and others. Apples name was added to the list today, as reported by CNET.
The Alliance for Open Media is working on technology called AV1 that compresses video before its stored or sent over the network. That technology is crucial to keeping your phone from running out of storage space or your data plan from pushing past monthly limits. But compression technology is useful only when its widely supported, and Apple was a major holdout. Apple quietly joined the alliance as a founding member, according to the groups website, which was updated with the change Wednesday. Apples plans for AV1 arent yet clear the company didnt respond to a request for comment but joining as a founding member sends a strong signal of support.
The consortium is also working on a variety of other projects, but the best news comes in this potential industry-wide video codec that could keep video highly detailed, and yet less stressful on a mobile data connection, or even the data cap from your ISP. Unfortunately theres no word on when AV1 might be ready to go for the public, or even adopted by these companies.
Our Take
The fact that were talking about Apple joining a consortium working towards an industry standard is pretty impressive in its own right. After all, this is a company that is 100% not shy about using its own technology, both hardware and software. The benefits for a industry-standard video codec, though, are pretty obvious, and if it means we as consumers dont need to worry about what internet browser were using to watch certain content, thats a good thing all around.
[via CNET
Apple is moving forward with a lawsuit against a French activist group, aiming to stop protests that have been happening at local Apple Stores for quite some time.
As first reported by The Local, Apple is suing the activist group called Attac, which has been staging protests of Apple for quite some time at its local retail stores. Attac has protested Apple for a variety of reasons, most notably recently for its views on Apples handling of Irish tax laws. On the day the iPhone X launched, for instance, Attac dropped apples from the stores roof, and showcased a banner that read, Apple, pay your taxes.
Now, Apple is suing the group in an effort to stop those protests from happening at its local retail stores. Apple is not asking that Attac be silence entirely, as that wouldnt pan out at all. Its argument is that the protests are putting safety at risk not only for its own employees on site, but also customers moving in and out of the retail site.
In the suit, Apple is asking for 3,000 euros, or about $3,600, and requesting that Attac be blocked from protesting at the local Apple stores. In addition to that, Apples lawsuit also includes a planned penalty of 150,000 euros if the ban is broken. Basically, if the lawsuit lands on Apples side, Attac wont be permitted to protest at the local Apple stores. However, if they break that agreement, they will be fined an additional 150,000 euros.
Meanwhile, the leader of Attac, Dominique Plihon, argues the opposite of how Apple sees the protests:
But Dominique Plihon, a spokesman for Attac France, said the lawsuit was an attempt to gag Attac and prevent us from holding new citizen actions to condemn tax evasion by multinationals. He added that Apple had accused Attac of vandalism, though he said the groups actions are symbolic, nonviolent, staged openly and with no material damage.
Our Take
Seeing things from Apples perspective here, that it is simply trying to keep its staff and customers safe, makes sense. However, Attac has the ability to protest, and so far its staged demonstrations havent led to any major damages or bodily injury (as far as this editor can find, anyway). This might be a tough one for Apple to win over.
[via The Local
The difficulties inherent in commemorating the granting of votes for women must be confronted and not elided, says Linda Connolly.
Ireland is now in the throes of the decade of commemorations. A process of collective remembering and reflecting on the tumultuous events that led to the foundation and establishment of the Irish State has ignited public debate and new academic scholarship on the revolutionary period.
The outputs of the first stage in the Governments Decade of Centenaries programme, 1912-16, have been most impressive.
Access to fascinating historical sources such as the Bureau of Military History files, as well as public engagement projects such as the Women of the South Project in the Farmgate Cafe, in the English Market, in Cork city, have inspired a whole new generation of scholars and generated a new conception of public history.
The second phase of the programme, 1917-22, is, of course, going to be different.
Continued robust debate among the historical establishment, funded documentaries and commissioned articles in the media are to be expected in the coming years given the particularly prominent role history, historians and politics are generally afforded in the public sphere combined with the significance of the Civil War, the War of Independence and Partition in the States formation, North and South.
In 2018, it remains to be seen in what manner gender will take centre stage in the commemoration agenda. In February 1918, the British parliament granted the vote to Irish and British women over 30.
But, will this be remembered in a celebratory or in a critical way? Remembering and marking the centenary of votes for women in 2018 is very important, in and of itself.
Events to mark the important contribution of those women who were and are elected representatives, for
instance, have been scheduled by the Government for 2018 as part of the #Votail100 initiative.
However, the centenary of suffrage also raises many critical questions to do with both understanding the past and the present at a moment of commemoration, not least for women in Ireland.
A number of existing texts written by the historians and scholars of the Irish womens movement have long catalogued in detail the achievements, difficulties, and legacy of a long campaign fought for womens right to equal citizenship.
The complexity of how progress was made by the womens movement on the issue of the vote and in numerous other subsequent campaigns is explicated in great detail in a number of meticulously researched books that have appeared since the 1980s.
Yet womens academic labour is often eclipsed in the public arena. Ongoing research by Lucy Keaveney, for instance, demonstrates how womens historians and womens studies scholars who have typically spent years in archives doing careful research continue to have difficulty getting access to prominent television and radio shows and the national newspapers, for instance.
Women remain vastly underrepresented as media commentators, in general, as Twitter feeds like @ManelWatchIre demonstrate on a daily basis, including in areas where women are manifestly the noted experts.
The implication of this is that careful work conducted by female scholars risks being talked about in the media without credit given for that work.
Professor Diarmaid Ferriter opened the centenary of suffrage by strongly arguing in The Irish Times (December 30) that the Centenary of Votes for women should give women a high place in the councils of a free Ireland.
Prominent scholars and writers (mainly women) have, however, been arguing this for some decades now but they have not been heard. Will they be heard in 2018?
Many are also reflecting Mr Ferriters sentiment on elevating women to a higher order by actively working to generate change and address the glaring underrepresentation of women in senior academic positions in Irish universities.
The percentage of female professors of history in Ireland is, for instance, notoriously low. A survey of the 136 (non-retired) academic staff listed on Irish history department websites reveals that only three out of a total of 23 professors (at the HEA-recognised A and B professor levels) are women.
Some 87% of all professors of history in Irish universities are men. Yet women comprise a third of all the academic staff listed in these departments. Clearly, this is a problem.
Women also remain vastly under- represented in the Dail and currently suspended Northern Irish Assembly, including at cabinet level, despite the introduction of gender quotas in the
Republic to address a century-long problem of a very low percentage of women in politics.
Assessing the legacy of the vote for Irish women in 2018 should also provide an opportunity to assess the overall performance of the State in this period not least in relation to womens rights and equal citizenship.
To what extent has the granting of the vote as an unequivocal political act of inclusive citizenship and democracy served, over time, to actually change or systematically improve womens lives in Ireland?
Why has change been so slow in academia, politics and the media? And will anything concerted be done about this by those in positions of power and authority?
A key task in centennial Ireland in 2018 is therefore to assess and consider the performance of the State and society in the wider 100-year period of the vote for Irish women and the unequal position of women in Irish academia, politics and the media.
A welcome outcome of the decade of centenaries, apart from the generation of burgeoning and exciting new literature on Irish womens history and the period of revolution more generally, should include the critical reflection it can precipitate about gender issues, equal citizenship, and the kind of society Ireland is and has become in 2018.
The charge that women were relegated to the margins of public life when the Irish State was established in 1922 remains highly relevant in 2018.
As womens historians and other womens studies scholars have widely demonstrated, one of the travesties of the post-independence period of nation building was the marginal role the Church and State afforded to women as full and equal citizens in a range of arenas, despite achieving the vote in 1918.
It has been widely demonstrated that (some) women were to varying degrees afforded an active public role in the revolutionary process but women were subsequently more systematically relegated primarily to the private sphere in the decades after Independence.
Article 41.2.3 of the 1937 Constitution of Ireland reflected this by stating that women by their life (as opposed to by their work) in the home, give to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved.
This year will also coincide with an abortion referendum; ongoing condemnation of the States treatment of and redress to women widely incarcerated in various Catholic institutions (including Magdalene laundries and mother and baby homes, including in Tuam and Bessborough); and a proposal to fundamentally revise Article 41.2.3 of the Constitution to reflect more accurately mothers present-day role in society, including in the workforce.
Much is also being made of the difficulties that will be posed in commemorating the War of Independence and an Irish Civil War premised on brother against brother but sister against sister and indeed sister against brother also arises.
The memory of civil war and unresolved sectarian conflict runs deep in Ireland and the impact of this on women has been under-researched in a debate that has focused primarily on military men and less on civilian women.
The difficulties inherent in commemorating votes for women in 2018 must be confronted and not elided.
Those in positions of power in academia, the media, and in politics have a real opportunity to create a meaningful space for womens voice and perspective during this commemoration.
As womens history demonstrates, many suffrage campaigners in 1918 recognised the significance of achieving the vote but they quickly moved on to a range of other campaigns for women and urgent causes with unrelenting commitment.
The important task of commemorating and remembering the granting of the vote for women, in centennial Ireland, must therefore likewise consider suffragists continued desire for change beyond the vote and their unfinished cause, which is patently manifest in contemporary Ireland.
Linda Connolly is professor of sociology at Maynooth University and the author of From Revolution to Devolution: the Irish Womens Movement. She is currently working on a research project on gender based violence in the Irish revolution.
Much of Asia isnt ready for robots, for reasons that go beyond fears of unemployment. In a positive move, countries are training workers to fix machines, writes Stephen Groff.
A knitting factory in Bangladesh brings together the past, present, and future.
On one floor, workers knit by hand. On another, people and machines do the work together. And on a third floor, there are only robots.
This building might seem like an anachronism, given the accepted wisdom that robots will replace humans in textiles and many other industries. But it is actually a savvy response to how the Fourth Industrial Revolution will likely play out in Asia.
As is the case elsewhere, technological advances are rapidly transforming industries and economies, by blurring the boundaries between the physical, digital, and biological worlds.
And yet much of Asia isnt ready for robots, for reasons that go beyond fears of mass unemployment. In 2014, China had just 11 robots per 10,000 employees in non-automotive industries, and just 213 per 10,000 employees on automotive assembly lines. That is hundreds fewer than in Japan, the US, and Germany.
Although China is closing the gap by increasing its spending on robots, poorer countries face significant barriers to adopting new technologies. Moreover, the regions lower wages give firms an incentive to retain human workers.
At the factory in Bangladesh, human workers can step in if power outages or equipment failures knock the machines offline. At the same time, having a fully automated section allows production to continue if workers go on strike.
Conventional wisdom decrees that this dual-track approach isnt sustainable, and that low- to middle-skilled workers will eventually make way for robots.
A landmark 2013 study by Carl Frey and Michael Osborne of Oxford University suggests that, in the coming decades, 47% of total US employment will be at risk of automation.
Similarly, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has warned that 56% of total employment in Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam is at high risk of displacement due to technology over the next decade or two.
These grim predictions ignore the fact that most jobs comprise a bundle of tasks, some of which cannot be automated. According to a 2016 OECD study that breaks down occupations by task, only 9% of jobs on average across 21 OECD countries are really at risk.
The same logic applies to Asia. In Vietnam, for example, the share of jobs at risk falls from the ILOs predicted 70% to just 15% when the countrys large informal economy is taken into account.
Street sweepers in developing countries are arguably less threatened by automation than their counterparts in developed countries, because their jobs are less mechanised and lower paid.
Still, robots are gaining a foothold in the region, particularly in economies such as China and South Korea.
In 2015, robot sales in Asia increased by 19% the fourth record-breaking year in a row. When less-developed Asian countries eventually join the technology bandwagon, layoffs will inevitably ensue.
To soften the blow, governments urgently need to pursue labour-market reforms and overhaul their education systems, starting with technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Although TVET is becoming increasingly popular in Asias developing economies, its quality is often poor. Governments should ensure TVET courses focus on more relevant skills, while remaining flexible so students can study without sacrificing income.
One option is to expand the availability of modular short courses, which take less time, train for specific tasks rather than entire jobs, and are more manageable for entrants who need, first and foremost, to earn money.
In Myanmar, for example, the government has launched a pilot programme to target the countrys missing million students who drop out of school each year. The programme offers short courses on welding and other skills needed to repair rural machinery.
Competency-based assessment systems could also be particularly useful, given Asias large informal workforce. Programmes offering skilled workers a chance to earn certifications based on their work experience would allow for, say, uncertified electricians to find formal employment in robotics.
The private sector can also help produce more graduates with job-ready skills. Asian countries should take
a cue from Indias National Skill Development Corporation, which works with private training firms to match skills curricula with industry needs. So far, Indias programme has helped train more than 63,000 people.
Furthermore, governments should offer subsidies or tax incentives to companies that invest in the skills that humans master better than machines, such as communication and negotiation.
They will also have to adopt more flexible labour regulations, because firms wont hire skilled workers who cost too much.
At the end of the day, Asias developing countries need policies that support workers, rather than jobs. All parties can benefit from flexible contracts and lifelong learning and retraining opportunities.
Retraining is particularly important, because automation will create entirely new industries and occupations.
The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that automation could boost global productivity growth by 0.8-1.4% annually, generating large savings and performance gains for businesses.
Improving access to training and certification would help countries capitalise on these advances and ensure more equitable growth, by giving workers the skills needed to handle the new jobs.
That outcome would be good for workers and for Asian economies. It would mean that businesses like the factory in Bangladesh could operate solely with robots, while its former workers would be gainfully employed elsewhere, most likely in jobs that dont even exist yet.
Stephen Groff is the Asian Development Banks vice-president for east Asia, southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Copyright: Project Syndicate
Speaking to the Irish Examiner amid fresh claims he could seek to remove Mr Howlin in the coming weeks or months due to fears the party is stagnating in the polls, Mr Kelly said there is no chance of this happening.
In November, a number of councillors said they would back a leadership bid from the Tipperary TD.
However, Mr Kelly said he believes he is working well with Mr Howlin and has no plans to remove him from power.
I wanted to lead Labour ever since I was a young man. I think its good to have ambition, I respect people who have it. But I think the partys turned a corner.
Brendan and I have been working very closely on the Garda emails and other issues. I think Brendan is one of the most articulate speakers of his generation, and he has been very helpful on the Garda issue in recent months.
Mr Kelly said that for me, its never been just about my own professional personal ambition, and that Im not the kind of person who would attempt to oust a colleague.
He said he expects improvements in the polls in the first or second quarter of the year, a timescale suggesting the situation may change if there is no boost in Labour support by the summer.
Meanwhile, Mr Kelly said Labour must double its number of TDs before it even considers trying to re-enter government.
He said he wants to become justice minister to clean up the department as the job is suited to the person I am.
The Tipperary TD is adamant the job is suited to the person I am.
Mr Kelly said that former justice minister, Frances Fitzgerald, will not be vindicated by the Charleton tribunal and warned that present incumbent, Charlie Flanagan, will be in a very difficult situation, if more garda email revelations emerge.
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Kelly said that if he ever returns to government, he would thrive, if given the task of cleaning up the Department of Justice.
Noting his recent, central role in uncovering the Maurice McCabe garda email scandal and the garda college financial crisis, Mr Kelly said the role would be suited to his abilities.
Asked if he would be interested in becoming the justice minister, Mr Kelly declared: Do I want to serve in government again? Of course. Of course. I think I would thrive in going in to clean up the department. Its suited to the kind of person I am, and Templemores in my backyard.
Of course, if we get into government and Im re-elected, Id like to be a minister, but the Department of Justice is something Ive a particular interest in.
Id like to go in and gut it. There are plenty of people in there who are good people but, culturally, it needs to change.
Obviously, we all know the Department of Justice is dysfunctional.
It was unprecedented for the Taoiseach to stand up in the Dail in November and say it. So, that department has to be absolutely gutted.
Mr Kelly said that while Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has hinted that ousted justice minister and tanaiste, Frances Fitzgerald, could return to frontline politics in the future, if she is cleared by the Charleton tribunal over the Maurice McCabe garda emails scandal, this will not happen.
Ive nothing personal against Frances Fitzgerald. Shes somebody Im friendly with and I think she has a contribution to make in the future.
But, in terms of her being vindicated, I dont think thats going to happen. I think her whole handling of the situation was untenable and thats not going to change, he said.
The ex-environment minister said that when the Charleton tribunal begins discussing the garda emails scandal, next week, it is likely to uncover further information about what happened, potentially putting Mr Flanagan under fresh pressure to clarify his officials actions.
If you ask me was the department hiding information, Id say theres no doubt in my mind that theres more documents, Mr Kelly said.
That whole issue hasnt been dealt with and, in the near future, in the coming months, there has to be answers. I will need an explanation and if the standard of answers over the interactions between the gardai and the Department of Justice isnt good enough, then I think thats something Charlie Flanagan will have to answer for.
I think Charlie Flanagan is in a very difficult situation, if the Department of Justice doesnt change its attitude. I expect Charlie is going to have to deal with that, and deal with it immediately, he suggested.
In correspondence sent to the Department of Justice last summer, the Legal Aid Board highlighted the reasons for its decision later reversed after a public outcry to restrict, to priority matters only, referrals to the family law panel of the Private Practitioner District Court Panel.
The decision raised fears of adding to already long waiting lists in sensitive family law cases.
At the time, the Legal Aid Board said it was a temporary measure and would not affect cases involving domestic violence or maintenance enforcement.
The move was reversed at the end of July and correspondence released to the Irish Examiner under Freedom of Information shows the extent of the financial stress faced by the Legal Aid Board ahead of the initial announcement including the diverting funds linked to the Abhaile Scheme.
In a letter to the director of corporate services in the department on July 25, Legal Aid Board chief executive John McDaid said following a half-yearly financial review there is a considerable red in the column for the year to date.
Referring to the big reduction since 2013 in the number of people waiting for the boards services and falls in average waiting times, Mr McDaid said: The reality is that there has been a financial cost associated with this level of performance, and as a consequence the boards resources are under considerable pressure across a number of areas of expenditure.
He said that in order to remain within our budgetary framework for 2017, we have allocated some of the funds that were earmarked for the Abhaile Scheme to other budget lines.
This is on the basis that there is likely to be a surplus of up to 1.2m from the 2.3m given specifically for the non-pay side for Abhaile for 2017 a figure of 594,000 was also carried over into 2017 from the 2016 monies assigned to the Abhaile Scheme.
He also highlighted the rising cost of the use of expert witnesses in cases, associated with the new provisions on the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 that relate to the voice of the child.
In later correspondence, Mr McDaid said the Legal Aid Board was going to postpone the restrictions primarily on the basis of sweating down our staff numbers and probably deferring one property decision, adding there could be advantages and also a downside to those actions.
He also referred to uncertainties in relation to the Abhaile Scheme and in particular the number of PIA [Personal Insolvency Arrangement] review cases far exceeding the number contemplated when the scheme was being established.
The 18-year-old had two mobile phones and gardai are beginning the process of examining them to establish if they contain any online or text communications which might give an insight into his state of mind or what preceded his rampage.
Officers will also try and establish with whom he was in contact in recent days and weeks.
The phones would be critical, to see who he might have been in contact with and who his associates are. Also his online activity would be important, said a source.
Louth divisional officer Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said the three attacks yesterday morning appeared to have been random and unprovoked.
He said they had not established a motive, but said that a terror attack was a line of inquiry. He said he would not comment on the suspects state or mind.
Specialist units, including Counter Terrorism International, part of the Special Detective Unit, are assisting gardai in Dundalk.
Security sources told the Irish Examiner that if international terrorism is established as a motive it would represent the first jihadist attack in Ireland.
It could have an impact on our international terrorism threat level, which is currently at moderate (the second of five levels), which means an attack is possible but not likely.
However, sources said the attack may not be linked to or inspired by international terrorism and that the youth might have acted because of other reasons, such as possible personal or psychiatric issues.
One source said that the man was highly agitated in Dundalk Garda Station following his arrest and that officers were unsure as to whether or not they would be able to interview him.
Gardai examine a sealed-off scene at Seatown, Dundalk, where the third incident took place. Picture: Colin Keegan
It is understood they waited for a doctor to pass the suspect as suitable for interview.
We have to keep an open mind and theres a bit to go yet on this. But establishing if there is a terrorist motive and if the person was acting on his own will be key, said a separate source.
He added: If it is proven it is terror-related, it is the first attack linked to international terrorism here.
We have been keeping our fingers crossed it wouldnt happen here, which is the big fear.
The source said: Until now, all the investigations and intelligence has been in relation to documentation or financing for terrorist groups abroad or recruitment to fight abroad, not attacks here.
He said there was the so-called Jihad Jane plot, involving Irish and US conspirators, which aimed to murder cartoonist Lars Vilks in Sweden in 2010.
Gardai yesterday searched a dilapidated house they suspect the Egyptian teen was using, near where he attacked the Japanese national on Avenue Road, to see if they can uncover any evidence that might assist them in their inquiries.
Chief Supt Mangan said there was a garda interaction with the suspect for the first time on New Years Day.
The scene at Seatown in Dundalk, Co Louth, where a person was hit over the head with an iron bar yesterday. Picture: Ciara Wilkinson
He said this was in relation to his immigration status and that there was nothing to indicate he was going to be involved in any criminality.
He said their information was that the youth had either applied for asylum or was about to do so.
Meanwhile, a shop assistant yesterday recounted how the suspect walked into his store at Seapoint.
The man came in here, looked around and walked out. He was here for no more than 10 seconds.
When the assistant looked out the window he saw an injured man holding his head and the other man holding what appeared to be a large stick.
I think he hit the chap holding his head, the assistant said.
The injured man, who is 23 and from just outside Dundalk, went for assistance at a nearby pharmacy, Smyths Life Pharmacy.
Its owner Anne McEntegart said: The wound was pumping, there was a lot of blood. She and her staff looked after the man and they rang the gardai as well as an ambulance.
The man is understood to have just got off a bus at Seatown when he was struck with what he thought was an iron bar or something similar.
It was totally random. He came in here afterward asking for help, said Ms McEntegart.
Gardai were yesterday in the process of contacting the family of the Japanese man.
Its very, very hard for the family to have someone working over here and get murdered in a foreign country, said Chief Supt Mangan.
Yesterday, the minister said he has no evidence to support the allegation.
Mr Skehan said that while the homelessness crisis was severe, some families were trying to game the system by wrongly registering as homeless to jump social-housing queues.
He said this was distorting the true scale of the crisis and making the homelessness rate seem worse than it was.
Mr Skehan said: We unwittingly created a problem, by prioritising self-declared homelessness above all other types of housing need, which created a distortion in the waiting list system and may have encouraged people to game the system.
The deeply controversial remark led to an immediate backlash from opposition parties and advocacy groups, while Dublin City Councils housing and community services unit outright rejected Mr Skehans claims, in a key intervention later on Tuesday.
However, asked yesterday about the controversy, during a National Emergency Co-Ordination Group media briefing, in response to the Storm Eleanor situation, Mr Murphy said there is no evidence to back up the claim.
While stopping short of saying Mr Skehan was wrong to have made the claims, the housing minister said he was not aware of any information to support what was said.
What I think Conor Skehan is saying is that it may have been an unintended consequence of previous government policy.
Homelessness is a very complex issue; people find themselves in very difficult situations in their lives, from no fault of their own, and they come to our local authorities and emergency- response services looking for help.
When they come for help, we do a detailed assessment to see how best we can help them and help them into emergency accommodation, but, ideally, put them into a permanent solution, if we can do that, as quickly as possible.
Conor Skehan is the chair of the Housing Agency. He advises on government policy.
Its not for me to criticise him for doing that. Its important that we have different voices in this debate.
Ive no evidence, in my department, of people presenting or trying to game the system.
Again, Conor was saying that may have been an unintended consequence of previous government policy, Mr Murphy said.
Levelling the criticism, it said it was gravely concerned, but not surprised at what has transpired.
This was always going to be how 2018 started in our EDs (emergency departments), a spokeswoman for the association said yesterday.
Everyone, from the minister for health (Simon Harris) to the clinician at the frontline knew it, yet little of substance was done by the DoH (Department of Health) and the HSE to address it.
This week, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said there were 656 on hospital trolleys. Yesterday, it updated the figure to 677, with the flu epidemic yet to peak.
The IAEM said no solutions had been put forward to help the overstretched emergency departments.
No solutions seem to be in sight. HSE plans are unambitious and token and are either not implemented or are too slow or too feeble to respond. The Acute Bed Capacity Review will tell us what we have already known for years, namely that we need many more beds.
In the longer term, investment in primary care may improve our nations health, but this is currently little more than an aspiration. This winter and next need immediate solutions, said the IAEM spokeswoman, who added that prefab-type units had been suggested to deal with last years flu season, but the idea had been shot down.
Last year, we said we needed more beds. We said that, in some hospitals, modular ward units needed to be commissioned as a short-term measure, pending longer-term capital projects.
We were told that modular builds would take months. We said start now then, but it didnt happen. The number of delayed discharges needs to be reduced dramatically to free up beds, the IAEM insisted, adding that the sense of deja vu this year is overwhelming and disappointing.
The issues of children on trolleys and staff stress were also highlighted by the IAEM yesterday.
We are also seeing children, who need a hospital bed, being held overnight in EDs; [it is] a new and worrying trend that is not captured in any of the official figures. This is not just a problem today; this situation has been very challenging all through the Christmas and New Year period, said the IAEM spokeswoman.
Any extra beds created will need staff and the reality of persistently difficult working conditions is that we are haemorrhaging doctors, nurses and other staff involved in acute care.
We recognise that it is really tough being a patient in an ED currently. We are also aware just how difficult it is working in grossly crowded EDs at the moment, she added.
A total of 47 people 45 of them male lost their lives in various incidents, but half of all of the deaths occurred on farms, making farming the deadliest occupation for the eighth year in a row.
Older farmers were most at risk as 14 of the 24 people killed on farms were over the age of 65. The Health and Safety Authority said the tragedies pointed to a need for a culture change on Irish farms.
Chief executive Martin OHalloran said: Everyone involved in farming must aim to make whatever changes are necessary to work practices, to stop these accidents occurring each year. That means safety must be paramount when carrying out any work, especially with tractors or farm machinery.
We have seen 14 elderly farmers killed this year, many of them working alone at the time of the accident. Finding supports for elderly farmers or farmers working alone is something that needs to be addressed.
Mr OHalloran said the HSA would continue to play its part but emphasised: Safe farming has to happen every day, not just after an inspection. We need to make this a fundamental part of farming culture. Until it is, we will continue to have devastation and carnage on our farms.
After agriculture, the construction and transport sectors had the highest number of fatalities with six deaths each, and accidents involving vehicles were the biggest single cause of deaths.
We have over 2m people at work and this is a positive development. However, this will lead to increased traffic and movement of vehicles in workplaces creating hazards that must be managed, Mr OHalloran said.
Regardless of the sector, where we have people and vehicles moving in close proximity, the danger is elevated. These dangers are greatly reduced when everyone is aware of the hazards and safe systems of work are implemented.
The youngest fatal accident victim was a one-year-old boy killed when he was struck by a digger on a farm in Co Kilkenny, while the oldest was a 94-year-old Co Laois man who died in a fall at a garage inspection pit.
Accidents involving vehicles caused 21 of the deaths last year while falls from height, which killed six, was the second most common cause of fatalities.
Of all those who died, 18 were self-employed, 15 were employees and seven were family workers.
The deaths include the four crew members of Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 which crashed off Co Mayo last March.
Detectives, including specialist anti-terrorism officers, are trying to establish if there might be a jihadist motivation for the attack which would be the first of its kind in the country.
Gardai yesterday confirmed that a terror attack was a line of inquiry.
Sources stressed that there may be personal factors involved.
Detectives had to seek clearance from a doctor to interview the 18-year-old asylum seeker because he was in such a highly agitated state and was hitting himself.
There are reports that he was shouting in Dundalk Garda Station about some dishonour he had brought to his family, thought to be in Britain, possibly regarding some relationship issue.
The teenager was disarmed and arrested by uniformed, and unarmed, gardai at 9.45am yesterday after a spree that began at 9am, when he knifed a Japanese man, aged 24, in the back.
The victim was walking on Avenue Rd on his way to work at the time.
It is thought that the suspect was staying in an abandoned house nearby and may have gone back into it after the attack.
The Garda Dog Unit and gardai at the scene of a fatal attack on Avenue Road, Dundalk, Co Louth. Picture: Colin Keegan
Gardai were alerted and arrived at the murder scene within seven minutes.
It is thought the suspect re-emerged from his house, possibly armed with a second knife and a wooden fence pole, and walked to Coes Rd, where, at 9.30am, he stabbed a local man.
Some 10 minutes later, on nearby Seatown Place, he assaulted another Irishman, aged 23, with the pole, inflicting head injuries.
The suspect was spotted by a uniformed garda and, after backup arrived, he was arrested at around 9.45am on Inner Relief Rd. It is understood he attempted to attack the gardai with the pole, but they subdued him.
The Japanese man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gardai examine a sealed-off scene at Seatown, Dundalk, where the third incident took place. Picture: Colin Keegan
Divisional officer, Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan yesterday said they had not yet established a motive and would not comment on the suspects state of mind.
He said the attacks appeared to be random and unprovoked.
He confirmed that terrorism was being investigated as a possible cause.
A terror attack is a line of inquiry, it is certainly a line we would look at, he said.
Specialist Garda sections from Crime and Security, including Counter Terrorism International and Security and Intelligence, are assisting gardai in Dundalk.
CTI investigates jihadist terrorism and is part of the Special Detective Unit.
Security and Intelligence is the Gardas intelligence-gathering arm and is the liaison section with international security services.
The scene at Seatown in Dundalk, Co Louth, where a person was hit over the head with an iron bar yesterday. Picture: Ciara Wilkinson
Security sources told the Irish Examiner that if international terrorism is established as a motive, it would represent the first jihadist attack in Ireland.
Irelands current international terrorism threat assessment is moderate (the second of five levels), which means an attack is possible, but not likely.
Gardai yesterday began the process of examining two mobile phones that were taken off the suspect.
Sources said these phones could be critical in helping to establish possible motivation for the attack and that gardai will examine online and text communications for any clues. It would also enable investigators to establish who he had been in contact with.
Gardai are conducting a technical examination of the abandoned house for any clues. They will also try and talk to the suspects family. If they are in the UK, this would be done through British police.
One security source said it was very difficult to legislate for an attack that involved knives or poles.
Chief Supt Mangan said there was a Garda interaction with the suspect for the first time on New Years Day.
He said this was in relation to his immigration status and not an interaction that would indicate he was going to be involved in any criminality.
He said their information was that the youth had either applied for asylum or was about to do so.
He said there would be an international dimension to their inquiries to establish where this person came from and how he got to this jurisdiction.
It is understood that after local gardai in Dundalk asked the youth for his Garda National Immigration Bureau card on New Years Day, he was sent to Hatch Hall accommodation in Dublin city centre.
He must have travelled back to Dundalk and gardai are investigating why.
It comes amid fresh calls for the emergency department taskforce to be convened to address the crisis.
Independent Alliance TD and junior education minister John Halligan said the escalating situation is unacceptable.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) urged the HSE and Department of Health to convene a taskforce to tackle the national emergency and said hospitals simply cannot cope.
An all-time high of 656 people waiting on trolleys was reached on Tuesday. The figure was exceeded yesterday with 677 waiting.
While some government officials said the situation is being brought under control, Mr Halligan said the conditions and figures are outrageous and cannot be allowed to continue.
I had reason to be in the Waterford hospital many times over the Christmas period because of a family matter, he told RTE radios Today With Sean ORourke programme.
I was there twice a day for three weeks and I did see people on trolleys, and I spoke with people on trolleys, and I thought it was outrageous to be quite frank with you. What else can I say?
Labours health spokesman, Alan Kelly, said the rising trolley figures are not sustainable for patients or staff in hospitals. He said there is no point in blaming the flu outbreak for the rates as it is clear little was learned from last winter.
Solidarity-People Before Profit and the Social Democrats were also scathing, with the latters Roisin Shortall, a former junior health minister, saying the trolley crisis is predictable and avoidable a claim also made by Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail on Tuesday.
This latest trolley crisis is a national disgrace and is intolerable for both patients and staff, but it is also absolutely predictable, said Ms Shortall.
After a summer when our health services were on a knife-edge, it was inevitable that winter flu and other seasonal illnesses would push our hospitals beyond breaking point.
While agreeing with the criticism, Mr Halligan noted a number of these parties particularly Fianna Fail did not take the opportunity to enter government after the last general election, and as such should limit their claims on how they can solve the health crisis.
Maybe theyll have an opportunity to do that in a few months or next year, but I doubt they will [enter government], he said.
Meanwhile, the INMO said it is seeking an immediate meeting of the emergency department taskforce to address the trolley crisis.
In a statement, new general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said the situation is out of control and has become a national emergency that the Government and HSE must immediately address if it wants to avoid needless loss of life.
We are very concerned at the level of planning to avoid the situation that has been engaged in some locations and we have sought to meet with the HSE as a matter of urgency, she said.
We are awaiting their confirmation that this meeting will take place, with a view to examining alternative arrangements for hospitals that are simply too overcrowded to continue to accept admissions.
It is clear that a national emergency is now in place and certain locations simply cannot cope.
While health officials are not inclined to convene the emergency department taskforce yet as the heads of hospitals need to remain at their facilities, they are concerned about the fact the backlog of patients in hospitals is causing trolley counts to surge overnight.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES Just about everywhere you go, you see them. Help wanted signs. From the big corporate chains to the small mom-and-pop shops, it seems almost everyone is looking for workers. Despite...
New rules as schools set to open There will be lunch in the cafeteria, fully loaded busest, and recesses that accommodate entire grade levels when local students return to class Wednesday. Were basing this year on the...
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Cody Cottier covers town and state government. He grew up with a view of the Olympic Mountains, and after graduating Washington State University he traded it for a view of the Tetons. Odds are the mountains are where youll find him when not on deadline.
Scene Editor Billy Arnold covers arts and entertainment. He apprenticed as a sound engineer at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio before making his way to Jackson, where he has become a low-key fan of country music.
ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- In a taped message that was played Wednesday night at a reception hosted by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations to thank those countries that voted with the U.S. -- or abstained from voting -- against a U.N. measure condemning the decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, President Donald Trump said he "greatly appreciated" those nations' actions.
Countries which did not attend the vote altogether, also were invited to the New York City event.
"I want to thank all of the nations represented here tonight for standing with the United States during the recent United Nations General Assembly vote on the status of Jerusalem," Trump said in the 47-second recording, obtained by ABC News. "Rest assured that your actions on Thursday, December 21 will go down as a very important date [and] were noted and greatly appreciated."
The president continued, "The United States remains committed to achieving lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. There's no reason that peace should not be entered into. We will continue to work with the partners like you to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the region, for the world. Thank you, God bless you, and have a great new year."
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley posted photos from the reception to her Twitter and Instagram accounts, writing, "A great night with friends..."
Nine countries voted against that U.N. condemnation, including the U.S. and Israel. Another 35 countries abstained. But key American allies like the United Kingdom and France were among the 128 countries which voted to condemn.
Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Measures approved to streamline administration, reduce burdens
China will work to better the business environment with measures that further streamline administration and reduce corporate burdens, under a decision made at a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.
To further improve the business environment, the government will prioritize cutting red tape, taxes and fees. The negative list for market access will be implemented across the board. The "one-stop and one-form" application for record-filing and business registration of foreign-invested ventures will be introduced nationwide, it was decided at the meeting.
Enterprises of various ownerships will be treated the same way in qualification and approval, government procurement, major projects in science and technology and standards setting. Properties of various types will receive equal protection, and more efforts will be made to protect intellectual property rights.
In his report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping said that China will sort through and do away with regulations and practices that impede the development of a unified market and fair competition, and will promote high-standard trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.
"We should improve the investment and market environment, make bigger strides in opening-up, reduce the cost of market functioning and create a stable, fair, transparent and predictable business environment. In this way we can speed up the development of new institutions of the open economy and promote sustained and sound economic growth," he said.
Premier Li Keqiang said that improving the business environment will help unleash productivity and enhance competitiveness, and that fostering a sound business environment will lay an important foundation for developing a modern economic system and promoting high-quality development.
"Greater efforts should be made in streamlining administration, enhancing compliance oversight and delivering better services to foster an internationally competitive business environment that provides equal treatment to domestic and foreign enterprises and stimulates the vitality of market entities and social creativity," he said.
In a 2017 World Bank report, China ranked 78th in ease of doing businessit was 96th in 2013.
The current government has taken a series of measures to cut red tape, reduce corporate burdens and improve the business environment. It has canceled or delegated administrative approval by State Council bodies on 697 items, accounting for 45 percent of the total. The government also cut 323 items, 74 percent of the total, from the list of intermediary services for administrative approval, and it canceled professional qualification and certification requirements for 434 items, more than 70 percent.
The meeting decided that more efforts will be made to slash or cancel fees paid by enterprises, including operational and service fees and those charged by sectoral associations and chambers of commerce. Costs for customs clearance will be lowered.
China and the United States have met a bumpy start to 2018 as scepticism about Chinese investment and trade are clouding over Washington.
The U.S. government rejected a merger by China's Ant Financial with U.S. money transfer company MoneyGram International Inc. over national security concerns on Tuesday.
It is not surprising that a number of Chinese companies have hit the buffers in Washington as trade tensions between the two countries are flaring.
The bonhomie that grew between China and the United States in Beijing in November, when the two signed hundreds of billions of dollars of deals, seems to be fading away as the U.S. side is stuck in a zero-sum mentality.
In the last 30 days of 2017, the U.S. government launched a Section 301 investigation into Chinese intellectual property and technology transfer, self-initiated probes into Chinese-made aluminum products, and rejected China's market economy status at the World Trade Organization.
The hawkish turn became ear-piercing when President Trump described China as a strategic "competitor" in his first national security strategy in December, accusing the China of pursuing economic aggression designed to weaken America.
Are there reasons for optimism in 2018? An injection of hope is urgently needed for the world's top two economies to sail the charted course.
The first batch of prototype subway cars to be eventually manufactured in Massachusetts arrived in Boston days before Christmas.
The new prototype was built by a China-based plant of CRRC, the country's largest rail car maker. Mass production will begin at the company's factory in Springfield, Massachusetts to serve the Orange Line of the Boston metro, the world's oldest transit system.
This story highlights a shift in the economic relationship between the world's top two economies: "Made in China" is increasingly being replaced by "Made by China in America."
According to a report by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and Rhodium Group, employment by Chinese-owned firms across America jumped nine-fold from 2009 to 140,000 in 2016.
Stephen Orlins, President of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, said that for years U.S. companies invested in China, made profits and built communities, becoming strong supporters of constructive U.S.-China relations.
In the face of a rising China, the United States, however, feels uneasy.
China has not hesitated to make it clear that it is not seeking global dominance, rejecting a zero-sum mentality between countries, especially between the United States and China. Cooperation is the only correct choice for both.
China's case is not well received by the United States. With deep-rooted strategic mistrust toward China, U.S. politicians have failed to catch up with China's understanding of cooperation and adopted an increasingly protective and isolationist approach.
When China proposes building the world into a community of shared future, it does not distinguish between competitors and partners. At this moment, the real test facing policymakers is whether or not they can maximize cooperation and manage competition so that it does not escalate into conflict.
Cooperation is essential for China and the United States to handle growing common challenges and interests. Narrow-mindedness and rigidity will lead to a zero-sum game. But both will be better off if they come together, since their common interests are greater than their differences.
China and the United States are about to ride a bumpy journey in trade in 2018 if the U.S. government goes it own way, and retaliatory measures by China could be on the table.
But the price is too high for the two peoples to pay if scepticism grows and tension escalates. Composure and pragmatism are needed to steer trade ties safe and sound.
LeEco founder Jia seeks time from creditors to clear outstanding debts
Chinese actress Gan Wei, better known as the spouse of beleaguered tycoon Jia Yueting, said on Wednesday that she would deal with the debt issues plaguing LeEco.
In a post on her Sina Weibo account, China's Twitter-like social media, Gan said that she would meet the creditors to resolve the debt problems and confirmed that Jia owed 6.9 billion yuan ( billion) on loans connected to pledged shares, and has paid 1.7 billion yuan towards interest on the same since 2014. She urged investors, media, government and the society to give more time and space for Jia.
Gan landed in Beijing on New Year's Eve, posting messages on her Weibo account from the airport, saying that she was back with a mission.
However, her husband had defied orders from the country's securities regulator to return to the country to take action over the mounting debts, saying he needed to stay in the United States to work on his electric car startup.
Jia said in a statement on Tuesday that he had asked his brother, Jia Yuemin, and his wife, Gan Wei, to represent him at LeEco's listed armLeshi Internet Information & Technology Corpin exercising shareholder rights and handling the sale of assets.
"I feel deeply guilty and blame myself for the negative impact from the LeEco debt crisis," he said. "The fundraising for Faraday Future, the US-based electric car company, has made significant progress and there are many tasks that need to be undertaken to ensure the mass production and timely delivery of the FF 91 vehicle."
Jia also placed much of the blame for LeEco's cash-flow problems on a single late payment in July, which he said led to the freezing of his assets and triggered a cascade of early loan recalls. He also cited false and malicious reports that led to problems with creditors and suppliers.
The mounting cash problems meant the shutdown of nearly all the group's non-listed companies and the laying off of 10,000 employees. "The only thing left for the company was to sell its assets to repay the debt," Jia said.
However, LeEco's listed arm Leshi said in a filing on Tuesday that it hasn't resolved its debt problems with closely held entities associated with Jia.
"Up to now, the parties haven't come to an executable and substantial solution to its overall debt issues," Leshi said in one of several filings to the Shenzhen bourse. "The listed firm will continue to do its utmost to engage Jia Yueting and the non-listed affiliated companies to reach a resolution."
The company announced plans for a unit to buy LeEco's online business Lemall.com for 92.9 million yuan.
Shen Meng, director of boutique investment bank Chanson & Co, said though Gan's statement seemed to absolve the responsibility for Jia, she has not come up with any real solution to problem, other than seeking "sympathy from the public."
"Jia didn't come back even after the securities regulator ordered him to return, which indicates that he has been escaping the responsibility," Shen added.
Lawyers have pointed out that Jia's defiance of the CSRC's instruction may have civil, rather than criminal implications.
"Based on their marital relationship, Gan could act on behalf of Jia and deal with financial crisis and unpaid debts. The key is to handle the relationships with creditors and communicate actively with them, as well as clarify the doubts from the public," said Yan Yuejin, research director at E-house China R&D Institute.
Last week, the Beijing branch of the China Securities Regulatory Commission said in a notice that Jia must return to the country before Dec 31, 2017 to "fulfill his obligations" and protect investors' rights, saying Jia and his sister failed to provide loans to Leshi as promised.
Jia has been placed on a national list of debt defaulters after failing to comply with a court order, a move taken by Chinese courts to put pressure on people and entities to repay debts.
CENTRAL POINT, Ore.- A 12-year-old boy from Redding, California is looking to visit cemeteries in all 50 states to honor forgotten veterans. He says he wanted to pursure this goal after visiting his grandfather's gravesite in Redding and seeing a barren cemetery on Veterans Day.
Preston Scott, 12, says "I went there and since it was Veterans Day I thought there were going to be flags out on Veteran's grave sites and there wasnt so I got really frustrated with that and I just wanted to start honoring veterans."
Now Preston challenges people he meets on his journey to do his flag and flower challenge. He says it's similar to the ice bucket challenge, and it's a way to honor veterans every day and not just on a holiday.
Preston says, "I honor veterans with the flag and the flower. I find a Veterans grave site and I place the flag, and then I place the flower, and then I say the Veteran's name out loud and thank them for their service.
Preston has visited five states so far- Nevada, California, Virginia, Florida, and as of today, Oregon.
Preston says, "Im not going to stop honoring veterans until like cant bend down anymore."
MEDFORD, Ore. -- Democratic Oregon senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are responding to Attorney General Jeff Sessions announcement he will rescind current federal marijuana policy.
In statements obtained by NewsWatch 12, Wyden said,
Trump promised to let states set their own marijuana policies. Now he's breaking that promise so Jeff Sessions can pursue his extremist anti-marijuana crusade. Once again the Trump administration is doubling down on protecting states rights only when they believe the state is right. Opening the door to go after legal marijuana businesses ignores the will of the majority of Americans and marks yet another socially unjust and economically backward scheme from this administration. Any budget deal Congress considers in the coming days must build on current law to prevent the federal government from intruding in state-legal, voter-supported decisions.
NewsWatch 12 reached out to Senator Jeff Merkley for a statement as well. His statement reads,
"This is a destructive decision and a huge step backwards. Whatever happened to Attorney General Sessions belief in states rights? This decision directly contradicts then-candidate Trumps statement on cannabis policy that it should be up to the states, absolutely.
There is nothing to be gained from going back to an era when federal resources were wasted prosecuting nonviolent cannabis crimes. This decision will create massive uncertainty, hurt local businesses and tax revenue, and harm public safety by driving cannabis activity back into the more dangerous black market. The Justice Department should immediately reverse this misguided decision and honor Trumps campaign commitment, and I will keep fighting to make this happen.
NewsWatch 12 reached out to Republican Representative Greg Walden for a response. We have yet to receive a response.
The policy Sessions plans to rescind let legalized marijuana flourish without federal intervention across the country. The move will leave it to U.S. attorneys where pot is legal to decide whether to aggressively enforce federal marijuana law. To read more about it could affect legal pot sales, click here.
Oregon governor Kate Brown and Oregon State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton also responded to Session's decision. To read their statements, click here.
To read the full memo from 2013 that outlined the separation between federal and state marijuana policies, click here.
(Salem, OR) Governor Kate Brown today released the following statement regarding reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will rescind current federal marijuana policy:
"Reports that Attorney General Jeff Sessions will roll back federal marijuana policy are deeply concerning and disruptive to our state's economy. Over 19,000 jobs have been created by the market Oregon worked carefully to build in good faith and in accordance with the Cole Memorandum. The federal government must keep its promise to states that relied on its guidance.
"States are the laboratories of democracy, where progressive policies are developed and implemented for the benefit of their people. Voters in Oregon were clear when they chose for Oregon to legalize the sale of marijuana and the federal government should not stand in the way of the will of Oregonians.
"My staff and state agencies are working to evaluate reports of the Attorney General's decision and will fight to continue Oregon's commitment to a safe and prosperous recreational marijuana market."
Governor Kate Brown and Oregon State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton in August sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, explaining in detail the state policies in place that are aimed at the safety and security of Oregon's marijuana market.
Both Governor Brown and Superintendent Hampton demonstrated in detail how Oregon is working proactively to comply with the Cole Memorandum by protecting public health, protecting minors, preventing diversion, and suppressing organized and violent crime.
READ KATE BROWN'S ENTIRE LETTER HERE.
READ THE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT'S LETTER HERE.
A Lenovo employee fixes internal cables onto a laptop in Whitsett, the U.S.. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
Experts warned on Wednesday that U.S. chip manufacturer BiTMICRO's filing of a complaint against other global tech companies for infringing intellectual property rights would be counterproductive and goes against the trend of globalization.
The Virginia-based semiconductor producer, which makes solid-state drives (SSD), stacked electronics components and other products, filed the complaint late last month against more than a dozen global tech companies including Dell, Samsung Electronics, Lenovo, SK Hynix Inc and VAIO Corp.
It claimed that the 17 proposed respondents violated Section 337 of the U.S. Tariff Act of 1930 by importing and selling products that infringe the asserted patents. The complaint specifically refers to various computers, mobile phones, tablets, watches, and components thereof, as infringing products.
The press office of Lenovo Group Ltd did not respond to China Daily on Tuesday. Lenovo and its North Carolina-based subsidiary Lenovo (United States) Inc is the only company in the Chinese mainland that has been targeted by this move.
Cheng Zhiwei, a business professor at Nankai University in Tianjin, said as BiTMICRO's complaint involved many major companies in the world including those U.S. manufacturers, the U.S. government will handle it carefully and it will put pressure on U.S. policymakers to respond to the complaint.
"For BiTMICRO, targeting its competitors will not resolve its difficulties on sales and the company should be aware that the rapid growth of the flows of technology, information, data, know-how and knowledge has existed for long time within and across borders, thanks to the power of globalization," said Cheng.
Li Guanghui, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing, said this move is intended to subvert both BiTMICRO's domestic and foreign rivals, as the U.S. firm, once a leader in the SSD market between 2000 and 2008, has been losing ground to other companies.
"Giant companies such as Intel Corp, Samsung Electronics Co and SanDisk Corp currently have the majority of the SSD market. As China's largest personal computer manufacturer, Lenovo's core business is not SSD. It will not have a big impact on the company's commercial operations," said Li.
Launched by the United States International Trade Commission, Section 337 investigations are related to claims involving intellectual property rights. It declares the infringement of a U.S. patent, copyright, registered trademark, or mask work to be an unlawful practice in import trade.
The U.S. International Trade Commission normally decides on whether to launch an investigation within 30 days of receiving a complaint.
Samsung Electronics said on Tuesday that the company would "respond after thoroughly reviewing the case".
South Korea's Trade-Investment Promotion Agency has also warned of the growing number of complaints related to U.S. trade laws.
B.C. Green Leader Andrew Weaver, left, and Robert Stupka, the Green party candidate for Kelowna West, stand alongside the Wine Trail, an upgraded section of Boucherie Road, on Wednesday. Weaver and Stupka will host a town hall meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Westbank Lions Community Centre on Main Street.
FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull, with then-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, center, and then- chief strategist Steve Bannon, right, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. Trump responded to criticism leveled at him in a new book that says he never expected Ai or wanted Ai to win the White House, his victory left his wife in tears and a senior adviser thought his son's contact with a Russian lawyer during the campaign was "treasonous." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump, responds to reporters asking questions as he leaves the White House in Washington. Trump has signed an executive order disbanding his voter fraud commission. The White House in a statement blamed the decision on numerous states that have refused to provide voter information to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, savors the king crab he ordered at Hema Xiansheng, an emerging online-to-offline supermarket backed by Alibaba, in Shanghai in July. (Provided to China Daily)
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd announced on Wednesday the opening of another 30 Hema Xiansheng fresh food supermarkets throughout Beijing this year, as internet giants focus increasingly on the lucrative fresh-food retail sector.
The announcement came right before JD's first fresh food supermarket 7Fresh started its official operation on Thursday, an indication of the increasingly intense competition and rapid expansion of the two e-commerce giants.
With Hema opening in major commercial districts across Beijing including Xizhimen, Guang'anmen and Shuangjing, consumers in major urban areas of Beijing can have their groceries delivered to a location within a radius of three kilometers from the store in 30 minutes.
"We are proud to announce that Hema has discovered an exclusive means of 'new retail' at the beginning of the new year and is expanding quickly in China and outside the world," said Hou Yi, CEO of Hema.
According to Hou, Hema stores are an example of Alibaba's new retail strategy, which aims to digitalize and transform the traditional grocery shopping experience and integrate online and offline shopping.
The Hema stores, which feature a fresh seafood section including king crab and lobster, provide customers the option to either pop into the store and choose their goods, or order online through a proprietary app and have it delivered within half an hour.
The new business model also allows customers to eat in-store through buying products in the supermarket and getting its restaurant staff to cook it.
The online giant said last year that its first such store, which opened more than two years ago in Shanghai, has become profitable.
Shoppers on average make 4.5 purchases per month and visit the supermarket 50 times a year, according to the company. The stores' sales per unit area is three-to-five times those of other supermarkets.
While Hema has opened five stores in Beijing so far, Hou added that in 2018 the company will "concentrate more on the Beijing market in addition to expanding its business across China".
Faced with increasingly fierce domestic competition, the company said that it will strive to improve retail efficiency using new technologies to develop new products and meet new demand.
Staff of Chengdu Airlines hail the arrival of the first ARJ21 regional jet delivered to the company, which flew from Shanghai to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, on Nov 29, 2015. (He Haiyang/for China Daily)
The ARJ21, China's first homemade regional jetliner, has been in commercial use for more than two years now, and has netted 433 orders from 20 customers.
Now, the developer of the ARJ21 wants to see if it could go into mass production, further expanding the market by being used on more commercial routes, said Lin Zhijie, an aviation industry analyst and columnist at Carnoc.com, one of China's largest civil aviation web portals.
On Dec 22, the ninth test ARJ21 model made its debut flight in Shanghai, becoming the fourth ARJ21 test aircraft to finish its maiden flight in 2017, according to its manufacturer, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, or COMAC.
On Dec 13, Chengdu Airlines introduced an ARJ21 airplane on a route connecting Chengdu, Sichuan province in Southwestern China to Shangrao, Jiangxi province in East China. This is the first Chengdu-Shangrao flight operated by Chengdu Airlines.
The aircraft will fly the regional line every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, according to Chengdu Airlines, a signal that the ARJ21 is making a step forward in its business operations.
The ARJ21 is a domestically built jet with independent intellectual rights and developed in line with international standards. With 78 to 90 seats and a flight range of 2,225 to 3,700 kilometers, it could improve direct flight service between small and medium cities, according to Chengdu Airlines, which took its first ARJ21 delivery in November 2015.
Chengdu Airlines said the ARJ21 aircraft has maintained a high passenger load ratio of nearly 90 percent. It had been used to fly from Chengdu to Shanghai, Chengdu to Changsha, Hunan province and then to Shanghai, as well as Chengdu to Jinan, Shandong province.
So far, Chengdu Airlines has three ARJ21 aircraft, and they have flown safely for about 1,200 hours, carrying more than 30,000 passengers. Currently, they are used on three routes, including Chengdu to Changsha, Chengdu to Hefei, Anhui province, and Chengdu to Shangrao.
"After the ARJ21 enters the mature period of operation, Chengdu Airlines will design more regional, tourism and plateau flights, which can better reflect the performance and branding of the ARJ21 and increase its market acceptability through various routes," said Zhang Fang, deputy general manager of Chengdu Airlines.
"Meanwhile, we will further expand its reach in second and third-tier cities in China, as we constantly enlarge the fleet," Zhang said, adding that the airline will work together with COMAC to forge a better Chinese commercial aircraft brand.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for a predictable environment for Chinese companies after Ant Financial Services Group failed on Tuesday to close a deal for U.S. money transfer company MoneyGram.
Ant Financial, the online financial services of Alibaba Group, and MoneyGram announced they would terminate the proposed merger deal due to failure to win approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS), according to a statement the Chinese company sent to the Global Times.
Chinese companies have encountered increased pressure when it comes to merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in the U.S. in recent years.
"The geopolitical environment has changed considerably since we first announced the proposed transaction with Ant Financial nearly a year ago," Alex Holmes, CEO of MoneyGram, was quoted as saying in the statement.
MoneyGram and Ant had entered into an amended merger agreement under which Ant Financial was to have acquired all of the outstanding shares of MoneyGram for .00 each in cash.
Ant will pay MoneyGram a million as termination fee.
China said on Wednesday that it hopes the U.S. can create a level playing field and a predictable environment for Chinese enterprises, Reuters reported.
The comment from Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang at a regular news conference was in response to a question from reporters about a U.S. government panel's rejection of Ant Financial's acquisition of MoneyGram over national security concerns, according to the media report.
"The failed deal reflects an overall tighter scrutiny of U.S. authorities over Chinese investors since last year," a source close to the deal told the Global Times on Wednesday.
Since President Donald Trump took office, the U.S. government has been overly defensive toward Chinese investment, which has hindered the "enthusiasm" of Chinese investors to do business in the U.S., the source noted.
For example, the Trump administration blocked the sale of Lattice Semiconductor Corp to Chinese-backed private equity firm Canyon Bridge Capital Partners for national security reasons in September 2017.
Two months later, Chinese private company CEFC China Energy withdrew from a 5 million deal with U.S. financial services firm Cowen Inc due to objections from the CFIUS.
The value of China's M&A deals in the U.S. dropped nearly 80 percent on a year-on-year basis in 2017, to .6 billion, according to a report Thomas Reuters sent to the Global Times in December 2017.
"The high-technology sector has been targeted amid the CFIUS reviews, as some technologies could be applied into sensitive areas such as military and telecommunications," Hao Junbo, a lawyer at Beijing-based Hao Law Firm, told the Global Times on Wednesday.
"Also, the U.S. government is likely to have a biased perspective on Chinese tech companies, especially when it is about the security of data and information, which has had a negative impact on M&A deals," he said.
Since 2015, Ant has been expanding actively overseas and served 36 countries and regions worldwide as of the end of 2017.
LANE COUNTY, Ore.-- A nationwide firefighter shortage is putting a strain on volunteer departments in Western Oregon.
In Lane County, departments like Junction City are staffed by nearly 90-percent volunteers. KEZI spoke to Junction City Fire Chief Brandon Nicol today, who said part of the problem is finding people who are qualified.
Volunteers have to be physically fit, pass a background check, and dedicate the time to training requirements.
Within Lane Fire Authority, about half the staff is volunteers. KEZI spoke to Lt. Tressa Miller who says the department couldn't do it without them. "We have 144 members, and for right now, we're able to cover the calls. If you take 90 of those people away... We're not going to be able to make a difference. Call times, response times, are going to go way up.. The volunteers with our organization, with any organization, we are reliant on the volunteers," Miller said.
She said the best volunteers are people who have a heart for it.
Volunteering requires weekly training. The only cost is that of the uniform, which is tax deductable.
Volunteers also get a stipend for their phone bill.
If you're interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter, you can apply here.
ROSEBURG, Ore. A Roseburg man is booked in the Douglas County Jail on multiple sex crimes after what Oregon State Police called a lengthy criminal investigation.
State Police said 37-year-old Sean Michael Handlery of Roseburg was arrested on Wednesday on charges that include Rape III, Sodomy III, Sexual Abuse III, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, Sexual Misconduct and Luring a Minor.
Handlerys arrest was the result of a lengthy criminal investigation, according to State Police.
According to court documents, the victim was an acquaintance of Handlery and a 15-year-old girl at the time a sexual relationship began between the two. That relationship was documented through text messages, social media, and notebooks exchanged between the two. Documents also described Handlery knowing he was committing a crime as an attorney. The sexual relationship between the two ended in February 2016 and in December 2017, the now 18-year-old girl went to Oregon State Police with information.
SPRINGFIELD, Ore.-- Fake money is making the rounds in Springfield, accoring to police.
They said it's something they continue to see, but there are ways you can protect yourself from getting scammed.
First, some of the fake money has Chinese symbols imprinted, so look out for those. Other counterfeit bills are being printed on regular paper, so if the bill feels fake, it's best not to accept it. You should also watch out for repeat serial numbers. KEZI spoke to a detective with Springfield Police who explained why.
"Look at the serial number. So if someone is going to purchase something that's say, 200 dollars... And they give you ten 20 dollar bills, look at the serial numbers make sure they're not the same because a lot of people counter fitting money don't have a lot of individually numbered bills to print off. So, they'll take one bill with one serial number and make a bunch of copies of it," Tony Delcastillo said.
If you're a business owner and it happens to you, he says not to confront the person, as they could be dangerous. He recommends keeping the bill, writing down a description of the person, and calling police right away.
Rescue workers check waters near to where a cargo ship sank off the Shanghai coast on Thursday. China Daily
The search for sailors missing since a cargo ship sank off the Shanghai coast was continuing on Wednesday night.
The Changping, a ship loaded with 5,000 metric tons of steel, collided with another vessel, Xinwang 138, while unmooring in Wusongkou at 11:39 pm on Tuesday, according to the city's maritime search and rescue center.
Three sailors were rescued at 12:49 am, while 10 were still missing as of 4 pm Wednesday.
A helicopter conducted two air searches in the morning, and nine rescue ships have been drafted to help the search.
The sunken Changping has been located and marked by three salvage vessels. A salvage plan is being formulated, authorities said, adding that two divers have searched underwater several times.
A hole of about 2 square meters was found at the right side of the ship's rear compartment. The divers went into the cabin from the left side, but found only debris.
The Changping had sailed to Shanghai from Yingkou, Liaoning province.
Three provinces and one autonomous region are planning for entrusted pension investment to deal with mounting payment pressure, a social security official said Wednesday.
Gansu, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces as well as Tibet Autonomous Region are considering entrusting some of their pension funds, totaling 150 billion yuan (23.05 billion U.S. dollars), to the National Council for Social Security Fund (NCSSF) for professional investment, according to Tang Xiaoli, an official of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
China is facing increasing pension payment pressure due to the acceleration of economic restructuring and an aging population, requiring new ways to bolster the funds' value, Tang said.
Pension investment is a major way to preserve and increase fund value, and nine provinces have entrusted about 430 billion yuan to the NCSSF for professional investment.
China has about 4 trillion yuan in its pension fund balance, and more provinces should be encouraged to try entrusted investment, Tang said.
"Dear squad leader, I'm wondering if you still remember me? It is ok if you do not. I was a trainee at the "Hong Kong College Students Military Life Experience Camp" and am one of Hong Kong's seven million people who are paying attention to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison. If it were not for you, I would have become a child who knows nothing and would not be able to understand the PLA style."--- Huang Yiqing
In the summer of 2017, as Hong Kong marked the 20th anniversary of return to the motherland, a Hong Kong girl wrote a letter to the officers and soldiers of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, telling them she had become a young instructor at the Hong Kong Army Cadets Association Limited (HKACA). Her decision to take on that role came from her experience at the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks in Hong Kong two years ago.
Her time with the garrison enabled her to make up her mind to help more young people in Hong Kong understanding their motherland.
Huang Yiqing:
My name is Huang Yiqing, I am a graduate of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. I was a student of the fifth "Hong Kong College Students Military Life Experience Camp". After that, I came to HKACA to work as an instructor. I wrote a letter to my squad leader in June 2017. I wrote this letter because July 1, 2017 marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the stationing of the PLA in Hong Kong.
I would like to write a letter to express my gratitude to my squad leaders as well as the officers and soldiers stationed in the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.
It was the first time for me to participate in the Hong Kong College Students Military Life Experience Camp, and even as a local resident of Hong Kong, I was not familiar with the PLA Hong Kong Garrison.
I had heard before that military personnel are very strict and harsh, so I was very nervous before I went to the camp.
But after the 13-day training in the Camp, I gradually realized that they are actually not just harsh, they are very friendly as well and they care for us indeed.
The most unforgettable moment was the tour of Victoria Harbor on the military vessel from the Ngong Shuen Chau Barracks. This is the first time that my friends and I had boarded a military vessel. We enjoyed the whole trip from beginning to end.
In fact, we were very unwilling to leave the camp at the end. On the day of departure, all of our classmates were lined up and our squad leaders all lined up outside and watched us get on the bus one by one.
That feeling was actually very sad, and when we sat on the seats, many people were already in tears. We felt very unfamiliar and a bit scared in the beginning but we wanted to stay in the barracks when the camp came to an end.
I hope to publicize or share more about our motherland through platforms like HKACA.
There are actually two reasons why I joined HKACA. I wanted to share what I learned in the barracks with more Hong Kong adolescents. And I hoped that through my role as an instructor, I could help more people to know and understand our motherland, then they could have better thinking and reflection.
In fact, our compatriots in the Mainland love us very much. Just like the officers and soldiers of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison, we can go to talk with them and they will not feel strange. We are just like families because they care for us.
When I know that the troops stationed in Hong Kong actually protect us all the time, I feel that the relationship between us is particularly intimate and cordial with no sense of distance.
Backgrounder: Since Hong Kong's return to motherland 20 years ago, the PLA Hong Kong Garrison has organized 29 military camps, more than 6.8 million local people have got in close touch with the PLA. And it has also organized 13 youth military camps and 7 military life experience camps for students, more than 3,600 students have been trained. Such activities enable young people to have a deeper understanding of national defense and their motherland.
Inland Fisheries Ireland has today launched its sponsorship fund for 2018, which will support angling events and initiatives across the country.
The fund supported 79 events and initiatives across 19 counties to the tune of 30,000 in 2017, with a particular focus on those which help grow Irelands angling tourism product and support novice anglers. Recreational angling is estimated to have contributed over 800 million to Irelands economy in 2017, supporting upwards of 11,000 jobs.
Inland Fisheries Irelands Sponsorship Fund aims to support large international competitions held in Ireland which showcase Irelands angling offering and contribute to local economies. The fund also contributes to novice angler events which increase participation in angling among those who want to begin, or who have recently taken up, fishing as a hobby.
Finally, it also helps initiatives which disseminate information that promote conservation and protection of the inland fisheries and sea angling resource and can include seminars, workshops and training. Support from the Sponsorship Fund can be either financial or resource support from Inland Fisheries Ireland staff members.
Angling offers rural communities the opportunity to increase the number of visitors to the area and in turn, support local business and create jobs by providing a sustainable source of income for both catering and accommodation services.
Last years Sponsorship Scheme supported 79 initiatives all over the country which had a focus on helping grow Irelands angling tourism product and supporting novice anglers," said Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland.
"Tourism initiatives like the Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East are further boosting visitor numbers and our Sponsorship Fund for 2018 will support angling clubs and groups nationwide to offer local events which engage domestic anglers, overseas anglers and those who are about to cast for the first time.
With Ireland having some of the best wild fisheries in Europe, this Sponsorship Fund forms part of our National Strategy for Angling Development which aims to develop our angling tourism potential while also managing and conserving our fisheries resource.
Inland Fisheries Irelands National Strategy for Angling Development is the first comprehensive national framework which will deliver a wide-ranging set of investments, innovations and promotions over the coming five years. It aims to make angling accessible and attractive through information, infrastructure and support, to develop tourism through the promotion of the angling resource and to position angling as a key leisure and recreation pursuit.
The Strategy will deliver significant economic benefits in rural communities where much of angling takes place, while also ensuring that fish populations and habitats are protected and conserved.
Applications for funding from the Sponsorship Fund are now invited from angling clubs, associations or any local group organising an angling initiative. The scheme will remain open for applications until Monday, January 22,2018 and all applications can be made online here. Awards will be subject to budget availability and adherence to the scheme requirements.
A message of hope and understanding was delivered by two powerful speakers at an inspirational talk at St Johns Church on Wednesday evening.
Local woman, Teckie Brett shared the story of her beloved son, Neville who died by suicide in 2014. She spoke passionately about the need to speak out truthfully about suicide and added that the numbers recorded are lower than the reality.
A retired principal Mrs Brett added that early intervention is instrumental in helping young people learn the coping skills needed in life.
She remembered her kind and handsome son who loved cars and helped people out in a quiet and unassuming way delivered milk and bread to the elderly during bad weather and food to the homeless. She also praised the Aislinn Centre in Ballyragget where her son attended as a young man and found help and support.
This is the fifth annual Suicide Awareness Evening and the event touches a chord with many who have lost loved ones to suicide and also provides a lifeline to people affected by poor mental health.
Organised by Cllr Joe Malone and Aisling Keoghan the evening begins with the lighting of candles in a symbolic and poignant act of remembrance.
A group of youngsters from the Newpark Resource Centre performed a rousing rendition of Bill Withers Lean on Me.
The keynote speaker was Olympian Kenneth Egan, whose mother is orignally from Kilkenny City. The retired boxer, who considers himself half a Cat' spoke to a packed church, with almost 400 people present.
The Olympian, who won a silver medal in the Bejing Olympics told of his fall from fame and his desperate dissent into alcoholism and despair. He spoke openly of the shame he has around his behaviour at the time of his drinking and the pain and sorrow that he inflicted on his loved ones and familu
Fortunately Kenneth sought support and is sober for the past seven years. He has also returned to education and now works as an addiction counsellor helping people who find themselves in difficulty. He is also a member of the Fine Gael Party and holds a seat on South Dublin County Council.
The talkers commanded the full attention of the audience and their stories were interspered with musicial interludes.
Trish Buggy and Alan Hayes also sang on the night and Billy Carrigan also played a haunting rendition of an Irish tune, which translated roughly as 'I am sleeping now, let me be'.
Cllr Malone thanked all those present for their continued support and the speakers for delivering such powerful accounts of their own experiences.
CLEAR LAKE, Iowa According to the Clear Lake Fire Department, there was a vehicle vs. train accident Thursday morning around 6:46 a.m.
Authorities say there were no injuries. The accident occurred at Highway 18 and Buddy Holly Place after a dark gray Chevy Avalanche traveling northbound collided with an eastbound Canadian Pacific train carrying ethanol.
The car was dragged for about 10-15 yards down the tracks before coming to rest at a power pole.
The driver, 26-year-old Robert Schick, of Clear Lake, wasnt hurt.
The accident remains under investigation.
The Clear Lake Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Clear Lake Police Department and the Canadian Pacific Railroad.
MASON CITY, Iowa - With mental health on the minds of many, county law enforcement officers are asking for more "triage" centers to be built in the state.
Iowa state officials say nearly a third of inmates in prison are suffering from a mental illness.
Cerro Gordo County's Sheriff Kevin Pals says he sees it in their jail too. The Iowa State Sheriff's and Deputies Association are asking six more triage centers be built across the state.
These centers are for those who are committed voluntarily, involuntarily or who need immediate mental health can go to be assessed instead of going to the ER or jail.
We're getting close to that right now a couple years ago they started a crisis stabilization center in Waterloo which is fairly convenient for us with the Avenue of the Saints and getting people there but not everyone's criteria fits that they can go into those centers, Pals said.
Sheriff Pals has been learning a lot about these centers and would like to see one end up near or in Mason City. Where these centers could be built haven't been stated.
Those with the association are just pleading there needs to be more community based treatment programs.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Gov. Kim Reynolds says she followed the law when she tapped emergency funds last year to offset a budget shortfall.
Reynolds said "yes" to reporters Thursday when asked if she followed the law as written in transferring $13 million from a reserve fund. The move avoided a special session.
Democratic Rep. Chris Hall claims in a lawsuit the Republican governor and her budget aide illegally transferred the money because certain emergency conditions weren't met. Reynolds says the lawsuit is politically motivated, but adds the law should be updated.
Republican House Speaker Linda Upmeyer said earlier Thursday that Reynolds complied with the spirit of the law but maybe not the exact law. Upmeyer also called for a legislative update.
Reynolds and Upmeyer spoke at a legislative forum hosted by The Associated Press.
ROCHESTER, Minn. A Rochester man has plenty to celebrate in the New Year.
According to the Minnesota Lottery, Brent Nelson, a Rochester resident, won $200,000 on a scratch ticket.
I was in awe, it didnt really kick in until later, Nelson said.
Nelson won the prize by playing the Lotterys Super Triple 10s scratch game. He bought the ticket at Mills Gas Mart at 4835 Maine Ave. S.E. in Rochester. He claimed the prize Jan. 3.
According to a press release, his wife, Elise Nelson said that their main concern was finding a safe place to put the ticket that would be out of their dogs reach. We have a two-year old Chihuahua that ate through our Christmas lights. [The dog chewing up the ticket] would have been a disaster.
* Vietnam's discount at $60-$65 to London's March contract
* Markets quiet after holiday
* Indonesia's coffee exports from Lampung drop 71 pct y/y in Dec
By Mi Nguyen
Jan 4 (Reuters) - Major Asian coffee markets saw little activity this week as trade resumed after the New Year holidays, while Indonesian exports declined for a fourth straight month in December.
Shipment of coffee beans from Lampung province, Indonesia's main coffee growing area, fell 71 percent year-on-year in the last month of 2017 to 8,649.1 tonnes, local government data showed. The drop in December was due to a lack of supply, Muchtar Lutfie, head of research at Indonesia's coffee exporters association (AEKI) in Lampung, said.
"There were no more beans at farmers' warehouses. There was no more trading except to fulfil some contracts," Lutfie said.
Indonesia's March robusta contract traded at a $160 premium this week, unchanged from last week. No deals were struck as some traders are still on vacation, a trader in Lampung said
Trading in Vietnam was modest as the market reopened after the new year, traders said.
The harvest in Vietnam's Central Highlands coffee belt was completed due to supportive weather, but low robusta prices in London have discouraged farmers from selling beans, said Phan Hung Anh, a deputy director at Daklak-based Anh Minh Co.
"Prices fell as this crop year started, therefore the market has been quiet. Farmers hoped that prices would go up. At the moment they will only sell beans when they need money," Anh said.
Another trader in Ho Chi Minh City said some farmers had sold beans this week at slightly higher prices tracking an uptick in the London market.
Farmers in Vietnam's major coffee-growing Daklak province quoted coffee beans at 37,000-37,300 dong per kg, slightly higher than last week's range of 36,500-37,000 dong, traders said.
The London ICE March robusta coffee settled up $2, or 0.12 percent, at $1,735 per tonne on Wednesday. Traders quoted the 5 percent black and broken grade 2 robusta at a discount of $60-$65 per tonne to the ICE March futures contract, compared with a discount of $50-$70 per tonne a week earlier.
(Reporting by Mi Nguyen, Additional reporting by Mas Alina Arifin in Bandar Lampung; Editing by Sunil Nair)
(Kitco News) - Gold and silver prices are trading moderately lower in early U.S. trading Thursday. The profit-taking pressure seen in the precious metals is not unexpected as gold hit a 3.5-month high Wednesday, while silver prices scored a five-week high. February Comex gold was last down $5.00 an ounce at $1,313.40. March Comex silver was last down $0.107 at $17.16 an ounce.
The just-released ADP national employment report for December showed a rise of 250,000, which was significantly higher than the increase of 195,000 that was expected. Gold and silver prices down-ticked on the news.
Traders and investors are looking ahead to Fridays U.S. employment report from the Labor Department. This report is arguably the most important U.S. data point of the month. The key December non-farm payrolls number is forecast to come in at up 180,000.
World stock markets were mostly firmer overnight. There was some upbeat economic data from China released Thursday, to help boost world equity markets. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward higher openings when the New York day session begins. The U.S. indexes hit new record highs overnight. The rallying world stock markets are a bearish element for the competing asset class of precious metals.
Gold prices sold off Wednesday afternoon, right after the release of the minutes of the last Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting held on Dec. 12-13 saw the marketplace deem the minutes as favoring the hawkish camp on U.S. monetary policy. The FOMC members are still seeking a gradual rise in U.S. interest rates, with some members saying the new U.S. tax policy could raise GDP.
Tensions in Iran are still not far from the front burner of the market place. This matter is supporting some safe-haven gold and silver markets, as well as boosting the crude oil market.
The key outside markets on Thursday morning find the U.S. dollar index lower. Meantime, Nymex crude oil prices are slightly higher and hit a three-year high above $62.00 a barrel overnight.
Other U.S. economic data due for release Thursday includes the weekly jobless claims report, the Challenger job-cuts report, the U.S. services PMI, the global services PMI, monthly U.S. chain store sales data, and the weekly DOE liquid energy stocks report.
Technically, February gold futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a three-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Bulls next upside technical objective is pushing and closing prices above chart resistance at $1,350.00. Bears' next near-term downside price breakout objective is closing prices below solid technical support at $1,280.00. First support is seen at todays low of $1,307.10 and then at this weeks low of $1,304.60. First resistance is seen at todays high of $1,315.50 and then at $1,320.00. Wyckoffs Market Rating: 6.0
March silver bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a three-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. The next upside price breakout objective is closing futures prices above solid technical resistance at the October high of $17.59 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the October low of $16.435. First resistance is seen at this weeks high of $17.265 and then at $17.37. Next support is seen at $17.00 and then at last Fridays low of $16.865. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0.
An Australian archaeologist has debunked the myth that ancient humans were lucky to live past the age of 40, after she discovered a new way to determine the age of skeletal remains.
For decades, researchers have thought that prior to the use of modern medicine, humans had a much shorter lifespan, but PhD candidate Christine Cave from the Australian National University (ANU) has rubbished the myth after discovering a new method by which to gauge the age-of-death of ancient humans.
In a media release published on Thursday, Cave said that age-of-death could be deduced by examining how worn down a skull's teeth were compared to modern humans of a similar age.
Cave said she examined the remains of hundreds of people buried between the years 475 and 625 and found that many lived past the age of 70.
"People sometimes think that in those days if you lived to 40, that was about as good as it got. But that's not true," Cave said on Thursday.
"For people living traditional lives without modern medicine or markets, the most common age of death is about 70, and that is remarkably similar across all different cultures."
Cave said the myth surrounding the lower life expectancy of ancient humans grew because researchers were unsure of how to accurately determine older humans' age-of-death - something which could now be done with her method.
"When you are determining the age of children, you use developmental points like tooth eruption or the fusion of bones that all happen at a certain age," she said.
"Once people are fully grown, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine their age from skeletal remains, which is why most studies just have a highest age category of 40 plus or 45 plus."
"So effectively, they don't distinguish between a fit and healthy 40-year-old and a frail 95-year-old."
Cave said she hoped her research will allow other researchers and archaeologists the scope to give a "more accurate view" of past societies.
LIMA, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Perus finance minister warned on Thursday that the political crisis that roiled Peru in the last days of 2017 was not over yet but said it should not have any major impact on the economy as long as it is resolved in a civilized way. In a rare press conference, Claudia Cooper maintained the ministrys previous forecasts and said that while public investments halted for two weeks as President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski narrowly averted an impeachment bid in Congress last month, they have since resumed. (Reporting By Teresa Cespedes Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia considers a U.S. proposal for an extraordinary meeting of the U.N. Security Council on the turmoil in Iran harmful and destructive, RIA news agency cited Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Thursday.
We see no role for the United Nations Security Council in this issue, he said, according to the agency. Irans domestic affairs have nothing to do with the United Nations Security Councils role.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said this week that Washington was seeking emergency sessions on Iran at the United Nations in New York and at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Anti-government protests have swept Iranian cities and towns over the past week and 21 people have been killed in the unrest.
Commenting on the possibility of new U.S. sanctions on Iran, Ryabkov said such methods were illegitimate.
State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert had suggested the U.S. government could impose sanctions against Iranian officials who repress peaceful protests.
Ryabkov said earlier on Thursday that the United States should not interfere in Irans domestic affairs, and that Moscow remained committed to the 2015 international deal to curtail Tehrans nuclear program, which U.S. President Donald Trump has challenged.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump has threatened his former chief strategist Steve Bannon with legal action over defamatory statements in a new book about a meeting Trumps son and son-in-law held with Russians during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign.
Charles Harder, Trumps personal lawyer, said on Thursday he also will seek to block Tuesdays scheduled publication of the book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by author Michael Wolff, which offers a lacerating portrait of an accidental presidency and a dysfunctional White House.
Harder told Reuters that legal action is imminent regarding Bannon.
Trump cut ties with Bannon on Wednesday, saying his former adviser had lost his mind in a blistering statement issued after comments attributed to Bannon in the book were made public.
Lawyers for the president sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon on Wednesday asking him not to disclose any confidential information. They said in the letter, seen by Reuters, that Bannon had breached an agreement by communicating with Wolff about Trump, his family and the campaign and made disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements about Trump and his family.
Trumps lawyers told Wolff and book publisher Henry Holt and Company they were pursuing possible claims including libel, according to a legal notice Harder provided to Reuters on Thursday.
In the book, Bannon was quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians at Trump Tower in New York as treasonous and unpatriotic. The meeting, held after the Russians promised damaging information on Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, was attended by Donald Trump Jr., Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort, who was Trumps campaign manager at the time.
On Thursday, the White House also said no personal devices, including cellphones, would be allowed in the West Wing beginning next week for security purposes. The moves followed the Bannon split but had been considered for some time.
Trump had relied heavily on Bannon, chairman of the right-wing Breitbart News website, for advice in the months leading up to his upset victory in the November 2016 election. He then gave Bannon a strategic role in the White House, where he became a divisive figure before being fired in August. Bannon returned to Breitbart and continued to talk with Trump.
Trumps statement also diminished Bannons role in the election victory and accused him of leaking to the media.
On Thursday, Bannon told a caller on Breitbart News radio that nothing will ever come between us and President Trump and his agenda, according to CNN.
Bradley Moss, a Washington lawyer specializing in national security and security clearance law, said any non-disclosure agreement would not apply to Bannon once he became a government employee. Because of concerns over transparency and free speech, the government has far less power to limit speech by employees than private companies, Moss said.
A lawsuit also would likely be harmful to the White House because Bannons lawyers would be entitled to interview White House officials and collect potentially damaging documents from them in his defense. It would be one more distraction, one more thing people in the administration need to hire lawyers for, Moss said.
I assume the cease-and-desist letter is aimed primarily at the public, added Michael Dorf, a professor at Cornell Law School.
The idea that he could block publication is absurd, Dorf added.
TRUMPS LINK TO BASE
Bannon helped Trump shape a populist, anti-establishment message and had been the presidents link to his hard-line conservative base of support. It was not clear if the split would push Bannon to be even more aggressive in his ongoing campaign against the Republican Party establishment, whether he would now target Trump or would emerge much weaker.
The story that triggered the Trump-Bannon split was an offshoot of the investigation into whether Trump campaign aides colluded with Russia to sway the election to Trump, allegations Trump and Moscow deny.
According to the book, Bannon expressed derision about the June 2016 meeting in which a Russian lawyer offered damaging information about Clinton. Bannon also was quoted as saying he was sure Trump Jr. would have taken the Russians to meet his father in Trump Tower.
In the book, Bannon also said he believed the investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow will focus on money laundering.
Special counsel Robert Mueller, named by the Justice Department in May 2017 to lead the Russia investigation, has asked White House officials to preserve records of the Trump Tower meeting, according to a source with knowledge of the request.
Manafort and business associate Rick Gates, another campaign aide, pleaded not guilty in November to federal charges brought by Mueller including conspiracy to launder money. Manafort sued Mueller on Wednesday, alleging that his investigation exceeds its legal authority.
Editor's Note: View Kitco News' full 2018 outlook coverage
(Kitco News) - As bitcoins recognition grows around the world, here is what top central bankers think about popular digital currencies.
Federal Reserve
Fed Chair Janet Yellen was asked about bitcoin during the central banks last monetary policy meeting of the year in December.
Yellen referred to the digital currency as a highly speculative asset that doesnt constitute legal tender. She also added that it plays a very small role in the payments system and is not a stable store of value.
The Fed doesn't really play any regulatory role with respect to bitcoin, other than assuring that banking organizations that we do supervise are attentive, that they are appropriately managing any interactions they have with participants in that market, and appropriately monitoring anti-money laundering, bank secrecy act responsibilities that they have, Yellen added.
Jerome Powell, who will take over from Janet Yellen as the next Fed chair in early February, also commented on cryptocurrencies during his confirmation hearing in the end of November, stating that cryptos simply don't really matter today because they're just not big enough.
The financial risks digital currencies pose to financial markets are minimal, according to Powell.
There isn't close enough volume to matter," he said.
European Central Bank
ECB President Mario Draghi said in October that cryptocurrencies are not mature enough for the central bank to regulate.
With anything that's new, people have great expectations and also great uncertainty. Right now we think that especially as far as bitcoins and cryptocurrencies are concerned, we don't think the technology is mature for our consideration, Draghi said.
Draghi noted that instruments like bitcoin have potential benefits as well as risks and both need to be carefully weighed.
One of the lessons of the great financial crisis is that financial innovation, in this case it's financial and technology innovation... should be embraced with lots of attention to its potential risks, he said.
Bank of Canada
The Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz also devoted some time to discussing the crypto craze in December, describing purchases of digital currencies as gambling rather than investing.
What their true value is may be anyones guess -- perhaps the most one can say is that buying these things means buying risk, which makes it closer to gambling than investing, Poloz said. All I will say to people intending to buy a so-called cryptocurrency is that you should read the fine print and make sure you know what you are getting into.
Poloz sees the demand for digital currencies growing in the future, adding that the Canadian central bank is looking into the idea.
Bank staff are exploring the circumstances under which it might be appropriate for the central bank to issue its own digital currency for retail transactions, he said.
Mining for exclusive info on 2018? Check out Kitco's annual outlook - #Decrypting2018 | https://t.co/OyMKYzpd0L pic.twitter.com/pWjB4VNqY1 Kitco NEWS (@KitcoNewsNOW) January 4, 2018
Reserve Bank of Australia
Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Philip Lowe spoke about bitcoin in his December speech, noting that the digital currency is not being used for everyday payments and it is unlikely to be accepted as such anytime soon.
The reasons for this are bitcoins high volatility, Lowe said, pointing to limited number of payments that can be handled at the same time, high transaction and electricity costs, and governance issues.
Plus, when bitcoin is viewed solely as a payment instrument, it seems more likely to be attractive to those who want to make transactions in the black or illegal economy, rather than everyday transactions, he added.
Bank of Japan
In the end of 2017, Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda described bitcoin price swings as abnormal.
When asked about whether or not bitcoin is in a bubble, Kuroda replied: Its not my place to say, but if you look at the charts, its clear that the jump (in prices) is abnormal. If youre asking if bitcoin has the same function as currency, as a means of payment or settlement, the answer is no.
Entrance of the Shanghai Astronomical Museum
The planetarium of the Shanghai Astronomical Museum has reopened to the public after receiving extensive upgrades in its facilities.
The museum, located at the very top of West Sheshan Hill in Songjiang district, was transformed by Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) of Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2004 out of an older observatory established by a French Catholic missionary in 1900.
Equipped with a large-scale astronomical telescope and a dome, the observatory was China's first modern observatory and one of the most important birthplaces of China's modern astronomy.
In 2004, the museum constructed China's first interactive digital planetarium. After several years in operation, the facilities gradually became outdated. Moreover, the presentation effects were poor due to technical limitations.
To better serve the public, the museum began upgrading the planetarium in 2017. Tang Haiming, senior supervisor from the scientific communication office of SHAO, told the Global Times that the museum has integrated a professional projection system into its dome screen and updated the control system, which has brought significant improvements to the presentation.
Sharing with the world
The planetarium is now fully compatible with World Wide Telescope (WWT), a virtual observatory developed by Microsoft Research consisting of extensive observational data from professional observatories and institutions such as NASA, Hubble Space Telescope, Sloan Digital Sky Survey, Chandra X-ray Observatory and China's LAMOST (Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope).
Considering that the general public has a limited understanding of astronomy, the museum has found a new and easy way to better educate audiences on astronomy by creating dome-screen movies incorporating the most updated data.
"In the past, we entrusted a third-party company to do this, which required a large investment," Tang said. "It is much easier now, as we can make it ourselves with the new system."
This system also allows users to develop and play their own universe-roaming videos, which will enhance the educational function of the museum. According to Tang, the museum will take on more educational responsibilities such as organizing activities about popular scientific subjects.
"It was challenging to hold an education activity before, because we needed to prepare all the materials prior to the class. But now, the new system allows real-time network connection, so we can obtain the most updated teaching materials," said Tang.
Tang told the Global Times that anyone can gain access to WWT. "The virtual observatory is an open platform covering many astronomical equipment which share their data with the public," he said.
He said that many Chinese institutes and research groups are also opening and sharing their data to the public now. In the meantime, China is building its own virtual observatory, which has drawn interest from domestic and overseas scientists.
"We have plenty of large-scale equipment in China now that can produce volumes of valuable data. It would be a pity to let this data just sleep in a database," he said.
A co-lab teleconsultation station has been set up in the nearby Pengbu Neighborhood Medical Service Center of Jianggan District, as part of an experiment so residents don't have to travel long distances for ultrasound treatment. It is the first of its kind in Zhejiang Province.
The station is running under the cooperation of the service center and Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, a prestigious hospital, which is technologically supported by the Wisonic Medical Technology Company, an Internet enterprise in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province.
When a doctor from the service center encounters any problems during an ultrasound inspection, they can ask for assistance through the teleconsultation station. A veteran doctor, from Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, can then offer online face-to-face guidance and instructions.
Real-time dynamic information of the ultrasound is transmitted from the service center to the hospital, and doctors, from each end, can exchange their diagnostic ideas with each other on the platform.
"I act like a long-range hand for my counterpart at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital," says Fang Yin, a doctor from the ultrasound department of Pengbu Neighborhood Medical Service Center.
"In the past it would take nearly two hours on a bus to get medical examinations in top hospitals. Now, it takes only a few minutes on foot to have the same level of diagnosis," said a patient surnamed Wu.
As a basic-level hospital in the neighborhood, the service center is not as strong in the medical examination field because of the shortage of clinical experience. In order to boost its own medical power and enhance the doctor's professional skills, it initiated the co-lab experimental station and obtained support from Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital.
"Doctors' skills rely on accumulated clinical experience. Big hospitals often have a high accuracy rate of examinations because they deal with miscellaneous diseases every day," says Fan Xiaoming, director of the ultrasound department at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital. "Many neighborhood hospitals hope to invite us to visit patients periodically, but we don't have enough time to give extra medical service outside of our own workplace. Now, the new technology helps us resolve the problem."
Teleconsultation is not a new conception, since online electrocardiography and radiology diagnosis was introduced years ago. Nonetheless, only pictures could be transmitted before because they did not have the technology.
As 4G and the Internet plus mode have matured in recent years, dynamic information is available to exchange through an online system. Using smart phones and other communication tools, the real-time ultrasound video and a patient's body condition is shared.
Pengbu Neighborhood covers an area of 17.8 square kilometers with nearly 120,000 residents. The experimental station is hoped to relieve the burdens on top hospitals and offer convenience for nearby people. In the future, its mode will be applied to more and more neighborhoods.
In recent years, Jianggan District has launched a series of projects aiming at utilizing medical resources to the greatest degree and maximizing the cutting edge of technology. So far it has already invested nearly 40 million yuan (US$ 6.1 million) on these projects and established a special governmental department to take charge of them.
A pilot project in the Zhaolongkou Neighborhood is about to make up for a shortage of doctors.
A medical clinic has been established with one doctor, several nurses and "smart" medical machines. The community-based healthcare has backup support from some of the area's larger hospitals. Patients can either visit the clinic for health checkups or have in-home visits if they have mobility problems.
It has trained a team of home health workers to do routine in-home medical checks, like blood pressure and other vital signs, for senior citizens. The data is uploaded into a "smart" machine and transmitted to the smartphones of doctors to assess. They stand ready to intervene if any data suggests an immediate health problem.
Hainan Airlines has defended the response of its cabin crew during a recent in-flight medical emergency, which ended in the death of a female passenger, after relatives of the traveler blamed the Chinese airline for not handling the situation properly.
The company posted on Tuesday a statement on its Weibo account clarifying how flight attendants behaved in a timely and appropriate way to the emergency that took place on December 17, 2017. It also shook off any allegation of misconduct in the death of 55-year-old Fu Mingyun.
Fu was aboard flight HU7440 from Harbin, in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, to the eastern city of Nanchang for a layover, when she lost consciousness.
The plane was en route to Xiamen, southwestern province of Fujian.
According to a phone conversation between Fu's son and a representative of Hainan Airlines made available for the Strait Herald, the flight attendants reported the incident immediately to the plane's captain, while two passengers who said they were paramedics helped with Fu's emergency treatment in mid-air.
Fu regained consciousness before arriving in Nanchang and was allowed to stay aboard the plane after it landed. She assured the flight attendants that she could go on with her journey.
However, ten minutes after the plane took off from Nanchang, Fu was found in a coma again, with no heartbeat this time, prompting the plane to return to its stopover point.
According to the airline's statement, the cabin crew performed emergency treatment, following the instructions in the country's Flight Operations Manual and the Cabin Crew Manual issued by Civil Aviation Administration of China.
After an emergency landing, Fu was rushed to the hospital. However, all efforts to rescue her proved futile.
Last week, Fu's relatives questioned the way Hainan Airlines handled the emergency, arguing that the cabin crew should not have allowed the woman to remain on the plane after landing for the first time in Nanchang. They said that by not forcing her to disembark, they obstructed the process of proper emergency treatment.
Hainan Airlines did not directly respond to the allegations of the relatives, but said it will keep working with them and will provide any necessary help.
Chinese netizens backed the way Hainan Airlines' handled the incident.
"You have done all you can, no need to feel guilty. Hainan Airlines has always provided a good service," wrote Weibo user AiCCdesamoye under the company's statement.
Others suggested airline companies could prepare better for such emergencies by carrying basic medications and medical equipment.
"Why aren't Chinese commercial flights equipped with automated external defibrillators?" asked a user who goes by the name Dongxifang on Tencent News.
The street in Buenos Aires where Kim's passport and money were stolen / Courtesy of Kim
Traveling abroad isn't always fun. Sometimes it hurts
By Jung Min-ho
Don't be fooled by Instagram photos in which everyone appears to be enjoying every single moment of their traveling experience. In reality, traveling abroad isn't always fun. Sometimes it hurts and makes you feel like you don't want to do it ever again.
Maybe you are a careful travel planner. Maybe you are not the type of person who flirts with danger. But things happen no matter how well prepared you think you are. The Korea Times asked travel lovers about their worst travel experiences.
Being scammed in Buenos Aires
A 32-year-old graduate student, surnamed Kim, was visiting Buenos Aires during last year's summer break. Kim chose the country because he heard many good things about its people.
It didn't take long for him to realize not everyone there was "nice and kind."
"I was walking through a dark alley and suddenly something hit me in the back," Kim said. "I turned around and saw a foul-smelling fluid trickling down my backpack."
When he started to wipe it off with a tissue, a stranger came up to him and offered him help. Busy with removing the fluid, he didn't respond.
"The guy helped me anyway. But at some point, I realized that he had disappeared with one of my three bags," Kim said.
His passport, a U.S. visa and about $900 were in the bag. "Startled by what happened, I was speechless for a while. I later tried to find the guy but I couldn't," he noted.
Kim reported the crime to a local police officer, who took him to a police station. There, he spent hours struggling to explain the situation in his poor English to Spanish-speaking police officers and going through lots of paperwork.
"I was fortunate to have additional money and credit cards in the other bags. Without them, it could have been far worse," Kim said.
It took about a week to have his passport reissued. For the student visa, he had to redo all the paperwork from scratch. "It took nearly a month, which ruined the first month of my visit there. It was fortunate that I planned a three-month trip and the crime hadn't occurred in my last month."
Other tourists he later met in a hostel told him it is a common scam technique, in which swindlers usually target Asians traveling alone.
"I try to look at the positive side of it. The scammers, at least, did not target everything I had, or they could have just hurt me. I'm glad I learned a big lesson without being hurt," Kim said.
The memory of a creepy grin in Beijing / Yonhap
Public sexual harassment in Beijing
A few years ago around this time, a 34-year-old flight attendant, who declined to be named, was on her way to see her colleagues at a hotel in downtown Beijing.
"I remember I was wearing a pink jumpsuit that evening. It was freezing, so I quickened my steps to get there," she said.
All of a sudden, she heard someone running toward her from behind and he stopped right behind her back. "When I realized what he was targeting, it was too late. The man pulled down my pants and underwear in the middle of the street. I was totally dumbfounded," she said.
But it isn't the worst part of the story. "And then, at a distance, he and other people nearby started laughing at me. No one tried to help," she said.
But she did not try to fight him. "I thought it could be a trap to kidnap me. So I did not try to chase after him. I had to remain calm and think straight. I was all alone in a foreign country," she said.
She was shocked because it happened in the middle of downtown when many people were around. Throughout her career, she has visited many countries, but that was, by far, the most unpleasant experience.
"It definitely gave me a terrible impression of China and its people. I do not go to the street anymore. I also do not wear that jumpsuit," she said.
Everything was perfect before the food / Courtesy of the Palawan traveler
Woljeongsa Temple, located in Odaesan National Park, in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province, offers various temple stay programs, enabling participants to experience traditional Buddhist living. / Courtesy of Woljeongsa
By Park Jin-hai
PYEONGCHANG _ A night's stay at a snow-covered Buddhist temple in the deep forest, distancing a person from everyday bustling life, seems an ideal place to let go of 2017 and meet the New Year.
The late Venerable Beopjeong, a revered Buddhist monk, said, "If you'd like to know who you are, you have to look thoroughly into your mind and at what's around you. If you carefully reflect on who you hang around with, what you like to do, how you affect your neighbors and what you value most in your life, you can get a sense of who you really are." Thinking about his words, hoping to rest and empty myself in order to refill, I recently visited Woljeong Temple, in the middle of a thick forest in the eastern valley of Odae Mountain in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province.
After a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Seoul, I arrived at the temple in the clear winter afternoon. Beginning by changing into loose-fitting clothes, I was given free time before dinner. Since I made a reservation for a "relaxation"-type templestay, I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the temple.
Unlike experiencing a templestay in other seasons, where birds might tweet and streams make little sounds, a winter templestay gives one complete silence.
Stepping on snow and facing crisp and chilly winds, there are no other sound but what little sound snow makes under foot. It adds to the feeling of complete solitude.
The one-kilometer forest trail starting from the temple's front gate Iljumun is truly beautiful, lined with 18,000 snow-covered fir trees with the oldest over 600 years. The pristine forest, famous for the filming site of the hit Korean drama "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God," offers a good 30-minute walk in contemplation through the wonders of nature.
Participants perform 108 bows at Woljeongsa Temple in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province. The 108 bows is an act of atonement for one's recognized ignorance and cravings, and the 108 kinds of afflictions that arise within. / Courtesy of Woljeongsa
By Yi Whan-woo
The restoration of the cross-border communication channel at the truce village of Panmunjeom, Wednesday, is fueling optimism that the two Koreas may soon reopen their military hotlines as well.
The two sides reopened about 30 landlines connecting their liaison offices at Panmunjeom to discuss high-level talks in preparation for North Korea's participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
The communication channel at Panmunjeom is mainly for non-military purposes and is separate from six suspended military hotlines that connect the two sides.
The talks between the South and North Korean militaries about restoring their communication lines are seen as necessary, according to diplomatic and military sources, Thursday.
By Choi Ha-young
Five vessels that are being investigated by the United Nations for being involved in illegal oil trade with North Korean ships in international waters were found to be owned by Chinese businessmen, according to media reports, Thursday.
China denies its involvement in oil trafficking to North Korea, but the latest report suggests that it could have been providing oil in secret in violation of international sanctions.
On Dec. 29, South Korean authorities seized a Hong Kong-flagged vessel, Lighthouse Winmore, for an illicit ship-to-ship oil transfer in international waters.
Media reports have cast doubt on the vessel's nationality, apparently tied to Pyongyang or its allies. Last month, the United States called on the U.N. Security Council to blacklist six ships which it suspects have been transferring oil to the North. The U.S. effort, however, drew China's opposition to sanctions against five of them.
The Chosun Ilbo claimed the owners of the five ships Orient Shenyu under the flag of Panama; Yu Yuan under the flag of Togo; Shinsung High under the flag of Belize, Kai Xiang under the flag of Sierra Leone and Lighthouse Winmore are all Chinese ships, after analyzing their annual business reports.
The report claims the first three named ships are registered in Hong Kong, and the owners of the companies are all Chinese nationals. The latter two, Kai Xiang and Lighthouse Winmore, are registered in China and the companies' legal representatives are also Chinese.
Operating under flags of third countries is an easy way to evade sanctions. The Kai Xiang used to sail under the flag of Panama before operating under that of Sierra Leone. The Yu Yuan, currently under the flag of Togo, formerly sailed under the Cambodian flag. The Yu Yuan was spotted by American intelligence after exporting North Korean coal to Russia in August last year.
Only two days after the Lighthouse Winmore was seized, South Korean authorities captured the Panama-flagged oil tanker Koti transferring oil to a North Korean ship. Seoul's intelligence and maritime officials are questioning the crew, mostly from China and Myanmar.
U.S. President Donald Trump said that China was "caught red handed" on Twitter, Dec. 28. "(It is) very disappointed that China is allowing oil to go into North Korea. There will not be a friendly solution to the North Korea problem if this continues to happen."
Washington has repeatedly urged Beijing to cut off oil supplies to Pyongyang as a measure to squeeze the reclusive state, but it has refused to do so.
The Chinese government has denied the vessels were involved. Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, was quoted as saying Dec. 29 that Beijing was "completely and strictly" complying with the sanctions.
Other than China, Russia is allegedly supporting the North as well by providing fuel oil to North Korean ships at sea in violation of international sanctions, Reuters reported Dec. 30, citing senior Western European security sources.
By Yi Whan-woo
South Korea is ready to discuss issues over high-level talks with North Korea, including timing, place and agenda, a senior Ministry of Unification official said Thursday.
Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon is expected to lead the South Korean delegation, while Ri Sun-kwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, may represent his side, according to the official, who asked not to be named.
Ri was promoted to the head of the committee, formerly an offshoot of the North Korean Workers' Party but elevated to a government body in June 2016.
Ri took orders from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in restoring a suspended hotline with the South, Thursday, as a preparatory step for the high-level talks.
The ministry official's comments come as the two Koreas are set to hold high-level talks proposed by Cho after Kim's offer to send a delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Monday.
"We are open to discuss timing, place, agenda and other issues related to the talks," the official said. "We are waiting for North Korea's response. We will then take them into account when we discuss with relevant ministries and jointly form our delegation for the talks."
To facilitate preparation for these, the two Koreas restored their hotline at the truce village of Panmunjeom, Wednesday, but have not begun discussions yet.
By You Soo-sun
The United Nations human rights agency called on Japan to acknowledge the country's violation of the human rights of "comfort women," or wartime sex slaves, and to implement its recommendations, according to the Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun, Saturday.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) also requested Japan to take legal responsibility and punish responsible individuals for the issue, estimated to have involved 80,000 to 200,000 women, mostly from Korea but also China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and other parts of Asia.
The report came a couple of days after the UNESCO International Advisory Committee reportedly deferred its decision on the listing of the comfort women archives on its Memory of the World Register, established to preserve documentary heritages throughout the world. Many Koreans suspect the decision was influenced by the Japanese government, a major donor for the program.
The OHCHR report will be submitted for a United Nations review on the Japanese human rights situation slated for next month in Geneva, Switzerland. The United Nations will make recommendations based on the report to the Japanese government by the end of next month.
The recommendations are not legally binding, but the international community may use them as grounds to criticize Japan, the right-wing news outlet reported.
In the report, the OHCHR defined the comfort women issue as a practice of sexual slavery. It requested Japan to own up to it and take legal and administrative steps to provide relief and compensation. And the victims, it asserted, should be at the center of this process.
The OHCHR also expressed concerns regarding the Japanese government's control over internal debate on the issue. The matter, for example, was omitted from its middle school textbooks, which it said, was an "infringement on the citizens right to know."
A Salvation Army bell ringer in raincoat sits idle in rain near a red kettle in Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul, on Dec. 30. / Yonhap
By Park Si-soo
The spirit of giving that warms Korean society this time of the year seems to be losing its steam rapidly in the wake of the protracted economic slowdown and corruption scandals involving charities.
The number of people who seek the tax deduction given to donors has plunged in recent years, state data showed.
A total of 715,260 received the deduction in 2016, the latest data available, down 8.8 percent from a year earlier, the National Tax Service said. It was a 28.6 percent drop from 2012 when 886,617 people benefited from the tax cut.
The downturn continued in 2017. Major charities are said to be falling well short of their fundraising targets. The Community Chest of Korea, one of the biggest charities, said as of December 31 its fundraising reached 65 percent of its goal of 399.4 billion won. At the same time in previous years, the rate hovered around 70 percent, it said.
The Salvation Army of Korea, another major charity, is also wrestling with the same problem. Its provincial branch in Gangwon Province said as of December 31 it was only halfway to meeting its target of 15.8 billion won.
Such apathy toward donation is also found in a recent Statistics Korea survey. It showed only 26.7 percent of surveyed people had donated in 2017, down from 36.4 percent in 2016.
Analysts pointed to the protracted economic slowdown as one reason. They noted a bigger cause is people's distrust of charities.
The loss of public confidence could largely be blamed on several charities hitting the headlines in recent years over embezzlement and other corruption scandals.
The latest scandal was in October, in which a murder suspect had enjoyed an affluent life for years with donations of around 1 billion won given to him to treat his daughter's rare disease.
"This trend will continue unless radical measures are adopted to bolster transparency of the use of donations," social welfare professor Chung Moo-sung from Soongsil University told a local daily.
By Kim Se-jeong
Genesis BBQ has pledged to more actively counter a lawsuit filed by chicken franchiser BHC over a disputed supply contract.
One of Korea's leading fried chicken franchisers also plans to bolster communication between its headquarters and franchisees to better deal with a range of pending issues.
Yoon Kyung-joo, who became the company CEO last June, recently sent a message to franchisees explaining two major scandals involving the company in an effort to drum up support from them.
Yoon wrote, "I am sure what has recently happened disappointed you. I would like to clear up a couple of things."
One big scandal is an ongoing legal battle with BHC, a rapidly-emerging fried chicken franchiser and a former Genesis BBQ franchise. The mother company Genesis BBQ owns 12 franchise brands with more than 3,800 stores across the country.
"Bhc stole important information from us. The police investigation is under way, which is necessary to prevent the same thing from happening again," Yoon said.
In 2013, Genesis BBQ sold BHC to the Rohatyn Group, a U.S.-based investment fund management company. Separately, BBQ signed a contract with BHC in which it would provide logistics services to BBQ for 10 years. However, in April last year, BBQ unilaterally terminated the contract claiming BHC had stolen corporate secrets. BHC filed a compensation suit, demanding 236 billion and BBQ filed for a criminal investigation with the police in return.
While that was happening, no word was given to individual stores in the market from the BBQ headquarters, leaving store owners agitated and worried about the prospect of their businesses.
"Don't get panicked about the amount claimed by bhc. It is a ridiculous amount and I am telling you everything will be fine. We're reacting to the suit and we're doing this because doing nothing can jeopardize the level playing field in the fried chicken market."
Yoon also mentioned last year's unsuccessful chicken price hike attempt.
"It wasn't possible because of communication problems. Although we failed to increase the price, we are aware of dire conditions under which you operate your businesses and we will continue to work to improve conditions for each franchisee," Yoon said.
Last May and June, BBQ announced a sudden price hike of all 30 items on its menu, drawing a huge backlash from chicken suppliers and consumers. It also prompted the Fair Trade Commission investigation and local franchise stores had to suffer a decline in sales as a result.
Scientists from Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica released important scientific results this morning that can help the development of new medicine on diabetes treatment, the institute said.
The result published in Nature, one of the world's top scientific journals, is about the determination of the high-resolution atomic structure of human glucagon receptor (GCGR).
Glucagon receptor is a protein activated by peptide hormone glucagon which is mainly found in liver and kidney. It participates in adjusting the blood sugar level and helps keeping it steady.
It belongs to the class B G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, the largest membrane protein family in human body. Class B GPCRs exert essential action in maintaining the balance of hormones and cell signal transduction. They are important factors on setting the therapy for the treatment of various diseases, including metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, migraine, depression and anxiety. Likewise, the activation of GCGR triggers the release of glucose from the liver during fasting, and thus it is a potential drug target for type 2 diabetes.
The results found by the team, led by researcher Wu Beili, are in support of the GCGR structure and confirm the conformational alterations of the receptor in different functional states.
Participants pay respects to Japan's wartime sexual slavery victims who died this year at Wednesday Demonstration near the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, Wednesday / Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
Many people have expressed anger and frustration over the Park Geun-hye administration's "secret deal" over the Korean victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery.
"It is such a shame the Park government excluded the victims from its talks with Japan," said a 28-year-old woman, who refused to give her name. "The government is in no position to make a deal for them unless they agree. Apparently, they never agreed."
On Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Park government did not make adequate efforts to listen to the surviving victims before reaching the agreement.
The two nations made the "final and irreversible" deal on Dec. 28, 2015, to resolve the longstanding diplomatic issue. Japan apologized to the victims and agreed to contribute 1 billion yen ($8.9 million) to a foundation dedicated to supporting them.
But the news shocked the victims, who had no idea about the government move. They said they could not accept an agreement.
"The deal makes sense only if there were no victims still living. But many are. I do not understand why the government made a rush for it," said a 66-year-old man surnamed Jung. "I do hope the two countries will work together for a better future after resolving the issue, but not that way."
Hundreds of people gathered in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul for the latest "Wednesday Demonstration," which has been held there every week since January 1992.
They urged President Moon Jae-in to scrap or renegotiate the deal, saying there isn't much time left for the victims.
"This year alone, eight of the victims have passed away," lead organizer Han Kook-yeom said. "The government should not ask them to wait any longer. It should start talks with Japan now."
Despite the cold weather, about 500 students and members of civic groups participated in the rally. Some were holding flowers to pay respects to the eight women who died this year.
Baek Mi-soon, head of the Korean Women's Association United, spoke each of the eight women's names and said, "We will remember them as human rights activists who fought for the rights of women and all humans."
Japan has urged Korea to honor the agreed-upon deal. But the Moon government has said there appears to have been procedural problems.
On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha told reporters she would talk to the victims and civic groups before making any decision on future talks with Japan.
President Moon Jae-in hugs Park Ok-sun, one of the surviving victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery, ahead of a luncheon meeting with nine former "comfort women" at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. / Yonhap
President consoles comfort women' at Cheong Wa Dae
By Jun Ji-hye
President Moon Jae-in pledged to resolve a row over Japan's wartime sex slavery "from the victim's point of view," Thursday, saying what was most important in tackling the issue was to address their feelings.
Moon also reiterated that the controversial deal Seoul reached with Tokyo in 2015 failed to respect the victims as it ignored the "principles of truth and justice."
He made the comments during a luncheon meeting with a group of nine former "comfort women" at Cheong Wa Dae.
The meeting came after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' taskforce announced Dec. 27 that the former Park Geun-hye government neglected to solicit the opinions of the victims before reaching the December 2015 agreement with Japan to "finally and irreversibly" resolve a decades-old dispute over its wartime sexual enslavement of Korean women.
The meeting highlighted Moon's objections to the controversial deal between Seoul and Tokyo, showing his willingness to modify or even cancel the agreement.
Cheong Wa Dae said President Moon had time with the victims to listen to their opinions before deciding on the government position on how to resolve the issue.
"I, as President, apologize for the agreement that was against the wishes of the victims," Moon said, according to presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun. "The agreement was wrong and unjust. The former government unilaterally decided on procedures and content without considering the victims' opinions."
Moon continued, "I cannot deny the 2015 deal was a formal agreement between the two governments, but I declare the issue of Japan's wartime sexual enslavement of Korean women won't be resolved by it."
The luncheon followed the President's visit to 90-year-old former sex slave, Kim Bok-dong, at a local hospital, during which time he stressed his government will do its best to solve the issue.
In response, Kim said what the victims wanted was just Japan's acknowledgment of its legal responsibility.
When announcing the results of its months-long review, the ministry's taskforce said then-Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and his counterpart Fumio Kishida did not openly share some details in 2015 during their verbal agreement. These included why Japan, despite the Park government's denial, insisted on Seoul's responsibility to remove the statues of girls representing the victims installed outside Japanese diplomatic missions here, according to the taskforce.
A day after the announcement, Moon said the long-simmering issue cannot be settled by the 2015 accord, calling it a "political" deal with no consultations with the victims and citizens.
For her part, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said, during a radio appearance Thursday that the government is leaving all options open on the issue, including the cancellation of the deal. "But we should carefully think about the results that would follow," she said.
Amid the move to modify the deal, Tokyo has reiterated its view that the matter was settled finally and irreversibly, and Seoul should sincerely implement it.
As part of the deal, the Japanese government provided 1 billion yen to a Korean foundation dedicated to supporting the victims. But controversy is still abounding as the surviving victims accused the Park government of failing to obtain Japan's acknowledgment of its legal responsibility and rashly reached the deal without consulting them.
Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal, commanding general of the Eighth U.S. Army, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at Yongsan Garrison, central Seoul, Feb. 22, 2017. / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
The South Korean government on Thursday awarded Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal, the outgoing commander of the U.S. Eighth Army, a medal of merit for his contribution to the alliance.
Defense Minister Song Young-moo gave Vandal the Gukseon Medal, the second-highest class in the Order of National Security Merit, on behalf of the government, according to the defense ministry.
The order is conferred on those who have rendered distinguished service to national security.
Gen. Jeong Kyeong-doo, chairman of South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), were among the dignitaries at the ceremony, which was held at the ministry's building in Seoul.
Vandal assumed the post of commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division stationed in South Korea in June 2013. He took office as the leader of the Eighth Army in February 2016 after serving as the USFK's operations officer.
"During his service in South Korea, he contributed to the defense of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula in response to North Korea's various provocations, including three nuclear tests and dozens of missile launches," the ministry said.
In addition, he successfully handled several alliance issues, such as the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system, the creation of the allies' combined division and the relocation of USFK bases, the ministry added.
He will be replaced by Lt. Gen. Michael A. Bills in a change of command ceremony to take place at Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtaek, on Friday. (Yonhap)
Incheon International Airport / Korea Times file
By Bahk Eun-ji
Incheon International Airport's management and Singapore Airlines have been criticized over their handling of a Chinese-American suffering bipolar disorder who attempted suicide.
The man's family had asked the carrier to look after his safety.
According to Incheon International Airport Police on Thursday, the man, 52, landed at the airport from Thailand last month to transfer to a Los Angeles flight. The man had been traveling in Thailand, but decided to return home to Los Angeles when symptoms of his disorder began. The man then told his family he was returning, police said.
The family called Singapore Airlines and asked the airline to "keep an eye on him." They also emailed a prescription for drugs to treat the disease.
The man stopped at Incheon Airport at 9:58 a.m. on Dec. 18 and Singapore Airlines took him to an airport security guard.
The guard and a Singapore Airlines staff member then took the man to a hotel in the airport's transfer area instead of putting him on a plane leaving for Los Angeles at 12:30 p.m. that day.
The airport's counterterrorism office monitored the man for 24 hours, but he jumped from the fourth floor of the transit lounge to the lobby on the third floor.
He was taken to a nearby hospital in a critical condition, police said. He is still in a coma.
An airport official said the counterterrorism office monitored the American's move from the hotel to the lounge on CCTV and ordered a security guard to watch him, but it failed to stop him jumping.
The family claimed the man's symptoms worsened because he was left alone. But the airport said it was not responsible because the man was a transfer passenger and therefore an airline customer.
The family, however, claimed the airport and Singapore Airlines did not pay enough attention to the man, even though they were aware of his condition.
The family is considering filing complaints against the airport and the airline.
By Bahk Eun-ji
The father of dead girl Ko Jun-hee, whose body was found last week, denied Thursday he beat her to death.
"I did hit her but did definitely not kill her," the father, surnamed Ko, 36, said after a 40-minute police inspection at his apartment in Wanju, North Jeolla Province.
He also reenacted his abuse of the girl with a steel ruler and said he trampled her ankle in March, leaving her unable to walk.
Asked why, he said the girl gave his common-law wife, Lee, 35, a "hard time."
Police said the girl could not walk because her ankle was infected, but Ko and Lee did not take her to hospital.
Reports said the girl, 5, had to crawl until she died in April. She had also been suffering hyperthyroidism.
Police said the parents appeared to have neglected the girl and gave insufficient care for her disease.
Ko buried the girl on a hill in Gunsan on April 26, a day after she died.
The parents claimed the girl's home care allowance for six months after they buried her.
The police investigation is continuing.
By Kim Se-jeong
Prosecutors filed additional bribery charges against former President Park Geun-hye, Thursday, accusing her of receiving 3.65 billion won ($3.43 million) from the country's spy agency while she was in office.
The prosecution alleged Park was given up to 200 million ($187,600) per month between May 2013 and July 2016 from the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
The prosecution detailed how Park used the money. Approximately 1.5 billion won was used to cover expenses such as medical treatments and as bonuses to her aides, while the rest was used to conduct clandestine opinion polls during an election in 2016 and others. The prosecution added it has evidence that some of the money was given to her confidante Choi Soon-sil.
The fresh indictment brings the number of charges against the former president to 20. Others include colluding with Choi to extort money from conglomerates as "political donations" in return for business favors. Park was removed from office in March last year after being impeached and has been on trial ever since.
Thursday's indictment came without any single face-to-face questioning as Park refused to meet with prosecutors. The former president has been boycotting the entire legal procedure, even refusing to meet with her own legal representatives.
The prosecution's ongoing investigation into bribery at the NIS had already seen two former chiefs _ Nam Jae-joon and Lee Byung-kee _ indicted on charges of misappropriating the agency's budget and giving the money to Park.
Ahn Bong-geun and Lee Jae-man, two former secretaries to Park, were also arrested for receiving the NIS money and delivering the bribe to Park. Three former presidential aides _ Cho Yoon-sun, Hyun Ki-hwan and Lee Won-jong _ are currently under investigation. Last week, the prosecution unsuccessfully requested an arrest warrant for Cho.
Early Thursday, the prosecutors also arrested Rep. Choi Kyung-hwan of the Liberty Korea Party who is a member of Park's inner circle, for taking bribes from the NIS. Choi allegedly received 100 million won in 2014 in exchange for boosting the agency's budget. He was then the head of the finance ministry which manages the country's budget.
Choi became one of the first sitting lawmakers to be arrested under Moon Jae-in presidency. In approving an arrest warrant for him, the court said he could destroy evidence if was not detained.
He has strongly denied the charges. "If it is true, I will disembowel myself in front of the people," he said.
Separately, the prosecution also arrested Rep. Lee Woo-hyun, another Liberty Korea Party member Thursday for receiving 1 billion won in illegal political funds from local businessmen and politicians. He allegedly took the money in return for giving them business favors and election nominations. Lee also denied the allegations.
By Ko Dong-hwan
The "moving hospital on the sea" left Thursday to provide medical aid to residents of remote islands in South Korea's western waters.
Hospital vessel Chungnam 501 carries 18 personnel, including three doctors, three nurses, two medical technicians, eight marine fishery experts, one communications technician and a government office liaison.
The vessel travels around islands within the jurisdiction of South Chungcheong Province and regularly drops by six major cities and 29 minor cities in the region. It will serve some 3,900 residents off the coast and fishermen at sea for more than 180 days this year.
The vessel is equipped for dentistry, digital radiography, biochemistry analysis and has a bone mineral densitometer. It treats patients with chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and osteoporosis.
The vessel's regular checkup sites include Wonsan Island, Sapsi Island and Hyoja Island, a few kilometers west of the coastal city of Boryeong. More than 200,000 people are expected to be treated this year.
The vessel began operation in 1979 and travelled 9,471 kilometers last year, treating 217,245 patients over 188 days.
By Kim Hyun-bin
One man has been taken into custody and another booked without detention, for establishing a bogus cyber university and taking 1.7 billion won ($1.6 million) from 199 people.
The detained, surnamed Kim, allegedly got 199 Koreans to enroll in Templeton University, what police believe to be a fake U.S. university set up by him and his accomplice, police said Thursday.
Kim, who acted as the chairman of the bogus school, had recently been arrested for fraud and violating the higher education act, according to police.
Police also indicted another man, a suspect identified only by his surname Park, without physical detention. He allegedly acted as the dean of the College of Business Administration.
Police said the suspects falsely recruited students by emphasizing Templeton University's early graduation curriculum, ranging from undergraduate to doctorate programs.
The suspects reportedly told prospective students an undergraduate degree could be obtained in two years, a master's in 15 months and a doctorate in 21 months.
The university ran quarterly semesters and charged students 3 million won for each in the undergraduate program, 4 million won in the master's and 5 million won in the doctorate.
They also gave discounts to lower income families in the form of scholarships and early graduation for students that paid more.
The suspects told prospective students that all courses could be taken online. They also said the credits received could be used to transfer to a four-year university in Korea or enter a graduate school program here.
However, none of the Templeton University "graduates" have succeeded in transferring or entering a graduate school program.
Since July 2015, 199 students enrolled in courses and the suspects pocketed 1.7 billion won.
"The investigation has been underway for two years, but a lack of cooperation from students for fear of losing their diplomas made it difficult to arrest the suspects," a police official said.
The suspects refuted the charges, claiming the university was officially approved.
Police said Templeton University was listed as a corporate body in the state of California, but was not accredited by the U.S.
Department of Education or Korea's Ministry of Education.
Investigators have widened their probe after receiving tips on similar activities orchestrated by Kim.
President Moon Jae-in talks with Kim Bok-dong, 90, a former wartime sex slave of the Japanese military, in her room at the Severance Hospital in Seoul, Thursday. The visit was preceded by his lunch with other former "comfort women" and their supporters at the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae. / Yonhap
President Moon Jae-in on Thursday reiterated his stance that a 2015 deal between Seoul and Tokyo on ending their longstanding dispute over former wartime sex slaves is defective but said the incumbent government may still work with the agreement to resolve the issue.
"We have said the agreement signed by the former government is defective, but there are some difficulties because it is also true the former government made an official agreement and we must resolve the issue under the existing relationship between the two countries," the president said while visiting a 90-year-old former sex slave, Kim Bok-dong, at a local hospital.
"The government will do its utmost even though we may not be able to do everything the way our grandmothers want, so I hope you will have peace of mind," the president added, according to Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Park Soo-hyun.
The remarks came shortly before the president hosted a lunch at his office Cheong Wa Dae for eight other former sex slaves.
"It was my wish to invite you all to Cheong Wa Dae, and I am very glad to have you all here at the very place today. I wish you'd see this as part of efforts by our nation to do all its duties," the president was quoted as telling those at the luncheon, which also included officials from civic activist groups supporting the aging former sex slaves.
Thursday's meeting came about a week after the government stated that the 2015 deal between the two countries failed to adequately address the so-called comfort women issue, following its months-long review of the agreement signed by the previous South Korean administration. The Moon Jae-in administration came into office in May following a presidential by-election caused by the ouster of former President Park Geun-hye.
Moon offered an apology to the former sex slaves, noting the country had failed to protect them while under Japanese colonial rule from 1910-45 and that it again failed to reflect their demands or wishes when it signed what he called the "defective" agreement with Japan in 2015.
"The previous agreement did not only go against the principle of truth and justice, it was a defective agreement both in its contents and in the procedure that was pushed by the government without listening to the opinions of the victims," the president said, according to the Cheong Wa Dae spokesman.
A Cheong Wa Dae official earlier said the meeting was partly intended to provide a chance for the president to offer his personal condolences to those who suffered years of hardship under Japanese colonial rule but was also geared toward listening to their wishes and how they wish to resolve the longstanding issue.
"As president, I cannot deny the fact that it was an official agreement between the two countries, but I have declared we cannot agree that the comfort women issue has been resolved through that agreement," Moon said. (Yonhap)
President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook greet former "comfort women" and their supporters at the main entrance of the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. / Yonhap
President Moon Jae-in hugs former "comfort woman" Park Ok-sun at the main entrance of the presidential office, Thursday. / Yonhap
President Moon Jae-in walks with former "comfort women" to the venue for lunch at the presidential office, Thursday. / Yonhap
President Moon Jae-in sits with former "comfort women" and their supporters for lunch at the presidential office, Thursday. / Yonhap
By Jun Ji-hye
President Moon Jae-in's approval rating rose to 72.1 percent amid high expectations for the resumption of dialogue between the two Koreas, a survey showed Thursday.
Local pollster Realmeter said its survey of 1,400 people, which took place from Tuesday to Wednesday, showed that Moon's rating increased by 3.6 percentage points compared to that of last week.
Those who were dissatisfied by President Moon's state management were 23.7 percent, down 1.3 percentage points from last week.
On Monday, North Korea leader Kim Jong-un said, during his New Year address, that his regime was willing to send a delegation to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, scheduled for Feb. 9 to 25, suggesting a meeting between officials from the two Koreas to discuss the North's possible participation.
The conciliatory gesture toward the South came as a surprise, given the Kim regime conducted several large-scale provocations including three intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) launches last year, heightening military tension on the Korean Peninsula.
A woman was killed and more than 20 injured after several bus stop shelters collapsed under the weight of snow in eastern China's Anhui Province on Thursday, local media reported.
Several bus stop shelters on the BRT line along Wangjiang Road in Hefei, the provincial capital, collapsed this morning, local news portal ahwang.cn reported.
A 61-year-old woman, surnamed Wang, died in the incident. She was crushed by the falling shelter around 8:30am. "She didn't run fast enough," her husband said, according to the report.
The No. 3 People's Hospital has received more than 20 people with injuries from the fallen shelters, most of them head injuries. Two have been hospitalized.
Local police have cordoned off other bus stops along Wangjiang Road as a precaution.
Heavy snow was seen in most areas in Anhui from January 3. The heaviest snow fell in Bengbu City, reaching a depth of 26 centimeters.
The local weatherman has upgraded the snow warning from blue to orange.
China's national observatory updated its alert for snow to the second-highest level Wednesday, and heavy snow is expected to continue in central, northern and eastern regions until Thursday.
By Bahk Eun-ji
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to delay their regular joint military drills during the Winter Olympic Games in February, the South Korean presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said Thursday.
The agreement came in a telephone conversation on Thursday between the two leaders.
The South Korean leader requested the tentative agreement, reports said.
"I believe if you could express an intention to delay joint South Korea-U.S. military drills during the PyeongChang Olympic Games if the North does not make more provocations, it would greatly help to ensure the success of the Olympics," Moon was quoted as telling Trump.
In response to that, the U.S. president said Moon may tell North Korea that there will be no joint drills during the Olympics, Cheong Wa Dae said.
In the telephone conversation, the South Korean President said the government will consult closely with the U.S. in the process of South-North Korea dialogue and he is confident that South-North Korea dialogue helps create an atmosphere for dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea on resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.
Trump said the U.S. will provide any necessary assistance while holding dialogue with North Korea and added that his country supports President Moon 100 percent, Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.
The call between Moon and Trump came one day after the two Koreas reopened their dialogue channel at the joint security area of Panmunjeom in a prelude to resuming government-level talks for the first time since December 2015.
By Trudy Rubin
TEL AVIV, Israel In 2017, Donald "America First" Trump relinquished America's 70-year role as global leader, a post already diminished by his two predecessors. Nowhere is the U.S. withdrawal more evident than in the Middle East.
Even in Israel, whose government lauds Trump for his strong support and recognition of Jerusalem as its capital, the president's erratic behavior stirs caution. Trump's admirers and detractors have both reached the same conclusion: The Mideast is entering a new era where Washington is no longer the major player.
And as the United States pulls back, Russia and Iran rush in (along with Turkey and even China). Their interests contradict America's and guarantee future problems for Washington, unless Trump reverses his retreat in 2018.
Nothing symbolizes this ongoing power shift better than Vladimir Putin's triumphant visit to Syria on Dec. 11, followed by whirlwind visits to Cairo and Ankara. Putin's victory lap stands in sharp contrast to the negative international fallout from Trump's recognition of Jerusalem the previous week.
The stunning video of Putin's arrival at Russia's Khmeimim air base in Syria rocketed around Arab social media. "Visiting Syria, Egypt and Turkey in one day, Putin establishes himself as the only world leader with real influence in the Middle East," read the headline in the Israeli paper Ha'aretz.
As the Russian president stepped onto the tarmac he was greeted not by Syrian President Bashar Assad, but by a Russian officer. Putin finally shook Assad's hand but quickly walked ahead of the Syrian president. Another Russian officer held Assad back when he tried to walk alongside Putin.
The message was clear: The new master of Syria, whose air force (along with Iranian ground forces) saved Assad, was demonstrating who was now in charge. The spoils include large and long term Russian air and sea bases near the Mediterranean Sea.
If the United States and Israel want to restrain Iranian expansion in Syria they must now appeal to Putin, who is far less concerned about Tehran than Trump.
"Now the feeling is that Putin is the king of Syria and the United States is in retreat," I was told by former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon.
How can this be, you ask, when Trump was welcomed warmly in Jerusalem and lavishly in Saudi Arabia? In contrast to Obama's muffing of red lines, Trump fired missiles at a Syrian base that used chemical weapons. He also sped up Obama's war against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
But, since then, Trump's short attention span and unsteady performance has confused Mideast allies and cheered adversaries just as it has done in Europe and Asia. His intense focus on personal relationships with autocrats Putin, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Sultan, and China's Xi Jinping has yet to deliver the rewards he seems to expect.
Having won a military "victory" over ISIS, Trump has shown little interest in a follow-on strategy to prevent a jihadi resurgence. Nor despite his embrace of the Saudis has he developed any clear strategy to contain Iran's expansionism in the region.
But the president has shown himself willing to betray America's Syrian and Iraqi Kurdish allies, who did much of the fighting against ISIS, in strong contrast to Putin, who stood firmly by his ally, Assad.
Such inconstancy and Putin's toughness have been well-noted by America's Sunni Arab friends. They sense which way the wind is blowing: Russia and Egypt have now agreed that the military aircraft of the two countries can share airspace and air bases nearly five decades after Anwar Sadat kicked the Soviets out.
Meantime, Trump's disdain for tough diplomacy, his insults to his secretary of state, his gutting of the diplomatic corps, and tweeting taunts that undercut his team have muddied policies from Europe to the Mideast to Asia.
Indeed, in the Mideast, far from displaying a mastery of big deals, the president has given away key bargaining chips gratis. In recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital without distinguishing between Arab and Jewish sectors, he handed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a huge win, while requiring nothing in return.
At the same time, Trump squashed his own son-in-law's efforts to concoct "the peace deal of the century": The Palestinians now insist the United States can no longer act as an honest broker, and are seeking to internationalize any future peace talks.
When it comes to Russia, Syria and Iran, Trump's style has proved even more self-destructive. His obsessive belief in his (imaginary) close relationship with Putin has left him open to manipulation by the Kremlin leader who knows just how to play the president. Trump has approved "deconfliction" deals with Moscow that leave Iran free to expand its presence in Syria along the Israeli border.
Putin is on his way to becoming the major power broker in the region, the man whom leaders from Riyadh, Cairo, Libya, Ankara, Ramallah, and Jerusalem and even Tehran must consult to work out new geopolitical arrangements. "Obama opened the door for Russia and President Donald Trump is now keeping it wide open." writes Anshel Pfeffer in Haaretz.
Israelis, Arabs, Kurds all are trying to calculate how to operate in a new era where the United States is no longer the main player to turn to in a dicey region. And all are wondering (without much optimism) if American policy will rebound in 2018.
Trudy Rubin (trubin@phillynews.com) is a columnist and editorial-board member for the Philadelphia Inquirer. The above article was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Ambassadors should be appointed for expertise
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' latest ambassador appointments have raised concerns about Korea's diplomacy.
The ministry announced the appointment of new heads of missions earlier this week. Among them, 16 were from outside the foreign ministry, with some affiliated with the previous administrations of Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun.
There is essentially nothing wrong with bringing in outside figures to lead Korea's overseas missions. But the appointments must be based on their career experience and expertise. We can not help but question whether these were primarily considered with the latest envoy picks. For example, the appointment of Lee Baek-man, a former top presidential secretary for public affairs for the late former President Roh, as ambassador to the Vatican is incomprehensible.
Lee previously served as vice chief of the now defunct Government Information Agency and also worked as a journalist. There is nothing in his resume that suggests that he is an acceptable pick to represent Korea at the Vatican.
Similarly, the appointment of Park Keum-ok, a former top secretary to the National Assembly's speaker, as ambassador to Norway, and former lawmaker Jung Bum-koo as ambassador to Germany are also unsuitable. Jung went to the same university as President Moon Jae-in. Even though he studied in Germany when he was young, it is uncertain whether he has sufficient diplomatic expertise required for his new post. The same goes with the appointment for the new ambassador to Hungary.
President Moon has enjoyed immense popularity since taking office in May 2017, but he has been criticized for weak diplomacy. This is partly due to his unsuitable picks for envoys. His first picks for ambassadors to the four major powers U.S., Japan, China and Russia were also non-experts. In September 2017, Moon picked Cho Yoon-je, a visiting professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, as ambassador to the U.S. The President named Noh Young-min, a former three-term lawmaker, as ambassador to China and Lee Su-hoon, a professor at Kyungnam University, as ambassador to Japan. Former lawmaker Woo Yoon-keun was named ambassador to Russia. All of them had contributed to Moon's presidential campaigns.
From Moon's envoy picks so far, one cannot help but get the impression that they were based on political considerations rather than diplomatic qualifications. If this continues, it will undermine Korea's diplomacy. The morale of career diplomats will also be affected.
By Donald Kirk
Here's another term for President Trump's North Korea policy. How about "strategic ambiguity" in place of the "strategic patience" of the Obama era? The Trumpsters persist in saying they've come up with a new and bolder and better way of putting Kim Jong-un in his place, applying "maximum pressure" to force him to give up his nukes and missiles, but that's not happening.
Sure, Trump might really like the "military option," maybe a "preemptive strike" on selected targets. Or maybe not. That's why whatever he thinks or fantasizes is ambiguous, strategically speaking.
This term, "strategic ambiguity," has been around for a while. President Moon Jae-in nearly a year ago defended his acceptance of the deployment of a counter-missile battery for THAAD, Terminal Hugh Altitude Area Defense, saying it was "necessary to maintain strategic ambiguity." He was roundly criticized for what seemed like a waffling response, but one might justify this policy, strategically, as another way of saying, Keep em guessing.
I was reminded of the term in an article by Anthony Paul, an Australian journalist who once roamed Asia for the Reader's Digest and Fortune. "What's to be done," asked Paul. In an anything-can-happen mode, he noted you can't rule out a coup in Pyongyang "instigated by China" or "a strike by some still secret non-nuclear US weapon."
Realistically, though, he had to acknowledge "no recourse other than continuing diplomatic talks."
These words are timelier than ever in view of Kim Jong-un's call for North-South dialogue and hopes for North Korean participation in the PyongChang Winter Olympics. The U.S. now faces a policy dilemma. What if Kim insists on cancellation of the annual U.S. and South Korean war games? And how about those sanctions as toughened last month by the UN Security Council? No way would the U.S. want to get on the wrong side of President Moon, who has appeared quite cooperative with his American interlocutors since winning the special election as the liberal hero in the wake of the Candlelight Revolution that led to the demise of the arch-conservative Park Geun-hye.
It's that uncertainty that prompts Paul to conjure U.S. policy "drifting into a period of what may be dubbed strategic ambiguity," meaning "strategic patience at risk of becoming impatience and a consequent enhanced threat of military action." The fact is the Americans don't know what to do. They're debating among themselves how to appear broad-minded, cooperative, yet strong-willed and non-compromising.
Ok, it will be easy for Washington not to get too excited over Kim Jong-un's rhetorical flourish about that "nuclear button" on his desk. He's not going to order a nuclear strike against the U.S. It's too obvious what would happen as a result, that is, the destruction of his regime, the end of the Kim dynasty and a lot of other holy hell that no one can predict.
At the same time, Kim is not about to abandon his nuclear program. He's made that so clear, so often, in so many ways, that only a fool would think he'd abandon the whole show if given proper incentive. Granted, quite a few fools do dream of a deal whereby, yes, if only we'd stop those war games, those shows of naval and air superiority in the seas and skies so close to North Korea, then he'd surely say, fine, no more nukes and no more talk about missiles hurtling warheads toward the White House.
In the real world, though, all anyone can imagine is "freeze for freeze," a cessation of missile and nuclear testing in response to the U.S. and South Korea cancelling the annual war games that are supposed to begin while the Olympics are in full sway, but that's not a good idea either. Having won this concession, Kim would not stop there. He would also be demanding an end to sanctions while refusing, as always, to negotiate an end to his nuclear program.
In the Olympic spirit, however, relief from tensions is still possible. President Moon is so eager to bring about reconciliation and dialogue that he may be amenable to a deal that at least insures the Olympics will be free from missile testing, let alone terrorism. The Americans, anxious to preserve the alliance, may have to go along to appear cooperative and supportive.
If "strategic ambiguity" is not the final answer or solution, it's still preferable to the suffering and hardship that all sides need to avoid.
Donald Kirk, www.donaldkirk.com, has been covering war and peace in Asia for decades.
LG Electronics' new robot prototypes are set to be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 next week. From left are robots that will be in use as a food server, porter and shopping cart. / Courtesy of LG Electronics
By Lee Min-hyung
LG Electronics plans to launch a robot brand at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES), in its bid to secure a competitive edge in the potential-laden smart robot business.
The CLOi, which will make its debut next week in Las Vegas, refers to clever, clear and close operating intelligence that can blend in with people's daily lives in a smarter way, the Seoul-based tech giant said Thursday.
At the world's largest tech tradeshow, the company will also unveil three robot prototypes. They are used as a food server, porter and shopping cart.
The serving robot delivers food and drinks to customers at hotels or airport lounges around the clock, according to LG Electronics. The robot also comes with a built-in sliding tray. After the delivery, it can automatically make its way back to its station.
The porter robot features luggage delivery to guest rooms. It can also has a check-in and check-out service, enabling guests to pay for their accommodation with ease, the company said.
The shopping cart robot is designed for use at big supermarkets. By using a barcode reader on the robot, customers can get basic information, such as prices of goods. As the robot is equipped with a front display, customers can also see their shopping list. The robot can also be linked with smartphones, and guide shoppers to products they search for on their handsets.
"We will continue to develop a full-fledged robot portfolio from a customer-oriented perspective," said Ryu Hye-jung, head of the company's smart systems business division.
This came a year after the company announced its plan to identify the commercial robot business as its next growth engine. The company has since focused on developing robots featured with artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous driving technology.
They include voice-recognizing guide and floor-cleaning robots, both of which successfully finished pilot tests at Incheon International Airport last year. LG Electronics also plans to use the robots at the PyeongChang Winter Games next month.
LG Electronics has in recent years pushed for expanding its business structures into untapped areas amid toughening rivalry in the conventional home appliance business. Starting from the launch of what it calls the super-premium appliance brand, the LG SIGNATURE, in 2016, the company has sought to launch something new to differentiate itself from toughening rivalry from overseas counterparts.
At the CES 2018, the company also plans to go all-out to promote its new AI brand, ThinQ, as part of its efforts to remain agile in catching up with the emerging tech areas - such as the big data technology and the internet of things (IoT).
In a recent New Year address, LG Electronics Vice Chairman Jo Seong-jin also called for the need to rapidly embrace future tech areas to lead the ongoing tech paradigm shift.
Jeff Stute, global head of healthcare investment banking at J.P. Morgan, delivers a speech at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in January, 2017. / Courtesy of J.P. Morgan
By Park Hyong-ki
Local biopharmaceutical companies are mobilizing their executive and research teams to take part in the biggest healthcare conference hosted by J.P. Morgan in San Francisco, California next week.
They will be introducing their research and development (R&D) projects in the pipeline this year to attract global investors to further the development and commercialization of new medicines for overseas markets.
Green Cross, the listed flu vaccine giant, said it will be attending the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference again this week, following in January last year.
But rather than presenting its case in a session, its team will mostly be meeting potential investors and partners on the sidelines for networking.
The company has numerous ongoing projects to develop drugs for the treatment of diseases related to blood and immune system enhancement that need more time and capital to make them available not only locally but also worldwide.
Green Cross has recently abbreviated its corporate name to GC as it seeks to start afresh with a focus on foraying into global markets.
"Besides Samsung BioLogics and Celltrion, local companies' operations and sales had mostly been domestically focused," a GC spokesman said.
"The industry is just starting to look overseas for more opportunities."
GC is planning to manufacture biotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of diseases related to the immune and circulatory systems in Canada beginning in 2020, it noted.
GC Holdings has a 50 percent stake in GC, whose other key shareholders include the National Pension Service and Matthews International Capital Management, a U.S. investment fund.
Like GC, an increasing number of companies here are adopting an open innovation model where they can develop drugs using external assistance from scientists and entrepreneurs beyond borders.
Such a model has been widely used by global giants such as Merck and Pfizer.
In Korea, the model is helping local companies to focus more on R&D of original consumer drugs, while moving away from producing generic ones, Hanmi Pharmaceutical said in its audit report.
The value of the local pharmaceutical market stood at around 21.7 trillion won last year, according to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
However, about 80 percent of it came from prescription drugs from doctors and pharmacists.
This structure has only enabled drug companies to market their products to hospitals, and less directly to consumers.
The R&D of new drugs through the model is helping to reshape this aging business landscape.
Hanmi also has numerous projects to develop biotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of obesity and diabetes, some of which could be presented to investors at the conference.
Although Hanmi would not disclose details, it said meetings with potential investors will likely follow its formal presentation of its plan for this year.
Hanmi Chairman and founder Lim Sung-ki has a 34.23 percent in Hanmi Science, which holds a majority stake in Hanmi Pharmaceutical.
It has formed partnerships with Sanofi and Janssen.
The conference's keynote speakers will include Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Jamie Dimon, chairman & CEO of JPMorgan Chase.
Owners hand over management rights to non-family members
By Park Jae-hyuk
A growing number of corporate owners have started letting more professionals manage their companies in recent years.
Although there are disputes over management between owners and executives, more of the former are opting for peaceful transfers of management to businesspeople rather than handing it to their offspring.
KTB Investment & Securities is one such company having embroiled in a management dispute.
Its Chairman Kwon Sung-moon and Vice Chairman Lee Byung-cheol were in a conflict over the management of the medium-size securities firm.
Kwon, the owner of the company, was dubbed the master of M&A in the 1990s because he accomplished dozens of such deals and made 100 billion won ($93 million) in profits by selling Auction and Job Korea. After acquiring Korea Technology Banking in 1999, the nation's largest venture capital firm at that time, he established KTB Investment & Securities.
The chairman hired the vice chairman in 2016, due to the company's lingering poor performance. However, the joint managers have kept each other in check, defending their shares.
Against this backdrop, Lee recently became the preferred buyer of Kwon's 1.32 million shares, according to a contract they signed in 2016 when they agreed to jointly manage the company. If one of the joint managers decides to sell his shares the deal allows the other to be the preferred buyer of them.
Kwon said he made the decision to normalize the company, but Lee regarded the decision as a fraudulent tactic to avoid handing over the company to the vice chairman, given that Lee is having difficulty acquiring the stock at the moment.
As Kwon and Lee reached an agreement Wednesday, the former will leave the company and the latter will be the largest shareholder.
Peaceful handovers
Unlike KTB, other companies have achieved a peaceful succession of management rights.
Pulmuone, one of the nation's leading food firms, recently ended its 33-year owner management because Chairman Nam Seung-woo, who founded the company in the early 1980s, gave control to CEO Lee Hyo-yul, who is not a member of the chairman's family.
Three years ago, Nam announced he would hand over management rights to a professional manager, instead of his son. The founder retired at the beginning of the New Year and will serve as chairman of Pulmuone's board of directors, advising Lee.
Lock & Lock, the Seoul-based plastic container maker, is another Korean company setting an example.
Founder Kim Jun-il sold a 63.56 percent stake held by himself and his family to Affinity Equity Partners for 629.3 billion won ($558 million) in August last year, citing health problems and the necessity of innovation for the 39-year-old Korean company as his reasons for selling control of the company.
He had promised not to hand over the company to his sons, astonishing Korean society used to watching chaebol groups committing dubious acts for father-to-son ownership transfers.
Former Samsung SDS Vice President Kim Seong-hoon was appointed the new director of Lock & Lock in December, promising to cooperate with the founder, employees and global investors.
End of owner management?
There has yet to be a consensus on better corporate governance not only in Korea but also in other countries. Most Korean companies promoted heirs of the owners to powerful positions at the beginning of this year.
According to the Korea Economic Research Institute, a private think tank, family-owned companies show better profitability and higher investments in research and development.
"Because family members tend to feel more responsibility for their companies, family-owned enterprises can perform better and invest more," Professor Koh Yun-sung at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies said. "Korean society should reform its mindset toward family-controlled firms."
Pulmuone founder Nam, on the other hand, said CEO management is reasonable for listed companies, while owner management is better for unlisted companies.
Industry officials expect most great-great grandchildren of chaebol founders will not succeed in their family businesses, due to the prevalence of CEO management.
By Park Jae-hyuk
The New Year will be tough for large domestic breweries because of the removal of restrictions on beer importers and craft beer brewers, according to industry officials, Thursday.
Beers imported from the United States and the European Union will be exempt from tariffs, starting from this month and July, respectively, under the terms of free trade agreements that Korea signed with each of them.
The market share of Korean beers will likely go down further because the elimination of the tariffs is expected to reduce the prices of imported beers from the U.S. and Europe.
Korean companies have already complained about the different tax rates imposed on local and foreign beers.
Under the relevant law, taxes on domestic beers are levied in accordance to their factory prices including costs for marketing. Taxes on imported beers are based on the sum of their production costs and tariffs, which do not include marketing expenses.
Officials of domestic breweries have regarded the regulation as a discriminatory measure against Korean beer, saying the importers are practically receiving special treatment.
Against this backdrop, foreign beers have attracted more and more Korean consumers, offering four cans for 10,000 won ($9.4).
Plus, as a growing number of beer drinkers prefer the taste of foreign beers to local ones, the market share of imported beers has grown rapidly over the past few years.
The Korea Customs Service noted that the import of beers was a record-high $241.5 million between January and November last year, up 45 percent from a year earlier. Beer has also maintained its position as the top selling imported alcoholic beverage since July.
Sales of imported beers topped those of Korean ones last year at discount chains. The situation is similar at convenience stores nationwide.
In addition to imported beers, deregulation of craft beers will weigh on the nation's top-tier beer makers Oriental Brewery, Hite-Jinro and Lotte Liquor.
Craft beers have recently gained popularity among Korean beer drinkers as well, because of their distinct flavors. Seven Brau's Gangseo Beer was even served during President Moon Jae-in's meeting with business leaders last year.
According to the Fair Trade Commission, craft beer brewers will be able to double their production from August this year because they will be able to sell their products through retailers selling specific liquors. The brewers have only been able to distribute their beverages through retailers dealing with all kinds of alcohol.
As of the end of 2015, the number of retailers of specific liquors was 1,685, while that for retailers of general alcoholic beverages was 1,149.
The government will also allow each small brewer to produce up to 120 kiloliters a year beginning in February. Currently, they have a maximum production capacity of 75 kiloliters.
Crystal meth rock / Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
By Clifford Lo
A woman was on Wednesday arrested at a border checkpoint in Hong Kong on suspicion of smuggling more than HK$400,000 worth of crystal meth into the city.
At around 4am, the suspected drug courier, 27, was intercepted by customs officers at Lok Ma Chau while returning from Shenzhen.
Sources said she left for the mainland on Tuesday night.
"Two bags carrying about 1kg of the drug Ice [or crystal meth] were found hidden in her underpants. The haul had an estimated street value of HK$430,000," a government source with knowledge of the matter said.
He said he believed the consignment was for local consumption.
"After the Christmas and New Year holidays, there may have been a shortage of illegal drugs in the underground market," the source said, suggesting the items found on the women were to resupply users.
Another source said the suspect might have thought she would come under less scrutiny when crossing the border in the early hours.
He said customs officers were investigating whether she was hired by a cross-border drug trafficking syndicate. They were also searching for her associates.
At about 8am, the woman was escorted, hooded and handcuffed, to her public housing flat in Cheung On Estate, Tsing Yi for a house search. No further seizures were made.
On Wednesday afternoon, the suspect was being held for questioning and had not been charged.
An investigation by officers from the Customs Drug Investigation Bureau is under way.
Separately, at about 1am on Wednesday, police arrested a man, 31, and seized 375 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of HK$450,000 on Pok Chuen Street in Sha Tin.
Officers from the Sha Tin police district are handling the case, and the Hongkonger is being held for questioning.
In Hong Kong, trafficking in a dangerous drug carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a HK$5 million fine under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
According to official statistics, local authorities seized 192kg of crystal meth and 301kg of cocaine in the first 10 months of 2017. In the same period in 2016, 348kg of crystal meth and 536kg of cocaine were uncovered.
Meanwhile cannabis seizures rose by 237 per cent to 757kg in the first 10 months of 2017, compared with 224kg in the same period in 2016.
By Catherine Wong
China dismissed a report on a US news website that the Communist Party has a secret plan to provide increased aid and military support to North Korea.
Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called the report by Washington Free Beacon "fake news" during a daily press briefing on Wednesday.
"Anyone with common sense can see that the document [cited in the report] is fake," Geng said.
China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang / Yonhap
In the report, the conservative website said Beijing had agreed to offer assurances that the North Korean regime would not be allowed to collapse, citing a secret five-page document in Mandarin that it claimed was from the party's Central Committee.
The document said Beijing would offer Pyongyang more aid for "daily life and infrastructure building" and a one-time 15 per cent increase in funds for 2018.
China would also provide military support to North Korea, including short and medium-range missiles, it said.
North Korea did not need to "immediately and completely give up its nuclear weapons", according to the document, but had to commit to not launching any new nuclear tests.
Washington Free Beacon said it got the document a directive for the party's International Liaison Department from a person who had Chinese intelligence and security ties. It was dated September 15 12 days after North Korea's last nuclear test and about a month ahead of China's twice-a-decade party congress.
Tensions have escalated on the Korean peninsula amid repeated nuclear and missile tests by the North. Relations between Beijing and Pyongyang have also deteriorated, with China backing tough United Nations sanctions imposed on the regime.
Song Tao, head of the Chinese Communist Party's liaison department, visited North Korea in November. Song briefed North Korean officials on the party congress but in what was seen as a diplomatic snub by Pyongyang, he did not meet leader Kim Jong-un.
File Photo
As part of the plan to contain housing price, China vows to step up housing system reform and create a long-term market mechanism.
When and how a property tax will be levied has long been a public concern.
China's finance minister Xiao Jie has published his policy statement on People's Daily, the Communist Party of China (CPC)'s flagship newspaper.
What have been specified?
Xiao outlined that property tax will be levied on industrial and commercial properties, as well as personal residential houses, based on their "appraised value". He also suggested the legislation work would be completed by 2019, which would lay the foundation for its enforcement in as early as 2020.
Experts believe it has sent out signals for the speeding up of China's introduction of property tax.
"The article shows that the authorities now have clearer thinking on the levy of property tax, as substantial questions have been specified, especially how the taxes will be collected," said Yan Yuejin, senior researcher of the Shanghai-based E-house China R&D Institute.
Yan noted that "appraised value" means a comprehensive assessment of the original and current value of the property, while also taking into account affecting factors such as the real estate market situations and the price of similar property in surrounding areas. "It's a rather fair and reasonable way to do it," Yan added.
It would require the establishment of an appraising system by each city, according to Zhang Dawei, chief analyst of Beijing-based Centaline Property, a leading property agent company. In Xiao's article, he also confirmed that local governments would obtain enough authorization in the process.
"That means local governments are allowed to run pilot policies based on their specific circumstances, so as to map out practical schemes that suit local development," said Jiang Zhen, research fellow with Chinese Academy of Social Science, "and their experiences drawn from the pilot programs will become important reference for property tax legislation, which will be pressed ahead steadily."
Why is property tax put on China's legislation agenda?
"Housing is for people to live in, not for speculation," this has been the tone-setting slogan for China's real estate market since it was first brought up by Chinese president Xi Jinping on the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2016. The long-awaited property tax is a key measure to reduce the appeal of houses as speculative investment, and bring the development of China's housing market to the right direction.
China's property price has been rocketing for over a decade, partly due to Chinese investors' preference for houses as investment and the resulting speculations. Bloomberg estimated that 25 percent of China's housing demand is out of speculations.
At present, taxes are only levied when houses are bought or sold, which leaves multi home owners with no extra financial burdens. The planned introduction of property tax may not only deter future speculators, but also drive existing multi home owners to sell extra ones before the enforcement of the new tax, thus increasing housing supply in the market.
But it's all up to the release of further details on how the property tax will be rolled out step by step.
Skyscrapers are reflected in a puddle of water in the early morning at the Bund in Shanghai, Oct 20, 2015.
The much-anticipated Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme is expected to take effect in 2018 and the mode will be different from the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect scheme, the business news website yicai.com reported on Wednesday.
The delay in the launch was due to some technical problems such as time-zone difference and market maker arrangement, an insider close to London Stock Exchange told yicai.com.
With eight-hour time difference, when London Stock Exchange opens, Shanghai Stock Exchange closes, so how to make it feasible for investors of China and Britain to buy stocks of each other is a problem for experts of the two countries to work on.
With different transaction mode from the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect scheme, the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme is a cross-boundary investment channel, so we will design a special mechanism which allows Chinese investors to buy stock in LSE market during non-trading hours, according to Xavier Rolet, former CEO of London Stock Exchange.
A share marketuses T 1 transaction mechanism and stock market in Europe and the US uses T 0 transaction mechanism, so how to solve the problem caused by transaction mechanism difference is of top priority when conducting cross-boundary transaction, said Fang Fang, vice-director of Shanghai Stock Exchange's transaction department.
The London branch of Shanghai Clearing House (SCH) was established on March 22 and as the first overseas branch of SCH, it has played an important role to solve problems in connecting Shanghai and London stock markets.
Andrew Parmley, Lord Mayor of the City of London, said in early 2017 that the Shanghai-London Stock Connect scheme had passed the first stage's feasibility study and when the second stage's deep mechanism study completed, it could take effect.
Many progresses have been achieved in technical level after longtime in-depth study but the exact date to launch the program is yet to be revealed.
The governments of the two countries agreed to accelerate the final preparations for the scheme and to review the timeline for its launch when conditions permit, according to the policy outcomes of the Ninth China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue released by the Ministry of Finance in December 2017.
The Shanghai-London Stock Connect was jointly advanced by the governments of China and the UK in 2015. It aims to accelerate the opening-up of China's financial market, and is expected to be conducive to capital market cooperation between China and the UK.
Currently, the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect scheme launched in November 2014 is the first and the only market that Western investors can be connected to Chinese stock market but with limitations. If the Shanghai-London Stock Connect takes effect, London will become the first Western market to establish such a connect.
Hong Kong film producer Stanley Kwan's new romance "Till the End of the World" is slated for nationwide release on February 2.
The highly anticipated movie, directed by Wu Youyin, is the first home-grown film shot in the Antarctic. Wu is no stranger to the icy region he was a member of China's 27th and 28th Antarctic expeditions.
The film stars Taiwan actor Mark Chao and Chinese mainland actress Yang Zishan, whose former collaboration in the 2013 youth film "So Young" was a big success.
Based on Wu's novel, the film tells the love story of an entrepreneur and a physicist, who survive an air crash above the Antarctic. They have to rely on each other to make it through the extreme conditions. Unexpectedly, they fall in love.
To accurately depict the real circumstances of the Antarctic on the big screen, the crew spent two years to complete post-production and CG effects.
DAMASCUS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian government forces have captured as many as 70 towns and villages in key rebel-strongholds in northern Syria over the past 75 days, a monitor group reported Wednesday.
Intense battles have been raging since the Syrian army launched an offensive in the northern countryside of the central province of Hama and the adjacent southern countryside of the northwestern province of Idlib against the al-Qaida-linked Levant Liberation Committee (LLC) and other allied militants.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the government forces are heavily shelling the militants' positions in the southern countryside of Idlib amid bad weather conditions in that part of the country.
Syrian warplanes are also pounding the areas near the city of Khan Sheikhoun and the town of Tamana' in Idlib countryside, said the observatory.
The London-based watchdog group added that the Syrian warplanes struck a museum in the city of Marat al-Numan in southern Idlib a day earlier, leaving big destruction in the building.
Late last month, state news agency SANA said the Syrian forces were making strides in the battles in the countryside of Hama and Idlib with the aim of defeating the LLC, in a triangle of countryside region between Hama, Idlib and Aleppo province in northern Syria.
One of the military goals behind the attack on Idlib is also to capture the Abu al-Duhur Air Base, which will enable the Syrian army to gain the upper hand in carrying out airstrikes on the LLC positions in Idlib.
Idlib has emerged as the main destination of the rebel groups, which have evacuated several positions across Syria after surrendering to the Syrian army.
The area has become a home to several rebel groups from different affiliations, some of which are supported by Turkey, while others, such as the Nusra Front, are designated as terrorist groups.
Still, the area was recently included in the de-escalation zones' deal, sponsored by Russian and Turkey, with Ankara being tasked with guaranteeing the situation there.
It's not clear yet whether the Syrian government forces will launch a wide-scale offensive to recapture the entire province, or just to take some positions in the countryside.
Smoke filled the sky over Pat Mayse Lake Wednesday as the Texas Forestry Service performed a prescribed burn.
The fire was set around 11 a.m. Wednesday in the 'Hippie Point' area and burned nearly 500 acres all the way to Pat Mayse East.
Texas Forestry Service officials say the burn is necessary for mitigation, firefighter training and wildlife management.
TFS firefighters will be back in the area Thursday to check the burn area and say that another 2100 acres around Pat Mayse Lake is scheduled for prescribed burns later this year.
DAMASCUS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian army sent reinforcements on Wednesday to launch a major counter-offensive against the rebels in the Eastern Ghouta countryside of the capital Damascus, a military source told Xinhua.
The military backup forces are amassing near the city of Harasta to unleash a counter-attack against the al-Qaida-linked groups of the Levant Liberation Committee (LLC) and the allied Failaq al-Rahman and push them back from the military-run Vehicle Base in Harasta, the source said on condition of anonymity.
Tanks were seen Wednesday heading toward Harasta from Damascus.
The aim behind the counter-offensive is to defeat the al-Qaida affiliates and secure the surrounding of the base, which was attacked by the rebels late last month.
The Syrian warplanes are heavily striking the rebel positions near the facility to pave the way for the ground forces to storm the area.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 15 airstrikes targeted areas in Harasta and its surrounding on Wednesday amid intense battles between the government forces and the ultra-radical rebels.
The UK-based watchdog group said 44 government soldiers, including six officers, have been killed in the battles as well as 47 militants.
During the offensive, the militants besieged the base and captured parts of it, according to activists' reports.
The rebels have also captured areas between Harasta and Arbeen neighborhood, cutting the government forces' supply routes to the base.
The base is the largest military facility in the Eastern Ghouta region, stretching from Harasta to Arbeen.
The base contains large numbers of soldiers, including Republican Guards, as well as big weapon depots.
During the war, the base has become a major operation center and supply facility to the Syrian forces inside the Eastern Ghouta region, which contains many towns and neighborhoods.
Brescia, January 2 - Two children and four adults were killed by a tanker-truck fire on the A21 motorway between Brescia and Turin Tuesday. The tanker truck hit another truck, whose driver was killed, and a car in which three adults and two children died. The accident took place near Manerbio.
Rome, January 4 - A woman has become the first Italian to have a bionic hand fitted, sources said on Thursday. The hand, built by Silvestro Micera's team from the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa and the Polytechnic of Lausanna, was fitted in June 2016 at Rome's Policlinico Gemelli Hospital by neurosurgeon Paolo Maria Rossini's team. The results of trials with the hand are set to be published in an international scientific journal. The hand perceives contact with objects. The hand was fitted in the six-month-long experiment to Almerina Mascarello, who lives in Veneto and had lost her hand in an accident. "The hand is an improved version of the one fitted onto a Danish man in 2014," Micera told ANSA. Mascarello is also the first woman who has been able to get out and about with her hi-tech hand because now, unlike in 2014, all the necessary electronic equipment has been put into a backpack. This, Micera explained, "includes the system that registers the movement of the muscles and translates them into electrical signals, which are then turned into a set of commands for the bionic hand. "Another system transforms the information registered by the sensors in the hand in signals to send to nerves and therefore into sensorial information". The woman took along the backpack on a foray in Rome in October 2016, under the watchful eyes of the Italian research team, Micera said. The ultimate goal, Micera said, is to make the technology clinically usable. The backpack was an intermediate step along the way to this goal, he said. "The next step is to miniaturise the electronics," said the lead researcher.
Rome, January 4 - A woman has become the first Italian to have a bionic hand fitted, sources said on Thursday. The hand, built by Silvestro Micera's team from the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa and the Polytechnic of Lausanna, was fitted in June 2016 at Rome's Policlinico Gemelli Hospital by neurosurgeon Paolo Maria Rossini's team. The results of trials with the hand are set to be published in an international scientific journal. The hand perceives contact with objects. The hand was fitted in the six-month-long experiment to Almerina Mascarello, who lives in Veneto and had lost her hand in an accident. "The hand is an improved version of the one fitted onto a Danish man in 2014," Micera told ANSA. Mascarello is also the first woman who has been able to get out and about with her hi-tech hand because now, unlike in 2014, all the necessary electronic equipment has been put into a backpack. This, Micera explained, "includes the system that registers the movement of the muscles and translates them into electrical signals, which are then turned into a set of commands for the bionic hand. "Another system transforms the information registered by the sensors in the hand in signals to send to nerves and therefore into sensorial information". The woman took along the backpack on a foray in Rome in October 2016, under the watchful eyes of the Italian research team, Micera said. The ultimate goal, Micera said, is to make the technology clinically usable. The backpack was an intermediate step along the way to this goal, he said. "The next step is to miniaturise the electronics," said the lead researcher. Micera said the objective of his team was to miniaturise the electronics "within a few years' time". He said this technology, with special adjustments, could then become a "sort of jack-of-all-trades able to be adapted to many kinds of prostheses, including those of the hands, arms and legs". Micera said "we are working towards a completely implantable and long-term electronic system". Mascarello, 55, from Montecchio Precalcino near Vicenza in northern Italy, told ANSA Thursday: "I'm looking forward to May when the bionic hand made specially for me will arrive. "Only then will I be able to say that my life has been completely changed". Mascarello lost her hand in a work accident in July 1993, when it was crushed by a press in the industrial factory she was working in. She met the Gemelli team by chance. "I was flicking through a magazine on invalidity when I noticed a page asking people to undergo a test for a prosthesis. "The Gemelli doctor phoned me a year later and asked me if I would like to be a guinea pig for a bionic hand. "I said I would think about it and I said Yes in May of last year. "I went to Rome for the operation in June". She described using the hand as something "marvelous and stupendous", recalling that she had been missing a hand for 23 years. "Now I'm eagerly awaiting them to call me and tell me it's ready". Neurologist Paolo Maria Rossini said the hand had been tested on several people from various countries and that each op had cost "several thousand euros". As for the innovative technique used, he said "inserting electrodes no larger than a human hair enables the motor signals sent by the brain to be transmitted to the robotic hand which gets the input and responds. "Hitherto the stimulator, batteries and instrumentation linked to the hand have been carried by the patient in a backpack. "The next intervention foresees that the whole system, realised in extremely small dimensions, can be included in the arm".
Rome, January 4 - Francesca Verri, the daughter of a man killed on April 8 by Serbian-born Norbert Feher alias Igor Vaclavic, aka 'Igor The Russian', posted on her Facebook page on Thursday "better to be silent" in captioning an article reporting that Feher is living a quiet "hermit's life" in his jail cell in Spain. Feher, who is wanted in Italy for two murders, was captured in December in Spain after a shoot-out in which three people, including two members of Spain's Guardia Civil police, were killed. He confessed to the crimes he was accused of before a Spanish magistrate. The article cited by Verri said Feher reads the Bible in his jail cell and doesn't speak to anyone in Spain's Zuera prison, where he is being held in an isolation wing with 23 other prisoners.
LAHAINA For the past four years, the streets of our island have been blessed by A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW) community care van.
Founded by Keku Akana, retired Maui County deputy chief of police, ACCW is an all-volunteer Outreach Ministry of the Episcopal Church of Maui and friends delivering basic needs: water, food, hygiene supplies and dignity to the neediest of Mauis people, Paula Baldwin, the current ACCW board president, told the Lahaina News.
According to Baldwin, It began as a need seen by a few Episcopalians, then the four Episcopal churches (on Maui) got together to buy the van and go, including Good Shepherd, Holy Innocents, St. Johns and Trinity By-the-Sea.
The community we serve, Baldwin explained, is the most vulnerable, the easiest to walk by and not see. It is difficult for them to ferret out help, to physically get to a service organization. We come to them and offer basic human needs, look at them, listen to them, offer prayer; and, when asked, can suggest a service organization they might contact.
The outreach serves the needy on Sundays in Kihei, Wednesdays in the Wailuku-Kahului area and Saturdays in Lahaina.
A well-maintained miracle, it takes a cavalry of goodwill messengers to keep the wheels turning.
At ground zero in Lahaina at Holy Innocents on Front Street, Team Outreach begins with its parishioners through a program called Change for the Soul.
Church members are given the opportunity to adopt a hippopotamus piggy bank for four weeks. The plastic purple banks are filled with coins and cash and returned to church for re-adoption.
All of the Change for Soul collections are used for purchasing the water, bread, peanut butter and jelly spreads, fruits and protein packs for the Saturday morning run.
At the moment, there are at least 85-90 individuals giving time and talent to make the van run smoothly. The Supply Room team, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich makers, the run leaders, run riders, board (and) people in different churches gathering donations, Baldwin detailed.
In the 2015 annual report, it is estimated that $45,616 hours of volunteer time had been given, she advised.
We estimate, Baldwin added, that if we keep $35,000 in the bank, we could keep running for a year if donations dried up. It is a very complicated series of cogs in a wheel that are kept oiled, so the wheel can stay on the journey God has given us.
The West Side trek on Saturdays begins in Wailuku at 8 a.m. at the Good Shepard Church, where a run leader and two run riders meet to pick up the care van and restock supplies.
The Lahaina News joined the team at Holy Innocents, 561 Front St., on one Saturday morning last month.
The run leader/driver is a member of the Front Street congregation and local resident. This person wished to remain anonymous and will be referred to in this article as RL.
Leave my name out of it. Its not about me doing this. This is about A Cup of Cold Water doing it. I dont want to take any credit; Im just driving. Were giving out food and other items of need. Its about giving back and sharing and acknowledging that there are people who need help. Its a joy for me to be able to do this, RL stressed.
There was only one run rider on that weekend: 18-year-old Angela Cainguitan, a Maui High School student and Good Shepherd parishioner.
This is for my senior project, but I also wanted to get to know our homeless community on Maui. Ive had four runs, the aspiring nursing student commented.
It is important to me just getting to know the people, Cainguitan commented.
I really like how they are coping with their situation. I like meeting the people. Even though I am back here working, I get to see their faces.
And the path through Lahainas byways and gathering places was an eye-opening experience for the community press.
First, the white care van is more than a grocery store room its a well-stocked and efficiently packed cupboard of basic needs, like first aid supplies, clothing, rain gear, personal hygiene items, backpacks, shoes, towels, hats and books.
The camaraderie and fellowship expressed was inspiring, as well as contagious.
At each stop, there was genuine gratitude for the good deeds on both sides of the van, with an abundance of mutual appreciation, blessings and care proffered.
There were no questions asked. No was a word not heard. It was a give and take of exemplary proportions.
Greetings were exchanged on a first name basis.
Thats one of the things we like to do. We like to recognize them for who they are. When we can attach a name to the person, it seems like they understand that we see them, if that makes any sense? RL asked.
There are different levels of need, RL observed. Its all about giving the homeless a hand up.
With 804 people served and 14 mission runs, the distribution stats for ACCW for November 2017 were compiled: chilled water, 804; hygiene items, 1,604; basic first aid, 350; food, 5,506; clothing, 564; and Bibles/daily bread, 61.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were served on ten runs over 500 thanks to the Kahului Hongwanji, Wailuku Hongwanji, 4H students, the parishioners of the Trinity By-the-Sea and Holy Innocents churches and Wynni Simplat.
Dedicated board members of ACCW, including Baldwin, are Rev. Linda Decker, secretary; Leah Sarme, treasurer; John Decker, finance officer; Chuck Spence, information officer; Rev. Amy Crowe, Diocese Hawaii clergy representative; Peter Lee, Diocesan representative; Joan Vila, new volunteer coordinator; Barbara Zipf, supply team representative; Kit Hart, stats; and Mary Lou Mellinger, at-large.
For more information, to volunteer or donate, contact Baldwin or Mellinger at (808) 419-1637 or e-mail acupofcoldwatermaui@gmail.com.
DOTs bypass plans will cause problems
As the most recent phase of the Lahaina Bypass nears completion, the plans widely unknown to the general public have come to light. These include closing off the current highway at Cut Mountain and forcing all traffic onto the new bypass. Instead of building underpasses, traffic lights will be installed at Kai Hele Ku and Hokiokio, the same streets where backups occur at lights on the current highway.
All northbound traffic will now be funneled onto Keawe Street and fed back onto the existing highway via a forced right turn. The long-term plan intends the bypass to continue to Honokowai; however, this has yet to be funded and will not be completed anytime in the foreseeable future.
This morning in a DOT meeting, a constituent asked what will be done to ease severe access and egress problems caused for Keawe Street businesses and residents. The response was simply for residents to leave ahead and make right turns only. This acknowledges directly that the department is shifting the burden onto citizens instead of solving their problems.
For those living in the area, these shopping centers are not optional destinations. Grocery stores for food, pharmacies for medicine, office supplies, medical resources, the DMV as well as daily stops like coffee shops are affected.
The exit from the south side of the shopping center is roughly 300 feet from the main road residents must take home. By following the right turn only advisement, they will be required to take a 1.5-mile route to a U-turn via Lahainaluna Road for a wildly impractical three-mile round trip back to where they began. This is obviously not a solution it is an unreasonable burden that Mauis leadership is not addressing as they force this plan through to implementation.
As residents, weve lived with the unfortunate results of poor leadership decisions more often than we deserve. This new bypass plan, however, seems beyond illogical, or poor planning, and sets off alarms among our community as outright irresponsible thinking.
HDOT Deputy Director for Highways Ed Sniffen is responsible for pushing this plan but wont be affected by the consequences from his office on Oahu. As Lahaina residents themselves, Roz Baker and Angus McKelvey should be fully aware of the detrimental impacts this will have on our community and must advocate on our behalf. It is concerning that theyd entertain this shortsighted idea of a solution that simply moves the problem and makes it worse in more critical areas. This cant be understated.
Access to businesses Lahaina residents count on daily will become nearly impossible. Families access to crowded school routes will become impassable. The workforce on their already labored commute to serve Lahaina will lose hours a week to severe traffic. This will affect quality of life for residents substantially and poorly.
We need Mr. Sniffen, Ms. Baker and Mr. McKelvey to use their better judgment and power granted by their position to insist on thoughtful solutions that dont throw us under the bus. The Lahaina community has expressed, with what can be described as near-unanimous fervor, that the burden is too significant to move forward with this plan.
We do support the long-term development of infrastructure and understand we will have to adapt to allow that growth. However, we plead that our leadership commit to actual solutions supporting our citizens and visitors needs in the process. As those plans emerge, Lahaina needs the low road to remain open, at the very least, until the northern terminus of the bypass has been completed.
MARIA LINZ, Lahaina
GOPs tax overhaul is the worst Christmas present ever
Some Christmas presents are a wonderful surprise; others a big disappointment. We try to be polite about the clunkers, figuring its the thought that counts. But the new Republican tax law what President Trump has described as a big, beautiful Christmas present for the American people is the worst Christmas present ever. And theres no need to be polite, since the thought behind it stinks, too.
Imagine being promised a new doll or Xbox, only to unwrap the package on Christmas morning to find an empty box empty, that is, except for an unpaid bill from the toy store. Thats how 92 million middle class families will feel when, thanks to the temporary nature of individual tax cuts in the GOP law, their taxes will actually be higher than they are now.
Then imagine visiting your rich relatives and seeing their living room strewn with expensive gifts. By 2027, these members of the top 1 percent will be getting 83 percent of the tax cuts under the Trump-GOP plan. But the gifts start arriving much sooner as early as next year, when their average tax cut will be over $50,000. Meanwhile, the bottom three-fifths of Americans will get an average tax cut of about a dollar a day.
Finally, imagine discovering that Santa can only afford his generous gifts to the rich by stealing from everyone else. Thats what the GOP tax overhaul does; it steals from the American people in the form of drastic budget cuts to vital services in order to give huge tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations. Those big firms get a permanent $1.4 trillion tax cut by lowering their tax rate from todays 35 percent to just 21 percent.
The new tax law will force $400 billion in automatic cuts to Medicare over ten years. It will deprive 13 million Americans of their health care altogether and jack up insurance prices by 10 percent or more on the individual market. Other services suffering automatic cuts include agricultural subsidies, student loans and military retirement benefits a total of $136 billion in cuts next year alone, with the figure increasing in future years.
On top of those automatic cuts are trillions more that Congress has already proposed, including additional cuts to Medicare, along with Medicaid, education and other fundamental public services.
Whats the thought behind this terrible Christmas present? The idea is that giving even more money to those who already have a lot wealthy individuals and profit-laden corporations somehow helps working families.
But common sense and recent history prove that false. Giving more money to the well-off just makes them more well-off. When you pay for it by raising taxes on working families and cutting public services they depend on, you make most people worse off.
FRANK CLEMENTE, Americans for Tax Fairness
New ruling will increase suffering for organic animals
The Trump Administration recently ruled that animals raised for food under the USDA Organic label need not be treated any less cruelly than those in conventional farming. The decision reverses years of U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, which held that the organic label should impose minimal ethical, health and environmental standards.
For the animals, this included adequate space, light and access to the outdoors. Under the Trump Administration, this will no longer be the case.
Organic farm operations will be allowed to cram laying hens five to a small wire cage that tears out their feathers, and to grind or suffocate millions of male chicks at birth because they dont lay eggs.
Mother pigs will spend their miserable lives in tight metal crates, as their babies are torn from them and mutilated with no anesthesia.
And dairy cows will continue to cry for their babies torn from them at birth, so we can drink their milk.
Caring consumers opting for organic animal products, to reduce their role in subsidizing these abuses, will now have no choice but to switch to plant-based foods, including the widely available nut- and grain-based meats, milks, cheeses and ice creams.
LEX NAKAHARA, Lahaina
Increase food production in Hawaii via military funds
Considering the overthrow is responsible for destroying Hawaiis agrarian society, it is appropriate to redeem rural/agriculture land, build the necessary infrastructure and provide resources to restore agricultural industries.
Doing this right thing promotes food security. The U.S. Department of Agriculture states: To put the demand of food into perspective, we are going to have to double our production between now and 2050.
Consider replacing military revenues with agricultural economics, allocating Department of Defense funding for food security. Hawaiis ideal conditions make it a logical choice for growing food.
The majority of Hawaiis agricultural land is controlled by a few entities, making the procurement process easier.
Violating fundamental principles of democracy, the 1993 Apology Public Law 103-150 admits guilt regarding Hawaiis lands without providing restitution or compensation.
Using military funds to procure agriculture land and restore Hawaiis farming communities is a step in the right direction.
Plantation closures and fallow land afford perfect opportunities for defense dollars spent on food security while making some amends.
With todays technology, Hawaiis excessive military is unnecessary. Transition the military housing for agricultural employees.
Modify facilities for food processing and distribution. Transform welfare recipients into a taxpaying workforce. Displaced loved ones could return to live and work in Hawaii.
Investing in a stable environment with appropriate infrastructure and reliable workforce encourages private enterprises.
Food security and doing justice is within our purview.
Bible prophets Micah and Isaiah inspired the Russian statue gifted to the United Nations. Let Us Beat Swords into Plowshares can come to fruition.
MICHELE LINCOLN, Lahaina
Where is the situation on the Korean Peninsula headed? It is the biggest uncertainty of 2018. At the beginning of this year, South Korea welcomed North Korea to participate in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. The two sides established contact on a hotline on Wednesday and high-level government talks are proposed to take place on Tuesday next week in Panmunjom. This is the first contact between Seoul and Pyongyang in two years.
Another tendency on the peninsula is more dramatic. In his New Year address, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said a nuclear button was always on his desk and the entire US mainland was within range. This apparently infuriated US President Donald Trump, who tweeted Tuesday that "I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"
The resumption of contact between North and South Korea is like pushing a new door open. But Washington seems indifferent. The US claimed that it would not take talks seriously if they did not move toward banning North Korea's nuclear weapons.
Resolving the nuclear crisis peacefully is probably the most difficult international political goal in the world today. But vying for who has a bigger, more powerful nuclear button is definitely not a solution.
If Pyongyang and Washington get used to such nuclear threats, they will poison international relations in the 21st century. Implying they can use nuclear weapons to attack each other was once quite a rare thing, even during the Cold War. It is to be hoped that both sides exercise restraint in this regard.
Is it possible for Pyongyang to stop nuclear tests, slash or suspend its missile launches for a long time in 2018? The likelihood exists. In Kim's New Year's address, he said the country had completed its nuclear weapons and would focus on the economy.
Now it's the US' turn to send a signal, even a vague one, of decreasing military drills on the Korean Peninsula. If interactions between Washington and Pyongyang can form a tendency to reduce military confrontation, a silver lining can be seen in the peninsula.
Nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles cannot feed North Korea, nor can they help Pyongyang's pursuit of international status. Nuclear weapons serve as a guarantor of a country's security, but they can't be used like tools in a strategic game. North Korea can guarantee its security through other means and that can be discussed once the peninsula situation is stabilized.
The nuclear crisis used to be addressed by a dual-track approach: confrontation and negotiation. But now only confrontation exists, and Pyongyang has acquired more advanced nuclear missile technology. With rising tensions, there is no winner of this contest.
The US is powerful but not almighty. It has to realize the limit of its strength as to whether it can crush North Korea. All sides need to break away from habitual confrontation. Long-term sanctions are difficult to bear for Pyongyang. For the US, comparing the size of its nuclear button with North Korea's is ridiculous.
There won't be a real stalemate on the peninsula. It will get better, or get worse. If there is no major turnaround, a horrible situation might not be so far away.
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PRESS RELEASE
Kim Jong-un Re-opens Communication Line to South Korea
Jan. 3, 2018 (EIRNS)Pyongyang has re-opened the communications channel between South and North. According to a report this morning in the Korea Herald, the North called the South through the Panmunjon truce center at 3:30 p.m. local time today. According to the Ministry of Unification, the call lasted 20 minutes, during which the two sides communications officers checked for possible faults in the inter-Korean connection.
North Korea broke its silence earlier in the day, when Ri Son-kwon, the head of North Koreas agency handling inter-Korean affairs, announced the plans to reconnect the line at 3:00 p.m. (North Korea time is 30 minutes behind South Korea time). Ri said that Kim welcomes President Moon Jae-ins orders given at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, to make preparations for North Koreas participation in the Winter Olympics, and added that Kim stressed that improving inter-Korean relations were up to the governments of the two Koreas, hinting at Pyongyangs concerns over U.S. involvement.
The re-opening of the phone line was welcomed in Seoul.
"Re-establishing communications is significant. It is deemed that [inter-Korean communications] is taking on a structure that allows communications at all times,"
said Yoon Young-chan, senior presidential press secretary. He added, "I believe it signals a move toward an environment where communication will be possible at all times."
South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha spoke by phone with Secretary Rex Tillerson today, explaining Seouls position regarding the opening to the North.
Nikki Haley, John Boltons protege now at the UN, typically made an ass of herself when asked about the opening of talks between the two Koreas:
PRESS RELEASE
Paul Manafort Seeks Return to Constitution; Sues Mueller et al.
Jan. 3, 2018 (EIRNS)Paul Manafort filed a civil suit on Wednesday against Rod Rosenstein, Robert Mueller, and the United States Department of Justice. The suit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, where Manaforts indictment by Mueller is also pending. It alleges that Rosenstein, Mueller, et al. have abused the Justice Department regulations governing the appointment of special counsels and their authority to investigate and criminally charge in his case, and seeks to have the actions of Mueller and Rosenstein declared ultra vires, or, without legal authority.
Although the Special Counsel statute survived a 1988 constitutional challenge in Morrison v. Olson, most legal scholars believe that Justice Antonin Scalias lone dissent in that case was constitutionally correct. Scalia argued that the law violated the separation of powers, which vests exclusive power to prosecute in the executive branch, in the Presidency, not some independent Justice Department, Special Counsel, or Congressional authority. Should the President abuse his powers, the Congress can impeach the President or the voters can defeat him, but, Scalia argues, Article II vests exclusive prosecutorial power in the President. Otherwise, the statute effectively created an unconstitutional fourth branch of government with no political accountability and unbridled prosecutorial power threatening the very foundations of the Republic, Scalia correctly warned.
According to Scalias dissent, the statute, as then operating, effectively compelled investigations that would otherwise not be opened and prosecutions that would otherwise not be brought. It encumbered the functioning of a Presidents staff and enfeebled his confrontations with Congress. Unlike other essential issues which come before the Court "clad in sheeps clothing,... this wolf comes as a wolf," Scalia famously wrote. In 1999, the Clinton Administration refused to renew the statute, citing Scalias dissent as constitutionally controlling authority. The Justice Department then adopted the present independent counsel regulation for cases in which the Department has a clear conflict of interest. The regulation requires a clear and specific statement of the offense to be investigated, while also allowing for investigation of offenses which might thwart that investigation, such as false statements, perjury, and obstruction of justice. In this case, the offense specified by Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein is links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump.
Manafort correctly points out that none of the charges against him involve the investigation mandated by the regulation governing the scope of Muellers investigative authority. Instead, they concern events from 2005 through 2014 involving Manaforts lobbying activities in Ukraine, payment of taxes on funds received from those activities, and filing of disclosures concerning those activities. These same activities, according to Manaforts complaint, were voluntarily disclosed by Manafort to the Department of Justice in an interview in 2014 concerning his Ukraine and Cyprus activities, an investigation which Department of Justice closed following Manaforts interview. However the court deals with this as an immediate matter, Manafort most certainly has a valid constitutional claim concerning the "wolf that comes as a wolf."
PRESS RELEASE
Neocons Planning for Regime Change in Iran
Jan. 3, 2018 (EIRNS)The neoconservatives in the United States have certainly and enthusiastically jumped onboard support of the anti-government demonstrators in Iran. This includes elements of the Trump Administration, unnamed officials of which have told the Washington Free Beacon that both President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are watching the protests very closely. These officials further said they are working to ensure that Trump does not miss an opportunity to incubate a possible revolution that could topple Irans "hardline" ruling regime.
"With the world watching growing demonstrations across Iran, the Trump administration sees an opportunity to feed the growing protests,"
the Free Beacon reports, something that they and the neo-cons say that President Obama failed to do in 2009, when protests erupted over irregularities in the presidential election of that year.
"The Trump administrations strong and vocal support for the demonstrators is a 180 from the Obama administrations approach and its signaling to Tehran that this will not be a repeat of the 2009 demonstrations,"
the administration official said.
However, today in Iran, literally hundreds of thousands of citizens rallied on the street in support of the government, denouncing the violence instigated by some of the demonstrators. The neocons are certain to ignore this aspect.
Neo-cons in the U.S. Congress and elsewhere in Washington are enthusiastically following the lead of former U.S. Ambassador to the UN John Bolton, who told Fox News on New Years Day that the U.S. objective in Iran should be regime-change.
"The Iranian people want freedom and an end to the ayatollahs reign of terror," said Senator Ted Cruz, reported Agence France Presse.
"Iranians are looking toward America to support their struggle," Mark Dubowitz, chief executive of the neo conservative Foundation for Defense of Democracies, wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, in which he urged the White House to continue condemning the regime and follow up with "sanctions targeting corruption and human-rights abuses."
Despite all of this activity, however, the White House is publicly distancing itself from regime-change. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said, yesterday,
"The United States supports the Iranian people, and we call on the regime to respect its citizens basic right to peacefully express their desire for change."
When asked if the current government should be replaced, she said that the U.S. hopes Iran begins to respect the rights of its people and ends its support for terrorist groups.
PRESS RELEASE
Saudis Back Terrorist MeK as Alternative in Iran
Jan. 3, 2018 (EIRNS)One of the striking characteristics of the past week of protests in Iran is the apparent lack of a leadership organization behind them. The Green Movement that lead the protests against the tainted presidential election of 2009, mostly made up of the reformist faction, has remained absent this time around, with the reformist leaders mostly distancing themselves from the protesters. There doesnt appear to be a government-in-waiting that those who dream of "regime-change" in Tehran can install in place of the ayatollahs. However, Al Arabiya, the Saudi-owned news network, has a suggestion: the National Council For the Resistance In Iran, the political front for the terrorist Mujahadeen e-Khalq Organization (MeK or MKO). The MeK was on the U.S. State Departments list of foreign terrorist organizations from 1997 to 2012 because of its decades- long history of violence and terrorism, including against Americans in the 1970s.
This history apparently is no obstacle to Saudi support of the MeK as an alternative political leadership for Iran, however.
"The ongoing protests in different cities against the regime reveal the explosive state of Iranian society and the peoples desire for regime change," Al Arabiya quotes NCRI president Maryam Rajavi as saying. Rajavi added that the
"Iranian people demand the overthrow of the ruling religious dictatorship. It is their right to topple this repressive regime. And I emphasize: Regime change in Iran is within reach."
Al Arabiya gushes that Rajavis ten-point plan for Iran
"is a clear blueprint for a free and democratic Iran void of nuclear weapons; in peace and harmony with its neighbors and the rest of the world; upholds womens rights and the rights of ethnic and religious minorities in the country and many more progressive plans for Iran."
Al Arabiya further reports that the MeK
"has put to use its widespread network inside Iran and its satellite TV Simay-Azadis citizen reporters are sending their video and internet messages of Irans cities to the world 24/7."
In the United States, the neo-conservatives have long seen the MeK as a tool for overthrowing the government of Iran and the religious clerics who dominate it. They waged a long campaign for the delisting of the MeK as a terrorist group, which finally succeed in 2012 when then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a statement claiming that they had renounced violence. The neo-cons relationship with the MeK continues to this day, as was shown in August when three senior Republican members of the U.S. SenateRoy Blunt (Mo.), John Cornyn (Tex.), and Thom Tillis (N.C.)met with Rajavi in Tirana, Albania, in August of 2017.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani raised the issue of the MeK in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, yesterday. Rouhani bluntly told Macron that the MeK, which has maintained its headquarters in Paris for decades, must be shut down.
"We expect the French government to take its legal responsibility to combat terrorism and violence," said Rouhani, criticizing the allowance of a terrorist group maintaining a base in Paris, operating against the Iranian people, and provoking and persuading people to take violent actions in Iran, according to Tasnim.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, issues an order at a mobilization meeting held by the commission on Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Xi Jinping on Wednesday issued military training instructions to the People's Liberation Army during a grand mobilization ceremony in front of thousands of troops, which was simultaneously broadcast to 4,000 military gatherings around China.
The Central Military Commission (CMC) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held the ceremony and requested the military to improve its "capability to win," which analysts say is of strategic importance.
President Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CMC, issued the instructions to the PLA, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
The ceremony was held at a military training base in North China under the PLA's Central Theater Command, with more than 7,000 PLA troops and 300 armed vehicles, China Central Television (CCTV) reported.
At the ceremony, Xi ordered the Chinese military to strengthen combat readiness and put military training in a strategic position, the PLA Daily, official newspaper of the PLA, reported.
Xi and other members of the CMC also inspected the troops. More than 4,000 parallel sessions were held simultaneously across China among the PLA Ground Force, Navy, Air force, Rocket Force, Strategic Support Force and the Armed Police, where the soldiers listened to Xi's speech via the live television broadcast.
"This is the first time since the founding of the country that instructions on military training have been directly issued by the chairman of the CMC, and it shows that improving combat readiness is now a strategic mission for the Chinese military," said Xu Guangyu, a retired major general and senior adviser of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association.
The instruction from Xi shows that the chairman of the CMC is the leader of all military affairs in China, said Xu, adding that orders involving the military should be issued from the chairman of the CMC.
The ceremony demonstrated the new norm of military training after the 19th CPC National Congress and it also reminds the military that the world is not peaceful and crisis awareness for the military needs to be increased, said Song Zhongping, a military expert and TV commentator.
Gain combat capability from training
CCTV's report showed Xi and other members of the CMC watching closed circuit broadcasts of live training sessions that were conducted across the country.
The report showed Xi giving commands to numerous military outfits around the country. A Marine Corps troop conducted amphibious landing exercises at a South China naval port, an Air Force troop launched fighter jets for air combat simulations at a training base in Hebei Province, and a missile brigade under the Rocket Force conducted missile tests in South China.
"The core of improving combat readiness is to maintain and promote combat capability. China can't copy the US' measure to improve combat capability through actual combat overseas since our national defense policy is defensive rather than offensive. Therefore, military training becomes extremely important for China," Xu told the Global Times.
"Currently, one third of our defense budget is used for military training," Xu added.
Military personnel start training after Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, issued an order at a mobilization meeting held by the commission on Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
The book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by Michael Wolff has been causing such a fury itself that its publication date has been moved up to Friday.
Portions of the book, which had been scheduled for release on Jan. 9, began appearing online Wednesday. They include a portrayal of chaos and dysfunction inside Trumps White House, unflattering descriptions of the president by his advisors, tales of dissent among his staff and criticism of the Trump family by then-aide Stephen K. Bannon.
Trumps legal team sent a letter to the books publisher, Henry Holt, demanding that it immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book.
Instead of stopping the books publication, the publisher decided to get it into readers hands earlier.
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Due to unprecedented demand, we are moving the on-sale date for all formats of Fire and Fury, by Michael Wolff, to Friday, January 5, at 9 a.m. ET, from the current on-sale date of Tuesday, January 9, Henry Holt said in a statement.
The controversy has indeed whetted readers appetites for the book. It is currently No. 1 on Amazon.com, via pre-sales, both in print and as a Kindle ebook.
The book includes critiques of the president said to come from close colleagues, including Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin, former Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, chief economic advisor Gary Cohn and national security advisor H.R. McMaster.
For Steve Mnuchin and Reince Priebus, the president was an idiot. For Gary Cohn, he was dumb as sh-t. For H.R. McMaster he was a dope. The list went on, Wolff wrote.
Additionally, Trump had a longtime fear of being poisoned, Wolff wrote; one reason why he liked to eat at McDonalds nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade.
If these statements are not true, Trump could move forward with legal action. But the attention from the president, even while negative, was what Peter Ginna, a New York editor, quipped on Twitter is what a publisher DREAMS OF.
Oh. my. god. Getting this much free PR from the President of the United States is what a publisher DREAMS OF. https://t.co/buAniLv1kD Peter Ginna (@DoctorSyntax) January 4, 2018
Wolff has said that he conducted 200 interviews to write Fire and Fury. The U.S. is in the midst of the most intense political storm since Watergate, and my aim in reporting and writing this book was to see life inside the White House through the eyes of the people who are closest to the center of this hurricane, Wolff told the Guardian in November.
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Trump breaks with Bannon over his reported criticism of the president and his family
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carolyn.kellogg@latimes.com
@paperhaus
Hollywood once again earned dismal marks in USC Annenbergs annual report card on the number of women and minorities in powerful positions in the entertainment industry.
Professor Stacy Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found that women made up only 4.3% of all directors of the 1,100 top films released from 2007 to 2017. That represented a ratio of 22 males to each female director. In addition, only four black females, three Asian females and one Latina directed any of those 1,100 films.
When people think of a female director its a Caucasian female, Smith said Thursday in an interview. There were only eight women of color directing those 1,100 films, including only one Latina that shows something in the system is broken.
The findings underscore the magnitude of a problem that has come into sharp focus in the last few months as the entertainment industry grapples with its treatment of women. Media companies, production firms and talent agencies are facing growing pressure to correct widespread gender imbalances, which many believe have contributed to an alpha-male culture that allowed sexual harassment to occur unchecked.
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Since October, the industry has been roiled by allegations of sexual misconduct by powerful men, including mogul Harvey Weinstein, film producer Brett Ratner, former Amazon Studios chief Roy Price and veteran TV broadcasters Matt Lauer and Charlie Rose.
The USC report titled Inclusion in the Directors Chair? analyzed data on the gender, race and age of 1,223 filmmakers working on 1,100 top-grossing films over the last decade. The picture improved marginally in 2017, when women made up 7.3% of directors of the years 100 top movies, compared with 4.2% in 2016.
One of the top-grossing movies in 2017, Wonder Woman was directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins.
That movie was a home run for Warner Bros., Smith said. But there are other women waiting in the queue behind Patty to tell authentic and compelling stories about male and female protagonists.
Women faced significant hurdles, such as receiving few opportunities to direct more than one film. Nearly 84% of female directors made only one film in the 10-year period covered by the study compared with 55.3% of men.
Age also was a factor. The careers of men spanned six decades, with men beginning to direct films when they were in their 20s and continuing until they were in their 70s and 80s. Women did not enjoy that same longevity, beginning their directing careers while in their 30s and ending by the time they reached 50.
Only 15 women age 50 or older directed movies in the 10-year period, compared with more than 350 men.
Until major media companies take concrete steps to address the biases that impede hiring, nothing will change, Smith said in a statement.
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Two years ago, the federal Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission launched an investigation into the plight of female film and TV directors but, so far, nothing has come of it. Meanwhile, the Weinstein and other sexual harassment scandals and the #metoo social media movement have heightened awareness of the stark gender imbalance in Hollywood.
The USC report also found that women are underrepresented in the executive ranks as well.
At seven major media companies, about 19% of the board members are female. Four companies 21st Century Fox, Sony Corp., Comcast Corp. and Lionsgate each had only one woman on its board. Only 17.9% of the high-ranking executive jobs were held by women.
We are seeing exclusion across the board, Smith said.
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The study also highlighted the small percentage of black and Asian directors working on major films. Only 5.2% of the 1,223 directors of 1,100 top films were black, and 3.2% were Asian.
meg.james@latimes.com
@MegJamesLAT
UPDATES:
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3:20 p.m.: This post was updated to include comments from Smith.
2:20 p.m.: This post was updated to include additional background on the USC study.
This article was originally published at 12:25 p.m.
As Californias legal cannabis industry heats up, officials in Los Angeles and other cities say they want to make sure early players in the pot business who were selling it when it was still illegal arent pushed out of the market.
In Los Angeles and Oakland, city cannabis rules provide for so-called social-equity programs, which provide a leg up to marijuana business license applicants who either have been convicted of a marijuana crime or live in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by marijuana arrests.
But many of the entrepreneurs who might benefit from those programs would face a huge obstacle: Most banks wont open accounts for marijuana businesses, and the few institutions that are willing to do so are likely to refuse to serve businesses whose owners or managers have criminal records, even if those records are for selling marijuana.
Though legal for recreational or medicinal use in 29 states, marijuana remains illegal under federal law, making most banks and credit unions which answer to federal regulators unwilling to open even basic checking accounts for marijuana growers or sellers.
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Institutions that do work with the cannabis industry must follow a strict set of federal guidelines that call for extra financial reporting and research into the backgrounds of cannabis business owners. Those guidelines suggest providing a bank account to a cannabis business owned by a drug convict would be a regulatory red flag.
Being locked out of the banking system could be a big setback for those businesses, negating much of the benefit of the social-equity programs, said Virgil Grant, a local cannabis entrepreneur and one of the proponents of L.A.s program.
It puts us at a disadvantage just coming out of the gate, said Grant, who co-owns South Los Angeles medical marijuana dispensary Medex and has state and federal drug convictions on his record. Wed never be able to grow past a mom-and-pop business. Wed be stuck in that realm.
Without bank accounts, marijuana businesses are forced to handle large bundles of cash to buy supplies, pay employees and even to make tax payments. Grant and other cannabis business owners say the extra time and precautions necessary when dealing with all that cash add up to thousands of dollars in added costs.
For businesses able to get accounts, those savings amount to a big advantage, Grant said.
Its about efficiency and time, which is money, he said. A business with a bank account, they would make more money and save more money, and wed lose money because of inefficiency. It would be detrimental to us as business owners not to be able to be afforded that same opportunity.
But executives at banks and credit unions in California, Washington and Colorado that offer accounts to marijuana businesses a stance that already puts them outside of the banking mainstream say that even for them, a criminal record would make it more difficult to open an account.
I think it would make it tougher in an already tough environment, said Neil Zick, chief executive at Twin City Bank in Longview, Wash. It would definitely be another deterrent on the part of the bank.
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Sundie Seefried, chief executive of Partner Colorado Credit Union, which openly works with cannabis businesses, said she has opened an account for a marijuana entrepreneur with a record but that it was a judgment call that could have gone the other way.
I personally discussed the situation, assessed all the facts and made the decision to bank this company even with the history, Seefried said. However, I could have just as easily said no. If I am placing my financial institution at risk, I am going to select very carefully.
An executive at an L.A.-area credit union that works with marijuana businesses was even more direct. The executive, who spoke to The Times on the condition that he and his institution not be named, said his credit union would under no circumstances open an account for a business owned or managed by someone with a criminal record.
They took a chance before, and they might take a chance again, the executive said. If someone has a criminal record, it doesnt give me confidence that their business is going to be run without infractions going forward.
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Both the L.A. credit union executive and Seefried pointed to guidelines from the federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, a Treasury Department bureau that combats money laundering and other illicit uses of the financial system.
While marijuana is still considered an illegal drug under federal law, those guidelines do not explicitly prohibit a bank from serving a cannabis business. However, if a bank finds that the businesss owners or managers have criminal records, it is considered a red flag that should prompt further scrutiny by the bank. Violations of the guidelines could subject the bank to fines or even stricter penalties.
Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson, a key backer of the cannabis social equity program, said he doesnt have a good solution to this issue yet, though he said hes hopeful the banking industry will come around as the cannabis industry grows.
One solution hes floated is the creation of a city-owned bank an idea California officials also are mulling but on a statewide basis. A public bank, the thinking goes, would be able to provide basic banking services to cannabis businesses and support other public priorities with less federal oversight.
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Though Grant and others in the industry are hopeful about that idea, the creation of such a bank is far from a sure thing. Whats more, adding cannabis-industry services as an institutional priority could make establishment of such a bank even trickier. But Wesson noted Wednesday that cannabis is not the only reason to create a public bank. Other purposes could include financing affordable housing.
Its kinda percolated to the top, but its not whats driving this, he said.
He also said he believes banks should not be able to deny basic services to cannabis businesses, regardless of any criminal history of their owners or managers.
What were trying to do is right a wrong, trying to create opportunities for individuals who do not have opportunities, he said. Im not going to tell you how to invest your money or who you have to make a loan to, but I dont think you should be in the position of picking and choosing who can open an account. Id make sure we have a hearing on that issue.
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james.koren@latimes.com
Follow me: @jrkoren
Legal sales of recreational marijuana may have begun Monday, but dont expect big changes in the workplace or in public.
Michelle Lee Flores, partner at national law firm Cozen OConnor who specializes in labor and employment law, said that while employees may think the new law could give them a pass, thats not necessarily the case.
I think there are a lot of employees that think that now its a get out of jail free card or Now I have a right and therefore you cannot hinder that in any way and thats just not true, she said. You have a right to buy alcohol, but we all understand we dont come to work drunk.
But can you bring marijuana on a plane? Or to sporting events? Read on to find out more about how the new law will affect workplaces and other spaces.
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Does the legalization of recreational marijuana sales change drug testing policies for job applicants?
The new law specifically does not change the legal status between employers and employees when it comes to drug testing and employment, said Tamar Todd, legal affairs director for Drug Policy Alliance, a national drug law reform group that supported the 2016 passage of Proposition 64, which legalized the sale of recreational marijuana in California.
You can still be drug tested, and you could still be fired by your employer, she said.
What should employers do now in terms of employee handbooks and company rules?
Flores said employers can still enforce so-called zero-tolerance drug policies.
Those zero tolerance policies are about safety in the workplace, she said. Thats a real issue, so we want to remember that simply because California law says its legal for recreational purposes doesnt mean that safety goes out the window.
However, she said employers should be mindful of employees who use medical marijuana.
For some, they may be using cannabis for medicinal purposes and if so, then we need to be mindful of the Americans With Disabilities Act and the California component of that, Flores said. My first thought in that regard is to say, Are you taking this for a medical reason and is there a legal alternative under the federal regime?
With the exception of the medicinal use, think of it as you would with alcohol, she said. We dont want you to come to work impaired.
Could any legal issues arise by asking employees if theyre using marijuana for medical purposes?
In California, Flores said employers should preface that question with a disclaimer Do not tell me what your condition is.
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You dont want to get into a situation where you ring the bell and then someone feels that theyve been discriminated against because you know what their condition is, she said. Youre only going to ask that question if someone has a hit for cannabis on a post-offer, pre-employment [test], and youre going to make it clear that you dont want to know what that condition is.
Are there certain industries that are more likely to enforce zero-tolerance policies for marijuana?
Safety-sensitive industries that work with heavy machinery, such as construction or manufacturing, may be more likely to uphold these policies, Flores said.
Are many companies changing company policies?
Flores said many of the employers she knows are keeping their status quo on marijuana usage.
The bigger concern is managing the either lack of knowledge or misconception or impression that now its a free-for-all, she said.
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Can you transport marijuana in your car?
Drivers can have marijuana in their vehicles, but it must be in a container in the trunk. Driving under the influence is still illegal and consumption in the vehicle is not allowed.
Can you bring marijuana to sporting events at venues that have explicitly prohibited illegal drugs in the past?
Todd of Drug Policy Alliance said the answer will probably depend on the venue itself. Prop. 64 prohibits public consumption of marijuana, which would include sporting events, though businesses can get a license for on-site consumption, she said. Businesses that allow on-site marijuana consumption could not also allow the consumption of alcohol or tobacco. That means you cant smoke it in a bar.
Private arenas can prohibit possession of marijuana in their own rules. For example, a Staples Center spokeswoman said cannabis and use of the drug are prohibited inside the venue. A spokeswoman for the Honda Center said the venue was nonsmoking and that marijuana was not permitted at the arena.
The Transportation Security Administration focuses on detecting security threats to aircraft and passengers, TSA spokeswoman Lorie Dankers said in an email. However, if a TSA agent came across marijuana or any item that might violate the law during a security bag check, the agency contacts the airports police and they handle the case.
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If a passenger at Los Angeles International Airport has less than an ounce of marijuana or less than eight grams of concentrated cannabis, it is treated just as cigarettes or any tobacco product would be treated,said Rob Pedregon, a spokesman for LAX police.
But he noted that this is just within the state of California. Once passengers go into federal airspace, they are subject to federal laws, he said. And in a statement, the Federal Aviation Administration said that while a number of states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or personal use, federal law still prohibits transporting the drug on aircraft.
Does the Justice Departments decision change anything?
Not really, says Robert Mikos, a professor at Vanderbilt University Law School who studies federal, state and local marijuana laws and enforcement policies. The Justice Department on Thursday rescinded Obama-era rules that prevented federal prosecutors from targeting marijuana businesses operating legally under state laws.
By rescinding these, it looks like the attorney general is changing course, but its important to note they didnt say that he wanted local U.S. attorneys to go out and crack down on the industry, he said. Hes left it up to the discretion of local U.S. attorneys, and there are some reasons to think theyll just stay the course.
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Mikos said the federal government has limited resources for this kind of enforcement and that going after the recreational marijuana industry would require pulling resources away from other tasks, such as fighting the opioid epidemic.
However, Todd of Drug Policy Alliance said removing this policy creates a lot of uncertainty and represents a direct threat to access.
samantha.masunaga@latimes.com
Twitter: @smasunaga
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UPDATES:
3 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about marijuana possession in airports and on planes.
1 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about the Department of Justices stance on recreational marijuana.
This article was originally published at 11:15 a.m.
More than 100 Sears and Kmart stores, including five Kmarts and six Sears stores in California, will be closing between early March and early April, Sears Holdings Corp. announced Thursday.
The company will continue to close some unprofitable stores as it attempts to right-size the number and size of its physical stores to customers needs, it said in a statement.
Employees at the 64 Kmart and 39 Sears stores that close will get severance benefits and will be able to apply for open positions at other Kmart and Sears stores, but the company did not guarantee jobs for associates in the statement.
Sears Holdings spokesman Larry Costello wouldnt say how many jobs would be cut, but noted that the majority are part-time positions. Liquidation sales will begin as early as Jan. 12.
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In California, the company is closing Sears stores in Santa Clarita, Brea, Westminster, San Jose, San Rafael and Hanford. The five California Kmart stores slated for shutdown are in Cudahy, Ontario, Arroyo Grande, Redding and Taft.
Sears Holdings shares fell 4% to $3.58 on Thursday. In June, the company announced plans to close 86 Sears and Kmart stores across the country. Thats on top of the more than 1,000 stores closed in the last several years.
Last March, the company said in Securities and Exchange Commission filings that there was substantial doubt that it would survive.
Sears Holdings currently has 1,104 stores, down from 1,672 in 2016.
alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com
Twitter: @r_valejandra
Southwest Airlines has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a lawsuit that accuses the nations four biggest air carriers of colluding to limit capacity to keep air fares high.
The Dallas-based airline said it continues to reject the allegations made by dozens of passengers in several lawsuits that were consolidated in 2016. Still, the carrier said it has agreed to pay the settlement to avoid spending time and money fighting the case.
While we have always had full confidence in our ability to prevail in this case, we believe this decision is in the best interest of our company, employees and shareholders by allowing us to return our focus on doing what we do best providing friendly, reliable, and low-cost service to our customers, the airline said in a statement issued Wednesday.
Representatives for American, Delta and United all said they plan to continue fighting the lawsuit.
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Delta has built its business success through an unwavering commitment to its customers and employees, the Atlanta-based carrier said in a statement. The assertion that our success is due to anything more than the hard work of our people is not only ridiculous, it is offensive. The simple fact is that Delta has not engaged in any illegal behavior.
The accusations were made in 23 antitrust lawsuits that were consolidated and brought in 2016 before Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, a federal judge in Washington. The lawsuits contend that, starting in 2009, United, American, Southwest and Delta conspired to limit the number of new seats they added to raise airfares despite lower fuel costs.
A status conference for the lawsuit is scheduled in Kollar-Kotellys courtroom for Feb. 12.
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed in 2015 that it was also looking into similar allegations. In a statement Thursday, the federal agency declined to comment.
The accusations were prompted when executives from several airlines used similar language at a trade group meeting in Miami in 2015, promising to stay disciplined about adding more flights and seats at a time of rising travel demand and low fuel costs.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) cited the comments by airline executives when he called for a Justice Department investigation in 2015.
In his letter to the Justice Department, Blumenthal asked for a full and thorough investigation of anti-competitive, anti-consumer conduct and misuse of market power in the airline industry, evidenced by recent pricing patterns as well as remarks made at the [International Air Transport Assn.] conference.
Shares of Southwest Airlines slipped 21 cents Thursday to $64.70.
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hugo.martin@latimes.com
To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
UPDATES:
1:50 p.m.: This article was updated with a response from the Justice Department and the closing stock price for Southwest Airlines.
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This article was originally published at 11:45 a.m.
The worlds biggest chipmakers and software companies, including Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp., are coming to grips with a vulnerability that leaves vast numbers of computers and smartphones susceptible to hacking and performance slowdowns.
Google researchers recently discovered that a feature, present in almost all of the billions of processors that run computers and phones around the world, could give cyberattackers unauthorized access to sensitive data and whose remedy could hinder device performance. News of the weakness, found last year and reported Tuesday by the Register technology blog, weighed on shares of Intel, the biggest semiconductor maker, while boosting rivals including Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Intels silence most of Wednesday added to investors unease.
Late Wednesday, Intel, Microsoft, Google and other tech bellwethers issued statements aimed at reassuring customers and shareholders. Intel said its chips werent the only ones affected and predicted no material effect on its business; Microsoft, the largest software maker, said it released a security update to protect users of devices running Intel and other chips. Google, which said the issue affects Intel, AMD and ARM Holdings chips, said it updated most of its systems and products with protections from attack. Amazon.com Inc., whose AWS is No. 1 in cloud computing, said most of its affected servers already have been secured.
Hackers for decades have exploited security holes in software for example, by inducing careless, unsuspecting users to open attachments that unleash viruses or other malware onto a device or network. The weakness uncovered by Google, by contrast, underscores the potential damage wreaked by vulnerabilities in hardware. Complex components, such as microprocessors, can be harder to fix and take longer to design from scratch if flawed.
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Its a big one and its a severe one. This gives an attacker capabilities that bypass the common operating system security controls that weve relied on for 20 years, said Jeff Pollard, an analyst at Forrester Research. Theres big impact on both the consumer and enterprise.
Google said in a blog post that it privately informed Intel, ARM and AMD of these issues on June 1 last year to give them time to find remedies before the vulnerabilities became public. While the companies were working on fixes, the same vulnerabilities were independently discovered by a team of researchers affiliated with several academic institutions and computer security firms.
In research papers made public online Wednesday, this second group of researchers identified a potential cyberattack that could exploit these vulnerabilities. Calling it Meltdown, the researchers said that in their tests it affected Intel chips most seriously but could also be used against ARM and AMD processors.
The researchers said they discovered another potential attack they dubbed Spectre that would be difficult to pull off but also harder to fix. In a paper on Spectre, they said chipmakers long prioritized processing speed over security.
As the costs of insecurity rise, these design choices need to be revisited, and in many cases alternate implementations optimized for security will be required, the researchers said.
Intels stock remained under pressure even after its statement. The companys shares were down 2.2% to $44.28 early Thursday.
We struggle to believe that Intel wont face some sort of financial liability, analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein wrote in a note.
Chinas largest cloud computing services scrambled Thursday to address the issue. Domestic industry leader Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. said it planned to update its systems from 1 a.m. Jan. 12 to handle potential chip security issues. Rival Tencent Holdings Ltd. said it was in touch with Intel on possible fixes but wasnt aware of any attempted attacks.
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Applying the operating system upgrades designed to remedy the flaw could hamper performance, security experts said. The Register reported that slowdowns could be as much as 30% something Intel said would occur only in extremely unusual circumstances. Computer slowdowns will vary based on the task being performed and for the average user should not be significant and will be mitigated over time, Intel said, adding that it has begun providing software to help limit potential exploits.
Intels efforts to play down the effect resulted in a war of words with AMD. Intel said its working with chipmakers including AMD and ARM Holdings, as well as operating system makers, to develop an industrywide approach to resolving the issue. AMD was quick to retort, saying, there is near-zero risk to its own processors because of differences in the way they are designed and built.
The vulnerability doesnt just affect PCs. All modern microprocessors, including those that run smartphones, are built to essentially guess what functions theyre likely to be asked to run next. By queuing up possible executions in advance, theyre able to crunch data and run software much faster.
The problem in this case is that this predictive loading of instructions allows access to data thats normally cordoned off securely, Intel Vice President Stephen Smith said on a conference call. That means, in theory, that malicious code could find a way to access information that would otherwise be out of reach, such as passwords.
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The techniques used to accelerate processors are common to the industry, said Ian Batten, a computer science lecturer at the University of Birmingham in England who specializes in computer security. The fix being proposed will definitely result in slower operating times, but reports of slowdowns of 25% to 30% are worst-case scenarios, he said.
Intel Chief Executive Brian Krzanich told CNBC that a researcher at Google made Intel aware of the issue a couple of months ago.
Our process is, if we know the process is difficult to go in and exploit and we can come up with a fix, we think were better off to get the fix in place, Krzanich said, explaining how the company responded to the issue.
Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., identified the researcher as Jann Horn. Although many of its products already have been protected, some users of Android devices, Google laptops and Googles cloud services still need to take steps to patch security holes, the internet giant said.
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On Wednesday, Microsoft released a security update for its Windows 10 operating system and older versions of the product to protect users of devices with chips from Intel, ARM and AMD, the company said. Late in the day, Microsoft said that the majority of Azure cloud infrastructure has been updated with the fix and that most customers wont see a noticeable slowdown with the update.
We have not received any information to indicate that these vulnerabilities had been used to attack our customers, Microsoft said. The fixes were originally planned for a Jan. 9 release, but they were rushed out Wednesday after the weakness was made public, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Apple Inc. didnt respond to requests for comment about how the chip issue may be affecting its operating systems.
Providers of computing power and services via the internet will have to upgrade software to work around the potential vulnerability, which will require additional lines of code, computing resources and energy to perform the same functions while maintaining security, said Frank Gillett, another analyst at Forrester.
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When youre running billions of servers, a 5% hit is huge, he said.
King writes for Bloomberg.
Christopher Nolans office on the Warner Bros. lot is a stones throw from Clint Eastwoods Malpaso Productions bungalow. Nolan has never popped his head in to say hello to Eastwood (far too daunting), and, besides, he pretty much just uses the studio space to take meetings and store an inordinate number of Batmobile models of various vintages and sizes.
The 47-year-old filmmaker, clad in his familiar sartorial uniform (blue dress shirt, gray waistcoat, navy jacket), takes a seat behind his desk on a mid-November day, mug of Earl Grey tea at the ready. (Hell go through two cuppas in the course of an hourlong conversation.) His latest film, the 10th of his career, Dunkirk, took in $525 million worldwide, which would be a surprising figure if anyone else had made this blockbuster.
But Nolan has become a brand-name director by challenging audiences expectations for big-budget Hollywood fare. With Dunkirk, he did so by weaving together three narrative strands, hopping from land to sea to air and jumping back and forth in time, to tell the story of the World War II evacuation of British forces from the beaches of northern France. The movie manages to be both epic and intimate, complex in its craftsmanship but sincere in its storytelling.
Before it opened, Nolan publicly fretted that his run of blockbusters including the Dark Knight trilogy, Inception and Interstellar might come to an end. Now, several months later, he chuckles, thinking about people who say its success was assured from the start.
Hollywood culture absorbs everything new, Nolan says. Everything is always inevitable.
Harry Styles, from left, Aneurin Barnard and Fionn Whitehead in a scene from "Dunkirk." Warner Bros Pictures via AP
Would you say Dunkirk is your most hopeful film?
Well yeah. Interstellar is pretty hopeful. But then again, the whole world has ended. There is that. [Laughs] I try not to be too self-conscious about these things when Im making the film. If I could articulate everything in simple terms, I wouldnt need to make the film.
But now that I look back on the finished film, what it is for me, its about the Dunkirk experience. Its about the idea of community, what we can achieve together, as opposed to this cult of individuality that we live in right now. Whether youre talking about Silicon Valley billionaires or politicians, I think were living in an era that over-prizes individuality at the expense of community. Its the Silicon Valley billionaire as opposed to the union. Weve steered too far in one direction. We need to be reminded of the potential of what we can do together.
WATCH: Video Q&As from this seasons hottest contenders
We had a situation recently where Disney banned Times writers from press screenings. Disney rescinded that ban after a number of film critics associations banded together, saying they wouldnt consider Disneys films for awards until the ban was lifted. And it was lifted almost immediately.
Thats outstanding. And thats the thing. Its become very fashionable in the last couple of decades to forget what good government can do, what good union organizing can do. The idea that benevolent capitalists will just take care of us and the people on top will magically distribute wealth and happiness and security to us little people no. Its time we wised up. Strength comes from community in all things. Dunkirk is one of those stories.
Christopher Nolan Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times
I cant watch Withnail and I without getting a little lump in my throat. Its a crazy comedy, but theres a beautiful melancholy to it. Christopher Nolan, on what movie makes him cry
I was a little surprised when the movie came out to discover how few people knew that story.
When we announced we were doing it, very few people knew what it was. British people knew the story quite well, but to most Americans I talked to, it meant nothing. I think it just fell off the radar after World War II receded.
Right after the film came out, with the terrible hurricanes in Texas and Florida, I saw on the news people getting in boats to help people. And I heard people refer to the Dunkirk spirit. And I thought, OK. Thats something we slightly helped put back into the language and the culture. For me, that was one of the goals. Im not going into a film trying to [searching for a word]
Educate?
Precisely. But I feel like this is just a great and inspiring story and the more people who know it, the better. That theres an optimism that when the chips are down, we can achieve marvelous things. In todays world where it feels like awful things are happening with great frequency, you feel very much a need to try to find hope. And Dunkirk is just the most substantial of those stories that I know of, on such a huge scale.
You were nervous before Dunkirk came out, wondering if audiences would turn up. When they did, some people wrote that the films success was inevitable
It wasnt! I was very gratified by the response to the film and hugely relieved. I took a lot of risks and did a lot of things that were outside my comfort zone with Dunkirk. I removed a lot of my safety nets, particularly in the screenwriting area where Id become, I think, fairly proficient in the use of dialogue to express back story and character. And when I wrote this screenplay, I decided to remove all that and look at it in a different way. So I felt like I challenged myself and really tinkered with the fundamentals of large-scale filmmaking. And I was certainly nervous that the film wouldnt work in the marketplace.
Now that it did work commercially, do you feel the need to push those boundaries further with your next film?
I do. [Laughs] That in itself is daunting. You bend it until it breaks. [Laughs] But I feel the response to this film hasnt given me any reason to back off from those instincts. I always try to be sincere about it. That is to say, I didnt change things up on this film for the sake of it. For all my films, I am the audience member. With this film, as an audience member, I wanted to be thrust into a story I had so much respect for. I wanted to be in that airplane. I wanted to be on that boat. I wanted to be on the beach with those guys. So it was in the service of that.
In the past, some critics have complained your films are too heavy on the exposition. For people who had that issue, you certainly solved that here.
Yes. I went from one extreme to the other. I think when people are critical of the amount of exposition that Ive engaged in in my other films, its probably important that they take into account the complexity of the films as well. In some of those films, theres a lot Im trying to get across narratively. Exposition is very tough. Its artifice. Its theatricality. And so for me, it wasnt about trying to get rid of exposition Kenneth Branaghs character is given a lot but about removing the things that I know to be artificial and see what happens.
Fionn Whitehead runs toward the beach in the opening moments of "Dunkirk." Melinda Sue Gordon / Warner Bros. Pictures
So the movie opens by dropping the audience straight into a tense situation with this desperate soldier running toward the beach.
That was the key. No words. No dialogue. No explanation of whos right, whos wrong. Just have the audience relating through physical process. Can this guy scramble over the fence before he gets shot? Its why I love suspense films. Youre both empathetic to the character but also feeling a direct relationship with the suspenseful situation. Its very visceral. Youre dodging the bullets yourself. I based all the story shot in the film on that cinematic language of suspense.
Have you seen Darkest Hour yet?
No, I havent. How is it?
It puts you on the other side of the Channel during the same time period. Your old collaborator, Gary Oldman, is splendid playing Churchill.
Interesting. Yeah
Im not sensing youre going to run out and see it.
I love Gary. I made three movies with him and Im pretty fascinated to see the work. But Id be lying if I said having spent two years doing a film about Dunkirk that I want to go out and immediately see another.
You need a palate cleanser.
I do need a palate cleanser. What should I see in between?
Have you seen Blade Runner 2049?
I did. It was a real pleasure. I love [director] Denis [Villeneuve]. He bravely took on what he referred to as a suicide mission, following such a huge film that I was such a fan of. I thought he did a great job. Those guys really went for it. You have to admire that.
Growing up, you had a Blade Runner poster on your bedroom wall. Did you ever look into maybe making a sequel yourself?
No. There are a lot of movies that are on such a pedestal that to try and either remake them or follow them up would be too tricky. I have to find a way around things. So, like, Interstellar is very much, as people would say, in dialogue with 2001 [A Space Odyssey]. You have to find your own way around.
Strength comes from community in all things. Dunkirk is one of those stories. Christopher Nolan on the value of the collective
Did you do that end-around with Dunkirk too? Because its not really a war film in the traditional sense.
Dunkirk couldnt be a war film for me because there are so many great war films. To address that head-on seemed impossible. But since Dunkirk is a unique story where the battle is on the perimeter, you could focus on the evacuation and the coming together of the community. Many films have expressed that idea in fiction, had their Dunkirk moment, but the real moment had not been addressed in modern movies.
Youve said your films are Rorschach tests they either leave you cold or move you to tears. What movies make you cry?
Quite a few. [Pause] Im trying to think
Youre trying to think of which films you want to own up to?
Exactly. The Champ. The classic tearjerker. Get up, Champ! Get up! I think our emotional responses to movies over decades are personal to our relationships with that film in other ways, not just the narrative itself. Theres definitely a meta level to that. Those things tend to be quite personal. I cant watch Withnail and I, Bruce Robinsons film, without getting a little lump in my throat. Its a crazy comedy, but theres a beautiful melancholy to it. [Pauses] Theres something really obvious Im not remembering.
Paul McGann and Richard E. Grant in "Withnail and I," a movie that puts a lump in Christopher Nolan's throat. HandMade Films
Well, I wouldnt have expected "Withnail and I, so I dont know where youre going to go. Maybe the Pixar movies? You have four kids. You must have seen those.
Ive put in my time with the Pixar movies. I had some wonderful experiences watching them with the kids. Actually, of the animated movies, it was always The Lion King" with the kids. Its amazing. Thats the real peak.
I understand you showed 2001 to your children when they were very young, like 3 or 4?
I did. I think theyre able to absorb it on the most important level at a young age. Thats what happened to me. I saw it when I was 7 years old, and thats the level I think it works the best pure cinematic spectacle. I was extremely baffled by it, but excited by it.
When people talk about the age of people watching a film, part of what theyre asking is, How does a 7-year-old parse the content? And if you look at 2001 and you think about it, you cant parse it anyway as an adult. The experience is the thing.
Keir Dullea in Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." Turner Entertainment
You dont know what the hell is going on. You just let the experience wash over you and maybe talk about it later.
I saw Star Wars when I was 7, and the movie changed everything for people my age. They re-released 2001 on the basis of that success and I went to see it with a bunch of my friends. We all had the same response, like you just said. We dont know what the hell that means, but its exciting. We just wanted spaceships, we wanted space, we wanted that experience of leaving the Earth.
Thats why fairy tales and movies like The Lion King, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz and 2001 are not a million miles removed in terms of peoples elemental experiences of watching them when theyre young.
Youve made a movie or two that would stamp itself on a young persons mind.
Inception is the film I get the most interesting responses from young people. It sparks something about how you might see the world and what movies might do. And Interstellar, increasingly, is one where people have very interesting responses, where its meant something to them in a particular way.
Whats interesting is the later life films have. You put a film out in a very tight marketing context. You tell people, This is what the experience is. Come and see it. And for three or four weeks, if youre really lucky, its big in movie theaters. That has a very defined feel to it. Whats interesting is the life that lingers afterward. Its fascinating to me as a filmmaker.
Thats certainly true of a movie you mentioned earlier, The Wizard of Oz.
Thats one of the very famous examples. I think one of the most interesting is The Shawshank Redemption. When you think about the place that has in the culture now compared to when it came out or Its a Wonderful Life. Thats a really extreme version of it.
Another movie that could, perhaps, make you cry.
Very much. Definitely. I havent shown that one to the kids. I should show it to them on Christmas.
Military personnel and hardware participate in a parade in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army. FENG YONGBIN/CHINA DAILY
Military modernization program sees mergers and restructuring
By Zhao Lei
The past 12 months have seen China make large strides toward reshaping the People's Liberation Army, strengthening its combat capability and modernizing its arsenal.
The PLA reorganized its group army-level units and cut the number of combined corps for the Ground Force from 18 to 13. It also shook up the military research system by merging some units and restructuring the three top institutes: the PLA Academy of Military Science; the PLA National Defense University; and the National University of Defense Technology.
In July, 12,000 troops and hundreds of large weapons and equipment, many of which had never been displayed in public before, participated in a grand parade, the first held at an exercise field in nearly four decades, to mark the 90th anniversary of the PLA's founding.
A number of advanced weapons were commissioned last year. The PLA Air Force began taking delivery of the J-20 stealth fighter jet, which military experts unanimously regard as one of the best combat aircraft in the world. The PLA Navy received dozens of new ships, including a Type-052D guided-missile destroyer and a Type-901 replenishment ship, the largest supply vessel in Asia.
It also launched China's first domestically designed aircraft carrier and one of the world's mightiest destroyers, both of which are expected to be commissioned in the coming years.
For a man who once earned an Academy Award nomination for playing the title role in Henry V, its somewhat startling to realize that Kenneth Branagh has spent most of the past decade behind the camera rather than in front of it. Then again, when you have hits such as Thor and Cinderella on your directing resume, perhaps you naturally focus on that aspect of your career.
Over the past year, however, Branagh has allowed his impressive acting skills back into the spotlight in both Christopher Nolans Dunkirk and as the iconic detective Hercule Poirot in Murder on the Orient Express, which he helmed himself.
Sitting in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel only a few days after Murders surprisingly potent U.S. debut, Branagh picks up his tea and teases a slight smile.
Sometimes people describe the way certain actors take a curtain call, Branagh says of his recent good fortune. I am surprised and delighted.
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As a member of Nolans large acting ensemble in Dunkirk, Branagh found himself on the front lines of the British Navys efforts to evacuate over 300,000 soldiers stranded on the French coastline during WWII. His character, Cmdr. Bolton, is a composite of a number of naval officers who would have been on the scene, but Branagh soon learned that as a sort of harbor master they were directly responsible for the lives of these young soldiers under fire from the invading Nazi forces.
Kenneth Branagh as Commander Bolton in the Warner Bros. Pictures action thriller Dunkirk. (Warner Bros. Pictures )
Their job was to stay there and manage the logistics, often chaotic, hectic and sometimes potentially violent and dangerous as they were both under fire and with limited spaces, Branagh says. The fight to get on the ships was not necessarily as orderly as you might imagine for all the obvious reasons.
Nolans screenplay does not allow for significant backstory for any of the films characters. Its very much a less is more scenario, and that meant Branagh knew hed have to communicate more character depth to the audience through his performance. They would have to sense a gravity to Boltons manner and insinuate that hed experienced the heartache of warfare before. For his own research, Branagh referred to the poetry and novels of World War I knowing that given Boltons age, he would have served during that conflict.
As a military man, a naval man, he would have been [part of] the war to end all wars where 6 million were lost, a generation of kids, Branagh says. And to see that laid out on the beach before him, potentially repeating itself in a major fashion was something you wanted the audience to feel. He seemed like the epitome of the more mature form of Britishness.
Obviously, having a celebrated actor to direct is one thing, but having a celebrated actor who is also a director and screenwriter to direct is another. A rare Oscar nominee for all three capacities, Branagh acknowledges he can bring a different perspective to the set.
I think youd genuinely ask any director Ive worked with [and theyd say having been in their position] you end up being more pliable, more ready, Branagh says of his work in front of the camera. You know what is useful to bring to base camp, which is readiness in whatever form that takes. So, if its to be ready to wait forever while they make up their mind or ready to be able to go straight away. Any of the above.
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Kenneth Branagh stars in in the movie Murder on the Orient Express. (20th Century Fox )
Branagh says hes thrilled by the global reception for Orient Express (over $220 million globally to date) and it seems inevitable that the Death on the Nile installment teased during the films finale will eventually come to pass. But hes also encouraged that his work with Nolan has made other filmmakers reconsider his acting talents.
Im really thrilled, he says, that Dunkirk seems to have laid to rest any concerns over his value as an actor. And to let directors know that A) Im interested, and B) if Chris Nolan thinks its OK to direct somebody like me then maybe thats a good thing.
Kenneth Branagh (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times )
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His superb studio films couldnt be more celebrated, but the filmmaker himself has been close to completely ignored. All that, however, is about to change.
After years of neglect and even scorn, Michael Curtiz, the director of Casablanca, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Mildred Pierce, Yankee Doodle Dandy, White Christmas and well over 100 more, is finally getting some respect.
Michael Curtiz: A Life in Films, a thoroughly researched, 681-page biography by Alan K. Rode, has just been published and a collection of critical essays, The Many Cinemas of Michael Curtiz, is coming later this year.
And starting Friday night with a double bill of the justifiably beloved Casablanca (which even critic Andrew Sarris, no Curtiz partisan, admitted was the most decisive exception to the auteur theory) and Kid Galahad, the UCLA Film & Television Archive is putting on a two-month, 21-film tribute to the filmmaker at the Hammer Museums Billy Wilder Theater in Westwood.
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The series runs the gamut from Curtizs acknowledged Hollywood classics (the three-strip Technicolor Robin Hood is especially gorgeous on the big screen) to the only film to survive from the directors extensive silent career in his native Hungary, the recently restored The Last Dawn (1917).
Just as exciting is a chance to see the enormously entertaining work in lesser-known films like Four Daughters, 20,000 Years in Sing Sing and The Sea Wolf that Curtiz did across the widest variety of genres.
No one understood studio filmmaking better than Curtiz, and the sheer amount of work he did was staggering. The prototypical contract director, he made 94 films during his decades at Warner Bros., earning an impressive five director nominations (he won for Casablanca) during an eight-year stretch.
That facility, the ability to bring energy and focus to westerns, horror films, swashbucklers, biblical dramas and musicals starring everyone from Bing Crosby to Elvis is key to why Curtiz isnt celebrated.
Proponents of the auteur theory of whom Sarris was the most prominent posited not only that the director was the author of a film but that the best ones (think Alfred Hitchcock or John Ford) had an individual style and personal philosophy that could be traced from film to film. What Curtiz, whom biographer Rode calls the anti-auteur, had instead was an unerring instinct for story and an unstoppable drive to throw himself completely into the telling.
Melodrama did not frighten this filmmaker. Unafraid of brazen emotion, he wholeheartedly embraced it. If youre too wrapped up in a film to wonder who directed it, Curtiz was likely in charge.
You never got the sense Curtiz felt some kinds of films were more important than others. Never slumming, he committed himself to standard detective yarns such as The Kennel Murder Case with William Powell as Philo Vance and The Case of the Curious Bride (King of Pre-Code Warren William as Perry Mason) as much as he did to more prestigious ventures.
Both on camera and off, Curtiz wanted things always to be moving. Hurtling cars and trains and propulsive people figure prominently in his films, even the dark factory smoke in Female moves purposefully across the screen rather than just evaporating lazily into thin air.
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Someone who was likely easily bored and reportedly needed only four hours sleep, Curtiz only wanted to be doing, doing, doing, which led to difficult situations with his cast and crew. Its not just that the director believed lunch breaks were for wimps. Rode notes that Curtizs demonic work ethic approached savagery and working conditions on his sets are said to be one of the reasons the Screen Actors Guild was formed.
Even stars often had problems with Curtiz. James Cagney is quoted by Rode saying, Mike was a pompous bastard who didnt know how to treat actors, but he sure as hell knew how to treat a camera. And Curtizs quality of unquestioning belief in the unfolding story paradoxically got uniformly strong performances out of his principals.
Ten different actors received Oscar nominations for their work on his films, and two of them, Joan Crawford for Mildred Pierce and Cagney for Yankee Doodle Dandy, received the only Oscars of their long careers. If you are in a classic mood, those two films are excellent places to start on a Curtiz spree.
As an ambitious restaurant entrepreneur and the single parent of a wretch of a daughter, Crawford suffers as only Crawford can in James M. Cains Mildred Pierce, a woman, the trailer insists, who left her mark on every man she met.
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Much more lighthearted, Yankee Doodle Dandy is a four-square biopic about the legendary dancer and showman George M. Cohan, animated by a hyper-energetic Cagney performance as a man who danced down the White House stairs into film history.
Of the lesser-known Curtiz films, the most fun might be Mad Genius, starring John Barrymore as a crazed ballet impresario who holds the screen effortlessly whether he is dispensing cocaine or bogus romantic advice.
In a similar pre-code frame of mind is Female. It starred Ruth Chatterton as a decisive titan of industry who used the handsome men in her company as boy toys, dismissing them with bonuses when she got bored. When a school chum asks, Is it old-fashioned to want to be decent?, the unmoved Chatterton merely shrugs. Also featuring strong acting is Jack Londons The Sea Wolf, with John Garfield squaring off against Edward G. Robinsons maniacal Wolf Larsen, whod rather reign in hell than serve in heaven.
And dont miss 20,000 Years in Sing Sing, featuring Spencer Tracy in one of the best of his young-tough roles as a charismatic con whose romance with Bette Davis gets way complicated.
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Perhaps the best of the lesser-known Curtiz films showing at UCLA is the emotional Four Daughters. A dramatic romance with a rich appreciation of character, it showcases a tortured Garfield in an Oscar-nominated antihero role that launched his career.
I put all the art into my pictures the audience can stand, Curtiz, whose problems with English were legendary, once said. To see this fine series is to understand exactly what he meant.
Michael Curtiz: A Life in Films
Where: Billy Wilder Theater, Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Boulevard, Westwood.
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When: Through March 17
Tickets: $9 general admission
Info: (310) 206-8013 or www.cinema.ucla.edu
All screenings at 7:30 p.m.
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Friday Casablanca, Kid Galahad
Saturday Female, The Strange Love of Molly Louvain
Jan. 12 The Last Dawn, A Million Bid
Jan. Doctor X, Mystery of the Wax Museum, The Kennel Murder Case
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Feb. 3 20,000 Years in Sing Sing, The Mad Genius
Feb. 9 Mildred Pierce, Flamingo Road
Feb. 17 The Unsuspected, Romance On the High Seas
March 3 The Proud Rebel, Four Daughters
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March 9 The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Case of the Curious Bride
March 17 Yankee Doodle Dandy, The Sea Wolf
kenneth.turan@latimes.com
Twitter: @KennethTuran
Sheikh Jackson, Egypts official Oscar entry for 2018, is an offbeat, often affecting and thoughtful drama about conservative imam Sheikh Khaled Hani (Ahmad Elfishawy), whose strict, devout life turns upside down upon the death of his onetime idol, Michael Jackson.
The well-textured script by director Amr Salama and Omar Khaled mainly flips between the adult Sheikhs tormented 2009 present and his 1991 teenage past, when the younger Khaled (Ahmed Malek) became fixated with Jackson to the chagrin of his brutish, widower father (Maged El Kedwany) and the pleasure of a pretty, musically inclined classmate.
Khaleds eventual turn toward God and away from his dubious dad spins out in credible, somewhat haunting fashion.
But its the clerics King of Pop-inspired crisis of faith and the ways its manifested and ultimately assuaged that gives the film its unique depth. To that end, Salama gently, effectively examines the role religion can play in ones life and outlook versus how a secular, more free-thinking existence may offer greater latitude but not always better or happier choices.
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That the movie features the trappings and vibe of Michael Jackson but none of his actual music may feel like a bit of a cheat. Still, the filmmaker employs some clever dream and fantasy bits, as well as a Jackson lookalike (Carlo Riley), that quirkily help channel the superstar and his work.
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Shiekh Jackson
Not rated
In Arabic with English subtitles
Running time: 1 hour, 34 minutes
Playing: Laemmle Ahrya Fine Arts, Beverly Hills
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Among the top travel trends for 2018 is what travel experts are calling last-chance tourism, in which many travelers are rushing to visit places that may soon be gone for good. Thanks to climate change, many attractions around the world are fading and in danger of disappearing forever. As luck would have it, not only do these spots tend to be some of the most breathtaking in the world, theyre also some of the most recognizable.
Click here for the Famous Places to Visit Before They Disappear gallery.
Its not just melting ice caps and rising sea levels that are endangering beloved tourist spots, however. Deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, urban development, and erosion due to pollution, and tourist traffic are all factors putting some great destinations at risk. Even air travel itself is a factor - according to Myclimate.org, a round-trip economy class flight from New York City to the Maldives for just one person releases nearly 6 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
If that doesnt dissuade you from flying and youre not sure where to travel this year, we suggest you consider prioritizing the places where you may one day no longer be able to visit. The Grand Canyon isnt going anywhere, but some of the famous snowy mountains youve been dreaming of trekking might not be such a white wonderland once you get there if you wait too long. To make sure you dont miss out, check out these famous places you need to visit before they disappear.
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The earthquake that rattled the Bay Area on Thursday is another reminder of the power and danger of the Hayward Fault, which runs below the populous East Bay.
The Hayward fault, along with the San Andreas fault on the San Francisco peninsula, have long posed a twin seismic peril to the region. The San Andreas produced the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta quake and 1906 San Francisco quake.
The Hayward fault could produce a magnitude 7 or greater earthquake and is directly underneath heavily populated areas.
Damage from 1868 Hayward Fault quake USGS
A sleeping giant
The Hayward fault courses underneath Berkeley, Oakland, Hayward and Fremont and produces a large earthquake, on average, every 160 years, with a margin of error of about 80 years. It has been 150 years since the Hayward fault last ruptured, unleashing a huge earthquake.
The Hayward fault is considered one of the nations most dangerous faults because it is directly under the urban centers of the East Bay, including Memorial Stadium at UC Berkeley and a now-shuttered building that formerly housed Hayward City Hall, which is slowly being torn up by fault movement.
A U.S. Geological Survey scenario for a 7.0 earthquake on the Hayward fault envisions it rupturing for 52 miles from San Pablo Bay to Fremont. It would cause one side of the fault to move four feet from the other. Many buildings, including apartments, still sit directly on top of the fault line, and were built before a state law passed in 1972 prohibiting new construction or substantial renovation on top of earthquake faults.
On its website, the USGS calls the Hayward fault the regions tectonic time bomb, which could cause hundreds of deaths, leave thousands homeless and devastate the regions economy.
In 2016, David Schwartz, a USGS geologist, said in an interview that above the Hayward fault are 2 million people who directly live on top of it. It sits geographically in the center of the Bay Area. Theres a tremendous amount of infrastructure built up on it water systems, gas, electrical, BART crosses it so a large event on that fault is like hitting the bulls eye on a target.
Here is a simulation of the power of a 7.0 quake on the fault. And a shake map.
This curb was once flush but became offset because the Hayward fault is pulling the curb apart. Rong-Gong Lin II / Los Angeles Times
A rupture in 1868
The Hayward faults most memorable earthquake in recorded history was in 1868, and is estimated to have been a magnitude 6.8 earthquake rupturing 20 miles of the faults length between San Leandro to what is now the Warm Springs neighborhood of Fremont, according to the USGS.
It killed about 30 people and caused immense property damage, including the collapse of the Alameda County Courthouses second floor and heavy damage at the historic Mission San Jose adobe church in southern Fremont.
Many faults cut across Californias coastal region. What might an earthquake look like along the Hayward Fault? This simulation depicts one scenario. For more on earthquakeswhy ...
The fault will have its revenge
Until recently, one of the places to see the power of the Hayward fault was at the corner of Rose and Prospect streets in Hayward.
Pulled apart so that it no longer aligned, the humble curb wasnt much to look at. But for earthquake scientists, it was a kind of Holy Grail, perfectly illustrating the seismic forces at work underneath this Bay Area neighborhood.
Since at least the 1970s, scientists have painstakingly photographed the curb as the Hayward fault pushed it farther and farther out of alignment. It was a sharp reminder that someday, a magnitude 7 earthquake would strike directly beneath one of the most heavily populated areas in Northern California.
Then, in 2016, a city crew decided to fix the faulty curb, destroying the marker of seismic power.
They really took it out. Wow, Schwartz told The Times. It really was an iconic location on the Hayward fault.
But he added a warning: The fault will have its revenge.
Nicholas Andrew Flores swatted at the flies orbiting his sweat-drenched face as he picked alongside a crew of immigrants through a cantaloupe field in Californias Central Valley.
The 21-year-old didnt speak Spanish, but he understood the essential words the foreman barked out: Puro amarillo. And rapido, rapido! Quickly, Flores picked only yellow melons and flung them onto a moving platform.
It was hard and repetitive work, and there were days under the searing sun that Flores regretted not going to a four-year college. But he liked that to get the job he just had to show up. And at $12 an hour, it paid better than slinging fast food.
(Los Angeles Times )
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For Joe Del Bosque of Del Bosque Farms in the San Joaquin Valley, American-born pickers like Flores, though rare, are always welcome.
For generations, rural Mexico has been the primary source of hired farm labor in the U.S. According to a federal survey, nine out of 10 agricultural workers in places like California are foreign-born, and more than half are in the U.S. illegally.
But farm labor from Mexico has been on the decline in California. And under the Trump administration, many in the agricultural industry worry that deportations and the fear of them could further cut the supply of workers.
But try as they have to entice workers with better salaries and benefits, companies have found it impossible to attract enough U.S.-born workers to make up for a shortage from south of the border.
Del Bosque said hell hire anyone who shows up ready to work. But that rarely means someone born in the U.S.
Americans will say, You cant pay me enough to do this kind of work, Del Bosque said. They wont do it. Theyll look for something easier.
Americans will say, You cant pay me enough to do this kind of work. They wont do it. Theyll look for something easier. Joe Del Bosque, Del Bosque Farms
For some immigrants working the fields, people like Flores are a puzzle their sweating next to them represents a kind of squandering of an American birthright.
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Its hard to be here under the sun. Its a waste of time and their talents in the fields, said Norma Felix, 58, a Mexican picker for almost three decades. They dont take advantage of their privilege and benefit of being born here. They could easily work in an office.
Most dont last long, she said.
There is always one or two who show up every season, Felix said. They show up for three or four days and turn around and leave.
Agricultures reliance on immigrant labor, especially in the American West, goes back to the late 1800s, after the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad, said J. Edward Taylor, a UC Davis rural economist.
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The domestic farm workforce was simply not big enough to support the growth of labor-intensive fruit and vegetable crops, he said.
A cantaloupe picking and packing crew in the fields of Del Bosque Farms in Los Banos. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times )
With the notable exception of the Dust Bowl years in the 1930s when American migrant workers from Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas moved out west after a severe drought devastated their livelihoods there was never a time when mostly U.S.-born farmworkers picked in California, Taylor said.
But those workers eventually moved on to nonfarm jobs.
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Now, Mexico is undergoing some of the same changes the U.S. did around the middle of the 20th century, Taylor said, with employment shifting from farms to industry and services.
According to Taylors research, the number of farmworkers coming out of rural Mexico is decreasing by an estimated 150,000 a year. That means U.S. and Mexican farmers will have to increasingly compete for a dwindling pool of labor.
Some advocates of restricting immigration see greater farm mechanization and the importation of fruits and vegetables as ways to reduce the reliance on labor from illegal immigration.
If we tighten immigration rules, there are going to be fewer farm jobs, but they will be better-paid. They will be more stable and consistent with more regular jobs, said Mark Krikorian, executive director for the Center for Immigration Studies in Washington, D.C. That should be the goal. Huge increases in individual productivity so where you now need 200 farmworkers working seasonally, a farmer would be able to employ 10 people year-round, full-time.
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Taylor said theres reason to believe that technology would take over before pay increased enough to attract U.S.-born employees to the fields in large numbers.
We would develop new picking machines, including robotic harvesters, and use them out in the fields instead of paying wages that could possibly be high enough to induce some U.S.-born farmworkers out into the fields, he said.
Erick Roman waits for boxes of cantaloupe to fill so he can move them through a labeler at Del Bosque Farms in Los Banos. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times )
In California, farm wages increased 13% from 2010 to 2015, according to a Los Angeles Times analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some farmers have resorted to giving field laborers benefits such as 401(k) plans, health insurance and even subsidized housing.
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But theyve still struggled to recruit enough workers.
At Del Bosque Farms, about 300 workers pick during the cantaloupe season. Some of the U.S.-born laborers who show up could not get jobs in industries like fast food or retail because of criminal convictions. Others felt college was out of reach and they needed quick money.
Diego Romo, a 24-year-old American, said he grew up watching his father work the cantaloupe fields. The Los Banos resident has worked every season at Del Bosque Farms since he was 17.
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When hes not in the fields, hes at a local college, studying to become a corrections officer. He harvests cantaloupe to help out his parents and to pay for his textbooks, he said.
On a recent autumn afternoon, he stacked cardboard boxes full of cantaloupe into pallets. His father, Rodrigo, worked on the same crew. He put the boxes together on a moving platform an easier job for older workers.
He did not like that his son worked in the fields.
I want you to study hard and not work out there like I do every year, he told him in Spanish. You need to better yourself.
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Diego Romo said hes aware how unusual workers like him are. Those who show up usually end up being overcome by the heat or the sheer repetitive diligence required to do the work.
Diego Romo waits for full boxes of cantaloupe to load onto pallets at Del Bosque Farms. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times )
He takes pride in having lasted so long. But there are days when he regrets having not done better in high school. Perhaps he could have done well enough to get a full ride into college. Now Romo nags his 15-year-old brother, sounding like his father: Study hard and better yourself. You see how we have to work every year sunrise to sunset.
Ignacio Leon, a 21-year-old from Los Banos, was on his second day on the job at Del Bosque Farms. He was happy for the work because he needed to make enough to pay off a traffic ticket so he can start his career in truck driving, he said.
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Leon was born in the U.S. and graduated high school, but said he got into trouble with the law.
I do feel like I did mess up big-time. I do regret it, he said. Also, not going to college. In high school, I got too lazy.
He told a cash-strapped friend of his to join him in the fields. The friend rejected the offer, Leon said, preferring to stay home and play video games at his parents house.
The cantaloupe harvest was still weeks away from ending. But a few days after starting a job that he described to his friend as easy money, bro, Leon stopped showing up to work.
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Erick Roman takes his morning break at Del Bosque Farms in Los Banos. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times )
cindy.carcamo@latimes.com
Follow Cindy Carcamo on Twitter @thecindycarcamo
The Los Angeles Unified School District is poised to start the spring semester next week amid lingering questions about when ailing Supt. Michelle King will return to the job, leaving what some see as a leadership gap in the face of daunting challenges.
Though day-to-day decision-making has been handed over to an acting superintendent, Kings long-term strategic plan has been in limbo during her four-month absence. Some efforts, including one to reduce the number of students who miss weeks of school, appear to be moving forward without King.
L.A. Unified is confronting budget deficits, labor negotiations and internal disagreements over reform strategies.
You cant have a ship without a captain, said Victoria Castro, a school board member from 1993 to 2001. I feel that Michelle is holding the district or board members hostage by not disclosing her illness. Were all being held hostage because of her illness and of having no definite date of her return.
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King has been on medical leave, for an undisclosed condition, since September. In her most recent public communication, in October, King had stated she would return after the first of the year. She was more specific in a confidential December communication to the Board of Education, saying shed be back Jan. 22, according to sources who were not authorized to speak for the district.
Earlier this week, the district was vague about when King would return. On Thursday, however, a spokeswoman said the superintendent planned to return Jan. 22.
However, several senior district leaders have privately expressed concern about whether she will be back at work by then. They spoke to The Times on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment on the matter.
King has continued to receive her full $350,000-a-year salary while on sick leave. Over her L.A. Unified career, she has accumulated more than a year of unused sick time.
Board member Nick Melvoin said he and other board members understand that the public wants more clarity about Kings future.
While I respect her privacy in this sensitive matter, it is important that our employees, families and constituents get more information soon as they put their trust in district leadership to successfully run the second-largest school district in the country, Melvoin said.
Former board member Marlene Canter said King and the board need to strike a better balance between Kings right to privacy and the openness that comes with a position of major public importance.
None of us have ever come across a situation like this, said Canter, a board member from 2001 to 2009. This is someone in the public eye, and yet you have no idea what is wrong or when she is coming back. I believe that it is the boards responsibility as public officials to always remain transparent.
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In Kings place, as acting superintendent, is veteran senior administrator Vivian Ekchian, who is not afraid to assert authority. She did not hesitate to close 265 schools for two days in December because of fire threats and poor air quality.
For their part, board members have continued to approve policies and programs that require extensive oversight by senior management.
Ekchian is filling that role impressively and no leadership crisis is imminent, said board member Richard Vladovic.
The district has continued its momentum forward, Vladovic said. Im anxious because I want a friend to come back who has much more to offer.
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The Board of Education selected King in January 2016. A career L.A. Unified insider, she rose with good reviews to the No. 2 leadership position, but had never led a school system. She brought to the job strong internal support but a certain discomfort in the spotlight and a degree of inaccessibility, even before her ailment, that contrasted with her predecessors.
Kings major accomplishment was pushing the graduation rate to record levels by allowing students to quickly make up credits for failed classes. Her major initiative going forward has been to expand the number of schools with special programs to offset declining enrollment caused by the growth of independently operated charter schools.
But a new school board majority, which took control last July, was elected with substantial backing from charter-school supporters. It was unclear, just before Kings departure, how well her priorities would mesh with those of the new board leadership.
Ekchian now has the complicated task of carrying out Kings vision on behalf of a board that is not united behind King. Meanwhile, the rumor mill is flooded with theories and so-called confirmed accounts about what has sidelined King.
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King, 56, had difficulty moving about during her last board meeting on Sept. 12. Her medical leave began Sept. 15, though no announcement was made. On Oct. 7, she emailed senior staff that Ekchian temporarily would take over and that her doctor would reevaluate her condition at the end of the month. Two weeks later, King announced the extension of her absence until January.
As I continue to recover from my medical procedure, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for your countless well wishes and unwavering support, King wrote in an email to all district staff. To keep you updated, I anticipate returning to the office after the first of the year.
For the most part, the conduit between King and the board has been board president Monica Garcia. King also has had some contact with Ekchian, although King does not appear to be trying to run the district through Ekchian.
Kings contract guarantees only a 90-day severance, but California law provides protections for employees on medical leave. At the same time, Kings physical ability to carry out the work could factor into a performance evaluation.
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Former board member Valerie Fields, who has battled health problems, is sympathetic to serious medical challenges, but she finds the L.A. Unified status quo so vexing that she overcame severe back pain to get to the phone.
I cant imagine what the board of General Motors would do if their chief executive was not on the job, said Fields, who served from 1997 to 2001. What do you think they would do? This is even more important because it deals with the lives of children.
howard.blume@latimes.com
Twitter: @howardblume
The Los Angeles man accused of placing a prank call that resulted in the fatal police shooting of an innocent man in Kansas last week was the target of an ongoing LAPD investigation into similar hoaxes and had a reputation for helping others gain revenge on online enemies, law enforcement officials told The Times.
LAPD detectives were planning to meet soon with federal prosecutors to discuss their investigation into whether Tyler Raj Barriss was responsible for several so-called swatting calls and similar hoaxes that drew large police responses in the past year, said Deputy Chief Horace Frank, who oversees the LAPDs counter-terrorism and special operations bureau. He declined to identify the incidents.
Barriss, 25, was already well known to local law enforcement. Glendale Police Sgt. Daniel Suttles said he was behind at least two dozen fake bomb threats in the area in recent years, including incidents that prompted the evacuations of television stations and an elementary school.
In May 2016, he pleaded no contest to making a false bomb threat and was sentenced to two years and eight months in jail, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. He was released on Jan. 20, 2017. A day later, he was arrested in the San Fernando Valley and spent another seven months in jail before pleading no contest to violating a protective order, according to court and jail records.
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Suttles described Barriss as a manipulator who had a practiced way of convincing 911 dispatchers that his threats were credible.
He knows exactly what to say. He is very meticulous, Suttles said. He knows what a 911 operator will ask and is convincing.
Wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and keeping his eyes down, Barriss appeared briefly in a downtown Los Angeles court on Wednesday and announced he would not fight extradition to Kansas. He will be held in Los Angeles without bail until Kansas authorities take him into custody, which should occur in the next few weeks, according to a statement by Sedgwick County Dist. Atty. Marc Bennett.
Barriss is charged with one count of creating a false alarm, which is a felony, in Kansas, court records show.
Wichita authorities said they received a phone call on Dec. 28 from a person who claimed he had fatally shot his father at a home on West McCormick Street in the city. The caller also claimed he was holding his mother and younger brother at gunpoint, and that he had doused the residence in gasoline and planned to set the home ablaze.
A recording of the emergency call released by Wichita police shows that the caller told a dispatcher that he would not put the gun away.
My dad isnt breathing, the caller said at one point. Its kind of giving me anxiety and making me, like, paranoid.
SWAT officers responded and were preparing to approach the home when a man, later identified as 28-year-old Andrew Finch, exited the front door. After a brief exchange, Finch was shot after moving his hands toward his waistband, Wichita police said. He died a short time later.
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Sources told the Times that the dispute that led to the call stemmed from an argument over an online matchup in Call Of Duty: World War II, a recently released first-person shooting game.
He knows what a 911 operator will ask and is convincing. Glendale Police Sgt. Dan Suttles on the man accused of making a prank call that led to last weeks fatal police shooting in Kansas
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
Neither Barris nor Finch were involved in the matchup, according to the sources, who spoke to The Times on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. The sources said investigators believe that someone involved in the dispute contacted Barriss, who had developed a reputation for swatting placing false emergency calls that prompt police departments to deploy SWAT officers to an address.
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Swatters typically claim that an armed intruder is inside a home, and the tactic is sometimes used by enemies in the online gaming community.
A spokesman for the Sedgwick County district attorneys office said he would not release charging documents or discuss the case further until Barriss appears in a Kansas courtroom.
The FBI estimates that roughly 400 cases of swatting occur annually, with some using caller ID spoofing to disguise their number. Swatting cases that result in the death of a victim are less common, however.
Finch was unarmed when he was shot, according to Andrew Stroth, a Chicago-based civil rights attorney who is representing the victims relatives. Stroth has repeatedly blasted Wichita police for opening fire and failing to recognize the nature of the call.
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Swatting is not new. Prank calling is not new. These officers should be equipped to handle these situations, he said on Wednesday. Unfortunately, you have a situation where Andy Finch was unjustifiably shot and killed by the Wichita police officer, and its tragic.
Finch is survived by two young children, according to Stroth, who said the shooting took place outside the home of Finchs mother. Stroth also claimed police handcuffed and detained Finchs relatives after the shooting.
According a timeline released by Wichita police, the caller first contacted a security officer at City Hall, then hung up. The number that appeared came from a local area code, police said.
A Wichita Police spokesman on Wednesday declined to answer questions about the incident. The officer who fired the fatal shot, identified only as a seven-year veteran of the department, has been placed on administrative leave.
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In a letter made public Wednesday, Finchs mother, Lisa, heavily criticized the Wichita Police Department and other city officials, claiming she has not been allowed to claim her sons body.
It goes without saying that our family is devastated by what has happened, she wrote. What cannot go without saying is why Wichita City leadership is compounding our grief and sorrow by keeping my son from us.
Neither Barriss nor his public defender spoke with reporters on Wednesday. The 25-year-old only mumbled responses of yes or I did while being asked to confirm his identity and that he was waiving extradition.
richard.winton@latimes.com
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james.queally@latimes.com
Follow @LACrimes & @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
President Trumps decision to award Jerusalem to Israel has emboldened the countrys right-wing government and driven Palestinians to publicly abandon cooperation with Washington, its erstwhile ally in past attempts to bring both sides to a settlement on long-standing grievances.
The president may be hoping his hardball tactics will force Palestinians back to the negotiating table, much as he has argued that making threats and talking tough helped bring him success in the business world.
But as Trump approaches his first year in office, his ability to strike what he has called the ultimate deal, a Mideast peace accord, now seems remote at best.
Trumps Dec. 6 announcement to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and ultimately to relocate the U.S. Embassy there, reversing decades of U.S. policy, could spell the death of the two-state solution, the long-held international consensus that any peace deal would include creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel.
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In recent weeks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his governing partners have expanded control over lands also claimed by the Palestinians. The Israeli strategy has been bolstered by encouraging statements by the U.S. ambassador, David Friedman, Trumps former bankruptcy lawyer and a longtime supporter of right-wing Israeli causes.
Netanyahus Likud Party and members of the ruling coalition also pushed through the Israeli parliament a measure that, on paper at least, would make it harder for future Israeli governments to cede any part of Jerusalem to the Palestinians, who also claim part of the city as their capital.
Most experts think the law contains enough loopholes to make it nearly impossible to implement, but the propaganda points were unmistakable.
Netanyahu and his allies spent the end of the old year and the start of the new showing they feel liberated from the need even to pay lip service to peace with the Palestinians, Israeli historian Gershom Gorenberg wrote Wednesday in the American Prospect, a liberal magazine.
A series of Israeli declarations undermine chances for peace and are a direct response to Trumps decision to end Americas moderating role, he added.
Netanyahu is suffering domestic political troubles and attempting to weather a corruption scandal. So tailwinds from Washington, after years of clashes with President Obama, are especially welcome as he looks toward likely elections this year.
Netanyahu has a history of overreaching and then retreating, often in response to American pressure. In this case, Washington seemingly has given him a green light. And Trump, far from reversing the Jerusalem move after international condemnation, appears determined to punish the Palestinians further.
After Palestinian leaders said they would not meet Vice President Mike Pence, who again postponed a planned trip to the region this week, Trump threatened in a tweet Tuesday to cut hundreds of millions of dollars of U.S. aid to the Palestinians because they failed to show appreciation or respect to Washington.
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A congressional report in December 2016 said the United States has spent about $400 million a year to support the Palestinians since the Palestinian Authority was created in 1994.
Most of the money has gone to schools, hospitals and other projects in the West Bank and in Gaza supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development, with only a small fraction going directly to the Palestinian Authority. Last year, Washington provided about $36 million to Palestinian security forces, which work with Israel to prevent terrorist attacks.
Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. envoy to the Middle East under Republican and Democratic presidents, said Trump and Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who also threatened to cut aid, were making good on threats to punish anyone who challenged Trumps decision on Jerusalem.
Its easy to beat up on the U.N., Miller said. Its easy to beat up on the Palestinians.
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Trump has always had strong views on Israel, and once in office, he appointed his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and two of his former lawyers as point men in the effort to forge a peace deal. All have supported the Israeli movement to erect Jewish settlements in the Palestinian West Bank, an issue that traditionally has been an obstacle to a negotiated settlement.
Friedman, the U.S. ambassador, has gone further since arriving in Israel, stirring widespread controversy with comments in the Israeli press.
The Israeli Broadcast Corp. quoted him urging the State Department to stop using the word occupied to describe the Israeli military presence in lands claimed by the Palestinians but controlled by Israel since the 1967 war. The State Department has ignored his request.
Speaking to Walla, a Hebrew language website, Friedman appeared to defend settlement expansion by Israeli Jews in the West Bank, a movement much of the world considers illegal. And in an interview with the Jerusalem Post, he called Palestinian objections to Trumps Jerusalem decision anti-Semitic, a characterization no U.S. diplomat in the region previously would have used.
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In Washington, Heather Nauert, the State Department spokeswoman, insisted U.S. policy had not changed on settlements and related issues but, when pressed, refused to state the Trump administration policy.
The administration says it will present a comprehensive peace plan this year, but officials wont say when or what it will include. Both Israeli and Palestinian officials say they have not seen a Trump plan.
A resumption of U.S.-brokered negotiations is difficult to envision any time soon since Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas responded to the decision on Jerusalem by declaring he would not cooperate with the Trump administration. Palestinian leaders said they would be willing to negotiate, however, under the European Union or other possible mediators.
One of the most important things for this administration is to have peace talks between the various sides to get them to a place of peace, Nauert said. That position remains the same. And those conversations and those talks will continue.
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Wilkinson reported from Washington and special correspondent Tarnopolsky from Jerusalem.
tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com
For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter
Washingtons state attorney general sued Motel 6 on Wednesday, accusing the hotel chain of illegally giving information on thousands of guests to immigration enforcement officials who did not have warrants and who scrutinized guests with Latino-sounding names.
Motel 6 has faced scrutiny since September, when a Phoenix publication uncovered evidence that two Arizona locations had been regularly handing over guests information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who were on the lookout for immigrants staying in the country illegally.
Motel 6 which has more than 1,400 locations across North America disavowed the practice and said the information exchange was limited to the local level without the knowledge of senior management.
But on Wednesday, Atty. Gen. Bob Ferguson of Washington said his office launched its own investigation after the revelations in Arizona and discovered that disturbing and unlawful handovers were also routine at several corporate-owned Motel 6 locations in Washington state suggesting the practice was more widespread than the company had contended.
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It was not isolated to two motels in Phoenix, not by a long shot. The companys actions were methodical. They trained their new employees on how to do this, Ferguson said. Were going to find out who at Motel 6 knew what, and when they knew it.
He said the names of many thousands of Washington residents and visitors staying at Motel 6 had been turned over to the federal government without their knowledge, without their consent.
Ferguson said Motel 6 staffers told investigators that the ICE agents circled any Latino or Latina-sounding names on the guest registry, and returned to their vehicles to run background checks.
Fergusons lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court in Seattle, accuses Motel 6 of unfair and deceptive business practices and of violating Washington state privacy laws. It also alleges discrimination based on nationality.
The complaint asks for a permanent injunction forbidding the company from continuing the practice and for civil penalties and attorney fees.
In a statement, Motel 6 said it had ordered its locations in September not to hand over lists of residents to ICE without a warrant.
Motel 6 takes this matter very seriously, and we have and will continue to fully cooperate with the Office of the State Attorney General, the company said.
ICE spokeswoman Yasmeen Pitts OKeefe said in an email that she would not disclose or discuss specific information related to the source of its enforcement leads and declined to comment on the litigation.
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Its worth noting that hotels and motels have frequently been exploited by criminal organizations engaged in highly dangerous illegal enterprises, including human trafficking and human smuggling, OKeefe added.
Tim Warden-Hertz, directing attorney of the Tacoma, Wash., office of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, a nonprofit advocacy group, called the attorney generals allegations incredibly problematic both for immigrants and on a personal level.
When I go to the hotel, or when I pick up the phone, I dont expect that that information is going to be handed over to the government, Warden-Hertz said. For a business to do this to their own customers is sort of baffling, and certainly I think should make people think twice about where they take their own business.
UPDATES:
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5 p.m.: This story was updated throughout with staff reporting.
This story was originally published at 1:45 p.m.
Iran's army chief said on Thursday police forces had already quelled anti-government unrest that has killed 21 people but that his troops were ready to intervene if needed, official media reported, as new pro-government rallies were held.
The anti-government demonstrations, which seem to be spontaneous and without a clear leader, erupted a week ago in Iran's second city of Mashhad over economic hardships mostly youth unemployment and alleged corruption.
"Although this blind sedition was so small that a portion of the police force was able to nip it in the bud... you can rest assured that your comrades in the Islamic Republic's army would be ready to confront the dupes of the Great Satan (United States)," Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi was quoted as saying.
As the unrest spread across the country, protesters said they were tired of anti-Western slogans and that it was time for both the clerical leadership and the government of President Hassan Rouhani to step down.
The demonstrators included members of the working class as well as educated Iranians from the middle class, which formed the backbone of pro-reform protests in 2009.
Following six days of demonstrations, the elite Revolutionary Guards Corps said on Wednesday that it had deployed forces to quell unrest in three provinces where most of the trouble had occurred.
The Revolutionary Guards, the sword and shield of Iran's Shi'ite theocracy was instrumental in suppressing an uprising over alleged election fraud in 2009 in which dozens were killed.
Few see these demonstrations as an existential threat to the clerical establishment that has dominated Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
But protesters have become increasingly bold, calling for the downfall of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has blamed the biggest challenge to his rule in nearly a decade on foreign agents.
"I don't want to harm my country but when I see those who run this country are so corrupt, I feel like I am being suffocated. They just talk. They accuse 'the enemies' of everything," said protester Reza, 43, a father of three in the city of Isfahan.
"I am not an enemy. I am an Iranian. I love my country. Stop stealing my money, my children's money," he told Reuters by telephone.
Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi urged people to engage in civil disobedience and press on with their grievances.
The Trump administration, inviting a political backlash from coastal state leaders, on Thursday proposed to open for exploration the largest expanse of the nations offshore oil and natural gas reserves ever offered to global energy companies, including waters off the coast of California.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said the draft five-year leasing plan would commit 90% of the nations offshore reserves to leasing, including areas off all three regions of the California coast that have been off-limits to oil and gas exploration since the Reagan administration.
The draft plan, now subject to review and debate, would allow the first new federal lease sales off California since 1984. It sparked immediate fury from Democratic leaders up and down the West Coast.
(Los Angeles Times )
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The American people deserve smart, strong action to keep our communities healthy, clean and safe. Yet the Trump administration is racing forward with its increasingly brazen attempts to loot our environment and our planet, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said in a statement. Americans from coast to coast will make their voices heard to oppose this blatant corporate giveaway.
California Gov. Jerry Brown joined the governors of Oregon and Washington in condemning the plan.
For more than 30 years, our shared coastline has been protected from further drilling, and well do whatever it takes to stop this reckless, shortsighted action, Brown and Govs. Kate Brown of Oregon and Jay Inslee of Washington said in a statement.
Theyve chosen to forget the utter devastation of past offshore oil spills to wildlife and to the fishing, recreation and tourism industries in our states, the governors said. Theyve chosen to ignore the science that tells us our climate is changing and we must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
Industry leaders, meanwhile, applauded the opportunity to expand the nations energy production at a time when global demand is projected to increase.
With 94 percent of our nations outer continental shelf currently and unnecessarily off limits to oil and gas leasing and exploration, [we] welcome the bold and broad offshore leasing proposal released today, Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Assn., said in a statement.
The Interior Department plan, he said, requires a lengthy process of environmental review and public comment before any new drilling can begin. The process involves several rounds of public participation from stakeholders, including local communities, he said.
The proposed plan for the outer continental shelf calls for 47 lease sales to be scheduled in 25 of 26 areas off the nations coastlines between 2019 and 2024.
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There are presently 23 oil platforms located in federal waters off California and four in state waters near Santa Barbara County, Huntington Beach and Seal Beach. There are also four artificial islands used as drilling platforms off Long Beach and one off Rincon Beach in Ventura County.
In 1994, the Legislature placed the entire California coast off-limits to new leases.
The proposed federal plan suggests seven new leases in the Pacific region, including two each for Northern, Central and Southern California, as well as one for the area off the Washington and Oregon coast. Twelve leases are nominated for the Gulf of Mexico, and 19 for coastal Alaska.
(Los Angeles Times )
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This is a start on looking at American energy dominance and looking at our offshore assets and beginning a dialogue of when, how, where and how fast those offshore assets could be or should be developed, Zinke said in a conference call with reporters.
Nobody is better at producing clean, quality, responsible energy than the U.S., said Zinke.
Nick Lund, the senior manager for landscape conservation at the National Parks Conservation Assn., said the administration faces significant political opposition to the plan from coastal communities in California and other states.
For the first time in decades, the waters, wildlife and local economies of coastal parks like Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina and Channel Islands National Park in California will be at risk to the dangers of drilling, he said.
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California officials have argued that expanding offshore oil production would most likely require the construction of expensive new platforms and onshore support equipment whose presence could harm the states multibillion-dollar coastal economy, including tourism, fishing and the marine ecosystem.
Brown in 2016 pushed for a permanent ban on new offshore drilling off the states coast, both because of concerns over potential oil spills and reluctance to expand the worlds reliance on fossil fuels in the face of climate change.
But the new plan instead proposes to open almost all of the nations potential offshore oil and gas reserves to exploration. The move marks yet another effort to dismantle the Obama administrations restrictions on energy development, including special protections adopted for offshore areas.
Following the massive BP oil spill related to the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010, the Obama administration set in place a series of offshore leasing moratoriums in the gulf and bans along other coastlines. In March 2016, the administration rescinded drilling leases along the Atlantic Coast. In December 2016, as he was preparing to leave the White House, President Obama withdrew leasing plans for the Arctic Ocean off Alaska.
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Nearly all those areas are now back in play, with the exception of the northern Aleutian Islands in Alaska, which are protected under orders from former President George W. Bush. New drilling would be delayed in the eastern Gulf of Mexico until 2023 to comply with existing federal law, and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida) said he has introduced legislation to extend that moratorium to protect Floridas coast until 2027. Marine sanctuaries also would remain off-limits.
(Los Angeles Times )
Federal lease sales apply to waters from 3 nautical miles offshore, with some exceptions in Texas and Florida, up to 200 nautical miles offshore.
This is the largest number of lease sales ever proposed for a national outer continental shelf program in the five-year lease schedule, Zinke said.
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The 47 lease sales being proposed, he said, compare with 11 under the Obama administration and 36 under the Carter administration.
Coastal states, especially California, Alaska and Florida, are especially sensitive to proposals to open the offshore seabed to oil and gas exploration because of oil spill risks that are escalating.
A devastating, 100,000-barrel spill in Santa Barbara in 1969 killed thousands of seabirds and led to the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act, the foundation of U.S. environmental law, and the creation of the federal Environmental Protection Agency. The 260,000-barrel Exxon Valdez spill in Alaskas Prince William Sound in 1989 exposed thousands of that states residents to the beach-fouling consequences of spilled oil. The 4.9-million-barrel Deepwater Horizon disaster, the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history, stirred new and broad opposition to offshore development.
Almost 50 years after the Santa Barbara spill, which remains the largest in the states history, Californias distaste for offshore drilling hasnt gone away.
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We saw the impacts of that firsthand: oil washing up on the beach with dead seabirds and fish, along with people from the community covered in oil as they tried to save them, said Kristen Hislop, marine conservation program director with the Santa Barbara-based Environmental Defense Center. Additional offshore oil along our coast would surely lead to more spills with similarly devastating impacts to the marine environment.
A more recent reminder of the environmental perils came in a smaller 2015 oil spill near Refugio State Beach, where a ruptured oil pipeline fouled some of the same coastline.
California has not issued a new offshore oil and gas lease since the Santa Barbara spill. In a July letter to federal officials, the State Lands Commission said new offshore oil development creates undeniable peril to Californias ocean and marine environment and economy and poses an unacceptably high risk of catastrophic harm from an offshore oil spill.
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a commission member, has promised that the body will use every power in its toolbox to ensure that not a drop of oil or gas from new offshore drilling ever makes landfall in California.
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California officials control coastal waters out to 3 miles from the shoreline and have no jurisdiction beyond that. But the state could block new drilling proposals indirectly by rejecting pipelines and other infrastructure needed to transport oil to the shore, which require state approval.
Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said he was evaluating all options to protect the states natural resources. It should be underscored that regulatory agencies in our state will have a say in whether any offshore drilling ultimately does occur, he said.
The Trump administrations drilling plan also drew sharp criticism from the states congressional delegation.
Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara), who also backs a permanent ban on new drilling off the states coast, said new offshore exploration poses a serious threat, both in potential environmental damage and effects on tourism.
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The Central Coast knows too well the damage caused by oil spills. Our local economies and fragile ocean ecosystems cannot afford another disastrous spill, Carbajal said in a statement.
Californians will never let this happen, said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael). This reckless proposal for a new offshore drilling spree should face widespread, bipartisan opposition. Well fight them in Congress, on the beaches, in the courts and at the ballot box. Im confident well defeat this dangerous plan.
Floridas Republican Gov. Rick Scott also said the plan to open deep-ocean reserves off his states coastline is something I oppose. Scott said he requested a meeting with Zinke to discuss the concerns I have with this plan.
Though the president and his appointees have spent much of the last year clearing regulatory obstacles and promoting fossil energy production on federal holdings, the results are decidedly mixed. Coal production has ticked up slightly, largely due to a rise in exports. Onshore oil and gas lease auctions on public domain land in the West have stirred some interest in select areas, particularly in Wyoming and New Mexico, but are drawing big yawns from the energy industry in Alaska, Nevada and other states.
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The scope of the administrations offshore drilling proposal is vast. But its potential to actually result in oil exploration and development is not nearly as certain. Royal Dutch Shell pulled out of its Arctic drilling campaign in 2015 after spending $7 billion because of the rising cost, significant public opposition and extreme difficulty of exploring in rough water rife with dangerous ice floes. U.S. oil production reached nearly 10 million barrels a day in October, the highest level since the start of the 1970s. All but 15% was produced onshore.
Zinke late last year put into place a number of steps to make it easier to lease and explore the onshore and offshore oil and gas reserves that are owned and managed by the federal government. One of those steps was reversing safety measures and requirements for installing safety equipment that were put in place by the Obama administration after the Deepwater Horizon explosion and resulting BP oil spill.
Offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico produce about 1.5 million barrels of oil daily, or 15% of total U. S. production.
Follow Keith Schneider, Western environment and public lands correspondent, on Twitter.
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keith.schneider@latimes.com
UPDATES:
4:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about potential impacts on California, plus more California reaction.
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1:30 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from an offshore oil industry official.
1:20 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from the three West Coast governors.
1:05 p.m.: This article was updated with information about Californias present offshore drilling activities.
11:50 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details of the proposed leasing plan, as well as initial reaction and analysis.
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This article was originally published at 10:20 a.m.
Two narrow slips of paper one bearing the name of a Democrat and the other the name of a Republican were rolled up by Virginia election officials Thursday, inserted into film canisters and dropped into a cobalt-and-white stoneware bowl.
Dozens of officials, reporters and onlookers looked on silently as officials performed a bizarre lottery in Richmond to pick the winner of a closely contested House of Delegates district race one that could upset Republicans long-held majority and leave the chamber evenly split between the two parties.
Sitting in the front row, Democratic candidate Shelly Simonds clasped her husbands and daughters hands as officials reached into the bowl and plucked the canisters out, one by one.
The winner of House District 94 is David Yancey, declared the chairman of the state election board, James Alcorn, smiling tightly after unfurling the first piece of paper.
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Suddenly, Virginia officials had determined a victor in the long, drawn-out race, with the GOP narrowly maintaining its razor-thin majority in the House. After a recount, a court challenge and a 11,608-vote tie, Republican incumbent Yancey was certified as the winner in the tense ceremony watched by political observers across the nation.
But the battle for power may not be entirely over: According to state law, the candidate who loses a drawing can ask for a recount, which means the Republican incumbent may not be seated by Jan. 10, the first day of the 2018 General Assembly session.
After the drawing, Simonds exited the room quickly and without conceding. In a short statement, she said her supporters will be the first to know of any next steps.
Yancey, who did not attend the event because of snowy weather, swiftly declared the race was now over.
The election is behind us, the outcome is clear, and my responsibility now is to begin the work I was re-elected to do, he said in a statement issued by the Virginias House GOP.
Voting is the civic sacrament of democracy and this election has certainly shown the importance of every vote and the power of one, single vote, Alcorn said before drawing a name in the rare lottery live-streamed across the country.
RICHMOND, VA - JANUARY 04: Slips of paper with the names of Virginia House of Delegates candidates Shelly Simonds (D-VA) and David Yancy (R-VA) are shown during a meeting of the Virginia State Board of Elections January 4, 2018 in Richmond, Virginia. The slips of paper were later placed inside old film cannisters and drawn from a bowl to decide a tied race between the two candidates. Yanceys name was pulled from the bowl and Republicans retained control of the Virginia House of Delegates, though an additional recount in the race is still possible. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD ** (Win McNamee / Getty Images)
What a way to run a democracy, huh? said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. Whats extraordinary in this case is that so much [more] was at stake than just one legislative seat. This determined, ultimately, the majority in the lower House of the General Assembly, the speakership, the committee chairs, the flow of legislation.
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Rozell said he would not be surprised if Democrats asked for a recount or mounted a legal challenge over a disputed ballot.
I dont think this is the end of it, he said. The stakes are so big, and the Democrats feel quite strongly that this was not a good ballot and the judges were biased. I dont think theyre going to let it go.
The fight over the 94th District seat has been particularly intense after Democrats flipped a string of Republican-controlled House seats throughout the state in the November election, slashing the GOPs 66-34 majority in the House to 51-49.
Democrats celebrated victory after a December recount in which Simonds appeared to defeat Yancey by a single vote. But Yanceys campaign contested Simonds lead of 11,608 to 11,607, arguing that one ballot was improperly counted.
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A panel of election judges then ruled that the questionable ballot should be counted in favor of Yancey and the tied race should be decided by a drawing.
Last week, the drawing was delayed after Simonds filed paperwork asking the panel to reconsider its decision to call a tie in the race. The judges denied her request Wednesday, arguing that they did not find the previous ruling on the disputed ballot to be a clear error or unjust.
The right of a citizen to cast a free vote has been secured to us by the blood of patriots shed from Lexington and Concord to Selma, Alabama, the judges wrote in a 11-page ruling. The manifest injustice against which we must always guard is the chance that a single vote may not be counted.
On Wednesday, Simonds attempted to make a pact with Yancey, offering to accept the results of the random drawing, even if she loses, if Yancey committed to the same terms by 9 a.m. Thursday.
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Such an agreement would have ensured that the winner would be seated when the 2018 legislative session begins.
The people of the 94th District deserve to have representation on Jan. 10, and a second costly recount is not in their interest, Simonds said in a statement Wednesday. I have no interest in delaying this process, and I hope Delegate Yancey and House Republicans agree.
Yancey declined to agree to her proposal, saying Democrats were to blame for postponing the drawing.
I have always said I will follow the process laid out in state law, Yancey said in a statement. I am not going to deny myself or the people of the 94th District due process simply because of the unnecessary delays that have got us to this point.
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The 94th District seat is not the only Virginia House race still in dispute. Last month, Democrats requested a court-ordered special election in the 28th District race in the Fredericksburg area after more than 100 voters were given wrong ballots. Republican Bob Thomas beat Democrat Joshua Cole by just 73 votes.
A federal hearing in the 28th District case is scheduled for Friday.
Despite losing the drawing, Simonds said she considered herself lucky to have benefited from a strong family and career, as well as access to healthcare and education.
Not everyone in this world, this country, and the 94th District is as lucky, she said in a statement. There are nearly 400,000 Virginians who have been denied access to affordable healthcare through Medicaid expansion. I hope our lawmakers in the House of Delegates do not leave their fate to a game of chance.
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Jarvie is a special correspondent.
UPDATES:
2:55 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from David Yancey, the Republican who won the race in the drawing and other details.
11:20 a.m.: This article was updated with comments from Shelly Simonds, the Democrat who lost the race in the drawing.
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9:45 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details, including comments from the chairman of the Virginia elections board.
This article was originally published at 7:55 a.m.
The U.S. Constitution requires the federal government to conduct a national census every 10 years, a tally that is used to apportion various benefits among the states, including seats in the House of Representatives. Its a difficult task, and a magnet for disputes. The first census, conducted in 1790, was done by federal marshals assigned to visit every home in their judicial district to count the numbers of free white men and white women, other free persons, and slaves. The enumerators came up with 3.9 million people (about the present-day population of the city of Los Angeles) scattered among 13 states and four territorial districts a total that President George Washington and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who oversaw the count, complained was too low. So from the very get-go the decennial census has been framed by controversy over its accuracy.
Now the Department of Justice is pushing the Census Bureau to insert a question into the 2020 census asking each person for his or her citizenship status, which would ensure that the next census, too, will be controversial and more inaccurate.
The Justice Department says it needs the question asked to help it enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which protects against racial discrimination in elections discrimination against citizens, that is. The Justice Department says it wants a count of voting-age citizens in each legislative district to help it respond when someone brings a complaint about a racial group being underrepresented in a region.
The purpose of the census isnt to count citizens, but to count people.
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But the decennial census is conducted by trying to contact every household in the country directly. Telling census takers to ask people about their citizenship status could lead those living here without permission to avoid the census out of fear that the information they provide would be used to deport them. Under law that cant happen the Census Bureau isnt allowed to share the individual details it collects with other government departments for 72 years. But skepticism is understandable among people who rightfully fear the Trump administration is trying to throw them out.
Its also unnecessary. Voting rights advocates say the annual American Community Survey, which includes a citizenship question and is sent to 1 in 38 households, provides sufficient data for Voting Rights Act enforcement.
The Justice Departments request matters primarily because hiding from the census takers can affect representation in government. Court decisions have established that legislative districts must be apportioned based on the number of people who live there, regardless of their legal status. Undercounts in immigrant and ethnic communities could lead to less representation in Congress and state legislatures for those communities, among other problems; in Congress, such undercounts could unfairly skew the balance of power in the House away from urban areas and other regions with large concentrations of migrants.
This has particular significance for California and the other southern border states, as well as New York and Florida, all of which have sizable Latino populations. California and Washington also have sizable Asian populations, one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in the nation. Advocates argue persuasively that undocumented residents and even those here legally would be less inclined to share personal information with a government they perceive as hostile to them.
Its hard not to see the Justice Departments request as another Republican ploy Latinos tend to vote for Democrats to game elections, as the GOP has done in North Carolina, Alabama, Wisconsin and elsewhere with efforts to suppress voting or gerrymander legislative districts to favor Republicans. (Not that Democrats are sinless when it comes to electoral gamesmanship.) But even if the departments leaders hearts are pure and they genuinely believe they need this data to properly enforce the Voting Rights Act, the benefit would be much less than the cost to the counts reliability. The Census Bureau reported that the 2010 census probably undercounted Latinos by 1.5%. Advocates say that would probably increase if the citizenship question is added to the 2020 list.
It would be good to have an accurate count of those living in the country without permission, rather than relying on estimates as is done now. But the purpose of the census isnt to count citizens, but to count people. If adding a question about citizenship status affects the accuracy of the count, then the Census Bureau should stick to its core mission and not add wrinkles that could imperil the reliability of data so crucial to a fundamental piece of American democracy: congressional representation.
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All 2017 had to do was go away quietly, but no. It left us a nasty New Years gift: Swatting is now officially a thing, with an innocent Wichita man shot dead by police in his own home a week ago for opening his front door, and an apparently callous Los Angeles gamer in jail pending his transfer to Kansas sometime in the next month.
You may count yourself lucky if you had never heard of swatting before this week. As most of the internet-using, television-watching nation now knows, though, the term describes the practice of calling 911 with a phony story of violence in order to mobilize an armed police SWAT team. The prankster can then watch the mayhem unfold online or on TV from the comfort of home. Some hoaxers have used swatting to harass celebrities, and there was a spate of such attacks in Los Angeles on Rihanna, P. Diddy, Justin Bieber, Ashton Kutcher and others in 2013. But it has also become a practice in a very narrow slice of the gaming community, where players target each other or random, innocent people.
Of course, the attack is also on police. And police, being attacked, sometimes become the attackers.
In the case at hand, Tyler Raj Barriss, 25, is accused of making the fake emergency call that named an address in Wichita. Online news reports include the audio recording in which a man tells a dispatcher that he had killed his father, was holding his mother and brother or sister at gunpoint, and was threatening to burn the house down.
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You may count yourself lucky if you had never heard of swatting before this week.
In response, police surrounded the home of 28-year-old Andrew Finch, a father of two. When Finch answered the door, an officer shot him, apparently because he thought Finch was reaching for a weapon.
For those who thrive on outrage, this story is a treasure chest. Pick your target the self-absorbed gamer who makes fake calls for jollies, the Wichita cop who shot an unarmed man who had done nothing wrong, the police department for whatever deficiencies in training led the officer to pull the trigger. There ought to be a law, right?
In fact, there are already laws against making false police calls, and beyond criminal penalties, hoaxers can be held liable to cities for the costs their calls incurred.
U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark, a Massachusetts Democrat, is calling for more. Last year she introduced the Online Safety Modernization Act, which would impose new penalties up to 20 years for a hoax call that results in serious bodily injury, up to life in prison for one that results in death.
Now wait a minute. Life in prison?
It is sadly all too common for lawmakers and the public generally to respond to high-profile crimes with demands for new laws or tougher sentences, the belief apparently being that some sociopath for whom law, right and wrong have no meaning will suddenly pay attention when the penalty is upped.
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In a recent NPR interview, Clark argued that federal laws are needed because incidents like the one that led to Finchs death occur across state lines. And indeed there will be some delay in getting Barriss from Los Angeles to Wichita, and there will be some questions about which laws in which jurisdiction apply.
But Barriss will in fact be sent to Wichita. And the courts will determine which law to apply. A new federal law, and new life sentences, are not likely to dissuade future prank calls.
What will? If criminal pranksters are like other criminals, studies show they are more likely to be deterred by the would-be offenders knowledge that he will be caught swiftly than by any lengthening of the sentence. There were just a few hours between the alleged call and Barriss arrest.
But what about the other matter? Surely a man ought to be able to open his door without being shot dead by police, no matter how much bad information has been fed them by cold-hearted hoaxers. In cases like this there is often pressure to criminally charge the officer, but it would be precipitous to call for such action in this particular case, or to demand new laws, before knowing more. Did the officers fail to identify themselves, as Finchs mother claims? We anxiously await a full report on what the police did to verify the veracity of the call, and on the training and tactics employed.
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President Trumps precipitous decision Wednesday to shutter his election integrity commission buried amid a slew of revelations from Michael Wolffs new tell-all book about the Trump campaign and presidency is good news for Americans who care about fair elections in the United States. Though Trumps tweets Thursday about voter fraud and his announcement that he will shift the commissions investigation to the Department of Homeland Security means he wont let go of the issue, the greatest immediate danger to voting rights seems to have passed.
Trump has long made irresponsible and wildly unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud. Before the election, he suggested that there was a great deal of voter impersonation fraud occurring in areas full of poor and minority voters, despite incontrovertible evidence that voter impersonation fraud almost never happens.
After the election, which he lost by more than 3 million in the popular vote against Hillary Clinton, he said that 3 to 5 million illegal (presumably non-citizen) votes were cast. He told ABC interviewer David Muir: Of those [supposed 3 to 5 million fraudulent] votes cast, none of em come to me. None of em come to me. They would all be for the other side.
Just about everyone dismissed Trumps claims so far election officials have found about 30 possible cases of noncitizen voting in the 2016 election. The one exception was Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who told a reporter a few weeks after the 2016 election that Trump is absolutely correct when he says the number of illegal votes cast exceeds the popular-vote margin between him and Hillary Clinton at this point.
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Trump disbanded the commission because it faced resistance everywhere.
Kobach, one of the countrys leading vote suppressors, has been pushing laws to make it harder to cast a ballot in the name of preventing phantom fraud. So far he has prosecuted few cases in Kansas, even after being granted unusual prosecutorial powers. He wants people to provide documentary proof of citizenship before voting, a measure that would prevent little fraud but potentially disenfranchise many.
And yet or should I say of course? Trump put Kobach and Vice President Mike Pence in charge of his election integrity group. Past commissions have been bipartisan and stocked with elder statesmen (one notable commission was headed by former President Carter, a Democrat, and former Republican Secretary of State James A. Baker III). This effort was different. It had two Republican heads. It included a rogues gallery of the countrys worst vote suppressors, more Republicans than Democrats and few election professionals.
The commission tried to get voting records from election officials across the country and use it to engage in a matching exercise to show the extent to which there was a potential for fraud. Experts worried that the exercise would be unscientific, and my expectation was that the commission would issue a report stating that even if there was no proof of significant fraud, holes in the system made it a serious possibility. The report could have been used as a basis for legislation to make it harder to register and to vote.
Trump disbanded the commission because it faced resistance everywhere. State officials were reluctant to share data with the panel. Democrats did not want to participate in a project aimed at stirring up paranoia. Republican officials saw it as an encroachment on states prerogatives to administer elections. Civil rights groups sued over the commissions shoddy privacy protections and its unwillingness to follow transparency rules. A member of the commission, Maines Democratic secretary of state, Matt Dunlap, sued over the commissions failure to share information with him.
All of these lawsuits prevented the Kobach cabal from operating in private and producing a dishonest report. Rules of transparency and evenhandedness got in the way of chicanery.
After Trumps announcement, a White House official told CNN that the commission went off the rails and Pence distanced himself from it. Kobach tried to put the best face on things Wednesday night, telling Politico: Anyone on the left needs to realize that by throwing the food in the air, they just lost a seat at the table. He said he expected Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in the Department of Homeland Security to take up where the commission left off.
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But it is not clear that ICE would be able to accomplish more than this doomed commission. Privacy rules require federal agencies to disclose the use of voter data. If the Homeland Security Department actually does something to please Trump, it will undermine its reputation, and thus its work advising state election officials about how to combat foreign hacking. There will be more lawsuits. Without a commission, there will no longer be a veneer of bipartisanship, which could be used to sell new restrictive voting legislation.
Trump will still yell about voter fraud. But the commission was bankrupt before Trump officially yanked its charter, and perhaps with its clownish demise the country can get on to the serious business of improving our election system and protecting it from external hacking and other threats. That remains a desperate need.
Richard L. Hasen, a professor at the UC Irvine School of Law, is the author of the forthcoming book, The Justice of Contradictions: Antonin Scalia and the Politics of Disruption.
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Gavin Newsom releases ad that highlights his push to allow same-sex couples to marry By Phil Willon A new ad from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom features Phyllis Lyon, who with her partner, Del Martin, received the first marriage license after Newsom vowed to allow same-sex couples to marry when he was mayor of San Francisco in 2004. The current lieutenant governors push for marriage equality thrust him into the national spotlight and he has emphasized that effort to portray himself as a bold, progressive leader. Facebook
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Failed California housing bill was not a bad idea, Gov. Jerry Brown says By Liam Dillon Gov. Jerry Brown (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Earlier this month, high-profile housing legislation that would have allowed for four- to five-story apartments and condominiums near transit stops failed to advance in the state Legislature. But had it reached his desk, would Gov. Jerry Brown have signed it? Maybe. I think that was not a bad idea, Brown said of Senate Bill 827 at a meeting with business leaders from the Bay Area Council on Monday afternoon. The bill, written by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), attracted national attention and a maelstrom of opposition in part because it would have eliminated single-family zoning near transit stops in favor of apartments or condominiums. Brown said that a relative of his who lives in West Portal, a low-density neighborhood in San Francisco, told the governor he was horrified by the bill. Brown also lamented dramatically rising housing costs. He said he bought his first house in Los Angeles in 1973 for $75,000 at a time when his salary as secretary of state was $35,000. Now, he said, buying a house for a little over twice ones annual salary is virtually impossible anywhere in the state. FOR THE RECORD
May 1, 9:32 a.m.: This post originally misstated the year Brown purchased his house as 1970. It was 1973. Facebook
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John Cox begins California barnstorm with the delivery of gas tax repeal signatures By Javier Panzar Gubernatorial candidate John Cox, left, and Assembly candidate Bill Essayli load boxes of signatures for the gas tax repeal initiative. (Francine Orr) GOP gubernatorial candidate John Cox strolled up to the stack of 12 boxes in front of the Los Angeles County registrar-recorders offices in Norwalk on Monday and placed his hands on top of his partys hope for success in 2018. The boxes, stacked four across and three high, contained 211,000 signatures for an initiative to repeal recent increases in Californias gas tax and vehicle fees. Cox says the effort has gathered more than 940,000 signatures from registered voters to put the measure on the ballot far more than the 585,407 signatures that are required. The aim: to bring out the partys base to the polls this November and help candidates in tough congressional and legislative races down the ticket. A USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll in November found 54.2% of registered voters surveyed said they would repeal the tax and fee hike, but a survey a month earlier by another group said a majority would vote to keep the higher taxes. Cox was flanked by Bill Essayli, a former federal prosecutor who is challenging Democratic Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes of Riverside in the June primary. Cervantes voted for the gas tax and Essayli plans to use that vote against her. He even launched his campaign at a 76 gas station in Norco. This is a central issue in my campaign, he said. Cox also submitted signatures in San Diego on Monday and is headed to Bakersfield, Fresno and Sacramento, as well as Shasta and Butte counties in coming days. We are going all across the state, Cox said. The whole state is paying this tax and the whole state wants it gone. Facebook
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All Californians would be able to serve on state boards even people in the U.S. illegally under new bill By Jazmine Ulloa Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) State lawmakers on Monday introduced legislation that would allow all Californians to serve on state boards and commissions regardless of immigration status. Senate Bill 174, by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), comes as the state is locked in a broader legal battle with the Trump administration over state immigration laws and his call for mass deportations. Lawmakers point to what they say is the states own discriminatory history as their basis for introducing the legislation. The proposal would amend an 1872 provision that was first adopted to exclude Chinese immigrants and other transient aliens from holding appointed civil positions. At the time, antipathy toward the Chinese had been building in California, though, Chinese immigrants opened hundreds of businesses across the state and would play a critical role in building the transcontinental railroad. The Senate bill would delete the phrase transient aliens from the government code and make clear that any person, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, can hold an appointed civil office if they are at least 18 years old and a resident of the state. That would allow any Californian to serve on hundreds of boards and commissions that advice in an array of policy areas, including farm labor, history and employment development. Californias two million undocumented immigrants are a source of energy for our state, Lara said in a statement. It is shocking to read the words of fear and exclusion that are still in California law but belong in historys trash can. Facebook
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Tony Mendozas fundraising dries up after resignation amid harassment inquiry By Patrick McGreevy Former state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). (Steve Yeater / Associated Press) Political contributions to Tony Mendoza, who resigned from the state Senate under pressure amid sexual harassment allegations, have nearly dried up. New documents he filed with the state in his bid to reclaim the seat he once held show that his support has eroded. As a result, five other candidates for the 32nd District senate seat in the June 5 election have raised more than Mendoza so far this year. With the June 5 election approaching, Mendoza has reported raising just $7,750 in cash from six supporters during the nearly four-month period from Jan. 1 to April 21. Mendoza, a Democrat from Artesia, went on a leave of absence from the Senate Jan. 3 and resigned a month later under the threat of expulsion from colleagues. An investigation ordered by the Senate found a pattern of unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior based on testimony from six women. Mendoza has denied wrongdoing. Last year, Mendozas reelection campaign raised $412,600, or an average of about $34,000 per month, from more than 350 supporters. Most of Mendozas 2018 total was contributed by the political arm of the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 on Jan. 22, a month before Mendoza resigned. Mendoza also reported that his campaign loaned $125,000 this year to his legal defense fund. That left him with $446,600 in his campaign account at the end of April. Mendoza is running against eight Democrats and two Republicans. Democrat Bob J. Archuleta, a Pico Rivera city councilman, raised the most, $210,000, during the period. On Monday, Mendoza suffered another setback when the State Legislative Womens Caucus endorsed Democrat Vicky Santana, a member of the Rio Hondo College Board. Facebook
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Newsom and Villaraigosa affairs coming to TV ads in California By Phil Willon An independent political committee backing Republican John Cox for governor released an ad blasting both Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for their past sexual affairs. The California Deserves Better ad, which was first reported by Politico, criticizes Newsom for having an affair with a woman on his staff in 2005 while he served as mayor of San Francisco. It also goes after Villaraigosa for having an extramarital affair with a television reporter in 2007 while he was mayor of Los Angeles. The ad, which begins airing on Fox stations in the states top media markets Monday, links Newsom and Villaraigosa to the men accused of sexual impropriety in the #MeToo movement, including movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and disgraced Today show veteran Matt Lauer. Powerful men are finally being held to account, punished for inappropriate sexual conduct with women over whom they exercise power, the ad begins. Newsom and Villaraigosa think the rules shouldnt apply to them. The independent campaign committee, called Restore Our Values, already has raised more than $100,000, said Leigh Teece of Emeryville in Northern California, co-founder of the group. Teece, the CEO of a nonprofit that helps line up students with professional mentors, said the campaign will actively support Cox. She called him a true conservative and noted that he supports cutting taxes and opposes Californias sanctuary state policy. John is a business person who has demonstrated integrity, Teece said. Facebook
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Was that Cisneros in the voicemail? Dispute is latest espisode of Democratic infighting in crowded primary races By Christine Mai-Duc Gil Cisneros speaks during a forum at Fullerton College in January. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) With less than five weeks to go before Californias primary, insults and accusations are flying with abandon in the most crowded races Democrats hope to ultimately win. The latest example of this is in the 39th Congressional District, where a half dozen Democrats are vying for a chance to replace Rep. Ed Royce, whos retiring. Its one of several California contests where Democratic leaders are already worried that divisions could ultimately split votes and shut Democrats out of key pickup opportunities. In that race, millionaires Gil Cisneros and Andy Thorburn are going negative about going negative. Cisneros was recently elevated to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees Red to Blue program in hopes it would serve as a signal to Democratic activists and donors that his campaign was the most viable. But both Cisneros and Thorburn have poured millions into the race, which promises to be a knock down, drag out fight through June 5. At the center of the latest controversy is a voicemail, allegedly left by Cisneros on Thorburns home answering machine earlier this month. The recording, which the Thorburn campaign turned over to media outlet The Intercept, lasts less than 10 seconds. Hi Andy, its Gil Cisneros. Im gonna go negative on you, a mans voice is heard saying. Cisneros campaign manager Orrin Evans denied the candidate made the call, posting a cease and desist letter to The Intercept on Twitter. The letter, sent by a Cisneros campaign attorney, called the voicemail fabricated and demanded that the story be taken down, calling it defamatory. It gave the publication until 3 p.m. Friday to take down the story before they pursue all legal rights and remedies. An attorney for The Intercept, in a letter to Cisneros, said the publication confirmed with multiple sources familiar with Mr. Cisneros that his voice was on the recording, and that it stands by its reporting. Thorburns camp says it flatly rejects Cisneros denial, and that the timing of a negative website filled with unflattering background on Thorburn, released three days later, suggests it was him. Track the California races that could flip the House According to The Intercepts report, Cisneros campaign manager did not respond to initial inquiries about the voicemail, calling its questions ridiculous. In a follow-up statement Friday, Evans said called the episode a dirty, desperate trick by the Thorburn campaign and said they are readying to pursue legal action for defamation and false light against both him and the publication. It sounded like him to me! said Thorburns wife, Karen, in a statement released by the campaign. She was the one who first heard the voicemail, they said. Thorburn campaign manager Nancy Leeds called Cisneros threats Trump-like tactics and accused the candidate of trying to harass and intimidate anyone who stands in his way. Its not the first time candidates from the same party have clashed in the lead-up to the June 5 primary, and its all but certain to not be the last. Cisneros sued two of his opponents, Thorburn and Sam Jammal, over their ballot descriptions until they had to change them. Earlier this month, Democrat Bryan Caforio asked his opponent, Katie Hill, to sign a pledge rejecting the use of independent expenditure committees, entities that neither of them can legally coordinate with, in the race to unseat Rep. Steve Knight (R-Lancaster). Hill refused and called the attempt hollow and likened it to political theater, while Caforio accused her of empty campaign promises. Facebook
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California Politics Podcast: The money raised in the race for governor hints at a race thats now red hot By John Myers With less than six weeks before election day, the cash raised in the California governors race mirrors the overall dynamics: one major front-runner and a heated race for second place. This weeks podcast episode offers a glimpse into those cash reports and how the Republican field seems more settled in a new statewide poll than the battle between Democrats. We also examine the reasons why a nationally talked-about housing bill in Sacramento was killed by the Democratic authors own allies. Im joined by Times staff writers Melanie Mason and Liam Dillon. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Facebook
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L.A. County politician sexually assaulted woman when she was 16, lawsuit claims By Dakota Smith A woman sued an unnamed politician in Los Angeles County on Friday, alleging the man sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager after he gave her an unusual-tasting drink. The politician, identified as John Doe, was in his early 40s and a public figure at the time of the 2007 assault, according to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. The man is an elected official today and lives in Los Angeles, said attorney Lisa Bloom, who is representing the woman identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe. Bloom declined to say what branch of government the man represents. Read More Facebook
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Villaraigosa touts his working-class upbringing, accomplishments as mayor in first TV ad By Phil Willon Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa released his first TV ad in the governors race Friday, touting his record and accomplishments as mayor of Los Angeles when up against the economic downturn during the recession. The 30-second television spot opens with a sweeping shot of Los Angeles and cuts to Villaraigosa sitting on a bus. In kindergarten, my sister and I took three buses to get to school. As mayor, I remembered that, Villaraigosa says into the camera. And despite the recession, we built more new schools and rail lines than any city in America, added 200,000 living wage jobs, built 20,000 units of affordable housing and nearly doubled graduation rates. Campaign spokesman Luis Vizcaino said the ad will air statewide over the next week at a cost of approximately $1 million. The commercial will being airing Saturday. Two Democratic rivals in Californias race for governor, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Treasurer John Chiang, also launched ads this week, signaling the biggest ramp-up of the campaign as the June 5 primary approaches. Newsom is the front-runner, while Villaraigosa is battling for second place with Republican John Cox. One recent poll has Villaraigosa trailing both Cox and Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach. Chiang has been stuck in the single digits in almost all polling in the race. Last week, an independent expenditure group called Families and Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor, funded largely by a trio of wealthy charter school backers, launched a spot in support of the former mayor of Los Angeles. That ad campaign is focused on increasing Villaraigosas chances of coming in second in the June 5 primary and moving on to the general election. Villaraigosas ad, titled Three Buses, emphasizes the struggles he faced growing up in East Los Angeles and addresses one of his central campaign themes that hes the candidate best suited to help working-class Californians. I know how far a bus can take you, Villaraigosa says in the ad. Facebook
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Sen. Dianne Feinstein wont participate in pre-primary debate By Sarah D. Wire (Tom Williams / CQ Roll Call) California Sen. Dianne Feinstein will not participate in a proposed pre-primary debate because there are too many candidates in the race, her campaign spokesman said Thursday. Political activists with the group Indivisible Los Angeles said they had a venue and date May 5 reserved for a debate with four of the Senate candidates. But they said if Feinstein does not participate, it will be canceled. Feinstein faces 31 primary opponents in her bid for a fifth full term representing California in the Senate. Feinstein staffers initially said she had a prior commitment on May 5 in San Francisco. When organizers offered to let her campaign pick another date, her campaign said it wasnt fair for the group to invite only some of the candidates when there is such a big field, said Tudor Popescu, volunteer community organizer with Indivisible Los Angeles. The invited candidates, all Democrats, were Feinstein, state Sen. Kevin de Leon, political action committee director Alison Hartson and lawyer Pat Harris. They were selected based on fundraising and poll numbers. There are 11 Republicans, 10 Democrats, nine independents and 2 third-party candidates running for Senate on the June ballot. Indivisible Los Angeles is still hoping Feinstein will pick another date, Popescu said. Feinstein spokesman Jeff Millman pointed to a San Francisco Chronicle endorsement of Feinstein, which indicates that she told the editorial board she would be willing to have a debate ahead of Novembers general election. Senator Feinstein looks forward to debating her opponent in the general election, Millman said in an email. Feinstein holds a substantial lead in both fundraising and in the polls. Front-runners in statewide races have routinely declined to debate their challengers, knowing that its free publicity for candidates who dont have the cash to increase their name recognition on their own. De Leon spokesman Jonathan Underland said the state senator has done candidate forums before, but planned to attend the May 5 debate only if Feinstein did. We basically said well clear his calendar 100%, well clear his calendar if Feinstein shows up, Underland said. Wed love to make it happen, but we want her to be there. Facebook
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NRA, Olympic shooter sue California over its restrictions on ammunition sales By Patrick McGreevy Olympian Kim Rhode is a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the NRA and its state affiliate against California. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) The National Rifle Assn. and its state affiliate have filed a fourth lawsuit against California over its gun control laws, this time challenging new restrictions on the sale and transfer of ammunition. The NRA and the California Rifle and Pistol Assn. filed a challenge in federal court to a requirement that ammunition sales and transfers be conducted face to face with California firearms dealers or licensed vendors, ending purchases made directly from out-of-state sellers on the internet. The lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California also challenged a requirement starting next year for background checks for people buying ammunition. The lawsuit was filed in the name of Kim Rhode, a six-time Olympic medal-winning shooter, and others. It challenges Californias new ammunition sales restrictions as a violation of the 2nd Amendment and the commerce clause of the United States Constitution. Restrictions on ammunition purchases were included in Proposition 63, approved by voters in 2016, and in bills approved by the Legislature. As a result of these laws, millions of constitutionally protected ammunition transfers are banned in California, Chris W. Cox, executive director of the NRAs Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement. Californias law-abiding gun owners are sick of being treated like criminals and the NRA is proud to assist in this fight. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is running for governor, defended his initiative and vowed to fight the NRA lawsuit. We wrote Proposition 63 on solid legal ground and principle: If youre a felon banned from possessing guns in California, then you should not be able to purchase the ammunition that makes a firearm deadly, Newsom said in a statement. California voters said loudly and clearly that guns and ammunition do not belong in the hands of dangerous individuals but once again, the NRA has prioritized gun industry profits over the lives of law-abiding Californians. Facebook
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Republicans hope to ride a gas-tax repeal to victory By Patrick McGreevy In a Central Valley barn decked out in red, white and blue, dairyman and state Senate candidate Johnny Tacherra drew cheers from a crowd of fellow farmers when he said he opposes the California Legislatures hike on gas taxes and vehicle fees. I would not have voted for that. It is not the time to be voting on (raising) the gas tax, said Tacherra, a Republican running against Democratic Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, who voted for the tax increase last year. Three hundred miles away the same week, a campaign mailer arrived at homes in Orange County from an Assembly candidate with a message blaring from the cover in bold type: Republican Greg Haskin tough enough to stand up to Jerry Brown and repeal the gas tax. Read More Facebook
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Treasurer John Chiang launches ad in governors race touting his record as a fiscal steward By Seema Mehta In his first television ad in the governors race, state Treasurer John Chiang touts his record on fiscal issues as California faced the recession. Some thought we were done, Chiang says in a voiceover in the 30-second spot he released Thursday, with images of him standing seriously at a lectern and complimentary headlines about his work as controller and treasurer. But I knew better. I made the tough calls. And brought California back from the brink of financial disaster because you trusted me to manage our economy. Chiangs campaign is spending about $500,000 to air the ad in Los Angeles and San Diego in coming days. That buy is dwarfed by seven-figure purchases for ads supporting Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Newsom is the front-runner, while Villaraigosa is battling for second place with Republican businessman John Cox. Chiang has been mired in the single digits in almost all polling in the race. His ad, called Quiet Storm, tries to portray Chiang as a progressive who is effective and can move policy in Sacramento. Chiang points to his work challenging Wells Fargo before arguing that he could accomplish what doubters say is impossible to improve the states healthcare, housing and schools. I say, we got this, Chiang concludes. Facebook
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Been ignoring the race for California governor? Thats OK, in some ways its just starting By Mark Z. Barabak On a recent trip to Iowa, Eric Garcetti the mayor of Los Angeles and a possible 2020 White House contestant raised eyebrows with a bit of exuberant outreach. Los Angeles and Iowa, Garcetti insisted, have a ton in common, and he didnt simply mean both are inhabited by carbon-based life forms needing oxygen to survive. Urban or rural, farmer or fashion plate, all of us harbor the same hopes and dreams, the mayor suggested, and if it wasnt a terribly original thought it also wasnt the most egregious sort of political pandering like, say, ordering that every home in Los Angeles be powered by Iowa-produced ethanol. Read More Facebook
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California voters should expect to decide on an $8.9-billion water bond in November By Liam Dillon (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A proposal to borrow $8.9 billion for improvements to Californias water quality systems and watersheds and protection of natural habitats is eligible for the statewide ballot in November, Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced in a press release Wednesday. Padilla said the measure, which is backed by agricultural interests, had exceeded the 365,800 valid signatures it needed to qualify for the general election ballot. The bond measure will appear on the ballot unless proponents withdraw it by June 28, the release said. The bond is one of many voters could decide on in 2018. A $4-billion bond for parks and water infrastructure improvements will appear on the June 5 ballot. State lawmakers approved it last year. Facebook
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They came for Darrell Issa. They stayed with their inflatable chicken, blue wall and signs for political therapy By Christine Mai-Duc (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) A mother of two turned ringleader of the resistance and more than a hundred of her faithful followers gathered on Tuesday morning outside Rep. Darrell Issas office in a northern San Diego County suburb. Across the street was her foil, a wedding DJ in a red Make American Great Again cap, setting up hefty speakers for an upcoming war of words. For about 65 weeks the deep divide in America played out along this 100-yard stretch of road in Vista. Here, at 10 a.m. every Tuesday, passersby found signs, chants, songs and, if they were lucky, sometimes a 20-foot-tall inflatable chicken with a Trump-esque coif. Theyd also glimpse the state of the body politic in 2018, a time when shock has turned to anger and post-2016 calls for reconciliation have morphed into grudging acceptance that each side might be better off in their respective corners. Or in this case, their sides of the street. On Tuesday, the anti-Issa, anti-Trump contingent fought this particular battle for the last time, declaring it their final protest at the congressmans office. They said they planned to use their energy to knock on doors and get out the vote, with an occasional protest on the side. Their pro-Trump rivals vowed to show up wherever they do. Read More Facebook
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Efforts to regulate bail companies have some unlikely allies: bail agents By Jazmine Ulloa Jane Un, chief executive and founder of Abba Bail Bonds, works with a client. ( Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) In recent years, the seriousness and number of official complaints related to the bail industry in California have significantly increased while bail agents and bounty hunters face limited oversight, putting vulnerable communities at risk of fraud, embezzlement and other forms of victimization. This year, as Gov. Jerry Brown has pledged to work with lawmakers in a push to overhaul how courts assign defendants bail and to better regulate bail agencies, even some who profit from the court practice admit its time for regulation. These bail and bail-recovery agents could become unlikely allies, saying they advocate for change because theyve seen the system abuse the poor. Read More Facebook
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California voters: Get ready for an onslaught of television ads By Seema Mehta After a sleepy campaign, California voters are now being bombarded with television advertisements in the governors race, an onslaught that is expected to ramp up in coming weeks. The ads most frequently seen on television are those promoting Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the front-runner in the race, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is trying to secure the second spot in the June primary. Newsoms campaign and an outside group backing Villaraigosa are spending seven figures weekly on these efforts, according to filings with the California secretary of states office and a media buyer who asked not to be identified in order to freely discuss the ads. Other gubernatorial candidates are expected to hit the airwaves soon, the media buyer said. State Treasurer John Chiang has reserved a half-million dollars in the coming days in the Los Angeles and San Diego markets, and Villaraigosas campaign has requested availability in at least five of the states biggest TV markets. The GOP candidates in the race, who will be seeking the state Republican Partys endorsement at its convention next weekend, have been much less active. Businessman John Cox in recent weeks has been spending about $90,000 per week, but doubled that this week in Los Angeles and added small buys on KFI-AM radio and cable in markets including Fresno, Bakersfield and Salinas. State Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach, who has been scooping up Republican Party endorsements across the state, has yet to make a notable television or radio buy, though he and Cox have received some attention as commentators on Fox News. Facebook
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Republicans ready to turn in signatures for ballot measure to repeal California gas-tax increase By Patrick McGreevy A Chevron gas station in Sacramento shows prices last year. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Republican activists said Tuesday that they have collected at least 830,000 signatures for an initiative to repeal recent increases in Californias gas tax and vehicle fees, more than enough to qualify the measure for the November ballot. The activists need 585,407 signatures of registered voters to qualify the ballot measure. Because signatures are still being processed and counted by the campaign, backers hope to have 900,000 by the time they begin turning them in to the counties on Friday, according to Carl DeMaio, a former San Diego City Council member and organizer of the drive. The breadth and depth of voter anger over the car and gas tax hikes is just amazing, said DeMaio, who hosts a radio talk show. We are seeing Democrats, independents and Republicans sign the petition and volunteering to carry the petition, people from all walks of life. The initiative targets a law approved in April 2017 by the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown that is expected to raise $5.4 billion annually for road and bridge repairs and improvements to mass transit. The money comes from a recent 12-cents-per-gallon increase in the gas tax, a 20-cent increase in the diesel fuel excise tax and a new annual vehicle fee ranging from $25 for cars valued at under $5,000, to $175 for cars worth $60,000 or more. The petition drive raised more than $2 million with significant contributions from the California Republican Party and Republican members of Congress from California, including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield and Reps. Ken Calvert of Corona and Mimi Walters of Irvine. Republicans hope the issue will help their candidates for office in this years election and hurt Democrats who support the higher taxes. I think this is going to put Democrats in real bad spot, DeMaio said. A spokesman for Brown declined to comment until the signatures are filed. DeMaio said there were approximately 20,000 volunteer petition circulators who brought in more than 250,000 signatures, with the rest collected by paid circulators who received $1 to $2.50 per signature. Its a pretty comfortable margin [of signatures] that we have been able to hit here, DeMaio said. Opposition will grow, he said, as more Californians get their annual vehicle registration notice. The repeal campaign hopes to raise $5 million for the campaign to pass the constitutional amendment, which would not only repeal the increase in the gas tax and vehicle fees but require future increases to be submitted to voters. We know that Gov. Brown and his cohorts are going to spend an amazing amount of money to mislead voters, DeMaio said. But I feel pretty confident that we will repeal the gas tax. Read More Facebook
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Rep. Duncan Hunter sets up trust to raise money for legal expenses amid ongoing criminal investigation By Morgan Cook Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, has filed paperwork to establish a legal expense fund amid an ongoing federal criminal investigation into misused campaign cash. Hunter filed the required paperwork March 27, seeking a rarely granted Legal Expense Fund through which members of Congress under investigation or being sued in connection with doing their jobs or running for office can raise money for their legal expenses. Such funds are administered by an independent trustee and allow donors to give above the maximum amount they can contribute a candidates campaign. Hunter has spent more than $600,000 of campaign money on lawyers. Read More Facebook
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Kamala Harris says she wont take corporate donations anymore By Sarah D. Wire (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press) California Sen. Kamala Harris says she will no longer accept money from corporate political action committees. In an interview with WWPM-FMs The Breakfast Club, in New York that aired Monday, the senator said she wasnt expecting a question at a town hall this month about whether she would accept money for corporations or corporate lobbyists. At the time, Harris said it depends, but she said on Monday that she had reflected on the matter and changed her mind. Money has had such an outside influence on politics, and especially with the Supreme Court determining Citizens United, which basically means that big corporations can spend unlimited amounts of money influencing a campaign, right? Harris said. Were all supposed to have an equal vote, but money has now really tipped the balance between an individual having equal power in an election to a corporation. So Ive actually made a decision since I had that conversation that Im not going to accept corporate PAC checks. I just Im not. You can watch the video of the interview here. (Harris corporate money comments come about 30 minutes in.) Harris wouldnt be on the ballot for a second Senate term until 2022, though its widely believed that she is planning a presidential bid in 2020. Other potential 2020 presidential candidates, including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), have also ruled out taking corporate PAC money. Soon after Mondays show aired, Harris campaign sent out a fundraising request noting her new stance. As corporate PACs continue to corrupt our politics and twist Congress priorities at your expense, were going to focus on raising money from small-dollar, individual donors like you, the email says. Facebook
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With money tied up in court, California lawmakers try again with new plan to spend $2 billion on homeless housing By Liam Dillon A man sleeps on the sidewalk in front of the Union Rescue Mission in the skid row neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) A measure to spend $2 billion on housing homeless Californians could be on the November statewide ballot. State Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) is pushing the idea to deal with what he said was a burgeoning humanitarian crisis whose epicenter is here in California. De Leons new measure is a do-over for a 2016 plan passed by the Legislature to redirect $2 billion toward building homeless housing from a voter-approved 1% income tax surcharge on millionaires that funds mental health services. A Sacramento attorney sued over that decision, arguing that the move violated constitutional rules on approving loans without a public vote and that lawmakers shouldnt take money away from mental health treatment. The case remains active in Sacramento Superior Court and its unclear when, or if, the state will be able to spend the $2 billion. De Leons Senate Bill 1206 would put the $2-billion loan on the ballot in November, freeing up the money if voters approve the measure. De Leon said had he been able to predict the 2016 plan would end up in court, he would have sought a ballot measure at the time. We thought this was like apple pie and baseball and puppies, De Leon said. Who would oppose the idea of repurposing the dollars to build immediate housing as a permanent solution for homelessness? Obviously with a crystal ball, had I anticipated the litigation, I would have worked to place it on the ballot. De Leon noted that the 2016 plan had bipartisan supermajority support in the Legislature, something his new bill also will need to get on the ballot. Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) is a coauthor of the plan. SB 1206 is scheduled for its first hearing in the Legislature on Wednesday. Should De Leons measure be approved, it will join a crowded list of housing issues before voters in November. Californians will decide on a separate $4-billion bond to help finance new low-income housing and home loans for veterans. De Leon said hes not worried those two measures will compete against each other because voters are aware of the scale of the states housing problems and the proposed homeless housing bond redirects existing dollars instead of raising taxes. Once [voters] know that the impact on their pocketbook is not existent, Im confident that theyll join me and my colleague John Moorlach in support of this measure, De Leon said. Facebook
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California lawmakers say too many former felons are being denied professional licenses By John Myers Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) along with supporters of bills to allow more former felons to receive professional licenses. (John Myers/Los Angeles Times) A trio of California Assembly members urged colleagues on Monday to pass legislation that would prohibit state commissions and agencies from rejecting a professional license for those who were once convicted of less serious crimes. We cant say we want to rehabilitate people, and then block them from getting the jobs that they need when theyre released, said Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco). That leads to more recidivism and to more crime. The bills, scheduled to be heard in Assembly committees Tuesday, would ban the use of arrest or conviction records as the reason for denying a professional license. The bill would not apply to Californians who served time for any of the offenses on the states list of violent crimes. The authors, all Democrats, said that a government-issued professional license is required for some 30% of all jobs in the state. Their bills would change the licensing process at the California departments of Consumer Affairs and Social Services and agencies that certify emergency medical technicians. The bills would block prior convictions from leading to the delay or denial of a license unless that crime is directly related to the profession the person intends to pursue. Two of the bills also specifically say convictions less than 5 years old could continue to play a role in licensing decisions. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that keeps private sector employers from inquiring about a job applicants conviction history prior to an offer of employment. Advocates joined the lawmakers at a press conference in Sacramento to point out that limits on awarding licenses should focus only on those whose prior criminal activity could pose a threat to consumers. Continuing to hold people back for crimes that are 6, 7, 8, 10, 20 years old does not actually make sense if youre looking at public safety, said Jael Myrick of the East Bay Community Law Center. One of the proposals, Assembly Bill 2293, seeks to make it easier for ex-felons to get a license allowing a job with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection the same agency that often uses prison inmates to battle blazes around the state. If a person is good enough to risk their life fighting fires for the state of California as an inmate, said Assemblywoman Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-Grand Terrace), their previous actions should not prevent from having a job utilizing the skill set that they learned. Facebook
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Assembly speaker rebukes building trades union after it targets Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia By John Myers ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) The decision by a politically powerful labor group to openly campaign against an embattled Los Angeles-area lawmaker drew a sharp rebuke on Friday from Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. The Lakewood Democrat lashed out hours after the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California filed paperwork for a political action committee to defeat Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens). Garcia, whos seeking her fourth term, took an unpaid leave of absence in February following allegations of sexual misconduct. She has denied the reports and an Assembly investigation remains underway. Rendon didnt criticize the labor group by name, insisting instead that the decision was driven by oil and gas industry interests. This is a thinly veiled attempt by Big Oil and polluters to intimidate me and my members. It is an affront to my speakership, Rendon said in a statement. We are proud of the work that the Assembly has done to increase jobs and wages while defending our environment. We will vigorously defend the members of our caucus from any ill-advised political attack. A statement from the labor group, which sparred with Garcia last year on her effort to link new climate change policies with a crackdown on air pollution, said it had decided to reverse past support for her. The Trades have thousands of hard working members in Garcias district, and we look forward to lifting up another Democrat in the 58th Assembly to better represent them and their families, said the statement. The political action committees campaign finance filing on Friday listed nonmonetary in kind contributions from Erin Lehane, a public affairs consultant aligned with the building labor group. Lehane said she had begun researching Garcia in November. In January, a former legislative staffer accused her of groping him in 2014. Lehane, who identified herself as a spokesperson for the labor groups political action committee, said on Friday that she believed Garcias hypocrisy threatened a movement that will dictate how much harassment and abuse my daughter will face in her work life. Garcia, who has been an outspoken advocate for women in the #MeToo movement, has complained that her political opponents helped fan the flames of the accusations. Through a campaign consultant, she declined to comment on Friday. Rendons critique came on the heels of a full-page ad in The Times on Friday, partly paid for by the Trades Council, that criticized well-funded ivory tower elites who push proposals that hurt the oil and gas industry. We are the real jobs that fuel the real California economy, read the advertisement. Facebook
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Legal tiff breaks out over independent committees ad backing Antonio Villaraigosa for governor By Phil Willon An attorney representing Gavin Newsoms campaign for governor is demanding that California television stations cease airing an ad by an independent political committee supporting his Democratic rival Antonio Villaraigosa. Attorney Thomas A. Willis, in a letter to the stations, said the ad is false and misleading and violates California law because it uses snippets of video footage from Villaraigosas own campaign ads. Willis called that illegal coordination between the campaign and PAC. Under California law, advertisements made by entities other than a candidate are presumed to be coordinated and thus not independent expenditures when the advertisement replicates, reproduces or disseminates substantial parts of a communication, including video footage, created and paid for by the candidate, the letter states. A representative for the independent expenditure committee Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor fired back. Attorney Brian T. Hildreth says those allegations have no merit and accused the Newsom campaign of being misleading. Hildreth sent a letter to the television stations in response, urging them to ignore the Newsom campaigns accusations. He said the Newsom camp appears to intentionally misrepresent the law and that the video use was permissible. He said only six seconds of video from Villaraigosas campaign ads was used, which is well within the legal limits. The independent committee is sponsored by the group California Charter Schools Assn. Advocates, according to the California secretary of states office. The ad is airing on broadcast and cable stations statewide. The committees ad is focused on Villaraigosas record as Assembly speaker and as mayor of Los Angeles when there was a drop in crime. Facebook
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Governors race snapshot: Californians are generally upbeat but not focused on the campaign By Mark Z. Barabak Armand Werden, a 29-year-old community college student who works the taps at Dust Bowl Brewery in Turlock, said the state is on the upswing. (Phil Willon / Los Angeles Times) As California chooses a new governor one of just a handful in the last 40 years not named Jerry Brown the state seems to be enjoying something unusual in these tumultuous political times: a feeling of relative contentment. Not to say things are perfect. Still, more than 100 random interviews conducted over the length and breadth of the state from Redding in the north to Santee in the south, from the Pacific coastline to the edge of the Sierra Nevada found most saying things are looking up, at least so far as Californias direction is concerned. Read More Facebook
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Sierra Club backs Gavin Newsom for California governor By Phil Willon Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks with members of the public following a debate at USC in January. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The Sierra Club endorsed Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom in the race for California governor, with officials in the established environmental group praising the Democrats record on climate change and clean energy. He has a proven record for leading on environmental protection, public health and clean energy, Kathryn Phillips, director of Sierra Club California, said in a statement released by the Newsom campaign. He understands that we are feeling the effects of climate change and that California must reduce carbon emissions and reach 100% renewable energy to achieve our climate goals. Phillips said the Sierra Clubs extensive network of volunteers will campaign for Newsom as the June 5 primary approaches. Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune also praised the Democrat, saying he will protect California from Donald Trumps attacks on our clean air and water. The Sierra Club joins a series of other influential groups in California that have backed Newsom. The California Medical Assn., the powerful state doctors lobby, announced its endorsement of Newsom on Thursday. The California Nurses Assn. and the Service Employees International Union, one of the most powerful labor unions in the state, also support Newsom. Newsom is the races front-runner in polls and fundraising. A poll released earlier this month by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California found that 26% of likely voters backed Newsom. John Cox, a Republican from Rancho Santa Fe, was favored by 15% of likely voters and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, by 13%. Facebook
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Californias GOP House members are taking their challengers more seriously and the numbers show it By Christine Mai-Duc For much of last year, consultants and campaign managers for some of Californias most vulnerable Republican incumbents maintained a bullish tone on the prospect that the GOP would hold the House in this years midterms. The National Republican Congressional Committee insisted that longtime Republican incumbents in California had built up reputations as effective champions of local issues that would help them weather a flood of Democratic enthusiasm. Since then Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) have decided not to seek reelection and the NRCC has opened a West Coast headquarters in Orange County. Read More Facebook
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California officials say Pentagon has confirmed National Guard funding despite Trump threat By John Myers (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) The awkward dance between Gov. Jerry Brown and the federal government over the National Guard jerked back toward discord on Thursday, when Trump said he would refuse to pay for a new deployment of troops just hours after his administration said otherwise. And a few hours later, California officials said they had received written confirmation from the Pentagon that the mission would indeed be funded. Trump had earlier called Browns decision to approve 400 troops for a mission focused on combating transnational crime and drug smuggling a charade in a tweet. We need border security and action, not words! the president wrote. Governor Jerry Brown announced he will deploy up to 400 National Guard Troops to do nothing. The crime rate in California is high enough, and the Federal Government will not be paying for Governor Browns charade. We need border security and action, not words! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 19, 2018 A spokesman for Brown pointed to a tweet written Wednesday night by Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, thanking the California governor for his efforts. Trump was meeting on Thursday with Nielsen at his Mar-a-Lago estate not long after his tweet was posted. A tweet later posted by the California National Guard said that almost three hours after Trumps comment, the state received written confirmation from the Pentagon to fund the mission as outlined by Brown the day before. In short, nothing has changed today, said a subsequent Guard tweet. Just spoke w @JerryBrownGov about deploying the @USNationalGuard in California. Final details are being worked out but we are looking forward to the support. Thank you Gov Brown! Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen (@SecNielsen) April 19, 2018 Brown was the last of the nations border governors to respond to Trumps insistence earlier this month that National Guard troops were needed to assist with immigration-related duties at the U.S.-Mexico border. And he has consistently refused to allow California troops to engage in any mission related to federal immigration law. This will not be a mission to build a new wall, Brown wrote last week to Nielsen and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. Exactly what the California operations will cost remains unclear, as state officials have said it will depend on decisions made once the mission begins. The funds would not be transferred to the state, but instead would be paid directly by the Department of Defense. Trump has critiqued California several times over the past few days, often writing tweets that embrace the actions by some cities and counties to join his administrations lawsuit against the states sanctuary immigration law. He made similar comments to reporters on Thursday afternoon. If you look at whats happening in California with sanctuary cities people are really going the opposite way, Trump said. They dont want sanctuary cities. Theres a little bit of a revolution going on in California. 2:26 p.m.:This article was updated with additional information from the California National Guard and with remarks from Trump. This article was originally published at 9:51 a.m. Facebook
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Gay conversion therapy services would be banned under measure advancing in California By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The California Assembly voted Thursday to add gay conversion therapy to the states list of deceptive business practices, following a debate that focused on the personal experiences of several lawmakers and hinted at potential lawsuits to come. It is harmful and it is unnecessary, Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell), the bills author and one of the Legislatures most vocal LGBTQ members, said of the practice. Low, who told Assembly members that he explored conversion therapy as a teenager and suffered depression over his sexual orientation, insisted that the bill would be limited to efforts that involve the exchange of money. Theres nothing wrong with me, he said in an emotional speech on the Assembly floor. Theres nothing that needs to be changed. The bill, which now heads to the Senate, has become the focal point of intense debate on social media. Some religious groups have said that such a law would be a violation of their constitutional rights, while advocates insist the provisions are narrow and theres no credible evidence that the services work. One key part of the debate centers on whether Assembly Bill 2943 would stretch beyond businesses that charge for these programs and extend to printed documents, even Bibles. An analysis by the Assembly Judiciary Committee says the bill would apply only to services that purport to change a persons sexual orientation and offered on a commercial basis, as well as the advertising and offering of such services. Lawmakers who spoke in support of AB 2943 also made clear that they believe those kinds of services have been discredited. This is fraudulent, it should not be occurring, said Assemblywoman Susan Eggman (D-Stockton). But you can still try to pray the gay away, if you like. Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), who said the bill addresses a difficult issue, nonetheless said that its important to ensure laws dont tamper with religious freedom. We have to think about the legitimate experience of people who have gone through conversion therapy and said this was a good thing for them, Gallagher told his colleagues. California law already bans the use of conversion therapy by mental health professionals on those under age 18. Lows bill would expand the states efforts beyond minors. It would join a list of commercial activities deemed unfair or deceptive acts or practices and therefore banned under state law. Facebook
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Gavin Newsom gets backing from doctors group, despite differences over single-payer healthcare By Melanie Mason Gavin Newsom speaks at the California Democrats State Convention in San Diego on Feb. 24. (Kent Nishimura) Californias doctors are siding with Gavin Newsom in the governors race, even though they dont see eye-to-eye on a defining issue of the campaign: single-payer healthcare. The California Medical Assn., the state doctors lobby and a political heavyweight, announced its endorsement of the lieutenant governor on Thursday. Gavin is a lifelong champion for health care in California, and we know he will continue to fight for pragmatic solutions to our most crucial health care challenges, including working to achieve universal access and tackling our states physician shortage, CMA President Theodore M. Mazer said in a statement. Newsom has made his support for state-financed healthcare a centerpiece of his campaign, and he earned the early backing of the most ardent single-payer supporters, the state nurses union. The doctors, meanwhile, oppose the nurses bill, SB 562, which emerged as a flashpoint in the healthcare debate last year. The CMA said the bill would dismantle the healthcare marketplace and destabilize Californias economy. Newsom has said SB 562 should advance in the Legislature, but also said it has open-ended issues that still need to be addressed. The doctors group is also battling with another prominent Newsom endorser, the Service Employees International Union, over a new measure that would impose price caps on an array of medical services paid for by commercial health insurers in the state. The SEIU is a leading sponsor of the proposal; the doctors fiercely oppose it. Newsom and the physicians group have a history of political alignment. Newsom was the first statewide official to support Proposition 56, a 2016 tobacco tax pushed by the CMA that raised revenue in part to increase money for doctors who saw Medi-Cal patients. That year, the association also endorsed two initiatives championed by Newsom: Proposition 63, which imposed new gun control measures, and Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana. Facebook
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Independent committee backing Antonio Villaraigosa for governor hits the airwaves with first ad By Phil Willon Antonio Villaraigosa speaks at the 2018 California Democratic Party Convention in San Diego in February.. (Denis Poroy / Associated Press) A well-financed independent committee backing Antonio Villaraigosas bid to be Californias next governor released its first television ad Thursday, praising his record for working with Republicans and as a candidate for all of California. The ad, which is to air statewide on broadcast and cable stations, is focused on Villaraigosas record as Assembly speaker and mayor of Los Angeles, including on education and a drop in crime while he was at City Hall. To move California forward, we need to help more Californians get ahead, the ad says. Thats why Antonio Villaraigosa brought both parties together to balance the state budget with record investments in public schools and new career training programs. The independent expenditure committee behind the ad campaign, Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018, is sponsored by the California Charter Schools Assn. Advocates, according to the California secretary of states office. The committee is spending seven figures per week on the ad buy, said Josh Pulliam, a political consultant for the committee. As mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa clashed with teachers unions, starting with his failed attempt to take political control of the Los Angeles Unified School District. His fight with those unions continued after he left office in 2013. Money has poured into the committee this month from wealthy charter schools supporters: Reed Hastings, chief executive of Netflix, donated $7 million, and Los Angeles billionaire and philanthropist Eli Broad donated $1.5 million. On Wednesday, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan donated $1 million. The independent expenditure committee is expected to provide a boost to Villaraigosas campaign. Democratic front-runner Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has a major advantage in fundraising over all other candidates in the race and has received the backing of the California Teachers Assn. and other education unions. A recent Public Policy Institute of California poll also showed Villaraigosa lagging in third place in the race, trailing Newsom and Republican businessman John Cox. The candidates who finish in the top two in the June 5 primary will advance to the November general election, regardless of their party affiliation. Facebook
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Gov. Jerry Brown says Trump administration will fund his National Guard mission without immigration duties By John Myers (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Gov. Jerry Brown formally mobilized 400 California National Guard members Wednesday for transnational crime-fighting duties, thus preventing any effort by President Trump to have the troops focus on immigration enforcement on the Mexican border. The governor announced that federal officials have agreed to fund the plan he announced last week a mission to combat criminal gangs, human traffickers and illegal firearm and drug smugglers in locations around California, including near the border. The order Brown signed makes clear that the troops will not be allowed to perform a broader set of duties as envisioned by Trumps recent comments. California National Guard service members shall not engage in any direct law enforcement role nor enforce immigration laws, arrest people for immigration law violations, guard people taken into custody for alleged immigration violations, or support immigration law enforcement activities, the order read. The cost of the mission, a spokesman for Brown said, will be paid directly by the federal government. No initial estimate has been made, as the exact amount will depend on exactly how the troops will be used. Though the duties of California Guard members were outlined last week, the state had been waiting for an agreement by federal officials to pay for the operations. Since that time, the president has taken Brown and the state to task over its decision to avoid any immigration-related duties at the border. On Wednesday morning, Trump tweeted, Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW! There is a Revolution going on in California. Soooo many Sanctuary areas want OUT of this ridiculous, crime infested & breeding concept. Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 Looks like Jerry Brown and California are not looking for safety and security along their very porous Border. He cannot come to terms for the National Guard to patrol and protect the Border, Trump tweeted Tuesday. There was no immediate reaction from the White House to Browns announcement. On Tuesday, Brown told reporters in Washington that his plan was consistent with a safer border. That sounds to me like fighting crime, the governor said. Trying to catch some desperate mothers and children, or unaccompanied minors coming from Central America, that sounds like something else. The order Brown issued Wednesday after returning from a brief trip to talk climate change in Toronto and to speak to a national trade union and visit with reporters in Washington is set to expire at the end of September. It specifically says no Guard service member may participate in a mission that would exceed the mission scope and limitations related to transnational crime activity. It also says troops cannot help build any new border barrier. 5:27 p.m.: This article was updated with information related to the cost of the Guard mission and Browns trip to Washington. This article was originally published at 5:13 p.m. Facebook
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California bill aims to end practice that keeps workplace misconduct cases out of court By Melanie Mason A California bill would prohibit employers from requiring workers to use private arbitration to settle disputes, a practice that critics say shields improper workplace conduct from public view. The bill by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) would bar businesses from making employees, when they are hired, waive their future rights to take any harassment, discrimination or other claims to court. Arbitration can be a highly effective dispute resolution method when both parties can choose it freely, when both parties are equal, Gonzalez Fletcher said at a news conference on Wednesday. It is far less successful when the more powerful party forces the other to accept those terms, especially as a condition of employment. Forced arbitration has come under increasing scrutiny since the #MeToo movement, with high-profile figures such as former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson pointing to the practice as shielding workplace abusers from public disclosure because arbitration resolutions often include nondisclosure agreements. Last year, a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress to end mandatory arbitration in employment agreements. Gonzalez Fletcher said she was pursuing an unusual tool to draw attention to the issue a subpoena issued by the Legislature to compel testimony from a worker bound by a nondisclosure agreement as a result of arbitration. The Legislature has subpoena power but it is rarely used. The bills sponsors believe lawmakers last issued a subpoena in 2001 while investigating price manipulation by Enron. Gonzalez Fletcher said she has requested Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) to issue the subpoena to require Tara Zoumer, who sued the company WeWork in 2016 for overtime pay, to testify before the Assembly Judiciary Committee next week. Zoumers suit was moved to arbitration and resolved. She is now subject to a nondisclosure agreement and could face a financial penalty for speaking publicly about her case. A spokesman for Rendon said the subpoena request is under consideration. Business groups oppose the bill, AB 3080. The California Chamber of Commerce has dubbed it a job biller, claiming it would dramatically increase legal costs for businesses. Banning such agreements benefits the trial attorneys, not the employer or employee, the group said. The bill must first advance from the Assembly Labor Committee on Wednesday. Facebook
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At least 240 House lawmakers want a vote on immigration. California supporters say they arent ready to force one By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), flanked by Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands) and Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) speak about DACA legislation (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Rep. Jeff Denham says at least 240 of the 430 current House members have signed onto his resolution to hold votes on four immigration bills, and he hopes House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and President Trump are paying attention to the show of support. But, the Republican from Turlock and his allies said Wednesday that they are not yet willing to commit to forcing Ryans hand through a little-used procedural move called a discharge petition; they acknowledged theres no guarantee that all of 47 Republicans and 193 Democrats House co-signers will back them up if they try to force the issue. Im sure that it is something that will be discussed in the coming weeks. You should not need a discharge petition. When you can show the overwhelming majority of the House, the support of it, you should not need a discharge petition, but it is something we would talk about in the future, Denham said. It is far too early to talk about next steps. Ryan said last week that he opposes Denhams effort, saying its a waste of time for the House to vote on bills the president might veto. Denhams resolution would prompt debate and votes on four very different immigration bills: one favored by the Trump administration, one preferred by Democrats, one bipartisan proposal and another immigration bill of Ryans choice. Whichever got the most votes would move forward to the Senate. All four bills would help Dreamers to differing degrees and include varying levels of border security or immigration enforcement. For example, the Trump-backed bill would also dramatically reduce legal immigration, while the Democrats would only deal with legal status for Dreamers. Democrats say they dont expect the show of support will sway Ryan. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) said Tuesday night she expects Ryan will have to be forced into allowing a vote. It doesnt matter how many signatures we get. We could have every signature, technically, except his, on the floor of the House and... if he doesnt want to, it doesnt happen, Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) said. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), who gathered the Democratic co-sponsors for Denham, also wouldnt give a deadline for House leaders to act, but said the co-sponsors are only willing to wait weeks not months. We do want to give them an opportunity to bring up the rule and to use whatever process they want, Aguilar said. They do have options, but I think they need to understand that we have options too. Facebook
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Billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer endorses Kevin de Leon in his insurgent bid against Sen. Dianne Feinstein By Seema Mehta Tom Steyer, left, and California state Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). (Getty Images; Los Angeles Times) Billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer is endorsing state Sen. Kevin de Leon in his insurgent challenge to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and did not rule out funding an outside effort to boost De Leons chances. I think hes the kind of young progressive that reflects California and would be a very strong advocate for our state nationally, Steyer said in an interview on Tuesday, pointing to De Leons efforts on issues such as immigration, climate change and gun control while he was the state Senate leader. I know him well and hes a friend. We share a lot of values. Steyer, who flirted with running for the Senate seat, did not criticize Feinstein as he has in the past. Sen. Feinstein has been an outstanding public servant who has dedicated the bulk of her adult life to the service of our state and the country, he said. These are two strong, very good Democrats. I just believe Kevin is the true progressive and he reflects something we need representing California going forward. I have nothing bad to say about Dianne Feinstein. I have a lot of good to say about Kevin de Leon. De Leon faces enormous odds as he tries to oust Feinstein, who has served in the Senate for a quarter-century, is well known to the states voters and has daunting leads in polls and fundraising. But De Leon has gained notable endorsements, most recently from the 2.1-million-member California Labor Federation last week. Campaign finance reports released this week show that Feinstein has more than $10 million in the bank, while De Leon has just more than $670,000. Feinstein, a multimillionaire and one of the wealthiest members of the Senate, has already lent her campaign $5 million and could easily write another check. But Steyer, a billionaire former hedge fund manager, could write a larger one. He is among the largest Democratic donors in the nation and has already committed more than $50 million to push for the impeachment of President Trump and to register young voters. He was noncommittal when asked if he would fund an independent expenditure group on behalf of De Leon. I dont have any concrete plans for that, he said. Read More Facebook
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Californias largest pension fund sends next years invoice to state government: $6.3 billion By John Myers The California Public Employees Retirement System building (Max Whittaker / Getty Images) As part of a shift toward less optimistic expectations for investment returns to pay for government worker pensions, board members of the California Public Employees Retirement System voted Tuesday to require an almost $6.3-billion payment from the state budget in the fiscal year that begins on July 1. The action, which could receive final approval on Wednesday, reflects a gradually higher annual contribution to public employee pensions by the state and from local governments across California. In 2016, CalPERS approved a half-percentage point decrease in its official estimate of the long-term investment return on its $353.3-billion portfolio. That shift was designed to happen over several years, in hopes it would lessen the financial shock of shifting more of the costs onto government employers. The highest costs are also, in part, a reflection of increases in the size of the states payroll. The states CalPERS payment will be about $450 million more than the total paid in the current fiscal year and more than double what it was only a decade ago. CalPERS board members voted on Tuesdays staff proposal with little discussion, save for a question about the increase in contributions also required from workers hired after a pension overhaul that took effect in June. It seems like it will be a ding on peoples salaries, said Theresa Taylor, the chairwoman of CalPERS finance committee and a member of SEIU Local 1000, the union that represents some 96,000 state employees. The $6.299-billion payment required from Californias state government must now be factored into the budget crafted by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in late June. Brown had already assumed a similarly sized payment in his budget proposal unveiled in January. In February, a coalition representing city governments warned about the effects of rising pension costs under the expectations of less money from Wall Street investments. The report issued by the League of California Cities projected an average increase of more than 50% in annual pension payments made by the states largest cities over the next seven years. A CalPERS staff report notes that the net return on all of the funds investments for the fiscal year that ended in July was 11.2%. But expectations on profits over the next 30 years remain significantly more modest, and theres long been a robust debate about how to properly set those future expectations. The lower the rate of projected investment return, the larger the share of pension costs that must be covered by taxpayers and some employees. Overall, CalPERS officials believe the system has assets to cover 71% of its long-term obligations. Facebook
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California warns legal pot sellers not to participate in unlicensed 4/20 events By Patrick McGreevy Marijuana on display at a dispensary in Los Angeles. ( (Frederic J. Brown / AFP/Getty Images)) The state issued a warning Tuesday that businesses holding licenses to sell marijuana could face penalties if they participate in unlicensed temporary events away from their stores, including on Friday, April 20, which has become an annual celebration for counterculture groups. The warning was issued ahead of 4/20 by the state Bureau of Cannabis Control. Since Jan. 1, the bureau has issued more than 700 state licenses to sell marijuana for medical or recreational use. The bureau has issued 47 temporary event licenses to groups that are limited to holding the marijuana celebrations on county fairgrounds that have authorized such events with city approval. Any bureau licensee participating in an unlicensed cannabis event may be subject to disciplinary action, the warning said, adding that lawful participation by bureau licensees in any temporary cannabis event that allows sales and/or consumption is dependent upon issuance of the appropriate licenses from the bureau. While many Californians have been issued medical approval to sell or use marijuana, the law does not allow them to participate in unlicensed events, also referred to as Proposition 215 events after the ballot measure that legalized medical pot two decades ago in the state. Participation in such events may lead to civil penalties for unlicensed commercial cannabis activity, the warning said. Meanwhile, a survey of some 1,000 marijuana users that was released Tuesday by the firm LendEDU found that the average 4/20 participant plans to spend $71 on marijuana to celebrate the unofficial holiday, and about 35% of respondents are planning to take off work Friday. Facebook
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California police groups shift position on officer discipline records, now consider support for making some of them public By Liam Dillon Los Angeles Police Department recruits at a graduation ceremony in April (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Some major law enforcement groups signaled Tuesday they are willing to support making part of police officer disciplinary records public, a dramatic departure from their past positions. Local and national attention on police shootings and misconduct has led law enforcement organizations to reconsider their blanket opposition to proposals that would give public access to some internal disciplinary investigations of officers. Were going to be open to supporting efforts that would allow for some records to be released, said Ryan Sherman, a lobbyist with the Riverside Sheriffs Assn. Debate over secrecy provisions in officer disciplinary files came during a legislative hearing on Senate Bill 1421 from Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). Skinners bill, which advanced out of the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, would require public disclosure of all internal officer shooting investigations and confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. Currently, all police discipline information is confidential outside of a courtroom in California, which has some of the nations strictest standards against public disclosure. Unfortunately, the fact that we have such strict restrictions on any access to public records has affected certain communities trust towards our law enforcement, Skinner said during the hearing. Prior to Skinners effort, other have tried to loosen these rules, some of which date back 40 years. Most recently in 2016, a bid by then-Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) failed in a Senate committee. In debate two years ago, no major law enforcement groups indicated they would accept changes to state laws that would make individual internal investigations public, saying they were essential to protect officer privacy and safety. But Tuesday, Sherman and other lobbyists including those representing the states largest police labor organization, signaled they might be willing to entertain changes. They said they were negotiating with Skinner on the bills details. Law enforcement groups still have major concerns about SB 1421 as written. Ed Fishman, an attorney for the Police Officers Research Assn., told legislators that the bill would wrongfully expose police officers who acted within departmental policy to invasions of their privacy. It has unintended consequences that are extreme and will hurt the public, Fishman said. Tuesdays hearing featured testimony from many who have had relatives killed by police officers in recent years advocating for the bill. Senators on the Public Safety Committee also gave public rebukes to law enforcement lobbyists, criticizing them for a lack of diversity and insensitivity to concerns raised by communities of color. I think that you are completely and utterly out of touch with the realities of how those you are representing are perceived by major segments of California, said Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles). You are not going to be able to continue to lobby your way out of it. The bill faces at least one more committee hearing in the Senate before reaching the floor. It will have to pass both houses of the Legislature by the end of August. Facebook
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Newest member of the California Assembly arrives ready to work on criminal justice issues By John Myers Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove prepares for the oath of office from Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon with her husband, Austin Dove. (California Assembly Democrats) Two weeks after winning a Los Angeles special election, the newest member of the California Assembly says she hopes to focus on reforms to the states criminal justice system during her time in Sacramento. Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) took the oath of office on Monday, filling one of three vacant seats representing Los Angeles County in the lower house. The Democrat, a former community college trustee and legislative staffer, thanked her mentors in remarks from the Assembly rostrum. So many women, and in my life so many black women, have paid in giving me the kind of morals and integrity and grit that is required to fight on behalf of people that you know, and people that you dont know, she said. Kamlager-Dove won handily on April 3, receiving 70% of the votes cast in the 54th Assembly District which encompasses communities west of downtown Los Angeles, from Crenshaw to Culver City and as far north as Westwood. She will serve the remaining eight months of the term of former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, who resigned last year citing health concerns. She has said she hopes to focus her attention on poverty issues and on reform of the states criminal justice system. I think we have an opportunity to really push the needle in terms of how we look at rehabilitation, how we look at incarceration, and how we look at changing the lives oftentimes of poor men and women of color, Kamalager-Dove said on Monday in a video released by Assembly Democrats. Facebook
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Survivors of violent crime raise their voices in California to call for a new approach to criminal justice By Jazmine Ulloa Aaliyah Smith marches with her cousins. (Jazmine Ulloa / Los Angeles Times) Her father, uncle, a cousin and two older brothers. Those are some of the family members 16-year-old Aaliyah Smith has lost to gun violence. Then there are her friends. Jermaine Jackson Jr., 27, was shot and killed in 2016 while he painted over graffiti in San Francisco. Toriano Tito Adger, 18, was shot there a year later at a bus stop. He called Smith, who was nearby, and warned her to run. She made it inside a library moments before the crack of gunfire. Last week, Smith was among hundreds who gathered in Sacramento for annual National Crime Victims Rights Week events, where calls were issued for a new approach to criminal justice and public safety in California, one that puts survivors at the center of policy. But a debate is brewing over what that entails. Read More Facebook
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California expects $14 billion in tax payments this month By John Myers State workers handle income tax returns at the California Franchise Tax Board offices. (Laura Morton / For The Times) Gov. Jerry Browns proposed state budget is built on what taxpayers might find an audacious assumption: almost $14 billion in tax payments in the month of April, an average of $83 million collected per hour on every business day of the month. Most of that money will come from the taxes Californians pay in advance of Tuesday nights filing deadline for income tax returns. If history is any guide, the rate of payment could quadruple by weeks end. While tax rules have shifted some of the payment schedules to other months, April remains a vitally important month to the fiscal health of state government. The state controllers office reports more than 15% of all personal income tax revenues in 2017 were collected in April. In the recession years of a decade ago, tax revenue predictions were frequently off the mark by hundreds of millions of dollars. The last two state budgets have seen significant windfalls of personal income tax revenue, thanks in part both to an improving economy and to the continuation of a temporary surcharge on the wealthiest taxpayers extended by voters in 2016. In the budget plan he sent to lawmakers in January, Brown projected a $6.1-billion windfall and proposed using a sizable amount to top off Californias rainy-day fund ahead of schedule. The independent Legislative Analysts Office reports that through the end of last week, the months income tax tally stood at $3 billion, slightly ahead of projections. By the end of the current week, a single days total could be almost that large. Lawmakers began reviewing the governors $190.3-billion spending plan during the winter, but few decisions are made until they get a look at Aprils tax revenues. The governor will release a revised plan based on the new data next month; lawmakers are required to send him a completed budget no later than June 15. Facebook
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Feinstein war chest tops $10 million while Kevin de Leon struggles to keep pace By Sarah D. Wire Sen. Dianne Feinstein widened her already-massive fundraising advantage in the run-up to Junes primary, raising twice as much in the first quarter than her strongest Senate challenger has sitting in the bank. Feinstein raised $1.3 million between January and March, bringing her war chest to just over $10 million as Californias U.S. Senate race begins in earnest, according Federal Election Commission reports. Former state Senate leader Kevin De Leon, the best known of the more than 30 people who will appear with Feinstein on the June primary ballot, raised just $575,991 in that same period, bringing his cash on hand to $672,331, according to his quarterly FEC report. Read More Facebook
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Trump has met his match, says Gov. Jerry Brown in promoting climate action on a quick trip to Canada By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown told a Canadian audience Monday that he believes President Trumps efforts to reverse course on climate change policy are a momentary deviation as others in the United States seek limits on greenhouse gas emissions. Thats very temporary, I can assure you, Brown said at a joint event in Toronto with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. The governors quick international trip, announced only late last week, comes as Wynnes Liberal Party faces a stiff challenge in Junes election from the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and its leader, Doug Ford. Critics of Wynnes party have called for Ontario to pull out of the Western Climate Initiative, a cooperative agreement between three Canadian provinces and California on efforts to limit greenhouse gases. Brown sought to link the efforts of Canadian conservatives with Republicans in the United States who oppose existing climate change programs. In contrast, he told the audience, several GOP lawmakers voted last summer to renew Californias cap-and-trade program. I would say to the conservatives of Canada, wake up and see what your friends in California are doing, he said. The Democrat took particular notice of Trumps efforts to shift away from climate change policies from the administration of former President Obama, as well as a push by the Environmental Protection Agency to cancel Californias strict limits on automobile emissions. If Trump tries to change that, well have litigation well beyond his term in office, Brown said while also noting Chinese government efforts to produce more low-emissions vehicles. Between California and China, Trump has met his match. What hes saying is not going to happen. Many of the governors remarks, though, were aimed at the tough political situation in which Wynne finds herself with seven weeks to go before Ontarios parliamentary elections. Dangers abound, but success is right in our hands, Brown said. So dont blow it! Facebook
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California voters are getting to know the states attorney general through his aggressive stance challenging Trump By Patrick McGreevy Less than two months from his first statewide election, California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra has become adept not only at challenging President Trump but at using the bully pulpit of his office to raise his profile with voters. The aggressive effort may help boost the former Los Angeles congressmans chances at winning a full term in office this fall, almost two years after he was appointed to replace Sen. Kamala Harris in 2017. Appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown, Becerra took office as attorney general four days after Trumps inauguration. Thats afforded him an opportunity to get in front of Californians and potential voters on an array of issues including immigration, healthcare and the environment. Read More Facebook
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Gov. Jerry Brown forms commission for 2020 census outreach By Melanie Mason In an effort to make sure California has a strong showing in the next national census, Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday established a state commission to prepare outreach for the decennial count. It is vitally important for California to do everything it can to ensure that every Californian is counted in the upcoming census, Brown said in a prepared statement. The commissions formation comes on the heels of a Trump administration plan to ask about citizenship status as a part of the census. State officials fear that such a question, which has not been asked in a census since 1950, could chill participation among California residents. That could result in the state losing billions of dollars in federal funds and a seat in Congress. The 23-member panel, appointed largely by Brown as well as picks by legislative leaders, comes from private- and public-sector backgrounds, including civil rights groups, religious institutions and educational institutions. Facebook
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Garcetti kicks off Iowa visit with 2020 on his mind and a hardhat on his head LA Mayor - and 2020 prospect - Eric Garcetti makes his Iowa debut at the Carpenters Union Training Center. Fearlessly flaunts the never be photographed in head gear/safety glasses rule. pic.twitter.com/14bUOPXMvF Mark Z. Barabak (@markzbarabak) April 13, 2018 Facebook
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Asm. Rocky Chavez takes the lead in race to replace Issa, while Doug Applegate slips By Joshua Stewart A new poll shows that Republican Assemblyman Rocky Chavez has taken a clear lead over 15 other candidates running to replace Rep. Darrell Issa in Congress and has overtaken Democrat Doug Applegate, the previous frontrunner. In a SurveyUSA poll by 10News and The San Diego Union-Tribune, Chavez, R-Oceanside, has support of 16 percent of likely voters, putting him ahead of Applegate, a lawyer, who was favored by 12 percent of voters and is in second place. The top two vote-getters in June, regardless of party, will proceed to a November runoff election. Competing with Applegate for the No. 2 spot is Democrat Mike Levin, also a lawyer, with support of 9 percent of voters. Several other candidates were right at his heels. Democratic Businessman Paul Kerr and Board of Equalization Member Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, were tied for fourth at 8 percent each. Read More Facebook
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Pro-Kevin de Leon group launches ad castigating Dianne Feinstein By Seema Mehta A group that is supporting Kevin de Leons bid for the U.S. Senate launched a blistering ad against Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Thursday, questioning her progressive principles and tying her to President Trump. The ad buy from A Progressive California is minuscule $10,000 to air it in Los Angeles for one day on CNN and MSNBC during programming such as The Rachel Maddow Show, Hardball with Chris Matthews and Anderson Cooper 360. The minute-long ad features news clips about Feinstein not getting the California Democratic Party endorsement earlier this year, as well as footage of Feinstein saying that Trump can be a good president and appearing to share a laugh with Trump. That moment actually came during a White House meeting in the aftermath of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting when the president suggested an assault weapons ban should be included in a bipartisan bill to expand gun background checks. It also features extensive clips of de Leons speech at the state partys convention. De Leon, who just ended his final term as leader of the state Senate, announced last year he would run against fellow Democrat Feinstein as she seeks her fifth full term. Feinsteins longtime political advisor dismissed the ad, noting the size of the buy. Its not really a buy, said Bill Carrick. Ten thousand dollars in cable in L.A. Poof, its gone. Still, he said he planned to have the campaigns lawyers review the ad to see if it violates campaign law that limits what outside groups like A Progressive California can do. Such groups cannot coordinate with campaigns or candidates, and are limited in how much their messages can support a candidate. Ann Ravel, the former chair of the Federal Election Commission and the California Fair Political Practices Commission, said if the ad was in a state race, she is certain that the state commission would open an investigation into potential coordination with de Leons campaign because of the messaging and the types of footage in the ad. But the bipartisan federal commission cant agree on how to enforce the federal regulations, she said. The problem is [outside groups] understand that given the lack of very strong enforcement at the federal level, theres the ability to stretch the law, she said. A spokeswoman for the FEC declined to comment. Dave Jacobson, a spokesman for A Progressive California, disputed the suggestion that the ad violated campaign law. This frivolous allegation shows that Sen. Feinstein is afraid of the public seeing an ad which showcases her own words, that Donald Trump can be a good president, he said. Facebook
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Dispute over money emerges in campaign to repeal Californias gas tax increase By Patrick McGreevy A motorist prepares to gas up her vehicle in San Rafael, Calif., in 2015. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) A proposed initiative to repeal hikes to Californias gas tax has been caught in the middle of a dispute involving Republican rivals in the governors race. Assemblyman Travis Allen, a Republican candidate for governor, decided in January to drop plans for his own initiative and said he would urge supporters to sign a separate petition being supported by several Republican members of Congress. Then last week, the committee Allen formed to finance his ballot measure reported a $300,000 contribution from PISF Inc., a Novato, Calif., real estate firm. Now, an organizer of the still active Give Voters a Voice committee is urging the Allen committee to immediately donate their funds in support of the ongoing signature gathering efforts. There is only one gas tax repeal measure currently in circulation and that is the measure sponsored by the Give Voters a Voice Committee, said Dave Gilliard, a consultant to the group. PISF Inc., he said, gave to repeal taxes a
The last time the Supreme Court took a hard look at how to impose sales taxes on home shopping, it was the era of mail-order catalogs before Amazon was even selling books out of Jeff Bezos garage, lawyers recently told the justices.
In 1992, the high court upheld a constitutional rule that barred states from requiring mail-order sellers to collect sales taxes if the vendors had no physical presence in that state.
For the record: A previous version of this article attributed tax loss estimates to the University of Tennessee. The figures were calculated by Marketplace Fairness Coalition.
The rule was immediately seen by some as legally suspect. And with the explosion of internet sales over the decades, it costs state and local governments tens of billions of dollars in lost tax revenues.
Now lawyers for 35 states, including California, are urging the high court to overturn the physical-presence rule as outdated and unfair to them as well as to the struggling brick and mortar retailers who must collect sales taxes.
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They have on their side a crucial ally: Associate Justice Anthony M. Kennedy. Two years ago, he said the court should reexamine the 1992 Quill Corp. vs. North Dakota decision as soon as possible. The ruling was questionable at the time, he said, and it is now inflicting extreme harm and unfairness on the states.
In view of the dramatic technological and social changes that have taken place in our increasingly interconnected economy, he wrote, it is unwise to delay any longer a reconsideration of the courts holding in Quill.
That opportunity comes before the justices Friday when they meet to review dozens of pending appeals, including South Dakota vs. Wayfair, Overstock and Newegg, which calls for scrapping the physical presence rule.
If Quill was a questionable decision in 1992, it is a senseless decision in 2018, said Lisa Soronen, executive director of the State and Local Legal Center in Washington. Congress has had over two decades to correct Quill but it has failed to do so.
She was referring to the courts parting comment in its 1992 opinion that Congress may be better qualified to set a national rule on collecting sales taxes from out-of-state sellers.
Since then, Congress has tried but failed to agree on a new law. The Senate approved the Marketplace Fairness Act in 2013 to authorize states to collect sales taxes from out-of-state sellers, but the House balked. Republican leaders have been wary of imposing more taxes on consumers and new burdens on online businesses.
Supporters of small web-based businesses argue that Congress should not foist on them the duty to collect taxes that are owed to more 12,000 city and county jurisdictions across the country.
The deadlock in Congress has renewed pressure on the court to rethink its rules for deciding interstate tax disputes.
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The Constitution does not directly give the Supreme Court the power to police limits on interstate commerce. It says Congress shall have the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states. But for much of the courts history, the justices have said they may strike down state laws that restrict interstate commerce, including taxes on shipments that are unfair or too heavy. The justices refer to this doctrine sometimes sarcastically as the dormant or negative commerce clause because it gives the court power it was never explicitly granted.
Justice Clarence Thomas, who like Kennedy concurred in the outcome in the 1992 decision but did not sign on to the courts opinion, has been a steady skeptic of the negative commerce clause. It has no basis in the text of the Constitution and makes little sense, he wrote. And Justice Neil M. Gorsuch criticized the physical presence rule when he was an appellate judge in Colorado, calling it a sort of judicially sponsored tax shelter for online sellers.
State officials are encouraged that the court may be ready to change course.
The Supreme Courts earlier view of taxable nexus no longer makes sense in todays economy, said Nick Maduros, director of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. The current interpretation places an unfair burden on those who pay their fair share of taxes and puts in-state retailers at a competitive disadvantage.
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The California state sales tax is 7.25%, and counties and cities may add to that. Los Angeles County adds 2.25%, for a total of 9.5%.
Amazon, the largest online seller, began collecting sales taxes in California after establishing warehouses in the state. And it has since agreed to collect taxes on purchases from the 45 states that levy sales taxes.
Nonetheless, California officials estimate the state loses as much as $2 billion in annual revenue because of the courts tax rule.
In November, the Government Accountability Office estimated state and local governments are collecting 75%-80% of the taxes they are owed from remote sellers. It projected the annual loss for those governments as between $8.5 billion and $13.4 billion.
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However, lawyers for the states cited much higher losses, including an analysis by the Marketplace Fairness Coalition, which estimates revenue losses of $33.9 billion this year and $211 billion from 2018 to 2022 if the physical presence rule is unchanged.
In November, 15 friend-of-the-court briefs were filed urging the justices to hear the South Dakota case. They came from groups that represent retailers, wholesalers and shopping centers as well as the National Governors Assn. and law professors and economists.
Last month, several anti-tax groups joined Internet sellers in urging the court to turn away the appeal.
I really worry about the impact on small to mid-sized businesses. This would unleash tax collectors to pursue them all over the country. And they may not to be able to absorb the compliance cost, said Carl Szabo, general counsel for NetChoice, a trade association for online businesses. He said small, web-based firms could face tax audits not just from 45 states, but from the thousands of municipalities with their own sales taxes.
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The Supreme Court cited this burden in 1992, but state lawyers now say that special software makes it easy to assess proper taxes based on the ZIP Code of the buyer.
The justices will meet several times this month to vote on pending appeals. January is usually the last month for them to grant new cases that will be argued in the spring and decided by the terms end in late June.
Major questions before the Supreme Court this fall
david.savage@latimes.com
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President Trump declared his former chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon persona non grata on Wednesday, delivering a scorching rebuke to the man who had been Trumps most visible partner in his efforts to redefine the Republican Party according to their populist and nationalist vision.
Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency, Trump said in a caustic four-paragraph statement released by the White House. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind.
Trump rarely dispatches his advisors entirely, whether he fires them or they are disgraced. Bannon had tested that in recent months, however, with reported comments mocking Trump and his children and casting himself as a master strategist and political theorist.
The presidents public denunciation of Bannon came only after a report early Wednesday, based on excerpts from a forthcoming book, that quoted Bannon condemning as treasonous a June 2016 meeting in which Donald Trump Jr. and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law, met with Kremlin-linked Russians to get dirt on Hillary Clinton.
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Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad ... and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon reportedly said.
His verdict on the meeting in Trump Tower an event now at the center of a special counsels criminal investigation of Russian election meddling and potential Trump campaign complicity was taken from a book to be released next week and obtained before publication by the Guardian newspaper. Bannons reported comment is an especially damning charge, undercutting Trumps claim that the Russia story is a Democratic hoax.
Other portions of the book, as reported by the Guardian and excerpted in New York magazine, quote other Trump aides, and overall they portray him as ill-informed, unprepared and ill-tempered and contend that neither Trump nor family members and associates expected him to win election. In a separate statement, the spokeswoman for First Lady Melania Trump denied an assertion that Melania was in tears and not of joy.
Bannon, who led Trumps campaign through most of the general election season and was a senior White House counselor for seven months, has long used the populist website he runs, Breitbart News, to war against mainstream Republicans and party leaders while giving voice to white nationalists. After his firing in August, Bannon sounded a fresh declaration of intraparty war, vowing to support challengers to Republican lawmakers insufficiently supportive of Trumps protectionist populism and hard-line immigration policies.
But even as he rankled many Trump allies and GOP congressional leaders, Bannon enjoyed a continued relationship with Trump, who praised him publicly and sought his advice. When Bannon left the White House, Trump thanked him for his service on Twitter, and said he will be a tough and smart new voice at Breitbart.
Bannons critics blamed him for encouraging Trumps most destructive instincts and for the presidents failure to appeal to voters beyond his political base. A smaller group of supporters praised Bannon for helping the president solidify that base.
Trumps disowning of Bannon immediately cheered mainstream Republicans. A political group tied to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has long been a Bannon target, summed up its glee in a Twitter message that had no words, just a short video of McConnell grinning.
Trump Jr. and Anthony Scaramucci, another banished Trump official, whod conflicted with Bannon, shared their joy on Twitter. Both cited profanity-laced comments that Scaramucci made about Bannon in an interview with the New Yorker magazine in July, accusing Bannon of trying to build his own brand off the strength of the president.
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Trumps oldest son also tweeted that Bannon had turned the opportunity of working in the White House into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist.
The president apparently reached the same conclusion. In his statement he dismissed Bannon as a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination.
Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look, Trump added.
Trump blamed Bannon for leaking to the media while in the White House and for losing an Alabama Senate seat in last months special election.
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Bannon backed Roy Moore, who defeated an incumbent Republican senator that Trump supported. Bannon campaigned for Moore in Alabama and through Breitbart, sending reporters to the state in a failed effort to discredit reports in the Washington Post that Moore had molested a 14-year-old girl decades ago and made advances on other underage girls. Trump, at Bannons urging, endorsed Moore in the general election race against Democrat Doug Jones.
Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than thirty years by Republicans, Trumps statement said. Steve doesnt represent my base hes only in it for himself. (Republicans had the seat for 21 years.)
Separately, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders accused Bannon of going after the presidents son in an outrageous and unprecedented way and said that the president was furious and disgusted.
Bannon is expected to testify soon in a closed hearing of the House Intelligence Committee and will be questioned about what he knew, if anything, about ties between Trump associates and Russian officials.
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The June 2016 meeting in Trump Tower occurred before Bannon joined the campaign. He didnt object entirely to the meeting taking place, he reportedly recounted in the book, but said it should have been handled by lawyers and held far from Trump Tower. Any dirt on Clinton should have been passed, he said, to Breitbart or something like that, or maybe some other more legitimate publication.
Attorneys for Trump Jr. and Kushner did not respond to emails requesting comment. An attorney for Paul Manafort, the Trump campaign chairman at the time of the meeting who also attended, declined to comment.
Bannons denigration of Trump and his family represents yet another unusual twist to the Trump presidency.
Though other presidents aides have, on occasions, written tell-all books or given indiscreet interviews, they have rarely done it with such gusto and abandon. A profile in Vanity Fair last month reported that Bannon had told a friend that Trump was like an 11-year-old child, and that he recalled allegations in a dropped lawsuit that Trump had raped a California teenager.
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Bannon has his own platform, unlike most chiefs of staff or advisors who seek to be part of conventional politics, said Henry Olsen, a conservative author.
Olsen, however, argues that Bannons role in the populist movement has been overstated.
Bannon, he said, assumed a public persona because, in a world of reporting that focuses on personalities, he was one of the few personalities who could be ascribed to be Trump-like.
Times staff writer Chris Megerian contributed to this report.
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Steve Bannon will be a tough and smart new voice at @BreitbartNews...maybe even better than ever before. Fake News needs the competition! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 19, 2017
noah.bierman@latimes.com brian.bennett@latimes.com
Twitter: @ByBrianBennett @noahbierman
A dramatic increase in new housing near transit stations could be on its way across California under new legislation proposed by a Bay Area legislator.
Subject to some limitations, the measure would eliminate restrictions on the number of houses allowed to be built within a half-mile of train, light-rail, major bus routes and other transit stations, and block cities from imposing parking requirements. Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), the bills author, said the state needs the housing to address affordability problems, maximize recent multi-billion-dollar transit investments and help the state meet its climate change goals.
We have a severe housing shortage and part of the problem is that core areas with transit access dont allow much housing, Wiener said. That creates sprawl, huge commutes and its not sustainable.
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Developers in the state need to build roughly 100,000 more homes each year than they do now to keep pace with population growth, as home prices and rents continue to rise. State environmental officials say California wont meet its ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 1990 levels without a homebuilding boom in existing job centers and near transit.
A 2016 study by the McKinsey Global Institute, a private think tank, estimated that the state had the capacity to build as many as 3 million new homes within a half-mile of transit stops over the next two decades if local governments rezoned neighborhoods surrounding them, accelerated development approvals and increased public investment in such projects.
Wieners bill, SB 827, would affect neighborhoods surrounding Metro stations in Los Angeles, Bay Area Rapid Transit, Caltrain and San Francisco Muni lines in Northern California and other transit stops across the state. It would override local zoning rules in those areas, including plans under debate now.
In Los Angeles, city leaders have been working to increase the amount of housing allowed in a half-mile around five Expo Line stops between Culver City and Santa Monica. The citys current plan could add 6,000 new homes but leaves almost 90% of the area, including many single-family neighborhoods, untouched.
Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), the bills author, said the state needs the housing to address affordability problems. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP )
The city should do more to encourage people to live near Expo Line and other Metro stations, especially as the region prepares to spend $120 billion over the next four decades to expand its transit network, said Mark Vallianatos, director of LAplus, a think tank that advocates for more housing.
Allowing single-family zoning near stations is just sabotaging the potential of these lines both for ridership and for good transit-oriented development, Vallianatos said.
Opponents of Wieners legislation already are lining up. Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Koretz, who has argued for the preservation of single-family zoning in the Westside neighborhoods he represents in the Expo Line rezoning plan, called the bill devastating, insanity and the worst idea Ive ever heard.
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I would have a neighborhood with little 1920s, 30s and 40s single-family homes look like Dubai 10 years later, Koretz said.
Koretz said the bill would lead to an increase in new home building that would snarl traffic and go against what his constituents want in their neighborhoods.
Better ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would be eliminating gasoline-powered cars and even gas stations in the city over time, he said.
I dont think people want to see significant rezoning around single-family neighborhoods whether theyre near transit or not, Koretz said.
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While there would be no restrictions on the number of homes that could be built in the areas affected by Wieners bill, minimum height limits would range from 45 to 85 feet depending on how close the project was to a station and whether it was located on a main road or side street. The principal supporter of SB 827 is California YIMBY, a statewide pro-housing organization.
liam.dillon@latimes.com
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California wont meet its climate change goals without a lot more housing density in its cities
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The record-shattering cold gripping most of the United States has been blamed for at least nine deaths in recent weeks and forecasters say the worst is yet to come.
The National Weather Service issued wind chill advisories and freeze warnings Tuesday for 40 U.S. states. "Arctic air mass will bring a prolonged period of much-below-normal temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills to the central and eastern U.S. over the next week," NWS tweeted.
Hard freeze warnings remain in effect through Wednesday in typically balmy states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Temperatures fell to -13 Celsius (8.6 Fahrenheit) near Cullman, Alabama, and -7 Celsius (19.4 Fahrenheit) in Mobile, Alabama.
City officials opened warming shelters across the South as cold temperatures brought rare snow flurries as far south as Austin, Texas. In Savannah, Georgia, where the average high temperature in January is 16 Celsius (61 Fahrenheit), the temperature hovered at -1 Celsius (30.2 Fahrenheit) at noon Tuesday.
Hospitals across the U.S. are seeing a surge in emergency room visits for hypothermia and other ailments as temperatures plunge well below freezing.
Most years, the Legislatures January kickoff after a months-long break has the predictable feel of the first day back at school. But Wednesday, as lawmakers returned for a new year of work, the atmosphere was distinctly unsettled. In the months lawmakers had been gone, the national tidal wave of sexual harassment allegations made a direct hit on the Capitol dome, leading to allegations, resignations and an uncomfortable scouring of a workplace environment women say has been rife with misconduct.
Their return Wednesday was punctuated by a protracted closed-door debate on the fate of state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia), who has been accused of inappropriate sexual advances toward staff members. Mendoza announced he would take a leave of absence for the month of January, unless an investigation into his behavior concludes earlier.
For the record: An earlier version of this article misidentified state Sen. Andy Vidak of Hanford as a Democrat. He is a Republican.
The disquiet infused the days proceedings in other, more subtle ways, from uneasy jokes and tentative hugs. Like homeowners returning from vacation to a house that was broken into, state lawmakers spent their first day back grappling with the upheaval that had occurred while they were away.
Every conversation Ive had, it comes up, Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), a member of the Assembly leadership, said of the harassment controversies. Its obviously major stuff and all of us are trying to take it seriously. But weve also been taking it seriously in 80 different locations across the state. Now here we are, all together.
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Female lawmakers, staffers and lobbyists speak out on pervasive harassment in Californias Capitol
So conspicuous was the specter of controversy that Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) dedicated the bulk of his remarks during the chambers opening session to the scandals of recent months.
Every year brings us challenges, but the current year contains a challenge that is markedly different because it is within, said Rendon, adding, this Capitol community and I speak of both houses must build a community of active protectors.
To that end, Rendon and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) announced on Wednesday the formation of a joint committee tasked with evaluating the Legislatures procedures in handling sexual complaints. The move marks the first time the two houses will work together in a uniform evaluation, answering critics who said the Senate and Assemblys separate human resources operations led to confusion.
In the Senate, what was planned to be a routine opening session turned into an hours-long standoff, as Sen. Andy Vidak (R-Hanford) sought to expel Mendoza for his sexual harassment allegations. Mendoza, who is currently under investigation by an outside law firm hired by the Senate, has forcefully denied allegations that he acted inappropriately with a female Senate fellow assigned to his office and with two other former aides who alleged they were made uncomfortable by his attention. He has called on his colleagues to wait for the results of the probe before seeking additional sanctions.
In closed caucus meetings, Senate Democrats urged Mendoza to take a leave of absence or face an effort to suspend him without pay. Mendoza ultimately acquiesced to a one-month leave.
The mood, at least superficially, was more jovial in the Assembly, where colleagues exchanged hugs and backslaps and new years greetings. Much of their session was dedicated to welcoming the houses newest lawmaker, Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), who won her seat in a special election to replace Jimmy Gomez, a Los Angeles Democrat now serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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Carrillo said in an interview that as the first woman elected to the Legislature since the presidential election, she was looking forward to setting a tone for women and for progressives at a time when womens issues are front and center of the conversation, especially when it comes to sexual harassment.
Still, the Assembly was reminded of the turmoil surrounding sexual harassment in the Capitol with two colleagues accused of sexual misconduct no longer present.
Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) stepped down in late November after seven women publicly accused him of making unwanted sexual advances toward them. Bocanegra apologized for a 2009 incident at the time he was a legislators chief of staff in which a legislative staffer said he reached into her blouse at a nightclub. He denied the other allegations.
Another Assembly Democrat, Matt Dababneh of Woodland Hills, resigned at the end of the year after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, including by a lobbyist who said the legislator forced her into a bathroom and masturbated in front of her and another woman who said Dababneh had nonconsensual sex with her. Dababneh has denied all accusations of wrongdoing.
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A third legislator, Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), resigned his post as well, citing poor health.
The departures have reduced the Assembly Democrats ranks to 53, short of the supermajority required to pass bills that raise taxes. A special election to fill Bocanegras seat has been called for April 3, with a potential runoff on June 5. Election dates to fill the other seats have not been set.
Sexual harassment hearings come as California Capitol is roiled by accusations and a resignation
The focus on sexual harassment has also infused policymaking, with several bills introduced at the start of the session to confront the problem. Among them are a proposal by Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino Hills) that would ban non-disclosure requirements in settlements for sexual harassment, discrimination and assault cases, and a measure by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) that would make legislators financially liable for settlements of substantiated harassment accusations.
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A long-shelved bill by Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) that would extend whistleblower protections for Capitol staff also has found new life, with more than 50 lawmakers in both parties showing support by signing on as co-authors.
Im encouraged by the fact that everyone gets that this is super serious, that the credibility of the Legislature is on the line in many ways, Gloria said. At the end of the day, we want to look at our constituents and have them feel good about who represents them. Even if youre not a participant in some of the behavior that has been discussed, were all part of an institution that can and must do better.
Staff writer Jazmine Ulloa in Sacramento contributed to this story.
melanie.mason@latimes.com
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Allies balk at Trump administration bid to block Chinese firm from cutting-edge telecom markets By David S. Cloud Britain and Germany are balking at the Trump administrations call for a ban on equipment from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, threatening a global U.S. campaign to thwart Chinas involvement in future mobile networks. Both countries are expected to limit Huawei and other Chinese companies from providing core components including routers. But other types of Chinese equipment for next-generation, high-speed communications could still be installed on British and German networks, officials and analysts say. The U.S. push to ban Huawei has provoked a global dispute in recent weeks, with senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, publicly urging NATO allies in Europe to exclude the company and warning that the United States might limit its military presence in countries that did not do so. Read More Facebook
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Confucius Institutes: Do they improve U.S.-China ties or harbor spies? By Don Lee Hanging red lanterns welcome visitors to the University of Marylands Confucius Institute, the oldest of about 100 Chinese language and cultural centers that have popped up over the last 15 years on American campuses, subsidized by millions of dollars from Chinas central government. But last fall, when four U.S. Senate investigators walked into the Confucius offices in Maryland and spent hours questioning staff, they werent looking for an educational exchange. The committee has been seeking detailed information from the university about the program, including contracts, email exchanges and financial arrangements that school administrators have kept under wraps since it started in 2004. American colleges once viewed these jointly funded institutes as an economical way to expand their language offerings one that could also bring warmer ties with China and, importantly, an influx of Chinese international students paying full tuition. Read More Facebook
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U.S. policy toward China shifts from engagement to confrontation By David S. Cloud For decades, China had no closer American friend than Dianne Feinstein. As San Francisco mayor in the 1970s, she forged a sister-city relationship with Shanghai, the first between American and Chinese communities. As U.S. senator, she dined with Chinese leaders at Mao Tse-tungs old Beijing residence. And in the 1990s, she championed a trade policy change that opened a floodgate of Western investment into China. Today the Democratic senator sees China as a growing threat, joining a broad array of Trump administration officials, national security strategists and business executives who once favored engagement with Beijing and now advocate a confrontational approach instead. Read More Facebook
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Mnuchins attempt to calm markets backfires as Trump takes another shot at the Federal Reserve By Jim Puzzanghera An attempt by Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin to calm plunging financial markets backfired Monday, further rattling investors with new fears about whether major U.S. banks have enough cash on top of worries about interest rates, political instability in Washington and a slowing global economy. Adding to the volatile mix was a fresh attack on the Federal Reserve by President Trump, who declared that the central bank was the U.S. economys only problem and that it didnt have a feel for the market. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who cant score because he has no touch -- he cant putt! Trump said on Twitter. Read More Facebook
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He speaks to Democratic hearts. But is Beto ORourke a serious White House contender? By Mark Z. Barabak Hes a failed U.S. Senate candidate with an undistinguished congressional record who, for the moment, is a blazing-hot 2020 presidential prospect despite the fact that he may not run and faces long odds if he does. Beto ORourke suggests the will-he-or-wont-he speculation is something he himself cant quite fathom. I think thats a great question, he responded in a Dallas Morning News interview when asked whether his unsuccessful November Senate bid merited a promotion to the White House. I ask that question myself. Read More Facebook
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Russian disinformation teams targeted Robert S. Mueller III, says report prepared for Senate By Craig Timberg, Tony Romm, Elizabeth Dwoskin Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. (Associated Press) Months after President Trump took office, Russias disinformation teams trained their sites on a new target: special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Having worked to help get Trump into the White House, they now worked to neutralize the biggest threat to his staying there. The Russian operatives unloaded on Mueller through fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and beyond, falsely claiming that the former FBI director was corrupt and that the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election were crackpot conspiracies. One post on Instagram which emerged as an especially potent weapon in the Russian social media arsenal claimed that Mueller had worked in the past with radical Islamic groups. Such tactics exemplified how Russian teams ranged nimbly across social media platforms in a shrewd online influence operation aimed squarely at American voters. The effort started earlier than commonly understood and lasted longer while relying on the strengths of different sites to manipulate distinct slices of the electorate, according to a pair of comprehensive new reports prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee and released Monday. Read more Timberg, Romm and Dwoskin report for the Washington Post. Facebook
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President Trump announces Mick Mulvaney as acting White House chief of staff By Associated Press President Trump says budget director Mick Mulvaney will serve as acting chief of staff, replacing John F. Kelly in the new year. I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018 Facebook
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It aint over when its over: In Michigan, Wisconsin and elsewhere, losers seek to undermine election results By Mark Z. Barabak Democrat Gavin Newsom has yet to become California governor, but already a candidate for state Republican Party chairman is promoting a recall effort. In Michigan and Wisconsin, GOP lawmakers have rushed through legislation to thwart their incoming Democratic governors and hamper others in the opposing party from doing the jobs voters chose them to do. In Congress, GOP leaders have echoed President Trump and sought to undermine the legitimacy of Democrats strong midterm performance, raising unsubstantiated allegations of fraud and political malfeasance. Read More Facebook
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New CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger says she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera On her first full day leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Kathy Kraninger said she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney, the controversial acting director whom she replaced in the powerful regulatory position. To underscore that point, the former White House aide said she would even reconsider a Mulvaney action that critics saw as a gratuitous jab at Democrats who championed the agencys creation: changing its name to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Kraningers declaration during a meeting with reporters Tuesday addressed one of the main criticisms of her selection. She is considered a protege of Mulvaney, her boss at the White House Office of Management and Budget who has executed a dramatic, industry-friendly shift at the watchdog agency. Read More Facebook
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Trumps pick for chief of staff, Nick Ayers, out of running By Associated Press Nick Ayers, right, with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, at the funeral service for George H.W. Bush on Dec. 3. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Associated Press) President Trumps top pick to replace John F. Kelly as chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is no longer expected to fill that role. Thats according to a White House official who is not authorized to discuss the personnel issue by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Ayers is Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff. The official says that Trump and Ayers could not agree on Ayers length of service. The father of young children, Ayers had agreed to serve in an interim capacity though the spring, but Trump wanted a two-year commitment. The official says that Ayers will instead assist the president from outside the administration. Trump announced Saturday that Kelly would be departing the White House around the end of the year. Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause. #Georgia Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018 Facebook
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U.S. hiring slows to 155,000 jobs, unemployment rate holds at 3.7% By Jim Puzzanghera Job growth slowed significantly in November but still was solid, indicating the economy remains in good shape but not expanding so quickly that it will lead to sharply higher interest rates. U.S. employers added 155,000 jobs last month, well below analyst expectations and a steep decline from Octobers strong 237,000 figure, the Labor Department reported Friday. Still, monthly job gains are averaging 206,000 this year, the best since 2015. Even the slower pace of 170,000 over the last three months is close to last years average of 182,000 and well above the amount needed to keep up with population growth. Read More Facebook
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Trump is expected to pick State Department spokeswoman for U.N. ambassador By Associated Press Heather Nauert at a briefing at the State Department on Aug. 9, 2017. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump is expected to nominate State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Two administration officials confirmed Trumps plans. A Republican congressional aide said the president was expected to announce his decision by tweet on Friday morning. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly before Trumps announcement. Trump has previously said Nauert was under serious consideration to replace Nikki Haley, who announced in October that she would step down at the end of this year. Trump has been known to change course on staffing decisions in the past. Nauert was a reporter for Fox News Channel before she became State Department spokeswoman under former Secretary Rex Tillerson. Facebook
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Senate confirms new consumer financial protection chief: Kathy Kraninger, protege of industry-friendly Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera The Senate, in a party-line vote Thursday, confirmed White House aide Kathy Kraninger to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and experts predicted a continuation of the industry-friendly shift it has taken since President Trump installed an acting director last year. Kraninger is a protege of acting director and White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney, an outspoken critic of the agency that was created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis to prevent predatory lending and other abuses that led to it. Democrats and consumer advocates have denounced him for sharply departing from the aggressive watchdog role the bureau had pursued under its first director, Obama-appointee Richard Cordray, including scaling back enforcement and moving to reassess tough new rules on payday loans and narrow the definition of abusive practices by banks and other firms. Read More Facebook
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Shutdown postponed by two weeks under plan approved by Congress By Erik Wasson Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), shown at the Capitol on Tuesday, says President Trumps border wall is a waste of money. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Congress passed a two-week stopgap spending bill that will delay the chance of a partial government shutdown until Dec. 22 as lawmakers and President Donald Trump negotiate over his demands to pay for a wall on the southern border. The House and Senate passed the measure Thursday without dissent, and Trump has indicated hell sign the bill before the current shutdown deadline of midnight Friday. Negotiations were delayed by memorial services this week for former President George H.W. Bush. The temporary measure gives Democrats and Republicans more time to find a resolution to their biggest hurdle: funding a wall on the U.S. Mexico border wall. Trump says he wants $5 billion for parts of a concrete wall on the southern border and is willing to shut down the government if he doesnt get it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has said Democrats will provide no more than $1.6 billion for border security, because the wall is a waste of money. The presidents demands for wall funding from Congress come after he said during the campaign that Mexico would pay for it. This week he said on Twitter that a $25 billion border wall would pay for itself in two months, without providing evidence. Most of the U.S. governments $1.2 trillion discretionary budget has been appropriated already by Congress for the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1. Departments at a risk of a partial shutdown late this month include the departments of State, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security. Talks to resolve the differences have been on hold since a meeting among Trump, Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California originally slated for Dec. 4 was postponed due to Bush memorial events. The three are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama told reporters the rest of the seven-bill spending package being negotiated is basically done. Shelby in recent weeks had tried to broker a compromise in which Trumps $5 billion request would be split over two years, but Schumer has rejected that. Some Democrats have been willing to trade border wall funding for deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. Pelosi ruled out such a deal in remarks to reporters Thursday. The stopgap government funding measure also would extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides subsidized coverage for homes in flood-prone areas, to Dec. 21. Facebook
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Bipartisan Senate group wants to formally blame Saudi crown prince for journalists killing By Karoun Demirjian Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires. (Associated Press) A bipartisan group of senators filed a resolution Wednesday condemning Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, directly challenging President Trump to do the same. This resolution -- without equivocation -- definitively states that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was complicit in the murder of Mr. [Jamal] Khashoggi and has been a wrecking ball to the region jeopardizing our national security interests on multiple fronts, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement accompanying the release of the resolution. It will be up to Saudi Arabia as to how to deal with this matter. But it is up to the United States to firmly stand for who we are and what we believe. The resolution put forward by Graham and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who are expected to lead the Judiciary Committee together next year, comes just one day after CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed leading senators about the details of the agencys assessment that Mohammed ordered and monitored the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Senators emerged from that closed-door briefing furious not only with Saudi Arabia, but Trump as well for dismissing the heft of the CIAs findings. You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organized by people under the command of MBS and that he was intricately involved in the demise of Mr. Khashoggi, Graham said following the briefing, referring to Mohammed by his initials. He added that Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, who briefed senators last week, were at best being good soldiers and at worst were in the pocket of Saudi Arabia for presenting the evidence of Mohammeds involvement as inconclusive. The release of the resolution condemning Mohammed also comes as the Senate is preparing to move ahead with debate on a resolution to curtail U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Though the Yemen resolution does not directly address Khashoggis murder, its popularity is a sign of how strained the United States patience with Saudi Arabia is on multiple fronts, including its role in worsening the civilian cost of the war in Yemen, cited by the United Nations as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Last week, the Senate voted 63 to 37 to advance the Yemen resolution past an opening procedural hurdle. But Graham and Feinsteins resolution on the crown prince has the potential of drawing broader support, especially from Republicans, who are deeply divided about how fiercely to punish Saudi Arabia over Khashoggis killing. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and is seen as one of the more influential foreign policy voices in the GOP, did not vote for the Yemen resolution last week or sign on to a bipartisan measure last month to sanction Saudi officials and cease weapons transfers to the kingdom. But he is an original co-sponsor of the resolution condemning Mohammed over Khashoggis death. So is Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who represents the other end of the GOP spectrum in terms of recent Saudi-related votes and endorsements. Young was an initial co-sponsor of the bill Graham wrote with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to sanction Saudi officials deemed responsible for Khashoggis killing and stop the sale of anything but exclusively defensive weapons to the kingdom until it ceased hostilities in Yemen. Young also voted to advance the Yemen resolution something Graham did as well, though Graham has signaled he will not be lending any similar support to the measure, fearing it may establish a precedent of invoking the War Powers Act too broadly. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are listed as original co-sponsors of the resolution condemning Mohammed, which also urges Saudi Arabia to negotiate with Houthi rebels to end the Yemen war, work out a political solution to its standoff with Qatar and release political prisoners. But how much sway the resolution has probably comes down to how forcefully the administration decides to heed it -- and thus far, Trump has not shown any interest in condemning the crown prince the way the senators hope he will. Demirjian reports for the Washington Post. Facebook
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Los Angeles County offices and U.S. Postal Service closed Wednesday in honor of George H.W. Bush By Brian Park The Honor Guard carries the casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush following his funeral on Dec. 5 in Washington, DC. (Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images) The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery Wednesday, which President Trump has declared a national day of mourning in honor of former President George H.W. Bush. All retail postal outlets will be closed, and package delivery will be limited. In Los Angeles, all nonessential county departments, offices and libraries will be closed for the day, L.A. County officials said. The Los Angeles County Library said no overdue fines will be assessed for books, and due dates will be moved forward one week. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offices also are closed Wednesday. The Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, clinics and hospitals will continue to operate, the county said. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health clinics are being operated with reduced staffing, and the department asked patients to confirm or reschedule any appointments. All county courts and the disaster recovery centers for the Woolsey fire in Malibu and Agoura Hills will remain open. Larger federal government operations will be closed Wednesday. To honor the life and legacy of President Bush, the Postal Service will observe the National Day of Mourning. Learn how Postal operations will be affected. https://t.co/Mffch7bPCh pic.twitter.com/vG46BsIOpm U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) December 4, 2018 L.A. County offices and libraries will be closed tomorrow (Dec 5) in observance of the #NationalDayOfMourning for President George H. W. Bush.
The Countys Disaster Recovery Centers in Malibu & Agoura Hills will remain open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. pic.twitter.com/Sv1J7GoJ7T Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) December 4, 2018 @LAPublicHealth offices will be closed tomorrow December 5 in observance of the national Day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush. Essential Services including clinics and other services will remain open: https://t.co/tZGoGGHRlg pic.twitter.com/ypXsV6vlYY LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 4, 2018 Facebook
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Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to skip 2020 White House race, sources say By Associated Press Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks during an interview in Boston on Dec. 15, 2014. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press) Former Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will soon announce he wont launch a 2020 presidential campaign, according to three sources familiar with his plans. They did not say why the Democrat decided against a run. A formal announcement was delayed as the country observed a day of mourning for President George H.W. Bush, one source said. News of Patricks plans was first reported by Politico. Patrick, 62, served two terms as governor, from 2007 to 2015, was assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Clinton administration and since leaving the governors office has been a managing director for Bain Capital. Patrick traveled the country in support of Democratic candidates in the recent midterm election. Earlier this year, some of Patricks supporters and close advisors started the Reason to Believe political action committee, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing a positive, progressive vision for our nation in 2018 and 2020. Reason to Believe PAC had been holding meetups across the country, including in early presidential primary states. While Patrick is opting against a 2020 run, dozens of Democrats are considering jumping in, including nearly a half-dozen members of the Senate, several House members, and other Massachusetts politicians. On Tuesday, Michael Avenatti, the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels and a vocal critic of President Trump, said in a statement that he would run. Patrick had previously expressed some concerns about breaking through if he sought the nomination, telling David Axelrod, a former advisor to President Obama, that he wasnt sure he could stand out in such a large field. Its hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity, and Im none of those things and Im never going to be any of those things, Patrick said in a September interview with Axelrod. Facebook
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Former Trump adviser Roger Stone invokes 5th Amendment right and wont testify before Senate Judiciary Committee By Associated Press Roger Stone in 2017. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Roger Stone, an associate of President Trump, says he wont provide testimony or documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee. An attorney for Stone said in a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the committees top Democrat, that Stone was invoking his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination in refusing to produce documents or appear for an interview. Stone has been entangled in investigations by Congress and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III about whether Trump aides had advance knowledge of Democratic emails published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election. Stone has not been charged and has said he had no knowledge of the timing or specifics of WikiLeaks plans. In the letter to Feinstein, Stone said the committees requests were far too overbroad, far too overreaching and far too wide-ranging. Facebook
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Watch live: Vice President Pence and lawmakers honor George H.W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol before he lies in state Facebook
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Rebuilding crumbling infrastructure has bipartisan support. But who gets to pay for it? By Jim Puzzanghera The grades for major U.S. infrastructure would give any parent indigestion if they were on a childs report card. Roads: D; bridges: C+; dams: D; ports: C+: railways: B; airports: D; schools: D+; public transit: D-. The nations overall grade: D+, which translates to being in fair to poor condition and mostly below standards with significant deterioration and a strong risk of failure, according to an evaluation last year by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Read More Facebook
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Trump calls former lawyer Michael Cohen a weak person who is lying By Associated Press President Trump says his former lawyer Michael Cohen is lying to get a reduced sentence. The president is reacting to Cohens guilty plea Thursday to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate project in Russia. During a surprise court hearing, Cohen admitted to lying in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen in his guilty plea said he made the false statements to be consistent with Trumps political message. Cohens lawyer says he continues to cooperate with special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with Trump associates. Facebook
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As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Mark Z. Barabak When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook
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As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Sarah D. Wire When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook
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Michael Cohen, President Trumps ex-lawyer, pleads guilty to lying to Congress about Trump real estate project in Russia By Associated Press Michael Cohen, President Trumps former personal lawyer, pursued a Russian real estate project on candidate Trumps behalf well into the 2016 campaign, he said Thursday while pleading guilty to lying to Congress. Cohen had previously said that the project was abandoned in January 2016, but he now admits he continued to pursue a deal and says he updated Trump and members of his family about the negotiations, according to a new court document. Read More Facebook
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James Comey says acting Atty. Gen. Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer By John Wagner Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker speaks at the Justice Department in Washington on Nov. 14. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Former FBI Director James B. Comey apparently isnt too impressed with the mental prowess of President Trumps acting attorney general. Matthew Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, Comey said during a radio interview on Monday night in which he sized up the man Trump installed this month to replace ousted Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions. Comey was asked by WGBH News in Boston if he thinks Whitaker could derail the investigation of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker has spoken critically of the probe, and Trump as recently as Tuesday continues to call it a witch hunt. I think its a worry, but to my mind not a serious worry, Comey said. The institution is too strong, and [Whitaker], frankly, is not strong enough to have that kind of impact. He may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, but he can see his future and knows that if he acted in an extralegal way, he would go down in history for the wrong reasons, and Im sure he doesnt want that, added Comey, who was fired by Trump last year and later wrote a book that portrays the president as an ego-driven congenital liar. Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney in Iowa, was Sessions chief of staff before being picked by Trump to lead the Justice Department. Trump has called Whitaker a very smart man. Earlier this year, Trump called Comey an untruthful slime ball. Wagner writes for the Washington Post. Facebook
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Interior Department watchdog clears Zinke in investigation of Utah national monument By Juliet Eilperin Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, third from the left, and Gov. Jerry Brown tour fire damage in Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 14. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The Interior Departments Office of Inspector General has cleared Secretary Ryan Zinke in a probe of whether he redrew boundaries of a national monument in Utah to aid the financial interests of a Republican state lawmaker and stalwart supporter of President Trump. In a Nov. 21 letter to Zinkes deputy, David Bernhardt, Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall wrote that her office found no evidence that the secretary or his aides changed the boundaries of Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an effort to help former Utah state representative Mike Noel, who serves as executive director of the Kane County Water Conservancy District. Last December, Trump shrank the monument, first established by President Clinton in 1996, by 46% based on Zinkes recommendation. Noel owns 40 acres that had been surrounded by the monument, but now lies outside its boundaries. The new boundaries also would make it easier to construct the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline, which would deliver water to sites in Kane County that include Noels property. Earlier this year, the Interior Department had proposed selling off 120 acres of federal land from the former monument that lay adjacent to some of Noels land holdings, but later reversed the plan. We found no evidence that Noel influenced the DOIs proposed revisions to the [monuments] boundaries, that Zinke or other DOI staff involved in the project were aware of Noels financial interest in the revised boundaries, or that they gave Noel any preferential treatment in the resulting proposed boundaries, Kendall wrote. Neither the Interior Department nor the inspector generals office would release the actual investigative report. In the letter, Kendall writes that her office will provide the report to Congress no sooner than 31 days from Nov. 21, when it is provided it to Zinkes office. The Associated Press first reported the inspector generals conclusions Monday night, but did not provide details from the report itself. Noel emailed Zinke about the effort to alter Grand Staircase-Escalante, according to emails released by Interior under the Freedom of Informational Act. But those emails do not make references to Noels land holdings. Noel also pushed to rename a Utah highway in honor of Trump, but abandoned that effort in March after some of his fellow Republicans objected to the idea. Noel did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. The inspector generals office still has at least two ongoing probes of the secretary, including one focused on his real estate dealings in Whitefish, Mont., and another regarding his decision to deny a permit to two Connecticut tribes who were hoping to jointly run a casino after MGM Resorts International lobbied against it. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift welcomed the watchdogs conclusions. The report shows exactly what the secretarys office has known all along that the monument boundaries were adjusted in accordance with all rules, regulations and laws, she said in an email. This report is also the latest example of opponents and special interest groups ginning up fake and misleading stories, only to be proven false after expensive and time consuming inquiries by the IGs office. But Kendalls spokeswoman, Nancy DiPaolo, defended the inquiry, even though she said the report has not been publicly released and we will not be speaking specifically about the matter at this time. The OIG opens investigations based on credible allegations and reports our findings objectively and independently, DiPaolo added. Any time or resources spent investigating conduct or activity that may be a violation of law, regulation or policy is a service to the public, Congress and the Department. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement that he still intended to investigate the way Zinke and his colleague redrew the boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante and another Utah national monument, Bears Ears, next year. I have great respect for the inspector general, and I accept these findings, but Secretary Zinke should have known the people he listened to while destroying our national monuments had disqualifying conflicts of interest, he said. Should I chair the Natural Resources Committee in the next Congress, the process he and President Trump used to destroy Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante will be front and center in our oversight and investigations efforts. We need to know why they ignored overwhelming public expressions of support for both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, why they ignored Native American tribes throughout their decision-making, and why they removed protections on parcels of land with known mineral deposits. Eilperin and Rein report for the Washington Post. Facebook
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Trump advisor Larry Kudlow says China must do more to end trade war By Jim Puzzanghera Larry Kudlow, President Trumps top economic advisor, said Tuesday that Chinas response to U.S. efforts to rework the two economic superpowers trade relationship has been extremely disappointing but the planned meeting this weekend between the nations leaders is an opportunity for a breakthrough. They have to do more. They must do more, Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, told reporters ahead of a Saturday dinner between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 Summit in Argentina. I think the president is exactly right to show strong backbone when prior administrations did not, to break through these Chinese walls, Kudlow said. Theyre so resistant to change. We have to protect the country. We have to protect our technology, our inventiveness, our innovation. Read More Facebook
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Watch live: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders holds a media briefing amid tensions at the border By Los Angeles Times Staff Facebook
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Democrat TJ Cox grabs lead over Republican David Valadao in nations last remaining undecided House race By Maya Sweedler Democrat TJ Cox slipped past Republican incumbent David Valadao on Monday to take the lead in the countrys sole remaining undecided congressional race, positioning Democrats to pick up their seventh House seat in California and 40th nationwide. Cox, who trailed by nearly 4,400 votes on election night, has steadily gained as ballot counting continues nearly three weeks after the Nov. 6 election, a pattern consistent with the states recent voting history. On Monday, he pulled ahead by 438 votes after Kern County updated its results. Read More Facebook
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Former CIA director Michael Hayden hospitalized after suffering a stroke By Deanna Paul Then-CIA Director Michael Hayden testifies before a Senate committee in 2008. (Saul Loeb / Getty Images) Former CIA Director and retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, his family said Friday. He is receiving expert medical care for which the family is grateful, according to a statement issued by his namesake organization. The General and his family greatly appreciate the warm wishes and prayers of his friends, colleagues, and supporters. Hayden, 73, served as director of the CIA and National Security Agency during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations. He retired from the CIA in 2009. Hayden has been a vocal critic of Donald Trumps campaign and presidency. Earlier this year, after Trump decided to revoke the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, Hayden was one of several former intelligence leaders who signed a statement in opposition. Criticizing the president for crossing a line, he quickly became one of the individuals whose security clearance Trump threatened to review. Deanna Paul writes for the Washington Post. Facebook
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Trump tells troops hes thankful for what hes done for the U.S. and rails against courts and migrants By Associated Press President Trump talks with troops via teleconference from his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thanksgiving. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump used his Thanksgiving Day call to troops deployed overseas to pat himself on the back and air grievances about the courts, trade and migrants heading to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trumps call, made from his opulent private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., struck an unusually political tone as he spoke with members of all five branches of the military to wish them happy holidays. Its a disgrace, Trump said of judges who have blocked his attempts to overhaul U.S. immigration law, as he linked his efforts to secure the border with military missions overseas. Trump later threatened to close the U.S. border with Mexico for an undisclosed period of time if his administration determines Mexico has lost control on its side. The call was a uniquely Trump blend of boasting, peppered questions and off-the-cuff observations as his comments veered from venting about slights to praising troops You really are our heroes, he said as club waiters worked to set Thanksgiving dinner tables on the outdoor terrace behind him. It was yet another show of how Trump has dramatically transformed the presidency, erasing the traditional divisions between domestic policy and military matters and efforts to keep the troops clear of politics. You probably see over the news whats happening on our southern border, Trump told one Air Force brigadier general stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, adding: I dont have to even ask you. I know what you want to do, you want to make sure that you know who were letting in. Later, Trump asked a U.S. Coast Guard commander about trade, which he noted was a very big subject for him personally. Weve been taken advantage of for many, many years by bad trade deals, Trump told the commander, who sheepishly replied, Mr. President, from our perspective on the water we dont see any issues in terms of trade right now. And throughout, Trump congratulated himself, telling the officers that the country is doing exceptionally well on his watch. I hope that youll take solace in knowing that all of the American families you hold so close to your heart are all doing well, he said. The nations doing well economically, better than anybody in the world. He later told reporters, Nobodys done more for the military than me. Indeed, asked what he was thankful for this Thanksgiving, Trump cited his great family as well as himself. I made a tremendous difference in this country, he said. Facebook
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Trump contradicts CIA assessment that Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi killing By Josh Dawsey | Washington Post (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump on Thursday contradicted the CIAs assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, insisting that the agency had feelings but did not firmly place blame for the death. Trump, in defiant remarks to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, defended his continued support for Mohammed in the face of a CIA assessment that the crown prince had ordered the killing. He denies it vehemently, Trump said. He said his own conclusion was that maybe he did, maybe he didnt. I hate the crime .... I hate the cover-up. I will tell you this: The crown prince hates it more than I do, Trump said. Asked who should be held accountable for the death of Khashoggi, who was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey, Trump refused to place blame. Maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a very, very vicious place, the president said. He also seemed to suggest that all U.S. allies were guilty of the same behavior, declaring that if the others were held to the standard that critics have held Saudi Arabia to in recent days, we wouldnt be able to have anyone for an ally. Trumps remarks came after he held a conference call with U.S. military officers overseas, during which he repeatedly praised his administration and sought to draw the officers into discussions of domestic policy. Facebook
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Former FBI Director James Comey gets subpoena from House Republicans By Bloomberg Former FBI Director James B. Comey said he has received a subpoena from House Republicans, according to a Twitter post on Thursday. Bloomberg News reported last week that Comey would be receiving a subpoena alongside former Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch as part of continuing probes into their handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton and Russian election meddling, according to a top House Democrat. Happy Thanksgiving. Got a subpoena from House Republicans. Im still happy to sit in the light and answer all questions. But I will resist a closed door thing because Ive seen enough of their selective leaking and distortion. Lets have a hearing and invite everyone to see. James Comey (@Comey) November 22, 2018 Read More Facebook
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Republican David Valadaos lead slips to 447 votes over Democrat TJ Cox in still-undecided Central Valley House race By Mark Z. Barabak Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), right, finds himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox. (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) On election night, it looked like Rep. David Valadao had survived a close shave and was destined to return to Washington for his fourth term. But on Wednesday, when Fresno County announced its latest vote totals, the Hanford Republican found himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox, with his lead in the Central Valley district shrunken to 447 votes. Thousands remain to be counted. Valadao, a repeated Democratic target, finished election night with a lead of nearly 4,440 votes. Cox, an engineer and a business owner who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2006, has steadily gained ground in the 21st Congressional District ever since. The trend is consistent with historic patterns showing Republicans in California tend to vote early and Democrats later, meaning their mail ballots continue to stream in past election day. Under California law, ballots postmarked up to midnight on Nov. 6 will be counted. Democrats have already picked up six House seats in California. They ousted Reps. Dana Rohrabacher, Mimi Walters, Steve Knight and Jeff Denham and won the seats of retiring Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa. All six represented districts that backed Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016. Valadao was the seventh California Republican in a district Clinton won, though his previous successes he last won reelection by a 14-point margin suggested his ouster was a longer shot for Democrats. If Cox prevails, it would give Democrats a 40-seat gain nationwide, far more than the 23 seats needed to take control when Congress reconvenes in January. Facebook
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Trump says no new punishments against Saudi Arabia in Jamal Khashoggi murder By Eli Stokols In this Oct. 25 photo, candles are lit in front of a photo of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (Lefteris Pitarakis) President Trump made it clear on Tuesday that he does not intend to punish Saudi Arabia or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an American resident killed by Saudi officials in Turkey in October. In a remarkable statement replete with exclamation points, Trump cast doubt on the CIAs reported conclusions that it has a high degree of confidence that the crown prince ordered Khashoggis murder and sent his closest allies to Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul to carry it out. Read MoreThis article has been updated with staff. Facebook
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Sixteen House Democrats vow to oppose Nancy Pelosi as next speaker By Mike DeBonis | Washington Post House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Sixteen House Democrats said Monday that they will vote to deny Rep. Nancy Pelosi another stint as House speaker, a show of defiance that puts her opponents on the cusp of forcing a seismic leadership shake-up as their party prepares to take the majority. Their pledge to oppose Pelosi (D-San Francisco), both in an internal caucus election and a Jan. 3 floor vote, delivered in a letter sent to Democratic colleagues, comes as Pelosi has marshaled a legion of supporters on and off Capitol Hill to make her case. But her opponents said Monday they are convinced it is time to select a new leader. We are thankful to Leader Pelosi for her years of service to our Country and to our Caucus, they wrote. However, we also recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran on and won on a message of change. Pelosi has expressed complete confidence that she will retake the speakers gavel in January eight years after she lost it following massive Republican gains in the 2010 midterms and 16 years after she was first elevated to the top Democratic leadership post in the House. Come on in, the waters fine, she said Friday about a potential leadership challenge. The signers might not be able to force Pelosi out themselves. The size of the Democratic majority remains in flux, but Democrats have already won 232 seats, according to the Associated Press, with five races still undecided. All those races have Republican incumbents, but the Democratic challenger is ahead in only one of them. If the leads hold in the uncalled races, Democrats would have won 233 seats, a 16-seat majority. That means Pelosi could lose as many as 15 Democratic votes when she stands for election as speaker on Jan. 3. Read More Facebook
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Democratic senators sue over Whitakers appointment as acting attorney general By Associated Press Acting U.S. Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) Three Senate Democrats filed a lawsuit Monday arguing that Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and asking a federal judge to remove him. The suit, filed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, argues that Whitakers appointment violates the Constitution because he has not been confirmed by the Senate. Whitaker was chief of staff to Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and was elevated to the top job after Sessions was ousted by President Trump on Nov. 7. The Constitutions Appointments Clause requires that the Senate confirm all principal officials before they can serve in their office. The Justice Department released a legal opinion last week that said Whitakers appointment would not violate the clause because he is serving in an acting capacity. The opinion concluded that Whitaker, even without Senate confirmation, may serve in an acting capacity because he has been at the department for more than a year at a sufficiently senior pay level. President Trump is denying senators our constitutional obligation and opportunity to do our job: scrutinizing the nomination of our nations top law enforcement official, Blumenthal said in a statement. The reason is simple: Whitaker would never pass the advice and consent test. In selecting a so-called constitutional nobody and thwarting every senators constitutional duty, Trump leaves us no choice but to seek recourse through the courts. The lawsuit comes days after a Washington lawyer challenged Whitakers appointment in a pending Supreme Court case dealing with gun rights. The attorney, Thomas Goldstein, asked the high court to find that Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and replace him with Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein, the second-ranking Justice Department official, has been confirmed by the Senate and had been overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker is now overseeing the investigation. The Justice Department issued a statement Monday defending Whitakers appointment as lawful and said it comports with the Appointments Clause, the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and legal precedent. There are over 160 instances in American history in which non-Senate confirmed persons performed, on a temporary basis, the duties of a Senate-confirmed position, Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said. To suggest otherwise is to ignore centuries of practice and precedent. Facebook
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Gov. Rick Scott says Sen. Bill Nelson concedes Florida Senate race By Associated Press Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott speaks with his wife, Ann, by his side at an election watch party in Naples, Fla., on Nov. 7. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas Republican Gov. Rick Scott says incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson called him to concede defeat in their extremely tight race. Scott issued a statement Sunday saying Nelson graciously conceded their Senate race shortly after the states recount ended. The final results show Scott defeated Nelson by just over 10,000 votes out of 8 million cast. Nelson is scheduled to release a videotaped statement later Sunday. The defeat ends Nelsons lengthy political career. The three-term incumbent was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000. Before that he served six terms in the U.S. House and as state treasurer and insurance commissioner for six years. Scott spent more than $60 million of his own money on ads that portrayed Nelson as out-of-touch and ineffective. Nelson responded by questioning Scotts ethics and saying he would be under the sway of President Trump. Facebook
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Orange County goes blue, as Democrats complete historic sweep of its seven congressional seats By Michael Finnegan Gil Cisneros defeated Republican Young Kim on Saturday in the last of Orange Countys undecided House races, giving Democrats a clean sweep of the states six most fiercely fought congressional contests and marking an epochal shift in a region long synonymous with political conservatism. With Cisneros victory, Democrats will constitute the entirety of Orange Countys seven-member congressional delegation, the first time since the 1930s that the birthplace of Richard Nixon, home of John Wayne and spiritual center of the Republican Party will have no GOP representative in the House. Sitting back in the 1960s, I would never have believed this would happen, said Stuart K. Spencer, a party strategist who spent more than half a century ushering Republicans, including President Reagan, into office. Read More Facebook
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Going, going ... with midterm wipeout, California Republican Party drifts closer to irrelevance By Michael Finnegan For a party in freefall the last two decades, California Republicans learned that its possible to plunge even further. The GOP not only lost every statewide office in the midterm election again, in blowout fashion but Democrats reestablished their supermajority in Sacramento, allowing them to legislate however they see fit After major defeats in Orange County and the Central Valley, two longtime strongholds, Republicans will have a significantly smaller footprint on Capitol Hill. (Democrats hold both Senate seats.) When the vote-counting is finished, the GOP may not even have enough lawmakers in Californias 53-member House delegation to field a nine-person softball team. Read More Facebook
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Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter says she will support Rep. Nancy Pelosi for speaker By Maya Sweedler Democratic Rep.-elect Katie Porter is congratulated by volunteers at her campaign headquarters in Irvine. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter said she plans to support Rep. Nancy Pelosis bid for speaker of the House and will make campaign finance reform her top priority when she enters the chamber in January. Im going to continue to have conversations, but so far I feel like Leader Pelosi is definitely making the things that were a priority to the families that elected me her priorities, including announcing her support for campaign finance reform and anti-corruption as HR1, Porter said in her first public appearance since being declared the winner in Californias 45th Congressional District on Thursday evening. It means a lot to me that she is a Californian. She understands our state, Porter added. When we talk about environmental protections, this is a person who understands as a Californian how fragile our environment is and whats at risk in things like drilling off our coasts. Porter, a law professor at UC Irvine, defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mimi Walters. The 45th District, covering inland Orange County, has never been represented by a Democrat. Porter became the third Democrat to claim a Republican-held seat in Orange County, following the victories of Harley Rouda in the 48th District and Mike Levin in the 49th. A fourth, Gil Cisneros, is running slightly ahead of his Republican opponent in the race for the open seat in the 39th District, which extends into Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Porter attributed the massive political shift in the county, for decades a conservative stronghold, to increased levels of political engagement. Folks here care about education, they care about the environment, they believe climate change is real, they want healthcare that protects preexisting conditions, they want a tax system that doesnt punish California, they want our schools and places of worship to be safe from gun violence, she said. Those are the issues we campaigned on, and to the extent that Donald Trump and Mimi Walters were on the wrong side of those issues, the voters have made clear what direction they want us to go. Porter was flying back from the East Coast when her race was called, she said. She turned on her phone to find 167 text messages from friends and supporters. Among them was Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who was one of Porters teachers in law school and with whom she has remained close. The pair spoke via FaceTime this morning, she said. Facebook
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Bitter battle for Senate seat in Florida goes to hand recount By Associated Press Employees look through damaged ballots during a recount Thursday in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate headed Thursday to a legally required hand recount after an initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson separated by less than 13,000 votes. But the highly watched contest for governor between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appeared to be over, with a machine recount showing DeSantis with a large enough advantage over Gillum to avoid a hand recount in that race. Gillum, who conceded the contest on election night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted. The recount so far has been fraught with problems. One large Democratic stronghold in South Florida was unable to finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline due to machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. We gave a heroic effort, said Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours, it would have made the deadline to recount ballots in the Senate race, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Media in South Florida reported that Broward County finished its machine recount but missed the deadline by a few minutes. Counties were ordered last weekend to do a machine recount of three statewide races because the margins were so tight. The next stage is a manual review of ballots that were not counted by machines to see whether there is a way to figure out voter intent. Scott called on Nelson to end the recount battle. Its time for Nelson to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes which will yield the same result and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served, the governor said in a statement. The recount has triggered multiple lawsuits, many of them filed by Nelson and Democrats. The legal battles drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker, who slammed the state for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this, Walker said during a morning hearing. Walker vented his anger at state lawmakers and Palm Beach County officials, saying they should have made sure they had enough equipment in place to handle this kind of a recount. But he said he could not extend the recount deadline because he did not know when Palm Beach County would finish its work. This court must be able to craft a remedy with knowledge that it will not prove futile, Walker wrote in his ruling turning down the request from Democrats. It cannot do so on this record. This court does not and will not fashion a remedy in the dark. The overarching problem was created by the Florida Legislature, which Walker said passed a recount law that appears to run afoul of the 2000 Bush vs. Gore decision by locking in procedures that do not allow for potential problems. A total of six election-related lawsuits are pending in federal court in Tallahassee as well at least one lawsuit filed in state court. Walker also ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they have not been counted due to mismatched signatures. Republicans appealed the ruling, but an appeals court turned down the request. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mailed-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. Walker was asked by Democrats to require local officials to provide a list of people whose ballots were rejected. But the judge appointed by President Obama refused the request, calling it inappropriate. Under state law, a hand review is required with races that have a margin of 0.25 percentage points or less. A state website put the unofficial results showing Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points. The margin between DeSantis and Gillum was at 0.41 points. The margin between Scott and Nelson had not changed much in the last few days, conceded Marc Elias, an attorney working for Nelsons campaign. But he said that he expected the vote tally to shrink due to the hand recount and the ruling on signatures. The developments fueled frustrations among Democrats and Republicans alike. Democrats want state officials to do whatever it takes to make sure every eligible vote is counted. Republicans, including President Trump, have argued without evidence that voter fraud threatens to steal races from the GOP. Facebook
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Democrat Gil Cisneros pulls ahead of Republican Young Kim as more votes are tallied in Orange and San Bernardino counties By Michael Finnegan Congressional candidate Gil Cisneros (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Democrat Gil Cisneros pulled ahead of Republican Young Kim in one of Californias undecided congressional races Thursday, an ominous sign for a GOP already reeling from its loss of four House seats in the state. In updated vote counts released by the registrars for Orange and San Bernardino counties, Kim fell 941 votes behind Cisneros in the contest to succeed Republican Rep. Ed Royce in Californias 39th Congressional District. The 39th straddles Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties. In another unresolved House race, Democrat Katie Porter pulled further ahead of Republican incumbent Mimi Walters in the 45th District, which includes Mission Viejo, Tustin, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills. Porter, a consumer attorney and UC Irvine law professor, is now 6,203 votes ahead. The Nov. 6 midterm election has been devastating to Republicans in California. If Cisneros and Porter win, the party will have lost six of its 14 House seats in the state, essentially a wipeout in every contest that both parties spent heavily to win. The three Republicans already bounced from Congress are Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Turlock in the San Joaquin Valley. Democrat Mike Levin won the seat of retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista in the fourth district flipped so far. Facebook
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Florida Senate race likely headed to second recount By Associated Press A Palm Beach County Sheriffs deputy walks past boxes of ballots before a recount on Nov. 15 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee) Unofficial Florida election results show that the governors race seems to be settled after a machine recount but the U.S. Senate race is likely headed to a hand recount. Republican Ron DeSantis is virtually assured of winning the nationally watched governors race over Democrat Andrew Gillum. Florida finished a machine recount Thursday that showed Gillum without enough votes to force a manual recount. Unofficial results posted on a state website show the margin between U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Gov. Rick Scott is still thin enough to trigger a second review. State law requires a hand recount of races with a margin of 0.25 percentage point or less. Counties have until Sunday to inspect the ballots that did not record a vote when put through the machines. Those ballots are re-examined to see whether the voter skipped the race or marked the ballot in a way that the machines cannot read but can be deciphered. The election will be certified Tuesday. Read More Facebook
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Pelosi says she has the votes to become the next House speaker By John Wagner Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference in Washington on Nov. 14. (Susan Walsh) House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi insisted Thursday that she has the votes to become the chambers speaker despite solid opposition from more than a dozen Democrats who want fresh leadership when the party takes control next year. I have overwhelming support in my caucus to be speaker of the House, the San Francisco lawmaker told reporters. I happen to think at this point, Im the best person for that. A vote within the Democratic caucus is scheduled for Nov. 28. The full House votes on Jan. 3 to elect a new speaker. During her remarks, Pelosi touted the size of the Democratic victory in the midterms, which she called almost a tsunami. With a few races still to be decided, Democrats are poised to pick up close to 40 seats in the chamber. Pelosi called that the biggest victory for the Democrats since 1974, when the Watergate babies came in. Pelosis comments come as she faces solid opposition from at least 17 Democrats, setting the stage for a battle over who will ascend to one of the most powerful positions in Washington. After a campaign in which some Democrats prevailed in competitive districts by promising to oppose her, a coalition of incumbents and newly elected members has denied her a smooth path to the speakership. The defections, if they stand, would leave Pelosi, who has led the Democrats for more than 15 years, several votes short of the 218 she would need when the full House votes for speaker Jan. 3. However, no Democrat has stepped forward to run against her for a job she held from 2007 through 2010. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) told reporters Wednesday that shes being encouraged to stand for speaker if Pelosi doesnt have the votes. In an interview with the Washington Post on Thursday, she said she has been overwhelmed by the support from many of her colleagues for her possible entry into the race for House speaker. Over the last 12 hours, Ive been overwhelmed by the amount of support Ive received, Fudge said, adding that there are probably closer to 30" Democrats who have privately signaled that they are willing to oppose Pelosi. Things could change rapidly, Fudge said. Fudge, 66, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she is building a diverse coalition as she mulls a speaker run, talking with allies in the caucus, moderate Democrats and newly elected members. To this point, Pelosi has enjoyed the strong backing of the Congressional Black Caucus. On Thursday, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), one of its members, wrote a letter to colleagues praising her insight, fortitude and strategic thinking and urging support for her speakership bid. Former Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., an African American who is contemplating a 2020 presidential bid, also voiced support for Pelosi, praising her in a tweet as an architect of the recent midterm success. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a leader of the resistance to Pelosi, said during an interview on CNN on Thursday that Fudge is the kind of new leader that we need in this party. Shes in touch with middle America. She understands what the American people want. Shes a next-generation leader that people will look to and say, Thats the future of our party, thats the future of our country, and thats exactly the kind of leader that I want to see as our next speaker. Wagner reports for the Washington Post. The Posts Robert Costa, Erica Werner, Mike DeBonis, Paul Kane and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report. Facebook
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GOP Rep. Jeff Denham concedes to Democrat Josh Harder in Central Valley race By Maya Sweedler Rep. Jeff Denham (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Republican Rep. Jeff Denham has conceded to Democrat Josh Harder in the race to represent Californias 10th Congressional District in the San Joaquin Valley. It has been an absolute honor to serve our community and represent the Central Valley in Congress over the past eight years, the 51-year-old congressman said. The enormity of the responsibility was never lost on me. My wife Sonia and I look forward to starting the next chapter of our lives. Harder said he had spoken with Denham and the two were committed to a productive transition. Denham, an Air Force veteran, previously represented the region in the state Senate for eight years and founded a company specializing in plastic packaging used in agriculture. While a member of Congress, he sat on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture committees. First-time candidate Harder was born and raised in the district. After graduating from Stanford University, he served as vice president of a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Since moving back, he has been teaching at Modesto Junior College. Denhams House seat is one of four in California that Republicans lost in the Nov. 6 election, with two contests in Orange County still undecided as of Thursday morning. Jeff Denham called me this morning and we had a very productive conversation. I'm honored that I've been chosen to serve our community in Congress, and we're both looking forward to a productive transition that best serves the people of District 10. Josh Harder (@JoshHarder) November 14, 2018 Facebook
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Democrat Katie Porter now nearly 3,800 votes ahead of GOP Rep. Mimi Walters By Maya Sweedler Rep. Mimi Walters thanks all of her supporters as she watches election results in Irvine on Nov. 7, 2018. (Alex Gallardo / Associated Press) Democrat Katie Porter opened a 3,797-vote lead Wednesday over Republican Rep. Mimi Walters in Orange Countys 45th Congressional District. In the neighboring 39th, Democrat Gil Cisneros has nearly tied the race against Republican Young Kim. Cisneros now trails Kim by a razor-thin margin of 122 votes. The 39th District straddles Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties; Wednesdays updated ballot counts came from the latter two. There are more than 202,000 ballots left to count in Orange County, which includes parts of seven congressional districts. The 45th is entirely in inland Orange County. In California, the ballots counted first tend to lean Republican and those tallied later skew Democratic. In the Central Valleys 21st Congressional District, Democratic challenger TJ Cox has pulled within 2 percentage points of Rep. David Valadao, who is serving his third term. The Associated Press had projected a win for Valadao on election night, but his 4,839-vote advantage has shrunk to 2,090. Back in CA-21, Valadao (R) wins a batch of ballots from his stronghold in Kings Co., but by a considerably smaller margin (14 points) than his previous ~30-point margin in the county. We're moving to Lean R from Likely R; today a bit scary for Valadao.https://t.co/WqJVUVkqGW Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) November 15, 2018 A spokesman for Valadao told the Fresno Bee that the changes were expected and that [s]tatistically, David Valadao has won this race. Democrats in California have already flipped four House seats, defeating three Republican incumbents and claiming an open seat previously held by the GOP. Reps. Steve Knight of Palmdale, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Jeff Denham of Turlock have already lost their races, and retiring Rep. Darrell Issas San Diego County seat was claimed by Democrat Mike Levin. Facebook
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Trump aide departs West Wing after rebuke from Melania Trump By Associated Press First Lady Melania Trump. (Alain Jocard / AFP-Getty Images) Deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel is leaving the White House, one day after First Lady Melania Trumps office issued an extraordinary statement calling for her dismissal. No replacement was named. Aides said Ricardel clashed with the first ladys staff over her visit to Africa last month. Yet it is highly unusual for a first lady or her office to weigh in on personnel matters, especially the presidents national security staff. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Ricardel would have a new role in the administration. On Tuesday, Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys spokeswoman, released a statement saying, It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House. President Trumps White House has set records for administration turnover. Ricardel was the third person to hold the post under Trump. An ally of national security advisor John Bolton, Ricardel began her service in the Trump administration as associate director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, then moved to the Commerce Department last year. Bolton brought her into the West Wing shortly after taking the job in April. He is traveling in Asia this week alongside Vice President Mike Pence. Facebook
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Race for House Minority Leader is Kevin McCarthys to lose By Associated Press (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is running to take over next years shrunken caucus in closed-door elections that will set the tone for the new Congress. The race for minority leader is McCarthys to lose Wednesday. But the California Republican, who is an ally of President Trump, must fend off a challenge from conservative Jim Jordan of Ohio. Jordan is a leader of the House Freedom Caucus. The two encountered questions and finger-pointing during a private meeting with lawmakers Tuesday night as the GOP sorted through the midterm defeat that put Democrats in the majority next year. Elections Wednesday will also determine party leadership in the Senate. Voting for the biggest race, Nancy Pelosis bid to return as the Democrats nominee for speaker, is later this month. Read More Facebook
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Melania Trump calls for the firing of deputy national security advisor By Justin Sink First Lady Melania Trump arrives at the Chateau de Versailles outside Paris on Nov. 11. (Alain Jocard / AFP/Getty Images ) First Lady Melania Trumps office said she wants Mira Ricardel, the deputy national security advisor, ousted from the White House. It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House, Trumps spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement in response to a question about reports the first lady had sought Ricardels removal. Ricardel is the top deputy to national security advisor John Bolton. She drew the first ladys wrath after threatening to withhold National Security Council resources during Melania Trumps trip to Africa last month unless Ricardel was included in her entourage, one person familiar with the matter said. Grishams statement comes as several media outlets have reported that President Trump is considering a broader shakeup of his administration, including ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Sink and Jacobs report for Bloomberg. Read More Facebook
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CNN sues Trump over the suspension of Jim Acostas White House press credentials By Jim Puzzanghera CNN said Tuesday that it is suing President Trump and other administration officials over the decision to suspend the White House press credentials of correspondent Jim Acosta after a conflict at a news conference last week. The suit, to be filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, escalates an ongoing battle between Trump and the cable news outlet that he frequently accuses of disseminating fake news for its aggressive coverage of him and his administration. The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acostas 1st Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their 5th Amendment rights to due process, CNN said in a written statement. If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials. Read More Facebook
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Maxine Waters to take aim at Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank as new head of House Financial Services Committee By Jim Puzzanghera Rep. Maxine Waters plans to zero in on two big banks Wells Fargo & Co. and Deutsche Bank when she becomes head of the powerful House Financial Services Committee. The Los Angeles congresswoman, now the committees top Democrat, is widely expected to gain the gavel after her party won control of the House in last weeks elections. While Waters has outlined a wide-ranging agenda, she said her focus on bank oversight will target two large institutions she has been tangling with for a while including one, Deutsche Bank, that spills into her bitter feud with President Trump. With Trump in the White House, I know that our fight for Americas consumers and investors will continue to be challenging. But I am more than up to that fight, Waters wrote in a letter last week to her Democratic colleagues on the committee that was obtained by The Times. Read More Facebook
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Heres how a controversial voting system will decide a congressional race in Maine By Kurtis Lee For the first time in U.S. history, a controversial voting system known as ranked choice is being used to decide a federal election. Its happening in Maine, which adopted the system in 2016. Rather than marking a single candidate, each voter ranks them all, assigning a first-place vote, a second-place vote and so on down the ballot. Read More Facebook
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ACLU files suit to stop Trumps new asylum limits By Associated Press A group of Central American migrants march to the office of the U.N.'s humans rights body in Mexico City on Nov. 8. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press) The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a legal challenge to President Trumps order denying asylum to migrants if they cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in San Francisco and argues the new rules are against the law. Attorney Lee Gelernt said the regulations will put families in danger. The suit seeks to declare the regulations invalid and wants a judge to stop the rules from going into effect while the litigation is pending. The new rules were spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but officials say they will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally. Officials say about 70,000 people who enter the country illegally claim asylum. The order invoked the same national security powers Trump used to push through his travel ban. Read More Facebook
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Trump on new acting AG: I dont know Matt Whitaker By Associated Press President Trump talks with reporters before departing for France on the South Lawn of the White House on Nov. 9. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump is moving to distance himself from Matthew Whitaker as he faces criticism over his choice for acting attorney general. Trump told reporters Friday that I dont know Matt Whitaker and said he didnt speak with Whitaker about special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker has made public comments critical of Muellers investigation, and critics have called on Whitaker to recuse himself from oversight of the inquiry. Under former Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, the investigation was overseen by Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Of the scrutiny Whitaker is facing, Trump said: Its a shame that no matter who I put in they go after. He also called Whitaker a very highly respected man. Whitaker was Sessions chief of staff before Trump made him Sessions interim replacement. Facebook
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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg out of hospital after fall By Associated Press The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is home after being released from the hospital. She had been admitted for treatment and observation after fracturing three ribs in a fall. The court said Ginsburg was released Friday. Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg says she is doing well and working from home. The court had previously said the justice fell in her office at the court on Wednesday evening and went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook
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Gun-control activist Lucy McBath defeats GOP Rep. Karen Handel in Georgia By Associated Press Lucy McBath speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on Nov. 2 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Democratic gun-control activist Lucy McBath has defeated Republican Rep. Karen Handel of Georgia in a suburban congressional district long considered safe for the GOP. Handel had to seek reelection after winning her seat last year in a close special election race against Democrat Jon Ossoff. McBath became an advocate for stricter gun laws after her son, Jordan Davis, was fatally shot at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a man angry over loud music the teenager and his friends were playing in a car. McBaths margin of victory was narrow enough for Handel to have requested a recount. The Associated Press declared McBath the winner Thursday after Handel conceded. Handel conceded in a statement Thursday morning, stating that after reviewing all of the election data, its clear she came up a bit short in Tuesdays vote. Handel congratulated McBath, offering good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her. McBath, who is African American, declared victory Wednesday. Facebook
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Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized after fracturing 3 ribs in fall By Associated Press Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in the hospital. The court says the justice went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. The court says the fall occurred Wednesday evening. Ginsburg was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation after tests showed she fractured three ribs. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She has had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook
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White House suspends press pass of CNNs Jim Acosta after heated exchange with Trump By Associated Press The White House on Wednesday suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference. They began sparring after Acosta asked Trump about the caravan of migrants heading from Latin America to the southern U.S. border. When Acosta tried to follow up with another question, Trump said, Thats enough! and a female White House aide unsuccessfully tried to grab the microphone from Acosta. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement accusing Acosta of placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern, calling it absolutely unacceptable. The interaction between Acosta and the intern was brief, and Acosta appeared to brush her arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold onto it. Pardon me, maam, he told her. Acosta tweeted that Sanders statement that he put his hands on the aide was a lie. CNN said in a statement that the White House revoked Acostas press pass in retaliation for his challenging questions Wednesday, and the network accused Sanders of lying about Acostas actions. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporters colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history. Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Contrary to CNNs assertions there is no greater demonstration of the Presidents support for a free press than the event he held today. Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters... Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 As a result of todays incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice. Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Sanders provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better, CNN said. Jim Acosta has our full support. Journalists assigned to cover the White House apply for passes that allow them daily access to press areas in the West Wing. White House staffers decide whether journalists are eligible, though the Secret Service determines whether their applications are approved. Facebook
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Trump spars with reporters at post-election news briefing, ordering several to sit down By Associated Press President Trump assails CNNs Jim Acosta at a White House news conference. President Trump sparred with reporters at his post-election news conference, ordering several to sit down and telling another hes a rude, terrible person. He told another reporter hes not a fan of yours, either. The presidents mood turned sour Wednesday after reporters pressed him on why he referred to a migrant caravan making its way to the U.S. on foot through Mexico as an invasion. Trump ramped up his anti-immigrant rhetoric against the caravan in the final days of the midterm elections. Trump was also pressed on why his campaign aired an ad featuring a Mexican immigrant convicted of killing American police officers and linking the mans actions to the caravan. Several television networks pulled the ad after airing it or declined to air it at all. Facebook
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Im living one hour at a time at this point By Christine Mai-Duc Republican congressional candidate Young Kim and gubernatorial candidate John Cox campaign in Rowland Heights. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Republican congressional candidate Young Kim greeted gubernatorial candidate John Coxs giant campaign bus, the words HELP IS ON THE WAY emblazoned across it, as it rolled into the parking lot outside her Rowland Heights field office. Standing beside Cox on Saturday, Kim predicted that a string of GOP victories Tuesday would start with voters repealing the gas tax hike. Can you imagine Gavin Newsom being our governor? Can you imagine Gil Cisneros being your representative? Kim asked the crowd, to loud boos and cries of Nooo! The former state assemblywoman who worked for retiring Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) is vying for his seat with Democrat Gil Cisneros. She led the crowd in chants of Enough is enough! and, though short-lived, Drain the swamp! Ive served you in Sacramento and Ive seen dysfunction personally, Kim continued. We cannot continue that route. She urged her supporters to stay and help make phone calls or walk neighborhoods. Lets get out there the 72 hours is really critical. Its all going to come down to a few votes, it could be your vote, she said pointing to her left, then pivoting right, it could be your vote. So dont sit back and do nothing. Every night I go to sleep thinking, OK, how many more votes can I get or how many more people can I call tomorrow? Kim said. It can be physically exhausting but Im mentally, emotionally very energized. She listed off her events so far that day and the next one she was heading to. Thats just what I can remember, she said. Im living one hour at a time at this point. Kims campaign invited press to two of her events on Saturday. After she was whisked away to her next event a high tea fundraiser in Walnut, a couple dozen volunteers remained. John Freeman, a statewide field manager for the state Republican Party, tried to pump them up. This is the Super Bowl. Were not in an NFL stadium, were not getting paid millions of dollars, but you know what? Freeman said. Were walking on the field right now. This is that high-stakes-level game. Facebook
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Its going to be tough out there Democratic candidate Katie Porter speaks to volunteers in Mission Viejo. Jon Bauman, Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na, is in the background. (Victoria Kim / Los Angeles Times ) Judging from the cheers in the crowd, about half those assembled at Katie Porters campaign headquarters in Mission Viejo Sunday morning were old enough to remember 70s rock n roll star Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na. Jon Bauman, as Bowzer is known off stage, said it was her position on senior issues including retirement and social security that has him out supporting Porter over her opponent, incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters. I want you to make sure every phone is called and every door is knocked, he told the crowd of about 80 volunteers. There has never been a more important election. Both Bauman and his nephew, California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman, were interrupted by yells from Trump supporters coming from an adjoining hillside. We love Trump, the voice cried out. We love him too, he makes great fodder, the younger Bauman retorted, before introducing Porter. Porter, a UC Irvine law professor and first-time candidate, acknowledged the uphill battle some of her canvassers might face in this more conservative end of the long-red Orange County district. I know its going to be tough out there, she said, motioning to the hillside. But she said the attacks meant the other side viewed her campaign as a significant threat. This election is going to be close, she said. If we dont fight all the way to the finish line, until 8 oclock on Tuesday, this could slip away. Bowzer then took to a keyboard piano to lead the crowd in a reworded rendition of the song Good Night Sweetheart: Good night, Mimi Walters, he crooned. A woman in a black tank top, jeans and flip flops holding a cup of coffee later joined the crowd with her two sons, 17 and 14, the younger one wearing a Trump 2016 T-shirt. She declined to give her name, saying she was concerned about being attacked, but said she lived up the hill and said she had been the one yelling. She said she was encouraging her sons to talk to people on both sides and make up their own minds. We need to have a government that runs the way government teachers are telling kids its supposed to be run, said the woman, a retired registered dental assistant who voted early for Mimi Walters. Referring to Democrats, she said: Theyve had control over all these years and Californias gone to crap. Among those canvassing was Stacie Campbell, 37, who was at the launch with her husband Jerome and three children, the youngest of whom was 2 months old. Campbell, a Mission Viejo resident who runs a business, had never canvassed or volunteered for campaigns before, and her husband is a French citizen and unable to vote. She said they had been talking to their children the older ones are 5 and 2 about the presidency and the government since Trumps election. Together, they worked on homemade Katie Porter lawn signs and put them up around town. This is the first time its felt like a big deal and there isnt a president up for election, she said. Because her city is a mix of conservatives and liberals her next-door neighbor is an NRA-supporting Republican she the race felt m
Janina Kalk thought she had everything planned out for her childs birth.
The Burbank resident was scheduled to arrive at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center on Thursday to deliver her baby via C-section, which was what her doctors preferred.
However, that plan went out the window when she went into labor on New Years Eve and gave birth to her newborn son, Maxon Erick Perez, by way of natural birth at 2:34 a.m. on New Years Day.
My fiance was saying for the last two months that [our child] was going to be a New Years baby, Kalk said on Tuesday. I told him, No, hes not. Hes going to be on time, and we have an appointment, but he was right, and it was pretty funny.
Maxon was the first baby born at St. Josephs in 2018 and was the first child for Kalk and her fiance, Maxwell Perez.
Kalk said her doctors recommended that she have a C-section because they had concerns that her baby would be born a little underweight.
That was not the case for Maxon, who weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20 inches long. Additionally, the newborn has been passing all of his post-birth tests, Kalk said.
[My doctors] thought that he was going to be very tiny, but he ended up growing to a nice average size, she said.
Kalk said she and her fiance wanted to have their sons name be a spinoff of his fathers but still unique.
Though Maxon decided to arrive a few days earlier than planned, Kalk said the last few days have been an amazing experience for her and her fiance.
[Maxons] pretty precious, she said. Everythings been going great, and were excited to go home. Hes quite the blessing.
anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com
Twitter: @acocarpio
Richard Johnson was angry.
But he tried to turn his anger over what happened to his girlfriend into something that would help keep her memory alive.
In May 1997, less than three months after she died, Johnson opened AAA Electra 99 in a small space on 30th Street on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. The art gallerys name combined AAA a trick from his work for cab companies to secure one of the first spots in the phone book with Electra 99, a phrase his girlfriend used to copyright her photography.
Its motto was Any art accepted, and it kept its promise, displaying works from the conventional to the grotesque. There were no framed pieces in neat rows on sanitized white walls. Instead, artwork covered every surface. Cigarette smoke filled the gallery when bands played all-ages shows.
Johnson and his girlfriend, Adrienne Sunny Sudweeks, had often discussed opening a gallery that would welcome unconventional art and artists people whose work had been shunned at coffee shops and mainstream galleries. Johnson considered it a pipe dream, but after Adrienne died he felt compelled to make it work.
Of all the goals they had including marriage and children he could accomplish this one alone.
The gallery could be her legacy. People might remember her for that instead of as the victim of a brutal slaying that would go unsolved for two decades.
And maybe it could help him get over the cloud of suspicion he faced about whether he was involved.
Johnson moved the gallery across town after neighbors on the peninsula complained, and then moved it to a warehouse in Anaheim, where it remained until it closed in 2012.
Im quite proud of Electra because I think thats how Adrienne is remembered, he said. She has a semi-legacy in the form of things that came out of the gallery that still go on. Id like that to be her legacy, not the rest of this.
Nevertheless, Johnson muses about whether AAA Electra 99 would have been more successful had Adrienne lived.
A worn teddy bear that belonged to Adrienne Sunny Sudweeks sits beside a tattered copy of Alice in Wonderland in her mother Sandys house in Costa Mesas Westside. Photo by Hannah Fry
A worn tan teddy bear cloud-like stuffing spilling from its arms and legs sits beside a tattered hardback copy of Alice in Wonderland against a living room wall in Sandy Sudweeks three-bedroom house in Costa Mesas Westside.
The literary artifact is from Sandys childhood, representing an openness to new and sometimes strange experiences a trait instilled in her at age 5 when she saw Disneys screen interpretation of Lewis Carrolls classic with her father.
Its a trait her daughter, Adrienne, inherited.
The teddy bear was Adriennes, a childhood gift from her grandmother. The display prominently positioned for decades on the plush beige carpet beside the sliding glass door invites questions. Its a window into a mothers worst fear losing a child in a senseless crime.
At 73, Sandy recently retired from teaching communications at Golden West College in Huntington Beach. Her wit and warm smile draw people to her.
Though she has been divorced from Adriennes father, Alan Sudweeks, since before their daughters death, they remain close. Alan, a retired physician, lives in Arizona, but the two often travel together with their grandchildren.
Sandy, a student of Buddhism since her early 20s, has a worldly essence, and despite the pain she has endured, she says she doesnt dwell on it, preferring to see and experience as much of lifes beauty as she can.
Her 26-year-old daughter, after all, was robbed of that opportunity when she was raped and strangled to death in her Costa Mesa apartment nearly 21 years ago.
Adrienne "Sunny" Sudweeks, pictured around Christmas 1996, was found dead in her Costa Mesa apartment in February 1997. Courtesy of Sandy Sudweeks
Adrienne, a photographer, studied at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa and worked part time at a local framing and art shop. She wore retro outfits with a mix of couture items and pieces plucked from thrift shops. She loved red shoes.
Behind her horned-rimmed glasses were dazzling green eyes that had a flash of wildness and a keen artists flare. She had champagne blond hair and a beaming grin, belying her boldness and sardonic wit.
Friends remember her as kind and funny, always the life of the party.
She wasnt easily discouraged not from rocking out at punk shows in Arizona, where she lived before moving to Costa Mesa, nor from being silly. She spoke her mind.
She dreamed of transferring from OCC to art school to study photography.
She wrote poems to inspire herself: You just be beautiful. And be yourself. And be sure of it.
Johnson met her in 1996. He was in the middle of his night shift as a cab driver when an altercation led him to pepper-spray a group of businessmen in his cab. Frustrated, he stopped for a drink at the Stag Bar, a watering hole on the Balboa Peninsula.
Adrienne was there with friends.
The tavern, now called the Stag Bar + Kitchen, was one of Adriennes haunts. She impressed friends by opening beer bottles with her teeth. She refused to stand in the winding line for the womens restroom. She would use the mens instead.
She and Johnson found themselves standing next to each other at the mahogany bar. She was a little tipsy, Johnson recalled, and seemed to like him right away. Conversation flowed. They bonded over art and music.
He mentioned that he was interested in a different woman, but Adrienne brushed off the notion.
Im much better than she is, and I like you, so you shouldnt worry about that other girl, she said.
Her bluntness was invigorating.
Within a month, Johnson had moved out of his apartment in Huntington Beach and into the three-bedroom apartment on Mission Drive in Costa Mesa that Adrienne shared with another roommate.
Adrienne Sunny Sudweeks apartment was in the area where Mission and Mendoza drives converge in Costa Mesa. Daily Pilot
In the late 90s, the area where Mission and Mendoza drives converge was a sketchy pocket. Gangs congregated, drug dealers peddled in alleyways and visitors were reminded to take valuables inside and lock their cars.
In September 1996, Adriennes two cameras and flash, lens and camera bag were stolen from her apartment while she slept. The door had been left unlocked after a party.
Afterward, she and Johnson decided to move. A few months later, they found a three-bedroom condominium across town on Pacific Avenue and planned to move in the following March 1.
Three days before her death, Adrienne wrote a letter to a local newspaper, imploring officials not to ignore the Mission Drive area:
Im able to move, but why cant the police or community do anything to help those who cant? If these problems are ignored now, they will become worse, degrading the city of Costa Mesa.
Dont ignore this!!
On Saturday, Feb. 22, 1997, Adriennes black 1967 Volvo was in the garage, broken down, so her mother gave her a ride to Aaron Bros. Art & Framing on 17th Street, where Adrienne worked, and agreed to pick her up after her early-evening shift.
The two discussed an upcoming doctor visit to test Adrienne for attention deficit disorder, which runs in the family. They made plans to look at a more reliable car that her dad offered to help buy.
Friends had invited Adrienne to grab a few drinks at the Stag Bar after her shift, but she opted to stay home and continue packing for the move.
At about 8:30 p.m., a female friend stopped by to pick up some computer cables. The friend, whose name is redacted in police records, drove Adrienne to the Stater Bros. supermarket down the street for groceries and then dropped her off back home.
Johnson sat in his cab outside the Shark Club on Baker Street in Costa Mesa, waiting to be dispatched to a call. He had a few minutes of calm before the Saturday night rush. The dashboard clock read 10:20 p.m.
His cellphone rang. It was Adrienne. They chatted about work and her plans for the night.
She asked him to come home and help her pack.
I dont know, honey, we are going to need the money for the new house, he said.
A dispatcher interrupted, calling Johnsons cab number over the CB.
625, where are you?
The dispatcher directed him to the Huddle, a bar just down Baker.
Johnson told Adrienne about the call. As they were about to hang up, she stopped him.
I love you, she said.
His response was quick.
I love you too, silly. Bye.
Johnson hurried to the Huddle, took a passenger to Newport Beach and continued his shift.
It was a typical night for an Orange County cab driver. He collected people heading home from bars. He drove a bride and groom from their wedding reception at Margaritaville on West Coast Highway to the Newport Beach Marriott. The wedding photographer snapped a picture of the bride in her white gown, stuffing herself into the back of the cab.
In the apartment on Mission Drive, Adrienne called a few friends before going to sleep. The front door was unlocked, a window left open.
Sometime early the next morning, police believe, a man entered the apartment, found her in bed and raped and strangled her before fleeing.
Johnson returned to the apartment about 3:30 a.m. Feb. 23.
He microwaved leftover mushroom chicken and flipped on an episode of Star Trek. His and Adriennes roommate, a cabbie named Mike Walterhouse, walked in from an overnight shift and he and Johnson chatted about their fares who tipped well, who was drunk, where they drove.
Walterhouse, who had a fare to Los Angeles International Airport at 5 a.m., stepped into the bathroom to shower. He yelled out to Johnson that a painting that had been leaning against the wall in the hallway had fallen over.
Johnson figured Adrienne, who had never been a fan of the piece, had knocked into it. He walked into their bedroom, prepared to give her a hard time about it if she woke up.
He shut the door and began to get ready for bed. The room was dark, but light from the hallway peeked under the door, illuminating the bed.
Adrienne was lying at the foot of the mattress under a white sheet.
As soon as he touched her arm he knew something was wrong. She didnt move. Fear sucked the air from his lungs. He flipped on the light and pulled off the sheet.
She was unconscious and badly beaten. Bruises had formed on her neck. Blood trickled from the side of her mouth.
Johnson ran down the hall and pounded on the door of the bathroom where Walterhouse was showering. Walterhouse, still covered with soap, emerged with a towel around his waist. He looked at Adrienne and began screaming.
Johnson grabbed the phone off the nightstand and called 911. The dispatcher walked Johnson through an attempt to resuscitate Adrienne.
Johnson stared into his girlfiends still eyes. He knew she was gone.
As the blare of sirens heading up the street filled the apartment, Johnson stood, looking at Adrienne. His mind raced.
How could anyone do this?
He stepped backward until his back was against the wall. He slid until he was sitting.
Police ascended the stairs. Officers separated Walterhouse and Johnson on two couches in the living room.
Johnson, suddenly sick to his stomach, vomited. He leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes.
This is the first of four parts. In Part 2, Sandy Sudweeks learns her daughter has been killed, and police set out to find who did it.
hannah.fry@latimes.com
Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year at 7:34 p.m. on Monday, when a 7-pound, 10-ounce baby boy was born to North Hollywood couple Heidi and Oscar Amador. The bundle of joy was greeted by the new parents who received a gift basket filled with baby-related goods and services provided by area business members of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce and by stepsister Addison.
As part of a contest, now in its second year, the hospital asked members of the public to make their best guesses for when the first baby of 2018 would be born and what its birth weight would be, with $100 Amazon gift cards as prizes for each closest guess. Phaedra Walton won for time of birth, with a guess of 5:24 p.m., while Valley Sun reporter Sara Cardines contest entry came closest to the babys actual weight, with a guess of 7 pounds, 9 ounces.
Valley Sun Staff
Nearly every airline is offering free flight changes because of the giant storm rolling up the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
The blizzard has already caused thousands of flight cancellations. FlightAwares status map showed nearly a solid bloc of airplanes indicating issues.
The monster storm stranded passengers across the country. U.S. airlines usually are not obligated to provide hotels or food because a storm is considered an act of God and not covered by U.S. airlines contract of carriage.
To find the website or phone number of airlines that serve LAX, check this list.
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United, American and Delta are detailing the terms of their fee and flight change waivers, which differ from airline to airline.
Southwest doesnt charge change fees but offered rebooking help to its customers on it weather alert page..
United urged its passengers to use its website, instead of calling. Its phone message said, Because of severe winter weather operations affecting our operationsyour hold time may be longer than usual.
But asked the status of Thursdays Flight 717 from Boston to LAX, scheduled for 6:11 p.m., the mechanical voice quickly noted it was canceled.
A check of British Airways flights from Londons Heathrow to JFK noted some delayed, some leaving early and some canceled.
The storm has whipped itself into a blizzard, blasting as much as 3 inches of snow an hour, creating whiteouts in the New York City area, Weather.com reported. Winds gusted up to 50 mph at JFK, and lightning was reported over Long Island.
Many areas also are having to contend with flooding and power outages.
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A foreign government accused of infiltrating schools, the legislature and the media, using its agents to monitor students and influence politicians.
It looked like a campaign of espionage and interference that a top intelligence official warned could cause serious harm to the nations sovereignty, the integrity of our political system, our national security capabilities, our economy and other interests.
Forget, for a moment anyway, Russia meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential race. This was China meddling in Australia.
The reports last year suggested that the Communist Party was taking extreme measures to extend influence beyond its borders. The strains between the two countries illustrate a tension many Western powers now face: how to engage with an increasingly powerful, one-party state without sacrificing their democratic interests or stirring up xenophobia.
The conflict threatens to blow up relations between China and Australia.
Heres a primer on the situation:
What happened?
In June, Fairfax Media and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, two of the countrys most influential news organizations, published a five-month investigation detailing Chinas campaign.
The stories described threats against parents in China for their sons involvement in democracy protests in Australia, the detention of a Chinese-born academic during a visit there, donations from pro-Beijing businesses to the campaigns of Australian senators, and the partys grip over Chinese-language media on the island.
The countrys domestic spy chief, Duncan Lewis, told lawmakers in June that espionage and foreign interference were occurring at an unprecedented scale and were a threat to the countrys institutions, politics and economy.
In the fallout, anti-China sentiments have blossomed.
In Australia, if youre not being strident or anti-China, your commitment to Australia is almost being questioned, said Merriden Varrall, director of the East Asia program at the Lowy Institute, a foreign policy think tank in Sydney. We havent been able to talk in the public domain.
In December, Australian Sen. Sam Dastyari resigned after reports that hed warned a political donor with Communist Party ties that his phone was likely tapped by government agencies. Dastyari also lauded Chinas efforts to build islands in the South China Sea, countering his partys position.
Are Chinas influence operations different from those of other countries?
Countries regularly try to project positive images of themselves abroad, from international broadcasts to funding for educational institutions. But under President Xi Jinping, an emboldened China appears to be setting new standards.
Beijing has spent more than $6 billion to modernize and expand its sprawling propaganda apparatus, which includes a global television channel and state-run news bureaus throughout the world.
Perhaps more importantly, the party agency known as the United Front Work Department embeds partners into community associations, universities and other institutions to promote Chinas interests, according to John Fitzgerald, a professor at the Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne who studies Chinese civil society.
The most important feature of Chinas propaganda operations is not content production or information dissemination but efforts at content control and suppression, he said.
Chinas party leadership is quite explicit that one of its enemies is liberal democracy, another, the universal values that underpin democracy, he said. It will strike down enemies when and where it can.
Researchers at the National Endowment for Democracy a Washington nonprofit funded partly by Congress to promote democracy abroad label Chinas methods sharp power. Such behavior seeks to influence through manipulation or distortion rather than soft power attempts to win hearts and minds.
How did China respond to the accusations?
Chinas Foreign Ministry summoned Australias ambassador last month to decry the accusations.
"We have no intention to interfere in Australia's internal affairs or exert influence through political donations, Geng Shuang, a foreign ministry spokesman, said at a news briefing.
State media called the allegations an attack on Chinese people, a standard response that immediately transforms the issue into a racial one. But the backlash also underscored Chinese concerns that global powers seek to undermine its rise.
In the past, China was always learning. Now China is saying, Can we share something? Can we contribute? and thats seen as a threat, said Wang Huiyao, founder of the Center for China and Globalization, a public policy think tank in Beijing.
Nearly 60% of Chinese polled by the Global Times, a Communist Party tabloid, now consider Australia the least-friendly country to China.
How does this affect international relations?
Australia relies on China as its largest trading partner. China is the destination for more than a third of Australias exports, and its hunger for iron ore and coal helped spare Australia from the withering effects of the 2008 global financial crisis.
The scandal comes amid uncertainty over what role the United States Australias most important military ally will play in the region with a Trump administration heavy on protectionist rhetoric.
This is the first time in our history that our dominant trading partner is not also a dominant security partner, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in November.
That concern rang out clearly when he recently announced vast foreign interference legislation that the Parliament is expected to vote on later this year. The new laws would ban foreign political donations in Australia.
In his announcement, Turnbull mentioned no specific country, but he alternated between Mandarin and English and played off a phrase used by Mao Tse-tung when he founded modern China.
The Australian people, he said, have stood up.
Concerns about Chinese influence also cross into New Zealand. A University of Canterbury professor recently detailed how the party seeks to install pro-Beijing associates in community associations and steer political donations.
The Financial Times and New Zealands Newsroom revealed that a top Parliament member failed to disclose his Chinese military intelligence background when he immigrated to New Zealand. The politician, Jian Yang, acknowledged his past experience but denied spying.
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A passenger train carrying people home after the holidays slammed into a truck in rural South Africa on Thursday, killing at least 18 people and injuring about 260, authorities said.
Officials said the truck driver apparently tried to cross the tracks just ahead of the train, part of which burst into flames after the collision, trapping some passengers in carriages. Those who were able to escape with their luggage hurriedly dragged bags from the smoking wreck to a nearby road.
The truck driver was taking chances. He thought that he was going to pass through, Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi told journalists. Little did he know that the train was going to hit him. That has cost a lot of lives.
Some of the dead were badly burned, said Mthuthuzeli Swartz, acting chief executive of the state-owned passenger rail agency.
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The train with 429 passengers aboard had been traveling from Port Elizabeth to the countrys commercial hub, Johannesburg.
Video showed part of the Shosholoza Meyl train in flames after the collision that occurred between the communities of Hennenman and Kroonstad in Free State province. The crash derailed half a dozen train cars, and power lines were damaged. A large vehicle was upside down beside a train carriage that appeared to have partly crushed a smaller vehicle.
The truck driver emerged unscathed, and the train driver and his assistant suffered minor injuries, Swartz said.
Swartz told local news outlet eNCA that the truck towing two trailers was halfway across the track when it was hit by the train and dragged for about 440 yards.
Human error caused the accident, he said.
An investigation was underway.
UPDATES:
10:20 a.m.: This article was updated with the death toll rising to 18 from 12 and additional details.
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This article was originally published at 6:55 a.m.
Conservatives calling for stricter enforcement of Islamic dress codes for women staged a public protest Wednesday in Tehran, the latest hard-line assault on the government of President Hassan Rouhani.
About 500 demonstrators attended the boisterous rally, among them some women wearing head-to-toe black cloaks known as chadors. Many protesters carried placards bearing slogans such as Obey Allah and his messenger.
Traffic in the capital was tied up for two hours, drawing the ire of motorists.
Immorality is so widespread in society, we have to do something before it is too late, said one participant, Fatemeh, 23, who wore a chador and asked that her last name not be used for privacy reasons. We Muslim women do not feel safe in the public sphere.
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Under Irans imposition of Islamic law, women must cover their hair and wear loose-fitting clothing meant to preserve female modesty. The rules are widely flouted, especially during warmer months and in more upscale urban areas.
So-called morality police make periodic sweeps, however, stopping women judged to be dressed inappropriately. Offenders can face fines and even imprisonment. Many Iranians resent the restrictions and their enforcers. But the demonstrators Wednesday demanded that authorities crack down on Western-style dress.
The demonstration, near the Interior Ministry, included many seminary students, clerics and pro-government Basiji militiamen. The marchers said they did not have a permit, typically required by the government. But the demonstrators insisted they did not need one. Police did not appear to bother the marchers.
We are peaceful demonstrators, said Ali Fafaei, a broad-shouldered seminarian who was using his mobile device to exchange text messages with colleagues from the nearby Iravani religious school.
President Rouhani, a moderate cleric elected last year, boasted in his autobiography that he was among the first post-revolutionary Iranian officials to push for the imposition of an Islamic dress code for women. Yet he finds himself beset by criticism from hard-liners on that and other fronts.
Conservatives are furious about Rouhanis overtures to the West and his endorsement of a possible nuclear accord with world powers. Conservatives in the parliament this week unsuccessfully tried to censure Mohammad Javad Zarif, Rouhanis foreign minister and top nuclear negotiator, because of his refusal to deny the Nazi Holocaust against European Jews.
Wednesdays protests here ended with the familiar chant: Death to the USA!
Mostaghim is a special correspondent. Times staff writer Patrick J. McDonnell contributed from Beirut, Lebanon.
A senior Palestinian official said Wednesday the Palestinians "will not be blackmailed" by U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to cut aid funding.
Trump wrote on Twitter that the U.S. sends hundreds of millions of dollars each year and gets "no appreciation or respect."
"They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?" Trump said in a series of tweets.
Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi responded with a statement Wednesday.
"President Trump has sabotaged our search for peace, freedom and justice. Now he dares to blame the Palestinians for the consequences of his own irresponsible actions!" Ashrawi said.
Trump earlier broke with longstanding U.S. policy by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and setting in motion the processes of moving the U.S. embassy there from Tel Aviv.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was sharply critical of that move, saying it amounted to the U.S. abandoning the role it had played in the peace process. The U.N. General Assembly also overwhelmingly rejected Trump's declaration.
Samira Damavandi was visiting her family in Palos Verdes when protesters began marching through the streets of Iran demanding economic and social change.
Curious about what sparked the outbursts, she looked to social media, and her mother, for answers. As Damavandi scrolled through Persian-language feeds on Twitter and Telegram, her mom put the revolt in down-to-earth terms: The price of eggs and other basic foods had doubled in some cases, tripled throughout the country.
Like many in Southern Californias large Iranian expatriate community, the 24-year-old has less in common with those demonstrating in Iran today than with people who supported the 2009 protests known as the Green Movement. Those demonstrations were largely driven by educated, middle-class Iranians, many of whom had relatives in the U.S. The latest unrest has largely drawn out poorer workers who some experts say are less likely to have ties abroad.
Young, working-class and fed up: Irans deadly protests driven by a new crop of dissenters
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But that hasnt quelled her desire for information Iranian Americans throughout the diaspora are glued to their phones and TVs, hungry for updates.
We have family in Iran, and my moms cousins all live there, said Damavandi, who recently moved to Washington, D.C. We have been talking to our cousins on Telegram a popular messaging app and checking in with them.
She also has been in constant contact with friends currently on vacation in Iran. Neither they nor her relatives have participated in the protests, she said, but one friend described rowdy crowds in front of the University of Tehran.
They all said, No, I dont know anyone protesting, Damavandi said.
The protests began Dec. 28 in Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, and spread quickly to more than 30 other cities, showing the deep frustration among working-class Iranians coping with high unemployment, rising prices and official corruption.
One major difference is that in 2009, the working class was not as active. There was almost no demand for economic change, said Misagh Parsa, a sociology professor at Dartmouth College and author of Democracy in Iran: Why It Failed and How It Might Succeed. But many of the slogans from 2009 that are radical showed up again, like Death to the dictator.
The working class faces extreme inequality because of sanctions and corruption, Parsa said.
A new budget came out that shows clerics using money on the clerical establishment and less on universities and colleges, while demanding more taxes, he said. The poor would have to pay more.
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Peyman Malaz has kept in touch with his loved ones by phone and email. He has noticed that where people once felt shy about critiquing the government, they now openly share their views.
Malaz, who moved to Los Angeles 15 years ago, sees the protests in his home country as an extension of the Green Movement.
What people are chanting in the streets is the same as during the Green Movement but more radicalized, said Malaz, 32. The people of Iran gave a chance for reform, they participated in two elections, but they dont see any fundamental changes.
Most of Malazs family lives in Tehran and Esfahan. They havent joined the protests, he said, but he found out through social media that some of his friends have.
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I havent talked to them yet, he said. I didnt want to put them in danger by talking to them about it.
He has mixed feelings about the uprising. Malaz said he supports a change in government in Iran, but worries about what that would mean for Irans national security in the current political climate.
It makes me upset to see that people are shot in the street, said Malaz, manager of the Pars Equality Center, a nonprofit organization that helps Iranians integrate into American society. At the same time I feel proud that even though people know the consequences of their actions they have seen the brutality of the regime in Iran they still risk everything.
At his Persian rug store in Westwood, Alex Helmi pondered the outcome of the unrest. He said he hopes that it will bring about change for the working class so they can at least take food home, though he isnt sure whether it will happen.
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The working class are under such economic pressure that they dont have the ability to buy things for basic life, he said.
The 61-year-old said he supports the peoples right to protest, but he cautioned against setting fires and destroying cars. If the protesters are violent, Helmi said, the police will respond in kind.
I speak with my family in Iran, and they say young people are unhappy, Helmi said. A very select few make a lot of money. Its not fair.
Each year, the Iranian publics purchasing power dwindles, he added. The price of goods skyrockets while wages are stagnant. Some have a hard time affording bread.
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There has to be change in Iran, he said.
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sarah.parvini@latimes.com
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North Korea on Wednesday reopened an inter-Korean hotline at the truce village of Panmunjom so the two sides can discuss its participation in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
The North sent a message to South Korea on Wednesday afternoon, only a day after Seoul proposed reopening the communication channel but did not say whether it would accept Seoul's offer of high-level talks.
"Around 3:30 p.m., a North Korean liaison official called his South Korean counterpart on the hotline at Panmunjom," the Unification Ministry said. "They chiefly talked about communication lines."
They chatted for about 20 minutes.
The North cut the hotline two years ago in protest over Seoul's decision to shut down the joint Kaesong Industrial Complex.
Earlier, Ri Son-gwon, the chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, went on state TV to announce the decision to reopen the hotline "on behalf of leader Kim Jong-un."
Electric Kia Niro debuting at CES as a concept
Jan 4, 2018, 8:05am ET
We\'re looking at a concept in name only.
Kia has announced it will travel to the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, to introduce the Niro EV Concept. The show opens its doors next week.
The images reveal a crossover that's markedly more futuristic-looking than the standard Niro, which normally ships with a gasoline-electric hybrid drivetrain. Its front end gets a digital grille and new-look headlights with dot-like inserts accented by long streaks of light.
Kia hasn't released pictures of the concept's interior. The company promises the cabin boasts a brand-new human-machine interface and a lighting system named "motion graphic." Both of those features could trickle down from the world of concept cars into the world of regular-production passenger cars in the coming years, according to a statement published by the brand.
It's important to note the term "concept" is used loosely here. We already know the battery-electric Niro has been approved for (and is well on its way towards) production. Expect it to make its debut in the coming months and arrive in showrooms as a 2019 model. Most of the technology under the sheet metal will come from the battery-powered variant of the Hyundai Ioniq.
We'll bring you full details about the Kia Niro EV Concept straight from the show floor in Las Vegas next week. It's going to be a busy month for Kia; the company has also confirmed we'll see a second world debut during the Detroit Auto Show.
The Volkswagen Group has teamed up with Aurora Innovations to build and test self-driving cars. The German firm is the second auto-maker to strike a deal with Aurora, after Hyundai, and the latest runner in the ever-crowded race towards full autonomy.
"Our vision is mobility for all, at the push of a button.' This means that we want to offer mobility for all people around the world. Mobility also for children, elderly, sick, and visually impaired people, really for all," summed up Johann Jungwirth, the Volkswagen Group's chief digital officer, in a statement
He added the company ultimately aims to provide a shuttle service that takes users door-to-door. The vehicles will, of course, be electric. The Sedric concept (pictured) introduced last year illustrates the pod-like car Volkswagen has in mind for the program.
Jungwirth told The Verge that Volkswagen and Aurora will begin testing a fleet of less than 100 cars before the end of the year. Half of them will operate in Silicon Valley while the other half will undergo testing in Germany. The two partners aim to regularly increase the size of the fleet over the following years and expand to anywhere between two and five cities by 2021.
Jan 3, 2018, 3:36pm ET
VW's Amarok pickup appears in US trademark filings
Executives recently hinted at a possible US debut for the midsize pickup.
Reinforcing recent rumors and official hints, Volkswagen has submitted a US trademark application for its Amarok nameplate.
The filing, dated November 22 and spotted by Motrolix, is broadly worded to cover automobiles, scale models, retail services and other business categories.
Foreign automakers have been reluctant to compete with established US pickup brands in their home market. VW Group of America chief Hinrich Woebcken recently suggested that the Amarok could make a US debut for its second generation, however.
If it does get a green light, VW's US-spec pickup will face an increasingly competitive midsize segment as the Ford Ranger returns to the US to take market share from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma.
A US-spec Amarok is not expected to arrive until the 2019 model year or later.
Cryptocurrency exchanges are the real winners of the bitcoin craze, and despite tougher regulations in the offing they are laughing all the way to the bank.
Bithumb, Korea's biggest cryptocurrency exchange, said Wednesday it will hire 400 new staff on top of the 450 it already employs. A hundred of the new workers will handle IT, overseas marketing and legal affairs at headquarters, while the rest will man the call centers. All will be employed on full-time contracts, and 230 existing part-time staff will also be given full-time jobs within this year.
Work benefits at Bithumb rival those of major conglomerates. Workers get overtime pay, stock options and incentive payments as well as transportation expenses, food stipends, unlimited book purchase credits, fitness club memberships and even oriental medicine treatments and massages.
Bithumb CEO Jeon Soo-yong said, "We decided to hire many workers to help create more jobs for young people and expand our operations."
Established in 2014, Bithumb was a struggling start-up until 2016 with annual revenues totaling only W4.3 billion (US$1=W1,066). But it has posted phenomenal growth since then powered by the bitcoin craze. Staff numbers surged from 20 in early 2017 to 450, and last May it moved operations from a small office to an 11-story building in southern Seoul. Now it is eyeing an even larger building.
Two teens are accused of breaking in and burglarizing a Dollar General in Lehigh Acres.
Shortly after midnight on Jan. 4, the Lee County Sheriffs Office responded to an alarm activated at the store, at 1154 Alabama Road S. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the emergency exit door ajar on the south side of the building.
Two hooded men ran from inside the structure in an attempt to flee from law enforcement. Carrying backpacks, the suspects ran into a nearby wooded area to the east. Deputies and K-9 Jax pursued the suspects, moving along Tomasello Drive.
The first suspect, later identified as Yarosqui Roble-Medina, 18, of 1203 Fogia St. E., was located in an area of tall grass and vegetation. Roble-Medina was ordered to surrender himself, but refused. Jax was deployed and the suspect was taken into custody.
The second suspect, later identified as Andres Acevedo, 17, was observed exiting the wooded area near State Road 82. He was quickly detained by deputies.
A total of 441 miscellaneous tobacco packages were reported stolen. Additional items containing Dollar General tags were recovered outside of the store.
Roble-Medina was arrested and charged with unoccupied burglary unarmed, possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief under $1,000, grand theft and resisting without violence. He was transported to the Lee County Jail for booking.
Acevedo was arrested and charged with unoccupied burglary unarmed, possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief under $1,000, grand theft and resisting without violence, as well as violation of probation. He was transported to the Lee County Juvenile Assessment Center.
Source: Lee County Sheriffs Office
UPDATE: Suspected Route 33 bridge jumper wanted in identity theft case
Authorities investigating the report that a man may have jumped from the Route 33 bridge over the Lehigh River were unable to find the victim's body or any witnesses to confirm he jumped.
Pennsylvania State Police identified the man as 48-year-old Anthony Joseph Sisonick III, of Palmer Township.
Investigators asked any witnesses to the jump or anyone who knows of his whereabouts to immediately call state police at Belfast at 610-759-6106.
Police described Sisonick as a "missing person-endangered."
Authorities were called to the reported jump about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on the northbound side of the 150-foot-bridge over the frozen river in Bethlehem Township.
Sisonick "was upset and in contact with family" and "apparently parked" his gray 2013 Volkswagen Passat sedan on the right shoulder along the northbound lanes of the bridge, Trooper Christopher Smith Jr. said in a news release.
A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crew was conducting a bridge inspection nearby at the time, according to police.
"It is suspected that (Sisonick) may have jumped off the bridge into the Lehigh River," Smith wrote.
A search-and-rescue operation unfolded utilizing a hovercraft to traverse the ice, courtesy of Lower Saucon Township's Steel City Fire Co. Also assisting were Bethlehem Township fire and EMS, Pennsylvania Water Rescue, and the Lower Saucon Township, Nancy Run and Palmer Township fire departments.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Bethlehem City Councilman Eric Evans was named city business administrator Wednesday, one day after being sworn-in to his third four-year term.
Eric Evans is seen in a 2009 campaign photo. (Lehighvalleylive.com file photo)
Mayor Bob Donchez announced his appointment of Evans to succeed retiring Business Administrator Dave Brong, who was Donchez's choice for the top administrative appointment when he took office in January 2014. Brong had been city director of water and sewer resources for 10 years prior.
"I appreciate all the hard work Dave has put forth during his tenure as business administrator and as director of water and sewer resources," Donchez said in a statement from his office. "Eric is respected by his colleagues and I am looking forward to working with him in his new position as business administrator."
Evans says in the statement: "Dave Brong has done a great job, and I'll work very hard to continue his success. Council and the administration have worked well together, and the result has been positive. I thank Mayor Donchez for this opportunity, and plan to build on the progress we've made in Bethlehem."
A member of council since 2010, Evans won re-election last year as the second-leading vote-getter in the council race, behind fellow incumbent Olga Negron.
Both were sworn-in Tuesday night to their new terms, along with returning Councilmen Bryan Callahan and Adam Waldron.
Waldron, who had been vice president, was elected council president, succeeding Councilman J. William Reynolds. Negron was elected vice president.
All seven council members and Donchez are Democrats. The council members ran unopposed on last year's general election ballot, as did Donchez in securing his second four-year term.
Evans is expected to transition to business administrator in early February. Following his resignation, council will have 30 days to appoint a successor.
Council will take applications from city Democrats to fill an unexpired two-year term, and voters will then elect someone to council in 2019 to finish out the last two years of the term, Waldron said.
Evans has previously served as council president, as well as chairman of council's safety and recreation committees. He teaches American history at East Hills Middle School in the Bethlehem Area School District.
Prior to that, he worked in the corporate lending division at PNC Bank and managed consumer operations at Norwest Financial. He has a degree in finance from the University of Pittsburgh and a master's in business administration from the University of Scranton.
The business administrator position pays $107,550.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
UPDATE: Reported Route 33 bridge jumper considered a fugitive
A man whose family reported he jumped from the Route 33 bridge on Wednesday was wanted on forgery and identity theft charges, court records show.
Palmer Township police filed the charges against Anthony Sisonick III in December for a case stemming from an August investigation, and a warrant was issued.
The 47-year-old Sisonick, who lives in Palmer, faces five counts of identity theft, three counts of forgery and a single count of theft in the case.
Authorities were called for the reported jump Wednesday afternoon on the northbound side of the 150-foot bridge over the frozen Lehigh River in Bethlehem Township.
Sisonick's family reported he "was upset and in contact with family" and parked his gray 2013 Volkswagen Passat sedan on the right shoulder along the northbound lanes of the bridge.
Crews used a hovercraft to search the water, but did not find Sisonick.
Investigators ask any witnesses to the jump or anyone who knows of his whereabouts to immediately call state police at Belfast at 610-759-6106.
Sisonick pleaded guilty in 2011 to to felony theft for taking more than $130,000 in deposits and payments made to the Sweet Water Country Club in Montgomery County, The Delaware County Daily Times reported.
He was sentenced to one to two years in jail, followed by five years of probation.
Siconick faced new charges in 2014 in Northampton County, and he pleaded guilty to three counts of theft and a single count of receiving stolen property in two cases.
Sisonick was sentenced to six to 23 months in county jail, followed by five years of probation. A review of his probation was requested Dec. 8 by the Northampton County probation department, records show.
Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A man known for carrying a large white cross around the Lehigh Valley to spread the gospel was rightfully jailed for illegally recording a custody conference, the Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled.
Patrick Cline was charged following the 2014 hearing with a custody master in Allentown, where he surreptitiously recorded the custody conference with his cellphone and posted it to his Facebook page.
Cline fled before his preliminary hearing the following year, and claimed on his Facebook page that he went to Maui, and then Los Angeles. Cline was eventually arrested by Allentown police in 2016, then tried and convicted by a Lehigh County jury on charges of intercepting communications and failing to disclose the recording.
Prosecutors argued there was an expectation of privacy at the custody conference with a custody master, held in 2014 in a private room behind a closed door.
Cline did not inform anyone at the beginning that he was recording the meeting on his cellphone, and didn't ask during the meeting.
Cline and his wife had an acrimonious battle over custody of their three children, and Cline "felt he wasn't being treated right," defense attorney John Baurkot said at Cline's sentencing hearing.
Cline was sentenced in August 2016 by Judge James Anthony to 11 1/2 months to 23 months in Lehigh County Jail.
In his appeal, the 43-year-old Cline argued the county posted signs stating "No cell phones," but that he was unaware it was illegal to record the hearing and post it online.
He also claimed not allowing him to record the hearings and post them online violated his right to due process. Specifically, Cline said legal proceedings should be public, and information from that custody conference was used at a subsequent custody hearing.
The Superior Court ruled that Cline's ignorance of the law was not a defense against the wiretapping charge and upheld his sentence.
Cline was paroled Sept. 8, records show. Efforts to reach him were unsuccessful.
In a previous interview, Cline said he carries the cross around in an attempt to spread the word of Jesus Christ as part of his Jesus is God's Ministry.
Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Bethlehem medical marijuana dispensary is Pennsylvania's first to earn final approval to begin serving patients, as soon as the inaugural crop is available from growers.
Gov. Tom Wolf said Thursday that Keystone Canna Remedies will be able to sell medical marijuana to Pennsylvanians with medical marijuana identification cards once grower/processors begin distribution, sometime in the next four months.
The announcement comes the same day The Associated Press reports U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is rescinding the Obama-era policy that had paved the way for legalized marijuana to flourish in states across the country.
President Donald Trump's attorney general will instead let federal prosecutors where pot is legal decide how aggressively to enforce federal marijuana law, the AP reports, citing two people with knowledge of the decision.
Keystone Canna Remedies plans to open its medical marijuana dispensary the third week of January 2018 at 1309 Stefko Blvd. in Bethlehem seen Jan. 4,2018, according to its parent company, GuadCo LLC. (Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com)
Steve Schain, senior attorney with the Hoban Law Group and a specialist in cannabis law, told lehighvalleylive.com Sessions' move is largely symbolic -- especially when it comes to medical marijuana.
"Even under a worst-case scenario, the entirety of Jeff Sessions' efforts are aimed at adult-use marijuana," said Schain, whose clients include Keystone Canna Remedies. "Beyond being totally safe, Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program has body armor provided by Gov. Tom Wolf and the Legislature."
According to the AP:
Sessions' move likely will add to confusion about whether it's OK to grow, buy or use marijuana in states where pot is legal, since long-standing federal law prohibits it. It comes days after pot shops opened in California, launching what is expected to become the world's largest market for legal recreational marijuana and as polls show a solid majority of Americans believe the drug should be legal.
While Sessions has been carrying out a Justice Department agenda that follows Trump's top priorities on such issues as immigration and opioids, the changes to pot policy reflect his own concerns. Trump's personal views on marijuana remain largely unknown.
Sessions, who has assailed marijuana as comparable to heroin and has blamed it for spikes in violence, had been expected to ramp up enforcement. Pot advocates argue that legalizing the drug eliminates the need for a black market and would likely reduce violence, since criminals would no longer control the marijuana trade.
The Obama administration in 2013 announced it would not stand in the way of states that legalize marijuana, so long as officials acted to keep it from migrating to places where it remained outlawed and out of the hands of criminal gangs and children. Sessions is rescinding that memo, written by then-Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole, which had cleared up some of the uncertainty about how the federal government would respond as states began allowing sales for recreational and medical purposes.
The people with whom the AP spoke on Sessions' decision are familiar with the plan but spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it before an announcement expected Thursday.
Sessions' policy will let U.S. attorneys across the country decide what kinds of federal resources to devote to marijuana enforcement based on what they see as priorities in their districts, the people familiar with the decision said.
If the Cole Memorandum, as it is known, is rescinded, nothing will change, according to Schain.
"The $7. 2 billion legalized marijuana industry spanning 30 states, generating millions in taxes and providing 10 of thousands of jobs will continue and the federal government will lack both the congressional mandate and funding to use federal resources to derail state programs," Schain said in a statement. "If the Cole Memorandum is rescinded, Congress may be forced to strengthen the spending restrictions governing the Justice Department surrounding cannabis when its enacts its new budget.
"While not necessarily changing the status quo necessarily, it may increase the ambiguity as to what comprises full compliance with state laws."
New Jersey officials are closely watching the federal approach to marijuana enforcement, as well. A bill to legalize pot has been sitting in the state Legislature since May and incoming Gov. Phil Murphy supports legalization, nj.com reports. New Jersey lawmakers are expected to hold the marijuana legalization debate in the coming months.
A wave of legalization that began in Colorado in 2004 has now spread to the entire West Coast, following California's start of recreational marijuana to adults on New Year's Day. Massachusetts and Maine could open the nation's first recreational marijuana stores east of the Mississippi River later this year.
In Pennsylvania, Keystone Canna Remedies plans to open its dispensary the third week of January at 1309 Stefko Blvd. in Bethlehem. Its parent company, GuadCo LLC, had considered opening its primary dispensary at 2467 Baglyos Circle in Bethlehem Township. But because its dispensary application listed its address as 1309 Stefko Blvd., the state required the dispensary to be located there, co-founder Victor Guadagnino Jr. said.
Following the grand opening, the exact date of which was not set as of Thursday, the dispensary will be open for educational classes and patient assistance. Guadagnino said he hopes to begin patient consultations and dispensing cannabis products in February.
This sign, and the surveillance cameras themselves, are about all that suggest a former Tru-Comfort Inc. HVAC business at 1309 Stefko Blvd. has become Keystone Canna Remedies, a medical marijuana dispensary scheduled to open the third week of January 2018. (Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com)
A 2016 state law legalized medical marijuana products, but not plant material itself, for people suffering from one of 17 qualifying conditions, including AIDS, autism, cancer, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and Crohn's disease.
"This is tremendous news for patients and the people who care for them," Wolf said in a statement on Keystone's approval to open. "We are one step closer to providing medical marijuana to patients with serious medical conditions who desperately need this medication.
"Once the growing process is completed and the dispensary receives medication, patients with medical marijuana identification cards will be able to purchase medication at Keystone Canna Remedies."
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has approved these nine grower/processors to begin operations:
Cresco Yeltrah
Franklin Labs, Berks County.
GTI Pennsylvania, Montour County.
Ilera Healthcare, Fulton County.
Pennsylvania Medical Solutions, Lackawanna County.
Prime Wellness, LLC, Berks County.
PurePenn LLC, Allegheny County.
Standard Farms, Luzerne County.
Terrapin Investment Fund 1, Clinton County.
To begin accepting seeds and clones to grow medical marijuana, grower/processors needed several inspections from the Department of Heath, in addition to integrating their facilities with the state's approved seed-to-sale tracking system.
"Our team is working to make sure that all of the remaining grower/processors are ready to operate safely and according to the law," Acting Health Secretary and Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine said in a statement Thursday. "We anticipate more dispensaries to be able to open their doors in the coming weeks.
"Our medical marijuana program will be ready for full operation within the 18 to 24-month time-frame Governor Wolf set out when he signed the legislation into law."
Physicians also continue to register to participate in the program, according to Thursday's announcement by Wolf. To date, 573 have registered and of those, nearly 250 have completed the training to become certified practitioners.
"Physicians play a critical role in this medically focused program," the governor stated. "The response has been encouraging from the medical community as more doctors are becoming educated on how medical marijuana can help their patients."
Editor's note: This article has been updated from its original version to correct the location of Keystone Canna Remedies' dispensary.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Kristin Eberhardt was a dedicated, hard working employee for more than a decade at Morristown, New Jersey-based Porzio Life Sciences LLC, the firm's managing partner said Wednesday.
Kristin Eberhardt (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)
Eberhardt, 42, a native of Toms River, New Jersey, was found dead Tuesday night, the victim of a murder-suicide at her family's home in the 300 block of West 27th Street in Northampton. Authorities said her husband, Matthew Eberhardt, 45, shot her before turning the gun on himself.
The mother of two young children was remembered Wednesday as having a driven personality, but at the same time being very outgoing and kind, said Vito A. Gagliardi Jr. He is managing partner of the Porzio, Bromberg & Newman PC law firm, parent company of Porzio Life Sciences.
She had a bright future, graduating from Toms River High School and going on to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and her paralegal certification from Ocean County College, Gagliardi said.
"She was a very dedicated, wonderful young woman," he said.
Eberhardt began her career around 2001 as an assistant coordinator of paralegal services at Porzio, Bromberg & Newman. About 12 years later, she joined Porzio Life Sciences as a regulatory analyst and was later promoted to senior regulatory analyst.
At Life Sciences, Eberhardt was a member of a core team responsible for developing and maintaining what is known as the "transparency and limitations database." Her main duties were tracking pending and current state and federal regulations and legislation affecting the sales and marketing practices of the life sciences industry.
The firm's 250 clients worldwide depended on her, as did her colleagues, whom she quickly befriended upon joining the company, said Gagliardi said.
Prior to joining the firm, Eberhardt spent nine years performing management responsibilities and litigation paralegal work for other law firms.
She gave birth to a daughter and son while employed by Porzio Life Sciences and brought both children into the office following each maternity leave. As the children grew, they continued to visit the firm on many occasions, Gagliardi said.
"As you can imagine, it's been a very sad day," Gagliardi said Wednesday. "At just about every level, she's going to be missed. Passing on the information to people today was very difficult."
The company brought in counseling services for grieving employees throughout Wednesday, as well as set up a fund the public can contribute to for Eberhardt's children. More information was expected to be on the company's website Thursday.
"Our heart breaks for the family, but particularly for those two children," Gagliardi said.
Eberhardt died of multiple gunshot wounds, Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek said. Matthew Eberhardt died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and his death was ruled a suicide, according to Lysek.
Neighbors of the Eberhardts told The Morning Call that Matthew Eberhardt operated an excavator for a local construction company.
Borough police were called to the scene at 9:44 p.m. Tuesday. Yellow police tape was wrapped around the home Wednesday morning. What led to the shooting remained unclear.
Borough police and the Northampton County Division of Children, Youth and Families were able to place the two children with relatives, Lysek said. The children were in the home at the time of the shooting but were unhurt, Lysek said.
A neighbor on Wednesday expressed shock, calling the Eberhardts a great couple.
The violent incident marked Northampton County's second murder-suicide in less than two weeks. Dec. 22, Bethlehem Township resident Justin Kephart, 36, killed his 62-year-old mother, Marylouise Meixell-Moyer, and fired at police during an eight-hour standoff before he was found to have shot himself.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Portarlington woman who drove with her child not properly restrained in the car has had a driving disqualification lifted on appeal at Portlaoise Circuit Court.
Lisa Harty (33), Woodlands Park, Portarlington, was convicted in Portlaoise District Court of failing to restrain a child under five years of age in a child restraint in her car, at Cooltaderry, Portarlington, on March 21, 2016.
When the case came before the district court last November, solicitor, Mr Declan Breen said his client was a married woman with six children.
Mr Breen said that she was frustrated on the day and made a feeble attempt to secure the child, while other children in the car were secured.
She had no previous convictions of this nature, said Mr Breen, adding that her husband does not drive.
In ruling, Judge Catherine Staines told the accused: Maybe Ill be able to save your childrens lives.
The judge convicted and fined her 100 and disqualified her from driving for three months, with recognisance fixed in the event of an appeal.
At the recent appeal in Portlaoise, barrister, Ms Louise Troy said that on the day there had been a three-year-old and a seven-year-old child in the back seat of the car. The appellant got flustered on the day and didnt realise the seat belt was across the child.
Ms Troy said that her clients partner does not drive.
Judge Keenan Johnson said that if there had been an accident, not alone would the child have been injured but others could have been too, as the child would have become a projectile.
He said that in fairness to Judge Staines, the district court judge had been trying to highlight how serious the matter was.
Judge Johnson agreed to lift the driving disqualification.
Laois county councillors recently refused to back a nationwide campaign for free third level education, until they had time to think about it over Christmas.
Their decision came despite the urging of two Vice Presidents from the Union of Students of Ireland, who came to Laois County Councils December meeting to explain why they are asking the government to fund free third level education.
The two student union representatives outlined their concerns at the possible introduction of student loans in Ireland.
Those are loans that would be paid back only after the student graduates and begins working. It is one of three options suggested in the 2016 Cassells report on future financing of third level education in Ireland. The other options are for the government to either further subsidise costs, or to make third level education completely free.
The loan system would mean students would have to pay 5,000 per year for college fees, or 20,000 for a four year degree, but that would rise, the USI representatives warned.
That goes up and up. Should loans come in, SUSI may end, and less and less people would go to college, Jimmy McGovern, USI Vice President for the Midlands, Border and West told the Laois councillors.
He said that the seven Irish university presidents are advocating for the loan system.
They know more money would come in to them, but SIPTU, IMPACT, the TUI and INTO are all members of our coalition, which is campaigning for the publically funded model, he said.
Mr McGovern said the loans would make third level education a privilege rather than a right.
Education is an investment, for every 1 the government would spent, it would get 4 back in taxes, because third level graduates in Ireland are likely to earn three times as much, he said.
Amy Kelly, USI Vice President for Campaigns told them that Ireland already has the second highest third level fees in Europe.
The system needs an immediate investment by 2021 or our education system will collapse. Grant payments have fallen by 20.4 percent but there is a 30 percent increase in numbers attending third level. Ten out of 14 ITs are in chronic financial difficulty, she said.
The pair outlined how in Germany third level education costs students just 250 per annum in fees, but it has the lowest unemployment rate. They suggest that multinational corporations based in Ireland should pay more tax to cover Irish education costs.
We should be collecting 150m per year from corporations, their taxes should be higher, said Ms Kelly.
The union was formally asking Laois County councillors to pass a motion calling on the government to affirm its commitment to free education for all citizens, and to reject any income contingent loans.
Cllr Jerry Lodge suggested a middle ground.
I would like to discuss this further and tease it out. It would be reasonable to expect a graduate would pay back some of the cost, for a more equitable solution, he said.
The Cathaoirleach Cllr Padraig Fleming proposed that it be submitted as a motion at their January meeting, because the normal procedure for motions is to be given two weeks notice.
Mr McGovern urged them not to delay.
Tipperary, Longford, Waterford and Limerick county councils have all passed this motion. The Cassells report is out since July 2016. The Oireachtas is split on it, but their decision could be made at any point. Mr Varadkar said he would not see students in an enormous amount of debt, but that could mean a small debt. We are happy to return again but if it goes past January it could come to an Oireachtas vote, the union rep said.
M7 roadworks to slow commuter traffic
Imelda Tynan of Tynan's at The Storeyard is celebrating another fantastic achievement this week to kick off the new year.
Earlier this week there were celebrations as Imelda Tynans Rhubarb Tart was chosen as the McKenna's Guides 2017 Pudding of the Year.
As the popular Laois restaurant re-opens after Christmas on January 4, it is also celebrating making it into Georgina Campbell's ireland-guide.com Ireland The Best of the Best.
Taking to Facebook to share her delight Imelda said it is a great start to the year.
"I'm absolutely delighted and it was a lovely surprise for us on our prep day for reopening tomorrow. I couldn't do it without the fabulous team I have working with me. Three days in and 2018 keeps getting better!" she said.
The review by Georgina Campbell refers to Tynan's as a "hidden gem" that is "definitely worth a detour" and a destination for "good home cooking".
Congratulations again to all at Tynan's at The Storeyard.
Read more: Busy schools road in Portlaoise is closed for water leak repairs.
Met Eireann issues new wind warning to Laois.
The global environment in 2018 is the most dangerous since the 2008 financial crisis, a risk assessment firm has warned.
Risk consultancy Eurasia Group warned Wednesday that disastrous geopolitical event loom this year. "In the 20 years since we started Eurasia Group, the global environment has had its ups and downs. But if we had to pick one year for a big unexpected crisis -- the geopolitical equivalent of the 2008 financial meltdown -- it feels like 2018," Eurasia president Ian Bremmer said.
The firm's annual report warns of cyber terror threats, accidental clashes triggered by North Korean missiles, a technology Cold War and deteriorating relations between the U.S. and Iran among the top 10 threats.
"'America First' and the policies that flow from it have eroded the U.S.-led order and its guardrails, while no other country or set of countries stands ready or interested in rebuilding it... significantly increasing global risk," it said.
The National Lottery today revealed a small independent store in the north Co Dublin seaside town of Malahide sold last Fridays winning 38.9m EuroMillions Jackpot.
The owner of the Village Shop in Malahide Shopping Centre, Amy Cong, said she is overjoyed at selling the golden ticket to a lucky customer.
This is unbelievable. I am delighted for the winner and the area. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would sell a big winning jackpot ticket.
Ms Cong who is originally from the Shandong province of Eastern China has lived in Ireland for over 20 years and has been running the shop in the Malahide Shopping centre with her husband Ken since 2013. The shop previously sold a Lotto Plus 1 winning ticket worth 300,000.
This is a small shop in the centre of Malahide but we are busy and we have a lot of regular customers. We have been barely able to contain our excitement since we were told by the National Lottery yesterday that we sold the ticket. We had absolutely no idea! There is an amazing buzz here today. We have no idea who the lucky winner is but we wish them the best of luck in the future.
My husband and I have been running the Village Shop for over five years now but weve never experienced anything like this. At the moment, we have just one employee working in the shop but todays exciting announcement could make us a whole lot busier in the coming months as one of Irelands lucky Euromillions winning retailers, she said.
Meanwhile, the National Lottery has confirmed that the winner of the golden ticket has made contact and arrangements are being made for the claim to be made. A spokesperson said that will be sometime in the next few weeks.
We have verified the winning ticket and the ticket holder is understandably delighted at their good fortune. They are getting independent legal and financial advice and we look forward to having them come to the winners room to collect their cheque in the near future. This is a life-changing amount.
Malahide had a very lucky EuroMillions Christmas. On Friday, December 22 Donnybrook Fair in the village sold a winning EuroMillions Plus ticket worth a cool 500,000 to a retired Florida-based Mayo priest Msgr John Delaney. He was home on holidays for Christmas.
National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, today congratulated Amy and her team on being the sellers of the lucky EuroMillions ticket. He confirmed the shop gets a 25,000 bonus as a result.
This is fantastic news and we are delighted for Amy and everybody involved with the store in Malahide. And of course for the lucky winner. This was the third EuroMillions jackpot won in Ireland in 2017 and the 12th since EuroMillions began in 2004. 2017 was also an amazing year for our EuroMillions Plus players with 31 wins of 500,000 each.
Here is the roll call of the lucky 12 Irish Euromillions winners to date:
July 2005: Dolores McNamara from Limerick was Irelands first and biggest EuroMillions winner scooping over 115 million.
July 2008: A lucky ticket bought in Carrick-on-Suir in Co Tipperary won a player 15 million.
June 2009: A family syndicate shared the jackpot with a British winner, taking home over 29.4 million.
June 2013: A winning ticket sold in Beaumont, Dublin, shared a jackpot worth over 93 million.
September 2013: A young man from the southeast shared a jackpot of over 25 million with a player in Spain, taking home over 12.8 million.
April 2014: A jackpot prize worth 15 million was claimed on a ticket sold in Castlebar, Co Mayo.
September 2014: An 86.7 million jackpot was won by a syndicate from Dublin. The ticket was sold in Centra, Ballybrack, Co Dublin.
January 2016: A syndicate of friends won over 66 million, splitting the jackpot of 132,376,632. The ticket was sold in Easons store, Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow.
July 2016: 22 colleagues from Dublin Bus won 23.8 million. The ticket was sold in OHanlons in Portarlington.
January 2017: A Dublin work syndicate claimed the 88.5 million EuroMillions jackpot . The winning ticket was sold at the Applegreen Service Station on the M1 Northbound in Lusk, Co Dublin.
July 2017: A lucky West of Ireland syndicate scooped almost 29 million
December 2017: A 38.9 million EuroMillions Jackpot ticket sold in Ireland!
Fridays EuroMillions jackpot is an estimated 30 million.
Laois Homes and Businesses will be forced to wait to 2023 for connections under National Broadband Plan according to Sean Flemng TD.
The Laois TD has described as disgraceful the fact that it will be 2023 before the Government manages to connect 12,674 rural homes and businesses in Co. Laois to broadband under the National Broadband Plan.
In response to a Parliamentary Question from Fianna Fail, the Communications Minister Denis Naughten confirms that network rollout will take 3-5 years following contract award under the NBP.
The contract is expected to be awarded in 2018, meaning it will take up until 2023 to connect over half a million homes and businesses covered by State intervention.
Its almost impossible to believe that thousands of premises in rural Ireland will still not have a high speed broadband connection and almost one third of all homes and businesses in Co. Laois will have to wait up until 2023 to be connected.
This Government has failed to address broadband wastelands and continued to shift the goalposts on delivery. These blackspots are costing jobs, threatening rural sustainability and creating a digital divide between urban and rural Ireland. This Governments neglect of rural counties must not continue, Deputy Fleming said.
The High Speed Broadband Map is colour coded and searchable by address/Eircode:
- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The Light BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of an Agreement signed with me in April.
Read more: Family of Mountmellick boy Ben Connolly request prayers as he fights for life.
Portlaoise water mains pipe under repair was leaking millions of litres a month.
A total of 1,123 new homes were provided in Kildare last year with 442 buildings were under construction in the county in December 2017.
The latest GeoView Residential Buildings Report, published by GeoDirectory, reveals 3.1% of the national total of new addresses were in the Lilywhite county.
New dwellings accounted for 26.9% of all residential property transactions in Kildare higher than the national average of 18%.
The average residential property price in Kildare in 2017 was 262,543. The average property price outside Dublin was 187,623
The vacancy rate in Kildare in December 2017 was 2%, which was lower than the national average of 4.8%.
Construction activity may have increased, but the level of demand is still far greater than supply.
The report finds that 36,218 new dwellings were added to the GeoDirectory database in 2017, 1.8% of the total residential stock. Of these new addresses, the overwhelming majority were located in the capital and surrounding counties, with Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow accounting for 77.4% of the overall total.
According to CSO figures, 50,597 residential properties were purchased over the twelve months to October 2017, with new properties making up 18% of the total.
Urban areas and commuter counties accounted for the vast majority of these transactions, with the most occurring in Dublin (17,171), Cork (5,642) and Kildare (2,587). Meath (32.6%) was the county with the highest proportion of new dwelling transactions, emphasising the growing demand for housing on the commuter belt.
Combining data from the GeoDirectory database and CSO figures, the GeoView Residential Buildings Report estimates the average rate of housing turnover.
The national average housing turnover rate to October 2017 was 2.5%, an increase on the 2016 rate which was 2.1%. Kildare recorded the highest turnover rate in the country (3.24%), followed by Dublin (3.17%), Westmeath (3.01%), Meath (2.85%) and Wicklow (2.83%). These five counties, all located in the Leinster region, were the only counties to exceed the national turnover average.
Within the capital, Dublin 4 recorded the highest average property price at 735,768, while the average property price in Dublin 10 was the lowest at 196,639 and the only Dublin postcode with an average price below 200,000.
Outside Dublin, Longford had the lowest average property price at 94,792. Longford was also the only county in the country to record an average price lower than 100,000.
Dara Keogh, CEO, GeoDirectory said, The findings of the latest GeoView report suggest that residential construction increased sharply in 2017, with over 36,000 new addresses entered into the GeoDirectory database and a 52% increase in residential construction activity compared to this time last year. However, building is heavily concentrated around Dublin and surrounding counties, while demand for housing stock remains at a high level. While progress has been made, there is still work to do in order to meet demand.
Annette Hughes, Director of DKM Economic Consultants said, It is interesting to note that, based on GeoDirectory and CSO figures, the average turnover rate of housing stock has increased from 2.1% to 2.5% in 2017, with new dwelling transactions jumping from 8% to 18%. Despite the notable increase in new buildings, house prices have continued to rise in Dublin and throughout the country.
Eighteen year-old Shan Tynan, whose mother Leona is from Newbridge, remains very positive about her ongoing treatment as she continues to battle a rare form of cancer at the Texas Childrens Hospital in the USA.
The Carlow teenager gave an update on her condition on her facebook page yesterday.
Hey guys, its Shan here! I know youve all been eager for a detailed update but the last few months my appointments have been filled with lots of different opinions as my team of doctors have grown, Dr McClain is still my head doctor and sees me every week and will stay as my main oncologist but we are happy to have other doctors joining the team who are interested in histio and want to learn about it so they can take on patients too, she said.
She pointed out that Dr McClain has been trying his best to find the chemo that will work best for her. They have made the decision to continue with Clofarabine, but unfortunately certain areas like Shans gastro system and lesions have been harder to clear.
Although I still have affected areas, I also have improved drastically from arriving here last February, we have found a good medication regime for pain and although its a lot of meds for now, they are definitely helping to keep my pain at ease and keep me as comfortable as possible and as soon as we can cut out meds that I dont need we will start that process too throughout the rest of my treatment plan and active histio & neuropathy, she said.
Shan went to Houston for treatment at an estimated cost of 500,000. Following a massive national fundraising appeal, over 735,000 was generated to give her a chance at life. Many fundraisers were organised throughout the country with some taking place in Co. Kildare.
SEE ALSO: Shan Tynan rescued and taken to hospital despite Texan floods
Shan has been through such a tough time but this weeks blood results were the best she has had in a long time.
She said the chemo delay helped her body recover a bit more than the usual week of chemo every three weeks.
Weve some mixed news and thought we wouldve been able to go back home by now as we approach a year in Texas, but this year has shown just how much of a complex and rare case I have! We are trying together as a family to stay as positive as we can, this week has been good as my aunt sue is here and my dad is coming here on Thursday, she said.
We still have some worries approaching the new year as we will still need fundraisers done if anyone is interested! Unfortunately in the medical world, you can never really keep up with the bills but are still extremely grateful for every person to help, donate or host an event! The love and support youve given from the start is so overwhelming but we are so thankful for each one of you, she said.
The family of Kilcullen teen Sarah Swaine, who died aged 19 years from cancer, are hosting a 5k/10k fun run in her memory this Sunday, January 7, 2017, the second anniversary of her passing.
The run/walk will take place in Kilcullen to raise funds for CanTeen Ireland which is a nationwide support group for young people between the ages of 12 and 25 years who have or have had cancer.
According to Sarahs aunt Carrie, the support group was of enormous help to Sarah and her family and gave them many treasured memories to look back on.
The support group was founded by a group of dedicated health professionals in May 1990 and have since grown from strength to strength, with its aim to support, empower and develop young people who have or have had cancer as well as providing an meet up in a relaxed and informal setting. Membership is free and members are only asked to make a small contribution towards the cost of weekends away with the group currently having over 260+ members.
The late Sarah who was described as bubbly and a warm, generous girl was just 19 years old when she died, following a courageous battle with cancer, in 2016.
The fun run, from the Parish Centre, will take place at 1pm at the traffic lights in Kilcullen but people can register on the day at 11am, and further information can be found online at www.popupraces.ie.
Volunteers are asked to help with managing the event on Thursday. Food such as sandwiches and cakes would also be appreciated. Contact Carrie at 086 074 3259.
MOURNERS attending the funeral of Limerick murder victim Willie Lynch have been asked to wear Liverpool jerseys or Bon Jovi t-shirts in celebration of his favourite band and favourite team.
The close-knit community of Pallaskenry has been left reeling following the murder of the young man in the village last weekend.
Willie Lynch, 35, was found dead in suspicious circumstances at his home on Main Street at 5pm on Saturday evening.
A post-mortem over the weekend confirmed that he died violently.
His brother, Gerard Lynch, 29, of Main Street, Pallaskenry appeared before Newcastle West District Court last Tuesday morning charged with his murder.
The court heard that when the accused was charged with the murder of his older brother, he responded: Sorry, I didn't mean it.
Mr Lynch is remanded in custody until Tuesday, January 9, when he will appear at Limerick District Court via video link.
Solicitor for the accused, Michael ODonnell, has applied for the provision of any medical assistance while the man is in custody.
Mr Lynch's funeral takes place in Ballybrown this Friday. He will be laid to rest in the village of Clarina where he grew up.
He is survived by his mother Helen (Susie), her partner Joe, his brothers Gerard and Danny, his grandfather Liam, his aunt Brigid, as well as cousins, relatives and friends, his death notice states.
A devoted Liverpool supporter, those attending his funeral have been asked to either don the teams jersey or wear a Bon Jovi T-shirt. The rock group were Mr Lynchs favourite band.
Within hours of Mr Lynchs death, more than 2,500 had been raised in donations through an online fundraising campaign set up by friends to help pay for his funeral.
The campaign has been shared across Facebook more than 500 times so far, with individuals leaving donations between 20 and 100. One anonymous person made a donation of 500.
He certainly touched the lives of everyone that knew him, the page states.
Hopefully we can all show how much we cared about him by donating to the funeral fund for him.
R.I.P. You'll Never Walk Alone.
Such a nice fellow, rest in peace Willie, one person donating to the campaign wrote before signing off: You will be missed.
In all so far, members of the local community have raised more than 11,000 via the online fundraising campaign.
Mr Lynch was described as a "gentleman by his close friend Brian Barry, 26.
He was a great friend, Mr Barry said. Brilliant at every sport. A gentleman, and he will be sorely missed by everyone that knew him.
A very likeable guy, Independent councillor Emmett OBrien, who is from the Pallaskenry area, told the Leader.
He was a very nice guy. Always around the village, always around for a chat. The circumstances are very tragic, and my thoughts and wishes are with his family and his extended family.
Reposing at Downeys Funeral Home, Pallaskenry on Thursday evening from 5pm to 7pm, followed by removal to St Josephs Church, Ballybrown.
Funeral Mass will take place on Friday morning at 11.30am, with burial afterwards in Kilkeedy Cemetery.
VANDALS have ransacked a Limerick city church, stealing flowers and causing damage to the Christmas crib at the altar.
The burglary from St Josephs Church in OConnell Avenue was discovered this week by the distraught sacristan Una McCarthy, who said she is shocked and horrified at the incident.
Gardai at Roxboro Road have launched a probe into the vandalism, which took place last Friday afternoon, and are studying closed-circuit television (CCTV).
Four flower arrangements at the back altar were strewn across the floor, while another large floral display was stolen.
These included roses, chrysanthemums and other greenery.
The vandals also attacked the Christmas crib, removing the straw and throwing it around.
Ms McCarthy said from looking at the camera footage, it appears that it was two teenagers, and three adults who entered the church and did the damage.
Its just horrific, she said, I was coming into receive the remains of a funeral, and the next thing was I came across all this. I was shocked and horrified to be honest with you. I didnt think anyone would come into a church and destroy things like this. The effort we go to arrange the church at Christmas, and then to see this.
Senator Maria Byrne, who lives in the local area, said it is soul destroying to see the destruction in the building.
It just shows people have no respect for anything. For a long time, some churches were afraid to open their doors, but St Josephs kept its doors opened all the time to allow people to come in, worship God and say their prayers, Ms Byrne added.
Ms McCarthy is hoping that they will be able to keep the church open, despite this incident.
The people who did this must be very sick of mind. What other kind of person would do a thing like this, she asked.
Jerry OConnell, of the Limerick South City Residents Association, also condemned the vandalism, adding: In our group we have different people from different religions. But we all respect each other.
Anyone with any information should ring Roxboro gardai are investigating, and are available at 061-214340
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's offer of inter-Korean dialogue by tweeting, "Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not -- we will see!" But that was before he was apparently belatedly briefed about Kim's New Year's address and flew into a tizzy over Kim's boast of a "nuclear button" in his office.
His own nuclear button, Trump boasted, is "much bigger & more powerful." So much for harmony between the allies after President Moon Jae-in here said he "welcomes" Kim's offer of talks.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson also distanced his government from any talks with North Korea, saying "it is their choice" if North and South Korea wish to hold them.
Earlier, Unification Minister Cho Myung-gyon claimed Seoul is in "close consultation" with Washington over Pyongyang's proposal, but somehow that failed to manifest itself in any coordination of their public pronouncements. That sort of shambles is exactly what Kim wanted to achieve. His New Year's address was carefully calibrated as a noisy threat to the U.S., whose "entire mainland" he claimed is in reach of his nuclear weapons, and cozying up to South Korea, with the aim of driving a wedge between the allies.
But the government is too giddy over Kim's offer to send athletes to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang to worry about the threat of nuclear war he uttered in almost the same breath.
It is just as the high-level North Korean defector Thae Yong-ho warned. North Korea is seeking to get out from under international sanctions by threatening the U.S., paying respect to China, and throwing a carrot at South Korea, the weakest link in the chain. Kim has no intention of giving up his nuclear program. All he wants is to buy time so he can complete his nuclear arms development, and his strategy is to sow a rift among the allies.
Things seem to be going just as he planned. Moon has talked about being "in the driver's seat" in inter-Korean affairs. But it seems obvious who is leading whom by the nose.
GARDAI have launched an investigation after vandals smashed up a life-saving defibrillator in Limerick city centre.
Officers at Roxboro Road are studying CCTV after the front glass of the machine which provides immediate first aid to heart-attack victims was smashed and the device damaged as a result.
Members of the Limerick South City Residents Association raised thousands of euro in order to have the defibrillator fitted to the exterior of the OSullivans pharmacy in the area, and since its was installed, it has provided life-support to a number of people.
But residents have been left stunned after the overnight vandalism on the defibrillator, with local Senator Maria Byrne condemning it as a cowardly act.
Jerry OConnell, who chairs the South City Residents Association, confirmed the glass of the front of the defibrillator was smashed, after the assailant was unable to gain access to it.
We had a lock put on it, and local residents know the number in case anything happens. They were not able to get the defibrillator out, so they broke the glass, he explained.
This meant the whole box needed to be replaced, and the defibrillator itself is being sent to engineers to see if it can be salvaged.
Mr OConnell said: I have had open heart surgery myself, so I recognise the importance of this device.
I am shocked someone could do this.
If you look at it another way, whoever did this has a father and mother. If something happened to them, if they were local people, where would it leave them?
Ms Byrne, who lives a stones throw from where the defibrillator is located, added: People go out and do stupid things, but to interfere with life-saving equipment is very sad, and somebody must have been in a very bad place to have to do this.
As well as vandalising the defibrillator, the wing mirrors of a car parked on St Josephs Street were also smashed.
The residents association held a variety of fundraising events, including table quizzes and coffee mornings to pay for the defibrillator back in 2013, the only one in the area which is located on a public street.
On average, the machines cost in the region of 2,000.
Gardai at Roxboro Road are investigating, and can be contacted at 061-214340.
INDEPENDENT Limerick councillor Frankie Daly has renewed his appeal for the safe return of Limericks mayoral chain.
The Limerick Leader revealed two weeks ago the theft of the 10,000 chain leaving Cllr Daly, who was deputising for metropolitan mayor Sean Lynch distraught.
Now, the northside councillor has urged anyone who may have the gold-and-silver chain to return it to a neutral space, suggesting St Marys Cathedral.
Nothing would be said, wed just like to move on. Id just like to see the chain returned, and have some closure on this. Its of no use to anybody. It would be a great start for the New Year for everyone in the city to get it back on board, he told the Limerick Leader.
Spokespersons for both Limerick City and County Council, and An Garda Siochana have confirmed the chain has yet to be recovered.
The mayoral chain was stolen from the glove-box of Cllr Dalys 2003 Toyota Avensis parked outside his home in the Irish Estates, Corbally.
At the time, Cllr Lynch said it was an act of desperation so close to Christmas.
Cllr Daly said he believed his car key was cloned, and this is how the culprit gained access to the symbol.
Its unbelievable. My heart sank into my boots when I realised it was gone. I was in total shock.
This chain belongs to the people: its an attack on the people of Limerick, added Cllr Daly.
THE PETER McVerry Trust has exceeded its goal in housing 30 people since opening its Limerick city offices 12 months ago.
The national homeless and charity service, which provides long-term accommodation to people seriously affected by the homeless crisis, launched its OConnell Street service in late 2016.
The service works directly with Limerick City and County Council to provide housing and supports for those exiting homelessness.
Peter McVerry Trust CEO, Pat Doyle praised the charity for reaching its target in its inaugural year in Limerick.
When we began providing housing and housing supports in Limerick last December our goal was to deliver homes for 30 people. We have now exceeded that number and have provided homes to individuals, couples and families in Limerick in the last 12 months.
Our goal now is to ensure that we continue to work to increase housing options for people in Limerick so that we can continue to work with the City and County Councils to secure as many exits as possible out of homelessness in 2018, Mr Doyle stated.
And to mark its first year in Limerick, the charity launched a video campaign in which members of the public shared their concerns over the local homeless crisis.
The people of Limerick were asked in the vox-pop: What do you think of the homeless crisis?
One woman responded: I think its dreadfully sad. One doesnt know what to do, really. Its very sad. They are all ages.
One man said: I see it in the mornings when Im coming in. Theres a lot of people on the street. There could be eight, to 10, or 12, just out on OConnell Street. Thats between four, five, or six in the morning. And it is increasing.
A young man said: Even if you go out to Shannon Banks in the mornings at half six, youll see. My dad knows a man who used to work for Bank of Ireland, and he lost his job and he fell on hard times and hes living in a tent up the road. Its an absolute joke.
GARDAI in Limerick are seeking information about a smash and grab at a restaurant that saw a quantity of cash stolen, along with the staff's Christmas tips jar.
Gardai are investigating the break-in at a restaurant in the Castletroy area.
The premises, which was closed at the time, was targeted between midnight and 10am on Sunday New Years Eve.
According to investigating gardai, the culprits gained entry to the restaurant by smashing a front window of the premises.
Once inside the culprits took a quantity of cash from the premises along with the contents of the staff tip jar.
"There was a quantity of cash taken from the premises along with the staff tip jar they worked so hard for all Christmas. From information received we know that the culprits left on foot," said a garda spokesperson.
The scene of the burglary has since been forensically examined by members of the divisional scene of crime unit and anyone with information is asked to contact Henry Street garda station at 061-212400.
Business 6 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR CREDIT SCORE INTACT
04.01.2018 08:38:12 - A credit score is extremely important for the owners of SMEs and proprietors looking for finance in the form of small business loans.
(live-PR.com) - Credit score is extremely important for the owners of SMEs and proprietors looking for finance in the form of small business loans. It is an objective score that defines your financial ability to repay debt based on your past transactions and payment history. The absence of or poor credit score can greatly reduce your chances of getting a loan. However, - Credit score is extremely important for the owners of SMEs and proprietors looking for finance in the form of small business loans. It is an objective score that defines your financial ability to repay debt based on your past transactions and payment history. The absence of or poor credit score can greatly reduce your chances of getting a loan. However, you should not worry as there are ways to rebuild and maintain a healthy credit score.
Avoid Defaults
Your bid for a quick business loan can take a beating on account of payment defaults so make sure that all your monthly bills are paid by due date. Remember that even if the default is not because of a cash crunch, it shows up on your credit report and reflects in credit score. You do not want to lose out on a loan because you forgot the due date!
Stay Updated
Do not make the mistake of checking your credit score right at the time when you are in need of small business loans. This adds to unnecessary inquiries in your report. Keep yourself updated by reviewing your credit score every six months. The advantage of this exercise is that in case there is any negative remark, you can find it easily and counter it if it is not correct. Also, if you find the score going down, then steps can be taken in time to strengthen it.
Reduce Credit Card Utilisation
When it comes to credit score, there is a simple rule to follow- always keep your utilization percentage limited to thirty percent of the total limit. Follow this rule for every card you have. Also, it is advisable that you do not use all credit cards as it reflects that you do not have enough amount to meet your monthly expenditures. It also showcases spending habits, something you would want to keep to yourself. To enforce discipline, you can ask your credit card company to send an alert when you breach the utilization limit.
Mind Your Loan Applications
While it is a common practice to make multiple loan applications to various lenders, this seemingly gullible practice might be hurting your financial credibility. Multiple loan applications show up in your credit report and are not viewed kindly by lenders. If there are too many rejections, chances of getting a quick business loan get slimmer.
Joint Application Trap
A joint application of loan helps in increasing the chances of getting a loan, but it can prove detrimental to your credit score. If there is a default owing to a mistake by the joint borrower, the lack of credibility will affect your future capability of getting a loan as well.
Apply for Unsecured Loans
You can improve your credit score by availing collateral free loans from online financing platforms such as FlexiLoans. When you take secured loans, you not only mortgage your assets but also increase the risk of default on repayment. However, it is easier and quicker to pay off collateral-free loans, as a result of which your credibility as a borrower increases.
Since creating a favourable credit score is a long process, the ideal way to keep your credit score intact is to follow financial discipline.
you should not worry as there are ways to rebuild and maintain a healthy credit score.Avoid DefaultsYour bid for a quick business loan can take a beating on account of payment defaults so make sure that all your monthly bills are paid by due date. Remember that even if the default is not because of a cash crunch, it shows up on your credit report and reflects in credit score. You do not want to lose out on a loan because you forgot the due date!Stay UpdatedDo not make the mistake of checking your credit score right at the time when you are in need of small business loans. This adds to unnecessary inquiries in your report. Keep yourself updated by reviewing your credit score every six months. The advantage of this exercise is that in case there is any negative remark, you can find it easily and counter it if it is not correct. Also, if you find the score going down, then steps can be taken in time to strengthen it.Reduce Credit Card UtilisationWhen it comes to credit score, there is a simple rule to follow- always keep your utilization percentage limited to thirty percent of the total limit. Follow this rule for every card you have. Also, it is advisable that you do not use all credit cards as it reflects that you do not have enough amount to meet your monthly expenditures. It also showcases spending habits, something you would want to keep to yourself. To enforce discipline, you can ask your credit card company to send an alert when you breach the utilization limit.Mind Your Loan ApplicationsWhile it is a common practice to make multiple loan applications to various lenders, this seemingly gullible practice might be hurting your financial credibility. Multiple loan applications show up in your credit report and are not viewed kindly by lenders. If there are too many rejections, chances of getting a quick business loan get slimmer.Joint Application TrapA joint application of loan helps in increasing the chances of getting a loan, but it can prove detrimental to your credit score. If there is a default owing to a mistake by the joint borrower, the lack of credibility will affect your future capability of getting a loan as well.Apply for Unsecured LoansYou can improve your credit score by availing collateral free loans from online financing platforms such as FlexiLoans. When you take secured loans, you not only mortgage your assets but also increase the risk of default on repayment. However, it is easier and quicker to pay off collateral-free loans, as a result of which your credibility as a borrower increases.Since creating a favourable credit score is a long process, the ideal way to keep your credit score intact is to follow financial discipline. Press Information:
Flexiloans
BSE , Zone startups india, 18th floor , P.J. Towers , Dalal Street , Mumbai -400001
Contact Person:
Aman
Phone: 8652878652
eMail: eMail
04.01.2018 08:38:12 -
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FTSE 250 movers: Ocado takeover talk delivers; Vectura labours 04-01-2018 13:48
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IAG traffic and capacity expand further 04-01-2018 18:06
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Whitbread appoints Adam Crozier as chairman amid Costa sale rumours 04-01-2018 07:26
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In just 22 years, every new car sold in California would have to be a zero-emission vehicle, under a bill introduced Wednesday by San Francisco Assemblyman Phil Ting.
Tings bill would require every new passsenger vehicle sold after Jan. 1, 2040, to be zero-emission, in line he says with a goal Gov. Jerry Brown has set for 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles in the state by 2025.
Its all part of Californias climate change policies.
California has nearly 300,000 electric vehicles registered, but theres a long way to go before all cars sold are emission-free. In 2016, 2.1 million new cars were sold and just 1.9 percent were zero-emission vehicles.
Were at an inflection point: Weve got to address the harmful emissions that cause climate change, Ting said in a statement. Achieving the goal of electrification of transportation is crucial for the health of our people and the planet. Vehicles run on fossil fuels are responsible for nearly 40 percent of Californias greenhouse gas emissions.
As defined in the bill, zero-emission vehicles cannot produce exhaust emissions of any pollutant or greenhouse gas under any operational mode or condition. The bill applies only to passenger vehicles, not to commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds. It does not apply to vehicles owned by people moving into California from other states.
Supporters of Tings proposed legislation, which he calls Clean Cars 2040, said its needed.
Dirty vehicles are the largest source of carbon emissions in California, polluting the air and water for millions across the state, so we must take action to accelerate the transition to 100 percent clean vehicles, said Tom Steyer, a billionaire, Democratic party donor and president of NextGen America, which promotes a clean energy economy.
With this legislation, California will be taking combustion-polluting vehicles off the road and advancing zero emission vehicles, helping us to finally address air pollution and better equipping us to combat climate change, said Adrian Martinez, staff attorney for Earthjustice, a non-profit environmental law organization.
Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle
.com Twitter: @ctuan
Hayden Properties has purchased the 216-unit Stoneleigh on Spring Cypress apartments at 7215 Spring Cypress Road in Spring. Joey Rippel, Todd Marix, Chris Curry, Chris Young and Connor Phillips of HFF marketed the property for the seller, Seneca Investments. The property consists of 11 three-story residential buildings with units averaging 881 square feet. Tyler Ford of HFF arranged acquisition financing. It is 94.4 percent leased.
Cimeda Three has purchased a 46,000-square-foot office/warehouse facility at 15135 Jacintoport. Marc Drumwright with Southwest Realty Advisors represented the seller, ELGM. Chris Klein with Colliers International represented the buyer.
Niche Importing Group has leased 14,000 square feet of industrial space at 1499 N. Post Oak Road. Shaffer Braun of NAI Partners represented the landlord, NPO 1495 LP. David Munson of Boyd Commercial represented the tenant.
Hyundai Global Service Americas Co. has leased a 16,000-square-foot building at 7206 Harms in Harms Road Industrial Park, a development by United Equities in northwest Houston. Travis Land of NAI Partners represented the landlord.
Weston Legal, a debt relief law firm, plans to relocate to a 5,370-square-foot building at 177 W. Gray that previously housed Surge Ventures, a technology accelerator that specialized in energy-industry startups. Mike Weston of Mission Real Estate Group represented the buyer, 177 W. Gray LLC. Barrett Von Blon of Davis Commercial represented the seller, Holly Coburn.
JRB Engineering has leased 7,526 square feet of industrial space at 11116 W. Little York from SST Providence. David M. Boyd of Boyd Commercial/Corfac International represented the tenant.
AAA Texas has opened an office at 14505 Torrey Chase Blvd. The north Houston location is one of eight branches serving the Houston area.
Taylor Hopkins has leased 1,676 square feet at Esperson, 808 Travis, suite 1418, for a 10-year term starting in February. Jack Parsons with Finial Group represented the tenant. Jano Nixon-Kelly,with Cameron Management represented the landlord, CCM-Cameron Esperson Owner.
Preferred Engineering has renewed and expanded its lease for a total of 15,391 square feet at 1322 Space Park Drive, Clear Lake. Bethany Dena represented the landlord, Boxer Property.
A local investor has purchased Right Move Storage, a 742-unit, 99,455-square-foot self-storage facility at 12310 Perry Road. The facility, on 8 acres, has room for expansion. Bill Bellomy, Michael Johnson and John Arnold of Bellomy & Co. represented the Pasadena, Calif.-based seller, Storage Solutions Perry Road LP.
Compiled by Katherine Feser
A BART police officer was involved in a shooting outside the West Oakland Station Wednesday evening that killed one man and sent another to the hospital with serious injuries, authorities said.
What happened at Seventh and Chester streets, across from the West Oakland BART Station and in front of the Upperkutz barbershop, remains unclear, and Oakland police said they wouldnt offer any more details before Thursday morning.
But one witness told The Chronicle she saw two men arguing before shots rang out. Another said she saw one man shoot the other in the leg, prompting a BART police officer to run across the street from the station and shoot him.
A video posted on Facebook, apparently from someone inside the barbershop, shows the chaotic aftermath of the shooting with two bodies on the sidewalk and people wandering through the crime scene, talking to and approaching the victims.
The shooting took place at 4:41 p.m. across Seventh Street from the station entrance, Oakland police said. Officer Johnna Watson, Oakland Police Department spokeswoman, said in a statement that BART police reported that one of their officers had been involved in a shooting and requested Oaklands assistance.
Upon arrival, Oakland police officers learned that an on-duty BART PD officer, dressed in full police uniform, discharged their service firearm and two adult males were transported to a local hospital for medical attention, Watson said.
At about 6:30 p.m., Watson reported that one of the two men had died at the hospital. The other was in stable condition.
A handgun was found on the ground at the scene, she said.
A witness who identified herself only as Quinn, 32, of Oakland, said she was eating in a Mexican restaurant on Seventh Street when she witnessed an argument between a man in his 20s and another in his late 30s as they walked in and out of the business.
The younger man was shooting video of the older one on his phone as they argued. Maybe a minute after they exited the restaurant, Quinn said, she heard one gunshot and then, after a brief pause, five or six more.
Quinn said she hid in the rear of the restaurant and then emerged moments later and saw the younger man on the ground, obviously shot.
Everybody was standing around, and I yelled, Is anybody going to do CPR? Nobody did anything, she said.
She attempted CPR, Quinn said, and BART police pushed her away. It seemed to her that the younger man was dead, she said. The older man was on the ground 2 feet away, handcuffed, she said.
Another witness, Laquisha Stanley said she was at a nearby doughnut shop when she noticed a friend get into a dispute with a man he knew. The pair walked down the street, arguing, she said, and the other man shot her friend in the leg.
A BART police officer who was watching from the stations parking lot ran over and shot the man who fired the gun, Stanley said.
Its a sad situation, because its the third of the year, she said. We havent even finished the first week and we have another killing. ... They both lost today.
BART said the West Oakland Station remained open and that train service was not affected. Some commuters, however, were unable to get to their cars during the investigation.
Kimberly Veklerov and Michael Cabanatuan are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com, mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KVeklerov, @ctuan
Among the many things he's been called - "blunt," "pathetic," "calculating" - the one thing Michael Wolff has never been described as is boring.
A provocateur and media polemicist, Wolff has a penchant for stirring up an argument and pushing the facts as far as they'll go, and sometimes further than they can tolerate, according to his critics. He has been accused of not just re-creating scenes in his books and columns, but of creating them wholesale.
That's some context for Wolff's most explosive bit of reporting to date: A scathing new book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," describing dysfunction and infighting in Donald Trump's presidential campaign and the first year of his presidency, replete with damning criticism of Trump from within his inner circle.
According to an unauthorized report in the Guardian newspaper and a lengthy excerpt in New York magazine, Wolff portrays Trump and his closest aides as astonished by his electoral victory in 2016, and wholly unprepared for office. Trump, he reports, had no idea who former House Speaker John Boehner was when Roger Ailes, a campaign adviser, recommended him as chief of staff. Top advisers and allies doubted the president's intelligence and openly mocked him.
But Wolff's sharpest revelations concern comments attributed to Steve Bannon, Trump's campaign chairman and former White House chief strategist. In on-the-record interviews with Wolff, Bannon called a meeting between the Trump campaign's top advisers and Russian representatives in mid-2016 "treasonous" and "unpatriotic" - furthering the narrative of Trump's harshest critics.
Bannon also warned that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian collusion will focus on money laundering and the Trump family's dealings with Deutsche Bank. Bannon, according to Wolff, predicted: "They're going to crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV. ... They're sitting on a beach trying to stop a Category Five."
Trump isn't exactly disputing Wolff's reporting, nor has Bannon backed down from them. In a statement issued Wednesday, Trump blasted his former top adviser, saying in part, "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. ... Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to make himself seem far more important than he was. It is the only thing he does well."
The fireworks almost certainly guarantee that the book will become a bestseller. But the second-guessing of Wolff's work has already begun.
Wolff, for example, writes that Thomas Barrack Jr., a billionaire friend of Trump's, told a friend that Trump is "not only crazy, he's stupid." Barrack on Wednesday denied to a New York Times reporter that he ever said such a thing.
Katie Walsh, a former White House adviser, has also disputed a comment attributed to her by Wolff, that dealing with Trump was "like trying to figure out what a child wants."
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders added her own skepticism during her daily briefing on Wednesday. "We know the book has a lot of things, so far that we've seen, that are completely untrue," she said.
She was not specific, but Sanders added that Wolff's characterizations of White House operations were "the opposite of what I saw."
Wolff, 64, has said his book was based on 200 interviews with White House and campaign staffers, including Bannon. He didn't respond to multiple requests for comment.
His reliability has been challenged before - over quotes, descriptions and general accounts he's provided in his many newspaper and magazine columns and in several books. Wolff has even acknowledged that he can be unreliable: As he recounted in "Burn Rate" - his best-selling book about his time as an early Internet entrepreneur - Wolff kept his bankers at bay by fabricating a story about his father-in-law having open-heart surgery.
"How many fairly grievous lies had I told?" he wrote. "How many moral lapses had I committed? How many ethical breaches had I fallen into? . . . Like many another financial conniver, I was in a short-term mode." Wolff's business collapsed in 1997.
"Burn Rate" came under siege from critics who challenged its credibility, including the long verbatim conversations that Wolff recounted despite taking scant notes. Brill's Content, a now-defunct media-review publication, cited a dozen people who disputed quotes attributed to them in the book.
Wolff followed up "Burn Rate" by taking over the media column at New York magazine, where he almost immediately ran into trouble. Judith Regan, then a hotshot book editor who had been a classmate of Wolff's at Vassar, vigorously disputed almost every paragraph of Wolff's column about her. She said she hadn't had a personal conversation with Wolff in 30 years.
Wolff's response: "She doesn't speak to me. ... I suppose the world is full of people who no longer speak to me."
New Republic columnist Andrew Sullivan accused Wolff of putting words in his mouth when Wolff wrote in 2001 that Sullivan "believes that he is the most significant gay public intellectual in America today." Sullivan said he never made any such claim.
In a 2004 cover story for the New Republic, Michelle Cottle wrote that Wolff had become the "It Boy" of New York media after winning two National Magazine Awards for his commentary: "His quick wit, dizzying writing style, and willingness to say absolutely anything about anybody made his column a must-read," she wrote.
But she added, "Much to the annoyance of Wolff's critics, the scenes in his columns aren't recreated so much as created - springing from Wolff's imagination rather than from actual knowledge of events. Even Wolff acknowledges that conventional reporting isn't his bag." An editor who worked with Wolff told Cottle, "He is adroit at making the reader think that he has spent hours and days with his subject, when in fact he may have spent no time at all."
Even Wolff's anecdote about Trump being unaware of who Boehner was last year seems a bit suspect. The reason? Trump had tweeted about Boehner multiple times since 2011. In September 2015, for example, Trump tweeted this: "Wacky @glennbeck who always seems to be crying (worse than Boehner) speaks badly of me only because I refuse to do his show - a real nut job!"
Anthony Anderson's piercing wail kicks off the new Freeform series "Grownish," a spinoff of ABC's "Blackish" that premiered Wednesday and centers on the college experience of the Johnson family's oldest child. Zoey (Yara Shahidi) has been at the fictional California University for just three days, but to her father, Dre, it feels like a lifetime.
"It hurts so bad," he screeches on the phone. An exasperated Zoey asks for clarification and, clutching his chest, Dre replies, "My soul."
Dre's parental woes are familiar to many viewers, as is the overall premise of "Grownish." With any series fortunate enough to be renewed for multiple seasons - R.I.P. "Freaks and Geeks," you are missed - the teenage characters inevitably grow up and, often, go to college. Some land their own spinoffs, while others inexplicably remain major figures in the original shows. Here's how several popular comedies have dealt with the transition.
"Blackish" (2014-present) and its spinoff, "Grownish" (2018-present)
Character: Zoey Johnson (Yara Shahidi)
What happened: Much to the distress of her father, Zoey is now navigating an increasingly political world on her own at Cal U. But "Blackish" fans, fret not. The actress recently confirmed that she would still appear on the ABC series from time to time, and her TV parents might show up on Freeform, too. A few of Shahidi's "Grownish" co-stars include famed Selena Gomez kidney donor Francia Raisa and both halves of the Beyonce-approved R&B duo Chloe x Halle.
"The Cosby Show" (1984-1992) and its spinoff, "A Different World" (1987-1993)
Character: Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet)
What happened: "A Different World" is the most obvious precursor to "Grownish," as each series - at least initially - focuses on the college experience of the oldest daughter in a middle-class black family. Denise figures prominently into the first season of "A Different World," which takes place at the fictional HBCU Hillman College, but her character was written out around the same time that hippie-chic icon Bonet, newly married to Lenny Kravitz, announced her pregnancy. The series went on to have five more seasons, and Denise eventually returned full-time to "The Cosby Show" with a husband and stepdaughter, played by Raven-Symone, in tow.
"Saved by the Bell" (1989-1992) and its spinoff, "Saved by the Bell: The College Years" (1993-1994)
Characters: Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani Thiessen), Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), Screech Powers (Dustin Diamond) and A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez)
What happened: California University appears to be quite popular in the TV universe, as half of Bayside High's lovable troublemakers go on to attend the school in the ill-fated "Saved by the Bell" follow-up, "The College Years." Zack, Screech and A.C. move in with three female students in the pilot, one of whom is swapped out in the second episode to make room for Kelly's return to the franchise.
"Boy Meets World" (1993-2000)
Characters: Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong), Topanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel) and Cory Matthews (Ben Savage)
What happened: The final two seasons of ABC's TGIF hit take place at Pennbrook University, where the trio join Cory's goofy brother, Eric (Will Friedle), and Shawn's soon-to-be-revealed half brother, Jack (Matthew Lawrence). Of course, no school in "Boy Meets World" is complete without the sagacious Mr. Feeny - or "Fee-hee-hee-heenay," as Eric would yell - who ends up teaching at Pennbrook. Cory and Topanga get hitched, Shawn deals with even more family issues and, thankfully, the Matthews parents (Betsy Randle and William Russ) show up in almost every episode.
"Arrested Development" (2003-present)
Character: George Michael Bluth (Michael Cera)
What happened: George Michael's transition to college coincided with the series' Netflix revival, in which each episode centers on a different character, and the show's trademark style of interlocking story lines didn't allow for an absence from Bluth family shenanigans. Though he drives off to UC-Irvine in the infamous stair car and then studies abroad in Spain for a year, George Michael is eventually forced to live with his father again upon his return to campus. The two even (unknowingly) date the same woman.
"Glee" (2009-2015)
Character: Rachel Berry (Lea Michele)
What happened: While multiple members of the New Directions family move away from Lima, Ohio, after graduating from McKinley High in Season 3, Rachel's college journey is the most closely followed. The Barbra Streisand superfan attends the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts - or "NYADA," as they seem to utter in every sentence - to pursue her Broadway dreams and faces a reality check while working with her intense dance instructor, Cassandra July (Kate Hudson). The latter three seasons of "Glee" split their focus between Lima and New York.
"Modern Family" (2009-present)
Characters: Alex Dunphy (Ariel Winter) and Haley Dunphy (Sarah Hyland)
What happened: Haley, portrayed as the family airhead, finally goes to college in the fourth season of "Modern Family," only to get kicked out for drinking and the (accidental) battery of a police officer. She ends up living at home and sporadically attending community college - a clever tactic to keep her in the show - while her nerdy sister, Alex, later goes to Cal Tech, but somehow almost always has a reason to stay with her family, like a case of mono that renders her homebound for months.
An Uncommon Reader: A Life of Edward Garnett, Mentor and Editor of Literary Genius
By Helen Smith
Farrar Straus Giroux. 440 pp. $35
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In 1893, the young John Galsworthy booked passage on the clipper Torrens, then sailing from the South Seas to England. During this voyage the future author of "The Forsyte Saga" happened to become friendly with the ship's first mate. In a letter home he described this "capital chap"- of Polish origin - as "a man of travel and experience in many parts of the world," with "a fund of yarns." Seven years after their shipboard conversations, Joseph Conrad - who else could it have been? - would dedicate his most famous novel, "Lord Jim," to Galsworthy. In 1932 Galsworthy would be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature; Conrad, of course, is now universally regarded as one of the greatest novelists of all time.
Both these writers counted themselves proteges of Edward Garnett (1868-1937), the subject of Helen Smith's prizeworthy literary biography, "An Uncommon Reader." No ordinary acquisitions editor or publisher's reader, Garnett devoted his life to fostering, with tough love, the work of many young, and now famous, authors. Besides Galsworthy and Conrad, who became his close friends, he championed Stephen Crane, helped D.H. Lawrence reconfigure "Sons and Lovers," urged T.E. Lawrence to publish "Seven Pillars of Wisdom," lent moral and financial support to Edward Thomas - "the finest poet of his generation" - and produced the first major essay on Thomas' American friend Robert Frost. Like Scribner's Max Perkins, Garnett was, in all senses of the phrase, an editor of genius.
But that name, Garnett, doesn't it ring a bell? Possibly more than one. Edward's wife, Constance, is still rightly honored as the pioneering translator of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Turgenev and Chekhov. His father, Richard, was not just the Keeper of Printed Books at the British Museum but also the author of that minor masterpiece "The Twilight of the Gods," a collection of learnedly witty fantasies in the style of Voltaire or Anatole France. (It's one of my favorite books.) Smith also regularly quotes from "The Golden Echo" and "The Flowers of the Forest," two exceptional memoirs by Edward and Constance's son, David, best known for that amusing, yet unsettling 1922 jeu d'esprit "Lady Into Fox," in which the protagonist's wife literally becomes a vixen, with all the impulses of a wild animal.
Oddly enough, given the fantastic imaginations of his father and his son, Edward Garnett was staunchly, even narrowly, realistic in his approach to fiction: Literature, he felt, should focus on and reveal life as it is. Consequently, he turned down the chance to publish H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" and would doubtless be surprised that his author May Sinclair is now mainly remembered for her uncanny stories, such as the harrowing "Where Their Fire Is Not Quenched."
Halfway through "An Uncommon Reader," Smith sums up what Garnett looked for in serious literary fiction: "The ability to suggest the intangible from the palpable, a willingness to shake the reader out of his or her settled perceptions, and the facility to make a small, apparently insignificant detail reveal the depths of a situation." She adds that he especially valued "'veracity,' originality and an unflinching readiness to show people what they are." In particular, Garnett thoroughly scorned "commercialism, the insularity of the English, their demand that literature should merely endorse prevailing social norms and conformities, the expectation of 'healthy optimism' and a happy ending." A true artist, Garnett proclaimed, should "never give the public what it wants." Needless to say, his authors seldom earned out their advances.
In structure, "An Uncommon Reader" might be likened to a portrait gallery. As the book progresses, Smith - who teaches literature at Britain's University of East Anglia - introduces us to Garnett's various "discoveries" and literary confidants. Alas, too few readers these days will be able to identify W.H. Hudson ("Green Mansions"), R.B. Cunninghame Graham ("Mogreb-el-Acksa: A Journey in Morocco"), or Liam O'Flaherty ("The Informer"). In general, Garnett worked closely with his writers on their early books, but would gradually lose interest once their careers were successfully launched. Or might it be that his disciples felt that they needed to escape his somewhat restrictive view of what and how they should write? When breaking with her "literary godfather," the Scottish novelist Naomi Mitchison declared, "I must finally go my own way." Nonetheless, Garnett's stable of authors could always count on his unfailing moral support and would deeply revere his memory, even if most of them produced their greatest works without his help.
As Smith writes, Garnett's general advice to aspiring novelists was always to be wary of anything flowery: "Don't overwrite, avoid laboured metaphors and too many adjectives, make sure dialogue sounds ordinary and natural, condense and cut." Good advice, yet some radically innovative works, such as James Joyce's "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and Henry Green's "Living," ignored it: As a result, Garnett turned down both these books, disliking their stylistic peculiarities (Green's sentences, for instance, avoid using the word "the"). Instead he regularly urged learning from the great Russians that Constance was busily translating, especially the more polished and Europeanized Turgenev.
While periodically strapped for cash, Edward Garnett never seems to have lacked for anything. He traveled widely in England and Europe, set up - without any fuss from Constance - a separate household with his mistress Nellie Heath and resolutely refused all honors from universities and the government. He also wrote some lackluster plays, but mainly supplemented his income through literary journalism, being properly enthusiastic about Arnold Bennett and the young E.M. Forster.
Though "An Uncommon Reader" is Helen Smith's first book, one would never know it: She delivers uncommonly good reading, and anyone interested in Edwardian fiction, the history of publishing or literary biography will find it a treat.
1 Human trafficking lawsuit: Two Indonesian fishermen who say they were enslaved on an American fishing boat have settled their lawsuit against the vessels owner seven years after escaping and receiving special U.S. visas as victims of human trafficking, their lawyers said Wednesday. The attorneys said Sorihin, who uses just one name, and Abdul Fatah settled their lawsuit against Thoai Van Nguyen, the California-based boat owner. The settlement does not disclose a financial award. The boat owner denies all allegations of abuse or human trafficking, his lawyer said. The lawsuit filed in San Francisco claimed the men were trafficked through Hawaii and forced to work on the boat around Hawaii and off the shores of California. The case highlights concerns about foreign workers with no visas, who are confined to their vessels in Hawaii for one or two years at a time.
2 Red Cross visits: The American Red Cross of Wisconsin is facing accusations of racism and favoring the wealthy because of a new policy in Milwaukee that forces predominantly black and Latino fire victims from low-income areas to travel to receive the organizations volunteer assistance. The decision to have fire victims go to their nearest police station or Red Cross office rather than for volunteers to visit them at home is due to a staff shortage, the organizations Milwaukee chapter said.
Over a billion Indian citizens may be vulnerable to identity theft and intrusions of privacy after a newspaper sting uncovered a security breach in the country's vast biometric database, which contains the personal data of almost every citizen.
The Tribune newspaper said its reporters were able to access names, email addresses, phone numbers and postal codes by typing in 12-digit unique identification numbers of people in the government's database, after paying an individual about $8. For another $5, the newspaper said, the individual offered reporters software to print out unique identification cards, called Aadhaar cards, that can be used to access various government services including fuel subsidies and free school meals.
The individual was part of a group that had gained access to the database through former workers who were initially tasked with making the cards, the Tribune reported. Several groups were part of this scheme, the newspaper said. The Washington Post has not independently verified the report.
Extending the biometric ID program, known as Aadhaar - meaning foundation - to every citizen is one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship policies in his crusade against corruption. Campaigners say that an Aadhaar card is a way for citizens to prove their identity and access government and financial services. It also is a way to prevent fraud - corrupt officials often add fake names in welfare databases and steal money meant for the poor, they allege.
The Tribune's finding is the latest in reported privacy breaches, raising concerns about the Indian government's ability to protect its citizens from hackers. In the past, government websites have accidentally leaked the data of thousands of citizens.
India's Unique Identification Authority, which oversees the Aadhaar program, said in a statement that "Claims of bypassing or duping the Aadhaar enrollment system are totally unfounded. Aadhaar data is fully safe and secure and has robust, uncompromised security." Modi's governing Bharatiya Janata Party tweeted from its official account that the Tribune's report was "fake news."
The program has faced criticism in India, and the latest development stokes growing privacy fears. Internet campaigner Nikhil Pahwa said in a tweet that campaigners had warned against potential breaches of data for years. "As the usage and linkage of Aadhaar grows, this is going to increase. Bad, bad design," he wrote.
In August, the Supreme Court ruled that privacy is a fundamental right for Indian citizens. The ruling may affect the government's efforts to extend the Aadhaar program to cover every citizen.
For months, government officials in India set up registration centers in cities and villages, snapping photographs and taking iris and fingerprint scans of citizens for a single, centrally secured database. In some hospitals, officials say, babies are given 12-digit registration numbers within minutes of being born.
According to Nandan Nilekani, the tech titan who designed the program, enrolling India's citizens has saved the government billions of dollars. It has won Modi praise from foreign dignitaries. Bill Gates, on a recent visit to India, hailed it as a "12-digit lie detector," and the World Bank's chief economist Paul Romer said "it could be good for the world if this became widely adopted." Delegations from Tanzania, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have visited India to talk about how it could be replicated in their own countries.
Although signing up isn't mandatory, the Indian government has made Aadhaar registration mandatory for access to many crucial government services. Banks have threatened to freeze accounts if they are not linked with Aadhaar numbers.
In a news report, relatives of a woman said she died after being turned away from a hospital because her family did not have her Aadhaar card. In another case, activists said an 11-year-old girl died because food rations were denied to her because she did not have an Aadhaar card.
After a year-long court battle, details of Kirbyville school superintendent Tommy Wallis' contentious tenure and forced departure from his previous district will be made public, a Travis County judge ruled late last month.
Wallis, who was forced to resign from Bryan ISD last fall, sued the district and the Texas Attorney General's Office to block the release of information related to his time at the district in response to records requests from Bryan-College Station area media.
> > MORE: Judge says Bryan officials not in contempt for Wallis document leak
He was hired by Kirbyville CISD in March 2017. Wallis' history was called into question after high school principal Dennis Reeves killed himself in the school's parking lot on May 23 after he was confronted by Wallis and an assistant superintendent about an alleged affair with a secretary.
A document leaked after Reeves' death accused Wallis of more than a dozen alleged ethics violations while in Bryan.
> > TIMELINE: Tensions in Kirbyville
In a ruling issued on Dec. 20, Judge Tim Sulak ordered that most documents requested from Bryan ISD by local media are not confidential and must be released after the ruling becomes final and after parties have had time to appeal.
He ordered that 26 pages of documents and an additional exhibit be kept confidential
under a section of the Texas Education Code that protects educators' performance evaluations from public release.
All other documents requested under the Texas Public Information Act and approved for release by Attorney General Ken Paxton in open records letter rulings must be released, according to Sulak.
Those requests included emails related to alleged misconduct and complaints and information related to an unnamed employee's request for leave and resignation.
The district also received requests for self-evaluation forms and a recording of a meeting related to a personnel matter.
In four letter rulings in December 2016 and January 2017, Paxton ruled that some of the requested information could be withheld under rules including those governing educator evaluations, contact information and intimate and embarrassing information that is not of public interest.
Paxton said the remaining information should be released.
Wallis' lawyers declined to comment until the ruling is final.
The Attorney General's Office and Bryan ISD's attorneys could not be reached for comment.
According to a recording of a Sept. 19 meeting published by The Eagle, the Bryan-College Station newspaper, former Bryan ISD board president Doug Wunneburger told Wallis that he needed to resign. When Wallis argued, Wunneburger suggested he accept the offer to resign and receive his full salary through the academic year "to preserve your reputation and Bryan ISD's."
He had applied for at least 17 jobs outside the district at the time, according to the recording, and was accused of prioritizing his own interests over the district's.
As part of his separation agreement, he was paid $83,000 and given a letter of reference saying he "commendably served" the district and calling him "an accomplished leader, dedicated to children and learning."
According to the document leaked to Bryan media in violation of an injunction issued after Wallis filed suit, he was accused of more than a dozen violations of Bryan ISD's code of ethics, including trying to circumvent policy to alter salaries, using district resources to apply for jobs, making inappropriate comments about staff members and students and interfering with the process for choosing an insurance vendor.
The document was produced by a Bryan ISD administrator at the direction of the Bryan ISD board of trustees in September 2016, one month before they signed the separation agreement.
The complaint was given to The Eagle in June by two district employees, who asked to remain anonymous to protect their jobs. They said they released it in light of Reeves' death.
Kirbyville CISD board president Joe Brecht said in February, when Wallis was named the lone finalist for the position, that he was chosen from 31 candidates and had been thoroughly vetted.
LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/LizTeitz
You can't fight fire with ice. That's a frozen fact that public safety officials are grappling with as extreme cold continues to grip much of the country this week. Broken water mains make fire hydrants weak. The water that firefighters carry on their trucks can freeze. Pumps lock up. Firefighters fall down.
"You see people trip on hose lines during sunny days, much less add ice, too," said northern Virginia firefighter Chris Kamienski.
Plumbers have their own low-temp truisms (pipes burst), as do drivers (batteries fail), engineers (metal breaks) and doctors (joints ache from cold, bones crack from falls). It's all the toll of the cold. When the air gets down near zero, parts fail and people despair. From freight rails to frost bite, a deep freeze can mean deep trouble for a city - and a species - built to operate at more temperate temperatures.
Meteorology has become a doomsday science. Bomb cyclone? Polar vortex? Wind chills below zero? What happened to scattered flurries?
"When things get very cold, things change," John Jarrell, president of Materials Science Associates in Rhode Island said. "The nature of materials change, and the systems we've designed to operate at normal temperatures are stressed."
The evidence is everywhere. Crews are struggling to keep up with a record number of fractured water mains, with dozens reported in the Maryland suburbs. D.C. Water was working to fix 77 others while fielding more than 200 emergency calls a day tied to the frigid temperatures. Plumbers reported hundreds of calls for broken pipes at homes, apartments and office buildings, including a burst hot-water supply line earlier this week that spawned a small sidewalk glacier in downtown Washington.
More than 5,000 motorists in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia called for help before the worst cold weather even hit, mostly for dead batteries, flat tires and getting locked out of their vehicles, probably from leaving keys in their cars while warming them up, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic.
School systems in the area in Washington metro area struggled to get their buses on the road, and nearly all, closed on Thursday. Two districts announced a two-hour delay Friday, while one said it would remain closed.
In Fairfax, Virginia, about 200 of the district's nearly 9,000 bus routes had been delayed Wednesday or affected by buses with faulty batteries, freezing brake lines or other weather-related damage, officials said.
The cold played its winter wiles on bodies too. Sometimes the bodies were complicit, such as the young people in Loudoun County, Virginia, who found themselves in hypothermic waters earlier this week after driving their SUV on the ice, or the skater who broke her wrist on the frozen C&O Canal.
But some bystanders were also felled by the freeze. Joints, particularly arthritic ones, grow achy in the extreme cold, possibly because the low barometric pressure causes tissues to swell. Sufferers of cold urticaria disorder get an itchy allergic reaction to cold air, and Raynaud's disease causes fingers and toes to go numb at times like these.
The deep cold literally takes the body outside its comfort zone, that core ideal around 98.6 degrees.
"The body is constantly trying to maintain the narrow range of temperatures where everything works optimally," said Ranit Mishori, professor of family medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine. "When the body starts to lose heat, there is a cascade of responses."
The muscles contract and relax spasmodically - shiver - to generate heat, which requires increased glucose usage. Blood vessels constrict, helping to trigger an inflammatory response in the nostril lining that doctors call cold induced rhinorrhea and to the rest of us describe as a runny nose.
The heart, too, has to work harder to keep a body warm, increasing the chance of a heart attack for those at risk, said Bradley Boyd an orthopedic physician on call for Virginia Hospital Center's emergency room.
It was a remarkable bill of physical breakdown and cracked routines in a week without significant snow or high winds. It was pure cold air snapping bits off the built environment and the human psyche, even before the bomb cyclone detonated and the most frigid air of the season rushed into the region Thursday night. This winter, still in its infancy, was already wearing on the local spirit.
"I am so tired of being cold - already!," lamented Julie Ann Pixler, a former C-SPAN producer, on The Post's Facebook page.
The main cold weather culprits, according to Jarrell, are the facts of physics. Extreme cold causes most materials - such as plastic pipes and metal parts - to become less flexible and more brittle. If your subway car has to single track around a cracked rail, you can impress your fellow passengers by blaming the dreaded "ductile to brittle transition."
Water, on the other hand, swells when it freezes, forming a perfect pipe-breaking scenario, especially when the temperatures are cold enough to penetrate deep into the ground where the usually snug pipes are buried.
Chemical reactions, meanwhile, tend to slow in the cold, weakening car batteries. Oil becomes thicker and frozen metal parts shrink at different rates - think about aluminum pistons sitting in tight iron cylinders - making engines harder to budge for those already feeble batteries. Nothing is quite normal.
Think of a Milky Way bar, Jarrell suggests. Break it in two at room temperature and its various layers will stretch and ooze at different delicious viscosities. But pull it from the freezer and "you can snap it like a candy cane," said Jarrell. "At low temperatures, things begin to act in ways contrary to what we're used to."
Kamienski, along with firefighters across the region, know how tricky it gets with winter and water. He points to the "pump shift" knob below the steering wheel of Engine 101, the controls he'll use to keep the water moving through the truck's 750-gallon tank and 30-gallon pump to keep it fluid. Elsewhere, the truck's cold weather kit includes a plastic sled to pull injured people over frozen ground, snow shovels and cat litter to spread over slippery patches.
Ice can lock firefighters' extension ladders up. Frozen hoses refuse to coil. But the calls keep coming. An overhead screen flashed the details of a medical call. In his rush to respond, Kamienski almost left his new insulated Yeti mug behind.
"Don't want to forget my Christmas gift," he said.
At the Washington Aqueduct, workers battled the freezing Potomac by hand, like ancient whalers, using steel rods to punch through ice two inches thick near the intake pipes that supply the District and parts of northern Virginia with drinking water.
Crews had scrambled to break up the bergs Sunday after ice began to block the pipes and the reservoir level dropped, said Thomas Jacobus, the aqueduct's general manager. "Ice eater" machines churned the water with propellers to keep more ice from forming, he said.
With even colder temperatures forecast, the aqueduct had a crane and wrecking ball standing by to break up large chunks that could overwhelm the intake.
Jacobus said aqueduct officials couldn't remember another stretch when night temperatures dipped into the single digits and daytime temperatures didn't reach above freezing. "This is what you expect in Iowa for goodness sakes," Jacobus said. "Nothing has a chance to warm up to defrost itself."
Workers have wrapped black plastic around equipment to try to trap in heat and brought in portable heaters to keep smaller pipes from freezing. The extreme cold also makes chemical reactions in the water-treatment process sluggish. Crews are adding more coagulants to get dirt to settle and keeping an eye on chlorine levels to make sure the chlorine has enough time to kill bacteria.
"Our systems are taxed," Jacobus said. "We'll be OK, but we are right at the edge of the capabilities of our heating systems. They're not built for this."
And neither are we.
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The Washington Post's Katherine Shaver, Luz Lazo, Debbie Truong, Perry Stein, Lori Aratani, Michael E. Ruane and Dana Hedgpeth contributed to this report.
Newly returned search warrants reveal a harrowing scene inside a home in Reston, Virginia, where police say a couple were shot and killed in late December by a 17-year-old who they believed was espousing neo-Nazi views to their daughter.
Investigators wrote that they recovered 10 cartridge cases, a knife and hammer from the home of Scott Fricker, 48, and Buckley Kuhn-Fricker, 43. They also found what appeared to be blood stains on a hallway wall, on a bedroom wall, on a bedroom door and on a hallway floor, among other locations.
One search warrant states bullet fragments and holes were found in an office, in a ceiling and in a hallway.
One search warrant also states the suspect in the case was a juvenile offender, but does not detail his conviction or convictions. The Washington Post generally does not name juveniles charged with crimes, unless they are charged as adults.
The details are some of many in the documents, which shed light on the slaying that has generated national attention in recent weeks. The documents also broadly confirm an account of the killings provided by family and friends to The Washington Post.
One of the new search warrants states the investigation revealed the homeowners were opposed to their daughter's relationship with a teenager and recently told her to stop dating him.
Friends and family have said Buckley Kuhn-Fricker grew alarmed after discovering a Twitter account she believed was tied to the teen and that had retweeted numerous tweets that were anti-Semitic, anti-gay, and that praised Hitler and called for a "white revolution."
The family staged an intervention with the daughter in the days before the killing, family and friends said, telling her she could no longer see the teen because of his views. They said the girl had agreed and broke off the relationship.
The search warrants state officers were called to the Fricker home on Black Fir Court around 5 a.m. on Dec. 22 for a report of a person shot. Investigations revealed the suspect and family had a confrontation inside the home.
"The suspect was observed in a verbal confrontation with the homeowners," one search warrant reads. "The confrontation turned violent and the suspect shot and killed the homeowners."
A family member said detectives had told them that the Frickers possibly heard a sound inside the home and found the suspect inside their daughter's bedroom.
The couple confronted the teen and told him to leave, according to the account. He then opened fire on the couple, before shooting himself in the head, the family said. Fairfax County police said the teen remains hospitalized in critical condition and has not been served with the charges yet.
One of the search warrants states there was communication between Buckley Kuhn-Fricker and the suspect's family. A friend of the family's told The Washington Post that Buckley had texted the mother of the suspect in the days before the killings to tell her that the teens could no longer date.
Investigators also found a phone they believed might be the suspect's sister's phone inside the Fricker's home. The search warrant states the suspect often takes it and uses it.
Investigators recovered gun parts, ammunition and a gun box from the suspect's Lorton home, according to a search warrant.
Neighbors of the suspect reported he had mowed a large swastika into a community lot in their neighborhood in October.
WASHINGTON - Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday made it easier for U.S. prosecutors to enforce federal marijuana laws in states that had legalized the substance - drawing swift criticism from jurisdictions that have approved pot use and stirring confusion among entrepreneurs in the burgeoning billion-dollar industry.
Whether Sessions' Justice Department actually busts dispensaries or others involved in state-approved pot production remains to be seen, but his decision to undo previous guidance and possibly put a federal crackdown on the table riled business people, legislators and civil liberties advocates across the country.
Though marijuana already was illegal under federal law, the Justice Department during the Obama administration had issued guidance - which Sessions revoked - discouraging enforcement of the law in states where it was legal.
Eight states and the District of Columbia have laws allowing for recreational marijuana consumption, according to NORML, a group that advocates legalization and tracks pot-related legislation. Many more permit the use of medical marijuana.
Those opposing federal pot laws said they felt Sessions was trying to stop the country's momentum toward full legalization of marijuana - which just days earlier had become legal to some fanfare in California. They warned that Sessions wants to impose his view that the country should return to the war on drugs. Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., a member of Sessions' political party, even threatened to hold up the confirmation of nominees for key Justice Department leadership posts in response.
Sessions countered that he was merely enforcing federal law, which prohibits marijuana use, and giving discretion to U.S. attorneys.
"It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission," the attorney general said in a statement. "Therefore, today's memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country."
Sessions announced his decision in a memo sent to U.S. attorneys. He said prosecutors should disregard the old guidance and instead use their discretion - taking into consideration the department's limited resources, the seriousness of the crime, and the deterrent effect that they could impose - in weighing whether charges were appropriate.
Soon after the decision became public, Gardner wrote on Twitter the move "directly contradicts what Attorney General Sessions told me prior to his confirmation," and he was "prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation."
The Department of Justice still lacks leaders in several key spots, including heads of the national security, criminal and civil rights divisions. In an interview, Gardner said that while he personally opposed marijuana legalization, his state voted otherwise.
"I talked to Jeff Sessions today, and we are going to have a conversation next week," Gardner said. "Let's just say, there was no reconciliation of differences."
Even President Donald Trump had said in 2016 that he would not use federal authority to shut down sales of recreational marijuana and instead believed the matter should be left "up to the states."
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday, though, that Trump "strongly believes that we should enforce federal law" and the Justice Department's move "simply gives prosecutors the tools to take on large-scale distributors."
In a briefing with reporters, a senior Justice Department official said it was unclear whether the new directive would lead to more prosecutions, because that will be up to individual U.S. attorneys across the country. But the official said previous guidance "created a safe harbor for the marijuana industry to operate in these states," and that was inconsistent with federal law.
There are 93 U.S. attorney slots across the country, and so far, Trump has nominated 58 people, 46 of whom have been confirmed by the Senate. On Wednesday, Sessions picked 17 more to serve in interim posts, including in Nevada, California and Washington, where marijuana is legal.
The U.S. attorney in Colorado, where marijuana also is legal, issued a statement saying his prosecutors had already been guided by the principles Sessions outlined and would, "consistent with the Attorney General's latest guidance, continue to take this approach in all of our work with our law enforcement partners throughout Colorado."
Cannabis entrepreneurs in the Mountain West and West Coast said they were left with even more uncertainty after waking up to the news that Sessions was changing the state of play.
"Everyone was calling and texting and asking for guidance. I think it certainly makes everyone insecure and adds a layer of confusion to an already complex landscape," said Krista Whitley, founder and CEO of Las Vegas-based Altitude Products, which sells recreational and medicinal cannabis products. "What we're looking for in this industry is some level of confidence in where the future lies, and some level of security."
She said the Sessions decision could scare away some investors who had been eager to participate in what has been dubbed the "green rush."
Andrew Freedman, former director of marijuana coordination for the Colorado governor - he was known as the state's "marijuana czar" - said he wasn't surprised by the news from Washington because "Sessions always wanted to create chaos in the industry."
He said that under the Obama-era guidance, there remained tension between federal and state law but there was at least guidance about how states and the federal government could align their priorities.
Sessions' Justice Department has taken a hard line against marijuana. He has said in the past he did not believe marijuana should be legalized, suggesting at an appearance last year that medical marijuana had been "hyped, maybe too much." His department also has effectively blocked the Drug Enforcement Administration from taking action on more than two dozen requests to grow marijuana for use in research.
Sessions and top Justice officials had long been reviewing the 2013 guidance from then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole and related memos directing federal prosecutors to effectively back off marijuana enforcement in states that had legalized the substance and had a system in place to regulate it. His new directive also ostensibly affects medical marijuana, though other guidelines might dissuade prosecutors from actually bringing a case against someone using the substance for medical purposes.
In practice, the previous guidance meant U.S. attorneys in jurisdictions that had legalized marijuana at the state level were often reluctant to bring marijuana cases. They might now be more willing to consider such prosecutions - though they will still potentially have to contend with jurors sympathetic to defendants whose conduct would not be illegal under state law.
John Moscow, a former New York county prosecutor, said, though, they might have another option under laws that allow federal authorities to seize money or property apart from bringing criminal charges.
"Prosecutors may not want to bring criminal charges involving marijuana because juries are not necessarily sympathetic to the claim that this is a crime to which people should be prosecuted. But prosecutors can avoid the risk of loss by seeking to forfeit all the money and all the property involved in the sale of marijuana under civil forfeiture laws," he said.
The DEA does not necessarily consider marijuana its highest priority in every jurisdiction, an official said, though agents do feel it is problematic in some areas, including in states where it is legal.The Fraternal Order of Police issued a news release praising the directive as good for public safety and health.
"Our members don't make law or policy - we enforce it," FOP National President Chuck Canterbury said. "If our citizens want to change the existing law, they should do so. As law enforcement officers, we cannot pick and choose what laws will be enforced."
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The Washington Post's Karen Tumulty contributed to this report.
SACRAMENTO State Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon said Wednesday that hes planning to introduce legislation that would allow Californians to get out of paying the higher federal taxes they will face under the Republican tax overhaul.
The GOP overhaul caps state and local tax write-offs on the federal income tax return at $10,000, a move expected to jolt high-local-tax states such as California, where the average state and local tax write-off in 2016 was $22,000.
But de Leons plan would allow Californians to get around the cap by allowing them to donate any amount of owed taxes above $10,000 to a charitable fund created by the state. That donation in lieu of taxes would allow donors to write off the gifts on their federal tax returns. The state would use the money to pay for existing taxpayer-funded programs.
The Republicans tax scam is a trillion-dollar giveaway to hedge fund managers and the wealthy, and sticks California taxpayers with the bill, de Leon, D-Los Angeles, said Wednesday. Ill take every step I can to protect the taxpayers of this state.
De Leon, who is running for the U.S. Senate against Dianne Feinstein, led the so-called Trump resistance in the Legislature last year with the passage of the statewide sanctuary policy he authored, and the legislation hes working on tentatively being called the Protect California Taxpayers Act would continue his push against the Republican president.
The idea isnt completely novel. The state offers other tax credits, such as the College Access Tax Credit, which provides a tax credit to individuals who contribute to the Cal Grant program. The tax credit model is also used in 17 states to benefit individuals who can contribute to tuition grants at private and religious schools in order to receive the tax write-off. Those taxpayers receive a state tax credit such as 75 cents on the dollar for their donation to a school voucher or grant program and can write off the full contribution on their federal returns. The result is often a tax break bigger than the actual donation, said Daniel Hemel, a law professor at the University of Chicago, who is consulting with de Leons office on the tax bill.
This is the exact same model, Hemel said.
Hemel said since the Internal Revenue Service has ruled that states can give tax credits for donations to private-school vouchers and other causes, that puts Republicans that support the model in a difficult position.
If they go after California, they are going after these popular red-state programs, Hemel said.
Democrats may not need Republican votes on the bill, which is expected to need a majority vote to pass since the contributions would be voluntary. A taxpayer could opt not to contribute to the states charitable fund and instead pay taxes directly. Both would end up in the states general fund, but only the charitable donation would receive the federal tax benefit.
Republican state Sen. Jeff Stone of Temecula (Riverside County) said the bill is misguided and simply attempts to shift the focus away from why taxes are so high in California.
We should be fixing the problem, which is the high taxation, or at least make it equitable so everyone pays their fair share so the middle class and working class have a chance, Stone said Wednesday.
Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, said anything that potentially reduces taxes should be looked at seriously, but that hes skeptical that such a plan would work.
Its very clever, Coupal said. But, California lawmakers should be aware that what Congress giveth, Congress can taketh away. If the charitable deduction is abused too much, there may be a congressional reaction.
Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, D-Paramount (Los Angeles County), said addressing the financial burden the federal tax rewrite created by capping state and local taxes is one of our top priorities for the year. Rendon said he could not comment on de Leons bill because he had not seen it yet.
In California, a third of taxpayers, or 6 million people, itemize deductions on their federal tax returns, claiming an average of $22,000 for state and local tax write-offs. Those include income taxes and property taxes.
Under de Leons planned bill, taxpayers in the state could itemize beyond the $10,000 cap with a dollar-for-dollar tax credit by sending their taxes to a charitable fund called the California Excellence Fund. They then could deduct the contribution on their federal taxes as they did before the cap.
Supporters of the concept were quick to say that the idea does not amount to exploiting a loophole in the federal tax policy.
This is a sound pre-existing rule that Congress knew about, so I wouldnt characterize this as a loophole, said Darien Shanske, a professor at UC Davis School of Law, who is assisting de Leons office with the bill. There are a million ways the poor drafting of (the federal tax overhaul) will increase the federal deficit in ways that go beyond what was originally projected. Clearly, Congress and the president didnt care about that.
Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration will suspend most security assistance to Pakistan, the State Department said on Thursday, expanding its retribution over militant safe havens that U.S. officials blame for ongoing violence in Afghanistan.
State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, speaking to reporters, said the suspension would allow the administration, which will freeze the aid payments but not allocate the money elsewhere, to reassess in the coming year.
Steve Bannon pledged his continued support of Donald Trump after the president's forceful denunciation of his former chief strategist finalized a political divorce that is forcing a reckoning within the Republican Party.
"Nothing will ever come between us and President Trump and his agenda," Bannon told a caller on Breitbart radio Thursday morning, adding "we're tight on this agenda as we've ever been."
The rift between the former political partners was sparked by comments Bannon made in a forthcoming book about the Trump White House, calling meetings between Trump's family members and Russian operatives "treasonous," among other statements. Trump's lawyer sent Bannon a cease-and-desist letter alleging he broke a confidentiality agreement by "making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements" about Trump and his family to the book's author.
Trump told reporters at the White House Thursday that Bannon's more complimentary comments Wednesday evening and Thursday show his former aide "obviously changed his tune very quick." He added that he is no longer in regular touch with Bannon, saying "I don't talk to him. That's just a misnomer."
3 1 of 3 Bloomberg photo by Luke Sharrett. Show More Show Less 2 of 3 MANDEL NGAN/Staff Show More Show Less 3 of 3
ALSO News Mercer issues rare public rebuke of former ally Bannon
The breakup between the two is primed to benefit establishment Republicans led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who's long argued that Bannon's promotion of fringe candidates hurts Republican chances to retain control of Congress. McConnell's allies openly cheered Trump's break with Bannon, after excerpts from the book emerged Wednesday.
Candidates, donors and party leaders will likely be forced to choose sides -- between Bannon, the blustery face of far-right populist nationalism, and the president who elevated that ideology to the Oval Office.
The book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" portrays the president as paranoid, erratic and often inept and his administration as riven by petty rivalries that often made accomplishing anything impossible. At the heart of it is Bannon, whom author Michael Wolff quotes discussing his concern that any attempt by Trump to fire special counsel Robert Mueller over his Russia investigation "just brings the impeachment quicker," according to a copy of the book obtained by Bloomberg.
In the book, Bannon recounts telling Trump that not only would Attorney General Jeff Sessions leave but also other Trump Justice Department appointees. "We'll be digging down into Obama career guys. An Obama guy will be acting attorney general," Bannon says. He calls one member of Mueller's team, Andrew Weissmann, "the LeBron James of money laundering investigations," a sign to Bannon that was a primary focus of the probe. He also makes clear that he considers Trump's son at risk of indictment -- saying Mueller will "crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV" over his meeting with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower in June 2016. Bannon called the meeting "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." He also considers son-in-law Jared Kushner at risk for "greasy" deals.
Wolff asserts that Trump had to be talked out of appointing Kushner to be White House chief of staff and elevating Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor and an early supporter, to the Supreme Court.
Bannon declined to comment but he pledged to continue supporting Trump on radio broadcasts.
"The president of the United States is a great man," Bannon said late Wednesday on Breitbart News Tonight, a radio broadcast on Sirius XM. "You know I support him day in and day out."
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders denounced the book as "tabloid fiction."
Republican strategists see Bannon's removal from Trump's orbit as improving the odds the president takes a more traditional role in helping congressional Republican leaders to protect their majorities in the House and Senate, and hope he'll be less likely to resort to his more combative instincts.
"That outside antagonist is now gone, making it more likely we'll see a Republican president do what he can to protect the Republican majorities that he has worked with to deliver tax reform, judges, regulatory reform," said Scott Jennings, a Republican operative close to McConnell.
The Senate leader's campaign staff tweeted a GIF video of the Republican leader sitting silently at his desk, grinning, after the White House released Trump's statement on Bannon.
Still, Trump has regularly turned to his populist base when under political pressure, working to avoid any erosion among his most loyal followers while his popularity sits at historic lows for a first-year president, ending the year with a 40 percent job approval in Gallup's daily tracking poll. Mueller's ongoing investigation presents a constant peril.
Bannon and his allies view the Breitbart News chief as the keeper of promises Trump made to the white working-class voters who helped elect him and believe the president was already falling victim to the establishment he vowed to overturn -- for example, by abandoning his promise to force Mexico to pay for a border wall and by signaling a willingness to protect undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children from deportation.
Bannon joined Trump's presidential campaign late but steered it through its critical final months, taking over as chief executive in mid-August 2016, when Trump trailed opponent Hillary Clinton by 7 percentage points in national polls. He was the president's chief strategist and perhaps most visible adviser in the frenzied opening months of the Trump administration. Bannon was fired in August, weeks after John Kelly took over as White House chief of staff.
The split with Bannon provides an opportunity for Trump, but not without risk. Breaking from the strategist, who boasted privately in September that he still spoke with the president two to three times a week, could help Trump reset his presidency with a symbolic division from the fringe elements of his base that dragged down his approval rating among moderates.
But the president has also lost a fall guy for devastating political miscalculations, like his decision to criticize "both sides" after last summer's violence at a white supremacist demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia.
"Bannon provided Trump with one of his convenient shields that could be discarded in case of emergency," Republican strategist Doug Watts said.
The divide between the two men began after Bannon endorsed former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore for the Senate over Trump's preferred candidate, incumbent Luther Strange. Moore defeated Strange, but lost to Democrat Doug Jones in December after several women alleged that the Republican had engaged in sexual misconduct with them while they were teenagers and he was an adult.
Trump has said he always expected Moore to lose, despite endorsing him before the election, and blamed Bannon for the defeat in his statement on Wednesday.
The president aligned himself more closely to McConnell after the December passage of a sweeping tax overhaul that represented Trump's last shot to sign major legislation in his first year in office.
"I would like to congratulate @SenateMajLdr on having done a fantastic job both strategically & politically on the passing in the Senate of the MASSIVE TAX CUT & Reform Bill," Trump tweeted Dec. 20, using McConnell's Twitter handle, after the bill passed the Senate. "I could have not asked for a better or more talented partner."
The break with Bannon will present a high-stakes conundrum for Republicans such as investor Robert Mercer, who has bankrolled both Trump's campaign and Bannon's media projects. A spokesman for Mercer's political operation didn't respond to a request for comment. Far-right Republican candidates hoping to harness both Bannon's political operation and Trump's coattails in elections this year also must recalibrate.
In Arizona, a spokesman for Senate candidate Kelli Ward issued a statement distancing herself from Bannon, a featured guest at the October kickoff for her campaign to replace retiring incumbent Sen. Jeff Flake. Bannon was "only one of many high-profile endorsements" she had received, Ward said.
Quotes in Wolff's book also raised questions about the future of Katie Walsh, a former White House deputy chief of staff. She left the administration last summer to start America First Policies -- an outside nonprofit organization supporting Trump.
Some top Republicans see the Bannon breakup as bolstering that group's prospects, with the group no longer competing with Bannon for the money and loyalty of Trump supporters.
Others say that critical comments on Trump attributed to Walsh in Wolff's book -- she said that working for him was "like trying to figure out what a child wants," Wolff reported -- could mean her exile from the president. Walsh denied making the remarks.
Four Republicans close to the White House said on Wednesday that Walsh remains in good standing with the Trump team and in her job at the Republican National Committee.
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Bloomberg's David Voreacos and Andrew Martin contributed.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that there has not been a big COVID spike after the Onam holiday as earlier feared.
A 10-day hunger strike over prison conditions at a North Texas lock-up has come to an end, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
The action, which prison officials said was driven by complaints over recreational time and food portions and temperature, started with more than 45 administrative segregation prisoners on Christmas Day at the Allred Unit.
By Wednesday morning, 37 inmates were still turning down meals at the Iowa Park facility. Just before 6 p.m., TDCJ spokesman Robert Hurst said all the men had accepted meal trays.
"I have not heard anything to support that," said Jennifer Erschabek of Texas Inmate Families Association. When word of the strike first broke, Erchabek questioned whether the cause could be a lack of heat in cells or a food complaint of some kind. Hurst later clarified it was not heat-related, and stressed that the prison was monitoring the situation.
"Most of the offenders have items purchased in the commissary in their cells," he said about a week into the strike. "The department is closely monitoring their food intake and will take appropriate action as needed."
When asked why the hunger strike ended, Hurst said: "It ended because they accepted meals." He did not specify whether any of the prisoners' concerns were addressed.
A day later, another prison spokesman clarified that "there was no stated reason" for ending it.
"Their complaints varied but regional and unit administrators met with offenders and continue to have an ongoing dialogue," said spokesman Jason Clark.
The 3,722-inmate facility just south of the Oklahoma border typically houses one of the system's largest populations of administrative segregation, a non-punitive form of isolation for inmates deemed a security risk or danger to others.
Earlier this year, TDCJ quietly put an end to the use of punitive solitary confinement. Thousands of inmates are still in administrative segregation, but that number has markedly decreased in recent years.
As of late July, 573 segregated inmates - roughly 15 percent of the system's entire administrative segregation population - were housed at Allred.
SAVANNAH, Ga. - A brutal winter storm smacked the coastal Southeast with a rare blast of snow and ice Wednesday, hitting parts of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina with their heaviest snowfall in nearly three decades.
Forecasters warned that the same system could soon strengthen into a "bomb cyclone" as it rolls up the East Coast, bringing hurricane-force winds, coastal flooding and up to a foot of snow.
At least 17 deaths were blamed on dangerously cold temperatures that for days have gripped wide swaths of the U.S. from Texas to New England.
24-foot waves
A winter storm warning extended from the Gulf Coast of Florida's "Big Bend" region all the way up the Atlantic coast. Forecasters said hurricane-force winds blowing offshore on Thursday could generate 24-foot seas.
Schools in the Southeast called off classes just months after being shut down because of hurricane threats, and police urged drivers to stay off the roads.
In Savannah, snow blanketed the city's lush downtown squares and collected on branches of burly oaks for the first time in nearly eight years. William Shaw, a Savannah native, used baby steps to shuffle along a frozen road from his home to the post office.
"It almost seems the town is deserted just like in the last hurricane," said Shaw, 65. "There's no one on the street. It's got a little eerie feeling."
Dump trucks spread sand on major streets in Savannah ahead of the storm, and police closed several bridges, overpasses and a major causeway because of ice.
By the time the morning's dreary sleet and rain turned to fluffy snow, Savannah came out to play. Families with children flocked to Forsyth Park near the downtown historic district for snowball fights. The National Weather Service recorded 1.2 inches of snow - Savannah's first measurable snowfall since February 2010 and the first that exceeded an inch in 28 years.
Many flights canceled
Airports shut down in Savannah, Charleston and elsewhere as airlines canceled 500 flights Wednesday, and at least 1,700 more were canceled Thursday. Interstate 95 was nearly an icy parking lot for almost all of its 200 miles in South Carolina. Troopers couldn't keep up with the number of reported wrecks which numbered in the hundreds.
In Tallahassee, Fla., Michigan transplant Laura Donaven built a snowman 6 inches tall. The city tweeted that snow fell there for the first time in 28 years.
"I made a snowball and threw it at my dad," said Donaven, a 41-year-old hair salon owner.
The weather service said the winter storm will probably intensify into a "bomb cyclone" that could dump more than 8 inches of snow on the Boston area on Thursday and at least half a foot of snow in the New York City region.
Meteorologists have been using the term "bomb" for storms for decades, but the phrase went viral on social media on Wednesday. A storm is a bomb - or bombogensis happens - when it drops 24 millibars of pressure in 24 hours. This storm looks like it will intensify twice that rate, said Bob Oravec, lead forecaster at the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.
Blizzard warnings were issued from Rhode Island to Maine. Oravec said he expects they could be extended as far south as parts of New York.
"It's sort of akin to a hurricane traveling up the coast," says Ryan Maue, a meteorologist at the private firm Weather.US.
Making the most of the South's bitter cold snap, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro offered discounted tickets for those willing to brave the cold to see polar bears frolic in their kind of weather, along with Arctic foxes and elk.
As the cold pushed farther northward, Jerry Gorans found himself stunned by the frigid temperatures as he walked along the waterfront City Dock of Annapolis, Md., where birds stood still on icy water.
"This is the coldest I've been in probably 50 years," said Gorens, who lives in Fresno, Calif., and was visiting his wife's family in Maryland. "I mean, this is freezing cold. My feet hurt, my ears hurt."
TEHRAN, Iran - When they stepped through the gates of Tehran University last week, the student protesters had every expectation of igniting an impassioned rally against the government. After all, the university grounds had long been a flash point for demonstrations in the capital.
But this time, their exhortations went unheeded. "Proud Iranians, support us," they shouted, only to find pedestrians walking by, looking to see what the commotion was about but declining to join the protesters.
The protests that broke out a week ago in other parts of Iran - but never gained traction in the capital - have shown some signs of abating, though demonstrators are still taking to the streets after dark in many outlying provinces. Elite forces with the Revolutionary Guards Corps were deployed to three of them Wednesday - Hamadan, Isfahan and Lorestan - to help quell uprisings there.
The government took another step Wednesday to tamp down the uprising, staging pro-government rallies throughout the country and affording them generous coverage on state-controlled media.
But little of the action, either for or against the government, has found its way to the capital.
That stands in sharp contrast to 2009, when millions of middle-class people in Tehran erupted in anger over an election they saw as rigged.
Some say the difference may reflect a divide between Iran's urban and rural populations, with more sophisticated city dwellers dismissing the leaderless provincial protests as too violent and undisciplined.
Others see the chaos and violence in nearby Syria and worry about what could happen if Iran suffered a similar breakdown in authority. Still others, having gone through the 2009 protests and the brutal repression that finally contained the uprising, say they are willing to work patiently to wring economic and political concessions from the clerical government.
"Maybe it's the presence of security forces," said Farhad, a 33-year cybersecurity expert who refused to give his surname for fear of reprisals by authorities. "Or maybe Tehranis are just not interested."
WASHINGTON - Two new senators - Doug Jones, D-Ala., and Tina Smith, D-Minn. - were sworn in Wednesday, in a history-laden ceremony attended by three current and former vice presidents.
"Very humbling for me to be a part of it," Vice President Mike Pence said, after he presided over the swearing-in, in his role as president of the Senate.
In the swearing in of Smith and Jones, the Republican majority is narrowed to 51-49, but senators in both parties likely could see bright sides. For Republicans, Jones meant there would be no Sen. Roy Moore, an accused child molester whose election would have been hung around each of their necks. For Democrats, Smith's ascent ended a painful period when a popular but tarnished colleague, Al Franken, was dogged by charges of sexual improprieties that blemished the Democrats' efforts to capitalize on a tide of misconduct and harassment accusations.
Moments after the prayer and after the Pledge of Allegiance, the new senators readied themselves to walk down the aisle of the grand chamber. Former Vice President Joe Biden escorted Jones while former Vice President Walter Mondale and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., escorted Smith.
Smith, 59, the former lieutenant governor of Minnesota, was appointed by that state's governor to fill the seat left vacant by the departure of Franken.
She becomes the 22nd woman in a chamber that remains heavily lopsided in favor of men. Smith has already said she will run in a special election this November to claim the seat in her own right.
Jones replaces Sen. Luther Strange, a Republican who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Jeff Sessions when Sessions became President Donald Trump's attorney general.
Black voters turned out in droves to support Jones, and he vowed in return to hire a diverse staff. He has already started to make good on that promise; on Tuesday, he named Dana Gresham, an African-American who previously served as an assistant secretary of transportation under former President Barack Obama, as his chief of staff.
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More than 1,100 Texas families have moved into FEMA-funded temporary housing four months after Hurricane Harvey, a pace Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush said on Thursday could be improved.
"We can always do better," Bush said in League City, where he appeared with a resident who had recently moved into a recreational vehicle paid for by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
AUSTIN -- Longtime Republican state Sen. Joan Huffman won a key endorsement Thursday from Gov. Greg Abbott in her primary reelection fight with an outspoken GOP challenger.
The move is expected to deepen existing divisions in the Texas Republican Party that have been simmering for years, and have surfaced anew as control of the party took a hard-right conservative turn in recent years that left party moderates and the establishment wing increasingly isolated.
Thursday's endorsement is Abbott's ninth of conservative lawmakers who support his political positions, and comes after he last fall endorsed the conservative challenger to incumbent Republican state Rep. Sarah Davis, whose House district overlaps that of Huffman.
The announcement came just weeks after Abbott had appointed Huffman's GOP challenger, Missouri City attorney Kristin Tassin, to a gubernatorial special advisory commission on special education.
"Joan has been a key partner of mine in passing common-sense conservative solutions for Texas," Abbott said in a statement. "Joan is principled, she keeps her word, and I know that she will continue fighting by my side to make Texas even better next session. I hope that you will join me in supporting Joan Huffman in the upcoming election."
While it is generally rare for governors to get involved in a local legislative campaign, Abbott was irked last summer by House leaders who derailed roughly half of his must-pass agenda -- including the controversial bathroom bill -- and had promised he would help those who stood with him in the upcoming legislative reelection campaigns.
The support of Abbott, who remains popular across Texas in recent polls, signals that he could campaign for some House and Senate candidates and perhaps help financially as well. With well over $40 million in his own campaign war chest, and as the state's top Republican elected official, the governor is being looked to by many less-well-funded Republican candidates for support and encouragement.
Huffman, who chairs the powerful Senate State Affairs Committee, has served in the Senate since 2008. Before that, she worked as a Harris County assistant district attorney -- rising from misdemeanor court to chief felony prosecutor -- and served for two terms as a state district judge.
In recent legislative sessions, her committee has vetted a slew of controversial bills including the bathroom bill and a ban on union dues deductions from government paychecks. Those measures angered moderate Republicans and Democrats, and targeted her for opponents in her reelection campaign.
In the GOP primary, she faces Tassin, the president of the Fort Bend ISD Board of Trustees who is an outspoken critic of Huffman on public education issues. Tassin has championed public education and property tax reform, and has said she wants to find solutions to lingering problems in the state.
The winner of the GOP primary will square off with a Democratic primary victor in the general election in November to represent the district that includes parts of Harris, Brazoria and Fort Bend counties. Rita Lucido, Fran Watson and Ahmad Hassan are Democrats running for Huffman's seat.
Huffman has responded that Tassin has a history of voting in past Democratic Party primaries, though voting record show she voted in GOP primaries in 2014 and 2016.
In a speech to an education group last year, House Speaker Joe Straus -- who challenged Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick over their conservative agenda -- publicly singled out Tassin for praise for an op-ed article she had written on a public education issue.
At another point, where he urged members of the Texas Association of School Boards to get more involved in the political process, Straus said, "I bet a few of you would make great members of the Texas Senate."
Correction: This story has been corrected to include the three Democrats challenging Huffman in the March 6 primary, and to correctly reflect Tassin's stand on the issues.
A
released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 2016 suggested that chocolate could die out by 2050 due to changing climates.
According to the NOAA report, cacao trees, which produce cocoa beans, can only grow either 20 degrees north or south of the equator. As temperatures rise, this will make the places that cacao trees can grow much less available.
To grow well, cacao trees require specific conditions such as: protection from wind, adequate rainfall, nitrogen-rich soil, consistent temperatures and high humidity. Because these conditions are so specific, more than half of the world's chocolate comes from just two places, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.
A report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated that, if production continues in the two countries with no climate change strategies, they will experience an increase in temperatures of 3.8 degrees Fahrenheit. This will significantly lower their ability to grow cacao trees.
Temperature is not the only culprit. With rising climate comes humidity changes. As temperatures rise in West Africa, rainfall is not expected to increase to support the changes. Cacao trees will lose needed moisture.
In a 2013 study led by Peter Laderach, researchers surveyed 294 locations to see where cacao cultivation could improve. Only 10 percent of the locations showed increasing suitability, the other 89.5 percent were less likely to support cacao growth by 2050.
Despite the dire predictions in the study, Laderach said, "These changes in climatic suitability are predicted to take place over a time period of almost 40 years, so they will mostly impact the next rather than the current generation of cocoa trees and farmers. In other words, there is time for adaptation.
The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!
Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.
The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.
The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.
The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.
Access to college recruiters and advisors its harder to line up higher education.
Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.
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Properties / Hotels
Its going to be an exciting year for new hotel openings in 2018. Here are a few of the hottest hotel openings to look out for.
Jan 03, 2018 | By LUXUO
Some of the worlds most iconic hotels have gone through extensive renovations and after a much-anticipated wait, the properties are ready to re-open this year, while new properties will change the landscape at some of the most popular tourist destinations.
Hotel openings to watch out for in 2018
Hotel Lutetia, Paris
After going through a major facelift in 2014, Hotel Lutetia is ready to reopen next spring. All 184 rooms, including 47 suites and two penthouses will be updated with contemporary designs. Originally built as a luxury sister property to Pariss oldest department store, Le Bon Marche in 1910, the hotel boasts a fabled past with clients that include Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Josephine Baker. The Lutetia Brasserie will also reopen under the supervision of three Michelin-starred chef Gerald Passedat.
The NoMad, Los Angeles
When New Yorks buzzy NoMad hotel opens in January, it will bring in a huge culinary talent: chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park fame (the restaurant currently occupies the top spot in the influential Worlds 50 Best Restaurants 2017 ranking). All 241 rooms, including 31 suites are designed by Jacques Garcia and draw inspiration from the lobbys fully restored gold and blue Italianate ceiling. The hotel will also add another rooftop pool destination and gathering space to the citys booming downtown renaissance.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is one of Icelands signature tourist attractions that is set to open its first on-site luxury hotel in April 2018, which will offer its guests a more exclusive and private spa experience. Built into an 800-year-old lava flow, all 62 rooms at The Retreat will feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering sweeping views of the geothermally-heated, milky-blue, mineral-rich waters and Icelands dramatic landscape and ever-changing skies. Guests will also have access to a new subterranean spa, and seven-course dining destination that will serve Icelandic cuisine with local ingredients.
Raffles Singapore
Declared a National Monument by the Singapore government a century after its opening in 1887, the iconic Raffles Singapore will re-open with new suite categories for short and long stays, modernised amenities, and refreshed dining concepts and meeting spaces. The hotel will also offer a range of new experiential packages that include master classes on how to make Singapore Sling cocktail (Singapores national drink), epicurean classes, wine workshops and wellness classes. The Raffles Singapore is slated to re-open in the second half of 2018.
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Lycoming College will host Pedro A. Rivera, Pennsylvania education secretary, and Noe Ortega, deputy secretary for the Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, for a community discussion, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m., in the Mary Lindsay Welch Honors Hall on the corner of Fourth and Basin streets. The event is free and open to the public.
While on campus, Rivera and Ortega will meet separately with Lycoming College administrators and students to discuss improving education for all students in the state of Pennsylvania. In addition, they will speak to IU17 school superintendents from schools in Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga counties.
Amy Rogers, associate professor of education and director of teacher education, said The education department at Lycoming College is excited for the opportunity to host the secretary of education and the deputy secretary for Pennsylvanias office of postsecondary and higher education on our campus for the day. What a wonderful way for our teacher candidates to learn about the current state of education in Pennsylvania! In addition to the community event, future teachers from Lycoming will have the chance to personally meet with the Secretary and his team of professionals.
Rivera has served in his current role since June 2015, and brings extensive public education experience to Harrisburg. He previously served as the superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, as well as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal and executive director.
Ortega comes the University of Michigan, where he served in several academic and administrative roles, including assistant director and senior research associate at the National Center for Institutional Diversity, and managing director of the National Forum on Higher Education.
This extensive work (originally published in March by Lucha de Clases in Spanish) exposes who controls the worlds economic and health resources, how we can break away from the exploitative and irrational capitalist system that is strangling public health, and how we can ensure healthcare for the working class of the entire world.
After sitting out the last two games with the Boston Bruins as a healthy scratch, Anders Bjork will attempt to get back on track down at the AHL level.
The Bruins announced Wednesday evening that Bjork has been assigned to the Providence Bruins after tallying just two assists in his last nine games.
Bjork has appeared in 28 games with Boston this season, scoring four goals and adding eight assists with a plus-2 rating.
The former Notre Dame forward signed his entry-level contract with Boston back on May 30, 2017, and opened the 2017-18 season skating on Boston's top line with players such as Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron.
Bjork's season took a big hit early in November, as the speedy winger missed seven games due to injury. Bjork has only posted three total points (one goal, two assists) since returning to the lineup on Dec. 2.
BOSTON -- The office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey took credit Thursday now that Eversource is asking for less money in a rate increase from its Western Massachusetts customers.
Eversource said Wednesday it would seek less of a electricity rate increase in Western Massachusetts than planned because it will pay less in federal taxes under a new tax law passed in late December.
And Eversource customers in the eastern part of Massachusetts could see a rate cut, Eversource said.
The impact on individual rate payers, both commercial and homeowners, won't be known until later this month when the state Department of Public utilities issues a further ruling.
In a press release Thursday, Healey said she was the first attorney general in the country to publicly call for across-the-board cuts in electric, gas, and water rates, following the passage of the new law.
"This tax bill is being paid for by the people of Massachusetts, so the money should go back in their pockets," Healey in a news release. "Our office filed this action to ensure that these savings go to customers. We are glad that Eversource has done the right thing by agreeing to lower its rates and we call on all our state regulated utilities to do the same."
Healey represents utility rate payers in rate hike cases before the Department of Public Utilities in her capacity as a public advocate.
She filed her most recent challenge to Eversource's rate plans in December.
According to Eversource's announcement Wednesday, in Western Massachusetts, the former Western Massachusetts Electric Co. territory, the tax cut works out to a savings of $8.3 million a year. State regulators in November authorized Eversource to increase the total amount it intends to raise from customers by $24.8 million a year. Eversource now plans an increase of only $16.5 million a year.
In other parts of the state, the former NStar service territory, the tax savings is $47.6 million a year and a requested $35.4 million-a-year increase would change to a $12.2 million-a-year decrease.
Eversource spokeswoman Priscilla Ress said Wednesday that the rate reduction was voluntary on Eversource's part and not a reaction to Healey's filing.
The federal tax rate for corporations like Eversource will go from 35 percent to 21 percent, effective when new rates go into effect in February.
Eversource said the changes will be reflected in February bills.
SPRINGFIELD -- Job seekers looking to get trained for table-game jobs at the new MGM Springfield casino are invited to attend a series of information sessions and Massachusetts Casino Career Training Institute registration dates over then next few months.
The first session is set for Friday at the Quaboag Region Workforce Training and Community College Center, 79 Main St., Ware.
See a full list below.
Classes begin Feb. 26 at the Career Training Institute, according to a news release from Springfield Technical Community College.
STCC, Holyoke Community College and MGM are cooperating on the training school, which will be located in a building MGM owns at 95 State St. in Springfield. Students who complete two courses are guaranteed a tryout with MGM.
Prices for the training courses vary, from up to $199 for a four-week course, like for mini-baccarat, to as much as $599 for the 10-week course required for craps. Students will need good math and English skills and must be well versed in customer service. Those lacking basic skills will be referred to available basic skills training.
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The school's goal is to run two cohorts of students through a 15- to 20-week program before the $960 million MGM Springfield casino opens for business in September.
MGM Springfield has promised the state that it is creating 3,000 permanent jobs. A rough breakdown of those jobs calls for MGM Springfield to hire at least 1,000 workers for the casino floor including dealers, pit managers, slot machine technicians and the like. The casino also will need 800 food, beverage and culinary workers and 115 hotel workers.
MGM expects to hire 55 for engineering and maintenance, 500 for general administration and 80 for valet parking, bus greeters and similar jobs.
The upcoming information sessions are designed to provide more information for anyone interested in careers at MGM Springfield. They will take place on the following dates and times at the MGM Springfield Career Center, 1259 East Columbus Ave., Springfield.
Saturday, Jan. 6
Wednesday, Jan. 10
Saturday, Jan. 20
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Saturday, Feb. 3
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Wednesday, Feb. 14
Friday, Feb. 16
In addition, the Career Training Institute offers several enrollment and registration events for those interested in game training. The institute will provide information and help in selecting classes, enrolling, filling out forms and more. Information sessions will be held on the following dates and times at various locations.
Friday, Jan. 5
Tuesday, Jan. 9
Thursday, Jan. 11
Tuesday, Jan. 16
Thursday, Jan. 18
Monday, Jan. 22
Tuesday, Jan. 30
Wednesday, Jan. 31
Monday, Feb. 5
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Registration also is available online for those who do not wish to attend one of the events. Visit mccti.org/school.html for more information.
CBS News has fired Steve Chaggaris, its political director, after allegations of "inappropriate behavior" surfaced.
Chaggaris, a native of Lynn, is a 1994 graduate of Ithaca College and began his journalism career at WMUR-TV in Manchester, N.H. in 1994.
"In the last two weeks, accounts of inappropriate behavior by Steve Chaggaris were brought to our attention and were immediately investigated," CBS said in a statement provided to Variety and CNN. "As a result, CBS News has severed ties with Mr. Chaggaris for violating company policy, effective immediately."
Chaggaris worked at CBS News for several years, having joined the network in 1999.
He left CBS News in 2010, but rejoined in 2012 to become its senior political editor. He was named its political director last March.
The decision to axe Chaggaris came six weeks after CBS fired Charlie Rose, the co-host of its morning show, after the Washington Post published detailed allegations of sexual misconduct by Rose.
Chaggris has not commented on his firing and his Twitter account has been deleted.
Open since late last year, Fogueira Portuguese Brazilian Steakhouse has brought the rodizio experience to East Longmeadow.
Located in a North Main Street space that previously housed a nightclub, the establishment features a grotto-like dining environment, complete with stacked wine barrels and flickering torchlight.
The menu at Fogueira incorporates a number of grilled seafood options such as Bachhau (salt cod -- $21), Polvo a Lagareiro (grilled octopus -- $21), and Camarao a Casa (spicy shrimp - $21).
Meat-based entrees like Febras de Porco (grilled pork loin - $17) and Bife a Casa (beef sirloin garnished with egg, ham, and wine sauce - $21) are available as well.
Starter choices at the restaurant range from Coxinhas (Brazilian Chicken Croquettes -- $8) and Steamed Mussels ($11) to Forgueira's own version of Chicken Wings ($10).
We sampled Frango No Churrasco (barbecued chicken -- $13 a half order, $22 a full order). Presented in hacked-into-chunk form, the herb-rubbed chicken was both savory and moist.
A ramekin of Brazilian barbecue sauce accompanied the chicken, but it wasn't the tomato-based mop-on we associate with "barbecue sauce." Instead, the chimichurri-style concoction was flavored with sweet red peppers, garlic, and herbs. The mild version we ordered proved to be spicy enough for our taste, so we'd guess the "hot" iteration packs a wallop.
Entrees at Fogueira come with two sides -- seasoned rice and Portuguese style fries. The latter, potato chip wannabes, are likable nonetheless.
A dish of garlicky, oil-cured olives is brought to the table along with menus.
The main attraction at Fogureira is rodizio. An all-you-care-to-eat style of service popularized in South American churrascarias (steakhouses), it's an experience involving skewered meats dished up tableside. Patrons can indulge in as much as they chose for one fixed charge.
At Fogureira the Rodizio is priced at $33 per person, with a kids' portion discounted to $15. The culinary choreography is standardized, so once Roidizio is ordered an oven-toasted loaf of bread that's been slashed and stuffed with garlic-laced cheese is delivered to the table.
Next comes a trip up to the hot and cold buffet, which typically displays rice, beans, side dishes, and several hot entrees.
The evening we visited chicken cooked in a red pepper sauce was being offered in addition to sides that included fried banana, a medley of carrot and cubed pumpkin, and sliced mango accented with chilies.
The buffet's cold area displayed salad greens, various vegetable enhancements, and an assortment of dressings.
Not long after we returned from the buffet the skewers of roasted meats started to arrive - individual lamb chops, sliced-tableside roast sirloin of beef, and sausage links in both sweet Italian and chourica-style variations.
Cubed beef filet, chunks of chicken and pork, both of which were bacon-wrapped, and beef short rib meat sliced off the bone were offered to us as well, as were chicken wings. We got a chance to try chicken hearts, a chewy and gamy-tasting nod to Brazilian tradition.
The end of the rodizio experience was signaled by the arrival of a skewer of grilled pineapple, slices of which served to cleanse the palate.
Our assessment of the experience was an enthusiastic thumbs up. Everything we sampled had been skillfully prepared, and our only complaint, if the comment that follows could be so characterized, was that the rodizio experience delivered too much of a good thing.
Forueira is fully licensed, offering a wine list with labels from California, South America, and Portugal. Bottle prices are typically around $30.
At the end of dinner the service staff brings around a dessert tray that displays a selection of cakes, house-made chocolate mousse, and pastel de nata, a Portuguese pastry.
We indulged in a wedge of Puddin Flan ($6.50) and appreciated its smooth dense texture. A pleasing hint of burnt sugar bitterness kept the caramel custard's inherent sweetness in check.
Offering a unique, all-you'd-like dining experience, Fogueira Portuguese Brazilian Steakhouse will definitely make meat enthusiasts happy.
Name: Fogueira Portuguese Brazilian Steakhouse
Address: 621 North Main Street, East Longmeadow
Telephone: (413) 733-7290
Website: fogueirasteakhouse.com
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 3 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Last call for rodizio is one hour before the kitchen closes.
Entree prices: $13 -$33
Credit cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchairs
Reservations: Accepted
Matt Lauer, who was fired by NBC News in November after being accused of sexual misconduct, has been firing off advice to "Today" show producers.
The New York Post reported that the disgraced former co-host has been unable to emotionally let go of his job of 20 years, offering unsolicited feedback on the latest episodes.
One note from Lauer was was critical of the music used to open a segment.
Lauer's input has not been warmly welcomed by producers, the newspaper reported. However, a NBC spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
Lauer's replacement, Hoda Kotb, told E! News on Tuesday that Lauer had been among the first to text her and offer his congratulations after she was officially appointed the new co-host of the "Today" show.
"It meant the world to me to hear from him," Kotb said. "It was really nice."
SOUTHWICK - Lt. Kevin Bishop was named Southwick's next police chief by the Select Board Wednesday.
Bishop was one of three internal candidates for the position after a fourth candidate, Sgt. Kirk Sanders, withdrew his candidacy during public interviews last month. Detective Sgt. Robert Landis and Sgt. Rhett Bannish were also candidates.
"I would like to thank the board for choosing me for this very important position," Bishop said. "I know it must have been a very difficult decision for them. I am so motivated to continue to serve the citizens of Southwick and am honored to be in a position now to lead the truly professional officers that we have at the Southwick Police Department."
All Select Board members said all the candidates were well qualified.
Chairman Douglas Moglin and Selectman Joseph Deedy voted for Bishop, while Selectman Russell Fox nominated Landis and abstained from voting, saying it was "in appreciation" of all the candidates.
Following the vote, Deedy asked Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart whether the board should begin considering filling the lieutenant position with one of the other candidates.
Stinehart said once Bishop accepts the position and has a contract, the board could go through the process of filling the lieutenant position. Both Bannish and Landis said they would like to be considered for the position.
"Kevin and I have worked together for 20 years and I'm looking forward to working with him as chief," Landis said. "And when the position opens, I would be happy to be considered for lieutenant."
Bishop will take over for retiring Chief David A. Ricardi in June.
Bishop has been a member of the Southwick police department since 1984 and worked his way up through the ranks to lieutenant.
All candidates were asked the same set of questions during individual public interviews last month. During his interview, Bishop addressed what he perceived as the chief's responsibilities, his philosophy as chief, the challenges facing the department, his managerial style, what he's done to prepare to be chief, and more.
When asked what he would do to connect with the community, Bishop said he would continue to do what he has always done, which is participate in community events and spearhead community fundraisers. He said he would also connect with the churches in town.
"As chief, I would reach out to the religious organizations and introduce myself," he said.
Bishop also noted that if town counsel found any of his commitments to other boards, such as Team Justice and the Southwick Civic Fund, to be a conflict of interest, he would resign from his positions.
Bishop said he firmly believes in progressive discipline for the department, and when asked how he would deal with employee issues, Bishop said he would begin with a verbal approach followed by written warnings and follow protocols.
"I hope to work with officers before getting to the point of disciplinary action," he said.
When asked how he prepared over the course of his career to become chief, Bishop said one of the biggest ways was getting his master's degree at age 39.
"I always tried to take on leadership roles, such as community policing and DARE and made sure I was available to my chief," Bishop said.
Bishop told the board the town has invested a lot in him over the past 30 years and he has worked hard for the community.
"I don't think a challenge has been put in front of me that I haven't met," he said. "Everything I've done in the Southwick Police has prepared me for this. I am ready for the challenge and ready to step up to the plate."
Bishop will spend the next several months working closely with Ricardi, including shaping the budget.
WILLIAMSBURG -- A single-car crash has closed both lanes of Route 9 near the Northampton-Williamsburg town line, transportation officials said, and the road remained closed at 5:45 p.m., according to Williamsburg police.
Both Williamsburg and Northampton police are at the scene.
A state police spokesman, Trooper Paul Sullivan, said troopers from Troop B in Northampton were requested to assist with the 12:25 p.m. crash.
Sullivan said apparently a single car went out of control and struck a utility pole, knocking it down and taking power lines with it. Eversource crews are at the scene repairing the damaged infrastructure.
MAtraffic Alert: Northampton/Williamsburg Line - Rt. 9 EB & WB lanes closed for crash, downed wires. Mass. Transportation (@MassDOT) January 3, 2018
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced the road closure with a posting on Twitter at about 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
There has been no indication of injuries in the accident.
This is a breaking news story. Details will be posted as they become available.
EASTHAMPTON -- Police will close Mountain Road at 9 a.m. due to the ongoing storm.
Police, in a post on the department's Facebook page, stated that section of the road, also known as Route 141, will be closed until further notice.
City offices at 50 Payson Ave. are closed today.
Western Massachusetts is expect to see some six to eight inches of snow. Communities east of Springfield and Greenfield may see more.
EASTHAMPTON --Easthampton High School Spanish teacher Ed Zuchowski has been elected chair of the 14-member superintendent search committee, which met for the first time Wednesday night.
Zuchowski, vice chairman of the Northampton School Committee, said he has been through the superintendent search process several times, and hopes he can share his knowledge and experience.
The committee's job is to craft questions, interview 15 to 18 screened semifinalists, and send three to five names to the School Committee for a final hiring decision. The winner will replace Superintendent Nancy Follansbee, who is retiring at the end of June.
The search committee was chosen by the School Committee in December after applications were solicited from the community and the schools.
Wednesday's meeting was chaired by Pat Correira, Field Director for the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. Correira, a consultant guiding the process, warned committee members of legal pitfalls to avoid. She delivered a tutorial on the state's open meeting law, told members they must maintain flawless confidentiality, and said each applicant must be interviewed in essentially the same manner. The interviews will be conducted in executive session.
"You'll need to create a level playing field," Correira said.
She told members not to email or telephone each other to discuss applicants, or gossip about the selection process with friends or family members.
"I can't emphasize this strongly enough," said Correira. "Loose lips sink ships. We're talking about peoples' livelihoods here."
She said not all applicants will have told their current employers that they are in the job market. She said when the list has been whittled down to a group of finalists, then the names may be made public.
Correira also said that each committee member must attend every interview, to ensure a fair and consistent process for applicants.
"If you miss one interview, you're done," said Correira. "You're off the committee."
She said the committee must honor the concerns and priorities expressed by community members and stakeholder groups who participated in a series of November focus groups and responded to an online survey.
Students, teachers, business leaders, community members, city officials and others participated in the focus groups and submitted input. The priorities will be included in the job description brochure, which will be posted nationally on Jan. 17. The job will be advertised with a $140,000-$150,000 salary.
Correira asked committee members to craft a series of individual questions they would like to ask applicants during hour-long interviews. The questions must be the same for all applicants, she said, adding that key criteria have been set by the School Committee.
The youngest member of the search committee is Alice Wanamaker, a first-year student at Easthampton High School. The ninth-grader has attended School Committee meetings, and last fall publicly advocated for student dress codes that do not discriminate against girls.
The School Committee on Tuesday granted Wanamaker a seat on the search committee, even though they didn't know it was her. Follansbee told the elected officials that a ninth-grader had applied, but refused to reveal the applicant's name. Follansbee would not let the School Committee see or hear the student's application letter, saying she wanted to protect the applicant in case that person was rejected.
Follansbee said the student's letter of interest would only become a public document if she read it aloud, but did not cite any exemption to Massachusetts public records law to back that assertion.
Several members of the School Committee spoke up in support of the unknown student applicant, and the group unanimously voted its approval. Even then, Wanamaker was not named. Follansbee had said it would be preferable for a Junior or Senior to represent the student voice, and said no other students had expressed interest in being on the committee.
The School Committee had decided earlier that the search committee would consist of three teachers, one special education teacher, three parents, a central office administrator, a principal or assistant principal, a support staff member, a member of the community, one student, and an outgoing school committee member.
In order to preserve a clean process, School Committee members have been asked to stay away from the search committee meetings. The elected officials will eventually interview finalists and make the hiring decision.
The district consists of Easthampton High School, White Brook Middle School, and three elementary schools. The city hopes to build a new, consolidated school for pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students. The question of borrowing for new school construction will go before Easthampton voters in May.
School Committee chairwoman Cynthia Kwiecinski, who promptly responded to a press inquiry for information on Wednesday, said the 14 members of the superintendent search committee are as follows:
* Alice Wanamaker, a 9th-grade student at Easthampton High School
* Kathy Smith, support staff in the school department's business office
* Marin Goldstein, a White Brook Middle School parent
* Jamie Paquette, a community member
* Ingrid Flory, an elementary school parent
* Linda Broadhurst, a high school parent
* Debora Lusnia, outgoing School Committee chairwoman
* Dayle Doiron, school department business manager
* Sarah Mochek, district special education director
* Ed Zachowski, an Easthampton High School teacher
* Marsha Messer, a White Brook Middle School teacher
* Rachel Breton, an elementary school teacher
* Andrea McCallum, an elementary school assistant principal
* Nancy Weld, a special education teacher
SPRINGFIELD -- A former corrections officer assigned to maintenance at the Western Massachusetts Regional Women's Correctional Center in Chicopee has been indicted for allegedly having sex with an inmate.
Willie Williamson, 29, of Holyoke, was indicted on four counts of sexual relations with an inmate, and one count of trafficking a person for sexual servitude.
According to the sex trafficking indictment, the alleged crime happened on or about December 2015 through September 2016.
A Hampden Superior Court grand jury indicted Williamson on Dec. 28.
The counts of sexual relations with an inmate say the acts happened in September 2016 and July 2016.
Stephen O'Neil, public information officer for the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, said Williamson was terminated from employment without pay on Nov. 10, 2016. He said Williamson was a corrections officer assigned to maintenance at the facility.
Dozens of flights in-and-out of Bradley International Airport Thursday have been canceled ahead of Thursday's storm expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to the region.
As of 6:30 a.m. Thursday, only a handful of departures were still scheduled to take off from the Connecticut airport on Thursday.
Travelers are encouraged to check their flight's status before heading to the airport.
Between six to eight inches are expected to fall at the airport through Thursday evening. Wind gusts as strong as 38 miles per hour are also forecast for the area.
Elsewhere in New England, up to 18 inches of snow and wind gusts above 70 miles per hour are predicted.
Bystanders were able to pull two people from a car in Bridgewater Thursday afternoon before it was struck by a MBTA commuter rail train and thrown into a nearby control shed.
The car became stuck in the snow and couldn't get off the tracks at the rail crossing on Broad Street around 12:50 p.m., according to Bridgewater Police Chief Christopher Delmonte.
"The driver and a passenger were assisted by two bystanders who helped them get out of the car safely before the crash," police said. "The vehicle was thrown into nearby gates and a control shed exposing live wires."
Bridgewater police officers and firefighters were called to the scene after the crash. The incident is under investigation by the MBTA Transit Police.
Repairs were underway Thursday afternoon.
Delmonte urged people to stay off the roads as snow continues to blanket Massachusetts.
AMHERST - University of Massachusetts architecture professor Max Page is leading the charge to bring The John Olver Design Building at UMass even more attention.
In a Facebook post, Page is reporting that the building, named one of the best new buildings last year by the Wall Street Journal, has the chance for another honor.
The building was of nearly 50 selected as a Building of the Week by American-Architects and now that website is conducting a poll to determine which those earns the Building of the Year designation.
People just need to vote.
The $52 million design building, which opened last spring, was named after the former Amherst congressman John Olver because he championed that the building be built of wood.
The structure was set to be built using the more common steel and concrete construction materials, but it instead features glue-laminated wood, cross-laminated timber and wood-concrete composite structure.
The 87,000-square-foot building is the largest modern wood building in the Northeast. It contains 70,000 cubic feet of wood and saves the equivalent of over 2,300 metric tons of carbon when compared to a traditional energy-intensive steel and concrete building, according to a press release.
It is home to Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning Department from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the Department of Architecture from the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and the Building Construction Technology program from the College of Natural Sciences.
Olver was a former UMass chemistry professor.
SPRINGFIELD -- In one of several downtown public safety initiatives connected to the MGM Springfield casino project, a Longmeadow company has been given a $481,000 contract to build a police kiosk at the entrance to Riverfront Park.
The city recently inked the contract with Inglewood Development Corp., said Theo G. Theocles, the city's deputy procurement officer.
Peter Garvey, the city's director of capital asset construction, said the city is also preparing to advertise for bids next week for two other police kiosks in the downtown and South End areas.
The three kiosks should be ready by June, he said.
The city previously announced plans to open a police substation at Pynchon Plaza, to install call boxes along the Main Street corridor, and expand the police presence in advance of the casino opening.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said Thursday that working with Police Commissioner John R. Barbieri, "these strategic initiatives not only are public safety based, but hospitality based, too."
"It will allow us to continue to send the message that our downtown, South End and Riverfront areas are clean, safe and welcoming," Sarno said. "Also, once again this does not take away from any neighborhood coverage. Through our new academies, we'll actually add to our neighborhood C3 policing initiatives."
The kiosk at Riverfront Park will involve renovating a former train station at the entrance to the park and building an addition, Garvey said.
A small addition is planned to the existing ticket booth and toilet building. The project also includes masonry, carpentry, installation ol fiberglass columns and trim, a new roof, electrical, plumbing, and excavation for new addition and new water/sewer line, according to the city's advertisement for proposals.
The city is also planning kiosks at Main and Taylor streets and at Main and Morris streets.
The kiosks will be lighted, and will each be staffed by a police officer. They will be designed to ensure that residents and visitors can easily approach for questions, reports and general information, officials said.
MGM Springfield, which is slated to open a $960 million casino in Springfield in September, is providing the funds for the substation and kiosk projects.
Sarno and Barbieri announced in April that numerous initiatives to improve public safety in the South End and downtown would be taking place in advance of the casino opening.
The C3 policing strategy that includes a focus on community policing and other crime reduction efforts are already having a positive impact, Sarno said.
"Of note through this holistic approach we ended the year with overall crime being down 13 percent," Sarno said.
The planned opening of the police substation in a building abutting the two-level Pynchon Plaza, was intended in part to help resurrect the long-troubled park, enhance public safety and link the downtown corridor to the Springfield Museums.
Approximately 40 officers and supervisors assigned to the Metro Unit will report to and deploy from the substation for their shifts, officials said.
SPRINGFIELD -- A transgender woman who sued Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi over alleged mistreatment and harassment while an inmate at the Ludlow jail has dropped her $100,000 lawsuit in exchange for a slightly earlier release.
Jennifer E. Picknelly argued in a federal lawsuit that she was mocked, extorted and raped while an inmate at the Ludlow jail in 2016. Cocchi and his legal counsel responded that the sheriff's department made every effort to accommodate Picknelly and ensure her safety.
Picknelly, who was at her request eventually transferred to the Hampshire County jail, first filed a lawsuit in Hampden Superior Court arguing she was tormented by Latin Kings and other inmates who called her anti-gay and anti-transgender slurs.
Her complaint was removed to federal court in October at the request of an attorney for the sheriff's department.
Picknelly, whose birth name was James R. Kelly before she legally changed it in 2015, appeared at a hearing in U.S. District Court in November representing herself in the case.
"It's not easy to find a lawyer willing to sue a county sheriff," Picknelly told U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine Robertson.
Picknelly dropped her lawsuit in exchange for 15 extra days of "good time" in connection with educational programs Picknelly attended while in Cocchi's custody, according to Theresa Finnegan, general counsel for the sheriff's department.
Inmates are able to accrue "good time" for positive behavior and shave incremental amounts of time off their sentences. Finnegan said Picknelly argued she was owed 20 days of "good time" and the matter was in dispute before the lawsuit was filed.
"We continued to evaluate her position and her argument and determined that Jennifer was entitled to 15 of the 20 days she was asking for. So that's what we settled for," Finnegan said, adding that Picknelly received no money as a result of the lawsuit.
Picknelly was scheduled for release in January and could not be reached for comment. She told Robertson during November's court hearing that she intended to relocate to Florida upon her release.
In her lawsuit, Picknelly said she was shaken down by other inmates for commissary money because she was transgender and "came from money."
Court filings do not outline what Picknelly was incarcerated for, except to say her last stint in jail was prompted by a probation violation.
By coincidence, Picknelly's lawsuit was filed a month before a transgender woman and inmate at MCI-Norfolk sued the state corrections department for transfer to a women's prison.
Cocchi and Finnegan said they made proactive and progressive accommodations for Picknelly, including affording her a single cell, private shower time, access to women's commissary items such as cosmetics and bras, plus periodic transfers for her own safety and comfort.
"We never moved her somewhere and said like it or lump it," Cocchi said during a previous interview. "I feel very comfortable with how we've treated Jennifer and tried to be sensitive to her needs."
Finnegan said she does not anticipate Picknelly's lawsuit will prompt any changes in the department's policies around transgender inmates.
WEST SPRINGFIELD -- A New York woman's driver's license, stolen during a series of vehicle break-ins at the Olympia skating rink in November, was used several days later to withdraw $1,400 from the victim's bank in Poughkeepsie, police said.
The female suspect who cashed the check is believed to be a member of the Felony Lane Gang which travels the country breaking into vehicles and stealing wallets, driver's licenses and banking-related items.
The gang then recruits females to assume the identity of the victims and withdraw money from their bank accounts, cash stolen checks, and conduct fraudulent credit card transactions.
Nine vehicles were broken into at the Olympia on Nov. 18. In each instance passenger-side windows were smashed.
Police posted an account of the break-in on the department's Facebook page. They warn residents to never leave valuable items, such as wallets, purses, credit cards, drivers licenses, cash and check books inside their vehicles.
The gang is based in southern Florida, police say. Click here for a link to the Felony Lane Gang Task Force on Facebook.
Over 21,000 electric customers were without power in Massachusetts as of 5:32 p.m.., according to the state's Emergency Management Agency.
The outages are concentrated in the eastern part of the state - particularly in coastal communities buffeted by heavy snow, high winds and flooding during Thursday's storm.
Eversource, which currently has about 16,000 customers without power, has already restored electricity to 30,000 customers throughout the day, spokesman Michael Durand told MassLive. But harsh weather conditions are continuing to cause outages, sending linemen back out into the cold.
"We continue to experience damage on our system due to continued high winds. For example, earlier this afternoon, the total outage number was around 12,000," Durand wrote in an email. "Though crews continue to make good progress today in very difficult conditions, the winds are causing the total number of customers affected to continue to fluctuate."
National Grid, the state's other main electric utility, is reporting about 5,200 customers affected.
Outages are affecting significant percentages of customers in Cape Cod communities like Dennis, Harwich and Brewster. On the North Shore, Gloucester and Rockport have also been hit hard.
While inland areas have largely been spared the worst outages, 35 percent of Carver's electric customers are without power, according to MEMA.
PALMER -- Persistent noise complaints that include allegations from the town's zoning enforcement officer that Palmer Motorsports Park's automobile racetrack has violated the special permit to operate has resulted in a lawsuit filed in state land court.
The court has ordered all discovery materials to be submitted by Wednesday.
Palmer Zoning Enforcement Officer Bonnie Weeks is listed as plaintiff in the suit filed Aug. 29. She is represented by attorney Christopher H. Heep, of Wellesley. The lawyer for the defendant, Palmer Motorsports Park LLC, is Roger Dowd, of Framingham. The case judge is Michael D. Vhay.
A pre-trial conference is scheduled on Jan. 18, with a trial expected to begin in the first week of February, according to the case docket.
"The Town of Palmer claims that Palmer Motorsports Park's racetrack has failed to comply with a provision in its 2007 special permit that limited noise from the track. The parties reported that racing at the Park is over for 2017, but next year's season begins near the end of March 2018, and they wish to resolve this case by then," the docket states.
Owners of the facility, known as Whiskey Hill Raceway and located on 18 acres off West Ware Road, have told Palmer officials at public meetings they are in compliance with conditions of their operating permits and have made efforts to mitigate any negative effects related to noise complaints.
Immediately after the racetrack opened for business in May 2015, town officials in Palmer, Ware and Warren began fielding noise complaints.
Ware Town Manager Stuart Beckley, on May 19, 2015, in a letter to the Palmer Planning Board, Town Council and Town Manager told officials that "conditions at the track, particularly in regards to noise, are not acceptable as they negatively affect the peace and quality of life in Ware."
Records filed with Hampden County Registry of Deeds show Palmer Motorsports Park purchased the property for $1,050,000 in 2013. The organization secured mortgages from Hampden Bank the following year totaling $6.3 million to build the 2.2-mile asphalt track.
Discussion of Palmer Motorsports Park Noise Study from Palmer Planning Board Oct. 5 Minutes by The Republican/MassLive.com on Scribd
Mason jars filled with marijuana, a counterfeit $100 bill, knives and a resume belonging to one of the suspects were among the items seized from an Auburn home after authorities say a 16-year-old girl was held captive there and had her head shaved.
A list of almost 50 items seized by Auburn detectives is detailed in a search warrant affidavit filed in Worcester Central District Court.
Four people, including a brother and sister, are accused of shaving the 16-year-old girl's head, burning her with cigarettes and threatening her with a machete inside a 10 White Terrace home in Auburn on Dec. 27.
The alleged assaults by the four suspects, Krystal Lugo and her brother Christopher Lugo, Yariel Torres-Abee and Yuleny Ortiz, were after they believed the girl set up a home invasion earlier in the day inside the Auburn home, authorities said.
Police were told by confidential informants on Dec. 27 that they had to intervene at the White Terrace home. The 16-year-old girl, who ran away from New Jersey, was being held at the home against her will, the confidential informant told police.
It is unclear how the four suspects met the teen, but police testified in court this week that the girl was picked up by Krystal Lugo and Ortiz in Leominster on Christmas. The teen told police she had been in Massachusetts for about a month and a half.
In the search warrant affidavit, Auburn Police Detective James Lyman Jr. said the confidential information told police the girl was being burned and beaten inside the Auburn home.
The four suspects, the detective wrote, threatened the kill the girl if she didn't tell them the names of two people who broke into the home early in the morning on Dec. 27.
Around 6 a.m., two armed men burst into the White Terrace home, pistol-whipped Christopher Lugo and demanded to know where the "weed" was, police said.
Krystal Lugo was inside the home with her 18-month-old daughter during the home invasion, which remains under investigation.
Officers went to the home around 11:30 p.m. Officer George Vranos spoke to Christopher Lugo and eventually saw the 16-year-old girl.
She was wearing a knit cap. She refused to look up at police and she was whimpering, the officer said in court during dangerousness hearings for all four suspects.
When Vranos asked the girl to remove her hat, he saw her head had been shaved.
"While in the basement area with the victim, Detective Dyson observed a brown chair, with yellow tape, a pan of water, cigarette butts, an iron, iron board, used condoms and a bag that contained what is believed to be human hair," the search warrant affidavit said.
Police said the girl was held in what they called a "torture chamber" and assaulted after the home invasion. The suspects also told the girl they laced a marijuana cigarette with Xanax on Christmas, gave it to her and sexually assaulted her, according to prosecutor Tara Nechev.
Bullet holes and shell casings were found in the kitchen and in a bedroom. Police say the suspects in the home invasion fired weapons.
The girl's hair was found inside a Christmas bag in the basement where she was being held, police said. The search warrant shows a yellow piece of duct-tape with hair on it was found in the basement.
Detectives said the suspects used the yellow tape to confine the teen to a chair as they burned her with cigarettes and held a machete to her neck. She was kicked and attacked in the basement, police said in the search warrant affidavit.
Along with the marijuana, police seized Christopher Lugo's resume, which was found in a dining room closet. Several knives were seized in the kitchen along with vials of an unknown brown liquid, police said in the search warrant affidavit.
Court records for Ortiz were also discovered during the search. Police drug packaging materials were also seized.
Krystal Lugo, 23, of Webster, is charged with kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery and larceny under $250; Christopher Lugo, 19, is charged with kidnapping, rape and drug to confine; Torres-Abee, 22, of Southbridge, is charged with kidnapping and assault and battery; Ortiz, 19, of Auburn, is charged with kidnapping.
Krystal Lugo was deemed dangerous by a judge on Wednesday and ordered held without bail as her case continues in Worcester Central District Court. The remaining three suspects are scheduled to appear in court again on Friday for their dangerousness hearings, weather permitting.
By Ed Rogers
The Washington Post
In the months following President Donald Trump's election, more has been revealed about Hillary Clinton's mishandling of classified information. More has come out about the FBI's bias in the investigation, and more reporting has shed light on former FBI Director James Comey's manipulative nature. So, does the Clinton email matter need a fresh look? Yes.
Before Trump's election, we didn't know about FBI deputy counterintelligence chief Peter Strzok or his role in changing Comey's Clinton testimony from "grossly negligent" to "extremely careless"; we didn't know that he was not apolitical and that he would reveal his anti-Trump bias in texts to others; we didn't know, as recent reports now confirm, that the FBI believed there was evidence that laws were broken when Clinton and her aides improperly transmitted classified information; and we didn't know that Comey had drafted an exoneration of Clinton before she was even interviewed by the FBI. And, oh, by the way, when Clinton was eventually interviewed, her statements were not recorded and she was not under oath. Hmm.
There are plenty of fair questions about whether favoritism and a willful desire to ignore material violations of the law occurred during the Clinton email investigation. As I've written before, if an assistant secretary of state had done what Clinton did, they would have been prosecuted. And in Clinton's case, she specifically warned State Department employees against doing exactly that. Some suggest that none of this is relevant because Clinton lost, but America doesn't work that way.
We either have laws and enforce them, or we don't. On the one hand, we want to avoid slipping toward third-world status where incumbent regimes use their power to prosecute their enemies. But we also must not allow fame and power to shield individuals from prosecution. To pursue an unbiased and fully informed inquiry into the investigation of Hillary Clinton's emails would not be partisan or mean-spirited. But to not pursue it would suggest a systemic favoritism that is contrary to the American system. The fact is, we don't need another special prosecutor to uncover what happened with Clinton's emails and who knew about them. We need existing prosecutors with proper oversight to do their jobs.
Remember, the email investigation took place at a time when everyone thought Clinton was going to win - meaning that many involved in the affair believed they were probably auditioning in front of their future bosses. Obviously, Clinton defenders will want to say that a renewed inquiry into her mishandling of classified information is all about payback and perhaps a distraction from the Russia investigations. And I'll admit, Trump's bombastic taunts only add to that appearance. But serious law enforcement should not be deterred just because Trump is too loud and Clinton will have collaborators and defenders in the media.
The Justice Department should get to the bottom of this and set the record straight. Americans need to be assured that Hillary Clinton not only operated lawfully, but that she was not treated differently than anyone else would have been. Besides, if Trump thought it served the greater good, he could always pardon Clinton and her aides. The American people should not be expected to tolerate that the rules just don't apply to the Clintons.
UPDATE -- Lindstrom's campaign has postponed this event until Monday, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m. due to Thursday's snow storm.
Beth Lindstrom, a Republican running for Massachusetts' U.S. Senate seat in 2018, will launch a statewide business growth tour this week, her campaign announced Thursday.
Lindstrom, a former aide to Mitt Romney and manager of Scott Brown's 2010 Senate bid, will begin her statewide "Working Together" tour Friday with a 10 a.m. roundtable with business owners at Brewed Awakenings in Hingham.
Her campaign did not provide further details on additional stops that will be included in the tour.
The Republican hopeful said she hopes to collaborate with Massachusetts business owners on steps that could be taken to help them grow and expand.
"It takes hard work, sacrifice and dedication to open and run a small business. I value the contribution that these businesses make to the health and vitality of our economy," she said in a statement. "I want to help them grow and expand, to hire more workers and invest in the future. I will never lecture them or pretend to know what's good for them. By having these conversations, I hope to better understand how I can help them."
Lindstrom will share her experience as a small business owner, as well as discuss the impact burdensome regulations and high taxes can have on job creation in Massachusetts -- issues which she argued incumbent U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, does not understand.
"Elizabeth Warren has never run a business. She's never had to meet a payroll. In fact, when it comes to business owners, Elizabeth Warren says, 'You didn't build that' ... Sen. Warren is more focused on political partisanship and running for president, than working for Massachusetts," she said. "I will go to Washington and work for the people of Massachusetts, and no one else."
Lindstrom recently met with Western Massachusetts voters and business owners during an informal gathering at Springfield's Student Prince and Fort Restaurant last month.
She is among several candidates who have announced bids to unseat Warren in 2018.
State Rep. Geoff Diehl, R-Whitman; Winchester businessman John Kingston; Allen Rodney Waters, of Mashpee, Darius Mitchell, of Lowell, and Heidi Wellman, of Braintree, have also filed to run as Republicans in the 2018 Massachusetts U.S. Senate contest.
Shiva Ayyadurai, an entrepreneur who filed to run as Republican, meanwhile, announced in November that he would cut ties with the GOP and run as an independent.
As the nation's top law enforcement official rescinded a policy that let states legalize recreational marijuana, Massachusetts' top law enforcement official said she will continue to work with state officials to legalize the drug.
"The people of Massachusetts have voted to make marijuana legal under state law and the Cannabis Control Commission has been given the authority to establish a strong regulatory system that ensures public safety and allows for responsible sale and use of marijuana products," said Attorney General Maura Healey in a statement. "My office is committed to assisting the Commission, local municipalities and our partners in law enforcement to implement the will of the voters effectively."
Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday that he is rescinding Obama-era memos that said prosecutors would not prioritize enforcing U.S. marijuana law in states where marijuana was legal. It will now be up to U.S. Attorneys in each region whether they will prosecute people who use or sell marijuana.
Healey, a Democrat, opposed the 2016 ballot question in which Massachusetts voters legalized recreational marijuana for adults. She said during the campaign that the marijuana industry put profits over people and risked public safety.
But Healey, a strong critic of the Trump administration, criticized Sessions for his decision as she said she will adhere to the will of the voters.
"Today's announcement from Washington inexplicably directs federal law enforcement resources away from combating an opioid epidemic that is ravaging our communities in order to focus on legalized marijuana," Healey said.
The attorney general also made a statement via her Twitter account:
Jeff Sessions is inexplicably directing federal law enforcement resources away from combatting the opioid epidemic to marijuana legalized by the people of Massachusetts.
We are committed to helping our state and local partners implement the will of the voters. Maura Healey (@MassAGO) January 4, 2018
Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, whose office originally housed the Cannabis Control Commission before it was made independent, said in a statement, "Today's news causes uncertainty and disruption at a time when the Cannabis Control Commission is trying to do its job protecting citizens and honoring the will of the voters. We support their efforts as they seek to safely institute recreational marijuana in Massachusetts."
This story was updated with Goldberg's comments.
Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, said Thursday that he opposes a decision by Attorney General Jeff Sessions to rescind a memo that effectively allows states to legalize marijuana.
"The Baker-Polito Administration fully supports the will of the voters and the (Cannabis Control Commission's) mission," said Baker spokesman Brendan Moss. "The administration believes this is the wrong decision and will review any potential impacts from any policy changes by the local U.S. Attorney's Office."
The Obama-era Cole memo, which Sessions is announcing Thursday that he plans to rescind, did not change the federal law that outlaws marijuana. But it said U.S. prosecutors would not prosecute marijuana crimes in states where marijuana is legal on a state level as long as people were complying with state law and not doing things like distributing to minors or selling marijuana to criminal gangs.
Someone who uses medical marijuana is still protected from federal prosecution under an amendment passed by Congress.
Baker opposed passage of the ballot question legalizing marijuana but now says he supports implementing the law as passed by the voters. Baker has frequently opposed the Trump administration on issues ranging from health care to immigration policy.
It will now be up to individual U.S. attorneys to decide how they want to prosecute federal marijuana crimes.
The Republican/MassLive.com has reached out to a spokeswoman for Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling seeking comment.
Depending on how the federal government decides to enforce marijuana policy, the rescission of the Cole memo could have an impact on whether marijuana-related businesses decide to open in states like Massachusetts.
"This adds a degree of uncertainty," said Adam Fine, a Massachusetts attorney for Vicente Sederberg, who specializes in marijuana law.
The Cannabis Control Commission is in the process of creating regulations for the nascent recreational marijuana industry. The commission said it will continue its work.
"As far as the mandate and the work of the Cannabis Control Commission is concerned, nothing has changed," the commission said in a statement. "We will continue to move forward with our process to establish and implement sensible regulations for this emerging industry in Massachusetts. "
Attorney General Jeff Sessions released a memo Thursday directing federal prosecutors to use their discretion to prosecute marijuana crimes.
Sessions rescinded Obama-era memos that said prosecutors would not prioritize enforcing U.S. marijuana law in states where marijuana was legal.
The Obama-era memos effectively allowed states to legalize marijuana and allowed marijuana-related businesses to operate there without fear of federal prosecution, as long as they adhered to certain guidelines, such as not distributing to minors. Sessions, in his memo, called those guidelines "unnecessary."
Now, Sessions is leaving it up to local U.S. Attorneys to make the decisions on whether to prosecute federal marijuana violations.
"It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission," Sessions said in a statement. "Therefore, today's memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country."
The memo directs prosecutors to follow the principles that govern all federal prosecutions, including law enforcement priorities set by the attorney general, the seriousness of the crime, the deterrent effect of criminal prosecution and the cumulative impact of particular crimes on the community.
A spokeswoman for Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling did not immediately return a call and email Thursday morning regarding how Lelling would address federal marijuana policy. Massachusetts legalized marijuana through a ballot referendum in 2016.
Read Sessions' full memo below.
Ag Marijuana Enforcement 1.4.18 0 by Shira Schoenberg on Scribd
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is expected to rescind an Obama-era memo that essentially allowed states to legalize marijuana.
Although the Cole memo did not change the federal law that outlawed marijuana, it said U.S. prosecutors would not prosecute marijuana crimes in states where marijuana was legal as long as people were complying with state law and not doing things like distributing to minors or selling marijuana to criminal gangs.
The Associated Press reported that Sessions will now leave it up to individual U.S. attorneys to decide how they want to prosecute federal marijuana crimes.
"Certainly, this adds a degree of uncertainty," said Adam Fine, a Massachusetts attorney for Vicente Sederberg, who specializes in marijuana law.
Massachusetts voters legalized marijuana for adults through a ballot referendum in 2016. Retail pot shops are expected to open in July 2018.
The Republican/MassLive.com has reached out to a spokeswoman for Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling seeking comment.
Medical marijuana will continue to be protected under a Congressional amendment, the Rohrabacher-Farr amendment, that prohibits the Department of Justice from spending money to interfere with state medical marijuana laws.
Jim Borghesani, a spokesman for the Yes on 4 Coalition that supported legalizing marijuana, said it is difficult to say what impact Sessions' decision will have on Massachusetts.
"Jeff Sessions is revoking the Cole memo, but he's not saying prosecutions are going to start," Borghesani said. "I think it's going to come down to how individual U.S. attorneys move forward in the regions that they operate.... Until we see what action they may take, it's just a waiting game."
The Cannabis Control Commission, which is the group overseeing Massachusetts' legal marijuana industry, recently finished draft regulations, which are expected to be finalized in March.
The Cannabis Control Commission said it will continue its work. "As far as the mandate and the work of the Cannabis Control Commission is concerned, nothing has changed," the commission said in a statement. "We will continue to move forward with our process to establish and implement sensible regulations for this emerging industry in Massachusetts. "
The commission said: "The role of the Cannabis Control Commission remains the same - to fulfill the will of the voters of Massachusetts by implementing and administering a regulatory process that is safe, equitable and efficient. Our priority has always been to protect public safety and develop regulations that are compliant with all laws including those passed by the voters and the legislature legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in the Commonwealth."
Eight states currently allow recreational marijuana.
Peter Bernard, president of the Massachusetts Grower Advocacy Council, said he anticipates that there will be litigation over states' rights.
"People like Jeff Sessions want to invoke the 10th Amendment on transgender bathrooms and gay marriage," Bernard said. "I invoke the 10th on states' rights like Massachusetts' to let people grow cannabis and have a cannabis industry."
Kamani Jefferson, president of the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council, said it is too early to tell what the implications are. But he said it will come down to an issue of state versus federal rights. "We have a law that was passed in Massachusetts that gave rights to consumers 21 and up," Jefferson said. "We have a right to consume and grow cannabis in our state."
Jefferson said he does not anticipate that individuals will stop using marijuana, though some businesses "may take a step back."
Fine, who advises marijuana businesses, said some businesses may take a closer look at whether they want to enter the recreational market. Although marijuana businesses have always taken some risk in breaking federal law, Fine said the question is how much additional risk there will be following the rescission of the Cole memo.
"It sound like rather than a uniform policy across the U.S., it's going to be left up to the U.S. Attorneys in their respective districts," Fine said. "From a business perspective...it makes it a more difficult analysis in how do you assess risk under federal law."
Fine said it is still too early to tell what federal enforcement will look like. But, he warned that one danger of a federal crackdown on legal marijuana businesses is that it will drive more marijuana activity underground.
"When you kill the state legal marketplace, will we be driving more illegal activity under state and federal law?" Fine said.
Banking may also get more complicated for marijuana businesses. Jon Skarin, executive vice president of the Massachusetts Bankers Association, said banks and financial institutions rely on separate federal guidance to do business with marijuana companies. But the memo for the financial industry reflects the priorities of the Cole memo.
"In terms of what's out there for regulatory guidance, it just creates so much more uncertainty now," Skarin said.
Skarin said some banks may continue doing business with current medicinal marijuana clients but may hesitate to take on new clients. "It's going to make it more challenging for banks to take this business on, particularly in the recreational arena," Skarin said.
The Trump administration announced a new plan Thursday that would expand the areas available for offshore oil and gas drilling, including in locations off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.
U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke unveiled a new five-year drilling plan proposal, which he said would open up federal waters off the California coast, as well as exploration areas from Georgia to Maine -- places where drilling has long been blocked.
Zinke, who cast the plan as a "draft proposed program," told reporters that responsible development of offshore energy resources could benefit the U.S. economy and energy security, as well as provide billions in dollars to fund conservation along American coastlines.
"Today's announcement lays out the options that are on the table and starts a lengthy and robust public comment period," he said in a statement. "Just like with mining, not all areas are appropriate for offshore drilling and we will take that into consideration in the coming weeks. The important thing is we strike the right balance to protect our coasts and people while still powering America and achieving American Energy Dominance."
The draft proposed program includes 47 potential lease sales in 25 of the 26 planning areas: 19 off the coast of Alaska, seven in the Pacific region, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico and nine in the Atlantic region, according to the Interior Department.
Of the nine proposed lease sales in the Atlantic region, two are for the North Atlantic, three are for the Mid- and South-Atlantic and just one is for the Straits of Florida, officials noted.
There are no existing leases in the region and there have been no sales in the Atlantic since 1983.
The agency said the proposal represented "the largest number of lease sales ever proposed" for the National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program's five-year lease schedule.
Officials noted that the proposal marks an early step in a multi-year process to develop a final National OCS Program for 2019 through 2024.
The plan offered Thursday reflected input from 816,000 stakeholders comments, according to the Interior Department. The public will have additional opportunities to weigh-in on the proposal before it is finalized.
The agency will hold public meetings around the country beginning Jan. 16 to receive public comments on the draft proposed program.
The announcement, which followed up on President Donald Trump's April executive order pushing for more drilling rights in federal waters, drew praise from oil and gas industry groups.
Environmental advocates, in turn, panned the proposal.
National Ocean Industries Association President Randall Luthi touted the Interior Department's proposal as "bold" and "an important benchmark towards achieving the administration's goal of U.S. Energy dominance."
"NOIA commends Secretary Zinke and his team at the Interior Department for offering the broadest possible acreage for potential inclusion in our nation's next offshore leasing program," he said in a statement. "We look forward to working cooperatively and enthusiastically with stakeholders, including states, local communities and consumer groups, and with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management as the 2019-2024 offshore leasing program is developed."
The National Association of Manufacturers also offered support for the Trump administration's plan.
"Manufacturers use one-third of the energy consumed in this country and depend on a secure, affordable, reliable mix of energy resources to remain competitive. Access to and responsible development of our offshore energy resources is therefore vitally important," said Ross Eisenberg, the association's vice president of energy and resources policy.
Defenders of Wildlife President and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark, however, called the proposal "wildly reckless, irresponsible and a sellout to billion-dollar corporations."
"This proposal increases the risk of losing polar bears, walrus, North Atlantic right whales, sea turtles and other vulnerable species to a catastrophic oil spill. But even when there is no major catastrophe, marine wildlife is devastated by routine spills, air pollution, seismic blasting and other fallout from industrial oil and gas development in our oceans," she said in a statement.
Natural Resources Defense Council President Rhea Suh argued that "this backward-looking plan puts oil and gas profits first and places our coastal communities and all they support at risk of the next BP-style disaster."
This is a breaking news story and will be updated when more information becomes available.
WEST SPRINGFIELD -- It was a case of "meet the new boss, same as the old boss" in West Springfield on Tuesday, when Town Council President George D. Condon III was chosen again to lead the 9-member legislative body in 2018.
The unflappable Condon, known for running tight, orderly meetings, represents District 3 on the Town Council. But while Councilor Brian J. Griffin served as vice president last year under Condon, Councilor George R. Kelly will serve in that capacity for this year.
The changes were made during the council's annual reorganization meeting following Tuesday evening's inauguration ceremony at West Springfield High School.
The ceremony featured the swearing-in of multiple officials, including Condon, Griffin and Kelly, all of whom were re-elected in November. It also included musical selections by the High School band and Sarah LaFrance, a benediction by Monsignor Chris Connolly, and a keynote address by local political strategist Tony Cignoli.
Kelly and Griffin were among six candidates who competed for five at-large seats on the council in the November election. Condon did not face a challenger in the election.
In anticipation of "moderate to major flooding with the mid-day tide," Massachusetts emergency planners deployed military-like high-water vehicles in certain places along the coast Thursday.
Around 6 a.m., the vehicles went out to locations in Marshfield, Scituate, Hull, Quincy and at the Hingham National Guard Armory, according to an advisory from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
"There is the potential for moderate and pockets of major coastal flooding, primarily in areas south of Boston along the coast of Plymouth County and in Cape Cod Bay," said Christopher Besse, spokesman for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.
The National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration meanwhile had issued a coastal flood warning, particularly for the north and south of Boston, to remain in effect from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday.
Widespread flooding of "vulnerable shore roads and basements," decks, stairs docks, homes and businesses were under threat by "damaging waves," according to NOAA.
"A few low spots could be inundated up to 6 feet," read the warning. "In a few spots, sea ice chunks may exacerbate damage to structures and roads along the shore. Some neighborhoods, especially along the Plymouth County coast, will likely be isolated for a time about the high tide. Freezing spray may accrete along structures at the shoreline. Any standing water that is slow to drain after the high tide will freeze."
Much of Eastern Massachusetts stood to get around a foot of snow on Thursday followed by a deep freeze over the weekend.
The NOAA flood warnings in Massachusetts were not as severe as those elsewhere, as major, damaging flooding was expected along much of the New Jersey, Manhattan and Maine coasts.
Wednesday afternoon, MEMA held a conference call with emergency management planners around the state, and the organization plans to continue to disseminate situational awareness statements throughout the day as needed.
Prosper Portland has created the Affordable Commercial Tenanting Program to address a recent dramatic increase in retail rents and decrease in vacancy rates in the city of Portland, which have resulted in the displacement of small businesses from Portlands urban neighborhoods. The program seeks to:
reduce barriers to entry for underrepresented businesses
preserve the vitality of small businesses
provide business development opportunities that in turn offer needed goods and services to the community
advance our goal to build an equitable economy
Less than a decade after Google launched the age of the self-driving car, most of the main players have made some long-term commitmentsnot in the name of love, but to ensure success. With few exceptions, the companies eager to turn robots loose on our streets cant go through life alone. None have the particular combination of manufacturing, software, and customer-facing expertise this work demands.
The hookups between the software whiz kids and the folks with the factories are especially hot and heavy. In 2016, General Motors bought startup Cruise. Last year Ford invested $1 billion in Argo AI, and industry supplier Delphi went home with MIT spinoff Nutonomy. Now one of the last significant startups without a manufacturer to call its own has found its beloved.
Alex Davies
https://www.wired.com/story/aurora-urmson-volkswagen-hyundai/
The University of Montana will have just one woman as a permanent dean leading its 14 academic units.
Last month, Roberta Evans stepped down as dean of the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Health Sciences in order to do more research and teaching. And Shannon OBrien took a buyout as dean of Missoula College.
Their departures leave Dean of Libraries Shali Zhang as the only woman serving as a permanent dean, although Bitterroot College lists a female director on its website.
KEILA SZPALLER [email protected]
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/university-of-montana-will-have-just-one-woman-as-a/article_01604439-8b44-55ff-a6eb-9a0a7cd4e81a.html#tracking-source=home-the-latest
California Needs a Housing-First Agenda: My 2018 Housing Package
Last year, California began a pivot from a housing-last policy to a housing-first policy. After a half century of bad housing policypolicy designed to make it incredibly hard and expensive to create housingwe began the long process of righting the ship and recognizing that housing must be a top priority.
Yet, even with last years fantastic housing package 15 strong pro-housing bills, including my housing streamlining bill, SB 35 much work remains, and we must continue our momentum toward a better housing future for the residents of our state. Whether in transit-rich city centers, suburbs, or rural areas, people throughout California need better access to housing. Californias housing shortage is statewide with far too many people struggling with housing costs and we need statewide housing solutions.
Scott Wiener
California State Senator. Urbanist. Environmentalist. Advocate for transit, housing, parks, and education. Democrat. #Resist http://www.scottwiener.com
https://medium.com/@Scott_Wiener/california-needs-a-housing-first-agenda-my-2018-housing-package-1b6fe95e41da
COLUMBUS, Ohio
Jan. 4, 2018
Robert Sprague
Findlay
Ohio
Ohio
December 28, 2017
Ohio
Brian Burger
Alaska
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/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Bill 456, sponsored by Representative(R-), aims to makethe 19state to outlaw nurse mandatory overtime a potentially dangerous practice occurring acrossthat can jeopardize safe patient care. The bill was introduced onIn 2011, the Joint Commission issued an alert that called for hospitals to intensify their efforts to monitor and address health care workers' risk for fatigue caused by extended shifts. Even after this alert, it is still common place into mandate RNs to work beyond their regularly scheduled hours. This practice is used to staff health care facilities on a regular basis and leads to nurse fatigue and burnout.Fatigue can affect nurses' ability to deliver optimal patient care. Research demonstrates that fatigue causes an increased risk in errors, decline in memory, reduced ability to learn, and impaired mood and communication skills. Further, scientific evidence links long working hours to many health effects, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.House Bill 456 would give nurses the right to refuse overtime if they feel too fatigued to continue to provide safe patient care without fear of termination or licensure sanctions."Nurses are professionals who are ethically-bound to assess their ability to care for their patients. If a nurse is too fatigued to provide the safe care his/her patient deserves, the nurse should have the right to refuse overtime without fear of discipline," states, president of the Ohio Nurses Association. "Prioritizing safe nurse staffing benefits everyone: nurses, patients and healthcare facilities. Research points to dissatisfied patients, increased errors and higher patient readmissions when nurses are not safely staffed. Furthermore, nurse burnout increases with regular extended shifts, leading to costly nurse-turnover for healthcare facilities," continued Burger. "The needs and safety of the patient and nurse need to be put first instead of trying to cut initial costs by using mandatory overtime to plug nurse staffing holes."Federal laws prohibit the amount of hours worked by pilots, train engineers and truck drivers because of the dangerous consequences of fatigue. Because there is a not a federal law protecting patients and nurses to this degree, 18 other states have passed laws prohibiting nurse mandatory overtime. Those states includeand"House Bill 456 stands up fornurses, which play a crucial and influential role in the treatment of patients," said Rep. Sprague. "This bill makes patient safety the highest priority, and no one should have their nursing license or employment threatened for declining unscheduled overtime after a scheduled shift."The Ohio Nurses Association helped pass the current RN Staffing Law in 2008 the foundation to begin addressingnurse staffing concerns. The staffing law requires hospital have nursing care committees who are tasked with creating, evaluating and adjusting the facility's nurse staffing plan.ONA also helped pass a budget amendment in 2017 that requires hospitals submit their nurse staffing plans to the Ohio Department of Health to increase hospital transparency."House Bill 456 is another much needed step innurses' quest for safe nurse staffing and quality patient care," Burger stated.About ONA: Formed in 1904, the Ohio Nurses Association is a powerful network of registered nurses who are committed to advancing nursing through education, political action and workplace advocacy. ONA is the leading voice of the approximately 190,000 professional registered nurses in. To become a member of the Ohio Nurses Association, visit www.ohnurses.org.
View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ohio-nurses-association-applauds-introduction-of-house-bill-456--prohibit-requiring-nurses-to-work-overtime-300577663.html
SOURCE Ohio Nurses Association
In Africa, drones are used to deliver vital medicines and blood to hospitals in remote areas in an average of an hour.
The ingenious drone delivery service by Zipline, known as "Uber for blood" has delivered more than 5,500 units of blood over the past year in an average half an hour.
Drones are sent to deliver blood or medicines when the hospital staff sends a WhatsApp text message to Zipline. The drone then drops the package attached to a parachute at the clinic.
When a doctor or medical staff at one of the 12 clinics needs blood, they send a WhatsApp message or log on to Zipline's order site. They are then sent a confirmation message saying a Zip drone is on its way.
The drone flies to the clinic at up to 60 mph. When it is within a minute of the destination, the doctor receives a text. The drone then drops the package, attached to a parachute, into a special zone near the clinic before returning to base, the report said.
"The work in Rwanda has shown the world what's possible when you make a national commitment to expand healthcare access with drones and help save lives," Keller Rinaudo, Zipline's co-founder and chief executive officer, was quoted as saying to The Guardian.
Drone delivery also means hospitals can store less blood, which means less waste as blood spoils quickly.
The use of drones is helping to reduce maternal deaths -- a quarter of which are the result of blood loss during childbirth -- and high incidences of malaria-induced anemia, which is common in children.
Zipline next plans to work with the government of Tanzania, and aims to deliver a range of medical products - including blood transfusion supplies, HIV medication, antimalarials, sutures and UV tubes, to four bases in Tanzania, supporting more than 1,000 clinics.
Source: IANS Zipline is delivering blood to 12 regional hospitals -- each serving about half a million people -- from a base in the east of Rwanda.When a doctor or medical staff at one of the 12 clinics needs blood, they send a WhatsApp message or log on to Zipline's order site. They are then sent a confirmation message saying a Zip drone is on its way.The drone flies to the clinic at up to 60 mph. When it is within a minute of the destination, the doctor receives a text. The drone then drops the package, attached to a parachute, into a special zone near the clinic before returning to base, the report said."The work in Rwanda has shown the world what's possible when you make a national commitment to expand healthcare access with drones and help save lives," Keller Rinaudo, Zipline's co-founder and chief executive officer, was quoted as saying to The Guardian.Drone delivery also means hospitals can store less blood, which means less waste as blood spoils quickly.The use of drones is helping to reduce maternal deaths -- a quarter of which are the result of blood loss during childbirth -- and high incidences of malaria-induced anemia, which is common in children.Zipline next plans to work with the government of Tanzania, and aims to deliver a range of medical products - including blood transfusion supplies, HIV medication, antimalarials, sutures and UV tubes, to four bases in Tanzania, supporting more than 1,000 clinics.Source: IANS
"The ministry of health and Rwanda Biomedical Center are happy to use such innovative technology to reduce the average delivery time from four hours to less than 45 minutes, with quick and reliable delivery [of] blood products," a spokesman for the Rwandan health ministry.
More people in Afghanistan are now practicing mind control and reporting health benefits through systematic and regular yoga practice.
Zaidi has been involved with the Yoga Foundation at Mazar-e-Sharif, once the hub of the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance, set up by the Afghanistan Olympic Committee's zonal unit in collaboration with the Indian consulate there.Zaidi said in a telephonic interview that people in Afghanistan, particularly youths, were most enthusiastic about yoga."The reason is they find it beneficial in so many ways. People have been attracted to yoga because of the health benefits they can get from it as well as spiritual well-being," he said."Some are also interested in teaching and promoting yoga in other countries," he added. "And with all the conflict and war around them, they find yoga soothing."Zaidi's yoga classes are held mostly within the premises of the Indian consulate at Mazar-e-Sharif. Some are held in selected school classrooms."The classes attract both male and female students of all age groups," he said. "Some students are from women's organisations. Others are sportspersons or the physically challenged. There are a lot of children as well."A post-graduate in yoga from Dev Sanskriti Vishwa Vidyalaya (DSVV) in Haridwar and an Assistant Professor at its yoga department, Zaidi interacts with the Afghans learning yoga in English, Farsi and Urdu.While initially he found some hesitation amongst some Afghans in learning yoga as they felt it was linked to Hinduism, their understanding has radically changed now, he said.One reason for this, he felt, was the influence of the Indian media in Afghanistan. More and more Afghans realised that although an ancient Indian science, yoga was about mind control and having better health through systematic and regular practice.Zaidi admitted there were some problems too."While the environment in Afghanistan is generally favourable for yoga, there are certain constraints arising mostly from issues related to security," he said."These hinder free movement and classes outside the consulate complex have to be held under tight security."Afghan women in particular, both young and the not-so-young, prefer to learn yoga in classrooms instead of in the open, Zaidi said. "But it is safe to say that yoga has got a firm footing in Afghanistan."Two more yoga students from the Dev Sanskriti Vishwa Vidyalaya here are likely to be sent on similar deputations by the ICCR, said Pro Vice Chancellor Chinmay Pandya.Source: IANS
Two people are dead after a collision in Humble sent a Dodge Charger careening into a metal light pole, splitting the vehicle in half, Humble police said.
About 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, a Toyota SUV was traveling southbound on Wilson Road when it collided with the Charger in the intersection at FM 1960, according to the Humble Police Department. The Charger then slammed into the pole, leaving the vehicle so damaged its two halves were nearly unrecognizable.
The National Weather Service has provided final snowfall totals from the noreaster that smacked the Northeast on Thursday.
Highest totals in the region were on Long Island where 16.4 inches fell in Suffolk County. The highest total in Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod was 17.5 inches.
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Mobile World finishes acquisition of Tran Anh Digital
The Gioi Di Dong (Mobile World) Co. Ltd. on January 3 officially finished the acquisition of Dien May Tran Anh (Tran Anh Digital), giving it the ownership of an over-90-percent stake at Tran Anh.
A store of Dien May Tran Anh
The combined market share of the two major electronics retailers in Vietnam is more than 30 percent at the time of the merger.
A representative of The Gioi Di Dong said the merger will help strengthen both companies. Dien May Xanh, a retail chain of The Gioi Di Dong, is reaping successes nationwide but still needs to increase its presence in the northern region, especially in inner Hanoi and neighbouring cities.
Meanwhile, Dien May Tran Anh is a big retail brand widely known in the north. As 34 supermarkets of Tran Anh have big scale and ideal locations, the tie-up can diversify their products for sale.
In the first nine months of 2017, Dien May Tran Anh earned over 2.4 trillion VND (105.3 million USD) in revenue. It targets more than 4 trillion VND in revenue (175.6 million USD) in 2018.-VNA
Air India
State-owned Air India has tied up with UAE-based First Abu Dhabi Bank as well as Standard Chartered Bank and Mashreq Bank to avail short-term loans for acquiring three Boeing 777 aircraft, Union minister Jayant Singh said on Thursday.
Two of the aircraft are to be used for ferrying VVIPs, the minister of state for civil aviation said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
The delivery of the three B777-300 ER planes is scheduled to be completed next month - two in January and one in February.
"Air India has signed a short-term buyers credit facility agreement with First Abu Dhabi Bank PJSC jointly with Standard Chartered Bank and Mashreq Bank PSC for acquisition of three B777-300ER aircraft," the minister said.
In early November, the disinvestment-bound airline issued a revised tender (after first floating it in October), soliciting interest from lenders for a loan worth up to USD 535 million (around Rs 3,460 crore).
Last month, the airline also floated tenders for securing loans worth over Rs 1,100 crore for modification of two Boeing aircraft for ferrying VVIPs -- the president, vice-president and prime minister.
In 2006, Air India placed orders with Boeing for 68 aircraft 27 Dreamliners, 15 B777-300 ERs, eight B777-200 LRs and 18 B737-800s.
Of these, the state-run carrier has already taken the delivery of 65 planes, including 12 B777-300ERs.
Following the downturn in the global aviation sector, the delivery of three B777-300ERs was postponed in 2010 as there was no "cancellation" clause in the original purchase agreement with Boeing Company.
Then, in September 2015, the carrier decided to take delivery of the remaining three planes as per the 2006 purchase agreement.
Government bonds (G-Secs) eased on the selling pressure from banks and corporates, while the overnight call money turned higher due to good demand from borrowing banks amid tight liquidity in the banking system. The 6.79 percent government security maturing in 2027 slipped to Rs 96.3650 from Rs 96.43 previously, while its yield inched up to 7.33 percent from 7.32 percent.
The 6.68 percent government security maturing in 2031 were dipped to Rs 93.3850 from Rs 93.59, while its yield edged up to 7.46 percent from 7.43 percent.
The 6.84 percent government security maturing in 2022 were slid to Rs 98.5250 from Rs 98.62, while its yield moved up to 7.20 percent from 7.17 percent.
The 8.15 percent government security maturing in 2026, the 7.16 percent government security maturing in 2023 and the 8.24 percent government security maturing in 2033 were also quoted lower at Rs 103.8450, Rs 99.7050 and Rs 105.10 respectively.
The overnight call money rates finished slightly higher at 5.80 percent from Wednesday's level of 5.78 percent. Its resumed higher at 5.95 percent and moving in a range of 6.00 percent and 5.75 percent.
Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India, under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility, purchased securities worth Rs 31.95 billion in 5-bids at the overnight repo operation at a fixed rate of 6.00 percent as on today, while it sold securities worth Rs 366.79 billion in 73-bids at the overnight reverse repo auction at a fixed rate of 5.75 percent as on January 03.
Chandan Taparia of Motilal Oswal Securities told CNBC-TV18, "Broader indices are quite choppy and moving in a range but selective stocks are likely to do well. First trade is on Bata India. The stock has seen open interest addition of around 18-19 percent. It formed a bullish candle and jump in the delivery volume is also visible. It formed a positive price pattern and surpassed immediate hurdle of Rs 763. So, recommending to buy with a stop loss of Rs 760 and looking for an upside target towards Rs 796-800 zone."
"Second trade is from the IT pack. KPIT Technologies was recommended last week; it did well. Now we are betting on Hexaware. This stock is on verge of fresh breakout and fresh momentum, so, expecting the stock to rally towards Rs 364. One can buy with a stop loss of Rs 343. It also added open interest near to 8-9 percent, so, clearly indicates that longs are even adding at the higher levels," he said.
"Last trade is on Jubilant Foodworks. After a long consolidation, it has formed a triangle pattern and given the breakout of the same. Longs are adding and volume breakout also visible. So, one can buy for an upside target towards Rs 1,925 and putting the stop loss of Rs 1,810 is advisable on the counter."
"Those who are interested for the option, can look at the metal counter. I will select Tata Steel where I am looking positive to range-bound move, so recommending to buy 740 Call, sell one lot of 760 and 780 Call. The risk is only Rs 1.7. If it moves higher, we will get profit of around Rs 7,000-10,000 in this strategy," he added.
CA Rudramurthy BV, Research Head at Vachana Investments told CNBC-TV18, "Stock specific lot of good counters are there to buy in F&O segment. For me Jain Irrigation Systems looks really good, lot of open interest addition is seen on the positive side with lot of delivery based buying. I expect even more a populistic with agricultural focused Budget and this is one stock which can do wonders from current level."
"I expect a huge target of Rs 175 on Jain Irrigation. One can even roll over their future contract for a month or two and have a stop loss of Rs 120. A very good risk reward trade and one can definitely look at going long on Jain Irrigation."
"I have a second buy call on Fortis Healthcare. Huge accumulation has been seen yesterday with delivery based buying. This stock added towards Rs 185, have a stop loss of Rs 155 and one can go long on Fortis Healthcare."
"I have a buy call on Hindalco Industries , today the stock has given clear cut breakout above levels of Rs 208 and lot of open interest addition is seen today and charts are looking very bullish. Hindalco can hit towards levels of Rs 300 in the short term, have a stop loss of Rs 275 for this long trade," he said..
NBCC (India) is in focus as the company saw healthy order inflows in the month of December worth over Rs 300 crore. In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Anoop Kumar Mittal, Chairman of NBCC spoke at length about the order wins and gave his outlook for the future.
Mittal said we have got three orders. One is border fencing and road work along Indo-Bangla border in Mizoram and Meghalaya area of Rs 215 crore. Second, there are two government orders of Rs 50 crore each in Chennai and Mangalore.
He further said that the Meghalaya border project needs to be completed in 18 months.
Margin in the three orders received in December will be close to 7 percent, he added.
Our total orderbook stands at Rs 78,000 crore, said Mittal.
Talking about growth, he said we expect 25-30 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth in revenue in Q3.
We expect FY19 to be a significantly strong year, he mentioned.
Pragati Maidan order is in full swing, he added.
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Power Grid Corporation of India and Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation will form an equal joint venture company to strengthen the intra-state transmission network, two officials familiar with the development told Moneycontrol. The central ministry of power and NITI Aayog are facilitating the joint venture, that is expected to come to fruition by the end of the ongoing financial year.
The joint venture with UP will be on the same lines as that with Bihar. A JV company helps the state by reducing its own capital commitment, getting top expertise from a company like PGCIL and securing loans from multilateral agencies like World Bank and Asian Development Bank as PGCIL enjoys high credit rating, one of the officials said.
The joint venture company will have to secure a transmission licence from the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Besides Bihar, PGCIL has a similar joint venture in Odisha though no business has been undertaken by that company so far.
The Yogi Adityanath governments initiative to form a JV with PGCIL is one of the many it has taken, including some that could be called bold, to improve the health of the states power sector. The power sector is among the poorest in the country with aggregate technical and commercial losses still hovering around 28 per cent.
Rural consumers now pay a fixed charge of Rs 300 per kilowatt per month as against Rs 180 earlier. This will become Rs 400 from April 1.
Central government-owned generation utility NLC India and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam recently achieved financial closure for funding of the Rs. 17,237.80-crore, 1,980 MW capacity project which they jointly plan to set up at Ghatampur in the northern state.
EarlySalary.Com, a fintech startup that offers personal loans, today said it has raised Rs 100 crore in latest round of funding led by Eight Roads Ventures India.
Existing investors, IDG Ventures India, Dewan Housing Finance Corp Ltd (DHFL), and seed investor Ashok Agarwal also participated in the series B round.
In May last year, Early Salary had raised USD 4 million (Rs 27 crore) from IDG Ventures India and DHFL. In total, it has raised USD 20.5 million till date.
"We will use the funding to accelerate our growth. By end of the year, we are aiming at 100,000 loan disbursements per month (from about 14,000 loans a month now)," Early Salary co-founder and CEO Akshay Mehrotra told PTI.
He added that the company is witnessing strong traction from cities like Bengaluru and Pune as well as smaller cities like Mysore.
Early Salary offers cash loans for a tenure ranging from 7 days up to 30 days and for amounts of Rs 8,000 to Rs 2 lakh.
"We have been able to offer access to short-term loans to young working professionals, who don't have a credit bureau rating. We use social algorithm and artificial machine intelligence for risk assessment. Deploying machine learning has helped us in faster loans approvals," he explained.
Mehrotra said the funds will be used to further improve the technology stack and work on improving machine learning systems for better, faster and more prudent risk management.
Besides, the company is also looking at building additional products and tenure options to customers.
Mehrotra said the company also expects to be profitable by the end of the year.
"The key to our success will be helping more and more people without any human interface. Right now, we are about 70 per cent automated and we want to take this to 90-95 per cent," he added.
As a part of the transaction, Dhyanesh Shah, Principal at Eight Roads Ventures, will join the board of EarlySalary.
"The company has cleverly leveraged data and technology to provide instant affordable loans to an otherwise excluded customer segment. We look forward to working closely with Akshay, Ashish and the management team at Early Salary," Shah said.
While replying to a query by Ritabrata Banerjee of CPI (M) on the impact of the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill (FRDI), Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday clarified that depositors will be given preferential treatment over the government due and other unsecured creditors in the event of a liquidation of a bank.
He also said that the Bill will not only provide additional protection to the depositors but will also require prior consent of the depositors for bail-in for saving the bank.
The finance minister also explained that public sector banks will remain out of the bail-in clause as they are indirectly guaranteed by the Centre. The bail-in provision would be the last resort in the case of a private bank, where a merger or acquisition is not viable.
Currently, under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961, deposits are insured up to Rs 1 lakh which is likely to increase under the FRDI Act, the Resolution Corporation has been given power to increase the deposit insurance amount at a higher level.
As per the provisions of the FRDI Bill, the claims of uninsured depositors, in the case of liquidation of a bank, will be higher than those of the unsecured creditors and Government dues.
FRDI Bill will replace the existing resolution regime by providing a comprehensive resolution regime that will help ensure that, in the rare event of failure of a financial service provider, there is a system of quick, orderly and efficient resolution in favour of depositors.
Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) January 2, 2018
FM Jaitley further said that the Bill will strengthen the system by adding a comprehensive resolution regime to ensure that in the event of a failure of a bank, there is a system in place for quick, orderly and efficient resolution in favour of depositors.
Department of Economic Affairs, secretary Subhash Chandra Garg tweeted on Tuesday clarifying government stance on FRDI Bill. Depositors existing protections will be enhanced. Bail in will be only sparingly used. Public sectors banks will effectively be not subject to bail in provisions. Depositors need not have any apprehensions.
Government clarifies provisions of FRDI bill. Depositors existing protections will be enhanced. Bail in will be only sparingly used. Public sectors banks will effectively be not subject to bail in provisions. Depositors need not have any apprehensions. January 2, 2018
Attempts to create scare regarding bail in were totally unfounded. 70% deposits are in PSBs. Most remaining deposits are in well capitalised and sound private banks. No likelihood of bail in for over 98% of depositors. Remaining also subject to bail in if the depositors consent.
Subhash Chandra Garg (@SecretaryDEA) January 3, 2018
He further tweeted yesterday that attempts to create scare regarding bail in were totally unfounded. 70% deposits are in PSBs. Most remaining deposits are in well capitalised and sound private banks. No likelihood of bail in for over 98% of depositors. Remaining also subject to bail in if the depositors consent.
The first unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNP) was shut down in June 2015 for refuelling for the first time after generating about 6,875 million units of electricity, the government said.
Minister of State for Atomic Energy and Space Jitendra Singh in a written reply to question in the Lok Sabha also said, "During the first refuelling shutdown, in parallel with refuelling, detailed inspections, surveillance tests, mandatory checks and routine maintenance works were carried out."
Thereafter, the unit was reconnected to the grid in January 2016, he said.
"Apart from the long refuelling shutdown of Unit-1, there have been some instances of unit trips. Each of these instances have been investigated, the root causes determined and necessary measures taken in consultation with the Russian experts and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
"In none of these instances, the safety of plants was challenged," Singh said.
In reply to another question, the minister said, as per International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), India presently ranks third in number of reactors under construction after China and Russia Federation (based on the placement of first pour of concrete) and seventh in number of reactors in operation.
"Some of the suppliers/contractors of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) had reported financial difficulties, as a result of which there was a delay in supplies of equipment and execution of Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) 3&4 (2x700 MW) and Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (RAPP) 7&8 (2x700 MW) projects.
"The issue of financial difficulty of vendors and contractors was appropriately addressed by NPCIL," he said.
In reply to another question, Singh said, the government proposes to set up India-based Neutrino Observatory (NO) at Bodi West Hills in Theni district of Tamil Nadu.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is going to issue new Rs 10 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series with chocolate brown colour as the base. The new note will bear the picture of the Konark Sun Temple.
The apex bank has already printed around 1 billion pieces of the new note, according to people familiar with the matter.
The design was approved by the government last week. The change in design in the old Rs 10 note was last made in 2005. In August last year, RBI had introduced the new Rs 200 and Rs 50 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series.
The move to reintroduce lower denomination notes in a new design comes after the governments plan to get rid of counterfeiting.
On 8 November 2016, the government announced demonetisation to withdraw Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes, amounting to around 86% of the currency in circulation of Rs 17.9 trillion. Since then, RBI has replaced these with the new Rs 2000 notes and redesigned Rs 500 notes.
RBI has printed 16.96 billion pieces of Rs 500 notes and 3.6 billion pieces of Rs 2,000 notes as on December 8, according to information given by the finance ministry in Lok Sabha. The total value of such notes translates into Rs 15.79 trillion.
RBI data show currency in circulation was Rs 16.71 trillion as on December 22. This is about 94.4% of the Rs 17.7 trillion that was in circulation on 4 November 2016.
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Leading auto ancillary player Greaves Cotton has entered into an agreement with Italian two and three-wheeler maker Piaggio Vehicles India to develop new diesel and clean energy engines.
The new engines to be developed will be meeting the BS-VI emission norms and will be run on diesel and alternative fuels in the clean energy space, the company said today.
Greaves Cotton's engines is the market leader with close to 78 percent market share in the diesel-driven 3- wheeler market and has recently crossed the 5-million engines powering various cargo and passenger vehicles in a three-wheeler and micro four-wheeler space.
Piaggio India started its association with Greaves Cotton in 1998-99 and has since then sold over 5 million engines to Italian major, which is also into four-wheelers with its micro-trucks in the under- 1,000 kg load capacity.
Greaves has automotive engines plants in Aurangabad and Ranipet near Chennai while its R&D centres are in Aurangabad and Pune.
It can be noted that the three-wheeler segment has been down till the third quarter of this financial year. Greaves offers single cylinder diesel and CNG engines to the three-wheeler space.
Speaking on the tie-up, Nagesh Basavanhalli, managing director and chief executive of Greaves Cotton said his company is investing in new technologies and building capabilities to meet the demand for fuel-agnostic, future-ready solutions serving the last mile transportation market.
"Our new solutions will cover a range of fuels from diesel, petrol, CNG to electric which will continue to leverage our strengths," he said.
The company had recently tied up with California based Pinnacle Technology to offer opposed-piston CNG engines which have since shown impressive results. With these BS-VI engines, the company hopes to revolutionise the autorickshaw market by reducing substantial fuel cost and total cost of ownership.
The Rs 1,800-crore Greaves has sold over 3 lakh engines in fiscal 2017 before successfully transiting to BS-IV compliant engines from April 2017.
Greaves is a leading engineering company with core competencies in diesel/petrol engines, farm-focused generator sets and light construction equipment.
Man speaks on his mobile phone as he sits in front of a shop displaying the Idea Cellular Ltd's logo on its shutter in Mumbai
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The Idea Cellular board today approved raising about Rs 3,250 crore from the entities under the promoter Aditya Birla Group by issuing 32.66 crore equity shares on a preferential basis.
Idea Cellular Board forms a panel to evaluate potential routes for raising further capital of up to Rs 3,500 crore.
"The Board of Directors of Idea Cellular Limited (Idea), today approved issuance of about 326.6 million equity shares, face value of Rs 10 per share, at a price of Rs 99.50 per share (in accordance with SEBI ICDR Regulations) on preferential basis," the statement said.
The shares will be issued to entities under Aditya Birla Group -- Birla TMT Holdings Private Limited, Elaine Investments Pte Ltd (Singapore), Oriana Investments Pte Ltd (Singapore), Surya Kiran Investments Pte Ltd (Singapore), the statement said.
"The aggregate capital infusion will be of Rs 32,500 million," the statement said.
The issue is expected to complete by early February, 2018, subject to regulatory approvals, post which the shareholding of Promoter group in Idea will increase to about 47.2 per cent from existing level of around 42.4 per cent.
"The Aditya Birla Group remains committed towards the telecom business. The group is in the process of creating a large digital infrastructure...At a time when the telecom industry is going through a challenging environment, this equity infusion by the Group in Idea is another step towards reinforcing the group's commitment," Idea Cellular Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla said.
Idea will further explore potential ways of raising additional fund to the tune of around Rs 3,500 crore which would include further preferential issue, qualified institutional placement (QIP), rights issue etc.
Idea will also explore potential monetisation of company's 11.15 per cent stake in Indus Towers -- its joint venture with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone.
During the first nine months of the financial year 2017- 18, Idea has added over 33,500 wireless broadband sites and currently it has about 143,500 broadband sites, as per the statement.
Idea also has plans to launch its VoLTE (Voice over 4G network) services in 2018.
More and more Indian IT companies are using Singapore's financial ecosystem to launch their products and services into ASEAN markets, according to an industry expert.
"Incentives offered by Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) excites and prompts large and midsize companies to consolidate their treasury operations in the city state and venture across the South East Asian region," said Deep Singhania, who has spent over 30 years in the IT industry.
EDB, a trade promotion state agency, offers Finance and Treasury Center (FTC) incentive, while Singapore has emerged as a regional risk management and treasury hub, he said of the city state which is now an acclaimed asset and wealth management centre.
Singhanias Singapore advisory and consultancy company AugmentSol, is already leading a number of Indian companies to expand in SouthEast Asia using Singapore as the base.
AugmentSols latest venture is with IBSFintech, the recent winner of reputed Adam Smith award in the world of corporate finance and treasury.
In 2017, IBSFintech took charge of Maruti-Suzuki's treasury and trade finance, starting with investment tracking.
It also took charge of forex treasury operations of Olam Agro India, subsidiary of Singapore-headquartered Olam International. It will be marketing the same product across the region.
Another leading Indian IT group venturing out of Singapore to the global market is MindLogicx, a knowledge engineering and R&D company from Bengaluru.
Mindlogicx is establishing a global headquarter in Singapore and has globally launched its anti-fraud examination system, IntelliPAD a month ago in Singapore for the global examination world.
Designed to stop leakage of examination papers, Singhania sees IntelliPAD reaching out to the world's top universities with its 'Just in Time' question paper delivery on specially designed devices as a most secured way in managing high-stake examinations.
Singapore's strong financial risk management and patent protection along with the strong ecosystem of incubators and VCs, gives comfort to these "highly IT sensitive" fintech and technology companies to bloom their incubated innovations for multinational corporations seeking the latest in advanced technologies to guard their data and assets, he said.
The bulls will be more confident to conquer the top of 10552 going forward going by the price behaviour seen in the last three days. Few momentum oscillators on lower time frame charts generated buy signals whereas Daily MACDs behaviour is very interesting as it has turned away from its signal line without generating a sell signal, Mazhar Mohammad, Chief Strategist Technical Research & Trading Advisory, Chartviewindia.in told Moneycontrol.
Usually, this kind of action on the part of this indicator is considered as very bullish. Hence, as long as Nifty sustains above 10400 levels trade will remain on long side, he said.
Also Read - What changed for the market while you were sleeping? 12 things you should know
India VIX fell down by 1.51 percent at 13.42. VIX has to hold below 13-12.50 zones to support the overall Bullish bias of the market.
We have collated the top fifteen data points to help you spot profitable trade:
Key Support & Resistance Level for Nifty
The Nifty closed at 10,504.8 on Thursday. According to Pivot charts, the key support level is placed at 10,459.87, followed by 10,414.93. If the index starts to move higher, key resistance levels to watch out are 10,531.37 and 10,557.93.
Nifty Bank
The Nifty Bank closed at 25,462.6. Important Pivot level, which will act as crucial support for the index, is placed at 25,351.84, followed by 25,241.07. On the upside, key resistance levels are 25,531.84, followed by 25,601.07.
Call Options Data
Maximum Call open interest (OI) of 44.01 lakh contracts stands at strike price 11,000, which will act as a crucial resistance level for the index in the January series, followed by 10,700, which now holds 35.7 lakh contracts in open interest, and 10,600, which has accumulated 35.6 lakh contracts in OI.
Call writing was seen at a strike price of 10,400, which saw the addition of 1.79 lakh contracts, followed by 10,800, which saw the addition of 0.81 lakh contracts and 10,900, which saw the addition of 0.74 lakh contracts.
Call unwinding was seen at strike prices of 10,500, which saw 4.22 lakh contracts being shed, followed by 10,600, which shed 2.62 lakh contracts and 10,200, which shed 0.64 lakh contracts.
Maximum put OI of 54.01 lakh contracts was seen at strike price 10,400, which will act as a crucial base for the index in January series; followed by 10,300, which now holds 51.59 lakh contracts and 10,200 which has now accumulated 46.37 lakh contracts in open interest.
Put writing seen at 10,400, which saw the addition of 7.05 lakh contracts, followed by 5.75 lakh contracts at the strike price of 10,200 and 10,500, which saw the addition of 3.58 lakh contracts.
Put unwinding was seen at the strike price of 11,000, which saw shedding of 0.61 lakh contracts.
FII & DII Data
Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) bought shares worth Rs 212.05 crore, while domestic institutional investors bought shares worth Rs 325.24 crore in the Indian equity market on Thursday, as per provisional data available on the NSE.
Fund Flow Picture:
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The insolvency process against Jaiprakash Associates to be initiated by banks has been put on hold on the Reserve Bank of Indias instructions.
Currently, financially troubled Jaypee Infratech , subsidiary of Jaiprakash Associates, has been battling lenders in the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) but reached the Supreme Court after being dragged by the
homebuyers impacted by the insolvency proceedings.
Jaypee Infratech is among 12 large stressed companies in the first list referred to banks by RBI to start bankruptcy proceedings in June 2017.
The apex court has ruled that the promoters of the company would not be allowed to sell their personal assets or property without its permission.
Jaiprakash Associates, with a debt of nearly Rs 29,000 crore, is part of Jaypee Group, promoted by Manoj Gaur and his family and features in RBIs second list of 28-30 companies to be taken to NCLT. It has deposited Rs 425 crore so far.
In order to avoid legal complications, the RBI asked banks and the lead banker, ICICI Bank, to exempt Jaiprakash Associates from being filed at the NCLT for now, said a banking source aware of the matter.
The SC will hear the matter next on February 1 once the company make the deposits before January 25.
While the second list of companies were to be sent to the NCLTs before December end, any resolution plan on selling of its assets could violate the SC ruling, a senior banker said.
Bankers had sought to extend time from the RBI to allow an out-of-court settlement, which was rejected.
Moreover, a delay in initiating insolvency proceedings will limit the provisioning hit for banks in the near-term.
It seems to be a reasonable approach given the fact that Supreme Court is already apprised of the matter. If any process had gone to a lower court (NCLT), it could have had the potential of upsetting the Apex court, something that had happened in case of Unitech case recently, says an insolvency expert, adding ultimately if the company is not able to satisfy the lenders, they may find a way to restart the process.
On August 9 last year, the Allahabad bench of the NCLT had accepted lender IDBI Banks plea and admitted Jaypee Infratech as a case under insolvency resolution for defaulting Rs 526 crore. It appointed Anuj Jain as the insolvency resolution professional from BSSR & Co.
The SC ruling came after around 30,000 home buyers in the Jaypee Infratechs projects raised concerns of not getting back their money as the first right of dues would go to the banks and other operational creditors. While some buyers have paid the full amount to the company, there are others who may have paid either 60 percent or perhaps 90 percent of the amount.
The total gross debt of Jaiprakash Associates stood at Rs 67,977.9 crore.
The ministry of housing and urban affairs is likely to seek an almost four-fold increase in budgets for its flagship programmes Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (PMAY) and Smart City Mission, ministry sources say.
The ministry has so far sanctioned 3.7 million houses under the PMAY scheme, which is almost 33 percent of the total shortfall of 11 million. Now if we move from 33 percent to the remaining one, obviously we will need more money but we will need the money as we go along, Hardeep Puri, union minister of housing and urban affairs told Moneycontrol on the sidelines of a workshop on Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge held in the Capital on Thursday.
The government is also working on creating a housing fund to augment funding under these schemes, he said.
If you succeed, you will need more. First of all the targets in PMAY, which the prime minister gave, was housing for every Indian citizen by 2022. We made an estimate, there was a 2011 study which said that there is a shortage of 18 million units but we had surplus in some areas. We made a calculation that probably the shortfall was about 10-11 million units. Our assessment of funds requirement is based on what we assess to be the housing requirement, Puri said.
The government is also acutely conscious of the fact that large schemes like this cannot be based on funding only coming from the government. We need to devise innovative ways maybe create a housing fund we are already working on that and lot of advance work has been done, he said.
For smart cities, the minister said that the total number of cities in the country is 4041 but smart cities are only 90 till date after three rounds, the list of remaining 10 will be announced by January 26. 100 cities will require funds but more than that how can you have a situation in a democracy where the city next to yours is a smart city and you are not. There will be demands. We will have to incentivise that. If you want to be a smart city, then you have to prepare your own plans and your own infrastructure because these smart cities are also selected based on applications. We did not confer the status. The answer is clearly that we will need much more funds, Puri said.
He also said that these funds will have to be raised by urban local bodies themselves. My belief is that if you follow the Swachh Bharat Mission strictly and urban local bodies are able to leverage the land they have got etc, raising municipal bonds is not a problem. If Pune can raise Rs 1000 crore or Hyderabad can talk of raising funds, municipal bodies have to get their act together and we will have to find ways and means of incentivising them, he said.
PMAY/Housing for All - Urban is a mission to provide housing for all by 2022 and is being implemented since 2015. It provides central assistance to Urban Local Bodies and other implementing agencies through States/UTs for in-situ rehabilitation of existing slum dwellers using land as a resource through private participation, credit linked subsidy, affordable housing in partnership and subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction/enhancement.
Under the PMAY(U), the total investment from the Centre and States/UTs is approved for Rs 2.03 lakh crore. Out of the approved total central assistance of Rs 57,669 crore, Rs 12,916 crores (approx) have already been released to States/UTs. Interest subsidy of Rs 1,646 crore on housing loans has been credited directly to 81,597 beneficiaries under CLSS (Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme).
So far, 37.5 lakh houses have been approved for funding under the mission. A number of 17.32 lakh houses have been grounded of which construction of 4.68 lakh houses has been completed since the launch of the mission.
To fast-track the construction of sanctioned houses, the housing ministry has also identified 16 new technologies for mass housing construction and further issued a schedule of rates for eight new construction technologies and building materials for adoption among States/UTs.
Under the Smart City Mission (SCM), 90 smart cities have been selected in three rounds based on an All-India competition. The process is on for the selection of the remaining 10 cities. Out of the 90 smart cities selected so far, 77 have incorporated Special Purpose Vehicle.
Under SCM, 2,864 projects worth Rs 1.35 lakh crore are in various stages of implementation. 148 projects worth Rs 1,872 crore have been completed; work is underway for 407 projects with a cost of Rs 15,600 crore. Further, tendering has started for 237 projects with a cost of Rs 13,514 crore and DPRs are being prepared for 2,025 projects worth Rs 1.02 crore.
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "Reliance Naval is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 59 and target of Rs 50. Eicher Motors is sell with a stop loss of Rs 29,000 and target of Rs 28,350. Prestige Estates is buy with a stop loss of Rs 335 and target of Rs 360."
"Coal India has held on to its 200-day moving average and so maybe can move towards Rs 280-300. However that is kind of one off type of play. I think the big issue would remain as to how financials react to all of this macro changing and that will determine what happens to our market," he said.
"Future Lifestyle is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 375 and target of Rs 403. Tata Steel is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 743 and target of Rs 770. Mahindra and Mahindra is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 760 and target of Rs 735."
"Commodity is going up in price, so all paper companies are going up. Orient Paper and Industries come back to Rs 72 if the cycle turns. So, keep Rs 130-135 type of stop loss and may you can expect Rs 200 but keep an eye on the commodity also."
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Share price of Allahabad Bank slipped nearly 3 percent intraday Thursday as RBI has put the company under the PCA framework.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has placed the bank under prompt corrective action (PCA) framework, consequent to the onsite inspection under the risk based supervision model carried out for the year ended March 2017, and the report issued thereof, company said in release.
The RBI inspection has revealed high net NPA and negative ROA for two consecutive years.
This action will contribute to the overall improvement in risk management, asset quality, profitability, efficiency, etc of the bank.
Recently, the bank had successfully raised additional tier I capital of bank through private placement of AT 1 perpetual bonds series IV aggregating to Rs 500 crore at an annual coupon of 10% per annum.
At 10:03 hrs Allahabad Bank was quoting at Rs 71.05, down Rs 1.30, or 1.80 percent on the BSE.
Posted by Rakesh Patil
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According to Credit Suisse the suspension of mining operation in Odisha will takes out 10 percent of India's output.
It believes that with the output cut, India will turn iron ore importer again.
The broking house expects the iron ore prices may rise if India turns the net-importer.
Meanwhile, the cost-push steel price hike is good for Tata Steel, it added.
At 14:16 hrs Tata Steel was quoting at Rs 757.30, up Rs 24.00, or 3.27 percent.
It has touched a 52-week high of Rs 758.50.
Tata Motors | Company sold 49,650 vehicles in November 2020 against 41,124 units in November 2020. (Image: Reuters)
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The country's largest truck and bus-maker Tata Motors announced a six-year warranty for its entire range of medium and heavy vehicles range of commercial vehicles.
Tata Motors is the first auto-maker in the country to introduce a standard driveline warranty of six years on the entire M&HCV range including tractor-trailers, and multi-axel trucks & tippers," the company said in a statement.
Additionally, the drivelines (engine, gearbox & rear axle) comes as a standard offer, while the warranty on the overall vehicle has been enhanced from 24 months to 36 months.
Commenting on this offer, Girish Wagh, head of commercial vehicle business unit said, "the 6-year warranty is another industry first. We are pleased to offer the new warranty on our medium & heavy commercial vehicles. With this we also assure customers of greater benefits and hassle free business on availing long-term annual maintenance contracts."
The six-year standard driveline warranty is based on the study of operation in lifecycle of over 20 lakh Tata trucks and tippers operating all over the country and the warranty is transferable on resale for balance period to second owner subject to vehicle transfer or hand change being intimated to Tata Motors.
The government has rescued from Kenya three Indian and seven Nepalese girls, who were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in human trafficking, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said today.
The girls have been flown back, the minister said.
We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa. /1
Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 4, 2018
In a series of tweets, Swaraj said, "We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa."
The ministry is sharing details with the Punjab government so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved, she said.
I appreciate the efforts of Ms.Suchitra Durai, Indian High Commissioner in Kenya. Our First Secretary Karan Yadav deserves a special mention. We thank the Kenyan Police for their help./3 @IndiainKenya @capt_amarinder
Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 4, 2018
The minister also appreciated the efforts of Indian High Commissioner in Kenya Suchitra Durai and first secretary Karan Yadav in rescuing the girls.
The minister also thanked the Kenyan Police for their help.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here.
Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year.
Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said.
As Netanyahu prepares for his four day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi.
The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately USD 111,000).
Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel.
"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration.
Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.
It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of sea water and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.
The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.
"There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted.
The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.
Police and fire men at a charred shop following the violence during celebrations of 200th anniversary of the Battle of Bhima Koregaon, near Pune on Tuesday.(PTI)
The district police are yet to make any headway into the death of a 28-year-old man during the violence that erupted near Bhima Koregaon village on January 1 during the bicentennial event to commemorate a war.
Rahul Phatangale, a resident of Kanur Mesai village, was the lone casualty in the Monday's violence that sparked angry protests by Dalit groups across Maharashtra for the next two days.
"We are investigating the case (death of Phatangale) and there is a little progress in the investigation. We have received some conclusive clues. However, to come to a conclusion, we need to strengthen the evidence as well as (understand) the circumstances," said Suvez Haque, Superintendent of Police, Pune Rural Police.
However, the circumstances surrounding Phatangale's death are not clear yet.
Phatangale's family had claimed that he was no way related to the violence and had stepped out of his house to buy some vegetables when he was attacked.
Police have arrested 18 people in connection with the violence post the Vadhu Budruk village incident, where a board near a 'tomb' of a dalit was allegedly damaged.
The damage caused to the board near the structure, which dalits claim is the tomb of one Govind Gopal Mahar, was the trigger behind the clashes between Dalits and Marathas.
Dalits believe that it was Mahar who performed the last rites of Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was tortured to death by Aurangzeb.
Haque said the police are assessing the footages of the Bhima Koregaon violence and will identify the miscreants accordingly.
The SP said a total of seven people were arrested in connection with the Vadhu Budruk incident and were booked under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Family members of Phatangale have appealed for peace.
Locals belonging to different communities from Koregaon, Vadhu Budruk, Sanaswadi and other adjoining villages have also announced resolution of their differences.
"We have resolved our differences. All our differences are over. We appeal to everybody not to capitalise on the issue anymore as we have decided to maintain cordial relations and also maintain social harmony among us," a Vadhu Budruk resident said.
The government may soon clear the air around the treatment of transactions in benami properties that took place before 1988.
The Centre is planning to tweak the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016, and will introduce the amendment in the Parliament during the Budget session, sources told Moneycontrol.
The Benami Transaction Act was first introduced in 1988, amendment to which was proposed in May 2015. The amendment bill was passed in 2016. Both movable and immovable properties come under the ambit of the Act.
The Central Board of Direct Tax (CBDT) may propose increasing the number of days, for which a benami property can be held by the Initiating Officer after sending a notice, from 90 days to 180 days.
As per the Act, if an Initiating Officer believes that a person is a benamidar, he may issue a notice to that person, subject to permission from Approving Authority.
A senior official of income tax department told Moneycontrol: A large number of properties were registered before 1988 before the Act came into force. So to clarify certain issues, field officers of the income tax department gave feedback to CBDT in a meeting last month.
Field officers have said that 90 days are less for initiating the process against the holding property, he said.
CBDT had internally set a target of identifying 1,000 benami properties in FY18 across the country.
As of now, more than 600 movable and immovable properties have already been attached and the remaining 400 may be attached before March, another senior official of IT department said.
Out of 600, only around 120 properties have been attached to Mumbai under the Benami Properties Transaction Act.
A man stands at Marine Drive during high tide in Mumbai on Tuesday.(PTI)
Cyclone Ockhi was the first severe cyclonic storm to have travelled about 2,400 kilometres in almost 40 years from the Bay of Bengal to as far as the Gujarat coast, a senior Met Department official said on Thursday.
Ockhi, which formed as a depression over southwest Bay of Bengal on November 29 last year, intensified into a cyclone off the Kanyakumari coast in Tamil Nadu on November 30 and travelled up to the Gujarat coast before it dissipated on December 6 after weakening into a low pressure area.
"In over three decades, this is the first severe cyclonic storm to have travelled more than 2,000 kilometres - forming over the Bay of Bengal, emerging into the Arabian Sea and travelling up to the Gujarat coast," Regional Meteorological Centre director S Balachandran told PTI.
On storms that travelled similar or longer distances than Ockhi, he referred to one that occurred nearly a century ago. In December, 1922, a cyclone that originated in the Bay of Bengal travelled about 4,000km up to the Coast of Yemen, he said.
Balachandran said cyclones in November, 1966, November, 1977, and November, 1978, which formed over the Bay of Bengal, emerged into the Arabian sea and covered a distance of over 3,000km.
However, these cyclones did not affect Kanyakumari as they traversed across Tamil Nadu, north of 10N latitude, before emerging into the Arabian sea.
Ockhi was also significant in the sense that it led to copious rainfall especially in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu with Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari getting 42 per cent and 23 per cent of excess rainfall respectively during the North- East monsoon season, he said.
Asked about the intensity and other physical parameters of the cyclone from its formation till the end, he said a report on this was expected soon.
He also said it was not possible yet to send out storm alerts at least a month in advance, as demanded by the fishermen's community.
"Meteorological science as of now is not developed enough to do that. We cannot have such a long lead forecast now," he said.
Balachandran explained there were other ocean-specific challenges in giving long lead forecasts over the Indian seas.
Cyclone Ockhi left a trail of destruction in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, apart from devastating coastal areas in Kerala and Lakshadweep.
Hundreds of fishermen, who had gone out to the sea for fishing well ahead of Ockhi's formation, could not access information on the cyclone. Many were killed and scores are still missing.
FPT University students create smartphone-controlled barista
VietNamNet Bridge - Impressed by the effectiveness of Barista, a drink dispenser created by a group of FPT University students, Do Cong Hung, a lecturer in software technology, said he wanted to buy the smart bartender at the thesis defending ceremony.
The authors of Barista at the thesis defending ceremony
I will buy the product, Hung said after enjoying a cocktail prepared by Barista developed by Nguyen Thai Duong, Nghe Le Thu Hien, Cao Hoang Anh and Phung Tien Dat.
The Barista was inspired by the students hobby of enjoying good drinks. A cocktail prepared by a professional bartender is expensive for students but it is cheaper and more interesting to prepare cocktails themselves.
Batista has two major parts, including hardware, or a mixer, and software run on Android smartphones. The two systems connect via Bluetooth, allowing users to make orders for the drinks they want or drinks to be prepared accordingly to existing formulas.
Hardware is an important part of the kit. Made from mica and clear plastic, it looks friendly and approachable.
According to Hoang Anh, the students used five main types of components to make the hardware: microcontrollers, six mini pumps with a speed of 1.5 to 2 liters per minute which connect with six material storage tanks, 8-channel relays module, a bluetooth module and power adapter.
Users can regulate the hardware via an app run on an Android operating system.
Users can regulate the hardware via an app run on an Android operating system.
You can order cocktails to be prepared with formulas in the app, or create specific drinks for yourself by mixing materials at different proportions, Thai Duong said.
Via a microprocessor, the requests from users will be sent to the hardware. If the hardware cannot satisfy requirements, the machine will send messages to users, Duong explained.
Android apps interface of Barista has a simple design which saves power and memory when using smartphones. The screen has six buttons for users to regulate six material pumps as they want.
The percentage of materials to be decided by users will create different drinks. If users order clean water, the machine will turn into a pump to clean itself.
The app also can keep watch over the volume of materials in storage tanks and send an alarm to users if the materials are about to run out.
It takes a professional bartender three minutes to prepare a cocktail of alcoholic drinks and fizzy drinks. Barista spends less than 10 seconds.
However, the machine still has some weak points. It can mix all kinds of materials to create drinks, but it cannot create works of arts with colored layers as bartenders can.
The students said they may consider changing the pump speed and re-install the feed pipe to improve the machines features.
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Lalu Prasad Yadav
A special court on Thursday deferred the sentencing of Lalu Prasad Yadav in a fodder scam case till tomorrow when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court with the judge saying he also received phone calls from the RJD chief's well- wishers.
The case relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.
Deferring the sentencing for the second day in a row, CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh said he would decide tomorrow whether the sentence would be given over video conference or in the court.
To this, Prasad said he was for personal appearance and assured that there would be no slogans raised in the courtroom by his supporters.
The judge also said he had received phone calls from well-wishers of the RJD boss but did not elaborate.
With the court room packed, the judge asked the advocates not connected with the fodder scam case to leave.
Fifteen others who were convicted in the scam and were to be sentenced along with Prasad waited in the court, while the RJD chief was whisked away to Birsa Munda jail after this.
The court had yesterday served contempt notices to senior leaders of the RJD and the Congress for criticising in TV channels the December 23 conviction of Prasad in the fodder scam case.
It had on December 23 convicted Prasad and 15 others in this fodder scam case and acquitted six others including another former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra.
The case pertains to fraudulent withdrawal of the money from the Deoghar treasury between 1991 and 1994. The court had convicted Prasad for offences of cheating with criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act. Under the sections, Prasad can be sentenced a minimum jail term of one year and maximum of seven years, his advocate Chittaranjan Prasad had said.
In 1996, the Patna High Court had ordered an inquiry into the fodder scam cases and a charge sheet in the Deogarh treasury case was filed against 38 people on October 27, 1997. Eleven of them died and three turned approvers while two other accused confessed and were convicted in 2006-07, a CBI official said.
On September 30, 2013, Yadav, Jagannath Mishra and several others had been convicted in another case pertaining to illegal withdrawal of Rs 37.7 crore from Chaibasa Treasury in the early 1990s. The conviction on December 23 last is the second in the scam.
Yadav faces another three fodder scam cases for illegal withdrawal of Rs 3.97 crore from the Dumka Treasury, Rs 36 crore from the Chaibasa Treasury and Rs 184 crore from the Doranda treasury.
An investigation by The Tribune has found that details of any of the about billion Aadhaar numbers issued in India can be accessed for as little as Rs 500. The report says that that the racket could have started six months ago over anonymous WhatsApp groups.
For Rs 500, The Tribune purchased a service being offered over Whatsapp. The newspaper's reporters claim that within 10 minutes, they had access to all details any individual had provided to the UIDAI. An agent provided them a login and password to a portal with all the data.
The report added that for another Rs 300, the agent had given them a software that facilitates printing of Aadhaar cards with just the Aadhaar number.
In a statement, the UIDAI dubbed the report as a case of misreporting and said individuals Aadhaar data, including biometric information, was fully safe and secure.
The UIDAI said that it provides a grievance redressal search facility to designated personnel, which gives only limited access to name and other details but not to crucial data such as biometric details.
"The reported case appears to be instance of misuse of the grievance redressal search facility. As UIDAI maintains complete log and traceability of the facility, the legal action including lodging of FIR against the persons involved in the instant case is being done."
The UIDAI also said that the Aadhaar number is not a secret number and is meant to be shared with authorized agencies. Also, mere availability of Aadhaar number will not be a security threat or will not lead to financial/other fraud, as for a successful authentication fingerprint or iris of individual is also required.
However, The Tribune report quoted Sanjay Jindal, Additional Director-General, UIDAI Regional Centre, Chandigarh, as saying that login access to the official Aadhaar portal is provided to only top-ranking officials and that any illegal access could be a major national security breach.
The official added that the matter had been taken up with the UIDAI technical consultants in Bengaluru.
The report comes amid a government drive to have citizens link their Aadhaar numbers to virtually all government documents and produce it to obtain services.
This even as the government has been under pressure from both courts -- a number of cases have been against the government's decision to make Aadhaar mandatory for various use cases -- and members of civil society.
The Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed a heated exchange between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, over Hindi being an official language for India in the United Nations, as reported by Economic Times.
Sushma Swaraj explained that the procedure is long and requires two-thirds of the 193 member countries of the UN to vote in favour of Hindi being an official language in the UN, and also share the resulting financial expenditure in the process.
Swaraj said India was attempting to get the support of countries like Fiji, Mauritius, Surinam, where there are non-resident Indians. When we get that kind of support and the economically weaker countries are also ready to bear the financial burden, it will become an official language," she added.
When Shashi Tharoor challenged her on why it needs to be pushed, the Minister dismissed his remark as ignorant.
Swaraj said the government would readily spend even Rs 400 crore on this, when pointed out the process of making Hindi an official language would incur an expenditure of Rs 40 crores. She added, money would, however, not serve the purpose.
She stressed on the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and she spoke at the UN in Hindi. As far as glory of the language is concerned, the External Affairs Ministry never had so much work done in Hindi as now," she said.
Shashi Tharoor, against this move, asked why Hindi had to be pushed as the official language when it was not even the national language of India. He demanded to know why we needed an official language at the UN at all.
Seeking to promote Hindi raises an important question. Arabic does not have more speakers than Hindi, but Arabic is spoken by 22 countries, whereas Hindi is only used as an official language by one country -- us," he said.
He further added that any future Foreign Ministers and Prime Ministers who did not prefer to communicate in Hindi, would be put in a difficult spot and that would be unfair.
"If indeed we have a Prime Minister or Foreign Minister who prefers to speak Hindi, they can do so and we can pay to get that speech to be translated," he explained.
"The government has to defend its position. I understand the pride of Hindi-speaking people, but people of this country who do not speak in Hindi also take pride in being Indian," he said.
The statement did not go well with several members of the treasury benches who raised the pitch in protest.
Sushma Swaraj said Hindi was spoken in several other countries as well as by the Indian diaspora abroad. "Saying Hindi is spoken only in India is your ignorance."
In a written reply, she said India was in touch with 129 countries to make this happen.
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday urged members to act responsibly to ensure smooth proceedings and assured them that whatever decision he takes including on the Triple Talaq Bill would be to enhance the image of the House.
During a meeting with members of various parties on the functioning of the House, the Triple Talaq Bill was discussed and the Chairman asked both the opposition and the treasury benches to sort out the issue between them, sources said.
Naidu asked the parties to introspect if it is appropriate to cause frequent disruptions and adjournments of the House in order to press their political agenda.
The sources said some members have also complained to the Chairman that smaller parties are deprived of their chance to raise matters of public importance in the Upper House as the main parties try to push their agenda and cause disruption.
Naidu, the sources said, has waived the time limit for moving a proposed amendment by Congress leader Anand Sharma on the Triple Talaq Bill.
"Whatever decision I take will be guided by the aim to enhance the image of the House," he told the members, the sources said, adding that he urged the MPs to also follow this principle.
The business advisory committee had fixed a time limit of four hours for the debate on the Triple Talaq Bill, but members wanted more time and the Chairman said he was open to the idea, the sources said.
The Mumbai Police registered 16 FIRs and detained over 300 people in connection with protests by Dalit groups during the day-long bandh yesterday against the Bhima Koregaon caste clashes, while Internet services were suspended in Kolhapur following tension in the district.
Over 200 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation were damaged in attacks by protesters across the state during the bandh, MSRTC officials said.
In Mumbai, 16 FIRs were registered at various police stations and more than 300 people detained, police said.
In Kolhapur, the home district of social reformist late Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the protesters yesterday attacked 13 buses of the civic corporation, an official said.
The Kolhapur district police has suspended Internet services till midnight today as a precautionary measure, an official said.
Protests by Dalit groups were held in the district yesterday followed by counter-rallies led by Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar.
In Parbhani district of Marathwada region, an office of the RSS was attacked yesterday, police said.
The agitators raised anti-RSS slogans, the Parbhani police said, adding no major damage to property was reported.
In Nilanga, the home town of state labour minister Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar in Latur district, around 40 two-wheelers and 10 to 12 four-wheelers were damaged by a mob, police said.
The bandh was called yesterday following violence in Pune district on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army.
Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.
The battle has come to be seen as a symbol of Dalit pride because a large number of soldiers in the Company force were Mahar Dalits. Since the Peshwas, who were Brahmins, were seen as oppressors of Dalits, the victory of the Mahar soldiers over Peshwa force is seen as Dalit assertion.PTI ND GK .
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to New Delhi next week.
Parrikar would attend the third meeting of the Council for Trade Development and Promotion (CTDA) on January 8 in the national capital. The meeting will be chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu.
"During my visit to New Delhi, I will be meeting many people, including the Prime Minister," the chief minister told reporters here today.
Parrikar said the CTDA meeting would discuss ways to boost the country's exports.
Prabhu was recently in Goa to invite the chief minister for the meeting.
Jignesh Mevani
Police today denied permission to a summit scheduled to be addressed by Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid and detained students gathered outside a hall here for the event.
A police official said the number of students and activists detained outside the Bhaidas Hall in suburban Vile Parle was not yet available.
The action came after police denied permission for the 'All India Students Summit 2018', which was scheduled to be held today, in which Mevani and Khalid were invited.
The police denied permission in the wake of protests and bandh in the state yesterday following violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, a senior police official said.
The police has not given permission for the programme, Datta Daghe, the president of Chhatra Bharati, the organiser of the event, told PTI.
"Despite this we plan to go ahead with the programme. Mevani, Khalid and other invitees are coming after 11 am," he said.
Daghe said there was a huge police presence at the hall and the students were not being allowed to go inside.
Pune Police had earlier said that they had received a complaint against Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Mevani and Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) student leader Khalid for their "provocative" speeches at an event in Pune on December 31.
Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in Pune. Violence erupted in Pune district when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army.
Rahul Gandhi will next week embark on a visit to Bahrain, his first foreign trip after becoming Congress president, during which he will address a convention of NRIs and is likely to meet the country's prime minister.
According to party sources, Gandhi will be the state guest of the Kingdom of Bahrain and will address NRIs settled there on January 8.
He will leave for Bahrain on January 7 and is likely to return on January 9. The NRIs settled there have invited him.
Gandhi is also likely to meet Bahrain's Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the members of the royal family, the sources said.
They said that he was to also address NRIs in Dubai but that visit has been postponed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the UAE later this month.
Party sources say Gandhi's visit to Bahrain will be on the lines of his US trip last year.
Rahul Gandhi was in Goa on New Year along with his mother Sonia Gandhi.
Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari today urged the Odisha government to settle the Mahanadi water sharing dispute with Chhattisgarh through dialogue, saying records show that moving a tribunal only delays a solution.
Responding to a series of supplementaries from BJD members in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour, Gadkari said while the Centre is bound by law to set up a tribunal to settle inter-state water disputes, it would be better if the state government approached the Centre for a dialogue.
He said if the state government is not satisfied, it can meet the Prime Minister.
While Odisha is free to move a tribunal or the Supreme Court, records show that water disputes are not resolved for 20 to 30 years, Gadkari said.
The minister said only yesterday, he has written to Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik to meet him to discuss the dispute.
But BJD members said as the Centre was not restraining Chhattisgarh from constructing irrigation projects on river Mahanadi, it wants a tribunal to be formed so that the quasi- judicial body can direct Chhattisgarh to stop further construction.
Gadkari said the Centre refrains from restraining states from constructing small projects.
As questions and answers between BJD and Gadkari continued, a BJP member from Chhattisgarh accused the BJD of politicising the issue, leading to a war of words between the BJP and BJD members.
While Odisha has a BJD government, Chhattisgarh is ruled by BJP.
BJD's B Mahtab claimed that the Speaker should not have said that his party was politicising the issue. Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said she never made such remarks and such allegations should not be levelled against her.
A Bill which seeks to create a single tribunal for all inter-state water disputes is pending approval of the Lok Sabha. Currently, various water disputes are handled by separate tribunals as per law.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
The Shiv Sena today tore into the Devendra Fadnavis government over the Bhima-Koregaon violence in Maharashtra, alleging it had no work except to fight elections using the state machinery and police.
The BJP's bickering ally said it was time the government geared up to fight enemies.
"Incidents that raise questions on the ability and the stand of the Fadnavis government are happening everyday. The chief minister has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bhima-Koregaon incident but every government does the same thing. What is new in that?" an editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana' read.
The Sena said the government should have had the knowledge about mischief mongers working behind the curtains to cause social unrest and the people coming from other states to create tension.
"The state is bearing the brunt of the BJP having control of the Home department and politics in the police department. When the only work left is to fight elections using the government machinery and the police, violent incidents take place," it alleged.
The party said the government should bring its feet on the ground, and that there was a whole life to fight the Sena.
"You can try all your might to politically finish the Sena later. For now, this might should be used to fight the enemies," said the party, which has frequently criticised the Maharashtra government and the Centre though it is a constituent of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.
Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins and the victory is seen as a symbol of Dalit assertiveness.
Angry over the violence on the anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, protesters yesterday attacked buses, stopped suburban trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups.
Samsung Electronics' Galaxy S8 smartphone is displayed during a media event in Seoul, South Korea, April 13, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji - RTX35C1B
Samsungs woes into the new year continue with some users of Galaxy S8 reportedly complaining about an issue where their phone would wake itself up after the screen is turned off. The issue has been reported not only by the users of Galaxy S8 but also of its larger sibling Galaxy S8+.
The issue has resulted in problems ranging from draining of batteries due to constantly-lit screens to serious issues like opening up of an app or placing a call due to accidental touches while the screen is awake. Some users also reported issues where their phone was locked down after repeated input of wrong pattern/password.
Samsung is yet to officially acknowledge the issue or whether it has received any complaints over it. While the issue does seem to be limited to any particular update or changes on the phone, some users said they the issue cropped up after installing a software update.
Some Galaxy Note 8 users too have reported to be facing the issue. An affected user uploaded the below video YouTube describing the issue.
In the last week of 2017, Galaxy Note 8, Samsungs flagship mobile, ran into trouble after users started reporting an issue where the phone would not switch on after the battery loses its charge completely. This, even after the phone is put on charge. Though Samsung acknowledged receiving numerous complaints by users, the company is yet to come out with a solution for the same.
The new issue is the latest that has plagued phones in Samsung's famous Galaxy series. The most infamous, Note 7's exploding battery fiasco in 2016, cost Samsung billions of dollars and led to the company losing pole position in many markets, including India.
Members of the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) ride their camels during rehearsals for the Republic Day parade on a winter morning in New Delhi, India (REUTERS)
Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (L) and Vice Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache address a news conference after a two-day cabinet meeting in Seggau, Austria (REUTERS)
A sculpture and a park bench are flooded by the river Rhine as the town of Linz is seen in the background, Germany (REUTERS)
Cricket - India v South Africa - First Test cricket match - Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa - 05/01/2018. India's cricket players celebrate the dismissal of South Africa's AB de Villiers. (REUTERS)
A sale sign is seen at dawn on the outside of the Harrods store in Knightsbridge in London (REUTERS)
Australia's Steve Smith plays at a high ball during the second day of their Ashes cricket test match against England in Sydney (AP)
Indian Captain Virat Kohli, left, and South African Captain Faf du Plessis arrive at Newlands cricket stadium for the coin toss ahead of the first day of their first day test between South Africa and India in Cape Town, South Africa (AP)
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama addresses his disciples during an event in Kalchakra Maidan, in Bodh Gaya (PTI)
Athletes in a ski-competition at Oberstdorf, Germany (AP)
A businessman in China bought a BMW and paid the first instalment in coins. The car dealer employed several employees to count CNY 70,000 in the coins of five maos which took hours.
The BMW which costs CNY 400,000 was bought by an unnamed businessman on December 18 who insisted that he would pay the first instalment in denomination five mao coins.
Mr Gu, sales manager of BMW in Putian, Fujian Province, told Pear Video that the salesmen and women had to go to the customers house and fetch 10 boxes full of coins.
"They (the coins) were all five maos that the client had been saving over the years. There were worth about 70,000 yuan (7,954) in total," said Mr Gu.
One Yuan is equal to 10 maos. That means as the first instalment, the man paid the dealer in 1,40,000 coins.
In the video by Pear Video, a group of salesmen and women can be seen counting coins and stacking them.
In a similar incident back in 2015, a Chinese car buyer bought a car worth 70,000 pounds through 1320 bundles of Chinese currency coins wrapped in brown paper. As per a Daily Mail report , It took over an hour for 10 staffers of the car dealership in Liaoning province to unload and stack the coins, which weighed four tonnes, from the back of a lorry.
Donald Trump did not want to be the president of the US and the First Lady Melania was in tears not of joy on knowing about the surprising electoral victory last year, according to a new book by an American journalist.
The book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" written by Michael Wolff, claims that the ultimate goal of Trump was never to win.
"His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race.
"His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president," according to the excerpts of the book.
"Shortly after Trump's inauguration, Wolff said, he was able to take up "something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing" an idea encouraged by the president himself. Because no one was in a position to either officially approve or formally deny such access, Wolff became "more a constant interloper than an invited guest."
"There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed," the book said.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has however denied this after excerpts from the book were published by New York Magazine with the title "Donald Trump Did Not Want to be President."
"There was one brief conversation that had nothing to do, originally, with the book. It was, I think, around five to seven minutes in total since the President has taken office. And that's the only interaction that he's had," she said.
According to Wolff, after entering the White House, Trump, while proposing the most radical departure from governing and policy norms in several generations, had few specific ideas about how to turn his themes and vitriol into policy.
"And making suggestions to him was deeply complicated. Here, arguably, was the central issue of the Trump presidency, informing every aspect of Trumpian policy and leadership: He didn't process information in any conventional sense. He didnt read. He didn't really even skim. Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semi-literate. He trusted his own expertise no matter how paltry or irrelevant more than anyone else's," the author claimed.
"Shortly after 8 PM on election night, when the unexpected trend Trump might actually win seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears and not of joy," the book said.
"There was, in the space of little more than an hour, in Steve Bannon's not unamused observation, a befuddled Trump morphing into a disbelieving Trump and then into a horrified Trump. But still to come was the final transformation: Suddenly, Donald Trump became a man who believed that he deserved to be, and was wholly capable of being, the president of the United States," according to the book.
Wolf claims that from the moment of victory, the Trump administration became a looking-glass presidency: Every inverse assumption about how to assemble and run a White House was enacted and compounded, many times over.
"The decisions that Trump and his top advisers made in those first few months from the slapdash transition to the disarray in the West Wing set the stage for the chaos and dysfunction that have persisted throughout his first year in office," Wolf said in his book.
"This was a real-life version of Mel Brookss The Producers, where the mistaken outcome trusted by everyone in Trumps inner circle that they would lose the election wound up exposing them for who they really were," Wolff said.
According to New York Magazine, Wolff, who chronicles the administration from Election Day to this past October, conducted conversations and interviews over a period of 18 months with the president, most members of his senior staff, and many people to whom they in turn spoke.
"Nothing contributed to the chaos and dysfunction of the White House as much as Trump's own behavior. The big deal of being president was just not apparent to him," Wolff said.
"Most victorious candidates, arriving in the White House from ordinary political life, could not help but be reminded of their transformed circumstances by their sudden elevation to a mansion with palace like servants and security, a plane at constant readiness, and downstairs a retinue of courtiers and advisers. But this wasn't that different from Trumps former life in Trump Tower, which was actually more commodious and to his taste than the White House," said the author.
The White House has ridiculed the contents of the book, which will hit the stores next week, and described it as a fiction.
"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," Sanders said.
"Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy," she said.
The White House has described the book as "trashy tabloid fiction."
"The author did not get any access from the White for this book. He never actually sat down with the President, just to be very clear," Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.
"I know that the book has a lot of things, so far of what we've seen, that are completely untrue. You have many people that have quotes that are sourced to them that are now coming out publicly and saying that those things are not true," she said in response to a question.
The book also says that US President Donald Trump was sympathetic to the issues of Silicon Valley including H-1B visa issue.
This appears to be contrary to the tough stand he has taken on H-1B visa now. After a meeting with a delegation of Silicon Valley leaders at the Trump Towers on December 14, 2016.
Trump then as president-elect is quoted as saying that the tech industry needs help as there are too much of a regulation.
"Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump is quoted as telling Rupert Murdoch over phone after the meeting, according to the book .
"The president-elect enjoyed being courted. On December 14, a high-level delegation from Silicon Valley came to Trump Tower to meet him. Later that afternoon, according to a source privy to details of the conversation, Trump called Rupert Murdoch, who asked him how the meeting had gone," Wolff writes in the book.
"Oh, great, just great," said Trump. "These guys really need my help. Obama was not very favorable to them, too much regulation. This is really an opportunity for me to help them," the book said.
"Donald," said Murdoch, "for eight years these guys had Obama in their pocket. They practically ran the administration. They don't need your help. Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump said, according to the book.
"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open Americas doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders. But Trump seemed unconcerned, assuring Murdoch, "We'll figure it out," Wolff writes.
"What a fucking idiot," said Murdoch, shrugging, as he got off the phone, the author claims.
The sympathetic view of Trump towards H-1B visa appears contrary to his public views on this popular work visa. Even during his election days, he had called for his strict review and described it as eating away with American jobs.
After becoming the president, Trump has ordered for review of H-1B visas. His administration has come out with strict policies on issuing H-1B visas, the book said.
The European Union will "survive" Britain's Brexit departure and will remain strong, the bloc's foreign policy chief has said.
"Many believed that the referendum in the United Kingdom (on leaving the EU) was going to be the beginning of the end of the European Union," Federica Mogherini said during a two- day visit to Cuba.
"I'm very positive on the fact that the Union is not only going to survive, but it's going to go deeper," Mogherini said.
"The world needs the European Unions to stay strong, and so, this is what are we are going to do," she said.
Britons voted 52 to 48 percent in June 2016 in favor of quitting the EU, putting their country on track to become the first to leave the bloc.
Britain began what is expected to be two years of difficult divorce negotiations with a formal notification by letter to the EU president in March 2017.
The talks between London and Brussels are set to move on to transition arrangements, trade and security as Britain prepares to leave the European Union in March 2019.
A family member of a passenger aboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 which went missing in 2014 reacts during a protest outside the Chinese foreign ministry in Beijing, July 29, 2016. The hat reads "Pray for MH370" REUTERS/Thomas Peter - S1BETSHOHBAA
The efforts to solve one of the greatest mystery of aviation industrythe disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370is going to restart.
US-based exploration firm Ocean Infinity will lead the search mission. A high-tech vessel armed with autonomous submarines will look for the doomed plane in the month of January and February.
Here is the timeline of the search for missing Malaysian jet:
March 8, 2014: The Boeing 777-200ER aircraft operating as flight MH370 disappears from air traffic control radar after taking off from Kuala Lumpur, en-route to Beijing, China with 227 passengers and 12 crew on board.
Two men from Austria and Italy, listed among the passengers on a missing Malaysia Airlines flight, are not in fact on board. They say their passports were stolen.
March 10, 2014: As dozens of ships and aircraft from seven countries scour the seas around Malaysia and south of Vietnam, questions mounts over whether a bomb or hijacking could have brought down the Boeing airliner.
March 11, 2014: Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble names the two men who boarded the jet with stolen passports as Iranians, aged 18 and 29, who had entered Malaysia using their real passports. "The more information we get, the more we are inclined to conclude it is not a terrorist incident," Noble said.
Malaysian police chief said the younger man appears to be an illegal immigrant. His mother was waiting for him in Frankfurt and has been in contact with authorities, he said.
Source: Andrew Haneen/Wikimedia Commons
March 24, 2014: Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak announces that Flight 370 is presumed to have gone down in the southern Indian Ocean with no survivors. The announcement is followed by a rare protest in China next day in front of the Malaysian embassy.
March 31, 2014: Following an extensive sea and air search, the Malaysian government accepts the Australian governments offer to take the lead in the search and recovery operation in the southern Indian Ocean in support of the Malaysian accident investigation.
Earlier China had criticised the handling of search operations by the Malaysian government.
Source: Andrew Haneen/Wikimedia Commons
October 6, 2014: Underwater search for the debris of the plane commences. A bathymetric survey is conducted which provides critical information on the topography of the seafloor.
January 2015: The ongoing search by vessels Go Phoenix, FugroDiscovery, Fugro Equator and Fugro Supporter covers 18,600 square kilometre sea area. Malaysia declares flight MH370 an accident in accordance with the Chicago Convention.
July 2015: Debris of the plane found on Reunion Islands. The object is confirmed to be a flaperon from a Boeing 777.
December 2015-February 2016: Two pieces of debris recovered from beaches in Mozambique -- one found in December and the other in February -- almost certainly came from missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said.
March 2016: Second possible MH370 plane part found in Reunion. The find came three days after the debris in Mozambique, some 2,100 kilometres west of Reunion, were found.
Source: Andrew Haneen/Wikimedia Commons
March 2016-December 2016: Multiple debris were reportedly found in Pemba Island and Rodriguesan autonomous island in Mauritius. They were later confirmed by Malaysia to be almost certainly of MH370.
After a meeting, the governments of Australia, Malaysia and China suspended the search of the plane.
A Taiwanese court has ordered a man to pay his mother the amount she spent for raising him and funding his education. As per the order, the man who is a dentist will have to pay his mother approximately Rs 6.4 crore.
While it is the responsibility of adult offsprings to provide for their elderly parents under Taiwan's civil code, the entire proceeding was unusual as parents rarely sue children for failing to take care of them.
As per a BBC report, the divorced mother, identified only by her surname Luo, signed a contract with her son in 1997, when he was 20 years old, stating that he would pay her 60 percent of his monthly income after finishing his dentistry training.
She had also reportedly made her elder son also sign a similar contract. In all, the contracts stipulated that her sons will have to pay her a portion of their earnings as repayments for the school fees, that amounted to around Rs 11 crore.
While her elder son reached an agreement with her and settled the contract for a smaller amount, the younger son, identified as Chu declined to make the payment. Arguing that he was very young when he signed the agreement, Chu said that the contract should be considered invalid as it was wrong to demand a financial return for raising a child.
Chu also claimed that he had worked in his mother's dental clinic for years after graduating and had helped her make more than the amount he was now ordered to pay her.
However, Taiwan's Supreme Court ruled in the mother's favour and ordered him to pay her along with interest. According to a Supreme Court spokeswoman who was quoted in the report, the judges had made the decision mainly because they thought the contract was valid since the son was an adult when he signed it and was not forced to do so.
US President Donald Trump today credited himself for the move on talks between North and South Korea, asserting that it would not have happened but for his firm and strong policy against Pyongyang.
"With all of the failed 'experts' weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasn't firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!" Trump tweeted.
Trump's tweet on North and South Korea comes amidst news reports that the two neighbours tested a special hotline in almost two years.
In his new year message, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had indicated he was willing to talk with South Korea.
South Korea has proposed face-to-face talk with the North Koreans next week on the possibility of the latter participating in the Winter Olympics.
Trump's tweet comes a day after, in response to the latest rhetoric of Kim, he had said he too has a nuclear button which is not only much bigger and powerful, but also works.
"North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.' Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Trump had tweeted on Tuesday night.
Trump has been criticised by several analyst and political opponents for raising the nuclear button issue.
US Vice President Mike Pence strongly defended the nuclear button tweet of Trump.
"President Trump has provided the kind of clear leadership on the world stage that's made measurable progress, particularly with regard to North Korea," he told Voice of America.
5. US, UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Norway and Netherlands | Visa-free score: 160
US President Donald Trump's attorney has sent a cease and desist letter to former White House chief strategist Stephen Bannon demanding him to refrain from making "disparaging" comments against him and his family.
Trump's attorney has sent Bannon the letter for his critical comments against the president and his family in a book, 'Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House' written by Michael Wolff, which claims that the ultimate goal of Trump was never to win.
The White House has dismissed the book as "fiction", noting that it is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House.
Trump's attorney Charles Harder said a legal notice was issued on Thursday to Bannon that his "actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff regarding an upcoming book give rise to numerous legal claims, including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non- disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent".
The letter to 64-year-old Bannon also states that "remedies for your breach of the agreement include but are not limited to monetary damages", ABC News reported.
In his letter, Harder accused Bannon of breaching the agreement with Trump.
"You have breached the agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Trump, his family members, and the company (the Trump campaign), disclosing confidential information to Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Wolff about Trump, his family members, and the company," Harder wrote to Bannon.
In the letter, Harder asks Bannon to cease publishing defamatory or confidential information and immediately begin preserving relevant documents in support of his allegations.
Bannon, known for his right-wing views, in his first comment later in the night described Trump as a great man.
"The President of the United States is a great man. You know I support him day in and day out, whether going through the country giving the Trump miracle speech or on the show or on the website," told a caller on Brietbart News Tonight show in Sirius XM.
He reiterated his support to Trump this morning in a radio show.
"Nothing will ever come between us and President Trump and his agenda we're tight on this agenda as we've ever been,"
However, Bannon has not responded yet on his critical remarks against the president and the first family in the book, which is set to be released next week.
Soon after excerpts of the book were published by the New York Magazine, Trump slammed Bannon in a statement.
"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said in a statement.
Bannon was the top manager of the Trump campaign and the White House chief strategist in the first seven months of the Trump administration. He was fired on August 18.
Trump asserted that Bannon was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with him and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books.
The White House has questioned the mental health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after his repeated threats to the US that he has "nuclear button on his desk."
"I think the President and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea. He's made repeated threats. He's tested missiles time and time again for years," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.
Sanders was responding to questions on Trump's nuclear button tweet, after which some political analysts in the US have been questioning his mental fitness.
"This is a President who's not going to cower down and he's not going to be weak, and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do, and that's stand up and protect the American people," Sanders said.
A day earlier, Trump, responding to the latest rhetoric of North Korean leader Kim Jong un, said that he too has a nuclear button which is not only much bigger and powerful, but also works.
"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un had said that the "Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times."
"Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday.
Trump was apparently responding to a statement of Kim Jong Un that North Korea is a now a nuclear country and that he has a nuclear button at his desk.
"The US should know that the button for nuclear weapons is on my table. The entire area of the US mainland is within our nuclear strike range. The US can never start a war against me and our country," he said in a televised address to the nation.
"We need to mass-produce nuclear warheads and ballistic missiles and accelerate their deployment," the North Korean leader had said.
Trump is concerned about the continued threats that this individual has made towards the US and others, Sanders said.
Trump is not going to allow him to continue doing that without saying something and standing up for the people of the country, the White House spokesperson said.
Sanders told reporters that it's extremely clear what Trump's position is.
"Our position on North Korea hasn't changed since the beginning. This is a President who is committed to protecting Americans and protecting the people of this country, and he's not going to back down from that," she said.
The white House defended Trump's tweet.
"Has there been any consideration that tweets like the one on North Korea actually don't advance the agenda, meaning working with other partners in the region?" she was asked.
"I think what didn't help was the complacency and the silence of the previous administration. This is a President who leads through strength, and he's going to do that and he's going to focus on everything that he can do in order to keep Americans safe, and he's not going to be pushed around by the leader of North Korea," Sanders said.
America's policy with North Korea has not changed, she asserted.
"We're fully committed to continuing to apply maximum pressure and working with all of our partners in the region including South Korea, who we have a better relationship now than ever before. We're going to keep working with them and keep pushing forward, and hopefully North Korea will start making better decisions, Sanders said.
The White House Press Secretary refuted allegations that by his tweet, Trump was taunting the North Korean leader.
"I don't think that it's taunting to stand up for the people of this country. I think what's dangerous is to ignore the continued threats, "she said.
"If the previous administration had done anything and dealt with North Korea, dealt with Iran, instead of sitting by and doing nothing, we wouldn't have to clean up their mess now," she added.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - JULY 10: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his meeting with Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen at the PM's Office on July 10, 2017 in Copenhagen, Denmark. The two heads of state discussed the situation on the Korean peninsula and how Japan and Denmark could enhance their strategic partnership further. The Japanese PM said during their joint press conference that North Korea undermines the international order seriously. (Photo by Ole Jensen - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Thursday North Korea was engaging in continued provocations that were "absolutely unacceptable" and said he would work with the international community to counter its nuclear and missiles development.
"It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War Two," Abe told a New Year news conference.
"By raising pressure on North Korea together with the international community, I intend to do my utmost to solve North Korea's nuclear, missiles and abduction issues."
Child Advocates of Silicon Valley is in need of more Morgan Hill and Gilroy community volunteers to serve as friends, mentors and advocates for children in foster care.
Three Information sessions are scheduled in Morgan Hill over the next three months for those interested in learning about what it takes to participate in the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. All three will be from 5-6pm at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road, on Jan. 9, Feb. 7 and March 6.
Child Advocates recruits, trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocates, known as CASAs, to work one-on-one with children in foster care. A training session for new volunteers will take place in April.
CASAs provide critical emotional and educational support, ensuring that each childs needs are met and their voice is heard while they navigate the court dependency system, according to Child Advocates.
We know CASAs make a tremendous difference in a foster childs life, said Karen Scussel, executive director of Child Advocates. Scussel noted that only 58 percent of all foster youth in California complete high school. But with the support of a CASA, foster teens fare much better. Last year, 95 percent of Child Advocates teens completed their high school requirements.
We need CASAs in South County now more than ever, Scussel added. A growing number of children in the dependency system are being placed in foster homes in Morgan Hill and Gilroy. It really helps these children to have a CASA from the community to help them make connections and settle in.
Child Advocates has an ambitious strategic plan to provide a CASA for every child in the county foster care system by year-end 2021. Currently, there are more than 1,500 children in the countys dependency system1,200 of whom would benefit from a CASA. This year, Child Advocates hopes to serve more than 900 children, according to a Jan. 3 press release.
Laura Fulda, Child Advocates Director of Community Development, said the organization is particularly interested in recruiting male and Latino advocates.
Half the children in foster care are boys and 70 percent are Latino. Fulda explained. Its important that these children have role models and mentors that reflect their cultural background. Teenage boys, in particular, need male role models.
Currently, Child Advocates has more than 150 foster children waiting to be matched with a CASA. No legal experience is necessaryjust a willingness to reach out to a child when they are feeling most vulnerable. The time commitment is 10 to 12 hours per month, and volunteers must be 21 years or older to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate.
Individuals interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can visit Child Advocates BeMyAdvocate.org to sign up to attend an information session to learn more about the role and requirements of becoming a CASA volunteer.
We need CASAs in South County now more than ever. A growing number of children in the dependency system are being placed in foster homes in Morgan Hill and Gilroy. It really helps these children to have a CASA from the community to help them make connections and settle-in.
Fewer strong earthquakes in Oklahoma thus far in 2017
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Regulators and scientists say the number of 3.0 magnitude or stronger earthquakes in Oklahoma is declining.
The Oklahoma Geological Survey reports the number of quakes of at least that magnitude during 2017 was 294 through mid-December, compared to 624 total during 2016.
The geological survey has said the number began declining in mid-2015 after the state Corporation Commission began directing oil and gas producers to close some wells and reduce injection volumes in others.
The directive came after the quakes were linked to the underground injection of wastewater from their operations.
Geological Survey hydrogeologist Kyle Murray told The Oklahoman that researchers are learning a "trifecta" of injecting wastewater too quickly, injecting too much and too close to basement rock makes injection wells more prone to causing earthquakes.
Oil, gas drilling picks up in western Colorado in 2017
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (AP) Figures show oil and gas drilling activity in western Colorado is at its highest pace in several years, with no signs of slowing down in 2018.
The Daily Sentinel reports Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission data through Dec. 8 shows drilling had begun on 113 wells so far this year in Mesa County, the most since 225 well starts there in 2008, the peak year of drilling activity in western Colorado's Piceance (PEE'-ants) Basin.
Garfield County has had 277 well starts this year through Dec. 8, up from 161 for all of last year.
Garfield and Mesa rank second and third statewide in drilling activity, far behind the 1,203 well starts so far this year in Weld County. Colorado has seen 1,741 well starts through Dec. 8 of this year
Wyoming's lease revenue climbs by 800 percent this year
CASPER, Wyo. (AP) Wyoming's revenue from leasing land to oil and gas companies grew by more than 800 percent this year.
The Casper Star-Tribune reports the state netted about $146 million this year from leasing more than a half million acres of federal and state land.
State lands alone brought in $60 million this year much higher than the typical revenue that stayed between $5 million and $7 million in past years.
The revenue from lease sales from the Bureau of Land Management and the auctions from the Office of State Lands added up to about $16 million last year when oil and gas activity was still in a downturn.
State officials say the Wyoming's decision to switch to an online auctioning system may have played a role in increasing revenue.
Alaska approves expansion plan for Point Thomson gas field
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) The state has approved ExxonMobil's plan to expand a gas field in far northern Alaska, ending months of negotiations after a previous plan was rejected.
Gov. Bill Walker's administration gave approval on Friday for the project that would expand development of the Point Thomson gas field east of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska's Energy Desk reported.
The field currently produces a diesel-like fluid, but it's located on a natural gas reserve that could play a crucial role for the state's liquefied natural gas project.
In a statement, Walker said the expansion project would add momentum to the pipeline project as it would demonstrate the commitment to move the gas.
ExxonMobil and the state have been battling over the field's development for years, but they reached a settlement in 2012. The settlement established the initial plan for the field, which came online last year.
The state in August rejected ExxonMobil's expansion plan, which aimed to increase natural gas production with the possibility of piping it to Prudhoe Bay if the state's pipeline project was not approved by 2019.
Under the approved plan, the two-year expansion includes ExxonMobil negotiating a commercial agreement to send gas to Prudhoe Bay as well as the engineering and design work for the necessary infrastructure.
The company said it's seeking to develop the field through a major gas sale. But if that doesn't work out, the company would consider selling it to Prudhoe Bay instead.
Luxe Energy LLC is celebrating a fatter bank account as the new year gets underway.
The Austin-based company has successfully closed an upsize in total combined available capital commitment to $820 million, with the funds coming from co-investors and the existing commitment from Natural Gas Partners through its NGP Natural Resources XI LP.
Our dry equity commitment from NGP was $500 million last year, and NGP has given us additional capital, bringing the commitment to $820 million, which is the largest dry equity commitment in the history of NGP, Lance Langford said in a phone interview from his Austin office.
The additional capital means were back in the Permian Basin, buying mineral and royalty interests through Luxe Minerals LLC and buying E&P properties through Luxe Energy LLC, said Langford, who owns the company with Jeff Larson.
The Permian Basin is an area the company team knows very well, said Michael Voss, chief financial officer.
Though the company is headquartered in Austin, it recently opened a Midland office, and Langford said he makes regular visits to his old hometown.
The company -- squeezed out by its inability to compete with the larger public companies entering the market -- had divested its Delaware Basin assets in a $560 million sale to Diamondback Energy in the summer of 2016.
Whats changed is the public companies are no longer in the acquisition and divestiture market, said Langford.
He said the markets are no longer supporting public companies seeking to make acquisitions because investors are now more interested in seeing returns on their investments.
This opened the door for his company to return to the oil basin where he was raised. Langfords father, Al, was the first president of Midland College and was also active in the oil and gas business. One of his companies was named Luxe Energy.
Langford said the additional funding will give the company the opportunity to seek larger acquisition opportunities and show what we can do operationally and in execution.
The change in the markets have opened up opportunities over the last six months, and he said he hopes those opportunities will continue.
Public companies are looking at their inventories and spinning off what may be their best opportunities but are still good opportunities for smaller companies like Luxe, he said. Plus, private equity-backed companies may be looking to cash in on their investments by selling, he said.
This will give us the opportunity to get back into the Permian Basin in a big way, he said.
Langford said he plans to use the capital commitment to begin acquiring multiple companies and combining them into a larger entity. He said he also plans to focus on horizontal drilling to develop any producing properties it acquires.
I actually worked these fields. When I was at Brigham Exploration, Jeff and I worked West Texas, he said. Ive spent my career with horizontal drilling, at Burlington resources, at Brigham, then at Statoil. Ive been in the horizontal world since the 1990s.
He said he expects to incorporate technical advancements in Luxes operations. Thats just who we are as an industry -- were always trying to improve.
Of all the new laws going into effect Monday (legal cannabis in California, higher minimum wages in several states, and many more), you may be surprised about which one drew the most backlash online. It appears to be Oregon House Bill 2482, which allows people who live in counties with 40,000 residents or less to pump their own gas.
Oregonians aired their frustrations on Facebook over the new law. And just about everyone else in the country made fun of them.
"I don't even know HOW to pump gas and I am 62, native Oregonian.....I say NO THANKS!" said Sandy Franklin on Facebook, in response to a post by local news station KTVL that asked for viewers' opinions on the new law.
"Many people are not capable of knowing how to pump gas and the hazards of not doing it correctly. Besides I don't want to go to work smelling of gas when I get it on my hands or clothes," wrote Tina Good.
Mike Perrone said he's been living in Oregon his whole life and refuses to pump his own gas. The reason?
"I had to do it once in California while visiting my brother and almost died doing it."
Read some of the most popular reactions in the slideshow below.
Commenters from around the country responded to Oregonians' concerns, making fun of their innocence (or ignorance, depending on how you look at it) and calming their fears of a Zoolander-style catastrophe.
"I cannot believe 2018 is gonna be the year I make a fortune moving to Oregon to teach people how to pump gas," wrote one person on Twitter.
To be clear, the new law only applies to the 15 least-dense of Oregon's 36 counties and it doesn't even force residents in those areas to pump their own gas. It simply gives them the option to.
Some gas station managers told the Bulletin their attendants would continue servicing patrons' cars just as they've been doing in the state since 1951.
RELATED VIDEO: Odd laws of San Francisco
"Our regular, longtime customers love coming here and talking to us while we pump their gas," said Shelby Perkins, a cashier at a 76 gas station in Prineville.
She added that she wasn't sure regular customers even knew how to operate the pumps. It appears she was, at least in some cases, right.
Oregon is one of two states that doesn't allow self-service gas stations (aside from this newly passed exception). The other is New Jersey.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com.
#BTS BTS to appear on YouTube music show next week South Korean superband BTS, along with Coldplay front man, Chris Martin, will appear on YouTube's weekly music show next week, the septet's agency said Saturday. The K-pop sensa...
In Focus with Allison Walker is a 30-minute public affairs program, featuring a roundtable of newsmakers representing a range of perspectives, including local officials and expert analysts as they tackle topical issues of importance to Floridians.
In Focus airs Sundays at 11:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., right after Political Connections.
Have any usable coats and blankets you'd planned to donate? The Orlando Police Department is hosting a drive for those in need.
The department is collecting coats and blankets at the following locations this Friday:
Orlando Police headquarters, 1250 W. South St. in the visitor parking lot
Corner of Orange Avenue and Central Boulevard (northwest corner of intersection)
The coat and blanket drive will be 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Low temperatures overnight Thursday and Friday are expected to be in the 30s, and in the 40s overnight Saturday.
For more information, call Orlando Police at 407-246-2470.
The weather system that ushered in cold weather to Central Florida is also creating problems at the beach.
Cold weather system causing debris to wash up on beaches
Officials warn that large debris is difficult to see in water
RELATED: Volusia County Beach Safety issues debris warning
Rough surf and winds are washing up a lot of debris and forced officials to close beaches in Volusia County. No one is allowed on any part of Volusia County beaches.
Beach Safety officials warned that large debris cannot be seen very easily in the water and is dangerous.
"Volusia County Beach Safety was severely impacted by this weather," said Capt. Tamra Malphurs in a statement. "We will be utilizing all of our resources for cleanup. We lost all of our conservation poles, which need to be installed before we can open to driving."
One visitor from out of town even found a military flare that washed up on shore Tuesday night. Its unclear where it came from, but luckily a bomb squad took it away before anyone got hurt.
Other people staying at the beach are trying to make the most of what was supposed to be a break from the cold temperatures up north.
Im disappointed about not sitting in the shade under a palm tree, but its nice to have the ocean and the beach to walk on, said Barbara Pierce from Maine.
People are still allowed to walk on the beach, but Volusia County Beach Safety said it will likely be several more days before they can allow driving on the countys beaches.
Three boaters had a scary and cold Wednesday morning when their boat capsized on the Intracoastal Waterway near New Smyrna Beach. The Volusia County Sheriffs Office says the men were rescued and are expected to be okay.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, legal threats and information denials.
The White House blamed the decision, announced Wednesday evening, on a refusal by more than a dozen states to comply with the commission request for reams of personal voter data, including voters names, voting histories and party affiliations.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says that,Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action."
Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify unfounded claims made by Trump that voter fraud cost him the popular vote in 2016.
Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that 3 million to 5 million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton.
Past studies have found voter fraud to be exceptionally rare.
Critics also viewed the commission as an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides. The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Trump win.
At least a dozen states, plus Washington, D.C., had rebuffed the commissions request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimize the idea that voter fraud is widespread.
While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls often contain outdated data, there is no evidence voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has impacted election results.
A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that out of 1 billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.
Trump, during the commissions first meeting, questioned the motives of states that refused to comply with the commissions requests, suggesting they had something to hide.
Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded the development.
President Trump created his sham voting commission to substantiate a lie he told about voter fraud in the 2016 election. When he couldnt come up with any fake evidence, and under relentless pressure, he had no choice but to disband his un-American commission, said Let America Vote President Jason Kander in a statement.
Kander added, Good riddance.
The Trump administration on Thursday moved to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans.
Five year drilling plan allows oil, gas exploration off large coastal tracts
Would include Atlantic, Pacific coast, Gulf of Mexico
Trump administration also proposed killing regulations put in place after Deepwater Horizon explosion
Gov. Scott, Sen. Bill Nelson oppose this plan
RELATED: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management site for public participation
The new five-year drilling plan also could open new areas of oil and gas exploration in areas off the East Coast from Georgia to Maine, where drilling has been blocked for decades, and would open up federal waters off the California coast for the first time in more than three decades.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the plan Thursday, saying that responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security while providing billions of dollars to fund conservation along U.S. coastlines.
Among governors opposed to the plan is Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican. He issued this statement Thursday:
Based on media reports, it is likely that the Department of the Interior will consider Florida as a potential state for offshore oil drilling which is something I oppose in Florida. I have already asked to immediately meet with Secretary Zinke to discuss the concerns I have with this plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration. My top priority is to ensure that Floridas natural resources are protected."
Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, also vowed to fight the proposal:
This plan is an assault on Floridas economy, our national security, the will of the public, and the environment. This proposal defies all common sense and I will do everything I can to defeat it. https://t.co/tYe10AgNbY Bill Nelson (@SenBillNelson) January 4, 2018
The five-year plan would open 90 percent of the nation's offshore reserves to development by private companies, Zinke said, with 47 leases proposed off the nation's coastlines between 2019 and 2024. Nineteen sales would be off the coast of Alaska, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, nine in the Atlantic and seven in the Pacific, including six off California's coast.
"This is a draft program," Zinke said in a conference call with reporters. "Nothing is final yet, and our department is continuing to engage the American people to get to our final product."
Industry groups praised the announcement, which would be the most expansive offshore drilling proposal in decades. The proposal follows President Donald Trump's executive order in April encouraging more drilling rights in federal waters, part of the administration's strategy to help the U.S. achieve "energy dominance" in the global market.
"To kick off a national discussion, you need a national plan -- something that has been lacking the past several years," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association. Former President Barack Obama blocked Atlantic and Pacific drilling under a five-year plan finalized in 2016.
A coalition of more than 60 environmental groups denounced the plan, saying in a joint statement that it would impose "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life.
"These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground. They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies," read the statement, which was signed by leaders of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups.
"This extreme proposal is a shameful giveaway" to the oil and gas industry, which supported Trump in the election campaign, the groups said.
The proposal comes less than a week after the Trump administration proposed to rewrite or kill rules on offshore oil and gas drilling imposed after the deadly 2010 rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig killed 11 workers and triggered the biggest offshore oil spill in U.S. history.
The Trump administration called the rules an unnecessary burden on industry and said rolling them back will encourage more energy production. Environmentalists said Trump was raising the risk of more deadly oil spills.
The Obama administration imposed tougher rules in response to the BP spill. The rules targeted blowout preventers, massive valve-like devices designed to prevent spills from wells on the ocean floor. The preventer used by BP failed. The rules require more frequent inspections of those and other devices and dictate that experts onshore monitor drilling of highly complex wells in real time.
Nearly eight years after the BP spill, the Gulf of Mexico is still recovering, said Diane Hoskins, campaign director for the marine conservation group Oceana.
"Americans have seen the devastation that comes from offshore drilling," she said. "Will we allow Florida's white beaches or the popular and pristine Outer Banks to share a similar fate? What about the scenic Pacific coast or even remote Arctic waters?"
Zinke's announcement "ignores widespread and bipartisan opposition to offshore drilling," including from more than 150 municipalities nationwide and 1,200 local, state and federal officials, Hoskins said.
Disney World is again offering Florida residents a discount on multi-day park tickets.
Disney offers 3-, 4-day ticket discount for Florida residents
'Florida Resident Discover Disney' ticket available till June 20
The three- and four-day "Florida Resident Discover Disney" ticket is now available.
The tickets allow guests to visit one of the four Disney World theme parks per day.
The three-day ticket costs $159, while the four-day ticket costs $179.
It's an increase from previous years, when the ticket cost $139.
The "Park Hopper" option can be added to either ticket at an additional cost and allows visits to multiple parks per day.
Tickets can be purchased now through June 20 and are valid through June 24.Tickets can be used on nonconsecutive days.
Proof of Florida residency is required to purchase the tickets.
For more information, visit the official Disney World website.
CHECK OUT ATTRACTIONS INSIDER: Your all-in-one source for news, pictures and video from Floridas theme parks. Just go to our Attractions Insider page. Sign up to get breaking theme park news alerts and subscribe to our newsletter, Theme Park Roundup, delivered to your inbox or mobile phone.
MERIDEN The former CEO of Protein Sciences said Wednesday she had not agreed to the terms of her separation from Sanofi Pasteur and has consulted an attorney.
Manon Cox, a 20-year Protein Sciences management leader, disagreed with Sanofi Pasteurs statement Tuesday that her separation was done in compliance with her existing work contract. Sanofi Pasteur management notified Cox and Protein Sciences founder and global business development director Daniel Adams that both were no longer employed at Sanofi.
Dan is also going to leave, Cox said.
Adams confirmed he was also terminated, and will consult with shareholders about the next step.
Sanofi Pasteur acquired Protein Sciences on Research Parkway for $650 million in cash and another $100 million when certain benchmarks for the companys vaccine Flublok were achieved. The deal closed last fall, and Cox was named transition team leader to oversee the 100 Protein Sciences employees. Adams said the company cannot reach the final step without Cox at the helm.
She has driven every aspect of Flublok getting approved, Adams said about Cox. Im not hearing nice stuff from shareholders. They (Sanofi) are leading us to believe they are not interested in making that milestone. Were going to have to keep their feet to the fire.
Adams has experienced acquisitions before and expected his own employment to end, but didntforsee Cox being let go so quickly. He drafted her contract that was approved by shareholders.
What they are doing is inconsistent, he said.
Her last day is Jan. 22, according to a termination letter she received from Sanofi.
Adams bought the company in 1996 when it was named Microgenysis. He rebranded it to Protein Sciences and hired new biologists to continue its cell technology developing vaccine. He was also chairman of the companys board of directors.
Cox has been with Protein Sciences since 1998 and was named president and CEO since 2010. She serves on the scientific advisory boards of Pall BioPharmaceuticals and iCubed, the Board of Directors of United Way Meriden & Wallingford and the Netherlands-America Foundation. She holds a masters degree in business administration.
Cox and Adams sought and received National Institute of Health funding for final testing and manufacturing of Flublock, the companys signature vaccine. It was also working with global partners on SARS and Zika vaccines.
The sale to Sanofi was viewed as a way to combine Protein Sciences bio-technology with Sanofis financial resources.
It was the best we could do, Cox said.
Neither Cox nor Adams can say with any certainty whether Sanofi will keep the Research Parkway operation.
Since they own the company, they can do what they want, Adams said.
mgodin@record-journal.com
203-317-2255
Twitter: @Cconnbiz
U.S. Sen Chris Murphy, D-Connecticut, talks about a recent trip to Puerto Rico to witness the island's recovery from Hurricane Maria. He expresses frustration with President Donald Trump's response, but says Congress can take action to help.
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MANCHESTER, Conn. (AP) A restaurant manager and his girlfriend have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a cook inside a Connecticut fried chicken restaurant.
Twenty-eight-year-old James Goolsby, of Manchester, was presented in court Wednesday on a murder charge in the death of 36-year-old Norris Jackson, who was shot four times inside the Bonchon Chicken restaurant in Manchester just before noon on Saturday.
Goolsby is being held in lieu of a $1 million bond.
His girlfriend, 23-year-old Leanne Robitaille, who also worked at the restaurant, was presented on a charge of hindering prosecution. She was ordered held on a bond of $100,000.
Police say the shooting stemmed from a workplace dispute and that Jackson and the couple had been arguing the morning of the shooting.
Officials at Bonchon Chicken, based in South Korea, issued a statement expressing sorrow over the shooting.
Returning from a visit to view the recovery effort in Puerto Rico, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy said Thursday that the island is still in crisis more than 100 days after Hurricane Maria made landfall.
Lingering power outages and a lack of drinking water are compounded by what Murphy, D-Connecticut, described as a lack of urgency from President Donald Trumps administration. He also said a response of the same magnitude would draw outrage if it occurred anywhere else in the U.S.
If this were happening in the Continental United States, if we were in Connecticut 100 days after a hurricane and half the state didnt have power, there would be riots in the street, he said in an interview. It would be unacceptable if this were happening in any of the 50 states these are Americans.
Murphy and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, returned Wednesday from a two-day trip to Puerto Rico to witness the recovery effort in person.
The two senators met with Gov. Ricardo Rossello and officials with the Army Corps of Engineers, toured sections of San Juan and Bayamon the islands two most populous cities and visited the University of Puerto Ricos hospital, or Hospital UPR.
Its estimated that half of the island remains without electricity, and Murphy said many parts also still dont have access to drinking water. He said the rural areas have the biggest problems, but many sections of major cities are also still in great need.
Its not as if life is back to normal in the cities, and its a crisis in the rural areas, he said.
Murphy also expressed concern that the death toll could continue to rise. Although the initial death toll was around 64, estimates have recently skyrocketed to over 1,000.
Murphy fears the final impact could be deaths in the multiple thousands, although it can be hard to get a firm figure because some deaths seemingly related to the slow recovery arent considered a direct result of the disaster.
One concern is residents with serious health issues being released from the hospital, only to return to homes without electricity for necessary equipment, like respirators, or to store medicine.
Murphy expressed concern that the influx of Puerto Rican evacuees into the U.S. Meriden schools estimate roughly 150 new students already this year could grow significantly as more residents give up hope of a recovery.
The reason the exodus is increasing is that people now just dont believe the recovery is going to happen, he said. They actually dont think that Washington is committed to rebuilding the island.
He said almost none of the aid Puerto Rico was supposed to receive has been delivered as part of a $36.5 billion October package that also allocated relief for Florida and Texas as those states recover from storms as well.
J.R. Romano, chairman of the state Republican party, criticized Murphy for not offering more specifics on how to fix the problem, saying Murphy wants to complain about anything and everything. He also said that questions about the pace of recovery should go to Puerto Rican officials, not the Trump administration.
He said that disaster recovery efforts typically start with state and local officials, noting Gov. Dannel P. Malloy leads Connecticuts efforts to respond to severe storms and other disasters.
I understand the need to help American citizens, as we do in any state, but we rely on local authorities to execute plans, he said.
Romano also questioned why Puerto Rican officials received late-year bonuses despite the expensive recovery.
Murphy said he does expect some relief soon for states like Connecticut that seen a large migration of Puerto Rican residents. He expects Congress to take up a larger relief bill that could provide aid to states taking in evacuees.
He also said Congress could make policy changes to help those who are taking in evacuees, such as altering current rules dictating that unemployment compensation paid to Puerto Ricans would count toward the household income of families that take them in.
msavino@record-journal.com
203-317-2266
Twitter: @reporter_savino
WALLINGFORD A newly constructed orthopedic medical facility recently opened along Route 5.
Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists, 701 N. Colony Road, opened its doors recently, offering orthopedic care and physical therapy, marketing director Ron Thompson said. The medical group will also look to add walk-in services in the first quarter of this year.
Someone who suffers an injury will be able to walk-in and receive an x-ray instead of going to the emergency room, Thompson said.
Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists has had offices in Wallingford at 1000 Yale Ave. for several years. Thompson said the company constructed the new facility because it outgrew its old offices. The company has kept some offices at the old location but is no longer taking patients there, Thompson said.
"We have a presence already in Wallingford. This is an expanded presence," CEO Glenn Elia previously told the Record-Journal. "We like that corridor, it provides great access to the Meriden and Wallingford businesses and communities."
Economic development officials believe the new facility contributes to the beautification of the section of Route 5.
Tim Ryan, the towns economic development specialist, said development in the area and accompanying landscaping will help "beautify the retail strip."
"The new orthopedic group is going to enhance and improve the aesthetic look of the site," he said.
Ryan said the addition of grass in front of Quality Subaru and the plaza at 665 N. Colony Road has also contributed to the enhanced aesthetics of the area.
Metro Tools and Wallingford Wine & Spirit Co. previously occupied the property at 701 N. Colony Road. The medical group purchased the property in October 2014 and demolished the businesses to build a new office. Construction began in late 2016,
mzabierek@record-journal.com
203-317-2279
Twitter: @MatthewZabierek
WALLINGFORD The police and fire departments are in the process of switching to a new software system for dispatch and records management in an effort to save money long term.
The town has negotiated a contract with Nexgen Solutions, an East Haven-based company, for the new software, commonly referred to as CAD (computer-aided dispatch) and RMS (records management system). For the last 20 years, the town has used software from a Michigan-based company, New World Systems, according to Police Chief William Wright.
The Nexgen software will cost $305,000, which will be paid in three installments of $70,000 over a three-year period, in addition to an initial deposit of $95,000, Wright said. The $70,000 payments will not include an annual support and maintenance fee of $33,420.
CAD software is used by the towns dispatch center and the MRS is used to store a wide range of police documents, including accident, arrest and case reports.
Officials believe the new agreement will save the town money long term because the annual maintenance cost is about $86,000 less than current maintenance costs, about $119,000, according to Wright.
Our intent is to lower our annual costs while at the same time move to a company that offers Connecticut-based police departments and fire departments more efficiency while still giving us the opportunity to use all of the features that we currently have, Wright wrote in a memo to Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. last month.
Wright said the new system will also cut down on the time officers spend filling out paperwork. Nexgen software is used by about 80 or 90 percent of the police and fire dispatch centers in the state, he said.
As a result of (Nexgen) being Connecticut centric, a large number of the state forms and reports that we are obligated to complete are inherent in their software, which will save us a large number of man-hours of not having to key in the data later on, Wright wrote in the memo. As an example, each and every motor vehicle stop requires our officers to collect and report on a number of areas relative to racial profiling. We now complete this form on paper and later enter the data through a state portal. The Nexgen software contains the same form electronically and the officer will be able to enter the data right from his or her cruiser and the data is automatically transmitted to the state.
Wright added that the fire department has also learned through its own research that fire reporting will be much easier as the data that is required for their reports is much easier to retrieve.
Fire Chief Richard Heidgerd told the Town Council in September that the New World Systems software has not delivered on our needs. He cited specific functions that the New World Systems software doesnt provide that Nexgen will provide.
Wright said there a lot of nearby agencies who use Nexgen software and they all speak very highly of the system.
Police and fire officials went before the Town Council in September to receive approval for a bid waiver in order to enter contract negotiations with Nexgen. The council voted 8-0 to approve the bid waiver.
Wallingfords five-year contract with New World Systems will end in June. Wright said the build-out of the new software will take three to four months, which will allow us ample time to run this new system side-by-side with our current system before we sever our relationship with New World Systems.
Wright has asked the Town Council to appropriate $95,000 to pay for the start-up fee for the software, $45,000 of which would come from contingency.
In past years, there has been discussion between Wallingford, Cheshire, and North Haven about creating a regional dispatch center. One of the major hurdles for the project, Dickinson said, has been that different towns use different dispatch software. For the regional dispatch center to make sense, all of the towns would need to use the same software, Wright said.
By switching over to Nexgen, Dickinson said the transition to a regional dispatch center could be easier for Wallingford because the majority of Connecticut municipalities use Nexgen software. But Dickinson added that wasnt a factor in the decision to contract with Nexgen.
Among the other towns in the project, North Haven contracts Nexgen, but Cheshire is under contract with New World Systems, Wright said.
Cheshire Police Chief Neil Dryfe said the department is currently one year into a three-year contract extension with New World Systems.
I wouldnt say were on the verge of walking away.. but on the other hand, it will would mean we wouldnt be able to participate in a regional dispatch center, Dryfe said. Down the road, we would still like to be a part of a regional dispatch center.
Its something that well consider when our contract is up, but nothings imminent right now, Dryfe said about switching to Nexgen.
Dickinson said there hasnt been any recent discussion about a regional dispatch center between the towns, but added hes open to revisiting it.
mzabierek@record-journal.com
203-317-2279
Twitter: @MatthewZabierek
Six women, formerly or currently incarcerated at Alameda Countys Santa Rita Jail, have charged in a legal complaint filed Thursday morning that pregnant women are abused and discriminated against in the Dublin jail.
The federal complaint was filed against the Alameda County Sheriffs Office. It asks for a temporary restraining order and motion for a preliminary injunction.
The alleged abuses detailed in the complaint are extreme. In their declarations, women describe feeling coerced by guards to have abortions rather than carrying their pregnancies to term. They said they were given inadequate clothing and food. One woman said she was forced to give birth while in solitary confinement, with no medical assistance.
Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the sheriffs office, said the agency had not been served with the lawsuit so he could not reply to specific allegations.
Kelly said that the alleged abuses would all be in violation of the agencys policies, and that he was unaware of any formal complaints filed by female inmates for abuses by the department.
Kelly confirmed that a woman did give birth in solitary confinement after returning from the hospital, but said that she was immediately given medical care and that there were no lasting medical effects.
Christina Zepeda, one of the plaintiffs, was about three and a half months pregnant when she was arrested in San Leandro last August for a probation violation. She told the sheriffs deputies she was pregnant, she says, and requested to be handcuffed in the front. Though this is policy, deputies allegedly ignored her and handcuffed her in the back.
Upon arriving at Santa Rita, I told them I was not feeling well, Zepeda said in her declaration. They placed me in a holding cell that was filthy. The walls had human secretions on the walls, there was decaying food in my cell.
Four days after her arrest, she suffered a miscarriage. Zepeda, who was released after 90 days, said she believes the jail is at least partially responsible, since she had no prior issues with her pregnancy.
By state law, jails and prisons are required to provide prenatal and postpartum care.
The women are represented by attorneys Yolanda Huang and Dennis Cunningham. Huang said that the jail is failing to meet basic standards of this law for pregnant women.
Theyre given a peanut butter and jelly sandwich twice a day, and milk, then maybe some protein, like beans or an unadulterated hamburger and a potato, Huang said. No fruits or vegetables. You cant have a healthy pregnancy like that.
The women in jail reached out to Huang in early December with descriptions of mistreatment after reading about another complaint shed filed against Santa Rita Jail. Huang met with the women several times, but is barred from meeting with three who are incarcerated, the lawsuit alleges.
What were asking for is fairly simple, Huang said. We want them to stop abusing these women, we want a qualified OB/GYN to be able to go in there and design a plan of care and we want to be able to see our clients.
Huang said that they are seeking to be heard by a judge before Monday, because she views this as an emergency.
A fetus is so delicate, Huang said. Certain times are essential and we need this to stop immediately.
Sophie Haigney is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SophieHaigney
Petrobras, Brazil's state-controlled oil company, said Wednesday that it had agreed to pay nearly $3 billion to settle a shareholder lawsuit in the United States over a corruption scandal that has ensnared dozens of politicians and corporate executives, including two former Brazilian presidents.
Prosecutors, in a long-running investigation known as Operation Carwash, have claimed that a small number of top officials at the company conspired with a group of other companies to overcharge Petrobras for construction and service work, receiving bribes in return.
The ensuing scandal and vast investigation has implicated dozens of high-level figures like former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his successor, Dilma Rousseff.
Corruption allegations have also dogged the current president, Michel Temer, and several of his close allies.
Petrobras officials believe nearly $3 billion in bribes were paid as part of the scheme, which allegedly included gifts of Rolex watches, $3,000 bottles of wine, yachts, helicopters and prostitutes.
The company said this week that it was a victim of the bribery scheme and had already recovered about $449 million in restitution.
Petrobras said it would "continue to pursue all available legal remedies from culpable companies and individuals."
"The agreement is in the company's best interest and that of its shareholders, given the risks of a verdict advised by a jury, particularities of U.S. procedure and securities laws, as well its assessment of the status of the class action and the nature of such litigation in the United States," Petrobras said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday.
The deal would resolve all pending and prospective claims by purchasers of Petrobras securities in the United States and by purchasers of Petrobras securities that are listed for trading in the United States, the company said. The settlement still has to be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
In a statement, the lead counsel for the plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit said it was "very pleased with this historic settlement."
"Simply put, this litigation and its ultimate resolution have yielded an excellent result for the class," said Jeremy Lieberman, co-managing partner of the law firm Pomerantz.
Under chief executive Pedro Parente, a former chief executive of the commodities trading firm Bunge Brasil, Petrobras has tried to clean up its image in the aftermath of the scandal.
WASHINGTON The next fight over the national debt limit could happen earlier than expected.
The Republican tax law could force Congress to act sooner to raise the nations $20.5 trillion borrowing ceiling because less money is expected to flow into the Treasury in coming weeks.
On top of that, the possibility of increased federal aid for victims of California wildfires and other disasters, and a budget deal that could boost military spending, would drain the Treasury faster than expected.
Lawmakers might have to accelerate their timetable to begin the debt-limit debate. They have been operating under a still-vague deadline known as the X date of sometime in March or early April when the Treasury would run out of cash and risk a federal government default.
I think this is the most uncertainty theres ever been in projecting an X date given that there are so many policy levers in flux right now, said Shai Akabas, director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think thank that has done extensive work on the debt limit.
He estimated Wednesday that the X date would still be in March, but now could be earlier in the month.
The debt limit a statutory restriction on the federal governments borrowing has existed since 1939 and for decades was raised routinely with little controversy. But starting in the 1980s, both parties began using the need to raise the limit as political leverage.
In recent years, as government borrowing soared, some Republicans have sought to tie debt-limit increases to spending cuts. Democrats have argued that is inappropriate because the borrowing is simply for spending Congress already has authorized.
A 2011 standoff over the debt limit, which was raised at the last minute, led Standard & Poors to downgrade the nations AAA credit rating for the first time. Two years later, another showdown, which also was resolved shortly before a possible default, caused investors to avoid buying some government bonds and led to higher government borrowing costs.
Congress Joint Economic Committee has estimated that the tax law would reduce federal revenue by $136 billion this year. Even when taking into account a possible economic boost from tax cuts, the committee estimated that federal revenue would decline by $104 billion this year.
How much of that reduction will take place in the coming weeks is not known. As of Friday, the Treasury had $229 billion in cash.
The estimates of when the government would run out of enough money to pay all its bills in full are based on the existing federal budget. But lawmakers could pass a new budget that boosts defense spending, as Republicans advocate. And the budget also could include $81 billion in disaster aid to deal with wildfires in California and other Western states, and damage from major hurricanes last fall.
Even just a few weeks of more-than-expected federal spending could affect when the Treasury risks a default if the debt limit is not raised and borrowing can resume.
While none of these in and of themselves is a game-changer, it just creates a lot of uncertainty about exactly what those cash flows will be given that were only two months out from the deadline, Akabas said.
The nation technically hit the debt limit on Dec. 8, but Treasury officials have been using what they call extraordinary measures to stave off default by temporarily creating more borrowing authority through the juggling of some government investments.
Congressional leaders could try to include a debt limit increase in a government spending bill that must be passed by Jan. 19. Failure to pass the spending bill would lead to a partial federal government shutdown.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin believes that the measures can fund the government at least until the end of January, a Treasury spokesperson said Wednesday. Treasury is constantly reviewing the data but is not in a position to give a more precise estimate at this point, the spokesperson said.
Declining to give a more detailed projection could add to the pressure for Congress to act. In the past, Treasury projections have lined up with those by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office and the Bipartisan Policy Center, but so far the departments vague estimate is more conservative.
The budget office estimated on Nov. 30 that Treasury officials would exhaust their extraordinary measures and the federal government would run out of money to pay all its bills by late March or early April.
Early last month, the Bipartisan Policy Center projected that Treasury would hit that X date sometime in March. But that was before Congress passed the Republican tax bill, which the he think tank warned could lower federal revenue as individuals and corporations reduced their withholdings in response to lower rates.
Another reduction in federal revenue could come because of the tax bills new $10,000 annual limit on the amount of state and local taxes that Americans can deduct.
Some homeowners in California and other high-tax states rushed to pay 2018 property tax bills before the end of last year so they could deduct them before the laws changes kicked in. Those extra deductions could further reduce federal tax revenue as Americans file their tax returns in the coming weeks, Akabas said.
WASHINGTON The Trump administration freed federal prosecutors Thursday to more aggressively enforce marijuana laws, effectively threatening to undermine the legalization movement that has spread to six states, most recently California.
In a move that raised doubts about the viability and growth of the burgeoning commercial marijuana industry, Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama-era policy that had discouraged federal prosecutors from bringing charges of marijuana-related crimes in states that have legalized sales of the drug.
In a statement, Sessions said the Obama-era guidance undermined the rule of law and the Justice Departments mission to enforce federal statutes.
Todays memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country, he said.
In a briefing with reporters, Justice Department officials refused to say whether they intended for federal prosecutors to carry out a federal crackdown on marijuana dispensaries, or whether the Trump administration was merely creating ambiguity to chill growth of the semi-legal commercial marijuana industry.
But the move seemed certain to increase the confusion surrounding whether it is legal to sell, buy or possess marijuana in the United States. Federal law has long prohibited those activities, and in 2013, after voters in Colorado and Washington state voted to decriminalize marijuana for recreational use, the Justice Department deliberated about how to handle the resulting disconnect between state and federal law.
California began allowing the sale of recreational marijuana Monday, joining Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Nevada. Massachusetts and possibly Maine are expected to begin sales this year.
Several lawmakers representing states that have legalized marijuana reacted angrily to the news. Among them, Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., accused Sessions of violating promises had made and threatened retaliation.
This reported action directly contradicts what Attorney General Sessions told me prior to his confirmation. With no prior notice to Congress, the Justice Department has trampled on the will of the voters in CO and other states, Gardner wrote on Twitter, adding: I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation.
SAN FRANCISCO Between breaking into the email accounts of U.S. government officials, political dissidents and international human rights organizations, Iranian hackers liked to joke about their slow internet service, poor pay and lack of skilled colleagues.
In conversations obtained by security researchers, the hackers groused like any other startup employees, often frustrated by their lack of progress and inability to carry out more grandiose schemes.
But the work being discussed had global ramifications, and painted a picture of how Iranian hackers have matured over the last decade from defacing websites with crude photos and slogans. Now, they appear to be an organized workforce, starting systematic cyberespionage campaigns aimed at promoting Irans interests around the world and on curbing dissent within the Islamic Republic.
In a report published Thursday, two independent cybersecurity researchers, Collin Anderson and Karim Sadjadpour, followed nearly a decade of the day-to-day activities of Iranian hackers.
The hackers appeared to be testing malicious software on themselves or accidentally clicked on malware they were developing. Either way, they exposed activity on their own computers.
One six-month chat log between two Iranian hackers gave particular insight into how they ran their day-to-day operation. By tracing where and how web domains were registered, as well as other data found online, Anderson concluded that the aliases mb1986 and ArYaIeIrAN, represented two Iranian men whose real names were Mojtaba Borhani and Behrouz Keshvari.
Over time, the two become more sophisticated, developing malware as they moved between Iranian hacking groups. Recently, the men have been tied to a group known as Charming Kitten by security companies. The group is believed to be responsible for a range of attacks, including targeting aviation companies in the United States.
Earlier this year, the first reports surfaced that Iranian hackers had developed malware targeting Macs. The malware stole victims passwords, and it has been used to target Iranian dissidents as well as the defense contractors in the United States, according to Andersons report.
In the year since President Donald Trump took office, Iran has focused its efforts on infiltrating the computers of anyone associated with the president, Anderson said.
They are clearly trying to gain any insight they can as to what this administration is going to do vis a vis Iran, he said. They are very persistent, but we dont know their level of success.
The U.S. Coast Guard is still searching for an animal rescue volunteer whose plane bound for Central Texas disappeared Wednesday off the Texas coast.
The pilot of the privately owned Cirrus SR-22 may have passed out due to a lack of oxygen and crashed in the Gulf of Mexico, investigators said.
Bill Kinsinger piloted his plant out of Oklahoma City Wednesday afternoon and was scheduled to land in Georgetown, just north of Austin. But when the plane continued past Georgetown, the pilot did not respond to air traffic control commands. The craft was last seen on radar about 200 miles northwest of Cancun, headed into the Gulf of Mexico.
According to the Coast Guard, two fighter jets were launched to make contact with the plane when it went off-course Wednesday. They reported that the 55-year-old pilot, the only person on the plane, was slouched over and appeared unconscious.
The cause, the Coast Guard said, is likely hypoxia, a depletion of oxygen in the brain that can happen at high altitudes. It causes nausea and disorientation and sometimes causes people to lose consciousness.
The Coast Guard has now sent out aircrews to where the plane could have crashed, about 118 nautical miles north of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The missing pilot is a volunteer with PilotsNPaws, which released a statement online Thursday.
"In response to the many inquiries, stories being circulated by various media outlets, as well as social media posts regarding a lost aircraft piloted by a Pilots N Paws volunteer en route to pickup a rescue dog, we have chosen not to release any details at this time out of respect for the family," the group wrote on Facebook.
"We remain hopeful that our pilot will be found safely, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family."
Watch out, commuters in northwest Houston: A leaky pipe created a fountain early Thursday in the 5800 block of Hollister.
At about 4:30 a.m., the leak was shooting water several feet into the air, spreading water all over a small bridge just north of Tidwell.
It's a "y'all come" event - Texas lingo for everyone's invited. Really.
Dayton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Paula Moorhaj wanted to make it clear. This event is for the entire community and sponsored by the chamber.
The annual awards banquet is set for Saturday, Jan. 20 and begins with a mixer at 6 p.m. that is open to all. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and is catered by Marsala's.
"Our awards banquet is our community awards, not necessarily chamber members only," Moorhaj said.
"That's where the public is invited in because these reflect the members of our community," she said.
Awards such as the Volunteer of the Year, come from balloting across the community and chamber. While it's possible that it would be a chamber member, it's not always the case, the chamber director said.
"It doesn't mean Chamber Member of the Year, it's any volunteer in the community who has given of their time to volunteer and make a difference in the community," Moorhaj said.
More Information Dayton Hall of Fame members John Otto Bob Edwards John Simmons Gene Touchstone Boyd Arnold See More Collapse
Last year's winner was Caroline Wadzeck, former educator, author, and co-curator of Dayton's Old School Museum.
Other awards given include a Senior of the Year, Fireman of the Year, Policeman of the Year, EMT of the Year and others.
"It is open to the public because we want to recognize our community and the good work they have done," she said.
Voting is already underway for all awards including Service Business of the Year, Retail Business of the Year, and the Volunteer of the Year at the chamber office.
New members will also be inducted into the Dayton Hall of Fame for their life-long contributions to the community.
The decorations are Mardi Gras themed and there will be Zydeco music for dancing following the awards.
Tickets are $40 each or a table of 10 for $350.
Moorhaj said the Champagne and Diamond Ring raffle is back. Tickets for the raffle are $20 and each person receives a glass of champagne and a diamond attached.
"One of those diamonds will be real and last year's winner was Aaron Holbrook," she said.
Sterling Funeral Home is the main sponsor and Post Oak Bank and Thrif-Tee Food Center are also sponsors for the night.
"We still have award sponsorships available for $100 and a $250 decorations sponsor left so there are still opportunities for local businesses to have their name included in our program and recognition at the banquet in front of a lot of people," the director said.
The money raised at the banquet does help with chamber operating expenses throughout the year.
"We can't operate on membership dues alone," Moorhaj said, "but we also have a limited number of fundraisers throughout the year to help meet our budget."
She also explained that the chamber is completely involved in the development of the community, promoting new business in the area, and supporting those existing businesses that are the bedrock of the community.
"We are working well with the city and the Dayton Community Development Corporation to attract new business to the area and support our base members who offer so much," she said. She's appreciative of the good relationship shared by the three entities.
The chamber offers more than just taking membership dues, but finding ways to promote those member businesses.
Moorhaj, a former business owner herself, believed so much in the chamber that at times of her ownership, she was spending as much time on chamber activities as she was her own business.
"I believe so deeply in what the chamber stands for and how they can help local business and pair them with a wanting community looking for good service and value," she said.
The membership has grown in memberships, services to those members, and has a clear focus of where their future lies in the next 5 years, 10 years, and beyond.
"We continue to develop for our future with our Junior Ambassadors, a select group of high school students who participate in the chamber events and planning, and a Young Professionals group that is growing," she said.
Moorhaj said it was important to pass on the knowledge to the young crowd so they understand their role in the community and the legacy of the city.
"It's a good night for our community to come out and recognize those who have stepped up and done good work for Dayton during the last year," she said.
Voting can be done at the chamber office at 801 S. Cleveland St., Suite B, or by submitting names by emailing the chamber office at paula@daytontxchamber.com.
NEW HAVEN Scott Bates, chairman of the Connecticut Port Authority, is betting on New Haven.
Our position is that we advocate for the maritime economy of the state and that means properties in the (New Haven) port area we hope would be put to maritime use, Bates said.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation took over several parcels in the citys port to accommodate construction of the massive Interstate 95 Harbor Crossing Corridor.
The immediate concern for the New Haven Port Authority is a parcel in the heart of the port. Bound by Stiles, Waterfront and Alabama streets, the local authority owns a little less than an acre of this four-acre piece.
It was scheduled to automatically revert back to the port once the corridor was finished, which occured last spring.
The state DOT was using the property as a waste stock pile for dredged material. An easement on the property, signed with the state in 2006, stipulated that it be returned in its original condition.
The DOT is now looking to keep it longer, potentially for other projects, or taking it by eminent domain.
We want those properties to be used for maritime use, Bates. We are focused like a laser beam driving this to resolution, Bates said of the property issue.
He said the state authoritys most recent conversations with the DOT are going in a positive direction.
The chairman said there also will be a study of the best place to put additional rail lines in the New Haven port to move freight here.
New Haven is the busiest port in Connecticut so we have got to move product quickly down there. It is not optimal just yet. Our mission is to make sure that this is an active port, that this port is filled up to capacity with work, Bates said.
The chairman said some improvements have been made to rail travel as far as moving passengers, but investments also need to be made in freight delivery.
In the Northeast, Connecticut needs to be able to move people and goods quicker than anyone else, he said.
This truly is the gateway to New England and we are going to do all we can to make sure that that remains the case and we improve our competitive status. You look at Connecticut and the logical place for real investment is New Haven, he said.
Bates commented on the issue after a special meeting of the Connecticut Port Authority, which this month was held in New Haven City Hall.
New Haven Mayor Toni Harp said she greeted the authority and emphazied the importance of the port to the city.
She said she told the members that the reason that John Davenport founded New Haven was because of our great rivers and our port and that our port has been a part of the life of this community for thousands of years.
Harp told them of the importance of the upcoming dredging project that will allow more ships to come to the New Haven port and she was happy with the rail expansion.
NORWALK Three dozen Democrats from around the county took shelter from the freezing winter weather in Norwalks Silver Star Diner on Wednesday evening to discuss the future of the party with Democracy for Connecticut.
People from Norwalk, Stamford, Westport, Bridgeport, Fairfield and Brookfield gathered over burgers, fries and chocolate ice cream for the discussion. Among them were former Norwalk Mayor Bill Collins and newly elected Stamford representative Nina Sherwood, a prominent figure in the Reform Stamford movement, as well as people spurred to political action by the most recent election.
Jim Dean, Democracy for America chairman and Fairfield resident, spoke of groundswell of such Democratic participation. The organization has already endorsed 30 candidates this year.
Its amazing. My ballot I had never seen a two-page ballot in an off year in Fairfield, Dean said. But it was happening because of all of these offices that I didnt even know existed were being contested for the first time.
Bill Curry, two-time Democratic nominee for the governor of Connecticut and a political columnist for Salon, said he had seen this type of momentum once before, following an event that shook the country at the time of his own entree into politics: Watergate.
After the scandal, a flood of reform candidates were elected to what became known as the Watergate Class.
All over the country, people like Toby Moffett here in Connecticut and Tom Downey in Long Island and George Miller in California, Rick Nolan out in Minnesota, a whole slew of people came in. None of them were recruited by the party. All of them were discouraged. They formed what was then famous for being the first real reform class in a generation or more, he said. And what were seeing right now is the same thing happening people are coming out of the woodwork.
Curry believed the most important thing was for people to think deeply about their positions on issues.
When people ask me if Im a liberal, I say, What about? Why dont you instead ask me what I want to do? ... I dont want to fight you over abstract categories, I want to fight you over concrete actions.
He said the same was necessary of parties as a whole. Genuine unity requires consensus, and consensus requires debate something that cannot happen without voters who have thought about their positions and enough candidates running to have meaningful primaries.
Andrew Tillett-Saks, an organizer for Unite Here who helped hotel workers at the Stamford Hilton unionize in December, also spoke about the need for people to think about whats in their best interests and then act politically.
Its no surprise that someone like Donald Trump gets elected when working people are at an all-time low in terms of organization, Tillett-Saks said. When working-class people are in a group of their own, are organized amongst themselves, have weekly meetings about what their interests are, they arent going to get duped.
He said Unite Here has plans to unionize many more hotels and cafeterias in the area, but declined to specify which ones for fear that owners will take anti-union action.
As the question-and-answer session with the speakers wound down, many continued to linger around diner tables, continuing the conversation in their vinyl seats and exchanging business cards as they finished off tall mugs of coffee.
I thought it was inspiring and uplifting, Collins reflected as Norwalk resident Mark McCrate came over to introduce himself.
McCrate described himself as politically dormant until he heard about Bernie Sanders this election. He attended a phone bank and then realized it would be easy to organize phone banks on his own; a year later, he has been attending Norwalk district meetings and was looking for ways to stay up-to-date and involved with what was happening in the city.
Thats the type kind of organization we want! Collins said.
rschuetz@hearstmediact.com; @raschuetz
Iceland may be a popular stopover destination for travelers flying to the United States, but when it comes to the gender pay gap, it's worlds away. Whereas American women were paid 18 percent less than their male colleagues doing similar work in 2013, according to the last comparable study, the "unexplained pay gap" was just 5.7 percent in Iceland - and it's about to shrink further.
On Monday, a new law took effect in the country which is designed to publicly shame companies seen as discriminating against women in terms of pay. Companies with more than 25 employees will now need to obtain governmental certification that female employees are paid equally for the same work their male colleagues are performing. The law comes after previous legislation prohibiting discrimination by employers failed to close the pay gap - though it did decrease it by over 2 percentage points since 2008.
Potential job applicants could check to see if a company is certified before applying and those not could also be exposed in the media or on social media.
U.S. Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders took to Facebook this week to demand the introduction of a similar mechanism in the United States. "We must follow the example of our brothers and sisters in Iceland and demand equal pay for equal work now, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or nationality," wrote Sanders. "As we fight back Republican efforts to revert women's rights to second class, it is important to not lose sight that our real goal is to move forward and expand women's rights," he concluded.
Iceland's then-social affairs minister Thorsteinn Viglundsson sounded similarly excited when the law was proposed early last year. "The time is right to do something radical about this issue," Viglundsson told the AP at the time.
But how much of a role model is Iceland's latest attempt to eradicate the gender pay gap?
While the measures may be unprecedented, they probably won't be a silver bullet, either.
Passed by parliament last summer, the new law has been in the works for several years. Researchers created a complicated model to make salaries comparable, even if official job requirements or work schedules may differ on paper. Governmental auditors will examine all companies with more than 25 employees over the next four years, even though it remains unclear whether companies that fail to obtain the certification - known as "Jafnlaunavottun" - will face any sanctions, aside from public opprobrium.
Rather than outlawing gender pay gaps, the new law is conceived as a mandatory and government-enforced version of other public shaming efforts already introduced in other countries, as my colleague Jena McGregor wrote last spring when the law was first proposed:
"British companies with more than 250 employees will be required by law to publish four figures each year on their web sites and on a government site, but they will provide the information on their own, without providing certification. Each company will have to share its gender pay gap, gender bonus gap, the proportion of men and women receiving bonuses, and how men and women rank in terms of pay within the organization.
"In Switzerland, companies can apply to have their equal pay 'certified' by an outside party without disclosing confidential information, but it is not mandatory. In Minnesota, after a law was signed in 2014, certain state contractors must obtain an 'Equal Pay Certificate' from the state before executing a contract.
"While a growing number of states have strengthened their protections for employees with new equal-pay laws, with California even requiring companies to prove they pay men and women equally for similar jobs, companies don't have to disclose the information publicly. Companies that want to become federal contractors have to share summaries of their pay data with the government, but again, the data isn't published."
Even if Iceland's new law succeeds at closing or significantly narrowing the gender pay gap, critics have pointed out that other factors are still holding women back. While though both men and women in Iceland are granted three days of non-transferable childcare leave, only few men opt to actually take it. And women are still far more likely to interrupt their careers to dedicate more time to their families than men.
"(The) certification requirement might help root out the 'unexplained gender pay gap,' but is unlikely to reduce the larger 'explainable pay gap' (for example due to differing working hours in paid work)," concluded Stefan Olafsson, a researcher with the University of Iceland, in a summer 2017 report for the European Commission. In total, women still earn 22 percent less in Iceland than men, even though those number also include women working part-time or not at all.
Mandatory childcare leave for both men and women would be a more radical step, critics of existing legislation say, even in a country like Iceland which regularly tops equality rankings. Already about four decades ago, women made gender equality a political priority in Iceland by going on strikes. Today, many of their former demands are considered to be self-evident as schools offer Gender Studies classes which attempt to make students more aware of everyday discrimination and prevailing stereotypes. The country's prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, is an avowed feminist who has been pushing for tougher legislation since coming to power last November.
But Jakobsdottir's government may be an outlier for a global movement that has recently suffered new setbacks. Since 2006, the World Economic Forum has attempted to measure whether women are facing more or less inequality in the world. And last year, for the first time, it said that things were getting worse again.
The report's authors concluded that fewer women were participating in the workforce than in previous years, and that salaries were growing less equal again. Whereas Iceland's deadline for companies to comply with their regulations runs out in 2021, it will likely take more than two centuries to close the pay gap globally, the researchers calculated.
While Connecticut wasnt affected by Thursdays blizzard as severely as some neighboring states, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy was vocal through the day in urging residents to be careful as the state weathered a wallop.
While there was no official statewide travel ban, Malloy said travel conditions were quite hazardous at times . Three minor injuries were reported due to traffic accidents, with police responding to 330 motorists throughout the day.
With temperatures expected to drop below zero degrees over the weekend and winds still blowing up to 55 mph, Were not completely clear of this event yet, Malloy said Thursday.
Some area school districts on Thursday decided to cancel school for Friday, including Milford, Ansonia and Seymour.
Having planned for a blizzard that would drop 12 inches of snow, New Haven reported around 2 p.m. that it was keeping up as best as possible with the 10-inch accumulation at that time with another 2 inches expected by 6 p.m.
Rick Fontana, director of emergency management, said the storm was a triple whammy, given the deep snow, high winds and cold temperatures, which were projected to plummet further on Friday.
He said they had 50 trucks from the Public Works Department and outside contractors clearing the posted snow routes. the arterial roads and downtown.
New Haven Mayor Toni Harp said the effort was augmented by 17 vehicles from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees, which were helping with narrower residential streets as well as the sidewalks and curb cuts at the Green, other parks, and bus shelters.
Its a Herculean effort, Fontana said. He said the greatest concentration of equipment being used downtown and on the main roads, but the residential areas were being plowed simultaneously.
A citywide parking ban was in place by 1 a.m. to make sure the plows could function effectively on the major roads and at intersections. In the first wave of towing, about 20 cars were removed from these areas early in the operation, Fontana said.
Believe it or not, we dont like to tow cars, Fontana said, and they only do so when a vehicle is impeding the progress of the snow clearing operation as determined by public works and the police department.
Information on the storm is posted on the citys website and the mayor said it appeared that the public was responsive.
Residents without driveways or garages, and who have to park on a residential street that is not a snow route, were asked to move cars to the even side of the road.
Our observation is that residents are abiding by that request, Harp said.
The Temple Street and Granite Square garages downtown were open for a one-time $3 charge, the city said.
The parking lots at city schools were open to the public for free until 6 a.m. on Friday. It is not certain if there will be school on Friday and if use of the lots by the public continues after that.
By 6 p.m., Fontana said two teams of workers will be going out to tag and tow vehicles in residential areas that are 25 feet from an intersection, fire hydrant or bus stop. Those vehicles parked on the wrong side of the street will also be subject to towing.
He said residents should have planned, long before the snowstorm, where to put their cars.
Residents are also required to clear their sidewalks 24 hours after the storm has ended, the mayor said.
She said if they are not able to do so because they are elderly or disabled, Harp said to send a message through SeeClickFix and there are volunteers who will help them.
A call-in by the alders to the Emergency Operations Center indicated the majority were happy with the citys early efforts.
Alder Anna Festa, D-10, however said when she went door to door to notify residents of the parking rule, many of the Yale University students were not aware of them
She hoped that the university and Yale New Haven Hospital were warning students and employees of the towing procedure on snow days.
The mayor said anyone who has lost heat or has a burst water pipe should call 203-946-8221 for help from the Livable City Initiative or the Fire Department.
The city has added and upgraded public works vehicles in recent years to better deal with storms. Harp said when she first took office in 2014, seven of the trucks in the public works fleet had to be taken out of service for lack of repairs.
On a state level, motorists were urged to stay off the road unless absolutely necessary as the state Department of Transportation cleared highways as quickly as possible.
Total snowfall as of 5 p.m., as the storm began to taper off in Greater New Haven, ranged between 8 and 16 inches across the state.
Malloy advised anyone needing shelter to call 211, adding there are at least 103 warming centers open in 34 towns throughout the state.
Weve been in our cold weather protocol for a long period of time, and have extended those through Jan. 8. I think our community providers and agencies have done an exceptional job in getting folks indoors, Malloy said.
The state had 634 plow trucks on state roads and an additional 250 contractors.
As of late Thursday afternoon, West Haven had towed more than 225 cars whose owners did not comply with the citys even-side parking ban, but city plow drivers were doing their best to stay ahead of the heavy, wind-blown snow and icy conditions, officials said.
I think our response has been good, said Mayor Nancy Rossi. Last night, we made the decision to close City Hall today. We just have the bare minimum of people essential to run the city.
Everybodys working together as a team to make sure we do as good a job as possible, Rossi said.
So what theyre doing is just to keep plowing and and keep the roads as clear as possible, she said.
Police have been ticketing and towing, Rossi said.
Rossis executive assistant, former state Rep. Louis Esposito Jr., who is the acting public works director, said, We have a full complement of trucks out there.
Were doing our best to get ahead of it, he said.
Emergency Response Coordinator Scott Schwartz said that as of midday, Everything seems to be going very well. But with the amount of snow thats been falling and the blowing, theyre having some trouble keeping up with it.
The city did a reverse 911 call to residents to make them aware of the parking ban, Schwartz said.
The West Haven Police Department reminded residents in a Facebook post that parking is banned on the even-numbered side of the streets for 36 hours following the storm and police will tag and tow vehicles violating the parking ban at the owners expense.
Residents are urged to park in driveways or designated private lots, the post said.
Earlier Thursday, Hamden Public Works employee Mike Siciliano said
they hope to have the roads cleared by Friday morning.
No cars had been reported as being towed, Sicliano said, and the plow trucks hadnt reported any issues.
Drivers were called in at 3 a.m. Thursday, with 15 trucks responsible for clearing 240 miles of road, Siciliano said.
It takes time, he said.
Mayor Curt Leng said its an extremely challenging storm and conditions are dangerous. The extreme cold is making it difficutl to get roads to a points of not being slippery and even our melting agent has difficulty working at temperatures this low.
He urged people to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, and for anyone in need of shelter to call 211 as these are life and death conditions.
In North Haven, police responded to a couple stranded drivers, but no serious incidents had been reported, Captain Kevin Glenn said.
Most people stay inside during a storm, he said.
Neither town had reported any power outages as of Thursday evening, according to United Illuminating.
Eversource and UI were reporting a combined 1,800 customers without power and more were expected throughout the day as the storm worsened. Malloy said the companies were responding where safety allows.
A lot of this will depend on what the nature of the outage is. If its an aerial outage, it will be more difficult to respond to than if its a ground-level generator for instance. ... You just cant put a person in a dangerous situation, he said.
Express bus services was suspended ., with regular buses expected to continue service with detours in effect. Its expected that Metro-North will be operating its normal schedule Friday in Connecticut but there will be changes affecting riders in New York, Malloy said.
The state Department of Motor Vehicles has canceled all road skills tests until noon Friday. .
Donald Trump's desire to squeeze Kim Jong Un's regime risks being undermined by the furtive maneuvers of oil tankers at sea.
The enforcement of international measures limiting sales to North Korea -- part of an effort to force Kim to abandon nuclear weapons -- is becoming nearly impossible because suppliers of illicit fuel are using an old oil-trading practice that helps obscure its origin and destination.
Ship-to-ship transfers, when cargoes are pumped from one tanker to another in the ocean, are legal and typically used to break up large oil shipments into parcels on smaller vessels. But they can also be used as a trick that makes it difficult to track supplies, and have been barred by the United Nations for sales to North Korea.
And even if the tankers can be identified, seized and inspected, culprits are hidden under layers of ownership. A controversy that erupted last week over a shipment of fuel to the rogue nation has so far entangled the world's third-biggest independent oil trader, a Hong Kong-based commodity company and mysterious shipping firms in Taiwan and the Marshall Islands. South Korean authorities have failed to identify the perpetrator and on Thursday said they are still investing who owned the cargo.
"These STS transfers can happen 200 nautical miles or more out at sea, as long as conditions are calm, where no one's looking," said Rahul Kapoor, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence in Singapore. "It's very easy to black out a ship and hide it."
All ocean-going ships are equipped with a beacon that broadcasts their location around the world, so if a vessel tried to directly load or discharge oil in a sanctioned country, it could be identified. To get around that, two tankers can turn off their transmitters, known as the automatic identification system, rendezvous in secret and transfer the cargo, masking the true origin and destination of the shipment.
A vessel, the Lighthouse Winmore, is said to have transferred 600 tons -- about 4,000 barrels -- to a North Korean vessel, the Sam Jong 2, on Oct. 19.
Ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg showed Lighthouse Winmore making trips between Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Yeosu in South Korea during September and October.
The vessel data, which are broadcast by ships voluntarily and cannot be independently verified, showed it south of Yeosu, with its destination listed as Taichung, Taiwan, on Oct. 15. The ship stopped reporting its location for the next 10 days, virtually disappearing during the period of the alleged transfer. The next transmission was Oct. 25, further to the south near Jeju Island.
While STS transfers are an integral part of the oil and fuel-trading business, "when in the wrong hands, this every-day operation can be misused," said Den Syahril, an analyst at industry consultant FGE in Singapore. "During past sanctions, there's a possibility that ships with Iranian fuel turned off their trackers and conducted these operations in the Middle East gulf, only to have the cargo labeled as Middle East origin afterwards."
Now that the practice is in the spotlight, it may become harder to get away with it. Reports that U.S. satellites have been capturing Chinese ships transferring fuel to North Korean vessels could deter perpetrators while major oil trading companies may take additional precautions not to be involved in the controversial transactions.
On Tuesday, South Korea's foreign ministry said Trafigura Group owned the Lighthouse Winmore cargo and authorities were investigating whether it ordered the transfer to North Korea. Within a few hours, the trading house denied it was involved in the illicit transaction, saying it neither owns nor chartered the ship.
Trafigura added that it originally sold the cargo to Hong Kong-based Global Commodities Consultants Ltd., which in turn said it sold the shipment to another company called Oceanic Enterprise Ltd. Both Trafigura and GCC said their contracts stipulated that any resale of the supply must abide by international sanctions.
No contact information was immediately available for Oceanic Enterprise. South Korea identified Lighthouse Winmore's charterer as Taiwan-based Billions Bunker Group. The company is incorporated in the Marshall Islands, according to Taiwan's Maritime and Port Bureau.
Taiwan is investigating if the head of Kao Yang Fishery Co. has any connection with the Lighthouse Winmore, according to a Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office statement on Jan. 3. Kao Yang allegedly sold oil products in international waters instead of Hong Kong, which was identified in export declaration as its destination, according to the statement.
"Trading houses have full teams that are involved in risk management," said Bloomberg Intelligence's Kapoor. "Ideally, these teams will screen through counterparties, and it's unlikely that they'll dabble in a one-off illegitimate dealing for a small profit as there's so much risk to reputation involved."
China refused to designate Lighthouse Winmore and Sam Jong 2, among other ships, as sanctions violators in a disagreement with the U.S., the Wall Street Journal reported last week. While American officials shared with the UN declassified intelligence reports that they said supported Washington's position that 10 vessels be formally declared as breaching measures, China successfully got the list whittled down to just four tankers, the newspaper said, citing unidentified diplomats.
U.S. President Trump last week tweeted: "Caught RED HANDED - very disappointed that China is allowing oil to go into North Korea. There will never be a friendly solution to the North Korea problem if this continues to happen!"
American spy satellites had observed Chinese vessels allegedly transferring oil to North Korean ships in the sea between the two countries about 30 times since October, Seoul-based newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported Dec. 26, citing unidentified South Korean government officials. China has denied the reports.
The vast majority of ship-to-ship transfers are legal. Most of them take place in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, where the practice is also known as lightering. It's cheaper to ship oil on larger vessels, so oil traders tend to book the biggest vessel they can find for long haul journeys such as from Saudi Arabia to Texas.
U.S. ports aren't deep enough to handle the massive tankers, so they stop a few miles from shore and parcel out the oil to smaller ships that are able to dock. The transfers are common enough that most merchant seamen can do them, said Kapoor, who spent five years working on an oil tanker.
But "even with mounting international sanctions on countries such as North Korea, these operations are often attempted as a way to get around them," FGE's Den said.
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Bloomberg's Hannah Dormido and Adela Lin contributed.
Seoul, South Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reopened a key cross-border communication channel with South Korea for the first time in nearly two years Wednesday as the rivals explored the possibility of sitting down and talking after months of acrimony and fears of war.
The sudden signs of easing hostilities, however, came as President Donald Trump threatened Kim with nuclear war in response to his threat earlier this week.
In his New Year's address Monday, Kim said he was willing to send a delegation to next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea. But he also said he has a "nuclear button" on his desk and that all U.S. territory is within striking distance of his nuclear weapons, comments Trump latched onto Tuesday when he boasted of a bigger and more powerful "nuclear button" than Kim's.
The two leaders exchanged crude insults last year, as the North received new U.N. sanctions over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test explosion and a series of intercontinental ballistic missile launches.
The recent softening of contact between the rival Koreas may show a shared interest in improved ties, but there's no guarantee tensions will ease. There have been repeated attempts in recent years by the rivals to talk, but even when they do meet, the efforts often end in recriminations and stalemate.
Outside critics say Kim may be trying to use better ties with South Korea as a way to weaken the alliance between Washington and Seoul as the North grapples with toughened international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.
Kim's latest announcement, which was read by a senior Pyongyang official on state TV, followed a South Korean offer on Tuesday of high-level talks with North Korea to find ways to cooperate on next month's Winter Olympics in the South and discuss other inter-Korean issues.
Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the state-run Committee for the Peaceful Reunification, cited Kim as welcoming South Korea's overture and ordering officials to reopen a communication channel at the border village of Panmunjom. Ri also quoted Kim as ordering officials to promptly take substantial measures with South Korea out of a "sincere stand and honest attitude," according to the North's state TV and news agency.
South Korea quickly welcomed Kim's decision and later confirmed that the two Koreas began preliminary contacts on the channel. During their 20-minute communication, liaison officials of the two Koreas exchanged their names and examined their communication lines to make sure they were working, according to Seoul's Unification Ministry.
Since taking office last May, South Korea's liberal President Moon Jae-in has pushed hard to improve ties and resume stalled cooperation projects with North Korea. Pyongyang had not responded to his outreach until Kim's New Year's address.
Relations between the Koreas soured under Moon's conservative predecessors, who responded to the North's expanding nuclear program with hard-line measures. All major rapprochement projects were put on hold one by one, and the Panmunjom communication channel had been suspended since February 2016.
Moon has joined U.S.-led international efforts to apply more pressure and sanctions on North Korea, but he still favors dialogue as a way to resolve the nuclear standoff. The Trump administration says all options are on the table, including military measures against the North. Moon has repeatedly said he opposes any war on the Korean Peninsula.
Some observers believe these differences in views may have led Kim to think he could drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington as a way to weaken their alliance.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced Thursday the repeal of Obama-era rules that set a federal policy of noninterference with state-legal marijuana businesses, setting up a potential clash between the federal government and state authorities backing an increasingly entrenched and popular industry.
Currently, eight states plus the District of Columbia have voted to legalize marijuana within their borders. The change in policy would allow U.S. attorneys in those jurisdictions to pursue prosecutions against state-legal marijuana growers, sellers and even users.
Under federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule 1 controlled substance, akin to heroin. But during President Barack Obama's administration, the Department of Justice pursued a policy of noninterference with state-legal marijuana markets provided the states take reasonable steps to prevent underage use and keep pot from flowing across state borders, among other conditions.
Rolling back that policy is likely to cause political headaches for the Trump administration given the widespread public support for legalization, the economic clout of the marijuana industry and the supporters legal marijuana businesses have won over in Congress.
An October Gallup poll, for instance, found a record-high 64 percent of Americans saying they supported marijuana legalization.
That number included, for the first time, a majority (51 percent) of Republicans saying they supported legalization.
Support for legalization is particularly robust among the young voters whom Democrats are trying to mobilize for the 2018 congressional elections. An April CBS News poll found that over three-quarters of Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 support legalization.
Regardless of their stance on legalization, an overwhelming majority of voters of all political persuasions say that the federal government should not interfere with state-level legalization efforts. A July Quinnipiac poll found that 75 percent of Americans, including 59 percent of Republicans, said that they oppose the enforcement of federal marijuana laws in states that have legalized it.
Beyond public opinion, the burgeoning marijuana industry has become a potent economic force in the states where it has a foothold. Marijuana Business Daily, an industry trade publication, estimated last year that legal marijuana employed between 165,000 and 230,000 workers, or between two and three times as many people as the coal mining industry.
Last year a market research firm for the marijuana industry, Arcview Research, estimated that it generated $6.7 billion in revenue in 2016, and projected sales to climb to $21 billion by 2021.
Those sales are generating significant tax revenue in states with legal recreational pot. In Colorado, for instance, marijuana sales between 2014 and 2017 brought in roughly $500 million in taxes, roughly half of which has gone to the state's public school system. Washington state collected about $280 million in marijuana taxes in fiscal year 2017, with half of that money going to fund health-care services for people without insurance coverage.
Those jobs, sales and taxes could all be put in jeopardy by the Jan. 4 Justice Department move. Lawmakers from both parties are already crying foul.
"Going against the majority of Americans - including a majority of Republican voters - who want the federal government to stay out of the way is perhaps one of the stupidest decisions the attorney general has made," said Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., in a statement. "It's time for anyone who cares about this issue to mobilize and push back strongly against this decision."
Republican Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado wrote on Twitter that "the Justice Department has trampled on the will of the voters in CO and other states. ... I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation."
Starr Lamare said her face was so severely burned her kids were afraid of her after her boyfriend set her on fire over an argument at a coin laundry in San Francisco.
Some justice came on Thursday. After five years of pain and horror, her attacker, 27-year-old Dexter Oliver, was sentenced to 27 years in state prison for the Jan. 6, 2013, attack.
You turned my world upside down, Lamare, a 30-year-old mother of three, wrote in a victim impact statement before the sentencing. My kids were afraid of me. It took two months for my baby to come to me. I was afraid to go outside, afraid to be around people.
Lamare sat quietly in Judge Rene Navarros San Francisco courtroom, wiping away tears as Karima Baptiste of the district attorneys Victim Services Division read the statement to Oliver. Most of Lamares face and hands remain scarred from the attack, scars she will have for the rest of her life.
Life has been a struggle, Lamare wrote. I have to take medication every day. Im afraid to pump my gas. The flick of a lighter makes me flinch. I cant trust. I cant live properly. You robbed me of those things.
Oliver, who has three prior domestic violence convictions involving two other women, said nothing. He smiled as he walked into court and only looked over at his victim once, and without expression. He had pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Lamare last November.
Hell have a long time to reflect on his heinous act, Assistant District Attorney Sam Totah said after the hearing.
Prosecutors said Oliver attacked Lamare after an argument about clothes at a coin-operated laundry near their home in the Bayview.
Oliver filled up two baby bottles with gasoline, doused her and set her on fire. Police found Lamare screaming in the street at Hollister Avenue and Jennings Street, with life-threatening burns on her face and upper body.
Oliver was arrested in Oakland the day after the attack and charged with attempted murder and arson.
While she was treated at the Bothin Burn Center at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Lamares case drew attention from Bay Area domestic violence victims advocates.
Its heinous. Were lucky she survived, said Beverly Upton of the San Francisco Domestic Violence Consortium. Were glad to see some justice in this case.
Inspector John Keane with the San Francisco Police Departments Special Victims Unit has been working closely with Lamare over the past half-decade. He called the attack one of the worst incidents of domestic violence I have seen in over 25 years.
Lamare is still recovering from this incident and is incredibly strong and determined, he said Thursday.
Lamare said shes ready to move on.
You will no longer have power over me, she wrote to her attacker. All my hate I put in Gods hands.
Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
A new law that took effect this week in Oregon will allow residents in rural counties to pump their own gas - a divergence from the state's decades-long history of having attendants pump gas for drivers.
Under House Bill 2482, which took effect Monday, retailers in counties with a population of less than 40,000 are allowed to have self-service gas pumps. Drivers in 15 counties can now pump their own gas any time of day, while those in three other rural counties can do so after business hours, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The Internet machine roared, fueled by a local TV station's now-viral Facebook post last week asking people to react to the new law. Some were angry and perturbed by the possibility of having to pump their own gas in the cold, while those from other states scoffed.
"I don't even know HOW to pump gas and I am 62, native Oregonian . . . I say NO THANKS! I don't like to smell like gasoline!" one woman wrote.
"No! Disabled, seniors, people with young children in the car need help. Not to mention getting out of your car with transients around and not feeling safe. This is a very bad idea. Grrr," another woman wrote.
"I've lived in this state all my life and I REFUSE to pump my own gas . . . This [is] a service only qualified people should perform. I will literally park at the pump and wait until someone pumps my gas."
By the time the law took effect, Oregon had become a virtual laughingstock among social media users who seemed to have visualized an entire state filled with hapless drivers.
"FEAR NOT OREGON!!! I've decided to move to Oregon to open a school to teach people how to pump their gas. Short-term business you say?" a man wrote and then listed a list of menial tasks he wants to teach people do. His Facebook comment has been liked 61,000 times.
"I'm in Wisconsin and with the wind chill it's currently -17. You know what I did this morning?! Had to pump my own flipping gas!! It's not that hard people!!" one woman wrote.
"It's official. Oregon is full of mentally defective, full grown children, incapable of the most mundane adult tasks," another man wrote.
Lost in the online chatter, however, is that the law does not impose wide-ranging changes, meaning many Oregonians who don't want to fill their own tanks won't have to. HB 2482 does not require all gas stations in the state to have self-service pumps at all hours of the day. It simply gives retailers in sparsely populated communities, or about half of the states' counties, the option to do so - and some have said they will continue their business practices regardless of the law.
It will also not eliminate jobs because gas stations with convenience stores are still required to have attendants during business hours. Moreover, self-service pumps are not new in Oregon. In at least one rural county, co-op members are issued cards that allow them to pump their own gas any time of day.
Also lost in the hysteria is that the bill, which was passed in the state legislature with only one "no" vote and was signed into law in May, was favored by some stakeholders, including gas station owners.
Proponents of the bill argued that it's impractical for businesses in rural counties to have staff available to fuel vehicles 24 hours a day, so drivers in need of fuel after business hours usually have to call state police for assistance. Police would then bring a small amount of fuel and ask the operator of the closest gas station to open.
Thomas Downs, who owns a small restaurant and gas station in Harney County in southeast Oregon, testified during a committee hearing last year that the bill would allow him to focus on other services his business provides. He said his is the only reliable source of fuel within 85 miles, meaning his staff sometimes gets swamped.
"Our experience after almost 13 years is that out-of-state residents are very capable of dispensing [their] fuel and the majority of Oregonians delight in being able to if we are swamped," Downs said.
Dan Jones, who operates a Chevron station in Malheur County in eastern Oregon, said the law would have no economic impact on his business and would allow him to promote from within.
Disability Rights Oregon, however, raised concerns that the law would have unintended consequences for people with disabilities in rural counties. The organization noted that the Americans With Disabilities Act requires self-serve gas stations to provide assistance to customers with disabilities.
Kale Williams, a columnist for the Oregonian, slammed the Internet and some publications for poking fun at Oregon and making the state "look like either a collection of feeble-handed troglodytes too dumb or lazy to do the deed themselves or an assemblage of elitists who turn their noses up at the plebeian pump."
"The Internet's content farms fired up their harvesting machines and cherry-picked some of the worst comments and laid into Oregon," Williams wrote, adding later: "Could it be the rest of the country is mad they don't have access to the fine-dining equivalent of gasoline?"
Oregon and New Jersey are the only states that require gas stations to have attendants.
WASHINGTON - Top federal law enforcement officials huddled Wednesday afternoon with House Speaker Paul Ryan to discuss a request from congressional investigators for documents related to a dossier alleging connections between President Donald Trump and Russia, according to people familiar with the meeting.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray requested the meeting, according to Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department declined to comment.
The meeting in Ryan's offices took place just hours before a deadline Wednesday that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., set for the FBI and DOJ to turn over documents related to how the agencies used information in a now-famous dossier as part of an investigation into alleged ties between Trump's campaign and Russian officials. The dossier, compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, details Trump's alleged connections to Russian officials and financiers and exploits in Moscow.
House and Senate Republicans defensive of the president have pointed to the fact that the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign paid for research that ended up in the dossier as reason to discredit it. Scrutiny of the dossier and the government's reliance on it are also part of a wider GOP effort to look at whether political bias affected the FBI's and DOJ's conduct in a series of Obama-era investigations, including the Clinton email probe.
In the House, Nunes has threatened to issue contempt citations against Wray and Rosenstein for failing to produce documents related to the dossier, which he first subpoenaed in August. In a letter obtained by Fox News last week, Nunes wrote to Rosenstein that the DOJ's and FBI's "intransigence" on those subpoenas "can no longer be tolerated," accusing both agencies of being "disingenuous at best" with the intelligence committee about the existence of documents they had requested.
A spokeswoman for Ryan, R-Wis., would not say Wednesday whether the speaker had reached an agreement with Wray and Rosenstein about the production of the requested documents. Rosenstein left the meeting Wednesday evening, refusing to answer questions from reporters as they followed him down a long hall from Ryan's suite to a door exiting the building.
Other Republicans have criticized Nunes' past threats to issue contempt citations. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., whose panel is investigating whether allegations of bias at the FBI affected the Clinton email probe, said last month that he was "interested in getting access to the information and not the drama" when asked about Nunes' contempt threats. Gowdy strongly suggested that Ryan was also critical of Nunes' efforts.
In the Senate, South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham last week reissued his call for a second special counsel to investigate the FBI's reliance on the dossier, telling Fox News that after reviewing "background" materials, he was "very disturbed about what the Department of Justice did with this dossier."
"After having looked at the history of the dossier and how it was used by the Department of Justice, I'm really very concerned," Graham said, stressing that Congress had to focus on the dossier because it was outside the purview of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe.
Graham is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has long expressed concern about how the dossier was compiled and the role it played in the FBI's investigation of alleged ties between Trump and Russian officials. Grassley and Graham jointly requested information in June about Steele's contacts with the FBI. Grassley has also said that his staff members are also in close touch with Nunes's staff about the progression of their parallel investigations.
Nunes and Grassley have also focused considerable scrutiny on Fusion GPS, the firm behind the dossier. Nunes has subpoenaed the firm's bank records - that demand is now caught up in a court battle.
On Tuesday, the founders of Fusion GPS wrote an op-ed in the New York Times pushing back on accusations that the dossier had prompted the DOJ's and FBI's scrutiny of Trump's alleged Russia ties, and accusing Republicans in Congress of perpetuating "fake investigations" into their activities.
Grassley and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., responded to the publication of that op-ed by inviting the founders to come back to Capitol Hill to testify publicly. Fusion officials have spoken to both committees behind closed doors.
- Tom Hamburger and Josh Dawsey contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump's angry break with his former chief strategist Steve Bannon escalated Wednesday night with a threat of a "imminent" legal action.
A private lawyer representing Trump sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bannon, arguing he violated an employment agreement with the Trump Organization when he spoke to author Michael Wolff for a new scathing book about the presidency.
Bannon is quoted describing, among other things, a Trump Tower meeting during the campaign between Donald Trump Jr.; Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law; and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."
Bannon's comments to the writer "give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients," Trump's lawyer wrote in the letter. "Legal action is imminent."
It all sounds so tough. But in this case, it probably isn't.
A cease and desist letter doesn't actually carry any legal weight - it is simply a warning letter asking someone to stop certain behavior or else the sender will pursue legal action. It is often a form of intimidation, or simply an attempt to settle an issue outside of litigation, said Orly Lobel, a law professor at the University of San Diego School of Law whose research has often focused on employment issues.
It can be effective against someone who can't afford a pitched legal battle and gets scared off. But for a recipient who can afford a fight-like Bannon-it's another story.
Without legal action, specifically a lawsuit, such a letter is just a piece of paper. So should Bannon refuse to comply with the letter, Trump would have to sue.
But would Trump really want to start a court fight with Bannon? Suing Bannon would potentially require Trump to testify under oath, and would open them both up to discovery, in which all sorts of explosive revelations could come tumbling out. The president's critics would probably welcome that. These things can get ugly.
But, experts say, it seems unlikely that the feud would reach that stage.
Trump is a public figure. So suing for defamation, as the letter threatens, could require Trump to prove that a statement made by Bannon was false, damaging and delivered with actual malice, meaning that Bannon knew his comments were false and made them anyway.
Suing Bannon for breaking an employment contract would be even more difficult, said Lobel, who described the move as a "desperate" attempt by Trump to silence his former confidant.
Arguing that Bannon breached a contract would potentially "signal that there's some truth there in what he's saying," Lobel said, a thought also raised by other legal experts on social media.
More importantly, Lobel and other legal experts said Bannon's speech stemming from his time in the White House would likely be protected. A government employee's free-speech rights are protected by the Constitution's First Amendment insofar as they pertain to matters of public concern, the Supreme Court ruled in 2006 in a case called Garcetti v. Ceballos. Lobel argued that the behavior of the president - and especially his campaign's involvement with the Russians - are undoubtedly a matter of public concern.
So Trump's lawyers would likely need to draw a difficult distinction between quotes Bannon made as a campaign employee or private citizen versus those he made while employed by the White House.
And even if Bannon revealed information that drew from his time as a private citizen during the campaign, his speech could still be protected, Lobel said. The Defend Trade Secrets Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2016, provides immunity to whistleblower employees who report suspected illegal activity. That might or might not apply to Bannon. But either way, his lawyers would argue that it did.
In the cease and desist letter, Trump's lawyer wrote that Bannon breached three sections of his employment agreement with the Trump Organization by communicating with Wolff, disclosing confidential information and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements about Trump, his family and the campaign.
Bannon has not revealed the exact terms of the contract he signed. But according to Trump's lawyer, Bannon promised in his employment agreement not to disclose confidential information, not to demean or publicly disparage Trump, his family, or the campaign, and not to communicate with any member of the news media on behalf of, or about the campaign, without express written authorization from the campaign or Trump.
Confidential information, according to the letter sent to Bannon, included "all information . . . of a private, proprietary or confidential nature or that Mr. Trump insists remain private or confidential, including, but not limited to, any information with respect to the personal life, political affairs, and/or business affairs of Mr. Trump or of any Family Member. . ."
The letter demands that Bannon stop communicating either confidential and or disparaging information, and preserve all records in preparation for "imminent" legal action.
During the presidential campaign, other staffers described how Trump forced their silence through such restrictive agreements, which are highly unusual in political campaigns. One such document, obtained by The Post, includes a "no-disparagement" clause that requires staffers to promise "during the term of your service and at all time thereafter" not to "demean or disparage publicly" Trump, his business ventures or any of his family members or their business ventures "and to prevent your employees from doing so."
Essentially, he approached his campaign staff much as he did the employees of his business ventures - demanding control over what they can and can't say. As he transitioned to the White House, some wondered if he would enforce a similar silence from his administration - raising concerns about government transparency.
During the campaign, he was asked by The Washington Post's Robert Costa if he would make employees of the federal government sign nondisclosure agreements.
"I think they should," he said. ". . . when people are chosen by a man to go into government at high levels and then they leave government and they write a book about a man and say a lot of things that were really guarded and personal, I don't like that. I mean, I'll be honest. And people would say, oh, that's terrible, you're taking away his right to free speech . . . I would say . . . I do have nondisclosure deals."
He said his then-campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, press secretary Hope Hicks and senior adviser for policy Stephen Miller all signed such nondisclosure agreements.
"I don't like people that take your money and then say bad things about you," he said. "But I will say that in the federal government it's a different thing. So it's something I would think about. But you know, I do right now - I have thousands and thousands of employees, many thousands, and every one of them has an agreement. . ."
As a candidate and a businessman Trump used litigation and threats to silence his critics.
"He deploys an array of tactics to fight back - countersuits, threats and personal insults, among others - while using stringent confidentiality agreements to guard against insider accounts from employees, business partners, his former spouses and now his campaign staffers," The Post's Frances Stead Sellers wrote in July 2016.
That same week, court filings revealed that he had sought $10 million in damages from fired campaign consultant Samuel Nunberg, alleging that he violated a nondisclosure agreement by leaking confidential information to the press.
"He was used to being able to do this in his private life," Lobel said. And as a president, he has continued to use angry threats in attempts to silence critics - particularly on Twitter and in cease and desist letters.
"It's hard to see how it helps him here," said Orin Kerr, a law professor at the University of Southern California.
Other lawyers and critics of the president expressed similar views on Twitter.
"This reeks of desperation," one post read.
---
The Washington Post's Carol Leonnig and Frances Stead Sellers contributed to this report.
The White House on Wednesday dismissed criticism of President Trump's taunt that his "Nuclear Button" is larger and more effective than North Korea's arsenal, arguing he will respond strongly to provocations from Pyongyang rather than "cower down."
Democrats and some security analysts warned that the tweet sent Tuesday night by Trump risked needlessly provoking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a time when concerns over a nuclear altercation, once seen as remote, have grown more plausible and as North and South Korea have engaged in talks to ease tensions on the peninsula.
"He's made repeated threats. He's tested missiles time and time again for years," White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said of Kim. "This is a president who is not going cower down and is not going to be weak and is going to make sure he does what he's promised to do, and that's stand up and protect the American people."
Trump's tweet Tuesday was highly unusual for its open reference to the vast U.S. nuclear arsenal at Trump's disposal and its playground allusion -- critics said juvenile -- to the size and power of Trump's warfighting abilities.
"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times,' " Trump tweeted. "Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"
Trump was responding to a New Year's message from Kim that included an offer to talk with his enemy South Korea -- a U.S. ally -- and a threat that he has a "nuclear button" on his desk and could threaten the United States.
Democrats were quick to condemn Trump's tweet and called on him to stop ratcheting up tensions with the rogue nation.
"A nuclear conflict on the Korean Peninsula would be a catastrophe, leading to the deaths of potentially millions of people, including American servicemembers and families stationed there," Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., said in a statement, adding that the tweet "borders on presidential malpractice."
"We cannot let this war of words result in an actual war," Markey said.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said Wednesday that Trump's recent Twitter outbursts presented "a very poor representation of the United States" and may represent "a new low point."
The North Korea threat came on top of Trump tweets over the past few days levying threats of cutting aid to Palestinians and Pakistan, as well as tweets taking credit for civilian aviation safety, attacking the press and suggesting an aide to his Democratic former rival Hillary Clinton should be jailed.
"President Trump's foreign-policy-by-tweet is doing serious damage to the country," Schumer said in an address on the Senate floor. "Where we have serious issues to address abroad, President Trump seems happy with macho boasts and belligerent threats that get us nowhere."
Schumer suggested that congressional Republicans are complicit if they do not speak up, but most Republican lawmakers remained silent or downplayed the seriousness of Trump's tweet.
"I just took it as him basically pushing back on Kim Jong Un and saying: 'You've been trying to have this bravado because you have a weapon that may be able to reach us. Understand we have a lot more force,' " said Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla. "We should actually have some sort of negotiations on this rather than just have bravado on this."
Vice President Mike Pence, interviewed Wednesday on Voice of America, touted Trump's record in encouraging greater cooperation from China, North Korea's most important ally and economic lifeline, to apply economic pressure on the isolated regime.
"President Trump has provided the kind of clear leadership on the world stage that's made measurable progress," Pence argued.
"President Trump made it clear," Pence added. "America will not be bullied. America will not be threatened."
Reaction was muted overseas, with close U.S. allies South Korea and Japan making no public mention of the tweet.
A senior State Department official said Secretary of State Rex Tillerson had a routine diplomatic phone conversation with his South Korean counterpart late Tuesday.
"Diplomacy remains our preferred approach. That has not changed," the official said. "But we recognize that diplomacy has to be backed up by credible force."
South Korea and North Korea held their own call hours after Trump's message -- the first such use of a cross-border hotline in two years.
The State Department official, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy, welcomed the contact, perhaps as a means to ease tension ahead of South Korea's hosting of the Winter Olympics in a few weeks.
The North Korean offer of some kind of talks with Seoul has been widely interpreted as a play to drive a wedge between the United States and the new, less hawkish South Korean government.
"We are in close contact" with South Korea, the official said. "We are on the same page and coordinating closely," but "extremely skeptical" that North Korea is serious bout embarking on talks aimed at giving up its nuclear weapons, the official said.
Some foreign policy analysts and Trump critics said Trump's tweet raised questions about whether he is creating a foreign policy crisis -- and about his fitness for the job.
"If there are any adults at the WH: please disable the @realDonaldTrump smartphone immediately," tweeted Daryl Kimball, executive director of the nonprofit Arms Control Association. "Nuclear diplomacy shouldn't be conducted as if its a junior high school argument about penis size. Such reckless tweeting diminishes U.S. credibility and can lead to catastrophe."
Sanders rejected such criticisms.
"I think the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea," she said at the White House daily briefing.
She also argued that the Trump administration is being forced to "clean up" former President Barack Obama's international messes.
"This is not a game. This is not about, can I puff my chest out bigger than your chest,'" former Vice President Joe Biden told CNN when asked about Trump's tweet. "This is just not," Biden continued, his voice trailing off. "It's not presidential."
- Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report.
The two children who went missing after their mother was found dead were safely located Wednesday night, according to Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks. Authorities had been searching for the children since New Year's Eve.
Terry Allen Miles, the deceased mother's roommate, was a person of interest in the case. He was caught in Colorado without incident, Banks said at a press conference late Wednesday evening.
"It wasn't if the girls came home, it has always been when the girls came home," said Banks. "That just goes to tell you the passion in returning these girls home safe."
Banks said a Los Animas County sheriff in Colorado located Miles after receiving a tip that he and the girls were in the area. The sheriff found the vehicle and trailed behind Miles, who started driving erratically.
A traffic stop was initiated on the car after the sheriff called for back-up. The two girls were found safe inside the vehicle and Miles was taken into custody.
Two detectives from the Round Rock police department will fly Thursday morning to Colorado to conduct interviews.
A number of tips from the southern Colorado region has led law enforcement to focus on that area, Banks said. A surveillance video showing the deceased mother's roommate, 44-year-old Terry Allen Miles, at an unidentified local business on Dec. 30 in Trinidad, Colorado had also caused authorities to search the surrounding area.
Authorities called off the Texas Amber Alert earlier on Wednesday and issued one for Colorado instead.
"Somebody out there is going to recognize Terry Miles," said Banks during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. "Someone out there is going to recognize our two sisters, Lily and Lulu. We want somebody to call us. We want to bring those girls home safely."
Authorities launched a search for the children after responding to a welfare concern in the 2600 block of Leslie Court on New Year's Eve, only to find 44-year-old Tonya Bates dead and the two children missing, according to a police press release.
Police initially said they believed Lilianais Victoria Cake Griffith, 14, and Luluvioletta Mariposo Bandera-Magret, 7, were in "grave or immediate danger" after an abduction.
Miles has been wanted both in connection with the missing girls and as a person of interest in their mother's "suspicious" death.
READ ALSO: Baby found safe after mom's car stolen from gas station with child inside
Banks said the two girls were not seen in the surveillance video. He noted that agencies across the country have been working with Round Rock Police Department to locate the two missing girls.
Miles is described as a 6-foot-2-inch, 200-pound white male with hazel eyes, glasses and a beard. He is driving a 2017 Hyundai Accent with a Texas license plate "JGH9845," police said. He was last heard from in Round Rock, a northern suburb of Austin, though police said he could be en route to Louisiana.
READ ALSO: Things to know about the Houston woman accused of murder and kidnapping baby
Griffith is 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, with light brown hair, brown eyes, braces and a stud on the right side of her nose. Bandera-Magret is 4 feet 5 inches tall and 75 pounds, with curly brown hair and brown eyes.
The initial alert covered the Amarillo, Lubbock, El Paso, Midland/Odessa, Austin/San Antonio, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, Fort Worth and Houston-Galveston regions, as well as Norman, Okla. and Shreveport and Lake Charles, La.
Anyone with information about the abduction is asked to call the Round Rock Police Department at (512) 218-5516.
The 75-year-old man who died Tuesday morning in a house fire on the East Side has been identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office.
Arnold Hilton Gibbons died around 9 a.m. at his home in the 200 block of Belmont Avenue, according to the medical examiner's office.
San Antonio Fire Department officials said he was apparently either trying to heat his home with his stove or battling a toaster fire when his shirt ignited.
RELATED: 1 man, 5 pets killed in string of fires in San Antonio
A neighbor noticed smoke rising from Gibbons' home and went to check on him. After the neighbor broke through burglar bars, he saw Gibbons smoldering in the front room of the home, officials said.
The neighbor pulled Gibbons to the doorway of the home, sustaining minor burns to his own hand in the process, and then put out the fire using flour.
It was too late. Gibbons had already sustained severe third-degree burns all over his body and paramedics later pronounced him dead at the scene.
The fire was one of at least 17 San Antonio firefighters resopnded to in the first days of 2017 as area residents attempted to take unusual measures to heat their homes.
Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com
Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns
Austin firefighters on Tuesday showed they don't just have a heart for people, but for animals too.
A crew was sent to rescue a dog who managed to get stuck in a deep concrete structure, according to a Facebook post from the department.
Eight Los Aztecas cartel members were apprehended by Mexican law enforcement officials in December 2017 in connection with 16 killings, El Blog del Narco reported.
The rash of killings reportedly occurred in in the Mexican city of Juarez occurring over a three-month period beginning on October 2017.
A woman being booked into the Bexar County Jail tried making a run for it, though she didn't get very far, according to deputies.
Rosemary Hernandez, 39, was arrested Wednesday afternoon in the 100 block of Alta Sita street after she was accused of stabbing her boyfriend in the neck. She was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
A Frisco man learned his fate Wednesday, almost four months after he pleaded guilty to assaulting and robbing men because they were gay, officials said.
Nigel Garrett, 21, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.
According to the plea deal, Garrett admitted to targeting gay men through the dating app Grindr.
RELATED: BCSO: Woman accused of stabbing boyfriend in the neck escaped jail
Garrett, along with three other conspirators, faced charges of hate crimes, kidnappings, carjackings and the use of firearms to commit violent crimes. The indictment also charged them with conspiring to cause bodily injury because of the victim's sexual orientation.
According to the press release, the four defendants would use the app to arrange meet-ups with gay men. When they'd enter the victims' homes, they would tie them up, assault them, rob them and make derogatory statements about their sexual orientation, authorities said.
The four defendants were responsible for four home invasions in Plano, Frisco and Aubrey, the release says.
"Violence, in any form, is an affront to the American principles of freedom and safety that our communities are entitled to," said Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston. "The Department of Justice has made prosecution of violent crime a priority. The Eastern District of Texas, in prosecuting this case and others like it, intends to demonstrate that this priority is something more than just a slogan."
The three other suspects, Anthony Shelton, Chancler Encalade and Cameron Ajiduah, are still awaiting sentencing, according to the release.
Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA
Police on Wednesday arrested a 31-year-old woman who allegedly rented out her Southwest Side home to smugglers who used it to house undocumented immigrants.
Crystal Perez, was charged with smuggling of persons and an unspecified felony charge. She was booked into the Bexar County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
TEHRAN - Members of Iran's ruling establishment took turns on Thursday assigning blame for what they regard as an embarrassing outbreak of protests this week in more than 80 cities across the country.
Iran's chief prosecutor elaborated on the government's claims that the United States and its allies were responsible for stirring up the violent protests.
The United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia planned the "riots," the prosecutor, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, said on state television, in an effort to "subvert the Iranian government."
"The U.S., the Zionist regime and the Al Sauds were the three sides of this subversive plan, and Saudi Arabia committed to provide money for it," Montazeri said.
Iran's mission to the United Nations also sent a letter to the Security Council on Wednesday complaining about "acts of intervention" by the Trump administration, citing as evidence the president's Twitter posts in support of the protests.
"The president and vice president of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts," the letter read.
More Information U.S. threatens Iran with sanctions The Trump administration condemned Iran's government Thursday for cracking down on protests across the country and warned that the United States has "ample authorities" to impose sanctions in response. At the same time, the United States imposed new sanctions on five Iranian entities over their involvement in developing ballistic missiles. Those sanctions were unrelated to the ongoing protests. Associated Press See More Collapse
The Islamic State - an odd bedfellow for the United States - also played a role, Montazeri said without explaining precisely how. He also called on clerics in the holy city of Qom to support the judiciary in a permanent ban on the messenger app Telegram, now closed in Iran. "It's a disaster," Montazeri said of the social media tool.
Government officials also blamed internal enemies for instigating the protests, with the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seeming to imply that a former hard-line president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was involved.
Whatever Ahmadinejad's role, Iran's reformist faction has accused hard-liners in the city of Mashhad of organizing the first protests to create political problems for Iran's moderate president, Hassan Rouhani. And hard-liners have, in turn, accused Rouhani of publicizing sensitive parts of his proposed budget in a calculated move to turn ordinary people against religious institutions.
"They all blame each other," said Nader Karimi Joni, a reformist journalist. "What else can they do?"
The protests, meanwhile, seemed to be winding down, though there is no sure way to tell.
Fewer videos of purported demonstrations appeared on social media Thursday. But many sites have been blocked, possibly obscuring the true extent of the protests.
SEOUL, South Korea - North Korea reopened a border hotline with South Korea on Wednesday, restoring a channel of direct dialogue and signaling a possible thaw in relations between the two Koreas after years of hair-trigger tensions.
The return of the telephone hotline at the village of Panmunjom, which straddles the Demilitarized Zone, the world's most heavily guarded border, came two days after North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, made a rare overture to the South.
In his New Year's Day speech Monday, Kim continued his nuclear threat against Washington, saying he had a "nuclear button" ready to launch a weapon against any target in the United States. President Donald Trump replied in a Twitter post, boasting of a bigger and more powerful "nuclear button" than Kim's.
But Kim also proposed negotiations with South Korea to discuss easing military tensions on the divided Korean Peninsula and his country's possible participation in the Winter Olympics, which are being held in the South Korean town of Pyeongchang next month.
The fast-moving political developments have given new hope for a warming of ties between the two long-standing enemies.
On Tuesday, South Korea's president, Moon Jae-in, who has called for dialogue with the North since his inauguration in May, quickly embraced Kim's offer of talks.
His government proposed that high-level negotiators from both Koreas meet at Panmunjom next Tuesday to discuss the North's Olympic participation.
Seizing on Kim's outreach, South Korea also urged the North on Tuesday to reopen the Panmunjom hotline so that both sides could start preparations for high-level talks, a proposal the North embraced Wednesday.
"We will connect with the South with a sincere and diligent attitude," Ri Son Kwon, a senior North Korean official, said Wednesday in a statement on state-run television, announcing the hotline's reopening. "We once again express our sincere hope that the Pyeongchang Olympics will be successful."
On Tuesday, when South Korea proposed high-level talks, there was no way to deliver its proposal directly to the North. So, Cho Myoung-gyon, a South Korean Cabinet minister in charge of relations with the North, held a news conference to read out the South's proposal.
Ri's television appearance was the North's response to Cho's news conference. Ri is chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, a North Korean agency that handles relations with the South.
Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday staunchly defended his press secretary's job performance following her recent two-week suspension for conducting personal business on city time and failing to turn over public records requested by a local journalist.
Turner also lectured reporters on the newsworthiness of the city's disciplinary action against Darian Ward, saying other issues are more important than "whether or not somebody did something on an email."
Ward, who was allowed to return to work Dec. 27, sent or received roughly 5,000 emails from her government account related to her company, Joy in Motion Enterprises, or other personal business matters over the last four years, according to a city memo. However, Ward, who at the time was among those responsible for fielding Texas Public Information Act requests for the mayor's office, produced just 30 pages of emails in response to a journalist's October records request.
"Ms. Ward, you misrepresented to the requestor the volume of documents regarding the TPIA request under state law, and you misinformed the chief of staff and me; you spent a significant amount of city time conducting your personal business rather than focusing on your work task," mayoral Communications Director Alan Bernstein wrote Ward on Dec. 11, informing her that she had violated multiple city policies.
The 30 pages of material Ward initially produced included just one responsive email, accompanied by 29 pages of emails about city business, according to the memo. Bernstein then requested the city's Office of Inspector General search Ward's email to ensure her reply to the records request was accurate.
The emails the OIG discovered in Ward's government account included proposals and signed agreements with television and film production companies, as well as "an intense and sustained promotional and development campaign" for a charity for which Ward serves as a board member.
"One of the responses to these emails was from a writer who apparently considered your message to be a charitable donation solicitation," Bernstein wrote. "The respondent said he could not honor such a request from a government employee and/or a government email address."
Bernstein declined to comment on Ward's suspension, which first was reported by KTRK Channel 13, and Ward did not respond to requests for comment.
"It's pretty flagrant," said Daniel Bevarly, executive director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition, based in Missouri. "I'm surprised the mayor retained this individual."
Turner said "no employee ought to be utilizing personal emails on city time," but said he was not concerned about Ward's performance.
"She's done her job extremely well since I've been here, over and above," he said. "I have no question with regard to her work performance."
The mayor, who bristled at reporters' questions about Ward, added that he imposed a stiffer punishment than the city's legal and human resources departments had recommended.
"People are not concerned about some of these other matters that don't touch them," Turner said. "What they are concerned about: Who's going to help me get back and fix my house? And they're concerned about who's going to meet the needs of the vulnerable population like the homeless."
Joy in Motion is registered with the Texas Secretary of State in Ward's name, and Bernstein's memo says Ward acknowledged it is her "own private company."
However, Joy in Motion is not listed on Ward's city financial disclosures for the 2014, 2015 and 2016 calendar years. Ward's position in the mayor's office, for which she earns $93,712 annually, is the only income source listed on any of the three forms.
Houston requires disclosure of any "occupational income" over $250 per source, among other financial interests. Violations are subject to review by the city's ethics commission and are punishable by fines of $100 to $500 per offense.
Former city attorney David Feldman described that requirement as covering "any compensation for work, whether it be as an employee, independent contractor, employee-owner - it doesn't matter."
Sometimes we forget how tough a job pilots actually have.
As Storm Eleanor ravaged across Ireland and the UK yesterday, many flights were delayed or cancelled but a fortunate (or unfortunate, depending on your viewpoint) few managed to reach their destination despite the high winds, although it wasn't exactly a drama free flight.
Graham Kirk was flying from Edinburgh to London City Airport when the pilot had to abort their landing at the last minute, and he caught the moment on camera.
Kirk accompanied the video with the tweet: "LCY: where each flight today comes with a free rollercoaster ride. Very sporting go-around on todays BA8705 from EDI. Someone buy that captain a beer!"
My hope for the new year is that the United States doesnt bluster and blunder its way into a tragic, needless war.
My fear is that the Trump administration is capable of doing just that.
I confess to having paid less attention than I should to the increasingly apocalyptic rhetoric from the administration about the nuclear threat from North Korea. Im not talking about President Donald Trumps juvenile tweets calling Kim Jong Un Little Rocket Man and making fun of his weight. I mean statements by officials such as H.R. McMaster, Trumps national security adviser, who unlike the president is not known for meaningless blather.
The potential for war with North Korea is increasing every day, McMaster said last month at a defense forum. Time is running out for a peaceful solution, he declared in another public appearance. I dont think we can tolerate that risk of a nuclear-armed North Korea with advanced ballistic missiles, he told CBS in an interview.
What is alarming is that the situation McMaster describes as intolerable is the situation that exists today. And while he warns that time is running out for a peaceful end to the standoff, he has also said that there cant be negotiations under these current conditions.
I worry that with such absolutist rhetoric, the United States is ruling out the realistic options for peace and putting us on a path that may lead inexorably to war.
No amount of threatening is likely to make Kim surrender his nuclear weapons, because he sees them as an insurance policy. In a New Years declaration, Kim said his country was moving toward mass production of nuclear weapons and created an opening with direct dialogue with South Korea, potentially driving a wedge between South Korea and and the U.S.
The North Koreans watched as Libyas Moammar Gadhafi and Iraqs Saddam Hussein gave up their nuclear ambitions and ended up being deposed and killed. Kim has no intention of making the same mistake.
North Korea conducted its first nuclear weapons test while George W. Bush was president, four more while Barack Obama was president, and another under Trump. U.S. policy throughout has been remarkably consistent warnings, sanctions, more warnings, more sanctions, attempts at multiparty talks and remarkably futile.
What good does it do for McMaster to say the United States cannot tolerate what it is tolerating? If the United States launches an attack to try to destroy those weapons or take them away, the North Korean regime almost surely would be able to fire off a response that kills many thousands or even millions.
I understand why no U.S. administration wants to be the one to accept the fact that North Korea has joined the exclusive club of nations with nuclear arsenals. But this is, indeed, a fact.
McMaster and others should frame the North Korea situation as a threat to be ameliorated and stop speaking in terms that should be reserved for a full-blown crisis. A threat can be dealt with over time. A crisis, however, requires urgent action.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, to his credit, has been trying to cool things down. He even offered to begin talks with the North Koreans with no preconditions, though this was quickly nixed by the White House.
The obvious solution is some sort of negotiated deal that freezes the North Korean nuclear and missile programs at certain levels. That would mean accepting what the administration now describes as unacceptable, but it would avoid the unthinkable: a bloodbath that could leave not just Pyongyang but much of Seoul, and perhaps Tokyo, in smoking ruins.
Someone should remind Trump that he campaigned on a pledge to end the nations role as the worlds policeman. Since taking office, he has mostly allowed himself to be guided by the generals who surround him McMaster, chief of staff John Kelly, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. On balance, this has been a good thing. But Im increasingly worried by the way the generals talk about North Korea.
Everybody needs to lower the temperature and begin talking in reasonable terms about achievable goals. Something is wrong when the rhetoric from Pyongyang is no more belligerent than what we hear around Washington.
eugenerobinson@washpost.com
President Trump has reprised his demand for border-wall funding in return for his signature on legislation lifting the threat of deportation on immigrants brought here without documents when they were children. And other demands, according to a recent New York Times report, include defunding so-called sanctuary cities and reclassifying visa overstays as criminal, not civil, offenses.
Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle should stand firm in not caving in to his demands. But they should pass permanent legislation for Dreamers this month.
When President Trump scrapped the Deferred Deportation for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in September, he gave Congress six months to come up with a solution. That means deportations of Dreamers could theoretically begin in March, but, realistically, if Dreamers are allowed to stay, the federal government will need plenty of lead time to process paperwork, why legislation is crucial this month.
EDITORIAL: Be wary of border 'takings' for wall
But funding for a border wall, defunding sanctuary cities and criminalizing visa overstays are too high a price to pay for such legislation.
The border wall has cost estimates ranging from $12 billion to $25 billion. But there is simply no wall that will stop people desperate enough to come here. The border already has some 650 miles of wall or fence along its 2,000-mile length and the entire border is already more secure and better resourced than at any time in its history.
Defund sanctuary cities? These are defined as municipalities that refuse to let their police officers and sheriffs deputies essentially become immigration agents. This would undermine the relationships local authorities have with immigrants crimes will go unreported, witnesses will not step forward and an already vulnerable community will become more so.
Criminalizing visa overstays would be similarly counterproductive. It would further clog the judicial system some 40 percent of undocumented immigrants are here because of overstays.
COMMENTARY: Immigration is a larger issue than Dreamers
Some Democrats also are offering a lose-lose proposition. They are threatening to not agree to any measure to fund the federal government past a Jan. 19 deadline if no Dreamer solution is included. In other words, they are threatening government shutdown. This, too, is too high a price.
The solution lies in a clean bipartisan DREAM Act passed before March. There is time. Members on both sides of the aisle should approve such an act and dare the president to refuse to sign it. But, if the president is serious about his stated admiration of and sympathy for Dreamers, he should forego these demands altogether.
Bridgewater House in Carrick-on-Suir town centre has re-opened as a residential centre for people seeking asylum in Ireland and currently accommodates 112 people from Eastern Europe and Africa.
Asylum seekers and their children based at the former Mercy Convent and boarding school complex off Main Street were visited by Santa just before Christmas. They were delighted with the hospitality shown to them. The children received presents and had their photos taken with Santa.
Bridgewater House operated as a "direct provision" centre for asylum seekers and refugees for 15 years before its closure in 2016. At the time, the Department of Justice cited a fall in the number of asylum seekers entering the country as the reason for Bridgewater House's closure.
It re-opened its doors as a residential centre for refugees and asylum seekers on November 24 last. Its residents include asylum seekers, both adults and children, from Albania, Nigeria, Pakistan, The Congo and South Africa.
The property is owned by Millstreet Equestrian Services Ltd., a company run by Cork entrepreneurs Noel C Duggan and his brother Thomas Anthony Duggan. It is leased to the Department of Justice & Equality.
Martina Cronin, Community Liaison representative for Bridgewater House said it was decided to re-open Bridgewater House as other residential centres for asylum seekers around the country were reaching capacity. Alongside this, the shortage of housing nationwide has led to in a delay in people granted asylum in Ireland being able to move out of direct provision centres to permanent accommodation in houses and apartments.
She said the return of asylum seekers to Carrick-on-Suir will greatly benefit businesses in the form of regular orders for food and related services from Bridgewater House.
The increase in the number of cars driving into St. Patrick's Cemetery in Clonmel is damaging graves and causing the road surface to deteriorate, it has been claimed.
District Engineer Eamon Lonergan also told a meeting of Clonmel Borough District that a review of access arrangements to the cemetery needs to take place in 2018.
He added that in his view the provision of a caretaker isn't the solution, considering that two council staff are already employed there on a rotation basis.
Mr. Lonergan made his remarks when he responded to a request by Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose to have the position of cemetery caretaker re-instated, which she said would mean there would be a full-time staff presence there.
Mr. Lonergan stated there were many times when most of the lanes were blocked with cars. This caused issues for council staff trying to maintain the cemetery, not only effectively but safely.
"Undertakers are also finding it difficult to access areas of the cemetery with their hearses during burials", he said.
In the summer of 2015 a plan by the council to ban private vehicles from the cemetery, and restrict access to hearses and vehicles operated by council staff and those erecting headstones, was eventually abandoned after it was met with strong opposition by local people with family and friends buried there.
The District Engineer also told the recent council meeting that Clonmel town had its full allocation of council general operatives employed at present.
For the past five years two members of staff were based in the cemetery on a rotation basis, with a foreman planning and overseeing works there.
Additional council operatives were also present in the cemetery for burial-related works.
"Reports from the foreman and council staff indicate that damage to the graves, headstones and kerbs is mostly occurring at weekends and at night.
Having a caretaker wouldn't prevent these out-of-hours incidents", Mr. Lonergan added.
Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose (pictured above) suggested that, as an interim measure, bollards should be placed at the corners of the lanes where graves were in danger of being damaged.
The cemetery had expanded significantly since 1993, when they last had a caretaker employed there.
She said that a caretaker would oversee the maintenance of the graveyard and ensure that grave kerbstones weren't damaged by negligent drivers.
Cllr. Richie Molloy sad that a caretaker would assist with safety in the cemetery.
Cllr. Pat English said the cemetery operated very well when they had a caretaker.
Aishik Chanda By
Express News Service
KOLKATA: Speaking out for the first time against National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee called the exercise to determine original inhabitants of Assam a conspiracy to expel Bengalis out of Assam and compared NRC with the 1960s ethnic cleansing Bongal Kheda movement.
Addressing a public rally at Amodpur in Birbhum district of West Bengal on Wednesday, the Trinamool Congress supremo warned that ethnic problems in Assam would invariably have effects in West Bengal. I urge BJP not to play with fire. People are being removed from their native land with this conspiracy of NRC. If Bengalis are attacked or expelled from Assam, we would not keep quiet, she warned resulting in a huge applause.
ALSO READ: Conspiracy to axe Bengali-speaking people from Assam, alleges Opposition
She drew comparisons of NRC with the 1960s Bongal Kheda or Expel Bengalis ethnic cleansing movement in Assam when nearly 50,000 Bengalis of Assam had to flee the state and take shelter in West Bengal. Another 14,000 Bengalis fled to West Bengal during the 1972-73 Language Riots in Assam. If Bengalis chose to stay in Assam, they have to be embraced, she said.
Names of more than 70 per cent of Bengali speakers have reportedly not come up in the first draft of NRC, the most affected being Bengali-dominated Barak Valley in south Assam. The CM urged Trinamool Congress MPs to stage a protest at the Parliament on Thursday against NRC.
The West Bengal chief minister also took potshots at the Centre over the Triple Talaaq Bill saying that the bill would deteriorate the condition of Muslim women. The motive behind the bill was political. I warn BJP not to interfere in religious matters, she said. The TMC supremo even went on to claim that only her party could provide security to women.
She also did not miss the opportunity to attack the Centre on Financial Regulatory and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill. They want us to link Adhaar number with the bank account. I would do that only if the Centre promises that the money in my account will be safe and not stolen in the name of FRDI Bill, she said.
Rules for ride-hailing services and conditions for selling event tickets are among a host of new laws set to take effect in Connecticut with the new year.
Also starting Monday, most prescriptions for controlled substances must be submitted to pharmacists electronically, while the Department of Correction cant place most inmates under age 18 on restrictive housing status, commonly referred to as solitary confinement.
Some highlights of legislation that has become law in the state:
Ride-hailing services
With the new year, ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft must register annually with the state Department of Transportation and pay a nonrefundable $50,000 initial fee and subsequent annual renewal fees of $5,000. The same new law gives the DOT commissioner the ability to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew a companys registration for various reasons, including if it engaged in misleading or untruthful advertising.
Ride-hailing services must obtain background checks for their drivers. Companies are barred from signing up drivers who have been convicted in the prior seven years of driving under the influence, fraud, sexual offenses, using a motor vehicle to commit a felony, acts of violence or acts of terror.
Uber, which has operated in the state since April 2014, said it supports the new legislation. Connecticut will be the 43rd state with a comprehensive law addressing ride-sharing companies.
Uber is excited to continue providing Connecticut riders with access to safe, affordable transportation and our Connecticut driver-partners with flexible economic opportunities in 2018, the company said in a statement on Thursday.
Health-related changes
One new law that took effect on Monday expands the range of eligibility for infertility coverage.
Under previous law, coverage was limited to people who are presumably healthy and unable to conceive a child or sustain a successful pregnancy during a one-year period. The new law removes the presumably healthy limitation, extending coverage to more patients.
Another new law requires certain individual and group insurance policies to cover medically necessary inpatient detoxification services for people diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder.
That same law requires most prescriptions for controlled substances to be electronically transmitted. Prescribers had been allowed to issue prescriptions for controlled substances in writing, orally or by electronic transmission.
Margherita Giuliano, executive vice president of the Connecticut Pharmacists Association, said her organization has been working with the state Department of Public Health since October to prepare pharmacists for the new law, which is intended to help reduce the number of fraudulent prescriptions.
Obviously its not going to be totally smooth in the implementation process, Giuliano warned, adding there are exceptions in the new law for prescribers who dont yet have the ability to transmit prescriptions electronically. A lot of the burden is going to fall on the pharmacists to make sure any written prescriptions are legitimate.
We imagine theres going to be a learning curve for the implementation process, she said.
Administrative segregation
Legislation that prohibits Connecticuts Department of Correction from holding most individuals under age 18 on administrative segregation takes effect with the new year.
The bill cleared the Senate on the final day of this years regular legislative session.
At the time, ACLU of Connecticut Executive Director David McGuire said the bill takes an important step toward justice. He said his organization will continue to work toward stopping solitary confinement once and for all in our state.
The new law requires the DOC commissioner to study the use of restrictive housing for inmates and report to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2019. Additionally, the agency must provide annual data on the use of restrictive housing and administrative segregation.
The same law requires the agency, within available appropriations, to provide certain training and promote wellness for correctional employees who interact with inmates.
Ticket sales
A new law that essentially bans so-called paperless ticketing for events in Connecticut took effect on Monday.
Supported by ticket-reselling companies, the law prohibits an original ticket seller from using systems that dont allow purchasers to buy tickets that are transferrable to anyone.
Proponents of the legislation argue that various venues have been using paperless ticketing to make it more difficult for people to transfer or sell their tickets to someone else.
But some venues in Connecticut have complained the new law ultimately will make tickets more expensive for consumers.
Champaign, IL (61820)
Today
A few showers early then thundershowers this afternoon. High 71F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..
Tonight
Rain showers this evening with clearing overnight. Low 59F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
New Delhi: State-run lenders Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India and UCO Bank on Wednesday received board approvals to raise a total of Rs 2,348 crore by selling shares to the government, said the banks in a stock exchange filing.
The government on November 28, had informed each of these banks that it has allocated capital to them.
Banks, especially state-owned lenders, are needed in of capital to not only meet regulatory requirements under the so-called Basel III norms, which will be fully implemented from April 2019 but also to clean up their stressed balance sheets. Indian banks are sitting on a stressed asset pool of over Rs 10 trillion.
With these three banks, the government has now allotted a total of Rs 7,577 crore to six public sector banks, all of whom are under the Reserve Bank of Indias prompt corrective action (PCA). The other three banks are IDBI Bank, Dena Bank and Bank of India. Of these, IDBI Bank has got the highest allocation of Rs 2,729 crore.
The central bank has put lenders under PCA owing to their weak financial health as bad loans soared and return on assets turned negative. Fall in capital levels below the regulatory prescription can also lead to the initiation of PCA.
PCA forces banks to step up recoveries of bad loans, reduce risky loans, strengthen capital base and restrict branch expansion, among other measures, in order to improve balance sheet health.
The capital allocation comes at a time when the government is yet to announce the final details of the recapitalisation bonds. In October, finance minister Arun Jaitley had announced a Rs 2.11 trillion bank recapitalisation plan for state-owned lenders weighed down by bad loans, seeking to stimulate the flow of credit to spur private investment.
Out of the total commitment, Rs 1.35 trillion is expected to come from the sale of so-called recapitalisation bonds. The remaining Rs76,000 crore will be through budgetary allocation and fundraising from the markets.
New Delhi: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is going to issue new Rs 10 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series with chocolate brown colour as the base. The new note will bear the picture of the Konark Sun Temple.
The apex bank has already printed around 1 billion pieces of the new note, according to people familiar with the matter.
RBI said the new denomination has motif of Sun Temple, Konark, on the reverse, depicting the country's cultural heritage. The note has other designs, geometric patterns aligning with the overall colour scheme, both at the obverse and reverse, it said.
The design was approved by the government last week. The change in design in the old Rs 10 note was last made in 2005. In August last year, RBI had introduced the new Rs 200 and Rs 50 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series.
The move to reintroduce lower denomination notes in a new design comes after the governments plan to get rid of counterfeiting.
On 8 November 2016, the government announced demonetisation to withdraw Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currency notes, amounting to around 86% of the currency in circulation of Rs 17.9 trillion. Since then, RBI has replaced these with the new Rs 2000 notes and redesigned Rs 500 notes.
RBI has printed 16.96 billion pieces of Rs 500 notes and 3.6 billion pieces of Rs 2,000 notes as on December 8, according to information given by the finance ministry in Lok Sabha. The total value of such notes translates into Rs 15.79 trillion.
RBI data show currency in circulation was Rs 16.71 trillion as on December 22. This is about 94.4% of the Rs 17.7 trillion that was in circulation on 4 November 2016.
RBIs annual report for fiscal 2016-17 also showed that the volume of banknotes increased by 11.1% mainly due to higher infusion of banknotes of lower denomination following demonetisation. The governments rationale behind the move is to check fake notes which had seen a significant jump since 2008. From 195,000 pieces in fiscal year 2008, the number of counterfeit notes increased to 632,000 pieces in 2015-16.
If you ever wonder about the power of the Right To Information (RTI) Act, this should be the answer.
It was just one RTI application, which has demolished the central governments entire case in support of pictorial health warnings to cover 85 percent of cigarette boxes and other tobacco products.
The RTI application, filed in August 2016, had asked the Union Health Ministry three questions:
Whether the pictorial warning is a real image of a human being or a representational one?
Who provided the images to the department for the purpose of prescribing the pictorial warning?
How many medically approved cases have been detected in India where the patients with mouth cancer have suffered the damage equal
to the damage shown in the pictorial warning?
The ministry had a common answer: No such specific information/data is available.
The RTI reply from the government convinced the Karnataka High Court that the ministry lacked reasons why the pictorial health warning should cover 85% and not 40%, as it was before the 2014 regulation, and hence the regulations were quashed.
The aforesaid answers clearly establish that there was no scientific approach adopted while choosing 85% as the size of the warning. No material has been placed before this court by the respondents to establish that if the size of the warning is 85%, it would have the effect of dissuading smokers or potential smokers from using/consuming tobacco products, held the HC division bench.
Both the judges on the bench, Justice BS Patil and Justice BV Nagarathna, felt persuaded that the RTI response has disclosed that no methodical or reasoned approach was followed by the Health Ministry before prescribing the 85% pictorial health warning norm under The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Amendment Rules, 2014 (COTPA).
This regulation, which has now been quashed by the HC, had come into effect from April 1 last year following a spate of protests from tobacco industries.
Citing the RTI application, Justice Nagarathna held: It becomes clear that neither was there any basis nor any application of mind to prescribe specified health warning to be 85% of the principal display area on both sides of the package. In the absence of there being any material, which has been considered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, I find prescription of 85% of the principal display area of the package containing the specified warning is arbitrary and in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution.
Writing a separate but concurring judgment, Justice Patil also relied upon the RTI reply to hold that the amendment rule was bad in law and could not be sustained.
As is evident from the reply dated 27.09.2016 given pursuant to an RTI Application dated 26.08.2016, there was no concrete material available before the Health Ministry based on which decision was taken to prescribe the pictorial warning. This amply demonstrates that uniform prescription of 85% specified warning in respect of all these tobacco products was devoid of any basis, said Justice Patil.
The bench also dismissed the governments argument that the size of the warning was a matter of policy, in which courts may not interfere.
The judges pointed out that a balance would have to be struck between the right to advertise on the package -- as a right under Article 19(1) (g) for the freedom to carry on trade and commerce -- and the reasonable restriction on exercise of this right.
Deciding a bunch of petitions, the HC has recently quashed the new regulation which required the tobacco packets to have 85% pictorial health warning on them. Appeal against this order has been moved in the Supreme Court, which will take up the matter on January 8.
Vidisha: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists clashed with police in Vidisha of Madhya Pradesh after they refused to back down from reciting Bharat Mata aarti inside a missionary college here.
For the last fortnight, activists of the right-wing student organisation have been visiting schools and colleges in the state reciting Bharat Mata aarti to instil a sense of patriotism among students.
As part of that campaign, the student workers reached St Marys PG College in Vidisha where they were denied permission by the college director, Father Shaju Devassy. The college was already given police protection to stop ABVP from storming in as the organisation had made their intentions clear in advance.
ABVP activists, however, refused to budge from their demand and tried reciting the aarti on the college gate. This led to police force present there to lathicharge them. Clashes continued for some hours after and some protesters were detained by the police.
Heavy police force was deployed at the college as ABVP has given prior intimation of forcefully entering the college for reciting the aarti.
ABVP leader Surendra Singh Chauhan, who led the agitation, said that as part of their campaign, they reached St Marys PG College but were denied permission to sing the aarti by the administration which was insult to nationalism. The college director connived with police and administration to put pressure on us, he alleged.
Anil Suchari, district collector, Vidisha, told the media that its a minority institution and no event could take place inside the college campus without the permission of the institute.
ABVP national executive member Ankit Garg told News18 that their activists reached the college after getting complaints that the college was denying permission to sing Vande Matarm, Bharat Mata aarti and other such songs.
Is it a crime to sing Bharat Mata aarti anywhere in India? he said.
No ABVP worker was detained, he said, adding that those detained by the police were not ABVP workers.
New Delhi: The latest statistics on pendency of cases, at all levels of courts across the country, makes it evident that a lot requires to be done to fulfil the mandate of speedy justice.
The data, collated from the web-portal of National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) and the court websites, indicates not much has changed in the last few years although the huge pendency of cases have taken the centre stage in several deliberations between the judiciary and the government.
Over 30% of cases in the Supreme Court are more than five-year-old
As per the information made available by the Supreme Court of India to the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, the total number of pending cases in the apex court as on December 18 was 54,719.
The number of cases pending in the court for more than 5 years was 15,929, which is more than 29 per cent of the cases. Those waiting for disposal for more than 10 years constituted 1,550 cases.
If the data were compiled separately for cases pending for more than 5 years and more than 10 years respectively, over 32 per cent cases i.e. around one-third of total cases in the top court have been hanging fire for more than 5 years.
Recently, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra has written to chief justices of all 24 high courts to have benches even in the vacation to expedite criminal appeals and decide cases on a fast-track basis. There is also an Arrears Committee in the Supreme Court to formulate steps for reducing pendency of cases in high courts and district courts.
But in the Supreme Court, the CJI happens to be the first among the equals in his judicial powers. Therefore, a consultative and collaborative approach would be the need of the hour to make an appeal to the brother and sister judges in the apex court for speeding up the disposal of old cases. Moreover, there are six vacancies of judges in the apex court and filling them up would definitely be helpful in tacking the pendency.
On average,1.65 lakh cases pending in every high court
According to the statistics available on NJDG, as on December 26, more than 34.27 lakh cases were pending in high courts, excluding High Courts of Allahabad and Jammu & Kashmir. Data available on the Uttar Pradesh governments law departments website disclosed pendency of more than 3.2 lakh.
Thus, a total of 37.47 lakh cases are pending in 23 high courts, with an average of around 1.65 lakh each.
The data further showed that out of 34.27 lakh pending cases, 7.46 lakh cases almost 22 per cent, were 5 to 10 years old. Another 6.42 lakh cases, which constituted around 19 per cent were more than 10 years old. Combined together, 40 per cent pending cases in the high courts have been waiting disposal for at least 5 years now.
A look at the working strength of the high courts may indicate one of the chief reasons for this whopping pendency. At present, the high courts are working with less than two-third of their approved strength.
There is a staggering vacancy of 395 judges against the approved strength of 1,079 across the 24 high courts a shortage of more than 36 per cent. There are certain high courts, such as Calcutta HC, Karnataka HC, Chhattisgarh HC, Manipur HC and Meghalaya HC where the vacancy is almost 50 per cent of the approved strength of judges. Further, nine high courts do not have the regular chief justices appointed for want of recommendation from the Supreme Court collegium, headed by the CJI.
2.6 crore cases pending in subordinate courts across country
Showing no sign of improvement from the previous three years, the pendency in subordinate courts remains at an alarming figure of 2.6 crore as on December 26. This figure does not include cases pending in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Puducherry and Lakshadweep,
The backlog has remained between 2.2 to 2.8 crore in the last three years and despite all the measures adopted, it has shown no sign of decline for the year 2017.
Uttar Pradesh topped this list with 61.58 lakh pending cases almost one-fourth of the total number. This is followed by Maharashtra (33.22 lakh), West Bengal (17.59 lakh), Bihar (16.58 lakh) and Gujarat (16.45 lakh). This has been the trend in the last three years and the top five states with enormous pendency have just maintained their position.
Subordinate judiciary, unfortunately, suffers from the same handicap that has been plaguing the functioning of high courts acute shortage of judicial officers.
According to the information made available by the high courts and respective state governments, as on November 30, the sanctioned strength of Judicial Officers of District and Subordinate Courts was 22,677, and the vacant posts was 5,984 (26.38%).
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat, three states among the five with maximum pendency, also figured in the list of top five states with highest vacancy of judicial officers.
The statistics are a testimony of the fact that an improvised methodology will have to be resorted to for unclogging the judicial system. There have been conferences, letters and projects between the government and the judiciary but the momentum is still lacking while the backlog soars.
With increase in awareness, litigations are bound to go up and thus, it is trite that a multi-pronged approach is required to simultaneously reduce the pendency with promptitude.
Filling up of vacancies in subordinate judiciary and the manner of their functioning is primarily the responsibility of the high court concerned and the state governments, whereas it is the Supreme Court Collegium that makes the recommendation for appointment of judges in high courts and the apex court.
All the stakeholders ought to put their heads together, ignoring the technicalities and turf, if access to justice becomes a realisation and not just a distant goal after six decades of independence. And the justice must come when it matters the most, for justice delayed is justice denied.
Guwahati/Kolkata: The Assam Police on Thursday registered an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on complaints over her allegation that the Centre was conspiring to drive Bengalis out of Assam with the state's National Register of Citizens (NRC) that is being updated.
The police FIR sparked an angry response from the Trinamool Congress(TMC) which said such an action would not stop her from fighting for the cause of the Bengalis, while the BJP accused Banerjee of trying to make an "issue out of a non-issue" for reaping political dividends.
The BJP government in Assam condemned Banerjee's statement, saying it was "derogatory, insulting to the people of Assam and against the Constitution as well as the spirit of the Supreme Court."
Numerous groups staged protests across Assam condemning the statement by the TMC chief. At several places, including in Tinsukia and Biswanath, Banerjee's effigies were burnt.
At a meeting in Ahmedpur in West Bengal yesterday, Banerjee accused the NDA government at the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of December 31.
"I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire... This is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.80 crore people from the state," she had said. The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration.
Deputy Commissioner (Central) of Guwahati Police Ranjan Bhuyan told PTI, "Latasil police station received a complaint regarding an alleged speech of the West Bengal chief minister.
We have registered the complaint and will carry out the investigation as per law."
The complaint was filed by Gauhati High Court advocate Tailendra Nath Das and the police have registered an FIR under Section 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code, he added.
The section pertains to promoting enmity among groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
Das also accused Banerjee of contempt of the apex court as the update of the NRC is being done under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court.
A similar complaint was filed by another person and it would be merged with the registered FIR, the police said.
Yet another complaint was filed at the Dispur police station in the city by Krishak Shramik Unnayan Parishad President Pradeep Kalita alleging that the chief minister was spreading enmity between people through her speech.
"We have received the complaint at Dispur, but have not registered a case as yet...The police are looking into the matter before registering a case as the place of occurrence is outside the state," said Deputy Commissioner(East) of Guwahati Police Mohneesh Mishra.
Assam government spokesperson and cabinet minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed her speech against the NRC update as "politically motivated" and made to "appease her vote bank".
"We condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee. It is derogatory and insulting to people of Assam. It is against the Constitution and the spirit of the Supreme Court," Patowary told a press conference in Guwahati.
Responding to Banerjee's allegation of a conspiracy to drive Bengali speaking people out of Assam, Patowary asked her to submit evidence to the Supreme Court.
TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said if the BJP and Assam government think that they can stop the party and Banerjee from fighting for the cause of Muslims then they are living in a "fool's paradise".
"Such police cases and FIRs won't be able to stop Mamata Banerjee and TMC from fighting for the cause of Bengalis. We have seen such tactics to drive out Bengalis from Assam. If the Bengalis are in danger then Mamata Banerjee and TMC won't sit idle," said Chatterjee, who is also the state parliamentary affairs minister.
The West Bengal BJP unit slammed Banerjee for her statement.
"The allegations made by the chief minister are completely baseless. Nothing of that sort is being done. Such allegations are made just to get political dividends out of it," its president Dilip Ghosh said.
The TMC is trying to make an issue out of a non-issue, just like they had done in the case of demonetisation and GST, Ghosh said.
Assam BJP unit urged the NRC authorities to file a complaint in the Supreme Court against Banerjee for her comments.
Another senior state BJP leader, who did not want to be identified, said that Banerjee instead of making a hue and cry should take lessons from Assam.
"We very well know that West Bengal has turned into a safe haven for Jihadis under TMC regime. So instead of shouting over the NRC, the TMC should take lessons from it," the BJP leader said.
New Delhi: In September 2016, in the aftermath of the Uri terror attacks, he was leading the planning and execution of the Indian Armys surgical strikes against terror pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Over a year since the 2016 strikes and hours after the BSF avenged the killing of a BSF jawan and destroying three Pakistan Army posts, Lt Gen (retired) DS Hooda, the man behind one of Indias most decisive military missions, speaks to News18s Uday Singh Rana about the sustainability of cross-border strikes.
You led Indias surgical strikes in September 2016. What was the difference and similarity between that strike and the one late on Wednesday night, in which BSF killed 15 Pakistan Rangers?
There are many options that the Army has while responding to such attacks. I dont think the terminology is very important here. The fact is that the action has been taken. We say there is a certain sanctity to the Line of Control. But if we have people from Pakistan coming in every day, with ceasefire violations taking place every day, then that sanctity is completely lost.
It was said that cross-border strikes would be an exception rather than the rule. Why, then, are they happening more often from both sides?
Im not sure if we can say its happening more often. It has happened in the past. It isnt the first time that the Pakistanis have crossed over to our side. As far as learning lessons are concerned, I dont think the aim was to stop Pakistan from supporting terrorism in Kashmir. The intention was to tell them that there are terrorists on your side and they shouldnt feel secure. We also needed to send across a message to our own countrymen. If something happens on our side that does not mean that the Army would sit quietly.
Lt Gen (retd) Panag compared Indias military strategy of cross-border strikes to a Kabaddi match. Do you think thats a fair comparison to make?
What should be the response to actions like this? What is expected from us? Will the Indian Army sit on its hands? The Army should take a call on what they can do and when they can do it. We cant keep sitting in our own territory and not respond to actions that are clearly sponsored by the Pakistani army. The responsibility of bringing calm to the LoC lies with Pakistan. We have always told them that if they want things to calm down, they should keep a check on things that are happening on their side.
Can this be a long-term strategy? Can India sustain it?
To me, it should carry on as long as there is a need to put pressure on Pakistan. It is definitely sustainable, we have enough capability and enough troops on the ground. Do we want to continue this? Well, the ball is in Pakistans court. The Indian Army is not happy that there is violence because the people who are dying are our comrades.
So we cant even say when this confrontation will end?
Absolutely not. The prerogative lies with Pakistan, not India.
New Delhi: The judge trying RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in a fodder scam case in Ranchi revealed on Thursday that he had got several phone calls from his party loyalists.
CBI Judge Shiv Pal Singh said he got phone calls from Yadav's men but didn't specify what was said to him.
"I got many references for you but don't worry, I will follow only law," he told Yadav.
The comment was made after the court deferred the pronouncement of quantum of punishment in the Deogarh treasury case to Friday.
When Singh asked if he had any problem with his decision to defer pronouncement of sentencing, Yadav said, No, sir I will come whenever you want. I will happily come. Dont direct to produce me through video conferencing.
Responding, the judge said, Dont worry. Nobody will know the timing when I will summon you.
The case relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.
While the sentencing of Prasad was deferred, the arguments on quantum of sentence of IAS officer Beck Julius, political leader Jagdish Sharma, former treasury officer Krishna Kumar Prasad, fodder transporter/suppliers Gopinath Das and Jyoti Kumar Jha, ended on Thursday.
On a plea by three former IAS officers Julius, Phoolchand Singh and Mahesh Prasad the court directed to lodge them in the higher division of Birsa Munda jail where Yadav is.
In all, 16 people along with Yadav were convicted in the case on December 23 while six others, including former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, were acquitted in the case.
New Delhi: Lack of numbers and consensus in the Rajya Sabha may force the Centre to send the Triple Talaq Bill to a Select Committee of the House.
The Bill, which criminalises instant divorce among Muslims with a three year penal provision, was passed by the Lok Sabha last week. Most of the opposition parties, including the Congress, had supported the passage of the Bill in the lower house with some reservations.
BJPs absolute majority in the Lok Sabha helped the ruling dispensation in the easy passage of legislation. The statute when brought to the Rajya Sabha faced some stiff resistance on Wednesday when a collective opposition insisted on sending the Bill to the Select Committee.
A motion to this effect was moved by Anand Sharma of the Congress and Sukhendu Shekhar Roy of the Trinamool Congress.
The governments position on the issue was articulated by Leader of the House and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. The BJP accused the opposition of impeding a progressive legislation which was passed and supported by the Congress in the LS. The government accused the opposition of showing double standards.
"The Bill should not be referred to a select committee because two of the SC judges who said it was not unconsitutional but held it to be unfair, used their extraordinary power to suspend this practice for six months and the period would be over in February. It was suspended under Article 142. The court beseeched all political parties and asked a law to be brought in", Jaitley said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
But with smaller regional parties like DMK, NCP, BJD, TMC and SP joining hands in seeking larger consultations, the government may, it seems, finally concede.
The Select Committee with members from all major parties may delve into the legislation and present its report in the Budget Session of Parliament.
Based on the recommendation of the committee, the government may amend the Bill in its attempt to seek larger consensus on the issue.
Jammu: A day after a BSF jawan was killed in Jammu in unprovoked firing by Pakistan, India hit back, destroying three Pakistan Army posts. According to sources, over 10 Pakistan Rangers were killed in the BSF action that took place late on Wednesday night.
"Post injury to BSF trooper Head Constable R P Hazra from unprovoked fire by Pak forces on Jammu IB in Samba sector yesterday, the retaliation continued till late night," the BSF said in a statement.
BSF Jammu (IG) refused to confirm the number of Pakistan Rangers killed. We have inflicted heavy damage to both infrastructure and life in Pakistan. At least four of their BoPs have been destroyed," he said.
The BSF statement said that Pak mortar positions were located, targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers.
Intelligence agencies suspect that the recent round of firing could be a tactic by Pakistan to provide cover fire to intruding terrorists. "This morning, despite dense fog in the R S Pura area troopers detected an intrusion attempt around 5:45am. The intruder was neutralized around 7am. Complete area is cordoned off. Search will commence after fog gets clear," BSF said.
Responding to the incident, the Pakistani Army issued a statement, saying, "Indian Army fired unprovoked in the Zafarwal Sector. They targeted innocent civilians and three people were injured. In response, Pakistan targeted an Indian post, killing one soldier and injuring two. The post was neutralised."
Washington: An Indian doctor has been sentenced to 10 months behind bars in the US for groping two teenage female patients and faces deportation to India after the completion of his jail term.
Arun Aggarwal, 40, was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to four counts of gross sexual imposition. Aggarwal, formerly a doctor at Dayton Children's Hospital in Ohio, inappropriately touched two teens during medical examination between 2013 and 2015, the government attorney said.
Designated as a Tier I sex offender, Aggarwal was arrested when he was allegedly trying to flee the country.
In a statement, the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Leon Daidone alleged that the local hospital did not report the incident to the police.
Aggarwal now faces deportation to India.
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here.
Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latter's visit to Israel in July last year.
Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said.
As Netanyahu prepares for his four-day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi.
The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately $111,000).
Modi and Netanyahu had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Israel.
"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration.
Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.
It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of seawater and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.
The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.
"There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted.
The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has deployed additional police in Mangaluru area after a 28-year-old youth was hacked to death on Wednesday. The deceased, Deepak Rao was found at around 1pm at Katipalla in Dakshina Kannada district, about 14 kms from Mangaluru. The situation remained tense in the area following the incident. The local RSS group had claimed that Deepak was an active volunteer for their organisations.
We have senior police officers in the area to monitor the situation. The situation is under control now, Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy told media on Thursday.
Three people were injured in violence that followed the incident and two among them were hospitalised. Shops remained closed in the area after the incident came to light.
The youth was on his bike when he was hacked to death by four unidentified men near his office. He had grievous injuries on his body, the police said. Within hours after his death, four men were arrested by the Mangaluru police in connection with the murder from Moodbidri, around 30 kms from Katipalla, where Deepaks body was found. Deepak worked with a SIM card/currency recharge retailer.
Although he was not a member, Deepak was an active volunteer for all our programmes, said Surya Narayan, state co-ordinator, Bajrang Dal. The RSS and Bajrang Dal have accused the PFI to be behind the murder.
Deepak's family stated that he was not associated with any organisation and maintained a good relationship with everyone.
However, the police are yet to ascertain the allegiance of the deceased and the accused to any organisation.
The BJP has accused the Congress government of providing support to the party/elements involved in heinous crimes and terror organisations.
Hours after the murder, BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje tweeted, One more Hindu hacked to death near Mangaluru. No value for a Hindus life. Jihadi forces operating without any fear. Where are you Mr CM @siddaramaiah?
The brutal murder of Deepak comes less than a month after the body of 21-year-old Paresh Mesta was found from a lake in Honnavara, days after he went missing following communal tension in the area. The BJP had claimed that he too was their activist.
New Delhi: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lauded the efforts of North Korea and its dictator Kim Jong Un for not bowing down to the pressure being imposed by the United States.
"North Korea has been following a tough anti-US agenda. North Korea has successfully defended the pressure imposed by US," Vijayan said at the CPI(M) Kozhikode district committee meeting, reported ANI.
It was only last month that the Leftist party in Kerala was left red-faced after posters in Keralas Nedumkandam, Idukki district, announced a party gathering with a massive image of Kim Jong.
The posters were removed soon after it started drawing the attention of many, including the BJP.
Earlier, a bitter war of words had started between Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump when the formers said on Monday that the United States should be aware that his country's nuclear forces are now a reality, not a threat.
"The US should know that the button for nuclear weapons is on my table," he said during a speech.
To this Trump retaliated in a tweet and said, Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!
Trump launched the highly personal missive on Twitter hours after his ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley described a proposed dialogue between the two Koreas as a "band-aid" and said Washington would never accept a nuclear-armed Pyongyang.
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has ordered closure of a controversial private school in Ernakulam district for teaching objectionable and extremist content to children.
Peace International school allegedly taught their students extremist ideology, encouraging their students to give up their lives for Islam.
A case was registered against the school in 2016 for teaching objectionable content to the students and for promoting enmity among different groups on the basis of religion.
The school first came under the scanner after 21 people went missing from the state to reportedly Join ISIS. Abdul Rasheed, one of the 21 missing, is suspected to be the person who lead this group and co-ordinated them. He was working with the Peace International School and his wife Yasmin Ahmad, also missing, had earlier taught at the school.
For instance, in a second class textbook, students are asked if they are willing to give their life for Islam. M M Akbar, an Islamic preacher and MD of the school, is currently in Qatar. Police are trying to bring him back to the state.
The textbook was compiled by Burooj Realization, an Islamic education institution based in Mumbai, and police have arrested two publishers in the case. There are also allegations that the organisation has links with controversial preacher Zakir Naik.
The governments move came after the police department and the education department submitted reports stating that objectionable content is being taught to students and that the school should be closed.
Apart from this, the investigation found that the school did not follow NCERT, CBSE OR SCERT textbooks.
Bokaro: Binod Kumar, an executive engineer with Bokaro Steel Plant, was abducted from Mokama and forced to marry a girl against his will on the gun point which is popularly known as Pakadua Vivah in Bihar.
A month after the incident, the victims family approached Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Manu Maharaj for protection as they fear reprisal from strongman Surendra Yadav who allegedly played the key role in this forced marriage.
The incident came to light when the video of the marriage surfaced after which the girls family approached Binod for settlement and accept the marriage.
Narrating the sequence of events Binods brother Sanjay told News18, My brother boarded Hatia-Patna express from Bokaro as he had to attend a wedding function near Patna on December 3. Surendra Yadav persuaded him to come to Mokama and he agreed. He was abducted there and taken to Pandarak where my brother was forced to marry a girl.
Binod can be seen wailing in the video pleading for help to free him amid few women performing marriage rituals. He was thrashed and forced to apply vermillion on brides head.
Screen-grab from the viral video
However, girls brother Umesh Prasad denied that it was a forced marriage saying, We know Binod for a long time and even had initiated talks with his father and extended marriage proposal. After his fathers death Binod was ready for marriage and it was a planned event.
However, he became evasive when asked about the marriage video in which the groom was being thrashed. I do not know about any video. He is now opposing this marriage at the behest of his brother. I wish they live a happy married life.
The role of the local police has also come under the scanner. Sanjay lodged a complaint with Pandarak police station when his brother did not reach home as planned and instead got a call from an unknown number who informed about the marriage.
Pandarak police told us that Pakadua Vivah is common among Ahirs and tried to force upon a compromise formula under pressure from Surendra Yadav who boasts his link with jailed RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav, Sanjay said.
Then he approached Patna SSP Manu Maharaj on whose direction Pandarak Police freed Binod from the village where he was kept after the forced marriage.
After a month of the incident, Binod and his brother are getting threat calls to accept the girl and take her along. On Wednesday, Binod approached Patna city SP Amarkesh to seek protection.
We are looking into it and will take action against the culprits. We are also probing the role of the local police, Amarkesh told News18.
According to an official report, a total of 2,877 incidents of kidnapping for marriages were reported in 2016, 3,001 incidents in 2015, 2,533 in 2014 and 2,922 in 2013. The districts notorious for such forced marriages include Begusarai, Patna, Lakhisarai, Munger, Jehanabad, Gaya, Nawada, Sheikhpura and Arwal.
New Delhi: Kulbhushan Jadhav was kidnapped from near Chabahar port in Iran by Jaish-ul-Adl, a terror outfit which allegedly has close links with the Pakistan Army. This revelation punches holes in Pakistans stand that Jadhav is an Indian spy.
According to sources in the Indian security establishment, Jadhav was kidnapped by Mullah Omar Irani of Jaish-ul-Adl from Sarbaz city, around 52km from Chabahar. Irani then handed over Jadhav to the Pakistan Army.
Jaish-ul-Adl is believed to be fighting against Baloch insurgents along with the Pakistan Army and commanders of the terror outfit visit Islamabad frequently.
The sources added that Jaish-ul-Adl collects money from Pakistans embassies in Iran and Bahrain. The terrorist organisation works closely with Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Lashkar-e-Khurasan.
This revelation comes on a day when the Pakistan Foreign Office released a new video of Jadhav on wherein he is purportedly seen thanking the Pakistan government for allowing him to meet his mother and wife.
The video has been released just a few days after the Pakistan Foreign Office released photos of Jadhav meeting his wife and mother in Islamabad. In the video, Jadhav appears to be saying that his mother and wife were happy to meet him.
She was satisfied with my health. I am okay here and they dont harm me, Jadhav is heard saying. Questions are being raised on the authenticity and timing of the video.
While there has been no statement from Jadhavs family, a friend of the former Navy officer told News18 that Jadhav is under pressure. The last time the family met him, the photos showed that he had injuries. So, now they are on a back foot. This video looks like Pakistan is putting pressure on him to make a statement. This is an old game of our neighbour, said Sachin Suresh Kale, Jadhavs friend.
Earlier, Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Pakistan military court. The issue has become yet another point of contention between the two countries. Arrested on March 3 last year by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan, Jadhav was termed as a spy of Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and serving officer in the Indian Navy by Pakistan.
The claim has been refuted by the Indian government, which has stated that Jadhav was a former Navy officer, who had nothing to do with the government. Reacting strongly to Jadhavs sentencing, India has said that if the ruling was carried out, the government and people of India will regard it as a case of premeditated murder.
The issue recently echoed in both Houses of Indian Parliament where all parties came together to condemn the indefensible verdict of Pakistan military court. India has also raised the issue in International Court of Justice.
Jan 04, 2018 11:12 (IST)
Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien said the BJP did not want the bill to be passed in the Rajya Sabha and its "double standards" were exposed when it "disrupted". "What happened in the Rajya Sabha was historic. The government created disruptions in the Rajya Sabha. They are not interested in passing the bill. The BJP is playing dirty politics over women, over religion. This is the only way to expose the double standards of the BJP." "We believe the bill should be passed. But before that it should be sent to a select committee as the government has not consulted any stakeholder. The select committee can meet different stakeholders, women organisations, get their views and improve the bill and then the bill can be passed," he said.
In the Upper House, opposition parties such as the Congress, TMC, CPI(M), CPI, SP, BSP, DMK, AIADMK and BJD, along with the BJP's ally TDP, today moved a motion asking the bill to be sent to a select committee.
Mumbai: In a fresh development, Mumbai Police have cancelled an event that was to be attended by newly-elected Gujarat MLA and Dalit crusader Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid, amid massive protests at the venue.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra police have also registered an FIR against the two under Sections 153(a) (punish persons who indulge in wanton vilification or attacks upon the religion, race, etc), 505 (whoever makes, publishes or circulates any statement, rumour or report with an intent to cause hurt) and 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public) at the Vishrambaug police station in Pune.
Police have detained several students from the event venue in Mumbai and imposed Section 149 of IPC to prevent unlawful assembly. High voltage drama followed the event cancellation and students took to the streets and launched a massive protest outside the college. The All India Students Summit event was scheduled at the Mithibai College in Vile Parle for Thursday morning.
Organisers have alleged that despite taking prior permission, the police did not allow the event to take place.
Police denied permission in the wake of protests and bandh in the state on Tuesday-Wednesday following violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago at Bhima Koregaon in Pune, a senior police official said.
Mevani was present at the 200th anniversary event to commemorate the battle of Bhima-Koregaon that saw attacks on Dalits and led to violence in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra and an ensuing bandh. A complaint was filed against both Mevani and Khalid for making alleged provocative speeches at the event.
Violence erupted in Pune district when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company defeated the Peshwa's Army.
New Delhi: Members in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday condemned the spate of caste violence in Maharashtra and demanded an impartial and speedy judicial inquiry to punish the culprits.
The House, which had witnessed disruption of proceedings over the issue yesterday, today held a brief discussion when several members appealed for peace and unity among the various sections of the society.
Initiating the discussion, Rajani Patil of Congress alleged that atrocities against Dalits had taken place under the watch of the Maharashtra government and demanded setting up of a commission to investigate the entire incident.
She also alleged that people behind the violence were associated with "Hinduwadi" outfits and demanded action against them.
Earlier, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had asked the members to help bring the situation under control and not say anything which may escalate tension.
"Our approach should be to see that tempers come down and the situation is brought back to normalcy. We should not accelerate the tension. After all, it is a social conflict," he said.
A Navaneethakrishnan (AIADMK) said the country should concentrate on development instead of caste and religious issues.
Nadimul Haque (TMC) said the Maharashtra matter is not an isolated incident and a pattern is emerging. "This political lynching should immediately stop," he said while demanding an impartial judicial inquiry.
Dilip Kumar Tirkey (BJD) demanded immediate action those involved in the violence against Dalits.
CPI-M leader T K Rangarajan alleged "tactical" support of the Maharashtra administration, ruling party and the police for the incident.
He said an inquiry into the incident should be conducted by a sitting Supreme Court judge.
Veer Singh (BSP) blamed "bhagwa jhandadhari" (saffron flag bearers) for the violence and seconded the demand of Rangarajan for a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge of the apex court.
NCP chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar apprised the House about the history of the Bhima- Koregaon event and the sentiments of Dalits associated with it.
The veteran leader said he could recall that in the past 50 years, no violent incident has taken place, but this time, unfortunately, stone-pelting was done on a massive gathering.
Pawar said the state administration should have been more vigilant as a large gathering was expected in Pune and asked people to forget the incident and move one.
He suggested that everyone should cooperate to bring about peace and harmony among the different sections of the society, amid thumping of desks by members of both ruling and opposition parties.
DMK member Kanimozhi said the violence should not be looked as an "isolated incident" and efforts should be made to find a "long-term solution" for safety and security of Dalits.
BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena too termed the incident as unfortunate and appreciated the state government's "patience" in dealing with the situation.
Sanjay Raut (SS) said all such incidents should be not linked with Hindu organisations and alleged that an "invisible hand" is working to divide and rule the society.
D Raja (CPI), Ramdas Athavale (RPI), Amar Shankar (BJP), B S Bhunder (SAD) and Sambaji Chhatrapati (BJP) also expressed their views.
On Wednesday, protesters had attacked buses, stopped trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.
Violence had erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.
Lucknow: The Ministry of Excise and Prohibition, UP Government, slapped a fine of Rs 53 crore 91 lakh on Accurate Foods and Beverages Private Ltd., a company owned by the family of liquor baron Ponty Chadha, who was killed in Delhi on November 17, 2012.
The Excise Minister Jai Pratap Singh has cracked the whip 453 shops owned by the company in the Meerut zone for not depositing the installment and has given time till January 6, 2018 to do the same.
Speaking exclusively to News18, Minister Jai Pratap Singh said, The Excise department has reviewed the entire matter since 2009 and found that 453 shops are being operated in the zone, where people are consuming liquor in some form or the other.
So, the company cannot say that shops are not running. Further investigation has revealed that the company owes Rs 53 crore 91 lakh to the department, which will have to be paid.
Speaking on the issue, the minister said, There are 453 domestic liquor contracts inside the Meerut Zone. According to the rate of 226 per bulk litre, almost Rs 53 crore 91 lakh is due on the company. The notice has also been sent to the company on December 30, 2017. If the company fails to deposit the amount then the government will have to take further action.
Also, the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government in the state is all set to announce a new liquor policy for the state next month in order to check illegal liquor trade and smuggling. In a bid to curb the states illicit liquor mafia, the Uttar Pradesh government had decided to add a section in the Excise Act to provide for death penalty or life imprisonment for those responsible for hooch-related deaths.
Patna: Convicted in the second fodder scam case, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav on Thursday tried to put arguments for his case himself before the special CBI judge.
While CBI Judge Shiv Pal Singh warned him about his supporters sloganeering outside the courtroom in the beginning, the conversation soon took a lighter note.
The court burst into laughter after Lalu, while complaining of severe cold inside the jail, urged the court to decide his fate with a cool mind.
Lalu, known for his funny liners, said in the court,"It is very cold here (in jail)". Singh, was quick to reply, "Then, play tabla (musical instrument)," he said.
That was not the only light moment. When Singh reminded Lalu that his party leaders used caste factors while publicly discussing the courts verdict, Lalu pipped, Sir, this is the era of inter-caste marriage.
The court will pronounce quantum of punishment in Deogarh treasury case on Friday.
When Singh asked if he had any problem with his decision to defer pronouncement of sentencing, Lalu said, No, sir I will come whenever you want. I will happily come. Dont direct to produce me through video conferencing.
Responding, the judge said, Dont worry. Nobody will know the timing when I will summon you.
Lalu also pleaded to withdraw contempt petitions against some leaders but the judge declined it saying, Manish Tewari, Tejashwi Yadav, Raghuvansh Prasad and Shivanand Tiwari have stated against the court's order in public, I have also heard them on TV. Let them appear on Jan 23.
Lalu told the court that he was himself a registered lawyer in the High Court and Supreme Court. Seeking leniency, he argued that he was not holding any post in 1990. This prompted the judge to remind him that he became the chief minister and kept finance ministry also in the same year.
After postponing the sentencing, Singh said he "got phone calls from Lalu's men" but didn't specify what was said to him. "I got many references for you but don't worry, I will follow only law", he told Lalu.
New Delhi: Former Telecom Minister A Raja has written a letter to his ex-boss Manmohan Singh - first since his acquittal in the 2G scam case, which was considered one of the biggest corruption scandals in the UPA regime - stating that perhaps the latter would now come forward to support him.
A special CBI court on December 21 acquitted all the 19 accused in the 2G spectrum allocation scam case. Judge OP Saini in a verdict running over 1,500 pages said that the DMK leader A Raja was not the mother lode of conspiracy and the quality of the prosecution totally deteriorated and became directionless towards the end.
In the the letter, a copy of which is in possession of News18, Raja writes: "I understand the compulsions that prevented you from openly supporting me. Today, I stand vindicated. I hope you will acknowledge that I remained loyal and faithful to you... and ensured that you did not suffer personal embarrassment in the trial proceeding."
The letter further notes: "Now that the truth about 2G is out in the open, perhaps you too would come forward in my support, which you could not earlier."
"It cost you the UPA government, and it took seven years of my life, including 15 months in jail," reads the letter. The letter was written on 26 December 2017.
Acknowledging Raja's letter, Manmohan Singh, in a letter on January 2, 2017, said he was happy that "you stand vindicated in the 2G case".
Manmohan Singh then also sent his "greetings and best wishes for the new year".
For the purpose of developing analytic thought and reducing mistaken alterations in data received by children with sight disabilities, a group of students in Mexico City designed a multi-sensory system that includes stories, jigsaw puzzles and stuffed tos.
"Mati Mati: Makes Visible the Invisible", is a system that reduces the difficulties of learning by developing analytic thought in blind children, said the creators, students at the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM).
The work focuses on a strategy of sensory instruction that reduces the reception of data in a mistakenly altered form due to the lack of sight, reports Efe news.
"The solution we propose offers information to each of the senses, since it is based on hearing, touch, haptics (related to touch) and smell," according to the system's developers.
The bases of the project are two stories written by the students about endangered species in Mexico: the ajolotl salamander that lives in Xochimilco and the quetzal bird indigenous to the forests of Chiapas.
The system consists of stuffed animals that can be taken apart, two 3D jigsaw puzzles and stories with visual information printed in ink, whose editorial design was executed according to the needs of youngsters either blind or with very limited vision, and includes a series of watercolour illustrations that complement each story.
The stories include haptic images and the Braille system, which correspond to the sense of touch, while each one has its own audiobook so that users can hear the story narrated by the characters in the story, and whose soundtrack enriches the project, the inventors said.
Both the stuffed animals, with textures and materials that simulate the real feeling of the species, plus the odours related to the story and the jigsaw puzzles are all calculated to strengthen the analytic thought processes of blind youngsters as they try to dismantle and assemble each object without anybody helping them.
The jigsaw puzzles were designed and cut with a laser beam, possess geometric forms identifiable to the touch, and present textures through which users can identify each part of the animal through active feeling.
Ryanair flew a record-high 129 million passengers last year, the Irish no-frills airline said Wednesday, despite cancelling thousands of flights because of a pilots shortage.
Ryanair increased by 10 percent the number of passengers flown mainly across Europe compared with 2016, the Dublin-based carrier said in a brief statement.
It flew 9.3 million passengers in December, up three percent compared with 12 months earlier.
Ryanair suffered a turbulent end to 2017, with it was forced to cancel 20,000 flights through to March this year, mainly because of botched holiday scheduling for pilots.
The fiasco triggered pilots' demands for better working conditions and representation, with some departing for other carriers.
The discontent also saw Ryanair hit by its first-ever strike by pilots, with German staff staging a short stoppage ahead of Christmas.
This despite Ryanair finally making moves to formally recognise pilots' unions.
Ryanair has meanwhile set itself the goal of transporting 200 million passengers annually by 2024.
Japan has emerged the world leader in air travel punctuality, boasting titles to the most punctual airlines and most on-time airport in the world.
In the OAG's annual Punctuality League 2018 report, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways took the top two spots in the mega airline category -- airlines which operate the most flights globally.
Flyers traveling on one of the two carriers and flying out of Tokyo Haneda Airport also improve their odds of getting to their destination in time, as the Japanese hub posted an on-time performance of 87 percent in the category of world's biggest airports.
The mega airports category includes hubs that see more than 30 million annual departing seats.
Rounding out the podium for most punctual airports in the world is Madrid Barajas International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
South Korea's Incheon Airport also made its debut on the list squeezing itself in at 20th spot.
Overall, seven of the most punctual airports are in North America, six in Asia-Pacific, six in Europe, and Dubai the lone representative for the Middle East.
For the report, an on-time performance was defined as arrivals and departures operating under 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival and departure times.
- Busiest routes -
Meanwhile, the report also identified Hong Kong to Taipei the busiest international route in the world, with nearly 29,500 flights shuttling travelers to and from the Asian destinations in 2017.
In fact, the world's busiest international routes are mostly located in busy Asian corridors, with Kuala Lumpur-Singapore and Jakarta-Singapore rounding out the top three spots.
With 17,116 flights recorded in 2017, New York's Laguardia airport and Toronto's Pearson International Airport was the busiest air travel corridor outside Asia.
Meanwhile, at nearly 65,000 flights a year -- which averages out to nearly 180 flights a day -- the busiest domestic route in the world is the resort island of Jeju in South Korea, and Seoul's Gimpo International Airport.
Here are the most punctual airports in the world, according to UK-based flight information company OAG:
1. Tokyo Haneda HND
2. Madrid MAD
3. Atlanta ATL
4. Denver DEN
5. Dallas/Fort Wort DFW
6. Singapore Changi SIN
7. Chicago O'Hare ORD
8. Amsterdam AMS
9. Frankfurt FRA
10. London Heathrow LHR
Here are the busiest international routes:
1. Hong Kong-Taipei
2. Kuala Lumpur-Singapore
3. Jakarta-Singapore
4. Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur
5. Hong Kong-Shanghai
6. New York LaGuardia-Toronto YYZ
7. Hong Kong-Seoul Incheon
8. Beijing-Hong Kong
9. Dublin-London Heathrow
10. Bangkok-Singapore
Mumbai: After two successful outings with Salman Khan in Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, director Ali Abbas Zafar is looking forward to their third collaboration in Bharat.
Zafar said the offer to direct the movie, which is a remake of the 2014 South Korean film Ode To My Father, came to him from Salman himself.
"That film came to me from Salman himself. He gave me the film and said he really likes it and asked me to watch it. I saw it and really liked it.
"(But) You can't make the film exactly how it is in the original. The socio-political scenario affects your story and the character. But I liked the basic crux of the film. Salman said after 'Tiger...', you do this," Zafar said.
Ode to My Father was directed by Yoon Je-kyoon and revolves around a young boy's promise made during the chaos of the Korean War.
The film's remake rights have been bought by Salman's brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri.
The Hindi film will reportedly be set during India-Pakistan partition. Ali is, however, tight-lipped about the basic plot.
When asked if anyone apart from Salman has been cast yet, Ali said currently the film is at an early stage.
"We will begin March onwards. I want to sleep for a month. We are at the elementary stage," Zafar said.
The film will go on floors this year.
The makers of Bigg Boss 11 are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that everyone outside talks about the show. With just six contestants remaining in the house, the grand finale is on the horizon leaving the whole country in suspense as to who will be the finalists.
After a shocking nomination task, Hina Khan, Shilpa Shinde, Vikas Gupta and Luv Tyagi have found themselves in the danger zone and will soon be battling it out for maximum audience votes. Well, let us tell you this year the controversial reality show is giving the audience a chance to save their favourite contestant with LIVE and in-person voting. Yup, you read that right!
The four nominated contestants will travel to Inorbit Mall in Vashi, Mumbai, and appeal to the people on ground on why they should be saved from this weeks eviction. Through a ballot box, the people will decide the fate of these four gharwale. And, the contestant with the least number of votes will be ousted from the Bigg Boss 11 house by host Salman Khan in this weeks Weekend Ka Vaar.
Vikas' brother Siddharth Gupta, former Bigg Boss winner Prince Narula and actor Kamya Punjabi took to Twitter to ask fans to "reach out for Vikas in large numbers and support him."
Come on lost souls! Lets make this happen!!!!! Time to give back! And show the love he has earned!!!! pic.twitter.com/iWOvQF6Rvj Siddharth Gupta (@scorp_sid) January 3, 2018
Everyone support & vote for @lostboy54 #Vikas tomorrow at inorbit mall vashi. Prince Narula (@princenarula88) January 3, 2018
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have been making headlines ever since they tied the knot in a hush-hush ceremony in Tuscany, Italy on December 11, 2017. Be it their fancy venues for receptions or their dreamy ensembles by designer Sabyasachi, their wedding festivities have caught immense media and fans' attention.
The newlyweds, who are currently in South Africa on a vacation, were recently spotted outside a store that was offering huge discounts. While Virat was seen holding a shopping bag, Anushka was busy checking the stock.
Soon after the picture of the two shopping at a 50% off sale went viral on the internet, the couple became the butt of jokes on social media.
Check out a few tweets here:
*Virat looking at the bill from wedding planner*Anushka: Baby lets go shopping.Virat: I know just the right place. pic.twitter.com/1Pqs3cT04m Amit (@Goddamittt) December 31, 2017
Virat to Anushka : Ab itne receptions pe kharcha karne ke baad sale main hi shopping karna padega, darling!! pic.twitter.com/QYsnh4hNqX Cherry Dimple (@shailimore) December 31, 2017
Net worth of virat kohli: 7.1$ millionNet worth of anushka sharma: 3.2$ millionStill shopping on 50% discount pic.twitter.com/m1ohHwHHAf Ganesh Parmar (@SarcasmSeekar) December 31, 2017
A Woman by any other name is still a woman A 50% discount sale like any other woman will still attract likes of AnushkaA man by another name will still be ...Virat Kohli has to carry Shopping bags of his Wife like any other husband No Exceptions to the Rule Women Empowerment pic.twitter.com/xtZEjEvbTH #Friend for Friends (@hari141250) January 3, 2018
No matter if your husband is virat kohli, 50% sale will still be more orgasmic for a woman. pic.twitter.com/0vB3ag0IYP Aditii (@Sassy_Soul_) December 31, 2017
Bhopal: A woman district collector carrying Adi Shankaracharyas charanpadukas (wooden sandal) and her counterpart in other district holding the saffron flag as part of Ekatm Yatra has left opposition Congress fuming in Madhya Pradesh.
Mandla collector Sufia Faruquis pictures carrying charanpadukas of Shankaracharya on her head during the Yatra had gone viral on Wednesday. Soon after, the BJP state media in-charge Lokendra Parashar shared Faruquis pictures on Twitter applauding her gesture as an example of communal harmony.
Faruqui carried the sacred footwear for around one km while welcoming the yatra in Mandla on Tuesday. The collectors act, however, did not go down well with the Congress.
Sufiya ji, this yatra is nothing but pure politics. Collectors and officers are best advised to stay away from politics and maintain a respectable distance from such over involvement. Not good for their careers, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha tweeted.
Shocking state of affairs of bureaucracy in MP. No wonder the state is on verge of administrative collapse. Politicisation of state machinery lethal for fair governance. These IAS officers work as Returning Officers in elections. EC will hv to post them out https://t.co/XaciDjnHVC Vivek Tankha (@VTankha) January 3, 2018
The leader of Opposition Ajay Singh alleged that the Collector did so for exhibiting proximity to the ruling party which was in violation of civil service rules. I would write a letter to Chief Secretary asking whether such an act was allowed for bureaucrats.
While misusing respected Adi Shankaracharya jis name, the state government was splurging hard earned public money on the political campaign, he alleged.
The controversy was fuelled further as a video surfaced by evening in which another Collector Srinivas Sharma was seen holding the saffron flag in hand during Ekatm Yatra in Damoh district while others in the procession chanted Jai Sri Ram slogans.
Politicisation of state machinery is lethal for fair governance. These IAS officers work as Returning Officers in elections. EC will have to post them out, Tankha reacted on Twitter.
The state government has launched Ekatm Yatra aiming to collect metal pieces to install 108-feet tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar in Khandwa district in the state. It covers a distance of 2,175 kms while crossing 12 districts.
New Delhi: Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani has taken a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the attacks on Dalits in Maharashtra and questioned the PMs stand on such issues.
In August last year, PM Modi had said, If you want to shoot, shoot me, but not my Dalit brothers. The PM was reacting to attacks on Dalits by cow vigilantes.
Mevani, an MLA in the Gujarat Assembly, tweeted,Nostradamus predicted that in 21st century worlds best actor will be from India.
Mevani was present at the event to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon that saw attacks on Dalits and led to violence in Mumbai and a Maharashtra bandh.
The Maharashtra bandh called by Dalit and left organisations against caste violence in Pune district on bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle was called after the police booked two persons accused of instigating the clash.
Police have booked two right-wing activists, Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote, for orchestrating the violence during the event on Monday.
Following this, Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of BR Ambedkar and leader of the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, called off the bandh.
The sudden flare up of caste tensions in Maharashtra has raised questions of whether the state is becoming a 'fertile ground' for caste conflict as a resulting effect of a staggering number of farmer suicides.
The concern is only natural as the state known for its all-round development and progressive ideas is witnessing caste tensions, especially between Dalits and upper castes, which could spread across the state in no time if not handled with patience and maturity.
While Vidarbha and Marathawada have emerged as regions replete with farmer suicides, western Maharashtra is emerging as a fertile ground for caste conflicts despite being the most prosperous region in the state.
The fact is that though Maharashtra has been ruled by coalition governments since 1995, first by the Shiv Sena-BJP, then the Congress-NCP and now BJP-Shiv Sena with the help of smaller parties, the state has by and large been a peaceful state. Political instability or absence of a single party-rule has not disturbed the socio-political balance in the past two decades.
However, the growing agrarian distress has slowly and steadily been putting a stress on the prevailing equilibrium. This has led to the demand of reservation by the Marathas, the dominant and politically aggressive land holding community in the state. It is a fact that the widening difference in development amid growing aspirations and unemployment has led to significant tension between urban and rural areas of the state.
Growing urbanisation and unemployment has made the youth assertive and aggressive in the name of castes. Multiple organisations catering to these sentiments have mushroomed in the past five years across the state. Political parties are becoming less ideological and more professional in their functioning and thus losing control over such assertive groups.
The violence at Vandu Budruk village near Bhima-Koregaon over who had performed the last rites of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj after he was killed on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb could not have seen a lesser worse reason for a fight. But it has become an issue in the state evoking strong reactions from Dalits and upper castes (Marathas, Brahmins and others).
Blame game and a show of strength by the interested parties/persons has started and this will only fuel an atmosphere of instability and insecurity in the state.
A senior political leader and the sitting member of parliament from Maharashtra, blames the Marathi movie 'Sairat' for the social unrest in the state. The highest grossing Marathi film of in 2016 showed a lower caste boy falling in love with an upper caste girl and the struggles they are faced with.
The problem being witnessed in Maharashtra in recent times is that people have started to fight over icons, confining national personalities to their castes, daring each other, smelling conspiracy where there is nothing. Then they become ultra-sensitive about their leaders and symbols and political leaders, organizations sympathetic to them add fuel to the burning sentiments.
Identity politics had its roots in Maharashtra much before the wave of social reforms hit north India. The state, however, did not witness intense caste conflicts in its initial days thanks to the reformist nature of the movements led by social reformers like Jyotiba Phule, Dr BR Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, Gadge Maharaj, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and Sane Guruji.
The formation of Dalit Panther in the 1970s was a turning point in the Dalit movement with poet Namdeo Dhasal giving a militant tinge to his outfit.
The renaming of Marathawada University after Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in 1978-79 did trigger caste violence, but was confined to some districts in the Marathawada region.
Political parties, though they played the caste card, sought to neutralise militant tendencies by the accommodated Dalits and their organisations in power structures by bringing them into the political mainstream.
The Congress made Dalit leaders Sushilkumar Shinde, Nashikrao Tirpude the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of the state while another backward (Vazara) leader Vasantrao Naik held the CMs post for the longest period.
Dalit leaders Prakash Ambedkar, Jogendra Kawade and even Sushilkumar Shinde have won Lok Sabha elections from the non- reserved seats.
Author is a senior journalist.
The mango people are bitter, feeling let down by the King Alphonso himself: Arvind Kejriwal.
In the 24 hours after he nominated a billionaire 'dal badlu' to the Rajya Sabha, bypassing worthier candidates, the Aam Aadmi Party supremo has weathered a Twitter tornado of booing, as his patented clean politics rhetoric rebounded to bite him sharply in the fundament.
The question du jour on social media was: has Muffler Man been co-opted by the system against which he fought?
Arguably, all parties routinely accommodate moneyed men, regardless of their political provenance.
They can do so boldly, because the expectation gap between politicians sanctimonious bombast and venal conduct is small. Citizens are realists and dont expect their public representatives to walk the talk.
With regard to AAP, which sprang from a citizens movement India Against Corruption (IAC) the expectation gap is huge, as Kejriwal & Co are held to higher standards of behaviour. For voters, AAPs USP was volunteerism, crowdfunding and transparency, which set it apart from the political establishment.
Money and influence distort democracy by giving more weightage to the rich and powerful than the aam aadmi. Kejriwal, the great white hope of civil society and centrist politics, was supposed to remedy that. Politics-as-we-know-it, with all the deal-making, vested interests, exchange of favours and money mobilisation, was to give way to transparency and moral behaviour.
Did Kejriwal not commit to vyavastha parivartan, participatory governance, decentralisation of power and all good things Gandhian as described in his 2012 manifesto, Swaraj? Did he not symbolise the hope factor in politics?
Why then, did he unilaterally pick Sushil Gupta, who fought against AAP on a Congress ticket in 2013, over dedicated workers who have paid their dues and helped build the party? He also chose to go with khaas aadmi and chartered accountant N D Gupta, rather than journalist Ashutosh or poet Kumar Vishwas, who would have proved far more effective in the Rajya Sabha.
In endorsing Gupta & Gupta, the Aam Aadmi Party has, in the eyes of many supporters, effectively reduced itself to an Aam Party.
Like other political parties born of popular causes independence, social justice, etc AAP owes its origins to a mass movement against corruption. Lawyer Prashant Bhushan provided the fodder for the campaign. Anna Hazare brought his moral authority to bear and Yogendra Yadav his intellectual input. Kejriwal, with his history of activism, was the public face.
After sweeping the Delhi assembly elections in 2015, he was expected to emerge as the first among equals. But political organizations are typically personality-driven and no party since Independence has been guilty of internal democracy. Kejriwal proved equally immune, evicting Bhushan and Yadav soon after assuming office. His authoritarian tendency established, he has now shown himself open to compromise.
AAP held the promise of infusing fresh blood into politics. Kejriwal himself is an outsider in Lutyens Delhi. Bypassing the opportunity to showcase unimpeachable and talented individuals in the Rajya Sabha is another aspect of yesterdays #Vishwasghat.
To make matters worse, AAPs political management was poor. Word got out that eminent personalities, like former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, IT magnate N R Narayana Murthy and lawyer Gopal Subramaniam had turned down AAPs offer of a Rajya Sabha seat. This accentuated the impression that people who enjoyed public esteem were no longer keen on associating themselves with AAP.
Economist Mohan Guruswamy was so enchanted by AAP that in 2015, he marked his 70th birthday by donating Rs one lakh. A diminishing regard for the party was evident in the fact that in 2017, he donated just Rs 1,000!
Arvind Kejriwal seems to be running out of ideas. Perhaps because much of his tenure has been consumed in a bitter exchange with the BJP, which has spared no attempt to undermine him. The debacle in Gurdaspur, where the AAP lost its deposit despite being the principal opposition party in Punjab and having four sitting MPs from the state, is an indication that it is flagging outside of Delhi. A comedown for a party which had cast its eyes on Goa, Gujarat and Uttarakhand.
AAP has not lost its hold over Delhi, where the single-minded focus on health and education and the exemplary conduct of leaders like Manish Sisodia, is paying dividends. None of that masks the fact that AAP is no longer an inspirational force. It has lost the moral high ground and expended much of its goodwill among opinion-makers.
From a glass half-full perspective, the political mainstreaming of AAP can do one of two things: catalyse a course correction or create space for something new. Hopefully, a vigorous grassroots movement that celebrates Swaraj, rather than Gupta & Gupta.
(The writer is a senior journalist. Views are personal)
New Delhi: Smelling some success in Gujarat election, the Congress in a stock-taking meeting has decided to continue with its soft Hindutva strategy in the upcoming Assembly elections in Karnataka, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Deviating from its usual strategy, the Congress President Rahul Gandhi visited at least 14 temples during his extensive campaign in Gujarat. And with some key elections scheduled for the coming months, Team Rahul is not willing to part ways with the successful soft Hindutva strategy.
Sources told News18, the state units of these poll-bound states have been asked to draw up a list of temples and mutts for Rahul to continue his temple run with. The temples would have to be important ones and those with political significance in the region.
These are states where Congress hopes to do well and the party believes it is required to devise a strategy that can counter BJPs appeal to the Hindutva brigade and what better than temple hopping, which would directly appeal to the Hindu sentiments.
Congress, however, has strictly maintained that Rahul visits both temples and mosques and doesnt indulge in politics over religion. Yet, several Congress leaders, including the man himself has asserted that he is a shiv bhakt. Senior Congress leader Raj Babbar too has called Rahul a shiv bhakt underlining the fact that the party is appealing the majority Hindu vote. The rethink within the Congress is that if it has to beat the BJP in its game, it has to join it.
In fact, in an internal assessment, Congress had concluded that the pro-Hindutva line of the BJP had worked very well for it in both the 2014 Lok Sabha election as well as the UP state elections. Congress fascination with minority appeasement seems to have boomeranged on it and added to the reasons behind BJPs massive rise.
This also explains the changed strategy of the Congress even outside electoral politics. The party has been extremely careful in not attacking Hindu groups, even to the extent of hurting its core Muslim support. Many old allies like AIMIMs Asaduddin Owaisi have accused Rahul of indulging in janeyu politics.
But having seen victory from up close in Gujarat, Rahul wont give up his temple run.
Some of the temples that Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit in Rajasthan are the famous Brahma temple in Pushkar and Chamunda Mata temple in Jodhpur. The entire list is yet to be finalised. In Karnataka, too, Rahul will be visiting some key mutts and in fact backroom talks and meetings over these visits have already started.
A senior member from Rahul Gandhis strategy team said, "Its important for us to win in some states so that we can put up a fight in 2019 and if chanting the Ram and Shiva Naam helps, then why not!"
A beleaguered party, which has yet to record its big electoral win in several years, is now looking up for some divine help.
Optiemus Infracom Limited, today announced its entry into the Bangladesh market with the launch of BlackBerry KEYone limited edition black. Optiemus signed a licensing deal with BlackBerry in February 2017 to design, manufacture and distribute BlackBerry branded smartphones in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. After launching the BlackBerry KEYone limited edition black in India and Sri Lanka, Optiemus has partnered with CPL, the concern of Union Group, a business conglomerate in Bangladesh, to handle the distribution and retail operations of BlackBerry smartphones.
BlackBerry KEYone limited edition black is the first BlackBerry-branded device locally manufactured by Optiemus Infracom under the licensing agreement. The device will be available for Pre-booking starting 4th to 21st January.
In terms of specs, Blackberry KEYone runs the latest Android Nougat and comes with a special Spacebar which doubles as a fingerprint scanner. It offers a 4.5-inch display in 3:2 aspect ratio. The BlackBerry KEYone Android phone is also powered by the DTEK app, which was first released with the Priv. The KEYone comes with BlackBerry Hub. All messages are unified in one inbox. BlackBerry KEYone comes with the latest version of Android Nougat.
BlackBerry KEYOne specs:
Android 7.1 Nougat
4.5-inch scratch-resistant IPS LCD display (1620 x 1080p)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
3 GB RAM
12MP rear, Sony IMX378 sensor, 4K video, f/2.0
8MP front camera
32 GB + microSD
3,505 mAh (non-removable)
Quick Charge 3.0
Watch: Xiaomi Redmi 5A Review | Raises the Bar for Entry-Level Smartphones
Washington: President Donald Trump on Wednesday blasted former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as having "lost his mind" in the fallout over damaging comments Bannon made about Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. in excerpts from a new book.
Trump, who had continued to speak privately with Bannon after firing him in August, essentially cut ties with Bannon at least for now in a blistering statement issued after Bannon's comments came to light.
"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said.
Trump had relied heavily on Bannon, chairman of the right-wing Breitbart News website, for advice in the months leading up to his upset victory in the November 2016 election.
Bannon helped Trump shape a populist, anti-establishment message and has been the president's link to his conservative base of support. It was not clear if the split would push Bannon to be even more aggressive in his campaign against the Republican establishment and whether he now would also target Trump, or whether he would emerge much weaker.
According to excerpts from "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by Michael Wolff, to be released on Tuesday, Bannon described a June 2016 meeting with a group of Russians at Trump Tower in New York arranged by the president's son and attended by top Trump campaign officials as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."
While Trump in the past praised Bannon for his friendship, the president said in his statement on Wednesday that Bannon had little to do with his election victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton, calling him "a staffer who worked for me" after he had already won the Republican nomination.
Trump said Bannon was to blame for the loss of a Republican-held U.S. Senate seat in Alabama in December when Republican Roy Moore, whose campaign was derailed by accusations of sexual misconduct with teenage girls, lost to Democrat Doug Jones. During the campaign, Trump joined Bannon in backing Moore.
"Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country. Yet Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than thirty years by Republicans," Trump said.
'NIGHTMARE OF BACKSTABBING, HARASSING'
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who had been upset over Trump's backing of Moore at the urging of Bannon, was clearly pleased Trump was willing to rid himself of the former aide. McConnell's campaign organization tweeted an image of the normally taciturn senator with a beaming smile.
Donald Trump Jr. attacked Bannon in a tweet.
"Steve had the honour of working in the White House & serving the country. Unfortunately, he squandered that privilege & turned that opportunity into a nightmare of backstabbing, harassing, leaking, lying & undermining the President. Steve is not a strategist, he is an opportunist," he said.
The president, an expert at self-promotion, said Bannon was trying to promote himself by "leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was."
"Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books," said Trump, who famously values loyalty in associates and employees.
With elections looming in November that could cost Republicans control of Congress, Trump praised Republican lawmakers and candidates, words likely to be welcomed by McConnell and House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan.
"Like me, they love the United States of America and are helping to finally take our country back and build it up, rather than simply seeking to burn it all down," Trump said.
'BRAIN TRUST'
As with much in the Trump White House, the story that triggered the harsh back-and-forth was an offshoot of the investigation into whether Trump campaign aides colluded with Russia to sway the election to Trump, allegations Trump and Moscow deny.
Bannon expressed derision about the June 2016 meeting in which a Russian lawyer was said to be offering damaging information about Clinton, according to the book.
The meeting was attended by Trump's son, his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort. Bannon also was quoted as saying he was sure Trump Jr. would have taken the Russians who took part in the meeting to meet his father in Trump Tower.
"The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor - with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers," Bannon said in the book in excerpts seen by Reuters.
"Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately."
When an intermediary proposed the meeting, saying the Russians were offering damaging information about Clinton, Trump Jr. responded in an email: "I love it."
Bannon was incredulous about the meeting shortly after it was revealed, according to the book, concluding sarcastically: "That's the brain trust they had."
The Wolff book, parts of which were published by New York magazine, portrayed Trump as shocked that he won the election and said his wife, Melania Trump, was in tears, and "not of joy."
White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders called the book "trashy tabloid fiction."
The first lady's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, added: "The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did."
Washington: Donald Trump did not want to be the president of the US and the First Lady Melania was in tears not of joy on knowing about the surprising electoral victory last year, according to a new book by an American journalist.
The book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" written by Michael Wolff, claims that the ultimate goal of Trump was never to win.
"His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race.
"His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president," according to the excerpts of the book.
"Shortly after Trump's inauguration, Wolff said, he was able to take up "something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing" an idea encouraged by the president himself. Because no one was in a position to either officially approve or formally deny such access, Wolff became "more a constant interloper than an invited guest."
"There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed," the book said.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has however denied this after excerpts from the book were published by New York Magazine with the title "Donald Trump Did Not Want to be President."
"There was one brief conversation that had nothing to do, originally, with the book. It was, I think, around five to seven minutes in total since the President has taken office. And that's the only interaction that he's had," she said.
According to Wolff, after entering the White House, Trump, while proposing the most radical departure from governing and policy norms in several generations, had few specific ideas about how to turn his themes and vitriol into policy.
"And making suggestions to him was deeply complicated.
Here, arguably, was the central issue of the Trump presidency, informing every aspect of Trumpian policy and leadership: He didn't process information in any conventional sense. He didn t read. He didn't really even skim. Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semi- literate.
He trusted his own expertise no matter how paltry or irrelevant more than anyone else's," the author claimed.
"Shortly after 8 PM on election night, when the unexpected trend Trump might actually win seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears and not of joy," the book said.
"There was, in the space of little more than an hour, in Steve Bannon's not unamused observation, a befuddled Trump morphing into a disbelieving Trump and then into a horrified Trump. But still to come was the final transformation: Suddenly, Donald Trump became a man who believed that he deserved to be, and was wholly capable of being, the president of the United States," according to the book.
Wolf claims that from the moment of victory, the Trump administration became a looking-glass presidency: Every inverse assumption about how to assemble and run a White House was enacted and compounded, many times over.
"The decisions that Trump and his top advisers made in those first few months from the slapdash transition to the disarray in the West Wing set the stage for the chaos and dysfunction that have persisted throughout his first year in office," Wolf said in his book.
"This was a real-life version of Mel Brooks s The Producers, where the mistaken outcome trusted by everyone in Trump s inner circle that they would lose the election wound up exposing them for who they really were," Wolff said.
According to New York Magazine, Wolff, who chronicles the administration from Election Day to this past October, conducted conversations and interviews over a period of 18 months with the president, most members of his senior staff, and many people to whom they in turn spoke.
"Nothing contributed to the chaos and dysfunction of the White House as much as Trump's own behavior. The big deal of being president was just not apparent to him," Wolff said.
"Most victorious candidates, arriving in the White House from ordinary political life, could not help but be reminded of their transformed circumstances by their sudden elevation to a mansion with palace like servants and security, a plane at constant readiness, and downstairs a retinue of courtiers and advisers. But this wasn't that different from Trump s former life in Trump Tower, which was actually more commodious and to his taste than the White House," said the author.
The White House has ridiculed the contents of the book, which will hit the stores next week, and described it as a fiction.
"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," Sanders said.
"Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy," she said.
The White House has described the book as "trashy tabloid fiction."
"The author did not get any access from the White for this book. He never actually sat down with the President, just to be very clear," Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.
"I know that the book has a lot of things, so far of what we've seen, that are completely untrue. You have many people that have quotes that are sourced to them that are now coming out publicly and saying that those things are not true," she said in response to a question.
The book also says that US President Donald Trump was sympathetic to the issues of Silicon Valley including H-1B visa issue.
This appears to be contrary to the tough stand he has taken on H-1B visa now. After a meeting with a delegation of Silicon Valley leaders at the Trump Towers on December 14, 2016.
Trump then as president-elect is quoted as saying that the tech industry needs help as there are too much of a regulation.
"Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump is quoted as telling Rupert Murdoch over phone after the meeting, according to the book .
"The president-elect enjoyed being courted. On December 14, a high-level delegation from Silicon Valley came to Trump Tower to meet him. Later that afternoon, according to a source privy to details of the conversation, Trump called Rupert Murdoch, who asked him how the meeting had gone," Wolff writes in the book.
"Oh, great, just great," said Trump. "These guys really need my help. Obama was not very favorable to them, too much regulation. This is really an opportunity for me to help them," the book said.
"Donald," said Murdoch, "for eight years these guys had Obama in their pocket. They practically ran the administration. They don't need your help. Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump said, according to the book.
"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open America s doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders. But Trump seemed unconcerned, assuring Murdoch, "We'll figure it out," Wolff writes.
"What a fucking idiot," said Murdoch, shrugging, as he got off the phone, the author claims.
The sympathetic view of Trump towards H-1B visa appears contrary to his public views on this popular work visa. Even during his election days, he had called for his strict review and described it as eating away with American jobs.
After becoming the president, Trump has ordered for review of H-1B visas. His administration has come out with strict policies on issuing H-1B visas, the book said.
United Nations: Iran today charged that the US "has crossed every limit" in international relations by expressing support for Iran's anti-government protesters and said President Donald Trump's "absurd tweets" have encouraged disruption.
In a letter to UN officials, Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo complained that Washington was intervening "in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs."
He said Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were personally stirring up trouble.
"The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts," the ambassador wrote to the UN Security Council president and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The US didn't immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington "has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations."
At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said "enemies of Iran" are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is "failing at every level" and declaring that it is "time for change" in the Islamic Republic.
"Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government," he tweeted yesterday. "You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!" Trump's UN envoy, Ambassador Nikki Haley, called Tuesday for an emergency Security Council meeting on Iran, saying the UN needed to speak out in support of the protesters.
Baghdad: Under pressure from allies in the West, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is staking his career on reining in the Shi'ite militias that helped him defeat Islamic State.
The task will not be easy. The paramilitaries, or Popular Mobilisation Forces, are mostly trained and backed by Iran, so Abadi risks angering his most powerful regional backer.
Iraq's Shi'ite majority also see the PMF's 150,000 fighters as their saviours. Several militia commanders plan to run against Abadi in parliamentary elections in May and some have warned they will resist attempts to dismantle them.
Abadi's plan envisages taking back the militias' heavy weapons and cutting their strength by half, according to military and intelligence sources.
The army is already taking an inventory of PMF weaponry, such as the armoured vehicles and tanks the government gave them to fight Islamic State.
Next, Abadi will order his military and police commanders to take back those heavy weapons under the pretext of repairing them. The defence ministry will then remove over-age or physically unfit fighters, two military sources said.
"The plan will be implemented with extreme caution and precision in order to prevent a negative backlash from the PMF commanders," said an army colonel who was briefed on it by his commander. "We can't keep a second army within one state; this is the key objective of the plan."
The plan will be closely followed by Iran and the United States. The groups are one of Iran's many levers of influence in Iraq, while for Washington they are a reminder of Tehran's growing reach in the Middle East.
Lawmakers close to Abadi and one of his political advisers say he is coming under "tremendous pressure" from the West and Sunni regional allies to dissolve the PMF now that Islamic State, or Daesh, is no longer a major threat.
"Prime Minister Abadi is getting messages from allies in the war against Daesh encouraging him to dismantle the PMF as a condition to keeping their support flowing in future," the adviser said on condition of anonymity.
In a phone call last month, French President Emmanuel Macron encouraged Abadi to dismantle the PMF, said the adviser, who was briefed on the call.
With Islamic State crushed in Iraq, Abadi will find it harder to avoid clamping down on the militia, according to a lawmaker from his Dawa Party.
"Abadi would respond to pressure from his Western and Gulf allies to dissolve the PMF by saying he needs them to fight Daesh, but now Daesh is finished and there are no more excuses to keep the PMF," the lawmaker said.
In any case Abadi does not trust the Iranians, whose militia allies act like a state within a state, said a Shi'ite lawmaker close to the prime minister.
"Abadi sees the support of the West, the United States and regional Arab states as indispensable in making Iraq more stable in future," the lawmaker said.
But militia commanders, such as Ali al-Hussaini from the Imam Ali Brigades, say the PMF played a major part in defeating Islamic State and dismantling them would be a "big mistake".
"We have millions of followers who will defend our rights against any attempt to target us," he said.
Nonetheless, a joint committee from the army, police, and intelligence services will review the number of PMF fighters and make recommendations to Abadi, who will decide who will stay and who will be retired, said a military intelligence colonel who is close to the military chief of staff's office.
Abadi would also order his commanders to restructure their own forces.
Another army colonel said taking heavy weapons from the militias would not be easy, as they control hundreds of headquarters, arms stockpiles, camps, and even small rocket factories.
IRANIAN INFLUENCE
Disarming the militias is one of Abadi's most delicate challenges. They are generally more effective than the Iraqi security forces and often defy Baghdad with the support of Tehran.
They also have the blessing of Iraq's most influential Shi'ite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.
Iraqi Shi'ite militia commanders are openly loyal to Tehran, Iranian advisers are seen on Iraqi battlefields, and Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Abadi in June against weakening the militias.
The PMF gained prominence after Sistani called on Iraqis to take up arms against Islamic State when it seized a third of the country in 2014.
Since then the militias have become more assertive, riding around cities in vehicles flying their own flags. They are accused of terrorising minority Sunnis, which they deny.
Security sources and analysts say any attempt by Abadi to muzzle the PMF could invite a backlash from Shi'ites, who expect the militias to protect them in the event of renewed sectarian conflict in Iraq.
Any backlash could lead to the election of an alliance of Iranian-backed political parties to enough seats in parliament to end Abadi's bid for a second term.
Abadi's success against Islamic State and in quashing a Kurdish bid for independence in Iraq may tempt him into over-confidence in acting against the militias, said Jasim al-Bahadli, a Baghdad-based expert on Shi'ite armed groups.
"Playing hard with the PMF could be a double-edged sword; they have broad popularity that Abadi should not underestimate."
FIERY CLERIC
To counter the PMF's popularity, Abadi has turned to the cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who once led an armed rebellion against U.S. occupation forces and was named the most dangerous man in Iraq by the Pentagon.
The pair held a secret meeting in the holy Shi'ite city of Karbala on Nov. 11 to discuss Sadr helping the government disarm the militias, accoording to aides for both men who attended the meeting.
Sadr sees the militias as a threat to his role as a kingmaker in Iraq's turbulent politics.
During their meeting, Abadi asked Sadr to support him in his bid to "cleanse the country" of corrupt politicians and those who might try to use armed groups to influence the election, an adviser to Sadr said.
"They talked about putting an end to the militias operating above the law, fighting corruption, and of course supporting Abadi's bid to be prime minister for a second term," he said.
Several lawmakers close to Abadi and sources close to Sadr said the prime minister had secured the cleric's support to stop the PMF interfering in the election.
"Sadr can put hundreds of thousands on the streets in solidarity with Abadi with one call, he would make Abadi's opponents think twice before challenging him," said a senior Shi'ite politician close to Sadr.
Indeed, Sadr plans to do just that in the very near future, another source close to him said.
STRONG CHALLENGER
Sources close to Sadr said he also promised to persuade Sistani to support Abadi's plans to restrain the militias.
That could give Abadi an edge over the militias, which comprise more than 66 groups, over 40 of which are backed by Iran, according to security sources and analysts.
It would also put Abadi in a strong position against one of his main challengers, Hadi al-Amiri, who commands Iraq's largest Iranian-backed Shi'ite militia, the Badr Organisation.
"Badr will lead the PMF list in next election under the leadership of Hadi al-Amiri," said Ameer al-Kinani, a Sadrist adviser to Iraqi President Fuad Masum. "This is known to all."
Jerusalem: The Israeli military said on Thursday it would further investigate the death of a wheechair-bound Palestinian who was killed in clashes over U S President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
The Dec. 15 death of Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh was denounced by the Palestinians and decried by U N High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, who said the a 29-year-old amputee was shot in the head by Israeli troops close to the Gaza-Israel border fence.
The Israeli military said its own operational investigation, carried out shortly after the incident, had found that it was not possible to say what had killed Abu Thurayeh. It said no live fire had been directed at him during the dispersal of the demonstration, in which protesters hurled explosive devices and rocks and set tyres alight.
"In order to further examine the case, including information received from organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, it was decided that the circumstances of Thurayeh's death will also be examined by a Military Police investigation," the army said in a statement.
Trump's announcement on Jerusalem infuriated the Arab world and upset Western allies. It has sparked violent protests on a weekly basis along the Israel-Gaza border and in the occupied West Bank.
Abu Thurayeh was a regular at such demonstrations. In media interviews, he had said he had lost both his legs in a 2008 Israeli missile strike in Gaza.
The status of Jerusalem has been one of the biggest obstacles to a peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians for generations.
Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be its capital. Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of a future independent state of their own.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday rejected as "propaganda" reports that China was going to establish a military base near the strategic Gwadar port in southern Balochistan province.
"There is no proposal of building any Chinese military base near Gwadar. This is all propaganda against the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and strengthening of relations between Pakistan and China," Foreign Office (FO) spokesman Mohammad Faisal said.
The nearly USD 50 billion CPEC - a flagship project of China's prestigious One Belt One Road - passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
It links China's restive Xinjiang region with Pakistan's Balochistan province. India has objected to CPEC as it traverses through PoK.
Responding to a question about India test-firing an interceptor missile, Faisal said Pakistan always maintained that anti-ballistic missile systems entail destabilising effects, especially in the regional context and can provoke an arms race.
"We have proposed several missile and nuclear restraint measures to India that include the commitment not to deploy ballistic missile defence systems. Pakistan will continue to follow a policy of restraint and responsibility while taking all necessary measures to ensure our national security," he said.
Faisal said India's attempts to attribute ulterior motives to the basic security protocol for Indian death row prisoner Kulbhushan Jadhav are "testament to their double standards".
New Delhi: Amid US President Donald Trumps ongoing tirade against Pakistan, Khawaja Asif, Pakistan Foreign Minister, sounded the alarm that the countrys history has ample reasons for it to not trust the United States.
In a series of tweets, Asif wrote on Wednesday, The history teaches us not to blindly trust the US.
The statement comes even as US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Tuesday that Washington would withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan. Her statement followed an angry tweet from Trump on Monday that the United States had been rewarded with "nothing but lies and deceit" for giving Pakistan billions in aid.
A Geo TV report cited Asifs tweet on Wednesday: We are upset that you are not pleased [with us], but we will not compromise our honour.
In a strongly worded message in his first tweet of the year, Trump said that the US has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, but in return Pakistan has given nothing but lies and deceit. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! he wrote.
Asif countered saying Pakistan has seen the worst bloodbath due to US attacks on Afghanistan that were carried out from their bases in Pakistan. Your forces were supplied arms and explosives through our soil, thousands of our civilians and soldiers became victims of the war initiated by you, The Dawn quoted Asif.
President Trump quoted the figure of $33 billion given to Pakistan over 15 years, he can hire a US-based audit firm on our expense to verify this figure and let the world know who is lying and deceiving, Asif said in another tweet.
Pakistan civilian and military chiefs rejected what they termed "incomprehensible" US comments and summoned US Ambassador David Hale to explain Trump's tweet.
Relations between Islamabad and Washington have been strained for years over Islamabad's alleged support for Haqqani network militants, who are allied with the Afghan Taliban.
In November, the US had strongly condemned the release of the Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed by Pakistan and had demanded his immediate re-arrest and prosecution, warning that there would be "repercussions" for bilateral ties if Islamabad fails to take "decisive action" against the JuD chief.
An emergency service vehicle exits the New York State Thruway, which was closed following a major traffic incident due to blizzard-like conditions, near Buffalo, New York. (Image: Reuters)
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to meet the countrys 282 traditional leaders in Gweru next week. In a statement yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Mr George Charamba, who is also the Presidential spokesperson, said the meeting was part of the Presidents ongoing engagements with different stakeholders in the country.
As part of his ongoing programme to connect and acquaint himself with the thinking of different echelons, interests and players of our nation, His Excellency the President, Cde Emerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, is scheduled to hold a day-long indaba with the countrys 282 chiefs in Gweru on Friday 12th January 2018, said Mr Charamba.
He said President Mnangagwa is expected to engage with the chiefs on their expectations on the new Governments performance and services.
Mr Charamba said the President will also take the opportunity to share his vision as far as rural communities are concerned, as they are home to the majority of Zimbabweans.
The President is expected to take advantage of the meeting to get the views and expectations of different communities on Governments performance and services, while also briefing our traditional leaders on the vision, programmes and expectations of his new Administration as these relate to rural areas where the majority of Zimbabweans live, said Mr Charamba.
He said Governments focus on reviving an agricultural-led economy makes chiefs an important player in mobilising and coordinating national development.
Governments emphasis on an agricultural-led economic recovery makes national traditional leaders key players in mobilising and orchestrating national development through community involvement and empowerment, and within the framework of progressive national value system, said Mr Charamba.
He said the meeting will also address welfare issues for chiefs and their respective communities.
The President recently met captains of industry in Harare. Herald
Police in Harare are investigating an incident in which street vendors and cellphone dealers on Tuesday evening clashed with alleged criminals, who were in the habit of terrorising them and stealing their wares.
The incident occurred along Angwa Street around the former Ximex Mall. Two suspected criminals were later arrested and police are still looking for their accomplices.
Shops in the CBD were forced to close early due running battles between the vendors and the alleged criminals, who were pelting each other with stones.
Police yesterday heavily deployed in the city to thwart further disturbances. Trucks carrying policemen could be seen patrolling around the area. On Tuesday night, national police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
It is believed that there are some criminals who target vendors at Ximex Mall, taking their wares and today (Tuesday) they went to the area where they clashed with the vendors, he said.
He said the vendors refused to surrender their wares, resulting in clashes. He said investigations suggested some of the alleged criminals were coming from the direction of Harvest House, the MDC-T headquarters.
Investigations to ascertain the motive behind this (attack) are still in progress, Chief Supt Nyathi said.
Roads near the area were temporarily closed as stones were strewn everywhere. The glazing at Harvest House was damaged during the clashes. OK First Street and shops nearby were temporarily closed for fear property damage and looting.
The Police Reaction Group (PRG) was later deployed to restore law and order.
There were also messages circulating on social media claiming Zanu-PF Harare Province youth chairman Cde Goodwin Gomwe was behind the disturbances.
Cde Gomwe dismissed the allegations as false and malicious and meant to tarnish his image and that of the ruling party.
I would like to categorically state that I was not either involved or associated with the MDC-T headquarters violent disturbances, whether directly or indirectly. Furthermore, I had no knowledge of the disturbances. I got the shock of my life when I came across a message on social media suggesting that I was gun totting and leading in the violent acts, he said in a statement.
Such messages are being fuelled by malice and mischief. Let me warn those behind the falsehoods that it is illegal and unacceptable to falsely accuse someone.
He said investigations he carried out revealed that the clashes were between MDC-T youths and cellphone dealers that trade at the former Ximex Mall.
It is said that the MDC-T youths had looted phones from the dealers a couple of days ago. Its further stated that the rowdy MDC youths usually raid the dealers of their wares and use Harvest House as their hideout. When they returned today (Tuesday) to carry out their illegal activities as their culture had been, Ximex dealers are said to have resisted them and retaliated, resulting in the violence, Cde Gomwe said.
He called on the law enforcement agents to thoroughly investigate and bring to book those that thrive on violence. Herald
Government is working on three agricultural policy initiatives to boost productivity and increase the sectors foreign currency generation. This was disclosed by Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement Minister Chief Air Marshal (Retired) Perrance Shiri, while officiating at a horticulture stakeholders conference in Harare yesterday.
You may be aware that my ministry is already working on an agriculture marketing and trade policy, the horticulture development policy and the mechanisation and irrigation development policy and has its foot on the ease of doing business peddle, Chief Air Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said.
He added that agriculture was not only necessary to Zimbabwes economic recovery but for economic growth and foreign currency generation.
I share with you the common view that agriculture is not only necessary for Zimbabwes economic recovery but is sufficient to contribute between 16 percent to 20 percent of the GDP (gross domestic product) and 40 percent of exports while providing a solid source of livelihood to about 67 percent of the population, Chief Air Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said.
Failure to penetrate foreign markets, lack of irrigation and mechanisation and a decline in the horticultural sector had affected the agricultural sectors contribution to the Minister Shiri said revival of the horticultural sector as a top foreign currency earner was a top priority for Government.
Today we witness tobacco being the leading contributor to agricultural growth. I am convinced that horticulture is a sleeping giant. It is strategic in that it would be a direct attack on poverty, hunger and malnutrition in addition to generating foreign currency and creating high employment opportunities down the value chain.
Historically, the horticulture industry grew rapidly during the 80s and 90s. The industry used to contribute between 3,5 to 4,5 percent to GDP and was second to tobacco in foreign currency earnings. Horticultural exports grew from $3,5 million in 1986 to $32 million in 1991 and reached its peak of $143 million in 1999, he said.
The major reason for growth then, he said, was better coordination through the Horticulture Promotion Council (HPC), minimum regulation, a market-driven production strategy, high profile image on the international markets and good infrastructure and abundant land.
As we gather here today, these conditions are no longer prevailing in the industry. The horticulture sector is now dominated by small-scale production outfits that are dotted across the country and are saddled with technological and skills challenges, inadequate credit lines to finance production hence from a peak of $143 million in 1999, horticulture exports fell to about $72 million in 2005 and $40 million in 2009, Chief Air Marshal (Rtd) Shiri said.
He added that Government was willing to partner the private sector in reviving the sector and provide the requisite incentives for its growth. HPC chief executive officer Mr Basilio Sandamu said the sector was critical in generating export earnings, especially if challenges facing new entrants into the sector were addressed.
He said challenges faced by farmers included lack of funds, specialised transport and other equipment. At its peak, Zimbabwe produced 18 400 metric tonnes of cut flowers, 14 200 tonnes of vegetables and 45 000 metric tonnes of fruits.
Last year, Germany expressed interest to import 15 horticultural crops from Zimbabwe, a development likely to earn the country millions of dollars in foreign currency, as the demand for organic crops and Biotech-free cotton increases on the international market. Zimbabwe is known for producing uncontaminated crops that are in high demand on the international market.
This is expected to boost Command Irrigation and infrastructural development, with farmers having an opportunity to be trained in production and processing of the high-value crops. The crops include high quality okra, peas, beans, cucumbers, chillies, celery, broccoli and lettuce.
China has also expressed interest to import citrus from Zimbabwe, and a quarantine delegation was recently in the country to inspect citrus farms to see if they meet the phytosanitary requirements.
Phytosanitary relates to the health of plants, especially with respect to the requirements of international trade. The country used to be one of the largest exporters of a wide range of horticultural products in Africa, supplying markets in Europe and the Middle East.
(Newser) Firefighters responded to Bill and Hillary Clinton's home outside New York City after a small fire in a building on the property, the AP reports. New Castle Police say a call came in around 2:50pm Wednesday about a fire in Chappaqua. The fire was out by 3:15pm. Clinton spokesperson Nick Merrill tweeted that the fire was in a building used by the Secret Service, not in the Clintons' residence. He said the Clintons were not home at the time and "all is OK!" The Clintons bought the Westchester County home in 1999. (Read more Hillary Clinton stories.)
(Newser) President Trump's controversial voter fraud commission is history after holding a grand total of two meetings. The White House says the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrityset up last year to investigate Trump's claims that millions of people illegally voted for Hillary Clinton in 2016is being disbanded because many states defied its requests for voter data, reports CNN. "Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today I signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission," Trump said in a statement Wednesday. While it was in operation, the commission faced multiple lawsuits and accusations that it had broken the law with its requests for information.
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Officials say the Department of Homeland Security might now take over the commission's work. The commissionwhich Democrats called a "sham" perpetuating "baseless claims" of fraudwas chaired by Vice President Mike Pence and run by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, though Pence eventually distanced himself from its work, the Washington Post reports. The commission also suffered setbacks including a lawsuit from Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, one of its members, who claimed he was being denied access to its records, and the arrest of a commission researcher on child pornography charges. White House sources tell Politico that the commission was something Steve Bannon pushed for and it "should've never been in place." (Read more voter fraud stories.)
(Newser) Tobacco giant Philip Morris says it is giving up cigarettesand its customers should, too. In full-page ads placed in British newspapers, the Marlboro maker says its New Year's resolution for 2018 is to work toward stopping selling cigarettes in Britain and to replace them with products like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco, Business Insider reports. But the company isn't going cold turkey. When asked by the BBC why it's not going to simply stop making cigarettes, a company spokesman said: "We are trying to go smoke free as fast as we can. If we just stopped selling cigarettes tomorrow, others would sell them in our place."
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"No cigarette company has done anything like this before. You might wonder if we really mean it," said the company's ads, which promised Philip Morris will take anti-smoking steps including launching a campaign to give smokers information on quitting or switching to smoke-free alternatives. The company also promised to support stop-smoking services in areas with the highest smoking rates. Critics called the move a PR stunt, reports USA Today, which notes that the World Health Organization has accused the tobacco industry of misleading the public about the risks associated with other tobacco products. (In the US, a court has ordered Big Tobacco to run anti-smoking ads on TV.)
(Newser) A San Diego man banned from Alaska Airlines for touching a flight attendant says he's a victim of discrimination against men. Mike Timon, angry over his treatment by the airline, tells the San Diego Union-Tribune that he was banned for touching the female flight attendant on the buttocks as he sat in first class on a flight from Oregon to San Diego on Dec. 26. Timon says he touched the woman politely on her back to get her attention so he could order a drink. Timon, who owns a medical equipment company and frequently flies first class, said that when no drink came, he pressed his call button, and a male flight attendant came to say he had been cut off. Timon said he had only had a single drink and was sober. He says his gesture was misunderstood as sexual harassment, and he was met by police who escorted him off the plane.
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Police took statements from Timon and others but there was no further action. "For me to be accused of this, and for me to be escorted off the plane by police? This is it. I'm blowing up," Timon says. "It's unnecessary. It's discrimination toward me." He says widespread concern over sexual harassment has hurt men like him. "It's out of control and I am pissed," he says. Alaska spokeswoman Ann Johnson confirmed that Timon cannot fly on the airline pending the outcome of an investigation but said she could not provide specifics about his case, the AP reports. "Alaska Airlines will not tolerate any type of sexual misconduct that creates an unsafe environment for our guests and crew members and we are fully committed to do our part to address this serious issue," Johnson said.
(Read more Alaska Airlines stories.)
(Newser) Thieves stole precious Indian jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection that were on show in a Venetian palace Wednesday, making off with a brooch and a pair of earrings by mixing in with the crowd on the final day of the exhibition, police say. The stolen jewels were not the top highlights of the Al Thani Collection, which includes gems dating from the time of the Mughal Empire. But police said they were made of gold, platinum, and diamonds and their value is estimated to be in the millions of dollars, the AP reports. Police say the security alarm went off at around 10am at Venice's Doge's Palace and police immediately sealed the area.
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But the thieves had already made their escape from the museum, known as the Palazzo Ducale and one of Venice's top tourist destinations on the edge of St. Mark's Square. Venice police chief Vito Gagliardi told the ANSA news agency the thieves managed to delay the triggering of the alarm system, allowing them to escape. The Al Thani Collection is a renowned collection of 270 pieces of Indian and Indian-inspired jewelry and precious stones, spanning 400 years from the Mughal period to the present and assembled by Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani. Forbes magazine has said "there is no comparable collection on the planet." (This Paris jewel thief was tracked down after he kissed a hostage.)
(Newser) "Embarrassing backside exposure" may soon be a thing of the pastat least when it comes to hospital gowns. "The current patient gown, with the ties in the back, reinforces a power imbalance between patients and caregivers," Dr. Mark Smith, head of the MedStar Institute for Innovation, tells the New York Times, which details a new incarnation of hospital attire created by Care+Wear. The company, which worked with Parsons School of Design students, found itself faced with a challenging task: Design a comfortable hospital gown that provides more coverage for the patient while still allowing medical staff easy access to insert IVs and check vitals.
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The result, which retails for $45 on the Care+Wear website, is a cotton-polyester innovation that opens in the front and comes together via a system of snaps and ties that allows different parts of the body to be exposed when needed. Perhaps surprisingly, the hospital gown niche is a relatively untapped market for designers, and it's a big one: CDC stats note 140 million people ended up in the ER in 2014, and hospitals need up to five times that number of gowns for an adequate supply, says Care+Wear CEO Chaitenya Razdan. The gown's backside box pleat (image here) is especially catching people's attention, functioning "like a giant skirt slit that you can open up to have full access," per the company's products chief. The new gown will see an initial test run at one of MedStar Health's Maryland hospitals, expanding to its other nine locations if the gown is a hit. (Read more hospital gown stories.)
daboost/iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- The Trump administration will announce plans to "cancel" security assistance to Pakistan, a congressional source confirms to ABC News after State Department officials called Capitol Hill Wednesday morning to inform members of Congress.
The move comes as President Trump has ramped up his criticism of the unsteady American ally in tweets that blasted the country for giving the U.S. "nothing but lies & deceit."
Pakistan is a key partner in the fight against terrorism, but the U.S. has also accused it of supporting terror groups like the Haqqani Network, an independent division of the Taliban responsible for multiple attacks in neighboring Afghanistan.
The State Department declined to comment, as did White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders during her briefing Wednesday, saying, "We'll continue to keep you posted as those decisions are finalized."
In a tweet Monday, Trump accused Pakistan of taking "more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years" and in return providing "safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help."
"No more!" he vowed.
The comments stirred angry reaction from Pakistan, where protesters burned Trump's image and American flags. The Prime Minister's office issued a long statement condemning Trump's "completely incomprehensible" statement that "contradicted facts manifestly, struck with great insensitivity at the trust between two nations built over generations, and negated the decades of sacrifices made by the Pakistani nation."
The statement went on to defend Pakistan's record on terrorism, but did not preview any changes in the U.S.-Pakistani relationship: "Despite all unwarranted allegations, Pakistan cannot act in haste and will remain committed to playing a constructive role towards an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process."
The State Department did not specify to Congress what kind of security assistance was being "canceled," how much money it would be, and whether it was temporary or permanent, except to say that, "This is what we're doing," according to the congressional source.
The move will include the $255 million the administration withheld from Pakistan at the end of August as part of the administration's new South Asia strategy, which called on Pakistan to do more to take out terrorists.
"We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting, but that will have to change, and that will change immediately," Trump said in a major address of the new strategy on August 21. "It is time for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to civilization, order, and to peace."
That $255 million in funds, called foreign military financing, was put on hold so that it did not expire with the new fiscal year, but would not be given to Pakistan either -- until the country started "delivering results," the State Department said at the time.
What's also unclear is how much more funding will now be withheld, if any. The State Department had told Congress the announcement would come Wednesday, but there was no word by the end of the day.
"The action they have taken to date is not insubstantial, but its not complete. Pakistan must ultimately decide for itself the degree to which groups like the Taliban and Haqqani Network threaten its place in the international community," the State Department said August 31.
Since then, relations seemed to improve. In the fall, both Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis had trips to the country regarded as improvements. Even Trump's criticism softened, with him striking a more conciliatory tone in an October 13 tweet.
"Starting to develop a much better relationship with Pakistan and its leaders. I want to thank them for their cooperation on many fronts," he wrote after Pakistani security forces helped secure the release of American Caitlan Coleman, her Canadian husband Joshua Boyle, and their three children from Taliban captivity.
It's unclear what specifically changed the president's mind this week, but Trump has a history of bashing Pakistan and blaming it for "sheltering" Osama bin Laden -- a charge Pakistan has long denied.
"When will Pakistan apologize to us for providing safe sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden for 6 years?! Some 'ally,'" he tweeted on July 5, 2012.
Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
(Newser) Australian actress and anti-sexual harassment campaigner Cate Blanchett will head this year's Cannes film festival jury, becoming only the 12th woman in its 71-year history to do so, per the AP and Variety. In a statement Thursday, top Cannes officials Pierre Lescure and Thierry Fremaux expressed their delight in welcoming "such a rare and unique artist whose talent and convictions enrich both screen and stage." A two-time Academy award winner, Blanchett follows Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, who headed the 70th edition of the festival last year. The appointment of Blanchett, 48, comes months after she came out in support of the dozens of women who came forward with allegations of sexual assault and harassment against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein.
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More recently, she joined the Time's Up initiative alongside other high-profile actresses. Cannes organizers did not mention the Weinstein scandal or Blanchett's commitment to the fight against sexual harassment. "I have been to Cannes in many guises over the years; as an actress, producer, in the marketplace, the gala-sphere, and in competition," Blanchett said. "But never solely for the sheer pleasure of watching the cornucopia of films this great festival harbors. I am humbled by the privilege and responsibility of presiding over this year's jury." This year's star-studded event on the French Riviera will take place from May 8-19. (2017 juror Jessica Chastain previously called out Cannes.)
(Newser) Yale University psychiatry professor Dr. Bandy X. Lee has President Trump's mind on her mind. She entered the spotlight in the fall with the October release of The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, a book she edited that collected assessments from 27 psychiatrists and mental health experts on the president's mental healthor lack thereof. Her name and the subject are coming to the fore again, via a Politico article that reports she was summoned to Washington for private meetings with lawmakers over two days to discuss Trump's mental state. Lee says she spoke with more than a dozen unnamed members of Congressthe group included a single Republicanover Dec. 5 and 6, and she summarizes her message: "He's going to unravel, and we are seeing the signs."
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She details those "signs": espousing conspiracy theories, the retweeting of violent videos, his recent tweets on North Korea. She says she was surprised by the interest level among the lawmakers she met with; "one senator said that it was the meeting he most looked forward to in 11 years." And per Lee, her face time with them isn't ending: She says she has appearances on the books for this month that were arranged by Democratic Reps. Rosa DeLauro and Jamie Raskin of Connecticut and Maryland, respectively. Politico uses the Lee meetings to recap the rumblings about the 25th Amendment and whether Trump could be removed from office. More on that here. The Hill reports Trump's first physical exam as presidentwhose results will be publicizedis scheduled for next Friday. (Read more President Trump stories.)
(Newser) The White House has a new policy banning personal cellphones at work, but aides tell Bloomberg it has nothing to do with unauthorized leaks to the media. Beginning next week, both staffers and guests will be limited to government-issued devices in the West Wing in response to cybersecurity concerns, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday, describing "the security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House" as "a top priority." Bloomberg anticipated such a move in November, reporting the idea was pushed by White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, whose own phone was reportedly compromised for months before suspicions were raised. (Read more White House stories.)
(Newser) In a move environmental groups are calling "absolutely radical" and "beyond reckless," the Trump administration is planning the largest sale on leases for offshore drilling in US history. CNBC reports the proposal, announced Thursday by Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, would open 90% of the US' outer continental shelfoff both coasts and Alaskato oil drilling. It overturns an Obama-era plan that would have allowed drilling in only 6% of the same area, according to the Wall Street Journal. The only area spared from possible drilling under the five-year plan, which would begin in 2019, is the North Aleutians Basin in Alaska. Zinke says the goal is "to become the strongest energy super power" in the world.
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The plan is already facing opposition from environmentalists, tourism groups, and even some Republicans. The deputy legislative director at the League of Conservation Voters says the plan poses a "grave threat" to seaside communities, the climate, and local economies, the Hill reports. And a campaign director at Oceana says there is "widespread" opposition at the local level to drilling expansion. Florida Gov. Rick Scott says he will fight to stop drilling off the coast of his state. The plan still faces a year or so of public comments and revisions, during which time areas can be removed from consideration for drilling. The plan could also be taken to court as it overturns bans on drilling in the Arctic and parts of the Atlantic enacted by the Obama administration. (Read more offshore drilling stories.)
(Newser) A 63-year-old Pennsylvania man is suing for false imprisonment, negligence, assault, and more after he says he was arrested and injected with drugs because neither police nor a hospital bothered to check his identity, the BBC reports. Eugene Wright filed suit Wednesday. The lawsuitas per the Meadville Tribuneclaims Wright was arrested June 15 by two police officers and the executive director of Stairways Behavioral Health after another man with the same name made threats against himself and others at a doctor's office that morning. The lawsuit states Wright tried to explain they had the wrong person, but they refused to check the ID and Social Security card in his wallet or call his employer to confirm that he was working when the threats were made.
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The lawsuit states Wright was taken to Meadville Medical Center, where employees also failed to confirm his identity despite him having been a patient there in the past. Against his protestations, Wright was injected with anti-psychotic medication and another chemical used for anxiety disorders, according to the lawsuit. The mix-up came to light when Wright's daughter showed up. Since the incident, Wright says he's had trouble sleeping and has dropped weight, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. By way of apology, he says he received a $50 gift certificate to Montana's Rib and Chop House and $25 to Walmart. "The experience that I went through, this should never happen to anybody. It's very simple to check ID," he says. "These people need to be held responsible." The lawsuit names police, Meadville Medical Center, and Stairways Behavioral Health. (Read more mistaken identity stories.)
Japan launched the world's lowest orbiting satellite. If the altitude of the satellite is low, you can see the ground better. The Japanese government said it was a cost of disaster, but analysts said it could be used to reconnaissance North Korea's missile base.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that it succeeded in launching the Earth Observation Satellite "Tsubame" on H2A rocket at 10:26 am on the 23rd at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima.
Tsubame, which means swallowing in Japanese, was developed to test very low altitude satellite technology. Earth observing satellites such as Korea's multi-use satellite (Arirang satellite) usually travel around the earth at an altitude of 600 to 800 km, but Tsubame orbit around 180 to 268 km. Until now, it was the very low record that the GOCE satellite of the European Space Agency (ESA) orbit the altitude of 224 km between 2012 and 2013. The Tsubame plans to enter the 480km orbit first, then lower the altitude to 180km over the next two years.
Very low altitude satellites can more closely observe the surface of the earth. European solid satellites were able to detect even the sound waves from the earthquake. However, there is a high risk of falling if you go to very low altitudes. The closer to the surface, the higher the atmospheric density. Because of this, ultra-low satellites receive 1000 times more air resistance than ordinary satellites. It is very likely to lose speed and crash.
Japanese researchers have overcome the shortcomings of ultra-low satellites with a new engine. Tsubame's ion engine uses xenon gas as fuel. Xenon collides with the electrons emitted from the electrodes and emits their electrons. Then Xenon is (+) energized. At this time, if you apply the opposite electricity from the side of the engine nozzle, Xenon will accelerate to 100,000 km per hour. The satellite goes forward with this force. The electricity required for xenon acceleration is made by solar panels.
Ion engines are 10 times more efficient than conventional satellite engines that use liquid or solid fuels. It is also possible to put less fuel. It was also thanks to Ion Engine that Japan's asteroid probe Hayabusa, who returned to Earth in 2010, was able to fly for seven years.
The Japanese government said it would use Tsubame for scientific research such as investigation of disaster damage area and oxygen concentration measurement. But Japanese media reported that it could be used for military and security purposes. By using the Tsubame, it is possible to efficiently scout North Korea's missile base.
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New Delhi:
The Delhi Polices licensing branch has suspended the license of a pub in south Delhis Greater Kailash where a man was shot at last month, officials said on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old man was shot at by another person inside the pub on December 30. Initially, it was suspected that the incident was a fallout of an argument at the pub.
Later, it emerged that the victim was shot at since he had an argument with the accused over a parking issue in November.
An inquiry was ordered into the shooting incident since the pub was open beyond 1 am, a senior police officer said.
After findings by district vigilance, five beat officers of M Block Market, GK-I were sent to district lines. They were asked to explain the reason for their misconduct, said Romil Baaniya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South).
A show-cause notice has been issued to the Station House Officer of the Greater Kailash police station and division staff for explaining their misconduct, he said.
New Delhi:
While social media is still finding it hard to get over Virushka's dreamy wedding in Italy, the buzz around Disha Patani and Tiger Shroff's marriage is doing rounds on social networking sites.
The alleged lovebirds, who were busy showcasing their hot bodies on the pristine beaches of Sri Lanka, are under spotlight yet again.
Social Media is going bonkers as a certain leaked video of the duo exchanging Jaimalas at an unknown place made fans' hearts skip a beat.But before you start dreaming about another Anushka Sharma-Virat Kohli story, let us reveal the truth.The video has been taken from their forthcoming flick 'Baaghi 2'.
Besides this, the video contains a bunch of breathtaking chase scenes from the Ahmed Khan directorial. In one of the scenes, Tiger is seen jumping off the buses and zips through the streets of Goa at a very high speed.
Though fans are waiting eagerly to watch the wedding scene in real life as well, the much sought after couple chose to remain tight-lipped on their affairs.
Meanwhile, amidst this ongoing rumours about their marriage, both the actors took to micro-blogging site Twitter to share the poster and release date of Baaghi 2.
"Get Ready To Fight guys as Rebels For Love are all geared up to arrive soon! #SajidNadiadwalas #Baaghi2 to release on March 3, 2018. @khan_ahmedasas @DishPatani @NGEMovies @FoxStarHindi #Baaghi2onMarch30, Tiger wrote.
Rebels For Love are all set to meet you! #SajidNadiadwalas Baaghi2 to release on March 30 2018, Disha tweeted.
Also starring Prateik Babbar, Randeep Hooda and Manoj Bajpayee in key roles, the action thriller is scheduled to hit screens on March 30, 2018.
Video Courtesy: Bollywood Fan
Son of a A post shared by Tiger Shroff (@tigerjackieshroff) on Jan 1, 2018 at 1:19am PST
Heaven A post shared by disha patani (paatni) (@dishapatani) on Jan 1, 2018 at 8:18pm PST
A post shared by disha patani (paatni) (@dishapatani) on Dec 29, 2017 at 10:31pm PST
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Guwahati/Kolkata,:
The Assam Police on Thursday registered an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on complaints over her allegation that the Centre was conspiring to drive Bengalis out of Assam with the state's National Register of Citizens (NRC) that is being updated.
The police FIR sparked an angry response from the Trinamool Congress(TMC) which said such an action would not stop her from fighting for the cause of the Bengalis while the BJP accused Banerjee of trying to make an "issue out of an non-issue" for reaping political dividends.
The BJP government in Assam condemned Banerjee's statement, saying it was "derogatory, insulting to the people of Assam and against the Constitution as well as the spirit of the Supreme Court."
Numerous groups staged protests across Assam condemning the statement by the TMC chief. At several places, including in Tinsukia and Biswanath, Banerjee's effigies were burnt.
At a meeting in Ahmedpur in West Bengal on Wednesday, Banerjee accused the NDA government at the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of December 31.
"I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire... This is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.80 crore people from the state," she had said. The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration.
Deputy Commissioner (Central) of Guwahati Police Ranjan Bhuyan told PTI, "Latasil police station received a complaint regarding an alleged speech of the West Bengal chief minister. We have registered the complaint and will carry out the investigation as per law."
The complaint was filed by Gauhati High Court advocate Tailendra Nath Das and the police have registered an FIR under Section 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code, he added.
The section pertains to promoting enmity among groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
Das also accused Banerjee of contempt of the apex court as the update of the NRC is being done under the direct the supervision of the Supreme Court.
A similar complaint was filed by another person and it would be merged with the registered FIR, the police said.
Also Read: Veteran Bengali actor Partha Mukhopadhyay dies at 70, WB CM Mamata Banerjee expresses grief
Yet another complaint was filed at the Dispur police station in the city by Krishak Shramik Unnayan Parishad President Pradeep Kalita alleging that the chief minister was spreading enmity between people through her speech.
"We have received the complaint at Dispur, but have not registered a case as yet...The police are looking into the matter before registering a case as the place of occurrence is outside the state," said Deputy Commissioner(East) of Guwahati Police Mohneesh Mishra.
Assam government spokesperson and cabinet minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed her speech against the NRC update as "politically motivated" and made to "appease her vote bank".
"We condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee. It is derogatory and insulting to people of Assam. It is against the Constitution and the spirit of the Supreme Court," Patowary told a press conference in Guwahati.
Responding to Banerjee's allegation of a conspiracy to drive Bengali speaking people out of Assam, Patowary asked her to submit evidence to the Supreme Court.
TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said if the BJP and Assam government think that they can stop the party and Banerjee from fighting for the cause of Muslims then they are living in a "fool's paradise".
"Such police cases and FIRs won't be able to stop Mamata Banerjee and TMC from fighting for the cause of Bengalis. We have seen such tactics to drive out Bengalis from Assam. If the Bengalis are in danger then Mamata Banerjee and TMC won't sit idle," said Chatterjee, who is also the state parliamentary affairs minister.
The West Bengal BJP unit slammed Banerjee for her statement.
"The allegations made by the chief minister are completely baseless. Nothing of that sort is being done. Such allegations are made just to get political dividends out of it," its president Dilip Ghosh said.
Also Read| Gujarat Election Results 2017: Gujarat numbers a face-saving win for BJP, says Mamata Banerjee
The TMC is trying to make an issue out of a non-issue, just like they had done in the case of demonetisation and GST, Ghosh said.
Assam BJP unit urged the NRC authorities to file a complaint in the Supreme Court against Banerjee for her comments.
Another senior state BJP leader, who did not want to be identified, said that Banerjee instead of making a hue and cry should take lessons from Assam.
"We very well know that West Bengal has turned into a safe haven for Jihadis under TMC regime. So instead of shouting over the NRC, the TMC should take lessons from it," the BJP leader said.
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New Delhi:
A blanket of dense fog enveloped the national capital on Thursday, delaying 14 flights and 60 trains. The visibility was recorded at 300 meters at 5.30 AM which improved to 500 meters at 8.30 AM.
"The minimum temperature recorded at 8.30 AM was 5 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal while the humidity was recorded at 100 per cent," a MeT official said.
The weatherman has predicted a clear afternoon with the possibility of maximum temperature settling around 19 degrees Celsius.
Airport officials said 14 flights were delayed due to fog.
According to a Railway official, 60 trains were running late due to fog, 18 trains had to be rescheduled and 14 cancelled.
On Wednesday, the maximum and minimum temperatures were recorded at 18.4 and 7.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.
# Cold wave conditions continue unabated in Uttar Pradesh, trains delayed due to fog: Visuals from Gorakhpur pic.twitter.com/poeYJYaIrV ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 4, 2018
# Intense cold wave continues to grip Uttar Pradesh: Visuals from Allahabad and Kanpur pic.twitter.com/Mkbh3GstzI ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 4, 2018
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New Delhi:
In a build up to the forthcoming ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit, which marks the silver jubilee of Dialogue Partnership between India and ASEAN, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will undertake her first visit of the year to three southeast Asian countries Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore from January 4 to 8.
On the first leg of the visit, Swaraj will be in Thailand on January 4 and 5, where she will hold an official meeting with Thailands Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, who will also host a dinner.
All aspects of bilateral relations with Thailand will be discussed with particular focus on political, defence and economic ties and on further enhancing Indias engagement with ASEAN countries, a Ministry of External Affairs official said. Thailand will assume the role of coordinator country for India-ASEAN relations in the middle of 2018.
During the visit to Indonesia on January 5-6, Swaraj will co-chair the 5th meeting of the India-Indonesia Joint Commission with her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi. The Indonesian Foreign Minister will also host a banquet.
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New Delhi:
Political parties on Thursday indulged in a slugfest both inside and outside Parliament as a bill to ban instant triple talaq was tabled in the Rajya Sabha, amid uncertainty over its fate with only two days of the winter session being left.
While the Government wanted to debate on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, the opposition wanted it to be sent to a Select Committee for scrutiny before it is a made a law.
This bill gives power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking "subsistence allowance" for herself and minor children in the case of instant triple talaq or talaq-e- biddat.
A victim can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate. Under the law, instant triple talaq in any form -- spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp -- would be illegal and void.
The bill could get stalled in the Rajya Sabha where government lacks a majority and it may be referred to a parliamentary committee for its review.
Here are the Live Updates:
# Sudhanshu Trivedi, BJP: The duplicity of Congress is quite clear, it has become typical characteristic of Congress.
#Smriti Irani: Double standards of congress led opposition are exposed today and I think it is a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian muslim women.
# Smriti Irani: Opposition stands exposed in RS, for past 2 days repeatedly it has been said that if there are any issues need to be spoken on Triple Talaq Bill, those issues need to be put out on the floor of the House. Why is congress -led opposition running away from discussion?
# Kapil Sibal: The government is isolated, the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee.
# TMC MP Derek 0 Brein: Today BJP has been exposed, they don't have the guts to empower women.
# Rajya Sabha adjourned till Friday 11 am following ruckus over triple talaq bill.
# Congress's Ghulam Nabi Azad: The select committee has to be one which represents the character of the house. We only have an issue about the allowance which we have repeatedly raised. We are for the bill.
# Arun Jaitley: Congress wants to destroy the Triple Talaq Bill.
# Uproar in Rajya Sabha after opposition's motion on Triple Talaq Bill.
#Opposition demands Triple Talaq Bill be sent to select committee
# Maharashtra #BhimaKoregaonViolence raised in Rajya Sabha by Congress MP Rajni Patil; SP's Naresh Agarwal also demands action and constitution of a Commission for a report on the matter
Congress MP Rajni Patil gives notice in Rajya Sabha under rule 267 over #BhimaKoregaonViolence ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
# 10:40AM
# 10:35AM
Delhi: BJP leaders stage protest in front of Gandhi statue in Parliament against murder of party worker Deepak Rao in Karnataka's Mangalore, demand case to be transferred to CBI pic.twitter.com/V3tT4HQtcg ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
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New Delhi:
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday expressed his happiness over former Telecom Minister A Raja's vindication in the alleged 2G spectrum allocation case.
In a reply to A Raja's emotional letter, Manmohan wrote, "I am very happy that you stand vindicated in the 2G case."
Singh added, "You and your family have suffered greatly in this process but all your friends are greatly relieved that truth has prevailed."
Raja, following his acquittal in the case had written a letter to the former prime minister, recalling his past communication and assurance that he had done nothing wrong.
The DMK leader in his letter date December 26, 2017 wrote, A decade ago, on this very day, I wrote a letter to you on the subject of issuance of new UAS licenses and allocation of 2G spectrum. Neither of us could imagined the twists and turns in our political and personal lives over the next ten years.
Also read: Did CBI mess up the 2G case intentionally? Arvind Kejriwal asks PM Modi, Jaitley
Former Telecom minister A. Raja wrote to former PM Manmohan Singh saying, 'I assured you that I had done nothing wrong but rather acted in national interest & that I'd prove this.' Singh replied saying, 'I'm very happy that you stand vindicated.' #2GScamVerdict pic.twitter.com/E73IA2cnym ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
He further added, A few powerful individuals launched a propaganda machine, magnified a thousand times by a complicit and pliable media, and were able to misled even Parliament and the apex judiciary. It cost you and UPA government, and it took seven years of my life, including fifteen months in jail.
The DMK leader also wrote, You will recall that I assured you several times that I had done nothing wrong but rather acted in national interest and that I would prove this.
Also read: CBI court finds no scam in 2G spectrum allocation, acquits all accused; Congress demands Modis apology for 'propaganda'
I also understand the compulsions that prevented you from openly supporting me. Today, I stand vindicated. I hope you will acknowledge that I remained loyal and faithful to you unlike some senior Cabinet colleagues and ensured that you did not suffer personal embarrassment in the trial proceedings. Now that the truth about 2G is out in the open, perhaps you too could come forward in my support, which you could not earlier, wrote Raja.
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New Delhi:
Space debris or old satellites falling back down on Earth is something we all are aware of as hundreds of junk land on our planet each year. But, what will happen if a 19,000-pound heavy space station will fall on Earth?
Well, scientists are worried too as an out of control Chinese space station has gone off the route and can crash anywhere into Earth. Scientists are unable to figure out where on Earth it is going to crash, reports CBS Denver.
Tiangong-1, an unmanned space lab, is expected to crash on Earth in March. China lost control of the space station around two years ago in June 2016.
The Chinese government had earlier estimated that the Tiangong-1 would come down back to Earth in late 2017. Experts have now come to this conclusion that the Chinese space agency has lost all the ability to direct Tiangong-1s course or even know its crash landing site.
European Space Agency (ESA)s November analysis suggests that the orbit of the spacecraft "will inevitably decay sometime between January and March 2018, when it will make an uncontrolled reentry."
"Even a couple of days before it re-enters we probably won't know better than six or seven hours, plus or minus, when it's going to come down," Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell told The Guardian in 2016. "Not knowing when it's going to come down translates as not knowing where its going to come down."
According to ESA experts, much of the spacecraft would likely burn up in the atmosphere, however, portions of it could reach the surface of the Earth.
Reports say that there is only a 1-in-10,000 chance that the Tiangong-1 will actually crash in a populated area and cause damage to buildings and establishments.
"The date, time and geographic footprint of the reentry can only be predicted with large uncertainties. Even shortly before reentry, only a very large time and geographical window can be estimated," said Holger Krag, head of ESA's Space Debris Office.
For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Miami:
Its called snow, something residents of North Florida hadnt seen in almost three decades until on Wednesday, and it is part of a deep-freeze striking the entire US East Coast.
The US National Weather Service warned that a major winter storm would bring heavy snow and ice, from Florida in the southeast up to New England and the Northeast on Wednesday and Thursday.
New York City was under a winter storm watch, with between three and six inches (8-15 centimeters) of snow expected from Wednesday night through Thursday.
Tallahassee, Floridas capital in the far north of the Sunshine State, awoke Wednesday to a dusting of 0.1 inches of snow, the first significant measurement since 1989, according to the Weather Channel.
Floridians, more accustomed to hurricanes than this odd white substance, rushed to publish on social media their photos of snow covering their warm-weather flip-flop footwear and outdoor swimming pools.
#snowmageddon, they called it on Twitter.
The storm has already led to the closure of roads in northern Florida and southeastern Georgia, where governor Nathan Deal declared a state of emergency in the coastal area.
Floridas governor Rick Scott urged people in the northern part of his state to prepare for extreme cold weather conditions, including potential snow, sleet or ice accumulations.
Forecasters said the night-time temperature would fall below freezing in Tallahassee this week.
The National Weather Service said the rapidly deepening area of low pressure off Floridas east coast will move northeastward bringing snow to the southern mid-Atlantic coast and then to New England as it moves towards the Canadian Maritimes by Friday.
The potential exists for dangerous travel, scattered power outages, tidal flooding, and very cold wind chills, the Weather Service said on its website.
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Beirut:
The head of Lebanons powerful Tehran-backed Hezbollah movement has said he was confident protests in Iran would be brought under control and leave US President Donald Trump disappointed.
"There is nothing to worry about and what happened in Iran is well contained," Hassan Nasrallah said in an interview to Al-Mayadeen, a TV channel close to his movement.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards chief proclaimed the "end of the sedition" on Wednesday as tens of thousands of people rallied in a show of solidarity with the regime.
Protests over economic problems broke out in Iran's second city Mashhad last week and quickly spread across the country, turning against the regime as a whole.
The rare protests drew vocal support from Trump, who on Wednesday vowed to back demonstrators and called the Iranian "brutal and corrupt".
Also Read: 12 killed in Iran protests, security personnel attacked, says Iran state TV
"Trumps hopes have been disappointed," Nasrallah said, as will the hopes of "all those who bet that the protests would grow and lead to the fall of the regime and chaos in Iran."
He said he saw no risk of a change in Tehrans policy of support for movements such as his but when asked about Irans financial contributions to Hezbollah, he replied "no comment".
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Washington:
The US has placed Pakistan on a 'Special Watch List' for "severe violations" of religious freedom, the State Department on Thursday said, making it the only country to be put under the newly-formed list.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced re-designation of 10 countries as 'Countries of Particular Concern' (CPC).
"The secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.
This is for the first time, that the State Department announced its 'Special Watch List', a new category created by the Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016. The department placed only Pakistan on this list.
The Special Watch List is for countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom but may not rise to the level of the CPC.
In far too many places around the globe, people continue to be persecuted, unjustly prosecuted, or imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief, Nauert said in a statement.
"Today, a number of governments infringe upon individuals' ability to adopt, change, or renounce their religion or belief, worship in accordance with their religion or beliefs, or be free from coercion to practice a particular religion or belief," she said.
In accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, she said Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as 'Countries of Particular Concern'.
"Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017," she said.
Noting that the protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity, Nauert said these designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries.
"We recognise that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom; we welcome these initiatives and look forward to continued dialogue," Nauert said.
The US remains committed to working with governments, civil society organisations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world, she added.
Also Read: US not enjoying dealing with Pakistan, ties have drifted over the years, says Rex Tillerson
The US Commission for International Religious Freedom which has been seeking to designate Pakistan as CPS however expressed its disappointment with the decision of Tillerson in this regard.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has been advocating for designating Pakistan as a CPC since 2002.
It has argued that the government of Pakistan continues "to perpetrate and tolerate systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations. Religiously discriminatory constitutional provisions and legislation, such as the country's blasphemy and anti-Ahmadiyya laws, continue to result in prosecutions and imprisonments".
"Pakistan continues to harass its religious minorities, has state-sanctioned discrimination against groups such as the Ahmadis, and tolerates extra-judicial violence in the guise of opposing blasphemy," USCIRF Chairman Daniel Mark said.
Also Read: US ready for talks with North Korea without preconditions: Rex Tillerson
"As USCIRF has said for many years, Pakistan should be designated by the State Department as a CPC. Given the strong stance that President Trump has taken on Pakistan recently, the failure to designate Pakistan as a CPC this year comes as a surprise and disappointment," Mark said.
In November, Congressmen Randy Hultgren and James P McGovern, Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, in a letter to Tillerson had urged him to designate Pakistan as CPC alleging it has engaged in systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.
In a report last year, the Pew Research Center determined that over an eight-year period Pakistan is one of a small group of countries that "stand out as having the most restrictions on religion...when both government restrictions and religious hostilities are taken into account".
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A Japanese man was stabbed to death and two other men were injured in separate attacks on the streets of Ireland Wednesday. Police investigating the incidents said terrorism is one line of inquiry.
Police said an 18-year-old Egyptian national has been arrested and detained at the Dundalk Police Station in the Republic of Ireland just south of the border with Northern Ireland.
The suspect has not been identified or charged. Police believe he had been seeking asylum in the Republic of Ireland in recent days.
Police did not release the name of the stabbing victim, but said he is a 24-year-old Japanese man who had been living in Ireland for the past year.
An autopsy is underway, police said.
The victim was attacked on the street and stabbed in the back Wednesday morning in Dundalk. He died at the scene. Media reports say the other injuries took place in other parts of Dundalk, with one person being stabbed and another attacked with an iron post.
Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said police received emergency calls from three separate locations in the Dundalk area and were able to quickly apprehend the suspect, who was carrying a large fence post when taken into custody.
He added that the first attack was reported at about 9 a.m. local time, and the attacks were spread out over 40 minutes.
He said no motive has been established and that terrorism is being seen as one possibility. - Japan Today
DANBURY The Board of Directors approved fare increases and reduced services to Brewster at Wednesdays Housatonic Area Regional Transit meeting.
Under the changes, the base fare for a fixed route goes from $1.50 to $1.75 and other fare classes increase proportionately. The fare for ADA Paratransit increases from $2.50 to $3, and the fare for same day SweetHART dial-a-ride trips go from $3 to $4.
The ADA rates were last raised in 2011, and the last fixed rate increase was in 2013, said Eric Bergstraesser, HARTransits chief executive officer.
We cant go any longer, he said, adding HARTransit has the lowest fares in the state for both ADA and fixed rates.
He said the driver for this increase was the state budget problems and the lack of money expected for the state Department of Transportation and associated road projects. He said fiscal year 2019 looks even worse with the state talking about increasing bus fares by 15 percent and cutting its contract with HARTransit by 15 percent.
Were hoping for the best and preparing for the worst, he said.
Jeff Doyle, a rider who has nerve damage, said the fare increase was difficult for those with disabilities. He said he moved from Ridgefield to Danbury to use the bus, but still had limited ADA services on the bus. He said these limited services are forcing riders to find alternative travel methods.
Dan Honan, of Newtown, and one of three representatives on the board, said he doesnt like to raise the rates, but acknowledged it had to be done.
Both he and Chairman Leonard Russell, of New Fairfield, asked if they could delay the vote until more of the board could be there, but the timeline to enact the new rates prevented them from doing that.
Each town that uses HARTransit gets at least one seat on the Board of Directors, but only Danbury, Newtown and New Fairfield have appointed representatives. Newtown just approved its second appointee who starts at the next meeting.
Oswaldo Chin, the union president who represents HARTransits employees, is also asking the board to create two advisory spots to represent employees and riders.
Honan and Russell also approved reducing services on the 3 line, eliminating the rides between Trader Joes in Danbury and Brewster between noon and 2 p.m. This doesnt affect the Brewster shuttle, which goes to the train station.
Rick Schreiner, HARTransits service development director, said this was to prevent the buses from getting backed up due to congestion on Interstate 84, which causes drivers to go on the side roads, which affects the bus times. By eliminating the middle times, the later buses can get back on schedule.
As soon as traffic backs up, it backs up to Mill Plain Road, and that dominoes into the system," he said.
He said removing these services allows them to reinstate some of the Mill Ridge stops which serve a public housing area that were removed when the Brewster rides were extended.
Noreen Mangan, a Danbury resident who rides the Brewster shuttle, encouraged the board to keep the 3 line as is because it serves those in Brewster who work or shop in Danbury. She said cutting services could make Danbury a transportation desert.
We shouldnt be talking about cutting public transportation in Danbury where we are the fastest growing city in Connecticut, she said.
More Information HARTransit Fares: A sample CASH FARE: Previous: Fixed route: Full fare $1.50 Student (K-12) $1.10 Senior/Disabled $0.75 ADA Paratransit ADA eligible $2.50 SweetHART Dial-A-Ride Eligible $1.00 SweetHART Dial-A-Ride Same day $3.00 New: Full fare $1.75 Student (K-12) $1.40 Senior/Disabled $0.85 ADA Paratransit ADA eligible $3.00 SweetHART Dial-A-Ride Eligible $1.00 SweetHART Dial-A-Ride Same day $4.00 See More Collapse
HARTransit isnt making changes to the 7 Link bus, which travels between Norwalk and Danbury. Beginning later this month, Norwalk Transit will no longer offer its two inbound and outbound buses that travel this line, and its 9:05 a.m. bus will only run to Wilton Center. HARTransit will continue to offer its five inbound and outbound 7 Link buses, which travel from 6:35 a.m. to 5:25 p.m.
The directors didnt discuss what the reduced Norwalk services were and if HARTransit would assume those trips.
NEW MILFORD Mayor Pete Bass this week apologized on behalf of former Mayor David Gronbach in a news release and letters to town families.
Bass, in the release, said Gronbach disclosed residents personal information when he criticized a local nonprofit last summer. Bass said an apology was needed.
There is an ongoing discussion about the benefits of traditional branding versus modern strategies of branding. In the past, marketers used to think that all you needed was a quality product, strong logo, mission statement or a catchy tagline in order to establish a brand. Big brands thought that having an effective website or buying a Super Bowl commercial became what separated their marketing efforts from smaller competitors.
Related: Online Sales and the Importance of Branding Your Business From Day 1
Nowadays, most of these things are still important (apart from the Super Bowl commercial), but they work to support your other branding efforts. Traditional branding is all about consistency, while modern branding is about authenticity combined with consistency.
Leverage tech for branding.
Technology enables a brand and its content to have a greater reach. There are 7 billion people on Earth and approximately 3.6 billion of them are using the internet.
As an individual among these billions, you might not have the name recognition, but now there are several opportunities, provided by technology, to help connect you with consumers. We have the ability to access information from individuals as well as to communicate with them, and the number of options is increasing faster than ever.
Related: Why You Should Hire One of These People to Tell Your Brand's Story
Be social.
Social media is an essential facet of branding in today's business culture. By effectively utilizing social media, it can be an inexpensive tool to showcase yourself to an audience of billions. It is important for you to learn how to promote your brand across multiple mediums and make sure to focus on the metrics of each of those audiences.
Crawl before you walk, before you run. By doing so, and evaluating the mediums that your audience prefers to use, you will be able to better distribute the information that you convey. Listen to the people who are already listening to you and learn what content they want, and enjoy.
Related: These 13 Skills Will Improve Your Branding Efforts
Be ready to mix it up.
We still need traditional marketing, such as logos, websites and missions, to combine with the other branding tools provided by technology today. In order to be the most effective, do your own branding experimentation to help you decide where to best allocate your time, as well as your money.
Try using different mediums to communicate, focusing on those that provide the greatest returns for you and the best value for your target market. Learn where your brand (and its content) gets the most engagement.
Related: 20 Tips to Organically Market Your Brand on Instagram (Infographic)
Put podcasts on blast.
For example, podcasts are one of the go-to mediums for helping to elevate an individual brand or even a company's profile in 2017 (or 2018). In fact, studies show that the number of people who listen to podcasts monthly is increasing among men and women. This is something that many are trying to capitalize on, especially since the studies also report that podcast listeners tend to have a higher household income, in general.
A podcast gives the opportunity to create fantastic and easily digestible audio content and gives you the opportunity to incorporate video for marketing purposes, as well. You need to focus on branding something unique in this increasingly competitive medium, so play to your strengths. Know your message or mission.
Brand your expertise.
Make the most of your situational knowledge and relationship capital in order to find your own niche and share the value that you have. Sharing the valuable insights that you possess will allow your brand to make the greatest impact on your audience.
Related Video: The 8 Laws of Branding
Related:
Today's Savvy Branding Mixes Traditional and Modern Brand Strategies
5 Reasons Personal Branding is Non-Negotiable for 2018
These Key Approaches are Quintessential for Successful Brand-building
Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
NEW HAVEN A Massachusetts man was sentenced Wednesday to 18 months in prison for his role in a heroin trafficking ring working in the city, federal authorities said in a release.
Julio Flores, 39, of Webster, Mass., pleaded guilty in October to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, heroin, the release said. Under the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer, Flores must also serve four years of supervised release, according to federal authorities.
Prof. Olufumilayo Adesanya-Davies
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, a professor of Language and Communication Arts at the Rivers State University of Education, Prof. Olufumilayo Adesanya-Davies, has announced his intention to contest the presidential election.
Adesanya-Davies made her intention public, on Tuesday, while addressing newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The Ira-Kwara born don said she had consulted widely before making her intention public.
She added that decision of the Federal Government to make applications forms free for women aspirants also boosted her interest in the race.
She used the occasion to counsel Nigerians to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the solution to current challenges in the country is in the hands of women.
Her words, I am aspiring to be the next president of Nigeria. I am out to put laughter of joy on the mouth of all.
I have discussed this with the former presidential candidate, Sarah Jubril, who incidentally is from Kwara state. Her reaction was that if a miracle like this we ever happen, we have paid the price in Kwara state and it is going to happen in the state.
She said that Nigeria has opened the ground for Nigerian women, adding that my ticket is that of Nigeria, as the presidential form is free for women.
Historically, we will recall in 2015 another woman presidential candidate came. She floated a party called the KOWA party. Her name is Prof. Remi Sonaya. She was my lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo Univerity (OAU).
2015 was when i first thought about being a presidential aspirant. This is for the main reason that i was born October 15th and I got married at October 15th.
That time i said with President Goodluck Jonathan in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) i was going to be his running mate. I was sending text messages to him. I told him to let Vice President Nnamadi Sambo step down for him to be successful but he did not listen to me.
But delay is not denial, that is why I am staging a come back. I have done some consultations.
The first person to put a call through was Patience Jonathan. I told her that I am picking the presidential form this time around and she endorsed my decision.
Our first thanks will go to the nation- Nigeria that says the ladies could pick our forms politically at every levels. Nigeria is confident that the current challenges in the country can only be tackled by the women.
However, we are still keeping the party under which place we will aspire under close wraps.
Later on will be announcing that through the press. We dont have a platfom yet. We are just saying that officially, this is a presidential aspirant for 2019 and later we will take it to the next level.
As time goes on and we are taking counsel from the youths, the family, mothers and the children we will declare on which platform the next first female president will be coming from.
On Buhari Prof Adesanya-Davies said: The test of maturity is taking responsibility for your irresponsibility. You take a decision and you gonna allow it to sail through. A four old preganancy cannot be delivered.
You have to be patient and quietly allow for delivery for nine months. We were the one that did the voting, we accepted the change and now the change is here.
I will advise Nigerians to calm down for President Muhammadu Buhari. Also the man too is not sleeping. He is not resting. Age too is not on his side. We did all the mathematics and we saw it and opted for it.
So that he had to travel for 100 days to take care of his health is not his fault. It is age and we said we believe in him.
Major problem with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is that it does not want to do literature review. We in the academics always build from where we are coming from for finished and unfinished projects.
Buharis governance had to take positive reminiscences to Goodluck Jonathan. An old man cannot combine minister for petroleum ministry with the presidency and it will work. We need them to work hard and get the technocrats to do their jobs again, she said.
The nationwide blackout continued Wednesday after efforts by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to restore electricity failed, following a second system collapse of transmission network at exactly 14.19 hours.
According to TCN, the second system failure occurred when the Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene 330kV transmission line tripped, cutting off electricity generation and transmission from the Odukpani power station to the grid.
A statement Wednesday by the companys General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, however, assured Nigerians that restoration of the grid had reached an advanced stage.
TCN added that it had also commenced investigations to determine the exact cause of the system disturbance.
The system disturbance happened at a time when work on the Western Gas Pipeline (Ecscavos-Lagos Pipeline System) by the Nigerian Gas Processing and Transportation Company Ltd (NGPTC), which caused a system collapse at about 21.17 hours on Tuesday was yet to be completed.
The grid would have withstood the Odukpani infraction, if generation along Lagos region was available, said TCN in the statement.
TCN explained that NGPTC, the gas supply and marketing subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), had indicated that a contractor had been mobilised to repair the affected segment of the Escravos-Lagos pipeline, so that gas supply to the Omotosho, Egbin, and Olorunsogo I and II thermal power stations could be restored.
According to NGC, work would be carried out day and night and is expected to be completed within 24 hours, TCN assured the public.
The TCN stated that with the support of the Ministries of Power and Finance it had embarked on the implementation of a Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP) aimed at expanding, rehabilitating and stabilising the national grid, and appealed to Nigerians to be patient with it.
The national grid had collapsed on Tuesday night following a fire incident reported by the NGPTC on its Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System near Okada, Edo State.
NNPC had attributed the incident to a bush fire, which spread from Abakila in Ondo State.
The incident led to the shutdown of the pipeline supplying gas to the 1,320MW-capacity Egbin power station in Lagos; 676MW-capacity Olorunsogo NIPP station; 338MW-capacity, Olorunsogo I power station; 450MW-capacity Omotosho NIPP station; and the 338MW-capacity, Omotosho I station.
However, THISDAY gathered that the affected stations were generating about 1,200MW at the time of the fire incident, as they were not producing at full capacity.
It was also gathered that before the Tuesday fire incident, a peak generation of 4,685.3MW was recorded and wheeled out to the grid on Monday, while the lowest generation on the same day was 3,667.5MW.
THISDAY also gathered that at exactly 06:00 hours on Tuesday a total of 3,749.90MW was generated and transmitted to the grid for distribution to the 11 distribution companies.
Investigations revealed that TCN made efforts to sustain minimal supply after the closure of the Escravos pipeline, using generation from the hydroelectric power stations and other gas-fired plants located outside South-west but these efforts failed at exactly 14.19 hours Wednesday when the country was plunged into total darkness.
A source at TCN told THISDAY that officials of the company worked hard to restore the system with generation from the hydro stations and other plants but the efforts failed.
As it stands, there is no supply to the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo, and no supply to the main regional control centres at Shiroro, Ikeja West and Benin.
Lagos is in total darkness and the same thing applies to the North and other parts of the South. So, the country is in darkness, he said.
A source in one of the distribution companies also told THISDAY that they would give TCN reasonable time to restore power to the grid before raising the alarm over zero electricity supply.
Any system can break down. We will give them time to restore supply. If they fail, we will inform our customers that we are getting zero supply from the grid, he said.
The Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, Tuesday night had ordered an immediate assessment of the damage caused by the fire in order to effect the necessary repairs.
According to a statement Wednesday by the Group General Manager, Public Affairs of NNPC, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, the pipeline which supplies gas to power plants in the South-west, also feeds the West Africa Gas Pipeline System.
The incineration of the ELPS, which was built in 1989, was suspected to have been caused by a bush fire on January 2, 2018 at Abakila in Ondo State, the statement said.
NNPC added that firemen from the NNPC were drafted to the scene and were able to contain the fire from the point of leakage on the pipeline, stating, however, that the fire could not be extinguished due to the high pressure on the line.
It said: To put out the fire, the line would need to be isolated and depressurised, which might lead to the complete shutdown of the pipeline segment for repair works to be carried out.
The exercise will affect gas supply to customers in Ondo, Ogun and Lagos States, with subsequent shutdown of the following power plants with a combined generating capacity of 1,143MW: Egbin, Lagos, Olorunshogo, PEL Olorunshogo, Ogun, Paras Power Plant, Ogun and Omotosho plant, Ondo State.
Before the fire incident on Tuesday, the country on December 18, 2017 had attained a new generation peak of 5,222.3 megawatts.
The feat was achieved after two electricity generation milestones of 5,155.9MW and 5,074.70MW were reached on December 8, 2017 and February 2, 2016, respectively.
TCN had explained that the gradual but steady improvement in the nations power sector was as a result of the strategy of the administration to improve the power sector.
At least 31 loggers are believed to have been abducted by Boko Haram jihadists after they went missing in northeast Nigeria, security sourc...
This screen grab image taken on January 2, 2018 from a video released on January 2, 2018 by Islamist group Boko Haram shows Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau speaking in his first video message in months amid a surge in violence casting doubt on the Nigerian governments claim that the jihadist group is defeated. Shekaus message comes during an acceleration of Boko Haram attacks and just days after the jihadists killed 25 people outside Maiduguri, the birthplace of the Islamist insurgency. / AFP PHOTO
At least 31 loggers are believed to have been abducted by Boko Haram jihadists after they went missing in northeast Nigeria, security sources said Wednesday.The alleged kidnapping took place just days after 30 troops vanished following a raid on a military base in the same region amid a surge in bloody violence.Sources told AFP the loggers, mostly in their twenties, had left the town of Gamboru on the border with Cameroon Tuesday morning to fetch firewood in a Boko Haram hotspot.All 31 have not been seen since yesterday and it is obvious they were seized by Boko Haram, said Umar Kachalla, a militia in Gamboru fighting Boko Haram alongside the military.The loggers had left for Wulgo village in nearby Marte district, 15 kilometres away, with their axes and wooden carts to collect wood to sell and raise money to buy food, Kachalla said.Two weeks ago, Boko Haram gunmen shot dead 10 loggers from Gamboru in the bush outside Wulgo while collecting firewood, said another militia Shehu Mada.We believe Boko Haram abducted them to use them as fighters, given their young age, Mada said. They (Boko Haram) abandon the bodies of their victims when they kill them but the fact that the bodies of the loggers have not been seen is clear indication they were abducted, said Mada. Boko Haram fighters still operate in hard-to-reach rural areas where military operations are minimal.In August 2014, the group seized Gamboru, a trading hub along with the neighbouring town of Ngala. Nigerian troops retook both towns in September 2015 with the help of Chadian forces following offensives lasting months. Despite the recapture of the area, Boko Haram fighters continue to launch sporadic attacks, ambushing troops and vehicles, as well as attacking and abducting farmers.Last week two farmers were shot dead by jihadists while harvesting their crops in Bugda village outside Gamboru, according to resident Nasiru Saidu. Boko Harams eight-year insurgency against the government of Nigeria has spilled into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, killing around 20,000 people and displacing more than 2.6 million.Most of the displaced rely on food handouts from aid agencies while others have turned to felling trees in the arid region for firewood which they sell to buy food. The jihadists have increasingly targeted loggers in their armed campaign, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military and the local militia fighting them. On Christmas Day the jihadists killed 25 loggers at a logging site outside the city of Maiduguri.At least 30 soldiers remain missing following a Christmas Day Boko Haram attack on a military base in neighbouring Yobe state in which five troops were killed, according to military and militia sources. Boko Haram jihadists in eight trucks stormed the military base in Kanamma village on the border with Niger, promoting a twin hour gun battle, said the sources. The attack was repelled with aerial support.We lost five men in the attack and 30 still remain unaccounted for, a military officer told AFP. It is not yet clear whether they are missed their way in the fighting or were seized by the terrorists, said the officer who asked not to be identified. Thirty soldiers have not been heard of since the and there is fear they could have been taken by Boko Haram, said militia Grema Usman.
Mr Ebi Beredugo, Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to reshuffle his cabinet and inject technocrats to key positions to achieve the change promised by the party.Beredugo told the Newsmen in an interview on Thursday in Yenagoa that most of the political appointees in the present administration have outlived their usefulness and must go.President BuhariHe said that it was the professional expertise of technocrats, not politicians that were required to make the much desired impact on the economic front as well as infrastructure.He said impact that would build up the goodwill that also result to political goodwill ahead the 2019 general elections.The president must tinker with his cabinet. He must bring in more technocrats. He must use technocrats to steer the country to the next level.I want to say that the politicians, who are surrounding the president, should be dropped as they are not making any positive contribution. It is time the country brings in more technocrats, Beredugo said.The legal practitioner said the notion that the politicians would work for the re-election of the president was erroneous, saying the second term of the president would depend on the impact of his administration.No, Nigerians will decide whether to bring you for second term, not those politicians who deep down have lost touch even with their grassroots.Those politicians cant deliver the president, we must get this clear because they have disconnected even from their grassroots. They cant even deliver their states.They can only use federal might to come and cause confusion because they cannot actually deliver their states.So why not bring in more of experts and technocrats, let Nigerians feel the change in their lives. Let Nigerians begin to enjoy the dividends of good governance, he counselled.Beredugo noted that the goodwill that earned the present administration the support of Nigerians in 2015 is waning.Can we actually and sincerely say if an election holds right now, today, can we actually say president Buhari will win that election?Does he still have the goodwill of Nigerians to believe in him that we are making progress?Are we making progress in the anti-corruption fight, why should we enter 2018 without reshuffling his cabinet?, Beredugo asked rhetorically.He observed that the mix up in the appointment of persons into the board of parastatals was a pointer that the Buhari team was not up to their game.He wondered why a list of appointees that was compiled since 2015 was not vetted and updated before it was finally released.Even though we support this government, sometimes we are not impressed with the things that come out from the Presidency; that mix up is avoidable, Beredugo said.
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, over 10 Arewa Youth groups have declared support for the next Nigeria President to come from the South...
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, over 10 Arewa Youth groups have declared support for the next Nigeria President to come from the South-East.
The groups, including Arewa Youth Forum, Arewa Youths Coalition for Peace, Northern Central Youth Club and Youths for One Nigeria made the declaration in Imo State yesterday during a youth summit.
Apart from the Arewa Youth groups, several Afenifere and Igbo youth groups, who were also at the summit, toed same line.
Spokesperson of the Arewa Youths, Alhaji Haruna Waziri stated that the decision would engender national unity and cohesion.
Waziri, who noted that the convener of the Nigeria Youth Summit, Mr. Iheanachor Ezeakor, an indigene of Arondizuogu in Imo State, would be backed by the Arewa Youths for the presidency, said the best Nigeria should do at the moment was to have an Igbo man as President in 2019.
Today we are making history by endorsing a youth to run for the number one sit in Nigeria. Mr. Iheanacho Ezeakor is a youth who has cut the barriers of ethnicity and religion, a youth the Northern youths believe in, a youth who is a true Nigerian, he declared.
Asked how such tall dream would come to reality, Waziri said, yes, it is a difficult task but, Insha Allah, we shall change the status quo.
We do not believe in things not working out; we believe that this is time to change the narrative in Nigeria. This community, Arondizuogu is a place where democracy started in the country and that is why we are here today to correct all that have gone wrong.
We made this statement in Enugu, Lagos and Abuja; today the climax of it all is taking place in Ezeakors village here in Arondizuogu.
We took this step because our leaders have failed us; they are old and tired; we can do it because the youths contribute the major votes.
I personally campaigned for Buhari but we are not happy with him; the entire Northern youths are not happy with him, forget all the propaganda.
On the choice of an Igbo man, the youth leader said, it is no longer about ethnicity or religion now; it is about who you have confidence in, Ezeakor is a detribalized Nigerian; we dont want fanatics; we want a true Nigerian.
His victory will not only quel the agitation for Biafra but would further unite Nigerians, bring us together, whether you are from the South or the North; if you are a Nigerian, you are a Nigerian and you can practise your religion everywhere, that is what we want.
Also speaking, leader of Igbo groups at the summit, Comrade Ogbonna Okoro said the youths would push for the project in a different political platform outside the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC.
In a remark, an elated Iheanacho said Im quite humbled over these endorsements. However, I do hope that another youth will have a bigger endorsement.
My own as the convener of Nigerian Youth Summit is to make sure that we things will not remain the same because we are tired of hearing that youths are the leaders of the tomorrow.
So, Im just acting as the catalyst, to motivate the youths; we are not fighting the government but we want them to understand that we have come of age.
I think I will be considering coming out to run for presidency in 2019. I know it is not a childs play but Im giving it a consideration, seeing this volume of support, down to my village today. I will run.
There was a huge protest in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, yesterday. It was to condemn Tuesdays attacks on some farmers in Guma and ...
There was a huge protest in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, yesterday. It was to condemn Tuesdays attacks on some farmers in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas. Twenty people died and 30 others were injured in the attacks.President Muhammadu Buhari, who yesterday described the killings by suspected herdsmen as reprehensible, ordered that the perpetrators be brought to book.In a statement by his Media Adviser Garba Shehu, the President said he was saddened by the wicked and callous attacks on innocent people and children.He assured Governor Samuel Ortom and Benue people that security agencies had been directed to arrest the killers.He said: This is one attack too many; and everything must be done to provide security for the people in our rural communities.President Buhari also commiserated with the families of the victims and wished the injured speedy healing.The protesters on Makurdi streets carried placards bearing inscriptions, such as presidential intervention needed and stop this incessant bloodbath.Some of the protesters, who were screaming, said the Federal Government should intervene and stop the madness.The protesters, mostly youths, barricaded most of the routes leading in and out of the state.The protest, started by National Union of Benue State Students (NUBESS), began with a peaceful procession from the second gate of the Benue State University, Makurdi .When it got to Wurukum roundabout, some hoodlums hijacked itThey made bonfire and prevented vehicles from passing through the major roads.There was traffic gridlock in Makurdi for almost 12 hours.The leader of the protesters, Mr Angu Orngu, told newsmen that they were marching against the killings of Tiv farmers by those they called Fulani herdsmen .They vowed to remain on the streets until the arrest of the killers.Ortom was prevented from addressing the protesters. Security aides whisked him away as the protesters became unruly when he tried to speak to them.The governor has vowed to continue to implement the anti open grazing law in spite of resistance.Mr Terhemen Anum told NAN that following the killings, no one has spoken from high places.Another resident, Ruth Agba, said there was evidence that the gunmen killed some farmers, burnt down their homes and destroyed their farms, crops.Agba said the attackers mode of operation was not differ from Boko Haram terrorists.The attack is the first this year. In 2017, over 20 attacks were recorded.
Parents of three girls from Ekiti State who were allegedly given three slots to travel to Dubai but ended in a slave camp in Libya are dema...
Parents of three girls from Ekiti State who were allegedly given three slots to travel to Dubai but ended in a slave camp in Libya are demanding the safe return of their children.
They made the call on Thursday at the State Police Command where a suspect who facilitated their trip, Dada Ogundare, was paraded.
Ogundare was paraded alongside a prophetess, Omoseeke Komolafe, who collected money from their parents and gave same to the trafficking suspect.
The suspects claimed that they only assisted the young ladies, one of whom was pregnant, to seek employment outside the country not knowing that they would end up as slaves.
The victims left Nigeria on November 25 by road rather than by air as they were promised that they were going to Dubai only to be taken to Libya where they were sold as slaves.
The parents explained that they later made attempt to bring their children back home but the traffickers in Libya demanded N1.2 million from them.
One of the parents, Mrs. Margaret Olorunfemi, revealed that she and Prophetess Komolafe are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the same ward with deputy governor in Ikere-Ekiti.
Mrs. Olorunfemi disclosed that Prophetess Komolafe told her daughter that the deputy governor has been given four slots to be given to children of party members in his ward to travel to Dubai adding that they were told to make N150,000 available to facilitate the trip.
The woman said she was worried when she did not hear from her daughter. According to her, she was able to speak with her daughter on December 10 who told her that she was in a slave camp in Libya.
Mrs Olorunfemi said: My child called that the prophetess had sold her into slavery that we should go and meet the deputy governor that we should get N1.2 million before they can be freed from slavery.
Another Ikere woman whose daughter was trapped in Libyan slave camp, Mrs. Feyisayo Adedayo, revealed that her daughter is pregnant.
She said: My daughter, Ayomiotan, spoke with me on phone that they went through the desert and not by flight as they were promised.
I dont have N1.2 million to send to them to free my daughter. (Ekiti State) Government should return my daughter to me with her pregnancy.
She (daughter) is my only girl and my last born; I reported the case at the police station in Ikere. I want my daughter back because I dont want her to die in slave camp.
Another parent of Libya slavery from Ikere, Mrs. Bukola Bamise said she was shocked to learn that her daughter had been sold as a slave.
She said: It was the deputy governor that said he wanted to use the four slots given to his ward to benefit our children but I was shocked to learn that they were camped somewhere and they had been sold as
slaves.
The suspected trafficker, Ogundare, told reporters that she contacted the prophetess to help her find girls interested in jobs in Libya. He claimed he didnt collect money from the victims.
Ogundare explained that his wife and younger sister are in Libya added that she told the prophetess to inform the girls parents of their destination.
He said: I didnt collect One Naira from anybody, I have so far taken four persons to Libya while madam (prophetess) had taken nine persons to Libya.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Mr Julius Okoro, warned parents against allowing their children embark on questionable trips.
He said: The girls were trafficked to Libya on the pretext that they were taking them to Dubai. Information reached their parents that they are suffering and they had been sold out in the slave camp in Libya.
One of the girls trafficked to Libya is pregnant but was rejected by those buying them because of her pregnancy. We understand that they are suffering seriously in Libya.
A prominent Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, on Wednesday, declared that the Federal Government had not been fair to the Ijaw ethnic nationality of the Niger Delta.Clark, a former Federal Commissioner for Information, lamented that the time had come for the Federal Government to address the issue of the long years of neglect to which the Ijaw had been subjected by the country.A statement by Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, the Special Adviser, Media Relations, to the Governor of Bayelsa State, said Clark made the declaration while playing host to Governor Seriake Dickson.Dickson had led a high-powered delegation of Bayelsa Government officials and Ijaw leaders to the country home of Clark in Kiagbodo, Delta State, on Wednesday.Clark prayed for the Federal Government to have the right attitude to address the Ijaw factor in the Nigerian federation in 2018.This New Year, God will touch the heart of the Federal Government that the Ijaw people have been neglected for too long. Something has to be done for them; we want actual appreciation, something has to be done for us, he said.The Ijaw leader commended Dickson for excellent leadership and efficient delivery of the dividends of democracy in Bayelsa State.Clark hailed Dickson for the construction of the 40-year-old Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, which he described as marvellous.He stressed that he had every belief in the promise made by the governor to take the critical road, which had been constructed to Aleibiri in December, to be constructed to Ekeremor in December 2018.Clark said, I listened to the governor in 2012 when he was declaring an emergency in education and I was waiting to see what that meant. Recently, he invited me to Bayelsa to see what he has done; he invited General Gowon and his wife. And what I saw in the field of education, if I dont say it publicly, I will be doing harm to myself.
Two civil society groups Committee for the Defence of Human Rights and the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership on Wednesday said Buhari-led Federal Government had not shown enough determination to stamp out killer herdsmen as it is doing to the Boko Haram insurgents.The CDHR President, Malachy Ugwummadu, said, These killings call for the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari and the military who is over-celebrating the measured victory over the Boko Haram insurgents.It is a call to the President and the government of the All Progressives Congress that as they are tackling insurgency in the North-East, they must also pay serious attention to other variants of violence, which are culminating in daily extra-judicial killings by ways of the herdsmens attacks.Section 33 of the Constitution, dealing with the right to life, is on a daily basis abused in this country and we have witnessed this in the most bizarre form.The Executive Director of CACOL, Debo Adeniran, said, If lives are being destroyed, it means the presence of the government has been jeopardised. If these killings continue, it means that the Federal Government is complicit.I think the people have to protect themselves. If they are exposed to such dangers, they should put their hearts together. These ethnic clashes may degenerate into ethnic cleansings such as the incident in Rwanda.Also, a security analyst, Ben Okezie, expressed surprise that the President failed to mention the killings by Fulani herdsmen.The analyst observed that Buhari had never ordered the police and other security agencies to tame the attackers, stressing that he was the President of the whole nation and not just the Fulani.Okezie stated, The President has not done enough. The police too have been sleeping on duty; they have not been doing what they are supposed to do.So, why would the President keep quiet? If he continues keeping quiet, then the constitution should be invoked against him because he has not upheld the constitution he swore to uphold.The police IG should resign for not being able to protect Nigerians. He does not know what he is supposed to do.In similar vein, a lawyer and human rights activist, Victor Giwa, expressed disappointment with the lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government to the killings by Fulani herdsmen, noting that the issue of illegal arms possession must be frontally addressed.He said, Possession of firearms is criminal unless you have been licensed to own it, but nobody has told us that they have licensed Fulanis to bear arms and if they have been licensed, then the farmers too should be licensed so that they can carry arms too and defend themselves when necessary.
Suspected Badoo kingpin, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi, has said he is ready to submit himself to the Nigeria Police Force for investigations.Alaka, who had been declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command, however, said he would not appear before the state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi.He alleged that investigations would be compromised if carried out under Imohimis supervision, urging the Force headquarters in Abuja to take up the matter.Alaka spoke on Wednesday on the heels of the arrest of a herbalist, Fatai Adebayo, who allegedly administered oaths on Badoo members before they went on operations.On Wednesday, the Lagos State Government also sealed off Alakas filling station and hotel on Ijebu-Ode-Itoikin Road, in the Sabo area of Ikorodu, saying the facilities violated the states Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010.Alaka, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, said he was not apprehended and challenged the police to come up with evidence against him. He was, however, evasive when asked where exactly he was.The embattled businessman, who spoke in Yoruba, said, What evidence did the police have before calling me Badoo (kingpin)? Did any suspect mention my name? What does sealing my property have to do with this case? I applied and paid for the Certificate of Occupancy for the filling station five years ago, but I have not got it. I have evidence of payments.Since the police declared me wanted, no policeman came to my house or office to invite me. The police have my number, but they did not call me on the telephone for invitation. I dont believe I am wanted because no invitation was sent to me. Since the police said they were looking for Badoo members, they have not arrested any prime suspect.I want the government to intervene. I am ready to appear before the police or any investigative body, but not before the Lagos State Police Command and Edgal (Imohimi). A team should be set up to investigate the matter, particularly from Abuja. He (Edgal) declared me a Badoo kingpin, but what evidence does he have? About five security men guarding the filling station have been arrested.Alaka explained further that he had sued the police command and Imohimi at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, for blackmail, but the respondents had yet to appeared before the court.He alleged that the court had also delayed ruling on an injunction application filed by his lawyer, seeking that the police be restrained from arresting him (Alaka) pending the determination of the substantive suit blackmail.The 51-year-old claimed that his issues with the police started when he declined to pay N10m bribe an Investigating Police Officer reportedly demanded from him.He said, I can no longer walk freely around Ikorodu for fear of area boys administering jungle justice on me. I have read about the herbalist that was arrested. I dont know him. Why didnt police allow him to talk to journalists? The case should be transferred from the Lagos State Command; they have dented my image. I sleep in my house in Magodo; no policeman came to arrest me.I will not show up at the Lagos State Police Command for three reasons: one, they dont have evidence against me. I was arrested and released the following day without being told to write a statement.Secondly, the CP has refused to appear in court. The case has been in court since August 2017. For three adjourned dates, the court was said to be on vacation. During the last sitting, the judge adjourned till February 2018 for ruling on the injunction, which is very suspicious.Thirdly, I will not surrender myself to the CP because he will compromise investigation. But I am ready to appear before the Inspector-General of Police and the National Assembly.The genesis of this issue was when the IPO requested that I should pay N10m to settle some police officers at the command. It was when I refused to pay the money that I was arrested. I have petitioned the National Assembly and the IG on this.When contacted for reactions to the allegations made by the suspect, the Lagos State Police Public Relations, SP Chike Oti, said he had no comment.He said, I have no comment to make because the case is under investigation. Everything concerning the subject is under investigation. The command wont bandy words with him. He is being wanted by the police and he should turn himself in.Earlier on Wednesday, the Lagos State Government sealed off Alakas filling station, hotel and event centre.The state government in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the outfits belonged to a suspected Badoo cult kingpin, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi Kamal.The commissioner said the structures were sealed off for violating the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010.The statement read in part, The police, had on December 22, 2017, declared Alaka wanted in connection with series of well-orchestrated killings and nefarious activities of the Badoo cult in the Ikorodu and Epe areas of the state.Alaka is believed to be the ringleader of the Badoo menace.The Lagos State Government is joining the Nigeria Police Force in asking Alaka to come out of hiding and submit himself to the law in his own interest.The state government has also enjoined the police to offer the public a reward for any useful information on the owner of the Alaka Filling Station, hotel and the event centre in Ikorodu.
Protesting residents booed and stoned Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state, as government drafted troops to quell the massive protest an...
Protesting residents booed and stoned Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state, as government drafted troops to quell the massive protest and to prevent mayhem.The governor had gone to placate the restive youths at Wurukum where the protest was taking place in Makurdi on Wednesday.Reports say that soldiers from 72 battalion north bank were currently engaging the protesting youths and some two protesters have been wounded.Residents early on Wednesday trooped out in their thousands to protest against the January 2, herdsmens attack on farmers in which 20 people were killed.The protesters are calling on the presidency to bring the culprits to book.The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as Presidential Intervention needed, Why value cows to Humans, and Stop this incessant blood bath.Some of them chanted, We will not vote for the present administration again both the State and Federal level if this crises dont stop.The News Agency of Nigeria( NAN) reports that the protests involved mostly youths who barricaded major roads leading in and out of Makurdi, the state capital.The youth have vowed not to leave the streets until the presidency spoke on the killings.They were also asking government to intervene in the series of other attacks on some rural communities by armed herdsmen.Mr Terhemen Anum, told NAN on Wednesday that residents of Guma and Logo local government areas have yet to determined number of peasant farmers, women, children and the aged inclusive that were killed.Also Mrs Ruth Agba said the killing of Benue farmers, and destruction to their homes and farms was not different from Boko Haram activities in the northeast.Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue told journalists on Tuesday that 20 people were killed in the mayhem.Ortom called on the Federal Government to wade into the matter so as to avert further destruction of lives and property.Meanwhile, the Police in Benue has confirmed the arrest of eight herdsmen in connection of the New Year Days attacks in Guma and Logo Local Governments.The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Moses Yamu, said on Wednesday in Makurdi, eight herdsmen, six in Guma and two in Logo, have been arrested in connection with the attacks.He added that the command had made additional deployments to the troubled area to forestall further occurrence and restore confidence of the people.Yamu stressed the situation in the two local government areas had been brought under control while investigation was on-going.
Eleven persons were on Wednesday killed in a suicide attack on a mosque at Gamboru town in the Gamboru-Ngala Local Government Area of Bo...
Eleven persons were on Wednesday killed in a suicide attack on a mosque at Gamboru town in the Gamboru-Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.A member of a youth vigilante group in Gamboru, Modu Ibrahim, told our correspondent on the telephone that a suicide bomber detonated explosives strapped to his body at a mosque in Gamboru.He said the bomber, who died in the explosion, caused the death of 10 other persons.He said while nine died immediately, two other persons were later confirmed dead in the hospital.The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the attack occurred at about 5am, when a teenage male suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device, strapped to his body in a mosque in the Yobe area of Gamboru.The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Rogers Nicholas, confirmed the attack to NAN in Maiduguri.But Nicholas said five persons were killed in the attack as against the 11 earlier reported.He added that the troops neutralised a suicide bomber at Rann, the headquarters of the Kala-Balge Local Government Area.Yes, but only five were killed and another suicide bomber neutralised in Rann, he said.But a resident of Gamboru, Lawan Abba, maintained that 10 persons were killed while six others sustained varying degrees of injury in the attack.Abba disclosed that the suicide bomber sneaked into a crowded mosque while people gathered to observe the morning prayer and detonated the explosive.He revealed that the teenage suicide bomber hailed from Gamboru town, adding that the bombers father was among the 10 persons who lost their lives in the attack.The suicide bomber hailed from Gamboru town; he disowned his parents and joined the insurgents in the bush.He entered the mosque, blew up himself into pieces and killed 10 persons, including his biological father, he said.Abba added that the injured persons were referred to the clinic in the Internally Displaced Persons camp in the area for treatment.The state government had a day earlier tightened security. It announced the extension of curfew hours in the state capital, Maiduguri, after the resurgence of violence.
Suspected kingpin of the notorious cult group, Badoo, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi, has declared his readiness to submit himself to the Nigeria Po...
Suspected kingpin of the notorious cult group, Badoo, Alhaji Alaka Abayomi, has declared his readiness to submit himself to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
Alaka was last year declared wanted by the Lagos state police command for allegedly sponsoring the activities of members of the notorious cult groups that have reign terror upon residents of Ikorodu twon in Lagos state.
In an interview with Punch newspaper, the 51-year-old embattled businessman said he will only surrender himself to the Federal police investigation unit Abuja and not the state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, whom he says has been compromised.
Just yesterday, the Lagos state government sealed off his filling station and hotel on Ijebu-Ode-Itoikin Road, in the Sabo area of Ikorodu, saying the properties violated the states Urban and Regional Planning Law of 2010.
In the interview, Alaka says the police has no incriminating evidence before declaring him the Badoo kingpin.
What evidence did the police have before calling me Badoo (kingpin)? Did any suspect mention my name? What does sealing my property have to do with this case? I applied and paid for the Certificate of Occupancy for the filling station five years ago, but I have not got it. I have evidence of payments. Since the police declared me wanted, no policeman came to my house or office to invite me. The police have my number, but they did not call me on the telephone for invitation. I dont believe I am wanted because no invitation was sent to me. Since the police said they were looking for Badoo members, they have not arrested any prime suspect. I want the government to intervene. I am ready to appear before the police or any investigative body, but not before the Lagos State Police Command and Edgal (Imohimi). A team should be set up to investigate the matter, particularly from Abuja. He (Edgal) declared me a Badoo kingpin, but what evidence does he have? About five security men guarding the filling station have been arrested. he said
Recall that in July 2017, the Lagos state police command discovered a shrine in Ikorodu that was being operated by Alaka. He was afterwards pronounced the leader of Badoo which he, Alaka, later denied. He said he has filed a lawsuit against the police command and Imohimi at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, for blackmail, but the respondents had yet to appeared before the court. He alleged that the court had also delayed ruling on an injunction application filed by his lawyer, seeking that the police be restrained from arresting him (Alaka) pending the determination of the substantive suit blackmail.
The embattled businessman alleged that his issues with the police started when he declined to pay N10m bribe to an Investigating Police Officer
The war of words between the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, continued...
The war of words between the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, continued on Wednesday when the governor accused the minister of politicising security issues in the state.Wike, who spoke at the Government House in Port Harcourt, when he hosted a group of social media influencers to a state dinner, described Amaechis comment on the recent killings in Omoku as an indictment of security heads posted to the state by the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.Amaechi had while reacting to the New Year mayhem in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, asked Wike to rise up to his responsibility and secure the state or resign.He explained that his administration never influenced the posting of any security head to the state, adding that his government had always funded and provided logistics for security agencies more than any state government in the country.But Wike said, I challenge any state government in the country to come forward to say it has provided more support for security agencies than Rivers State.When you portray the state as insecure, you are driving away investors. No good man does that. By Amaechis logic, the killings all over Nigeria are being sponsored by the President.He said that while Amaechi was the governor of Rivers State, all the leading construction companies like Julius Berger Plc fled the state because their personnel were kidnapped regularly.Wike added that Amaechi resorted to the use of unqualified contractors, which led to poorly executed projects.He said as a result of improved security in the state, first-class construction firms such as Julius Berger Plc, CCECC and RCC were working in the state.Wike added, International conferences and seminars are back to Rivers State. This is because the people now have confidence in the security architecture of Rivers State. During Amaechi, all the seminar and conferences moved to Akwa Ibom State.Wike commended social media practitioners for their support and their commitment to the promotion of Rivers State.Thanking them for working for the development of the state without gratification, the governor urged them to continue the good work.Also, Senator George Sekibo lauded the social media influencers for their contributions to the development of the state.In his remarks, the spokesman for the Social Media Influencers, Mr. Victor Jumbo, described social media as an important tool that had been effectively deployed by the influencers to promote Rivers State and support Wike administration.Reacting to Wikes claims, a former aide to the ex-governor of the state, Mr. David Iyofor, said Amaechis media office would reply him (Wike) soon.
An Atlantic County man who was one of 12 people charged in a sprawling drug-trafficking case three years ago has been sentenced to more than 19 years in federal prison, federal prosecutors said.
Tozine Tiller, 43, of Galloway, previously pleaded guilty in federal court in Camden to charges of distributing crack cocaine and possessing the drug with the intent to distribute it, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Tiller, who was sentenced Wednesday to a total of 235 months in prison, was indicted along with 11 others in December 2014, court records show. The indictment stemmed from a joint investigation by federal and local law enforcement that found the group had been purchasing heroin and cocaine from the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico for distribution in New Jersey, authorities said at the time.
Tiller and others had been using residences in Pleasantville and Absecon to store and package the drugs, prosecutors said.
Of the twelve charged in the case, 11 have been convicted and six -- including Tiller's half-brother, Kabaka Atiba -- sentenced to federal prison terms. The remaining defendant remains at large, according to federal authorities.
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The state's four major utility providers reported throughout the day Thursday that less than one percent of their customers were without power, despite a bomb cyclone whipping across the state threatening power lines with gusting winds and making travel treacherous.
The blizzard had power providers on alert and at the ready. They brought in extra personnel and hired contractors to ensure they had enough power line and tree crews to respond to outages. They took inventory of equipment, made sure they had extra poles and transformers, and filled their vehicles with fuel.
But the storm did not cause much disruption to their equipment.
Ron Morano, a spokesman for JCP&L said Thursday was "a normal day of operations" for the company, which serves 1.1 million people in New Jersey.
"The biggest concern we had was the potential for outages from winds sustained at more than 40 mph," Morano said. "Up to this point, they did not materialize."
A deep freeze expected to take hold of the state for the next few days will keep crews on call around the clock in case additional outages occur.
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"Our job is to be prepared no matter the circumstances," Morano said.
In one of the state's largest single outages Thursday, power was restored at about 2 p.m. to 780 customers of Atlantic City Electric who lost service at about 11 a.m.. when a small tree was blown over onto a primary distribution wire in Egg Harbor Township, Frank Tedesco, an ACE spokesman said.
"We're experiencing pretty high winds right now," he said at the time of the outage.
The company's system, which serves more than 500,000 customers in some of the storm's hardest hit areas of southern New Jersey, held up "rather well," Tedesco said.
"The gusty winds were along the coast where there are less trees," he said, "and the snow was very light compared to the heavy wet snow that can cause tree branches to snap."
Even PSE&G, the state's largest provider of electric service with 2.3 million customers, saw a "very low" number of outages, Karen Johnson, a company spokeswoman said.
"We had some wires come down in the strong wind gusts and some transformer failures," she said.
Orange and Rockland, which serves about 72,000 in north New Jersey, had a total of 14 outages for those customers throughout the day, Mike Donovan, a company spokesman said.
While the wind did play a role in some of the outages, others were caused by slippery travel conditions.
JCP&L workers were dispatched to Harmony Township Thursday morning after a truck took down several poles, Morano said.
"In snow, the biggest issue we face is vehicular accidents," Morano said.
He said the company trims trees around thousands of miles of power lines each year to "help reduce tree-related outages."
"Snow by itself normally doesn't cause an issue for us," Johnson said.
Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A preschool student who allegedly suffered abuse by a teacher trying to correct her disabilities received an $85,000 settlement from the Evesham Board of Education.
According to legal documents obtained by open records advocated John Paff, a woman identified as Jennifer O. filed a suit on her young daughter's behalf in Burlington County Superior Court, alleging that her then 3-year-old daughter's teacher had physically abused the girl during the 2012-2013 school year.
The settlement, reached last month, is not an admission of guilt on part of the school board or teacher regarding the allegations.
The suit states that the girl, identified as O.O., attended Rice Elementary School for a three-year-old inclusion preschool.
O.O. has Type 1 diabetes, and is also very quiet, rarely speaking to people outside of her family, according to the suit. Her "select muteness" and diabetic diagnosis qualify her for special education services and protections.
The girl's mother first became concerned during a parent-teacher conference, in which the teacher allegedly said she believed O.O. suffered from obsessive compulsive disorder, and was "taking the longest to break." The teacher also said she didn't understand the girl's disability, and that her pretty looks would have to "get her by," according to the suit.
The teacher allegedly told Jennifer O. that her daughter also used the bathroom too often, which Jennifer O. explained was a symptom of the girl's diabetes. Still, The teacher said she planned to potty train the girl, which Jennifer O. objected to, according to the suit.
Not long after, a nurse assigned to O.O. stated that the teacher had grabbed the girl when she refused to speak and "forcefully shook" her, according to the claim. The nurse also said the girl's teacher had continued attempts to potty train O.O. and said she "uses her disease as an excuse and chooses to be stubborn," the suit states.
Jennifer O. reported the allegations to school officials, including then school board president Sandy Student, according to the suit. When officials allegedly denied any wrongdoing on the part of the teacher, Jennifer O. removed her daughter from the school.
The suit alleges that the teacher's actions and negligence on part of the school board constituted discrimination, inflicted emotional distress on O.O. and resulted in assault and battery of the young girl.
At the time of the suit, O.O. continued to have difficulty trusting adults or speaking to those outside of her family, the claim states. She suffered from anxiety and stress.
On December 11, the board reached the $85,000 settlement with Jennifer O. on behalf of her daughter.
A clause in the settlement noted that the board of education "vigorously and wholly denies each and every allegation made by plaintiffs, and enter into this settlement for reasons other than the merits of plantiffs' claims, including to avoid the cost of litigation."
The teacher is no longer listed on the Rice Elementary School online directory. A student handbook from as recent as the 2014-2015 school year lists her as a teacher.
Attempts to reach the teacher by phone Tuesday morning were not successful. JoAnne Harmon, president of the school board, said she could not comment on litigation matters.
Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Your commute to work Thursday will likely be slowed if you take a PATCO train, as the rail line will operate on a limited snow schedule starting at midnight Thursday due to the snowstorm bearing down on Philadelphia and New Jersey.
The storm is projected to dump 3 to 8 inches of snow in the area, with coastal regions seeing blizzard-like conditions with snowfall of up to 12 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
During the snow schedule, all trains will be slowed and local, which will add time to commutes. PATCO said in a release Tuesday that a typical 26-minute trip from Lindenwold to Philadelphia will take about 30 minutes.
PATCO will resume a regular weekday schedule whenever conditions allow it.
During the morning rush hours, westbound trains will be every 6 to 10 minutes, with eastbound trains every 10 to 12 minutes. Daytime trains will operate every 15 minutes.
Afternoon rush hour trains will be every 4 to 10 minutes eastbound and every 8 to 14 minutes westbound. Evening trains will be every 12 to 20 minutes, PATCO said.
A full snow schedule is available here.
More information and updates will be available on PATCO's Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
New Jersey's Teacher of the Year is a finalist for the national award for the first time since 1972, according to the state.
Amy T. Andersen, an American Sign Language teacher at Ocean City High School, will compete against three other educators for 2018 National Teacher of the Year, the state Department of Education announced Thursday.
"It's a huge honor," Andersen, a veteran teacher, said. "New Jersey has been at the top of the list for education and the kind of achievement that our students have had for a while, so I am just really happy to be able to represent all of that."
The winner will be announced this spring and spend the next year traveling the country to represent educators and advocate on behalf of teachers and students.
The Council of Chief State School Officers, a national nonprofit organization, has given the award since 1952, and New Jersey has participated since 1969, according to the state.
Other finalists for 2018 represent Ohio, Washington and the Department of Defense.
"On behalf of the entire education community of New Jersey, I want to congratulate Amy on this remarkable honor," state Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington said.
Andersen began teaching in Boston, where she worked with deaf students for nine years before starting the American Sign Language program at Ocean City High School in 2004.
The program teaches sign language to hearing students, and several of Andersen's students have pursued careers related to American Sign Language, including a student who interpreted for former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Andersen single-handedly turned the program, one of the first in the state, into one of the high school's most popular, said Kathleen Taylor, superintendent of the Ocean City School District.
"Amy Andersen has devoted her professional career to creating a classroom environment that ensures that each student finds their voice, finds their passion and finds their path in making the school and community all that much better," Taylor said.
As part of the competition, Andersen will participate in a round of rigorous interviews with prominent national education groups in February, she said.
She hopes her recognition and participation in the award program will bring more attention to American Sign Language and deaf culture, she said. Specifically, she wants to increase services and support for deaf babies and children.
"I believe all children deserve to have a voice, no matter how different, whether signed or spoken, and a way to express that voice," Andersen said.
Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Rutgers University sent its employees and students home at 2 p.m. Thursday after the worsening blizzard conditions forced school officials to rethink an earlier plan to keep all three of its campuses open.
Some employees and students criticized the state university for announcing it would operate on a regular schedule despite Gov. Chris Christie's declaration of a State of Emergency in several New Jersey counties.
A Rutgers spokeswoman said Thursday morning that university officials planned to monitor the weather situation throughout the day.
Rutgers President Robert Barchi declared a Weather Emergency Closure at 2 p.m., allowing faculty and staff to go home. Classes for students attending Winter Session are cancelled.
All three campuses -- New Brunswick-Piscataway, Newark and Camden -- will reopen at 10 a.m. Friday, according to the university's announcement.
The university's clinical operations, including clinical offices related to the university's medical schools, will remain open, university officials said.
Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook.
UPDATE: Rutgers University announced it closed all office and cancelled all classes as of 2 p.m. Thursday. Campuses are scheduled to reopen at 10 a.m. Friday.
There's no snow day at Rutgers University today.
The state university announced all three of its campuses -- New Brunswick-Piscataway, Newark and Camden -- will operate on a normal schedule Thursday.
Most students are not on campus because of the winter break. But, by staying open, most employees will be required to go to work. Some students could be required to go to winter session courses if their professors do not cancel.
The decision drew some ire from employees, students and parents on social media, who noted most area school districts were closed due to the snow and Gov. Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency for some counties.
Rutgers University is open and operating today: https://t.co/CxiAEKXqOQ Rutgers University (@RutgersU) January 4, 2018
"Rutgers continues to actively monitor the situation. The university is open and meeting its needs to provide patient care, continue research activities and conduct the compressed winter session," said Dory Devlin, a Rutgers spokeswoman.
Caitlin West, a graduate student who works in the student center on College Avenue, said it usually takes her five minutes to commute across the river from the Livingston Campus in Piscataway. On Thursday, it took a half hour.
"They should have closed, point blank. Period. I was definitely shocked. We have student workers that come in too, so I was a little worried about the commute this morning," West said.
An Elizabeth woman working as a temporary secretary at Rutgers' Cancer Institute of New Jersey in New Brunswick said it took her 90 minutes to get to work. Then, she had to walk to the Cancer Institute because temporary workers are not given parking, she said.
"I think the hospital should be open for emergency purposes, but all (administrative) staff should remain home and safe. They should absolutely stay closed. It's a storm outside, anyone who's smart will stay indoors," said the worker, who asked that her name not be used because she feared losing her temporary job.
Other workers, including students who work in the dining halls and Rutgers information center, said they were not surprised the university remained open. The campus has operated on a normal schedule despite previous storms.
The university was criticized during Hurricane Sandy after some employees were required to come to work during the storm amid confusion over whether the campus would close. Rutgers revamped its emergency procedures after an internal task force studied how the school responded to the storm.
Many of the state's other colleges and universities were either closed or had a delayed opening today. Princeton University is closed. Kean University and Rowan University initially said they would have a delayed opening at noon, but later announced they would be closed all day.
Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KellyHeyboer. Find her at KellyHeyboerReporter on Facebook.
Her given name was Deborah Kotler, but the Bayonne native forged a name for herself as Flash Silvermoon, "North Florida's favorite psychic" and an animal communicator and healer.
With long fire-red hair and an array of colorful costumes, Kotler was a flamboyant character who celebrated life. The 1967 Bayonne High School graduate died Dec. 15 at the age of 67, according to an obituary in the Gainesville (Florida) Sun.
The newspaper profile described Kotler as a metaphysical community leader who, aside from having psychic abilities, was an activist, a feminist, musician, an astrologer, tarot card reader and a wiccan.
Kotler, who lived in Melrose, hosted a weekly internet radio show called "What the Animals Tell Me" and she also co-hosted an online podcast called "Women Spirit Rising with Silvermoon," the Gainesville Sun reported.
Flash Silvermoon was an author, too, having published "The Planetary Handbook," which describes the ways that astrological signs can help people understand themselves and their relation to the world; and "Lifetime Companions: Love Never Dies," a book about her healing work with animals.
"She was definitely a force to be reckoned with," said friend Cyndie Lepori told the Gainesville Sun. "She had a larger-than-life personality. Everything she did, she did big. She never played a small game."
Kotler earned a degree from then-Trenton State College and lived in New York City before moving to Florida in 1975. While living in Manhattan, Kotler was a fixture playing music in Greenwich Village and at the historic Women's Coffee House.
A celebration of her life is being held on Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. at her home, Moonhaven, at 7603 NE 221st St., in Melrose, Florida. All are welcome.
A resident's complaint about a Hunterdon County town's post-Christmas bonfire started a seven month back-and-forth to get the state Department of Environmental Protection to allow this tradition to continue.
It took an administrative order from DEP commissioner Bob Martin to allow the 10th annual Clinton Yuletide Bonfire to go ahead. It will be held at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Hunts Mill Park.
Martin's order allows municipalities across New Jersey to hold a traditional post-Christmas tree burning bonfires.
Towns previously were not allowed to do this, as DEP regulations deem burning Christmas trees as rubbish, stating open burning could compromise air quality and increases the potential of wildfires.
In past years, Clinton had no problem obtaining a permit from the local fire department, which oversees the event, Mayor Janice Kovach said. It did not seek a permit from the DEP.
"It's a feel good opportunity for people to get out in the middle of winter," she said. Martin said Clinton could have faced a $10,000 fine if they went ahead with the bonfire without DEP approval.
Offering an early compromise, Martin issued a hardwood bonfire permit, allowing for a controlled burn in a small area. Kovach said this was not enough.
Town officials then posted to a local Facebook page that the bonfire was cancelled, and urged them to call Martin's office.
"It comes down to, ultimately, when you impact residents expectations, they're going to call you out on it," Kovach said.
UPDATE! The Yuletide Bonfire is back on. January 27th..6pm @ Hunts Mill Park... Voices do matter. Posted by Town of Clinton, New Jersey on Thursday, December 21, 2017
Based on overwhelming support from residents who "inundated Bob's office with calls and emails," Kovach said, the commissioner waived regulations for all towns that traditionally host Christmas-tree burning bonfires, including Mendham Borough.
Martin's administrative order notes the one-time events "individually and in the aggregate will not have a material impact on the environment."
While Kovach said she's ecstatic about the outcome, she was disappointed it "had to rise to the level it did.
"When residents have to engage because state agency ignores elected officials, that I have a problem with. It was a waste of time for everyone," she said.
With Martin's tenure up this month, Kovach has already contacted Phil Murphy's transition team about next year's event, she said.
After the uncertainty regarding the bonfire, organizer Sean Rogan has high hopes more people will attend for the tenth year.
The bonfire will feature horse and carriage rides and refreshments, and attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Open Cupboard Food Pantry.
Rogan said he's grateful Clinton residents united to save the tradition.
"If something's right and good, you gotta fight for it," Rogan said. "There's power in numbers. "
Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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Join Chunyan Li, Kara Pham, Lisa Son and Nancy Kislin for a powerful discussion about the assimilation experience.
According to national data, the majority of children in the United Stated have been bullied. In addition is a significant amount of race-related bullying is happening - even in New Jersey.
What affect does this have on our children as they strive to assimilate to the greater culture?
They will address questions such as "What does it mean to be popular?" and "How do parents help their children assimilate and navigate the social and emotional landscape?"
The current climate in our community is very stressful, anxiety provoking for parents and kids. Many families are experiencing unprecedented anxiety, depression and self-harming behavior. Participate in a Roundtable discussion with
Li, professor of accounting, Pace University; Pham, professor of psychology, Barnard College, Columbia University; Son, professor of psychology, Barnard College, Columbia University; and Kislin, family and marriage psychotherapist will lead this discussion.
This free program takes place on Monday, Jan. 8, at 5 p.m. at Wyoming Church in Millburn. To RSVP, email Lisason@gmail.com
Submitted by Lisa Son
Liberty State Park advocates were crowing yesterday after a judge put a temporary halt to a state plan to add a marina to the park, a controversial proposal that New Jersey's Gov.-elect Phil Murphy now says he opposes.
The two developments have critics of the marina plan optimistic that they are close to killing the deal, which would expand Liberty State Park's existing marina and add a second one on the park's south end. Park advocates say the plan would devastate the south end of the park and potentially harm wildlife.
"This is a big victory for Liberty State Park and against the privatization of New Jersey's parks," Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said in a statement. "Christie is now 0-2 in his plans on trying to privatize LSP and the people are 2-0 on stopping him."
Hudson County Superior Court Judge Barry P. Sarkisian hasn't ruled yet on Jersey City's lawsuit that aims to stop Suntex Marinas and Gov. Chris Christie's administration from partnering on the marina plan. But the date Sarkisian set yesterday afternoon for an initial hearing in the case has marina opponents optimistic: Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. Christie's tenure as governor ends one hour later.
Murphy, a Democrat who succeeds Christie at noon that day, told The Jersey Journal yesterday he opposes the marina plan.
"Liberty State Park is one of New Jersey's greatest treasures," Murphy said in a statement. "There is no reason why a plan to institute commercial development should be rushed through after it was hidden from public scrutiny for months. I support the preservation of Liberty State Park so it can be enjoyed by current and future generations."
Sam Pesin, president of Friends of Liberty State Park, said he's not "popping any champagne corks" yet but hopes he will be soon. Pesin said he fears a decision in the state's favor even in the hour before Christie leaves office would allow the proposed deal with Suntex to move forward.
"We'll have reason to celebrate the moment that Phil Murphy is governor, as he wouldn't go against our mayor, our legislative delegation and the 41-year, overwhelming majority against LSP privatization," Pesin said on Facebook.
Suntex is seeking to add a new, 45-acre marina and potentially an office or restaurant on a strip of waterfront running for nearly a mile on the park's south end. The company also wants to expand its existing marina on the park's north end by 10 acres.
Jersey City Tuesday filed a lawsuit alleging the state improperly entered into an initial agreement with Suntex after the company missed a critical deadline to agree to preliminary new lease terms. Sarkisian granted the city's request for a temporary restraining order that bars the state from signing a lease with Suntex until at least the Jan. 16 hearing.
The state has declined to comment on the city's lawsuit. Ron TenEyck, Suntex's senior vice president, said the company did not receive copies of yesterday's court filing so did not know to be in court.
"We wish we had had the opportunity to participate in person at the hearing yesterday to argue on behalf of Suntex," TenEyck said in a statement. "We look forward to having our opportunity to defend our position on the 16th."
Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday struck down an Obama-era policy that has allowed legal marijuana to prosper in several states across the country -- and which enabled New Jersey to consider such a move for this year.
Sessions rescinded the so-called Cole memo, from 2013, which basically allowed states that have legalized marijuana to enforce their own laws while the Department of Justice focused its resources on keeping weed out of the hands of minors and profit away from the drug cartels.
The new directive, which can be found here, calls the Cole memo "unnecessary" and directs federal prosecutors to consider marijuana cases as they would any other criminal case, but to use discretion based on available resources.
This move will likely add more confusion in the eight states where weed has been legalized. It comes just three days after California's legal pot market officially opened. New Hampshire and Vermont are also currently considering pot legalization.
In the memo, Sessions repeated the federal government's stance that "marijuana is a dangerous drug" and that "marijuana activity is a serious crime."
Despite the wave of legalization, which began with Colorado in 2014, cannabis remains illegal on the federal level. The Cole memo allowed states that legalized to operate a marijuana market without fear that the feds would crack down on activity considered legal in the state.
The policy change will also affect states that are considering legalization, including New Jersey. A bill to legalize pot has been sitting in the state Legislature since May and incoming Gov. Phil Murphy supports legalization.
New Jersey lawmakers are expected to hold the marijuana legalization debate in the coming months, but Sessions' policy change could shape that debate.
"It will certainly have an impact on the debate," said Scott Rudder, president of the NJ Cannabusiness Association, adding that he expects attorneys general in states that have legalized marijuana to try and block Sessions' move.
State Sen. Joe Pennacchio said the DOJ policy change adds to a long list of questions he has about marijuana legalization. He has previously called for a more measured approach to legalization in New Jersey and said that Thursday's developments should cause lawmakers to slow down.
There's a whole host of (issues). Don't jump into this," Pennachio said on Thursday. "If you're a person of reason, it should give you pause."
Sessions has long been an opponent of marijuana legalization and has likened pot to drugs like heroin.
"We need grown-ups in charge in Washington to say marijuana is not the kind of thing that ought to be legalized, it ought not to be minimized, that it's in fact a very real danger," he said in a 2016 hearing.
The Justice Department did not return calls seeking comment on this story.
Several United States senators and congresspeople have admonished Sessions for his policy change, including Sen. Cory Booker from New Jersey. He called the move "fiscally wasteful, morally bankrupt," and "unjust" in a tweet on Thursday.
Sessions' determination to revive the failed War on Drugs is fiscally wasteful, morally bankrupt, unjustand won't make us safer. This backwards policy is wrong for America, and on the wrong side of history. https://t.co/KgoEtz3MrK Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) January 4, 2018
We must stop Jeff Sessions' backwards actions. There is now great urgency to pass the Marijuana Justice Act to legalize marijuana on the federal level.
Now is the time. Call your Senator. https://t.co/Cr8FZjITWI pic.twitter.com/9OMTz3VMjN Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) January 4, 2018
Sessions' directive gives federal prosecutors the power to enforce federal marijuana laws. The attorney general just named Craig Carpenito as acting U.S. attorney for New Jersey.
Carpenito represented outgoing Gov. Chris Christie in matters related to the "Bridgegate" lane-closure scandal. The New Jersey office of the U.S. attorney referred calls related to the marijuana policy change to the DOJ, so it's unclear how Carpenito would aim to enforce cannabis laws.
Bill Caruso, an attorney with New Jersey-based Archer law firm who also advocates for pot legalization, said it's too early to tell what impact the policy change will have on cannabis legalization in the state.
"This could present a significant challenge or it may be business as usual, we just don't know," Caruso said. "It depends a lot on what the U.S. attorney does."
Others in the marijuana industry say they don't think this change will mark a divergence from the enforcement that's happened in the last several years.
"It's up to federal prosecutors to stick their necks out there to take up a case and set precedent," said Brian Staffa, chief operator of BSC Group, a cannabis management firm. "I don't see many prosecutors willing to go out on such a shaky limb to be the first to file federal drug charges on a state-licensed, legal cannabis company."
This story has been updated with the official statement from Jeff Sessions.
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Payton Guion may be reached at PGuion@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @PaytonGuion. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is partially abandoning its "pay-what-you-wish" admissions policy that has made it an egalitarian destination for generations of art lovers, even those who could barely afford a bus ticket into town.
Starting March 1, the museum will charge a mandatory $25 entrance fee to most adult visitors who don't live in New York state, the Met's president and CEO, Daniel Weiss, announced Thursday. Admission will still be pay-what-you-wish for New Yorkers.
He said the extra money -- an estimated $6 million to $11 million per year -- is needed to help balance the Met's $305 million operating budget, which registered a shortfall of about $10 million in its most recently completed fiscal year.
People from all over the world have been able to come to the museum for nearly nothing since its founding in 1870, but the number of people willing to pay a suggested donation of $25 has dropped off substantially in recent years.
"The goal of the policy is to find a better balance for the institution," Weiss told The Associated Press. "The current policy has failed."
Entrance will remain free for all children under 12 and pay-what-you-wish for students up to graduate school in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Students living outside the tri-state area will be charged $12 and seniors $17.
The fee change will affect about 30 percent of the museum's visitors. The rest are either state residents, Met members, or they come in as part of a tour group or via a multi-attraction pass.
Weiss said the $25 fee will allow visitors to enter the Met over three consecutive days, instead of just one.
The formal change follows years of debate and litigation over the museum's admissions policies.
As part of the late 19th-century legislation that allowed the museum to open in Central Park, admission was initially required to be free most days of the week. In 1970, city officials agreed to let the museum charge fees, as long as the amount paid was up to the visitor. Lawsuits in recent years have challenged signage at the museum listing a $25 "recommended" admissions price, saying some visitors were misled into thinking they had to pay that amount.
Since 2004, the number of adults who have paid the full suggested entrance price has dropped from 63 percent to 17 percent. The voluntary contribution now averages only $9, the museum said.
Factors that may have contributed to the diminution include the economic recession as well as Met programs aimed at drawing additional younger people to the Fifth Avenue complex.
"We're not exactly sure, but the world is changing," Weiss said, adding that the Met's overall attendance has increased by 40 percent in the past eight years, to a record 7 million last year.
An entrance fee of $25 would be in line with admissions to other New York art institutions, from the MoMA ($25) and the Guggenheim ($25) to the Whitney ($22).
Two other city institutions -- the American Museum of Natural History and the Brooklyn Museum -- have retained their voluntary contribution policy, though both charge fees for certain special exhibitions.
Several other museums around the U.S. offer pay-what-you-wish rates, but only during certain hours on some days of the week. For example, the Philadelphia Museum of Art does it on the first Sunday of every month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as every Wednesday evening after 5 p.m. Some, like the 19 Smithsonian national museums, are free.
Asked how the museum will verify whether visitors are New York state residents, Weiss said they'll be asked to present evidence such as a driver's license, a utility bill or IDNYC, the free identification card for city residents.
However, "there will be significant opportunities for people to cheat the system," he said, for instance, by claiming to have forgotten to bring proof of residency. "We want to encourage people to do the right thing, but we're going to be very generous about this."
The new admissions policy has received the required approval from New York City, which owns the land on which the Met sits and subsidizes the museum for 9 percent of its operating budget. Separately, the Met has endowments of $3 billion.
Regardless of any perceived leniency in the policy, the New York Times art critics Holland Cotter and Roberta Smith rejected the new admission charge.
"You should be able to walk in off the street and see the art just as you can enter a public library and read the books on the shelf," Cotter wrote. "If this country had a government that cared about its citizens rather than one that catered to its economic ruling class, we might be able to live some version of this ideal."
Smith suggested the museum find money through some other means.
"The projected annual increase in admissions revenue -- from $42 million to $50 million -- seems minuscule, and they say it's only going to affect 31 percent of its overall visitors anyway," she wrote. "So why not find the money somewhere else and affect zero percent?"
Students in New Jersey, where school trips to the Met and its other locations, like the Cloisters -- also covered under the new three-day admission policy -- are common, will continue to pay what they wish. Yet many museum fans tweeted their disappointment in the decision to charge $25 for other out-of-state visitors who aren't students, as well as the move to ask all visitors for ID.
I take my students to the Met every semester. For most of them, it's their first time there. Demanding ID on entry will exacerbate the museum's class bias. -- Angus Johnston (@studentactivism) January 4, 2018
I'm a lifelong New Yorker and think this policy is absolutely awful @metmuseum. Why should people have to show ID to see art? It's gross. https://t.co/Yqs8xCo9x8 -- Heidi N Moore (@moorehn) January 4, 2018
Demanding papers at the @metmuseum in the age of Trump is terribly wrong, and deeply illiberal. I say that as a member and lover of the institution. Please reconsider. pic.twitter.com/Vrfr04Awfz -- Tom Watson (@tomwatson) January 4, 2018
the end of an era
I want the museum to stay alive...
...but also one of the most beautiful experiences in nyc was walking up to the Met counter and paying $1 for a full marvelous day of art and I'm sad tourists will no longer get it pic.twitter.com/PqVEmubbBB -- rachel syme (@rachsyme) January 4, 2018
The @metmuseum is one of my top 5 museums on the planet, and this is incredibly disappointing. https://t.co/MLPOfwrUlu -- Megan Carolan (@MeganCarolan) January 4, 2018
The Met - where partially state funded art is made available only to the wealthy. Bad enough you had to do this - but making the fee $25 instead of $10 is a slap in the face to anyone who is slightly less than comfortable financially. Way to make art elite. -- Kiri (@Kiridescence) January 4, 2018
But a city councilman called the change "common sense" and others supported the measure, saying they wouldn't mind being required to pay if it would help the museum stay afloat.
The @metmuseum's new admission policy - pay as you wish for New Yorkers and students from CT & NJ - is a common sense change that will maintain access for all New Yorkers. pic.twitter.com/lw8uR5IVcL -- Jimmy Van Bramer (@JimmyVanBramer) January 4, 2018
As a tourist, I would feel it's money well spent toward preserving the priceless things in life. The world has changed & that generosity is a thing of the past. $25 really isn't that bad unless they start tacking on fees for exhibits like the Chicago Field Museum does. -- Amanda Kay (@IrunForFun33) January 4, 2018
Re: @metmuseum's admission policy, please realize it costs $45/visitor to maintain the museum. You know what this policy makes me want to do? Be a member & use my fundraising/technology background to help them raise more $ to increase access to the arts https://t.co/9TumzU2PdY -- Christa Avampato (@christanyc) January 4, 2018
-- NJ Advance Media staff writer Amy Kuperinsky contributed to this report
By Thomas H. Kean
New Jersey's electric customers are about to be stuck with an annual $300 million bill to bail out two aging PSEG nuclear plants. It's the worst kind of corporate welfare: asking citizens to hand over cash without full disclosure by the company or getting anything in return.
Public Service Enterprise Group, the parent company of the largest utility in the state of New Jersey, is hoping its bailout bill will be rushed through the lame-duck session of the Legislature in time to be signed in the final days of the Christie administration. If it passes, New Jersey customers will pay an extra $40 a year on their electric bill, indefinitely. The money goes to a company that made $3 billion in gross profits last year, with a stock market valuation at an all-time high.
It's reverse Robin Hood on the backs of New Jersey families.
Nuclear power can be an important low-carbon part of our energy mix, but that doesn't mean citizens need to open their wallets every time the utility cries poverty. The plants in question have made profits for PSEG for years, and the facilities are still profitable. So why the bailout? Of course the utility wants to find a way to get as much as the Legislature will hand over for their nuclear energy. But without making the books public, $300 million annually may be much more than is needed to keep the plants running.
Moreover, there are major differences between what's happening around the country and the bill being considered here in New Jersey. The Illinois Legislature, for example, required a utility to show its financial records before it considered a bailout and made sure there was a commitment to worker protections and accelerating the adoption of clean, renewable energy. Because nuclear subsidies in Illinois were paired with significant investment in energy efficiency, customers actually end up saving money. But PSEG is asking legislators in Trenton to show them the money without doing any of these things.
Even if the bill becomes law, PSEG's financial information would be hidden from the public and the Legislature -- disclosed only to the Board of Public Utilities. It makes you wonder what PSEG doesn't want the public or lawmakers to know.
PSEG also has its hand out in Washington. It joined with a few other utilities to ask the Federal Electric Regulatory Commission to manipulate the system for old nuclear and coal plants, shielding them from marketplace competition.
The Legislature does have a role in managing New Jersey's energy future. That could even include support for nuclear plants, if it served the interest of customers and taxpayers. But PSEG simply has not made the case that this secretive $300 million-a-year bailout is a good deal for New Jersey customers. And it certainly hasn't explained why it must be rushed through now, without full consideration of the costs and consequences.
Instead of a quick vote to please one company, the Legislature should carefully consider what action would serve the state and its residents. PSEG should allow lawmakers and the public to see its financials to make an informed decision. Any bill that subsidizes these aging nuclear plants should also include significant benefits for individual customers and businesses by cutting costs and encouraging energy efficiency measures.
When I was governor, we worked hard to protect New Jersey's environment and to overcome our state's reputation for unsavory maneuvering. Rather than ramming this bailout through in the final minutes of the current session, these complex issues should be considered carefully by our new governor and newly elected Legislature. I believe our citizens deserve clean air and a clean political process.
Thomas H. Kean, a Republican, was governor of New Jersey from 1982 to 1990.
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Phil Murphy, who takes office in 13 days, has officially downgraded his position on the arbitration cap issue from strategic silence to disheartening dodge.
Fair or not, the legislative inaction on restoring a 2-percent limit on police and firefighter salary hikes puts this policy gorilla squarely in the lap of the governor-elect.
And if this is his first governing test, he's failing.
Let's review what we know about the cap that expired last week, inspiring the brave souls of our Legislature to run for cover: A task force report released in September showed that the 2-percent cap saved taxpayers $530 million between 2010 and 2015. It is a crucial tool for maintaining some restraint on bloated salaries, which will help reduce property taxes - an expense that is likely to balloon by the recent federal tax reforms.
So renewing the cap and making it permanent should be a no-brainer, except for the fact that half the task force members opposed the findings of the September report. Those members happen to be union bosses appointed by lawmakers, who endorsed Murphy.
A final report was due last week, and it was supposed to inspire the Legislature to restore the cap. But the task force hasn't met since September, and as assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon (R-Monmouth), an appointee of Gov. Christie, asserts, "This task force was never needed in the first place: This is 4th grade math. The report from September told the whole truth."
Task force member Ed Donnelly, president of the firefighter's union, said his members have already done their part, and as proof, he said he hasn't had a meaningful raise in 17 years.
New Jerseyans want our cops and firefighters to be well-compensated for their dangerous jobs, but the facts are these: They are already the highest paid in the country, and the arbitration cap doesn't limit the raises they can receive from their individual municipalities - towns can go beyond the 2-percent limit if they choose.
Still, Murphy, who has had a year to stake out a position on this, offered this taffy-pull Wednesday: "I want to see the report," he said. "This is what drives people crazy, by the way. If you walk up to people in the street and say, 'Hey, can you believe there was a report mandated by law, and they just decided not to write the report?' No wonder people are cynical."
You can also walk up to people on the street and say, "Hey, can you believe the governor is supposed to keep towns from drowning in red ink by keeping property taxes and salaries under control so that services aren't slashed to pieces, and he just decided to punt?"
It's unclear what message the governor-elect was trying to impart, but his dodge implies a commitment to unions that he'll oppose the cap renewal.
And it isn't entirely unfair for taxpayers to conclude that he won't stand up to labor when it comes time to tackle the tougher stuff, such as pension reform and health benefits.
Yes, Murphy's first test was whether to uphold a proven mechanism that prevented an explosion in municipal budgets and ultimately property taxes. Its expiration could even lead to police and fire layoffs.
It was also a test of his ability to influence the Legislature, which tanked again. We're holding out hope that this isn't the kind of leadership we'll get for the next four years, but it's off to a wobbly start.
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The last gasps of the final state Legislature session during Chris Christie's tenure as governor will now be even more hectic thanks to Thursday's blizzard.
Both the state Senate and the state Assembly were scheduled to have voting sessions Thursday afternoon -- the second-to-last ones before the lame-duck period of the current Legislature ends and a new set of lawmakers is sworn in Tuesday.
But the blizzard caused both to be canceled after Christie closed state offices.
Now, the Senate will have a rare Friday session to make up the votes and the Assembly will pull double duty Monday.
"I think we just have a lot more juggling to do," state Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, told NJ Advance Media.
Legislative leaders are rushing to wrap up unfinished business before the session ends Tuesday at noon.
Christie would have to act on what lawmakers pass before he leaves office a week later on Jan. 16. Any bills that are not passed before then must be reintroduced in the next legislative session, when Gov.-elect Phil Murphy will be in charge.
Among the measures held up Thursday:
* One that would give larger pensions to Camden Mayor Dana Redd and a few other elected officials who had been kicked out of the state pension system because they changed positions. That is awaiting final passage in the Assembly.
* One that would dissolve the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor.
* One that would authorize billions of dollars in tax credits to lure Amazon to put its new headquarters in New Jersey.
The Senate's health committee was also scheduled to hold a hearing on the state's medical examiners' offices in the wake of an NJ Advance Media investigation. That was postponed but won't be held Friday when the Senate reconvenes.
But Friday will be busy nonetheless. There will be hearings of the Senate's budget, law, and judiciary committees in the morning, followed by a full Senate voting session at 1 p.m.
Plus, a joint legislative session on the rail troubles that have plagued NJ Transit will go on as planned at 10 a.m.
The Assembly was expected to hold its final voting session at 1 p.m. Monday, but a spokesman for Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, D-Hudson, said voting will start earlier than that to accommodate the bills that would have been voted on Thursday. A final schedule has not yet been released.
"We'll stay and get it done," Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, D-Camden, told NJ Advance Media. "It'll all get done."
Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
UPDATE: Christie declares state of emergency in 4 counties, closes state offices as blizzard hits
All non-essential state workers are on a two-hour delay Thursday morning because of a powerful snowstorm making its way up the East Coast that has five New Jersey counties under a blizzard warning, Gov. Chris Christie announced Wednesday evening.
Christie ordered the delayed opening "to allow ample time for roadways, parking lots and sidewalks to be cleared and made safe for travel," according to his office.
The latest storm update from the National Weather Service showed both higher snowfall totals possible along the Jersey Shore and a wider region that could get at least 6 inches of snow.
Some of the heaviest snow could fall during Thursday morning's rush hour.
The weather service upgraded the winter storm warnings in the afternoon to a blizzard warning for five counties -- Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Monmouth and Ocean -- where wind gusts can get as powerful as 50 mph when the snowstorm hits.
Mercer and Middlesex counties are under a winter storm warning beginning at 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Coastal regions of New Jersey could see 8 to 12 inches of snow and a flood advisory has been issued, the weather service said. That's up from the 4 to 6 inches projections from earlier predictions.
The storm is expected to bring snow, mixed precipitation and freezing temperatures, producing hazardous travel conditions and affecting transportation across the state, Christie's office said.
Road conditions are available at the New Jersey Department of Transportation website at www.511NJ.org.
NJ Advance Media Staff Writer Jeff Goldman contributed to this report.
Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook.
WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday proposed opening the Jersey Shore and the rest of the Atlantic Coast to oil drilling.
If approved, the Interior Department's new 2019-2024 five-year plan could allow drilling in more than 90 percent of the outer continential shelf, which encompasses 90 percent of the areas of the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic oceans. It would reverse President Barack Obama's decision to keep the Atlantic coast off limits through at least 2022.
"Responsibly developing our energy resources on the outer continental shelf in a safe and well-regulated way is important to our economy and energy security, and it provides billions of dollars to fund the conservation of our coastlines, public lands and parks," Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said.
Under the proposal, as many as nine areas off the Atlantic coast could be leased for drilling: three for the Mid-Atlantic, three for the South Atlantic, two for the North Atlantic and one for the Florida straits. These would be the first lease sales in the region since 1983.
"This is all part of an anti-environmental agenda that could have catastrophic consequences for our environmental and economic health," said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th Dist., the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
At risk could be a New Jersey tourism industry generating $43 billion annually and supporting 500,000 jobs, and a fishing industry adding $7.9 billion a year to the state's economy and creating more than 50,000 jobs.
"Trump has targeted our coast for offshore drilling, jeopardizing our tourism, ecosystems and fisheries while harming people who live along the coast," said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, an environmental group.
Zinke said his announcement is just the beginning of a lengthy process, and drilling will not be allowed everywhere.
"Just like with mining, not all areas are appropriate for offshore drilling, and we will take that into consideration in the coming weeks," he said.
The announcement was welcomed by the American Petroleum Institute, the Washington-based trade group for the oil and gas industry. which said the drilling plan would create thousands of jobs, spur economic growth and strengthen national security.
"We are continuously developing and improving safety standards, programs, new technologies, and best practices to protect our workers, the environment and marine life," API official Erik Milito said. "And decades of experience have shown that offshore operations safely coexist with military activity, the commercial and recreational fishing industries, and coastal tourism."
Opposition from New Jersey officials helped convince the Obama administration in March 2016 to drop plans to offer leases to drill for oil off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
At the time, the Interior Department cited local opposition, the current oil market, and conflicts with the Defense Department and commercial interests among the reasons for dropping the Atlantic Coast from the leasing program. The agency earlier dropped a 2010 proposal to allow Atlantic oil drilling.
Pallone and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., who helped lead the fight against the Obama administration original proposal, vowed to fight this one as well.
The Trump Administration undoing Obama-era offshore drilling bans is a handout to #BigOil that risks destroying our shore. That's why I stand w/ coastal businesses, fishing communities & those who live on the coast who want to #KillTheDrill & #ProtectOurCoast pic.twitter.com/JOknIvrinI Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) January 4, 2018
"The fishing, boating and recreational industries would be debilitated by any oil spill along the Atlantic," Pallone said. "Our coastal communities have made it absolutely clear that they do not want drilling in the Atlantic. I will do whatever is necessary to fight the Trump administration and prevent drilling in the Atlantic."
Trump, who has called climate change a Chinese hoax, was elected on a pledge to increase U.S. energy production, including oil. Zinke announced in April that he would revisit the Obama five-year plan that excluded the Atlantic coast.
Oil and gas industry employees spent $105 million on the 2016 elections, with 88 percent of their campaign donations going to Republicans, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a Washington-based research group.
Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
Two weeks after switching political parties and a day after her opponents tried to get her removed from office, Melissa DeCastro was named Salem County freeholder director.
"I love Salem County. I think it is strong, I think it is beautiful and I think it is resilient and that resiliency is what will pull us through the hard times and into the next generation," said Democrat DeCastro at the board's reorganization meeting Wednesday.
DeCastro will lead a five-member board which was cut from seven freeholders last year thanks to a voter mandate.
With Democrat incumbent Lee Ware and newcomer Democrat Charles Hassler, DeCastro will lead the 3 to 2 majority. Incumbent Ben Laury and Scott Griscom who was elected to his first full term in the fall make up the Republican minority.
It had been expected that the GOP would continue to hold political control in the county again in 2018 as it has since 2012 until Dec. 20 when then-Republican DeCastro announced she was becoming a member of the Democrat Party.
After that move, her former party members questioned DeCastro's residency and petitioned the courts to rule she doesn't live in Salem County, issue an injunction to forbid DeCastro from taking part in freeholder actions and to declare her seat open to allow the GOP to appoint someone to replace her. A Superior Court judge on Tuesday rejected all those requests.
None of those issues were raised publicly during the largely ceremonial meeting held Wednesday night before a standing-room-only crowd in the historic Old Courthouse in Salem, but some alluded to them.
"We must step it up. We must act professionally and work together," DeCastro said. "I truly believe that working together in a cohesive manner with open communication ... that this county can indeed thrive."
"I think that we can work together ... ," said Griscom. "If we can put politics aside and do what is best for the county, I think everybody comes out a winner. "
State Sen. Stephen Sweeney said the board should "put people before politics."
In her brief director's address DeCastro said two key things that the county needs is "a full-service hospital for all its citizens" and the completion of rehabilitation work on the county railroad.
She said both would "not only provide basic needs but good quality employment" to the financially struggling county.
Laury, in his minority party address, called the three Republican freeholders who left the board at the end of the year -- Bob Vanderslice, Dale Cross and Doug Painter -- "heroes."
He ticked off a list of accomplishments he said were made by the GOP-controlled board including reducing county's debt, cutting the size of government, major infrastructure improvements mostly thanks to grants (including the railroad), fighting construction of a new courthouse, improving the county 911 center and expanding the Gateway business park.
He said the board members needs to remember who gave them their jobs -- the people of the county, not "self-serving professionals or large campaign contributors."
Hassler was sworn in for his first three-year term on the board. Griscom, a winner in November too, also began a full three-year term.
DeCastro was elected director by a 3 to 2 vote with Griscom and Laury dissenting. Hassler was elected deputy director by a 4 to 1 vote with the only dissenter being Laury.
During the meeting, the board voted on 47 resolutions many of which replaced Republican appointees and firms with those friendly to Democrats. On many of those voters Griscom and Laury dissented.
After the meeting Laury, citing what he said was DeCastro's limited experience of only two years as freeholder, said he believes veteran freeholder Ware should have been named the new director.
On the subject of DeCastro's party switch, he said "Republicans voted her in and she turned her back on them."
Once the reorganization was finished, DeCastro said she was "just looking forward to the future. We've all got to work together."
She said having lingering animosity and bitterness "is not worth it."
Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
The driver of a tractor-trailer was killed early Thursday after the vehicle went off Interstate 295 in Salem County, struck multiple trees and burst into flames, state police say.
The operator of the 2017 Freightliner became trapped in the burning vehicle, according to New Jersey State Police Lt. Ted Schafer.
The driver has been identified as Robert G. Brown, 45, of Moorestown, according to Schafer. The tractor-trailer was carrying pharmaceutical goods destined for a pharmacy chain.
Schafer said the accident took place in the southbound lanes of I-295 in Carneys Point Township at Milemarker 4.7 at 1:36 a.m.
According to Schafer, the tractor-trailer ran off the west side of the roadway and into the nearby trees. When it hit the trees it jack-knifed and caught on fire.
Inspira paramedics pronounced the driver dead at the scene, Schafer said.
State police have not yet determined whether the weather or other factors played a role in the crash. Schafer said weather conditions at the time were described as snowy and wet.
Southbound lanes of I-295 were closed for six hours for the crash investigation which is being led by troopers from the Woodstown Station.
The accident scene is south of Exit 4 for Route 48 and just before the Georgetown Road overpass. Robinson Road dead-ends with I-295 at the area where the accident took place.
The Carneys Point Fire Department and Rescue Squad responded to the scene and firefighters were able to keep flames which spread into trees at the crash site from spreading to nearby homes, according to Carneys Point Fire Chief John T. Stranahan Sr.
Other companies responding included Deepwater, Pennsville, Penns Grove, Pedricktown, Woodstown and Auburn.
Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
How much snow will N.J. get? Depends on who you ask
By Jeff Goldman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
The "bomb cyclone" blizzard churning high winds and heavy snow onto the East Coast on Thursday could mean big snowfall totals and deep drifts for the New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia areas.
How much snow will fall, though, depends on who you ask. The predictions vary widely and have changed rapidly in the last 24 hours. Most of the forecasts have increased.
Here's a rundown on the latest from the experts:
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National Weather Service
National Weather Service
The trusted National Weather Service dramatically upped its snowfall predictions early Thursday as the blizzard started to intensify in New Jersey. The latest forecast as of 6 a.m. calls for 12 to 18 inches along the Jersey Shore with 8 to 12 inches along a large portion of inland areas in South Jersey.
The snowfall predictions decrease in the western portion of the state, but along the I-95 corridor, a long stretch of New Jersey from Bergen to Salem counties could see 6 to 8 inches. The northwestern portion of the state, particularly Warren and Sussex counties are expected to get up to 3 inches.
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accuweather
AccuWeather.com
The regional forecast by Accuweather.com has the highest snowfall predictions for New England from the coastal storm. Still, Accuweather's forecast has the Jersey Shore region firmly in the 6 to 12 range and notes that bitter cold and gusty winds will be a major issue through Friday.
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What is a bomb cyclone?
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1"-3" snowfall rates per hour pic.twitter.com/Iiki0NI7N3 Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) January 4, 2018
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel, which actually names winter storms, offers a much less dire prediction for the coastal area around Atlantic City 5 to 8 inches, though with some local spots in the 8 to 12 range. The rest of the state should see about 3 to 5 inches, according to Weather.com.
Wind gusts are highlighted in the Weather.com forecast with the potential for 40 to 50 mph winds along the Shore.
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I'm bumping up snowfall projections slightly, mainly in the eastern half of our region. Blustery winds will help form higher drifts in some places. Snow winds down during the afternoon. Updates on @6abc all day! pic.twitter.com/WeKqw82nxB davidmurphy6abc (@davidmurphy6abc) January 4, 2018
6ABC.com in Philadelphia
A meteorologist in Philadelphia David Murphy of 6abc.com has bumped his high-end snowfall totals to 7 to 12 inches for the entire Jersey Shore and for the eastern half of the state south of Monmouth County. In North Jersey where the storm isn't expected to be nearly as intense, projections are more in agreement.
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Survival guide for yourself and your home in N.J.'s coming arctic hell
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This From The EWN Weather Center...... Here Are Your Updated Expected Snowfall Totals! They're Going Up! pic.twitter.com/qED69bC5lT Bill Evans (@Evansweather) January 4, 2018
abc7NY.com in New York
New York's ABC affiliate bumped up its snowfall projections around 11 a.m. on Thursday to show an expected 18 inches along the coast, matching the National Weather Service forecast higher end expectations. Inland, abc7NY.com's meteorologists say the I-95 corridor should see between 6 to 10 inches of snow.
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News12 New Jersey
The snow forecast map from News12 New Jersey has a significant portion of South Jersey in the 8 to 12 inch prediction zone. Northwestern areas should see 1 to 4 inches, according to News 12.
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Final Snowfall Forecast For January 4, 2018
Please visit the website for google zoom option!https://t.co/GQqOZnryBg pic.twitter.com/NpeElCeve0 NY NJ PA Weather (@nynjpaweather) January 3, 2018
At this point, I don't see the value of spending 40 minutes redoing the map for a slight increase. Everyone was warned, if bands get on shore, 12"+ on NJ coast likely. https://t.co/zrmXZAmhlf NY NJ PA Weather (@nynjpaweather) January 4, 2018
NY NJ PA Weather of Freehold
NY NJ PA Weather of Freehold called for up to a foot heading into the storm on Wednesday night and decided to stick with its forecast after the National Weather Service upped its predictions on Thursday morning. But the organization said to expect New Jersey to hit the high ends of its original projections.
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More blizzard coverage:
Blizzard, dangerous wind slam N.J. with snowfall predictions up to 18 inches
Christie declares state of emergency in 4 counties, closes state offices as blizzard hits N.J.
Despite employee complaints, Rutgers stays open during blizzard
Will any flights get out today? Latest info from N.J., N.Y., Philly airports
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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A woman's hair was pulled, her face punched and her purse stolen on Wednesday evening (Jan. 3) while she stood at a bus stop on Magazine Street near Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans police said.
A preliminary NOPD report states the 45-year-old woman was attacked and robbed at the bus stop in the 4300 block of Magazine, between Napoleon and General Pershing Street -- the same block where NOPD's 2nd District station is located. The robbery was reported about 10:55 p.m. According to the report, an unknown man approached her, "pulled her hair and punched her in the face," before taking her purse.
The woman described her attacker as a man wearing a cap with a bird logo on the front of it, NOPD spokeswoman Ambria Washington said.
A little over an hour earlier, police in New Orleans East responded to an armed robbery in which two man robbed a 56-year-old woman of her car keys and vehicle as she checked her mail, a preliminary NOPD report states. The armed robbery was reported about 9:50 p.m. in the 7700 block of Lacombe Street.
Police said the woman got out of her vehicle and was checking the mail when two unknown men approached her. One of them, armed with a gun, demanded her keys, the report states, and when she complied both men fled in her vehicle.
The woman described the man with the gun as wearing a knit hat with a black hooded sweatshirt and possibly a blue jean jacket over the sweatshirt, Washington said. The other man was described as wearing a brown or gold-colored jacket.
No other information was immediately available about the robberies.
Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to contact the NOPD at 504-821-2222 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has reappointed Duane Evans as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana, one of 17 such extensions issued Wednesday (Jan. 3) across the country to keep temporary federal prosecutors in place.
"For nearly two decades as a prosecutor, Duane Evans has worked tirelessly to take on public corruption, drug trafficking, and racketeering," Sessions said in a statement. "I am grateful to him for his service and I am confident that he will continue to deliver results as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana."
Evans has served as acting U.S. attorney since March 2017, when his predecessor, Kenneth Polite, stepped down following the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Evans had been the first assistant U.S. attorney under Polite and managed daily operations of the office. Before that, he was senior litigation counsel and chief of the office's criminal division.
Evans joined the U.S. Attorney's Office in August 2000 and was assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit, which he would later lead. In 2010, he became chief of the Strike Force and Anti-Gang Unit.
Sessions' reappointments Wednesday were necessary because the acting prosecutors had reached the end of the period they were allowed to serve as acting U.S. attorneys under federal law. Evans reappointment becomes official Friday.
A New Orleans man was sentenced Wednesday (Jan. 3) to more than 11 years in prison as part of a federal drug case, according to interim U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans' office.
Brandon Smith, 36, of New Orleans, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to federal court documents, on Sept. 28, 2016, agents with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security found Smith in possession of 13.6 grams of heroin and about $3,837 in cash at a hotel on Chef Menteur Highway.
Inside Smith's vehicle, agents found drug paraphernalia and an FN Herstal 5.7x.28mm gun with an extended magazine and a separate fully-loaded handgun magazine, according to Evans' office.
U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey sentenced Smith to 139 months, or 11 years and seven months, in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracey Knight and Irene Gonzalez were in charge of the prosecution.
The New Orleans Police Department has arrested a 38-year-old man accused of cutting an employee during an armed robbery of a Dollar General store on Chef Menteur Highway on Dec. 31. The man, identified as Renard Pickett, was arrested after police pursued him in a foot chase, authorities reported Thursday (Jan. 4).
Pickett was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center with armed robbery, aggravated battery and resisting an officer. Authorities said Pickett was seen stuffing toiletry items down his pants at Dollar General shortly before 11:30 a.m. Dec. 31 and cut an employee with an "edged weapon" before fleeing on foot.
Seventh District officers responding to the robbery spotted Pickett at the corner of Chef Menteur and Dodt Street and followed him into an abandoned house in the 4400 block of Laine Avenue, according to the news release. He was later arrested without incident with the help of 7th District detectives and a canine unit.
In an unrelated incident later that day, 7th District officers arrested Tyeshia Robertson, 30, after authorities accused her of cutting another woman during a fight.
Officers responded to an aggravated battery call around 4:24 p.m. in the 4800 block of Marseilles Street. They arrived to find the victim bleeding from her hands and arms.
The woman was treated by paramedics for the injuries, and identified Robertson as her assailant, according to a news release.
Robertson was located nearby and was arrested after being treated for what authorities described as minor injuries at a local hospital.
Authorities say Robertson told officers that the woman had hit her with an ashtray, and that she was defending herself. Robertson was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center with aggravated battery by cutting.
A man was arrested Tuesday (Jan. 2) in connection with a December gunbattle that left a 28-year-old man injured outside a Central City bar, according to New Orleans police.
Orlando Young, 42, was determined to be the aggressor in the gun fight, which followed a barroom argument between Young and the victim's mother, police said.
The shooting occurred about 11:30 p.m. Dec. 19 near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Rocheblave Street.
Officers patrolling a few blocks away heard the gunfire and learned that two men involved in the shooting had arrived at different local hospitals. The victim had been struck and was bleeding from the hip, police said.
According to an initial police report, Young thought he had been hit and was bleeding from the back. However, hospital staff determined his injury had not been caused by gunfire, NOPD spokesman Aaron Looney said Wednesday night.
Officers interviewed each of the men, both of whom had been treated and released from hospital care.
As the investigation continued, officers determined that both men had fired shots, but Young had acted as the aggressor.
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The 28-year-old victim told police that he and his mother were leaving the bar, following the argument with Young, when Young approached holding a silver handgun. The victim said he then took out his own handgun -- and Young began firing, according to police.
Young and the victim then exchanged gunfire until the victim's gun malfunctioned. At that point, the victim said he left the scene with his mother -- and only later did he realize he was bleeding from the right hip.
Young was booked into the Orleans Justice Center jail Tuesday with aggravated battery by shooting, simple criminal damage to property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court records, Young's criminal history in Orleans Parish includes convictions for simple burglary in the mid-90s and illegal possession of a stolen automobile in 2000.
Wednesday night, Young remained in jail with his bond set at $35,000, court records show.
Anyone with additional information on the Dec. 19 shooting is asked to call Sixth District detectives at 504-658-6060 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
Delta-style tamales with pork and plantains as well as more exotic creations, such as chocolate and strawberry tamales, will be dished out at the first-ever New Orleans Tamale Festival on Saturday (Jan. 6).
Holly "Holly Tamale" Hawthorne and Angela O'Neill Harbold of Medina's Good Tamales have organized the festival, which will be run from noon to 6 p.m. at Poor Boys Bar at 1328 St. Bernard Ave.
Margie Perez, The Iguanas and Dat Band will perform, Hawthorne said.
The free, family-friendly festival will feature the women's tamales as well as Mamita's Hot Tamales and food from four smaller tamale-makers, said Hawthorne, who has been selling her family's tamale recipe from her bike for a decade.
The festival will not feature established restaurants, Hawthorne said. Instead, the women focused on finding folks who make tamales as a "side hustle" because they wanted to showcase street vendors who make and sell tamales as folks have for decades in New Orleans.
"We didn't want it to be like the typical New Orleans festival," Hawthorne said. "We want it to be a showcase for the local tamale vendors here in New Orleans."
The women met because both are burlesque performers, Hawthorne said. When Hawthorne discovered that Harbold, whose stage name is Spooky LeStrange, also made tamales, they became friends.
They've been mulling the idea of a tamale festival for years, Hawthorne said, who learned her tamale-making from her family, including her step-great-great-grandfather, who was from Mexico.
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"By selling tamales on the street, over the years, we've become friends with people who make tamales in their neighborhoods," she said. "We've done some digging (to find others) because we really wanted to keep this as mom-and-pop as possible. We wanted to stay true to the tradition of selling and eating tamales in New Orleans.
"Everybody is always looking for a good tamale man," Hawthorne said. "Well, come and find your favorite one here at the festival."
Folks can pay $5 to compete to be named the tamale queen, who will be crowned at 4:30 p.m. And, for $5, folks can line up at 2 p.m. to compete in a tamale eating contest. (Caution: Hawthorne says there is an 11-year-old tamale-eating prodigy, who plans to offer fierce competition.)
NEW ORLEANS TAMALE FESTIVAL
What: The city's first tamale festival features tamales from Holly Tamale, Medina's Good Tamales and Mamita's Hot Tamales as well as four other small street vendors, with music from Margie Perez, Dat Band and The Iguanas. A tamale queen will be crowned. Expect a tamale eating contest as well at this family-friendly event.
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 6)
Where: Poor Boys Bar, 1328 St. Bernard Ave., which has indoor and outdoor space.
Admission: The festival, which is sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon, is free, but donations will be accepted. For details, visit the festival Facebook page, or send an email to neworleanstamalefest2018@gmail.com.
There are fewer pre-K options available to New Orleans parents today than there were before the school system transitioned to charters in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, according to a recent study.
Charter school leaders discussed their reasons for offering or not offering pre-K programs, in a study released Dec. 7 by Tulane University's Education Research Alliance for New Orleans. Largely, they said the programs are expensive to offer -- and the state doesn't give them enough of a subsidy to make it worth it.
Between 2004-05, the city had 80 elementary schools, three of which were charters, and 95 percent of them provided pre-K. Between 2014-15, New Orleans had 56 elementary schools, 53 of which were charters, and 63 percent of them offered pre-K.
Charter schools in Louisiana can opt into state-subsidized pre-K for low-income and special-needs students, but the study stated the per pupil funding level is far below the average cost of educating a pre-K student. The gap between the state subsidy level and the actual per-pupil cost of pre-K is approximately $3,300 per student, according to the study.
But pre-K is important for students, and schools: The study stated leaders of schools that do provide pre-K expect increases in enrollment, student retention and improved performance on standardized tests.
While the number of pre-K students in New Orleans schools run by the district largely tracked kindergarten enrollment in the years following Katrina, this was not the case for charter schools.
Pre-K and kindergarten students are highly mobile in the city's system-wide choice setting, so researchers stated that leaves little incentive for schools to offer pre-K as a means to keep enrollment up or to meet the accountability goals of their charter contracts. To offer pre-K, the study found leaders supplemented funding using per pupil revenue for higher grades, raising private funds, and patching together other funding sources.
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Researchers stated charters offering pre-K saw short-term enrollment benefits because schools filled half of their kindergarten seats with pre-K students. Although children who attended pre-K slightly outperformed those who did not on third-grade math tests, the study stated the low retention of pre-K programs had no association with test score performance.
Researchers advise policymakers to consider how and where school decentralization might lead to the reduction or elimination of services that are useful to students. Researchers framed their study as evidence that decentralization without off-setting financial incentives can result in reduced investments in programs like pre-K that advance the social goals of public education.
The city of New Orleans is pushing for more funding for pre-K programs. Mayor Mitch Landrieu's office announced Dec. 1 that New Orleans would invest in improving access to early childhood education by allocating $750,000 of the 2018 budget to the New Orleans Early Education Network.
The city's investment in its early care and education system comes amid the city's ongoing push to return all public schools to the Orleans Parish School Board's oversight as an authorizer. In New Orleans, where a majority of its schools are charters authorized by the independently elected OPSB and the state-run Recovery School District, OPSB oversees 41 schools, including 37 charters.
The full report on the affect of charter-based school reforms on pre-K can be read on the Education Research Alliance's website.
. . . . . . .
Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles.
Taetrece Harrison, who is accused of pointing a gun at a man after her vehicle had been booted at a downtown parking lot, qualified Thursday (Jan. 4) to run for Orleans Parish Civil District Court.
The incident in question occurred Sept. 28, according to court records. New Orleans police said Harrison allegedly pointed a black pistol at a 50-year-old man after she found her car immobilized by two wheel boots at a Premium Parking lot at 701 S. Rampart St. in the Central Business District.
Her attorney, Eusi Phillips, said in an interview Thursday that the man who approached Harrison was not an employee of the parking lot company and he repeatedly approached her without making his intentions clear. The NOPD arrest record doesn't specify whether the man was a parking lot employee, and a Premium Parking representative refused to comment Thursday, saying the company had no documentation or recollection of the event.
Harrison was arrested Oct. 9, three days before her 50th birthday. The arrest warrant said the man told police Harrison became upset as he offered her assistance with the telephone number to have the boots removed, yelling, "Stop talking to me."
"As the victim attempted to explain to Harrison he was only trying to offer his assistance, Harrison opened the passenger door of her vehicle, reached in and removed a snubbed-nose black pistol," the report said. "Harrison pointed the weapon at the victim and yelled, 'I told you to stop talking to me.' The victim fled the scene out of fear for his life."
Following her arrest, Harrison's attorney at the time, John S. Williams, said his client had attended a legal seminar at the nearby Hyatt Regency before finding her car immobilized. He said Harrison had already contacted the parking company and was waiting for its employee to arrive when the man approached her.
"During that time, a gentleman she did not know approached her and started to state things to her. She didn't engage with him," Williams said. "In terms of what happened with the firearm, what I will say is that she has a concealed-weapons permit and, on this day, had her weapon with her.
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"She strongly denies any allegation of aggravated assault of anyone. She had no reason to assault anybody. Attorney Harrison is of average female size and was approached by a strange man in a parking lot in downtown New Orleans. I can't say if she felt threatened."
Phillips added that Harrison went back to her car just before 6 p.m., "not in broad daylight," and encountered a secluded, empty parking lot -- a situation that "any woman in New Orleans would find intimidating," he said. The U.S. Naval Observatory's weather almanac shows sunset was at 6:49 p.m. on Sept. 28.
Harrison was released on $500 bail on the day of her arrest. The Orleans Parish District Attorney officially charged her with aggravated assault on Dec. 13. Her next court date is March 8, two weeks before the election, before Judge Karen Herman. Phillips said Harrison is seeking a jury trial.
"Ms. Harrison is in a situation where she is defending herself for defending herself," he said.
Harrison had not been arrested in Orleans Parish before the September incident, according to court records.
Harrison will face at least three other candidates have signed up for the Civil District Court Division A race: Rick Duplantier, Ellen Hazeur and Richard Perque. The winner would move into the seat Judge Tiffany Chase held before she won election to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal. Qualifying for the March 24 election runs through Friday.
This is Harrison's second run for a judgeship. In November 2014, she lost to incumbent Bernadette D'Souza for Civil District Court's family court, receiving 22 percent of the vote.
Fixing ragged trails and crumbling buildings at multiple national park properties in Louisiana could create more than 100 jobs, most of them in New Orleans and other parts of south Louisiana, according to a new report.
Released this week by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the report estimates that paring down the growing backlog of maintenance projects in the more than 400 national park sites across the country would support more than 110,000 new jobs. About 64 percent of the jobs would be directly linked to restoration and construction. About 36 percent would be indirect jobs, created by the money circulating from the park projects.
In states with big national parks, like California and Wyoming, the employment boost would be in the thousands. Louisiana's scattering of small national park sites would generate a modest 110 jobs. While comparatively small, the maintenance backlog in Louisiana tops $11.4 million, with fixes needed in urban park sites in New Orleans and swamp trails and bridges to the south in Barataria Preserve, according to National Park Service estimates.
Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve needs the most work, with about $6.3 million in repairs and maintenance spread across its six sites: Barataria Preserve, Chalmette Battlefield, the French Quarter Visitor Center in New Orleans and Acadian cultural centers in Lafayette, Eunice and Thibodaux.
Barataria has a boardwalk trail system that regularly floods and always needs repairs, as do its roads and parking lots. One of the preserve's biggest stalled projects is a $220,000 replacement of the Bayou des Families bridge, according to park spokeswoman Kristy Wallisch.
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At Chalmette, where the last major battle of the War of 1812 was fought, a major sewer system upgrade is needed. The park service wants to decommission its aging on-site system and link up with a public utility, a switch that could cost $827,000.
At least $1.2 million is needed to restore four or five vacant historic buildings in Armstrong Park, a city property under partial park service management. Despite the buildings' links to early jazz and city history, the structures have been deteriorating for years. The park service has tried for nearly two decades to make them jazz museums, music venues or cultural centers, but most remain boarded up. The park service and city are working out a deal that would transfer the buildings back to the city.
Years of inconsistent federal funding have made it difficult for the park service to maintain its infrastructure. Nationwide, the maintenance backlog was pegged at nearly $12 billion in 2016 - a $440 million increase from the previous year. Deep cuts to the park service in President Donald Trump's 2018 budget could make the situation worse.
To bridge the gap, the Trump administration has proposed steep increases in entrance fees. Vehicle entry at popular parks like Yosemite and Zion will likely jump from $25 or $30 to $70. Most national park sites in Louisiana charge no entrance fees.
Read the Pew Charitable Trusts' report.
The Slidell-area fire department has achieved a Class 2 rating, improving from a Class 3 rating on the scale on which fire insurance rates are based, the department announced Thursday (Dec. 4).
The Property Insurance Association of Louisiana rates fire departments based on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the best. The ratings affect insurance premiums for homeowners and business owners.
Ratings are based on three main categories: fire department operations (50 percent), water supply (40 percent) and communications (10 percent), the fire department, formally known as St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District No. 1, said in a news release.
The new Class 2 rating may result in lower fire insurance premiums for homeowners and business owners within seven road miles of a Fire District No. 1 fire station, the release said. The department encouraged homeowners and business owners to contact their insurance companies and advise them of the improved rating.
Since the 2012 rating, Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann set a goal for the district to become a Class 2 fire department, the department said.
"I couldn't be more proud of the men and women of our department who have achieved this accomplishment, all while working hard to provide the highest level of efficiency and quality service for our citizens," he said.
The department is the only one in Louisiana that is internationally accredited, according to the release. It joins the Mandeville area's Fire District 4 with the Class 2 rating, the lowest in St. Tammany Parish.
Fire District 1 covers the city of Slidell and a large unincorporated area surrounding the city. The department, which has an annual budget of about $18 million, has eight fire stations and 166 paid personnel, according to its website.
St. Tammany Parish government said Thursday (Jan. 4) it is accepting Christmas trees to be used to rebuild marsh in the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.
The project is being carried out in conjunction with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Trees can be brought during daylight hours to the Covington Fair Grounds at 1515 N. Florida St. in Covington and the old levee board property at 61134 Military Road near Slidell.
Trees must be stripped of all decorations -- ornaments, lights, tinsel, etc. -- and the stands must be removed completely to be eligible for the program, the parish said in a news release.
Flocked trees cannot be accepted at the drop-off sites because they cannot be used for the project, it said.
The state will soon be pushing the locally elected officials of Powhatan out of the way to administer the finances of the northwest Louisiana village that in mid-July had only $105 in its general fund and is hiring a cop to drum up some money from
Jan 4, 2018 NR
Superstar Rajinikanth and Sensational Director Shankar's 2.0 audio release previously happened in Dubai and now the team is gearing up to launch the First Look Teaser of the film in Malaysia. The event will take place there on 6th of this month.
The makers are in plans to release the theatrical trailer in March. The movie shooting is complete and the post-production works are going on at a brisk pace. 2.0 will release on April 13th as Tamil New Year Special. Click the Movie button below for more info:
2.0
As 2017 was drawing to a close, Kampala and most parts of the country became very hot.
And there were lots of complaints about the weather. Some people invoked God and others quickly cited climate change. December is a hot month and usually January and February are some of the hottest months in most parts of Uganda.
Anyway, the rain eventually came down on New Year s Eve, at least in Kampala. And of course most parts of Kampala were plunged into darkness. The rain, which is the major source of our electricity as we mainly depend on hydropower, is also the biggest source of its supply disruptions.
Electric poles and wires sometimes fall down during the downpour. Before the normal supply of electricity was disrupted in some parts of Kampala, people had been engaged in a debate on the cost of electricity on social media and other platforms.
Many village homesteads would do well with solar power at the expense of hydroelectricity
The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) had decided to increase the cost of electricity by about 33 shillings per unit starting on January 1, 2018. The domestic unit will now cost Shs 718.9. ERA always claims that the main reasons for such increments is a result of fluctuations in the US dollar exchange rates.
Though, of course, the government has been in negotiations with Bujagali Energy Power on their contractual obligations to generate power.
The East African newspaper has reported that whatever Bujagali Power asked for, including extending their contract period, the government agreed to it. So, brace yourself for more expensive electricity.
There are less than 1.5 million customers on the national electricity grid, with Umeme being the major distributor (about 1,015,000 customers). The majority of these 1.5 million customers are domestic users who actually dont need to depend on hydroelectricity for their daily needs.
Of all the power produced in Uganda, domestic users take only 30 per cent, with the rest going to manufacturing. As we complained of the heat, the power disruptions due to rainfall, and the increment in the electricity tariff, I asked myself whether the majority of domestic users actually need hydropower.
The truth is they dont. Yet a lot of money is spent on ensuring there is electricity everywhere in the country. Districts aside, electricity is the most demanded item at political rallies by people who cant afford it.
It is very common to find electric poles in villages running in peoples compounds and yet their homes are not connected to the grid. Sometimes the cost of wiring a house is much more than the house to be connected is worth.
Sometime back, electricity was extended to my grandparents home at the insistence of a powerful area member of parliament because he feared some of my relatives may run for his office.
The electric lines, which run for about three kilometres, ended in my grannies courtyard. My relatives never bothered to connect to hydroelectric power because they had solar and didnt see the need for it. Whenever there were functions at grannys, the politician would boast of how he had brought electricity to them.
On that three-kilometer stretch, very few houses have been connected to power about 10 years since the lines were installed. They are happy about electricity in their village but they cant afford it. They also didnt need it. In most homes, electricity is only used for lighting, charging phones, watching TV and ironing clothes.
The rural folks usually iron only once a week when they are going to church. So, should the country continue to pay a lot of money extending electricity to people who dont need and obviously cant afford it?
Uganda is located on the equator, which guarantees sunshine throughout the year. It is cheaper for people to use solar for their domestic needs than hydropower that we are gladly extending.
People always cite the initial cost of solar power installation yet it is the same or even cheaper than wiring your house. Once you install solar power, you only need to periodically maintain the system so that it doesnt break down.
This is something else people complain aboutsolar breakdowns. This is because we dont have a culture of maintenance; we prefer to repair or replace. And of course there might be lots of cheap fake solar power products on the market, which dont last.
I believe if you install a genuine solar power unit and maintain it as recommended, it can last for many years. And you wont have to pay monthly or weekly bills.
The country can concentrate on providing power to those who need it like manufacturers and businesses, which may reduce their unit costs, make them more profitable and employ more Ugandans.
In fact, there are now solar tiles on the market. So, instead of buying roof clay tiles or iron sheets, one can roof their house with solar tiles. This means that the owner kills two birds with one stonea beautiful roof that is also the source of all your power needs.
After installing a solar power roof, one will need a power wall which can give you power for a week. This is important because a lot of Ugandans think that solar power needs a lot of sunshine to work.
If Europe and North America are going solar, why not us who are on the equator? Companies like Tesla are already making these units and they are very powerful. Remember, we dont use as much electricity at our homes as those in America.
In Uganda, you dont even need a fridge in your home. You can buy fresh stuff from the market everyday. And if we dont ask politicians for electricity which we cant afford all the time and ask them for solar, the costs of solar will come down.
The businesspeople who need electricity will have it at a lower rate than they do today, which will create jobs and grow the economy.
The country wont have to install white elephants like the line going to my grandparents home. Only areas that have economically grown will then need to be connected to the national grid.
djjuuko@gmail.com
The writer is a media consultant and businessman.
Makerere University has setup a special committee to study the Visitation Committees report that raised several management and policy issues about the university.
The report was presented to President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the visitor of the university on December 29.
Makerere University vice chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe said a number of issues were raised in the report, and that he has been receiving many calls from different stakeholders especially the media to respond.
The report is big; talking about very many things so we must give appropriate responses, Nawangwe said.
Makerere University vice chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe
He added that after the report was presented to the president, he asked the university management to formally respond to the issues raised.
In the meeting, the president and visitor of Makerere University guided that a formal response to the report should be made by the university to the ministry of Education and Sports, Nawangwe said.
In that regard, Nawangwe appointed Prof. William Bazeyo, the acting deputy vice chancellor in charge of finance and administration as chairperson of the committee with Charles Barugahare, the university secretary, Dr Eria Hisali, Prof. John Kabasa, Dr Florence Nakayiwa, Dorothy Sennoga Zake, and Jackie Ayorekire as members.
The group has been asked to draft a response to the visitation committees report, identify areas of immediate implementation and also identify areas that may need further clarification from the ministry.
We would like to commit that management will expeditiously study the report and comment on the issues raised. We request the media to understand; a lot of issues raised are of a serious policy nature that extensively will affect our university and therefore we can only make a report after studying it. We cant just comment off the cuff, Nawangwe said.
Meanwhile, the vice chancellor revealed that they are going to continue improving on those areas that the committee said the university was doing well.
On behalf of management, I commit to continue implementing what was recognize as being done well and to focus on areas where challenges were highlighted, Nawangwe said.
Museveni appointed the Visitation Committee in November 2016 after a teaching staff strike sucked in students leading to violent clashes with security forces.
In its report, the committee that was led by Dr Abel Rwendeire [RIP] discovered several bleaches and mismanagement in Ugandas premier university. Among its recommendation was the abolition of an elected vice chancellor, in favour of one appointed by the minister of Education.
bakerbatte@observer.ug
Former agriculture minister Hope Mwesigye has said President Museveni's decision to sign into law the 'age limit bill' is an indication that he's going to end up like former Libya strongman, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.
Museveni appended his signature to the Constitutional (Amendment) Act 2017 which, among others, removes the presidential age limit caps of 35 and 75 years in the constitution.
The Act also extends the term of parliament and local government councils from five to seven years among other provisions which touch on 10 different articles of the constitution. Museveni signed the bill into law on December 27, just seven days after it was passed by the 10th parliament amidst acrimony.
Speaking in Rukiga district on Wednesday, Mwesigye who is also the former Kabale District Woman MP says that Museveni's decision to sign age limit bill into law has left many Ugandans angered.
Mwesigye says that the anger could result into war and bloodshed. Mwesigye also says that Museveni will end like Gaddafi, since he has remained inflexible to respect peaceful transition of power.
Hope Mwesigye at a earlier event
"What has happened since they have amended the Constitution against the peoples wishes and will, it has been bad, the situation is fragile and I think it can only get worse. What Im seeing which has even started now, is instability. People are not sure of what is happening, there is uncertainty and it can only get worse and it will culminate clearly into more violence and war. You can see as a result of what happened, the so much money they used in amending this Constitution, I feel frustrated.
He [Museveni] may end up like the Gaddafis of this world, the Mubaraks of this world. Let him not think that because people are quiet, Ugandans are happy. When it reaches the tip-off point Ugandans will react", Mwesigye said.
Gaddafi's 42-year-rule ended violently when an uprising led to his overthrow in August 2011. In hiding for two months after his overthrow, Gaddafi was on October 20, 2011 captured and tortured to death by the rebel forces of the National Transitional Council.
Mwesigye also says that Museveni should have respected appeals from the majority of Ugandans including religious leaders of avoiding life presidency by not signing the bill, even after Parliament had passed it.
"Already many are regretting, many have been cursing, you heard the words from the bishops, the archbishops, everywhere. Everyone is saying; why do you do it? Even before people were saying dont amend, theres no need and there was no need. You dont amend for only one person. If you must amend the law, there must be a cause, there must be a reason why it must be amended and the reason cant be to amend it for President Museveni. Thats not a reason good enough," she added.
Ironically, Mwesigye then a minister and a strong ruling NRM party bigwig, was at the centre of efforts to remove presidential term limits in 2005. She, together with former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, who is also her brother in-law, were the face and mouth of the term limits removal.
They fell out with Museveni after Mbabazi expressed ambitions to challenge Museveni for the top seat, going on to stand in 2016 but coming a distant third in the race. In this latest amendment, the term limits have been reinstated.
Speaking to URN last week, Security minister Henry Tumukunde said that parliament passed the age limit law because the ruling NRM party is yet to identify Museveni's successor.
Tumukunde said there is no reason for Ugandans to worry that Museveni is targeting a life presidency since NRM is in the process identifying his successor.
"It is not because we cannot change the party leadership, it is just that we're not prepared. And it is not true that President Museveni wants to be a life president. We would have sat as a party and change the leadership, but we did not want to be like Kenya's former president Daniel Arap Moi who changed the KANU leadership and the party collapsed," said Tumukunde.
Jack Sabiiti, former Rukiga county MP, says that Ugandans will soon regret the age limit removal because it is not aiming at developing the country but only to satisfy President Museveni and his family. Sabiiti says that Museveni no longer has anything to add on Uganda's development.
"Museveni has been in power for over 30 years. This constitutional amendment is not intended for service delivery, it is intended only for survival and benefiting only one individual and one family.
Therefore, I'm appealing to you the young generation to take note of that. If youre not careful, institutions that we put in place are going to be useless.
Were already regretting. What value can Museveni add now? I want you to tell me. The value he has failed to add to agriculture, the value he has failed to add to education, to infrastructure, development, water systems. In 35 years what can he add on? Lets look where were coming from and where were going. My worry is the crisis which is likely to come and cause more problems. This country is heading for catastrophe," said Sabiiti.
Museveni while delivering his New Year message on Sunday evening 'saluted' the 317 legislators who supported the amendments, saying they played a great role in averting what would have been necessary 'complicated paths' if they had not voted in favour of the bill
Museveni compared the 317 MPs to the role played by the 27 fighters who started the war that brought him to power 31 years ago. He also compared them to the 232 MPs of the 7th parliament who opened up the presidential term limits in September 2005.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has gone to the Constitutional court to challenge the continued under-funding of the Judiciary, one of the arms of the government.
The gist of ULSs case in which the Attorney General is the respondent, is that, both the legislature and the executive, the other organs of the state, neglected their constitutional role of implementing the Judiciarys constitutional and self-accounting status through enactment of appropriate laws thus contravening Articles 128 (1), (2), (3), 150 (1), 79 (1) and 155 (2) & (3) of the Constitution.
The petition comes at the time when the national budget frame work paper 2017/18 currently before parliament indicated that the 18 institutions that form the Justice Law and Order Sector (JLOS) which include the judiciary, have been allocated Shs 1.119 trillion, translating to 5.1 per cent of the total national budget.
In comparison to the previous FY 2016/17, JLOS had a 5.4 per cent allocation of the total budget, though the actual money was slightly lower than that allocated in this years budget.
Uganda Law Society (R) president Francis Gimara
According ULS, the functions of the Judiciary which are well laid out under Chapter VIII of the Constitution, are to administer justice, exercising judicial power derived from the people in accordance with the principles stipulated under Article 126 (2) of the Constitution, which among others include not delaying justice.
In particular, the independence of the Judiciary, ULS says is guaranteed by the Constitution to the extent that Article 128 (1) stipulates that in the exercise of judicial power, the courts shall not be subject to the control or direction of any person or authority.
The lack of adequate funding according to ULS makes it impossible to expedite disposal of cases and has led to initiatives such as trial by sessions which negate the fundamental rights of a free and fair trial under Article 28 of the Constitution.
Through Victoria Advocates and legal consultants, ULS challenges sections 9 (1), (2), (5) & 11 (3) (a) of the Public Finance Management Act of 2015.
The law society contends that the above sections are in contravention and inconsistent with Article 155 (2) & (3) of the Constitution by granting the secretary to the treasury powers to issue directives and instructions to all accounting officers including self-accounting institutions such as the Judiciary.
ULS further argues that the annual practice, by which the secretary of the judiciary submits the budget estimates of the Judiciary, to the ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs is inconsistent with Article 155 (2) of the Constitution.
The Act of the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in approving the budgetary framework of the Judiciary contravenes Articles 128 (1) & 155 (2) of the Constitution, the petition partly reads.
The act of consistently allocating grossly inadequate budgetary allocations or resources to the Judiciary, rendering it to be unable to effectively execute its constitutional mandate contravenes Article 128 (3) of the Constitution.
In the petition which has been supported by an affidavit sworn by ULS president Francis Gimara, the society contends that subjecting of the already inadequate resources availed to the Judiciary to continuous budget cuts, the Judiciary is unable to effectively dispense the administration of justice in a fair and timely manner through speedy trials.
This, ULS says, is worsening the problem of case backlog which contravenes Articles 126 (2) (b) & 28 (1) of the Constitution.
Subsequently, ULS wants the court to issue permanent injunction restraining the secretary to the treasury from issuing budget circulars or any other related orders or requirements to the secretary to the Judiciary.
An order requiring the secretary to the Judiciary to henceforth submit the policy statements of the Judiciary directly to parliament, ULS says.
The society wants court to issue an order requiring the respondent [Attorney General] to establish formal mechanisms for submission of the budget to the president within 14 days.
dkiyonga@observer.ug
The murder of police spokesman Andrew Felix Kaweesi in March 2017 remains the most significant event of the year that we have just concluded.
This death highlighted the increasing vulnerability of Gen Yoweri Musevenis administration and its selfishness. Instead of investing in investigating the cause and perpetrators of murders, because Kaweesis was not the first one, the regime simply boosted security of its agents.
A case in point is Kinkiizi East MP, Dr Chris Baryomunsi. He was a very good commissioner in the last parliament and, because of that, he remains my friend. Upon his appointment as minister of state for Housing, he became a rabid supporter of the regime, defending it with gusto even in cases that require a simple apology.
I once asked him why he had showed up for the weekly Saturday Capital Gang radio talk show with a pickup truck full of policemen, something he despised when former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi regularly did it.
Dr Baryomunsi told me his life was under constant threat because of the constitutional change relating to land acquisition that his Lands ministry proposed. He is now escorted by at least a dozen policemen.
For the same reason, substantive Lands minister Betty Amongi, wife to UPC president Jimmy Akena, is also escorted by a pickup truck full of policemen. By the way, Amongi is my friend too. We studied political science together at Makerere University.
Besides these two, many other ministers are also escorted by trucks full of policemen in fear of being eliminated Kaweesi-style. These trucks and policemen have made parliament look like a garrison. Because of parliamentary rules, the trucks are usually parked outside the main gate.
Even ministers not known by anyone on Kampala streets have also been given a dozen policemen. Chief executives of commissions and state enterprises are all escorted by trucks full of men holding war guns. These pickups are provided by parent departments and Gen Kale Kayihura is only providing guns and personnel.
There are ministers such as Ronald Kibuule who have always wanted convoys as a way of showing power. The murder of Kaweesi was, therefore, a blessing to Kibuule and his ilk.
What has been the impact of all this? The cost of transporting public officials has skyrocketed. Before these convoys, we were spending Shs 100 billion on fuelling vehicles of public officials every year; Shs 180 billion on replacing these vehicles; and about Shs 120 billion on maintenance. The cost will obviously double.
That is what makes Kaweesis death significant. Not just because we lost a gallant policeman, but the excuse his death has given greedy politicians and public servants to buy themselves an additional car to carry their escorts.
Police is no longer providing security to persons and their property, but security to the regime and its agents. Do you then want to know why ordinary men and women are being killed in Entebbe, Nansana, Masaka, etc? This regime cares only for itself.
Do you remember a recent report by the auditor general that we are spending over Shs 200 billion on treating big people abroad?
I know I am inviting criticisms from regime henchmen who will immediately name Betty Nambooze and Francis Zaake to rationalize this crime. I hope they will not be tempted because these two were battered by Museveni guards. The money above is what we spend as a state. It is possible that private citizens are spending even more.
And all this is happening because this regime has refused to invest in health. Can you imagine the colonial administration built Mulago hospital for us and handed it to the government in 1962 when it was a modern facility?
Today, we have had to borrow over $100 million to renovate it and its CT scanning machine has not been repaired because of lack of money. Yet there is plenty of money to throw at MPs under the guise of consulting on presidential age limit removal!
And promoters of age limit removal have now each been given three police escorts. Why? They claim the opposition and part of their constituents want to harm them.
The last time I saw this kind of fortification of leaders was when I visited South Sudan. I think very soon, maids of these big people will need escorts to buy onions from local markets.
And for me, this is a turning point. Gen Museveni has never cared about Ugandans. These incidents have simply exposed him. And you can apply them to all sectors.
His administration is not about serving the population. It is about the big man, his family and clansmen. He has previously confessed to this. Agents such as Baryomunsi, Amongi or Ruhakana Rugunda are facilitated merely to work in the interest of one man.
Ugandans are now in a situation that Rodney Neely summarized in his novel Every Man for Himself, God for Us All.
Happy 2018.
semugs@yahoo.com
The author is Kira Municipality MP and opposition chief whip in parliament.
Jonathan Hirshon, a public relations professional, has managed the rather astonishing feat of staying completely anonymous online for the past 25 years. Although he is a pro at building publicity for his clients, he is dead-set against images of himself appearing online.
This is no small feat in a world of social media where major tech companies are pushing facial recognition technologies, and people are always photographing the world around them on their phones. It is easy to pop up in the background of a photo taken in a public place, but Hirshon is vigilant. He has been successful in his efforts as a google search of his name doesnt turn up a single picture of his face. So far, he has been successful in his quest to remain anonymous, as a google search of his name doesnt turn up a single picture of his face.
Photo: Jonathan Hirshon/Facebook
Hirshon is by no means a hermit, however, as he is very active on social media. He has over 3000 Facebook friends and frequently updates his status and profile with personal information from dinner plans to the state of his health.
I choose to share virtually everything about myself on social media, but my face is the essence of me individually, and this is about refusing to give up the last piece of identifiable information that I can control, Hirshon told the BBC.
When the [web] started, I decided to play a game with myself: How long could I keep my picture off the Internet, Hirshon told Daniel Terdiamn of Fast Company. Its turned into a 20-year trek.Theres only been two instances where pictures were taken of me [and posted] without my permission, and they both took them down.
Hirshons anonymity is increasingly becoming an anomaly in a data-driven world. Facebook began using facial recognition technology in 2010 to identify and tag users whenever a photo of them is uploaded, by any user, to the site. The service helps users manage when and where their picture shows up online. Credit card companies are considering the use of selfies to allow customers to pay for things, and many schools are also looking into using the technology to check attendance. Law Enforcement agencies already use it to track down offenders.
Photo: Jonathan Hirshon/Facebook
The latest Apple phone, the iPhone X, uses facial recognition to identify the owner, an idea that Hirshon is open to, telling the BBC, I trust Apple with my data. Many of the points of facial recognition are kept locally on the phone. Apple doesnt get that information.
Hirshon regularly speaks at conferences around the world, which has proven to be the biggest challenge in the quest to keep his face offline. His first slide, regardless of the topic at hand, is always of a camera with a red slash through it. He also asks the organizers of the event to remind the audience that no one is allowed to photograph him.
He regularly searches the internet for pictures that may have slipped through, but in 25 years he has only ever found two. The incidents occurred after events in Serbia and Croatia, and the pictures popped up on Twitter.
I raced to find bilingual friends in both instances to send an urgent tweet respectfully asking on my behalf to take the picture down, he told the BBC. Both were happy to do so and apologized profusely for the error. Nothing done out of malice, just language issues.
Photo: Jonathan Hirshon/Facebook
Hirshon is realistic, however, about maintaining anonymity and is aware that it could end soon. He has put into place a small hack that he hopes will extend it though, based on the 1960 film Spartacus. The slaves identity was protected in the famous scene when many of his fellow slaves stood up and declared: Im Spartacus. Hirshon has adapted the concept to the modern era by asking his friends to tag him in random photos of people and animals.
If youre so inclined, he wrote in a private Facebook post, take a moment and tag me in some random picture or image. A leaf on the wind, a howler monkey, geometry equations, George Clooney, a large steaming pile of excrementselect an image that you think best suits me or [is] based solely on your whim.
The collection of images under the tag Jonathan Hirshon could confuse Facebook and Googles algorithms and potentially bury any real photos of Hirshon that might eventually turn up. As to why he is so intent on keeping his anonymity secure, Hirshon told Fast Company, Youve probably noticed that I have a fairly decent grasp of facial recognition technology. I have worked for a number of companies in the (information and security) space. You can leave it at that, and let people draw their own conclusions.
When people ask me why I do it, I give them four options. One: I am shy. Two: I used to work as a spy. Three: I am on the witness protection programme. Four: all of the above. I refuse to confirm or deny which one is the truth.
Mark McCall
FTI Consulting promoted five staffers to the senior managing director slot in its strategic communications segment. Giles Barrie is based in London, where he is co-head of the segments UK property sector team. He most recently served as editor-in-chief of Property Week. Alex Deane, also based in London, is UK head of the segments PA practice. Previously, he served as chief of staff to David Cameron and Tim Collins during their respective periods as Shadow Secretaries of State for Education, and was a Common Councilman in the City of London. Christine DiBartolo, based in Chicago, is a senior member of the segments corporate reputation practice. She has served as an aide to former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno and spokesperson for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Myron Marlin, based in Washington, D.C., is a senior member of the segments PA and financial communications practices. A former practicing attorney, he has served as director of communications at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and as chief spokesman and director of PA at the U.S. Department of Justice. Robert Skeffington is head of the segments Sydney office, advising senior executives on how best to manage the interface between PA and business strategy throughout Australia. These individuals represent the vast industry expertise, interdisciplinary experience and geographical breadth that our clients seek in the face of major financial, regulatory and reputational challenges and opportunities, said Mark McCall, global segment leader of FTIs strategic communications unit.
Deborah Kostroun
Zito Partners named Deborah Kostroun managing director. Kostroun, a four-year Zito veteran, was previously a television reporter for Bloomberg. Before that, she was a PR manager with the Chicago Board of Trade. At Zito, Kostroun has been instrumental in building brand visibility for such clients as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CNBC, Fox Business, Financial Times, Forbes, NPR, AP, CNN Money and Reuters. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, alternative investments, private equity and hedge funds as well as other asset managers. Deborah has done outstanding work for many of our clients and this is a well-deserved promotion, said Zito Partners founder Robert Zito.
Stephen Chavez
The Los Angeles chapter of the Hispanic Public Relations Association elected its 2018 Board of Directors. Stephen Chavez, president of ChavezPR, will serve as president of the board; Miguel Lopez, international marketing manager for Panda Express, has been named VP/president elect; Lourdes Rodriguez, communications manager for Saban Community Health Clinics, has been elected treasurer; and Cynthia Cruz, account manager at digital media company Mitu, will serve as secretary. HPRA provides its members with resources such as networking events and scholarship and college outreach programs.
Google is looking to sell Zagat, the restaurant review guide it purchased in 2011 for $151 million, a Reuters report says. The asking price is not known. The acquisition of Zagat was overseen by former Google exec Marissa Mayer, who went on to become chief executive at Yahoo. As Google began to focus on drawing traffic to its Google+ social network, Zagat appeared to have been left behind. However, Google Maps still incorporates Zagat reviews into its restaurant listings, and a team at the company maintains Zagat.com. Talks have been held between Google and several undisclosed companies about the potential sale. The move comes as Google parent Alphabet is in the midst of shedding several non-core properties. In the past the company has agreed to sell robotics firms Boston Dynamics and Tokyo-based Schaft, and announced it would sell Terra Bella, a satellite imaging business it acquired in 2014.
Vice Media has suspended president Andrew Creighton and chief digital officer Mike Germano following a report in the Dec. 23 New York Times that brought allegations of sexual harassment at the media outlet to light. Creighton is said to have paid $135,000 to a former Vice employee after she claimed she was terminated for rejecting his suggestion of having a romantic relationship. Germano allegedly told a former employee at a 2012 holiday party that he had not wanted to hire her because he wanted to have sex with her; and, in 2014 he allegedly pulled an employee onto his lap. According to the Times report, hundreds of current and former employees cited an environment at the company in which harassment toward women was common. On Tuesday, Vice COO and CFO Sarah Broderick outlined a series of initiatives that she said were designed to ensure all our employees feel respected and supported. Those include the hiring of a new head of human resources, mandatory sexual harassment training for all employees and new community efforts, including the creation of affinity groups and mentoring.
Steve Chaggaris
Steve Chaggaris, political director at CBS News, has been fired in the wake of inappropriate behavior allegations. In the last two weeks, accounts of inappropriate behavior by Steve Chaggaris were brought to our attention and were immediately investigated, CBS said in a statement. "As a result, CBS News has severed ties with Mr. Chaggaris for violating company policy, effective immediately. Chaggaris worked at CBS News from 1999 to 2010, returning in 2012 as senior political editor. He was promoted to political director in March 2017, and his responsibilities included supervising coverage of the Trump administration. CNN reported that CBS staffers were informed of Chaggaris departure Wednesday. The report also said that CBS has encouraged employees to disclose instances of harassment or other inappropriate behavior since Charlie Rose was fired from CBS This Morning in November.
Time Inc. has sold both Essence magazine and its parent lifestyle brand to a holding company owned by skin care entrepreneur Richelieu Dennis. The sale puts the 48-year-old womens lifestyle title, the majority of whose readers are black, in the hands of an entirely black-owned independent company. This acquisition of [Essence] represents the beginning of an exciting transformation of our iconic brand, said Essence president Michelle Ebanks. [W]e are excited to be able to return this culturally relevant and historically significant platform to ownership by the people and the consumers whom it serves, said Dennis. The move comes as Time Inc. continues to sell off company assets that were not part of its recent sale to Meredith.
Kara Joyce
Crosby Marketing Communications has hired Kara Joyce as integration/PR manager and Janae David as multimedia & digital marketing coordinator. They will support clients in the agencys three specialized practice areas of healthcare, government, and nonprofits & causes.
Joyce comes to Crosby from Abel Communications, where she was a senior account executive. Before that, she was an account executive at Weber Shandwick, working on such accounts as Bank of America, Verizon, Healthcare.gov, Maryland Health Connection and the U.S. Army. At Crosby, she will support the firms work for the Health Resources and Services Administrations national organ donation program, and Greenberg Gibbons, a leading real estate developer of mixed-used destinations.
Janae David
David joins Crosby from Baltimore Research Group, where she helped organize qualitative research programs. She will work with Crosbys production and connections planning team to assist with project management, digital asset management and coordinating with outside vendors.
Crosby, a top provider on the GSA Advertising and Integrated Marketing Solutions schedule, provides integrated advertising, public relations, social media and digital marketing services.
Erin Billings
Erin Billings, who was principal at the now defunct Podesta Group, is now at Global Strategy Group in the senior VP position.
During a nearly six-year stint at Podesta, Billings handled PR duties for a range of corporate, non-profit and association clients.
The journalist-by-training broke into the advocacy sector at BGR Group, where she provided media and communications counsel for US and international clients.
Billings spent a decade at Roll Call, rising to the deputy editor position, and was a staff writer at the Montana Standard.
She's based in DC.
Matthias Knab, Opalesque for New Managers:
Hong Kong based Disciplina Asset Management announced the launch of a new systematic Asian focused hedge fund. The fund, employing a quantitative equity market neutral strategy, aims to deliver high risk adjusted returns with low volatility and will invest in equities across the entire Asia Pacific region. The fund will initially launch with $110 million in assets under management.
The fund will be managed by the investment team at Disciplina Asset Management, led by Kennie Atle Johansen, Founder and CIO. The strategy employed by the fund has generated strong performance since 2011 with an average Sharpe ratio of 4. Using a systematic fundamental approach, the strategy holds an average 2000 equity positions out of a universe of approximately 8,500 tradable stocks in Asia Pacific.
Established in 2017, Disciplina Asset Management is a Cayman registered investment firm specializing in equity strategies investing primarily in the Asia Pacific region. With the team based in Hong Kong, the fund will trade on Swiss-Asia Asset Management (HK) Limited hedge fund platform. The founding partners have over 10 years of experience in the Asian hedge fund space, having previously held key positions at WorldQuant/Millennium Capital (HK), Societe Generale (HK) and SAIL Advisors.
Kennie Atle Johansen, Founder and CIO, said: "I believe our focus on devel......................
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Discount hotel chain Motel 6 has been providing guest lists to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents since 2015, leading to the detention of at least six individuals in Washington state, according to a lawsuit filed by state Attorney General Bob Ferguson.
The discount hotel chain violated state privacy and discrimination laws when it turned over 9,000 guests with "Latino-sounding names" to ICE agents, according to the complaint filed Wednesday in Seattle.
The complaint against Motel 6, acquired by the Blackstone Group in 2012, comes less than four months after the company parent G6 Hospitality dismissed similar allegations in Arizona as a "local level" practice "without the knowledge of senior management."
Ferguson said a common "lawful enforcement acknowledgment form" used in multiple Motel 6 locations in Washington state shows the practice was centrally coordinated.
G6 Hospitality directed its hotels in September to stop the behavior, company spokeswoman Raiza Rehkoff said in an emailed statement.
"In September, Motel 6 issued a directive to every one of our more than 1,400 locations, making it clear that they are prohibited from voluntarily providing daily guests lists to ICE," she said. "Motel 6 takes this matter very seriously, and we have and will continue to fully cooperate."
President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to crack down on illegal immigration and deport "bad hombres." Congress is now debating the president's calls for faster deportations and a border wall with Mexico.
Ferguson, a Democrat, has fought against Trump's policies, including his travel restrictions on visitors from a group of mostly Muslim nations, the repeal of net neutrality and a proposed ban on transgender troops in the military.
Motel 6 allegedly trained new employees on sharing names with ICE, instruction that never required agents to produce a warrant, according to the complaint.
In one case, Ferguson found that agents were visiting the hotel in the morning, identifying Latino targets, then returning later in the day to detain individuals. From Feb. 1 to Sept. 14, that location disclosed private information to ICE 228 times over 225 days, according to the complaint.
Motel 6 has admitted to some of the accusations, including ICE's relationship with six of its branches in Washington, according to the filing. Rehkoff declined to comment on that claim.
The case is Washington v. Motel 6 Operating, 18-2-00283, King County Superior Court, Washington state (Seattle).
--Bloomberg News
UPDATED Wednesday, Jan. 10:
Two people were shot Wednesday night in Vancouver, police said.
One of them suffered what was initially considered to be a life-threatening injury, according to Vancouver police. The other suffered an injury that wasn't considered life-threatening. Each was taken to a hospital.
Police found the victims after responding to the 10400 block of Southeast 10th Street about 9:15 p.m.
The Vancouver Police Department late Thursday morning said a dispute led two armed males to shoot each other.
One man was shot in the leg and was identified as Andrew C. Morris, 22, of Vancouver. On Wednesday, police identified the other man as Devan Graham, 18, who remains in the hospital but is expected to survive.
No arrests have been made, police said.
-- The Oregonian/OregonLive
The Oregonian/OregonLive
This year, we resolve to spend more time with friends and family, enjoy the outdoors and eat even more good food. From the looks of things, 2018 will make that last part a cinch. The next six to eight months should bring five highly anticipated follow-ups from some of Portland's best-known bartenders and chefs, including restaurants obsessed with the food of Russia, France and the American South.
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The Oregonian/OregonLive
Bistro Agnes
What is it? This month, James Beard Award winning chefs Greg and Gabi Denton will turn their two-year-old SuperBite into a new refuge for classic French bistro cooking, with onion soup and seared foie gras, steak frites and duck cassoulet. If the Ox chefs can do for comforting French what they did for fire-grilled Argentinian, it could prove a breakout hit.
When: January
Where: 527 S.W. 12th Ave.
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Stephanie Yao Long | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Kachka 2.0
What is it? A bigger, badder Kachka, with room for chef and recent cookbook author Bonnie Morales to explore a growing encyclopedia of dishes from the former Soviet Union. If all goes according to plan, the restaurant will feature a Russian deli and Kachka-branded horseradish vodka shop on the mezzanine, and a choose-your-adventure dining room with a chicken-legged house for Slavic bogeywoman Baba Yaga on the main floor.
When: Spring, 2018
Where: 960 SE 11th Ave.
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The Oregonian/OregonLive
Mae
What is it? Chef Maya Lovelace will transport her popular Appalachian pop-up down the road, turning it into a full-fledged restaurant this spring. The new Mae -- name TBD (update: meet Yonder) -- will actually be a two-in-one, with a more casual, counter-service restaurant focused on fried chicken and other southern staples up front, and a set-price, multi-course restaurant similar to the current pop-up format in the back.
When: Spring, 2018
Where: 4636 N.E. 42nd Ave.
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The Oregonian/OregonLive
Magna
What is it? For nearly half a decade, Carlo Lamagna has hosted his Twisted Filipino pop ups at locations from Chicago to Portland. Now, after a successful Kickstarter campaign, the former Clyde Common chef plans to open a full-fledge Filipino restaurant featuring his dad's adobo, his mom's crab noodles and other traditional dishes given a modern spin.
When: Summer, 2018
Where: A TBD space in Northeast Portland, perhaps not far from the new Mae.
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Michael Russell | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Palomar
What is it? Dark winter days got you down? Just picture yourself next year, eating ropa vieja and other Cuban dishes while drinking a cornucopia of daiquiris on a sidewalk table beneath a five-story mural of a woman with a vertical garden for hair.
When: February, 2018
Where: 959 S.E. Division St.
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Michael Russell | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Read more
It'e been a rough start to 2018, with at least five restaurant representing a combined 150 years of history announced permanent closures around New Year's Day. Read about this Black Tuesday, and learn Portland's 10 biggest restaurant and bar closures of 2017.
A magnitude-4.4 earthquake rattled northern Californians awake early Thursday as fire alarms sounded throughout the San Francisco Bay area and picture frames fell from walls and bookshelves.
The earthquake hit the San Francisco area about 2:40 a.m. and lasted about 10 seconds, causing a "little bit of rolling motion and a sharp jolt," NBC Bay Area Chief Meteorologist Jeff Ranieri wrote on Twitter.
The epicenter was in Berkeley along the notorious Hayward Fault, which runs from San Pablo Bay to Fremont, according to the United States Geological Survey.
USGS geophysicist Robert Sanders told The Washington Post that there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities. Nor, Sanders said, have there been reports of damage to building structures caused by the moderate earthquake, though "there's always the possibility that there could be some" minor structural damage.
Following the quake, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin urged residents to take necessary precautions.
"In the event of an #earthquake while sleeping, stay in bed, cover you head with a pillow until the shaking stops," he wrote on Twitter. "Today's #Berkeley quake measured a preliminary 4.4 near Claremont in the hills. We will be monitoring any damage reports, and always be cautious of aftershocks."
Interim San Francisco Mayor London Breed advised residents of the city that "there is no tsunami expected and departments are working on preliminary damage reports." Because 911 operators were inundated with calls, the mayor added, "please only call if you have an emergency."
People quickly took to social media, asking whether others felt it.
"Just felt everything shake here in my house in SF and our building emergency alarm went off," someone wrote on Twitter.
Some people described feeling a "jolt" and then a "rolling" motion.
"Woke up screaming, which scared my husband more than the quake," one wrote on SFGate's Facebook page .
"Felt like a big truck drove into the building or something blew up downstairs," someone added.
"This shake was fast and hard," another said. "A glass doll fell from a shelf and the head broke off."
At a Safeway in San Leandro, one person reported that the earthquake had knocked down a ceiling panel and also shaken some items from the grocery store shelves.
But aside from some broken knickknacks, California's Office of Emergency Services confirmed on social media that there were "no reports of damages from the region" - then playfully added: "#whatsshakincalifornia."
-- The Washington Post
Update: This story was updated with comments from the company
Oregon sued the agricultural chemical giant Monsanto on Thursday, alleging the company withheld information about the toxic effects of its products for decades, leading to widespread contamination across the state and health risks for humans, plants and animals.
The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum in Multnomah County Circuit Court, seeks at least $100 million in damages and cites ongoing cleanup costs at the Portland Harbor Superfund site as one example of the tens of millions in public resources being spent in response to Monsanto's toxic products.
In a statement, the company called the lawsuit "baseless."
Oregon is just the latest entity to single out Monsanto for developing and producing polychlorinated biphenyls, commonly known as PCBs. The colorless compounds were in high demand for decades because of their utility. They were fire-retardant and used in paint products, electric devices and hydraulic oils until the federal government banned them in 1979. PCBs are one of several chemical pollutants found in sediment at the Portland Harbor.
Oregon's lawsuit, along with those filed by the state of Washington, eight West Coast cities including Portland and the Port of Portland in recent years, contends the company knew as early as 1937 that PCBs were extremely harmful.
"Monsanto knew decades before PCBs were banned that they were toxic to the environment, but they failed to disclose highly pertinent information," Rosenblum said in a statement. "And, now, Oregon is paying a big price as PCBs are being dredged up in river sediments and measured in the tissues of fish and wildlife throughout the state.
"PCBs are extremely hard to get rid of and it will take significant time and resources to fully clean them up. It only makes sense that the manufacturer of these PCBs, Monsanto, help clean up this mess with dollars," Rosenblum said.
PCBs are particularly difficult to remove because they are passed through the food chain from smaller species to predators.
In a statement, Monsanto vice president for global strategy Scott Partridge said the company "voluntarily stopped producing PCBs more than 40 years ago and didn't use or dispose of any PCBs in the state of Oregon."
"Clean-up efforts are underway in Oregon with the full group of responsible parties under supervision of the EPA, and it's most important that everyone stay focused on that work," Partridge said. "This lawsuit is baseless and undermines the ongoing EPA cleanup efforts, and Monsanto will defend itself accordingly."
In previous lawsuits, the company argued that the suits targeted a past product that was "lawful and useful" for decades.
The company had more than $15 billion in net sales in 2017, according to its most recent annual report.
Rosenblum's lawsuit alleges the company created an internal team designed to deflect criticism in the 1960s about the chemicals while allowing millions of pounds of the compounds to be used annually.
"Today, Oregon bears the burden of Monsanto's decision to place profit above all else," the lawsuit stated. "The toxic legacy that Monsanto left Oregonians lives on, as PCBs persist in Oregon's lands, rivers, and waterways, in its sediments, soils, and in the bodies of animals and humans. It has caused harm to aquatic, marine, and avian species, and poses ongoing risks to the health of the people of the State of Oregon."
The Portland Superfund's cleanup plan, estimated at more than $1.05 billion, is expected to take 13 years to complete. Scott Pruitt, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's administrator, recently placed the 10-mile contaminated stretch of the Willamette River on a list of top priority projects. The list of potentially responsible polluters on the harbor includes some 14 public and private companies that have worked with the federal government on a cleanup plan for years.
According to the lawsuit, PCBs can cause "systemic toxic effects" for people and animals, and are specifically known to "seriously impair the endocrine, neurologic, and reproductive systems." The lawsuit states the compounds are "probable human carcinogens."
Both the Port of Portland and city of Portland lawsuits are still ongoing, according to attorneys involved with the cases, after judges rejected calls from the company to dismiss the suits.
This story will be updated.
-- Andrew Theen
atheen@oregonian.com
503-294-4026
@andrewtheen
S
State and federal fish and wildlife officials said Wednesday they've scored a big win for a little fish found in one remote area of Oregon.
Federal wildlife officials have proposed removing federal protections for the Foskett speckled dace, which is found only in Lake County.
The fish has been listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act since 1985 and is found in "harsh conditions" of the desert waters of the great basin spanning parts of Southeast Oregon and Nevada.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, after more than a decade of collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management and state fish and wildlife officials, recovery efforts are paying off. The agency's recommendation announced Wednesday begins a 60-day public comment period.
"We attribute this impressive accomplishment to our partners who have worked so hard on the recovery of the dace," Robyn Thorson, the federal fish and wildlife agency's pacific region director, said in a statement. "This news builds on other recent successes, including two Oregon fishes that were delisted due to recovery, the Oregon chub and the Modoc sucker. These recoveries of native Oregon wildlife are great examples of how our long-standing commitment to working with local and state partners is paying off."
From 2011 through 2016, the fish's population fluctuated from as low as 1,728 to a high of 24,888. Prior to listing, the population was estimated to be 1,500 to 2,000.
The Bureau of Land Management bought 161 acres surrounding Foskett Spring and worked with the state to monitor the fish's habitat and health. The fish are only found in Foskett Spring and nearby Dace Spring.
"It's exciting to see our efforts over the past few decades paying off in a real recovery for this rare and unique endemic species," said Curt Melcher, director of Oregon's Department of Fish and Wildlife. "Effective partnerships with organizations like BLM and the Service are what make success stories like this happen."
Noah Greenwald, endangered species coordinator with the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, said the dace would be the 37th species nationwide to be recovered under the Endangered Species Act. "This is exactly how the Endangered Species Act is supposed to work," he said in a statement. "The fish's habitat was protected and threats removed, and now the dace has a future."
In Oregon, 44 plants, animals and invertebrates are currently listed as protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
-- Andrew Theen
atheen@oregonian.com
503-294-4026
@andrewtheen
Neuroscientists at Oregon Health & Science University have landed a $5 million grant to unlock the secrets of an old, mysterious part of the brain.
Tianyi Mao and Haining Zhong will study how the amygdala works. The almond-shaped structure is in the brain of all vertebrates, from fish to humans. Scientists know that it's linked to reactive emotions, like the so-called fight or flight response. But they don't know how it operates.
Mao and Zhong hope to find out. They plan to map out regions within the amygdala to figure out their functions. The scientists said their work could pave the way for treating depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, which are all linked to the amygdala.
To fix a problem, you have to first understand it, Mao said.
"This grant will allow us to explore new territory," Zhong said.
The five-year grant stems from an Obama-era brain initiative at the National Institutes of Health that has survived under the Trump administration.
Mao and Zhong will study the amygdala in rodents. Other research has shown that the structure operates in a similar way across species, from mice to monkeys to humans. It's involved in emotion, motivation, reward and memory.
"It's a long list," Zhong said.
As part of the grant, Mao and Zhong are working with another neuroscientist, Bo Li at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York.
Mao and Zhong, who are married and from China, came to OHSU about seven years ago to work at the Vollum Institute, a privately funded research unit at OHSU that's focused on the nervous system. Two years ago, the two landed their first $1.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health under the same initiative.
Work on that project led them to develop imaging technology that will be crucial in the amygdala project.
They'll insert a specialized lens into the amygdala of mice and then will monitor them while they're awake, tracking activity in the brain to figure out the function. The knowledge they glean could lead to treatments, such as inserting electrodes in the brain, to stimulate the amygdala of people with certain disorders.
"If you know the specific pathway involved in certain behaviors, you can target those areas with much greater specificity while minimizing any negative side effects," Zhong said.
-- Lynne Terry
D.B. Cooper artists sketch (AP)
BY DOUGLAS PERRY
Sirs, I knew from the start that I wouldnt be caught, the letter begins.
Postmarked Dec. 11, 1971, it was signed, D.B. Cooper, the name the press had given to the unknown criminal who, less than a month before the missive landed at several newspaper offices, had audaciously taken over Northwest Orient Flight 305 out of Portland. The skyjacker parachuted from the Boeing 727 with $200,000 in ransom -- and disappeared. The mystery man quickly became a legend, the subject of folk songs, books and a hit Hollywood movie.
Now, more than 45 years after the crime, independent investigators believe theyve caught D.B. Cooper. That is, they believe theyve identified who he really is -- thanks to that taunting letter.
If only they could get the FBI interested.
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Courtesy Thomas J. Colbert
The 40-member private investigative outfit concluded long ago that the famed skyjacker is former U.S. Army paratrooper Robert W. Rackstraw, a decorated Vietnam War veteran whos now 74 and lives in the San Diego area. But the FBI, which investigated Rackstraw in the late 70s, has taken little interest in the voluminous circumstantial evidence put forward by the group.
Documentary filmmaker Thomas J. Colbert, who leads the Cooper investigative team, is convinced the FBI refuses to pursue Rackstraw again at this late date because it would have to admit that a bunch of part-time, volunteer sleuths had cracked a case that the bureau couldnt.
Its not that theyre concerned about a circumstantial case, Colbert says. This is obviously about embarrassment and shame.
The FBI, for its part, offers a different assessment. After considering hundreds of suspects over four decades, it decided to officially close the unsolved D.B. Cooper case in July 2016 "because there isn't anything new out there," Special Agent in Charge Frank Montoya, Jr., said at the time.
Eighteen months later, theres something new. Colbert believes a member of his team has broken a clever encrypted code from the skyjacker thats embedded in that Dec. 11, 1971, letter.
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Flight 305 on the ground in Seattle after being hijacked in Nov. 1971. (AP)
The FBI still isnt biting -- it isnt even responding to Colbert anymore, or offering the press anything but public-relations boilerplate about being open to new hard evidence. So, Colbert says, were moving ahead without them.
Colbert is convinced he has the right man. The TV producer and former Hard Copy story editor has spent nearly a decade digging into Rackstraws past. He and his team of retired law-enforcement officers have interviewed their suspects family members, former colleagues, friends and military commanders. The portrait thats emerged of Rackstraw is that of a conman and sociopath whos talented, charismatic, violent -- and has a lot of possible links to the Northwest Orient skyjacking.
Colbert collected his evidence into a 2016 book, "The Last Master Outlaw." He's produced a History Channel documentary about his investigation, "D.B. Cooper: Case Closed?" and is working on another. (Rackstraw, who did not respond to phone calls for this article, has threatened to sue Colbert, but so far has not done so.) Colbert, with a laugh, admits he's become obsessed with the Cooper case, continuing the investigation far longer than he ever planned. Some of his team's work is available at DBCooper.com.
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Veteran journalist Bruce Smith, author of "D.B. Cooper and the FBI: A Case Study of America's Only Unsolved Skyjacking," says Colbert's reporting and research are impressive, but he worries that the TV producer became too focused on Rackstraw, leading him to "fit the facts" to his theory rather than following the evidence with an open mind.
Colberts case against Rackstraw, for example, is dependent on the skyjacker wearing a toupee and heavy makeup to make him look older, something that hasnt been established. (Rackstraw was 28 in 1971; the well-known wanted posters of D.B. Cooper show a middle-aged man.) Tina Mucklow, the flight attendant who sat next to Cooper for hours during Flight 305, did not pick out Rackstraw from a series of mugshots some years later. Colbert insists the press-shy Mucklow suffers from memory loss related to post-traumatic stress.
But now Colbert has come upon perhaps the most interesting -- and most revealing -- piece of evidence yet: the Dec. 11, 1971, letter, which the FBI released last November after a Freedom of Information Act request by Colberts team.
In the month following the skyjacking, a handful of letters from D.B. Cooper were sent to various newspapers (including The Oregonian). The FBIs investigators tended to view the notes as hoaxes, but the Dec. 11 letter -- which went to the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Seattle Times and the Washington Post -- was different.
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Flight 305 crew talks to the press.
Agents seized every copy. They showed up at the (newspaper) offices and said, essentially, Do your duty and hand them over, Colbert says. And the newspapers did. It was a different time.
This letter, noted one FBI internal case report from December 1971, had the Bureau somewhat excited.
The reason: the letter offered up details of the Northwest Airlines hijacking case that hadnt made it into press reports, such as the fact that the FBI was not able to glean any useable fingerprints from the plane.
Agents carefully combed through the Dec. 11 letter: the writers claims that he wore a toupee and putty makeup and left no fingerprints, as well as the admission of feeling hate, turmoil, hunger and more hate. (Colbert says this hate was Rackstraws anger at being booted from the military for lying and other transgressions.)
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The Dec. 11 letter, with highlights and footnotes by Colbert's team.
Then there are the seemingly random strings of numbers and letters at the bottom of the page. The bureaus investigators didnt know what to make of them. In a Dec. 15, 1971, internal case memo, the FBI laboratory wrote of one of the sequences: The significance of the number 717171634*, appearing next to the copy count in the lower left corner on the face of the letter, remains unknown.
It has remained unknown for 46 years -- until, quite possibly, a month ago.
Rick Sherwood, a relatively new member of Colberts team, has made sense of it and the other odd number/letter combinations in the letter.
Sherwood served in the Army Security Agency, the military's elite signals-intelligence outfit, during the Vietnam War. He describes the training as "the equivalent of two years of college in 16 weeks. It was tough."
Rackstraw briefly served as a chopper pilot in the ASA at the same time Sherwood was with the unit, though Sherwood says he didnt know him.
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Searchers dig in Vancouver, Wash., in 1980 after the discovery of money from the skyjacking.
After the FBI released the Dec. 11, 1971, letter last November, Sherwood began studying the possible cyphers in it, using his ASA code-breaking training to search for links to Rackstraw. It took him about two weeks to figure out the code, with the initial lightbulb moment coming when he simply added all the numbers up.
Surfacing out of what appears to be a mishmash of unrelated numbers and letters were Rackstraw's Vietnam military units: the 371st Radio Research Unit and the 11th General Support Company, as well as the Army Security Agency.
It wasnt a sophisticated code, but Sherwood wasnt surprised that the FBI couldnt crack it in the early 1970s, because it would have made no sense to them. For the FBI to do it, theyd have to know a lot about the individual. I was trying to connect the numbers and letters to him.
Could Sherwood have accidentally created this solution to the code because he was trying to find a connection to Rackstraw?
Its not impossible, Sherwood says. But what are the odds that these digits would add up to this? Astronomical. A million to one. Rackstraw didnt think anyone would be able to break it.
(Sherwood walked The Oregonian through the code-breaking process he used, with the understanding that the details wouldnt be included in this article, since theyre a key part of the second D.B. Cooper documentary Colbert is working on.)
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A Northwest plane with an arrow indicating where the skyjacker lowered the stairs and jumped. (AP)
Colbert considers the Dec. 11, 1971, letter the cherry on top of his years-long investigation, and hes not alone. Western Illinois University criminal-science professor Jack Schafer, a psychologist and former FBI agent, found Sherwoods code-breaking work to be first-rate.
Since these correlate with identifiers in Rackstraws (Army) life, Im convinced this letter was written by D.B. Cooper, he told Colbert in an email. This is your strongest piece of evidence linking him to the hijacker.
Rackstraw himself, it should be pointed out, often has refused to rule out that he's the legendary skyjacker. He boasted back in the late 1970s that, given his skill set, he should be on the FBI's list of suspects. "I wouldn't discount myself, or a person like myself," he said. When a reporter asked him point-blank if he was D.B. Cooper, he responded:
Could have been. Could have been. I cant commit myself on something like that.
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A novelty Cooper T-shirt. (The Oregonian)
All these years later hes still playing the tease.
"They say that I'm him," Rackstraw told a California reporter last fall. "If you want to believe it, believe it."
Tom Colbert is betting that viewers of his in-the-works documentary will believe it. Since the FBI doesnt appear to have any interest in relaunching its D.B. Cooper investigation, Colbert is going to rely on the court of public opinion rather than a court of law to provide some sense of justice in the case.
His quarry, it turns out, apparently wants to do the same. As a result, Rackstraw's and Colberts versions of events actually might end up aligning.
Rackstraw said last year that he was cooperating with film producers, who he refused to name but who it seems are only interested in his story if it includes him jumping out of a Northwest Orient commercial airliner in November 1971. Said Rackstraw:
Theyre paying me to tell the story they want to hear.
-- Douglas Perry
WASHINGTON -- Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Thursday rescinded the Obama-era policy that had paved the way for legalized marijuana to flourish in states such as Oregon, a move that sent shockwaves through the local cannabis industry .
The Justice Department decision, outlined in a three-paragraph memo, will instead let federal prosecutors where pot is legal decide how aggressively to enforce federal marijuana law.
"The previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission," Sessions wrote in the memo.
The move by President Donald Trump's attorney general likely will add to confusion about whether it's OK to grow, buy or use marijuana in states where pot is legal, since long-standing federal law prohibits it.
It comes days after pot shops opened in California, launching what is expected to become the world's largest market for legal recreational marijuana and as polls show a solid majority of Americans believe the drug should be legal.
The news left those who grow, produce and sell cannabis in Oregon stunned.
Amy Margolis, a Portland attorney who advises cannabis businesses, said she woke up to texts and emails from clients worried about the implications of the new approach.
She said legal cannabis business owners understand they are violating federal law by getting into the industry, but they've felt the Cole memo offered protection from prosecution.
"The Cole memorandum really, truly provided some comfort that to those who were compliant and legal and following state laws, that they would be safe," she said. "Right now at this moment we don't know how true that will remain."
She said the move is likely to chill efforts in other states to legalize marijuana and will almost certainly discourage investors.
"It's certainly one of the worst things that the Attorney General could have done to the cannabis industry," she said.
Billy Williams, the U.S. Attorney for Oregon, indicated that his office would target the state's illicit marijuana operations, which continue the thrive, according to state and federal law enforcement.
"We will continue working with our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners to pursue shared public safety objectives, with an emphasis on stemming the overproduction of marijuana and the diversion of marijuana out of state, dismantling criminal organizations and thwarting violent crime in our communities," he said in a statement.
Williams did not return calls for further comment.
Oregon State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton said: "We will not target people operating lawfully within state statute."
For her part, Gov. Kate Brown last year mounted a vigorous defense of the state's regulation of cannabis. She said Thursday that reports of Sessions' policy "are deeply concerning and disruptive to our state's economy."
"States are the laboratories of democracy, where progressive policies are developed and implemented for the benefit of their people," she said in a statement. "Voters in Oregon were clear when they chose for Oregon to legalize the sale of marijuana and the federal government should not stand in the way of the will of Oregonians."
Reaction has been swift, with politicians and marijuana legalization advocates expressing deep concern about the news.
"This is outrageous," U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., said in a statement. "Going against the majority of Americans--including a majority of Republican voters--who want the federal government to stay out of the way is perhaps one of the stupidest decisions the Attorney General has made. One wonders if Trump was consulted--it is Jeff Sessions after all--because this would violate his campaign promise not to interfere with state marijuana laws.
"It's time for anyone who cares about this issue to mobilize and push back strongly against this decision."
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., also issued a statement about the reports.
"Opening the door to go after legal marijuana businesses ignores the will of the majority of Americans and marks yet another socially unjust and economically backward scheme from this administration," he said. "Any budget deal Congress considers in the coming days must build on current law to prevent the federal government from intruding in state-legal, voter-supported decisions."
Make no mistake: As we have told the Department of Justice ever since I-502 was passed in 2012, we will vigorously defend our states laws against undue federal infringement. https://t.co/R3jJrncN9X pic.twitter.com/uM48hVH26q Governor Jay Inslee (@GovInslee) January 4, 2018
This reported action directly contradicts what Attorney General Sessions told me prior to his confirmation. With no prior notice to Congress, the Justice Department has trampled on the will of the voters in CO and other states. Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) January 4, 2018
Now that #JeffSessions has declared war on pro-cannabis states like Oregon, its time for Congress to act quickly to remove marijuana from Schedule 1. Nick Fish (@CommishFish) January 4, 2018
We must stop Jeff Sessions' backwards actions. There is now great urgency to pass the Marijuana Justice Act to legalize marijuana on the federal level.
Now is the time. Call your Senator. https://t.co/Cr8FZjITWI pic.twitter.com/9OMTz3VMjN Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) January 4, 2018
While Sessions has been carrying out a Justice Department agenda that follows Trump's top priorities on such issues as immigration and opioids, the changes to pot policy reflect his own concerns. Trump's personal views on marijuana remain largely unknown.
Sessions, who has assailed marijuana as comparable to heroin and has blamed it for spikes in violence, had been expected to ramp up enforcement.
Pot advocates argue that legalizing the drug eliminates the need for a black market and would likely reduce violence, since criminals would no longer control the marijuana trade.
The Obama administration in 2013 announced it would not stand in the way of states that legalize marijuana, so long as officials acted to keep it from migrating to places where it remained outlawed and out of the hands of criminal gangs and children.
Sessions is rescinding that memo, written by then-Deputy Attorney General James M. Cole, which had cleared up some of the uncertainty about how the federal government would respond as states began allowing sales for recreational and medical purposes.
The pot business has since become a sophisticated, multimillion-dollar industry that helps fund schools, educational programs and law enforcement. Eight states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for recreational use, and California's sales alone are projected to bring in $1 billion annually in tax revenue within several years.
Sessions' policy will let U.S. attorneys across the country decide what kinds of federal resources to devote to marijuana enforcement based on what they see as priorities in their districts, the people familiar with the decision said.
Sessions and some law enforcement officials in states such as Colorado blame legalization for a number of problems, including drug traffickers that have taken advantage of lax marijuana laws to hide in plain sight, illegally growing and shipping the drug across state lines, where it can sell for much more.
The decision was a win for pot opponents who had been urging Sessions to take action.
"There is no more safe haven with regard to the federal government and marijuana, but it's also the beginning of the story and not the end," said Kevin Sabet, president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, who was among several anti-marijuana advocates who met with Sessions last month. "This is a victory. It's going to dry up a lot of the institutional investment that has gone toward marijuana in the last five years."
Threats of a federal crackdown have united liberals who object to the human costs of a war on pot with conservatives who see it as a states' rights issue. Some in law enforcement support a tougher approach, but a bipartisan group of senators in March urged Sessions to uphold existing marijuana policy.
Others in Congress have been seeking ways to protect and promote legal pot businesses.
A task force Sessions convened to study pot policy made no recommendations for upending the legal industry but instead encouraged Justice Department officials to keep reviewing the Obama administration's more hands-off approach to marijuana enforcement, something Sessions promised to do since he took office.
The change also reflects yet another way in which Sessions, who served as a federal prosecutor at the height of the drug war in Mobile, Alabama, has reversed Obama-era criminal justice policies that aimed to ease overcrowding in federal prisons and contributed to a rethinking of how drug criminals were prosecuted and sentenced.
While his Democratic predecessor Eric Holder told federal prosecutors to avoid seeking long mandatory minimum sentences when charging certain lower level drug offenders, for example, Sessions issued an order demanding the opposite, telling them to pursue the most serious charges possible against most suspects.
-- Staff and wire reports
In 1971, Oregon passed the 'Bottle Bill,' which reduced the amount of trash found on our city streets. Oregon was a leader. Many states followed our leadership. Now more types of bottles are included and require a deposit. But now, visitors to Portland comment regularly on how dirty the city is. Along Interstate 5, Interstate 84 and downtown, litter is everywhere -- not just bottles, but snack food and fast food packaging.
I know this is in part because of our challenges with homeless. We are destroying our quality of life. Portland is not only weird but trashy. In a bad way. I'm challenging leadership in the Portland area to work on this. Let's renew our culture to one where it's easy and part of our culture to recycle. I want Portland to be known for natural beauty.
Nancy Hline, Northeast Portland
Federal prosecutors have hired a specialist to do a 3D depiction of two shots allegedly fired by an indicted FBI agent at the truck of Oregon standoff spokesman Robert "LaVoy" Finicum two years ago.
Toby Terpstra, senior forensic animator at the Colorado-based company Kineticorp, is among nine government experts disclosed by prosecutors in their pending case against FBI Agent W. Joseph Astarita.
Astarita was indicted in June and has pleaded not guilty to three counts of making a false statement and two counts of obstruction of justice. He is accused of hiding from Oregon investigators that he fired his rifle and lying to the FBI about his shots.
The Jan. 26, 2016, shooting came as state police and FBI agents stopped key figures of the armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge after they left the bird sanctuary to travel to a community meeting in John Day.
Astarita's bullets didn't hit Finicum, 54, Oregon investigators said. They concluded that Astarita fired twice at the truck, hitting the roof and missing on the second shot. Seconds later, state troopers shot Finicum three times after he stepped away from his pickup and reached for his inner jacket pocket, where police later said he had a loaded 9mm handgun. Bullets struck him in the back and one pierced his heart, an autopsy found.
The case likely will turn on expert testimony about the validity of the Oregon investigation, conducted by Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, defense lawyers have said in court. A trial is set for July 24.
U.S. District Judge Robert E. Jones said Wednesday during a status conference in the case that he had urged both sides to work to save expenses by having their experts evaluate the evidence together and then submit separate analyses. The practice is called "hot-tubbing'' of experts, and has been more common in Australian courts but sometimes is used in federal civil cases in Oregon.
Jones called it a "simple concept." Defense lawyer David Angeli agreed that the concept sounds straightforward, but told the court that it's more difficult in practice.
The government's experts have relied on the syncing of audio as well as two videos, one from the cellphone of backseat passenger Shawna Cox taken inside Finicum's truck and one from an FBI surveillance plane overhead. They've worked to recreate the scene in 3D through what's called photogrammetry, using coordinate measurements from photographs and videos.
The defense experts plan to examine what the government's experts have done "to see if this purported science is even science at all,'' Angeli told the judge.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney said all but one of the reports from the government's experts have been provided to the defense. The prosecutors are awaiting a report by Frank Piazza, an audio/video expert that will be shared with the defense once it's received, Maloney said.
Piazza worked to identify points in time on the synced video where shots were fired and where people were standing when each shot was fired, Maloney said.
The government will make their experts available to the defense if desired, Maloney said.
In March 2016, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and FBI announced that an FBI agent was suspected of firing twice at Finicum and may have gotten help from four other FBI agents in covering up afterward. No other agent has been charged in the case.
The government's experts are from both within and outside of Oregon. In addition to Terpstra, they are:
-- Victoria Dickerson, an Oregon State Police lab senior forensic expert on evidence collection, scene analysis, and firearms ballistics and trajectories.
-- Deschutes County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Turpen, an accident reconstruction expert.
-- Daniel Alessio, an Oregon State Police lab forensic science expert on firearms and tool mark examination.
-- Deschutes County Sheriff's Detective Zach Neeman, an expert on digital evidence collection, data extraction and computer forensics.
-- Piazza, the audio/video expert who is president of Audio Paint Ltd. and Legal Audio Video.
-- Jeff M. Smith and Catalin Grigoras, forensic media analysis and photogrammetry experts from Forensic Media Services Ltd.
-- Michael Haag, a forensic science consultant on firearms, ballistics, shooting reconstructions, and 3D laser scanning.
-- Maxine Bernstein
mbernstein@oregonian.com
503-221-8212
@maxoregonian
A conductor and a passenger on Wednesday apparently became the first people to file suit against Amtrak for the Dec. 18 train derailment near DuPont that left three people dead and close to 80 people hurt.
The lawsuits were filed by Garrick Freeman -- a 48-year-old conductor who suffered a shattered pelvis and cracked ribs -- and Pennie Cottrell -- a passenger who suffered a broken collarbone, broken ribs, a neck injury and various internal injuries.
Freeman had been asked by his employer to work on the inaugural trip of Amtrak Cascades 501 through the Point Defiance Bypass, according to Freeman's attorneys. The new route would cut the trip from Seattle to Portland by 10 minutes.
But Freeman told his supervisors that he was uncomfortable because he hadnt been trained on the bypass segment of the route, so Amtrak instead had him ride in the lead locomotive with the engineer that morning, Freemans attorneys say. He was supposed to familiarize himself with the route while another worker carried out Freeman's conductor duties, they say.
At 7:33 a.m., safety officials say the train was traveling 78 mph in a 30 mph as it neared a curve on a decline. The lead locomotive and 12 cars hurtled off the elevated tracks, some of them tumbling onto cars and trucks on Interstate 5.
Amtrak appears to have provided inadequate training to engineers and conductors assigned to the route by packing in at least a half-dozen of them on a nighttime training run in the lead locomotive and more of them in other parts of the train, said Anthony Petru, an Oakland, Calif., attorney who specializes in railroad cases and is leading the legal team representing Freeman.
From what weve seen, the training was abysmal, Petru said.
Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams declined comment, saying Amtrak doesn't comment on pending litigation.
Neither suit asks for a specified dollar amount, which is the norm in Washington state.
Freeman's lawsuit was filed in Pierce County Superior Court, which is in the same county as the derailment. Cottrell's lawsuit was filed in King County Superior Court in Seattle.
Cottrell was in the seventh rail car, which dangled over the freeway after the derailment, said Chicago attorney Michael Krzak, who is representing Cottrell and specializes in railroad cases.
It was a horrific experience for her, unlike anything she had ever experienced before, Krzak said. She continues to have issues with feeling like shes on the train. She's having terrible emotional issues.
Cottrell was recently released from the hospital and allowed to go back to her home, which is outside the Seattle area, Krzak said.
Both lawsuits fault Amtrak for using the bypass before positive train control technology was installed. The technology can automatically slow trains at risk of derailing. The technology was slated to be installed on the Point Defiance Bypass in the near future.
In 2008, Congress mandated that the technology be activated by the end of 2015 on all Class 1 rail lines that handle hazardous cargo or commuter passenger trains. But because of challenges with the costs and installation of the technology, the industry lobbied Congress to push back the date to the end of 2018 -- with the possibility of further delaying it to 2020.
Based on my experience, the railroad industry likes to say they have a safety culture, but in reality they push it off and they push it off, Petru said.
Shortly after the DuPont derailment, federal investigators began to look into whether a "second person" in the lead locomotive distracted the engineer. But Petru said that theory was "pure speculation" and his client didn't distract the engineer.
Freeman was violently thrown around the locomotive as it careened onto the freeway then came to an abrupt stop, Petru said. Freeman was unable to stand and eventually was plucked from the wreckage by rescuers and taken to the hospital, Petru said.
Freeman underwent pelvic reconstruction surgery, and after 12 days in the hospital, was transferred to a rehabilitation center, Petru said. Its unclear if Freeman will have permanent injuries, but it could likely take a long time for him to recover, Petru said.
He has to learn how to walk again, to start with, Petru said.
Freeman lives in Bellevue, Wash.
In addition to Petru, Freeman also is being represented by Portland attorney John Coletti and Seattle attorney Joseph Grube. Read Freeman's lawsuit here.
In addition to Krzak, Cottrell is being represented by Seattle attorney Robert Gellatly. Read Cottrell's lawsuit here.
More lawsuits are expected to be filed, given the number of people hurt or killed.
-- Aimee Green
Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson approved new rules Tuesday that change how backers of initiative petitions get them on the ballot.
Those plans have ignited a firestorm of opposition among critics who say the changes would undermine democratic safeguards that ensure voters are given accurate information about petitions. Attorneys for Richardson's critics also say the Republican secretary of state lacks legal authority to make the changes he wants.
One powerful group has already raised the prospect of taking their disagreement to court. A Democratic state representative is invoking his authority to have the Legislature's attorneys say whether Richardson's rules are constitutional.
At the heart of the dispute between Richardson and his critics is whether current rules unfairly hamper grassroots petition groups, how voters should be presented with information about initiative petitions, and whether Richardson can enact the rules in the first place.
Richardson said his rules, which underwent several revisions after drawing overwhelmingly negative public comment when he first proposed them in August, are legal and aim to make the initiative petition process more fair.
"I have evaluated the intent of the law as passed by the Legislature and believe that it is the job of the secretary of state to make the process for initiatives to be as friendly to the citizens as possible," Richardson said in a telephone interview.
He said the fact that some strongly oppose his ideas "doesn't change the reality that I'm doing what I think is best for an open, honest, transparent system in accordance with the law."
CHANGE TO BALLOT SYSTEM
Under Oregon's initiative system, once a potential ballot measure is approved to be presented to voters, the attorney general issues an official "ballot title," a short, nonpartisan summary of the petition.
Anyone who thinks the attorney general's ballot summary is inaccurate or biased can go to court to seek changes.
Ballot title challenges are decided by the Oregon Supreme Court and sometimes linger unresolved for months because of the court's busy schedule. Some people, including Richardson, say the challenges are used to undermine the efforts of grassroots political groups. Those groups are often pursuing conservative political causes.
Richardson has frequently called ballot title challenges "frivolous" and said in a December news release that they are used by "wealthy special interest groups" to "manipulate" the initiative process.
So Richardson, in a reversal of current procedure, rewrote the rules to allow petition-backers to gather signatures while the accuracy of the attorney general's title is challenged in court.
Ben Unger, director of Our Oregon, the state's preeminent Democratic political campaign machine, said that far from being frivolous, ballot title challenges are necessary to ensure voters have accurate information about what initiative petitions do. Our Oregon has filed numerous ballot title challenges with the Oregon Supreme Court.
A court spokesman said no data is available on how often the court finds a ballot title to be inaccurate. Unger said such rulings are frequent.
Richardson's spokeswoman, Alyssa Orlando, did not respond to questions about the intent and effect of the new election rules in late December before she resigned Tuesday. Deb Royal, Richardson's chief of staff, also did not respond to those questions.
LEGAL AUTHORITY DOUBTED
Rep. Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, who some view as a potential Democratic challenger to Richardson in 2020, raised questions about Richardson's authority to make the changes and which groups might benefit.
"No agency should be drafting rules that are not within their constitutional authority," Rayfield said. He said Richardson is "countermanding statute and legislative intent."
On Wednesday, Rayfield asked the Legislature's legal staff to review whether Richardson's new rules are constitutional. That legal office previously gave him an official opinion saying Richardson would exceed his authority if he were to create a new pathway to get signatures.
Richardson "does not have the authority to issue the proposed administrative rules," that August 18 opinion said. The legal office said Oregon's constitution and laws do not allow the secretary of state to "create additional methods" for gathering initiative signatures.
If the Legislature's attorneys say the rule changes are not constitutional, the Legislature can set in motion a process to effectively invalidate them, Rayfield said.
Rayfield said he invoked the rule review because he believes the changes "decrease the integrity of our elections" and to send a message that lawmakers are watching whether agencies overstep their powers.
"It sends a notice to folks that, hey we watch if your rules are within your authority," he said.
He and Unger say the rule changes mainly benefit two groups that have typically aligned politically with Richardson: Oregonians for Immigration Reform, which advocates for less legal and illegal immigration, and Oregon Life United, an anti-abortion group. Those organizations have tried and failed multiple times to put initiatives on Oregon ballots.
Orlando, Richardson's former spokeswoman, and Royal, his chief of staff, did not respond to questions about the politics of his rule proposals.
Rayfield said the groups have struggled with their signature drives because Oregonians "reject their extreme positions." With his proposed changes, Richardson "is trying to manipulate the rules in order to help his allies," Rayfield said. Richardson's spokeswoman did not respond to questions about whether the rule changes are intended to benefit his political allies.
Unger, the political activist, said his group is now weighing whether to file suit against Richardson.
"I believe these rules violate the law," Unger said, "and we're getting ready to go to court to stop them."
-- Gordon R. Friedman
503-221-8209; @GordonRFriedman
Congressman Greg Walden paid $7,000 in a secret settlement with a staff member to resolve the man's complaints that Walden unfairly cut his hours due to his combat-related health problems, according to records obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Cody Standiford, the staffer with whom Walden settled in 2013, came to work for the congressman in his Bend office in 2010 after being discharged from the Army. Standiford, a former deputy with the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, enlisted after the September 11 attacks. Injuries brought on by an improvised explosive device during a tour in Iraq cut short Standiford's military career.
Cody Standiford, a former staffer for U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, pictured during his military service.
Standiford provided The Oregonian/OregonLive with the settlement documents and his original complaint to the Office of Compliance, the federal agency which handles dispute resolution among congressional employees. A spokesman for Walden, Oregon's only Republican in congress, did not immediately return a request for comment.
In his complaint, Standiford, now 42, said he worked for Walden on a half-time basis for nearly two years as veteran outreach coordinator. Then he was offered a promotion to a full-time job. While he was only weeks into full-time status, he says Walden's district director, Dave Henderson, rescinded the promotion and told him he would be put back on half-time pay. Henderson, who now works as a vice president at Linn-Benton Community College, did not return a request for comment.
Standiford said Walden's senior staffers made the change because he had to miss more than two weeks of work in October 2012 for mysterious chest pains. He says he provided his bosses a letter from his Veterans Affair's doctor stating that there was no medical reason he would be unable to eventually work full time.
"I feel I have been discriminated against," Standiford wrote in his complaint, "subsequently losing half of my income ... due to the fact that I am a service-connected disabled veteran."
In an interview, Standiford said two attorneys with the Office of Compliance traveled from Washington D.C. to Bend to negotiate settlement terms. The agreement was signed in September 2013 by Standiford; Brian MacDonald, then Walden's chief of staff; and Barbara Sapin, director of the Office of Compliance.
Standiford Thursday that he broke the settlement's nondisclosure agreement not to disparage Walden but to shed light on the fact that members of Congress spend taxpayer funds on settlements.
"I think that taxpayers have an absolute right to know what's going on with their elected officials and their staff," Standiford said.
He said he was disappointed the settlement required him to leave his job working for Walden, a position in which he helped thousands of veterans in central and eastern Oregon. He stressed that he harbors no animosity toward Walden, but that the congressman is ultimately responsible for the treatment of his staff.
"Greg's a good person. He really is," Standiford said. "With that said, he's a political animal. He's been in politics a long time. He's adept at survival."
Walden, who has seen his political star rise as chairman of the committee responsible for health care and energy policy, holds himself as a pro-veteran member of Congress. He said in a press release that one of his seven major political victories of 2017 was improving health care for veterans through his unanimously passed bill to pilot a program of medical scribes in VA hospitals.
Standiford now drives a school bus part time for the Crook County School District and has launched a business to teach outdoor survival skills to the homeless. He said he is aware of the potential consequences of breaking his nondisclosure agreement, but believes they're outweighed by the interest in transparency.
"They basically paid me to go away and be quiet," Standiford said. "What's the worst that's going to happen. They'll sue me? Fine sue me, I have nothing for them to take."
-- Gordon R. Friedman
503-221-8209; @GordonRFriedman
A 77-year-old Northeast Portland man who police say tossed sausages laced with ricin over his fence in a failed attempt to kill his neighbor's dogs was sentenced Wednesday to probation and possible mental health counseling.
Michael Joseph Lynch tried to poison the two dogs on four separate days in July 2016 because he was frustrated with their barking, authorities said. Yet investigators questioned surrounding neighbors who said the dogs created little noise when outside in the backyard.
Lynch also was sentenced for endangering the dogs' owner, Richard Schmidtke. Schmidtke said he handled some of the poisonous meat by taking it from the mouth of one of the dogs and ended up in respiratory distress and on a ventilator at an urgent care clinic.
Schmidtke stood up in court and said Lynch has absolutely no respect for what is socially acceptable, no moral compass.
He added: What kind of person stoops so low as to poison animals? Thats unconscionable to me.
Lynch has no criminal history and worked as a railroad engineer for nearly 40 years. His defense attorney, Stephen Houze, said his client will abide by court orders to have no contact with his neighbor.
Mr. Lynch ... wants to live the rest of his life in peace and harmony with his neighbors, Houze said.
Houze didn't offer an apology for Lynch, and Lynch declined to make any statement when given the chance by the judge.
Lynch pleaded no contest in Multnomah County Circuit Court to five misdemeanors: attempted first-degree animal abuse, second-degree animal abuse, two counts of recklessly endangering another person and possessing a loaded firearm in public.
A deputy who went to Lynch's home to investigate found that Lynch had just driven home and was carrying a .38-caliber handgun on him, but didn't have a concealed weapons permit. The gun has been confiscated from Lynch for good.
Schmidtke said his dogs -- Bandit and Snowflake, ages 2 and 5 -- are American and French Brittany Spaniels bred for bird hunting. He said he has lived in his home for more than 20 years and didnt know Lynch before Lynch started feeding his dogs the poisoned meat. The backyards of the two men are kitty-corner to each other in the Parkrose neighborhood.
A probable-cause affidavit states that Lynch had called Multnomah County Animal Services three times in 2015 and 2016 to complain about Schmidtke's dogs barking, but an Animal Services officer said there wasn't enough evidence to write Schmidtke a ticket.
Schmidtke said he first realized Lynch was trying to kill his dogs on July 10, when he saw Snowflake with a butterflied piece of sausage in her mouth.
She immediately started vomiting, Schmidtke said. He thought she was going to be fine, but the next morning she seemed near death and he rushed her to a veterinarian, he said.
She couldnt move, Schmidtke said. Her eyes were rolled back. She was in desperate trouble.
Over the next eight days, Schmidtke said Lynch flung meat over his fence three more times. Schmidtke said he caught Lynch in the act while Schmidtke was sitting on his back patio.
Bandit also scarfed down some tainted meat, and Schmidt said he got Bandit to vomit by giving him a dose of hydrogen peroxide.
Schmidtke said at first he called police, but they told him to talk to Animal Services. Schmidtke gave the meat to Animal Services to be tested, and the results came back positive for ricin, authorities said. Police investigated, and so did the FBI, briefly.
Police who searched Lynch's home found castor beans -- which naturally produce ricin -- and a jar labeled as containing botulism, according to a probable cause affidavit. Police also found notes outlining a plan to use a slingshot to shoot meat over the bushes and confirmation that it had been done, in notes stating "threw meat over the bushes."
Schmidtke has filed a $400,000 civil lawsuit against Lynch, and the case is still headed toward trial.
As part of Lynchs three years of probation, he will be evaluated by a mental health expert for any signs of psychological problems and ordered to receive treatment if necessary. He must attend an educational program about the importance of being compassionate to animals. He wont be allowed to own pets for five years. Lynch also must complete 120 hours of community service.
Judge Kenneth Walker gave Lynch a stern warning to stay away from Schmidtke and follow the other terms of his sentence or face swift consequences.
I wont hesitate to issue a warrant and put you in jail, Walker said.
Walker said in his 35 years as a lawyer and a judge, he has seen neighborhood disputes spiral so far out of control that one neighbor has hurt or killed the other.
Today, I am telling you this is over, Walker said.
-- Aimee Green
Beaverton resident Tim Wilson has parked in the same designated spot at the Cedars West apartment complex for 17 years and pays about $25 a month for the covered space.
So he was stunned when he woke up one August morning and found his 2017 burgundy Ford Fusion missing.
"I was just getting up to go to work and my freakin' car was gone,'' Wilson said.
His apartment manager said she didn't have his car towed. She called Sergeants Towing, and learned one of the company's drivers had hooked up Wilson's Ford.
His apartment manager told Sergeants that Wilson's car was parked legally. About 12 hours later, the car was returned to Wilson. But later that day, he found the under carriage damaged and filed a complaint with the state Attorney General's Office.
Wilson's complaint was one of 29 filed with the state against Sergeants Towing by consumers in the last two years.
On Wednesday, Oregon's Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum announced a settlement with the towing business, requiring Sergeants to pay $75,000 in fines, with $50,000 suspended if it meets all conditions. If not, it must pay the full sum.
The company also must pay $4,456 in restitution to seven consumers.
The agreement comes as a new state law, Senate Bill 117, went into effect Jan. 1 requiring towers to receive written or signed authority from a private parking facility before taking a car. It also prohibits them from towing cars unless a sign in plain view restricts parking.
Towers also may no longer stop within 1,000 feet of a parking facility looking for potential tows, what's known as "patrol towing,'' without posting signs noting the hours of monitoring.
Jesse Copeland, general manager for Sergeants Towing, signed the agreement with the Oregon Department of Justice. He didn't return calls or emails seeking comment.
"Towing operators have to play by the same rules as any other business, and they cannot arbitrarily tow a vehicle without clear signage or without a clear reason to tow,'' said Kristina Edmunson, the state Justice Department spokeswoman.
Among the other complaints was Blake Colbert, a Washington man who visited his mother in Milwaukie on Nov. 27, 2016, stayed overnight at her place, the Heather Crossing apartment complex, and the next morning discovered his car, parked in a visitor's space, had been towed.
He had to pay $249 to Sergeants to get his car out of its impound lot. Sergeants told Colbert that the car had been towed because he had "backed in'' a lot where that wasn't allowed. Colbert documented there were no signs prohibiting backing in to spaces and that his car had a visitor parking permit hanging on its rearview mirror.
"I want a full refund,'' Colbert wrote to the state. "This is very obviously a predatory practice.''
Sergeants has been ordered to refund the $249 to Colbert.
As part of the agreement, Sergeants also must:
-- Create a written record of the time, date, phone number and name of the property owner who granted them permission to tow a car and keep the document on file for two years.
-- Take at least five photos of all vehicles towed and record the time and date of the photo before towing. The photographs should show the parking violation, including any signs that justify the towing.
-- Release a car once a hookup is complete if the owner or operator is present, in exchange for a hook-up fee.
-- Release a vehicle at no charge when the hookup is incomplete and the owner or operator is present at the time of the tow.
--Not tow a vehicle unless it's parked in violation of a property owner's parking policy.
-- Train all current employees within 30 days of the Dec. 29 settlement and train all new employees within 30 days of hiring about Oregon towing laws and maintain documentation of the training for two years that includes the method, date, time and location of the training.
Within 60 days of the agreement, Sergeants must pay $2,500 to Wilson, the Beaverton car owner, for the damage to his car.
"They earned it,'' Wilson said, his anger still apparent months later. "I understand towing is necessary. But they need to clean up their act. That's not how you do business.''
-- Maxine Bernstein
mbernstein@oregonian.com
503-221-8212
@maxoregonian
Kate Johnson
Portland marketing technology company Act-On Software replaced its chief executive on Thursday and said it will close two sites in California, reducing its work force by about 15 percent.
The changes will make Act-On cash-flow positive, according to new CEO Kate Johnson, and free up money to hire more software engineers to improve the company's technology.
Act-On had "probably taken our eye off the ball a little bit from an investment in engineering perspective," Johnson said Thursday. The two offices slated for closure both focused on sales; she said the company plans to replace some of those jobs with engineers in Portland.
Act-On plans to add 50 Portland employees in the next six months, according to the company, bringing the work force in its downtown headquarters to about 175. The company will employ about 200 altogether, down from 240 before the cuts.
When Act-On decided to consolidate operations in Portland, Johnson said that prior CEO Andy MacMillan -- who had run the company since 2015 -- opted to step down rather than leave his home in the Bay Area.
"Moving and being in the office every day was not something that was right for him and his family," Johnson said. MacMillan had been chairman; Johnson said he's no longer on the board.
Before joining Act-On in 2015 as CFO, Johnson, 41, had been a vice president, corporate controller and chief accounting officer at Jive Software. She is one of just a handful of female CEOs running venture-backed Portland tech companies.
Act-On's software helps marketers manage their contacts and sales leads. It has reported $72 million in venture capital funding, a high level by Portland standards.
Founded in 2008, Act-On moved its headquarters from Beaverton to downtown Portland in 2016. It had 400 employees at the start of that year before laying off at least three dozen workers. It also cut jobs in 2015.
Also Thursday, Act-On promoted vice president Bill Pierznik to chief operating officer and named Ryan Brady, previously vice president of finance, to replace Johnson as CFO.
Act-On had hoped to start generating cash in 2017, according to Johnson, but she said it narrowly missed its target. Thursday's restructuring means the company will meet that goal in 2018, and have additional resources to spend on its core technology.
"One of the things we felt was really important to the company was to put some material investment" in its products, Johnson said.
This article has been substantially updated with additional comment from Johnson.
-- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699
Portland's biggest tech company is mourning one of its longest-serving employees, Chief Technology Officer David Rutledge, who died the day before his scheduled retirement after 34 years at Lattice Semiconductor.
Rutledge died suddenly Dec. 21. He was 62.
"Everyone recognized him as a technical visionary," said Doug Hunter, Lattice's director of corporate marketing. He said Rutledge had assumed the role as elder statesman and mentor to many of his colleagues.
"David, in a meeting, was often the last person to talk," Hunter recalled. "Then he would say something really profound and challenging."
Rutledge was Lattice's 31st employee, joining the company in 1983, when it was a newly formed startup founded by alumni of Tektronix and Intel. Rutledge earned engineering degrees at Purdue University in the 1970s, then went to work for a chip company in Florida before moving to Oregon to join Lattice.
Lattice makes programmable computer chips for consumer gadgets, industrial equipment and telecommunications networks. The company made headlines around the world last year when President Donald Trump blocked its $1.3 billion sale to an investment firm backed by the Chinese government, on the grounds the deal could jeopardize national security.
Following Lattice's bankruptcy in 1987, Portland investors told The Oregonian that Rutledge was a key reason they decided to put money into the company's rehabilitation. They said he had used his own money to buy supplies and support other employees financially through the bankruptcy.
Remembrances
A memorial service took place Wednesday afternoon in Portland. David Rutledge's family asks that remembrance contributions be made to the David Lee Rutledge Scholarship Fund. Send checks, made out to the fund, to 949 N.W. Overton St., Unit 1315, Portland, OR 97209.
In Rutledge's obituary, his family said he collapsed and died during his regular early-morning run on a treadmill. The family said he and his wife, Stacy, had planned to travel, go biking and spend more time together following his retirement.
"It was such a shock," Hunter said. While Rutledge's death was sudden, Hunter said it's some consolation that his pending retirement had given employees an opportunity to express their appreciation for his work.
"Because he was planning to retire we had a chance to say good-bye," Hunter said.
--
; twitter:
; 503-294-7699
UPDATED at 12:45 p.m.
At least one driver hit 13 elk, killing six of them, early Thursday on U.S. 26 in rural Washington County, police said.
The driver of a Chevrolet Avalanche was eastbound near Northwest Dersham Road about 4:25 a.m., said Deputy Shannon Wilde of the county sheriff's office. The driver, who was alone in the pickup truck, wasn't injured.
Officials were unsure if other vehicles were also involved.
Sgt. Jeff Proulx, an Oregon State Police spokesman, said about half were killed by the impact. He said the rest were euthanized.
Proulx said the carcasses will be removed and salvaged for meat, which will be distributed to food banks and senior centers. Three will go to Astoria, two to Tillamook, and the rest distributed in the immediate area of the incident.
Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division troopers and Oregon Department of Transportation personnel responded to help investigate and remove the elk, Wilde said. The Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.
-- Jim Ryan
jryan@oregonian.com
503-221-8005; @Jimryan015
David R. Youngstrom and Michael A. Georges have been elected to the Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants Board of Directors effective Jan. 1.
They will serve for a two-year term.
Youngstrom, CPA, principal, is the firm's Assurance Service Line leader. He is responsible for all audits performed throughout Michigan, and provides audit services for school districts, government entities and for-profit businesses. He is a frequent presenter on audit topics at statewide conferences and also provides various consulting services. He is a member of the firm's Government Services Group, the Education Services Group and the Quality Assurance Committee. He has 22 years of public accounting experience.
In the community, Youngstrom is treasurer of Freeland Community School District and immediate past chair of the board of the United Way of Saginaw County, and serves on the board of directors of the Saginaw Valley State University Alumni Association. He is based in the firm's Saginaw office.
Georges, CPA, principal in the Ann Arbor office, joined Yeo & Yeo in 2014 and has 35 years of public accounting experience. He leads the firm's Nonprofit Services Group. His areas of expertise include audit services for nonprofit organizations, government entities and school districts, as well as tax planning and preparation for individuals, small and medium-size businesses and nonprofit organizations. He is a member of the Michigan School Business Officials and the Southern Wayne County Chamber of Commerce. Georges serves as a board member for the Grosse Ile Education Foundation, and for the Child's Hope Child Abuse Prevention Council of Out-Wayne County.
Joe and Barb Rogers had exchanged a few simple gifts on Christmas morning and were enjoying tea and coffee when their telephone rang.
It was a Midland County 911 dispatcher. An owl had been reported in distress on a roadside. Would they help?
Tea and coffee left behind, the couple, who operate a Shepherd rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary for hawks, owls, eagles and falcons, immediately gathered nets, a box, heavy gloves, winter boots, coats and hats and headed out into a snowstorm.
"Snow poured down on icy roads, giving us occasional white-out conditions," Barb told the Daily News. "We had a break in the clouds, and could see trees on the edge of a field that suddenly turned white with another blast of snow.
"Approaching the site, there was a car stopped -- the people reporting the owl had come up to meet us. A truck slowed, seeing two cars stopped, and asked if we needed help. People are kind."
The owl was there, and just as described, she was brown with a white face.
"She had snowy white feathers that could not be seen because they were covered in muck," Barb said. "Only her face was white. Muddy icicles hung from her wings, preventing her from flying. She was weighted down in muck and ice."
The Rogers couple approached the owl from each side with nets. She tried to escape by hopping across the snowy cornfield but it was an easy catch, Barb said.
"She was fortunate, as in that condition, she would not have survived the night," Barb said, adding she is thankful to Fay Konsdort who reported the owl and Midland County 911 for calling them for rescue.
Barb and Joe Rogers founded Wildlife Recovery Association in 1976. It is situated on 160 acres of dense woods and wetlands in western Midland County. The couple is licensed to keep a certain amount of eagles, and more than 30 hawks and owls at one time on their property. Some of the birds housed there are permanently injured, or termed non-releasable, and others are housed temporarily until they are healthy enough to be released back to the wild.
Barb said they were especially concerned the owl had hypothermia.
"We have received several owls in this year in the same situation," she wrote. "Their feathers are no longer able to insulate, and the body temperature drops below normal. This one seemed pretty perky, so we washed her several times with warm water and Dawn soap. After washing the owl, she was dried in soft towels, and checked for injuries. After the bath, she emerged much cleaner, whiter, and finally appeared to be what she was: a female snowy owl."
The owl was held temporarily in a warm indoor facility before she was introduced to an outdoor pen. She now perches in a heated corner of the pen and is eating well and resting.
Barb said the owl will eventually join two other snowy owls that came earlier in December to the Wildlife Recovery sanctuary in similar circumstances. They are now in one of the flight cages.
Snowy owls are easy to spot in the wild because they are active during the day, unlike the other Michigan owls, Barb said, adding it's important to keep from disturbing them but also to know if they are in trouble.
"My general rule is, that if it is in an unusual situation, such as on the ground by the road, it may need help. If it is approached and cannot fly, or just hops and flaps, or holds one wing differently, it needs help," she said. "They can look absolutely beautiful, but be starving, so often a person won't know if one needs help."
People who find injured raptors, can call the sanctuary at 989-772-1538 and leave a clear message and phone number as the couple is often outdoors caring for their animals. For other wildlife concerns, contact the DNR web page under "licensed wildlife rehabilitators."
Joe and Barb Rogers also present educational programs with live hawks and owls that cannot be released back into the wild. People who would like to schedule a school program this winter and spring or become a member can write to: Wildlife Recovery Association, 531 S. Coleman Road, Shepherd, MI 48883
Memberships and donations are always needed to care for the birds. For more information, visit wildlife recovery.org
Amid all the outsize craziness emanating from the Trump White House, it's easy to lose track of all of the smaller devolutions of norms that might seem relatively trivial, but when taken together, add up over time to produce what really is at bottom a corrupt and kleptocratic regime.
On one front after another, relentlessly and constantly, Donald Trump is turning his time into the White House into a just-in-time marketing opportunity, with no penny too small to turn down.
This past weekend at Mar-A-Lago, guests paid anything between $600 (for club members) to $750 (guests) to attend the annual New Year's Eve party hosted at the Trump-owned resort that Trump himself refers to as the "Winter White House." That was a hefty price hike for the celebrants - last year, the event cost between $500 and $575.
That's wasn't the first 2017 price increase for Mar-A-Lago. Early in the year, the club doubled its initiation fee from $100,000 to $200,000. At the time, Norm Eisen, the former White House ethics czar for the Obama administration and now the chair of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, told The Post that the sudden 100 percent increase could only be described as "naked profiteering."
As for Sunday's night's festivities, Eisen said on Twitter:
"admission to Mar-A-Lago party: $750. special interests ability to influence Trump administration policy: priceless."
There's no question that some of this spending by Mar-A-Lago guests is inspired by an effort to make nice to someone who could fairly be described as the most powerful person on the planet, never mind in the United States. It's hardly the first example of it.
In the wake of last year's white supremacists rally and Trump's failure to unequivocally condemn it, numerous charities who traditionally held functions at Mar-A-Lago began to cancel en masse. But then they were replaced by any number of right wing concerns, at least some of them not exactly looking to use a charity or political gala for the traditional purpose, which is to make a buck for themselves. Instead, they wanted the money to go to Trump.
"We're supporting our president," conservative activist Steve Alembik told The Post last year, admitting he didn't expect his "Truth About Israel Gala" to make much, if any money at all.
This, too, should have been a scandal. I mean, someone all but admitted they were holding an event at Mar-A-Lago that they expected to earn nothing from while the president of the United States profited. It was not widely seen as a scandal.
There's plenty more of this. Prior to Trump's election, his Washington-based hotel was projected to lose $2.1 million in the first four months of 2017. Instead, it netted a profit of $1.97 million during the same period. There is little doubt that spending by people who want to get in good with the president is partly responsible for that unexpected business bonanza.
And remember when Trump said that no, he wouldn't put his business in a blind trust but he would keep a hand's off approach to his business? The Daily Beast reported that the director of revenue management for Trump's Washington hotel sent an email to a friend discussing a meeting he'd had with the president, at which Trump asked "about banquet revenues and demographics." As president, he went on to assure his correspondent, "DJT is supposed to be out of the business and passed on to his sons, but he's definitely still involved."
The news cycle moved on. It's like it didn't happen.
Once corruption - and make no mistake, this is what this is - gains a toehold in public life, is extremely hard to dislodge. It feeds on itself, contributing to a breakdown in norms among everyone. If the guy on top sees no need to forego short-term profits in an effort to maintain appearances and, in fact, sees his time in the White House as a way to increase the amount of money he is earning in real time, why on earth should we expect anyone else to behave any more honestly or ethically?
And that is, in fact, what we are seeing happen. Companies with business pending before the United States' regulators are announcing year-end bonuses, claiming they are tied to the recent tax reform package, as transparent an effort at cozying up to power as there ever was. Any number of members of Congress who voted yes on that plan stood to benefit from it. So, too, does Donald Trump, the man who signed it into law.
The breakdown of precedent is, well, unprecedented. Howl all you want about former presidents and their family members charging Wall Street banks hundreds of thousands of dollars for a speech and a few hours of their time, but at least they had enough commitment to civic life and the public good to wait till they left the White House to put their hand out.
No longer. Thanks, Trump.
- - -
Olen is a contributor to The Post's Plum Line blog and the author of "Pound Foolish: Exposing the Dark Side of the Personal Finance Industry."
In 2008 my compulsive exploration of music's overgrown paths led me to present the first and almost certainly the only radio broadcast of a Gnawa trance ritual . This project was a collaboration with KamarStudios in Marrakech which had recorded and released commercially the two hour long black section of the twelve hour Nights of the Seven Colours- trance ritual - with which the Gnawa celebrate the creation of the universe. My overnight broadcast of the blackwas prefaced by an ambient session from two young Marrakechi DJs which mixed electronic trance and more traditional sounds, a session also released as part of the Black Album package.The Gnawa practice a folk Islam containing strong elements of animism and consider themselves descendants of Sidi Bilal , who was the first black person to convert to Islam, a companion of the Prophet and the first muezzin in Islam. The Gnawa identify with Bilal because of his colour, because he was a slave and for his conversion to Islam. Gnawa music and the associated power of trance has become something of an obsession for me ; so I have kept in touch with Philippe Lauro-Baranes at KamarStudios, and my recent visit to Morocco gave me the opportunity to catch up with him. Kamar is located in a warren of back alleys in the Kennara neighbourhood of Marrakech close to the tourist honey pot of Jemaa el-Fnaa . Philippe and his four partners founded KamarStudios in 1999 and the Gnawa musicians were recorded in the acoustically blessed courtyard outside their studio - see photo below.That is Philippe Lauro-Baranes in my header photo. He was born in Paris but has lived and worked in Marrakech for 35 years. The recording of the Gnawais his passion and thefor KamarStudios. Theis a voyage across the ocean of trance possession and each spirit invoked represents a different port of call on this journey through the night. Between 2000 and 2005 Kamar recorded the complete Nights of the Seven Colours ritual during the hours of darkness over 38 sessions, and all 12 hours of theexist as 'clean' masters. As part of the project the first-ever complete translation of thewas commissioned and included as a text disc in the Black Album package. (The translation of the 'red' segment of the ritual dedicated to Baba Hammu, the spirit of blood, is incomplete as the Gnawa were unable to provide a translatable text for this most arcane and sanguinary rite.)Although the complete Seven Colours ritual was recorded only the 'black' segment dedicated to the supernatural sons of the forest has been released. This is because Philippe has struggled without success to make the project commercially viable. In fact the financial burden of the Black Album has weighed heavily on Kamar ever since its release in 2006. It is tempting to simply dismiss this financial failure as a case of too much enthusiasm being focused on a niche market, and there is some truth in that diagnosis. But when you drill down deep into the story of the Black Album there are universal truths that apply across all music genres and markets.It may be niche music, but Gnawa is a substantial niche. It resonates with the current preoccupations with emancipation from slavery and suppression of musicians of colour . Over the past decade Gnawa fusion projects have proliferated and the annual Gnawa music festival in Essaouira is now a major fixture in the world music calendar. The twelve hours of authentic Gnawa music in the Kamar vault is a unique and valuable document in the same league as Paul Bowles' legendary field recordings of Moroccan music. Yet Kamar has been unable to achieve commercial traction with the 2 hour black, yet alone with the complete ritual.Philippe is very pessimistic about the state of the music market. He laments the decimation by digital technologies of the vital infrastructure that in the past supported independent projects such as the Black Album. Prior to the demise of bricks and mortar record stores there was high street display space available and professional merchandisers using that space to maximum effect. When it was first released 1000 copies of the Black Album were sold in just three weeks in the Virgin Superstore in the Champs-Elysees, Paris where it went on sale there through the intervention of a personal contact. But attempts to secure further physical distribution failed because the major distributors are only interested in labels with a range of titles, and Kamar currently only has one. So the Black Album CD set is now out of print; however it is available as a download or stream from iTunes, CD Baby and Spotify*.
If Steve Brown was a pilot, all the collision alarms would be going off in the cockpit right now.
This fall, Brown plans to open restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha.
How will he pull it off?
Sleep is for the dead, said Brown, who opened the first of his new ventures, Temp by Cosecha restaurant in Chula Vista, on Sept. 19. I have ADD, so Im always going nonstop. Its just the way I am. I gotta do it while Im young. Energy-wise, its all downhill from here.
Since Brown returned to his childhood hometown of Imperial Beach from L.A. last year, hes been laying the foundation for his brand mega-launch by building relationships with local farmers, chefs, ranchers, designers and diners. Now hes ready for takeoff and hopes the turbulence that brought him back to San Diego last year is finally behind him.
On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is beef tartare, kimchi and hearts of palm with a horseradish snow served as the third course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan)
Brown, 37, is an ambitious man, but 20 years ago he was a self-described lazy arrogant little s**thead. Lacking inspiration after high school in San Bernardino, he joined an overseas program where he worked as a hotel housekeeper in Germany. But when his boss found him sleeping in the rooms instead of cleaning them, he was banished to the hotels kitchen to wash dishes.
It was the worst day of my life and it changed my life, he recalled. I met my best friend in the dish pit and after a few days in the kitchen, I fell in love with it. I havent left since.
When Brown describes life in the kitchen he says its like pirates doing ballet.
You have the most crude and rude things going on but when it comes down to the food and the plate its very elegant. I love that contradiction, he said.
After two years in Germany, he moved home to L.A., where by age 22 he had both a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu and a newborn daughter. With a family to feed, he couldnt afford to intern in Michelin-starred restaurants, so he found a line cook job in La Quinta and gradually worked his way up the chef ladder, mostly at fine-dining restaurants in L.A.
Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan)
In mid-2015, he opened his dream restaurant, Gardner Junction in West Hollywood, but it closed after just four months due to partnership troubles. Devastated, he retreated in February 2016 to Imperial Beach, where his parents had once lived and recently retired to.
But after four months, I got the fine dining itch again and my depression went away, he said, adding that he needed to find way to make fine dining pencil out financially. The answer was high-end, one-night pop-ups in borrowed restaurant space.
In July 2016, he launched Cosecha, offering prix-fixe multicourse pop-ups from San Diego to San Francisco. Cosecha means harvest in Spanish, chosen because Brown harvests all of his own produce, mostly at Wild Willow Farm & Education Center in Imperial Beach.
The concept was an instant smash in dining-centric L.A. and San Francisco, but it has taken time to build a following in San Diego. Winning the culinary competition in 2016 at KAABOO Del Mar helped (he returned as a judge in 2017). So has a recent partnership with Japans Wagyu beef farmers, who hand-picked him as a culinary representative and importer for their prized meat.
Im the only guy doing Japanese Wagyu in San Diego at this level. Im going all in, he said.
Browns first restaurant venture, Temp by Cosecha, opened last month in Chula Vista. It serves dinner and weekend brunch and is the permanent home for Cosechas local pop-ups as well as the soon-to-open Cosecha Catering Co. At the end of this year, hell open Bar Logan by Cosecha, a restaurant/bar in Barrio Logan designed by Tecture.
1 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is the beet cured salmon, smoked cream cheese and multigrain toast seventh course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 2 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is the Wild Willow Farm cherry tomato, basil vin and queso first course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 3 / 30 Chef Steve Brown has his hands full with opening restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program - all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha. On Sept. 2, Brown hosted dinner at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 4 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is the frog leg, chermoula. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 5 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is beef tartare, kimchi and hearts of palm with a horseradish snow served as the third course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 6 / 30 Chef Steve Brown has his hands full with opening restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program - all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha. On Sept. 2, Brown hosted dinner at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 7 / 30 Prosseco with Wild Willow Farm pomegranate. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 8 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is prosseco with Wild Willow Farm pomegranate. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 9 / 30 Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 10 / 30 Chef Steve Brown has his hands full with opening restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program - all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha. On Sept. 2, Brown hosted dinner at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 11 / 30 Chef Steve Brown has his hands full with opening restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program - all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha. On Sept. 2, Brown hosted dinner at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 12 / 30 Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 13 / 30 Chef Steve Brown has his hands full with opening restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program - all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha. On Sept. 2, Brown hosted dinner at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 14 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is the beet cured salmon, smoked cream cheese and multigrain toast seventh course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 15 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is beef tartare, kimchi and hearts of palm with a horseradish snow served as the third course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 16 / 30 Chef Steve Brown has his hands full with opening restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program - all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha. On Sept. 2, Brown hosted dinner at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 17 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Brown prepares the beet cured salmon, smoked cream cheese and multigrain toast seventh course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 18 / 30 Grog leg, chermoula by Chef Steve Brown. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 19 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is the heirloom tomato cashew bisque sixth course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 20 / 30 Steve Brown puts the finishing touches on a dish before its sent out to diners. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 21 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Dishes sit in the kitchen window ready to be served to guests. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 22 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is the shrimp aguachile, cucumber, lime, onion, avocado tostada second course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 23 / 30 Chef Steve Brown has his hands full with opening restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program - all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha. On Sept. 2, Brown hosted dinner at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 24 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is the Wild Willow Farm cherry tomato, basil vin and queso first course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 25 / 30 On Sept. 2, 2017, Chef Steve Brown hosted a multi-course dinner titled A Beautiful Contradiction at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. Pictured is the Wild Willow Farm cherry tomato, basil vin and queso first course. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 26 / 30 Chef Steve Brown. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 27 / 30 Chef Steve Brown has his hands full with opening restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program - all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha. On Sept. 2, Brown hosted dinner at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 28 / 30 Chef Steve Brown has his hands full with opening restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program - all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha. On Sept. 2, Brown hosted dinner at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 29 / 30 Chef Steve Brown. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan) 30 / 30 Chef Steve Brown has his hands full with opening restaurants in Chula Vista and Barrio Logan, a catering company and a culinary internship program - all while running his weekly fine-dining pop-up dinner series known as Cosecha. On Sept. 2, Brown hosted dinner at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista. (Jim Sullivan) (Jim Sullivan / Jim Sullivan)
To control labor costs, Brown is also co-developing with Wild Willow Farm a stage program. The six-week soil to plate internships will not only teach young chefs cooking and plating techniques, but also farming and harvesting.
What else is on Browns plate? One priority is weekend time with his now-15-year-old daughter, who lives with her mom in Chino Hills. Another is feeding the insatiable appetite of his 9,500 Instagram followers with fresh food photos.
Although Brown may be brand ambassador for Cosecha, he stresses that hes just the leader of a strong team.
A chef wants to do everything himself, but Ive learned that you have to delegate and surround yourself with good people. Ive got some of the best, he said.
Up, up and away
Cosecha: Hosts weekly pop-up multicourse dinners of eight to 22 courses for $160-$300 from Chula Vista to San Francisco.
chefstevebrown.com/cosecha
Temp by Cosecha: Newly opened 40-seat farm-driven modern American restaurant at 277 Third Ave. in Chula Vista. Serves dinner Tuesdays-Saturdays and boozy brunch on weekends. Small plates menu ranges from $18-$30.
facebook.com/tempbycosecha
Cosecha Catering: Headquartered at Temp by Cosecha in Chula Vista, this company will specialize in seasonal produce and specialty meats.
chefstevebrown.com/catering
Bar Logan by Cosecha: This 60-seat restaurant/bar designed by Tecture will open at the end of 2017 at 2163 Logan Ave. in Barrio Logan.
chefstevebrown.com/bar-logan
Wild Willow Farm stage program: This fall, Cosecha will partner with nonprofit Wild Willow Farm & Education Center in Imperial Beach on a chef-training/internship program. Participants in the six-week, unpaid program will learn how to plant, grow and harvest produce and then how to prepare, cook and serve it at Browns restaurants.
sandiegoroots.org/farm/index.php
What happens when wineries, craft breweries, sake and cider producers, and restaurants all get together in the same San Diego hood? A must-visit craft hotspot called Miralani Makers District.
Located in Miramar on the corner of Camino Ruiz and Miralani Drive, the district features a variety of businesses with all craft products made onsite. Members include wineries Charlie & Echo and India Street Winery, Setting Sun Sake, Serpentine Cider, Mr. Gs Salsa, Deli Sushi & Desserts, along with craft breweries Align Brewing Company, Protector Brewery, Thunderhawk Alements and 2Kids Brewing Co.
Two district movers and shakers, Eric Van Drunen of Charlie & Echo Wine and Dan Denison of India Street Winery talked to PACIFIC about the genesis of Miralani Makers District, which San Diego wines to try, and their perfect wine and food pairing.
How did you first become involved with forming the Miralani Makers District?
ERIC VAN DRUNEN: When we moved into our new location in May, we started chatting with the other craft producers about promoting the area as a destination, since together we have all the craft beverage bases covered - beer, wine, cider, mead, sake, and hopefully soon a distiller. It wasnt really any one persons idea - weve all been collectively on board with working together to promote the district.
DAN DENISON: It wasnt hard to see that something unique was happening and I think the same light bulb went off over all the owners heads simultaneously. At the first meeting Ive never seen such cooperation and agreement. Every decision about the direction of Miralani Makers District (MMD) seems to be made so easily.
Whats the relationship between all of the businesses?
Van Drunen: We are all separate small businesses with the common bond of craft. Weve already hosted a pub crawl for a non-profit and are collaborating on the upcoming San Diego Beer Week - even though were a winery, weve got a sparkling sour thats very similar to a fruit lambic beer.
Favorite varietal?
Van Drunen: Id say Zinfandel. It was my first wine love. When its done a little lean with good pepper notes, its hard to beat, and it is Californias wine grape.
For someone whos never tried a San Diego-made wine, what would you recommend trying first?
Van Drunen: Most generally, Id say Syrah. It grows well here in San Diego County with a range of expressions, and most wineries do a good job with it. Specifically, Id say our 2015 Trinity Sparkling Sangiovese Rose. Crisp, dry, refreshing - it goes great with our weather and can really surprise people with what can be grown and made in San Diego
Denison: Henry James called Southern California Italy waiting for a history. The grapes that grow best down here are the Mediterranean varietal. We can do better Barbera and Sangiovese then anywhere in California. A couple of the best kept secrets are the quality of our Sauvignon Blanc and Cab Franc.
Perfect pairing?
Denison: I love to pair Barbera with food off the barbecue - cheeseburgers, ribs, sausages. The high acidity of the wine cleanses the palate from all the grease of the food. Its what we call a bright red - so it will be fruit forward with low tannins. I call it the beer of wines.
Van Drunen: Our 2014 The Alchemist port-style wine and N.Y. cheesecake. The orange peel and spice notes of the wine marry with cheese flavors, while the sweet and astringent textures of the wine balance out with the sweet and savory characteristics of the cheesecake.
Whats up next for the district?
Van Drunen: Many of the makers in the district are celebrating their grand openings or first years in the upcoming months. Were completing a logo for the district now, and will be getting some road signage along with poster-size directory maps for all the businesses. Well also be putting together a social media presence for the district.
Bain Capital Private Equity Acquires Specialty Papers Producer Fedrigoni
Established in 1888 and headquartered in Verona, Italy, Fedrigoni has manufacturing facilities in Italy (9), Spain (2) and Brazil (2) and a global distribution network, with more than 2,700 employees.
Jan 4, 2018 - Bain Capital Private Equity on Dec. 23, 2017 announced that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire Fedrigoni, a leading global producer of specialty papers and self-adhesive labels. The Fedrigoni family will retain a minority stake in the business.
Established in 1888 and headquartered in Verona, Italy, Fedrigoni is expected to generate sales of approximately EUR1.1 billion. The company has manufacturing facilities in Italy (9), Spain (2) and Brazil (2) and a global distribution network, with more than 2,700 employees.
Fedrigoni sells directly to multinational customers, including fashion houses and wine producers, through its own distribution network. The company's products include special papers for luxury packaging and labels for the food and beverage and pharma industries.
Fedrigoni is an exciting business with strong brands and differentiated offering in specialty products, said Ivano Sessa, a Managing Director at Bain Capital Private Equity. We believe Fedrigoni has the potential to grow significantly, both organically and through acquisitions, and look forward to partnering with the management team to accelerate this as we have done in several other industrial global businesses.
The transaction remains subject to approvals by regulatory authorities.
To learn more about Fedrigoni, please visit: www.fedrigoni.com .
SOURCE: Fedrigoni
Finnish Trade Union for Paper Industry Clerical Workers Threatens Strike Over Wages Trade Union Pro's key objective is a general salary increase for everyone to secure the development of salaries for the paper industry's clerical employees, experts, supervisory and managerial staff. Jan. 4, 2018 - Trade Union Pro, one of the largest trade unions in Finland, issued an announcement on Tuesday (Jan. 2) about the commencement of industrial action. The reason for the paper industry's industrial action is the employers' unreasonable demands for reductions in an industry that has excellent productivity and profitability. An overtime ban in the paper industry commences on Tuesday at 14:00, remaining effective until further notice. A one-week strike will commence on January 17 at 06:00, and end on January 24 at 06:00. The overtime ban and strike will affect all paper industry experts doing clerical work, with approximately 3,000 white-collar employees in total participating in the overtime ban and strike. The overtime ban will cause job delays, and the strike, if implemented, will lead to significant disturbances in paper industry workplaces. Pro's salary increase model would guarantee fair and equal treatment Pro's key objective is a general salary increase for everyone to secure the development of salaries for the paper industry's clerical employees, experts, supervisory and managerial staff. This has been a time of tremendous growth in productivity and constantly improving profitability for the paper industry. Salaried paper industry employees should therefore be entitled to larger salary increases compared to employees in other industries. Despite this, we have set reasonable targets for the negotiations in line with the general targets, comments Trade Union Pro's paper industry contract field supervisor, Jari Uschanov. The salary increase model proposed by Pro comprises a general increase component that covers everyone, and a separate salary component to be negotiated locally. Local bargaining would enable the shop steward to ensure the equal treatment of employees. If agreement cannot be reached locally, everyone gets the same size general increase. Pro has also made a proposal for a mixed compensation model, i.e., an increase as a percentage share of salary, with a minimum amount set for the increase (in euros). The mixed compensation model would promote equal pay by raising the salaries of individuals whose salary development has lagged behind in relation to others. These objectives are very important for the paper industry because, unlike in many other industries, we do not have a uniform remuneration system that allocates salary increases equally to everyone, Uschanov explains. Employer demands significant reductions and more power to dictate The salary solution for white-collar employees proposed by Finnish Forest Industries, which represents the employer, is inferior to the agreement concluded with the employees. Furthermore, the employer side wants to lower the general increase paid to everyone, as well as to completely eliminate several employee bonuses. According to Uschanov, among the most blatant demands posed by Finnish Forest Industries are unequal treatment in remuneration, several reductions to various salary components, and confirming local bargaining with employer decisions. The reductions demanded to be made to the employment terms would lower the earnings of paper industry clerical employees and experts, he states. In public, many employer organizations have been waving the flag for using local bargaining more. According to Uschanov, what Finnish Forest Industries wants is to make one-sided decisions on how to allocate salary increases. In our opinion, the parties should commit to promoting genuine local bargaining. In today's world, one-sided decisions about employment terms should not be on anyone's agenda, Uschanov concludes. About Trade Union Pro Trade Union Pro is the largest private sector union for clerical employees, experts, supervisory and managerial staff. Pro is the largest member union of the Finnish Confederation of Professionals STTK. SOURCE: Trade Union Pro
Edward Enninful's appointment as the new editor-in-chief of British Vogue was widely celebrated as a marker of a new era in fashion and it absolutely is but the latest cover of his magazine shows that change rarely happens overnight, especially in publishing.
The special Hollywood February issue, shot by photographer Juergen Teller, was posted to British Vogue's Instagram account and quickly became a topic of conversation on social media for its seemingly tone-deaf cover line "Why We Need to Talk About Race" next to Margot Robbie and Nicole Kidman's faces and a list of mostly white actresses of "Hollywood's New Era."
"why we need to talk about race" pic.twitter.com/OjIkmhitCi
laia. (@geometricsleep) January 3, 2018
The need is very much there, apparently! https://t.co/YODj3dXfuV
Connie Wang (@conniewang) January 3, 2018
???? yt cover, all but one cover list of "hollywoods new era" but ????? idk how i feel about this this is very "fashion capitalizing on activism" pic.twitter.com/bpuP9WjwRN
Diva Mukherji (@divamukherji) January 3, 2018
British 'Vogue' says we need to talk about race on new cover featuring Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie #NewVogue? https://t.co/DwY306JDDp pic.twitter.com/HHizZALcg9
Mic (@mic) January 3, 2018
Hey Quick Question What's up with this British 'Vogue' coverline?https://t.co/byD320QRZN
Fashionista.com (@Fashionista_com) January 3, 2018
As the iconic magazine's first Black, queer male editor, Enninful is under a lot of pressure to switch things up. And there are high hopes for what he plans to do with his new title. After his appointment was announced, close friend Naomi Campbell posted a photo of British Vogue's lily-white staff under previous editor Alexandra Shulman, writing that she was looking forward to an "inclusive and diverse staff" under Enninful's leadership.
And he started his reign off strong, with his first cover featuring Model of the Year Adwoa Aboah, photographed by Stephen Meisel and stunning in a Marc Jacobs headscarf. He followed that up with a Taylor Swift cover that while disappointing to some was undeniably a big get. It's possible he's still experimenting, and trying not to get boxed in to any one corner or lane. Hopefully the next cover will be a bit or a lot more inclusive.
It's been a rough day for fashion photography, as two of its previously shining stars continue to implode in a blaze of sexual assault accusations, half-hearted apologies and most of all, denial.
Many of the powerful men in high profile industries accused of sexual misconduct over the past few months have been punished for their misdeeds, facing job loss, public disgrace, and in some cases police investigations. As Dave Chappelle noted during his latest Netflix special, Louis C.K., non-consensual masturbator, "lost everything."
Harvey Weinstein is being sued for sex trafficking; Kevin Spacey is under investigation by the London Police for decades of allegations. And now, "Uncle Terry" Richardson is officially being investigated by the NYPD's Special Victims Squad, according to the New York Daily News.
Richardson has been accused by several models over the years of sexual misconduct on sets, and many have reported feeling coerced into doing things they hadn't agreed to with the photographer. Richardson has always claimed his interactions were consensual, and none of the reports had ever come to much until now, as two former models say the NYPD has contacted them regarding his alleged behavior.
Famed fashion photographer Bruce Weber has also maintained his innocence in the wake of accusations by two male models that he acted inappropriately toward them on set or during casting calls, and unlike Richardson has managed so far to escape the more extreme fate of other men in similar positions.
Vanity Fair canceled its Art Basel event honoring Weber, and Grace Coddington deleted a chummy photo of Weber from Instagram, but only after immense public pressure begging her to do so. Now, he's outright denied the claims made by the two models both to the press and in a complaint to the New York State Supreme Court.
Only time will tell if Weber manages to skate through this unscathed or end up like his colleague, Richardson, who was recently blacklisted from working with Conde Nast and Valentino.
Image via BFA
Have you always longed to wear earrings that depict a couple in the throngs of passion? What about a diamond-shaped cluster of pearls that is more ear muff than earring? Or a belt you can wear around your thigh, wrist or neck?
Enter Monirath, the accessories brand that is not here to play. The brainchild of Australian designer Mollika Prak, Monirath first caught our attention with their Vivienne Westwood-esque "S-E-X" earrings and while her brand's still relatively small, Prak has big ideas on shaking up the fashion industry.
We recently talked with Prak about all things jewelry, Japanese fashion, and what the hell ever happened to originality.
What's the concept of your brand, Monirath?
Avant-garde. Experimental. Questionable. That's what Monirath accessories are. I started to create jewelry because I was bored of the jewelry today. But if they do satisfy my tastes, they usually cost an arm and a leg. So I just decided to make my own. I always knew I was meant to be a designer I just never knew what field. I spent a lot of time in the last few years experimenting with many things and when me and jewelry touched bases, it was a match! I see a lot of young creatives having a hard time realizing their purpose. Please note that everyone moves at different paces so it will come with due time. Trust me, trust yourself and the process.
You want us to challenge the way we traditionally approach accessories, but how difficult is it navigating both practicality and style?
This is how you navigate practicality and style you throw away the practicality. Just stick to the theory and make it work. That's what I believe in. Anything is possible. You can go a long way with perseverance and a clear mind. Jewelry and accessories should no longer just be an after thought! They create your outfit and your fit would be nothing without it. I make myself dress around my accessories. I love a good statement piece, especially if it's made by me. Who does the shit that I do?
What jewelry trends should we leave in 2017?
No more boring studs in 2018.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the fashion industry are we taking enough risks?
Hell no. Everyone is playing it safe. Actually, they're busier stealing from everyone else. I can't even differentiate between Balenciaga, Vetements, and Margiela now. What happened to originality? Everyone is too busy hopping on the trend bandwagon, so much supply, but not enough demand. Yes, it sells. But what happened to making art? Don't get me wrong, I love those brands and Margiela is top tier for me. It's just like being suffocated, as the consumer. However, I do love Rick Owens and Michele Lamy. The dynamic duo. Also, kudos to Japanese designers, namely Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto. I just love their take on silhouettes. So unorthodox, I'm so in love.
What materials are most appealing to you to work with?
No materials appeal to me right now. I'm actually suffering designer's block so I'm constantly looking for new things that may spark the fire. However, I did have a pearl phase. Pearls are just so elegant, and with my budget and being poor as fuck they can make anything look expensive. My favorite kind of accessory is a good belt. Right now at least. You can wear it anywhere: on your waist, over your shoulder, on your leg, on your neck... the possibilities are endless. And of course, anything shiny.
The XXX earrings are so exciting what's your creative process?
The XXX earrings are the first earring I've ever made actually. It had a lot of different variations until I reached the final version we all know of today. A key aspect in my creative process is to never be tainted by social media. You open your phone and there are thoughts, images and concepts everywhere. It's hard to avoid. I love being the first and the best to do something. Please kill me if I ever think of leaching off anyone else.
What will Monirath look like in 2018?
I spent a lot of time in 2017 thinking about how I was going to bring this brand forward. Honestly, a lot of day-dreaming too it's inevitable. But in 2018, we are manifesting. Monirath is going to continue to produce questionable jewelery and shake the industry. It's what I love to do. Some personal goals of mine are to possibly collaborate with Ambush. Also, I would love Solange, FKA twigs and Rihanna in my accessories. The holy trinity. I actually have Chandelearrings saved for them. It's going to happen, if I preserve a great mind and a greater heart. Long term goals? Appear in the Museum of Modern Art. Icon shit.
Follow Monirath on Instagram here, or check out her website.
Berlin-based label GmbH has truly been doing the Lord's work since launching in 2016, with designers Benjamin Alexander Huseby and Serhat Isik supplying utilitarian must-haves for politically-conscious club kids everywhere. For their latest campaign, the two paid tribute to their heritage, selecting second-generation immigrants to model their fall '18 collection.
Benjamin Alexander Huseby shot "Endless Europe," which was conceptualized to recognize his and Isik's respective Turkish and Pakistani fathers. Every featured model is a child of immigrants, hailing from Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan and India, in a shoot that also subtly homages Richard Avedon's iconic Versace campaigns of the '80s and '90s.
"We wanted to see brown men and women like ourselves in a campaign like this, something we never saw growing up," Huseby and Isik told Dazed. "But we have no supermodels, or big budget just our family."
The duo also said the collection itself inspired by the German expression "Gastarbeiter," which translates to "guest worker."
"As visitors, they were expected by their host countries to only stay temporarily, but they never left," the designers explained. "We, the children, are at once European, but also told we do not truly belong... In Denmark, the parliament recently declared that children of immigrants are not to be considered Danish. (This) sentiment (is) not unfamiliar to us. 'Where are you from? No, but where are you really from?'"
The brand is set to show at Paris Fashion Week on January 16.All images courtesy of GmbH
A new study from the American Psychological Association has found that compared to prior generations, college students today (millennials) are harder on themselves, more demanding of others and report higher levels of pressure to be perfect. Maybe don't push yourself too hard on those 2018 New Year's resolutions?
The study, published in the journal Psychology Bulletin, surveyed 40,000 college students between 1989 to 2016 and found that the tendency toward perfectionism divided by psychologists into three categories has increased significantly across the board. The biggest increase (33 percent) was found in socially-prescribed perfectionism, caused by the high standards we feel put on us by others.
There was also a 10 percent increase in self-directed perfectionism, and a 16 percent increase in the perfectionistic standards we apply to others. As we double down on our performances of perfection, we're not about to let our friends and acquaintances off the hook, either.
Some psychologists say perfectionism can be a healthy thing, leading to the kind of intense drive needed to achieve great heights. And yet, relentless perfectionism also has noted health risks, including clinical depression, anorexia, and early death.
Researchers argue that socially-prescribed perfectionism, the kind that's increased the most, is also the most dangerous kind. When the incentive to be perfect comes from an outside social force, we feel a loss of control, which can lead to a host of problems. (This mirrors the psychological locus of control concept, which has repeatedly shown that external rewards ultimately don't motivate us).
Investing your identity and self-worth in external achievements and socially-dictated barometers of success will never lead to lasting wellness or wholeness. Researchers have found that this breed of perfectionism is associated with the same types of major psychopathology that our generation has already become known for, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Sound familiar?
It's not shocking that a generation that's grown up under a microscope feels the need to keep its image clean. One of the study authors, Thomas Curran, Ph.D., of the University of Bath, agrees that the data suggests social media is partly to blame.
From the expectation disguised as a natural inclination to perform our lives for each other, to the threat that any public or let's be real, even private moment could go viral and be broadcast to the world, we live under the assumption that anything we say can and will be used against us in the court of public opinion. Who wouldn't be walking on eggshells?
Other potential influences are a society that values the individual over the collective, a hyper-competitive job market and the loss of traditional social roles and professions you know, capitalism. Throw anxious and controlling parenting styles in there and the presence of hyper-perfect celebrities and "influencers" on social media, and it's a recipe for feeling like shit about yourself.
"Meritocracy places a strong need for young people to strive, perform, and achieve in modern life," Curran said in a statement. "Young people are responding by reporting increasingly unrealistic educational and professional expectations for themselves. As a result, perfectionism is rising among millennials."
"The results don't surprise me at all," Malcolm Harris, author of Kids These Days: Human Capital and the Making of Millennials, told New York Magazine. "With the disappearance of middle-class jobs and lifestyles, it actually matters more where you end up on the spectrum of income distribution. There's a big hole in the middle, and life in the American working class has gotten harder."
Fewer opportunities mean tougher competition for the ones that exist, and an increased dread of a failure, which starts to become a non-option. But the clock is ticking on the unsustainable way of life that's been both imposed on us and created by us. As we take over positions of power in every arena, we have the choice to change the culture of perfectionism that is killing us. Each generation has to define its values. What will ours be?
It didn't take long after Donald Trump's threat to wage war on North Korea on Twitter for San Francisco to unite against the platform, projecting "@jack is #complicit" to publicly condemn CEO Jack Dorsey.
The protestors, who call themselves Resistance SF, say Dorsey should ban Trump's account or resign, given the president's tendency to denigrate international relations and fuel tensions abroad. It's Trump's "latest nuclear pissing contest," that has the group particularly riled up, writing on their Facebook page that Trump is in violation of Twitter's rules.
Related | America Looks Up Meaning Of 'Complicit' After SNL's Ivanka Trump Sketch
"@Jack is #complicit," Resistance SF claimed in a statement. "He endangers the world and allows Trump to break his company's own terms of service to do it. As long as he is CEO of Twitter and Square, they cannot be considered moral tech companies, and the board of directors of both should do the right thing and insist that either Trump or Jack must go. Jack Dorsey brought 280 characters to Twitter, but what Twitter needs is a CEO with more character."
In 2017, Dorsey was forced to defend the platform's move to leave Trump's account enabled because the president's unfiltered thoughts proved newsworthy.
"I believe it's really important to have these conversations out in the open, rather than have them behind closed doors," he said. So if we're all to suddenly take these platforms away, where does it go?"
Also, you'll never guess what Dictionary.com's word of the year is.
Image via Facebook
In early December Patently Apple posted a report titled "French Group called 'Attac' Disrupts Apple Stores throughout France demanding Apple Pay their Fair Share of taxes." Today we're learning that Apple has filed a lawsuit against the Attac activist group.
France's publication 'The Local' reports that "An Apple spokesman told AFP on Thursday that while it respected the group's right to expression, its recent actions had 'put the security of our customers and employees at risk.'
It is seeking 3,000 euros ($3,600) from Attac, or the Association for the Taxation of Financial Transactions and Aid to Citizens, and a court order barring the group from staging further protests in its stores, for which they would face a penalty of 150,000 euros or $180,963.00.
The company said it had met with representatives on December 18 and asked them to refrain from further actions because of security concerns."
The Apple spokesman stated that "Even if we don't share their opinion, we fully recognize their right to express it."
The report later noted that "Dominique Plihon, a spokesman for Attac France, said the lawsuit was "an attempt to gag Attac and prevent us from holding new citizen actions to condemn tax evasion by multinationals". For more on this, read the full report here.
It's a bit odd that Apple is suing France's 'Attac' activist group and yet never sued U.S. based Black Lives Matter for staging protests in Apple Stores like the one in Philadelphia or in New York. Will Apple's new legal strategy extend to in-store protests anywhere in the world or will they exclude U.S. protests? Only time will tell.
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Patna: Former Bihar Minister and senior Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Shahid Ali Khan died of a massive heart attack on Thursday during his visit to Ajmer Sharif in Rajasthan where the 54-year old politician had gone to pay a visit to the tomb of Khwaza Moinuddin Chishti.
Party spokesperson Danish Rizwan informed the press in Patna about the sudden passing away of Khan's death.
Khan was elected to the state Assembly for the first time in 1990 from Sitamarhi on Janata Dal ticket, the forebearer of the current Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). At the time, he was the youngest person ever to be elected to the Bihar Assembly.
He was re-elected from the same constituency in 2000 under the RJD ticket and won twice as a Nitish-led Janata Dal U candidate in 2005 and 2010 from Pupari and Sursand constituency. He held different portfolio under Nitish administration that included the Minority Welfare, IT, and Law departments.
He later resigned from the JD-U and joined hands with former Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi pledging allegiance to the HAM.
Khan leaves behind his wife and three daughters along with other family members.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, HAM President Jitan Ram Manjhi, former ministers Brishan Patel, Mahachandra Prasad, and JD-U state President Vashisht Narayan Singh were among many who expressed their condolences to the grieving members of the family calling it a huge loss for the state.
Khan had hit the headlines in 2014 when rumor of his alleged links with Indian Mujahideen terrorist outfit led to an investigation against him. He later, repeating a famous line from Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan's film 'My Name is Khan', said "I am Shahid Ali Khan and I am not a terrorist" in the state Assembly.
The so-called investigation did not go anywhere as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, at the time, called it a conspiracy by the 'communal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)' to malign a member of the minority community and a minister in the Nitish government.
The Chief Minister has announced a state funeral for the former minister.
Ranchi: For the second day in a row, a CBI special judge in Ranchi deferred the decision on the quantum of punishment to fodder scam convict and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) President Lalu Prasad Yadav to Thursday after the former Chief Minister of Bihar asked him to think about the punishment with a cool head.
Yadav, who was accompanied by his lawyers and supporters amidst very tight security, was informed by Judge Shiv Pal Singh of the charges against. The CBI Special Court judge also told the RJD chief that he was quite familiar with his record and had the vigilance been strong during his tenure, this fodder scam would have never taken place.
The judge further informed Yadav that contempt notices were sent to his son Tejaswi Yadav, party leaders Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and Shivanand Tiwari; and Congress leader Manish Tiwari who cast aspersions on the integrity of the court following the RJD chief's conviction by the same court last month.
Yadav was heard asking the judge to drop the contempt notices against his son and others but the judge ignored his request.
The RJD chief then asked Singh to think 'with a cool head' before announcing the quantum of punishment to him to which the judge said that if he wished, he could opt for a videoconference appearance tomorrow from his jail cell.
Insisting to appear before the court in person, the judge said he would decide about it tomorrow.
The court scene on Thursday had some lighter moments as well particularly when Yadav complained about his cell being too cold.
"Try to play 'tabla' (to keep yourself warm)", the judge quipped.
As reported, the case, which is an offshoot of the much bigger fodder scam, relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs. 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury in 1997.
Altogether 16 persons were convicted in the case, including the RJD chief while six others, including former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra were acquitted in the case.
Yadav's supporters and family members have accused the CBI court of being biased against a 'dalit' leader while letting an upper caste politician (Jagannath Mishra) go scot free.
Iranian Leadership: Heed Warning Signs And Change Priorities
01/03/18
By Shireen T. Hunter (source: LobeLog)
Irans leadership, especially the hardliners, has attributed the latest protests in several major Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, to plots by the enemies of Islam and the Iranian Revolution, particularly America, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Senior officers of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have also warned that those who are dreaming of ending the revolution will take their dreams to the grave. Fighting words indeed.
Countries that have problems with Iran and its policies, especially in the Middle East, will no doubt try to take advantage of the latest disturbances. Also, the destabilization of the Iranian regime has been a goal of various US administrations with only brief interruption. Finally, the attribution of popular discontent to foreign influences is a traditional propaganda ploy by the Teheran government.
But none of this will likely distract the Iranian people from the countrys real problems-especially the inability of the leadership to make any progress in improving peoples lives.
The latest protests began in Mashhad, most probably as a ploy by Rouhanis opponents, including his defeated rival for the presidency, Ibrahim Raeisi. Mashhad is also the stronghold of Ayatollah Alam al Huda, who is the citys Friday prayer leader, a hardline and very conservative cleric. At times, he has behaved as though he is the de facto ruler of the city of Mashhad, like some Afghan warlord. For example, he has in the past forced the cancellation of concerts sanctioned by the Ministry of culture and Islamic Guidance.
During the last several months, hardliners have waged a campaign against Rouhani, claiming that many voters now say they are sorry (pashiman) that they voted for him. Even so-called reformists have not been very supportive of him. In other words, in the past several months various factions have been back to their old habits of infighting and backbiting, with no concern for the national interest or well-being.
If the protests did start as a ploy by hardliners against Rouhani, they soon got out of hand. Shocked by the way protests spread across the country and worried that they might worsen, various factions have tried to show a united front. But this show of solidarity, too, is unlikely to convince the people.
Decades of Disappointment
The fact is that the Iranian peoples patience and endurance has been sorely tested for nearly four decades. They have put up with war, international sanctions, economic hardship, a deteriorating environment, and, during 2017, natural disasters such as earthquakes. Since 1988, when the war with Iraq ended, Iranians have hoped for reform of the system, cultural and social opening, national reconciliation, economic prosperity, and international integration and respect. They have been disappointed time after time.
Meanwhile, the hardliners have continued to chase windmills in a quixotic pursuit of Islamic utopia, Islamic unity, and the liberation of Palestine. They have sacrificed Irans scant resources in such pursuits, while projects vital for the countrys development have remained unfinished, the economy has stagnated, and the people have become frustrated and angry.
According to some reports, one of the protestors chants could be loosely translated as: Leave Syria alone/Do something about our problems.
More seriously, the leaderships lack of response to the peoples changing values and needs has eroded whatever popular legitimacy it might have had. Despite periodic elections, the regime has increasingly acquired the characteristics of a religio-military junta, made up of the IRGC, various foundations, and some conservative clerics.
Again, some of the protestors chants indicate how people feel about this coalition. One reads like this: They turned Islam into a stepping stone and made people miserable.
People are aware that presidents in Iran lack any real power. They have responsibility and are blamed when things go wrong. But they are not allowed to pursue policies that could help solve the countrys problems. The experiences of the presidencies of Mohammad Khatami and now Hassan Rouhani prove this contention.
Meanwhile, the revolution has been completely hollowed out. It is no longer clear what being revolutionary means. It seems that revolutionary slogans are increasingly used to continue the stranglehold on the country by overlapping military and economic elites.
What this group does not understand is that their tactics of shouting death to America or fighting Imperialism and Zionism are no longer effective.
The most powerful groups, as they repeat the same old unending call to sacrifice and martyrdom, have nothing positive to offer to the people. In fact, the regimes serious contradictions and tensions are coming to a head, and the leadership cannot continue its old games of resorting to periodic limited easing of tensions only to turn to repression, infighting, and external adventurism.
cartoon by Sasan Khadem, Iranian daily Ghanoon
A Different Path
Vital decisions must be made if the country is to be saved. First and foremost, Irans leadership must decide who they want to serve: Iran and its people or some illusory Islamic community.
Second, they must decide what their priority should be, Irans survival or liberating Palestine.
Third, they must determine whether Irans political system will be a republic or an autocracy? They cannot have it both ways.
Fourth, they must decide whether they want to be part of the world or to turn Iran into another North Korea in order to retain a hardline minority in power. If the former, then they must become a national and Iranian government and cease being a revolutionary and Islamist movement.
In short, they must come out of their paranoid world and enter the real world of the 21st century. Iran cannot become a developed and prosperous nation and state with a cultural and political system stuck in the Middle Ages.
People will not forever remain loyal to their government if it does not make them safe and at least reasonably prosperous.
Another social convulsion is fraught with dangers for Iran. A sustained period of tension and instability could lead to the sort of foreign intervention that happened in Libya and Syria. Already, certain quarters in America and elsewhere are agitating for more direct engagement in Iranian events. Should it occur, it could jeopardize the nations survival.
However, the current situation is also untenable. Irans leaders must realize the direness of their conditions. It doesnt help to accuse those who warn of the dangers facing the country of being agents of Irans enemies. The Iranian leadership must reform and reorient its priorities towards a national rather than Islamist direction. If they fail, history and the Iranian people will not forgive them.
About the Author:
Shireen T. Hunter is a Research Professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Her latest publication is God On Our Side: Religion, Foreign Policy and International Affairs (Rowman & Littlefield, December 2016).
Iranian Leaders Divided Over Protests
01/03/18
By Jamie Dettmer, VOA
Irans leaders appear to be divided about the reasons behind the anti-government protests roiling the country, who the demonstrators are and how to curtail the unrest - the most significant challenge to Irans clerical leadership since 2009, when authorities resorted to a nationwide crackdown to crush the pro-democracy "green movement."
Read related article (in Persian) by Ghanoon daily:
Political Experts Offer Suggestions on Reducing Tensions
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused foreign enemies Tuesday of fomenting the demonstrations, which have seen police stations and the offices of Friday prayer leaders attacked. The building of the Justice Ministry was set on fire in the town of Karaj, and in Arak, the governors office was occupied.
On his official website, Khamenei wrote, "In recent days, enemies of Iran used different tools including cash, weapons, politics and intelligence apparatus to create troubles for the Islamic Republic."
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
His aides have singled out the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia as the culprits.
Other senior Iranian officials, however, have downplayed the alleged role of foreign powers in the protests that began in Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, and quickly spread. On Saturday, the protests reached the capital, Tehran, which saw clashes between protesters and riot police around the main university.
Reformist President Hassan Rouhani has identified economic despair as the underpinning of the unrest. We have no bigger challenge than unemployment. Our economy requires major corrective surgery, Rouhani acknowledged Monday.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani
Deputy Interior Minister Hossein Zolfaghari noted Tuesday that 90 percent of the more than 450 protesters arrested so far were under the age of 25, and he indicated they were expressing frustration about economic woes. Silent at first on the unrest, the state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting has followed the reformists explanation for the burgeoning trouble, citing economic problems as the root cause of the confrontations that are turning increasingly deadly.
Hardliners who want to launch the kind of security crackdown that crushed the 2009 unrest dismiss the reformist line.
If people came into the streets over high prices, they should not have chanted those [anti-government] slogans and burned public property and cars, Gen. Esmail Kowsari told a state-owned media outlet Sunday.
Kowsari is a conservative politician and currently the deputy chief of an Islamic Revolutionary Guards unit responsible for maintaining security in Tehran. So far, the government has not heeded his warnings about using an "iron fist" to crush the protesters.
The latest unrest, which is on a smaller scale than that of 2009, say analysts, is being dealt with more cautiously, with authorities instead containing protests locally as they occur, without the mass deployment of Revolutionary Guards units.
Read related article by Ghanoon daily:
Interview With Two Activists On Recent Protests
Zolfaghari predicted Tuesday the protests would be short-lived, saying security forces decisively countered the saboteurs who resorted to violence. In most parts of the country, the situation is now normal and the unrest that took place in certain areas will soon end with the people's cooperation and the efforts of security forces, Zolfaghari said
Ghasem Sholeh-Saadi, a human rights activist and former Iranian lawmaker who is now an international law professor at the University of Tehran, thinks the protests have the potential to go much further. Things are getting out of hand, he told the news site IranWire, a joint venture comprising a group of exiled Iranian journalists.
I believe that this will continue because the government cannot satisfy peoples demands and, with the present structure, our rulers are not ready for change. For the moment, we are at a political impasse, Sholeh-Saadi said.
He argues the government has no effective means to suppress [the people] and, even if it could, cracking down would not solve their problem. The threat, he says, isnt just to the hardliners, but the reformists as well, who have been left behind by the people as their demands become more cohesive and more sweeping.
The accumulation of unmet demands, the complicated economic issues and the security atmosphere has made it so that in only three days and with unbelievable speed, the slogans have turned radical and are voicing open opposition to Mr. Khamenei and Mr. Rouhani, he said.
A former British ambassador to Iran, Richard Dalton, agrees that even though price increases for key commodities sparked the protests, the unrest has developed into a reflection of deep discontent with the nature of the Islamic regime. It has been fueled by despair, he says, among ordinary Iranians, who are angry that their lives have not improved since Rouhani struck a 2015 nuclear deal with foreign powers, which resulted in the lifting of some economic sanctions on the country.
Rouhani had promised the nuclear deal would usher in a more successful economy, with all enjoying the benefits. Dalton says the Iranian authorities appear surprised by how widespread the protests have become. It confirms once again a significant section of the population wants to see fundamental change, he said.
The former envoy, however, suspects that the protests arent the beginning of an Arab spring-type uprising - predicting the demonstrations will run their course as most Iranians, want evolution, not revolution, he says. Dalton concedes, though, that isnt the only possible course of events.
Filtered apps suffocate domestic businesses in Iran
01/04/18
By Haniyeh Sadat Jafariyeh, Tehran Times
Following the social unrest across Iran, starting on Thursday, the government started blocking access to social networks and messaging apps including Telegram and Instagram, while some controls were also put on Iranians' access to the Internet. As Information and Communications Technology Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi announced on Monday "the restricted access to social networks in Iran amid ongoing protests against the government's economic and social policies is a temporary measure and rumors about the permanent closure of the social networks do not correspond to the reality."
Information and Communications Technology Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi
(satirical artwork by Iranian daily Ghanoon)
The made restrictions, however temporary, has had some ramifications for businesses, in particular small ones, in Iran.
According to Deputy Head of New Businesses Committee of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA) Afshin Kolahi, there are 10,000 to 15,000 totally virtual businesses in Iran.
While there is not an official data about the number of Telegram channels or virtual business pages, via which domestic entrepreneurs provide services to customers, advertise, do marketing and run their businesses in general, some claim that during the past few days such businesses have been terribly damaged due to the employed intelligent filtering on web and specific social media apps, including Telegram, which is the most popular social networking platform in Iran with 40 million members.
According to unofficial reports, small virtual businesses have suffered major financial damages during the past days and a chorus of dissatisfaction is being run among their owners.
The recent demonstrations began over economic grievances, while a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises are closed or are operating with half of their capacity and 3.1 million of Iranians are still unemployed. The government's decision on putting controls on the Internet access and messaging apps, under such conditions, has unfortunately exacerbated the economic conditions of virtual Iranian businesses.
President Hassan Rouhani's government, which underlines the notion of "E-government" and electronic communication, is fully aware of the dominant economic circumstances and the consequences of its made decision on economy and does not seem to be content with the ongoing situations, though.
"One of the main targets of the government has been resolving unemployment and expansion of new businesses as well as reliance on cyberspace," Azari Jahromi Tweeted on Tuesday morning, "it is my duty to apologize hundred thousands of Iranians who suffered financial losses due to recent unrest. The government is holding talks with Supreme National Security Council to remove the made-up restrictions when peace is restored."
It seems that the government, facing a dilemma, had to choose between economic benefits and security issues.
President Rouhani, in his first comments about the protests, aired on national television on Sunday night, said "people have the right to criticize", but said the authorities would not tolerate antisocial behavior. He said criticism was "different from violence and destroying public properties".
Telegram filtration in Iran was temporarily removed on Tuesday night.
Ghanas liquid gold, Star Beer, has rewarded nine (9) customers in the on-going Star Win Gold Promotion, with 2.5g gold bars each.
The promo, which was launched earlier this month, seeks to reward loyal consumers with gold bars. The first batch of winners includes Dzutor Kosi Kente (Tema), Ali Seidu (Tema), Habil Mukhwana (Lashibi) and Price Amofa (Tema). The rest are Richard Adekomi (Amakom), Henry Mensah (Suame), Peter Arthur (Asawase), Vivian Danso (Manhyia Sarbo Zongo) and Andrews Amoah (Dichemso Manhyia District).
At a brief and colorful event held at the forecourt of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, Marketing Manager for Lagers at Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL), Mr. Carsten Schemmer expressed appreciation to customers of Star Beer for their loyalty.
He explained that the promotion was one of the companys way of saying thank you to its customers for their many years of loyalty.
In line with our two consecutive years of winning the prestigious Monde Gold International award for the quality taste of Star Beer, we are using this opportunity to share this gold with Ghanaians, he said.
Mr. Schemmer indicated that there are over 190 gold bars yet to be won during the promotion.
He assured other winners outside Accra and Kumasi to be patient since their gold prices will be delivered to them through Fedex.
Speaking on the dynamics, he explained that, consumers just have to open a refreshing Star Beer, look under the crown cork and if one finds GOLD inscribed under the crown cock, all they have to do is to call the dedicated phone number on the neck label. The Gold will be delivered to the winners by our Gold partners - PMMC Jewelry.
The Star Win Gold promo which is expected to run until February 2018, offers consumers an opportunity to win over GHc3 million worth of amazing prizes including gold bars and free drinks of Star Beer.
Brewed from the finest quality of barley, malt, and hops, Star Beer does not only offer every true beer drinker the richest and most refreshing taste in beer, but also celebrates lifes journey and those uniquely Ghanaian values which help you along the way.
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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Pressure group, OccupyGhana, has waded into the public uproar over the controversial TV License law, saying it disagrees with the setting up of a special court to prosecute defaulters.
According to the group, the "world of televison has moved from being analogue to the digital sphere" thus the country should be "thinking of laws and policies that look into the future".
In a statement issued in Accra today following the announcement that specific courts have been established to try defaulters of TV Licence fees, the pressure group advocated the "repeal of the 1966 law and regime".
"The rules have changed. In a world of digitisation, Ghana should be thinking of laws and policies that look into the future, and seek to create the enabling smart digital environment for prosperity and opportunities for all. You cannot, in 2017, be seeking to implement laws based on obsolete and currently inapplicable 1966 technology and then seek to punish Ghanaians for not complying with it. That is why we are advocating the repeal of the 1966 law and regime, and if necessary, the enactment of new laws that take the new realities into account," the statement read.
OccupyGhana further stated that if after several years of government subvention and TV Licence Fees, the state broadcaster is "unable to be profitable", then possible, it is "time to consider selling it".
"For years, it enjoyed an absolute monopoly in television broadcasting and the income from adverts and sponsored contents. Now it has competition and is faltering. Compelling Ghanaians to pay TV Licence Fees to GBC is grossly unfair and anti-competitive. Announcing the setting up of a court for these purposes sends the wrong signal to Ghanaians, that draconian steps are being taken to use the judiciary a tool of enforcement of a grossly unpopular tax. If GBC is unable to be profitable, in spite of years of government subvention and TV Licence Fees, then it may be time to consider selling it," the group said.
Below is the full statement
4th JANUARY 2018
OCCUPYGHANA PRESS STATEMENT
OCCUPYGHANA CALLS FOR THE EXISTING TELEVISION LICENCE REGIME TO BE REPEALED AND REPLACED
OccupyGhana has followed the recent discussions regarding TV Licence Fees, particularly the announcement that specific courts have been established to try defaulters. We disagree with these moves for two reasons:
There is no constitutional or statutory basis for the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), simply as the designated licensing authority, retaining the revenue from what is essentially a tax, and then determining how to use it, outside laws passed and appropriations made by Parliament, and The entire TV Licence regime that was established in 1966 (with just a few amendments) has become obsolete. What is required is not a forcible re-implementation of it, but a root-and-stem review that repeals the existing law and regime, and, if necessary, introduces a new statute and regime that takes the current realities in broadcasting into account.
We will address these matters in turn:
UNCONSTITUTIONALITY AND ILLEGALITY
The Television Licensing Act, 1966 (NLCD 89) and the various Television Licensing Regulations passed under it, provide for the payment of TV Licence Fees for the licensing of the installation and use of television receiving sets. These are to exist and operate under the auspices of a licensing authority that would be either the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation or any other statutory corporation appointed by the Minister by legislative instrument. Every contravention of the Act (including the non-payment of the fee) is an offence punishable by up to a fine of 250 penalty units (GHS3,000) and/or up to one years imprisonment.
The TV Licence Fee is simply a tax for owning or dealing in the affected apparatus. GBC is merely the currently designated body to administer the licences and collect those taxes, as an agent of the government. We are not aware of any statute that gives GBC the power to retain the revenue derived from the tax and then use it for its operations, developing content, sharing with other broadcasters or for any other purpose.
That tax revenue is also not listed as one of the sources of funds of the GBC under section 10 of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation Act, 1968 (NLCD 226). Although that section provides that GBCs funds include moneys accruing to the Corporation in the course of the performance of its functions, tax revenue does not accrue to the GBC and does not fall under this rubric. Similarly, if the Minister were to designate another statutory corporation as the licensing authority under the Act, that entity would not have the right to use the revenue.
Further, that revenue does not constitute GBCs internally generated funds (IGF). Article 176 of the Constitution demands that all revenues or other monies raised or received for the purposes of, or on behalf of, the Government; and any other monies raised or received in trust for, or on behalf of, the Government, must be mandatorily paid into the Consolidated Fund. Exceptions, particularly retentions, are only permitted under an Act of Parliament.
That is why statutes such as the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (Retention of Funds) Act, 2007 (Act 735) and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) contain strict rules on the use of IGFs, and our statute books are replete with specific statutes (too many to be listed here) in which Parliament expressly allows entities to keep all or part of IGFs. We are not aware of any such statute with respect to the GBC.
It is on these bases that we believe that the automatic retention of the TV Licence Fees by the GBC for its purposes is unconstitutional and illegal and we therefore call for that practice to cease forthwith. Absent a specific enabling legislation, all TV Licence Fees collected should be immediately deposited in the Consolidated Fund.
OBSOLENCE
We further contend that both the regime and the law on TV licensing are obsolete for three main reasons:
(i) The Act defines television receiving set as an apparatus CONSTRUCTED SOLELY for the reception of pictures, with or without sound transmitted by radio [Emphasis added.] This means that if the apparatus in use, by its manufacture and technology, is not restricted to only receiving pictures (with or without radio-transmitted sound), but is capable of receiving other signals, that apparatus is not the subject of licensing and consequently the payment of the fee. We think that contrary to your expressed view, the law expressly rules out the vast majority of apparatuses (Smart TVs, phones, pads, tablets, etc.) that are currently in use, and which are manufactured to receive and process more than just pictures. Indeed what may even be called TVs today are not mere linear broadcast receivers and translators of pictures. They are also used to play games, watch movies, project presentations, display location adverts and browse the Internet. The reality is that a strict application of a law that is based on 1966 technology, to 2017 apparatuses would leave the licensing authority with precious little or almost nothing to enforce the licence against.
(ii) With over authorized 505 radio stations (392 operational) and 75 television stations, Ghanaians have a lot of media sources to consume both local/public and international content. This ensures competition that should result in producing quality content. Also, Ghana has recorded a tremendous growth in the number and diversity of media channels, with Ghanaians having countless media sources such as radio, newspaper, magazines, websites and other online platforms. Further, online platforms such as YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and Google ChromeCast are redefining content broadcasting online and pointing to the future of TV broadcasting. All these are available and consumed in Ghana, driving the growth of data usage. There are also cable-TV services in Ghana who broadcast local channels through set-top boxes. Some of these have become the first choice channels for media content consumption, thereby reducing the audience share for traditional TV transmission. Evidently, GBC is not the only TV media source where public information is consumed for it to warrant an automatic right to TV Licence Fees and to be able to produce and broadcast public information. Further, not all Ghanaians or TV owners in Ghana will consume GTVs content.
(iii) GBC (managers of GTV) is a commercial broadcaster. For years, it enjoyed an absolute monopoly in television broadcasting and the income from adverts and sponsored contents. Now it has competition and is faltering. Compelling Ghanaians to pay TV Licence Fees to GBC is grossly unfair and anti-competitive. Announcing the setting up of a court for these purposes sends the wrong signal to Ghanaians, that draconian steps are being taken to use the judiciary a tool of enforcement of a grossly unpopular tax. If GBC is unable to be profitable, in spite of years of government subvention and TV Licence Fees, then it may be time to consider selling it.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the world of television has moved from being analogue to the digital sphere. The rules have changed. In a world of digitisation, Ghana should be thinking of laws and policies that look into the future, and seek to create the enabling smart digital environment for prosperity and opportunities for all. You cannot, in 2017, be seeking to implement laws based on obsolete and currently inapplicable 1966 technology and then seek to punish Ghanaians for not complying with it. That is why we are advocating the repeal of the 1966 law and regime, and if necessary, the enactment of new laws that take the new realities into account.
Yours in the Service of God and Country.
OccupyGhana
Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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Management of Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has served notice of shutting down the Accra Desalination Plant that supplies water to Teshie, Nungua and other surrounding communities in the Greater Accra Region.
According to the GWCL, the decision has become necessary due to challenges associated with the management of the plant, which has resulted in an erratic supply of water to the beneficiary communities.
A statement signed by the Head of Communications of GWCL, Stanley Martey, said Teshie, Nungua and other communities which are served by the plant would be put on alternative sources on rationing basis.
The affected areas are Teshie, Nungua, Sakumuno, Laashibi, Communities 16, 17, and 18, Adogorno, Baatsonaa, Coastal Estates, Greda Estates, Regimanuel Estates all along the Spintex Road and surrounding communities.
The statement indicated that effective January 1, 2018, the affected communities will be served on Wednesdays and on weekends (Fridays to Sundays) from the alternative sources.
It said management of the company was taking adequate steps to resolve the issues and pleaded with its customers to bear with his outfit.
Management of GWCL regrets any inconvenience that this arrangement may cause to our cherished customers. Its for a good purpose, Mr Stanley Martey said.
The Accra Desalination Plant was commissioned in April 2015 under President Mahamas erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, to process sea water into potable water for residents of the afore-mentioned areas.
The plant has been described by the Minister of Sanitation, Joseph Kofi Adda, as a white elephant due to chronic challenges facing its operations.
Ghana Water Company claims that it is incurring hefty losses in operating the plant while the private firm contracted to operate it is raking in more profit.
The situation has forced the Public Utility Workers Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to call on the government to revise the contract signed with the private firm (Messrs Befessa), which requires the GWCL to pay the capacity charge of US$ 1.4 million per month to the firm.
This charge is payable, whether the plant is working or not.
Again, GWCL is obliged to pay the electricity bills of the desalination plant which stands at an average of GH3 million per month (for 2017).
Meanwhile, former Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing in the Mahama-led administration, Sampson Ahi, has indicated that Ghana Water Company Limited should be blamed for the poor state of the Teshie water processing plant.
Speaking to Joy FM, he said the plant was also built to distribute water to industries in Tema for a hefty fee and not just the local domestic consumers, but the water company took no steps to that effect.
Source: Daily Guide
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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has put a hold on the compulsory levying of vehicle owners to get first aid kits as a prerequisite for the annual vehicle registration process.
The DVLA unilaterally imposed the sale of first aid boxes at GH108 on drivers and vehicle owners desiring to renew documents and licences, leading to mass protests.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union described the imposition as daylight robbery and will resist its implantation.
Vice Chairman of the GPRTU, Mr. Robert Sarbah who described the imposition as a criminal act, said neither the union or its members were briefed about it and maintained that they will go to all lengths to resist implementation.
In a statement copied to peacefmonline.com, the DVLA said it had suspended and put on definite hold the sale of the kits as a result of public outcry and concern".
The Governing Board of the DVLA acknowledges that there has not been the necessary public education, discussion and sensitization with relevant stakeholders. The Board therefore would want to advised our patronizing clients/customers that the introduction of the First Aid Kit has been suspended and put on definite hold. We unreservedly apologise to the general public for any inconvenience occasioned the statement added.
Source: Peacefmonline.com
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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President Nana Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo have paid a visit to Ghanas oldest medical practitioner, Dr Emmanuel Evans-Anfom.
The president and his wife visited the veteran medical practitioner at his residence on Tuesday to wish him a happy New Year.
Dr Evans-Anfom, 98, is one of the most respected medical practitioners in Ghana, having served as a medical doctor for over three decades.
However, he has not been well in recent months, with his illness keeping him on his sick bed.
The president and first lady, therefore, deemed it fit to pay him a visit to find out how he was faring and to thank him for his service to the nation over the years.
President Akufo-Addo meets Ghanas oldest medical practitioner, one of Dr Evans-Anfoms sons, Nii Teiko Evans-Anfom, posted photos of the visit on his Facebook page while reveling in the moment.
The post was accompanied by the words: when the president and first lady dropped by to wish Ghanas oldest medical practitioner a happy New Year.
Many Ghanaians were pleased with President Akufo-Addos gesture and praised him and his wife for taking such a step. Others also thanked the president for making time for a national treasure like Evans-Anfom, while urging him to lead the way in recognising and honouring national heroes.
Dr Evans-Anfom was not only a medical practitioner but also the author of many books, which endeared him to many people around the world.
Source: yen
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Obrempong Akwasi Amo Kyeretwie, Chief of Akyem-Abirem in the Eastern Region, has lauded the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), for the relentless onslaught against illegal mining, which has led to cleaner water bodies in the country.
Our rivers are clean now and we appreciate your efforts executed through the Operation Vanguard Task Force, the Chief who is also the Acting Gyasehene of the Kotoku Traditional Area, remarked.
This was when General Obed Boamah Akwa, the CDS and Mr David Asante Apeatu, the IGP, visited personnel of the Eastern Region Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Akyem-Abirem.
The CDS and the IGP, took turns to thank the Chiefs of the Kotoku Traditional Area for their support and called for more collaboration in the fight to flush out the illegal miners to bounce back water bodies and their biodiversity.
Later at separate durbars with personnel of the Task force in the Ashanti, Western and Eastern Regions, all illegal mining areas, the CDS and IGP disclosed that more Naval personnel as well as Engineers from the Ghana Army and Marine Police would join the Taskforce to help flush out all illegal miners operating on water bodies
The upsurge in mad rush for gold over a decade ago led to thousands of illegal miners, including some foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, invading the gold deposit belt of the country to prospect for gold, giving rise to an imminent threat of Ghanas water resources running dry in a few years.
Through an illegal Chang-fa technology, an alluvial gold mining equipment, usually referred to by locals in the mining areas as toutou, involving digging for gold in the river bed, most of the water sources for millions of the citizenry, such as River Pra, Ankobra, Birim, Tano, Bia, Offin and Pra, became heavily polluted.
The pollution of water sources due to such activities also largely took a toll on potable water supply to an extent that water treatment plants had to be shut down one after the other almost every time by the Ghana Water Company Limited, in charge of the countrys water treatment and distribution.
However, through the assiduous work of a military/police task force, Operation Vanguard, about 2,044, called Chang-fa, which used to be floating on Ghanaian rivers, have been immobilized and intercepted in these three Regions.
Information from the Ghana Water Company Limited has also confirmed that, the turbidity of our water bodies has improved.
The use of more chemicals to treat water that goes to individual homes, has also been reduced.
Source: GNA
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Acting New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Freddie Blay says he is ready to provide legal services to individuals who risk prosecution for corruption-related activities by the yet-to-be-appointed Special Prosecutor to approach his chambers for legal representation.
He said his law firm is will provide legal representation to anyone, including former government appointees who will be wrongfully accused of causing financial loss to the state.
Speaking on Asempa FM Tuesday, the former lawmaker said he has no interest in who is prosecuted.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given his assent to the Office of Special Prosecutor Bill passed by Parliament in November last year.
This kicks into action processes to fully set up the Office and to appoint the individual who will undertake the prosecution of corrupt officials.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said the government's anti-corruption campaign is likely to target its members, with suspicions the prosecutor may be an NPP member.
NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia has said the appointment of an NPP member as the prosecutor will amount to a waste of the nation's "time and resources."
Responding to the claim, Mr Blay said the appointment process will be transparent to allow Parliament to thoroughly vet the nominee.
"We want to make it independent just like in other countries. We all have to work towards that to make sure it succeeds, " he said.
But the Special Prosecutor will neither be subjected to the whims or caprices of the president, he added.
It will not be subject to any control by anybody, not even the presidents office, and that is what the president has decided to happen,
Source: myjoyonline.com
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Pro-NPP Pressure group, Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG), has described as needless the decision by the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, to set up special courts to prosecute persons who refuse to pay the mandatory TV license.
According to the group, it was surprising that Ghana had embraced the move to fine or jail persons who default in the payment of the fees when most countries were gradually moving towards abolishing the fees.
In a release copied to citifmonline.com, AFAG said, Ghanaians will not be bullied into paying this fee adding that AFAG will resist any attempt to surcharge smartphone users with TV license fees.
It said it remained resolute in its position that the demand for TV license from Ghanaians was wrong and must not be pursued by the government.
AFAG is totally opposed to a TV license regime from an obsolete Television licensing ACT 1966 (NLCD) the statement noted.
New Patriotic Party member and former Danquah Institute Director, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko has also kicked against the use of courts to ensure payment of the fees, although he approves of the need to pay the fees.
Read the full statement below:
Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) has learnt with mirth a move by the Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo to set up a special TV License Court to deal with people who refuse to pay the mandatory TV license.
In an era where countries across the world are either abolishing the TV license fees in countries like Finland and Iceland, or reducing it considerably (Poland, Germany) because of a high evasion rate.
Others such as China, Uganda, Canada, India, Australia, USA, Brazil and Russia are countries with no TV license fees. it is interesting to know that Ghana would rather criminalize her citizens over a system that is being abandoned all over the world.
The UK model, which the Ghanaian system is modelled after, is completely different.
This is because, unlike the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation which generates income from commercial activities like advertisements and announcements and also receives yearly subvention from the government, the local public broadcaster in the UK doesnt have advertising or subscription as part of its funding mix.
AFAGs position on the compulsory TV license remains unchanged.
We continue to maintain that Ghanaians will not be bullied into paying this fee.
The world is at a stage where the speed of broadband is going up, and ownership of devices connected to the internet has increased, with people at home possibly watching live TV on devices other than the TV, would they also be billed with a license fee? we hope not.
In the unlikely event, any attempt to charge users on mobile phone for using their devices to watch TV will also be resisted.
This TV license policy has been on the drawing board since 3 years ago.
AFAG opposed attempts to introduce it in 2015. We will oppose it on any day and indeed not now.
It is expected that revenue will be shared in percentage terms among Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), 72%, Ghana Independent Broadcasting Association (GIBA), 15%, National Media Commission (NMC), 4%, Media Development Fund, 4%, Films Fund, 2% and Management of TV Licence Fee (GBC), 3%.
Obviously, the state broadcaster is the target.
AFAG however proposed that, the ministry of information holds a stakeholder forum involving Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), National Media Commission (NMC), the Independent broadcasters association including CSOs and the ministry of finance to draw a road-map on how to charge the consolidated fund for media development.
This fund may be applied to sponsor or support media (television/radio/print/electronic) houses whose specific program promotes Ghanaian values or target minority groups development. Its a matter of priority!
Be it as it may, we expect the government to explore ways of resourcing the state broadcaster either wholly by the state as stated earlier or through all forms of public-private partnerships as we move GBC to a very independent status.
The government may also consider a private management of GBC.
GBC is endowed with land mass, infrastructure, human resources, logistics and wide coverage of its network. Why is GBC struggling financially? Mr. President if the daily graphic among its competitors remains autonomous and self-funding, then GBC can copy same in the midst of competition.
Otherwise, we blame its poor state on management and the lack of clarity for resource allocation from the state or through an appropriate funding mix involving the private sector.
AFAG is totally opposed to a TV license regime from an obsolete Television licensing ACT 1966 (NLCD).
How much is the TV license fee?
GBC officially reintroduced the collection of the TV Licence fees in 2015 after years of putting it on hold due to non-payments.
While domestic TV users are to pay between GH36 and GH60 for one or more TV sets in the same house every year, TV set repairers and sales outlets are to pay an annual sum of between GHc60 to GHc240.
For commercial TV operators, they are to pay GHc36 per annum for each TV set.
GBC had in the last two years since the re-introduction, appealed to Ghanaians to voluntarily make their payments.
Opposition to payments
Meanwhile, some Ghanaians have kicked against the payments accusing GBC of not providing compelling content to motivate them to pay the fees.
Others are paying
Despite the seeming opposition to the payment of the fees, some Ghanaians have begun its payment. Some social media users have shared photos of themselves making payment of the fees at various collection points.
Others who try to use the online and mobile portal to make payment have however said their efforts have been futile.
The GBC Director-General had earlier said the Police Service will help in the pursuit of persons who refuse to pay their TV licence fees.
Dr. Annof-Ntow said the police involvement is to help forestall further challenges with the collection of the fees.
We made a formal appeal not only to the court, but also to the IGP because we anticipated that we were going to hit a snag and some people will deliberately refuse to pay. So from where we sit, Im delighted at the fact that the Chief Justice has granted our request. What it means therefore is that, this is an encouragement for everybody to go and pay the television licence.
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Mr James Enu, the 2016 National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary candidate for Tema West Constituency has stated that the NDC can win the 2020 polls hands down if they are able to put their acts together.
He said the President Akufo-Addos administration had been hit by corruption, nepotism and massive incompetence thereby placing regrets on the faces of Ghanaians who voted them into power in 2016.
Unless the NPP rigs the 2020 election or the impossible happens, there is no way the NDC will remain in opposition beyond 2020. Mr Enu stated at the sidelines of a New Year Party he had organised for members of his Party in Tema.
Now, the only thing that can stand between the NDC and victory in 2020 is the NDC itself complacency, backbiting, unnecessary squabbles and lack of vigilance these are what we should guard against, he added.
The lawyer called on the rank and file of the party to soul-search and winnow out negativities.
The party was used to commemorate Gods grace and to show appreciation to supporters and admirers for their unflinching support.
Mr Enu said the Ghanaian voters disappointment with the NPP government could be felt in the air throughout the country, adding everywhere you go, the common complaint is that life has become unbearable Electricity, fuel and transportation have become more expensive. Rather than all the big things that the NPP promised in opposition it is this serious hardship that it has brought the people.
If there is anybody who is still singing the praises of the NPP at this stage, just do a background check on the person and you will realise that he is an NPP fanatic.
He urged Ghanaians not to give up hope, saying that even though three more years of the NPP governance looked like suicide, 2020 would surely come and bring with it the opportunity to vote out the NPP.
For members of the great NDC, I call for hard work and focus, like I said, with the unprecedented incompetence, nepotism corruption and hardship that the NPP has inflicted on Ghanaians, it will take only the NDC itself to deny itself of victory in 2020.
He said it was only the NDC that had a support base of at least 45 per cent of voters, adding that the five percent and one vote that would be required to get the party elected is already in the basket if the NDC can hold on to it.
Reacting to the claims of the 2016 Tema West NDC Parliamentary candidate in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after orgnaising a similar party for his supporters, Mr Dennis Amfo Sefa, an aspiring Tema West NPP Constituency Chairman said he was not surprised as the defeated NDC Parliamentary candidate was yet to recover from the humiliating defeat that they suffered in 2016.
I will start from his own background Lawyer James Enu lost the Tema West seat to Mr Carlos Ahenkorah of the NPP by over 16,000 votes. On the Presidential level, John Mahama lost by almost one million votes which is unprecedented.
The question is when such losers speak and declare themselves victorious in future rather than in the present, do you take them serious? Lets not forget that these are the same people who said they were in a comfortable lead even when it was clear that they had lost the 2016 election, he said.
The aspiring NPP Constituency Chairman, popularly known as Nana Boakye said it was pre-matured to judge President Akufo-Addos government with just one year, when he had the mandate for four years, based on which it could be renewed.
It is said that it is an unwise person who judges a book by its cover. The NPP has been in power for only one year.
In this first year, all we have been doing is cleaning up the mess that you people left behind. How do you use only one year to judge a government when the mandate is for four years?
And when Lawyer Enu says that the NPP is corrupt he expects us to take him seriously, when he is a member of the NDC? This is the party that is notorious for so much corruption
Mr Sefa urged Ghanaians to disregard the NDC and their propaganda re-echoing President Akufo-Addos promise that in the coming year, Ghanaians will get to know who the real corrupt people are.
From next year, when the prosecutions begin, we will see who the real thieves and criminals are in this country, he added.
Source: GNA
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Dr. Bawumia has given the assurance that the country will witness a major decline in the corruption indexes due to the existence of the Special Prosecutor whose mandate is to help fight corruption and ensure prudent use of the country's resources
Delivering a speech at the 86th Annual National Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission on Thursday, January 4, 2018 under the theme "Ensuring a Disciplined Society: The Role of Religion", Dr. Bawumia stated emphatically that the Special Prosecutor Act is a "significant step in the presidents determination to fight corruption in the public life of our dear nation".
To him, the Act is the antidote to corruption in the country.
"...Both past and present public officers will be under the microscope and held to account for their actions..." he said.
President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 signed the Special Prosecutor Bill and four others into law.
The five bills into law are the office of the Special Prosecutor Bill, The Northern Development Authority Bill, Coastal Development Authority Bill, Middle Belt Development Authority Bill and the Zongo Development Fund Bill.
Dr Bawumia believes the Special Prosecutor Act will put public officersin check as government buckles up to fight against corruption.
"Signing of the Special Prosecutor Bill into law is a significant step in the presidents determination to fight corruption in the public life of our dear nation".
He further touched on the Northern Development Authority, Coastal Development Authority and Middle Belt Development Authority Acts which he emphasized "will manage the cedi equivalent of $1 million allocation to every constituency to undertake basic infrastructure projects. This is aimed at enhancing bottom-up development by increasing economic activity at the local level, and can only be achieved with significant levels of discipline and commitment".
The Akufo-Addo administration, he added, has enacted the Zongo Development Fund Bill "to utilize resources prudently to benefit deprived communities" and improve the lives of residents at Zongo communities.
"The Government of Nana Akufo-Addo is committed to building a robust economy to provide equal opportunity for all Ghanaians by rolling out some bold policy initiatives. These initiatives require high levels of collaboration, commitment and discipline to be successful", he assured.
Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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In its desperate bid to hang on to power, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) purportedly devised various means aimed at winning the 2016 general elections.
It has emerged that in the heat of the campaign towards the general elections, the then NDC government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, almost succeeded in printing a whopping GH1 billion into the system to finance the NDC campaign.
The deal, involving the printing of GH50 notes to the tune of GH1 billion, however, failed to go through at the eleventh hour because the official printer of Ghanas currency in Europe Crane allegedly refused to get involved, citing criminality.
The surreptitious deal involved flooding the market with the extra cash, passing it through non-conventional means, for vote buying and other matters bordering on criminality.
The NDC operatives reportedly cooked the deal from the Flagstaff House in Accra and was said to have been done on the blind side of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), whose Governor at the time was Dr Abdul Nashiru Issahaku a close associate of then President Mahama.
However, it is not clear whether the former Governor sanctioned the criminal idea, but according to sources, one of his deputies was neck-deep in the shady deal in collaboration with some senior appointees at the presidency at the time.
According to sources, National Security radar has picked the case for investigation.
The Flagstaff House elements at all material times were using the said deputy governor as the conduit for the alleged criminal deal and did not want it to go through the official banking processes of currency printing.
The huge amount was all supposed to be in GH50 denomination as insisted by the Flagstaff House kingpins, although the connection man, a Nigerian whose name was given as Lukman Lawal, had advised that the printing should be done in smaller denominations like GH5 to avoid detection.
DAILY GUIDE has gathered that the said Lawal met officials of Crane a Swedish firm believed to be in-charge of printing Ghanas currency several times in Geneva, Switzerland and London ahead of the supposed printing, but the key agent between Ghana and the printing firm refused, insisting it was a criminal action.
Later when the deputy governor was queried about the whole deal, he allegedly claimed that pressure was mounted on him from the Flagstaff House and mentioned a top Mahama aide, who is a former manager of a radio station, as one of the people behind the deal.
According to sources, the Nigerian was going to fly his private jet from Houston, Texas, United States, to meet the Crane officials and fly the money to Africa and would eventually use Ghanas presidential jet to transfer it into the country from Nigeria without the approval of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
More anon
Source: Daily Guide
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The Acting National Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay, is optimistic President Akufo-Addo will create opportunities for Ghanaians in 2018.
Although many expectations have not been met since the party assumed power, there is the need for all and sundry to have faith in the great leader we fought to serve, according to him.
Mr Blay, in a New Year message to Ghanaians, called on the citizenry, particularly NPP faithful, to surmount the numerous challenges.
He asked Ghanaians to take consolation in the fact that the nation has a listening and working government with the spirit of servitude which puts the citizens first.
Lets brace ourselves for the greater opportunities that lie ahead of us this New Year, tap into all not just to better our lives but that of others around us, he underscored.
He thanked the party members for their sacrifices and selfless support that have strengthened the NPP.
Together, we fought our way back from eight years in opposition. Along the line, we lost soldiers of the patriotic army for change. May their selfless souls rest in perfect peace.
The NPP Chairman said the party members must protect one another, care for the sick, feed the hungry and welcome strangers no matter where they come from.
Those are the values that guide us as humans because our greatest responsibility is to serve, Mr Blay disclosed.
2018 will bring all Ghanaians joy, peace, fulfilment and above all the heart to look out for one another.
Source: Daily Guide
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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Both the newly-hatched baby chicks and the slide for the ducklings have been unveiled at the 2018 Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg.
The baby birds were on display at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center on Cameron Street following a presentation with Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, who spoke about connecting the food at the Farm Show with the food sources from Pennsylvania farms.
As in past years, there was also a chick hatch contest with a group of media personalities and public officials. The first egg to hatch was the one claimed by Matt Barcaro of TV news station WGAL, the area NBC affiliate. A donation of $1,000 was made in Barcaro's name to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.
The baby ducks and chicks will be on display in the Exposition Hall near the Food Court.
For more Farm Show updates and announcements, check out the following stories:
A sharply divided state court panel refused Thursday to grant worker's compensation to a Children & Youth Services worker who claimed she is psychologically disabled by the death of a 2-month-old child.
While horrific, the death of a child doesn't constitute an "abnormal working condition" that would justify awarding such benefits to someone in the children's services field, Judge Patricia H. McCullough found in the Commonwealth Court opinion.
The case centered on what happened to Lauren Griffin, a caseworker with Luzerne County CYS, when the baby in her care was killed in February 2014.
The night before the death, Griffin visited the infant's Nanticoke home, held the child and found the boy to be healthy. Hours later, the baby's mother closed him in a recliner and left him there to die.
On appeal to the state court, Griffin argued that the incident caused her nightmares, insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder.
She appealed to Commonwealth Court after a worker's compensation judge and the Workers Compensation Appeals Board rejected her plea for benefits on grounds that her experience wasn't abnormal for her profession.
"There can be no dispute that the death of a child under one's care or supervision is a horrific act," McCullough wrote in backing the benefit denial. "Nor is it disputed that case workers like (Griffin) regularly encounter disturbing and sometimes life-threatening situations."
An important factor, she added, is that Griffin "did not directly experience a traumatic event at work. ... (She) was not present and did not witness the death of the baby."
Judge Joseph M. Cosgove strongly dissented, saying he would have awarded benefits.
"I believe the circumstances surrounding this tragedy constitute abnormal working conditions," he wrote. "This is a tragic case and denying (Griffin) compensation only exacerbates it."
Court records show the baby's mother, Tracey Gonda, 44, pleaded guilty to child endangerment and was sentenced to 15 months to 5 years in prison. The father, Corey Eckrote, 52, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment and received a 2- to 6-year jail term.
WILLIAMSPORT -- Officially the 1992 disappearance of Dawn Marie Miller is listed as an open case but the Lycoming County detective investigating it the past 10 years says it is solved.
Detective Kenneth L. Mains laments he was unable to get former Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller to approve charges.
"It's not up to me to approve charges or sign off on an affidavit of probable cause," said the founder of the American Investigative Society of Cold Cases and a nationally known consultant
"It isn't my job to prosecute or convict. It isn't my job to sentence someone either. It is my job to solve the case, period. That has been done."
With Parks Miller out of office, Mains said he would welcome the opportunity to discuss the case with the new District Attorney Bernie Cantorna. Cantorna declined comment on the case.
Miller, 22, of Williamsport, was last seen Oct. 24, 1992, leaving the former Bellefonte Academy Apartments in Bellefonte with two men in a 1982 Datsun 210 brown or maroon station wagon.
Her boyfriend Greg Emel, with whom she was living after an argument with her mother, became the prime suspect.
He committed suicide Oct. 15, 2008 about six months after Mains said he interviewed him.
Shortly after Emel died, a second person admitted he was present when Miller was killed, Mains said.
The man, who is no longer cooperating with authorities, identified the killer and showed where the body supposedly was buried in a shallow grave in the Jacksonville Quarry area near Bellefonte, he said.
A cadaver dog made a hit at that location but despite countless hours of searching and exhaustive digging, Miller's body has never been found.
The detective believes there is sufficient evidence to charge that individual at least with gross abuse of corpse but he said Parks Miller would not sign off.
It was her opinion the statute of limitations has expired. Mains disagrees since the charge would be linked to a homicide.
"I don't make it a habit to second guess her or any attorney about the law just as I wouldn't want them to second guess me about how to do an investigation," he said.
Mains maintains contact with Miller's mother and said, "I still walk the woods where I believe she is buried hoping to find her and bring closure to Dawn's family."
"I deeply regret we were unable to locate her body for her family," Parks Miller said.
Miller's disappearance is a Williamsport case because police there got the initial missing person report.
That was a ruse developed by the person who took her life to mislead investigators, Parks Miller said. "This is a Centre County homicide case," she said.
It had been dormant until 2007 when Mains, a Williamsport officer then, said he discovered information about it on the Internet and asked permission to look into it.
"It upset me tremendously that no one was working on the case and even more that no one even knew we had a missing person named Dawn Marie Miller."
Chief David Young said he cannot speak about procedures a decade ago but today all major unsolved cases including missing persons are reviewed every six months.
"Kenny was ruthless in this case," said Sunbury Police Chief Timothy S. Miller, the lead investigator in another cold case. The two worked together on the force in Williamsport.
Detective. Kenneth L. Mains
The Dawn Miller case is included in Mains' book released in May entitled "UNSOLVED NO MORE: A Cold Case Detective's Fight For Justice."
The book, available at www.kennethmains.com, describes the challenges and frustrations of trying to crack a cold case.
It also tells about his personal journey to where he is today that includes putting himself through college to earn a criminal justice degree after being discharged from the Marines.
He quit his job as a Williamsport police officer after being denied permission to help investigate on his own time the still-unsolved murder of a mother and daughter.
Mains took a cut in pay to become a county detective to work on that case.
His work has taken him to the West Coast where he is part of a detective team that believes it may be able to identify the "Zodiac Killer," who is blamed for a series of slayings and mystifying riddles in the late 1960s and 1970s in northern California.
The team of which Mains is a member says DNA extracted from one of the murder victim's clothing may help identify the killer who claimed as many as 37 victims.
The team's investigative work was featured in a recent five-part History Channel series called "The Hunt for the Zodiac Killer."
Cold cases like the Zodiac Killer and JFK's assassination have intrigued him since he was a young boy, Mains said.
"I am determined to be the voice of the lost and forgotten," he says.
Federal prosecutors have charged a midstate asbestos removal contractor with violating environmental protection and worker safety laws and hiring "unauthorized" aliens.
Records show Charles R. Powers Jr. already has struck a tentative agreement to plead guilty to the charges filed in U.S. Middle District Court in Harrisburg. Powers is president of York-based First Capital Insulation Inc.
The U.S. Attorney's Office accuses Powers of violating the law on jobs in Berwick and Harrisburg.
The Berwick project involved the demolition of a former weaving mill to make way for construction of an elementary school for Berwick Area School District. First Capital was hired to remove asbestos from a boiler and piping in the mill for nearly $218,000.
Federal law requires that asbestos be wetted during removal to prevent the hazardous particles from becoming airborne. The waste also is required to be carefully packaged and marked with warning labels.
Investigators, working on a tip from a union organizer, inspected the Berwick job in February 2015 found that no wetting of the asbestos was done during the removal process and that the waste was simply put into unmarked bags, charging documents state.
The feds also claim Powers hired three unauthorized immigrants from Ecuador for the Berwick job without checking to verify their bogus Social Security numbers and faked state asbestos contractor licenses.
In addition, Powers is charged with making false statements to OSHA regarding required testing of the fit of respirators for workers on an asbestos removal job in Harrisburg in 2015.
The tentative plea agreement calls for Powers to plead guilty to the charges, which carry a possible penalty of up to 10 1/2 years in prison and $504,313 in fines. The proposed deal does not contain any promise for a specific sentence.
The agreement won't become final unless it is approved by Senior Judge Sylvia H. Rambo.
The federal government has penalized 32 Pennsylvania hospitals for high rates of infections and injuries that took place in the facilities.
They are among 751 hospitals around the country being penalized by way of reduced payments from Medicare. The penalties result from a four-year-old program that's part of the Affordable Care Act and intended to prod hospitals into making reduction of such incidents a higher priority.
Seventeen of the Pennsylvania hospitals that were penalized were also penalized the previous year.
The penalty amounts to 1 percent of the money hospitals receive from Medicare. In 2015, when 39 Pennsylvania hospitals were penalized, it cost them an estimated $19 million.
Hospitals were penalized for having higher rates of infections related to certain catheters and intravenous lines, certain surgeries and MRSA and c-diff infections. They also reflect higher rates of certain hospital injuries, such as bed sores and hip fractures from falls at the hospital.
An analysis by Kaiser Health News found that hospitals which treat higher proportions of people with lower incomes were more likely to be fined than hospitals that mostly serve people who are better off.
Kaiser further wrote: "The penalties have been controversial from the beginning. The hospital industry faults them as unfairly punishing hospitals that treat sicker patients and those that do a better job of identifying infections and other patient complications. Patient advocates say that, while not perfect, the penalties have been a valuable prod to make hospital executives consider more than the bottom line."
PITTSBURGH -- Area residents covered by Highmark will have continued in-network access to some specialized UPMC facilities, including Western Psychiatric Institute and some transplant and cancer services, under an agreement announced Thursday.
The agreement also preserves continued network access for Highmark members to assorted hospitals UPMC has acquired around the state, including a cluster in the Harrisburg region and central Pennsylvania.
The agreement is one more fallout of the dispute that led UPMC to cut off in-network access to people covered by Highmark health insurance in the Pittsburgh area. In 2014, the dispute led to a state-brokered consent decree which ensured Highmark members continued access to certain specialized UPMC facilities and services.
However, the decree expires in June, 2019; the agreement announced Thursday by Gov. Tom Wolf preserves access for Highmark members after it expires.
In the Pittsburgh area, it ensures in-network access to:
Western Psychiatric Institute
UPMC Center for Assistive Technology
UPMC Center for Excellence for treatment of Cystic Fibrosis
Certain highly specialized transplant services only available through UPMC
Selected UPMC Joint Ventures with community facilities, including oncology
Highmark members also have continued access to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, although it comes by a way of an existing agreement.
The new agreement further assures continued in-network Highmark member access to assorted other hospitals acquired by UPMC around the state if the UPMC hospital is the only one in the community.
In the Harrisburg Region, that includes the former Carlisle Regional, Lancaster Regional, Heart of Lancaster Region, Hanover and York Memorial hospitals. Elsewhere, it includes hospitals in the Altoona, Bedford and Williamsport areas.
UPMC has said it had no plans to cut off access to those hospitals, including those that were part of the former PinnacleHealth System now owned by UPMC. However, Tom Fitzpatrick, Highmark's senior vice president for contracting, said Highmark members in various communities around the state had heart about the situation in Pittsburgh and worried about losing access to their local hospital.
"It's very important for those people to know they will have network access to those facilities that are the sole source of care in those communities," Fitzpatrick said in an interview Thursday.
The new agreement assures access through 2024 or 2025, depending on the hospital, he said. Now, as a result of the new agreement and already-existing contracts, people covered by Highmark have access to all UPMC hospitals in central Pennsylvania, including UPMC Pinnacle's Harrisburg, West Shore and Community General Osteopathic hospitals in the Harrisburg area, and the UPMC Susquehanna hospitals in the Williamsport area.
Note: this article was updated to clarify that people covered by Highmark now have long-term assurances of access to all UPMC Pinnacle hospitals and UPMC Susquehanna hospitals.
A middle school teacher who was fired when he flunked a drug test and admitted using cocaine has failed to convince a state appeals court to give him his job back.
Instead, in a ruling issued Thursday, the Commonwealth Court panel rejected Timothy Metz's argument that Bethlehem Area School District officials violated his rights by requiring him to submit to the testing.
Metz's drug-related downfall began in January 2016 when district officials received a copy of a letter that was addressed to a lawyer representing him in a child custody dispute.
That letter stated that a drug test Metz had taken as part of the custody process had registered positive for cocaine metabolites, Senior Judge Dan Pellegrini noted in the state court's opinion. Metz's doctor then told school officials that Metz was taking medication that would trigger a false positive for marijuana use.
Pellegrini noted that Metz, a physical education teacher at East Hills Middle School, at first refused orders by district officials to submit to another drug test. He eventually complied, however, and again registered a positive for cocaine use.
The state judge cited later testimony by Metz that he had used cocaine at a Super Bowl party. Metz denied being an addict, however, and said he was never intoxicated at work, Pellegrini wrote.
"He also admitted that he would teach his own students that cocaine is 'a dangerous drug that should not be used'," the judge added.
Metz appealed to Commonwealth Court after the state's education secretary upheld the school district's decision to fire him for "willful neglect of duty and immorality."
Metz urged the state court to void his firing and find the district's demands that he undergo drug testing violated his civil rights because there was no justification for the requests.
Pellegrini disagreed, finding there was ample reasonable suspicion to warrant the demand that Metz submit to the drug screening.
It's pretty safe to say that there are a lot of people around Washington who watched this week's explosion between President Donald Trump and onetime White House consigliere Stephen K. Bannon with equal degrees of amusement and mystification.
Jeffrey Lord (PennLive file)
You can count Camp Hill's own Trump-whisperer, onetime CNN commentator, Jeffrey Lord, among them.
In a brief phone interview Thursday, the ex-Reagan White House aide said Bannon, the boss of conservative news outlet Breitbart, had nothing to gain by hammering Trump and his inner circle in a new book by journalist Michael Wolff.
"I know Steve Bannon [and] I don't get this," Lord said. "Having worked in the White House myself, when you were there, there was only one person in the building who matters, and that's the elected president."
"There's palace intrigue in every White House," Lord added. "I'm not shocked that there's palace intrigue in the Trump White House."
In "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," Wolff, a columnist for The Hollywood Reporter, paints a picture of an administration riven by chaos, where staffers with wildly divergent agendas jockeyed for position and competed for Trump's ear.
On Wednesday, Trump very publicly broke with Bannon, whom he'd credited as recently as last August for playing an important role in his 2016 win over Hillary Clinton, saying his onetime adviser "had lost his mind."
In Wolff's book, Bannon describes a meeting between Donald Trump Jr., Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and onetime campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and Russian interests "treasonous."
Bannon further describes Ivanka Trump, the president's eldest daughter, as "dumb as a brick," in the book.
Trump was reportedly "furious, disgusted," by Bannon's statements and hit back hard in a written statement, in which he said Bannon had "very little to do with our historic victory," and was "only in it for himself."
Lord said he wasn't surprised by Trump's reaction, since Trump prizes loyalty above all other traits in his advisers. That loyalty, however, is often a one-way street.
"What he sees here is utter and absolute disloyalty and that really does make him angry," Lord said, dismissing Bannon's criticism about treason as "ridiculous."
Late Wednesday, Bannon apparently tried to tamp down some of the controversy. During a radio show, he called Trump "a great man," and said he still supports him.
Bannon was pushed out of his White House job last summer, shortly after the appointment of new White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly. Bannon was also known to be in an ongoing feud with Kushner, Ivanka Trump and ex-White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus.
Nonetheless, days before his exit, Trump praised Bannon as a "good person," and said the press treated him unfairly. After his ouster, Bannon declared that the "Trump presidency that we fought for, and won, is over."
Lord further questioned the business value of Bannon, whose website is popular among Trump's base, picking a fight with the president, who commands an audience of millions thanks to his Twitter feed.
"It would just seem to me that if you are a key part of the Trump movement and put yourself in a position where the people who read your website are being asked to choose between you and Trump, they will go with Trump," Lord said. "I don't understand his logic here."
It probably wasn't the news that Pennsylvania Republicans wanted to hear.
When veteran U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-9th District, announced this week that he wasn't going to seek re-election, it made his the fourth head in a high-profile quartet of retirements that will seriously dilute Pennsylvania's clout and influence on Capitol Hill.
Shuster, of Bedford County, joined U.S. Reps. Charlie Dent, R-15th District; Lou Barletta, R-11th District; and Tim Murphy R-18th District, the former of whom have announced they will not seek re-election. Murphy abruptly resigned last fall amid allegations of sexual impropriety.
And while it's hard to precisely quantify what those retirements might mean for the state in lost federal revenue or the passage of beneficial legislation, it's clear that "seniority matters in Congress," one veteran observer said.
Seniority "might not be as powerful as it once was a generation ago, but it is clearly a key element of power in the institution," said Christopher Borick, a pollster and political science professor at Muhlenberg College in Allentown. "When you lose, on a state level, as many years of seniority as Pennsylvania will lose in the next session, it's a hit.
"These positions these individuals have been on, and their role in the institution is valuable for the state. And when you have an exodus of this size and will be replaced by a slew of freshman representatives, you lose ground," he said.
The retirements create opportunities for other Pennsylvania Republicans, such as U.S. Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-5th District, to move up the seniority food chain. But those four, vacant seats will nonetheless be filled by freshmen who will have to wait their turn for choice assignments, Borick added.
The exits of this quartet of influential legislators also further complicate what's expected to be a difficult 2018 for Pennsylvania Republicans and President Donald Trump's White House.
Meanwhile, three seats in suburban Philadelphia, now held by GOP congressmen, are being targeted by national Democrats as they attempt to shift the balance of power in the Republican-controlled U.S. House.
Shuster, the son of former U.S. Rep. Bud Shuster, chaired the powerful House Transportation Committee (which he was set to exit because of term limits for committee chairman), while Dent headed a subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, where he controlled billions of dollars in spending on defense and veterans-related matters.
Democrats won't have much of an opportunity in Shuster's reliably Republican seat in the heart of Pennsylvania's Trump country. Shuster won 63 percent of the vote in 2016, compared to Hillary Clinton's anemic 27.2 percent.
Barletta, the former mayor of Hazleton, announced he'd give up his seat, which, like Dent's includes a chunk of central Pennsylvania, so he could mount a bid for the Republican nomination to the U.S. Senate.
He won re-election in 2016 with 64 percent of the vote, compared to 36 percent for Clinton.
Dent, who has emerged as a vocal critic of the Trump White House and who has become a near-constant presence on cable news, also chairs the Tuesday Group, an influential bloc of moderate Republicans, who served as a check on the more conservative and rambunctious Freedom Caucus during the debate on the Obamacare repeal last year.
If Democrats are looking to make inroads, they could find fertile territory in the Dent's Lehigh Valley-based district. Dent won re-election with 58 percent of the vote, compared to 44 percent for Clinton in 2016.
But, according to Borick, in wave election years, in which the party of the president takes a serious hit on Capitol Hill, it's open seats such as Dent's, in a historically swing part of the state, that tend to flip.
Democratic and Republican "registration numbers in [Dent's] district are almost even," Borick said. "And without the presence of an incumbent like Charlie Dent, it's a different world."
"All things being equal, [the 15th District] will probably go to the Republicans," he added. "But all things may not be equal in a cycle that doesn't look very promising for Republicans."
Murphy's 18th District seat is a slightly trickier matter. Like Shuster's and Barletta's the western Pennsylvania district is Trump-friendly territory. Murphy faced no opposition in 2016, while Clinton only managed to eke out only 38 percent of the vote.
But at least a half-dozen factors, including the presence of a strong Democratic challenger; a Republican enthusiasm gap, and a hostile political climate for Republicans generally, could put the seat in play, veteran analysts Terry Madonna, of Franklin & Marshall College, and Michael L. Young, wrote in an op-Ed this week.
"Democrats have nominated a centrist, former assistant U. S. Attorney, Conor Lamb, the scion of a respected area political family, who will campaign on issues like opioids and infrastructure," Madonna and Young wrote.
"[Lamb] has already moved to mute controversy over polarizing issues such as gun control and abortion. Republicans, however, have nominated a conservative firebrand, Rick Saccone, best known for introducing legislation requiring school districts to post " in God we Trust" in every school. Saccone frequently brags 'I was Trump before Trump was Trump' - while Trump's approval rating in Pennsylvania sags at around 37 percent," the two veteran sages observed.
Pennsylvania retains some clout in the form of long-serving Democratic U.S. Reps. Bob Brady of Philadelphia, and Mike Doyle of Pittsburgh. If Democrats do manage to flip the House this fall, the two Pennsyvlania lawmakers could find themselves decently positioned for choice assignments.
Keystone State? We'll see.
The Famous Five: Oil's key people who could define the market in 2018
Bloomberg
Khalid Al-Falih, Alexander Novak,Tim Dove , Nicolas Maduro , Elon Musk
By Christopher Sell and Grant Smith
LONDON
Petroleumworld 04 01 2018
Will Saudi Arabia and Russia maintain their grip on production, or could they succumb to another surge in U.S. shale? Is it possible for the economic collapse of a major producer to send crude prices soaring, or perhaps Silicon Valley will usher in the end of the combustion engine?
After ending 2017 at a two-year high, oil prices could go either way this year, and these five individuals could play defining roles.
The OPEC Kingpin : Khalid Al-Falih
Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
Saudi Minister of Energy and Industry Khalid Al-Falih is facing a crucial 12 months. Having defied skeptics in 2016 by reversing the kingdom's strategy and sealing the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' first output cut in eight years, the former chairman of Aramco finished last year on another high after securing a deal to extend the curbs to the end of 2018.
Now all Al-Falih has to do is ensure fellow members maintain their pledged cuts, keep Russia invested in the deal, and hope oil prices are high enough to ensure a successful initial public offering of Aramco without spurring another wave of U.S. shale. Simple.
Putin's Oil Man : Alexander Novak
Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
If OPEC-watchers once fixated exclusively on every word of Saudi Arabia, they now obsess over a country that isn't even part of the cartel. Russia's decision last year to join OPEC in cutting oil production, after years of keeping its distance, has been critical in the success of the strategy.
Consequently, crude traders are just as likely to pore over the statements of Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak as of his Saudi counterpart. Novak, 46, has developed a clear personal bond with Al-Falih, helping the two countries to set aside years of mutual distrust and seal a historic cooperation agreement. Their partnership has been so strong that Citigroup Inc. calls it a bromance , but it may be tested by pressure from Russian companies pushing for an early end to the cuts.
The Shale Pioneer: Tim Dove
Eddie Seal/Bloomberg
Growth in U.S. shale output is the biggest wild card for 2018, with estimates from 700,000 barrels a day to more than 1 million, depending on who you ask. At the center of the industry is the Permian in Texas, and Pioneer Natural Resources Co. is one of the biggest acreage holders in the basin.
Its CEO Tim Dove sees the area as the "lifeblood" of U.S. production for many years, forecasting production there will rise to 3.3 million barrels a day this year from about 2.85 million currently. But it's not all plain sailing. The company underperformed the S&P Energy index in the second half of 2017, possibly a victim of investors losing patience with the shale industry as a whole. Still, the company had already locked in selling prices for more than 70 percent of 2018 production as of the third quarter, according to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance survey.
The Latin Strongman: Nicolas Maduro
Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg
Crippling U.S. sanctions, overdue bond payments and dwindling crude production: Venezuela's president Nicolas Maduro has a lot on his plate heading into 2018. Promising a "new oil revolution," the increasingly authoritarian leader named a military general as the nation's chief oil supremo and embarked on a wide-reaching purge of officials at state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA, including two former petroleum ministers.
The Latin American nation's economic crisis has been worsened by dwindling crude output, which fell to 1.86 million barrels a day in November from more than 3 million in 2001. In 2018, the consultant Rystad Energy estimates some crude fields could decline by as much as 30 percent. That would put Venezuela's output well below its OPEC target, meaning the market could be tighter than the group intends.
The Tech Rockstar: Elon Musk
Re-usable rockets and dreams of launching manned flights to Mars have long made Elon Musk a famous name for tech enthusiasts, but 2018 could be the year the oil market really takes notice. The six-foot-two South African entrepreneur hopes that 5,000 units of Tesla Inc. 's new lower-cost Model 3 electric car will roll off the assembly line every week by April. That would be a breakthrough for battery-powered vehicles, bringing what has been a luxury technology to the mass market.
If Musk succeeds, it will surely stoke speculation that electric cars will displace the internal combustion engine faster than expected. Even OPEC has conceded that oil consumption could stagnate in coming decades if battery-powered vehicles go mainstream . For now, oil bulls can take comfort in Tesla's teething troubles -- it's burning through $8,000 a minute and Model 3 deliveries during the third quarter numbered just 260.
Extreme cold weather sinks U.S. natural gas exports to Mexico
Luke Sharrett /Bloomberg
Residential and commercial demand in the Gulf has soared. Gas prices in West Texas hit the highest level in a year
By Ryan Collins
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 04 01 2018
The unusual frigid weather hitting the U.S. Gulf of Mexico has the region burning the most natural gas in a year to stay warm, leaving little fuel to send south of the border.
Residential and commercial demand for gas in the Gulf rose to 5 billion cubic feet a day this week, the highest since last January, according to estimates from Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Spot prices at the Waha Hub in West Texas, which usually trade at a discount to the Henry Hub benchmark in Louisiana, surged to a 69 cent premium , according to Genscape Inc. data. With demand soaring in Texas, gas exports to Mexico on Tuesday dropped to the lowest level since Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf in August.
Frigid temperatures from Texas to New York are shaking up the U.S. gas market. The fuel usually flows to the Gulf from the Northeast, where there are ample supplies, but with demand skyrocketing in the region, flows have actually been reversed, said Het Shah, analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
"It's been so cold in the Northeast that gas has actually been flowing south to north to keep up with the demand," Shah said. "The gas is being reshuffled and moved east and north."
That means Texas is sending a lot less of the fuel out west, usually one of its prime markets. Flows from the Gulf to the Southwest dropped to 72 million cubic feet a day Wednesday, the lowest since March 2015.
Petroleumworld Top Headlines
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Top Headlines 2018 Jan- April
James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram
M ay 12 awaited to see if U.S. withdraws from Iran nuclear deal. WTI is up 4.6% in April, poised for a second monthly advance
By Heesu Lee
SEOUL
Petroleumworld 04 30 2018
Bloomberg
Chevron result took full advantage of crude's price rally. Exxon, in rebuilding mode, misses estimates on production - Bloomberg's Tina Davis reports on Chevron and Exxon Mobil first-quarter earnings.- Video
By Kevin Crowley
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 04 30 2018
Trump's threat to Iran is scaring off oil traders
Uncertainty about Trump sanctions decision damps deal-making. Some buyers see shunning Iran oil to avoid U.S. legal action - Video -Trump says Iran will pay a price if U.S. is threatened.
By Anthony Dipaola
DUBAI
Petroleumworld 04 27 2018
Nile TV
U.S. crude, product exports rise to record 8.3m b/d last week. Higher prices encourage the nation to pump more: Citigroup
By Sharon Cho
SINGAPORE
Petroleumworld 04 27 2018
Bloomberg video
About 279,000 barrels a day of fuel won't be needed this year. China adds a London-sized electric bus fleet every five weeks - Video - Electric Buses Are Hurting the Oil Industry
By Jeremy Hodges
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 04 26 2018
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
James Prokupek (L), an engineering department process design manager for the Valero St. Charles Oil Refiner, is seen in silhouette during a tour of the refinery in Norco, Louisiana, in thi August 15, 2008
By Devika Krishna Kumar
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 04 26 2018
Bloomberg
Shale play in Texas, New Mexico to hit record output in May. Oil patch seen overtaking Iran by the end of the year - XTO Energy President on Unlocking Permian Basin's Potential - Video
By Jessica Summers and Sheela Tobben
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 04 25 2018
The Wall Street Journal / Source: Morgay Stanley/Bloomberg
Holders of oil company's bonds due in 2020 forming a group. Notes are at 86 cents on the dollar, well above other debt
By Katia Porzecanski and Luca Casiraghi
NEW YORK/LONDON
Petroleumworld 04 25 2018
Bloomberg
Nafta optimism overshadows potential risk from Lopez Obrador. Leftist presidential candidate maintains lead in polls. Trio of Ministers leading nafta talks meet Thursday - Video
By Michelle Davis and Liz McCormick
MEXICO CITY/NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 04 24 2018
Los Angeles Time
Chevron employees, Carlos Luis Algarra, refining expert and Rene Vasquez, procurement advisor were detained in Venezuela last week when they refused to sign a supply contract written by PDVSA executives under an emergency decree - which skips the competitive bidding process, according to a half dozen sources close to the case.
By Marianna Parraga and Alexandra Ulmer
HOUSTON/CARACAS
Petroleumworld 04 24 2018
Crude erases gains as Trump accuses group of inflating prices. OPEC, Russia show willingness to keep tightening market. - $70 Per Barrel Target 'More Realistic' for Oil Price, Says Schork -Video
By Angelina Rascouet, Wael Mahdi, Elena Mazneva, and Grant Smith
LONDON
Petroleumworld 04 23 2018
Brett Gundlock/Bloomberg
Unhappy voters. Gas taxes are far higher than in the U.S., while consumption has begun to rise against decreasing production. Will Mexico's new president have an answer?
By Justin Fox
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 04 23 2018
Jornal do Brazil
Brazil's 15th oil & gas licensing round was consider very succesfull by the Brazilian government, oil company executives and experts who attended the event March 29.
By Marta Nogueira, Alexandra Alper
RIO DE JANEIRO
Petroleumworld 03 30 2018
CNN
Prices rise 5.4 percent in March, erasing February loss.
By Apeksha Nair
BENGALURU, India
Petroleumworld 03 30 2018
ANP
The ANP to hold Thursday, march 29, 2018, the 15th Round of Bids for the Exploration and Production of Oil and Natural Gas, under the concession regime.
By Petroleumworld
CARACAS
Petroleumworld 03 29 2018
Oil companies raise issue with contaminated crude from U.S. SPR reserve
Reuters/Richard Carson
A sign listing contents of an oil storage tank seen during a tour by the Department of Energy at the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Freeport, Texas, U.S. June 9, 2016.
By Catherine Ngai
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 03 29 2018
CNH
Shell, BP, Total, Repsol, Eni, Lukoil among auction winners. Mexico awards development licenses for 16 shallow-water blocks.
By Amy Stillman and Adam Williams
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 03 28 2018
epmag
Twenty-one companies including Chevron, BP, Exxon, Royal Dutch Shell, Statoil, and Total have registered to bid in a round where 70 blocks are being offered.
By Marta Nogueira and Rodrigo Viga Gaier
RIO DE JANEIRO
Petroleumworld 03 28 2018
Bloomberg
China's Shanghai International Energy Exchange is launching its own crude oil future contract. Yuan-denominated contract begins trading in Shanghai Monday. Domestic futures start 25 years after idea was first mooted. - Video
By Grant Clark and Sungwoo Park
LONDON/LOS ANGELES
Petroleumworld 03 27 2018
Brazil's giant's hunger for foreign gas ebbs amid oil boom
Eddie Seal/Bloomberg
Brazil's LNG imports sank 75 percent as production jumped. Only 3 percent of U.S. LNG exports have reached Brazil
By Sabrina Valle
RIO DE JANEIRO
Petroleumworld 03 27 2018
Bolton in White House Gives New Take on Foreign Policy - video
By Andrew Dunn and Sarah Ponczek
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 03 26 2018
Juan Mabromata/AFP
Public-private partnership seen improving Vaca Muerta access. Trains to cut fracking costs in country's answer to Permian.
By Andres R Martinez , Jonathan Gilbert , and Jorgelina Do Rosario
BUENOS AIRES
Petroleumworld 03 26 2018
China should import more U.S. Gas to cut trade gap - Wilbur Ross
Bloomberg
China is already the third-biggest importer of U.S. LNG. State-owned CNPC inked the first long-term deal with Cheniere - Video
By Ryan Collins, Scarlet Fu, and Julia Chatterley
HOUSTON/NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 03 23 2018
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
Energy Secretary Rick Perry says U.S.'s pass on saudi reactors benefits China, Russia. Perry asked by Senate panel about Saudi enrichment.
By Ari Natter
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 03 23 2018
Vienna meeting looked at potential change to inventory target. Proposal could affect how quickly deal achieves its goals
By Angelina Rascouet, Javier Blas, and Grant Smith
LONDON
Petroleumworld 03 22 2018
Luka Gonzales/AFP
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, former Wall Street veteran brought down by corruption probes. First Vice President Martin Vizcarra to be sworn in on Friday
By John Quigley
LIMA
Petroleumworld 03 22 2018
Animal Politico
Lopez Obrador (l) Ricardo Anaya (c) and Jose Antonio Meade (r)
GEA-ISA survey has Lopez Obrador at 37%, Anaya 32%, Meade 28%
By Nacha Cattan
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 03 22 2018
Martin Divisek/Bloomberg
Saudi Arabia plan for the future, called Vision 203 , is based on diversifying the Saudi economy to prepare for the day when oil and natural gas wells run dry.
By Mahmoud Habboush and Bruce Stanley
ABU DHABI
Petroleumworld 03 21 2018
With the world's second-biggest proven reserves of oil, Saudi Arabia seems an unlikely aspirant to the nuclear-energy club. Yet the largest oil exporter plans to build at least 16 nuclear reactors over the next 25 years at a cost of more than $80 billion.
lloydslist
Susan Dio will replace John Minge as chairman of BP Americas. BP is expected to invests $199.5 million in Mexican deepwater well and add up to 75 million barrels of oil equivalent in reserves.
By PW MEXICO
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 03 21 2018
Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
Mohammed bin Salman
By Javier Blas
LONDON
Petroleumworld 03 20 2018
Eddie Seal/Bloomberg
Nordex working with local partner for first assembly plant. Argentina wind market booming but European sales are weak.
By Vanessa Dezem
SAO PAULO
Petroleumworld 03 20 2018
istock
Reiterates promise to review older private oil contracts. Would also halt the privatization of the electricity sector
By Justin Villamil
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 03 19 2018
Mandel Ngan/AFP
Oil and gas leaders warn Trump he risks harming their industry. ndustry leaders say it provides an essential safety net.
By Jennifer A Dlouhy
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 03 19 2018
Statoil changes name to Equinor as it goes green
Statoil
Move follows increase in investments in renewable energy. Rebranding costs said to be as much as 250 million kroner. Video - Thank you, Statoil! It's been a pleasure.
By Joachim Dagenborg , Nerijus Adomaitis
OSLO
Petroleumworld 03 16 2018
Mexican presidential candidates' advisers face off on oil, corruption and new airport
Brett Gundlock/Bloomberg
Gerardo Esquivel, left, speaks as Luis Madrazo, center, and Salomon Chertorivsk, look on during the Bloomberg FX18 Summit in Mexico City, on March 14. Meade's adviser says AMLO's contract review sows uncertainty. Anaya adviser attacks ruling party's record on corruption
By Nacha Cattan
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 03 16 2018
OPEC predicts shale growth outpacing its own oil supply
Bloomberg
Group raises non-OPEC supply growth by 260,000 barrels a day. OPEC's forecasts are catching up with those by the IEA - Video: OPEC has had limited succes increasing prices, says Daman's Al Rantisi.
By Grant Smith
LONDON
Petroleumworld 03 15 2018
Latin America's clean energy market for big boys only
Stephane De Sakutin/AFP - A solar power plant in Atacama desert, Chile on Jan. 22, 2017.
No more room for the little guys. International energy companies drive down power prices.
It has been very hard to compete with the larger companies'
By Vanessa Dezem and Mark Chediak
SAO PAULO/SAN FRANCISCO
Petroleumworld 03 15 2018
What Rex Tillerson exit really means for oil
Drew Angerer
A harder line on Iran may help Saudi Arabia for now, but rising nationalism threatens long-term demand.
By Liam Denning
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 03 14 2018
Natural Gas prices need to be oil-linked - Gas exporters
Haidar Mohammed Ali/AFP
Industry to invest $8 trillion by 2040 to meet demand: GECF. There's no current or future glut in LNG, new GECF head says
By Mohammed Sergie
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 03 14 2018
Alirio Parra: a true OPEC icon, dies aged 90
OPEC
Iin 2017, OPEC honoured HE Dr. Alirio Parra (seond r), with a lifetime achievement award for his distinguished career and life achievements. He was the last surviving witness of the Baghdad declaration that birthed OPEC.
By Petroleumworld
CARACAS
Petroleumworld 03 09 2018
Twitter/Ricardo Anaya
Presidential candidate vows to pursue Pena Nieto if he wins. Contrast with leftist frontrunner Amlo, who talks forgiveness.
By Nacha Cattan
SINGAPORE
Petroleumworld 03 13 2018
Reuters/Marcos Brindicci
Argentina's President Mauricio Macri waves as he arrives for the opening session of the 136th legislative term at the Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, March 1, 2018.
By Luc Cohen
BUENOS AIRES
Petroleumworld 03 13 2018
PW DAILY BRIEF: March 5-10
Todd Peterson Day 5: Day 5: Last day; Angora-New technology, EVs, carbon capture, LNG
Todd Peterson Day 4: Power talk: utilities, grids
Todd Peterson Day 3: Natural gas day , Secretaries of Energy: Canada, Mexico and the USA
Todd Peterson-Day 2: Saudi Aramco, US Sec. of the Interior, Pemex, BP and Google Cloud
T odd Peterson - Day 1 : Tipping Point: Strategies for a new energy future
Todd Peterson -CERAWeek: Registration day
Nile TV
ING sees U.S. eating into producer group's Asian market share . Dutch bank forecasts Brent oil at $57/bbl in second half 2018
By Pratish Narayana
SINGAPORE
Petroleumworld 03 12 2018
Energy World
Venezuelan oil company cheated out of $5.2 billion: Boies. Long conspiracy by Helsinge Enterprise' traced in complaint
By Ben Bartenstein and Robert Burnson
NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO
Petroleumworld 03 12 2018
Aaron M. Sprecher
Pedro Joaquin Coldwell, Mexico's energy secretary, second left, speaks as Carlos Pascual, senior vice president of IHS Inc., left, Jim Carr, Canada's minister of natural resources, second right, and Rick Perry, U.S. secretary of energy, listen during the 2018 CERAWeek by IHS Markit conference in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, March 7, 2018.
By Liam Denning
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 09 2018
Bartolomej Tomic
Shell to invest up to $1B in new energies, but energy transition won't happen overnight | Offshore Energy Today
By Ron Bousso and Ernest Scheyder
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 09 2018
Bloomberg
Pemex will bid in shallow water oil auction this month. Video: Pemex CEO Carlos Trevino says the company is trying to become "more flexible."
By Adam Williams and Lucia Kassai
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 08 2018
CERAWeek: U.S. Energy Secretary blasted the 2015 agreement to limit global warming
CERAWeek by IHS Markint
U.S. energy Secretary Rick Perry opens up about the energy climate.
By Ron Bousso
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 08 2018
Bloomberg
Pemex will bid in shallow water oil auction this month. Video: Pemex CEO Carlos Trevino says the company is trying to become "more flexible."
By Adam Williams and Lucia Kassai
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 08 2018
CERAWeek: U.S. Energy Secretary blasted the 2015 agreement to limit global warming
CERAWeek by IHS Markint
U.S. energy Secretary Rick Perry opens up about the energy climate.
By Ron Bousso
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 08 2018
CERAWeek: Big oil and electric cars, what about?
Jason Alden/Bloomberg
CEOs of oil giants BP, Aramco say EVs are not the end of oil. Meanwhile, Total CEO is already driving around an electric car.
By Tina Davies and Javier Blas
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 07 2018
Reuters/Daniel Tapia
The Andean country is in a race with Latin American neighbors Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Uruguay to attract foreign capital to their energy sectors, but the scale of Ecuador's projects is smaller.
By Marianna Parraga
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 07 2018
Bloomberg
IEA sees American energy dominance squeezing OPEC into 2020s. U.S. producers will put their stamp' on market for five years. OPEC will see little increase in demand for its crude to 2021- Video - Bloomberg's Javier Blas and Julian Lee discuss an IEA report on global oil output.
By Grant Smith
LONDON
Petroleumworld 03 06 2018
Total CEO, during a conference in CERAWeek by IHS Markind in Houston, Monday. Lack of shale in portfolio no handicap to making profits. Pouyanne focusing on deep seas, LNG, traditional oil regions. - Video - Total Doesn't Need Shale to Thrive, CEO Pouyanne Says
By Tina Davis
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 06 2018
Shell
Shell's deepwater Whale well strikes big pay in the Gulf of Mexico
By Ron Bousso and Marianna Parraga
LONDON/HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 05 2018
CERAWeek
CEOs, ministers gather in Houston for energy industry event. The OPEC rivalry with shale producers will be a hot topic.
By Carlos Caminada and Joe Carroll
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 05 2018
OPEC oil output down to 10-month low
Dreamstime
Crude output falls to 32.28 million barrels a day: survey. United Arab Emirates have Das Blend fields under maintenance
By Angelina Rascouet and Wael Mahdi
LONDON
Petroleumworld 03 02 2018
Cooper Neill/Bloomberg
Report addresses risks from sustainable development scenarios. Among last oil majors to release report on potential effects
By Kevin Crowley
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 03 02 2018
Hess
Pacora-1 well encounters approximately 65 feet of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone. High quality resources to be integrated into giant Payara field development. Further drilling on the Stabroek Block planned in 2018.
By Petroleumworld
CARACAS
Petroleumworld 03 01 2018
ExxonMobil Corporation have announced the seventh oil discovery offshore Guyana, following drilling at the Pacora-1 exploration well.
Eddie Seal/Bloomberg
Committee says lower rates would make U.S. more competitive. Panel urges pared environmental review, faster Arctic drilling
By Jennifer A Dlouhy
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 03 01 2018
Oil executives urged the Trump administration to slash the rates their companies pay to harvest natural gas and crude from beneath U.S. waters.
Bloomberg/Susana Gonzalez
New refinery estimated to cost $6 billion to $10 billion. About 75 percent of Mexico's gasoline in January was imported
By Amy Stillman
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 02 28 2018
Bloomberg
Restrictions would target energy sector to pressure Maduro. Tillerson is still studying possible fallout from sanctions
By Nicholas Wadhams
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 02 28 2018
Naphtha demand seen surging if PDVSA upgraders start failing. Costs may rise as the nation will have to buy at higher prices
By Lucia Kassai and Milana Vinn
HOUSTON/NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 02 27 2018
Bloomberg
LOOP deepwater port to simplify export logistics: Braemar ACM. Medium-sour crude exports in focus with time and cost savings
By Serene Chong
SINGAPORE
Petroleumworld 02 27 2018
Reuters/Adnan Abidi
Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih (C) talks to the media as he leaves after a meeting in New Delhi, India, February 23, 2018. Falih said OPEC was determined to translate the success of the deal to curb supply into a permanent framework with other major producers.
By Nidhi Verma and Sudarshan Varadhan NEW DELHI
Petroleumworld 02 26 2018
Bloomberg/Asim Hafeez
Revamping $2.7 billion of trades supplying half of world crude. Online ledger may mean cutting hundreds of backoffice workers
By Milana Vinn and Laura Blewitt
NEW YORK/HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 02 26 2018
Even Saudi Arabia wants in on the U.S. oil boom
U.S. oil boom tempts Saudis to consider american crude sale. Aramco said to have mulled Feb. sale via Motiva unit to Asia.State-run Saudi firm decided sale was unviable for the month. Video - U.S. Oil Supplies Hit OPEC Curbs
By Serene Cheong
SINGAPORE
Petroleumworld 02 23 2018
Wil Riera/Bloomberg
An PDVSA worker's refrigerator is bare at a home in Anzoategui State. Hungry employees are growing too weak for heavy labor, hobbling the refineries that keep the economy running.
By Fabiola Zerpa
CARACAS
Petroleumworld 02 23 2018
Kristian Helgesen/Bloomberg
Norges Bank study contradicts theory on economic impact of oil riches
By Sveinung Sleire
OSLO
Petroleumworld 02 22 2018
Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg
Position may steal thunder from leftist front-runner Amlo. Mexico has one of the lowest minimum wages in Latin America.
By Nacha Cattan
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 02 22 2018
BP sees electric car as the future with peak oil demand in 2030s
Bloomberg
"We know a lot about these new technologies," Dudley says. "They have to be economic for our shareholders." Company had last year forecast demand would peak in 2040s. Revises down petrochemicals outlook due to plastics regulation - Video
By Anna Hirtenstein
LONDON
Petroleumworld 02 21 2018
Julio Cesar Aguilar/AFP
Business elites ignore Obrador despite his lead in polls and backs runner up Ricardo Anaya (in photo) - Video
By Nacha Cattan
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 02 21 2018
Reuters
U.S. crude exporting previously made using smaller tankers
By Javier Blas and David Marino
LONDON/NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 02 20 2018
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP
Expats hold the key to whether its big offshore oil deposits bring riches -- or ruin.
By Mac Margolis
RIO DE JANEIRO
Petroleumworld 02 20 2018
Alejandro Cegarra/Bloomberg
No more will we turn ourselves into doormats before the U.S. government the way this federal government has done, Anaya said.
By Nacha Cattan
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 02 19 2018
Jewel Samad/AFP
Firm alleges associates of former minister solicited payoff. Houston-based energy company says it lost $470 million
By Peter Blumberg
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 02 19 2018
U.S. Gulf refiners rushing for heavy U.K. crude to offset declining imports from Venezuela
wallstreetdaily.com
Gulf Coast imports of U.K. oil seen rising to seven-year high. Venezuela prioritizes Rosneft, China exports amid supply deals
By Laura Hurst and Lucia Kassai
LONDON/HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 02 16 2018
Bloomberg
BHP Billiton is gearing up for a potential bid to enter the highly promising deepwater Mexican oil exploration sector .
Reporting by David Alire Garcia
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 02 16 2018
Petrobras
TAG owns 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) of pipelines in northeast Brazil.
By Tatiana Bautzer, Carolina Mandl
SAO PAULO
Petroleumworld 02 15 2018
Bloomberg
Russia-China investment fund shows interest: RDIF's Dmitriev. Aramco IPO is at center of Saudi plan to reboot economy
By Vivian Nereim
RIYADH
Petroleumworld 02 15 2018
OPEC almost cleared oil glut but shale risk looms - IEA
Surplus supply has shrunk dramatically,' monthly report shows. Non-OPEC output, led by U.S., is seen growing more than demand - Video - OPEC's control of the oil market is running on fumes
By Grant Smith
LONDON
Petroleumworld 02 14 2018
Bloomberg video
A conspiracy' was hatched in La Jolla, Calif., company says. Exxon says the suits are violating its free speech rights - Video - Fighting climate change, without the U.S.
By Bob Van Voris
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 02 14 2018
Matthew Busch/Bloomberg
Machinery used to fracture shale formations stands at a Royal Dutch Shell Plc hydraulic fracking site near Mentone, Texas, U.S., on Thursday, March 2, 2017. U.S. shale won't be huge distorter' for oil market: Mazrouei. Stronger demand, compliance with oil cuts seen to buoy prices. - Video
By Mahmoud Habboush, Wael Mahdi, Salma El Wardany, and Tamim Elyan
ABU DABHI/ KUWAIT/CAIRO
Petroleumworld 02 13 2018
Caribbean News Now
The defence teams from Guyana (L) and Brazil meeting in Georgetown . The United News of Suriname on Monday reported that the Brazilian mission to Guyana pledged military support to defend Guyana in case Venezuela undertook an attempt to invade the disputed Essequibo area.
By Caribbean News Now
GEORGETOWN, Guyana
Petroleumworld 02 13 2018
Dimas Ardian
Measure of oil market volatility climbs to highest since Aug. S&P 500 Energy Index poised for biggest weekly loss since 2015
By Jessica Summers
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 02 12 2018
Nicolo Filippo Rosso/Bloomberg
Gustavo Petro, presidential candidate for the Progressivists Movement Party, speaks during a campaign rally in Tunja, Boyaca department, Colombia, on Jan. 31, 2018.
By Matthew Bristow and Oscar Medina
BOGOTA
Petroleumworld 02 12 2018
Angola and Nigeria set to open giant fields. At what cost to OPEC deal?
Testing Commitment
Angola may exceed its cap with Kaombo's start. Nigeria will need to rein in output to comply.
- Accord commitment December volumes
Total to bring projects off Angola and Nigeria online in 2018. Field startups will add 430,000 barrels a day between them
By Angelina Rascouet
LONDON
Petroleumworld 02 08 2018
Jorge Silva/Reuters
The sun is seen setting behind Isla refinery in Willemstad on the island of Curacao June 16, 2008.
By Marianna Parraga
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 02 08 2018
Tomohiro Ohsumi/Bloomberg
OPEC cuts lift oil, while global LNG market seen over-supplied. Shell, BP sell majority of LNG on oil price-linked contracts
By Dan Murtaugh, Perry Williams, and Stephen Stapczynski
SINGAPORE/TOKYO/SYDNEY
Petroleumworld 02 08 2018
Jamaica Gleaner
Prime Minister Andrew Holness (left) with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at Jamaica House.
Venezuela oil sanctions more likely as Tillerson tours region. Tillerson says Trump hasn't made a decision on next steps. U.S. wants to understand possible impact on Caribbean.
By Nick Wadhams
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 02 08 2018
kpler
U.S. oil heads to middle east in latest sign of shale's spread. Cargo said to be condensate meant for Abu Dhabi's splitters. First U.S. oil cargo to be exported directly to U.A.E.: Census
By Sheela Tobben
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 02 07 2018
James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram
Oil output to climb above key level in November of this year. WTI price forecasts raised for both 2018 and 2019: EIA.
By Jessica Summers and Catherine Traywick
NEW YORK / WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 02 07 2018
The Fuse
Gas pumped from Texas to collide with Pennsylvania supplies. Evolution of Gulf Coast market to turn against shale drillers.
By Ryan Collins
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 02 06 2018
Michelle Gustafson/Bloomberg
U.S. weighs banning oil imports from Venezuela: Tillerson. Valero, Chevron among refiners that have most to lose.
By Lucia Kassai
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 02 06 2018
US State
Restrictions would also limit sale of U.S. refined products.
By Nick Wadhams and Jorgelina Do Rosario
BUENOS AIRES
Petroleumworld 02 05 2018
Short-sellers boost positions on WTI for a third week. WTI declines to trade near $65 after dropping last week
By Sharon Cho
SINGAPORE
Petroleumworld 02 05 2018
OPEC pact: Saudi masks venezuelan oil decline, Russia suply steady
Tight Pack
Source: Bloomberg, Russian Energy Ministry
Russia, OPEC held oil production steady in January sticking to output agreement
By Grant Smith, Dina Khrennikova, and Elena Mazneva
LONDON/MOSCOW
Petroleumworld 02 02 2018
Bloomberg
Pemex refining head looks to Mitsui-led deal to help struggling business. Company is in final stage of JV deal with Mitsui-led consortia. Pemex seeks new infrastructure to import crude for refineries.
By Amy Stillman
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 02 02 2018
Shell wins rights to develop nine blocks auctioned Wednesday. 19 of Mexico's 29 deep-water oil blocks receive winning bids
By Adam Williams
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 02 01 2018
The Independent
UN refers Guyana-Venezuela border dispute to International Court of Justice (ICJ). Venezuela rejects referral of border controversy to ICJ.
By Kai eter News
GEORGETOWN
Petroleumworld 02 01 2018
January
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Value of profitable assets to rise 19 percent, WoodMac says. Lower rates, enhanced expensing outweight cuts to deductions. President Trump delivered his first State of the Union speech to Congress on Tuesday night. Here are highlights. - Video
By Alex Nussbaum
BOONTON, New Jersey.
Petroleumworld 01 31 2018
Reuters
Mexico will on Wednesday hold its most important auction since a 2013 reform ended the 75-year monopoly on the energy sector held by state-run oil firm Pemex.
By Marianna Parraga and Adriana Barrera
HOUSTON/MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 01 31 2018
Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi discusses pricing and output in the oil market. He speaks with Bloomberg's Annmarie Hordern. - Video
By Chiara Albanese
ROME
Petroleumworld 01 30 2018
Reuters/Carlos Jasso
Juan Carlos Zepeda, head of Mexico's national hydrocarbons commission (CNH), gestures as he speaks during an interview with Reuters in Mexico City, Mexico January 22, 2018.
By Ana Isabel Martinez, Adriana Barrera
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 01 30 2018
Daniel Acker/Bloomberg
Hedge funds are betting big on oil. Money managers amp up bullish wagers in New York, London
By Jessica Summers
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 01 29 2018
Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg
Oil rig fleet expands in U.S. as crude surges. Drillers added 12 rigs this week, most since March 2017
By Bailey Schulz
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 01 29 2018
'Good chance' for Nafta Trump says in Davos as Montreal talks go on
Bloomberg
Mexico says pact is in much better standing than a year ago'. Three ministers will fly in for end of pivotal sixth round
By Josh Wingrove
DAVOS, Switzerland
Petroleumworld 01 26 2018
Susana Gonzalez/Bloomberg
Mexico to auction 29 deep-sea exploration zones on Jan. 31. Pemex, Exxon, Shell are among drillers contemplating bids
By Adam Williams and Sabrina Valle
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 01 26 2018
Supply disruptions may climb materially this year: Citigroup. Modest 1H surplus seen turning into modest 2H deficit: IEA - Video
By Ben Sharples
HONG KONG
Petroleumworld 01 25 2018
AFP
Photo: President Nicolas Maduro.The swift timetable will challenge a divided opposition. Regime has been accused of rigging votes, repressing opponents - Video
By Andrew Rosati and Patricia Laya
CARACAS
Petroleumworld 01 25 2018
Benedikt von Loebell / World Economic Forum
My concern is that events in Venezuela could lead to a shock and prices could go to $80 per barrel this year, he told Reuters Television at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
By Dmitry Zhdannikov
DAVOS, Switzerland
Petroleumworld 01 24 2018
Oil prices make good for oil majors eyeing Mexico's deep waters auction
The potential for 4.2 billion barrels of crude is the draw. Exxon leads potential bidders lining up from the U.K. to China
By Adam Williams
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 01 24 2018
Maxim Zmeyev/AFP
The Yamal LNG plant.
By Rob Verdonck and Anna Shiryaevskaya
WARSAW/LONDON
Petroleumworld 01 23 2018
Adrian Brito
The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority ( PREPA ) is the sole provider of electricity for 1.5 million customers.
By Jonathan Levin and Yalixa Rivera
MIAMI/SAN JUAN
Petroleumworld 01 23 2018
Gains in U.S., Canada will outweigh declines elsewhere: IEA. Oil trading near 3-year high is stimulating new crude supply
By Angelina Rascouet
LONDON
Petroleumworld 01 22 2018
Mexicos's 4 bid process of round 2 oil & gas auction will take place in Mexico City on Wednesday , January 31, 2018
By Dave Graham
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 01 22 2018
Oil kings are under threat, U.S. crude pushing price
Crude from U.S. to Europe threatens Middle East sales in Asia. Some producers review pricing methodology in buyers' market. - Watch video
By Serene Cheong
SINGAPORE
Petroleumworld 01 19 2018
Venezuela's PDVSA has some bad news and some really bad news
The country's oil production has collapsed.
By Liam Denning
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 01 19 2018
Derick E. Hingle/Bloomberg
U.S. East Coast may be edged out by other tempting prospects. Lawsuits and development costs will dissuade many investors
By Jennifer A Dlouhy
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 01 18 2018
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
Instead of draining it, Mexico's presidential candidate gets mired in the swamp. Candidate struggles to distance himself from PRI's problems. Meade sees support fall as new allegations against PRI surface.
By Nacha Cattan
MEXICO CITY
Petroleumworld 01 18 2018
ETH News
The petro digital currency would appear to be an extension of credit to the Venezuelan government ... (and) could therefore expose U.S. persons to legal risk, a Treasury spokesman told Reuters on Tuesday.
By Lesley Wroughton, Girish Gupta
WASHINGTON/CARACAS
Petroleumworld 01 17 2018
Kari Goodnough/Bloomberg
BP's $60 billion gulf spill tab rises as lawsuits wind down. Company expects $1.7 billion charge in fourth-quarter results. Payments from deadly accident now seen at $3 billion for 2018
By Amanda Jordan and Kelly Gilblom
LONDON
Petroleumworld 01 17 2018
Adam Berry/Bloomberg
Algeria to start shipments in February to refinery in Italy.We don't want to continue to import $2 billion of fuel': CEO
By Salah Slimani and Salma El Wardany
CAIRO
Petroleumworld 01 17 2018
LONDON
Petroleumworld 01 16 2018
Hedge funds boost bullish WTI bets to highest since 2006: CFTC. Brent in London closes Monday above $70 first time in 3 years
By Ben Sharples
HONG KONG
Petroleumworld 01 16 2018
Bloomberg
Citi, JPMorgan say less intervention possible from mid-2018.Increase in crude prices is encouraging rival supply: analysts. IEA's Birol on oil prices, Venezuela, future of oil - Video
By Grant Smith
LONDON
Petroleumworld 01 16 2018
An Iranian oil tanker collided with another ship on Saturday Jan. 6, off the coast of Shanghai. All 32 crew members on board presumed dead, Iran said earlier. - video
By Bloomberg News
HONG KONG/TEHRAN
Petroleumworld 01 15 2018
U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan . What to expect after president Trump reiterates Nafta threat - Video
By Anna Edgerton and Josh Wingrove
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 01 12 2018
Why rig count is not up but price of oil is
Rig count no longer enough to estimate U.S. production. Forecasters look at everything from sand use to hiring stats. OPEC's control of the oil market is running on fumes - Video
By David Wethe
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 01 12 2018
Mauricio Moreno/GDA via AP
Sergio Fajardo in 2013. Fajardo took out dollar loans to finance education projects. Debt payments of Antioquia province soared as peso weakened.
By Matthew Bristow
BOGOTA
Petroleumworld 01 12 2018
Canada on alert U.S. could leave Nafta
Bloomberg's Josh Wingrove reports on the status of Nafta talks. Loonie, peso fall ahead of next round of talks in Montreal. U.S. bristles after Canada escalates trade fight at WTO - Video
By Josh Wingrove
OTTAWA
Petroleumworld 01 11 2018
T he first time in 60 years. 2.2 billion cubic-feet-per-day flip seen between 2016 and 2017
By Naureen S Malik
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 01 11 2018
Matthew Busch/Bloomberg
Crude inventories slid by 11.2 million barrels last week: API. U.S. output forecast by EIA to expand above 10 million b/d
By Ben Sharples
HONG KONG
Petroleumworld 01 10 2018
Hoberman Collection/Getty Images
State's Democratic senator says politics motivated switch. Governor Scott, a Republican, expected to run for Senate seat
By Jennifer A Dlouhy
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 01 10 2018
Stephane De Sakutin/AFP
Production curbs and tanker oversupply crush daily earnings. Returns slumped 57 percent year-on-year in 2017, data show
By Firat Kayakiran
LONDON
Petroleumworld 01 09 2018
Reuters
The Arctic is remote and expensive, Pacific states such as California have vowed to block drilling, and other areas also harbor deep opposition from politicians, environmental groups and business interests worried about spills. The eastern Gulf of Mexico could be very attractive to industry because of the proximity to existing infrastructure in the central and western Gulf of Mexico,-NOIA
By Ernest Scheyder, Valerie Volcovici
HOUSTON/WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 01 09 2018
CCTV via Reuters TV
Smoke and fire billow from the Panama-registered tanker Sanchi, carrying 950,000 barrels aprox. of Iranian oil, after it collided with a Chinese freighter in the East China Sea, in this still image taken from a video Sunday.
By AFP-JIJI, REUTERS
BEIJING/SEOUL/LONDON
Petroleumworld 01 08 2018
Monthly salary hikes won't do. Bonuses of food crates, vouchers, dollars have become the norm. Companies trying to prevent top employees from fleeing country. Why Venezuela is getting increasingly desperate - Video
By Noris Soto and Fabiola Zerpa
CARACAS
Petroleumworld 01 08 2018
Trump to open new offshore oil & gas drilling in most U.S. coastal wat ers
Tim Rue
Proposal includes waters off California, Florida coasts. Environmentalists have fought expanded drilling for decades
By Jennifer A Dlouhy
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld 01 05 2018
Ricardo Moraes
Settlement ends three years of litigation over bribery scheme. Payout less than half the amount expected by Morgan Stanley - Video
By Sabrina Valle
RIO DE JANEIRO
Petroleumworld 01 01 2018
Bloomberg
Khalid Al-Falih, Alexander Novak,Tim Dove , Nicolas Maduro , Elon Musk
By Christopher Sell and Grant Smith
LONDON
Petroleumworld 04 01 2018
Luke Sharrett /Bloomberg
Residential and commercial demand in the Gulf has soared. Gas prices in West Texas hit the highest level in a year
By Ryan Collins
HOUSTON
Petroleumworld 04 01 2018
Leon Neal
A more tangible swing factor for prices is right here in the U.S.
By Liam Denning
NEW YORK
Petroleumworld 03 01 2018
Francisco Robles/AFP
Relatives and friends of mayor Arturo Gomez carry his coffin during his funeral in Petatlan, Mexico, on Dec. 29, 2017. One mayor, two mayoral aspirants murdered in less than a week.Twenty one mayors and former mayors killed last year: Alcaldes
By Nacha Cattan
Tang, who headed the life-sciences group at the medical-instruments maker Olympus America Inc. and was CEO at the battery-maker Millennium Cell Inc. before heading the center, joined the OraSure board in 2011 and built "strong relationships" with managers and fellow directors, according to Charles Patrick, who heads OraSure's governance committee. Tang will give up the chairman's role when he becomes CEO.
Tang replaces OraSure CEO Douglas A. Michels, who joined OraSure in 2003. Chief financial officer Ronald H. Spair is also on his way out, the company said. "The retirements were completely personal decisions on their part," Tang told me.
"I was really pleased to be considered and ultimately hired as the next CEO," he added. "They now have a market capitalization of over $1 billion, and the fact they have $200 million on the balance sheet means they can look at sizable acquisitions."
OraSure shares were down modestly in trading after the CEO and CFO departures were disclosed Thursday morning. The stock closed Thursday at $19.25, up 1.1 percent and more than double the level of a year ago, but below its recent high of $22.50 in September. Sales totaled $165 million last year.
The center also credited Tang's administration with setting up Quorum, which organizes programs for technologists and investors, and backing the Port Business Incubator, which helped Avid Radiopharmaceuticals and other small companies stay in West Philly.
"We are far better off today than we were 10 years ago," Tang said, of Philadelphia's attractions as a tech business center. "We are still below scale, but we are fast approaching" parity with other tech centers. He said institutions were working more closely to attract investors and build support for technologists.
(This story has been corrected to show the University City Science Center was founded in 1963. Earlier versions gave a wrong year.)
Ugly Duckling the comfort-fooder that opened on 11th Street near Thomas Jefferson University Hospital less than four months ago closed over the holidays.
"I don't know what more I could have done to get more people to come through the doors," owner Joe Callahan Jr. said. "Sometimes you have to cut your losses. We'll put our time and energy into the two places we have."
Ugly Duckling, in a narrow storefront at 212 S. 11th St., had a liquor license but no bar.
As such, it seemed to fall between the quacks of the rest of the Duck empire, which includes the original Blue Duck BYOB in Northeast Philadelphia and the newer, bar-oriented Blue Duck on Broad.
The cable giant is based in the Comcast Center in Philadelphia. Read more
Hundreds of door-to-door salespeople for Comcast Corp. who walk neighborhoods and troll apartment complexes to pitch its telecom and TV services were called into company offices about two weeks before Christmas and fired, according to an employee and Comcast documents reviewed by the Inquirer, Daily News, and Philly.com.
The Florida employee asked not to be identified because he signed a nondisclosure agreement as part of a severance package.
Managers, supervisors, and direct sales people in Chicago, Florida, and other parts of Comcast's Central region, mostly in the Midwest and Southeastern United States, were terminated around Dec. 15, according to the documents that listed the number of employees who were terminated and kept in particular job categories.
More than 500 sales employees were terminated, company sources said.
Comcast executives told the former employees that it was reorganizing its direct sales force so that they covered bigger neighborhoods.
"The Central Division is creating a new territory-based sales model that will connect more closely with residential prospects and customers in their communities," Comcast spokeswoman Jennifer Moyer said Thursday. "By giving highly trained sales professionals direct responsibility for entire neighborhoods, we can provide a better experience for those who are interested in our services, during and after the sale." Comcast offered severance and several months of health-care coverage, she said. Terminated employees also could apply for other Comcast jobs.
Comcast has not reorganized the direct sales forces and approach in the company's two other big divisions, which include Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Comcast/NBCUniversal employs about 159,000.
In late December, Comcast announced that it would hand out $1,000 bonuses to full-time employees, in response to the Trump tax cut that will slash its corporate tax rate. The fired employees will be eligible for a "$1,000 supplemental severance payment," Comcast said.
Comcast faces threats to its core cable-TV business from on-demand and live streamers, and price-cutting big telecom operators AT&T and Verizon. Comcast's cable-TV and internet operations in Texas and Florida also were battered by hurricanes last year. The nation's cable giant lost 125,000 pay-TV customers in the third quarter. Despite this setback, Comcast has told Wall Street that it will make its financial targets.
Rumors of an employee cutback among the salespeople at Comcast had been percolating for weeks. But the disclosure of the terminations came as a shock when the employees were called into a company meeting in the Southeastern U.S. in mid-December.
They were told that a new Comcast direct sales system requires fewer bodies "and as of today everyone in this room does not have a job anymore," the terminated employee said.
One employee kept holding his head and saying, "I can't believe it. I can't believe it." Another worried about how to find new health-care coverage. A third employee was close to purchasing a new home and feared the personal income hit.
Comcast direct sales employees earned $50,000 to $100,000 through a low base salary and commissions, the terminated employee said. The commissions ranged between roughly $75 for a new Internet Plus customer to $350 for a new customer who ordered a triple-play package with home security, the former employee said. Internet Plus is a package of television and broadband services. The triple-play with home security is a more valuable package for Comcast, which translates into higher commissions.
On a bad sales day, a Comcast direct sales employee knocks on 50 to 70 doors. On good days, or ones where people agreed to order Comcast services, a direct sales employee knocks on 10 to 20 doors because of the time it takes to close a sale.
"I think this is a stock thing," the employee said, referring to Comcast's share price, which fell around the time third-quarter results were announced but have since recovered somewhat. "I don't know how you do this right before Christmas."
A nuclear bailout bill that appeared to be on a fast-track for approval in New Jersey before Gov. Christie departs office was abruptly derailed late Wednesday, much to the relief of critics, who said it would force consumers to subsidize a profitable business.
"This is a major victory for consumers," Evelyn Liebman, AARP New Jersey's director of advocacy, said in a conference call with reporters Thursday. She and other advocates lauded Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D., Hudson) for declining to schedule the matter for a vote before a lame-duck session of the Legislature concludes next week.
The bill would have provided about $300 million in annual support for nuclear power through higher statewide electric rates, primarily benefiting Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., the powerful Newark energy company that operates the nation's second-largest nuclear complex, in Salem County. PSEG also owns that state's largest utility.
The bill would have added 0.4 cents per kilowatt hour to customer bills to support nuclear power, or about $36 a year for a customer with a monthly bill of 750 kilowatt hours.
New Jersey is the latest jurisdiction to consider a rescue for the embattled nuclear industry, which is under pressure to compete against a new deployment of high-efficiency natural-gas power plants. Pennsylvania lawmakers are also expected to take up some kind of measure to prop up the nuclear industry after Exelon Generation announced plans last year to prematurely retire Three Mile Island Unit 1 in 2019, absent state relief.
An embittered Stephen M. Sweeney, the powerful Senate president who sponsored the bill in the upper house, said in a statement he was "downright angry" at the Assembly's refusal to take up the measure, and blamed the failure on Speaker Prieto, as "yet another example of his valueless word."
Sweeney also singled out Gov.-elect Phil Murphy, who is set to take office Jan. 16. Murphy said through a spokesman Thursday that he planned to review a nuclear rescue as part of a larger effort to address clean energy.
"If the governor-elect has concerns with the legislation, then that is news to me, because his transition team has had the bill for over a month, and there has been no expression of concern or desired changes," said Sweeney, whose South Jersey district includes the nuclear station.
The urgency of New Jersey's legislation puzzled industry experts because PSEG acknowledged that its two Salem reactors and the adjacent Hope Creek plant are not in immediate financial peril. But PSEG had argued that support was needed sooner rather than later to ensure the survival of its three-unit nuclear complex on Delaware Bay, which employs 1,500 people.
The PSEG-sponsored website to promote the issue, NJNeedsNuclear.com, was temporarily decommissioned Thursday, though its advertisements still aired on television.
"The fate of New Jersey's nuclear generation is an urgent concern," PSEG spokesman Michael Jennings said in an emailed statement Thursday. "PSEG will continue to educate New Jersey's legislators and policymakers on the economic threat facing the nuclear plants that serve our state and the risk of increased air pollution, reduced resiliency, lost jobs, and higher energy bills.
"These risks warrant greater attention, as well as action that extends beyond the boundaries of any legislative calendar."
Critics were alarmed at the speed at which the measure was moving through the Legislature. Though there had been previous hearings addressing the industry's plight, the legislation itself was unveiled Dec. 15, and opponents had only a few days to analyze its impact before Assembly and Senate committees approved the measures.
"There was never any good reason to rush this bill through lame duck," said the AARP's Liebman. "And now those of us who pay the bills and our elected representatives can take the time and approach this complex issue with all the facts and the analyses we need to determine the best course for our state."
Some kind of nuclear bailout still appears to be in the making, however.
Incoming Gov. Murphy, a Democrat who campaigned on a clean-energy slate, signaled that he wants to address nuclear's future in conjunction with other zero-emission energy sources. Nuclear energy, which provides about half of the state's power, is the nation's largest source of energy that does not emit greenhouse gases.
"Governor-elect Murphy is committed to building a 100 percent clean-energy economy in New Jersey by 2050, and he believes that our existing nuclear facilities remain a vital link to the future," Dan Bryan, Murphy's spokesman, said in a written statement. "He looks forward to working with all parties in the Legislature to pass a bill that includes nuclear and clean-energy components."
Opponents, including New Jersey's ratepayer advocate, accused the bill's supporters of taking PSEG's word about the need for an immediate bailout.
"I think it's a terrible mistake," Stefanie Brand, the head of the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel, said on Tuesday, when the bill's passage seemed certain. "We have really not adequately examined whether we need to do this at all."
Critics also said that by exempting a large generation sector from competition, the measure would disrupt complex wholesale energy markets, undoing three decades of efforts to put investors, rather than ratepayers, at risk for the costs of building power plants.
"Are we deregulated, or are we not?" said Brand. "You can't have it both ways."
The New Jersey proposal was also under consideration at the same time as other regional and national initiatives are underway that might affect the financial viability of nuclear power.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission faces a Jan. 10 deadline to act on the Trump administration's Grid Resiliency plan, which would provide support to nuclear and coal generators.
And New Jersey, under Murphy's leadership, seems inclined to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multistate cap-and-trade system that provides support to clean-energy efforts. Energy planners have urged states to consider such regional market-based efforts to penalize carbon emitters and reward clean energy as more efficient than direct bailouts to an industry.
PJM Interconnection Inc., the regional grid operator, had urged New Jersey legislators to proceed cautiously, saying questions about how to reform wholesale energy markets are legitimate, but need a comprehensive approach.
"We just believe there is more time to solve these problems than maybe other people feel," Andy Ott, PJM's executive director, said in an interview this week.
Veterinarians warn of growing number of pets being sickened by marijuana in CanadaCanadian PressMore from Canadian PressPublished:January 2, 2018Updated:January 2, 2018 3:26 PM ESTIn this stock photo, an ill golden retriever lays on an operating table in a veterinarian's clinic.Getty ImagesFREDERICTON Veterinarians say theyre seeing an increasing number of dogs sickened after ingesting marijuana, and are warning pet owners to take care as Canada prepares for cannabis legalization this year.Dr. Jeff Goodall, a veterinarian who runs the Sunnyview Animal Centre in Bedford, N.S., said hes seeing a growing number of dogs with marijuana toxicity.It profoundly affects the neurological system. It can progress to tremors and seizures, and they can go into a coma, he said Tuesday.Goodall said his Halifax-area clinic saw five cases in 2017, three in 2016, and none the year before that.Dogs are getting into people's stash, brownies or suckers, and basically they've been pretty messed up by it.Dr. Jeff GoodallHe said the tetrahydrocannabinol or THC in marijuana doesnt make dogs high. Rather, it makes them very sick.The THCs are very toxic to pets in the sense that they cause profound levels of confusion, then the dogs start to cry or vocalize and become hyperactive. They get through that period fairly quickly and then they begin to drool and become unable to walk properly, Goodall said.By the time theyre in the clinic its very clear that they have marijuana toxicity because the poor dogs have excessive or uncontrolled urination.In rare cases it can lead to death.Goodall said in four of the five cases he saw last year, the owners were upfront about the cause of their dogs illness and they were able to proceed quickly with treatment.However he said the owner in the fifth case was in denial.She was accusing us of accusing her children of using recreational medication, when that wasnt what we were saying at all. We were just saying, this is what the dog has, he said.Goodall said cannabis edibles are also harmful to dogs.One of our cases this year was cannabis-containing brownies. We also had another dog who ate a bag of suckers. The problem there wasnt the cannabis, it was the xylitol. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener often used in sugar-free gum, and it is extremely concerning to pets, he said.Giving products to your pet may have unknown side effects and unproven effectiveness.Canadian Veterinary Medical AssociationGoodall said hed like to see warnings and greater public education on what marijuana can do to pets.In Colorado, where recreational marijuana was legalized in 2012, there was a four-fold increase in reported cases of toxicity in dogs between 2010 and 2015.An article posted on the website of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association says dogs are proportionally more sensitive to the active compounds in marijuana than people, and in small dogs, excessive intake can easily result in signs of toxicity.It also says that cats are not immune to the toxic side effects but are more selective in what they eat. They also lack the sweet tooth that would make cannabis edibles as attractive as they are to dogs.Goodall said there are other components in cannabis that may eventually prove useful in treating some symptoms and illnesses in pets, but more research needs to be done.The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association says for now, marijuana is not approved for medicinal use in animals.Giving products to your pet may have unknown side effects and unproven effectiveness. Especially exposing them to THC-rich recreational marijuana could put them in a life-threatening medical crisis, its article states.
Small breweries like Smuttynose Brewery in Hampton, N.H. will benefit from the recent tax cuts, but larger corporations will benefit more. Read more
Tucked inside the Republican tax plan is a big tax cut for beer breweries and liquor distilleries, cutting a federal fee on booze that industry officials and the tax bill's authors say is holding back craft breweries.
But experts and industry advocates disagree on whether the cut is set up as a boost to independent brewers that will provide economic stimulus, or whether it's primarily a giveaway for the biggest alcohol firms that already have all the extra cash they need.
Before the law, small brewers were taxed $7 per barrel on the first 60,000 barrels produced, and big brewers and importers paid $18 per barrel on their first 6 million. The GOP tax law lowered the rate paid by small brewers on the first 60,000 barrels to $3.50, and dropped rates to $16 per barrel for all other brewers on their first 6 million sales.
Similarly, before the new package, tax rates for all liquor both domestically produced and imported stood at $13.50 per gallon. The law cuts that to $2.70 per gallon, but only for the first 100,000 gallons produced or imported. Tax rates on wineries have also been lowered, and the number of wines that qualify for lower taxes expanded.
At the end of 2019, all those tax cuts are set to expire, though Republicans have argued that many of the expiring tax breaks in their bill will be extended.
The debate over the alcohol tax cut mirrors the broader fight over the tax law, which President Trump signed last month. The alcohol provision puts more money back in the hands of virtually all beer producers, cutting rates across the board. But, as with the tax law as a whole, critics say its savings are wildly uneven between big and small companies, with the largest benefits going to those already at the top of the pack.
In practice, less than 10 percent of the tax cut will wind up going to the small distilleries and breweries, according to Adam Looney, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who served in the Treasury Department under President Barack Obama.
That's in part because firms with smaller tax payments see smaller overall savings. A small cut in the rate paid by the biggest firms, by contrast, translates into millions in savings for them.
The new law cuts alcohol tax revenue by $4.2 billion over two years, according to Congress's Joint Committee on Taxation. But breweries that sell 60,000 barrels per year or fewer are slated for, at most, $80 million in annual savings under the bill. That suggests JCT expects large companies to reap a huge financial reward, possibly through new loopholes created by the bill in what constitutes a "small" or "craft" brewery. (Looney says that the tax break is also not going to small distillers, who only account for a tiny fraction of federal alcohol tax revenue.)
"The bill as a whole is being described as a targeted benefit for small alcohol producers, but it's not," Looney said. "The vast majority of the benefits of this tax cut does not accrue to small brewers."
The beer lobby has said the provision will allow small craft breweries to hire new employees and buy more equipment that will allow them to expand operations. Industry-backed studies of similar legislation found that it would lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs, in the expectation that owners plow their savings back into their businesses.
"Large breweries see no cut on a huge percentage of their production, whereas small brewers get a 50 percent cut on all of theirs," said Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association, an industry group that helped push through the measure. "It's a lot of money in absolute terms [for the big manufacturers], but it's small in terms of rates."
Overall, the new tax law centers on a dramatic cut in the corporate tax rate, the reduction of the estate tax paid by only the wealthiest Americans, and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate, which the Congressional Budget Office says will lead to 14 million fewer Americans having insurance. About 80 percent of Americans are set to get tax relief under the bill, although the bill's tax cuts for individuals expire over time.
Unlike the tax bill overall, the alcohol tax provision has bipartisan origins. At the urging of Sen. Rob Portman (R., Ohio) the final tax package included an amendment based on a bipartisan bill that had been spearheaded by Sen. Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) with Democratic and Republican cosponsors in both chambers of Congress. A spokesman for Wyden confirmed that the alcohol provisions in the final law were essentially the same as those in Wyden's bill although all of the relief for alcohol producers is scheduled to expire in two years. (The Wyden bill gave federal agencies much more time to prepare for the bill's implementation.)
The brewers themselves are careful not to overstate the rewards of the cut, noting their expansions won't increase the number of breweries in existence or make the cost of their beer any cheaper.
"We never positioned this as cheaper beer for the beer drinker this was always about helping the small business owner have additional capital to invest in his or her brewery and hire more workers," said Bob Pease, chief executive of the Brewers Association.
For some midsize breweries, the rewards could be substantial. Steve Hindy, a founder of Brooklyn Brewery, says the cut will save his business about $400,000 next year money that will be used for new employees and new equipment.
But Anheuser-Busch InBev will see its excise tax load fall by approximately $12 million. Meanwhile, the Middle Ages Brewing Company, which employs about 10 people in central New York, expects its tax burden to drop by $10,000 next year.
"It's not insignificant, but the smaller you are the less significant it is," said Isaac Rubenstein, vice president of Middle Ages.
Other experts noted that it wasn't clear why the federal government needed to cut taxes on this slice of industry. The number of small breweries skyrocketed from 1,653 in 2009 to 5,301 in 2016, according to the Brewers Association.
"These guys are going to make an extra amount of money, which is incredible," said Trey Malone, an economist at Michigan State University who has researched the beer industry. "It's one of the industries booming right now anyway."
In this Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017 photo, by an individual not employed by the Associated Press and obtained by the AP outside Iran, university students attend an anti-government protest inside Tehran University, in Tehran, Iran. Demonstrations, the largest seen in Iran since its disputed 2009 presidential election, have brought days of unrest across the country and resulted in over 20 deaths. Read more
My favorite example of chutzpah used to be the man who killed his parents and then, at his murder trial, threw himself on the mercy of the court as an orphan. Hilarious in the way of black comedy, it denotes a complete lack of self-awareness.
This week, I got an even better example.
Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders tweeted out, "The days of America looking the other way from the Iranian regime's oppression are over. America stands with the Iranian people."
In response, former U.N. Ambassador Samantha Power tweeted, "We stand with the Iranian people so much that we won't let them come here."
When I saw Power's tweet, I did a double take. Could this be the same woman who wrote "A Problem From Hell: America and the Age of Genocide"?
Why, yes, it was.
Could this also be the same woman who was our face and our voice at the United Nations during the destructive civil war in Syria, the one where Bashar al-Assad murdered his own people under the eyes of the western world after having crossed that "red line" President Barack Obama had drawn with eloquent, empty words?
Yup, one and the same.
And when I saw that her response to Sanders had garnered 29,000 likes and 9,000 retweets, I couldn't stop myself from tweeting back to her: "Sorry, Ambassador Power, but your acts at the UN were in opposition to your moving book 'A Problem From Hell.' As an attorney who daily handles asylum cases, I was disgusted with the Obama policy on Syria, where another Rwanda took place, and is still taking place."
What I really wanted to say was "Hey lady, you've got some nerve comparing a debatable immigration policy (with which I disagree, by the way) to your spineless abdication of responsibility and compassion for victims of genocide. You know, the ones you spent 600 pages writing about? The one that nabbed you a Pulitzer? Hello?"
Of course, people never like to point out to progressive human rights activists the obvious shame of their hypocrisy.
And that's exactly what Power is being: hypocritical.
The fact that Iran was, and still is, a strategic ally of Syria cannot have been completely irrelevant to the U.S. failure to save thousands of innocent Syrian lives. Bombing Syria or otherwise acting to prevent Assad from gassing his own people clearly caused Obama a problem resolving that pesky nuclear squabble, but you would still expect the world's preeminent expert on genocide to have opened her mouth, or resigned, when she saw that her boss was going to do absolutely nothing to save the innocent.
I think the reason I'm so annoyed with Power's hypocritical tweet is that she, of all people, should know better.
The former ambassador spent a decade reporting from war zones and had visited war crimes tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. She invested years studying the U.S. response to not only these horrific examples of inhumanity (where generations were lost) but other holocausts like the Cambodian killing fields, Saddam Hussein's annihilation of the Kurds, the Armenian genocide at the hands of the Ottomans and, of course, the neutralization of Europe's Jewish populations under Hitler. Add to this the fact that she was raised in Ireland at a time when Catholics and Protestants were murdering each other and her tweet becomes that much more embarrassing.
That's because her boss did nothing to stop the murder in Syria, and it is not unreasonable to assume that it was because they wanted to seal that deal with Iran, the same country that is now cracking down on protesters with increasing brutality. Yes, Power did engage in a little "have you no shame" theatrics when Aleppo exploded, but it was too little, too late.
In a Wall Street Journal profile a few weeks before she left office, Power tried to excuse her diplomatic and moral malfeasance by saying, "There's lots of room, I think, for reflection on what we might've done differently, but it is extremely difficult to believe that there was some panacea out there."
That's a cop-out. The 2013 sarin gas attack in Damascus killed 1,500 people, more than 400 of whom were children. They didn't need a panacea, they needed the action promised by Obama, which never came. Power predicted that in her book when she wrote, "We have all been bystanders to genocide."
One thing is certain.
For Samantha Power to try to shame Donald Trump for a flawed immigration policy when she herself was a bystander to genocide is chutzpah of the highest order.
Editors note: This story has been altered from its original.
The current blast of winter cold has been brutal, and its persisting through the week.
So what's a fashionista or anyone who wants to keep her hair, skin, and nails looking fab to do?
Personally, I'm a fan of the old-school remedies, like slathering cocoa butter on ashy knees and elbows (I'm all about Queen Helene) and using copious amounts of mayonnaise as hair conditioner. And there are many practical uses for petroleum jelly in sub-zero temperatures, from smearing Vaseline on chapped lips to rubbing it into dry feet before covering them with socks at night.
These are my favorite ways to keep my beauty regimen up when the hawk is out, but I still consulted with local experts for the best ways to keep you from feeling scaly when the mercury dips too far south.
Skin Dos
I love taking hot showers as a surefire way to warm up, but that's a big no-no, says Colleen Sparks, an aesthetician at Dream Spa & Waxing in the Le Reve Salon & Barbershop in Cherry Hill. All that does, Sparks says, is rob skin of much-needed moisture. Not only should you cut down on your steamy shower time, it's important to apply moisturizer (my favorite is almond-scented Jergens) to damp skin. Sparks' favorite is Aveeno Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream. "They make really rich body creams," Sparks says. "It is everything you need this time of year."
Your face gets the brunt of the painfully cold air blasts because it's the most difficult part of your body to cover up. That's why, Sparks says, it's important to use a hydrating cleanser. I'm a fan of Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser. But if you prefer to upgrade, Sparks suggests the hydrating cleanser from Dermaesthetics Beverly Hills. It retails for $54, but Dream Spa sells it for $40.
The weather outside may be frightful, but the sun is still strong. That's why Korin Korman, owner of Chestnut Hill's 3000BC Spa, says it's important to use a moisturizer infused with SPF. Korman advises her clients to use a tinted BB cream that has SPF in it (my editor likes Dr. Jarts, which has a 45 SPF). Now that's a trip worth trying.
To help with exfoliation definitely a must during these winter months Korman recommends clients use an electric facial scrubber to slough off dead skin. You don't have to spend a lot on these. I bought one for my niece for Christmas at Five Below for $5. But if you are serious about conquering flakiness, Korman suggests 3000BC's Sonic Facial Scrubber for $69.
It looks like we'll be spending a lot of time indoors this weekend, so you will have time to whip up a DIY mask. Sparks shared with us this recipe: Blend half a cup of water with half a cup of warm oatmeal that's been cooked for two minutes. As the oatmeal and water mixture cool, add one teaspoon of honey. Once it's completely cool, apply to your face and leave it on for 10 minutes.
Another tip: Don't underestimate the humidifier, says Margo Weishar of Spring House Dermaesthetics. She suggests you keep one running in your bedroom, especially on extremely cold and dry nights. Any one will do. The most important thing is for the moisture to seep into your skin while you sleep.
Hair Hacks
We know the damage heat does to our hair, but excessive cold can leave locks dry and brittle, too. This is the time of year to use an oil-based leave-in conditioner. I swear by Palmer's Olive Oil Formula ($8.71) for my locks. Giovanni Mele, owner of Giovanni & Pileggi in Washington Square, is a believer in products made with shea butter and seed oils. Mele's top pick: Amika's Nourishing Mask ($28). "It deeply conditions, hydrates, and restores hair to its natural vibrancy."
This is not the time of year to wash your hair every day, Mele added. Too much shampoo can strip hair of its natural oils and dry it out something fierce. Instead, Mele said, try to wash it three times a week. Unless, of course, you are fan of hot yoga. Then wash as necessary, and don't forget to condition.
Natasha Somalia, owner of Mount Airy's Covered the Salon, discourages her clients from blowouts when it's this cold. "Protective styles: rod sets, braids, buns, even tight curls hold moisture in better," Somalia said. "That will make it less prone to breakage."
To maintain moisture in hair overnight, Somalia added, it's also important to sleep with hair covered. Yes, a satin bonnet may limit the sexy. But, Somalia said, it prevents hair from sweating out, getting tangled, and losing that much-needed moisture.
Nail Tricks
After washing your hands which we hope you are doing frequently during flu season be sure to use hand cream, Weishar said. Nothing keeps my hands softer and ash-free better than Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. (Speaking of Kiehl's, the New York apothecary company expanded its bitter-weather-fighting Creme de Corps collection, introducing both a dry and a cleansing oil.) And though this seems obvious, it bears repeating: "Don't leave the house without gloves," Weishar said.
My cuticles split like the devil when it gets this cold. The remedy, said Onisha Claire, owner of Koco Nail Salon in East Falls, is too put a few drops of tea tree oil into the water you soak your hands in for your manicure. You can also use it in between manis. "It helps heal cracked cuticles, fights inflammation, and keeps fingers supple," Claire said.
These tips will work at their most optimal if we stay hydrated. That means drinking lots of water (in between snow-day glasses of wine, of course). Dont just fill your water bottle, though, Weishar says. Fill your plate with fruits and veggies: watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, oranges, kiwi, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini all hold a lot of water. Its also a good idea, Weishar said, to get enough vitamin C and zinc to naturally stimulate the production of collagen the most natural way to combat dry skin.
Proof that American political lives have second acts was provided on the stage of the Kimmel Center on Tuesday when Mark B. Cohen, 68, was sworn in for a 10-year term as a Common Pleas Court judge.
A Democrat from Northeast Philly, Cohen is a refugee from Harrisburg, where he served in the state House from 1974 to 2016. During his 42-year run, he earned the sobriquet "king of perks" (hat tip to my colleague John Baer).
Why that nickname? In a second.
Mark Cohen is an example of Philadelphia dynastic politics, his political aspirations boosted by the reputation of his hard-working father. Mark's younger brother Denis, 66, is a Common Pleas Court judge, and their sister Sherrie, 62, has run for City Council.
I was friendly with patriarch David Cohen, the venerable, uber-liberal City Council member who was an indefatigable champion of everyday people, assisted by his peppery wife, Florence.
Neither of them would be found feathering their nest.
Their son, on the other hand, has been accused of racking up expenses that would shame a Kardashian.
In 1990 it was reported that Mark Cohen tacked on more than $100,000 in expenses (including $11,000 for airline tickets) to his $80,000-plus House salary.
In 2004-05, Cohen billed the state for $28,200 for more than 800 books, claiming he needed them to become a better rep.
Where could he find time to read so many books? Maybe on flights between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, also billed to the state. Press exposure shamed Cohen to cut back his book club and to switch from plane to train for the 100-mile trek between his home and Harrisburg.
He shamelessly billed the state that is, you for "work" he supposedly did on Christmas; Easter; Labor Day; even Yom Kippur, the holiest Jewish high holy day (when work is forbidden). He had other questionable expenses, but my space is limited.
This pork was made possible because the state offers lawmakers per-diems of up to $185 a day tax-free expense payments that require no receipt. Free for the taking, as long as it's "legislative business."
As Baer wrote in 2016, Cohen "justified expenses on grounds he was constantly busy. But he found time to get an M.B.A. and a law degree while serving full-time in office."
Over the years, Cohen defended his wild spending by saying he put in a lot of time in Harrisburg and was one of the hardest workers in the House. He is particularly proud of his leadership in legalizing medical marijuana, he told me Wednesday.
Given all the criticism, I asked the new judge, elected Nov. 7, if he had any regrets about those expenses. "There was no dispute about the legitimacy of the expenses, only the totality of the expenses," he said, which amounts to: no regrets.
Cohen lost his House seat in the 2016 Democratic primary to Jared Solomon, who was supported, Cohen said derisively, by business interests, "many insurance companies, large corporate law firms, and some conservative labor unions."
Now out of the House, Cohen will be drawing a pension of around $100,000 a year. His judicial salary is $178,868 and that will further grow his pension.
Although his new salary is about twice what he earned as a state rep, he has a big handicap: This job doesn't come with an expense account.
On the other hand, if he threatens to throw the book at someone, he's got the library to do it.
Myrrha Fleeing After Being Discovered in Her Fathers (King Cinyrass) Bed is one of the pieces of art being sold by the La Salle University Art Museum. Read more
The shock waves set off by the decision of La Salle University's trustees to sell 46 works of art owned by the university art museum roiled across the cultural landscape Wednesday.
"I feel as though the place has been raped," said Caroline P. Wistar, a longtime curator of the museum who retired about a decade ago. "They're selling all of the very best things a Degas drawing, a Vuillard. This is major. I feel like they've killed the museum."
La Salle officials said Tuesday that the university planned to sell paintings, sculptures, and drawings selected by Christie's auction house and plow the expected return of $4.8 million to $7.3 million into teaching and learning initiatives.
But doing so appears to violate ethical guidelines subscribed to by virtually all museums in the country.
The La Salle University Art Museum is an unaccredited member of the American Association of Museums, whose ethical code holds that "in no event shall [collections sales] be used for anything other than acquisition or direct care of collections."
Timothy Rub, head of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and past president of the Association of Art Museum Directors, found the La Salle proposal troublesome. He wondered why La Salle would "step away" from its commitment to building a teaching museum "as a matter of financial expediency."
"Is a gain of $4.8 to $7.3 million in operating funds really a game-changer for the university, or will this simply leave its museum which is acknowledged as being an enormously valuable resource for faculty and students weakened?" Rub asked. "It's one thing to use deaccessioning [the sale of artworks] as a means for strengthening the collection by 'trading up.' Indeed, the [Association of Art Museum Directors] guidelines provide for that. But it's another to use the funds for something else entirely, and not necessarily a good thing either for the museum or the university."
Klare Scarborough, current La Salle museum director, did not return telephone or email inquiries seeking comment.
The decision was approved by the school's board of trustees and announced by university president Colleen M. Hanycz on Tuesday. University spokeswoman Jaine Lucas said the decision "is a strategic and good use of our assets," adding that "we are doing what we feel is in the best interest of our students."
Sales from collections are not in their "very nature a bad thing," said Brooke Davis Anderson, who became museum director at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts six months ago. "But it is important that the funds from deaccessioning go back into the collection" for conservation, preservation, and building it.
"If leaders of our institutions looked at our art collections purely from a dollar value, it could be used to support any museum in strife. We work hard to stay open and be sustainable for the public."
The university, in consultation with Christie's, identified five pieces from the La Salle museum as having the greatest revenue potential mitigated by lost pedagogical value, said Lucas: Dame Elisabeth Frink's sculpture Walking Madonna; Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres' Virgil Reading the Aeneid Before Augustus; Dorothea Tanning's Temptation of St. Anthony; Georges Rouault's Le Dernier Romantique (The Last Romantic); and Albert Gleizes' Man in the City (L'Homme Dans la Ville).
The goal is to raise at least $5 million.
The five pieces alone could bring in between $2.3 million and $3.45 million, said Lucas. Also among the group to be sold is a portrait by Thomas Eakins, Mrs. Matilda Searight; an ink on paper by Henri Matisse; an oil study by Alex Katz, Study for Portrait of Neil Welliver; and William Trost Richards' Rocky Coastline, Cornwall.
(A full list with images of works to be sold can be found at: http://artcollection.lasalle.edu/graphics/Deaccessions_2018.pdf)
Officials at several other college-based museums said they have not sold art or considered selling it to fund other aspects of the school's operation.
Charles Stainback, director of the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College, said the college administration has never broached the possibility of selling art for other aspects of the school's operations.
"The support of the museum by the administration is unwavering," Stainback said, "so they would never suggest anything like that."
"It goes back to the basic principles that we live and work by in the museum world," he continued. "We collect art. We exhibit artwork and we educate people about artwork."
But as more colleges struggle with budget problems as a result of a decline in the number of high school graduates, less government funding, and other pressures, some have looked to their art collections for revenue. At Brandeis University in Massachusetts, a plan to close its museum and sell its art was reversed after backlash from students and faculty and legal action. Randolph College in Virginia was criticized for its decision to sell a George Bellows painting worth more than $25 million.
For Wistar, who worked to build the La Salle collection with Brother Daniel Burke, museum founder and La Salle president from 1969 to 1976, the sale represents something akin to a death in the family. She said she was not consulted about any aspect of the sale and did not learn any details until late Tuesday.
"I don't think anyone who knew anything about art was consulted, except Klare Scarborough," Wistar said.
"I was so shocked. The whole thing is senseless. You work hard for 30 years and then this."
Eric Nzeribe with old and new copies of FunTimes Magazine, which he began publishing in Liberia in 1992, at the magazines office in West Philadelphia on Wednesday. On the left is an edition from the 1990s; top right is the November/December 2017 edition; and middle right is the first U.S. edition. Read more
When people are living in hell, make them laugh. That's the rationale that led Eric Nzeribe to start a humor magazine called FunTimes, in 1992, during the height of the Liberian Civil War.
He was 26 and living in the capital of Monrovia. Villages were being wiped out. Soldiers some of them children were raping and murdering civilians. The news of the day provided a steady stream of unthinkable horrors.
So Nzeribe promised that even in those dark hours, his magazine of satire, comics, and cartoons would make his readers laugh guaranteed or money back.
"I felt that eventually the war would stop and good times would come, so we wanted to bring some cheer, take people away from the suffering and the bad news," said Nzeribe, who is now 53 and lives in Southwest Philadelphia. "It was just something to make you feel good."
These days, he publishes FunTimes bimonthly from a house on 52nd Street in West Philadelphia. The magazine has taken on a different purpose: to offer resources and guidance for African immigrants, provide a platform for Caribbean, African and African American voices, and connect those sometimes divided communities. The magazine, which gets about 30,000 readers per edition, is celebrating its 10th year in America.
"He finds these wonderful businesses and people in the African and African American community and puts them on the page in ways we're not highlighted by the regular media," said Bumi Fernandez, organizer of the annual Odunde Festival, which celebrates African culture. "In this time when we need good news, positive news, just like it says, it's FunTimes, and it connects all the good things happening in our community."
Despite the magazine's popularity in the community he prints 5,000 copies a month and Nzeribe's numerous accolades from local politicians and organizations, he dismisses any suggestion of success. His labor of love is far from a booming enterprise. In fact, with few subscribers and advertisers, he's not even breaking even most months. He filed for bankruptcy in 2015. The case is ongoing and in the meantime, he's worried about being able to stay in the building that houses the magazine in West Philadelphia.
"I believe in this, but whether I'll be alive when the dream is realized is a different conversation," Nzeribe said. He started publishing the magazine out of his house; if he has to go back to that model, he says, so be it.
Nzeribe had no plans to come to Philadelphia when rebels fire-bombed the magazine's office in Monrovia in 1996. He later received political asylum to come to the United States. He flew to New York with a few hundred dollars and the phone number of a friend. When he dialed that number, it was disconnected. A kind stranger at the airport connected him to a Liberian family in West Philadelphia.
"I stayed with them my first day in America," Nzeribe said. "It was the first day of pressing 'restart.'"
He took a job as a counselor at the juvenile justice center. Then, in 2008, he mentioned FunTimes in conversation with neighbors. A woman lit up she remembered it from when she was living in Liberia, and her family had sent her copies after she moved to Philadelphia. Seeing that the magazine had a following, Nzeribe restarted the publication.
It's filled with columns from professors and experts in African studies, culture, immigration and education, and profiles of business owners and influential community leaders.
His readers today aren't facing a war but come to the magazine with all sorts of personal battles. A Howard University student from Delaware was connected to Nzeribe after he learned he did not qualify for federal tuition assistance because he'd emigrated from Nigeria when he was young. The magazine may feature him in a forthcoming issue.
When the magazine started in the States, it was largely focused on the African and Caribbean immigrant communities. Now Nzeribe is trying to bridge a divide he sees between Africans and African Americans living in the region.
Nzeribe says there's a reluctance between the groups to get to know one another. Maybe if they're reading the same magazine, they'll find that starting point.
"You're living here, you're African American, and I'm your neighbor and we live side by side and you don't associate with me," Nzeribe said. "If you can have a connection to Africa, you should see your neighbor who is an immigrant from Africa as your brother. It starts from here. Bridging that gap is the beginning."
Msgr. William Dombrow was sentenced Wednesday for embezzling more than $500,000 from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Read more
The church has forgiven Msgr. William Dombrow for embezzling a half-million dollars meant to fund the care of aging and retired priests.
The federal justice system, however, showed Wednesday that it was not so ready to absolve him.
U.S. District Judge Gerald J. Pappert sentenced the former rector of Villa St. Joseph, a retirement home for priests in Darby Borough, to eight months in prison, citing the need to punish a man who stole thousands to cover his copious gambling debts, buy concert tickets, and pay for expenses on trips abroad.
The judge expressed surprise at what he described as the "no harm, no foul" attitude that many of Dombrow's supporters including leaders of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia espoused in relation to his crimes.
"What happened here," Pappert said, "is that someone with a weakness took great advantage of the generosity of countless people and saw an opportunity to fund a lifestyle and to a certain extent an addiction with other people's money."
Dombrow, 78, a recovering alcoholic who has devoted his career in the ministry to helping priests and others struggling with addiction issues, painted his crimes in court Wednesday as the result of an unaddressed fixation on gambling.
He lowered his head, and clasped his hands together and pressed them to his lips as his sentence was announced. The punishment, which also included an order to pay the archdiocese $533,258 in restitution, elicited gasps from the crowd of supporters, including several priests and nuns.
Still, it could have been worse. Federal sentencing guidelines called for a prison term of about 2 years.
"What I've done, I know, is a serious crime, and I am guilty of that," Dombrow told Pappert. "All I can do is accept what your decision is today and move on with my life. I truly trust God with all of this."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Rotella scoffed at what she saw as an attempt to portray the monsignor solely as a victim of a gambling addiction. He spent thousands, too, on theater and Philly Pops tickets, fancy dinners, and travel to Florida, Aruba, and Italy.
The lavish lifestyle he pursued, she said, extended well beyond casino doors. And despite his expressions of remorse, Dombrow has made no effort to pay back any of the money he stole.
"He ate whatever he wanted," Rotella said. "He spent whatever he wanted. He's going to casinos. He's taking trips."
Dombrow pleaded guilty in May to four counts of wire fraud, admitting that for nearly nine years he had siphoned money from the bequests of parishioners and life-insurance payouts from priests who had died at the retirement facility.
His crimes were discovered two years ago, when the bank that administered the account flagged several suspicious transactions at Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack and notified the archdiocese.
Dombrow's lawyer, Coley O. Reynolds, said Wednesday that archdiocesan officials were not aware of the money that was going into Dombrow's secret Villa St. Joseph account and that the funds his client stole did not affect the budget set aside to care for the approximately 50 retired priests housed at Villa St. Joseph. As soon as officials confronted the monsignor with his crimes, he agreed to cooperate with their investigation.
Reynolds maintained that much of the money Dombrow diverted into his slush fund was spent to better the lives of retirement facility residents. The concert tickets, he said, were used to treat priests to a night on the town. Other funds went toward building a shrine for deceased priests and to build a closed-in sun porch at the facility.
"He did a number of things for those priests bringing them flowers, taking them out to dinner," Reynolds said. "Those Philly Pops tickets? It's not like he went with a girlfriend. He went with other priests. And no priest [at Villa St. Joseph] went without something because of the monsignor's spending."
That argument may explain the forgiving treatment Dombrow has received from the archdiocese since his arrest. Despite stealing from his employer for nearly nine years, he has been allowed to remain at Villa St. Joseph and maintain his title and status as a priest though his control over financial matters has been cut off, an archdiocesan spokesman said last year.
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput was among those who wrote supportive letters to the judge on Dombrow's behalf. He said he continued to pray for the monsignor and cited Dombrow's decades-long career helping other addicts.
After achieving sobriety three decades ago, Dombrow went on to lead the Archdiocesan Priests' Committee on Alcoholism and a treatment facility for those seeking religious-based addiction care. He has served as a board member for other centers and ministered on the front lines of the opioid epidemic in Kensington.
Pappert acknowledged that history while imposing his sentence Wednesday.
"We have someone here who has done an awful lot of good for an awful lot of people," the judge said. "But there is a limited amount of credit [Dombrow] should receive for that. That was his job."
Hot and sour soup from Dim Sum House. Read more
If you're lucky enough to have a snow day today, then there's nothing to stop you from enjoying a few of the weather-related drink and food specials blanketing the city. From hot toddies and cider to free soup and BOGO pizzas, here are some places to hunker down for the afternoon.
Silence Dogood's Tavern, 216 Market St.: Hot Toddies in six flavors that include caramel apple cider and "S'more, Please," which comes with hot chocolate, vodka, marshmallow and a graham cracker. The toddys are $8-$10, but $1 off today to anyone who says "Ben Franklin is the bomb."
Dim Sum House, 3939 Chestnut St.: Free bowl of hot and sour soup with any food purchase, and $5 drafts at the bar. Dine-in only.
McGillin's Olde Ale House, 1310 Drury St.: $3 Bloody Marys and mimosas and $5 Drury Sleigh rides (hot chocolate, white Cream de Menthe & Ryan's Irish Cream served in a mug with whipped cream).
Milkboy, 1100 Chestnut and 401 South St.: $5 citywide with Straub American Lager and shot of Heaven Hill Bourbon.
SliCE, 1740 Sansom St. and 431 E. Girard Ave.: Buy one slice, get one free. Buy any large pizza, get free cheese pizza. Fishtown and Rittenhouse locations only, dine-in.
City Tap House, 2 Logan Square and 3925 Walnut St.: $6 spiked cocoa, $4 New Belgium Fat Tire beer.
Jane G's, 1930 Chestnut St.: Half-price Dan Dan noodles and $3 Tsingtao beer bottles.
Devil's Den, 1148 S. 11th St.: $4 Founder's All Day IPA, $8 Founder's citywide with shot of Wild Turkey.
Cinder Copper & Lace, 1500 Locust St.: $4 and $5 drafts, $10 pizzas, $10 for 3 Wild Goose oysters.
Keen, 1708 Lombard St.: $6 Rose, $5 warm apple cider and Bourbon, $7 crispy chicken mashed potato bowls.
BRU Craft & Wurst, 1316 Chestnut St.: $5 hot cider with Bluebird rum and spices, $8 brat-and-beer combo with Marzen lager.
Village Whiskey, 118 S. 20th St.: $5 Buffalo cheese curds and $8 boilermaker cocktails.
P'unk Burger, 1823 E Passyunk Ave.: Buy any burger or shake, get one free. Dine-in only.
Nick's Bar and Grille, 16 S. Second St.: $12 beer buckets (Bud Lite, Miller Lite, Rolling Rock, Yuengling Lager) and chicken tortilla soup for $2 a cup, $4 a bowl.
Distrito, 3945 Chestnut St.: $5 nachos and Feliz margaritas.
Hawthornes Beer Cafe, 738 S. 11th St.: Order any burger and save $1 for every inch it snows today, based on official tallies from the Weather Channel, plus half-off drafts.
Square 1682, 121 S. 17th St.: $5 hot cocktails, $10 Square 1682 burgers.
The Olde Bar, 125 Walnut St.: $5 hot buttered rum, $1 oysters.
Prohibition Taproom, 501 N. 13th St.: $10 grilled cheese with chicken chowder, $5 citywides, $7.50 spiked hot chocolate, free popcorn.
Manatawny Still Works, 1603 Passyunk Ave.: Hot toddies, spiked hot chocolate and Rival Bros coffee with whiskey, all $9.
Walnut St. Cafe, 2929 Walnut St.: $5 mulled wine, hot toddies and spiked hot chocolate.
Heritage, 914 N. Second St.: Chili and a beer or soup and a beer for $8.
Tiki, 102 S. 13th St.: $6 spiked hot cider, Bourbon coffee and Tiki Old Fashioneds, $5 ramen and $5 off all party platters.
Parliament Espresso & Coffee Bar, 30 S. 15th St.: Free coffee with any food purchase.
It's a familiar Philly snow-day sight: kids wandering their neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and offering to shovel snow for cash.
Now, Amin Branch, 10, of West Philadelphia, is putting a professional, social-media-savvy polish on this time-honored hustle. Thursday morning, he and his mother, Nadira, 38, rolled out a Google Form for Amin's shoveling services, with a pricing plan: $3 for the sidewalk, $5 for sidewalk and steps, a $2 upcharge for salt, and more if you want Amin to dig out your car while he's at it. In search of referrals, they posted it to Facebook. As for payments, they'll take those via the CashApp.
Within an hour, they had 14 new clients, Nadira Branch counted and, to her mind, a number of Facebook shares that was verging on alarming.
"I'm getting nervous now! We probably have to stop," she said. "I'm definitely going to have to help him because he doesn't know where a lot of these streets are, so I've committed myself indirectly."
Branch is an entrepreneur herself, as a contract grant writer. Though Amin has other talents he is, among other things, a U.S. Chess Federation-rated competitive player she wants to teach him to hustle.
"I always try to find ways to challenge him, to show him to believe in himself and that he can be proactive in his life. He doesn't necessarily have to ask for a job. He can create his own job and his own opportunities for himself," she said.
Amin agreed, "I think this will help me in the future, because if you need more money you can just create a business."
His first time shoveling for cash was last Saturday; Branch figured neighbors were out of town and posted to a local list-serve to offer Amir's services. Four neighbors signed up, and he made $25, plus tips. Now, the creation of a Google Form is allowing this 10-year-old to obtain something all businesses crave: client information, including names, addresses, e-mails and phone numbers, for future marketing opportunities.
"See how easy this was?" Branch said to Amin (though the hard part, the actual shoveling, wasn't to begin until the snow slows down). "We got up this morning, and we seized the opportunity."
Lawrence Pippins, 26, pleaded guilty Wednesday to sexually assaulting a Browns Mills woman at gunpoint last year. Read more
A 26-year-old man pleaded guilty Wednesday in Superior Court to sexually assaulting a Burlington County woman at gunpoint last year, prosecutors said.
Lawrence Pippins, of Pemberton Township, pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated sexual assault and first-degree kidnapping in exchange for a 25-year prison sentence.
Pippins must serve more than 21 years to become eligible for parole. At his scheduled May 3 sentencing, he faces additional prison time for violating parole by committing the sexual assault.
The attack happened about 2:45 a.m. on June 15 at the University Park Apartments on Ursinus Court in Browns Mills. Pippins entered through a window and attacked the woman, but was quickly identified and arrested the next day.
In this Jan. 28, 2017, file photo, President Trump speaks on the phone with Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull, with then-National Security Adviser Michael Flynn (center) and then- chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon (right), in the Oval Office. Read more
President Trump's dismissive description Wednesday of Stephen K. Bannon as "a staffer" who had "very little to do with our historic victory" marked his latest effort to cast his onetime confidant as a bit player who never had any real influence on the president's politics or policies.
It was the kind of story-shaping statement that, not so long ago, Trump and Bannon might have written together.
In reality, Bannon has been a guiding figure for Trump for years as the New York developer began seriously to consider running for president, according to associates of both men.
Sam Nunberg, who said he arranged numerous telephone calls between Bannon and Trump dating to 2013, said it did not take long for the two to become ideological soul mates. At a time when Trump was widely dismissed as a credible candidate, Nunberg said, Bannon took him seriously and publicized him on the Breitbart News website, which Bannon oversaw.
From those earliest days, Bannon encouraged Trump to run for the White House, and then, in the race's final months, he effectively took over a campaign that appeared to have almost no chance of succeeding.
"The only candidate who could have won this past election on the message of populism and conservative nationalism is Donald J. Trump," said Nunberg, who worked for Trump as a political and public affairs adviser before he was fired in 2015. "However, at the time Steve took a formal role, the campaign was in dire straits, and I don't believe the president would have been able to pull off that upset at the end without Steve Bannon."
It is possible, if not likely, that Trump and Bannon will reunite again soon the president has a long history of making up with associates against whom he has lashed out. But for now, at least, Trump and Bannon are on the outs, following revelations in a new book by Michael Wolff, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, in which Bannon is quoted as saying that Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower in June 2016 was "treasonous."
John Thornton a former co-worker of Bannon's at Goldman Sachs whom Bannon has described as a "mentor" saw Bannon work closely with Trump during the transition and the early months of the administration. He said in an interview Wednesday that he was impressed at how smoothly they got along, and by how the president listened closely to Bannon's advice on issues ranging from the economy to China.
"It was a very healthy, highly engaged, intimate relationship that you would expect to see between the person who had just won the presidency and the person who had run the campaign," Thornton said. "There's no question he was clearly a central figure helping the president achieve his goals."
Bannon and Trump were introduced in 2010 by David Bossie, who rose as a hero on the right when as a congressional staffer in the 1990s he helped to investigate Bill Clinton and went on to become president of Citizens United, a conservative group whose work includes a movie pillorying Hillary Clinton. Bossie did not respond to a request for comment. Bannon declined to comment.
Outwardly, the two did not seem to have much in common one making his fame and fortune in front of the cameras, the other building a power base behind them.
Trump cared deeply about his looks, his clothing, and his hair, and he promoted himself in his reality television show, The Apprentice. He had toyed with the idea of running for the presidency since 1987 but had always backed down when he concluded he had no chance of winning.
Bannon had a wild-looking demeanor, often dressed shabbily, uncombed and unkempt, despite his background in the Navy, Harvard Business School and Goldman Sachs. He made millions of dollars working in Hollywood for his boutique firm, Bannon & Co., on a variety of investments, as well as the sale of television properties that wound up giving Bannon a payoff from Seinfeld reruns. He made deals around the world, profiting from the globalism he later demonized. He produced films that criticized Wall Street, the political establishment, and "Islamic Fascism," and he gave speeches around the country promoting the tea party agenda.
The two men bonded over their rare ability to be members of the coastal elite while representing themselves as champions of the downtrodden working class as well as over a shared anger at the Republican establishment.
That bond gelled shortly after Mitt Romney lost the presidential race in 2012. Trump began tweeting that Republicans had been robbed: "This election is a total sham and travesty. We can't let this happen. The world is laughing at us." Foreshadowing his campaign, Trump also tweeted: "We should march on Washington and stop this travesty. Our nation is totally divided."
During that same year, Bannon became executive chairman of Breitbart News and reshaped the website into one promoting more-nationalistic views, later declaring that it was "the platform for the alt-right." Bannon's Breitbart attracted white nationalists, although Bannon denied accusations that he was fomenting racist views.
It was after the 2012 election, as Trump went through his quadrennial exercise of pondering a bid for the presidency, that he began talking to Bannon on the phone more regularly. By 2015, their conversations became public, as Trump took turns as a guest on a radio broadcast called the Breitbart News Daily. Bannon has said that he was "mocked and ridiculed" for talking about a Trump candidacy on the show but that he realized that Trump had an uncanny ability to attract support.
During the radio interviews, Bannon sometimes seemed to be tutoring Trump about how to frame issues. For instance, in one interview, Trump said he wanted to build a border wall but allow some immigrants who graduated from U.S. universities to stay in the country.
"I still want people to come in. But I want them to go through the process," Trump said.
Bannon responded, "You got to remember, we're Breitbart. We're the know-nothing vulgarians. So we've always got to be to the right of you on this."
"Oh, that's OK," Trump said.
As Trump's presidential campaign unfolded, Bannon regularly advised Trump and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, while also pushing the candidacy on the Breitbart website. Then, as the campaign seemed headed for defeat, Trump in August 2016 hired Bannon as the campaign's chief executive, which gave him significant control over message and strategy. Just as he had on his radio show, Bannon pushed Trump to go further to the right and to hammer Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton mercilessly.
The strategy worked, and Trump rewarded Bannon by making him the White House chief strategist, a powerful role that put him in conflict with Kushner, who was named Trump's senior adviser. Bannon had worked well with Kushner during the campaign but often was at odds with him in the White House, as Bannon pushed policies such as pulling out of a global-warming treaty, which Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, reportedly had supported.
Bannon announced his arrival at the White House with an attack on the media.
"The media should be embarrassed and humiliated and keep its mouth shut and just listen for a while," Bannon said in an interview with the New York Times. "I want you to quote this: The media here is the opposition party. They don't understand this country. They still do not understand why Donald Trump is the president of the United States."
That pleased Trump. But then Bannon appeared on the cover of Time magazine with the headline "The Great Manipulator," a portrayal of him as the brains behind the president. Trump famously collects magazine covers of himself on the wall of his office at Trump Tower, and he takes offense when others take credit for his accomplishments. The Time cover prompted Bannon's enemies in the White House to attack him. Kushner privately joined in the criticism, according to a White House official familiar with the matter.
Thornton said that while the relationship between Trump and Bannon may baffle some, there is a "larger picture" that makes sense to Bannon.
"Bannon sees himself as the head of a movement, and he sees Trump as the beneficiary of that movement at this point in time," Thornton said. "Bannon sees himself as helping Trump stay true to that movement. If Trump or his administration deviates from the movement, Bannon will go on the offense. If Trump stays true, Bannon is all in."
Another associate of both men, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that "no matter what the president says now, Steve during the transition and rolling forward was critically important. He was a very consistent voice of the far right . . . when others wanted to fade or fold."
The relationship seemed to have fallen apart in August, shortly after Bannon was quoted in an interview with the American Prospect saying "there's no military solution" to North Korea's nuclear capability "they got us." Trump fired him, although Bannon said he resigned. In any case, Bannon later told the Weekly Standard, "The Trump presidency that we fought for, and won, is over. We still have a huge movement, and we will make something of this Trump presidency. But that presidency is over. And there'll be all kinds of fights, and there'll be good days and bad days, but that presidency is over."
Bannon then returned to running Breitbart News and, in effect, began laying the groundwork for the next phase of his war against the Republican establishment, of which he now viewed Trump as a captive. Still, the two remained in touch and talked on the telephone at least five times since Bannon's departure, according to the White House. Bannon persuaded Trump to endorse Roy Moore, the failed U.S. Senate candidate from Alabama who was accused of inappropriate sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl when he was in his early 30s.
Then came the news Wednesday of Wolff's book, and the president, having played a crucial role in making Bannon one of the best-known political figures of the day, said that his former chief strategist had "lost his mind" and that he was done with him.
A line of off-shore oil rigs in the Santa Barbara Channel near the Federal Ecological Preserve en route to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary in March 2015. Read more
WASHINGTON The Trump administration unveiled a controversial plan Thursday to permit drilling in all U.S. waters, including protected areas of the Arctic and the Atlantic, where oil and gas exploration is opposed by governors from New Jersey to Florida, nearly a dozen attorneys general, more than 100 U.S. lawmakers, and the Defense Department.
More than 3 billion barrels of oil is recoverable on the outer continental shelf, along with more than 30 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, according to the Interior Department, which announced the plan. States stand to gain royalties from extraction of these natural resources, and drilling could create hundreds of jobs.
But the plan faces a wave of bipartisan state opposition, led in part by Republican Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland, who has said: "I'm not in favor of offshore drilling." A catastrophe on the scale of the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil leak in 2010 would be disastrous for one of the state's most precious resources, the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, is opposed out of concern over drilling's impact on the state's natural resources. Gov. Christie sent a letter to the Interior agency that issues permits saying New Jersey "strongly opposes any waters off our coastline being considered for inclusion in this leasing program," citing its $44 billion beach tourism industry that creates more than 300,000 jobs.
The Democratic governors of North Carolina and Delaware are also opposed. Republican Gov. Rick Scott of Florida, where beach tourism on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts generates nearly $50 billion and a half million jobs annually, according to a Florida Atlantic University report, said Thursday that he adamantly opposes drilling off the state's coast and requested a meeting with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
Reaction from New Jersey environmental groups was swift.
"It's an outrage," said Cindy Zipf, executive director of Clean Ocean Action, based in Monmouth County.
"Under this, 98 percent of U.S. waters are being considered for offshore drilling, a massive grab by big oil. The Jersey Shore is being considered for the first time in a long time. So from Maine to Florida, to the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific, from sea to oily sea, the Trump administration is preparing to battle for oil and gas development. This is so reckless."
Zipf said the administration is also soon set to decide whether to allow seismic underwater blasting by drillers as part of the oil-seeking process. She expects a fight from the New Jersey congressional delegation as well as incoming Gov. Phil Murphy, set to be sworn in later this month.
"We've had every governor since Tom Kean oppose offshore drilling. We expect Mr. Murphy to be a leader and champion on this. New Jersey does not stand for a threat to the ocean like this."
On Friday, Murphy will be joined by Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.), Rep. Frank Pallone (D., N.J.), and environmental advocates at a news conference in Long Branch to denounce the offshore drilling plan.
The New Jersey Sierra Club was equally outraged.
"Trump has targeted our coast for offshore drilling, jeopardizing our tourism, ecosystems and fisheries while harming people who live along the coast," Jeff Tittel, the club's director, said in a statement. "He's siding with Big Oil and Gas and taking the first steps towards offshore drilling."
He said the Obama administration's five-year moratorium on offshore drilling and exploration in the Atlantic was a huge victory now set to be undone and a "serious threat."
"We have to explore new technologies for wind and wave power and remove obstacles that stand in the way of clean energy," Tittel said. "We should be focusing on promoting safe and renewable energy like wind power and not opening up the Atlantic to drilling."
Oil industry advocates argue companies need new options beyond the Gulf of Mexico, where drilling has been ongoing for decades.
"We should keep as many options on the table for our future oil and gas and energy needs," said Erik Milito, a director with the American Petroleum Institute. "The decisions that are being made now are really decisions about five, 10 and 15 years down the line. We don't want to prematurely take areas off the table that may be critically important for our energy and national security down the road."
The Obama administration considered a five-year plan to permit drilling in the southern Atlantic between Virginia and Georgia but abandoned it in March 2016 because of concerns raised by the Navy, which conducts military exercises in a vast area of the ocean near those states. A barrage of letters and comments from coastal communities opposed to the plan also played a role.
President Trump has extolled oil and gas exploration as part of an energy dominance agenda. The administration made history last month with its proposal to open nearly 77 million more acres in the Gulf of Mexico to companies wanting to purchase federal oil and gas leases, the largest offering in U.S. history.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, which oversees offshore leasing, promised that the environment would be protected. "American energy production can be competitive while remaining safe and environmentally sound," Vincent DeVito, Interior's counselor for energy policy, said at the time. "People need jobs, the Gulf Coast states need revenue, and Americans do not want to be dependent on foreign oil."
On Thursday, the Interior Department suspended a study conducted by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine on the safety of offshore oil and gas drilling platforms.
Offshore drilling caused one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent spill of 215 million gallons of crude into the Gulf that fouled beaches from Louisiana to Florida. The effects of the spill are still being felt more than seven years later.
Hydrocarbons linked to the spill were detected in 90 percent of pelican eggs more than 1,000 miles away in Minnesota, scientists say. Dolphins living in Barataria, Louisiana, have experienced mortality rates 8 percent higher than dolphin populations elsewhere, and their reproduction success dropped 63 percent. The well's owner, British Petroleum, has paid penalties in excess of $61 billion as of July 2016.
Oceana, a non-profit conservation group that monitors fisheries and pollution, called the proposal "a recipe for disaster." Citing the Deepwater Horizon catastrophe, Diane Hoskins, the group's campaign director, said, "This radical offshore drilling free-for-all is a clear example of politics over people, ignoring widespread local and state opposition."
Staff writer Frank Kummer contributed to this article, which includes information from Bloomberg.
President Donald Trump greets Gov. Christie at an event at the White House in October. The Trump administration on Wednesday appointed a Christie ally, Craig Carpenito, as interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. Read more
WASHINGTON The Trump administration named a close ally of Gov. Christie as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey on Wednesday, appointing Craig Carpenito as the interim U.S. attorney in Newark.
Carpenito previously worked under Christie as an assistant U.S. attorney in that same office and later defended the governor in a citizen's complaint related to the George Washington Bridge lane-closure scandal. The move, however, was likely to heighten tensions with New Jersey's Democratic senators, neither of whom have backed the high-profile appointment. Neither Sen. Bob Menendez nor Sen. Cory Booker has met with Carpenito, according to a person familiar with the process.
Carpenito's allies accused the lawmakers of trying to stall the president's selection.
U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions named Carpenito to the post, citing a law that allows for interim appointments in the event of extended vacancies. The appointment takes effect Friday, according to a release from New Jersey's U.S. Attorney's Office.
Carpenito can hold the post on an interim basis for up to 120 days, and could be nominated for the position permanently. He has long been seen as the leading candidate for the job, thanks in large part to Christie's backing.
"Craig is an outstanding lawyer and the type of decisive leader the office really needs," Christie, a former U.S. attorney, said in a statement Wednesday. "I am confident he will be a U.S. attorney that everyone in New Jersey will be proud of in the years ahead."
Carpenito and 16 other U.S. attorneys around the country were appointed Wednesday under a law that allows the administration to name an interim pick if a U.S. attorney position has been vacant for 300 days. The New Jersey position has been held by an acting U.S. attorney, William Fitzpatrick, for 299 days, dating back to early last year, when a slew of Obama administration holdovers were asked to resign, including New Jersey's Paul Fishman.
"You can't have an important position like that unfilled," said Bill Palatucci, one of Christie's top advisers. No one, he said, could question Carpenito's qualifications.
Carpenito is a partner at Alston & Bird LLP. He was an assistant U.S. attorney in New Jersey from 2005 to 2008, when Christie led the office.
Christie, who has been at various times a close Trump adviser, aggressively pushed Carpenito to land the job, enlisting New Jersey's Republican congressional delegation to write a letter to the president vouching for him. He had to overcome resistance from others, including Trump son-in-law and frequent Christie rival Jared Kushner, who wanted Geoffrey Berman for the post, according to several people with knowledge of the maneuvering.
Berman was named interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, one of the most high-profile prosecutor jobs in the country.
Over the summer there had been negotiations between the administration, Christie allies and New Jersey's Democratic senators over a slate of judicial and prosecutorial nominations. They never reached a deal, with each side blaming the other for unreasonable demands.
By tradition, senators can block federal nominees from their home states, but this move could help the Trump administration at least temporarily evade that roadblock. Neither Menendez nor Booker offered comments on Carpenito Wednesday.
Menendez still faces his own entanglement with the Justice Department, which is weighing whether to retry him on corruption charges after an initial trial last year resulted in a hung jury. The case is being led by prosecutors in Washington, not New Jersey, and so would not fall under Carpenito's jurisdiction.
Sessions, in a statement, praised Carpenito's experience in private practice, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as a prosecutor.
"He has successfully prosecuted white-collar criminals and fraudsters, and as interim United States Attorney for New Jersey, he will continue to put criminals out of business and behind bars," Sessions said.
Before working with Christie in New Jersey, Carpenito was senior counsel in the Securities and Exchange Commission's division of enforcement in its New York regional office. He graduated from Rider University and Seton Hall University law school.
WASHINGTON By the end of the year, Pennsylvania will have lost more than 50 years of experience in the U.S. House, along with the clout that kind of seniority brings.
Three Republican representatives from the state are not seeking reelection, and one veteran GOP House member resigned last fall amid a scandal. The power outage comes even before voters go to the polls in November, amid a political climate that could threaten even more incumbents in the Republican majority.
The latest decision landed Tuesday, when Rep. Bill Shuster, chairman of the powerful House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced he would not seek a 10th term. He is the state's most senior Republican, and his exit will mark the end of a remarkable family run Shuster and his father have held a central Pennsylvania House seat since 1973.
He joins Republican Reps. Charlie Dent, of Allentown, a moderate worn down by seven terms' worth of ideological battles; Tim Murphy, of Allegheny County, who retired under pressure in October amid revelations of an affair and abusive office behavior; and Lou Barletta, a Northeast Pennsylvanian who is running for the U.S. Senate.
"When you lose somebody of good seniority, you're losing an opportunity to have a good influence on the process," said Jim Gerlach, the former Republican congressman from Chester County.
The departures of Shuster and Dent in particular will cost Pennsylvania influence over major legislation worth billions of dollars to the state. Both men also had their hands on less formal levers of influence.
Dent heads the Tuesday Group, a coalition of center-right House Republicans, serving as a leading strategist for the bloc and making him a vocal figure in national debates.
As the heads of a major committee (in Shuster's case) and a key subcommittee (Dent), they also could set the agenda in their areas and shape major bills, deciding what would get added and what might be left aside.
Other lawmakers from Pennsylvania, from both parties, would turn to the high-ranking members when seeking something under their purview that might help their own districts, said George McElwee, Dent's former chief of staff.
"They kind of lean on each other in helping their own within the state," said McElwee, now a lobbyist whose clients include the state of Pennsylvania.
And those with seniority often use their expertise to guide the rest of the state's delegation on big decisions, said Alan Novak, a former GOP state chairman. "They deferred to the ranking member on various committees to get things done for Pennsylvania," Novak said.
Shuster, of Blair County, would have lost his transportation committee gavel even if he stayed in Congress, because of Republican rules imposing term limits on chairmen. But he also served on a caucus steering committee that decides who gets the best committee assignments, Gerlach said.
"Bill was our point person on the steering committee to work with leadership and the other steering committee members to help our [Pennsylvania] members get the assignments they wanted," Gerlach said.
Dent leads the House Appropriations subcommittee overseeing military construction and veterans' affairs, helping to steer tens of billions of dollars in spending.
Murphy had served nearly 15 years in Congress; Barletta will be in the House for eight by the time this term ends and he either moves to the Senate or leaves elected office. (He is seeking the nomination to challenge Democratic incumbent Sen. Bob Casey).
After Shuster and Dent, the most senior House Republican from Pennsylvania is Glenn Thompson, who took office in 2009. Four others have been in office since January 2011, including Barletta and Delaware County's Pat Meehan.
Democrats have had their own share of turnover among veteran lawmakers, with recent retirements of Montgomery County's Allyson Schwartz and the corruption conviction against Philadelphia's Chaka Fattah. But they still have senior lawmakers in Rep. Bob Brady, a Philadelphian in office since 1998, and Rep. Mike Doyle, a Pittsburgh-area lawmaker who has been in office since 1995.
Their experience helps, but it is the majority party that firmly controls legislation in the House.
Among the remaining Republicans, Thompson might be next in line to eventually lead a key panel. He is a senior member of the Agriculture Committee, which oversees a major Pennsylvania interest.
Meehan sits on the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Ryan Costello, elected to succeed Gerlach in 2014, has a seat on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, although both men are relatively junior on those panels.
In the months following President Donald Trump's election, more has been revealed about Hillary Clinton's mishandling of classified information. More has come out about the FBI's bias in the investigation, and more reporting has shed light on former FBI Director James Comey's manipulative nature. So, does the Clinton email matter need a fresh look? Yes.
Before Trump's election, we didn't know about FBI deputy counterintelligence chief Peter Strzok or his role in changing Comey's Clinton testimony from "grossly negligent" to "extremely careless"; we didn't know that he was not apolitical and that he would reveal his anti-Trump bias in texts to others; we didn't know, as recent reports now confirm, that the FBI believed there was evidence that laws were broken when Clinton and her aides improperly transmitted classified information; and we didn't know that Comey had drafted an exoneration of Clinton before she was even interviewed by the FBI. And, oh, by the way, when Clinton was eventually interviewed, her statements were not recorded and she was not under oath. Hmm.
There are plenty of fair questions about whether favoritism and a willful desire to ignore material violations of the law occurred during the Clinton email investigation. As I've written before, if an assistant secretary of state had done what Clinton did, they would have been prosecuted. And in Clinton's case, she specifically warned State Department employees against doing exactly that. Some suggest that none of this is relevant because Clinton lost, but America doesn't work that way.
We either have laws and enforce them, or we don't. On the one hand, we want to avoid slipping toward third-world status where incumbent regimes use their power to prosecute their enemies. But we also must not allow fame and power to shield individuals from prosecution. To pursue an unbiased and fully informed inquiry into the investigation of Hillary Clinton's emails would not be partisan or mean-spirited. But to not pursue it would suggest a systemic favoritism that is contrary to the American system. The fact is, we don't need another special prosecutor to uncover what happened with Clinton's emails and who knew about them. We need existing prosecutors with proper oversight to do their jobs.
Remember, the email investigation took place at a time when everyone thought Clinton was going to win meaning that many involved in the affair believed they were probably auditioning in front of their future bosses. Obviously, Clinton defenders will want to say that a renewed inquiry into her mishandling of classified information is all about payback and perhaps a distraction from the Russia investigations. And I'll admit, Trump's bombastic taunts only add to that appearance. But serious law enforcement should not be deterred just because Trump is too loud and Clinton will have collaborators and defenders in the media.
The Justice Department should get to the bottom of this and set the record straight. Americans need to be assured that Hillary Clinton not only operated lawfully, but that she was not treated differently than anyone else would have been. Besides, if Trump thought it served the greater good, he could always pardon Clinton and her aides. The American people should not be expected to tolerate that the rules just don't apply to the Clintons.
Ed Rogers is a contributor to the PostPartisan blog, a political consultant and a veteran of the Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush White Houses and several national campaigns. He is the chairman of the lobbying and communications firm BGR Group, which he founded with former Mississippi governor Haley Barbour in 1991. @EdRogersDC
Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. Read more
Multiple late-night talk shows are in reruns this week, but three of the most political hosts CBS's Stephen Colbert, ABC's Jimmy Kimmel and Comedy Central's Trevor Noah are on the air. And they had plenty of material on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, New York Magazine and the Guardian posted excerpts from Michael Wolff's upcoming tell-all book about President Trump's White House, and featured some brutal quotes from Steve Bannon. This led to a scathing statement from Trump, who eviscerated his former chief strategist.
As you might expect, the comedians had a field day with the feud. Here were some topics they covered:
Bannon's quote about the June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr., Paul Manafort, Jared Kushner and a Russian lawyer: "Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately."
Colbert: "So he thinks Manafort, Don Jr. and Kushner did something 'treasonous, unpatriotic, and bad s.' Coincidentally, those are also their Secret Service code names."
Noah: "He also thinks the Trump campaign did collude with Russia . . . Trump's dude not only accused Trump's second-dumbest son of collusion, but he's also accusing the president of being in on it and then lying to the American people about it. You know what that means, people buckle up, because Trump's about to blow."
Kimmel: "He is quoted in a new book accusing Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, of money laundering, accusing Donald Trump Jr. of treason, which now you tell us? Thanks a lot."
Trump's statement lambasting Bannon, saying, "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."
Colbert: "Now all he has to do is lose his dog, and he's gonna have an awesome country song."
Noah: "I didn't even know presidents could release diss tracks. But I do feel bad for President Trump, because today he found out that some Nazis aren't very fine people."
Colbert: "Lost his mind? That's pretty harsh. What kind of stuff has Bannon been saying since he was fired?" (Clip of Bannon saying, "Every person in this country should get down every night and thank God Donald Trump is president of the United States.") "Clearly insane."
Noah: "Imagine being told by Donald Trump that you have lost your mind."
Bannon's quote about Donald Trump Jr. being questioned in the Russia investigation: "They're going to crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV."
Noah: "Honestly, I don't even know if that is a metaphor. I think there is at least a 50 percent chance you would find yolk where a brain should be."
Colbert: "CNN is already running a promo." (Plays a "This Is Your Brain on Drugs" parody with an egg frying on the sidewalk: "This is the Senate. This is Don Jr. testifying before the Senate. Any questions?") "Yeah, I have a question. How soon can that happen? That's Super Bowl ratings."
Noah: "I am surprised that Bannon knows that you crack eggs. I always just assumed that he ate them whole, like raw, with the shell and everything, like a snake."
Kimmel: "DJTJ, the president's son, got in the fight. He went after Bannon, he called him a liar and a back stabber. The rats are finally eating their young is what's going on here."
Trump's other shots at Bannon, including, "Steve was a staffer who worked for me after I had already won the nomination . . . Steve had very little to do with our historic victory . . . Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look."
Colbert: "Yeah, Bannon was just a staffer. Or as some people pronounce it, 'campaign CEO.'"
Noah: "Donald Trump is so amazing. In the middle of completely ripping his former chief strategist, he takes a moment to remind us how dope he is. It is like someone b slapping you and dabbing in the same motion."
Colbert: "I do agree with Trump there. That victory was the selfless, uncredited work of one eager young staffer."
Bannon's appearance.
Kimmel: "Steve Bannon is Trump's former chief strategist who always looked like he was halfway through melting."
Noah: "Remember Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist and human leather jacket?"
Colbert: "Let's go to another bombshell from former Trump adviser and what happens when your syphilis gets herpes, Steve Bannon."
WASHINGTON President Trump on Wednesday announced that he is disbanding a controversial voter fraud commission launched last year in the wake of his baseless claim that he lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 because of millions of illegally cast ballots.
The commission met only twice amid a series of lawsuits seeking to curb its authority and claims by Democrats that it was stacked to recommend voting restrictions favorable to the president's party.
In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said there is "substantial evidence of voter fraud" and blamed the ending of the commission on the refusal of many states to provide voter data sought by the commission and the cost of ongoing federal lawsuits.
The bipartisan panel, known as the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, had been nominally chaired by Vice President Pence and led by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Republican who has aggressively sought to prosecute voter fraud in his state.
In the statement, Sanders said Trump had signed an executive order asking the Department of Homeland Security to review voter fraud issues and "determine next courses of action."
The 11-member commission proved a magnet for controversy from the outset and was sued by one of its own members, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, who alleged that he has been kept in the dark about its operations, rendering his participation "essentially meaningless." A federal judge last month ruled partly in his favor.
Fearsome Foursome: This all-woman slate made history in November in Chester County as Democrats flipped many local GOP-held seats and drove the kind of high turnout that led to a Democratic surge across the Pennsylvania suburbs.(Left to Right) Patricia Maisano, Treasurer, Margaret Reif, Controller, Yolanda Van de Krol, Clerk of Courts, and Christina VandePol, M.D., Coroner, stand together for a photo after being sworn into office at West Chester University, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer Read more
I won't lie. This was fun.
As President Trump went to war with his former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, on Wednesday, I watched from a cushioned seat at West Chester University as four women exacted their own version of revenge on the commander-in-chief and the party that has refused to rein him in.
We were gathered inside the ballroom of Sykes Student Union as this fearsome foursome accomplished professionals with minimal to zero political establishment credentials were sworn in to Chester County row-office posts not held by a Democrat since before the Civil War.
Two of these barrier-breaking history makers were former Republican women who thought that their party had abandoned them over the last decade as it became a hard-right refuge of reactionary rhetoric.
All now were Democrats. And all had decided last year to fight back against Trumpism by doing more than whining. They would fight back by running for office and they won with such a high turnout behind them that Republicans across the region still are wondering what hit them.
Some people hooted and hollered as these women, one by one, put their hands on a Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. It was a powerful display of voter satisfaction fueled by rage. Which, in this age of I-rant-on-Facebook-and-call-that-public-service, amounts to something potent.
It was great to see this engagement level from women who, frankly, have the income and means to be comfortably inert about politics. One is a physician; two are financial professionals; the fourth was the founder of her own company with offices in 20 states.
Just like the blue-collar Trumpies who sent the real estate heir into the White House in 2016, women like this are now armed with their own fury against a president who once boasted of sexually assaulting women.
To see them win in a place like Chester County made it more remarkable, given that Republicans still have the voter registration edge there. This is the richest county in Pennsylvania a place where not too long ago, Republicans loved voting for anyone who would, first and foremost, protect their money.
Because of them and the moms who in November lugged kids to polling places to vote for the first time in local elections the GOP halls of power in West Chester must now make room for an unwelcome infantry of Democrats, on whom the party hopes to build an even more enduring power infrastructure: Margaret Reif, controller; Yolanda Van de Krol, clerk of courts; Christine VandePol, coroner; and Patricia Maisano, treasurer.
The chairman of the county Republican Party was notably absent from the midday ceremony.
But Trump? Who just the night before had seemingly taunted the world with an astonishing Twitter boast over his capacity to start a nuclear war? He was there.
Without him, none of these women would have run.
"I believe this is a moment in our history where we're all going to be judged for how we responded," said Reif, 50, who got politically involved only after being terrified of Trump's victory in late 2016. She was raised Republican but decided she couldn't remain in a party that put up Sarah Palin as a vice presidential nominee. Trump only further cemented her conversion to the left.
"I do find Trump offensive, and I know a lot of other women do, too," she said.
The women of Chester County who took office Wednesday represent a movement that has Republicans nervous across the suburbs of Philadelphia. Incensed by Trump's anti-immigrant, racially inflammatory, and wealthy donor-focused policy-making, Democrats grabbed fistfuls of power from the GOP in local and county elections two months ago.
Two Democrats won Council posts in Delaware County, another history-breaking milestone for a county long considered one of the strongest Republican bastions in the United States. Democrats won four of five row offices in Bucks County, too.
"We gave them a real ass-kicking," said Brian McGinnis, the Scranton-born Democrat who for the last four years has led the Chester County Democratic Party.
Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, it's gratifying to see that boots on the ground can still make the difference in a political climate so distorted, it seems that elections and public discourse have been hijacked by big donors and nefarious bots spewing propaganda on social media.
The lesson Wednesday, even as the president threatened to bury us all under a nuclear winter and went mano-a-mano with Bannon, is: If anyone feels the system is past the point of no return, look no further than the Pennsylvania suburbs of Philadelphia.
Good old-fashioned American democracy is alive and kicking. And it should make for an interesting 2018 especially if Trump continues to offend reasonable Americans with incredible and insatiable ardor.
John Rogers Carroll, 89, of Center City, a compassionate yet forceful giant in Philadelphia's legal community whose trailblazing efforts in support of lawyers struggling with addiction saved many lives and careers, died Tuesday, Jan. 2, of heart failure at his home.
From the 1950s until his retirement in 2010, Mr. Carroll was regarded as one of the city's preeminent white-collar criminal defense lawyers. He practiced from his office in Center City. He was brilliant and fearless, his colleagues said.
What made him great, said Peter F. Vaira, former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, was his willingness to take on cases considered unpopular, especially during the "Red Scare" of the 1950s, when some citizens were blacklisted for membership in or association with the Communist Party and others were charged under the Smith Act with advocating the violent overthrow of the government.
"He was a very scholarly guy who prepared and knew the law," said Vaira. "And he was not afraid to take an unpopular cause, such as Communist Party members who were charged under the Smith Act. In the 1950s, when there was a crazy Red Scare across the U.S., people were terrified, and many lawyers would not go anywhere near those charged. But John Rogers Carroll plunged right in."
"John embodied what is best in all of us: great skill, legal acumen, and dedication to his clients and craft," said Mark B. Sheppard, a partner in Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP who knew Mr. Carroll well. "He was the recognized dean of the white-collar bar in Philadelphia and just about the smartest lawyer you could ever meet."
Mr. Carroll stood out as an innovator and assisted fellow lawyers who were struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction. A recovering alcoholic himself, he became the force behind Pennsylvania lawyers' recovery programs, and counseled those struggling with addiction at all hours.
"He would take personal calls," Vaira said. "One day, when I was the U.S. attorney, one of my troops did something goofy" related to drinking. "When he heard about it, he said, 'Why didn't you call me?'"
What started out as a help line grew into the Philadelphia Bar Association's Lawyers' and Judges' Assistance Committee, and then into a nonprofit called Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL). Under Mr. Carroll's guidance, LCL became a model for lawyers' assistance programs throughout the nation, such as the leading American Bar Association's Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs.
Mary F. Platt, chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, said she viewed Mr. Carroll as a pioneer on behalf of addicted lawyers. "He had a strong commitment to giving back and serving others," she said. "His lifelong dedication to helping addicted lawyers is an outstanding hallmark of his career for which he will always be remembered."
In 2002, taking the support process one step further, Mr. Carroll established the M. Patricia Carroll Fund in memory of his wife, whom he married in 1980. She died in 2000.
The nonprofit provides funds for the treatment of addicted lawyers, judges, and law students.
"There is not a sober lawyer in Pennsylvania that wouldn't be sober today if it wasn't for John Rogers Carroll," said Sheppard. "And he was so humble about it."
Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Carroll graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School, and earned a bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University in 1949 and a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1952.
In 1953, while in private practice, Mr. Carroll was chosen to be part of an elite team of volunteer lawyers representing nine local members of the Communist Party who were accused of advocating to overthrow the government. The defendants had been unable to obtain paid defense counsel.
After a five-month federal trial, the nine were convicted, but the convictions were overturned on appeal.
During the mid- and late 1950s, Mr. Carroll represented Philadelphia public school teachers who were fired after exercising their Fifth Amendment right to silence when questioned by school officials or congressional committees about being affiliated with the Communist Party.
He also volunteered his services as vice chairman of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, served as director of the Eagleville Foundation and Eagleville Hospital, which treats addicts, and was a member of the Pennsylvania Advisory Council on Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
Mr. Carroll received the Philadelphia Bar Association Fidelity Award, Pennsylvania Bar Association Special Achievement Award for service to Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, St. Thomas More Society Award for service to the Bar, Philadelphia Psychiatric Society Benjamin Rush Award, and American Inns of Court Professionalism Award.
Despite the accolades, Mr. Carroll always shunned the limelight. He refused to discuss his cases with the media.
In addition to practicing law, Mr. Carroll enjoyed traveling with his wife, going to museums, and attending performances of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Opera Company.
"He was a loving friend with a magnificent mind and great sensibility," his family said.
Mr. Carroll is survived by a brother, Joseph "Skip" Carroll.
Funeral services and burial will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to the M. Patricia Carroll Fund, Box 1233, Media, Pa. 19063.
Michael Christman stands amid nitrogen tanks of cell lines at Coriell Institute soon after he became president and CEO in 2007 Read more
Michael Christman, 58, a genomics expert who championed personalized medicine as president and CEO of the Coriell Institute for Medical Research in Camden, died on Christmas.
He was visiting his father, Russell, in Chapel Hill, N.C., for the holidays with his 16-year-old twins, Max and Emma. Dr. Christman was an insulin-dependent diabetic but seemed to be in good overall health, his father said.
"He went to bed about 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. He wasn't feeling well," Russell Christman said. "We guess it was his heart."
Coriell, which collects, banks, and distributes biological samples for medical research, praised Dr. Christman for building the institute's mission "through his commitment to innovation and excellence."
"The importance of Dr. Christman's impact not only on the Coriell Institute but personalized medicine as a whole cannot be overstated," said Robert Kiep, chairman of the board of trustees. "His death is a terrible loss."
Born in Florida and raised in Chapel Hill, Dr. Christman initially followed in the footsteps of his father, a chemistry professor, by earning his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of North Carolina and his doctorate in biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley.
But during five years of postdoctoral research at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Christman expanded into genetics, the science that underpins personalized medicine. He went on to serve as the founding chair of the department of genetics and genomics at Boston University School of Medicine, where he led an international team that used the Framingham Heart Study to find a common genetic variant associated with obesity. The findings were published in the journal Science.
"He was a person everyone liked," his father said. "He talked science at the level of whoever he was talking to. When he left Boston after founding that department, I was awfully proud of what he had done. When he told me he was going to Coriell, I said, 'What?' But he said it was a wonderful opportunity."
After becoming Coriell's chief executive in 2007, Dr. Christman created the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative, a research study focused on integrating patients' genetic information into their medical care. The project now involves more than 10,000 participants in 48 states, hospital partners, and physicians, and has won more than $15 million in federal grants.
The success of the collaborative led Dr. Christman to found a for-profit spin-off company, Coriell Life Sciences. It provides a medication management tool that analyzes the patient's genetic makeup to understand individual responses to medications. The company has received honors including the IBM Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Dr. Christman remained committed to Coriell's core mission as a biobank, working to establish one of the world's largest collections of human "induced pluripotent stem cells." These cells, which are made by reprogramming skin or blood cells back to primitive stages, have become valuable tools in disease research and drug development.
"He was a genius at this," said Kiep. "If we can find someone who fills 50 percent of his shoes, we're doing good."
Besides his father and children, Dr. Christman is survived by two brothers and his ex-wife, Nikki Levin.
Coriell Institute is planning a memorial service.
The first thing to do when someone tries to choke you is to clear your airway. Photo: Joe Fiorentino
Choke. It's an ugly word for an ugly action, whether you are talking about strangling someone or letting anxiety overwhelm you. The choke attack, the instinct to "go for the throat," is as deeply imbedded in humanity's reptile brainour primitive memoryas any form of attack.
Whether it's a crude two-handed strangulation or more complicated techniques like a "guillotine" or "rear naked," a choke not only shuts down the victim's ability to get oxygen to the braineither by closing the airway or cutting off the blood supplyit also induces panic.
Like the primal instinct that motivates it, a choke is powerful but can be overcome with practically applied knowledge. There are three basic concepts to defending against a choke attack:
1. Clear the airway.
2. Come to center.
3. Follow the path of least resistance.
Knowing the basic concepts of how to defend against the choke will keep you from "choking" if the need ever arises to defend against one.
Clear the Airway
The most important thing to do when an attacker begins choking you is to clear the airway. Nothing else is as high priority. This means you must alleviate pressure on the carotid artery in a blood choke or gain space around the trachea in an air choke. Before striking or off balancing your opponentno matter how open or tempting that may beyou must first put as much weight as possible on the hands or arms that are choking you.
Hesitating to take the pressure off the choke is the difference between staying awake and going to sleep, possibly forever.
Simply hand fighting or trying to peel away the grip is not enough. Getting your hands, or in the case of a two-handed choke your forearms, on the point of contact and then "getting heavy" on that contact point as quickly as possible is imperative.
Once you have attached yourself to the choke point, drop as much of your weight as possible against it without losing your balance. Pit your weight against the attacker's grip.
You will loosen the pressure, even if only a small amount. This will allow critical oxygen flow to your brain. At the same time, getting heavy while clearing the airway wears down the strength of the attacker's hold. If you keep breathing, you keep fighting. If you keep fighting, you will prevail.
Come to Center
Once you can breathe, your next step is to regain a centered position. A powerful choke move will take the victim's head out of alignment with the rest of the body. To escape the hold, you must return your hips, back, and neck to that alignment. If you are being strangled or guillotined, continue dropping your weight against the choke while using that motion to lower your hips below your opponent's.
Step in close to your opponent using a lunging step, driving your hips toward them. Get as close as you can and then rise upward out of your lunge. This off centers your opponent and increases your structural leverage against their grip with your lower body. Your upper body must also re-establish center along with your legs and hips.
When defending against a two-handed strangle hold, one strong technique is to use a two-handed circular or clock strike from one side to the other, attacking first one arm and then the other. Photo: Joe Fiorentino
A guillotine should be countered by keeping the outside arm fighting the choke while the inside arm (the one closest to the opponent's head) is thrown over the opponent's shoulder on the opposite side of the head, landing as heavily as possiblesimilar to an overhead version of a clothesline blowand immediately pulling the opponent's torso to the side, allowing you to regain a balanced and centered position.
In the case of a rear naked choke, the motions are almost reversed from the other counters. You bridge against your opponent, pinning their head to the ground by putting the back of your head against their chin and using your legs to drive against them.
In all three cases you are now the centered, balanced combatant preparing the way for your escape.
Least Resistance
Follow the path of least resistance to escape the choke.
In the cases of all three attack counters that we have discussed, weight and pressure and leverage are all reducing the power of the chokes. Now find the way out by feeling where the pressure isn't.
In the strangle hold, one side or the other will bend under the intermittent pressure and two armed clock strikes. Isolate that side's attacker's hand with both hands and step hard and fast toward that side to escape.
In the guillotine scenario, keep stepping around the outside arm. This will isolate the arm wrapped around your head. The motion will either trap it in a bent arm lock or the attacker will clear it, giving you a clear path to either escape or make a counterattack.
In the rear naked scenario, continue bridging backward and driving away from the choking arm wrapped around your chin. Force your shoulders flat against the floor beside your opponent and then bridge toward them to take the "mount" position and complete your escape. Photo: Joe Fiorentino
While the variety of choke attacks is nearly infinite and the specific techniques to counter them just as numerous, all escapes from choke holds follow these universal principles.
You must first clear the airway. If you can't breathe, you can't fight back. Then come to center. If you don't regain a balanced position, you can't attempt an escape. Follow the path of least resistance once you have created the opening. This means you should never hesitate to go where your opponent isn't to defeat the choke and either escape or counterattack.
Training and sparring using these principles is essential to making these choke defenses part of your muscle memory. If you do train with these concepts in mind then, even when you are hurt and under an attack that makes breathing nearly impossible, you will not choke when escaping the choke.
Joe Fiorentino is a deputy with the Cook County (IL) Sheriff's Office and a certified defensive tactics instructor who lives in Chicago. He's also a Shidokan Black Belt who's been inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
Photo Courtesy of Sydney Vail
Tactical medicine has come a long way in the last few decades. The concept that was once known as "battlefield medicine" and only practiced in the military is now a mainstay in law enforcement. Today, it's not uncommon for SWAT teams nationwide to deploy with emergency medical personnel. Some of those teams even arrive on scene with physicians. And a few, like the Arizona Department of Public Safety's SWAT team, roll out with a trauma surgeon.
That trauma surgeon on the Arizona DPS team is Dr. Sydney Vail, one of the nation's leading authorities on tactical medicine and the care of gunshot victims. Vail is also an outspoken advocate of all law enforcement officers, and even some members of the public, having access to and knowing how to use tourniquets to stop hemorrhage from critical injuries.
Outspoken also characterizes Vail's views on wound ballistics. His articles"9mm Vs. .40 Caliber" and "Stopping Power: Myths, Legends, and Realities"are some of the most popular and most controversial in the history of POLICE Magazine and PoliceMag.com.
Vail, who has studied the performance of handgun ammunition in both the gunshot wound patients he has operated on and in the works of researchers like Dr. Martin Fackler, is a strong believer that size of ammunition used in a handgun has much less effect on stopping a threat than shot placement.
In "Stopping Power" he wrote: "I believe the definition of stopping power should be a particular ammunition's effectiveness to render a person unable to offer resistance or remain a threat to the officer, an intended victim, or self.
"So how does ammunition accomplish this? You have two options. You can use a really large round at very high velocity like the 30mm cannon rounds from an Apache helicopter's M230 Chain Gun, which produces substantial kinetic energy, or you can place your shot where it has the most effect. Obviously, shot placement is the only realistic option for a law enforcement officer."
Vail's argument that the stopping power of handgun ammunition is not based on caliber has elicited howls of protest from members of the firearms community who are devotees of particular cartridges, especially the .45 ACP. Vail says he enjoys the debate and he reads the comments on his articles, but he stands by his conclusions about ammo performance based on his experience as a scientist, a surgeon, a shooter, and a tactical medical provider.
Dr. Sydney Vail visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, where he found the name of the one critically injured officer he couldnt save in surgery, Philadelphia PD Officer Robert Hayes. (Photo Courtesy of Sydney Vail)
POLICE Magazine editor David Griffith recently spoke with Vail about his career as a trauma surgeon, his experience as a tactical medical provider, his advocacy of tourniquet use, and his study of wound ballistics.
POLICE: What made you choose trauma surgeon as a specialty?
Vail: When I was going through my surgical training early on, it got routine. Trauma is anything but routine. You never know what comes in the door next. It could be a gunshot wound, a stab wound, a terrible car accident. I guess I am an adrenaline junkie. Also, I wanted to use my brain more than just knowing ahead of time what to do. With trauma you have to figure out what to do next as you operate.
POLICE: You've been working with law enforcement since 2002. What got you involved in that?
Vail: When I was a fellow in Miami, one of our faculty was the medical director for Metro Dade County police and fire, and that got me interested. Then, once I heard about tactical medicine, I thought it was a way for me to give back to law enforcement.
POLICE: When you were in Roanoke, VA, you worked on victims of the Virginia Tech active shooter
Vail: I took care of three or four patients from that. We did not get the majority of patients, but we got the worst of them.
POLICE: Did that teach you anything about what law enforcement can do in the field as far as tactical medical response to improve survivability for the victims of an active shooter?
Vail: I was already working as a tactical medical provider back then and training other tactical medics. It just reinforced for me the value of tactical medicine. One of our tactical medics actually put a tourniquet on a kid who tied a lamp plug cord around his leg to stop the hemorrhage from a femoral artery. Because he was able to go inside with the responding officers and find this patient, and get a tourniquet on him, his life was saved.
POLICE: What's the most important thing an officer can do to improve a person's chance of survival after a major trauma?
Vail: Number one is intervene. Do something. And hopefully, you have the appropriate resources to do the job, meaning have a commercial tourniquet, have combat gauze, so you can take care of a wound: Stop the bleeding.
POLICE: Can the average officer really learn how to control the bleeding of a critically injured person in the field?
Vail: Anybody can learn it. We teach the public now. We've been doing law enforcement since the late 1990s, teaching them how to do self-aid, buddy-aid. Over the last two or three years, we've been teaching the public. If they can do it, any officer can do it.
POLICE: How much training time is needed to teach officers how to use a tourniquet?
Vail: The hands-on takes about 20 minutes for wound packing, and about 20 minutes for tourniquets. That's all you need. I tell police chiefs the expense is not the training, it's the tourniquets. The investment is a little big up front, but it's minor in comparison to the expense of losing an officer's life, losing a civilian's life, even losing a bad guy's life. The lawsuits that can come from such things cost much more than tourniquets and training.
POLICE: What is the best protocol for making sure an officer has a tourniquet when needed?
Vail: Carry two, one for yourself, one for someone else. We teach our officers to use the injured officer's own tourniquet. That way you maintain your own, so it will be available if you need it.
POLICE: Why did tourniquets have such a bad reputation for so long?
Vail: The people in medicine, I think, gave it a bad rap. You know, decades ago, the thinking was that using a tourniquet will lead to the loss of a limb, it'll crush arteries, veins, nerves, and muscle. I think it really took common sense as well as practical application of tourniquets, both in the civilian world and in the military world, to change that thinking. It took until the late 1990s, early 2000s, for EMS to finally be given the approval by their medical directors to use tourniquets.
POLICE: I remember in Boy Scout training, they told us only use a tourniquet if it's the absolute last possible thing you can do. So, they scared us all from using it.
VAIL: That's right. And now, the military proved it's the first thing you do.
POLICE: What are the most important things an officer needs to know about applying a tourniquet?
Vail: Number one, how to use the damn thing. It shouldn't be in its wrapper and never been used for practice. You have to practice with it, and know how to put it on correctly. You may only get one chance, and you gotta make it right.
POLICE: You're causing pain to the injured person when you do that, so there's a reluctance to do it
Vail: Yes, that is a factor. I tell my students, "Forget about that. You're saving a life. Don't worry about the pain; we can deal with that with medication."
POLICE: What was your first experience treating a gunshot wound?
Vail: That would have been back when I was an intern in 1989. I was at a trauma center in downtown Philadelphia, it was [what we called a] "knife and gun club." I just remember being fascinated by what that bullet did inside the human body, how well the trauma team responded to it, and how (when it goes right) the patient gets to go home, even when they look like they're gonna die. Photo Courtesy of Sydney Vail
I also learned that the human body can take a lot of damage and survive, despite being shot multiple times through multiple areas of the body. Because as I've written about, if you don't hit the brain stem or make them bleed out, there's a good chance they [can stay in the fight].
POLICE: What's the highest number of rounds you've seen shot into a person who's survived?
Vail: The largest number of bullet wounds has been 22. Some were just entry, some were entry/exits. But 22, I think, was my maximum number. It's not uncommon for me to get 8 or 10 or 12 wounds and people survive.
I got involved in wound ballistics and what it really took to stop a threat during residency in Philadelphia because I had a friend on the police force who lost his job for use of excessive force by shooting somebody, I think it was, 18 times, and I always thought, maybe he needed to shoot that person 18 times to stop the threat.
As a surgeon, I saw what bullets don't do to the human body, meaning they don't kill it, they don't just stop it...which is why I wrote that article about stopping power; it's really a myth. I know that the human body can tolerate many gunshots and still function so that the person is still a threat to the police officer. So I make it known that I am willing to help defend a police officer who is accused of excessive force based on the number of shots fired. If it's a clean shoot, I'm happy to review it. If I can agree with them after that review, then I'll be there to testify for them.
POLICE: Is there really a significant difference in terms of wound ballistics between a 9mm, .40, and .45?
Vail: Other than the size of the ballistic projectile, nope. Because unless you hit something vital, it doesn't matter what you hit them with. You could hit them with a .45 in the shoulder, they're gonna survive. You hit them with a 9mm in the shoulder, they're gonna survive. You hit them with a .22 in the brain they could die. So, stopping a threat really does not come down to caliber, it is shot placement.
Handguns are lousy stoppers; it doesn't matter the caliber, they are just not great at stopping threats. Because of the ballistics profile and the amount of energy that a rifle round carries with it and dumps into the body, a rifle is a much better instrument to stop a threat.
POLICE: Can a significant temporary wound cavity be produced by a handgun bullet?
Vail: You really don't get much of a temporary cavity with a handgun. It's there, but it's minimal as compared to a rifle round and, you know, I think that's where ballistic gel [has value]. It's not my favorite substance in the world, but it demonstrates that if you fire a rifle round into it, the temporary cavity is extremely large. You don't really get much damage from the hydrostatic "pressure" of tissues ripping from a handgun.
POLICE: Can agencies learn anything about their ammo through gelatin testing?
Vail: Yes. You can look at certain characteristics of the ammo: expansion and depth of penetration. But that's all. And you're comparing those two things in gelatin. How those relate to the human body is where I argue you're getting misinformation because the bullets will not act the same in the human body as they act in gelatin.
Photo Courtesy of Sydney Vail
POLICE: What ammo do you carry in your personal defense pistol?
Vail: Well, for my SWAT team I carry a .45 with Speer Gold Dots issued. Personally I generally carry my 9mm most often because of its capacity (loaded with HST rounds).
POLICE: How do your colleagues feel about your interest in guns and wound ballistics and tactical law enforcement? We think of doctors as fairly liberal people.
Vail: Here in Phoenix, most people I know are shooters. Some of my colleagues around the country do criticize me, friends criticize me, but knowing about shooting and how bullets behave in the body makes me better at caring for people who've been shot.
POLICE: What is the biggest misconception officers have about what happens to them medically after they get shot?
Vail: I actually have a PowerPoint lecture that I give on that to police officers, because there's a lot of misconceptions. You know, they see videos of police officers getting shot who go right to the ground. No, stay in the fight. Unless something stops your brain from working, you should be able to fight. People think, "Oh, my God, I'm gonna go into shock," or, "I won't be able to function or breathe or raise my weapon or call on the radio." People kind of just emotionally lose it instead of staying in the fight, and it's all about training and mindset.
Bruce Siddle wrote a great book ("Sharpening the Warriors Edge: The Psychology & Science of Training"), and I love to quote it. He wrote: "Stress is a matter of perception, and perception is changed through the training process." He and I have spoken about this. I do believe that if officers really spent the time learning more about how stress and injury affect the body, then that apprehension and fear would diminish tremendously.
There are officers out there who get it. If they get hurt, they're going to fight until they can't fight anymore. But there are officers out there who just, "Oh my God, I'm shot, I gotta end this fight now," or, "I'm not in the fight anymore."
POLICE: How many times have you worked on a critically wounded law enforcement officer?
Vail: I have operated on 13 critically wounded police officers. I have lost one. I am very proud of that record. And the only reason we lost that one [Officer Robert Hayes of the Philadelphia Police Department in 1993], was that he was shot through the head, the chest, and the abdomen. I operated on his chest, his abdomen, his neck, and fixed all those. But we could not fix his brain, and he died of brain death, unfortunately.
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Having recently retired after more than 30 years of being a police officer, I look back on my experiences with pride of service to the community and having known and worked with some of the finest people in my profession. But I'll tell you that in order to keep one's sanity on the job, a sense of humor is required and indispensable.
For example, while one of the most dangerous duties a law enforcement officer must perform is to walk up to a strange car and interview the driver after having witnessed an infraction or violation, the conversations that transpire can be funny and memorable. Here are a few examples:
The Smart Mouth
While on patrol I witnessed a car traveling at well beyond the speed limit. Simply wanting to issue a warning to the driver, I stopped the car, walked up to the driver's window, and requested to see the operator's license, registration, and insurance card. I asked the driver, a female, "Do you know why I stopped you?" If she had answered something like, "Was I speeding?" I would have replied, "Yes. Slow down." And the episode would have ended there.
But her response to my initial question of do you know why I stopped you was, "What is this? Twenty questions?" Which essentially stopped the conversation; I issued a traffic citation and resumed patrol.
Card Games
At property damage and personal injury auto accidents, I used to hand out my business card telling those involved in the accident that if there is a problem with the form or if there is any way I can help to please contact me. But once I stopped a driver who was speeding and asked for his license, registration, and insurance card, and he readily offered that documentation along with a police business cardMy business card!
When I asked, "What's this?" He replied, "That's a friend of mine, Officer LoBalbo. Do you know him?"
I said, "Better than you." Then I returned to my patrol car, wrote the ticket, and brought it back to the driver along with his paperwork. When he saw the uniform traffic ticket, he asked, "There's no courtesy here?" thinking that he had leverage because of his good friend Officer LoBalbo
I looked directly at him and informed him, "I'm Officer LoBalbo."
Just like a child found with his hand in the proverbial "cookie jar," he turned beet red but then asked for my business card back, which I refused to give him.
I continued to hand out my business card. But from then on, I wrote the Mv104A number of the accident on the back along with the date.
Speed Racer
Another time I stopped the driver of a high-performance BMW. Before I had a chance to examine his license, registration, and insurance card, his comment to me was, "You know, I could have smoked you." The comment took me aback, as it can have multiple meanings.
I asked what he meant exactly, and he explained that he could have outrun me and my police cruiser. I then picked up my portable from my duty belt and asked him, "Are you faster than a radio signal? Because there's another patrol cruiser down the road about three miles who will stop you for sure."
Saying something like that to a law enforcement officer would have never occurred to me as a civilian before I became a LEO. I don't know what the BMW salesman told him, but clearly, he had been reading and believing too many of their advertisements.
The Real Deal
Once I stopped a driver who was speeding, and asked to see his license, registration, and insurance card. He replied, "How do I know that's a real badge?"
I controlled my anger and answered, "It's a real badge." I showed him my ID: "Here's my real identification." And I motioned toward my car with the flashing lights, "And that's a real police cruiser."
While he was digesting that, I added, "If you'd like, you can be brought in front of a real judge, in a real courtroom, and if the real magistrate so decides, you can be brought to a real jail."
He made no further comment about whether I was a genuine law enforcement officer.
Stating the Obvious
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A woman walked into our small sub-station to register a complaint of criminal mischief. Now there were two other officers there, one completing a report and the other processing an arrest. I am in full uniform, including badge with decorations, sidearm, and duty belt with two additional magazine cases and TASER. But her question to me was, "Are you a police officer?"
I replied with a smile, "It's not Halloween."
She glared at me and walked out the door. Of course, a personnel complaint followed the next day.
The Ammo Expert
Another time during a very busy morning riding double on the Fourth of July holiday weekend, my partner and I stopped to grab a quick lunch in between the plethora of calls we were sent on all morning. As we were eating, a man walked up to our table and sat down.
I thought he was a friend of my partner; my partner thought he was my friend. He started asking about our sidearms, which at that time were the S&W Model 686.
At my answer, he observed "Oh, Magnums."
I corrected him, stating that Magnums were too difficult to control so we use a +P round.
His comment was, "Oh, that's a weak cartridge. If you're wearing a heavy coat, they don't even go through."
Now, I don't want to get shot with a BB gun much less a +P round. So thinking he was kidding, I said to him, "Well, go home and put a heavy coat on. We'll test your theory."
Both my partner and I laughed, but not this gentleman. He got up and walked away.
When I returned to our headquarters at the end of the tour, my lieutenant called me into his office and asked, "Did you threaten to shoot someone today?"
I told him what had happened and his comment was that people do not have the same sense of humor that we have. He actually laughed but asked me not to utilize that same response should a civilian make such a silly statement to me again.
Self-Incrimination
Traffic Court and trials are another place where our sense of humor must be employed. This one gentleman would not take a disposition (pleading guilty to a lesser charge) for his speeding ticket and insisted on a trial. We were both sworn in and the defendant gave his statement. And as the issuing officer, I gave mine.
The gentleman had no questions for me, but asked the judge if he could make an additional comment, which he was allowed to do. His comment was, "Your honor, if I was speeding, I was speeding for only about five seconds."
The judge's head went down and he started writing. He then turned to me asking if I also had additional statements to make to which I replied in the negative.
The Judge's final comment was, "On the basis of the testimony given before me, I find you guilty as charged."
The defendant was livid with fury. He didn't realize he ruined his innocent plea by stating that he was speeding. He became upset, calling it a "kangaroo court, like the old Soviet Union."
It was all I could do to not burst out laughing. Which I did later in the locker room.
My Advice
When my relatives, friends, and acquaintances ask what to do when they are stopped by a police officer, I always say the same thing: "Just be nice. Keep your hands visible. Don't get out of the car unless you are directed to and make no sudden moves."
As we all know, the "just be nice" part goes a long way. As law enforcement officers we do not escape the everyday problems faced by every American. A friendly gesture, a smile, a courteous salutation, all go a long way toward making our days more pleasant and our job easier.
Anthony Charles LoBalbo is a retired police officer who served in the Town of Lewisboro (NY) Police Department for 14 years. He also served for 28 years as a Reserve Deputy with the Dutchess County (NY) Sheriff's Office.
Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, has introduced the MicroStream USB, a USB rechargeable version of its popular MicroStream flashlight. The compact new light is designed to provide amazing brightness and long run times for a flashlight of its size, delivering up to 250 lumens and 3.5 hours of run time, while also offering the benefits of rechargeability. It measures only 3.87 inches long, and weighs only 1.20 ounces.
"The MicroStream USB is small enough to carry in a pocket or clip to a cap, while offering extraordinary lumen output and the convenience of charging on the go at any USB port or from an AC wall adaptor," said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. "It's the ideal lighting tool, whether for automotive or industrial jobs, patrol duty, hunting and other outdoor sports, or DIY jobs."
MicroStream USB flashlight (Photo: Streamlight)
Using power LED technology, the new light features two lighting modes, high and low. On high, it provides 250 lumens, 1,150 candela, a 68-meter beam distance and a run time of 1.5 hours. On low, it offers a run time of 3.5 hours, 50 lumens, 250 candela, and a beam distance of 31 meters.
The MicroStream USB includes a convenient push-button tail cap switch to provide easy, one-handed operation of the light's momentary or constant-on operation and lighting modes. It uses a 350 mAh lithium ion cell battery that can be recharged using the Micro USB charge port under the sliding sleeve. The light fully recharges in four hours, with red and green LED lights to indicate charging status.
The new light offers durable, abrasion-resistant construction, featuring a machined aluminum case with a Type II Military Spec anodized finish. The MicroStream USB is IPX4 rated for weather resistance, and is impact resistant-tested to one meter. It comes with a removable, two-way pocket/hat clip.
The MicroStream USB has an MSRP of $50.00, and comes with Streamlight's Limited Lifetime Warranty.
For more information, visit www.streamlight.com.
Photo: Rich Portwood Most law enforcement officers I know have some sort of folding knife that they carry with them off and often on duty. They mostly use these tools to cut mundane things like cords and tape and slice open evidence bags. Most probably don't even think about their knives as possible lifesaving weapons so they never practice drawing them and using them in defensive moves. And to be truthful, many of the knives carried by American law enforcement officers are not designed to be used as defensive weapons. But there are some folders on the market, like those made by Lotar Combat, that are designed to be weapons.
I stumbled upon Lotar Combat and the picture of its Akrav folder on Instagram purely by accident and was awed and a little shocked by the design. The Akrav is a fighting knife; it's designed to be the backup to your backup.
The Akrav was designed by Nir (that's the only name he gives on the company's website), a veteran of Israel's counter-terrorism units and also the Israel Border Police. Nir's covert military and law enforcement experiences led him to create a folding knife designed to be simple, rugged, and extremely deadly.
Beginning with titanium scales for ruggedness and weight savings, the user's hands benefit from the ergonomics of the design, which keeps the hands and wrist from being twisted. The ergonomics provide an ideal hold on the knife to be used as a weapon. Grip is intuitive for the index finger and thumb.
Photo: Rich Portwood The blade itself is made from hollow-ground D2 steel formed into a recurve/modified Tanto point. It looks exceptionally large for a folder blade, but it is both razor sharp and incredibly rugged. Coated with a titanium coating, this blade is all business and bad ass. The blade is deployed via a military-grade ball-bearing system that requires one hand and doesn't even require the user to flick their wrist. The blade opens smoother than any folder I have ever seen.
Even the clip on the Akrav is top of the line. It's much like those found on Parker pens. The clip holds the knife securely to a pocket, waistband, belt, MOLLE gear, or whatever else you want to attach it. The clip held my knife in place during some foot pursuits, and I even clipped it to the waistband of my shorts when I went for runs, since it's somewhat difficult to run with a concealed handgun. Even though the clip is secure, it provides lightning fast deployment, and the knife is so slim and lightweight you almost forget it's there.
And the Akrav is one tough knife. I have deliberately tried the limited lifetime warranty. I ran the knife over with my truck with no damage, pried open some crates, chopped a limb off a dogwood tree, skinned a few fish, and even used the titanium scales to bust out some windows of a junk car.
Photo: Rich Portwood Knife defense is a dying art, but I believe knife tactics and techniques should be more prevalent in police training. My academy experience included about 15 minutes on knife takeaways, and not once in the 14 years since have I had any agency training on deploying a knife as a defensive weapon. Despite the lack of training, many police departments nationwide allow their officers to carry a knife.
Which I do. I have carried a fixed-blade knife in an ankle holster for about 12 years and have worked with various defensive tactics trainers over the years on how to deploy the knife from the guard position. Even with that, I can't access the fixed-blade on my ankle easily while standing up or when facing an armed suspect three feet in front of me. Which is why I like the Akrav folder. I can easily access the Akrav that is now clipped to my pocket.
Lotar Combat Akrav Gen II Knife Blade Material: Hollow grind D2 steel blade Blade Hardness: 59-60 HRC Overall Length: 8.14 inches Blade Length: 3.5 inches Blade Thickness: 0.16 inches Blade Style: Recurve/modified Tanto point Features: ball bearing pivot system, slip-resistant flipper, titanium scales, low-profile titanium clip, titanium framelock with steel insert, BattleHarden titanium coating on blade and grip Price: $319 www.lotarcombat.com
The Akrav is not cheap. It lists for $319. But we live in dangerous times when many of our conversations revolve around officer safety. Having the right tools and training is paramount to our success as police officers. Instead of going to your local big box store and picking up a made-in-Taiwan knife with a seat belt cutter and glass breaker (have you ever actually used these?), I recommend you invest in a quality, rugged, well-designed defensive weapon like the Akrav. We won't skimp on our firearms, ammunition, or body armor, so why settle for junk for our last line of defense? Our profession dictates we be armed and ready for anything.
Rich Portwood has been a police officer for 14 years, is a competitive shooter, and is a head instructor at Blue Line Combatives.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) U.S. congressional Democratic leaders said Wednesday they had a productive meeting with leaders of the Republican majority and White House officials about spending issues ahead of a Jan. 19 deadline to keep the government funded.
We had a positive and productive meeting and all parties have agreed to continue discussing a path forward to quickly resolve all of the issues ahead of us, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.
The statement was issued after a meeting of over an hour on Capitol Hill attended by Schumer, Pelosi, House Speaker Paul Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and two White House officials legislative director Marc Short and budget director Mick Mulvaney.
(Reporting by Susan Cornwell; Editing by Leslie Adler)
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Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), a member of the House Intelligence Committee investigating Russia, said that investigators want to see Trumps bank records, and they want Steve Bannon to testify about Trump money laundering.
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Swalwell said about the bank records on MSNBCs The Beat With Ari Melber, We want to see the bank records. We want to understand the financial transactions. A number of people have testified that theyve used financial entanglements And we know from Donald Trump Jr.s own mouth, that the Russians were heavily investing. Primarily their investments were coming from Russia I believe we should follow bank records. I think they would be illuminating for the American people to understand what investments were being made as well as what investments Donald Trump had made in the Russians.
Rep. Swalwell also said that the investigators want Bannon to testify, Absolutely, and I hope that the I hope the American people would be able to review his transcript and the transcript of every witness that has come before us.
Steve Bannon is trying to save his own skin, and would love nothing more than to take out the Trump kids and Jared Kushner along the way. If investigators talk to Steve Bannon, he is giving every signal that he is not going to protect the Trump family. Bannon had to know when he made the comments for the book that investigators were going to want to talk to him. With the very real prospect of Democrats running the investigation in a year, the situation is only going to get worse for Donald Trump.
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Former Vice President Joe Biden returned to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday to accompany Doug Jones for his official swearing-in ceremony after upsetting Roy Moore in last months special election in Alabama but the vice president didnt leave before speaking his mind on Donald Trumps reckless North Korea tweets.
In comments to the media, Biden said Trumps loose talk on Twitter is dangerous and could lead to an unintended war.
Video via ABC News:
Former Vice Pres. Joe Biden on Pres. Trumps nuclear button tweet: This is not the stuff to be tweeting aboutthis is dangerous, to continue this kind ofalmost childs play. https://t.co/cAx3UN6Jyl pic.twitter.com/3vGFHB3j9B ABC News (@ABC) January 3, 2018
Biden said Trumps rhetoric is dangerous and childish:
The only war thats worse than one thats intended is one thats unintended. This is not the stuff to be tweeting about. It is a very, very, very difficult problem. One of the first things we talked with the Trump team about in the transition was North Korea. He doesnt have any easy answers, but this is dangerous to continue this almost childs play.
In different remarks to NBC News, Biden took an even tougher stance against Trumps tweets: This is not a game. This is not about can I puff my chest out bigger than yours. Its just not its not presidential.
When the former vice president was asked whether Trumps behavior makes him more likely to mount a 2020 bid for the presidency, Biden responded with one word: No.
But as Trump continues to prove his unfitness to be president and the country seeks a course correction after allowing a dangerously unfit individual to reach the White House, Bidens stock is only likely to go up.
One opinion column published in Newsweek on Wednesday urged the former vice president to run for a single-term in 2020 with the simple slogan: Make America Normal Again.
With Trump becoming increasingly unstable and dangerous, that may not be such a bad idea.
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PARIS (Reuters) President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday he would overhaul French media legislation this year to fight the fake news spread on social media which he said threatened liberal democracies.
Since he was elected last year, Macron has criticized Russian media in particular, openly accusing TV channel RT of sowing disinformation about him via its website and social media during the presidential election.
If we want to protect liberal democracies, we must have strong legislation, Macron told a news conference.
Macron said the legislation would concern social media platforms, especially during election periods, and deeply change the role of Frances media watchdog CSA.
(Reporting by Michel Rose; Editing by Ingrid Melander)
While much of the political world is shocked by the more personal revelations uncovered in Michael Wolffs new book Fire and Fury, Rachel Maddow zeroed in on the legal implications and how they could turn out to be an obstruction of justice nightmare for the White House.
According to the MSNBC host, There are a couple of serious claims in this new book that could indicate new liability we didnt know about before for the president and members of his family on obstruction of justice.
Video:
Rachel #Maddow: New Book Revelations Are An Obstruction Of Justice Nightmare For Trump pic.twitter.com/bSIPB53LZz Sean Colarossi (@SeanColarossi) January 4, 2018
Maddow explains:
There are a couple of serious claims in this new book apparently by people in a position to know that could indicate new liability we didnt know about before for the president and members of his family on obstruction of justice. So, yes, for sure, the insults and the damning anecdotes are sort of impossible to turn away from. The former deputy chief of staff of the White House saying the president is like a child. The reported suspicion by members of the White House staff that the president may only be semi-literate. Theres a lot there, and well get to some of that stuff tonight. But this is also a White House that is in the cross hairs of the biggest criminal and counterintelligence investigation ever mounted against any U.S. president ever. And, so, watch for these newly unearthed potential legal liabilities to be triggers for upset in the White House, and potentially for renewed aggression by the White House and by Republicans who support the White House against the special counsel and the FBI.
As Maddow noted, there were some jaw-dropping revelations made in the book, some even funny, but the ones that matter most are those that raise more legal questions for the president, his family, and his inner circle.
One in particular, as Maddow showed during her program, was that a spokesman for Trumps lawyer believed he personally witnessed the president obstructing justice on Air Force One. He even quit his job over it.
Corallo (the spokesman for Trumps legal team), seeing no good outcome-and privately confiding that he believed the meeting on Air Force One represented a likely obstruction of justice-quit, the book states.
So while the new details continue to build the legal case against Trump, they also increase the likelihood that the president and his GOP apologists in Congress will escalate their war on special counsel Robert Mueller and the FBI.
With Trump and his team likely to become more desperate as the evidence continues to mount, Congress should move to protect Robert Mueller and the Russia investigation before its too late.
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Donald Trump was forced to officially shut down his failed voter fraud commission on Wednesday after most states refused to take it seriously and hand over data the administration requested.
In a typically Trump statement, the president lashed out about having to disband the commission, saying he will explore other avenues in order to get to the bottom of widespread voter fraud that exists only his unsteady mind.
The full statement:
Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry. Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today I signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and have asked the Department of Homeland Security to review these issues and determine next courses of action.
Before even getting through half a sentence, the White House lied. There is no substantial evidence of voter fraud. In fact, just the opposite is true.
As the Brennan Center notes, [E]xamination after examination of voter fraud claims reveal fraud is very rare, voter impersonation is nearly non-existent, and much of the problems associated with alleged fraud relates to unintentional mistakes by voters or election administrators. Election officials and leaders of the presidents own party also agree fraud is not widespread.
Even though Trump won the presidency via the Electoral College, he has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims that millions of undocumented immigrants cast their ballot in places like California. Just days after taking office, he told lawmakers that he believes three to five million votes were cast illegally, costing him a popular vote victory over Hillary Clinton.
In reality, this is just a story Trump tells himself to feel better about the fact that a majority of the country didnt want him to be the leader of the free world. His disastrous first year in the White House is evidence of why that was the case.
At a time when the nuclear threat with North Korea is reaching new heights thanks largely to his loose talk on Twitter its stunning that the President of the United States thinks this conspiracy theory should be a homeland security concern.
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By Sarah N. Lynch
WASHINGTON (Reuters) President Donald Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort sued Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Wednesday, alleging that his offices wide-ranging investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia exceeded its legal authority and needed to be reined in.
Manaforts civil lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, named both Mueller and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller in May and is tasked with overseeing the special counsels operations.
It accused Rosenstein of exceeding his legal authority to grant Mr. Mueller carte blanche to investigate and pursue criminal charges in connection with anything he stumbles across.
Manafort and his business partner Rick Gates were indicted in October by Muellers office on charges including conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy against the United States and failing to register as foreign agents of Ukraines former pro-Russian government.
The indictment did not make reference to any activity related to Manaforts work on the Trump 2016 presidential campaign.
The lawsuit on Wednesday asked the court to have the case against Manafort dismissed.
A spokeswoman for the Justice Department called the lawsuit frivolous, but added that Manafort was entitled to file whatever he wants.
A spokesman for Muellers office declined to comment.
Rosenstein appointed Mueller in May, shortly after Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey.
Comey has since said he believes he was fired because Trump wanted to undermine the investigation into possible collusion between the campaign and Russia.
Trump has denied that his campaign colluded with Russia, although he has also said he fired Comey because of this Russia thing. Moscow has denied meddling in the 2016 U.S. election campaign.
Rosenstein is in charge of overseeing Muellers operations because Attorney General Jeff Session is recused from the Russia investigation.
Under the terms of Rosensteins order appointing Mueller, the special prosecutor can not only probe links or coordination between Trumps campaign and Russia but look into any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation.
Manaforts attorneys argued that Rosensteins order cast too wide a net for Muellers probe.
The investigation has focused on Mr. Manaforts offshore business dealings that date back to as early as 2005-about a decade before the Trump presidential campaign launched, the lawsuit said.
It also alleged that the appointment order by Rosenstein was arbitrary and capricious and needed to be set aside.
(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Peter Cooney)
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Former Bush ethics lawyer Richard Painter said that Trump is off his rocker, the US is in a dangerous situation, and that Congress needs to explore the 25th Amendment or impeachment of Trump.
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Painter said, We are in a very dangerous situation. The president does not understand the First Amendment of the Constitution when he continually attacks the press and is taking concrete actions against the press, including retaliatory action against the parent company of CNN and now we have his lawyers who think theyre going to go into court and stop publication of a book critical of the president. As I say, this is not Russia, this is the United States. He is not a dictator. He doesnt get that. And he also doesnt get that he needs to control his anger, particularly when hes talking about nuclear weapons. And we have reached a point where the cabinet and the House and the Senate need to look both at the 25th amendment and impeachment provisions of the Constitution because were in a situation where we do not have a safe person in the Oval Office, and despite all my disagreements with Mike Pence on a range of issues, at least he would calm things down and we would feel a little safer at night. This book is just one more piece of evidence that this president is not fit for office. Its just one. As I said, he has done tweets just 48 hours ago that convinced many of us that hes off his rocker.
This is a Republican calling for Trump to be impeached or removed from office. Painter is one of the first Republicans to make such a clear statement about Trumps mental state, but he is unlikely to be the last. It has become obvious to all but the willingly blinded by partisanship that Donald Trumps mental state is getting worse by the day. The safety of the country is increasingly in jeopardy. Its not a partisan issue.
Trump has derailed the entire federal government for days because he is upset about a book that is being released.
If Republicans dont remove or impeach Trump, voters will elect a Democratic Congress who will.
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Gallery of Snowday2018 click to enlarge:
By Scott Malone and Gina Cherelus
BOSTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) High winds and heavy snow barreled into the U.S. Northeast on Thursday, shutting schools and government offices, leaving tens of thousands without power and snarling travel as New Yorks JFK Airport halted flights due to whiteout conditions.
Thousands of flights were canceled, snow plows and salt trucks were omnipresent on roads and highways, and commuters who braved the storm to head in to their jobs hoped they would be able to make it home safely as the storm intensified later in the day.
Blizzard warnings were in place along the coast from North Carolina to Maine, with the National Weather Service forecasting winds as high as 70 miles per hour (113 km per hour) that may bring down tree limbs and knock out power.
More than a foot (30 cm) of snow was forecast for Boston and coastal areas in northern New England.
The storm is the product of a rapid plunge in barometric pressure that some weather forecasters are referring to as bombogenesis or a bomb cyclone, which brings fast, heavy snowfall and high winds.
The wintry weather has been blamed for at least 13 deaths over the past few days, including three fatalities in North Carolina traffic accidents and three in Texas due to cold.
More than 3,300 U.S. airline flights were canceled ahead of the storms arrival in the Northeast on Thursday. At New Yorks three major airports and Bostons Logan International, as many as three out of four flights were called off, according to tracking service FlightAware.com.
New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport temporarily halted all flights due to whiteout conditions, it said on its Twitter feed.
Passenger train operator Amtrak was running reduced service in the Northeast, while mass-transit systems in major metropolitan areas, including New York and Boston, remained open.
I have a big meeting today, so I had to go in. If I didnt, I probably would have stayed home, Ann Gillard, 24, said as she waited for a subway in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to take her into the downtown Boston office where she works as a consultant.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority invested extensively in equipment to remove snow and keep tracks from freezing after extensive disruptions during the winter of 2015, when Boston got about 9 feet (2.74 meters) of snow. But Gillard said her commute typically goes not that well in inclement weather.
My plan is to leave at 4, right after my meeting, and, hopefully, it will be OK, she said, adding that her backup plan was to walk home, probably. Its not that cold, itll just be snow.
In the Southeast, historic cities saw their heaviest snowfall in nearly 30 years on Wednesday, according to AccuWeather.com senior meteorologist Alan Reppert. Charleston, South Carolina, received 5.3 inches (13.46 cm) of accumulation, within an inch of its record, while Tallahassee, Florida saw its first measurable snow since 1989.
WIND WORRIES
Federal government offices delayed opening for two hours on Thursday, while state officials in Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts ordered nonessential workers to stay home. In Maine, Governor Paul LePage ordered state offices closed for the day.
The snowstorm brought a break in extremely cold weather that has gripped much of the region since Christmas, frozen part of Niagara Falls, played havoc with public works and impeded firefighting in places where temperatures barely broke 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 Celsius).
Some 65,000 homes and businesses in the Northeast were without power early on Thursday, though that number was expected to rise as the storm intensifies across the region.
That raised fears that people would be left without power and heat on Friday and during the weekend when temperatures are forecast to drop sharply.
We can handle snow, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said at a news conference. Its snow plus the wind which is going to cause the trouble today. The wind is going to be high all through the day.
Schools were ordered closed in New York, many parts of New Jersey, Boston and elsewhere throughout the region.
The bombogenesis phenomenon occurs when a storms barometric pressure drops 24 millibars in 24 hours. As a result, the accumulation of snow and winds intensifies, which can cause property damage and power outages.
Part of U.S. 13 at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia was closed due to high winds early on Thursday, while state transportation departments throughout the region reported dozens of delays due to deteriorating road conditions.
(Additional reporting by Colleen Jenkins in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Brendan OBrien in Milwaukee and Scott DiSavino in New York; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Jonathan Oatis)
Rep. Adan Schiff (D-CA) who is the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee sent a clear signal that if Democrats win back the House, they will be investigating Trump for obstruction of justice.
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Andrea Mitchell asked Schiff about the obstruction of justice issue, and he answered, I think the obstruction of justice is a real issue that bears investigation by us and by Bob Mueller. We are trying to get to the bottom of what took place on that plane as well. I asked Donald Trump Jr. About the conversation he had with his father after that meeting became public, and he refused to answer, invoking a nonexistent attorney-client privilege between his father. It remains to be seen whether we can get the majority support to compel him to come back and answer those questions as we need to to get to the bottom of this.
Schiff thinks that the House should be investigating Trump for obstruction of justice, which is a huge bit of foreshadowing of what is likely to happen if Democrats win back the House and the California Democrat because the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.
Things are falling apart for Donald Trump, and his situation is going to get even worse in the future. A Democratic House is going to investigate all of the aspects of the Russia scandal that the Republican majority is intentionally ignoring.
Welcome to hell, Donald Trump. Adam Schiff is the determined former prosecuter who is going to torture this president with a Russia investigation until he gets to the truth.
I have viewed President Trump as bridging the divide in the Republicans party between its establishment and populist-nationalist wings. Trump attempted to play that role in 2017. For example, he supported the establishment candidate in the Alabama Senate primary, but then bucked the establishment by backing the populist candidate in the general election even after that candidate found himself in severe difficulty.
Trump also bridged the gap in the realm of foreign policy. For example, he took a restrained position regarding Syria, limiting our engagement there largely to fighting ISIS as the nationalists desire. However, he bucked the nationalists by upping our presence in Afghanistan in a victory for the internationalists.
I figured that Trump would continue to play this bridging role to some extent in 2018. But after todays finalizing of the Trump-Bannon divorce, I wonder whether the role has become obsolete. That is, I wonder whether the populist wing, as an entity independent of Trump, will collapse as a force during Trumps presidency.
Steve Bannon is its champion. At the beginning of the Trump administration, he was its representative in the administration. Trumps bridging function consisted largely of mediating disputes between Bannon and his enemies in the White House.
After Bannons departure, he set out his stall as an independent power broker. Bannon scored a victory in that capacity when Roy Moore defeated Sen. Luther Strange, whom Trump supported. However, Moores ignominious defeat in the general election gave Bannon a black eye.
Through it all, Trump and Bannon remained on decent terms, at least outwardly. The presidents conciliatory statement about Bannon that appears in this post reflected the formal state of their relationship.
But Bannons attack on members of Trumps family put an end to that relationship. Bannon can no longer be the bad cop (or the good one, depending on ones ideology) in Trump World. Hes off the Trump beat.
The question becomes whether there now will be a meaningful populist-nationalist wing in the GOP that is at all independent of Trumps policy preferences. I suspect there wont be, not during the Trump presidency. For unless Bannon can remain viable notwithstanding the enmity of Trump or unless someone becomes a new, more effective Bannon the populist-nationalist wing now will be whatever Trump finds expedient to say it is.
I dont see Bannon surviving the wrath of Trump. It was Trump who galvanized the populist-nationalist wing, not Bannon. Members of that wing are too heavily invested in Trump to tilt towards Bannon in a war, even though Bannon has become the more pure champion of populist-nationalist causes. When its purity vs. power, bet on power almost every time.
Im neither a fan of Bannon nor a populist-nationalist in the Bannon-Trump sense. However, I will regret the loss of Bannons wing as an influence on the president, if thats what is in store.
The absence of that independent wing would leave too much influence in the hands of the New Yorkers and the Generals. The New Yorkers Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump, and Gary Cohn dont seem conservative. The Generals Kelly, McMaster, and Mattis seem mostly indifferent to large swaths of conservatism.
I dont think this will matter much on high profile issues. Trump probably will sort through them without being unduly swayed. However, theres plenty of under the radar stuff that Trump simply doesnt have the time or the temperament to sort through.
Last year, these matters might have produced a stalemate between the two factions for Trump to mediate. This year, they likely will be resolved by the New Yorkers or the Generals with no mediation required.
Early yesterday I wrote briefly about the New York Times op-ed column by Fusion GPS principals Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch. I appended the dossier itself to my comments to let readers see the disparity between the columns claims and their description of it.
NROs Andrew McCarthy explicitly exposes the deep duplicity of the Simpson/Fritsch column and of the Times itself in Beating a hasty retreat from the Steele dossier. McCarthy demonstrates that Simpson and Fritsch are on a mission akin to that of their man Christopher Steele with his dossier. That is, they are peddling disinformation.
Simpson is of course a former Wall Street Journal reporter. The Journals Kim Strassel has seen through Simpsons game for some time, as she did in her November 2017 column Lifting the Steele curtain (The dossier amounts to one of the dirtiest tricks in U.S. political history)(behind the Journals paywall). Today the Journal comments editorially on the Simpson/Fritsch column in Fusions Russia fog (behind the Journal paywall). It nicely complements McCarthys column. It calls out the sob story spun by Fusion GPS founders Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch Wednesday in a New York Times op-ed that matches the Steele dossier for disinformation. I hear the voice of Strassel singing in the editorial:
The Fusion duo portray themselves as valiantly working to highlight Mr. Trumps Russia ties by providing the FBI with intelligence reports that corroborated credible allegations of collusion between the Trump camp and Russia. For exercising their right under the First Amendment, Fusion laments that it has been subject to Congressional harassment and a succession of mendacious conspiracy theories, including by us. Oh my. Fusion is talented at producing dirt for hire, including for Russians to smear human-rights activist Bill Browder. The problem is the veracity of its work, and the cofounders dont name a single example in their op-ed of something that proves the dossiers claim of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. Eighteen months after the dossier hit Washington, the FBI, special counsel Robert Mueller and Congress have also offered no public validation of its collusion allegations. The Fusion boys pat themselves on the back for having handed over our relevant bank records, but the firm stonewalled Congressional committees for most of 2017, refusing to divulge the names of its clients (the Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee) and even suing to prevent access to its bank records. In court documents, Fusion has also admitted to paying journalists during the election, though it refuses to disclose the names, amounts or purposes of the payments. As Mr. Browder notes on Twitter, the Fusion op-ed also conveniently omits that it worked for Russian govt interests trying to repeal Magnitsky Act [sanctions] at the same time [it] was working on the dossier. Mr. Simpson met with his Russian client, Kremlin-connected lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, before and after she sat with Donald Trump Jr. in Trump Tower in June 2016. Mr. Simpson continues to claim he knew nothing about her Trump meeting and that she knew nothing of his Steele dossier workthough youll have to take his word for the coincidence. As for Fusions deep concern about an attack on our country by a hostile foreign power, the firms concern about Russiaand its human-rights abuses, for which the Magnitsky sanctions were imposedwould seem to stop at its bank account.
The Daily Callers Chuck Ross reports on the response of the congressional panels impugned by Simpson and Fritsch in Senate panel hits back at Fusion GPS over op-ed claims. Rosss report adds valuable context to the Simpson/Fritsch claim. Ross, for example, quotes a House Intelligence Committee source: Its hard to believe Fusion GPS representatives really want these transcripts made public, especially since two of them pleaded the fifth, said the source, referring to Fritsch and fellow Fusion partner Thomas Catans decision to take the fifth during a closed-door interview in October.
Yesterday Paul Manafort filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Special Counsel Robert Mueller. In the lawsuit, among other things, Manafort seeks to have the actions taken against him by Mueller set aside as beyond his authority. Politico has posted a copy of Manaforts Complaint here.
I wont comment on the merits of the lawsuit before the defendants respond and its substance is in any event beyond any expertise I have. Here I want briefly to note for readers some background on the issues raised by Manaforts lawsuit and provide links to the materials necessary to understand them.
The legal authority of the Attorney General or his surrogate to appoint Special Counsel is governed by regulations promulgated by the Department of Justice. The relations are codified in 28 C.F.R. Part 600 (General Powers of Special Counsel). For my purposes here sections 600.1 (Grounds for appointing a Special Counsel) and 600.4 (Jurisdiction) are the operative regulations.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed Mueller as Special Counsel by order dated May 17, 2017. The New York Times has posted the order here.
Andrew McCarthy discussed the legal issues raised by Muellers appointment in the NRO columns Mend, dont end. Muellers investigation (June 14, 2017) and Rosenstein fails to defend his failure to limit Muellers investigation (August 7, 2017). The two paragraphs below draw from the first of these two columns. Both are must reading.
McCarthy has stressed the fundamental point that a Special Counsel may only be appointed when the Attorney General or his surrogate determines that criminal investigation of a person or matter is warranted. However, the investigation of Russias interference in the 2016 presidential campaign has not been denominated a criminal investigation. It is a counterintelligence investigation.
Section 600.1 requires the identification of a criminal investigation of a person or matter that the Special Counsel is appointed to conduct. Rosensteins appointment of Mueller, however, cited the investigation that was described by then-FBI director Comey in his March 20 congressional testimony. McCarthy emphasizes that the Russia investigation described by Comey is a counterintelligence investigation; it is not a criminal investigation of a person or matter. (McCarthy has therefore proposed that Rosenstein should issue a directive superseding his original appointment of Mueller in order to more tightly and appropriately define Muellers jurisdiction. The new directive should describe, in writing, the potential crimes that have been uncovered in the Russia investigation.)
Whereas McCarthy has focused on Rosensteins failure to establish the predicate for the appointment of Special Counsel under section 600.1, Manaforts complaint does not take up this point. It implicitly concedes that Muellers investigation has a legal predicate under section 600.1. Rather, Manafort challenges the unbounded scope of Muellers investigation beyond the legal predicate and therefore in excess of Muellers jurisdiction under section 600.4. In paragraph 8 Manafort alleges (emphasis in original):
Consistent with DOJs special counsel regulations, the Appointment Order gives Mr. Mueller authority to investigate a specific matter: links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump. But the Appointment Order then purports to grant Mr. Mueller the additional authority to pursue any matters that arose or may arise directly from that investigation. As explained below, that exceeds the scope of Mr. Rosensteins authority to appoint special counsel as well as specific restrictions on the scope of such appointments. Indeed, the Appointment Order in effect purports to grant Mr. Mueller carte blanche to investigate and pursue criminal charges in connection with anything he stumbles across while investigating, no matter how remote from the specific matter identified as the subject of the Appointment Order [emphasis in original].
See also Complaint paragraphs 22-24.
i urge readers interested in the issues to read the materials linked above. As I say, I make no claim to expertise and am not even sure that I am reading Manaforts Complaint correctly. Until Andrew McCarthy himself weighs in, I would like to leave this here for now.
UPDATE: The post above is obviously focused on the substance of the argument rather than its form as a lawsuit. My friend Mr. McCarthy finds the lawsuit frivolous. The issue should be raised by a motion to dismiss the indictment rather than by this lawsuit: Manaforts underlying complaint is a serious one, aimed at Muellers jurisdiction to prosecute crimes beyond the scope of the so-called Russia investigation. But his counsel undermine their colorable claim, and no doubt damage their standing with the judge in Manaforts criminal case, by pulling this stunt.
He also restates his contention regarding the impropriety of the investigation: Under my theory, Muellers appointment is improper. Theoretically, then, any charge he filed could be attacked as invalid. My point is not that the charges against Manafort exceed the special counsels proper authority; I contend that, by failing to comply with the regulations, the Justice Department did not give the special counsel proper authority in the first place. o Here I think the difference is, as I suggests above, between section 600.1 and section 600.4.
He states in his final paragraph: Manafort is not challenging the special counsels appointment at least, not at this point. His claim is not that Mueller should not be permitted to file any charges but that the charges Mueller has filed fall outside the scope of the jurisdiction granted to him by Rosenstein. Even if we assume there is merit in this claim, the Justice Department could easily fix the problem by formally expanding Muellers jurisdiction. If Rosenstein did that, there would be no basis to dismiss the indictment.
( Read 5045 Times)
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Jaipur International Film Festival is going to begin from 6th January [Saturday, 5pm at Golcha Cinema].Across the entire world, 136 Films would be screened; 20 Workshops with 300 Film Makers and Actors and much more would happen.Seminars and Special Sessions would be conducted, which would be enriching for Film Enthusiasts.Interestingly, this year, JIFF would include Symposium and other varied aspects.The Research in the sector of Cinema is going to reach and benefit people accordingly.Films appreciated / liked by people, would be declared on 9th January.Much awaited Co Production Meets would take place for Film Lovers.On the last day of JIFF [10th January,6pm at Tivoli-Golcha Cinema], 47 Awards would be declared. It would be the Award Night.4th January - Its a moment of absolute delight for Film Fans; as JIFF is going to screen all the loved and awaited National / International Films. The Fest would take place at the very popular GOLCHA Cinema [Chaura Rasta, Jaipur] in order to bring Film Makers, Artists and Films Lovers on one platform. Its a moment of immense pride for JIFF; because this is the 10th Year of the Fest. With this year, JIFF would accomplish the journey of a decade.Celebrating the moment, JIFF would begin with a super grand opening! Each and every person at the Fest would be welcomed as a Guest by JIFF.JIFF is dedicated to the State of RAJASTHAN this year. 13 Films have been chosen from Rajasthan. Surendra Bohra [From Jodhpur, Rajasthan] would be awarded with LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD. Its mentionable that Bohra had produced Rajasthani Film Maa Manne Kyu Parnaayi and directed Hindi Film Saajan Ka Ghar; which starred Rishi Kapoor and Juhi Chawla. Since then, Bohra made many splendid Films hitherto.Isnt it great to know that 136 Films have been chosen to be shown at JIFF; out of received 2019 Films from 101 Countries! It includes 24 Feature Films; 9 Documentary Feature Films; 9 Short Documentary Feature Films; 73 Short Fictions; 9 Animation Films; 5 Mobile Films and 7 Web Series.JIFF would provide a platform to all Research Scholars associated with Cinema and Film Enthusiasts to be collected altogether; where CINEMA would be discussed / talked about.A wide scaled SURVEY is going to be conducted by JIFF. The selected Films [Appreciated by People] through the Survey; would be declared on 9th January at JIFF.Apparently, Co PRODUCTION MEET would be the biggest success of JIFF. Entire world longs for these Meets; and 150 Film Makers / Producers would participate hereby. It would be organized at MANIPAL UNIVERSITY, at 5 PM on 8th January.SYMPOSIUM would begin with the Dialogue on Hasrat Jaipuri: His Life and Time at 11 AM on 7th January. Ish Madhu Talwar would do the Talk. Art activities and Art Camp would start from 2 PM, where Era Tak would make the dialogue with Senior Painter Surendra Pal Joshi and Dr Ashwin Dalwi [Chairman of Lalit Kala Academy] about Cinema and Visual Art.Dora Elek [Director of Lend Me Your Eyes] from Hungry would talk to people at 1 PM; in Tivoli Hall of GOLCHA Cinema. Sunita Mishra [Director ofBirds in Flight, and Sister of Famous Director Sudhir Mishra] would talk to people at 2 PM. Star Cast, Producer, Editor and Director Vedanti Dani, associated with the Film Inkbolt would talk to people. Gorune APRIKIAN [Director of Just a Fling] would do the talk at 4:30 PM.On 8th January Dr. Sudesh Batra, Ranveer Singh, Prabodh Govil, Shyam Mathur, Bhim Prakash Sharma and several other guests would discuss upon Freedom of Expressions V/S Norms of Society. On the same day, Rajiv Arora, K. C. Maloo, Rajendra Gupta and Sagar Shravan would talk upon Rajasthani Cinema: Kal Aaj aur Kal.At 3:15 PM, Katrina Philippou [Director of Film Marriage] from England; and star cast of Code Name Abdul [From USA] would have a Dialogue with the spectators; at 7:30 PM. In NILE Hall [GOLCHA Cinema] Roope Olenius from Finland [Director of Tuftland] and Producer Hiski Himalnen would do the Discussion at 4:15 PM. Phillipa Frisby [Director of The Circle] from England would make the Dialogue at Manipal University.On 9th January 11am There would be a Symposium upon Why Film Festivals; in which Dora Elek, Katrina Philippou, Nand Bhadwaj, Farooq Afridi, Rajendra Bohra, Dr Sanjeev Bhanavat, Dr Anita Nayar and Dr Urvashi Sharma would participate.On the same day; star cast of Hindi Feature Film Tikli and Lakshmi Bomb would introduce themselves to public at 6:30 PM [at Tivoli Hall, GOLCHA Cinema]. On the other; Angela Robinson [Director of Courtesy] would meet people at Manipal University.On 10th January Research Scholar Dr Rakesh Raipuria [From Rajasthan University] would express his Views upon Marginalized Society and Indian Cinema. Balram Kanwat [From Delhi University] would present his Findings upon Cinema of Vishal Bhardwaj.Hindi Film Angrezi Mein Kahte Hain is chosen as the OPENING FILM of JIFF; and CLOSING FILM would be Lies We Tell! Its an American Film, starring popular Hollywood Actors! Harish Vyas has directed 105 Minutes long Film Angrezi Mein Kahte Hain, starring Sanjay Mishra, Eklavya Khanna, Pankaj Tripathi, Brijendra Kala and Anshuman Jha.Lies We Tell is a 101 minutes long English Film; directed by Mitu Misra; starring Harvey Keitel, Gabriel Byrne and Sibylla Deen.On the Closing day of JIFF; 47 Awards would be given in 8 distinguished categories.
This is a small series of photos captured by photographer Daniel Biber of a murmuration (a flock of starlings flying in 'swooping, intricately coordinated patterns') in Costa Brava, Spain. At several times the birds actually look like they're forming a giant bird, VOLTRON STYLE. How about that! You think they did that on purpose? "No." But they could have. "But they didn't." You don't give birds enough credit, one time a seagull stole my ice cream cone AND shat on my back.
Keep going for a couple more pics.
Thanks to Alyssa, who agrees birds are way smarter than we give them credit for. Especially bats. "Bats aren't birds." That's what they want you to think!
MUMBAI, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
SPJIMR has announced a 30 per cent jump in the number of participants placed with marquee consulting firms in the final placements process for its prestigious two-year PGDM programme. The increase came alongside a rise in the annual average salary of the batch to Rs. 22.24 lakhs, capping a season in which the interviews and offer processes were completed in a record time.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160817/398834 )
The performance reflected the upbeat mood of businesses stepping into the New Year and the continued strong demand for talent from SPJIMR as a top-ranked school of management. SPJIMR has stood out as a preferred place for recruiters particularly because of its approach to imparting knowledge, skills and attitude, a storied learning model captured in the Institute's 'Courage.Heart' brand.
The SPJIMR placements office released detailed placement numbers on Jan. 04, saying that 35 per cent of the 238 participants from the PGDM Class of 2018 were placed with top consulting firms, translating to a 30 per cent increase in the consulting area over the previous batch.
The average salary increased to Rs. 22.24 lakhs, up from Rs. 20.9 lakhs the previous year. Over 92 per cent of the PGDM Class of 2018 batch received offers in excess of Rs. 17 lakhs. The median salary for the batch stood at Rs. 21.25 lakhs, an increase from the Rs. 20 lakhs reported last year. This placement season saw participation from 105 companies on campus to hire the 238 participants from the class of 2018.
SPJIMR Deputy Director - External Relations, Prof. Abbasali Gabula said, "The placements performance of the Class of 2018 has set new records. The huge jump in consulting offers is due to the selfless efforts of the faculty, staff, alumni and in particular the members of the second-year Placements Committee."
"More than 50 per cent of the Class of 2018 received pre-placement offers and pre-placement interviews through their autumn internships at top companies, which included leading corporates like Boston Consulting Group, Tata Administrative Services, HUL, P&G, Amazon, Axis Bank, GE, AstraZeneca, among others. The large number of such offers served as an endorsement by the corporate world of SPJIMR's unique initiative of autumns internships vs summers during which students work with a non-profit in the rural areas," added Prof. Gabula.
At SPJIMR, the exposure of participants to rural markets is followed by specialisation courses attended by the entire batch in leading global B-schools as part of the Global Fast Track (GFT) initiative, helping participants to grow as professionals and present a more rounded appeal.
The Finance and Marketing cohorts of the PGDM Class of 2018 travelled to the Johnson School of Management, Cornell University, New York. The IM specialisation travelled to the Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, while the Operations and Supply Chain specialisation travelled to the Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University. The international exposure that the batch gains through this stint has been welcomed by the recruiters across industries.
Prof. Malay Krishna, Associate PGDM Head, said, "Employers find that our graduates start contributing very swiftly - they quickly get into the thick of things and truly practice the art of management. At SPJIMR, we attribute this phenomenon to our unique admissions process combined with differentiated curriculum content, structure and delivery."
This placement season saw the return of regular recruiters like TAS, BCG, Deloitte, HUL, P&G, PwC, SDC, Goldman Sachs, Airtel, DBS Bank, Amazon, Make My Trip, RB and TSMG among others.
The campus saw participation from a total of 47 new companies including the Aditya Birla Group, Accenture Tech, Alcon, AstraZeneca, Avendus Capital, Barclays, Flipkart, Google, HSBC IB, IBM, Intrigo, Metro Cash & Carry, Pidilite, Reliance Industries, Samsung India Electronics, Siemens Management Consulting, Tata Communications and Uber.
Consulting and FMCG continued to be the dominant sectors of hiring on campus. The consolidation seen in the e-commerce sector did not impact the number of offers in this space. The sector-wise break up showed Consulting in the lead at 35 per cent followed by FMCG/FMCD at 23 per cent. The other key sectors were Banking & Investment Banking (14 per cent) and e-commerce (12 per cent).
A snapshot of the placement season is here:
Participants in the batch - 238
Participants opting out of the placement process - 4
Number of participating companies - 105
Number of first time recruiters - 47
Total number of pre-placement offers - 81
Total offers made - 263
Average Salary - Rs. 22.24 lakhs
Key highlights
92% of the batch received offers in excess of Rs. 17 lakhs
97% of the batch received offers in excess of Rs. 16 lakhs
Average of Top 35% of the batch touched Rs. 28 lakhs
The median salary for the batch was Rs. 21.35 lakhs
A look at placements by sector
General Management
This year, conglomerates like Aditya Birla Group, Mahindra & Mahindra, General Electric, Reliance and Tata Administrative Services made nine offers in several middle management positions. The roles pertain to application of business understanding in all relevant domains and also entail close co-ordination with CXOs. The hires are groomed to be future leaders in their respective business subsidiaries.
Consulting/ IT Consulting
The number of roles offered by major consults increased by 30 per cent over last year. Elite consulting companies picked up 35 per cent of the batch. Top consulting firms included Boston Consulting Group, Siemens Management Consulting, Bristlecone, GEP, Deloitte, PwC India & SDC, KPMG, EY, IBM, Accenture Technologies, Intrigo, TSMG, Cedar Management Consulting and Capgemini among others. The profiles offered at SPJIMR included strategic consulting, management consulting, operations consulting, financial advisory and IT consulting.
E-commerce
The offers coming from e-commerce companies increased slightly as compared to last year. A total of 12 per cent of the batch was placed in e-commerce firms which included Amazon, Cloudtail, Flipkart, Uber and Paytm among others. The profiles offered by the e-commerce companies at SPJIMR included category management, product management, online and offline marketing, business process excellence, operations and business analytics.
Finance
The batch picked up offers from top league financial players that included Avendus Capital, Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, DBS Bank, RBL Bank, Citibank, JM Financial, HSBC IB, Yes Bank and IIFL among others. Offers were received across a plethora of functions ranging from investment banking, corporate/retail banking, equity research and NBFC roles etc. Corporate finance/strategy roles were also offered by companies like Mondelez and Cloudtail among others. Some 14 per cent of the batch got offers in the financial services, banking and investment banking sector, which was higher than the last year.
IT/ITes
IT companies such as Microsoft, Media.net, IBM, Accenture Technologies, Flipkart, Value Labs and Capgemini offered sales and consulting roles on campus. IT majors made offers to 10 per cent of the batch. Corporate IT roles were offered from companies such as General Electric, HUL, Pidilite and P&G.
Marketing and Operations
SPJIMR maintained its niche in FMCG hiring. This year witnessed the top FMCG companies back on campus to make offers to the marketing and operations batch. The FMCG sector made offers to 23 per cent of students. Sales & marketing and supply chain roles were offered by FMCG/FMCD majors that included Asian Paints, Pidilite, L'Oreal, Colgate-Palmolive, GSK CH, GSK Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, HUL, P&G, Mondelez, Marico, Reckitt Benckiser, General Mills, Nestle and Samsung India Electronics among others. Telecom roles were offered to students by Bharti Airtel, Sterlite Technologies, Vodafone and Tata Communications.
About SPJIMR
S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) (http://www.spjimr.org ) is a constituent of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan and is ranked among the top ten business schools of India. As a premier school of management, SPJIMR is noted for pedagogic innovations and pioneering programmes, which have helped the Institute stand out for its unique and distinctive path in management education. SPJIMR's mission is to 'influence practice' and 'promote value-based growth'. The Institute currently operates from its 45-acre campus in Andheri, Mumbai, and a campus in New Delhi. To avoid confusing us with any other institution, look for the five strokes logo and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan association.
Media Contact:
Prof. Abbasali Gabula
[email protected]
+91-9821362495
Deputy Director (External Relations & Administration)
S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research
SOURCE SP Jain Institute of Management & Research
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130128/590935 )
The Directory is the leading source for data on steel producers and iron ore miners. The directory details capacities, production volumes, product and plant details and key contact information. It is the most comprehensive buyers' guide available in the industry.
Get sample pages of Global Iron & Steel Directory 2018 Market Report:
https://www.bharatbook.com/request-sample/557583
Company and Personnel Information
This directory covers Steel and Iron Plants' details, products/brands produced, modernization and expansion plans, plant capacities, overseas sales agents, useful industry associations and much more. Full contact details for companies and personnel including name & address, telephone, fax, email and web addresses are published.
Information about the Iron and Steel Supply Chain
As you know, the past few years has seen unprecedented change in the global iron & steel industry. Company mergers, acquisitions, new start-ups, plant openings and closures and technological advances occur on a daily basis. With world steel producers continuously revamping and expanding capacity, it's vital to be able to track these companies and access key plant and product information.
Whatever your position in the iron and steel supply chain, you should have your own copy to:
Producers:
Use it to stay competitive, increase market share, and evaluate your plant capacity and tonnage goals;
Plant, Technology and Equipment Suppliers:
See who has had recent facility upgrades and is making use of process and technology developments;
End users:
Access the world's iron and steel suppliers in seconds.
Buyers Guide
The fully cross-referenced Buyers Guide allows you to search for a particular product by country. The index section lists key personnel in A-Z order so you can go straight to your contact and company anywhere in the world. In addition to this, the abbreviation section is a handy source for terminology used throughout this directory and is particularly useful for those new to the industry.
Don't waste any more of your valuable time searching the Internet or using an address book that's out of date, purchase this directory today and save yourself both time and money. The easy way to save time and make profitable new contacts in the ever-changing iron and steel industry.
This essential guide to the global iron and steel industry contains full contact details for companies and personnel in the industry, including:
company name & address,
telephone, fax,
email and web addresses,
personnel names and job titles, with direct telephone and fax numbers.
The CD-ROM or PDF allows you to search based on any combinations of criteria. You can refine your search using different friends according to your particular needs - whether its location, company, plant, or product information or number of employees. Search results can be saved to other applications.
If you do business within any part of the iron and steel trade around the world, then this directory is a must-have for you. Where else will you find such a broad depth of both key contact and production information for the international industry in one handy reference source?
To know more about report and who is it suited for, head over to:
https://www.bharatbook.com/metals-minerals-market-research-reports-557583/global-iron-steel-directory.html
About Bharat Book Bureau:
Bharat Book Bureau is the leading market research information provider for market research reports, company profiles, industry analysis, country reports, business reports, newsletters and online databases Bharat Book Bureau provides over a million reports from more than 400 publishers around the globe. We cover sectors starting from Aeronautics to Zoology. In case the reports don't match your requirement then we can do a specialized Custom Research for you.
Contact us:
Bharat Book Bureau
W: http://www.bharatbook.com
E: [email protected]
P: +91-22-27810772 / 27810773
LinkedIn : http://www.linkedin.com/company/bharat-book-bureau
Twitter : https://twitter.com/researchbook
Blog : https://www.bharatbook.com/blog/
SOURCE Bharat Book Bureau
BENGALURU, India, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
Please find enclosed the press release titled "Infosys Partners with ValGenesis to Further Enable Digitisation in Life Sciences".
This will also be made available on the Company's website at www.infosys.com.
This is for your information and records.
You may download the PR from: http://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/e8984a99-bd58-48b7-90f7-f06bf52923ce.pdf
This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire.
SOURCE Infosys Limited
NOIDA, India, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
Manupatra, the leading legal search, analytics and visualization platform since 2001, introduced its latest functionality, 'Legal Analytics' that aims to further make legal research simple, relevant and fast. Manupatra is committed to offering next-generation legal research solutions to help legal professionals work more efficiently, make more informed decisions and drive success for their clients.
Doing good legal research is the crux of advocacy. It is the method of finding answer to a legal query or examining precedents that can be cited to the facts of a litigating case. Legal Analytics on the other hand involves pulling out data contained in case documents and summarizing it to provide new discernments and awareness into the pattern of conduct of the judges, lawyers, courts, and the subjects of lawsuits. Legal analytics presents facts-based answers to key questions that emerge during litigation.
Legal Analytics does not replace legal research but supplements. It demonstrates a blueprint of past litigation alongside its direction and leaning. Legal Analytics makes use of machine learning and natural languages processing based on advanced technologies, to structure, analyse and interpret raw data from a whole slew of case documents.
This new and ingenious feature incorporated by Manupatra, delivers an unmatched new competence to the counsels over his adversary by providing data-driven examination of judgments. It reveals trends and patterns in the judgments by showing how judges and advocates have acted in similar cases in the past, and how they are likely to act in such cases in the future. Lawyers can build up on their litigation plan with the help of the analytic tool. Legal Analytics takes legal research to a new level, and lawyers can now focus on time, cost and performance in one integrated process.
Key Features:
- Search Analytics: It helps in searching and sorting out case laws by keywords, and topics. It covers cases from Supreme Court and High Courts. On a click of a button you can see the citing references, that is number of times a case has been cited as well as the number of times it has cited judgments from related cases. Besides this significant keywords and applied legislations are also displayed.
- Judge Analytics: This presents an expansive insight on every Supreme Court and High Court judge in the country, covering the cases that they have adjudicated along with the case citations. It graphically details year wise and subject wise pronounced judgments, number of judgments written and number of judgments cited in. Besides this, it also entails the names of the attorneys and number of times they have appeared before a particular judge.
- Interactive Timeline: A visually rich interactive timeline that represents connected cases in chronological order.
- Case Mapping: This displays the geographic spread of lawsuits, including case profiling. Summaries of the proceedings, along with information on the issues involved, legislations exercised and dates are provided for an effortless research. It allows filtering and tailor search results by these measures.
Legal Analytics is a handy tool for lawyers to explore the best strategy and line of approach before they file a lawsuit or argue a motion before a judge. It can also be a helpful guide for law students to do research for their term papers or law firms' to prepare a more cost-effective representation for their clients and compete with their opponents.
Mr. Deepak Kapoor, CEO & Founder of Manupatra Information Solutions Private Limited says, "Putting today's best of technology to a good use, Legal Analytics aims to discover speedy answers to complicated questions. Legal representatives can now apply legal analytics to their work and customize their proficiency by exploring different legal scenario s, frame subsequent strategies, and build a more competitive legal ecosystem."
About Manupatra:
Manupatra, a pioneer in online legal research in India since 2001, is India's premier legal information resource. It is the largest content aggregator of Indian and International cases, which links primary information with secondary material and proprietary analytical content. In December 2016, Manupatra was presented with an award for the Best Online Legal Research Tool, 2016 in Mumbai, in the presence of eminent jurists, legal luminaries and in-house counsels. This marked the first occasion in which an award was presented to an online legal research company. It is with these honors and acclaims that Manupatra aims to move forward and enter this unchartered territory of the legal world and make legal help and knowledge accessible to all. For more details, visit: www.manupatra.com .
Media Contact:
Chitesh Kumar Bhat
[email protected]
+91-9811044910
Manupatra
SOURCE Manupatra Information Solution Pvt. Ltd.
Through Natural Breeding, Further Enhancing One Of The Largest Preclinical Databases In The Industry
Empowering MYDX360 Brands to Further Improve The Stability and Consistency of the Customized Genetic Strains that will Power their Future Product Lines
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MyDx, Inc. (OTC: MYDX), a science and technology company and creator of MyDx (My Diagnostic), the first multi-use handheld chemical analyzer designed for Cannabis professionals and retail consumers to correlate the chemical profile of cannabis with how it makes them feel and which ailments it alleviates, today announced it has agreed on terms and entered into a Letter of Intent to partner with Highsmen Genetics to form a new Exclusive Joint Venture. The technology behind Highsmen to develop stable customized genetic strains for certain effects is expected to help MYDX360 customers realize additional brand loyalty through end-user input in the MyDx App that will now influence the flower breeding programs that power the product lines they are consuming.
MyDx Partners with Highsmen Genetics to Produce Premium Custom Cannabis Flower Strains Tailored for Physiological Effects and Tracked by MyD360. (PRNewsfoto/MyDx, Inc.)
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/624200/MyDx_Highsmen.jpg
"Imagine there was a technology to create a custom cannabis flower that is highly effective to treat lower back pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders. That's what we're working towards," stated Daniel Yazbeck, CEO of MyDx. "We are very excited to exclusively partner with the Highsmen team because we believe their unique approach to genetic profiling through stable breeding will help us achieve this goal as MyDx continues to grow one of the largest preclinical databases in the world that ties cannabis chemistry to end user feedback," concluded Mr. Yazbeck.
"Our partnership allows us to define genetics exclusive for each client, gain direct patient consumer feedback towards that strains profile and build a layer of trust that you can have the same consistent experience each time you consume cannabis," stated Joe Floyd, Founder and President of Highsmen Genetics. "It also opens the door for known personalities, athletes and those who may be cautious to step in the cannabis space a safe way to brand their own strain and distribute it directly into the cannabis market," concluded Mr. Floyd.
Exclusive Collaboration Structure
MYDX and HIGHSMEN have agreed to enter into a 50:50 Exclusive Joint Venture where the HIGHSMEN Genetics Technology will be offered exclusively to MYDX360 customers. Access will be limited and initial MYDX360 customers will be offered the service on a first come basis.
Initially, Highsmen and MyDx will focus on producing a stable 1:1 THC to CBD genetic line developed by HIGHSMEN. The goal is to be able to produce a custom flower strain with custom cannabinoids and terpenes that can be tailored for specific end use applications, such as sleep or pain relief, which will power natural products developed and offered to MyDx360 customers.
MyDx will continue the breeding program with HIGHSMEN with the goal of creating a custom flower strain for every physiological effect MyDx and its MyDx360 customers are seeking for their respective markets, backed by customer feedback via the MyDx App. MyDx360 customers are also expected to be able to leverage the combined networks of licensed producers and manufacturers to produce the necessary volumes of customized flower at more cost efficient prices.
Additionally, MyDx will equip HIGHSMEN with the CannaDx handheld analyzer and tracking App in order to catalog the genetic lines, strain lineage, input from consumers, and chemical makeup that function within the breeding program.
MyDx360 customers are expected to able to utilize this service in products as soon as the first quarter of 2018 with custom flower being deployed as early the second quarter of 2018.
HIGHSMEN's Natural Breeding vs GW Pharma Genetic Modification Approach
The technology behind the natural breeding process at HIGHSMEN begins with Genetic profiling, where customers define the traits desired for the custom strain flower they are breeding for. If a client suffers from insomnia, the cannabinoid and terpene profile of the cannabis flower that will relief that symptom must have a certain chemical makeup to achieve that desired effect. In an extremely simplified example, one can cross a high THC strain with a high CBD strain to potentially create a 1:1 THC to CBD producing product. This is in contract with the GW Pharmaceutical approach, where they genetically modify the DNA of a certain strain in order to produce a CBD rich strain.
By understanding the genetic makeup of their male breeders, the HIGHSMEN breeding program is able to expedite the breeding process by stabilizing strains much more quickly and in turn defining a chemical profile with a more consistent outcome. Other traits that can be tailored in the program include yield, height, size, indoor vs outdoor centric strains as well as strains less prone to infestation.
Taking it one step further, by utilizing the MyDx crowdsourced feedback ecosystem and data that is collected from consumers to influence the breeding program, the Company believes it can apply trends obtained from the data to refine the breeding approach. The goal is to entice the patients to further input their experience in relation to their strain profiles now knowing that their input will affect the integrity of products they are consuming. That said, with the legalization of recreational cannabis in California now in full force, the science is quickly catching up with the legalization and there remains much development that needs to be done to achieve the Company objectives.
To learn more about the industry and MyDx, please visit www.meetmydx.com.
To learn more about MyDx360, please visit www.mydxlife.com/mydx360 or email MyDx customer service at [email protected] with any questions you might have.
To learn more about Highsmen Genetics, please visit www.highsmen.com.
About MyDx, Inc.
MyDx, Inc. (OTC:MYDX) is a chemical detection and sensor technology company based in San Diego, California whose mission is to help people Trust & Verify what they put into their minds and bodies. The Company's first product, MyDx, also known as "My Diagnostic", is a patented multiuse hand-held chemical analyzer designed to help consumers and professional test for pesticides in food, chemicals in water, toxins in the air, and the safety and potency of cannabis samples, which is the initial focus of through the CannaDx application. CannaDx users have submitted over 40,000 crowdsourced datapoints revealing the chemical profile of the cannabis they are consuming and how its making them feel which feeds a data analytics platform, a SaaS business, as well as the biopharmaceutical division of MyDx. The company is committed to addressing areas of critical national need to promote public safety, transparency and regulation in the various markets we serve and hence its more immediate mission is to continue to develop smart devices as part of an ecosystem that crowdsources consumer generated preclinical data to drive innovation in the cannabis industry. For more information, please visit www.mydxlife.com.
About HIGHSMEN Genetics.
HIGHSMEN is recognized for their unique approach to cannabis breeding and an ongoing attempt to further stabilize each genetic line to provide a more consistent experience for the end consumer. Highsmen aims to produce consistent cannabinoid and terpene profiles through the understanding the importance of dominant and recessive traits when breeding new cannabis strains with strong male breeders. Highsmen currently offers catered cannabis strains and the HIGHSMEN breeding service called Strain In Your Name which will be now offered through MyDx360. HIGHSMEN's founder Joe Floyd has a history of breeding that goes back more than 10 years. In addition, Mr. Floyd has a strong data analytics, software engineering and user interface design background which was gained during a 15 year career in the video game software development industry at companies such as Microsoft Game Studios, Electronic Arts, SEGA of America and Telltale Games. To learn more, please visit www.highsmen.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in Section 27(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Statements may contain certain forward-looking statements pertaining to future anticipated or projected plans, performance and developments, as well as other statements relating to future operations and results. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be considered to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "estimate," "intends," "goal," "objective," "seek," "attempt," or variations of these or similar words, identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements by their nature are estimates of future results only and involve substantial risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to risks associated with the uncertainty of future financial results, additional financing requirements, development of new products, our ability to complete our product testing and launch our product commercially, the acceptance of our product in the marketplace, the uncertainty of the laws and regulations relating to cannabis, the impact of competitive products or pricing, technological changes, the effect of economic conditions and other uncertainties detailed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at http://ir.mydxlife.com/all-sec-filings or www.sec.gov.
Investor Contact:
MyDx Shareholder Communications
800.814.4550 ext. 4
[email protected]
Related Links
http://www.mydxlife.com
SOURCE MyDx, Inc.
According to a new market research " Peripheral Vascular Devices Market by Type (Angioplasty Balloon, Stent, Catheters (Angiography, IVUS), Plaque Modification (Atherectomy, Thrombectomy), Hemodynamic Flow Alteration (Embolic Protection), IVC Filters, Guidewires) - Global Forecast to 2022 " , published by MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to reach USD 12.63 Billion by 2022 from USD 9.09 Billion in 2017, at a CAGR of 6.8%. Factors driving the growth of this market include technological advancements in Peripheral Vascular Devices, rising geriatric population, increasing incidence of aneurysm cases, and increasing preference for minimally invasive surgeries.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )
Browse 217 market data Tables and 33 Figures spread through 200 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Peripheral Vascular Devices Market"
https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/interventional-cardiology-peripheral-vascular-devices-market-790.html
Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report
Angioplasty stents are estimated to account for the largest share of the Peripheral Vascular Devices Market in 2017.
The Peripheral Vascular Devices include angioplasty stents, angioplasty balloons, catheters, endovascular aneurysm repair stent grafts, inferior vena cava filters, hemodynamic flow alteration devices, and other devices. In 2017, the angioplasty stents segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. Angioplasty stents are further segmented into bare-metal stents and drug-eluting stents. The drug-eluting stents segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global Peripheral Vascular Devices Market in 2017. Factors driving the growth of this subsegment are the wide range of benefits associated with the use of drug-eluting stents and the widespread availability of these devices across the globe.
Download PDF [email protected] https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=790
The hemodynamic flow alteration devices market is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Hemodynamic flow alteration devices are further segmented into embolic protection devices and chronic total occlusion devices. The embolic protection devices segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global Peripheral Vascular Devices Market in 2017. Market growth can largely be attributed the increasing number of endovascular surgeries, investments for new technology development, and regulatory approvals for these devices.
North America is expected to command the largest share of the market during the forecast period.
Based on region, the Peripheral Vascular Devices Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World (RoW). North America is estimated to dominate the Peripheral Vascular Devices Market in 2017. This is mainly due to factors such as the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases, growing geriatric population, and the strong presence of industry players in the region.
Speak To Analyst: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalyst.asp?id=790
Key players in the Peripheral Vascular Devices Market include Medtronic (US), Boston Scientific (US), Abbott Laboratories (US), Terumo (Japan), Cordis (US), B.Braun (Germany), C.R. Bard (US), Biosensors (Singapore), and Biotronik (Germany).
Browse Related Reports:
Vascular Stent Market by Type (BMS, BVS, Drug Eluting), Product (Coronary, Peripheral, Carotid, Femoral, Aortic Aneurysm), Material [Metal (Stainless Steel, PtCr, Nitinol), Polymer], End User (Hospital, Cardiology Center, ASC)- Global Forecast to 2021
https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/vascular-stent-market-199869009.html
Thrombectomy Devices Market by Type (Hydrodynamic, Ultrasound, Aspiration, Mechanical Thrombectomy), Application (Cardiovascular, Peripheral, Neurovascular), End User (Hospitals, Surgical Centers, Ambulatory, Academia, CROs) - Global Forecasts to 2022
https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/thrombectomy-devices-market-222966801.html
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 5000 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, 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, "RT" 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.
Contact:
Mr. Rohan
MarketsandMarkets INC.
630 Dundee Road
Suite 430
Northbrook, IL 60062
USA: +1-888-600-6441
Email: [email protected]
Visit Our Blog @ http://mnmblog.org/market-research/healthcare/medical-devices
Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets
SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )
Browse 60 market data Tables and 41 Figures spread through 143 Pages and in-depth TOC on "RF Test Equipment Market - Global Forecast to 2023"
https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/rf-test-equipment-market-155812654.html
Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report
Modular RF test equipment to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period
The market for modular RF test equipment is estimated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to its characteristics such as the ability to manage and analyze large datasets in real time and high-precision performance. Also, modular instruments have the ability to manage and analyze large datasets in real time. The introduction of the PXI (PCI extensions for instrumentation) standard as an extension of Compact PCI by National Instruments (US) helped OEMs to provide cost-efficient equipment and well-performing modular system components, which are among the prime reasons for its faster growth.
RF test equipment with a frequency range of 1 GHz to 6 GHz hold the largest share during the forecast period
Many RF equipment conform to the IEEE802.11b/g/n wireless standards, using 2.4 GHz frequency. Owing to the rising demand for seamless connectivity with higher data rate, Wi-Fi technology-based RF equipment, which conform the IEEE802.11a wireless standards, with a frequency range of 5 GHz to 6 GHz are in high demand. Hence, RF test equipment with a frequency range of 1 GHz to 6 GHz are used for most industrial IoT-related applications. These factors drive the growth of the market for RF test equipment with a frequency range of 1 GHz to 6 GHz.
Download PDF Brochure : https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=155812654
RF test equipment in APAC to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period
APAC is expected to be the fastest-growing market for RF test equipment during 2017-2023. A number of OEMs as well as semiconductor device and product manufacturers are situated in APAC. The growing demand for RF test equipment is attributed to the increasing number of smartphones and continuous advancements in next-generation telecommunication standards, such as LTE, 4G, and upcoming projects on 5G. Moreover, favorable regulatory policies for the approval of new semiconductor technologies and the saturation of the market in developed countries are the factors that intensify the interest of foreign players in Asia Pacific.
Inquiry Before Buy @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=155812654
The report profiles the most promising players in the RF test equipment. The competitive landscape of the market presents an interesting picture of the strategies adopted by a large number of players. The key players in this industry are Anritsu (Japan), Fortive (US), Keysight Technologies (US), National Instruments (US), and Rohde & Schwarz (Germany), Teradyne (US), Yokogawa Electric (Japan), Teledyne Technologies (US), Cobham (UK), EXFO (US), Giga-tronics (US), Chroma ATE (Taiwan), Good Will Instruments (Taiwan), and B&K Precision (US).
Browse Related Reports
Test and Measurement Equipment Market by Product (General Purpose Test Equipment and Mechanical Test Equipment), Service (Calibration Services, and Repair Services/After-Sales Services), Application, and Geography - Global Forecast to 2023
https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/test-measurement-equipment-market-116452716.html
Spectrum Analyzer Market by Offering (Product & Software), Type (Swept-Tuned, Vector Signal, Real-Time), Range (<6 GHz, 6 GHz-18 GHz, >18 GHz), Form Factor (Handheld, Portable, Benchtop), Network Technology, End-User Industry - Global Forecasts to 2022
https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/spectrum-analyser-market-216110863.html
Subscribe Reports from Semiconductor Domain @ http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Knowledgestore.asp
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 5000 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, 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' flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" 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.
Contact:
Mr. Rohan
MarketsandMarkets INC.
630 Dundee Road
Suite 430
Northbrook, IL 60062
USA: +1-888-600-6441
Email: [email protected]
Visit Our Blog: http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/electronics-and-semiconductors
Connect us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets
SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
AHMEDABAD, India, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
Unhindered 'Story-telling' for Literature Lovers From 3-7 January
In its fifth edition, Gujarat Literature Festival (GLF) is an ideal example of what ardent literature lovers can accomplish together, driven solely by passion. Gifted to a city starving for a bustling culture circuit by Samkit Shah and Shyam Parekh, the organizing committee has chosen to initiate a free-flowing conversation on aspects of 'story-telling' this year.
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/624525/Gujarat_Literature_Festival_2018.jpg )
From 3 to 7 January, over 100 events panning Kanoria Centre for Arts, Gujarat University, Hutheesing Visual Arts Centre and Amdavad-ni-Gufa will assemble nearly 200 local, national and international authors, experts and performers, cutting across linguistic barriers.
There are some exciting additions to look forward to this season.
GLF Awards have been incorporated as an annual drill to recognize accomplishments of writers across genres and print. Be it playwrights, bloggers, lyricists or scriptwriters, there is a story waiting to be told as awards are conferred. Not just celebrated writers, GLF promises to unfold a platform for young writers to bring forth their work of labour.
Ink Tank, a novel author-publisher interface will be introduced for the very first time for litterateurs. Aspiring writers get a chance to pitch their write-ups and concepts to a noted panel of publishers. If they are convinced and find it interesting, stories are chosen right away with a signing amount. If the work is delivered pertaining to quality standards, it is published.
"Scores of talented writers have great ideas but are clueless about how to approach a publisher with his story. Yet publishers are always looking out for new authors and fresh ideas and concepts to push up book sales. At the fifth edition of Gujarat Literature Festival, we promise to be livewire. We are centered around storytelling this year and our attempt will be to get aspiring writers heard, not restricting ourselves to a particular language. But yes, our objective is also to ignite interest in Gujarati literature, especially among youth," said Samkit Shah, Producer, Gujarat Literature Festival.
Watch out:
Celebrity fitness guru Mickey Mehta will Charge Up! Mind and Muscle Exercises.
will The Changing Face of story - telling in Indian Cinema will navigate through the metamorphosis of story-telling itself, moderated by filmmaker Rakeysh OmPrakash Mehra.
will navigate through the metamorphosis of story-telling itself, moderated by filmmaker Rakeysh OmPrakash Mehra. The art and craft of master story-tellers like Rabindranath Tagore, Munshi Premchand , Saratchandra Chattopadhyay, Pannalal Patel and Raghuveer Chaudhary will be laid threadbare.
like Rabindranath Tagore, , Saratchandra Chattopadhyay, and will be laid threadbare. Prof. Shekhar Mukherjee , Law-toon creator Kanan Dhru , Tinkle-famed Margie Sastry and Aditi Tuhin of Menstrupedia will discuss experiments of the graphical kind.
, Law-toon creator , Tinkle-famed and Aditi Tuhin of Menstrupedia will discuss Dr. Ranjit Vank will bring in the last of the original folk tales of Saurashtra .
will bring in the last of the . Simar Singh of Unerase Poetry will bring in poetry in the contemporary format.
To achieve deep depths of the subject, a partnership with the Screen Writer's Association of India has been formalized. About 14 workshops and master classes have been designed alongside to allow learning with literary activities as the medium.
Literature is never book-bound and GLF stands true to it. Through theatres, screenplays, documentaries, music, journalism and social media, GLF in 2018 will attempt to turn the spotlight on the story-teller and trace his thought.
Finally, GLF 5 is looking forth to being impactful, carrying the message of free thinking, loud and clear to the youth for self-evolution.
About Gujarat Literature Festival
Gujarat Literature Festival (GLF) is the first and largest festival in Gujarat. Started with an aim to make literature fun and accessible to all, the event was a runaway success in its first year itself in 2014. Known as Gujarat State's first Literature festival, its first four editions has cumulatively attracted a crowd of 3 lakh from across the globe, and a large proportion of youngsters. Gujarat Literature Festival (GLF) - the event is scheduled from 3rd January to 7th January in Ahmedabad. GLF will be having its editions in Baroda and Surat with further plans in Rajkot, Mumbai, UK and USA.
Media Contact:
Samkit Shah
[email protected]
+91-9825225579
Festival Producer
Gujarat Literature Festival
SOURCE Gujarat Literature Festival (GLF)
BANGALORE, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
Leisure Hotels sees threefold increase in revenue right off the bat as Simplotel Booking Engine revs up
Simplotel, a leading provider of SaaS solutions for hotels, announced today that Leisure Hotels - a leading hotel chain with more than 25 years of hospitality experience - has seen a threefold increase in online revenue using its hotel marketing solutions. Credit goes to an advanced booking platform from Simplotel, which, upon implementation, increased bookings immediately for the hotel chain. With this, Leisure Hotels leverages the complete e-commerce solution from Simplotel ranging from Brand Website to Booking Engine.
(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/599727/Simplotel_Logo.jpg )
Simplotel has helped over 2,000 hotels grow their traffic and bookings. Constantly thinking of ways to harvest the increased online demand - brought forth by its brand website - Leisure Hotels chose Simplotel again, this time to modernize booking experience for its guests. What followed was an immediate surge in bookings which went on to triple the hotel's revenue in no time.
"We were totally wowed with the response," says Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels. "The market has clearly shifted online, and almost everyone is now booking hotels on the go. We were looking for solutions which would help us capitalize on this; our search ended with Simplotel. Their products show a deep understanding of travel e-commerce and consumer behavior on a hotel website. Thanks to their booking engine, this off season we saw our bookings continue to be almost as high as our peak season."
Simplotel's cutting-edge solutions have indeed been a game-changer for Leisure Hotels. A neat interface, garnished with real-time customer engagement, has helped the hotel convert more and more website visitors into guests in a very short time. "They (Simplotel) are constantly thinking out of the box to help us market our hotel better. For instance, live videos on our website has been a superb new addition," Prasad added.
"To drive direct bookings, a hotel website must think like an OTA," says Swapnil Patni, Director of Engineering at Simplotel. "Today over 60% people use the internet to make travel plans, but hotel websites are not necessarily implementing the best practices to take advantage. With Leisure Hotels, the idea was to iron out any undulations in navigation experience - with a booking engine that actually 'fits' its website. All in all, it was really nice to see our online solutions take Leisure Hotels e-commerce to a whole new level."
With products like Brand Website and Booking Engine, Simplotel has successfully optimized the entire e-commerce funnel for Leisure Hotels. Expressing his own delight at the results, Tarun Goyal, CEO and Founder at Simplotel says, "When consumers have it so easy online, so should hoteliers. With simple all-round services, at a pay-as-you-go price, we wish to enable more hoteliers to leverage their hotel website as a dynamic marketing tool - as opposed to a static brochure."
About Simplotel:
Simplotel is a leading Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider for hotels. As its name suggests, Simplotel's mission is to Simplify the lives of Hoteliers. Headquartered in the Silicon Valley of India - Bangalore, Simplotel's vision is to equip hotels worldwide with technology that helps simplify operations, drive more business and improve guest satisfaction. Simplotel products are easy-to-use and come at an affordable pay-as-you-go price.
Since its foundation in 2013, Simplotel has been growing its number of happy customers everyday. Today Simplotel powers over 2,000 hotels across multiple countries.
To learn more, please visit http://www.simplotel.com, mail [email protected] or call +91-80336-46154.
About Leisure Hotels:
Leisure Hotels is a leading chain of luxury hotels and resorts operating in North Indian state of Uttarakhand and other parts of India. Since its first venture at Nainital in 1989 - The Naini Retreat, Leisure Hotels has served the largest number of tourists in Uttarakhand at many sought after locations like Corbett National Park, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Char Dhams, Ramgarh, Kausani, Rajaji National Park, etc.
Leisure Hotels offers bespoke properties with world-class facilities and services only a short distance away from Delhi. The company's portfolio consists of hotels, resorts, luxury villas & camps, for travellers looking for leisure, adventure & spiritual experiences.
To learn more, please visit http://www.leisurehotels.co.in/ or call +91-11-465-200-00.
Media Contact:
Sreejith S
[email protected]
+91-8296441732
Simplotel
SOURCE Simplotel Technologies Private Limited
WUXI, China, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wuxi Suntech Power Co., Ltd. ("Suntech") announced today that its self-developed high efficiency black silicon solar cell has been successfully put into mass production. With the technology breakthrough, Suntech will provide high efficiency black silicon solar cells and excellent modules to customers.
Suntech started the development on black silicon solar cell processing technology in June 2017. Suntech's R&D team has effectively fixed all the issues related to diamond wire sawing of multi-crystalline silicon wafers in mass production with self-developed metal assisted chemical etching. Through optimized nanostructured processing technology, an additional absolute efficiency gain up to 0.3% has been achieved comparing with additive direct texturing. It is expected that by the first quarter of 2018, the annual capacity of the black silicon solar cell will reach 500MW.
Suntech's R&D team will focus on developing higher efficiency solar cells and continually working on more innovative ways to integrate black silicon and PERC technology. Suntech will keep developing laboratory technologies into mass production while endeavoring to reduce the solar manufacturing costs in pursuit of delivering low cost yet highly efficient solar products to customers.
SOURCE Wuxi Suntech Power Co., Ltd.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130128/590935 )
The Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers Directory is the most comprehensive and accurate database on companies and executives in the international telecommunications equipment manufactures industry that has ever been published.
This powerful Directory is your connection to key decision-makers in the telecommunications equipment manufactures industry in Europe, the Americas, the Asia & Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa.
Get a sample of Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers Directory 2018:
https://www.bharatbook.com/request-sample/557580
The Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers Directory is a detailed resource for information on the myriad of products, service and activities in the telecommunications equipment field, profiling thousands of companies, services and systems used in the delivery of data, voice, text and / or images. International in scope, the Directory covers the complete range of products and services related to electronic communications, from satellite, cellular and Internet service providers to local exchange carriers, microwave networks and personal communications services.
This Directory has been especially compiled to assist professionals with market research, strategic planning, as well as contacting prospective clients or suppliers. It is also an indispensable guide to all of the world's Telecommunications equipment manufactures companies and key corporate executives!
Features:
- Company name, address, full contact details plus email and website
- Names of senior executives in each company
- Description of business activities
- Company brand names and trademarks
- Company subsidiaries and associates
- Number of employees
- Principal shareholders
Benefits:
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Regions Covered:
- Western, Central & Eastern Europe
- CIS and Russia
- North America
- South and Central America
- Middle East
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This directory is indexed in ways to make searching quick and easy. Indexes are listed alphabetically by country, alphabetically by company name and by business activity.
Whether you are a product manager, in charge of marketing or simply interested to remain in touch with the latest developments in the telecommunication equipment industry, this Directory will save you time and effort in finding the up-to-date business information that you need.
To know more about report and who is it suited for, head over to:
https://www.bharatbook.com/telecommunications-market-research-reports-557580/telecommunications-equipment-manufacturers-directory.html
About Bharat Book Bureau:
Bharat Book Bureau is the leading market research information provider for market research reports, company profiles, industry analysis, country reports , business reports, newsletters and online databases Bharat Book Bureau provides over a million reports from more than 400 publishers around the globe. We cover sectors starting from Aeronautics to Zoology. In case the reports don't match your requirement then we can do a specialized Custom Research for you.
Contact us:
Bharat Book Bureau
W: http://www.bharatbook.com
E: [email protected]
P: +91-22-27810772 / 27810773
LinkedIn : http://www.linkedin.com/company/bharat-book-bureau
Twitter : https://twitter.com/researchbook
Blog : https://www.bharatbook.com/blog/
SOURCE Bharat Book Bureau
TOKYO and LONDON, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
Publication in Nature highlights opportunities to target C5a receptor with selective small molecules via novel mechanism of action
Sosei Group Corporation ("Sosei"); TSE Mothers Index:4565) announces that scientists at its wholly owned subsidiary, Heptares Therapeutics, have published the first high-resolution X-ray crystal structure of the complement C5a receptor (a G protein-coupled receptor, GPCR) binding a small molecule allosteric antagonist.
The findings, published in Nature today, reveal the location of a new allosteric binding site outside the transmembrane helical bundle and provide insights to the mechanisms by which small molecules interact with and modulate the receptor. This research further emphasises the potential importance and value of structure-based methods to enable the design of selective and optimised small molecules targeting GPCRs for treating a range of diseases.
The C5a receptor (C5a anaphylatoxin chemotactic receptor 1, also known as CD88) plays a key role in the innate immune response. It is part of the complement system, a crucial component of the host response to infection and tissue damage. Activation of the complement cascade generates anaphylatoxins, including the glycoprotein C5a, which exerts a pro-inflammatory effect via the C5a receptor.
Inhibitors of the complement system are of interest as potential drugs for treating diseases including sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease and ischaemia-reperfusion injuries. More recently a role of C5a in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease has been identified. C5a also plays a role in cancer through actions on tumour cells, angiogenesis and regulation of the immune cells in the tumour microenvironment. Peptide antagonists based on the C5a ligand have been evaluated in clinical trials in psoriasis and RA, however these peptides exhibited problems with off target activity, production costs, potential immunogenicity and poor oral bioavailability.
Fiona Marshall, Chief Scientific Officer of Heptares and Sosei, said: "Our ability to determine the structures of GPCRs with high definition alongside our other structure-based drug design technologies and expertise provides a unique opportunity to tackle high value but difficult targets. With the C5a receptor, these capabilities and the insights they generate provide opportunities to design novel and selective therapeutics to address areas of clear medical need."
Reference
Robertson, N et al. Structure of the complement C5a receptor bound to the extra-helical antagonist NDT9513727 (2018) Nature 553, 111-114 (doi:10.1038/nature25025)
Notes to Editors
About Sosei
Sosei Group Corporation is an international biopharmaceutical company originating from Japan that discovers and develops innovative biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, cancer, migraine, addiction, metabolic disease, and other indications. By utilizing its GPCR structure-based drug design platform technology, Sosei has established a product pipeline with first/best in class potential. Through development and commercialization partnerships, Sosei has already delivered two bronchodilators for COPD which generate significant and stable revenue streams that enable further growth. Sosei partners include Novartis, Allergan, AstraZeneca, MedImmune, MorphoSys, Teva, and Pfizer and we are actively looking for new partnerships to enhance the development of our products and help us deliver them to patients worldwide.
For further information about Sosei, please visit http://www.sosei.com/en/.
Sosei Group Corporate Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development and commercialisation of products. Various risks may cause Sosei's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialise products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialisation activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE Heptares Therapeutics and Sosei
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
Oculis (www.oculis.com), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of breakthrough non-invasive topical treatment for back-of-the-eye diseases, announced it has successfully closed a Series B financing round of CHF 20 million (USD 20.3 million). The financing was led by a syndicate of leading international life science investors including Bay City Capital, Novartis Venture Fund and Pivotal bioVenture Partners. Existing investors, including Brunnur Ventures and Silfurberg, also participated in the financing.
The funds will be used to advance the clinical development of the Company's lead program OC-118, a proprietary topical product currently in a Phase IIb clinical trial for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), the leading cause of blindness in young adults in developed countries. In prior pilot studies, OC-118 demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement of visual acuity and reduction of central macular thickness of DME patients.
OC-118 has been developed using Oculis' novel Solubilizing Nanoparticle (SNP) technology platform, which improves both the ability to formulate drugs as eye drops and their bioavailability in the eye tissues including anterior and posterior segments. Existing pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that the SNP technology can open the way for formulating drugs as effective and well-tolerated topical treatments of retinal conditions with unmet need, including DME. Significant improvement of tolerability and dosing frequency for anterior segment conditions may also be expected.
In addition to the Phase IIb DME program, Oculis is advancing OC-118 in other ophthalmic indications and is developing other drug candidates using SNP technology to the clinical stage. The Series B financing will allow further development of these candidates.
In conjunction with the financing, Oculis is re-locating its corporate headquarters to Lausanne, Switzerland, while its R&D remains in Reykjavik, Iceland. Dr. Riad Sherif, formerly Area President Europe, Middle East & Africa at Alcon and formerly a senior executive at Novartis, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Oculis, with Pall Ragnar Johannesson, becoming Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director of Oculis in Iceland. Dr. Sabri Markabi, previously Senior VP, Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer at Alcon, will join as Chief Scientific Officer, and the Company's founders, Prof. Einar Stefansson and Prof. Thorsteinn Loftsson becoming Chief Innovation Officer and Chief Research and Technology Officer, respectively. Florent Gros (Novartis Venture Fund) will be joining the Board as Chairman, in addition of Arni Blondal (Brunnur Ventures) and Stefan J. Sveinsson (formerly Global EVP RD at Actavis), Lionel Carnot (Bay City Capital) and Rob Hopfner (Pivotal Bioventure Partners).
Commenting on Oculis' future, Dr. Riad Sherif, CEO of Oculis, stated: "I am extremely pleased to be joining such a great team to develop what could be the next generation of ophthalmic treatments. Oculis founders have meticulously developed the novel SNP technology that improves both the ability to formulate drugs as eye drops and their bioavailability in eye tissues including the posterior segment. This technology opens a new era of breakthrough ophthalmic therapies that could provide important benefits to patients. Our goal with the lead program OC-118 is truly to transform the way DME is treated and managed today."
Florent Gros, chairman of Oculis' board of directors, and Managing Director at Novartis Venture Fund, said: "Considering both the lead clinical program and the breadth and depth of possible applications, the commercial potential of Oculis is clearly very exciting."
Prof. Einar Stefansson, MD PhD, Chief Innovation Officer and co-founder of Oculis commented: "We are transforming eye drop technology and improving drug delivery to all parts of the eye. Treating retinal diseases with eye drops instead of injecting the eye with a needle provides comfortable and accessible treatment options for potentially tens of millions of patients with retinal disease."
About Oculis
Oculis is leading the way in non-invasive topical drug delivery for eye diseases, advancing several drug programs and a pivotal clinical study in Diabetic Macular Edema patients. The Company has demonstrated the clinical potential of its drug delivery technology in two pilot trials with OC-118 in DME patients and several studies in uveitis, glaucoma and post-operative care. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, with research operations in Reykjavik, Iceland, Oculis was founded by two leading scientists, Prof. Einar Stefansson and Prof. Thorsteinn Loftsson, who have over a course of 25 years made step-wise inventions to solve the obstacles of efficient ocular drug delivery. To learn more visit www.oculis.com.
About Novartis Venture Fund
Novartis Venture Fund is a financially driven corporate life science fund whose purpose is to foster innovation, drive significant patient benefit and generate superior returns by creating and investing in innovative life sciences companies at various stages of their development. To learn more, visit www.nvfund.com.
About Pivotal bioVenture Partners
Pivotal bioVenture Partners is a $300MM venture capital fund established in 2017. Based in San Francisco, California, the fund invests in US and European companies with a primary focus on innovative therapeutic solutions to major unmet medical needs. To learn more, visit www.pivotalbiovp.com .
About Bay City Capital GF Xinde International Life Sciences Fund
Bay City Capital GF Xinde is a cross-border life sciences venture capital fund with a global diversified strategy ranging from seed stage to public companies, and including innovation, restructuring opportunities, and growth investing.
To learn more, visit www.baycitycapital.com or www.gf.com.cn.
About Brunnur Ventures
Brunnur Ventures was established in 2015. The Fund invests in Icelandic start-up companies with innovative, scalable business models, extraordinary entrepreneurial talent and a strong competitive edge generated by patentable technology or exclusive, proprietary know-how. To learn more, visit www.brunnurventures.com .
Contacts:
Oculis
Riad Sherif | CEO | riad.sherif@oculis.com
Pall Ragnar Johannesson | CFO | pall.johannesson@oculis.com
Tel: +41-21-711-3970 (CH) or +354-546-4440 (IS)
Media relations
Marine Perrier, Mark Swallow,
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
oculis@citigatedewerogerson.com
Tel: +44-207-638-9571
SOURCE Oculis
LONDON, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --
UST Global is a Strategic Testing Partner for Schroders
Schroders, a global investment management firm based in London, recently won the 'European Software Testing Award of the Year' and 'Prodapt Testing Management Team of the Year' Awards. UST Global, a leading digital technology services company, is a strategic Testing Partner for Schroders.
(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/540539/UST_Global_Logo.jpg )
The European Software Testing Awards is a unique platform that celebrates the testing success stories across Europe.
As the awardee of the main 'The European Software Testing Award', Schroders has been recognized for excelling in all the areas and surpassing every other individual, project, or organization within the industry. The 'Prodapt Testing Management Team of the Year' emphasizes the success of transformation programme that Schroders' Global QA Practice team undertook back in 2016 with the objective of making technology agile, economical, robust and resilient to market disruptors. The transformation is focused on implementing Scaled Agile Framework across the enterprise. UST Global has played a key role in Schroders testing transformation journey.
Stewart Carmichael, Chief Technology Officer, Schroders, said, "Schroders works in partnership with UST Global, enabling us to deliver leading test services to projects around the world. Winning the European Software Testing Award was a huge honour for Schroders, and we are very grateful to UST Global for their contribution towards this accolade."
Arun Narayanan, COO, UST Global, said, "Hearty congratulations to the Schroders team and UST team for winning the awards. This is indeed a testimony to the hard work the QA team at Schroders has put in towards the transformation programme. UST Global is truly proud to be the strategic testing partner for Schroders."
About Schroders plc
As a global investment manager, we help institutions, intermediaries and individuals across the planet meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future. But as the world changes, so do our clients' needs. That's why we have a long history of adapting to suit the times and keeping our focus on what matters most to our clients.
Doing this takes experience and expertise. We bring together people and data to spot the trends that will shape the future. This provides a unique perspective which allows us to always invest with conviction. We are responsible for 430.3 billion (493.9 billion/US$577.3 billion)* of assets for our clients who trust us to deliver sustainable returns. We remain determined to build future prosperity for them, and for all of society.
Further information about Schroders can be found at http://www.schroders.com
*Source: Schroders, all data as at 30 June 2017.
About UST Global
UST Global is a leading digital technology company that provides advanced computing and digital services to large private and public enterprises around the world. Driven by a larger purpose of Transforming Lives and the philosophy of "fewer clients, more attention", we bring in the entrepreneurial spirit that seeks the fastest path to value in today's digital economy. Our innovative technology services and pioneering social programs make us unique. UST Global is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California and operates in 21 countries. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies in Banking and Financial Services, Healthcare, Insurance, Retail, High Technology, Manufacturing, Shipping, and Telecom. UST Global believes in building long-lasting, strategic business relationships through agile and client-centric global engagement models that combines local experts & resources with cost, scale, and quality advantages of global operations.
For more information, please visit: http://www.ust-global.com
Media Contact:
Divya Singh
Media.Relations@ust-global.com
+91-8552944004
SOURCE UST Global
A glance at some of the day's highlights from the Proactive Investors newswire
( ) said profits in the year just finished will be significantly higher than current market expectations.
The positive data from the phase II trial of Futura Medical PLCs ( ) MED2002 erectile dysfunction gel has been published in the well-respected and peer-reviewed Journal of Sexual Medicine.
LEKOIL Ltd ( ) told investors it has signed up a contractor for a new seismic programme at the Otakikpo field in Nigeria. The companys joint venture vehicle Green Energy International has hired a Sinopec unit for the programme, which will capture just under 200 square kilometres of 3D data, spanning both the onshore and offshore areas.
( ) said the due diligence programme is now in progress at the Western Shaw project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The company has paid A$50,000 to acquire a 120-day option to take a 75% stake in the Western Shaw project for A$250,000; the project looks like it might host commercial quantities of gold and lithium.
Digital marketing services group PLC ( ) had mixed news on Wednesday, reporting strong revenue growth but lowering profits guidance.
(LON:SDX, ) has confirmed that the recently drilled KSR-16 well, onshore Morocco, has now been connected to the sales line and flow testing will start early next week. The company also said it has decided to end operations on the ELQ-1 well, on the Gharb Centre permit, after encountered intervals were deemed not to be sufficiently commercial to complete the well.
Glycotest, the majority-owned portfolio company of ( ), has reported positive results from a clinical evaluation of its HCC Panel liver cancer test.
Obtala Limited ( ) has been evaluating WoodBois, the timber trading company it acquired in June, and is now ready to kick-on with its expansion plans. The African agricultural and forestry company announced earlier this week that it had provided a US$1mln loan to its timber-trading business to augment a trade finance arrangement that is being finalised.
Ltd ( ) has completed a 450,000 placing, part of the previously announced financing package which also comprises a shareholder rights issue. The placing shares were priced on the same terms as the shares being offered under the rights issue, at 2.5p with one 4p warrant attached to every five shares.
It has taken a while, but the board of Ltd ( ) once again has the minimum number of directors required by its constitution following the appointment of Michael Wilczynski to the board as a non-executive.
The new ( ) got off to a strong start as the oil and gas firms shares resumed trading in London. Echo confirmed on Wednesday that its Argentina acquisition is now unconditional thus allowing for the share suspension on AIM to be lifted.
The results were as management expected and the plant is now undergoing full commissioning which Active expects to be completed within the next few weeks or so
Coal-fired power stations can use CoalSwitch instead of coal to decrease emissions without significant investment
Forestry management company ( ) has successfully completed the initial testing of its five tonne per hour CoalSwitch biomass fuel plant in Utah.
The initial results were as the company had expected and proves the technology is scalable to full commercial production, AEG said.
The plant is now undergoing full commissioning which Active expects to be completed within the next few weeks or so.
That will then allow the AIM-quoted group to deliver commercial quantities of its CoalSwitch product a type of fuel made from waste wood that would normally be left to decompose following forestry operations.
It can be mixed in any ratio with coal fines or completely replace the fossil fuel in existing coal-fired power stations without the need for an expensive retrofit.
The next stage for Active and its Advanced Biomass Solutions subsidiary will be to complete commercial orders for CoalSwitch, including the first order to a full-scale, coal-fired power plant in Utah.
Governments interested in CoalSwitch
We are now entering the next phase of our development as we produce and deliver commercial quantities of production and receive first revenues from CoalSwitch, said non-executive chairman Michael Rowan.
These are exciting times and we have already received much interest from governments and corporates alike due to CoalSwitch's unique qualities and ability to utilise all types of cellulosic biomass (including the lowest quality forestry waste and residuals, waste wood, and other by-products from the global forestry industry) and to blend with reclaimed coal fines or burn as a standalone coal replacement.
The group is now establishing its environmental credentials and is ready to work with governments and corporations in the near future.
In afternoon trading, Active Energy shares were 2.2%, or 0.05p higher at 2.35p.
In a note to clients, analysts at house broker Northland Capital, noted: Completion of this initial test phase takes AEGs Advanced Biomass Solutions operation a step closer to commercial-scale deployment of its CoalSwitch substitute for coal in power generation.
-- Adds share price, broker comment --
SDX is due to start well-testing early next week, meanwhile, in the Gharb Centre area the rig is moving on to the ONZ-7 development well
The KSR-16 well has been hooked up to the sales line
(LON:SDX, ) has confirmed that the recently drilled KSR-16 well, onshore Morocco, has now been connected to the sales line and flow testing will start early next week.
Additionally, the company noted that it has now secured a four-month extension to the current phase of the Lalla Mimouna permit, also onshore Morocco, through to July 22 so that it will have sufficient time to evaluate the outcome of an upcoming exploration drilling campaign.
Exploration work is due to start at Lalla Mimouna in March 2018.
The company has decided to end operations on the ELQ-1 well, on the Gharb Centre permit, after encountered intervals were deemed not to be sufficiently commercial to complete the well. It was drilled to a depth of 1,484 metres and has encountered 22.6 metres of net reservoir pay and two metres of net conventional gas pay.
ELQ-1 will be plugged and abandoned and the drill rig will move on to the next location, for the ONZ-7 development well.
"Despite the result at ELQ-1, we remain very upbeat about the remainder of our Moroccan drilling campaign, which has already yielded discoveries from the first three of this nine well campaign, said Paul Welch, SDX chief executive.
It is important to note that this well is also the only one in the current program drilled using legacy low-resolution 3D data, acquired from the previous operator. It was an important test that has strengthened our belief in the need to acquire high resolution 3D seismic data, that we have successfully used in our first three wells, across all of our concessions of interest.
Welch added: We remain on track to achieve our target of increasing gas sales volumes in Morocco by up to 50% and we look forward to updating the market on this in due course."
The FTSE 250-listed firm said that Robin Shaw, previously CEO of Saga Cruises , has been appointed CEO of Saga Travel, heading both the tour and cruise operations
Saga said Jeannette Linfoot, managing director of its tour operations left the business at the end of December
Saga PLC ( ) has restructured its travel business around a month after the over-50s tourism and insurance group revealed that its tour operations had been hit by the collapse of Monarch Airlines.
In a statement, the FTSE 250-listed firm said that Robin Shaw, previously CEO of Saga Cruises, has been appointed CEO of Saga Travel, heading both the tour and cruise operations.
The company said Jeannette Linfoot, managing director of its tour operations left the business at the end of December.
It also announced that Gary Duggan, who joined Saga Services in September this year as its CEO designate, will take over from Roger Ramsden as head of the retail brokerage.
The group said Ramsden will leave the business in the first quarter of 2018 after completing a phased handover to Duggan.
Saga CEO Lance Batchelor said: "These changes provide us with a more focused executive team as we target and invest in growth in the Saga customer base to achieve our long-term ambitions.
In a trading update in December, Saga warned that its tour operations business had been hit by the collapse of Monarch in October, an airline the firm used, leading to a one-off cost of about 2mln.
As a result, Saga said it expected underlying pre-tax profit would rise by just 1%-2% in 2017 and fall by 5% in 2018.
In early morning trading today, Saga shares were down 0.2% at 124.6p.
The acquisition gives Echo production interests in addition to whats described as significant appraisal and exploration upside with multi-TCF potential
The new ( ) got off to a strong start as the oil and gas firms shares resumed trading in London.
Echo confirmed on Wednesday that its Argentina acquisition is now unconditional thus allowing for the share suspension on AIM to be lifted.
The company is acquiring 50% stakes in the Fraccion C, Fraccion D and Laguna De Los Capones Concessions and in the Tapi Aike Exploration Permit.
It gives Echo production interests in addition to whats described as significant appraisal and exploration upside with multi-TCF potential.
Indeed, an assessment of the Tapi AIke exploration area has detailed some 41 leads over three play types, with the typical leas seen to have the potential for 50 to 600bn cubic feet of gas in the best case.
Echo is now expected to drill several wells in the coming year to advance and expand the projects in Argentina. The companys efforts will be supported by the groups equity fund raise, which brought in 6.4mln, at a placing price of 17.5p (in line with the share price back in October), alongside the acquisition.
In Thursdays dealing Echo shot up 1.1p or 7.7% to trade at 15.39p.
The bank's analysts said insurers "look reasonably positioned cushioned against market weakness by strong balance sheets and on PEs that are well within the long-term trading range
They noted that many of the higher-quality insurance stocks performed well in 2017, and selectively they see this momentum continuing
has issued an upbeat note on the European insurance sector at the start of 2018, raising price targets for a swathe of UK names including PLC ( ), esure Group PLC ( ), Group PLC ( ), PLC ( ), St Jamess Place PLC ( ), and PLC ( ).
In a note to clients, the German banks analysts said: Strong balance sheets provide underpin; rising yields offer optionality.
They added: DB's strategists are generally cautious on the year ahead, but insurers nonetheless look reasonably positioned cushioned against market weakness by strong balance sheets and on PEs that are well within the long-term trading range.
The analysts concluded: Overall, we feel the sector can modestly outperform in 2018, particularly if bond yields rise (as DB expects) though given our cautious top-down view, our preference is for higher-quality/safer stocks.
They noted that many of the higher-quality insurance stocks performed well in 2017, and selectively they see this momentum continuing, highlighting .
The analysts also analysed the downside in UK insurers from UK political risk, concluding that for most stocks the impact of a hard Brexit, for instance, is manageable.
They said that, in this regard, the December rally in UK insurers looks justified, while Aviva PLC ( ) and - to a lesser extent - L&G still look oversold.
In contrast, the analysts downgraded their rating for Phoenix Group Holdings PLC (LON:PHNX) to hold from buy, primarily reflecting their perception that the market for UK closed book acquisitions has become more competitive, implying less potential accretion on future deals.
Thor has taken out an option to acquire a 75% stake in the project.
The project is situated in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
( ) said the due diligence programme is now in progress at the Western Shaw project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The company has paid A$50,000 to acquire a 120-day option to take a 75% stake in the Western Shaw project for A$250,000; the project looks like it might host commercial quantities of gold and lithium.
Thor said arrangements have been finalised for an initial helicopter-assisted reconnaissance visit to the tenement area this month.
Supplementing the aerial reconnaissance, the exploration company plans to put boots on the ground boots occupied by experienced geologists at various locations along three separate north-south traverses.
The task of the geologists will be to confirm the existence of prospective lithologies within the tenement which, if successful, would lead to further ground-based evaluation.
The target geology, identified from desktop review of historic records, includes potentially lithium-bearing pegmatites, nickel-bearing ultra-mafics and basal conglomerate-hosted gold.
"The Western Shaw Project appears to be an excellent exploration opportunity and provides Thor with exposure to potential conglomerate hosted gold and lithium in the Pilbara province in Western Australia," said Mick Billing, the executive chairman of Thor.
"This first site visit for field reconnaissance is an important part of our initial assessment," he added.
Placing comes in conjunction with a rights issue that aims to kick start development
Once fully up and running, Scotgold will be mainland Britain's major gold producer
Ltd ( ) has completed a 450,000 placing, part of the previously announced financing package which also comprises a shareholder rights issue.
The placing shares were priced on the same terms as the shares being offered under the rights issue, at 2.5p with one 4p warrant attached to every five shares.
The money raised will be used to commence part of the development of the Cononish gold and silver project in Scotland, to undertake wider exploration, to comprise part of a potential repayment of an existing 1mln loan, which is payable by 30 March 2018, and for working capital.
Scotgold is still waiting for a planning determination for Cononish from the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Parks Planning Authority, which is still expected early this year.
Phase 1 of the Otakikpo field is targeting 10,000 bopd of production, with Phase 2 due to raise the bar to 20,000 bopd.
Investors in Nigeria focussed LEKOIL Limited ( ) will no doubt have been encouraged by the apparent strength of the ramp-up at the Otakikpo field.
Otakikpos Phase 1 production target is set at 10,000 barrels of oil per day, and it has now begun preparations for Phase 2 which will aim to double output to 20,000 bopd.
Much has been achieved in the months since LEKOIL restarted Otakikpo back in February.
In December, the company reported that production rate amounted to 7,600 bopd and by early January output was described as approaching the 10,000 bopd target.
A new programme kicks off Phase 2 at Otakikpo
LEKOILs joint venture vehicle Green Energy International has hired a Sinopec unit for the programme, which will capture just under 200 square kilometres of 3D data, spanning both the onshore and offshore areas.
It is expected that the seismic work will get underway in the first quarter of the year and it will effectively kick off the second phase of development for the Otakikpo field.
The new data will guide a fresh campaign of drilling.
"With significant milestones already achieved in 2017 as the Otakikpo technical and financial partner, today's announcement demonstrates LEKOIL's progress into the next phase of delivery and growth, said Lekan Akinyanmi, Lekoil chief executive.
The company expects the Phase Two development to be fully funded by industry players, which the company is already in discussions with."
Ogo discovery and other exploration projects
Aside from Otakikpo, the company also holds a 40% working interest, with a 70% economic interest, in the world class Ogo oil discovery.
Ogo, located in the Dahomey basin, and it is estimated to host more than 774mln barrels of oil equivalent prospective resources.
In shallow water, the project is located in the vicinity of Lagos and existing gas infrastructure.
In September, the company told investors that discussions continued with potential partners for the financing of the OPL310 appraisal.
The company also holds a 63% interest in the OLP 325 portfolio, which is described as a promising deep water turbidite fan play.
OPL 325 is also located in the Dahomey basin, and it is described as being on trend with Ogo. The exploration area spans some 1,200 square kilometres and it is estimated to have some 5.7bn barrels of prospective resources.
Paul Welch CEO of SDX (LON:SDX, ) brings Proactive up to date with flow testing on their three wells drilled in Morocco...all contributing significantly now to SDX's infrastructure and supply ambitions for 2018. Additionally, the company has now secured a four-month extension to the current phase of the Lalla Mimouna permit, also onshore Morocco, through to July 22 so that it will have sufficient time to evaluate the outcome of an upcoming exploration drilling campaign. Exploration work is due to start at Lalla Mimouna in March 2018.
Shares spike at 12 month high of $0.023 on strong volume of more than 84 million.
Drilling has extended the strike length at the Mt Remarkable Gold Project
( ) reached a 12 month high of $0.023 on volume of more than 84 million on Wednesday prompting the ASX to issue a speeding ticket.
The price increased 35% on the previous days close before ending the day at $0.020.
Responding to the ASX price and volume query, the company said that there was no information that had not been announced to the market.
In late 2017, King River revealed a strike extension at the Mt Remarkable Gold Project in Western Australia.
The drilling assays have extended the main Trudi vein system to a potential strike length of nearly 1 kilometre.
High grade mineralisation of more than 5 g/t gold was also returned at the eastern part of the Gemma Veins, adjacent to some areas of structural complexity and large vein widths.
Test work at Speewah project
The company also noted that metallurgical test work on resources of vanadium and titanium at the Speewah project is well advanced.
The news flow from Speewah is expected to continue later this month with test results, which will be used for scoping work.
The Jupiter project in Nye county, Nevada, is subject to an earn-in agreement with Ramelius Resources.
Shares in prospect generator firm Inc ( ) nudged over 4% in early deals as it outlined a very productive 2017 and said it hopes to see at least six projects drilled by partners again in 2018.
That was the number of projects drill tested in 2017 after the group completed ten key deals and completed two private placings, which bought C$2.2mln into the firm.
The company also completed the acquisition of Kinetic Gold Corp, which marked a "significant evolution" in the project portfolio and management, it said.
The Pluto project in Nevada, operated by a subsidiary of Ltd, is subject to an earn-in deal - the first of three with S2.
It contained an exciting target concept with strong support from gold assays on the surface, explained Robert Felder, Renaissance's president and chief executive.
"....however, the drilling and downhole gold assays did not substantiate the geologic and target model as we had hoped," he added.
"We very much look forward to continuing to work with them (S2) as we go forward into 2018. Our outlook for the coming year is very optimistic.
"We have ramped up our joint venture business activities significantly and now have 11 of our projects in deals with partners.
Felder added: "We continue our project generation work and are always marketing to bring in new partners to fund exploration on our properties. Based on current deals in place, the company expects to see at least six projects drilled by partners again this year."
Meanwhile, the group's Jupiter project in Nye county, Nevada, is subject to an earn-in agreement with .
Ramelius completed a phase 1, seven-hole reverse circulation (RC) drilling program in December, representing a preliminary test of two target areas.
Samples were submitted late last month, and results will be released when available, the firm said.
Shares in Toronto rose 4.08% to C$0.26.
Washington, Dec 29 : US President Donald Trump will undergo a customary physical on January 12, 2018, the White House has announced.
The White House on Thursday confirmed the date, reports Xinhua news agency.
"The President's doctor will give a readout of the exam after it's completed," the statement said.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders had previously announced that Trump will be examined by a doctor at Walter Reed, a military medical centre.
The President's predecessors typically underwent annual physical examinations with a military doctor and had details of their examination results released to the public.
Trump, 71, is the oldest US president at this point in his tenure and has faced questions about his health.
Trump drew scrutiny after he appeared to get a dry mouth and slurred his words when delivering remarks, but Sanders said it was because his throat was dry.
Last year, Trump released a bill of health but some pointed out that the record lacked details and had an over-the-top portrait of the President's health condition.
London, Dec 30 : The British police chief in charge of child protection says an estimated 20,000 men have shown an interest in sexually abusing children, the media reported.
Officer Simon Bailey, the National Police Chiefs' Council lead on child protection, on Friday said investigators monitoring a single online chatroom in 2017 identified 4,000 men using it from the UK alone, the Guardian reported.
Bailey estimated the number of men interested in sexually abusing children at more than 20,000.
He added that limited resources meant not all perpetrators could be tackled, with the police forced to focus on the most dangerous offenders.
"We are having to prioritise the threat... Some lower-level offenders cannot be arrested and taken to court. There is just not the capacity."
Bailey warned that a growing threat to children came from live streaming and said the police wanted a fresh crackdown from tech companies on the use of platforms including Periscope, which is owned by Twitter, and Facebook Live.
His warning follows reports that abusive behaviour is on the rise.
Earlier this month, the NSPCC child protection charity said there had been a 31 per cent increase in the number of reported cases of child sexual abuse in the UK in the previous year.
In the first 11 months of 2017, the National Crime Agency received 72,000 referrals about online child sexual abuse imagery, up from 6,000 in 2010, the Guardian reported.
The police chief said the children being targeted were not just those from homes where the parents or the adults in charge were neglectful.
"The victims have included children of very capable and very caring parents. It does not recognise social status. The victims include children of middle-class, educated parents who think they are internet-savvy," he said.
On the emerging issue of live streaming, Bailey urged tech companies to do more.
"Software providers have a critical role in policing the environment they create... They have a social and moral responsibility to make their platforms safe for children to use."
Tehran, Dec 31 : Iran will use funds from the Eximbank of Russia to implement some infrastructure projects, media reports said on Sunday.
The Central Bank of Iran and the Export Insurance Agency of Russia signed a deal recently to pave the way for Russian banks to fund Iranian projects, reported Xinhua, citing Iran's Financial Tribune daily.
Four Iranian banks, including Bank Sepah, Export Development Bank of Iran, Parsian Bank and Bank Pasargad, signed last week an "unlimited finance deal" with the Eximbank of Russia, the report said.
Under the deal, Eximbank will provide loans "without a ceiling" to the four lenders to finance development projects in Iran.
But it is not yet known which projects will be eligible to get the funds, said Deputy Economy Minister Mohammad Khaza, also director of the Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran.
"Several projects have already applied for the funds, but their applications need to be assessed in the Central Bank of Iran and the Economy Ministry. In case of approval, they will be introduced to Russia's Eximbank for undergoing the final stage," Khaza said.
This is the first interbank loan from Russia to Iran and "will be an effective step toward expansion of the economic ties between the two countries," he added.
Based on the agreement, Russian exporters can also use the loans to export technical and engineering services to Iran.
Houston, Jan 1 : Police have seized a stash of guns, including an AR-15, from a Houston hotel room, an US official said.
The police were called on Sunday to the Hyatt Regency Houston to help deal with Russell Ziemba, 49, who in a drunken state allegedly got into a confrontation with an off-duty officer.
A search of Ziemba's room led to the discovery of the semiautomatic weapon, a shotgun, a handgun and ammunition, the New York Post quoted the authorities as saying.
Ziemba reportedly told the police he was at the hotel to celebrate New Year's Eve and had brought the weapons so they would not get stolen.
The Houston Police said they did not believe he intended to use them unlawfully.
Ziemba was charged with assaulting a peace officer and trespassing.
The hotel's New Year's Eve bash is one of the largest in the city with about 2,000 people attending.
At least 59 people were killed on October 1, 2017, when a gunman opened fire on an open-air music festival from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel and casino on the Las Vegas strip.
It was one of the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.
New Delhi, Jan 3 : The AAP on Wednesday named veteran leader Sanjay Singh, businessman Sushil Gupta and chartered accountant Narain Dass Gupta as its debutants for the Rajya Sabha, sparking criticism from founding member Kumar Vishwas and other political parties.
The decision was finalised at a meeting of the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), the AAP's highest decision making body, at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence. The meeting was attended by an overwhelming majority of Aam Aadmi Party MLAs.
Three Rajya Sabha seats from Delhi will fall vacant by the end of this month when the tenure of Congress members Janardhan Dwivedi, Parvez Hashmi and Karan Singh end.
It would be for the first time that the AAP, which officially has 66 members in the 70-member Delhi Assembly including some dissidents, will elect members to the upper house. The Congress has no presence in the House.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, announcing the names of the three nominees, said party convenor Kejriwal wanted a "mix" of people from outside and those already associated with the party.
He said Kejriwal wanted to nominate people who have contributed in the field of media, economics, law and academics and thus "18 such big names were considered".
"Sanjay Singh has not only been working for the party since the very beginning but has also had a contribution in the fight against corruption," he said.
Sisodia said Narain Gupta, a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, was an expert on taxation who had been keeping a "close eye" on how the Narendra Modi government hastily implemented the Goods and Services Tax.
An alumnus of Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce, Narain Gupta has been on the Board of International Federation of Accountants -- an amalgam of 164 regulatory accounting bodies in 116 countries.
Sisodia said Sushil Gupta had contributed in the education and health sectors in Delhi and Haryana. "He provides free education to 15,000 children."
The selection of the nominees, particularly businessman Sushil Gupta, did not well with Vishwas, who expressed his disappointment over not being considered for the Upper House of Parliament and said he was being "punished" for speaking the truth.
"I congratulate (Sushil) Gupta for working with Sisodia for the last 40 years, with Kejriwal for 12 years, with party workers for seven years and for party legislators for the last five years, "For the last one-and-a-half years, be it the PAC or my elder brother Arvind's decision on issues like surgical strike, taking a soft stand on terrorists, his silence on ticket distribution and JNU...whatever truth I spoke, I have been punished today," he said.
Vishwas' supporters had picketed the party office demanding that he be sent to Parliament.
Clearly blaming Kejriwal for the decision not to nominate him, he said nothing happens in the AAP without Kejriwal's consent. "It is impossible for anyone to survive in the party by speaking against you."
Sisodia, however, said there was no discussion in the party over Vishwas' nomination. "There were discussions in the media, not among the party members," said Sisodia, whose personal friendship with poet-activist Vishwas goes a long way back.
The Congress, the BJP and the Swaraj Abhiyan of former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav too criticized the AAP.
Delhi Congress President Ajay Maken said Sushil Gupta resigned from the Congress because the AAP promised him a Rajya Sabha nomination.
"On November 28, Sushil Gupta came to submit his resignation. Less than 40 days. Less said the better! Otherwise, Sushil is a good man known for his charity," he said.
Sushil Gupta's nomination also triggered an angry reaction from Yogendra Yadav. "Speechless, ashamed and numb," he tweeted.
Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari hit out at Kejriwal, saying he had "betrayed" the people of Delhi. "Kejriwal came to power seeking to fight corruption. Now, he is sending two businessmen to the Rajya Sabha. He has betrayed not only Delhi but also the whole country."
Amman, Jan 4 : Arab foreign ministers will meet in the Jordanian capital Amman on Saturday to discuss crisis arising from US recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital, official source said.
Six Arab Foreign ministers of Jordan, Egypt, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Morocco are expected to attend the meeting along with Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Arab foreign ministers of these six countries are members of a ministerial delegation formed by the Arab League during its emergency meeting in December last year, Xinhua news agency reported.
The ministers will look into the consequences of the US decision and Arab actions to find a solution regarding Trump's decision that affect Jerusalem and its historic and legal status, the soured added.
At their meeting in December in Cairo, the Arab foreign ministers slammed the U.S. decision and discussed a unified response to Trump's decision.
Cairo, Jan 4 : Israeli Knesset (parliament) vote on the "unified Jerusalem law" breaches the international resolutions relating to the disputed city, spokesman for Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
"The vote violates the international legitimacy on Jerusalem as a city under occupation," Xinhua quoted ministry's spokesman Ahmed Abu Zaid as saying.
He added that the bill stands as an obstacle against the Palestinian-Israeli peace process as well as reaching a just solution to the prolonged conflict.
On Monday, Israeli Knesset approved the "unified Jerusalem" bill provided for separating Palestinian neighbourhoods from Jerusalem.
It requires the approval of 80 of its members for any decision to hand over parts of Jerusalem to the Palestinian authority in the future.
The Knesset approval came a day after Israel's ruling Likud party overwhelmingly approved a draft resolution that calls on Israeli lawmakers to agree on annexing Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, which was officially condemned by the Palestinians.
New York, Jan 4 : Jihadis are spreading chilling selfies of a man brandishing the Islamic State (IS) logo while posing on New York City streets, according to new reports.
The photos were spotted in pro-Islamic State channels on instant messaging app Telegram, according to terror watchdog group Memri.
One shows a man wearing an IS-branded scarf over his face outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art - and right near an New York Police Department (NYPD) security camera. Pedestrians can be seen walking by on the snow-dusted street, New York Post reported.
Another is of someone holding a smartphone with the terror group's logo on its screen in front of the World Trade Centre. The phone-holder appears to be standing near the corner of Houston Street and the West Side Highway.
The NYPD said it was aware of the images and is investigating, but "at this time there are no credible threats related to New York City".
The department would not answer questions about whether it was looking at security footage or what else it was doing to establish whether there was a credible threat, the Post said.
Police see these kinds of photos all the time and they often end up being fakes, law enforcement sources said.
The photos come just weeks after an IS-inspired bomber tried to blow himself up at the Port Authority Bus Terminal during rush hour.
Suspect Akayed Ullah told investigators that he was radicalised through online propaganda.
Washington, Jan 4 : The Republican majority in the US Senate got narrower with the entry of two new Democratic senators, a situation that may further complicate enacting President Donald Trump's legislative agenda in 2018.
The Senate opened a new working session on Wednesday with the swearing in of Doug Jones, the Democrat who in December defeated controversial Republican candidate Roy Moore in a special election in Alabama and Tina Smith, who temporarily replaces Democrat Al Franken of Minnesota after he resigned on Tuesday following accusations of sexual misconduct, reports Efe news.
Their arrival reduces the Republican majority in the upper house by one seat to 51, the other 49 seats being held by Democrats, 11 months before the mid-term elections in November.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives will be up for grabs, along with a third of the 100 Senate seats, in the upcoming election and the Democratic opposition hopes to be able to retake control of both houses, although the Republicans currently hold a 24-seat majority in the House.
Jones, who became the first Democrat to be elected to the Senate from Alabama in more than a quarter century, took the oath of office accompanied by Joe Biden, who served for more than three decades in the Senate before becoming Vice President from 2009-2017.
The 63-year-old Jones will serve until 2024 after defeating Moore, a former judge who was accused by several women of having sexually abused them when they were minors during the 1970s.
Smith, a former lieutenant governor of Minnesota was appointed to the Senate seat on an interim basis when Franken announced his resignation a month ago after being accused by up to eight women of sexual misconduct.
She will hold the seat until November, when her state will hold a special election to find a permanent replacement for Franken.
Smith is expected to run in that contest, but she may face other Democratic challengers and the Republicans may try to win that seat, given that Trump lost the state in 2016 by just 2 percentage points.
Vice President Mike Pence presided at the brief inauguration ceremony for Jones and Smith, which was also attended by former Democratic Vice President Walter Mondale, who served under Jimmy Carter from 1977-1981.
New Delhi : Book: A House for Mr Misra; Author Jaishree Misra; Publisher: Westland Publications; Price: Rs 399, Pages: 199 "My Home! I would spare a thousand houses on you and prefer never leave your door."
Throughout our lives, we try hard to build a house of our choice so that we can find the essence of living in a family. We invest time, money and resources -- a process that consumes everybody, yet there is a strange satisfaction one finds in sharing that personal space with the family.
However, when one is away, the longing to be there is so intense that words can hardly express it. Perhaps the homeless can better explain. But is it the limitations you face -- or your situation, where life takes you -- that define whether you'll accomplish your dreams? And how does the entire process work, from dreaming of a house to attempts at converting it into a reality -- and where does it eventually take you?
For author Jaishree Misra, who spent most of her time watching films as an examiner at the British Board of Film Classification, it was the recession that blew in from America and hit British shores that set the stage for her new book, "A House for Mr Misra". The attempt at non-fiction is the author's first; she is otherwise known for her eight fiction novels and an anthology she edited for Save the Children India.
The theme around which she writes is why Malayalis (Misra is the great-niece of the late Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai -- famous Malayalam writer and Jnanpith awardee) generally foresee the consequences of an action before doing something, which also applies to her.
"It is my belief that the typical Malayali brain has an overdeveloped fear/anxiety centre in the amygdala, which is why, when presented with a decision as innocent as say, whether to buy an ice-cream cone, it's the worst case scenario that I always consider first, e.g., Hepatitis B, typhoid, gastroenteritis and sore throat, roughly that order -- until I finally succumb to temptation," she writes in the first chapter.
This amygdala, for the author, is also the reason why the sea in Kerala is respected and feared the most, unlike in Western countries where beaches are the places for "relaxation and pleasure".
Her husband, who appears as Mr M in this book, was 18 when he moved to London from India for a "decent education and job". Following the recession, the prospects of Mr M's freelance job as a consultant to Deloitte also faded away.
That's when they decided it was time to take a break, and travel to India. The idea of taking such a step, Misra writes, was also that Mr M would begin work on his longheld dream of a house on a beach, while she wrote a book or two.
This is how the story goes, with Misra noting the experience of homecoming after years amidst post-demonetisation India. She details how they decided to buy a plot of land at Veli, in the vicinity of Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram, and then contracted a builder to construct the house near the shore -- and the issues that cropped up.
Along the way, the couple faced trouble from different quarters. There were issues such as mistreatment by, and social reluctance of, the locals, including government officials, largely due to the notion: "Those who left India are second-generation foreigners for whom the Malayali culture and language are distant."
Misra repeatedly faced situations which made her realise that for most Malayalis, she and her husband were outsiders -- ones who "spoke funny, wore funny and had a weird attitude".
Despite the shortcomings, the couple remains determined -- even when it is discovered that the builder has swindled them. This eventually led to their parting ways with him midway through the project.
Later, another builder was located but issues like environmental clearance came up. Official intervention, however, came in handy. There was also a stay on the project but this hurdle too was overcome.
The house is eventually completed -- but they end up living in it for only one year before they vacate it for a prolonged period. The reason? "Due to the ever-changing circumstances of our lives."
Throughout the book's 22 chapters, the author touches on -- with humour and sarcasm -- the major problems people in India face due to corruption, nepotism, pollution, gender bias, mad traffic jams and alcoholism.
Thus, her take at the bottom line: "When a clever Malayali tells me he is thinking, I know enough to retire silently."
(Umer Rashid can be contacted at umer.r@ians.in)
Goalpara (Assam), Jan 4 : Amidst lush greenery and sal trees reaching out to the heavens, an annual theatre festival with an eco-friendly agenda does away with microphones, acoustics, control systems, drapery or any fancy stage equipment.
"It is a meditation of theatre expressions," the organisers say.
Conceived in 2008 to provide a unique platform to develop a trajectory of eco-theatre, the 10th edition of "Under The Sal Tree" that was held at Baddungduppa Kalakendra in Rampur village here explored the performative dimension of ethnic cultures by bringing together theatre artists from across the country.
It was organised by the Baddungduppa, the only theatre group of Assam's Rabha tribe.
"The festival is yet to mark its presence in the world cartography. We are committed to decipher the strings which once bound man and nature in an organic unity and which in the face of the intrusion of materialistic tendencies now, remains relegated to a forgotten sphere," Festival Director Sukracharjya Rabha told IANS.
He said the festival is an untiring effort towards developing new aesthetics of theatre and performing arts.
There were three performances on each day of the three-day festival, followed by discussions moderated by journalists and noted theatre artists.
What stood apart was certainly the natural atmosphere created, with audiences sitting on environment-friendly benches made of betel nut trees and bamboo, and trees all around the venue. There was live music during performances.
Rabha said no trees were cut to make space for the shows. "The space is given to us by nature."
The festival kicked off with a performance by the Baddungduppa group. The play was conceptualised and directed by the festival director himself.
He presented an adaptation of "Rather Rashi", in which Rabindranath Tagore foretold that only Dalits could lead the polity and the Ratha (chariot) will move ahead only when the reins are in the hands of untouchables.
Been presented in Assamese and Bengali, it was certainly not comprehensible to all, but the direction and the thematic development of the plot impressed everyone.
It was one of the best productions of the festival.
The last play on the first day was another performance to look forward to. An alumnus of the National School of Drama, Savita Rani, involved the audience in her solo act -- an impressive critique of the patriarchal, sexist society that expects women to behave in a certain way.
A part of her recital touched upon the right-wing Hindu nationalists' campaign of saffronisation. "I am against injustice of any kind; that is why I thought of addressing multiple issues through my act," Rani told IANS.
She deliberately took up an Italian accent as she presented the play in English. "My English is not that fluent. So, I thought I would take up a different accent so my language doesn't come between me and my audience," she explained.
Another play that stood out was an adaptation of American playwright David Henry Hwang's "The Dance and the Railroad".
Staged by the Manipuri Inter-Cultural Theatre Company, the play, through a stylised form of martial arts, depicts a strike in a railroad labour camp in the mid-19th century.
(The writer's trip was at the invitation of the organisers of the Under The Sal Tree festival. Mudita Girotra can be contacted at mudita.g@ians.in)
New Delhi, Jan 4 : Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on Thursday denied breach or leak of Aadhaar data after a newspaper reported it bought unrestricted access to the details of over one billion Aadhaar numbers -- for just Rs 500.
"The Aadhaar data, including biometric information, is fully safe and secure," the authority said in a statement, calling the report in The Tribune "a case of misreporting".
"UIDAI assures that there has not been any Aadhaar data breach," the statement said, adding that the data was secure with a "robust uncompromised security".
The authority said it had given search facility for the purpose of grievance redressal to designated personnel and state government officials to help residents only by entering their 12-digit Aadhaar numbers.
The grievance redressal search facility, the statement said, "gives only limited access to name and other details and has no access to biometric details".
It said the authority maintains complete log and traceability of its search facility and any misuse was traceable.
"The reported case appears to be instance of misuse of the grievance redressal search facility. As UIDAI maintains complete log and traceability of the facility, the legal action including lodging of FIR against the persons involved in the instant case is being done."
The Aadhaar database "remains fully safe and secure with highest encryption at UIDAI and mere display of demographic information cannot be misused without biometrics".
It said 12-digit ID number was not secret and had to be shared with authorized agencies whenever an Aadhaar holder wishes to avail certain service or benefit of government welfare schemes.
"That does not mean that the proper use of Aadhaar number poses a security or financial threat. Also, mere availability of Aadhaar number will not be a security threat (and) will not lead to financial (or) other fraud, as for a successful authentication fingerprint or iris of individual is also required.
"Claims of bypassing or duping the Aadhaar enrolment system are totally unfounded. The UIDAI Data Centres are infrastructure of critical importance and is protected accordingly with high technology conforming to the best standards of security and also by legal provisions."
The Tribune report, which was widely shared on social media sites, claimed that it took just Rs 500 and 10 minutes for the newspaper to get an access through an "agent" to every detail of any individual submitted to the UIDAI, including name, address, postal code (PIN), photo, phone number and email.
The newspaper said it paid another Rs 300, for which the "agent" provided "software" to facilitate the printing of the Aadhaar card after entering the Aadhaar number of any individual.
The Tribune also claimed to have found in its investigation that the racket may have started around six months ago when some anonymous groups were created on WhatsApp.
These groups targeted over three lakh village-level enterprise operators hired by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (ME&IT) under the Common Service Centres Scheme (CSCS) across India, offering them access to UIDAI data.
CSCS operators were initially entrusted with the task of making Aadhaar cards across the country but were withdrawn later. The service was restricted to post offices and designated banks to avoid any security breach in November last year.
Bangkok, Jan 4 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived here on Thursday on the first leg of a three-nation tour that will also take her to Indonesia and Singapore.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that the Minister got a "warm welcome" in Thailand -- "our geographic, historic and cultural neighbour".
During her two-day visit to Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will meet Don Pramudwinai, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
According to the External Affairs Ministry, all aspects of bilateral relations will be discussed with particular focus on political, defence and economic ties and on further enhance India's engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries.
Thailand will take over from Vietnam the role of coordinator country for India-Asean relations from the middle of this year.
Sushma Swaraj will also share with her interlocutors information about the upcoming Asean-India Commemorative Summit that marks 25 years since the establishment of Dialogue Partnership between India and the regional bloc.
In a unique first, the leaders of the Asean countries are expected to attend this year's Republic Day celebrations collectively as chief guests. After Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will visit Indonesia and Singapore.
Bengaluru, Jan 4 : Global software major Infosys on Thursday said it entered into a partnership with paperless validation company ValGenesis to enhance compliance and quality management for its customers in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.
Under the partnership, Infosys will integrate ValGenesis' "Validation Lifecycle Management System" (VLMS) within its suite of services for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry which will be delivered in secure Cloud environment, Infosys said in a statement.
South San Francisco, California-headquartered ValGenesis is a major paperless validation lifecycle management solution in the life sciences industry that allows customers to automate the validation process fully, eliminate inefficiencies found in paper-based manual processes, while also reducing costs and validation cycle times.
The ValGenesis Validation Lifecycle Management System (VLMS) manages all types of validation activities such as equipment, computer systems, cleaning, analytical methods, and process validation.
The system delivers technology solutions that are fully configurable and rapidly deployable onsite or by way of a secured Cloud environment.
Through this partnership, Infosys said it would help biopharma and medical devices customers transform to next generation of automation driven quality and compliance services which will help organisations generate significant efficiencies and allow them to focus on their core business.
"Healthcare is potentially the world's most stringently-regulated industry. The huge volumes of highly-sensitive information that biotech and life sciences firms generate is subject to incredibly strict standards -- for example, recording the outcomes from clinical trials," said Sangita Singh, Executive Vice President and Head, Healthcare & Lifesciences, Infosys.
"The digitisation of the industry to ensure better data and document accuracy is incredibly important for many ethical, legal and business reasons," Singh added.
In general, the validation systems are still almost entirely manual, paper-based process, resulting in significant inefficiencies, higher costs and more significant opportunity for errors to creep in.
They can also result in delays to life-saving medicines and procedures to patients.
"ValGenesis is pioneering paperless validation, and our new partnership will bring significant savings and much better compliance to our customers," Singh said.
ValGenesis' VLMS includes a regulatory framework allowing validation requirements to be specified in advance.
Leveraging its capabilities and experience in the life sciences space, Infosys plans to deliver VLMS to its customers as a single "paperless" system that manages every activity in the entire validation lifecycle.
Gurugram, Jan 4 : Three sharpshooters of a gang have been arrested for opening fire at a Gurugram bakery after failing to extort Rs 50 lakh from its owners, police said on Thursday.
Those arrested were identified as Surender alias Sunder and Dharmender, both from Islampur village on Sohna Road, and Neeraj alias Baba, who hails from Mundia Khera village in Haryana's Rewari district, police said.
The men were arrested by Gurugram police Crime Branch from near Rajiv Chowk on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway.
"They had opened fire at Harish Bakery in the New Colony area of the city on December 13. The incident was carried out by them at the behest of a jailed gangster Ashok Rathi," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sumit Kumar.
No one was killed or injured in the incident.
The accused would threaten businessmen to extort money under instructions from jailed gangsters.
They also shot at two people in Malpura area of Agra last month during a motorcycle snatching incident, killing one person on the spot, Kumar said.
The two are said to be involved in several cases of ransom and extortion demand. They opened fire at the office of a trader in Rajasthan's Dholpur area last year after demanding Rs 10 lakh.
"Two pistols and cartridges were recovered from the arrested criminals," Kumar added.
New Delhi, Jan 4 : With a major focus on environment and climate change, the 45th edition of New Delhi World Book Fair is all set to begin from Saturday.
To be held at Pragati Maidan and co-organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) and ITPO, the Theme Pavilion will highlight various environment-related issues like climate change, global warming, water pollution and other relevant matters.
"Environment is a topic which needs to be given more attention. We need to focus more on this subject, generate more awareness for our better future. A especially designed Theme Pavilion has been made this year from environmental-friendly material like bamboo, cane, jute and others," NBT Chairperson Baldeo Bhai Sharma said at a press conference.
The fair also marks the return of a publisher from Pakistan as last year only one distributor had set up a stall. However, Sharma sought to downplay this, stating that there are many other international publishers participating in the book fair and urged visitors to show equal interest on them.
"Why focus only on Pakistan? There are so many publishers from India who have good books in Urdu; there many publishers from abroad who have good offerings. The focus should be on all the publishers participating at the book fair," Sharma said.
The annual book fair will see around 800 publishers from across the country in different languages. The event, spread over 30,000 sq m, will have more than 1,500 stalls.
However, NBT Director Rita Chowdhary told IANS that number of stalls have marginally reduced because of the renovation work at the Pragati Maidan.
"We have received large number of applications for participation this year, but we couldn't allot stalls to all. The space has reduced compared to last year because of the construction work. This has certainly affected us," Chowdhary stated.
This edition will see the European Union as the Guest of Honour. The especially designed EU pavilion will showcase the rich and dynamic European culture and literature. The EU member states will exhibit select publications in English and other European languages and will organise panel discussions, talks, workshops, children's activities, screening of short films, special photo exhibits as well as cultural and musical performances.
Apart from the European Union, the fair will also see participation from other countries like Egypt, Mexico, Nepal, Sri Lanka, UAE, Britain and others.
The book fair will also have a pavilion dedicated to reading material for children. The pavilion will have a number of activities like seminars, panel discussions, storytelling sessions, workshops on creative writing and illustrations among others will be organised by the National Centre for Children's Literature, a wing of NBT.
The author's corner will feature prominent literary faces like Ruskin Bond, Rakshanda Jalil, Jairam Ramesh, Seema Mustafa, Jerry Pinto, Michael Creighton, Paro Anand, Bulbul Sharma, Prerna Bindra, Ranjit Lal, Gillian Wright and many others.
FAQs:
Entry fee: Rs 20 (children) Rs 30 (adults)
Timing: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tickets: Available at Pragati Maidan Gate Nos 1 and 10; Online; At select Metro Stations.
New Delhi, Jan 4 : In a bid to make 4G smartphones affordable to consumers, telecom services provider Bharti Airtel and Vodafone on Thursday announced cashback offers worth up to Rs 1,500 on Samsung's J series devices.
"Four models from Samsung's Galaxy J-series including J2 (2017), J5 Prime, J7 Prime and J7 Pro will be available with cashback offers, bringing down their effective prices," Airtel said in a statement.
Samsung Galaxy J2 (2017) will now be available for Rs 5,490 (earlier price Rs 6,990), J5 Prime will cost Rs 10,490 (earlier price Rs 11,990), J7 Prime will cost Rs 12,400 (earlier price Rs 13,900) while J7 Pro will be available at Rs 18,400 (earlier price Rs 19,900).
The cashback amount will be given to users over a period of 24 months.
"Users who make recharges worth Rs 2,500 over a period of 12 months, will be eligible for the first cashback of Rs 300," Airtel added.
These devices will come bundled with Airtel's recharge pack worth Rs 199 that offers 1GB data per day and unlimited calling.
Meanwhile, Vodafone also tied up with Samsung and announced a cashback offer worth Rs 1,500 on Galaxy J2 Pro, Galaxy J7 Nxt and Galaxy J7 Max smartphones.
"Prepaid customers have to simply recharge with Rs 198 per month for a period of 24 months. Postpaid users can opt for any Vodafone "Red Plan" to become eligible for a cashback of Rs 600 after first 12 months. After another 12 months, they will get a cashback of Rs 900 in their Vodafone M-Pesa wallets," Vodafone said in a statement.
New Delhi, Jan 4 : For all those who are passionate about dance, fascinated with stories and want to be a part of the prestigious play 'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical, here's a golden opportunity.
The second season of 'Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical' will be staged at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Delhi from February 1 to 11 which will also mark the 100th show of this world-class theatrical production.
Towards this, the production team is searching for best Kathak dancers from Delhi and Mumbai. Any female Kathak dancer, aged between 18-30 can participate in the auditions to be held in New Delhi and Mumbai on Jan 6.
"The stage at the Jawaharlal Nehru Auditorium (JNA) in Delhi is double in size than that of the Mumbai stage and would require more number of dancers for the show which is why, they are looking out for the best female Kathak dancers to be a part of "Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical'," lead choreographer Mayuri Upadhya, who will be conducting the dance auditions, said in a statement.
"The dancers have the most fascinating and the most demanding role in Mughal-e-Azam. At one point they speak the madness of the emporer Akbar with just the sound of their 'ghungroo's 'and at another the free loving spirit of Anarkali is brought out. They are the one's who take the journey forward connecting the audience with sheer poetry of classical movement," she added.
The auditions will be held on January 6 at Rapid Waters Private Ltd in Mumbai and Saraswati Music College in Delhi.
Singapore, Jan 4 : Ravi Menon, the Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), has been named the best central bank governor in Asia-Pacific for 2018 by UK-based magazine The Banker.
The finance publication said that under Menon's leadership, the MAS pursued a "cutting-edge regulatory approach to fintech while maintaining macroeconomic stability".
The annual award by The Banker, is based on a selection process involving a survey of bankers and economists, the Strait times reported, citing the magazine as saying.
"You can only encourage technology to the extent that you can also contain and manage its risks. A smart financial centre must be a safe financial centre as well," Menon said in an interview to the magazine.
The Menon-led MAS banned high-profile bankers including Tim Leissner, formerly Goldman Sachs' man in southeast Asia, as well as Swiss banker Jens Sturzenegger, who was the branch manager of Falcon Private Bank when it was shut down over 1MDB dealings last year, reports said.
More recently, Menon and MAS sought to cool demand in Asia for cryptocurrencies, warning that investors should weigh up the significant risks before pouring money in.
Singapore's Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat was also given this award in 2011 when he was then MAS' Managing Director. Over the last three years, the award went to the central bankers of Vietnam, India and Bangladesh.
The magazine said that the MAS was among the first regulators to set up a dedicated fintech group that focuses on understanding technology's risks and benefits.
Guwahati, Jan 4 : Five young men, including a student, were found dead inside a vehicle in a village in Assam's Nalbari district on Thursday, police said.
Police said a group of 24 people had gone for a picnic from Bordighala village on Wednesday morning and returned at night.
"The five youths spent the night inside the vehicle they had hired for the picnic. However, on Thursday morning, we saw all of them were unconscious," a police officer quoted locals as saying.
They were rushed to a hospital where they were declared dead.
Police said that there were no visible injury marks on the bodies and believe they may have been suffocated inside the vehicle.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ORD MOUNTAIN RESOURCES CORP. (Ord or the Company) (TSX-V:OMR.H), a capital pool company, announces that, further to its news release of August 4, 2017, it has sent a formal notice to Penta 5 Packaging Inc. (Penta 5) to terminate the business combination agreement with Penta 5 as the completion of the transactions contemplated under the business combination agreement had not occurred by the completion deadline.
The transactions contemplated under the business combination agreement with Penta 5 were intended to be the Companys Qualifying Transaction. The Company will now be actively exploring other opportunities for the Companys new Qualifying Transaction. The Company will also be applying to the regulators to lift the trading halt currently in place on its common shares.
For further information please contact:
Ord Mountain Resources Corp.
Gong (Michael) Chen, CEO
(604) 643-1738
Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect managements current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Ord cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Ords control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Ords ability to identify a new Qualifying Transaction; and other risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Ord undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.
The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Shimla, Jan 4 : The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday approved settling over half a century old electricity arrears with Punjab and Haryana in three Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects in compliance with a Supreme Court order in terms of differential energy return.
The differential energy quantum of 13,066 million units would fetch Rs 3,266 crore to the state at an average rate of Rs 2.50 per unit, an official statement said.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur presided over the cabinet meeting which also approved negotiations with both the neighbouring states for payment of the entire differential energy within 10 to 12 years.
It also agreed for negotiations towards payment of liability of Rs 111.53 crore as computed by the Central government in its affidavit in equal annual instalments during the period of return of power.
In case Punjab and Haryana insist for repayment with interest, Himachal Pradesh will go in for return of power with a premium of six per cent and with no further additional liability for receiving this differential energy of 13,066 million units, said the statement.
The Cabinet approved the proposal of Punjab and Haryana on return of differential power from October 1 to March 31 owing to their constraints of paddy harvest season and also the requirement of Himachal Pradesh during winter months in public interest.
The Supreme Court had raised Himachal's share to 7.19 per cent of the power generated by the projects -- Bhakra, Beas (Dehar) and Beas (Pong) -- against the 2.5 per cent it was earlier getting.
In its order on September 27, 2011, it had upheld the hills state's claim and directed compensation for denial of the state's legitimate share from November 1, 1966.
Bangkok, Jan 4 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday held a meeting with Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai and discussed a range of bilateral issues.
In a tweet, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said: "Keeping up with the growing momentum of bilateral relationship, Sushma Swaraj discussed issues of connectivity, security and cultural cooperation with Pramudwinai".
Earlier in the day, Sushma Swaraj arrived here on the first leg of a three-nation tour that will also take her to Indonesia and Singapore.
During her two-day visit to Thailand, Sushma Swaraj will also hold delegation-level talks with Pramudwinai.
According to the External Affairs Ministry, all aspects of bilateral relations will be discussed with particular focus on political, defence and economic ties and on further enhancing India's engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries.
Thailand will take over from Vietnam the role of coordinator country for India-Asean relations from the middle of this year.
Sushma Swaraj will also share with her interlocutors information about the upcoming Asean-India Commemorative Summit that marks 25 years since the establishment of Dialogue Partnership between India and the regional bloc.
In a unique first, the leaders of the Asean countries are expected to attend this year's Republic Day celebrations collectively as chief guests.
Washington, Jan 4 : An attorney for US President Donald Trump has sent a cease-and-desist notice to a former chief adviser to the US President, warning him that legal action is imminent over information he provided to an author of a forthcoming tell-all book.
Trump attorney Charles J. Harder said in a statement that the letter, sent late on Wednesday and cited by Efe news agency on Thursday, states that Steve Bannon's actions in communicating with journalist and author Michael Wolff about a soon-to-be published book that purports to provide an inside peek into Trump's White House "give rise to numerous legal claims".
It said those claims include "defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients (Trump and Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.)", Harder's statement read, adding that "legal action is imminent".
The notice was delivered after British daily The Guardian published an extract of Wolff's forthcoming book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House".
In it, Bannon said, among other things, that a June 2016 New York meeting in which Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya sat down with Donald Trump Jr.; the President's son-in-law, Jared Kushner; and his then-campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, who were seeking damaging information on Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic".
"You have breached the (confidentiality) Agreement by, among other things, communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company (Trump Organisation), disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company," the cease-and-desist letter reads.
On Wednesday, Trump accused Bannon of having "lost his mind" after he was fired from the White House staff, saying that the latter currently has "nothing to do" with him or his presidency.
The President's statement constituted an abrupt break with Bannon, who was a prominent member of his campaign and then became a key strategy adviser after Trump's January 2017 inauguration.
Bannon served in the White House from January until August 2017, when he was fired in a shakeup after John Kelly was appointed Chief of Staff; Bannon subsequently returned as executive chairman of Breitbart News, a Trump-supporting online news outlet.
After Bannon's departure from the White House, he remained an informal adviser frequently consulted by Trump, who continued to publicly defend him.
Trump on Wednesday also lambasted Bannon over the recent special Senate election in Alabama, saying that "Steve had everything to do with the loss of a Senate seat in Alabama held for more than 30 years by Republicans".
Bannon was instrumental in controversial GOP candidate Roy Moore's surprise primary win over the Trump-backed establishment hopeful and continued to support him even after he was accused of decades-old sexual misconduct by several women, including individuals who were teenagers when the alleged incidents occurred.
Moore, who Bannon contended would be a loyal supporter of Trump's "America First" agenda, vehemently denied the accusations.
Trump eventually threw his support behind Moore as well, although the candidate went down to a narrow defeat to Democrat Doug Jones.
Moscow, Jan 4 : Russia considers a US proposal to hold an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over recent protests in Iran as "harmful", Sputnik news agency reported on Thursday, citing Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
The Security Council is responsible for maintaining global peace and security, and Iran's internal issues have nothing to do with its mission, Ryabkov said.
"Iran's domestic affairs have nothing to do with the United Nations Security Council's role," he said.
He said Russia will roll out its own position, which is in line with the norms of international law.
Earlier this week, US envoy to UN Nikki Haley said Washington sought to convene emergency meetings at the UN headquarters and human rights council in Geneva.
Over the past week, riots broke out in some Iranian cities in protest against price hikes and economic woes.
US President Donald Trump and a number of other US officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, have sided with the protesters.
Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo has slammed the US government's recent attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.
Bengaluru, Jan 4 : Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Thursday rejected the opposition BJP's demand for a National Investigation Agency inquiry into the murder of a "Hindu activist".
"There is no need to entrust the inquiry to the NIA, as police have already arrested four suspects allegedly involved in the murder of Deepak Rao and are investigating the case from all angles," he told reporters.
Reddy was responding to a NIA probe demand by BJP's state unit leaders, including its MPs B.S. Yeddyurappa, Shoba Karandlaje, Pralhad Joshi and Naleen Kumar Kateel, who represents Dakshina Kannada district.
Rao, 32, a sales executive with a mobile phones distributor at Katipalli in Suratkal town, 20 km from Mangaluru, was allegedly waylaid by the accused and assaulted with a machete on Wednesday when he was going home for lunch.
Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police S.K. Reddy told IANS that the accused were trying to escape in a car after attacking Rao when they were chased and nabbed on the outskirts of Suratkal.
Rao was taken to hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The four arrested were identified as Mulky Naushad, Rizwan, Pinky Nawaz and Nirshan.
Right wing outfit Bajrang Dal also claimed that Rao was one of its members in the coastal district.
"The inquiry into Rao's alleged murder is being supervised by Additional Director General of Police Kamal Panth. Till the investigation is completed, the unfortunate death of Rao should not be politicised and vitiate the atmosphere," said the Home Minister.
He also accused the BJP leaders of claiming victims like Rao and others in the past to be its members or belonging to organisations like the Bajrang Dal to polarise the situation in the poll-bound southern state, where elections are due in April.
"Our government or party does not support or oppose any particular community. We are working to book those who transgress the law," asserted Reddy.
He also announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to Rao's family, including Rs 5 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Deputy Commissioner S. Sasikanth Senthil said Rs 5 lakh would be paid to the victim's family by Friday.
Security was stepped up and additional forces were deployed in the town to prevent any untoward incident during the funeral procession and last rites of Rao.
A day-long shutdown was observed at Mangaluru and Surathkal in protest against Rao's murder in response to a call by the BJP and Bajrang Dal.
Condemning the shocking murder in daylight, Yeddyurappa blamed the Congress and the district in-charge minister Ramanath Rai for Rao's death and about 20 killings there over the last two years.
New Delhi, Jan 4 : A delegation of BJP MPs on Thursday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to demand a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the killing of a Hindu activist in Karnataka and other such deaths in the state.
Lead by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shobha Karandlaje, the delegation requested the Home Minister to intervene in the matter and ensure a probe by the counter-terrorism agency into the murder of Deepak Rao, who is reportedly 21st person to be killed in Karnataka in the recent past.
According to police, Rao was hacked to death in the Dakshina Kannada district on Wednesday when he was returning after collecting some documents from his shop owner Abdul Majid. He was riding a motorbike on his way to work when four assailants came in a car, waylaid him and attacked with a sharp-edged weapon.
Karandlaje alleged involvement of radical Islamist outfit Popular Front of India (PFI) in most of the killings.
"This is the 21st murder in Karnataka. Of these, 12 were committed by 'jihadis'. The organisation is active in Karnataka because the state government is supporting it. It should be linked to national security and terrorism. The cases should be probed by the NIA," Karandlaje told reporters after the meeting.
She accused the Congress-led Siddaramaiah state government of trying to hush up the cases and not disclosing the forensic report of another slain activist, Paresh Mesta.
Mesta was killed in Uttara Kannada district's Honnavar town in December 2017.
She also charged the state government with supporting the Islamist group for "vote bank politics".
"Siddaramaiah himself called the PFI and its political body, and asked them to support the Congress in the next elections," she claimed.
BJP MP Pralhad Joshi also demanded on Thursday in the Lok Sabha a probe into the murder of Rao by the NIA while raising the issue during the Zero Hour.
He accused the Congress government in Karnataka of turning a blind eye to the killings as it "wants to adopt the Kerala model" of governance where BJP members "are being targeted".
"I demand an NIA inquiry into all these cases," Joshi said.
New Delhi, Jan 4 : The Congress on Thursday alleged that Narendra Modi government is not serious of getting the triple talaq bill passed in Rajya Sabha and was running from debate, and its only policy was to "divide the society".
Noting that the established tradition of Rajya Sabha is if any motion is left unfinished, it is taken up the next day for discussion from there, party leader Pramod Tiwari said: "When the House got adjourned yesterday (Wednesday), all the 18 opposition parties including Congress were demanding that there be voting on sending the bill to the Select Committee."
"Today they (the government) should have started the proceedings with triple talaq. They did not do it. BJP has neither the policy nor the intention to get the triple talaq bill passed in Parliament," he told reporters here.
Tiwari said even BJP's allies like the AIADMK, the Telugu Desam Party and other independent parties like the Biju Janata Dal and the Indian National Lok Dal are not with them on the issue.
The deadlock on the triple talaq bill in the Rajya Sabha continued on Thursday with the government rejecting the opposition's insistence on sending the bill to a Select Committee for detailed scrutiny.
With no agreement, the government placed the bill in the bottom in the list of business, which the opposition strongly objected to and demanded that its motions for referring the bill to a Select Committee be taken up immediately.
Senior Congress leader P. L. Punia alleged that the BJP and the RSS ignited violence in Maharashtra's Pune district on January 1.
"The Maharashtra government failed to control the violence there. We demand immediate arrest of the two accused named in the FIR for allegedly instigating violence in Pune," he said, asking why the government was protecting the accused linked to Hindutva outfits.
"We demand legal action against those who were trying to disturb harmony," he said, adding that the violence was spreading to other states like Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
The Ranches at Belt Creek is a luxury second home resort outside of Great Falls, Montana and is now accepting Bitcoins for 5, 10, or 25 acre properties. Real estate developer, Mark C. Hawn says,
I want to make buying a ranch easy for future ranch owners. Bitcoin allows for large transactions to be done quickly and securely. Bitcoin is the future of real estate transactions.
Bitcoins can now be cashed in to live the life of the rich and famous. At the Ranches at Belt Creek, the Ranch Concierge can schedule fly fishing guides, horseback rides and even private dining with a gourmet chef. Having a ranch in Montana like Ted Turner is the ultimate dream of some. Now Bitcoin is making dreams come true.
Apple, Uber, and VRBO are some of the companies that have disrupted their respective industries. It is not the technology or innovation that disrupts a market; it is customer adoption. When a large number of customers adopt a product or service in a short period of time, a need is being fulfilled. A market is being disrupted and that is what is happening with Bitcoin and the blockchain technology. Now the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) have created a futures market for Bitcoin. This is the beginning of billions of dollars flooding into a technology with limited supply. Increased demand with a limited supply drives the price higher and that is evident in the astronomic rise of Bitcoin in 2017.
As Bitcoin continues to rise, more fortunes will be created for those holding lots of Bitcoins. At the end of the day, Bitcoins need to be traded for hard assets that the holder wants. Taking some Bitcoins off the table is wise and moving Bitcoins into a hard asset like real estate is the goal for certain investors. Parlaying your Bitcoins value into another asset that will grow in value and can be enjoyed today is now an option.
This is the opportunity that the Ranches at Belt Creek created for cryptomillionaires. Those rich in Bitcoin can use their cryptocurrency to experience the dream of owning a luxury ranch in Montana. A luxury ranch with mountain views and fly fishing rivers. For those who grew up experiencing the great outdoors and want to create that experience for their family can do so in this luxury ranch setting.
Find more information at http://www.RanchesAtBeltCreek.com/Bitcoin. For those who want to experience Montana ask about the Discovery Weekend and receive details on this limited time luxury ranch experience.
CSG Government Solutions, a national leader in government program modernization, today announced it has been selected by the New England Medicaid Information Technology Architecture(MITA) Collaborative to assist in developing three MITA 3.0 State Self-Assessments (SS-A).
The New England MITA Collaborative is comprised of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and the New England States Consortium Systems Organization(NESCSO). The Collaborative was established in 2014 to share resources and lower the cost of developing each states MITA 3.0 SS-A.
For each state, CSG is facilitating the completion of a MITA 3.0 SS-A, providing MITA training to agency staff, and developing a five year plan and roadmap to improve MITA maturity levels across the Medicaid Enterprise.
CSG is proud to be partnering with the New England MITA Collaborative on this initiative, says Robin Dufresne, Director of CSGs Healthcare and Human Services practice. This is the first time MITA 3.0 SS-As will be collaboratively conducted across multiple states. By leveraging our teams expertise in the MITA 3.0 Framework, CSG will help assure each states goals are achieved.
CSG Government Solutions deploys highly experienced teams and innovative methods, knowledge, and tools to help governments modernize complex program enterprises. CSG clients include 43 state governments, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, and large municipal governments.
CONTACT:
Robin Dufresne
Director, Healthcare and Human Services Practice
CSG Government Solutions
180 N. Stetson Ave
Suite 3200
Chicago, IL 60601
Office: 312.444.2760 Fax: 312.938.2191
rdufresne(at)csgdelivers.com
About CSG Government Solutions:
CSG Government Solutions is a leading government operations consulting firm helping states modernize critical program enterprises. We help governments leverage innovative technology and processes to meet the challenges of administering complex programs. Founded in 1997, CSG has established itself as a trusted adviser to government agencies across the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.csgdelivers.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Sacred Rest We have made rest synonymous with laziness when in reality its the key to more energy, greater productivity, better creativity, increased happiness, and a thriving life.
We are a society that praises being busy, the more you can cram into a day and the fewer hours you need for sleep, the more productive and successful you seem, but are you and at what cost? More than 18,000 people from 134 countries took part in a recent survey on rest which reported 68 percent of those surveyed would like more rest (BBC Sept 2016). One physician says most people do not know what type of rest they need and miss some of their best opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing.
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a top 100 medical expert in Good Housekeeping Doctors Secrets, says We have made rest synonymous with laziness when in reality its the key to more energy, greater productivity, better creativity, increased happiness, and a thriving life.
In her book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, Dalton-Smith shares seven types of rest she found lacking in many patients and how rest impacts every part of our lives:
Physical: The chance to use the body in restorative ways to decrease muscle tension, reduce headaches, and promote higher quality sleep.
Mental: The ability to quiet cerebral chatter and focus on things that matter.
Spiritual: The capacity to experience God in all things and recline in the knowledge of the Holy.
Emotional: The freedom to authentically express feelings and eliminate people-pleasing behaviors.
Social: The wisdom to recognize relationships which revive from ones that exhaust and how to limit exposure to toxic people.
Sensory: The opportunity to downgrade the endless onslaught of sensory input received from electronics, fragrances, and background noise.
Creative: The experience of allowing beauty to inspire awe and liberate wonder.
A deficiency in any one of these types of rest can have unfavorable effects on your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. Dalton-Smith offers a free resource at http://www.RestQuiz.com. This comprehensive quiz scores you on all seven types of rest and identifies the rest deficits affecting your wellbeing.
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a board-certified internal medicine physician and has an active medical practice near Birmingham, Alabama. She received her B.S. in Biochemistry at the University of Georgia and graduated with honors from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. She has been an adjunct faculty member at Baker College and Davenport University in Michigan teaching courses on health, nutrition, and disease progression. She is an international media resource on the mind, body, spirit connection and featured in Prevention, MSNBC, Women's Day, Redbook, First For Women, and numerous other media outlets.
Sacred Rest ($20.00, ISBN: 9781478921677), a 240-page hardcover published by FaithWords/Hachette Book Group, is available at most major online book retailers, in bookstores, and at http://www.ichoosemybestlife.com/sacred-rest.
CONTACT: Saundra Dalton-Smith, 256-405-9765, DrDaltonSmith(at)IChooseMyBestLife.com
BW Offshore will host a presentation with main focus on the company's field development activities through the joint venture company BW Energy and the planned development of the Dussafu field offshore Gabon.
The presentation will be held 8 January 2018 at 13:00 CET at The Thief, Landgangen 1 in Oslo, Norway and will be hosted by CEO Carl K. Arnet and Lin Espey, Managing Director of BW Energy.
The presentation will be broadcasted via webcast, and will also be available for replay. Please visit www.bwoffshore.com for details.
For further information, please contact:
IR@bwoffshore.com
About BW Offshore:
BW Offshore is a leading global provider of floating production services to the oil and gas industry. BW Offshore has a fleet of 15 owned FPSOs and one FSO represented in all major oil & gas regions world-wide. BW Offshore has a long track record on project execution and operations. In more than 30 years of production, BW Offshore has executed 38 FPSO and FSO projects. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. Further information is available on www.bwoffshore.com.
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Micheal Lane, CEO, Meyers Meyers has maintained a leadership position in custom labels and retail marketing and merchandising by listening to what our customers some of Americas leading consumer brands want and need and responding with one-of-a-kind solutions.
Meyers, a national leader in brand marketing and high-end commercial printing, announced today that Micheal Lane has been named CEO of the nearly 70-year-old, family owned company. Lane will serve as CEO over all divisions of Meyers, underscoring the companys approach to providing seamless, start-to-finish solutions for national retailers and retail brands who are facing increased competition from online sales and continued market fragmentation. David Dillon, current CEO and co-owner, and Chris Dillon Sr., co-owner of Meyers, will transition to the companys board of directors.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Meyers was established in 1949 with a single piece of printing equipment. Under the guidance of founder, Gerry Dillon and two generations of the Dillon family, Meyers has grown to over $60 million in revenue and currently operates a 250,000-square-foot facility featuring advanced, one-of-a-kind commercial printing presses.
Lane joined Meyers in 2016 as president of Meyers Retail Marketing Solutions Division. Prior to joining Meyers, Lane served as CEO of Lofton Label, a label, flexible packaging, and labeling equipment company in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Lane has a wealth of experience in corporate leadership, having worked for Cargill, Inc. for 27 years, most recently as vice president of sales and marketing for the Salt Division and senior chair of the Cargill Foods corporate marketing initiative. Lane also served on the board of directors for TLMI for three years and remains active in industry leadership.
Mikes experience at a very senior level in one of the worlds largest privately held companies, along with his discipline and experience building effective sales, marketing, and production operations made him an ideal choice to fill the position of CEO, said David Dillon. We are confident Mike will continue to lead and position Meyers for future success, while paving the way for the next generation of the Dillon family to grow into more senior leadership positions within the organization.
Meyers provides complete retail marketing solutions from strategy to creative concepting and execution, custom-engineered packaging and display solutions, printing and assembly, and distribution and installation logistics. The company works with brands and retailers across the United States in a wide variety of industries, including category leaders like Aveda, Ulta, Target, Starbucks, Hormel, Verizon, and more.
Meyers has maintained a leadership position in custom labels and retail marketing and merchandising by listening to what our customers some of Americas leading consumer brands want and need and responding with one-of-a-kind solutions, said Lane. As CEO of Meyers, I am confident we will continue to build on this legacy and that our commitment to excellence and collaboration will produce possibilities for our customers and employees for years to come.
According to Lane, Meyers will continue its focus on technology that allows the company to deliver completely customized solutions for customers. By removing silos within its corporate reporting structure, Lane said the highly skilled professionals across Meyers departments, from research and creative strategy to distribution and fulfillment, will be able to work as a cohesive team to support the business goals of its customers.
Originally from Western KS, Lane currently lives in Victoria, MN. He holds a bachelors degree in business from Friends University, Wichita, and an Executive MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. Lane has had extensive training in business strategy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Chicago. In addition to his corporate track record, Lane is the author of a novel called, The Wisdom of Yawdy Rum. Outside the office, Lane is an active supporter and volunteer for Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, and the Sweet Home New Orleans rebuilding efforts in New Orleans.
To learn more about Meyers, visit meyers.com or follow on Twitter or LinkedIn.
For more information:
Barbara Tabor, APR / tabor PR for Meyers / 651-450-1342 / Barbara(at)taborpr(dot)com
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About Meyers
Meyers designs and manufactures innovative large-format graphics, displays, cards, labels and signage solutions for retail marketing. Their products can be found paired with the nations top brands at virtually every retail outlet in the country. Meyers commitment to collaboration, innovation, creative problem solving, and exceptional design allows the company to engineer solutions that keep clients one step ahead of their competition in the retail marketing space. To learn more, visit meyers.com or follow on LinkedIn and Twitter.
God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds: a collection of free verse poems and poetic rhymes based on author James Olivers war experiences and the power of Gods love. God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds is the creation of published author, James Oliver. James was born in Hazard, Kentucky. Shortly after his birth, his parents, James and Clarice Oliver moved their young family to Ashland, KY. As the towns motto suggests, Where Coal Meets Iron, Ashland is a small town known for its steel mills and sits on the banks of the mighty Ohio River. In 1966, James was hired by Armco Steel. Although he was well paid, he decided to serve his country and joined the US Army in 1967. He arrived in Vietnam on September 2, 1968. Oliver was a door gunner serving with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company. After leaving the Army, he resumed his career in 1971 with Armco Steel where he was a dedicated employee for a total of thirty-six years. In addition to his love of writing and reading, James has been a lifelong fan of the martial arts. He completed his black belt in Karate. James draws strength and inspiration from his daily readings of the Holy Bible. He still resides in Ashland, Kentucky on the same street that he spent his youth.
The Maddogs were the gun ships. The Greyhounds were the slicks that flew the infantry into their appointed destinations, evacuating men from harms way and getting fellow soldiers back to a safe land zone. --James Oliver
Published by Christian Faith Publishing, James Olivers new book is a collection of free verse poems and poetic rhymes based on the authors experiences during the Vietnam War.
James was only twenty-one years old when he received his orders to report to Vietnam. Oliver was proud to have served his country. He was a soldier and helicopter door gunner during the Vietnam War. He saw combat on a daily basis. He went on numerous day and late-night classified missions with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company.
It was during one of these missions that James Henry Oliver Jr. had a life-changing combat experience. Oliver felt the presence of an angel as the hand of God shifted his helicopter out of harms way. It was this moment that changed his life forever and inspired his love of God. This and other experiences inspired the free verse poems and poetic rhymes featured in God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds.
View a synopsis of God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds on YouTube.
Consumers can purchase God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, Kobo or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or inquiries about God Loves Mad Dogs And Greyhounds, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.
Orasi Software, a quality-focused, Atlanta-based software reseller and professional services company, today announced that software testing industry veteran Hardik Parekh has joined the Quality Management System (QMS) team and will be serving in the newly created role of Manager, Mobile & Internet of Things (IoT) Automation. Parekh has specialized expertise in developing customized mobile testing and cloud solutions that deliver high-quality mobile apps and provide a superior user experience (UE). He initially worked for Orasi as an independent contractor before being hired to the new position.
As the market for mobile and IoT software accelerates rapidly, the importance of quality and the UE continue to be paramount, said Nick Kavadellas, president and CEO, Orasi. Hardik will fill an important role in our organization as we continue to promote our mission of software quality assurance, no matter what the platform or device might be.
With more than six years of technical and management experience in the IT industry, Parekh formerly worked as an Automation Lead / Scrum Master at Verizon Telematics. There, he led the firms end-to-end (E2E) testing efforts for web, mobile, and IoT devices, including connected cars. During his professional career, he has served in numerous, progressively responsible roles including Mobile QA Lead (and Subject Matter Expert), Technical Architect, and Automation Engineer. He has worked on projects for client companies ranging from AT&T and Cox Media to Capital Group, Autotrader, and Food Lion.
Originally from India, Parekh moved to the U.S. to pursue an advanced degree and seek additional career opportunities. The trilingual software expert holds a Bachelor of Technology from Nirma University (Ahmedabad, India) and a Master of Science from North Carolina State University (Raleigh, North Carolina). He is a certified Professional Scrum Master and holds certifications in Security Awareness for Mobile Applications, System Administration for Mobile Devices, Mobile Automation Testing (Perfecto Mobile), and Automated Testing (UFT and Perfecto framework).
Mobile devices have become nearly ubiquitous in the market, but to build software that works flawlessly across various manufacturers, models and operating systems is a major challenge, said Parekh. Orasi is a solid company with a great background and reputation in the market, and I look forward to helping them further develop and expand their mobile and IoT practices to help clients achieve their goals.
About Orasi Software, Inc.
For more than 15 years, Orasi has been an industry-leading provider of software quality assurance services, helping customers achieve excellence with market-leading test management, test automation, enterprise testing, environment hosting, and mobile testing technologies. Orasi offers on-site training and a three-tier consulting services model to provide the right mix of personnel and services, at the right price, for every company. Additionally, Orasi has established strategic sales and support services partnerships with Micro Focus (formerly HPE), SAP, XebiaLabs, AppDynamics, and others. Orasi continues to expand its offerings across the entire software delivery spectrum, from data analytics and visualization services to end-to-end continuous delivery and open source tooling. For more information, please visit the Orasi company website: http://www.orasi.com.
Orasi is a trademark of Orasi Software, Inc. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Educators Can Share Their Journey and Enter to Win a New Dodge Journey from California Casualty We have been proud to serve educators for more than 66 years, and were there to protect them through the good times and when there are a few bumps in the road.
California Casualty, provider of the NEA Auto & Home Insurance Program, is offering educators the chance to win a new Dodge Journey SUV in the Wherever Your Journey Takes YouWell be There sweepstakes.
The giveaway kicks off the new Life is a Journey campaign, reminding educators of the importance of having the right insurance coverage for their stage in life. Whether theyre an excited new teacher or one who is retiring, NEA members can explore the various insurance solutions available through California Casualty.
The journey begins when a member enters to win at http://www.winajourney.com.
There is a very important concept behind the sweepstakes. A new insurance industry survey estimates that 42 percent of consumers have not taken steps to check their coverages. Having adequate insurance is essential; in fact, this summers hurricanes and fires left many people unable to rebuild because they purchased policies that left them severely underinsured.
The Journey initiative hopes to reinforce the importance of comprehensive, personalized and proactive auto, home and renters insurance that protects policyholders in their greatest time of need. While the definition of insurance may vary by company, California Casualty helps educate and guide consumers to the best approach for their individual insurance needs.
California Casualty has partnered with the NEA to offer auto and home insurance with unique benefits for educators that include:
Waived or reduced deductibles for damage to vehicles parked at school
Personal property protection for non-electronic property, including instructional materials stolen from a vehicle
Excess liability coverage that follows into the classroom
$500 fundraising money coverage
Flexible payment plans including summer or holiday skips
We have been proud to serve educators for more than 66 years, said Sr. VP Mike McCormick. Were there to protect them through the good times and when there are a few bumps in the road.
Educators active and retired can share their journey and enter to win by visiting http://www.winajourney.com.
Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, with Service Centers in Arizona, Colorado and Kansas, California Casualty provides auto and home insurance to educators, firefighters, law enforcement and nurses across the country. Founded in 1914, California Casualty has been led by four generations of the Brown family. To learn more about California Casualty, or to request an auto insurance quote, please visit http://www.calcas.com or call 1.800.800.9410.
Allegro Development Corp., a global leader in commodity trading and risk management (CTRM) software, today announced that Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the Philippines largest electric distribution company, has chosen Allegros cloud-compatible energy trading and risk management (ETRM) solution, Allegro Horizon, to manage market risk exposure in the Philippine Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).
Recently, Meralco identified the need for a single platform that would streamline their energy trading and risk management processes and provide real-time data on electricity trading in the Philippines. This initiative was driven by Meralcos mission to continue providing cost effective electricity to its customers while maintaining compliance with its Power Supply Agreement, as well as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Department of Energy (DOE) rules and guidelines. Additionally, Meralco wanted to strategically position itself to be better prepared for new WESM electricity spot market rules and technologies, including the forthcoming shortening of trading intervals from one hour to five minutes, as well as the planned inclusion of renewable energy and ancillary services to the market.
With guidance from Indra, a highly reputable global consulting and technology company, Meralco evaluated many energy trading and risk management solutions and determined Allegros platform would best suit their needs for efficient deal capture, accurate settlements, and robust risk management.
Prior to selecting Allegros solution, Meralco was utilizing a mix of in-house systems, including Microsoft Excel, to manage its trading and risk management processes. Moving forward, Allegros cloud-compatible software, Allegro Horizon, will be implemented along with an Indra interface in order to provide Meralco with a trading dashboard of clear reporting and custom view reports in the WESM.
Frank Brienzi, CEO, Allegro Development:
The joint effort between Allegro and Indra to create a solution specific to Meralcos needs is a testament not only to our software extensibility and scalability, but also to our strong partnership with Indra. We look forward to the continued strengthening of these relationships throughout the implementation process.
Ronnie L. Aperocho, Senior Vice President and Network Head, Meralco:
Meralcos need for increased accuracy and efficiency in all our supply sourcing processes including planning, trading, settlements, and risk management requires a comprehensive and extensible platform. Our partnering with Allegro and Indra through this project will provide us with the necessary expertise and tools to help us streamline and improve our energy trading and risk management processes. This software solution will not only aid us in continuing to deliver cost efficient electricity to our customers while complying with our Power Supply Agreement, ERC, and DOE, but also prepare us for future regulatory rules and guidelines.
Maria Vidoeira, CEO, Indra Philippines:
For years, Indra has been working with Meralco on various projects in order to improve the companys efficiency. The implementation of the Allegro solution for Meralcos energy sourcing and risk management system will strengthen the partnership between Indra and Meralco. Indras comprehensive and deep project experience with Allegro will help Meralco achieve its aim to consistently supply cost efficient electricity to its customers while maintaining compliance to market rules and policies."
About Manila Electric Company:
Founded in 1895, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is the largest electrical distribution company in the Philippines. Meralco serves 6 million customers in 36 cities and 75 municipalities, including Metro Manila. For additional information about Meralco, visit http://www.meralco.com.ph/.
About Indra:
Indra is a highly reputable consulting and technology companies, the top IT firm in Spain, and the technology partner for the core operations of its clients' businesses worldwide. The multinational company offers a comprehensive range of proprietary solutions and cutting-edge services with a high added value in technology, which adds to a unique culture that is reliable, flexible and adaptable to its clients needs.
Indra is a world leader in the development of end-to-end technology solutions in fields such as defense and security, transport and traffic, telecommunications and media, financial services, electoral processes, public administrations and healthcare, and energy. Through its Minsait unit, Indra addresses the challenges of digital transformation. To learn more about Indra, visit http://www.indracompany.com.
About Allegro Development:
Allegro Development Corp. is a global leader in commodity trading and risk management (CTRM) software for power and gas utilities, crude oil refiners, chemical manufacturers, oil and gas producers, agriculture companies, traders, and commodity consumers. Allegros software is built to provide users with position visibility, risk management, comprehensive controls, and regulatory compliance. With more than three decades of industry experience, Allegros enterprise platform drives profitability and efficiency across front, middle, and back offices while managing complex logistics associated with physical commodities.
Headquartered in Dallas, Allegro also has offices in London, Singapore, Calgary, Dubai, Houston, Jakarta and Zurich, along with a global network of partners. For additional information about Allegro and its capabilities, visit our home page at http://www.allegrodev.com.
Animal Supply Company Logo (ASC) 2017 Bark to Basics is a great addition to the ASC family, furthering our ability to serve our existing customers, welcome new customers, and allow ASC to provide a key brand, Champion Petfoods, makers of ORIJEN and ACANA Dog and Cat Foods, to the Midwest and Texas, states Don McIntyre, CEO of ASC.
Animal Supply Company (ASC), the national leader in pet food and supplies distribution, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Bark to Basics, a family-owned business serving independent retailers, day care/kennels, vet hospitals, and groomers in six states (KS, MO, OK, AR, TX, LA) with two distribution centers in Kansas City (Olathe) and Houston.
Bark to Basics is a great addition to the ASC family, as it furthers our ability to serve our existing customers, welcome new customers, and allow ASC to provide a key brand, Champion Petfoods, makers of ORIJEN and ACANA Dog and Cat Foods, to the Midwest and Texas, states Don McIntyre, Chief Executive Officer of ASC. This strategic acquisition also brings additional sales resources to support our delivery of Champion to customers and continue our commitment to providing exceptional service.
With the missions of both companies focused on improving the lives of cats and dogs, promoting a world where pets are happy, healthy and safe, the two companies also share an alignment of values focused on: Honesty (Integrity), Enthusiasm (Passion), Success (Results Oriented).
This is an exciting opportunity for two great companies, said Terry Garberg, Owner of Bark to Basics. Bark to Basics and ASC both share an unwavering commitment to service, a passion for pets and a focus on strong relationships with both customers and vendors.
For more information, please visit http://www.animalsupply.com or contact Ken Fish, EVP of Corporate Development at Ken.Fish(at)animalsupply(dot)com.
About Animal Supply Company
Animal Supply Company is the national leader in Local Everywhere pet food and supplies distribution serving retailers throughout the United States and the Caribbean. Animal Supply Companys mission is to share our passion for animals through trusted partnerships that connect the brands and customers we serve to those who love pets. We envision a world where every pet is happy, healthy, and safe, and we work through our employees, customers, and vendors to realize this goal. Animal Supply Company operates 22 facilities and employs approximately 1,300 people. The company has nearly 10,000 independent retail customers who operate more than 15,000 retail outlets distributing pet food and supplies. http://www.animalsupply.com
Green Applications, one of the largest printers and distributors of textile merchandise and heat applied graphics on the East Coast, announced today that Governor Terry McAuliffe will cut the ribbon at a celebration for the new 860kW roof mount solar energy system atop their Gordonsville facility. The array will produce an estimated 1,026,446kWh per year, offsetting the buildings carbon footprint by 842 tons of CO2 annually. The system represents the largest net metered system in the state, the largest behind-the-meter Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in Virginia since Dominion started the PPA pilot program, and a shift toward more of Virginias manufacturers embracing solar.
Green Applications opened its 170,000 sq. ft. facility with a visit from the Governor in 2014, creating more than 300 new jobs for Orange County, VA. With environmental sustainability as one of its core values, Green Applications had always planned to incorporate renewable energy into the facility.
Green Applications started our operations in Orange County, Virginia by making a commitment to this community to make a positive impact, said Dave Kilgore, COO of Green Applications. That meant creating jobs and being a responsible neighbor with respect to the environment. Working with Sun Tribe Solar, we were able to find a way to do that by incorporating solar, which also saves us money in utility costs. We are proud to have the solar array on our facility and to be part of the sustainability movement taking place in the Commonwealth.
Green Applications partnered with Charlottesville-based Sun Tribe Solar to find the optimal solution for both their sustainability and financial goals. Working with the VirginiaSAVES program, Sun Tribe Solar was able to help secure investors to move the project forward as a PPA. Established as a result of Governor McAuliffes Executive Order 36, the VirginiaSAVES program is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals, and Energy (DMME) and provides subsidized financing for renewable energy systems and other qualified conservation purposes for private commercial, non-profit institutional, and local government entities in the Commonwealth.
The Green Applications array consists of over 2,500 panels and will provide almost 50% of the facilitys energy usage. The system was also designed, engineered, and installed entirely by Virginians who work for Sun Tribe Solar.
It is always great to be part of a ground-breaking solar project in Virginia, said Taylor Brown of Sun Tribe Solar. But it is even better when we are able to help a company like Green Applications that really wants to improve the environment and help the community to figure out the best technical and financial situation to make it happen. Its also great to see that the PPA program is finally gaining traction in Virginia, and we hope this will move other manufacturers to look into this as an option for making the transition to solar.
Although Dominions pilot PPA program has been in effect for three years, Green Applications is the first large-scale commercial entity to subscribe to it and has the largest behind-the-meter solar PPA system in the state to date. The official ribbon cutting and celebration with Governor McAuliffe will be on January 4th at a private ceremony at the facility.
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About Sun Tribe Solar
Sun Tribe Solar is a leading solar energy company based in Charlottesville, VA. The Sun Tribe team has over 550MW of renewable energy design and installation experience and has worked with organizations such as the University of Virginia, Carilion Health System, and Northrop Grumman to help them achieve their renewable energy goals. Sun Tribe Solar is one of the fastest growing private solar energy companies in Virginia and is a fully insured, Class A Alternative Energy Systems contractor licensed in the Commonwealth. For more information on how Sun Tribe Solar can help strengthen your financial operations while reinforcing your brands commitment to sustainability, please visit http://www.suntribesolar.com.
Sun Tribe Solar Contact:
Angela Batten
Director of Marketing
434.981.1500 (c)
angela(at)suntribesolar.com
http://www.suntribesolar.com
The greatest benefit of a 9-axis machine, Tsugami/Rem Sales Vice President Michael Mugno said, is that it has three cutting tools, all cutting the part simultaneously. All three tools have independent feed rates meaning shorter cycle times, allowing operators to produce more parts, faster.
Tsugami/Rem Sales, the exclusive North American importer of Precision Tsugami machine tools, announced today that it will demonstrate the Tsugami BW129Z and the Tsugami SS207-5AX LaserSwiss at the MD&M West Expo in Anaheim, California February 6-8, 2018.
For the first time ever, Rem Sales will exhibit the Tsugami BW129Z at MD&M West this coming February. The Tsugami BW129Z is a 12 mm 9-axis Split-slide Lathe with a simultaneous 3-path control system and dual independent gang slides. This machine can house 28 tools and is equipped with a Fanuc 31i-B CNC.
The greatest benefit of a 9-axis machine, Tsugami/Rem Sales Vice President Michael Mugno said, is that it has three cutting tools, all cutting the part simultaneously. All three tools have independent feed rates meaning shorter cycle times, allowing operators to produce more parts, faster. The BW129Z is perfect for pinch turning and pinch milling jobs.
Rem Sales will also demonstrate the Tsugami SS207-5AX LaserSwiss - a 7-axis Swiss Turn with a Servo-driven B-axis that combines Swiss style machining with laser cutting on one machine, allowing manufacturers to perform Swiss turning and laser cutting operations with a single setup. All operations are programmed and driven from the machines Fanuc 31i-B5 control. The laser nozzle standoff adjustment is NC controlled, and the lasers power level, frequency, pulse width, and lens focus are all immediately adjustable. The SS207-5AX LaserSwiss holds 33 tools, plus the SPI Fiber Laser, which is available in 250W or 400W configurations.
The addition of a second laser head for welding provides enormous flexibility for end users, Tsugami Automation Vice President Graham Noake said. This allows operators to reflow a swaged tube end, and they can weld two pieces together, then machine them.
To see live cutting demos of these machines at MD&M West, visit the Tsugami/Rem Sales booth, #1605. The show runs February 6-8 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA.
Manufacturers unable to attend the show are invited to schedule private machine tool demonstrations at the Tsugami Technical Center in Fullerton, CA, or at Tsugami/Rem Sales distribution partner Ellison Technologies California facilities in Santa Fe Springs and Fremont.
About Ellison Technologies
Ellison Technologies (http://www.ellisontechnologies.com) is the largest machine tool integrator in North America, representing 70% of the metal cutting market. With 16 locations across the U.S., Ellison is committed to the survival and growth of the manufacturing industry. In addition to distributing the latest CNC machine tool technology, Ellison provides engineering solutions, service and parts support, turnkey solutions, robotic automation and machine financing.
About Tsugami/Rem Sales
Tsugami/Rem Sales (http://www.remsales.com) has been the exclusive North American importer of Precision Tsugami machine tools since 1978. A division of Morris Group, Inc. of Windsor, Connecticut, Rem Sales sells new Tsugami machine tools via national distribution channels and direct sales agents. The company also provides application engineering, service and customer training.
About Morris Group, Inc.
Morris Group, Inc. (http://www.morrisgroupinc.com), one of North Americas largest machine tool supply networks, owns fifteen independently operated business units. It supplies CNC machine tools and related technology and services to manufacturers representing virtually every industry segment. Morris Group, Inc. is headquartered in Windsor, Connecticut, home of its founding company, The Robert E. Morris Company, which has served the manufacturing industry since 1941.
Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that Marki Stewart, a Member in our Phoenix office, has been elected to serve as Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Society of Healthcare Attorneys (AzSHA).
This is a great opportunity and I look forward to working with the Board members, all of whom are outstanding attorneys and exceptional people, said Stewart. Im proud to be a part of this organization and its educational focus.
Stewarts practice focuses on healthcare regulatory and transactional law. She is a member of the Steering Committee of Planned Parenthood Arizona Advocates for Reproductive Health and Justice (ARHJ) and serves as a Representative on the Phoenix Art Museum Corporate Council.
Formed in 1992, AzSHA provides an opportunity for lawyers in the healthcare field to meet and exchange information and ideas and to attend legal seminars of interest. With a membership of almost 200 attorneys, AzSHA provides a central agency for the exchange of legal information in the healthcare field.
About Dickinson Wright PLLC
Dickinson Wright PLLC is a general practice business law firm with more than 450 attorneys among more than 40 practice areas and 16 industry groups. Headquartered in Detroit and founded in 1878, the firm has 18 offices, including six in Michigan (Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw) and 11 other domestic offices in Austin and El Paso, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Lexington, Ky.; Nashville and Music Row, Tenn.; Las Vegas and Reno, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Washington, D.C. The firms Canadian office is located in Toronto.
Dickinson Wright offers our clients a distinctive combination of superb client service, exceptional quality, value for fees, industry expertise and business acumen. As one of the few law firms with ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification, Dickinson Wright has built state-of-the-art, independently-verified risk management controls and security processes for our commercial transactions. Dickinson Wright lawyers are known for delivering commercially-oriented advice on sophisticated transactions and have a remarkable record of wins in high-stakes litigation. Dickinson Wright lawyers are regularly cited for their expertise and experience by Chambers, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other leading independent law firm evaluating organizations.
Woolpert has been contracted by BHDP Architecture to provide integrated design services for the newest CareSource building at First and Jefferson streets in downtown Dayton, Ohio. The building recently hit its topping out milestone, which signifies when the steel frame of a building reaches its maximum height.
Woolpert has been contracted by BHDP Architecture to provide integrated design services for the newest CareSource building at First and Jefferson streets in downtown Dayton. These integrated services include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering, and landscape design.
CareSource, a nonprofit managed care company headquartered in Dayton, provides health care coverage to more than 1.8 million customers across five states. It has a workforce of more than 3,100 at multiple sites.
This new 205,000-square-foot, six-story building is at the site of the former Patterson Co-op High School. The building recently hit its topping out milestone, which signifies when the steel frame of a building reaches its maximum height. When finished, it will house 800 current and future employees to meet projected growth forecasts. In addition to office and collaborative work spaces, the facility will provide employee amenities, including a cafeteria, a fitness center, locker rooms and training rooms.
Frank Monastra, Woolpert project manager, said the building will utilize a geothermal heating and cooling system like the one used at the nearby CareSource headquarters. The city of Dayton is located above the Great Miami Buried Valley Aquifer, which is one of the most productive groundwater sources in the U.S.
Monastra lauded the relationship Woolpert has with BHDP and the firms collaborative effort over the past two-and-a-half years. He said this relationship enables Woolpert to provide integrated design services, and allows the design team to support a fast-track project delivery method and compress the construction schedule.
The CareSource building is expected to open in the spring of 2019.
About Woolpert
Woolpert is a national architecture, engineering and geospatial (AEG) firm that delivers value to clients by strategically blending engineering excellence with leading-edge technology and geospatial applications. With a dynamic R&D department, Woolpert works with inventive business partners like Google and Esri; operates a fleet of planes, sensors and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); and continually pushes industry boundaries by working with advanced water technologies, asset management, building information modeling (BIM) and sustainable design. Woolperts mission is to help its clients progress and become more progressive. For over 100 years and with 25 offices across the United States, Woolpert serves the needs of federal, state and local governments; private and public companies and universities; energy and transportation departments; and the United States Armed Forces. The firm currently is doing business in all 50 states and in six countries. For more information, visit woolpert.com or call 937-531-1258.
January 4, 2018: Oslo, Norway, PGS routinely releases information about 3D vessel utilization after the end of each quarter.
Summary of vessel utilization:
Approximate allocation of PGS operated 3D towed streamer capacity
Quarter ended
December 31, Quarter ended September 31, 2017 2016 2017 Contract seismic 23% 25% 28% MultiClient seismic 23% 27% 53% Steaming 15% 15% 5% Yard 7% 4% 2% Stacked/Standby 32% 29% 12%
The Q4 2017 vessel statistics includes eight vessels for the full quarter, as well as Ramform Vanguard for one month before it was cold-stacked. The high share of Stacked/Standby is primarily due to winter warm-stacking* of two vessels, in accordance with PGS' current vessel operation plan. All cold-stacked* vessels are excluded from the statistics from the time of stacking.
PGS will release its Q4 and preliminary full year 2017 results on Thursday February 1, 2018, at approximately 07:00 am Central European Time (CET). A corresponding presentation is scheduled for 09:00 am CET the same day.
*The term "cold-stacked" is used when a vessel is taken out of operation for an extended period of time. Costs are reduced to a minimum, with the vessel preserved for a long idle time, all or most in-sea seismic equipment removed from the vessel, and typically the crew required to operate the vessel is terminated. Use of the term "warm-stacked" means that the vessel is temporarily taken out of operation with streamers and all other equipment necessary to perform seismic operation still onboard the vessel and the crew required to operate the vessel can be sourced with some delay.
FOR DETAILS, CONTACT:
Bard Stenberg, VP IR & Corporate Communications
Phone: +47 67 51 43 16
Mobile: +47 99 24 52 35
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Petroleum Geo-Services is a focused marine geophysical company providing a broad range of seismic and reservoir services, including acquisition, imaging, interpretation, and field evaluation. The Company's MultiClient data library is among the largest in the seismic industry, with modern 3D coverage in all significant offshore hydrocarbon provinces of the world. PGS operates on a worldwide basis with headquarters at Lilleaker, Oslo, Norway.
For more information on Petroleum Geo-Services visit www.pgs.com.
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The information included herein contains certain forward-looking statements that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on various assumptions made by the Company, which are beyond its control and are subject to certain additional risks and uncertainties. The Company is subject to a large number of risk factors including but not limited to the demand for seismic services, the demand for data from our multi-client data library, the attractiveness of our technology, unpredictable changes in governmental regulations affecting our markets and extreme weather conditions. For a further description of other relevant risk factors we refer to our Annual Report for 2016. As a result of these and other risk factors, actual events and our actual results may differ materially from those indicated in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The reservation is also made that inaccuracies or mistakes may occur in the information given above about current status of the Company or its business. Any reliance on the information above is at the risk of the reader, and PGS disclaims any and all liability in this respect.
Edison Partners, the growth equity investment firm, today announced leading a new $42 million growth investment in digital personal finance platform MoneyLion. The company will use the funds to expand its product line.
Edison invested $15 million of the $42 million follow-on investment. In total, Edison has now invested $27 million in MoneyLion and the company has raised over $67 million in equity financing. MoneyLion has experienced nearly 100 percent compound annual growth since Edisons initial investment in November 2016.
Financially underserved consumers spend an unthinkable $173 billion annually to manage their day-to-day financial lives, including $97 billion on short-term credit products, according to the Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI). MoneyLion provides an AI-powered consumer finance platform that broadens consumer access to low-interest credit, automated savings and affordable investment opportunities. More than 1.5 million consumers now turn to MoneyLion to manage unexpected expenses and achieve their financial goals.
Many traditional financial institutions and fintech platforms cater to super-prime, mass affluent consumers, which is only a small part of the U.S. market. In fact, more than 75 percent of Americas consumers remain underserved by financial services providers, says Chris Sugden, Managing Partner at Edison Partners who led the investment. MoneyLion brings consumer credit and savings to the financial middle class. By delivering both a liability and wealth management digital solution on the same platform, MoneyLion brings a complete financial toolkit for consumers who earn less than $100,000.
With MoneyLions free mobile app, customers can monitor their credit, track bank balances, and receive personalized advice based on their spending patterns and credit profile. The company has provided 250,000 personal loans. On November 6th, MoneyLion announced the expansion of its product set with MoneyLion Plus, a subscription offering that uniquely bundles automated savings, fully managed investing and low-cost credit.
Edison Partners and the Edison Director Network have helped us build a superior, profitable platform that simultaneously tackles both sides of the balance sheet for our customers, said Diwakar Choubey, CEO and co-founder of MoneyLion. Were excited by todays milestone and the continued support of our investors and customers for our platform.
Sugden adds: Everyone at Edison and members of the Edison Director Network who have spent time with MoneyLion are impressed. Theyve shown strong loan growth and high customer adoption, and have made smart investments across product, user acquisition, risk selection and customer engagement to manage their growth. They are a game-changer in the digital lending, investing and financial advisory space.
Edison Partners has financed and guided more than 200 private companies, including 40 financial technology companies. Noteworthy fintech exits include EdgeTrade, FolioDynamix, GAIN Capital, Liberty Tax, OptionsCity and Princeton Financial. Current growth equity investments include: Axial, BFS Capital, Billtrust, Clearpool Group, ComplySci, GAN Integrity, Predata, Scivantage, Solovis and TraderTools. The latest growth equity investment in MoneyLion is the 5th fintech investment from Edison Partners fund VIII.
About MoneyLion
MoneyLion is a leading mobile finance platform that empowers consumers to take control of their financial lives through better products for borrowing, saving, and investing. Founded in 2013 by a team of leading technologists and financiers, MoneyLion uses superior analytics and machine learning-based technology to gain a 360-degree view of its users personal finances, enabling uniquely personalized advice and underwriting. With its built-in system of rewards, points, and incentives, MoneyLion encourages good financial behavior and better financial outcomes. MoneyLion is headquartered in New York with offices in San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For more information, visit http://www.moneylion.com or download the app here.
About Edison Partners
For more than 30 years, Edison Partners has been helping CEOs and their executive teams navigate the entrepreneurial journey and build successful companies. Through the unique combination of growth capital and the Edison Edge platform, consisting of operating leverage, the Edison Director Network, and executive education, Edison employs a holistic approach to accelerating growth and creating value for businesses ($5 to $20 million in revenue) in financial, healthcare, enterprise and marketing technology sectors. Edison investment objectives also include: buyouts, recapitalizations, spinouts and secondary stock purchases. Edisons active portfolio has created aggregate market value exceeding $10 billion. Its long-tenured team based in Princeton, NJ manages more than $1 billion in assets throughout the eastern United States.
MOLSI - Pulsating Heart's Cover Art
On New Years Day, 2018, the multi-media company MOLSI Productions released its debut musical concept album: MOLSI Pulsating Heart. Pulsating Heart compliments the avant-pop and indie soft-rock musical genres. Thematically, MOLSIs Pulsating Heart explores the vast range of human emotions experienced by those who have fallen in and out of love. Pulsating Heart offers in-depth commentary on both the positive and negative aspects of romantic love and the mind games that can come along with it. Throughout the albums musical journey, the protagonist at the center of Pulsating Hearts story undergoes happiness, intrigue, fascination, over-idealization, desperation, rejection, dark despair, and ultimately achieves a sense of closure over a romantic relationship that begins with great promise but falls apart in the end. The albums songs tell the emotionally-charged story of the protagonist meeting a romantic interest, falling deeply in love with that person, but then undergoing extreme personal hardship as he pursues his love interest. The album also touches on the theme of rampant materialism and how it can disrupt the potential for genuine love in our modern society and cause unrealistic expectations to exist in the minds of both sexes.
Sonically, Pulsating Heart is quite dynamic in scope. The albums songs range from romantic piano-based love ballads with densely layered vocal harmonies to dark alternative Rock songs intricately layered with effects-heavy electric guitar and baroque synthesizer phrasings. The album also contains high-brow avant-garde instrumental passages. Throughout the album, obscure and highly modified samples are woven into the fabric of instrumentation present in the albums 13 songs. The albums songs range from minimalist expressions lasting only 30 seconds (theatrical skits that appear between songs) to ambitious and complex anthems lasting nearly 7 minutes.
Considering Pulsating Hearts dynamic sonic character, it may surprise the listener to learn that the entire album was developed and produced through the efforts of a single individual (Jack Molsi, who also goes by MOLSI) doing all of the writing, instrumentation, as well as the recording, mixing, and mastering of the albums content. Pulsating Heart was entirely written and recorded in a 450-square foot one-bedroom apartment/hotel in Coconut Grove, Florida. No professional or industrial help was sought out by MOLSI throughout the production process. MOLSI used inexpensive, bottom-of-the-barrel, musical equipment to create the work. MOLSI himself describes the LO-FI Pulsating Heart as an audiophiles worst nightmare and when asked about the presence of hiss in some of the albums recorded tracks, MOLSI responded by saying: Whats the big deal about the hiss? Listen to the air outdoors. The wind is Gods hiss. Life is noisy and erratic and yet according to industry standards, musical recordings are supposed to sound entirely pristine. Art should not be bleached to the point that it becomes devoid of personality or out of touch with reality.
A 29-minute preview of MOLSIs Pulsating Heart is available for free on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGLfSB2bFlY) and the full album can be downloaded at http://www.molsi.net by way of MOLSI Productions partnership with independent music distributor CD Baby.
Morrison & Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce the election of 10 lawyers to the firms partnership, effective January 1, 2018. The class of 2018 includes six women and four men across multiple practice groups and nine different offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Im delighted to welcome this highly impressive and diverse group of attorneys to the partnership at Morrison & Foerster, Larren Nashelsky, chair of Morrison & Foerster, said. Our new partners have demonstrated a strong commitment to exceptional client service and legal excellence. Im confident that each of these lawyers will contribute to the firm, its clients and the profession for many years to come.
The following lawyers have been elected partners:
Megan Jennings, a member of the Environment & Energy Group, is based in the San Francisco office. Her practice focuses on land use and environmental permitting, transactional matters, and compliance. Ms. Jennings counsels project developers throughout the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review and land use entitlement process. She has particular experience advising on complex development issues for renewable energy projects, hospitals, corporate campuses, and multifamily/mixed-use facilities. In addition to land use matters, Ms. Jennings counsels clients on compliance with state and federal environmental regulations, including water quality, endangered species, and climate change-related laws, and on environmental and land use aspects of real estate, financing, and corporate transactions. Ms. Jennings received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Montana.
Ryan Malloy, a member of the Intellectual Property Group, is based in the Los Angeles office. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in numerous high-profile IP cases. He is experienced with litigation in dozens of U.S. district courts, the International Trade Commission (ITC), the Federal Circuit, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, and Japanese courts. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, his M.S. in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and his B.S. from the University of Florida.
Eric Pai, a member of the Intellectual Property Group, is based in the Palo Alto office. He represents clients in patent litigation involving a wide range of technologies, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, smartphones, GPS systems, wireless telecommunications, software, and semiconductors. Mr. Pai has also represented technology and life sciences companies in complex commercial litigation and licensing disputes. He has examined witnesses and presented closing arguments at trial and successfully argued Markman and summary judgment hearings. Mr. Pai received his J.D. from Yale Law School and his B.A. from Stanford University.
Karen Potter Ph.D., a member of the Patent Group, is based in the San Diego office. Dr. Potter provides strategic patent portfolio management for clients in the life sciences industry, including services related to patent preparation, prosecution, freedom of operation, and other forms of IP assessment and due diligence review. Dr. Potter has experience in a variety of biotechnology-related areas, including in the fields of cell-based and protein immunotherapies, other antibody and protein therapeutics, and diagnostic assays. Dr. Potter earned her Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology from Duke University and was a postdoctoral fellow at The La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology. Dr. Potter received her J.D. from California Western School of Law and her B.S. from the University of California, San Diego.
Sean Ruff, a member of the Financial Services Group and co-head of the FinTech Group, is based in the Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Ruffs practice focuses on advising clients from the rapidly developing FinTech sector. He represents both emerging and established FinTech organizations, including non-bank and traditional banking institutions, with respect to complex regulatory and transactional matters. Mr. Ruff has particular experience with funds transmission and related compliance initiatives, Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering regulation, alternative lending structures, traditional and non-traditional electronic payments and payment cards, and consumer financial services. In the money transmission area, Mr. Ruff has focused on the laws and regulations affecting non-bank money transmitters. In this regard, he represents funds transmitters, stored value issuers, Internet funds transmitters and others with regard to licensing and compliance matters, including Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money-Laundering Program compliance. In addition, Mr. Ruff handles matters relating to other financial services issues, including National Bank Act issues; consumer lending issues under the Truth in Lending Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act; state lending and usury laws; the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act; and stored value laws. Mr. Ruff received his J.D. from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law and his B.A. from the College of Charleston.
Wolfgang Schonig, a member of the Technology Transactions Group, is based in the Berlin office. His practice specialty is advising on intellectual property aspects relative to transactions in the fields of high tech, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals, as well as on disputes involving IP assets. Mr. Schonig is specialized in research and development collaborations, the drafting of licensing agreements, technology acquisitions, know-how protection, employee invention law, and patent infringement proceedings. His expertise also covers litigation in the areas of trademark law and competition law. Mr. Schonig received his M.B.A. from European University and his LL.M. from Fordham University School of Law.
Nicole Serfoss, a member of the Litigation Department, is based in the Denver office. She has more than a decade of experience representing clients in SEC and DOJ enforcement matters, corporate internal investigations, securities class actions, derivative suits, and mergers and acquisitions litigation. Ms. Serfoss represents companies, officers, directors, and auditors in a wide range of matters involving accounting and disclosure issues. Ms. Serfoss has also assisted clients in regulatory inquiries regarding cybersecurity, including SEC investigations following high-profile data security incidents. She received her J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law and her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Yuka Teraguchi, a member of the Litigation Department, is based in the Tokyo office. Ms. Teraguchi focuses her practice on intellectual property litigation and counseling, and she represents clients in complex technology matters in state and federal courts and before the U.S. International Trade Commission. The technology at issue in these matters has covered areas such as computer hardware and software, communications networks, consumer electronics, semiconductor devices, and medical devices. Before joining the firm, she clerked for the Honorable Randall R. Rader, Chief Judge at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Ms. Teraguchi received her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School and her B.S. from Stanford University.
Sarah Thomas, a member of the Litigation Department, is based in the Hong Kong office. Her practice focuses on international arbitration, internal investigations and commercial litigation throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and she has particular experience in matters relating to China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan. She regularly advises clients on complex disputes and investigations across a wide range of industries, including technology, engineering, manufacturing, healthcare/pharmaceuticals, automotive, insurance and telecoms. Ms. Thomas is qualified in New York, England & Wales and Hong Kong. Ms. Thomas received her LL.B. from the London School of Economics and her J.D. from Columbia Law School.
Claudia Vetesi, a member of the Litigation Department, is based in the San Francisco office. Ms. Vetesi focuses her practice on the defense of consumer class actions and on complex commercial litigation, including unfair competition, false advertising, privacy issues, contract and licensing disputes, financial services litigation, and trade secrets misappropriation. She regularly counsels clients in the food, retail, financial, and technology industries. She also represents companies in false advertising disputes before the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. Ms. Vetesi is active in the firms pro bono efforts and has appeared in federal court numerous times on behalf of clients in various criminal matters. She is a member of the American Inns of Court and a recipient of the State Bar of Californias Wiley W. Manuel Award for public service. She received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law and her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley.
ABOUT MOFO
We are Morrison & Foerster a global firm of exceptional credentials. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, investment banks, Fortune 100, and technology and life sciences companies. The Financial Times has named the firm to its lists of most innovative law firms in Northern America and Asia every year that it has published its Innovative Lawyers Reports in those regions. In the past few years, Chambers USA has honored MoFos Privacy and Data Security, Bankruptcy, and IP teams with Firm of the Year awards, the Corporate/M&A team with a client service award, and the firm as a whole as Global USA Firm of the Year. Our lawyers are committed to achieving innovative and business-minded results for our clients, while preserving the differences that make us stronger. The firm also has a long history of commitment to the community through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education for poor children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, winning asylum for the persecuted, and safeguarding the environment.
K4Connect The integration of TheWorxHub and K4Connect presents a powerful opportunity for senior living communities to offer the best care to their residents.
K4Connect, a mission-centered technology company creating solutions that serve and empower older adults and individuals living with disabilities, today announced real-time work order integration with TheWorxHub by Dude Solutions, the leading provider of cloud-based operations management solutions. This strategic partnership enables senior living communities to streamline the management of resident maintenance requests, improving operational efficiencies and resident satisfaction.
TheWorxHub by Dude Solutions will be integrated into K4Connects flagship product, K4Community, specifically designed for the residents and operators of senior living communities. This integration simplifies how residents submit maintenance requests, while helping communities streamline their operations. Through the K4Community resident application, residents are for the first time able to directly submit and track their maintenance requests as well as view request history.
K4Community brings together smart home automation products, wellness devices, software applications and even (previously) standalone systems such as TheWorxHub, into a single system, accessible to the residents via the K4Community resident application and to the staff by way of the K4Community staff dashboards. The integration of TheWorxHub and K4Community saves staff time and money, while providing a convenient interface and timely information to residents.
Were excited to be working with an industry-leading company, such as Dude Solutions, to help our customers provide the best service possible to their residents, said Ben Armstrong, VP Product Management at K4Connect. Through this partnership, community members can submit and track maintenance requests directly from their K4Community resident application on their tablet, smartphone or computer, while staff can access and efficiently manage requests from TheWorxHub.
From routine maintenance to ad hoc cleaning and repairs, work order requests submitted through K4Community are transferred to TheWorxHub operations platform to be processed in real-time. Operators are able to act on requests immediately, reducing time to completion and eliminating the need to manually provide status updates to residents.
The integration of TheWorxHub and K4Connect presents a powerful opportunity for senior living communities to offer the best care to their residents, said Nick Mirisis, vice president of marketing, Dude Solutions. By providing a seamless experience for requesting and checking the status of work, our unified solutions offer residents the ability to live more independent, connected lives.
TheWorxHub integration will be available via an automatic upgrade in 1Q 2018.
To learn more about K4Community, please visit K4Connect.com.
About K4Connect
K4Connect is a mission- centered technology company creating solutions that serve and empower older adults and individuals living with disabilities. K4Connects products enable simpler, smarter living environments and healthier lives, while fostering connections among members, family and staff. The Companys first product, K4Community, is specifically designed for the residents and operators of senior living communities and is currently serving thousands of older adults across the U.S. For more information, please visit http://www.k4connect.com.
About Dude Solutions
Dude Solutions, parent company of SchoolDude, FacilityDude and TheWorxHub, is a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider of operations management solutions to education, government, healthcare, manufacturing and membership-based organizations. The company combines innovative technology with operational insight to transform the places people learn, live, heal, work, and play. Today, more than 9,000 organizations are using Dude Solutions award-winning software for facilities, energy, safety, IT and a growing suite of related enterprise applications to increase efficiencies, improve service and save money. For more information, please visit dudesolutions.com.
Ernstings family becomes a member of the Centric family After the long and intensive selection process, we became convinced that Centric Software could best meet both our specialist and technical requirements.
Ernstings family, a successful supplier of apparel, home and living ranges, selected Centric Softwares Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software solution. Centric Software provides the most innovative enterprise solutions to fashion, retail, footwear, outdoor, luxury and consumer goods companies to achieve strategic and operational digital transformation goals.
Kurt Ernsting, the founder of Ernstings family, had the goal of offering high-quality but inexpensive clothing for families when opening his first shop in Westphalia in 1968. Just a few years later, the company evolved into a multi-store retailer with a rapidly growing number of locations. Today, Ernstings family has over 1,800 branches with sales of more than 1 billion. The company offers a wide selection of clothing, underwear, accessories, home and lifestyle products as well as toys and fashion for the whole family.
Markus Kramer, Head of Assortment Process and Project Management at Ernstings family, explains that the growth of the company was the most important factor when looking for a PLM system.
In view of our steady growth, we must continually optimize our internal and external processes, explains Kramer. We have a large and tight-knit purchasing team and suppliers around the world. Improving communication and collaboration between all stakeholders is therefore essential. We realized that we needed a PLM system for this.
The first meeting of Ernstings family with Centric Software took place in 2013 at an event organized by Centric. The companies stayed in contact. When Ernstings family started the careful selection process a year ago, Centric was among the candidates.
After the long and intensive selection process, we became convinced that Centric Software could best meet both our specialist and technical requirements, explains Kramer. In addition, Centric specializes in the fashion sector and we knew, that with Centric Software, we would have a partner by our side who is well versed in the specifics of the fashion business. Centric Software shows itself to be a very flexible and technically competent partner. The high level of understanding of our processes and the willingness to meet special program requirements ultimately contributed to our decision.
Ernstings family will use Centric PLM in all departments and product groups. The company expects multi-layered results from the implementation of the software.
We expect our collection development process to become even more transparent and efficient with the help of the Centric 8. The increased process quality, the improved system-supported networking between the departments involved and the avoidance of redundant data maintenance will help us to focus even more intensively on what is important to us-our lovingly designed and perfectly combinable collections, concludes Kramer.
We are delighted to welcome Ernstings family as our newest German customer, says Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software. The cross-channel provider has grown significantly in recent years and we are proud of the confidence that the company places in us. Centric will accompany and support Ernstings family in the next phase of growth. We look forward to a closely collaborating with them as their business moves into the future
Ernstings Family (http://www.ernstings-family.de)
Ernstings family, with approximately 1,800 branches, has a successful online presence and more than 12,000 employees making us one of the largest cross-channel providers in the German textile retail sector. Based in Coesfeld, the company was founded in 1968 by Kurt Ernsting and offers clothing, linen, accessories and home and lifestyle products for the whole family.
Centric Software (http://www.centricsoftware.com)
From its headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices in trend capitals around the world, Centric Software provides a Digital Transformation Platform for the most prestigious names in fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor and consumer goods. Centric Visual Innovation Platform (VIP) is a visual, fully digital collection of boards for touch-based devices like iPad, iPhone and large-scale, touch-screen televisions. Centric VIP transforms decision making and automates execution to truly collapse time to market and distance to trend. Centrics flagship product lifecycle management (PLM) platform, Centric 8, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, business planning, quality, and collection management functionality tailored for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric SMB packages extended PLM including innovative technology and key industry learnings tailored for small businesses.
Centric Software has received multiple industry awards, including the Frost & Sullivan Global Product Differentiation Excellence Award in Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM in 2016 and Frost & Sullivans Global Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM Product Differentiation Excellence Award in 2012. Red Herring named Centric to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015, and 2016.
Centric is a registered trademark of Centric Software. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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Media Contacts:
Centric Software
Americas: Jennifer Forsythe, jforsythe@centricsoftware.com
Europe: Kristen Salaun Batby, ksalaun-batby@centricsoftware.com
Asia: Lily Dong, lily.dong@centricsoftware.com
We have worked with Jim Freedman for over 20 years and he and his team at Intrepid skillfully helped us negotiate this transaction with American Woodmark. We couldnt be more excited and optimistic about the future potential for RSI and its loyal employee associates, said Ron Simon, RSIs Founder.
Intrepid today announced the $1.075 billion sale of its client, RSI Home Products, Inc. (RSI), a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath cabinetry and home storage products, to American Woodmark Corporation, which manufactures and distributes kitchen cabinets and vanities for the remodeling and new home construction markets. The deal is valued at approximately $1.075 billion comprised of cash, stock and assumed debt. The transaction closed on December 29, 2017.
Entrepreneur Ron Simon founded RSI in 1989 to offer high-quality, low-cost, value-based kitchen, bath and home organization products. RSI has a strong reputation in the industry and is known for delivering quality products and unsurpassed value to customers. We are thrilled to have advised Ron and his team on this exciting merger as we feel it positions RSI to deliver growth and enhance shareholder value, said Intrepids Chairman and Managing Director Jim Freedman.
We have worked with Jim Freedman for over 20 years, and he and his team at Intrepid skillfully helped us negotiate this transaction with American Woodmark. We couldnt be more excited and optimistic about the future potential for RSI and its loyal employee associates, said Ron Simon, RSIs Founder and current Director. This merger creates a company that will be a stronger competitor in the kitchen and bath industry than RSI could be on its own.
RSI is one of the largest in-stock and value-based cabinet makers in North America providing kitchen, bathroom, home and garage organization cabinetry, countertops and accessories with over 100 styles and finishes to home centers, builders, dealers and remodeling contractors. The company employs more than 4,200 employees and has manufacturing and distribution facilities in California, North Carolina, Texas and Mexico.
RSI will operate as a subsidiary of American Woodmark following the transaction with its existing brands, channel strategy and operational philosophy remaining. The combined company will be managed by American Woodmarks management team, which is led by Chairman and CEO Cary Dunston.
Deal Team Contacts
Jim Freedman, Chairman and Managing Director
Gary Rabishaw, Managing Director
Jeremiah Mann, Managing Director
Brian Levin, Vice President
About Intrepid Investment Bankers
Intrepid provides M&A, capital raising and strategic advisory services to entrepreneurs and middle-market companies in various industry sectors. Our heritage, rooted in our founders successful 35-year history, breeds a culture that embraces teamwork, tenacity, and creativity to win big for our clients. We believe that every company has an entrepreneurial passion that drives it and a story that defines it. Our team delivers results through skillful positioning and relentless execution. Based in Los Angeles, Intrepid augments its international capabilities through its active participation in Oaklins, an exclusive global alliance of M&A advisory firms.
Japan Center Garage
Nagle Energy Solutions (NES) announced today its patent-pending garage-ventilation control system is cutting by more than 1.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) a year the baseline of consumable energy by a new and sizeable mechanical ventilation system at the City of San Franciscos Japan Center Garage. By doing so, the NES system provides a recurring operational-cost savings in excess of $250,000 per year not including future utility rate increases.
Real-time data logging shows that, in the 10 months since NES system commissioning (early March 2017), the energy consumed by 45, new electric motors running 20 hours per day and possessing a combined 225 horsepower amounts to just 31,900 kWh. That correlates to just 38,300 kWh consumed annually a 97% reduction from the 1.25 million kWh per year the same mechanical system would otherwise consume with no means of fan-motor control in place.
Post installation operating hours for the new mechanical ventilation system increased by more than 500% from the prior 12-month period with the original system, so we fully anticipated our monthly / annual energy bill would increase. But with the NES system controlling it, the garages kilowatt (kW) demand has decreased considerably, said Rich Hashimoto, corporate manager of the Japan Center Garage Corporation and president of the Japantown Merchants Association. Our estimates show the NES system will actually reduce our building operation costs by more than $5,000 from the prior year. For any system to achieve that kind of results is remarkable.
Recent updates to the California Energy Code (Title 24) required the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to upgrade the mechanical ventilation systems of some of the Citys aging garages, including the Japan Center, Golden Gateway and Sutter Stockton garages, each of which now deploys the NES digital, demand-control ventilation (DCV) system.
With NES technology, the quality of air in the garage has improved substantially with the fans running seven days a week, so the Japan Center gains both financially and from improved surroundings assuring the health and safety of garage staff and visitors, noted Mr. Hashimoto.
The Japan Center Garage, which includes a Main and an Annex facility encompassing a combined 300,000 square feet, was constructed in 1968. Retrofit plans included the replacement (by third-party vendors) of the original 45, 5-horsepower (HP) fan-motor units dispersed throughout the respective garages with new, equivalent-size motor units. Plans also included the utilization of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology in conjunction with the operation of each, new motor.
The NES garage DCV system controls the rate of ventilation in the Main and Annex garages based on carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations at a given juncture. BACnet-communicating NES carbon monoxide (CO) sensors provide instantaneous feedback to NES controllers, which then relay speed commands via VFDs to the garages exhaust and supply fan motors, increasing and decreasing motor speeds in proportion to CO readings.
This approach, when deployed in conjunction with proprietary NES controller sequencing logic, routinely captures kWh and peak kW demand savings in the range of 95% and, in the case of the Japan Center, greater.
NES technology enables the City & County of San Francisco adhere to stricter energy efficiency and health and safety standards imposed in California for enclosed, commercial garages. Energy savings at the Sutter-Stockton Garage has been steady a 96% since NES commissioned its system there in August 2016. At Golden Gateway Garage, which NES commissioned in July 2016, energy savings have consistently fallen in the range of 90% to 93%.
About Nagle Energy Solutions: Based in Menlo Park, CA, Nagle Energy Solutions, LLC (http://www.nagle-energy.com) develops, manufactures, distributes and installs a patent-pending demand-control ventilation (DCV) system for commercial garages that markedly reduces energy consumption by increasing operational efficiencies all while the garage fans run continuously.
Rick Hall
Legendary music producer and FAME Studios founder Rick Hall has died at the age of 85. Hall died this morning at his home in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, not far from his world famous recording studio.
The family has issued the following statement:
"It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our father, husband and beloved grandfather, Rick Hall. His spirit will live on forever through the massive amount of legendary music that he so tirelessly produced. Music was his life and because of him, Fame Studios and Muscle Shoals will always be shooting for the stars!" We hope the band in Heaven is ready. If not, theres going to be a problem."
Rick Hall made music history when he founded FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals. Hall went on to earn international fame and eventually a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement. In the days when Martin Luther King Jr. was marching for freedom, Hall proved to be a civil rights pioneer through his music. His open collaboration among black and white artists was a revolutionary cultural standard not only to deep south Alabama, but to the nation at large. FAMEs color blind atmosphere, and the raw music it produced, would help shape American culture during its most troubled and tumultuous time.
Considered the Father of the Muscle Shoals Sound, Hall helped define a generation by pioneering a new sound that would inspire artists, give birth to new kinds of music and launch the careers of hundreds of superstars, songwriters, musicians and music executives. Record executives literally flocked to Muscle Shoals for Hall to produce and engineer a mind-boggling array of major artists, including Aretha Franklin, Clarence Carter, Mac Davis, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Alabama, Tom Jones, Allman Brothers, The Osmonds, Shenandoah, Wayne Newton, TG Sheppard, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Little Richard, Lou Rawls and so many more. With more than 300 hit singles to his credit, and more than 40 Gold and Platinum records, Hall was one of the top producers of Pop, Rock, R&B and Country records in the world.
Hall was featured in the 2013 Grammy Award-winning documentary "Muscle Shoals, and in 2015 he released his autobiography, "The Man from Muscle Shoals: My Journey from Shame to Fame, with a foreword by famed music historian Peter Guralnick. A television series centered around Hall and FAME Studios is currently in development.
Hall is survived by his wife Linda, sons Rick Jr., Mark and Rodney, as well as his 5 grandchildren, Rebecca, Mary Elizabeth, Jackson, Sara and Sam.
Halls family requests privacy at this time. All media requests should be directed to Brian Mayes at Nashville Publicity Group, brian(at)nashvillepublicity(dot)com or 615-771-2040.
Photo by Casey Dunn. This will allow us to continue offering support to our ever-expanding teams nationwide and aid in increasing the local appeal of our fast-growing company," said Dr. Stephen Hadley, a veterinarian and CEO of Pathway.
Pathway, a leading national veterinary management group serving pets and their parents in the U.S., announced the relocation during December of its support team to a 15,500 square-foot, open-style office space within the historic Seaholm Power Plant in downtown Austin, Texas.
The new space is over four times larger than Pathways previous office and will accommodate the rapid growth the company experienced throughout 2017 and the projected growth for 2018.
"Having our offices in Austins dynamic downtown will enable us to foster and grow the vibrant culture we've created, said Dr. Stephen Hadley, a veterinarian and CEO of Pathway. This will allow us to continue offering support to our ever-expanding teams nationwide and aid in increasing the local appeal of our fast-growing company."
In 2017, Pathway grew organically and by acquisition, adding nearly 100 hospitals for a total of more than 125 locations throughout the U.S. Additionally, the company added over 800 employees, growing to over 2,500 employees in total.
Pathways new office is located at 800 West Cesar Chavez Street in Austin, Texas, between Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin, and next to the recently opened Austin Public Central Library.
The support team is currently located in about half of the new space, while additional renovations take place. The remaining renovations, which include outfitting the space with new offices, collaboration areas and additional customizations, are expected to be completed early in 2018.
According to Pathways co-founder and chief culture officer, Shawn McVey, the new location will better support what the company represents.
Pathway prides itself on being like Austin. We reward innovation and imagination. We love quirky, McVey said.
Additionally, by moving closer in proximity to the downtown area, Pathway plans to better leverage the citys diverse, highly-skilled talent pool. Pathway expects to hire more than 45 new employees to add to their support team throughout the year.
Some of the many reasons Pathway is a great place to work include benefits like health and wellness programs, collaborative spaces, flexible work hours, Austin casual attire, a pet friendly office and discounted pet care. Pathway employees are also given the opportunity to grow within the organization.
Whether a team member starts out working at the front desk, as a veterinary technician or as a veterinarian, they will have an opportunity to grow with the company. Our growing national footprint, currently in 26 states, allows us to recruit the best talent so we can mentor them into becoming leaders at Pathway and in the veterinary industry, Hadley said.
The Seaholm Power Plant was a functioning power station until 1989. The building sat dormant for over 10 years before being redeveloped into a mixture of office, retail, and restaurant space. Tenants began occupying the facility beginning in 2015.
We thought it was the perfect mix of old and new, said McVey. The new building truly embodies the spirit of what Pathway is, which began as a traditional model of hospital management, but has turned into something thats new, disruptive and exciting.
Growth-related moves have become somewhat routine for the Pathway team. In 2012, the team moved into a 200 square-foot office above Westlake Animal Hospital, one of Pathways original hospitals. After an investment from Morgan Stanley Global Private Equity in August of 2016, the support team relocated across town to a 3,500 square-foot office in Hyde Park.
About Pathway
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Pathway has grown from a single veterinary practice to more than 125 locations in 26 states. Pathway believes that veterinary practices can be successfully operated by a team of values-driven professionals who want the benefits of management support without losing the heart and passion of the owner and community that built the practice. Pathway looks for practices and doctors seeking opportunities to grow. Pathway has differentiated itself by focusing on the unique needs of each practice and partnering with the local team to implement their vision and work with their values. Learn more at http://www.pathwayvets.com.
For photos and more visit: http://pathwayvets.com/fastest-growing-veterinary-hospital-group-u-s-relocates-headquarters-austins-iconic-seaholm-power-plant/
Tom Girardi of Girardi & Keese is being recognized as Lawyer of the Decade by the IAOTP for his 50 years of service as a practicing attorney, and for his endless list of professional accomplishments, academic achievements, leadership abilities, his dynamic and charismatic personality and his contribution to society.
Stephanie Cirami, President of IAOTP states, Choosing Mr. Girardi for this award was an easy decision for our panel to make. He is hands down one of the best trial lawyers of all time and he continues to wow us and the public every step of the way with his career achievements. There is no one in the world like Tom. His continued support and generosity has a significant impact on peoples lives and he leaves his mark on whomever or whatever he is involved with. He is an extraordinary human being and a one-of-a-kind successful, brilliant, gracious, charming man who couldnt be more deserving of this award. We cannot thank him enough for what he has done for the organization and we are so honored to have him with us. We cannot wait to spend time with him during his NY stay for the Award Gala.
While inclusion with the International Association of Top Professionals is an honor in itself, only one person is chosen for this special distinction. Mr. Girardi will be presented with the Crystal Tower at the 2017 IAOTPs Annual Award Gala being held at the Ritz Carlton in Battery Park, New York City.
Girardi has proved himself as an accomplished professional and expert litigator and has become a household name over the years. From being the trial lawyer on the famous Erin Brockovich case to his solid victories against Vioxx, Merck and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mr. Girardi is regarded by his peers as one of the nations top trial lawyers of all time. He has obtained more than 30 verdicts of $1 million or more and has handled more than 100 settlements of $1 million or more. He has tried more than 100 jury cases, winning the first California medical malpractice verdict of $1 million or more, back in the 1970s and he has had a few billion-dollar settlements under his belt.
In 2003, he received the most prestigious honor of being inducted into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame by the California State Bar. Mr. Girardi is also the first trial lawyer to be appointed to the California Judicial Council, the policymaking body of the state courts. From 2006 to the present Mr. Girardi is a radio show host called, Champions of Justice on KRLA 870AM in Southern California, which is a radio show that discusses relevant legal issues facing Americans today. He has been featured in Lawdragon Magazine, Los Angeles Daily Journal, The National Law Journal, ICE Magazine, Texas Bar Journal, California Law Business, and New Times Los Angeles, just to name a few.
Mr. Girardi is a Member of the Board of Directors and former President of the prestigious International Academy of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only worldwide organization, limited to 500 trial lawyers. He is President of the Litigation Counsel of America, member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, American Board of Professional Liability Lawyers, Consumer Attorneys of California, and the International Society of Barristers. He has an AV preeminent rating with Martindale Hubble and has been selected as Top Attorney of the Year, Top Attorney of the Month, SuperLawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Top 100 Lawyers in California, Trial Lawyer of the Year with many organizations for multiple years in a row. For 2017 he was named Man of the Year and was also presented the Citizen of the Year Award by the International Association of Top Professionals where he was featured on the Thomas Reuters Building in Times Square numerous times throughout the year.
For more information on Thomas Girardi, please visit: http://www.thomasvgirardi.com
To watch the video regarding his award selection, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MA-kbMkPSw
For More information of IAOTP, please visit: http://www.iaotp.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medgold Resources Corp. (TSX-V:MED) (the Company) announces that in accordance with the Companys agreement to issue common shares to Dan James in part consideration for his ongoing services as the Companys President, an installment of 58,108 shares has been issued to Mr. James for services rendered during the three months ended December 31, 2017. The shares have a resale restriction which expires on May 4, 2018.
About Medgold
Medgold is a European-focused, TSX-V listed, exploration and development company targeting gold properties in Serbia. Run by a highly experienced management team with a successful track record of building value in resource companies, Medgold is aiming to become a leading European gold exploration company.
Additional information on Medgold can be found on the Companys website at www.medgoldresources.com and by reviewing the Companys page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Simon Ridgway, Chief Executive Officer
For Further Information, Contact:
President
Dan James (UK)
dj@medgoldresources.com
www.medgoldresources.com
+44 7972 579188
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, these forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as estimate, estimates, estimated, potential, open, future, assumed, projected, used, detailed, has been, gain, upgraded, offset, limited, contained, reflecting, containing, remaining, to be, periodically, or statements that events, could or should occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and factors may include, among others, risks associated with the results of the Companys exploration and development activities, estimation of mineral resources and the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; unanticipated costs and expenses; and such other risks detailed from time to time in the Companys quarterly and annual filings with securities regulators and available under the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.
Forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to: that the Companys stated goals and planned exploration and development activities will be achieved; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
CME Outfitters (CMEO), a leading accredited provider in continuing medical education, is excited to have had posters accepted for presentation at the 2017 CNS Summit in November as well as the 2018 North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) meeting in January. The posters highlight results from a predictive modeling analysis of outcomes data from an activity on intrathecal pain management and are entitled, Factors Influencing Best Practices in Intrathecal Pain Management: Results from a Predictive Modeling Analysis.
Supported by an educational grant from Jazz Pharmaceuticals, CMEO conducted an educational activity focusing on educating healthcare providers (HCPs) treating patients with chronic pain on the updated Polyanalgesic Consensus Conference (PACC) guidelines regarding intrathecal drug delivery (IDD). The educational outcomes study demonstrated the success of the activity. However, we like to take it a step further by using predictive modeling to determine what factors influence practice behaviors, which will help guide needs assessments for future activities and ensure the appropriate topics, formats, questions, and audiences are targeted, stated Jamie Reiter, PhD, Director of Educational Outcomes at CMEO.
At the 2017 CNS Summit and 2018 NANS meetings, CMEO will present findings from its PredictCME analysis, CMEOs latest offering for adding value and dimension to its outcomes studies. PredictCME is based on a form of predictive modeling, known as CHAID (chi-square automatic interaction detection). It is often used in data mining, but CMEO is the first provider to use it in medical education. PredictCME has advantages over linear and logistic regression, including the ability to incorporate both continuous and categorical data, as well as tree-based output, which enables visual and more user-friendly interpretation of results.
In this particular study, outcomes data from 127 HCPs were analyzed using PredictCME. Surveys assessing knowledge, confidence, and behavior were administered before and immediately following the activity. Data from two behavior questions were converted to a single behavior score and used as the response variable; demographics, knowledge, confidence, barriers to practice, and evaluation data were entered as predictors. Findings revealing that barriers to practice was the strongest predictor of behavior, with those indicating unfamiliarity with PACC guidelines as a barrier least likely to perform behaviors related to PACC guidelines. Detailed results will be shared at the meeting.
The results from the PredictCME analysis make intuitive sense and provide support for driving behavior change in HCPs treating patients with chronic pain simply through education, stated Reiter. These findings demonstrate that predictive modeling is not just pretty but shows real value and can be used to design educational activities that actually improve clinician behavior and eventually patient outcomes.
About CME Outfitters, LLC
CME Outfitters develops and distributes live, recorded and web-based, outcomes- and evidence-based educational activities to thousands of clinicians each year and offers expert accreditation and outcome services for non-accredited organizations. CME Outfitters focuses on delivering education to specialty audiences, with strong expertise in neuroscience, inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease. For a complete list of certified activities and more information, visit http://www.cmeoutfitters.com or call 877.CME.PROS (877.263.7767).
CME Outfitters
Improving Clinical Behavior One Change at a Time
Our agreement with BEH and repayment of the debt that was owed settles this financial obligation and allows us to look ahead with confidence," said Jay Abbasi, chief executive officer of Plain Green.
Plain Green, LLC, the premier online resource for the short-term financial needs of underbanked and subprime consumers, today announces a successful settlement with BEH Gaming Ltd related to loans to the Chippewa Cree Tribe and Chippewa Cree Tribe Development Corporation. Plain Greens settlement and payment of the debt to BEH releases the Chippewa Cree Tribe and Chippewa Cree Tribe Development Corporation from all liability. The settlement amount is under seal of court order.
We are pleased to have this matter finally resolved. It has been a dark cloud hanging over our community for some time and this settlement marks the end of a troubling era in our history, said Harlan Baker, chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. There was a very difficult period when we were unable to operate financially because our assets were frozen due to legal maneuvering associated with this lawsuit. The suit was a burden on all in the community who relied on government jobs and services to care for their families.
The agreement settles a lawsuit filed by Florida-based BEH Gaming Ltd in 2014 (Case # DV-14-142 in the 12th Judicial District Court in Hill County, Montana) to repay loans to expand Northern Winz Hotel and Casino.
Baker continued, The future of the community and our financial stability depends on the creation of new businesses though our economic development arm. Plain Green provides a wonderful example of one of our business units supporting the tribe using their financial strength to help us pay our debt. Were now able to bring closure to the matter and focus on future opportunities for our community.
Jay Abbasi, chief executive officer of Plain Green, said, Our agreement with BEH and repayment of the debt that was owed settles this financial obligation and allows us to look ahead with confidence. As a wholly-owned business of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Plain Green is proud to provide financial support to our community. We are working with tribal leaders to continue business development and programs that deliver the greatest economic and social impact to the Chippewa Cree Tribe.
Beau Mitchell, Chippewa Cree Tribe Business Committee member, added, As we continue to address and remedy liabilities, each step forward we take will have positive ripple effects on future generations.
About Plain Green
Plain Green, LLC is the premier online resource for the short-term financial needs of underbanked and subprime consumers. By offering bi-weekly and monthly installment loans, Plain Green helps consumers meet their emergency and cash-flow needs quickly and easily online. Led by a strong management team with extensive experience in the financial services industry, Plain Green markets, underwrites, and services its own portfolio and is well-positioned to maximize the economic and social impact to the Chippewa Cree Tribe.
Davis, Giardino & Hrivnak, P.A. Funds raised will help rebuild the devastated islands through the British Virgin Islands Recovery Fund, which raises monies to rebuild entire structures and homes. Past News Releases RSS
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) suffered widespread destruction after Hurricane Irma, and were then hit by Hurricane Maria. On Wednesday, January 10, 2018, at 6 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, 3667 120th Ave. S, Wellington, FL, Davis, Giardino & Hrivnak, P.A. will be co-hosting a fundraiser with British Virgin Island Tourism and Palm Beach Travel to benefit victims of the hurricanes.
Funds raised will help rebuild the devastated islands through the British Virgin Islands Recovery Fund, which raises monies to rebuild entire structures and homes, said Richard A. Giardino, managing partner of Davis, Giardino & Hrivnak, P.A., a boutique law firm with two Florida offices. The goal of the event is to also help restore the tourism industry on the islands, which provides employment and stability to many BVI residents.
During the BVI event, guests will have the opportunity to experience an exclusive sneak peek of the hottest new Lamborghini Huracan model, and will have a chance to toy around town in it. Attendees will also be able to bid on incredible auction items, including two roundtrip business class tickets on Etihad, a one-week stay at Rosewood Little Dix, a four-night stay at Peter Island, a one-week Iceland vacation, a two-night stay at Eau Palm Beach, a two-night stay at the Brazilian Court Hotel, and much more.
Tickets for the event are $75 and can be purchased by visiting http://www.travelcares.org. To purchase tickets or donate directly to the British Virgin Islands Recovery Fund, please visit http://www.travelcares.eventbrite.com.
About Davis, Giardino & Hrivnak, P.A.
Davis, Giardino & Hrivnak, P.A. focuses on negligence defense, defamation defense, commercial litigation defense, employment discrimination defense and business transactions. For more information, please call the South Florida office, 201 Arkona Court, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, at (561) 514-0305, the West/Central Florida office, 9040 Town Center Parkway, Bradenton, FL 34202, at (941) 388-8234, or visit http://www.davis-giardino.com.
About the NALA
The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. The information and content in this article are not in conjunction with the views of the NALA. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.
VaporFi We are thrilled to further establish ourselves as the market leader by expanding to reach more customers as we know this industry is experiencing double digit annual growth and is expected to reach nearly $50 billion by 2025, Molina said.
Reaffirming its role as the leader in the rapidly expanding vaping industry, VaporFi today announced it will be carrying vaping devices from other leading vape manufacturers in addition to their own innovative proprietary devices. The expansion of its offerings comes as the expanding industry is driving more consumers to search for greater product variety and price points.
VaporFi is committed to offering quality, variety and value, so it was a natural decision for us to carry third-party vaping devices to complement our own, said CEO Nick Molina. We now boast an impressive and diverse hardware offering that goes hand in hand with the most robust juice blend portfolio in the industry with over 30,000 flavors.
The move to add more products to its in-store and online offerings comes just months after VaporFi expanded overseas with stores in Latin America, an online presence in Australia and an eye on the vital United Kingdom markets to follow, the second largest vape market in the world.
Having more than 70 stores nationwide and a passionate online community of vaping enthusiasts has allowed us to listen closely to our customers and curate the very best vaping hardware brands under one roof with the aim of providing hardware for nearly every vaping taste, Molina said. We recognize brands like ELeaf and SMOK are, like VaporFi, highly respected for their reliability and craftsmanship and we are confident our wide selection will position VaporFi to better serve the market.
We are thrilled to further establish ourselves as the market leader by expanding to reach more customers as we know this industry is experiencing double digit annual growth and is expected to reach nearly $50 billion by 2025, Molina said.
When you consider the opportunity for vaping to surpass cigarette sales and the growing appetite for an alternative to traditional tobacco, we are excited to continue to evolve to reach more customers.
Brand loyalists who purchase VaporFi items from VaporFi.com or one of VaporFis brick and mortar locations will still enjoy best-in-class warranty protection as well as the peace of mind that comes with 24-hour customer service.
Initial rollout will include devices from:
SMOK
Eleaf
Vaporesso
Wismec
Sigelei
SX Mini
Innokin
Joyetech
Aspire
Kanger
And much more!
For more information on VaporFis new assortment and pricing, visit them online or a local VaporFi store near you or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About VaporFi
VaporFi is an electronic cigarette/vapor products manufacturer that couples its strong presence in the online e-commerce vapor market with U.S. and international retail locations. Having launched to immediate success and experienced rapid expansion through franchising, VaporFi remains the most exciting brand of electronic cigarette, e-liquid and vapor products around. For more information on the brand, products and locations, visit http://www.VaporFi.com.
The new Stoney Island range hood uses wireless sensor technology to detect activity on the cooktop and constantly monitors temperature and moisture to operate automatically. When Stoney Island is paired with our new Elica Golden induction cooktop, it detects the temperature and moisture in the air, then adjusts the blower speed to achieve the best air quality.
Elica, the global leader in kitchen ventilation hoods, will unveil new vent hood technology at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Florida, from Jan. 9 to 11 in booth W670. Elicas new Stoney Island vent hood uses wireless sensor technology to constantly monitor cooking vapors and temperature, automatically adjusting to maintain optimal settings.
When Stoney Island is paired with our new Elica Golden induction cooktop, it detects the temperature and moisture in the air, then adjusts the blower speed to achieve the best air quality, said Francesco Casoli, Elica President and Chairman. Its just one example of how we use the most advanced technology in the industry coupled with Italian design to create elegant and innovative appliances.
TWEET THIS: New #venthood technology introduced at @KBIS by @elicaspa in booth W670. The new Stoney Island hood uses wireless sensor technology to pair with the Golden induction cooktop, detecting temperature & moisture, then adjusting automatically https://elica.com/US-en #KBIS2018
Stoney Island features a gently tapered stainless steel canopy that measures only 5-inches high, as well as a streamlined front rim, which fuses polished stainless steel and black glass to discreetly hide electronic touch controls until activated. Available in 36- and 42-inch widths, its design blends into any kitchen aesthetic.
As the authority on vent hoods, Elica will introduce Stoney Island during the exclusive KBIS DesignBites presentation on January 9 at 12:30 p.m. at the KBISNeXT Stage located in the south hall.
Elica will be displaying its full suite of hoods and cooktops at the show, including:
NikolaTesla: Part of the new Air Cooking series, NikolaTesla is Elicas first aspirating induction cooktop, which combines the functions of two appliancescooktop and hoodinto one single product.
Varna Black: As the newest addition to Elica's Techne series, Varna Black features a black stainless steel finish and combines inspirational, classic Italian designs with the latest functional technology to deliver convenience and high performance.
Leone: The new Leone range hood from Elica blends Italian style with the durability and performance of a professional style hood. As part of the Elica PRO series, Leone has the extra depth and power needed to support professional ranges and cooktops.
For more information about Elicas products, please visit elica.com.
About Elica
Elica Corporation has been leading the kitchen ventilation hood market since the 1970s, growing to become the global leader in the industry with seven factories around the world and nearly 4,000 employees. The Elica Americas division is located in Queretaro, Mexico, and started operations in 2006 with the goal of elevating ventilation hood design and technology in the American markets. For more information about Elica ventilation hoods, induction cooktops, or any of its innovative technologies, visit elica.com.
OAKVILLE, Ontario, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadian Cannabis Corp ("CCAN" or the "Company") (OTC PINK:CCAN) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Revised Settlement Agreement (the Agreement) resulting in the settlement of certain outstanding debts and other financial obligations of the Company and its affiliates (collectively, the Debts) owed to certain creditors.
As contemplated by the Agreement, in partial consideration for the satisfaction of the Debts, CCAN has assigned certain assets of its wholly owned subsidiary, The Clinic Network Inc. (TCN). As additional consideration, CCAN and TCN will also enter into restrictive covenant agreements preventing it from competing with the business represented by the assigned TCN assets. The Agreement also places other obligations on CCAN in regard to its reporting obligations with the Securities and Exchange Commission and performing a successful financing for a Canadian entity as required by the creditors. The satisfaction of the Debts, termination of associated agreements, and release of the Company from the claims of the creditor are conditional on the Company successfully performing the financing for the Canadian entity.
Under the Agreement, upon closing 1,750,000 shares of Cura-Can Health Corp. (Cura Can) shall be deposited with the Escrow Agent as consideration, at which time one of two closings of the Agreement will occur and the assignment of the TCN assets consummated. After required payments and associated, estimated costs under the Agreement it is anticipated that TCN may realise net proceeds from sale of the Cura Can shares of approximately CAD $250,000.
Additionally, CCAN has been granted an option from Cura Can to purchase up to an additional 3,000,000 Common Shares of Cura Can at $1.00 per Common Share up until February 28, 2018.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (The "Act"). When used in the preceding discussion, words such as potential, "pleased," "will," "conditional," "anticipated," "option," or "affords us," and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Such statements are neither historical facts nor assurance of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions and, therefore, subject to certain risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any of the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, competitive factors, the ability to successfully complete additional financing and other risks described in the Company's SEC reports and filings. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements
Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
About Canadian Cannabis Corp.
Canadian Cannabis Corp ("CCAN") (OTC PINK:CCAN) is pursuing a business plan focused on entering strategic transactions in the distribution chain of medical marijuana. The Company believes its business model of engaging in strategic transactions to solidify the distribution chain by matching suppliers with a consistent demand source and providing suppliers with expert production consulting will bring a strategic advantage to the marketplace.
Investors Relations Contact:
Wall Street Media Group
1-866-465-6551 or info@Wallstreetmediagroup.com
News
World news
Big Oil Decreases Exploration Expenses for a Fifth Consecutive Year
WoodMac: Global Investment in Exploration Will Fall by 7% Down to $37 billion
AUTHOR: publics.bg
Bureau of Land Management California, flickr.com
Despite the strongest start for oil prices in four years, the worlds top oil companies are hesitating to accelerate the search for new resources as a determination to retain capital discipline trumps the hope of making bonanza discoveries, Reuters reported.
Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Total and their peers are set to cut spending on oil and gas exploration for a fifth year in a row in 2018, according to consultancy Wood Mackenzie (WoodMac), despite a growing urgency to replenish reserves after years of reining back investment.
Global investment in exploration, vital to increase output and offset the natural decline of existing fields, will reach $37 billion in 2018, down 7 percent from a year earlier and over 60 percent below the 2014 peak, according to WoodMac.
For majors, spending will collectively drop by around 4 percent this year to represent about a tenth of investment in oil and gas production, known as upstream. This could be the new normal, with the days of one dollar in six or seven going to exploration forever in the past, WoodMac said in a report.
The declines, however, mask a modest uptick in drilling activity as lower rig rates and a focused approach on well-charted basins allow firms to do more with their money, according to WoodMac analyst Andrew Latham. Investment will be down year-on year but activity will be flat to slightly higher, he told Reuters in an interview.
The collapse in oil prices in 2014 led to a deep retrenchment in spending for the sector, but companies still need to increase their resources as reserves dwindle. As crude prices and profits recover - prices are currently above $65 a barrel, the highest since mid-2015 - the push to beef up reserves will only increase.
The exploration success rate has dropped from 40 percent to 35 percent over the past decade, highlighting the importance of acquisitions as an alternative, albeit generally more expensive, to build resources.
Exploration spending (is) to remain low ... implying the need for more merger and acquisition activity, analysts at RBC Capital Markets said. After spending more than $30 billion on acquisitions in 2017, oil Majors are expected to continue to make bolt-on purchases in areas where they already operate, even though the upstream M&A window is starting to close, RBC said, alluding to higher asset valuations and fewer distressed sellers.
Exploration is expected to focus on deepwater basins such as Mexico, Brazil and Guyana where large discoveries have been made in recent years, offering more confidence that additional resources could be found, Latham said.
The most watched exploration wells include BP and Kosmos Energy in Senegal, Total and Petrobras in Brazil, Exxon in Guyana, Total and Pemex in Mexico and Eni in Cyprus, according to WoodMac.
The growing appetite for exploration was made clear last October when the top oil companies vied for blocks in Brazils first deepwater oil auction for foreign operators, where Shell was awarded half of the blocks.
The global outcry might actually turn out to be bad for Africa if the White House makes good on the threat made to the countries opposing the move.
The US lost on that bid which makes Jerusalem officially recognized as the capital of Israel.
Jerusalem has long been considered a bargaining chip between Israel and Palestine, dating back to Israels military occupation of the historic city during the Six-Day War.
Authorities in the United States says it would be taking note of the countries that disrespected America by voting in favour of the resolution, and President Trump said bluntly that the countries who dont vote with the U.S. will have their funding cut.
Here are the African countries that voted against the U.S., listed alphabetically, along with Americas 2016 financial obligation to each country:
Algeria $17,807,222
Angola $64,489,547
Botswana $57,252,922
Burkina Faso $74,469,144
Burundi $70,507,528
Cape Verde $5,044,716
Chad $117,425,683
Congo $8,439,457
Cote dIvoire $161,860,737
Djibouti $24,299,878
Egypt $1,239,291,240
Eritrea $119,364
Ethiopia $1,111,152,703
Gabon $31,442,404
Gambia $3,197,858
Ghana $724,133,065
Guinea $87,630,410
Liberia $473,677,614
Libya $26,612,087
Madagascar $102,823,791
Mali $257,152,020
Mauritania $12,743,363
Mauritius $791,133
Morocco $82,023,514
Mozambique $514,007,619
Namibia $53,691,093
Niger $144,122,239
Nigeria $718,236,917
Senegal $99,599,642
Seychelles $223,002
Somalia $274,784,535
South Africa $597,218,298
Sudan $137,878,835
Tunisia $117,490,639
United Republic of Tanzania $628,785,614
I feel like I write this all the time but, the White House is in chaos.
Currently, the Trump administration is being completely thrown by the forthcoming publication of Michael Wolff's book "The Fire and The Fury: Inside the Trump White House".
The excerpts, until now jealously guarded at select media outlets like New York Magazine and NBC for weeks, tell of a shockingly incompetent president and the in-over-their-heads aids who openly disrespect him. It is chaos, and someone let Wolff take a front seat and watch it all.
That person, by all accounts, was former White House adviser Steve Bannon. While Trump may have simply known that the biographer of his idol Rupert Murdoch biographer was on site, it was Bannon who ensured Wolff had access.
Why? Consider it one part self-aggrandizement, another part a desire for acceptance, and wholly and completely a continuation of Bannon's desperate search for ideological allies.
That was clear to me last August during what we can now call Michael Wolff's artist residency at the White House when I was invited to dinner with him at the Hay Adams Hotel where he stayed.
I kept waiting for that cal... @ Michael Wolff
What exactly do you do here?
I got the invitation to dinner from Alexandra Preate. After everyone gets the book you'll know her name. In it, Wolff describes her as a "witty conservative socialite" (a fair assessment) who enjoys her champagne. Her personality is equally bubbly. Over the year-and-some in which she'd been working with Steve Bannon, that personality contrast well with his dark Breitbart stars. So when Trump won, her work moved from New York City to Washington.
Now, what Wolff makes clear in a small excerpt of his book that I've seen, is that Preate had a presence in the White House, but she worked for Bannon.
But what's harder to do is give what she did for Bannon a name it ranged from general assistance with media, to introductions, to handling this and that important thing. There are people who do such things in various capacities and levels of importance hanging around this White House like barnacles, adding to its confusion. What they do for whom or when is unclear.
Through all that chaos, though, it was Bannon who ensured that Wolff was on hand. The AP's White House reporter, Zeke Miller, said that every time he saw Wolff there it was with an "appointment" badge rather than a "press" badge.
Not only did Wolff roam fairly freely, it seems, he listened rather freely too. It was Preate, in some part, who made sure Wolff had the access he needed, and at dinner she made sure he was abreast of Bannon's meetings. It was comfortable and familiar. She spoke candidly about White House comings and goings. The Russia investigation was a "nothing burger" (a phrase we should surely ban), and Trump was an amazing "accidental" president.
In what is current White House fashion, Preate loyally conveyed that her boss above others had the true flame of Trumpism inside of him.
At Breitbart, Bannon is used to commanding a pack of ideological drones disguised as reporters, deploying them to write this or that for the good of his cause. Through Preate and through this entire process he was trying to form a version of the truth, just like he does on Breitbart and has done with films and other media in the past.
The problem, though was that Bannon was too focused on his truth to accept another: Wolff is not a soldier in his army, he's a writer. And as Joan Didion said, "writers are always selling someone out."
So I was one of the 6 guest... @ Janice Min
Tabloids are real too, sometimes
In an effort to dismiss Wolff's book, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders called it "tabloid gossip" and "trash" from an author that "no one has ever heard of." Wolff didn't even interview Trump, she pointed out.
But of course, this book isn't about Trump it's about his White House.
And there is no doubt that Steve Bannon had heard of Michael Wolff before this book was conceived. Wolff is the part of the type of New York City media cabal both he and Trump court and manipulate while professing to detest. Wolff is establishment. Like I said, Wolff wrote a Murdoch book and there's no faster way to make Trump happy than by putting on the same level as his idols. It's a very simple seduction.
Bannon's is a bit more complicated but not necessarily less transparent. Leading up to the inauguration, Wolff gave Bannon a platform for his ideas beyond the Breitbart circle. Wolff is the reason Wall Street read The Hollywood Reporter last November, and cringed as Bannon described his 1930s fever dream of a money-squandering infrastructure project where America would just "throw it up against a wall and see if it sticks."
We've seen Bannon go open kimono for presumed ideological allies before too. Perhaps you'll recall his interview with Robert Kuttner at The American Prospect last August. The one where he bragged about his power in the White House and called for economic war with China. It's part of what got him fired.
Bannon reached out to Kuttner because Kuttner shared some of his economic views on China. He thought that alone gave him and Kuttner common ground. Everything else, he thought, could be forgotten for that one cause. Bannon was desperately searching for allies then, and he needs them even more now.
Wolff wore a guest badge because as far as Bannon was concerned he wasn't the press, he was an ally. Bannon extended the Medici like the relationship he has (or maybe had, according to certain reports) with the Mercers to the media in order to achieve his political ends. He was commissioning media for the Trump administration the way an Austrian nobleman might commission a symphony in C.
And yes, this was also for Bannon's own aggrandizement. He's been criticized for that in this White House a pristine example of a dozen pots calling a kettle black.
Tony Blair told President Donald Trump shortly after his inauguration that British intelligence services may have spied on him, alleges an explosive new book about life inside the White House by journalist Michael Wolff.
A spokesperson for the former British Prime Minister denied the story, calling it "categorically absurd" and "simply untrue."
Wolff's book, "Fire and Fury," is based on 200 interviews with White House staffers and months of reporting, and ahead of its publication later this month, news outlets are publishing excerpts and highlighting noteworthy allegations from it.
The claim about Blair was published as a short excerpt in The Times of London. Wolff alleges that Blair wanted to help with the Middle East initiatives of Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior aide to the new president, and shared a "juicy rumour" he had heard.
"In February Blair visited Kushner in the White House. On this trip the new freelance diplomat, perhaps seeking to prove his usefulness to this new White House, mentioned a juicy rumour: the possibility that the British had had the Trump campaign staff under surveillance, monitoring its telephone calls and other communications and possibly even Trump himself," Wolff wrote.
The implication is that "although the Obama administration would not have asked the British to spy on the Trump campaign," it may have been hinted at that it would be helpful if did.
A month after the purported meeting, in March 2017, Trump sent a tweet alleging, without evidence, that Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential election, a claim denied by a spokesperson for Obama.
Then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer subsequently defended Trump's tweets by citing comments from Fox News commentator Andrew Napolitano, who alleged that Obama had enlisted UK intelligence agency GCHQ to help surveil Trump and his associates.
GCHQ denied the allegations, saying in a statement: "Recent allegations made by media commentator judge Andrew Napolitano about GCHQ being asked to conduct 'wiretapping' against the then president-elect are nonsense. They are utterly ridiculous and should be ignored."
Reached for comment, a spokesperson for Tony Blair told Business Insider: "The allegations printed in The Times are categorically absurd. They are a complete fabrication, have no basis in reality and are simply untrue."
Fox News host Tucker Carlson was reportedly offered the White House press secretary job.
In an excerpt of his upcoming book " target="_blank"Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," journalist Michael Wolff reported that several current Fox News and Fox Business network personalities including Laura Ingraham, Maria Bartiromo, and regular guest Ann Coulter were considered for the job.
Wolff also wrote that Carlson was offered the job, which eventually went to Sean Spicer, but turned it down.
Though not as brazenly outspoken and supportive as other Fox News hosts like Sean Hannity, Carlson has repeatedly defended the president by criticizing journalists and the left. He's been an outspoken opponent of embarrassing leaks about the administration, and deflected criticism of the administration's positions on immigration and the Russia investigation.
For its part, Wolff's book stirred controversy, primarily over the veracity of its contents.
The book written after Wolff garnered months of high-level, exclusive access to the administration has sparked infighting between Trump and former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who is quoted repeatedly in the book trashing Trump family members including Donald Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump.
Still, a number of reporters and journalists have cautioned against taking all of Wolff's claims at face value, arguing he has a history of appearing to embellish claims in past works.
For its part, many Republicans, including Trump and the Republican National Committee, have blasted the book.
The president's legal team sent a cease and desist letter to Wolff and his publisher, saying the book contained libelous claims about Trump.
You couldn't pay most people to relive their high school experiences.
But that's exactly what seven young adults did for the new A&E documentary series "Undercover High," which premieres Tuesday.
The show follows the seven participants, ages 21 to 26, as they pose as students at Highland Park High School in Topeka, Kansas, during the spring 2017 semester.
The goal of the program is to expose the challenges of students and school staff, as well as provide administrators details students would ordinarily never share with them.
"I always wonder, what is a student not telling us that they will only tell a peer?" Tiffany Anderson, the superintendent of Topeka Public Schools, said in an early episode.
Over the semester, the young adults were exposed to bullying, sexual harassment, poverty, violence, and drug addiction, among other issues. And in some cases, administrators did not realize the extent of the problems.
"All of those topics are discussed at some level at school, but between students, the insight is just much deeper than what we would have gained otherwise," Anderson told Business Insider.
The participants tried to look like convincing high-school students. The men shaved to look younger, while one woman, a 25-year-old named Erin, was even fitted with braces. They took a full course load and did assignments like the rest of the students.
Although the group received psychological training before the semester, nothing could prepare them for what they experienced.
As early episodes of the show indicate, cellphone use is rampant among students at the school, and social media became a greater source of pressure and stress than it had been for participants who graduated as recently as five years ago.
"The kinds of challenges that I experienced in high school along with my peers are now 24/7 issues because of technology, computers, cellphones, and social media," Shane Feldman, an undercover student who graduated from high school in 2012, told Business Insider. "There's no real escape."
Issues involving social media arose quickly for the participants. One woman, a 22-year-old named Lina, caught wind of a group text in which more than 20 male students were making alarming sexual remarks about her soon after she arrived at the school.
"I think my heart kind of stopped for a minute," she said.
She later informed the school's principal, who discovered that some of the people in the group text weren't even students in the school district.
"Undercover High" is an effort between A&E and Lucky 8 productions. The companies previously collaborated on the show "60 Days In," which follows citizens who go undercover as inmates in an Atlanta jail and is now in its fourth season.
The first episode of "Undercover High" airs Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET, followed by a segment featuring a psychotherapist and an adolescent psychologist who were advisers on the show, as well as a member of a crisis text line and some of the undercover students.
Watch a preview of the series:
He said he is already in touch with some Ghanaian producers and actors and discussing movies he could co-produce.
READ MORE: Boris Kodjoe praises Mahama for women empowerment
Speaking to the media at the Movenpick Hotel, the Ghanaian-German actor, who is in the country to host the CAF Awards said "Ghana has great actors and with my experience, I will be more than glad to work with these actors and producers. I have some scripts ready for some Ghanaian actors I personally admire."
Boris is known for his role in television series, The Boris and Nicole Show, Real Husbands of Hollywood, Soul Food and movies like Addicted, Madeas Family Reunion, Resident Evil, The Gospel, Baggage Claim among others.
The Hollywood actor also revealed that Eugene Kuami and Kidi are his favourite musicians.
According to him, although these musicians are young, their talents cannot be underestimated and he believes they will go far.
He added that he is happy to be back home to partly reconnect with his family in Ghana, as well as let his children experience Ghana for the first time.
READ ALSO: Hollywood actor of Ghanaian decent spotted at Makola ahead of CAF Awards
Despite the failure and the amount of money he put, he never allowed that to bother him as he decided to focus on the two which was doing fine and that is farming and animal husbandry.
Disclosing part of his 2017 success story, he wrote, 2017 has been amazing. Emotionally Im calmer, politically Im wiser, business-wise Im smarter. I started 3 new businesses in 2017, one failed but the two others are doing wonderfully well. My passion for agriculture has taught me a lot. You reap what you sow. This applies in life. Put in maximum effort in all that you do. Love more, give more and pray more. The results are awesome! I fell down 9 times but rose up 10! My dear beloved, whatever you lost in 2017, you shall recover 10 times in 2018! You shall walk with grace in 2018.
GHAMRO filed the lawsuit immediately after the Chief Justice set up specialised courts across the ten regions of Ghana to prosecute persons who default in the payment of mandatory TV license fees, which is being demanded by the state broadcaster.
In its statement of claim captured in the suit by Citifmonline, GHAMRO argued that, the state broadcaster had defaulted in the payment of royalties for over five years in spite of promptings to do so.
READ MORE: Ruff Money Records unveils 4 promising new artistes
The royalties-indebtedness of the defendant for the whole of 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, remains unpaid by the defendant, GHAMRO stated in the suit.
GHAMRO further argued that GBC had failed to obtain licenses for the use, communication and/or public performance of musical works to the public in spite of promptings.
The launch was to announce their emergence in the Ghanaian music industry. Sleek Media Group is a multimedia firm with a wide range of expertise including, creative arts, Public Relation, Branding and Communication, Events, Audio-Visual Production, Innovation and Marketing.
The launch was well attended by various media houses such as UTV, Graphic Showbiz, Okay FM, YFM Ghana, Pulse Ghana, Talk Media Ghana, George Britton, Fiesta GH, Ameyaw Debrah, Zion Felix, and the general public.
READ MORE: 10 best Ghanaian music videos of 2017
The new signees were outdoored at the launch. The CEO and founder of SMG, Mr Kenneth Andam made it clear that all the signees have been contracted to Ruff Money Records.
The General Manager, Edwin Elikem Amenyeawu mentioned that Ruff Money Records should not be regarded as a mere Artistes Management but instead a full record label.
READ MORE: Nominations open for 19th Vodafone Ghana music awards
Going back into the past, Ruff Money Records has managed renowned Music Duo Ruff & Smooth (Bullet & Akhan). About seven years ago, Sleek Media Group partnered Big Events Ghana for its maiden Radio & Television Personality Awards (RTP) in Ghana.
This is coming following the seizure of his properties by the Lagos State Government on Wednesday, December 3, 2017. There were reports that a bounty was offered in the hope to capture him.
Speaking to Punch News in a phone interview, the suspect insisted that the police has no evidence to support his labeling as a "Badoo kingpin".
In his opinion the sealing of his properties has no connection with the case.
Abayomi who communicated using the Yoruba language advised that an investigation team be set up on a fact finding mission in a bid to ascertain his involvement with the Badoo gang.
What evidence did the police have before calling me Badoo (kingpin)? Did any suspect mention my name? What does sealing my property have to do with this case?
"I applied and paid for the Certificate of Occupancy for the filling station five years ago, but I have not got it. I have evidence of payments.
Since the police declared me wanted, no policeman came to my house or office to invite me. The police have my number, but they did not call me on the telephone for invitation.
"I dont believe I am wanted because no invitation was sent to me. Since the police said they were looking for Badoo members, they have not arrested any prime suspect.
I want the government to intervene. I am ready to appear before the police or any investigative body, but not before the Lagos State Police Command and Edgal (Imohimi).
"A team should be set up to investigate the matter, particularly from Abuja. He (Edgal) declared me a Badoo kingpin, but what evidence does he have? About five security men guarding the filling station have been arrested, the alleged Badoo sponsor stated.
Police making progress in the fight to subdue Badoo
Punch News reported on Wednesday, December 3, 2017, the police arrested a man named Fatai Adebayo also known as Alese, who was described as a herbalist responsible for preparing 'juju' for the Badoo killers.
He was apprehended at his shrine in Imosan village, located around undefined.
The arrest was confirmed in a press statement forwarded to Punch by the Lagos police. It detailed the activities of SP Chike Oti, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the aftermath of the arrest.
Some representatives of the gang who were taken into custody over the weekend told law enforcement officers about the involvement of the herbalist.
According to the police, the Badoo agents don't go for a killing without first consulting the herbalist who administers an oath for the cultists.
The Alaska airlines Flight 915 was grounded and the airport spokeswoman, Keonnis Taylor is reported by the San Jose Mercury News to have said "An Alaska Airlines aircraft departing Oakland International Airport was cancelled today due to reports of a mouse in the cockpit of the aircraft.
READ MORE: Witch doctor commits suicide over decline in patronage
She added that "The flight's 110 passengers are being accommodated as appropriate by Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco and San Jose airports."
Meanwhile, according to UPI.com, Alaska airline whose plane was involved said it was a big rat and not mouse as earlier stated by the airport.
Alaska further asserted that it was about 8:30 a.m. "when a rat was spotted jumping from the jet way to inside the aircraft," and "Any passengers onboard the aircraft were deplaned."
As of Wednesday, the said plane was out of service," but Alaska said "It will be returned to operations once it's certified rodent-free by a professional exterminator. The aircraft will also be thoroughly inspected to ensure no damage has been done."
READ ALSO: Landlord pours buckets of human waste in houses to evict defiant tenants
One of the passengers, Ginger Hintz went on twitter to voice out her frustration.
A statement issued by GIPC on December 20, 2017, said the cases involve falsification of Registrar Generals documents and forgery of GIPC Certificates as well as forged Bank of Ghana foreign equity confirmation letters.
The forgery of Registrar Generals Department documents and GIPC Certificates involves two (2) companies, one is currently being prosecuted by the GIPC in Court while the second company is being investigated by the Police.
The statement said in the case of submission of forged Bank of Ghana equity confirmation letters, the three companies involved mentioned in their caution statements to the Police that a member of staff of the GIPC assisted them in preparing the documents.
The said staff member, who is yet to be identified has been invited by the Police and is assisting with the investigations.
Two (2) of the companies involved in the forged Bank of Ghana equity confirmation letters are also among four (4) Companies which have cases pending before the Court for failure to register with the GIPC.
In an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, Dr Annor-Ntow said the current focus is to educate Ghanaians to voluntarily pay the fees.
His comments come as the 11 courts set up to deal with TV license defaulters begin work today [Thursday].
READ ALSO: This is how your TV License fees will be distributed
Dr Annor-Ntow said the courts are not expected to start work immediately because the States objective is not to punish people needlessly.
We are not prosecuting anybody [today, Thursday]. The first option is to allow people to go and pay voluntarily. To the extent that it is a law, its enforcement will include that people will default and in the event of deliberate defaults the possibility exists that you will be prosecuted but that is not our preference.
He argued that if the corporation takes the punishment position they may fail since it is very early in the year to begin prosecuting defaulters.
If a person is supposed to paying a TV license for the whole year, why do you arrest such a person on January 4 because a court has been established? It simply doesnt wash You can even pay GHc 3 for 12 months. So if I am able to pay GHc 3 and you come and I show you the GHc 3 payment, you cant effect an arrest because I have paid for the month.
If you want people to pay voluntarily, you want to advise them and convince them and bring them along that is the route we want to adopt. To the extent that it is a law, we want to see it through to the end and to remind the general public that the possibility of prosecution exists Dr Anoff-Ntow added.
The Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, has set a court in all 10 regions to prosecute TV licence defaulters.
A memo dated December 11 said the courts will sit every Thursday effective January 4, 2018, until otherwise directed.
GBC officially reintroduced the collection of the TV Licence fees in 2015 after years of putting it on hold due to non-payments.
TORONTO, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The day after four actresses filed claims against Albert Schultz and Soulpepper Theatre Company, Ted Dykstra, Stuart Hughes, Michelle Monteith, and Rick Roberts have announced their resignation from Soulpepper.
These artists support and stand with the brave women who have come forward to end the culture of silence that has existed at Soulpepper under Mr. Schultz. They believe the allegations made by these women, said Alexi Wood of St. Lawrence Barristers LLP, counsel to the artists.
Mr. Dykstra, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Monteith, and Mr. Roberts are aware that Mr. Schultz has been asked to step down during an investigation into the allegations. The four artists support the choice of Alan Dilworth as Acting Artistic Director, but until Mr. Schultz has no role with the Company, they will not work there.
My clients look forward to a Soulpepper that provides a safe space to create ground breaking theatre, Ms. Wood said.
The four artists will join the plaintiff actresses at a press conference on 4 January 2018 at co-counsel Tatha Swanns office at Levitt LLP, 130 Adelaide St W, Suite 801, Toronto, ON at 11:00 am.
"We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the Bronx apartment fire. We honor the sacrifice of Pfc. Emmanuel Mensah, who entered the burning building several times to rescue others. May he and all the victims of this tragic fire rest in peace.
READ ALSO: Here are the top 10 skyscrapers in Ghana
"Private Emmanuel Mensah was a first generation immigrant, a soldier, and a New Yorker. He gave his life rescuing his neighbors in the Bronx fire. His heroism exemplifies the best of our city. Rest in peace," New York City Mayor William DeBlasio has said.
Background of Private Emmanuel Mensah
Private Emmanuel Mensah went off to serve in the Army National Guard, but it was back home where he made the ultimate sacrifice.
Mensah died trying to rescue people from his burning apartment building last week in the Bronx, New York, in the citys deadliest fire in more than 25 years, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
As Mensahs father tells it, he went back into the building twice to rescue neighbors. But he did not make it out alive.
"Private Emmanuel Mensah was a first-generation immigrant, a soldier and a New Yorker. He gave his life rescuing his neighbors in the Bronx fire. His heroism exemplifies the best of our city. Rest in peace," the mayor added.
A child playing with a kitchen stove started the fire, which quickly spread through the 29-unit building. The fire killed at least 12 people, including four children.
Emmanuel Mensah, 28, was stationed in Virginia, his father said.
A private first class in the New York National Guard, he had just graduated from boot camp after starting basic training in the fall, spokesman Eric Durr said. He was slated to go to advanced individual training in 2018.
He was training to be a military police officer, a role that offers a variety of potential responsibilities, from garrison law enforcement to security in the field.
The two other men, however, managed to escape and the police have launched a manhunt for them.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Accra Regional Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mrs Effia Tenge, said the policeman was arrested after his attempt to snatch a car from its owner at the Nkrumah Flat around the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The policeman, Sandoh, who was wielding a pistol, allegedly demanded the ignition keys from the driver of a red Hyundai Matiz which was being used for Uber services.
Sandoh was said to have sprayed pepper into the drivers eyes when he refused to hand over the keys.
ASP Tenge said that the driver raised an alarm right after and this attracted some residents to the scene.
Sandoh was not lucky as he was caught by the residents and beaten mercilessly until a police patrol team arrived at the scene.
His two other accomplices, however, managed to escape.
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Others from the United Peoples Party (UPP), All Peoples Congress (APC), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), United Front Party (UFP), and the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) were not left out.
The meeting, which lasted for over three hours centered on the creation of new regions, the commemoration of the Silver Jubilee of the 4th Republic, on Sunday, January 7, 2018, the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, and so on.
Johnson Asiedu Nketia argued that Ghanaians have realised that the governing NPP lied to win power and cannot fulfil the promises they made during the campaign.
Speaking on Accra-based Asempa FM, he said this has caused Ghanaians to lose hope in the NPP and would overwhelmingly vote for the NDC.
READ ALSO: Nana Addo and Chief of Staff show their dancing skills
What NPP government has done is making Ghanaians lose hope in them. So I am of the hope that even if elections are conducted today, NDC would win. I do know that some NPP members are unhappy with the current state of the country.
During the campaign, they made a lot of false promises, including promising heaven saying everything will be free. There are a lot of people in the NPP that would vote for NDC if elections were conducted today because they now know that NDC told them the truth. For the NPP government when prices of fuel go up, they say it has gone down. If you lie for power, this will be your end, he added.
Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said three children and 11 women were among those killed.
Victims were taken to a hospital in Douma, where an AFP correspondent saw rescuers bringing in mostly women and children.
Medical staff tried to revive an infant who had been pulled from the rubble, but without success. A young girl among the wounded received stitches for a serious injury to her face.
A medical source at the hospital told AFP that "among the wounded were two women in their twenties. One of them lost both eyes and the other lost one eye."
The war in Syria has killed more than 340,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.
Eastern Ghouta, a small enclave east of the capital Damascus, is controlled mostly by rebels from the Jaish al-Islam group.
Russia first launched bombing raids in 2015 in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's beleaguered forces. The strikes have helped Assad regain control over much of the war-ravaged country.
The Observatory relies on a network of sources inside Syria and says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.
The latest raids came after at least seven civilians, including five children, were killed Tuesday by air strikes in northwestern Idlib province, the last outside government control, the Observatory said.
Government and allied forces backed by Russian warplanes have been battling jihadist fighters and rebels for more than a week in an area straddling the boundary between Idlib and Hama provinces.
Government push on Idlib
The government push on the edge of Idlib province follows two months of sporadic fighting that the United Nations says has displaced more than 60,000 people.
Idlib province, held by Tahrir al-Sham, was one of four "de-escalation zones" agreed to help halt fighting around Syria by regime backers Russia and Iran and rebel supporter Turkey.
Observers say government forces first aim to take control of the southeast of Idlib province, allowing the regime to have full control of a road that links the capital Damascus to the government-held second city of Aleppo.
Earlier Wednesday Moscow's defence ministry said a Russian helicopter crashed in Syria on New Year's Eve killing both pilots following a technical fault.
The Mi-24 military helicopter was flying to Hama, northwestern Syria, and there was no firing from the ground, agencies quoted the ministry as saying.
"Both pilots died in a hard landing 15 km (nine miles) from the air base," the ministry said, adding that a technician had been injured and taken to another air base at for emergency treatment.
Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu last month said the military had completed the partial withdrawal from Syria ordered by President Vladimir Putin, but Moscow would maintain a presence in the country, including three battalions and two bases.
BROOKFIELD, NEWS, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE:BBU) (TSX:BBU.UN) ("Brookfield Business Partners"), together with institutional partners (collectively "Brookfield"), announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Westinghouse Electric Company (Westinghouse or the Company), a leading global provider of infrastructure services to the power generation industry, which is currently owned by Toshiba Corp.
The transaction provides for a purchase price of approximately $4.6 billion, expected to be funded with approximately $1 billion of equity, approximately $3 billion of long-term debt financing and the balance by the assumption of certain pension, environmental and other operating obligations.
Westinghouse is a high-quality business that has established itself as a leader in its field, with a long-term customer base and a reputation for innovation, said Cyrus Madon, CEO of Brookfield Business Partners. We look forward to bringing our significant expertise and reputation as a long-term owner and operator of critical infrastructure in the U.S. and globally, as well as our deep facilities management capabilities, to enhance the Companys position as a leading global infrastructure services provider to the power generation industry.
Business Overview:
Westinghouse is among the worlds leading suppliers of infrastructure services to nuclear power generating facilities. The Company provides sophisticated engineering, maintenance, facilities management and repair services to its global customer base.
Business highlights:
Strong market position. Westinghouse is a leader in its field, as the largest service provider to the worlds nuclear power facilities. The Company operates within a complex regulatory and licensing environment requiring depth of expertise and capability.
Westinghouse is a leader in its field, as the largest service provider to the worlds nuclear power facilities. The Company operates within a complex regulatory and licensing environment requiring depth of expertise and capability. Global, diversified customer base. Westinghouse has a well-established installed base of long-term customers globally.
Westinghouse has a well-established installed base of long-term customers globally. Attractive revenue and cash flow profile. The majority of the Companys profitability is delivered through regularly scheduled services which are provided under long-term contracts. Westinghouses core business has generated stable margins and consistent free cash flow.
The majority of the Companys profitability is delivered through regularly scheduled services which are provided under long-term contracts. Westinghouses core business has generated stable margins and consistent free cash flow. Strong reputation driven by focus on innovation. An iconic American company, Westinghouse offers a full suite of specialized parts and components, many of which are licensed or patented, as well as industry-leading engineering and other services that enhance the safety, efficiency and reliability of its customers facilities.
Funding
Brookfield Business Partners will commit to fund approximately 50% of the equity on closing using existing liquidity. Prior to or following closing, a portion of Brookfield Business Partners' investment may be syndicated to other institutional investors.
Transaction Process
Closing of the transaction remains subject to Bankruptcy Court approval and customary closing conditions including, among others, regulatory approvals. Closing is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2018.
Brookfield Business Partners is a business services and industrials company focused on owning and operating high-quality businesses that benefit from barriers to entry and/or low production costs. Brookfield Business Partners is listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information.
Brookfield Business Partners is the flagship listed business services and industrials company of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (NYSE:BAM) (TSX:BAM.A) (EURONEXT:BAMA), a leading global alternative asset manager with over $265 billion of assets under management, of which approximately $141 billion are in the U.S. For more information, please visit our website at https://bbu.brookfield.com.
Media contact:
Suzanne Fleming
Tel: (212) 417-2421
Email: suzanne.fleming@brookfield.com Investor contact:
Courtney Burke
Tel: (416) 369-2629
Email: courtney.burke@brookfield.com
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION
Note: This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and in any applicable Canadian securities regulations. The words "will," "expect," assume, enhance, provide, generate, "may," derivatives thereof and other expressions which are predictions of or indicate future events, trends or prospects and which do not relate to historical matters will tend to identify forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the expected completion of the transaction described herein and the anticipated timing thereof, and the future performance and operation of the acquired business.
Although we believe that the forward-looking statements we make are based upon reasonable assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on them or any other forward-looking statements or information in this news release. The future performance and prospects of Brookfield Business Partners are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors in the countries in which we do business; the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates; global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets; strategic actions including acquisitions and dispositions; the ability to complete and effectively integrate acquisitions into existing operations and the ability to attain expected benefits and in particular completion of the acquisition referred to in this news release, which cannot be assured; changes in accounting policies and methods used to report financial condition (including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates); the ability to appropriately manage human capital; the effect of applying future accounting changes; business competition; operational and reputational risks; technological change; changes in government regulation and legislation within the countries in which we operate; governmental investigations; litigation; changes in tax laws; ability to collect amounts owed; catastrophic events, such as earthquakes and hurricanes; the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts and cyber terrorism; and other risks and factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States.
We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on our forward-looking statements, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Except as required by law, Brookfield Business Partners undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, that may be as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Theresa May's government announced last week that Young will sit on the board of the newly-established Office for Students.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson defended the decision on Wednesday morning. Johnson, who once worked with Young at The Spectator, tweeted:
Ridiculous outcry over Toby... @ Boris Johnson
However, Labour has urged May to reverse the appointment, citing a series of tweets Young has now deleted which have been described as sexist, homophobic and insulting to a number of groups.
Dawn Butler, shadow minister for women and equalities, tweeted: "Theresa May cannot allow this appointment to stand. She must also explain what exactly made them appointment him in the first place. Transparency is key to changing attitudes and outcomes."
Young is perhaps best-known for setting up a number of free schools in West London. Free schools are state-funded but not fully-controlled by local authorities. They are usually created by groups including charities, religious bodies, businesses and parent groups, and are exempt from sticking completely to the national curriculum.
Young has in the past claimed that working-class students at Oxford University were "universally unattractive" and "small, vaguely deformed undergraduates." He also described wheelchair ramps being installed in British schools as a symptom of "ghastly inclusivity."
He described a gay celebrity as looking "queer as a coot" and recalled visiting a bar containing "hardcore dykes."
He also made a series of apparently sexist remarks about women.
Young has denied holding any prejudices: "Im neither misogynistic nor homophobic. Im a strong supporter of both womens rights and LGBT rights," he said.
He also posted a 40 tweet thread responding to the allegations.
Here are the tweets about women that Young has deleted:
Questions have also been asked about Young's suitability for the role.
The Department for Education had previously claimed that he had held teaching posts at two of the world's most prestigious universities, Harvard and Cambridge.
Wednesday was just the third day of 2018. But three days were all that was needed for the first major US political war of the new year to break out.
On one side is the former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, who was quoted in excerpts of Michael Wolff's book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," set to be released Tuesday, as eviscerating President Donald Trump, his son Donald Trump Jr., his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and his daughter Ivanka Trump.
On the other side are Trump and his allies. Trump lambasted Bannon in one of his most scathing statements as president, suggesting Bannon had "lost his mind" and was "only in it for himself."
"Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was," Trump said. "It is the only thing he does well. Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books."
It became clear very quickly in the hours after Trump's scorched-earth statement who would come out on top: the president.
Almost immediately, Republican Senate candidates whom Bannon has endorsed in their primary races to unseat establishment hopefuls backed away from the mercurial media executive turned political strategist.
A representative for one of those candidates, Kelli Ward of Arizona, said that Bannon's was just "one of many high-profile endorsements" Ward had received and that she was focusing on "helping President Trump advance an America First agenda."
Meanwhile, in West Virginia, Rep. Evan Jenkins, who's running for a US Senate seat, called on his GOP primary opponent, Patrick Morrisey, to disavow Bannon's endorsement.
For the most part, Morrisey obliged.
"Attorney General Morrisey does not support these attacks on President Trump and his family, and was proud to stand with President Trump in 2016 when they were both overwhelmingly elected in West Virginia and when he cast his vote for Trump in the Electoral College," a representative for his campaign said.
Bannon has no contingent
Meanwhile, Bannon's more-establishment nemeses were thrilled with Trump's scorching condemnation.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who in September went toe to toe with Bannon in the Alabama Republican Senate primary that ended with the candidate Bannon backed, Roy Moore, winning the nomination told Trump his statement was "perfect" and that he "wouldn't change a word," The Washington Post reported.
Trump's allies were even more forceful in their condemnation of a man who was once the CEO of his presidential campaign and held one of the most prominent positions in the White House. Bannon left the White House in August and resumed his role as the executive chairman of Breitbart News.
"Bannon has no contingent," the former House Speaker Newt Gingrich told April Ryan, a White House correspondent. "There's a Trump wing of the Republican Party. There's not a Bannon wing."
Anthony Scaramucci, the White House communications director who was fired over the summer after blasting Bannon in a conversation with a New Yorker reporter, took what amounted to a daylong victory lap. He made multiple TV appearances and fired off several tweets to proclaim that he was right.
"I said what I said in the Summer take out the expletives and pay closer attention," Scaramucci tweeted, adding that Trump was "doing a great job."
Trump Jr., who was at the center of Bannon's most forceful criticism in the book's excerpts, unloaded on him as well.
He said Bannon had "no ideology" other "than what's good for Steve" and mocked him for backing Moore, who was defeated last month in the special election by the Democrat Doug Jones.
Trump, however, had also enthusiastically supported Moore, whom several women have accused of sexual misconduct, in the campaign's final days.
"It would be amazing if there would have been a nice simple path to keeping this seat with a nice 30 point margin... #thankssteve," Trump Jr. tweeted.
The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Trump and Bannon had become "increasingly estranged" in the weeks after what was an embarrassing loss for the Republican Party in the Alabama race.
Trump was enraged by Bannon's interview with Vanity Fair in which he blasted Kushner, the Times report says, and it appears as if the release of excerpts from Wolff's book this week was the final straw.
Trump's lawyers have sent cease-and-desist letters to Bannon, Wolff, and his publisher. Some parts of the book have already been challenged, though Wolff says he has hours of tapes from his time in the White House which, The Times reported, was frequently spent in Bannon's office.
Clearly, the pathway is even more complicated after today
The disintegration of Trump's relationship with Bannon could lead to further changes in the political and policy landscape particularly as the 2018 primaries near.
Bannon's seeking to barnstorm the country campaigning for hard-right challengers this year could hit a snag in light of the recent feud that has caused some of his preferred candidates to distance themselves from him.
And the White House on Wednesday night moved to disband its controversial voter-fraud commission, laying blame on the former chief strategist and calling it a "blundered Bannon rollout" that "should've never been in place."
Trump's breaking up with Bannon was "not too surprising" to Alex Conant, who was Sen. Marco Rubio's communications director during his 2016 presidential campaign.
"Bannon has long overstated his role in Trump's election," Conant told Business Insider. "Trump's response will probably give Bannon even more media attention, at least in the short term. At the end of the day, it's bad for both men."
Conant added that candidates "who tied themselves to Bannon were already facing a very different pathway to victory."
"Clearly, the pathway is even more complicated after today," he said.
Rick Tyler, the communications director for Sen. Ted Cruz's 2016 presidential campaign, told Business Insider that the fallout between Trump and Bannon "was bound to happen" because there were "too many egos for one stage."
But he was less bullish on the episode's effect on the coming primaries because, he said, "neither has shown to be a deciding factor in winning races."
Bannon, sensing where the winds were blowing, spoke glowingly of Trump on his Breitbart radio program on Wednesday. But it may be too late.
"The president of the United States is a great man," he said. "You know I support him day in and day out, whether going through the country giving the 'Trump miracle' speech, or on the show, or on the website. So you don't have to worry about that."
Trump took notice. He told members of the press in a White House meeting on Thursday that Bannon "called me a great man last night."
Health insurance for millions of children is still on the line as Congress remains divided over how to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), a crucial government program that has provided healthcare to millions of Americans and helped to drastically reduce the uninsured rate of children since its implementation in 1997.
Before breaking for the holiday recess month, Congress passed a short-term funding measure that allocated close to $3 billion to CHIP. It's estimated that this additional funding will allow the program to run through March.
"This alleged extension until March doesnt cut it as states freeze enrollment & send out letters warning that coverage will end," former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton tweeted on Tuesday. "This is frightening to parents & wreaks havoc for states."
"Enough is enough," added Clinton, who played a significant role in getting CHIP passed back in the '90s while serving as first lady.
A lack of long-term funding could result in roughly 2 million children losing coverage and becoming uninsured, according to a recent report from Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families.
"These are families making $8, $10, or $12 an hour that don't have insurance. And they're going to get letters saying 'your insurance is canceled,'" Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown said during a debate on the Senate floor November 30. "How can we let that happen?"
The reauthorization deadline for CHIP passed September 30 without Congress agreeing to an extension, making it the longest lapse in funding since the program was first introduced.
"The politics are ugly. This should not be a Republican or Democratic issue," Colorado Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne told Business Insider. "There's never been any talk of it not making sense."
"I feel like there's a little hostage taking with kids and pregnant women in the middle," she added.
Time is running out
Now that Congress is back in session after the holiday recess, CHIP proponents are holding out hope that both parties can come together to secure a 5-year funding extension.
Such a move would be the quickest way to end concerns families may have about the future of their coverage, said Tricia Brooks, a healthcare policy expert and former CHIP director for New Hampshire.
"We are guardedly hopeful because unlike all of the other health policy initiatives Congress has tackled this year, CHIP actually has bipartisan agreement in the House and Senate," Brooks told Business Insider.
"The fact that states had leftover funds and that there was emergency money distributed to states gave Congress the feeling that were wasn't as much urgency," she added. "But that cushion is getting extremely thin. Congress needs to act."
The only other time Congress failed to reauthorize it was in 2007, when then-President George W. Bush vetoed reauthorization because he believed the Democrats' proposal to spend billions more on the program would encourage families to leave the private insurance market. After just five days, lawmakers compromised and funding was quickly reissued.
Today's gap in funding has forced states around the country to rely on leftover funds and emergency government grants to maintain coverage for the millions of people who might otherwise be uninsured. But those temporary funds are quickly disappearing.
"We're concerned about the cost to the people and the magnitude of the anxiety it is producing," Lynne said. "Imagine if you're a pregnant woman and you're going to lose your insurance?"
We dont have any money anymore
CHIP itself is not controversial. It has wide bipartisan support as Brooks says.
But exactly how the annual $15.6 billion program should be paid for is the issue under dispute.
Republicans have proposed cutting back the Affordable Care Act to pay for CHIP while Democrats have proposed tying the program's reauthorization in with measures to stabilize the law, more commonly known as Obamacare.
"We're going to do CHIP. There's no doubt about it in my mind, " said Sen. Orin Hatch of Utah, who helped craft the program with Sen. Ed Kennedy of Massachusetts in the 1990s. "But the reason CHIP is having trouble is because we don't have any money anymore."
CHIP currently provides health insurance for roughly 9 million children nationwide who come from families with incomes just above Medicaid eligibility levels.
The program also includes coverage for more than 327,000 pregnant women through the "unborn child option." Technically, these recipients are classified as children even though the women are the ones who are actually being treated.
How states can respond to a loss of federal funds depends on how they implemented CHIP in the first place.
For states that used the money to expand Medicaid to insure more children, they will still have to cover those recipients, albeit with some other source of funding, even if the government no longer helps.
For states that created separate CHIP programs, those recipients are likely to lose coverage completely, or at best, receive more expensive coverage through employer-sponsored or marketplace exchange alternatives if their families can afford those options.
Some states have a combination of CHIP-funded Medicaid expansion and separate CHIP programs, complicating the situation even further.
States plan emergency measures
Late night host Jimmy Kimmel brought his newborn son on stage in December to make an emotional plea for Congress to restore CHIP funding.
"Now CHIP [it] has become a bargaining chip," Kimmel said, cradling his son Billy, who received life-saving open heart surgery just hours after birth earlier this year.
"It's on the back burner while they work out the new tax plans," he continued. "Parents of children with cancer, diabetes and heart problems are about to get letters saying their coverage could be cut off next month. Merry Christmas, right?"
A handful of states are on the brink of running out of money, some as soon as next month.
Carrie Williams, a spokesperson for Texas' Health and Human Services Commission, told Business Insider last month that without Congressional action, the Lone Star State would be forced to end CHIP coverage by February 1 for more than 450,000 children.
But on December 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which administers CHIP, guaranteed Texas $135 million in funds to continue coverage until March.
Under state law, HHSC must notify families that their plans are being canceled at least 30 days before termination.
Texas' situation is especially dire because of the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey. After the disaster struck, the government waived co-pays and enrollment fees for CHIP recipients. That meant the state would be collecting less money, which is why they're relying on the federal government for additional grants. Texas has the most CHIP recipients in the country after California.
Other states continue to weigh their options in light of the roughly $3 billion in funding Congress allocated to states last month.
Officials overseeing the West Virginia Children's Health Insurance Program (WVCHIP) have gone so far as to already approve a plan to close its program which covers 21,321 children by February 28.
But the plan won't be finalized until the program's board members know how much of the $3 billion in funding the state will receive. For now, West Virginia's Department of Health and Human Resources will delay sending termination notifications to families and providers, according to communications director Allison Adler.
Weve never had to do this before
The longer Congress delays funding, the more states like West Virginia will prepare contingency plans in the event that money is not restored.
But it's hard for medical officials to gauge exactly when they should take action such as sending out notice letters to families and doubling up on call center staffing for the inevitable barrage of inquiries since they have to rely on Congress to make the next move.
"They [states] are trying to hold off on taking action as long as possible because they don't want to cause concern among families," Samantha Artigo, an analyst at the Kaiser Family Foundation, told Business Insider. "But as we get further along, they are really going to be bumping up against difficult deadlines where they will need to begin taking action. It cannot be done overnight."
Medical officials in Colorado have already sent notice letters to the families of the roughly 75,000 children and 800 pregnant women who might lose coverage in that state. Last month, state lawmakers approved a $9.6 million stopgap measure to allow CHIP to survive an extra month, according to The Denver Post. Previous estimates predicted coverage would end January 31.
Shelisha Coleman, a spokesperson for Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, told Business Insider in December that the state had enough funding to last until the beginning of February. The healthcare of 198,605 children in Florida is on the line.
On December 1, Nevada received a nearly $5.6 million grant to provide coverage through the end of the year and into the new year. Utah also warned recipients that it will exhaust funds by the end of of this month.
The Department of Social Services in Connecticut announced that it has enough money to last through February 28. Officials in Virginia and Pennsylvania began notifying families last month that they could lose coverage if Congress continues to stall.
"We've never had to do this before," Linda Nablo, an official with Virginia's Department of Medical Assistant Services, told Kaiser Health News. "How do you write the very best letter saying, 'Your child might lose coverage, but it's not certain yet. But in the meantime, these are some things you need to think about'?"
Families are preparing, too.
Myra Gregory is the mother of 11-year-old Roland, who has a rare form of lung cancer. In November, Gregory wrote an op-ed in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch asking Congress to get its act together.
"If Congress forces Missouri to drop Roland's coverage, our family will be in an impossible situation. I don't have the savings to pay for Roland's care out of pocket," Gregory said. "I don't have family and friends much less a bank who will loan us tens of thousands of dollars for Roland's treatment."
Gregory created a GoFundMe page to raise money for her son.
A lose-lose for the taxpayer
The kicker is that states will still lose money even if Congress restores funding.
Writing, printing, and mailing termination notices to families requires time and money. So does notifying insurance providers and other stakeholders, submitting paperwork to the CMS, and paying call center staff overtime for helping concerned parents figure out how to proceed in the absence of CHIP.
A Georgetown University study estimated that ending CHIP will cost Colorado, for example, at least $300,000.
"Inaction by Congress costs states time and money as officials grapple with various 'what if' scenarios," the study's authors wrote.
In early November, the House passed a bill that would provide funding for CHIP for five years. That bill stalled in the Senate. Subsequent proposals, meanwhile, have been few and far between, leaving state budgets in limbo and families fearing the worst.
South Korea has been calling North Korea through a communications hotline every day for two years, and on Wednesday finally someone answered.
South Korean officials at the border made contact with North Korea over the phone at 3:30 p.m. local time Wednesday and spoke for 20 minutes, according to Reuters, although the details of the call have not been disclosed.
The North previously cut off its communications with South Korea after the two countries last spoke on the hotline in late 2015 BBC reported citing South Korean officials. The line went silent shortly after, the report said.
North Korea announced on its state TV that it was reopening its direct telephone line after its leader Kim Jong Un expressed willingness to reestablish a dialogue with South Korea and discuss sending a delegation to next month's Winter Olympic games in Pyeongchang.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in welcomed Kim's calls for dialogue, and urged his government to move quickly to organize a North Korean Olympic delegation.
South Korea's government suggested holding inter-Korean talks at the border village of Panmunjom next week, according to Bloomberg, which could be the first official face-to-face meeting between the two sides since 2015.
What we know about the hotline
Today, there are 33 communication lines between the two Koreas, according to the BBC citing the South Korean Unification ministry. The lines include daily communication, air-traffic control, and joint economic issues.
The channel used on Tuesday is located in the uninhabited village of Panmunjom, which sits in the Demilitarized Zone.
The hotline in Panmunjom was put in place to create official dialogue between the North and South Korean Red Cross in 1971 and is now reportedly referred to as the "Red Cross" channel.
The two phones, a green phone for outgoing calls and a red phone for receiving calls, are housed inside a building called "House of Freedom," located only about 100 feet from North Korea's communication line in Panmungak.
More communication lines were established in the 1990s according to the BBC, when there were increased talks of reunification.
A former South Korean communications officer who worked in Pamunjom in the early 1990s told Yonhap news agency that each day officers would make a call at 9:00 a.m. and again at 4:00 p.m. before leaving for the day.
"We called them on odd dates, and North Korea called us on even dates," he added.
According to the BBC, a South Korean ministry spokeswoman confirmed the information, but added that North Korea had dropped communication in February 2016, after Seoul closed a joint commercial project in response to the North's provocative rocket launches.
Excerpts of Wolff's "Fire and Fury," reportedly sourced from over 200 interviews during an 18-month time span, were distributed to various publications and have since painted a sometimes embarrassing picture of current and former White House officials and life in the West Wing.
Some of the wilder tales have raised eyebrows. Skeptics have gone so far to as to question their validity, including the New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman who on Wednesday called some of the book's claims "thin but readable."
"Well written. Several things that are true and several that are not. Light in fact-checking and copy-editing," Haberman wrote on Twitter.
Following the release of some of the more tantalizing details, Trump, his family, and White House officials went on the offensive by casting doubt on the book's legitimacy and railed against some of Trump's critics who were quoted in the book.
"This book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section," Stephanie Grisham, communications director for the first lady Melania Trump, said in reference to the claim that she burst into tears "not of joy" when Trump was poised to win the 2016 presidential election.
Here are some of the wildest portions of the book so far:
Bannon called the infamous Trump Tower meeting between Donald Trump Jr., Jared Kushner, a Russia-linked lawyer, and others "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."
Bannon's tirade against the Trump family did not end with Ivanka.
According to Wolff, he was also quoted as saying that the controversial meeting between Jared Kushner, a White House senior adviser and Trump's son-in-law; Donald Trump Jr.; and Russian lobbyists in June 2016 was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."
"The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor with no lawyers," Bannon reportedly said in the book, according to The Guardian.
"They didn't have any lawyers. Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately," Bannon continued.
Bannon reportedly suggested that Trump Jr. may have taken "these jumos up to his father's office on the 26th floor."
Bannon went on and reportedly said that special counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 presidential election, would "crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV."
Trump passed on nominating an official because of his mustache.
Bannon also appeared to confirm previous rumors that Trump passed on nominating former UN ambassador John Bolton as national security adviser, according to Wolff.
"Bolton's mustache is a problem. Trump doesn't think he looks the part," Bannon reportedly said. "You know Bolton is an acquired taste."
Bolton served as US ambassador to the UN between 2005 and 2006.
Amid reports that he was left out of the running for secretary of state when Trump was assembling his Cabinet, Bolton shaved off rumors of a tweet in December: "I appreciate the grooming advice from the totally unbiased mainstream media, but I will not be shaving my #mustache," Bolton said.
Steve Bannon called Ivanka Trump "dumb as a brick."
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, whose relationship with some of Trump's members was apparently strained in the waning days of his tenure in the White, called White House senior adviser and first daughter Ivanka Trump "dumb as a brick," according to Wolff's book.
Bannon was eventually fired from the administration, shortly after White House chief of staff John Kelly began regulating traffic in the West Wing. Bannon has since embarked on a personal crusade to support antiestablishment congressional candidates for the upcoming midterm elections.
After Ivanka publicly criticized Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore amid a ballooning controversy over his sexual-misconduct scandal, Bannon quipped and referenced her previous remarks: "There's a special place in hell for Republicans who should know better."
"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency," Trump said, following the release of the book's excerpts. "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."
Kellyanne Conway went job-hunting because she thought Trump would lose the election.
Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway reportedly was looking into high-profile on-air media jobs during the last days of the 2016 election because she thought Trump would lose.
While the book claims that Conway was prepared to blame Trump's expected loss on former Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus, she was also interviewing for jobs on news outlets, according to Wolff's book.
Trump eats McDonald's because he fears being poisoned.
Trump's love for fast food was linked to a his fear of being poisoned, according to Wolff.
"Trump 'had a longtime fear of being poisoned, one reason why he liked to eat at McDonald's nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade,'" Wolff wrote.
The Trump administration has dissolved the commission investigating alleged voter fraud that it said occurred during the 2016 US election.
President Donald Trump announced the decision on Wednesday but still made the unsubstantiated claim that fraudulent activity occurred during the election.
Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry. Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the Commission, and have asked the Department of Homeland Security to review these issues and determine next courses of action.
As of October 2017, 15 states had refused to supply the commission with their respective residents' voter data.
The administration formed the commission, headed by Vice President Mike Pence, in May 2017 and instructed it to investigate "improper voting, fraudulent voter registrations, and fraudulent voting."
Concerned that this was an attempt to suppress certain demographics of registered voters, liberal advocacy groups launched eight lawsuits against the commission, essentially grinding it to a halt after its second meeting in September.
Since then, multiple members on the commission have heard nothing with several of their emails going unanswered.
In October, the Government Accountability Office, a federal watchdog, announced it would investigate the commission's funding in early 2018.
Democratic lawmakers quickly weighed in after the committee was disbanded. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer said the commission "never had anything to do with election integrity." Schumer, who has been a frequent critic of Trump and his Republican allies in Congress called the commission an excuse to "suppress the vote" and "perpetrate dangerous and baseless claims.
Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey called the commission's efforts "an offense, based on a lie, blatantly seeking to suppress votes."
President Donald Trump defended White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders in a tweet on Monday, saying that a restaurant that had asked her to leave over the weekend looked dirty.
Sanders said on Saturday that she was asked to leave The Red Hen, a restaurant in Lexington, Virginia,because she worked for Trump. One of the owners told the Washington Post that it was Trump's policies, which she called "inhumane and unethical," that had prompted them to deny service to Sanders.
"The Red Hen Restaurant should focus more on cleaning its filthy canopies, doors and windows (badly needs a paint job) rather than refusing to serve a fine person like Sarah Huckabee Sanders. I always had a rule, if a restaurant is dirty on the outside, it is dirty on the inside!"Trump tweeted on Monday.
Trump's concerns about restaurant cleanliness have been well-documented. His longstanding love for fast food is tied to a fear of being poisoned, Michael Wolff writes in "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House."
Trump "had a longtime fear of being poisoned, one reason why he liked to eat at McDonalds nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely premade," Wolff reports.
The president's go-to McDonald's order was two Big Macs, two Filet-o-Fish sandwiches, and a large chocolate shake, according to former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski and top Trump campaign aide David Bossie.
"Like an amazing professional athlete who has a routine that they do all the time when they're ready for a big game," Trump "would consistently do the same things," Lewandowski told Business Insider's Allan Smith.
Trump has previously applauded fast-food chains for their cleanliness.
Hope Hicks has become one of the most powerful figures in American politics. Now, she's leaving the White House.
Hicks will resign from her position as
On Tuesday, Hicks testified before the
Unlike many in the often bombastic Trump administration, Hicks rarely speaks to the media on the record. However, as a former model with experience in fashion PR, Hicks knows how to make a statement with her appearance without saying a word.
Here's a look at how Hicks' public presentation has changed and how it could reveal how the communications director made herself invaluable to the White House.
Hope Hicks began working for Ivanka Trump's fashion brand in 2014, four years after she graduated from Southern Methodist University.
"Hicks grew close to Ivanka and began dressing like the heiress, who seemed worthy of the emulation," GQ reported. "Ivanka was that rare female corporate leader who is also kind to other women, and she affected an air of competence that seemed to temper the boorishness of the Trump brand."
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When Hicks began working on Donald Trump's presidential campaign, she mimicked Ivanka's accessible style lots of business-casual dresses in pale shades or florals, with heels and long, straight hair.
As Ivanka campaigned for her father, her role was to convince Americans especially more progressive ones that he was a worthwhile political pick.
As she continues to attempt to win over skeptics, Ivanka has donned primarily accessible styles that most Americans could buy or replicate, including her own line and fast-fashion brands like Zara.
Hicks seemed prepared to fulfill the same role behind the scenes. The president, early advisers like Corey Lewandowski and Roger Stone, and some supporters are known for their over-the-top antics.
Meanwhile, Hicks is private and has avoided making enemies. "I have always found Hope to be great to deal with, especially given the volume of requests she must be getting," Maggie Haberman of The New York Times told GQ.
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Hicks is especially deferential to the president, calling him only "sir" or "Mr. Trump."
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The only public crack in Hicks' facade was a public screaming match with Lewandowski in May 2016. However, even after being fired from the campaign, Lewandowski described Hicks as "smart and private, with a nearly photographic memory."
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While Hicks rarely gives interviews on the record, her polished, Ivanka-inspired fashion tells a story of its own. She fashioned herself as a reasonable outlier in the bombastic and scandal-prone Trump campaign and administration.
However, in recent months, Hicks seems to be undergoing a fashion pivot that could signify bigger factors at play behind the scenes.
While Ivanka was once a conservative darling, the first daughter has fallen out of favor with much of the right.
Ivanka's brand popularity has dropped among Republicans as she has increasingly been seen as a moderating force. And similar dramas seem to be playing out inside the White House.
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The president was reportedly frustrated in November when Ivanka criticized Roy Moore, the former US Senate candidate in Alabama whom multiple women have accused of sexual misconduct.
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The first daughter and Kushner have also dealt with legal problems. Late last year, federal investigators began looking into Kushner's meetings with foreign leaders, as well as whether he played a role in convincing the president to fire James Comey as FBI director.
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"As telling, with his daughter and son-in-law sidelined by their legal problems, Hope Hicks, Trump's 29-year-old personal aide and confidant, became, practically speaking, his most powerful White House advisor," Wolff wrote in a recent column based on reporting from his book.
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Over the same period, Hicks has apparently stopped taking fashion cues from Ivanka and moved on to Melania Trump.
Hicks debuted the new fashion strategy at a state dinner in November in Tokyo. Instead of the soft dresses that Ivanka is known for wearing, the communications director showed up in a sleek suit that could have come straight from Melania's closet.
As Ivanka's brand popularity has tanked, the public's perception of Melania has only gotten better. A recent CNN poll found that the first lady had a 47% approval rating, compared with the president's 40%.
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So it shouldn't be that surprising that Hicks' new wardrobe is filled with Melania-inspired, high-fashion looks. The first lady's fashion sense is sleeker than Ivanka's, with more makeup and sharper angles.
Hicks seems to have picked up on the intricacies of each woman's taste. The outfit she wore while waiting to board Air Force One in Beijing seems identical to some of the first lady's favorite travel looks.
For reference, here's a photo of the president and Melania arriving in Texas, soon after she faced backlash for wearing stilettos as she ventured into an area that had been devastated by Hurricane Harvey.
That isn't necessarily to say that Hicks is clashing with Ivanka. Instead, she may have realized the importance of adjusting her public appearance to fit with what Trump and his supporters are looking for.
In fact, Ivanka recently spoke out to defend Hicks following the Rob Porter controversy, telling The New York Times in an unsolicited interview that Hicks was a "team player."
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"Most importantly," Ivanka said, "the president has deep respect for her, cares about her greatly, and listens to her. Thats not true of everyone. Shes earned that."
While many in the White House reportedly get swept up in power struggles within the administration, Hicks appears to have stayed in most staffers' good graces. Most importantly, Trump continues to vocally support Hicks.
As other members of the Trump administration fell by the wayside, Hicks rose through the ranks. She knows how to evolve to stay in the good graces of the president and right now, that looks like trying to copy Melania, not Ivanka.
The Noreaster is expected to threaten the area with close-to-zero temperatures until Sunday, when it will make its way to
M"bombogenesis," target="_blank" meaning rapid atmospheric pressure has fallen below 24 millibars in less than 24 hours. In other words, the low air pressure is creating an especially strong storm.
Take a look at how New York City is coping.
A frigid storm has hit cities, including New York City, along the Eastern seaboard.
Temperatures will drop close to zero on on Friday evening in New York City. When you factor in the windchill, New York will feel as cold as -11 on Saturday.
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Both New York City and Philadelphia were under a winter storm warning from Thursday at 1 a.m. through Friday at 1 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.
Around 10 inches of snow blanketed the city.
Wind gusts topped 40 mph in the city and almost hit 60 mph on Long Island.
1,500 plows and 693 salt spreaders tried to contain the snow.
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On Thursday, the snow and strong winds stopped flights at La Guardia and Kennedy Airports.
Across the US, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported nearly 5,000 canceled flights. That figure includes more than two-thirds of flights in and out of New York City and Boston airports.
It also closed schools and slowed down commutes.
Snow migrated from the ground level to some underground subway platforms.
A number of public housing developments have lost heat and hot water.
City officials and residents worry that frozen pipes will burst when they completely thaw.
A burst pipe damaged more than 750 books at the Greenlight bookstore in Brooklyn, AM New York reports.
On Wednesday, the water in a fountain in Manhattan's Bryant Park turned into icicles and ice shards.
This is a serious, serious storm, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference on Thursday. We expect tough conditions for days to come, particularly in terms of cold.
Bitter temperatures have followed the storm.
The city should return to above-freezing levels during the daytime next week.
Step up to the auction block, oil companies.
In an announcement on Thursday, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke unveiled a new proposal to lease huge new sections of US waters to oil and gas companies for offshore drilling a move unlike anything seen in decades.
The new plan would make "more than 98%" of the waters off the United States available for oil and gas leasing over the next five years, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management wrote in a report released Thursday.
There are a few notable exceptions. That other 2% of US waters includes an area of the Aleutian basin next to Alaska, as well as 12 coastal "marine sanctuaries" (those dot the shoreline in places like Monterey Bay in California and Stellwagen Bank at the mouth of the Massachusetts Bay). There's also a temporary hold on a section of the Gulf of Mexico that Congress has put a moratorium on until 2022.
But many other protected areas of water could be up for grabs. The National Parks Conservation association said the shores bordering 88 other protected areas, like the waters off Acadia National Park and along the Santa Monica mountains could all be sold off. The last offshore oil sales on either coast of the continental US occurred in the 1980s, according to Reuters.
President Donald Trump already re-wrote some of the rules that former President Barack Obama put in place to protect waters in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans with his "America First Offshore Energy Strategy" in April 2017.
Oil and gas industry leaders voiced their approval for that move, as well as this new plan.
"I think the default should be that all of our offshore areas should be available," Thomas Pyle, president of the American Energy Alliance, told The New York Times.
The Governors of Alaska and Alabama, along with the Department of Natural Resources in Louisiana and Georgia support the idea too, as does the lieutenant governor in North Carolina.
But Sierra Club director Michael Brune doesn't see it that way.
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Leaders of many coastal states up and down the East and West coasts, including California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia and New York are against it. New York officials are also concerned that the plan might interfere with their intentions to build more offshore wind farms. Even Florida Governor Rick Scott quickly voiced his opposition.
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In addition to lawmakers and environmentalists, the Pentagon is also worried about the move, according to The Washington Post.
Austin, Texas, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Campus Advantage, a leader in student housing, providing property management, consulting, acquisitions, and development services, today announced it has hired student housing industry expert, David Timmerman, as Vice President of Operations. In this new role, Timmerman will oversee several Campus Advantage third-party managed student housing properties.
Timmerman brings to Campus Advantage more than 23 years of leadership experience in the student housing industry. Most recently, Timmerman served as Regional Vice President at Asset Campus Housing where he was responsible for managing operations of a multi-state portfolio of 6,175 units. Prior to his tenure at Asset Campus Housing, David served in leadership roles with American Campus Communities and Campus Living Villages. His experience includes multi-million dollar budget development and implementation, the creation of and execution on ever-changing marketing campaigns and initiatives, as well as an extensive history of operations management.
I am extremely excited to join the Campus Advantage team and contribute to the companys operations excellence, said Timmerman. I feel very fortunate to be able to work with this dynamic team and to apply my breadth of operations and leadership skills to the Companys industry-leading operational practices.
Davids experience in operations management, along with his strong leadership skills, makes him a perfect fit for the role of Vice President of Operations, said Mike Peter, President and CEO at Campus Advantage. I have no doubt that David will greatly serve Campus Advantage and help us continue to maintain and enhance the level of service we provide our clients.
Timmerman received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a masters degree in Student Personnel in Higher Education from the University of Georgia.
About Campus Advantage
Campus Advantage is an Austin-based real estate firm fostering financially prosperous higher education student housing communities through its management, development, acquisition, and consulting services. Since its founding in 2003, Campus Advantage has been creating successful communities that provide rewarding living, learning, and career experiences, and as a result has become one of the fastest growing private student housing companies in the nation. The companys asset acquisition and management strategies combined with its dedication to residence life and student development has made Campus Advantage the 6th largest student housing owner and 7th largest manager in the United States. Learn more at www.campusadv.com.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1572fedb-58f8-477e-b69e-380fb6284560
Chang wrote that the events, in which women can feel pressured to participate yet be stigmatized for doing so, are common enough that they're not much of a secret.
MDMA also known as Ecstasy or Molly has been a party drug since the psychopharmacologist Alexander "Sasha" Shulgin synthesized and tested it on himself in the 1970s.
Shulgin, known as the "godfather of Ecstasy," was entranced by his testing. He began to advocate MDMA's use in clinical settings, but it soon started turning up in clubs, leading to a widespread ban in 1985.
Once Ecstasy developed a reputation for being adulterated with more dangerous chemicals, people starting asking for "Molly," something they saw as a pure form of the drug.
Here's what we know about what MDMA does to your body and brain.
MDMA was created by the pharmaceutical company Merck in 1912 and is considered an illegal substance in the US with no medical benefit and a high potential for abuse.
Contrary to legend, MDMA was not the first part of an experiment in suppressing the appetites of soldiers in the German army. Merck scientists created the chemical while trying to make a drug that would prevent blood clotting. It was abandoned for a while but had been considered promising because of its similarity to adrenaline.
According to Merck records, it was most likely first tested on humans in 1959 and then started to appear every so often in the 1960s and '70s until Shulgin recreated it and began to push for its use in therapy sessions. The drug's popularity spread.
Nevertheless, the drug remains popular. In the short term, Ecstasy can make you feel good.
In the brain, MDMA amps up the activity of three chemical messengers involved in mood regulation: serotonin, norepinephrine, and, to a lesser extent, dopamine.
Most of our conclusions about the effects of MDMA have focused on serotonin, one of the most widely studied neurotransmitters. In addition to acutely affecting mood, it's thought to affect how we sleep and experience pain.
Small neuroscientific studies of the drug suggest it may help blunt negative feelings about the past while enhancing positive ones a conclusion that would make sense given its reputation as a "love drug."
For one such study published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, women were alternately given MDMA and a placebo (without knowing which was which) and asked to recall their favorite and least favorite memories of themselves.
When given the MDMA, the women rated their favorite memories as "significantly more vivid, emotionally intense, and positive" and their worst ones as "less negative," the study's authors wrote.
You may also feel more energetic.
While some components of MDMA have psychedelic or sensory-enhancing effects, it also has stimulant properties that users say gives them the energy to dance or engage in vigorous physical activity for hours.
MDMA is at least in part a derivative of amphetamines, giving it those energy-boosting properties.
Your heart rate will increase.
Just like with other stimulants, a dose of MDMA boosts heart rate and can increase blood pressure. Dangerous side effects are much more likely when unknown chemicals (like amphetamines) have been mixed into the pills.
And it might also cause you to feel hot or give you the chills.
Those same energizing effects that boost heart rate and blood pressure also raise body temperature. Some people experience hot flashes or chills on MDMA.
It's possible that people who have taken Ecstasy in a warm place (like a packed club) and spent hours doing vigorous activity without taking time to cool down can experience hyperthermia, a rare side effect that requires medical attention. MDMA use does increase the risk of heat stroke, however.
Dehydration is also a concern in these settings, though some people who use MDMA have harmed themselves by drinking too much water to prevent this something that can also be dangerous.
Ecstasy enhances sensory experiences, which is why it's often associated with music events and sex.
MDMA not only provides prolonged euphoria, but it enhances sensory experiences like music and physical sensations like touch, people who use it say.
Users may be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, one small study found.
Ecstasy can amplify what you see, feel, and hear.
Ecstasy is both a stimulant and a psychedelic, meaning it has both energy-raising and hallucinogenic properties.
While it may not induce hallucinations outright, MDMA can seem to amplify or enhance what you see, feel, and hear. Activities like dancing, talking, and touching may appear to further intensify these feelings.
Scientists are studying MDMA's potential to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric diseases.
Despite MDMA's reputation as a party drug, neuroscientists and psychologists are hard at work studying its potential to help treat psychiatric diseases like post-traumatic stress disorder.
The drug may help people put experiences such as violence or war into perspective, enabling them to move on with their lives in a positive way.
One arm of this research involves studying MDMA use in veterans with PTSD. Study participants are given small doses of the drug alongside traditional talk therapy.
Together, the treatments could help produce faster and more measurable results, people involved in the research say.
"Psychotherapy is painful. It's slow. It's fits and starts; you start to get to something important, and then the patient disappears for a month," Julie Holland, a New York-based psychiatrist who monitors one of these studies, told Business Insider at a recent psychedelic-research conference in London.
"MDMA can act as a catalyst to make the therapy go faster and deeper," Holland said.
But more research is needed before it could be deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies is leading the charge to get MDMA approved for medical use.
The group's efforts passed a major hurdle last summer when the US Food and Drug Administration granted the drug a special designation that could fast-track its approval to treat PTSD.
Because it's still illegal, the Ecstasy bought and sold on the black market is unregulated, meaning it can be adulterated or mixed with other, cheaper drugs resulting in a dangerous product that can produce unwanted side effects.
Many case reports cited in the 1990s warning of the drug's producing "holes in your brain," for example, most likely involved adulterated forms instead of pure MDMA.
The effects of a common dose of MDMA can last for up to six hours.
A typical dose of MDMA 80 to 125 milligrams lasts for three to six hours.
Some people who use it say report having nausea as an MDMA high comes on, but most say they feel relaxation and clarity within about 45 minutes.
The peak high, often referred to as "rolling," comes on within about an hour to 90 minutes after taking the drug.
Most effects subside after three to five hours, but some people can feel the effects for a bit longer.
Your pupils will dilate, and you may become sensitive to light.
Like with other drugs, especially those with psychedelic properties, MDMA often causes pupils to dilate, and people who us it may become sensitive to light.
This effect is caused by the drug rapidly increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
MDMA has also been linked with jaw clenching and teeth grinding.
And like other drugs with stimulant properties, MDMA use can cause people who use it to clench their jaw or grind their teeth, along with increasing their heart rate. This effect is likely worsened by taking adulterated pills.
Your muscles may also feel tense, and some people can faint while on Ecstasy.
While MDMA can make people more likely to engage in physical activity, the stimulant's effects on muscles and perception are varied. Most people's reactions are impaired, some experience restless legs or stiff muscles, and, in rare cases, some have reported fainting.
Some people who use it say that coming down from the drug is accompanied by feelings of sadness or depression.
Preclinical studies suggest that using Molly may temporarily deplete the brain's serotonin stores.
Some people who use MDMA say that after the initial high wears off, they have intense feelings of sadness, anxiety, or even depression that can last from one to three days. Others say it affects their sleeping patterns and appetite as well.
We are taking you through the times when pastors, both foreign and Nigerian, declared their intentions to go into politics.
Here are seven pastors that have run for political office, in no particular order.
Pastor Tunde Bakare
2018 started with a bang when Pastor Tunde Bakare of the Latter Rain Assembly announced his plans to contest for the presidency.
The declaration was made even more interesting by the fact that it came from the pulpit during the new year eves service in Ogba, Lagos.
Bakare said, I heard the Lord say, politics is not over for you, run for president. And (the lord) said to me, Ill work it out myself and make it happen in due course.
Please trust me, I lie not in the Holy Ghost. This is not easy for me to share with you. I share this with you so that you can pray along with me.
It appears destiny is calling and the time is at hand, but who is sufficient for these things? As I hear more, Youd be the first to know by the grace of God.
This declaration got interesting reactions from Nigerians.
Pastor Chris Okotie
Before Bakare, there was Reverend Christopher Oghenebriore Okotie of the Household of God in Oregun, Lagos.
In 2003, he came with the original God said I would be president message, Sadly, this did not work out so well.
Another attempt was made in 2007. Unfortunately, he lost again, this time to the late Yaradua.
Yemi Osinbajo
Oluyemi Oluleke Yemi Osinbajo is currently the vice president of this country.
Before this, he was the Pastor in charge of the Lagos Province 48 (Olive Tree provincial headquarter) of The Redeemed Christian Church of God in Ikoyi.
He insists that he still handles both positions, saying, Just like Pastor Ibitayo has said we are on loan. I am still the pastor-in-charge of Province 48 in Lagos and my wife remains wife of the pastor-in-charge and wife of the Vice President.
This was confirmed again in 2016 after new claims that he has resigned as an RCCG Pastor.
His Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, issued a statement debunking the claim.
After calling this claim misleading and completely baseless, the statement added that Osinbajo is, in fact, the Pastor-in-Charge of RCCG Lagos Province 48, a position he has held in the past three years and in which he continues to serve.
Jesse Jackson
He got into politics when he became active in local civil rights protests in 1966. Jacksons next step was getting ordained as a minister in 1968.
This did not stop him from announcing his campaign for President of the United States on November 3, 1983. Sadly, he lost.
He tried again in 1988, captured 6.9 million votes and won 11 contests.
Pat Robertson
Pat was born Marion Gordon Robertson. As a young man, he was ordained as a minister of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1961.
Years later, he decided to switch paths by running for the presidency in September 1986.
During his campaign, he handed over his ministerial credentials. He eventually lost to George H. W. Bush.
He dabbled in politics again in 2012 when he gave a prophecy concerning the presidential elections.
On January 4, 2012, Robertson said he had received a revelation from God saying He showed me the next president.
President Obama ended up winning even though Robertson had said that God told him Obamas views were at odds with the majority.
Walter E. Fauntroy
Fauntroy is an interesting character. Like Osinbajo, he actually succeeded in having both a religious and political career.
He was a pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., a candidate for the 1972 and 1976 Democratic presidential nominations.
Fauntroy was also a Democratic delegate to the House of Representatives. He gave up his seat in Congress to run for mayor of Washington in 1990.
When he failed, he simply returned to full-time ministry after telling the Washington Post: I put together a very careful and thorough plan, but unfortunately that never got over. But I believe that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.
Canaan Banana
Unlike most people on this list, Banana actually succeeded in becoming a president. He served as the first President of Zimbabwe from 18 April 1980 until 31 December 1987.
It was a nationwide agitation that brought the National Union of Nigeria Students (NUNS) into an open confrontation with the Olusegun Obasanjo led Military government and the stern looking men of the Nigerian Army.
The bloody episode which popularized the power of Nigerian students started in April 1978, when the government asked the students to make more contributions by adding 50K to their cost of meal per day.
The increment meant that their cost of meal would rise from N1.50 to N2.00.
The then Minister of Education, Ahmadu Ali was at the centre of the matter until everything collapsed on his head.
Following the announcement, which didn't go down well with the National Union of Nigeria Students, Segun Okeowo, the then president of the union made a move to address the issue.
The students held a meeting in Maiduguri, Ilorin and finally in Calabar before taking a bold step to challenge the military government on the increment.
All along, Ali was trying to make the students believe that the increment was made by the Supreme Military Council and not by the Ministry of Education.
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However, when the NUNS realized the government was not willing to reverse its decision, they resorted to demonstration and that was the moment things began to fall apart.
And the Police fired the first shot
The first day of the protest brought the students and the Police face to face at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). A student was fired in the leg and bled to death because Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Orthopedic hospital, Igbobi refused to treat him.
That infuriated Okeowo, the national students union president who immediately sent a message to his counterparts at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the University of Ibadan and other Federal Universities.
The students' protests escalated and for over a week, they engaged themselves in an open confrontation with the Police and the Army.
Touched by the incident the student shot dead by the police in UNILAG, the students, went on a rampage and about eight other students were reportedly gunned down in Zaria by Nigerian soldiers.
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The murder of the students caused more problems for the government as the students refused to be cowed by the gun-wielding murderers sent to put the situation under control.
The protest slogan, ALI MUST GO rent the air as the Minister of Education was believed to be the cause of the crisis that led to the students' deaths.
After one week of the nationwide protest, the Federal Government shut down all universities and students were advised to leave the campus.
The Segun Okeowo led students union and the ALI MUST GO saga remains a notable students led aluta in Nigeria.
In 2017, most of the theatrical releases we saw were underwhelming. A sharp contrast to cinema films, streaming platforms such has iROKOtv had more to offer, especially, storywise.
Movies such as "Jail," "Displaced," "Tiwa's Baggage," 'Ovy's Voice," "Glimpse," "Displaced," "Back Up Wife," "For my Girls" and "Bound by Tradition" were some of the good ones that were released on the site.
There may be reservations regarding the monetary worth of these medium-sized movie projects, but there's no doubt that they create gems and talents that deserve to be talked more about.
These movies do not receive heavy marketing as their cinema counterpart: If you're not paying close attention, you would miss trailers and posters.
Consider this: If "Backup Wife" by Uduak Isong was scheduled for a cinema release, you would be bombarded with trailers, posters, character posters and other marketing techniques, that you would either be enthusiastic or indifferent. Either way, you would be aware that a movie was headed to the cinema.
In 2017, iROKOtv invested and co-produced cinema movies such as Picture Perfect, Dance to My Beat, and Body Language, which ended up on the streaming platform after their cinema run.
Also, high budget films such as "October 1," "Gbomo Gbomo Express," "Rebecca" and "A Trip to Jamaica" after some time end up on the site.
Meanwhile, some filmmakers simply release their films straight to the platform.
The limited time frame on cinema releases has also given streaming platforms such as iRoko TV an edge. For instance, a cash-grabbing movie or blockbuster is most likely to have a favourable run than a low budget film by an unknown filmmaker and cast.
The streaming platform also eventually becomes home to low budget films that couldn't enjoy a favorable cinema run.
A film which didn't get to last long in theatres ends up getting more exposure because of the platform's huge subscriber base.
"I just want my films to be seen by more people," a popular filmmaker who has released several movies on IrokoTV told Pulse Nigeria.
In 2017, actors such as Yvonne Jegede, Alexx Ekubo, Seun Akindele, Bimbo Ademoye, Deyemi Okanlawon and Liz Benson, who were missing on the big screen, featured in some recommendable movies available on Iroko TV.
To properly deliver the kind of content their subscribers want, the CEO Jason Njoku and Co. constantly comb the data from iROKOtv in search of popular trends in terms of genres, actors, themes. The acquired information is used to better inform their commissioning decisions.
We produce content that will excite and entertain our customers," Njoku said to Pulse Nigeria.
Now, this doesnt mean we just repeat the same formula ad infinitum - we want to push the boundaries creatively, to ensure we improve and build on our uncatalogued. But at the heart of every commissioning decision is what the ROK or iROKOtv customer wants.
ALSO READ: HOW IROKOTV IS CHANGING HOW YOU WATCH TELEVISION
Are streaming platforms a threat to cinema movie experience?
Also, movie tickets often cost 1500 naira per movie, a price that is almost a whole year's access to the entire movies on IrokoTV - trash, average or great.
The affordability, convenience and the number of options platforms such as Iroko TV offer cannot be dismissed, but according to Newton Aduaka, the Artistic Director of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), there's something special about the cinema feeling that cannot be duplicated elsewhere.
"And I think its funny because there's an inverse thing going on where cinemas are closing in Europe and America, but what's interesting is that across Africa, cinema is getting a resuscitation and there are cinemas being built here and there," he told Pulse Nigeria.
"I hope that we [Nollywood] can take up that mantle and bring back that shared experience of sitting in a space with 200, 300 people."
While IrokoTV seems to have found quite an audience in millennials, the cinema in its own way still has a unique experience to offer. And if the numbers are to be believed, the Nigerian cinema is on a steady rise.
A video shared by AFP News revealed adherents of the doctrine display some dancing rites before their leaders got down to the business of disclosing what to be expected.
The gathering which saw a mixture of people of African and Hispanic origins also offered cheerful choruses to stir up the mood.
"The 'babalawos' write a 'Letter of the Year' containing prophesies for their followers," a report by AFP revealed.
In the visuals, a group of men mostly dressed in white-coloured outfits spoke about their intentions concerning the anticipated predictions.
ALSO READ: Pastor Adeboye says this year will bring rays of hope
A black man named Lazaro Cuesta held out a paper and offered these comments:
"The Letter of the Year is not political. It does not take sides,
"The Letter of the Year doesn't speak to one person in particular. It speaks to everyone," he said.
Cuesta, who is the Vice-President of the Cultural Association Yoruba of Cuba (CAYC), talked about anticipated challenges in Agriculture due to low soil fertility.
"In the ruling sign this year, Osa She is very serious problem of mother earth by low soil fertility, low call human resources to this sector and the rush that is introduced into the ecology level world."
Speaking concerning the rising horrors in respect to a declining environment, he added, "the abundance of today will become tomorrow's shortage."
What is Santeria?
The religion Santeria, also known as La Regla de Ifa, is a doctrine that started in Spanish territories among people of West African origin.
According to Wikipedia, it means "worship of saints" and is connected with Roman Catholicism.
Its sacred language referred to as Lumini, is a variety of Yoruba.
The belief system of the doctrine entails a fusion of Yoruba religion which was introduced by enslaved Yoruba people, combined with Christianity and the practices of the native Americans.
Santeria was born based on a desire to protect the traditions of the races involved in a new cultural environment which happened to be Cuba at the time.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased, who was in the state Pension Board, died on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, few days after allegedly receiving his sack letter.
The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Petra Onyegbule, told NAN in Lokoja that the late Ameh and four others in the State Pension Board were sacked due to alleged misappropriation of Pensioners fund.
According to Onyegbule, a nine-man Senior Management Committee was set up by the State Government, which had Mr Aiyedero Jethro, the Acting Permanent Secretary as Chairman, and Mr John Ekele, the Acting Director of Finance as the Secretary, for fair hearing.
She added that an emergency meeting of the committee was held on May 4, 2017, which drew the attention of the members to the report from the State Intelligence Bureau and the review of the same by State Auditor-General, Mr Yusuf Okala.
She said that the report was on a case of misappropriation of Pensioners fund, forwarded to the office of the Head of Civil Service by the Secretary to the State Government where the governor had directed that immediate action be taken appropriately.
In the report, the auditor-general recommended the immediate dismissal of all civil servants indicted in the police report.
Based on the personal confession by Mr Alphonsus Ameh to the State Intelligence Bureau and that he (Ameh) has commenced repayment, attested to the fact that he actually committed the fraud.
The late Ameh confirmed to the committee that he received a sum of N2 million as his own share of the looted pensioners fund, which he thought was a Christmas bonus.
Ameh also confirmed that he had refunded part of the money, and pleaded that the committee should temper justice with mercy, considering the numbers of years he had spent in the service.
The committee said that since Ameh affirmed his participation in the sharing of the misappropriated fund, coupled with the fact that he (Ameh) had commenced refunding part of the money, confirmed that he was guilty of the offence.
The committee added that Ameh has violated the Public Service Rule (PSR) No. 4, section 04401 No. VIII, XI and XII, liable to dismissal from the Service, and therefore, recommended that the punishment stipulated by the PSR should be upheld as a deterrent to other civil servants.
The community influencer quit a 27-year-old job as a secretary at a school located in Zomba, a southern Malawi district.
A report published by Al Jazeera described her as one who is invested in nurturing her hospitable personality - a factor that will have her demand that her visitors enjoy a meal before discussing the purpose of their journey.
Based on this incredible image, a position that will ensure an end to a social worm that have seen young girls submit to early marriages was perhaps the most ideal for her and that is what she got according to Al Jazeera.
Her Monkey Bay community had appointed her a chief because she was "good with people". It seemed like an impossible and unbelievable privilege for Kachindamoto who was the least favourite to assume that position among her siblings.
After going through the traditional rites that accompanies such a role, the woman resumed to her leadership post to the shock of child marriages.
According to reports, she discovered girls as young as 12 years old having babies as well as their teenage husbands.
This prompted her to take measures aimed at eradicating a problem which had her announcing to the subjects that she wasn't going to allow their lifestyle to continue.
"I told them: 'Whether you like it or not, I want these marriages to be terminated.'," Kachindamoto was reported to have said.
Her intense pursuit of the cause has the support of the government whose parliament had passed a law discouraging Malawi girls from marrying before the age of 18.
In the year 2012, a survey conducted by the United Nations ranked "Malawi 8th out of 20 countries thought to have the highest child-marriage rates in the world", Al Jazeera mentioned in its report.
A member of a mothers group in the village of Chimoya, located in Dedza district, Emilida Misomali, thinks the motivation behind the early marriages in the community is based on the weak financial strength of its residents.
This has made most parents in the environment insist on giving out their daughters.
The long arm of the law has failed to reach those in rural communities who appeared to have gladly indulged themselves in the oversight.
"Most of them say 'It's better that she gets married. We can't afford to keep her ... she will make us poorer'," says Misomali while describing the mentality of the parents.
Child marriage in Nigeria
The child bride pandemic appears to be an Africa-wide affair.
Some cultures in Nigeria are known for supporting unions between an older man and a child.
A civil Nigerian society however has no love for such a relationship.
The desire to have it removed introduced the #ChildNotBride campaign which saw public protests against the practice.
Part of the demands of the participants included ensuring that the Nigerian Senate make a law that will make it punishable to marry a girl who has not clocked 18.
Assistant Commissioner (AC) Zailanni Amit, indicated that the alleged rape which caused the little girl to bleed from her pubic region, occurred a day before the arrest according to the New Straits Times.
The sexual abuse happened late in the evening at the victim's home.
Amit disclosed that her mother as well as her grandmother were in another room chatting while she was alone with the abuser.
An attempt to unlock the door to where the man confined himself alongside her daughter was met with some difficulty as the assaulter reportedly locked the door.
He managed to escape as soon as the concerned mum was able to enter the room. She opened her arms to a daughter who was overwhelmed with pain following the attempted rape.
"When he finally did (open the door) minutes later, the victim immediately ran out of the room crying. The man then ran out of the house," revealed Amit.
The police representative mentioned that the man who is a labourer got attracted to the girl after having a shower. He reportedly moved into the apartment two years prior to the incident to take care of the victim's grandmother.
There are pedophiles in Nigeria
There have been many instances of child rape between grown-up men and toddlers as young as three years of age. Most of these acts are committed by suspects who have access to the family, particularly people who live in the same house.
In Ibadan, Nigeria, Mr. Shuaibu Ahmed, a 70-year-old ex-soldier sexually assaulted a girl of 14 who is five months pregnant, by paying her N100 after getting her disvirgined.
The victim in a report by Vanguard News revealed that her tormentor who also threatened to kill her if she divulged details of their activities acknowledged that he raped her.
The name is somewhat scary, granted but it is the most beautiful thing youve ever seen.
If youve been at any parties or concerts in the past few months, youve seen it done before.
Theres no way to describe it, except that when the music drops, one arm goes over the other and the legs begin to move in a way that makes you want to stand up and throw your home training out the window.
To be honest, we dont really know what it is about Shaku-Shaku.
The very expressive and interesting dance step is catching a fast buzz across the city of Lagos, as you may have expected.
To label it a dance of the streets would not be wrong.
Most people first became aware of the term Shaku Shaku after Dammy Krane released his song of the same title in December.
However, Shaku Shaku has its origins on the vibrant streets of Agege. Agege is most known for its retail markets and major roads. But along its inner streets, a strong street culture is influencing the music scene.
In the last few months, everyones favourite artiste has taken a shot at dancing Shaku Shaku.
Artistes in tune with the streets, like Lil Kesh and Mayorkun, regularly show off the dance during their performances.
With Hennessy coursing through his veins and Zlatan Ibiles song My Body featuring Olamide playing in the background, Davido has also been captured on camera doing the Shaku-shaku dance.
But its not really from the streets until the King of the streets endorses it.
The most popular video of anyone doing the dance at the moment features none other than Olamide.
In the video, which is supposed to be one of those amateur precursors to a music video, Olamide is seen doing the dance to his song Say Say Maley, off his recently released studio album.
There are many things Badoo isnt good at, but dancing isnt one of them.
Add Tiwa Savage, Niniola to that list and you get an idea of how fast this dance style is catching fire.
So why exactly is the dance style so big?
Nobody knows bro, but its provocative.
Ok. Scratch that.
Shaku Shaku enjoys the distinction of being one of those truly street trends.
The dance was not popularised by any particular music video or artiste; instead, it grew from small parties and hangouts to where it is now; slowly becoming a major trend.
To be fair, theres no way to ignore the role that the music of Lagos mainlands inner streets has played in advancing the dance style.
Within suburbs like Agege and the slums of Mushin, there is a distinct bass-heavy, chaotic sound that is as popular among the people there as it gets.
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When you hear it, it may sound like noise but to fans of the sound, it is something that reflects their identity; a distinct beauty in the middle of raw chaos.
The Shaku Shaku dance is tailor-made for that sound, which is why when Lil Kesh tried to dance it to his song Rora, it seemed like all was not well with the world.
The dance trend has inspired the creation of an entire sub-genre of songs, made specifically for the dance.
Two of these songs have become massive sleeper hits in their own regard; their success has also elevated the careers of two underground acts that you would do well to pay attention to.
A dance style is producing new underground stars
Their names? Idowest and Slimcase.
The songs? Legbelegbe by DJ Real featuring Obadice and Idowest.
The other song, Shepeteri features Idowest and Slimcase alongside none other than Dammy Krane.
The fourth edition of Olamides OLIC provided a clear indication of how big shaku-shaku and the songs made for it have become.
Before Olamide graced the stage, at least five different artistes whipped out their own shaku-shaku to varying level of success.
But nothing could have prepared anyone for the commotion and raw passion that grabbed the audience when Slimcase graced the stage to perform Shepeteri among other songs.
PROVO, Utah, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daplie; on a mission to challenge the status quo for centralized cloud storage services and take back citizens Internet privacy, digital ownership, and control of personal information, today announced the worldwide debut of Daplie Connect, the world's first home server for everyone at CES 2018. Daplie will be on-display in booth #52342 in Eureka Park throughout CES, which takes place January 7-12, 2018 in Las Vegas.
Daplie allows consumers to take back their Internet privacy, digital ownership, and control of their personal data and information and keep it secure and private on servers they control and manage in their home or office and share with people and devices, including smart home devices, without relinquishing ownership, control, or privacy a true industry first. Daplie executives will be onsite to discuss Connect and other new Daplie hardware solutions for homes, businesses, smart devices, and emerging distributed technologies such as blockchain.
CES LOGISTICS:
1. CES Unveiled Shorelines Exhibit Hall, Mandalay Bay Sunday, January 7, 2018 5 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 2. CES 2018 Eureka Park Sands Convention Center Tuesday, January 9 Friday, January 12, 2018 Hall G Booth #: 52342
MEET DAPLIE CONNECT:
Daplie Connect is an at-home, plug-and-play omnipresent home server and cloud storage system allowing users to host websites, apps, and email; store documents, music, videos, and photos; ensure social privacy; manage smart home and IoT and more all with one upfront investment and no monthly fees.
Out of the box, Daplie is ready to go in a matter of minutes with one simple plug and an automated setup process handled by its companion app. Users can easily grant and revoke data access to family and friends at will, and with Daplies end-to-end encryption, users are better protected from hacks and threats against their digital assets. With its stackable Daplie Storage drives, users can store up to 8TB of data without the hassle of extra cords. Daplie takes the power away from behemoth corporations like Google, Apple, Verizon, and Amazon and gives it back to freedom fighters who want to own and control their digital lives.
Daplie executives will also be discussing the Companys soon-to-close second funding campaign via Wefunder. The Companys first round was oversubscribed having to turn away over 300 investors. Both accredited and non-accredited investors may participate in the current Wefunder campaign through January 19, 2018. For more information on how to invest visit https://wefunder.com/daplie.
PRODUCTS & PRICING
Daplie Connect: 2GB RAM, Multi-Core ARM CPU, 2X USB ports, 2X Ethernet, 5v power (20 w max.). Dimensions: 140mm wide x 30mm tall, 23 ounces. MSRP $295.
Daplie Life Storage Drive: 2TB capacity. MSRP $149.
Daplie Connect + Life: Daplie Connect server + (1) 2TB Daplie Life drive. Max of 4 stackable storage drivers per server (8 TB total). MSRP $399.
AVAILABILITY
Daplie will begin product shipments of its Daplie Connect home server system to its pre-order customers starting in April 2018. The Company also reiterated its Q3 2018 ship date guidance for general availability worldwide.
ABOUT DAPLIE CONNECT
Daplie Connect downloads all your digital content from your phone, tablet, computer, and other cloud storage services to a physical unit you keep at home, or even a network of Daplie Connect devices you trust. Through the app or using a private domain name (i.e. smithfamily.net); you have access to all your content, on any device, on any platform, from anywhere. No monthly fees, no restrictions, just the freedom to use the Internet on your terms, not somebody elses. Now in the final stages of development and testing, the flagship product Connect is affordable, simpler to use than Dropbox, and fully automated.
DAPLIE IS INTERNET FREEDOM
With Daplie you are free from surveillance. Free to safely and conveniently file share. Free to access your data from any device across any platform. Free from monthly rent and the hassles of multiple clouds. Free from the restrictions of big cloud dictatorship. Free to imagine: your own social network, a family shared system, small business solutions, hosting your own website, decentralized applications. With Daplie, the possibilities are endless. For more information please visit www.daplie.com.
Media Contact:
Susan Donahue for Daplie
Skyya
Susan.Donahue@skyya.com
646-454-9378
As is the norm at Pulse, we took a fine tooth-comb to the president's January, 1, 2018 address and found the following flaws....
1. Buhari didnt take responsibility for the petrol queues
Supply gaps in the petrol value chain first became queues in the first week of December 2017. The governments immediate reaction was to dismiss the crisis as panic buying.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its GMD, Maikanti Baru, blamed panic buying for the apparent petrol shortages across the country.
As December tapered into Christmas, the queues grew even longer and petrol became unavailable at most gas stations.
Buhari is substantive minister of petroleum. The buck stops on his desk and he should be shouldering the blame for the scarcity of petrol during the yuletide.
In his New Year message, the president deflected blame to marketers and refused to take responsibility.
According to the President; I am saddened to acknowledge that for many, this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy. Instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some of our compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country.
"The consequence was that not many could travel and the few who did had to pay exorbitant transport fares. This is unacceptable given that NNPC had taken measures to ensure availability at all depots. I am determined to get to the root of this collective blackmail of all Nigerians and ensure that whichever groups are behind this manipulated hardship will be prevented from doing so again.
Such unpatriotism will not divert the administration from the course we have set ourselves.
Who were these compatriots who chose to inflict severe hardship on us all? Who were these unpatriotic Nigerians so powerful they held a whole nation to ransom during the festive season?
If Buhari couldn't tackle these nameless guys before the crisis went into overdrive; if the petroleum minister sat pretty whilst a bunch of marketers messed up his ministry and his people and ruined their Christmas for good, of what use is he?
Buhari was supposed to be the tough guy who wouldnt allow anyone hold him to ransom.
And how come the administration didnt tackle the crisis headlong until Nigerians could no longer find petrol to buy?
What if Buharis New Year script had contained the following words: As Petroleum Resources Minister and C-in-C, I take full responsibility for the petrol scarcity which ensured that this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy for Nigerians. We promise that this wont happen again under my watch.
What if he had muttered those lines passionately while looking directly into the cameras?
Well, he didnt.
In his New Year message to millions of Nigerians, the president missed a golden opportunity to earn another leadership epaulet.
2. Buhari shouldnt have called Nigerians impatient
There are no people on earth as patient and tolerant of inept leadership as Nigerians.
For years, Nigerians have endured poor and rudderless leadership from the elite; for years; Nigerians have been pushed to walls and scorned; for years, Nigerians have had no decent road surfaces to drive on; for decades, Nigerians have taken suffering and economic hardship on the chin, mouthing the religious cliche one day, e go beta, while flocking to churches to seek for a change in their fortunes.
The average Nigerian is the very definition of patience. He's been bruised and battered by government, but he trudges on with his hustle no less.
However, his president doesnt think so. He gives him no props for his longsuffering.
We Nigerians can be very impatient and want to improve our conditions faster than may be possible considering our resources and capabilities. When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure, Buhari said on New Years day.
It was a most insensitive and tone-deaf thing to say in whatever context, on the first day of the year.
3. No mention of ghost employees in federal agencies
President Buhari addressed the nation just hours after his administration was pilloried and bashed for appointing as many as eight dead persons into federal agencies.
Yet there was no space in Buharis speech for a gaffe that should thoroughly embarrass the presidency.
The president could have used the opportunity of his nationwide broadcast to apologise for the error and explain why it happened.
But he didnt.
4. Buhari doesnt believe in restructuring and that's sad
Hopes of restructuring the Nigerian federation under Buhari, perished on January 1, 2018.
Long live restructuring as a concept or policy proposition while Buhari remains the nations number one citizen.
In Buharis words: In respect of political developments, I have kept a close watch on the on-going debate about Restructuring.
When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure.
"We tried the parliamentary system: we jettisoned it. Now there are shrill cries for a return to the parliamentary structure. In older democracies, these systems took centuries to evolve so we cannot expect a copied system to fit neatly our purposes.
Exactly how not to kill an idea whose time has come.
The governor made the appeal at the launch of Emblem for the Appeal Week in commemoration of the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held in Ibadan on Thursday.
Ajimobi, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo, said the state government would continue to support activities of the Nigerian Legion.
He added that our administration will continue to support activities of Nigerian Legion, especially in those viable projects meant for the dependants of fallen heroes.
Nigeria, being a prominent member of the global body, found herself involved in many peace keeping missions within and beyond the borders of Africa.
It is on record that many of our soldiers lost their lives in these exercises, leaving a lot of responsibilities for their unprepared families.
I appeal to public-spirited individuals, industrialists, commercial firms, organisations, philanthropists and all to donate generously to the Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Week Fund.
The gesture will assist people living with disabilities, less privileged ex-servicemen and women. Nothing is too little for the families of our fallen heroes and heroines.
Ajimobi applauded the efforts of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari and the military in combating insurgency in the North East of the country.
The governor also commended the legion in the state for imitating various relief packages designed to make legionnaires and their dependants self-sustaining.
Mrs Folake Oshunkoya, the states Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, appealed to Nigerians to spare a thought for the widows and dependants of the fallen heroes.
She also applauded the efforts of the Nigerian Legion and the widows for keeping their family together.
Earlier, Deacon Michael Fajimi, the state Chairman, Nigerian Legion, said the celebration was a day for sober reflection by all and sundry.
Fajimi said any amount given to the veterans and fallen heroes should be seen as a wise spending in the right direction.
He appreciated the state government for its untiring support to the Nigerian Legion in the state.
The anti-graft agency often comes in for plenty of stick from opposition elements and pundits alike; for making a mess of its anti-corruption cases in courts and embarking on 'witch-hunts' in the name of reining in allegedly corrupt persons.
However, in a tweet posted on January 4, 2018, the EFCC claims its 189 convictions secured in a calendar year, is a milestone in the war against corruption in Nigeria.
The breakdown was given as follows:
Abuja - 43
Enugu - 13
Gombe - 10
Kaduna - 1
Kano - 33
Lagos - 61
Maiduguri - 1
Port-Harcourt - 27
The petition signed by the President of the CSO, Abubakar Abdulsalam, alleged that the officer, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, committed the offence on Nov. 23, 2017.
It indicated that the police officer, while in charge of Safer Highways Patrol Team, arrested the farmers who were working on their farms at the outskirts of Gombi town, tied and shot them to death.
The petition further alleged that the same officer had on April 30, 2016, while in charge of a police outpost in Kem village, Shelleng Local Government area of the state, killed four people suspected of committing robbery.
We as a concerned organization consider the act of the suspect (policeman) as an act against the provision of the Constitution and infringement on the fundamental rights of the people in question.
If such act is not checked it will continue to spread like wild fire and eventually Nigeria will be unsafe for its citizens, it added.
In a statement released by the group's spokesperson, Emma Powerful, on Thursday, January 4, 2018, he said the channel, named "Radio Nigeria Hausa service" will help IPOB to spark "a mass revolution against our oppressors".
Powerful revealed that the station will have daily broadcasts after it commences on Saturday, January 6, at 7pm.
The statement read, "The broadcast will have the widest coverage of any radio signal in Africa.
"It will be received all over West, East and Southern Africa. Every Hausa speaking community in Africa will be able to receive it.
"In our opinion, we feel it has become imperative to educate the poor masses of northern Nigeria. The ruling class cleverly enslaved and impoverished ethnic populations of the north by keeping vital information and knowledge away from them.
"This information deficit is what Radio Nigeria Hausa Service has come to remedy."
Powerful further said that the new development proves that IPOB's aim is to pursue an agenda of freedom that liberates all Nigerians, saying that the group remains resolute in confronting the evils in the country.
He continued, "Regardless of ethnicity, religion or creed, IPOB is pursuing an agenda of freedom for all.
"Our message is very simple, 2018 will be like no other in the history of Nigeria and will prove to be the year of liberation for those brave enough to confront the evil that Nigeria has become in the lives of millions of people.
"This move today is the beginning of a mass revolution against our oppressors that will spread outside the borders of Biafraland.
Ogbeh condoled with the deceased families across the country in a statement issued by Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunmakinwa, on behalf of the Director of Information in the ministry, on Thursday in Abuja.
The minister described the killings as extremely disturbing.
According to him, we entered the New Year with hope, prayers but it has turned out now that across the country from Kaduna, Rivers, Benue, and Kwara states is nothing but a harvest of deaths.
We believe that some of the killings have to do with clashes between herdsmen and farmers.
This is just to express sadness at the continued spate of killings across the country.
The killings are extremely disturbing and we do not know how a country can hope to enjoy happiness and fruits of Gods blessings when people engage so violently in hurting each other.
I express condolences to those who have lost their beloved ones.
The minister expressed optimism that current efforts by the government to grow the economy of the country, would help to reduce the clashes.
We do hope, however, that as the economy grows and people get busier, this degree of desperation, anger and venom will definitely decline.
We are sad and we do pray that every Nigerian will continue to pray to God to bring us freedom and relief from this situation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that gunmen suspected to be herdsmen invaded Guma and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue on Jan.1, and attacked members of the communities.
Gov. Samuel Ortom had on Jan. 2, told newsmen that no fewer than 20 persons were killed in the mayhem.
The Head, Press and Public Relations of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr Josiah Emerole, made this known in a statement in Abuja.
Emerole explained that the delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.
Others members are the Director-General, NAPTIP, Julie Okah-Donli, and Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Diaspora Matters, he said.
He said that the delegation departed the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday at 9:20a.m on-board the Nigeria Air Force Flight N5FGS.
He said that they would also engage the Libyan Authorities, Nigerian officials and Nigeria citizens living there, as well as International organisations working on migration issues in Libya.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following reports of the enslavement of Nigerian Migrants in Libya, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the evacuation of all Nigerians trapped in the country back home.
The President also set up a team led by the Foreign Affairs Minister to work out modalities for carrying out the mass evacuation.
Since then, some high level meetings have been held among various Federal Government Agencies with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, presiding.
Emerole quoted the NAPTIPs Director-General as saying that, the Agency is ready to assist victims of human trafficking who will be returning to Nigeria to get properly reintegrated back into the Nigerian Society.
Our Counsellors are fully ready to receive the returnees and give them the needed psycho-social assistance for proper reintegration into the society.
We will also help them with all the necessary tools to sustain themselves including vocational training and education assistance.
This will be done with assistance from Government, Corporate bodies and the international organisations.
The acting Governor of the state, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, made the call at the opening ceremony of the 21st State Annual Quran Recitation Competition in Gusau on Thursday.
Wakkala, who described Zamfara as the best state in Quran tajjawid and memorisation in the country and even beyond, stressed that the Holy Quran was not a book that people could toy with anyhow.
He said it was a book that contained complete way and ways of mans life and everything on earth as ordained by Almighty Allah and as such, the Holy Quran should be securely kept at a clean place.
He said the state recently emerged overall winner at the international Quran recitation competition held in Saudi Arabia.
He, therefore, urged scholars to educate people on the importance of glorifying the Holy Quran.
He urged the recitation contestants to be God fearing and hard working so that both their locality and state would be proud of them.
North and South Korea earlier Wednesday reopened the communication channel that had been shut since 2016, following an offer from North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to send a team to next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea.
"It is always a positive development to have a dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.
Guterres "welcomes the reopening of the inter-Korean communication channel," he added.
UN Security Council resolutions call for the de-nuclearization of the Korean peninsula and "we hope that enhanced diplomatic initiatives will help to achieve that goal," said Haq.
South Korea has offered to hold talks with the North on January 9 to discuss "matters of mutual interest" including the North's Olympic participation.
Guterres' support for inter-Korean dialogue stood in contrast to remarks from US Ambassador Nikki Haley, who on Tuesday dismissed the overtures between Pyongyang and Seoul as a "Band-Aid".
The United States, backed by Japan, is pushing for sanctions and total isolation of Kim's regime in response to a series of missile launches and nuclear tests.
Russia, and North Korea's sole major ally China, have repeatedly called for talks to de-escalate tensions, but the United States has been adamant that Pyongyang must first freeze its military programs.
Haley warned on Tuesday that if Pyongyang carries out another missile test, it would face the likelihood of even more sanctions.
The electricity payments have been a key issue in ongoing efforts at reconciliation between Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's Fatah.
A cut in PA payments to Israel to supply power to Gaza in June reduced the amount being delivered to the Palestinian territory by some 50 megawatts. Many residents had been left with around four hours of electricity per day as a result.
The restoration of the 50 megawatts will return the Gaza Strip to the situation it faced before June, when public mains electricity was supplied to residents in eight-hour cycles.
Businesses and residents in the Gaza Strip who can afford them use generators to supplement electricity supply.
Announcing the reversal, the PA government said Wednesday it "took this decision to ease the hardships faced by Gaza residents."
The cut came as part of measures taken by Abbas to pressure Hamas after the Islamist movement created what was seen as a shadow government in the Gaza Strip.
Israel had not commented on the PA's decision or confirmed when it could begin restoring the power cut.
The UN envoy for the Middle East peace process, Nickolay Mladenov, called the PA's decision "a positive development that should ease the humanitarian situation in Gaza and increase the chances of returning the strip under the control of the Palestinian Authority."
Israeli NGO Gisha, which monitors humanitarian conditions in Gaza, also welcomed the PA decision, but said more must be done.
"Even if supply is restored, much more needs to be done to meet actual demand for electricity," it said.
"Israel must cooperate to solve the ongoing electricity crisis in the strip."
Hamas and Fatah signed a landmark reconciliation accord in Cairo in October aiming to end their decade-long feud and hand power in the Gaza Strip back to the Palestinian Authority.
Reconciliation efforts however later stalled and the rival factions missed a December deadline to transfer power in Gaza.
English French
Bureau Veritas acquires
Lubrication Management SL from IK4-TEKNIKER in Spain
The acquisition further expands the Group's global footprint of
oil condition monitoring laboratories
Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, January 4, 2018 - Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, announced today that it has acquired a majority shareholding in Lubrication Management SL (previously the industrial oil analysis Business Unit of IK4-TEKNIKER), a European oil analysis leader. The laboratory, near Bilbao, Spain, will form the European hub for Bureau Veritas' global network of oil condition monitoring laboratories.
Founded in 1981, IK4-Tekniker has built a world renowned reputation for lubrication services in industrial markets. The Lubrication Management division has 26 employees and generated around EUR 4 million revenues in 2017.
The experience and platforms developed by Lubrication Management SL for the wind turbine oil, transformer oil and grease analysis markets complement well Bureau Veritas' existing expertise in oil condition monitoring. Bureau Veritas and IK4-Tekniker plan to continue a strategic partnership focused on research and development for machinery condition monitoring.
"Bureau Veritas' ambition is to be recognized as a global leading player for oil condition monitoring by 2020. This acquisition is an important milestone in the development of our OPEX strategy", said Didier Michaud-Daniel, Chief Executive Officer of Bureau Veritas. "Lubrication Management reinforces our focus on the development of value added services and data management aimed at maximizing customers' operational performance."
"This is an exciting new phase for Lubrication Management as our core values of quality, service excellence and technical expertise are shared by both companies," said Jesus Terradillos, Director of Technological Services at Lubrication Management SL - IK4-TEKNIKER. "Our customers can look forward to continued expertise and excellent customer service, supported by a global company that is synonymous with high quality, professionalism and integrity."
About Bureau Veritas Bureau Veritas is a world leader in laboratory testing, inspection and certification services. Created in 1828, the Group has 74,000 employees located in 1,400 offices and laboratories around the globe. Bureau Veritas helps its clients improve their performance by offering services and innovative solutions in order to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.
Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the Next 20 index.
Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI.
For more information, visit www.bureauveritas.com
TVGE, the official news channel in the tiny west African nation, said security forces had killed "a mercenary... and used gunfire to disperse them (others) in the forests along the border".
The report did not mention how many "mercenaries" were involved or for how long clashes lasted.
Hours earlier, Security Minister Nicolas Obama Nchama told public radio that the country had thwarted a "coup" in December that was aimed at toppling Obiang, Africa's longest serving president.
"Mercenaries... were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers," he said.
The plot had been prevented thanks to an operation carried out "in collaboration with the Cameroon security services", Obama said.
The announcement came after Cameroon on December 27 arrested 38 heavily-armed men on the border with the tiny state.
Two days later, Equatorial Guinea's ambassador to France, Miguel Oyono Ndong Mifumu, referred to the incident as an "invasion and destabilisation attempt".
The suspects, taken into custody in a bus on the border, had rocket launchers, rifles and a stockpile of ammunition, according to his office.
On Saturday, the 75-year-old Obiang said "a war" was being prepared against his regime, "because they say I have spent a lot of time in power".
Obiang has been president for more than 38 years.
He took power in a coup on August 3, 1979, ousting his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad. He was re-elected to a fifth seven-year term in 2016.
Equatorial Guinea is one of sub-Sahara's biggest oil producers but a large proportion of its 1.2 million population still lives in poverty.
"There were a maximum of 1,500 people in each place and the number of trouble-makers did not exceed 15,000 people nationwide," he said on the Guards' website.
"A large number of the trouble-makers at the centre of the sedition, who received training from counter-revolutionaries... have been arrested and there will be firm action against them."
Jafari said the Guards, a parallel security force directly loyal to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, only intervened "in a limited way" in the provinces of Isfahan, Lorestan and Hamedan.
Protests over economic problems broke out in second city Mashhad on December 28 and quickly spread across the country, turning against the regime as a whole.
A total of 21 people have died in the unrest, with protesters attacking government buildings and police stations in some areas.
"The counter-revolutionaries intervened massively on social media," Jafari said.
He said thousands were based abroad and trained by the United States, while internal "monarchists" and supporters of the exiled People's Mujahideen opposition group were also involved.
"The lack of action" by Iranian officials to shut down online supporters of the unrest had "reinforced the troubles", he said.
A jury found Mehmet Hakan Atilla, deputy chief executive of Turkish lender Halkbank, guilty of five counts of bank fraud and conspiracy.
The federal trial hinged on the testimony of well-connected Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab, who became a government witness after admitting his involvement in the multi-billion-dollar gold-for-oil scheme to subvert US economic sanctions against Iran.
His testimony implicated former Turkish ministers and even President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in the scheme, and identified 47-year-old Atilla as a key organizer
Zarrab, a prominent gold trader, agreed to testify after striking a deal to plead guilty to violating US sanctions.
Before the trial, Erdogan reportedly pressed US President Donald Trump to quell the investigation and strongly criticized Washington, calling the case a "plot" aimed at hurting Turkey.
Acting US Attorney Joon Kim said the case was a warning to anyone who would violate US sanctions.
"Foreign banks and bankers have a choice: You can choose willfully to help Iran and other sanctioned nations evade US law, or you can choose to be part of the international banking community transacting in US dollars. But you can't do both," Kim said in a statement.
Diego Nieto's departure, confirmed to AFP by a ministry official, comes after the culture minister Salvador del Solar resigned. The head of the country's public broadcaster has also quit.
The political turmoil follows street protests triggered by Kuczynski's December 24 pardon.
Fujimori, 79, had been imprisoned for more than a decade, serving a 25-year sentence for commanding death squads and other brutality during his 1990-2000 rule.
He is currently in a clinic, where he was transferred after suffering low blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat. His family posted a video of him pleading for forgiveness from the Peruvian people.
The pardon is being viewed by many in Peru as a reward by Kuczynski to Fujimori's family, after Fujimori's son Kenji, a lawmaker, drained votes away from an impeachment vote in Congress against the president, who is being investigated for possible corruption.
Kuczynski barely survived the impeachment vote, but the center-right leader, a former Wall Street banker, remains weakened in power, with the opposition in charge of congress.
Nieto's resignation had been rumored for days, with he and Kuczynski said to be at odds over the pardon.
The defense minister was absent at the swearing-in of the country's new interior minister a week ago, with his explanation that we was unwell unconvincing to some.
Nieto, a leftwing politician, had previously been culture minister.
Lawmakers had scrutinized the president for allegedly lying to cover up his ties to Odebrecht, a giant Brazilian construction company that has admitted to paying bribes to officials across Latin America to secure public works contracts.
After initial denials, Kuczynski in December admitted he had taken money from Odebrecht for what he and the Brazilian company insisted were legitimate consulting fees. He denies any wrongdoing.
The money was received between 2004 and 2013, a period during part of which Kuczynski was economy minister and head of cabinet for then-president Alejandro Toledo.
"As darkness fell, the Hmeimim air base was subjected to sudden mortar shelling from a mobile group of militants. As a result of the shelling, two servicemen were killed," the defence ministry said in a statement to Russian news agencies.
Security around the Hmeimim base was being stepped up after the mortar attack, the ministry added.
The Kommersant business daily reported seven military planes had been "practically destroyed" in the attack, citing two military-diplomatic sources, but the ministry said the report was "fake".
The news comes a day after the ministry announced a Russian helicopter crash in Syria that killed two pilots following a technical fault, also on 31 December.
Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Syria last month where he ordered the start of a pullout of Russian troops, saying their task in the war-torn country had been largely completed.
Three battalions of military police and officers from the Russian Center for Reconciliation would remain in Syria, as well as two Russian bases, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on a subsequent trip.
Russia became involved in the multi-front conflict in September 2015, when it began an aerial campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad's military.
European leaders have largely stuck to bland expressions of concern as the demonstrations have spiralled into unrest that has left at least 21 people dead -- far from Trump's outspoken tweets against a "brutal and corrupt" regime.
Trump, who considers the Islamic Republic his enemy number one in the Middle East, on Wednesday promised unspecified support for Iranians trying to "take back" their government -- ignoring warnings that his intervention could backfire.
In contrast, the European Union -- which has been normalising ties with Tehran since the nuclear deal sealed in 2015 -- issued a carefully worded statement mourning the loss of life and calling for "all concerned to refrain from violence".
Berlin called for the regime to respond to the protests "through dialogue", urging Tehran to "respect freedom of assembly and expression".
French President Emmanuel Macron, a key defender of the historic Iranian nuclear deal in the face of Trump's opposition, telephoned his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani calling for "restraint".
A visit by French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to Tehran was due in the coming days but has been put back due to the delicacy of the situation.
Britain's reaction, meanwhile, has been limited to a call for "meaningful debate" over the protesters' complaints, with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson saying: "The UK is watching events in Iran closely."
Protests over high living costs and other economic problems started on December 28 before turning against the regime as a whole.
But on Wednesday, as tens of thousands of regime supporters rallied, analysts said Europe was banking on the anti-government protests coming to little.
"The European position is certainly less advantageous in terms of public opinion, but it is wiser," said Francois Nicoullaud, a former French ambassador to Iran.
"What is happening in Iran is an expression of deep suffering but without a structure or programme, its chances of success are very limited," he added.
"In a serious clash with the regime, it would be crushed."
'Oil on the fire'
The EU regards the hard-won nuclear deal as the best chance of stopping Tehran from getting its hands on a nuclear bomb -- unlike Trump, who has left the accord's fate up to Congress.
Some have warned his rhetoric on the protests could backfire by lending ammunition to Iranian hardliners looking for evidence that the West is out to get them.
"It would be unwise for the West, and especially for President Trump, to egg on the protesters, as this could rally the hardliners," Britain's Times newspaper wrote on Monday.
"Better to wait and watch a flawed regime unravel in its own contradictions."
Thierry Coville, an Iran specialist at French think-tank Iris, said Europe's business interests were at play, as well as concerns that Tehran should be handled carefully due to its involvement in Syria, Yemen and beyond.
"Before the economic sanctions against Iran, the EU was this country's most important commercial partner," he said.
"And on a diplomatic level, Iran is a key player in multiple regional crises. All this contributes to the idea in Europe that we need to maintain normalised relations with Tehran," he added.
"The European reaction must be seen in this context."
It added that he had undergone medical examinations to guarantee his health was "stable" for the transfer.
He was handed over to Mexican agents in a hangar in Panama's Tocumen international airport after being brought there in a bus from where he had been kept at police headquarters. Mexico dispatched a government plane to fly him out.
Borge, 38, had exhausted legal efforts in Panama to slow the extradition process as he was kept in custody. He was arrested June 4 in Panama when he tried to board a flight to Paris.
The Panamanian government on December 14 gave final approval to his extradition, three days after the Supreme Court dismissed his final appeal.
He is accused in Mexico of selling state-owned real estate at one percent of its market value. The charges against him include corruption, fraud, money laundering and involvement in organized crime.
He governed Quintana Roo, which features many of Mexico's most famous Caribbean beaches, from 2011 to 2016 for Mexico's ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
He was apparently referring to the PMOI, also known as the Mojahedin-e-Khalq, which for years was designated a "terrorist" group by the West.
Emergence in Iran
The PMOI was founded in 1965 after a split within the nationalist Liberation Movement of Iran (LMI), led by Mehdi Bazargan, who became the first prime minister after the Iranian revolution.
It was founded to fight Iran's royalist regime and most of its founding members died in the prisons of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
With Marxist leanings and describing itself as belonging to "democratic and secular Islam," the group has subsequently sought to overthrow the country's current Islamic republic.
After a brief period as a legal organisation with the Islamic revolution of 1979, the group was outlawed by Iran in 1981 after a severe crackdown on one of its demonstrations, which it says was peaceful.
In June of that year, a bomb attack in Iran which killed 74 people including Ayatollah Beheshti, the regime's number two, was blamed on the Mojahedin by the authorities. The group never claimed the attack, while it had claimed others.
Driven into exile
The Mojahedin took on the regime, which responded with repression, with thousands of its members being killed. Those who survived were chased from Iran.
They found refuge throughout the world, particularly in France, where leader Massoud Rajavi created the National Council of Resistance of Iran.
He was expelled from France in 1986 under a policy of rapprochement with Iran.
The Mojahedin then set up in Iraq at the height of the war with Iran, fighting alongside Saddam Hussein's troops, which led to them being declared "traitors" by Tehran.
The Council in France has been led since 1989 by Rajavi's wife Maryam Rajavi.
The organisation has often been compared by detractors to a sect, with the leading couple its gurus. Maryam Rajavi was officially named the Council's leader in 1993.
Its fighters claimed several operations in Iran, including against oil installations in 1993, and they were blamed for dozens of murders.
Driven from Iraq
In Iraq, after Saddam was toppled in 2003 the Mojahedin were officially disarmed and regrouped in the Ashraf camp to the northeast of Baghdad.
It became the PMOI's biggest base in exile housing up to 3,500 people.
In February 2012 they accepted to leave the camp to settle near to Baghdad before leaving Iraq for Albania at the request of the US and UN in May 2013.
In 2003 Maryam Rajavi was among 160 people arrested and then freed in France after two weeks of protests by her supporters, marked by two people setting themselves on fire.
A vast judicial probe into suspected terrorist activities was ended without charges in September 2014.
The European Union in January 2009 struck the Mojahedin from its list of terrorist organisations, where it had been since May 2002. The United States did the same in September 2012.
Washington, D.C., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ambassador John Bolton announced today that the John Bolton SuperPAC will launch the first phase of a projected million-dollar advertisement campaign in support of Kevin Nicholson for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin. The ad campaign - which will be on television, online and radio - will run in the Green Bay, Wisconsin, market and last roughly three weeks, from January 4th to January 19th.
The four ads, which vary from 6 to 90 seconds and can be seen here, highlight Nicholsons military experience serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and the bravery he displayed while facing suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) daily. Ambassador Bolton emphasizes in the ad that, its time to send a Marine to the U.S. Senate.
Kevin Nicholson is the most qualified candidate running for Wisconsins seat in the U.S. Senate this year, said Ambassador Bolton. Following my endorsement and PAC contribution to his campaign in 2017, I have decided to run an independent expenditure (IE), through my SuperPAC. This significant ad buy is a testament to my dedication to ensuring Republicans maintain the majority in the Senate this year. Kevin has my full support and I look forward to his leadership in Congress.
This is the first independent expenditure that the John Bolton SuperPAC has made in the 2018 election cycle. In 2016, the John Bolton SuperPAC produced three major independent expenditures for a total of nearly $5,000,000. Ambassador Bolton looks to increase those contributions for the 2018 midterm elections and is identifying races in which his SuperPAC can make a difference. In addition to the Bolton SuperPAC, Ambassador Boltons PAC previously contributed $10,000 to Nicholsons campaign in 2017.
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About John Bolton Super PAC (www.boltonsuperpac.com): The John Bolton Super PAC will aim to make America's defense and national security significant factors in federal elections through independent expenditures, campaigns, and issue-oriented education. The Super PAC will not make contributions to candidates, parties, or PACs.
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to study options that would bring a subway to Brooklyn's Red Hook neighborhood.
Cuomo said Red Hook is full of untapped potential and asked PANYNJ to consider relocating maritime activities that would free up the waterfront for community use. The governor suggested relocating Red Hook Container Terminal activities to the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.
In addition to relocating maritime activities, the governor is calling on MTA to study options for improving transportation access to the Red Hook area and surrounding communities, including the potential extension of subway service from lower Manhattan to a new station in Red Hook through a tunnel under the East River.
Recent speculation about Red Hooks future have envisioned development of thousands of new housing units a short ride away from Manhattans Financial District.
The governor explains that once a plan for how to potentially relocate consolidated and improved maritime activities becomes clear and the MTA study is completed, a community-based planning process with key participation by elected representatives and interested stakeholders would be expected to recommend the appropriate redevelopment alternatives for any PANYNJ land no longer needed for maritime activities.
The proposal is one of the 22 introduced as part of the governors 2018 State of the State agenda.
POLAND: The supervisory board of rolling stock manufacturer Pesa Bydgoszcz announced changes to the management board on January 3, saying this would strengthen the board to support ongoing restructuring.
USA: There is no agreement for the federal government to pay around half of the cost of the proposed $13bn Gateway Tunnel under the Hudson River between New Jersey and New York, according to the Federal Transit Administration.
Network Rail plans to award three framework agreements for multi-discipline railway asset enhancement and renewal works across its Anglia, Southeast and Wessex routes during the five years of Control Period 6, with three one-year options to extend into CP7. The total value of the SMD Frameworks may be in the ...
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IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nonprofit management in the 21st century is a promising, challenging career that requires professionals skilled in organization, management and relationship building. University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) has developed a new Specialized Studies Program in Nonprofit Management available now. The Specialized Studies Program in Nonprofit Management covers aspects of organizational goals, fundraising models and initiatives, financial management and leadership strategies unique to the field of nonprofits.
Having a thorough understanding of how internal and external factors can affect the day-to-day operations is necessary to navigate around the complexities of managing a nonprofit, said Angela Jeantet, director of education and business programs at UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education. This online specialized studies program is ideal for individuals new to or early on in a nonprofit management role as well as those who are considering a career change, and even experienced industry professionals who would like to obtain further coursework credentials.
The program is for individuals involved in development roles in large and small nonprofit organizations who want to take a more proactive approach to organizational needs and activities. After completion of the program, participants will have the knowledge base and skills to contribute in high-functioning nonprofit teams and productive fundraising operations. The primary learning objective for all participants completing the program is high proficiency and knowledge of fundraising for nonprofit organizations, in addition to the following:
Identify and define organizational goals, and how those align to mission, vision, organizational ethics and deliverables for success;
Define various fundraising models and formulate plans for identification of funding streams and sources;
Implement strategic financial management practices germane to non-profit resource administration and reporting;
Analyze the viability of a new fundraising initiatives and the potential for success; and
Implement leadership strategies specific to fundraising and nonprofit teams.
The required coursework for the Specialized Studies Program in Nonprofit Management includes: Nonprofit Management Fundamentals, Fundraising Models & Resource Development, Nonprofit Financial Management, Stakeholder & Board Management, Nonprofit Strategy, Nonprofit HR and Operations and Nonprofit Marketing & Communications. The Nonprofit Management Specialized Studies program is offered fully online.
For more information on the Specialized Studies Program in Nonprofit Management, please visit here or call (949) 824-5592.
About UCI Division of Continuing Education : The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) provides lifelong learning opportunities to thousands of students worldwide each year fulfilling the schools 60-year curriculum platform to connect degree programs to the world of work and achievement after graduation. The Division offers a broad range of certificate programs, specialized studies, and sequential courses to local, regional and global markets through online, on-campus and on-site delivery. A leader in the open education movement, the Division offers free Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) and content through the UCI Open initiative. For more information about UCI Division of Continuing Education, visit here.
About the University of California, Irvine : Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 28,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Located in one of the worlds safest and most economically vibrant communities, its Orange Countys second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy.
CONTACT: Vivian Slater
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Leawood, Kan., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the heels of its announcement of expansion into Houston, Texas, and its hiring of former Lockton CEO Glenn Spencer, Qualified Plan Advisors (QPA) continues to make significant moves to advance its aggressive growth agenda. QPA announces that it has entered into a strategic partnership with the retirement plan practice of Ascende Wealth Advisers Inc., a Division of EPIC Insurance Brokers and Consultants. Under this agreement, Qualified Plan Advisors is assuming servicing responsibilities for AWAI retirement clients and hiring its retirement practice employees as of January 1, 2018.
We are thrilled to kick off the new year and launch our Houston operations with such a tenured team. QPA focuses on its retirement clients plan health and driving significant results in positively impacting their participant outcomes, which aligns with Ascendes client-centered mission and values, said Scott Colangelo, chairman of Prime Capital Investment Advisors, the parent firm of QPA.
Joining QPA is a team of highly credentialed retirement professionals including Robert Massa, who will serve as managing director and head of Houston operations. The agreement will add approximately $4 billion in assets under advisement to QPA, as well as a West Coast presence in northern California.
The agreement was effective Jan. 1, 2018, and the new team has been diligently contacting clients to answer questions and address concerns. Clients are also invited to attend a Jan. 17 event sponsored by QPA to learn more about the firm and the breadth of services to which they will have access. Details of the event can be found at http://www.qualifiedplanadvisors.com/hfsd.
EPIC is one of the countrys top 20 and fastest-growing privately held insurance brokers.
Inquiries to the Houston QPA office can be directed to:
Robert Massa, Managing Director: rmassa@qualifiedplanadvisors.com
Jeffrey Dorfman, Managing Principal: jdorfman@qualifiedplanadvisors.com
Rich Eagar, Vice President: reagar@qualifiedplanadvisors.com
Brandon Smith, Vice President: bsmith@qualifiedplanadvisors.com
About Qualified Plan Advisors
Qualified Plan Advisors (QPA) is independent, results-driven and staffed with a team of ERISA attorneys and has over 70 advisors and 50 staff. QPA provides consulting services that are designed to provide an a la carte approach for plan sponsors with single or multiple needs. We are your fiduciary partner.
Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., Cambridge, a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC. Prime Capital, a Registered Investment Advisor. Prime Capital doing business as Qualified Plan Advisors, QPA, 6201 College Blvd., 7th Floor | Overland Park, KS 66211 | p: 913.491.6226 | f: 913.491.3214 | primecap-ia.com | Cambridge and Prime Capital are not affiliated.
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'Indian agriculture requires the active involvement of the private sector right from extension and seed to post harvest value addition, to move it to the next stage of development,' says Ramesh Chand.
IMAGE: Small-scale agricultural holdings, Thirukkazhukundram , Tamil Nadu. Photograph: Lisa Davis/Wikimedia Commons.
The agriculture sector is facing formidable challenges while it is targeted to double farmers income in the next six years.
IMAGE: Wholesale vegetable market, Chandigarh. Photograph: Ajay Verma/Reuters.
A road map prepared by NITI Aayog titled 'Doubling Farmers' Income' envisages a 16.7 per cent increase each in productivity, efficiency in use of farm input and operations, and area shift in favour of higher value crops and improvement in price realisation in real terms by farmers by 9 per cent by 2022-2023 over the base year of 2015-16.
IMAGE: Burning paddy stubble, Gujarat. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters.
Three most important challenges to achieve Doubling Farmers' Income are: Poor state of science and technology in agriculture, inefficient and exploitative markets for farm produce, and viability of low-scale small holders.
IMAGE: Paddy farmer, Bamuni village, Nagaon district, Assam. Photograph: Anuwar Hazarika/Reuters.
Our agricultural production systems are decades behind many other sectors in adopting technology innovation. Low yielding varieties and traditional practices still dominate the sector.
Age-old methods of farming such as flood irrigation, broadcasting fertiliser, indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals dominate the agriculture scene, leading to low efficiency, high cost and low quality produce, besides adverse implications for sustainability.
IMAGE: Wheat winnowing, Gujarat. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters.
Second, the marketing scene is characterised by large price spreads with depressed prices during harvest periods and high prices in lean period. In a short period, a price crash for the same commodity is followed by a price spike. Despite progress in transport and communication network, markets for farm produce show poor integration. With the rise in commercialisation of agriculture, incidents of farmers forced to sell at throwaway prices and consumers forced to pay abnormal prices are becoming frequent.
IMAGE: Sugarcane harvest, Motisir village, Rajasthan. Photograph: Himanshu Sharma/Reuters.
Third, more than two-thirds of farmers cultivate less than one hectare of land, with an average land holding of less than one acre. In big states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar, 80 to 92 per cent land holdings are of marginal category. Scale disadvantage and low bargaining power of such tiny land holders make them unviable despite their much higher productivity per unit of land compared to medium and large farmers.
IMAGE: Wheat farmer from Stok, Ladakh. Photograph: Cathal McNaughton/Reuters.
The private sector can play a significant role in addressing all these challenges. They need to look at agriculture beyond market for their inputs and link innovation with supply of inputs. In a few cases where corporates are taking innovation to farmers with inputs, wonderful results have been achieved.
IMAGE: Fertiliser for paddy near Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters.
One such case is the banana revolution in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra where farmers are using tissue-cultured banana saplings supplied by a private tissue culture lab for disease-free banana cultivation and getting much higher yield and better quality fruit. The lab is now expanding the same technology to other states and fruits. If such experience is replicated in other fruits and vegetables, India can become a global hub for horticulture production.
IMAGE: Banana trees at Chinawal village, Jalgaon, Maharashtra. Photograph: Rsika/Wikimedia Commons.
Similarly, the supply of seeds with seed treatment with suitable inoculum and rhizobium can protect seed and plant against diseases and result in better growth. Many private enterprises are now promoting protected agriculture and precision farming which are multiplying the incomes of farmers.
IMAGE: Harvest at Mayong village, Morigaon district, Assam. Photograph: Anuwar Hazarika/Reuters.
The second major challenge in agriculture relates to inefficient, fragmented, traditional and often unfair system of marketing thriving under the protection of regulation. Market regulation such as Agricultural Produce Market Committee and Essential Commodities Act favour small-sized, traditional traders and middle men and inhibits entry of modern capital into the system which can bring innovative method, competition, e-commerce, investments and integration of value chain.
IMAGE: Vegetable market Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters.
A few cases where corporate players have entered into marketing, farmers received huge benefits such as procurement of apple in Himachal Pradesh and corn in north Bihar.
IMAGE: Nandigram, West Bengal. Photograph: Parth Sanyal/Reuters/Reuters.
The private sector can improve viability and income of small holders in many ways:
IMAGE: Sugarcane farmer, Junnar, 165 km southeast of Mumbai. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters.
One, through supply of services, as owning machines and equipment are uneconomical and also beyond the capacity of small holders. Last few years have seen some growth in number of private sector service providers, particularly for farm machinery rental services. Besides reducing costs, modern and sophisticated machines improve efficiency. Some service providers have even started using mobile apps. A large number of farmers are now using laser-guided land levelling technology on rental basis, which brings large benefit in terms of saving in irrigation water, reduction in irrigation cost and time and increase in yield.
IMAGE: Fodder heads to the market in Surajpur, Bihar. Photograph: PBEAHUMWDDA/Reuters.
Second, the private sector has a huge scope to raise the income of small holders through contract farming. Small holders have great advantage in terms of labour and supervision, much needed for quality, specific traits, and timely supply of farm produce. If private firms -- modern retailers, processors, or traders, etc -- provide quality seed and plant material, technical advice, financial support and assured price it can lead to a win-win situation for all. There are success stories of contract farming in almost all the regions of the county but coverage and penetration remains small.
IMAGE: Winnowing paddy outside Srinagar, Kashmir. Photograph: Danish Ismail/Reuters.
During the recent years, start-ups have shown a lot of interest in agriculture and they are riding on state-of-the-art technology and modern value chains. Some of these start-ups are led by highly motivated well-qualified entrepreneurs who aspire to change the face of agriculture. This is also putting pressure on traditional agri-business corporates to rethink their strategy of sale of input to partner with farmers. Promising start-ups in agriculture should be given required policy support.
IMAGE: Sorting apples, Chatla village, Himachal Pradesh. Photograph: Anil Dayal/Reuters.
Central Statistics Office data for 2015-2016 shows that the private corporate sector constitutes only 2 per cent of annual investments in the agriculture sector. The public sector constitutes 18.6 per cent and farmers (termed as private sector in CSO parlance) constitute the remaining 79.4 per cent share.
IMAGE: Banana wholesale market, Kochi, Kerala. Photograph: Sivaram V/Reuters.
Of their total investments in Indian economy, the private corporate sector invested 0.43 per cent in agriculture and allied sectors. These figures show awfully low investments by private corporations in the agriculture sector. This should be at least doubled to help achieve the goal of doubling farmers income.
IMAGE: Orissa paddy field. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters.
Indian agriculture requires the active involvement of the private sector right from extension and seed to post harvest value addition, to move it to the next stage of development. Therefore both, states as well as the Centre need to attract and facilitate the private sector involvement in agriculture.
Ramesh Chand is a member, NITI Aayog and the 15th Finance Commission. He has a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Views expressed are personal.
Infosys CEO Salil Parekh will be paid a fixed salary of Rs 6.5 crores and be eligible for variable pay of Rs 9.75 crores at the end of the 2018-19 fiscal year, according to a top company executive.
"Infosys CEO Salil Parekh will be paid a fixed salary of Rs 6.5 crores. He would be eligible for a variable pay of Rs 9.75 crores at the end of the fiscal year," independent board member at Infosys, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, told PTI in Bengaluru.
Former CEO Vishal Sikka earned USD 6.75 million in FY17, much to the dislike of Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy.
Wipro CEO Abidali Neemuchwala is getting a little over USD 2 million.
Shaw, who is part of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC), said Parekh will also receive Rs 3.25 crores in restricted stock units.
"He will also get Rs 13 crores in annual performance equity grants," she said.
Parekh will also get a one-time equity grant of Rs 9.75 crores, Shaw said.
The stock compensation will vest at different points over Parekh's term. He has been appointed for a 5-year term,
Parekh's employment contract also comes with a non-compete clause, Shaw said, and specifies the amount he will be paid should he fail to meet minimum performance targets, Shaw said.
Parekh will not work with named competitors for six months from the day he leaves the company. He will also not work with or for a client to whom he has rendered service for the last 12 months, Infosys said.
Photograph: Kind courtesy, Capgemini/Instagram.
'To all those then who talk about ending Brahminical hegemony, my advice is: Get the Brahmins on your side,' says Syed Firdaus Ashraf.
IMAGE: Dalits block a highway during the Maharashtra bandh, January 3, 2018. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
As a student of journalism in the early 1990s, I once attended a Dalit rally where speaker after speaker spoke about the atrocities Brahmins had unleashed against the Dalit community.
After the rally, I called on my journalism guru, the venerable M V Kamath, who happened to be a Brahmin, but that fact didn't strike me till we started discussing the rally.
'Sir, is there Brahminical hegemony in the Indian political system?' I asked. 'And is it true that Brahmins made Dalits suffer for 2,000 years?'
I told him about the Dalit rally where every speaker had denounced the Brahminical hegemony.
'Do you know who the biggest enemy of the Brahminical order is and who can defeat it?' Mr Kamath asked.
His answer shocked me.
'Only Brahmins can defeat Brahminical hegemony. No one else,' Mr Kamath pointed out.
Illustrating his point, he provided the example of Kerala, of E M S Namboodiripad, its first Communist chief minister, a Brahmin, who, Mr Kamath, argued, had successfully defeated Brahminical hegemony in the southern state.
'Look at Kerala today. Where is Brahminical hegemony in the state?' Mr Kamath asked, adding, 'It is dead.'
'Namboodripad systematically killed the caste hierarchy in the state. Today, Brahmins are more or less restricted to temples,' Mr Kamath explained.
'Mark my words, Firdaus,' Mr Kamath, who once edited The Illustrated Weekly of India, Asia's oldest English magazine, asserted. 'Nobody in India can defeat Brahminical hegemony, only Brahmins can do it.'
As events later unfolded in my life, I realised how prophetic Mr Kamath's words were.
In today's India, Jawaharlal Nehru is often ridiculed by the Hindu Right for his secular beliefs, but his adversaries forget that India's first prime minister was a Brahmin who wanted to lead India into the modern age with a unique vision.
Nehru wanted to build India as a democratic, secular, State. Few dared to question Nehru then. Is it because he was a Brahmin, I wonder.
During the 2017 Gujarat election campaign, his great-grandson's supporters declared that Rahul Gandhi was a 'sacred thread-wearing' Hindu, as if it was enough qualification to rule India, that assertion clearly negating his mother's Christian antecedents.
When I witnessed the Bahujan Samaj Party's ascendance, first under Kanshi Ram and then Mayawati, I felt the Brahminical order in India would soon end and Mr Kamath's prophecy would be proven wrong.
But the anti-upper caste BSP formed the government in Uttar Pradesh in 1995 with the Bharatiya Janata Party's help. A party perceived to be a party of the upper castes and the trader community.
And guess who helped the BSP and BJP strike a deal?
A veteran journalist who was a Brahmin.
I realised how prophetic Mr Kamath was about Brahmins. Here was the Brahminical BJP stepping aside from power and handing the reins over to the BSP, a Dalit party, with a Brahmin's help.
In 2007, Mayawati donned a new avatar. This time she spoke about Dalit-Brahmin unity and portrayed herself as a messiah of the Brahmins.
BSP MP Satish Chandra Mishra, a Brahmin, did a wonderful job winning sections of his community to his party's side.
For the first time, a Dalit woman became chief minister of Uttar Pradesh -- India's most significant political state -- and formed a government on her own -- but with the help of Brahmins.
If you think all this is mere coincidence, read Audrey Truschke's controversial book, Aurangzeb, The Man and The Myth.
Emperor Aurangzeb in 1679, Truschke notes, levied the jiziya (the tax on non-Muslims living under Muslim rule) on most non-Muslims in his empire.
The Rajputs and Marathas didn't have to pay jiziya as they provided military services to Aurangzeb's army.
One other community did not pay jiziya in Aurangzeb's time -- Brahmin religious leaders!
Disappointingly, Truschke does not reveal why Brahmins were exempted from jiziya, while Jains, Sikhs and all other non-Muslims were obliged to pay the levy.
Once again, I thought about how right Mr Kamath was about Brahmins.
'If you want to rule India,' he had told me, 'then you have to make peace with Brahmins, even Aurangzeb knew this.'
To all those then who talk about ending Brahminical hegemony, my advice is: Get the Brahmins on your side.
'This government wants to keep control of everything in its hands.'
'If they have their stooges sitting on the National Medical Commission, they will do only the government's bidding.'
'Imagine a scary situation where people who have no knowledge about medicine sit on a commission that will take decisions on matters related to medical education, doctors and medical ethics.'
Dr Shivkumar Shankar Utture, president, Maharashtra Medical Council, tells Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore why the Medical Council of India, the Indian Medical Association and Maharashtra Medical Council are vociferously opposing certain provisions of the National Medical Commission Bill.
The Bill, Dr Utture, below, left, will allow doctors practicing alternative medicine to practice allopathic medicine.
What clauses of the National Medical Commission Bill are you opposed to?
The fundamental opposition is to the dissolution of the Medical Council of India and bringing the National Medical Commission in its place.
In a democracy we expect representation of elected members. Now, what has happened over here is out of the 25 NMC members only five will be elected by the doctors from the medical fraternity all over India. And even they will be part-time members.
There are almost 800,000 doctors in India and the NMC will have just five elected representatives from the medical profession.
Strangely, there will be just five doctors from five different states that will be representatives of 29 states of India.
Health and medical education being a concurrent (list) subject, all states should also have a say in its composition and decision-making is what we feel.
But what will happen because of the NMC is that a big state like Maharashtra, with over 100,000 doctors and 33 medical colleges, will get its turn (to be a member of the NMC) once in 24 years.
So, this composition will not get proper representation of states and is hence fundamentally flawed.
Even among the rest 20 members (out of the 25 in the NMC), 15 will not necessarily be from the medical fraternity. At least, that is what the NMC Bill says.
That is like saying that the Bar Council should be made up of doctors!
Imagine a scary situation where people who have no knowledge about medicine sit on a commission that will take decisions on matters related to medical education, doctors and medical ethics.
Given these critical issues raised by the Indian Medical Council, why is the government trying to enact a legislation that is as controversial as you state it is?
Somehow, this government wants to keep control of everything in its hands.
If they have their stooges sitting on the NMC, they will do only the government's bidding.
Today, under the Constitution, the Medical Council of India is supposed to be a statutory and autonomous body.
This means, it is not necessary that today the MCI is listening to everything that the government is saying or wants it to do. But this will change only if the government will have its own stooges on the NMC.
'Majority of the private medical colleges belong to politicians and because of the Supreme Court judgment their source of income has dried up as they cannot charge capitation fees because of the law against it.'
The other thing that we are opposed to is that as far as the admissions (to medical colleges) are concerned, we at the IMA (Indian Medical Association) have fought for years against the practice of capitation fees, which would be in lakhs of rupees, for getting admissions into private and deemed medical colleges and we got a Supreme Court judgment just last year saying that admissions to these colleges should be based on the NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Test) scores.
What the NMC Bill says is that up to 40 per cent seats should be controlled by the government.
Mark this clause 'up to 40'; it doesn't even say exactly 40!
This effectively means that private medical colleges and deemed medical universities will have the right to charge whatever fees they want for 60 per cent or more medical seats.
Tomorrow, how could a candidate from the economically lower or middle class family afford Rs 16 lakh to Rs 20 lakh fees that these private colleges charge per year?
For the remaining seats, the government may decide the fees, say Rs 4 lakh per year, or whatever it deems fit.
That is what we are doing today for the 85 per cent of the seats coming the government's way and only 15 per cent seats going to private medical colleges.
These 85 per cent admissions are decided as per NEET merit and the government has put a moratorium on how much fees they can charge because we have got a committee that decides the fee structure.
The biggest losers of this provision will be meritorious students who will not be able to pay such astronomical fees.
So, what we are asking is that the government should keep this 85:15 quota intact and not replace it with 'up to 40 per cent with the government and more than 60 per cent with the private colleges' structure.
Why should the government allot more than 60 per cent seats to private medical colleges and allow them to charge whatever fees they want?
The entire course fee for the five-and-a-half year MBBS course would run upwards of Rs 1 crore.
Do you think meritorious students who are not financially strong will be able to afford such high cost of medical education?
Why is the government trying to enact such a law?
You will have to ask the government (about this).
Majority of the private medical colleges belong to politicians and because of the Supreme Court judgment their source of income has dried up as they cannot charge capitation fees because of the law against it.
'This is like saying that a truck driver after a few months of flight training is allowed to fly aeroplanes.'
The other way (source of income of private medical colleges) is to go on increasing tuition fees in these colleges.
Are you suggesting that the private medical college lobby is behind the NMC Bill?
Obviously.
There is also a provision in the NMC Bill to allow people who practice alternative medicine, like yoga or ayurveda, to practice allopathy after doing a 'bridge course'. What do you think are the dangers of this provision?
Today, an MBBS candidate studies a five-and-a-half year curriculum and then goes for training and then practices allopathic medicine.
Imagine someone who has not understood modern medicine and studied ayurvedic medicine or homeopathy, prescribing allopathic medicines. Also, see the contradictions here.
The homeopaths do not believe in immunisation therapy; ayurveda believes only in herbal therapy.
Suppose these people after they study homeopathy and ayurveda, doing a small 'bridge course' of six months or one year we do not know, are allowed to prescribe allopathic medicines.
Imagine what havoc they will create as far as the health of the common man is concerned.
Just to give you an example, this is like saying that a truck driver after a few months of flight training is allowed to fly aeroplanes.
With a license to drive a light motor vehicle, can I drive a truck?
Shouldn't I get adequate training, pass certified exams and then be allowed to drive a truck?
When you are treating a patient, isn't the patient's life in your hands?
Modiji, on one hand is saying ayurveda is a great medicine practice; we too respect ayurveda.
He is asking them to do research in ayurveda and now he will be passing a bill that will allow these ayurvedic doctors to practice allopathy.
In that case, what is going to happen to your (Prime Minister Darendra D Modi's) emphasis on ayurveda?
This bill, if it becomes a law, will deliver a death-knell to alternative medicine.
Do you have any idea what syllabus will a student be taught in this 'bridge course' and how will it make these students proficient in prescribing allopathic medicines?
No idea whatsoever. The (NMC) Bill just talks about this 'bridge course'. There are no details.
The Bill only says 'as prescribed', which means it is left for the government to decide.
Will patients risk their lives going to such medical practitioners who prescribe or deliver allopathic medical treatment after doing just a 'bridge course'?
If I just write 'clinic of Dr Utture', will the patient coming to me have any idea about what type of doctor I am -- if I am an allopathic, homeopathic or ayurvedic doctor.
But that's how medical services are delivered in rural India, aren't they?
Don't you think these doctors also form an important part of an ecosystem that delivers medical services to inaccessible rural India?
They do form an important link. But let them practice their system of medicine and if they have a problem they can always refer these cases to doctors who have studied modern medicine or who they think can better handle a case.
All we are asking this government is if you are that much interested (in allowing alternative medicine doctors to prescribe allopathic medicine) then you convert all the homeopathic and ayurvedic colleges into MBBS colleges, so that doctors who come out of these colleges are properly trained in that system of medicine.
Why doesn't the government do that?
'We were afraid of the brute majority of the ruling party in the Lok Sabha because of which it can pass anything and everything they want.'
Here too there is a huge scam because hundred per cent of the homeopathic colleges and 90 per cent of the ayurvedic colleges are again owned by private entities and that means by politicians.
In Maharashtra, only four ayurvedic colleges are owned by the government and the rest 28 to 30 colleges are owned by the politicians.
Not even one homeopathic college is owned by the Maharashtra government.
There is a hidden agenda somewhere in all this happening, but the ultimate sufferers will not be practitioners of allopathic medicine today, but the public who will have to go these half-trained doctors.
The simple solution (to overcome the problem of shortage of trained doctors) would be to increase the number of medical seats; give proper training to these doctors and then give them the license to practice medicine.
Don't let loose half-baked doctors on the public; don't take people for granted.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda maintains that 'the NMC Bill is beneficial to the medical profession'. What do you make of this statement given the reasons you have cited for opposing the NMC Bill in its current form?
If this was so beneficial for the medical profession, then are we fools to fight against it? We would have welcomed it.
We are not bothered about medical professionals; we are bothered about the citizens and the future generation of (medical) students.
If you (doctors who have studied alternative medicine) could practice allopathic medicine by just doing this 'bridge course' then why do you think anybody will enrol for MBBS courses?
Ultimately, it (enacting the NMC law) is a loss to the nation.
Now that the NMC Bill has been referred to a Select Committee of Parliament, do you hope any positives will come out of this exercise?
We were afraid of the brute majority of the ruling party in Lok Sabha because of which it can pass anything and everything they want. That is the big problem now.
The Select Committee will at least have members of the other (political) parties and there will be deliberations on the contentious issues of the NMC Bill.
These issues will be questioned, discussed and take all sides into consideration before making its own recommendations.
But what purpose will it serve, since, as you have said, this government has a brute majority in the Lok Sabha?
At least, if the Select Committee makes some recommendations, then the Bill will have to be tabled (in the Lok Sabha) with these recommendations. They cannot table the original bill.
Will these recommendations be binding on the government of the day?
Yes, if they have to get it passed or they will not table the (NMC) Bill with its recommendations at all.
This will be like many other Bills that go to the Select Committee where recommendations are made and if they are not as per the government's liking they just bury that Bill.
Do you think the NMC Bill will also meet the same fate?
We all want progress. We are not saying the whole NMC Bill is bad. Only some of the provisions of this Bill are bad.
Was the Medical Council of India consulted while drafting this Bill?
We've had discussions for almost an year with the central government and highlighted all these contentious issues during our discussions.
Unfortunately, the government completely ignored our suggestions and tabled the Bill in its original format in the Lok Sabha.
It was not an overnight decision to go on a strike (the nationwide strike by Indian Medical Association doctors lasted 12 hours after which it was called of when the NMC Bill was referred to a Select Committee of Parliament).
What logic makes the government ignore suggestions that are for public good?
Do you think the many things that the government does have any logic? They do it because they want to do it.
Photograph: Sahil Salvi
The Mumbai police refused permission for an event to be attended by Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and student leader Umar Khalid on Thursday, as their Pune counterparts booked the duo for making provocative speeches that led to caste clashes and violence in Maharashtra.
The police action came a day after a bandh called by Prakash Ambedkars Bharip Bahujan Mahasangh, and supported by some other organisations, crippled normal life in Mumbai and several other places.
The bandh, called to protest alleged violence targeting Dalits during a rally to mark the the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle on January 1, left a trail of destruction in Mumbai and in some other places, where 200 government-run buses were vandalised, roads blocked and train services disrupted.
Alleged provocative speeches by Mevani and Khalid at Pune have been blamed for the subsequent violence, which claimed two lives.
As Mumbaikars struggled to return to normalcy, police denied permission for holding an event in the city which Mevani, now an independent MLA in Gujarat, and Khalid, were to attend, and rounded up 112 students and activists.
Those detained included Datta Daghe, president of Chhatra Bharati, the organiser of the event, MLC Kapil Patil, Allahabad University student leader Richa Singh and Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Pradip Narwal, police said.
Before being detained, Richa Singh told reporters outside the Bhaidas Hall that the police action against the event was dictatorship and that it was an Emergency-like situation. We will take this fight to Parliament, she said.
There was heavy police deployment in and around the Bhaidas auditorium.
In a related development, Pune police registered an FIR against Mevani and Khalid for their alleged provocative speeches at an event on December 31.
Mevani and Khalid had attended the Elgar Parishad, an event organised in connection with the commemoration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle.
A day later, clashes between Dalit groups and supporters of right-wing Hindu organisations during the celebrations left a man dead. Another person died during Wednesdays bandh.
Cases were registered by the Pimpri police against Milind Ekbote and Sambhaji Bhide, who head the Hindu Ekta Aghadi and Shivraj Pratishthan respectively, for allegedly inciting the violence. The two organisations had opposed the celebration of British victory in the battle.
Dalits commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community - then considered untouchable - were part of the East India Companys forces.
The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory was seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.
Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of the architect of Indian Constitution B R Ambedkar, met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday and raised the issue of police denying permission for the youth leaders event.
It was discussed with Fadnavis. He told us it was not the right time to hold such an event. I think such an event can be organised some time later, Ambedkar said.
The issue of caste clashes in Maharashtra resonated in the Rajya Sabha, with members condemning the violence and demanding a speedy judicial inquiry and punishment for culprits.
Rajani Patil of the Congress alleged that atrocities against Dalits had taken place under the watch of the Maharashtra government, and demanded setting up of a commission to investigate the entire series of violent incidents.
Nationalist Congress Party chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar apprised the House of the history of the Bhima-Koregaon event and Dalit sentiments attached to it.
The veteran leader said he could recall that in the past 50 years no violent incident took place during the commemoration, but unfortunately a massive gathering was
pelted with stones this time.
Pawar said the state administration should have been more vigilant as a large gathering was expected in Pune, and urged people to forget the incident and move on.
Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena said Hindu organisations should not be blamed for all such incidents, and claimed an invisible hand was working to divide and rule the society.
Photograph: Jignesh Mevani/Facebook
Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote -- the right-wing Hindu activists from Maharashtra are no strangers to controversy.
IMAGE: Milind Ekbote (left) and Sambhaji Bhide have come under fire for caste violence in Maharashtra over the bicentenary celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle fought 200 years ago.
Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote the right-wing Hindu activists from western Maharashtra, under fire for caste violence in Maharashtra over the bicentenary celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle fought 200 years ago, are no strangers to controversy.
Violence erupted when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the battle recently. It was followed by protests, thus exposing the simmering caste tensions even as a bandh disrupted life in Mumbai on Thursday.
Dalit organisations have sought arrest of the duo, accusing them of orchestrating the violence.
--------------------------------------------
Bhide, 85, is known among his followers as Bhide Guruji. He is a staunch right-wing Hindu activist and an ardent admirer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He has a sizeable following in western Maharashtra.
A gold medallist in Chemistry, Bhide has worked as a professor in Pune-based SirParshuramCollege. A former Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh member, Bhide founded the Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan outfit, which is mostly active in Sangli, Satara and Kolhapur districts in western Maharashtra.
Bhide attracted national media spotlight when at an election rally in Sangli district in October, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had come to seek blessings of `Bhide Guruji, whom he said had been an inspiration during the early days of the PMs life.
Bhides outfit also works for the conservation of forts in Maharashtra. In June last year, Pune police had registered a case against Bhide and his followers for obstructing waari, a procession of varkaris (pilgrims) to Pandharpur.
Bhide uses a bicycle to travel and remains barefooted, no matter where he goes. He travels in state-run buses and does not own a house.
--------------------------------------------
Milind Ekbote heads the Samast Hindu Aghadi. He has been involved in activities like intercepting vehicles on suspicion of carrying beef.
He contested the 2014 assembly election on a Shiv Sena ticket from Shivajinagar constituency in Pune.
His election affidavit said he has 12 cases registered against him, including rioting, unlawful assembly and disobedience of order duly promulgated by a public servant.
The charges also include promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and criminal intimidation.
VANCOUVER, B.C., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. (TSX Venture:PEX) ("Pacific Ridge" or the "Company") reports that it has received a $300,000 option payment from BMC Minerals (No. 1) Ltd. ("BMC") on its Fyre Lake Cu-Au-Co massive sulphide deposit. In order to exercise the option and earn a 100% interest in Fyre Lake, BMC must now make a final $2,420,000 payment in January 2019. In addition, a bonus payment of $1,000,000 is payable to the Company if the option is exercised and if and when BMC's Kudz Ze Kayah property has reached commercial production for one year.
The Company also announces the resignation of Lei Wang as Chief Financial Officer, effective December 31, 2017, and the appointment of her successor, Salvador Miranda.
Mr. Mirandas career working with public companies in administrative and financial roles has spanned over 20 years. He is currently CFO of GFM Resources Limited and NWM Mining Corporation. He has also served as CFO for EnWave Corporation, Newstrike Capital Inc. and Exmin Resources Inc. He is past President and Treasurer of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Council for the Americas and past President of the Mexican Business Association of Canada.
The board would like to thank Ms. Wang for her dedication and hard work as the Companys CFO for the past nine years.
The Company would also like to announce that it has terminated its option to earn an interest in the OGI zinc project, Yukon.
About Pacific Ridge
Pacific Ridge has assembled a portfolio of highly-prospective gold and base metal projects located in the Yukon, where its board and management team have a track record of success. Its holdings include the Mariposa, Eureka Dome and Gold Cap gold exploration projects in the Klondike-White Gold District, RC Gold in the Tintina Gold Belt and Fyre Lake in the Finlayson District.
About BMC
BMC Minerals (No.1) Limited is the Canadian subsidiary of BMC (UK) Limited, a London based mining development company. It was created as the result of a strategic relationship between a team of established mine developers and a major natural resources private equity group focused on advancing superior base metals assets into development. The BMC executive team has a strong track record of discovery, development and operation of independent zinc, copper and other base metals projects worldwide. BMC seeks to identify, acquire and develop a portfolio of high quality base metal mining development projects in stable mining jurisdictions with existing support infrastructure.
BMC is the owner of the Kudz Ze Kayah (KZK) project in the southeast Yukon nearby the Fyre Lake Cu-Au-Co project. The company identified the KZK Project as having the potential for full mine development due to its size, grade, metallurgical properties and the opportunity for resource growth. BMC has engaged in a program of assessing historical work, extensive seasonal resource drilling, economic assessment, baseline environmental studies and extensive community engagement. A Project Proposal was submitted to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) in March 2017 and is currently progressing through Adequacy Stage of the YESAB assessment process.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Gerald G. Carlson
Gerald G. Carlson
President & CEO
Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.
For further information, contact:
Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd.
Gerald G. Carlson
President & CEO
Tel: (604)687-4951
www.pacificridgeexploration.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
The technical information contained within this News Release has been reviewed and approved by Gerald G. Carlson, Ph.D., P.Eng., President and CEO of Pacific Ridge and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 policy.
Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling and other activities and events or developments that Pacific Ridge Exploration Ltd. ("Pacific Ridge") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the exercise of the options and future exploration plans and expenditures. Although Pacific Ridge believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include market prices, exploration successes, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. These statements are based on a number of assumptions including, among other things, assumptions regarding general business and economic conditions, that one of the options will be exercised, the ability of Pacific Ridge and other parties to satisfy stock exchange and other regulatory requirements in a timely manner, the availability of financing for Pacific Ridges proposed programs on reasonable terms, and the ability of third party service providers to deliver services in a timely manner. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Pacific Ridge does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Halla Barakat
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Halla Barakat, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33764.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Orient Net | Killed in Istanbul, Turkey | Body found on September 21, 2017
Syrian-American journalist Halla Barakat and her mother, Syrian opposition activist Orouba Barakat, were found dead in their Istanbul apartment on September 22, 2017, the Turkish news agency DHA reported.
Their bodies were discovered after friends alerted the police when Halla Barakat, 23, did not show up for her reporting job at the Syrian opposition website Orient Net, according to The Associated Press.
Istanbul police said they found the women's bodies on their living room floor covered in blankets with an unidentified powder poured over them, according to the DHA report. The bodies showed signs of strangulation, and both women's throats had been cut with a large knife approximately three days before they were found, according to the news report.
Investigators were inspecting two cellphones, a computer, and hard drives confiscated from the apartment, DHA said.
DHA reported that police said nothing appeared to be missing from the women's apartment, leading investigators to believe that burglary was an unlikely motive. The apartment door was undamaged, police said, which leading them to believe there was no forced entry.
Barakat and her mother had received threats on social media and email from supporters of the Syrian government, but never paid them much attention, a reporter who knew Halla Barakat, and who has not been named for safety reasons, told CPJ.
Istanbul's Anti-Terrorism and Public Order police units said Orouba Barakat had received a threat via Twitter 10 days prior to her death from a user who "wrote with a Tunisian accent." Barakat did not alert the police to the threat, DHA reported, citing the police investigative units.
On September 30, 2017, Turkish police detained a man they suspect in the Barakats' murder, the daily Hurriyet reported. According to the Hurriyet, police identified Ahmet Barakat, a distant relative to the mother and daughter, on security camera footage as someone who left the area around the Barakats' Istanbul apartment around the time of the murder and went on to a bus station. They then found and detained Ahmet Barakat in the western province of Bursa, according to the Hurriyet report.
Separately, Halla Barakat's aunt said on October 3, 2017, that she suspects Islamic State militants in her niece and sister's murder, the daily Haberturk reported.
Maen Barakat told the Haberturk that Ouroba Barakat had received death threats after participating in protests relating to the ongoing conflict in Syria.
Ouroba Barakat also received threats relating to content that she frequently shared on social media sites that expressed views against both Syrian President Bashar Assad's government and the Islamic State militant group, Maen Barakat told Haberturk.
Four or five months before the murder, someone claiming to be a member of the Islamic State group phoned Ouroba Barakat and made threats in Arabic with a Moroccan or Tunisian accent, Maen Barakat told Haberturk.
"My sister was threatened again on Facebook 10 days before the murder: 'Shut your mouth, we will kill you,' [they wrote]" Maen Barakat said, according to Haberturk.
Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Edwin Rivera Paz
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Edwin Rivera Paz, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33784.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Freelance | Killed in Acayucan, Mexico | July 09, 2017
Two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle shot dead Edwin Rivera Paz on the afternoon of July 9, 2017, in the city of Acayucan in Mexico's Veracruz state, according to news reports that cited an anonymous witness.
The journalist died from multiple gunshot wounds, the reports said. Rivera Paz's half-brother Pablo Rivera Cabrera, who was living with him at the time of this death, identified the body, the daily El Universal reported.
Rivera Paz fled his native Honduras in late January 2017, after his colleague, Igor Padilla, was murdered in San Pedro Sula, Univision reported. According to website InSight Crime , which researches organized crime in Latin America, San Pedro Sula is wracked by gang violence.
Rivera Paz and Padilla worked together at the television station HCH (Hable Como Habla or Speak as You Speak). Rivera Paz was the lead cameraperson for Padilla's comedy program "Los Verduleros" (the Greengrocers), and worked on other journalistic projects with the station.
While in Mexico, Rivera Paz was working on an independent reporting project about the challenges faced by Central American migrants in Mexico, including violence from organized crime groups, according to the Mexican political news website La Silla Rota, which cited an anonymous source.
At the time of his murder, Rivera Paz had been living in the southern part of Veracruz for several months, and was seeking political asylum in Mexico, according to Rivera Cabrera, who was quoted in El Universal, and a report on the news website Animal Politico.
On July 10, 2017, the Veracruz state prosecutor's office released a statement saying that it was investigating Rivera Paz's murder.
Ricardo Sanchez Perez del Pozo, the Federal Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes against Freedom of Expression, told CPJ in July 2017 that his office had opened a case file for the murder to determine whether it was related to the victim's work as a journalist.
Jorge Morales Vazquez, executive secretary of the Veracruz State Commission for the Care and Protection of Journalists, told CPJ in July 2017 that the commission was investigating Rivera Paz's reporting as a possible motive but could not provide additional information.
Neither Mexican state nor federal authorities had provided further information as to possible suspects or a possible motive as of late 2017.
Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Carlos William Flores
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Carlos William Flores, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e337c3.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Canal 22 | Killed in Tegucigalpita, Honduras | September 13, 2017
Carlos William Flores was shot dead on September 13 as he and a colleague were returning home from a reporting trip in northern Honduras.
According to news reports, unidentified individuals on a motorcycle shot at the pair while they were in the town of Tegucigalpita in the northern state of Cortes.
Flores was taken to a nearby medical center where he was pronounced dead. The woman, who was identified only by an alias in news reports, was injured.
Flores and his colleague had been reporting on a story related to agriculture in Corinto, a town near the border with Guatemala, for the local Canal 22 television station.
Flores worked for Canal 22 in Cuyamel in the northern state of Cortes near the Guatemalan border, and directed a news program, "Sin pelos en la lengua" (Without Mincing Words), which reported on regional news, according to reports.
The Honduran Committee for Free Expression (C-Libre) reported that Flores had been critical of agricultural and mining companies operating around Cuyamel.
Deputy commissioner Luis Osavas, a police spokesperson, identified the journalist in a statement as Carlos William Juarez, but local media outlets as well as international entities, including UNESCO and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, have reported his last name as Flores.
According to the Honduran newspaper La Prensa, Flores also owned a pool hall where a police officer was killed two months ago. Osavas told AFP on September 13 that authorities are investigating if there is any connection between Flores' murder and the police killing at his business.
Honduran police did not immediately announce any official line of investigation or publicly discount his work as a possible motive.
CPJ did not find reports that Flores had received threats for his reporting.
Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Carlos Oveniel Lara Dominguez
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Carlos Oveniel Lara Dominguez, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e337da.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Canal 12 Telemaya | Killed in Unknown, Honduras | October 23, 2017
At least one unidentified person shot television reporter and cameraperson Carlos Oveniel Lara Dominguez outside his home in the city of La Entrada in western Honduras on October 23, 2017, according to news reports.
Lara, 23, worked as a reporter and camera operator for Canal 12 Telemaya, a local TV station in the Honduran province of Copan on the border with Guatemala.
According to the news reports, at least one person drove up to Lara's home, got out of the car, shot the journalist, took his cellphone, and drove away around 6 a.m. CPJ was unable to determine how many people were involved in the shooting.
Lara died at the scene, according to a video released by Canal 12 Telemaya.
El Pais wrote that witnesses reported seeing a vehicle that looked similar to the shooter's vehicle in Lara's neighborhood the day before the journalist was murdered.
Canal 12 Telemaya's news director, Carlos Chinchilla, said in an interview on the HRN radio station that Lara had worked in media for eight years, and began working at Canal 12 three years before he was killed.
Chinchilla said Lara had reported receiving death threats via phone a few months earlier from an unidentified man, according to the news site El Nuevo Diario. The site did not give further details about the nature of the threats.
Lara's brother and Canal 12 did not return CPJ's repeated requests for comment.
In the days immediately following the murder, Honduran police did not comment publicly on the case or identify any lines of investigation.
The national attorney general's office did not respond to CPJ's emailed request for comment.
Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Candido Rios Vazquez
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Candido Rios Vazquez, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e337f11.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
La Voz de Hueyapan | Killed in Veracruz, Mexico | August 22, 2017
Unknown gunmen on August 22 attacked Candido Rios Vazquez in a drive-by shooting outside a convenience store in Juan Diaz Covarrubias, a town in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz, according to news reports. The journalist died en route to the hospital.
The Veracruz attorney general's office said in a statement that two other men were with Rios at the time of the shooting, and news reports identified one of them as a former policeman. Both of the other men died at the scene, according to local media.
Rios, 59, founded a local newspaper La Voz de Hueyapan and covered crime in the Hueyapan de Ocampo municipality, located south of Veracruz's regional capital of Xalapa, for a regional paper, El Diario de Acayucan.
Federal authorities enrolled Rios in a government protection program in 2013, according to the federal Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists. As part of the program, the journalist had police protection, a mobile panic button, and security cameras at his residence.
According to Veracruz media outlets, Rios had drawn the ire of Gaspar Gomez Jimenez, a former mayor of Hueyapan, for his reporting of local issues.
AGN Veracruz, a local news website based in the city of Puerto de Veracruz, reported on August 22 that Gomez Jimenez released a video earlier this month on social media sites in which he threatened to beat up Rios. In the video, which was since republished on YouTube, Gomez Jimenez also references accusations that he was said to have hired people to beat up Rios. CPJ was unable to reach the former mayor for comment.
Jorge Ruiz, a spokesperson for Mexico's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), told CPJ the victim reported having received threats in the past from several local politicians over his political coverage. In the days and weeks leading up the attack, however, the victim had not reported any threats, Ruiz said.
A Veracruz state-run group that provides reporters with protection confirmed to CPJ that Rios had received death threats, but was not enrolled in programs the Veracruz State Commission for Attention and Protection provides to at-risk journalists. The group's executive secretary Jorge Morales said their representatives are working with Rios' family to determine if they will need protection in the future.
The federal undersecretary for Human Rights Roberto Campa said he believed the attack to be unrelated to Rios' work as a journalist, and that the incident was most likely related to Rios' companions who also died at the scene. Campa said during a press conference August 23 in Xalapa that his comments were based on information from the Veracruz state attorney general.
Ricardo Sanchez Perez del Pozo, the federal Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes Committed Against Freedom of Expression, told CPJ on August 24 that his office had opened an investigation into Rios' death. Sanchez said the special prosecutor's office has not ruled out the victim's work as a reporter as a possible motive in the shooting.
Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Bakhsheesh Elahi
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Unconfirmed: Bakhsheesh Elahi, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e3381a.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
K2 | Killed in Haripur, Pakistan | June 11, 2017
Elahi, the Haripur bureau chief for the daily newspaper K2, was fatally shot in Haripur, about 80km (50 miles) north of Islamabad, on June 11, according to police, news reports, and his employer.
Elahi was on his way to work when unknown assailants on a motorcycle shot him repeatedly, Shuraiz Khan, of the Haripur police department, told CPJ. The Pakistani daily newspaper Dawn reported that Elahi sustained bullets to his head, neck, and chest. The journalist was alone when he was killed, and no one else was injured, Khan said, adding that he could not give any details regarding potential motives or suspects in an ongoing investigation.
A K2 journalist who gave his name only as Zakirullah told CPJ that Elahi, as the Haripur bureau chief, covered general news, and that he was unaware of any particular story that might have provoked his murder. He said that journalists were in danger in Pakistan, but that he could not speculate as to the killers' motives. Elahi had worked at K2 for only one month before his murder, and was a reporter for the Aaj media group's Haripur bureau before joining K2, Dawn reported.
Motive Unconfirmed: CPJ is investigating to determine whether the death was work-related.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Yameen Rasheed
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Yameen Rasheed, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e3383a.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
The Daily Panic | Killed in Male, Maldives | April 23, 2017
Job: Columnist/Commentator, Publisher/Owner Medium: Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes
Yameen Rasheed died at the Indira Gandhi Hospital in Male, after he was stabbed multiple times in the stairwell of his apartment building on April 23, 2017 around 3 a.m. He was 29.
Rasheed was a prominent blogger and satirist who commented on local politics in the Maldives on his blog The Daily Panic. He had received and reported several death threats prior to his murder and complained on social media about lack of action from the police. In a past interview, Rasheed told The New York Times he had been targeted by radical groups because he spoke out against extremism.
Rasheed also led the "Find Moyameeha" campaign for his friend and Minivan reporter Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla, who was abducted in 2014 and remains missing.
In August 2017, police said that religious extremists had killed Rasheed. The same month, the state charged seven individuals in connection with the murder. Authorities charged Hussain Ziyad, Ismail Haisham Rasheed, Ismail Rasheed, Hassan Shifaz, Mohamed Dhifran, and Ahmed Zihan Ismail with first-degree murder, according to Raajje TV. A seventh suspect, Mohamed Yashfau Rasheed, was charged with aiding and abetting murder, according to the Maldives Independent. The hearings in the trial have been closed to the public at the prosecutor general's request, Raajje TV reported. Under Maldives law, the prosecutor general can request secret proceedings "if they believe a circumstance that obstructs justice could arise in an open hearing," according to the Maldives Independent.
Rasheed's family released a statement on April 25, 2017, requesting an independent investigation into their son's death, citing lack of faith in achieving justice for their son.
"Having failed our son in life, we appeal to the police not to fail him in death," Rasheed's parents said in the statement.
In early May, the family sued police for negligence, according to local reports. In September, a civil court dismissed the lawsuit, and said that investigating police misconduct falls under the National Integrity Commission's jurisdiction, according to the Maldives Independent. As of late 2017 the commission had not publicly issued a response.
Maldives police did not respond to an email CPJ sent April 24, 2017.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Wael al-Absi
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Wael al-Absi, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e3385a.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Yemen TV | Killed in Taiz, Yemen | May 26, 2017
Job: Camera Operator, Photographer Medium: Television Beats Covered: War, Human Rights Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Wael al-Absi was killed while covering fighting between Gulf-monarchy-backed forces loyal to President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and forces loyal to the Houthi militia and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh on the eastern outskirts of the central Yemeni city of Taiz, according to local officials, news reports, and the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate. Takieddin al-Hudhaifi was also killed in the same incident. Two other cameramen, Salahuddin al-Wahbani and Walid al-Qadasi, were injured, according to reports.
According to another journalist who spoke on condition of anonymity because he travels between areas controlled by the rival parties to the conflict, a shell hit the building where al-Absi and others had taken cover from crossfire near the front line, killing al-Absi and al-Hudhaifi and wounding al-Wahbani and al-Qadasi. It was unclear whether the building was targeted because the journalists were inside. The same journalist added that al-Absi had also been injured while covering fighting last year.
Al-Absi freelanced for Yemen's official satellite TV channel, and was a student at Taiz University, studying mass communication.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
CHICAGO, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN), www.ncsbn.org, marks reaching its 40th anniversary milestone in 2018 with the inspiring theme of Regulatory Excellence Surging Toward the Future. Founded March 15, 1978, as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCSBN was initially created to lessen the burdens of state governments and bring together boards of nursing (BONs) to act and counsel together on matters of common interest. It has evolved into one of the leading voices of regulation across the world.
This year we celebrate 40 years of regulatory excellence and anticipate a future of transforming nursing regulation and embracing innovations to further our mission of public protection, comments NCSBN Board of Directors President Katherine Thomas, MN, RN, FAAN, executive director, Texas Board of Nursing.
Throughout its 40-year history, NCSBN has been a groundbreaker. Some of its many accomplishments include:
Being the first organization to implement computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for nationwide licensure examination in 1994. Since then, more than 5 million candidates for nurse licensure have taken the NCLEX exam via CAT.
In 2014, NCLEX-RN Examination became the licensure/registration exam for Canadian nurses (for all provinces except for Quebec), marking the first time that the test was utilized for the purpose of licensure in another country.
Conducting the landmark, award-winning, multisite National Simulation Study examining the use of simulation in prelicensure nursing programs.
BONs were the first health care provider regulatory bodies to develop a model for interstate practice with the original adoption of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in 1997 and its implementation in 2000. The enhanced NLC will be implemented Jan. 19, 2018, with a membership of 27 states*.
NCSBN CEO David Benton, RGN, PhD, FFNF, FRCN, FAAN, remarked, Forty years is a major milestone. It is a time to reflect, a time to celebrate but also a time to look to the future. 2018 will be a year where we look to build on our successes, learn from our failures and recommit to advancing public safety and regulatory excellence as we move forward.
In the coming year, NCSBN will unveil a seminal Global Regulatory Atlas; publish, in cooperation with The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, the 2017 National Nursing Workforce Survey; reveal a new logo; launch a new website; and distribute a booklet for new nurses with the goal of providing one to every newly licensed nurse in the U.S.
About NCSBN
NCSBNs membership is comprised of the boards of nursing (BONs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also 30 associate members that are either nursing regulatory bodies or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories.
NCSBN Member Boards protect the public by ensuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed nurses. These BONs regulate more than 4.5 million licensed nurses.
Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote evidence-based regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection.
The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing.
*eNLC states include: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Contact: Dawn M. Kappel
Director, Marketing and Communications
312.525.3667 direct
312.279.1034 fax
dkappel@ncsbn.org
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Veronique Robert
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Veronique Robert, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e338734.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
#5BisProduction | Killed in Mosul, Iraq | June 24, 2017
Job: Camera Operator, Photographer Medium: Television, Internet Beats Covered: War, Human Rights Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Foreign Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Veronique Robert, who held French and Swiss nationalities, died in Paris on June 24, 2017, of wounds she sustained on June 19 while reporting on elite Iraqi soldiers' battle to retake central Mosul from militants from the Islamic State group. Robert, her colleague from the production house #5BisProductions Stephane Villeneuve, and Iraqi fixer Bakhtiyar Haddad, all died of injuries they sustained when an improvised explosive device exploded as they traveled by foot through Mosul's old city with Iraqi Special Forces, according to news reports. French freelance journalist Samuel Forey was also embedded with the group but was only lightly injured, Forey wrote on social media.
Alex Kay Potter a nurse who was on the initial treatment team and who acts as director of communications for Global Response Management (GRM), an international nonprofit that provides medical care on the frontlines of conflicts told CPJ that Robert, Haddad, Villeneuve, and Forey were initially treated at a trauma stabilization point run by GRM and Iraqi Special Operations Forces. Robert, Villeneuve, and Forey were then transported to a nearby military medical facility for further treatment, Potter said.
Robert and Villeneuve were subsequently flown to a medical facility in Al-Qayyara, some 76 kilometers (47 miles) south of Mosul, and then to Baghdad for further treatment. According to news reports, Robert underwent surgery in Baghdad and was flown to Paris for further treatment on June 23, 2017. She died of her wounds a day later.
Robert was an experienced conflict journalist, having covered conflicts in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Iraq for clients such as Paris Match and Marianne. She and Villeneuve were filming a report for the public broadcaster France 2 when they were killed.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Takieddin al-Hudhaifi
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Takieddin al-Hudhaifi, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e338910f.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Al-Akhbariya | Killed in Taiz, Yemen | May 26, 2017
Job: Camera Operator, Photographer Medium: Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Freelance cameraman Takieddin al-Hudhaifi was killed on May 26, 2017, in the Yemeni city of Taiz while covering fighting between Gulf-monarchy-backed forces loyal to President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi and forces loyal to the Houthi militia and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh, according to local officials, news reports, and the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate.
According to the website Elmaam.net, Al-Hudhaifi, 19, was on assignment for the Saudi government news channel Al-Akhbariya when he was killed, but had previously contributed to many media outlets, including the Qatari satellite channel Al Jazeera, according to his colleagues.
According to Takieddin's father, Mohammed al-Hudhaifi, Takieddin was filming fighting near the front line in the eastern part of the city with several other freelance journalists when he was killed. Mohammed al-Hudhaifi quoted witnesses as saying that the group ran into a nearby building to take cover after being caught in crossfire, and that the building was subsequently hit by a shell. Al-Hudhaifi died at the scene, alongside Wael al-Absi, who was on assignment for Yemen's official satellite TV channel.
Al-Hudhaifi, 19, was also injured while covering the country's conflict in 2016, establishing a reputation among his colleagues for bravery. The young journalist, who was in his first year at Taiz University studying business administration, started taking video in 2011 with the uprising that forced Saleh from power when he just 13 years old, Aden News reported. According to Aden News, Al-Hudhaifi continued taking video after a Saudi-led coalition began a military campaign against Houthi militiamen and Saleh loyalists in 2015, though his father, who is also a journalist, discouraged it.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Taimoor Khan
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Taimoor Khan, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e338ba.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Samaa TV | Killed in Karachi, Pakistan | February 12, 2017
Job: Camera Operator Medium: Television Beats Covered: Crime, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Taimoor Khan, a cameraman for the privately owned broadcaster Samaa TV, was fatally shot on February 12, 2017, while covering the aftermath of an attack on a police vehicle in Karachi. He was 22.
Khan, also called Taimur Abbas in press reports, and colleagues from Samaa TV were arriving to cover the aftermath of a grenade attack on a police vehicle in the North Nazimabad district of Karachi that hurt no one when gunmen on a motorcycle began shooting at their van, according to press reports. Abbas was shot in the head and chest, and died while being treated in a nearby hospital, according to news reports.
The group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for the attack both on the police vehicle and on the Samaa TV van, according to news reports. Militants in Pakistan have repeatedly staged secondary attacks to target people rushing to the scene of a first attack. Such secondary attacks put journalists, who often cover the aftermath of bombings, at special risk.
Police chief Muqaddas Haier told the English-language newspaper Dawn that police suspect that the gunmen, likely more than two people, attacked the police vehicle to attract the media's attention. Police arrested some 30 suspects during raids across Karachi following the attack, according to press reports. Monetary rewards were offered for information leading to the capture of the perpetuators, according to Dawn. Officials from the highest level of the Pakistani government, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, condemned Khan's murder and vowed to safeguard journalists.
Khan had worked for Samaa TV for 18 months, and was the sole breadwinner in his family, according to Dawn.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Suhaib al-Heeti
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Suhaib al-Heeti, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e338d6.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Asiasat | Killed in Heet, Iraq | May 30, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Television Beats Covered: Politics, War, Human Rights, Culture Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Suhaib al-Heeti, a freelance reporter for the TV network Asiasat, was killed on May 30, 2017, in a suicide attack in Iraq's western Anbar province while covering a candlelight vigil for the victims of a truck bomb that had killed dozens of people the day prior, according to news reports, his employer, and the Iraq Observatory for Press Freedoms.
Ruba Gamiyya, senior news producer at Asiasat TV's Beirut office, said Al-Heeti was killed covering a candlelight vigil in central Heet for the victims of a truck bomb that exploded near a popular ice cream shop in Baghdad's Karrada district the night before. The journalist was killed when a man detonated explosives strapped to his body at a checkpoint near a school, killing himself, Al-Heeti, and at least 16 other people, according to news reports. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, media reports said.
Al-Heeti covered general news in Anbar province, reporting on teachers' protests, snow storms, and the plight of street children, for example. He also worked as a freelancer for the private satellite channel Al-Fallujah TV, according to the manager of the broadcaster's Facebook account.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Sudip Dutta Bhaumik
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Sudip Dutta Bhaumik, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e338f4.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Syandan Patrika | Killed in West Tripura district, India | November 21, 2017
Job: Print Reporter Medium: Print Beats Covered: Politics, Corruption Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: No
Sudip Dutta Bhaumik, an investigative reporter at the Bengali-language daily Syandan Patrika, was shot outside the office of Tapan Debbarma, a commandant in Tripura State Rifles paramilitary force, according to media reports. A guard allegedly shot the journalist, according to reports.
Debbarma had invited the journalist to his office to speak with him about a clarification that the commandant wanted for a November 13, 2017 story Bhaumik wrote, alleging financial irregularities in the paramilitary force, according to a report in The Hindu. Subal Kumar Dey, editor of Syandan Patrika, told CPJ that witnesses told him that the journalist and commandant argued.
Abhijit Saptarishi, the police superintendent of West Tripura district, which has jurisdiction over the paramilitary, said that Nanda Reang, the guard who allegedly shot Bhaumik, has been detained, according to The Indian Express.
Police arrested Debbarma on November 22, 2017, according to the news website NDTV.
Subal Kumar Dey told CPJ in late November 2017 that Debbarma was charged with murder and criminal conspiracy.
Akhil Kumar Shukla, director-general of Tripura police, which has jurisdiction over the paramilitary told CPJ that he would not comment on the telephone about Debbarma's status, saying only that the incident is under investigation.
Abhijit Saptarishi, police superintendent of West Tripura district, did not immediately respond to CPJ's calls and messages seeking comment about the guard who allegedly shot the journalist.
On November 24, police arrested Head Constable Amit Debbarma and Rifleman Dharmendra Kumar Singh, and charged them with criminal conspiracy, according to a report on the Press Trust of India news agency website. A judicial magistrate's court ordered Amit Debbarma and Dharmendra to be held in custody for seven days, pending the investigation, according to report on News18.
Dey told CPJ that Bhaumik had worked as an investigative journalist for the last 20 years, and specialized in exposing corruption in the police force. Previously he had written for local Bengali-language newspapers including Dainik Sambad and Aajker Fariad.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Sudad Faris
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Sudad Faris, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33914.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Salaheddin TV | Killed in Imam Gharbi, near Mosul, Iraq | July 07, 2017
Job: Camera Operator, Producer Medium: Television Beats Covered: Corruption, Culture, Human Rights, War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Sudad Faris, a cameraman for Salaheddin TV, was shot dead by a sniper from the Islamic State group, as he covered a July 7 Iraqi military operation to retake the village of Imam Gharbi from the militants, according to the pro-government channel.
Faris was trapped in a building alongside Iraqi security forces and several other reporters when fighters from the Islamic State group launched a counteroffensive to retake the village of Imam Gharbi, south of Mosul, a spokesman for Salaheddin TV told CPJ. Faris was hit immediately, he said. Harb Hazza al-Duleimi, a reporter for the broadcaster Hona Salaheddin, was killed in the same attack.
On July 17, Salaheddin TV published a special report on its YouTube channel that said the bodies of al-Duleimi and Faris had not been recovered because of Islamic State attacks in the village. For several days, the channel posted videos of the journalists' colleagues and family members calling on military and government officials for help in recovering the bodies.
On July 20, military officials said that they had found the bodies of the journalists, according to news reports. On the same day, Salaheddin TV posted a video to its Facebook page showing the journalists' remains arriving in Tikrit, wrapped in the Iraqi flag in preparation for their burial.
Faris worked for Salaheddin TV for more than a year, the spokesman said. The journalist covered a range of news and features, from literary events at universities to interviews with survivors of militant attacks in Tikrit.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Stephane Villeneuve
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Stephane Villeneuve, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33934.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
#5BisProduction | Killed in Mosul, Iraq | June 19, 2017
Job: Camera Operator Medium: Television, Internet Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Foreign Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
French cameraman Stephane Villeneuve was killed, along with Iraqi fixer Bakhtiyar Haddad and Veronique Robert as they covered Iraqi soldiers' efforts to retake control of the old city of Mosul, according to news reports.
Villeneuve was embedded with elite Iraqi soldiers, traveling on foot through Mosul when an improvised explosive device exploded, news reports said. Alex Kay Potter a nurse who was on the initial treatment team and who acts as director of communications for Global Response Management (GRM), an international nonprofit that provides medical care on the frontlines of conflicts told CPJ that Haddad, Forey, Villeneuve, and Robert were initially treated at a trauma stabilization point run by GRM and Iraqi Special Operations Forces. Villeneuve, Robert, and Forey were then transported to a nearby military medical facility for further treatment, Potter said.
Villeneuve and his colleagues were then flown to a medical facility in Al-Qayyara, some 76 kilometers (47 miles) south of Mosul, and then to Baghdad for further treatment. Villeneuve died of his injuries hours later, according to news reports and the Metro Center for Journalists' Rights, a northern Iraqi press freedom group.
Villeneuve was an experienced conflict journalist. He covered the wars in Syria, Iraq, and Libya for French media including France 24, Canal+, and BFM video. At the time of his death, Stephan was filming a report for the French public TV station France 2.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Shifa Zikri Ibrahim (Shifa Gardi)
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Shifa Zikri Ibrahim (Shifa Gardi), 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33954.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Rudaw TV | Killed in Mosul, Iraq | February 25, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Iraqi-Kurdish reporter and Kurdish-language Rudaw TV news anchor Shifa Zikri Ibrahim, known professionally as Shifa Gardi, was killed on February 25, 2017, by a roadside bomb while covering the Iraqi Army's offensive against the Islamic State group in western Mosul, according to the network and news reports.
Gardi and her team were on a mission to investigate a mass grave where it was alleged that ISIS militants had killed and buried hundreds of civilians in Mosul, Rudaw's Ranja Jamal said in an account of the incident published on Rudaw's website. Rudaw's team were trying to film the grave when the bomb exploded, killing Gardi and five members of a paramilitary force who had led her to the site, Jamal said.
Another eight people, including Rudaw TV cameraman Yunis Mustafa, were injured, according to Rudaw TV and news reports. Mustafa was airlifted to the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, where he was hospitalized. Rudaw TV said his injuries were not life-threatening.
According to the channel, Gardi presented a daily special program on the Mosul offensive on Rudaw TV, and had reported on the campaign from inside Mosul, continuing her coverage until an hour before she was killed.
Gardi, 30, was born a refugee in Iran in 1986 and graduated from Erbil's Salahaddin University with a journalism degree. She started her career as a journalist in 2006, and joined the Rudaw Media Network since 2013, according the station and CNN.
Rudaw TV Executive Director Ako Mohamm told a crowd of Gardi's colleagues and ordinary people gathered to pay respect to her body outside the network's headquarters. "She was one of the very dedicated employees. She was an example of dedication," Ako continued. He said the network has always instructed its journalists "to be behind the frontlines of the war."
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Shantanu Bhowmik
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Shantanu Bhowmik, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33974.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Dinraat | Killed in West Tripura district, India | September 20, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Television Beats Covered: Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Mob Violence Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Shantanu Bhowmik, a reporter for the local Bengali-language news channel Dinraat, was beaten to death on September 20, 2017, while he covered clashes between members of the separatist Indigenous People's Front of Tripura and the ruling Tripura Rajya Upajati Ganamukti Parishad party in the northeastern Tripura state near the border with Bangladesh, according to media reports.
A mob used sticks to hit him on his head and legs, according to a report in the English-language Indian Express that quoted an unnamed journalist who was also covering the clashes.
According to the Indian Express, Bhowmik was taking pictures with his mobile phone when members of the crowd attacked him. Swapan Chakraborty, an editor at Dinraat, told CPJ that the last image the station received from Bhowmik was sent at 1:15 p.m.
Later that day, the police found Bhowmik's body near a stadium, according to media reports.
Akhil Kumar Shukla, director general of Tripura state police said that three people were arrested and are being held in police custody on court order in relation to the journalist's death, according to a September 28, 2017 report in The Times of India.
When CPJ spoke with Chakraborty in early December 2017, the editor said that four people were now in custody in relation to Bhowmik's death. The editor described the suspects as belonging to or being supporters of the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura, and he said no charges had been filed.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Salvador Adame Pardo
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Salvador Adame Pardo, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33994.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
6TV | Killed in Between May 18 and June 26, 2017, Mexico | June 01, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter, Publisher/Owner Medium: Television Beats Covered: Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group, Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: Yes Tortured: No Threatened: No
Gunmen abducted Salvador Adame Pardo, director of the television station 6TV, on May 18, 2017, from the central Mexican town of Nueva Italia in Michoacan state, according to media reports. On June 26, 2017, state authorities told Mexican media that they had found the burned remains of Adame on June 14, 2017, in the town of Gabriel Zamora.
Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects and no arrests had been made as of mid-December, 2017.
Witnesses told local media they saw armed men abduct Adame shortly before 8 p.m. near a water purifying plant on Nueva Italia's Lazaro Cardenas Avenue. The attackers forced him into their black SUV and fled the scene in the direction of Nuevo Corondiro, northwest of Nueva Italia, according to the same witness reports.
In a brief statement, the Michoacan State Attorney General's Office said authorities opened an investigation hours after Adame's abduction, and that the federal attorney general's office had been notified, because Adame is a journalist.
Adame covered general news and local politics for two decades from the Mugica municipality in southern Michoacan, and was an owner and director of 6TV.
A friend and colleague who did not want to be named for safety reasons told CPJ that Adame had been a frequent critic of municipal officials.
On April 12, 2016, CPJ reported that police briefly detained Adame and his wife, Frida Pardo, a co-owner of 6TV, while the couple was covering a sit-in at the Mugica municipal building by women protesting changes in a local social program.
After this incident, Adame told CPJ that he believed the order to detain him and his wife may have come from a government official. "That we were filming the removal of the women may have angered someone, but we were just doing our job," he told CPJ. He said at the time that he was considering leaving the state.
In a statement on May 30, 2017, Michoacan Attorney General Jose Martin Godoy Castro said Adame's kidnapping might have been motivated by debts or personal problems, though he did not elaborate further.
Other journalists, as well as Adame's family, have criticized these statements as an attempt to criminalize Adame, and have called for a full investigation into his death.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
CLEARWATER, Fla., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On December 31st, a family of four from New York City vacationing in Clearwater stopped by the Scientology Information Center thus breaking the 27,000 visitor mark to the Center.
We saw the sign, Church of Scientology Information Center All are welcome and decided to come in and look around, said Chuck, the father of the family. We heard about the Church of Scientologys spiritual headquarters in Clearwater, and since we know nothing about Scientology, we wanted to look around. During the visit their questions about Scientologys beliefs were answered and they received a photo brochure of the Church of Scientology of New York as a keepsake.
Its amazing the diversity of people that come through these doors every day who are curious about Scientology, added Amber. One visitor, a life-long Clearwater resident, Michael Fitzsimmons, visited the Information Center for the fist time in 2016. Now he frequently comes by to say hello, learn more and have a cup of coffee.
Its always nice to have someone to talk to and answer questions about Scientology, said Mr. Fitzsimmons.
Since its opening in July 2015, the Scientology Information Center has hosted visitors from across the U.S., and visitors from 25 countries, from as far away as Argentina and Vietnam. Over 100 community events have taken place in the Center. They highlight special days including Earth Day, International Day of Happiness, Mothers Day and Fathers Day.
The Center houses a gallery of information panels, 4 audiovisual displays containing some 400 videos. These displays allow anyone to learn what are Dianetics, Scientology and its founder, Mr. L. Ron Hubbard for themselves, said Amber Skjelset, Manager of the Scientology Information Center.
For more information about the Scientology Information Center and its regular events please call the manager at 727-467-6966 or via e-mail amber@cos.flag.org.
The Scientology Information Center:
The Scientology Information Center, located in the Historic Clearwater Building in downtown Clearwater, opened on July 11, 2015, and currently houses a gallery of audiovisual displays with some 400 videos. The Center is open to all provides a self-guided tour showing basic Scientology beliefs, Churches around the world, ongoing social programs and the life of L. Ron Hubbard, Scientologys founder. For more information please visit www.scientology-fso.org .
Contact Amber Skjelset
(727) 467-6966
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/602cfa60-424c-4205-b612-9c0661ab4ba4
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Qais al-Jazar (Qais al-Qadhi)
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Qais al-Jazar (Qais al-Qadhi), 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e339b4.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Al-Jisr TV | Killed in Homouria, Syria | October 29, 2017
Job: Camera Operator, Editor, Broadcast Reporter Medium: Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Al-Jisr TV reporter Qais al-Jazar, known professionally as Qais al-Qadhi, was killed during a shelling attack in the eastern suburbs of Damascus on October 29, 2017, according to reports from his employer and AFP.
Al-Qadhi, who was the director of al-Jisr's Damascus office, was on a farm in the town of Homouria in eastern Damascus reporting on shelling by Syrian forces in the area [EB1] when an artillery shell landed on the farm, according to an al-Jisr report. Al-Jisr cameraman Omar al-Dimashqi, who was reporting with al-Qadhi, suffered a foot injury in the same attack, their employer reported.
Eight civilians also died in the attack and many more were injured, according to the same al-Jisr report, which was presented by the channel's correspondent Mohammad al-Rifai. CPJ was unable to determine if the journalist was among the number of dead.
In the AFP report, a photo of al-Qadhi's bloodied corpse shows him wearing a clearly visible press card.
In the same al-Jisr report, al-Rifai said that the Syrian military had previously targeted the channel's Damascus office, as well as its correspondents working in the eastern Damascus suburbs, without providing specific examples.
CPJ could not verify al-Rifai's claim.
Al-Jisr had also come under fire from Islamic State group militants. The Syrian Journalists Association, a secular pro-opposition press advocacy group, reported that a shell fired by IS militants injured the director of al-Jisr's Daraa office in southern Syria while he was covering clashes between the group and a faction of the FSA on October 12, 2017, in rural Daraa Province.
Al-Qadhi was born in 1994 in Arbin, the next town over from Homouria in the Ghouta area of eastern Damascus, and had been director of Al-Jisr's Damascus office since it opened two years earlier.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Osama Nasr al-Zoabi
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Osama Nasr al-Zoabi, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e339d4.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Syrian Media Organization (SMO) | Killed in Daraa, Syria | August 21, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter, Camera Operator Medium: Internet, Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Osama Nasr al-Zoabi, correspondent for the Syrian Media Organization (SMO) and director of the SMO office in Daraa, was killed August 21 in a roadside bombing in the southwestern province of Daraa, according to the SMO executive director Abu al-Majd al-Zoabi.
Al-Zoabi was on his way to report on the humanitarian effects of a Syrian government bombing campaign that took place in the Daraa region in June, Abu al-Majd al-Zoabi told CPJ.
The car he was driving hit an improvised explosive device. In a statement on Twitter, the Syrian Media Organization reported that al-Zoabi's brother and a nephew were also killed in the explosion.
The news organization is affiliated with the Western-approved Southern Front rebel group.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Nikolai Andrushchenko
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Nikolai Andrushchenko, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e339f4.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Novy Peterburg | Killed in St. Petersburg, Russia | April 19, 2017
Job: Internet Reporter, Print Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Unknown Fire Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes
Nikolai Andrushchenko, a veteran journalist known for his reporting on corruption and police brutality, died in a St. Petersburg hospital on April 19, 2017, of injuries sustained in a beating six weeks earlier. His murder was the first of a journalist in Russia since 2013, according to CPJ research.
Andrushchenko, 73, was on his way to a business meeting on March 9 when unknown assailants severely beat him, according to press reports. Andrushchenko's colleague, Alevtina Ageyeva, told CPJ that she was not aware of any witnesses to the attack. He was found unconscious several hours later and taken to a hospital where doctors performed brain surgery and left him in a medically induced coma, Ageyeva said. He died April 19 without regaining consciousness, she said, adding that recently "his state [had been] improving; he had started breathing on his own."
Andrushchenko was known for his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his investigative reports alleging corruption and human rights abuses, including by local police. Ageyeva, who co-founded Novy Peterburg with Andrushchenko in 1990, told CPJ that the journalist was a "constant irritant for the authorities," and added that she had "no doubt that he was killed for his journalism."
Denis Usov, who also worked with Andrushchenko at Novy Peterburg, told CPJ on May 17, 2017, that the police had not contacted the newspaper since initially opening a preliminary probe into the March 9 beating, and that the newspaper had not been informed of any progress in the investigation.
Ageyeva told CPJ that Andrushchenko had suffered physical attacks in the past. In November 2016, she said, several assailants beat him on his doorstep. Ageyeva said that his attackers couldn't "finish the job" because the journalist's neighbors interfered.
He was also beaten in November 2007, weeks before police raided the newspaper's office and a court jailed him for two months' pretrial detention on charges of defamation and obstruction of justice stemming from his reporting on a murder investigation, CPJ reported at the time.
"He endured many physical attacks and made it through every time," Ageyeva told CPJ. "But not this time."
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Mohamed Abazied (George Samara)
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Mohamed Abazied (George Samara), 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33a14.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Nabd Syria Satellite Station/ Syria Media Organization (SMO) | Killed in Daraa, Syria | March 12, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Television, Internet Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Mohamed Abazied was killed by a rocket fired at the southwestern Syrian city of Daraa while reporting on Russian and Syrian military airstrikes on the city, according to his employers and other news reports.
Abazied, also known professionally as George Samara, contributed to the pro-opposition satellite station Nabd Syria and the Syria Media Organization (SMO), which also is sympathetic to the Syrian opposition. Both reported that he was covering the airstrikes at the time of his death, and the journalist posted live video of the attacks on his Facebook page just before his death.
In the video he posted to Facebook just before his death, Abazied appears in an abandoned building and describes what he says are the sounds of Russian and Syrian planes bombing civilians in the area. Another person briefly appears in the video to warn him of an approaching fighter plane ready to attack.
"Let them go ahead," he responds. "Death is better than humiliation."
Shrapnel hit Abazied in the head, killing him instantly, Ziad Al-Rayes, a spokesman for the channel told the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Abazied, 40, had lived in Daraa for six years prior to his death. His own home was destroyed in an airstrike last year, according to local news reports. In his reports for SMO and Nabd Syria, he covered civilian casualties, the destruction of residential buildings and infrastructure, and the plight of those forced to flee the conflict in Daraa.
On March 10, Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoy, chief of the Russian General Staff Main Operational Directorate, told reporters in a press briefing that Russian aircraft had carried out 452 airstrikes to support the Syrian government's push to retake eastern Aleppo province the previous week alone.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Miroslava Breach Velducea
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Miroslava Breach Velducea, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33a34.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
La Jornada | Killed in Chihuahua, Mexico | March 23, 2017
Job: Print Reporter, Internet Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Crime, Politics Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes
Miroslava Breach Velducea, a correspondent for the national newspaper La Jornada from the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, was murdered on the morning of March 23, 2017, in the eponymous state capital.
An unknown assailant shot Breach, 54, eight times as she was leaving home in her car, accompanied by one of her three children, shortly after 7 a.m., according to press reports. The child was not injured, but Breach died while being transported to the hospital.
Breach covered, among other subjects, politics, crime, and the intersection of the two. Since January 2017 she had also headed her own news agency, MIR, and had long been a contributor to the Chihuahua news website Norte, which announced after her murder that it was closing.
La Jornada reported that a note was found at the scene of the murder that read: "For being a snitch. You're next, governor. The 80." Police say The 80 is Arturo Quintana, who allegedly leads a criminal gang associated with the organized crime syndicate known as La Linea, which operates in the Western half of the state, according to news reports.
On March 4, 2016, Breach reported on alleged links between organized crime and mayoral candidates in several small towns in the mountainous region of western Chihuahua. The story mentioned "The 80" as supporting candidates for mayor in at least two towns, including the alleged gang leader's mother-in-law. According to one journalist who knew the victim well and who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisal, Breach had received threats on at least three occasions for her reporting alleging links between politicians and alleged organized crime figures.
Nahum Pedro Zarate, deputy general director of the federal Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE) told CPJ on the day of the murder that a federal investigation had begun. Cesar Augusto Peniche Espejel, Chihuahua's state attorney general, told CPJ during a visit to Chihuahua on April 4 that the victim's work as a journalist has not been discarded as a possible motive. He said he could not provide more details, citing the ongoing investigation.
The governor of Chihuahua, Javier Corral Jurado, said that Breach had told him about threats she had received two years ago, when he was a senator, but that she had not told him about any more recent threats, according to the news website Sin Embargo. The Free Journalism Network of Chihuahua issued a statement saying that Breach met with officials from the Federal Mechanism for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in October 2016 and had told them then that she had been threatened for her work.
Chihuahua Attorney General Cesar Augusto Peniche on March 30 said that two suspects had been identified in the shooting, according to La Jornada. Peniche said that Breach was killed because her reporting affected the interests of organized crime, the newspaper reported.
An unknown assailant shot Breach, 54, eight times as she was leaving home in her car, accompanied by one of her three children, shortly after 7 a.m., according to press reports. The child was not injured, but Breach died while being transported to the hospital.
Breach covered, among other subjects, politics, crime, and the intersection of the two. Since January 2017 she had also headed her own news agency, MIR, and had long been a contributor to the Chihuahua news website Norte, which announced after her murder that it was closing.
La Jornada reported that a note was found at the scene of the murder that read: "For being a snitch. You're next, governor. The 80." Police say The 80 is Arturo Quintana, who allegedly leads a criminal gang associated with the organized crime syndicate known as La Linea, which operates in the Western half of the state, according to news reports.
On March 4, 2016, Breach reported on alleged links between organized crime and mayoral candidates in several small towns in the mountainous region of western Chihuahua. The story mentioned "The 80" as supporting candidates for mayor in at least two towns, including the alleged gang leader's mother-in-law. According to one journalist who knew the victim well and who asked CPJ to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, Breach had received threats on at least three occasions for her reporting alleging links between politicians and alleged organized crime figures.
Nahum Pedro Zarate, deputy general director of the federal Special Prosecutor for Attention to Crimes against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE) told CPJ on the day of the murder that a federal investigation had begun. Cesar Augusto Peniche Espejel, Chihuahua's state attorney general, told CPJ during a visit to Chihuahua on April 4 that the victim's work as a journalist has not been discarded as a possible motive. He said he could not provide more details, citing the ongoing investigation.
The governor of Chihuahua, Javier Corral Jurado, said that Breach had told him about threats she had received two years ago, when he was a senator, but that she had not told him about any more recent threats, according to the news website Sin Embargo. The Free Journalism Network of Chihuahua issued a statement saying that Breach met with officials from the Federal Mechanism for Journalists and Human Rights Defenders in October 2016 and had told them then that she had been threatened for her work.
Chihuahua Attorney General Cesar Augusto Peniche on March 30 said that two suspects had been identified in the shooting, according to La Jornada. Peniche said that Breach was killed because her reporting affected the interests of organized crime, the newspaper reported.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Maximino Rodriguez
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Maximino Rodriguez, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33a54.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Freelance | Killed in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico | April 14, 2017
Job: Columnist / Commentator, Internet Reporter Medium: Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Crime, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes
Unknown assailants shot and killed crime reporter Rodriguez on April 14, 2017 in the northern Mexican city of La Paz, according to his employer.
Rodriguez, 73, reported on crime and the police on Colectivo Pericu, a blog that covers current events in the northern Mexican state of Baja California Sur and that allows readers to denounce crime, corruption, and other grievances. He wrote a regular column for the website Es Mi Opinion (It's My Opinion), in which he commented on crime, politics, corruption, and other topics.
An initial report from Colectivo Pericu said that Rodriguez was attacked at around noon just after he and his wife entered their vehicle in a parking lot. An unknown number of attackers opened fire at the victim at close range from within a white SUV, the website reported, adding that the weapons used were "apparently high-powered," a term commonly used in Mexico for assault rifles. Rodriguez was killed instantly. His wife was not harmed.
In a statement published on its website on April 16, 2017, the Baja California Sur state prosecutor's office (PGJ) said it had identified one of the weapons in the Rodriguez murder as having been used in an April 5, 2017 shooting of a police officer in La Paz. Several attempts by CPJ to reach the PGJ by telephone for further comment in mid-April 2017 were unsuccessful.
According to the same statement, state authorities are collaborating with the federal Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE), which investigates attacks on journalists, by request of Governor Carlos Mendoza Davis. Nahum Pedro Zarate, the deputy general director of FEADLE, confirmed to CPJ on April 17, 2017 that federal authorities are considering the victim's work as a journalist as a possible motive.
In his April 11 column, Rodriguez commented on police officers' operations against a local criminal gang in La Paz. In the article, he was dismissive of the gang and its alleged leader, whom he accused of using violence to spread panic among the city's population.
The article provoked an angry reaction from a commenter using a pseudonym, in which the commenter threatened to kill Rodriguez and accused the journalist of being on the payroll of a rival gang.
Rodriguez had received other threats in the past, he said in a December 6, 2016, interview with the news website Culco, adding that he was not afraid to continue his work.
Rodriguez was a veteran journalist, and fellow journalists from the area spoke highly of him to CPJ. He had worked as a reporter for a number of national and regional media outlets, including as a correspondent covering the civil wars in Honduras and El Salvador in the 1980s, before completing his career of full-time work as a spokesperson for the Baja California Sur state prosecutor's office and the state Supreme Court. He began working on the crime beat for Colectivo Pericu in November 2014 after his retirement from full-time work.
"I spoke with him almost every day," the website's co-founder, Cuauthemoc Morgan, told CPJ. "Max covered high-impact crimes in La Paz, and because the state is suffering a wave of violence since the summer of 2014, he published his stories very regularly."
Morgan also said that in November 2016, unknown individuals left a banner with a threat against the website at its office in Los Cabos, south of La Paz. He added that he and others involved with Colectivo Pericu are currently considering requesting safety measures with the federal Protection Mechanism for Journalists.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Maria Efigenia Vasquez Astudillo
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Maria Efigenia Vasquez Astudillo, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33a7a.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Renacer Kokonuko | Killed in Unknown, Colombia | October 08, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Radio Beats Covered: Culture Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Local Residents, Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Radio reporter Maria Efigenia Vasquez Astudillo was shot on October 8, 2017, while reporting on clashes between indigenous community members and riot police in the department of Cauca in southwestern Colombia, according to news reports. Vasquez, 31, who worked at an indigenous community radio station, Renacer Kokonuko 90.7 FM, was taken to a hospital in Popayan, the capital of Cauca, where she died a few hours later from injuries.
According to the official forensics report, it is unclear what kind of object was shot at, injured, and killed Vasquez.
Vasquez was participating in and reporting on a protest organized by members of the Kokonuko indigenous community against the presence of a private company on land they view as ancestral territory, according to news reports. The community members set up a roadblock, where they were met by riot police. About 40 indigenous civilians were injured in the clashes, Isneldo Avirama, the community's governor, told the Bogota-based press freedom organization Fundacion para la Libertad de Prensa (FLIP).
During the confrontation, Vasquez was injured by a homemade weapon that could have come from either side, according to news reports. An official at the national Attorney General's office told CPJ the case is still under investigation and that authorities were investigating multiple hypotheses.
According to FLIP, Vasquez was attending the protest as a community member, but was also documenting the event, which is common practice among the station's staff.
"She had the same mission as the rest of us: to document [what was happening]," Emildre Avirama, a colleague at Renacer Kokonuko, told FLIP.
Renacer Kokonuko, which broadcasts from a small house in the indigenous territory, is the only official news outlet in the municipality of Purace, according to FLIP.
Vasquez began attending media training in 2003, at age 17, according to a statement released by the Cauca Regional Indigenous Council. She contributed to Renacer Kokonuko's news program "Amanecer Indigena" and "Minga," a cultural program, and was acting coordinator of a regional communications program in 2014. Family members told FLIP she alternated her work at the radio station with farming strawberries, and had taken breaks from the station over the past two years to focus on supporting her three children.
CPJ did not find any evidence that Vasquez had previously received any threats for her reporting. A colleague at Renacer Kokonuko told FLIP that several unidentified people stopped by the radio station's office two days after Vasquez was killed, asking for the names of other staff at the station.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Louay Sadiq Meshaal
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Louay Sadiq Meshaal, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33ab127.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Al-Nujaba TV | Killed in Salman, Iraq | October 01, 2017
Job: Photographer, Camera Operator Medium: Internet, Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Iraqi cameraman and war photographer Louay Sadiq Meshaal died in a car bomb attack in Iraq's central Kirkuk province while he was embedded with a local fighting unit, according to Sadiq's employer al-Nujaba TV, which is affiliated with the Iranian-backed militia Harakat al-Nujaba.
At the time of the explosion, Sadiq was with the Iraqi state-sponsored 12th Brigade of the Popular Mobilization Units, which consists mainly of Shiite militias, in the village of Salman in Kirkuk's Makhoul mountain range, according to a statement al-Nujaba issued to CPJ via email.
According to al-Nujaba TV and the local press freedom group Press Freedom Advocacy Association in Iraq, Sadiq was covering military operations to retake Salman's al-Hawija district from the militant group Islamic State group.
Sadiq's friend and war correspondent for Harakat al-Nujaba, Muntazir al-Shara, was with Sadiq at the time of his death, and posted an account of the car bomb blast on his Facebook feed along with a picture the two had taken moments before the explosion.
Al-Shara wrote on Facebook that he met up with Sadiq in Salman with the intent of replacing his colleague on the frontlines. The car bomb explosion occurred when Sadiq went to retrieve a camera from Al-Shara and rejoin the advancing troops, according to al-Shara's post.
"He was screaming loudly 'heir, heir, heir,'" al-Nujaba wrote, a likely reference to a Quaranic verse that can, idiomatically, be translated as "God keep us healthy for as long as possible."
According to al-Shara, Sadiq died from shrapnel wounds not far from the scene of the explosion.
An employee of Al-Nujaba TV who refused to give his name told CPJ that Sadiq had worked as a cameraman and war photographer since 2014, and covered clashes in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad, Samarra, Tikrit, Beiji and Mosul. According to the employee, Sadiq also covered clashes between the Harakat al-Nujaba militia group and the Islamic State group in the Syrian cities of Aleppo, Tel Al-Aish, and Khanazir.
Harakat al-Nujaba is part of the Islamic Resistance Movement in Iraq, and is one of the most prominent units within the Popular Mobilization Units, also known as Hashd al-Shaabi. It operates in Syria and Iraq under the leadership of Qassem Soleimani, the head of the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' Quds Force, and has close ties to Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Kim Wall
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Kim Wall, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33ada.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Freelance | Killed in Copenhagen, Denmark | August 10, 2017
Job: Print Reporter Medium: Print Beats Covered: Culture, Human Rights, Politics Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Foreign Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Local Residents Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Swedish freelance journalist Kim Wall, 30, disappeared off the coast of Copenhagen, Denmark, on August 10, 2017 after boarding an amateur-built submarine to interview its owner, Peter Madsen, according to reports.
When Madsen, a Danish citizen, was rescued unharmed and alone from the submarine after it sank that night, he told police that he had dropped Wall off on an island.
Copenhagen police said on August 13 that Madsen deliberately sank the vessel. On August 21, while in custody, Madsen told police that Wall died in an accident on board the submarine and said that he buried her at sea, press reports said.
On August 23, 2017, Danish police confirmed that a torso found off Copenhagen was that of Wall. The body was weighted down in an apparent attempt to prevent it from surfacing, a police chief investigator said at a press conference.
Madsen was initially charged with manslaughter and abuse of corpse, according to reports. He denies killing Wall. A Danish court ordered the inventor detained until September 5, 2017, pending further inquiries, Reuters reported.
On September 5, a judge upgraded the initial involuntary manslaughter charges against Madsen to murder charges, Jakob Buch-Jepsen, special prosecutor with the Copenhagen Police, told The Washington Post. At a court hearing that day, Madsen said he did not kill Wall but that she had died as a result of an accident where she was hit in the head by the submarine's heavy hatch, according to press reports.
In November, Danish police said divers had recovered Wall's missing arms from the sea, which police said had been weighted down the same way the journalist's torso, which was recovered earlier, had been, The Associated Press reported. Though Madsen initially denied dismembering Wall's body, he later admitted to it, the AP said. In December 2017, authorities extended Madsen's detention to March 8, 2018, when the first hearing is scheduled to take place, according to reports.
Wall, a graduate of the London School of Economics and New York's Columbia Journalism School was based in New York and Beijing, and wrote for publications including The New York Times, Harper's magazine, The Guardian, The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, Slate, TIME, and Vice.
She often chose to cover underreported stories including the life of marginalized subcultures, according to colleagues. Her brother Tom Wall told CPJ in an email that she also covered stories on gender, social issues, and foreign policy. She worked in several countries including Sri Lanka, Haiti, Cuba, and Uganda. In 2016, Wall was awarded the Hanzel Mieth digital award for her reporting in the Marshall Islands on climate change and the impact of U.S. nuclear weapons testing in the region.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Khaled al-Khateb
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Khaled al-Khateb, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33afa.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
RT | Killed in Sukhna, Syria | July 30, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter, Camera Operator Medium: Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Khaled al-Khateb, a 25-year-old freelance reporter for the Russian-government-funded broadcaster RT Arabic, was killed on July 30, 2017, by a rocket fired by fighters from the Islamic State group as he traveled in a Syrian Army convoy near the village of Sukhna in eastern Homs province, RT Arabic reported. An employee of RT Arabic who asked that CPJ not use his name because he was not authorized to speak on behalf of the station told CPJ that "several" Syrian soldiers were also killed in the attack and that RT cameraman Muutaz Yaqoub was injured.
In an email to CPJ, RT said that al-Khateb had started working for the channel as an on-air reporter at the end of April 2017, and was part of the channel's team covering the Syrian military's battles against the Islamic State group in Homs province. Al-Khateb also interviewed family members of victims of the country's ongoing conflict, as well as refugees fleeing fighting in Raqqa and elsewhere in Syria.
The Russian-government-funded website Sputnik also reported that al-Khateb had previously worked for its Arabic-language service and for the Syrian-government-funded broadcaster Al-Ikhbaria before beginning work with RT. His last piece for RT focused on civilian casualties from the U.S.-led coalition's bombing campaign in support of a rebel offensive to retake Raqqa from the Islamic State group.
RT head Margarita Simonyan said in a statement that al-Khateb's death was the first time that one of the network's journalists had been killed in a conflict zone.
The RT Arabic employee told CPJ that Al-Khateb's colleagues in Damascus described him as eager to pursue new stories, even if they were potentially dangerous or if there was little time to plan beforehand. Though he usually traveled with a cameraman and reported on-air, al-Khateb also liked shooting video himself in order to experiment with new techniques, the employee added.
Al-Khateb was born in the town of Salamiyah in neighboring Hama province, the employee said.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Freedom Leaf, Inc. does not handle, grow, sell, or dispense marijuana; our European activities are in full compliance with relevant EU laws
LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freedom Leaf, Inc. (OTCQB: FRLF), The Marijuana Legalization Company, a group of diversified, international, vertically-integrated Cannabis/Hemp businesses and media companies, announced yesterday the continuation of retiring outstanding convertible debt. On December 15, 2017, a convertible note of $38,000 was retired through a payment made to the lender. Currently, Freedom Leaf, Inc. has 3 other convertible notes on our books that we intend to retire prior to their 6-month anniversaries just as we did with the aforementioned convertible note.
Clifford Perry, CEO, stated, "We are committed to a program of enhancing shareholder value by focusing on generating revenue with our merchandising projects derived from our wholly owned subsidiary Leafceuticals, Inc, and eliminating toxic convertible securities that could dilute shareholder value. Currently, our Hempology products, Vapes, CBD Oil and CBD Dog Treats are available at MyHempology.com Also in conjunction with Reliable Steel and Harris Farms, Ltd, a licensed Nevada Hemp grower, Leafceuticals, Inc is using the NuAxon Supercritical CO2 Extractor to process the hemp flower and we plan on using the extracted oil in our product line, as well as selling CBD Oil to manufacturers."
About Freedom Leaf
Freedom Leaf, Inc., The Marijuana Legalization Company, is a fully reporting and audited, publicly traded company trading under the symbol (OTCQB:FRLF). Freedom Leaf, Inc. is a leading go-to resource in the cannabis, medical marijuana, and industrial hemp industry. It is involved in mergers and acquisitions and business consulting in the marijuana industry, including incubation/acceleration and spin offs of new marijuana/hemp related companies.
Freedom Leaf, Inc.'s flagship publication is Freedom Leaf Magazine, "The Good News in Marijuana Reform." The company produces a portfolio of news, print and digital multi-media verticals, websites, blogs and web advertising, for the ever-changing emerging cannabis, medical marijuana and industrial hemp industry.
Freedom Leaf, Inc. does not handle, grow, sell, or dispense marijuana. All of our European activities are in full compliance with relevant EU laws.
Corporate Website and Investor Relations: http://www.FreedomLeafInc.com
Safe Harbor Statement
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements, including any financial projections above, generally can be identified by phrases such as Freedom Leaf, Inc. or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "forecasts," "estimates" "projections" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe the Company's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences include the uncertainty regarding viability and market acceptance of the Company's products and services, changes in relationships with third parties, and other factors described in the Company's most recent periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K dated June 30, 2017 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Joaquin Briones
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Joaquin Briones, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33b1a.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Remate | Killed in Milagros, Masbate, Philippines | March 13, 2017
Job: Print Reporter Medium: Print Beats Covered: Crime, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Unknown Fire Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes
Joaquin Briones, a columnist for the national tabloid newspaper Remate and a former radio commentator at the local dyME radio station, was shot four times in the back at around 8:45 a.m. in Milagros, a town in the island province of Masbate. He died on the spot from his injuries, reports said.
Police Inspector Malu Calubaquid said the murderers fled the scene of the crime near the town's Bombon Bridge on a motorcycle, news reports said. No suspects were identified, and no arrests were made in the immediate aftermath of the attack, the reports said.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security, established in 2016 by President Rodrigo Duterte to protect journalists and to bring those who kill them to justice, said it had launched an investigation into Briones' murder, according to news reports.
Milagros Police Inspector Anselmo Prima said police suspected either local politics or personal grudges as possible motives for the crime, reports said.
Lydia Buena, Remate's managing editor, said she believed Briones' murder was likely linked to his "hard-hitting" reports on sensitive topics such as illegal fishing, underground gambling, and the drug trade, Agence France-Presse reported.
She said Briones had received "many death threats" for his reporting before his murder and that his journalism had earned him "several enemies" in the local community, the report said.
Paul Gutierrez, president of the National Press Club and a friend of the victim, said that Briones in December 2016 suggested staying in Manila because he feared for his safety in Milagros, reports said. Gutierrez did not mention specifically why Briones said he had felt threatened.
Ryan Rosauro, secretary general of the National Union of Journalists (NUJP), told CPJ that the professional association's initial investigations indicated Briones' killing was likely "work-related." Rosauro said that NUJP investigators received anonymous threats after interviewing witnesses and following up on details of the case.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Javier Valdez Cardenas
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Javier Valdez Cardenas, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33b334.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Riodoce | Killed in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico | May 15, 2017
Job: Internet Reporter, Print Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Crime, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes
Investigative reporter and editor Javier Valdez Cardenas was fatally shot on May 15, 2017, near the editorial offices of Riodoce, the investigative weekly he co-founded in 2003 in the northern Mexican city of Culiacan. He was 50 years old.
According to news reports and statements by Sinaloa state Attorney General Juan Jose Rios, Valdez was shot around noon, shortly after he left the offices of Riodoce. Unknown assailants blocked his way, dragged him out of his car and shot him at least 12 times. Valdez died shortly after. The attackers fled in his vehicle, which was later found abandoned not far from the scene of the crime, state and federal authorities told CPJ in the days following the murder. They also told CPJ that Valdez's laptop computer and mobile phone had been taken.
Riodoce magazine focuses mostly on organized crime, corruption, and regional politics.
Valdez was also the correspondent in Sinaloa for La Jornada, a Mexico City-based newspaper, and gained widespread national recognition for authoring a series of books that chronicle the Mexican underworld and the victims of Mexico's drug war. He was a 2011 recipient of CPJ's International Press Freedom Award.
As one of the few investigative magazines in the state of Sinaloa, Riodoce and its reporters have been a frequent target of threats and sometimes of violence, according to news reports and its reporters. Sinaloa is the home state of some of Mexico's most notorious drug lords and the base of operations of Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico's oldest and most powerful drug trafficking organizations. Since its inception, the magazine's fearless reporting, has often placed it at odds with powerful criminal and political interests, according to media reports. In 2009, a grenade was thrown at one of its editorial offices, but no one was hurt, according to news reports.
Javier Valdez told CPJ in March 2017 that he was concerned for his safety. His newspaper La Jornada reported one day after his murder that he had received anonymous death threats since February, without specifying their nature. Several reporters who knew the victim well and who spoke with CPJ on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation could not confirm the threats. They did, however, say that the situation in the state had become "tense" after the January 2016 arrest and extradition to the United States of Joaquin Guzman Loera, the alleged founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. Guzman's extradition has been widely cited in media reports as the immediate cause of a surge in violence in the state in recent months.
Ricardo Sanchez Perez del Pozo, the Special Prosecutor for Crimes against Freedom of Expression (FEADLE) told CPJ in May that his office had taken charge of the investigation, with support from the Sinaloa state prosecutor's office. He emphasized to CPJ on several occasions over the past two months that investigators had not discarded any possible motives, but that the victim's work as a journalist was the principal line of investigation. Investigators had released no further details as to the suspected identity of the killers or their motives by mid-July 2017.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Hussain Nazari
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Hussain Nazari, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33b5a.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Rah-E-Farda Radio and Television | Killed in Kabul, Afghanistan | November 17, 2017
Job: Camera Operator Medium: Radio, Television Beats Covered: Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Hussain Nazari, a cameraman with Rah-e-Farda Radio and Television, died on November 17, 2017 from injuries sustained during a suicide attack in Kabul the day before, Ilias Alami, operations manager at the Afghan Journalist Safety Committee, told CPJ.
On November 16, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest in front of a meeting hall where Nazari and his colleague Taqi Sadid were covering a political meeting attended by several governors, according to Alami and a report from the New York Times.
Afghanistan's Tolo news site reported that Nazari died in the Kabul emergency hospital the next day.
At least 14 others died in the attack, and at least 18, including Sadid, were injured, according to The New York Times and Alami.
The extremist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, according to Terrormonitor, a social media site that tracks terrorist attacks. A Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said his group did not carry out the attack, the New York Times reported.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Hawker Faisal Mohammed
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Hawker Faisal Mohammed, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33b7a.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Hawar News Agency (ANHA) | Killed in Abu Fas Village, Syria | October 13, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter, Camera Operator Medium: Television, Internet Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Kurdish reporter Hawker Faisal Mohammed died from injuries sustained during an October 12 suicide car bomb attack that occurred in the eastern Syrian village of Abu Fas, where he was covering civilian displacement, according to his employer, Hawar News Agency, and the Syrian Journalists Association.
Mohammed died the next day at a hospital in the city of Qamishli of severe head injuries sustained during the blasts, Hassan Ramo, editor-in-chief of the Hawar News Agency, told CPJ.
His colleague Dilshan Ibash, died at the scene of the attack on the Al-Kharafi road that links the Syrian cities of Al-Hasaka and Deir Ezzor.
Another of Mohammed's colleagues, Rizgar Deniz, who was also traveling with Mohammed and Ibash, was injured in the blast.
Two people affiliated with the militant group Islamic State carried out two car bomb attacks, which left at least 15 civilians dead, not including the two journalists, and at least 100 injured, the Hawar News Agency, which is affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces, reported.
Ramo told CPJ that the suicide bombers targeted a gathering of civilians.
Mohammed had been working for the agency for two months at the time of his death, and covered clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces and ISIS in Deir Ezzor.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Habibollah Hosseinzadeh
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Habibollah Hosseinzadeh, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33bc3.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Press TV | Killed in Kabul, Afghanistan | May 31, 2017
Job: Camera Operator Medium: Television Beats Covered: War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Habibollah Hosseinzadeh, a cameraman for the Iranian-government-owned broadcaster Press TV, was among at least 150 people killed when a massive truck bomb exploded in Kabul's diplomatic quarter on May 31, PressTV reported. He was on his way to work at Press TV's office, which was not far from the blast site, the broadcaster reported.
In a statement, PressTV offered its condolences to Hosseinzadeh's family and said his death would not "weaken its serious resolve and commitment to fully cover international events."
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the Kabul attack. Afghan intelligence officials said they believe the Haqqani network, a Pakistani group aligned with the Taliban, was behind the attack, according to the U.S. broadcaster CNN. In an audio message sent June 11, Sirajuddin Haqqani condemned the bombing and denied that his group or the Taliban were responsible, according to media reports.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Gauri Lankesh
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Gauri Lankesh, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33be3.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Gauri Lankesh Patrike | Killed in Bangalore, India | September 05, 2017
Job: Publisher / Owner, Columnist / Commentator Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Human Rights, Politics Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes
At least three unidentified assailants fired at Gauri Lankesh outside her home in Bangalore as she returned home from work on September 5, 2017, according to reports that cited witnesses. She was shot in the head and chest and died immediately, according to a report in the Hindustan Times.
Lankesh published and edited Gauri Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada-language weekly tabloid known for its criticism of right-wing extremism and the establishment, according to media reports. The newspaper covered issues including communal violence and the caste system.
Lankesh was part of a government panel involved in shaping a Maoist surrender to state police, according to reports. According to the BBC, the journalist was sympathetic to the Maoist rebels and was involved in the reintegration of former rebels.
K. Siddaramiah, the chief minister of Karnataka state, has ordered a 21-member special investigation team from the police to investigate Lankesh's killing, according to the Indian Express. Inderjit Lankesh, the journalist's brother, said in an interview with NDTV that India's national agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation, should examine her case. He said that Gauri Lankesh received a lot of hate mail from those who sympathised with the Maoist rebels and said that the investigation should investigate whether Hindu extremists or Maoist rebels are behind the killing, according to India Today. B.T. Venkatesh, a lawyer who represented Gauri Lankesh, alleged in an interview with the media watchdog The Hoot that her murder "was a pre-planned and sinister attack by Hindu terror units."
The radical right-wing Hindu group Sanatan Sanstha condemned Lankesh's killing, according to reports. The group said that the journalist was a Maoist sympathiser who it had nothing to do with, according to reports.
Lankesh started her career in the 1980s, working as a reporter for English-language dailies including Mid-Day and The Times of India, and the weekly magazine, Sunday. In 2000, after the death of their father, P. Lankesh, Gauri and Indrajit ran Lankesh Patrike, the Kannada-language tabloid their father founded in 1980, according to a profile in Mint. In 2004, she started Gauri Lankesh Patrike.
Lankesh said in an interview with the website NewsLaundry in November 2016, that she had been criticized for her reporting and work. Lankesh said, "Unfortunately, today anybody talking in support of human rights and against fake encounters is branded a Maoist supporter.... Along with that, my criticism of Hindutva politics and the caste system, which is part and parcel of what is considered 'Hindu dharma' [Hindu duty] makes my critics brand me as a 'Hindu hater.'"
Lankesh had previously faced legal action over her critical reporting. At the time of her death, she was appealing a six-month prison sentence and fine of 10,000 Indian rupee (US$155) for criminal defamation. The November 2016 conviction was over a 2008 article, according to a report on The Wire. A magistrate granted Lankesh bail and allowed her to appeal the sentence in a higher court, according to a report in The Indian Express. Her lawyer said he didn't think the killing was related to a defamation case, according to reports.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Edgar Daniel Esqueda Castro
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Edgar Daniel Esqueda Castro, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33c04.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Freelance | Killed in San Luis Potosi, Mexico | October 5- 6, 2017
Job: Photographer Medium: Internet Beats Covered: Crime, Culture Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group, Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: Yes Tortured: Yes Threatened: Yes
State authorities on the morning of October 6, 2017, found photographer Edgar Daniel Esqueda Castro dead near the airport in the city of San Luis Potosi, a spokesperson from the state attorney general's office, Ivan Ojeda, told CPJ. His body had three gunshot wounds, the office said.
Federico Garza, the state attorney general, told CPJ on October 19, 2017, that the gunshots were the cause of Esqueda Castro's death, and that the journalist's body showed signs of torture.
On October 20, 2017, Esqueda Castro's mother, Veronica Castro, and his widow, Xitlali Ramirez, told CPJ that armed men broke into the home the three shared in San Luis Potosi in the early morning of October 5, 2017. The men identified themselves as policias ministeriales (state investigative police), but were dressed in civilian clothing, according to Ramirez.
Ramirez said the group of men, armed with pistols and at least one automatic rifle, broke the window of the front door of the home and stormed into the room where she and her husband were asleep. The attackers then collected the couple's cellphones and took Esqueda Castro away at gunpoint.
The state's attorney general, Federico Garza, told CPJ on October 19, 2017 that the authorities are investigating the murder, and that the victim's work as a journalist is one of the lines of investigation. He said there was no arrest warrant against Esqueda Castro.
Ricardo Sanchez Perez del Pozo, the federal special prosecutor for crimes committed against freedom of expression, told CPJ on October 7, 2017, that his agency had opened a separate investigation.
Esqueda Castro worked as a freelance photographer for the local news websites Metropoli San Luis and Vox Populi, and edited a personal website, Informate San Luis. According to Esqueda Castro's editor at Vox Populi, Gerardo Guillermo Almendariz, Esqueda mostly covered society events, as well as crime stories. He was also a professional rescue worker, his wife and colleagues Gerardo Almendariz and Carlos Garrigos, both of Vox Populi told CPJ.
In the months prior to his death, local police had threatened Esqueda Castro while he was reporting, according to both the journalist's wife and Guillermo Almendariz. On July 13, 2017, police officers threatened Esqueda Castro verbally, took pictures of his identification card, which included his address, and told him they were watching his home.
Separately, several police officers on July 4, 2017, beat Esqueda Castro and threatened to take his camera while the journalist was photographing a shootout scene. Esqueda Castro reported both incidents to state authorities, and filed a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission, which confirmed both incidents to CPJ on October 20, 2017. The human rights commission said it issued a recommendation to state authorities that investigative police should stop harassing the journalist, and state authorities accepted the recommendation.
In a statement released on October 6, 2017, the Federal Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, a government body that provides protective measures to reporters under threat of violence, confirmed the threats against Esqueda Castro, and stated that it had offered him protective measures. According to the group, Esqueda Castro refused protection, and said that the journalist had not reported any further threats to the mechanism after the July incidents.
In the October 20 interview, the journalist's family confirmed to CPJ that Esqueda Castro had not enrolled in a protection scheme.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Dmitry Popkov
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Dmitry Popkov, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33c24.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Ton-M | Killed in Minusinsk, Russia | May 24, 2017
Job: Editor, Print Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes
Dmitry Popkov, chief editor of the independent local newspaper Ton-M in Siberia, was murdered on May 24, 2017. The journalist's body was found with five bullet wounds in his backyard in the city of Minusinsk, in the Siberian region of Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russian and international media reported.
Popkov, 42, helped found Ton-M in 2014, and was known for his investigative reports alleging abuse of power and corruption, as well as his criticism of officials of the ruling United Russia party. The newspaper, published under the motto, "We write what other people stay silent about," was well-known in Krasnoyarsk Krai, and had been subject to threats and pressure from authorities, including police raids, according to media reports.
In an August 2016 editorial, Popkov wrote that Ton-M was "accustomed to being a pain in the neck for many officials who are trying to [silence us] in every possible way," through "phone threats, intimidating searches, and interrogations." He added that the authorities were concerned about the "corruption incidents that we reveal."
Sergei Shishov, editor of the Minusinsk-based independent news website Sreda24, said in a May 25 interview with the Russian daily Komsomolskaya Pravda that he believed that Popkov was killed for his journalism, particularly for his recent reports about a federal parliamentary audit that revealed corruption in the local administration.
The regional branch of Russia's Investigative Committee the government agency tasked with investigating major crimes said in a May 25 statement that a probe had been launched into the killing, and that the journalist's work was being treated as a potential motive for the murder.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Dilshan Ibash
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Dilshan Ibash, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33c44.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Hawar News Agency (ANHA) | Killed in Abu Fas Village, Syria | October 12, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter, Internet Reporter Medium: Television, Internet Beats Covered: War Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Kurdish journalist Dilshan Ibash died from injuries sustained during an October 12 suicide car bomb attack that occurred in the eastern Syrian village of Abu Fas, where she was covering civilian displacement, according to her employer, Hawar News Agency, and the Syrian Journalists Association.
Ibash died at the scene of the attack on the Al-Kharafi road that links the Syrian cities of Al-Hasaka and Deir Ezzor, according to Hawar News Agency, which is affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Her colleagues Hawker Faisal Mohammed and Rizgar Deniz were also injured in the blast. Mohammed died the next day at a hospital in the city of Qamishli of severe head injuries sustained during the blast, Hassan Ramo, editor-in-chief of the Hawar News Agency, told CPJ.
Two people affiliated with the militant group Islamic State carried out two car bomb attacks, which left at least 15 civilians dead, not including the two journalists, and at least 100 injured, the Hawar News Agency reported.
Ramo told CPJ that the suicide bombers targeted a gathering of civilians.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Daphne Caruana Galizia
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Daphne Caruana Galizia, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33c64.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Running Commentary | Killed in Unknown, Malta | October 16, 2017
Job: Internet Reporter Medium: Internet Beats Covered: Business, Corruption, Crime, Human Rights, Politics Gender: Female Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Criminal Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes
Caruana Galizia, a prominent investigative journalist and blogger, was killed on October 16, 2017. The car that she was driving exploded near to her house in Bidnija, in the north of the island, media reported.
Caruana Galizia, who reported on government corruption and the Panama Papers, told police two weeks prior her death that she had received death threats, according to Malta's national broadcaster TVM, which did not provide further detail. The journalist's blog, Running Commentary, which included investigative reports and commentary on politicians, was one of the most widely read websites in Malta, according to reports.
A forensic expert was cited in local media as saying that preliminary investigations suggest that explosives were not placed inside the car, and that a remote control could have been used to set the bomb off. Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat announced that the FBI had agreed to assist local police in the investigation, according to Reuters.
Muscat condemned the attack, which he described as an "attack on press freedom." The Prime Minister added in a statement, "Everyone knows Ms. Caruana Galizia was a harsh critic of mine, both politically and personally but nobody can justify this barbaric act in any way."
Caruana Galizia's reports about Muscat's alleged connection to the Panama Papers scandal forced him to call early elections in June 2017, after harsh criticism from members of the European Parliament. The journalist alleged that Muscat and his wife were behind an offshore company that received over US$1 million in payments from a Dubai company allegedly owned by Leyla Aliyeva, daughter of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev. Muscat denied the allegations, according to reports.
Caruana Galizia's last blog, which was critical of the country's opposition party, was posted at 2:35 p.m. local time, just a few minutes before she left her house, according to local reports.
The journalist's critical coverage led to several legal battles. The most recent came in August, when Malta's opposition leader Adrian Delia filed four lawsuits against Caruana Galizia, and accused her of libel for reports she published on her blog. Caruana Galizia's articles claimed that Delia laundered a total of A1 mln (U.S.$1.3 million) from prostitution in London through offshore accounts in his name, according to British and local media.
Delia denied the allegations, and said the account belonged to his client. According to media reports, Delia also said he had resigned from the company that owned the property where the prostitution was allegedly taking place after becoming aware of the way in which it was being used.
CPJ documented in February how a court ordered Caruana Galizia's bank accounts to be frozen until a verdict was reached in a libel case that two government officials had filed against her. A public fundraising campaign later raised enough cash to satisfy the court's demands, according to EuroNews.
On December 4, 2017, Maltese police, armed forces, and security services arrested 10 suspects in connection with the murder, Prime Minister Muscat announced.
Seven were released on bail and three Vince Muscat and two brothers named George and Alfredo Degiorgio were charged with murder, criminal use of explosives, being involved in organized crime, and criminal conspiracy, according to reports. The three pleaded not guilty when they appeared before a judge in December 2017, Maltese media reported.
In a statement, the Caruana Galizia family criticized the lack of communication from Maltese authorities regarding the arrests, saying that they were not contacted in advance and learned about the developments at the same time as the press. The manner in which the arrests were communicated, the family said, indicated "serious institutional deficiencies which are cause for general public concern."
Further, the family has taken legal action against the Maltese police, alleging that the investigation cannot be impartial because Caruana Galizia wrote critical articles about the chief investigator and the government minister to whom he is married, according to news reports. Members of the European Parliament who visited Malta in late November 2017 criticized the country's rule of law and noted a "perception of impunity" among government officials, according to reports.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forcing doctors to electronically prescribe all controlled drugs, as in Oklahoma proposed bill Req. No. 8141, is a flawed and misguided idea that will not reduce opioid abuse, writes Albert L. Fisher, M.D., president of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS), in a letter to Representative Charles McCall, Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Dr. Fisher is a family physician in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
The main effect it will have on patients is to make it impossible to shop for the best price for their prescriptions, Dr. Fisher notes. Prices vary widely, but an e-prescription can be used at only one pharmacy. One pharmacy may offer a better price for one prescription but not another.
The Oklahoma bill would cover all controlled substances, of which there are hundreds, not just potent pain remedies like OxyContin that are widely diverted or abused. That includes cough syrup, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, and testosterone.
New Yorks I-STOP law requires e-prescribing for all drugs, with very narrow exceptions. The opioid overdose rate continues to rise in New York, writes Lawrence Huntoon, M.D., Ph.D., a neurologist practicing in upstate New York. Pharmacists strongly supported the law as it locks in their customers. Dr. Huntoon points out that electronic health records generally only allow a single pharmacy to be listed for the patient.
The differences in medication prices vary shockingly from pharmacy to pharmacy, he writes. A 90-day supply of a generic medication (that has been around for decades) costs $9.99 at one pharmacy and $1,500.00 at another local pharmacy. For a patient who has a high-deductible plan or who is paying out of pocket, the financial consequences can be devastating, he adds.
E-prescribing increases busy work for doctors, Dr. Fisher states, taking time from patient care. And some physicians in small practices are not at present capable of doing it but would have to buy computer equipment. Yet the majority of abusers dont even obtain a prescription, he writes.
An AAPS action alert to Oklahoma physicians states that Interfering with the patient-physician relationship with more rules and regulations is the wrong solution. In fact, policies that impede physicians ability to appropriately prescribe end up exacerbating the opioid abuse epidemic.
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) represents physicians in virtually all specialties and every state. Founded in 1943, AAPS has the motto omnia pro aegroto, which means all for the patient.
Association of American Physicians and Surgeons
1601 N. Tucson Blvd. Suite 9
Tucson, AZ 85716
(800) 635-1196
www.aapsonline.org
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Christopher Iban Lozada
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Christopher Iban Lozada, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33c84.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
DBXF Prime Broadcasting Network | Killed in Unknown, Philippines | October 24, 2017
Job: Broadcast Reporter Medium: Radio Beats Covered: Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: No
Unidentified gunman shot and killed Christopher Iban Lozada, a radio broadcaster with the privately owned DBXF Prime Broadcasting Network news station in the southern Philippines, on October 24, 2017.
Lozda and his girlfriend were driving home in his car when unidentified men in a van ambushed them around 9 p.m. in the city of Bisling in Surigao del Sur province, according to news reports.
The journalist was declared dead on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, the reports said. His girlfriend, Honey Faith Indog, was wounded in the shoulder during the attack, and was treated for injuries at a local hospital, local news reports said.
According to the reports, police recovered 7.62 and 5.56 millimeter cartridges from the crime scene.
Lozada, known by his broadcast name Chris Rapido, hosted DBXF Prime's "Kuskos Batikos" public affairs program and served as vice president of Bislig City's media association, according to Rona Omo, a colleague at the station who was quoted by the news website Inquirer.
Prior to his death, Lozada had posted to his Facebook page several anonymous death threats he received via SMS on his mobile phone, the online news agency Rappler reported. On October 12 and 19, Lozada reported the threatening messages to local police, the reports said.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Killings, established in October 2016 by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to protect media workers and investigate unsolved journalist murders, said in a statement that it considered Lozada's death as a media killing.
On November 7, Bislig City police arrested a suspect in the killing, according to the task force statement, which did not mention the detainee's name. The statement named Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro as a person of interest in the case. The task force also said in the statement that the local government barred investigators from taking hold of the van allegedly used in Lozada's murder.
The national ombudsman office dismissed Navarro from his position in September this year for "grave misconduct" in the anomalous procurement of a hydraulic excavator on July 18, 2012, according to the news website Minda News.
Reports said that Lozada was involved in filing charges against Navarro and 11 other local officials who were dismissed in connection with the hydraulic excavator procurement, the Minda News report said. CPJ could not determine when the charges were filed.
According to the local news website News Courier, Lozada also braodcast scatching commentary about the mayor on his "Kuskos Batikos" show.
Navarro, who had previously sued Lozada for libel over his radio reporting in 2013, has denied any involvement in Lozada's murder, according to news reports.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Killings said that Navarro had sent threatening text messages to Lozada telling him, "to leave Bislig if you do not want to die" and that "he would step down [from office] with Lozada who will go to the cemetery since his days are numbered," according to a CNN report.
Agence France-Presse reported that Lozada had filed reports about the threats he received from Navarro with the presidential task force in October. Jay de Castro, a task force member familiar with the situation, said it had offered Lozada police protection in response to the threats but he declined it, the report said.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Christopher Allen
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Christopher Allen, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33ca4.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Freelance | Killed in Kaya, South Sudan | August 26, 2017
Job: Photographer, Internet Reporter, Print Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: War, Corruption, Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Foreign Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Christopher Allen, an American freelance journalist, was shot dead in Kaya, South Sudan, near the country's borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, spokesmen with the country's army and opposition forces told CPJ.
Allen, 26, had been embedded with the opposition forces for two weeks at the time of his death, Lam Paul Gabriel, a spokesperson for the opposition, told CPJ.
He was one of 19 people killed when fighting broke out between government and rebel forces on the morning of August 26, according to media reports. South Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since 2013, which has displaced at least 3.9 million people, according to U.N. figures. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, according to media reports.
Gabriel, who has spoken with people who were present when Allen died, told CPJ that the journalist was deliberately targeted by government forces. South Sudanese army spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang denied that in an interview with CPJ.
Koang said that the army had no way of identifying Allen as a journalist until after he had been killed. Reuters quoted a rebel fighter who said that Allen was wearing a jacket marked "Press" at the time of his death. CPJ was unable to independently verify this.
Information minister Michael Makuei Lueth told Voice of America on August 28 that Allen was a "white rebel" who had come into South Sudan illegally. Lueth said that Allen had previously been denied entry into South Sudan on account of his "hostile reports . "
When he spoke with CPJ, Lueth did not specify what reports he was referring to in the VOA interview and referred CPJ to the government-run South Sudan Media Authority, which handles journalist visa request. Elijah Alier, Managing Director of the Media Authority, told CPJ that the authority has no records on Allen.
On August 30, Lueth said that Allen's death on the "course of his duty" had been "regrettable", according to Voice of America.
Bloomberg reported that authorities have ruled out an investigation into Allen's death. The army's deputy spokesperson Domic Chol Santo told CPJ on August 28 that investigations were "none of our business."
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Leiden University in the Netherlands, Allen's work was published by outlets including the BBC, Vice, The Telegraph, and Al-Jazeera.
His mother, Joyce Krajian, told Voice of America that Allen "chose to bear witness" through his journalism. He "chose to look unflinchingly at what was painful and see the humanity within it," she said. Prior to covering South Sudan, Allen had covered the conflict in Ukraine.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Cecilio Pineda Birto
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Cecilio Pineda Birto, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33cc4.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Freelance | Killed in Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, Mexico | March 02, 2017
Job: Internet Reporter, Print Reporter Medium: Print, Internet Beats Covered: Crime, Corruption Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Unknown Fire Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: Yes
Cecilio Pineda Birto, a freelance journalist who contributed to several newspaper and published crime stories on social media, was shot dead in the municipality of Ciudad Altamirano, in Guerrero state, on March 2, 2017, according to press reports and a colleague of the journalist.
At the time of the attack, Pineda, 38, was in a hammock at a car wash waiting for his vehicle, according to press reports. At around 7 p.m. at least two gunmen on a motorcycle stopped at the car wash and shot Pineda repeatedly, the Mexican daily El Universal reported.
Pineda died while receiving first aid, Agence France-Presse said. A colleague of Pineda's who spoke with CPJ on condition of anonymity for security reasons said that Pineda was shot at least 10 times, including once in his neck.
Pineda contributed to El Universal and La Jornada de Guerrero, and had founded the weekly publication La Voz de la Tierra Caliente a few years before his death. The publication went out of circulation in 2016, his colleague said. The journalist continued to cover crime, social issues, and corruption through posts to his Facebook page, Cecilio Pineda, Las Noticias al Instante. His reporting attracted weekly threats sent via social media, his colleague told CPJ, without elaborating.
In September 2015, attackers attempted to shoot Pineda outside his house, according to AFP. The colleague told CPJ that attack appeared to be connected to his reporting, and that Pineda survived because an assailant's gun misfired.
Patricia Corchero head of the Federal Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists, a government body told CPJ that the agency knew Pineda to be at risk. She said that the agency offered to relocate him and his family, including his two young daughters, but Pineda told them he wanted to stay in Ciudad Altamirano.
Roberto Alvarez, a spokesman for the Guerrero Coordination Group, which is comprised of federal and state security, military, and governmental bodies wrote Twitter the day after the killing that the state attorney general's office was investigating the murder. Federal Special Prosecutor for Crimes Against Freedom of Expression Ricardo Najera Herrera told CPJ the same day that his office will investigate the case.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Arkan Sharifi
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Arkan Sharifi, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33ce4.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Kurdistan TV | Killed in Daquq, Iraq | October 30, 2017
Job: Camera Operator Medium: Television Beats Covered: Politics, War Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group, Paramilitary Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: Yes Threatened: No
On the morning of October 30, 2017, eight masked men forced their way into the home of Arkan Sharifi, a cameraman for Kurdistan TV, and stabbed the journalist to death in front of his family in the city of Daquq in north central Iraq, his employer and other local media reported.
Sharifi had returned to Daquq four days before he was killed, having fled the area when the Iraqi-led Popular Mobilization Forces seized Daquq, according to Kurdistan TV. On October 20, the Iraqi Army and the Popular Mobilization Forces, an umbrella group consisting of mainly Shiite militias, retook Kirkuk and other disputed areas under de facto Kurdish control following a Kurdish independence referendum in northern Iraq that the Iraqi government said was unconstitutional.
Halo Jabary, a Kurdistan TV reporter and Sharifi's distant relative, told CPJ that the eight assailants, who were masked and wore military fatigues, stormed into Sharifi's house and identified themselves as members of the Popular Mobilization Forces.
"They asked him if he worked as cameraman in the district of Daquq, He said that he did, but that he had never harmed anybody. The gunmen, who spoke Turkmen, took Sharifi's wife and children to another room and locked them in," Jabary said, recounting what a witness to the incident who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons told him.
"The gunmen then stabbed Sharifi to death. His body had more than 40 stab wounds. The assailants subsequently went out and started firing their guns in front of the house to terrify the neighbors and prevent them from coming to help Arkan's wife and children."
Jabary said that the men allowed the wife and children out of the house at around 7 a.m. at which time neighbors and relatives moved Sharifi's body to the morgue.
Pictures widely shared on social media show the body lying in a pool of blood, with multiple stab wounds in the torso and a knife sticking out of the mouth.
Kurdistan TV, which is affiliated with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), had been covering clashes between Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the Popular Mobilization Front in northeastern Iraq, as well as killings and kidnappings allegedly carreid out by the Popular Mobilization Front in Kirkuk. The Front denies allegations of human rights violations, according to news reports.
Sharifi, who was 54 years old, was married and had three children. He had worked as a cameraman for Kurdistan TV since 2004, and was also a village school's head teacher.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Ali Nur Siad
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Ali Nur Siad, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33d04.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Voice of America | Killed in Mogadishu, Somalia | October 14, 2017
Job: Camera Operator Medium: Television Beats Covered: Politics, Culture, Human Rights, Sports, Business Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Somali freelance cameraman Ali Nur Siad died on October 14, 2017, after a suicide attacker detonated a truck bomb at a busy intersection in the capital, Mogadishu, the journalist's brother, Bakar Hassan Abdi, told CPJ.
Over 358 people died in the bomb attack, which is the deadliest in Somalia's history, according to Reuters, which cited both Somalia's news agency and internal security ministers.
At the time of the attack, 31-year-old Ali Nur was on assignment with Voice of America (VOA) reporter Adulkadir Mohamed Abdulle, the broadcaster said in a statement on October 17.
Earlier on the day of the attack, the two journalists had interviewed Somali Justice Minister Hassan Hussein Haji at the Central Prison in Mogadishu, VOA told CPJ. The pair then went to an office at the Somali Red Crescent Society building near the site of the attack to process the interview footage.
Ali Nur was inside the Red Crescent building at the time of the explosion, according to journalists who spoke to CPJ and a statement from the Broadcasting Board of Governors, a United States federal agency that oversees the VOA.
The cameraman died on site from blast debris, Bakar Hassan told CPJ.
Ali Nur was buried on Sunday, October 15, 2017, according to Bakar Hassan.
Abdulkadir, the reporter, had gone to retrieve a laptop charger from his car at the time of the explosion, and sustained serious injures including a broken hand, burns, and shrapnel wounds, according to VOA.
Ali Nur had worked as a freelance cameraman since 2004, according to a statement from the Broadcasting Board of Governors, a United States federal agency that oversees the VOA.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the car bombing. Most media reports speculated that it was the work of Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Alaa Kraym (Mohammed al-Qabouni)
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Alaa Kraym (Mohammed al-Qabouni), 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33d27.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Qaboun Media Center | Killed in Qaboun, Syria | May 04, 2017
Job: Camera Operator, Photographer, Internet Reporter Medium: Internet Beats Covered: War, Human Rights Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: Yes Type of Death: Crossfire Suspected Source of Fire: Military Officials Impunity: Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Journalist and media activist Alaa Kraym, also known as Mohammed al-Qabouni, was killed on May 4, 2017, in Qaboun, a suburb east of Damascus, according to the Qaboun Media Center and the Syrian Media Organization. There were conflicting reports as to how the 22-year-old journalist died: The Qaboun Media Center told CPJ in an email that Kraym was killed by a tank shell fired by the Syrian army, while the Syrian Media Organization reported on its website that he was killed in a Russian airstrike.
The Qaboun Media Center said Kraym had worked for the office as a reporter since mid-2013 and had also worked for the Syrian Media Observatory and the Syrian Revolutionary Forces' media office since the beginning of 2014. All of the outlets are sympathetic to or affiliated with rebels battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Kraym had also, under the name Mohammed al-Qabouni, reported for media outlets on conditions east of Damascus during the government's push to drive rebels out of the capital's suburbs.
The Syrian Media Observatory highlighted Kraym's video work after his death. Kraym's work ranged from footage of combat in Qaboun to the hardships civilians faced as a result. In one segment in which he is interviewed on camera, Kraym described media as "the greatest weapon against the Assad regime."
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Abdullahi Osman Moalim
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Abdullahi Osman Moalim, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33d44.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Jubbaland TV, Codka Hiraan | Killed in Beledweyne, Somalia | September 13, 2017
Job: Broadcast reporter Medium: Radio, Television Beats Covered: Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Murder Suspected Source of Fire: Political Group Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: No Tortured: No Threatened: No
Abdullahi Osman Moalim died on September 13 from injuries sustained during a September 10 suicide bomb attack in a cafe in Beldeweyne, a city in southcentral Somalia, his colleagues at Jubbaland TV and Somalia's minister of information, Abdirahman Omar Osman, told CPJ.
Abdullahi, who worked for the privately owned Radio Codka Hiiraan and the state-owned Jubbaland TV, suffered head injuries after being struck by shrapnel in the attack, Hassan Aweis, the director of the Mogadishu section of Jubbaland TV, told CPJ. He was taken to Mogadishu for treatment where he died on the morning of September 13 at the Erdogan Hospital.
A spokesperson for the militant group Al Shabaab released a statement claiming responsibility for the attack, which he said targeted Hiiraan administration employees, according to Reuters.
The cafe that came under attack, which is adjacent to the offices of Hiiraan regional governor Omar Adan Ibrahim, is a popular meeting place among journalists and politicians, Mohamed Maolimuu, a Somali journalist, told CPJ. He added that Abdullahi and his colleagues had been waiting for a press conference in the governor's office at the time of the attack.
The information minister told CPJ he did not believe that journalists were the intended target of the attack. However, according to CPJ research, Al-Shabaab has long considered journalists, as servants of the Somali government and targeted venues where they congregate.
Media reports indicate that at least three people were killed and 10 injured in the attack. Among those injured were two other journalists who also worked for Radio Codka Hiiraan, Abdi Shakur Mohamed Hassan and Abdulkadir Omar Ibrahim.
Hassan told CPJ that Abdullahi is survived by a wife and a one-year-old daughter.
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Abdul Hakim Shimul
Publisher Committee to Protect Journalists Publication Date 31 December 2017 Cite as Committee to Protect Journalists, Journalists Killed in 2017 - Motive Confirmed: Abdul Hakim Shimul, 31 December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a4e33d64.html [accessed 4 September 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Samakal | Killed in Shahjadpur, Bangladesh | February 03, 2017
Job: Print Reporter Medium: Print Beats Covered: Politics Gender: Male Local or Foreign: Local Freelance: No Type of Death: Dangerous Assignment Suspected Source of Fire: Government Officials Impunity: Complete Impunity Taken Captive: Tortured: Threatened:
Abdul Hakim Shimul, a reporter for the Bangladeshi national daily Samakal newspaper, died on February 3, 2017, from gunshot wounds sustained while covering political unrest in the northern Bangladeshi city of Shahjadpur the previous day. He was 42.
Violence broke out between rival factions of the ruling Awami League, namely supporters of Halimul Haque Miru, mayor of Shahjadpur, and his opponents from another faction of the party, according to news reports. Witnesses said that Miru opened fire in the confrontation, despite police instructions not to do so, according to media reports. A bullet entered Shimul's skull after piercing one of his eyes, according to news reports. Shimul was first treated at a local clinic, but succumbed to his injuries on the way to a hospital in the capital Dhaka the following day.
Police arrested Miru on February 5 on suspicion of being responsible for Shimul's death. Miru admitted to firing his gun, but claimed he fired a shot in the air in response to shots fired by his rivals. Police said only Miru's gun was fired, according to the Bangladeshi news website bdnews24.com.
A court on February 6 ordered Miru jailed in connection with Shimul's death, and said it would decide on the question of bail later. Police sought to hold Miru for at least seven days for questioning, according to news reports.
According to media reports, Shimul's maternal grandmother, Rokeya Begum, died of a stroke when she heard of his death. The journalist left behind a wife and two young children. His colleagues remembered Shimul as "honest journalist."
Copyright notice: Committee to Protect Journalists. All rights reserved. Articles may be reproduced only with permission from CPJ.
English French
MONTREAL, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Velan Inc. (TSX:VLN) today announced that on Thursday, January 11, 2018, it will release 3rd Quarter results ended November 30, 2017.
The company will hold an analyst call on Thursday, January 11, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) to discuss the results. The call may be accessed by dialing 800-672-0241, and quoting the reservation number 21879256. There will be a PostView available for 7 days following this conference call. The numbers are as follows: 416-626-4100 or 800-558-5253 Enter Reservation number 21879256 then follow system prompts.
For further information contact John D. Ball, CFO at 514-748-7743, ext. 5537.
For further information please contact:
Yves Leduc, President & CEO
or
John D. Ball, Chief Financial Officer
Tel: (514) 748-7743 ext. 5537
Fax: (514) 748-8635
Web: www.velan.com
TORRINGTON A Nigerian man pleaded guilty Wednesday to charges issued in connection with scamming a Torrington company out of more than $500,000, according to the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Adeyemi Odufuye, 31, and others involved in the fraudulent activity sent dozens of emails to the comptroller of a Torrington company in late 2015, prompting them to transfer more than $500,000 from company accounts, according to a release from John H. Durham, U.S. attorney for Connecticut, and Patricia M. Ferrick, special agent in charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI.
The Torrington company is not specified in the release.
In the e-mails, (Odufuye) posed (as) the real CEO of the victim company and instructed the controller to send multiple wire transfers exceeding a total of $1 million from the companys accounts to various individuals and purported entities, according to the release. The company then sent five wire transfers totaling more than $500,000 to accounts in Virginia, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Hong Kong.
This was done as part of a larger criminal endeavor in which (Odufuye) and others targeted CEOs, CFOs, controllers and others at U.S. businesses using sophisticated cyber techniques to defraud the businesses of millions of dollars.
To date, the FBI has identified 36 wire confirmations in e-mail accounts utilized by (Odufuye) and others from September 2015 to May 2016, totaling more than $1.6 million, according to the release. This does not include the funds drawn from the Torrington company.
Odufuye, also known as Micky, Micky Bricks, Yemi, GMB, Bawz, and Jefe, was extradited from the United Kingdom, where he was studying at Sheffield Hallam University, and arrested in December 2016.
He pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and aggravated identity theft in federal court Wednesday, according to the release. The latter charge requires a two-year mandatory minimum sentence, the U.S. attorneys office said.
The matter is still under investigation by the FBI and Connecticut Cyber Task Force, according to the release.
Odufuye was scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in New Haven for sentencing on March 28.
Reach Ben Lambert at william.lambert@hearstmediact.com.
NEW YORK, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP announces that a federal securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of persons and entities that acquired securities of The Crypto Company (OTCMKTS:CRCW) from August 21, 2017 through December 18, 2017, inclusive (the Class Period).
Investors who have incurred losses in The Crypto Company are urged to contact the firm immediately at classmember@whafh.com or (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774. You may obtain additional information concerning the action on our website, www.whafh.com.
If you have incurred losses in the shares of The Crypto Company and would like to assist with the litigation process as a lead plaintiff, you may, no later than February 20, 2018, request that the Court appoint you lead plaintiff of the proposed class. Please contact Wolf Haldenstein to learn more about your rights as an investor in The Crypto Company.
According to the filed lawsuit, defendants during the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:
The Crypto Company unlawfully engaged in a scheme to promote and manipulate the companys stock; and
as a result, The Crypto Companys public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.
On December 19, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) temporarily suspended trading in the securities of The Crypto Company after shares had risen more than 17,000% in less than three months. The SEC stated there were concerns regarding the accuracy and adequacy of information in the marketplace about compensation paid for promotion of the company and statements in SEC filings about plans of company insiders to sell their shares of The Crypto Companys common stock. The SEC also announced that questions have arisen concerning potentially manipulative transactions in The Crypto Companys stock in November 2017.
Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP has extensive experience in the prosecution of securities class actions and derivative litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas; and offices in New York, Chicago and San Diego. The reputation and expertise of this firm in shareholder and other class litigation has been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to major positions in complex securities multi-district and consolidated litigation.
If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this case, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735, via e-mail at classmember@whafh.com, or visit our website at www.whafh.com.
## Follow the firm and learn about newly filed cases on Twitter and Facebook. ##
Contact:
Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP
Kevin Cooper, Esq.
Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial Analysis
Email: gstone@whafh.com, kcooper@whafh.com or classmember@whafh.com
Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.
Archbold, OH -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/04/2018 --Given the differences between owning and renting, it's an important practice among homeowners to protect their property from the unexpected. With little updates and experience in the industry, it won't be easy for one to understand the coverage. Reading policy is not enough, one should also know about one's rights. Beck Insurance is one agency that helps clients identify their rights.
The reason homeowners are recommended to buy a homeowner insurance is that it covers five or six coverage rather than any specific policy for specific coverage. The professionals at Beck Insurance Agency understand individual concerns, and they work closely with multiple carriers to protect their respective clients.
As far as homeowners insurance in Bryan and Waterville, Ohio is concerned, it includes five coverage including dwelling, personal property coverage, liability, medical payments coverage, and loss of use. While dwelling coverage will pay one in case of damage to one's outstanding building like garage or storage sheds and one's home, personal property coverage will pay when household items such as furniture, television, freeze or clothing are stolen, damaged, or destroyed. Liability coverage, on the other hand, protects an individual in case that person is responsible for someone else's injury or property damage. Medical payments coverage pays all medical bills if someone gets injured even in the premises of the property. The homeowner insurance policy also pays the living expenses in condition when one's house is damaged due to any reason, and one has nowhere to live in.
At Beck Insurance, the experts will explain all the coverage to their respective clients before it's too late. Those who are in need of additional coverage can also get the same from them. The professional will be delighted to carry out a no-cost policy review. Apart from homeowner insurance, one can call them for life insurance in Perrysburg and Toledo, Ohio.
For more information, call: 877-446-2325 (toll-free) or local: 419-446-2777.
About Beck Insurance Agency
Beck Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency that offers a wide range of insurance solutions. From homeowners insurance in Bryan and Waterville OH to life insurance in Toledo and Perrysburg, they also offer auto insurance, health insurance, business insurance as well as farms & livestock insurance.
VICTORIA ISLAND, Nigeria, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Primewaterview Limited (www.primewaterviewng.com), a Nigerian based Real Estate development & Investment company, announced today that the Company is planning to build the largest hospital in West Africa. Primewaterview Medical City (PMC) will have a total of 2000 beds. It will create a total of 4000 jobs and will be a state of the art Medical City with a technology that surpasses anything that West Africa has ever seen. PMC construction will begin at the end of the first quarter of 2018, it will be done in 5 phases and the first phase of 250 beds will be completed within a space of 12 months, of which is expected to be in operation in 15 months, whereas the entire project will be completed in June 2020.
Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, Chairman and CEO of Primewaterview, stated: ...hmmm what can I say unto the Lord, All I have to say is thank you GOD....,To be able to get the assistance and much needed support to help the sick and the needy its a rare opportunity and abiding grace from our GOD, this medical center will serve everybody and all individuals from all walks of life our intentions and hope is to cater for all and heal the sick and bring to focus and to fruition our dreams of healing and to engage fully into medical research and training at the best level that exists in the world. Thank You Milost.
Solly Asibey, Senior Partner & President of Milost Global Africa, said, Nigeria loses over $1 billion to medical tourism annually, therefore establishing a state of the art Medical City in Nigeria which has a population of over 186 million was the most logical thing to do. This facility will also serve the entire west African region, taking into consideration the cutting-edge technologies that will be deployed, as well as world class operations and management to the highest International Standards.
About Primewaterview Limited
Primewaterview Limited is a wholly owned Nigerian Company incorporated in 2005 and a subsidiary of Primewaterview Holdings Limited. The Company is a property and infrastructure development company, which uses its local knowledge and skills combined with its global expertise, to design and build residential communities of high international standard. Its passion to provide excellent housing shelter has driven it to the pinnacle of Real Estate in Nigeria and Africa. Its track record includes the development of various residential and commercial properties in highbrow areas in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
In line with its goal to be one of the top Real Estate and infrastructure companies in Africa, the Company is planning to construct hotels, office complexes, shopping malls and business parks in Lagos, Abuja, Africa and other parts of the world.
Our Board of Directors, together with the Management team is a strong, balanced blend of Industry & Professional leaders whose exceptional knowledge and experience guides and supports the delivery of long-term value to the Company.
For more information
info@palewateradvisory.com
Archbold, OH -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/04/2018 --When it comes to life insurance, it is a practice among people to find rates that are not going to hurt their budget. With lack of experience in the industry, it is indeed challenging for many to find the lowest rates. This is where Beck Insurance comes into the scene. Being an independent insurance agency, they deal with a vast network of insurance carriers. With years of experience in the industry, they have earned trust and confidence of their customers by finding the best rates they are looking for. Unlike captive agency that offers policies only from one insurance carrier, they provide the flexibility of opting for multiple quotes. This means there are lots of options from other insurance carriers available to them.
They are not restrictive to their offers since they work as an independent insurance agency. Dealing with multiple insurance carriers, they enjoy the independence to work in the best interests of their clients. With access to some top-rated, financially strong and respected insurance carriers, they strive to ensure one of the best coverage at an attractive price tag.
As far as life insurance in Perrysburg and Toledo, Ohio from Beck Insurance Agency is concerned, the agents will discuss with their respective clients and then offer a policy. There is a simple rule to life insurance, and that is they are sought for different purposes. One of the most common benefits of life insurance is that it will look after one's family after one's demise. Besides, it also helps one's family in handling an outstanding debt, if any. People also seek life insurance to attain long-term goals like planning one's retirement or buying a home. Moreover, it also offers one with different investment options.
Apart from life insurance, one can call them for homeowners insurance in Bryan and Waterville, Ohio. For more information, call: 877-446-2325 (toll-free) or local: 419-446-2777.
About Beck Insurance Agency
Beck Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency that offers a wide range of insurance solutions. From homeowners insurance in Bryan and Waterville OH to life insurance in Toledo and Perrysburg, they also offer auto insurance, health insurance, business insurance as well as farms & livestock insurance.
Brazoria, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/04/2018 --For every homeowner, the size of the property always does not matter. What matters is the security. A house is an asset, and a lot of hard work, money, and sweat goes in bringing it up. That is why it makes sense to protect it at any cost. Opting for a home insurance is the wisest thing to do. With a home insurance in place, one does not have to worry about handling the financial burden in the event of anything happening to the house. A natural calamity or human error can bring down the house at any point in time. Without home insurance covering for the expenses to get it back in shape, one will surely enter into a financial black hole emerging from which will be difficult. Rick Tinker Insurance helps in getting a home insurance that safeguards the interests of homeowners and restores their peace of mind.
Home insurance is not a simple thing. There are many terms and clauses, and every homeowner should have a clear idea of the same. For example, home insurance will include Property Damage Coverage that is designed to help pay for damages to one's home and personal property. Then there is Personal Property Floater which as part of the homeowners insurance policy provides limited coverage for furs, jewelry, and collectibles. It might also be necessary for one to insure the valuables with a Personal Property Floater. Home insurance can also include a personal liability coverage that helps to protect one against a non-auto claim in which one was at fault. With proper liability coverage, one can be assured of being covered for both the cost of defending oneself and the damages the court orders one to pay. There are many other terms and clauses and talking it out with an insurance agency makes sense.
Rick Tinker Insurance offers assistance at every step to their clients regarding getting the insurance. They also offer condo insurance for Houston and Webster Texas residence apart from auto and boat insurance, wind, hail and flood insurance and more.
About Rick Tinker Insurance
Rick Tinker Insurance has many years of experience in serving both residential and business clients for many years. The offer home insurance in Galveston and Houston Texas, along with condo insurance, auto and boat insurance and more.
Lewisville, TX -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/04/2018 --There is one company that offers high-quality truck wraps in Carrollton and Plano Texas at the most reasonable rates. There is no better way to get new business and create a long-lasting effect. Titan Wraps has been doing business for many years, and they know what the need is to get seen. The more a company is seen, the more it is remembered. Advertising is important from the perspective of the company as that is the normal way of reaching out to the targeted audience. It is common to spend a lot on advertising, but it does not guarantee one sale or a long- term result. At the same time, all business owners might not have the finances to spend on advertisements. Titan Wraps believes in catering to all business owners. That is why they offer truck wraps which are a cost-effective method of putting one's commercial vehicle to good use.
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Japan will continue to provide electoral aid to Cambodia in the lead up to Senate elections next month and a general ballot in July, a Japanese diplomat in Phnom Penh said Thursday, despite recent announcements by the U.S. and EU that they will withdraw their support amid restrictions on democracy.
Prime Minister Hun Sens government arrested opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) chief Kem Sokha in September on charges of treason, and two months later the Supreme Court ruled to disband his party for allegedly planning a rebellion with backing from Washington, essentially eliminating any challenge to the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) ahead of votes this year.
In recent statements, the U.S. and EU said the moves against the oppositionas well as a months-long crackdown on NGOs and the mediahad called the legitimacy of Cambodias upcoming elections into question, and cited them as the basis for withdrawing electoral support and placing trade agreements with Cambodia under review.
But Japan, which along with the EU is the largest funder of Cambodias 2018 elections, told RFAs Khmer Service Thursday that it has no intention to pull its electoral aid ahead of the votes.
It is of utmost importance to have [this] year's national election reflect the will of Cambodian people, Kaori Tanabe, first secretary of Japans embassy in Phnom Penh, said in an email.
Japan will keep dialogue with RGC [the Royal Government of Cambodia], will monitor the development of the situation closely with strong interest, and will continue to provide electoral reform assistance.
Japan has already provided Cambodias National Election Commission (NEC) with computers to assist with the ballots and has faced criticism of its continued support from observers, such as New York-based Human Rights Watch.
The worlds fourth largest foreign aid donor with an annual budget of nearly U.S. $10 billion, Japan donated 17.3 billion yen (U.S. $153 million) in loans, 8 billion yen (U.S. $71 million) in grants, and 3.4 billion yen (U.S. $30 million) in technical cooperation to Cambodia in 2015.
In addition to electoral support, Japan also provides Cambodia with a variety of aid for projects including infrastructure improvement, humanitarian assistance, and business development.
Hun Sen has repeatedly stressed that his country does not need foreign governments to fund its elections, or international recognition of their legitimacy, saying acceptance by Cambodians is sufficient.
He has also said that he will continue to welcome aid from China, which is poised to overtake the U.S. as the worlds top foreign donor, and which is currently Cambodias largest international aid provider.
China typically offers aid to countries without many of the prerequisites that the U.S. and EU place on donations, such as improvements to human rights.
President of Cambodian rights group Adhoc Thun Saray told RFA Thursday that Japans reluctance to tie electoral support to a reversal of the ongoing political crackdown is likely part of a bid to shore up its waning influence in Cambodia, as Hun Sen improves ties with China.
Japan used to have much influence in Cambodia in the early 1990s, but that is no longer the case, thanks to recently strengthened Cambodia-China relations, he said.
Satisfying the Cambodian people
Also on Thursday, Chinese vice foreign minister Kong Xuanyou told a briefing in Beijing that China believes upcoming elections in the Southeast Asian nation will be free and fair.
China respects and supports the development path chosen by the Cambodian people, and believes Cambodias future election can, under all sides supervision, reflect its fairness and select a party and leader that satisfies the Cambodian people, Reuters news agency reported, quoting Kong ahead of a Jan. 10-11 visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Cambodia, to attend a regional forum.
Kong said China had offered Cambodia election support, but did not specify what kind. Cambodia has said China will provide various equipment for the July election, including ballot boxes and booths.
According to the vice foreign ministerin addition to being its largest source of international aidChina is also Cambodias largest source of foreign investment, its largest trade partner, and its largest source of foreign tourists.
Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
The family of a young Cambodian missing since police fired on striking garment workers four years ago still hopes for answers to his fate, fearing he may have been killed and his body destroyed by authorities seeking to cover up evidence of his death.
Khem Sophath was reported by witnesses to have been shot after Cambodian police fired at and killed at least four people and wounded nearly 40 others as they broke up the strike in the Veng Sreng factory district of the capital Phnom Penh.
Video of the Jan. 3, 2014 violence captured by RFAs Khmer Service showed police firing at a group of people scrambling from the scene, with one person falling in a pool of blood and surrounded by weeping colleagues and relatives.
The violence came as the now-banned opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, which had backed workers unions in their campaign for a higher minimum wage, held daily protests demanding that Prime Minister Hun Sen step down following accusations of voter fraud in national elections the year before.
Speaking to RFAs Khmer Service, Sophaths mother In Leakhena said she still seeks closure as she and other family members conduct Buddhist prayers in memory of her missing son on the fourth anniversary of what may have been his death.
He has been missing all this time, Leakhena told RFA.
We could have a sense of closure if his body were returned to us so that we could conduct a proper funeral, but the authorities may have dumped his body, she said, adding, They may have even given it to a crocodile for food.
Hard-working, dutiful son
Sophath had been a hard-working and dutiful son who regularly sent money home that he had earned at his factory, Leakhena said.
We are poor and desperate, and thats why we allowed him to work in Phnom Penh, she said.
If we had known that the authorities were this barbaric, we would never have allowed him to go to work there.
Also speaking to RFA, Sophaths father Khem Soeun said he still seeks justice for his son.
I want to see him again. Even if he is dead, I want to see his body, he said.
Soeun said he had been told by witnesses to the police crackdown that Sophath had been shot in the chest and left to die before being tossed into a vehicle and taken away.
His friend, who was shot in the arm, said that this was what happened, he said, adding that the friend would also have been killed if co-workers had not hidden him from police who were chasing him.
Cambodian authorities have long since closed their investigation into the Veng Sreng shootings, saying no one is now unaccounted for and blaming the unrest on rioters trying to topple the government.
Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Richard Finney.
A letter written by former Chinese Communist Party school professor Zi Su calls for President Xi Jinping's resignation as head of the party, Dec. 28, 2017.
Authorities in the southwestern province of Sichuan are moving try a former professor at a ruling Chinese Communist Party school for "subversion of state power," after he called for President Xi Jinping's resignation, his lawyer said.
Zi Su was taken away from his home in Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu on April 28 after he posted an open letter online calling on Xi to step down as head of the party in favor of Hu Deping, son of late ousted Premier Hu Yaobang, whose death in 1989 sparked the Tiananmen Square democracy movement.
He was initially held on suspicion of "incitement to subvert state power," but the charge has now been changed to the more serious "subversion of state power," paving the way for his trial at the Chengdu Intermediate People's Court, his defense lawyer Ran Tong told RFA.
"The prosecutor said it was subversion, but I haven't yet seen the indictment," Ran said. "Actually, I felt that the prosecutor himself felt that the whole thing was very tenuous."
Ran said the defense would argue that Zi, as a member of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, should enjoy the right to voice his opinion, as laid down in the party's constitution.
He said he planned to cite the words of late supreme leader Deng Xiaoping, who said that a revolutionary political party should always be able to hear the voices of the people.
"But all they want to hear is how great they are, and how well everyone's doing," Ran said. "They turn a deaf ear to any kind of discontent."
Zi's sister Zi Ping told RFA on Thursday that her brother, 62, is in poor health and suffers from low blood sugar.
She said the case has already been delayed by more than a month, during which time Zi has remained in the Chengdu No. 2 Detention Center.
"They were originally going to send it to the prosecution on Dec. 13 or 14, but it was postponed by more than two weeks," Zi Ping said. "The lawyer told me it was finally sent to the court on Dec. 28."
"So it seems that there will be a trial ... but it looks as if it will be a show trial on a trumped-up charge," she said.
Spirit of patriotism
A friend of Zi's surnamed Luo said the charges are likely linked to two open letters penned by his friend containing suggestions, and written in a spirit of patriotism.
"Zi Su is a very straightforward person, and a Communist Party member," Luo said. "I think that he genuinely sees things from the party's point of view."
"[His suggestions] were objective, in the spirit of seeking truth from facts. All he did was make some suggestions to the President, which I don't think amounts to a criminal act," he said. "They are trampling on the law."
Li Shuangde, a constitutional scholar based in Sichuan, agreed, but said a not guilty verdict was highly unlikely.
"If they admit that Zi Su committed no crime, then he would be eligible for compensation from the government ... so they will definitely find him guilty," Li said.
In one of Zi's letters, he hits out at a "personality cult" around President Xi, likening the president's leadership to that of late supreme leader Mao Zedong.
"He serves as the head of a dozen groups or committees, which goes against the democratic constitutional orientation of reforms to the political system, and he has launched an unbridled attack on human rights lawyers and democracy activists, as well as increasingly clamped down on online free speech," the letter, posted on the Weiquanwang rights website, said.
"His anticorruption campaign has been waged under a one-party dictatorship ... and he has made use of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection to ... carry out selective anticorruption work," it said.
"But his biggest mistake of all has been to institute the "seven taboos," comprehensively restoring the ideology of the Mao era, which was openly opposed by Deng Xiaoping, Hu Yaobang, Zhao Ziyang and other party leaders who advocated reform," Zi wrote.
"Many people inside and outside the party believe that Xi Jinping is unsuitable to continue in the post of general secretary," he said. "I suggest ... that Hu Deping takes over. Those who agree can add their signatures to my proposal."
Within hours of posting the letter, Zi had been taken away, posting a photo on Sunday to WeChat to let people know he was safe, sources close to him told RFA at the time.
"Subversion of state power" carries a minimum jail term of 10 years in cases where the person is judged to have played a leading role.
Reported by Wen Yuqing for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Qiao Long for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
NEW YORK, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ABM (NYSE:ABM), a leading provider of facility solutions, today announced that it will host its Investor Day on Thursday, January 18, 2018 in New York City, beginning at approximately 9:00 a.m. ET and concluding at approximately 12:00 p.m. ET.
The event will be comprised of formal presentations by members of ABMs Executive Team, who will discuss the Companys business fundamentals, strategy, and financials.
A live audio webcast of the event, including presentation slides, will be available to the public through the "Investors" section of the Company's website, located at www.abm.com.
An archived replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the live event is completed.
ABOUT ABM
ABM (NYSE:ABM) is a leading provider of facility solutions with revenues of approximately $5.5 billion and approximately 140,000 employees in 350+ offices throughout the United States and various international locations. ABM's comprehensive capabilities include janitorial, electrical & lighting, energy solutions, facilities engineering, HVAC & mechanical, landscape & turf, mission critical solutions and parking, provided through stand-alone or integrated solutions. ABM provides custom facility solutions in urban, suburban and rural areas to properties of all sizes - from schools and commercial buildings to hospitals, data centers, manufacturing plants and airports. ABM Industries Incorporated, which operates through its subsidiaries, was founded in 1909. For more information, visit www.abm.com.
Online Chinese news platform Toutiao is recruiting some 2,000 editors to oversee content delivered to its smartphone app, after being sanctioned last week for alleged breaches of regulations and for spreading "pornographic and vulgar content."
The app has begun recruiting content editors, whose job will be to filter out "illegal" stories from among the pool that the app sends to its users in a tailored news feed.
Members of the ruling Chinese Communist Party are particularly encouraged to apply for the job, which offers full health coverage and pension benefits and paid leave, on a salary of up to 6,000 yuan per month, according to an advertisement on the recruitment platform Lagou.com.
Successful candidates will be responsible for "reviewing and monitoring whether the content of the premier news platform of the day is illegal or not," the ad says.
They also be charged with handling user reports and tip-offs of illegal content, it says.
Applicants who are Communist Party members will be prioritized, but all applicants must be college graduates, preferably majoring in journalism, with "a passion for news and current affairs and good political sensitivity and discrimination."
They must also possess "an excellent grasp of the mobile internet and internet-related laws and regulations."
'Serious problems'
Last Friday, Beijing's Cyberspace Administration temporarily suspended both Toutiao and Phoenix News for carrying pornographic content. Both were also accused of "having serious problems in guiding public opinion," suggesting a political aspect to the closures.
Both companies promised to tighten up controls on content and management of staff after they were summoned to a meeting with internet supervision officials.
Online activist Wang Fazhan said the recruitment exercise is likely a bid to limit the political risk to the app's parent company, startup Bytedance.
"By hiring people to screen content, they can say in the event of further issues that the content was screened by party members," Wang said. "It's a form of risk management."
The ousted former editor of Baixing magazine, Huang Liangtian, said the Chinese government under President Xi Jinping is constantly reviewing its notion of what constitutes undesirable content, meaning that few in the media know exactly where the lines are drawn.
"Content reviewers won't necessarily be able to do the job even when they're hired," Huang said. "The problem we have right now is that ... people can cross a red line without realizing it."
"What are our censorship criteria exactly? There isn't a set of standards; they are whatever those in power say they are," he said. "And their idea of those criteria keeps changing the whole time, so that we are in a constant state of transition where nobody has chance to get used to it."
"I don't really believe that rank-and-file party members are going to be able to act as watchdogs and effective gatekeepers for the government," Huang said.
A wider fear
Hong Kong political commentator Cai Yongmei said Toutiao isn't well-known for its political content, and the current clampdown on its operations is symptomatic of a wider fear that nearly 700 million people who access the internet by mobile device will get politically sensitive news of the wider world channeled to their inboxes by "gossipy" apps.
"The thing the authorities fear most of all right now is that overseas popular movements will spread to mainland China," Cai said. "That's why they are being more and more selective and controlling about content."
Author and Independent Chinese PEN member Liang Taiping said Toutiao's recruitment drive is likely more aimed at sending a reassuring signal to the government.
"I think it may be attempt to refine controls of content, not make them stricter," Liang said. "Of course any dissenting content is still tightly controlled, but they will also be looking to ... create a false impression that people still have a channel for their views."
"Otherwise, they may lose their audience entirely," he said.
The suspension of Toutiao's service was aimed to "better promote mainstream values and the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China," according to the Global Times newspaper, a tabloid run by the mouthpiece of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, reported.
Reported by Yang Fan for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wen Yuqing for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presides over a meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang, Oct. 7, 2017.
North Korean authorities are stirring up anti-China sentiment among ordinary citizens through conferences and lecture sessions as the closed, authoritarian countrys economy bears the brunt of tough new economic sanctions supported by its longtime ally, sources inside the country said.
The United Nations, with backing from China, unanimously approved new sanctions against North Korea in December as punishment for its latest launch of a ballistic missile that Pyongyang says is capable of striking the U.S. mainland.
The latest round of sanctions places caps on the import of crude oil and refined oil products, such as diesel and kerosene that are crucial to North Koreas economy. A ban has also been placed on the export of a range of products, including food, machinery, electrical equipment, wood, earth, and stones, to other countries.
The U.N. measures also call for the expulsion by 2019 of North Korean workers who go abroad to earn cash for the regime and a clampdown on ships smuggling banned items such as oil and coal in and out of the county. The December sanctions package also added 15 North Korean individuals and entities to the U.N.s sanctions blacklist.
With North Koreans complaining about the hardships they have been experiencing under the sanctions and blaming the countrys Central Committee, authorities are trying to deflect the criticism by telling them that China has betrayed the country, sources said.
The Central Committee ordered authorities to raise awareness about China at the Socialist Womens Union of Korea conference in Chongjin city in December, said a source from North Hamgyong province, speaking to RFAs Korean Service on condition of anonymity.
As the chief policymaking body of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, the Central Committee approves political and ideological campaigns and deliberates and advises on government policies.
The Central Committee emphasized this message during the Socialist Womens Union of Korea conference because women are seen as influential forces both at home and in the wider society in North Korea, sources said.
A high-level executive from Songpyong district stood on the podium and said that although Japan is a century-old enemy [of North Korea], China is a thousand-year-old enemy, and it stirred up the attendees, the source from North Hamgyong province said.
Authorities also held lectures about the countrys domestic and international situation during an educational program after the conference in Chongjin, he said.
The high-level executive on the podium criticized China while he was lecturing about the current domestic and international situation, the source said.
Authorities have fomented an openly shared deeply rooted anti-Chinese sentiment by saying that China has been an enemy of North Korea for 1,000 years, he said.
Chinese money and necessities
Most North Koreans use daily necessities that are made in China and use Chinese money at black markets, the source said.
It is becoming more difficult for residents to make a living, so the Central Committee is trying to avoid complaints coming from them, he said.
In the past, authorities would infuse ordinary North Koreans with anti-Chinese sentiment, but they were very cautious and passive about it, the source from North Hamgyong province told RFA.
When they used to give information about the countrys domestic and international situations to soldiers and residents near the border area at meetings, they criticized China with subtle comments, he said. But when the Central Committee openly criticized China by calling it a thousand-year-old enemy, there were mixed responses inside North Korea.
Some ask what we can do if we push China away because the country has the power to shift North Koreas economy, while others say we should keep our guard up against China while asserting North Koreas independence, he said.
A second source from North Hamgyong province confirmed that anti-Chinese sentiment among North Koreans has recently become more acute than anti-Japanese sentiment.
It is because the Central Committee is intentionally spreading anti-Chinese sentiment, said the source who declined to be named for fear of retribution.
The residents are tired of continued financial difficulties, he said. They are very discontent with reality, and some even say that the time during which the Japanese ruled Korea [1910-1945] was better than the present situation, he said.
They are calling China a pig with darkness inside, which means China only wants to take North Koreas difficult situation and turn it into an opportunity from which it will benefit, the source said.
Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
A Rohingya man and children walk through a field in the Jamtoli refugee camp in Ukhia, Bangladesh, Nov. 27, 2017.
Bangladesh has the necessary forms to begin the process of repatriating hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to Myanmar and will start collecting data next week, the nations refugee relief commissioner said on Wednesday.
Commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam said he had received the forms earlier this week and would lead a committee collecting the information required by Myanmar.
In late November, the two neighboring nations agreed to begin the voluntary repatriation process of Rohingya refugees to their home state of Rakhine, in Myanmar, by Jan. 22.
Hopefully, we can start collecting data sought in the repatriation form beginning after Sunday, Kalam, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
His office will employ staff to collect the data, he said, adding that the forms would not be distributed among the refugees.
We have already formed a nine-member technical committee to collect the data about the potential returnees. The committee includes members from the home ministry, disaster management ministry, bureau of statics and other relevant departments of the government, said Kalam, leader of the technical committee.
We maintain a database of the Myanmar nationals entering Bangladesh. We will match the data collected with the database before handing the filled forms over to the Myanmar, he said.
Actual repatriation will begin after the Myanmar government verifies data including name, age, gender, parents, children and home village. Bangladesh officials expect to hand over about 100,000 Rohingya in the first phase.
Kalam responded to questions from BenarNews after a Myanmar official said that his government was waiting for Bangladesh to send the completed forms to start the verification process before repatriation can begin.
We have sent the forms for the refugees to fill out, but we havent received any of the [completed] ones from Bangladesh yet, Myint Kyaing, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Labor, Immigration, and Population under Myanmars civilian-led government, told Radio Free Asia (RFA), a sister entity of BenarNews, this week.
We are ready to accept them back, he added. We will begin doing so on the day we receive the forms from Bangladesh.
Repatriation agreement
On Nov. 23, Bangladesh and Myanmar signed the agreement stipulating that repatriation would begin within two months (Jan. 22). At that time, the governments agreed to form a 30-member joint working group, headed by their foreign secretaries, to oversee the process.
The working group has not held its first meeting.
Myanmar has proposed holding it on Jan. 9, but Bangladesh officials have not responded to the proposal, a Bangladesh foreign ministry official told BenarNews on condition of anonymity.
Possibly, we cannot hold the meeting on Jan. 9 because the foreign secretary may not be available that day to lead the Bangladeshi delegation, he said.
Shahriar Alam, Bangladeshs state minister for foreign affairs, told BenarNews that the first meeting could take place by Jan. 15, a week before the first Rohingya are due to leave for Myanmar.
The joint working group meeting can take place either in Bangladesh or Myanmar. In case of their inability to come here, we can go to Myanmar to hold the meeting, Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury, the director general in-charge of the Southeast Asia desk at the foreign ministry, told BenarNews.
More than 655,000 Rohingya entered Bangladesh since Aug. 25, 2017, amid a brutal crackdown by Myanmars military that followed coordinated attacks carried out by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgents on security posts in Rakhine state.
Human rights groups and Rohingya refugees have accused Myanmar military personnel and Buddhist militia of committing widespread atrocities against Rohingya civilians during the crackdown. The United Nations and United States have described the situation as ethnic cleansing, but Myanmar officials have denied that its forces committed atrocities.
The repatriation agreement includes tens of thousands of Rohingya who fled Myanmar following an outbreak in violence in October 2016 as well, driving the number of refugees who are eligible to return home to as many as 700,000.
In all, about one million Rohingya are sheltering in southeastern Bangladesh, where they are mostly concentrated in refugee camps in and around Coxs Bazar district.
Repatriation does not happen overnight; it is time consuming. We will provide Myanmar necessary data from here. They can return only when the Myanmar government gives green light after verification, said Chowdhury, a member of the joint committee.
Abdul Masood, a Rohingya who fled to Bangladesh with his wife and three children late last year, told BenarNews that he would not return to Myanmar, and feared being forced to do so.
If we are sent back, there is no hope for us. We will all be killed, or worse, tortured to death. Ask any Rohingya, and they will tell you they dont want to go back, no matter the promises the Myanmar government makes regarding our safety, Masood, 28, told BenarNews last week.
Curfew: To ensure peoples safety
Last week, Myanmar authorities announced they would process returning refugees during daylight hours only because of an extended curfew in the Rakhine state.
Returning refugees who will be processed at the two reception centers in Taung Pyo Let Wae and Nga Khu Ya villages must adhere to the curfew, meaning they cannot go out after 6 p.m., Win Myat Aye, Myanmars minister of social welfare, relief, and resettlement, told RFA.
Authorities did it to ensure peoples safety, he said.
Kalam, the refugee relief commissioner in Bangladesh, told BenarNews that his government likely would not oppose the curfew enforced on the other side of the border.
The repatriation is our focus, no matter whether it takes place by day or at night. We will discuss the proposal at the joint working group and decide, Kalam said.
Meanwhile, some Rohingya refugees expressed mixed views over the issue.
I do not see any problem. Daytime is better. Risks of snake and insect bites are there. Besides, women and children may go missing at night, Mohammad Hafez told BenarNews in a phone call from Ukhia, a subdistrict of Coxs Bazar.
A Rohingya who was repatriated at night in 1993 and asked to remain anonymous, gave a different opinion.
Myanmar wants to limit the number of returnees. A lesser number of people will go if repatriation only takes place by daytime. This is their strategy to delay our return, he told BenarNews.
In Myanmar, officials said on Wednesday they were moving to close a camp for internally displaced Rohingya refugees made homeless in 2012, when communal violence between Rakhine Buddhists and Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state left more than 200 dead and displaced 140,000 people. The Thatkepyin Muslim IDP (internally displaced persons) camp in Sittwe, the state capital, houses more than 6,000 people from 1,000 households.
I met state government members and Thatkepyin IDP camp officials. We talked about how it is not good to have an IDP camp for a long time, so we discussed closing the camp and working on resettlement, Win Myat Aye, who also serves as chairman of Myanmar's Committee for the Implementation of the Recommendations on Rakhine State, told RFAs Myanmar service.
Shwe Maung, an official from the Thatkepyin camp, said many refuges remain wary of government resettlement plans, fearing theyll be cut off from arable land and left at the mercy of a government that might cut off food supplies.
Some like this plan, but some dont. Some people are worried they might lose their lands of their (former) houses that were burned down when they move to the places that government is building for them, Shwe Maung told RFA.
The government could cut our food supplies. They are worried that they wont get food supplies from international NGOs.
Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service and by Thiri Min Zin and Khin Khin Ei for RFA's Myanmar Service.
While Myanmar prepares to begin repatriating Rohingya Muslim refugees who fled to neighboring Bangladesh to escape violence during military crackdowns in northern Rakhine state in 2016 and 2017, government officials are continuing with a plan to close internally displaced persons (IDP) camps at home. Win Myat Aye, Myanmars minister for social welfare, relief, and resettlement, is overseeing the effort. He chairs a government committee created in September 2017 to implement the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, a group led by former Unirted Nations chief Kofi Annan. The commission called for reviews of the countrys 1982 Citizenship Law, which prevents the Rohingya from becoming citizens, the closure of IDP camps, and an end to restrictions on the Rohingya minority to prevent further violence in the region. Last April, the Rakhine state government said it would shutter three camps housing Kaman Muslims, ethnic Rakhine people, and Rohingya Muslims who have been living in them since 2012 when they were displaced by communal violence. In an interview with Khin Khin Ei of RFAs Myanmar Service, Win Myat Aye discusses plans to close additional IDP camps.
RFA: Why have authorities decided to close the Thetkaepyin Muslim IDP camp?
Win Myat Aye: These camps have been in existence since 2012. Since the NLD [National League for Democracy] government took power [in April 2016], it has planned to close these camps because peoples access to education and health care and their participation in the economy have been blocked because they are residing in these camps. The Kofi Annan Commissions report also suggested closing the IDP camps.
We have closed some camps, but our plans were halted because of the attacks [by Muslim militants in northern Rakhine state] in August 2017. We have begun this plan now. Thetkaepyin is the big camp in [Rakhines capital] Sittwe. I have talked with government and camp officials to close this camp, and we have agreed to do it. We will continue the discussions to hammer out the details. We went to Myebon [township] and talked with officials to close a camp there as well. They are working with us to close it.
RFA: We have heard something about this plan, but some people dont like the idea of closing the camp. What will you do about that?
Win Myat Aye: We are doing it for the good of all, and it is what we should do. I am surprised to learn that some people dont like it and wonder who those people could be.
RFA: Where will you let them resettle?
Win Myat Aye: We have the Disaster Management Law [under which the president can declare a state of emergency in an area for a period of time if peoples' lives and property as well as the natural environment are dramatically affected and if rehabilitation will be needed]. We have been choosing places where they will have job opportunities.
RFA: What kind of jobs can be created for them?
Win Myat Aye: There are many development plans and projects in Rakhine state. Even after the Aug. 25 attacks, we created the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine State (UEHRD), so there will be many job opportunities available under it. We will create jobs in the fishing industry and in industrial zones. Something important for them is to be able to travel freely. According to law, they will be recognized as people who live in Myanmar if they hold national verification cards.
RFA: Do you think there will be problems with closing the IDP camps as long as the Buddhist ethnic Rakhine people and the Muslims dont completely trust each other?
Win Myat Aye: It is very important to think about the time when we will have trust in each other. When we work on solving a problem, we have to strike a balance between stability and development. If we have stability, we will have development. Also, if we have development, we will have more stability. For development to be fruitful, we must work on what we are doing now. Working towards development, especially in education, is very important. If people are not educated, they can become extremists, and they can easily be persuaded by others.
Reported by Khin Khin Ei for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
A wealthy Vietnamese property developer wanted in Vietnam on charges of espionage was flown back to Hanoi on Thursday after being briefly detained in Singapore, RFA has learned.
Phan Van Anh Vu, 42, had applied to Germany for asylum before his forced return to Vietnam, where he faces a possible death sentence for revealing state secrets under Article 263 of Vietnams penal code.
Speaking to RFAs Vietnamese Service on Thursday, Remy Chooone of Vus lawyers in Singaporeconfirmed that his client had been sent back, while media sources reported that Vu arrived at Hanois Noi Bai Airport at around 3:30 p.m.
I am disappointed that, despite our best efforts for our client, he was deported without our knowledge [and was not given] an opportunity to contest the allegations made against him, Choo said in a Jan. 4 Yahoo News Singapore report.
Fleeing a Dec. 20 order for his prosecution, Vu was arrested in Singapore at the end of December while attempting to cross the border into Malaysia on a passport that had been canceled by Vietnamese authorities, media reports said.
He was then held by Singapore authorities for committing offenses under the Immigration Act.
The Reuters news agency quoted a lawyer engaged by Vus family as saying he had hoped to travel to Germany, where former Vietnamese oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh had been kidnapped by Vietnamese security agents in a park in Berlin last July.
Vu, a former senior intelligence officer, had enjoyed close ties to former Communist Party Central Committee member Nguyen Xuan Anh, who was removed from his post in October 2017 amid an ongoing crackdown on corruption in Vietnams banking and energy sectors.
Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Emily Peyman. Written in English by Richard Finney.
GERMANTOWN, Md., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orgenesis Inc., (OTCQB:ORGS), a vertically-integrated biopharmaceutical company with expertise and unique experience in gene and cell therapy and regenerative medicine, today announced that it will be presenting at the Biotech Showcase in San Francisco, CA being held on January 8-10, 2018. Vered Caplan, Chief Executive Officer of Orgenesis, will be giving a presentation and meeting with investors.
Event: Biotech Showcase
Presentation Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Presentation Time: 3:00pm PT
Location: Hilton San Francisco Union Square, San Francisco, CA
For investors attending the Biotech Showcase, please contact Orgenesis' Investor Relations at tpatel@edisongroup.com to schedule a meeting with management.
The presentation will be webcast live and remain available for 90 days following the presentation. To access the webcast, please visit the Investors presentations tab of the Investors section of the Orgenesis website at www.orgenesis.com.
About Orgenesis Inc.
Orgenesis is a vertically-integrated biopharmaceutical company with expertise and unique experience in cell therapy development and manufacturing. Through its Israeli subsidiary, Orgenesis Ltd., Orgenesis is a pioneer in the development of technology designed to successfully reprogram human liver cells into glucose-responsive, fully functional, Insulin Producing Cells (IPCs). Orgenesis believes that converting the diabetic patient's own tissue into insulin-producing cells has the potential to overcome the significant issues of donor shortage, cost and exposure to chronic immunosuppressive therapy associated with islet cell transplantation. Through its Belgian subsidiary, MaSTherCell S.A., a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), Orgenesis is able to deliver optimized process industrialization capacities to cell therapy organizations, and speed up the arrival of their therapies onto the market. From technology selection to business modeling, GMP manufacturing, process development, quality management and assay development, MaSTherCell's teams are fully committed to helping their clients fulfill their objective of providing sustainable and affordable therapies to their patients. MaSTherCell operates in a validated and flexible facility located in the strategic center of Europe within the Walloon healthcare cluster, Biowin. This integrated approach supports the Company's business philosophy of bringing to market significant life-improving medical treatments. For more information, visit www.orgenesis.com.
Contacts
Edison Advisors (investors)
Tirth Patel
(646) 653-7035
tpatel@edisongroup.com
Indianapolis, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumina Foundation has announced the election of Morgan State University President David Wilson, Ed.D. to serve on its Board of Directors.
Wilson has served as president of Marylands public urban university since July of 2010 and has a record of accomplishment during his more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration.
David is a nationally regarded leader in higher education, and his broad background will add a welcome voice to our work toward the attainment agenda, said Jamie Merisotis, president and CEO of Lumina Foundation.
Wilson holds four academic degrees: a bachelor of science in political science; a master of science in education from Tuskegee University; a masters in educational planning and administration from Harvard University; and a doctorate in administration, planning and social policy, also from Harvard. He came to Morgan from the University of Wisconsin, where he was chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and the University of WisconsinExtension. Before that, he held several administrative posts in academia, including: vice president for university outreach and associate provost at Auburn University, and associate provost of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey.
The U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology appointed Wilson to a three-year term on the National Institute of Standards and Technologys Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology. He also is president of The HBCU-China Scholarship Network. In addition, he serves on the boards of the Maryland Cybersecurity Council, the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center, The Greater Baltimore Committee, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the Association of American Colleges & Universities. In February 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Wilson to the Presidents Board of Advisors on HBCUs.
Since Wilson's arrival at Morgan State in 2010, the university's progress has continued unabated. Among the many highlights of Wilsons tenure to date are: increasing a second-year retention rate above 70 percent for the seventh consecutive year; growing enrollment to nearly 8,000 students; procuring the universitys largest-ever research contract; overseeing a 183 percent increase in alumni participation in giving since 2010; creating a new West Campus; guiding $271 million of campus construction; founding a School of Global Journalism and Communication; establishing Morgan States first online degree program; winning designation of the university as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation; and receiving an General Assemblys designation of Morgan State as Marylands preeminent public urban research university.
Wilson grew up with 10 siblings on a tenant farm outside of McKinley, Ala. Through hard work, tenacity, and the encouragement of his father and teachers, he became the first person in his family to attend college.
Im truly honored and humbled to have been elected to serve in this capacity and I look forward to joining the voices of the other members of the Board in offering creative insights to Lumina Foundation on how best to achieve its goal of ensuring that sixty percent of Americans receive a high-quality college degree, certificate or credential by 2025, said Wilson.
See a complete list of Luminas board members.
# # #
About Lumina Foundation: Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. Lumina envisions a system that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nations need for talent through a broad range of credentials. The Foundations goal is to prepare people for informed citizenship and for success in a global economy.
About Morgan
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is celebrating its 150th year of excellence in higher education. A Carnegie-classified doctoral research institution, Morgan offers more than 100 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Marylands Preeminent Public Urban Research University, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.
Attachments:
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Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36cdc494-de09-4e12-9bdb-8268c0f07c16
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f196d42f-b210-4692-8912-9b1284aeb61b
The National Railroad Construction & Maintenance Association (NRC) has announced its board election results, adding two new members to the NRC board in 2018.
The new appointees are George Caric, vice president of marketing, Stella-Jones Corporation (Stella-Jones), and Dave Landreth, vice president and general manager, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. (Kiewit).
The NRC also re-elected two incumbents who ran to continue their service to the board: Marc Hackett, director, Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc., and Scott Norman, senior vice president, Herzog Contracting Corp.
Carics railroading career began in 1985 when he started as a sales manager for Koppers Inc. Between 1999 and 2010, he served as the vice president of business development for RailWorks Corporation, which took place from 1999 to 2005, and Tangent Rail, from 2005 to 2010.
Caric has served as the vice president of marketing at Stella Jones since 2010. The NRC also notes that he is a past president of the Railway Tie Association and serves as a current board member of the Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers.
My role as a member of the NRC Board will be to listen to our members for input on perfecting our product offerings to the industry as railroads and transits look more to the construction and supply industries for innovation to improve their infrastructure to meet the increasing demands of a growing freight and transit market, Caric said. I look forward to working to continue the growth and success of the NRC.
Landreth brings with him four decades of railroad industry experience, the NRC said. He has held a leadership role since being promoted from laborer to foreman in 1980. His duties as a leader have expanded to include managing numerous projects and subsequently various railroad construction companies throughout the western U.S. and Eastern Canada.
Landreth recently joined Kiewit and is involved with multiple projects across North America, the NRC notes.
I want to thank Larry Laurello for nominating me to sit on the NRC Board and Jim Hansen for his support, Landreth said. I consider this an honor.
Hackett, who was re-elected, thanked all members who participated in the recent election.
I appreciate the support as we continue our efforts to create opportunities for our member companies and work to engage the next generation of railroaders, Hackett said.
Norman, also a re-elected member, said he has been honored to sit on the NRC Board for the past six years, representing both the railroad industry and Herzog Contracting Corp.
I would like to thank the NRC members for electing me to serve for my final three-year term, Norman said.
NRC membership overwhelmingly voted in favor of the slate put forward by the nominating committee, said Mike Choat, president of Railroad Control Limited and incoming NRC Chairman, in an email to NRC members. Id like to thank all of those who submitted statements this year for their continued dedication to the success of the NRC and the entire rail construction and maintenance industry.
Chris Daloisio, vice president of Railroad Construction Co. of South Jersey, Inc., and outgoing NRC Chairman, said he was happy to see so much interest from members in joining the NRC Board.
The nominating committee did a fantastic job putting together the slate, Daloisio said. Id like to welcome George and Dave to our board and thank Marc and Scott for continuing their service.
The 2018 NRC Board of Directors are listed below:
Mike Choat, Railroad Controls Limited (Incoming chair)
Chris Daloisio, Railroad Construction Co. of South Jersey (Outgoing chair)
Jim Hansen, Herzog Railroad Services (Incoming vice chair)
Steve Bolte, Danella (Incoming secretary-treasurer)
Bill Dorris, J-Track (Past chair)
Dave Bergstrom, Ragnar Benson
Danny Brown, CTE Rail
George Caric, Stella-Jones
Joe Daloisio, Railroad Construction Company
Russ Gehl, Holland
Scott Goehri, HDR
Marc Hackett, Loram Maintenance of Way
Nate Henderson, RJ Corman Railroad Group
Dave Landreth, Kiewit
Scott Norman, Herzog Contracting Corp.
Bill Reimer, R&R Contracting
Kevin Riddett, RailWorks
Wiggie Shell, GREX
Jody Sims, Stacy and Witbeck
Daniel Stout, STX Railroad Construction services
Kirk Bastyr, Progressive Railroading, Board observer
Mischa Wanek-Libman, RT&S/Simmons-Boardman Publishing, Board observer
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.), chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, will not seek re-election in 2018.
Rep. Shuster took office in 2001 and is serving his third, two-year term as chair of the House T&I Committee. Per House GOP rules, he would not be able to serve as leader of the committee again.
The focus in his final year will be getting an infrastructure bill passed.
Rep. Shuster issued a statement on Jan. 2, It was a difficult decision because of my love of this Nation and the people I serve. Rather than focusing on a re-election campaign, I thought it wiser to spend my last year as Chairman focusing 100 percent on working with President Trump and my Republican and Democratic colleagues in both Chambers to pass a much needed infrastructure bill to rebuild America.
Rep. Shusters colleagues, including House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), all applauded his work on the House T&I Committee.
American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President and CEO Paul Skoutelas said, There has been no stronger voice than Chairman Shusters on the critical need for predictable and dedicated funding for surface transportation. We owe him a debt of gratitude and look forward to working with him this year on the upcoming infrastructure bill.
Rep. Shuster was recognized among the industry for his advocacy including APTAs Distinguished Service Award in 2016 and the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and GoRails Railroad Achievement Award in December 2017.
AAR President and CEO Edward R. Hamberger said, Throughout his congressional career, Chairman Shuster has been a staunch advocate for preserving and modernizing Americas infrastructure. As the leader of the House T&I Committee, he has consistently demonstrated a keen understanding of the nations freight and passenger rail networks and the value they provide. Chairman Shuster guided numerous pieces of bipartisan legislation through the House including the comprehensive surface transportation bill the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act in 2015 which included numerous freight rail provisions and Amtrak reauthorization. We look forward to working with him for the rest of his time in Congress and wish him the best on his future endeavors.
China will on Thursday see December results for the services and composite PMIs from Caixin, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.
The services PMI is expected to show a score of 51.8, down marginally from 51.9 in November. The composite PMI showed a score of 51.6 in the previous month.
Japan will see final December figures for the manufacturing PMI from Nikkei; the previous reading showed a score of 54.2.
Australia will provide December results for the Performance of Service Index from AiG; in November, the index score was 51.7.
The Philippines will release December numbers for consumer and producer prices. In November, consumer prices were up 0.5 percent on month and 3.3 percent on year, while producer prices added 0.4 percent on month and 0.3 percent on year.
Hong Kong and Singapore will see December results for their private sector PMIs from Nikkei; in November, their scores were 50.7 and 55.4, respectively.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Economic News
What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Novartis (NVS) announced Thursday that the US Food and Drug Administration has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to Promacta (eltrombopag) for use in combination with standard immunosuppressive therapy for the treatment of patients with severe aplastic anemia or SAA as a first-line therapy.
The company expects regulatory filings of the first-line indication in US and EU in 2018.
The company noted that Promacta is the only TPO receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of patients with SAA, currently in the refractory setting.
Eltrombopag, marketed as Promacta in the United States and Revolade in countries outside the US, is already approved as a second-line therapy in the refractory setting in SAA. Promacta is also approved for adults and children with chronic immune thrombocytopenia or ITP, for patients who are refractory to other treatments.
SAA is a rare blood disorder in which a patient's bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. As a result, people living with this serious disease may experience debilitating symptoms and complications, such as fatigue, trouble breathing, recurring infections and abnormal bruising or bleeding that can limit their daily activities.
Samit Hirawat, Head, Novartis Oncology Global Drug Development, said, "Promacta is a promising medicine that, if approved for first-line use in severe aplastic anemia, may redefine the standard of care for patients with this rare and serious bone marrow condition. We will continue to work closely with the FDA to make Promacta available to patients with SAA who are new to treatment as soon
as possible."
According to FDA guidelines, treatments that receive Breakthrough Therapy designation are those that treat a serious or life threatening disease or condition and demonstrate a substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints based on preliminary clinical evidence.
Eltrombopag, marketed as Promacta in the United States and Revolade in countries outside the US, is approved in more than 100 countries worldwide for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), approved in over 45 countries worldwide for the treatment of patients with SAA, and also approved in more than 50 countries for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
Report: Army kills Saudi soldiers, mercenaries in attacks over 24 hours [03/January/2018]
SANAA, Jan 3 (Saba) Army launched military operations, including artillery, missiles and snipping attacks to frustrate US-backed Saudi-led aggression coalition mercenaries and soldiers infiltration attempts over the past 24 hours, military officials told Saba on Wednesday.
In Nehm frontline, the artillery forces fired a ballistic missile, Zilzal 2, upon gatherings of mercenaries and hit the targets accurately, leaving heavy casualties.
Also in Nehm district, numbers of mercenaries were wounded in an attack operation in south of Qarn area.
In the province of Jawf, dozens of mercenaries were killed and wounded in an unique attack upon their sites in Abied area of Motn district.
In central province of Taiz, ten enemys military vehicles were destroyed in north of Yakhtel.
In Asir border province, units of the army and popular forces found 13 bodies of Saudi soldiers killed in the military clashes in Majaza village.
Also in Asir, the army artillery fired at Saudi soldiers gatherings in Masna area of Raboah district, Sabahtal mountain, Raqabt-Hanjar, and Majaza area.
In Najran border province, Snipers unit shot dead four Saudi soldiers in Dokhan mountain, east of Moaneq site, and Kars sites, and two mercenaries shot dead in Tabat-Khashbaa.
Meanwhile, the army and popular forces shelled Saudi soldiers gatherings in Raqabat-Nahoqah, Ras-Hebra, Maatan camp and Qiwa village.
Also in Najran, gatherings of mercenaries were shelled in front of Khadhra crossing point.
Finally, in Lahj province, the military heroes and popular committees repulsed an attempt by Saudi-paid mercenaries to infiltrate towards Tawr Albahaa district, inflicting heavy casualties among the enemies.
Sameera H.-zak
Saba
On the first day of the New Year, Samoa committed everything to God in prayer.
At the first prayer service of the year, the Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and the Masiofo, Her Highness Faamausili Leinafo, were among officials who attended.
Samoa was one of the first countries to welcome the New Year and like everything in Samoa, 2018 was welcomed with a prayer.
The annual service was held at the Matafele Methodist Church and was led by Reverend Ioane Tolai. Also present at the church service were Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers and government employees.
Thanksgiving prayer was conducted by Siufaga Catholic Catechist, Mafutaga Iosefo, forgiveness segment was prayed by Father Henry Bryce and Reverend Toeaina Fiti Aloalii of the Congregational Church of Jesus in Samoa (C.C.J.S.).
During the sermon, Reverend Tolai says the theme of this years service is Wake up Call.
He spoke about one of Samoas heartbreaking days, 29 September, 2009, when a Tsunami struck and took numerous lives.
Many lives were taken; this led the government to host awareness programs for the public on what to do when a disaster strikes."
When alarm bell rings throughout all of Samoa, its an indication that you need to move to high grounds."
This is one of the bells that you cannot ignore, if you want to live.
Reverend Tolai reminded the government officials the importance of heeding Gods commands and living by it.
If you dont obey and do what youre told, it will not end well, youll encounter predicaments, said Reverend Tolai.
He reminded that Gods call is very important, quoting the Bible verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son and whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
The love of God is not just words, but he acted upon it and it was evident at the cross where he called out that it has been done, said Reverend Tolai.
According to Reverend Tolai, the first week of the New Year will not be easy; however nothing is impossible with God.
There will be tribulations and trials on our pathway, however listen on for Gods calling and let him lead the way, he said.
The call to legalise the use of marijuana in Samoa for medicinal purposes will win a lot of support and applause from liberal online pundits but thats as far as it is likely to go.
The truth is that it is unlikely to progress very far in conservative Samoa for reasons that are easy enough to understand.
For instance, on the front page of the newspaper you are reading today, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has already made the governments position quite clear.
The reason most countries ban this stuff is because of the impact it has on the lives of the general public, especially young children, he said.
Its the same reason ice is illegal because it has caused a lot of mental problems for young kids. There have been cases where some people who were high on this stuff only find out after theyre high that they had killed someone. And yet they couldnt recognise that when they were high.
Tuilaepa said he does not want anything like that to happen to Samoa.
Some families have been broken up because of this stuff. The problem is people cant get enough of it. They become addicted and they dont want to end that high? Would you like (to live with) someone like that who is always high and can never get enough? he said.
This is the stuff you dont joke about. So anyone who says that this stuff should be legalised, that is no different from saying we should also legalise people to kill other people.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa has got a point and he makes a lot of sense.
And we dont expect anything different from the Churches either who will no doubt strongly object.
In the villages where they are already struggling to deal with social and criminal problems created by marijuana use, the very idea is likely to be laughed at. It would be unheard of.
But thats okay.
This is one of the beautiful things in this country we call home. It is the very fact that citizens have the freedom express their views on issues they strongly believe in.
The view might not necessarily be correct and strongly supported - but the fact people have the opportunity to air them is a great thing. Which is what we want to see. Here at the Samoa Observer, we dont necessarily agree with a number of views being expressed about certain issues but we exist to provide a forum for those views to be heard.
When it comes to the issue in question, its not a new topic. It has been debated to an extent on a number of international forums and in the age of social media, the question of whether Samoa would entertain legalising marijuana is not new at all.
Now senior lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, has only become the face of making the call public in Samoa this time. She is brave and kudos to her for having the courage to say what some people have been quietly talking about for many years and yet lacked the guts to vocalize it.
In Unasas view, legalising marijuana will help Samoas economy through the export of medicinal products. She also believes this will help reduce the number of inmates housed at Tafaigata Prison.
It will save costs to Samoa when all those imprisoned for possession of marijuana etc. are no longer fed in jail, no longer accommodated in jail and there are no more criminal offenses relating to marijuana, she said.
For health reasons, those with cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, cancer, depression and other health problems can be treated with marijuana.
Well, these claims need to be substantiated, backed by statistics and research from cases similar to Samoa.
It will certainly be very interesting to hear from the medical sector in Samoa about their views on the issue.
But if our humble opinion is sought, our advice will be very simple.
Lets just stick to taro, bananas, coconuts and other proven crops for exports.
Given the growing crime rate in Samoa with many cases related to the abuse of marijuana we should stay far, far away from the idea of telling those unemployed village boys and loafers in town that they can smoke weed to make their troubles go away.
The last thing we want on top of all our problems today is to wake up to a bunch of zombies along Beach Road who will claim they are merely trying to heal their gout with a tinnie or four.
Thats what we think anyway. What about you?
Share your thoughts with us.
Have a fabulous Friday Samoa, God bless!
Dear Editor,
I wish to reply to Samoa Observers publication of Iuni Sapolu and her hope for the legalisation of Marijuana in Samoa. E manaia lou manao ae lavelave ma tele ona aafiaga.
I disagree with your wish on many levels and I am also unclear to the real basis of your wish and claims. But I wish for you Unasa Iuni to give us some statistics and practical budget estimation or forecast of government savings if we legalise marijuana. Now did N.Z., Australia or even U.S.A. have any economic effect since their legalization of marijuana, if any?
I want you Unasa to give us stats and do a research about the real need by our people to use marijuana for medicinal purpose. How many people in this country that really need marijuana for medicinal purposes other than inmates?
What does the Health department say about the need for medicinal purpose?
Is it a must in Samoa?
Then cross reference that to some stats from those countries who went through this legalization process and their Heath department experienced?
What were health benefits and health need in those countries? And do we have the same type of needs?
Gives us stats and proof that jail inmates in Samoa will be reduced if we legalise marijuana.
I dont think the population in Californias jails have been reduced since marijuana legalization has come to effect.
Im interested to see the experience of those countries you are referring to Unasa.
E tatau foi ona manatua o Samoa o se atunuu laititi e faigata ona control nei ituaiga mataupu. You cant automatically assume what is good in California system with more than 4 million population to be readily acceptable or safe and sound here in Samoamasalo ai ua akili solo ai i kua olaga o kupulaga o na atunuu.
And please Unasa Iuni Sapolu give us stats, research and proof that all those addiction-related problems you mentioned will be eradicated completely if we legalise marijuana.
I think there will always be a problem in this country faced by our youth and it will probably escalate to worse cases if we introduce marijuana. Ua akili ai ga kele faafikauli.
Please Unasa dont just predict and cast baseless hopes and analysis without solid proof. If you can answer those questions with solid proof then we the people of Samoa will believe you.
In the meantime I honestly think there are other priorities and more pressing problems that need much attention than allowing people to get high.
Pei a ua kakau ga siaki oe pe le o e high.
Faafetai
Fale J Galuefa.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has confirmed his governments wish for a possible direct flight from China to Samoa, as part of the governments plans to develop the tourism industry.
Tuilaepa confirmed this during an interview with the Samoa Observer yesterday.
The government has been longing for a Chinese Airline to invest in Samoa, Tuilaepa said.
So when the time does permit for a Chinese airline to enter Samoa, we will get a share of a huge tourism market.
Tuilaepa said nothing has been finalised.
Now, that it is our hope for a Chinese Airline to invest in Samoa, he said.
Tuilaepa said the government is looking at the recent investment by a Chinese group who have purchased the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel on Beach Road.
He said the transaction presents a huge opportunity for Samoa.
Besides, the talks about flights from China have been in the works for a very long time, he said.
We must also remember that these people are great business people in a sense that they will only invest in this avenue once they know that its profitable, he said of the Chinese.
There are other ways to do these things, such as chartering, this is the idea thats been floating around for a long time and Im certain it will work.
What I mean is, you charter the plane and fly over 400 passengers, the plane returns and gets another 400 and then on the way back the first 400 fly back, thats the idea behind chartering.
Once that happens we will have a booming economy, said Tuilaepa.
This will alleviate the concern by hoteliers that there are not enough tourists. This is why we are trying to promote Samoa overseas.
And that is why we have the open sky policy with the intention this will attract more airlines, but so far that hasnt happened.
These are all commercial decisions, said Tuilaepa.
Asked when the government anticipates this will happen, Tuilaepa said it can happen anytime.
There are business people who are prepared to take the risk and those are the types of businesses that we can only pray will come and invest in Samoa.
He says Samoa has so much to offer the tourism industry.
Our biggest asset is the fact that we are Samoans.
Our genuineness and friendliness is what makes us unique.
Tuilaepa also emphasized why its important to keep Samoa clean.
Whenever an investor wants to visit, we ask them to come because once they land here their perception of Samoa will completely change.
They will be completely overwhelmed, especially driving from Faleolo, its the ocean on your left and the beautiful villages on your right, with the mountains in the background.
They will see the beauty and greenish of our landscape.
They would say this is the best drive ever.
When they see how beautiful our villages are and that is why its vital for the village councils to continue with the beautification of their villages as it attracts tourists, he said.
In October 2016, China and Samoa signed off on an Air Service Agreement (A.S.A.) for direct flights between Beijing and Faleolo.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Papaliitele Niko Lee Hang and the Ambassador of China to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng at the T.A.T.T.E Building.
The deal opens the door for any carrier interested in servicing the route. But its not just China that the government is looking to. Singapore is also on the list.
Minister Papalii said there were airlines that had showed interest in servicing the route, but the A.S.A. had to be signed first.
There are companies who have showed interest to come to Samoa, not only from China, but also other investors who are in partnerships with people in China, he said.
And now that we have signed the agreement, we are now open for market to whoever is interested. The market is now open. If Chinese airlines want to start coming in now then we are now opening it up for them.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has flatly rejected a call for the government to consider legalising marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Speaking during his weekly media session yesterday, Tuilaepa said the government would never entertain the idea because they cared about the welfare of Samoans, especially innocent young children.
The reason most countries ban this stuff is because of the impact it has on the lives of the general public, especially young children. This is why this stuff is illegal, Tuilaepa said.
Its the same reason 'ice' is illegal because it has caused a lot of mental problems for young kids. There have been cases where some people who were high on this stuff only find out after theyre high that they had killed someone. And yet they couldnt recognise that when they were high.
Tuilaepa said he does not want anything like that to happen to Samoa.
The Prime Minister was asked for a comment on the call by senior lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, who said the legalising cannabis would help Samoas economy through the export of medicinal marijuana.
She also believes this will help reduce the number of inmates housed at Tafaigata Prison.
Furthermore it will save costs to Samoa when all those imprisoned for possession of marijuana etc. are no longer fed in jail, no longer accommodated in jail and there are no more criminal offenses relating to marijuana, she said.
For health reasons, those with cystic fibrosis, epilepsy, cancer, depression and other health problems can be treated with marijuana.
She told the Samoa Observer the government is wasting money and the Courts time on dealing with marijuana offenses.
Stop listening to white agendas, colonized minds, it's just a plant, legalize it and reduce government indebtedness.
But Tuilaepa would not budge. He says the call reflects badly on Unasa and everyone who took part during the recent Samoa Solidarity International protest march.
Thats why I feel sorry for everyone who marched during the protest, Tuilaepa said.
It appeared that they had a good reason to march, which was to protect customary lands. But now this has followed, asking to legalise marijuana, its only people who are not well in the head who talk about such things.
The Prime Minister added the government places peoples safety first and foremost.
For that reason, the global thinking about this issue is leaning more towards prevention and safety, he said.
Some families have been broken up because of this stuff. The problem is people cant get enough of it.
They become addicted and they dont want to end that high?
Would you like (to live with) someone like that who is always high and can never get enough?
This is the stuff you dont joke about. So anyone who says that this stuff should be legalised, that is no different from saying we should also legalise people to kill other people.
Told that there are some countries that see the value in medicinal cannabis, Tuilaepa said he is not convinced.
He said he is only aware of some countries where only cops are allowed to grow the stuff so that they can take it straight to the lab for medical use.
But there is no country where this is legalized outright, he said, adding that drug use and abuse is creating so much chaos in the world and Samoa will not be led down that path under his watch.
Members of Assemblies of God Church in Samoa and all over the world are mourning the loss of a pioneer and a leading figure of the church.
The Chairman and Superintendent of the World Samoa Assemblies of God, Reverend Elder Siaosi Mageo, passed away at the beginning of the week.
Reverend Elder Mageo was also the Superintendent of A.O.G. American Samoa District.
Since his passing, hundreds of church members all over the world have taken to social media to express their sadness at the news.
The SoCal Church out of California U.S.A. quoted Psalms 116 vs 15 in their tribute.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants," their tribute reads. Rev. Siaosi Mageo will be remembered as a father in the faith, a pioneer of the Kingdom and a Bold Servant of the Word of God.
We had the pleasure of having him speak in numerous services across Southern California over the years, from individual churches to seminars to conferences.
He never ceased to speak with boldness and always shared his heart about ministry like no one else. His distinct voice could be heard preaching the Word in a calm manner, yet piercing in the hearts of many.
Our condolences to his children, grandchildren and families. On behalf of our SoCal Pulega Leadership Committee as well as all Pastors and Faletuas and all churches included, we send our prayers and love for such a time as this.
The General Council of the Samoan Assemblies of God in New Zealand also paid tribute to Rev. Mageo.
The Right Reverend, Elder Siaosi Mageo was a preacher unlike any other, their tribute reads.
After 53 years serving as a full time Senior Pastor, one of the messages that he shared at the International Pastors Network was The longer I serve Him, the sweeter it gets.
His life became the standard of a life dedicated to the Work of the Master. There was no compromising whatsoever; Gods Word had the final say.
His boldness to deliver prophetic messages even gave him the ability to call out Pastors who were not living right.
One of his well known phrases was if you want to play games, go to the shop and buy a ball, but dont ever play with God.
We will forever cherish his teachings, and we pray that God will raise up another person to carry on the work he has left behind. Thank you Elder Mageo for never allowing the fear of a man get in the way. You were truly an Ambassador of Christ.
A Brazilian and an Italian walked into an open fale in Samoa and decided that this was a side of Samoa that they wanted to experience.
Inara is a native of Brazil and her boyfriend, Ramon is an Italian. Both are living in New Zealand, but when the chance to travel popped up again, they came to Samoa in search of an experience as close to authentic Samoan living as possible.
Sao Paulo in Brazil is like 24 million people no one knows anyone and its very different from this lifestyle, said Inara.
There is a reason they are so security focused there and they keep to themselves and who they know because it can be dangerous. Samoa is like Bahia in the northeast where people are more open.
Inara listed all the places they visited and they were very particular about what they wanted.
When we came, we stayed in Apia for two nights and then we went to Lalomanu so we could stop and see all the waterfalls we could, she said.
At Lalomanu, we spent two nights and from there we saw the other waterfalls at the To Sua trench and we stayed at Le Vasa which was nice, but it was not what we wanted. We really like more to have family around and we didnt feel the openness.
Inara loved being right in and among the village finding her bliss in several of her now favourite spots.
We went to Savaia because one of our favourite villages is near there. Its just so beautiful there and the village itself, I just want to sit there for 10 years just sitting and looking, it was a feeling of bliss.
The couple also travelled around Savaii and found another favourite place in the big island.
We also went to Savaii and the first night we spent at Tanu beach fales which we really liked. Its more about family and open fales which was really good. From there we went to Vaisala, it was beautiful snorkeling there, but it was too big for what we wanted and we still wanted the fale family style by the beach experience.
But then we went to Satiatua and for us, it was our absolute favourite, like ever. That family and the girls there are so beautiful and powerful. And we spent New Years there; it was the grandmothers birthday on New Year. They were the best. We went to the church on the 31st and we were celebrating and it was beautiful.
Spending the last few days in Upolu, both Inara and her partner have been reflecting on their time so far and they believe they will return, but next time they will know where to go for the open fale holiday they desire.
Last night we spent at Lusias, it was nice, but again we were looking more for open fale style housing. So next time we come back we want to stay in Satiatua and Manono because its more for us. In Manono it was more like a house there, but still it was perfect because it was in a high place so we could see the ocean and the sunset.
The intrepid travelers are happy with their travels through Samoa and they will return to New Zealand on a high from such a fabulous trip.
We are so happy we came here and we will come back. We loved the place like the food is amazing; everything tastes like grandmas food. The nature is impressive but its sad that with all the cyclone and tsunami that the coral are destroyed.
Our favourite thing here is Samoa were the people. The kids they were beautiful and they are so genuine, even the people who are so serious, when you wave to them they open up and smile to you. It was really great and I think this is one of our best trips. You know sometimes you are sad to go home, but we are not even sad because it was such a good trip.
Christmas and New Years maybe over, but for the Burns Family from Sydney, Australia, the holiday season has just begun.
Ben Burns is in Samoa with his family to have a feel of the island life and what our paradise has to offer.
They arrived on Wednesday morning and are staying at the Aggie Greys Sheraton Hotel at Vasigano.
And their two weeks here already looks like a fun-filled learning experience.
Dear Tourist met the family in front of the Mulivai Cathedral heading to the Savalalo Market yesterday.
We are heading to the market just to have a look around because we have been told that it is the best place for us to buy Samoan handicrafts and t-shirts and other local made products, which are good souvenirs for us to remember our trip here, Ben said.
In the next couple of days, were planning to have a tour around the island and to have a view of the island.
Asked why they chose Samoa as their holiday destination, he said: We have been to other countries such as England and the United States of America, but this time Samoa is on our list because it is a beautiful tropical island.
It was supposed to be a big family vacation, however when we got to the airport, other members of our family had issues with their passport so that made them stay back, Ben said.
Speaking on behalf of his family, the 13-year-old boy said: We are also looking forward to visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum sometimes this week. I personally looked up the place and I am eager to see it for myself.
I havent tried out any local food because we just got here; I am hoping to actually have a taste of Samoan food that are locally cooked and served.
Well see during our stay if we are able to visit some other places but we will not be able to visit Savaii. It will definitely be on our list for our next trip here.
So far, it is a great place, friendly people and a beautiful tropical weather.
Because of their experience, the Burns family has already decided to return to our shores.
The Asau Village Council has a zero tolerance for violence against women.
To prove they are serious, they have recently approved policies that will see men who assault their wives ban from the village.
This was confirmed by the villages Member of Parliament and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Lopaoo Natanielu Mua, who is also a chief in the village of Asau.
The females are the most precious beings on this earth, he said.
They are gentle and at the same time, they get things done.
That is why for Asau Village, our women are special. We will do everything within our authority to assure that our women are protected, even from their husbands, said Lopaoo.
He says the policy is fairly new and it coincides with the campaign by the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development to stop the violence against women and children.
The fact that this has been preached in every corner of our country, its about time that our concerns are addressed in the villages and that something is done about it.
It all comes down to us, men who are the head of the families and chiefs in our villages.
We see the issue and we step in to fix it. Asau does not condone violence against their women.
Women from Asau and women who are married into our village, are all protected, he said.
The Asau chief points out the impact of violence equates up to a range of impacts.
Sometimes the consequences results in death, all because women feel worthless when their husband continue to do this nonsense of beating her and saying demeaning things.
It negatively affects womens well-being and prevents women from fully participating in society.
We are at the time and age for men to realize that women should not put up with any type of attack, whether its physical or verbal.
Violence not only has negative consequences for women, but also their families, the community and the country at large, he said.
According to Lopaoo, they will also ban men and women who are convicted of sexual offenses.
We will not tolerate such behavior in Asau.
He adds Samoan women do not need experts from off island telling them that we need to empower our women.
No, I dont agree with that, Samoan women were born empowered.
As a Samoan girl, they have roles to play in the homes, churches and villages and by the time they are of age, their responsibilities changes and they are tasked to see through many projects that the Aualuma are assigned with in terms of developments in the village such as weaving fine mats and other projects.
In Asau, we have the village council and we also have the Aualuma Womens Group.
We meet and they meet and if they have issues, the leaders of the Aualuma meet our Village Council.
So you see our women play a huge role in what happens in Asau.
Our women also have a voice in the decision making of issues within the village.
Women are treated equally, said Lopaoo.
And I am proud of what Asau has so far in terms of eliminating the mentality of men that they can treat women differently.
The Minister hopes other villages will follow the example that Asau has put in place.
One can only wish that this initiative will be considered by other villages.
I am not telling anyone what to do, but merely asking that they consider the need for this issue to be addressed in the villages.
An issue that will be discussed and the Village Council must act on it, not just talk about it and not take any action.
This issue should be addressed to the families in the villages and in the churches, we must act on the right away, said Lopaoo.
In May 2017, the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Fuimapoao Beth Onesemo-Tuilaepa, said the government was looking to work with village councils to ensure men who beat their wives were held accountable and punished as a village offense.
The concern by the C.E.O. follows the result of the Family Safety Strategy survey which shows that incidences of domestic violence where women are physically, emotionally and sexually abused have increased by 20 per cent in Samoa since the last survey in 2000.
Fuimapoao said the survey showed 60 per cent of women surveyed were abused was scary and very critical. The figure in domestic violence should come as a wakeup call to all of us.
This recent survey has the numbers increased (from 40) to 60 percent and the problem continues to happen so long as the mentality remains that men are pule (owners) of the family.
She recalled that during the 11th Commonwealth Womens Affairs Ministerial Meeting held in Samoa last year, it was revealed that 60 percent of young women who were surveyed said it was okay for a man to beat his wife.
They held that belief and they will grow up with that understanding.
Even the countrywide survey that came through showed that a lot of men and women have the belief that a man is justified to discipline his wife including beating her in some way or manner for at least one reason.
According to the C.E.O., there have been awareness campaigns, but if the mentality is still the same way, the problem will continue.
She gave an example of how difficult it is to get it across to the country that domestic violence is wrong.
All of us know that you actually need to eat less and exercise more to live healthy, so how many of us actually do that? Thats how hard it is to get this across.
Its not a matter of government coming along and preaching to people, that is easy but to change the mindset as a father, young man, chief, and a woman. That is the hard part.
And it starts within families, this is where you are nurtured how to behave, how to live life.
This is where we teach our children the importance of respecting one another. As our sons get ready to have their families, they should be directed on how they carry out their relationship with their wives.
You being the head of the household do not mean that you have the right to beat someone elses daughter or sister. We are supposed to be a Christian nation, and were supposed to live by what the Bible teaches.
She also mentioned the misinterpretation regarding what the Bible says.
The Bible says that fathers are the head of the family and it was interpreted as owner-pule and therefore, this pule can discipline.
Is that really what the Bible says and then also because its been repeated over the years that this is how Samoan families have been operated for the longest time.
We need to accept the fact that it is not what the Bible says and that it is not the Samoan culture. Its the total opposite. So thats the conversations we need to have.
She told Samoa Observer at the time that one of the steps taken was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) with the National Council of Churches where they will make it a priority for the church Ministers to remind their members that domestic violence is wrong.
She said another avenue was using the village councils.
If the villages can penalize anyone for theft, rape, they should also penalize those who abuse their wives, she said.
This matter is not only a government problem in terms of enforcement, but it should also be addressed in churches and in the villages.
We know that our chiefs are highly regarded and this message coming directly from them, Im sure there will be changes, as these numbers are very scary.
La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe continued to be the place for the most expensive home sales in San Diego County in 2017.
The most expensive house to sell in the county was a beach front property in La Jolla for $12 million.
Built in 1993, 6106 Camino de la Costa features panoramic ocean views and its own private sandpit on the water. Property records say it was purchased by Neil Smit, former CEO of Comcast.
Real estate agent Russ Clark said the home is on a peninsula lot that maximized views of the ocean.
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You had views of Point Loma and Mission Beach, he said, so at night you could see lights reflecting on the water.
The top five home sales in 2017 equaled $54.5 million. Thats down from $79.9 million total for the top five the previous year.
One of the most expensive homes to sell last year, 16568 La Gracia in Rancho Santa Fe, sold twice. Real estate agent Megan Luce said her clients bought the property in April but realized they werent there as much as their other properties so they decided to sell.
I couldnt believe they were selling so soon, she said. But, the property is breathtaking and I was excited to go into it again.
16568 La Gracia in Rancho Santa Fe sold twice in 2017 (Megan Luce )
Luce did not want to give the buyers names, and it is unclear from property records who they were. The home was purchased by Florida-based limited liability company, Covenant RJC, in April for $10.6 million. It was then sold to the Greenfield Trust out of Washington state for $10.85 million in December.
Another home in Rancho Santa Fe made the top five most expensive sales. In June, 6883 Alydar Corte sold for $11 million. The 12,500-square-foot property was on the market for 258 days, the longest of any of the sales.
Another La Jolla home also made the list, 8470 El Paseo Grande, which sold for $10.1 million. It featured a private courtyard, guest house and ocean views throughout.
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Rounding out the list was 106 13th St. in Del Mar that sold for $10 million. The 2,300-square-foot remodeled cottage on the bluffs of Del Mar has three bathrooms and two bedrooms and was built in 1948.
The most expensive homes to sell in 2017 were much less than the top sales in 2016. The top seller in 2016, an ocean front home in Del Mar, went for $18 million.
Clark, the agent that sold 2017s most expensive home, said the luxury market wasnt slowing down, but just had a lack of inventory last year. Like some other agents, he believes affluent buyers will have more money to spend on real estate in the new year following tax changes recently approved in Congress despite caps on property tax deductions.
Their overall net income is going to go up dramatically under the new tax plan, Clark said.
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On the other end of the housing market, the cheapest home to sell in 2017 was a 924-square-foot house in Jacumba for $27,000. Built in 1945, it was in severe disrepair and the buyer was warned they would responsible for the removal of unusable property. One room on the property included old laundry, broken computers and abandoned Christmas decorations.
106 13th St. in Del Mar that sold for $10 million. (Redfin )
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phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1891 Twitter: @phillipmolnar
ALSO
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The vanishing San Diego single-family home
San Diego County property taxpayers, rushing to beat a Dec. 31 deadline, wrote checks for $642 million in early payments, more than double last years total, county Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister said Wednesday.
The payments covered 255,407 properties, about 25 percent of all bills that didnt have to be paid until this coming spring.
I dont think thats ever happened, he said.
The total paid was $312 million more than what was collected by this time last year and will earn the county investment pool about $1.5 million in extra interest income, based on a 1.35 percent rate for four months.
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The county expects to collect just over $6 billion for the first time in property taxes during 2017-18.
I think San Diegans came through in a big way and stepped up and took advantage, and that will likely result in big benefits to those who paid, he said.
He was referring to the recently passed federal tax cut measure that capped at $10,000 how much can be deducted in state and local taxes on federal income taxes starting this year.
By paying taxes early, property owners will be able to deduct an extra tax amount from their 2017 federal and state returns and reduce their income tax accordingly.
The IRS had issued a last-minute ruling last week that such taxes could only be paid early if they had been billed. In California, property taxes are typically due in two equal payments by Dec. 10 and the following April 10.
So those taxpayers who had acted in time will be able to deduct three property tax bills on this years return the payment due last April 10 and the two billed in 2017.
When they get around to filling out their 2018 tax forms in 2019, theyll have just one payment to account for, the one due next Dec. 10.
If the same rush-to-pay took place in other states, the result will be a win-win-lose a win for local agencies in the form of unexpected interest earnings; a win for property owners who wont have to pay more in federal income taxes; and a loss for the federal Treasury, which wont receive all the extra taxes expected by capping the state and local tax deductions.
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McAllister said the total received will likely grow a bit as bills sent in by mail trickle in this week from absentee property owner who live in other states and nations.
But he acknowledged there may be a few people whose checks were not postmarked by midnight Sunday and technically cannot be counted to have been paid by the deadline.
They probably wont get the tax benefit, he said.
If they claim on their tax returns that they paid in 2017, it will be up to the IRS to audit the return and demand proof.
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My hunch is there will be a lot of confusion and a lot of vigilance on the part of the IRS whos been naughty and whos been nice to keep people honest, he said.
McAllister had expected 40,000 checks and $140 million in early payments.
Instead we got 72,000 and $312 million, he said. Its pretty incredible.
About 60 percent of bills were paid by electronic check, about 4 percentage points higher than normal, he said.
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Other taxpayers sent in payments normally handled by their mortgage servicers and lenders through impound accounts.
McAllister said he spoke with several such companies who will automatically refund overpayments now that their customers have prepaid whats due.
However, he advised those taxpayers to check with their lenders.
Taxpayers lined up at the tax collectors offices up until 5 p.m. closing time Friday and nobody was banging on the door to be let in, McAllister said.
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If they arrived after business hours, they could deposit their payments in mailboxes at the front door of the offices in San Marcos, Kearny Mesa, downtown, Chula Vista and El Cajon.
McAllisters staff picked up deposits on Tuesday morning. If taxpayers forgot to indicate what the check was for, he said staff will attempt to contact the payers.
He said they can contact his office at (877) 829-4732 and confirm the check was received. Other information is available at his office website, sdttc.com.
The burden of proof is on the taxpayer, he said. We make it very clear as to whats expected and how to get accurate credit for the bill being paid.
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The good news, he said, is taxpayers who missed the federal deadline still have until April 10 to pay the second bill without incurring a county penalty. But they will miss out on the federal tax benefit.
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roger.showley@sduniontribune.com; (619) 293-1286; Twitter: @rogershowley
El Cajons plan for connecting homeless persons to housing opportunities has taken root.
Crisis House employee Karina Hernandez, whose business card reads El Cajon Housing Connections, Housing Navigator, was hired by the city several months ago at the urging of the City Council.
Crisis House partners with the city to provide Housing Connections. Hernandez will remain employed by Crisis House during the 12-month program.
El Cajons housing navigator position is similar to a recent pilot program that was a success in Encinitas.
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Hernandez, 32, has already placed one needy family in housing and is closing in on finding a suitable rental for a homeless man. She has been out with the El Cajon Polices Homeless Outreach Team and handed out her card to several individuals.
The goal of the City Council is for the navigator to find homes for 25 individuals by June 30, 2018.
Hernandez is a 2004 Eastlake alum with bachelors and masters degrees in social work from Cal State Los Angeles. She said she has known since age 15 that she wanted to be a social worker.
Hernandez has been employed since 2015 by Crisis House, a community resource center based in El Cajon. The nonprofit has been helping people become self-sufficient and gain access to social services in East County since 1970.
Ive been working with the individuals and families through Crisis House for two years, Hernandez said, and one of the main things they ask about is housing. Im very happy I can finally help them in that way, to help them get off the streets, even if its just a room to rent for a little bit of time. A lot of them are just asking for a place to lay their head.
In her job for the city, Hernandez will focus on establishing relationships with persons who are homeless, match those persons with suitable housing, and guide them toward programs and services.
Mary Case, executive director of Crisis House, said Hernandez has already established relationships and built trust with many homeless people in the city. That connection will make her job less complicated than it would have been for someone from outside Crisis House, Case said.
Hernandez will be paid $37,440 for the year, plus have use of a cell phone, laptop computer and other perks.
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The council earlier this year dedicated up to $150,000 for the position, $80,000 of that for housing assistance funds.
In May, pushed by City Councilmen Steve Goble and Gary Kendrick, the city decided to take a more hands-on approach to the homeless situation in El Cajon.
Kendrick and Goble said they were concerned that El Cajons most recent homeless numbers showed a 21 percent increase in the past year.
The annual point in time count of homeless persons in 2017 showed 65 people in sheltered housing and 323 living unsheltered in the city, for a total of 388. That number was 321 last year.
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Mayor Bill Wells said homelessness is a top priority and top concern for citizens in the city of nearly 100,000.
Obviously, there is no one simple solution to this, Wells said. The housing navigator is one piece of the puzzle. Its easy to be discouraged because to really do enough would cost millions of dollars. A city does what it can with enforcement, with helping people access the system and opening up opportunities to get off the street.
All those things working in combination start the process of working toward more solutions.
Case said she is glad the city is funding the position and that Crisis House can help.
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She acknowledged that the effort will be a challenge, but that just providing the opportunity for Crisis House is a big dea.
We cant wait to really get going, Case said.
Hernandez said she is just excited to be part of this project and finally being able to be a housing resource for everyday clients.
The city is also working with several other partners, including the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless, the County of San Diego, the East County Homeless Task Force and Crisis House in an effort to decrease the number of people living on the streets or in their cars.
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karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com
CARLSBAD
Two-part workshop on starting business
The North San Diego Small Business Development Center offers a free two-part workshop, Entrepreneurship Academy, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at 2075 Las Palmas Drive. This workshop gives an overview of what to consider before starting a business. Topics include marketing basics, financing options, taxes, business entities/legal structures and franchising/business models. Register by Tuesday at https://www.sdivsbdc.org/workshops-events-2. After signing up, complete the survey at https://frannetpfa.com/cq/assessmenten/start/?rst=1 at least two business days before the workshop. Bring a printed copy of the results with you. Call (760) 795-8740 or visit sandiegosmallbiz.com.
FALLBROOK
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Chambers wine event rescheduled to Jan. 19
The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerces Dec. 8 Wine & A Bite has been rescheduled to 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 19. Tickets for the Dec. 8 event are good for this rescheduled date. Check in at the chamber office, 111 S. Main Ave., from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Stroll the downtown district, stopping at several venues for wine and a bite of food or dessert, and an art experience. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Foundation for Senior Care. If you would prefer a refund, call the chamber at (760) 728-5845. Visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
First SunUpper set for Jan. 11
The Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce offers its January SunUpper from 8 to 9 a.m. Jan. 11, hosted by the Fallbrook Historical Society in the barn at 1730 S. Hill Ave. Bring business cards and a friend; enjoy treats and coffee. Call (760) 728-5845 or visit fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org.
VALLEY CENTER
Sunriser networking mixer Friday morning
Valley Center Happenings hosts a Sunriser networking mixer from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday at the Valley Center Chamber of Commerce office, 29115 Valley Center Road, Suite I3. Visit vcchamber.com.
Free street tacos, sale at supply store
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Armstrong Feed & Supply offers $1 off hay and big bags of feed on Saturday, plus free street tacos from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., as part of its Street Taco Super Saturday. The store is at 28520 Cole Grade Road. Call (760) 749-2223 or email info@armstrongfeed.com.
VISTA
San Diego County treasurer to speak
The public is invited to hear a housing update from San Diego County Treasurer Dan McAllister at the Vista Chamber of Commerces Government Affairs Committee meeting from noon to 1:30 p.m. today at the chamber office, 127 Main St. The meeting is free; optional lunch available for $7. Call (760) 726-1122 or visit vistachamber.org.
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Business mixer to feature food, music
The Vista Chamber of Commerce and Classic Chariots invite the public to an evening of networking, food, fun and music from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Classic Chariots, 1611 W. Vista Way. The event will feature free hors doeuvres and a no-host bar. No reservations are required. Cost is $5 for members and $20 for prospective members. Call (760) 726-1122, email info@vistachamber.org or visit vistachamber.org.
Please send items to laura.groch@sduniontribune.com at least 10 days before events.
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laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
2018: State of our Beer Union
The New Year brings a new president to the San Diego Brewers Guild: Paul Sangster, co-owner of San Marcos Rip Current Brewing. His perspective on the year ahead:
Q. So, hows the local beer scene doing?
A. It is amazing to see how many new breweries have joined the fold during 2017 and are adding to our culture, bringing excitement and engaging new customers. Its hard to believe well soon have 160 breweries. When Rip Current Brewing opened in late 2012, there were only 70 breweries.
Q. What are the Brewers Guilds priorities this year?
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A. Were launching programs to help consumers identify products from small and independent breweries. We believe they have the right to know, so they can decide where their hard-earned dollars are going -- Belgium, South America or right down the street in San Diego. Today, this is challenging with so many brands served around town.
Q. But given all those choices, why should consumers make an effort to buy beer from Guild members?
A. Many craft beer drinkers want their dollars to support neighbors and friends in their own communities, rather than stockholders abroad.
Independent San Diego breweries make the best beer around. We want to give the buyer every chance to identify it on the shelf and revel in being part of the Capital of Crafts amazing beer community.
Beerijuana?
Not coming soon to a tap handle near you: weed-infused beer.
While the sale of marijuana became legal in California on Jan. 1, weed is still illegal under federal law. Thats a key distinction for brewers, as beer ingredients are regulated by a federal agency: the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
All breweries need a federal permit to manufacture alcohol, said Candace Moon, a San Diego lawyer who represents craft breweries. Pot-laced beer is not going to be legal until its legal federally.
For decades, though, brewers have worked within the law to develop beers that mimic marijuanas aromas and flavors. Pizza Ports Chronic Ale, for instance, was originally brewed with toasted hemp seeds, hemp being a member of the cannabis family.
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Hops, the vine-grown flowers that add aroma and flavor to beer, contain terpenes a chemical compound identical to those found in marijuana. Thorn Streets O.G. HighPA took advantage of that fact.
We used some of the terpenes found in cannabis, said Thomas Kiely, Thorn Streets director of sales and marketing. There was nothing psychoactive or medicinal about them. It pretty much mimicked the flavor, but with none of the fun stuff.
Kings of Beer
North Island IPA (7.5 percent alcohol by volume) defies two popular assumptions 1.) the haze craze celebrating juicy New England-style IPAs is fading away, and 2.) these unfiltered ales are too delicate to be bottled or canned.
Coronado Brewings canned foray into New Englands territory triumphantly blows away those assumptions. It opens with a big pineapple/mango bouquet whose promise of mouth-filling tropical fruit flavors is amply fulfilled. The finish is clean and crisp, buoyed by a blast of prickly West Coast-style hoppiness. Freshness counts, though, so dont let these cans get stale in your fridge.
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This weeks King, North Island gingerly replaces last weeks ruler, Ommegangs Winter is Here (8.3 percent), a Belgian-style strong white ale in the Game of Thrones series. While the terrifying Night King glowers from the label, this friendly, approachable beer will not turn you into a zombie-like white walker.
Best of the Week, Local
Beer bellies are so 2017. In 18, resolve to shape up and Train Like a Brewer.
Saturday morning, certified CrossFit instructor Joe Craig will lead a workout at Council Brewings tasting room, 7705 Convoy Court, San Diego. Check-in is at 9:45 a.m.; muscles will start to flex at 10; and the post-exercise party at the bar will convene at 10:45.
The tickets, $15 at the door or online at store.councilbrew.com, includes workout and a glass of beer or kombucha.
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Twitter: @peterroweut
peter.rowe@sduniontribune.com
A Hologram for the King Rated: R When: Opens today Where: Wide release Running time: 1 hour, 37 minutes Rating: 2.5 stars
The German filmmaker Tom Tykwer has had his greatest successes with films that dont follow traditional timelines. He burst onto the international scene in 1998 with Run Lola Run, a vibrant and kinetic film that spilled over with immediacy. He also had a hand in Cloud Atlas, along with the Wachowskis, and while that film certainly has its faults, it is nothing if not ambitious and visually impressive.
He hasnt fared quite as well with movies that could be considered more linear. Neither Perfume: Story of a Murderer nor The International, his big-budget spy thriller, was anything out of the ordinary.
Tom Hanks in A Hologram for the King. Siffedine Elamine
Though his new movie, A Hologram for the King, is certainly linear in its storytelling, it often feels nontraditional. Thats probably due to the source matter, the 2012 novel from Dave Eggers, whose own masterpiece, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, toyed with the readers own experience through his wondrous prose and a winding descriptive nature.
A Hologram for the King is at its best when it feels unconventional, a narrative oasis of sorts in the brutal sandstorm of todays studio films. At the same time, it has sections that feel completely rote, where you know precisely whats going to happen next.
In that way, the movie can be as confounding for the audience as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is to Alan Clay. Hes played here by Tom Hanks, and without his performance, his charisma, his all-around Tom Hanks-ness, the movie just wouldnt succeed.
Alan is something of a failure. He is estranged from his ex-wife, and hes known for taking a once successful American company, outsourcing it to China, and seeing it collapse in the wake of lost American jobs.
Hes not a pariah, exactly, but things arent going his way, as we see in the movies beginning, in which he sings a metaphor-infused version of the Talking Heads Once in a Lifetime. You immediately know that youre in for something offbeat, and the movie is nicely intriguing when it is exactly that.
Sarita Choudhury and Tom Hanks in "A Hologram for the King." Siffedine Elamine
Alan, who needs to pay for his daughters tuition, has taken a job that involves trying to sell a new IT system to the Saudi monarchy for a futuristic, high-tech city that is barely in its construction infancy. On day one, his jet lag is so brutal that he oversleeps, misses his shuttle, and has to rely on local taxi driver Yousef (Alexander Black) to take him to the citys foundations, where he finds his team in an un-air-conditioned tent, unable to get online.
He discovers his main contact is out of town, and the likelihood of the monarch actually showing up to see their demo seems remote at best. The same thing happens the next day. And the next, and there is no reason to think anything will change, no matter how long they stay.
This is actually intriguing, something of a Waiting for Godot fish-out-of-water story. Because, in that scenario, anything can happen. And some of it does.
Alan gets hammered on illicit booze provided by Hanne (Sidse Babett Knudsen), a Danish Saudi employee who takes him to an embassy party that is out of control. He tries to lance a lump on his back with a hot knife, which lands him in the examination room of Zahra (Sarita Choudhury), one of the Kingdoms few female doctors. He gets into trouble with Yousef and his relatives, out in the desert.
Its this side of the movie that you really dont want to end. But it must, because the story must be told, and when it finally is, its a bit of a disappointment, including an epilogue that, while pleasant enough, feels tacked on.
This image released by the Roadside Attractions shows Alexander Black, left, and Tom Hanks in a scene from "A Hologram for the King," a film being featured at the Tribeca Film Festival. Frederic Batier
What is lost from Eggers work, in many ways, is the notion of Americas place in the changing global economy, and how Alan Clay serves as an allegory for us as a nation, bewildered and overtaken by other economies. Thats in Tykwers film, but its so subtle that it may easily be overlooked.
Instead, it is less about a clash of cultures than it is about a single man who has lost his way in the world and is trying to find a path out of both literal and figurative deserts. Lucky for all of us, that man is Tom Hanks.
Wright writes about movies for The San Diego Union-Tribune. Email him at anderswright@gmail.com.
At Miramar National Cemetery, the headstones speak of battles: Afghanistan, Vietnam. Bronze Star, Purple Heart.
But who speaks of the love stories these veterans leave behind?
Every day, Jenn Budenz goes to the grave of her late husband, Maj. Andrew Budenz, a Marine C-130 pilot killed in a September motorcycle accident.
She was 12 weeks pregnant when he died. As the baby grew inside of her, she came daily to lie on the grave.
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Now that Andrew Jr. has arrived, they go together. She brings a blanket for comfort and props her husbands Marine Corps photograph against the marble headstone.
Every single day.
People who visit Miramar National Cemetery everyday
This is the place I feel him the most, said Jenn Budenz, 32. His buddies fly over us every day.
A small group of widows and widowers, parents and children, are daily or weekly visitors to the veterans cemetery, located at the end of the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station flight path.
They find peace there, they say, surrounded by headstones that place their loved ones in the long line of Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen who put on the uniform.
They also bolster each other, in their mutual grief.
We all have the same disease Were mourning, said Ray Moody, 87, whose wife died in October.
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Raymond Moody, who served in the Navy in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, sits next to the grave of his wife Barbara Moody, who also served in the Navy, at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on Thursday. Moody visits his wifes grave most everyday. (Hayne Palmour IV)
The daily pilgrimage might sound odd. But people heal at their own pace, said retired Navy chaplain Jim Mowry.
Grieving is helped by people who have grieved themselves. Sometimes, people want to hurry you through your grief, said Mowry, an ordained United Methodist minister.
People who are going through grief -- they have time to talk with other people about it.
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Every day, just after noon, Moody totes a folding chair across the thick cemetery grass to his wifes grave.
I have no choice. Shes here. The closest I am to her is right now, he said.
1 / 13 Jenn Budenz lies on a blanket with her 2-month-old son AJ as she looks at the headstone of her husband Major Andrew Budenz, who was a Marine C-130 pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan, as she visits her husbands grave at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 2 / 13 Raymond Moody, who served in the Navy in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, places his hand on the headstone of his wife Barbara Moody, who also served in the Navy, at the Miramar National Cemetery. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 3 / 13 Navy veterans Raymond Moody, left, and Bob Browne, who both visit their wives graves most everyday, talk at the Miramar National Cemetery. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 4 / 13 photo (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 5 / 13 Raymond Moody, who served in the Navy in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, sits next to the grave of his wife Barbara Moody, who also served in the Navy. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 6 / 13 Navy veteran Raymond Moody, left, sits next to the grave of his wife Barbara as Bob Browne, also a Navy vet, sits next to the grave of his wife Catherine. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 7 / 13 Jenn Budenz lies on a blanket with her 2-month-old son AJ as they visit the grave of her husband and father of her child Marine Major Andrew Budenz at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 8 / 13 Jenn Budenz kisses her 2-month-old son AJ as she makes her daily visit to the grave of her husband Marine Major Andrew Budenz at the Miramar National Cemetery. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 9 / 13 Jenn Budenz holds her 2-month-old son AJ as she writes in a journal during her daily visit to the grave of her husband Major Andrew Budenz, who was a Marine C-130 pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 10 / 13 Jenn Budenz holds her 2-month-old son AJ during her daily visit to the grave of her husband Major Andrew Budenz, who was a Marine C-130 pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 11 / 13 Jenn Budenz holds her 2-month-old son AJ during her daily visit to the grave of her husband Major Andrew Budenz, who was a Marine C-130 pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 12 / 13 Navy veterans Raymond Moody, left, and Bob Browne, who both visit their wives graves most everyday, talk at the Miramar National Cemetery. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego) 13 / 13 Navy veteran Raymond Moody, who came to visit his wife Barbaras grave, says hello to Jenn Budenz, holding her 2-month-old son AJ, as she visits the grave of her husband and father of her child Marine Major Andrew Budenz. (Hayne Palmour IV / UT San Diego)
Barbara Moody served as a Navy pharmacists mate during World War II. Ray Moody met her in 1946, after both mustered out of the Navy following the end of the war.
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He offered her a lift in his car. It was love from the moment their legs accidentally brushed in the front seat.
They married three months later. He was 20. She was 22.
Barbara told Ray she would only marry him if he reenlisted in the Navy even going to the recruiters office to ensure he honored the promise.
It made a man of him. He retired as a chief boatswains mate 20 years later, after serving in both the Korean and Vietnam wars.
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They were married 67 years when she suddenly developed terrible back pain. She faded away over a few weeks, her small body unable to handle the mystery malady.
Memorial Day salute
Ray Moody weeps as he recounts the story, twisting the wedding bands on his left hand.
I know when Im put down there, Ill be close to her, he said, pointing to the empty place next to her grave.
When he dies, their headstones will sit exactly 18 inches apart. He has checked. A career Navy man, he likes certainty.
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Its the same distance apart that their bed pillows were for all those years. The idea comforts him.
I want so much to be here beside her, so much. But I know its not Gods will that I do that, Ray Moody said. Because I do some good out here.
He means the small family that has formed at Miramar.
Ray Moody stops by Andrew Budenzs grave on his way to Barbara. He chats with Jenn, checking on how the mother and her two-month-old baby are faring.
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When she is absent, he leaves a penny on Andrew Budenzs headstone -- to let her know he was there. Jenn returns the penny when she departs for the day.
Jenn Budenz lies on a blanket with her 2-month-old son AJ as they visit the grave of her husband and father of her child Major Andrew Budenz, who was a Marine C-130 pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan, at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on Thursday. Andrew Budenz was killed last September in a motorcycle accident. Jenn Budenz visits her husband grave most everyday. (Hayne Palmour IV)
The only ones who can help us are right here, Moody said, referring to the other grieving visitors at the cemetery.
Besides Jenn Budenz who is unusual because of her youth he knows the other frequent visitors by name. He also knows their stories, just as they know his and Barbaras.
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A couple rows away, Bob Brown runs his fingers over the beads of a rosary. Brown comes to his wifes grave every day. He unfolds a chair and sits facing her headstone.
Kitty Brown died in October during surgery. She was 79.
One-time childhood sweethearts, they were married for more than 50 years. After Bob Brown got out of the Navy in the 1950s, he managed to woo her finally into the wedding chapel.
Now, he acts as a patient sentinel at her grave. Tucked in a flower vase is a plasticized card with the Bible verse, My soul is sad, even unto death. Wait here and watch.
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His eight children visit their mother from time to time. But Bob Brown is there every afternoon.
It just makes me feel better, he said.
Navy veterans Raymond Moody, left, and Bob Browne, who both visit their wives graves most everyday, talk at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on Thursday. (Hayne Palmour IV)
Jenn Budenz had an old-fashioned courtship with her Marine.
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They met long-distance, through a mutual friend, and struck up a correspondence in 2008 just before he deployed to Iraq for seven months.
They fell in love through letters, emails and the occasional web camera chat.
She finally saw him in person three weeks after he returned to Miramar. It was their first real date. Six months later, they were engaged.
Andrew Budenz survived three combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Ironically, it was a Saturday morning motorcycle ride that ended his life -- despite his history as an ultra-careful driver, the instructor of a base motorcycle safety class.
His wife has found some solace in writing.
She sits by his grave each day, writing to him in her journal. On their anniversary date, the 21st, she writes him a love letter that she shares with family and friends on the Internet.
Navy veteran Raymond Moody, who came to visit his wife Barbaras grave, says hello to Jenn Budenz, holding her 2-month-old son AJ, as she visits the grave of her husband and father of her child Marine Major Andrew Budenz at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on Thursday. (Hayne Palmour IV)
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Andrew Jr. she calls him A.J. -- sits with her. She shades his car seat with an umbrella on warm afternoons. He has his dads blue eyes.
Sometimes a Marine C-130 rumbles overhead. When F/A-18 jets scream across the sky, Jenn Budenz places baby-sized headphones over AJs ears to protect them.
Andrew Budenz loved being a pilot, his wife said. Its why he joined the Marine Corps after graduating from San Diego State with an engineering degree.
He planned to make a career of the Marines. His widow wants their son to feel close to his fathers profession.
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Someday, Jenn Budenz may choose to stop visiting daily. As the baby grows, his needs will become more complex.
She doesnt yet know when that time might come.
Its therapy for me to be here with him, Budenz said. Its peaceful, and now I have my own little family here.
Officials say a student has died after being rushed to the hospital from a fraternity house at Cal State Fresno.
Fresno police say they are investigating at the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house. They say a call came from there at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, and a man was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Cal State Fresno said it was a student who died, and the university offered the condolences of its president in a statement.
It wasnt clear, however, whether the student was a member of the fraternity.
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Police gave no further details on what may have led to the death.
A convicted felon suspected of fatally assaulting a San Bernardino County sheriffs deputy after a minor off-duty crash on New Years Eve has been charged with murder, authorities said Wednesday.
The deputy, Lawrence Larry Falce, 70, was involved in a collision Sunday with Alonzo Leron Smith, San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said at an afternoon news conference. Smith punched Falce in the head, knocking him unconscious, Burguan said.
The deputy never woke up and died at a hospital after being removed from life support just after 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Smith, 30, of San Bernardino has a lengthy criminal history. San Bernardino County Dist. Atty. Michael Ramos said he would seek sentencing enhancements because of Smiths previous convictions.
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This person needs to spend the rest of his life in prison, Ramos said. We need to get this career criminal off the streets whos been in prisons and jails ever since he was able to be tried as an adult.
Ramos said Smith had served time in state prison for selling marijuana and for gang activity. Court records show myriad past charges, including extortion, robbery and criminal street gang participation.
Smith pleaded not guilty to murder on Wednesday, records show.
Deputy Lawrence Larry Falce (San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department )
Falce was driving his red Chevrolet pickup through the intersection of Kendall Drive and University Parkway in San Bernardino on Sunday when he stopped or had applied his brakes to avoid hitting a dog in the roadway, Burguan said.
Smith was driving a 2002 Ford Explorer behind the off-duty deputy and rear-ended his vehicle, according to police.
The men pulled over to the curb and, for reasons that are unknown, Smith punched Falce once in the face, Burguan said.
Grainy surveillance video from a nearby business shows a man swinging his arm back and striking Falce, who falls to the ground. The man got back in his sport-utility vehicle; the video shows apparent witnesses unsuccessfully trying to stop him from leaving. One driver even tried to ram his vehicle from behind to try to prevent him from driving off, authorities said.
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Smith was arrested later that night at a girlfriends residence in San Bernardino after witnesses provided police with descriptions of the attacker, his vehicle and license plate number, Burguan said.
At one point, Smiths brother was arrested because his name was associated with the vehicle and because he matched witness descriptions, Burguan said.
Police, Burguan said, are trying to determine whether Falce and Smith knew each other. Falce was a 36-year veteran of the Sheriffs Department, and Smith had been arrested by San Bernardino police and sheriffs deputies numerous times, authorities said.
At Wednesdays news conference, the district attorney decried legislative efforts to reduce penalties for nonviolent drug crimes. Ramos predicted that his attempt to seek a prior-conviction sentencing enhancement for Smith would be thwarted because people would argue his previous convictions were nonviolent felonies. Ramos blamed all the liberals up in Sacramento.
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I am sick of having to deal with these people, especially when they take the life of one of our community members, our deputy. And were going to fight like hell to make sure that enhancement sticks, he said.
San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon said Falce should be remembered as an honorable man who dedicated his entire adult life to his country. Falce, an Army veteran, worked patrol at the departments Central Station for 32 years and had coordinated a search and rescue team for several years.
McMahon said he spoke this week with a relatively new janitor in the department who was devastated by news of Falces death. The janitor saw the deputy getting coffee every morning and had asked Falce why, at his age, he was still driving a patrol car.
Thats because I love doing what I do, McMahon said Falce told the janitor.
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He was a very productive, proactive deputy sheriff that loved his job and was committed to helping the citizens of this county, McMahon said.
hailey.branson@latimes.com
Twitter: @haileybranson
Times editorial library director Cary Schneider contributed to this report.
L.A. County officials said Thursday that a woman had been infected with the Zika virus by her partner in the first case of sexually transmitted Zika virus in the county.
A man who lives in L.A. County traveled to Mexico and became infected with the Zika virus in early November, and shortly afterward his female partner, who didnt travel to Mexico, also developed the infection, officials said.
This case is a reminder to take precautions during sex or avoid sex if you or your partner have traveled to an area with risk of Zika, said Dr. Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, L.A. Countys interim health officer.
Zika virus, which has caused hundreds of babies to be born with birth defects in Brazil, is most commonly transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus can also be transmitted through sex, though thats much rarer.
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Since 2015, there have been 122 cases of Zika infection in L.A. County, 121 of which were acquired while traveling to countries where the virus is spreading, such as Mexico and Brazil. There are no mosquitoes carrying the virus in L.A. County or elsewhere in California.
In California overall, there have been 619 cases of Zika virus since 2015, eight of which were sexually transmitted.
Health officials warned that people who travel to countries where Zika is a risk should wear mosquito repellent as well as long sleeves and pants. A couple in which one partner might have been exposed should follow national health guidelines for condom usage to prevent transmission to the other partner.
The virus can cause birth defects in pregnant women, so pregnant women should use condoms or abstain from sex for the length of their pregnancy if their male partner has been exposed to Zika virus, officials said.
Most people who are infected with Zika virus dont have symptoms. Those that do have symptoms might experience a fever, a rash or muscle pain that lasts for about a week.
soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com
Twitter: @skarlamangla
As health workers deal with mass shootings and fires, more hospitals are looking to help them cope
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Pharmacies now can offer birth control to women without a prescription, but few do
Officials are still searching for the source of 4 Legionnaires cases. Disneyland cooling towers havent been ruled out
Across a span of 11,500 years, a baby is speaking to us.
Although she was just an infant when she died, her diminutive remains are helping researchers understand how ancient people first entered and then moved around the Americas.
The little girl recently was given the name Xachiteeaaneh Teede Gaay (Sunrise Girl-Child) by indigenous people in the Alaskan interior who live close to the place where her body was found.
Archaeological evidence suggests her family buried her with care in a pit beneath the central hearth in their temporary home. They laid her to rest on a bed of ocher and placed offerings of weapons around her makeshift grave.
Centuries later, her tiny skeleton was unearthed during an archaeological dig, and, with the permission of local indigenous tribes, samples of her bones were sent off for DNA analysis.
Scientists were stunned by what they revealed: This little girl was born into a previously unknown population of pioneers who were among the first to arrive in North America.
The discovery, reported Wednesday in Nature, has both complicated the story of how humans spread throughout the Americas and brought it into clearer focus, said Ben Potter, an anthropologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks who worked on the new study.
No one can deny that this makes our picture of the history of Native Americans more complex and more accurate than ever before, he said.
David Reich, a geneticist at Harvard Medical School, hailed the new work as a crucial step toward better understanding how the earliest migrants to the New World diversified once they got here.
This is an important finding, as it constrains possible scenarios for the early peopling of the Americas in significant ways, he said.
The babys grave was discovered in 2013 in an archaeological site known as Upward Sun River in Alaskas Tanana River Valley. It appears to have been a residential base camp where men, women and children remained for several weeks at a time, primarily in the summer months. The site was occupied multiple times, beginning about 13,000 years ago.
An artist's reconstruction shows the Upward Sun River base camp around the time when the infants were born. Eric S. Carlson in collaboration with Ben Potter
The remains of Xachiteeaaneh Teede Gaay date back to about 11,500 years ago. She was buried along with another female infant who appears to be a close relative, but not a sister, the researchers said. Genetic analysis shows that the two had different mothers.
Its never easy to get usable DNA from ancient bones. But with Sunrise Girl-Child, the research team got lucky. Her DNA was well-preserved in deep sediments, which made it easier for modern scientists to decode it.
Things didnt go as well for the second infant. The research team was able to analyze enough of her nuclear DNA to confirm that the two girls were related. However, a previous study found that their mitochondrial DNA, which is inherited only from ones mother, was different.
Next the authors compared the more complete genetic sequence from Sunrise Girl-Child with that of other ancient genomes, as well as a panel of DNA profiles from 167 populations around the world. The babys DNA was more closely related to present-day Native Americans than to any other tested populations, followed by Siberians and East Asians.
That didnt come as much of a surprise. There is broad agreement among anthropologists and archaeologists that the first people who came to America traveled over Beringia, a strip of land that connected northeast Asia with northwestern North America during the last ice age, when sea levels were lower.
The part that was shocking was the discovery that the baby girl was equally related to both groups of present-day Native Americans those who live in northern North America, including Athabaskan and Algonkian speakers, and those who live farther south.
For this to be true, she must have belonged to a third group of people who lived before the northern and southern Native Americans split into genetically distinct groups, the researchers said. They dubbed the newly identified group the Ancient Beringians.
This was brand-new, Potter said. Scientists simply didnt have this population on the radar.
The Upward Sun River discovery site uncovered the remains of ancient infants. Ben Potter
Further genetic analysis suggested that the Ancient Beringians split from the ancestors of all other Native Americans about 20,000 years ago, well before Sunrise Girl-Child was born. It is likely that the Ancient Beringians stayed in the north, while the ancestors of all other Native Americans moved south before splitting into two other groups around 15,000 years ago.
Potter said it is still unclear what ultimately happened to the Ancient Beringians. Perhaps they were absorbed by other Native Americans who moved back into their region about 6,000 years ago and intermarried. It is also possible they were killed off or out-competed by their neighbors to the south.
We are still at a very early stage of understanding, he said. The simple answer is we dont know.
However, the story of how people came to the Americas in the first place is becoming clearer.
Thanks to the additional genetic data provided by Xachiteeaaneh Teede Gaay, the authors say they have the first evidence of a single founding Native American population, which split from East Asians about 35,000 years ago.
Finding a single individual that connects both north and south Native Americans genetically is a significant finding because it gives evidence of a single early migration, said John Lindo, an anthropologist at Emory University in Atlanta who was not involved in the work.
He added that the study also gives credence to an earlier theory: that the original migrants to the New World stayed in Beringia long enough to become genetically distinct from people in East Asia.
But Potter said it is still up for debate whether a single group crossed the Beringian land bridge and split afterward, or if the groups already were distinct before coming to the Americas.
We have too little data to firmly reject any of the major ideas for the route that people took into the New World, he said.
He said future discoveries of ancient remains could help answer some of these questions, but those findings tend to be few and far between.
In the meantime, the DNA evidence embedded in Xachiteeaaneh Teede Gaays small bones will enable researchers to craft better hypotheses about how people first came to the Americas that can be tested in other ways such as archaeology and paleoecology.
The awesomeness of this study is that it gives us a new line of questions to explore, Potter said.
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A man visiting his girlfriend for the holidays after his first semester as a transfer student at UC Berkeley was arrested by Border Patrol agents at an immigration checkpoint in Jamul.
Luis Mora, 20, and his girlfriend Jaleen Udarbe, 21, were on their way home from a party around 10 p.m. on Saturday when they missed a turn and ended up at the checkpoint. Mora has been detained in a temporary holding cell in a Border Patrol station since then.
Luis Mora was found in violation of his visa condition, said Tekae Michael, a spokeswoman for Border Patrol in the San Diego sector. Currently, Luis Mora is listed in DHS custody. This is all the information I have on the subject at this time.
Mora became an unauthorized immigrant after he came to the U.S. from Colombia as a child and overstayed his visa, Udarbe said.
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He grew up in the San Diego area and went to Otay Ranch High School. He met Udarbe in an honors society at Southwestern College, and theyve been together for almost a year.
In December, he told her about his immigration status. It didnt bother her, she said, but it did make her worry about him.
He said its really hard to be a U.S. citizen here, Udarbe said. Hes been trying, but they just wont let him.
Neither knew that there is a checkpoint along Campo Road between Jamul and Dulzura. They passed it after they knew that theyd missed the turn home.
Once they realized they would have to go back through the checkpoint to make it home, they were in shock, she said.
He said, This is it for me. Im sorry, she said.
After Moras arrest, she called her mother in tears. Then, she started trying to figure out how to contact Moras mother, who is in Ecuador. The two had never spoken before.
Udarbe spent New Years Eve making more phone calls to find a way to help Mora. Assisted by a student organization at UC Berkeley called Rising Immigrant Scholars through Education, she rallied friends and community members on social media to campaign for Mora with the hashtag #FreeLuis.
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Because of the campaign, Prerna Lal of the East Bay Community Law Center, a lawyer who represents unauthorized immigrant students at UC Berkeley, is now working on Moras case.
Since Mora is still in Border Patrol custody, its more difficult for her to communicate with her client, Lal said. She didnt want to comment on details of his case before meeting with him in person.
The Union-Tribune was unable to interview Mora because he is in Border Patrol custody.
He will eventually be transferred to a longer-term detention facility by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for carrying out deportations.
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Lal doesnt know why Mora hasnt been transferred to such a facility. Mora told Udarbe that more than 60 people are detained with him at the Border Patrol station, slowing down processing.
Lal hopes that ICE officers will agree to release Mora while his case is pending so that he can return to UC Berkeley in time for the semester starting in mid-January. By law, ICE can only hold people if the agency believes that they wont show up for their court dates or that they are dangerous to society.
Neither applies to Mora, Lal said.
If ICE will give him a bond, the university will help pay it, she said.
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It should be simple, Lal said. It doesnt serve anyones interest to keep him for longer.
Mora is studying political science and has dreams of going to law school. In 2016, he was selected for the Young Latino Champion award given out by the San Diego Union-Tribune.
At the time, he told the Union-Tribune that for him, a successful life would mean helping as many people as possible.
I like to show that you can make an impact in your community no matter who you are, Mora said. What inspires me is seeing how little things can make a big change.
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Moras mother is in Ecuador, and his father died a few years ago, Udarbe said.
After the two began dating, her family became his family. He calls Udarbes mother, Mom.
Udarbe took the Union-Tribune to see where she shouldve turned from Campo Road onto Otay Lakes Road. In the process, she had to drive through the checkpoint again. Though she is a U.S. citizen, she tensed as she looked for her ID before driving up to the agent.
Im traumatized, she said. Its a scary process to be in.
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Udarbe hopes that sharing Moras story will not only help him, but also other young unauthorized immigrants, known as dreamers, who are hoping Congress will pass legislation giving them a pathway to citizenship.
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Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence
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Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions ended an Obama-era federal policy that provided legal shelter for marijuana sales in California and five other states that have allowed recreational pot, placing at risk thousands of marijuana businesses operating legally under state laws.
The Justice Department move on Thursday plunged Californias fledgling recreational pot market into further uncertainty, and was met with a bipartisan backlash from lawmakers in states where marijuana is now sold legally to any adult who wants to buy it.
It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, Sessions said in a statement, which added that the Obama-era policy that directed federal prosecutors not to target state marijuana businesses undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission.
States that have legalized girded to fight.
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In California, we decided it was best to regulate, not criminalize, cannabis. Unlike others, we embrace, not fear, change, Atty. Gen Xavier Becerra said. After all, this is 2018 not the 20th century. At the California Department of Justice we intend to vigorously enforce our states laws and protect our states interests.
Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted on Thursday: Have no doubt California will pursue all options to protect our reforms and rights.
With the California industry expected to generate up to $7 billion eventually, the Justice Department announcement was likely to chill potential investors in the states pot market, industry leaders predicted.
But Californias state Bureau of Cannabis Control, which on Monday began processing hundreds of applications for businesses seeking to legally grow, transport and sell marijuana. showed no sign of slowing after Sessions announcement.
The bureaus chief, Lori Ajax, vowed to continue issuing permits while defending our states laws to the fullest extent.
Legally, California and other states cant prevent the federal government from enforcing federal drug laws. There is nothing that I can see the state attorney general could possibly do to preclude a marijuana prosecution under federal law, said industry attorney Aaron Herzberg. He said the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on the matter. The federal supremacy clause governs.
Politically, however, officials in states that have legalized pot feel theyre on stronger ground, given the growing public acceptance of legalized marijuana and the sheer scale of the rapidly expanding legalized industry.
Sessions notably did not order federal prosecutors to begin a stepped-up assault on marijuana, instead saying he would leave the decision up to each of the countrys 93 U.S. attorneys. That approach could lead to vastly different federal law enforcement from state to state or even within larger states that have several U.S. attorneys offices. California, for example, has four.
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The attorney general has, however, expressed specific concerns about marijuana policies in California. In a remark after a news conference last month, for example, he said he was disturbed about Californias role as a pot-exporting state, noting that much of the states crop ends up on the black market.
Whether federal prosecutors have the resources, or even interest, to thwart the national movement toward more permissive cannabis regulation remains to be seen. The move on Thursday to rescind the Justice Departments so-called safe-harbor policy, however, is certain to spread anxiety throughout the multibillion-dollar pot business.
In California, a spokesperson for the U.S. attorney in Sacramento said the office will evaluate violations of [federal] laws in accordance with our districts federal law enforcement priorities and resources. A spokesman for the U.S. attorney in San Francisco largely echoed that statement, adding that the office will work with state, local, and federal law enforcement and allocate resources accordingly.
The U.S. attorneys office in San Diego went a step further, issuing a statement saying Sessions decision returns trust and local control to federal prosecutors in each district when it comes to enforcing the Controlled Substances Act.
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Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, said he did not have any specific comment about whether the office would change its policy toward marijuana prosecutions.
Six states have legalized recreational use of marijuana: California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Colorado and Alaska. Voters in Maine and Massachusetts have also approved legalization measures, but they have not taken effect.
( Los Angeles Times )
A much larger group, 29 plus the District of Columbia, have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. The new Justice Department policy does not put medical marijuana at risk in the same way as recreational pot, at least for now.
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A law passed by Congress strictly limits the federal government from interfering with medical marijuana sales. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over federal cases in California and eight other western states, has interpreted that law to bar any prosecutions in medical pot cases.
Sessions has sought to have the federal ban lifted, and Justice Department officials suggested their new policy could be extended to threaten medical pot, as well, if the law changes or if the 9th Circuits interpretation is overturned. They left unclear whether they might pursue prosecutions of medical pot in states outside the 9th Circuits jurisdiction.
One of the authors of the federal law, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa), said Thursday that Sessions has just delivered an extravagant holiday gift to the drug cartels.
By attacking the will of the American people, who overwhelmingly favor marijuana legalization, Jeff Sessions has shown a preference for allowing all commerce in marijuana to take place in the black market, which will inevitably bring the spike in violence he mistakenly attributes to marijuana itself, Rohrabacher said.
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Justice Department officials said the policy reversal wont necessarily mean a rush of new marijuana prosecutions. But they made clear their intent was to end the safe harbor for the industry to operate in and increase the level of unease for growers and dispensary owners along with anyone who does business with them.
When asked whether the new policy could mean trouble for banks that deal with marijuana businesses, for example, a senior Justice Department official who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity said: Its clear that certain banking activities that relate to marijuana are against federal law.
I cant say where it will or wont lead to more prosecutions, the official said, referring to the new policy. We believe that the U.S. attorneys offices should be opened up to bring all the cases that need to be brought.
Hilary Bricken, an attorney who represents a range of businesses in the marijuana industry, said that leaving the policy up to each U.S. attorney had eliminated any clarity on the law. As the marijuana industry braces for varied and selective enforcement, business owners would need to learn where their local U.S. attorney stands on marijuana issues, she said.
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Some of them are going to be drug warriors. Others are not going to be concerned with this, Bricken said.
The picture will be even more complicated in many areas because Trump has not yet nominated U.S. attorneys in many districts. So far, 46 U.S. attorneys have been nominated and confirmed, meaning that about half the offices nationwide are led by interim appointees.
One leading Republican senator threatened Thursday that confirmation of future nominees will be at risk if Sessions persists in his anti-marijuana effort.
What happened today was a trampling of Colorados rights, its voters, Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) said in a Senate floor speech in which he angrily accused Sessions of going back on commitments to respect the will of voters in states that have chosen to legalize.
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I will be putting today a hold on every single nomination from the Department of Justice until Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions lives up to the commitment he made to me, declared Gardner, who is a member of the Senates Republican leadership.
The top federal prosecutor in his state, U.S. Atty. Bob Troyer, said Thursday that his office wont be changing its approach to pot cases. He would continue to focus on identifying and prosecuting those who create the greatest safety threats to our communities around the state, Troyer said.
The Obama administration put its policy in place in response to the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado and Washington state. Those rules had prevented federal prosecutors from targeting marijuana businesses operating legally under state law and allowed the recreational cannabis trade to bloom in the states where voters have legalized.
Sessions began signaling long ago that a crackdown was coming, but pro-marijuana lawmakers and regulators had responded with defiance, declaring that legalization was so far along that there was little the Department of Justice could do to stop it.
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His anti-pot crusade, however, has been at odds with the more laissez-faire stance of President Trump. Trump said unequivocally during his presidential campaign that he opposes a crackdown on recreational marijuana, saying the issue of legalization should be left to individual states.
Gardner posted on social media Thursday the segment of a news interview in which Trump said as much.
The difference in positions raises the question of whether the White House would back the Justice Department if federal marijuana prosecutions ramp up dramatically.
Marijuana legalization is more popular than it has ever been, with a recent Gallup poll finding it is favored by 64% of Americans. It has majority support across party lines, even among Republicans for the first time ever, the polling indicates.
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Yet the announcement by Sessions puts the fledgling marijuana industry in a defensive crouch. Marijuana businesses were already struggling to navigate untested state regulations and the challenge of finding insurance and banking businesses willing to risk working with them.
While dismantling the industry will prove impossible, the move by Sessions will create more uncertainty in an industry that already has its fair share of risks and unknowns, said Chris Walsh, vice president of Marijuana Business Daily. We certainly could see some types of regional crackdowns.
Groups that oppose legalization agreed that the Justice Department was unlikely to shut down the commercial pot trade. But they welcomed the prospect of creating new problems for it. Kevin A. Sabet, head of the anti-legalization group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, expressed hope the policy change will slow down the rise of Big Marijuana and stop the massive infusion of money going to fund pot candies, cookies, ice creams, and other kid-friendly pot edibles. Investor, banker, funder beware.
Civil rights groups had a different take. The ACLU warned federal prosecutions will have a disproportionate and disastrous impact on people of color, who use pot at similar rates than whites, but have historically been far more likely to be prosecuted for it.
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Sarah Armstrong, director of industry affairs for Americans for Safe Access, which advocates for legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research, said the Justice Department announcement was really very upsetting and scary for patients who dont know, when they walk in the door, if theres going to be a raid.
Even a crackdown solely on recreational marijuana could jeopardize medical users, Armstrong said, because many dispensaries will be serving both patients and other customers.
The 2013 policy which Sessions will rescind is known as the Cole memorandum, named after former deputy attorney general James Cole. It had provided clarity not just to marijuana businesses and users, but also to state and local law enforcement agencies, which now could find themselves working at cross purposes with their federal counterparts.
Halper and Tanfani reported from Washington and McGreevy from Sacramento. Times staff writer Emily Alpert Reyes in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
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evan.halper@latimes.com
Follow me: @evanhalper
UPDATES:
4:43 p.m.: This article was updated to include a statement from the U.S. attorneys office in Californias Southern District.
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4:10 p.m.: This article was updated to include a statement from the U.S. attorneys office in Californias Northern District.
3:35 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from the U.S. attorneys office in Californias Eastern District.
2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with information on the status of legalization in two additional states.
2:00 p.m.: This article was updated with additional reaction from state officials and U.S. Attorneys offices.
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10:14 a.m.: This article was updated with statements from Justice Department officials, additional details on the new policy and reaction from state officials and outside experts.
This article was originally published at 8:05 a.m.
Coral reefs are bleaching four to five times as frequently as they did around 1980, scientists said Thursday in a study that suggests climate change may be happening too rapidly for some reefs to withstand.
With a fourfold increase over the last 35 years, if you take that forward, its unfortunately in complete agreement with what the climate models have been saying, said Mark Eakin, one of the studys authors and head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Coral Reef Watch. "[Were] looking at 90 percent of reefs seeing the heat stress that causes severe bleaching on an annual basis by mid century.
Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose their color after the symbiotic algae that live in coral cells and provide them with nutrients are expelled due to heat stress. The longer this state of stress lasts, the longer the estranged algae stay away and the less likely that corals will recover. So scientists tend to distinguish between moderate bleaching, which can be managed, and severe bleaching, which can kill corals and also leave surviving corals more vulnerable to disease and other threats.
The study comes after the unprecedented 2014-2017 global bleaching event that produced devastating consequences to the Great Barrier Reef off Australia and many other global reefs.
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The new survey of 100 major coral reefs, from 1980 through 2016, found only a handful that had not suffered severe bleachings during that time period. More striking, it found that the rate of severe bleaching is increasing over time. The average reef in the group bleached severely once every 25 or 30 years at the beginning of the 1980s, but by 2016 the recurrence time for severe bleaching was just 5.9 years. The study said that as ocean waters have grown steadily warmer, global bleaching events are now triggered not only in warm water El Nino years, but potentially in any year, including cooler La Nina years.
The change has occurred during about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit) of overall global warming so far, highlighting the fact that corals - whose existence, based on an ancient symbiosis with photosynthetic algae, evolved millions of years ago - are a particularly sensitive system.
Eakin was one of 25 authors of the study in Science, whose contributors hailed from institutions in Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The papers first author is Terry Hughes of the Australian Research Council Center for Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. In the past two years, Cook and his colleagues led the key aerial and underwater surveys that first documented the full scope of damage to the Great Barrier Reef.
Eakin acknowledged that scientists have been surprised, and even caught a bit flat-footed, by the rapid changes to coral reefs that have emerged in recent years. It did in some ways even sneak up on scientists, he said of the 2014-2017 bleaching event. I wasnt expecting to see a multiyear bleaching event for another decade. It is happening faster than even those of us who are well attuned to it are expecting. It wasnt beyond what we thought was possible; we were just being hopeful.
The 2014-2017 bleaching event is still being analyzed for its total toll, but it affected 75 percent of the worlds reefs. And it is clear that in its wake, enormous portions of the worlds largest reef, the Great Barrier Reef, have been badly damaged. Recent research has found that 900 miles of the 1,4000-mile-long reef experienced this particularly severe form of bleaching in the last year or two.
Closer to home for the United States, the Florida reef tract, the third-largest in the world, bleached back to back in 2014 and 2015 but had a reprieve in 2016.
Nonetheless, the research shows that there are still a handful of famous global reefs that have not severely bleached during the era studied and so presumably represent some of the globes most undamaged reef ecosystems. Those include two Australian reefs far to the west of the Great Barrier Reef in the Timor Sea - Ashmore Reef and Rowley Shoals - and reefs at St. Lucia off the coast of South Africa and Cocos Island in the Indian Ocean.
The main worry over the growing rate of severe bleaching is that reefs will not be able to recover quickly enough. It takes 10 to 15 years for the quickest-growing corals to reestablish themselves and far longer for some other species that are considered essential to a fully diverse and functional reef. This is why more and more it appears that reefs will need human assistance - such as artificial nurseries to grow and breed more competitive corals - in order to thrive.
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And even then, well probably need to adjust to a world in which some reefs just wont be the way they were, given the current rate of global warming and how much change is already in the pipeline.
Theres some things you dont have time to change, said Eakin.
One cellblock in the Maekelawi prison in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, is known as the Dark House. Its chilly, dank cells are underground, including four pitch-black cells too narrow for inmates to sit or stretch their arms or legs.
It has a second nickname: Siberia.
Maekelawi is one of Ethiopias most notorious prisons, where dissidents, journalists, bloggers and protesters have been held for speaking out. According to a 2013 Human Rights Watch report, political prisoners and others have been tortured in Maekelawi through beatings, prolonged stress positions and exposure to severe cold.
The government has always denied the allegations. But on Wednesday, Ethiopias prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, stunned local activists and international human rights observers when he announced that the government would release all political prisoners and turn the Maekelawi prison into a museum.
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Desalegns announcement was momentous because it marked the first time the government has admitted to holding political prisoners, often referring to them as criminals or terrorists in the past.
It seemed too good to be true, and many immediately doubted how sweeping the reform may turn out to be.
I didnt believe it at first, said Felix Horne, a Human Rights Watch expert on Ethiopia. For many, Maekelawi is a symbol of the abusive nature of the security forces. Its hard to imagine a museum that could take place that would not be a propaganda effort against the previous government.
Ethiopias government already has established another museum in Addis Ababa the Red Terror Martyrs Museum which exposes the horrors of the torture carried out in 17 years of the communist Derg administration before it was overthrown in 1991, giving way to the current government.
The museums slogan: Never ever again.
Rights groups have been exposing the torture of political prisoners in Maekelawi and other Ethiopian prisons since the 1990s.
Desalegn said the measure was designed to create a space for national dialogue and consensus, according to the Addis Standard magazine.
Politicians currently under prosecution and those previously sentenced will either have their cases annulled or be pardoned, Desalegn said at a news conference. He said another detention center would be built to parliaments human rights guidelines and international standards.
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But the prime minister offered no time frame nor any indication of how many would be released. And he left open a major question: Will the new leniency encompass only a handful of prominent jailed politicians, such as opposition leaders Bekele Gerba and Merera Gudina, or the many thousands arrested for exercising their political views or doing their jobs?
Like many, Horne suspects that change, when it comes, will be limited.
Looking at their past behavior, it seems that it will likely not be as broad as people think it should be, he said. What needs to happen is that torture across the country needs to stop and the government needs to make a clear announcement that it will hold security officials responsible for abuses.
One prominent activist, Blena Sahilu, questioned in a tweet how serious the governments announcement was.
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For this to be meaningful:
1. Define political prisoners - charged under which legislation?
2. State the conditions for release, if any.
3. Set a clear time line for when this will start and be completed. Blena (@BlenaSahilu) January 3, 2018
Almost as soon as the announcement was made, there were reports in Ethiopia that the prime ministers office had begun to retreat on its admission that there were political prisoners in its jails.
The government of Ethiopia is a closed, opaque and authoritarian organization, which jails and harasses local journalists and bloggers and denies foreign journalists access to report on protests that have wracked the country in recent years or on a severe hunger emergency caused by the worst drought in half a century.
According to Human Rights Watch, Ethiopia uses spyware and malware to monitor and hack Ethiopian activists and critics abroad. It reports that security agents pursue and abduct opposition figures who flee to neighboring countries, taking them back to Ethiopia to be jailed.
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The government does not tolerate demonstrations. Security forces killed at least 800 protesters in 2015 and 2016, according to Amnesty International. The protests were initially sparked in 2015 by the expansion of a municipal boundary in the Oromia region, the nations largest, with farmers afraid they would be forced off their land. But thousands later took part in protests against the government.
According to Amnesty International, authorities used torture and arbitrary arrests to crush the protests, with more than 11,000 demonstrators arrested and detained. The heavy-handed actions led to tensions in the governing Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front coalition, which might explain the timing of the move to release prisoners. Ethiopia has also been under intense international pressure to do so.
Then-U.S. President Obama was criticized by some for visiting Ethiopia in 2015, given its poor record on human rights. However the nation is a staunch U.S. ally in the counter-terrorism battle in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia released five jailed journalists and bloggers just weeks before Obama arrived. But thousands more dissidents would later be arrested.
The Addis Standard, an independent local magazine, called for the closure of the Maekelawi prison in a June 2016 editorial, saying: It is, by any definition, a state-run Torture Chamber built by an extinct repressive government but preserved and run by a government which proclaims itself democratic.
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The editorial added that the prison was, above all, a symbol of a regime that acts contrary to the values, principles, and rules of the constitution it championed.
Some former prisoners cited in the 2013 Human Rights Watch report recalled being suspended from their wrists with their toes barely reaching the ground, or being bent with their hands tied to their feet. Some were beaten on the soles of their feet or doused with cold water and whipped.
Many political prisoners were arrested under Ethiopias 2009 Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, used to stifle dissent and to hold them for extended periods without trial.
Amnesty International spokesman Fisseha Tekle said the release of political prisoners was long overdue and called on the government to move swiftly.
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Todays announcement could signal the end of an era of bloody repression in Ethiopia. For prisoners who have spent years incarcerated on politically motivated and trumped-up charges, this is long overdue.
Most have been detained solely for peacefully exercising their human rights, and should never have been in jail in the first place. We are calling on the Ethiopian authorities to implement todays decision as quickly as possible by immediately and unconditionally releasing them.
robyn.dixon@latimes.com
Twitter: @RobynDixon_LAT
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In response to a new federal Department of Justice guideline, District Attorney Summer Stephan said shes pushing crime labs to test their entire inventory of rape kits and is going as far as adjusting her own budget to help pay for the analyses.
This is such a priority for me that Ive asked my fiscal team to look at where can we cut from our budget and re-resource it to help pay for subcontracts, or to help with whatever is needed to assist the labs in clearing the inventory, Stephan said in an interview at her office.
Her hope is to bring the number of untested rape kits at the San Diego city and county crime labs from about 2,300 to zero.
While Stephan wants DNA samples in all of the rape kits analyzed, the two labs both said that public safety has not been hurt because of the untested kits. And while the Justice Department now recommends testing all kits when possible, an earlier study conducted on the the departments behalf recommended otherwise after researchers found that in one case study comprehensive testing is expensive and produced limited results that could be used to fight crime.
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Rape kits are used to gather and preserve evidence in cases of sexual assault. Proponents of universal testing say even one solved crime is worth the effort. Opponents say tests are skipped in many cases for legitimate reasons such as a victim not wanting to proceed with a case, or when the issue is consent as opposed to identity of assailant.
Stephans opponent in this years election, Genevieve Jones-Wright, also wants all kits tested. She questioned why Stephan, the former head of a sex crimes unit, hasnt made this type of push earlier.
I think that if the DAs office was really serious about this, they would have done this years ago, Jones-Wright, a public defender, said by telephone. All of a sudden, now she cares about testing every single rape kit.
The 2011 study by the Justice Department of 4,763 untested rape kits in Los Angeles County resulted in two prosecutions, neither of which depended on DNA evidence. The tests cost $4.5 million, and the studys authors recommended that police should focus on analyzing kits from stranger-cases and recommended against testing all kits.
Disagreements between politicians and police over rape kits is an ongoing issue. In May the San Diego City Council put $500,000 earmarked for tests into the police departments budget, but the police department cautioned that the money and additional lab work was unlikely to help solve any crimes. Police called the funding well-intentioned but misguided.
Stephans push comes after the Justice Department published non-binding guidelines in August that, for the first time and contrary to the recommendations from the Los Angeles County study, encouraged police departments across the country to test DNA samples in every rape kit collected.
The kits and tests are the responsibility of crime labs San Diego Police and the Sheriffs Department have about 1,900 and 400 untested kits respectively but Stephan said that prosecutors can push to have them all analyzed.
It was extremely timely and a great way to move forward, at a faster speed, my priority of encouraging the testing of the rape kits, Stephan said.
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The guideline set a standard that bolsters applications for grants to test rape kits, reallocate existing resources and outsource DNA analysis to qualified private labs, Stephan said.
In the fall California legislators passed a new law that requires law enforcement agencies to report to the state the number of untested kits in their inventory and an explanation for why they have not been tested.
The Sheriffs Department said it is reducing its cache of untested kits but that the ones in its inventory are not prosecutable. The San Diego Police Department says that their current policy is effective focusing on stranger rape, or cases in which DNA evidence might identify an unknown assailant.
The Justice Departments new guideline encourages law enforcement to test samples and, when legally permissible, to put DNA profiles into a federal database.
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The feds say kits should always be tested, even beyond the expiration of statutes of limitations, because its possible that the statute could be extended or the information used for civil commitments under sexual predator laws. The test results could also be used to determine prior illegal behavior and be considered in parole hearings and criminal sentencings. It might also provide the victim with closure.
Testing of old kits has helped prosecutors elsewhere. The Detroit Free Press reported that in 2009, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy analyzed more than 11,000 untested kits found during a tour of a storage warehouse, including some that were collected as long ago as 1984. Analysis found 817 serial rapists who had attacked more than one person and resulted in 1,947 cases investigated. Of those 817, more than 50 had 10 to 15 hits each in a database.
Its unclear why the Wayne County kits were not tested or if policies in San Diego labs are similar to the ones in Michigan. The California Coalition Against Sexual Assault says that some police agencies across the country did not have all the resources to test all the kits they wanted to test, but that San Diego was not one of those places. Labs here said they have the money and the staff to do the lab work they need to do.
At the San Diego Police Department, the protocol is to omit kits that are very unlikely to shed new light in a case, to help prevent more crime or to play a role at trial, said Jennifer Shen, a lab manager.
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We have categories of kits we purposely dont test, she said by telephone. We dont test kits when we have a person who has been arrested. When you know who your perpetrator is they have been arrested, plead guilty, or been convicted that doesnt make sense.
The Sheriffs Department said it has contracted with a private laboratory and increased staffing at its own crime lab to reduce its inventory of 400 rape kits in response to a bill state lawmakers passed last year.
That legislation requires departments to report to the state the number of kits it has collected, whether the kits have been tested, and if a sample is not tested a reason why. Stephan said the new rule further supported the validity of my priority.
In an email, Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Lt. Karen Stubkjaer said the untested kits have not prohibited or delayed the pursuance of any prosecutable cases.
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The county does not test in situations in which a victim does not want to work with police or if the perpetrators profile is already in the federal database or if a report turns out to be unfounded.
Tests cost $1,000 to $1,500, and it would be inefficient to analyze DNA samples in which the results would not shed new light on a case, Shen said, and the lab has all the resources it needs for necessary tests.
Further, she said, testing a kit can have unintended consequences if police dont reasonably believe a crime occurred, as DNA from an innocent person could be entered into a database reserved for suspected criminals.
We need to be concerned about the civil rights of our citizens, Shen said, all of them.
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While there is an inventory of untested kits, the lab has reviewed each case and made sure there was a sound justification for each one that has been left untested, she said.
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Twitter: @jptstewart
joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com
(619) 293-1841
In the first presidential election in which she was old enough to vote, Sara Jacobs cast a ballot for Barack Obama.
Some two years later, in 2010, she was working in the White House doing case work on behalf of Americans whod lost their homes.
Seven years later, at 28, Jacobs -- granddaughter of Qualcomm founder and landmark philanthropist Irwin Jacobs; daughter of Gary Jacobs, Irwin Jacobs oldest son, former Qualcomm executive and founder of High Tech High -- is running to represent the 49th Congressional District, one of four Democrats hoping to unseat Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista.
And you know what?
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This millennial to the high-tech manner born has better than a fighting chance to become the youngest congresswoman in history.
Too radical a New Years prediction?
Maybe, but after talking with Jacobs for an hour over coffee, heres what I took away:
Discount the knee-jerk snark about an entitled princess whos had it easy. The slur doesnt stick.
Early on, Jacobs was encouraged to be a master of the meritocratic digital universe, not a glad-handing pol.
After graduating from Torrey Pines High School, she was accepted to MIT but, wanting to embrace the chaotic human world, chose to study political science at Columbia where she earned two degrees in five years. (She did take one engineering class at Columbia. Though she was the only non-engineering major, she earned the top grade, she says with a self-satisfied smile.)
At Columbia, she nailed 10 internships to her resume as well as independent study in Ghana.
After graduation, she served policy roles at UNICEF, the United Nations and the State Department. In the Clinton campaign, she worked on foreign policy. (Yes, she benefited from influential mentors. But who in Washington doesnt?)
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Joining a wave of women running for office in 2018, Jacobs aspires to hold President Trump accountable while correcting the roughly 80-to-20 ratio of elected men to women in Congress.
In her own congressional district, which extends from Dana Point to UC San Diego, Jacobs concluded the challengers are fine people, but a differently pitched voice was missing.
Last summer, Emilys List, the organization that supports pro-choice women candidates, gave Jacobs a supportive nudge to run.
She sought advice from Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis and Congressman Scott Peters. By November she was all in.
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Come June, Issa will receive somewhere between 42 and 52 percent of the vote.
After his scare in 16, almost losing to Doug Applegate, Issa has been hewing toward the middle when possible, voting against the GOP tax bill, for example, when its passage was certain.
Issa, a lion of incumbency, will get his primary share. That leaves a pool of some 58 to 48 percent. With four Democratic candidates in the race, the winner (i.e., second-place finisher) could score less than 20 percent and earn the right to go against Issa in November. Jacobs (or a friendly PAC) will have the financial means to press the message in two media markets that her rising generation, her under-represented gender, her remarkable family background and her nuts-and-bolts experience in government, though all vulnerable to negative attack, are appealing reasons to vote for her.
It should be noted that San Diego has an admirable history of electing women with moxie.
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From Lucy Killea, Dede Alpert and Maureen OConnor to Lynn Schenk and Susan Golding, from Toni Atkins, Bonnie Dumanis, Dianne Jacob, Pam Slater-Price and Chris Kehoe to Susan Davis and Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, San Diego women have whacked the proverbial ceiling.
Will this product of Del Mars public schools, young as she is, be the next San Diego woman to shatter glass in this #MeToo era of national reckoning?
Barring another woman entering the race, Jacobs will have a lane to herself.
If she holds her own in June, if youth is served, an ambitious millennial who passed on MIT for a career in public service could end the 18-year Issa Age.
A 52-year-old man was gravely injured in a Clairemont shooting Wednesday night and homicide detectives are investigating the incident.
Someone in a home on Sauk Avenue east of Genesee Avenue called 911 to report the incident about 7 p.m., San Diego homicide Lt. Mike Holden said.
When officers arrived, they found a man with a serious head wound in the front yard of the residence, Holden said. Officers and paramedics performed life-saving measures and the man was rushed to a hospital.
Doctors there told police the man isnt expected to survive.
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The man lived in the house he was found in front of, the lieutenant said. Homicide detectives are speaking with people who were inside when the shooting happened to determine if they witnessed anything.
At this time, its unclear what led to the shooting or who might be responsible.
The man has been identified, but his name will not be released until family members have been notified.
There were several robberies in the area Wednesday night. Investigators dont believe the killing was related.
Twitter: @LAWinkley
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(619) 293-1546
lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
The victim who was fatally stabbed at his Gaslamp Quarter apartment on New Years Day was a Navy man, authorities said Wednesday.
James Hearn, 28, was an active-duty sailor married to the man suspected of killing him, San Diego police said.
A Navy spokesman said Hearn was a student with a local detachment from Navy Medical Training Support Center in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Police got a 911 call shortly before 3:30 a.m. Monday about an assault victim in the hallway of Market Street Village Apartments on 14th Street. Officers found him on the fifth floor, bleeding from stab wounds.
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Officers started CPR on Hearn until medics arrived, but he died before he could be taken to a hospital, police homicide Lt. Todd Griffin said.
Terry Benson, 27, was detained at the apartments for questioning, then arrested on suspicion of murder. Griffin said the men married in Washington, D.C. in 2015 and shared the apartment on 14th Street.
pauline.repard@sduniontribune
Twitter: @pdrepard
Three days after recreational marijuana went on sale in California, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has issued confusing signals about whether the government will crack down on sale of legal cannabis.
The Associated Press reports that Sessions will repeal an Obama-era law that made it easier for the sale of medical and recreational marijuana to take hold in many states.
But the AP also says that Sessions will leave it up to US Attorneys to decide whether to aggressively crack down on weed sales.
The sale of cannabis remains against federal law. But nearly 30 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized medical marijuana, and eight states and D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana.
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California voters overwhelming approved recreational marijuana in November 2016. The new law allows people to possess marijuana and grow a small amount of it. The law also made it legal to sell cannabis in licensed stores.
Stores began selling adult cannabis on Monday, and things got off to a very brisk start start in places like San Diego, which has almost a dozen legal pot shops.
Urbn Leaf in Bay Park says it served roughly 1,000 customers on Monday about triple the number it usually sees on a week day.
A Green Alternative in Otay Mesa attracted about 400 customers on Monday, or five times what it usually gets.
The stores co-founder, Zach Lazarus, told the Union-Tribune on Thursday morning, Were going to stand behind Gov. Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who support the sale of marijuana in California.
Were going to ask them to help retailers navigate through these issues. I feel that the matter has been decided; marijuana is legal. Its here to stay, medically and recreationally. The people of California cant be wrong.
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gary.robbins@sduniontribune.com
Top federal law enforcement officials huddled Wednesday afternoon with House Speaker Paul Ryan to discuss a request from congressional investigators for documents related to a dossier alleging connections between President Donald Trump and Russia, according to people familiar with the meeting.
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and FBI Director Christopher Wray requested the meeting, according to Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department declined to comment.
The meeting in Ryans offices took place just hours before a deadline Wednesday that House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., set for the FBI and DOJ to turn over documents related to how the agencies used information in a now-famous dossier as part of an investigation into alleged ties between Trumps campaign and Russian officials. The dossier, compiled by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele, details Trumps alleged connections to Russian officials and financiers and exploits in Moscow.
House and Senate Republicans defensive of the president have pointed to the fact that the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clintons campaign paid for research that ended up in the dossier as reason to discredit it. Scrutiny of the dossier and the governments reliance on it are also part of a wider GOP effort to look at whether political bias affected the FBIs and DOJs conduct in a series of Obama-era investigations, including the Clinton email probe.
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In the House, Nunes has threatened to issue contempt citations against Wray and Rosenstein for failing to produce documents related to the dossier, which he first subpoenaed in August. In a letter obtained by Fox News last week, Nunes wrote to Rosenstein that the DOJs and FBIs intransigence on those subpoenas can no longer be tolerated, accusing both agencies of being disingenuous at best with the intelligence committee about the existence of documents they had requested.
A spokeswoman for Ryan, R-Wis., would not say Wednesday whether the speaker had reached an agreement with Wray and Rosenstein about the production of the requested documents. Rosenstein left the meeting Wednesday evening, refusing to answer questions from reporters as they followed him down a long hall from Ryans suite to a door exiting the building.
Other Republicans have criticized Nunes past threats to issue contempt citations. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., whose panel is investigating whether allegations of bias at the FBI affected the Clinton email probe, said last month that he was interested in getting access to the information and not the drama when asked about Nunes contempt threats. Gowdy strongly suggested that Ryan was also critical of Nunes efforts.
In the Senate, South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham last week reissued his call for a second special counsel to investigate the FBIs reliance on the dossier, telling Fox News that after reviewing background materials, he was very disturbed about what the Department of Justice did with this dossier.
After having looked at the history of the dossier and how it was used by the Department of Justice, Im really very concerned, Graham said, stressing that Congress had to focus on the dossier because it was outside the purview of special counsel Robert Muellers probe.
Graham is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, has long expressed concern about how the dossier was compiled and the role it played in the FBIs investigation of alleged ties between Trump and Russian officials. Grassley and Graham jointly requested information in June about Steeles contacts with the FBI. Grassley has also said that his staff members are also in close touch with Nuness staff about the progression of their parallel investigations.
Nunes and Grassley have also focused considerable scrutiny on Fusion GPS, the firm behind the dossier. Nunes has subpoenaed the firms bank records - that demand is now caught up in a court battle.
On Tuesday, the founders of Fusion GPS wrote an op-ed in the New York Times pushing back on accusations that the dossier had prompted the DOJs and FBIs scrutiny of Trumps alleged Russia ties, and accusing Republicans in Congress of perpetuating fake investigations into their activities.
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Grassley and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., responded to the publication of that op-ed by inviting the founders to come back to Capitol Hill to testify publicly. Fusion officials have spoken to both committees behind closed doors.
Tom Hamburger and Josh Dawsey contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump is a book genre unto himself. Theres Understanding Trump, by Newt Gingrich, whom Trump considered as a running mate; Let Trump Be Trump, by former Trump campaign aides Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie; The Swamp, by former Fox News host Eric Bolling; and a forthcoming, yet-to-be-named book by former White House press secretary Sean Spicer.
Note that all of these authors are pro-Trump partisans. Thats why Michael Wolffs Fire and Fury, out January 9, is significant. Wolff, a veteran journalist who has written for Vanity Fair, the Guardian, the Hollywood Reporter and other publications, presents his new title as a major piece of reporting. Wolff says that his book is based on 200 conversations over the past 18 months with Trump, most members of his senior staff, some of whom he talked to dozens of times, and many people with whom they had spoken.
Fire and Fury contains many interesting insights and claims, big and small. Some are new; others are familiar but bolstered by additional color and detail. Here are 10 that stand out:
Trump thought he would lose the election
Key excerpt: In politics somebody has to lose, but invariably everybody thinks they can win. And you probably cant win unless you believe that you will win - except in the Trump campaign. The leitmotif for Trump about his own campaign was how crappy it was and how everybody involved in it was a loser. He was equally convinced that the Clinton people were brilliant winners - Theyve got the best and weve got the worst, he frequently said. Time spent with Trump on the campaign plane was often an epic dissing experience: Everybody around him was an idiot.
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Stephen Bannon thought Donald Trump Jr.'s meeting with a Russian lawyer was treasonous.
Key excerpt: The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these jumos up to his fathers office on the twenty-sixth floor is zero, said an astonished and derisive [Stephen K.] Bannon, not long after the meeting was revealed. The three senior guys in the campaign, an incredulous Bannon went on, thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the twenty-fifth floor - with no lawyers. They didnt have any lawyers. Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad s--t, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately.
(Post reporters have found no evidence that Trump met with the Russians during this meeting at Trump Tower.).
Trump asked Roger Ailes to lead the campaign, and Ailes declined
Key excerpt: In early August [2016], less than a month after Ailes had been ousted from Fox News, Trump asked his old friend to take over the management of his calamitous campaign. Ailes, knowing Trumps disinclination to take advice, or even listen to it, turned him down.
Trump didnt know who John Boehner is.
Key excerpt: You need a son of a b---h as your chief of staff. And you need a son of a b---h who knows Washington, Ailes told Trump not long after the election. Youll want to be your own son of a b---h, but you dont know Washington. Ailes had a suggestion: Speaker Boehner. (John Boehner had been the speaker of the House until he was forced out in a tea party putsch in 2011.) Whos that? Trump asked.
Reince Priebus froze after the Access Hollywood tape leaked.
Key excerpt: So mortifying was this development that when Reince Priebus, the RNC head, was called to New York from Washington for an emergency meeting at Trump Tower, he couldnt bring himself to leave Penn Station. It took two hours for the Trump team to coax him across town. Bro, said a desperate Bannon, cajoling Priebus on the phone, I may never see you again after today, but you gotta come to this building and you gotta walk through the front door.
Melania Trump dreaded becoming first lady.
Key excerpt: The New York Post got its hands on outtakes from a nude photo shoot that Melania had done early in her modeling career - a leak that everybody other than Melania assumed could be traced back to Trump himself. Inconsolable, she confronted her husband. Is this the future? She told him she wouldnt be able to take it. Trump responded in his fashion - Well sue! - and set her up with lawyers. But he was unaccustomedly contrite, too. Just a little longer, he told her. It would all be over in November. He offered his wife a solemn guarantee: There was simply no way he would win.
Trump eats McDonalds because he thinks the food is safe.
Key excerpt: He had a longtime fear of being poisoned, one reason why he liked to eat at McDonalds - nobody knew he was coming and the food was safely pre-made.
Ivanka Trump has presidential ambitions of her own
Key excerpt: Jared [Kushner] and Ivanka had made an earnest deal between themselves: If some time in the future the time came, shed be the one to run for president (or the first one of them to take the shot). The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton, it would be Ivanka Trump.
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Ailes, before he died, hoped to launch a new TV channel with Bannon, Bill OReilly and Sean Hannity.
Key excerpt: A few hours after the OReilly [firing] announcement, Ailes, from his new oceanfront home in Palm Beach - precluded by his separation agreement with Fox from any efforts to compete with it for 18 months - sent an emissary into the West Wing with a question for Stephen K. Bannon: OReilly and Hannity are in, what about you? Ailes, in secret, had been plotting his comeback with a new conservative network . . . In reply, Bannon let Ailes know that for now, he was trying to hold on to his position in the White House. But yes, the opportunity was obvious.
Trump was surprised by criticism of his decision to fire FBI Director James Comey
Key excerpt: Trump believed that firing Comey would make him a hero. Over the next 48 hours he spun his side to various friends. It was simple: He had stood up to the FBI. He proved that he was willing to take on the state power. The outsider against the insiders. After all, thats why he was elected.
The top Democrat on the U.S. Senate committee that oversees Customs and Border Protection is raising concerns over a nearly $300 million contract the agency recently inked with a private company to help it hire thousands of new agents and officers.
The letter from Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, to acting CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan demands details of the contracts and the decision-making process at the agency, as well as answers to a handful of questions about costs and the need to hire a private company to help CBPs own personnel department.
The letter comes three weeks after The San Diego Union-Tribune published a story on the contract, which was awarded on Nov. 17 to a division of Accenture, an international professional services corporation.
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If the contract runs its full five-year course, Accenture would be paid $297 million to assist CBP to hire 7,500 new employees, including 5,000 Border Patrol agents, 2,000 customs officers and 500 Air and Marine officers. The company will be paid $42.6 million in the first year, according to federal contracting records.
That works out to about $40,000 per new hire about the starting pay for a customs officer.
McCaskill said in a statement that she was concerned about the sky-high costs in this contract and questioned if the payout would actually hurt efforts to staff up the agencies.
Any dollar wasted on an unnecessary recruiting contract is a dollar that cannot be spent on additional badly needed boots on the ground, she said.
A CBP spokeswoman said via email that the agency will respond to McCaskills letter, and said it was committed to hiring qualified workers to fulfill its mission:
We are committed to making the best use of our available resources and working with all of our stakeholders to address the challenges of our growing and changing mission, the statement said.
Previously the agency said that the $40,000 estimate was erroneous because the total contract amount includes one time start-up costs for recruiting measures and other steps to capture applicants.
In a statement CBP, said that the contract was a proactive response to previous hiring woes.
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The agency hasnt met minimum staffing levels for Border Patrol, takes months to hire one applicant and has more agents leave annually than it hires. In bid documents for the contract CBP said that it has to recruit 133 applicants to fill just a single Border Patrol agent position.
Not unlike other major companies and organizations, we are expanding our recruiting and hiring efforts to find better, more effective ways to recruit, hire and retain frontline personnel, a CBP spokeswoman said in December when asked about the need for the contract.
McCaskill also noted in her letter that while Accenture will be responsible for helping recruit applicants and move them through various steps in the hiring process from entrance exams to physical fitness tests, background investigations and more CBP officials will still be involved in making final decisions at various stages.
Despite the high cost, she wrote, that amount will still not cover all the expenses of hiring.
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She requested CBP provide not only the contract and backup documents, but also wanted answers to several specific questions.
Why does CBP, which has its own Office of Human Resource Management, need help from a private contractor to hire additional personnel?
Whats the per capita cost for new employees and how did the agency determine the cost was reasonable?
Has CBP requested money for the contract in its budget? If not, what programs will be cut?
Why did CBP already obligate money for the contract before Congress appropriated any funds for additional CBP personnel?
A year ago President Donald Trump in an executive order called for hiring 5,000 more Border Patrol agents as a key part in his immigration crackdown. Congress has not appropriated any money yet for additional hires.
McCaskill said she wanted responses to her question by Jan. 24, and a briefing for committee staff to follow that.
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Twitter: @gregmoran
greg.moran@sduniontribune.com
UPDATE: Chinese museum re-secures web address
People interested in learning about the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum can no longer look to the charitys website for information at least until officials regain control of the domain name.
The museums website has been taken over by Baidu, a Chinese firm that operates one of the largest search engines in Asia and provides a host of other web services such as transactions, research, video and artificial intelligence.
A spokeswoman for the museum said the loss of the domain name sdchm.org is temporary.
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Essentially we are in the process of resolving the domain name, said Olivia Stafford of Focuscom Inc., a San Diego public relations firm. The website will be up as soon as our external host processes our request.
The charity lost control of the domain name on Dec. 21, Stafford said, after the organization neglected to properly renew the identity.
The website itself is free. We just need to renew it, she said. In the meantime, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are all active and obviously the phone number still works. Soon enough, the website will be up in exactly the same way it was.
The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum has been in the news for other reasons in recent months.
In November, the organization was sued by its former executive director, Tiffany Beres, who accused charity officials of terminating her employment after she raised questions about the museums business and investment practices.
Among other things, Beres alleged that her former employers mishandled county grant funds and inflated the value of donations to the nonprofit in order to generate greater tax deductions for donors.
Earlier in the same month, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that two plaques outside the downtown museum improperly credited county Supervisor Ron Roberts, who directed almost $100,000 in county funds to the charity. County rules prohibit individual supervisors from being publicly credited for awarding taxpayer dollars to nonprofit groups.
Baidu did not immediately respond to a request for comment submitted through its website.
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jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
When it comes to our democracy, there will always be forces that will try to weaken it for political gain. Consider the recent lawsuit filed against the city of Poway that also challenges the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), a landmark law that expands on the federal Voting Rights Act.
Earlier this year, Poways former mayor, Don Higginson, sued the city because of its decision to elect council members by neighborhood districts rather than citywide.
Poway did away with its at-large elections system a system notorious for diluting the voting power of people of color, such as Latinos, Asians and African-Americans. In its place, it implemented the fairer, more representative district-based elections, which help underrepresented groups of people elect folks from their communities who better understand their wants and needs.
Related: Poway election changes bring unintended consequences
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The lawsuit also targets the constitutionality of the CVRA. That challenge should be of concern to all Californians because it seeks to make it easier to disenfranchise voters.
Enacted in 2001, the CVRA seeks to shield voters from having their votes diluted in one-size-fits-all electoral systems.
In recent years, dozens of cities and school boards have opted to switch to district-based elections. Some jurisdictions have done so in response to legal action.
Others have done so because local officials understand that district-based elections provide better representation for diverse neighborhoods and ensure all residents have a voice in local government.
The change from at-large to district-based elections has historically led to an uptick in voter registration. That means more eligible voters have faith their vote counts.
Politics aside, we can all agree that our democracy is better off when more people participate in the civic process, as well as when our elected officials are more accountable to the residents they represent.
The lawsuit is also bad news for Poway, where years of at-large local elections have resulted in South Poway being historically underrepresented on the City Council compared to the wealthier north side of town.
Unbalanced political representation weakens the relationship between the government and its citizens, creates voter apathy and disenfranchises voters.
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District-based elections, however, would be an important step in ensuring that voters of all races in smaller, unrepresented neighborhoods would have someone from their community on the council. This helps level the political playing field, strengthens our civic process and gets more people involved in our democracy.
The CVRA has yielded just this effect in other cities. In Merced, the at-large City Council included no one who lived south of the railroad tracks that bisect the city. After converting to district-based elections following the threat of a CVRA lawsuit, Merceds council now has multiple districts with a majority of their population south of the tracks, ensuring representation on the council from a previously unrepresented, large portion of Merced.
Poway is a great place to live and one that is growing more diverse by the day.
Recently, a supermarket that is catering to Middle Eastern and Asian taste buds opened next to a Target store. That supermarket is one of several businesses that serve residents of diverse backgrounds. If the business community can be more representative of the changing demographics of Poway, why shouldnt our government?
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Unfortunately, some Poway politicians oppose the changes that will help ensure that our electoral system is truly representative of the people that live here.
Fortunately, civil rights organizations such as MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) are willing to step in and protect voters from being disenfranchised, and I am more than willing to join them to help protect our democracy.
I am seeking to join the lawsuit as an intervenor to make sure the voices of all Poway residents are heard and considered. As this legal process moves forward, its vital that we have different perspectives on issues that can influence the civic process for generations to come, in Poway and beyond.
This is the moment to step up and protect my right to have my vote count, as well as that of others who benefit from the CVRA.
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We need to make our democracy stronger, not weaker.
Soto, a staffer at Alliance San Diego, is a Poway resident.
If this years top goal out of the Poway City Hall sound familiar, it is.
For the second consecutive year, officials are saying that undergrounding utility lines along Espola Road is at the top of their to-do list.
Construction was supposed to start last year, but the project got snagged due to delays in multi-utility company planning and in the city acquiring needed construction easements, according to city officials. San Diego Gas & Electric, AT&T and Cox Communications are involved in project planning.
The opening of construction bids is set for next Tuesday, City Manager Tina White said. Contracts are expected to be awarded at the Jan. 23 council meeting.
Overhead lines will be buried along Espola Road, from Mountain Road to Northcrest Lane. A 6-foot-wide decomposed granite pathway, intended largely to protect students walking to and from schools, will stretch from the existing sidewalk south of Mountain Road to the one south of Willow Ranch Road. A split rail fence will run alongside the pathway.
There are two parts to the project, but all work will be done at the same time. The first undergrounding district will encompass 2,000 lineal feet. It will likely cost $1.9 million and will be paid for through the citys allocation of 20A fees collected by San Diego Gas & Electric Co. The city currently has only $1.25 million available in its account and plans to borrow the balance for five years worth of future annual allocations.
The second undergrounding district involves 2,200 lineal feet and will cost about $2.6 million. It will be paid for through general fund reserves.
The total cost of the pathway, including design and construction, is pegged at $1.5 million, which will paid for by an existing city general fund appropriation.
Officials estimate the project will take at least nine months maybe longer to complete. White said there will be a concerted effort not to shut down lanes during the morning and afternoon peak traffic periods and to keep parents driving their kids to and from Poway High School, Twin Peaks Middle School and Tierra Bonita Elementary School in the information loop.
As to other 2018 priorities, again, its more of the same.
White said making progress on planning for a new community center in Community Park and on upgrading properties along Poway Road remain high-priority items.
The council will devote most of its Jan. 23 meeting to hashing out how large the new center should be and where to find the extra money needed to construct it. The council chambers will likely be filled with senior citizens asking that the city construct the largest possible building so not to impact current classes and activities. A related issue is how best to continue senior-related programming and city classes during the construction period, as both the existing senior center and community center will be torn down.
The first six months of 2018 will see key city staffers meet with Meridian Communities, LLC and Sudberry Properties, who have been awarded an exclusive negotiating agreement to develop eight city-owned properties along Poway Road, between Pomerado and Carriage roads. The partnership has been given at least six months to refine a development proposal.
Email: editor@pomeradonews.com
Poway Unified School District officials say the district will be entering the new year with a stability in leadership that was missing in 2017.
Dr. Marian Kim-Phelps, who was hired as the districts new superintendent in March, said that having several key positions filled, including her own, as well as the new Associate Superintendent of Technology and Innovation Jennifer Burks, Associate Superintendent of Personnel Support Services James Jimenez and Associate Superintendent of Business Support Services Ron Little, will help the district move forward in 2018.
The last few years were a difficult time for the district as it was going through many changes, said Kim-Phelps in a late December statement. However, weve been working really hard to rebuild trust and confidence in our staff and community. We have been focused on bringing in new and innovative programs, building leadership capacity at all levels, and building a stronger, more collaborative governance team. As we address some of the district challenges, my hope is to bring focused and stable leadership to the district, ensuring that Poway Unified School District remains one of the highest ranked in the state.
The fall elections could see changes on the Board of Education, as three of the five board members will be up for re-election. If the County Board of Education approves the map selected by the PUSD board members, the election could see board members T.J. Zane and Charles Sellers facing off for a single seat on the board, Michelle OConnor-Ratcliff up for re-election of another and a newcomer elected to fill the third seat.
Kim-Phelps said she has also worked to build strong relationships with the members of the Board of Education as well as staff and community leaders to forge positive partnerships in order to move the district to a better future, according to a statement.
The district is also looking to bring equity, access and opportunities to every student in 2018. PUSD has already been offering opportunities for teachers and staff to engage in professional learning in educational technology and technology integration, according to the statement. These experiences included a Google Roadshow, Tech Cafes and Tech Campalooza trainings for staff.
Many teachers expressed to me that this was some of the best training theyve received and theyre excited about the support theyre receiving from the district to implement more technology in their classrooms, said Kim-Phelps. We need to ensure that we are leveraging our best practices and developing new educational programs and initiatives that support our ability to ensure that every child is college and career ready and successful for life. We must expand the way our students learn and the way our teachers teach, and creatively use our resources for maximum impact.
The district will also be focusing on dealing with its budget shortfall, which has a $16.3 million projected deficit. This will require creative budget solutions, including community and business partnerships to make sure our students still have access to innovative programs, Kim-Phelps said.
Some of these partnerships include Adobe Bluffs Elementary Schools new Mandarin Chinese dual-language immersion program, which involves San Diego State Universitys Confucius Institute donating resources. Design 39 Campus will also be offering Korean culture and language electives, thanks to The Korean Education Center in Los Angeles and the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture, who have committed funding to make this possible, according to a statement.
Kim-Phelps said that the district will also be continuing its dedication to fiscal responsibility in 2018. The district is working to address the issues found in the internal controls assessment done by Moss Adams and will continue to engage its stakeholders in various aspects of district operations.
We all have a vested interest in our districts continued success, said Kim-Phelps. It is important that we all work together to ensure that Poway Unified doesnt lose sight of its mission of serving our students to give them the best educational experience possible.
Email: news@pomeradonews.com
One woman was found dead in a home in the 24400 block of Del Amo Road on Jan. 3 in an apparent murder-suicide, said San Diego County Sheriffs Homicide Lt. Rich Williams.
An adult male in the home with serious injuries was taken to a hospital, said Williams. Deputies did not find anyone else in the home after a search of the property.
Williams said a deputy found a handgun in the home, but the sheriffs department is seeking a search warrant to locate other evidence.
Sheriffs officers and Cal Fire responded to a call about noon from an unidentified person who said there had been a murder-suicide at the residence, Williams said. On arriving, they did not have to use force to enter the home, he added.
A Del Amo resident who requested anonymity said she believes the residents of the home were a younger couple with a son in high school.
Neighbors on Rutherford Road heard glass breaking and arguing this morning, she said. A couple of other neighbors heard altercations and gunshots.
Genetic analysis of DNA from a female infant found at the Upward Sun River archaeological site in Alaska has revealed a previously unknown Native American population, whom scientists have named Ancient Beringians. The research appears in the journal Nature.
It is widely accepted that the earliest settlers crossed from Eurasia into Alaska via an ancient land bridge spanning the Bering Strait which was submerged at the end of the last Ice Age.
Issues such as whether there was one founding group or several, when they arrived, and what happened next, are the subject of debate, however.
In the new study, researchers sequenced the full genome of an infant a girl named Xachiteeaanenh Teede Gaay (Sunrise Child-girl) by the local Native community whose remains were found at the Upward Sun River site in 2013.
To their surprise, the scientists found that although Xachiteeaanenh Teede Gaay had lived around 11,500 years ago, long after people first arrived in the region, her genetic information did not match either of the two recognized branches of early Native Americans, which are referred to as Northern and Southern.
Instead, she appeared to have belonged to an entirely distinct Native American population, which they called Ancient Beringians.
We didnt know this population existed, said co-author Professor Ben Potter, from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
These data also provide the first direct evidence of the initial founding Native American population, which sheds new light on how these early populations were migrating and settling throughout North America.
The DNA from Xachiteeaanenh Teede Gaay has provided an unprecedented window into the history of her people, he said.
She and a younger female infant found at the Upward Sun River site in 2013 lived about 11,500 years ago and were closely related, likely first cousins. The younger infant has been named Yekaanenh Teede Gaay (Dawn Twilight Girl-child).
It would be difficult to overstate the importance of this newly revealed people to our understanding of how ancient populations came to inhabit the Americas. This new information will allow us a more accurate picture of Native American prehistory. It is markedly more complex than we thought.
The Ancient Beringians diversified from other Native Americans before any ancient or living Native American population sequenced to date. Its basically a relict population of an ancestral group which was common to all Native Americans, so the sequenced genetic data gave us enormous potential in terms of answering questions relating to the early peopling of the Americas, said study senior author Professor Eske Willerslev, from St Johns College at the University of Cambridge, UK, and the University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
We were able to show that people probably entered Alaska before 20,000 years ago. Its the first time that we have had direct genomic evidence that all Native Americans can be traced back to one source population, via a single, founding migration event.
The researchers compared data from the Upward Sun River remains with both ancient genomes, and those of numerous present-day populations.
This allowed the team first to establish that the Ancient Beringian group was more closely related to early Native Americans than their Asian and Eurasian ancestors, and then to determine the precise nature of that relationship and how, over time, they split into distinct populations.
Until now, the existence of two separate Northern and Southern branches has divided academic opinion regarding how the continent was populated. Researchers have disagreed over whether these two branches split after humans entered Alaska, or whether they represent separate migrations.
The genome of Xachiteeaanenh Teede Gaay shows that Ancient Beringians were isolated from the common, ancestral Native American population, both before the Northern and Southern divide, and after the ancestral source population was itself isolated from other groups in Asia.
This means it is likely there was one wave of migration into the Americas, with all subdivisions taking place thereafter, the authors explained.
According to the teams timeline, the ancestral population first emerged as a separate group around 36,000 years ago, probably somewhere in northeast Asia.
Constant contact with Asian populations continued until around 25,000 years ago, when the gene flow between the two groups ceased. This cessation was probably caused by brutal changes in the climate, which isolated the Native American ancestors.
It therefore probably indicates the point when people first started moving into Alaska, Professor Willerslev said.
Around the same time, there was a level of genetic exchange with an ancient North Eurasian population.
Previous research has shown that a relatively specific, localized level of contact between this group, and East Asians, led to the emergence of a distinctive ancestral Native American population.
Ancient Beringians themselves then separated from the ancestral group earlier than either the Northern or Southern branches around 20,000 years ago. Genetic contact continued with their Native American cousins, however, at least until Xachiteeaanenh Teede Gaay was born in Alaska around 8,500 years later.
The geographical proximity required for ongoing contact of this sort led the scientists to conclude that the initial migration into the Americas had probably already taken place when the Ancient Beringians broke away from the main ancestral line.
It looks as though this Ancient Beringian population was up there, in Alaska, from 20,000 years ago until 11,500 years ago, but they were already distinct from the wider Native American group, said study first author Dr. Jos Victor Moreno-Mayar, from the University of Copenhagen.
Finally, the team established that the Northern and Southern Native American branches only split between 17,000 and 14,000 years ago which, based on the wider evidence, indicates that they must have already been on the American continent south of the glacial ice.
The divide probably occurred after their ancestors had passed through, or around, the Laurentide and Cordilleran ice sheets two vast glaciers which covered what is now Canada and parts of the northern United States, but began to thaw at around this time.
The continued existence of this ice sheet across much of the north of the continent would have isolated the southbound travelers from the Ancient Beringians in Alaska, who were eventually replaced or absorbed by other Native American populations.
Although modern populations in both Alaska and northern Canada belong to the Northern Native American branch, the analysis shows that these derive from a later back migration north, long after the initial migration events.
One significant aspect of this research is that some people have claimed the presence of humans in the Americas dates back earlier to 30,000 years, 40,000 years, or even more, Professor Willerslev said.
We cannot prove that those claims are not true, but what we are saying, is that if they are correct, they could not possibly have been the direct ancestors to contemporary Native Americans.
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J. Victor Moreno-Mayar et al. Terminal Pleistocene Alaskan genome reveals first founding population of Native Americans. Nature, published online January 3, 2018; doi: 10.1038/nature25173
The auto-safety manufacturer Autoliv is consolidating its operations in Southfield into one facility and is expecting to create 384 jobs over five years boosted by a $2.6 million grant approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund.
"It was a cost-saving move to consolidate all four of our electronics-based employees under one roof for our employees to better collaborate and efficiently serve our customers," the company tells Metromode.
In October, the company broke ground for its 180,000-square-foot Electronics Technical Center. Construction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2019.
Jonna Construction, Harley Ellis Devereaux, and Signature Associates have all been tapped with work on the new facility. Autoliv's hiring plans will mainly be in engineering, research, design, and development in sensor and radar technology, brake systems, and camera technology, according to the company.
Autoliv is a leading automotive safety supplier of airbags, seat belts, steering wheels, and more. With autonomous driving the engine for the future of mobility, the company says Autoliv is "fortunate to be among the leading companies providing technology to help save more lives."
"We are unique in that our products must work as designed because they have only one change to get it right," the company tells Metromode. "From airbags, seat belts, steering wheels, to night vision, radar, stereo vision cameras, safety is our business, and we trust that our customers and the end costumers will rely on us to keep them safe on the journey. "
Also, Autoliv's Auburn Hills Technology Center is undergoing what the company describes as a "refresh" over the next year and a half. Among the upgrades include workspaces, cafeteria, and conference rooms. Progress is underway on an estimated $1 million expansion, according to the City of Auburn Hills. The additional 124 spaces will bring the total number of parking spaces to 589, according to the city.
Autoliv has 70,000 employees across 80 facilities in 27 countries.
Press Release
January 4, 2018 Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Statement on PDEA's Admission about the Resurgence of Illegal Drug Trade in New Bilibid Prison, Muntinlupa City Suspicious events bordering on the maleficent continue to hound President Duterte's all-out war on drugs. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently confirmed that illegal drug trading inside the National Bilibid Prison has been rejuvenated and that one of the inmates allegedly managed to facilitate the entry of at least one (1) ton of shabu into the country last November. How can this government succeed in its "unrelenting" campaign to end illegal drugs menace when it could not even stop convicted drug lords under its custody from conducting their business? As Justice Secretary, I knew that these high profile inmates should be stripped of the luxuries and logistics they obtained through bribery and should be segregated from the rest of the Bilibid inmate population, thus, the raids on their "kubols" and their eventual transfer to a more isolated and secure compound late 2014 up to 2015. We in the past administration also jumpstarted the plan to transfer Bilibid from its current severely congested and dilapidated site to a modern prison facility which we believe would come a long way in addressing the pestering problem of prison-based criminality. But instead of pursuing or building on these initiatives, this administration, desperate in its fabricated charges against me, struck a deal with these convicted drug lords - their testimonies of lies in exchange for the restoration of their privileges which enabled them to resume their illegal drug operations. It was a perfect pact with the devil which was instrumental in my unjust detention. It also exposed this regime's war on drugs as fraud with only the powerless and competitors as targets, while allies and those willing to "cooperate" remain scot-free and given posts in government. Just last month, Duterte asked the public to give him another year to solve the illegal drugs problem. That was the fourth deadline he set for him to deliver on his key campaign promise and "save" the nation from what he considers the root cause of Philippine society's troubles. However, the resurgence of drug trading in the National Penitentiary and the 6.4 billion shabu smuggling controversy are two major indicators that we are being taken for a ride, big time, and at a very high cost for the more than 13,000 Filipinos killed and their kin. It is insulting for political leaders to hide behind such obvious deceit but it is also equally alarming if their constituents believe and cheer their lies.
On reported scenarios involving Charter change
https://pinglacson.net/2018/01/04/on-reported-scenarios-involving-charter-change/
The opposition need not invent the best antidote to Charter change. No less than the two leaders of both houses of Congress have started campaigning against it, albeit subliminally.
Floating a no-el and term extension scenario, as recent history would suggest, won't help their advocacy to shift to a federal form of government, inevitably via an amendment of the Constitution.
Press Release
January 4, 2018 El Nido in 5th Episode of Protected Areas Series On the fifth week of the docu-series Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines, Senator Loren Legarda invites everyone to watch the episode on the El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area. "El Nido has been described by tourists as a rustic, romantic and pristine area. Tourism has changed the economic landscape of this paradise. It has become a secret hideaway for many scuba divers. And as more visitors check it off their list of must-see places, the need to implement greater environmental protection has become more crucial," Legarda said. Through this episode on the El Nido Managed Resource Protected Area, Legarda hopes to encourage people to protect and conserve the area's rich biodiversity. The protected areas documentary series was narrated and conceptualized by Legarda, directed by Brillante Mendoza and produced by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). "This series aims to educate citizens on our protected areas, which are critical in conserving our biodiversity that is essential to our existence and survival. Through this documentary series, Filipinos will learn more about our protected areas-the richness of these areas and the challenges in conservation. We want Filipinos to appreciate the unique natural heritage that we have and enjoin everyone to protect them," said Legarda. Protected areas are identified portions of land and water set aside by reasons of their unique physical and biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity and protected against destructive human exploitation. There are 240 identified protected areas in the country. Our Fragile Earth: Protected Areas of the Philippines airs every Saturday, 7:45 a.m., on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), with replays every Sunday, 1:45 p.m.
After nearly 70 years on the air and on the brink, Berkeley-based KPFA-FM could be facing the end of its run as a pioneering, proudly left-wing radio outlet.
There is some irony in the fact that after labor disputes, strikes and other controversies in the years since its founding in 1949, the station whose motto is Vigilant as Always faces demise because of the financial woes of a radio station in New York City.
A New York judge has ruled that KPFAs sister station, WBAI, is liable for $1.8 million in back rent for its transmission tower atop the Empire State Building. The judge also ruled that the landlord, Empire State Realty Trust, may pursue seizure of the assets of WBAIs parent, Pacifica Foundation, of which KPFA is the flagship station.
Pacifica does not have $1.8 million, and as soon as Monday, Empire State could begin procedures to seize the companys bank accounts along with the sprawling downtown Berkeley complex owned by Pacifica and housing KPFA. Empire State has not indicated that it will pursue a seizure, but it has filed with the state to do so and the 30-day waiting period ends Monday. Pacifica management is hoping its landlord will agree to leave the property alone while a solution is explored. Empire State Realty Trust did not respond to a request for comment.
Until we can get a written agreement from Empire State, we are at their mercy, said Bill Crosier, interim executive director of the Pacifica Foundation, in an interview Thursday on the KPFA program Up Front.
The imminent danger is a judgment against KPFAs parent company, the Pacifica Foundation, that could drain KPFA of its operating funds and take the Bay Areas only truly progressive radio station off the air, read a Tuesday posting, signed by KPFA management and attributed to General Manager Quincy McCoy, on the KPFA website..
Crosier said he and his staff had recommended that Pacifica file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to stave off the seizure while Pacifica reorganizes. But the notoriously acrimonious Pacifica national board has thus far rejected that strategy and has not authorized staff to begin bankruptcy preparations.
The governance structure of Pacifica, our historic culture of the usual political infighting has led to disagreement and paralysis, McCoy wrote. Unless action is taken pretty immediately we may cease to exist.
Bankruptcies are common in commercial radio these days. The nations largest radio conglomerate, iHeartMedia, is facing Chapter 11 any day now, buried under a $15 billion debt. Its rival, Cumulus Media, which owns KGO-AM radio, among other Bay Area stations, filed for Chapter 11 in November, with a $2.4 billion debt.
But bankruptcy is rare for a public radio station, and a Chapter 11 filing would be the first in the long, death-defying history of listener-funded Pacifica, which operates stations in Berkeley, Los Angeles, New York, and Houston and Washington, D.C.
There is a stigma to bankruptcy, Crosier said in an earlier on-air interview. There is also a cost of up to $1 million, but a Chapter 11 filing would halt the action by Empire State.
The New York tower lease, which dates to 2005, costs about $60,000 per month and runs through 2020 with annual increases of 9 percent. In bankruptcy court, the judgment could be reduced and increases capped, Crosier told the host. Pacifica could also be put into receivership.
We owe them a lot of money, and we have to pay it, and we plan to pay it, said Crosier. We hope they will be patient while we figure out how to pay them.
A second option one favored by the board but opposed by management is to take out a $2 million loan to pay off the judgment. Pacifica has assets of approximately $10 million in real estate and licenses worth $100 million. But cash flow is negative. Pacifica is $8 million in debt and has operated at a deficit for 15 consecutive years. It also has accrued three years in unpaid pension obligations.
It has been a toxic brew of bad management, poor internal political mechanisms for selecting the boards and exclusion of listener participation that has led to this low point, said former general manager and retired national correspondent Larry Bensky.
Another option is to sell assets or swap signals with another station in order to raise capital. This could weaken KPFA, which is probably the most solvent of the five stations, thanks to the generosity of its listeners who support fund drives.
Its been a consistent progressive voice and bulletin board for just short of 70 years, said Ben Fong-Torres, who writes the Radio Waves column for The Chronicle. Although its never gotten sizable ratings, its got a passionate audience.
According to its unaudited financial statement, KPFA took in $3,337,510 in income against operating expenses of $2,964,973 in 2016, the most recent year available. KPFA business manager Maria Negret reports that the holiday 2017 pledge drive raised $511,000, well over the goal of $450,000.
But Bensky counters that those numbers hide the fact that listener support has been eroding over the years. To make it worse, because of its governance structure, KPFA has to support its sister stations, as made evident by the situation in New York.
KPFA has been bled dry to pay for the other stations, especially New York, which has been sucking away money for years, Bensky said. It has no listeners.
Negret said Pacifica should not be saddled with an additional loan, which WBAI has no ability to pay.
Many of us feel that Chapter 11 is the best way to go. It would give us a chance to breathe and re-organize the network, she said in an email.
All I can be sure of is that KPFA is strong. We are here, ready to keep going, she wrote. In this national political climate, we need KPFA and Pacifica more than ever before.
KPFA went on the air at 3 p.m. April 15, 1949, when a group of Berkeley anarchic pacifists led by Lewis Hill commandeered an unused frequency. Because almost nobody had heard of FM, they distributed shoebox-size tube radios with the dial set to 94.1 to potential listeners. Hill was seen as too controlling and was dumped by his own board in a political coup in 1953. A year later, Hill staged his own coup, reclaimed power and drove out the board.
It has been that way ever since, only with additional stations and a national governing board atop the KPFA board, increasing the ever-present potential of infighting.
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This was made clear at the 50th anniversary in 1999, marked by Pacificas firing of popular KPFA general manager Nicole Sawaya. That was followed by the firing of Bensky, who had broken a company gag rule for speaking on air against Sawayas firing.
Some 10,000 people took to the streets in protest. A planned 50th anniversary celebration was canceled, people were arrested and the station was seized by Pacifica, which aired syndicated programming for about a month. The coup was overcome, but some say the spirit was lost, along with Benskys position as national affairs correspondent.
There has been diminished and now nonexistent national programming since then, said Bensky, who had to sue Pacifica to get back his job, which he held until 2007.
Ten years later, he sees the station as a ghost of its former self and a sad remnant and relic of what once was. KPFA is much weaker, and the Pacifica national network is nonexistent.
Crosier said the board spends too much time fighting and not enough trying to get listeners. He has been warned that some board members plan to sue the board if it caves to Empire State.
But the music shows continue in the evenings and weekends, year after year and decade after decade. There is Dead to the World, formerly The Grateful Dead Hour, hosted by Tim Lynch on Wednesdays at 8 p.m., and The Bonnie Simmons Show at 8 p.m. Thursdays followed by Derk Richardson with The Hear and Now at 10 p.m.
Saturday mornings bring Blues by the Bay, with Tom Mazzolini. Sunday afternoons have the doubleheader of Americas Back 40, hosted by Mary Tilson, and Panhandle Country with Tom Diamant.
The program hosts have given us as close to free-form radio as we can get on terrestrial radio, said Fong-Torres.
Listen now. By next weekend they could all be off the air, though legal delays are a possibility.
Still, General Manager McCoy is acting as if the locks will be changed on Monday. According to a staff member, he sent employees an email warning, We will cease broadcasting because we will be unable to operate the station. At that point, our building and our bank account will no longer be under our control.
Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art
On a dark December night, with a chilly breeze blowing from the west, a dozen bicyclists parked their rides on the sidewalks of Market Street at Octavia Street, pulled bright-yellow T-shirts over their work apparel and grabbed glow sticks and signs.
Then they wandered into the street, placing themselves in a line between evening commute traffic and a steady stream of cyclists pedaling home in a bike lane separated by a slender white, painted stripe.
Join us, they yelled, as portable speakers boomed The Safety Dance, a 1983 pop hit. Protect the bike lanes. The group quickly grew to about 70 people.
This was the latest rendition of People Protected Bike Lane, an amalgam of performance art, political protest, street party and community organizing event that was born in San Francisco and has quickly spread to cities across the country and around the world. The goal is to get local governments moving on building barriers to separate bike lanes from vehicle traffic on some of the citys most dangerous streets.
What you see with People Protected Bike Lane is folks who care so passionately about bicyclists dying or getting injured on our streets that they are willing to literally put their bodies in between people driving too fast and people riding their bikes, said Brian Wiedenmeier, executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.
They seem to be getting their message across.
A day after the Dec. 4 event, Ed Reiskin, the Municipal Transportation Agencys transportation director, announced that a compromise had been reached between the agency and the Fire Department for construction of a protected bike lane on upper Market Street that would begin early this year. It had been stalled since it was approved by the agency in May by Fire Department concerns over the ability of ladder trucks to maneuver in the area.
Similarly, after a pair of People Protected Bike Lane appearances on busy Valencia Street last spring, the Board of Supervisors, meeting as the San Francisco County Transportation Authority board, approved funding for a study of protected bike lanes on the street.
Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle
It does work, said Maureen Persico, 53, an avid bicyclist, San Francisco mother and grocery store management trainee who came up with the idea for People Protected Bike Lane. Whoever makes the loudest noise gets the attention. When we get hit by a car, were often alone and may not even report it. Were isolated, but this brings us together.
Persico said she thought of the idea last spring, considering it an updated version of Hands Across America, a 1986 event in which 6.5 million people held hands in a line across the country to combat hunger and homelessness.
I was thinking of the symbolism of us taking care of ourselves, she said. We cannot rely on our national government nor can we rely on our local government.
The people behind People Protected Bike Lane are an informal group that determines its targets on an as-needed basis, and doesnt maintain a list or schedule. However, their next event is likely to pop up along the Embarcadero, which Persico regards as a dangerous mess for cyclists.
Ben Jose, an MTA spokesman, said the agency agrees with the need for protected lanes and other bike-safety improvements, but said crucial streetscape transformations take time.
In 2010, he said, protected bike lanes were nonexistent in San Francisco. The city now has 16 miles of them integrated into a bike-lane network that covers 447 miles.
We definitely appreciate and hear the advocacy and concern this group is raising, he said. Were always looking for opportunities to do more.
Persico was also moved to act, she said, by her 15-year-old son, who feels unsafe riding his bike on city streets. Using social media, she bounced her idea off Matt Brezina, another San Francisco bike advocate, and the People Protected Bike Lane idea was born. It was inaugurated during the morning commute on Valencia Street in May.
Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle
When she told me the concept, I thought it was brilliant, Brezina said. It has become a powerful tool to transform our streets.
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Since then, the People Protected Bike Lane concept has spread into a bit of an international movement. Events have been held in New York, where 300 people lined streets in Manhattan, Boston, Boise, Dublin and Berlin. And there have been four more San Francisco events.
What makes the concept work, Persico said, is that anyone can participate, even for 10 or 15 minutes on their ride home from work or school or en route to the grocery store. In addition to veteran bike activists, the December event at Market and Octavia streets drew homeward-bound commuters, families and politicians, including state Sen. Scott Wiener and Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, who said his first job was as a bicycle messenger.
So I know how important it is to have safe places to bike, Sheehy said. We need an integrated system of protected bike lanes.
David Gouldin, 36, a software developer who lives in Hayes Valley, was also part of the event. He said he often bikes with his children, Eden, 3, and Alana, 1, tagging along in a trailer. Theyve had some close calls, he said, with ride-hailing cars pulling over to disgorge passengers in front of them, and drivers using the green-painted bike lane as a traffic lane.
We came here tonight, he said, because separating bikes and cars is the safest way to handle traffic.
Wiedenmeier agrees, and said he expects the People Protected Bike Lane movement to keep rolling, in tandem with a clandestine group, the San Francisco Municipal Transformation Agency, which surreptitiously installs unsanctioned posts, barricades and markers overnight where it believes safety improvements are needed. The city typically is quick to remove them.
As long as people are being hit and injured on the streets, there will be a need for urgent action to call on the city to make the streets safer more quickly, Wiedenmeier said. Until biking is safe and pleasant all over the city of San Francisco, I think people will be willing to get out there and put their bodies on the line to get quality improvements quickly.
Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
Jacom Stephens/Getty Images
A sedan crashed into a guardrail on an on-ramp to Interstate 680 in Walnut Creek Wednesday morning, leaving the driver dead and sending the passenger to the hospital with major injuries, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The car, a grey Toyota sedan, was traveling on the North Main Street on-ramp to northbound I-680 when it veered to the right for unknown reasons, according to the CHP. The car slammed into the guardrail bordering the freeway, killing the driver.
Peninsula Rep. Jackie Speier poured cold water Wednesday on talk of her making a late entry into the California governors race, needling former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown for pushing a rumor that she was considering the idea.
I still have a lot of work to do in Washington, the fifth-term congresswoman said.
In his column in The Chronicle on Sunday, Brown said his phone had been lighting up with messages that Speier was spending the New Years weekend in Palm Springs with her advisers and mulling a possible run for governor.
After talk of a potential Speier candidacy percolated over the next couple of days, the Hillsborough Democrat issued a statement saying, Im not sure who Willies source is, but the only thing accurate about the post was that I was in Palm Springs with my family. Willie was smoking something before it became legal on January 1st.
Brown, who wrote that he had been unable to reach Speier, could not be reached for comment.
Speier ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2006, two years before she was first elected to the House. In Washington, she has garnered attention both as a member of the House Select Intelligence Committee investigating Russian attempts to influence the 2016 election and as a congressional leader of the MeToo anti-sexual-harassment movement.
Several candidates have been campaigning for governor for months, including four Democrats Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, state Treasurer John Chiang and former state schools chief Delaine Eastin and Republican businessman John Cox and GOP Assemblyman Travis Allen.
Backing Breed: A big rally is being planned Thursday on the steps of City Hall by a group of women seeking to keep acting Mayor London Breed seated in Room 200 until June, when voters will go to the polls to pick a replacement for the late Mayor Ed Lee.
Im upset by the organizing to kick her out of the role when ... she was unanimously selected by the Board of Supervisors to serve as board president for a second term, said Debbie Mesloh, president of the city Commission on the Status Women and a longtime political operative for Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif.
On Wednesday, Christine Pelosi, chairwoman of the California Democratic Party Womens Caucus, and East Bay BART Director Lateefah Simon also weighed in with an op-ed piece in The Chronicle, blasting efforts by some supervisors to install a caretaker interim mayor and tear down a strong female leader who is African American.
Sadly, it comes as no surprise that most of the names floated to supplant acting Mayor Breed have been white men, Pelosi and Simon wrote, in a not-at-all-veiled attempt to shame progressives who back state Sen. Mark Leno or other June candidates from booting Breed out of the mayors office.
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Progressives fear is that Breed will build up the advantages of incumbency if she is made interim mayor. She is expected to soon announce that she will be a candidate in June, though Pelosi, for one, has not endorsed her in the election.
But we see this as turning back the clock, Pelosi and Simon wrote. This type of backroom deal is a power grab that voters and our representatives on the Board of Supervisors should reject.
Among those expected to be at the 4 p.m. rally are Sunny Schwartz, a progressive leader active in criminal justice work; Janice Mirikitani, a co-founder of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church; and Andrea Shorter, a city consultant to Larkin Street Youth Services and a member of the Commission on the Status of Women.
S an Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@ sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
Californias income tax collections in December came in a whopping $4 billion or 32 percent above expectations and some of the surprise came not from growth in the economy but from people speeding up their final 2017 state income tax payments before federal tax law changes took effect Jan. 1.
The Legislative Analysts Office reported Wednesday that personal and corporate income tax revenue in December totaled $16.3 billion, far above the $12.4 billion target reflected in last Junes state budget plan.
In the first five months of the fiscal year, July through November, tax collections were running only 1.5 percent ahead of the forecast, according to the California Department of Finance.
County tax collectors are also reporting a wave of last-minute property tax payments, as homeowners rushed to pay the second installment of their 2017-18 bill before Dec. 31 rather than waiting until the April 10 due date.
San Francisco has already received 82,595 second-half payments totaling $419.3 million. At this time last year, it had received only 46,549 second-half payments totaling $183.6 million.
Santa Clara County is still processing second-half payments that came in between Dec. 18 and 31, but so far it has processed more than $500 million, 18 percent of the $2.8 billion billed for the second half. During the same period last year, it collected only $50 million in second-half payments.
Alameda County is also still processing its backlog of last-minute payments. It was unbelievable. There were huge lines (of people waiting to pay their taxes) that we were completely unprepared for, said Hank Levy, Alameda Countys treasurer-tax collector.
Counties know how much they ultimately should receive in property taxes this year, but the challenge for state government is figuring out how much of the December rise in income taxes came from an underlying increase in income and capital gains, versus people simply accelerating their 2017 income tax payments.
Of the nearly $4 billion difference in December, about $2.7 billion came from personal income tax payments received by the Franchise Tax Board. Only $175 million came from an increase in payroll tax withholding.
The positive December personal income tax results could be partially offset by softer January and April collections, as some taxpayers may have made final 2017 tax payments a few months early in order to maximize deductions under the recently passed federal tax plan, the Legislative Analysts Office said on its website.
People who itemize deductions on their federal return can deduct all of their state and local income and property taxes in 2017, but starting with tax year 2018, they can deduct a total of $10,000 in all state and local taxes combined. (Property tax on rental homes is still deductible as a rental expense.)
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After the tax bill was signed on Dec. 22, many taxpayers in California scrambled to pay the second installment of their 2017 property tax payment that is not due (without penalty) until April 10. The Internal Revenue Service clarified that property taxes could be deducted in 2017 as long as they were assessed and paid in 2017.
Likewise, people who expected to owe additional state income taxes for 2017 could pay them before the end of last year and deduct them on their 2017 federal tax returns. If they waited until January or April to make the payment, its not deductible on 2017 returns. (Jan. 16 is the deadline this year for making the fourth quarter 2017 estimated state income tax payment and April 17 is the deadline for paying any remaining 2017 taxes due. Thats why prepayments could steal tax revenue from January and April.)
H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the California Department of Finance, said its too soon to be popping any Champagne corks. Its likely that some of this positive development for December may be related to timing and taxpayer payment behavior and not growth in underlying tax liability, he said.
The proposed 2018-19 state budget that Gov. Jerry Brown will unveil on Wednesday was put together before the federal tax bill passed and does not incorporate any direct or indirect effect it may have on state finances, Palmer added. The state will know more about its impact as we get further into 2018.
Kathleen Pender is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: kpender@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kathpender
When Pattar Dilmurat left Dubai, where he lived for five years selling fragrances and makeup, he told his wife he would be back in a year. So far, it has been two.
Dilmurat, Akbar Amat and Aikelamu Ainiwaer own Sama Uyghur Cuisine in Union City, and are the only members of their families in the United States. Amats parents and younger sister are in China. Dilmurats 3-year-old son lives in Xinjiang Province with his father-in-law. His wife has remained in Dubai with their 5-year-old daughter, and the distance is starting to wear thin. Neither Dilmurat nor Amat have returned home since arriving.
Life separated from their families is hard. Im alone here for the moment, Dilmurat says. Far from family and the familiar, food has become a home away from home.
Dilmurat, 34, came to the United States two years ago for school. He found a part-time job at a restaurant, working in the kitchen. His mother back in China heard the news. She was not happy. She said, Why are you working in a restaurant? Do other jobs. Its difficult, Dilmurat says.
But he found comfort in making barbecue and hand-pulled noodles at Eden Silk Road in Fremont, which serves Uighur (sometimes spelled Uyghur) and Chinese halal food. Its the food he grew up with. At least I can eat my own food, he says.
At work, he moved into management and met Akbar Amat, a 26-year-old chef who is also Uighur. Like Dilmurat, Amat had come from China to America to study. He lived first in Los Angeles, where he supported himself by cutting grass, then painting homes, and eventually working in restaurants.
The Uighur community in the United States is small, and Amat soon received an invitation to move to Northern California to work at Eden Silk Road as a chef, even though he didnt know how to cook. He had grown up in a restaurant, though, the son of a chef. His father had sold kebabs from a street cart for many years before opening a small eatery in Tianjin, east of Beijing, which grew into a 500-seat restaurant.
Amat learned to cook on the job at Eden Silk Road and ruminated on his familys food. How could he make food that tasted like his memories of home?
Now Dilmurat and Amat, along with third partner Aikelamu Ainiwaer, have made a new home. In June 2017, they opened Sama Uyghur Cuisine in a nondescript strip mall in Union City. Named for a traditional Uighur folk dance, the restaurant is tastefully decorated with handsome Scandinavian-style chairs and colorful rugs on the walls. The restaurant is small, with just nine tables, but it is a proud declaration of who they are and, they hope, an introduction of their culture to others.
People ask, Where are you from? When I say, Im from China, they dont believe me from how I look, says Dilmurat, who has a closely cut beard and, when working at the restaurant, wears shirts with intricately patterned textiles on the collar and cuffs.
I say, Im Uighur. Nobody knows Uighur. They dont know us.
Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle 2017
The Uighurs are an ethnic minority from the Xinjiang autonomous region in northwest China. They are a mostly Muslim people who speak a Turkic language. In recent years, they have made global headlines as violence has flared in the region in the form of clashes between separatist and government forces.
Dilmurat describes Uighur food as a mix between Central Asian and Chinese cuisines. I say its Chinese first because we use Chinese recipes, like the spices. On the menu are their own versions of chow mein and spicy chicken, he points out. But Uighur dishes are also similar to the cuisines of Arab countries, he says. For example: they have kebabs. The difference, though, is that they marinate the meat in spices for six hours before putting them on skewers. (You can feast on a whole lamb kebab more than 25 pounds of meat for $338. Please order one day ahead.)
The recipes come from Amats father, but it took some convincing to get him to share them. Like Dilmurats mother, Amats family objected to his opening a restaurant, he says in Mandarin. They said it would be too difficult.
It certainly has been harder than the three owners anticipated. They ran into unexpected delays with the process: permits, taxes, signage, health inspections. Everything took longer and cost more than expected. Food costs, especially for halal meat, are high. During the first month, they sometimes slept just two hours a night before coming back to work. Sometimes I wanted to cry, Dilmurat says.
Its still tough now, he says, but getting better. They work 11- or 12-hour days at the restaurant six days a week.
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Amat, in a T-shirt and bowl haircut, speaks haltingly in English, which he is learning. He takes classes at Ohlone College in Fremont on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, he says. His classes end at 10:40 a.m, and the restaurant opens at 11 a.m. for lunch. Dilmurat was also taking college classes, but recently dropped them. He had no time to do his homework. Maybe it will take him 10 years to graduate, he says with a shrug.
When asked if he does his homework, Amat just laughs.
How fortunate it is to come to a country where you dont know anybody and find people you can build something with together. Within an hour of meeting Ainiwaer, the third partner who is Uighur from Sweden, he agreed to open a restaurant with Dilmurat and Amat. They just trusted each other, Dilmurat says. When he met Amat, he felt the same. Theres some feeling. I can tell he is a nice guy. I dont know if hes feeling the same way.
Sitting next to him, Amat doesnt say anything, but he smiles.
Melissa Hung is a freelance journalist in San Francisco. Email: food@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @fluffysharp
Sama: 1719 Decoto Road, Union City, (510) 431-3865, www.samauyghurcuisine.com. Open 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m. Mon., Wed.-Sun.
Bay Area public health officials have begun receiving shipments of naloxone the drug that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose in the first state-funded effort to get the emergency antidote to local health departments across California.
The distribution of the drug, funded by a one-time $3 million grant approved by state legislators in 2016, marks a ramp-up in the states response to deadly overdoses of prescription painkillers, heroin and the synthetic opioid fentanyl.
While the number of people dying from opioid overdoses in California has held relatively steady over the past several years between 1,900 and 2,000 people each year the number of deaths related to fentanyl is rising quickly. The number of Californians who died from fentanyl overdoses nearly tripled between 2013 and 2016, from 81 to 234, according to data from state health officials. Heroin-related deaths also rose during the same period, from 483 to 565, about 17 percent.
The overdose epidemic is really staggering, and California has not escaped it, said Katie Burk of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, who manages the citys contract for the DOPE Project, an overdose prevention program funded by the city and run by the Harm Reduction Coalition. The coalition provides training and assistance to drug users and service providers such as homeless shelters and methadone counselors.
jb/Journal Register Co.
Naloxone, which is sold under the brand name Narcan, can be administered as a nasal spray or an auto-injector. The drug works by knocking opioids off receptors in the brain that suppress breathing during an overdose, thus reversing the effects of the overdose immediately. The state grant is funding the distribution of Narcan spray to 56 of the states 61 local health departments, according to the California Department of Public Health.
All nine Bay Area counties, as well as the city of Berkeley, are slated to receive thousands of doses of Narcan, collectively, by the end of the year. Many local health departments already help coordinate naloxone distribution in their communities, often by making auto-injector naloxone kits available at needle exchange programs, but this marks the first state-financed effort to expand the availability of naloxone to health departments across the state.
How municipalities distribute the drug is up to them. In Marin County, police officers have undergone training on how to administer Narcan and recently saved three lives in Novato, Fairfax and Mill Valley by reversing overdoses, said Matt Willis, the countys public health officer.
In Alameda County, police officers in several law enforcement agencies the county sheriffs department and the police departments for Fremont, Newark and Pleasanton will begin carrying Narcan once they have completed training, said Karl Sporer, medical director of Alamada County emergency medical services.
Doses of Narcan have been allocated to local organizations that already distribute the drug, including HIV Education and Prevention Project of Alameda County (HEPPAC), a nonprofit that operates syringe-exchange programs; Health Care for the Homeless; and detention health services providers that work with people leaving jails and treatment centers who are at risk of overdosing or relapsing.
San Francisco will use the grant to expand overdose prevention efforts to try to reach more people who seek treatment through methadone programs.
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San Francisco has long been a pioneer in making naloxone accessible to drug users and family and friends who are most likely to witness an overdose and take action outside of a medical setting. In 2002, the city and the Harm Reduction Coalition began one of the nations earliest pilot programs to get naloxone to those most at risk of overdosing at supportive housing units, addiction recovery centers, jails and through syringe access programs. In San Francisco, the number of naloxone overdose reversals administered by members of the community has risen steadily each year, from about 62 in 2005 to 883 in 2016.
The California Department of Public Health and the Harm Reduction Coalition plan to train local law enforcement agencies and treatment centers over the next six months on how to recognize overdoses and administer naloxone, said a spokeswoman for the state public health agency.
Naloxone is not a cure-all for opioid abuse, experts said, and drug users also benefit from long-term therapies such as methadone, a pain relief drug taken under the supervision of a physician that eases the symptoms of withdrawal and blocks the feeling of euphoria triggered by addictive opioids.
Its just one more tool in our public health tool belt, said Jessica Osorio, interim director of Contra Costa County Health Departments HIV/AIDS and STD program. It fits in with treatment, syringe exchange and empowering family members and friends theyre the easiest people to be helping with harm reduction.
Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.
Email: cho@sfchronicle.com
Twitter: @Cat_Ho
WASHINGTON Two new senators Doug Jones, D-Ala., and Tina Smith, D-Minn. were sworn in Wednesday, in a history-laden ceremony attended by three current and former vice presidents.
Very humbling for me to be a part of it, Vice President Mike Pence said, after he presided over the swearing-in, in his role as president of the Senate.
Rare are the moments of bipartisan comity in the Senate, but Wednesdays ceremony offered one, however fleeting. It was the senators first day back at work after their holiday break a time of fresh start and tender mercies, as the Senate chaplain, Barry Black, said in his opening prayer at noon.
But in the swearing in of Smith and Jones, senators in both parties likely could see bright sides. For Republicans, Jones meant there would be no Sen. Roy Moore, an accused child molester whose election would have been hung around each of their necks. For Democrats, Smiths ascent ended a painful period when a popular but tarnished colleague, Al Franken, was dogged by charges of sexual improprieties that blemished the Democrats efforts to capitalize on a tide of misconduct and harassment accusations.
Moments after the prayer and after the Pledge of Allegiance, the new senators readied themselves to walk down the center aisle of the grand chamber, where Pence sat high on the dais. Former Vice President Joe Biden escorted Jones while former Vice President Walter Mondale and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., escorted Smith.
Both former vice presidents also served as senators. As they milled about after Pence administered the oath of office, the gregarious Biden greeted former colleagues with a hearty clap on the shoulder.
Hes a good guy, the former vice president told Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, referring to Jones.
In a sense, the #MeToo movement played a hand in the arrival of both Jones and Smith. Jones, 63, comes to Washington after a raucous special election in which his Republican opponent, Moore, was accused of assault and molestation of girls as young as 14.
Smith, 59, the former lieutenant governor of Minnesota, was appointed by that states governor to fill the seat left vacant by the departure of Franken, who resigned amid allegations he had forcibly kissed one woman and groped several others.
She becomes the 22nd woman in a chamber that remains heavily lopsided in favor of men. Nonetheless, there are more women senators now 17 Democrats and five Republicans than at any time in U.S. history. Smith has already said she will run in a special election this November to claim the seat in her own right.
Sheryl Gay Stolberg is a New York Times writer.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions urged the nations federal prosecutors Thursday to override state marijuana laws and file criminal charges in those, such as California, that have legalized sale and use of the drug.
Federal laws banning the cultivation, distribution and possession of marijuana reflect Congress determination that marijuana is a dangerous drug and that marijuana activity is a serious crime, Sessions said in a memo to U.S. attorneys. He said he was withdrawing an Obama administration policy that was intended to defer to state cannabis laws.
But its far from clear that his action will have much of an impact on the nations steadily expanding marijuana industry or its millions of users.
Since 2014, Congress has attached amendments to the Justice Department budget forbidding interference with laws in states that allow medical marijuana, a list that began with California in 1996 and has grown to 29 states and the District of Columbia, with a combined 60 percent of the U.S. population. A federal appeals court has ruled that the amendments prohibit prosecution or other government legal action against medical marijuana suppliers who follow state laws.
Congressional supporters want to expand that protection to cover nonmedical sale and use of marijuana by adults, now legal in eight states, including California, along with Washington, D.C. They plan to add that proposal to a spending bill that is needed by Jan. 19 to keep the government operating, and said Sessions may have unintentionally helped their cause.
The (Sessions) memo will mobilize us, mobilize the people around the country who support legalization, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, a Costa Mesa (Orange County) Republican who has sponsored the budget amendments, said in a conference call by the House Cannabis Caucus. He said the federal government must respect all of the decisions of the states when it comes to cannabis.
We want to let Jeff Sessions know he cannot undercut, undermine the will of the American people, said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, another caucus member.
Rohrabacher wasnt the only Republican taking on Sessions. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said Sessions announcement was disruptive to state regulatory regimes. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado, which like Alaska and California has legalized adult recreational use of marijuana, said he was prepared to hold up the confirmation of Justice Department nominees if Sessions pursued his policy.
And Colorados U.S. attorney, Bob Troyer, who was appointed to his office by Sessions in November, said Thursday that the attorney generals directive would not change his policy to prosecute only marijuana operations that create the greatest safety threats to our communities.
Lori Ajax, chief of Californias Bureau of Cannabis Control, which oversees the states regulation of the marijuana industry, said California was conferring with other states to respond to Sessions action.
We expect the federal government to respect the rights of states and the votes of millions of people across America and if they wont, Congress should act, she said in a statement.
Sessions is a longtime crusader against marijuana, a drug he has likened to heroin. In his memo to prosecutors, he said they should file charges in marijuana cases based on the seriousness of the crime, the deterrent effect of criminal prosecution, and the cumulative impact of particular crimes in the community appearing to leave the door open to charging individual users as well as suppliers.
President Trump, who in other contexts has advocated states rights, provided a degree of support for his attorney general through spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The president believes in enforcing federal law, Sanders said at Thursdays press briefing. She said Sessions directive simply gives prosecutors the tools to take on large-scale distributors and enforce federal law. She did not elaborate.
But Henry Wykowski, a San Francisco attorney who represents leaders in the marijuana industry, said Sessions action would encourage lawlessness.
If they close down regulated access to cannabis, all they are doing is opening it up to the cartels and the black market, he said.
Hezekiah Allen, executive director of the California Growers Association, an advocacy group for marijuana producers, sellers and customers, said a crackdown would prompt businesses to focus on medical marijuana and move some recreational pot sales underground.
The memo that Sessions withdrew, issued in 2013 by James Cole, a deputy attorney general in President Barack Obamas Justice Department, advised federal prosecutors to let states enforce their own marijuana laws.
U.S. attorneys in California paid little heed, continuing a campaign they had begun in 2012 to shut down medical marijuana dispensaries by suing their landlords. They had closed down several hundred before Congress intervened with budget restrictions that halted the lawsuits one of them targeting Harborside Health Center in Oakland, the nations largest licensed cannabis dispensary as well as most federal criminal prosecutions.
Marijuana advocates said the Obama administration policy hadnt had a long-lasting effect on use or regulation of the drug, and the Trump administration probably wont either.
Marijuana has been under a prohibition regime entirely in the time that the industry has expanded to where it is today, said Aaron Smith, executive director of the National Cannabis Industry Association, representing more than 1,500 marijuana-related businesses. The biggest growth phase was during the (George W.) Bush administration, when we were facing SWAT team raids, and prosecutions on a nearly weekly basis in California.
Arcview Group, an Oakland investment and market research firm that studies the cannabis industry, forecast an $11 billion U.S. market for legal marijuana this year just over 60 percent for medical use, the rest for recreational use and said it would continue to expand.
Wykowski said the fear of prosecution could make investors more concerned about putting money into the industry. But Arcviews leader, Troy Dayton, said the industry was resilient.
No matter what the (Trump) administration does, states will continue to hand out licenses to a long line of businesses clamoring for them, Dayton said. The likely impact of (Sessions action) is that it will inspire advocates and businesses and state governments like California to provide more protection for legal cannabis businesses.
San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Joe Garofoli contributed to this report.
Bob Egelko and Peter Fimrite are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email:
begelko@sfchronicle.com, pfimrite@sfchronicle.com
Twitter: @egelko, @pfimrite
In 2017, new Bay Area restaurants skewed largely casual and market-friendly, with a few ambitious ventures sprinkled throughout the year China Live, International Smoke and that $13 million restaurant and cafe atop the Oakland Zoo.
That pattern may continue in 2018.
Similar to how China Live on Broadway was arguably the past years most notable opening, 2018s early contender for headliner may be another food emporium of epic proportions. The project called Manufactory Food Hall will open mid-year at San Francisco International Airport, near boarding area A in the International Terminal. Filling the 3,200-square-foot space will be airport versions of critically acclaimed restaurants Kin Khao, Cala and Tartine Manufactory.
In the vein of large-scale efforts, San Mateos Wursthall (310 Baldwin Ave.) is speeding toward its opening. Guiding the 10,000-square-foot beer hall is J. Kenji Lopez-Alt, author of The Food Lab, who plans to bring his methodical, scientific food approach to the restaurant world. Based on early details, sausages are the backbone of the food menu and Lopez-Alt seems excited about the technical aspects of it all.
Michelin-starred Saison joins the cadre of food folks with big dreams in 2018. Chef Joshua Skenes and wine director Mark Bright are opening Angler, a raw bar and grill with a menu based around fire-focused cooking in the waterfront Chaya space (132 the Embarcadero).
Speaking of Michelin-starred moves, Michael and Lindsay Tusk of Quince recently applied for a liquor license at 528-550 Washington Street, an address with a lengthy history in the food world, having been the former home of Chiaroscuro, Tartare and Elisabeth Daniel. Details are scarce, but the Tusks acknowledged theres a project coming down the pike and have said it will be an interesting departure from their current offerings.
Mourad Lahlous seminal Moroccan restaurant Aziza (5800 Geary Blvd.) might be gone for good in San Francisco, but its spirit may live on in the chefs upcoming project, Amara, slated to open early this year in the former Aziza space. The restaurant will be a Moroccan-Mexican spot, which Lahlou has said will serve as an evolution of Aziza. Lahlous close friend and longtime chef de cuisine Louis Maldonado will lead the kitchen.
Another notable space seeing new life this year is the onetime SoMa home of AQ (1085 Mission St.). There, industry veteran Chris Bleidorn who has worked in the kitchens of Saison, Benu and Atelier Crenn, is opening Birdsong, a fine-dining venture with a 12-course tasting menu influenced by the Pacific Northwest; an a la carte menu also will be available.
At some point this year, Divisadero may welcome its long-awaited rustic Italian project from chef David Nayfield and Matt Brewer, to be named Che Fico.
While Che Fico (838 Divisadero) comes together, downstairs in the same space theres also Theorita, a counter-style, pie-focused restaurant from lauded pastry chef Angela Pinkerton taking shape.
In East Bay restaurant news, Oaklands own Marshawn Lynch is eyeing the restaurant world. Lynch recently took over Emeryvilles familiar soul food establishment, Scends (3627 San Pablo Ave.), with plans to turn it into his own concept. There are few details out about what he has planned, but what we know at this point is the space will be called Rob Bens, referencing his childhood friend Robert Benjamin, who was shot and killed in Oakland in 2007.
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Not far from Scends is the well-known Oakland Jamaican spot, Kingston 11. The restaurant is expanding, in a sense. Chef-owner Nigel Jones is partnering with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Patterson to open Kaya this month in San Francisco; Kaya will be a Caribbean restaurant that will replace Pattersons Alta in San Francisco (1420 Market St.).
The years upcoming openings make for a 2018 steeped in familiarity as a volatile marketplace continues to dictate the size and scope of new projects. But its also possible that two years removed from a 2016 that saw a fair amount of high-profile restaurants fold in short order, the more casual pace could be the new normal.
Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Thursday called on Congress to deliver a bipartisan deal protecting younger undocumented immigrants from deportation, but he maintained his demand for a border wall and cuts to legal immigration that Democrats have opposed.
"I think it can be bipartisan," Trump said at the White House ahead of a meeting with Republican senators on immigration. "I hope it can be bipartisan. It can take care of a lot of problems; it would be really nice to do it in a bipartisan way."
Lawmakers are facing a March 5 deadline to pass legislation to help "dreamers," immigrants brought to the country illegally as children, after Trump announced in September he would terminate an Obama-era program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that has provided two-year work permits to hundreds of thousands of them. Nearly 700,000 DACA recipients are enrolled in the program; after March 5, nearly 1,000 per day will lose their work permits unless Congress acts.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump would play host to a bipartisan group of Congress members next week to continue the negotiations. That gathering comes as a Jan. 19 deadline looms to enact a new spending bill to keep the government open. Democrats are pushing to complete a deal on DACA by then and add it to the spending legislation - an effort that, if it fails, could force a government shutdown.
"This must be done now," Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said Thursday. He told reporters later that Democrats are continuing to push for "an agreement to enshrine DACA protections alongside additional border security" in the next spending agreement.
Republicans are resisting attempts to tie the two issues together.
"Our deadline is not two weeks from now. Our deadline wasn't Christmas. Our deadline is by the first week of March," said Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who attended the meeting with Trump on Friday.
While Lankford and others would prefer to take a slower approach, other Republicans including Sen. Jeff Flake, Ariz., as well as dozens of moderate Republicans in the House insisted that the issue must be resolved quickly.
To earn his support for the GOP's tax reform plan, Flake said he was assured by Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., that a bill addressing the fate of DACA recipients would be given an up-or-down vote this month.
"The promise we have is for a bill on the floor by the end of January," Flake told reporters. He called ongoing meetings among Republicans "counterproductive" because any resolution to the issue "has to be a bipartisan bill."
Trump said that Democratic support on a DACA fix "would be terrific." But he emphasized that "any legislation on DACA must secure our border with a wall. It must give our immigration officers the resources they need to stop illegal immigration."
He also reiterated previous calls to end a diversity visa lottery that provides 50,000 green cards a year to immigrants from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. "The lottery system has to be laughed at by people outside our country," Trump said.
After the meeting at the White House, Lankford and Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said in a joint statement that the lawmakers and Trump are "on the same page" when it comes to striking a deal that would bolster border security and resolve the years-long fight over how to protect young immigrants from deportation.
Immigrant rights groups, including those representing DACA recipients, have called for a "clean" DACA bill that is not attached to the spending bill and does not contain other border security provisions.
Congressional Democrats have signaled they are open to some security measures, but they have steadfastly refused to support Trump's border wall, saying such a barrier is costly and unnecessary at a time when illegal crossings at the Mexican border are at records lows. Some moderate Republicans are also wary of supporting a wall.
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In comments to reporters, Lankford, Tillis and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who all attended the meeting, tried to redefine Trump's campaign commitment to build a border wall along the roughly 2,100-mile stretch between the United States and Mexico.
"People want to paint his definition - people want to paint that it's some 2,000-mile long, 30-foot high wall of concrete. That's not what he means and that's not what he's tried to say but I think that's what people are portraying it as," Lankford told reporters. "The issue has always been there's going to be border fencing in some areas, there's going to be vehicular barricades, there's going to be technology, there's going to be greater manpower in some areas."
Cornyn and Tillis said they expect any agreement to include language authorizing a years-long project to fortify the border with funding for the new security measures to be doled out in future appropriations bills.
Ultimately, the plan would result in "probably a net increase of 600 miles of wall," Tillis said. "That will be varying barriers based on where you are along the border, but that's the long-term view."
Left unclear Thursday is how the GOP-controlled House might respond to an emerging bipartisan immigration deal crafted by senators. A bipartisan immigration reform plan passed the Senate in 2013 only to be shelved by the more conservative House amid growing political pressure to reject the idea.
Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, who is helping negotiate a potential immigration agreement in the House, warned Thursday in an interview with CBSN that any agreement coupling a solution to the fate of dreamers with changes in border security "needs to be narrow, because when you start adding on this other stuff, you start building coalitions of opposition."
"We need to solve this problem quickly and if we solve it this month, that'd be great," Hurd said.
One of the most pressing questions ahead of the 2018 elections is whether the states will be able to guard their voting infrastructure from computer hackers, foreign espionage and other security breaches.
Unfortunately, many states may not have enough time to get the assistance they need.
State officials and some congressional lawmakers are deeply concerned about long wait times for the Department of Homeland Securitys most thorough security screening. Some states are reporting estimated wait times of up to nine months.
The service is an intensive, multiweek probe of the entire system required to run an election. If some of the states that have requested it wont be able to get it until just weeks before this Novembers elections, they wont be able to fix flaws that could allow cybervandals to hijack everything from election offices computer systems to voter registration databases.
The office of Californias secretary of state, Alex Padilla, says it has received security assistance from the Department of Homeland Security and isnt affected by the nine-month wait.
Thats something (the wait) that has to be improved heading into 2018, said Sam Mahood, Padillas press secretary.
Adding that Padilla had been frustrated in the past by the failure of DHS to share information about the 2016 elections cybersecurity problems, Mahood said that California has been working on securing its own systems.
We continue to conduct regular security assessments, following industrywide best practices, Mahood said. And because Congress has failed to pass funding for new voting systems, weve asked the Legislature to pass a bond for new voting systems in our counties.
Should that bill, AB668, pass the state Senate, it will ask voters on the June ballot to approve $450 million in bonds to modernize Californias voting technology and equipment.
Of course, all of this would be unnecessary if Congress would pass long-overdue funding for the nations voting infrastructure. But federal dysfunction is a large part of the reason for this mess.
The Department of Homeland Security is still waiting for President Trump to appoint a full staff of cybersecurity leaders to its bureau in order to properly allocate the bureaus technical resources in response to the needs of the states.
The department is also still waiting for Congress to pass a bill specifically addressing election security in the wake of the 2016 election hacking.
Part of that missing bill needs to be congressional funding for the extra DHS personnel who could reduce the states wait times for security assistance. Another part of it should be funding for new voting technology.
As the Department of Homeland Security itself has recognized, the voting process is a critical part of the countrys safety infrastructure. Its a mystery as to why the rest of Washington doesnt agree.
This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters.
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Its deadline time for 800,000 young people, most of them in California. Theyre the Dreamers, brought here as children by undocumented immigrant parents. Whether they stay or go is at a turning point.
Their status is both a human and political test for Washington. Sweeping deportations would stain the nation deeply, but would please President Trumps border-hawk base. Democrats are digging in to make protections of Dreamers more lasting as a condition of avoiding a budget shutdown of the federal government.
San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera on Wednesday pulled candidates papers for the race to succeed Ed Lee in June.
A veteran city politician, Herrera has held his current seat since 2002. Before he was elected city attorney he was president of the citys Police Commission.
Herrera is widely seen as a front-runner in the race against progressives Mark Leno and Jane Kim and moderate acting Mayor London Breed, who vaulted to the executive branch after Lees death on Dec. 12.
Although Herrera has vacillated between the progressive and moderate camps in the citys political sphere, hes recently tacked left, defending the citys regulations against Airbnb and other short-term rental companies, and challenging President Trumps order to block funding to sanctuary cities.
In December, Herrera joined city attorneys from Philadelphia and New York in a sweeping federal lawsuit against the Department of Defense. The cities accused the Defense Deparment, Army, Navy, Air Force and several high-ranking Pentagon officials of failing to notify the FBI about convictions and dishonorable discharges that would bar members of the military from purchasing firearms.
Herrera describes himself as a classic liberal. He said Wednesday that he is seriously considering a run, but keeping all options open. He would have to return the filing to the citys Department of Elections by Tuesday to become an official candidate.
Rachel Swan
2 1 of 2 Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Amy Osborne/Special To The Chronicle Show More Show Less
Different look: Supporters of San Francisco acting Mayor London Breed, who will likely run to fill the rest of Ed Lees term in the June election, have brought identity politics to the foreground of a tightly contested race.
Breed would be the first African American woman to hold the job, which her allies say is noteworthy in an era of heightened discourse around sexual harassment and resistance to the policies of President Trump.
But there could be a lot of firsts, depending on who wins the June 5 election. Veteran San Francisco Democrat Mark Leno would be the first openly gay mayor. Supervisor Jane Kim would be the first Asian American woman to take the seat. Should City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who entered the race Wednesday, win he would be the first Latino to lead the city.
Putting any of those people in office would be very significant to the communities they represent, said former Supervisor David Campos, chairman of the San Francisco Democratic Party.
We have to find a respectful way of talking about this and recognizing the importance of each group without undermining the others, said Campos, who is gay and came to the United States as an undocumented teenager from Guatemala. He has not endorsed a candidate in the race.
The range of potential firsts has become a topic of discussion in City Hall, where some of Breeds opponents grumbled privately when her campaign began using the first African American woman mayor phrase as a talking point.
The push to appoint a new interim mayor to serve until June began almost immediately, with two of Breeds progressive colleagues Supervisors Hillary Ronen and Aaron Peskin arguing that Breed, a moderate, should not serve simultaneously as a supervisor and acting mayor.
Over the past week, a group called the San Francisco Progressive Alliance has snowed the 11 supervisors, and their aids, with emails urging the board to install a caretaker mayor who wouldnt be a candidate in June.
The effort to block Breed offended BART board director Lateefah Simon, who is a friend of Kims but who stresses the historical magnitude of having an African American woman in the citys highest office.
My understanding is that London (Breed) was voted into the (board) presidency, meaning her colleagues understood that if something were to happen to our mayor, she would step into this role, Simon wrote in a recent email.
So why the switch up right now? Simon demanded. Power is one hell of a drug.
Rachel Swan
Email: cityinsider@
sfchronicle.com, rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfcityinsider @rachelswan
On top of Moon Mountain, at the Gilfillan Vineyard, Scott Knippelmeir kneels to the ground, pulls off the outer layers of a grape vines loose wood, and cuts into its trunk. Hes checking for signs of life. If the trunk is green, thats good: The vine is still alive. If its dry and coffee-brown, that means the vine is dead.
Sounds simple enough, except that there are nearly 12,000 individual grape vines at this 6.5-acre vineyard, and each one appears to have suffered a different fate in Octobers Nuns Fire. The destruction just seems so random, says Knippelmeir, Gilfillans vineyard manager.
Indeed, on this late December afternoon, Gilfillan, which is owned by Lambert Bridge Winery, looks simultaneously normal and macabre. Green grass has sprouted between vineyard rows, and the plants have shed their leaves, now bare and ready for winters hibernation. But next to healthy-looking vines are pockets of charred chaparral, blackened manzanitas, collapsed sheds. Melted irrigation hoses droop misshapenly toward the ground, as if in a Salvador Dali painting.
Three months after the fires, Knippelmeir and Lambert Bridge winemaker Jennifer Higgins are still trying to assess the damage to Gilfillan and today, they are also trying to form a plan to rehabilitate the burned vines.
It took a week after the Nuns Fire had passed through Moon Mountain before surrounding roads were re-opened; Higgins and Knippelmeir rushed up as soon as they were allowed. (All of the vineyards fruit was harvested before the fires.)
Michael Short/Special to The Chronicle
We were expecting the worst, Higgins says. As they approached, all they could see was burned vegetation.
As soon as we saw that, we knew we were in trouble, Knippelmeir says.
But it turned out that Gilfillan was largely spared: Only about four percent of the vines died, Higgins estimates.
When we first got in here, we were going through the rows, Higgins says. We were looking at the vines green, green, green, then brown saying, Is there a reason for this?
Adjacent vines here look completely different: In some cases, a vines rootstock is dead, but the canes at its top still have moist green tissue. Singed leaves dont necessarily mean a singed plant. One wooden shed at Gilfillan burned; nearby, another stands intact. The most flammable spot in the entire vineyard where a gas grill and propane tank stand underneath a huge pine tree is, miraculously, unmarred.
What saved Gilfillan? The cover crop had been mowed, for one thing, so there wasnt much brush between the vine rows to catch fire. There werent weeds growing around the base of each plant. The posts bookending the trellises are metal, not wood.
Ultimately, though, no one has a good answer for why one vine burned and another didnt. The aftermath of the North Bay Fires has exposed how little we understand about the nexus of fire and vines.
No one knows whats the real threshold for heat damage, says Rhonda Smith, the Sonoma County-based viticulture farm adviser for the University of California, who has come to Gilfillan to consult on its rehabilitation.
Much of the conventional wisdom about how fires interact with vines that vines cant burn, because of their high water content, for instance didnt turn out to be true for every vineyard, she says.
In 99 percent of cases, vines were fire breaks, says Smith. But if there was dry vegetation, if there was wood mulch on the ground, if the soil was especially dry if, if, if then they werent.
Michael Short/Special to The Chronicle
Now Higgins and Knippelmeir have some decisions to make. Which vines are not salvageable, and have to be replanted entirely? That full replant is the worst-case scenario. Its expensive, potentially costing hundreds of dollars per plant more, if the underground risers that support the irrigation system need to be replaced and it could be five more years before a vine is producing fruit.
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Are there some cases in which the plant looks dead, but the rootstock could be alive? If so, they could leave the rootstock in the ground and simply re-graft in the spring. And wed get fruit from that vine again in 2021, Higgins says.
If only the canes are dead, Knippelmeir says, the problem could be fixed with simple pruning by cutting off the canes and leaving only spurs. That way, youd lose one year of fruit production.
Or the big question: do you treat the vine normally and just hope for the best? Higgins says. Wondering how its going to wake up thats the hardest part.
Fortunately, Lambert Bridge has insurance on Gilfillan not only crop insurance, which is commonplace and reimburses a grower for the value of its fruit, but also insurance on the vineyard infrastructure itself. That should help with replanting costs.
The damage could have been much worse. Even so, this is farming, Higgins says. You plan for good years and bad years.
And while some might find the randomness of the fires destruction frustrating, Rhonda Smith finds it astounding. This is an amazing plant, she says, pointing at a charred vine. It could be injured on one side and fine on the other side, and still do exactly what you need it to do.
Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicles wine, beer and spirits writer. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram: @esthermob
If Thursday morning's 4.4 or 4.5 magnitude quake centered Berkeley seems familiar, it should be.
Just about 10 years ago, a similar sized quake hit in a similar area, at a similar time.
This is the original story filed in 2007 after the last moderate quake hit Berkeley.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
2007-07-20 11:47:00 PDT OAKLAND -- The 4.2 magnitude earthquake that rattled the Bay Area early today broke a few windows, swept merchandise off shelves and photos off walls and temporarily cut power to thousands of people in Oakland, but it caused no major damage or injuries, officials said.
Some grocery stores and other businesses in Oakland and Berkeley reported minor damage this morning and workers were busy putting fallen items back on the shelves.
At the Safeway on Shattuck Avenue and Rose Street in North Berkeley, employees had to delay opening while they cleaned up and replaced two panes of glass that broke during the quake.
At UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall library, there was also damage to some 19th century Swiss law books, which had their bindings ripped off when they fell alongside a few hundred other books on the sixth floor. The Louisiana state law section took a big hit as well.
And Dream Fluff Donuts in the city's Elmwood District had a large, oval shaped piece of glass fall out of their display window, but remained open for business.
"It was all pretty minor," said U.S. Geological Survey spokeswoman Leslie Gordon. "It didn't interrupt doughnut production."
Alex Sieu, who has owned the shop for 20 years, said the quake seemed worse than the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, which registered a 6.9 magnitude. He was standing near the front of the popular bakery when the window broke, he said.
"I thought somebody threw a cinderblock," he said, adding that he does not have earthquake insurance and will have to pay out-of-pocket to replace the pane. "You know it won't be cheap."
Sieu did have to trash more than 100 donuts that had been sitting in the display case and were covered in glass. But customers were there all morning, purchasing the newly baked pastries.
Electricity failed for about 4,600 people in Oakland after the 4:42 a.m. temblor hit, said Pacific Gas and Electric Co. spokesman David Eisenhauer. Only two customers remained without power at 10 a.m. - including the KTVU television studio in Jack London Square.
The outages were caused when an underground switch was damaged by the initial jolt, he said.
"The jolt shook the switch and caused it to fail. That set off a chain of events in our protective equipments -- fuses and circuit breakers that shut off to protect the rest of the system," he said, adding that the switch needs to be replaced, so the television station will remain without power for a while and will have to continue running on a generator. "The switch was in their backyard."
Gordon said the quake was centered about 2 miles northeast of downtown Oakland on the Hayward fault. The actual epicenter was in the Oakland Hills near Joaquin Miller Park and the Mormon Temple, according to an online topographic mapping service that works with the USGS. The area is called Butters Canyon.
The quake awakened Carol Bernau, who lives in Butters Canyon.
"My husband and I were jolted awake. It was almost like somebody was trying to move the bed," she said.
Still, USGS's Gordon said, "We consider that a light earthquake. It's not unusual. I know it was felt fairly widely, as far north as Sonoma. There was weak to light shaking in most areas."
Dale Risden and his partner also were awakened by the quake. The couple live on Crane Way, just off Joaquin Miller Road and only steps from the quake's epicenter.
They checked their house carefully to see if there was any damage and found none.
"It felt like it was right under me," said Risden. "I normally don't get startled by an earthquake but that one startled me. It just really shook me. It woke us out of our sleep."
Three-year-old Maddy Cometa, who lives in Montclair, also was sleeping soundly when the rattler hit.
"Something woke me up -- my mirror shook," said Maddy as she and her tired father, Tom, walked to Starbucks this morning.
Cometa said it was the worst quake he could recall in his 15 years in the Bay Area, adding that it knocked down pictures and knickknacks in their Oakland home.
Karen Toloui said several bricks fell from the chimney of her Scenic Avenue home in Berkeley, and her neighbor's fireplace now just 2 inches from the wall.
"It seemed stronger than a 4.2," she said.
Other Oakland residents reported less than five seconds of shaking, but said the initial jolt was strong.
"Anytime the earth moves beneath you it's a little unsettling, no matter who you are," said USGS seismologist Rufus Catchings, who felt the temblor. "This is the biggest (quake) we've had in a while."
Catchings noted that the Loma Prieta earthquake lasted a whopping 15 seconds. He said it would be normal for residents to feel this morning's rattler for a few seconds, but that it wasn't strong enough to last much longer.
He did not know the exact duration of the quake.
"This was a strike-slip mechanism," he said. "These give very strong, if you're nearby, initial jolts from the (primary) wave and then rattling for a couple seconds from the (secondary) wave."
It's possible that the temblor was a foreshock that could be followed by stronger seismic events, said Catchings.
"To be very honest, we can't tell, but we do look at that kind of thing, and it's not unheard of for something like this to be followed by something larger," he said.
Several business owners in the Montclair District, about 2 miles from the epicenter, arrived at work today to find their merchandise in shambles.
The Toyhouse Montclair Store had a few inches of toys strewn across its aisles, including the casualties of a stuffed yellow duck and a tricycle that fell from the top shelf. A.G. Ferrari Foods nearby lost several bottles of wine to the quake as well.
The shelves at Sullivan's Montclair Pharmacy were emptied of their shampoo and sunscreen bottles, and drugs littered the floor behind the counter. Owner Joe Sullivan assured customers, however, that his boxes of Harry Potter books -- which go on sale at midnight -- were untouched.
"Harry survived," he said.
Sullivan is convinced that the Hayward Fault runs through his store, and pointed to a crack down the middle of the property as proof. The floor on one side of the crack is about a half-inch below the other side.
Sullivan said he learned of the rattler when his adult son, Ryan, woke up and yelled "earthquake." He ran in and told him it was a bad dream and to go back to sleep.
"At this point, yes, (I believe him)," Joe Sullivan said.
Gordon said about 5,500 people registered this morning to access a map on the USGS Web site, which allows the public to report where the earthquake was felt and how strongly. The map shows weak to light shaking in the East Bay and North Bay, as well as San Francisco and the northern area of the Peninsula.
"They didn't feel it in San Jose. ... Most areas reported weak to light shaking and those closest epicenter reported moderate shaking," she said.
Gordon said the quake was not unusual, but she and Catchings warned that Bay Area residents need to prepare for the "big one."
"I want to tell people that it was both figuratively and literally a wake-up call this morning," she said. "Just be ready -- this is totally normal."
Risden, the resident who lives near the epicenter, said the quake will prompt him to prepare.
"Keeping things from falling on you is key," added Catchings. "Something much bigger could happen, and people should take this as a lesson to prepare, figure out what your plan is going to be, make sure you have stuff to survive the really big one."
Oakland City Councilwoman Jean Quan, who represents the district that includes most of the Oakland Hills and straddles the Hayward Fault, said she had just been researching the damage from the recent Japan earthquake to see if the city could offer any gestures of aid or friendship.
"I was thinking about earthquakes when I went to bed and then a quake woke me up," Quan said.
This summer, she successfully sponsored legislation that encourages homeowners to retrofit their dwellings.
The measure lowered the price of a retrofitting permit to a flat $250 -- a fee that formerly could cost more than $1,000. Her legislation also allows home buyers to get a rebate of up to $5,000 on their city transfer tax if they retrofit their homes. Also starting next year, some homeowners can get grants for retrofitting. Only 15 percent of Oakland homes have been retrofitted, Quan said.
"I've been thinking about and planning of earthquakes for a very long time," Quan said. "We know an earthquake is coming."
Jacom Stephens/Getty Images
A pedestrian was killed in San Jose when he was struck twice by passing cars early Thursday morning, police said.
The 64-year-old man was crossing Brokaw Road near First Street around 5:30 a.m. when he was clipped by the passenger side mirror of a 2003 Toyota Corolla and knocked to the ground. Police said the victim was crossing in a dark area outside of a designated crosswalk.
Ron Chapple/Getty Image
A big rig truck overturned on the connector ramp between westbound Interstate 80 and eastbound Interstate 780 near Vallejo, blocking off traffic, the California Highway Patrol reported.
The overturned truck was reported at 1:40 p.m. and was blocking the the connector ramp. No injuries were reported in the crash, the CHP said.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen became the first Cabinet-level official in the Trump administration to tour Northern Californias wildfire devastation, saying Wednesday that the White House would fully back recovery efforts.
Nielsens visit to Santa Rosa didnt come with any new financial commitments, but it marked a show of support for California as the state muscles for a share of billions of dollars in federal aid being earmarked for states and U.S. territories devastated by hurricanes and other disasters in 2017.
Nielsens department oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been working with state and local officials to find shelter for fire victims and clear remnants of the more than 8,000 buildings that burned last year. Nielsen said crews have so far removed debris weighing nearly as much as the Golden Gate Bridge.
The fires left many Californians with the daunting task of recovery, she said at a news conference in the fire-ravaged Coffey Park neighborhood. We will be here with arms locked with state and community officials.
Before the briefing, Nielsen toured the badly burned Fountaingrove neighborhood and met privately with a handful of local leaders.
It was very important for me to come here and see for myself what the needs are, she said.
A day earlier, Nielsen surveyed the burn zone of the Thomas Fire, which continues to smolder in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties after becoming the states largest wildfire ever at 282,000 acres. More than 1,000 buildings have burned.
The stop in Southern California coincided with the Trump administrations disaster declaration for the area, which frees up federal funds for reducing hazards related to the fire and guarantees reimbursement for at least some portion of the recovery.
The administration issued a similar declaration for Northern California last year after fires in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and other counties burned close to 250,000 acres, killed 44 people and destroyed more than 5,500 homes. State officials estimate that insured damage tops $9 billion.
Californias congressional Democrats have been critical of President Trump for not acting more quickly to ensure wildfire relief. An $81 billion disaster bill that would provide housing and recovery aid to California as well as hurricane-wracked Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands was approved by the House last month but has stalled in the Senate.
Senate leaders have not been able to agree on how to fund the legislation, which would lift last years disaster spending to a staggering $133 billion. The Senate is expected to revisit the bill this month.
Nielsen said her agency has been in constant communication with Gov. Jerry Brown about funding issues. The director of the Governors Office of Emergency Services, who toured Santa Rosa with Nielsen on Wednesday, said he was pleased that the secretary was engaged with Californias recovery.
This effort has really been a one-team, one-fight effort, said Mark Ghilarducci.
Kurtis Alexander is a Chronicle Staff Writer. Email kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
Before Alex Jones, there was John Trochmann. With an impressive white beard that softened his hawkish face, Trochmann ran a group in the 1990s that encouraged people to form militias to resist what he promised was an imminent attack from the New World Order. Mostly, though, he spent his time spreading conspiracies through a mail-order catalog from his home in Montana.
Trochmann claimed that the government controlled the weather through a secret radar installation in the Arctic, that the feds had orchestrated the Oklahoma City bombing and that FEMA had built concentration camps to hold conservative gun owners. (The conservatives would be rounded up by members of the Bloods and Crips, who would swoop down in black helicopters because ... well, why not?)
David Neiwert, the author of several previous books on the radical right, first met Trochmann in November 1994. He was not unlikable, but his personality had a brittle quality that made him seem volatile, so I chose not to push him too hard that day with questions, Neiwert writes in Alt-America: The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump. Over sandwiches at a local diner, Trochmann noted that CNN was reporting that Hurricane Gordon had just hit Florida. The government was behind Gordon, naturally.
Welcome to the world of the paranoid, racist, conspiratorial and unhinged. Welcome, too, to the world of Neiwert, an investigative journalist who has immersed himself in the study of right-wing extremism for more than two decades. Its not an enviable occupation, but the result deserves careful attention, providing a crash course on the far right, from the patriot movement of the 1990s to the alt-right surge that was behind the ugliness in Charlottesville, Va. If you think our country was relatively healthy until Donald Trump took office, this book is for you.
Lesson one: In the world of the conspiracist, there is no consequence for getting it wrong, no need to apologize. In the run up to Y2K remember that? the radio show host Alex Jones warned that the U.S. military was heading into his hometown of Austin, Texas, to imprison locals in the airport.
Were seeing the New World Order really come out in full force, he told his listeners. More wars than have been in the past 50 years are going on right now. Nothing happened on Y2K in Austin, of course, or elsewhere. But that didnt stop Jones, who would go on to claim that 9/11 was orchestrated by the government and call the Sandy Hook school shooting a hoax.
Trochmann was a crank with a mail-order catalog; Jones is a crank with a national platform. In Alt-America, Neiwert tracks the spread of this rot from the margins to the center. Your reputations amazing, Trump told Jones in 2015. I will not let you down.
Neiwerts book is well-paced brisk but not rushed, comprehensive but not encyclopedic. He covers the twists and turns of the various movements, which tend to gain speed and then implode under the weight of their inept or criminal leadership. The anti-immigrant surge in the mid-2000s led armed citizens, who called themselves Minutemen, to mass at the U.S.-Mexico border to search for invaders. They were media darlings for a minute, though caught only sunburns. Today, one of the Minutemen leaders is serving 20 years for molesting his daughter; another was convicted of murder and has been sentenced to death in Arizona.
The Minutemen effort echoed an earlier campaign by the Ku Klux Klan. In 1977, David Duke and a handful of others organized a Klan Border Watch in California. It, too, quickly fell apart, but the effort highlights the racism that has been a central feature sometimes unspoken, always present among the extreme right.
One of the inspirations for the Tea Party, Ron Paul, was often characterized as an eccentric old man with some goofy ideas. He was instead a far-right extremist, as was revealed after old issues of his newsletter filled with vile race-baiting, anti-Semitism, and Patriot-style conspiracy theories, writes Neiwert surfaced. Rather quietly and under the radar, Paul managed to unite nearly the entire radical right behind himself, more than any presidential candidate since George Wallace in 1968. ... Even though Pauls candidacy received no institutional support from within the GOP, it reflected not just a resurgence of right-wing populism but a dramatic weaving of extremist beliefs into the national conversation. This should sound familiar.
Into this environment came the prospect of a black president. Suddenly a vast ocean of dubious information was available to all, and it quickly filled with anonymous and phony smears, a floating island of garbage, writes Neiwert. Obama was called a Muslim, a terrorist and a foreigner; he faced so many death threats that he was assigned Secret Service protection at an earlier stage than any other candidate in history. The day after the election, Stormfront, a neo-Nazi website, gained 2,000 new members. They would have gained more, but traffic crashed the site.
The final third of the book covers the emergence of Trump on the political stage. If youve been paying attention during the past two years, this material will be more familiar: the rise in hate crimes, the claim of fake news when unfavorable news is broken, the scapegoating of Mexicans, the neo-Nazis marching in the streets. But after reading Alt-America, youll see these developments in a new light not as a dramatic detour into the wilderness, but as the widening of a path that was plowed decades ago.
Gabriel Thompson is the author of Americas Social Arsonist: Fred Ross and Grassroots Organizing in the Twentieth Century and Working in the Shadows: A Year of Doing the Jobs (Most) Americans Wont Do. Email: books@sfchronicle.com
Alt-America
The Rise of the Radical Right in the Age of Trump
By David Neiwert
(Verso; 456 pages; $29.95)
A department store is closing. Again.
In the latest round of closures, the Novato Macys Furniture Store and the Macys in the Stonestown Galleria will shut their doors. Sears will shutter stores in San Jose and San Rafael, the company told employees. The department store chains announced the closures Thursday. The stores will close in March and April.
Like many department stores across the country, Macys and Sears have been struggling in the era of Amazon. But there are still people like 62-year-old Dennis La Chapelle who refuse to shop online, and instead prefer the simplicity of walking into a store and coming out with what they need.
If I need something, Ill come and get it, La Chapelle said, as he browsed the Stonestown Macys for a new topcoat . I hate to see it go. ... M y wife and I have shopped here for years.
In 2016, Macys announced a multiyear plan to close 100 stores; at least 68 shuttered in 2017. In addition to the Bay Area stores that are closing, Macys said Thursday that nine other stores will shut their doors this year, in California, Florida, Idaho, Vermont, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. Sears Holdings is closing 100 additional Sears and Kmart stores nationwide.
The Stonestown closure has been a long time coming. Last January, the department store chain sold its building to General Growth Properties, the owner of the rest of the Stonestown complex. In July, the owner filed a plan with the city to replace the Macys with a mix of smaller retail stores, restaurants and a multiplex movie theater.
On Thursday morning, few people browsed the aisles of the sprawling Stonestown Macys thumbing through racks of clothes or stopping to look at watches or try on shoes. While the closure will impact the stores regulars, District 7 Supervisor Norman Yee said he supports turning the space into something more people will use.
If people still desired going to Macys, then they wouldve gone there. ... The fact that they were losing their sales there, it probably was a good thing to get rid of, Yee said. Stonestown was able to quickly turn around and say, Well, what other areas do they need, and what would benefit the community around there?
As Amazon and other retailers make online shopping ever more seamless through different payment options and shorter delivery windows, department stores like Macys, Sears and J.C. Penney have announced sweeping store closures this year. At the same time, some online-only stores are opening up physical spaces.
Clothing brand Everlane, a company known for chic and simple clothing, recently opened up a physical store in New York, and has plans for another one in San Francisco. Eyewear company Warby Parker has also opened up several stores. Amazon, of course, shook up the grocery store industry this year with its monumental purchase of Whole Foods. And with the closure of many rival booksellers, Amazon now operates the fourth-largest chain of bookstores in the U.S., including locations in Walnut Creek and San Jose.
Analysts say this trend is more about stores wanting to create a brand experience for their customers, rather than push more sales.
Especially with apparel retailers, physical stores are a great means of introducing a shopper to the styles, quality and fit of their clothes, Doug Stephens, founder of the Retail Prophet, previously told T he Chronicle. From there, they can shop more confidently online.
As Macys focuses on improving its online services its Macys.com division is headquartered in San Francisco and highlighting exclusive offerings, the company reported Thursday that it experienced some growth over the holiday season, according to the Associated Press. But those gains are still not enough to save all of its current stores.
The closures are having major consequences for jobs a broad concern as the traditional retail industry bleeds across the board. The total impact of Macys closures is unclear at this point, but last year, an estimated 3,900 employees lost jobs as a result of stores shutting down.
In a statement, Macys spokeswoman Monica Gubrud wrote that store associates had been told of the decision and the retailer will move regular non-seasonal employees to nearby locations or offer them severance.
Were all pretty flipped, said one longtime Macys employee, who declined to give her name because she was not authorized to speak to the media. This employee said she has built her life around working at the Stonestown store.
It is what it is, the employee said. Lets face it, no one wants to come in here. Everyone just shops online now.
Trisha Thadani and Sophie Haigney are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com, sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani, @SophieHaigney
President Trump boasted Tuesday evening that he had a nuclear button that is much bigger and more powerful than North Koreas, again prompting fears that an errant tweet could lead to a nuclear conflict. (It is worth noting that there is no nuclear button.)
The remark led to an immediate debate over whether Trump had broken Twitters rules and whether the service should bar him from posting.
A company spokeswoman said in an interview Wednesday that the tweet had not violated its terms of service.
The services policy says that only specific threats of violence or wishing for serious physical harm, death, or disease to an individual or group of people constitute violations.
Is there any situation that would cause Twitter to suspend or ban Trump? In theory, yes. The San Francisco company has insisted that there are no exceptions to its rules and that all individuals using the service must adhere to them, or risk disciplinary action or permanent suspension.
But the company refuses to entertain hypothetical scenarios about suspending high-profile accounts, including that of Trump. It remains to be seen whether, in practice, the president could violate its rules in a way that would get him suspended.
Questioned about the president in a Wired interview last year, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said that all users would be held to the same standard. But he pointed out that Twitters policies made an exception for newsworthiness, a factor that must be considered in regard to any and all of the presidents tweets.
I think its really important that we maintain open channels to our leaders, whether we like what theyre saying or not, he said.
Has a Trump tweet raised these questions in the past? Yes, including on Sept. 23, when another threat toward North Korea led to a similar outcry.
Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N., Trump tweeted. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they wont be around much longer!
Twitter declined to take the tweet down.
We hold all accounts to the same rules, and consider a number of factors when assessing whether Tweets violate our rules. Among the considerations is newsworthiness and whether a Tweet is of public interest, the company said. This has long been internal policy and well soon update our public-facing rules to reflect it. We need to do better on this, and will.
Does Twitter treat the president differently from other users? Twitter bans what it calls abusive behavior, or behavior that harasses, intimidates or uses fear to silence another users voice. For example, writer Milo Yiannopoulos was barred in 2016 amid coordinated harassment of comedian Leslie Jones.
But there are caveats, including that passage, in the rules about tweets that are deemed in the legitimate public interest.
That language suggests that in some, if not many cases, a user whose tweets fit that definition like the president would have more leeway than others when engaging in abusive behavior.
Twitter acknowledges that decisions about policing newsworthy accounts can be difficult.
But its spokeswoman pointed out that the company had taken recent action against other accounts that fit the definition. This week the service temporarily suspended former Milwaukee sheriff David Clarke Jr., who was reported by other users for violating Twitters terms of service.
Jonah Engel Bromwich and Johanna Barr are New York Times writers.
An Antioch man convicted in the 2013 killings of two store clerks at a South of Market jewelry shop and the attempted murder of the store owner over a price dispute was sentenced to 266 years in prison on Wednesday, the San Francisco district attorney said.
A judge sentenced 27-year-old Barry White Jr. to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole in addition to a third life sentence with the possibility of parole.
The fact that this man took two lives and attempted to take others over a piece of jewelry demonstrates a disturbing disregard for human life, District Attorney George Gascon said. No sentence can undo the damage this man did to the victims families, but San Franciscans are safer with this man behind bars for the rest of his life.
A jury in July found White guilty on 16 charges, including murder and attempted murder, stemming from a deadly 2013 altercation inside the San Francisco Gift Center and Jewelry Mart on Brannan Street.
According to court records, White cut the throats of both 51-year-old Lina Lim and 35-year-old Khin Min. He also shot Lim and Vic Hung, the shops owner, with a revolver. Only Hung survived the attack.
The killings were prompted by a dispute over the price of a gold chain White ordered from Hungs shop, Victoga, in May 2013. White ordered the piece for $5,573.43 and received it in June, but he was dissatisfied with the necklace.
White said the necklace was lighter than he expected and made an appointment to discuss the sale with Hung. Hung initially offered White a $700 refund, but White asked for $1,000 repeatedly and declined Hungs offer, telling the shopkeeper, I will make you pay.
The killings occurred when White returned to the store on July 12, 2013, according to court records. After waiting for other customers to leave the store, White again asked for $1,000, which Hung refused. White then pulled out a gun and shot Hung before killing Lim and Min.
White then left the store and reloaded his gun, firing at responding officers before ducking into a nearby taqueria. He surrendered when he ran out of ammunition.
Police found an assault weapon in the back seat of Whites car after he was apprehended. White was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the killings, the district attorney said.
Annie Ma is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ama@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @anniema15
The man shot and killed by a BART Police officer has been identified by police as a 28-year-old Oakland man.
Oakland police provided additional details on a Wednesday evening officer-involved shooting across from the West Oakland BART Station, confirming that an on-duty BART police officer was responding to a shooting in the area when he later fired at and killed Shaleem Tindle.
Tindles relatives mourned his death on social media, including Karim Mayfield, a boxer who has fought across the country and won the WBO NABO super lightweight title in 2011.
My Heart Is broken, I lost my little brother Shaleem last night. Please don't ask me I'm I ok, becoase (sic) I'm obviously not, he posted to Facebook.
The BART officer was inside the station when he heard shots about 4:40 p.m., according to the Oakland Police Department.
The officer found two men in a struggle with each other at Seventh and Chester streets. One man was armed with a handgun, police said.
After several commands were given, the officer discharged his firearm striking the man who was in possession of the handgun, the department said. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities said a gun was found at the scene.
Witness accounts of the incident were similar. One witness told The Chronicle that two men were arguing before shots rang out. Another said she saw one man shoot the other in the leg, which led a BART police officer to run across the street from the station and shoot him.
Police are investigating how the second man was injured. The BART officers body camera recorded the incident.
A nearly 10-minute video of the aftermath of the incident posted to Facebook shows no clear perimeter established at the scene as one man lies on the ground handcuffed and held by a police officer and another man lies motionless.
Before officers begin life-saving measures, one woman rushes over to the body, tries to perform CPR and is shooed away. Officers begin CPR about two minutes into the video.
The identity of the BART officer has not been released.
The Oakland Police Departments homicide section is investigating the initial shooting and subsequent officer-involved shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call the Oakland Police Department Homicide Section at (510) 238-3821.
Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
The Writers Guild of America on Thursday, Feb. 4, announced its nominations for its 2018 awards with most of the predicted usual suspects receiving nods.
Those nominated for original screenplay are The Big Sick, Get Out, I, Tonya, Lady Bird and The Shape of Water. Those competing for the adapted screenplay honor are Call Me by Your Name, The Disaster Artist, Logan, Mollys Game and Mudbound. The documentary entries are Betting on Zero, Jane, No Stone Unturned and Oklahoma City.
The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan has warned Syrian refugees in Armenia about a scam promising them travel documents to the United States.
The warning, appearing on the embassys Facebook page reads:
The U.S. Embassy Yerevan wishes to alert Syrian refugees in Armenia of an ongoing attempted immigration fraud. Several Syrian families seeking to relocate to the United States from Armenia have fallen victim to a scam which consists of an individual promising relocation and refugee travel document services from U.S. Embassy Yerevan in return for a fee paid to this U.S.-based individual.
The embassy notes that it does not process any refugee travel documents.
The perpetrators of this fraud may provide official-looking documentation, but it is fraudulent. We urge anyone interested in relocating to the United States to be vigilant for such immigration scams, the warning says.
The embassy encourages potential fraud victims to approach UNHCR. In addition, report any suspected fraud cases to the U.S. Embassy at [email protected] For additional information and counseling on refugee protection or documentation in Armenian, contact UNHCR Armenia. UNHCR has drop in hours every Monday and Thursday, from 3-5pm at 14 Petros Adamyan Street, Yerevan. For more information contact UNHCR via phone: 37410 56 47 71 or email: [email protected]
For more information on proper immigration processes to the U.S., please use the following resources:
U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service Website:https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-asylum/asylum
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
U.S. Refugee Admissions Program:https://www.state.gov/j/prm/ra/admissions/
U.S. Embassy Yerevan Website:https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
BOSTON A massive winter storm roared into the East Coast on Thursday, dumping as much as 17 inches of snow in some areas and unleashing hurricane-force winds and historic flooding that closed schools and offices and halted transportation from the Carolinas to Maine.
Forecasters expected the storm to be followed immediately by a blast of face-stinging cold that could break records in more than two dozen cities and bring wind chills as low as minus 40 degrees this weekend.
Blizzard warnings and states of emergency were in wide effect, and wind gusts hit more than 70 mph in places. In parts of New England, snow fell as fast as 3 inches per hour.
Four people were killed in North and South Carolina after their vehicles ran off snow-covered roads, authorities said. Another fatality was reported near Philadelphia when a car could not stop at the bottom of a steep, snow-covered hill and slammed into a commuter train. A passenger in the vehicle was killed. No one on the train was hurt.
More than 100,000 homes and businesses lost power at some point Thursday. Though many outages were restored by the days end, officials from the mid-Atlantic to New England warned that those numbers might climb again as strong wind gusts and frigid temperatures continue through Saturday.
In New England, the powerful winds brought coastal flooding that reached historic levels in areas. The frigid waters overwhelmed fishing piers, streets and restaurants, and stranded people in homes and cars, prompting dozens of evacuations and rescues.
In Portland, Maine, the high tide nearly matched the 14.17-feet reported during the infamous Blizzard of 1978 that walloped the Northeast.
In Boston, icy harbor waters poured into downtown streets near popular tourist and business areas. The National Weather Service said the waters reached within a few tenths of an inch of record levels and local officials across coastal Massachusetts braced for further tidal surges.
Mayor Marty Walsh said some of the areas hadnt seen flooding in 30 years.
If anyone wants to question global warming, just see where the flood zones are, the Democrat remarked.
The flight-tracking site FlightAware reported more than 5,000 canceled flights across the United States. Those included more than two-thirds of flights in and out of New York City and Boston airports.
Rail service was affected, too. Amtrak operated a modified schedule between New York and Boston. Northeast Regional Service between Washington, D.C., and Newport News/Norfolk, Virginia, was canceled.
In Florida, it was so cold iguanas fell from their tree perches in suburban Miami. The reptiles became immobile when temperatures dipped below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius).
Philip Marcelo and Dave Collins are Associated Press writers.
A two-room Chinese space station called Tiangong-1, which the country lost contact with in 2016, is headed for a fiery plunge back to Earth. It might even land in San Francisco, as current projections suggest. Northern California is in the region of "higher probability" for debris landing.
But don't worry just yet.
Scientists aren't sure where the space station will land after it make its "uncontrolled reentry" back to Earth around March. But Earthlings can rest a bit easier knowing there is only a small chance 1 in 10,000 odds that whatever debris does make it through the atmosphere will crash into a populated area.
It's even less likely that it will strike a human.
"The probability that a specific person (i.e., you) will be struck by Tiangong-1 debris is about one million times smaller than the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot," reads a report from the Aerospace Corporation, a California nonprofit and federally-funded research organization. "In the history of spaceflight, no known person has ever been harmed by reentering space debris. Only one person has ever been recorded as being hit by a piece of space debris and, fortunately, she was not injured."
More for you News Video captures 3-car crash as California drivers...
There is, however, some cause for concern. Tiangong-1 is "potentially" carrying an unknown amount of hydrazine, a chemical used in propellant. Hydrazine is "highly toxic and corrosive," according to Aerospace, and could potentially make it through the reentry process.
There's no way to know how much hydrazine is on board, but the group advises that in the event Tiangong-1 crashes into land and not in a body of water, people should stay away from the debris.
"For your safety, do not touch any debris you may find on the ground nor inhale vapors it may emit," Aerospace writes.
Ultimately, debris from the space station could actually prove useful for research purposes. As Business Insider points out, NASA discovered a working flight computer after the Columbia space shuttle crashed in 2003, which helped identify what went wrong.
Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.
SACRAMENTO State Sen. Tony Mendoza, a Los Angeles County Democrat facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, said Wednesday that he will take a one-month leave of absence from the Senate.
Mendozas departure comes despite the senators attempts to fight back against efforts by his fellow Democrats to push him out. Last month, state Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon asked Mendoza his colleague and ex-roommate to take a leave of absence as investigators probed allegations that Mendoza sexually harassed several women. Mendoza was previously stripped of his committee chairmanship following the allegations.
In a statement from the Senate floor, Mendoza made it clear that he plans to return Feb. 1 or sooner if the investigation concludes before then. Mendozas pay will continue during his leave.
They really want me to give the opportunity for this investigation to move forward, and I understand that, Mendoza said. They feel its better if I just step back a little bit. To accommodate that and to take away any type of appearance of impropriety or any type of appearance of giving special influence, I have decided I will take a leave of absence during this month of January.
The Legislature returned from recess Wednesday to begin the 2018 legislative session, but discussion of how to handle the Mendoza allegations dominated the day. Democrats met in a private caucus for four hours, mostly discussing Mendoza. His absence comes after two Assemblymen resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse.
The Senate said it opened an investigation into allegations against Mendoza in October. That investigation is now being handled by an outside firm. Mendoza is accused by three women of sexual misconduct. He denies any wrongdoing.
In one case, Mendoza is accused of inappropriately and repeatedly inviting a 23-year-old Cal State Sacramento fellow to his home when she went to him looking for a permanent job. He is accused of also suggesting the same woman stay in his hotel during a fundraiser.
A second employee alleged that in 2008, when she was a 19-year-old intern in Mendozas office, he singled her out by flying her to San Jose for the state Democratic convention and asked her to have a drink at a minibar in his hotel suite, where he booked her an adjoining room. The woman, Jennifer Kwart, said Mendozas behavior made her so uncomfortable that she made up a reason to fly home.
A third woman accused Mendoza of sexual harassment that she said occurred when she worked as a legislative aide.
Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
Nearly all U.S. waters, including the long-protected California coast, would be opened to new offshore oil- and gas-drilling rigs under a sweeping proposal that the Trump administration unveiled Thursday.
Administration officials said the plan to vastly increase the number of drilling leases offered in the Pacific and other oceans would boost the nations energy independence. But the proposal was met with widespread concern from California and other coastal states that the economic benefits would not justify the risk of an environmentally disastrous oil spill.
No oil or gas lease has been issued for the California coast since 1984, and both Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the state have generally supported limiting drilling operations to the few dozen rigs that have long operated in Southern California.
But the administrations new proposal calls for overturning the moratorium on additional Pacific exploration and auctioning off six new drilling leases in California waters two apiece off the northern, central and southern parts of the state as well as one off either Oregon or Washington. The leases would be in federal waters, running from about 3 miles to 200 miles offshore.
The plan, which must undergo months of public review before it becomes policy, did not detail specific sites for drilling but could open up several spots that oil companies have long coveted, including waters off La Jolla in San Diego County, Malibu near Los Angeles and Cambria in San Luis Obispo County, industry experts say.
Farther north, much of the ocean in U.S. waters lies within national marine sanctuaries, which are protected from oil and gas exploration. However, the Trump administration is reviewing marine sanctuaries that have been added within the past decade for possible downsizing, including the 2015 expansion of Californias Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Should administration officials choose to roll back this sanctuary, areas off Sonoma County and Mendocino County could be opened to drilling as well.
This goes way too far, said Richard Charter, a Bodega Bay resident and senior fellow of the marine conservation group Ocean Foundation. Ive never seen anything like this in the last 40 years.
California officeholders were also quick to criticize the plan. Gov. Jerry Brown as well as Democratic Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris called it short-sighted and not in the interest of West Coast residents, including the tourism and fishing sectors. State Attorney General Xavier Becerra said he would look into legal options to halt new oil operations.
The days of drilling for oil are numbered, Feinstein said in an email. We have clean energy alternatives that can grow our economy faster without jeopardizing our coastal economies and natural resources.
Beyond California, several governors, including those in Oregon and Washington as well as Florida Republican Rick Scott, were also critical. Scott, a supporter of the president, said he had asked to meet with Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who released the proposal Thursday, to explain the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration.
At a news conference in Washington, D.C., Zinke said he would listen to states concerns. But he added, This is a start at looking at energy dominance and looking at our offshore assets.
The proposal is the latest to fulfill President Trumps commitment to reduce regulations on businesses and support new energy production. It stems from an executive order signed by Trump in April that directed the Interior Department to rewrite former President Barack Obamas five-year offshore drilling plan.
The order also called for reconsideration of safety rules put in place after BPs Deepwater Horizon oil-rig disaster killed 11 people and spilled millions of gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. In response, the administration last month proposed loosening the standards.
The plan released Thursday calls for selling 47 new oil and gas leases between 2019 and 2024 in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans as well as in the Gulf of Mexico the most that have ever been proposed in a five-year program. The effort replaces the Obama administrations plan to offer 11 new leases through 2022, 10 in the Gulf of Mexico and one off the coast of Alaska.
Under the proposal, parts of the East Coast that have been off-limits to oil drilling for decades would be opened up, including Maine and Florida waters, as well as the Arctics Beaufort and Chukchi seas.
Nobody is better at producing clean, responsible energy than the United States, Zinke said. He added, As far as the economy goes, clean and reliable and affordable energy is whats driving the economy.
The oil industry applauded the new plan while committing to make sure environmental concerns would be addressed if new drilling begins.
This announcement could help California increase our domestic energy production, said Catherine Reheis-Boyd, president of the Western States Petroleum Association, an industry group. Currently, we import over 1 million barrels of oil in supertankers from overseas locations each and every day, a practice that she noted poses ecological hazards of its own.
Even if the administration moves forward with the drilling plan, however, several hurdles remain for oil companies seeking new business on the West Coast. For one, oil prices remain low and wont likely cover the cost of adding new rigs, at least at the present time.
Also, several California policies make it difficult for new drills to start operating. The State Lands Commission, which oversees the state-governed waters within 3 miles of the coast, has resolved to pursue regulations blocking any new drilling efforts. For example, the agency could seek to prohibit new pipelines that carry oil from federal waters to shore. In addition, several cities and counties have laws barring construction of new oil infrastructure.
There are a lot of avenues available for the public and the state to fight this proposal, said Linda Krop, chief counsel for the Environmental Defense Center in Santa Barbara, where memories of the states largest oil spill in 1969 remain fresh. After more than 30 years without any new offshore oil and gas leases, this is an irresponsible move that we adamantly oppose and will face head on.
Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander
OAKLAND (BCN)
A man has been charged with murder for allegedly killing his wife by shooting her at least three times at their home in East Oakland on New Year's Day, prosecutors said.
Enrique Sandoval, 44, was charged and arraigned on Wednesday for the death of Francisca Martinez Ramirez, 38, who was shot inside their home in the 5400 block of Crittenden Street at about 7:30 a.m. Monday.
Oakland police Officer Timothy Watermulder wrote in a probable cause statement that Sandoval, who is also known as Anastacio Sandoval Marin, called his brother after the shooting and told him he had just shot his wife.
Watermulder wrote that when he arrived at the residence, Sandoval was attempting to leave the scene carrying firearms and ammunition that matched the bullet casings found inside the home.
Watermulder wrote that when he investigated the residence, he determined that Sandoval had shot his wife "at least three times."
Martinez Ramirez succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers found two pounds of suspected cocaine on Sandoval when they arrested him but the Alameda County District Attorney's Office elected not to file any illegal drug charges against him, Watermulder wrote.
Sandoval, who is being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, is scheduled to return to court today to be assigned an attorney and possibly enter a plea.
January 3, 2018
President Trump, in his tweet about Pakistan, called a spade a spade. Since 9/11, Pakistan has consistently played a double game, providing just enough sporadic assistance in capturing members of Al Qaeda and logistical support for our forces to give an impression of helpfulness, while at the same time harboring, training, and assisting violent extremist groups such as the Taliban and the Haqqani network that have killed thousands of American, Coalition, and Afghan soldiers and an even greater number of innocent Afghan civilians.
Islamabad's duplicitous policy has been the single most important factor preventing success in Afghanistan. Ending Pakistani support for terrorists and insurgents is essential if we hope to reduce the terrorist threat in and from the region, contain the pernicious violence and achieve the negotiated settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan that will finally bring relief to the people of that country and allow our troops to come home.
After the Coalition toppled the Taliban in late 2001, there was a key momenta golden hour when the United States could have achieved the conditions to win the War on Terror in the Afghanistan-Pakistan theater. President Bush declared that countries needed to choose whether they were with us or against us, which in the case of Pakistan meant that we required them to support Operation Enduring Freedom, which targeted Islamabads Taliban proteges, and cooperate in the hunt for Al Qaeda leaders.
But soon Pakistan concocted a complex strategy of cooperating on logistics and occasional help with hunting Al Qaeda leaders in exchange for massive U.S. aid, while simultaneously building out a clandestine program to reconstitute the Taliban. Yet, when evidence began to emerge that Pakistan was providing sanctuary and active support to the Taliban, the Bush administration did not follow through on its earlier "with us or against us" dictate but instead gave Islamabad what amounted to a pass.
The situation grew worse under President Obama. The administration enhanced U.S. diplomatic engagement and significantly increased the already generous economic and military assistance to Pakistan. The Pakistanis had indicated that, with enhanced military capability and economic inducements, they would move against the Afghan insurgents based on their territory. Thencontinuing their earlier patternthey took the aid but continued with sanctuary and support for the insurgents.
U.S. commanders developed a northern logistical route to reduce dependence on Pakistan for logistical access to landlocked Afghanistan, but the Obama administration did not confront Pakistan about its conduct. At the end of the day, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen openly stated that the Haqqani Group acted as a veritable arm of Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence agency, the ISI, which is the intelligence service that operates support programs to the Afghan insurgent groups. The network not only carries out deadly attacks but also holds Americans and others as hostages in Pakistan.
With welcome clarity, in his speech announcing a new strategy for Central and South Asia, President Trump said that:
And the administration provided a list of actions that Pakistan should take.
Trump Has Unveiled a Strong National Security Strategy
Pakistan has also sheltered the same organizations that try every single day to kill our people. We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting. But that will have to change, and that will change immediately. No partnership can survive a countrys harboring of militants and terrorists who target U.S. service members and officials. It is time for Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to civilization, order, and to peace.
Raiders cornerback Sean Smith was arraigned Wednesday on felony charges of assault and battery stemming from an incident last July 4 in Pasadena.
Smith was charged with assault by means of force to produce great bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury, according to the Los Angeles County Superior Court. He pleaded not guilty to both charges and is due back in court Feb. 13 for a pre-trial hearing.
Dave Reginek/Getty Images
Kenley Jansen, closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has closed on a new home base in Palos Verdes Estates, CA. The house with views of the sparkling ocean and city was scored last month for $6.5 million, the Los Angeles Times reports.
The 30-year-old pitcher snagged a deal on the Spanish-style estate with five bedrooms, 6.5 baths, and 6,900 square feet. The listing first came on the market in July for $7.2 million, according to the property records. The price was reduced to $6.9 million before changing hands for $6.5 million.
The ocean floor is likely sinking due to climate change, rendering sea level rise measurements over the last 20 years grossly inaccurate, Dutch scientists claim.
Researchers from the Delft University of Technology say the sea has risen four percent higher than previously estimated over the past two decades. They published their findings in the journal Geophysical Research Letters late last month.
The Delta SkyMiles program is known for being stingy, tricky to maximize and hard to understand since the airline doesnt publish award charts and uses variable, revenue-based pricing. Nevertheless, the it does offer some solid redemption optionsespecially in domestic markets where it competes with Alaska Airlines. It also offers some nice bargains on intra-Latin-America and intra-Asia flights.
Here are five Delta SkyMiles redemption sweet spots to consider:
1. Continental US to Alaska
Travel Tips with Chris McGinnis is sponsored by See More Collapse
SkyMiles can be a great deal on flights to Alaska depending on where youre flying from. Standard pricing on flights from anywhere in the Continental US to anywhere in Alaska starts at 25,000 miles round trip. If youre flying from a city where Delta competes with Alaska Airlines, it might be even less flights from California to Alaska start at just 19,000 miles. If youre starting from the Pacific Northwest, flights could be as little as 15,000 miles round trip. For comparison, American Airlines charges 30,000 miles round trip and United charges 35,000 miles round trip, even though both have significantly less service than Delta. Delta is a clear winner here.
2. Short-haul Domestic Flights
Deltas revenue-based award pricing algorithms offer some very compelling deals for economy flights within the US. Theres no transparency, but depending on the route, short-haul flights (for example, up and down the West Coast) can be available for as little as 10,000-15,000 miles round trip. Like flights to Alaska, youre particularly likely to find great deals on routes where Delta competes with its rival Alaska Airlines.
3. Intra-South America
Flights between countries in South America can be notoriously expensive, especially if you need a one way ticket for example, Santiago, Chile to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a random weekday next August costs over $500 one way, and Santiago to Sao Paulo, Brazil costs over $700! Delta miles can offer a better solution than even booking a round trip ticket their partners Aerolineas Argentinas and Gol Linhas Aereas tend to have excellent award availability, and a one-way flight is only 12,500 SkyMiles in economy (or 25,000 in business class) plus a nominal amount of taxes and fees (around $30 one-way for the cities mentioned).
4. Intra-Asia
Delta has a lot of partners in East Asia China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Xiamen Air and even operates a handful of its own flights between Tokyo and other major cities. This means that SkyMiles give you a lot of flexibility for flights within Asia, and some of the options available can actually be pretty solid. A one-way flight from Tokyo to Seoul only costs 7,500 SkyMiles in economy or 15,000 in business class, plus $26 in fees; longer trips like Tokyo to Bali will run you 22,500 in economy or 40,000 in business. These flights can be a great deal especially if youre able to snag a seat in business class on Garuda Indonesia.
5. US to Europe
Between Delta, Air France, Alitalia, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic, SkyMiles give you a good number of options for getting across the pond. Delta flights start at 60,000 miles roundtrip in economy; Air France, KLM, and Virgin Atlantic flights start at 75,000 miles roundtrip. Comfort Plus adds another 20,000 miles if you want slightly more legroom (yes, please!), and business class goes for 140,000. While these prices are slightly higher than most of the competition, availability tends to be pretty good and it still makes for a great use of SkyMiles. If you book a one way flight, try to book US>Europe because one-ways originating in Europe have extra fees.
No matter where you decide to go, the sweetest spot with SkyMiles is having a low balance Delta has a long history of raising prices with zero notice, so holding onto SkyMiles for a long time is almost guaranteed to make them lose value.
Where will your SkyMiles take you in 2018? Orwhat was the best SkyMiles redemption to took recently? Please leave your comments below.
Chris McGinnis is a travel blogger and editor of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis.
It's been a dry winter so far, and it seems many San Franciscans were hoping this week's weather would change that and steer us away from another season of drought.
Even though rain totals were dismal around the Bay Area 0.02 inches in Santa Rosa and Oakland, 0.03 in San Jose, and nothing even measurable in San Francisco by 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service San Franciscans were relentlessly optimistic on social media.
1 No arms: Norway said Wednesday it has suspended exports of munitions and arms to the United Arab Emirates as a precautionary line, based on its assessment of the situation in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition has been fighting Shiite rebels for the past three years. The UAE is part of the coalition. The coalition has made little progress amid a bloody stalemate, with the Iran-allied rebels known as the Houthis still in control of the capital, Sanaa, and much of the north. The fighting has killed more than 10,000 people, displaced 3 million and fueled a cholera epidemic in the Arab worlds poorest country. Line Hegna, of Norways chapter of the international aid group Save the Children, said the decision was important and the right thing to do.
2 Palestinian killed: A Palestinian hospital official says a teenage boy was killed in clashes with the Israeli army, which says troops fired at an armed protester. Fathi Abu Mughli, director of Istishari Hospital, said Musab Tamemi, 17, was shot in the neck. Residents of the village of Dir Nizam, near the West Bank city of Ramallah, said protesters were clashing with Israeli forces. Israels military said soldiers opened fire at a protester with a gun during clashes. It says it is reviewing the incident. There has been in spike in violence since President Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israels capital last month and said he would move the U.S. Embassy to the contested city. The move sparked outrage among the Palestinians and across the Muslim world.
New Zealand shares gained, led higher by Ryman Healthcare and Stride Property, as Plexure Group dropped following a price enquiry.
The S&P/NZX50 Index rose 18.59 points, or 0.2 percent, to 8,443.5. Within the index, 26 stocks rose, 19 fell and five were unchanged. Turnover was a light $89 million.
"The market has had a positive start to the year with good leads from offshore," said Greg Easton, adviser at Craigs Investment Partners. "There's quite a lot of optimism coming out of the US - the tax changes, the economy is growing, jobs news has been good."
Ryman Healthcare led the index higher, up 2.5 percent to $10.91. Stride Property rose 2.3 percent to $1.79, with Auckland International Airport gaining 1.7 percent to $6.69.
Synlait Milk was the worst performer, down 2.7 percent to $6.91, with Air New Zealand falling 1.6 percent to $3.16 and Sky Network Television dropping 1.4 percent to $2.80.
Outside the benchmark index, Tower gained 2.3 percent to 68 cents. A substantial product holder notice filed yesterday shows National Australia Bank ceased to be a substantial shareholder on Dec. 28, when it sold down half its stake in the general insurer, leaving it with 3.7 percent.
Plexure Group plunged 21 percent, or 5 cents, to 19 cents. The company today said it continues to comply with NZX disclosure rules after a price enquiry from the stockmarket operator. The NZX enquiry came after Plexure shares jumped 55 percent, or 8.6 cents, to 24 cents over the course of yesterday.
(BusinessDesk)
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Sify.com Movies Reviews Hollywood All The Money In The World
All The Money In The World review: Plummer, Michelle Williams steal the show
An ingeniously crafted, tension filled, kidnapping drama that won't disappoint you
Source: IANS By: IANS Critic's Rating: 3/5 Thursday 04 January 2018
Movie Title All The Money In The World review: Plummer, Michelle Williams steal the show Director Ridley Scott
Star Cast Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Mark Wahlberg, Romain Duris, Timothy Hutton, Charlie Plummer, Charlie Shotwell, Andrew Buchan, Marco Leonardi, Giuseppe Bonifati, Nicolas Vaporidis
In the backdrop of a kidnap drama, All The Money In The World is an interesting portrait of J. Paul Getty, "the richest man in the history of the world during his time".
Based on the 1995 book titled Painfully Rich: The Outrageous Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Heirs of J. Paul Getty by John Pearson, the film dramatises the 1973 abduction of John Paul Getty III, the grandson of J. Paul Getty.
Without much ado the opening scene, in black-and-white frames, plunges into the abduction of the boyish, long-haired young Getty, who is out on the streets of Rome sparring good-naturedly with some wanton ladies.
After the abduction, we are regularly reminded about the young boy's rich grandfather and at the same time are provided with insights into the old man's eccentricities and his relationships with others in the family and society. His miserly attitude -- and he has his reasons for every action of his -- sharply chisels his character making him interesting as well as despicable.
He famously states: "If you can count your money then you are not a billionaire." But after the boy's mother, Abigail Harris, who is estranged from her husband, gets the ransom call demanding $17 billion for his release, Getty Sr. refuses to pay. He cites that paying the ransom would risk the lives of his other 14 grandchildren too.
Instead he appoints Fletcher Chase, a former CIA agent and his chief of security to negotiate.
As the clock ticks, how the haplessly penniless mother and Chase negotiate not only with the kidnappers to reduce the ransom but with Getty, too, to pay the amount, forms the crux of the tale.
The Greatest Showman review: Remarkably rousing and entertaining | Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle review - Action packed and engaging
Taking a few liberties with the historical records, scriptwriter David Scarpa blends the narrative of the kidnapping thriller into a character-driven plot astutely. He keeps you glued to the screen throughout its two hours twenty minutes run-time. Every character is well-etched and the actors deliver efficiently.
While the kidnapping and the escape scenes are straightforward, the plot delves on the characters of Getty Sr and Abigail Harris and they are naturally the stars of the show. Christopher Plummer essays the role of Getty Sr. and Michelle Williams plays Abigail Harris. Slipping into the skin of their characters, they both enrapture you with their fascinating performances.
Mark Wahlberg does not leave an impression. As Getty's smooth-talking fixer Fletcher Chase he is serviceable. He underplays his role and probably that's why the others shine.
Charlie Plummer, as the kidnapped Paul, is perfunctorily amiable. You do feel sorry for him, when he can't understand as to why it is taking his family so long to get him released and especially after his ear is sliced and sent to the local daily's office. Romain Duris, as the Italian ruffian named Cinquanta, has his moments of onscreen glory.
On the production front, director Ridley Scott deploys a few borrowed flourishes to make this film look interesting. The black and white scenes remind you of Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita", and in the later scenes where the lonesome Getty in his ornate mansion is seen distressed, brings to mind Orson Welles' Citizen Kane.
The locations, the production designs by Arthur Max, the costumes by designer Janty Yates reflect the era perfectly and this is dexterously captured by Dariusz Wolski's cinematography. His frames along with Daniel Pemberton's fine score are seamlessly layered by editor Claire Simpson.
Overall, the film is an ingeniously crafted, tension filled, kidnapping drama that won't disappoint you.
All The Money In The World review: 4 stars
This comes after the District Collector and Educational Department filed reports on the issue. The Kozhikode based peace foundation is currently running more than 100 schools under the name 'Peace International.'
Kerala Chief Minister Pinrayai Vijayan has ordered the closure of Peace International School in Ernakulum after reports of objectionable and non-secular contents in the school syllabus.
It is yet to be known if the directive is applicable to the other schools operated under the foundation. CM Pinarayi has asked the students in the school located in Chakkaraparambu to other schools in the same region.
In a complaint filed, the school has been accused of encouraging Islamic extremist ideologies. The police have filed a complaint against the school principal, administration and management committee members. Kerala Police are also making attempts to bring the school Managing Director MM Akbar, who is currently living abroad.
A case against the Peace Foundation School was registered in October 2016 on charges of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, residence, language etc., and indulging in actions disruptive to maintenance of harmony.
A probe by the Education Department revealed that they were not following the NCERT, CBSE or SCERT textbooks.
The government has decided not to give a NOC or CBSE nod to the school after The Director of Public Instruction and the Education Secretary submitted reports on the findings.
According to intelligence agency sources, Abdul Rashid and Yasmin Ahammed, who are facing NIA probe for alleged links with the Islamic State, are known to have worked in the school.
The school teaches textbook compiled by Burooj Realization, an Islamic education institution based in Navi Mumbai. Three people who have read the book have been arrested. Although it is speculated that they might have connection with Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, the same is yet to be confirmed.
The words in the textbooks have been so intelligently phrased that one gets an idea about the Islamic orthodoxy they preach only if one reads at least 50 to 60 of their books back-to-back. For instance, one of the textbooks meant for II Standard asks how many students would be ready to submit themselves for Islam, The Hindu quotes the Kerala Police as saying.
STATEN ISLAND N.Y. -- With a winter storm currently "cyclone bombing" the borough, it's the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen with all the bread, milk and eggs you hoarded from the grocery store last night.
Now, if you ask Senior Opinion Writer Tom Wrobleski about the best use for the supplies folks so ravenously stock up on after a snowstorm warning, he'll say there's nothing better than french toast.
That's why we tasked Chef Mario Gentile of Mario's Italian restaurant in Dongan Hills with taking the suddenly in-demand ingredients and making a comfort food for the impending blizzard.
Watch the video above to see what culinary delight Chef Gentile whipped up to ride out the monster storm for the weekend.
Spoiler alert: It is delicious and easy to make.
Feel free to share your own winter "bread, milk and egg" recipes and photos in the comments section or on social media using the hashtag #SILive.
Stay warm! ... and after the snow settles down, check out Pamela Silvestri's latest picks featured in the slideshow below:
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A Brooklyn teen has been arrested in connection with the death of the Staten Island grandfather who died after a fight on a train platform Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.
Edward Cordero, 18, has been charged with manslaughter and assault following the incident, police said.
Cordero got into an altercation with Jacinto Suarez, 65, of Stapleton, at around 2:35 p.m. at the R train platform at the Jay Street station in Brooklyn, police said.
The altercation turned physical and the teen punched Suarez, causing him to fall to the track bed, police said.
EMS responded to the scene and transported Suarez to Brooklyn Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Cordero was arrested at the scene, police said.
Suarez did not come into contact with the third rail, or a train, a spokeswoman for the NYPD said.
The Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, she said.
"An 18-year-old male was walking on the platform talking to himself. At this time he approached a 65-year-old male," NYPD Transit Bureau Assistant Chief Vincent Coogan told reporters after the incident. "The male asked him to get away. At this point, the person did start to walk away, but turned around and punched the 65-year-old male."
Suarez was a father of 10 and a grandfather who had been heading home after arguing with officials about a late Social Security check, loved ones told the New York Post.
"He was a pain in the butt, but he was a sweetheart," his daughter, Tylenea Gonzalez, 34, told the Post. "His silliness, his smile, he was always dancing with the kids, cracking jokes."
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- At least they waited for the ball to drop.
Two New Jersey men allegedly attacked another man with beer bottles inside a lounge in Richmond Valley just 30 minutes into 2018.
Joseph Yobbi, 26, and Timothy Corbett, 25, got into a verbal dispute with a man they didn't know at the Ruby Falls location on Richmond Valley Road, authorities allege.
The dispute turned physical, and the two men struck the victim in his head with beer bottles, according to a criminal complaint.
The victim suffered pain, bruising, and a laceration to side of his head, according to the criminal complaint.
Police took Yobbi and Corbett into custody about an hour and a half later, according to arrest reports.
Yobbi's attorney, Thomas S. Mirigliano, said his client is actually a victim in the case, and that they were confident he would be cleared of all charges.
A request for comment left with an employee at the establishment was not returned at the time of publication.Corbett's attorney could not be reached for comment.
The two men are charged with two counts of assault, one count of harassment, and one count of criminal possession of a weapon.
Yobbi appeared in court Monday, and was released, according to court records. He is due back in court on Feb. 5.
Corbett appeared in court Tuesday, and was issued bail of $2,500 cash or $1,500 bond, which had not been posted as of Wednesday evening, according to court records. He is due back in court on Friday.
A metal shanty, like the one pictured above, was provided by NYC Shanty LLC to Empire Outlets, according to Ken Swan, an owner of NYC Shanty. (Courtesy of NYC Shanty)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A lawsuit has been filed against Empire Outlets for alleged non-payment of a more than $15,000 bill for a temporary office shanty at the construction site, according to court documents.
The Brooklyn-based NYC Shanty alleges it provided a metal, fire-proof "shanty," which cost $15,523.30, to Empire Outlets for which they haven't been paid, according to court documents filed with Richmond County Supreme Court.
NYC Shanty says it entered into an agreement on Aug. 25, 2017, with Empire Outlets for the make-shift office space.
On Sept. 18, Shanty LLC filed a mechanic's lien -- a security interest in the title of property supplied to a company -- with the Richmond County Clerk's office. Also named in the suit is the Fidelity & Deposit Company of Maryland.
"Empire Outlets rented from us. They did not pay their bill. We placed a mechanic's lien on the property and the insurance company bonded the lien. So it's typical to sue the insurance company [Fidelity & Deposit Company of Maryland] for the money for the bond, and also sue the owner, which is Empire Outlets," Ken Swan, an owner of NYC Shanty, told the Advance on Thursday.
"It's not asking too much. You go to work, you want to get paid," he added.
The compnany is also asking for fees to cover the attorney costs incurred by the lawsuit, according to court documents.
The Advance has previously reported that the Empire Outlets project has received $47 million in state subsidies. The cost of the project has been estimated at $304 million.
An Empire Outlets spokesman declined to comment on the lawsuit. And the Fidelity & Deposit Company of Maryland didn't return an Advance phone call for comment.
New York City's first outlet mall will boast of more than 100 designer outlet retailers, a 190-room hotel and a number of restaurants. Initially set to open on Black Friday 2017, the opening date of Empire Outlets was recently pushed to fall 2018.
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The Phoenix has risen from the ashes more than once in the pub's 25 years inside the iconic Sydney building in Canberra. It's survived fire, wild weather, even eviction.
But now the owners of the popular music venue warn it could be facing its final curtain.
Last drinks? Phoenix on East Row publican Netti Vonthethoff. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong
On Wednesday night, the Phoenix launched a last-ditch fundraising push to save the East Row bar, revealing details of a long-running battle with its property manager.
Phoenix publican Netti Vonthethoff believes the original venue has been virtually unusable since the East Row fire tore through the Sydney building in February 2014, but said its property manager, LJ Hooker's commercial branch in Canberra, had continued to charge the pub thousands in rent.
The grass roots social media campaign that persuaded the ACT government to reverse a ban on cars in Braddon over the main nights of Summernats had come as a pleasant surprise, event co-owner Andy Lopez says.
Mr Lopez, who was in Civic for Thursday's City Cruise, said the surge of community and business support for street legal cars to circulate in the centre of Canberra indicated people had taken the event to their hearts.
While not as big as last year's 30th anniversary Summernats, 2018's celebration of burning rubber, V8 engines and high octane fuel is expected to be the second largest ever.
Mr Lopez, who described the City Cruise as Summernat's opening ceremony, said between 25,000 and 30,000 people had been expected to watch the 300 cars taking part on Thursday.
"The city cruise represents what Summernats does for Canberra," he said. "It brings life, colour and movement. Summernats will bring about $25 million into the city in January. It also keeps young people in jobs over the summer which is fantastic."
A house in Canberra's north has been destroyed by fire after it was engulfed by flames in the early hours of Friday morning.
ACT Policing are investigating what they say was a suspicious blaze at the property.
Emergency services were called to the property on Antill Street in Watson just after 3am. Credit:karleen minney
Emergency services were called to the house on Antill Street in Watson just after 3am.
It took firefighters more than three hours to extinguish the flames.
The distinctive smell of burning tyres in Canberra on Thursday could mean only one thing: Summernats has arrived.
Thousands from across Australia flocked to EPIC for day one of the country's ultimate car festival.
Warren Gersekowski from Toowoomba competes in the Summernats burnout competition with his Holden ute 1TUFHG. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong
The highlight of day one was the wildcard last chance shoot out round of the burnouts competition.
Crowds roared as they watched drivers put on the ultimate show for the chance at a few coveted spots in the main draw.
My New Year resolution to attempt to always default to kindness came asunder very quickly, with a bank email informing me that my credit card details had been hacked.
I needed to get rid of the card, the bank said, and wait five business days until a new one could be dispensed.
Credit card fraud has a huge affect on trust. Credit:Illustration by Karl Hilzinger
While that move has helped this weeks family budget, it brings into focus the amount of trust we put in others, and how misplaced it has become.
My credit card details were compromised when I made an online purchase overseas, but the bank would not provide more information or be more specific.
NBN Cos business model has been slammed by major telecommunications providers, which say the government needs to reconsider whether the company should have to fully recoup its investment costs.
In public submissions made in response to an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission review of the communications sector, Optus, Telstra and other leading retail service providers said a review of NBN's costs and pricing was needed sooner rather than later.
The National Broadband Network's financial viability was a major point of contention in submissions made to the regulator.
The government requires the $49 billion NBN to recover the cost of its rollout around Australia, which directly affects the prices it charges telcos for access to its network, which they pass on to consumers.
The ACCC's draft report, released in October, included a proposed recommendation that the government consider whether the NBN should continue to be obliged to recover these costs.
In a remarkable development late last year, the world's biggest miner made the momentous declaration that it would quit the World Coal Association, citing "material differences" on climate and energy policy.
Following its months-long internal review, BHP also put the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) on notice, declaring that it would no longer tolerate the MCA running campaigns that sabotaged sensible climate change and energy policy.
There are some troubling omissions in the position adopted by BHP. Credit:Belinda Pratten
BHP declared that if the MCA continued to advocate on policies that departed from BHP's own commitment to climate policy that is, technology-neutral climate policy that seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions it too could expect to see BHP's departure.
Given the disproportionate influence of the mining industry lobby in Australian politics, this is an outcome to be welcomed. But the question remains: Why didn't BHP simply sack the Minerals Council?
One of the most limiting aspects of partisan political debate is it forces you to see things in black and white terms that aren't up to the task of conveying the mess of reality. This can be seen in the current debate about violent African gangs in Victoria, in which apparently contradictory claims are true.
It's true that community fears around gang violence exist. It's true that in many cases they are legitimate, based on real experiences of violent criminal behaviour as reported in the media. It's also true that the level of gang activity is being overstated.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has blasted the Victorian government over street crime. Credit:Fairfax media
Perhaps the most significant truth, though, is that real fears are being manipulated for political gain. What we are seeing is the most shameless opportunism dressed up as leadership.
I know this for a fact because more than a year ago I was in Canberra and found myself in a private conversation with a senior minister in the Turnbull government. He said, out of the blue, that he was concerned about African violence in Victoria. He said people were terrified and the Andrews government was failing to handle the problem.
Ken Inglis, one of Australia's most original and admired historians, died on December 1 at his home in Melbourne after a short illness. In a career of exceptional range and productivity, he wrote groundbreaking histories of health, religion, the media and Australian nationalism, and of the subject he made his own, the Anzac Legend.
Through his writings for the press, and his histories of the ABC, he strengthened Australia's public culture. He was, besides, a delightful man whose imagination, humanity and integrity inspired students, friends and fellow historians in Australia and beyond.
Ken Inglis, historian and author
Kenneth Stanley Inglis was born in Melbourne in 1929. When his father Stan, a timber merchant, nearly went bust in the Great Depression, the family moved from a fine brick house on the brow of the hill at Heidelberg to a rented State Bank house in Reservoir. There, the Inglises acquired their first radio receiver and Ken's lifelong devotion to the ABC began. The family was Presbyterian and Ken attended church and Sunday School, but memories of the "oppressive, moving, strange and unique atmosphere" of Anzac Day ceremonies at his primary school, North Preston State, stayed with him longer.
At Northcote High, English and history teacher John Forster encouraged him to believe that writing might be "something worth doing". His first article on Anzac Day, written as a 16-year-old, appeared in the Preston Post.
The frequency of severe coral bleaching events has increased fivefold in four decades because of climate change, a pace already exceeding the time needed for some species to recover, a new global study has found.
Of 100 reefs examined worldwide, just six have escaped severe bleaching since 1980.
Coral reefs are bleaching at shorter intervals around the world. Credit:AAP
The bleaching, which was initially restricted to years with El Nino events in the Pacific, can now occur in any year. It may become an annual event "in coming decades", according to the study, published in the journal Science on Friday.
"Before 1982-83 [a year with a strong El Nino], there was no bleaching on a regional or global scale," said Terry Hughes, director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University, and the paper's lead author.
Amid the soul-searching about Sudanese gangs and organised crime, many commentators and observers have been left scratching their heads about why it seems to so hard to deport criminal non-citizens.
A narrative has formed in which the courts and crafty lawyers regularly stymie the efforts of the federal government and police to rid the streets of thugs.
Three such cases have recently come to light. One involves a 25-year-old South Sudanese armed robber who came to Australia on a refugee visa - he had his deportation order put on hold by a Federal Court judge because his siblings might be negatively affected.
An apparent Apex gang leader, Isaac Gatkuoth, served 16 months in jail for a violent carjacking while high on ice and is now fighting his deportation order. In another example, a South Sudanese criminal was granted a reprieve because he wasn't given adequate notice of his visa cancellation.
Australia's race discrimination commissioner, Tim Soutphommasane, has weighed in on the debate over African street crime in Victoria, calling for calm and warning that "sowing fear and whipping hysteria" will divide suburbs.
A day after Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton claimed people were afraid to go out at night for fear of being targeted by violent youths, Dr Soutphommasane told Fairfax Media there had been "too much panic and not enough perspective".
"People are understandably concerned about youth crime. But it's important to cool down some of the commentary," Dr Soutphommasane said on Thursday.
"It is concerning that African communities are being blamed for a supposed gang crisis. Crime statistics in Victoria don't appear to support this assessment. Youth crime within certain communities is also complex. A lot of it reflects social and economic disadvantage. It shouldn't be reduced to race and ethnicity.
Two issues into his editorship and British Vogue chief Edward Enninful has already raised eyebrows over his third cover.
Promising to bring more diversity to the tome than his predecessor, Alexandra Shulman, Enninful, who is black, won praise for putting model and activist Adwoa Aboah on the cover of the December issue, his first in the editor's chair.
But preview photos of the February issue, which goes on sale on Friday, have led to comments on social media that the magazine had already dropped the ball on diversity.
Starring Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, the photo is accompanied by the coverline, "Hollywood's new era", and lists underneath the names of four other actresses Emma Stone, Gal Gadot, Saoirse Ronan and Hong Chau.
Not Hype.
Not a Hurricane.
Definitely historic!
From Florida to Maine.
We're all dealing with Winter Weather!
You can call it BombCyclone or Winter Storm Grayson but it will be remembered as one of the deepest winter storms we have been able to enjoy watching on satellite imagery that is this precise. Look at that eye! Mike from www.spaghettimodels.com likes calling it a WinterCane and I agree. Way better name than #BombCyclone...
Cold everywhere. Even Florida.
But the Carolinas are in a Deep Freeze.
Oddly it was colder here than Boston.
Feels like 10...
NYC beat us at sunrise by 1 degree.
Though wind chill here was crazy!
Such a photogenic storm!
I'm in a bit of a snow bubble here in Raleigh as it snowed just enough for me to feel I got snow! A nice heavy dusting in my area (means more than an inch) though snow totals are vastly different from one neighborhood to another. And down in Southern Pines that was not supposed to be slammed got slammed. OBX had winds up to 77 MPH (hurricane force) and Charleston looks like a winter wonderland! I'd be jealous, but it's not my style and it's still early in the winter so I'm expecting another winter event in the Carolinas as the trend continues. In Wilmington the kids are using surfboards to sled down the hill near the Cape Fear River.
In NYC my daughter who lives in Brooklyn took Uber to her job near where she lives and my son-in-law is out and about driving around Brooklyn somewhere. Looks like a heavy snow fall and to be honest no where looks as beautiful as Brooklyn does in a snow storm. The snow against the brownstones and the maze of winter bare branches across the streets make it look like a scene in a movie always! Out on the island the winds are blowing the snow in from a different direction than usual and it definitely looks like a WinterCane more than a snow storm. Sure looks like an eye to me ;)
Stay happy.
Rock Steady.
I love snow!
Besos BobbiStorm
@bobbistorm on Twitter
Ps... I can see palm trees swaying in the breeze anytime but can't see snow that often!
In the Carolinas we love seeing snow ... so yeah. I'm happy.
But it's a dangerous storm. A friend was driving from NY to Miami and they said they were find until they hit Georgia. Trucks were over turned, pulled over and traffic crawled for hours. They are in Florida now. But... to be safe... if you can...stay home and stay off the roads. Luckily I am home and enjoying the best Snow Day and having waffles and eggs for breakfast (my husband is cooking ...can you tell?) and then maybe I'll go out and take some pictures. The wind was crazy this morning in Raleigh so most of the snow flew off the trees looking much like it was snowing. Haha .. Fake Snow!
It's not made any easier by our politicians, either. Just recently, Tony Abbott expressed his disdain for the Australian republic movement: "We don't need to dump the Queen to be a great country," he tweeted on Sunday.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, right, wait for their car following the traditional Christmas Day church service, at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, England, Monday, Dec. 25, 2017. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Credit:Alastair Grant
But it's time to face it. The royals are bad. They're racist, they're outdated - and yet we do nothing about it. We tolerate - even love! - them despite every piece of evidence that suggests we should be more critical.
Don't get me wrong. I love Harry and Meghan as much as the next person. I teared up watching their engagement interview. I laughed when Prince George gave his first royal wave in Canada. I read articles on Kate Middleton's latest outfits with religious zeal.
Of course, Abbott isn't without opposition - as Turnbull showed on Monday, reaffirming his support for a republic referendum following the Queen's death. But statements such as these are merely empty gestures, relegated to the domain of future speculation (who knows how long it'll be before Elizabeth II is laid to rest?) without any concern for what's happening now.
The 96-year-old Prince Philip stepped down from his official royal duties this week. Credit:CP
Take, for example, the recent stir caused by Prince Phillip's unsavoury remarks on New Year's Eve.
The 'joke' in question asking "is that a terrorist?" in relation to a man with a significant amount of facial hair is the latest in a long string of racist comments. Before this, there was "do you still throw spears at each other?" aimed at an Indigenous elder in 2002. Before that, there was 1998's "you managed to not get eaten?" to a tourist in Papua New Guinea. Before that...you get the point.
And he's not the only one. Who can forget Princess Michael of Kent and the blackamoor brooch she wore to lunch with Meghan last December? Or that time in 2004 when she told black restaurant patrons to "go back to the colonies" before explaining later that she had only the best intentions - in fact, she was so non-racist that she had once even "pretended to be...a half-caste African."
For two Sydney girls, scoring a perfect mark in their final year 12 exams also means they are the top students in the world.
Ravenswood student Ashley Masters, and St Paul's Grammar School student, Sarah Bakker, join a very select group of students around the world who achieved the highest possible result - 45 out of 45 - in their International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) results, released in Australia on Thursday.
Redlands students Lori Zhou, 17, and Charlie Rogers, 18, both received 44 in the International Baccalaureate, or an equivalent ATAR of 99.85. Credit:Nick Moir
Ashley and Sarah's mark equates to an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 99.95 - the highest possible rank.
Sarah hopes to study law at Cambridge University and was in the United Kingdom last month for the highly competitive interviews, while Ashley is tossing up between medicine and medicinal chemistry at the University of NSW.
A boys' trip away to bring in New Years' Eve in far north Queensland has turned into a frantic search for answers after a NSW man vanished from the side of a main highway.
Queensland police have kicked off a land and air search just outside Charters Towers for Newcastle man Jayden Penno-Tompsett, 22, who has not been seen since he left friends in the early hours of Sunday.
Jayden Penno-Tompsett was captured on CCTV at a Charters Towers roadhouse. Credit:Qld Police
He was not reported missing to police until Wednesday.
Jayden had been planning the trip for months before a group of mates set out from Newcastle to travel the 2300km in time to celebrate New Years' Eve in Cairns.
From the outside, Katharina Grosse's monumental artwork looks like a paint-splattered drop sheet that tradesmen have left hanging from the roof of Carriageworks.
But stepping inside the German artist's The Horse Trotted Another Couple of Metres, Then it Stopped is to enter a psychedelic world that contrasts dramatically with the industrial architecture of the former Eveleigh Rail Yards.
Katharina Grosse's The Horse Trotted Another Couple of Metres, Then it Stopped features more than 8000 square metres of fabric draped in the foyer of Carriageworks. Credit:Louise Kennerley
Great swathes and swirls of colour adorn more than 8000 square metres of fabric that swells from the floor like waves to fill the cavernous foyer.
The work, with a title evocative if obscure, wrinkles on the floor in folds and clumps that change with the feet that trample across it.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will release a preliminary report into the fatal Hawkesbury River seaplane crash within 30 days, after an operation began to bring the plane's wreckage to the surface.
A salvage operation began at 6am on Thursday to retrieve the plane from under 13 metres of water at Jerusalem Bay, where it has been since it crashed at about 3.15pm on New Year's Eve.
Police divers secured slings under parts of the wreckage, which were then lifted with a crane and placed on a barge.
The plane's fuselage, one wing and its floats had been recovered on Thursday afternoon, with crews working to recover the rest.
Brisbane has been slugged with the most expensive unleaded petrol prices in more than three years.
The latest data released by the states peak motoring body revealed the average unleaded petrol price for December in Brisbane was 141.9 cents per litre (cpl), making Brisbane the most expensive capital city in Australia to fill up.
Brisbane recorded its highest average fuel price in more than three years in December 2017. Credit:Marina Neil
RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said Brisbanes petrol price was outrageous.
Not only was Brisbane the most expensive for fuel out of all Australias major capital cities, it had dearer fuel than 28 of the 33 regional Queensland towns and cities we monitor, she said.
A woman has faced court on the Gold Coast over the shooting murder of her partner.
Paanice Frauline Lawrence, 39, is alleged to have fatally shot her 46-year-old partner at her Southport home about 2am on Wednesday.
The house on Waverley Streetm Southport, that was the scene of Wednesday's alleged shooting. Credit:Ed Jackson/AAP
New Zealand-born Ms Lawrence faced Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with murder and unlawful possession of a weapon.
She showed no emotion during the brief appearance and was remanded in custody and her matter adjourned until January 12.
The faces of customers at Sydney's Bahista Cafe are scanned by an iPad as they approach the barista at the coffee machine.
Instantly the customer's name, favourite order and whether they are due for a loyalty reward flashes up on another iPad facing staff.
It's a high-tech facial recognition system that works using cafe owner Geoff Cropley's own technology, which he's dubbed NoahFace.
"I bought this cafe 3 years ago and from day one I wanted to remember my customers names as I thought it was a way to have a better relationship with them," Cropley says.
A blaze which tore through an abandoned house in Melbourne's north-west this morning has been deemed suspicious.
The vacant property on five acres of land in Highland Road, Keilor North caught alight about 6.30am on Friday morning.
Firefighters bringing the Highland Road blaze under control. Credit:Darrian Traynor
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade has deemed the fire suspicious.
Thirty MFB and CFA crews battled the blaze and brought it under control in 40 minutes.
Thousands of Melbourne tram trips are being abruptly cut short and commuters left stranded, as Yarra Trams tries to dodge tough penalties for delays, leaked internal data reveals.
Monthly performance tram data obtained by The Age reveals there were about 10,670 short shunts in November last year, an average of about 356 times a day.
Short-shunting is leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Credit:Pat Scala
This was up from about 7670 short shunts the year before, marking a 33 per cent decline in performance over the year.
A short shunt occurs when a tram is stopped before it has reached the end of the line and turned back. This enables the tram to collect passengers travelling in the opposite direction and return on time.
A 24-year-old man has faced court accused of a string of burglary offences after being subdued by a police dog that bit him on the arm.
Police said the Cloverdale man was arrested by Joondalup detectives investigating a number of alleged offences that occurred in Beldon in Perth's northern suburbs early on Thursday morning.
Police dog Bucky bit the alleged burglar on the arm. Credit:WA police
About 1.30am police said they were alerted to an alleged burglary and the stealing of a car on Coyle Road, with the 24-year-old allegedly crashing the vehicle as he tried to get away.
They use the address of a virtual office at the Subiaco Business Centre in Hay Street, a three-month arrangement which expired in September 2017.
Apart from going door to door, the company also advertises its services on Gumtree and Quokka and distributes pamphlets in mail boxes.
The tradies, who are working for Quality Home Care and Maintenance and sole director William Joseph Delaney, are breaking door to door trading laws by ignoring a required cooling off period.
Consumer Protection has issued a warning to Perth homeowners after a Kardinya couple were woken by tradies undertaking repairs on their roof without permission.
Two complaints have been lodged with Consumer Protection by residents in Kardinya and Floreat, but it's believed many more may have been approached with five phone enquiries also being received from consumers.
In the Kardinya case, a couple received a verbal quote for roof repairs and restoration when they were approached uninvited at their home by a man with a Scottish accent offering roof repairs. The quote for $2000 included roof cleaning, ridge capping gaps filled, roof tiles re-sealed and a clean-up.
The couple were not given a written quote and said they would call the trader the following week after considering the quote and to set a date for commencement. Three days later the couple were unexpectedly awoken at 7am with the workers already starting work on their roof without proper authority.
The couple allowed the work to continue and paid the money in cash after a brief inspection indicated that they had completed the work. However, a closer look afterwards revealed not all the work agreed to had been carried out and the work completed was of poor quality. Several attempts to have the workmen return to finish the job were unsuccessful.
In the Floreat case, a home owner was approached uninvited and given a $4000 verbal quote for roof repairs and restoration. They later began the job without authority, but the workmen stopped work and left after the home owner said he had called Consumer Protection.
American author Joyce Carol Oates wrote "the regional voice is the universal voice".
And with WA authors tackling subjects ranging from how to best "read" a dress to love and loss in the shadow of family legacy, the 2018 Perth Writers Festival has curated a rich list of literary talent who tell local stories with universal appeal.
Will Yeoman is curating this year's Perth Writers Festival. Credit:PIAF
There are of course international writers and interstate writers like Helen Garner, Sofie Laguna, Alan Hollinghurst, Rachel Khong and AC Grayling who will bring their local voices to the festival.
But the Guest Curator of the Festival's writers program Will Yeoman has aimed to bring WA voices to the fore, saying "in all arts festivals you're bringing the world to the local audience, but you also want the local audience to come and see the world."
Tehran: When they stepped through the gates of Tehran University last week, the student protesters had every expectation of igniting an impassioned rally against the government. After all, the university grounds had long been a flash point for demonstrations in the capital.
But this time, their exhortations went unheeded. "Proud Iranians, support us," they shouted, only to find pedestrians walking by, looking to see what the commotion was about but declining to join the protesters.
The protests that broke out a week ago in other parts of Iran - but never gained traction in the capital - have shown some signs of abating, though demonstrators are still taking to the streets after dark in many outlying provinces. Elite forces with the Revolutionary Guards Corps were deployed to three of them Wednesday -Hamadan, Isfahan and Lorestan - to help quell uprisings there. The Guards commander, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, said he had dispatched forces to tackle "the new sedition".
The protests, which began out of frustration over economic hardships suffered by the youth and working class, have evolved into a rising against the powers and privileges of a remote elite especially Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Videos carried by social media showed protesters in the northern town of Nowshahr shouted "death to the dictator" - an apparent reference to Khamenei.
Washington: President Donald Trump on Wednesday abruptly shut down a White House commission he had charged with investigating voter fraud. It ends a brief quest for evidence of election theft that generated lawsuits, outrage and some scholarly testimony, but no real evidence that American elections are at all corrupt.
Mr Trump did not acknowledge the commission's inability to find evidence of fraud, but cast the closing as a result of continuing legal challenges.
Kris Kobach had headed the commission on voter fraud. Credit:AP
"Despite substantial evidence of voter fraud, many states have refused to provide the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity with basic information relevant to its inquiry," Trump said in a White House statement.
"Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today I signed an executive order to dissolve the commission, and have asked the Department of Homeland Security to review these issues and determine next courses of action."
Paris: President Emmanuel Macron has an overhaul of French media legislation this year to fight the spread of "fake news" on social media which he said was a threat to liberal democracies.
Macron has said he and his team were victims of fake news and a major data hack during the presidential election campaign last year.
French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his New Year address to the press at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Wednesday. Credit:Ludovic Marin
Since coming to office in May 2017, he has particularly pointed the finger at Russian media, accusing TV channel RT of sowing disinformation about him via its website and social media.
"If we want to protect liberal democracies, we must have strong legislation," Macron said in a New Year's address to journalists, adding that the reform he envisaged would also change the role of France's media watchdog CSA.
"It is the only thing he does well. Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books." A private lawyer representing Trump later sent Bannon a letter directing him to cease and desist making derogatory comments about the President and his family and threatening a defamation lawsuit. "Legal action is imminent," said the letter, first reported by ABC News and confirmed by a person close to the President. Trump 'a great man': Bannon On his radio show, Bannon called President Trump "a great man" and said he supported him. "The president is a great man," said Bannon, in response to a caller's question about the extraordinary rift that developed between the two men. "You know I support him day in and day out."
It was apparently the only reference in a two-hour show, otherwise devoted to immigration, to the release of the searing book excerpts that quoted Bannon. Bannon issued no denials pertaining to the quotes during the radio broadcast. Nor did he say anything about the cease and desist letter. Breitbart News reported the contretemps, but did not return fire against Trump. People close to Bannon said that he believed that the President would eventually come around because Trump would need help with his base at a moment when his political muscle appeared to be on the wane. In the book, Bannon was quoted suggesting that Donald Trump Jr.; Jared Kushner, his brother-in-law; and Paul Manafort, then the campaign chairman, had been "treasonous" and "unpatriotic" for meeting with Russians after being promised incriminating information on Hillary Clinton during a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan.
"The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor - with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers," Bannon said after The Times revealed the meeting in July 2017, according to Wolff's book. "Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately," Bannon continued, according to the book. He also said that the chance that Trump Jr. did not introduce the Russians to his father "is zero," a supposition rather than an assertion but one that would contradict the President's insistence that he knew nothing about the meeting at the time. According to Wolff, Bannon also predicted that a special counsel investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election and any coordination with Trump aides would ultimately centre on money laundering, an assessment that could lend credibility to an investigation the President has repeatedly called a witch hunt. "They're going to crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV," Bannon was quoted as saying.
Book is 'trashy tabloid fiction': White House Trump grew more upset about an interview Bannon gave to Vanity Fair that criticised Kushner's contacts with Russians. During his Christmas break in Florida, Trump stewed and consulted aides and relatives, according to advisers, but ultimately opted against responding publicly to avoid drawing more attention to Bannon's remarks. But accusing the President's eldest son of treason crossed the line. "Going after the President's son in an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way is probably not the best way to curry favour with anybody," said Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary. The book presents Trump as an ill-informed and thoroughly unserious candidate and President, engaged mainly in satisfying his own ego and presiding over a dysfunctional White House. It reports that early in the 2016 campaign, one aide, Sam Nunberg, was sent to explain the Constitution to the candidate. "I got as far as the Fourth Amendment," it quotes Nunberg as saying, "before his finger is pulling down on his lip and his eyes are rolling back in his head."
The book cites an email from an unnamed White House aide offering a harsh assessment of Trump's operation that was said to reflect the view of Gary D. Cohn, the President's national economics adviser: "It's worse than you can imagine. An idiot surrounded by clowns. Trump won't read anything - not one-page memos, not the brief policy papers; nothing. He gets up halfway through meetings with world leaders because he is bored." The book also asserts that Cohn and other advisers and associates of Trump deride him in private, calling him an "idiot," a "dope" or "dumb" as dirt. Thomas J. Barrack, a friend and adviser to Trump, was quoted telling a friend that the President is "not only crazy, he's stupid." Reached by telephone, Barrack said that account was "totally false." Barrack added, "It's clear to anyone who knows me that those aren't my words and inconsistent with anything I've ever said." He said that Wolff never ran that quotation by him to ask whether it was accurate. A longtime media columnist and author, Wolff brings a high profile, vivid writing style and years of experience but sometimes mixed reviews to the task of chronicling Trump's White House. Interview subjects have complained in the past that he took comments meant to be off the record and used them. Wolff clearly benefited from close cooperation from Bannon and the book is infused with his views. The author was frequently seen in Bannon's office while Bannon was working in the White House.
Sometime around the start of northern spring, a 9.4-ton Chinese space station is expected to come hurtling back to Earth. One reentry path would bring it towards Australia.
The space station, Tiangong 1, is predicted to make that return trip in mid-March, give or take a few weeks, according to an analysis by the Aerospace Corp., a federally funded research and development centre in California. But don't worry: Odds are no one will be hurt.
China's Tiangong-1 is heading back to Earth. Credit:CMSA
"It most probably will not harm anyone," said Andrew Abraham, a member of the team behind the analysis. "The odds of being struck by a piece of this space station as it's re-entering are exceptionally tiny."
While the researchers are confident that humanity will likely be spared, their ability to precisely forecast the re-entry is limited.
Washington: A lawyer representing President Donald Trump has sought to stop the publication of a new behind-the-scenes book about the White House that has already led Trump to angrily decry his former chief strategist and one-time ally Stephen Bannon.
The legal notice - addressed to author Michael Wolff and the president of the book's publisher - said Trump's lawyers were pursuing possible charges including defamation in connection with the forthcoming book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House.
The letter demanded the publisher, Henry Holt and Co., "immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book" or excerpts and summaries of its contents. The lawyers also seek a full copy of the book as part of their investigation.
However, several copies of the book have been obtained by reporters and pre-sales have propelled it to the top of Amazon's best seller list.
Some are relatively small businesses, like banks that have a couple hundred employees... but it's remarkable how many big companies have jumped on the bonus bandwagon too. For example:
What we haven't heard about over the past week or so is how the list of companies has grown. (compliments to the good folks at Americans for Tax Reform for committing to build a running list online).
We've all heard the stories about how several big companies decided to give bonuses immediately after the December 2017 tax reform was passed... but the mainstream media quickly dropped the story.
The list is up to about a hundred so far, and that's just of the known, publicized companies joining this bandwagon. Obviously, lots of companies wouldn't issue press releases about it, for various reasons, so we can assume the real impact is broadly distributed nationwide, below the PR surface.
Another interesting aspect of the story is some of the other ways that companies have chosen to implement their response. It's not all about $1000 one-time bonuses for employees: For example:
Associated Bank raised their starting wage from $10/hour to $15/hour.
AFLAC raised their corporate 401K match from their usual 50% to 100% on the first 4% of compensation.
Wells Fargo announced $400 million in charitable donations.
Boeing announced increased domestic infrastructure and facilities investment of $100 million.
As we review the list (which ATR is publishing with revealing, parenthetical quotes from the companies announcements), we see that a number of important conservative predictions have rung true:
Over the years, conservative pundits and politicians who advocate for tax cuts are most commonly assailed by Leftists who insist but the fat cats will just keep it to themselves!
We always respond that, yes, some probably will which still helps the economy, because the rich guy still has to do something with his money, whether to invest it, or buy stuff, or put it in the bank, or spend it on vacation and parties, all of which helps the economy, all of which creates jobs.
But most will not. Most companies receiving a tax rate reduction will put it into their businesses and communities in some way, either by increasing salaries and bonuses, by funding local charities, by expanding their facilities, by increasing their staff, or by broadening R&D or product offerings.
The Left will demand that they promise which of these things theyll do or even mandate that it be done in certain ways, or they dont get the tax cut! They simply cannot, will not, accept the fact that if we offer the private sector the freedom to operate, they will do the right thing, according to their situations.
Some companies already have a good pay range; for them a one-time bonus might make more sense. Another company might have an uncompetitive base salary range; for them the across-the-board increase in starting pay is more logical. Some companies already have competitive pay ranges for their area, so helping the community by sponsoring kids sporting leagues or funding a center for the disabled might be the best thing they can do.
The key is this: the companies will find a wide array of ways to put their money to use, now that the federal government is taking less from them. And all these ways in salary, in R&D, in expansion, in charity, and so many more are good for the community, and good for the country.
We dont need to micromanage the business community; theyve been micromanaged way too long already, to tragically deleterious effect. We need to let the private sector decide for themselves what to do with their own money; whatever method they choose, it will always be better than sending it to Washington, where the politicians will just light a match to it by the pallet-load.
It is a joy to be able to say to the Left that We Told You So but more importantly, it is good to have this real-world set of examples growing by the day that show the immediate results of conservative tax policies.
The longer term results are even more important, but harder to capture in numbers. Consider the future for those receiving these benefits:
Bonuses:
Some of the recipients will use the bonuses to take their families out to dinner more. This benefits not only the families enjoying those meals, but also the restaurants and the individual servers who benefit from additional customers and tips.
Some will use the bonuses to catch up on bills. A thousand dollars in credit card debt, paid down, might really be a savings of $2000 for him, if it would otherwise have taken him a few years to pay it off.
Some will use the bonuses to visit family, perhaps a rare trip to visit a far-off parent, uncle or aunt whom they couldnt otherwise afford to visit. A grand might cover a round way airfare for one, or the gas, hotel and meals for a family drive.
401K Matching:
The companies who use the money to increase their 401K contribution matches have probably created the biggest long term help to their employees, as that $500 or $1000 contribution today might double, quadruple, or even multiply tenfold, depending on the time between today and each employees retirement. Another grand in your account at 50 is great but how about another grand in your retirement account when youre 40? Or 30? Or even 22? There are young people just starting out, with a low salary, for whom their three or four percent 401K withholding plan moves at a snails pace: this one-time injection into that account might light the fire of the savings mentality for a lot of young families, and change their trajectory toward a much healthier eventual retirement.
Charities:
With real wages largely flat for the past 20 years, especially for the lower-to-middle middle class, certain types of charitable giving have really suffered. Many charities have become more and more dependent on the donations of big national companies and generous local companies. The infusion of billions of new dollars in one sudden burst could literally save a lot of places on the verge of shutting down, and will make a real difference in the quality of care that hundreds of facilities provide to their charges, from children to seniors, from the poor to the disabled.
Capital Investment:
The announcements of infrastructure commitments have been especially welcome. As Comcast, Boeing, Regions Financial, and so many more are promising to spend hundreds of millions more in facilities expansions, this is not only a longtime commitment to their existing employees, its an investment in their communities. What we see today is the company that commits to expansion, but what we wont see in the newspapers is how that money will be spent in the years to come, as this expansion takes shape. Theyll be hiring architects, builders, construction crews buying desks and chairs and computers hiring landscapers and janitorial services... installing new equipment and hiring new employees to operate it, buying more materials to transform and sell. Think of all these others who will be employed, by other companies who dont make the news, because of these public commitments.
Base Salaries:
Before we leave this review which only touches on a few points of a wide-ranging, almost unlimited panorama of positive economic effects lets consider the companies that are raising their entry level salaries. The left has spent years and years and countless money and effort and political capital in trying to force companies to increase their pay through a mandated minimum wage. When the companies cannot afford to pay $15/hour, they just fire employees, or move away, or shut down entirely. But when we reduce their tax burden, we see that companies will increase their pay scales willingly, without coercion. This issue alone shows the lie of modern liberalism: the Left tells us that people will only do good if they are forced to; the Right proves that people will do good if we just allow them the freedom to do so.
We have only scratched the surface here. The story on the 2017 tax reform is yet to be told, since its effects are only beginning to be felt.
But there can be no doubt: as Steve Allen said in the song that made Steve and Eydies career, back in the days of John F. Kennedys successful tax cut, This could be the start of something big!
Copyright 2017 John F. Di Leo
John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based Customs broker, writer, and actor. His columns are regularly found in Illinois Review.
Permission is hereby granted to forward freely, provided it is uncut and the IR URL and byline are included.
Ives strongly rejected Rauner's comments. The reason Illinois families are punished by the $10,000 cap on State and Local Tax Deductions is because the guy who ran on reform in 2014 didnt do anything about Illinois tax burden. He actually made it worse.
On Wednesday, Governor Rauner criticized the GOP's tax reform plan's $10,000 cap on deducting state and local taxes, saying the plan was "punishing." More on the story HERE.
WHEATON - Republican Governor Bruce Rauner is mounting a #NeverTrump campaign along with Democrat J.B. Pritzker by criticizing the new tax reform plan, GOP gubernatorial primary challenger Jeanne Ives said in a statement Thursday.
Families in this state pay the highest property taxes in the nation, Ives said, and Governor Rauner did nothing about it.
"If Illinois put hard cap on property taxes, like Indiana, then more Illinois families would qualify to keep more of their income under House Republicans tax reform plan. Further, more of those same Illinois families could afford more home and expect a real rate of return on their investment," she said. "This prospect is virtually eliminated in Illinois where the median property tax rates as a percentage of home value is nearly 2.5 times that of Indiana."
Governor Rauner is talking about freezing property taxes, but that will not correct the situation, but could aggravate it, the state representative for Illinois' 42nd House District said.
"Again, Illinoisans pay the highest property taxes in the nation. Why would you want to lock that in by freezing them? We need to lower property taxes," Ives said. She has proposed a property tax cap that will force state government to remove itself from initiatives it has proven poor at managing, and to properly fund K-12 education.
According to the left-leaning Tax Policy Center, 80% of American families will see federal tax relief from the GOP tax cuts.
"Rauner is simply trying to out-#NeverTrump J.B. Pritzker. In substance and in rhetoric, Rauner is once again allied with Rahm, Pelosi and Schumer and against the Illinois GOP congressional delegation and Illinois GOP families. Another betrayal," Ives said.
Ives then contrasted Rauner with the President.
The truth is, Governor Rauner failed to hold the Illinois Republican caucus together, and 15 Republicans voted to inflict a massive income tax hike on the already struggling families and businesses of this state," Ives said. "In Washington D.C., President Trump unified the Congressional Republican caucus to pass tax reform that will provide relief to most Americans. I may not agree with everything President Trump does, but I do want to see him succeed. Bruce Rauner is out trying to sell a success as failure, and failure as success. It is little wonder Illinois Republicans can feel they can no longer trust the man they elected in 2014.
Alien megastructure not the cause of dimming of the 'most mysterious star in the universe'
University Park PA (SPX) Jan 03, 2018
A team of more than 200 researchers, including Penn State Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics Assistant Professor Jason Wright and led by Louisiana State University's Tabetha Boyajian, is one step closer to solving the mystery behind the "most mysterious star in the universe." KIC 8462852, or "Tabby's Star," nicknamed after Boyajian, is otherwise an ordinary star, about 50 percent bigger and 1,000 degrees hotter than the Sun, and about than 1,000 light-years away. However, it has been inexpli ... read more
Are women the most frequent victims of sexual harassment? It seems they are with all the recent daily accusations and revelations from women. However, there are varying opinions about this issue, such as those by journalist Rebecca Hagelin , who questions whether women are the most frequent victims. She provides reasons in her opinion piece printed in the December 10 issue of the Washington Times .
While it is essential we stand with victims of abuse and expose those who engage in sexual harassment, it is equally important to establish exactly what defines sexual harassment and determine a reasonable amount of time in which an incident must be reported. Unlike some countries, the American justice system protects the innocent by following established rules and regulations. The accused is considered innocent until proven guilty. Americans despise unfairness and shudder at the thought that an innocent person could be punished for a crime he/she did not commit.
American Children as Victims of Sexual Harassment
This issue of sexual harassment is important, but Hageling exposes another important issue that is somewhat related but deserves far more attention. Americas children have become victims in classrooms across the United States, as they are exposed to graphic sexual material, brainwashed into accepting all manner of sexual activity as normal, and placed into situations that invite abuse.
The foundation for this perverted childhood teaching and abuse was set forth by Alfred Kinsey in the 1940s and 1950s under the guise of science. Kinsey now known as one of historys most prolific pedophiles who sexually abused countless children and babies -- encouraged his followers likewise to do so, and then Kinsey wrote about these experiences. Kinsey persuaded liberal educators of his day to develop and distribute a genre of sex education reflecting his own gross, disturbing practices and conclusions.
Todays progressive movement, which still worships Kinseys suppositions, has expanded our children's former basic school sex education class and incorporated Kinsey's warped conclusions into our childrens school experience.
Public Unawareness of Sex Education
The American public is largely unaware of how blatantly graphic our sex education classes have become in most schools. Much of this was incorporated into the controversial Common Core curriculum, which has proved to be exceedingly descriptive regarding a variety of explicit sexual issues. The material does more to entice childrens curiosity and sexual experimentation than prevent it. This questionable curriculum often begins as early as kindergarten and is incorporated every grade thereafter. Our colleges have sex classes today that would shock students' parents.
We cannot blame young teens for being curious and certainly they need to know the basics of the body changes they are or soon will be experiencing. However, the goals parents expect is not what is happening in schools today. Children are being fed doses of sexually based material that has been incorporated into more subjects than just health classes, much of which parents would consider highly inappropriate for the grade level, such as middle school students learning about different sexual techniques and how they are practiced. The fact is public schools are teaching our children far more than what is age appropriate and are doing so without their parents permission or even awareness. Children today are being enticed to engage in massive sexual experimentation under the umbrella of our public education system.
Advocates claim graphic sex education is necessary to prevent sexual intimacy among teens, but common sense, as well as statistics, prove when young students are given explicit information about sex, taught how to put on a condom, provided with condoms, and given examples of various sexual positions, that is encouraging not discouraging sexual experimentation.
Pubic Schools as Supporters of Planned Parenthood
Our schools have become advertisers for Planned Parenthood, which, of course, schools and Planned Parenthood deny. However, consider this analogy: a teacher spoke to a class about how to make a cake. She explains various types you can choose; she provides you with specific steps to follow for success and how to avoid a misstate. She then gives each person the basic ingredients needed as they exit the class. How can any rational person believe this teacher has discouraged a student from trying to bake what sounds wonderful?
Students are told in sex education classes even more details as to what they can/should do if they make a mistake and a pregnancy occurs. The options are made to sound so simple, not unlike if you have a headache. Just take a few pills and if taken soon enough, a pregnancy will not occur. If one waits too long there are abortion clinics in most every large city and a quick procedure will end the pregnancy. If you need help, students are told they can receive information from school authorities and their parents need not be informed.
What schools, Planned Parenthood, and media sources avoid mentioning is that there were 500 abortion related deaths in the U.S. from 1973 to 2013. It seems that would be a strong deterrent for any woman to consider before engaging in sexual activities. There are also emotional consequences that often appear later in life and those do not go away with a pill.
Jay Middle School in Jay, Oklahoma, is one of many under fire from some parents who say the school took a sex education class way too far. Parent Mandy Callihan posted on Facebook that her 12-year-old daughter came to her in tears after she was too embarrassed to complete a sex education assignment she considered highly inappropriate. As soon as the mother read her childs school worksheet she understood her daughter's concern. The questions asked of these 12 and 13-year-old students alluded to sexual acts that would be repulsive to many adults.
Lack of Common Sense prevails
There has been an increase of sexual assaults on college campuses which may in part be due to the graphic sex education classes described above or to the even more sexually graphic classes in our colleges, such as ones in which teachers assign students to engage in and then make a report regarding a sex related activity they have not yet tried. If they want extra credit they can also explain their experience to the class for extra credit. This seems to fit in with the mentality of our exceedingly liberal colleges that have incorporated integrated male/female dorms and thus common shared use of bathroom and showering facilities. The administration is shocked when a rape occurs.
What has happened to basic, elementary, rational thinking? Why would our schools and colleges want to make it exceptionally easy for sexual encounters to occur? They must certainly know that hormones are raging among this specific age group. Yet sex is blatantly advertised in a variety of ways that entice young adults to experiment and become prime targets for inappropriate, irresponsible, and often regrettable sexual encounters that can ruin their lives.
This invitation to immorality is ignored with a bevy of excuses. Students are told it is rare for anyone to remain a virgin until marriage, but what part do our schools and society play even if that is true? Throughout history and up until about the 1970s, most people managed self-control and refrained from premarital sex and thus pregnancies. If we are following the correct course, the question becomes why are there are so many more pregnancies? Have we become so accustomed to thinking everyone does it that this issue is no longer open for discussion? Why are we ignoring the horrendous fact that over sixty (60) million aborted infant lives have been terminated since Roe vs. Wade?
Woodstock introduced free love and society accepted it without realizing nothing in life is free. This immorality has led to a deterioration of Americas culture. Couples are not marrying; they choose instead to live together. If and when things dont work out, individuals leave their relationship with ease and move on to someone else. Sadly, even our churches remain silent on this issue, making one wonder who among us is strong enough to stand up and say this must stop.
Without Morality a Nation is Doomed
According to the 2010 Census data, over 7.5 million unmarried couples live together (which translates into 15 million people). This is a whopping 138% increase since 1990 and a 13% increase just from 2009. Sadly, 40 percent of unmarried households have children. On average, researchers concluded that couples who lived together before they tied the knot saw a 33 percent higher rate of divorce than those who waited to live together until after they were married. Many, if not most of these couples, have children who will likely repeat their parents social habits, even if their experience proven to be detrimental.
This immoral trend is unhealthy for our Country. Our forefathers knew that without morality a nation is doomed. President George Washington stated: Religion and morality are the essential pillars of a civil society. Benjamin Franklin confirmed that saying Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters."
How can we stop this immoral landslide when the pillars of our society are unwilling or unable to do so? Some believe it must be the leaders of our churches who call attention to this escalating problem. Others insist our schools are the major problem as they hijacked the responsibilities of parents and in the process made things worse for our children and society. Our churches have sadly remained silent on this issue.
No matter who has been at fault, each of us who remain silent contributes to the problem. Our silence has been taken as acceptance. Each of us who sees these negatives must stand up and speak out to facilitate needed changes. Only then can we pass on to future generations the positives our forefathers gave us. We have made many important discoveries that have physically enhanced our lives, but we are guilty of allowing greater immorality issues to infiltrate our families and/or society. For the sake of our children and grandchildren we all must speak out against the immorality which has infected our society.
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Gal Gadot as Diana in Wonder Woman.
Movies are about moments big moments that erase our cynicism about cinema and remind us of its capacity to dazzle as well as touch us. This happens in a way only possible with a medium that seamlessly combines so many other art forms. There are instances that prompt us to consider things in a different light, encourage us to think about issues from a different perspective, and empathize with others in a way we could never expect.
While sometimes memories of the overall plot of a film or its minute details may escape us, certain scenes stand out like a beacon in a bland cinematic landscape. What follows is a list of the 10 best scenes from the movies in 2017. While some of the films theyre from might not have been completely successful, perfection was achieved during these moments. These moments have proven powerful enough to stay with this viewer long after the credits have rolled and the lights have come up.
Wonder Woman Confused about the violent world she finds herself in and dumbfounded over mans hesitance to help others, Princess Diana (Gal Gadot) climbs out of the Allied Forces trenches to venture across No Mans Land toward the German forces, serving as a symbol of inspiration that prompts others to join the fight. As lensed by director Patty Jenkins, the scene begins in slow motion, steadily building to a crescendo in which the characters act of self-sacrifice is not only stirring, but powerfully moving as well.
Logan Lucky Making sure to get back from a complex heist of the Charlotte Motor Speedway in order to see his daughter in a beauty contest, Logan (Channing Tatum) makes it just in time to witness his lovely daughter (Farrah Mackenzie) reward his loyalty and express her love by singing his favorite song, John Denvers Country Roads, instead of Rhiannas inappropriate for an 8-year-old, Umbrella. This unexpectedly moving moment proves even more surprising as it comes out of left field amid the caper hijinks that have just ensued. But more than anything, it reminds the characters and us of what is truly important and worth fighting for.
Get Out Uneasy about visiting the home of his white girlfriends parents, Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) sits down for an uncomfortable, impromptu therapy session with Missy (Catherine Kenner), an encounter that causes him to hallucinate as he imagines himself falling into a dark abyss, unable to save himself or even cry for help. This is a shocking, powerful metaphor for the African-American experience many are grappling with today and may be the most powerful political statement made in an American movie this year.
The Big Sick Distraught after being ostracized from his family and having just found out that his girlfriends medical situation is heading towards a fatal conclusion, stand-up comic Kumail Nanjiani breaks down on stage while trying to do a set, revealing his anguish over being unable to help the woman he loves. The film shifts gears dramatically at this point and, while it is serious at times, this moment grounds the story in an unexpected and powerful manner, making the films conclusion all the more meaningful.
Norman Desperate to make an impression on an Israeli diplomat hes happened to run into, would-be wheeler-dealer Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) buys his new friend a pair of shoes that, to his shock when he gets the receipt, are $1,200. The comedic timing of this scene is priceless, and the wide range of emotions Gere brings to the fore in these brief moments is surprisingly human, reminding us of what an underrated actor he is.
Sally Hawkins as Elisa in The Shape of Water.
The Shape of Water Elisa (Sally Hawkins) has acted rashly in kidnapping (fishnapping?) a gill man from the government facility where she works. To make matters worse, shes fallen in love with the thing and, in order to keep him alive, she fills her bathroom with water from ceiling to floor. Perverse yet romantic, this visual knock-out of a scene shows director Guillermo del Toros imagination in full bloom as he produces a wonderful visual metaphor for the feeling of euphoria one feels when in love.
Hugh Jackman as Logan and Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier in Logan.
Logan Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is headed cross-country to a mythical refuge with his ailing mentor, aging telepath Doctor Xavier (Patrick Stewart) in tow. Having left him in a hotel room all alone, the old man has a seizure that violently disrupts the brain waves of those around him. Our hero struggles mightily to save him in this tense, exciting sequence that underscores the unspoken love the mutant has for his mentor and serves as a reminder that our gifts, whatever they be, can come back to haunt us.
Lady Bird Having applied to and been accepted to an East Coast college without telling her mother (Laurie Metcalf), Christine (Saoirse Ronan) desperately tries to apologize to her, the woman remaining silent and ignoring her regretful daughter as she calmly does household chores. Painful to watch, this scene brilliantly brings to life the complexities of the relationship that exists between parents and their children and how anger and disappointment can emerge through both, working towards the same goal but through different means.
Brooklyn Prince as Moonee and Valeria Cotto as Jancey in The Florida Project.
The Florida Project Moonee (Brooklyn Prince) has just found out that she is going to be taken away from her mother by a group of social workers. Desperate, she goes to find her best friend Jancey (Valeria Cotto) and convinces her to help her run away. They head towards the Magic Kingdom, moving towards Cinderellas Castle as fast as they can. This devastating sequence brilliantly underscores the futility of Moonee and others living on the fringe as they futilely move towards a goal theyll never achieve.
Atomic Blonde Having been ambushed and severely beaten, government agent Lorraine Broughton hijacks a car and throws the wounded Spyglass (Eddie Marsan) in, the target shes been sent to protect. What ensues is an elaborate chase done in one unbroken take, a 10-minute digital camera tour de force from director David Leitch that takes the duo from rundown tenements, crowded streets and, finally, into a canal where theyre captured. Invigorating and innovative, this was a highlight in action cinema this year.
BRIDGEPORT Mayor Joe Ganim did not outrun the law Wednesday, but he wound up with a sympathetic state trooper when pulled over for speeding on Interstate 84.
The incident the mayors driver, Bridgeport Police Detective Ramon Garcia, received a verbal warning caused an embarrassing distraction on a day when Ganim was formally filing paperwork in Hartford for a gubernatorial run.
Another politician who thinks he is above the law. The law is to control the common people, not the elites, was typical of some of the criticism Hearst Connecticut Media readers posted online of both Ganim and the Connecticut State Police.
Ganim already has an image problem. He ran Bridgeport in the 1990s, was convicted of running a pay-to-play scheme out of City Hall in 2003, then successfully asked Bridgeport residents for a second chance in 2015.
More News News Joe Ganim campaign across state clocked at 100 mph
Wednesdays traffic stop also exacerbated criticism back home of the mayors already controversial use of a taxpayer funded city cop as a driver on the campaign trail. As previously reported, Garcia, another detective and a lieutenant earned nearly $70,000 in overtime guarding Ganim this year, even as the undermanned police department is under pressure to cut overtime costs.
He is a city employee. If he gets in an accident, the citys liable, said freshman Bridgeport Councilman Marcus Brown after learning about Wednesdays traffic stop, which took place in the Southington area. Brown is not related to a barber shop owner of the same name that Ganim met in Hartford Wednesday.
At least Garcia was not at the wheel of a city vehicle, which the mayor has sometimes also used over the past year while exploring whether to run for governor. Instead he was riding in a rented Ford Expedition with Pennsylvania plates.
A Hearst Connecticut reporter accompanied Ganim before and during the traffic stop and witnessed the vehicle hit 100 mph and regularly exceed 90 mph.
But, according to a statement by the State Police, Garcia was clocked by laser at 87 mph.
After running the operators license and vehicle registration and confirming there were no other issues, the Trooper issued the operator a verbal warning consistent with the discretion afforded to law enforcement by department policy and state law, which is independent of the occupants of a vehicle, said State Police Public Information Officer Trooper Kelly Grant in an email.
So its ok to speed if you are (a) police officer and you are with (a) politician, wrote another Hearst reader.
And such discretion was not used in 2014 when then-Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Foley of Greenwich was pulled over on Route 9 for driving 80 mph. He received a ticket, according to the Middletown Press.
Andrew Matthews, head of the state police union, acknowledged that sometimes troopers extend such professional courtesy to fellow law enforcers during a traffic stop.
But Matthews insisted that it depends on the circumstances, and that Connecticut troopers have stopped members of the public and done the same.
People have emergencies. They might be having a bad day. They cant afford it (the ticket), Matthews said. Our people are very compassionate.
Brown was glad a Bridgeport municipal vehicle was not involved, but said something needs to be done about Ganims use of police drivers on the campaign trail.
Ganim has said his gubernatorial campaign is obligated to reimburse Bridgeport mileage if he uses a municipal car, but not for the costs of his drivers.
If were only getting reimbursed for the usage of the vehicle but not the city employee who travels with him, maybe we dont need a detective with him, said Brown. And if he needs one, pay us back for it.
Asked if the city would have been liable had Garcia caused an accident Wednesday, even if he was driving a car rented by Ganims campaign, Bridgeport City Attorney R. Christopher Meyer said: Its all hypothetical.
Meyer added, I always encourage everybody to drive safe.
Garcias boss, Bridgeport Police Chief Armando Perez, could not be reached for comment.
Every company needs a home. Even the towering giants of online commerce desire a cozy place to hang their virtual hats (and sometimes more than one cozy place, as attested by the current bidding war for Amazon's HQ2). While many a corporate mythology might dwell nostalgically on the "we started in our garage" trope, no startup wants to linger in the carport for very long. Once your business gets sure footing, you're going to need digs.
Related: How the Color of Your Office Impacts Productivity (Infographic)
Choosing a location for a growing enterprise is no small matter, even in today's everything-online-all-the-time climate. Factors to consider include foot traffic, accessibility, infrastructure and much more. As the editors of Entrepreneur remind us, your address speaks volumes about your company, declaring loud and clear what matters most to you and your brand.
As you consider where to hang your startup shingle -- uptown or down, suburbs or exurbs -- let me encourage you to borrow a little wisdom from the playbook of America's greatest advocate for urban design, Jane Jacobs. In her classic work The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), Jacobs famously wrote, "Old ideas can sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old buildings" (emphasis mine).
Before you think I'm advocating that you build your brand in a chintz-covered B&B or some derelict warehouse without windows or running water, let me clarify what is meant by "old buildings." For most of the 20th century, historic preservation was associated with ladies-who-lunch and house museums, where the childhood homes of local icons, say, were restored just as they were in the distant past, for tours at $5 a head, to keep the lights on.
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I am not talking about those kinds of old buildings.
I'm talking about the newer, more progressive, more sustainable sort of historic preservation -- known as "adaptive reuse" or "adaptive new use" -- where an organization adapts a beautiful historic property for a contemporary purpose, retaining the most distinctive ornamental elements and the durable bones of the building, while reshaping the interior with surprising art and human-centered design.
The rehabilitation of a historic property might seem a chore. After all, you're knee-deep in the work of building your company. But before you consider new construction out on the edge of town or leasing a storefront in an empty shopping center, consider these three reasons why adaptive reuse might be exactly what your new company needs.
1. Adaptive reuse generates more jobs than new construction.
Entrepreneurs are naturally civically minded citizens. You know that your business is both good for you and also for your community, helping increase the tax base and raise the quality of living for others through salaries, profits and investment.
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If economic impact matters to you, consider that while $1 million spent on new construction generates 30.6 jobs, the same investment in adaptive reuse actually generates 35.4 jobs. Why? During a talk to the Preservation Council of San Jose (California), preservationist Donovan Rypkema explained: "As a rule of thumb, new construction will be half materials and half labor. Rehabilitation, on the other hand, will be 60 to 70 percent labor with the balance being materials." In other words, with adaptive reuse, more money stays home. Historic preservation is no charity. When done well, it's a potent economic generator.
2. Adaptive reuse demonstrates your company's concern for sustainability.
As I have advocated elsewhere, "The greenest building is the one that already exists." Like an Omega Speedmaster or a Tom Beckbe field jacket -- products designed to be worn for decades and passed down to the next generation -- historic structures were built to endure through many different owners and purposes.
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The reality is, contemporary architecture is not built for the long haul. In a 2015 TEDx talk ("Our Disposable Architecture"), urban designer Jennifer Bevan warns, "Whereas a century ago, it was reasonable to expect new buildings to span multiple generations, today, disposable architecture is the new normal." According to the EPA, the U.S. produces over twice as much construction and demolition debris as everyday garbage.
The solution? Use the buildings we already have. So many American cities are filled with hearty and proud structures from the 19th and early 20th centuries, handsome buildings of brick and iron, timber and stone. Reuse. Repurpose. Reimagine.
3. Adaptive reuse promotes mental and physical wellness.
From recent iGen college graduates, to the ubiquitous millennial herd, to the diaspora of gen X, Americans want to move back to cities. In a letter to The New York Times, Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, explains why: "[N]eighborhoods that include older, smaller buildings house significantly greater concentrations of jobs in the 'innovation economy' than do areas with only larger, newer construction."
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But, it's more than that, because living in cities allows young professionals to live a kind of childhood idyll of walking or riding their bike everywhere. A study by Arup actually reports that the privilege of walking to work, compared to a long commute, increases someone's happiness "as much as if they'd fallen in love." Find a historic building to call yours, and your company can anchor this joyous urban migration.
And just in case you're wondering, this is not gentrification we're talking about here; adaptive reuse fosters a diversity of human activity across economic strata, creating a community with thriving churches, schools, playgrounds, grocery stores and growing companies, including yours. If your new company is to have a long and happy life, bringing joy and value to clients and customers across the years, then consider taking the long view and finding a historic property to call headquarters.
The great revolution in heritage conservation and adaptive reuse has only just begun. I've spent four decades living out this philosophy at the university I founded in 1978, and I encourage you to do the same. When it comes time to leave the "startup" garage and spread your wings, I say: Go downtown.
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Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
Film fans, rejoice, for the Springfield Art Association has added an additional event to the annual Molly Schlich Film Series, the SAA Film Series Preview Party. Held on Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., in the Springfield Art Association, the preview party provides an advance opportunity for guests to purchase or pick up season passes. Additionally, the party will feature a screening of Rogers Park , (2017), a made-in-Illinois film about two couples struggling to keep their love alive in spite of secrets and resentments that have simmered to the surface of their relationship. The filmmaker, Kyle Henry, will host a question-and-answer session after the screening. Admission to the SAA Film Series Preview Party is free. Popcorn and drinks will be provided, and film series passes will be available to purchase for $50 per pass. Guests are encouraged to arrive early as seating will be limited. For more information about the SAA Film Series Preview Party and the 27th Annual Molly Schlich Film Series, which begins on Jan. 14, visit http://springfieldart.org/film-series.html.
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Judicial Watch: At Least 18 Classified Emails Found on Weiner's Laptop
Contact: Jill Farrell, Judicial Watch , 202-646-5172WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2018 / Standard Newswire / -- Judicial Watch revealed today that there are at least 18 classified emails in the 798 documents recently produced by the State Department from the FBI's investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's elicit email system. The emails were found on the laptop of Anthony Weiner, who is the estranged husband of former Clinton aide Huma Abedin.Abedin was Clinton's deputy chief of staff. Weiner is a disgraced former congressman and New York mayoral candidate who pleaded guilty to transferring obscene material to a minor. Abedin kept a non-State.gov email account on Hillary Clinton's notorious email server that she used repeatedly for government business.There are five new classified emails among 147 new Abedin work-related documents released by the State Department on Friday, December 29, 2017. Thirteen emails containing classified information were also found on the Weiner laptop computer that had already been released to the public. This classified material includes discussions about Saudi Arabia, The Hague, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the identity of a CIA official, Malawi, the war in Syria, Lebanon, Hamas, and the PLO.On two occasions, classified material was sent by Abedin on her clintonemail.com account to Weiner's laptop (sent to "Anthony Campaign") on November 25, 2010 . The email discusses an upcoming call with Prince Saud of "expected WikiLeaks leaks." Abedin sent classified information the following day to Weiner's laptop concerning a call that "Jeff" (presumably then- US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Jeffrey Feltman) had with United Arab Emirates Prime Minister Abdullah bin Zayed.The Weiner laptop also contains classified material from Abedin's Blackberry. A July 9, 2011 , email contained classified information regarding a then-upcoming call between Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. On November 25, 2011 , classified information was sent regarding Feltman's notes on the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs impression of the Hamas- Palestine Liberation Organization talks. On May 4, 2012 , additional classified material from the BlackBerry backup was sent."Judicial Watch's work in federal court holding the government accountable to the rule of law has forced the State Department to finally release these documents," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. "The classified information on Weiner's laptop is part of a pattern of the mishandling national security by Clinton and her aides. The Weiner emails emphasize the need for the Justice Department to conduct a fresh, serious investigation of Hillary Clinton's and Huma Abedin's obvious violations of law. That's why we are pleased to learn that the Justice Department has reportedly at least begun asking questions about the Clinton classified material. Judicial Watch has no doubt that the Justice Department is taking these steps due to the ongoing disclosures of Clinton email misconduct from Judicial Watch's lawsuits."In September 2017 Judicial Watch made public Abedin's use of the unsecure Clinton email system for the transmission of sensitive passwords.MORE: www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-least-18-classified-emails-found-weiners-laptop/
click to enlarge PHOTO BY LARRY D. MOORE Jim Hightower
Lets talk about two daily essentials: breakfast and, of course, beer.Mass marketers of breakfast cereals have been in a downward sales spiral for about a decade, so theyre getting back to their roots (sort of). Few folks know that some of the oldest and biggest brands of todays artificially flavored, neon-colored, empty-calorie cereals started out as health foods, often springing from religious or utopian movements.For instance, Ralston Purinas Wheat Chex cereal was first packaged in 1937 under the name of Shredded Ralston, specially formulated for followers of Ralstonism. What was that? A strict, bizarre, racist cult with a demonic mission: To make America a nation of Caucasian purity. Webster Edgerly, the unhinged founder of Ralstonism, proposed an efficient means for achieving his pure-white dream world: Castrate all males of impure lineages at birth.The big manufacturers today arent going full-tilt Ralstonist to reclaim market share, but they are going back to pitching their products as health food, hoping to woo millenials who want cereals with more protein, fiber and natural ingredients, and none of the artificial additives the industry has been dumping into its Choka-Mocha-Salted-Sugar Bombs. Some brands are seeking good-for-you credibility by buying out organic brands such as Kashi (consumed by Kelloggs) and Annies Homegrown (swallowed by General Mills). But the sweeping shift of this $10-billion market to healthier alternatives is, in fact, an enormous grassroots victory, driven by the organic movement, groups like Center for Science in the Public Interest, Good Food entrepreneurs, fearless nutritionists, and especially by countless moms, dads and kids who simply refused to swallow the industrys crap.Now that breakfast is out of the way ... beer! Last year Anheuser-Busch InBev mounted a multimillion-dollar coup on America. Not on our country, but on its name. For six months, the beer behemoth expropriated our nations name for a tacky advertising campaign, rebranding its Budweiser product America. But the PR ploy backfired when a flurry of stinging media stories pointed out that Bud is owned by a Brazilian consortium based in Belgium.Undeterred by facts, BigBud still claiming to be red-white-and-blue-blooded American announced that it has invested beaucoup bucks here to improve its beer quality. Mostly, though, that enhancement has come from buying out 10 local craft breweries, such as Goose Island in Chicago, Karbach in Houston and Wicked Weed in Asheville. AB InBev grabbed these top-quality, independent brew-makers because they represent the real beer of todays America, rapidly taking customers away from the giant purveyor of bland suds.Indeed, sales figures tell the tale of Buds beer bust: Last year the company sold 14.4 million barrels of Budweiser in the U.S., less than a third of its volume in 1988s peak-suds year. Meanwhile, craft breweries are gaining market share production of good beer was up 12 percent last year to 24.6 million barrels.So, what better way to welcome the new year than with a breakfast of healthy cereal and a pint of a good craft brewski?
Maxine Clark, founder of Build-A-Bear Workshop, has been named the 2017 Pillar in the Community by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce. Presented by Centene Corp., the award is given to an individual in the regional community who has made an important impact. In addition, Clark and her husband, Bob Fox, will receive the Spirit of Provident award at the third annual Spirit of Provident Gala on Feb. 10. They are being recognized for their dedication to the St. Louis community. Clark will tell her story of how a visit to Providents after- school program a few years ago changed the direction of her life. Her latest project, coming in the spring of 2019, is the Delmar DivINe, a real estate project creating the first collaborative and innovative hub for nonprofits in the Midwest.
On Nov. 13, Marcia Mellitz, John Dubinsky and Lewis Levey were among four people who received a Cortex Beacon Award for their efforts in launching the Cortex Innovation Community. Mellitz, former president of the Center for Emerging Technologies, was given the Cortex Startup Innovation Beacon Award. The Cortex Leadership and Governance Beacon Award went to Dubinsky, president and CEO of Westmoreland Associates LLC. Levey, chairman of Enhanced Value Strategies Inc. and a member of Temple Emanuel, received the Cortex Cornerstone Building Beacon Award.
Dr. Jeffrey Gordon, a Washington University professor of medicine, has been awarded the Sanofi-Institut Pasteur International Award for his role in founding and leading the field of gut microbiome research. Together with students and colleagues, Gordons work has led to a fundamental shift in the way scientists understand the relationship between microbes, human health and disease. He is the director of the Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology.
Karen Aroesty, regional director of the Anti- Defamation League, and Noemi Neidorff, philanthropist and community volunteer, were among eight women honored Dec. 15 at the YWCAs 37th annual Leader of Distinction Lunch. They were recognized for their accomplishments in the community. Two days later, the ADL honored Neidorff with the Touch of Liberty award. It celebrates those whose efforts preserve our heritage of liberty, freedom, equality and democracy. Neidorffs musical life and history as an immigrant from Hungary in the 1950s define her impact on the arts, youth and education for so many. Aroesty attends Kol Rinah; Neidorff is a member of Traditional Congregation.
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The second book in Ed Protzels DarkHorse Trilogy, Honor Among Outcasts, will be published Feb. 2. It is a historical adventure thriller that takes place in Civil War Missouri and is available for presale on Amazon Kindle. Coming out later this year is Protzels The Antiquities Dealer, a Jewish noir, futuristic mystery/thriller that takes the reader from St. Louis to Jerusalem and back again. TouchPoint Press publishes both books.
At the 11th annual Memory Care Home Solutions gala, Memories & Melodies, Nancy and Al Siwak were honored with the 2017 Alzheimers Community Service Award. They were recognized for their work in bringing MCHSs mission to the forefront in our community; education and help is available for caregivers of patients with dementia. The Siwaks are members of Central Reform Congregation.
Rabbi Mark Shook was recognized in December as one of two people to receive the City of Creve Coeur Citizen of the Year 2017 award at the annual Holiday Appreciation Event. He was honored for his dedication and service to the community. He has been a chaplain for the Creve Coeur Police Department since 1990 and served as chaplain for a number of organizations in the area. He is the rabbi emeritus of Congregation Temple Israel and serves as an adjunct professor of Jewish philosophy and international studies at St. Louis University.
Steve Legomsky, the John S. Lehmann University Professor Emeritus in the School of Law at Washington University, had his first novel, The Picobe Dilemma, published recently by Booklocker.com. The science-fiction novel explores what it means to be living and whether there are hazards in pursuing eternal life in a laboratory. Readers can order directly from the publisher, Amazon or Left Bank Books.
Dr. David Holtzman is one of three Washington University School of Medicine professors elected to the National Academy of Inventors. As the Andrew B. and Gretchen P. Jones Professor and head of the Department of Neurology, Holtzman is being honored for distinguished contributions to understanding the pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease and for developing diagnostics and treatments for the disease. He attends Congregation Shaare Emeth.
Beth Feldman, United Hebrew Congregation member, has joined the staff of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis as a development associate. She will be working with donors and handle various donor recognition events.
Carolyn Amacher is the new president of St. Louis Hadassah. She is a member of CRC.
J Associates has announced the lineup of performers for its Lip Sync Live community fundraising event March 10 at the Pageant in the Delmar Loop. The St. Louis Stars are: Shari Cohen (Congregation Bnai Amoona, internal medical physician, performing with Eric Cohen and Lisa Deutsch); Merle Fox (Shaare Emeth, community volunteer); Wayne Kaufman (Temple Israel, president of the Kaufman Fund, performing with Gloria Kaufman, Karla Rosenblum, Cindy Kaufman Oberkirsch and Fran Balk); Matt Litwack (Temple Israel and trustee of the Jewish Light, real estate agent and partner of Land Litwack & Associates, performing with Todd Lazarus); Simcha and Michael Lourie (United Hebrew, owner of Simchas Events and director of marketing and communications at Missouri Baptist Medical Center); Steve Starr (Shaare Emeth, owner of Starrco Co. performing with Alvin Wolff, Jon Wagner and Joel Schwartz); Mickey Waldman (Shaare Emeth, president Essex Industries, performing with Corey, Evan and Todd Waldman);and Judy Zaft (Bnai Amoona, community volunteer, performing with Robert Becker).
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The result of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2017 is expected to be out tomorrow, January 5. Candidates can check out the result from the official website, iimcat.ac.in
How to check:
Go to the official website
Click on the link, 'CAT Results 2017'
Enter the necessary information
After submitting the same, the result will be displayed on the screen
Take a print-out for future use
Selection procedure:
According to the official website, "The process may include Written Ability Test (WAT), Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI). Performance in CAT 2017 examination is an important component in the admission process. IIMs may additionally use other factors like previous academic performance of the candidates, relevant work experience and other similar inputs in short listing and ranking of candidates at various stages of the admission process. The processes, academic cut-offs and the weights allocated to the evaluation parameters may vary across IIMs."
Section-wise expected cut-off:
Expected cut-off: The cut-off in this section is expected to be slightly lower than that in CAT 2016.
Expected cut-off: The cut-off in this section is expected to be slightly lower than that in CAT 2016.
Expected cut-off: The cut-off in this section is expected to be higher than that in CAT 2016.
For any query regarding the results, candidates can visit the official website.
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For more updates, follow India Today Education or you can write to us at education.intoday@gmail.com
teachers share tips for board exams, date sheet is likely to be out this week
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), is likely to release the date sheet for the class 10 and 12 this week.
According to the reports in Times Now, teachers across the country are sharing tips and experiences with students to help them be more comfortable with the idea of board exams.
Teacher's tips for the students:
Most teachers are confident that the date sheet for class 10 board examination would be well spaced, giving students enough prep time in between the examinations
There ought to be a gradual succession and students would not be left in the lurch
While the last ten years' question papers are not available, teachers are advising that students should focus on sample papers now available
Tentative date sheet:
The first paper is expected to be of Computer or Information Practices
Mathematics is expected to be a close second
Note: The tentative date for the release of CBSE class 10 board's date sheet 2018 is January 5. However, it is not confirmed yet.
About CBSE:
CBSE was established in 1962. CBSE affiliates all Kendriya Vidyalayas, all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, private schools and most of the schools approved by central government of India
Every year, the board conducts the class 10 and class 12 exam in the month of March
CBSE also provide exam related material such as sample papers, model test papers, question papers etc.
For more information about the exams, visit the official website of CBSE, cbse.nic.in
Read: 8 highlights of the National Medical Commission Bill
Read: CBSE Class 10, Class 12 Datesheet 2018 to be released this week: Confirm officials
For more updates, follow India Today Education or you can write to us at education.intoday@gmail.com
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has said that the Virat Kohli's team will have to bat well in the three-match Test series against South Africa starting in cape Town on Friday.
India have never won a Test series in South Africa and this will be the biggest challenge for Kohli since he became the captain of the Test team in 2015.
After the Cape Town Test, India and South Africa will head to Centurion for the second Test from January 13 while the third match of the series will take place in Johannesburg from January 24.
The two teams will also play six one day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals.
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Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Civil Defence teams continue to monitor weather updates following last nights rainfall in the Bay of Plenty.
From 4pm today to 6am on Friday, the region is now forecast to receive 100-150mm about the ranges and 70-100mm elsewhere.
Council flood manager Peter Blackwood says the regions catchments had up to 100mm rain last night, particularly those in the east, so they are no longer dry.
Rainfall in the Rangitaiki catchment over the past 24 hours ranged from 13-68mm and averaged 45-50mm. Similarly we have had up to 100mm in the Waioeka and Otara catchments, with only very small rises in river levels and flows.
It would be prudent for farmers beside the Rangitaiki River and all other Eastern Bay rivers to move their stock to higher ground before nightfall, as the first level warnings may be given during the night, Peter says.
People camping in low-lying coastal areas or near rivers and streams should also be aware there may be coastal inundation.
In response to the rain in the Rangitaiki catchment and forecast heavy rain tonight TrustPower is spilling a small amount of water from the Matahina Dam. The total outflows of 160 cubic metres per second are no greater than the flow under full generation, but the generation flow is currently restricted.
Therefore, this spill will not flood additional land and there is absolutely no flood risk to Edgecumbe, Peter says.
The spillway was opened at 11am today and is releasing 30cu m per second, to reach a lake level of 73.15m by 3.55am tomorrow.
Prior warning will be given if the spill flow needs to be increased later.
MetService Update
A rapidly-deepening low pressure system in the Tasman Sea northwest of the country is set to move towards the North Island today, before moving over central New Zealand during Friday.
This system the first significant system to affect the country since mid-September 2017 is already bringing rain and wind to central and northern areas of the North Island.
There are Severe Weather Warnings and Watches in place for heavy rain and strong wind for a number of areas in the North and South Island, with rainfall accumulations in excess of 100mm in some places and severe northeasterly gales gusting 120km/h in exposed places.
Persistent rain will spread south over the North Island this morning, reaching as far south as Christchurch by Thursday evening.
Rain will then spread further south over the South Island on Friday, and become patchy in Northland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa.
Significant accumulations are expected on Thursday over the upper North Island where areas like the Bay of Plenty could see up to 150mm of rain accumulate about the ranges.
"Auckland could see as much as 90mm, especially about the Hibiscus Coast and the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges. The upper South Island will see its heaviest rain from tonight, where up to 180mm may accumulate about the ranges of Nelson and Marlborough, says MetService Meteorologist Ciaran Doolin.
The strongest winds associated with the system will be across the upper North Island with severe gale northeasterlies forecast in exposed places during Thursday. When the low crosses the country on Friday, a period of severe west to northwest gales will affect central parts of New Zealand.
With the strong winds come large swells about the east coast of the upper North Island, from Northland to the Bay of Plenty. In combination with king tides, this may lead to coastal inundation in low lying areas, where waves could push further inland than normal and cover coastal roads, tracks and campsites.
"This risk is most elevated on Thursday evening and Friday morning but should ease by Friday evening.
People need to take extra care this holiday period as heavy rain and severe gales have the potential to have a major impact on peoples plans. Make sure to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and Severe Weather Warnings and Watches.
Rain and gale southwesterlies will gradually ease Saturday as the low moves away southeast of the country.
A ridge spreads onto the country on Sunday, making for a mostly fine day across the country, although a short-lived front makes landfall in the far south bringing rainy spells.
Coromandel Update
MetService is forecasting heavy rain and gale north-easterlies for the Coromandel from early this afternoon into tomorrow morning.
The Thames Coromandel District Councils Emergency Operations Centre has been set up to monitor this weather event and keep an eye out for flooding and slips.
A rapidly deepening low approaching New Zealand is expected to drop 100-150mm of rain over the Coromandel between 1pm today and 1am tomorrow, with peak intensities of 20-30mm/h, especially from the evening.
North-easterly winds are expected to become severe from this evening until dawn tomorrow, gusting to 120km/h in exposed places.
The council is monitoring reports of various drains filling and flooding due to the rainfall and high tide this morning.
The Kauaeranga River level is expected to be super-high and we also expect higher than normal sea levels around our wharfs due to king tides.
This combination of strong winds and king high tides in conjunction with the heavy rain may also cause coastal flooding at streams and rivers, including in the Firth of Thames.
Surface flooding is expected across the Coromandel in the usual areas that flood, so please take care and try to stay clear of low-lying areas if youre camping.
Kauaeranga Visitor Centre has advised us due to weather warnings they have closed the Pinnacles Hut and are strongly advising customers and campers to vacate the Kauaeranga Valley.
The high tides are due at:
Whitianga Thursday 4 Jan at 21:33 Friday 5 Jan at 10:10 and 22:28
Thames Thursday 4 Jan at 22:03 Friday 5 Jan at 10:37 and 22:57
Check MetService for the latest weather forecasts as this weather system develops.
"This is looking like it will be a short, sharp weather event that will pack a punch," says Garry Towler, our Civil Defence Controller.
A video update Mr Towler is available here.
Waikato Regional Council has set up an online hub for rainfall and flood related information to help people more easily keep up to date with severe weather events in the region.
It can be found at waikatoregion.govt.nz/flood-room
We will post regular updates on our Councils Facebook page as well as on our website and email newsletters.
"Well also include updates on known local Council road closures here. If you see a Council road that is impassable due to flooding or a debris, call us on 07 868 0200.
"If the issue is with a State Highway (eg, the Thames Coast Road, Kopu-Hikuai Road) please tell NZ Transport Agency on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can also provide traffic and travel information."
Check NZTAs website before you travel for the latest information about road closures or work underway. You can also use their journey-planning website www.onthemove.govt.nz to plan the best route for your journey, taking into account known issues and traffic on state highways.
To report a power outage, contact Powerco.
"And, although were in for heavy rain, we still have a Total Fire Ban in place until at least 8 February, which includes bonfires and fireworks. See www.tcdc.govt.nz/fire for more information.
"The rain should help replenish reservoirs and water tanks, but were still facing water restrictions due to high use and also filtering sediment and silt that will be coming through from this weather event. We will be reassessing the reservoir levels within the next 24 hours to see if restrictions need to be changed. See what restrictions apply on our website www.tcdc.govt.nz/water."
Events
Sol3 Mio is moving by one day to tomorrow to Friday 5 January. The venue and timings otherwise remain the same and all tickets issued for todays show are valid for the new date. Gates open at 5pm, show starts at 6pm and concludes at 8.45pm. If patrons are unable to attend the new date they should contact the ticketer from whom tickets were purchased in order to apply for a refund.
The Colour Splash in Whangamata has been cancelled as well as the Matarangi Beach summer festival events for today and tomorrow.
Pauanui Summer Series, The King of Tangi will now be held Sunday 7 January instead of tomorrow.
All other events are going ahead as scheduled at this stage and MetService is forecasting finer weather after the low passes on Friday.
Check our Whats on in the Coromandel listing for updates on events.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand has announced the selection of two surf boat crews representing New Zealand at the 2018 Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Challenge.
They were selected on Tuesday following the second round of the New Zealand Surf Boat Series, the Whangamata Surf Boat Spectacular.
The crews join the Muriwai Meerkats (Open Women) and Orewa Aces (Under 23 Women) which were selected following the New Zealand Surf Boat Trials held at Mt Maunganui on Saturday November 11.
Together, the four crews will represent New Zealand at the 2018 Trans-Tasman Surf Boat
Challenge which will take place on February 17 at Elouera Beach in New South Wales and will be incorporated into a full weekend of Surf Boat action as part of the ASRL Open event.
The Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Challenge consists of a three race series for the mens crews, and same for the womens with combined points accumulating to a champion nation which will be presented with the Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Challenge trophy.
The three races will be made up of two long course events and one short course event. The
Open crews will also be accompanied by two New Zealand Under 23 crews who will race against the Open crews in the three race series, and whose results count towards an overall Under 23 points table.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand thanks selectors Neil Watts, Brett Hamer, Bruce Matheson and also the volunteer officials that assisted in running the Whangamata Surf Boat Spectacular.
Open Men- Red Beach
Jed Wright
Chris Carew
Hayden Smith
Shamus OHalloran
Shane OHalloran (Sweep)
Under 23 Men- Whangamata
Brandon Dromgool
Josh Kerridge
Lyndon Vickers
Sam Stockley
Andrew Jujnovich (Sweep)
People are waking up this morning to survey any damage that last nights storm may have left.
Apart from a few tree branches scattered around and some sand higher than it normally would be, Pilot Bay looks relatively untouched.
A reporter down there this morning says she spoke with a council contractor who was checking on the status of the Pilot Bay boat ramp.
"He was digging small squares at the Pilot Bay boatramp at 6.15am to see how much sand was on it.
"I think it was 500 tonnes?? of sand put down in Pilot Bay before Christmas, further along by the Waka Ama area. Nature does what nature does and the sand has moved along the beach and now moving off the beach.
"The contractor reckons its not too bad on the ramp, with most of the sand near the bottom of the ramp. He says its probably caused more from the recent king tides than the storm last night and that the ramp is firm enough for boats and trailers."
Temporary fencing around a house in Princess Ave was also blown over with last nights wind.
Photos emailed in from a SunLive reader shows a boat moored closer than normal to Memorial Park this morning.
In the Coromandel, Thames Coromandel District Council says the water supply to Hikutaia is out after the storm.
"We are working on getting this restored as soon as possible.
"There have been no reports of significant issues, or large volumes of incidednts, as a consequence of the weather event.
"All roads are open with no reports of flooding or slips at this stage."
The MetService still has a severe weather warning in place for both the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel.
A deep low is forecast to move southeastwards across central New Zealand on Friday delivering heavy rain and strong winds to northern and central New Zealand.
The heaviest rain is expected in Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, northern Gisborne, Mount Taranaki, Tongariro National Park, the Tararua Range, Marlborough, and Nelson.
The strongest winds are expected across the upper North Island, from Taranaki and Taihape to Bay of Plenty northwards, and a warning for severe gale northeasterlies is in force for these areas.
The deep low crosses central New Zealand on Friday bringing a period of west to northwest severe gales to the central and upper North Island, and gale southwesterlies across the lower North Island and eastern areas of the upper South Island.
The low is then forecast to move away to the southeast of the country on Saturday, and the winds and rain should ease.
People should keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case other areas are added to the WARNING.
Note, the Warning for heavy rain in Northland is now lifted.
The scene at Pilot Bay this morning. Photos: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.
The scene at Mount Main Beach this morning.
Its high tide in #Tauranga- I used to have a beach here & room between the water and the bridge. @WeatherWatchNZ pic.twitter.com/L6QkONODOY annikakes (@annikakes) January 4, 2018
Heavy Rain Warning
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.
Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island
Valid: 3 hours from 9:00pm Thursday to 12:00am Friday
Forecast: Widespread heavy rain should ease tonight. A further 20-40mm rain may accumulate by midnight tonight, especially about the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/hr possible.
Note, further bursts of heavy rain are possible during Friday.
Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 5 hours from 9pm Thursday to 2am Friday
Forecast: Heavy rain should ease in the early hours of Friday morning. A further 40-80mm of rain may accumulate, especially about the ranges. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr.
Note, further bursts of heavy rain are possible during Friday.
Area: Bay Of Plenty, Rotorua, Gisborne north of Ruatoria
Valid: 13 hours from 9pm Thursday to 10am Friday
Forecast: Heavy rain should ease west of Opotiki around 6am Friday, and further east by 10am. Expect 100-150mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges, while 70-100mm of rain may accumulate elsewhere. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr possible.
Note, further bursts of heavy rain are possible during Friday.
Area: Tongariro National Park
Valid: 27 hours from 9pm Thursday to 12am Saturday
Forecast: Periods of rain with heavy falls are expected from this evening (Thursday) through to Friday night. Expect 120-150mm of rain to accumulate during this time. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm/hr.
Area: Mount Taranaki
Valid: 24 hours from 9pm Thursday to 9pm Friday
Forecast: Periods of rain with heavy falls are expected to continue through to Friday evening, then ease. Expect a further 100-150mm of rain to accumulate during this time. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr, and thunderstorms possible Friday afternoon and evening.
Area: Nelson
Valid: 12 hours from 9pm Thursday to 9am Friday
Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy at times from this evening (Thursday) to mid-morning Friday. Expect 120-180mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges west of Motueka, while 50-80mm of rain may accumulate elsewhere. Peak intensities of 25-35mm/hr, especially about the western ranges.
Area: Marlborough including the Kaikoura Coast
Valid: 27 hours from 9pm Thursday to 12am Saturday
Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy at times from this evening to midnight Friday. Expect 120-160mm of rain to accumulate about the Kaikoura Ranges, while 80-110mm may accumulate elsewhere, especially the Richmond Range. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr possible.
Area: Tararua Range
Valid: 24 hours from 9pm Thursday to 9pm Friday
Forecast: Rain is expected to become heavy at times from this (Thursday) evening to Friday evening, and 50mm may accumulate in 6 hours at times during this period.
Strong Wind Warning
Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Area: Northland
Valid: 18 hours from 9pm Thursday to 3m Friday
Forecast: Severe gale northeasterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places should ease tonight (Thursday). However, northerlies are expected to rise to severe gale gusting 130 km/h in exposed places by dawn Friday.
The winds should change westerly around midday, possibly rising to severe gale gusting 120 km/h for a time, then winds ease Friday afternoon.
The combination of strong winds and high tides may also cause coastal inundation, especially in the east.
Area: Auckland including Great Barrier Island
Valid: 21 hours from 9pm Thursday to 6pm Friday
Forecast: From this (Thursday) evening, northeasterlies are expected to rise to severe gale gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, then turning northerly by dawn Friday and rising to severe gale gusting 130 km/h in exposed places.
The winds should change westerly around midday, possibly rising to severe gale gusting 120 km/h for a time, then winds ease Friday afternoon.
The combination of strong winds and high tides may also cause coastal inundation, especially in the east including the Firth of Thames.
Area: Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay Of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Taranaki, Taihape
Valid: 21 hours from 9pm Thursday to 6pm Friday
Forecast: From this (Thursday) evening until around dawn Friday, northeasterlies are expected to become severe gusting 120 km/h in exposed places, then from mid-morning Friday, winds turn north to northwesterly, severe gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Winds should then ease Friday evening.
The combination of strong winds and high tides may also cause coastal inundation, especially in the east including the Firth of Thames.
Warnings no longer in force
Heavy rain warning lifted for: Northland: Further widespread heavy rain is no longer expected and the Warning is now lifted. However, showers are expected through to Friday afternoon, some possibly heavy especially in the west.
Kolkata, Jan 4 (PTI) Ten French companies will take part in the upcoming Bengal Global Business Summit here, French Consul General in Kolkata Damien Syed said today.
The summit will be held on January 16-17.
"Ten French companies will be attending the conference and the area of special interest will be urban development and infrastructure," Syed said at a press conference here to announce the programmes of Bonjour India, aimed at cementing Indo-French cultural ties.
To a question, he said the companies include "big names".
"France has cultural and economic ties with Bengal and the two are interlinked," Syed added. PTI SUS RBT
The 2018 year will include another chance for voters to decide their policy-makers and office holders.
Deadlines are quickly approaching for voters and for candidates. On Jan. 14, voters can begin requesting an early voting ballot.
The only requirement to be a voter in Nebraska is to be a United States citizen and a permanent resident of Nebraska; there is no minimum length of residency requirement. Also, residents can register to vote as young as 17 years of age, if they are 18 on or by Tuesday, Nov. 6, the date of the General Election.
No identification is required to vote or to register to vote.
For candidates, the first deadline is Feb. 15, the cutoff date for incumbents to file for candidacy. Anyone currently in office and seeking to return to public office is defined as an incumbent, according to Cheyenne County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh.
You dont have to hold the office youre running for to be an incumbent, she said.
The last day for a non-office holder to file candidacy is March 1.
Fiegenschuh said a candidate can file for candidacy even if he or she does not live in the county they are seeking election. However, if elected the candidate will need to move to the electorates county.
In Sidney, all city council seats are at-large; there are no wards or districts. The Cheyenne County commissioners are elected each representing a specific district. School board members also must live within the district they seek to represent.
Filing forms are available in the County Clerks Office. A filing fee must also be paid at the county treasurers office and the receipt brought to the clerks office. Fees for city council positions are paid at city hall and there are no fees for school board positions.
Candidates are also required to submit accountability and disclosure forms to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission (NADC). The NADC is an independent agency of the State of Nebraska that administers and enforces the States campaign finance laws, laws on lobbying and conflict of interest laws.
Ballot questions can also be filed until March 1.
Farmers in western Nebraska grow a number of pulse crops, grains that are harvested for their dry seed. Dry edible beans is the common example, which has long been a part of the crop rotation under irrigation.
In recent years farmers have been planting increasing acres of other pulses such as field peas, chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans), black-eyed peas (cowpeas), and soybeans.
Growing and marketing these alternative pulse crops is the focus of a Pulse Crop Workshop scheduled for Jan. 17, 2018, at Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport. The workshop will cover field pea, black-eyed pea, chickpea, soybean and fenugreek.
A group of Nebraska Extension specialists and educators are working with regional representatives of pulse crop industries to organize the workshop.
Farmers have expressed more interest in alternative pulse crops in recent years, according to Dipak Santra, Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist at the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center.
But Santra said growers want more information about which varieties are best adapted to western Nebraska; what are the best agronomic practices; which weeds, insects, and diseases might be threats; where they can deliver their harvest; and where the markets are headed for these crops.
This is a chance for farmers to learn what options are available to them for growing pulse crops outside of dry edible beans, which could provide them a benefit in their production system, according to Cody Creech, Dryland Cropping Systems Specialist at the Panhandle Center.
In addition to the recent expansion of field pea acres, Creech said, There are some interesting possibilities with chickpea and soybean production in the near future that could be of value to Panhandle producers.
More than anything, he said, the workshop will be an opportunity for producers to connect with industry representatives, interact with them, develop relationships, and hopefully have their questions answered. There will be a vendors area.
Sponsors include Nebraska Extension, with a grant from North Central SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Program), and a number of partners from the regional pulse crop industry, including Pulse USA, Great Northern Ag, Jelinek Custom Cleaning, Prairie Sky Seed, Trinidad, and New Alliance.
The workshop is free to attend. Lunch and breaks will be provided so organizers do need to know how many people will be present. Attendees are asked to register by Jan. 12 by contacting the Cheyenne County Extension Office at Sidney. Either call the office at 308-254-4455 or email [email protected]
Questions can also be directed to Santra at 970-397-9817.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the first presentation begins at 9 a.m. The topics and presenters include:
Variety trial of field pea, black-eye pea, and fenugreek (Dipak Santra, UNL Alternative Crops Breeding Specialist)
Variety trial of chickpea (Carlos Urrea, UNL Dry Bean Breeding Specialist)
Variety trial of soybean (Cody Creech, UNL Dryland Cropping Systems Specialist)
Diseases of pea, chickpea, and black-eye pea (Bob Harveson, UNL Plant Pathologist)
Pea and Fenugreek for Human Health (Kaustav Majumdar, UNL Assistant Professor in Food Science)
Agronomy planting date, plant population, weed management, and inoculation with Rhizobium (Cody Creech, UNL)
Water use by pea in rotation with wheat (Xin Qiao, UNL Water and Irrigation Management Specialist)
How pest and beneficial insects in wheat are affected by field peas vs. fallow rotation (Julie Peterson, UNL Extension Entomologist)
3-5 Minute Rapid-Fire Industry Talks (Brad Hertel, Meridian Seeds; Emily Paul, Pulse USA; Shannah Plehal, Great Northern Ag; Courtney Schuler, Trinidad)
Marketing pea in Nebraska (Jon Sperl, New Alliance)
Marketing Chickpea and Lentil in Nebraska (Brian Jelinek, JCC Alliance)
Fenugreek (Norm ODell, farmer at Alliance)
The conference will wrap up with a panel discussion, and at 2 p.m. participants can join a tour of the pea splitting facility at New Alliance plant in Bridgeport.
(EDS: Updating with details, ministers reax)
Chennai, Jan 3 (PTI) Amid rebel leader T T V Dhinakaran flexing his muscles following the R K Nagar bypoll win, the ruling AIADMK today convened a meeting of party MLAs ahead of next weeks Assembly session and advised them to maintain decorum even if there was "any kind of provocation."
Top AIADMK leaders O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami convened the meeting in which 103 MLAs attended, party sources said.
Seven other MLAs, including three ministers, had "excused" citing personal and official reasons, they said.
This will be the first time that the assembly is meeting since the disqualification of 18 pro-Dhinakaran legislators in September last year.
The session, being convened on January 8, will see Dhinakaran making his debut in the assembly after having won the December 21 bypoll by a thumping margin of over 40,000 votes against ruling party candidate E Madhusudhanan.
Fresh from the bypoll win, Dhinakaran has said "5-6" senior ministers, including Palaniswami, should step aside for the continuance of the AIADMK government.
Senior party leader and Fisheries minister D Jayakumar said the ministers could not attend due to official engagements, while the others could not make it due to reasons such as pilgrimage and illness.
They had given letters in this regard, he added.
At the meeting, the legislators were advised to maintain decorum at any given situation and abide by the party whip, the sources said.
"They were advised (by the top two leaders) to maintain decorum even if there was any kind of provocation," they added.
While chief minister Palaniswami is the AIADMK co-coordinator, his deputy Panneerselvam is the coordinator.
The meeting also discussed the prospects of the ruling party launching its own TV channel and daily, especially in the absence of a dedicated mouthpiece following differences with the family of deposed leader, VK Sasikala.
AIADMK organs-- Jaya TV and Tamil vernacular Dr Namadhu MGR, controlled by Sasikalas family, were earlier party mouthpieces but have been openly critical of the Palaniswami camp after it sidelined Dhinakaran, her nephew.
Next weeks assembly session would commence with the customary address by Governor Banwarilal Purohit, his first after assuming charge in November 2017.
Speaker P Dhanapal had disqualified the 18 MLAs for revolting against Palaniswami in August last year.
These MLAs had met the then governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao and said they had lost confidence in the chief minister, a day after the formal merger of the two factions led by Palaniswami and then rebel leader and Panneerselvam on August 21.
The High Court, while not granting any stay on the disqualification, has restrained the Election Commission from conducting bypolls to the 18 constituencies and the assembly from holding a trust vote.
Meanwhile, the party today announced 12 leaders, including former ministers C Ponnaiyan, P Valaramthi, S Gokula Indira and Vaigaiselvan as AIADMK spokespersons.
According to a release from Panneerselvam and Palaniswami, the others in the panel include former MP KC Palanisamy and former MLA JCD Prabhakar. PTI SA BN
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Syracuse Police Department animal cruelty officer wants to remind pet owners to keep their animals inside during the upcoming cold weather.
"As a general rule, if you are cold when outside, then your pet is cold," according to the animal cruelty officer
Dangerous wind chills and lake effect snow will impact Central New York this weekend. The wind chill in Syracuse on Friday could reach 20 below zero, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures Saturday morning will start out below zero and will struggle to even reach 0 degrees during the course of the day.
Animals that are left outside for long periods are susceptible to frostbite, hypothermia or even death, according to police.
Police ask anyone who sees incidents of animal neglect to report it to their local police agency.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers the following tips to pet owners to help keep animals safe in winter weather:
This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Nan Bader
During Christmas school vacation, while I was teaching in Morogoro, Tanzania, I had the opportunity to travel to Kenya with one of my fellow teachers. We traveled by bus, and there was a woman sitting behind us who, after talking with my friend, Vivian, realized that the two of them came from the same area in Tanzania, so that created an immediate bond of sisterhood. The woman, Joy, lived in Mombasa, Kenya, which is where we had to stop and get a different bus to Nairobi. We arrived in Mombasa early in the morning and had to wait until that evening for the bus to Nairobi, so Joy invited us to her home and encouraged us to bathe and relax before feeding us two meals. Her two young children spoke English very well and offered to walk with me to Fort D'Jesus, where slaves had been held before being shipped to other countries. I have never felt such a presence of suffering and death. From there, we walked back to their home and met Joy's husband, who was very gracious. After a lovely meal, the entire family walked us to the station where we would board the bus for Nairobi. When we began our journey, we were complete strangers to Joy, but she took us in and cared for us. The hospitality that I experienced, on not only this trip but all during my year in Africa, was exceptional. African people have a deep sense of hospitality that we all could learn from.
Nan Bader worships at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in North Syracuse and is active with the mission team and global mission ministries. Nan is also involved with local and church wide Lutheran ministries. She is a retired English teacher and in 1985 spent a year teaching at a Lutheran School in Morogoro, Tanzania.
ROME, NY - A Rome woman has been charged with third-degree grand larceny, a felony, after Rome city police said she stole $12,000 from an elderly man's bank account.
Barbara E. Flanigan, 57, of Rome was charged Tuesday after an investigation that started in October. Police said Flanigan was supposed to be helping the victim by shopping for him and thus had access to funds from his bank account.
The victim has been a resident of an assisted living facility since May of 2017.
Police said there may be additional charges.
The public is encouraged to monitor the bank accounts of elderly family members to reduce the chances of this type of crime happening, police said.
By James Hohmann | The Washington Post
None of this is normal. Try to picture Barack Obama declaring that David Axelrod had "lost his mind," George W. Bush saying that Karl Rove "is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look," or Bill Clinton's lawyers sending James Carville a cease-and-desist letter threatening "imminent" legal action. Conversely, imagine Robby Mook saying that Chelsea Clinton is "dumb as a brick."
You can't. Because all those scenarios are inconceivable. But that's just another Wednesday in this chaotic White House, which once again plunged into crisis mode after the publication of excerpts from a forthcoming book by Michael Wolff called "Fire and Fury."
President Donald Trump's insistence that Steve Bannon, his former chief strategist and a top aide at the White House until five months ago, was a mere "staffer" who had "very little to do with our historic victory" is akin to Joseph Stalin trying to erase Leon Trotsky from the history of the Russian Revolution.
"It was the kind of story-shaping statement that, not so long ago, Trump and Bannon might have written together," writes Michael Kranish, one of The Washington Post's Trump biographers. "In reality, Bannon has been a guiding figure for Trump for years . . . according to associates of both men."
This is part of a well-established pattern for the thrice-married Trump, who treats partners and aides as disposable once they've outlived their usefulness to him and downplays their roles after they run into trouble.
Remember when Sean Spicer said that former campaign chairman Paul Manafort "played a very limited role for a very limited amount of time" and that former national security adviser Michael Flynn was "a volunteer of the campaign"?
Another former aide called George Papadopoulos a "coffee boy," even though he was meeting with ambassadors, arranging sit-downs for Trump with heads of state and in contact with Russian intermediaries. Jeff Sessions climbed out on a limb and burned bridges with old friends when he became the first senator to support Trump, but after the attorney general recused himself from the Russia investigation, Trump didn't hesitate to claim that the Alabama senator had only endorsed him for political expediency.
"Saying Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency is like saying you're not married to your ex-wife," John Dickerson said on CBS Wednesday night. "It's true at the moment, but it doesn't erase the marriage."
The fact that Trump's lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter Wednesday night to Bannon, arguing that he violated the employment agreement he signed with the Trump Organization and likely defamed the president, reflects the palpable concern about what he might say. The lawyers said Bannon must stop communicating either confidential and or disparaging information, as well as preserve all records in preparation for an "imminent" lawsuit. This is a classic Trump tactic, but it can also be read as at least a tacit admission that there is some there there.
Obsessed with loyalty
Trump is obsessed with loyalty, but it's mostly a one-way street. What he wants is loyalty to him and his offspring. His staff dissuaded him from unloading on Bannon after a critical Vanity Fair piece before the holidays, but the final straw came when his former chief strategist publicly unloaded on his progeny.
Speaking about the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr. and Manafort with Russians promising "dirt" on Hillary Clinton, Bannon told Wolff: "The three senior guys in the campaign . . . thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the twenty-fifth floor with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers. Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad (expletive), and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately."
Additional comments from Bannon and others completely undercut the White House spin that there's nothing to see vis-a-vis Russian interference in the 2016 election. He warned that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation will wind up focusing on money laundering and the Trump family's dealings with Deutsche Bank. "They're going to crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV," Bannon said, according to Wolff. "They're sitting on a beach trying to stop a Category Five."
Most importantly, Trump's dramatic statement served as a reminder that the bonds of family will probably trump everything else. This would be true of almost anyone, but it's especially true with Trump because he's not a particularly ideological person and was not primarily motivated to seek public office by any kind of deep concern about public policy. Would Trump tolerate Mueller indicting his son-in-law or son, who deny any wrongdoing?
Backing away from Bannon
The break with Bannon is a huge win for the Republican establishment, which blames Bannon for Roy Moore becoming the GOP nominee in Alabama and the party losing what should have been an easy race in a ruby red state. This will likely neutralize him in several 2018 primaries where he could have played a huge role in boosting insurgents, from Nevada and Arizona to West Virginia and Wisconsin.
"Steve doesn't represent my base -- he's only in it for himself," Trump said in his statement, which also accused him of being a prolific leaker. "Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books."
Mitch McConnell and his team are ecstatic. The Senate majority leader's political team posted a GIF of him beaming just minutes after Trump's statement went out.
A few of the candidates who have aggressively sought Bannon's endorsement in recent months quickly rushed to distance themselves, as his support became a liability and their primary rivals attacked them over it. Kelli Ward, in the open Arizona race to succeed Jeff Flake, said in a statement that Bannon is "only one of many high-profile endorsements" she has received. West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey took heat from his GOP rival, Rep. Evan Jenkins, in the primary to take on Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin. "Attorney General Morrisey does not support these attacks on President Trump and his family," his spokeswoman said.
Bad news for Breitbart
"Bannon has in recent weeks also alienated his main financial backer, Rebekah Mercer, after he told several other major conservative donors that he would be able to count on the Mercers' financial support should he run for president," The Post's Josh Dawsey and Ashley Parker scoop. "A person familiar with the conversations said . . . Mercer now does not plan to financially support Bannon's future projects -- and that she was frustrated by his moves in Alabama and some of his comments in the news media that seemed to stoke unnecessary fights. A person close to Bannon said he was not running for president. . . . 'The core constituency for Breitbart is what you would call the Trump Deplorables. That's the audience. And if they're asked to choose between Steve and Trump, they're going to choose Trump. That's clear,' said a person familiar with the company's ownership."
Meanwhile, Bannon is already trying to make amends with Trump, suggesting that he might not stay off the reservation. On his Sirius XM radio show Wednesday night, he said that he remains a strong supporter of Trump. "The president of the United States is a great man," he said. "You know I support him day in and day out."
But it may be too late, and his brand might be too damaged in the eyes of Trump diehards.
The rest of the conservative media is taking Trump's side over Bannon. "From Fox News to the Drudge Report, all the way down the spectrum to far-right conspiracy sites like The Gateway Pundit and InfoWars, headlines Wednesday afternoon painted . . . Bannon as unstable and self-interested, and . . . Trump as a forceful defender of his family and administration," Politico reports. "The Daily Caller declared, 'Trump Puts Bannon In A Body Bag.' "
"I can't help thinking of Bannon as the Robespierre of this Trumpian revolution, ultimately devoured by the forces he helped release," emailed Charlie Sykes, the legendary conservative radio host in Wisconsin who has emerged as a leading Trump critic. "He helped create a pro-Trump media ecosystem that demanded loyalty, not ideological consistency. Now that he is perceived as disloyal (and perhaps dangerous), he is going to get the same treatment he used to give the globalist, establishment types."
Trump's repudiation of Bannon is the best possible free advertising for Wolff's book. "Fire and Fury" is already 1 on the Amazon bestseller list. A second excerpt will come out later Thursday, per CNN, and NBC just announced that Wolff will appear on the "Today" show on Friday and "Meet the Press" on Sunday.
A Central New York man was recently charged with 11 different offenses under the state's Environmental Conservation Law and faces fines of up to $11,500 for illegally shooting three bucks with a bow and a crossbow.
Two of the deer were reportedly killed in his backyard over bait.
The case first came to attention of DEC officers after Dean P. Brutcher Jr., 34 of DeWitt, boasted on three Facebook posts about killing two, 8-point bucks during the archery season, according to the DEC. A state hunting license only allows a hunter to take one buck during the archery season.
The town of DeWitt is among those Central New York suburban communities with excessive numbers of deer. The latest counts show the community has about 100 deer per square mile - at least five times the normal eight to 20 per square mile, according to figures from the state College of Environmental Science and Forestry, DeWitt officials said.
An investigation into Brutcher's Facebook posts was initiated by state Environmental Conservation Officer Don Damrath. As Damrath was attempting to locate Brutcher, the man posted a photo of a third buck taken on his Facebook page, the biggest of the three deer.
The ECO caught up with Brutcher at his home "late in the evening (on Dec. 22) and the man produced three, 8-point racks to go along with a poorly concocted story about how and where he killed the deer."
According to the DEC, "ECO Damrath determined two of the three deer were killed over bait in the backyard of the man's house in a nearby suburban neighborhood. One of the bucks was taken with a crossbow during the archery only season, and one of the bucks was never tagged. None of the deer were reported."
Damrath seized all three sets of antlers.
ECO Don Damrath with the three seized sets of antlers.
Brutcher was charged with taking big game in excess of the bag limit; unlawful possession of protected wildlife; failure to report deer take within 7 days (three counts); take/kill deer wrong implement; unlawful deer kill (two counts); hunt over bait (two counts); entice deer to feed (within) 300 feet (of a) highway.
Five of the above offenses are misdemeanors. Brutcher faces an additional misdemeanor charge for signing a false statement, DEC said.
Along with the above charges, Brutcher also faces loss of his hunting privileges.
Meanwhile, DeWitt officials in late October approved a plan to use federal sharpshooters to hunt and kill deer in targeted areas of the community.
The town's plan was recently approved by the DEC and culling of the herd is expected to start soon at seven undisclosed locations.
Former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra has launched a bid for the Republican nomination for governor, becoming the second GOP candidate to jump into the 2018 race.
Giambra, 60, confirmed his decision Wednesday night, telling the Buffalo News that he has hired consultants and assembled a campaign team.
"At this point, I haven't talked to enough county chairs and Republican Party leaders," Giambra told the newspaper. "Right now, I'm working hard to convince them that I might have the best chance as a Republican to win in November."
Giambra joins state Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua, who launched his campaign last month, as the only two Republicans who have entered the race to take on Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo in November.
State Sen. John DeFrancisco, R-DeWitt, and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro are both considering whether to run for the GOP nomination.
DeFrancisco said he expects to decide this month, and has no intention of forcing a Republican primary. He has visited 32 counties since August in a statewide tour to build support for his campaign.
New York Republican Committee Chairman Ed Cox said he will meet with party leaders next week to discuss the GOP ticket for 2018.
So far, two other prominent Republicans who considered a campaign for governor have decided to stay out of the race - Westchester County businessman Harry Wilson and former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who challenged Cuomo in 2014.
Contact Mark Weiner anytime: Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
Donald Savastano, a self-employed carpenter in Sidney, is a new millionaire in Delaware County.
Savastano, 51, bought the "Merry Millionaire" scratch-off ticket at Mirabito, 15503 State Route 8, Masonville, on his way home from work.
He said he often plays scratch-off tickets but not the holiday ones.
"I saw the Merry Millionaire ticket and figured, 'Why not?'," Savastano said on WBNG.
He paid $10 for the "Merry Millionaire" ticket.
Savastano kept the news of the winning private over the weekend, but took out the ticket a few times to convince himself it was real. He claimed his prize when the Lottery office opened on Monday.
New York Lottery's Yolanda Vega presented a ceremonial prize check to Savastano on Wednesday.
He is accepting his prize as a lump sum payment. After withholdings, he will receive a check worth $661,800.
"Being a self-employed carpenter, I didn't really have a plan for retirement," Savastano said. "The money will help with that. I don't have any other extravagant plans. I'll buy a new truck, pay off some debt and invest for the future."
Savastano says he may use the money to take a vacation. He is the 97th New York Lottery player to claim a prize totaling $1,000,000 or more this year, according to the Lottery's site.
The New York Lottery contributed $6,998,933 in Lottery Aid to Education to school districts in Delaware County during fiscal year 2016-2017.
Meanwhile, no winning tickets were sold for the $460 million Powerball jackpot in Wednesday's drawing.
An editorial in the Jan. 7, 1988 Post-Standard said that former Syracuse mayor Lee Alexander was a man who "has it all."
"He is intelligent, energetic, handsome, charismatic, the possessor of many positive attributes one associates with success," the editorial said.
Mayor Lee Alexander in 1985.
Alexander was a man who "could have been successful at most anything he tried," and the editorial noted that he should have left City Hall to become one of Syracuse's leading attorneys, "with the income and prestige" that came with it.
Instead, on Jan. 6, 1988, he was in a Binghamton courtroom, pleading guilty to racketeering, tax evasion and conspiring to obstruct a federal investigation.
He was expected to be sentenced to up to ten years in prison.
Alexander, 60, who had left office just two years before, had once pledged to fight the charges against him, but was described by a reporter as "pensive, subdued, in another world."
Before his hearing, though, there was a quick flash of the old Alexander charisma.
As he approached a metal detector, he turned suddenly towards a guard. "Aren't you from Syracuse?" he asked, in a tone a nearby reporter said, "more commonly heard during political campaigns."
U.S. Marshall Tom Coon, who was taken a back by the friendly gesture, said he had seen Alexander at the federal courthouse in Syracuse the previous year.
Seeing the large crowd of reporters after he passed through security, he stopped and asked his attorney if he had made enough copies of his statement.
Then he stood in front of Judge Thomas McAvoy.
Dressed in a gray suit, a blue and white striped shirt, and dark striped tie, Alexander looked down at his feet or at federal prosecutor Gregory West, who called the former mayor the "most corrupt public official in Central New York history."
When West had finished, McAvoy reminded Alexander that he would be sentenced to ten years in prison if he plead guilty.
"You're honor, I do wish to plead guilty pursuant to the plea agreement," Alexander responded.
"Because you are guilty," the judge asked.
"That's correct," was the answer.
Outside the courtroom, Alexander was asked about his family. "I brought a lot of pain to them, you know that," he said.
In his statement to the press, Alexander admitted his guilt: "Funds originally generated for one purpose were accepted for personal use."
He wrote that he now realized that "the good" he accomplished as mayor "will now be obscured."
"I owe it to my city to forfeit my right to fair trial and to accept punishment. I accept the unrelenting pain that is daily driven into me by the grief that I have brought to the people of the city that I love."
Many of those people were outraged. Many thought a ten-year sentence, with the possibility of release after shortly after three years, in a minimum-security prison was too light.
Charles Jackson, a student at Nottingham High School, where Alexander had received a $39,600 payoff in 1976 from an architect, was one of them.
"They cheated us. It's wrong. They should let us, the students of Nottingham, make him pay," he said.
Denise Van Marter, a painter at the Hotel Syracuse (where Alexander had accepted $67,065 in bonds from its owner after receiving thousands of dollars in low-interest loans in 1983) didn't think Alexander's sentence was severe enough, "Anybody else - except an ex-mayor - would probably get more than ten years."
At the new Galleries mall, where Alexander received a $2,878 kickback, shopper Pat Flowers tried to be philosophical about shopping in a building which was partially built on bribes.
"My tax dollars are still going towards the same kind of things right now, and they will be until things change," she said.
Alexander was sentenced to ten years in federal prison in March 1988. He was released in 1994.
This feature is a part of CNY Nostalgia, a section on syracuse.com. Send your ideas and curiosities to Johnathan Croyle: Email | 315-427-3958.
Seeking to equip its soldiers with advanced weapons to combat terrorists, the Indian Army is planning to buy more than three lakh assault rifles and close quarter carbines at a cost of around Rs 10,000 crore from global vendors.
"Two separate proposals for buying more than two lakh assault rifles and over one lakh close quarter carbines for infantrymen who will use them along the Line of Control (LoC) and in counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir and Northeastern states are being moved before the defence ministry for clearance in the coming weeks," a government source told MAIL TODAY
The proposal, which will be processed through the fast track procurement route by the Army, would be considered at a high level meeting of the defence ministry which will take a final call on how to proceed on the ambitious Army project, the source said.
The Army has been looking to buy these guns after several failed attempts but is hopeful that the project would finally go through in the coming times. Sources said the Army earlier had a requirement of more than eight lakh such assault rifles but due to the high cost of procurement involved, the plan was shelved and the requirement for foreign-made rifles was cut down.
"It has now been decided that more than two lakh rifles would be procured from foreign vendors while the rest would be acquired from Indian manufacturers who would build the gun based on DRDO designs," a source said.
The logic behind curtailing the requirement is that not all troops are engaged in battle at one point of time and therefore, only the infantry and Rashtriya Rifles troops would get the imported and advanced assault rifles while other troops in the rear would get the locally-made rifles.
The new assault rifles of 7.62 mm caliber would replace the indigenously manufactured INSAS-1B1 rifles manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board as the Army has not been happy with them. Army sources said the 5.56mm caliber INSAS rifles were not proving to be very effective against terrorists and troops fighting in Kashmir and Northeast had to rely majorly on Kalashinikovs acquired from Russia and East European countries.
Once approved, international companies manufacturing rifles, including the Israeli Weapon Industry (IWI), American Berretta, Colt, Swiss Sig Sauer and Czech Bren would be contacted. During an earlier attempt to buy the rifles, the tender had to be scrapped due to stringent requirements as it had asked vendors to submit proposals about guns with twin-barrels, including one for close combat terror and the other for carrying out duties in peaceful areas.
The procurement of close quarter carbines is also important as they will be used to equip troops for close combat scenarios with terrorists or enemy troops. The effort to buy carbines from foreign vendors have not yielded any result since 2008 as a case was scrapped by the defence ministry in 2016 due to a single vendor situation whereas the contract had started with as many as 27 vendors.
In the final round, one of the contenders was eliminated due to a very minor and inconsequential issue and the then defence minister decided against going forward with the project.
The hunt for close quarter carbines will be relaunched now with the Army already having rejected the DRDO designed and developed excalibur rifle. The Army has to replace the British-origin Sterling 1A1 submachine guns
Three years ago, the NIH prohibited the funding of a project that aimed at creating enhanced viruses to make them more dangerous and to study them further. The ban came a few months after 2 deadly pathogens, the Anthrax and the Avian flu, escaped from the government labs that were handling them. The Ebola outbreak that followed shortly after the anthrax and avian flu incidents only reinforced the concern about handling such deadly creations. However, it seems now that the government has found solutions to handle the new man-made viruses.
The experiments that led to the creation of the enhanced viruses are called gain-of-function, which means that the goal of such experiments is to study how the changes that occur inside those viruses could change their lethality. Some of the viruses being enhanced are the bird flu, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Apparently, scientists are very much interested in what makes those viruses more transmissible from person to person.
No matter how many justifications the NIH gives for lifting the ban, many can't help but worry about the uses or consequences of the said experiments. Molecular biologist Richard Ebright, who has previously warned the government about the gain-of-function experiments, said in an interview with State News that he couldn't see how the benefits of those experiments would surpass the harm that comes with it.
Epidemiologist Marc Lipsitch, however, said that he is not worried about the engineering.
"A human is better at spreading viruses than an aerosol," says Lipsitch.
The U.S Department of Health and Human Services attempted to calm the critics by putting together a framework, but the said document serves only to guide the funding decisions about the proposed research involving enhanced potential pandemic pathogens (PPPs). Even though the document insists that research involving PPPs is important to ensure public security and health, it is critical to note that the document does not actually offer extensive measures in case the viruses escape from the lab, like what happened with Anthrax. The guide is essentially about how to organize the funding and which entities are allowed to participate. However, there was a small part where all parties agreed to stop all activities in case of an accident related to those super viruses occurs.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Back in August, Amazon and Microsoft promised an integration between Alexa and Cortana sometime in 2017.
Fast-forward to 2018, the two smart assistants still aren't playing nice with each other yet, or in other words, the two companies missed their deadline.
Alexa Can't Open Cortana And Vice Versa Yet
As first spotted by Thurrott, both Amazon and Microsoft still haven't announced any updates regarding the Alexa and Cortana integration.
That's despite the commitment the two CEOs Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Microsoft's Satya Nadella of the companies showed in an interview with The New York Times in August.
"I want them to have access to as many of those A.I.s as possible," Bezos said.
Nadella also sounded positive regarding the partnership.
"The personality and expertise of each one will be such that if they interoperated, the user will get more out of it. That resonated for me and for him, and then that's what led to the teams working," he said.
Why The Delay?
However, even though the anticipation has been built up to such a degree, things apparently didn't work out on time.
It's unclear why the smart assistants' integration was pushed back, but a Microsoft spokesperson did assure Thurrott that the company will announce something soon, and an Amazon spokesperson also sung in the same tune, saying that the company is "working on it" and that it's safe to expect for a rollout soon.
What Could've Been But Didn't - Yet
If this pushed through, then owners of Alexa-enabled devices can call Cortana, while users of Cortana-powered platforms such as Windows 10 can call Alexa.
According to The New York Times report, a user can ask Alexa for Cortana by saying "Alexa, open Cortana." Meanwhile, a user can also ask Cortana for Alexa by saying "Cortana, open Alexa."
The Bottom Line
Long story short, Amazon and Microsoft are working together to bring their respective smart assistants to each other's platforms. That means Amazon devices such as the Echo Dot, which is the retailer's top-selling device in Christmas, will support Cortana, and Microsoft devices including PCs will support Alexa in the foreseeable future.
It's worth mentioning that the relationship between the two is a far cry from what Amazon and Google have, where the two have been more or less at each other's throats over the removal of YouTube on the Echo Show and the removal of Chromecast products on the Amazon website. However, the two are in talks to settle the feud.
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Guwahati, Jan 4 (PTI) The Assam Police today registered an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following multiple complaints alleging she made inflammatory speech over the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the northeastern state.
Banerjee had in a meeting at Ahmedpur in West Bengal yesterday accused the BJP-led government at the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of December 31.
"I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire... This is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.80 crore people from the state," she had said.
Deputy Commissioner (Central) of Guwahati Police Ranjan Bhuyan told PTI, "Latasil police station received a complaint regarding an alleged speech of the West Bengal Chief Minister. We have registered the complaint and will carry out the investigation as per law."
The complaint was filed by Gauhati High Court advocate Tailendra Nath Das and the police have registered an FIR under Section 153(A) of the Indian Penal Code, he added.
The section pertains to promoting enmity among groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
Das also accused Banerjee of contempt of the apex court as the update of the NRC is being done under the direct the supervision of the Supreme Court.
A similar complaint was filed by another person and it would be merged with the registered FIR, the police said.
Yet another complaint was filed at the Dispur police station in the city by Krishak Shramik Unnayan Parishad President Pradeep Kalita alleging that the Chief Minister was spreading enmity between people through her speech.
"We have received the complaint at Dispur, but have not registered a case as yet...The police are looking into the matter before registering a case as the place of occurrence is outside the state," Deputy Commissioner(East) of Guwahati Police Mohneesh Mishra said.
Numerous groups staged protests across Assam today condemning her statement.
At several places, including in Tinsukia and Biswanath, Banerjees effigies were burnt. PTI TR KK TIR
Microsoft already pulled the plug on its motion-sensing peripheral Kinect back in October 2017 upon announcing that it's no longer manufacturing any more of them. However, the company just pounded the final nail on the coffin.
Microsoft is officially halting production of adapters needed to plug Kinect into newer Xbox models such as Xbox One, Xbox One S, and Xbox One X. This means owners of those consoles who don't have the aforementioned adapters won't be able to use Kinect at all. Windows 10 users are affected as well, since it also requires that adapter.
Microsoft Kinect
Kinect was introduced in 2010, a time when motion-based gaming was still all the rage. The Nintendo Wii was of course responsible for popularizing this gaming method, and it lead to over 100 million units sold. Naturally, both Sony and Microsoft wanted a piece of that pie, so they made their own versions: Sony unveiled the PlayStation Move and Microsoft released the Kinect.
Both weren't able to replicate the Wii's success, however. It was evident that Sony and Microsoft wanted to capture some of Nintendo's core audience. But it's clear they weren't able to do so, particularly because the gaming community has moved on from motion-based gaming. Nintendo's latest Switch console still uses it, though not as frequently as the Wii.
Microsoft originally bundled the Kinect adapter to every Xbox One S for free so players could easily hook up their Kinect to the newer version of the console. That promotion lasted for eight months. When the Xbox One X was released last November, there wasn't a similar offer, which should have been an indication that the company was getting ready to phase out the adapters.
In a statement to Polygon, a spokesperson said Microsoft is going to focus on manufacturing accessories that are more requested than the Kinect adapter.
"After careful consideration, we decided to stop manufacturing the Xbox Kinect Adapter to focus attention on launching new, higher fan-requested gaming accessories across Xbox One and Windows 10."
Kinect Adapter Is Hard To Find
It's been hard to locate the Kinect adapter recently. Big retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop have listed it as out of stock for months, which fueled speculation that the company was going to discontinue it.
It seems that's indeed the case. There are Kinect adapters being sold in third-party markets but they're incredibly expensive, going up to $300 at times, which is more expensive than an Xbox One S.
So long, Kinect. Here's hoping you're in video game heaven.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
How can humans tell when another person is sick? There are obvious signs, surely. If they're coughing, wheezing, or doing something out of the ordinary that suggests they're in pain, they might be sick.
As it turns out, humans are also actually adept at detecting sickness just by looking at people's faces.
"We use a number of facial cues from other people, and we probably judge the health in other people all the time," said John Axelsson, coauthor of a new research published Tuesday, Jan. 2, in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
You Look Sick
Unlike humans, other species have other ways of detecting sickness. For instance, some species rely on their sense of smell to determine sickness in another animal. For humans, facial cues are key. It's the primary source for "social information for communication," according to Axelsson.
Axelsson's team, which includes psychologists and neuroscientists from Germany and Sweden, gathered 16 subjects, half of which were white men and the other half being white women. They injected them with lipopolysaccharide, a molecule found in bacterial membranes. It didn't actually make them sick. It simply triggered their immune systems, which then brought feelings of sickness a natural response of the body when it thinks it's under attack.
The researchers took photos of the participants hours after injecting them with the bacteria, when they felt most unwell. They also took pictures of them at some other time after the subjects were injected with a placebo.
The team then took in 60 students to look at the photos. They asked them to determine which ones looks sick and which ones don't, with each person given a mere five seconds to observe the photo.
The students correctly identified someone as being unwell 52 percent of the time. Conversely, they were able to identify which ones were healthy 70 percent of time.
They brought another set of observers and asked them to rate different facial cues, such as pale lips, redder eyes, drooping mouths, hanging eyelids, and other features potentially indicative of a health problem.
"The change of skin color seemed to be the most robust," according to Axelsson. They also considered heavy eyelids as a strong determining factor of illness based on looking at a person's face alone.
Ben Jones, a professor from the University of Glasgow's Face Research Lab, praised the study but noted that it might not accurately replicate real-life scenarios. That's because faces can show many types of variation, even if it's the same person.
Is This Useful?
If a person is indeed able to recognize if a person is sick just by looking at their face, it might help them avoid risks of infection, especially if the other person has a contagious disease.
The researchers are currently trying to look at other ways for sickness detection in faces to be more accurate. Axelsson said the next step is to find out whether doctors and medical personnel are better at detecting sickness in people than regular folks.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A major music publisher has filed a lawsuit against Spotify in California federal court, seeking $1.6 billion in damages for allegedly using songs without acquiring the necessary licenses and failing to provide proper compensation.
The legal action comes at a bad time for Spotify, which is expected to go public later this year.
Wixen Sues Spotify For $1.6 Billion
Wixen Music Publishing, which holds the rights to songs of major artists that include The Doors, Santana, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Zach De La Rocha and Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Steely Dan's Donald Fagen, and Stevie Nicks, among many others, claimed that Spotify is streaming tens of thousands of tracks without licenses and compensation.
"While Spotify has become a multibillion dollar company, songwriters and their publishers, such as Wixen, have not been able to fairly and rightfully share in Spotify's success, as Spotify has in many cases used their music without a license and without compensation," the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit added that while Spotify initially tried to work with the record labels, the streaming service cut corners in the interest of being the first to market.
Wixen questioned the permission for Spotify to stream a total of 10,784 songs. The music publisher is seeking the maximum of $150,000 in copyright damages for each song, leading to the sought award of $1.6 billion.
Wixen's lawsuit follows Spotify's agreement in May to an over $43 million settlement to a proposed class action lawsuit from songwriters over the same issue. Wixen said that the settlement was "grossly insufficient."
The music publisher was also spurred to launch the lawsuit after the Music Modernization Act was introduced in mid-December. The bill will make it simpler for music streaming services to acquire licenses and improve royalty payments to song copyright owners, but Wixen believes that it will prevent the collection of past due payments.
Spotify To Go Public This Year
Spotify, which has 60 million subscribers, may be valued as high as $20 billion once it goes public later this year. The music streaming service, however, will take the route of a planned direct listing on the New York Stock Exchange instead of the usual IPO.
In advance of going public, Spotify has publicly prioritized finalizing contracts with record labels. The music streaming service has also moved to improve its relationship with the industry's three major labels, namely Sony, Universal, and Warner, and entered a deal with the rights agency Merlin, which handles most independent record label licensing.
With the massive lawsuit from Wixen, Spotify has another hurdle to clear if it wants the company to go public without any major issues chasing it.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A number of Samsung Galaxy S8 owners have reported an annoying bug that inadvertently turns on the device screen and, in the process, swiftly drains its battery.
The so-called wake-up bug has been plaguing both the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, but there were reports that claimed the Galaxy Note 8 was hit by the same anomaly. As of writing, Samsung Mobile has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
In Reddit, one user reported a problematic Galaxy S8 that will "randomly wake up while charging." The problem appeared to have started following the handset's November firmware update that was rolled out by AT&T.
Similarly, another Samsung Galaxy user with the S8 Plus took to the official Samsung community site and complained of a "new S8+ phone [that] has started waking up from lock screen every 10 [seconds] or so." The same user also stated that a factory reset was performed on the malfunctioning device, but the fix did not work.
A site moderator advised the user to do a soft reset, but the problem persisted.
"I tried soft reset before but it did not help. I did factory reset several times and cleaned cache. I also disabled as many apps as possible. But the problem persists," the community member reported.
With no quick fix in sight, the same user said the S8 Plus now suffers from battery drain and loses up to 60 percent of its energy overnight. This happens with or without the proprietary Samsung flip case.
Same Case With Galaxy Note 8
Likewise, the bug has reportedly reached some Galaxy Note 8 users, but Samsung has yet to acknowledge a potentially serious problem. It is understood, though, that the problem is mostly confined to the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus for now. It is unclear too if Samsung plans to issue a software update soon to resolve the matter.
What's apparent at the moment is that users are completely clueless on what to do, as the workarounds discussed on both Reddit and Samsung's U.S. community site so far failed. While it is hoped that an immediate firmware update will quash the bug, with Samsung's silence, such a resolution remains up in the air.
What's Causing The Bug?
To date, it remains a mystery how and why the wake-up bug suddenly surfaced. As suggested in the Reddit discussion, the firmware update is the likely culprit, but without confirmation from Samsung and AT&T, it all boils down to baseless speculations.
It's possible too that the bug was triggered by Bixby, Samsung's in-house digital assistant, but to be clear, this was a suggestion unsupported by facts. The only consolation for now is that the bug does not appear to pose security risk.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
PCs with Intel processors could get significantly lower in the coming weeks. The slowdown is a side effect of a fix for a severe security flaw.
It seems that Intel processors made in the past 10 years come with a significant design flaw and fixing it could deal a heavy blow to the device's performance, making it up to 30 percent slower.
The performance slowdown is most likely inevitable and there's nothing that users can do to avoid it. Details of the design flaw are scarce, as Intel is being very secretive until all patches roll out and the flaw is fixed. Windows, Linux, and macOS systems will all need such patches, which means that they could all get notably slower.
Intel CPU Design Flaw
As The Register first reported, the Intel CPUs flaw could open up protected kernel memory areas to user programs. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the kernel is the backbone of the operating system, controlling what runs on it. Since the kernel can host extremely sensitive information, it's paramount that a system's kernel memory is safe.
The security flaw is believed to be severe enough to enable any user program to access and compromise data from the protected kernel memory. Such data could include login keys, passwords, and any other sensitive files, which could be compromised by the simplest of software.
Intel CPU Fix Will Slow Down PCs
As previously mentioned, patching the security vulnerability from this CPU flaw will translate in a notable performance drop by up to 30 percent for some tasks. For systems with Intel CPUs from the past decade, there's reportedly no way to avoid this.
Rumor has it that some newer processors could be unaffected or could deal with the flaw without such a significant drop in performance. However, it all remains unconfirmed until Intel offers more specific information.
Microsoft is expected to roll out kernel patches for Intel-powered Windows systems with a Patch Tuesday release. It already seeded the changes to fast-ring Windows Insider beta testers in November and December, and they should be ready for public release anytime now. Linux kernel fixes, meanwhile, are already available.
Depending on the PC's processor model and the task, the fix will have varying slowdown effects. PCID and other more recent Intel chips can minimize the performance drop, but exact benchmarks will paint a clearer picture once all the patches are released. The embargo on the details of this Intel CPU flaw is due to expire in a few days, so more specifics should become available soon enough.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella was formerly Microsoft's head of cloud and enterprise group. Recent purchases by the company make that clear.
Since he took over in 2014, Microsoft bought cloud monitoring startup Cloudyn and the development team behind Deis. Microsoft took another leap into improving their cloud software by acquiring hybrid tech storage company Avere Systems.
Heads In The Cloud
Microsoft cited the importance of cloud computing in the current economy for the reason to keep up with cloud technology. It signed an agreement to acquire Avere System, a Pittsburgh-based hybrid tech storage company.
Avere Systems is a leading provider of high-performance NFS and SMB file-based storage for Linux and Windows clients in the cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. Avere was founded in 2008 and raised $97 million in investment. Last year, Google invested $14 million during Series E funding.
This move could allow Microsoft to keep data-transfer in-house, increasing the speed of the transfer. It could also offer greater privacy since it would all be handled by one company.
Amazon Web Services and Google's Cloud Platform are also partners with Avere Systems. A spokesperson from Microsoft said that the company will continue to support third-party cloud partners.
Microsoft hopes that Avere's expertise will be able to improve on their cloud storage system, Microsoft Azure.
Storage Wars
Cloud storage faces a great deal of competition. The leader in the cloud storage market is Amazon, offering the best deals for file storage. Microsoft offers OneDrive and hopes to beef up Azure with its purchase of Avere.
It's curious that Microsoft will continue to support rivals Amazon and Google's service after the acquisition of Avere. CNBC suggests that the move could better serve Azure customers who want to use cloud computing but want to keep data in their facilities.
Avere previously stated it would have tools to assist with Azure but primarily advertised its services with Amazon and Google clouds. Google's investment into Avere was rare, as it was a direct investment into a company. Google's parent company, Alphabet, usually makes investments through its own venture capital companies such as GV.
This move is also beneficial in bringing more big-name companies into contact with Microsoft. Companies that are being served by Avere include Sony Pictures Imageworks, the Library of Congress, John Hopkins University, Moving Picture Company, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Office of Infectious Diseases, Turner Broadcasting, and animation studio Illumination Mac Guff.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
DNA taken from the skull of a baby girl unearthed in Alaska has provided a glimpse into the origins of the first people that populated the Americas.
The six-week-old girl, whose remains were untouched for 11,500 years in a burial pit, was named by the local indigenous community as "Xach'itee'aanenh t'eede gay" or "sunrise girl-child," an appropriate name for the light that she has shed upon ancient history.
Alaska's 'Sunrise' Girl Unearthed In 2013
In 2010, a team of archaeologists led by University of Alaska Fairbanks' Ben Potter discovered the ancient cremated remains of a three-year-old child at the Upward Sun River site in the Tanana River Valley of central Alaska.
Digging into the hearth, the archaeologists unearthed the remains of a pair of infants. One of these babies is "sunrise girl-child," and the other, possibly a fetus, was named "Yelkaanenh T'eede Gaa" or "dawn twilight girl-child."
An international team of scientists have now retrieved the genome of "sunrise girl-child" from her remains, which is the second-oldest human genome that has ever been acquired in North America.
What Does The Alaskan Baby's Genome Reveal?
The analysis on the infant's genome, published in the Nature journal, revealed that she belonged to a previously unknown population of Native Americans who were the descendants of the single wave of migrants who crossed a land bridge to travel from Siberia to Alaska during the Ice Age. The bridge, which is now submerged, spanned the Bering Strait.
"The study provides the first direct genomic evidence that all Native American ancestry can be traced back to the same source population during the last Ice Age," Potter explained.
The group that the baby belonged to, named the Ancient Beringians, is believed to have branched out from the original family tree about 20,000 years ago. While the Ancient Beringians lived in the north and later disappeared, the other branch moved south and split again about 15,000 years ago to form the populations of North and South America.
The analysis of the infant's genome debunked theories that the Ancient Beringian population split from the original population while still in Siberia. This would have meant that the two populations migrated separately across the land bridge into the Americas.
The findings brought about by the genome of "sunrise girl-child" show how even just one genome can provide a glimpse into ancient human history.
"It shows the power of ancient DNA - how much of our history is written in our DNA," said Princeton University evolutionary genomics professor Joshua Akey, who was not a participant in the study.
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Nostalgic fans of Nintendo's Miiverse, a social media service that was canceled in November 2017, can now visit it through the Archiverse online collection.
Drastic Actions, a Twitter user, along with his team of enthusiasts took action to save what they consider as a digital heritage for gamers. Thanks to their efforts, millions of drawings, posts, and screenshots were recovered, which would later be made available again for everyone to access.
Unbelievable Amount Of Content
The 17 terabytes of Miiverse data gathered by the team apparently contains around 133,003,599 posts. It is followed by 216,901,986 replies from different users.
Next comes 75,955,135 screenshots and 72,135,190 drawings. The remaining items are 8,278,693 user profiles, 30,600,505 avatars, 2,238,830 hidden or deleted posts, and 5,128 game communities.
Incomplete Data
At first glance, the information available appears to be the entire history of Miiverse from launch to shutdown is included. Nintendo launched the social media feature on Nov. 18, 2012, for the Wii U.
It was made available for the 3DS on Dec. 9, 2013, but the service was eventually shut down in November 2017. The Archiverse team did their best to salvage what they could before it ended.
Unfortunately, not everything was saved due to several reasons. Data deleted by system administrators, hidden profiles, communities created during the service's shutdown, and information lost during stability issues was sadly lost.
Okay, everyone, I have now launched https://t.co/K3Hy7fLwKp, your guide into the Miiverse Archives! 216,901,986 Replies
133,003,599 Posts
75,955,135 Screenshots
72,135,190 Drawings
8,278,693 User Profiles That's nearly 17 terabytes of data saved by @archiveteam! pic.twitter.com/K0oFtuIIKn Drastic "MAGfest" Actions (@drasticactionSA) January 3, 2018
Nintendo's Help
The Archiverse group believes that all the missing data are still with Nintendo. All of the assets and database related to the social media service are supposedly kept by the video game company. The only way the archive can be completed is if the Japanese corporation will donate the data for posterity.
For now, the company has not issued an official statement about any data retrieval requests from its fans.
Reason For Shutdown
Fans were reportedly displeased when Nintendo announced the discontinuation of Miiverse. Furthermore, it failed to specify the reasons for its closure thereby upsetting its player community.
Subsequently, Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America president, shared the company's reason for the shutdown.
"Miiverse was a great community, it was something we thought would be integral to the Wii U proposition along with Nintendo TVii. Unfortunately, the Wii U didn't scale the way we hoped it would, which makes continuing those services financially challenging," Fils-Aime explained.
Fans are actually quite lucky that there are some individuals who want to preserve a chunk of video game history. Gamers who want to relive a bit of nostalgia can always visit Archiverse to get their fix.
2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
In am exclusive interview with TV Today, Maharashtra Mos Home, Deepak Kesarkar said, police will investigate the role of outsiders who allegedly instigated Bhima-Koregaon violence.
It was Maharahstra CM Devendra Fadnavis, who first made the comment that outsiders are trying to instigate violence in the state. Thus the suspicion pointed towards Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mewani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid. As both of them had visited Pune and made speeches on the ocassion of 'Elgar Parishad'.
Kesarkar also said, "There are 3 different FIRs filed in this matter. Out of which the two FIRs named Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote, and the third one was filed today against Jignesh Mewani and Umar Khalid. The police will be investigating the role of all these people. We don't want to punish any innocent person, but yes we will not be sparing the guilty."
Kesarkar has also asked cyber team of Maharashtra Police to check all the messages which went viral on social media.
On Thursday there was a commotion by students in Parle area of Mumbai, where Jignesh Mewani and Umar Khalid were supposed to make their speech at an event organised by a student organisation. However, Mumbai Police denied the permission to it citing law and order.
On this issue, Ksearkar said, "Granting or declining permission to any event is prerogative of police department, we don't interfere in this. The permission denied to today's event was not a political decision. Also, police will analyse the Mumbai program permission application of Sambhaji Bhide which will be happening in coming week. If they find it to be a law and order hindrance, then they may also deny permission to it."
Kesarkar commended the job done by Mumbai and state police during the violence and protest.
He said, "Police could have resorted to much a stringent action as they were equipped with all the necessary gears. but it would have sent a wrong message and violence could have intensified. Police handled the situation perfectly and there was no intelligence failure on their part."
Watch: FIR registered against Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid
The Rajya Sabha took up a discussion on Bhima Koregaon violence in Maharashtra. (Screenshot: Rajya Sabha TV)
The Rajya Sabha is holding a discussion on the violence in Maharashtra's Pune district that followed a rally called by various Dalit groups including those led by Dr BR Ambedkar's grandson Prakash Ambedkar and Jignesh Mevani.
The Rajya Sabha took up the discussion on Bhima Koregaon violence after Congress MP Rajni Patil gave a notice in Upper House under rule 267 over the incident.
BHIMA KOREGAON DISCUSSION: WHAT ALL HAPPENED IN RAJYA SABHA
Rajani Patil of the Congress started the discussion on Bhima Koregaon violence blaming the BJP government for violence against Dalits in Maharashtra and other parts of the country.
Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agrawal said that the Maharashtra government failed to provide security to people. He demanded that a report on the Bhima Koregaon violence should be tabled in the Rajya Sabha.
BJP MP leader Amar Shankar Sable blamed Dalit leader and recently elected Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani and JNU PhD student Umar Khalid for the violence in Bhima Koregaon. Sable accused Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid of making inflammatory speeches that led to violence in Maharashtra.
NCP chief Sharad Pawar appealed to bring peace in Maharastra, where several districts have witnessed pro-Dalit protests and counter-protests leading to tension in the region. Pawar urged the Devendra Fadnavis government of Maharashtra to bring normalcy in the state as soon as possible.
BJP's ally and the Republican Party of India leader Ramdas Athawale demanded tough action against those who instigated and carried out the violence in Bhima Koregaon.
DMK leader Kanimozhi said that the anti-Dalit violence was deplorable. She asked the government to seek long-term solution for ending atrocities and violence against Dalits in the name of caste.
TMC MP Nadimul Haque accused the right wing parties of encouraging "political lynching" of Dalits. He blamed the BJP for violence against Dalits in Maharashtra and other parts of the country.
CPI MP D Raja made an appeal to all political parties to address the issues related to Dalit community. BJP leader Dilip Tirkey sought an independent probe into various incidents of violence against Dalits across the country.
Violent protests erupted in Mumbai and across Maharashtra after Pune clashes. Photo: Reuters.
The clashes in Pune on the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon Battle and the subsequent protests across Maharashtra have exposed the rift between Dalits and Marathas.
At the heart of the simmering discontent among Marathas is an agrarian crisis that has also prompted the Patels to protest in Gujarat and the Jats to take to streets in the Hindi heartland.
Marathas have been traditionally a farmer-community and have enjoyed social and economic mobility in the rural India of the 1970s and 1980s. But, with the focus now shifting to a services-driven economy, farmers are feeling the heat.
Lack of adequate incentives, insufficient rainfall and frequent droughts have hit the farming community in Maharashtra as well as in other states. More than 29,000 villages in Maharashtra, particularly in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, were declared drought-hit in May 2016.
In neighbouring Gujarat too, agrarian crisis has pushed Patidar farmers, traditionally a well-off community, to the edge. Saurashtra, which has a large Patidar population, has been regularly hit by drought-like conditions.
In Haryana and Rajasthan, Jats, a powerful farming community, have also seen returns from the occupation dwindling.
With agriculture no longer a sustainable profession, and services sector offering security and upward mobility in society, Jats, Patidars and recently Marathas have taken to streets, demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutes.
The Maratha community has organised silent rallies across Maharashtra over the last year demanding reservation in jobs and colleges.
The Patidar quota agitation, spearheaded by Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel, has been demanding OBC (Other Backward Class) status for the community.
Jats in Haryana, through a series of protests, have asked for inclusion in the OBC category, which in turn, would ensure them job reservation.
As successive governments are struggling to address the agrarian crisis, the discontent among the farming community will only increase.
WATCH: Bhima Koregaon caste violence: Bandh or display of goondaism?
The Shiv Sena on Thursday slammed the state and the central government for the bandh in Maharashtra by the Dalit outfits against the Bhima-Koregaon violence.
The Shiv Sena, in its mouthpiece Saamana, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for the sorry state of affairs and loss of property.
The editorial targeted the Maharashtra police saying, "The state is suffering because of the politics of the state police department and the BJP-led central government, which controls the Ministry of Home Affairs", read the editorial.
In its daily column, the editorial questioned the capability of the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis government, which is "not able to control the ongoing chaos in the state".
Enraged over the protests that took place, the editorial, in typical Shiv Sena style, said that people coming from other states are damaging Maharashtra and asked what the state government doing about it.
The editorial also accused the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh president and the grandson of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Prakash Ambedkar, of inciting the violence. It read that Prakash Ambedkar should have made efforts to bring back peace and normalcy in the state. The editorial said that a true leader is the one "who gives direction to the crowd and not the one who instigates the violence."
The violence, which took place during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Koregaon-Bhima battle, saw Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad paralysed as Dalit groups took to the streets to protest Monday's death.
Mumbai felt the heat on the streets rising as mobs carried several protests in different places,bringing the city to a standstill. Buses were vandalised, stones were pelted and shops were shut as the Bhima Koregaon violence took a slightly political turn with politicians of all hues commenting on Monday's riots or its aftermath.
The million customers of Entergy Louisiana could see their monthly bills drop by about $4 per month if the Public Service Commission heeds the request of Gov. John Bel Edwards and lowers rates to match savings from the federal tax rewrite.
Hes right, PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell said of fellow Democrat Edwards letter released Thursday. If these investor-owned companies get a break, they need to pass it down.
Edwards pointed out that Dominion Energy announced plans to lower rates in South Carolina partially because of the new federal tax law and suggested that Louisiana utilities follow suit. (Based in Richmond, Va., Dominion is trying to purchase SCANA's South Carolina Electric & Gas Company for $7.9 billion and included rate reductions as part of that package.)
Businesses would receive about a 14 percent reduction in tax rates under the recently signed federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act, a savings that should translate in Louisiana utility customers paying less, Edwards wrote.
The five elected commissioners on the PSC determine how much privately owned utilities can charge their customers because the companies operate as monopolies within set service areas. Generally, base rates are computed using a complex formula that includes the costs of making and delivering electricity plus a profit. Taxes are part of that calculation.
When asked for comment, Entergy Louisianas press office released a statement saying the corporation is working with the PSC to analyze how the new tax law would affect customer rates.
"We look forward to working with our regulators to implement the benefits of these lower tax rates," the statement said. Entergy believes that the tax reform legislation will benefit our customers by lowering the tax costs that they otherwise would pay in rates. These lower tax costs come at a time when our utility is making significant investments to modernize our electric infrastructure in order to better serve our customers, and they will help us keep rates down."
Entergy Louisiana LLC is one of a dozen utility companies regulated by the PSC that would also pay less federal taxes. But Entergy is the largest by far, providing electric service to more than 1 million customers roughly half the state in 58 parishes, including the greater Baton Rouge area, the New Orleans suburbs and much of Acadiana.
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A typical Baton Rouge residential customer using 1,500 kilowatt hours of electricity each month paid $130.63 in December, according to PSC filings. Of that figure, the base rate was $61.38. The rest was fees, surcharges to pay for storm recoveries, and the cost of fuel to run the generators that make the electricity.
Louisiana had the lowest average residential electricity rates in the nation and the 12th lowest commercial rates, based on August and September data, according to Choose Energy Inc., a Plano, Texas-based online marketplace for electricity and natural gas.
Entergy customers will see another reduction in October of between $4.73 and $6.80 each month, depending on where they live, when the surcharge for restoring service after hurricanes Katrina and Rita roll off. The money was used to secure a loan that repaid Entergy for the work.
About half of the energy that Entergy Louisiana sells is made in generators fueled with natural gas. Over the past three years, natural gas prices have dropped by approximately 38 percent, compared to 2014, and have been modestly lower during the second half of 2017. Customers pay Entergys costs for generator fuel but the company adds no profit.
PSC Commissioner Craig Greene, R-Baton Rouge, said all the PSC members agree that the federal tax savings need to find their way to the utility companies customers. The key issue is deciding how the savings fit into the formula that decides the rates.
We didnt expect this much to go into the formula, Greene said. Its a good problem to have.
Campbell, D-Bossier Parish, said the estimates are that Entergy, alone, would save about $100 million annually in taxes. That translates to a reduction of about $4 a month for the typical residential customer. The other utilities, though much smaller than Entergy, also will realize significant savings and will have to reduce their rates as well, he said.
PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta, R-Metairie, responded Thursday in a letter to Edwards that he instructed the commissions staff to analyze the situation and report at the Feb. 21 monthly meeting.
Once all the data is collected, the commission will order that all necessary and legal rate modifications are enacted and refunds in the forms of credits and that future rate reductions are put into effect, Skrmetta wrote.
Prosecutors are asking Louisiana's top court to reinstate a St. Landry Parish man's vehicular homicide conviction and eight-year prison term in a fiery 2011 road rage-related crash that killed five Ascension Parish residents, including three children.
The 1st Circuit Court of Appeal in November reduced David Leger's conviction to negligent homicide and ordered him to be resentenced, saying that nothing pointed to his intoxication as a contributing factor in the horrific wreck on Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge.
The East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney's Office disagrees with that conclusion and has filed documents at the state Supreme Court urging the justices to reverse the appellate court, and reinstate Leger's conviction and sentence on five counts of vehicular homicide.
+5 St. Landry man sentenced in 2011 I-10 crash in Baton Rouge that killed 5 Saying the St. Landry Parish man cut short the lives of two young Ascension Parish women and three boys by an estimated 322 years, a state jud
"The evidence presented at trial supports the jury's finding that defendant's unlawful blood alcohol concentration combined with his operation of a vehicle caused the death of five human beings," Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Casler and Ron Gathe argue in their filing.
Leger's blood alcohol level after the crash was was 0.10 percent. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent is considered presumptive evidence of drunken driving in Louisiana for those 21 and older. A partially empty bottle of rum was found inside Leger's truck after the crash.
Casler and Gathe claim the 1st Circuit erred by substituting its appreciation of the evidence and credibility of witnesses for that of the jury, and disregarded the deference that is to be given "to the good sense and fair-mindedness of jurors."
+9 Jury convicts Leger of vehicular homicide Karen Stagg knows a St. Landry Parish mans five vehicular homicide convictions wont bring back her 19-year-old daughter, her daughters frie
Rachel Conner, who represents Leger, said Thursday she will file a response at the Supreme Court in the next few days.
Killed in the March 13, 2011, crash were Effie Fontenot, 29, of Prairieville, and her sons Austin and Keagan Fontenot, 3 and 11, respectively, and Hunter Johnson, 7. Her front seat passenger, Kimberly Stagg, 19, of Prairieville, also died.
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A Baton Rouge woman, Kelsye Hall, was found guilty by state District Judge Trudy White of five counts of negligent homicide in the crash and sentenced to two years in prison. She was not intoxicated at the time of the wreck.
Witnesses testified Leger, 35, and Hall, 28, were engaged in a high-speed game of "cat and mouse" on I-10 West when Leger's pickup, after trying to pass Hall's sport utility vehicle on the right shoulder, spun out of control and crossed the grassy median. His truck smashed into Effie Fontenot's car on I-10 East between the Highland Road exit and Bluff Road overpass.
Convicted drivers in alleged road rage-related fatal crash point fingers at each other The convicted drivers in a fiery crash allegedly the result of a road-rage chase on Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge that killed five Ascension Pa
"The state did not merely prove that defendant's alcohol consumption coincided with the accident," Casler and Gathe contend. "The evidence proves that defendant's blood alcohol concentration was 0.08 percent or more and that his operation of his vehicle while in that condition ultimately resulted in defendant losing control of his vehicle and colliding with the victims."
The 1st Circuit had no basis to disregard the jury's verdict, they added.
Michael Gillen, an expert in accident reconstruction, testified for the defense at Leger's trial and suggested that Hall's SUV was moving to the right and pushing against Leger's truck, which caused an unavoidable change of direction for the truck.
"The guilty verdict indicates that the jury rejected the theory that Hall was exclusively responsible for the incident and also rejected defendant's contention that his intoxication was not a direct, proximate cause of the deaths of the victims," the prosecutors claim. "The jury was not obligated to accept the testimony of a particular witness, including experts."
Hall was found guilty in 2013. Leger was convicted in 2014.
In 2016, state District Judge William Morvant awarded nearly $5.5 million to the victims' families in a lawsuit they filed against Leger, Hall and their auto insurance carrier. The judge found Leger and Hall equally at fault for the crash and the damages. At the trial of the suit, Leger and Hall blamed each other.
A mother and her two young daughters became the latest victims to die in a fire as officials on Thursday warned residents to be careful how th
LSU's now-defunct Phi Delta Theta house had security cameras placed inside and outside of the house, but they were not working the night Maxwell Gruver died, a national fraternity spokesman told The Advocate.
Sean Wagner, Phi Delta Theta chief operating officer, confirmed in an email that local chapter previously installed cameras for "security purposes."
"However, the cameras did not work properly or stopped working shortly after being installed by the contractor and the system had been out of service for at least a year," Wagner said.
Security camera footage has been a critical part of the investigation of the Penn State University hazing case, perhaps the nation's most high-profile hazing incident of 2017. Tim Piazza's slow, gruesome death was captured on hours of surveillance footage from the Beta Theta Pi house in February.
Since Piazza died, at least three other fraternity pledges, including Gruver, died in incidents police have linked to hazing or binge drinking with fraternity brothers, setting off a national debate about Greek Life reforms. Surveillance video from the basement of the Beta Theta Pi house showed that Piazza was given 18 drinks in less than 90 minutes.
So far 28 people have been arrested in the Penn State incident, including one member who police said deleted surveillance video of the hazing ritual which was later recovered by the FBI.
East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III said he couldn't discuss evidence as Gruver's death is still under investigation and is being presented to a parish grand jury this month. But he confirmed the presence of the cameras.
"Video surveillance equipment was collected as evidence during this investigation and is being reviewed," he said. "The case has involved a multi-agency analysis of all evidence relevant to the case including surveillance evidence."
Wagner, the national fraternity spokesman, did not immediately respond to questions about why the security cameras were installed inside the Phi Delta Theta house.
But a former Phi Delta Theta member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak for the fraternity, said the security cameras were installed a few years ago because there was a string of break-ins and vandalism across Fraternity Row.
Other fraternity members had previously broken into the Phi Delta Theta house and stolen photos of various chapter classes throughout the years. Sometimes they returned the photos, but at least one time a photo was stolen from the house and found ripped to pieces. Another fraternity house down the row had recently reported spray painting on their property.
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The "housing corporation," a group of fraternity alumni who manage the house maintenance and rental contractrs for the frat house decided to hire a contractor to install cameras inside and outside of the house. A storage closet was converted to a small, locked room that housed the monitors and the recording system, but no members were given access to the room.
The former fraternity member said he doesn't think it would have been likely someone in the frat would have had access to disable the security system or delete footage.
+13 Maxwell Gruver case: Gut-wrenching accounts of alleged hazing at Phi Delta Theta house One day in September, Maxwell Gruver received a phone message from a member of the fraternity he hoped to join.
Ernie Ballard, LSU spokesman, said there are no university policies requiring or governing security cameras in Greek houses, because houses are almost all private property operated by the national organizations.
LSU's Residential Life maintains three sorority houses, which have cameras at the entrance doors, he said.
LSU does not keep a list of which houses have security cameras, and does not have the rights to view their security footage. LSU Police must obtain a search warrant to review any footage for a criminal investigation, Ballard said.
At Penn State, the Beta Theta Pi house had 12 cameras installed in 2009 as part of an $8.5 million renovation project financed by a wealthy Beta alum who wanted to protect the home from vandalism.
The video is expected to be a key piece of evidence used in the prosecutions of the fraternity members arrested in Piazza's death.
At LSU, it's unclear if other video recordings will be part of the evidence. Moore said early that he would be seeking all recordings, including smart phone videos. Police reports relied largely on interviews to create a timeline of the events that Gruver died.
+3 While LSU frat pledge Maxwell Gruver's death brought drastic action, past hazing violators got off easy In 2013, LSU's chapter of Pi Kappa Phi hosted an event for its new member class called "Big Brother Night." At that gathering, LSU would later
Police said Gruver was targeted by senior members of the fraternity in a hazing ritual they called "Bible study," that required pledges to swig 190-proof liquor when they answered questions about the fraternity wrong. Gruver had a blood alcohol level of .495, according to the coroner, six times the legal limit to drive.
Ten men almost all students and members of the fraternity were arrested on the midemeanor hazing counts and one of those men, Matthew Naquin, was booked into jail on the additional count of felony negligent homicide.
A year into an OPEC-led push to rein in a global oil glut and buoy prices, U.S. crude oil ended 2017 at $60 a barrel, the highest year-end pri
The million customers of Entergy Louisiana could see their monthly bills drop by about $4 per month if the Public Service Commission heeds the request of Gov. John Bel Edwards and lowers rates to match savings from the federal tax rewrite.
Hes right, PSC Commissioner Foster Campbell said of fellow Democrat Edwards letter released Thursday. If these investor-owned companies get a break, they need to pass it down.
Edwards pointed out that Dominion Energy announced plans to lower rates in South Carolina partially because of the new federal tax law and suggested that Louisiana utilities follow suit. (Based in Richmond, Va., Dominion is trying to purchase SCANA's South Carolina Electric & Gas Company for $7.9 billion and included rate reductions as part of that package.)
Businesses would receive about a 14 percent reduction in tax rates under the recently signed federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act, a savings that should translate in Louisiana utility customers paying less, Edwards wrote.
The five elected commissioners on the PSC determine how much privately owned utilities can charge their customers because the companies operate as monopolies within set service areas. Generally, base rates are computed using a complex formula that includes the costs of making and delivering electricity plus a profit. Taxes are part of that calculation.
When asked for comment, Entergy Louisianas press office released a statement saying the corporation is working with the PSC to analyze how the new tax law would affect customer rates.
"We look forward to working with our regulators to implement the benefits of these lower tax rates," the statement said. Entergy believes that the tax reform legislation will benefit our customers by lowering the tax costs that they otherwise would pay in rates. These lower tax costs come at a time when our utility is making significant investments to modernize our electric infrastructure in order to better serve our customers, and they will help us keep rates down."
Entergy Louisiana LLC is one of a dozen utility companies regulated by the PSC that would also pay less federal taxes. But Entergy is the largest by far, providing electric service to more than 1 million customers roughly half the state in 58 parishes, including the greater Baton Rouge area, the New Orleans suburbs and much of Acadiana.
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A typical Baton Rouge residential customer using 1,500 kilowatt hours of electricity each month paid $130.63 in December, according to PSC filings. Of that figure, the base rate was $61.38. The rest was fees, surcharges to pay for storm recoveries, and the cost of fuel to run the generators that make the electricity.
Louisiana had the lowest average residential electricity rates in the nation and the 12th lowest commercial rates, based on August and September data, according to Choose Energy Inc., a Plano, Texas-based online marketplace for electricity and natural gas.
Entergy customers will see another reduction in October of between $4.73 and $6.80 each month, depending on where they live, when the surcharge for restoring service after hurricanes Katrina and Rita roll off. The money was used to secure a loan that repaid Entergy for the work.
About half of the energy that Entergy Louisiana sells is made in generators fueled with natural gas. Over the past three years, natural gas prices have dropped by approximately 38 percent, compared to 2014, and have been modestly lower during the second half of 2017. Customers pay Entergys costs for generator fuel but the company adds no profit.
PSC Commissioner Craig Greene, R-Baton Rouge, said all the PSC members agree that the federal tax savings need to find their way to the utility companies customers. The key issue is deciding how the savings fit into the formula that decides the rates.
We didnt expect this much to go into the formula, Greene said. Its a good problem to have.
Campbell, D-Bossier Parish, said the estimates are that Entergy, alone, would save about $100 million annually in taxes. That translates to a reduction of about $4 a month for the typical residential customer. The other utilities, though much smaller than Entergy, also will realize significant savings and will have to reduce their rates as well, he said.
PSC Chairman Eric Skrmetta, R-Metairie, responded Thursday in a letter to Edwards that he instructed the commissions staff to analyze the situation and report at the Feb. 21 monthly meeting.
Once all the data is collected, the commission will order that all necessary and legal rate modifications are enacted and refunds in the forms of credits and that future rate reductions are put into effect, Skrmetta wrote.
Boil water advisories in the Baton Rouge area
The following communities in the Baton Rouge area were under boil water advisories as of Wednesday afternoon:
Iberville Parish Water District No. 3
Parish Utilities of Ascension customers in the Donaldsonville area
West Baton Rouge residents south of the Intracoastal Canal
Town of Livingston
French Settlement Water Company customers in Lower Livingston (Maurepas, Gunboat Island and Bear Island) and in Tangipahoa Parish from Hammond to Tickfaw
Colyell Community Water Company customers along Highway 42
A state judge dismissed a lawsuit Wednesday that accused St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne of refusing to release public records related to trips he and some of his deputies took to North Dakota to observe the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.
St. Charles Parish Judge Emile St. Pierre tossed the complaint, filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights, a nonprofit legal advocacy group, following a two-hour hearing in which Champagne was questioned at length about his response to a records request that sought a wide-ranging list of documents relating to the sheriff's 2016 travel.
The request also sought any communications between the sheriff and companies involved in the proposed Bayou Bridge pipeline in Louisiana, a controversial crude oil line that would stretch through the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin.
Champagne produced dozens of pages of records in response to the request, but his office did not address certain parts of it, prompting the New York-based advocacy group to file suit last month in 29th Judicial District Court.
The sheriff was president of the National Sheriffs' Association when he traveled to North Dakota, and he emphasized Wednesday that none of the travel was billed to St. Charles Parish taxpayers.
The plaintiffs, however, took issue with the thoroughness of the sheriff's response, suggesting there could be electronic records related to his trip that his office made little or no effort to locate.
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Their attorneys filed a similar lawsuit last month against Gov. John Bel Edwards' administration, seeking records of any communications between staffers and oil companies, among other documents.
"We saw a dangerous blurring of the lines between law enforcement and private corporations at Standing Rock," Pamela Spees, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a news release, referring to the Indian reservation where thousands gathered to protest the installation of an oil pipeline. "Louisiana residents have a right to know what role local officials played in that situation and how it relates to events playing out closer to home."
St. Pierre ruled that Champagne complied with the state's public records law, ordering the plaintiffs to pay court costs. But Bill Quigley, a New Orleans civil rights lawyer who also represents the plaintiffs, said the Center for Constitutional Rights will appeal the ruling.
"We're not accusing the sheriff of any criminal conduct or unethical conduct, but he has an obligation to show these materials to the public," Quigley said, adding it was clear from Wednesday's testimony "that there are other records out there."
Champagne said after the hearing that the plaintiffs were trying to advance a "false narrative" that law enforcement "is in the pocket of oil companies."
He said a couple of deputies, including Capt. Pat Yoes, a longtime Sheriff's Office spokesman, traveled to North Dakota in part to combat the "political propaganda" protesters had been spreading about law enforcement agencies' response to the protests.
"I still don't really know what the plaintiffs were looking for, but there's no smoking gun," the sheriff said, referring to the records request. "Is there a piece of paper or two out there that we may have missed? Yes. But we made a substantial effort to comply, and we get a lot of public records requests."
In less than 24 hours after Pakistani Rangers had sniped and killed a BSF trooper in an unprovoked firing across the international border, the Border Security Force (BSF) taught Pakistan a lesson in a heavy round of retaliation.
BSF achieved success by destroying two mortar positions in Sukhmal area of Pakistan Rangers. India Today has found out that the Pakistan side suffered a heavy casualty with a minimum of 10 soldiers being killed.
Confirming heavy damage, IG Ram Avatar said, "we have destroyed at least four borders outposts. We have inflicted a heavy damage on them for unprovoked Pakistan action at the border."
Ram, however, declined to give an official figure on the number of Pakistani Rangers killed. No official complaint has come forward from Pakistan's side.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Wednesday when BSF began inflicting damage on Pakistan's side with a continuous exchange of fire between the two sides continuing up to midnight.
Martyred trooper Head Constable Radha Pad Hazra had put in 27 years of service. A resident of West Bengal's Murshidabad, the jawan breathed his last on his birthday.
Constable Hazra is survived by his 21 year old daughter and his 18 year old son.
Despite best efforts, Hazra was evacuated immediately to a nearby medical facility but succumbed to his injuries later.
The unprovoked fire from Pakistan started first from small arms which was later coupled with mortar shelling.
BSF troopers consolidated their positions, located and marked Pakistan firing spots and started with precision targeted firing.
Two Pakistan mortar positions were targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers on Wednesday night. The coordinated precision fire of BSF troopers silenced Pakistan guns.
Since the beginning of New Year, the BSF has maintained extra vigil on Jammu international border to foil infiltration attempts by miscreants which are aided by Pakistani forces from across the border.
"Firing across international border is most of the time a diversionary tactic to facilitate intrusion," said BSF personnel.
During winters, once snow covers the passes in Kashmir valley, Pakistan shifts attention to the LoC and international border in Jammu sector indulging in unprovoked firing.
Keeping in mind Pakistan's tactics as terrorists attacked Pathankot airbase in January 2015 entering from BSF manned border area in Punjab, the force has not let it's guards down.
On Thursday, despite dense fog in RS Pura area troopers detected an intrusion attempt around 5:45am.The intruder was later neutralized as per BSF
Two Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office deputies were arrested Wednesday and accused of failing to react when an inmate used his metal shackles to beat two other men during a van ride to a state prison in St. Gabriel.
Authorities booked deputies Michael Lee, 34, and Thomas Sutherland, 33, on counts of malfeasance in office, or failing to perform the duties required of them by law.
In the last several weeks, four Sheriff's Office deputies have been arrested in three separate incidents.
According to investigators, Lee and Sutherland were driving a van transporting inmates to the Elayn Hunt Correctional Facility on Aug. 17 when prisoner Jamie Massey somehow "began to remove his belly chain restraint." The Sheriff's Office sends some inmates to Hunt for mental health treatment.
For 22 minutes, Massey hit inmate Corey Simmons with the padlock on the chain and choked him with the restraint, "causing multiple facial injuries and (spraying) blood throughout the van," officials said.
Massey then struck another inmate, Steven Oliver, several times and used his thumb to poke him in the rectum through his pants, officials alleged. Oliver also suffered facial injuries.
The assault ended three minutes before the van arrived at Hunt. Officials said Lee and Sutherland failed to stop the vehicle or help the injured prisoners. They also didn't call their commanders to report the attack or ask for help from any other agencies along the way.
Massey was in jail at the time on a 2013 charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Two weeks after the attack, he was deemed incompetent to stand trial and was sent to the state's mental hospital. It does not appear that authorities have charged him in connection with the alleged beatings.
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The Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the deputies' arrest.
Criminal District Court Magistrate Commissioner Robert Blackburn ordered Lee and Sutherland released from jail on $5,000 recognizance bonds.
In Louisiana, malfeasance in office can carry up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Earlier this month, New Orleans police arrested Deputy Dernisha Harvey for pulling out her Sheriff's Office badge and threatening to arrest two customers who had refused to pay for shots while she worked at her second job at a Bourbon Street daiquiri shop.
The Sheriff's Office also fired jail guard Oshen Heilman after she allegedly admitted to having sexual contact with a murder suspect and to bringing drugs and cigarettes into the lockup.
New Orleans jail guard allegedly admits to sexual contact with murder defendant, smuggling in contraband A New Orleans jail guard this week admitted to having sexual contact with one murder suspect and bringing contraband such as drugs and cigaret
Bruce Mansfield was a gentleman but more significantly he was a gentle man, not given to shouting or swearing or losing his temper. He started his teaching career at Sydney University in 1949 as a temporary lecturer and soon progressed to associate professor. In 1965, when the family was in the United States where Mansfield was on a Fulbright Scholarship at Yale University, he received an appointment as the first professor (he disliked the term "foundation professor") of history at Sydney's third university, Macquarie, which was to be his academic home for 20 years. Mansfield was passionate about the innovations introduced at Macquarie including supplementing lectures with small-group teaching, enrolling students who were not straight from high school, thus broadening access to higher education, especially for women, and Macquarie's inter-disciplinary approach. He believed that it was vital for students to be exposed to different academic philosophies and approaches, in order that they might become broad-minded, open-minded, tolerant Australian and world citizens. Emeritus Professor Bruce Mansfield believed he should use his skills and experiences in a variety of educational contexts. During his first decade at Macquarie, Mansfield taught undergraduate courses including "The West in Early Modern Times", which introduced thousands of first-year students to the study of history at university, supervised many postgraduate students, and led the School of Historical, Philosophical and Political Studies. Then, from 1976 to 1985, he was deputy vice-chancellor (academic) with responsibility for the overall academic life of the university. Mansfield's time at Macquarie was not an easy period to be an academic leader but he never wavered in his commitment to a broad pluralistic education and to the frank and honest contest of sincerely-held ideas and values. His involvement at Macquarie was the start of a family tradition. His three sons, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter have all studied and taught at the university. After retiring from Macquarie, Mansfield returned to his alma mater, Sydney University, to continue history teaching and research.
Mansfield's historical research and writing initially focused on Australian history and culminated in his first book, on the life of the NSW politician Edward O'Sullivan. He also researched the British socialist William Morris while on a Nuffield Fellowship in England in 1953. But increasingly, in both research and teaching, the Reformation was becoming his predominant passion. He became a world authority, perhaps the world authority, on the life and work of the Renaissance humanist philosopher and theologian, Desiderius Erasmus. He wrote a three-part study of the widely divergent reactions to Erasmus and his ideas, starting with Phoenix of His Age, Interpretations of Erasmus circa 1550-1750. He also wrote a history of the first 50 years of Knox Grammar School, and co-wrote Liberality of Opportunity, the history of the first 25 years of Macquarie University. He founded the Journal of Religious History and edited it from 1959 to 1987. Mansfield always believed that he should use his skills and experiences in a variety of educational contexts. He served on the Council of Mitchell College of Advanced Education at Bathurst including as chairman, and when Mitchell became part of the new Charles Sturt University, he was appointed deputy chancellor. He was a member of the NSW Higher Education Board, and chairman of a review of art and design education in NSW, which produced the Mansfield Report and became the subject of some political controversy. He was president of the Australian Historical Association and chairman of the Council of the United Theological College at the Uniting Church Centre for Ministry. And as chairman of the Police Education Advisory Council, he worked with Commissioner John Avery to reform police education culminating in the introduction of university-level qualifications for police officers. Mansfield was a humble person and never went looking for honours but his various contributions have been recognised in many ways. He was awarded honorary doctoral degrees at three universities: Macquarie, Sydney and Charles Sturt. He received the History Council of NSW's Annual History Citation in 2005, and a Centenary of Federation Medal. And in 2009 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia "for service to education as an administrator and academic in the fields of theology and history". Mansfield had an amazingly wide range of interests outside work. He loved reading (he read a Dickens novel every year), music, art, travel, nature and bushwalking especially in the Blue Mountains. For many years, he and Joan had subscriptions to the opera, the symphony, the theatre, the philharmonia choir and the ballet.
After more than 140 years of being stabbed to death on stage, the gypsy heroine of the opera Carmen gets her own revenge in a new Italian production shooting her thwarted lover instead.
The globally popular opera by French composer Georges Bizet most recently staged in Sydney last year will have a new ending when it opens next week in Florence to highlight the ongoing battle against violence against women in Italy.
Italian mezzo soprano Jose Maria Lo Monaco starred in Opera Australia's most recent production of Carmen, on Sydney Harbour. Credit:James Brickwood
In the latest version, written by Italian director Leo Muscato, the flirtatious, fiery Carmen no longer dies at the hand of her rejected lover Don Jose but pulls a gun on him.
The head of Florence's Teatro del Maggio Musicale Foundation, Cristiano Chiarot, said he discussed changing the opera with Muscato to give it a more modern ending.
A young boy shot in what police believe was a tragic accident is in an induced coma as surgeons wait to finish removing the rest of a bullet lodged in his face.
Cameron Calvisi, 5, underwent emergency surgery on Wednesday afternoon, about 24 hours after he was shot in the cheek by his cousin, who was playing with a rifle on the family farm in southern Queensland.
A photo of Cottonvale accidental shooting victim Cameron Calvisi and his mother, posted to Facebook. Credit:Facebook.
Grandfather Tony Calvisi, who said his .22 rifle had been left in the back of a ute on the Cottonvale property, near Stanthorpe on the Queensland border, said doctors would look at the boy again on Friday.
Camerons father, Robert Calvisi, rushed him to Stanthorpe Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, before he was airlifted to Brisbane.
The view from the planned store's balcony. As minister responsible for the arts, Mr Foley has key stakeholders at Federation Square including the Ian Potter Centre, which houses the National Gallery of Victoria's Australian collection. Both Mr Foley and Mr Wynne are also under challenge from the Greens in their inner-city seats of Albert Park and Richmond. The view of the store and Federation Square from Princes Bridge. Both are acutely aware, in an election year, of the potential political fallout from the perceived commercialisation of a public space like Federation Square.
The Age also understands Aboriginal Affairs Minister Natalie Hutchins opposed the Apple deal but that the death of her husband Steve in late November precluded her from being present when Cabinet finally made its decision. The deal, struck after two years of negotiations, was spruiked within government by Tourism Minister John Eren and Digital Economy Minister Philip Dalidakis. Ultimately it was supported by Premier Andrews and Treasurer Tim Pallas despite repeated warnings of a community backlash. The announcement was made just days before Christmas a classic manoeuvre by governments conscious of ensuing controversy by Mr Eren. The Premier, who had been in Carrum the day before promoting a level crossing removal, did not appear at the announcement.
The move was supported by one of Federation Square's original architects, Donald Bates, who has argued the inclusion of an "Apple Global Flagship" store would be "an affirmation of the original intent and aspiration of Fed Square to be the centre of action in Melbourne". On Thursday, Professor Bates said opponents of the plan missed the point that this was "not just another Apple store". He said it would offer a "retail experience that is not a shopping centre". The proposed store will create nearly 500 square metres of new public space within Federation Square and, the government argues, make it easier for people to move between the Yarra and Birrarung Marr. Well-placed property industry sources said the deal was very lucrative for Federation Square, which has struggled with annual losses.
Despite support from one of the original architects of the square, multiple Labor MPs said the intensity of community response against the announcement had been far greater than expected. Senior government figures were also scathing in anonymous comments to The Age about the deal, slamming the store's design and warning it would cheapen Melbourne's primary civic space. Apple refused offers made by the government to establish in other prime locations, including in Swanston Street next to the Young & Jackson pub, as part of the area's Metro Tunnel rail redevelopment. The deal has riled the city council, the state's partner in the development and funding of Federation Square since the mid-1990s, seriously souring the usual cordial relations between the government and Town Hall. Only Lord Mayor Robert Doyle was briefed about the Apple deal and is understood to have agreed to appear with Mr Eren at the announcement of the deal. He did not appear, having stood aside three days before over sexual harassment allegations made against him.
Multiple Town Hall sources told The Age that no other councillors and key council staff were consulted about the Apple deal and Mr Wynne's approval. Those left out of the loop include the council's planning chairman and former ALP state secretary Nicholas Reece, who is believed to be furious, and celebrated urban design guru Rob Adams. Announcing the Apple deal late last month Mr Eren declared: "Our Christmases have come all at once Apple have decided to build their global flagship store right here in Melbourne at the famous Fed Square." Three separate online petitions demanding the Andrews government dump the Apple plan quickly emerged, and have now topped 77,000 signatures. The most-signed petition describes the loss of the Yarra building "for the sake of corporate business [as] a perversion of what Federation Square and Melbourne stands for". Since the announcement, senior political, planning and architectural figures have lined up to criticise the deal and the lack of transparency around it, including associations representing architects, planners and landscape designers.
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has been grilled over the veracity of his controversial claims that Victorians are "scared to go out to restaurants of a night time because they are followed home by these gangs".
When challenged on radio station 3AW to provide evidence, Mr Dutton said he had spoken to a "number of people" and parliamentary colleagues, but only specified fellow federal MP Jason Wood.
Mr Dutton again attacked the Andrews government for its handling of youth crime but in the evening interview, he was repeatedly challenged to back up his claims with evidence.
When Mr Dutton repeated comments made on Sydney station 2GB on Wednesday that he did not want to see people get hurt or "followed home from restaurants", he was rebuked by 3AW presenter Nick McCallum, who accused Mr Dutton of trying to score "political points" during an election year in Victoria.
Police are searching for a pedestrian who was hit by a car in Melbourne's east this week, only to crawl towards the passenger door and get in.
The unidentified man was walking along Canterbury Road, Kilsyth about 4pm on Wednesday when he was struck by a white Toyota Corolla.
The force of the impact sent the man flying through the air and he landed on the nature strip.
In an unexpected twist he then crawled towards the car, opened the passenger door and got in before the car drove off.
Two Fremantle jokesters have stopped an alleged burglar in his tracks after stealing the keys to his car.
Bevan Duncan and Nathan Cugley told 9 News Perth they were out having drinks when they heard a window being smashed at around 10.30pm.
The two mates said they initially caused the thief some grief for a laugh. Credit:Hannah Barry
A man had broken into the Stand Up Surf Shop on Stirling Highway, and both Mr Duncan and Mr Cugley watched as he rifled through the store's merchandise.
When the pair realised what they were witnessing, they made their way over to the man's SUV parked outside the store, and stole the keys from the ignition while he was looking the other way.
A Perth woman has died after sustaining serious injuries during a violent incident in Cloverdale on Wednesday evening.
Police were called to a Cloverdale home about 7.50pm after neighbours became concerned about a "commotion" at the house.
Police are investigating a serious incident in Cloverdale on Wednesday evening. Credit:Angela Clutterbuck.
An ambulance took the 38-year-old woman to hospital after finding her unresponsive, but she died a short time later.
Officers have cordoned off the Hardey Road property with homicide detectives at the scene.
The Centre has paved way for constructing the strategically significant Zojila pass tunnel project in Jammu and Kashmir to provide all-weather connectivity with Srinagar, Kargil and Leh that remain disconnected from the rest part of world during extreme snowfall.
The project is targeted to be completed in seven years at an estimated cost of `6,809 crore. Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters (December to April) due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
This cuts off Leh-Ladakh region from Kashmir and other parts of the country. Sources said the road link between Kashmir and Leh-Ladakh region remains operation only for six months while during the rest of the year the route is completely closed.
"The main objective of the project is to provide allweather connectivity to strategically important Leh region in Jammu and Kashmir," said a senior transport ministry official.
The cabinet committee on economic affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to the project. The tunnel will be a bidirectional single tube tunnel with a parallel escape (egress) tunnel approaching on Srinagar-Leh section.
The project, officials said, will also bring about all round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. The project has strategic and socio-economic importance and shall be an instrument for the development of the economically backward districts in Jammu and Kashmir.
The construction period of the project is seven years. The civil construction cost of the project is `4,899.42 crore while the total capital cost of the project is `6,808.69 crore.
It includes the cost towards land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities as well as maintenance and operation cost of tunnel for four years, officials said.
The project aims at construction of 14.15-km-long two- lane bi-directional single tube tunnel with a parallel 14.2-km-long egress tunnel excluding approaches between Baltal and Minamarg in the state.
The project will be implemented by the ministry of road transport and highways through the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
Police are hunting a masked gunman who shot a man in Perth's south east on Thursday night.
Gun shots were fired at the 48-year-old man outside his house on Kenwick Road at about 9.30pm, sparking an investigation by Armadale detectives.
The male perpetrator of the attack, who had his face covered, fled the scene in a vehicle and is now being hunted by police.
The victim suffered a wound to his hip and was conveyed by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital where he was set to undergo surgery on Friday.
Delhi: A court ruling that was hailed as a victory for Indian Muslim women banning the practice by some husbands of "instant divorce" or triple talaq has turned just a few months later into a hot potato, with the opposition ranged against the government in parliament.
The government has drafted a law that makes "triple talaq" saying the word talaq three times in one go, dissolving the marriage on the spot a criminal offence. It provides for three years in jail and no bail for any Muslim husband accused of it.
Indian Muslim women walk at a market area in Delhi, India. Credit:Tsering Topgyal
Apart from his wife, any third party can accuse him of the offence. He can be arrested without a warrant.
The opposition parties, while supporting the bill in principle, believe these provisions are too severe. They want the draft law to be diluted.
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Sure, there's all the usual stuff it's important to talk about, like lab results and HIV treatment options. But what else should you ask your HIV care provider that could end up improving your health?
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(EDS: With a change in intro)
Chandigarh, Jan 4 (PTI) With barely days left for the Mayoral election here, the Chandigarh unit of the BJP faces a revolt within after its outgoing Mayor Asha Kumari Jaswal filed nomination papers as an Independent candidate against the partys official nominee.
The BJP leadership here yesterday announced the name of Davesh Moudgil, who is considered close to former MP Satya Pal Jain, ignoring the camp led by Chandigarh BJP President Sanjay Tandon, which was backing Councillor Arun Sood.
The saffron party has an overwhelming majority in the MC House and the election is scheduled to be held on January 9.
Cracks surfaced within the Chandigarh unit of the party after senior leader and in-charge of the unit, Prabhat Jha announced Moudgils name as the partys official mayoral candidate.
Moudgil filed his nomination at the MC office here while Jaswal, who is also the BJPs Mahila Morcha Vice president, filed her nomination for the Mayors post as an Independent candidate.
When contacted, Jaswal said that out of 20 BJP members in the MC House, 14 were not in favour of the present candidature.
"We had been requesting our party that they can field anyone for Mayors post minus Moudgil. Yesterday at last moment, we told Mr Jha to announce anyone elses name except him. However, we were ignored and Moudgils name was announced," she said.
Asked why were they opposing Moudgil, Jaswal said: "he has been going against partys interests at various forums..there are other issues involving him".
Making it clear that she has not resigned from the BJP, Jaswal said the party is free to take any action against her.
"I am pained to do so, but then what is the choice. My ideology will remain that of the BJP whether I am in it or outside, if they feel I have done anything wrong, they can take action.
"But I will remain Modi jis fan and continue to respect Amit Shah ji," Jaswal said.
When asked to comment on the development, Chandigarh BJP President Sanjay Tandon said the issue could have been handled in a better way.
"Even I was not taken into confidence when his (Moudgils) name was decided. There are many things against him (Moudgil). Majority of our Councillors were in favour of anyone except him...," Tandon said.
Without naming anyone, Tandon in a veiled attack on his detractors within the partys Chandigarh unit, said, "some people want to destabilise me."
Meanwhile Jain came to Moudgils defence, saying he had never done anything against partys interests.
About the current developments, Jain said he hopes that the issue will be resolved amicably.
"There is still time till January 9 morning for the withdrawals," he said, indicating that Jaswal will be prevailed upon to exit from the race. PTI SUN VSD MG MG
After the big Indian notes, now it's time for 10 rupee note to get a new makeover. According to reports, the Reserve Bank of India is all set to issue new Rs 10 notes under the Mahatma Gandhi series with chocolate brown colour as the base.
According to News18, around 1 billion pieces of the new 10 rupee note has already been printed by the apex bank. Last week itself the new design was approved by the government, the report further said. The old Rs 10 note was last redesigned in 2005.
In August, 2017, new Rs 50 and Rs 200 notes were introduced in the Mahatma Gandhi series. In order to get rid of counterfeiting and promote a less-cash economy, the move to reintroduce lower denomination notes in a new design was made.
At 10 pm on November 8, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that on the stroke of midnight, all 500 and 1,000 rupee notes -- 86 per cent of the currency in circulation -- would cease to become legal tender.
Up to that point, upwards of 95 per cent of all transactions in India were conducted in cash and 90 per cent of vendors didn't have the means to accept anything. On top of this, 85 per cent of workers were paid exclusively in cash and almost half of the population didn't even have bank accounts.
Demonetisation proved to be a major disruption in the Indian economy and brought great hardship to people who spent hours in the serpentine queue to get Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes exchanged or deposited in their bank accounts.
Later, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its Annual Report for 2016-17 that 99 per cent of the junked Rs 500 and 1,000 notes were returned to the banking system. This led many, including Opposition leaders. questioning the very logic of demonetisation.
An estimated Rs 15.4 lakh crore worth old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes had been demonetised on November 8. But, return of about 99 per cent demonetised currency to banks does not necessarily makes demonetisation a failure.
However, beyond the political statements, even those made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers, there are several effects of demonetisation that may augur well for the economy in the long run.
As a part of a national programme to train doctors about early signs of cancer , the union health ministry launched its first online Oncology Tutorial Services.
It is designed in collaboration with Tata Memorial Centre and will be available across the country with the help of state governments.
The course duration is of seven months and is intended for physicians, gynecologists, dentists and all such medical professionals who are not oncologists. The aim of the project is to detect and diagnose the early signs of cancer.
The course has different modules based on various sites and sub sites of cancer. There are also online video lectures to inform and update oncologists with the evidence based guidelines and skills for management of cancer.
In its 14 hours of comprehensive e-learning, it offers 40 video lectures, case studies, questionnaires and webinar sessions with professional consultants of Tata memorial hospital.
At the launch, Health Secretary Preeti Sudan said that this was a "visionary step" that would leverage advances in information technology to strengthen health outreach and health services in the country.
"This initiative will help the doctors upgrade their knowledge and skills and help them save many precious lives," she added.
The main reason why the course has been made available online, is to reach out to the millions of doctors who may not have time to attend conferences in person.
After the completion of the course, the doctors will be assessed as well.
Kottayam (Ker), Jan 4 (PTI) A court here today directed the Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to register a case against former state minister Thomas Chandy for allegedly violating rules in laying a road through paddy fields to a lake resort owned by him in Alappuzha district. iii
Kottayam Special Vigilance Court judge V Dileep gave the direction after perusing a Quick Verification report submitted by the VACB.
The court posted the matter to January 18 for further hearing.
Chandy had resigned as minister on November 15 last year over land grabbing allegations related to his resort.
Acting on a petition by a lawyer, the court had on November 4 directed VACB to undertake a quick verification into the complaint that he had violated rules in constructing the road to his resort and file its report.
Chandy, a businessman-turned politician, is likely to be charged under various sections of the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, VACB sources said. iii
Petitioner Subhash has alleged that Chandy illegally carried out land filling in a one km stretch through the middle of a paddy field to construct the road to the lake palace resort owned by the Water World Company, headed by him. iii
He had also submitted in the court a report of Alappuzha District Collector T V Anupama which stated that the lake resort owned by Chandy had violated rules. ii
Chandy, who was the lone NCP nominee in the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, had resigned from the cabinet on November 15 last after the Kerala High Court rapped him over the adverse report by Alappuzha district collector. iii
He had joined the ministry in April last year following the resignation of party colleague A K Saseendran over allegations of sexual misconduct. PTI COR TGB VS RT
Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media
Webster Financial got in line with other companies boosting pay for employees after the federal tax cuts, pledging to raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour by the end of 2018, also awarding $1,000 cash bonuses to non-executive employees representing about 70 percent of its workforce.
The Waterbury company runs Webster Bank and its HSA Bank division that administers health savings accounts, with more than 30 branches in southwestern Connecticut, a fifth of its total branch network. As of September, Webster reported having nearly 3,300 employees, up more than 100 from the start of the year, in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. filing.
Indian police men patrol on railway tracks during a strike called by Dalit groups in Mumbai, India, Wednesday, Jan 3, 2018. A statewide strike was called by several Dalit groups on Wednesday following the death of a 28-year-old Dalit in Pune district duri
A day after the Maharashtra Bandh was called off by Dalit community leader Prakash Ambedkar, grandson of Late Dr B R Ambedkar, another fringe Dalit community group staged a rail roko at Thane railway station on Thursday afternoon.
Members from the Dalit youth panther party, who were in comparatively small number as compared to the protesting groups that protested on Tuesday and Wednesday across Mumbai, entered the Thane station at around 11:30 am.
Citing slogans against the ruling NDA government, the group headed by the party president Bhai Saheb Jadhav reached platform number 4 on Thane railway station and got down on the tracks while a local train headed towards Mumbai was about to arrive.
Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials along with railway police tried stopping the activists but they didn't budge and remained on tracks for around five minutes disrupting rail services towards Mumbai.
The rail roko went on for five minutes while the members of the party threatened that the protests would go on till prime suspects involved in inciting violence at Bhima Koregaon in Pune against Dalit community members were arrested.
Somehow, RPF and police officials managed to pull the protestors off the tracks after which train services resumed.
Police officials have detained five members of the protesting party and procedure for registering a case against them has been initiated.
ALSO WATCH | Bhima Koregaon violence: Prakash Ambedkar calls off Maharashtra bandh
With the new year in full swing, the Edwardsville Police Department is readying for two upcoming retirements.
Both Deputy Chief Jeff Mills and Sergeant Todd Ramirez are set to retire this weekend. Saturday, Jan. 6th will mark 26 years of service with the EPD for Mills; Sunday, Jan. 7 will mark 30 years of service for Ramirez.
Mills, born and raised in Granite City, first began his career by serving in the Navy for four years. On January 6th, 1992, he joined the EPD. During the stretch of his 26 years with the department, he began working his way up the ladder. In 1997, Mills was promoted to sergeant; in 2002, he was appointed to lieutenant and major in 2014.
Soon after, Edwardsville Police Chief Jay Keeven appointed Mills current position as Deputy Chief, which was also approved by Edwardsville Mayor Hal Patton.
Mills said with his current position as deputy chief, hes responsible for checking in on local businesses and writing policies for the EPD.
I pretty much just oversee the lieutenants that work directly for me and I also write policy and general orders for the police department, Mills said.
Similar to Mills, Ramirez, of Alton, also served in the Navy from 1982 to 1986. In addition, he worked as a reserve police officer in New Jersey while being stationed in Philadelphia.
Ramirez said it wasnt until after he got out of the Navy that he realized he wanted to join a police department full-time.
(The reserve police officer position was) a non-paying position. It was kind of like the fire department that we have here they have explorers and stuff. So they had sort of like the same thing. So I started doing that when I was currently serving in the navy. Then when I got out, I decided thats what I wanted to do, Ramirez said. So I started looking for openingsI just started testing around the area and I Found out from a friend that Edwardsville as testing. I took that test also and ultimately got hired in Edwardsville.
Part of Ramirezs current responsibilities include managing a squad within the department.
Im a squad leader. The patrol department is divided into four squads. Im in charge of a patrol sergeant for a particular squad, he said.
With just a few days left in his career, Mills said overall, he will miss his interactions with the citizens and within the department.
I will miss my weekly walks downtown to meet with business owners and walking in and saying hey and seeing how things are going. Ill miss seeing the guys every day and the comradery weve built and the relationships that I built with the guys here from the police department and the gals, Mills said.
Ramirez said he, like Mills, will also miss the interactions with fellow staff members and Edwardsville citizens.
(Ill miss) working with the group of guys and women. We all seem to work together as a team, as a family. Ill just miss being part of the city. When you walk through City Park and people are walking up, saying hi, shaking your hand and just the community contacts you make, Ramirez said.
Following his retirement, Mills said he plans to start fresh in a new town with his wife.
My wife and I weve decided were moving to Tennessee. Were going to be closer to her family, Mills said. Were going to move down there and just take a break for a while and see how everything plays out. May take a part-time job but right now I really dont have much in the works.
Ramirez said he plans to take time to relax and enjoy the down time that comes with retirement.
Im going to relax for a while. Do a lot of home projects and just spend some time resting for a short time, Ramirez said.
Keeven confirmed he does have individuals in mind to fill both Mills and Ramirezs spots in the department, and after receiving recent City Council approval, the departments personnel ordinance can now account for up to 45 officers total this will account for an additional two probationary officers to join the EPD if needed.
Looking forward, Ramirez said he does have some words of wisdom for any newcomers who may join the ranks of the EPD.
Just stay close to the public because theyre who you work for but theyre also there for you. Good communication is the number one thing and if youre out, always get out of your car and meet with people because theyre your best allies, Ramirez said. Its a great city to work for and the people are always there. They always have your back. Make contacts, talk to people and just get to know the people you work with work with and work for.
Mills said he is grateful for his career thus far and he looks forward to seeing the department expand and grow with the city.
I just want to thank the citizens of the city of Edwardsville for giving me a fine career and I hope that the city continues to grow and the police department continues to grow. I was just happy to be an employee, Mills said.
Ramirez was in agreement and said overall, its been a memorable experience working with the EPD and the city.
I appreciate everything that the city has given me and the police department has given me, Ramirez said. Its been a fun ride.
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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 08:11 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd4f63 4 Editorial #Editorial,Tourism-Ministry,customs-and-excise,Airport,travel,#travel Free
Indonesians traveling overseas can now buy more oleh-oleh (souvenirs) for their relatives after the Finance Ministry decided last week to double the maximum value of goods that can be brought in without duty to US$500 per person, much higher than the $125 imposed in Malaysia and $285 in Thailand.
The new regulation, which replaces the 2010 customs rule and became effective early this week, also expedites the customs check for durable goods, such as cameras and other electronics, brought in by travelers who intend to take them out of the country on departure. Customs tariffs have also been significantly eased with only a single, flat tariff of 10 percent not different tariffs for different items now imposed on the excess value of non-dutiable goods brought in by travelers.
The new regulation is further proof of the effectiveness of social media in prompting the government to quickly address peoples complaints about the quality of public services and arduous bureaucratic procedures.
The issue exploded a few months ago after viral videos and media stories covered Indonesian travelers returning from overseas, strongly protesting what they considered exorbitant customs duties and tariffs being slapped on goods they had brought home for personal use.
Most travelers seem to understand that everyone arriving at Indonesias ports of entry would be subject to customs checks on importing goods in excess of individual travelers allowances or on goods prohibited from entering the country. That is simply the border-crossing norm around the world.
But travelers considered the $250 ceiling for duty-free import goods per passenger as insensible, given the current per capita income of about $3,800, or even as high as $10,000, on the basis of purchasing power parity (PPP) the exchange rate of the rupiah to the US dollar for buying the same amount of goods and services in the respective countries. The government also seemed more aware of the strong propensity of todays Indonesian travelers to bring home a wide variety of souvenirs for relatives.
A number of travelers have indeed tried to abuse the limited duty-free facility for importing goods, notably high-ticket items like designer handbags and luxury watches without paying the compulsory tariff and luxury sales tax. But still, the root of the public grievances aired last September was the too-low $250 ceiling.
According to the Tourism Ministry, more than 9 million Indonesians traveled overseas last year, notably to the free trade areas of Singapore and Hong Kong, and such travelers were well known for their high propensity for buying souvenirs for relatives at home and luxury fashion items.
The increased duty-free allowance for travelers will only have a negligible impact on state revenues. After all, the main objective of the customs service is not to raise revenues, but to prevent the smuggling of dutiable and excisable goods to protect the domestic manufacturing industry from unfair competition, as well as to facilitate export clearance.
Seems like Tinsel Town is all set to see yet another big Bollywood wedding. After Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma tying the knot in December last year, buzz has it that Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh too are taking the leap soon. If reports are to be believed, Ranveer and Deepika are getting engaged on Padukone's birthday, this Friday.
Deepika, who turns 32 on January 5 this year, is apparently exchanging rings with her boyfriend of five years, Ranveer Singh. The couple is expected to be in Sri Lanka for the engagement, following in the footsteps of the country's other power couple, Virat and Anushka.
It is a known fact now that Virat and Anushka zeroed in on their wedding date last August, when the couple was in Sri Lanka. The Sharma family priest was in Sri Lanka to decide the dates for Virat and Anushka's wedding.
Deepika and Ranveer, who rang in the New Year at a luxury resort in Maldives with their respective families, are expected to fly to Sri Lanka for Deepika's birthday. After that, the engagement is supposed to take place in the island country, if the grapevine is to be believed.
The couple, who began dating on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2013 film Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela, have been together for about five years now. Several rumours of their break-up, followed by those of their patch-up, have made it to gossip columns over the last few years.
Deepika and Ranveer have had a tumultuous 2017 professionally, what with their film Padmavati not being allowed to release thanks to the controversy it created, but 2018 looks better for the couple.
While the CBFC has recently green-signalled the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed Padmavati for release, after some modifications, Deepika and Ranveer now seem ready to take their relationship too to the next level.
A few months ago, Ranveer professed his love for Deepika, and that too on in public. In a video that was aired on a chat show, Ranveer said to Deepika, "There is nobody like you, god bless you. Love you a lot."
If Ranveer and Deepika are indeed tying the knot this year, we need to get over the gorgeous wedding that Virat and Anushka just had, and warm up for the next!
Air quality in China's notoriously smog-ridden capital in 2017 was the best since pollution control measures were implemented five years ago, the Beijing government announced Wednesday.
The city met its targets with year-on-year "improvement of regional air quality and overall favorable meteorological conditions", a statement posted on the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau's website, said.
According to the bureau, the average PM2.5 level in 2017 was 58 micrograms per cubic meter -- down 20.5 percent from the year before.
PM2.5 is a measure of the density of hazardous particulate in the air. The World Health Organization recommends an annual PM2.5 level of 10 micrograms per cubic meter.
Beijing also recorded improvements in the density of other major pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and PM10, the latter also 20 percent lower than in 2016.
Read also: Car Free Day ineffective in reducing air pollution: Committee
And while the number of heavy pollution days decreased from 58 in 2013 to 23, Beijing also enjoyed 226 "good air" days last year -- 28 more than in 2016, the bureau said.
Li Xiang, a bureau employee, told the official Xinhua news agency that "demolition of coal-fired boilers, phasing out vehicles with high emission and upgrading of industrial structure" have all contributed to smog reduction.
In the last five years, she said, Beijing has shut down six cement plants and closed or upgraded nearly 2,000 companies in printing, casting, furniture manufacturing and other sectors.
The capital has experienced an unusual streak of clear air this winter, a season that is historically the worst for smog. In November, PM2.5 levels dropped 54 percent year-on-year.
Notably there has been absence of coal in at least three million homes surrounding Beijing, with many towns and cities newly equipped with gas or electric heaters.
However, some residents have complained of inconsistent or unaffordable heating in designated "no coal" zones in northern Hebei province.
Remember, we may be healthy now and sit in a wheelchair the next moment.
Joyce Bender, the president and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, an internationally recognized leader in disability employment, reminded us about the possibility that we might become a part of the disabled community in the future.
She believes that everyone is now temporarily able. There could be an accident or illness that might cause the loss of physical abilities or lead to physical handicaps, forcing one to use a wheelchair, for example. That is why people should join forces to eradicate the stigma associated with the disability community.
Stigma is the big problem. People are looking down on them. They feel different. We dont want pity, we want paychecks, we want work, she said.
Through her consulting firm, Bender has over 20 years of experience channeling disabled people to the public and private sectors. She was in Denpasar, Bali, last year, to talk at a forum attended by companies and institutions in Bali that had employed people with disabilities.
Joyce Bender, the president and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, an internationally recognized leader in disability employment, reminded us about the possibility that we might become a part of the disabled community in the future. (JP/Luh De Suriyani)
Facilitated by the Consulate General of the United States, Surabaya, the forum, which was attended by 15 companies, was held at the Annika Linden Center, a community empowerment center for social entrepreneurs and NGOs in Denpasar.
Bender called people who hired people with disabilities champions for having freed them from the stigma of being unproductive.
You are a champion, she said during the session.
Bender shared her story of how she worked towards creating a bridge between employers and disabled job seekers. In 1985, she had a cerebral hemorrhage, brought on by epilepsy, which required brain surgery. It left her with 60 percent hearing in one ear and the awareness that she had epilepsy.
The incident happened when she was watching a film at home. The movie was long and after taking a break she decided to buy popcorn. She had convulsions, fell down and fainted, which resulted in a severe head injury.
I was in a coma and had to undergo surgery or die, she recalled.
After recovering, Bender has since strived to ensure that people with disabilities find work in all sectors, including elite institutions in the US such as the National Security Agency (NSA).
In 1999, she received the Presidents Award from former president Bill Clinton and in 2003 she was given the Bush administrations New Freedom Initiative Award.
You cannot be discriminative because of disabilities. Epilepsy is only part of my identity, said the host of Disability Matters with Joyce Bender, a weekly internet talk radio show on voiceamerica.com.
Stronger: President and CEO of Bender Consulting Services Joyce Bender (center right, second row) poses with participants of the sharing session at the Annika Linden Center in Denpasar, Bali. (JP/Luh De Suriyani)
During the sharing session with Bender, a representative from the Alila Seminyak hotel chain shared videos of how Sudi Arsana, a deaf employee, interacted with his co-workers. His peers are now learning sign language.
Bagus Jelantik, Alila Seminyaks room division manager, said for a year Sudi had worked in a sales unit store and made headway as a room attendant. We do not have a lot of difficulties. We share love, texting with paper.
In Bali, there are communities and platforms that help people with disabilities to gain access to the workplace. The Dnetwork organization, for example, provides a platform for prospective employers and businesses to inform the community about job opportunities.
Two physically disabled Alfamart workers in Bali, Ketut Santiyara and July, were proud to share how they joined the company.
I followed the usual work procedure like an interview, briefing, psychological test and job training, Santiyara said.
There were also many other heartwarming stories from other employees.
Adi, a deaf waiter at the Fairmont Hotel in Sanur, said he was working in the breakfast room one day when a guest asked for some fruit. Because the guest did not realize he was deaf, Adi took a piece of paper and pen and asked the guest to draw the requested fruit. The guest got his fruit, felt happy and respected the way Adi worked.
The sharing experience with Bender boosted the spirit to break the stigma of disability.
All business representatives, who attended the forum, stated that their disabled workers had been doing their jobs with good manners, completed their work on time and took part in providing solutions.
The World Health Organizations latest decision to classify gaming addiction as an official mental health disorder this year has ignited an international controversy.
The issue is gaining particular attention in South Korea -- home to a strong gaming industry and an avid gaming population -- which has long been caught between the responsibility to fight adolescent game addiction and the need to promote the countrys thriving gaming sector.
Last week, the WHO revealed plans to recognize gaming disorder as a mental health condition in its next revision of the International Classification of Diseases to be finalized in May this year.
As a result, it will place addiction to video games -- both online and offline games -- in the same category as substance abuse and gambling addiction.
A beta draft of the WHOs 11th ICD describes gaming disorder as a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior that is so severe that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities.
It also stipulates that the condition involves a continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences and results in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
Read also: Chinese teen internet addict dies after rehab
For a diagnosis to be assigned, the behaviors and features of gaming addiction are normally evident for a period of at least 12 months, though the required duration may be shortened if the symptoms are severe, it said.
This is not the first time that gaming addiction has been identified as a major public health issue and governments around the world have made formal and informal moves to address it.
In the case of Korea, the government has placed a law that bans children under the age of 16 from accessing online games between midnight and 6 a.m., though its effectiveness has been challenged.
Initiated in November 2011, the so-called shutdown law mandates online game companies to program their games to automatically shut out minors during the designated six-hour timeframe.
Its proponents argue that the law protects minors from an environment that is more likely to lead to game addiction, while critics say the law breaches the freedom of choice, unjustly vilifies games as a whole, and brings more losses than gains.
The law has caused economic damages as well. According to a 2015 report from the Korea Economic Research Institute, the shutdown law led the Korean gaming market to shrink by roughly 1.16 trillion won (US$1.09 billion).
And although the KERI report concluded that the law would save 37 billion won in societal costs, it estimated that these savings would be five times larger if a selective approach was used meaning the shutdown is not applied unilaterally, but enforced only when a parent requests it.
While recognizing the problems of gaming addiction and the need for solutions, the Korean gaming sector cited concerns over a medical labeling of the condition and its potential to cast all video games in a negative light.
Read also: Does playing action video games change your brain?
Its worrisome that the WHO is pushing to medicalize game addiction as a formal mental disorder while the medical community believes there is still a lack of objective evidence to define and diagnose gaming addiction, an official from the Korea Association of Game Industry told The Korea Herald.
If the WHO decides to incorporate gaming addiction (into its ICD revisions), it will bolster negative perceptions toward online video games, he said. Its particularly concerning as games are part of a cultural content business that is sensitive to public opinion.
An official from a local gaming company, who declined to be named, said that the change has the potential to blur the line between enthusiastic gamers and gaming addicts, particularly in the view of concerned parents.
If gaming addiction does get included in the revised ICD in May, the change is most likely to be reflected in the disease categorization systems of countries worldwide including Korea.
Right now, the medical community does not recognize gaming addiction as a formal disorder. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published in 2013 and referred to by many psychiatrists, lists internet gaming disorder as a condition for further study.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 10:08 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd7a7e 2 City AssaultCase,smartphone,workplace,North-Jakarta Free
Restaurant staff members Reski, 19, and Praguna, 18, were arrested by Kelapa Gading Police in North Jakarta for allegedly attacking their manager who scolded them for playing games on their phones during work hours.
The victim, Tedy Taniwan, 35, confiscated the phones from the suspects and refused to give them back. Irked, Reski took a meat cleaver from the kitchen and attempted to slash the victim but he managed to dodge it.
During work on Monday, the two suspects were playing games on their phones. The victim then took their phones and refused to give them back despite repeated requests from the suspects, Kelapa Gading Police chief Comr. Arif Fazlurrahman said on Wednesday, as quoted by tribunnews.com.
Reski swung the knife, which nearly hit the victims head. Praguna then hit him with a plastic chair injuring the victims hands, Arif added.
The scuffle ended after security officers led the perpetrators and the victim out of the restaurant. The suspects then allegedly proceeded to launch another attack on the victim outside the restaurant.
The victim reported the case to the police who arrested the suspects on Wednesday.
The police took the knife and the chair in as evidence. (fac/wit)
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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar, Bali Thu, January 4, 2018 17:00 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2febccd 2 National Australian-citizen,bali,Volcano,Mount-Agung Free
Two Australian citizens were questioned after they attempted to hike up Mount Agung in Bali on Thursday.
Ricky Tonacia, 34, and Jack Dennaro, 26, were stopped by authorities when they started to hike the rumbling volcano despite warnings.
My intention was to see the top of the volcano, Tonacia said in a statement.
Karangasem Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Wayan Gede Ardana said the Australian men had started to climb the mountain at 1 a.m. local time.
They had traveled to Karangasem from Canggu, in South Bali. It was reported that their driver had warned them.
They knew people had been banned from hiking the volcano. But they insisted on doing so, Ardana said.
He further said that they were caught when their driver and guide picked them up at around 10 a.m. We only interrogated them and warned them not to do it again, Ardana said.
Both men were questioned for about an hour and then released.
They failed to reach the summit. At the halfway point, they decided to go back down because of bad weather. They were not able to see anything because of thick fog," said Gede Pawana, chairman of Pasebaya, a community comprising leaders of 28 villages dedicated to Mt. Agung mitigation works. (ebf)
Australians Ricky Tonacia, 34, and Jack Dennaro, 26, explain why they decided to climb Mount Agung in a handwritten statement. (Courtesy of Pasebaya/File)
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Sydney, Australia Thu, January 4, 2018 13:28 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe39dd 2 World Australia,travel,backpackers,drugs Free
Nine foreign backpackers, including five from France, were rushed to hospital in various states of "agitated delirium" after ingesting a travel sickness drug they mistook for cocaine and falling seriously ill, Australian authorities and reports said.
Three of them -- two French and one German -- remained in hospital Thursday after paramedics were called to a house in the Perth suburb of Victoria Park Tuesday night.
The seven men and two women aged between 21-25 took the drug Hyoscine and fell into an unconscious or semi-conscious state, Western Australia Police said.
Royal Perth Hospital emergency doctor David McCutcheon said late Wednesday the trio were "still in a critical condition".
"Several of these people would have died I'm pretty sure without medical intervention," he told the West Australian newspaper, adding that the nine were brought to hospital "in a state of agitated delirium".
"They were hallucinating, their hearts were racing, several of them had to be put in a medically induced coma for their own protection and I really need to emphasise how seriously unwell they were."
Backpackers leaving a mass drug overdose home in Victoria Park on Tuesday night refuse to speak to the media and have nothing to say. #abcperth #perthnews #wanews pic.twitter.com/d7TiM9gGiG Graeme Powell (@GraemePowell3) January 3, 2018
WA Police said the prescription drug Hyoscine -- also known as Scopolamine, which is used in low doses as a sedative and for the treatment of travel sickness -- was the only identifiable drug detected in the samples taken from the patients.
The drug has gained notoriety internationally from its use as a truth serum.
One victim, an Italian who gave his name as Simone, told the West Australian the drug arrived at the house in a package addressed to a person who did not live there anymore.
When the residents opened the package, they found some white powder wrapped in a piece of paper with the word "scoop" written on it.
Thinking it was cocaine, they divided the powder up and snorted the substance, Simone said, telling the newspaper that he then became paralysed and could not scream for help.
"We were powerless, we couldn't do anything," he added.
A neighbour told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the nine were suffering from seizures and had glassed eyes when they were taken from the house on stretchers.
"It was so scary to look at... A lot of them were shaking and trying to get out of the bed, but I don't think they knew they were doing it", Sophie Barnet said.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Bekasi Thu, January 4, 2018 19:57 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff4e40 1 City #Bekasi,#lung,#diseases,#hospital Free
The Bekasi administration has disbursed Rp 70 billion (US$4.9 million) to build a hospital that specializes in treating patients with lung disease.
We started building it in December, said Bekasi Housing, Settlements and Land Agencys construction and building department head, Inryd Arieswaty, on Thursday as quoted by tempo.co.
The four-story hospital will be located on Jl. Mayor Oking, East Bekasi. The administration aims to complete its construction by the end of the year to start serving patients in 2019.
Built on a 1,533-square-meter plot of land, the hospital can accommodate up to 100 inpatients.
Separately, the Bekasi Health Agencys disease prevention and control department head, Dezi Syukrawati, said the number of Tuberculosis (TB) patients remained high in the area.
The agency recorded 11,960 TB patients in 2016, a slight decrease from 12,831 patients in 2015.
Separately, Bekasi General Hospital director Kusnanto Saidi said it was about time Bekasi had a special hospital for lung disease patients, as more than 100 people sought treatment in the pulmonary clinic in his hospital every day. (wnd)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 17:06 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fed788 1 Politics Democratic-party,Susilo-Bambang-Yudhoyono,SBY,Hinca-Pandjaitan,2018-regional-election,Sylviana-Murni,Jakarta-gubernatorial-election,#2018RegionalElections Free
The Democratic Party called a meeting on Wednesday led by party chairman Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to discuss matters concerning the partys contenders in regional elections.
There has been arbitrary and unfair treatment of [the Democratic Party] and its cadres who have or will contest elections, Democratic Party secretary-general Hinca Panjaitan said.
He mentioned as an example Sylviana Murni, who was backed by the Democratic Party to be the running mate of Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, who ran for Jakarta governor last year.
Sylviana was questioned regarding a graft case just before the election.
Hinca said in the latest incident, which prompted the party to hold the meeting, Syaharie Jaang and Rizal Effendi, a candidate pair supported by the Democratic Party in the 2018 North Kalimantan gubernatorial election, had been summoned by the police in connection with a different graft case.
Hinca said the summons was sent after Syaharie declined an offer by a political party to be the running mate of North Kalimantan Police chief Insp. Gen. Safaruddin in a regional election.
This is unfair treatment. Pak Syaharie was asked several times to pair with [Safaruddin] and it was implied that if he rejected the offer, there could be a legal case against him.
A couple of days later, Syaharie and Rizal were summoned by the National Polices Criminal Investigation Department for questioning. This can be regarded as intervention by law enforcers, Hinca said. (nmn/ebf)
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Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung, West Java Thu, January 4, 2018 21:45 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff6fbc 1 Politics Golkar,GolkarParty,Democratic-party,Deddy-Mizwar,West-Java,2018-West-Java-gubernatorial-election,#2018RegionalElections Free
MQ Iswara, the Golkar Partys West Java campaign manager, said the party would declare on Jan. 9 its candidates for the West Java gubernatorial election.
We will declare it at Sasana Budaya Ganesha [Sabuga] before we register them with the General Elections Commission [KPU] in the afternoon, Iswara said in Bandung on Thursday.
The Golkar Party and the Democratic Party have formed a coalition and reportedly intend to support the candidacy of West Java Deputy Governor Deddy Mizwar and Purwakarta Regent Dedi Mulyadi in the election. Iswara did not respond to a question about whether Deddy or Dedi would be the governor candidate.
Iswara said the coalition was ready to support the ticket in the race against other candidates, such as Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil, who has reportedly started communicating with the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).
Ridwan reportedly will be paired with former West Java Police chief Anton Charliyan.
We are promoting our candidates commitments and capabilities. I believe that people in West Java are smart enough to judge and choose the best people to lead the province for the next five years, he said.
Candidate registration will be open from Jan.8 to 10. (vla/ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 11:08 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fdaa41 4 Business poverty-alleviation,bambang-brodjonegoro,poverty-rate,target,2018 Free
National Development Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro has said that the government plans to lower the poverty rate to below 10 percent this year, from the 10.2 percent recorded late last year.
"[A poverty rate of] 10.12 percent is the lowest [recorded] in Indonesian history. We hope it will fall below 10 percent this year," said Bambang on Wednesday, after attending a plenary Cabinet meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta, Antara reported .
On Tuesday, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced that the number of people living below the poverty line was 26.58 million in September 2017, or 10.12 percent of the total population.
The Indonesian poverty rate was 11.13 percent in September 2015 and 10.70 percent in September 2016.
Bambang, who is also head of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), said he had spoken to members of the House of Representatives about the government's poverty eradication target.
He added that although the poverty rate could be lowered, the government was still addressing the problems faced by people living in extreme poverty.
"We must improve their living standards by ensuring that social assistance reaches them this year," he stressed. (bbn)
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a bill to combat fake news.
President Macron said that during elections, tougher rules will be put on content shared on social media. President Macron said that lies are being propagated over social media at a cost of few thousand euros.
"Thousands of propaganda accounts on social networks are spreading all over the world, in all languages, lies invented to tarnish political officials, personalities, public figures, journalists," he said.
He came out strongly in support of press freedom and said that it is the "highest expression of freedom". "Journalists are the first threatened by propaganda," he said.
"Press freedom is not only attacked by dictatorships, it is also battered in countries that are democracies including in Europe," he added.
According to the new law, websites would have to say who is financing them and the amount of money for sponsored content would be capped.
In the case of fake news, an emergency legal action could allow French authorities to suppress that content or even block access to the website, Macron said.
He said that deliberate attempts were being made to blur lines between truth and lies and undermine people's faith in liberal democracy.
Talking about net neutrality, President Macron said France and European Union should consider "the consequences" of US' recent decision to eliminate net neutrality protections for the internet.
Macron has also urged his ministers to rapidly push on with measures to reform France's economy, security apparatus and immigration policies.
Topping his agenda in the first half of 2018 is a bill to address France's high unemployment through better training of jobless workers.
Macron's government is also planning a strategic review of the French military, a bill to better understand immigration into the country and measures to combat violence against women.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4 2018
Restaurant staff members Reski, 19, and Praguna, 18, were arrested by Kelapa Gading Police in North Jakarta for allegedly attacking their manager who scolded them for playing games on their phones during work hours.
The victim, Tedy Taniwan, 35, confiscated the phones from the suspects and refused to give them back.
Irked, Reski took a meat cleaver from the kitchen and attempted to slash the victim but he managed to dodge it.
During work on Monday, the two suspects were playing games on their phones. The victim then took their phones and refused to give them back despite repeated requests from the suspects, Kelapa Gading Police chief Comr. Arif Fazlurrahman said on Wednesday, as quoted by tribunnews.com.
Reski swung the knife, which nearly hit the victims head. Praguna then hit him with a plastic chair injuring the victims hands,...
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4 2018
A man was arrested on Tuesday night in Grogol, West Jakarta, for allegedly attempting to burn his wife alive during a domestic dispute.
According to West Jakarta Police general crimes head Comr. Adj. Rulian Syauri, the domestic dispute occurred after the man, identified as IA, accused his wife of cheating.
Rulian said IA believed that his wife, NI, was having an affair and became furious when she denied the accusation.
He poured gasoline over the victim and threatened to burn her alive.
NI managed to escape to a nearby police post.
Rulian said the couple fought frequently.
The police also discovered that NI was allegedly physically abused by her husband when an examination found bruises on her body.
IA has reportedly confessed to the police.
Rulian said the police were waiting for a confirmation from its womens and c...
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4 2018
Thousand Islands regency has proposed the procurement of 12 boats to be included in the 2018 city budget to support mobility in the area.
Regent Irmansyah said the regency needed two hearse boats to ease funeral transportation, while five boats had been proposed by the water transportation unit of the transportation agency and four had been proposed by the regency administration. The education agency had also asked for a boat.
We will hold a limited meeting soon to ensure that the boats procured are up to standard, he said as quoted by beritajakarta.id, adding that he expected the boats to be available before the commencement of the Asian Games.
He said each boat might have different facilities depending on the needs of the aforementioned agencies.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4 2018
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is set to appeal a Jakarta Corruption Court verdict in a graft case involving businessman Andi Agustinus, also known as Andi Narogong.
KPK prosecutors have demanded that the court include information that was reportedly missing from the verdict read out on Dec. 21, according to KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah.
The sentence matched the demand [of eight years imprisonment], but we demand the court include in the verdict the results of our investigation, which found the possible involvement of several other parties in the e-ID case, he said on Tuesday.
In the verdict, Febri added, the court only mentioned two former Home Ministry officials, namely Irman and Sugiharto.
The KPK is demanding that the verdict mentions other parties implicated in the embezzlement of funds intended for the procurement of e-ID cards. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Jerusalem Thu, January 4, 2018 18:26 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff1b54 2 World Israel,Palestine,protest,probe Free
Israel's military said Thursday it was opening an investigation into the death of a wheelchair-bound Gazan man, with Palestinian officials saying he was shot by a sniper during clashes with Israeli forces.
Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh, a 29-year-old whose family said had lost his legs in a 2008 Israeli strike, was shot in the head by a sniper during protests and clashes along the Gaza border on December 15, according to the health ministry in Gaza.
The United Nations' human rights chief said he was "truly shocked" by Abu Thurayeh's death and demanded an "independent and impartial investigation".
Read also: UN slams 'shocking' killing of disabled Palestinian protester
On Thursday, Israel's military announced it was opening a probe into his death, after previously saying it was not able to determine whether he had been killed by its soldiers' fire.
"As stated previously, the IDF's (Israel Defence Forces) operational review concluded that no live fire was aimed at Abu Thurayeh," it said in a statement.
"Based on the information gathered during the review, it was not possible to determine whether Abu Thurayeh was injured as a result of riot dispersal means or what caused his death.
"In order to further examine the case, including information received from organisations operating in the Gaza Strip, it was decided that the circumstances of (Abu) Thurayeh's death will also be examined by a military police investigation."
AFP photographers have seen Abu Thurayeh at multiple demonstrations in recent years.
In video footage recorded the day he was killed, Abu Thurayeh could be seen carrying the Palestinian flag and waving the victory sign at Israeli soldiers across the border.
The protest on December 15 was part of unrest that has occurred in the Palestinian territories since US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Fourteen Palestinians have been killed since Trump's December 6 announcement, most of them in clashes with Israeli forces.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 16:57 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe9db3 1 Business capital-city-relocation,bambang-brodjonegoro,Jokowi Free
National Development Planning (Bappenas) Board head Bambang Brodjoneoro said on Thursday that he had handed over the concept plan for the capital city relocation project to President Joko Jokowi Widodo.
As previously reported, President Jokowi had assigned Bappenas to carry out an initial study on the relocation project. The President said the capital relocation was needed as Jakarta was overcrowded. The plan, however, has been met with criticism, with opposition saying there are more urgent projects that require government attention. Bambang said the President had yet to comment on the concept.
Bambang was reluctant to disclose the budget for the capital relocation. He only said that it was more than Rp 1 trillion (US$70 million).
He stressed that the funds would not only come from the state budget but also from private companies. We have been in talks with private companies about their interest in cooperating with the government in the project, Bambang said as reported by kontan.co.id.
Several cities in Kalimantan, such as Palangka Raya and Balik Papan, are among cities reportedly being considered. (bbn)
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Linkedin Gemma Holliani Cahya (The Jakarta Post) Bogor, West Java Thu, January 4, 2018 18:56 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff27ce 1 National Jokowi,Joko-Widodo,Cultural,cultural-heritage,CulturalHeritage,CulturalPreservation Free
More than 80 tribal rulers and sultans from areas across the archipelago met President Joko Jokowi Widodo at Bogor Palace on Thursday.
I will not say anything, I just want to listen to the honorable rulers, sultans, princes and princesses who are present today about problems that they face in their respective regions, the President said.
Tribal leaders and heads of kingdoms attending the event praised Jokowis initiative to meet with them, saying it showed his commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
We highly appreciate this move, said Edward Syah Pernong, the sultan of Kepaksian Skala Brak in Lampung.
From September to January, we have met Pak Jokowi four times. We met him in Cirebon [West Java], Medan [North Sumatra] and twice at this palace. The President not only respects us, he truly loves our culture and us.
After listening to the leaders insights, Jokowi promised he would find solutions to the problems they faced, including allocating funds to revitalize damaged palaces.
I want the palaces totally renovated. Maybe we can fix three or five palaces every year. I will estimate the budget first, he said.
Jokowi said he would hold a limited meeting to discuss fund allocation and the issuance of the palaces land certificates. (ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 19:28 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff46cb 1 National KontraS,Maluku,Papua,human-rights,human-rights-abuse,persecution Free
The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) has called on the government to speed up the legal process of two persecution cases allegedly committed by military and police officers against civilians in Maluku and Papua.
On Thursday, Kontras said it had assisted in the legal process of the cases involving La Gode in Taliabu, South Maluku, and Isak in Kimaam, Merauke in Papua. Both were reportedly tortured to death by security officers.
In La Godes case, the police have named 10 people as suspects but they have not yet revealed who they are, whether they have been detained and which law they have been charged with, said the commissions coordinator, Yati Andriyani.
The activist further added that three members of the Yalet 755 Infantry Battalion had allegedly tortured Isak to death in November 2017 in Merauke, Papua. Kontras investigation revealed that the military had not taken immediate action to tackle the problem or named a suspect in the case.
Instead, the military gave the victims family condolence money to hold a funeral procession, Yati said.
She added that the police, as a law enforcement institution, had also abandoned the case.
Yati raised concerns that the military and police officers in remote areas often failed to do their job of providing security and safety to people. She was disappointed that the personnel chose to hand out an amount of money to the victims family instead of taking full responsibility. (vla/ebf)
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Linkedin Winda A. Charmila (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 14:37 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe53ea 1 City #Police,#LBH,#Jakarta,#AssaultCase,#LBHJakarta Free
Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) has filed a legal petition after the South Jakarta Police stopped its investigation into a 2016 case that allegedly involved police and public order agency (Satpol PP) officers assaulting one of its lawyers, Alldo Fellix Januardy.
LBH Jakarta filed the petition on Jan. 3 along with the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI), the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) and the Ciliwung Merdeka community, which is grouped under the Advocacy for Human Rights Defenders (TAP-HAM).
Alldo, a public lawyer, represented the Bukit Duri residents who were beaten during the Jan.12, 2016 forced eviction of the area.
LBH Jakarta lawyer Nelson Simamora said Alldo had asked the police and Satpol PP officers to respect the legal process that the Bukit Duri residents were pursuing at the time, a lawsuit they had filed with the Jakarta Administrative Court.
Instead of respecting the legal process, five officers from Satpol PP and the police assaulted him. [] Alldo was also dragged about 20 meters, which was witnessed by several people on the scene, Nelson said recently in a statement.
Alldo suffered severe bruising from the incident, and his glasses and mobile phone were destroyed. He was also threatened with arrest, if he tried to block the eviction.
Alldo filed a report with the Jakarta Police on the same day and the case was delegated to the South Jakarta Police, but faced undue delays in its investigation.
Nelson said that the investigation into the assault had not moved forward by December 2016, and Alldo received an offer to settle the case out of court and withdraw his report.
TAP-HAM is calling for a judicial panel to reexamine the case and order the Jakarta Police to continue with its investigation.
We also urge the Jakarta Police to proceed objectively and transparently in the legal process. We call upon the Indonesian police to protect human rights defenders and respect public lawyers in performing their duties, Nelson said.
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Linkedin Jon Afrizal (The Jakarta Post) Jambi Thu, January 4, 2018 21:01 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff67c5 1 National embezzlement,Jambi,Jambi-Police,Trade Free
The Tanjungjabung Barat Police in Jambi are on the hunt for a Malaysian businessman who allegedly embezzled Rp 22 billion (US$1.5 million) from local betel nut traders.
The police had contacted immigration authorities to prevent Harjid Singh, the embezzlement suspect and president director of betel nut processing company PT Sari Nurto, from traveling overseas, Tanjungjabung Barat Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. ADG Sinaga said, adding that the police had yet to locate him.
The police were digging deeper into the case. We had questioned 12 people who filed reports, he said on Wednesday.
A warehouse owned by the company was sealed by the police in Sungai Sare village, Bram Itam district, as a security measure.
The first reports of alleged embezzlement were filed in late December, when traders reported they had not been paid by the company.
One trader, Andi Nawir, said he suffered Rp 350 million in losses as he had sold betel nuts to the company for the past six months.
He said he was interested in selling the nuts to Singh as his company bought them at high prices. The company offered to pay traders Rp 20,000 to Rp 22,000 per kilogram of betel nut, higher than the average market price of Rp 16,000 per kilogram.
The company usually paid after three deliveries. Up to 10 tons for each delivery [were allowed], Andi said, adding that, after he and other traders received no payments, they filed reports to the police. (vla/rin)
The family of a patient admitted to a private hospital in Gurgaon has accused the facility of medical negligence and charging exorbitant amount for its services.
The family has lodged a complaint with the Haryana chief ministers office and also written to state health minister Anil Vij, seeking action against the upscale Paras Hospital.
The hospital has denied the charges.
According to the family, Sunil Kumar, 22, was admitted to the hospital in June last year with head and spine injuries, which he had suffered during a dive into a canal in Hisar.
He was first operated upon at a private hospital in Hisar, but Kumar remained unconscious after the surgery there, the family said.
"Upon recommendation of doctors in Hisar, we admitted Kumar at Paras Hospital in Gurgaon for consultancy in the neurology department on June 16, 2017. The doctors of Paras Hospital insisted on transferring the case to ENT department," said Jagbir Singh, maternal uncle of Kumar.
The doctors recommended for surgery in spine again in the same area, but Kumar's family objected to the advice.
"We have objected the surgery of spine in neck area and repeatedly asked for the treatment of neurology. Our request was turned down, citing the treatment done in other hospital was irrelevant and they (Paras Hospital) would treat patient from the beginning," Singh said.
"The doctors have done the surgery of the same neck area and planted an iron rod to support the spinal cord," he said, adding that even after the surgery for the second time Kumar's condition deteriorated due to internal wounds.
"The doctors then decided to remove the metal rod from the neck. They operated again for it," Singh said.
The family alleged repeated surgeries led to complications and Kumar was now on life support in the hospital.
They have also accused the hospital of charging huge money. As per the bill, the hospital has charged more than Rs 83 lakh so far, and the family has deposited Rs nine lakh.
When contacted, Dr Neeraj Bishnoi, Facility Director of Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, said in a statement: "The patient Sunil Kumar (22) has been admitted in the hospital since 16th June 2017, more than 6 months. He came to the hospital with spine injury operated at a hospital in Hisar and was operated upon by super specialists in our hospital.
"The treatment has been given in consent with the attendants and the health condition and outcomes have been regularly updated to them. The hospital is regularly in touch with the authorities from the CMO Office and has shared all relevant documents," Bishnoi said.
He also added, hospital has waived off Rs 42 lakh from the actual bill.
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Linkedin Joanna CHIU / Ryan MCMORROW (AFP) Beijing Thu, January 4, 2018 11:25 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fdc1f6 2 World migrant-workers,Beijing,economy Free
They fuelled their nation's dramatic economic rise, toiling in jobs far from home, but China's migrant workers are now finding themselves increasingly unwelcome as authorities try to cap the population explosions in key cities.
Lin Huiqing moved to Beijing to look for work when his children were still in diapers.
For the last eighteen years, he has seen his family just once a year, the rest spent doing the hard labor most Beijingers would prefer to avoid.
The 50-year-old is one of hundreds of millions of migrants who moved from the countryside to the cities, a colossal demographic shift that made China's ascent possible.
But last month Lin was evicted from the village where he lived on the capital's outskirts, another victim of a city-wide demolition plan to limit Beijing's population to 23 million by 2020 -- a target that could come at the cost of its economy.
"If I go home, I have no way to support my wife and kids," Lin lamented.
According to the Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily, the city plans to demolish 40 million square meters of "illegal" structures.
Many are the homes and shops of low-income migrants like Lin.
When he first arrived in Beijing, Lin and his friends pooled their money and took out loans to purchase delivery trucks.
He made a living hauling the wares of small-scale shopkeepers and traders, but the moving business has taken a hit as the city condemns buildings en masse, evicting tens of thousands into the winter cold.
"Our customers are commoners like us," he said. "With their small businesses shut down, there's no stock for us to move. We're basically unemployed now."
- 'Can't make it here anymore' -
Authorities say the campaign, which kicked into high gear after a fire in an illegal structure killed 19 in November, is needed to clean the city up once and for all.
But it is also removing vibrant chunks of Beijing's economy, such as retail and small-scale manufacturing, and throwing into chaos other sectors like delivery, the bedrock of the booming e-commerce trade.
Relegated to the periphery, migrants have kept China's economy humming, handling the difficult, dirty and sometimes dangerous work that the city's permanent residents won't do.
Urban industries like construction, domestic work and sanitation are almost completely staffed by migrants.
Eli Friedman, an associate professor of international and comparative labor at Cornell University, said China's biggest cities "simply cannot function without migrant workers".
"If every non-local were to actually be removed from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, these economic engines for the whole country would completely collapse," he told AFP.
But that is exactly what is happening, said Li Ning, one of the 60,000 delivery drivers who criss-cross Beijing's streets.
Li was recently evicted from a village on the city's outskirts, forcing him into an apartment where the rent quadrupled.
Then authorities came for his delivery company's warehouse, forcing staff to sort packages on the sidewalk and sending his income plummeting.
"In Beijing all the migrants are leaving. We can't make it here anymore," he said, adding he plans to leave for good during the upcoming spring festival.
Another delivery franchise owner surnamed Wang said she will "give up" if authorities knock down her current warehouse, which they marked in black paint with the character "chai" -- (demolish) -- in mid-December.
She had just moved in December 1, after she had to close two other delivery hubs this year, forcing her to cut her work force from 240 couriers to 60.
"There's no stability. I don't know what I'll be facing tomorrow," she said, tears welling in her eyes.
- 'Now we have to start over' -
The demolitions have also hit Beijing's retail sector, decimating once affordable mom and pop shops and pushing consumers online or into high-end malls.
Two years ago, Ge Guoxiang moved with his wife from their home province of Jiangsu to take over his brother's textiles stall.
It had thrived for over 20 years in Beijing's Tuanjiehu Tianyu market. But three months ago, they received notice that authorities will shutter the market.
Dozens of small-scale community markets have been forced to shut down this year -- including the iconic Beijing Zoo market, where hundreds of merchants organized rare street protests against the evictions.
Officials said they have designated certain areas in the neighboring Hebei province where merchants can move their businesses to.
But Ge is unconvinced.
"It takes years for businesses like ours to build up clientele. Now we have to start over," he said.
"Our clients are mostly older people who don't know how to shop online. Where will they go?"
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Linkedin Rachmadea Aisyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 16:55 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe9296 1 Business capital-city-relocation,land-acquisition,bambang-brodjonegoro Free
The government is pressing ahead with its plan to relocate the capital city, but it has not prepared funds for land acquisition to minimize spending, said National Development Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro on Thursday.
"[Among criteria for the new capital city] is the availability of cleared land," Bambang told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Jakarta.
Bambang handed over the capital city relocation plan to President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Wednesday, however, he said the President had yet to comment on the plan.
Once the President approved the concept, the relocation team would assess the technical details of the plan, said Bambang.
Bambang, who is also head of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), said the government would seek support from the House of Representatives.
"We will also require political support from the House because we will need a law to support the establishment of a new capital city."
He reasserted that the new capital would be located outside of Java, but refused to provide details on the possible new capitals or when the relocation would take place. (bbn)
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Linkedin Rizal Harahap (The Jakarta Post) Pekanbaru, Riau Thu, January 4, 2018 19:13 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff39a8 1 National #animal-attack,#SumatranTiger,Sumatran-tiger,Riau,#Riau Free
A farmer named Jumiati, 30, was mauled to death by a tiger on Wednesday morning while working in an oil palm plantation in Pelangiran district, Indragiri Hilir regency, Riau.
Pelangiran Police chief First Insp. Muhammad Rafi said that the tiger, believed to be a Sumatran tiger, appeared without warning at around 10 a.m. in an area where Jumiati and two other workers, Yusmawati and Fitriyanti, were pruning weeds and recording data on oil palm trees.
The plantation is owned by PT Tabung Haji Indo Plantation (THIP).
Upon spotting the animal, the three immediately fled the scene, but the tiger was still able to corner them.
"To save themselves, they climbed the 2-meter-high oil palm trees. But the tiger caught Jumiati by the leg and she fell out of her tree," Rafi said. "According to [Yusmawati and Fitriyanti], Jumiati wrestled with the tiger until it bit her in the neck."
The two waited in the trees for two hours until a truck carrying workers passed by during their lunch break.
They later reported the incident to the Pelangiran Police.
"But the tiger had gone [by the time officers arrived]. We found [Jumiatis] body in the bushes, Rafi said.
Several days before the incident, several Pelangiran residents reported about a tiger wandering into their neighborhood.
Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) spokesperson Dian Indriati said the BKSDA was still unable to confirm whether it was a Sumatran tiger that attacked Jumiati, pending an ongoing assessment. (vla/ipa)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 09:00 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd6185 4 Business OJK,Mount-Agung,business,treatment Free
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has issued a regulation to provide special treatment for businesses in Karangasem regency, Bali, who were affected most by the recent eruption of Mount Agung.
The OJK believes special treatment is needed to help the businesses recover.
The policy includes loan restructuring for debtors who were affected by the natural disaster, Anton Prabowo, OJK commissioner for strategic management and logistics affairs, said in Jakarta on Wednesday as reported by kompas.com.
The policy, which is stipulated in the Council of OJK Commissioners Decision No. 20/KDK.03/2017, was issued on Dec. 29, 2017 and will be effective for three years.
According to the OJK, eight districts in Karangasem regency were affected by Mt. Agungs eruption in November 2017, namely Abang, Bebandem, Karangasem, Kubu, Manggis, Rendang, Sidemen and Selat.
Karangasem Regent I Gusti Ayu Mas Sumantri has previously said that many debtors in the regency were hoping to restructure their debts to ease their financial burden following the eruption.
Tourist arrivals in Bali has dropped to 2,000 visitors per day from the usual 15,000 since Mt. Agung began showing volcanic activity, according to Tourism Minister Arief Yahya. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 21:00 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2ff5f1a 2 Business exports,trade-agreement,FTA,CEPA,Trade-Ministry Free
Indonesia seeks to initiate negotiations on trade agreements under both bilateral and regional schemes this year to help jack up the countrys exports.
Southeast Asias largest economy will kick off talks with five partners, namely Peru, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa and Morocco, and on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council, according to a statement from the Trade Ministry. In addition, it will also begin negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with Canada, along with fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Trade Ministry Director General of Export Development Arlinda Imbang Jaya said on Thursday that the partners had been chosen based on their strategic importance to help boost Indonesias exports. Kenya, for example, could become Indonesias trading hub to other African countries thanks to its membership in the East African Community.
The same goes for Peru. We already have an agreement with Chile, so we can further expand our markets in South America, said Arlinda.
Read also: Indonesia, Chile sign CEPA
Indonesia has ongoing trade negotiations with various partners, including Australia, Iran, the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries.
The agreements are expected to boost particularly non-oil and gas exports.
The ministry targets to increase non-oil and gas exports in 2018 by 5 to 7 percent from the estimated US$ 154.8 billion achieved in 2017.
From January to November, non-oil and gas exports reached $139.68 billion, up 16.89 percent from a year earlier. (jlm/lnd)
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Linkedin Rachmadea Aisyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4 2018
Indonesias oldest retailer, PT Sarinah, is seeking to expand its retail and property business in 2018, which will include establishing an overseas presence.
The state-owned company plans to open two stores in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and Tokyo, which will sell home decorations, handicrafts and Indonesian traditional textiles, among others.
Sarinah had established stores in New York, the United States, and Singapore in the early 2000s, but was forced to shut them down due to financial constraints and lack of competitiveness, according to Sarinah president director GNP Sugiarta Yasa.
Right now, we are more confident [in opening new overseas branches] because we are cooperating with local partners that are experienced in the retail business, he said.
For its Mecca store, Sarinah is establishing a joint venture with diversified Saudi firm Al-Burhan Group,...
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Linkedin Andrew Beatty and Chris Lefkow (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Thu, January 4, 2018 10:29 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd9c13 2 World trump,White-House,insult Free
US President Donald Trump unleashed a spectacular denunciation of one of his closest political allies Wednesday, describing former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as insane and irrelevant.
After the release of explosive excerpts from a new book in which Bannon reportedly described Trump's eldest son's meeting with a Kremlin-connected lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic," Trump wasted no time firing back.
The embattled Republican president issued a response that was searing even by his combative standards.
"Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said in a written statement.
Trump said Bannon -- who engineered the New York real estate mogul's link to the nationalist far right and helped create a pro-Trump media ecosystem -- was "only in it for himself."
Trump's fury appeared to have been provoked by the publication of startling extracts from "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by author Michael Wolff.
Passages published by The Guardian and New York magazine quoted Bannon being highly critical of Trump's son Donald Junior and daughter Ivanka.
Bannon, who left the White House in August, is also quoted as saying that the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into Russian interference in the 2016 election will focus on money laundering.
The investigation by Mueller, a former FBI director, is looking into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to get him elected -- a charge the president has repeatedly and vehemently denied.
'You should have called the FBI'
Donald Junior took a meeting with Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya in June 2016 after an intermediary promised material that would incriminate Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and then campaign chairman Paul Manafort also attended the meeting at Trump Tower in New York.
"The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floor -- with no lawyers," Bannon was quoted as saying in the book.
"They didn't have any lawyers.
"Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately," he said.
'Little to do' with election win -
Trump responded quickly and cuttingly to the reported comments by Bannon, a former investment banker and the executive chairman of influential ultraconservative outlet Breitbart News.
"Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look. Steve had very little to do with our historic victory, which was delivered by the forgotten men and women of this country," Trump said.
"Steve pretends to be at war with the media, which he calls the opposition party, yet he spent his time at the White House leaking false information to the media to make himself seem far more important than he was," he added.
"Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books."
Disbelief over victory
Wolff's book -- which he says is based on interviews with Trump, his senior aides and others -- also mentions that Trump did not initially know who former House speaker John Boehner was, that he eats food from McDonald's because he believes it to be safe from poison, and that his team did not believe he was capable of winning the election.
"Shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Night, when the unexpected trend -- Trump might actually win -- seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears -- and not of joy," it said.
The book even deals with the subject of Trump's infamous coiffe, citing Ivanka as telling friends it was the result of a comb-over from the front and sides of his head, stiffened by hair spray.
"The color, she would point out to comical effect, was from a product called Just for Men the longer it was left on, the darker it got. Impatience resulted in Trump's orange-blond hair color."
Trump's press secretary Sarah Sanders hit back.
"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," she told a briefing.
Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for First Lady Melania Trump, denied allegations that she had cried tears of sadness.
"The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section. Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run for President and in fact, encouraged him to do so. She was confident he would win and was very happy when he did," Grisham said in a statement.
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Linkedin (AFP) United Nations Thu, January 4, 2018 06:04 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fd2404 2 Politics Iran,violence,United-Nations Free
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday deplored the loss of life in anti-government protests in Iran that have so far left 21 people dead, and said further violence must be avoided.
The UN chief is "following with concern recent developments" in Iran and "urges respect for the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression," Guterres said in a statement.
"Further violence must be avoided," he added.
Protests over economic problems broke out in Iran's second city Mashhad on December 28 and quickly spread across the country, turning against the regime as a whole.
A total of 21 people have died in the unrest, with protesters attacking government buildings and police stations in some areas.
Tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets in several cities on Wednesday for pro-regime rallies.
Guterres appealed for demonstrations to be carried out in a peaceful manner.
UN rights chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein separately urged Iranian authorities "to handle the wave of protests that have taken place around the country with great care so as not to further inflame violence and unrest."
Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called for independent and impartial investigations of the violence and said Iran's authorities must "ensure that all security forces respond in a manner that is proportionate and strictly necessary."
After hundreds of protesters were reportedly arrested, the UN rights chief said "peaceful protests must not be criminalized. They are a legitimate part of the democratic process."
The UN statements came as US Ambassador Nikki Haley has called for an emergency Security Council meeting to discuss the violence in Iran. No meeting however was immediately scheduled.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 15:45 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe712e 1 City #DrugSmuggling,#drugs-trafficking,#Jakarta,#Police,#Aceh Free
West Jakarta Police foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.3 tons of marijuana from Aceh to Jakarta, which allegedly involved an inter-provincial syndicate, at the end of 2017.
We received a tip-off that marijuana would be smuggled from Aceh to Jakarta, Narcotics Division chief of the West Jakarta Police Adj. Sr. Comr. Suhermanto said, as quoted by kompas.com on Thursday.
The police put a man -- whom they identified as Franky Alexandro -- and his friends under surveillance after they departed Jakarta for Aceh to allegedly pick up the packages.
In Aceh, Franky and his friends took possession of the packages and loaded it onto a truck. They then drove it back to Jakarta.
On Dec. 31, 2017 around 10 p.m., the police stopped the truck at the Bakauheni Port entrance in Lampung, Suhermanto said.
They found 1,300 marijuana packages, which each weighed a kilogram, inside the truck.
Two people identified as Rocky and Rizky, allegedly members of the syndicate, were nabbed at different locations on Monday.
Rocky was arrested in West Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, and Rizky was nabbed in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.
After questioning the suspects, the police revealed that the marijuana was destined for a man identified as Gardawan, a resident of Tebet, South Jakarta, and a supplier in Aceh named Irwan. The police added that a man identified as Ilham Maulana was the alleged head of the syndicate.
This syndicate allegedly distributed meth and marijuana across provinces, Suhermanto said.
The suspects face multiple charges of Articles 114, 111 and 132 of Law 35/2009 on Narcotics with a maximum sentence of life in prison. (gis)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, January 4, 2018 12:34 1339 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2fe114e 1 City #births,#Police,#Jakarta,#roadpatrol Free
A woman named Sriyati, 35, gave birth in a police patrol car, which was on the way to take her to the nearest hospital in East Jakarta on Thursday morning.
Sriyati, who was with her husband Hasanudin, 42, was on a bus from Kampung Rambutan bus terminal, East Jakarta en route to Pekalongan, Central Java.
However, at around 9.15 a.m. the bus driver stopped on Cikunir 3 toll road and approached a police patrol car, saying there was a woman inside the bus who was about to have a baby, said Jakarta road patrol unit head Adj. Sr. Comr. Slamet Widodo.
The woman was moved to the patrol car and was taken to the nearest hospital, RS Islam Pondok Kopi, but on the way, she gave birth [inside the patrol car], Slamet said in a statement.
Sriyati gave birth to a baby boy and is currently being treated in the hospital. (wnd)
Numerous American travel portals have issued their own advisories for tourists, advising them against visiting the Taj Mahal in 2018. (File photo)
Although the Union government is gearing up for damage control the die may already have been cast.
Media reports of mismanagement of crowds - especially during the Christmas-New Year holidays - and the rude behaviour of security agencies towards visitors is likely to have an adverse effect on tourist flows.
Although there has been no official advisory issued by the US government, numerous American travel portals have issued their own advisories for tourists, advising them against visiting the Taj Mahal in 2018.
The travel websites have based their recommendation on media reports of year-long maintenance work at the monument, as well as extreme mismanagement and ill-behaviour with tourists.
These travel portals have advised tourists to visit any other monument in India, but skip the Taj as its main dome will remain under cover because of a year-long mud-pack cleansing progject.
Popular American travel portal Fodor's said that in 2018, the Taj Mahal's dome will get its first thorough cleaning since the monument was built 369 years ago.
"Unless your dream Taj Mahal visit involves being photographed standing in front of a mud-caked and to-be-scaffolded dome, maybe give it until 2019 at the earliest," says Fodor's.
Reviews by tourists on the travel website Tripadvisor about the recent mismanagement at the Taj are no less dismaying. A tourist even goes to saying that the "Taj Mahal should be the last on your bucket list."
Another tourist says "Would not recommend to go all the way to Agra for this. If they really want to preserve this building would recommend they stop the thousands of people going their daily and limit to much lower numbers (sic)."
However, secretary of the Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber Vishal Sharma contends that these advisories are based on half-baked information and not on real fact.
He says that his association has requested the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to clean the historical monument between April and August so that the 2018-19 tourist season can resume from October.
Sharma goes on to add that British and American tourist constitute the bulk of those visiting India - at 15 and 17 per cent respectively.
As many of these travellers base their decisions on peer reviews, tourist inflows to Agra can take a hit.
Though he said recent media reports on poor crowd management was not correct, they could still have an impact on foreign travellers visiting the Taj.
Meanwhile, approving the price hike of entry tickets to the Taj, Ashok Jain, chairman, Ashok Oswal Group said that although it may appear a bit steep at first glance, the increased ticket price for Indian tourists had become a necessity.
Ashok Oswal Group has interests in the tourism sector and runs resorts and curio shops among others.
One of the benefits of higher ticket prices is that visitor load to India's most-visited monument will come down.
"Taj is a monument worth preserving for centuries and it becomes the responsibility of the present generation to hand it over in good shape to the next generation," Jain added.
ALSO WATCH | Yogi Adityanath visits Taj Mahal, says committed to conserve rich historical identity of Agra
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, January 5 2018
The South Jakarta Police arrested on Wednesday a motorcyclist who was found to be carrying more than 4 grams of marijuana in the course of stopping him for driving in the busway lane.
The man hit a police officer with his motorcycle as he tried to evade their instructions to stop, tempo.co reported on Thursday.
The South Jakarta Polices traffic unit chief, Sr. Adj. Cmr. Edi Surasa, said Rihadus Solihin was driving his motorcycle in the Transjakarta bus lane along Jl. Mampang Prapatan in South Jakarta when Adj.
First Insp. Bambang Kuswo signaled him to stop in front of a car showroom.
Rihadus allegedly sped up instead and hit another officer, Brig. Zikri Zulfikar, with his motorcycle.
When he was arrested and searched, the police found that he was carrying a package of marijuana, Edi said.
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The newly-inaugurated airport train has attracted many passengers, although some might not be fully informed about the route, departing stations and more.
If youre going to give the airport train a go, here are some tips to get you started as reported by kompas.com:
Check your departing station
The train to Soekarno-Hatta airport passes Manggarai, Sudirman Baru, Duri, Batu Ceper and Soekarno-Hatta stations. For the time being, the train does not depart from Manggarai and Duri stations as the construction process is still ongoing. Passengers can depart from the Sudirman Baru and Batu Ceper stations to the airport.
Be mindful of rush hours
PT Railink has prepared 10 trains to transport 33,000 passengers per day (at full capacity). Each train has a capacity of 272 passengers. The first train departs from Sudirman Baru station at 03:21 a.m. and the last train departs at 10:51 p.m. From the airport, the first train departs at 04:40 a.m. and the last one departs at 00:40 a.m.
The airport train has a total of 80 trips daily with pickup times at 15-minute intervals and 30-minute intervals at rush hours. You can check the departure schedule at https://reservation.railink.co.id or follow @RailinkARS on Twitter.
Read also: Jokowi wants cheaper fare for airport train service
Estimate your departure time
The average travel time from Sudirman Baru station to the airport is 54 minutes, therefore please consider this and the 3 hours prior to departure rule before leaving home so you will not miss your flight.
How to buy your tickets
There are two ways to buy your airport train tickets: buy them at the ticket machines in the stations or through the app. If you decide to buy your ticket at the station, you will have to provide your debit or credit card as all transactions are cashless.
Firstly, you will be required to input your itinerary and the number of tickets required, along with personal data such as your name, mobile phone number and e-mail address. For purchases made via the ticket machine, only your mobile phone number is required. The total transaction time is one to two minutes.
Meanwhile, those who are always on the go and tech-savvy may want to check Google Play Store or Apples App Store and install the Railink app. The ticket can also be purchased via https//reservation.railink.co.id and payment can be completed using internet banking or Doku Wallet.
The price of the airport train ticket is Rp 70,000 (US$5.10) per trip. Tickets cannot be bought within 20 minutes prior to departure or if the train is full. Gates are opened 20 minutes before the train arrives and passengers may board the train as long as the doors are still open.
Read also: Three new airport trains to operate this year: Minister
How to get to the stations
To get to Sudirman Baru station, you can board the Transjakarta and commuter line. For Transjakarta users, two routes are prepared by the company. The first route is Sudirman Baru - Gambir (corridor 1) passing Hotel Indonesia - Sarinah - Bank Indonesia - Horse statue - Gambir station - Monas and back to Bank Indonesia - Sarinah - Hotel Indonesia off to Blora lane - Sudirman Baru station.
Another route is Sudirman Baru - Menteng (corridor 9) from Sudirman Baru - Hotel Indonesia roundabout - Tosari - Dukuh Atas - Karet - Semanggi - on to corridor 9 route Kuningan - Menteng - Hotel Indonesia off to Blora lane - Sudirman Baru station.
Those taking the commuter line can disembark at Sudirman station, go out the station and use the exit door on the platform that heads to Tanah Abang or the one downstairs facing Blora street. Then continue to walk through the 20-meter-long tunnel.
What to do once you get to the airport
Soekarno-Hatta airport is also connected with the APMS/Skytrain. Once you arrive at the airport, you can move between terminals using the Sky Train which operates 20 hours a day starting from 04.27 a.m. to 00.17 a.m. (asw)
The passenger of a Ryanair flight from London to Malaga in southern Spain, apparently tired of waiting inside the plane on arrival, got out and sat on the wing, a witness and the airline said Wednesday.
"We had been waiting around half-an-hour to get out of the plane," Fernando del Valle, another passenger, told AFP of the incident on Monday evening.
"The man calmly went to the emergency exit, pulled the mechanism to open the door, looked out, came back to get his backpack and went out on the wing."
Del Valle filmed the incident and posted it on his Facebook page. His footage reveals a man walking on the wing, putting his backpack down and sitting next to the bag.
Read also: Lion Air attendant reportedly slaps passenger
"The captain was stunned... he asked who had got out on the wing," said del Valle, a Spaniard who was coming back from London on the flight which left an hour late but arrived around 20 minutes after the planned time late on Monday.
The man, whose age and identity have not been revealed, was immediately arrested, Ryanair said in a statement.
A spokesman for Spain's Guardia Civil police force, meanwhile, said the captain had asked them to intervene, adding they had reported the passenger to air safety authorities.
Posted Wednesday, January 3, 2018 11:00 pm
A medical student who grew up in Freeburg signed a commitment to begin practice in Hillsboro Friday morning, Dec. 29, at Hillsboro Area Hospital.
Molly Etling, who will graduate from SIU School of Medicine in Springfield in the spring, is the fourth to take advantage of the cooperative effort between Hillsboro Area Hospital and the Hillsboro Area Health Foundation aimed at bringing new doctors to Hillsboro.
The program loans money to help students get through medical school, and the loan is partially forgiven for each year the student works in the Hillsboro Area Hospital service area once he or she becomes a doctor. Funding for the program is through ongoing efforts by the Hillsboro Area Health Foundation, according to Chairman Barbara Hewitt, which includes annual events such as the Valentine Gala and purse auction.
The signing Friday capped a monumental week for Etling, who on the Saturday before became engaged to marry Dakota Gilbert, a med school student who signed his committment to practice in Hillsboro in September. Both will graduate this spring and then complete three years of residency before beginning practice in Hillsboro.
"Since I met Dakota in medical school, I've really gotten to know Hillsboro," Etling said, "and I've enjoyed working with Dr. Cady and Barb Hewitt."
After graduating from Freeburg High School in 2010, Etling graduated from the University of Illinois in 2014 with a degree in molecular and cellular biology.
Hillsboro Area Hospital Vice President of Financial Services Terri Carroll and Vice President of Patient Care Services E. David Harrison handled the paperwork for the hospital. Etling was joined at the signing by her parents, Jim and Pat Etling, her fiance Dakota, his parents Becky and Steve Gilbert, and his brother Montana Gilbert.
Both Etling and Gilbert will begin practice in Hillsboro through the Hillsboro Area Health Foundation scholarship program following Dr. Ben Cady and Dr. Josh Billington.
Karachi, Jan 4 (PTI) A girl and her fiance were gunned down today, allegedly by the girls maternal uncle after spotting them chatting in Pakistans Sindh province, in the latest case of honour killing, a media report said.
The girl, identified as Nazeeran, was speaking with her husband-to-be Shahid in Nayi Wahi village in the suburbs of Ghotki town when her uncle spotted them.
The uncle opened fire on them out of anger, Express News reported.
According to police, the victims were each others cousins and the incident was a case of honour killing.
Two suspects, both of whom happen to be the girls uncles, have been arrested so far.
Honour killings are pandemic in Pakistan, and women are its predominant victims.
An angry Pakistani youth allegedly shot dead his sister and her husband in Rawalpindi last month for marrying without the familys consent.
In November, a newly-wed couple in Sindh province who married without the consent of their elders were killed allegedly on the orders of a jirga (village elders).
More Pakistani women are murdered at the hands of close family members for supposed immoral behaviour than Pakistani civilians are killed by terrorism, the report said.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has reported an average of 650 honour killings annually over the past decade. But since most go unreported, the real number is likely to be much higher, the report said. PTI AKJ AKJ
It may have felt like 2017 was a pretty terrible year, with most things in the media not being the most heartwarming and hopeful, however, there were some things that went well. Here are 10 moments that filled us with hope in 2017 that you probably didnt hear about.
1. Scientists found a way to rebreed sections of the Great Barrier Reef
A dive team of international scientists found a sample of living coral that survived a recent die-off. The overall goal is to find the corals with the best genes, breed them, and return them to the ocean where they will continue to breed. Hopefully, this will create tougher reefs that can handle global warming and other man-made environmental issues.
2. Amazon built a new headquarters which included space to shelter over 200 homeless people
In Seattle, Washington, Amazon created a new headquarters was created that included 65 rooms that could house more than 200 homeless people each night. They are partnering with Marys Place, a local nonprofit. This is not the first time Amazon has partnered up with the nonprofit for a project like this, last year they temporarily housed 200 homeless people in one of its empty buildings on its Seattle campus.
3. The snow leopard has been taken off the endangered species list
The Snow Leopard was first listed as endangered in 1972 by the IUCN, and as of 2017 has been finally taken off and is now regarded as vulnerable". Although this is an improvement from endangered, scientist want to emphasize that they still need support and could go back to the endangered list without help.
4. HIV/AIDs is no longer the leading cause of death in Africa
According to The World Health Organization, fewer people are dying of HIV/AIDS and malaria in Africa. In 2010 there were 1 million deaths, and in 2015 it went down to 760,000 deaths. The decrease in these deaths signify a huge step forward, and we can only grow from here.
5. The Amazon rainforest is getting replanted
The project in the Brazilian Amazon plans to fill 70,000 acres of new forest using a new technique that creates stronger plants. This is the largest reforestation effort ever and is set to take place over the course of six years to help lessen global warming.
6. Crime decreased by 2.7% this year
Although popular media makes it seem like crime is rampant around us, the reality is that it is decreased. According to The Brennan Center for Justice, average crime rates dropped by 2.7% when comparing to 2016. It was also found that average violent crime rate has decreased by 1.1% and the average murder rate has decreased by 5.6%.
7. Child labour has declined a third since 2000
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the global number of child labourers has decreased by a third since 2000. This is an outstanding improvement of 246 million children to 168 million children. This shows the progress that has been made and is a positive outlook for the change that is to come.
8. Saudi Arabia let women drive
It was announced in 2017 that in June 2018, woman will be allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia. This is a good step forward in eradicating the gender equality. Not only is this great social change, but it also will help fuel Saudi Arabias economy by allowing more woman to enter the workforce.
9. People came together in the face of tragedy
In the U.S there were many natural disasters that occured, and although they were heartbreaking, there was also an amazing amount of support that came through in this time of need. From civilians taking their boats out to help to store owners opening shop for the people who lost their homes.
10. Women took to the streets in protest
2017 will be noted for sex scandals, such as Donald Trump's remarks about woman, or the revelations of the sexual assaults. However, the courage and support shown by so many people through the marches, protest, and the recent #MeToo movement, show the strength and resilience of people.
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AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is at the receiving end from disgruntled partymen and former party leaders. (Photo: Reuters)
Calling himself a "martyr" and mocking the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) nominees for Rajya Sabha elections as "great revolutionaries", disgruntled party leader Kumar Vishwas said that anyone who disagrees with party convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal could not survive in the party that came up as a by-product of an anti-corruption movement.
Kumar Vishwas has supporters in the likes of Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Mayank Gandhi and Kapil Mishra - all came to the forefront of politics following anti-graft movement led by activist Anna Hazare under the banner of India Against Corruption in 2011-12.
Kapil Mishra too said that Kejriwal betrayed the common man by nominating two croreparti businessmen for the Rajya Sabha polls from Delhi.
Kejriwal has been repeatedly accused by many including senior functionaries in the Aam Aadmi Party of acting like a dictator in party affairs. Even in the case of the Rajya Sabha nominations, many party leaders said that the names were finalised by Kejriwal and Co while the legislature party and the political affairs committee (PAC) were only asked to ratify his decisions.
AAP'S GLORIOUS DEBUT
Breaking away from the India Against Corruption movement, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Prashant Bhushan, Yogendra Yadav, Kumar Vishwas and their supporters launched the Aam Aadmi Party on November 26, 2012. The date was chosen to coincide with the Constitution Day or the National Law Day celebrated every year on November 26 to mark the anniversary of the adoption of India's Constitution on the day in 1949.
Kejiriwal was the undisputed leader of the party, which made an astounding debut in the 2013 election when the three-term Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit was stunned by the AAP convener. The AAP stood second after the BJP winning 28 of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. Kejriwal became the CM with support from the Congress as the BJP decided not to form government despite winning 31 seats.
Kejriwal government survived for only 49 days. But it created deep fissures in the party on the issue of functioning and offering a political alternative. By February 2015, when elections were held which the AAP swept by winning more than 95 per cent seats, the divide in the party was complete.
FIRST REVOLT IN AAP
Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan wrote a joint letter in February 2015 to the National Executive of the AAP raising objections to what they alleged was the unilateral decision-making by Kejriwal. They accused him of deviating from the core principle of the AAP - Swaraj (self rule).
Both Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan alleged that Kejriwal was acting in an autocratic manner. Kerjiwal supporters responded by throwing them out of the party in two months after securing brute majority in the Delhi Assembly.
Founding members of the AAP Anand Kumar and Ajit Jha were also expelled from the party after the National Council of the party voted against them. They all were accused of trying to engineer a defeat of the AAP in February 2015 Delhi polls.
After Yadav and Bhushan were thrown out of the party, Kejriwal emerged as the unchallenged leader of the AAP. The strongest opposition to his authority had been dealt with decisively in the party.
Kumar Vishwas was among those who opposed the expulsion of Yadav and Bhushan. Vishwas even recently suggested that the AAP should start talks with Yadav and Bhushan to bring them back in the party.
MAYANK GANDHI WENT DOWN WITHOUT FIGHTING
Before joining the India Against Corruption in 2011, Mayank Gandhi was into activism for more than five years. He was one of the founding members of the AAP in 2012.
Gandhi was the Maharashtra AAP chief and a member of the national executive till 2015, when he parted ways with the party over differences with Kejriwal. The AAP convener had disbanded the Maharashtra unit by then.
Gandhi accused Kejriwal of "using and throwing" party leaders and volunteers. He alleged nepotism in the party saying that Kejriwal had deviated from honest politics for which the AAP was founded. When he quit the AAP, Gandhi said he had lost interest in politics.
He has now alleged that the AAP sold Rajya Sabha tickets to businessmen who were announced as party's nominees for the election to the Upper House of Parliament.
KAPIL MISHRA'S REBELLION
Kapil Mishra is a suspended MLA of the AAP. In May last year, Kapil Mishra revolted against Kejriwal alleging that he was involved in corruption.
He alleged that Kejriwal hid information about donations made to the AAP, lied to the Election Commission on the matter and laundered money using more than a dozen shell companies.
Mishra's allegations followed his sacking from Kejriwal government over issues related to alleged non-performance. He also accused Kejriwal of shielding former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit and Satyendra Jain, a minister in the AAP government.
AND, THERE IS A KUMAR VISHWAS
All through these rebellions, Kumar Vishwas was seen as on the other side of Arvind Kejriwal. Vishwas batted for Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan before extending support to Mayank Gandhi and Kapil Mishra.
In the meantime, he was accused of attempting a change in leadership in the AAP. Kejriwal supporters accused Vishwas of trying to unseat Kejriwal as party chief and become convener of the AAP.
Vishwas has taken to social media criticising Kejriwal alleging that internal democracy was being compromised in the AAP under his leadership. After the AAP declared its Rajya Sabha election candidates, Vishwas said that loyalty did not matter for Kejriwal.
Vishwas is said to have a large number of sympathisers in the AAP - both at various levels of party organisation and among the 67 MLAs in Delhi Assembly. Around 22-25 MLAs are said to be on the side of Kumar Vishwas in his internal battle with Kejriwal.
It is said that because of the sizeable hold of Vishwas among the cadres and elected members of the AAP Kejriwal has shied away from taking action against the poet-politician. Many in the AAP support Vishwas stating that the party should not become a private political affairs outfit of a few, with Arvind Kejriwal as their high command.
WATCH: After Rajya Sabha snub, Kumar Vishwas takes a dig at Arvind Kejriwal
New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) India has initiated an anti- dumping probe into import of a Chinese chemical used in detergents following complaints from some domestic companies.
Gujarat Credo Mineral Industries and Chemicals India have filed an application before the Directorate General of Anti- dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) for initiation of an investigation into import of Zeolite 4A (Detergent Grade) from China.
In a notification, the DGAD said prima facie it has found sufficient evidence of dumping of the chemical.
The anti-dumping duty, if imposed, would help guard domestic players in the sector against cheap imports of the product.
"The authority hereby initiates an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry," it said.
In the probe, it would determine the existence and effect of the alleged dumping and recommend the amount of anti- dumping duty, which if levied, would be adequate to remove the injury to the domestic industry.
The period from April 2016 to June 2017 (15 months) will be taken for the probe.
Countries carry out anti-dumping probe to determine whether their domestic industries have been hurt because of a surge in cheap imports.
As a counter measure, they impose duties under the multilateral regime of WTO.
The duty is aimed at ensuring fair trading practises and creating a level-playing field for domestic producers with regard to foreign producers and exporters.
India has already imposed anti-dumping duty on several products to tackle cheap imports, including from China.
The country has imposed the duty on as many as 98 products, as on December 27 last year, imported from China. PTI RR ANU
In countries like our own, there is no one way to cook. The traditional chulhas, fired by wood, dung or charcoal, are still popular in rural areas. In cities, most homes have gas stoves. Most outdoor vendors have gas stoves or tandoors.
But whichever means of cooking we use, we are contributing to the air pollution levels. It's true, believe it or not.
Also Read: Delhi NCR citizens might soon need 5 oxygen cylinders a day to survive the pollution
Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Pexels Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Pexels
Traditional cook-stoves
A recent study by a team at the Washington University has revealed that the smoke emitting from the traditional Indian cook-stoves used in rural parts of India is having a detrimental impact of the environment and public health.
"Traditional cook-stove burning is one of the largest source of pollutants in India. We found it's a really big problem; this is revising what people knew for decades," said Professor Rajan Chakrabarty, who led the study.
Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Instagram/snehalkhomane Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Instagram/snehalkhomane
The cheap biofuels used in these stoves or chulhas--crop chaff, gobar gas or dung, wood, and in some cases, charcoal--have very high levels of particulate emissions, much more than earlier thought. This underlines our need to improve this traditional and cheap process, so that air pollution levels can be reduced.
Also Read: Stove cooking to floor cleaning: 7 everyday activities that are leading to indoor pollution
Gas stoves no good?
The gas stoves we are so used to in the cities have a similar problem. You might not believe it readily, but gas stoves we use indoors also emit harmful gases. Cooking, be it of any kind, is an act of controlled combustion, and emissions are inevitable.
Cooking on gas stoves particularly leads to exposure to unsafe levels of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. A study led by the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the USA also found that gas stove emissions include formaldehyde.
Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Pinterest Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Pinterest
Clearly, there is nothing natural about the particulate emissions from natural gas. The primary component in natural gas is methane, and if there are leaks in your gas line or cylinder, it can be even more hazardous.
Also Read: Delhi government issues health advisory over pollution
All the emissions from cook-stoves, whether they're chulhas, tandoors or gas stoves, can potentially poison us--and that's apart from being a major contributor to air pollution levels. It makes all of us, whether we live in cities or villages, prone to a number of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
While modern technology, with the advent of induction cook-tops and electrical ovens, has made less-polluting options available, they are by no means cheap or viable throughout the nation (especially in rural pockets). What this leaves us in is nothing short of a grave situation.
With inputs from IANS
"Fuck them."
Source: Esquire
Esquire Magazine did a big interview recently with Jon Bernthal, star of Netflix's Marvel's The Punisher. The deep dive touches on his run-ins with the law, his three rescue dogs, and time spent acting in Russia. He also goes into his uncertainty in playing a character so gun-obsessed as The Punisher.
"I'm a gun owner," Bernthal told me one afternoon in Ojai. "I have a gun in my house to keep my family safe. I'm trained in that gun's use. I know how to keep it away from my kids, and I know how to use it if I need to."
He then went on about the cowardice of the people with absolute positions on both ends of the issue.
"Should there be a way that a guy with mental issues like the asshole in Texas can't get guns? Absolutely. We have to have a dialogue, and that's not happening."
The interviewer, Stephen Rodrick, noted that the Punisher's symbol is emblazoned on some soldiers' helmets in Iraq.
"I feel honored to play a guy who people putting their life on the line identify with," Bernthal said.
Rodrick mentioned that alt-right protesters at the white-supremacy rally in Charlottesville, Virginia also wore the symbol, to which Bernthal had a simple response.
"Fuck them."
If any alt-righters take issue with this sentiment, Bernthal himself is no stranger to violence, having been brawling since he was a child and breaking his nose 14 times. Just remember that The Punisher takes no prisoners.
By Shirish B Pradhan
Kathmandu, Jan 4 (PTI) A 50-year-old Indian national has died after a fire gutted a private residential building on the outskirts of the city, police said today.
Birval Majhi was seriously injured when the fire engulfed the first floor of the K L Residence building in Sanogauchar area yesterday.
He was rushed to the Bir Hospital where he died during treatment, the police said.
Property worth Rs one lakh (in local currency) was also damaged in the incident, they added. PTI SBP SMJ SMJ
Book: A House for Mr Misra
Author: Jaishree Misra
Publisher: Westland Publications
Price: Rs 399
Pages: 199
My Home! I would spare a thousand houses on you and prefer never leave your door.
Throughout our lives, we try hard to build a house of our choice so that we can find the essence of living in a family. We invest time, money and resources a process that consumes everybody, yet there is a strange satisfaction one finds in sharing that personal space with the family.
However, when one is away, the longing to be there is so intense that words can hardly express it. Perhaps the homeless can better explain. But is it the limitations you face or your situation, where life takes you that define whether youll accomplish your dreams? And how does the entire process work, from dreaming of a house to attempts at converting it into a reality and where does it eventually take you?
For author Jaishree Misra, who spent most of her time watching films as an examiner at the British Board of Film Classification, it was the recession that blew in from America and hit British shores that set the stage for her new book, A House for Mr Misra. The attempt at non-fiction is the authors first; she is otherwise known for her eight fiction novels and an anthology she edited for Save the Children India.
The theme around which she writes is why Malayalis (Misra is the great-niece of the late Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai famous Malayalam writer and Jnanpith awardee) generally foresee the consequences of an action before doing something, which also applies to her.
It is my belief that the typical Malayali brain has an overdeveloped fear/anxiety centre in the amygdala, which is why, when presented with a decision as innocent as say, whether to buy an ice-cream cone, its the worst case scenario that I always consider first, e.g., Hepatitis B, typhoid, gastroenteritis and sore throat, roughly that order until I finally succumb to temptation, she writes in the first chapter.
This amygdala, for the author, is also the reason why the sea in Kerala is respected and feared the most, unlike in Western countries where beaches are the places for relaxation and pleasure.
Her husband, who appears as Mr M in this book, was 18 when he moved to London from India for a decent education and job. Following the recession, the prospects of Mr Ms freelance job as a consultant to Deloitte also faded away.
Thats when they decided it was time to take a break, and travel to India. The idea of taking such a step, Misra writes, was also that Mr M would begin work on his longheld dream of a house on a beach, while she wrote a book or two.
This is how the story goes, with Misra noting the experience of homecoming after years amidst post-demonetisation India. She details how they decided to buy a plot of land at Veli, in the vicinity of Keralas capital Thiruvananthapuram, and then contracted a builder to construct the house near the shore and the issues that cropped up.
Along the way, the couple faced trouble from different quarters. There were issues such as mistreatment by, and social reluctance of, the locals, including government officials, largely due to the notion: Those who left India are second-generation foreigners for whom the Malayali culture and language are distant.
Misra repeatedly faced situations which made her realise that for most Malayalis, she and her husband were outsiders ones who spoke funny, wore funny and had a weird attitude.
Despite the shortcomings, the couple remains determined even when it is discovered that the builder has swindled them. This eventually led to their parting ways with him midway through the project.
Later, another builder was located but issues like environmental clearance came up. Official intervention, however, came in handy. There was also a stay on the project but this hurdle too was overcome.
The house is eventually completed but they end up living in it for only one year before they vacate it for a prolonged period. The reason? Due to the ever-changing circumstances of our lives.
Throughout the books 22 chapters, the author touches on with humour and sarcasm the major problems people in India face due to corruption, nepotism, pollution, gender bias, mad traffic jams and alcoholism.
Thus, her take at the bottom line: When a clever Malayali tells me he is thinking, I know enough to retire silently.
In the wake of the killing of a head constable of the Border Security Force (BSF) in sniper firing by Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday evening, the BSF destroyed two mortar positions across the International Border in the Samba sector of Jammu division.
The BSF killed a Pakistani intruder in the Ranbirsinghpura sector early on Thursday when taking advantage of the thick fog he had climbed the border fence.
BSF head constable Radha Pada Hazara was hit by a sniper bullet in his abdomen and died in hospital.
Top police and BSF officers, including the J&K DGP SP Vaid and IG BSF Ram Awtar, laid wreaths on his body in the headquarters of the Jammu frontier of BSF this morning.
Thereafter, Hazaras body was flown to his native village Hat-Para in Murshidabad district of West Bengal.
A BSF officer said late on Wednesday evening mortar positions of Pakistan were identified and destroyed.
The BSF is maintaining extra vigil on Jammu border to negate intrusion attempts by miscreants aided by Pakistani forces. Firing across the IB is most of the time a diversionary tactic for facilitating intrusion of terrorists.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) on Thursday approached Vice Chancellor M. Jagadesh Kumar with a memorandum signed by more than 2,000 students denouncing the decision making attendance compulsory in classes.
A mass delegation led by the union demonstrated outside the office of Vice Chancellor, who, however, could not receive the memo as he was away, said the students, citing the Chief Proctor.
The students refused to give the memorandum to the Chief Proctor and insisting on meeting the VC, for which they secured an appointment on Monday.
JNUSU President Geeta Kumari told IANS that the move to make attendance compulsory during lectures was a diktat and was never passed through the statutory bodies.
They are lying that the decision was passed by the 144 Academic Council meeting on December 1. It did not. Now a committee has been formed to finalise the decision by the administration. We do not know when it will submit its report, she said.
Attendance has never been mandatory for students during lectures and even now the administration hasnt clarified how much attendance is required to be qualified to sit in exams, she said.
In a circular dated December 21, the Jawaharlal Nehru University administration informed the students of attendance being made compulsory from the upcoming winter session, saying the decision was taken as per a resolution passed in the 144th Academic Council meeting held on December 1.
Geeta Kumari said that they have secured signatures of over 2,000 students against the move despite many being away during semester break, and the number will only increase by Monday.
The Eastern Army Command has organised a National Integration Tour for school children from Tuting Valley and Yinkiong district of Arunachal Pradesh, with the aim to acquaint them with the rich cultural heritage of our country. On Wednesday the children got the opportunity to interact with Lt Gen Abhay Krishna, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, who shared his thoughts on Unity in Diversity with them.
The tour that is underway from 1 Jan to 6 Jan has evoked keen interest amongst the 25 students from Tuting Valley and 26 students from Yinkiong District. As part of the tour, the children were provided with glimpses of cultural heritage of Kolkata through their visits to Fort William, Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial and Indian Museum. Army routinely undertakes such national integration tours for children in various parts of the country.
This initiative is an effort towards giving opportunity to students of NE to integrate with rest of the country and in turn contribute towards Nation Building and increasing opportunities available due to developing economy of the nation.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday warned the founder of an ashram, where girls and women were allegedly being kept in illegal confinement in the name of religious preaching, that it will issue a warrant against him if he doesnt appear before it.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar also said it will direct the CBI to register kidnapping cases against Virendra Dev Dixit, the founder of the Rohini-based ashram Adhyatmik Vishwa Vidyalaya, if the girls rescued from there are found to be minors.
Contain yourself (referring to Dixit) within the four corners of the law. Dont resort to misuse of law. We will direct the CBI to register kidnapping cases if the children are found to be minor, said the court.
The bench said the conduct of Dixit was extremely suspicious and asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to give a report on his whereabouts within two weeks.
The court said: We cant believe in 21st Century, you (Dixit) will keep some human beings in such an inhuman condition
The committee appointed by the court to inspect the ashram said that Dixit and other ashram members were making the girls housed there lodge false complaints against their family members.
These complaints appear to have been lodged to dissuade the family members from pursuing cases against the ashram and Dixit, said the court.
Deepak Anthony DSilva, a close aide of Dixit, appeared before the court and said that he has no clue about the present location of the Ashrams founder. Earlier, when the bench sought whereabouts of Dixit, his counsel had told the court that he would get DSilva before the court.
The CBI told the court that on Wednesday it has registered three cases against Dixit for allegedly keeping several women and minor girls hostage at his ashram here.
The court also asked the committee to file its response in the case before February 5, the next date of the hearing.
Earlier, the high court had transferred the case from the police to the CBI and asked the agency to forthwith set up a special investigation team to probe various FIRs of girls and women being allegedly lured into the ashram on the pretext of spiritual guidance but then being raped.
The committee had earlier told the court that the girls and women were kept in the ashram in unhygienic and animal-like conditions with no privacy even for bathing.
The courts order came on a plea filed by NGO Foundation for Social Empowerment.
Seth Meyers, who will host the 75th annual Golden Globe Awards this Sunday, plans to address the sexual harassment scandals that have rocked Hollywood in recent months.
Meyers, 44, told People magazine that his focus would be more on the film industry than Trump, who has been a favourite subject of Hollywood comedians so far.
With the monologue, as far as talking about anything in the news right now, it seems like this year more than ever Hollywood has its own internal politics that obviously deserve to be talked about, he said.
Going into it our focus is far more on the worlds that make these films and less on anything thats happening in Washington.
But Trump is also going to get the mention even though Meyers admits there are times where I wish we were talking about other things.
He holds the keys to us not talking about him, which would to be to just behave differently. But while he continues on this path, well continue on ours.
The 2018 Golden Globes are set to air Sunday, January 7.
By Lalit K Jha
Washington, Jan 4 (PTI) A former top American diplomat ? who served as the US envoy to Afghanistan, Iraq and the UN ? today suggested a series of steps against Pakistan including slapping sanctions against the spy agency ISI and unilateral strikes inside its territory to end Islamabads double game.
Afghan-born Zalmay Khalilzad who has emerged as one of the vocal critic of Pakistan and has accused it of being a state sponsor of terrorism made the remarks ahead of the announcement of White House actions to pressurise Pakistan.
In an op-ed in National Interest magazine, he recommended taking a series of steps against Pakistan to end its double game including slapping sanctions against ISI and individuals who are involved in supporting insurgents and terrorists; and undertake unilateral strikes inside Pakistani territory.
"Prepare to designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism unless it changes course and abandons support for terrorists. Such a designation will impose ongoing restrictions to assistance, bans on defense exports and sales, limitations on exports of dual use items, and other financial restrictions," Khalilzad said.
The former diplomat who hosted Trump as the candidate for his first major foreign policy speech called for suspension of economic assistance to Pakistan, holding Pakistan accountable before regional and international organizations in association with India and Afghanistan.
He also suggested reaching out to the people of Pakistan and document its support for terrorists and extremists.
"Patience, positive incentives, and occasional feeble pressure have not induced Pakistan to end its double game. Yet, success against terrorism and extremism in Afghanistan and the region requires a change in Pakistan?s policy of support for such groups," he said.
"To bring about such a change, the time has come to embrace a strategy that dramatically increase the cost to Pakistan of its current approach," Khalilzad said.
A day earlier, the White House had said it would announce specific actions against Pakistan this week to force it to crackdown on terrorists on its soil, reflecting president Donald Trumps tough stance against over the issue.
The remarks by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders came after Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for $33 billion aid over the last 15 years. PTI LKJ ZH
Actor Christian Bale, who played Batman in the famous Christopher Nolan series, has said that he not a fan of the superhero genre.
The 43-year-old actor starred as the iconic caped crusader in Nolans Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises.
During an interview on MTVs Happy Sad Confused podcast, Bale said he has not seen the performance of Ben Affleck as Batman but will certainly see it at some point.
I have not seen (Ben Afflecks Batman). Yes Im interested (in seeing it), my son seemed like he was really interested but then I realised he just wanted to see the trailer. I tend to go see films that (my kids) want to see, Bale said.
I have to confess Im not a huge superhero film fan.
People seem surprised at that, I dont know why. Ive not seen any of the Avengers films or any of those films at all. I hear theyre very good, but Im quite happy just hearing theyre very good, he added.
Bale also confirmed the reports that he was approached for a role in Solo: A Star Wars Story that ultimately went to Woody Harrelson.
Yes, (it was) very tempting. I not only love the films going back to my childhood but also have a very long relationship with Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall because they did Empire of the Sun many years back. There was discussion, (and) I hope there will be future discussions, Bale said.
Film: All The Money In The World
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Mark Wahlberg, Romain Duris, Timothy Hutton, Charlie Plummer, Charlie Shotwell, Andrew Buchan, Marco Leonardi, Giuseppe Bonifati, Nicolas Vaporidis
Rating: ****
In the backdrop of a kidnap drama, All The Money In The World is an interesting portrait of J Paul Getty, the richest man in the history of the world during his time.
Based on the 1995 book titled Painfully Rich: The Outrageous Fortunes and Misfortunes of the Heirs of J. Paul Getty by John Pearson, the film dramatises the 1973 abduction of John Paul Getty III, the grandson of J. Paul Getty.
Without much ado the opening scene, in black-and-white frames, plunges into the abduction of the boyish, long-haired young Getty, who is out on the streets of Rome sparring good-naturedly with some wanton ladies.
After the abduction, we are regularly reminded about the young boys rich grandfather and at the same time are provided with insights into the old mans eccentricities and his relationships with others in the family and society. His miserly attitude and he has his reasons for every action of his sharply chisels his character making him interesting as well as despicable.
He famously states: If you can count your money then you are not a billionaire. But after the boys mother, Abigail Harris, who is estranged from her husband, gets the ransom call demanding $17 billion for his release, Getty Sr. refuses to pay. He cites that paying the ransom would risk the lives of his other 14 grandchildren too.
Instead he appoints Fletcher Chase, a former CIA agent and his chief of security to negotiate.
As the clock ticks, how the haplessly penniless mother and Chase negotiate not only with the kidnappers to reduce the ransom but with Getty, too, to pay the amount, forms the crux of the tale.
Taking a few liberties with the historical records, scriptwriter David Scarpa blends the narrative of the kidnapping thriller into a character-driven plot astutely. He keeps you glued to the screen throughout its two hours twenty minutes run-time. Every character is well-etched and the actors deliver efficiently.
While the kidnapping and the escape scenes are straightforward, the plot delves on the characters of Getty Sr and Abigail Harris and they are naturally the stars of the show. Christopher Plummer essays the role of Getty Sr. and Michelle Williams plays Abigail Harris. Slipping into the skin of their characters, they both enrapture you with their fascinating performances.
Mark Wahlberg does not leave an impression. As Gettys smooth-talking fixer Fletcher Chase he is serviceable. He underplays his role and probably thats why the others shine.
Charlie Plummer, as the kidnapped Paul, is perfunctorily amiable. You do feel sorry for him, when he cant understand as to why it is taking his family so long to get him released and especially after his ear is sliced and sent to the local dailys office. Romain Duris, as the Italian ruffian named Cinquanta, has his moments of onscreen glory.
On the production front, director Ridley Scott deploys a few borrowed flourishes to make this film look interesting. The black and white scenes remind you of Federico Fellinis La Dolce Vita, and in the later scenes where the lonesome Getty in his ornate mansion is seen distressed, brings to mind Orson Welles Citizen Kane.
The locations, the production designs by Arthur Max, the costumes by designer Janty Yates reflect the era perfectly and this is dexterously captured by Dariusz Wolskis cinematography. His frames along with Daniel Pembertons fine score are seamlessly layered by editor Claire Simpson.
Overall, the film is an ingeniously crafted, tension filled, kidnapping drama that wont disappoint you.
Three Indian girls along with seven Nepalese girls who were a victim of human trafficking have been rescued from Kenya, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.
The 10 girls were rescued from the clutches of a crime syndicate in Mombasa which was involved in trafficking of girls.
We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa, Swaraj tweeted.
We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa. /1 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 4, 2018
We have flown our girls back to India, she added.
The minister further said that the Punjab government has been informed so that a case is registered against the agents and the people involved.
We have flown our girls back to India. We are sharing details with Government of Punjab so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved. /2 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) January 4, 2018
She also appreciated the efforts of the Indian High Commissioner in Kenya, Suchitra Dura and thanked the local police for their help.
I appreciate the efforts of Ms.Suchitra Durai, Indian High Commissioner in Kenya. Our First Secretary Karan Yadav deserves a special mention. We thank the Kenyan Police for their help, she added.
The Sri Lankan Navy today arrested 13 Tamil Nadu fishermen for allegedly fishing in their territorial waters off Katchatheevu islet.
They also damaged a few boats and fishing equipment belonging to others using iron rods, before chasing them away.
Assistant Director of Fisheries, A Manikandan said, more than 2,000 fishermen from Thangachimadam had ventured into the sea yesterday in 523 boats and were fishing near Katchatheevu when the Lankan naval men came to the spot and arrested 13 fishermen.
They also snapped the fishing nets of 50 boats and damaged some boats using iron rods, he said.
The arrested fishermen were taken to Kangesanthurai port along with two boats.
On December 31, 13 fishermen from this island town were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing near Neduntheevu close to the island nations coast.
A total of 89 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry had been released by Sri Lankan authorities last year.
According to party sources, Gandhi will be the state guest of the Kingdom of Bahrain and will address NRIs settled there on January 8.
He will leave for Bahrain on January 7 and is likely to return on January 9. The NRIs settled there have invited him.
Gandhi is also likely to meet Bahrains Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the members of the royal family, the sources said.
They said that he was to also address NRIs in Dubai but that visit has been postponed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the UAE later this month.
Party sources say Gandhis visit to Bahrain will be on the lines of his US trip last year.
Rahul Gandhi was in Goa on New Year along with his mother Sonia Gandhi.
The sentencing of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav in a case of fodder scam is likely to take place on Thursday, a day after a special CBI court in Ranchi deferred the pronouncement of the quantum of punishment.
The special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) judge Shivpal Singh delayed the sentencing of the former Bihar chief minister along with 15 others due to a condolence meet for an advocate which was held in the court premises in the afternoon.
The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief, who was lodged in the Birsa Munda jail in Ranchi after being convicted on December 23, was brought to the court in the morning on Wednesday and was present inside when the hearing was on.
He was taken away at around 12 noon.
Lalus lawyer had on Tuesday said that they would urge the court for minimum punishment owing to the RJD chiefs age.
Lalu is likely to get three to seven years punishment, as per reports. If he is awarded three years sentence, he will be able to get bail soon.
His co-accused and former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra was let off in the case pertaining to embezzlement of over Rs. 85 lakh from the Deoghar Treasury between 1991 and 1994.
A total of 17 accused including Lalu were pronounced guilty by the court while six were let off.
The RJD chief has already been convicted in another fodder scam case that cost him his Lok Sabha seat and disqualified him from contesting elections. Both Lalu and Jagannath Mishra are out on bail in the case.
Hearing in the multi-million fodder scam case was completed on December 13 in a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court of Ranchi.
In all, there were 34 accused in the case, out of which 11 died during the course of the trial, while one turned CBI approver and admitted the crime.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj on Thursday left for a 5-day visit to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore as India marks 25 years of its partnership with Asean in keeping with its Act East Policy.
EAM @ SushmaSwaraj embarks on her first visit of 2018 to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. # ActEastPolicy, tweeted EAM spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.
EAM @SushmaSwaraj embarks on her first visit of 2018 to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. #ActEastPolicy. pic.twitter.com/05GvJGMgMv Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 4, 2018
Sushma Swarajs first stop will be Thailand (Jan 4-5) followed during the course of which she will hold a meeting with Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai.
She will the head to Indonesia (Jan 5-6) where the minister will co-chair the fifth meeting of the India-Indonesia Joint Commission with her Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi.
The Ministers will also inaugurate the second meeting of the Asean-India Network of Think Tanks. She will also call on Indonesian President Joko Widodo and have other official engagements, including an interaction with representatives of the Indian community.
It said the Joint Commission meeting and other engagements of Sushma Swaraj would enable the two countries to chart out the course of partnership during the year 2018.
Her last stop will be Singapore (Jan 6-8) during which she will inaugurate the Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) of Asean countries on January 7.
The theme of this years event is Ancient Route, New Journey: Diaspora in the Dynamic Asean-India Partnership.
Sushma Swaraj will have bilateral meetings with the leaders in Singapore and also interact with PIO delegations from Asean countries, who will be participating in the PBD.
On all three legs of her visit, Sushma Swaraj will share with her interlocutors relevant information about the forthcoming Asean-India Commemorative Summit in New Delhi on January 25 which marks 25 years of the establishment of Dialogue Partnership between India and the 10-nation regional bloc.
A series of events have been organized by the External Affairs Ministry over the last year to celebrate this jubilee in different Indian cities and also Asean countries, which will culminate with the Summit in New Delhi. India has also invited the leaders of the Asean countries for the Republic Day parade this year.
(With inputs from agencies)
The Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday successfully thwarted an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) by killing a militant who was trying to intrude into India.
According to reports, the incident took place in the morning in Arnia area of RS Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir when Indian troops observed movement of two to three people along the border.
The troopers opened fire resulting in the death of one of the intruders while the others managed to escape.
This comes a day after a BSF head constable was killed by Pakistan Rangers indiscriminately targeting Indian posts in the Samba sector.
On Wednesday, Pakistan Rangers opened sniper fire at Indian positions at 4.15 pm injuring a head constable identified as RP Hazara, who was a resident of Tamara in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
The BSF also destroyed two Pakistani posts in retaliation to the killing of its jawan in the unprovoked firing.
Israeli Knesset (parliament) vote on the unified Jerusalem law breaches the international resolutions relating to the disputed city, spokesman for Egyptian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
The vote violates the international legitimacy on Jerusalem as a city under occupation, Xinhua quoted ministrys spokesman Ahmed Abu Zaid as saying.
He added that the bill stands as an obstacle against the Palestinian-Israeli peace process as well as reaching a just solution to the prolonged conflict.
On Monday, Israeli Knesset approved the unified Jerusalem bill provided for separating Palestinian neighbourhoods from Jerusalem.
It requires the approval of 80 of its members for any decision to hand over parts of Jerusalem to the Palestinian authority in the future.
The Knesset approval came a day after Israels ruling Likud party overwhelmingly approved a draft resolution that calls on Israeli lawmakers to agree on annexing Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, which was officially condemned by the Palestinians.
Montreal, CA (H4T1V6)
Today
A mix of clouds and sun. High 24C. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..
Tonight
Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Slight chance of a shower late. Low 17C. Winds light and variable.
After the bandh call by Dalit outfits in parts of Maharashtra, reports now suggest that the Mumbai Police have denied permission to All India National Students' Summit where Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani and student leader Umar Khalid were expected to speak.
According to news agency ANI, the organisers had booked the Bhaidas Hall for the summit in Mumbai.
They said that the police cited the controversy surrounding the two leaders for denying permission to the event. Sources said that after the police denied permission, massive protests took place in Vile Parle locality.
In another development, Mewani and Khalid have been booked by Pune Police on charges of creating communal disharmony.
According to the complaint, the duo made provocative statements that incited violence in Pune on Monday during the 200 th anniversary celebrations of Bhima Koregaon Battle.
Following the clashes in Pune in which one person was killed, violent protests erupted across Maharashtra, including Mumbai.
HERE ARE THE LIVE UPDATES:
Madhya Pradesh: 12 buses vandalised at Pushpak Bus Stand in Burhanpur during bandh, injured driver admitted in district hospital.
Madhya Pradesh: 12 buses vandalised at Pushpak Bus Stand in Burhanpur during bandh over #BhimaKoregaonViolence, injured driver admitted in district hospital pic.twitter.com/PuZZpHfeYw 4 January 2018
Agitating over Bhima Koregaon violence, protesters block Madhuram by-pass road in Junagarh, traffic affected.
Members of Chhatra Bharti stage protest outside Juhu Police Station after some members were detained by Police. They have been denied permission for their event at Bhaidas Hall, where Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mevani were also invited.
Bhima Koregaon violence raised in Rajya Sabha by Congress MP Rajni Patil; SP's Naresh Agarwal also demands action and constitution of a Commission for a report on the matter.
Buses in Junagarh shifted from depots to a division workshop in order to prevent damage, in the wake of protests spreading to Gujarat.
Buses in Junagarh shifted from depots to a division workshop in order to prevent damage, in the wake of protests spreading to Gujarat #MaharashtraBhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/QlCzbQ4iup - ANI (@ANI) 4 January 2018
Watch: FIR registered against Jignesh Mevani and Umar Khalid
The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday nominated a Delhi-based businessman with past links to the Congress and a veteran chartered accountant as its Rajya Sabha nominees apart from party leader Sanjay Singh.
But, the decision prompted senior AAP leader Kumar Vishwas to go public with his battle against party chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, saying he has been 'punished for speaking the truth.'
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia declared the names of Sanjay Singh, chartered accountant ND Gupta and philanthropist businessman Sushil Gupta on Wednesday afternoon. The last two were fairly unknown till the announcement.
Social media went into a tizzy, questioning the background of the two unexpected names while congratulations poured in primarily for Sanjay Singh.
People asked why founder-member Vishwas and an experienced former journalist, Ashutosh, were denied the opportunity.
Sources close to Kumar Vishwas maintained he was angry and disappointed. Since the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, he was seen as a close associate of Kejriwal.
Sources said it was believed that he was assured by the AAP chief of a Rajya Sabha pick.
However, over the past year, the friendship has developed cracks. Sources said while Vishwas harboured the ambition of becoming a Member of Parliament, Kejriwal was beginning to grow suspicious of him.
Vishwas' support to the Union government's surgical strike and demonetisation move and his constant expression of personal views on controversial issues did not go down well with the Party's top leadership.
The differences emerged in public when Vishwas was conspicuous by his absence during the Punjab assembly elections, where the poet was not invited to campaign for a single day.
Not taking a stand against Delhi minister Kapil Mishra, who rebelled and was also accused of conspiring with the BJP, seemed like the final nail in the coffin for Vishwas, who got isolated from party leaders.
Sisodia, usually smiling through press briefings, had a solemn tone on Wednesday, often looking down to read through the credentials of the party's two chosen candidates.
Vishwas was one of the few members since the India Against Corruption (IAC) movement, who strolled into the Kejriwal camp from the Ramlila Ground straight into politics.
However, he did not always restrict his opinions to the party line. He maintained in public interactions that Arvind Kejriwal was a friend, not a boss, and his personal beliefs remained paramount.
When Vishwas walked out of his residence on Wednesday, he flashed a smile but the comments were scathing though sugarcoated with sarcasm.
For the first time since the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party, Vishwas hit out openly at Kejriwal.
"I have been punished for speaking the truth on various issues. I was told by Arvind Kejriwal at a meeting that you have died, but we will not let you become a martyr," he said.
"Today, I can say that I accept martyrdom, but want to add that every battle has a norm; do not dishonour the martyr's body," he added.
Vishwas officially remains the party's in-charge of the Rajasthan elections but likely will not work through the cadre, any more.
The three AAP picks will file their nomination on Thursday and send out separate statements pledging support to support to the party's ideals.
"I am associated with health and education sector and manage charities. Delhi government schools and hospitals are giving their private counterparts a run for their money. In the upper house, I am going to relay the party's ideology and concerns of Delhi citizens," said Sushil.
Chartered accountant ND Gupta, said, "I will raise the major issues which the nation is facing today, like the after-effects of demonetisation and the faulty implementation of GST. Every businessman is troubled because of these, and it is impacting their businesses negatively. This has led to reduction in job opportunities and inflated unemployment. I will strongly raise these issues in the Rajya Sabha."
RJD chief Lalu Prasad, who is currently in the midst of proceedings to decide the quantum of sentence in a fodder scam told the judge that "it was very cold in jail" to which the judge replied play tabla.
A special court earlier deferred the sentencing of Prasad in the fodder scam case till tomorrow when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court.
Prasad, known for his funny liners, said in the court, "It is very cold here (in jail)."
CBI Special Court Judge Shiv Pal Singh, hearing the case, was quick to reply, "Then, play tabla (musical instrument)."
During the course of proceedings in the packed court room, the judge told Prasad that he had read the latter's record and had vigilance remained tight, such a thing (fodder scam) would not have happened.
The judge further commented that the RJD chief did not act promptly on which Prasad in his characteristic style said "I am also an advocate."
Prasad is an LLB from Patna University.
The judge also informed Prasad about the contempt notices to RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Prasads son and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejaswi Yadav, Congress leader Manish Tiwari and RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari.
On this, the RJD chief requested him to drop the notices.
Before being taken away from the court room, Prasad urged the judge to think with a "cool mind".
When the judge said he could opt for video conferencing for hearing on arguments on the quantum of sentence tomorrow, Prasad requested for personal appearance. The judge said he would decide tomorrow about it.
The fodder scam relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.
While the sentencing of Prasad was deferred for tomorrow, the arguments on quantum of sentence of IAS officer Beck Julius, political leader Jagdish Sharma, former treasury officer Krishna Kumar Prasad, fodder transporter/suppliers Gopinath Das and Jyoti Kumar Jha, ended today.
On a plea by three former IAS officers---Beck Julius, Phoolchand Singh and Mahesh Prasad----the court directed to lodge them in the higher division of Birsa Munda jail where RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav is given.
In all, 16 persons along with Yadav were convicted in the case on December 23 while six others, including former Bihar chief minister Jagannath Mishra, were acquitted in the case.
ALSO WATCH | Lalu Yadav to India Today: Murder accused Nitish shouldn't have become CM
New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) Lok Sabha members today pitched for greater transparency in judicial appointments and asserted that Parliament has supremacy in framing laws, even as Law Minster Ravi Shankar Prasad said there was a need to "reflect" upon the collegium system of judges appointing judges.
Participating in a discussion before passing a bill to hike the salary of Supreme Court and high court judges, several members spoke about accountability of judges and raised concerns over judiciary transgressing into the legislatures jurisdiction.
A law setting up the National Judicial Appointments Commission passed by both Houses of Parliament unanimously was struck down as "unconstitutional" by the Supreme Court in 2016. The law sought to overturn the over two decade old collegium system.
Urging members to pass the bill, the law minister said perhaps time has come to "reflect" upon the collegium system and recalled that recently a sitting judge of a high court was sentenced six months jail for contempt of court.
"If the polity of the country decide to speak in one voice, well find a way out...I am getting the sense of the House," he said referring to views that the collegium system should be overturned.
He said before 1993, when government had a greater say in judicial appointments, the system had produced some of the finest judges of India.
While supporting the High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017, members asserted the supremacy of Parliament over judiciary. Kalyan Banerjee (TMC) demanded that members of Parliament across political spectrum should approach the Supreme Court and say that "it is not your function" to legislate. "Legislation should be left to Parliament...Day by day the conflict is coming up and unless it is stopped by the judiciary, in 10-15 years there will be a direct conflict between judiciary and Parliament," Banerjee said. Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, who was in the Chair, too said that the function of judiciary is to implement the law. "They cant legislate the law".
Referring to the issue of separation of power between the organs of the state, Prasad said, "I would like to convey to the court that if the separation of power is for us, it is for them also."
Responding to questions raised by members regarding the memorandum of procedure -- a document to guide appointment and postings of judges of the apex court and the 24 high courts -- Prasad said it is "a work in progress" where the government is pressing for greater screening and scrutiny of candidates being considered fr appointment as judges.
Members also demanded that the salary of MPs too should be hiked as well as MPLAD funds as they are accountable to the people of the country. Tathagata Satpathy (BJD) demanded that MPLAD funds should be hiked from Rs 5 crore and a hike in salary commensurate with Cabinet Secretary rank officer. P Ravindra Babu (TDP) too demanded that the salary of MPs should be hiked. PTI RR JD SID DP NAB ZMN
A breakthrough gene therapy designed by GlaxoSmithKline to treat 'bubble baby syndrome' has been backed by UK healthcare regulators.
Strimvelis is the most expensive medicine ever approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), costing about 525,000.
It was developed by GSK to treat ADA-SCID, an extremely rare, inherited condition that leaves children without a properly functioning immune system. About three babies are born in England with ADA-SCID every year.
GSK's new medicine means more children suffering from ADA-SCID will be able to get help.
It means they are at high risk of infection and so must usually live in isolation.
Sufferers were dubbed 'bubble babies' following a 1976 film The Boy in a Plastic Bubble, starring John Travolta, which depicted the condition.
Previously, it could only be treated with risky stem cell transplants, for which it can be difficult to find matching donors. But GSK's new medicine means more children will be able to get help.
Nice said that it could be life-changing, allowing youngsters afflicted with the condition to go to school and socialise with friends, without fear of catching deadly infections.
The treatment involves removing the patient's bone marrow cells, modifying them and then returning them via drip. Currently it can only be administered at a hospital in Milan, which means patients have to travel to Italy.
Professor Carole Longson, of Nice, added: 'Strimvelis represents an important development, offering the potential to cure the immune aspects of the condition and avoid some of the disadvantages of current treatments.
'This means that children born with ADA-SCID will now have a better chance of being able to lead as near normal a life as possible.'
Under the new draft guidance which has been published by Nice, the GSK treatment will be recommended when no matched stem cell donor is available.
says Assam govt
Guwahati, Jan 4 (PTI) Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her statement on the update of National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Assam government today said her words were "derogatory, insulting to Assamese and against constitution as well as the spirit of Supreme Court".
Assam minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed Mamatas speech against the NRC update "politically motivated" and made to "appease her vote bank".
"We condemn the statement of Mamata Banerjee. It is derogatory and insulting to people of Assam. It is against the Constitution of India and the spirit of Supreme Court," he said at a press conference here.
Mamata had in a meeting in West Bengal yesterday accused the Centre of "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from Assam by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the NRC, which was published on the midnight of December 31.
"People have gone there (Assam) to work. In the name of NRC, they are planning to drive them out. I warn the BJP government at the Centre not to play with fire. It should not follow a divide and rule policy...this is a conspiracy of the Centre to drive out around 1.8 crore people from the state (Assam)," she had said.
Patowary said Assam was like a "mini-India" and all sections of the society live in the state peacefully.
"She is making such emotional statements to appease her vote bank. She is unhappy that there was no disturbance after the first draft of the NRC was published and could not gain any advantage," the state industry minister said.
Responding to Mamatas allegations of a conspiracy to drive Bengali-speaking people out of Assam, Patowary asked her to submit evidence to the Supreme Court, which is monitoring the updating process of the NRC.
"She should not make such statements without knowing all facts. Both our states enjoy good relations," he added.
The much-awaited first draft of the NRC contains 19 million names, out of the 32.9 million applicants, as citizens of India, in a massive exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh.
The Registrar General of India has said that the rest of the applications are at various stages of verification. PTI TR KK SRY
Karachi, Jan 4 (PTI) A Pakistani man today shot dead his niece and her fiance after catching them chatting with each other in Pakistans Sindh province, in an apparent case of honour killing.
The incident occurred in Nayi Waha village in Ghotki district when the womans maternal uncle saw her chatting with her fiance.
He and two other relatives chased the couple - Nazreen and Shahid - and shot them dead, police said.
"It is a most tragic case of honour killing. Normally such killings are carried out if a girl or boy have an affair, elope or get married against the wishes of their families. But in this case families of the boy and girl had got them engaged recently," Daud Bhutto, a senior police official in Ghotki said.
Their bodies have been handed over to the family.
The two suspects, both of whom happen to be the girls uncles, have been arrested, the police said, adding that further investigations into the matter was underway.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has reported an average of 650 honour killings annually over the past decade. But since most go unreported, the real number is likely to be much higher.
Last year in Pakistans biggest city, Karachi there were at least three cases of honour killing where tribal elders ordered couples to be killed for insulting and bringing shame to their families. PTI CORR UZM
India Today has accessed documentary evidence which shows that Masood Azhar is using this new identity to organise speech and debate competitions in schools and colleges across Pakistan. (Photo courtesy: Ankit Kumar)
The terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) has quietly changed its name in Pakistan, even as India lobbies hard at the UN for global sanctions against its leader, Masood Azhar. Its new identity? "Al Murabitoon."
According to intelligence inputs, this new organisation isn't just functioning as the JeM's new source of funding, but is also being used by the terrorist group to secure entry into campuses of universities and colleges across Pakistan.
India Today has accessed documentary evidence which shows that Masood Azhar is using this new identity to organise speech and debate competitions on behalf of the JeM, in schools and colleges in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalakot.
WHY A CHANGE OF NAME?
Intelligence agencies believe that the name change is a well-planned move which serves several purposes.
It gives the JeM freedom from any possible sanctions that India or the US could impose on it, intelligence sources said.
Securing their funds and second-level leadership is an added benefit, the sources explained. But that's not all.
Intelligence agencies believe that one of the biggest reasons for the new identity is related to the expansion of the Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Intelligence sources told India Today that of late, the JeM has been finding it difficult to increase its numbers as it faces tough competition from other organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and the Taliban.
These sources explained that while Shariyat-seeking hardcore recruits prefer the Taliban and its associates, the LeT has been able to establish its presence across Pakistan due to abundant resources and the extensive use of social media.
JeM, the sources said, has been looking for another identity for quite some time - one that could be popular with a new generation of recruits.
DEBATE CONTESTS
India Today has accessed pamphlets about a debate competition, which were issued in the name of "Al Murabitoon."
At first glance, there's nothing unusual about them. But the chilling truth is that these contests are organised by JeM leaders, who also attend them as guests.
Topics vary from Islamic teachings to political issues, and recording or filming is strictly prohibited.
The highlight of these contests is the prize distribution ceremony. Winners and runners-up don't get medals and trophies, but special swords.
The highlight of these contests is the prize distribution ceremony. Winners and runners-up don't get medals and trophies but special swords. The highlight of these contests is the prize distribution ceremony. Winners and runners-up don't get medals and trophies but special swords.
These are given out by Masood Azhar himself, or on his behalf.
The largest sword is meant for the winner of the first prize, and bears the name of Masood Azhar as the "Ameer of Mujahedeens."
FREE RUN
Soon after last year's Pathankot attacks, Pakistan's National Security Advisor said Azhar had been put under house arrest.
Now, India Today has accessed evidence which proves that Pakistan's top leadership were lying through their teeth the whole time.
This documentary evidence has details of Azhar's movements. Not only was he free, but he was organising public meetings and recruitment drives across Pakistan in the name of Kashmir conferences, intelligence sources told India Today.
The only condition imposed by the ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) was that Azhar shouldn't be filmed, the sources added.
For example, on February 5, Azhar was at a Kashmir Solidarity Conference in Ghori Town in Islamabad.
On November 19, he was at a Ghazwa e Hind conference in Lahore. His most recent public appearance, according to the documents accessed by India Today, was at the Hilltop Hotel in Rawalkot, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. That happened on December 2.
Watch: Masood Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammad renamed to 'Al Murabitoon'
WASHINGTON - The long and winding road to restoring legal status for youthful immigrant Dreamers and heading off a government shutdown began in earnest Wednesday, as congressional leaders including Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, met with Trump administration officials to negotiate an elusive compromise.
For the 800,000 or so Dreamers, who were brought here as children by their families illegally, their future in the U.S. is very much at stake. About 42,000 Dreamers live in New York, many with little connection to homelands they barely remember.
Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., at Ryans office. White House Office of Management & Budget Director Mick Mulvaney and legislative director Marc Short were there for the Trump administration.
We had a positive and productive meeting and all parties have agreed to continue discussing a path forward to quickly resolve all of the issues ahead of us, Schumer and Pelosi said in a statement that conveyed little of the fireworks that might have been exchanged.
For their part, Trump, McConnell and Ryan said in a joint statement: It is important that we achieve a two-year agreement that funds our troops and provides for our national security and other critical functions of the federal government. It also remains important that members of Congress do not hold funding for our troops hostage for immigration policy.
Absent a new spending agreement, the government will shut down Jan. 19. Schumer and Pelosi have tried to leverage in a DACA deal in addition to lifting caps on spending for domestic programs as well as the military. So far, the negotiations have yielded only agreements to further extend current spending levels.
But this time may be different. If Congress continues to kick the can down the road and pass yet another temporary spending package, the result could be the triggering of so-called sequestration -- the 2011 law that mandates automatic cuts if Congress fails to raise its caps.
Trump needs Democratic votes in the Senate to get any deal passed. But he also faces pressure on his right flank from his base and Freedom Caucus conservatives in the House not to give ground on DACA.
Then President Obama issued the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals order in 2012, which gave the Dreamers legal status if they registered. President Trump ordered an end to the program in September and, absent congressional action, it is set to expire in March.
In return for a DACA extension, Trump is demanding not only construction of his long-promised U.S.-Mexico border wall but an end to the visa lottery and chain migration -- the practice of letting in relatives of foreign-born U.S. citizens and green-card holders.
The wall in particular is a non-starter for Schumer.
Were ready to negotiate a reasonable border security package to pass alongside DACA, Schumer said Wednesday on the Senate floor. We believe in border security.
But Schumer denounced the wall as absurdly expensive and ineffective, a project that publicly many Republicans oppose and privately many more do.
Among those Republicans who support DACA renewal but exhibit little appetite for the border wall are Reps. Elise Stefanik and John Faso.
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Late last month, protesters staged a sit-in at Fasos Kinderhook office and about nine were arrested.
In a Dec. 30 letter to the Columbia Paper in Columbia county, Faso said he supports legal status for DACA recipients who have clean records and who are in the military, getting an education or working.
Faso said he also supports improved border security, but this doesnt mean a 'wall' along the entire southern border.
Stefaniks North Country district encompasses long stretches of the sparsely patrolled U.S.-Canada border.
The second-term lawmaker supports increased funding for border security personnel as well as using proven technology to increase awareness and control over our Southern border, said her spokesman, Tom Flanagin.
However, as a Representative of a Northern border district, Congresswoman Stefanik believes any border security proposals should not be a one size fits all for the Southern and Northern border, he added.
Colonie
The Capital Region Chamber of Commerce has put lowering the cost of energy among its top legislative concerns for 2018.
In its "2018 Capital Region Advocacy Agenda for Prosperity," the chamber says it supports investment in both electric and natural gas transmission upgrades.
The chamber, however, does not support a proposal being considered by the Legislature to give itself oversight of utility rate case decisions by the state Public Service Commission.
"New York state consumers pay some of the highest energy prices in the nation," the chamber document states. "Physical limitations in bringing electricity to the Capital Region from power producers outside of our region are creating congestion that is driving up costs significantly. The chamber supports policies that promote access to affordable and reliable energy."
High wholesale electricity costs are a major issue for the Capital Region, which has some of the highest power prices in the state.
For instance, day-ahead auction prices for wholesale electricity in the Capital Region on Wednesday were $139 per megawatt hour, compared to about $85 across the rest of upstate, according to pricing data from the New York Independent System Operator in North Greenbush.
In the Capital Region, about $50 of that cost comes from so-called congestion pricing that charges more for getting energy to areas that have transmission line bottlenecks. The New York City area also has similar transmission congestion issues, making electricity similarly expensive.
Capital Region Chamber CEO Mark Eagan said Wednesday that while renewable energy sources will one day help drive the state's energy markets, traditional power plants are vital until that day, and more transmission lines and more natural gas pipelines are needed to keep that fossil fuel electricity affordable.
"The transition to get there (a renewable energy future) is still natural gas," Eagan said. "We have to address the congestion. Really it's about access and it's about affordability."
The state and the Capital Region also must get more natural gas supply from additional pipelines in order to serve manufacturers and power plants that increasingly rely on natural gas. Without the additional supply, power prices in the region will continue to remain high, and new gas transmission line extensions through the Capital Region have faced fierce local opposition, leading to some being canceled.
"The Capital Region is faced with critical natural gas supply constraints and these
constraints are becoming more serious as demand has outstripped supply," the chamber report states. "A consequence of these limitations in bringing electricity to the Capital Region from power producers outside of our region is higher energy prices. As demand for energy continues to grow, natural gas is becoming increasingly important for New York consumers and businesses."
In an email sent to members Wednesday morning Eagan said that the chamber's legislative policies are geared toward job creation and making the area more competitive for business growth and expansion.
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"While we have a broad legislative agenda, our top priorities are centered around improving the state's business climate, reforming the burdensome and costly Scaffold Law, and advocating for energy policies that promote upgrades to the state's electric transmission system and increase access to natural gas," Eagan wrote.
The chamber legislative agenda was released the same day that Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave his State of the State address in Albany and unveiled his budget plans for the upcoming legislative session.
In his interview after Cuomo's talk, Eagan says New York's Scaffold Law makes public projects from those at local schools to the Tappan Zee bridge replacement more expensive than they would be in other states. The state's Scaffold Law essentially imposes total liability for construction worker falls on contractors and property owners, making insurance coverage for construction projects extremely expensive. Business groups have been trying to get the law repealed for years.
"It increases costs for every New Yorker," Eagan said.
Cuomo has an ambitious energy plan that focuses on expanding electric transmission through adding energy storage infrastructure in the state. Energy storage helps to reduce congestion on the state's high voltage grid while enhancing clean energy generation such as wind and solar that is variable in nature and needs to be stored for use when the grid has the highest demand.
Cuomo wants to have the NY Green Bank invest at least $200 million in electricity storage technologies and for NYSERDA, the state's renewable energy agency, to spend $60 million on energy storage technology pilot projects to get energy storage infrastructure such as large batteries onto the grid as quickly as possible. NYSERDA oversees the NY Green Bank, which uses capital to attract traditional banks to lend money to renewable energy projects.
Cuomo wants New York to reach 1,500 megawatts in energy storage by 2025, which the governor claims would be the largest energy storage investment per capita by any state and would create 30,000 jobs.
Srinagar, Jan 4 (PTI) Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today condemned the killing of a 25-year-old man by unknown gunmen in Sopore area of north Kashmir Baramulla district.
"(I am) deeply saddened and strongly condemn the killing of 25-year-old Arif Ahmed Sofi of Sopore by unknown assailants," Mirwaiz wrote on his Twitter handle.
"Killing human beings in every form is cowardly and against humanity," the separatist leader said.
Arif Ahmed Sofi, a resident of Wahipora-Younsoo in Handwara, was shot dead by the gunmen at Harwan-Bomai in Sopore last night. PTI MIJ MG
The Orchard Tavern in Albany, a neighborhood watering hole since 1903, has been sold, according to The Business Review. The new owner, Kris Monforte, previously was in medical sales. He tells the paper that he will renovate bathrooms, freshen the paint and upgrade televisions but will keep the food, in particular the Orchard's beloved pizza, the same. The sellers, Mike and Karen Noonan, ran it for 20 years.
The tavern is at 68 N. Manning Blvd. It is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday and from 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Colonie
The more than 300 people aboard a Norwegian Air jet that was diverted to Albany International Airport because of the winter storm Thursday cleared customs and immigration at Albany Thursday afternoon and then boarded buses that would take them to New York City's Kennedy International Airport, the flight's intended destination.
Airport spokesman Doug Myers said buses would leave the Albany airport by Thursday evening with the passengers. The plane, with 304 passengers and 12 crew members, landed at Albany at 10:17 a.m.
The crew operating the aircraft had "timed out" by mid-day Thursday, and a replacement crew wasn't immediately available. The plane, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with an oversize portrait of the late Danish-American comedian and pianist Victor Borge on its tailfin, was expected to spend the night at Albany.
Passengers who checked their baggage will have to wait until the plane arrives at JFK. Luggage aboard the wide-body 787 is placed in containers that are then loaded into the jet's belly. Albany doesn't have the equipment to unload those containers.
The airport has handled diversions of larger aircraft, including a Boeing 777 from Beijing, Myers said. But those diversions typically have occurred during warmer weather, and the planes have been able to complete their journeys after the storms cleared.
The airport on Thursday also had another diversion, American Airlines Flight 18 from San Francisco, also bound for JFK.
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The Albany airport continued operating throughout the storm. Airports up and down the East Coast are dealing with high winds, blowing and drifting snow, and in some cases blizzard conditions. Earlier Thursday, New York City was in a state of emergency. But conditions were expected to improve by the evening, allowing the buses to make the trip.
Norwegian Air offers service to Europe from Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, but doesn't serve Albany.
This is believed to be the first 787 Dreamliner to land at Albany, as well as the first Norwegian Air flight.
The airline has highlighted famous Scandinavians on the tail fins of its aircraft. "It felt only natural for us to adorn the tails of our aircraft with personalities who have pushed the boundaries, challenged the established and inspired others," the carrier explained.
Los Angeles
The protesters arrived two by two, wearing black suits and face masks that bore the face of the museum's curator of 20th century art.
It was the summer of 1981 and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art was celebrating a trio of exhibitions marking the city's bicentennial with a Champagne reception interrupted by more than 100 protesters carrying gray and pink balloons that read: "Where are the Women and Minorities?"
Standing out from the black-clad protesters in masks bearing the visage of LACMA curator Maurice Tuchman, were six women in pink cowgirl outfits. They unfurled a banner that read "The Los Angeles County Museum of White Male Art." One of the bicentennial shows, "Seventeen Artists of the Sixties," included neither women nor people of color. Another included only two women and no artists of color.
The present: It's like the past only different.
In 2017 there was no shortage of questioning not just of institutions but of individual artists and the subjects they aim to present.
Stoked by the dissemination powers of the internet, this year was a maelstrom of debate about who wields power, how gender is represented and how artists contend with that third rail of American society: race. It was a reckoning for institutions that have been slow to contend with issues of diversity. But it's a pendulum swing that also threatened to limit the freedom with which artists and writers conceive and experiment.
In March, at the 2017 Whitney Biennial in New York City, protests broke out over "Open Casket," a Dana Schutz abstraction painting inspired by the infamous 1955 coffin photo of Emmett Till, the 14-year-old African American boy who was brutally lynched after a white woman falsely accused him of flirting with her.
One protester at the biennial's opening stood before the work in a T-shirt that read "Black Death Spectacle." British artist Hannah Black posted a letter online that demanded the work be removed and destroyed.
"It is not acceptable for a white person to transmute black suffering into profit and fun," she wrote.
Many supported Black's call. Others, such as artist and critic Coco Fusco, argued against it on censorship grounds.
"We may understand artworks to be indicators of racial, gender, and class privilege I do, often," she wrote in Hyperallergic. "But presuming that calls for censorship and destruction constitute a legitimate response to perceived injustice leads us down a very dark path."
A similar controversy erupted around "Scaffold," an outdoor sculpture by Sam Durant presented at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. The Los Angeles-based artist's work served as a representation of seven gallows used in historic U.S. government executions, including that of 38 Dakota men in Mankato, Minn., in 1862.
Native American activists protested, stating that "Scaffold" trivialized a brutal episode in indigenous history. "It's not art to us," one activist told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. After a meeting with Dakota elders in June, Durant agreed to remove the work and sign over intellectual rights to the piece. The wood employed in the sculpture was later buried in a secret location.
Protests in other cities and online have demanded the removal of other works too.
In September, the Guggenheim Museum withdrew three pieces from a show on 1990s Chinese art over concerns about animal cruelty. This included a 2003 video of fighting dogs strapped to treadmills futilely attempting to attack each other and Huang Yong Ping's "Theater of the World," a caged arena featuring lizards, insects and snakes. During the exhibition, some of the animals would die as they were consumed by larger species.
In the wake of sexual harassment allegations dominating the news, a pair of artworks one in L.A., another in New York also ended up on the firing lines.
Erika Rothenberg's "The Road to Hollywood" installation at the Hollywood and Highland Center, had a chaise element removed by mall management after the piece was erroneously described as a "casting couch." (It was later returned.)
This month, an online petition was launched to remove a painting by Balthus "Therese Dreaming," 1938, which shows a girl sitting with her open legs, revealing some underwear from the galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the grounds that the painting romanticizes "voyeurism and the objectification of children." The Met declined to remove the painting, stating that its presence provides an opportunity for reflection "on both the past and the present."
A number of these cases have raised questions of censorship. Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei, for example, decried the Guggenheim's decision to withdraw its pieces. "When anyone uses a moral high ground to judge an art exhibition and to demand the withdrawal of contents that may or may not violate those rights," he told this paper's Deborah Vankin, "it presents a potential danger of violating the freedom of speech."
Also concerning is that social media outrage, delivered in 140 (now 280) character increments, seems to flatten all nuance.
Schutz's painting of Till, described as a vehicle for a white artist's fame and fortune? It was never for sale.
The animals that would eat each other at the Guggenheim? They were bred for pet consumption which means their fate at the museum would have been no different from what they faced in a suburban kid's boa tank.
And the "casting couch" in Rothenberg's "Road to Hollywood"? It was not intended as a tool of "rape culture," as one offended viewer alleged online, but as a place groups of people could gather for a photo before the Hollywood sign in the distance. (Rothenberg discussed its purpose in a 2010 lecture at Otis College of Art and Design.)
The debate surrounding the French Polish surrealist Balthus has likewise stripped context from the artist's admittedly controversial work. Balthus painted a lot of prepubescent girls. He also painted his wife to look prepubescent. And he painted portraits and landscapes.
Was his work featuring girls disconcerting? Yes. Balthus cast a male gaze on girls in the fit of life's changes. But he also succeeded in conveying what it meant to be in the thrust of those changes. In "Therese Dreaming" I've always seen a bit of myself: a young girl relentlessly told to "sit like a lady" enjoys a private moment in which she doesn't have to conform to the rules that govern her body.
A painting can have more than one meaning.
The debate that fills me with the greatest ambivalence centers on the frequently posited idea that only certain artists should be allowed to tackle certain subjects. A sign protesting Durant's work at the Walker read "Not Your Story."
These critiques rise from issues of inequity that have long plagued museums. White artists and white curators, usually male, are historically the ones who have told the story of art. Much like that 1981 LACMA exhibition that purported to outline the turbulent 1960s entirely through the lens of white men.
Inequity undoubtedly persists less than a third of solo shows at major museums in the U.S. go to women. But the nature of the debate on these issues threatens to constrain artists at a time when a multiplicity of voices and subjects is what's needed. If white artists should stick to whiteness, should black artists stick to blackness? As a Latina, should I write only about Latinos? These are constraints I fiercely resist. Race and culture intersect in ways that are blurry and difficult to define. As a writer I am here to engage a full palette of concepts and ideas, not just the ones that pertain to my identity. Artists of all colors and genders should demand the same.
Thieves on Wednesday stole precious Indian jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection that were on show in a Venetian palace, making off with a brooch and a pair of earrings by mixing in with the crowd on the final day of the exhibition, police said.
The stolen jewels were not the top highlights of the Al Thani Collection, which includes gems dating from the time of the Mughal Empire. But police said they were made of gold, platinum and diamonds and news reports estimated their value in the millions of euros.
Venice police said the security alarm went off at around 10 a.m. at Venice's Doge's Palace and police immediately sealed the area. But the thieves had already made their escape from the museum, known as the Palazzo Ducale and one of Venice's top tourist destinations on the edge of St. Mark's Square.
Associated Press
Sony Pictures plans "Slender Man" movie
Sony Pictures plans to release a "Slender Man" movie this spring, featuring the horror character that inspired two Wisconsin girls to nearly kill their classmate.
The movie is set for a May 18 release. Slender Man has appeared in video games and online stories, but the Sony production marks the first full-length feature built around the character. The picture is directed by Sylvain White, who also helmed 2007's "Stomp the Yard," and stars Javier Botet as Slender Man.
The studio released a trailer Wednesday. It's unclear from the preview whether the movie will include any elements from the Wisconsin case, but in one scene a wall is covered with drawings of Slender Man that resemble sketches one of the girls, Morgan Geyser, drew. Other scenes show Slender Man stalking a girl in the woods and a girl stabbing herself in the head with a scalpel in school, showering a classmate with blood.
Geyser and Anissa Weier lured classmate Payton Leutner to a wooded Waukesha park in 2014. There Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times, narrowly missing her heart, while Weier urged her on. Leutner managed to crawl out of the woods to a path where a passing bicyclist found her. She survived the attack.
Geyser and Weier told detectives they had to kill Leutner to prove to Slender Man that they were worthy of being his servants as well as protect their families from him. All three girls were 12 years old at the time of the attack.
Geyser, now 15, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide in a deal with prosecutors, who have asked she get at least 40 years in a mental hospital when she's sentenced in February. Weier, now 16, was sentenced to 25 years in a mental institution last month after pleading guilty to attempted second-degree intentional homicide.
Geyser and Weier's attorneys didn't immediately reply to emails seeking comment about the movie. Neither did a spokesman for Leutner's family.
Slender Man was created online by Eric Knudson in 2009 as a mysterious specter photo-edited into everyday images of children at play.
He's typically depicted as a slim, spidery figure in a black suit with a featureless white face that preys on children.
No one immediately replied to an email sent Wednesday to Sony's general inbox for media inquiries.
Associated Press
Munn to host Critics' Choice Awards
Organizers said Wednesday that Olivia Munn will host the 2018 Critics' Choice Awards to be broadcast Jan. 11 on the CW.
Munn follows T.J. Miller, who has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman when he was in college. Munn is among Brett Ratner's sexual harassment accusers and has been fighting for reforms in Hollywood.
Joey Berlin, president of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, said in a statement that Munn's work as an actress along with her activism give her a powerful voice, making her the perfect candidate to lead the night.
Munn's next film will be the action thriller "Hummingbird."
Associated Press
Fed-up passenger hops on Ryanair wing
A Ryanair passenger who apparently got fed up waiting to get off a plane surprised fellow passengers by using the emergency exit to jump onto a wing.
The incident on New Year's Day took place 30 minutes after the flight landed in the southern Spanish city of Malaga from London's Stansted Airport, where it had also been delayed.
The man was coaxed back into the plane while police were called.
Associated Press
ALBANY Gov. Andrew Cuomo's commentary on the decor of the Oval Office is an agenda setter.
Cuomo ended his election-year State of the State speech Wednesday with a dart aimed at President Donald Trump, charging that the words "e pluribus unum" stitched onto the flag bearing the U.S. seal behind the president's desk is an antidote to divisive politics that could unite the country.
In doing so and in laying out a progressive agenda that includes criminal reform, anti-sexual harassment measures and an aggressive response to federal Republican policies Cuomo set the tone for his 2018 re-election effort. He may also have potentially laid the groundwork for a 2020 presidential bid.
"(He) is trying to lay out a progressive agenda because this is a progressive state," Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg said. "He's going to face those voters ... in a state with more than twice as many Democrats as Republicans. So he is going to be all over those Democratic and progressive themes."
Aside from rhetorical shots at GOP-controlled Washington, Cuomo's speech was heavy on accomplishments. They include passing marriage equality, a $15 minimum wage, a statewide paid family leave program and raising the age of criminal responsibility.
In sum, he laid in front of voters the accomplishments he believes show that he deserves a third term.
However, Republicans found much to pounce on as they continue working out who will be their most viable gubernatorial challenger.
"In the end, (the election) will be a referendum on Gov. Cuomo and his record, which is a record of failure in the economic area and with respect to corruption," state GOP Chairman Ed Cox said.
Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb has entered the race, and former Erie County Executive Joel Giambra has made clear he is ready to run. State Senate Deputy Republican Majority Leader John DeFrancisco and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, both of whom were in attendance on Wednesday, are also mulling bids.
"I think the governor today was being divisive himself, basically blaming the federal government for all of New York's problems," Kolb said. "Well, we lost a million people out of this state long before there was any tax bill changes that came out of Washington."
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Some Democrats have considered whether to primary the governor, and it's unlikely Wednesday's speech changes that. Progressive agenda aside, Cuomo has taken lumps from the far left of the party over what they see as his lack of action to mend a divide among Democrats in the state Senate.
"It's different when you have a core of progressivism than when you're putting on a cloak because it's popular," said New York City Councilman Jumaane Williams, a Brooklyn Democrat discussed as a potential Cuomo challenger. "Obviously that's the concern: who he is depending on the political winds."
But if he can fend off challengers this year, Cuomo's 2018 agenda may serve as a base for things to come.
"He will never publicly, for the next 10 months at least, talk about (running for) president," Greenberg said. "He doesn't have to. What he has to do is focus on his re-election in 2018. The things that he's talking about, this progressive agenda that he's touting, appeals to 2020 Democratic primary voters."
mhamilton@timesunion.com 518-454-5449 @matt_hamilton10
ALBANY Acting U.S. Attorney Grant Jaquith will remain the region's top federal prosecutor for the foreseeable future.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions officially appointed Jaquith, 60, as interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District on Wednesday in a news release that offered abundant praise for the prosecutor.
Jaquith, a former Army colonel, has a "well-deserved reputation for determination and toughness as an attorney," Sessions said.
"Over the last 28 years, he has prosecuted drug dealers, cop killers, and violent criminals. That work has had a major impact on the community," Sessions said. "With Grant as interim United States attorney for the Northern District of New York, I believe that New Yorkers are in good hands."
The 32-county district extends from Albany to Syracuse and Binghamton to the Canadian border.
Jaquith, a member of the office since 1989, served since 2010 as first assistant to former U.S. Attorney Richard Hartunian before Hartunian left office on June 30, more than three months after the Trump administration removed dozens of U.S. Attorneys who were holdovers from Barack Obama's administration. The most high-profile of those ousted was Preet Bharara of the Southern District, who President-elect Donald Trump had earlier asked to stay on the job.
Bharara's office has handled several prosecutions, including those of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and ex-state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, that shook Albany. The same office is currently preparing for trials of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's former top aide Joe Percoco and SUNY Polytechnic Institute founder and president Alain Kaloyeros.
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Hartunian, appointed by President Barack Obama, a fellow Democrat, left as expected under the Republican-led administration of President Donald Trump.
Also Wednesday, Sessions appointed Geoffrey S. Berman interim U.S. attorney in the Manhattan-based Southern District and Richard P. Donoghue interim U.S. attorney in the Brooklyn-based Eastern District.
Sessions previously appointed James P. Kennedy Jr. as U.S. attorney in the Buffalo-based Western District.
HALFMOON Even though the Town of Halfmoon's Highway Department has gas pumps at its Route 146 depot, the town's 43 trucks often pay more to fuel up across the street at a Sunoco station owned by local developer Bruce Tanski.
It's also not uncommon for town trucks to fuel up at Stewart's or Speedway, "all of which are local businesses in the Town of Halfmoon," Supervisor Kevin Tollisen pointed out in an email. "We have pumps that are located at the Highway Department and continue to use them, however the pumps are older and more antiquated," Tollisen said.
Still, the cost of fueling up at local gas stations is generally 60 cents to 70 cents per gallon more than the state rate.
At Tanski's Sunoco on Wednesday, the cost of diesel was $2.95 per gallon while the state rate was $2.26. The station's gas rate, for the lowest octane, was $2.55 per gallon. The state rate was $1.92 per gallon.
Town vehicles "have been seen at my place," said Tanski, a Halfmoon builder and generous political donor who in 2014 pleaded guilty to violating election laws. "But they also buy at Stewart's."
The price is even higher at the Stewart's. At the shop on Route 9, diesel was $3.09 per gallon and regular gas cost $2.59 per gallon.
In his email, Tollisen further explained that the Town Board passed a resolution in 2016 to enter into the New York State Fuel Card Program. "This was a program initiated by the State of New York and has been used by the Sheriff's Department and local Fire Departments. The goal of this is to provide an efficient way for Town vehicles to get gas," he stated.
"We now also have the ability to utilize fuel and gas from all the local vendors," Highway Superintendent John Pingelski said. "This saves vehicles from having to return to the highway garage to refuel, increasing efficiency and providing a source should our pumps go down."
Even when Halfmoon's vehicles do fill up at the town depot, the cost still might not be the cheapest option.
Pingelski said the town doesn't use the state's Office of General Services system to provide lower-cost, tax-free fuel for municipalities. He said the town seeks bids from local fuel vendors to fill up its depot tanks. Pingelski said the town never bought from the state program. He also said the state "doesn't necessarily" have the lowest prices.
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According to Pingelski, Halfmoon purchases fuel for its own pumps from the Binghamton-based distributor Mirabito, which has a rate of $2.79 per gallon for diesel and $2.49 gallon for gasoline, also higher than the state rate.
Pingelski said the town's system, approved by the state Office of General Services, "allows us to go to any vendor, and removes the tax from the bill."
Tanski was charged with using "straw donors" to funnel money to the campaign of former Halfmoon Supervisor Melinda Wormuth, who was convicted on unrelated federal corruption charges. Under a plea agreement, Tanski was sentenced to three years on probation, 200 hours of community service and a $1,000 fine.
The businessman said he doesn't give the town any discounts. "I stay right out of that," Tanski said. "It's too much to manage."
Neighboring Clifton Park does use the state as its fuel supplier, allowing them to get their gas and diesel tax-free and at a lower rate. At their highway department's pump, all town trucks and cars fill their tanks. Clifton Park and Ballston Lake EMS, the Clifton Park Fire Department, the Saratoga County Sheriff's Department and the Saratoga County Water Authority also fuel up at Clifton Park's pumps.
"We don't pay any taxes," Supervisor Phil Barrett said. "The prices fluctuate weekly. There is a cost associated with maintaining the pumps; it's like any equipment. But the state system works for us. We wouldn't be changing our current structure."
A recent aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo has formed a campaign committee to raise money for a potential Democratic primary against Bronx Sen. Jeff Klein, the leader of the breakaway eight-member conference that's aligned with Republicans.
Board of Elections records show that Alessandra Biaggi has formed a campaign committee to raise money for a run in Klein's district. The Daily News had previously reported Queens Sen. Mike Gianaris the leader of the mainline Senate Democrats had met with Biaggi about running a primary against Klein.
Biaggi was until recently a counsel in Cuomo's office and was previously deputy national operations director for Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. She is also the granddaughter of the late U.S. Rep. Mario Biaggi.
Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi said Biaggi left the governor's office a few weeks ago, and the administration had "no idea" about her political plans.
Biaggi could not be immediately reached for comment. Attorney Lewis Kaminski has already announced he is taking on Klein in a primary. Although there may be liberal-activist anger towards Klein for the alignment with Republicans, he has major advantages including a record of accomplishment and established fundraising.
A tenuous Cuomo-led deal has been struck for the IDC and Senate Democrats to reunify and for the two sides not to fund primaries against one another in 2018. A Senate Democratic spokesman said the conference is not supporting primaries against the IDC.
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But the deal requires Senate Democrats to hold the majority sometime during the 2018 session, which itself requires Democrats to win two special elections and woo Brooklyn Democratic Sen. Simcha Felder to rejoin their ranks.
A number of IDC members are facing primaries in the face of backlash against President Donald Trump, despite the deal between the IDC and Senate Democrats.
Though Biaggi's LinkedIn profile says she worked as a counsel in Cuomo's Executive Chamber, records from SeeThroughNY.net indicate her salary was paid by the Housing Trust Fund Corp. As reported by the Times Union, the FBI is investigating the Cuomo administration's practice of retaining employees to work for the Executive Chamber while paying them through state agency and public authority budgets.
Biaggi's LinkedIn profile says she was hired by the Cuomo administration in April, a month after Cuomo's office announced the hiring of a number of other former Clinton 2016 officials.
Albany
During his State of the State address on Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo said he will launch a campaign to repeal and replace the new Republican tax plan including exploring "a plan to restructure the current income and payroll tax system," a move that would significantly alter the state's tax system.
The governor announced the effort while railing against federal tax reform, which he said would raise New Yorkers' property taxes and income taxes because of alterations to state and local tax deductions (SALT). Cuomo said his administration plans to sue the federal government over the law, arguing that it is unconstitutional because it targets left-leaning states that did not vote for President Donald Trump.
Details about the possible changes to New York's tax code are expected to emerge when Cuomo proposes his state budget, likely on Jan. 16.
Both the payroll and income tax approaches are based on an employee's earnings, but one of the main points of difference is who pays the taxes. Employers are at least partially responsible for paying a payroll tax, while employees pay income taxes, which are withheld from their earnings. Under the new tax bill, income taxes are not fully deductible, while payroll taxes are deductible.
A New York Times article suggested that governors and lawmakers in New York and other states are searching for revenue sources that are not punished under the tax bill.
"They are considering changing their state tax codes to allow residents to take advantage of other federal tax breaks in effect, restoring deductions that the tax law scaled back," reporter Ben Casselman wrote in the article.
Payroll taxes at the federal, state and local levels are levied at a flat rate, but New York's current personal income tax system places steeper tax rates on higher incomes, research director E.J. McMahon explained in a blog post for the Empire Center for Public Policy.
"On closer inspection, even taken on its own terms, the payroll tax idea is not nearly as simple as it sounds," McMahon wrote. "In fact, any attempt to broadly displace the (personal income tax) with a payroll tax would be fraught with mind-bending complications and virtually impossible to implement."
Under a payroll tax system, employees would be subjected to a range of rates not based on factors like marital status or family makeup and employers would have to make up the difference, McMahon wrote. Employees would be hit by "what amounts to a gross pay cut, trusting that their take-home pay would not change during the crucial transition point," among other issues with changing the system.
"The harder you think about it, the less sense it makes," McMahon said in an interview.
There are several notable boons to states if they increase revenue via payroll taxes instead of person income taxes, University of Chicago assistant professor Daniel Hemel wrote in a blog post. They include decreasing Social Security and Medicare taxes for paid employees, excluding state taxes for employees that use the standard deduction and dodging the alternative minimum tax and the impacts of the Internal Revenue Service's Pease provision that lowers the value of a high-income taxpayer's itemized deductions.
"Take away the SALT deduction for income taxes, though, and suddenly the motivation to shift away from a state income tax and toward a state payroll tax becomes much more powerful," Hemel wrote.
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Business organizations in New York are largely concerned about the possible shift.
Heather Briccetti, president and CEO of the Business Council of New York State, said the organization is committed to working with Cuomo on restructuring the tax system under the new federal tax law.
However, "we have major concerns with a new payroll tax, and with increasing business taxes to offset reductions in federal taxes," particularly because the state's corporate tax reform legislation in 2014 helped make the business community's tax atmosphere more competitive, she said.
"We believe that the prudent path is a comprehensive response to address our budget deficit and federal tax changes," Briccetti said.
Small businesses in New York are already struggling with new labor rules and increasing costs, Mike Durant, New York director for the National Federation of Independent Business, said in a statement. The organization is a fiscally conservative group that represents small businesses.
"Overhauling our tax code should include a thorough examination of our existing unsustainable spending, not imposing a potentially complicated payroll tax on employers," Durant said. "We look forward to learning specific details on these proposals in the upcoming state budget address and working with lawmakers to ensure the viability of small business in New York."
Kathryn Wilde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, said in a statement that the state's business community "is prepared to offer its cooperation and expertise to help explore how any negative impact on the state and its resident taxpayers might be offset, through such measures as a payroll tax or a public charitable fund."
TROY Nassau Supervisor David Fleming spoke strongly in support of a Rensselaer County law to protect groundwater from a suspected carcinogen around the Dewey Loeffel Landfill Superfund Site on Wednesday at County Executive Steven McLaughlins first public meeting.
McLaughlin, who took office Monday, signed the law setting a limit of 0.35 parts per billion for 1,4-dioxane, the suspected carcinogen, and filling a gap in controlling discharges into local waterways at the conclusion of the public hearing.
Fleming has joined other town officials in fighting pollution problems at the landfill. Dewey Loeffel was named a federal Superfund site in 2011. From 1952 until 1968, an estimated 46,000 tons of toxic industrial was were dumped in the landfill. Fleming said 1,000 acres is contaminated by the plume from the spread of the contaminated materials.
It hurts families in my community. It hurts economic development in the town of Nassau. It hurts economic development in Rensselaer County, said Fleming, who just started his sixth term as Nassau town supervisor.
County Legislator Bob Loveridge, R-Schodack, also spoke in support of the local law. The County Legislature approved the law in December, sending it to the county executive to sign.
The law requires at least weekly testing for 1,4-dioxane; establishes a fine of $1,000 each time the limit is violated by the wastewater plant; and sets the limit of 0.35 parts per billion of the chemical. In the past, officials said there have been readings as high as 9 parts per billion of 1,4 dioxane flowing out of the site.
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Were going to do whatever we can to protect our residents, McLaughlin said shortly before signing the law.
Public safety issues are among the first tasks McLaughlin is addressing in the opening days of his administration. The county executive said he is working to fill the vacancies for director of public safety and supervising the county STOP-DWI Program.
McLaughlin said he plans to name an Opioid Czar to battle problems with heroin and other opioids that are leading to addiction and deaths. McLaughlin said he plans to work with Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and leaders of other counties in confronting the crisis.
Rensselaer County also will complete work on its new emergency communications system and a new fire tower, he said.
The Bill outlawing instant triple talaq, or the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, has driven relations between the Narendra Modi government and the Opposition to a point of zero chances of reconciliation.
The government moved to introduce the Bill in the Rajya Sabha today. There were sharp exchanges between top leaders from both sides, and the Upper House of Parliament was adjourned till Thursday morning.
United behind the Congress, the Opposition sang in a loud chorus: Send the bill to a Select Committee (a parliamentary panel which looks specifically at a particular legislation).
The Opposition expected that the Modi government, which didn't have enough numbers to pass the Bill, would give in. But the NDA administration had different plans.
As nearly 50 Muslim women in the House's guest gallery watched on, the government rejected the Opposition's truce offer.
MASSIVE UPROAR
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley categorically told Opposition MPs that the Bill couldn't be referred to a Select Committee for review. A massive uproar ensued.
Jaitley's explanation: Two Supreme Court judges said the practice of instant triple talaq was unfair, and suspended it for six months - a period which ends on February 22.
Jaitley said the judges had asked parties to come up with appropriate legislation, and that the nation expected "urgency" from its Parliament.
Congress leader and former Union Minister Kapil Sibal instantly challenged Jaitley's remarks. "What Jaitley said about the Supreme Court's judgement was said in context of the minority judgement," he said.
NAKED POLITICS
The battle over the Bill is now the most naked form of politics.
The BJP wants it, as it hurts the political constituency of its rivals, led by the Congress. The Grand Old Party, alongwith the Samajwadi Party, the Trinamool Congress, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and others, oppose the Bill as it faces stiff Opposition from the Muslim clergy, considered 'shepherds' of minority vote banks.
"Let the country know the Congress' hypocrisy and double standards," said Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
But both groups are camouflaging their political intent. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "Let the country know [the] Congress' hypocrisy and double standard[s]. It supported the Bill in the Lok Sabha, but it has taken a completely divergent view in the Rajya Sabha. It supports a bill on a House where it doesn't have the numbers, but opposes it in another House [in] which it has better numbers. It's clear that the party has not learnt any lessons from the Shah Bano case of 1986."
Opposition leaders said at the onset that they weren't rubber stamps who would endorse every legislation moved by the government, and that wider consultations were the only acceptable solution
The turmoil in the House deepened when Congress leader Anand Sharma said his party had been in "regular talks with [the] Chairman, government and parties in [the] Rajya Sabha."
This is the first time since 1952 that a motion for a panel has been moved without a single member of the ruling party, said Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
"We had conveyed that this be referred to [a] Select Committee but it was clear from their adamant attitude that they are playing politics, by selectively misquoting and misreporting [the] Supreme Court's judgement, even by [the] Leader of [the] House today."
Sharma also read out a motion for the Bill to be sent to a parliamentary panel, with a proposed list of members. A furious Jaitley replied, "This is the first time since 1952 that a motion for a panel has been moved without a single member of the ruling party."
Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien adjourned proceedings, realising that the issue was beyond closure.
'NO POSSIBILITY OF A CHANGE OF STAND'
Top government sources say there is no possibility of a change of stand on the issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet top ministers on Thursday morning to thrash out the next strategy before start of proceedings.
Top sources say the government, having realised the Congress' discomfort, isn't planning to relent - as each moment spent demanding that the Bill to be sent to a select panel will go down as opposition to a Bill whose mandate is welfare and justice for Muslim women victims of instant triple talaq.
A senior BJP leader's words reflected the party's aggressive intent. "It's not the end of the road. The Opposition may send the Bill to a panel but the government has other constitutional means. A joint session to pass the bill is something the government may explore if the Opposition doesn't back down," this leader said.
STALLING TACTIC
The Congress-led Opposition is ready to continue to demand that the Bill be sent for wider consultations to a panel. Congress leaders say the committee can be taken up in the Budget Session, which is just a few weeks away.
But this is a stalling tactic.
The Budget Session is likely to start at the end of January. It will first feature the President's address, then the debate on it in the two Houses, then the Budget and the debate on it. Top ministers say that if the triple talaq Bill is referred to a panel, there's little likelihood of its being taken up before the second half of the Budget session.
The big point of contention is the clause which declares instant triple talaq a criminal act punishable by up to three years in prison. On Tuesday a delegation of the Muslim Personal Law Board met Opposition leaders, and conveyed their clear opposition to it.
WHAT BJP ALLIES / FRIENDS ARE SAYING
The Shiv Sena, the BJP's 'frenemy', is backing the Opposition's demand.The Akali Dal, the saffron party's ally in Punjab, supports the Bill.Parties like the Biju Janata Dal, which are equidistant from the BJP and the Congress, have opposed it.While the Congress and other parties want the Bill to be sent to cold storage for a while, the Modi government is saying a firm no to any dilution - especially the clause which criminalises instant triple talaq.
Only two working days remain in this short, delayed Winter Session. A deadlock will hurt the government, which has to pass the crucial compensation for states GST Bill and other legislations.
Watch: Will instant Triple Talaq legislation ever see the light of day?
TROY Rensselaer County District Attorney Joel Abelove took unusual legal steps Thursday to keep two men accused of slaying four people in a Lansingburgh apartment locked up after an anticipated grand jury indictment was hamstrung by what sources described as a potentially improper police interrogation.
Without indictments in hand, Abelove didnt press ahead with the scheduled preliminary hearings on multiple murder counts against Justin C. Mann, 24, and James W. White, 38, both of Schenectady. Instead, White was charged with a new count of first-degree murder, while a parole violation hold was placed on Mann. After appearing before City Court Judge Christopher Maier, both were sent back to Rensselaer County Jail without bail.
Theres nothing preventing the district attorney from going forward with the preliminary hearing. They dont want to, said attorney Greg Cholakis, who represents White.
State Police filed the new first-degree murder charge against White on Thursday morning. Cholakis said the last-minute maneuvers by police and prosecutor didnt pass the laugh test.
Abelove has used parole holds before in homicide cases to give police up to a year to complete their investigations before going to a grand jury. He declined to speak to the media on Thursday.
Cholakis and Joseph Ahearn, who represents Mann, said they had never seen a prosecutor take such action to keep defendants in jail when he wasnt able to proceed with a preliminary hearing.
Cholakis challenged the new murder charge as an attempt to ignore Whites rights against being held in jail without hearing the evidence. Abelove responded that the new charge was filed on a different theory of what occurred on the evening of Dec. 21 in the basement apartment at 158 Second Ave., where Brandi Mells, 22, Shanta Myers, 36, Jeremiah Myers, 11, and 5-year-old Shanise Myers were killed.
The new count accuses White of killing the 11-year-old boy while allegedly burglarizing 158 Second Ave. People familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity said the boy was dropped off at the family's home while the attacks were under way, and was killed when he walked in.
The arrival of the boy at the apartment was used to set the time of the slayings, the sources said.
Cholakis said in court Thursday that legal questions have been raised about the evidence used to support the initial murder charges police filed against Mann on Saturday. This in turn impacted the charges against White.
At issue is a statement Mann made to a State Police investigator and a Troy detective during questioning, officials familiar with the interview said. The interactions between the three during the interrogation was recorded on video.
The questioning could be ruled inadmissible if it continued after Mann made a verbal refusal to respond to questions or explicitly asked for the services of an attorney.
With questions hanging over the statement, the grand jury did not take action. Court officials had expected the two preliminary hearings to be canceled Thursday as an indictment was expected to be handed up Friday. Instead, the two court appearances were pushed from Thursday morning while prosecutors and police scrambled to confront problems.
The police have video of Mann and White riding a CDTA bus, according to sources familiar with the case. CDTA officials said the video was turned over to Troy police for their investigation. Police also have acquired video from the area around 158 Second Ave.
Police from Troy and Schenectady as well as other agencies began focusing on White and Mann, in part, after reviewing footage from security cameras in Troy, sources said.
Officials familiar with the investigation said a video surveillance camera in Schenectady captured the pair returning to the city on a public bus in the hours after the slayings.
The initial charges of one count of first-degree murder and four counts of second-degree murder filed Dec. 30 against Mann and White remain in force.
Ahearn refused to waive a preliminary hearing for Mann, though the defense attorney said he couldnt seek to have his client released due to the parole hold.
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Cholakis filed a writ of habeas corpus Thursday afternoon in Rensselaer County Court seeking White's release. Judge Debra Young will hold a hearing on the motion Friday at the Rensselaer County Court House.
The new count against White is expected to give prosecutors more time to prepare for a preliminary hearing. Maier set a preliminary hearing on the new first-degree murder count for Tuesday.
They now have another six days, Cholakis said about the prosecutions action to buy time to prepare.
The two women, who were a couple, and the two children were found dead on Dec. 26. The victims were bound and their throats were cut, authorities said. Police have not given a possible motive for the killings.
Mann was released from prison in June after being convicted in 2014 of committing an armed robbery in Queens. White pleaded guilty to manslaughter in 2001 for his part in the stabbing death of a Bronx man, and served nearly nine years in prison before being paroled.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Troy Middle School's auditorium for Myers and her two children.
A fund has been established at McLoughlin and Mason funeral home for Myers' eldest son, Isiah Smith, who was not in the apartment at the time of the killings.
Mells' family has said they want to hold memorial services for her at various locations where she has lived, such as Syracuse and New Jersey.
The four victims were discovered in the basement apartment on Second Avenue by the apartment's property manager. He had been contacted by the mother of one of the victims, who had not heard from her daughter since before Christmas.
ALBANY A Capital Region food truck as notable for its controversial name as for its fusion barbecue fare scored a significant victory at the end of a years-long legal battle with Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration, which had banned the Wandering Dago from serving its offerings on the Empire State Plaza.
A Wednesday decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit concluded that a lower court erred in granting summary judgment to the defendants, including several top officials at the state Office of General Services, which oversees the program that licenses food vendors to park on the Plaza during the warm months.
Instead, the three-judge panel said summary judgment should have gone to the Wandering Dago.
"It is undisputed that defendants denied WD's applications solely because of its ethnicslur branding," the court said in a 32-page decision that called the state's action unconstitutional "viewpoint discrimination."
The owners of the Wandering Dago, run at the time by Andrea Loguidice and Brendan Snooks, filed suit in August 2013 against employees and leaders of OGS, including Commissioner RoAnn Destito and Executive Deputy Commissioner Joe Rabito, as well as the New York Racing Association, which ejected the truck from the Saratoga Race Course in July of that year. NYRA, which at the time of the Wandering Dago's ouster was under state control, quietly reached a $68,500 settlement with the truck's owners in January 2015.
While "dago" is generally understood to be a slur on Italians, Loguidice insists it is nothing more than a tribute to her ancestors, laborers who were paid "as the day goes."
A spokeswoman for OGS said the agency was reviewing the decision.
As predicted by plaintiffs' attorney George Carpinello of Boies Schiller Flexner, the Second Circuit's decision was based in large part on the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2017 decision in Matal v. Tam, in which the leader of an Asian-American rock group called The Slants was initially denied the chance to register the band's name with the U.S. Trademark Office due to its ironic use of an offensive epithet.
The top court, however, concluded that the federal office's decision similarly amounted to unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.
"We thought we had a winner even without the (Matal) decision," said Carpinello on Wednesday. " ... We really feel vindicated."
While the plaintiffs dropped their claim seeking damages from the state, Carpinello said they would seek attorneys' fees from the official defendants.
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The Second Circuit reversed a March 2016 decision by U.S. District Judge Mae D'Agostino, who concluded that OGS officials had imposed appropriate limits on speech when they twice rejected the Wandering Dago's application.
"Given the nature of the Summer Outdoor Lunch Program and the fact that it is sponsored and promoted by OGS, it is reasonable for the State to want to avoid the perception that it condones the use of racial epithets," D'Agostino wrote.
Loguidice, who is now the sole operator of the truck, filed a separate lawsuit in late 2014, claiming that she was fired from her job as an attorney for the state Department of Environmental Conservation due to her connection to the truck.
DEC officials dismissed her after it came to light that the truck had been hired by a General Electric contractor to cater an event on GE's Niskayuna campus; agency officials said DEC's work on GE's PCB dredging project on the Hudson should have raised a red flag for Loguidice.
The DEC-Loguidice suit is currently bogged down in legal wrangling about the scope of the questions state attorneys are obligated to answer in depositions.
Carpinello said he didn't know if Loguidice would apply to do business on the Plaza this summer.
What do Albany's South End and Sheridan Hollow communities have in common? They are communities of color and the poor, yes. Most glaring is that at a time of environmental scholarship, grassroots advocacy, and the global climate change agendas these communities are the last to realize any advances toward environmental justice.
The Capital District's environmental hotspots have again become a center of controversy. In the South End, interstate trucks spew exhaust onto streets and into homes. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing reopening Sheridan Hollow's old ANSWERS plant to burn fracked gas piped in from Pennsylvania to heat, cool, and provide energy to the Empire State Plaza complex across town.
Targeting black, brown, and poor communities for toxic dumps and processing facilities is a practice that has been identified as environmental racism by Robert Bullard, a professor and father of the environmental justice movement.
Charlene Benton an activist, resident and former president of the Ezra Prentice Tenants Association, died battling cancer in May of 2017. Since 2011, Benson and Willie White, executive director of AVillage, along with coalitions of environmental groups, have organized to ask Albany's municipalities to intercede with the federal government to stop local company Global Partners from transporting the lighter but more explosive North Dakota Bakken crude oil to their South End of Albany refinery. A pending 2016 lawsuit was filed by Benson and a coalition of environmental groups against Global Partners. The lawsuit states that Global Partners violated the Clean Air Act with increased train shipments, which also amounts to an increase in the emission of toxic chemicals like benzene, methane, toluene, and xylene. Ezra Prentice residents report an inordinate amount of cases of asthma and other respiratory ailments, as well as cancer.
The environmental injustices to Ezra Prentice residents also include interstate trucks spewing exhaust with no relief. The onslaught of noise from trucks and trains along with toxic emissions amounts to abusive and dangerous living conditions for this community. This is environmental racism at its worst.
Across town, Sheridan Hollow is reliving a 1994 ANSWERS plant nightmare that the community believes was responsible for parents, children, and other family members dying of cancer. Former Gov. Mario Cuomo's decided to close the refuse-to-fuel processing plant after two days of black soot covered the Capitol.
The Sheridan Hollow Alliance for Renewable Energy coalition, which consists of over 100 environmental and community groups, launched their campaign for a clean renewable energy solution this summer. According to geothermal expert Jay Egg, a geothermal solution would accommodate the need to heat, cool, and provide energy to the Empire State Plaza. Geothermal solutions are already in use at facilities such as St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, a heavily populated urban metropolis. The geothermal solution would afford clean air to the Sheridan Hollow and its neighbor Arbor Hill, two communities greatly impacted by the operations at the ANSWERS facility in the past.
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Communities of color and the poor continue to hope that the next bomb train will not derail in their neighborhood, spilling its toxic cargo near homes and playgroundsas has happened in Virginia, North Dakota, and Canada. They ask that the emissions from interstate trucks and the energy needs of Empire State Plaza will not exacerbate their asthma, COPD, leukemia, bronchitis, and cancers. And that they will not die a premature death, leaving their children and families to fend for themselves.
It begs the question, "Is anyone listening?"
Rita Ogburn-McCall is a member of Citizen Action New York.
The new president of ICMSA, Tipperarys Pat McCormack, has said that his organisation welcomes a new measure allowing recipients of welfare to work part-time for dairy farmers without losing their social protection entitlements.
However, despite this, he confirmed that the availability of labour was fast becoming a critical challenge for Irish agriculture.
His comments came after an independent survey commissioned by Dairygold has revealed that 25 per cent of its members singled out labour as a main obstacle to their future dairy farming plans.
Some 35 per cent see land as a significant constraint to expansion.
ICMSA has already highlighted the issues where casual or seasonal work overlapped with the complexities of the social welfare system, said Mr McCormack.
He said that ICMSA had identified the problems around getting trained labour on to dairy farms, particularly for the really intensive periods such as the upcoming spring calving.
Quite aside from the need for the labour itself and the merits of training people up to the required standard and integrating them into a dynamic and skilled sector, there was a health and safety aspect to this, he said.
Where we have single-person dairying operations we are seeing enormous workloads and punishing working weeks of 85 or 90 hours. That kind of workload can mean physical and mental fatigue and that in turn can lead to accidents as concentration levels fall, said the farm leader.
ICMSA wants to see a focus on this area where social protection and proper part-time work overlap that facilitates temporary and permanent labour.
Mr McCormack said that there were long-standing issues around the difficulties social welfare recipients experience when they try and reactivate their benefits after a period of seasonal work.
We met Taoiseach Varadkar in his previous position as Minister for Social Protection and he was emphatic that there was a real drive on within that Department to streamline that process of leaving the welfare system for a short period for seasonal work, he said.
ICMSA also asked them to look at moving that part-time work stipulation for Job-seekers Allowance and see if it couldnt be moved to a number of hours each day as opposed to the three-fixed days.
That would certainly make the situation more attractive to people thinking about part-time work on a dairy farm, for instance, said Mr McCormack.
Meanwhile, the results of the Dairygold survey show that at least 530 job opportunities are available in Munster.
The national shortage of farm labour poses a significant threat to the future growth of dairy farming in Ireland.
Dairygold commissioned the independent research survey, carried out among a cross section of its members from all regions and scale of milk supply, to inform of the plans and needs of its suppliers in the years ahead.
The survey indicated that over 60 per cent of suppliers intended to increase their milk supply, indicating that the dairy industry in Ireland will continue to expand at a rapid rate, with members expecting to increase their milk supplies by over 16 per cent between 2018 and 2022.
Unsurprisingly, labour continues to be a significant on-farm challenge. Our milk supplier members have indicated that they intend to use more paid labour which again demonstrates that there are real job opportunities in rural Ireland the equivalent to at least 530 in our catchment area, according to James Lynch, chairman of Dairygold.
Teagasc research officer Paidi Kelly said the addition of 350,000 cows following the scrapping of milk quotas had created a huge amount of extra work on farms.
Meanwhile, Dutch agri-bank Rabobank is warning of an unpredictable outlook for milk prices in 2018 as global supply increases.
The bank's analysts say that European milk supply in the next six month will decide the fate of global markets, and while global supply has increased since last spring, they warn that it is not over yet.
Growth in the global exportable dairy surpluses will continue to expand in the coming period, pressuring global markets, said Rabobanks senior dairy analyst Michael Harvey.
However, the bank stops short of predicting a price crash, as they expect milk price signals and some processors efforts to curb production.
New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) A special court today granted bail to Delhi-based businessman Gagan Dhawan, arrested in a Rs 5,000-crore money laundering case.
Additional Sessions judge Sidharth Sharma granted the relief to Dhawan on a personal bond of Rs two lakh and a surety of same amount.
Dhawan, arrested on November 1, 2017, was sent to judicial custody on November 15 by the court after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had said he was not needed for further custodial interrogation.
The ED alleged that Dhawan had facilitated the directors of Gujarat-based pharma firm Sterling Biotech Ltd. (SBL) in the purchase of several properties and helped in misuse and diversion of credit facilities of several bank totalling Rs 5,000 crore.
"Rs 1.5 crore was received by the accused from SBL group. Prior to that, the amount of bank loans was rotated in various group companies of SBL group," the agency said.
The lower court had on November 14 issued non-bailable warrants against two other persons ? SBL directors Nitin and Chetan Sandesara. The agency told the court that Chetan might have left the country.
In his application, the accused has sought the relief, saying he was not required for further investigation and no purpose would be served by keeping him in custody.
Dhawan was arrested in an alleged bank fraud case involving SBL under sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The firm and Dhawan were also being probed by the ED for allegedly bribing senior income tax department officials in an earlier criminal complaint.
The CBI had recently booked Sterling Biotech, its directors Chetan Jayantilal Sandesara, Dipti Chetan Sandesara, Rajbhushan Omprakash Dixit, Nitin Jayantilal Sandesara and Vilas Joshi, chartered accountant Hemant Hathi, former director of Andhra Bank Anup Garg and some unidentified persons in connection with the alleged bank fraud case.
It had alleged that the company had taken loans of over Rs 5,000 crore from a consortium led by Andhra Bank which had turned into non-performing assets.
The FIR had also alleged that the total pending dues of the group companies were Rs 5,383 crore as on December 31, 2016. The ED had taken a cognisance of this FIR to file a money laundering case against them. PTI UK PKS SMN
Farming remains the most dangerous occupation in Ireland, with 24 deaths in the sector last year, according to figures released by the Health and Safety Authority.
Among those killed was Tom Kennedy, Clogheraily, Loughmore, who died in May.
Mr Kennedy, who was 74, was father of All-Ireland winning Tipperary hurler David Kennedy.
He had been working on land reclamation on his farm at Ballycahill / Holycross when the accident happened.
It is the eight year in a row that farming has recorded the highest number of workplace deaths.
There were 14 men over 65 killed in the agriculture sector, and one child.
Altogether, 47 people died in workplace fatailies in 2017.
The construction and transport sectors had the next highest number of fatalities with six each.
Across all sectors, accidents involving vehicles accounted for 21 of all fatalities in 2017
Falls from height (six) was the next most common cause.
Most fatalities (28) involved 18-65 years old males..
Dublin Cork and Mayo were the counties with the highest number of fatalities in 2017, with six each.
Of 47 fatalities reported, 18 were self-employed persons, 15 were employees, seven non-workers and seven family workers.
HSA chief executive Martin OHalloran said that a collective effort was required to reduce the high level of farm accidents.
Everyone involved in farming must aim to make whatever changes are necessary, to work practices, to stop these accidents occurring each year. That means safety must be paramount when carrying out any work, especially with tractors or farm machinery, he said.
We have seen 14 elderly farmers killed this year, many of them working alone at the time of the accident, said Mr O'Halloran.
He said that finding supports for elderly farmers or farmers working alone was something that needed to be addressed.
The Health and Safety Authority will continue to do its part through inspection, awareness raising and education but safe farming had to happen every day, not just after an inspection, he said.
We need to make this a fundamental part of farming culture, until it is we will continue to have devastation and carnage on our farms, said Mr O'Halloran.
[January 04, 2018] Georgia's ProLogic ITS Tapped to Mitigate Network Virus Outbreak in NC School District
ATLANTA, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the ProLogic ITS Corporate Office confirms they are working with Rockingham County School District in North Carolina on a recent widespread Emotet virus attack, which crippled the district's network infrastructure including Servers, Storage, and End-User Computing Devices. The Emotet Virus is a sophisticated, polymorphic virus that can avoid detection multiple ways. Although there is no full-proof solution to stop such an attack, following industry standard processes and the installation of anti-virus software on each system will help mitigate the spread of the virus. Stopping this virus requires each machine on an infected network to be protected with Anti-Virus Software; it is also critical that you are following Industry Standard best practices relating to network protection. "Schools are a prime target for nefarious hackers considering most districts operate on a shoe string budget, thus having outdated technology and are almost always understaffed," says Paul Sprayberry a Managing Partner with ProLogic ITS. The company was first contacted by the services organization of Dell EMC on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 9:12am. Shortly thereafter ProLogic engagedRockingham County Schools IT Department and was debriefed on the situation. At that time, they quickly pulled together an Incident Response Team to further evaluate the situation and wait for board approval of the $314,000.00 contract.
As part of the contract, ProLogic ITS is providing up to 10 Onsite and Offsite Technical Resources on a daily basis to function as an extension of the Districts in-house IT Department to contain and remove the widespread Emotet virus. Furthermore, ProLogic will temporarily provide 200 Dell Latitude Laptops, and a 30-day Managed Detection and Response Service. This service integrates the best of signature, behavioral, and anomaly detection capabilities with a rich suite of forensic investigation tools that enable security analyst to block threats in real time. Over the course of the next few weeks, ProLogic will recommend to the district a go forward plan to help prevent this type of situation from occurring in the future. Such a plan will likely be focused on bringing the district's technology up to current industry standards.
If you have any further questions related to this matter please contact pr@prologicits.com About Us:
ProLogic ITS, LLC is known across the country as an end-to-end solution provider. We design and build solutions based on industry-standard technology platforms and related value-added services. Our turn-key business model meets the specific needs of our customers while providing cost-effective solutions designed to provide excellent performance with a lower overall cost of ownership. Media Contact: Paul Sprayberry
(886) 923-0513
188211@email4pr.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/georgias-prologic-its-tapped-to-mitigate-network-virus-outbreak-in-nc-school-district-300577503.html SOURCE ProLogic ITS
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[January 04, 2018] Sunrise Senior Living Saves Antique Barn in Connecticut, Donates Structure to the Wilton Historical Society
With construction efforts set to begin for a new assisted living community in Wilton, Connecticut, Sunrise Senior Living has announced that it will save the historic barn on the old Young's Nursery grounds, located at 211 Danbury Road, and donate the structure to the Wilton Historical Society. "This was simply the right thing to do, and we are excited to help preserve such a special part of Wilton's history," said Philip Kroskin, senior vice president of Real Estate for Sunrise. "Sunrise is committed to thoughtful, sustainable design of our communities, which includes being compatible with the surrounding land. We respect the important aspects of neighborhood life that came before us, while also looking ahead to our new Sunrise community, which will become home for area seniors." Sunrise has agreed to cover the cost of disassembling the structure in order to save it. Connecticut's barns are vanishing treasures, and according to Lee Wilson, an emeritus trustee and co-vice president of Buildings and Grounds at the Society, "The Wilton Historical Society is eager to preserve this dairy barn, an antique structure that is an essential piece of Wilton's history. In this age of tear-downs, and scant appreciation or understanding of our past, it is refreshing to see Sunrise's commitment to historic preservation." The Wilton Historical Society plans to store the 19th-century structure and commence fundraising to restore and repurpose it. According to the Society, the barn will most likely be rebuilt as a dwelling on the Cannondale campus, where, similar to most of the other historical structures the Society has preserved, it will be rented out to pay for ongoing preservation maintenance. "It's a win-win for Wilton, that's for sure," said Allison Sanders, Director, Communications of the Wilton Historicl Society. "This is a very generous gift to the community and we are enormously grateful to Sunrise for their contribution and for having the foresight to save an historic structure for future generations."
Sunrise's commitment to local historic preservation extends to another one of its new senior living communities, Sunrise at Silas Burke House, opening in late January in a suburb of Washington, DC. Built on the grounds of the Silas Burke House (c.1842) in Burke, Virginia, Sunrise's new community was carefully designed to preserve the physical structure of the nearby historic home. Sunrise agreed to help maintain the 193-year-old house indefinitely and open it up for various neighborhood groups to use. Sunrise's new senior living community in Wilton, Connecticut, is tentatively scheduled for completion in mid-2019.
About Sunrise Senior Living Sunrise Senior Living, a McLean, Va.-based company, employs approximately 32,000 people. As of December 1, 2017, Sunrise operated 322 communities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, including 7 Sunrise Villa communities and 20 Gracewell Healthcare homes, with a total unit capacity of approximately 28,800. Sunrise offers a full range of personalized senior living services, including independent living, assisted living, care for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss, as well as nursing and rehabilitative services. Sunrise's senior living services are delivered by team members who are trained to encourage independence, preserve dignity, enable freedom of choice and protect the privacy of residents. For ongoing information about Sunrise communities and senior-related topics, read The Sunrise Blog and follow us on Facebook. To learn more about Sunrise, please visit SunriseSeniorLiving.com. About The Wilton Historical Society Since its founding in 1938, the Wilton Historical Society has championed the preservation of historic buildings, preserving and restoring 18 of Wilton's diverse 18th and 19th-century structures, which otherwise would have been demolished. The Society offers history for everyone with youth programs, school field trips, family activities, lectures, exhibitions, a book group and annual events such as the Great Trains Holiday Exhibit. To learn more, please visit www.wiltonhistorical.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005034/en/
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[January 03, 2018] eRelevance Named to Entrepreneur 360 List of America's Best Privately Owned Companies
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- eRelevance Corp., the leading customer marketing service for small- to medium-size businesses, has been named one of the "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America" by Entrepreneur magazine's Entrepreneur 360 list. The list recognizes the top private, high-growth U.S. companies expertly managing balance, impact, innovation, growth and leadership. "We are honored to be recognized as one of the best private companies driving innovation that delivers superior value to our customers while maintaining exponential top- and bottom-line business growth," says eRelevance Co-founder and CEO Bob Fabbio. "Courageous and thoughtful innovation is the key to far-reaching and lasting positive impact, and it's what drives our team and helps grow our business every day." Honorees were identified based on the results from a comprehensive study of independently owned companies, using a proprietary algorithm and other advanced analytics. The algorithm was built on a balanced scorecard designed to measure four metrics reflecting major pillars of entrepreneurshipinnovation, growth, leadership and impact. "Our annual evaluation is a 360-degree analysis of top privately held companies representing and serving a variety of industries," explains Lisa Murray, Chief Insights Officer of Entrepreneur Media, Inc. "Every year, we review a new batch of entries that reflect great entrepreneurial strides. The ones that make the list have implemented visionary initiatives impacting their communities for the better, innovtive ideas redefining industry standards, leadership practices fostering enviable company cultures, and creative growth strategies launching their brands to new heights.
"With its game-changing customer marketing service, eRelevance is delivering to small businesses a level of marketing sophistication previously only available to enterprise-level companiesat a price point small businesses can afford." To learn more about eRelevance, visit www.erelevancecorp.com.
For additional details on the E360 List and the companies recognized, visit: entrepreneur.com/360. About eRelevance CorporationeRelevance powers its clients' growth with a game-changing customer marketing service that increases the lifetime value of their customers. Pioneering the category of customer marketing automation as a service, the company provides to its customers sophisticated customer marketing done by marketing experts equipped with advanced, proprietary technology. By simplifying sophisticated customer marketing and making it available at an affordable price, eRelevance has earned the trust of over 1,100 small businesses, with a focus on delivering consistent and measurable business impact. Privately funded and based in Austin, Texas, eRelevance is a Red Herring Global 100 winner, one of BuiltInAustin's Top 50 Startups to Watch, Austin Inno's 50 on Fire, and a member of the Forbes Agency Council. For more information, visit erelevancecorp.com. About Entrepreneur Media Inc.
For nearly 40 years, Entrepreneur Media Inc. has been serving the entrepreneurial community providing comprehensive coverage of business and personal success through original content and events. Entrepreneur magazine, Entrepreneur.com, and publishing imprint Entrepreneur Press provide solutions, information, inspiration and education read by millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide. To learn more, visit entrepreneur.com. Follow us on Twitter at @Entrepreneur and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/entmagazine. Media Contact:
Cassady Nordeen
cassady@blastpr.com
(718) 644-0273 PRLog ID: www.prlog.org/12684561 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/erelevance-named-to-entrepreneur-360-list-of-americas-best-privately-owned-companies-300577269.html SOURCE eRelevance
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[January 03, 2018] Shaw Communications Announces the Death of Jim Shaw
CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B) (TSX:SJR.PR.A) (TSX:SJR.PR.B) (NYSE:SJR) (TSXV:SJR.A) announced that, following a brief illness, Jim Shaw, Vice-Chairman and former Chief Executive Officer, passed away peacefully earlier today at the age of 60. As a family, our hearts are heavy with sadness, said Brad Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, Shaw Communications. I have not only lost a brother, but a great friend and mentor. Our lives will not be as complete without hearing Jims laughter or getting the benefit of his counsel or his insight. Jim Shaw served as the second CEO of Shaw Communications from 1998 to 2010 and led a senior management team known for its longevity, discipline, stability and cohesiveness; a tribute to his consultative style, trust, leadership skills and his willingness to delegate responsibility and reward success. During Jims tenure as CEO, he established himself as a master company builder, leading strategic acquisitions that would fuel the companys growth for the future. Incredibly, during the 12 years of Jims leadership, the companys revenue grew from $646 million in 1998 to $3.7 billion in 2010. Under Jims guidance, the company reinforced its leadership position in Western Canada by concluding an asset swap with Rogers Communications for territory in Vancouver and lower mainland, and began building the platform for its Internet services, inclding an extensive build out and upgrade of infrastructure, including fibre-optic networks, digital service expansion, DOCSIS 2.0 internet upgrades, and upgraded IT services.
Jims countless contributions to our company are integral to Shaws long-term strength and growth as a Canadian industry leader, Brad Shaw said. As an operator, a deal maker and a strategist, Jim continued building the foundation started by our father, JR, to create a Canadian business leader and household brand across Western Canada. Jim Shaw joined Shaw Communications in 1982 as a construction worker and cable installer, the front line of customer service and the foundation of all Shaws business. He gained the trust and respect of co-workers and customers alike as he moved up to more senior positions at Shaw Communications Inc. on Vancouver Island. After promotions to increasingly responsible positions across Western Canada, Mr. Shaw was appointed VP, Operations in 1987, President in 1995, CEO in 1998, a director in 2002 and elected Vice Chair of the Board in 2008.
In addition to his significant contribution to the growth of Shaw Communications and to Canadian business, Jim Shaw was an ardent supporter of several charitable organizations and causes committed to making Canadian communities better places to work and live. He donated generously to several causes and served on the boards of the University of Alberta, Shawnigan Lake School and Strathmore Tweedsmuir School. The Board of Directors and all employees of Shaw Communications express their deepest condolences and sympathy to the Shaw family for their loss. About Shaw
Shaw Communications Inc. is an enhanced connectivity provider. Our Consumer division serves consumers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, Video and digital phone. Our Wireless division provides wireless voice and data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure. The Business Network Services division provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, telephony, and Video services. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE SJR, and TSXV SJR.A). For more information, please visit www.shaw.ca For media inquiries, please contact:
Shaw Communications Inc.
Chethan Lakshman, VP, External Affairs
(403) 930-8448
chethan.lakshman@sjrb.ca
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[January 04, 2018] Manupatra Introduces its Latest Functionality 'Legal Analytics' That Aims to Further Make Legal Research Simple, Relevant and Fast
NOIDA, India, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Manupatra, the leading legal search, analytics and visualization platform since 2001, introduced its latest functionality, 'Legal Analytics' that aims to further make legal research simple, relevant and fast. Manupatra is committed to offering next-generation legal research solutions to help legal professionals work more efficiently, make more informed decisions and drive success for their clients. Doing good legal research is the crux of advocacy. It is the method of finding answer to a legal query or examining precedents that can be cited to the facts of a litigating case. Legal Analytics on the other hand involves pulling out data contained in case documents and summarizing it to provide new discernments and awareness into the pattern of conduct of the judges, lawyers, courts, and the subjects of lawsuits. Legal analytics presents facts-based answers to key questions that emerge during litigation. Legal Analytics does not replace legal research but supplements. It demonstrates a blueprint of past litigation alongside its direction and leaning. Legal Analytics makes use of machine learning and natural languages processing based on advanced technologies, to structure, analyse and interpret raw data from a whole slew of case documents. This new and ingenious feature incorporated by Manupatra, delivers an unmatched new competence to the counsels over his adversary by providing data-driven examination of judgments. It reveals trends and patterns in the judgments by showing how judges and advocates have acted in similar cases in the past, and how they are likely to act in such cases in the future. Lawyers can build up on their litigation plan with the help of the analytic tool. Legal Analytics takes legal research to a new level, ad lawyers can now focus on time, cost and performance in one integrated process.
Key Features: - Search Analytics: It helps in searching and sorting out case laws by keywords, and topics. It covers cases from Supreme Court and High Courts. On a click of a button you can see the citing references, that is number of times a case has been cited as well as the number of times it has cited judgments from related cases. Besides this significant keywords and applied legislations are also displayed.
- Judge Analytics: This presents an expansive insight on every Supreme Court and High Court judge in the country, covering the cases that they have adjudicated along with the case citations. It graphically details year wise and subject wise pronounced judgments, number of judgments written and number of judgments cited in. Besides this, it also entails the names of the attorneys and number of times they have appeared before a particular judge. - Interactive Timeline: A visually rich interactive timeline that represents connected cases in chronological order. - Case Mapping: This displays the geographic spread of lawsuits, including case profiling. Summaries of the proceedings, along with information on the issues involved, legislations exercised and dates are provided for an effortless research. It allows filtering and tailor search results by these measures. Legal Analytics is a handy tool for lawyers to explore the best strategy and line of approach before they file a lawsuit or argue a motion before a judge. It can also be a helpful guide for law students to do research for their term papers or law firms' to prepare a more cost-effective representation for their clients and compete with their opponents. Mr. Deepak Kapoor, CEO & Founder of Manupatra Information Solutions Private Limited says, "Putting today's best of technology to a good use, Legal Analytics aims to discover speedy answers to complicated questions. Legal representatives can now apply legal analytics to their work and customize their proficiency by exploring different legal scenario s, frame subsequent strategies, and build a more competitive legal ecosystem." About Manupatra:
Manupatra, a pioneer in online legal research in India since 2001, is India's premier legal information resource. It is the largest content aggregator of Indian and International cases, which links primary information with secondary material and proprietary analytical content. In December 2016, Manupatra was presented with an award for the Best Online Legal Research Tool, 2016 in Mumbai, in the presence of eminent jurists, legal luminaries and in-house counsels. This marked the first occasion in which an award was presented to an online legal research company. It is with these honors and acclaims that Manupatra aims to move forward and enter this unchartered territory of the legal world and make legal help and knowledge accessible to all. For more details, visit: www.manupatra.com .
Media Contact:
Chitesh Kumar Bhat
cbhat@manupatra.com
+91-9811044910
Manupatra
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[January 04, 2018] Global Brands Magazine Honors First Investment Bank (Fibank) With two Prestigious Awards - 'The Best Consumer Banking Brand' and 'The Best SME Banking Brand' in Bulgaria for the Year 2017
SOFIA, Bulgaria, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fibank was awarded by a professional panel and research team of the magazine, based on the following criteria: Asset Quality, Governance Structure, ROE, Tier 1 Capital Ratio, Corporate Social Responsibility and Customer Service. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160518/369255LOGO )
Jay Reddy, Head of branding at Global Brands Magazine commented, "I would like to congratulate First Investment Bank (Fibank) on winning the awards. These awards are a true testament on the bank's efforts in developing and improving the internal bank structures and systems, the service models and product positioning, and at creating prerequisites for future sustainable growth." Fibank is known as the biggest Bulgarian bank, a growing, innovative, customer-oriented ban that offers outstanding products and services to their customers. With over 3100 employees, they have the largest branch network in Bulgaria and are first rated when it comes to investments for advertising in financial sector in Bulgaria. In terms of the coefficient of the marketing power of the brand, they are the most rapidly increasing. They are also the biggest corporate donor part of the long-term strategy for CSR. All these and more can be attributed to why they are very much successful when it comes to their area of specialization.
About Global Brand Magazine Headquartered in the United Kingdom, Global Brands Magazine is a leading brands magazine providing opinions and news related to various brands across the world. Content includes news, opinions, discussions, highlights and features sourced by expert analysts on various brands across the world.
About Global Brands Awards Global Brands Awards was established with the aim of honoring excellence in performance and rewarding companies across different sectors. The awards honor companies who have performed extraordinarily well in the field of Finance, Education, Hospitality, Lifestyle, Automobiles, & Technology. The awards are given to acknowledge key players who strive for distinction and reward their performance with the ultimate global recognition. They also aim to identify and create awareness about the significance of exceptional solutions and service delivery in different segments. Find out more about Global Brands Awards here http://www.globalbrandsmagazine.com/about-the-awards/
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[January 04, 2018]
Bitcoin Mining Can Power Neuroscience, Says Matrix Chief AI Scientist
SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- At this year's BlockShow Asia, Yangdong Deng, chief AI scientist of Blockchain startup Matrix, explained how inserting Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Blockchain ecosystem would make it possible to use Bitcoin mining computational power for scientific innovation.
According to Deng, the current computing power being used in Bitcoin mining operations is 8.23x1022 floating point operations per second (FLOPS), while the total computing power in the world is 1.2x1023 FLOPS. According to these calculations, Bitcoin mining is consuming 17 percent of total global computing power, justifying the frequent accusations that Bitcoin mining i wasteful.
Matrix is seeking to reinvent mining algorithms by including AI into the equation through a Bayesian mining system that utilizes a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm (MCMC). Because these computations function similarly to traditional mining functions, they work well for Bitcoin mining.
As Deng argues, using AI, the computing power used to verify transactions on the Bitcoin network can be leveraged for other uses outside the world of cryptocurrencies.
One example he gave his scientific research -- a brain network simulation requires approximately 1018 FLOPS, while a complete human metabolic network simulation requires 1025 FLOPS.
According to Deng, other important non-crypto use cases that require massive computing power are chemical reaction simulations, medical diagnoses and complex finance modeling.
Intel recently filed a patent for a Blockchain-based system that also works to harness the energy used in cryptocurrency mining for scientific development - in this case particularly for genetic sequencing.
The BlockShow Asia conference this November included a number of innovative projects in addition to Matrix; 1,500 entrepreneurs and experts gathered at the event in Singapore to share and discover the latest developments in the industry.
SOURCE Matrix
[January 04, 2018] Lithuania: Creating the Best Conditions for Life Science Sector Growth
VILNIUS, Lithuania, January 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The small Baltic nation of Lithuania is fast emerging as a hub for Life Sciences that is punching well above its weight. With a year on year increase of sector revenue by 25%, the country has the fastest growing Life Sciences sector in the EU. Biotech currently accounts for 1% of GDP, ranking it alongside Ireland and Singapore in terms of sector strength. Companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Teva, and most recently Hollister, have established significant operations in the country, cementing its position as the leading regional destination for Life Sciences. To celebrate this burgeoning sector and share information on the opportunities the country has to offer, the Lithuanian Minister of the Economy, Virginijus Sinkevicius, alongside Arminas Ragauskas, EU inventor of the year for his work of neurological devices, will be hosting a spotlight event on Sunday 8th January as part of the 36th annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. This invitation only event will include a keynote speech from Mr Arminas Ragauskas, widely renowned for his groundbreaking work on brain research and device measuring intracranial pressure - enabling fast and safe diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, strokes, glaucoma and brain tumours. There will also be a panel discussion led by the Minister of the Economy, Mr Virginijus Sinkevicius on why Lithuania is set to further expand on its position as regional leader for Life Sciences. Appearing on the panel will be the the VP of Tx and Treasurer of Thermo Fisher Scientific, Mr Anthony Smith, as well as Chairman of the Council at State Public Health Improvement Fund, ex-adviser to the President of Lithuania, Mr Sarunas Narbutas, Founder of Vapogenix and Board Member of Baltic American Freedom Foundation, Mrs. Danguole Altman.
Thermo Fisher Scientific's Lithuanian operation, which has 760 employees including 100 research scientists, is currently the Baltic region's largest private R&D centre, and a beacon for the qualities that make Lithuania a perfect fit for Life Sciences. In the words of Alan Malus, Executive VP at Thermo Fisher Scientific, "Thermo Fisher's investment in Lithuania is our symbol of confidence in the biotechnology talent within Lithuania and its potential impact worldwide." The country's well educated talent lays at the heart of its Life Science growth. As 1st in CEE for university-industry collaboration in R&D, and the most extensive and supportive network for Life Science companies in Europe, the country is investing in creating the right conditions for nurturing the right talent. Its network of education institutions and three technical valleys are focused on delivering the kind of Life Science growth that will elevate the country's profile on the global stage. To date, the country has already invested almost 400 million EUR, and has committed to 679 million EUR in investment until 2020. Moreover, with financial incentives that enable R&D expenses to be fully deductible 3 times, the country is doing its utmost to facilitate sector growth.
The country is not limiting the scope of its horizons - the range of product areasSinke that Lithuania is able to offer a competitive edge is truly wide: from devices for aerosol therapy, anesthesia and resuscitation; infusion pumps applied in anesthesia, neonatology, oncology and surgery; noninvasive ultrasound technologies for diagnostics; 3D scanning devices for human body parts; through to custom-made orthopedic implants; dental instruments and supplies, and robotic patient positioning systems, amongst many more. The government affiliated foreign direct investment agency, Invest Lithuania, meanwhile, is also a strong supporter of sector growth. The main priority on its agenda is to promote Lithuania and its ambition to attract several more big names in Life Sciences sector. It has not been saturated yet and several more players in the market would easily fit and find a perfect place for their business to thrive. Lithuania is more than ready to take its Life Sciences sector to the next level and position itself as a go to destination for top companies looking to innovate and expand. Attendees of the reception can learn how they too can be a part of and benefit from the sector's growth. Join us at Lithuania's Life Sciences reception on Monday, 8th January: http://bit.ly/2iEBEfa
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Four people, including an eight-year-old boy, died in a fire that broke out in an apartment building in Mumbai's Marol. The fire broke out on the third storey of the Maimoon building in Marol, Andheri.
Most of the building's residents managed to escape the blaze, but four - all from the same family - could not be rescued. Eye-witnesses spoke about hearing cries of "help-help", but said they could not be saved.
Eight fire tenders were sent to the spot and the fire was contained soon after it first broke out.
The fire, which broke out on the third floor of, is believed to have been caused by a short-circuit; detailed investigation into the cause of the blaze is yet to be carried out.
Of the four who died, two were children - a 15-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. Seven other people were critically injured in the fire; they were taken to Mumbai's Cooper and Mukund hospitals.
Some of the eye-witnesses to the fire said the Mumbai Fire Brigade did not arrive at the spot on time.
Watch: Mumbai: Fire in Andheri building kills four people
[January 04, 2018] Tauriga Sciences, Inc. Establishes Wholly Owned Subsidiary to Acquire Interest(s) in Intellectual Property Pertaining to Blockchain Technology; Company Allocates up to $300,000 of its Balance Sheet Cash for this Initiative
NEW YORK, NY, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTC PINK:TAUG) ("Tauriga" or the "Company"), engaged in building its business through the development, distribution, and licensing of proprietary products as well as the evaluation of potential acquisition opportunities and equity investments, today announced that the Company has established a wholly-owned subsidiary to acquire interest(s) in patents and other intellectual property pertaining to Blockchain technology (Blockchain). The Companys Board of Directors has decided to fund up to $300,000 towards this corporate initiative; these funds will come from the Companys available cash position. While Tauriga has already disclosed one relatively small diversification into a specific cryptocurrency (Groestlcoin), the Company believes that the acquisition of patents or interests in intellectual property relating to Blockchain, with an aim towards commercialization, provides shareholders with the best opportunity for long-term and accretive exposure to this market sector. The Company has yet to definitively identify any specific patents or technologies that may qualify for investment from the above-mentioned initiative. There can also be no guarantees that the Company will determine that any intellectual property under evaluation is worthy of acquisition or investment, or that the Company will ultimately acquire Blockchain technologies at all. Taurigas Chief Executive Officer, Seth M. Shaw, expressed, The Company believes that there is a potentially significant opportunity for its shareholders in acquiring patent interests that cover certain aspects of Blockchain technology. The Company has worked hard the past 2 years and built the financial strength to execute on these compelling types of potential opportunities. A rigorous due diligenceprocess would precede any future prospective investment(s). Tauriga is pleased to have available, as much as $300,000 in cash to put towards meaningful exposure to this burgeoning field.
The Subsidiary has been named Tauriga IP Acquisition Corp. and the initial legal work will be completed by the international law firm of Nixon Peabody LLP. This new subsidiary has been incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Lastly, the Board of Directors of the Company voted unanimously in favor of the formation of the above-referenced corporate initiative.
ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES, INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTC PINK:TAUG) is engaged in building business through the development, distribution, and licensing of proprietary products as well as the evaluation of potential acquisition opportunities/equity investments. The Company is presently focused on its upcoming contemplated launch of a Cupacu Butter based lip balm product branded under the name: Herman. The Company believes that one of its most important strengths is its access to and relationships with potentially substantial distribution systems and networks. The Company intends to capitalize on distribution opportunities and will continually update shareholders on such developments. Please visit our corporate website at www.tauriga.com
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
CONTACT INFORMATION Tauriga Sciences, Inc. 555 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor New York, NY 10022 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seth M. Shaw Email: sshaw@tauriga.com cell # (917) 796 9926 www.tauriga.com
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[January 04, 2018] Glance Partially Owned Subsidiary Cannapay Signs $4 Million Revenue Deal Combining Blockchain With Big Data and Cannabis - Glance to Receive $1 Million for Sublicense
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glance Technologies Inc. (CSE:GET:CN) (CSE:GET.WT) (OTCQB:GLNNF) (FKT:GJT) announces that its partially owned subsidiary Cannapay Financial Inc. (Cannapay) has signed a definitive agreement to receive $4 million for licensing and product pre sales with Cannabis Big Data Holdings Inc. (Cannabis Big Data). Pursuant to the agreement, Glance Technologies will receive a $1 million fee for the sublicense of Glances mobile payment app technology.
The agreement is entered into between Fobisuite Technologies Inc. (Fobisuite), Cannapay, Cannabis Big Data and Cannapay wholly owned subsidiary Juve Wellness Inc. (Juve). Fobisuite has architected a multi-faceted parallel, usb serial interface that is a bilateral communicative hardware device for the purpose of enabling the authentication and transaction of cryptocurrency in a retail point of sale environment. Further, it has data collection, analysis, analytics and encryption technology built on blockchain technology. Cannabis Big Data will combine the technology licensed from Cannapay and big data analytics hardware and software from Fobisuite to provide insights for cannabis retailers and producers and allow retail partners to transact in cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. Further, through its license with Juve it will offer a white label solution for 12 wellness products with customized branding for dispensaries in North America. "Cannabis Big Data will offer big data analytics for the cannabis industry. Our value prop is in merging customer purchase and basket history with social media and mobile data to create highly personalized customer journeys. The Fobisuite technology can analyze and process online, in-store and mobile commerce to provide valuable insights to retailers, dispensaries, and manufacturers, and allows retailers to transact in cryptocurrencies," says Rob Anson, CEO of Cannabis Big Data, "By partnering with Cannapay we will be able to offer a full circle digital media and mobile strategy for our industry partners. Weve found an effective way of combining blockchain with big data and cannabis. The following are the material terms of the agreement: Fobisuite will license all of its technology to Cannabis Big Data for $4,000,000, payable $200K in cash and $3,800,000 in stock for 15,200,000 shares at $0.25 for a 10 year licence, and renewable for $10,000 per year.
Cannapay will sublicense the Glance Pay mobile payment platform technology to Cannabis Big Data for $2,000,000 for a one year license, payable in stock at $0.25 per share for 8,000,000 shares, of which 4,000,000 shares will be payable to Glance Technologies as a sublicense royalty, and the sublicense renewable for $10,000 per year.
Cannapay subsidiary Juve Wellness will grant to Cannabis Big Dat the non exclusive right to distribute 12 products (including massage oils, soaps, lip balm and bath bombs) (the Products) to cannabis dispensaries in North America, with a $200,000 advance order for products, at wholesale prices, payable by Cannabis Big Data in cash within 2 weeks of Cannabis Big Data completing financing of $1,000,000.
Juve will license for $1,800,000 (payable all in stock of Cannabis Big Data at $0.25 per share for 7,200,000 shares), the non exclusive license to the formulas of the Products and rights to create a white label manufacturing service to provide customized branded versions of the Products for dispensaries in North America, which may only be licensed, produced and sold in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. About Glance Technologies Inc. Glance Technologies owns and operates Glance Pay, a streamlined payment system that revolutionizes how smartphone users choose where to shop, order goods and services, make payments, access digital receipts, redeem digital deals, earn great rewards & interact with merchants. Glance offers targeted in-app marketing, geo targeted digital coupons, customer feedback, in-merchant messaging and custom rewards programs. The Glance Pay mobile payment system consists of proprietary technology, which includes user apps available for free downloads in IOS (Apple) and Android formats, merchant manager apps, a large scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing. Glance Pay has entered into significant licensing agreements with Active Pay Distribution Inc., Cannapay Financial Inc. and Euro Asia Pay Holdings Inc. It also owns an end to end blockchain solution for a rewards based cryptocurrency which is currently being integrated into the Glance Pay app.
For more information about Glance, please go to www.glance.tech. About Cannapay Financial Inc.
Cannapay is a partially owned subsidiary of Glance Technologies. Glance owns 12,000,000 shares in Cannapay. Cannapay has licensed the right to use and the right to sublicense the Glance Pay mobile payment technology for use in the cannabis industry. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Juve Wellness Inc., is a wellness company which is using the Glance Pay mobile payment technology to develop a robust, personalized modern wellness platform. Juve has also developed several lines of Cannabis inspired wellness products which will be available for sale to consumers with the Juve brand and are also available as a white labelled product offering to businesses. Juve is building an international distribution network for the sale of its own and other products. About Cannabis Big Data Holdings Inc.
Cannabis Big Data is newly formed company to be principally owned by Cannapay Financial Inc. and Fobisuite Technologies Inc. It is licensing the technologies of Fobisuite and Glance Technologies Inc. to create a cannabis industry specific solution that uses proprietary hardware and software to bridge the gap between online and in-person customer data through WIFI, social media, and purchase/check-out basket history. Cannabis Big Data's tech will enable state-of-the-art consumer engagement, education, commerce, and CRM solutions that will accelerate and optimize adoption through appropriate education focused on measurable data gathered from comprehensive consumer touch points and sales channels, as well as providing cryptocurrency and mobile payment processing. This powerful combination of technologies allows for significantly more granular demographic detail and individualization of customers for the supply side of the Cannabis industry, and more convenient and secure transactions for the demand side. Further, Cannabis Big Data will leverage its consumer engagement software to sell additional products to customers and has a white label selection of cannabis inspired wellness products. For more information, contact: Christina Rao
Vice President, Investor Relations
(604) 723-7480 investors@glancepay.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward- looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward- looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Glance cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Glance is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Glance's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
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[January 04, 2018] Dashlane Unveils Plan To Kill The Password In 2018; Announces Project Mirror
NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Dashlane announces its plan to kill the password in 2018 with the launch of Project Mirror. Passwords are the backbone of virtually every digital service on the Internet today, and given their pervasive nature as the only widespread 'standard' in the market, it's unlikely they will be going away anytime soon. However, users of Dashlane will break their dependency on this onerous standard as Dashlane sets its sites on automating and personalizing the process for them with Project Mirror. Click here to see the pre-release in action: http://blog.dashlane.com/kill-the-password/ Putting You (Effortlessly) In Control The primary goal of Project Mirror is to put Internet users in control of their login and digital data, and allow them to control their identities with ease. Passwords have widespread adoption and could exist well into the future with current technologies, so Dashlane has launched Project Mirror as a year-long effort to eliminate users' dependence on managing passwords while working universally with sites that require passwords, biometrics, multi-factor authentication steps, and more. Project Mirror will eliminate the need to manage multiple logins by instead facilitating just one source of identity your Dashlane app which will ensure automatic and secure on-demand access to every digital account. Building Upon Early Innovation Dashlane set the standard for innovation early on with its exclusive, fully automated Password Changer, the free tool that allows users to change, store, and secure hundreds of passwords with a single click. In April 2015 Dashlane released a second major innovation, the proprietary Inbox Scan technology, which automatically and securely identified login credentials and passwords living within users' email inboxes. Inbox Scan also generates a personal identity threat report to help users understand their online account risks and the path to protecting their identity. Dashlane's commitment to innovation has not gone unnoticed, as the company was honored with a Webby Award in the Mobile Sies and App Services & Utilities category in 2017.
Protecting Critical Accounts to Start The first release of Project Mirror will be available in Q1 2018. The feature combines improvements to Dashlane's one-of-a-kind Password Changer and a significant evolution of its Inbox Scan capabilities to deliver an entirely new feature called Critical Account Protection.
Critical Account Protection will apply one-click convenience to importing and securing users' most important passwords in Dashlane by identifying high-risk accounts and automatically resetting and securing those credentials. In seconds, Critical Account Protection will allow a user to link their email accounts, scan and view a detailed critical account report, and lock down accounts where users want complete protection. How Password Pain Points Made Project Mirror Necessary Even though security and privacy are top of mind in the wake of the innumerable data breaches and hacks exposed this last year, consumers often don't know if there are accounts they should be worried about, or what actions they should take to protect themselves properly. In fact, according to recent Dashlane research, increased awareness of these threats has made hardly a dent in the majority of the public's password behavior. While 84% of people say they are concerned after the Equifax and Yahoo breaches, roughly the same percentage (8 in 10) admit to reusing passwords across accounts. Furthermore, many people don't dedicate any time to making sure their data is safe instead they assume the systems already in place are sufficient, believe that security is too much effort, or feel helpless and mistakenly believe there are no options available to protect themselves. Dashlane suspects this problem will only get worse as people increasingly turn to their mobile devices for apps and logins, lacking a convenient way to secure mobile accounts. "Most people know they should be careful about their online identity, but many are overwhelmed about where to start. With Project Mirror, we're embarking on a year-long initiative to give consumers total control of their digital identity," said Emmanuel Schalit, CEO at Dashlane. "In 2018, peace of mind, convenience, and security will be a reality for everyone." About Dashlane Dashlane, one of the world's most trusted digital security companies, takes the pain out of passwords with its password manager and secure digital wallet app. Dashlane allows users to securely manage passwords, credit cards, IDs, and other important information via advanced encryption and local storage. With so many devices, the line between home and work no longer exists. Thankfully, Dashlane works everywhere, for everyone. The company has helped 9 million consumers manage and secure their digital identity and enabled over $10 billion in e-commerce transactions. Dashlane Business is trusted by 7,000+ companies to create, enforce, and track effective access management, and features the only patented security architecture in the industry. The Dashlane app is available on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS, and has won critical acclaim by top publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and USA Today. Dashlane is free to use on your favorite device for life, and costs $39.99/year to sync between an unlimited number of devices. Dashlane was founded by Bernard Liautaud and co-founders Alexis Fogel, Guillaume Maron and Jean Guillou. The company has offices in New York City and Paris, and has received $54 million in funding from TransUnion, Rho Ventures, FirstMark Capital and Bessemer Venture Partners. Learn more at Dashlane.com. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dashlane-unveils-plan-to-kill-the-password-in-2018-announces-project-mirror-300577288.html SOURCE Dashlane
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[January 04, 2018] FlitWays Bolsters Transparency with Expanded Shareholder Engagement Program and Investor Conference Call
In addition to first-ever conference call to update investors and answer questions, FlitWays is launching new Email Alert system for more direct communication with shareholders
CULVER CITY, CA, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FlitWays Technology Inc. (OTC Pink: FTWS), a leading ground travel technology company, today announced an expanded shareholder engagement program designed to foster more effective, direct communication with stockholders and even greater transparency. As part of the effort, FlitWays is asking all shareholders to submit an email address to ir@flitways.com, so they can be added to the companys Email Alert system. Subscribers will receive notices of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, press releases after they cross the newswire, periodic newsletters, and other information about FlitWays business that management believes will be of interest to holders of the companys stock. Consistent with increased transparency, FlitWays will host a live investor update conference call at 2:00pm PST on January 23, 2018. CEO Tobi Mac will make a presentation with slides updating the companys progress and plans for 2018. After the completion of the prepared remarks, he will take questions from participants via an online submission forum. Additional details will be provided as the date of the conference call approaches. The Email Alerts sign-up and the investor conference call are being done in tandem with an expanded Investor Relations section of the FlitWays website. The IR section will also include links to SEC filings, updated stock quote and market data, access to company news and media coverage, and Investor Relations contact information. Given the significant revenue growth FlitWays has experienced over the last two quarters and the fact that management expects 2018 to be an even more successful year, we want to make sure that all of our shareholders have the opportunity to access the most up-to-date and complete information about the company, said Tobi Mac. As a fully reporting company, transparency will remain amon our highest priorities. Management also believes in engaging directly with our stockholders through email, SMS, social media, and other available communication channels, whenever possible. We want to speak directly to our shareholders and provide opportunities for them to ask questions about our current business and plans for future growth.
We hope all FTWS investors share our enthusiasm about the companys future and will provide an email address to be included in the FlitWays mailing list. Our goal is to include every shareholder as well as any potential future shareholders who are following our growth as a public company. The company also plans to hold an annual shareholder meeting in the near future, which will provide another opportunity for stockholders to hear directly from the company, as well as ask any questions they may have.
About FlitWays: FlitWays Technology Inc. ( www.FlitWays.com ), traded under the stock symbol FTWS, is an innovative, disruptive travel technology company that offers a convenient, cost-effective ground transportation solution for corporate travelers and a new source of revenue for travel businesses. While companies like Uber and Lyft focus on individual consumers, FlitWays serves the massive enterprise market, including industry leaders Amazon, Samsung, Xerox, and others. The company also provides travel businesses including the worlds largest airlines, online travel agents and travel distributors a new source of revenue and an attractive add-on service for their clients. FlitWays growing network of ground travel providers currently covers 220 major cities and 400 airports worldwide, and the company is projecting continued expansion in both enterprise (corporate) and travel business segments. Catching the eye of business and travel industry media, FlitWays has been featured in outlets such as CNN, FORTUNE, Fast Company, Reuters, New York Magazine, Skift, VentureBurn, Digital Journal, Travel Pulse, and many others.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of FlitWays Technology Inc. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements," including, but not limited to; the proposed corporate name change; and any other statements of non-historical information. These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "expects" or similar expressions, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and available on its website ( www.sec.gov ). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.
FlitWays IR Media +18557100915 Ext. 5 ir@flitways.com
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[January 04, 2018] Tektronix 5 Series MSO Named Product of the Year by Electronic Products Magazine
BEAVERTON, Ore., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Tektronix, a leading worldwide provider of measurement solutions, today announced that its 5 Series MSO Mixed Signal Oscilloscope has won Product of the Year honors from Electronic Products. This prestigious award recognizes the innovative design and advancement in test and measurement technology delivered by the 5 Series MSO as determined by the editors of Electronic Products, a leading publication for electronic design engineers. The result of the largest single development effort in Tektronix history, the 5 Series MSO redefines the mid-range oscilloscope and delivers a host of innovations, including the industry's first FlexChannel technology that allows 4, 6 or 8 analog channels and up to 64 digital channels, integrated protocol analysis and signal generator, a new 12-bit signal acquisition system, a massive high-definition capacitive touch display, and a highly intuitive Direct Access user interface. These innovations give designers unprecedented flexibility and unmatched visibility into complex embedded systems. "The electronics industry is changing rapidly, driven by an insatiable demand for more electronics content in military, automotive, consumer and industrial products and systems, as well as improved power efficiency. And the importance of fast time-to-market cannot be overstated," said Chris Witt, vice presidnt and general manager, Time Domain Business Unit at Tektronix. "We recognized several years ago that the only way forward was with a completely new platform with today's market requirements in mind. We are honored to receive Product of the Year honors, which we believe validates the important role the 5 Series MSO will play in enabling innovation going forward."
Electronic Products, which is owned by the media group AspenCore, selected the winners of the 42nd annual Product of the Year Award based on a rigorous evaluation of products launched in the past year. The winning products were selected on the basis of innovative design, significant advancement in technology or application, and substantial achievement in price and performance. The winners were announced in the January 2018 issue of Electronic Products with a cover feature and a brief description of each product. Additionally, the winning products appear on Electronic Products' website at: http://www.electronicproducts.com/ProductYear.aspx.
Wondering what else Tektronix is up to? Check out the Tektronix Bandwidth Banter blog and stay up to date on the latest news from Tektronix on Twitter and Facebook. About Tektronix Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix delivers innovative, precise and easy-to-operate test, measurement and monitoring solutions that solve problems, unlock insights and drive discovery. Tektronix has been at the forefront of the digital age for over 70 years. Join us on the journey of innovation at TEK.COM. Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tektronix-5-series-mso-named-product-of-the-year-by-electronic-products-magazine-300577388.html SOURCE Tektronix, Inc.
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[January 04, 2018] Sling TV Partners with comScore to Offer First Ever Cross-Platform Addressable Advertising Measurement
RESTON, Va., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- comScore today announced that it is partnering with Sling TV, the top skinny bundle provider by household penetration and viewing time*, to offer cross-platform addressable advertising measurement for campaigns that joins the live OTT service's impressions and DISH set-top box impressions. comScore is the first company to offer services that measure addressable television impressions across all platforms, including over-the-top (OTT). As the inaugural user of this new service, Sling TV brings comScore verified addressable TV impressions and OTT impressions together. This gives Sling TV advertisers a fluid view of their campaign's performance across the OTT service's connected TV, mobile and desktop impressions, as well as linear TV impressions on DISH. DISH Media Sales, which oversees ad sales for DISH and Sling TV, first introduced addressable advertising on its satellite TV platform in 2012 and opened cross-platform addressable advertising across both platforms earlier this fall. Cross-platform advertising enables brands to reach DISH and Sling TV viewers in a premium, brand-safe environment with a single buy. Using anonymized data, ads are delivered during live and Video-On-Demand content with pinpoint accuracy across any device, while the viewer watches TV. With the introduction of comScore's new service, advertisers can now validate the performance of these campaigns with addressable advertising metrics across platforms, using consistent third-party measurement. "Bringing Sling TV's impressions into the measurement fold gives advertisers an apples-to-apples view of their campaign across platform, device and even alongside traditional TV," said Adam Lowy, head of Sling TV advertising sales. "We've partnered with comScore to offer advertisers a single, trusted metric to validate their campaigns and bridge these targeted, addressable TV impressions, regardless of where they run." comScore's linear TV addressable advertising measurement has been used by major agencies and brands for more than five years. This new offering will operate similarly, but extends measurement of addressable campaign deliery to multiple platforms.
"Addressable advertising for television content is projected to grow 66 percent this year to $1.3 billion in media spend**," said Cathy Hetzel, comScore executive vice president. "As more addressable TV inventory becomes available in OTT, there's a growing desire among advertisers to take advantage of the premium quality of television with the benefits of greater addressability. At the same time, it's important that this inventory can be valued alongside traditional linear formats with consistent independent measurement." Additionally, comprehensive cross-platform campaign measurement will be available for all Sling TV campaigns via comScore validated Campaign Essentials (vCE), which offers advertisers insight into ad and audience delivery and allows Sling TV to offer brands complete coverage of its inventory with independent third-party verification.
*Source: comScore OTT Intelligence, U.S., As of November 2017
**Source: eMarketer, U.S. Addressable TV Ad Spending Estimates, 2015-2019 About comScore
comScore is a leading cross-platform measurement company that measures audiences, brands and consumer behavior everywhere. comScore completed its merger with Rentrak Corporation in January 2016, to create the new model for a dynamic, cross-platform world. Built on precision and innovation, comScore's data footprint combines proprietary digital, TV and movie intelligence with vast demographic details to quantify consumers' multiscreen behavior at massive scale. This approach helps media companies monetize their complete audiences and allows marketers to reach these audiences more effectively. With more than 3,200 clients and a global footprint in more than 75 countries, comScore is delivering the future of measurement. Shares of comScore stock are currently traded on the OTC Market (OTC:SCOR). For more information on comScore, please visit comscore.com. About DISH Media Sales
DISH Media Sales provides advertising sales for leading pay-TV provider DISH Network L.L.C. and its over-the-top television service Sling TV. Through innovative platforms like addressable and programmatic, viewer measurement tools and access to custom audiences on DISH and Sling TV, advertisers are equipped to employ strategically positioned, demographically targeted buys that enhance their national media campaigns. Visit www.dishmediasales.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including, without limitation, comScore's expectations as to the impact of comScore Viewability, validated Campaign Essentials (vCE) and comScore's entire suite of advertising products. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from expectations, including, but not limited to, comScore's ability to achieve its expected financial and operational results. For additional discussion of risk factors, please refer to comScore's respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and other filings that comScore makes from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are available on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. comScore does not intend or undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or new information after the date of this press release, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sling-tv-partners-with-comscore-to-offer-first-ever-cross-platform-addressable-advertising-measurement-300577409.html SOURCE comScore
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[January 04, 2018] Einstein Bros. Bagels Replaces Traditional Alarm Clock Sounds with Breakfast-Themed Wake-Up Tones
LAKEWOOD, Colo., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Einstein Bros. Bagels announced today the launch of Wake-Up Tones, four limited-edition, downloadable alarm tones that mimic morning breakfast essentials, to help people wake up on the right side of the bed in time for the most important meal of the day breakfast. Guests who visit www.EinsteinBros.com/WakeUp can download the free MP3 alarm tones directly to their mobile device and receive a coupon for a free egg sandwich with any purchase at an Einstein Bros. Bagels location. The downloadable Wake-Up Tones are available in four essential morning sounds that start the day off right: Bacon Sizzling Nothing gets you out of bed faster than the sound of sizzling bacon in the morning. Start the day off with a sound so delicious, you can almost taste it
Nothing gets you out of bed faster than the sound of sizzling bacon in the morning. Start the day off with a sound so delicious, you can almost taste it Coffee Brewing Wake up and hear the coffee. The comforting hum of coffee brewing will make anyone a morning person
Wake up and hear the coffee. The comforting hum of coffee brewing will make anyone a morning person Eggs Frying Start your day sunny-side up with the sizzle of fresh-cracked eggs in the skillet
Start your day sunny-side up with the sizzle of fresh-cracked eggs in the skillet Rooster Crowing A rooster's crow signifies sunrise and, more importantly, breakfast! Wake up to the rooster's song each morning to prepare for the day ahead "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but so many of us allow it to become ordinary and mundane, repeating the same meal day in and out or, worse, skipping it altogether," said Kerry Coyne, Einstein Bros. Bagels SVP of Marketing, Product and R&D. "These alarms tones offer delicious motivation to get up on the right side of the bed and set your day up for success with a nutritious breakfast, made fresh and covenient."
In conjunction with the launch of Wake-Up Tones, Einstein Bros. Bagels is rolling out two new flavor-packed breakfast sandwiches at participating stores including: Cheesy Wakin' Bacon Choice of one or two Cage-Free Eggs, Thick-Cut Bacon, and Cheddar on a Six-Cheese Gourmet Bagel
Choice of one or two Cage-Free Eggs, Thick-Cut Bacon, and Cheddar on a Six-Cheese Gourmet Bagel No Yolk Cage-Free Egg Whites, Turkey -Bacon, Tomato, Avocado and Roasted Tomato Spread on an Ancient Grain Thintastic Bagel Einstein Bros. Bagels is also testing new Wake-Cups at participating stores in Los Angeles, San Diego and Dallas. The protein-packed egg cups are the perfect option for breakfast on-the-go and are available in two delicious varieties:
Turkey-Bacon Egg White Wake-Cup Cage-Free Egg Whites with Spinach, Mushrooms and Turkey -Bacon with 12 grams of protein and 120 calories
Cage-Free Egg Whites with Spinach, Mushrooms and -Bacon with 12 grams of protein and 120 calories Bacon, Ham & Cheese Wake-Cup Cage-Free Eggs with Ham and Thick-Cut Bacon with 18 grams of protein and 180 calories Shareable social media images and backgrounds with inspirational and motivational sayings and tips to brighten mornings can also be downloaded at www.EinsteinBros.com. The alarm tones, social media images and new lineup of limited-time menu offerings are available from January 4 May 2, 2018. For additional information on Einstein Bros. Bagels, to become a Shmear Society member or find the nearest restaurant, please visit www.EinsteinBros.com. Follow Einstein Bros. Bagels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc. Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of the Coffee & Bagel Brands family, a leading quick-casual company also known for Caribou Coffee, Bruegger's Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel brands. Einstein Bros. Bagels is a neighborhood bagelry that's always cooking up a new way to bagel. Known for its fresh-baked bagels available in a variety of flavors and premium double-whipped shmears, Einstein Bros. Bagels also serves gourmet bagel sandwiches, coffee, espresso, sweets and snacks. Einstein Bros. Bagels is proud to be the largest bagel retail company in America with more than 700 locations in 40 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more, visit www.EinsteinBros.com. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/einstein-bros-bagels-replaces-traditional-alarm-clock-sounds-with-breakfast-themed-wake-up-tones-300577592.html SOURCE Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc.
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[January 04, 2018] Quartet Kicks Off 2018 with $40 Million More in Funding and Three Industry Leaders Join the Board
Quartet, the technology company bridging physical and mental healthcare, announced that it has raised $40 million in a Series C round to fuel the nationwide expansion of its proven model. The financing was led by F-Prime Capital Partners and Polaris Partners with all existing investors participating, including Oak HC/FT and GV (formerly Google (News - Alert) Ventures), and new investor Deerfield Management. This brings the total amount of capital raised to date by Quartet to $87 million. Quartet will use the new capital to expand its core engineering and product capabilities across its primary care, behavioral health and patient platforms, scale its machine learning team, and continue to build out its provider network, partner success and new business development functions. "Making collaboration between primary care physicians and behavioral health specialists work is a must if we are ever going to improve the overall health of our country," said Arun Gupta, founder and chief executive officer of Quartet. "The bridge between mental and physical health is being built with technology leading the charge. We have experienced tremendous growth coming into 2018, and are excited to have the best of the healthcare and technology worlds supporting us as we scale." Quartet is separately adding three industry-leading executives to its board of directors: Carl Byers, eecutive partner at F-Prime Capital and previously longtime athenahealth chief financial officer and founding team member
Ken Goulet, former executive vice president and president of commercial and specialties businesses at Anthem Inc.
Lanham Napier, former chief executive officer of Rackspace (News - Alert) and co-founder at BuildGroup
Ken Goulet said, "Quartet is showing very compelling results in an area of our healthcare system that so needs innovation. For insurers nationwide today, it's all about finding opportunities to enhance the member experience, better collaborate with providers and improve the healthcare quality and cost dynamic. Quartet is one of the most promising companies I've seen that is winning on all three of those fronts."
"Our healthcare system is so in need of what I know we can do with great technology. Quartet is really proving that technology can help this dysfunctional healthcare system of ours. That's what drew me in," said Napier. Quartet also announced today it's launching in New Jersey, which marks the Company's sixth major market and first statewide implementation. Teaming up with Horizon BCBS, Quartet is helping improve the total health of residents in New Jersey. Quartet is building a collaborative health ecosystem by curating effective care team networks and combining their expertise with data-driven insights and innovation. By ensuring care is personalized and tailored to individual patient needs, Quartet strives to significantly improve patient outcomes and overall well-being. About Quartet Quartet is a pioneering technology company connecting physical and mental care to improve people's health and quality of life. We are building a collaborative technology platform that brings together physicians, mental health providers, and insurance companies to effectively improve patient outcomes and drive down healthcare costs. Our data-driven platform identifies high-need patients and facilitates access to personalized care. Backed by $87 million in venture funding from top investors including F-Prime Capital Partners, Polaris Partners, GV (formerly Google Ventures), Oak HC/FT and Deerfield Management, Quartet is headquartered in New York City and is currently operating in several markets across the US -- Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Washington, Northern California, and New Jersey. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005757/en/
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[January 04, 2018] Monnit ALTA Wireless Sensor Solutions Now Available for Immediate Shipment from Digi-Key
THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Monnit Corporation's portfolio of ALTA wireless sensor solutions is now available through Digi-Key Electronics, a global electronic components distributor, thanks to Digi-Key joining Monnit's new IoTvantage Premier Internet of Things (IoT) Partner Program. ALTA is the only wireless sensor platform available today that offers 1,000+ feet wireless range (non-line-of-sight), 10+ year battery life, and integrated bank-level security. "We are excited to be working with Digi-Key as a distribution partner," said Brad Walters, CEO of Monnit Corporation. "Digi-Key's expertise and presence in the electronics industry combined with Monnit's award winning ALTA wireless sensing solutions will make the Internet of Things more accessible than ever before." Monnit's solutions will be available to Digi-Key customers via ten market-specific application kits with either cellular or Ethernet connectivity. Current application kits include; Commercial Refrigeration, Remote Real Estate, HVAC, Pharmacy/Lab, IT Server Room, Corporate Property, Agriculture, Mobile Refrigeration, Industrial Manufacturing and Small Business. Each kit includes everything needed to get started and requires less than 5 minutes to set up. "We are eager to partner with Monnit and assist them in bringing the Internet of Things to companies all over the world," said David Stein, VP, Global Semiconductors at Digi-Key. "Partnering with Monnit will allow us to provide their easy-to-use, industry-leading ALTA wireless ensing solutions to our customers, helping them realize efficiencies and cost savings for their businesses."
For more information about Monnit's ALTA products and to view their entire product listing, visit their Supplier Center page on the Digi-Key website. About Monnit Corp.
Monnit leads the Internet of Things by empowering businesses with easy-to-use, low-cost remote monitoring solutions. Monnit solutions can be used to: remotely monitor a variety of "Things" (i.e. temperature, motion, humidity, vibration, etc.); alerting you via text, email, and/or phone call when something goes wrong. More at www.monnit.com. About Digi-Key Electronics Digi-Key Electronics, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minn., USA, is an authorized global, full-service distributor of electronic components, offering more than six million products, with over 1.3 million in stock and available for immediate shipment, from over 650 quality name-brand manufacturers. Digi-Key also offers a wide variety of online resources such as EDA and design tools, datasheets, reference designs, instructional articles and videos, multimedia libraries, and much more. Technical support is available 24/7 via email, phone and webchat. Additional information and access to Digi-Key's broad product offering can be found by visiting www.digikey.com. Editorial Contact for Digi-Key Electronics Kayla Krosschell
PR & Marketing Communications Specialist
1.800.338.4105 x1098
kayla.krosschell@digikey.com
publicrelations@digikey.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monnit-alta-wireless-sensor-solutions-now-available-for-immediate-shipment-from-digi-key-300577656.html SOURCE Digi-Key Electronics
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Top 5 Vendors in the Global Automotive Body Control Module Market - Technavio
Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors in their recent global automotive body control module (BCM) market report from 2017-2021. This market research report also lists 10 other prominent vendors that are expected to impact the market during the forecast period.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005523/en/
Technavio has published a new market research report on the global automotive body control module market 2017-2021 under their automotive library. (Graphic: Business Wire)
Competitive vendor landscape
The global automotive BCM market is facing intense competition due to the presence of large players in the market. The major reason for the increasing rivalry between the players is the increasing cost pressure because of the increasing electronic content in vehicles. The increasing electronic content in vehicles demands the integration of various sensors in a module.
According to Amey Vikram, a lead analyst at Technavio for automotive electronics research, "The increasing demand for auto electronics increases the need for automotive BCM. The use of multiple BCMs in luxury cars is increasing competition among players. During the forecast period, the auto electronics manufacturers that make automotive ECUs are anticipated to enter the manufacture of automotive BCM, which is also a type of ECU."
Avail Technavio's Year-End Special offer: Get 50% of on this report and all other reports covering industries like ICT; energy; food and beverage; healthcare and life sciences; automotive; industrial automation; education; and many more. Offer valid only from Dec 18 - Jan 7.
Technavio market research analysts identify the following key vendors:
Bosch
Bosch is the world's largest supplier of automotive components. The core products offered by the company include automotive components, industrial products, and building products. Automotive components contribute to 60% of the total revenue. The BCM provided by Bosch acts as the integration platform for several applications such as internal lighting applications and external lighting applications.
Continental
Continental offers products and services for the automotive and rubber industries. The company engages in the manufacture of soft rubber products, rubberized fabrics, solid tires for carriages and bicycles, and automotive electronics. The BCM or central BCM offered by the company has several functions such as external lighting, interior lighting, windshield wipers, windshield washer systems, and central locking systems.
Delphi (News - Alert)
Delphi is a global technology company that provides a wide range of products and solutions for the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors. The company's products help in making vehicles safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. Delphi BCM links its inputs and outputs with powerful microprocessors. Delphi BCM uses ASIC and surface mounted devices (SMD) to make the body electronic components to be small and reliable.
DENSO (News - Alert)
DENSO supplies advanced automotive technologies, systems, and components to established players in the automotive industry. DENSO offers a variety of automotive products and technologies such as powertrain control systems, electronic systems, thermal systems, information and safety systems, and small motors. Inverter power conditioning unit (PCU) offered by the company consists of an inverter and other devices that regulate the current flow from the battery to the electric motor.
HELLA
HELLA is an internationally operating automotive supplier operating out of Germany. The company develops and manufactures lighting and electronic components and systems for the automotive industry. The company offers automotive EMS components, such as actuators, body electronics, driver assistance systems, and sensors.
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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005523/en/
By Harinder Mishra
Jerusalem, Jan 4 (PTI) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will present a special gift - the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep - to his friend Narendra Modi during his visit to India starting January 14, according to sources here.
Netanyahu and Modi waded into the Mediterranean Sea and rode the "buggy" jeep on the coast during the latters visit to Israel in July last year.
Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to Modi, informed sources said.
As Netanyahu prepares for his four day visit to India, sources confirmed that the jeep has "indeed" left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to Modi.
The jeep is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately USD 111,000).
Modi and Netanyahu hadiwitnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during the Indian Prime Ministers visit to Israel.
"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water...Can provide drinking water," Modi had said after the demonstration.
Gal-Mobile is an independent, integrated water purification vehicle, designed to produce high-quality drinking water. It can be useful in natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, military use in difficult terrain and rural areas to provide drinkable water.
It can purify up to 20,000 litres per day of sea water and 80,000 litres per day of brackish/muddy or contaminated river water and bring it to WHO standards.
The camaraderie between the two leaders was on full display as they spent some time on the beach and had a long chat standing ankle deep in the waters with waves hitting their feet.
"Theres nothing like going to the beach with friends!," the Israeli leader had later tweeted.
The two leaders later drove together in the mobile water desalination unit, which looked like a dune buggy, and sipped desalinated water from wine glasses, raising a toast with others present there. PTI HM NSA
[January 04, 2018] Worldwide Debut of Daplie Connect Home Server is Coming to CES 2018
PROVO, Utah, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Daplie; on a mission to challenge the status quo for centralized cloud storage services and take back citizens Internet privacy, digital ownership, and control of personal information, today announced the worldwide debut of Daplie Connect, the world's first home server for everyone at CES 2018. Daplie will be on-display in booth #52342 in Eureka Park throughout CES, which takes place January 7-12, 2018 in Las Vegas.
Daplie allows consumers to take back their Internet privacy, digital ownership, and control of their personal data and information and keep it secure and private on servers they control and manage in their home or office and share with people and devices, including smart home devices, without relinquishing ownership, control, or privacy a true industry first. Daplie executives will be onsite to discuss Connect and other new Daplie hardware solutions for homes, businesses, smart devices, and emerging distributed technologies such as blockchain. CES LOGISTICS:
1. CES Unveiled Shorelines Exhibit Hall, Mandalay Bay Sunday, January 7, 2018 5 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 2. CES 2018 Eureka Park Sands Convention Center Tuesday, January 9 Friday, January 12, 2018 Hall G Booth #: 52342
MEET DAPLIE CONNECT: Daplie Connect is an at-home, plug-and-play omnipresent home server and cloud storage system allowing users to host websites, apps, and email; store documents, music, videos, and photos; ensure social privacy; manage smart home and IoT and more all with one upfront investment and no monthly fees.
Out of the box, Daplie is ready to go in a matter of minutes with one simple plug and an automated setup process handled by its companion app. Users can easily grant and revoke data access to family and friends at will, and with Daplies end-to-end encryption, users are better protected from hacks and threats against their digital assets. With its stackable Daplie Storage drives, users can store up to 8TB of data without the hassle of extra cords. Daplie takes the power away from behemoth corporations like Google, Apple, Verizon, and Amazon and gives it back to freedom fighters who want to own and control their digital lives. Daplie executives will also be discussing the Companys soon-to-close second funding campaign via Wefunder. The Companys first round was oversubscribed having to turn away over 300 investors. Both accredited and non-accredited investors may participate in the current Wefunder campaign through January 19, 2018. For more information on how to invest visit https://wefunder.com/daplie. PRODUCTS & PRICING
Daplie Connect: 2GB RAM, Multi-Core ARM CPU, 2X USB ports, 2X Ethernet, 5v power (20 w max.). Dimensions: 140mm wide x 30mm tall, 23 ounces. MSRP $295.
Daplie Life Storage Drive: 2TB capacity. MSRP $149.
Daplie Connect + Life: Daplie Connect server + (1) 2TB Daplie Life drive. Max of 4 stackable storage drivers per server (8 TB total). MSPR $399. AVAILABILITY
Daplie will begin product shipments of its Daplie Connect home server system to its pre-order customers starting in April 2018. The Company also reiterated its Q3 2018 ship date guidance for general availability worldwide. ABOUT DAPLIE CONNECT
Daplie Connect downloads all your digital content from your phone, tablet, computer, and other cloud storage services to a physical unit you keep at home, or even a network of Daplie Connect devices you trust. Through the app or using a private domain name (i.e. smithfamily.net); you have access to all your content, on any device, on any platform, from anywhere. No monthly fees, no restrictions, just the freedom to use the Internet on your terms, not somebody elses. Now in the final stages of development and testing, the flagship product Connect is affordable, simpler to use than Dropbox, and fully automated. DAPLIE IS INTERNET FREEDOM
With Daplie you are free from surveillance. Free to safely and conveniently file share. Free to access your data from any device across any platform. Free from monthly rent and the hassles of multiple clouds. Free from the restrictions of big cloud dictatorship. Free to imagine: your own social network, a family shared system, small business solutions, hosting your own website, decentralized applications. With Daplie, the possibilities are endless. For more information please visit www.daplie.com. Media Contact:
Susan Donahue for Daplie
Skyya
Susan.Donahue@skyya.com
646-454-9378
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[January 04, 2018] 2018 INFORMS Franz Edelman Award finalists selected from leading analytics teams around the world
CATONSVILLE, Md., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- INFORMS, the leading international association for professionals in operations research and analytics, has selected six finalists for the 47th annual Franz Edelman Award for Achievements in Operations Research and Management Science, the world's most prestigious award for achievement in the practice of analytics and O.R. For more than four decades, winners of the Edelman Award have been recognized for transforming how we approach some of the world's most complex problems. This year's finalists are no exception, with revolutionary contributions to the broadcasting, health, communication, inventory management, vehicle fleet management, and alternative energy industries. In all, finalists for the Edelman Award have contributed to a cumulative impact of over $250 billion since the award's inception. The finalists for the 2018 Edelman Award are: China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). China's natural gas consumption has nearly doubled over the past five years. To better meet demand, CNPC, China's largest oil and natural gas producer and supplier, partnered with researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and Tsinghua University to develop and implement a new software that optimized the country's natural gas pipeline. Previously, all annual planning for CNPC, which controls 75 percent of the country's natural gas resources and pipeline network, was manually conducted using spreadsheets. However, the increasing complexity and size of China's natural gas pipeline meant the previous method had large measures of error, increasing costs and wasting resources. Since implementing its new systems at the end of 2014, CNPC has realized approximately $330 million in direct savings for CNPC, and the increased efficiency of the pipeline has enabled it to delay further pipeline expansions saving billions of additional dollars. Europcar, the leading European car rental company that provides rental services to more than 5 million drivers annually, partnered with ACT Operations Research to create Opticar an advanced logistics management solutions for tackling the many factors that impact the car rental industry each day, such as the need for vehicles at airports and hotels and customer requests for vehicle upgrades. The system can also anticipate future demand for Europcar's fleet of vehicles, up to six months in advance, improving capacity management. In addition, the Opticar system enabled Europcar to optimize its approach to revenue management, providing a new, more stable pricing system for its vehicle rentals that takes into account competitor pricing, what vehicles are currently available, and expected demand for vehicles. The Federal Communications Commission recently completed the world's first two-sided auction of valuable low-band electromagnetic spectrum, reclaiming channels from TV broadcasters to meet the exploding demand for wireless services. The Commission purchased spectrum from TV broadcasters, sold the acquired spectum to wireless providers, and assigned the remaining broadcasters to new channels in a smaller TV band. Operations research tools, including optimization software and satisfiability solvers, were essential to the spectrum clearing target calculations, auction winner determinations, and final TV channel assignments. The auction repurposed 84 MHz of TV spectrum for wireless use, raised nearly $20 billion in revenue, paid over $10 billion to winning broadcasters, provided nearly $2 billion for relocation costs for non-winning broadcasters, and contributed over $7 billion to reduce the federal deficit. The final channel assignments, which included all 2,900 U.S. and Canadian TV stations, enabled 78 percent of the stations to remain on their existing channels, providing an estimated savings of more than $200 million in relocation costs.
Intel, which employs more than 100,000 people in over 70 countries around the world and has an annual revenue of $60 billion, implemented a fully automated Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization (MEIO) based inventory target-setting system managing $1 billion daily in finished goods inventory representing over $40 billion a year in sales. Algorithm-derived inventory targets at Intel are accepted by planners +99.5 percent of the time and have simultaneously driven higher customer service and lower inventory levels resulting in over $1.3 billion in gross profit since 2014. In addition, customers are delighted: since MEIO was implemented at all of Intel's vendor managed inventory hubs in 2012, customer satisfaction has never been higher and Intel has landed in the top-10 of Gartner's Supply Chain Top-25 every year. Faculty in the department of Business Analytics and Statistics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the supply chain software company Logility also contributed to this project. The Pediatric Heart Network enlisted researchers with the Georgia Institute of Technology to create clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for pre-, intra-, and post-surgical care of patients with congenital heart defects (CHDs), the most common birth defect, impacting nearly 1 million children and 1.4 million adults in the U.S. Substantial variances in surgical practices to treat patients with CHDs among different healthcare centers were reflected in inconsistent surgical outcomes, some of which resulted in negative consequences for patients. By studying the nine leading U.S. pediatric centers, the researchers identified seven significant factors for influencing surgical outcome, and implemented a CPG that enables patients to be removed from breathing apparatuses earlier, lowered the rate of reintubation, and decreased the time patients need to remain in the intensive care unit. These guidelines also realized a cost savings of 27 percent, which translates to $13,500 per patient.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a division of TimeWarner that manages multiple popular television networks including CNN, TBS, and the Cartoon Network, developed two television audience targeting solutions that simultaneously created advertiser and sales efficiencies. TargetingNOW and AudienceNOW, released in 2014 and 2015, respectively, revolutionized media industry standards and processes by implementing integrated forecasting and optimization models to increase the demographics and reach of advertising opportunities. Currently, more than 130 advertisement deals have been executed under these new solutions representing significant ad revenue. Turner anticipates that by 2020, half its advertising inventory will be purchased through TargetingNOW and AudienceNOW, realizing ad revenue in the billions. Based on the current success of these systems, Turner is currently expanding its use of these methods to optimize other areas of media revenue management, including its programing schedules, as well as its Latin American markets. About the Franz Edelman Award
First awarded in 1972, the prize is named in honor of Franz Edelman, who founded the Operations Research division within RCA, one of the first corporations to embed operations research as a business imperative. Previous winners of the Franz Edelman Award include the 2017 winner Holiday Retirement, as well as UPS, IBM, Syngenta, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Hewlett-Packard, and General Motors, among others. The 2018 Edelman Award will be presented at the INFORMS Conference on Business Analytics and Operations Research in Baltimore, MD on April 15-17. For more information on the Franz Edelman award, watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lq0B6wnAbk0&feature=youtu.be. About INFORMS With 12,500 members from nearly 90 countries, INFORMS is the largest international association of operations research (O.R.) and analytics professionals and students. INFORMS provides unique networking and learning opportunities for individual professionals, and organizations of all types and sizes, to better understand and use O.R. and analytics tools and methods to transform strategic visions and achieve better outcomes. Visit www.informs.org or @informs. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2018-informs-franz-edelman-award-finalists-selected-from-leading-analytics-teams-around-the-world-300577705.html SOURCE INFORMS
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[January 04, 2018] 24th Annual Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference at Harvard Business School Announces Keynote Speakers and Agenda
The Venture Capital & Private Equity Club, a student club at Harvard Business School, will hold its 24th annual Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference on Saturday, January 27, 2018, on the Harvard Business School campus in Boston. One of Harvard Business School's most anticipated student-run conferences, the one-day event will bring together several hundred venture capital and private equity professionals, academics, and students to discuss the most prominent issues in today's alternative investing space. Several new and exciting panel topics will be introduced this year, including infrastructure, energy, oil, renewables and gas and growth equity. Also on the agenda are several of last year's popular topics, including cross border investing, diversity in private equity, turnarounds, operational value creation, healthcare, technology, consumer, and more. Over 60 panelists and moderators with extensive experience in venture capital and private equity will help cultivate engaging and informative discussions around each topic. A selection of distinguished keynote speakers are slated to present at the VCPE conference this year, including: Kewsong Lee, Co-Chief Executive Officer, The Carlyle Group
Sean Klimczak, Global Head of Infrastructure, Blackstone
Paul Maeder, Co-Founder, Highland Capital Partners (News - Alert)
Holly McConnell, Managing Director, General Catalyst Conference panels will comprise a wide variety of leading alternative investment professionals, including general partners, limited partners, intermediaries, and industry consultants, among others. To view the full schedule of speakers and events, and to regiter to attend the conference, please visit: www.thevcpeconference.com.
"We are very pleased to once again bring together talented financial professionals and the next generation of leaders in private equity and venture capital in a knowledge sharing and interactive atmosphere at the 2018 VCPE conference," said Pete Suberlak, Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2018 and co-chair of the Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference. "We have worked diligently to develop thought-provoking panels that will address the latest topics, trends and issues in the alternative investment space. It is a pleasure to be a part of such a prominent and longstanding event here at Harvard Business School, and we look forward to a day filled with insightful information and terrific networking opportunities." "As one of the largest and most popular events on campus, the VCPE conference has played a critical role for our student body from a career advisory and developmental standpoint," said Rashard Green, Harvard Business School MBA Class of 2018 and co-chair of the Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference. "Harvard Business School students are fortunate to have the opportunity to connect with so many passionate and seasoned professionals from various asset classes within the financial world. It is a privilege and honor to host such an impactful event, and we sincerely thank the speakers, panelists, moderators, sponsors, organizers and attendees who make this conference successful year after year."
Sponsoring the conference are esteemed members of the financial community, including Ernst & Young, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Dechert LLP, Preqin, First Republic Bank, and BackBay Communications. About the Venture Capital & Private Equity Club
The Venture Capital & Private Equity (VCPE) Club is a student-run club at Harvard Business School. The Club is committed to providing its members with career and educational opportunities focused on the venture capital and private equity sectors. The VCPE Club's goal is to provide members with an opportunity to learn about venture capital and private equity, interact with some of the industry's leading players, and meet fellow students who share similar interests. The Annual Venture Capital & Private Equity Conference is the Club's marquee event and is one of the largest student-run conferences on campus. Each year the VCPE Club brings in high-profile venture capitalists as well as LBO and private equity investors from around the world. Additional Information
The Harvard name and the VERITAS shield are trademarks of the President and Fellows of Harvard College and are used by permission of Harvard University. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180104005778/en/
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[January 04, 2018] NCSBN Kicks off Yearlong 40th Anniversary Celebration
CHICAGO, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN), www.ncsbn.org, marks reaching its 40th anniversary milestone in 2018 with the inspiring theme of Regulatory Excellence Surging Toward the Future. Founded March 15, 1978, as an independent not-for-profit organization, NCSBN was initially created to lessen the burdens of state governments and bring together boards of nursing (BONs) to act and counsel together on matters of common interest. It has evolved into one of the leading voices of regulation across the world.
This year we celebrate 40 years of regulatory excellence and anticipate a future of transforming nursing regulation and embracing innovations to further our mission of public protection, comments NCSBN Board of Directors President Katherine Thomas, MN, RN, FAAN, executive director, Texas Board of Nursing. Throughout its 40-year history, NCSBN has been a groundbreaker. Some of its many accomplishments include: Being the first organization to implement computerized adaptive testing (CAT) for nationwide licensure examination in 1994. Since then, more than 5 million candidates for nurse licensure have taken the NCLEX exam via CAT.
In 2014, NCLEX-RN Examination became the licensure/registration exam for Canadian nurses (for all provices except for Quebec), marking the first time that the test was utilized for the purpose of licensure in another country.
Conducting the landmark, award-winning, multisite National Simulation Study examining the use of simulation in prelicensure nursing programs.
BONs were the first health care provider regulatory bodies to develop a model for interstate practice with the original adoption of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in 1997 and its implementation in 2000. The enhanced NLC will be implemented Jan. 19, 2018, with a membership of 27 states*. NCSBN CEO David Benton, RGN, PhD, FFNF, FRCN, FAAN, remarked, Forty years is a major milestone. It is a time to reflect, a time to celebrate but also a time to look to the future. 2018 will be a year where we look to build on our successes, learn from our failures and recommit to advancing public safety and regulatory excellence as we move forward. In the coming year, NCSBN will unveil a seminal Global Regulatory Atlas; publish, in cooperation with The National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, the 2017 National Nursing Workforce Survey; reveal a new logo; launch a new website; and distribute a booklet for new nurses with the goal of providing one to every newly licensed nurse in the U.S.
About NCSBN
NCSBNs membership is comprised of the boards of nursing (BONs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and the Virgin Islands. There are also 30 associate members that are either nursing regulatory bodies or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories. NCSBN Member Boards protect the public by ensuring that safe and competent nursing care is provided by licensed nurses. These BONs regulate more than 4.5 million licensed nurses. Mission: NCSBN provides education, service and research through collaborative leadership to promote evidence-based regulatory excellence for patient safety and public protection. The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not the individual member state or territorial boards of nursing. *eNLC states include: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Contact: Dawn M. Kappel
Director, Marketing and Communications
312.525.3667 direct
312.279.1034 fax
dkappel@ncsbn.org
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New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) There is no proposal to review the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to Pakistan, the government said today.
In a written reply to a question, Minister of State for External Affairs M J Akbar said India has accorded MFN status to all WTO members, including Pakistan, in accordance with the provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.
"It is unfortunate that Pakistan has not fulfilled its international obligations in this regard, so far," the minister told the Rajya Sabha in his reply.
He also said that presently, no proposal to review the MFN status to Pakistan was under consideration.
Replying to separate question, Akbar said SAARC has been unable to achieve its potential as key initiatives, including in the important area of connectivity, were held back due to "lack of response and/or obstructionist" approach of Pakistan.
Several SAARC member states expressed their inability to participate in the 19th SAARC Summit that was scheduled to be held in November 2016 in Pakistan due to concerns arising from increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in the internal affairs of member states by that country, the minister said.
He also said that India remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts but believes that these can only go forward in an atmosphere free from terror. PTI PYK ASK ASK
After two days of whirlwind developments, we finally have more of a complete picture of the new vulnerabilities that impact processors from the leading vendors. Reports initially surfaced two days ago that Intel's processors are susceptible to a new hardware-based bug that cannot be patched with a mere microcode update. A report from The Register, based in part on a blog post, said that incoming Windows and Linux patches would correct the vulnerability but come with a 5-30% performance loss depending on the workload.
The industry remained silent due to NDAs that were scheduled to expire on January 9, the same date as a round of patches were scheduled to appear. After a day of silence while its stock slumped, Intel issued a statement and claimed the issue is not a hardware bug. Intel also announced that it's working with other titans of the industry, such as AMD and ARM Holdings, to "develop an industry-wide approach to resolve this issue promptly and constructively." AMD has since released a statement and claimed that it has minimal exposure to the primary vulnerability.
The root issues behind the vulnerabilities weren't clearly defined at the time, but a slew of releases from several of the parties involved, along with Google's Project Zero team, have shed light on two new exploits that have served as the catalyst for the recent developments. We'll cover the new exploits below; then we'll get to the updates from Intel, ARM, AMD, and Nvidia.
Performance First
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, recent tests indicate the patch does not impart a cataclysmic performance loss in most workloads. Phoronix tested the Linux patch, and Computerbase.de tested a patched Windows Insider build.
The good news? Most desktop applications appear to be safe in both Windows 10 and Linux. That includes most workloads that are largely confined to the user space, such as gaming and normal productivity applications. There does appear to be a slowdown to storage I/O operations (2-7%), but for now it's hard to ascertain if that is due to the patch or other kernel updates. The Windows 10 patch was rolled out to the Windows Insider builds in November, and there haven't been reports of performance issues.
The bad news? The patch does incur a performance overhead to some enterprise applications. Phoronix recorded significant performance regressions in the object-relational PostgreSQL database. Redis also suffers a performance loss. Many industry analysts feel the real impacts will come in virtualized environments, but we have yet to see benchmarks. Google has already updated all its cloud infrastructure, which includes its cloud computing services, and we haven't yet heard of significant user backlash due to reduced performance.
Meet Meltdown & Spectre
Google's Project Zero touched off the vulnerability scare when it discovered that it could access data held in the protected kernel memory through two exploits that are now known as Meltdown and Spectre. Google does not believe these exploits have ever been used in the wild, but it's impossible to tell if they have or not.
Meltdown is both easy to execute and easy to fix. This exploit allows applications to read from the protected kernel memory. That ability can allow hackers to read passwords, encryption keys, or other data from the memory. Intel's statement specifically noted that the exploits cannot corrupt, modify, or delete data, but those points are moot if the attacker can access passwords and encryption keys. The biggest concern for data centers and cloud service providers is that the exploit also allows an application resident in one virtual machine to access the memory of another remote virtual machine. This means an attacker could rent an instance on a public cloud and collect information from other virtual machines on the same server.
Researchers have been able to execute a Meltdown exploit only on Intel processors, although ARM has submitted patches to protect itself from the same method of attack. In fact, the attack exploits Intel's out-of-order execution implementation that is present on every Intel processor made since 1995. Researchers discovered Meltdown last year. The exploit is reportedly simple enough that a script kiddie could execute the attack, so a fix is of utmost importance.
Apple already patched this exploit in the MacOS December OSX patch (10.13.2). Windows is also pushing emergency patches out immediately. The Linux kernel has also been patched. These patches do have performance impacts, as we noted above, that largely revolve around how frequently the application issues kernel calls.
The Spectre exploit is much more nefarious and impacts Intel, AMD, and ARM. This exploit can access kernel memory or data from other applications. Researchers contend that fixing this exploit would require a fundamental re-tooling of all processor architectures, so we'll live with the threat of this vulnerability for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, this exploit is extremely hard to execute and requires an elevated level of knowledge of the interior workings of the target processor.
These two exploits are categorized into three variants. Variants 1 and 2 are Spectre, whereas Variant 3 is Meltdown. Intel is vulnerable to all three.
Variant 1: bounds check bypass (CVE-2017-5753) Variant 2: branch target injection (CVE-2017-5715) Variant 3: rogue data cache load (CVE-2017-5754)
Levels Of Exposure
We reached out to AMD, and the company responded with the following information, which has since been publicly released.
Most notably, AMD claims that is has zero vulnerability to Variant 3 (Meltdown), stating that the patches that are currently being issued for Meltdown do not apply to its processors due to "architectural differences." This is excellent news for AMD, as it therefore has no exposure to the current round of potentially performance-sapping patches. That bodes very well for the company as it reenters the data center with a competitive line of EPYC processors.
The Ryzen desktop processors are also not susceptible to Meltdown. Linus Torvalds has also granted AMD an exemption to the performance penalties incurred by the Linux patch for Meltdown.
AMD is vulnerable to Variant 1, which is a Spectre exploit. As noted above, many contend that Spectre is not likely to see an effective patch any time soon, and some researchers claim the vulnerability exists in every modern processor architecture in existence. They also claim that fixing the issues could require a redesign of fundamental processor architectures. AMD said it has a patch that can mitigate Variant 1 with minimal performance impact and further stated that it has a "near zero risk of exploitation" from Variant 2, which is also a Spectre exploit.
Nvidia also issued a statement regarding the vulnerabilities:
Nvidias core business is GPU computing. We believe our GPU hardware is immune to the reported security issue and are updating our GPU drivers to help mitigate the CPU security issue. As for our SoCs with ARM CPUs, we have analyzed them to determine which are affected and are preparing appropriate mitigations.
ARM Holdings has added a security update to its website that outlines its exposure to the vulnerabilities, and like Intel, it is susceptible to all three variants.
The legal ramifications of these developments could be troublesome. The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith has already announced an investigation on behalf of Intel Corporation investors, and there will likely be more similar developments in the coming weeks. Intel has a history of establishing a reserve to cover pending large-scale hardware replacements, but the company has not disclosed a new fund to deal with the vulnerabilities. The company has also stated that it does not expect any impact to its business.
Intel's statement on the matter specifically says that the exploits are not caused by a "bug" or a "flaw" that is unique to Intel products. Intel also noted that the exploits can "gather sensitive data from computing devices that are operating as designed." These statements likely indicate Intel will defend any potential claims because "the hardware is working correctly." Depending on when these vulnerabilities became known (some claim that Meltdown-type attacks have been a known entity since 2010), these points may be challenged in court. ARM and other vendors may also face similar challenges.
Intel's CEO, Brian Krzanich, also sold $39 million in stocks in November 2017 (this doesn't include the amount he paid for the stock options). These transaction initially appeared innocuous (and they may be) because Krzanich sold the stock under a 10b5-1(c) plan, which is a pre-planned sale of stocks intended to prevent claims of insider trading. The sale left Krzanich with the Intel-mandated minimum of 250,000 stocks. The sale was pre-planned on October 30. Now, though, MarketWatch claims Intel was made aware of the vulnerability on June 1, which may draw attention to the matter from regulatory officials. Business Insider said a representative for the Securities and Exchange Commission declined to comment on the matter.
Considering the lengthy preparation period, we imagine there will not be any major service disruptions to the cloud service providers. However, we expect more details to come to light concerning performance impacts of the new patches on various workloads. Stay tuned.
(Eds: Recasting overnight story)
New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) Rahul Gandhi will next week embark on a visit to Bahrain, his first foreign trip after becoming Congress president, during which he will address a convention of NRIs and is likely to meet the countrys prime minister.
According to party sources, Gandhi will be the state guest of the Kingdom of Bahrain and will address NRIs settled there on January 8.
He will leave for Bahrain on January 7 and is likely to return on January 9. The NRIs settled there have invited him.
Gandhi is also likely to meet Bahrains Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the members of the royal family, the sources said.
They said that he was to also address NRIs in Dubai but that visit has been postponed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to visit the UAE later this month.
Party sources say Gandhis visit to Bahrain will be on the lines of his US trip last year.
Rahul Gandhi was in Goa on New Year along with his mother Sonia Gandhi. PTI SKC ASK GVS
Police: Kansas City Taco Bell robbed at gunpoint by 4 men Police in Kansas City are searching for four men who robbed a Taco Bell at gunpoint on Wednesday.
In today's guide to local overkill . . . No word on the ensuing fight on how to best split the 38 dollars . . . It happened at about 8:49 p.m. at the restaurant in the 1300 block of Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard. Read more:
TKC EXCLUSIVE REAL TALK: Any elected official would be wise to avoid the courthouse like the plague. Mayor Sly's office is now slow to answer Team Frank's cries for help and this message to Jeff City is also likely to go unheard . . .
- Jackson County Exec Frank White calls the recent actions of the Legislature "unlawful" and has lashed out at them publicly in writing.
- The Legislature has stripped away the COMBAT anti-crime funding, moved the emergency preparedness work to the Sheriffs office and frozen budget funds for top ranking employees in the White Administration.
- The Legislature isn't afraid of input from the Auditor and has welcomed outside review of the their opposition against Exec White.
Jackson County Executive recommends Missouri State Auditors Office inspect Countys fiscal policies
The latest cry for help from Jackson County looks to statewide authorities for guidance given a historic impasse that has effecitvely rendered him powerless.The sitch right now . . .And so, here's the latest communication as this fight heads to court . . .KANSAS CITY, Mo. Despite the Jackson County Legislatures FY2018 budget calling for the elimination of several positions, Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has taken the necessary steps to ensure no one lost their job at the start of the new year.We have worked within the budget and within my authority to ensure adequate funds are available to keep hardworking staff members employed. They are dedicated to serving taxpayers and some of them have been here decades, White said. As I said before, I did not agree with many provisions in the Legislatures budget. But, it was in the best interest of the County and our associates that I approve it in order to keep our government running. Now its time for us to move forward.Both White and the Legislature have raised concerns about the Countys fiscal and procurement policies and procedures. As such, the County Executive is recommending that the Legislature immediately request the office of Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway conduct a comprehensive audit of all aspects of these processes.There is nothing more important to the integrity of the County than the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I firmly believe that conducting an independent evaluation of our current fiscal policies is critical to operating a transparent, efficient and effective government that the people can trust, White said.White is asking the Legislature to call upon the Missouri State Auditors Office to conduct the audit to avoid the perception of potential bias. The audit will examine all fiscal and procurement processes, including the role of the executive and legislative branch in the awarding of contracts and expenditures relating to COMBAT, Rock Island Rail Corridor and the direct funding of outside agencies.The County Executive will work with the Legislature to ensure funding is immediately available for the audit, should they support his recommendation and the state auditors office accepts the request. A copy of his letter to the state auditors office notifying it of his request is attached.###You decide . . .
A middle-aged man dies at the hospital after sustaining deadly gunfire injuries early this morning . . .Check the news roundup of the fatal spate of shooting near Whittier Elementary School . . .Developing . . .
The closing of the commission was a blow for Kris Kobach, the secretary of state of Kansas and the panels vice chairman. Mr. Kobach was one of a few state officials to support Mr. Trumps contention of widespread fraud.
But Mr. Kobach insisted in an interview that the commissions work would not end but rather would be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security, one of the federal agencies charged with ensuring election integrity and one that he said critics would find more difficult to tar
The Kansas official said he expects officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and political appointees overseeing that agency to take over the commission's work and begin efforts to match state voter rolls to federal databases of noncitizens. He insisted he was not disappointed with the president's decision.
"Its the right move," Kobach said. "It's a shifting in tactics from having the investigation be done by a federal commission to having it be done by a federal agency. The agency has a greater ability to move quickly to get the investigation done."
Kobach acknowledged that ICE has little expertise in other types of potential voter fraud, such as multiple voting or voting by felons who've been disenfranchised, but he noted DHS has a broad mandate to address election security issues as critical U.S. infrastructure.
New York Times: Trump Disbands Commission on Voter Fraud
Fox News: Trump dissolves voter fraud commission after states balk at data requests
Amid widespread GOP resistance from other states and lackluster results . . . Yet another high-profile gig for the top politico in Kansas has gone astray.Check links and description from both sides of the aisle . . .get.Moreon the move from the top GOP contender for Kansas Guv . . .Check the links . . .You decide . . .
Old & Busted Water Infrastructure Irony Continues @ 12th & Oak
KCMO City Hall to be closed Thursday after water main break KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City's City Hall will be closed again Thursday. The building was closed Wednesday, as well, after a water main break caused problems with power to the building. According to a press release, a two-inch pipe for the fire suppression system broke causing significant flooding between the lobby and basement.
Kansas City Star Snuff Clip
Body camera video shows fatal police shooting of armed woman after standoff in Olathe A 26-minute body camera video shows police entering an Olathe home to arrest Ciara Howard and then fatally shooting her. 0:00 -- Officers gather in force outside the front door. 6:44 -- Officers enter the home. 12:30 -- Howard and officers discuss potential bond and her fear of going to the county jail.
KCMO Shooting Tonight
2 injured in shooting at 10th, Kensington in Kansas City Police in Kansas City are investigating a double-shooting at 10th Street and Kensington Avenue. The victims suffered non-life threatening injuries in the shooting, according to police. The shooting happened just before 6 p.m. Copyright 2018 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.
More Deets On Ousted Mayor Goodbye Note
Report: KCK paid more than $900,000 to firefighters for time not worked Report: KCK paid more than $900 to firefighters for time not worked
Kansas City Foodie Report
Recipe | Megan Garrelts' Lemon Meringue Pie You may cheat with a cookie exchange or a bit of peppermint bark, but if you want to bring the whole family to the table during the holidays, it's time you learned to bake a pie. In order to get a pie right, you've got to have a pie mentor, someone who can navigate the crust like Hilary Swank in "The Core."
Freeze Frame From El Bryan
Kansas City Warmup Coming Soon
First Alert Forecast: Warmer temps heading toward Kansas City First Alert Forecast: Warmer temps heading toward Kansas City
inspires this look at some of the top midweek local links for right now . . .And this is thefor right now . . .
This message speaks more more to KCMO waste management administration from the City Manager's office or lack thereof . . .
"The 400 block of west 68th streets trash was not picked up last week despite calls to 311 and promises that it would be picked up.
"As you recall, Brookside was left to fend for itself during the summer of 2016 when the city manager, Mayor and council was unwilling and/or unable to pick up the trash south of 63rd street."
"The city government is wholly focused on downtown development. This is another example of the city unable to walk and chew gum at the same time. Despite the mayors delusional belief in being able to do both."
"Please let me know when to expect the trash pickup. Or let me know if I need to intervene if you are still unable to provide this service . . ."
First off . . . Let's get it straight that- They're doing hard work in horrific conditions and they deserve respect and outright admiration . . .A note put on blast to City Council and Mayor depicts a trashy scene one of Kansas City's nicest middle-class neighborhoods.Take a look:Developing . . .
Turkey is one of the main Mediterranean competitors of the Greek tourism industry and has been hit strongly by terrorism and political instability culminating in numerous coup attempts during recent years
ATHENS The main opposition New Democracy,, disputing government claims, said Prime Minister and Radical Left SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras wants to return eight military members who fled a failed coup to Turkey to satisfy President Recep Tayyip Erdogans demands.
Greeces highest court ruled against extradition and one of the men received asylum, prompting Tsipras Administration, which ironically includes the pro-austerity, marginal, jingoistic, anti-Turkey Independent Greeks (ANEL) of Defense Minister Panos Kammenos to demand it be revoked.
Elements in SYRIZA said after the eight men landed in a helicopter in northern Greece in July, 2016 who said they had taken no part in the coup attempt and feared for their lives suggested they should be be promptly returned and unnamed government officials told Kathimerini coup plotters werent welcome.
That has led New Democracy to reject SYRIZA claims it wont push for extradition, saying the government is laying the groundwork for their return and is interfering with justice.
The government has for weeks failed to dismiss Erdogans claims that Tsipras promised to prepare the ground for the extradition of the eight Turkish servicemen, New Democracy spokeswoman Maria Spyraki said.
The eight servicemen who fled to Greece cannot be extradited to Turkey under the present circumstances. The Supreme Court has irrevocably ruled on this (issue,), Spyraki said.
The procedure for granting asylum to the servicemen has not been finalized, but the government has shown its intent, she added.
The procedure for granting asylum to the servicemen has not been finalized but the government has shown its intent, said Maria Spyraki.
Government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said the decision by the Supreme Court last January not to extradite the eight servicemen is irrevocable and tried to separate it from asylum even though trying to revoke it would send the cases back to the courts that the government said its not interfering with, trying to obstruct justice.
They cannot be extradited, regardless of the outcome of their asylum applications, he said. There is nothing secret here.
In an interview with Real FM, Tsipras said that a session of the Greek-Turkish High-Level Cooperation Council scheduled to take place in the first half of this year should go ahead despite disagreements between the two countries.
The worst thing one can do is not communicate, not have channels of communication and contact, not try and tackle existing problems, Tsipras said.
We do not have this kind of logic, we have proven this and I believe it is good that we have opened up channels of communication despite our existing differences, he added.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Mstyslav Chernov License: CC-BY-SA
Source: thenationalherald.com
Hailing from the Beijing Foreign Studies University, 23 students are the first ever group of Chinese students to attend the Athens university, to learn the Greek language, history and culture, China.org reports.
The students are studying at the National University of Athens, as part of cooperative efforts between Greece and China to develop closer cultural relations.
The degree of dedication of the Chinese students is impressive, as they all speak Greek already. Its a difficult language, but we are doing well, said Song Xunghui, 22, who has studied Greek at the University of Ioannina in western Greece and in Athens.
Besides ancient Greek history, philosophy and art, the Chinese students also find Greece a beautiful country.
We came to find the truth. Now we can have the correct opinion about Greek people, Wang Jinyao told China.org, referring to the negative stereotypes blaming the Greek people for the debt crisis.
I feel its a great honour to be here in Greece to live and study. I will tell my parents and friends that Greek people are good and hospitable. It is important to strengthen student and program exchanges, Wang noted.
The Chinese students disclosed that the faculty staff and students of the School of Philosophy of the Athens university welcomed them with warmth when they arrived at the university, with scholarships that were awarded under a cooperation agreement reached with the Beijing university.
The 23 Chinese students are among the 700, or so, who are expected to receive certification in Modern Greek Studies next summer.
After a successful cooperation with the Beijing Foreign Studies University, the Greek university is exploring more opportunities to expand and deepen ties with other Chinese universities, the China.org report concludes.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Badseed License: CC-BY-SA
Source: greekreporter.com
Cyprus is one of the main Mediterranean competitors of the Greek tourism industry
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, making a first visit to saudi Arabia by a Head of State from the island, was to meet King Salman for consultations and prospective agreements on deals ranging from energy to tourism.
The King had invited Anastasiades, who this month faces a re-election campaign after last year failing to reach an agreement with Turkish-Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to reunify the island divided and occupied since an unlawful 1974 invasion.
Delegations from the two countries were also involved with Anastasiades being accompanied by the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Transport and Energy, and the government spokesman, the Cyprus Mail reported.
The Cypriot President was also scheduled to meet with the Saudi Arabian crown prince, as well as the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and visit the facilities of J&P, a Cypriot-owned company.
In an interview with the Arabic international newspaper Asharq al-Awsat on Monday, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said that Cyprus looks forward to bolstering cooperation with Saudi Arabia in order to achieve security and stability in the region.
He added that bilateral ties between the two countries have taken an important step forward after Riyadh appointed its Athens ambassador as the charge daffaires in Nicosia.
I believe there are great opportunities for cooperation between us in many fields, such as economy, business and tourism, he told the paper, highlighting the significance Saudi Arabia has.
Saudi Arabia is an important country and a leader in the Arab and Muslim worlds and King Salman is custodian of the two holy mosques, he said, adding that Riyadh could play a role in reuniting Cyprus.
Many people believe that the problem lies between the Cypriot people. We are prepared to share the country with the Turkish-Cypriot population within a Cypriot union the main problem that will remain is Turkey, which is still following a strange policy towards the Arab world, he said.
Read more here.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: European People's Party License: CC-BY-SA
Source: thenationalherald.com
Oman has approved a state budget that envisages a total public expenditure of OR12.5 billion ($32.51 billion) for 2018, an increase of OR800 million from the estimated expenditure for 2017.
His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said issued a Royal Decree approving Oman's budget for 2018 on Monday, said a Times of Oman report.
The total revenues are expected to reach OR9.5 billion, an increase of 3 per cent over the actual expected revenues for 2017. The budget is calculated on the basis of an oil price of $50 per barrel.
The budget statement estimated a deficit of OR3 billion, or 10 percent of GDP during the year.
An Oman New Agency report said 84 percent of the estimated budget deficit of OR2.5 billion will be financed through external and domestic borrowing.
According to the statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the budget for the fiscal year 2018 aims to maintain the financial and economic stability of the state. Furthermore, it aims to raise the rate of economic growth and stability of the standard of living of citizens, said a Times of Oman report.
About OR3.88 billion were allocated in the 2018 budget for education, health, housing and welfare sectors, which represent the largest share of the budget, the statement said.
The Omani economy is projected to grow 3 per cent in 2018, buoyed by gradually rebounding oil prices, intensifying economic diversification efforts, and a reinvigorated investment environment, another report said.
No new taxes are envisioned in the 2018 budget, although a selective tax (Excise Tax) will be levied on certain products, such as tobacco, alcohol and fizzy drinks, said the Oman Daily Observer report.
An integrated service fee for municipal services will also be introduced, it said.
New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) Railway Minister Piyush Goyal today urged senior officials to not go back to the colonial- era practice of having railway employees working at their homes.
Soon after taking over as minister, Goyal had instructed all the rail employees working at officers homes to return to their primary jobs.
Officials say that around 10,000 Group-D railway employees, including gangmen and track men, have since been relieved from the houses of senior officers and put back into safety and maintenance work.
Speaking at the 5th R K Vir Memorial Event here, Goyal said that times have changed and that the railways cannot forever live in the "colonial era of the British".
"Is our mind going to be more bothered about bungalow peons and linesmen that we can get to work in our homes?
"...The first decision that I made, I hope it is being implemented. I hope its not gone back to the good old days," he said.
Turning to Ghanshyam Singh, a Railway Board member, the minister said, "I am talking about the 8000-10,000 people who worked in bungalows."
Singh said that the men had gone back to work "then and there".
"It should be sustained, even when I am no longer the Rail Minister," Goyal said.
The facility of bungalow peons began during the British era, and was for officers who were posted in the field.
However, over the years, the people who could employ a bungalow peon expanded to staff in the headquarters.
Subsequently, this facility was expanded to include a large number of Railway Board officials.
Many a time, these officers were treated as domestic helps and not railway staffers as they dealt with the family of the senior official they were attached to.
"Are we doing justice to the people of India? Can we justify this..." said Goyal, urging the railway officials to do away with the practice completely. PTI ASG ASK ASK
Two cruise ships carrying more than 5,600 visitors made a stop over in Bahrain on January 3, marking the start of the kingdom's cruise season.
Italian ship MSC Splendida and German cruise line Aida docked at the Khalifa Bin Salman Port yesterday morning.
A tour around the kingdom was organized, offering more than 4,000 visitors the chance to visit some of Bahrains tourist attractions and learn about its civilization, historical sites and old markets.
We are happy to welcome the first two cruise ships for 2018 and are committed to providing all the facilities necessary to ensure their safe arrival into the kingdom. We look forward to receiving more cruise ships over the next few months. This comes as part of the BTEAs focus to revitalize the tourism sector which will further contribute towards the national economy, said Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, chief executive officer of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).
During the current cruise season which runs between November and May, Bahrain is expected to receive 33 cruise vessel calls and almost 80,000 visitors from prestigious cruise lines including the world-renowned Crystal Cruises, he added.
Hosting the cruise ships comes as part of the BTEAs long term strategy to further develop the kingdoms tourism sector under the slogan of Ours.Yours., which contributes towards the kingdoms economy and the 2030 Economic Vision. - TradeArabia News Service
Maverick Trading Approves Bitcoin Trading for Firm's Traders
Maverick Trading, a proprietary trading firm, recently approved Bitcoin as a trading instrument for its traders. Traders in the firm's Options division are now approved to trade Bitcoin options as well as Bitcoin futures.
Maverick Trading's management will be outlining approved trading techniques and risk management procedures for its traders during an upcoming presentation to the entire firm. This special presentation will highlight several stable, defined risk techniques for the firm's traders to profitably trade Bitcoin. Bitcoin options will be approved for all traders and Bitcoin futures will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
The firm made this decision after careful consideration, responding to both inquiries from the general public as well as requests from the firm's existing traders. Prior to this move, Maverick's management had demurred, citing a lack of price discovery, liquidity, and safety. Bitcoin's recent acceptance at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board Options Exchange was the final factor that led management to approving Bitcoin for Maverick Trading's traders.
In an e-mail to the firm, Robb Reinhold, CEO and Head Trader at Maverick Trading outlined the reasons behind the firm's initial reticence as well as the reasons for the change in policy. In part, the e-mail stated:
Price discovery is everything in the world of trading. Unless a trader knows exactly where they can exit the trade, risk management and proper trading techniques are not possible. In those conditions, a trade becomes a gamble. The crash of 2007-08 has probably the best example of what not having price discovery can do. In the early 2000's, companies sold new products called MBS (Mortgage Backed Securities) and CDO (Collateralized Debt Obligations) that didn't trade on any exchanges. Prices were negotiated brokerage desk to brokerage desk whenever someone wanted to buy or sell, creating a gray market. In order to "find out" what your MBS or CDO was worth, you would have to call around to find a buyer and the price they were willing to pay. Once the real estate and stock markets crashed, MBS and CDO sellers found out there were no buyers and technically these assets were worth $0 at the time. Price discovery is the most important thing which is why we focus on trading on major exchanges.
Liquidity goes hand in hand with Price Discovery. Price discovery shows you the current market price but liquidity is about how many market participants there are. You need both to be able to move in and out of a position. One of the early things (still a smaller problem today) that plagued cryptocurrency buyers and sellers was the delay between the transaction on the screen and delivery of the product. The futures market gives us a great way to trade Bitcoin since futures are a derivative product where there is technically no transfer of ownership of the security. Because of this, we only have to worry about the entry and exit price of the trade and not on any delays for the delivery of the product. The Chicago Board of Options (CBOE) and Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) are both publicly traded exchanges with a very long and stable history of a fair marketplace. I expect the volume on the futures contract to be comparable to the volume on the Bitcoin itself.
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Israeli Regulator Looks to Ban Bitcoin Trading
Is this the first salvo of bitcoin backlash?
Has the eponymous cryptocurrency and standard bearer of the worlds newest and most talked about asset class finally hit a snag? One exchange operator is looking to ban trading in the highly risky yet profitable cryptocurrency.
According to a report on Reuters, Israel's stock market regulator said earlier this week that it will propose regulation to ban companies based on bitcoin and other digital currencies from trading on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE).
Shmuel Hauser, the chairman of the Israel Securities Authority (ISA), told a business conference he will bring the proposal to the ISA board next week. If approved, it would be subject to a public hearing and then the TASE bylaws would need to be amended.
"If we have a company that their main business is digital currencies we would not allow it. If already listed, its trading will be suspended," Hauser said, adding the ISA must find the appropriate regulation for such companies. "We feel that the prices of bitcoin behave like bubbles and we don't want investors to be subject to that volatility and uncertainty," Hauser said. "There is an importance to signal to the market where things are... Investors should know where we stand."
Reuters added that Hauser had also said bitcoin-based companies would not be included in TASE indexes and that there was a need for a suitable regulatory framework for such instruments given that the global market value of all digital currencies grew in 2017 to $300 billion from $18 billion.
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By Michele Pilon
As we enter 2018, many of us have carefully considered our New Years resolutions. Were now all ready to live up to the goals weve set for ourselves, or at least give it our best shot. Our goal at Transylvania Regional Hospital is the same this year as every year: to be the best Critical Access Hospital (CAH) we can be, by serving our communitys needs.
So what does that mean?
CAHs serve an astounding number of people annually nearly 60 million people across the country. The definition of a CAH is a rural hospital with an Emergency Department thats open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, maintains a total of 25 inpatients or less, and has an average four-day patient length of stay. These facilities are also usually over 35 miles from the nearest hospital, or 15 miles away in mountainous regions like Transylvania County. TRH, however, was deemed a necessary provider by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a designation given to facilities that may not meet the usual mileage requirements, but nonetheless provide critical community health care services.
Were proud and humbled to have received Top 20 CAH status for four years in a row. We have also received accreditation for our lab and mammography services. Its important to remember that we dont provide care in isolation. Mission Health provides us with valuable benefits that not only enhance our communitys access to care, but ensure its the best care available. With five member hospitals across Western North Carolina supported by Mission Health, we have a network of care that has been recognized as one of the nations Top 15 Health System by Truven Health Analytics/IBM Watson Health in five out of the last six years.
Additionally, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) just released its Star Ratings for hospitals nationwide and Transylvania Regional Hospital was one of two Mission Health Hospitals to receive a 4 Star Rating, while three of our other Mission Health Hospitals (out of only 10 hospitals in the entire state) received the prestigious 5 Star Rating (see all rankings at: http://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare/search.html).
In addition, our Transitional Care Unit at TRH also recently received CMS prestigious 5 Star Rating for nursing homes, a rating that we have consistently received for the last four years (see all nursing home rankings at: http://www.medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare/search.html).
Every CAH faces challenges like attracting and keeping skilled specialty service physicians and determining which services are both safe and practical to offer, based on community needs and financial realities. However, supported by Mission Health, we are able to provide access to advanced resources and technological capabilities not only through our local expert providers, but also through innovative tools like telemedicine, a type of care that enables Mission Hospital specialty physicians and clinicians in Asheville and other areas to consult in real time with physicians, nurses, and patients at TRH. This technology also allows us to provide care locally to patients in need of urgent stroke care, wound care, and psychiatric care, as well as 24/7 access to a physician for all of our hospitalized patients.
Our connection to Mission Health also enables us to provide other innovative virtual services. Think you might have the flu, a urinary tract infection or other routine problem but cant (or dont want) to travel? Check out the Mission Virtual Clinic by visiting http://www.missionhealth.org/virtual-clinic.php. Patients also receive superior medical transport services, whether by an ambulance or our sophisticated MAMA helicopters. Mission Health provides additional support to us in the form of a staffing pool comprised of physicians, nurses and others who serve at TRH when needed.
The rich legacy of community and hospital foundation support for TRH is exemplary and has been further enhanced by the Mission Health Department of Philanthropy to ensure that our services and facility remain sustainable and state-of-the-art. Anyone who enters our newly opened, expanded and renovated Emergency Department or receives a bone density test in our new Womens Imaging Suite will see what this support means: state-of-the art medical technology, more room for our patients and caregivers that improves flow and productivity, and increased comfort for our patients and their families. In addition, the Mission Health system provides capital funding for various items, such as essential equipment and construction projects.
Were grateful to be a vital part of this wonderful community and one which attracts new residents in part due to the care and access we offer. My personal resolution for 2018 is to continue to guide TRH in a way that is most responsive to the unique needs of our community. I hope you will join me in that goal.
(Michele Pilon, MS, BSN, RN, NE-BC, is the president and CNO of Transylvania Regional Hospital. Her professional experience includes service as a bedside nurse and over a decade as a leader at health care institutions in Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina. Pilon earned a bachelors in nursing from Ohios University of Akron and a masters in health services administration from the University of St. Francis in Illinois; she is also a board-certified nursing executive.)
Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian
This Sunday, Jan. 7, the church celebrates Gary Greene on his retirement. Greene will preach at both services, with a reception to honor him after the 11 a.m. service. The sacrament of The Lords Supper will be observed at both services. Special music for worship will be provided by the Chancel Choir.
Sunday Worship services are at 8:30 and 11 a.m.
Brevard FUMC
The celebration of Christmas may be over but its message lingers on into the New Year: Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you (Isaiah 60:1).
Christ Jesus has come and is with us always. Join us at Brevard First UMC this first Sunday of the New Year as we respond to Christs invitation to come to his table and partake in Holy Communion.
Brevard First UMC also offers chapel worship with Holy Communion every Wednesday at 5 p.m. All are welcome. The 30-minute service is held in the church chapel.
Brevard First UMC is located in Brevard on Broad Street across from Brevard College. Three worship experiences are offered on Sunday mornings: traditional worship at 8:30 and 10:55 a.m., and a celebration service at 9 a.m. in the fellowship hall.
Cross Roads Baptist
The monthly food giveaway at Cross Roads Baptist Church on Whitmire Street, Brevard, will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. or as long as the groceries last.
Lutheran Church Of The Good Shepherd
If youre looking for a way to start the New Year on a positive note, join us for Reset Wednesdays at LCGS. Beginning on Jan. 10 we will offer a cost dinner each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., followed by options for small group or individual prayer practices and a short worship service at 6:50 p.m.
Beginning Jan. 9, Pastor Mary will hold coffee office hours at College Walk on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m.-noon and at Bills Boiler House on Wednesdays from 1:30-3 p.m. All are welcome to stop by. Womens Bible Study will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at 11:30 a.m.
For additional information regarding any of the above activities, contact the church office at (828) 883-3680 or [email protected] Good Shepherd is located at 22 Fisher Road in Brevard and http://www.lutheranchurchbrevardnc.com. Regular Sunday worship services are at 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. with Sunday school for all ages at 9:15 a.m.
NEXT Church
Next Church meets on Sundays at the Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County at 11 Gallimore Road in Brevard.
Worship starts at 10 am. Come early for coffee and conversation at 9:30 a.m. Nursery and childrens and age-appropriate worship are provided.
Pastor Dave Blackburns sermon NEXT Year; NEXT Opportunity is based on Matthew 11:29. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.
For the month of January, the NEXT Kids theme is Goals are nothing without a strategy and a way to reach them. NEXT Kids will develop a strategy to build their faith.
For more information about NEXT, visit NEXTCHURCHNC.net or call Pastor Dave Blackburn at (828) 384-1951.
St. Philips Episcopal
St. Philips will celebrate Epiphany with a service on Saturday, Jan. 6, at 5 p.m. Epiphany, which falls 12 days after Christmas, celebrates the Wise Mens visit to see the Christ Child. Following the light-filled service, enjoy a dinner in Miller Hall at 6 p.m.
The regular Sunday schedule returns on Jan. 7 with Holy Eucharist services at 7:45 a.m., 9 a.m., and 11:15 a.m., with Sunday school for all ages at 10:10 a.m.
The annual parish meeting and Vestry elections will take place Sunday, Jan. 14, at 8:45 a.m. in Miller Hall. (A nursery/child care for children fifth grade and under will be available.) Reports from parish leaders will be offered, the 2018 ministry funding budget will be presented, and Vestry elections will be held. Worship services on Sunday, Jan. 14, will be at 7:45 a.m. (Holy Eucharist, Rite I) and 11:15 a.m. (Holy Eucharist, Rite II), with Sunday school for all ages at 10:10 a.m. There will be no 9 a.m. service on Jan. 14. We will return to our usual Sunday morning schedule on Sunday, Jan. 21.
Also on Sunday, Jan. 14, the parish will welcome their new rector, Thomas Murphy, with his wife, Amanda, and children Tav, Charlie and Eloise. A reception for the Murphys will follow the 11:15 a.m. service. Parishioners are asked to sign up to bring finger sandwiches, deviled eggs, fruit platters, cheese and crackers, vegetable platters and savory items.
St. Timothy UMC
Beginning this Sunday, Jan. 7, St. Timothy will be exploring the Book of John. This will last into the Lenten Season. Rev. Ann Duncan will preach on The Word Became Flesh using John Chapter 1, verses 1-18.
We will also celebrate communion as part of our morning worship. All are invited to partake of the table if they so wish.
St. Timothy United Methodist Church is located at 1020 Asheville Highway at the corner of Hospital Drive. Worship is at 10:55 a.m. each Sunday and Sunday school is at 10 a.m. For more information, contact the church office at 883-2985 or visit http://www.sttimothy-brevard.org.
STATE OF North CAROLINA
Transylvania County SUPERIOR COURT
File No. 17-E-259
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
I have qualified as Executor of the Estate of John P. Brown, Jr., Deceased, of Transylvania County, North Carolina. All persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the Estate must present them to me on or before March 14, 2018 or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of recovery. Those indebted to the Estate should make immediate payment to the Executor.
Dated: December 14, 2017
Margaret Brown Crow
104 Wilderness Drive
Laurens, SC 29360
Donald E. Jordan
4 West Main Street, Suite 5
Brevard, NC 28712
(828) 862-8735
Attorney for the Executor
T/12/14/4TC-67369
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF TRANSYLVANIA
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
File No: 17-E-397
EXECUTORS ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of William Dienes of Transyl-vania County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claim against the Estate of William Dienes to present them to the undersigned on or before April 4, 2018 or the claim will be forever barred thereafter. All persons indebted to said estate, please make immediate payment.
This the 4th day of January, 2018.
Timothy Paul Dienes, Exec.
2305 Ginger Lane, Apt. L
Charlotte, NC 28213
The Neumann Law Firm, PLLC
David C. Neumann, Atty.
9 Park Place West, Ste. 102
Brevard, NC 28712
828-884-6575
#13630
T/1/4/4TC-67467
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF TRANSYLVANIA
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
DISTRICT COURT DIVISION
14 CVD 466
GENERAL NOTICE OF TAX FORECLOSURE SALE
COUNTY OF Transylvania, A Body Politic and Corporate, Plaintiff
vs.
MARCIA A. JONES, Owner; and Connestee Falls PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.,
a North Carolina Corporation, Lienholder, Defendants
Under and by virtue of a Default Judgment of the Assistant Clerk for Transylvania County, North Carolina, made and entered in the action entitled County of Transylvania vs. Marcia A. Jones., et al. the undersigned Commissioner will, on the 18th day of January, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., offer for sale and sell for cash, to the last and highest bidder at public auction, the real properties described in the attached Exhibit A incorporated herein by reference. The property lies within Transylvania County, North Carolina, and is more particularly described in Exhibit A PIN: 8592-09-4977-000, Unit 19, Lot 23, Usdasdi Drive, attached hereto. The sales will be held on the Transylvania Courthouse steps, 7 East Main Street, Brevard, North Carolina, 28712.
The sales will be made subject to all outstanding City and County taxes and all superior restrictions of record and local improvement assessments against the above-described properties not included in the Judgment in the above-entitled cause. All junior liens will be extinguished upon sales.
The properties, together with all buildings, fixtures and improvements thereon, are being sold as is, where is without warranty.
The terms of sales are that the real properties described in Exhibit A will be sold for cash to the highest bidder and that the undersigned will require the successful bidder(s) at the sales to immediately deposit cash or a certified check in the amount of twenty (20%) percent of the last bid or $750.00, whichever is greater. Any successful bidder(s) shall be required to tender the full balance purchase price so bid in cash or certified check at the time the Commissioner tenders the bidder a Deed for the properties, or attempts tender of such Deeds. Should the successful bidder(s) fail to pay the full balance of the purchase price bid, the bidder(s) shall remain liable for said bid. The Transylvania County Tax Collector may make a credit bid.
This sales will remain open for ten (10) days, as by law required, at which time an upset bids may be made with the Clerk of Court for Transylvania County, North Carolina. The Notice may be withdrawn at any time until the conclusion of the sale.
This 14th day of December, 2017.
ROBERTS & STEVENS, P.A.
/s/ John D. Noor
John D. Noor
Commissioner
P.O. Box 7647
Asheville, NC 28802
Telephone:
(828) 252-6600
N.C. Bar No. 43102
Posted: By: Katrina Anne Griffin
Date: 12/14/2017
EXHIBIT A
PIN 8592-09-4977-000, Unit 19, Lot 23, Usdasdi Drive, Transylvania County, NC
BEING ALL of Lot No. 23, Unit 19 of the Connestee Falls Develop-ment as shown by Plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 5, page 6, Records on Plats for Transylvania County, North Carolina.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED that the property hereinabove described is conveyed subject to the privileges and mutual and beneficial restrictions, covenants, equitable servitudes and charges set forth in that certain Declaration of Restrictive Covenants by Connestee Falls Develop-ment Corporation, dated May 25, 1971, and recorded in Book 189, page 443, Records of Deeds for Transylvania County, North Carolina, as amended by Supplemental Declarations of Restrictive Covenants of record in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Transylvania County, North Carolina.
Also being that same property as described in Deed Book 293 at Page 49, Transylvania County Register of Deeds.
T/1/4/2TP-67401
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF TRANSYLVANIA
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
BEFORE THE CLERK
FILE NO. 17-E-390
EXECUTORS - ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE
Having qualified as Personal Representative of the Estate of Pia Maria Kalteis of Transylvania County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claims against the Estate of Pia Maria Kalteis to present them to the undersigned on or before March 21, 2018, or the claim will be forever barred thereafter. All persons indebted to said estate, please make immediate payment.
This the 21st day of December, 2017.
Gayle E. Ramsey,
Personal Representative
c/o Ramsey & Pratt, P.A.
35 N Gaston Street
Brevard, NC 28712
ATTORNEY:
Michael K. Pratt
Ramsey & Pratt, P.A.
35 N Gaston Street
Brevard, NC 28712
828-884-4113
T/12/21/4TC-67415
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF Transylvania
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
DISTRICT COURT DIVISION
15 CVD 53
GENERAL NOTICE OF TAX FORECLOSURE SALE
COUNTY OF Transylvania, A Body Politic and Corporate, Plaintiff
vs.
PHILOMENE KARAM; RAYMOND E. KARAM, MARY H. KARAM; CHRISTINE M. KARAM; HELEN E. FISCHER and EMMANUEL E. KARAM, Co-Trustees of The Raymond E. Karam Revocable Trust; KAMAL ARMALY; JEANETTE ARMALY; VICTORIA A.
HANNOUCHE; BILL HANNOUCHE, Owners, Defendants
Under and by virtue of a Default Judgment of the Assistant Clerk for Transylvania County, North Carolina, made and entered in the action entitled County of Transylvania vs. Marcia A. Jones., et al. the undersigned Commissioner will, on the 18th day of January, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., offer for sale and sell for cash, to the last and highest bidder at public auction, the real properties described in the attached Exhibit A incorporated herein by reference. The property lies within Transylvania County, North Carolina, and is more particularly described in Exhibit A PIN: 8573-32-1729-000, Lot 109, Unit 29, Connestee Falls, attached hereto. The sales will be held on the Transylvania Courthouse steps, 7 East Main Street, Brevard, North Carolina, 28712.
The sales will be made subject to all outstanding City and County taxes and all superior restrictions of record and local improvement assessments against the above-described properties not included in the Judgment in the above-entitled cause. All junior liens will be extinguished upon sales.
The properties, together with all buildings, fixtures and improvements thereon, are being sold as is, where is without warranty.
The terms of sales are that the real properties described in Exhibit A will be sold for cash to the highest bidder and that the undersigned will require the successful bidder(s) at the sales to immediately deposit cash or a certified check in the amount of twenty (20%) percent of the last bid or $750.00, whichever is greater. Any successful bidder(s) shall be required to tender the full balance purchase price so bid in cash or certified check at the time the Commissioner tenders the bidder a Deed for the properties, or attempts tender of such Deeds. Should the successful bidder(s) fail to pay the full balance of the purchase price bid, the bidder(s) shall remain liable for said bid. The Transylvania County Tax Collector may make a credit bid.
This sales will remain open for ten (10) days, as by law required, at which time an upset bids may be made with the Clerk of Court for Transylvania County, North Carolina. The Notice may be withdrawn at any time until the conclusion of the sale.
This 14th day of December, 2017.
ROBERTS & STEVENS, P.A.
/s/ John D. Noor
John D. Noor
Commissioner
P.O. Box 7647
Asheville, NC 28802
Telephone:
(828) 252-6600
N.C. Bar No. 43102
Posted: By: Katrina Anne Griffin
Date: 12/14/2017
EXHIBIT A
PIN: 8573-32-1729-000, Lot 109, Unit 29, Connestee Falls
BEING ALL of Lot No. 109 of Unit 29, Revised, of Connestee Falls Development as shown by plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 5, pages 81-81T, Records of Plats for Transylvania County, North Carolina.
Also being that same property as described in Deed Book 249 at Page 958 Transylvania County Register of Deeds.
T/1/4/2TP-67402
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF Transylvania
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
DISTRICT COURT DIVISION
16 CVD 38
GENERAL NOTICE OF TAX FORECLOSURE SALE
COUNTY OF Transylvania, A Body Politic and Corporate, Plaintiff
vs.
LUARCON REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT CO., Owner and Connestee Falls PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Lienholder, Defendants
Under and by virtue of a Default Judgment of the Assistant Clerk for Transylvania County, North Carolina, made and entered in the action entitled County of Transylvania vs. Luarcon Real Estate Investment Co., et al. the undersigned Commissioner will, on the 18th day of January, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., offer for sale and sell for cash, to the last and highest bidder at public auction, the real properties described in the attached Exhibit A incorporated herein by reference. The property lies within Transylvania County, North Carolina, and is more particularly described in Exhibit A PIN: 8582-29-4267-000, Lot 74, Unit 5, Tsisqua Circle, attached hereto. The sales will be held on the Transylvania Court-house steps, 7 East Main Street, Brevard, North Carolina, 28712.
The sales will be made subject to all outstanding City and County taxes and all superior restrictions of record and local improvement assessments against the above-described properties not included in the Judgment in the above-entitled cause. All junior liens will be extinguished upon sales.
The properties, together with all buildings, fixtures and improvements thereon, are being sold as is, where is without warranty.
The terms of sales are that the real properties described in Exhibit A will be sold for cash to the highest bidder and that the undersigned will require the successful bidder(s) at the sales to immediately deposit cash or a certified check in the amount of twenty (20%) percent of the last bid or $750.00, whichever is greater. Any successful bidder(s) shall be required to tender the full balance purchase price so bid in cash or certified check at the time the Commissioner tenders the bidder a Deed for the properties, or attempts tender of such Deeds. Should the successful bidder(s) fail to pay the full balance of the purchase price bid, the bidder(s) shall remain liable for said bid. The Transylvania County Tax Collector may make a credit bid.
This sales will remain open for ten (10) days, as by law required, at which time an upset bids may be made with the Clerk of Court for Transylvania County, North Carolina. The Notice may be withdrawn at any time until the conclusion of the sale.
This 14th day of December, 2017.
ROBERTS & STEVENS, P.A.
/s/ John D. Noor
John D. Noor
Commissioner
P.O. Box 7647
Asheville, NC 28802
Telephone:
(828) 252-6600
N.C. Bar No. 43102
Posted: By: Katrina Anne Griffin
Date: 12/14/2017
EXHIBIT A
PIN 8582-29-4267-000, Lot 74, Unit 5, Tsisqua Circle
BEING ALL of Lot 74 of Unit 5, of Connestee Falls Development as shown by a plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 4, pages 65-65C, Records of Plats for Transylvania County, North Carolina.
Subject to the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants as recorded in Deed Book 189, page 443, Transylvania County Registry, as amended by Amendment to the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants recorded in Deed Book 190, page 437, Transylvania County Registry, and all other valid amendments thereto, including the revised, amended and restated Declaration recorded in Deed Book 289, page 107, Transylvania County Registry, as amended by Amendment to the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants recorded in Deed Book 320, page 389, Transylvania County Regis-try and by supplemental Declarations of Restrictive Covenants of record in Transylvania County Regis-try.
Subject to a right-of-entry as set out in Deed Book 202, page 642, Transylvania County Registry.
This conveyance is made subject to the rights-of-way of all roads which may presently traverse the property, to all road rights-of-way which may presently appear of record, to the rights-of-way of all utility lines which may presently traverse the property and to all rights-of-way for public utilities which may presently appear of record.
Also being that same property as described in Deed Book 409 at Page 75, Transylvania County Register of Deeds.
T/1/4/2TP-67403
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF Transylvania IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
File No: 17-E-378
EXECUTORS ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Jean Ann Reinhold of Transylvania County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claim against the Estate of Jean Ann Reinhold to present them to the undersigned on or before March 14, 2018 or the claim will be forever barred thereafter. All persons indebted to said estate, please make immediate payment.
This the 14th day of December, 2017.
Robert V. Reinhold, Exec.
815 Utsonati Lane
Brevard, NC 28712
Attorney:
The Neumann Law Firm, PLLC
David C. Neumann, Atty.
9 Park Place West, Ste. 102
Brevard, NC 28712
828-884-6575
#13630
T/12/14/4TC-67357
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF TRANSYLVANIA
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
FILE NO. 17E387
EXECUTORS ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE
Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of Jimmy Lee Crowe of Transylvania County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claim against the Estate of Jimmy Lee Crowe to present them to the undersigned on or before March 21, 2018 or the claim will be forever barred thereafter.
All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment.
Dated: December 21, 2017.
Robert Craig Crowe
28 Passmore Lane
Brevard, NC 28712
T/12/21/4TP-67430
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF TRANSYLVANIA
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
FILE NO. 17-E-376
EXECUTORS ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Mildred Gillespie Taylor of Transylvania County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claim against the Estate of Mildred Gillespie Taylor to present them to the undersigned on or before March 28, 2018 or the claim will be forever barred thereafter.
All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment.
Dated: December 28, 2017.
Adria B. Mackenzie
663 Deep Gap Loop Rd
Flat Rock, NC 28731
T/12/28/4TP-67433
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF TRANSYLVANIA
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
FILE NO. 17-E-394
EXECUTORS ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Debra Hunter Spears of Transylvania County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claim against the Estate of Debra Hunter Spears to present them to the undersigned on or before March 28, 2018 or the claim will be forever barred thereafter.
All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment.
Dated: December 28, 2017.
Jeff Hunter
104 Coyote Blf
Salem, SC 29676
T/12/28/4TP-67446
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF TRANSYLVANIA
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
FILE NO. 17E396
EXECUTORS - ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE
Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Volney U. Nicholson of Transylvania County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claim against the Estate of Volney U. Nicholson to present them to the undersigned on or before April 5, 2018 or the claim will be forever barred thereafter.
All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment.
Dated: January 4, 2018.
Douglas Volney Nicholson
334 King Circle
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
T/1/4/4TP-67455
_________________________________________________
STATE OF North CAROLINA
COUNTY OF TRANSYLVANIA
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
FILE NO. 16E254
EXECUTORS ADMINISTRATORS NOTICE
Having qualified as Administrator of the Estate of John David Whitmire of Transylvania County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons having claim against the Estate of John David Whitmire to present them to the undersigned on or before April 5, 2018 or the claim will be forever barred thereafter.
All persons indebted to said estate please make immediate payment.
Dated: January 4, 2018.
Clarinda N. Whitmire
2230 Walnut Hollow Road
Brevard, NC 28712
T/1/4/4TP-67466
_________________________________________________
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Transylvania County Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing on both the Sign Control Ordinance of Transylvania County and Scenic Corridor Design-ation Ordinance of Transyl-vania County. The Transyl-vania County Planning Board has reviewed and proposed changes to the Sign Control Ordinance to ensure compliance following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Reed v. Town of Gilvert, AZ, 2015) that signs cannot be regulated based on content. The Planning Board is also proposing other changes to improve the Ordinance. The Scenic Corridor Designation Ordinance is closely associated with the Sign Control Ordinance because sign regulations can vary for signs located on scenic corridors. The proposed changes are designed to help ensure compliance with State law while meeting the needs of the community.
Copies of the draft ordinances are available in the Office of the Clerk to the Board, County Adminis-tration Building, 101 S. Broad Street, Brevard, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. View the documents on-line at https://www.transylvaniacounty.org/departments/planning-and-community development/planning board.
The Board of Commiss-ioners may amend the proposed revisions and make other changes based upon comments received by the public or additional information gathered prior to final adoption.
The public hearings will be held during the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Mon-day, January 22, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners Chambers, County Administration Building, 101 S. Broad Street, Brevard. For more information about the public hearings, contact the Clerk to the Board at (828) 884-3271. For questions about the proposed changes to the Sign Ordinance of Transylvania County or the Scenic Corridor Designation Ordinance of Transylvania County, contact the Planning and Community Development Office at (828) 884-3205.
This the 2nd day of January, 2018.
Trisha M. Hogan
Clerk to the Board
TM/1/4/2TC-67477
_________________________________________________
Transylvania County Sheriff David Mahoney announced Tuesday that he will seek re-election this year.
Mahoney, a 26-year veteran of the Sheriffs Office, was first elected sheriff in 2006 and re-elected in 2010 and 2014.
Over the course of his career, according to a press release, Mahoney has worked in all aspects of the Sheriffs Office, giving him valuable experience in the law enforcement responsibilities unique to the office.
Mahoney, a life-long resident of Transylvania County, graduated from Brevard High School and attended Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, where he earned an associates degree in law enforcement technology.
Mahoney later earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from Brevard College.
He began his career in 1991 as a part-time dispatcher and detention officer, later becoming a patrol deputy. In 1998, Mahoney was promoted to shift supervisor and then to detective in 2001. He served in that role until he was elected as sheriff in 2006.
After being elected, Mahoney attended and graduated from the N.C. Sheriffs Leadership Institute at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He has earned both the advanced law enforcement certification and the advanced service award, the highest professional recognitions given to North Carolina law enforcement officers.
Serving as sheriff has been one of the highest honors I have ever known, Mahoney said. The support and cooperation shown to our office and me is part of what makes our community special. We have a great staff, and I am proud of the many accomplishments we have made within the Sheriffs Office, particularly with our youth programs. With the continued support of our community, I am looking forward to many more opportunities to serve.
In addition to serving as sheriff, Mahoney is active locally and statewide, according to the press release. He currently serves with SAFE, The Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County, the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club, and is the founder and president of the Blue Line Foundation of Transylvania County. Mahoney also serves as third vice-president of the N.C. Sheriffs Association and is the elected representative for Western North Carolina on the N.C. Sheriffs Education and Training Standards Commission.
Upon taking office in 2006, Mahoney started several new programs geared at cost savings and crime prevention, the release said.
Some of those programs include the Inmate Work Program, Inmate Commissary, SHIELD Camp and DARE Camp. Mahoney has also worked with the community on programs such as Cops4Kids, Prom Lock-In and Church Security.
Mahoney has been married to his wife, Christina, for 24 years.
They have two children, Lauren and Nathan, who are involved in their schools and the community.
The family lives near Rosman and are active members of Old Toxaway Baptist Church.
For more information, contact Mahoney at [email protected] or on the ReElect Sheriff David Mahoney Facebook page.
Its brutally cold.
Theres just no escaping it, with temperatures not expected to get into the 40s until Monday.
For those without a roof over their heads, its a particular trying time.
In Transylvania County, Brevard Community Church on Morris Road offers a warm bed at night. Code Purple takes people in no questions asked, according to Emily Lowery, interim director at The Haven of Transylvania County, a temporary, emergency shelter for the homeless.
Sign-in at Brevard Community Church starts at 3 p.m., and it will be open if the temperature is below 25 degrees.
The church offers mats to sleep on.
They also have some sleeping bags, serve a light breakfast and take well-behaved pets.
Thats one of the biggest reasons some of the folks who may be living in the forest dont come in when it gets this cold, Lowery said. They have pets and thats their deciding factor, but not always. We gave a guy a subzero sleeping bag the other day and he went back out there.
Theres no way people could survive in these conditions without the right equipment.
The Haven, located at 240 S. Caldwell St. in Brevard, still had some beds left as of Tuesday, but its family unit, designed specifically for people with children, is full with a waiting list.
For people to get into The Haven they have to come to the shelter to make an appointment, but at Code Purple they wont turn anyone away, she said. We are in desperate need for volunteers.
For next week at The Haven we have open shifts starting Sunday night. We have never been at such a low for volunteers.
Utilities are another hardship to bear during the winter for many.
Older homes can be inefficient, incomes arent enough and the cost of living continues to rise.
At the state level, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that helps people struggling to pay their heating bills, with a one-time benefit.
The application period is open through March 31.
As an example, for a family of four, the maximum income allowance to receive assistance is $31,980.
Proof of residency, ID, a social security number and a heating bill among other things are needed during the application process.
Anyone in need of assistance should visit the Department of Social Services building at 106 E. Morgan St. in Brevard.
In Brevard at the Sharing House, Shelley Webb, the organizations executive director, said their number one expense is assisting people with their heating bills.
The Sharing House for the past two winters has spent, on average, about $164,000 in heating assistance, but it is limited in providing about $200 per family per year.
A lot of times we serve the elderly fixed-income folks, she said. They come in when these cold snaps happen. They thought they could make it, and they dont want to take any money if they can help it. The other thing is people coming in for hot showers or their lines are bursting. Were seeing a line for showers.
In some older mountain homes, electric heat pumps just dont cut it when it gets this cold.
Mark McCarson, owner of Mac Heating and Air in Brevard, has been in the business since 1978.
McCarson said the best thing to do with these pumps is to maintain the temperature, even through the night.
The heat pump is designed to maintain space conditions, he said. They dont recover well, so the best thing is to let them maintain at one temperature and keep your filters clean. Dont turn them back at night to save money. Youre wasting it when the system recovers in the morning.
McCarson said that many older homes have undersized ductwork, a result of homebuilders trying to cut costs 40 years ago, with little understanding of how the system was designed to work.
Oil and gas are different, according to McCarson.
Those systems recover quickly, so there can be cost savings in turning the heat down when you leave the house or sleep.
If you generally keep your pets outside, it might be best to bring them in.
While there is no law against keeping pets out in the cold, if their water is frozen, in the state of North Carolina you could be charged with animal neglect.
Beyond that, its just too cold, according to Paul Vis at the Transylvania County Animal Shelter.
Smaller breeds should be inside, but some dogs, like Huskies, are outside and its negative 20 and they love it, he said. But a good owner should bring them all inside lately. If they have a dog house and they cant bring them inside the home, (the dog house) shouldnt be too big. Their body heat needs to be able to heat it up in there. But, again, a responsible, reasonable person should bring them in.
Mission Health has implemented its visitor limitation policy and is asking patients family members and friends to limit hospital visits, including at Transylvania Regional Hospital.
Visitors younger than 12 and those who do not feel well are encouraged to call patients instead of visiting them.
According to the N.C. Public Health Division, the influenza-like illness activity in the state has reached more than 2 percent and local transmission has increased.
We activate our visitor limitation policy for the health and safety of our patients, said Kathy Guyette, RN, senior vice president of patient care services and president of Regional Member Hospitals. It is a vital precaution in preventing the spread of germs and in helping protect our community during flu season.
Mission Health team members and visitors can help prevent the spread of influenza by practicing frequent hand hygiene, staying home if they are sick and getting an annual influenza vaccine.
All visitors are urged to wash their hands before and after their visits. In addition, hand-sanitizing stations are available at hospital entrances and throughout the buildings. Practicing good hand hygiene is the No. 1 precaution individuals can take to protect against the flu virus and other germs.
Individuals can also practice good habits like avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering your cough, getting plenty of sleep, maintaining physical activity levels, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food.
Symptoms that could be early signs of the flu include fever, headache, cough, extreme dehydration, lightheadedness and shortness of breath.
Treatment with antivirals is the most helpful within the first 48 hours of symptoms presenting. Contact your primary care provider if you start to experience any of these symptoms or notice them in someone else.
Flu Season In Transylvania
The full impact of the flu season doesnt appear to be hitting Transylvania County right now, according to Tara Rybka, the county Health Departments public health educator.
We havent had any deaths so far this year, and only one case in any of the county long-term care facilities, she said. Our school nurses werent seeing cases in the schools before winter break, and our county employee wellness clinic hasnt been seeing flu cases, either.
Accurate flu numbers are hard to come by, Rybka said.
Health care providers are not required to report cases of flu to health departments, she said. Only flu deaths and cases in facilities like nursing homes are mandatory reportable. There are sentinel sites located throughout the state that report cases of flu-like illness, but those serve as an estimate rather than counting every single case of flu, and none are located in Transylvania County.
(Eds: Updating with more quotes)
Mumbai, Jan 3 (PTI) The regional media is facing challenges but it will continue to remain relevant and robust as Indians are rooted to their culture, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said today.
Speaking at a function organised to release a souvenir of the Mumbai Hindi Patrakar Sangh here, he said the regional media played an important role in the freedom struggle.
The regional media will remain relevant because Indians are always rooted to their culture no matter how successful they become in their professional life, he said.
Fadnavis admitted the regional media faces challenges related to information and technology since English dominates the medium of knowledge, but content remains the key for growth of newspapers.
However, the regional media has accepted these challenges and is working on overcoming them. More than technology, content of a newspaper is important, the chief minister added.
"Currently, the main source of knowledge in our country is English, while in China, it is Chinese (Mandarin). But with the passage of time and better utilisation of IT, regional languages are set to disseminate knowledge at a great speed," Fadnavis said.
On the occasion, a discussion on the topic "Relevance of Vernacular Journalism" was organised.
Speaking on the issue, Santosh Bhartiya, Editor of `Chauthi Dunia, said, "Now a days, Hindi reports have more inputs than English ones.
"I find that Hindi journalists have deeper knowledge that the reporters from other languages. Therefore, the vernacular journalism continues to be relevant.
Anil Tiwari, Executive Editor of `Dopahar Ka Samanaa said, "Vernacular journalists are generally considered `backbenchers. But the truth is these backbenchers are the one who feel the pulse of the society."
Hemant Tiwari, a senior journalist from Lucknow and president of the Uttar Pradesh Manyata Prapt Patrakar Samiti, said vernacular journalists should not feel inferior to their counterparts in English journalism.
"The reach of mainstream (English) journalism is very limited, while the impact of the vernacular journalism is far and wide," Tiwari said.
Prasad Kathe, Editor of News18 Lokmat, said the people in Maharashtra tend to follow the mainstream media instead of the Marathi media.
"So, the answer to the question of what is the future of the vernacular journalism depends on how seriously we tackle this challenge." PTI MR/APM RSY
Chennai, Jan 4 (PTI) Actor Kamal Haasan today alleged that money power was behind TTV Dhinakarans win in the December 21 RK Nagar bypoll, drawing sharp rebuke from the sidelined AIADMK leader who accused the star of maligning voters.
In a stinging article as part of his weekly series in the latest issue of Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan, the veteran star described the bypoll, held due to the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, as a "stain" on Indian democracy.
Responding to Haasans salvo, Dhinakaran hit back saying the actor was making such allegations as he could not digest his win in the bypoll.
Amidst accusations of money distribution by rival sides --the AIADMK and the Dhinakaran camp-- the former Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MP, contesting as an independent, had trounced the ruling party candidate E Madhusudhanan.
He won by a margin of 40,000 votes, giving a jolt to the Chief Minister K Palaniswami led dispensation.
Both Dhinakaran as well as the ruling party have denied charges of money distribution during the hustings.
In his article, without naming Dhinakaran, Haasan said the RK Nagar bypoll win was a "purchased" one, alluding to alleged money distribution by the rebel camp.
"RK Nagar bypoll is a big stain on Tamil Nadu politics; it is a big stain on Indian democracy. I wont call this purchased win even a scam....this is a day light crime," Haasan charged.
He recalled Election Commission rescinding the bypoll for this city segment when it was to be held in April last year following complaints of money distribution.
Dhinakaran was the ruling party candidate then but was later sidelined by the Palaniswami and his cabinet colleagues.
The chief minister and deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who was then a rebel leader, merged their respective factions in August last year.
Dhinakaran contested last months election as an independent candidate and polled over 89,000 votes.
Haasan charged that both the "independent" and the "ruling side fixed rates" for voters.
Alleging that people had voted for money, Haasan, in the article, said "you have been sold out."
Dhinakaran, responding to Haasans allegations, hit out at the award-winning star, saying he had "insulted" and "hurt" the RK Nagar voters by making such allegations.
Haasans charge was "strongly condemnable," he told reporters here.
"This doesnt befit his age and experience. Under the garb of attacking the winner, he is attacking the people, who are mainly from poorer sections, saying they voted for money," Dhinakaran said.
He denied bribing the voters, saying, if at all money would have played a role in the electoral outcome, "Two Leaves (AIADMK) would have won."
"Whether you accept or not, people of RK Nagar have voted for me. Dont hurt those loveable people (by making such allegations)," Dhinakaran said.
Questioning whether Kamal Haasan was a judge or God, Dhinakaran said the actor should have contested the bypoll to face the reality.
Apparently hitting out at the actors political ambitions, Dhinakaran asked "can such people survive in politics."
"Politics is not some scripted movie where one can mouth dialogues written by someone else," he said.
On his victory, he said RK Nagar voters have "recognised we are Ammas (Jayalalithaa) successors. Those who are apprehensive due to this are saying such things (of bribing the voters)".
Dhinakaran dared those making such allegations to reiterate them by holding a public meeting at RK Nagar.
Haasan, who has announced his intentions of entering politics, has been vocal on a number of issues ranging from corruption to right wing extremism. PTI SA TVS DV
Actor Salman Khan appeared in Jodhpur's Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Rural Court today in connection with the 1998 Black Bucks case.
Final arguments in the case are yet to be completed. Today, the Defence put forth its arguments in the Court.
While Salman was in the Court, a CD of an eyewitness, Poonamchand, was played in his presence, by the Defence counsel. Salman, as per information, got visibly emotional while the CD was being played inside the Courtroom.
Salman appeared a bit uneasy during his Court appearance today. Salman stayed inside the Court for close to 35 minutes. After his Court appearance, Salman left for hotel.
There was significant police presence in the Court premises while Salman appeared inside the Courtroom.
Barricades were put up by the Jodhpur police to ensure that the security measures were not found lacking.
Several fans of Salman thronged the Court premises to see their favourite actor. Salman Khan had reached Jodhpur to take part in a private programme.
Salman reached the CJM Court directly from the Jodhpur Airport.
Present alongwith Salman Khan during his Court appearance was his bodyguard Shera. Salman was wearing a black coloured Shirt, grey coloured jacket and blue coloured jeans.
Salman is accused of killing two black bucks in October, 1998 in Jodhpur's Kankani area.
Other actors of the movie, Hum Saath Saath Hain, including Sonali Bendre, Saif Ali Khan, Tabu and Neelam were allegedly present with him.
Salman Khan had appeared in Jodhpur Court last year on August 4 to present a bail bond of 20,000 Rupees in the Arms Act case.
editorial@tribune.com
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, January 4
The Government Medical College (GMC) has banned the entry of medical representatives (salesmen) of private pharmaceutical companies to the outpatient department (OPD) chambers of doctors during duty hours.
Medical representatives can be seen roaming in the hospital and meeting doctors during working hours every day. The salesmen of the private pharmaceutical companies cajole and also lure doctors into prescribing their brands.
A source in the hospital said pharmaceutical companies gave hefty commission and lavish gifts to government doctors. The practice has increased to such an extent that private persons keep on sitting next to doctors as the latter examine patients, he said.
It has also been seen that while patients in long queues are waiting outside, doctors carry on with their meet with medical representatives to know their brands. The medicines of private companies are not available at the government pharmacies at the hospital. These are available only at private medical stores outside the hospital.
The patients often complain of not getting medicines from government pharmacies and doctors prescribing medicines which are available only with a few chemists. The instances of private lab employees collecting samples from inside the wards have already been highlighted by the media. The patients hope that the new order would set the things in order.
College Principal Dr Tejbir Singh said, We hope that the practice will come to an end with the new orders. The duty hours of the doctors are meant only for patients. Meeting with a private salesman during OPD hours is unethical. Action will be taken if such a practice is seen.
editorial@tribune.com
Tribune News Service
Bathinda, January 4
The last rights of Jyoti, who was brutally killed at Surat in Gujarat two days ago, took place at the cremation centre near DAV College around 6.30 pm today.
Her kin reached Bathinda with the body from Surat around 6 pm.
None from the family talked much to the media, but only demanded hard imprisonment against alleged killer Pritesh Patel.
Jyoti was killed in Timba town near Surat on Thursday at the farm house of the accused with a sharp-edged weapon. Her head was separated from her body in the attack.
The accused was arrested by the Surat police and he accepted his crime.
According to sources, Jyoti worked in a dance bar in Mumbai and she had a relation with Pritesh Patel. Both were celebrating Priteshs birthday in Timba on December 27 and went to Mumbai the next day for New Year celebrations.
On January 1, both came back to Timba and went to the farm house where the incident happened.
After his arrest, he told the police that he had also divorced his wife. But he had doubt that Jyoti had relation with another person of Bathinda. Due to this, both had a dispute after which he killed her. Jyoti is survived by her 6-year-old daughter Angel and her husband died a few years ago.
shalender@tribune.com
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 4
Four vehicle thieves, including a juvenile, have been arrested by the Chandigarh Police and 10 motorcycles have been recovered from their possession. The accused used to steal motorcycles for joyrides.
A team of the Palsora police post arrested the accused, identified as Prabhjot Singh, Mahesh, alias Blackberry, and Ryat, all residents of Bad Majra, and a juvenile, who is a resident of Phase I, Mohali. Inspector Rajdeep Singh, SHO, Sector 39 police station, said the accused were held on the basis of a tip-off.
As many as 10 two-wheelers have been recovered from the accused of which five theft cases were registered in the city, he said.
The police said the accused were active in the city for the past few months. Their background is being verified by the police. The four accused were produced in a court and sent to judicial custody.
Rajeev Jayaswal
Rajeev Jayaswal
Naive is the politician who accepts cash donations. Shrewd politicians that constitute the majority of the political tribe thrive on cashless and trackless barters and favours sans any digital footprints. The promiscuous relationship between the corporate and political elites is well entrenched and it thrives on the implicit principle of quid pro quo. No electoral bond can break this time-tested, age-old bond between the politician and the businessman.
The nexus is part of our political culture. The modern political history is full of many scrupulous leaders who had been identified with corporate honchos or business houses. They enjoyed their hospitality and had no qualms in admitting it publicly.
This trend continues even today. It is quite possible that some corporate-friendly politicians never did any direct favour to their hosts. Caesars wife must, however, be above suspicion. Undeniably, there are some indirect influences the rub-off effect, of such promiscuous relationships. No taxman would dare raid a businessman who is friend of a prominent leader or a powerful minister. Power corridors would lay the red carpet for such influential businessmen. Rules would be bent, regulations tweaked to benefit their ventures.
There are several suspects. Naming them in particular would be libelous until the jury is out. But one case can be cited with easily the disgraced absconder, Vijay Mallya. Until recently, he enjoyed the tag of the King of Good Times because of his lavish yacht parties, mostly attended by politicians across the party line. This proximity helped him borrow thousands of crores of rupees from public sector banks without adequate collaterals. Obliged politicians and bureaucrats allowed him to flee the country after duping the money of the taxpayer. Such is the power of crony capitalism. Political donation or contribution to party funds is merely a tip of the iceberg.
A new beginning
The Modi government has, however, made a beginning by officially acknowledging corruption within the political system. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley notified the electoral bond on the second day of the New Year. According to the notification, these bonds are bearer instruments in the nature of promissory notes and an interest-free banking instrument. These bonds are available in Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs10 lakh and Rs 1 crore denominations. They are issued from specified branches of the State Bank of India. The bonds will be encashed by the political party only through a designated bank account.
Any citizen of India or a corporate house can purchase these bonds through their bank accounts after meeting know-your-customer requirements. They can purchase bonds of any value and donate any sum to any political party that is registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951 and has secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last parliamentary or assembly election. These bonds would have a life of only 15 days. The bonds will be available for purchase for a period of 10 days each in the months of January, April, July and October. An additional period of 30 days shall be specified by the Central government in the year of the General Election.
Anonymity not absolute....
The Finance Ministry has underscored anonymity as one of the most remarkable features of the electoral bond. The statement issued by the ministry said: It (the bonds) will not carry the name of payee. This will certainly safeguard a businessman who would like to keep both the ruling party and other oppositions in good humour. But, their anonymity is not absolute. Nothing is secret in the era of Aadhaar and KYC. Neither businessmen nor the opposition could escape the big brothers gaze.
The introduction of electoral bonds in national politics is, however, a good optics of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. It is an attempt of the party to give credence to its so-called anti-corruption image, which did not cut much ice with the common man after the failed demonetisation that swelled banks coffers with all kinds of money.
The BJP will try to capitalise the recent move as an important addition to its anti-corruption narrative, especially in the forthcoming Assembly polls and the crucial General Election. It has already set the stage by saying that the bonds have been brought in to cleanse the system of political funding in the country. It is, however, common knowledge that cash is only one component of political funding. The much-needed assistance comes in other forms, such as support for organising rallies, distributing gifts before elections and providing private planes for the use of leaders.
rajeevj.tribune@gmail.com
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM
Houston, January 3
The much-awaited autopsy report in the death of 3-year-old Sherin Mathews says she died of homicidal violence, US media reported today, nearly three months after the adopted Indian girl was found dead in a culvert in suburban Dallas. Sherin went missing from her home in Richardson on October 7 and her body was found on October 22 in a culvert in suburban Dallas.
Sherin died of homicidal violence, a law enforcement official in Dallas, Texas, confirmed to WFAA TV station, indicating manner of death for the girl. A cause of death could not be determined due to extensive decomposition, the official said.
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An earlier report had said the autopsy report of Sherin has been handed over to the attorneys for the adoptive Indian-American parents of Sherin - Wesley Mathews and Sini Mathews. During a child custody hearing in late November, a doctor testified before a court that Sherin, who was adopted from India, had broken bones and had injuries in various stages of healing, indicating abuse.
Initially, Sherins foster father Wesley told police that he put her outside their home at 3 am to discipline her for not drinking her milk. His story changed after her body was found in a culvert, telling police that he physically assisted with pouring the milk down Sherins throat and then moved her body after he realised she had choked and died.
Wesley also admitted to police that he removed Sherins body from the home after changing his story multiple times on the events leading up to her death. Wesley and his wife Sini also left Sherin home alone the night before her disappearance, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Wesley, 37, is charged with injury to a child, while the adoptive mother, Sini, 35, is charged with abandoning or endangering a child. Both are currently lodged in a Dallas jail.
The attorney representing Sini Mathews said, There is nothing in the autopsy results that indicate Sini Mathews had anything to do with the death of Sherin Mathews, Mitch Nolte told WFAA in a statement. PTI
(Eds: Recasting overnight story)
Chennai, Jan 4 (PTI) DMK working president M K Stalin has said Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement, where there was no place for spiritual politics as enunciated by superstar Rajinikanth.
He made the remark just after the top star called on his father and DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence here, days after announcing his entry into politics.
Citing Rajinikanths assertion of "spiritual politics", Stalin told reporters here yesterday that Tamil Nadu was the cradle of the Dravidian movement. "Some are creating an impression that Rajinikanth is to launch a party at the instigation of people who intend to decimate the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu. "Let me tell you this is the land of Periyar Anna (Dravidar Kazhagam founder E V Ramasamy Periyar) and Kalaignar (Karunanidhi)... such efforts in the past have ended in a fiasco," he said.
Asked if Rajinikanth sought the DMKs support, he said such things could be decided only during elections.
Announcing his political debut on December 31 last year, Rajinikanth batted for honesty in politics and good governance. He said "everything needs to be changed" and declared that "spiritual politics" needs to be ushered in with transparency, sans shades of any caste or religion. Stalin said the actor calling on Karunanidhi was nothing new and that he had called on the nonagenarian leader some months ago to enquire about his health. Actor Vijayakanth too had called on Karunanidhi and sought his blessings before launching his party, the DMK leader said. "Rajinikanth visiting Kalaignar is nothing new...It is no surprise.. It was political decency.. We gave him a warm welcome." He said the actor also enquired about the health of his mother Dayalu Ammal. Just prior to Rajinikanths meeting with the DMK leader, former Union minister and Karunanidhis elder son M K Alagiri called on his father.
Rajinikanth during his meeting with Karunanidhi, extended his new year greetings to him and apprised the DMK president and his aides of his political plunge. The 67-year-old Kabaali star also enquired about the veteran leaders health. PTI VGN APR ROH GVS
ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM
Washington, January 3
The US is considering new regulations to prevent the extension of H-1B visas as part of President Donald Trumps Buy American, Hire American initiative, a move which could hit tech firms and hundreds of thousands of Indian IT professionals, a media report said.
The move could directly stop hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending.
The proposal which is being shared between the Department of Homeland Security Department (DHS) heads is part of Trumps Buy American, Hire American initiative promised during the 2016 campaign, US-based news agency McClatchy DC Bureau reported.
It aims to impose new restrictions to prevent abuse and misuse of H-1B visas, besides ending the provision of granting extension for those who already have a green card.
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The act currently allows the administration to extend the H-1B visas for thousands of immigrants, predominantly Indian immigrants, beyond the allowed two three-year terms if a green card is pending, the report said.
The idea is to create a sort of self-deportation of hundreds of thousands of Indian tech workers in the United States to open up those jobs for Americans, it said, quoting a source briefed by Homeland Security officials.
The agency is considering a number of policy and regulatory changes to carry out the Presidents Buy American, Hire American Executive Order, including a thorough review of employment-based visa programmes, said Jonathan Withington, chief of media relations for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.
It is typically issued for three to six years to employers to hire a foreign worker. But H-1B holders who have begun the green card process can often renew their work visas indefinitely.
The technology companies depend on H-1B to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
The proposed changes would have a dramatic effect, particularly on Indian visa holders considering more than half of all H-1B visas had been awarded to Indian nationals, the report said, quoting the Pew Research Centre report.
This would be a major catastrophic development as many people have been waiting in line for green cards for over a decade, have US citizen children, own a home, Leon Fresco, who served as a deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department in the Obama administration who now represent H-1B workers, was quoted as saying in the report.
Fresco estimates more than 1 million H1-B visa holders in the country are waiting for green cards, many of whom are from India and have been waiting for more than a decade.
Trump had made the alleged abuse and fraud in H-1B visa system a major election issue during his campaign.
After becoming the President, he signed an executive order aimed at tightening the process of issuing the H-1B visas.
Trump had said the order was the first step to initiate long overdue reforms to end visa abuses. PTI
editorial@tribune.com
Deepender Deswal
Tribune News Service
Hisar, January 4
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has urged the district administration to raze 201 structures, mostly houses, in Rakhigarhi village so that the protected land is cleared of encroachments.
Residents have been served eviction notices. In protest, they have started a dharna, demanding that the land be de-notified.
The ASI has carried out a fresh survey in the village to identify the protected area on Harappan-era mounds and found out that houses have been built on mound numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5. The excavation carried out by the ASI and Deccan College, Pune, have brought out Rakhigarhi was a site of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Sources say the district administration has served notices on 201 house owners, directing them to remove their structures and clear the ASI-protected land.
The authorities are likely to arrive with the police in the village later this week. The administration has also deployed a Duty Magistrate in the village ahead of its anti-encroachment move.
Villagers say they cannot vacate their houses where they have been living for long. We have constructed houses with our hard-earned money, and even got water and power connections. We have no alternative place to shift, said Om Pati. She is part of the dharna that started on Wednesday.
The Jan Chetna Manch, a social organisation that is supporting the residents, urged the administration to first come up with a plan to rehabilitate the affected villagers and then provide them with compensation before razing their houses.
Umed Lohan, convener of the manch, said: The villagers have meagre resources and earn their livelihood by working in fields. They cannot afford to shift to a new place overnight. They need to be provided compensation and alternative housing before the authorities evict them.
INLD MP Dushyant Chautala has raised the matter in the Lok Sabha, alleging that instead of developing Rakhigarhi as a tourist hub, the government is bent upon snatching the adobe of the poor.
editorial@tribune.com
Tribune News Service
Shimla, January 4
The Cabinet on Thursday approved settling over half a century old electricity arrears with Punjab in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects in compliance with a Supreme Court orderof September 27, 2011, in terms of differential energy return.
The government has decided to accept Punjabs settlement offer on the arrears by selling 13,066 million units of power which will fetch Rs 3,266 crore to the hill state over 10 to 12 years.
The decision was taken by the Cabinet at its meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, held here. Himachal had sought Rs 4,200 crore as arrears from Punjab but the arrears were yet to be paid. Though Punjab had kept the term period for returning power over 20 years, the Cabinet has agreed to 10 to 12 years. The differential energy quantum of 13,066 million units will fetch Rs 3,266 crore to the state by selling power at a rate of Rs 2.50 per unit.
Himachal will go in for return of power with premium of 6 per cent and with no further additional liability for receiving this differential energy of 13,066 million units. The Cabinet agreed and approved the proposal of Punjab and Haryana to return differential power during October 1 to March 31 owing to their constraints of paddy harvest season and also the requirement of Himachal during winter months.
It gave its approval to the Governors address to be delivered during the first session of the Vidhan Sabha at Dharamsala from January 9. In a significant move, the Cabinet reviewed the decision taken by the Congress regime at a meeting held on August 5, 2017, regarding withdrawing benefits given to ex-servicemen in the Himachal Government services. The decision of deletion of Rule-5 (1) of the Demobilised Armed Forces Personnel (Reservation of Vacancies in Himachal State Non Technical Services) Rules, 1972 and Rule -5 (1) of the Ex-Servicemen (Reservation of Vacancies in Himachal Pradesh Technical Services) Rules 1985 was reviewed to restore benefits to the extent of pay fixation in civil employment to the ex-servicemen.
The Cabinet gave its nod to fell a few trees on private land transferred/ acquired by the National Highways Authority of India for the construction of four-laning of NH-22 from Kandaghat to Kaithlighat in relaxation of the ban imposed by the government on felling of trees.
The Cabinet decided to execute work on the widening of the Theog-Kotkhai-Kharapathar road.
A detailed presentation on state financial resources was also made by the Secretary Finance. Liabilities due to reckless opening of government institutions during the previous government were also discussed. Suggestions were invited for expenditure compression, besides the Cabinet directed for quality of works and services, timely completion of projects without time and cost overrun.
Govt invites suggestions on Budget
The state government has invited suggestions from the general public, industry, trade and farmer associations on the Budget. It has started the formulation of the Budget for 2018-19. In order to make the Budget more people centric, participative and reflective of the views of various stakeholders in the society, suggestions have been invited. A spokesperson of the state government said the suggestions could be sent by e-mail to finsecy-hp@nic.in web portal of the Finance Budget or by letter to the office of Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) by February 10, 2018. The suggestions can be provided on increasing revenue receipt, expenditure control and other related matters. It will promote transparency, openness, responsiveness and participatory approach in the Budget preparation.
Decision on Kullu temple reversed
Reversing the decision of the prior Congress regime, the Cabinet decided to exclude Raghunath temple in Kullu from Schedule-I of the Hindu Public Religious Institution and Charitable Endowment Act 1984. With todays decision, the temple will now not be under the government control. Scion of the erstwhile Kullu royal family and former MLA Maheshwar Singh had challenged the matter in the court.
editorial@tribune.com
Our Correspondent
Palampur, December 4
The state government will start land acquisition for the 219-km Pathankot-Mandi four-lane project from April.
The project has been approved by the Government of India and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). A letter of intent was submitted to the state government last month.
The NHAI has asked the state government to complete the land acquisition exercise under a time-bound plan so that the project could be completed on time.
Sources today said the government had asked the Deputy Commissioners of Kangra and Mandi districts to form teams of revenue officials for the purpose.
According to Joint Ventures and Infrastructure Casta Limited, which has prepared a DPR, the project is estimated to cost Rs 8,000 crore. The NHAI will float global tenders in May. The construction work is likely to start later in the year. Since road alignment has completely changed between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar, the land will be acquired for the construction of eight bypasses, three tunnels, three railway overbridges and three flyovers, which would take six to nine months. During this period, the NHAI will finalise the tendering process and allocation of jobs.
Under the new road alignment, the distance between Pathankot and Mandi will be reduced from 219 km to 171 km. A major chunk of land is required for the construction of a 33-km bypass between Paror and Chauntra along the Pathankot-Jogindernagar railway line, where more than 10 bridges will be constructed.
Besides, the state government will have to seek approval for acquiring land for the construction of a 5,100-metre tunnel between Kotla and Draman, a 7,200-metre tunnel between Mataur and Kachhyari and a 3,500-metre tunnel between Bijni and Mandi. The tunnels will be constructed in reserve forest areas notified by the Government of India. Approval for land acquisition will be given by the Ministry of Forest and Environment.
Project estimated to cost Rs 8,000 crore
editorial@tribune.com
Tribune News Service
Shimla, January 4
The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) today adopted a single-line resolution, authorising All-India Congress Committee (AICC) president Rahul Gandhi to take the final call on appointing the CLP leader from among the 21 party MLAs.
AICC general secretary Sushil Kumar Shinde, in-charge of the Congress affairs in Himachal, along with Bala Sahib Thorat, former Maharashtra minister, arrived here to for the selection of the CLP leader. The winter session of the Vidhan Sabha will commence at Dharamsala from January 9, so the final decision will be taken by the Congress high command before that.
The resolution, leaving the decision on Rahul Gandhi, was moved by former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and seconded by state Congress president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. Shinde, however, took the individual opinion of each of the 20 MLAs by meeting them separately. Former minister and MLA Sujan Singh Pathania, who represents the Fatehpur segment in Kangra, could not be present due to ill health.
The Congress has 21 legislators as against 44 of the BJP in the 68-member Vidhan Sabha.
With consensus on a single name for the post of CLP leader eluding the party, the decision has been left to the Congress president. Former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh tried to give a show of strength as about 12 MLAs assembled at his residence Holly Lodge to signal that he enjoys the support of a majority legislators. Shinde, while addressing the newly elected legislators, said he had been assigned the task of taking the opinion of the MLAs so that the CLP leader could be selected. He said he would convey the opinion of the MLAs to the AICC president who would take the final call.
Shinde drove to the residence of Virbhadra to meet him before the meeting. It was after the meeting that he, along with the former CM and his loyalists, drove to the Congress office for the meeting.
Virbhadra the front-runner
Virbhadra still remains the front-runner for the post, considering his stature and contribution to the party. However, in case the high command decides to entrust the responsibility to a younger leader, then the names of AICC secretary Asha Kumari, Sukhu, Ram Lal Thakur, Harshwardhan Chauhan and Mukesh Agnihotri are doing the rounds as they are the seniormost among the newly elected MLAs.
editorial@tribune.com
Tribune News Service
Mandi, January 4
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said he would speed up the work on four-lane projects and resolve the issue of those affected by these.
Interacting with mediapersons here today, he said, Roads are the lifeline and we will focus to complete the road projects under construction in a stipulated time. I am aware of the grievances of those affected by the four-lane projects, who are struggling for rehabilitation and compensation.
Those affected by the project in Mandi and Kullu districts are demanding rehabilitation and compensation according to the Land Acquisition Act 2013. They have been struggling for their rights for the past two years.
The CM stated that he would take stock of the situation after consulting the officials concerned and take action accordingly.
A delegation of the Keshav Madhav Market, Aut, met the Chief Minister to apprise him of their grievances, who lost their livelihood because the market was removed by the district administration after the Himachal Pradesh High Court directions. As many as 32 shopkeepers had been running their business in the market since 1992. The National Highways Authority of India had raised the matter in the High Court that the market was set up on an encroached land. As a result the High Court directed the shopkeepers to vacate the market premises before December 23.
The Chief Minister assured the affected shopkeepers that efforts would be made to rehabilitate them, as a result they called off the hunger strike after 13 days.
Affected shopkeepers meet Chief Minister
editorial@tribune.com
Tribune News Service
Jammu, January 4
The state government has been caught on the wrong foot after it claimed in the legislature that work on the artificial lake in Jammu was in progress and it was targeted to be completed by March-end this year.
On the ground, however, things are different. There is no machinery or construction material at the project site, belying the government claim.
The work on the project was abandoned about 2.5 ago. It has jumped several deadlines and the chances of its completion within the fresh deadline look bleak.
The Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department has undertaken construction of design and construction of auto-mechanically operated barrage across the Tawi under which creation of artificial lake was one of the components of the project. Further, work on the construction of design and construction of barrage is targeted to be completed by March-end and the work is in progress, Tassaduq Hussain Mufti, Tourism Minister, said in a written reply to a query of BJP legislator Ramesh Arora in the Legislative Council on Wednesday.
Official sources, however, mocked at the government claim, saying that the I&FC Department had failed to convince the executing agency GVR Infra Project Limited to resume work on the abandoned project.
Although some progress was recently made in this regard after the I&FC Department signed a fresh agreement with the agency, there are remote chances that work will be completed within the fresh deadline, sources said.
Irrigation Minister Sham Lal Choudhary had earlier set January 2018 as the deadline for the project.
During the floods in 2014, one of the piers of the barrage was damaged and got tilted. Another pier also suffered some damage during the floods. The repairing of piers will take time, sources said.
The project was started in 2010 and was scheduled to be completed in 2013. Of Rs 70 crore sanctioned for the project, the government has spent Rs 58 crore. It claimed that about 90 per cent work on the project had been completed.
editorial@tribune.com
Dinesh Manhotra
Tribune News Service
Jammu, January 4
Already facing the allegations of bulldozing the democratic institutions of the state, the PDP-BJP government today undermined the sanctity of the Legislative Assembly by giving wrong information in the House.
In a written reply to the question of Ali Mohammad Sagar, National Conference member, the government informed the House that Rs 2,000 crore had been approved under the Prime Ministers Development Package for one-time settlement of 36,384 displaced families from PoK and Chhamb. The government said not even a single penny had been sanctioned so far from the approved fund of Rs 2,000 crore by the Centre.
Out of the 36,384 displaced families from PoK and Chhamb, over 6,600 families have already received relief to the tune of Rs 5.5 lakh per family.
On December 12, 2016, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had started disbursement of relief to the refugee families. She had handed over cheques worth Rs. 5.5 lakh each to 25 PoK refugees families.
The information is completely wrong. To hide its mistake in the release of relief to refugees and displaced persons, the state government has misinformed the Assembly that the Centre has not released any fund so far, Narendra Singh, BJP general secretary and a refugee leader, told The Tribune.
Rajiv Chunni, another refugee leader, expressed surprise over the misleading information provided in the Legislative Assembly. As of now, all relief cases up to August 2017 have been cleared, he said.
Official data also revealed that relief under the PMs package had already been disbursed to over 6,600 families.
In response to an RTI application filed by Rohit Choudhary, a Jammu-based activist, Ram Krishna Swarnakar, Central Public Information Officer, J&K Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, said Rs 308 crore had been released to 6,601 families till date through direct benefit transfer mode in their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
Sagars question was about the details of the expenditure incurred on various development works in different sectors under PMs Rs 80,000-crore package.
Pawan Gupta, Independent MLA from Udhampur, also alleged that wrong reply was given to his question in the Assembly. He alleged that misleading reply was given to his question pertaining to two roads of the Udhampur constituency under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
Gupta said the government had mentioned that two roads would be taken up under the RIDF in the Udhampur constituency, but both the roads, named in the reply, were not part of his segment. He also announced to move breach of privilege motion against the government for furnishing a wrong reply to him on the floor of the Assembly.
What it claimed
The government informed the House that Rs 2,000 crore had been approved under the PMs Development Package for one-time settlement of 36,384 displaced families from PoK and Chhamb. It said not even a single penny had been sanctioned by the Centre.
Relief to 6,600 families
Of the 36,384 displaced families from PoK and Chhamb, over 6,600 families have already received relief to the tune of Rs 5.5 lakh per family. On December 12, 2016, the CM started disbursement of relief to the refugee families. She had handed over cheques worth Rs 5.5 lakh each to 25 PoK refugees families.
gspannu7@gmail.com
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 4
The issue of Aadhaar data breach after an exclusive story by The Tribune found a mention in Parliament on Thursday.
A news report published with the title, Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details, had reported how a service was being offered by anonymous sellers over WhatsApp that provided unrestricted access to details for any of the more than 1 billion Aadhaar numbers created in India thus far for as little as Rs 500.
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Punjab Congress MP Sunil Jakhar tried to raise the issue in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan did not allow it.
(Read: Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details)
(Aadhaar data breach finds mention in Parliament)
(Aadhaar data breach shocks Twitterati, top trend for the day)
Jakhar was seen waiving a copy of The Tribune drawing attention of the Speaker to the news.
Responding to a media question relating to breach of Aadhaar data, CPI(M) said no one is safe in the BJP regime.
Deputy leader of CPI(M) Mohammad Salim questioned the BJP government for its earlier assertions that Aadaar-related data of the public is safe and secure.
gspannu7@gmail.com
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 4
After an exclusive story by The Tribune on the breach of Aadhaar data, hashtags Aadhaar and Rs 500 were the top trends on Twitter with many prominent users expressing their opinion on the issue.
A news report published with the title, Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details, had reported how a service was being offered by anonymous sellers over WhatsApp that provided unrestricted access to details for any of the more than 1 billion Aadhaar numbers created in India thus far for as little as Rs 500.
(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)
However, the UIDAIs official Twitter handle denied any data breach of biometric details and said it was a case of misreporting.
(Read: Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details)
(Aadhaar data breach finds mention in Parliament)
(Aadhaar data breach shocks Twitterati, top trend for the day)
The official party handle of the Congress party, MP Shashi Tharoor, CPIs Sitaram Yechury and journalist Pankaj Pachauri among others tweeted on The Tribune story.
How 500 is all it takes to buy you unauthorized access to the #Aadhar database: https://t.co/Q2ksbElnT7 Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 4, 2018
UIDAI officials in Chandigarh expressed shock over full data being accessed... Someone tell UIDAI it needs to to stop being shocked each time theres a breach & actually improve security if they expect us to entrust our lives to them. #Aadhaar #privacy https://t.co/PTuWUgnfBu Maya Mirchandani (@maya206) January 4, 2018
ITS BREACHED!
Ur #Aadhaar are for sale!!
Get shocked reading this investigation done by the @thetribunechd journalist Rachna Khaira#THREAD https://t.co/mevtDxLcXS James Wilson (@jamewils) January 4, 2018
Went to the ATM to withdraw 500 bucks ! Got one billion Aadhar Deatils instead #Aadhar Aniket Dharamdasani (@iamaniketmd) January 4, 2018
Rs 500. That's all it takes for someone to steal the data of a billion citizens. Envisioned by UPA as a tool for inclusion, #Aadhaar has become an identity theft nightmare under the NDA. https://t.co/bj5AWLR9JU Congress (@INCIndia) January 4, 2018
Govt. swings into damage control mode - days @thetribunechd report is 'misleading'
So who's wrong ? The 100 year old newspaper or the Govt???
Here are the shocking details that the paper uncovered on #Aadhaar via its reporter - firsthand. https://t.co/vmkkeTMwsJ pic.twitter.com/wqJ9ng5OMf Akash Banerjee (@akashbanerjee) January 4, 2018
All #AADHAAR data is now toxic. It has been accessed for Rs 500 by an unknown number of people, agencies and countries.
Our reporter authenticated the story by calling up sellers.
Congratulations @thetribunechd for excellent journalistic work. https://t.co/OcVk8f2Tx7 Pankaj Pachauri (@PankajPachauri) January 4, 2018
The most startling story of this year yet? Needs investigation to determine how bad this #Aadhaar breach is. https://t.co/cKWp23WBNA Manu Pubby (@manupubby) January 4, 2018
The perils of making Aadhaar mandatory and linking it to bank accounts, as insisted upon by Modi govt, are visible here. Do we need more proof to stop this madness? https://t.co/9OEbitCmDO Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) January 4, 2018
AADHAR data breached yet again!
As every citizens personal information is exposed to hackers everyday & Right to Privacy is mocked and flouted with impunity, Modi Govt remains immune.
Is anyone listening?https://t.co/UDSfOlSWv9 Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) January 4, 2018
This is dangerous and criminal negligence of data security. Kudos to the reporter for unveiling the racket. A crackdown on the culprits& a corrective step is imperative: Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details https://t.co/XiYWrzs04H via @thetribunechd Nitin A. Gokhale (@nitingokhale) January 4, 2018
Los Angeles, Jan 4 (PTI) Simone Garcia Johnson says it was a "surreal" moment when she found out that she has been chosen as the 2018 Golden Globes Ambassador.
Simone, who is the daughter of wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson and producer Dany Garcia, said she got the good news on her 16th birthday last year.
"It was surreal and I was immediately so excited. The first person I told was my best friend...
"Theyve (parents) been so supportive, which Im extremely thankful for. My mom has always told me to be the most authentic version of myself and always be a strong woman," she told E! News.
A student, an IMG model and an activist, Simone said the biggest social issue the youth faces today is that their opinions are often considered "invalid".
"I think some of the older generation has this idea that because were young and the world is evolving so quickly, we have a false sense of real social issues, which isnt true.
"My advice to my generation would be to continue to fight for things youre passionate about and want to change about the world," she said.
The Golden Globes are to be held on January 7 and will be hosted by TV presenter Seth Meyers. PTI RDS RDS
rajivbhatia82@gmail.com
New Delhi, January 4
The Union Home Ministry has received a factual report from the Maharashtra government on the prevailing situation in the state in the wake of caste- based violence there, a ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.
The home ministry and the Maharashtra government are in constant touch over the situation in the state.
The ministry has also received a factual report from the state government on the prevailing situation, the spokesperson said.
Another official said the Centre had assured the state government all necessary assistance to deal with the violence and protests and bring back normalcy to the state.
On Wednesday, protesters attacked buses, stopped suburban trains and blocked roads at various places in Mumbai as normal life was hit in the city and other parts of Maharashtra during a bandh called by Dalit groups to protest the violence on the anniversary of a battle fought 200 years ago.
Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.
Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Company's forces.
The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits. PTI.
amansharma@tribunemail.com
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 4
Noting that India is sitting on top of a volcano that is about to burst, both legal and technical experts believe that the government can do more to make sure that Aadhaar data become more safe and secure.
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Reacting to The Tribunes newsbreak on how Aadhaar data of a billion Indians are compromised, internationally-acclaimed cyber law expert Pawan Duggal said, Notwithstanding the governments claim that Aadhaar data is safe and secure in its custody, such breach is always possible, as the entire architecture legal and technical is faulty and a very little has been done on cyber-security to make the ever expanding ecosystem robust to nullify possible misuse.
Even as Aadhaar number of each individual has become integral to almost every aspect of life, Duggal said, The Aadhaar Act 2016 hardly does anything to protect the data and the individuals, whose details are compromised. Such instances of breach to data is a wake-up call for the government, otherwise India would continue sitting on top of a volcano that is about to burst.
Read
Rs 500, 10 minutes, and you have access to billion Aadhaar details
Aadhaar data breach finds mention in Parliament
Aadhaar data breach shocks Twitterati, top trend for the day
Meanwhile, co-founder and CEO of Lucideus Tech, which provides cyber security to multiple Fortune 500 banks around the world, Saket Modi, while talking to The Tribune, said, Aadhaar is today one of the largest ever revolution to touch over a billion people, a first of its kind in the world. In order to make it work, different people have to be given access to different levels of information. In this case, it looks like the access given to officials to be able to search the database in case of redressal was taken over by unauthorised personnel resulting to the access to the physical data (data available on the physical Aadhaar card) of all the Aadhaar users.
Modi added, Technically, this data is of extremely low use to anyone as you cannot make payments/open a bank account of even a single user of the billion plus user base as it doesnt give an access to the biometric details of the users. The integrity of biometric data has never ever been breached till date. However, the government can make more efforts to make sure that even the physical data (although of less importance) is further safeguarded.
In a parallel, you can actually see our IT Minister frequently showing his Aadhaar card in the public. If you zoom in, you can easily see the physical details like his Aadhaar number, address, DOB etc. Hence, its not something super secret in the first place and technically I dont see this as a major breach, he added.
rchopra@tribunemail.com
Pune, January 4
Police have registered an FIR against Gujarat Dalit leader and MLA Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid for allegedly inciting passions between communities, an official said on Thursday.
The FIR was lodged late on Wednesday following a complaint by a 22-year-old student, Akshay G Bikkad, of Pune who took objections to the speeches by Mevani and Khalid at Shaniwarwada on December 31.
In his complaint, Bikkad said that at a Yalgar Parishad held that day, the two speakers made inflammatory speeches that could create misunderstanding between communities.
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The complainant added excerpts from the speech by Mevani: The (January 1, 1881) battle of Koregaon-Bhima can be a war of tomorrow. If they attack, it is time to retaliate, and winning this war will be a tribute to the martyrs. Crushing the new Peshwai can be a homage to the heroes of the Koregaon-Bhima battle.
The alleged excerpt from Khalids speech: If we want to win this war against the new Peshwai, we must carry forward the battle of Koregaon-Bhima. If we want to carry ahead the struggle, it cannot be achieved merely by electoral politics.
I believe that people who fight for the public causes must find a place in the legislatures in Gujarat and Maharashtra, and also in Parliament. However, caste system can be uprooted only by taking the fight to the streets. The dominance of one caste over the other can only be destroyed by battling it out on the streets, Khalid allegedly said.
The complainant said such inflammatory speeches could create a wedge and enmity between communities and that provoked by these utterances some unknown miscreants attacked the Victory Pillar (Vijay Stambh) in Koregaon-Bhima, resulting in riots and arson on January 1.
Hours after the FIR by the Pune police, the Mumbai police denied permission for a Chhatra Bharati-sponsored All India National Students Summit scheduled in Vile Parle on Thursday morning.
The developments came in the wake of a series of disturbances in Maharashtra starting with the desecration of a monument in Vadhu Budruk on December 29, followed by the riots in Koregaon-Bhima that left one dead on January 1, the Maharashtra Shutdown that killed a boy and left a trail of destruction across the state. IANS
gspannu7@gmail.com
Ranchi, January 4
Even in the midst of proceedings to decide the quantum of sentence in a fodder scam involving RJD chief Lalu Prasad, the leader did not miss to crack a funny joke when he told the judge that it was very cold in jail to which the judge replied play tabla.
A special court earlier deferred the sentencing of Prasad in the fodder scam case till tomorrow when it is likely to decide whether to pronounce the quantum of punishment over video conference or in court.
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Prasad, known for his funny liners, said in the court, It is very cold here (in jail).
CBI Special Court Judge Shiv Pal Singh, hearing the case, was quick to reply, Then, play tabla (musical instrument).
During the course of proceedings in the packed court room, the judge told Prasad that he had read the latters record and had vigilance remained tight, such a thing (fodder scam) would not have happened.
The judge further commented that the RJD chief did not act promptly on which Prasad in his characteristic style said I am also an advocate.
Prasad is an LLB from Patna University.
The judge also informed Prasad about the contempt notices to RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Prasads son and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav, Congress leader Manish Tiwari and RJD leader Shivanand Tiwari.
On this, the RJD chief requested him to drop the notices.
Before being taken away from the court room, Prasad urged the judge to think with a cool mind.
When the judge said he could opt for video conferencing for hearing on arguments on the quantum of sentence tomorrow, Prasad requested for personal appearance. The judge said he would decide tomorrow about it.
The fodder scam relates to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 89.27 lakh from Deoghar treasury 21 years ago.
While the sentencing of Prasad was deferred for tomorrow, the arguments on quantum of sentence of IAS officer Beck Julius, political leader Jagdish Sharma, former treasury officer Krishna Kumar Prasad, fodder transporter/suppliers Gopinath Das and Jyoti Kumar Jha, ended today.
On a plea by three former IAS officersBeck Julius, Phoolchand Singh and Mahesh Prasadthe court directed to lodge them in the higher division of Birsa Munda jail where RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav is given.
In all, 16 persons along with Yadav were convicted in the case on December 23 while six others, including former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra, were acquitted in the case. PTI
rchopra@tribunemail.com
Mumbai, January 4
The Mumbai police registered 16 FIRs and detained over 300 people in connection with protests by Dalit groups during the day-long bandh on Wednesday against the Bhima Koregaon caste clashes, while Internet services were suspended in Kolhapur following tension in the district.
Over 200 buses of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation were damaged in attacks by protesters across the state during the bandh, MSRTC officials said.
In Mumbai, 16 FIRs were registered at various police stations and more than 300 people detained, police said.
In Kolhapur, the home district of social reformist late Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the protesters on Wednesday attacked 13 buses of the civic corporation, an official said.
The Kolhapur district police had suspended Internet services till Wednesday midnight as a precautionary measure, an official said.
Protests by Dalit groups were held in the district on Wednesday, followed by counter-rallies led by Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh Kshirsagar.
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In Parbhani district of Marathwada region, an office of the RSS was attacked, police said.
The agitators raised anti-RSS slogans, the Parbhani police said, adding that no major damage to property was reported.
In Nilanga in Latur district, the home town of state labour minister Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, around 40 two-wheelers and 10 to 12 four-wheelers were damaged by a mob, police said.
The bandh was called following violence in Pune district on January 1 when Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the forces of the British East India Company had defeated the Peshwas Army.
Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory, as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community were part of the East India Companys forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and the victory is seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.
The battle has come to be seen as a symbol of Dalit pride because a large number of soldiers in the Company force were Mahar Dalits. Since the Peshwas, who were Brahmins, were seen as oppressors of Dalits, the victory of the Mahar soldiers over Peshwa force is seen as Dalit assertion. PTI
amansharma@tribunemail.com
Bijay Sankar Bora
Tribune News Service
Guwahati, January 4
There have been sharp reactions in Assam to the reported comment made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that ongoing process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam was meant to drive out Bengalis staying in Assam while addressing a public meeting at Birbhum in West Bengal on Wednesday.
The Assam Police registered an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on complaints over her allegation that the Centre was conspiring to drive Bengalis out of Assam with the state's National Register of Citizens (NRC) that is being updated.
The police FIR sparked an angry response from the Trinamool Congress(TMC) which said such an action would not stop her from fighting for the cause of the Bengalis while the BJP accused Banerjee of trying to make an "issue out of an non-issue" for reaping political dividends.
A local organisation called Krishak Shramik Kalyan Parishad, has filed an FIR at Dispur police station here against Mamata Banerjee for her alleged inflammatory remarks regarding the NRC updating process in Assam where effigies of the West Bengal CM were burnt in many places by several organisations.
The ruling BJP in Assam has accused Mamata Banerjee of trying to play divisive politics over NRC updating process and thereby exposed her total lack of knowledge about the entire process which is meant for only to segregate illegal foreigners residing in Assam.
The general secretary of All Assam Students Union Lurin Jyoti Gogoi said the comment made by the West Bengal CM smacked of design to create communal divide in Assam and amounted to contempt of Supreme Court which is supervising the NRC updating process in Assam.
The AASU leader hoped that the apex court would act against Banerjee over such unwarranted comment on a matter under its constant supervision.
Meanwhile, the state president of the ruling BJP in Assam, Ranjeet Dass, today condemned Mamata Banerjees inflammatory and provocative statement on updated NRC in Assam, warning her against playing divisive politics with the emotions of the people of the state.
Dass said, We have observed her comment with concern. She has exposed her total lack of understanding of the updating process of NRC for Assam.
Her eyes are set on West Bengal Assembly elections. Alarmed at BJPs inroads into that state and her eroding base, she is seeking to play with the emotions of the people, he added. Dass warned Banarjee against playing politics on linguistic lines.
Dass pointed that since the NRC updating process was under Supreme Courts direct supervision, the apex court could itself take case against Banerjee.
The first part draft of the updated NRC was published at midnight of December 31 last, which included the names of 1.90 crore Indian citizens in Assam out of total 3.29 crore applicants. The rest of the applications are under various stages of verification and a second draft would be published shortly. With agency inputs
editorial@tribune.com
Pune, January 4
An FIR was filed against Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid for their alleged provocative speeches during an event here on December 31, an official said today.
Both were charged for allegedly creating a rift and spreading disharmony between the Maratha and Dalit communities.
Mevani, the newly elected MLA from Gujarat, and Khalid had attended the Elgar Parishad, an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on December 31.
According to a complaint filed by city resident Akshay Bikkad, Mevani and Khalid allegedly made provocative speeches at the event and their remarks were aimed at creating disharmony and rift between the communities, which led to violence in Bhima Koregaon on January 1.
The Vishrambaug police registered the FIR against the two leaders yesterday, the official said. According to the complaint, Mevani at the Pune event said: If we want to win over this new Peshwai, the battle of Bhima Koregaon needs to be taken ahead. He said it was right that people fighting the battle needed to be in assemblies and Parliament, but if one had to endcasteism, it would happen only by taking to the streets.
According to the complaint, Khalid also said the battle of Bhima Koregaon had to be taken ahead. They had attacked. It is time to retaliate and we will fight this battle and we will win and this victory over new Peshwai will be the true homage to the martyrs of Bhima Koregaon battle, the complaint quoted Khalid as saying. Based on the complaint, Mevani and Khalid were booked under Sections 153 (a)(delivering speech to create disharmony), 505 (giving statement conducing to public mischief) and 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than 10 persons) of the IPC.
Violence erupted in Pune on January 1 while Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in which the British defeated the Peshwas of Maharashtra.
MP bandh takes violent turn
A bandh called in Burhanpur town of Madhya Pradesh in protest against Bhima Koregaon caste clashes in Pune took a violent turn today with a mob allegedly damaging 12 vehicles and stoning trucks plying on Ichhapur-Indore state highway. The shutdown, called by the Buddhist Society, Bhim Sena and other outfits, affected normal life in Burhanpur district.
Sena flays Fadnavis govt
Incidents that raise questions on the ability and the stand of the Fadnavis government are happening everyday. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bhima-Koregaon incident, but every government does the same thing. What is new in that? said Saamana, Shiv Sena mouthpiece. PTI/TNS
Permission for student event cancelled
rchopra@tribunemail.com
Mumbai, January 4
Angry protests erupted and anti-government slogans were raised here on Thursday as the police abruptly refused permission for a convention to be attended by Gujarat Dalit legislator Jignesh Mevani and JNU student leader Umar Khalid.
Confirming the development, a Mumbai police spokesperson said the permission had been denied for the Chhatra Bharatis All India National Students Summit scheduled in Vile Parle, but declined to assign any reasons.
Official sources said the refusal for the Left-oriented student body meet came in the wake of prohibitory orders imposed in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra after Wednesdays shutdown, which left one student dead in Nanded and many more injured.
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Opposing the police move, Chhatra Bharati members attempted to squat outside the Bhaidas Hall (venue) and many were seen running on the main road outside.
Defying police action, some members attempted to enter the auditorium, but were evicted by the police and several were bundled into a police van and detained.
Chhatra Bharati Vice President Sagar Bhalerao said the day-long event was planned long ago in which both Mevani, Khalid and other prominent personalities were invited to speak.
They accused the police of acting at the behest of the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena government in the state to crush the voice of the students who raised uncomfortable questions, but vowed they would continue their struggle. IANS
rchopra@tribunemail.com
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 4
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday said three Indian and seven Nepalese girls, who were victims of trafficking, had been rescued from Kenya.
We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking...Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa, the minister tweeted.
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We have flown our girls back to India. We are sharing details with the Punjab government so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved.
I appreciate the efforts of Indian High Commissioner in Kenya Suchitra Durai...We thank the Kenyan Police for their help, she said. With IANS
rajivbhatia82@gmail.com
Thane, January 4
Two people were booked last night for allegedly abducting a 16-year old girl on the pretext of taking her to an educational camp organised by her college.
According to police, the girl's father got a call from one of the accused, who was posing as a teacher at the college, informing him about the camp.
"The girl's father in his complaint stated that on the night of December 30, he received a call from one Vinay Kunte informing him about a two-day educational camp organized at Karjat starting on January 1 for which the girl had to pay Rs 850," police said.
Police said that the girl's father went to leave his daughter at the college at 6am on January 1 only to be called again by Kunte who informed that the departure time had been rescheduled for 10am.
"The girl and her father returned home and the daughter went back to college at 10am to proceed for the camp," police said.
Police added that the truth of the non-existent camp dawned on the father when he inquired with the girl's friends about such a camp.
"He was told that no such camp was organised. The father called up Kunte again who told him that he was not a teacher. Kunte also told the father that another person Bhushan Pawar had abducted his daughter," police said.
Calls made by the father to the girl went unanswered as the latter's phone was switched off, police said.
The girl's father filed a complaint with police last night and a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code was registered with Kalyan's Bazarpeth police station, officials said.
Police said that Kunte, a resident of Murbad, and Bhushan Pawar from Dombivali have been named as accused in the case.
A search is on to rescue the abducted girl and also to nab the two accused, said police. PTI.
A day after Deepak Rao was brutally hacked to death in broad daylight , thousands attended his cremation that took place in a Hindu burial group in Katipalla near Surathkal in Dakshina Kannada district.
Initially the plan was to take his mortal remains in a procession from the private hospital in Mangaluru to his home but the police anticipating trouble, secretly moved his body in the early hours of Thursday.
The government also stationed 12 KSRP platoons across Katipalla town so that no violence breaks out.
When the body was brought in an ambulance, the local residents protested against this decision. They also wanted a huge compensation be paid to the deceased mother to look after her younger son who is not in the best of health.
Sasikanth Senthil S, Deputy Commissioner, Dakshina Kannada district arrived to placate the angry residents. He assured them that a sum of Rs 10 lakh will be paid immediately to the victim's mother from the government.
"Rs 5 lakh from the communal riots victims fund and another 5 lakh from the CM's own fund has been released," he told India Today. He added that more money can be provided if needed in future.
Mangaluru: Huge crowd gathered at the residence of BJP worker Deepak Rao in Surathkal's Katipalla where his mortal remains are kept; he was hacked to death by four men yesterday #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/vTxrOu3hZ7 January 4, 2018
The scenes at the victim's home were heart-rending. His mother was only informed of his demise on Thursday morning when the body was brought to his home town.
Captain Brijesh Chowta, General Secretary, BJP Dakshina Kannada district says that attacks on Hindu youth has been going on every since Siddaramaiah became the CM of the state.
"We have been constantly harping on the issue that the PFI and KFD have taken over control of entire coastal Karnataka, from Bhatkal to down south Kadargod and have been involved in all illegal activities," he told India Today.
Chowta added what happened to Deepak in broad daylight does not even happen in places like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh today.
On the demand of the local residents, the mortal remains of Deepak were taken in a procession in his village before finally reaching the burial grounds.
The police made sure all measures were put in place so that the volatile situation remains under control.
T R Suresh, Mangaluru police Commissioner said 4 people were detained and were produced before the magistrate for police custody for detailed investigation. The accused were identified as Naushad Ullanje of Mulki, Rizwan, Pinky Nawaz and Nirshan.
Jagadish Shenova, VHP President, DK district blames the CM and his appeasement policies of a minority community for attacks on Hindus. "This Jihadi mentality is being used by a community to create panic among Hindus and their ultimate goal is an Islamic state," he added.
Likewise, Ganesh Karnik, BJP MLC said this is the 24th Hindu activist being murdered. He blames the government for not seriously looking into why these attacks are taking place.
He said these attacks are to scare others from supporting Hindu activities, a particular political party and a particular political ideology.
"This government is thick skinned, they are least bothered and they have no commitment of taking care of the majority community," said Karnik.
ALSO WATCH | BJP calls for bandh in Mangaluru after Hindu activist is hacked to death
editorial@tribune.com
Vikramdeep Johal
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 4
Love can build bridges, even between places as disparate and distant as Sahnewal and Baku. In a moving tribute to his childhood hero, Azerbaijani journalist-filmmaker Namig Gurban (50) has made a 47-minute documentary, Dharmendra The Messenger of Love. The movie was screened last week in the former Soviet republic.
Gurban recalls, I was 13 when I saw him for the first time on the big screen. I loved his battle scenes and funny jokes. I was charmed by him from the first movie
Amrit Jeet Singh, a Belarus-based handicraft trader who hails from New Delhi, was involved with the project as a translator and coordinator. He first met the director at a trade expo in Azerbaijan. Gurban told me how fascinated he was by Dharmendra. Being the Bollywood icons fan myself, I was able to appreciate his sentiments, says Amrit Jeet, who translated lines from Hindi, Punjabi and English into Russian.
As per AzerNews newspaper, the December 27 screening was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and India. Those who attended the event included Indias Ambassador to Azerbaijan Sanjay Rana. This film will serve as a bridge that connects the two countries, the diplomat said.
Dharmendra (82) wasnt able to make it, reportedly due to ill health, but he interacted with the audience through video conferencing. In the documentary, he tells Gurban, People must take care of each other, help each other. Thats why we come into this world.
The filmmaker considers the evergreen matinee idol, who starred in Indo-USSR production Alibaba Aur 40 Chor back in 1980, a real messenger of love who gives his heart and soul to people.
The Azerbaijani films Russian and English versions are ready, while it will also be available in Hindi and Arabic soon.
editorial@tribune.com
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 4
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today claimed that Congress legislators were looting the exchequer by preparing lists of beneficiaries of the farm loan waiver scheme at their residences and ignoring genuine recipients.
Former Akali minister Bikram Singh Majithia said Congress MLAs and halqa incharges had hijacked the scheme and were instrumental in booting out small and marginal farmers.
Majithia said, There should be an independent inquiry into the scam to ensure that the perpetrators who are making money out of the misery of indebted farmers are brought to book. The SAD will also start a protest movement in support of the farming community.
He said only a comprehensive loan waiver of Rs 90,000 crore, covering cooperative and nationalised banks as well as private money lenders, would be acceptable to the farmers.
The Akali leader said the government should scrap the present scheme and implement one which encompassed all indebted farmers, as promised by the Congress.
The current scheme is a fraud as the government reduced the number of beneficiaries from 10 lakh to 2 lakh, he added.
gspannu7@gmail.com
Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, January 4
The reported ban imposed by Sikh gurdwara committees in Canada on entry of Indian government officials in gurdwaras operated by them found its echo in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
Congress MP from Ludhiana Ravneet Singh Bittu raised the issue during the Zero Hour drawing governments attention to the development in Canada.
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The gurdwara committees have collectively barred entry of Indian authorities, including diplomats, in the religious premises controlled by them.
Khalistani elements are behind the decision, he said, and added that these elements are maligning the image of the entire Sikh community which will not be tolerated.
He cautioned the gurdwara committees concerned that by indulging in such uncalled for acts, they will forfeit the chance of any help from India.
Government of India and state government of Punjab will not tolerate this, he said.
A group of 14 gurdwara management committees in Canada reportedly barred entry of officials representing India, its diplomats and others in the religious premises at a meeting of their functionaries held in Ontario province on December 30.
editorial@tribune.com
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 4
The Punjab Police will recruit about 4,000 men and women in the force this year.
Announcing this at a press conference here today, DGP Suresh Arora said henceforth police recruitment would be held every year.
The DGP said solving the target killings of religio-political leaders and maintaining harmony was the highlight of the past year and investigation in remaining cases, especially the Maur blast case, was close to a breakthrough. We have made positive progress in the Maur blast case investigation, he said.
On action against gangsters, he said the police had arrested 408 gangsters last year. He defended the police action against UK national Jagtar Singh Johal held as the main conspirator in the target killings case.
The police busted eight terrorist modules with the arrest of 47 persons and seizure of 43 weapons. Nearly 21 foreign handlers involved in providing logistical and financial support to these terrorist modules had also been identified. These modules were mainly being networked and financed by operatives based in Europe, North America and Middle East.
He said upgrade of its counter-terrorism capacity and to operationalise a crack force, Special Operation Group (SOG), were high priority this year.
Also on the anvil was the implementation of the National Emergency Response System project, with the adoption of Centralised Call Taking and Distributed Dispatch, with a single Emergency Response No 112. The entire call taking would be at a Public Safety Answering Point (P-SAP) in Mohali with 60 workstations, 12 Police Control Rooms with 900 emergency vehicles, which was expected to be operational in April 2018.
On growing threat of radicalisation on social media, the police intended to have its Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts to interact with the citizens. The police would continue its focus on women, with holding zonal women conferences at regular intervals.
rajivbhatia82@gmail.com
Washington, January 4
Donald Trump did not want to be the president of the US and the First Lady Melania was in tears not of joy on knowing about the surprising electoral victory last year, according to a new book by an American journalist.
The book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" written by Michael Wolff, claims that the ultimate goal of Trump was never to win.
"His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race.
"His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president," according to the excerpts of the book.
"Shortly after Trump's inauguration, Wolff said, he was able to take up "something like a semi-permanent seat on a couch in the West Wing" an idea encouraged by the president himself. Because no one was in a position to either officially approve or formally deny such access, Wolff became "more a constant interloper than an invited guest."
"There were no ground rules placed on his access, and he was required to make no promises about how he would report on what he witnessed," the book said.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders has however denied this after excerpts from the book were published by New York Magazine with the title "Donald Trump Did Not Want to be President."
"There was one brief conversation that had nothing to do, originally, with the book. It was, I think, around five to seven minutes in total since the President has taken office. And that's the only interaction that he's had," she said.
According to Wolff, after entering the White House, Trump, while proposing the most radical departure from governing and policy norms in several generations, had few specific ideas about how to turn his themes and vitriol into policy.
"And making suggestions to him was deeply complicated.
Here, arguably, was the central issue of the Trump presidency, informing every aspect of Trumpian policy and leadership: He didn't process information in any conventional sense. He didn't read. He didn't really even skim.
Some believed that for all practical purposes he was no more than semi literate.
He trusted his own expertise no matter how paltry or irrelevant more than anyone else's," the author claimed.
"Shortly after 8 PM on election night, when the unexpected trend Trump might actually win seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears and not of joy," the book said.
"There was, in the space of little more than an hour, in Steve Bannon's not unamused observation, a befuddled Trump morphing into a disbelieving Trump and then into a horrified Trump. But still to come was the final transformation: Suddenly, Donald Trump became a man who believed that he deserved to be, and was wholly capable of being, the president of the United States," according to the book.
Wolf claims that from the moment of victory, the Trump administration became a looking-glass presidency: Every inverse assumption about how to assemble and run a White House was enacted and compounded, many times over.
"The decisions that Trump and his top advisers made in those first few months from the slapdash transition to the disarray in the West Wing set the stage for the chaos and dysfunction that have persisted throughout his first year in office," Wolf said in his book.
"This was a real-life version of Mel Brooks's The Producers, where the mistaken outcome trusted by everyone in Trump's inner circle that they would lose the election wound up exposing them for who they really were," Wolff said.
According to New York Magazine, Wolff, who chronicles the administration from Election Day to this past October, conducted conversations and interviews over a period of 18 months with the president, most members of his senior staff, and many people to whom they in turn spoke.
"Nothing contributed to the chaos and dysfunction of the White House as much as Trump's own behavior. The big deal of being president was just not apparent to him," Wolff said.
"Most victorious candidates, arriving in the White House from ordinary political life, could not help but be reminded of their transformed circumstances by their sudden elevation to a mansion with palace like servants and security, a plane at constant readiness, and downstairs a retinue of courtiers and advisers. But this wasn't that different from Trump's former life in Trump Tower, which was actually more commodious and to his taste than the White House," said the author.
The White House has ridiculed the contents of the book, which will hit the stores next week, and described it as a fiction.
"This book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House," Sanders said.
"Participating in a book that can only be described as trashy tabloid fiction exposes their sad desperate attempts at relevancy," she said.
The White House has described the book as "trashy tabloid fiction."
"The author did not get any access from the White for this book. He never actually sat down with the President, just to be very clear," Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.
"I know that the book has a lot of things, so far of what we've seen, that are completely untrue. You have many people that have quotes that are sourced to them that are now coming out publicly and saying that those things are not true," she said in response to a question.
The book also says that US President Donald Trump was sympathetic to the issues of Silicon Valley including H-1B visa issue.
This appears to be contrary to the tough stand he has taken on H-1B visa now.
After a meeting with a delegation of Silicon Valley leaders at the Trump Towers on December 14, 2016.
Trump then as president-elect is quoted as saying that the tech industry needs help as there are too much of a regulation.
"Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump is quoted as telling Rupert Murdoch over phone after the meeting, according to the book.
"The president-elect enjoyed being courted. On December 14, a high-level delegation from Silicon Valley came to Trump Tower to meet him. Later that afternoon, according to a source privy to details of the conversation, Trump called Rupert Murdoch, who asked him how the meeting had gone," Wolff writes in the book.
"Oh, great, just great," said Trump. "These guys really need my help. Obama was not very favorable to them, too much regulation. This is really an opportunity for me to help them," the book said.
"Donald," said Murdoch, "for eight years these guys had Obama in their pocket. They practically ran the administration. They don't need your help. Take this H-1B visa issue. They really need these H-1B visas," Trump said, according to the book.
"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open America's doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders. But Trump seemed unconcerned, assuring Murdoch, "We'll figure it out," Wolff writes.
"What an idiot," said Murdoch, shrugging, as he got off the phone, the author claims.
The sympathetic view of Trump towards H-1B visa appears contrary to his public views on this popular work visa. Even during his election days, he had called for his strict review and described it as eating away with American jobs.
After becoming the president, Trump has ordered for review of H-1B visas. His administration has come out with strict policies on issuing H-1B visas, the book said. PTI.
rchopra@tribunemail.com
Washington, January 4
The White House has said it would announce specific actions against Pakistan this week to force it to crack down on terrorists on its soil, reflecting President Donald Trumps tough stance against the country over the issue.
The remarks by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders came after Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but lies and deceit and providing safe haven to terrorists in return for USD 33 billion aid over the last 15 years.
They can do more to stop terrorism and we want them to do that, Sanders said.
The White House said it would likely announce actions to pressure Pakistan within days.
(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)
Well continue to keep you posted as those decisions are finalised, Sanders said.
In terms of specific actions, I think youll see some more details come out on that in the next 24 to 48 hours... Sanders told reporters on Tuesday during a news conference in which she asked Pakistan to step up its actions against terrorists and militant groups operating from its soil.
Fox News reported that the announcement in this regard is expected on Thursday.
However, there was no response from the White House on the timing and nature of such an announcement.
On Monday, in his first tweet of the year, Trump said the US had foolishly given Pakistan more than USD 33 billion in aid over the last 15 years.
A day later, the White House said it had suspended USD 255 million financial security assistance to Pakistan as mandated by Congress in its 2016 budget.
US ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley also accused Pakistan of playing a double game by claiming to support the US-led war against terrorism while providing a haven to terrorist groups.
Pakistan has expressed deep disappointment over the US statements, saying the accusations strike with great insensitivity at the trust between the two countries.
Pakistans Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif in a tweet challenged President Trumps claim that the US had given Pakistan more than USD 33 billion dollars as aid over the last 15 years, saying verification by an audit firm would prove the US President wrong. PTI
rajivbhatia82@gmail.com
San Francisco, January 4
Twitter is not blocking US President Donald Trump for his "nuclear button" tweet that stormed the social media, and many thought raised prospect of nuclear war with North Korea.
Trump declared that his nuclear button was "much bigger" and "more powerful" than North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's after the latter threatened the US about Pyongyang's nuclear capabilities.
"North Korean leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'nuclear button is on his desk at all times.' Will someone from his depleted and food-starved regime please inform him that I too have a nuclear button, but it is a much bigger and more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Trump tweeted on Tuesday.
A number of users reported the tweet to Twitter, with the expectation that threatening a war one is capable of starting should violate Twitter's revised "Terms of Service", given the company's recent crackdown on violent threats, TechCrunch reported on Wednesday.
In December, Twitter began enforcing new rules around violent and hateful content posted to its platform to reduce the amount of online abuse, hate speech, violent threats, and harassment associated with its service.
"You may not make specific threats of violence or wish for the serious physical harm, death, or disease of an individual or group of people," as per Twitter's rule about violent threats.
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 3 January 2018
But in response to Trump's threat on Twitter, the company said that it reviewed the case and "found that there was no violation of the Twitter Rules against abusive behaviour." Twitter pointed out that tweets can sometimes appear to be abusive when viewed in isolation, but not when they are seen as part of a larger conversation taking place.
Moreover, Twitter's rules do not apply to whatever Trump posts because of who he is and the "newsworthiness" of his statements. This, combined with another exception Twitter recently carved out for governments and military, allows Twitter to wash its hands of the matter, TechCrunch said. IANS.
rchopra@tribunemail.com
Lahore, January 4
The JuD has said it will serve a legal notice to Pakistans defence minister for defaming it, days after the government banned the Hafiz Saeed-led outfit from collecting donations following US President Donald Trumps outburst against Islamabads sheltering of terrorists.
Taking exception to Khurram Dastgirs statement that action against the Jamaat-ud Dawa was not taken due to mounting pressure from the US, JuD spokesman Yahya Mujahid said Dastgir is speaking the language of US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also criticised the minister for saying that the action was taken against JuD, FIF and other organisations so that terrorists cannot open fire on schoolchildren anymore.
This is outrageous, Mujahid said, adding, We are serving legal notice to the minister for his outrageous remarks.
Pakistan banned Mumbai attack mastermind Saeed-led JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) from collecting donations on Monday, after Trump accused Islamabad of giving nothing to the US except lies and deceit and providing safe haven to terrorists.
In a statement, the JuD spokesman said, World knows who is behind the steps against JuD and FIF. Our rulers are reluctant to mention the involvement of India in terrorist activities in Pakistan. Efforts are being made to please external lords by propagating against those forces that have actively played role in Pakistans defence, he said.
Those trying to malign Pakistans national security institutions through conspiracies such as Dawn Leaks have finally met their fate (a reference to ousted premier Nawaz Sharif) but still they seem to have learnt no lesson. Now, when America is openly threatening us and inciting India to take action against Pakistan, Pakistani rulers are engaged in the sycophancy of India and America, Mujahid said.
On Wednesday, Dastgir had said Pakistan acted against JuD and FIF not under pressure from the US but after serious deliberations, as part of the militarys operation to disarm and eliminate hidden terrorist sleeper cells across the country with support of local law-enforcement agencies.
The government has banned companies and individuals from making donations to the JuD, the FIF and other organisations on the UN Security Council sanctions list.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) issued a notification prohibiting the collection of donations by the JuD, the front organisation of banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, as well as several other such organisations named in a list of banned outfits by the UN Security Council. PTI
ELDs make it easier to manage a fleet where drivers may transition between different sets of hours of service rules. Photo: Cal Freight
No dispatcher wants to admit they didnt know where their drivers were and how many hours they have left, says Paul Hamilton, director of transportation for California Freight (Cal Freight for short). But we know the truth with that many drivers its impossible to know how much time each driver has.
Electronic logging devices, which the fleet phased in over 2017 in time for the mandate that went into effect Dec. 18, means that now they truly know.
Cal Freight provides transportation for industries such as port drayage and food-grade (milk) tankers, as well as some power-only services for Amazon, running out of Ripon, California, in the San Joaquin Valley.
Being able to not have to rely on their own memory or taking someones word for it or digging through time sheets, its leaps and bounds in the direction toward efficiency once they learn how to use the dashboard, Hamilton says of how the new ELDs are affecting operations. Just to click on a driver and be able to see everything hes done for the last umpteen days. You can dispatch them properly and plan out the rest of the week, seeing when they need to take their 34-hour [restart] off again.
Cal Freight had been using a company for GPS since early 2016, and in early 2017 they started discussing how they would meet the ELD mandate. At that time they switched to Fleet Complete (part of AT&T) to do GPS and electronic logs.
The company believed the effort by some owner-operator and small-fleet organizations to derail the implementation of the ELD deadline wasnt going to stand up, so we might as well comply instead of fight it, Hamilton says, and were glad we got started in March.
There were some delays as Fleet Complete integrated its acquisition of Big Road, but the companys happy overall with the result.
Dispatchers might like to think they know how many hours each driver has left, but it's not that easy without e-logs. Photo: Cal Freight
Some drivers embrace it happily and appreciate not having to draw their lines every day, Hamilton says. Then you have drivers that would rather use paper. They fight anything technological and use terms like Big Brother.
One frustration, he explains, is that there are frequent software updates coming from the provider. The tablets Cal Freight uses are locked down so drivers cant update them unless theyre enabled in kiosk mode, which makes updating applications a bit more of a headache.
The logbook application itself, Hamilton says, is pretty straightforward, although theres still a learning curve for drivers. I remind every driver that the application is drawing a line every minute of the day. All youre telling it is where to move the pencil to.
"I remind every driver that the application is drawing a line every minute of the day. All youre telling it is where to move the pencil to.
The fleet has roughly 130 trucks running on ELDs. Even though many are operating under agriculture or farm rules where they could be exempt, the ELD actually helps managing and monitoring those drivers time limits.
A lot of times, if you had someone switch over and take an interstate load, you had to switch over their week and meet the 70-hour/eight-day work week, and that would pose problems on paper, he explains. You dont know what you dont know sometimes, till they turn in their log book and you go back and look. With e-logs you can be a little more proactive and see what drivers have what hours remaining for the day and the workweek instead of guessing and getting yourself in trouble following the paper trail later.
Of course, they arent without headaches, Hamilton admits, calling the e-logs a double-edged sword. One run, for instance, takes 11 hours of drive time out and back, with the driver meeting another truck coming from Oregon assuming there arent traffic problems.
So the driver says he cant make the run because hes hitting traffic, Hamilton says. Before he would just make it all the way back. It wasnt legal then and its not legal now, but it was never questioned on paper. The drivers would get away with it; the dispatchers wouldnt even know.
Its been an education for drivers and dispatchers alike, he says. They are gaining a new appreciation for the hours of service rules they may not fully have understood before. Drivers are educating me on different rules that might have worked on paper, but not on the e-logs, he says. It might not be a real rule.
And then, of course, there are shipper/receiver delays. There are rules that allow for traffic delays and natural disaster delays for drivers, he says. It would be nice to see a load delay [provision] of some sort.
US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on former top adviser Steve Bannon, responding to a new book that portrays Trump as an undisciplined man-child who didn't actually want to win the White House and quotes Bannon as calling his son's contact with a Russian lawyer "treasonous."
Hitting back via a formal White House statement rather than a more-typical Twitter volley, Trump insisted Bannon had little to do with his victorious campaign and "has nothing to do with me or my Presidency."
"When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind," Trump said on Wednesday.
It was a blistering attack against the man who helped deliver the presidency to Trump. It was spurred by an unflattering new book by writer Michael Wolff that paints Trump as a leader who doesn't understand the weight of the presidency and spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the phone to old friends.
Later on Wednesday, Trump attorney Charles Harder threatened legal action against Bannon over "disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements."
Harder sent a letter to Bannon saying the former Trump aide violated confidentiality agreements by speaking with Wolff. The letter demanded Bannon "cease and desist" any further disclosure of confidential information. Bannon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
White House aides were blindsided when early excerpts from "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" were published online by New York magazine and other media outlets ahead of the January 9 publication date.
The release left Trump "furious" and "disgusted," said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who complained that the book contained "outrageous" and "completely false claims against the president, his administration and his family."
Asked what specifically had prompted the president's fury with Bannon, she said: "I would certainly think that going after the president's son in an absolutely outrageous and unprecedented way is probably not the best way to curry favor with anybody."
In the book, an advance copy of which was provided to The Associated Press, Bannon is quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." The meeting has become a focus of federal and congressional investigators.
Bannon also told Wolff the investigations into potential collusion between Russia and Trump campaign officials would likely focus on money laundering."They're going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV," Bannon was quoted as saying in one section that was first reported by The Guardian.
A spokeswoman for Bannon did not immediately respond to a request for a comment. Trump Jr. lashed out in a series of tweets, including one that said Andrew Breitbart, the founder of the Breitbart News site that Bannon now runs, "would be ashamed of the division and lies Steve Bannon is spreading!"
Bannon, who was forced out of his White House job last summer, was not surprised or particularly bothered by the blowback, according to a person familiar with his thinking but not authorized to speak publicly on the matter. That person said Bannon vowed on Wednesday to continue his war on the Republican establishment and also predicted that, after a cooling-off period, he'd continue to speak with Trump, who likes to maintain contact with former advisers even after he fires and sometimes disparages them.
CNN reported Bannon said on his satellite radio program on Wednesday night that Trump was a "great man" after the president had blasted Bannon earlier in the day.
Sanders said Bannon and Trump last spoke in the first part of last month.
The former-and-current Breitbart News head has told associates that he believes Trump has been ill-served by some his closest allies, including eldest son Don Jr. and Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law. Bannon believes they have exposed Trump to the Russia probe that could topple his presidency and that Trump would be able to accomplish more without them.
So far, there is no indication that Bannon is being investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller. But the House intelligence committee has invited him, along with former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, for a closed-door interview as a part of the panel's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, according to a person familiar with the invitation.
Trump, up until Wednesday, had been complimentary of Bannon, saying in October that the two "have a very good relationship" and had been friends for "a long time."
In the book, Bannon also speaks critically of Trump's daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka, calling her "dumb as a brick.""A little marketing savvy and has a look but as far as understanding actually how the world works and what politics is and what it means - nothing," he is quoted saying.
New York magazine also published a lengthy adaptation of the book on Wednesday, in which Wolff writes that Trump believed his presidential nomination would boost his brand and deliver "untold opportunities" - but that he never expected to win.
It says Trump Jr. told a friend that his father looked as if he'd seen a ghost when it became clear he might win. The younger Trump described Melania Trump as "in tears - and not of joy."
The first lady's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, disputed that, saying Mrs. Trump supported her husband's decision to run, encouraged him to do so and was happy when he won.
"The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section," Grisham said in a statement.
Wolff was generally granted access to the White House with a 'blue badge" instead of the traditional press badge, giving him wide access to the West Wing, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss internal protocol.
One former White House official said Wolff was known to camp out for hours in the West Wing lobby after meetings, sitting on a sofa as he waited to talk to staffers passing by.
Wolff said in an author's note that the book was based on more than 200 interviews, including multiple conversations with the president and senior staff. But Sanders said Wolff "never actually sat down with the president" and had spoken with him just once, briefly, by phone, since Trump had taken office.
She also said the vast majority of interviews Wolff conducted with other White House officials were done at Bannon's request.
Bannon's comments in the book are just his latest published criticism of the president and his family. In a Vanity Fair piece late last year, he was quoted telling friends and advisers that Trump had "lost a step" since his swearing-in and was "like an 11-year-old child."
ALSO WATCH | US President Donald Trump tears into 'liar' Pakistan, revokes aid
Winter Storm Grayson Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
A massive winter storm has slammed the East Coast from Florida to Maine, bringing with it snow, high winds, and frigid temperatures that are creating difficult traveling conditions across a wide swath of the Northeast.
Commonly referred to as a Bomb Cyclone type of weather event, Winter Storm Grayson quickly grew into one of the most powerful East Coast winter weather phenomenons in recent history. It includes a dangerous mix of snow, thunderstorms, and winds of up to 80 miles per hour, and states up and down the Eastern Seaboard have braced for blizzard conditions.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency for parts of the state in advance of the storm's main impact, with predictions of up to 11 inches of snow in some portions of the state. Up to two thirds of the flights out of the main airports in the New York region were being cancelled on Jan. 4, according to a New York Daily News report. Road traffic and public transit were also being affected, though not to the same degree.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie also declared a state of emergency for portions of the state and closed all government offices for the day.
Southern states were also affected, with unseasonal deep freezes in places like Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal issued a state of emergency for coastal communities on Jan. 3. In Florida, areas that had not seen snow in nearly 30 years were given a light dusting of powder, bringing with it the specter of snow-covered palm trees.
Some seaports have also taken winter weather precautions with the Port of Virginia closing terminal gates on Jan. 4 until Friday afternoon at the earliest. The Coast Guard has also blocked incoming ships to the Chesapeake Bay area, affecting traffic to the Port of Baltimore. Terminals however, will remain open to trucks carrying goods in and out of the complex.
While the storm is fast moving and will likely be gone by Friday, it will leave extremely cold temperatures in its wake. Below zero temperatures are being forecast as far south as Jacksonville, Fla., with some East Coast cities approaching -40 degrees Fahrenheit. So far,12 deaths have been reported across the country as a result of the cold weather, according to CNN.com.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
U.S.-NAFTA freight value percent change from previous year, October 2017. Graphic: U.S. DOT
The value of freight moved between the U.S. and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners posted its 12th consecutive year-over-year increase in October, according to newly released Transportation Department figures.
The 7.9% increase from October 2016 put the value at $100.6 billion as all five major transportation modes carried more freight by value with NAFTA partners Canada and Mexico. The hike is the biggest since May and compares to a 3.6% drop in October 2016 versus the same month in 2015.
The value of commodities moving by vessel increased 32.6%, pipeline by 9.3%, air by 6.1%, truck by 5.7%, and rail by 3.3%. The large percentage increase in the value of goods moving by vessel was due in part to an increase in the unit value and an 18% increase in the tonnage of mineral fuels traded, according to the department.
Trucks carried 64% of U.S.-NAFTA freight and continued to be the most utilized mode for moving goods to and from both Canada and Mexico. Trucks accounted for $33.4 billion of the $54.5 billion of imports, or 61.2%, and $31 billion of the $46.1 billion of exports, or 67.3%.
Rail remained the second largest mode by value, moving 15.1% of all U.S.-NAFTA freight, followed by vessel, 6.6%; pipeline, 5%; and air, 3.8%. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 84.1% of the total value of U.S.-NAFTA freight flows
U.S.-Canada Freight Flows Jump 6.8%
Comparing October 2016 to October 2017, the value of U.S.-Canada freight flows increased by 6.8% to $49.7 billion as the value of freight on all five major modes increased from a year earlier.
The value of freight carried on vessel increased by 61.9% due in part to an increase in the unit value and a 29.8% increase in the tonnage of mineral fuels traded. Pipeline increased by 11.6%, air by 8.9%, rail by 7.2%, and truck by 1.4%.
Trucks carried 57.7% of the value of the freight to and from Canada. Rail carried 16.2% followed by pipeline, 9.6%; air, 4.7%; and vessel, 4.4%. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 83.4% of the value of total U.S.-Canada freight flows.
In October 2017, the top commodity category transported between the U.S. and Canada was vehicles and parts, of which $4.7 billion, or 54%, moved by truck and $3.7 billion, or 43.1% by rail.
U.S.-Mexico Freight Increases Even More
The value of U.S.-Mexico freight flows increased by 9% in October from a year earlier to $50.8 billion as the value of freight on three major modes also increased from a year earlier.
The value of freight carried on vessel increased by 21.8% due in part to an increase in the unit value and an 11.7% increase in the tonnage of mineral fuels traded. The value of commodities moved by truck increased by 9.5%, largely due to a 26% increase in the value of motor vehicles moved by truck. The value of goods moved by air increased by 1.9%. Rail decreased by 0.9%, and pipeline by 17.7%.
Trucks carried 70.2% of the value of freight to and from Mexico. Rail carried 14% followed by vessel, 8.8%; air, 2.9%; and pipeline, 0.6%. The surface transportation modes of truck, rail and pipeline carried 84.7% of the value of total U.S.-Mexico freight flows.
The top commodity category transported between the U.S. and Mexico in October 2017 was vehicles and parts, of which $5 billion, or 49.6%, moved by truck and $4 billion, or 40%, moved by rail.
Triple talaq Bill is likely to be sent to the select committee after Opposition parties oppose it in the Rajya Sabha.
With Opposition showing no sign of relenting on the instant triple talaq Bill, the government is likely to refer it to a select committee. The Bill has already been cleared by the Lok Sabha.
This is a major win for the Opposition parties, which presented a united front in the Rajya Sabha. They had not raised too many objections in the Lok Sabha, where the BJP enjoys a majority.
Many parties said that it was their strategic decision to oppose the Bill in the Rajya Sabha and force the government to send it to a select committee. Now uncertainty looms over the fate of the instant triple talaq Bill with only a day is left in the ongoing winter session of Parliament.
WHAT HAPPENED IN RAJYA SABHA
Earlier, political parties indulged in a slugfest both inside and outside the Parliament as a Bill to ban instant triple talaq was tabled in the Rajya Sabha. While the government wanted a debate on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in the Rajya Sabha, the Opposition wanted it to be sent to a select committee for scrutiny before it is a made a law.
The BJP accused the Congress and other parties of running away from a debate and stalling the Bill that ensures gender justice to Muslim women. The Congress charged the ruling party with doing "politics" over the issue, saying it has nothing to offer to the hapless women.
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Opposition wanted the Bill to be sent to a select committee that would help make it strong by offering support to Muslim women and by removing the criminality clause.
JAITLEY SLAMS OPPOSITION
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley lashed out at the Congress for "indirectly" opposing the triple talaq Bill in the Rajya Sabha and said Muslim women would continue to face injustice due to its attitude.
He, however, exuded confidence that the Congress and other opposition parties would have to support the Bill considering public opinion in the country.
"It has become clear that the Congress party is indirectly opposing the triple talaq Bill. It was a mere sham that they gave a statement and supported the Bill. They tried their best to ensure that this Bill is not passed in the Rajya Sabha," Jaitley told reporters outside Parliament yesterday.
In the Upper House, opposition parties such as the Congress, TMC, CPI (M), CPI, SP, BSP, DMK, AIADMK and BJD, along with the BJP's ally TDP moved a motion asking the Bill to be sent to a select committee. The government seems to have given in to the demands made by a united Opposition.
(With PTI inputs)
Watch: Will instant triple talaq legislation ever see the light of day?
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Published January 3, 2018
The Living Well Foundation has awarded a total of $73,295 to three University of Louisiana Monroe programs that serve the northeast Louisiana community.
The money, awarded by the foundation during its fall grant cycle, expands Living Wells commitment to the university. It already provides ongoing funding to ULMs dental hygiene clinic and Autism Center.
The new funding was awarded to ULMs Autism Center, Literacy Clinic and Occupational Therapy Clinic.
Alice Prophit, president and CEO of the Living Well Foundation, said the three programs fit within the foundations mission.
Living Well Foundation was established in 2006 with proceeds of more than $44 million obtained when Hospital Service District No. 1 sold Glenwood Regional Medical Center to IASIS Healthcare. At the time, the foundation was named Ward Five Healthcare Foundation but changed its name in 2010 to better reflect the foundations impact on the community.
Because we were created from a sold public entity, what we support is clearly defined, Prophit said. We support projects and services that are health and well-being based, and our constituents are eight parishes Ouachita and the contiguous parishes.
Living Well provided:
A $10,500 grant to ULMs Literacy Clinic.
A $30,599 grant to ULMs Occupational Therapy Clinic.
A $32,196 grant to the Autism Clinic, the third time Living Well provided funding to the program.
The concentration on health care by these programs is very much in sync with our mission, Prophit said. First, the curricula settings develop professionals to serve this region. And the programs provide direct services to the community.
Dr. John Sutherlin, Executive Director of the Research Corporation of Louisiana and an associate professor of political science at ULM, said the grants serve as an affirmation of ULMs service to the community and will only make the programs stronger.
Perhaps nothing reflects the commitment our faculty and staff have made to make our community better than these grants. The Living Well Foundation has provided our faculty with an opportunity to expand efforts into making the community stronger, he said.
Funding for the Occupational Therapy Clinic will expand services provided, said Dr. Patti Calk, associate director of ULMs School of Health Professions.
The grant, she said, will specifically be used to hire an occupational therapist to work in our OT on-campus clinic and purchase therapeutic equipment to enhance the services that we provide. The focus of the grant is to provide OT services to children and adolescents to improve their ability to participate in their daily activities and educational environments.
In the summer of 2016, ULM opened the on-campus clinic to provide services to people in the community who are unable to receive services elsewhere or who need additional services. The on-campus clinic also provides an opportunity for occupational therapy assistant students to learn through observation and providing direct services. Currently, the number of clients served is limited by the number of hours faculty members are able to donate to the clinic.
The receipt of this grant is extremely important and will increase the number of patients and quality of services that we are able to provide, Calk said.
Money awarded to the Autism Center will provide direct evaluation and treatment services for children up to age 18 and their families, said Dr. David Irwin, professor, and director of the Speech-Language Pathology Program and the Autism Center.
The professionals at the Autism Center at ULM provide diagnostic evaluation services for anyone referred in northeast Louisiana, Irwin said. This involves specially trained professionals administering the gold standard instruments for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Irwin said.
The funds from Living Well will allow licensed and certified professionals to provide direct and consultative treatment services. The faculty supervises graduate students in speech-language pathology to work with a variety of treatment approaches for children and youth diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The individuals need access to quality health care without traveling long distances, Irwin said. Prior to the opening of the AC-ULM, families were traveling to New Orleans, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Jackson, Mississippi, for evaluation services. Northeast Louisiana has many families who are underserved or unserved because of many variables. The funds from the LWF have been the sole source of support at this time to support the AC-ULM, he said.
Prophit said the money granted to the Literacy Clinic will further develop client communication skills, including speech pathology.
The Literacy Clinic provides an intensive reading and writing experience in both individual and group settings. This program strives to address the needs of children who may have experienced a prolonged and significant lack of success in reading and writing.
The clinic works to improve speaking and thinking processes, Prophit said, skills necessary in the workplace.
| By Alex Likowski
The White House announced Jan. 3 that President Trump will nominate Jody Olsen, PhD, MSW, a visiting professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW), senior faculty advisor of the Center for Global Education Initiatives, and senior lecturer at the Graduate School, to be director of the Peace Corps. A letter on the White House web page noted that Olsen was deputy and acting director of the Peace Corps from 2001 to 2009.
Jody Olsen, left, helped inaugurate two new Peace Corps buildings in Lome, Togo, in 2007 for the 45th anniversary of the Peace Corps Togo program.
Olsen began her work at the agency as a volunteer in Tunisia and later became country director in the West African nation of Togo, the regional director for North Africa, the Near East, Asia, and the Pacific, and agency chief of staff.
Between tours of duty with the Peace Corps, Olsen was senior vice president of the Academy of Educational Development (AED), a large nonprofit focused on education and economic development in the United States and 150 countries around the world.
In 2015, UMB named Olsen a Champion of Excellence, honoring her global impact. Jody Olsen is a tireless champion for developing the campus infrastructure and faculty and student competencies to ensure that we can effectively and safely deliver great global education, said Richard P. Barth, PhD, MSW, UMSSW dean. She is a terrific communicator, relentlessly optimistic and affirming, and exceptionally knowledgeable about all things international.
A presidential appointment to director of the Peace Corps must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Muzaffarnagar (UP), Jan 4 (PTI) A police constable, who recently sustained bullet injuries in an encounter, died in a hospital in Noida, police said today.
Ankit Tomar, who hailed from Wajidpur village in Baghpat district, succumbed to bullet injuries last night, they said.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a financial aid of Rs 50 lakh for Tomars family.
Tomar was injured during the police encounter on January 2, which saw the killing of an alleged criminal Sabir near Jandhedi village in Shamli district.
"The constable sustained bullet injuries in his head. He was rushed to the hospital in a serious condition," Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jagdish Sharma said.
Tomar, who joined the police department in 2011, was posted in Uttar Pradeshs Kairana police station. PTI CORR MG
Teenager Irahoze Diello is quietly confident about todays maths test. Even without books, shoes, a safe place to study or a morning meal, he has worked hard to prepare for this moment. He just hopes the rain will hold off long enough for him to complete it.
When it rains everything gets wet, says Irahoze, 14, who fled Burundi and now studies beneath the trees in Tanzanias Nduta refugee camp. When its windy, the branches fall and when the sun is strong its too hot. Sometimes we have to stop classes.
He is one of about 200 refugee children who attend Furaha Primary School, where a lack of funding means classes are held in the open air. Benches and blackboards are dotted among the trees, creating makeshift classrooms. For every three boys who attend, there is just one girl, and with little food to eat at home many pupils struggle to concentrate.
"Sometimes we have to stop classes.
Bad weather can bring classes to a halt altogether.
When its windy our papers fly away and when its raining my books are ruined, says Tuyishemele Kenilde, 15, from Burundi, who has already been held back a year. She sighs: its much more complicated to work here when it is raining and wet.
We have quite a few classes with no desks, adds Hafashimana Euphrasie, 14, whose prized workbook is torn. We really need some more so we dont have to sit on the floor.
The teachers, also refugees from Burundi, do what they can. Sometimes, when branches fall, students are injured, and classes have to stop while the teachers take them to hospital, says head teacher Ndayisenga Aimable, 34. They havent eaten when they come to school because the food rations are so low and many are too hungry to learn.
Lack of funding means lessons under the trees for some young refugees. (William Davies, producer)
Furaha (joy) school is one of nine primary schools in Nduta camp, where a quarter of children aged between six and 14 do not attend school. Fifty-five per cent of the camp population are under the age of 17 and there is just one secondary school with an enrolment rate of just eight per cent. Empty stomachs, an often-exhausting trek to school and no diplomas mean that many teenagers opt out.
In Nyarugusu camp, 19-year-old Claude Nahilma has been studying at Hope Secondary School since he arrived from Burundi two years ago. He worries about the future. It is difficult when you complete your studies to access university, he says. This is a dead end. I want to go home to continue my studies. Its very muddy here and we really need rain boots.
Enrolment is much higher in Nyarugusu, topping 80 per cent at primary level, although several schools there still lack permanent buildings and learning materials. Many children learn in flimsy tents that collapse in the wind and bake in the midday sun.
For every three boys who attend Furaha Primary School, there is just one girl. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin
Bad weather can bring classes at Furaha Primary School to a halt. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin
Around 200 refugee children attend Furaha Primary School. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin
"When it's windy, the branches fall and when the sun is strong it's too hot," says Irahoze, 14, who fled Burundi. "Sometimes we have to stop classes." UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin
Over 70 per cent of students in Nduta, Nyarugusu and Mtendeli refugee camps have to study outdoors. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin
Burundi refugee student Richard Nduwimana, 13, writes on the blackboard. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin
Partially-sighted Samwel (right) learns in classes of more than 100, without special materials. UNHCR/Georgina Goodwin
Moutaka Bahininwa is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the head teacher of Sifa Primary School, where more than 2,300 children from the DRC come to learn. Here we have a serious problem, he says. When it rains, we cant hear a thing. If there is wind, then this area becomes a wind corridor. The environment is not safe for the children.
Just yesterday, a gust of wind almost blew down 12-year-old Geny Naboys classroom. We were scared, she says. We need more permanent structures.
For Samwel Falliala, who is 10 and partially sighted, learning in classes of more than 100 in the howling wind, without special materials such as books in braille, is impossible.
"I want to go home to continue my studies."
When I write on the blackboard I have to call him forward, says his teacher, Sweddy Bikyeombe Byondo, 28. When I write, I write in big letters.
The challenges faced by students in Nduta and Nyarugusu camps are unfortunately all too common for child refugees worldwide. While globally, 91 per cent of children attend primary school, for refugees, that figure is far lower at only 61 per cent and in low-income countries it is less than 50 per cent, according to a recent UNHCR report Left Behind: Refugee Education in Crisis.
As refugee children get older, the obstacles increase: only 23 per cent of refugee adolescents are enrolled in secondary school, compared to 84 per cent globally. In low-income countries a mere 9 per cent of refugees are able to go to secondary school, the study found.
A huge funding shortfall means that UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and its partners have been able to build only 137 classrooms in Tanzanias three refugee camps between 2016 and April 2017. More than 70 per cent of students in the Nduta, Nyarugusu and Mtendeli refugee camps have to study outdoors, with just 193 permanent classrooms for about 9,600 children. A high student-teacher ratio adds to the difficulties.
About 638 additional classrooms need to be built across all three camps, but funding is a serious problem. The Regional Refugee Response Plan to assist Burundian refugees in Tanzania is grossly underfunded, with just 25 per cent of funding received.
See also: Saplings take root and transform lives in Tanzania
According to James Onyango, UNHCRs Education Officer in Kibondo, it costs US$12,000 to build a classroom, each exam costs US$250, a teachers allowance costs US$27 per month and sending one child to school for a year costs US$35. That is the bare minimum required so that a teacher can write on a board and students can learn something.
UNHCR continues to work towards inclusion of refugee education into the national education system in recognition that the national system provides access to accredited, supervised and accountable education services. At the same time, UNHCR's Tanzania operation continues to seek more cost-effective alternatives for classroom construction to address the acute shortage, as crowded classrooms weaken access to equitable quality education in the refugee camps.
At Furaha Primary School in Nduta, students are excited to be moving into new, mud-brick buildings soon. Built by Save the Children, one of the UNHCRs education partners in Nduta camp, they will comprise nine classrooms, a staff room, a head teachers office and latrines. At last, children will be able to focus on their studies.
Im so happy because, when we move, the classes will have walls, says Hafashimana with a smile. When Ive finished my studies, I want to become a teacher.
United Nations, Jan 4 (UNI) The head of the new United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, known as MINUJUSTH, has said the operation will carry out its work in an innovative in the island nation complete with an unusually tight timeframe and a bench-marking exit strategy.
Describing what is unique about the mission, the Special Representative and Head of MINUJUSTH, Susan Page, underscored that it focusses exclusively on the rule of law.
The new mandate by the [UN] Security Council is to work with the Government of Haiti to strengthen its rule of law intuitions. It's also to continue to support the HNP, the Haitian National Police, and to work on justice and human rights and that includes human rights reporting, monitoring and analysis, she told UN News.
MINUJUSTH is also unique in that its mandate calls for a benchmarking exit strategy.
Within two years, we can figure out how we [will exit the country] but with benchmarks for progress that can be measured, she stressed.
The mission head stated that the country team created a framework with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which, along with SDG 16 to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies is working in conjunction with the Haitian Government.
This is a way of bringing the entire country team together, along with the peacekeeping mission, to attain those goals, she continued, adding that the Government has already signed up to be a partner in trying to accomplish this for its own development.
Ms Page explained that while MINUJUSTH is almost exclusively based in the capital, Port-au-Prince, it will also have a 'mobile approach' that will take teams into the field reaching the greatest number of people.
The mission chief told UN News that the teams will focus on peace, justice and rule of law, to help the people figure out their needs, and then connect them with top-level political figures to see how the UN can help the Government address those needs.
Once they have a baseline of what the people are looking for, what they need knowledge about, we hope that this bottom-up and top-down approach will help Haiti to strengthen its own institutions with a bit of push from us, she explained.
Ms Page sees this new approach as a possible new peacekeeping model, commenting that with the aim of doing more with less, one of the ways we can reach people is by being more flexible and being more mobile.
Turning to the situation on the ground, Ms. Page noted that while Haiti's political system had been less than stable, now, all of that is settled.
Now that Haiti has its elected officials at all levels, including at the lowest levels in the communes, we have something to work with, she said.
The police will continue to work with the Haitian National Police on their strategic development plan, but they also have a programme that is strengthening the mid-level to upper level cadres of the National Police, she added
As for the ongoing combat against cholera in the country, Ms. Page expressed hope to get to zero transmission.
One of the ways we continue to work is through the country team, she said, mentioning the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), which are working to strengthen sanitation and water systems.
It's really a whole of UN approach; and with the Government's strategic vision and roadmap of how they intend to get there. And we can help them with that, she said reassuringly.
UNi XC-SNU 0806
Dhaka, Jan 3 (UNI) The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday decided to mount pressure on the Myanmar government to take back the Rohingyas, who took shelter in Bangladesh.
The organisation is also concerned about the rights of citizenship of this neglected population, representative of the OIC Human Rights Organisation (IPHRC) Dr Rashid al-Balusi told reporters here, following a meeting with State Minister Md Shahriar Alam.
A 12-member IPHRC delegation team came to Bangladesh on Wednesday morning to inspect the humanitarian crisis of Rohingya refugees in the camps.
Baramulla, Jan 4 (UNI) Security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in apple township of Sopore, where unidentified gunmen shot dead a youth on Wednesday evening.
Official sources said that security forces and Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police launched a joint search operation at Herwan, Sopore following a tip-off about the presence of militants.
All exit points were sealed and search operation was launched Thursday morning.
The operation was still going on when the reports last came in.
Last evening gunmen fired at Arif Ahmad Sofi, at Herwan Bomai, Sopore. The injured, a resident of Wahipora Unisoo, was immediately rushed to hospital where he was declared brought dead.
The gunmen later managed to escape under the cover of darkness.
UNI BAS CJ 1117
freedom
By Lalit K Jha
Washington, Jan 4 (PTI) The US has placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for "severe violations" of religious freedom, the State Department today said, making it the only country to be put under the newly-formed list.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced re-designation of 10 countries as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC).
"The secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.
The Special Watch List is for countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom but may not rise to the level of the CPC.
The Special Watch List designation is being seen as a step below designating it as Country of Particular Concern, which would have automatically kicked in economic and political sanctions.
Pakistan, notably, is the first ever country to be placed in this list, which is a new category created by the Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016.
The 2016 Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act amended the IRF Act to require the President to designate a Special Watch List of countries deemed not to meet all of the CPC criteria but who engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom. IRF stands for International Religious Freedom.
The US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIS) which has been seeking to designate Pakistan as CPC, however, expressed its disappointment with the decision of Tillerson in this regard.
"Pakistan continues to harass its religious minorities, has state-sanctioned discrimination against groups such as the Ahmadis, and tolerates extra-judicial violence in the guise of opposing blasphemy," USCIRF Chairman Daniel Mark said.
"As USCIRF has said for many years, Pakistan should be designated by the State Department as a CPC.Given the strong stance that President Trump has taken on Pakistan recently, the failure to designate Pakistan as a CPC this year comes as a surprise and disappointment," Mark said.
The State Department defended its decision.
"The Secretary of State takes into consideration all of the information available in conducting his review. His most recent assessment is that Pakistan does not meet the criteria for CPC designation, but meets the Special Watch List criteria," a State Department Spokesperson told PTI.
"We strongly urge Pakistan to protect religious freedom for all individuals. CPC designations can be made at any time, as conditions warrant," the spokesperson said, leaving the door option for Pakistan.
"The governments that have been designated as CPCs are subject to Presidential Actions, such as sanctions, which may include economic or political measures directed against a government to encourage it to improve the state of religious freedom in its country," the spokesperson said in response to a question.
A former member of Pakistani Parliament Farahnaz Ispahani, welcomed the State Departments decision to place her country on a Special Watch List.
"Today, the Special Watch List designation status given to Pakistan by the US Secretary of State to Pakistan may help Pakistans religious minorities. For too long no one has really cared within the country. Perhaps its time for external pressure to help safeguard those Pakistani citizens who are persecuted solely on the basis of their faith," Ispahani said.
Earlier in the day, Tillerson in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, announced his designation of governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as Countries of Particular Concern.
"Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017," she said.
Noting that the protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity, Nauert said these designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries.
"We recognise that several designated countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom; we welcome these initiatives and look forward to continued dialogue," Nauert said.
The US remains committed to working with governments, civil society organisations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world, she added.
In November, Congressmen Randy Hultgren and James P McGovern, Co-Chairs of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, in a letter to Tillerson had urged him to designate Pakistan as CPC alleging it has engaged in systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has been advocating for designating Pakistan as a CPC since 2002. PTI LKJ UZM
UTSA President Taylor Eighmy
(Jan. 4, 2017) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is planning a ceremony to formally celebrate the selection of its sixth president. The San Antonio community is invited to the inauguration of UTSA President Taylor Eighmy on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Convocation Center on the UTSA Main Campus.
The ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. with a prelude and processional, followed by the ceremony at 3 p.m. University of Texas System Chancellor William H. McRaven will deliver special remarks.
Eighmy began his service as the sixth president of UTSA on September 1, after serving in various higher education administration roles. His career includes positions as the chief research officer at the University of New Hampshire, Texas Tech University and, more recently, at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He has developed a strong track record of advancing top-tier research universities through strategic government collaborations, public-private partnerships and community engagement.
Shortly after beginning his role as UTSA President, Eighmy unveiled a long-term strategy to make UTSA San Antonios university of the future and to help it earn National Research University Fund (NRUF) eligibility and R1 (highest research activity) classification from the Carnegie Commission. The vision leverages UTSAs strengths as a great multicultural discovery enterprise, an exemplary urban serving university of the future, a world-engaged institution and a university that fosters exceptional student experiences.
SBDC Webinar Series to Help Self-Employed with Tax Considerations
Self-employed business owners in Wyoming can get the tax help they need.
A Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business fitness webinar series, titled Tax Considerations for the Self-Employed, is scheduled Feb. 1, 8 and 15, from 2-3 p.m.
The SBDC is a partnership among the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Business Council and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBDC focuses on educating small-business owners and potential owners on how to successfully start and operate small businesses. The SBDCs main office is located at UW.
Keith Hall, a CPA and National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) tax expert, offers personalized tax consulting on incorporation, automobile expenses, and home office and travel expense deductions to thousands of small-business owners. Hall, president and CEO of NASE, will present three hourlong webinars to help the self-employed with their 2017 taxes. He will discuss recent tax changes and tips, and answer questions.
The Feb. 1 webinar will cover the top five tax questions that small-business owners ask. For those new to self-employment, the webinar will cover business entity formation, estimated taxes, and automobile and travel deductions. On Feb. 8, attendees will learn how to audit-proof their tax returns. The Feb. 15 program will provide attendees with tips on how to maximize tax savings by hiring your children; taking the home office deduction; using retirement contributions and more.
The fee for all three programs is $15, and attendees can register at www.wyomingsbdc.org. This program will be recorded and available to registered attendees who are unable to attend.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services for clients with limited English proficiency will be provided. For more information, call Peggy Baker at 1-800-348-5194.
The Wyoming SBDC Network is a business advising group of the Wyoming SBDC, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Market Research Center and SBIR/STTR Initiative. The networks mission is to help Wyoming entrepreneurs succeed. Advising and most market research activities are free of charge to Wyoming residents.
The SBDC is funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. SBA. Additional support is provided by the Wyoming Business Council and UW.
For more information, go to www.wyomingsbdc.org.
(Eds: repeating after recasting intro, correcting slug)
By Lalit K Jha
Washington, Jan 3 (PTI) President Donald Trump is ready to stop all aid to Pakistan as the country continues to harbour terrorists, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has said.
Haleys comment came a day after Trump accused Pakistan of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for USD 33 billion aid over the last 15 years.
Speaking to reporters at a news conference at the UN headquarters in New York, Haley alleged Pakistan of playing "double-game" with the US for years.
"The president is willing to go to great lengths to stop all funding for Pakistan as they continue to harbour and support terrorism," said Haley.
"Pakistan has played a double game for years. They work with us at times, and they also harbour the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan. That game is not acceptable to this administration," she said.
The US has also announced that it is withholding its USD 255 million military aid to Pakistan.
"The decision to block aid is connected to Pakistans harbouring of terrorists," the top American diplomat said.
Pakistan has expressed "deep disappointment" over the allegations, saying the accusations strike with "great insensitivity" at the "trust" between the two countries.
Pakistans Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif in a tweet challenged Trumps claim that the US has given Pakistan more than USD 33 billion dollars as aid over the last 15 years, saying verification by an audit firm would prove the US president wrong. PTI LKJ CHT MRJ
Amidst desperate efforts to return to the cabinet former Kerala minister Thomas Chandy seems to be slipping into more trouble with the vigilance court ordering a detailed probe against the NCP MLA from Kuttanad.
The Vigilance Court in Kottayam accepted the quick verification report submitted by the vigilance team. The court directed the vigilance team to register an FIR and conduct a detailed probe against the minister and other government officials involved in the allegation.
In the complaint filed by Subash, a worker, it is alleged that the MLA misused government funds for personal benefit. Thomas Chandy, who is a businessman turned politician, constructed a road to his resort in Alappuzha using government funds. Over an acre of paddy field was levelled for constructing this road.
Chandy managed to arrange local amenities from development funds under MPs and MLAs to construct this road. The project funded by the government however ended in front of Thomas Chandy's Lake Palace Resort.
A detailed probe report by the district collector has revealed that the road was beneficial only for the resort as there were only a few settlements in the paddy field stretch. The report also confirmed the allegations of land encroachment by the resort management for constructing a parking lot.
Thomas Chandy will now be charged with sections including violation of 'wetlands and paddy field protection act' and conspiracy. The investigation team will also probe potential involvement of government officials including the then district collectors.
ALSO WATCH | Better for Minister Thomas Chandy to step down himself: Kerala High Court on land grab scam
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Real ingredients. Real risotto. Real amazing. BRIO Tuscan Grille locations at Tivoli Village and Town Center are celebrating this time-honored dish with a special Its a Risotto Celebration menu, available Tuesday, Jan. 9 Sunday, March 25. This limited-time selection includes four chef-inspired risotto entrees, which all feature high-quality ingredients and are made from scratch.
In addition, the menu includes three original cocktails, created to complement BRIOs new risotto dishes, and a decadent dessert.
The menus four delicious risotto entrees are:
Sea Scallop Risotto: pan seared sea scallops, ratatouille vegetables, basil, and red peppers ($24.95)
Salmon Risotto: grilled salmon, mushrooms, red peppers, asparagus, and basil ($22.95)
Sweet Potato & Chicken Risotto: oven roasted chicken, pancetta, asparagus, and toasted pine nuts ($19.95)
Shrimp Risotto & Broiled Lobster Tail: mushrooms, red peppers, asparagus, and basil ($26.95)
Perfect accompaniments to any of the featured risotto dishes, the following distinctive cocktails are also included on BRIOs Its a Risotto Celebration menu:
Maple Bourbon Smash: Makers Mark, Monin Maple, lemon juice, rosemary simple syrup, dash of bitters, orange garnish ($9)
Grapefruit Gin Smash: Beefeater Gin, grapefruit juice, rosemary simple syrup, lime garnish ($8)
Bulleit Rosa: Bulleit Rye whiskey, lemon juice, simple syrup, 19 Crimes Red Blend, lemon twist garnish ($8)
For dessert, BRIOs Molten Chocolate Cake with mascarpone cream and white chocolate raspberry gelato ($7.95), rounds out the menu as the perfect end-of-meal indulgence.
With our special Its a Risotto Celebration menu, we are pleased to offer our take on a much-loved Italian dish, says BRIO Culinary Director & Chef Alison Peters. Our chefs have carefully created these made-from-scratch risotto dishes with the best ingredients and we are excited to treat our guests to this very special offer.
In honor of National Spaghetti Day, Bratalian Neopolitan Restaurant by Chef Carla Pellegrino, is featuring signature spaghetti dishes with a wide variety of savory sauces to the classic dish (Photo credit: Denise Truscello / WireImage).
The award-winning Italian restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients and authentic cooking, with menu items appealing to all its guests. Specialty Spaghetti dishes include:
Spaghetti & Meatballs (on special in celebration of this day, for $15.00) Spaghetti noodles in marinara sauce served with one six ounces traditional Grandmas meatballs
(on special in celebration of this day, for $15.00) Spaghetti noodles in marinara sauce served with one six ounces traditional Grandmas meatballs Spaghetti In Garlic, Olive Oil & Crushed Red Peppers ($16.00) Spaghetti noodles in Olive Oil, Thinly Sliced Garlic and Crushed Red Pepper sauce
Bratalians guests are family and I love cooking for them said Carla Pellegrino, owner and executive chef of Bratalian Neapolitan Restaurant. Our family owned restaurant is grateful to our many loyal customers, and we were pleased to offer signature Italian favorite dishes, like spaghetti, as well as a full bar and Naples inspired ambience, to enhance customer enjoyment and experience.
Chef Carla Pellegrino is known around the world for her culinary expertise. Covering both coasts, Pellegrino is currently the Executive Chef at the Miami hot spot, Touche, and Executive Chef and Owner of Bratalian Neapolitan Cantina in Las Vegas. The dynamic chef, who was previously the Executive Chef and owner of Raos Las Vegas at Caesars Palace, has been featured in numerous national media outlets, including: The Today Show, CBS This Morning, Fox News, Bon Appetit and Food & Wine magazine.
Pellegrinos restaurant, Bratalian, was named Best New Restaurant, while her restaurant, Bacio, was named Best Italian Restaurant, by the Las Vegas Review-Journals Best of Las Vegas awards in 2011. Pellegrino has been recognized multiple times by the esteemed James Beard Foundation as the host of the organizations Spring in Italy and Women in Food events.
Nevada went green this holiday season as The+Source, with dispensaries in Henderson and Las Vegas, hosted the largest food drive for Three Square in 2017.
The holiday promotion offered customers store credit for each non-perishable food item donated. The+Source experienced an overwhelming amount of success, receiving 156,112 pounds of food donated in an effort to assist local families in need, the largest food drive on behalf of Three Square in 2017.
While we always knew that the cannabis community was a generous one, even we were astounded by the deluge of donations received from our customers, said Brandon Wiegand, director of operations at The+Source. These donations will provide several thousand food-insecure families in our community with the nutrition they so desperately need.
Three Square Food Bank is Southern Nevadas primary food bank, providing food assistance to the residents of Lincoln, Nye, Esmeralda and Clark counties. Three Square combines food banking, food rescue and ready-to-eat meals to be the most complete food solution for Southern Nevada. In 2017, the organization distributed more than 36 million wholesome meals to families in need through a service network of more than 1,600 community partners.
TREVI Italian Restaurant, located in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, will welcome attendees of the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) with a featured dish, short rib and Maine lobster ravioli, from Tuesday, Jan. 9 through Friday, Jan. 12 (Pictured: TREVI Short Rib and Maine Lobster Ravioli Doppio Photo credit: Executive Chef Jose Navarro).
Executive Chef Jose Navarro will prepare short rib and Maine lobster ravioli doppio, an Italian twist on surf and turf. House-made pasta will be filled with tender 12-hour braised short rib and Maine lobster, glazed with lobster sauce and braising jus, priced at $34.
MoSTs startup engine is seeking to give local startups the investment boost they need
The seven-storey building of the Ministry of Science and Technologys National Agency for Science and Technology Information lies at the end of Hanois Ly Thuong Kiet street looking shabby, in need of renovation after decades of neglect.
However, on the buildings top floor sits a large incubator for those turning their novel ideas into brilliant business. The floor greets visitors with a banner reading Welcome to the home of angels, running along the upward staircase.
Here you will find the base of Can Thi Thanh Hiens startup enterprise. Hien, only 22, is the co-founder of Fresh Deli, a firm established in September 2016, operating with only five team members.
Fresh Deli uses an app to connect itself with its customers and stay-at-home cooks for lunchtime meals.
We make different menus and send them to housewives, who in turn use fresh ingredients to cook homemade lunch meals according to the menus. Then our staff will deliver the portions directly to customers, Hien told VIR. We pay the housewives for their work.
Fresh Deli has already been recognised for their unique efforts. The startup received an investment of $20,000 by the Vietnam Silicon Valley Accelerator (VSVA), which implements the Vietnam Silicon Valley (VSV) project initiated by the government and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) in 2013.
Developing ideas into businesses
Initially, when Hien was studying at university, she thought about creating a company that uses software to provide fresh lunches to office employees.
This early idea snowballed, leading Hien and a friend to establish Fresh Deli. Such a novel idea, a rarity among local firms, won her First Prize at the 2017 US Ambassadors Entrepreneurship Challenge launched early this year.
Currently the Fresh Deli app has about 3,000 users, 50 cooks, and a solid team of delivery drivers. Its monthly revenue is VND100 million ($4,545).
Tran Hoang Thang, VSVAs accelerator programme manager, told VIR that Fresh Deli is among the 50 startups that VSV has successfully invested in since the accelerator programme was established in 2014.
When it comes to high-tech breakthroughs, Silicon Valley has long been the dominant model for the rest of the world. Following the lead of China, Japan, and the Asian tigers, the government and MoST launched the ambitious VSV in 2014.
VSV seeks to create an ecosystem of innovation and technology commercialisation within Vietnam by combining the local entrepreneurial spirit with the most successful practices that the US has to offer in startup development and mentoring, accelerators, and venture capital funding and investment.
VSV annually raises funds from angel investors to invest in batches of early-stage startups in Vietnam. Each batch will include eight to 20 startups, and each startup will receive $10,000 to $20,000.
From 2014 to 2017, VSV has invested in 50 startups operating across a variety of sectors such as IT, logistics, drone technology, and foodstuffs.
Many of the startups aided by VSV have successfully achieved the next round of investment with multi-million US dollar valuations, such as TechElite, Lozi, SchoolBus, and Ship60.
In 2014, student Nguyen Hoang Trung and friends established Lozi.vn, a page for food and foodies. Right after the launch, the page attracted around 5,000 users. After 12 months, the figure rose to 200,000 users, while the website traffic also saw an increase from 500,000 to over two million views per month.
Lozi.vn also received a VSV investment of $10,000. Currently, the websites monthly revenue is about $10,000.
In 2015, Lozi.vn inked a $500,000 venture capital agreement with Golden Gate Ventures in Singapore and DesignOne Japan, which both value the page at $2 million.
Journey to Silicon Valley
The Ministry of Planning and Investment is seeking comment and feedback from enterprises for a governmental draft decree on details for investment in innovative startups. Under the draft, individual investors can establish startup investment firms and funds only when they have an average income of at least VND200 million ($9,000) measured during the last two consecutive years from their application. Alternatively, they can also set up these funds and firms if they have total assets of at least VND500 million ($22,727), excluding debts. For organisations, they must have total assets in their financial report of at least VND1 billion ($45,454) within the latest year of operation. Investors with innovative startup investment funds can invest into startups with a capital capacity not exceeding 50 per cent of the startups charter capital.
Everyone is talking about startups now, and many people are trying to do something as a startup, Dang Xuan Truong, founder and CEO of Hachi Vietnam, told VIR. Funds and companies are paying attention to not only the development of startups, but they are interested in investing in them as well.
Hachi provides IT solutions for farmers to help them manage their agricultural activities via their smartphones.
With investment from VSV, I have weathered several difficulties by gradually expanding my customer base with higher-quality products. As such, my revenue from selling vegetables is about $5,000 for 1,000 square metres, Truong said.
Currently Hachi has several vegetable farms covering more than 20,000sq.m and employing over 100 farmers.
In a bid to support Vietnams startup ecosystem, various sites across the nation have developed models to assist these newly-established businesses. For example, in Ho Chi Minh City, a $38.5 million, 52-hectare Saigon Silicon Valley was created based on the same model in the US.
This centre aims to attract overseas Vietnamese firms and corporations in high-tech and supporting industries, research, innovation, and transfer applications.
Recently, an advanced-tech startup cluster was also established in the central city of Danang.
Truong Ly Hoang Phi, CEO of the Business Startup Support Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, said that many investors see Vietnam as a location of great potential for developing startups and venture funds due to the innovative nature of its people.
Phi is also a founder of the Ho Chi Minh City Startup and Innovation Fund (HSIF), which has mobilised investment capital from several investors. HSIF was launched in May 2016 with an initial sum of VND30 billion ($1.36 million) in investment capital. It is expected that the figure will rise to about VND50 billion ($2.27 million) in 2017, and VND100 billion ($4.54 million) in 2020. This capital will be invested into startups in Vietnam.
However, Thang of VSVA said that despite great zeal and passion from entrepreneurs like Hien, Huy, Truong, and hundreds of others, Vietnams startup ecosystem remains in its infancy and has limited resources. For one, there is a significant lack of co-working spaces and startup programmes.
In order to further the domestic startup ecosystem, and for Vietnam to develop its own Silicon Valley, the government would need to do much more especially in terms of policies and incentives, he said. Currently, Vietnam may be considered an incubator, full of potential for startups.
VSVA is currently planning its next call for investments from local and foreign funds, expecting to raise an estimate of $30-50 million for startups.
Fresh Delis Hien also dreams about further expanding her firms business.
We are planning to turn each of our cooks into an individual distributor by launching another multi-functional app, Hien said. We are seeking further investment capital, and trying to increase our number of users from the existing 3,000 to 10,000 by late 2018.
According to Hien, while government investments and incentives are important, you will find greater success if you go beyond such support, and firmly stand on your own two feet.
VSVAs Thang said, We are eager to develop and stand ready to invest in any startups with innovative and realistic ideas. Welcome to the home of angels!
By Thanh Tung
New Delhi, Jan 4 (PTI) The Aam Aadmi Party today hit back at rebel leader Kumar Vishwas, alleging he was at the "centre" of conspiracies hatched to topple the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi after the municipal polls.
The poet-politician was at the receiving end of the stinging attack a day after he gave vent to his ire against Kejriwal over being denied a Rajya Sabha ticket.
AAPs Delhi convenor Gopal Rai claimed that after the MCD polls in April last year, "there were attempts to bring down the government and Kumar Vishwas was the principal mover and at the centre of those conspiracies".
"Most of the meetings in this regard involving a few MLAs were held at his residence. Kapil Mishra was a part of it and later he was removed from the cabinet," he said during a Facebook Live session.
Vishwas did not react to Rais allegations. The disgruntled AAP leader had yesterday alleged that he was punished for saying the truth about Kejriwals decisions and that he accepted his "martyrdom".
During the social media session, Rai referred to a video that Vishwas had released indirectly attacking the Kejriwal government on the issue of corruption.
Rai said that through the video, Vishwas sought to scuttle the AAPs chances in the municipal polls, which the party eventually lost to the BJP.
"He is a person who attacks the party from every possible public platform. Can such a person be sent to the Rajya Sabha?" Rai asked.
Earlier in the day, Vishwas had tweeted that he will never rethink the stance on various issues that he took in the video.
"The voice of this video was, is and will remain on top for me, despite the cost I had to pay recently. I will never compromise on any stand in this video, even if more sacrifices are needed in future, because its not just me, its We, The Nation!" he tweeted. PTI SBR RT
Firms are advised to get their paperwork in order before jumping into cross border trade
Two grey cloths, one brown cloth, 10 pounds of pepper, five pairs of mens gloves and two vessels of vinegar.
These are what the king and his chieftains ordered that merchants were to present to the sovereign twice a year. This is also considered by some to be one of the first modern British customs duties enacted in 979 A.D.
Customs duties are certainly not unique to Vietnam nor are they a particularly new invention. Despite the recent proliferation of free trade agreements, clearly they are something that will be with us for some time to come.
These days more than ever, customs duties should not be overlooked especially as by some accounts, over half of world trade is now being carried out under preferential trade agreements such as the well known North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In such an environment, effective customs planning as well as a comprehensive tax and customs strategy is no longer just an attractive option, but for many companies, it has become a necessity to remain competitive.
On the Asian front, ASEAN member countries are sharing information and best practices more than ever, and member countries national rules and regulations are evolving and taking on a distinctly international flavour.
In terms of bilateral agreements, Vietnam has signed the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (VJEPA) on October, 2009. In terms of multilateral agreements, Vietnam is member to a number of free trade agreements, as shown in Table 1.
This article is intended to illustrate the importance for companies involved in cross border trade to carefully design, implement and maintain an integrated customs strategy. To be most effective, such a strategy should combine both a wide range of customs considerations and also an integrated transfer pricing strategy.
There is a broad legal framework in place governing international customs rules and practices. This framework includes such guidance as the multilateral World Trade Organizations (WTO) Valuation Agreement and the guidance of the World Customs Organization. There are also specific bilateral agreements as we noted earlier. Thus, there are many sources of rules a company operating cross-border in Vietnam needs to consult to assure their customs strategy is sound.
On the Asian front, it is notable that Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has set up a sub-committee on customs procedures and this committee has compiled the APEC Customs Best Practices Handbook, which provides summary information on customs practices across the APEC region.
Besides the basic laws relating to customs issues mentioned in Table 2, there are a number of decrees, circulars and decisions that are regularly updated on Vietnam Customs website.
Customs values
Customs valuations in Vietnam are regulated by Decree 40 (from 2007) and Circular 40 (from 2008). Based on this guidance, the transaction value of imported goods is subject to upward adjustments. For example, this may include royalties or commissions in the customs value of an imported item.
To determine the customs duty rate, it is necessary to first determine the applicable tariff code, then the country of origin. The certificate of origin has become an area of keen interest with the authorities in recent years. There are also a range of different rates including the normal rate, the free trade association rate and the Most Favoured Nation rate (MFN) applied between members of the WTO.
The transactional valuation method is generally the preferred valuation basis as the adoption of alternative methods can lead to uncertainty over customs duties and potential penalties.
It is worth noting that there are a number of conditions which must be satisfied in order to adopt the transactional value method. These mainly focus on price restrictions. For instance, to apply the transactional value method there should be no restrictions on the purchasers right to dispose of goods after they are imported.
The price should not be dependent on conditions or payments based on a value that cannot be determined. The purchaser should not be required to pay any additional amount after reselling or using the imported goods. In addition, there should be no special relationship between the purchaser and seller.
Documentation
To minimise risks, companies should prepare a customs dossier including all required documents. Normally a customs officer would expect to see the following documents: customs declaration dossiers, sales contracts (both Vietnamese and English versions), commercial invoices, import licences, packing lists, bill of lading or cargo manifest and certificate of origin.
It is also necessary to prepare documentation for any special relationship between the purchaser and seller. The authorities require importers to retain other documents relevant to the dutiable value determination.
To avoid falling foul of this very broad clause, it is prudent to retain as much supporting documentation as possible. The costs of archiving papers will be far lower than the potential penalties and administrative headaches that could result from a customs audit.
Monitoring
The Vietnamese authorities have a variety of methods to audit for customs compliance. Post-customs clearance audits may be completed at the border gate or at the customs department. In some instances, the division in charge of anti-smuggling investigations at the customs department may also perform such an audit. A regular customs audit will either take place at the companys office or will be undertaken at the customs office.
There is a growing trend among customs officials towards increased scrutiny of royalties and licence fees in relation to customs values. In recent years, the focus of this scrutiny has often been foreign-owned trading companies and foreign-invested service companies.
Generally, penalties for basic non-compliance with customs procedures are capped at VND70 million for administration matters. Penalties for serious violations of customs duties mirror those applicable for tax violations (one to three times the under-paid duties and interest of 0.05 per cent, per day on late payments).
Planning opportunities
A key issue facing businesses today is the lack of planning and the resulting missed opportunities to lower customs cost. This lack of planning can also cause problems with insufficient documentation and also lead to potential non-compliance with regulations.
Vietnam customs rules are often complex, frequently amended and subject to varying interpretations. Post-entry audits are often aggressively conducted by the customs authorities. As noted earlier, recent trends include a focus on royalties and licence fees added to customs value. Other risks include a lack of consistency in application of the rules for different locations and onerous documentation requirements.
The fast changing customs rules bring many difficulties for businesses. It is important for businesses to keep up to date with changing practices and legislation but there are occasionally situations where the authorities themselves may not be completely up to date and reliance can be placed on outdated methods.
Strategies and solutions
As mentioned earlier, good planning is essential when considering setting up a business in Vietnam. In addition, companies need transparent financial reporting systems, good compliance practices and a consistent approach to prepare for audit defense later. Beyond the basics, an integrated approach to tax, legal and customs planning and can help companies manage risk and improve cash flow.
Thus, when considering customs, there are many issues and pitfalls. As mentioned earlier, these include royalties for the use of brands, procedural non compliance, the use of wrong values, and lack of documentation. The key point to note is the importance of timely planning and proper documentation. The best approach is to be pro-active in customs planning and have an integrated strategy that combines customs, tax and transfer pricing considerations.
Please feel free to contact Grant Thornton Vietnam (GTV) tax partner Ronald Parks, or tax consultant Mr. Nguyen Truong Hiep, at #Ronald.Parks@gt.com.vn and Hiep.Nguyen@gt.com.vn respectively, should you have any questions about this article.
Accordingly, the French lender has offloaded over 74 million (74,705,347 to be exact) OCB shares, equivalent to 18.68 per cent of the lenders charter capital, on December 26, following almost a decade of investment in OCB.
OCB is now seeking for a new strategic shareholder
While the value of the deal has yet to be disclosed, the OCB shares are currently traded at around VND15,000 on the OTC market.
Late last month, some 18.9 million OCB stakes were on auction at the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), as per Vietcombanks attempt to divest its holdings. Merely 13.2 million stakes found buyers, at prices of VND13,000-14,500 ($0.59-0.65), leaving some 30 per cent of the stakes unsold.
OCB, in the same month, issued a statement that it has been approved by the central bank to raise its charter capital from VND4 trillion ($181.81 million) to VND5 trillion ($227.27 million) through a private placement.
In a separate announcement on December 27, OCB also confirmed its foreign ownership limit of 4.98 per cent of its charter capital.
BNP Paribas was not alone in divesting, as a couple of foreign banks such as HSBC Holdings Plc. or Standard Chartered Plc. also decided to sell. After over a decade of being strategic investors of Techcombank and Asia Commercial Bank, in 2017, HSBC Holdings Plc. divested 19.41 per cent of its holdings in the former. Similarly, Standard Chartered Plc. offloaded 15.69 per cent of its stakes in the latter.
These moves raised some questions as to whether these UK banks were reformulating their modus operandi.
Pham Hong Hai, CEO of HSBC Vietnam once told VIR that foreign banks may not pay attention to mergers and acquisitions (M&A) or become strategic partners of local banks as they did in the past, but focus more on the development of their own local branches.
There is a clear tendency among foreign lenders not to spread out investments but focus on developing the markets where they hold a competitive advantage and markets that have the scale and potential to generate growth in line with the parent banks, said Hai.
BNP Paribas is among the first international banks to establish its presence in Vietnam in 1989 and obtained a full branch banking license in 1992.
As a leader in project financing, BNP Paribas continuously supports the development of the country in terms of infrastructure, communication, and energy. Multinational companies enjoy one-stop corporate and institutional banking services, covering working capital financing, cash management, supply chain, trade, and fixed income with significant positions both in local and foreign currencies. With BNP Paribas, local and international exporters benefit from one of the largest trade centre networks in the world.
BNP Paribas is present in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and manages a joint venture between Cardif and Vietcombank for its insurance business.
The groups revenue as of September 2017 was down 1.8 per cent compared to the same period in 2016, which contributed to the unfavourable foreign exchange effect in the third quarter.
OCB to become first in Vietnam to successfully apply Basel II In late November, Orient Commercial Joint Stock Bank (OCB) successfully applied Basel II standards after two years of implementation, enabling the commercial bank to progress towards being one of the top ten best-performing financial institutions in Vietnam.
OCB successfully deploys IBMs QRadar solution Orient Commercial Bank has become Vietnams first bank to apply IBM Companys QRadar information security solution.
Overseas investors can look forward to another record-breaking year, Photo: Le Toan
Spotlight on consumer goods, retail, and banking
The past twelve months have been a busy period for foreign investors in Vietnam. Major state divestments continued to take place, most notably the share sales of Sabeco last month and Vinamilk in November, both of which garnered significant attention from overseas investors. The two sales together earned $5.41 billion for the state budget, and introduced Thai Beverage and Jardine Cycle & Carriage as Sabeco and Vinamilks major shareholders, respectively.
In the past year, foreign investors have also been active in share sales of leading private firms. One attractive sector is retail, which is poised for growth thanks to Vietnams expanding middle class and stronger consumption power. In October, Vincom Retail, Vietnams largest operator of shopping malls, conducted the largest initial public offering (IPO) ever in the country, raising $740 million from a slew of investment funds. Notable buyers include Templeton Investments, HSBC Global Asset Management, Dragon Capital, Singapores sovereign fund GIC, and Genesis Investment Management.
FPT Retail, another leading retailer of consumer electronics, sold 30 per cent of its shares to Dragon Capital and VinaCapital. The size of this deal was not disclosed. At the same time, Dragon Capital also spent another $10 million on 10 per cent of Mobile World Corporation, another major electronics retailer.
The banking sector is also shining bright. In August, leading commercial bank VPBank conducted its pre-IPO private sale for 78 foreign investors, adding $1.2 billion to its charter capital. After the sale and its subsequent IPO, VPBank is 22.34 per cent foreign-owned.
In the last two months of 2017, three major deals took place in the financial sector. First, PYN Elite Fund forked out $40 million for 4.99 per cent of TPBanks shares, marking its first investment in a Vietnamese bank. VinaCapital, after years of staying away from the banking sector, also bought the same amount of shares for $11 million at Oriental Commercial Bank.
HDBank, a yet-to-be-listed commercial bank, held its share sale near the end of December and collected $300 million from 76 foreign investors, who altogether own 21.5 per cent of shares. Major names include investment funds and banks such as Credit Saison, Deutsche Bank AG, CAM Bank, Macquarie Bank, JPMorgan Vietnam Opportunities Fund, and RWC Frontier Markets Opportunity Master Fund.
Andy Ho, chief investment officer of VinaCapital, pointed out that Vietnam stands apart from other markets thanks to a stable macro-economy, a focus on global integration, and a sound monetary policy. According to the financier, these and other factors helped the benchmark gauge VN-Index rise by more than 43 per cent in the year through November.
During this period, foreign investors have been net buyers of $1.2 billion of Vietnamese equities, spurred on by new listings from private companies, as well as an accelerated pace of equitisations of state-owned enterprises and the sale of government stakes in equitised companies, Ho said.
Looking forward
After a successful 2017, investment funds are anticipating another landmark year for Vietnamese equities. A common theme is a continued focus on state divestments, major IPOs, and other private offerings. Funds, however, differ in strategy.
Vu Huu Dien, fund manager of Dragon Capital, stated that divestments and private listings will offer once in a lifetime investment opportunities for funds. In particular, the government is looking to raise up to $18 billion from earmarked divestment projects and IPOs, while private listings can offer another $2 billion worth of shares to investors.
The pipeline suggests that banks and property companies will dominate upcoming listings and divestments, said Dien. He viewed this move as positive, as these sectors fit well with Dragon Capitals investment themes of Vietnams growing middle-class and rapid urbanisation.
In a recent note, Dien also expressed his hope that the foreign ownership limit at listed firms would be lifted soon, providing a strong catalyst for inbound capital and Vietnams upgrade to the emerging market status.
Analysts from Viet Dragon Securities highlighted that there will be 181 divestments and IPOs of state-owned firms in 2018, offering ample supply to foreign investors. The analysts believed that major state sales such as Airports Corporation of Vietnam, Petrolimex, and PetroVietnam Gas JSC will produce good results this year, as the government has gained experience from the large-scale Sabeco and Vinamilk sales last year.
Andy Ho from VinaCapital, meanwhile, said that the firms flagship fund Vietnam Opportunity Fund (VOF) will increase its exposure to private companies in Vietnam. In particular, VOF will boost its percentage of private equity from 8.1 per cent at present to 20 per cent over the next two years. The fund is currently reviewing a dozen transactions worth of $150 million, according to Ho.
The opportunities in the market are exciting, and investors keen to participate in a high-growth market should certainly put Vietnam at the top of their lists to consider, he added.
Vietnam Holding, another player in the Vietnamese market, wrote in a recent investors note that it will look closely at 70 mid-cap firms on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, which are usually neglected in favour of blue-chip stocks. According to fund managers, these mid-cap stocks will offer the highest gains in the next three-to-five years.
Mid-cap stocks are 37 per cent less expensive than the 30 largest Vietnamese stocks, trading at only 11 or 12 times over their projected earnings. Investing in mid-caps is also a suitable option for a relatively modest investment fund like the $213 million Vietnam Holding, said the fund managers.
By Nam Phuong
Uber Vietnam has no legal standing to file a lawsuit on behalf of Uber B.V
Tran Ngoc Tam, director of the tax department, told Tuoitre that according to the courts decision, Uber Vietnam JSCthe petitioner in the lawsuitdoes not have legal standing, thus, the city court decided to suspend the lawsuit.
Notably, on December 20, Chu Xuan Binh, the legal representative of Uber Vietnam JSC, signed and stamped the petition to send to the court. However, according to the certificated proxy published on January 7, 2016, there is no content showing that Uber B.V authorised Uber Vietnam to raise lawsuits.
The court also added that Uber B.V, instead of Uber Vietnam, still has the right to turn to the court and press the lawsuit. Besides, Uber B.V can also appeal within seven days of receiving the courts decision.
Along with the decision to suspend the lawsuit, the court allowed the tax department to continue to enforce payments from Uber B.V.
With this decision, the tax department will resume the enforcement of payments until it recovers the VND53 billion ($2.33 million) in missed tax arrears, the director of the tax department stated.
Previously, by the December 23 deadline, Uber only paid VND13.3 billion ($585,665) of the VND66.68 billion ($2.94 million) of tax arrears, thus the department decided to take enforcement measures.
Accordingly, the tax department requested five banksVietcombank, Eximbank, Sacombank, ACB, and VietinBankto facilitate enforcement. Notably, the fares paid to Uber via bank account would be sent to the tax departments account instead of being transferred to Uber International Holding B.V. The duration of the coercion would have lasted for ten days.
After receiving the tax departments decision to take measures to recover its tax arrears, Uber officially took the department to court.
As a result, on December 29, the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Court, after considering Ubers petition, asked the tax department to suspend enforcement measures until the final judgment of the court.
Bitcoin burst out of the shadows in 2017, seducing Wall Street and individual investors alike even though many still struggle to understand precisely what it is. The cryptocurrency's rise is also pushing regulators to consider taking action after years of simply urging caution. (Photo: AFP/Karen Bleier)
"One ought to apply what the basic rule is in any other financial transaction: everyone involved should reveal their identity," ECB governing council member Ewald Nowotny told the German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung.
"We need a value-added tax on bitcoin, since it's not a currency," said Nowotny, who is head of Austria's central bank.
Nowotny's comments echo those by other ECB officials, who regard the bitcoin's spectacular surge in value as a bubble, rather than a sign it could be a digital competitor to the euro single currency used by its 19 member nations.
Nevertheless, the "digital gold" is a concern for central bankers as it can allow money launderers to dodge around increasingly strict rules in the traditional financial system.
"It can't be allowed that we've just decided to stop printing 500-euro notes to fight money laundering, that we've slapped strict rules on every tiny savings club, and then have to watch people blithely laundering money around the globe with bitcoin," Nowotny said.
Bitcoin, launched in 2009, is a virtual currency created from computer code. It and other virtual currencies use blockchain, which records transactions that are updated in real time on an online ledger and maintained by a network of computers.
Bitcoin is perhaps the best known and most popular virtual currency and its value surged as high as US$19,500 in December from around US$1,000 in January, but has slipped back after a series of warnings from governments and analysts about the risk and volatility associated with cryptocurrencies.
While blasting the cryptocurrency's bubble-like characteristics, Nowotny acknowledged the topic had "reached the heart of society," with people now asking him on the Vienna metro whether they should buy bitcoin, rather than gold as in the past.
But "the central bank would only have to intervene if (bitcoin) were to change people's behaviour. There are no signs of that yet," he said, noting that wild gyrations in bitcoin's value and slow transaction speeds made it hard to use for everyday payments.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini in Havana during a two-day visit aimed at strengthening ties with Cuba AFP/Jorge Luis BANOS
HAVANA: Blockading Cuba is not the solution, the European Union's foreign policy chief said Wednesday (Jan 4) on a trip aimed at strengthening ties with Havana, after Washington tightened restrictions on the island.
Much of the half-century-old US economic embargo against Cuba remains entrenched in law, but under former president Barack Obama federal authorities began to loosen some rules - something his successor Donald Trump vowed to reverse.
"The blockade (of Cuba) is not the solution. The Europeans have told our American friends many times; we have affirmed it in the United Nations," Federica Mogherini said during a presentation to students and teachers in Havana.
"We know well that the sole effect of the blockade is to worsen the quality of life of women, men and children," she said.
"The blockade is obsolete, it is illegal," Mogherini said.
Mogherini's remarks came on the first of a two-day visit to Cuba that will include meetings with officials with the aim of a "swift joint implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) between the EU and Cuba," according to an EU statement.
The agreement covers dialogue and cooperation on issues such as human rights, migration and drugs and governance, and commercial exchanges.
US-Cuba ties began to warm when Obama was in office, with the countries exchanging ambassadors in 2015 for the first time since 1961, but Trump has taken a different approach.
In June, Trump appeared in Miami before a cheering crowd of Cuban-Americans, including veterans of the failed CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion, to vow to reverse Obama's measures.
In November, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin laid out a series of revived rules.
Under the directives, Americans will be forbidden from doing business with entities on a State Department list headed by the Cuban defense and interior ministries.
Also on the list are five major holding companies with ties to Raul Castro's government or military, and which between them control much of the organized tourism sector.
The list goes on to list dozens of major hotels in Havana and several resorts, along with five Caribbean marinas, ten stores in touristy Old Havana and industries serving the military.
ANZs signature blue trademark at its 14 Le Thai To branch in Hanoi has now been replaced with Shinhans logo Photo: Huy Pham
In September, Singapores United Overseas Bank was given full licence to operate as the ninth wholly foreign-owned bank in Vietnam, and is now able to cater to the financial needs of Singaporean investors in the country, as well as help boost economic trade between the two nations.
That could be the selling point of the Southeast Asian lender over the course of the year. For its Australian counterparts, such as Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ) or Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), downsizing their business operations namely the formers retail arm and the latters Ho Chi Minh City branch may not prove as easy as it sounds.
An insider account
2018 marks the 25th local anniversary of ANZ, which is based out of Melbourne. 2017, meanwhile, constituted a landmark year, as the lender recently completed the handover of its retail business in the country to Shinhan Bank, a subsidiary of the Seoul-headquartered Shinhan Financial Group. It has been merely a couple of weeks since the signature blue trademark at some ANZ outlets was replaced with Shinhans logo.
A business reshuffle now sees ANZ focusing primarily on institutional banking, yet Dennis Hussey, Greater Mekong region head and CEO of ANZ Vietnam, stressed in an interview in Ho Chi Minh City last month, Id like to reassure you that this doesnt change our commitment to Vietnam. We remain focused as always in bringing innovations here, targeting multinational companies as well as major Vietnamese corporates and Vietnamese banks.
Retail, as the CEO explained, has been an extremely profitable and high-growth business for ANZ in Vietnam, so parting with the arm will necessarily have an impact on the bank but with confidence, that will be overcome. The most important thing is that retail has been associated with the ANZ brand in Vietnam so yes there are worries that we can be less visible after selling the retail business, but our focus right now is to serve our corporate clients and well make sure we do that well, Hussey said.
He added, For Vietnamese corporates, wed like to help major ones that are successful and want to invest overseas [with the laws they will encounter]. Im excited about that. For the first time, were seeing significant outbound mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in Vietnam, and this trend will continue as Vietnam companies grow bigger and feel the need to expand overseas.
Forecast for growth
The commitment that ANZ has for Vietnam may have arrived from the business prospects it sees here. For others, it boils down to the countrys impressive economic growth that promises a business for life.
A 145-year presence in the local market is definitely enough to prove the commitment of a foreign bank. For UK-backed HSBC, it may be the entry into a longer journey with the emerging economy. Pham Hong Hai, CEO of the banks Vietnam subsidiary, said in an interview with VIR that the lender has grown with the development of the country over the years, and will continue to contribute toward a stronger banking industry in the years to come.
HSBCs commitment with Vietnam, according to Hai, stems from the openness of the country, the growth of its economy, and the stability of the political system. He said, Its GDP growth has been one of the highest in the region, at 5-6.5 per cent a year. FDI investors have often viewed Vietnam as one of the preferred investment destinations, given its stable macro and political environment.
Vietnam also has a high-potential retail market, valued at $158 billion in 2016, and a sizable domestic market with the countrys population ranking third in ASEAN and 13th in the world. Domestic demand has been resilient, especially for sophisticated products and services.
For these reasons, Vietnam has been an important part of HSBCs ASEAN business strategy and footprint, and the lender will keep strengthening its focus on growing the local franchise. We continue the mission to be a bank of choice for foreign investors who want to build their business in Vietnam, and for Vietnamese corporates that want to expand internationally. Our vision is to become the best international bank in Vietnam, Hai said.
If it is the market potential that keeps HSBC here, Standard Chartered Vietnam sees Vietnam as the market that offers the lender the opportunity to achieve its ambition that of becoming an international network bank that ensures prosperity through diversity.
CEO Nirukt Sapru of Standard Chartered Vietnam, ASEAN and South Asia Cluster Markets, said, Standard Chartered Bank sees Vietnam as an exciting market for all business segments: corporate, retail, and SME clients. We are committed to continuing to serve Vietnamese people and companies by providing them access to world class financial services, including digital innovations that make banking more convenient and secure. We have been in Vietnam for over 110 years, and those deep local roots combined with our unparalleled international network puts us in a unique position to serve the needs of Vietnamese people and companies.
Our strategy is to continue to provide a superior product and a superior level of service to our clients in Vietnam, while using our international network to help Vietnamese connect with global markets and supply chains, he added.
Strategy on the horizon
After over a decade of being strategic investors with Techcombank and Asia Commercial Bank, respectively, in 2017 HSBC Holdings Plc. divested 19.41 per cent of its holdings at the former, and Standard Chartered Plc. offloaded 15.69 per cent of the stakes it had with the latter. Such moves did raise some questions as to whether these UK banks are reformulating their missions.
Hai of HSBC noted that foreign banks may no longer pay attention to M&A or to becoming strategic partners of local banks, and rather focus more on self-development or in this case, on their local units.
Weve seen a tendency of foreign lenders not spreading their investment on the horizon, but rather focusing on developing the markets in which they have the competitive advantage, and in those with scale and capability to generate growth in line with parent banks, said Hai.
While foreign banks may no longer be interested in taking up stakes at local banks, foreign investment funds would likely invest in those with potential and healthy corporate management.
Meanwhile, as a new member of the pack of local firms, United Overseas Bank Vietnam has set its strategy on lending to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as it has significant experience working with them in other markets.
Fred Lim, the Vietnam branchs executive director and retail head, noted, We know what it takes for small businesses to grow, and well bring this expertise to Vietnam. We have a dedicated banking business service for SMEs.
By Trang Nguyen and Nam Phuong
Nawaplastic Industries (Saraburi) has wrapped up the sale of 21.27 million NTP shares of Thieu Nien Tien Phong Plastics, or 23.84 percent of charter capital of the company, after five years of investment.
Analysts said the Thai investor earns roughly VND1.5 trillion, or three times higher than the initial investment capital. Prior to that, it received hundreds of billions of dong worth of dividends from Thieu Nien Tien Phong Plastics.
Pyn Elite Fund announced its net asset value has reached 420 million euros, an increase of 80 million euros compared to the beginning of the year.
The fund has made big money so far this year because the prices of the shares it is holding, including The Gioi Di Dong (MWG), Hoa Binh (HBC), DIC Corp (DIG), Khang Dien (KDH) and Vinaconex (VCG), have been increasing sharply.
Some foreign funds are leaving Vietnam after making huge profits from their investment deals, while others are entering the country to seek new opportunities.
Just after nine months of investment, the fund from Finland (which was initially named Mutual Fund Elite) has earned VND2 trillion from the Vietnamese stock market.
After re-assessing the investment item, Singaporean beverage group F&N reported the profit of $1 billion from Vinamilk shares.
Prior to that, F&N Dairy Investments earned VND460 billion in dividends from Vinamilk which advanced 2017 dividend in the first campaign (VND2,000 per share).
Meanwhile, Military Banks share price soared by 70 percent in the first nine months of the year. With the current price of VND23,000 per share, the 10 million MBB shares held by Composite Capital Master Fund LP are worth VND230 billion.
Pyn, Dragon Capital and VinaCapital, the three investment funds with largest investment capital in Vietnam, all have been doing well since the beginning of the year. They have been selling shares for profit and pouring money into other shares to optimize profit.
The profits in Vietnam have encouraged more foreign funds to come to Vietnam.
Soon after Nawaplastic withdrew capital from Tien Phong Plastics, another foreign investor poured money into it. The investor, who successfully bought 9 million shares worth VND700 million on October 12, was from Japan.
In 2016-2017 fiscal year, VOF, managed by VinaCapital, injected $220 million into private, listed companies and bonds after withdrawing capital from foreign markets.
Sixty percent of investments in VOFs portfolio are listed shares, including ones with very high price increases such as HPG (+50 percent) and VNM (+40 percent).
Analysts noted that some Japanese institutions are eyeing the shares of oil & gas companies. A subsidiary of Tokyo Gas spent VND1.3 trillion to acquire 24.9 percent of PGD. Meanwhile, JX Nippon Oil & Energy is a strategic shareholder of Petrolimex.
An aircraft takes off from Tan Son Nhat international airport, Ho Chi Minh City
The project aims to develop an international air route network connecting Vietnam and countries and areas such as the US, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Russia, Germany, Australia, France, the UK and India, as well as potential markets like the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, which will be run by both domestic and foreign airlines.
It will also focus on how to link aviation activities and tourism development, towards attracting more foreign visitors to Vietnam.
The project is hoped to make it easy for foreign airlines to increase the frequency of flights from international airports to those of Vietnam.
Regarding Vietnams airline development with China, the Ministry of Transport will work with Chinese authorities in charge of airline affairs to remove difficulties facing Vietnamese airlines in running routes to China.
By 2020, Vietnamese carriers will open new routes from several economic hubs and tourism cities of Vietnam to Chinese localities.
Vietnam and Russia will also consider signing more agreements to expand air routes connecting the two countries and routes from Vietnam to third countries through Russian airports.
New air routes will be opened to connect Vietnam and Russias Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok cities, while the number of flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Moscow will be increased.
Vietnam will also develop direct air routes to the cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles of the US in 2018.
People pause in front of candles and messages set up in front of floral tributes in Albert Square in Manchester on May 23, 2017. (Photo: AFP/Ben Stansall)
CCTV footage played in court showed Chris Parker wandering between victims bleeding on the floor after the bombing outside a pop concert in the northern English city in which 22 people were killed.
Parker, 33, was seen in the footage taking a purse from the handbag of Pauline Healey, whose 14-year-old granddaughter lay dying nearby, and he later used her bank card at a local McDonald's, the court heard.
He was interviewed by British media in the aftermath of the attack carried out by Salman Abedi, saying he had been begging outside the concert arena when the bomb went off.
A tearful Parker told the Press Association news agency at the time: "I heard a bang and within a split second I saw a white flash, then smoke and then I heard screaming."
"It knocked me to the floor and then I got up and instead of running away my gut instinct was to run back and try and help," he said.
"There was people lying on the floor everywhere," he recounted, adding that a woman had died in his arms and he had come to the rescue of a little girl whose mother had been killed.
Parker was also accused of stealing a mobile phone from a teenage girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at the scene of the explosion.
Parker has a string of previous convictions, including shoplifting and burglary.
He had failed to appear in court on Tuesday and was found hiding in the loft of a house in Halifax in West Yorkshire, where he was arrested.
A day after reports suggested that the Donald Trump administration of the US was considering new regulations to prevent the extension of H-1B visas, two noted economists sparred over promised jobs under the Narendra Modi government.
Chairman of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Economic Advisory Committee Bibek Debroy and noted economist and columnist Sadanand Dhume played 'a rhyming game' of arguments on Twitter as they exchanged views on job creation in India and the proposed regulations in the US.
It all began with Bibek Debroy commenting on H1B visa policy review of the US. "If H-1B rules are given a tweak/Some futures may turn downright bleak/Waiting for the card to turn green/They will have to deport the scene/Without a paddle and up the creek," Debroy wrote on Twitter this morning.
The H1B visa rules are being reviewed by the US as part of President Donald Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" push. This move is likely to hit tech firms affecting lakhs of Indian professionals working in the US.
The proposed move of the US government may prevent hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending. The proposal has been put forth by the Department of Homeland Security Department (DHS).
Responding to Bibek Debroy's post, Sadanand Dhume said, "Amidst the sobs/About looming H-1B probs/I have a query/That we should not bury/Why hasn't Modi sarkar created jobs?"
Dhume raised the question that many have been asking from the Modi government. As prime ministerial candidate of the BJP, Narendra Modi had promised to create 2 crore jobs every year. However, Debroy termed the Dhume's inference of lack of job creation as his "deduction".
Debroy said, "That deduction/Is your construction/I thought you knew/That data are askew/But what can one do about your self-induction?" This was followed a series of poetic formations by the two economists.
"Let's not blame the data/On a rather pressing matter/Hard to make the case/That jobs have grown apace/As promised by dear neta," Dhume wrote prompting Debroy to reject his argument saying, "You are the one who made a case/Admit you lost some face/If you desert/What you did assert/You have tripped on your own shoelace."
Before Dhume and Debroy put an end to their engaging exchange on the micro-blogging site, the former said, "This is not about you or me/We're discussing the economy/But thanks for your time/Always fun to rhyme/Even if we don't agree."
Debroy agreed to call it a truce with these words: "Indeed not about you and me/But as analysts we should agree/When data are old/It is best not to be bold/And yes, enjoyed the wit and repartee."
ALSO WATCH | Centre needs to fix crashing job market before 2019 polls
The move of storm Bolaven (Source: nchmf.gov.vn)
At 4am on January 4, the tropical pressure systems centre was at 11.7 degrees north latitude and 111.8 degrees east longitude, about 300km from the shore of south central provinces of Phu Yen and Ninh Thuan provinces.
The strongest wind near the systems centre was about 40-60 km per hour.
It is forecast to move west in the next 12 hours, and then likely to change direction to west-southwest at a speed of 20 km per hour, further weakening into a low pressure system.
By 4pm on January 4, the low pressure system is forecast to be at 11.3 degrees north latitude and 109.3 degrees east longitude, in the waters of provinces from Ninh Thuan southwards to Ben Tre.
Strong rain and wind are forecast for the western area in the middle of the East Sea, including the northwest area of Truong Sa archipelago.
Central Highlands and Southern localities have been directed to take measures to cope with the storm.
They have been asked to monitor the movements of storm, thus warning owners of ships operating offshore, advising them to seek safe harbours. They were also required to check the safety of dyke systems and infrastructure works in coastal areas.
Last year a record 16 storms and six tropical depressions formed in the East Sea, of which five storms and three tropical depressions directly hit Vietnam.
Two of the storms were severe: storm No. 10 (Doksuri) struck the north central region in mid-September and storm No. 12 (Damrey) hit the south central region in November.
Damrey is the heaviest storm in the last 30 years. After nine hours raging the south central provinces of Phu Yen and Khanh Hoa at 133km per hour, the storm killed 44 people, damaged 114,000 houses in Khanh Hoa province and caused landslides.
The storm circulation and cold air led to heavy downpours from Thua ThienHue province to Binh Thuan province as well as in the Central Highlands, affecting the lives of 4.3 million people. The total loss caused by Damrey was estimated at 22,680 billion VND (1 billion USD).
Inter-korean dialogue is always "a positive development," says Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, pictured on Dec 21, 2017. (AFP/Robin UTRECHT)
UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday (Jan 3) welcomed the reopening of a hotline between North and South Korea, and voiced hope for more diplomatic initiatives to end the peninsula's nuclear standoff.
North and South Korea earlier on Wednesday reopened the communication channel that had been shut since 2016, following an offer from North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to send a team to next month's Winter Olympics in South Korea.
"It is always a positive development to have a dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea," said UN spokesman Farhan Haq.
Guterres "welcomes the reopening of the inter-Korean communication channel," he added.
UN Security Council resolutions call for the de-nuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and "we hope that enhanced diplomatic initiatives will help to achieve that goal," said Haq.
South Korea has offered to hold talks with the North on Jan 9 to discuss "matters of mutual interest" including the North's Olympic participation.
Guterres' support for inter-Korean dialogue stood in contrast to remarks from US Ambassador Nikki Haley, who on Tuesday dismissed the overtures between Pyongyang and Seoul as a "Band-Aid".
The United States, backed by Japan, is pushing for sanctions and total isolation of Kim's regime in response to a series of missile launches and nuclear tests.
Russia, and North Korea's sole major ally China, have repeatedly called for talks to de-escalate tensions, but the United States has been adamant that Pyongyang must first freeze its military programmes.
Haley warned on Tuesday that if Pyongyang carries out another missile test, it would face the likelihood of even more sanctions.
The Security Council adopted a new raft of sanctions on Dec 22 to restrict oil supplies to North Korea - the third set of measures imposed on Pyongyang in a year.
In the afternoon of January 4, aviation security entering the immigration area of Noi Bai International Airport for the arrest
Extradition from Singapore
MoPS announced having taken defendant Phan Van Anh Vu into custody after he was deported from Singapore. A Vietnamese airline confirmed a passenger named Phan Van Anh Vu (born on November 2, 1975) on the flight from Singapore to Noi Bai International Airport at 3.37 PM today. At the time of his arrival, aviation security personnel and cars were waiting for him at the immigration area and outside the airport.
On January 2, 2018, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore announced that Phan Van Anh Vu was arrested on December 28, 2017 for committing offences under the Immigration Act.
According to the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Agreement signed in November 2004 between Vietnam, Singapore, and six ASEAN members, member states "must provide each other with the widest possible judicial assistance in investigation, prosecution, and subsequent proceedings."
MoPS released the arrest warrant on December 21, 2017 because Vu was absent from his house at 82 Tran Quoc Toan Street, Hai Chau 1 Ward, Hai Chau District, Danang since December 20, 2017. He was accused of deliberately committing an offense according to Article 263 of the Penal Code (1999).
Phan Van Anh Vu
A deliberate offense
Phan Van Anh Vu is chairman of Bac Nam 79 Construction JSC former chairman of Nova Bac Nam 79 JSC (now Chan Phong Development and Investment JSC).
He has been known as the owner of many land plots in prime locations in Danang, most of which used to be public land.
In the middle of 2017, it was said that some projects in Danang showed signs of violations, including the sale of houses in public ownership.
MoPS requested the leaders of Danang to provide documents related to nine projects selling or renting out 31 such houses in the central city.
The nine projects include An Don Park (2010), Harbour Ville managed by Mega Investment Company (2008), Phu Gia Compoud in Thanh Khe District (2007), a cafe, bar, and restaurant tourism and marina area in front of Vietnam Television Broadcasting in Danang (2015), Da Phuoc international urban area (based on 181 hectares, 2008), No. 12-B4.1 in the An Cu residential area expansion in Son Tra District (2009), Ecopark Phu Gia Riverside in Cam Le District (2010), and a coastal tourism area at Truong Sa Street in Ngu Hanh Son dDstrict (2007).
Of these projects, five were related to Vu Nhom.
Before prosecuted, he had divested of the companies under his ownership. As stated in the registration certificate of Bac Nam 79 Construction JSC revised on April 26, 2017, Phan Van Anh Vu divested VND650 billion ($28.6 million), equivalent to 92.86 per cent of the companys charter capital.
According to the registration certificate of Phu Gia Compound revised on April 7, 2017, Phan Van Anh Vu divested a total VND40 billion ($1.8 million), equaling 80 per cent of the companys charter capital.
He only owns 12.75 per cent of Dong A Banks charter capital, equivalent to VND637 billion ($28 million).
The case is being investigated by MoPS.
The reportedly world's most expensive vodka bottle has been stolen from a bar in Danish capital of Copenhagen, according to a media report.
The Russo-Baltique bottle with a price tag of USD 1.3 million (Rs 8.2 crore) was made of gold and silver, 3 kg each, and had a diamond-studded cap.
According to Brian Engberg, owner of the Cafe 33 bar, where the theft happened, the bottle had been loaned from a Russian businessman.
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In the CCTV footage, a man wearing a cap and a balaclava on his face can be seen entering the bar and taking the bottle.
According to initial investigation, only the Russo-Baltique bottle has been stolen and some 1,200 vodka bottles have been left untouched in the bar.
Police said they were yet to confirm whether the thief broke into the bar.
Short-Stay Parking Bays for Alameda Estate
As part of Zone 1 Residential Parking Scheme, 2 short stay drop off / loading and unloading bays will be established on Red Sands Road directly outside both Red Sands House and Alameda House.
These bays, located centrally within the Alameda Housing Estate, will cater for those in need of gaining access to their homes with shopping and heavy items, for helpers, friends and family who do not reside within the Scheme boundaries wishing to assist persons getting to their homes or for the delivery of essentials, such as food. These bays will also provide small businesses with very short-term parking for deliveries of groceries and other heavy goods.
As from Monday 15th January 2018, the short-stay bays will have a maximum parking time of 30 minutes and will be operational between the hours of 8am and 7pm daily, outside of which they will revert to regular parking for Residents Permit holders only.
Longer-term Pay & Display parking facilities are available at Grand Parade and on Rosia Road for non-residents and those without a Residents Permit for the area.
The Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Paul Balban, said, I am greatly encouraged that the Residential Parking Scheme for Zone 1 has now settled well among the residents of the area and seems to be working as expected. The Scheme has greatly improved the parking provision for residents of the area. These new tweaks will now help improve facilities for those requiring very short-term parking facilities to assist or access persons in need or to deliver groceries or other items to them.
British Airways Announces New London Gatwick Gibraltar Service
British Airways have announced the launch of a new seasonal route from London Gatwick to Gibraltar which will commence on Monday 28th May, in time for the peak summer season.
The route will operate 6 times weekly, daily except Tuesday, and will run until Saturday 29th September. Over 2,000 additional return seats will be offered per week, with a total of 37,000 seats for the period of operation. This is in addition to the 11 weekly flights from Heathrow during the summer.
Minister for Tourism and Commercial Aviation, the Hon Gilbert Licudi, said: This is fantastic news for Gibraltar, with much needed capacity left behind by Monarch Airlines being filled up by British Airways. London Gatwick is Gibraltars busiest route and these additional weekly services highlight the demand on this route, and will complement the British Airways existing London Heathrow services. This shows British Airways confidence in the Gibraltar market. In addition, with easyJet increasing capacity by upgrading to larger aircraft and the charter services from various UK regional departure points in the UK being offered by Super Break, this will undoubtedly boost the tourism industry as well as providing further vital links to major UK airports to all business and leisure travellers.
The new British Airways London Gatwick flights are now available to book on www.ba.com
Photo: Universal Pictures
Writing-directing partners James Wan and Leigh Whannell helped mainstream torture-centric horror in the United States with the Saw movies back in mid-aughts. A few years later, they veered sharply away from their violent beginnings to lead a sort of supernatural horror boom with the Insidious franchise and then The Conjuring. Though Wan has stepped into a producing role, Whannell is still writing ghost stories: This weekend, Insidious: The Last Key will commemorate eight years of Insidious living squarely in the center of our horror consciousness.
This time around, Lin Shayes Elise Rainier has, at long last, become the center of the film, which feels more and more like a long apology to fans for killing her character off in the first Insidious. (They can keep apologizing. Thats fine!) Since its been so long since we started on this journey, lets take a look back at the Insidious mythology, reminding you which ghosts mattered the most, and where the hell we are in the timeline of this series.
Insidious (2010)
Stylistically, the first Insidious wrote the visual playbook for the floating-eye camera style that came to define James Wans ghost movies. As the franchise that snapped us out of the gore-sploitation era, its a practically quaint little haunting story. For the first go-round, its all about the Lambert family: Josh (Patrick Wilson), Renai (Rose Byrne), their sons Dalton (Ty Simpkins) and Foster (Andrew Astor), and a little baby. After Dalton falls into a coma that medical science has no explanation for and their home becomes extremely haunted Josh and Renai are forced to consider alternate solutions. Joshs mom, Lorraine (Barbara Hershey), has a hunch this is all supernatural because she confronted a similar problem with Josh when he was a boy. It turns out that Dalton and Josh share an ability to astrally project from their bodies and interact with the spirit dimension. For Josh, that resulted in his being exposed to a spirit that followed him back to the corporeal plane and could be seen only in photographs, and for Dalton that meant getting trapped in an alternate dimension inhabited by ghosts, some of which want to keep his soul prisoner so they can possess his empty human body and walk among the living again. Rude!
This is how we meet Elise Rainier, whom Lorraine enlisted to help Josh when he was a young. She shows up with her Spectral Sightings assistants, Specs and Tucker, and together they run a semi-high-tech spirit intervention business. Elise explains the shared abilities of Josh and Dalton, and tells them about the spirit realm she calls the Further, where Daltons soul is being held captive by a red-faced demon with hooves. Happens to the best of us. If Daltons body is left for too long, a spirit will find its way in, so Josh and Elise have to enter the Further and pull him out before its too late. They succeed, but before celebratory drinks are over, Elise senses that Josh isnt quite himself and shes right. A spontaneous photo of him captures an image of a woman shrouded in black (the same one who latched onto him as a child), who followed Josh back from the Further and possessed his body before his soul could return. The movie ends right after Josh now inhabited by the Bride in Black strangles Elise to death. Renai finds the body in the living room.
Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)
Chapter 2 picks up right where one left off, with Renai being questioned by police after Elises death. Obviously, since Josh is possessed by the Bride in Black, the Lambert family is still totally being haunted, and the remaining good guys need to find out the origin of the entity so they can banish it for good. Without Elise, they enlist the help of another medium named Carl, who was friends with Elise and also helped Josh when he was a young boy, which is where the story opens: In 1986, Lorraine called in Elise and Carl to help free her son from the infamous Bride in Black. The two mediums repressed little Joshs ability to enter the Further, which kept the malevolent force at bay, but it turns out the Bride stayed waiting in the Lambert family basement until it could strike again. With Josh, Renai, and the kids staying at Lorraines house while the cops clear the crime scene in their front room, that puts them in the line of Angry Spirit Fire.
The second movie gets deep in the weeds, revealing more about the Further and the origin of the Bride, who, in life, was a man named Parker Crane. It turns out Crane was a patient at the hospital where Lorraine Lambert worked as a doctor. He was admitted after trying to castrate himself, and eventually jumped to his death from the roof of the building. Before dying, Crane managed to murder 15 women as a serial killer known as you guessed it! the Black Bride, because he wore a black wedding dress when slaughtering his victims. He did so on the orders of his mother, who raised him as a girl and whose ghost is also now also haunting the Lamberts, ordering her sons spirit (which, as youll recall, is inhabiting the body of Josh) to kill the entire family.
Because Joshs body is possessed, it means his spirit is in the Further. After being attacked by Bride Josh, Carl enters the Further to find Spirit Josh so they can try to contact Elises ghost and enlist her help to vanquish the Bride once and for all. On this mission, Spirit Josh realizes hes experiencing time out of order, and we see callback events to the first film and its revealed that some of the spooky occurrences in the first Insidious were actually spirit Josh traveling through Further time to try and warn his family about threatening demons! Spirit Josh even visits little 1986 Josh to find out where The Brides Further HQ is, so he can finally destroy her. (The Cranes had a home of their own, but for some reason, in the afterlife, they live in Lorraines basement.)
The three good guys end up in a confrontation with mother Crane. While shes trying to choke Spirit Josh to death, Elise comes in with the surprise attack, beating mother Crane to death (as much as ghosts can die again) with a rocking horse. This proves to be the final liberating act, as the Bride in Black is sucked from Joshs body and into Further oblivion. As Joshs spirit finally returns to his body, we see ghost Elise fade into the black. Its surprisingly sad to say goodbye to Elise again, but fortunately, the movie ends with Specs and Tucker doing a cold call on a house because a friend of theirs said a woman who lives there is in trouble. As the Spectral Sightings boys talk to the family at the door, ghost Elise enters the house to talk to a catatonic girl whos probably on the receiving end of some asshole ghost thats trying to claim her. A mediums work is never done!!! Not even in death.
Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)
Chapter 3 is the first prequel in the Insidious franchise, and it takes place a few years before the Lambert haunting. The third movie shows us how Elise came to use her gifts again after swearing them off for a time, as well as how she built the Spectral Sightings business with Tucker and Specs. Most important to the mythology, though, is what we learn about the heroic mediums eventual murder.
The ghost of the week in Chapter 3 is a withered man in an oxygen mask that keeps living things as pets; when we enter Chapter 3, he has claimed young Quinn Brenner, a teen girl who thinks the ghost of her dead mother has been communicating with her when its really been a lonely malevolent spirit beckoning her to the dark side. (Although her mom has also been trying to send her a hail.) Desperate and afraid, Quinns dad Sean (Dermot Mulroney) finds Elise and pleads with her to take up Quinns case, and in explaining to him why she retired, Elise actually maps out how she will eventually die (in the first Insidious).
After her husband committed suicide, Elise projected into the spirit world to find him, and an entity, the Bride in Black, followed her back. She tells Sean, A woman. I could hear her in my head screaming over and over that shes going to kill me. I think no; I know. If I continue with this work, shes going to kill me. (Based on what we know from the first and second movies, the Bride has probably been pissed at Elise since 1986, and was only able to latch onto her after the death of her husband.) She relays the same story to Carl, whos popping up again after Chapter 2 to give her council; when Elise says that she truly does believe she will die by the hand of the Bride and thats why she can no longer use her gift to help others Carl says, Youre stronger than her. Youre alive.
Elise obviously does decide to help Quinn, regardless of the personal risk to herself, and when she goes into the Further to guide Quinn back to this world she encounters the Bride, who leaps forward and strangles her and says, This is how you die. Elise replies, Not today it isnt, before overpowering her and forcing her into retreat. That showdown, however, was in the Further, where Elise was alive and the Bride was a ghost. In the first Insidious, the demon possesses the body of Josh Lambert, making it a human-on-human murder, meaning the Brides threats were actually prophecy.
But this movie ends with a (very temporary) happily-ever-after, with Elise rescuing Quinn, putting her in touch with her mothers spirit, and striking up a business partnership with Tucker and Specs.
Insidious: The Last Key
The latest effort to rectify the death of Elise Rainier, the heart of the Insidious franchise, is The Last Key, in which fans will learn the origin story of their favorite interdimensional traveler. Its a sequel to a prequel (taking place after Chapter 3 but before the original Insidious) and the fourth installment of a horror franchise but the ascendance of Shaye to full-on leading lady, along with the introduction of murder-mystery elements and some new Rainier family drama (welcome aboard, Bruce Davison!), helps set Last Key apart from the first three movies, and keeps it from veering into total Scooby and the Gang spooky serials territory.
One of the charming things about Insidious has always been that its demons look a little bit silly, giving them an old-fashioned haunted-house-movie feel, especially when theyre not human-based. That red-faced demon from the first movie was pretty goofy, but the new super-specter is actually really creepy-looking, and a big gray skin sack with keys for fingers that can lock your voice inside your throat forever is almost del Toroesque. Whether or not a fifth Insidious goes into production is likely dependent on the box-office performance of Last Key, but Shaye is as good as ever in the latest chapter of this saga. And even though you know shes destined to die, its always a joy to watch Elise Rainier work.
Barry Jenkins. Photo: Kris Connor/Getty Images for The Academy of
On Wednesday night, Barry Jenkins and a few sips of Woodford Reserve were on a plane headed to LAX. The result of that flight, to the rest of the internets glee: 35 blissful tweets chronicling Jenkinss peering over another passengers shoulder to dip into the ever-delightful Notting Hill. (Secondhand watching movies on planes is a favorite Vulture pastime, of course.) For the uncultured swine among us: The British rom-com has Julia Roberts turning in the second-best performance of her career as the jaded movie star that falls for a humble travel-bookshop owner, Hugh Grant. Theres also a Mischa Barton cameo, and important lines about being just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her. Jenkins goes through the gamut of human emotions on this watch: from praising Grants English cat game to stanning Rhys Ifans to being blinded by Robertss smile. Enjoy:
In other news, the woman next to me is watching NOTTING HILL. A few choice folks will get the irony of this happening on my last flight of this sojourn. Also... Julia Roberts is STUNNING in this film. And holy shit Lester Freamon is in this?! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
After peeping these dolly/zoom combos in this dinner scene I looked up the director and OF COURSE its Roger Michell!!! a G and a Gent, was a Telluride regular for quite some time. Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
And this really is THE primo soundtrack for a NOTTING HILL watch, fyi pic.twitter.com/VAGoyPUUXo Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Okay so I cant actually hear the movie, somebody help me, whats up with Hughs character? He just made out with Julia Roberts and Im like... HUH? Julia just looks waaaaaaaay too much for his character in this! But I cant hear it so maybe he got game? Like English cat game??? Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Okay somebody tweeted me that Hugh owns a bookstore, but... on their first date Julia had that braid AND that onesie body suit tucked into jeans and flat heel boots, she was basically Jay-Lo on IN LIVING COLOR! Translation: TEW MUCH FOR HUGH!!! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
And my ITunes is starting to actually sync with the movie. They seemed to break up and now Julia is in a space suit (?!) and THIS just came on!!! pic.twitter.com/FF2LTL0s5d Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Yoooooooo is that wild lookin English cat I aint seem him in forever!!! The dude with the crazy hair, he got jokes I remember that dude!!!!! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
(For the record, hes talking about Rhys Ifans.)
Okay I maybe should stop drinking I had NO IDEA that woman was in a wheelchair. Like... is that a reveal or did I just miss it??? I mean, obviously this thread is being helped along by our friend Woodford Reserve Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
WHY IS THERE A SCENE OF HUGH GRANT SHAVING?! Everybody knows HUGH GRANT DONT SHAVE!!!! That dude aint NEVER NOT BEEN CLEAN SHAVEN!!! I doth protest!!! English cat game means HUGH AINT TO SHAVE BRUH!!!!! Flag on the play Coach Michell!!! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Clearly a period piece BTW: what kind of bookstore owner has a flat like THAT in NOTTING HILL? This one actually isnt a joke, what weve done to our neighborhoods, to property values and the VALUE of certain jobs is so damn sobering, depressing Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
(Another aside: For the record, your crush Barry Jenkinss first film, Medicine for Melancholy, movingly addresses gentrification in San Francisco, so maybe check it out.)
Okay: Julia Roberts on a roof in Notting Hill. In Hugh Grants sweatshirt on a roof in Notting Hill. Little to no makeup. Reebok trainers. Wow. If I were Julia and I saw myself in the mirorr, SAW MYSELF looking that way, FEELING that comfortable? Okay THEN... then I would get it. Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Oh god oh god watching a quasi love making scene between Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts over someones shoulder is like CRAZY AWKWARD!!!! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
But wait, did I miss it??? Like, she walked in this Oxford two-sizes too big a weeeeeeee bit PRETTY WOMAN but I didnt say that And then there was a circle dolly and a dissolve and his hand on her back... Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Or was it HER hand on HIS back?!?!?!? Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Wow and now she is PISSED!!! Because I was looking at my phone figuring out how to do a poll I have no idea why she is pissed Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Random thought: the makeup artist working with Julia on this film is SUPERB. At first I thought it was too cute a tell to reduce her makeup as she grew comfortable with him but they stuck to it and its subtle and just superb. Hats off to script sup and make up artist there Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Okay so Hugh is in his bookstore now and as a lover of books and a believer of miracles I can see, I can FINALLY FULLY see how Julia Roberts as Jenny From The Block fell for this English Cat Game, I salute you book slinging grey Oxford wearing remnants of shaving Hugh Grant Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Fuuuuuuuuuug JULIA ROBERTS IS LIKE... Julia Roberts is a lamp you find in some antique shop in Novia Scotia. A bulb rather. With infinite lumens and a millionwatt range. She looked at him and I felt his loss. There was a time when this womans smile could literally replenish you Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
The Wi-Fi is finally getting spotty. But I think were near the end? I just lost a tweet when the Wi-Fi gave out. But thats fine. I should get back to my actual writing. Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
But... all I can think as I watch this is... I love that I get to do this for a living. And I have no idea what hes saying but he better be spitting some SERIOUS English Cat Game because thats JULIA FUGGIN ROBERTS bruh and she is SHO NUFF in this flick! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
SHE LEFT?! SHE WALKED OUT THE DOOR!!!!!!! THIS MOVIE IS THE SHIT!!!!! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Shes not coming back, right?! Tell me theres no epilogue?! And now hes at an AA meeting?!?!? Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Hes at the... bookstore? And everybody just got into one tiny ass car, Im shooketh!!!! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
THATS RIGHT HUGH HUMBLE YOSELF!!! Thats Julia Roberts bruh, chase you must!!!! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Then again he didnt have Waze or GPS so this runaround is understandable English Cat Game can only overcome so much. Also... I need a coffee, like... yeah Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Oh LORD this just transitioned into PTSD thats a press junket! Thats a junket, right?! Look I got love for the press but oh LORDT that wide shot sent a shiver down my spine Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Oh hes gonna ask a question!!!! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
YAAAAAAASSSSS!!!!! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Julia shot him that brow!!! Them eyebrows was like ANNNNNNND SAY SUMTHIN!!!!!!!! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
BUT WHAT DOES HE SAY?!?!?!? What does SHE say?! Damnit shes smiling. His ass had better had EARNT THAT! What did he say?! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Okay and now EVERYBODYS KISSING except English Cat Game Number One Hugh Grant? Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Okay I has whiplash they got married she had a premiere the woman in the wheelchair got a FANTASTIC bob and now... theres kids running around an English park with Hugh reading.... what on earth was he reading to her??? Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Its over?! Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Its over, yall.
I hope this isnt embarsssing tomorrow....
Two hours closer to LA though, theres joy in THAT Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
And FYI, I have no idea what the next film is but it stars Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. Im going to drink some coffee and abstain from tweeting THAT Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 4, 2018
Fin! Same time next week? A polite request: Youve Got Mail.
Photo: Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto via Getty Images
Nearly six years after the tragic movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado, Christian Bale cant bring himself to watch The Dark Knight Rises. Fanfare around the final Christopher Nolan Batman installment became somber when a gunman opened fire during a midnight screening of the film. Very sadly, I have not been able to watch that film since because of the whole tragedy of Aurora, Bale told MTVs Happy Sad Confused podcast. I have not been able to sit down and see it without thinking of that. Id love to be able to, one day. If Sufjan Stevenss Call Me by Your Name song hasnt already made you cry today, that Bale quote definitely did.
Photo: Film Movement
In Between, in theaters Friday, is Palestinian director Maysaloun Hamouds very first film and shes already receiving death threats for it. Earlier this year, Islamists issued a fatwa against her, declaring the film haram, or forbidden, for promoting ill morals and debauchery. Why has this particular film a candid story about women in Palestine from a 36-year-old Palestinian triggered so much anger, despite earning rave reviews and awards at film festivals worldwide? Because, according to Hamoud, it unveils the hypocrisies of a male-centric Arabic society trapped in repressive, antiquated gender roles that a new generation is desperate to overturn.
The movie follows three young Palestinian women sharing a Tel Aviv apartment and struggling to find work, love, and freedom from their strict environments. Laila (Mouna Hawa), a fearless lawyer with a taste for miniskirts, cigarettes, handsome men, and recreational drugs, is the leader of the trio. Her friend Salma (Sana Jammelieh), a DJ, works in Israeli-run restaurants and bars, where she deals with regular racism. Nour (Shaden Kanboura), a student who wears the veil, has just moved in from the ultrareligious village of Umm al-Fahm. Amid her roommates joyous carelessness, she strives to maintain the respectable behavior required by her fiance, who pressures her to abandon her career aspirations and marry him.
Laila, Salma, and Nour are imprisoned in an infernal huis clos between the walls of the modest apartment. They are Palestinians in an Israeli city, women in a world run by men. Trouble strikes as they attempt to liberate themselves from their situation: Lailas new lover criticizes her for her bold behavior, partying habits, and chain-smoking; Salma falls in love with a woman; Nour is raped by her fiance and breaks off the engagement an almost-impossible feat in some Arabic societies, where honor crime is still widely practiced.
In parts of the Middle East, where a womans prime role is to become a wife and a mother, the three womens rebellion marks something of a deep taboo. And while Laila, Salma, and Nour succeed in shattering some walls, Hamoud ultimately implies that theyre forever trapped, both in their repressive environment and in a city that is not theirs. In advance of the films American premiere, Vulture caught up with Hamoud to ask her about the risks and rewards of making such a polarizing, complex film.
Death threats. A fatwa. Are you scared?
I dont get scared. If these people want to do something against me, theyll do it. Some people never take action in their lives. Im doing what I need to do, and I cant be scared.
Becoming a filmmaker in Palestine is challenging, especially as a woman the arts scene is very weak, and women are still prohibited from pursuing their own careers. How did you achieve this?
I was born in Galilee in the north and studied Middle Eastern Studies in Jerusalem. I always had a passion for writing and making plays at school. For us as Palestinians, its a privilege to think of art as a profession, because we are mostly concerned with surviving. But this desire was stronger than me. I had a surgery that changed my perspective on life and I decided to pursue my dreams and study cinema.
My parents were in Canada. I applied without telling anyone; I studied cinema in Tel Aviv at the Minshar School of Art, which has an activist, avant-garde approach. I met my producer Shlomi Elkabetz there he was my teacher. I started filming my final project and writing a script for In Between while at school. I graduated in 2011. Then Shlomi and I founded our company, Deux Beaux Garcons Films, with his partner. They are pro-Palestinian, gay Israelis and we are activists in the film industry. We are underdogs.
Your film was partially funded by the state, which was controversial in Palestine.
Palestinians must demand to obtain our rights as citizens. The governmental funds for the movie come from the taxes we pay, and we usually dont get what we deserve. Its a very low-budget production anyway, lower than most low budgets in the world. There is no funding for us as artists in Palestine.
How did you come up with these specific characters? Are they based on women you know?
The personalities I created were inspired by the women we know in the Arab world, by a generation that I am part of. I started thinking about the stories I wanted to tell, about representing the issues that are silenced but important to the lives of women. The setup of three characters is interesting, dynamic-wise. I liked the idea of having a complex story that evolves. These stories are also mine my ideas, my emotions, my community. For example, Laila resembles me. Over 75 percent of Palestinian women living in big cities are single. In terms of Selmas homosexuality, we havent addressed it in cinema at all, though for example, the band Mashrou Leila has tackled these issues at a global scale.
As a woman filmmaker, how does your perspective depart from that of the male pioneers of Palestinian and Arabic cinema?
Womens stories havent been told before, because female directors are only starting to make films now. Palestinian cinema is usually very nationalistic a mirror to the processes in society at every level. After the Nakba [the mass exodus that followed the 1948 Palestine war], and because of the daily realities of the occupation, many filmmakers feel they need to reflect on identity politics before looking at personal stories, and these are mens movies and mens stories where the characters are heroes of the resistance or victims of the occupation.
I want to tell these stories as a Palestinian woman from the inside. Our generation doesnt have a representation outside of these mainstream narratives. [Now] the narratives are moving away from the conflict. Now were in a phase that is more mature, though were a small society. We have more women making films, such as Maha Haj and Suha Arraf in Palestine, and Annemarie Jacir, Najwa Najjar, and May Masri in the diaspora. In Palestine, there are even more women filmmakers than in other countries in the region. Its a positive thing and I hope theres more. But of 33 Israeli films this year, only two were Palestinian directors. In terms of quantity, our production is still low.
How have the Arab uprisings affected the movie?
I started writing in 2011, at the time of the Arab Spring and its naivete. This spirit has really affected the movie, because it was a moment where we rose for the need to change, start something new, get away [from] dictatorships, reveal taboos, and get rid of fear. At first, during the revolts, men and women were equal together. But the protests were repressed and women were discriminated against. There is an awareness and deep change happening. Conscience only moves forward. But the outcomes havent become clear for the region. And Palestine is still in darkness; its very weak. Women have to change the men in leadership, or else the situation will never change.
Youre vocal about your role as a feminist and activist. How has Arab feminism inspired you?
I love the Egyptian activist Nawal El Saadawi, her writings have been very important in my life. As a radical feminist, she is a guru, in the lineage of Simone de Beauvoir. She is a pioneer who has sacrificed for her thought and for the cause. For other women to imagine themselves living a different life, you have to suffer. Im also inspired by Linda Sarsour in the United States without women like her, there wont be a change. And Ahed Tamimi she grew up within this struggle. Shes a new icon for young womens struggle, which is excellent.
At the moment, we are in a global regression, but there are movements of change. There are more and more independent, educated women. Many women have worked hard for this, and now we see the difference. Ive even seen the effect of the movie within Palestine, and abroad where younger audiences are attending. Its slow but still, I see change.
Your story is very intimate, and yet connects with the political in a powerful way. How do you find that balance?
Cinema is powerful when you can make the personal universal for people to connect with. Im telling a particular story that represents authentic stories for women in the region, but these issues are the same everywhere else in the world. Everything is political. The air you breathe is political. Feminism is political. When we say we want to change the system and we want women to rule this is very political. The movie says there needs to be a change, and change is political. In terms of the [films] conflict, its more social than political, but the political is there being set in Tel Aviv, its [from] the point of view of Palestinians living under the occupation. The ending is open its sweet and sour, because these women are very empowered and free because they refused to compromise, but they are ruined. They chose their lives. They took responsibility and paid the price for it.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Photo: Manuel Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Metropolitan Museum of Art was open for business today, not just for visitors but for a last-minute press conference to announce a major policy change the first since the resignation of its last director, Tom Campbell, led to questions about its financial stability.
The news? Beginning in March, for the first time since its pay-as-you-wish policy was set in 1970, the Met will charge mandatory admission $25, which is currently the suggested fee for all out-of-state visitors. Those guests will get tickets valid for three full days at the Met or its satellite museums, the Breuer and the Cloisters. New York state residents, who represent a little more than a third of all visitors, can still pay as or if they wish.
The wheels began turning on the policy change shortly after Campbell, who fell victim to a growing deficit fueled partly by his ambitious plan to build a new contemporary-art wing, resigned under pressure from the museums board. His temporary replacement, then-CFO Daniel Weiss, was a former college president with a head for numbers. (The search for a permanent new director continues.) Weiss immediately set to work righting the financial ship.
After several city officials vouched for the new policy this morning (including city council member Keith Powers, making his first public appearance on his fourth day in office), Weiss gave a stat-heavy PowerPoint presentation explaining the change. Though a prior agreement with the city made its $29 million of annual support contingent on pay as you wish (and the museum only recently settled a lawsuit by changing recommended admissions to suggested), the government gamely renegotiated the terms. In return, the city will incrementally reduce its funding as revenues from admissions rise, but by no more than roughly $3 million. Weiss estimated the new policy will earn the museum between $6 million and $11 million more per year. Admissions, which topped 7 million for the second time in 2017, currently account for only 14 percent of the museums operating budget; the new policy should get that up to 17 percent.
One journalist brought up the Mets recent budget crunch, and Weiss acknowledged it as a factor in the change. But this is not a silver bullet, he said. It does not allow the Met to sit back and relax. The high-seven-figure revenue increase will be meaningful and important but not determining.
Besides, Weiss said, the pay-as-you-wish policy was long overdue for a review. The Met is unique in the nation and possibly the world for being both barely funded by the government (8 percent) and completely reliant on voluntary entry fees. Meanwhile, visitors have become increasingly stingy over the last dozen years. In 2004, 63 percent of visitors paid the full suggested price; last year, 15 percent did. Effectively the policy has been failing, Weiss said. If we had the same rate today as in 2004, we would not be having this announcement.
Weiss neglected to mention that the Mets suggested admission in 2004 was $12. Perhaps lower payments forced the price hike. More likely, it was a matter of keeping up with private institutions like MoMA, which went up to a mandatory $20 in 2004, and being able to continue satisfying increasing visitor expectations. The city will happily pay up to $3 million less, and has promised the difference to underfunded institutions around the five boroughs. And per another figure on Weisss PowerPoint deck: 80 percent of out-of-town visitors to the Met are in the city for several days, spending an average of $1,200 each. We dont believe that visitors are not going to come to the institution because were asking them to contribute their fair share to having this experience, said Weiss. In other words, pay up, cheapskates; you can afford it.
Milan was (sort of) fun and all, but back in Jersey, Joe Gorga is annoyed Melissa left the country the week before the grand opening of his I mean, their new restaurant. Hes right: Shame on her for lacking a passion to wait tables at a restaurant she did not have any say in buying, alongside her husband and sister-in-law, both of whom have been prickly to her throughout this process! The Joe who carped endlessly about having to spend more time with his children when his wife was opening her boutique has apparently been replaced by a pod person with the exact opposite beliefs and values. Thats not fair, he whines in a talking-head interview. Were a team. If I need your help, we focus together. I have reached the inevitable conclusion that this story line was scripted to give me, personally, an aneurysm.
At a photo shoot for the cover of her new book, Teresa does yoga poses in a black glitter halter-neck backless jumpsuit amid spaghetti and meatballs, kids drawings, and scattered shoes. Glamorous and relatable. Shell soon pay a visit to Joe in prison for the first time since her mom passed away. Then theres the fact that he still hasnt apologized or taken responsibility for the whole, you know, them both being incarcerated thing, a lapse in marital decorum thats really starting to bother her. Siggy stops by (she did not get the backless-jumpsuit-dress-code memo, sadly) to announce that she is once again ready to let bygones be bygones with Margaret, a woman she is severely emotionally allergic to. Life is short! she says, which is funny, because life with Siggy and Margaret feels awfully long.
Meanwhile, Frank and Dolores take Frank Jr. to tour Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Frankie is looking for an aggressive finance program, which sounds to me like he should consider the Patrick Bateman School of Business. Theyre even escorted to an impeccably vacuumed male room in the dorms, which I guarantee that no living college student has ever actually entered, given the pairs of shoes arrayed hilariously neatly by the door and a distinct lack of forgotten, months-old pizza crusts anywhere in sight. Frankie loves the school, and to Doloress great pleasure, its only a 90-minute drive away from home.
Dolores is fretting over her soon-to-be-empty nest, but at least she has her ex-husband to share it with. Where does platonic co-parenting stop and romantic cohabitation begin? Dolores continues to date Dr. David, but hes never not on call, a source of tension between them. Do you think David appreciates you? Frank who, by the way, is still on a break from his girlfriend asks her. Because I made the mistake of not appreciating you and I regret it. No one deserves to live this particular best-of-both-worlds Nancy Meyers fantasy more than my girl Dolores. Speaking of exes, Margarets first husband, Jan, comes to see her, with bagels. (I like him already.) She invited him over so they could talk about his kids, the ones she raised as a young stepmom, but who have kept her at a chilly distance ever since she left their father. Margaret wants to know if he thinks theyll ever speak to her again. He isnt so sure, but shes resolved never to give up.
Teresa follows through on a promise she made to Danielle at Siggys retreat, after she revealed how hurt her now-young-adult daughters were by what they witnessed Teresa say to their mom years ago. (Prostitution whore. She called her a prostitution whore.) She drives to Danielles house to apologize to 19-year-old Jillian in person. Christine, now 23, wants no part of this. Thats more than fair, Christine. Over tea, Jillian and Danielle describe the harassment and bullying their family has withstood since that confrontation. Teresa begins to cry imagining her daughters in the same situation. I dont know why things happen in life, she says, which is such a bad apology it doesnt even qualify as a non-apology, before offering a more meaningful sorry later. Jillian accepts, and is altogether too good for this television program.
Siggy fills in her father, Mordecai (a Holocaust survivor and scholar), about her ongoing tension with Margaret, including Marges Kim D.Hitler analogy, which has so far caused drama on two continents and counting. Witnessing how kookoo-bananas Margaret drives his daughter, Mordecai offers Siggy the sanest advice possible: Avoid her. This also happens to be the only advice Siggy cant actionably take, given that both of these women are on this damn show. We are all suffering together.
Joe may be freaking out over the restaurant opening, but he nevertheless managed to set up a step-and-repeat backdrop in their extremely glamorous strip-mall-parking-lot environs, so Id consider this a success. I designed this cheeseburger pizza, Joe says, proudly, and I feel a wave of affection for him, like hes the obvious underdog contestant on an episode of Chopped Junior. (But hot.) Teresa and Joe continue to harass Melissa about the degree to which they can guilt her into being involved with this business, but when she watches Joe emotionally pay tribute to his late mom in a toast, all is forgiven. Melissas heart is as warm, if not quite as greasy, as her husbands cheeseburger pizza.
A no-doubt fire-code-violating number of guests crowd into the restaurant by the time Siggy arrives with Jennifer, perhaps the 19th person that Siggy has identified as her best friend in the last 24 hours. (Dont worry: Dolores is still her best friend, too.) Though Margaret has lulled herself into thinking things are, at last, copacetic between herself and the Sig, she is wrong. Obviously. Horror movies must end with a final scare. Siggy conspicuously snubs Margaret and Marge Sr. throughout the event, which is quite an achievement in quarters as tight as these. Even Dolores admits that Siggys misbehavior is unnecessarily rude to Margarets mother. (Im so proud of you, Dolores!) Eventually, Danielle gamely volunteers to fetch Siggy to introduce her to Marge Sr. She outrights refuses, then flees. Really? Come on. If Margaret didnt acknowledge Siggys own beloved mother or worse, if one of Joshuas frenemies didnt acknowledge her Siggy would in that very moment develop rage-fueled pyrokinetic abilities and burn the whole place to the ground.
For all those who are searching for job, year 2018 is going to be the year of the cloud, big data, cyber security, Cloud computing and mobile & software development. Simplilearn, a digital economy training company has curated a list of top tech jobs and skills for 2018 based on the course consumption pattern that the company has observed over the past six months.
According to the survey report, Cloud computing, software and mobile development, Big Data sector and cyber security will be the top four jobs and skills in the year 2018. The report also predicts the average salary for these aforementioned in-demand top tech jobs. However, this is the median salary and not the entry-level. The report does not clarify the salary for the freshers.
Going by the survey report, here is the salary you can expect this year if you work in these top 4 sectors.
Also Read: Engineering skills aren't key, communication and 6 other skills determine success: Google study
1. Cloud - Cloud computing already has and will continue to change traditional IT roles and functions for the coming few years. The work roles that will be in demand for this sector are Cloud Engineers, Cloud/Azure Architects, DevOps Engineers and Azure/ AWS Consultants. The average salary for Cloud Engineers as given in the report is Rs 11,73,000.
2. Mobile and Software Development - With new apps, products and tools getting released in the world every day, there will be an increase in job openings for Full Stack Web Developers with an average salary of Rs 8,50,000 and Automation Test Engineers with an average salary of Rs 5, 25,000.
3. Big data and analytics - Big Data sector is expected to see an increased hiring with lucrative offers from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Jobs that will be in demand this year are Machine learning engineers with an average salary of Rs 12, 82,000 and Data Scientists with an average salary of Rs 8, 47,000.
4. Cyber security - With increasing cases of cyber attacks in India and globally, there's a major shortage of skilled cyber security talent to spot vulnerabilities, fend attacks and respond to emergencies during cyber breaches. As per the survey report, enterprises across sectors are expected to hire Cyber Security Architects with an average salary of Rs 19,80,000, Information Security Managers with an average salary of Rs 10, 90,000 and Security Auditors with an average salary of Rs 9, 81,000.
Photo: John Sciulli/Getty Images for Louis XIII
On Wednesday, director Robert Rodriguez released a statement responding to new claims Rose McGowan made about him and the movie they worked on together, Grindhouse, in Vanity Fair. Rodriguez claims that the publication did not reach out for comment and writes, There are some key factual errors in the piece. He offers his version of a few key details from the story, and writes:
These inaccuracies may appear to put me at odds with Rose, but I have no quarrel with her. Its when publications dont fact check these basic things, you end up with something inaccurate that then has to be disqualified.
In the Vanity Fair article detailing McGowans upcoming memoir, the actor claims that Rodriguez, whom she was dating at the time, used his knowledge that she was allegedly raped by producer Harvey Weinstein as a tool for mind games while filming Grindhouse. In her memoir, she reportedly points to the scene where Quentin Tarantino, playing a character, attacks her character. She writes of the experience, I was losing my grip on sanity. The article mentions that McGowan was ultimately betrayed by Rodriguez when he sold our film to my monster. The movie was released by Bob Weinsteins Dimension Films.
Rodriguez previously released a statement that painted a different picture. In October, he claimed that he knew about the alleged rape, and he cast McGowan as a way to spite the producer. He said that he never spoke openly about Weinstein because McGowan had signed an NDA, but he still believed that Weinstein found a way to bury the movie anyway.
He is sticking by those claims now, and adds that he couldnt have betrayed McGowan with the sale of the film to Bob Weinstein, because the Weinsteins were already attached to fund it before McGowan started shooting her scenes. Though McGowan didnt start filming until late March 2006, in Rodriguezs account, the Weinsteins began funding the project in November of 2005. There was certainly ample time for Rose to decide not to be in a film funded by the Weinsteins and reject the movie and the script before shooting ever began, he argued.
He also writes that the Tarantino character was in every draft of the script dating back to one he sent the cast and crew on January 24, 2006, and the scene wasnt filmed until five months after that. If there was any objection to the scene there was plenty of time to address it, Rodriguez states. It was never brought up as being an issue. In fact, the point of the scene was always to be empowering because its when her character turns the tables against her oppressors.
McGowans memoir, Brave, which details how the alleged rape in 1997 affected her life and career, including working on Grindhouse, is due to be released at the end of January.
Photo: Getty Images
Oh, Jason Mendoza, you sweet, beautiful idiot. As played by actor Manny Jacinto, The Good Places resident aspiring DJ marks a significant moment in the very short history of dumb, hot Asian bros on television (see also: Chan, Josh on Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). Jason seems to have been specifically engineered to resist stereotype, first starting the show as a Buddhist monk named Jianyu who took a vow of silence only to reveal himself as the sweet but stupid screwup from Jacksonville, Florida, that he is. (Bortles!) Ahead of The Good Place mid-season premiere, we spoke with Manny Jacinto on developing Jasons voice, his love triangle with Janet and Tahani, and the grossest gag that Ted Danson has pulled on set.
Id like to start at the beginning. DArcy Carden said that the audition sides were really unusual. What were yours like?
Wow, this is taking me back. Im sure DArcy mentioned that the sides were dummy sides, so it gave us a glimpse into our character but it didnt necessarily give us a glimpse into the actual story line of the show. My particular character was a bit different because when youre introduced to Jianyu/Jason, hes a silent monk. But for the actual audition, I was given sides as Jason Mendoza, so you can imagine that they werent the most intelligent. It was two scenes. The first scene was a job interview. It was to be, like, chief executive operations manager, and you can obviously tell from that I have no clue what Im talking about. I go on to rant about my favorite subjects in school and all of these quirky little Jason Mendoza stories. In the second scene, the audition involved me and my buddy Pillboi, who you see in some of the flashbacks of season one. Its me pitching him a product about an energy drink/deodorant idea. I actually wish that they could have incorporated those into the show, but who knows?
Was Jason Mendoza fully formed when you auditioned?
He was definitely tweaked. When I first got the audition sides, he was very bro-ish so I played it towards that line. Then when I went in for the callback, they were like, We want him to still have that dim-wittedness, but also make sure to have this sweet side of him. Thats a very big part of who Jason is, that he has this innocence and sweetness about him, which makes him more likable.
How did you develop the voice? He speaks in a way thats idiotic and endearing at the same time.
The only thing I can say, because I dont want to reveal it yet, is I got the voice from a YouTube video that I saw. I cant reveal any more because I just dont want people to define him for being that, but it was definitely just through coincidence that I saw this video and then I tweaked it to give him a bit more maturity, a tad bit more intelligence.
Or at least some emotional intelligence.
At the end of the day, he wants to do good. Thats his primary motive. Although hes oblivious to other peoples motivations, he wants to do good and he wants to be better, but obviously its just a bit hard for him in those terms. And a big part of Jason is how he carries himself. Once I embodied how he moves, the voice started to come out.
Was it freeing when you finally got to talk?
It was all of the feelings. It was intimidating; it was fun. I remember our first table read, and I remember Jameela [Jamil] and DArcy just staring at me because theyd never heard me talk as that character. And they just could not stop laughing during the table read. Obviously, Id like to think that I talk as a normal person in real life, and when they heard me talk as Jason Mendoza, they just could not believe it. So that was a really sweet moment when I saw their reactions.
Do you think Jason subverts stereotypes?
Definitely. I think when they were coming up with Jason/Jianyu, they were trying to figure out something different and one of the things that popped up was that you dont really see a lot of dumb Asian guys on mainstream television. Hes usually intelligent or the model minority. Im not saying playing Jason is pioneering, but its so great for me to do because its not a stereotype. Getting to put a bit of a twist on that and showing a different dynamic towards an Asian character is really cool. And I feel that the fans like the fact that Im not some super-smart student.
Youre not the IT guy.
Exactly. And Ive had my fair share of those, so I guess you just have to go through the ranks before you get to be Jason Mendoza.
Did you have to deal with stereotyping when you were going out for auditions?
I cant say that I completely avoided it. There were definitely auditions and even bookings and jobs where I played your typical Asian model minority, an IT tech guy or something of that nature. Its tough sometimes, especially when youre starting out, because they make these roles sound as if they wont be a typical nerd. I remember getting an audition the other day, but they described him as first of all being an outsider. He was intelligent. Its a positive spin on basically what they were describing as being a nerd. It was almost like they were trying to trick you to do this. It was interesting because they make it sound like its a role thats inspiring or different, but at the end of the day, if you really analyze it, its a bullied nerd. Ive definitely had my fair share of auditions for those kinds of roles, but I think if you can stick it out and you can create your own roles, you can bypass those. But it also depends on if youre broke or not. That can also be a measure as to whether or not you take certain roles.
Did you go out for that part?
It was given to me by my agent, and I was like, No, I cant. This is exactly what I dont want to do. So I passed on it. Luckily, Im at the position where I can do that. But five, six years ago, I wouldnt be so quick on saying no. Id have to really consider it.
Yeah, youve got to pay your bills.
Which is the unfortunate part. Thats why creating roles is really important, especially for the Asian community on both sides.
The other great thing about Jason is that hes a total babe.
[Laughs.] I wouldnt say that. Oh man, I always get embarrassed when thats mentioned. Ive always been not comfortable being viewed like that, but its a nice compliment to have. I remember one of our executive producers assistants was like, Hey Manny, how much are you paying the writers to write all of this stuff about you? Because it was always complimenting Jason as the hot guy or the attractive guy. And Im just like, Oh, you know, Im paying them 15 percent of my paycheck just to get those statements in to make me look good. But yeah, its a compliment Im trying to take more warmly now.
You dont really see the Asian guy as the hot one whos in a love triangle on TV.
Yeah. If you want to be incredibly specific, you rarely see the Asian guy kissing the Caucasian girl or even dynamics between Janet and Jason, where the females a bit taller. Theres always these ideas that you dont want to date someone thats taller than you. I dont know. Maybe Im overthinking it.
I think youre right.
Yeah, its like in Mikes [Schur] world, anything goes and nothing is wrong, just as long as we have the feeling behind it. We dont have to play towards certain stereotypes and images that were constantly bombarded by. Thats what I love about this show.
Are you Team Janet or Team Tahani?
Oh, geez! As me, not as Jason?
Either and/or both.
Ummm, I dont know. At the end of the day, as Manny, Im just happy to be loved. And maybe Jason Mendoza would say, Im just happy to be pounding it out. I dont know. I cant say what team Im on.
You also eat a lot on the show. I feel like you eat more than anyone else.
Thats a really good observation. Yeah, I remember when I got caught by Tahani, I was eating cheesy puffs. When I was introduced to Chidi, I was eating some popcorn. In one of the last few episodes, I was eating a lollipop that Kristen [Bell] slapped out of my mouth. I think its just the kid in him. Hes constantly hungry and always needs a snack or some sort of junk food. Thats super cool that you noticed that. I didnt even notice that.
How did you get into acting? I saw that you majored in civil engineering, so youre actually super smart.
I dont know if Im super smart. If anything, I just worked my butt off. But thank you. In terms of my childhood, it was normal. You go through school, do well in school, and then I went to university. The performance arts aspect was never really an option because it was never in my family. Nobody was there to teach me anything about that. It wasnt until maybe my second year of university that I got inspired to dance. It was because of the show Americas Best Dance Crew.
Jabbawockeez, man!
Exactly! Aww, man. You dont understand how big of an impact thats actually made in my life, seeing those Asian guys on TV doing their thing. I was like, Hey, these guys look like me and I love to dance too, so maybe I should try it out. Only a few weeks after, I went out to try dance class and I sucked. It was horrible, but I absolutely loved it so I just kept going and tried to get better and better. From there, I just found this thing that people kept talking about, which is your passion. I wanted to explore different aspects of performing, and I fell into acting. It just started to move forward from that point, and then engineering fell through the cracks because I did not want to do that. I had a bit of a taste of it, and I was like, No, I cant. This isnt for me.
I assume well get to see you dance more on the show.
Yeah, I can hint a bit more dancing later on in this season. I think with the writers, they try to incorporate that aspect of Jason as much as they can, as long as it fits the story.
Do you have a favorite Fast and Furious movie?
Tokyo Drift, no doubt. So many reasons: Justin Lin, Sung Kang. That is definitely my number one, even though I know its the last with so many people. Even the soundtrack, I remember how it goes. The soundtrack was just killer.
That is the correct answer.
Is it? You agree with me?
Its my favorite! Justin Lin saved the franchise, lets be real.
Thats exactly true. The thing is, Im a big fan of Justin Lin as well. I dont know if you know the movie Better Luck Tomorrow.
I do. I love it.
It was a movie that subconsciously inspired me to do this. I watched the movie when I was in high school. It was the first time that you saw Asian-American kids, Asian-American teenagers acting in a movie. They didnt have accents and the story line didnt pertain anything towards their culture. It was just them being teenagers. So Justin Lin is definitely a big reason why Tokyo Drift is my number one.
Also, Better Luck Tomorrow was about bad Asians, which is what Jason is.
Yes. It comes full circle, which is amazing.
I know they filmed your reaction to Mike Schur telling you about the major twist in season one. What was going through your head when you heard about it?
Well, Mike was very formal about it. After episode eight, he was like, Guys, after were done shooting, were going to gather you all into the common area in the cafeteria and were going to sit you down. And I panicked. I was like, Uh, am I getting fired? This has never happened before. Weve never had a meeting. And he seemed very serious about it. So my mind just went to worst-case scenario. But then he started recounting the story and Kristen had her camera out. So now it wasnt, Am I going to get fired? It was, Are we getting punked? Then Mike came out with that twist, and I was like, Holy crap, this guy is a genius. All of the feelings started flooding in, like gratitude for being able to be a part of this, and excitement for other people to witness and to hear what Id just heard.
Do you think Jason deserves to be in the Bad Place?
Umm, no. Id like to think not. Id like to think that he has a good heart. But because of maybe how he was raised, hes just misguided. He needs a proper guide. No, I dont think he deserves to be in the Bad Place. But, then again, the villain in all of the stories never thinks that theyre the bad guy. So maybe I have that syndrome.
What is Ted Danson like behind the scenes?
Ted, when you meet him, he is legitimately the nicest man on the planet. And he doesnt have to be. He is a veteran in this industry. He can do whatever he wants. I remember there was one time he was eating Swedish Fish and all of the sudden he just paused. I dont know if this was a party trick or if it just came to him on the spot, but he was able to eat the Swedish Fish through his mouth, take a piece of it, and then snort it through his nose like a booger. All of us freaked out. William Jackson Harper ran across the stage. I ran for my life. We just didnt know what was going on. Witnessing that moment right there was like, Oh my goodness, if anything, Ted Danson is Jason Mendoza. Hes just the biggest child out of all of us. I just remember that, and I dont think Ill ever forget that moment, Ted Danson taking a booger out of his nose.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
(CNN) -- There's never been a safer time to hop on a plane.
The Aviation Safety Network has revealed that 2017 was the safest year in aviation history.
And while President Trump took credit on Tuesday for the US safety record, in a tweet stating that he'd been "very strict on Commercial Aviation," airline accidents have actually been on a consistent global decline since 1992.
It's all the more impressive when you take into account that 2017 is also likely to be the busiest year ever for commercial flights. Close to 3.7 billion people flew in 2016, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization, with numbers rising steadily year-on-year for the last decade.
There are a number of factors contributing to this success, including the development of new technology and new airplanes, and changes to flight crew training and global regulations.
'Best of the best'
To celebrate those leading the way, Australia-based aviation analysis website AirlineRatings.com has just released its annual list of the world's safest airlines.
Of the 409 airlines it monitors, 20 stand out as the "best of the best," says AirlineRatings.com's editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas.
These 20 airlines from across Asia, Europe and the United States, he says, are "always at the forefront of safety innovation, operational excellence and the launching of new more advanced aircraft."
From 2014 to 2017, AirlineRatings.com named Australian airline Qantas the world's safest airline, and once again AirlineRatings.com has commended it for being "the lead airline in virtually every major operational safety advancement over the past 60 years" without a single fatality in the jet era.
"But Qantas is not alone," says Thomas. "Long-established airlines such as Hawaiian and Finnair have perfect records in the jet era."
Standout in safety
This year, AirlineRatings.com has decided to honor the top 20 airlines on equal footing.
The top 20 for 2018, in alphabetical order are:
Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, All Nippon Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Finnair, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Scandinavian Airline System, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia.
Notably absent from the 2018 list are the US airlines Delta and United. In April 2017, Delta's enviable record of years of reliable service was blotted by a five-day meltdown in which more than 3,200 flights were canceled in response to storms.
In the same month, United Airlines' reputation took a serious battering when a video went viral of a passenger being dragged off an overbooked flight.
New entries on this year's list are Emirates and Royal Jordanian Airlines.
Response to incidents
To arrive at its top 20, AirlineRatings.com takes into account safety factors including audits from aviation's governing bodies and lead associations, government audits, airlines' records of crashes and serious incidents and fleet age.
Thomas says it only looks at serious incidents when making its determinations.
"All airlines have incidents every day and many are aircraft manufacture issues, not airline operational problems, he says. "And it is the way the flight crew handles incidents that determines a good airline from an unsafe one."
He cites Qantas' excellent response to a 2010 incident in Singapore when a Rolls Royce engine shattered after an A380 took off.
"The fault was entirely with a fault in manufacture but the pilot skills of the Qantas crew saved the plane according to Australia's crash investigators," says Thomas.
Best low-cost carriers
AirlineRatings.com has also announced the low-cost airlines it says have the best safety records.
In alphabetical order, the top 10 airlines are:
Aer Lingus, Flybe, Frontier, HK Express, JetBlue, Jetstar Australia, Thomas Cook, Virgin America, Vueling and WestJet.
These airlines all have excellent safety records and, unlike a number of low-cost carriers, they have all passed the stringent International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).
Colorado's Frontier Airlines is a new entry on the 2018 list, taking a slot vacated by Singapore's Jetstar Asia.
"Certainly, air travel is safer today than at any time in history but passengers still need to know which are the best of the best," says Thomas.
AirlineRatings.com ranks the airlines using a unique seven-star rating system. The top airlines have all achieved the full seven stars.
Its lowest-rated airlines for 2018, achieving just one star in the rankings, are North Korea's Air Koryo, Suriname's Blue Wing Airlines, Indonesia's Trigana Air Service and Nepal's Buddha Air, Nepal Airlines, Tara Air and Yeti Airlines.
Chris Isidore and Jon Ostrower contributed to this report.
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HTC is planning to launch a limited number of smartphones this year as it aims to focus its R&D and marketing efforts on high-end and upper mid-range models. Among the few planned launches is the successor to 2017's HTC U11, expected to be called the HTC U12. There hasn't been a lot of talk around the upcoming flagship smartphone, but a new render has surfaced that suggests vaguely that it will sport a near bezel-less display.
We saw a good number of flagships in 2017 that came with edge-to-edge display. However, the U11 was not one of them. HTC did catch up, however, with the U11+ later on. As we start 2018, one expects to see a lot more phones sporting narrower bezels. An alleged U12 render via Suggestphone reveals the flagship will sport slim bezels from three sides. However, this is the first such render of the U12 to pop up on the internet and a fairly unclear one at that, so one should take this with a pinch of salt.
Also Read: HTC U11 review: Sense and sensibility
The render also reveals the power button and volume controls on the right side while a USB port, likely to be Type-C, is seen on the bottom. Apart from this, the render does not give us a lot to go on. What we can expect is that the flagship will feature the latest Snapdragon 845 chipset and a dual rear camera setup. The U12 will also likely keep the Edge Sense feature, which was the highlight of the U11.
Late last month, industry sources in Taiwan said that HTC plans to launch only a handful of smartphones in 2018. As per reports, the company will kick things off with with a stripped down version of the U11+ in January. The smartphone will feature mid-range specifications inside a near bezel-less display. As 18:9 displays have become the new industry standard, one expects to see companies bring them down to mid-range and budget segments even more starting next year. From what rumours suggest, the "lite" version of the HTC U11+ is tipped to be powered by a Snapdragon 652 processor with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. The phone is also expected to keep the same 5.99-inch 18:9 display as the HTC U11+.
According to a report by The Register, major security flaws in Intel chipsets allow low-privilege processes and sketchy code to access memory in a computer's kernel. The troublesome vulnerabilities might allow malicious programs to gain access to sensitive information such as passwords stored in a computer's protected memory. The report claims that while Microsoft and Apple are already working on a fix, it may slow their respected machines by as much as 30 percent.
Now new information has come to light that claims that these vulnerabilities are not limited to Intel chipsets sold in the past decade as was previously thought. According to Google Project Zero, out of the two major flaws codenamed 'Spectre' and 'Meltdown', the latter can harm only Intel based devices while the former also affects AMD and ARM processors.
Intel is already in talks with various chipmakers to release a security patch. The company issued a statement in the wake of the revelations - "Recent reports that these exploits are caused by a "bug" or a "flaw" and are unique to Intel products are incorrect. Based on the analysis to date, many types of computing devices - with many different vendors' processors and operating systems - are susceptible to these exploits."
"Intel is committed to product and customer security and is working closely with many other technology companies, including AMD, ARM Holdings and several operating system vendors, to develop an industry-wide approach to resolve this issue promptly and constructively. Intel has begun providing software and firmware updates to mitigate these exploits. Contrary to some reports, any performance impacts are workload-dependent, and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time", the company added.
Also Read: Nokia 9, OnePlus 6, Samsung Galaxy S9 & more: Smartphones to look forward to in 2018
Following the report by The Register, shares in Intel were down 3.4 percent in early U.S trading. Microsoft, Amazon and Google have already said that they are working on updates to their cloud services and other products.
Amazon in a blog post noted - "This is a vulnerability that has existed for more than 20 years in modern processor architectures like Intel, AMD, and ARM across servers, desktops, and mobile devices. All but a small single-digit percentage of instances across the Amazon EC2 fleet are already protected. The remaining ones will be completed in the next several hours, with associated instance maintenance notifications".
Microsoft also notified its Azure customers in a blog post that "The majority of Azure infrastructure has already been updated to address this vulnerability" and that they "should not see a noticeable performance impact".
It must be noted that contrary to previous reports, this is not an issue limited to Intel chipsets but a problem that affects almost all processors on the market currently. While 'Meltdown' is an Intel specific vulnerability, Spectre targets a fundamental flaw in most CPU's.
Project Zero researchers claim that both flaws take advantage of 'speculative execution' - a technique used by most modern CPU's in order to optimise performance. Hackers and cybercriminals can access a computer's protected (and theoretically inaccessible) system memory by using malicious codes on speculative execution. And as such can gain access to passwords, encryption keys and so on. Analysts claim that a fix will require a fundamental redesign of chipsets and CPU makers might have to issue a massive recall.
Nokia 6 2018 is expected to launch on January 5, that is, tomorrow. It is said that HMD Global may announce the revised version of the original Nokia 6 in China first, and then move of to bring it to other markets, including India in the days to come. Ahead of the official announcement, Nokia 6 (2018) has now been leaked in live images on Chinese micro-blogging site -- Weibo, which more or else confirms the earlier rumours and doesn't reveal any new information as such.
As per the earlier reports, the revised version of Nokia 6 may not differ much from the original one which was launched earlier last year. It will just be a slight revised version of the original one. The live images show the phone in black colour with golden lining around the camera module and fingerprint scanner. There's also a metallic frame across the phone that is visible in the leaked images.
The images show that the Nokia 6 (2018) may come with a single camera on the front and back. That's all about the front of the phone -- atleast that's all is visible in the pictures. While the images of the back side of the phone show the single camera set up coupled with LED flash and there's also the fingerprint sensor that's placed right below the rear camera. Below the fingerprint sensor there's the Nokia branding.
Also Read: Nokia 6 (2018): Expected features, price, rumours, everything else we know so far
The live images further hints at a 16:9 screen and compared to the original Nokia 6 that was launched in 2017, the upcoming Nokia 6 (2018) may come with slightly thinner bezels on both top and bottom edges. On the front, looks like the smartphone may boast on-screen buttons.
Earlier this week, Nokia 6 2018 was also spotted on TENNA, and the listing of the same revealed almost all the specs that the phone is expected to come with. The TENNA listing reveals that the smartphone may come with a 5.5-inch TFT display with 1080x1920 pixels resolution. It further suggests that the device may come with a 16:9 aspect ratio and not a full-screen display with 18:9 aspect ratio as reported earlier.
The listing further reveals that Nokia 6 2018 may be powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 and come coupled with 4GB of RAM. Chances are, HMD Global may announce two variants of the Nokia 6 2018, one will be with 32GB internal storage, while the second variant -- which will be the costlier one - will come with 64GB of internal storage.
As far as the camera department is concerned, this year's Nokia 6 may come with a 16-megapixel camera at the back, while may include an 8-megapixel camera sensor on the front. It further appears the smartphone may be backed by a 3000mAh battery. There are no information about the pricing of the smartphone as of now.
Australian Federal Police at Perth Airport were forced to remove a man from a plane bound for Queensland on Wednesday after it was alleged he became abusive and aggressive.
The 45-year-old man was offloaded from a Perth to Brisbane flight after staff alerted police of his alleged disturbance on board an aircraft.
The man, 45, was escorted from the plane by Australian Federal Police. Credit:SHUTTERSTOCK
Police say he was intoxicated and refused to leave the airport. He continued to swear and abuse police officers following the incident.
He was later charged with obstructing a public officer, disorderly behaviour in a public place and trespassing.
Dylan Voller, who was thrust into the public spotlight last year in a youth detention scandal, says he would be willing to work with Australian corrections authorities in an effort to help young people in custody.
And he has a message for young WA men currently caught up in juvenile detention: "There is no such thing as failing, there is always an opportunity to try again."
The image of Dylan Voller in a spit-hood at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre that helped trigger the royal commission. Credit:ABC
Voller, 20, made international headlines last year when disturbing images of him being mistreated in Darwin's Don Dale Youth Detention Centre came to light.
The images, which first appeared on Four Corners, showed him strapped to a chair with his head covered in a spit hood.
Paris, Jan 3, 2018 (AFP) - Winter storm Eleanor swept into France, Belgium and the Netherlands on Wednesday after tearing through England and Northern Ireland, cutting power to tens of thousands of people and forcing airports and train services to halt operations. A skiier was killed by a falling tree at Morillon in the French Alps while 15 others have been injured by the storm across the country, four of them seriously, civil defence spokesman Michael Bernier told AFP. Another person was hurt by a falling tree in the southern Dutch village of Heesch. Heavy winds led the airports in Strasbourg and Basel-Mulhouse on France's border with Germany and Switzerland to close before they were reopened shortly after midday. At Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport, 60 percent of departures were delayed Wednesday morning, as were a third of arrivals, while a handful of flights had to be rerouted before the winds eased back a bit. The winds were also wreaking havoc with train services in several French regions. About 200,000 homes across northern France were without electricity, while "particularly intense" flooding was expected on the Atlantic coasts. The Eiffel Tower, which attracts six million visitors a year, was closed until at least Wednesday afternoon, while worries about falling tree branches prompted Paris officials to close all city parks for the day.
Eleanor barrelled into continental Europe after whipping across England, Northern Ireland and Ireland, with the Thames Barrier, one of the largest movable flood barriers in the world, closed as a precautionary measure to protect London from swelling tides. "We have seen some heavy showers push through across the south of the UK along with hail, loud thunder and lightning, which has woken people up," said meteorologist Becky Mitchell. Gusts of 160 kilometres per hour (100 mph) were recorded at Great Dun Fell in Westmorland, northwest England, while overturned vehicles and trees caused closures of major motorways. In Ireland, power supply company ESB said electricity had been restored to 123,000 customers, while 27,000 remained without power. Streets around the docks in Galway on the west coast were flooded after high tides breached the sea defences, prompting the deployment of about two dozen troops to support flood defence efforts.
Belgium and parts of Spain were also put on "orange" alert, the third of four warning levels, with officials urging people to exercise caution when venturing out. Although the winds eased toward midday, rescue workers in Brussels were kept busy with about 70 calls across the city, mainly after trees were knocked down, and several parks were closed. In the Netherlands, 252 of about 1,200 flights were cancelled at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, a key European hub, as weather alerts were issued for several regions. Several main roads and train lines were also closed as officials rushed to prepare flooding defences. Flights were also disrupted at Frankfurt's airport in Germany, where the storm has been baptised Burglind, and at Zurich airport, as Swiss officials urged hikers to avoid forest walks. RTS television reported that about 14,000 homes were without power in several Swiss cantons. Eleanor is the fourth major storm to hit Europe since December. The storm is now heading for the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, where meteorologists are warning of violent gusts that could reach 200 kilometres per hour. Austria is also in its path, where the avalanche risk was expected to be raised to four on a scale of five in several areas Wednesday afternoon.
bur-js-kjl/cb/txw
Men Charged with Theft from Local Home, Store
By West Kentucky Star Staff
METROPOLIS, IL - Two men were arrested on theft charges last week after two incidents on the same day.According to a Wednesday press release from Metropolis Police Department, officers were called Dec. 26 to Walgreens on West 10th Street, and were told that numerous bottles of cologne had been taken from the store. Although the suspects were gone, the theft was captured on video, and police filed a report.A short time later, police were called to a home on Ferry Street, where the victim said she awoke to the sound of people talking outside her window. She and her husband saw two men carrying tires and rims from their yard, and the husband confronted them and tried to turn off the van they were in. Police were told a struggle ensued and the driver tried to leave with the husband still in the van. The second suspect was left behind but fled on foot.Police found the van near Ferry and 7th Streets and pulled it over, and also learned the male victim was back at his home. Police say the men in the van were recognized as the theft suspects from Walgreens, and the stolen cologne was recovered.Police arrested 35-year-old Daniel Sledd and 35-year-old Kevin Sommers, both of Metropolis. They are charged with retail theft, robbery, unlawful restraint and theft. They were taken to Massac County Detention Center.
Man Faces Charges After Parking Lot Collision
By West Kentucky Star Staff
MAYFIELD, KY - A Paducah man is facing multiple charges after a reported hit-and-run involving a pedestrian in a parking lot.According to the Graves County Sheriff's Department, deputies responded at 7:40 am Wednesday to Pilgrim's Pride in Hickory, and learned that 62-year-old Susan Crain of Mayfield had been struck from behind by a vehicle. She was taken to Jackson Purchase Medical Center for treatment of what were called non-life-threatening injuries.Witnesses told deputies 54-year-old Tony Proctor of Paducah tried to leave the parking lot after hitting Crain, and one of the security guards at the plant said he was almost hit while trying to get Proctor to stop.Proctor was interviewed by deputies and then arrested. He faces charges of assault 2nd degree, wanton endangerment 1st degree, DUI 2nd offense, leaving the scene of an accident, and failure to maintain insurance.Proctor was taken to Graves County Jail.
WESTPORT Westporters took a dip in the frigid Long Island Sound on New Years Day for the 11th annual Temple Israel Polar Bear Plunge at Compo Beach.
This years event was in honor of Scott Rutsky, who passed away last year and was a major contributor to various charities.
Now that Christmas is long gone, and the New Year fast approaching, its time to head into the new year with a positive outlook.
Most people will use the upcoming new year to make loads of New Years resolutions. Most people, myself included, want to get into shape and lose a few pounds, as well as complete some honey-do projects that didnt get done in 2017.
Yes, there are a lot of honey-do projects that I wanted done too, but it just goes to show when you get older, you just dont go any faster. I didnt have the strength to do some of the stuff that I wanted to get done in 2017.
Before I get into some resolutions, I must tell you a few things about my Christmas break. I went to Virginia to see my granddaughters open their gifts on Christmas Day.
This is the first year my wife and I have not been together for Christmas in our 43, almost 44 years, of marriage. Of course I have worked on Christmas Day, hen I worked in the coal mine. Those times, we spent at least some of the day together though.
It was the first, and if I have anything to do about it, it will be our last. Being with your love oned for more than 43 years, its tough when youre apart.
However, the trip was very nice, not a lot of traffic going to Fredricksburg at all. The weather was awesome, and the time spent with my son Gregory and his family was everything I was hoping for.
The girls are growing like the weeds in my back yard. My Tianna is as nice today, as she was when she was two. The same can be said for Kyra and Sofia as well. The church service was awesome. The preacher, Isaac Myers, once lived in this area and went to Ohio Valley University in Parkersburg.
After lunch, we went back to the house and watched some movies. You know when Rich Santa Claus Male is your sons father-in-law, every Christmas has to be a good one, and it was.
After the big night, Santa and Mrs. Claus came over, and my daughter in-law Candace fixed breakfast fit for a king. After eating, the girls opened their gifts.
I got each member of my sons family a Nerf-gun. I didnt think I would love seeing them battle with the Nerf guns, but I was more excited than they were. I know it is the best gift I could have gotten them.
You know, other than thinking about Jesus in this time of gift giving and knowing he gave his life for us, the family stuff is mighty important for me for me. Not being around Lynne, as well as my son Chris, his wife Alania, and my grandson Christian and my son Jeremy and his bride Janine was tough. Its tough when family is far away.
We had Christmas with Christian the day after, as well as my mother, but it was so nice to see all the love that others show with their family and friends. That is the good thing about Facebook.
Incase you dont know, our new editor is Lauren Matthews. She has been holding that title for awhile, but she just got the editors job at the Tyler Star News, right before Christmas. It was nice to see. The Wetzel Chronicle, along with the Tyler Star News, is in good hands. She is doing the best she can, and with Ed and myself, she will have her hands full.
But, lets get with the program and see what New Years resolutions you are going to have. Lets get it started. Take a picture of yourself, and send it to me at bcrawford@wetzelchronicle.com along with your New Years resolutions. I cant promise it will be in the paper, but it might. Lets get it going, and maybe we can have a full page New Years resolutions.Maybe we can share on our Facebook page as well. I cant wait to see all the resolutions that our readers have and will have.
In conclusion, I hope everyone had an awesome Merry Christmas, and even a happier New Year.
Wetzel Countys law enforcement officers brought cheer to area students during this years Shop with a Cop event. Fifteen students were each given $200 on Dec. 15 as they participated in an unforgettable shopping experience at New Martinsvilles Walmart.
Each child was paired with a local officer and was allowed to shop for their immediate family members, as well as items to enjoy for themselves. When they were finished shopping, the volunteers also helped students wrap the gifts. These children had a chance to bond with the officer and were able to see a completely different side to law enforcement.
New Martinsville Police Chief Tim Cecil said volunteers consisted of officers from the St. Marys Correctional Facility, three officers from Paden City Police Department, as well as four from NMPD.
This is a great opportunity for police to intemingle with students. The kids get to know us and see that we are not just here to arrest people. We get to show them that there is a nice side to the police department and that we are here to protect them, Cecil commented.
The money for the program was raised from donations made by local businesses, as well as residents.
The program has grown over the years. This is the ninth anniversary for the Shop With a Cop program in Wetzel County.
Its just nice to see that the program is really growing and that other departments are joining and doing this for the kids also, Cecil remarked.
THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS FOR THE WHOLE REGION IN THE NEW HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER
FROM CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS & THE GOLDEN LEAF FOUNDATION
Western North Carolina benefits from new health sciences center
JANUARY 3, 2018, BY STAFF REPORTS
A unique partnership between Blue Ridge Community College, Wingate University, Pardee Hospital, Henderson County and Hendersonville worked to design a multidisciplinary Health Sciences Center to improve the lives of Western North Carolina residents. The center serves a unique blend of learners, professionals, patients and community.
Surgical technology students at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville.
Surgical technology students at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville learn proper procedures and techniques by working with a simulation cadaver. Courtesy of Golden LEAF
For any large endeavor to be successful, strong partnerships are needed, said Dr. Kurt Wargo, Regional Dean and Associate Professor of Pharmacy at Wingate Universitys Hendersonville Health Sciences Center.
We were lucky enough to enter the project of the Health Sciences Center with four of our greatest partners: Pardee Hospital, Blue Ridge Community College, Henderson County, and the City of Hendersonville. Without even one of these key partners, this project would have been exceedingly difficult for us.
The 100,000 square-foot Health Sciences Center was completed in the fall of 2016 and features a state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratory.
The Health Sciences Center allows healthcare students and professionals to develop and apply practical skills in a simulated environment. The enhanced training opportunities prepares students for the industrys high paying jobs, which helps boost the local economy and encourages future investment in the region.
Golden LEAF provided a $1,087,500 grant to BRCC for simulation lab equipment to support the Health Sciences Center.
With the expanded space, the community college was able to add new programs, grow existing programs and house all health-related fields under one roof. Enrollment has grown as interest in the community has increased.
The Health Sciences facility is beyond the hopes and dreams of a small community, said Jay Alley, Dean of Health Sciences and Emergency Services at BRCC.
Our state-of-the-art Simlab is drawing in more students as well as fostering community interest. The Simlab helps us create real health scenarios students may never see during hospital clinical sessions. The result is we are turning out more students ready for work.
In both programs, students have clinical experiences at Pardee Hospital, including within the Cancer Treatment facility in the Health Sciences Center, said Wargo. Upon graduation, our students have had the experiences necessary in order to compete for positions available at Pardee Hospital.
The Pardee Cancer Center and Pardee Surgical Associates are located in the Health Sciences Center.
Pardee is actively recruiting graduates of these programs, collaborating on staff development and evaluating research opportunities, said Johnna Reed, Chief Administrative Officer at Pardee UNC Health Care. Pardee provides clinical rotations (for the partnering programs) and hopes to create future community programs targeting population health.
The partnerships success in just a years time is a strong foundation for future collaboration, Wargo said.
We are actively working with BRCC to determine ways in which we can continue to partner in educational opportunities, he said. We look forward to ways in which we can improve the education of our students to make our graduates even more appealing to employers like Pardee.
BRCC reports most of its health care students are hired locally. Wingate graduates are finding jobs in the region as well.
The bottom line is this partnership was embarked upon to improve the lives of the citizens of Western North Carolina, Wargo said. Over 50 percent of our pharmacy graduates, and nearly 100 percent of our PA graduates have accepted working positions in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and upstate South Carolina. These numbers speak volumes to the impact we are having on the lives of the people of Appalachia.
Editors note: Golden LEAF Communications Officer Jenny Tinklepaugh originally wrote this article for the organizations newsletter. Carolina Public Press uses it with Golden LEAFs permission
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As protests continue to erupt in the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and across the world in outrage against the horrific shooting of Jacob Bla Read more
has been accused of playing a
"double game" and harbouring "terrorists" by
Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the UN, as the war of words continues between the two countries over military aid.
Haley's comments come a day after President Donald Trump
to cut aid to Pakistan for allegedly lying to the US and offering "little help" in hunting "terrorists" in neighbouring
.
"There are clear reasons for this. Pakistan has played a double game for years,"
Haley told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.
"They work with us at times, and they also harbour the terrorists that attack our troops in Afghanistan," Haley told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York. That game is not acceptable to this administration."
After a five-year struggle with infertility, a southern Utah couple is now expecting quintuplets.
Skyler and Jamie Scott's family will grow from four to nine later this spring when their quintuplets join their two sons, Shayden, 12 and Landon, 7.
About a week after she discovered she was pregnant, doctors told Jamie, 33, her HCG hormone levels were high. That can indicate multiple pregnancies, so she was expecting twins or even triplets.
But when she found out she would be having five babies, Jamie Scott couldn't hold back the happy tears.
"I cried," she said. "I was just so grateful, after all these years of trying, to finally be pregnant. And I was in awe that there were five."
Skyler Scott said the family went through a lot of emotions after learning of the quintuplets, but now they're nothing but excited.
"This is bigger than Christmas for us, as far as the anticipation," he said. "This is better than going to Disneyland, and that says a lot because we love Disneyland."
Their boys are also excited. Skyler joked that it's Shayden and Landon's fault the family is having quintuplets because the boys prayed and prayed for siblings.
"I'm excited," Shayden said. "We're going to have five more babies that I can take care of."
Jamie Scott is about 18 weeks along in her pregnancy. The babies are quite active, and although she's very tired most of the time, she's still thankful, she said.
"I feel gratitude every day for the miracle of being pregnant," she said. "The fact that I'm carrying five human beings - it's really incredible. The fact that women can create that is pretty powerful."
Though they live in St. George, the Scotts have temporarily relocated to Phoenix to work with Dr. John Elliott, a perinatal doctor who has previously delivered 23 sets of quintuplets.
Nationally, the average gestation period for quintuplets is about 27 weeks, Skyler Scott said. With Dr. Elliott, Jamie Scott said she's hoping to carry the babies to 34 weeks, at which point they'll be delivered via C-section. That would mean the babies would arrive in late April.
Even though it took great courage for the Scotts to walk through the doors of a fertility clinic and seek help, both Jamie and Skyler say couples who are struggling with infertility shouldn't give up. If it's something you truly desire, there are different help options to explore, Jamie Scott said.
"Just keep your options open and don't give up on that dream," she said.
Skyler said he and Jamie had decided that they would exhaust every option they could think of to get pregnant again. They were prepared for any outcome, he said.
"I think hope is a really powerful gift, and I think if you have hope, no matter how things work out, you're able to feel good about the consequences," Skyler Scott said. "At this point, we feel incredibly blessed."
The family is sharing regular updates about the pregnancy via Instagram and Facebook. On Thursday at 8 a.m., the gender reveal for the quintuplets will be broadcast live via the family's Facebook page.
Visit scottquints.com for more information and to find the family's other social media accounts.
An hour and 32 minutes after Gov. Andrew Cuomo took the podium, he wrapped up his eighth state of the state address.
During that time there were enthusiastic rounds of applause for the Buffalo Bills, social reform and new jobs. We caught up with local county and state officials afterward to find out what they thought of the speech, and what if anything they saw of us in it.
"I think that Danfoss is part of nano I think that its going to be the catalyst that theyre going to be working on to bring somebody in, said Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri, referring to the company Danfoss that now occupies the Quad C building on SUNY Polytechnic Institutes campus.
Im hoping in 2018 there'll be some announcements, Palmieri continued.
"I always look for the state budget to really find out what else is in the details of it and what we can expect on other things, said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente. And I cant diminish what weve received over the last couple of years, including the hospital, the auditorium, Danfoss, some of the other projects that are in play.
"Overall, in terms of upstate New York, there was very little in the speech that really emphasized upstate concerns, said state Sen. James Seward. I think the governor was absolutely correct in saying that as we start the 2018 session, weve got some real challenges ahead of us, starting with a $4 billion budget deficit.
--UPDATE--
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) released the following statement on Governor Andrew Cuomo's State of the State Address:
"Since Governor Cuomo took office, New York has lost one million people, corruption in Albany has run rampant, the state's already bloated budget has grown to a crushing $163 billion, and landmark 'economic development programs' have brought abysmal results and nine federal corruption indictments. Cuomo's dangerous spending habits have driven New York's debt to the second-highest in the nation, and his mismanagement is clear as our state continues to lose jobs and people in record numbers.
The Governor's agenda continues to cater to wealthy, liberal New York City interests, not Upstate New York. Our once vibrant region has fallen behind under Governor Cuomo's lack of leadership and failed liberal policies. As the taxes in Upstate New York skyrocket, Cuomo continues to waste our hard-earned tax dollarsto the tune of $8 billion per year on self-promotional gimmicks and schemes to lure in businesses that never come.
In Congress, instead of playing partisan political games like the Governor, I've stood up for New Yorkers by helping to pass landmark legislation to soften the blow of Albany's harmful agenda. On the issues that matter the most, Cuomo puts his personal aspirations above the needs of our state. Meanwhile, Congress been hard at work to deliver real solutions to address the growing opioid epidemic plaguing our communities, provide desperately needed resources to our servicemen and women and create a culture of accountability at the Department of Veterans affairs so all of our veterans have access to the care they need. Our sweeping tax reform legislation will finally provide relief to hardworking taxpayers who have been crushed under the Governor's oppressive tax burden.
In Washington, I've been a voice for the taxpayers, hardworking families, veterans, small businesses and family farmers who have been disrespected by Albany for too long. I'll continue to fight on the federal level to create a better quality of life for all in our state, to ensure that our businesses can compete on a level playing field and that all New Yorkers have the opportunity to succeed."
(NBC News) President Donald Trump's lawyer sent former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon a cease-and-desist letter Wednesday, claiming he violated his non-disclosure agreement by dishing White House dirt to author Michael Wolff.
In Wolff's forthcoming book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," Bannon is quoted ripping into a number of Trump family members while sharing gossip about White House relationships and personalities.
Trump responded to the excerpts released Wednesday, saying Bannon had "lost his mind."
In the book Bannon calls a 2016 meeting between Trump officials, including Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer, "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." Bannon adds they should have immediately called the FBI.
Bannon also claims the Mueller investigation into possible Russian campaign collusion is focusing on money laundering, and is quoted saying they're going to "crack Don Junior like an egg on national television."
Bannon left the White House in August after a tumultuous tenure and recently was seen campaigning for Alabama GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore.
President Trump's statement also asserts that "Steve is learning that winning isn't as easy as I make it look" and downplayed Bannon's role in his own presidential victory.
Read more: http://nbcnews.to/2ql8sjY
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) If you have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, you might want to think twice about going to the emergency room. According to Anthem it's restricting the number of reasons they will cover your bill at the ER.
This is something that insurance companies have been trying to do for years: discourage people from visiting the ER, when they can get the same, less expensive treatment done, at an urgent care.
But Allison Loy, any many others, say this isn't the right way to go about it.
"I think it's ridiculous," said Loy.
That seems to be the common theme with this new rule from the nation's second-largest insurance company.
This new rule puts a lot of pressure on you to make the right medical decision for yourself, or your child if they are younger than 14.
"It's very difficult for me to decide if my kids need emergency care," said Loy.
According to Anthems website, these are the symptoms that qualify for an ER visit:
Heavy bleeding
Large wounds
Broken bones
Severe Burns
Those are more of the obvious reasons.
But they also mention:
Head injuries
Difficulty breathing
Chest pains.
But if the diagnosis ends up not being severe, it could lead to a hefty bill.
This happened to Loy's friend.
"He called the nurse on the back of the card, he followed procedure, he was really sick, they told him to go to the ER. And they are refusing to pay the bill," explained Loy.
CEO of Franciscan Health Terry Wilson says he disagrees with how Anthem is handling this.
"At the start, it's the patient who gets left holding the bag so to speak," said Wilson. "Not Anthem, not the hospitals, not the doctors, because we are compelled, if we worked someone up in the ER to send them a bill."
Wilson also said he, along with other hospitals, in the area reached out to Anthem to try and stop this. But their efforts were unsuccessful.
News 18 reached out to Anthem but have yet to hear back.
There are exceptions to this new rule.
You will not get charged if there isn't an urgent care center 15 miles from your house, if you need help on a Sunday or major holiday, if you get a recommendation from a doctor to go to the ER or if someone is under the age 14.
FRANKFORT, Ind. (WLFI) A brick wall is causing concern for a former member of the Frankfort Historical Preservation Commission. He alleged the structure is being built incorrectly.
Frankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes said allegations over the preservation project in the future Prairie Creek Park just aren't true.
McBarnes said the project, which is the future home to a mural, is substantially completed. He said there are just a few items left on a punch list, but some have their doubts about whether it's going to get done and get done correctly.
"This wall is going to be incredibly strong it's going to stand the test of time," said McBarnes.
New brick now covers an old crumbling wall in Frankfort's downtown, but upon closer inspection, there are few flaws.
"I see many areas on it that have failed already and it's not even 30 days old," said John Reid.
A few cracks and a crumbling corner foundation are a concern to Reid. The former member of the historical preservation commission posted his concerns on Facebook on Dec. 19.
"Somebody should be held accountable for this. Period," said Reid. "It's our tax dollars."
Reid also owns a commercial contracting business and says he worries about the long-term stability of the entire project, but McBarnes said all his concerns are being addressed.
"The process is not complete until the punch list is followed and signed off on," said McBarnes. "The city of Frankfort hasn't signed off on this."
McBarnes said inclement weather held crews back a few days, but there's no need to worry.
"There were a couple of minor issues that weren't corrected by Dec. 31," said McBarnes. "Substantial completion happened by Dec. 31."
Reid is also worried about the cost. He claims by the time crews are done, the cost will reach $500,000.
"The sidewalks are broken down on the front of a property," said Reid. "All of those have to be replaced. It's at the city's expense.
When you start adding this all up, we're back up to what we said."
McBarnes said with foundation work included, he says the total cost is around $348,000.
"That just simply isn't accurate," he said. "It isn't grounded in any truth."
McBarnes said crews will be back out to complete all the items on the punch list once the weather warms up.
Once that happens, he said there will be a final inspection of the wall. If it passes, the city will sign off.
CARROLL COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) There's now more oversight on the investigation into a house fire in Flora that killed four sisters. Indiana State Police are asking the Indianapolis Fire Department to conduct a peer review of the investigation.
The fire happened on Nov. 21, 2016. State investigators believe the fire was set intentionally, but the investigation has had many setbacks.
"I mean, obviously there is not a result yet," said Kyle Denny, a Flora resident. "So, it's kind of hard to pinpoint exactly, but it has been over a year now, right?"
Two of the top investigators - Flora Fire Chief Adam Randle and his father, Dennis Randle with Indiana Homeland Security - both resigned since the case began. Adam Randle cited personal reasons, while Dennis Randle never specified one.
"So, hopefully sometime we'll get some answers soon," said Denny.
Indiana State Police are now asking the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) to conduct a peer review of the investigation. That means IFD is now looking over the case to make sure everything is in line. IFD will review the scene and go over the investigative reports.
"Having more eyes on it could possibly help the community get results on what actually happened and get justice," said Amber Montgomery, another resident.
IFD was asked the first week of December to conduct the review.
"I think that's awesome," said Denny. "To have another set of investigators, just people out there. Another group of people who can help out."
Sgt. Kim Riley with Indiana State Police refused to go on camera, but he did put out a tweet Wednesday. In it, he says peer reviews have been requested in the past for high-profile cases.
"Some of it does take time. I just pray for the family and the mom that they do find some answers," said Denny.
News 18 reached out to investigators most of Wednesday for more information on what a peer review entails. A majority of them refused to also go on the record.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) A Chesterton man found guilty of armed robbery of a Village Pantry in Lafayette was sentenced to nine years on Wednesday.
Court documents say at around 12:30 am on Aug. 16, officers investigated a robbery complaint at the Village Pantry on Schuyler Avenue.
The clerk stated said two males wearing bandannas entered the store and demanded money. One of the men had a handgun pointed at the clerk.
The two left the store after receiving money from the cash drawer and the clerk called 911.
An officer responding to the crime spotted what he believed to be the car the men left the store in. He attempted to stop the vehicle but it drove into a ditch. Three males then got out and fled the scene on foot, but they were not located.
A check of the license plate on the car turned up an alert from Porter County for 17-year-old Conor Scott who was later found at a local residence.
Scott pleaded guilty of the following charges on Nov. 29:
Armed robbery
Pointing a firearm
Carrying without a license
Scott has been sentenced to a total of nine years with five and a half years being served in prison and three and a half years on supervised probation.
Brookfield to buy Westinghouse for $4.6 billion
04 January 2018
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Brookfield Business Partners, together with institutional partners - collectively known as Brookfield - has agreed to acquire 100% of Westinghouse Electric Company from Toshiba Corporation for total of about $4.6 billion, the companies announced today.
Westinghouse, which filed with the US courts for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2017 to enable it to undergo strategic restructuring, said the purchase price covers "substantially all" of Westinghouse's global business and its affiliated debtors and debtors-in-possession. The purchase price excludes cash: Brookfield expects to fund the purchase with about $1 billion of equity, $3 billion of long-term debt financing, and the balance by the assumption of certain pension, environmental and other operating obligations.
Brookfield highlighted Westinghouse's "strong market position" as the "largest service provider" to the world's nuclear facilities; its well-established global base of long-term customers; its "attractive" revenue and cash flow profile, with regularly scheduled services provided under long-term contracts; and its "strong reputation", driven by focus on innovation.
"Westinghouse is a high-quality business that has established itself as a leader in its field, with a long-term customer base and a reputation for innovation," Brookfield Business Partners CEO Cyrus Madon said. "We look forward to bringing our significant expertise and reputation as a long-term owner and operator of critical infrastructure in the US and globally, as well as our deep facilities management capabilities, to enhance the company's position as a leading global infrastructure services provider to the power generation industry."
Westinghouse president and CEO Jose Emeterio Gutierrez said Brookfield's acquisition of Westinghouse reaffirmed the company's position as the "leader" of the global nuclear industry. "Our transformation and strategic restructuring process is creating a stronger, stable, and more streamlined global Westinghouse business, for the benefit of our customers and employees," he said.
The acquisition is expected to close in the third quarter of 2018, subject to bankruptcy court approval and other closing conditions including regulatory approvals. Throughout the process, Westinghouse will continue to operate in the ordinary course of business under its existing senior management, the company said.
Westinghouse's bankruptcy filing affected only its US operations, including projects to construct a total of four AP1000 reactors at two projects, Vogtle in Georgia, and VC Summer in South Carolina. Toshiba, who bought Westinghouse in 2006, has since then paid $3.68 billion in parental guarantees to the owners of the Vogtle project, and agreed to pay up to $2.168 to the owners of the Summer project. Construction has continued uninterrupted at Vogtle - co-owned by Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power, MEAG Power and Dalton Utilities - following Westinghouse's bankruptcy, with Southern Nuclear taking over as project manager at the site and Bechtel managing construction. The owners of the Summer project - Scana subsidiary South Carolina Electric & Gas and Santee Cooper decided to cease construction of the South Carolina plant.
Brookfield Business Partners is a business services and industrials company listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges. It is a company of Toronto-headquartered Brookfield Asset Management, a global alternative asset manager with over $265 billion of assets under management, about $141 billion of which are in the USA.
Researched and written
by World Nuclear News
Related topics
A man from California will no longer be able to get on an Alaska Airlines flight after being accused of sexually assaulting a flight attendant.
53-year-old Mike Timon of San Diego announced that Alaska Airlines was engaging in areverse discrimination against men.a
Timon, who owns a medical equipment company, frequently flies first class.
On Tuesday, Timon was on the Alaska Airlines flight from Portland, Oregon, to San Diego we the incident occurred.
Timon was served just one alcoholic beverage when he was cut off from getting more drinks.
Timon claims that he then politely tapped a female flight attendant on her back to ask for another drink.
However, the flight attendant claimed that Timon inappropriately touched her behind.
When the flight landed in San Diego, Timon was greeted by the San Diego Harbor police.
The police officers took statements from both parties and no arrests were made.
Timon claimed he was sober the entire time but Alaska Airlines officials announced that they will not tolerate sexual assaults and banned the businessman from ever flying on its planes.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), the national union umbrella organisation, has said it will campaign in 2018 for changes to industrial legislation, with the purported aim of reversing the dramatic growth of casual employment.
This campaign, announced last month, forms part of a broader strategy, initiated by ACTU secretary Sally McManus, to present the unions as opponents of social inequality, corporate tax cuts and mounting poverty.
Confronted by rising social and class tensions, the ACTUs posturing is aimed at channeling the widespread disaffection among workers and young people back behind the unions and the Labor Party, of which McManus is a prominent member. It is also an attempt to head-off a deepening crisis of the unions, whose membership in the private sector is estimated to have fallen to a record low of 10 percent of the workforce.
Announcing the campaign, McManus cited official figures indicating that at least 2.5 million workers are employed on a casual basis, without the rights or entitlements of permanent workers. She declared that the unions were seeking to include a definition of casual employment in the Fair Work Australia industrial legislation that would entitle casuals who work regular full-time shifts to gain permanency.
The ACTU campaign is an exercise in utter hypocrisy. McManus was silent on the fact that the last Labor government introduced the draconian Fair Work Australia regime, with the full support of the unions.
The Fair Work laws ban virtually all industrial action outside proscribed enterprise bargaining periods, and include numerous mechanisms that major companies have exploited to slash jobs and wages, and erode conditions, including through the expansion of casual employment.
The Fair Work legislation is the continuation of a three-and-a-half decade offensive against the social rights of the working class, spearheaded by successive Labor governments and the trade unions.
The dramatic increase in casual employment began under the federal Labor governments of Bob Hawke and Paul Keating, in office from 1983 to 1996.
In those years, Labor and the unions took their nationalist and pro-capitalist program to its logical conclusion. Amid the rise of globally-mobile capital, they dispensed with seeking limited reforms, and became the chief proponents of ensuring that their own national industries remained internationally competitive, through the continuous lowering of real wages and working conditions.
The Hawke and Keating governments, and the ACTU, struck a series of pro-business Accords with the major corporations, aimed at dismantling national economic regulations. These resulted in not just dramatic falls in wages and conditions, but also the destruction of entire sections of industry considered insufficiently profitable by the wealthiest shareholders. Hundreds of thousands of full-time jobs were destroyed, including in major industries such as car manufacturing, steel production, telecommunications and mining.
The job cuts went hand in hand with a dramatic increase in part-time, casual and precarious work.
The Keating government, with the full collaboration of the ACTU and all its affiliates, also introduced the enterprise bargaining system in the early 1990s, under which agreements are signed by the unions and the employers at individual workplaces. This was aimed at atomising workers, and creating the conditions for regressive company-union deals.
According to modelling by academic Barbara Pocock, casual employment grew by 4.7 percent under Hawke and 5.3 percent under Keating. Casual work as a proportion of total employment grew from a relatively static 13 percent before 1983, to over 22 percent in 1996, when Labor was ousted from office. The increase continued under John Howards Liberal-National Coalition government, and the Labor governments of Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, reaching 25 percent by 2011.
Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data, the statistics likely understate the shift to precarious work, because they do not include illegal cash in hand employment, which is not reported to the authorities.
The Rudd and Gillard governments broadened the pro-business agenda of Hawke, Keating and Howard, carrying out sweeping market restructuring of the health, education and welfare sectors. As a result of Labors education revolution, which was supported by the academic and teaching unions, casualisation rates at universities increased from around 40 percent in 2000, to more than half of teaching and research staff last year.
The unions have been central to the casualisation drive in every industry. From the 1990s onward, they signed innumerable enterprise agreements, providing for increased casualisation and significant cuts to casual wages.
Led by current Labor leader Bill Shorten, the Australian Workers Union (AWU), the countrys largest, struck numerous deals over a decade, beginning in 1998, slashing the pay and conditions of some of the most exploited workers.
In 1998, the AWU signed a pact with Cleanevent, eliminating penalty wages for hundreds of cleaners and placing them on a base rate of just $14.70 an hour, including for night and weekend work. The deal reportedly saved the company up to $400 million.
A 2004 agreement between the AWU and farming company Chiquita mushrooms reclassified hundreds of low-paid workers as independent contractors, effectively rendering them casual employees without any rights.
The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), a union that covers retail workers, has imposed dozens of wage-cutting agreements. An investigation by Fairfax Media last year reported that as many as 250,000 supermarket, retail and fast food workers were likely paid below the mandated minimum wage because of regressive SDA deals.
Last month, the Sydney Morning Herald, reported that the SDA and Woolworths, a supermarket chain, had struck a new agreement covering 400 warehouse workers. While the union and the company have sought to keep the pay rates secret, they are allegedly $1.50 less than other supermarket workers, or up to $3,000 less per year, per worker.
McManus has explicitly defended the SDAs wage-cutting agreements. Last June, she declared that casual hospitality workers, who receive as little as $10 an hour, were among the best-paid fast food workers in the world.
Every other major union, including those that posture as militant, is implicated in the expansion of casualisation. In 2015, the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) sold out industrial action by Hutchison stevedoring workers, pushing through 60 sackings. A handful of those who lost their job were rehired as casuals.
With the final closure of the Australian car industry last year, overseen by the ACTU and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, rates of unemployment and casualisation will grow further. Tens of thousands of flow-on sackings in the car components industry will stoke a stepped-up offensive against the working class by the corporate elite.
Underlying the perfidious actions of the unions is their transformation into an industrial police force of big business. Their record makes clear that a genuine struggle against casualisation, and other cuts to conditions, can be waged only in opposition to these thoroughly corporatised organisations.
Facebook has admitted to deleting the accounts of Palestinian activists and journalists at the behest of the Israeli government as well as the accounts used by the former leader of Chechnya at the command of Washington in an active campaign of international political censorship.
The social media company, which has more than 2 billion active users worldwide, has also been systematically removing hate speech and other illegal content from its platform in Germany.
Facebook, which has nearly 4 million active users in Israel, has been engaged in a censorship rampage against activists and journalists who oppose the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory according to the Intercepts Glenn Greenwald.
The current campaign of censorship against Palestinians began after high-level meetings in September 2016 between Facebook representatives and Israeli officials including Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the far-right, pro-settlement Jewish Home party. Shaked once notoriously referred to Palestinian children as little snakes.
After the meetings with Facebook, Shaked publicly bragged that the company had granted 95 percent of more than 150 requests by Tel Aviv for removal of content during a four-month period that the Israeli government declared incitement.
Following the Israel-Facebook summit, ten administrators for the Arabic- and English-language Facebook pages for the Palestinian Information Center, with more than two million followers, had their accounts suspended, seven permanently. Facebook also briefly took down the page run by Fatah, the largest faction of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, when it posted a picture of Yasser Arafat holding a rifle.
Most recently the former head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, had both his Facebook and Instagram accounts deleted at the behest of the US last month. According to Facebook, it had deleted the two accounts, which had approximately 4 million followers, after the Trump administration had placed Kadyrov on a financial sanctions list.
The move against Kadyrov sets the precedent that allows the US government to silence the social media accounts of any foreign politician or official who may voice opposition to US interests by placing them on a sanctions list.
Along the same lines as the US and Israeli governments censorship campaigns, the German government adopted a new law in October that bans hate speech and other illegal content on social media outlets by threatening the companies with a possible $56 million fine if they do not quickly remove offending posts.
Coinciding with the new law, Facebook opened a deletion center in Essen, Germany employing 500 censors to sort through posts and delete comments, videos and photos that violate the companys rules. The first such deletion center in Germany was opened in Berlin and now employs 700 people.
Richard Allan, Facebooks European Vice President for Public Policy, reported last year that 15,000 posts had been deleted in a single month for violating Germanys hate speech laws.
In what was reported to be the first use of the new social media hate speech ban, Beatrix von Storch, the deputy parliamentary leader for the right-wing extremists Alternative for Germany, had her Twitter and Facebook pages blocked after she posted a racist comment disparaging Muslim man. The offending post was promptly deleted by the social media companies censors.
While Facebooks campaign is justified publicly by targeting right-wing extremists and autocrats, the real aim is to use these powers against anyone who is branded an extremist, in particular political opponents of the financial oligarchy. Facebooks censorship campaign, carried out in coordination with Western governments, is of a piece with Googles efforts to block access to left-wing and antiwar web sites by demoting their pages in search results, resulting in traffic drops by as much as 75 percent.
In the run up to the New Year, the cross-party Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of MPs called homelessness a national crisis. They revealed that more than 9,000 people were rough sleepers and 78,000 families were living in temporary accommodation in England alone.
Homelessness is hitting families that previously would not have been affected.
In his report, Still No Place Like Home, Michael Kingthe local government and social care ombudsmannotes that in 2016-17 one in three complaints received about homelessness services delivered by English authorities came from outside London. A majority were from people who found themselves in a situation where they have been forced to call on their local councils help by the increasing unaffordability of private tenancies.
King said, Our cases show many preconceived ideas about the people affected by homelessness simply no longer ring true. The increasing cost of private rents has meant we have seen a shift towards more people in professions such as nursing, and their families, becoming affected.
Many families are finding themselves on the brink of homelessness due to being priced out of the housing market. One-third of cases involved councils in South-East England, often in affluent areas with high housing costs, such as Berkshire, Sussex and Kent.
People are coming to us not because they have a life crisis or a drug and alcohol problem, but because they are losing what they thought was a stable private-sector tenancy, being evicted and then being priced out of the [rental] market, King said.
In April 2004, the government introduced legislation to limit the use of bed and breakfast (B&B) accommodation for homeless familiesThe Homelessness (Suitability of Accommodation) (England) Order 2003. The law states that bed and breakfast accommodation is not suitable for families or pregnant women unless no other accommodation is available and, even then, must only be provided for a maximum of six weeks.
During 2016-17, 450 complaints were issued to the Ombudsman concerning temporary accommodation and homelessness. Of the cases investigated, a staggering 70 percent found that councils were at fault.
Theres Still No Place Like Home references the 2013 report, No Place Like Home, on the inappropriate use by councils of bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) to house families. Four years later, the same problems have worsened and there has been no coordinated response nationally in implementing recommendationsput forward by the ombudsmanto avoid people being shoved into B&Bs for months on end.
The horror stories featured in this years report reveal a situation comparable with Victorian slum housing. Living conditions for many are such that many councilsfollowing a complaint to the ombudsmanspend thousands of pounds paying compensation to residents due to the poor state of the accommodation they provided.
One family with two young children lost their home when they were evicted from their private tenancy and were placed in a B&B. They all lived in one room together and had to share washing and cooking facilities with other tenants. The shower didnt work, and cockroaches were found in their bedroom. The owner did not address these problems and they spent significantly longer than is legal in the accommodation. The council paid the 1,750 in compensation.
Other stories show the impact of welfare cuts on the most vulnerable. A single mother with a disabilityrequiring the use of crutchesand her four children were forced into B&B after they became homeless due to her welfare benefits changing.
The council placed her in an unsuitable property with steps separating key facilities. To worsen the situation, the rooms were two floors apart so Susie [the mother] would either be separated from one or more of her children, or they had to share crowded conditions. The accommodation was found to be uninhabitable due to its appalling condition. Despite this, they lived in this situation for two years and four months.
Council delays causing additional stress on the poorest are detailed in the case of Rebecca, a mother of three children, including a baby with Type 1 diabetes. They were housed in a B&B without access to cooking facilities. The council made Rebecca wait until bailiffs came to evict her before rehousing the family in temporary accommodation. She was moved on numerous occasions between different types of housing, each one unsuitable. Her baby son was hospitalized due to infections. The report concluded, The council had plenty of opportunity to secure suitable accommodation for Rebecca and her family before she became homeless, but failed to do so.
In another case, the council paid out 2,325 for the injustice caused to a family who had to live in a single room with one kitchen shared with five other families. The kitchen had only one working hob and was filthy, and bed bugs were found along with stained bedding.
Under the Conservative governments austerity programme, councils are under immense pressure due to the slashing of budgets. This is set to worsen, with councils facing a 5.8 billion overall funding shortfall by 2020.
The reduction and removal of vitally needed servicescarried out mainly by the Labour Party-led councils in urban areashas resulted in many thousands of job losses, leading to mistakes being made to the detriment of many families.
The most graphic example of the indifference of the authorities to the fate of those thrust into homelessness is that of the Grenfell fire survivors. Out of 208 households that needed homes following the tragedy, 118 are still in hotels and bed and breakfasts(B&Bs) or living with friends, including 29 families with children. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council has acted unlawfully by having families spend more than six weeks in B&B accommodation. When the figure is adjusted to include residents forced to leave blocks adjacent to Grenfell Tower, it is estimated that a staggering 857 people, including 303 children, spent Christmas in temporary accommodation.
The PACs figures are damning, but they are an underestimation of the true number of homeless people in one of the richest countries on the planet.
The BBC reported in December on the phenomenon of the hidden homeless. Usually young people, who are dubbed sofa surfers, find themselves sleeping in friends houses as a stop-gap before they eventually get their own accommodation. However, some youth interviewed had been doing this for over six years. This group are usually not included in official statistics, but UK-wide research commissioned by the BBC found that out of 1,000 questioned, 41% of young people had stayed with friends for at least one night and 9% did so for over a month.
The new year will see a growth of the class struggle throughout the world and within the US, as the corporate and financial elites demand more austerity from the working class even as they wallow in levels of personal wealth not seen since the Gilded Age.
After overseeing the largest tax cut for the rich in US history, the Trump administration is gearing up to destroy longstanding social benefits, including Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. It will make America, already the most unequal advanced economy in the world, far more unequal.
Trumps tax legislation will have massive implications for public education. By capping state and local tax deductions for individuals, it will likely result in the loss of up to a quarter of a million public education jobs, as municipalitieswhich provide 90 percent of school fundingare unable to raise revenues. Governors, mayors and school district officials from both parties will announce that there is no money left to maintain quality schools, let alone decent salaries, classroom conditions and pensions.
Federally-funded education programs, including Title I, Special Education and Head Start, which provide benefits to poor or disadvantaged students, will be targeted to pay for the handouts to the wealthy and giant corporations.
On the other hand, the Trump measure provides, for the first time, the ability for wealthy families to invest in tax-free plans for private K-12 schooling, and continues the lucrative policy allowing charter schools to utilize tax-free Private Activity Bonds. These changes significantly shift the education tax structure in line with the privatization policies advocated by Trumps education secretary Betsy DeVos.
A new stage of struggle is on the horizon for teachers, working-class parents and students. Past experience, however, demonstrates that spontaneous expressions of opposition are not enough. Educators need a new political strategy and organizations controlled by rank-and-file teachers and school employees themselves, to mobilize the working class to defend the right to high quality public education for all.
The period from 2007 to 2016 saw the fewest major work stoppages in the US of any decade since the Bureau of Labor Statistics began recording them in 1947. This was not the result of any complacency among workers, let alone satisfaction with the historic transfer of wealth from the bottom to the top that occurred during the Obama years.
On the contrary, it was the outcome of the deliberate policy of the AFL-CIO and other unions, which guaranteed the Obama administration labor peace in the aftermath of 2008 financial crash, giving the Democratic president a free hand to bail out the Wall Street banks, starve the states and school districts of funding, and restructure economic and social relations at the expense of the working class.
In order to maintain the political straitjacket of the Democratic Party over the working class and prevent any challenge from below to the financial oligarchy, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) worked overtime to smother the opposition of teachersabove all in the suppression of the powerful strikes and mass protests that exploded in Wisconsin in 2011, Chicago in 2012 and Detroit in 2015-16.
Each of these struggles expressed, in their own way, the determination of teachers to find an independent road of struggle. Their bold actions galvanized popular support among high school students, parents and broader sections of the working class and of middle-class people. To prepare the next stage of struggle, it is necessary to draw the critical political lessons from these experiences.
Lessons of Wisconsin
The struggle of Wisconsin teachers and public-sector workers nearly seven years ago was among the most the important class battles in the US in recent years. On February 14, 2011, Republican Governor Scott Walker introduced Act 10, also known as the Wisconsin Budget Repair Bill, into the state legislature, providing for sweeping cuts to public sector workers pensions and health care benefits, and outlawing strikes and collective bargaining. This included a massive $1.25 billion in cuts to school aid and local government.
The response by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) and other unions was to acquiesce to Walkers budget-cutting demands. At the same time, the union officials organized token protests aimed solely at defending collective bargaining.
While workers interpreted this to mean protecting their right to fight for improved wages and conditions, the union bureaucracy had something very different in mind. As mass protests were beginning, WEAC President Mary Bell said, This is not about protecting our pay and our benefits. It is about protecting our right to collectively bargain. For the union apparatus collective bargaining means retaining their dues income and state-sanctioned seat at the table, where they negotiate away workers hard-earned wages and benefits.
Independently of the unions, high school students walked out of their classrooms to defend their teachers, who then followed with a campaign of sickouts. In a matter of days, the largest working class movement in the US since the 1980s erupted, with militant workers and young people occupying the state capitol in Madison, defying Walkers threats to call out the National Guard, and teachers rejecting back-to-work orders by WEAC. Support was building for a general strike.
The unions were thoroughly opposed to a general strike, which would quickly develop into a political clash not just with Walker but with the Democratic governors in Illinois, California, New York and other states, and with the Obama administration itself. The Democrats were carrying out similar austerity measures, albeit with the collusion of the unions. Wisconsin Democrats chastised Walker, boasting that his Democratic predecessor, Governor Jim Doyle, had imposed the deepest austerity cuts in state history, but had accomplished this without popular resistance, precisely because he worked with the unions.
The unions quickly shut down the mass movement and peddled the lie that the only means of opposing Walker was to support recall campaigns to replace the Republican governor and state senators with Democrats. In 2012, Walker defeated the Democratic challenger, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, a shill for big business in the mold of Hillary Clinton.
By demobilizing the working class, the unions paved the way for Walker to implement his reactionary program. Before Act 10 came into effect, the unions moved quickly to impose multi-year concession contracts on teachers and other state workers in a bid to maintain their position as bargaining agents.
For teachers, this has meant:
40 percent of school districts have moved to performance-based pay.
Teachers are considered free agents and are bargained for competitively by various districts, creating chaos and churn of teachers, with 75 percent of school districts saying they have lost teachers because a competitor offered a better salary or benefits.
Two-thirds of districts have cut or ended benefits for retirees.
Class sizes have been increased and the workday has been lengthened.
Sixty percent of districts surveyed said teachers average annual salary growth had either slowed (50%), stopped (8%) or reversed (3%).
The divide between better off and poorer districts has been exacerbated. Rural schools and low-income schools are routinely losing teachers and are more likely to use inexperienced teachers or those with emergency credentials.
To be continued
SNYDERWestern Texas College students will observe Martin Luther King Week with events scheduled each day to honor and evoke his message. Students, faculty, staff and the community are welcome at all events.
We have a very proactive and passionate group of students this year, noted LaVeeda Newsome, WTC MLK Week events coordinator and English Instructor.
The students strived to create events that would be meaningful and honor Dr. Kings legacy.
Starting at 11:35 a.m. on Monday, January 15, students, staff, faculty and the community can express their dreams on the Dream Board in the Student Center. Everyone is welcome to add to the Dream Board with written notes, images, or clippings. The Dream Board will be included in a time capsule called The Mountaintop with an event at 2 p.m. on Thursday. The Dream Board will remain in the Student Center until Thursday at 1:50 p.m. when students will place it in the time capsule.
On Tuesday, January 16, WTC will host the panel discussion Distinguishing Gentlemen: Looking Forward, Looking Back, in the Fine Arts Theater at 6:45 p.m. The panel includes Snyder mayor Tony Wofford and City Councilman Vernon Clay who will offer their perspectives on community, culture, and Dr. Kings legacy. WTC student Cruz DeLuna will moderate.
Students will offer their own perspectives on Dr. Kings legacy in 2018 with their own forum, Dreams Deferred, Dreams Fulfilled, on the evening of Wednesday, January 17. Beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre, student panelists will contemplate Dr. Kings vision for America in 2018 fifty years after his assassination. Assistant Professor Geron Scates will moderate.
Sophomore Kyra Lewis is scheduled to be on Wednesdays panel. I think part of Dr. Kings legacy is that we have to provoke the conversationwe have to converse, not argue, noted Lewis.
If one person is suffering an injustice, then everyone is.
The Mountaintop time capsule will be the focus on Thursday, January 18. At 2 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theater lobby, the Dream Board will be placed into the time capsule. Students may add items that future students can use for reflection.
The weeks events will wrap up on Friday, January 19, at 6:45 p.m. with the Stride for Solidarity March and Candlelight Vigil. The march will begin at the WTC flagpoles and end at the Student Commons with the candlelight vigil.
I think it is important what we are doing here, said DeLuna.
It can only get better.
For more information, contact LaVeeda Newsome at 325-574-7921. Western Texas College is located at 6200 College Avenue in Snyder.
2017 is the year we somehow got away with it.
Last year, despite having an unprepared, uninformed, reckless conspiracy theorist in the White House, there was no global conflagration.
American democracy was threatened, but not destroyed. 2017 was the year the Trump administration transformed the American presidency into a reckless reality show, created needless volatility and savaged America's international reputation -- but many of the most-feared cataclysms did not come to pass.
We might not be so lucky in 2018.
The President's Twitter meltdown on Tuesday was a terrifying glimpse of the simmering political risks that menace the year ahead. There are many of them, they are all serious and each of them could create an unimaginable crisis at any moment.
Being alarmed is not being alarmist -- it's being realistic. Trump's presidency has helped usher in unprecedented risks on numerous fronts.
Those 2018 Trumpian risks fall into three main categories: international security, American democracy and his dangerously unfit temperament. Let's take them one by one, using Trump's tweets -- from just a single crazy day -- as a disturbing vision of what may be in store this year.
Risk of war
First, Trump effectively threatened nuclear war with North Korea on Twitter, boasting that his "Nuclear Button" is bigger than Kim Jong-un's. Neither the United States nor North Korea has any strategic interest in a nuclear war that would leave millions dead. However, there is a rapidly growing risk of miscalculation as bluster between two ego-obsessed leaders ratchets up.
Foreign policy experts agree there is a serious risk of nuclear escalation on the Korean peninsula this year.
The highest risk of nuclear war since the Cuban missile crisis would present an overwhelming challenge for any seasoned and steady commander in chief. Trump is neither seasoned nor steady, but he does seem determined to create new international security risks outside of those (like North Korea) that he inherited.
Trump also tweeted more incendiary language toward the Palestinians, further provoking them after stunning the world by declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December.
And, while his tweets yesterday had reasonable language for dealing with Iran's nascent protests, his total lack of understanding of regional politics and his careless undermining of experts at the State Department do not bode well for managing a rapidly evolving situation that could quickly spiral out of control. The same is true for his tweet baiting of Pakistan.
Add that to the brutal war in Yemen and the ongoing slaughter in Syria. Cumulatively, despite Trump's genuine success in degrading ISIS in the region, the Middle East is one spark away from a destabilizing disaster with far-reaching consequences for American interests and global stability.
Most crucially, though, 2017 was the year that Trump started to dismantle the America-centric global order that presidents of both parties steadfastly built since World War II. Trump's "America First" tagline masks a foreign policy that has ended up putting China first because it aims to sharply reduce the role that the United States plays in the world.
Trump views long-term investments in allies as wasteful spending, and he sees the American-built system of global governance and trade as a series of "bad deals."
In the process, confidence in American leadership from Obama to Trump has fallen 75% in Germany; 71% in South Korea; 70% in France; 57% in the UK; and 54% in Japan. As a result, 2018 will be a year that sees China's rise accelerate as a chasm of global leadership opens, according to a Pew survey.
When the tectonic plates of global power move, international security crises inevitably emerge from the gaps. 2018 will be no exception.
Threats to democracy
Second, Trump's tweets yesterday shine a light on how much he threatens democracy.
In a single day, he called to jail a political opponent without an indictment; insinuated that the former FBI Director James Comey should be locked up; suggested that his own Department of Justice was part of a "deep state" plot; attacked the press; and promised to unveil awards for the "most dishonest and corrupt media."
Any of these outbursts would be presidency-defining scandals for any normal president. Instead, they weren't really headline news because Trump's nuclear bluster was even more shocking.
It's plainly obvious that Trump has authoritarian instincts and impulses. 2018 could be the year that they finally have real impact as America sleepwalks into a constitutional crisis.
It's also obvious that Trump, if cornered by the system of checks and balances, would gladly tear down those democratic institutions rather than letting himself be subject to them. And increasingly Trump is cornered, as he faces Robert Mueller's criminal investigation and watches helplessly as his entourage gets picked off one by one by indictments.
In the meantime, Trump's staunchest Republican allies are engaged in a carefully crafted attempt to politicize rule of law and delegitimize any checks and balances that could contain Trump's most authoritarian desires.
A crisis moment
It's impossible to read Trump's tweets yesterday and think that the world's most powerful country is being led by a stable, rational individual. Aside from threatening nuclear war with a "my button is bigger than your button" childishness, Trump absurdly tried to claim credit for airplanes safely staying in the sky last year across the entire world.
And, eight of his tweets appear to have been in direct reply to Fox News programming -- suggesting that he spent most of his day watching television and responding to it.
Whether we like it or not, Trump's presidency is a crisis moment for democracy and international security. We somehow got away with it reasonably unscathed in 2017. A lot of that was sheer luck. I wouldn't bet on our luck lasting through 2018.
Jay Patrick Murray, President Donald Trump's pick for a top post in the US delegation to the United Nations, is among the around 100 nominees the Senate sent back to the White House in December after it failed to reach an agreement to carry them over into this year.
CNN's KFile team reported in early December that Murray, whom Trump nominated in May to be the alternate representative for special political affairs to the United Nations, praised far-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos and shared disparaging memes about prominent Democrats and progressives on social media.
Jay Patrick Murray is among the around 100 nominees the Senate sent back to the White House CNN's KFile team reported in early December that Murray praised far-right provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos on Facebook
Murray's nomination was approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in August but he was never voted on by the full Senate. If confirmed, Murray would serve under Ambassador Nikki Haley in representing US interests at the United Nations and would act as a fill-in for Haley in representing the US to the United Nations General Assembly when she is unavailable.
Nominees who are not confirmed by the end of the Senate session must receive unanimous approval from the chamber to be carried over for consideration in the next session. Any one senator can object to carrying them forward. Nominations not approved are returned to the White House and those nominees must then be re-nominated if they are to proceed.
Murray's nomination was not held over to the next session, according to a full list of nominees sent back to the White House released by the Senate on Tuesday.
Hogan Gidley, a White House spokesperson, declined to say specifically if Murray would be re-nominated.
"This is a standard paperwork practice due to long-established Senate rules, and we will proceed as necessary with re-nominations in January," Gidley wrote in an email.
Murray did not respond to a request for comment.
Senate Democrats last year launched challenges to several of Trump's nominees who they viewed as unqualified. In a joint news conference with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in October, Trump said Democrats were obstructing his nominations, calling their actions "unfair."
Among the other nominees sent back to the White House are Alex Azar, Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and K.T. McFarland, the former deputy national security adviser whose nomination to be ambassador to Singapore came under scrutiny over her communications with former national security adviser Michael Flynn.
The number of civilians sentenced to death in Egypt's military courts leapt from 60 in 2016 to at least 112 in 2017, according to two independent rights groups.
Human rights advocates say the alarming numbers recorded by the Egyptian Coordination for Rights & Freedoms and the Initiative for Personal Rights are shocking -- but the stories behind them are even more harrowing.
Attorney: Kafr El-Sheikh case shows how Egypt's judicial system "has become a joke" Convictions based on confessions made while under torture, families claim
What happened to four families from the northern city of Kafr el-Sheikh is a case in point. After more than a year of campaigning to have their loved ones' death sentences commuted in a case clouded by allegations of flaws in Egypt's judicial system, they received phone calls on Monday directing them to collect their relatives' bodies early Tuesday.
The families of Lotfy Khalil, Sameh Abdalla, Ahmed Abdelhadi and Ahmed Salama told CNN they received the calls from a police officer at an Alexandria prison.
The four defendants were accused of killing three military cadets in a bomb attack on a bus in Kafr El-Sheikh on April 15, 2015. Their subsequent trial and appeals became known in the media as the Kafr el-Sheikh case. Because the attack happened on a main street, the case came under military jurisdiction due to a recent presidential decree granting Egypt's military the authority for policing public places and land up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from public roads.
The case is the latest in which civilians were convicted and sentenced to death by Egypt's military courts -- a process used by successive Egyptian governments since the mid-1960s. "The way this case has been handled is a classic example of how the judicial system here has become a joke," said Osama Bayoumi, a lawyer for the families.
'Enforced disappearances'
In the last eight months, CNN has tracked the cases of 11 civilians who received the death penalty in military courts over the last two years.
In all cases, families claim their imprisoned relatives disappeared for weeks before they were charged by authorities who used confessions allegedly obtained under torture. Such treatment would be a violation of suspects' due process rights under Egypt's constitution. The Egyptian government has denied mistreating the detainees or using torture in interrogations.
In September this year rights group Human Rights Watch said in a report that Egyptian police and national security officers had carried out widespread and systematic torture of prisoners. The government also denied the allegations in the HRW report and again dismissed charges of systematic torture.
Tracking and reporting human rights violations in Egypt has been difficult.
Organizations such as the Egyptian Coordination for Rights & Freedoms and the Initiative for Personal Rights have been seen by international rights groups and the media as the most reliable sources for verifying cases on the ground.
Both are Cairo-based groups that train lawyers to document possible rights abuses through contacts with victims and their families in several categories, ranging from claims of enforced disappearances and police torture to records of executions.
In the case of the Kafr el-Sheikh defendants, the families claim the convictions and subsequent appeals in the case relied on confessions that the four men gave under torture during periods of "enforced disappearances" at the hands of Egypt's National Security Agency.
Amnesty says investigations flawed
The convictions also relied on investigations carried out by the Egyptian security forces that were deeply flawed, Amnesty International said in a statement.
At a recent conference to honor military judges, Defense Minister Sedki Sobhy dismissed those claims, saying "The military judiciary has a clear and clean record throughout its history of justice, both within the armed forces and in cooperation with the civil judiciary."
"The rise in the number of executions over the last year is scary," said Ezzat Ghoneim, another lawyer representing the families in the Kafr el-Sheikh case.
"The significant increase in handing down death sentences only indicates that the rate of executions will accelerate in the coming days," said Ghoneim.
"It is as if it's time to finally settle scores" with opponents of the current government ahead of this year's presidential elections, said Ghoneim. The elections are slated for March or April. The finalized dates are expected to be made public on January 8.
Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Egyptians Abroad for Democracy have continued to issue reports about what they see as the deteriorating legal system in the country.
Sentences upheld by High Military Court
In the Kafr el-Sheikh case, the four defendants were detained by the police a few days after the 2015 attack. Their families say the men were kidnapped and that relatives were not told of their whereabouts for several weeks.
In April 2016, a military court in Alexandria sentenced all four men to death, accusing them of being part of the banned Muslim Brotherhood -- a religious and political group that advocates a return to the rules of the Quran. Many consider it the forerunner of modern militant Islamism.
After an appeal by the defendants' lawyers, Egypt's High Military Court upheld the death sentences in June 2017.
In September, new evidence surfaced when a suspect testifying in a separate case named a known criminal as the person behind the Kafr el-Sheikh attack.
Defense lawyers pleaded for a retrial, but the military court rejected their appeal and reaffirmed the sentence of death by hanging.
US withholds aid to Egypt
Another aspect of Egypt's legal system which has been criticized is the alleged overreach by military courts. Some human rights lawyers claim that military courts are unconstitutional.
The Egyptian Coordination for Rights and Freedoms reports that more than 13,000 civilians have already gone through military courts since 2013 -- with 106 of those civilians receiving the death penalty.
Since taking power in 2014, the government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has consistently viewed military courts as a means to stabilize the country's security situation.
In August, President Donald Trump announced that the US would withhold almost $300 million in aid to Egypt until it sees improvements in Cairo's track record on human rights and democracy
Egypt said it "regrets" Trump's decision, calling it a "misjudgment."
A Zimbabwean court dropped subversion charges Thursday against a US citizen accused of saying on Twitter that the southern African nation was being led by "a selfish and sick man."
Martha O'Donovan was charged two months ago with subversion and undermining then-President Robert Mugabe's authority. She denied the charges.
"Further remand is denied," magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa told the court Thursday as the charges were dismissed.
O'Donovan spent about a week in the country's maximum security prison before being released in November on $1,000 bail. If convicted of subversion, she faced up to 20 years in prison.
After the ruling Thursday, O'Donovan smiled to the packed courtroom before quickly leaving to embrace friends and US embassy officials outside.
"I have no comment at the moment," the 25-year-old American told reporters outside the courtroom.
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, the legal group that has been representing O'Donovan, argued that the charges bordered on infringement of freedom of expression.
"I was not surprised at all by this ruling. There was no case to start with," Obey Shava, from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, told reporters.
O'Donovan, who works for a satirical video website, was the first person to be accused of plotting to overthrow the government following the creation in October of a cybersecurity ministry intended to police social media.
According to court documents, her tweet read, "We are being led by a selfish and sick man."
Zimbabwe's longtime leader Mugabe, 93, stepped down in November after 37 years in power. His autocratic rule was finally brought to an end by a military takeover of power and impeachment proceedings in Parliament.
Zimbabwe's former vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as president days later.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the name of the magistrate who delivered the court's decision Thursday.
The Trump Organization has provided documents on a range of events, conversations and meetings from President Donald Trump's real estate business to investigators probing Russian election meddling, according to three people familiar with the matter.
The bulk of the information is focused on the period between June 2015, when Trump announced his candidacy, and his January 2017 inauguration.
The information provided in 2017 so far involves the activities of the company's executives as well as meetings and events The requests so far have not included financial information from previous years of Trump's business
The information provided in 2017 to special counsel Robert Mueller's team and congressional investigators so far involves the activities of the company's executives as well as meetings and events, including emails and calendar entries, mostly connected to campaign-related matters, according to two of the sources.
The Trump Organization produced records that include information related to the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting, the billionaire Agalarov family of Russia, head of the US-based Russian American Chamber of Commerce Sergei Millian, a paid speech Donald Trump Jr. gave in October 2016 to a Russia-friendly policy think tank in Paris, Trump's foreign policy address in April 2016 at Washington's Mayflower Hotel and communications regarding WikiLeaks, two of the sources said.
The requests so far have not included financial information from previous years of Trump's business, according to the two sources. In July, the President warned in an interview with The New York Times that his financial dealings were a red line that investigators shouldn't cross.
The Trump Organization declined to comment.
CNN has previously reported that the FBI probe -- now managed by Mueller -- had widened to include possible financial crimes unrelated to the 2016 election.
In August, sources told CNN that the FBI had reviewed financial records related to the Trump Organization, as well as Trump, his family members and campaign associates. They had combed through the list of shell companies and buyers of Trump-branded real estate properties and scrutinized the roster of tenants at Trump Tower reaching back more than several years.
RELATED: Tracking the Russia investigations
Mueller may have tapped other sources to learn more about the family business.-Separately, lawyers for Trump have denied that Deutsche Bank, which loaned Trump millions of dollars when he was a businessman and is also the main bank for his personal accounts, has responded to subpoenas from the special counsel.
Deutsche Bank has also resisted calls from Democrats in Congress who want similar information from the bank.
More broadly, House Democrats say they're frustrated by their Republican counterparts who are preventing a full investigation into the Trump Organization's real estate deals and key officials in the President's orbit. These lawmakers are considering issuing their own report detailing what they view as the unexplored parts of the inquiry.
Meanwhile, the co-founders of the firm behind the dossier by former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele are publicly echoing Democrats, criticizing the Republicans' handling of the investigation. In a New York Times op-ed this week, they called on Congress to examine Trump's financial interests.
Documents regarding a proposed Trump Tower in Moscow have also been turned over to congressional investigators by longtime Trump attorney Michael Cohen. The proposal, which Trump himself signed off on pursuing, was being considered as the primaries were starting.
"Investigators may be probing Trump's Russian business ties to determine whether that foundation may have set the table for political cooperation," said CNN legal analyst Michael Zeldin, who served as a federal prosecutor in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice.
RELATED: The many paths from Trump to Russia
The Trump Organization has turned over records related to the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting where Trump Jr., Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and then-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort met with a Russian lawyer and her associates. The purpose of the meeting, according to emails sent beforehand to Trump Jr., was to give the campaign dirt on Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Russian oligarch Aras Agalarov and his son Emin Agalarov, who partnered with the Trump Organization to hold the 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow, helped arrange the meeting, and the Trump Organization has handed over documents about the Agalarovs.
The Trump Organization has also produced documents about a paid speech Trump Jr. gave to a Russia-friendly think tank in Paris shortly before the 2016 election. One of the group's founders also leads a Moscow-endorsed Syrian opposition group and has met with many senior Russian officials. Trump Jr. was paid at least $50,000 to attend the event, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Investigators also received records the Trump Organization had about Trump's major foreign policy address in April 2016. The speech at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington attracted attention because then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak attended it. He also showed up at a private VIP gathering before the speech. In addition, Trump campaign foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos helped edit the remarks, according to Papadopoulos' fianc-e. Papadopoulos has told investigators he had been approached by Russians seeking contact with the Trump campaign. Kushner has acknowledged briefly speaking to Kislyak during that private reception. Trump and then-Sen. Jeff Sessions -- now the attorney general -- were also in the room, though Sessions says he doesn't remember meeting Kislyak.
Trump's business empire also turned over documents about Sergei Millian, a Russian-American businessman who has had some interactions and communications with Trump's team over the years, though it is not clear that he ever had a substantive relationship with the Trump Organization. The Washington Post previously reported that Millian could be a source in the Trump-Russia dossier.
The Trump Organization also provided investigators with documents about WikiLeaks, two of the sources said. WikiLeaks played a critical role in the campaign by releasing damaging emails about Clinton and her campaign that were stolen by Russian government hackers. After those releases began, but before the election, Trump Jr. exchanged some private messages on Twitter with the WikiLeaks account.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) If you have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, you might want to think twice about going to the emergency room.
According to Anthem it's restricting the number of reasons they will cover your bill at the ER.
This is something that insurance companies have been trying to do for years: discourage people from visiting the ER, when they can get the same, less expensive treatment done, at an urgent care.
But Allison Loy, any many others, say this isn't the right way to go about it.
"I think it's ridiculous," said Loy.
That seems to be the common theme with this new rule from the nation's second-largest insurance company.
This new rule puts a lot of pressure on you to make the right medical decision for yourself, or your child if they are younger than 14.
"It's very difficult for me to decide if my kids need emergency care," said Loy.
According to Anthems website, these are the symptoms that qualify for an ER visit:
Heavy bleeding
Large wounds
Broken bones
Severe Burns
Those are more of the obvious reasons.
But they also mention:
Head injuries
Difficulty breathing
Chest pains.
But if the diagnosis ends up not being severe, it could lead to a hefty bill.
This happened to Loy's friend.
"He called the nurse on the back of the card, he followed procedure, he was really sick, they told him to go to the ER. And they are refusing to pay the bill," explained Loy.
CEO of Franciscan Health Terry Wilson says he disagrees with how Anthem is handling this.
"At the start, it's the patient who gets left holding the bag so to speak," said Wilson. "Not Anthem, not the hospitals, not the doctors, because we are compelled, if we worked someone up in the ER to send them a bill."
Wilson also said he, along with other hospitals, in the area reached out to Anthem to try and stop this. But their efforts were unsuccessful.
News 18 reached out to Anthem but have yet to hear back.
There are exceptions to this new rule.
You will not get charged if there isn't an urgent care center 15 miles from your house, if you need help on a Sunday or major holiday, if you get a recommendation from a doctor to go to the ER or if someone is under the age 14.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - With the below zero weather, everyone is trying to stay warm.
It can become a recipe for disaster with space heaters and no smoke detectors.
Terre Haute first responders are giving their best advice on how to prevent fires.
The main focus this season is space heaters.
Leaders say space heaters have been the cause of many recent fires.
"Keep all heaters and heating elements at least three feet away form anything that will burn. Not just paper, but couches, chairs, clothing..," said Norm Loudermilk, Terre Haute arson investigator.
They also say to make sure heaters are shut off before falling asleep or leaving the house.
There's also one critical device you need.
"Smoke detectors are the ones that will save lives. They absolutely save lives, there's no question about it," said Loudermilk.
Loudermilk says if you don't have a smoke detector in your home, the Terre Haute fire department will give you one for free.
They will also install it for you at no cost. All to help save lives in our community.
"That's the best line of defense you really have," said David Palmer, Terre Haute firefighter.
It's also important to have an evacuation plan in case of any type of emergency. That way your family will know how to escape during a bad situation.
"You will be able to get out of your house as quickly as you can, and practicing those types of things to know, 'hey if there's a fire here how am I going to get out?," said Loudermilk.
Fire officials want you to know there are many ways to protect your family.
Other tips include:
- Service heat sources every year.
- Sweep chimney's each year, especially if burning wood to heat your home.
- Change the filter in your furnace often
- Change the batteries in all smoke detectors in the spring and fall
- Don't overload circuits or power strip.
The Nashville Zoo has a new addition for the new year!
A giant anteater pup was born on Christmas Day. She was a surprise for zoo employees, which is why she is named Noel.
Both Noel and her mother are said to be doing well. She will stay with her mom for at least two more years until she is fully grown.
"They were elated to discover that the female anteater, Consuela, had delivered a special Christmas gift," said Shawna Farrington, carnivore area supervisor. "Curled under Consuela's hair and clinging tightly, was a new baby female anteater."
This is the third pup for her mother, Consuela, and the fourth pup for her father, Carib.
Since 2001, 18 giant anteaters have been born at Nashville Zoo's breeding facility.
Giant anteaters are considered extinct in areas of Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Uruguay. Only about 5,000 anteaters remain in the wild.
TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - The North Mississippi Medical Center is taking extra precautions due to the increase of flu rate in the area.
The hospital now has a designated flu floor. A nurse from the hospital tells WTVA they are "completely swamped."
And because of the high flu rate, they hope to limit the number of visitors.
"We are limiting visitors to one per patient at a time," said Malinda Prewitt, M.D. "Our strong preference is to have one designated family member or caregiver per patient during their hospital stay in order to limit the number of visitors hospital-wide. We are also limiting visitors to age 15 and older. Children under age 14 should not visit."
NMMC will be following these protection measures:
To avoid further spread of the disease, NMMC will be limiting visitation to one visitor per family member at a time. Ideally, one designated family member per patient would limit exposure.
Individuals who have flu symptoms are asked to leave or stay away from the hospital. If you are coughing, please use a tissue to cover your face. Do not return to visit until you are free of symptoms for seven days.
If you get very sick, if you are pregnant, or if you have a medical condition that puts you at higher risk of flu complications (like asthma), call your doctor. You might need antiviral medicine to treat the flu.
The flu shot is the best means available for preventing the influenza virus, but it does not work 100 percent of the time. However, you may respond quicker to medicines, such as Tamiflu or have a less severe form of the flu, if you have received a vaccine.
It is not too late to get a flu shot, but, remember, it takes a couple of weeks to form immunity. The flu shot is not a live vaccine, so if you experience symptoms soon after your vaccine, chances are that you were already exposed.
NMMC employees who have not received the flu vaccine are required to wear a mask during the flu season.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect new information provided by Oxford police.
OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) Oxford police have charged a 22-year-old Lafayette County man with manslaughter-culpable negligence following the death of an Oxford woman.
Jadarius Harmon | Photo: Oxford Police Department Jadarius Harmon | Photo: Oxford Police Department
On Wednesday, Oxford police were at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi on an unrelated call when 19-year-old Laquisha Marshall of Oxford came in with a gunshot wound to her back. She later died at a Memphis hospital from her injury.
Officers determined the shooting happened in the city. Police later identified the location as the parking lot of the Burger King on University Avenue. The shooting happened sometime near 4:30 p.m.
However, police say the shooting appears to be accidental.
Oxford Police Chief Joey East says a vehicle with four people inside stopped in the restaurant's parking lot to drop someone off at work.
According to East, a gun went off after being mishandled. The bullet went through Marshall's seat and hit her in the back.
During the investigation, police identified the shooter as Jadarius Harmon of Taylor. Police say Harmon helped rush Marshall to the hospital. The two are described as friends.
On Thursday, Harmon was charged with manslaughter-culpable negligence. A judge set bond at $10,000.
CLAY COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) Flames could be seen Thursday morning inside the old Triangle Cabinetry and Design.
We received a call for mutual aid from the county for a building on fire," West Point Fire Chief Ken Wilbourne said.
Wilbourne says they helped the county put out the fire that was called in about 2:30 a.m. but it was just too much.
There wasnt really anything they could do," Wilbourne said. "From my understanding it was fully involved when the county first got there. I think a passerby just happened to see it as they were driving through.
This is at the intersection of Hazelwood Road and Payne Field Road. The business shut down years ago and the building was being used as storage.
I was told theres a second story built inside the structure," he said. "I havent been in there in years. I think there was a second story of storage inside.
A flat bed truck and pickup truck were also damaged. There were some tables, chairs and other furniture that were saved. As far as how and where it started, officials still don't know. There was no one inside when the fire was called in and no one was hurt.
PHOENIX (AP) Authorities say a woman suspected of robbing seven banks in Arizona over a three-month span this year has been arrested in Mississippi.
FBI officials in Phoenix announced Wednesday that 33-year-old Miranda Maloney was taken into custody late last month by FBI agents and Gulfport, Mississippi police officers.
Authorities nicknamed the robber the "Grimace Bandit" for wearing a purple shirt and a purple scarf during some of the robberies.
Maloney is accused of robbing three banks in Phoenix and one each in Tucson, Marana, Goodyear and Yuma between Sept. 30 and Nov. 4.
The FBI didn't immediately release any additional information on the robberies or Maloney's Dec. 23 arrest.
(WTXL) - Tallahassee's Elder Care Services is celebrating the 100th birthday of one of their foster grandparent volunteers.
Amanda Gee has served for 20 years at George W. Munroe Elementary School in Quincy, Florida.
Gee was born in 1918 in Quincy and was the eldest of thirteen siblings.
After her retirement in 1997, Gee came to Elder Care Services, wanting to remain active, and was placed at the school where both of her grandchildren attended.
Elder Care says as a foster grandparent, Gee has mentored hundreds of children, providing consistent attention and support.
Gadsden County Schools Superintendent Roger Milton also stopped by to congratulate Gee.
Milton, who was one of Gee's students, says she is a huge inspiration for him and everyone in Gadsden County.
If you are interested in becoming a foster grandparent, please click here.
THOMASVILLE, Ga. (WTXL) - The snow amazing everyone, even a little girl from Bainbridge.
She had never seen snow before so her dad bundled her up, hopped in the car and traveled to Thomasville to play in the snow.
The snow started falling about 8:15 this morning and picked up around 8:30.
Skye Clements and her father Perry spent a few hours this morning having a snow ball fight.
He says, "Its a unique experience we don't see everyday here in south Georgia".
If you are going to be out in the cold weather, EMS officials are encouraging you to wear layers, hats, and gloves.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXl) - A woman was arrested at a Tallahassee bank following an attempt to collect $800 by the use of a forged check and another person's identification.
Lesli Marie Elixson, 34, of Jacksonville, remained in the Leon County Detention Center on Thursday after being booked there Tuesday. Her bond is $11,000.
Her charges include fraud by depositing a bank item with intent to defraud, possessing the identification of another person without consent, uttering a false instrument, and possessing a controlled substance without a prescription.
Elixson entered the drive-thru bay at Regions Bank at 3621 Appalachee Parkway on Tuesday and gave the bank a forged check, according to a probable cause affidavit completed by a Leon County Sheriff deputy.
The bank recognized the check as one on a watch list as stolen and stalled Elixson until they called law enforcement.
In Elixson's purse, the deputy found a small amount of flakka, a synthetic stimulant.
After waiving her Miranda rights and agreeing to speak to the deputy, Elixson said she passed the check and the identification did not belong to her.
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File photo by Xinhua/Zhang Baoping
ABUJA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Ten people including the attacker's father have been confirmed killed in a suicide attack on a mosque early Wednesday in Nigeria's northeastern town of Gamboru, according to local residents and officials.
A teenage male suicide bomber sneaked into the local mosque and detonated an improvised explosive device strapped to his body during an early morning prayer in the mosque in the northeastern state of Borno, said Abba Lawan, a resident.
Lawan said the suicide bomber's biological father was among the early worshippers in the mosque.
"The suicide bomber hailed from Gamboru town, he disowned his parents and joined the terrorists in the bush," said Lawan. "Wounded persons have been referred to a clinic for treatment."
The Nigerian military, while confirming the attack to Xinhua, said another suspected suicide bomber was killed in Rann, another town located in Kala-Balge area of Borno.
Rogers Nicholas, the commander of the troops fighting the Boko Haram terror group in the northeast region of Nigeria, said only five bodies of the victims had been recovered so far by the military.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 00:55:03|Editor: yan
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- American scientists reported that tiny tube-like protrusions called primary cilia on cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) -- a layer of cells in the back of the eye -- are essential for the survival of the retina's light-sensing photoreceptors.
The discovery, newly released on Cell Reports, advanced efforts to make stem cell-derived RPE for transplantation into patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common disease for the old people in both America and China.
"We now have a better idea about how to generate and replace RPE cells, which appear to be among the first type of cells to stop working properly in AMD," said Kapil Bharti, the study's lead investigator at the National Eye Institute, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In a healthy eye, RPE cells nourish and support photoreceptors, the cells that convert light into electrical signals that travel to the brain via the optic nerve. In AMD, RPE cells die, which causes photoreceptors to degenerate, leading to vision loss.
Bharti and his colleagues are hoping to halt and reverse the progression of geographic atrophy by replacing diseased RPE with lab-made RPE. The approach involves using a patient's blood cells to generate induced-pluripotent stem cells that are capable of becoming any type of cell in the body.
But in an attempt to create functional implants, RPE cells always get developmentally stuck, Bharti said.
"The cells frequently fail to mature into functional RPE capable of supporting photoreceptors. In cases where they do mature, however, RPE maturation coincides with the emergence of primary cilia on the iPSC-RPE cells," Bharti said.
The researchers tested two drugs known to enhance cilia growth and they significantly improved RPE's structural and functional maturation and the cells performed a crucial function of mature RPE cells -- they engulfed the tips of photoreceptor outer segments, a pruning process that keeps photoreceptors working properly.
By contrast, stem cell-derived RPE cells exposed to an inhibitor of cilia growth, demonstrated severely disrupted structure and functionality.
The report suggests that primary cilia regulate the suppression of a cell signaling pathway involved in embryonic development. Suppression of the pathway called WNT instructs the cells to stop dividing and to begin differentiating into adult RPE, according to the researchers.
Bharti is leading the development of patient stem cell-derived RPE for an AMD clinical trial set to launch in 2018.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 01:00:04|Editor: yan
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CAIRO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- An Egyptian police officer was killed on Wednesday in a bomb blast in the North Sinai, official MENA news agency reported.
A police force discovered the explosive charge weighing 50 kg that was planted by unidentified persons, according to MENA.
The bomb went off while security forces were examining it, leaving a police officer dead.
Egypt has been suffering a wave of terrorist attacks that killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers following the military removal of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.
Terror attacks had been centered in restive North Sinai province bordering Israel and the Palestinian Gaza Strip, before spreading to several provinces and starting to target the Coptic minority in the most populous Arab state.
Most of the terrorist operations were claimed by the so-called Wilayat Sinai (Sinai State or Province), a Sinai-based group affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 03:05:41|Editor: Shi Yinglun
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NAIROBI, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Chinese computer consumable firm, Anycolor Computer Consumables Co., Ltd., plans to establish a Kenyan manufacturing plant and an East African Marketing Center in 2018, an official said on Wednesday.
Anycolor is a high-tech firm which engages in research, development and production of full range computer comsumables. Arecolor is the subsidiary and premium consumables brand of Anycolor.
Arecolor Kenya General Manager Xu Huanwen told Xinhua in Nairobi that they are seeking to establish a 10 million U.S. dollars factory to produce printing consumables such as toner, ink, copy cartridges and power banks.
"We are currently looking for an ideal site in the special economic zones that has the entire necessary infrastructure," Xu said.
Arecolor currently has two factories in China and so the Kenyan facility will be the first overseas plant.
The plant is expected to provide employment to over 300 locals and produce initially over 3.6 million toners cartridges, 6 million ink cartridges and 2 million powerbanks annually.
The East African nation is a suitable location because it has lower production costs as compared to China as well as a large pool of skilled manpower.
Xu said the rising costs of production in China has made the firm to seek to establish facilities outside of the Asian nation.
He said that Africa is the future of the global manufacturing industry due to the continent's rapid economic growth.
Arecolor also wants to help Kenya achieve its goal of expanding its manufacturing base that currently contributes approximately 10 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 07:11:39|Editor: pengying
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LONDON, Jan.3 (Xinhua) -- Political pundits were Wednesday playing a guessing game as re-shuffle fever spread through Westminster with British Prime Minister Theresa May poised to make changes to reshuffle her team of ministers.
From major changes in her top team, including Brexit Secretary David Davis and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson given new roles, to a more modest shake-up of junior ministerial ranks, speculation embraces every level at 10 Downing Street.
Dr. Andrew Crines, lecturer in British Politics at the University of Liverpool, warned it could give ammunition to critics of a government in crisis.
Meanwhile Professor Tony Travers from the London School of Economics' Department of Government told Xinhua that Brexit chief Davis and Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond appear to have the greatest risk of being moved or having their positions weakened.
"The Chancellor's autumn budget was well received, so his position is probably stronger than hitherto. David Davis is the one to watch," said Travers.
The political gossip mill has been working overtime during the festive year, guessing what surprises would be sprung early into 2018.
The Guardian claimed May is preparing a new year reshuffle that could see a number of cabinet figures losing their positions.
The Guardian claimed May is said to be considering offering Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson a move to a Brexit delivery role based in another department, but he is likely to resist such a move.
The Evening Standard in London, now edited by former Chancellor George Osborne, says May's Cabinet rejig, expected in the next couple of weeks, is an especially tough one to get right.
The government has been undergoing involuntary upheaval in recent months, losing Defense Secretary Michael Fallon and International Development Secretary Priti Patel, as well as May's de-facto deputy Damian Green, constraining May's options, says the Standard.
The Sun predicts that rather than a political earthquake, May is eyeing a "significant" reshuffle of the junior government ranks, while only making minor changes to her top team.
May, the paper says, is under pressure to bring in new talent to the government ranks to give future leadership contenders vital ministerial experience.
In the political publication The Spectator, commentator Isabel Hardman says: "Westminster wisdom has long been that it is dangerous to move your top team around, as sacked ministers make troublesome backbenchers. This does ignore the inconvenient truth that most of the trouble that May has faced over the past few months has come from within her Cabinet -- albeit with an extra helping of Brexit rebels on the Conservative backbenches too."
In an exclusive interview, Crines told Xinhua: "Whilst it is true that a reshuffle will inject life into the government, it will inevitably give critics short term ammunition to argue that it is unnecessary change and the sign of a government in crisis.
"This isn't helped by May losing three members of her government in less than ideal circumstances. She needs to get some distance from those departures and one way to do that is to reshuffle some of the junior ministers and maybe move a big name or two."
Crines said he believes it is possible some big names may be moved but are likely to remain within the government.
"This is because sacking ministers gives the appearance of difficulties. To send out the right message of leadership competence she can only replace any big names who choose to go on their own free will... Also bringing back any of the older big names would likely be a mistake as it sends the message that the Party lacks younger talent," he said.
Crines says a reshuffle at the start of the New Year tends to strengthen the party leader.
"This is because it appears fresh, new, and more likely to give the government a renewed sense of purpose. In May's case she needs to keep the Conservative Party happy. It is a question of balancing the ideological divisions, issues of competence, media profile, and social background. If she is able to put together a strong team then it will help solidify her position further. If, however she agitates the backbenchers and activists then it could make leading the party harder."
Crines said following the June election when May lost her overall majority, she was significantly weakened but not destroyed.
"Since June she has shown that her weakness doesn't mean she is at risk of a realistic challenge. Consequently she needs to keep the Party happy, and so by responding to demands she can solidify her position further. She is also safeguarded by the Fixed Term Parliament Act, which means a snap election called by a vote of no confidence is highly unlikely, as such there is little risk of a Corbyn government unless May herself calls for an election. This, therefore strengthens her position despite still being weakened by the 2017 election".
The LSE's Professor Travers said a reshuffle would probably see May benefiting from being seen to assert some authority over the government, which has been riven by splits and disagreements.
"Now may be a relatively good time to do so as there are few realistic opportunities for her opponents within the Conservative Party to react badly against any changes, for example, by rebelling on votes about the Brexit legislation," he told Xinhua.
Travers said assuming the reshuffle did not lead to a bad response among her own MPs, it should somewhat strengthen her position.
A fear of Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn becoming prime minister has a powerful impact on Conservatives, said Travers.
"It makes them very unwilling to trigger a general election. Pro-Brexit MPs want Mrs May to stay in office until the UK has left the EU. Once this has happened, everything changes."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 07:25:58|Editor: pengying
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Pedestrians walk past metal bollards at Times Square in New York, the United States, on Jan. 3, 2018. New York City plans to install 1,500 new security barriers in high-profile locations to guard against vehicle attacks and other terror-related incidents. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 07:33:29|Editor: pengying
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Members of the French government arrive at the Elysee Palace to attend the first weekly cabinet meeting of the year 2018 in Paris, France, on Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Jack Chan)
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C, front) attends a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation on the Korean Peninsula at the UN headquarters in New York, on Dec. 15, 2017. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday expressed concern over risk of military confrontation on the Korean Peninsula and warned against any military action. (Xinhua/Han Fang)
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday welcomed the reopening of a communication channel between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK).
In response to questions about the DPRK, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for Guterres, said it was always a positive development to have dialogue between the two countries.
"In that context, the secretary-general welcomes the reopening of the inter-Korean communication channel," Haq told reporters. "We remain committed to ensuring the implementation of Security Council resolutions on the de-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and hope that enhanced diplomatic initiatives will help to achieve that goal."
The DPRK and the ROK re-opened the hotline in its truce village of Panmunjom amid rising expectations for the DPRK's participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in the ROK.
In his New Year's speech, DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un said the DPRK will take necessary measures to prepare for participating in the 2018 Winter Olympics in February.
The inter-Korean hotline was suspended after Seoul closed an industrial park in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong following Pyongyang's nuclear test in January 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 08:06:52|Editor: Liangyu
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RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's DiDi Chuxing, the world's largest ride-hailing company, has acquired Brazil's ride-hailing leader 99, the Chinese company announced on Wednesday.
While DiDi did not specify the amount for the transaction, Brazilian media placed the figure at around 300 million U.S. dollars.
The acquisition comes a year after DiDi bought a "strategic" 10-percent stake in 99, which operates in 500 cities throughout Brazil and is considered to be the homegrown rival to Uber, a U.S. company.
"The investment builds upon the deep existing partnership between DiDi and 99 to further accelerate market growth in Latin America and bring more transportation choices to the region's citizens," the company said.
DiDi has partnerships with seven "major international players" as part of a global network that serves more than 1,000 cities and reaches over 60 percent of the world population, according to the firm.
"Globalization is a top priority for DiDi," company founder and CEO Cheng Wei said of the deal.
"With enhanced investments in AI capabilities and smart transportation solutions, we will continue to advance the transformation of global transportation and automotive industries through diversified international operations and partnerships," Cheng added.
99 CEO Peter Fernandez said "we are confident that being part of DiDi Chuxing will vastly enhance our capability to expand our services throughout Brazil to bring critical value to users, drivers and cities."
DiDi's market value is estimated at some 56 billion U.S. dollars, since buying out Uber's Chinese operations in 2016, and making other acquisitions.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 08:57:04|Editor: pengying
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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has successfully test-fired a surface-to-surface anti-ship missile, a statement from the Pakistan Navy said on Wednesday.
The navy tested the indigenously developed Harbah naval cruise missile by launching it from the newly commissioned Fast Attack Craft PNS Himmat.
Harbah is a word from the Urdu language, which means a robust weapon of war.
According to the statement, the missile, equipped with modern technology and also having the capability of land attack, accurately hit its target, signifying the impressive capabilities of its system.
"The successful live weapon firing has once again demonstrated the credible firepower of Pakistan Navy and the impeccable level of indigenization in high tech weaponry achieved by Pakistan's defense industry," said the navy.
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi expressed his utmost satisfaction on the operational readiness of the Pakistan Navy fleet units and commended efforts of all engineers and researchers for making the weapon system project a success.
Abbasi also reaffirmed the resolve of Pakistan Navy to ensure the seaward defense of the country.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 09:57:15|Editor: pengying
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CANBERRA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- An Australian archaeologist has debunked the myth that ancient humans were lucky to live past the age of 40, after she discovered a new way to determine the age of skeletal remains.
For decades, researchers have thought that prior to the use of modern medicine, humans had a much shorter lifespan, but PhD candidate Christine Cave from the Australian National University (ANU) has rubbished the myth after discovering a new method by which to gauge the age-of-death of ancient humans.
In a media release published on Thursday, Cave said that age-of-death could be deduced by examining how worn down a skull's teeth were compared to modern humans of a similar age.
Cave said she examined the remains of hundreds of people buried between the years 475 and 625 and found that many lived past the age of 70.
"People sometimes think that in those days if you lived to 40, that was about as good as it got. But that's not true," Cave said on Thursday.
"For people living traditional lives without modern medicine or markets, the most common age of death is about 70, and that is remarkably similar across all different cultures."
Cave said the myth surrounding the lower life expectancy of ancient humans grew because researchers were unsure of how to accurately determine older humans' age-of-death - something which could now be done with her method.
"When you are determining the age of children, you use developmental points like tooth eruption or the fusion of bones that all happen at a certain age," she said.
"Once people are fully grown, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine their age from skeletal remains, which is why most studies just have a highest age category of 40 plus or 45 plus."
"So effectively, they don't distinguish between a fit and healthy 40-year-old and a frail 95-year-old."
Cave said she hoped her research will allow other researchers and archaeologists the scope to give a "more accurate view" of past societies.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 10:37:23|Editor: pengying
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CANBERRA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Police Minister from the Australian state of Victoria slammed on Thursday as "embarrassing" comments from the federal Home Affairs Minister that "African gangs" were running riot across Melbourne.
On Wednesday, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton lashed out at the Victorian state government's relaxed attitude toward a growing problem with "African gangs," claiming that local residents were scared to leave their houses because of the threat of "violence."
In recent weeks, concerns have been raised about the rise in prominence of gang violence perpetrated mostly by those of an African appearance, leading some to comment that the Victorian Labor government was not doing enough to punish and deter offenders from committing crimes as part of a "gang."
But in response to the federal minister's claims that locals were scared to eat at restaurants, Victoria's Police Minister Lisa Neville said there was "no evidence" to back up Dutton's "embarrassing comments."
"That's a ridiculous comment, it's politics at its absolute worst," Neville told Macquarie radio on Thursday.
"I eat out quite a lot in Geelong and in Melbourne and people are still eating at restaurants."
The Police Minister admitted that there were some "issues" within some suburban areas, but police were "addressing" the problem swiftly. She said it was inappropriate for a federal minister to comment on an issue he knows little about.
"Do we have issues in some communities? Yes. Are police addressing it? Absolutely. Are they going to get on top of it? Completely," Neville said.
"At this moment, we have a large number of offenders in custody and they are serving time right now. So police are doing the work they need to do to get on top of this."
On Wednesday, Dutton - part of the federal Liberal coalition government - described sentences handed down to offenders of African appearance as "a joke." declaring that the state Labor government was trying to toe a "politically-correct" line.
"The state government has wrapped its police force up in this politically correct conversation ... but I think the state government's really been caught flat-footed," he said.
State Liberal MP John Pesutto said while Dutton's words were very strong, there was "clearly anxiety about the prospect of violence" in some of Melbourne's suburbs.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 10:57:27|Editor: pengying
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SYDNEY, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A 2,000 passenger cruise liner has docked in the Australian city of Brisbane on Thursday, after an outbreak of gastro struck down travellers upon its return from New Zealand.
The Queensland State Government's Department of Health explained in a statement that testing on board the Sea Princess has confirmed the presence of norovirus.
"Around 200 people were believed to have been infected with the virus," the statement said.
"Appropriate sanitation procedures and outbreak control measures have been implemented and the vessel is expected to undergo further comprehensive cleaning while in Brisbane."
During the last 12 months, the industry has been plagued with a number of similar incidents, with three other vessels also suffering outbreaks.
One of those vessels included the Sea Princess's sister ship - the Sun Princess.
In an email, the company told passengers they will be "carrying out a comprehensive sanitation program in coordination with several international public health authorities."
"We have also arranged for the ship to undergo an additional disinfection in Brisbane," they said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 11:12:30|Editor: pengying
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HAVANA, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU)'s representative for foreign affairs and security policy on Wednesday said the bloc stands with Cuba in its reform process regardless of recent U.S. policy changes which seek to isolate the island nation.
In a conference at the San Geronimo College in Old Havana, Federica Mogherinit, who is on a two-day official visit to Cuba, ensured her listeners that the EU will strengthen ties with Cuba.
"As Europeans want to show that we are closer than ever to you, that Cuba will not be left alone. In front of those who build walls and close doors, we want to build bridges and open doors through cooperation and dialogue," she said.
"It isn't time for demonstrations of force that lead nowhere and are really a proof of weakness ... the best way to accompany Cuba's transformation is through commitment and dialogue," she added.
Last year, U.S President Donald Trump decided to roll back the historic opening and process of normalization of ties initiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, and imposed trade and travel restrictions on Cuba.
New possibilities arose for the EU and Cuba after a framework agreement for political dialogue and cooperation in various fields came into effect last November.
Exploring new cooperation opportunities is the objective of Mogherini's current visit, the first since the agreement was formalized, currently awaiting approval by the parliaments of the EU's 28 member states for full implementation.
"We are not afraid of change, we are not afraid of a strong, cooperative Cuba open to the world," she said.
Mogherini also said she will hold talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Thursday, when they will discuss details of the upcoming celebration of the first joint council between the two sides.
The European diplomat also visited the cultural centers in Old Havana funded by the EU.
Since 2008, Havana has signed cooperation agreements with 19 of the EU's 28 members to establish a new framework of relations with EU members.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 13:11:26|Editor: Liangyu
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Guo Weilan (L) works at the noodle shop in Pendao Village of Penghua Township in Nan'an City, southeast China's Fujian Province, Jan. 3, 2018. In order to take care of parents, 23-year-old Guo Weilan came back home and sell noodles after graduation from college. The noodle shop, which has a history of one hundred years, belongs to her parents. Guo is the fourth generation to run this noodle shop. Beside from selling noodles in the shop, she also sells them on the internet along with products of other villagers. (Xinhua/Song Weiwei)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 13:02:48|Editor: Shi Yinglun
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YAOUNDE, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The West African state of Equatorial Guinea said Wednesday it has foiled a coup attempt by what it said were foreign mercenaries.
Reading a statement on radio, Security Minister Nicholas Obama Nchama said the coup was thwarted on Dec. 24 when armed militants were found over the border in Cameroon preparing to attack President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who was spending New Year holidays in the border town of Mongomo.
The mercenaries, who also appeared in the capital city of Malabo and economic center Bata, were from Chad, Sudan and the Central African Republic, according to the statement.
"Mercenaries ... were recruited by Equatorial Guinean militants from certain radical opposition parties with the support of certain powers," the minister said.
The Equatorial Guinean government is cooperating with Cameroonian security services in the hunt for other militants involved in the coup, he added.
State television TVGE said clashes broke out near the border with Cameroon shortly after Nchama made the announcement. Security forces shot dead one "mercenary" and "used gunfire to disperse them in the forests along the border," the report added.
Nguema has been in office for nearly 40 years and is the longest-serving head of state in Africa now.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 13:37:56|Editor: Shi Yinglun
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HOUSTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Coast Guard Wednesday night searched for a small aircraft in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to local media, the plane, which is believed to be a five-seat one, took off from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
A C-130 aircraft was used to search for the missing plane in a region close to Freeport, about 100 km south of Houston, Texas.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 13:37:57|Editor: pengying
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MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least five members of Taliban insurgent group were killed and three others injured during air strikes conducted by Afghan air force in Faryab province, north of Afghanistan on Wednesday night, an official said.
"Government aircraft targeted a hideout of Taliban militants in Pashton Kot district of Faryab province on Wednesday night, killing five militants and injuring three others," Nasratullah Jamshidi, spokesperson for the national army in northern region, told Xinhua.
Taliban militants haven't commented on the report.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 14:03:00|Editor: Liangyu
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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The year 2018 will be an important one for China as the country's new leadership charts the course for the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Xi Jinping announced at the 19th Communist Party of China National Congress that socialism with Chinese characteristics had entered a new era. He was reelected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee at the first plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee.
In the new era, China will embark on a new journey towards its two historic centenary goals: building China into a moderately prosperous society in all respects when the CPC celebrates its centennial anniversary and a great modern socialist country by the middle of the 21st century, when the People's Republic of China celebrates its centennial anniversary.
In 2018, China will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up, a policy that has led to China's rise to the world's second largest economy.
Within just four decades, China managed to lift over 700 million people out of poverty, and now promises to lift all people in the country out of poverty in the coming three years.
Xi, also Chinese president, vowed in his New Year speech Sunday that China would resolutely carry out reform in 2018.
This year, China will extend pilot reform on the national supervision system, deepen supply-side structural reform and rural land ownership reform.
Xi also stressed that the fight against undesirable work styles, such as formality for formality's sake, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance, within the Party should continue.
In December, the Central Economic Work Conference convened, deciding to solve problems in areas such as child care and pre-school education.
It was a timely response to recent events that drew widespread public attention, reflecting a major change in the concept of development - resolving "minor issues" related to people's well-being is important to the quality development of the economy.
Support of the people is always important for any government. In his New Year speech, Xi put the people's well-being in central place, highlighting his "people first" governance principle.
An economically stronger China will also play a more active role in international affairs, gradually shifting from a participant in the international order to a provider of public products and engine of growth.
Xi's proposal to build "a community with shared future for mankind" in answer to global issues, can help build a better world, freeing people from fear, poverty and isolation.
Time will prove that "all under heaven are of one family." The national rejuvenation of China will benefit all mankind.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 14:08:01|Editor: Liangyu
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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Local governments in China issued less debt in 2017 amid official efforts to ease the country's debt burden, market data showed.
Local governments raised 4.36 trillion yuan (about 670 billion U.S. dollars) through 1,134 instances of debt issuance in 2017, according to data compiled by Wind, a financial information provider.
The value was almost 30 percent lower than the 6.05 trillion yuan in debt issuance in 2016.
New debt issuance stood at 1.58 trillion yuan while that issued through the debt-for-bond swap program reached 2.77 trillion yuan.
The swap program allows local governments to exchange higher-cost loans with lower-cost bonds, saving them interest costs while also giving lenders higher liquidity on their receivables.
By the end of 2017, China had swapped 10.85 trillion yuan of debt under the program, leaving 1.88 trillion yuan of such debt to be exchanged in 2018.
According to Yang Xiaojing, an analyst with credit rating agency CCXI, China is expected to complete the swap program by mid-year, and the total debt issuance this year will remain at around 4 trillion yuan.
China's local government debt soared during an investment and construction binge following the global financial crisis in 2008. Well aware of the risks, authorities have rolled out a string of measures including the debt-for-bond swap to reduce the local debt burden.
According to data released by the Ministry of Finance, by the end of November last year, the local government debt balance stood at 16.59 trillion yuan, below the government-targeted ceiling of 18.82 trillion yuan.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 14:23:04|Editor: pengying
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By Xinhua writers Zhu Dongyang, Liu Chen
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The current U.S. administration's recent escalation of hardline rhetoric against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) reveals its attempt to maintain "maximum pressure" against the Asian nation in 2018, U.S. experts said Wednesday.
NEW-YEAR EXCHANGE OF ACCUSATIONS
The White House and the DPRK have engaged in a new round of war of words at the beginning of this year.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, White House spokesperson Sarah Huckabee Sanders challenged the "mental fitness" of the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un.
"He's made repeated threats. He's tested missiles time and time again for years," Sanders shifted the focus to Kim when asked to explain U.S. President Donald Trump's Tuesday tweet claiming he has a "much bigger & more powerful" nuclear button than that of Kim.
Earlier on Monday, Trump also said via Twitter that sanctions and "other" pressures are beginning to have a "big" impact on Pyongyang, tauntingly calling Kim "rocket man" again.
Defending Trump's provocative statements, Sanders argued that "what's dangerous is to ignore the continued threats."
In his New Year's speech on Monday, Kim said the DPRK is capable of striking the United States with nuclear weapons at any moment, noting "the push button of nuclear weapons is on my desk."
BEHIND "SCHOOLYARD BRAVADO"
Troy Stangarone, senior director at the Korea Economic Institute, a Washington-based non-profit policy research institution founded by the South Korean government, told Xinhua that the comments of both Kim and Trump "are more rhetorical."
"While Trump's comment ... has an element of schoolyard bravado to it, it actually serves a more important purpose," Stangarone said.
"Kim has tried to give the impression that nuclear weapons make the DPRK untouchable. But Trump is trying to remind him that the United States remains far and away the stronger military power and that its new nuclear power does not give it the ability to push Washington around."
Dan Mahaffee, senior vice president of the non-profit Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, said the tensions between Trump and Kim reflect the divergence in both nations' interests, and that divergence is amplified by leaders willing to issue "blustery statements."
"The North Koreans see their nuclear program and missile technology as a tool to protect the survival of their regime, while the United States sees the program ... brinkmanship and blackmail -- which is all the more unacceptable when they have the means to strike at the United States," he said.
Mahaffee noted that Trump's statement about the nuclear button "is a dangerous example of this bluster between the two leaders."
"While President Trump intended to sound tough -- responding directly to Kim's statement about his nuclear capabilities and highlighting how the U.S. arsenal, conventional and nuclear, is much stronger -- this bluster is seen by many as juvenile and dangerous," he noted.
U.S. MAXIMUM PRESSURE STRATEGY
Experts argued that the Trump administration's intention underneath the current hawkish rhetoric is to maintain the current "maximum pressure" strategy against Pyongyang economically and diplomatically.
Darrell West, a senior fellow at the Washington-based think tank the Brookings Institute, said it probably is difficult for the DPRK leader to understand Trump's "unconventional" behavior.
"Trump takes quick umbrage at opponent's comments and is fast to escalate. They could lead to fundamental misunderstandings about the intentions of the other country. Taken to an extreme, that could lead to an unintended outcome," West warned.
He added that even though "Trump hopes that by talking tough on the DPRK, he can get the nation to stand down and dismantle his nuclear program; However, there is little evidence the DPRK is willing to do that so the risk of this conflict spiraling out of control is quite high."
In the eyes of Stangarone, the DPRK, faced with international sanctions that have a significant impact on its economy over time, needs to find a way to convince the international community to relieve some of the pressure.
"Trump is different than prior U.S. presidents and his rhetoric is reflective of that and his style. The heightened rhetoric is his way of signaling to North Korea the seriousness with which he takes the nuclear issue," Stangarone said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 14:28:07|Editor: Liangyu
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BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A new shipment of Chinese-made locomotives arrived in the Port of Buenos Aires on Wednesday to revive Argentina's key Belgrano Cargas cargo train network.
The eight locomotives will form part of a strategic rail line that traverses northern Argentina's agricultural heartland and connects producers with the eastern exporting hub of Rosario, a port located 300 km north of the capital.
Manufactured by China's CRRC Qishuyan, a subsidiary of the CRRC Corporation Limited, the locomotives are part of a comprehensive plan to reactivate the rail system by modernizing its aging infrastructure.
The plan is financed by a 2.47-billion-U.S.-dollar credit line under an agreement with the China Machinery Engineering Corporation.
Argentina has bought 3,500 rail cars, which have already been delivered, and 107 locomotives, along with parts, machinery, tools and shipping containers.
Han Bing, deputy director of the Belgrano Railroad Rehabilitation Project, told Xinhua that upgrading the rails "has not only significantly spurred China's exports to Argentina, but also turned into a model of cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative."
China is also involved in renovating some 1,600 km of rails in six provinces in Argentina, namely, Jujuy, Salta, Tucuman, Santiago del Estero, Chaco and Santa Fe.
Equipped with heating and air conditioning, reading lights, water heater and LED displays, the new locomotives are safer and more comfortable for conductors.
"With the arrival of the Chinese locomotives, Argentina expects a major increase in the speed of the cargo trains. The total transport time for grains and agricultural products is going to drop, which will help Argentina's economy and exports," said Zhu Li, the project's assistant deputy director.
In November 2016, Belgrano Cargas transported 121,653 tons of goods, the most it has shipped since October 2000.
Argentina is one of the world's leading producers of grains, but logistical costs eat up to 50 percent of revenue due to outdated rail infrastructure, a problem the country hopes to address with China's help.
"We are very satisfied with the locomotives and the train cars. The price is a significant advantage. The technology and electronics are also good," said German Hanacek, who works in the projects department of the state-run Belgrano Cargas and Logisticas company.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 14:48:09|Editor: Xiang Bo
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SHIJIAZHUANG, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Hebei Province, which neighbors Beijing, obtained 250 billion yuan (38 billion U.S. dollars) of funding in 2017 through the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei regional cooperation mechanism.
Sources with the provincial development and reform work meeting held earlier this week said the province drew funding from Beijing and Tianjin through 3,000 projects for the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in transportation, ecology and industry.
The provincial development and reform commission said building transportation networks, including highways, high-speed railways and airport construction, is the basis of coordinated regional development.
The commission said Hebei should seize the opportunity of the development of the Xiongan New Area and its co-host role with Beijing for the 2022 Winter Olympics to boost the province's development.
Xiongan, 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing, covers Hebei Province's Xiongxian, Rongcheng and Anxin counties. China aims to make the area low-carbon, intelligent, livable and globally influential.
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integration plan initiated in 2015 has also seen a large number of technology companies and wholesale markets relocated from Beijing to Hebei and Tianjin.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 15:03:11|Editor: Xiang Bo
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URUMQI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- More than 21.5 million passengers travelled via the biggest airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region last year, a record high.
The figure indicated growth of 6.45 percent compared with 2016 at Urumqi International Airport in the regional capital, the Xinjiang Airport Group announced Thursday.
The airport handled more than 167,000 flights in 2017, up 3.42 percent year on year, said the group in a statement.
Air routes have connected the airport with 75 domestic cities and 24 overseas cities.
The opening of Shache airport in southern Xinjiang and more feeder routes in the region opening in 2017 have contributed to passenger growth at Urumqi airport, according to the statement.
The airport is expected to handle 30 million passengers and 250,000 tonnes of cargo and mail by 2020, with 10 percent of the volume being international services.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 15:03:11|Editor: Xiang Bo
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SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Two men were killed Wednesday in Oakland, California, in a shooting that involved a police officer of the San Francisco rapid rail system, local media reported.
One of the victims was shot to death on the spot while the other died after being sent to hospital with serious injuries, according to the report.
Johnna Watson, spokeswoman for Oakland Police Department, said in a statement that the police of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in San Francisco reported that one of their officers was involved in the shooting and requested Oakland's assistance.
Oakland Police Department said via Twitter that it is assisting BART police authorities with a criminal investigation into the shooting, which took place in an area near the West Oakland BART Station, northeast of San Francisco.
The circumstances of the shooting were not immediately clear, and Oakland Police Department said that it will not provide additional information at the moment.
Police said a gun was recovered at the scene, and a female eyewitness was quoted as saying that she saw the young man arguing with an older man outside a restaurant shortly before the shooting took place.
She said she heard five or six gunshots after the two men exited the restaurant and then saw the young man lying on the ground with apparent gunshot wounds.
In 2009, a 22-year-old black young man named Oscar Grant was fatally shot by a BART police officer on an Oakland train station platform. The shooter was identified as Johannes Mehserle.
The incident spurred protests and riots in Oakland, and Mehserle was sentenced to two years in prison after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 15:13:12|Editor: Xiang Bo
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LHASA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A national inspection has found that environmental protection work in Tibet did not meet the requirements of the central government and public.
Tibet was among eight provincial-level regions under a one-month review by inspection teams dispatched by central authorities in August.
The inspection team said Wednesday that as of Oct. 31, the region had resolved 1,020 cases highlighted by the team; a total of 882 companies and departments were ordered to make improvements; and 784 cases were given punishments with total fines of 27.9 million yuan (4.3 million U.S. dollars).
The region detained two people for environmental problems and held a total of 148 people accountable.
The local government failed to follow regional environmental protection regulations strictly, giving passes to seven counties that did not meet the requirements in 2016.
Construction of 242 rural road projects were started without acquiring environmental protection approval, and the majority of scenic spots did not have sewage treatment facilities.
In addition, construction of urban sewage treatment works and pipe networks were behind schedule, affecting water treatment efficiency in many cities. Management of hazardous solid waste was also problematic.
The inspections from August to September left 6,471 officials accountable for environmental damage, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection last month.
The inspections were part of China's campaign to fight pollution and environmental damage, as decades of growth have left the country with smog, polluted water and contaminated soil.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 15:23:16|Editor: Xiang Bo
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SEOUL, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- There was no specific discussion through the restored inter-Korean communications channel in the truce village of Panmunjom, Seoul's unification ministry said Thursday.
South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) reopened the cross-border hotline the previous day, resuming the line of direct dialogue between the two Koreas in almost two years.
On Wednesday, the DPRK side made a call to the South Korean side, technically checking whether the line works.
At about 9:30 a.m. Thursday (0030 GMT), the DPRK side gave its call to the South Korean side through the restored hotline in Panmunjom, which straddles the inter-Korean land border, according to Seoul's unification ministry.
The DPRK side said via the hotline that it had nothing to tell the South Korean side and it will inform the South Korean side through the line if they have anything to tell.
The border hotline between the two Koreas were reopened in nearly two years as the DPRK cut off the line following South Korea's shutdown in February 2016 of the inter-Korean industrial zone in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong in response to Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test.
The liaison office channel in Panmunjom was physically available, but the DPRK side hadn't received a call from the South Korean side.
Seoul proposed Tuesday to Pyongyang holding a senior-level, inter-governmental dialogue on Jan. 9 to discuss the DPRK's participation in the South Korea-hosted Winter Olympics scheduled for February.
Top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un said in his New Year address that his country was willing to join the Winter Olympics and talk with South Korea about it.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 15:53:20|Editor: Mengjie
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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese ministry has released a notice urging 46 major cities to create detailed action plans for garbage sorting, by the end of March this year.
The plans should make clear annual work targets and specific tasks, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.
In 2018, the cities must launch pilot areas for garbage sorting, and gradually expand the model to more regions, the notice said.
By 2020, the 46 cities should have basically built a treatment system for garbage and put in place laws and regulations for the sector, with the utilization rate of recyclable and corruptible organic waste reaching 35 percent.
The ministry is aiming to create an international standard garbage sorting system before 2035.
The timetable came as China's cities are facing a pile-up of household waste, with landfills and incinerators often meeting opposition from local residents.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 16:28:28|Editor: Mengjie
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FUZHOU, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chen Maozhe owns a garment dyeing factory. As the new year began, he wasted no time buying equipment that will substantially reduce waste water discharge.
Chen runs Fujian Futian Textile Printing and Dyeing Company in east China's Fujian province. Every year, close to 20,000 tonnes of textiles are dyed at his factory, which employs 300 workers. The new equipment will cost Chen almost a year's profits, but can reduce waste water discharge by 40 percent, he said.
"Starting this year, reduced emissions will be turned into tax breaks, so now is a good time for companies like us to revamp production technology and cut emissions," he said.
Starting Jan. 1, 2018, China started collecting a new type of tax -- the environment protection tax -- aimed at protecting the environment and cutting pollutant discharge.
Companies and public institutions that discharge listed pollutants directly into the environment will pay taxes for producing noise, air and water pollutants as well as solid waste.
"The new tax will benefit companies that have been committed to cutting emissions and saving energy. It will spur the companies to turn green," said Liu Jianmin, director of the local taxation bureau at Jinjiang City in Fujian.
In preparation for tax collection, taxation and environmental protection departments have established a database of companies eligible for the tax.
"Those that discharge more will pay more, and those that discharge little will pay little," said Cai Zili, an official with the State Administration of Taxation.
Tax rates are higher for pollutants that are more hazardous, Cai said. For example, the tax rate for formaldehyde is about 24 times that for smoke and dust.
According to the law, local governments will keep the tax revenue and will have the right to set tax rates. Regions that are under heavy environmental pressure, such as Beijing, Hebei and Tianjin, have adopted higher rates than others, said Cai.
"The environment protection tax is an important step to build a green taxation system in China. It is not a mere source of government revenue -- it has larger social implications," said Cai.
The introduction of the tax called an end to the "pollutant discharge fee," which China had been collecting for nearly 40 years.
On a quarterly basis, taxation and environmental protection authorities will keep track of the emissions of the companies. Those whose emissions are down may apply for tax redemption.
Despite enormous efforts in environmental protection, air, water and soil quality still need to be improved in many Chinese cities.
China has joined the Paris Agreement, aimed at tackling climate change and promising to cut emissions.
Liu Shangxi, head of the Chinese Academy of Fiscal Sciences, said the new environment tax seizes upon where the money is and will help China reduce emissions of key pollutants.
"The tax will be part of the government's package to clean up the environment and achieve green development," Liu said.
Tackling pollution has been listed as one of the "three tough battles" that China aims to win in the next three years, according to the Central Economic Work Conference held at the end of last year.
"From implementing the new environmental protection law to dispatching central inspectors to check pollution, and now collecting the tax, China has quickened its steps in environmental protection," said Zhang Zitai, a law professor in Fudan University.
Zhang said there has been a high level of consensus between the government and the public in this regard. "It is paving the way for a green future."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 16:33:29|Editor: Mengjie
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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Deppon Logistics has been given the green light for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), joining a list of domestic express logistics giants that have gone public to upgrade the booming sector.
According to its IPO prospectus, the company will issue no more than 150 million shares to raise 2.98 billion yuan (458 million U.S. dollars) to build branches and buy new vehicles and equipment.
Deppon became the 7th private express logistics firms to go public, along with STO Express, YTO Express, ZTO Express, Shanghai Yunda Express,Best Inc. and SF Express, which have already debuted on Chinese and overseas exchanges.
With the help of the capital market, private courier companies can upgrade, increase investment, widen their global networks and improve services, said Xu Yong, a senior consultant for the courier industry.
China has about 19,000 courier companies, most of which are vulnerable small businesses in a fragmented market. Capital inflow is revving up competition and forcing out players.
After going public, SF Express and YTO Express saw Q3 revenue increase 23.18 percent and 17.31 percent year on year, respectively, to 17.665 billion yuan and 4.656 billion yuan.
Express delivery companies still face many challenges, including weak profitability, said Xu Yong, noting that companies should have targeted development and build a standardization system.
China's express delivery services have experienced rapid growth in recent years on the back of the country's e-commerce boom.
A total of 35.86 billion parcels were delivered in the first 11 months of 2017, up 28.6 percent year on year. The sector generated 443.74 billion yuan in revenue during the period, up 25.2 percent year on year, according to the State Post Bureau.
By 2020, China expects to become the world's largest express delivery market with a business revenue of 800 billion yuan.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 16:43:32|Editor: ZD
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MACAO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Macao International Airport (MIA) achieved a record high traffic volume for last year, with 7.16 million arriving and departing passengers, an increase of 8 percent year-on-year, the MIA said on Thursday in a press release.
It also handled over a record of 58,000 aircraft movements, representing an increase of 2.8 percent year-on-year, the MIA said.
A total of 29 airlines operate at MIA, connecting Macao to some 46 destinations covering the Chinese mainland, China's Taiwan region, Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia.
In 2017, it added six new routes, such as Sihanoukville of Cambodia, Siem Reap of Cambodia, Jakarta of Indonesia and Johor Bahru of Malaysia. Meanwhile, it launched regular transit flight from Macao to Lisbon via Beijing.
Passengers travelling through the routes of Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia accounted for 43 percent of the total passenger volume last year, it added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 16:48:33|Editor: ZD
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JAKARTA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government has narrowed the dangerous zone of Mount Agung volcano in Bali resort island, allowing thousands of displaced people living outside the zone to return their home, a government official said here on Thursday.
The country's volcanology agency announced on Thursday that the evacuation zone from the crater was narrowed to 6 km radius from 8 to 10 km.
"Starting from today (Thursday) the dangerous zone of the Mount Agung was reduced to 6 km from the crater. The people who are taking shelter may return their home as long as their houses are situated outside of 6 km from the crater," Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan said.
The Mount Agung volcano is still at its highest alert level as its seismic activity remains high, head of the country's geology agency Rudy Suhendar said.
About 44,000 people fled home and took shelter due to eruption of Mount Agung volcano, according to the national disaster management agency.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 16:58:35|Editor: ZD
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BUENOS AIRES, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- The head of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) in Argentina hailed on Wednesday China's resolute campaign against corruption.
China's drive to clean up graft was "encouraging" and "worthy of being emulated by other governments that want to combat this crime," Marcelo Orestes De Pierro told Xinhua at his office in the northern Buenos Aires district of Palermo.
"It's important to combat corruption, especially as it often comes from the government," said De Pierro, adding that "in recent years, our government has had ample cooperation with China over political and penal matters."
This type of information exchange is "key to arresting international fugitives," he noted.
Last month, the Information Office of China's State Council published a white paper that regarded China's actions against corruption as a means of protecting the interests of the country.
"The Communist Party of China (CPC) has shown zero tolerance in the fight against corruption," said the document titled "New progress in the legal protection of human rights in China."
The CPC has issued new and more stringent ethical guidelines to prevent and punish systematic corruption.
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), or the party's central disciplinary and ethics commission, has investigated more than 440 party members in public office at provincial and national levels.
By the end of October, 2017, a total of 3,587 Chinese fugitives were repatriated to China from more than 90 countries and regions, among whom 701 were former officials. Some 9.54 billion yuan (about 1.44 billion U.S. dollars) in stolen funds was also returned as a result, the CCDI said last month.
In April 2015, Interpol's National Central Bureau of China released a list of 100 "red notice" corruption suspects who had fled overseas.
"In Argentina we have not detected a large number of Chinese citizens who are wanted in China," said De Pierro.
However, thanks to cooperation between the security agencies of both countries, "we have arrested two and the extradition process is fully underway," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 17:08:37|Editor: ZD
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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. court verdict sentencing Turkish banker Hakan Atilla is "unjust and unfortunate," Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.
The U.S. ruling in the Hakan Atilla case is an "unprecedented" intervention in Turkey's internal affairs, the ministry said in a written statement.
Hakan Atilla, the former deputy chief executive officer of Turkish state lender Halkbank, was found guilty on Wednesday by a jury in New York on five charges related to conspiracy and bank fraud.
The statement slammed the trial was based on evidence which was fake and open to political exploitation.
Turkey expected the decision on the Turkish banker to be corrected, it added.
According to the ruling, Atilla's guilty counts include violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, crimes to deceive the U.S. and defrauding U.S. banks.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 17:18:43|Editor: ZD
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by Jamila Najmuddin
COLOMBO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Several events have been planned for this year to further promote Sino-Lanka ties and spread further awareness on China's Belt and Road Initiative in Sri Lanka, a association president said here Thursday.
President of the Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation Indrananda Abeysekera told Xinhua that his Association, along with several friendship associations in China, has been planning many events this year including a South Asian Forum and a Sri Lanka-China women entrepreneurs forum, which will be the first of its kind to be held in both countries.
These events aim to spread awareness on the cultural heritage of both Sri Lanka and China and bring the peoples of the two countries even closer, Abeysekera said.
The Association for Sri Lanka-China Social and Cultural Cooperation is one of the four friendship associations recognized by the Chinese Ambassy to Sri Lanka. Abeysekera established the association in 1997 while working for a Chinese media in Beijing and since then he has visited China more than 100 times to organize events, forum, and gatherings.
Although now back home, Abeysekera continues to travel to China at least once a month and is still actively involved in organizing events and forums to promote the development of bilateral ties.
"Last year marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China, our Association organized more than 100 forums in Sri Lanka and China," Abeysekera said.
"Our main aim is to make the Sri Lankan people aware of China and the Chinese people aware of Sri Lanka. So we have organized many photo exhibitions, art and craft exhibitions, a professional lawyer's forum and many other events," he added.
The association which initially only consisted of 14 members, has now over 400 registered members from universities, schools etc. All of them work for the association on a voluntary basis.
Many medals and Chinese arts and crafts adorn Abeysekera's home in the heart of the capital. At the entrance is a traditional Sri Lankan oil lamp while two small pandas hung on the side to give a Chinese touch.
The medals and gifts which are displayed in his living room have been the recognition for his tireless work in promoting friendly ties between the Sri Lankan and Chinese peoples.
Abeysekera received an award for his efforts to help the earthquake victims in the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China's Sichuan province.
"I was in Beijing when the earthquake struck the Sichuan province. When I came to know I called my friends in the Sichuan Friendship Association and discussed about the situation," Abeysekera said.
"After a few weeks, I visited some worst-hit areas with some members of the association. We tried to support some students who had been injured in the earthquake. With the help of some Sri Lankan students studying in Beijing at that time, we donated some money as well," he added.
To date, Abeysekera still visits the province to extend his association's support in every way possible.
Abeysekera himself has been closely linked to China since his childhood. His father once served as the vice president of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Society and was also one of the co-founders of the Sri Lanka-China Friendship Society. Abeysekera hopes that his son will also follow his family's footsteps.
Abeysekera said his son has been to China for many times. "I think my boy will continue my work later as China and Sri Lanka have many more years of friendship."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 17:23:43|Editor: ZD
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JERUSALEM, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said Thursday it had carried out an airstrike on a main militant site in the Gaza Strip overnight, retaliating repeated mortar fire a day earlier.
The air raid was carried out by Israeli fighter jets overnight between Wednesday and Thursday.
The jets targeted "a significant terror infrastructure" in Gaza, a military spokesperson said in a statement without elaborating on the facility and what organization it was belonged to.
The strike came after three mortars were fired from Gaza at southern Israel throughout Wednesday, causing no injuries or damage.
The spokesperson warned that the military "will continue to use all means at its disposal above and below ground to thwart attempts to attack the citizens of Israel."
Israel usually retaliates each attack from the besieged Palestinian enclave by attacking Hamas targets, regardless of who fires the rockets or mortars.
The Gaza attacks are usually carried out by Islamic Jihad or other Islamist organizations that challenge Hamas, but Israel says it holds Hamas accountable for any hostility from the strip.
Rocket fire from Gaza has increased since U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital on Dec. 6, 2017.
Following Trump's announcement, Palestinians have been clashing with Israeli forces throughout the West Bank and near the fence between Gaza and Israel, protesting the decision.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 17:53:51|Editor: ZD
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JUBA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 30 people have been killed in rebel attacks on government positions across South Sudan since the beginning of the year amid continued violation of a truce warring parties signed last month, the military said on Thursday.
Lul Ruai Koang, spokesman for the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), said in a statement that attacks by rebels loyal to former deputy president Riek Machar and those linked to former deputy army chief, Thomas Cirilo, killed at least six people in the southern parts of the country on Wednesday.
Koang said another 24 people were killed in related attacks in northern Liech state since the start of 2018.
"SPLA once again renews call for CTSAMM (Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring Mechanism) to investigate the latest repeated violations of the cease-fire agreement by rebels loyal to Riek Machar and Thomas Cirilo. IGAD and TROIKA (United States, Britain and Norway) should hold the rebel leaders and their field commanders accountable," he said.
The SPLA said it recorded eight violations of the cessation of hostilities agreement since it was signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, last month.
The warring factions had previously violated several cease-fires since the conflict erupted four years ago.
Koang said the SPLA is committed to the cessation of hostilities agreement and other provisions aimed at restoring of peace and stability in the country, calling peace monitors to investigate the truce violations and hold perpetrations accountable.
On Tuesday, the main rebel group, the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) denied that it violated the cease-fire and said it had set up its own team to monitor the fragile truce.
The United States, Britain and Norway on Tuesday condemned the latest truce violation and warned that any violator of the pact will be held accountable.
South Sudan has been embroiled in four years of conflict that has taken a devastating toll on the people, creating one of the fastest growing refugee crisis in the world.
A peace deal signed in August 2015 between the rival leaders under UN pressure led to the establishment of a transitional unity government in April, but was shattered by renewed fighting in July 2016.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:08:55|Editor: ZD
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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkey issued arrest warrants for 137 suspects allegedly linked to Gulenists on Thursday, state-run Anadolu agency reported.
Among the suspects, at least 70 people, including 58 former and active soldiers, were issued warrants by a public prosecutor in central Konya province.
Meanwhile, Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's office issued arrest warrants for 67 suspects in 12 provinces.
Some 33 people were arrested, and the rest are at large, according to police officials.
The operations were conducted as part of Turkey's nationwide crackdown on the supporters of Fethullah Gulen.
Fethullah Gulen, the U.S.-based preacher, is accused by Ankara of orchestrating a failed coup attempt on July 15, 2016. At least 250 people were killed and over 2,000 people were injured in the coup attempt.
The Turkish government declared a state of emergency and launched a massive crackdown on Gulen's supporters in the aftermath of the coup attempt.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:18:58|Editor: Mengjie
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MOGADISHU, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire on Thursday sacked three ministers in a mini cabinet reshuffle.
The firing, with immediate effect, involved the ministers of foreign affairs, commerce and industry, and interior, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Information, which did not provide reasons for the dismissals.
The new cabinet members would help the government to tackle its heavy workload, said the statement.
Khaire recalled Ahmed Isse Awad from his ambassadorial post in the United States to fill the vacancy left by Yusuf Garaad Omar as the foreign minister.
Interior Minister Abdi Farah Said will be succeeded by Abdi Mohamed Sabriye, a telecom business figure, while Minister of Commerce and Industry Khadra Ahmed Dualeh by member of parliament Mohamed Abdi Hayir.
Khaire formed the current cabinet in March 2017. In November, he appointed Mohamed Mursal Sheikh as the new defense minister to succeed Abdirashid Abdullahi Mohamed who resigned in October.
The new defense minister was previously the Somali ambassador to Turkey and a former minister of energy and water resources.
The first change in the Somali cabinet was made earlier when Khaire dismissed the minister of religious affairs Iman Abdullahi Ali.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:18:58|Editor: Xiang Bo
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SHENYANG, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's independently-developed underwater glider has successfully fulfilled a scientific observation in the Indian Ocean, marking the first time the country's indigenous underwater glider is used in this ocean, according to the developer.
Spearheaded by the Third Institute of Oceanography of the State Oceanic Administration, the mission, between Dec. 11, 2017 and Jan. 2, 2018, was aimed at observing interaction between global climate change and marine conditions, said Yu Jiancheng, a research fellow with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Shenyang Institute of Automation, the developer of the glider.
Codenamed Haiyi, which means sea wings in Chinese, the underwater glider is used to monitor the deep-sea environment in vast areas, according to Yu.
After diving into the Indian Ocean on Dec. 11, 2017, Haiyi, a new concept underwater robot, obtained 190 items of data on its 705-kilometer journey, said Yu.
Haiyi reached a depth of 6,329 meters during a mission in the Mariana Trench in March 2017, breaking the previous record of 6,000 meters held by a U.S. vessel.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:28:59|Editor: Mengjie
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MANILA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A ranking Philippine government official has been sacked for making excessive foreign travels mostly at government expense, becoming the third official to fall on the cutting board for the same reason in one month, a government spokesman said on Thursday.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque announced at a news conference in Davao City in the southern Philippines that President Rodrigo Duterte has dismissed Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) administrator Marcial Quirico Amaro for frequent foreign travels with government mostly footing the bill.
Amaro was appointed by the president to the post in July 2016. According to the government documents, he made 18 official foreign travels in 2017 and six in 2016, equaling an average of four foreign trips every quarter.
The Association of MARINA Employees accused Amaro of impropriety. The employees sent a letter to Duterte last month detailing Amaro's foreign trips in 2017. Then Duterte looked into the employees' complaint.
Roque said that all Amaro's trips, except for one, are official. "But the point of the president is we must be selective on the trips that we will undertake and that definitely 24 travels are excessive," he added.
He said that only three of Amaro's trips were sponsored trips and the rest were paid by the government.
"The president has decided, therefore, to terminate his services," Roque said.
Amaro is the third government official that Duterte terminated for going on junkets.
On Dec. 12 last year, Duterte dismissed Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor chair Terry Ridon for making seven trips abroad in 15 months. After about a week, Duterte asked the president of the Development Academy of the Philippine Elba Cruz to leave her post for the reason of "excessive" trips abroad.
Duterte issued a memo on Wednesday imposing stricter rules on official foreign travels in a bid to curb "extravagant and lavish" trips abroad by government officials and employees.
Roque reiterated Duterte's order, saying that government officials and employees can only make the trip if it is related to the functions of the government.
"It must not be too pricey, it must not be too costly and the benefits to the country of the trip must be substantial," he said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:28:59|Editor: Xiang Bo
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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chief negotiators from China and the Republic of Korea for the six-party talks will meet in Seoul, foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang confirmed Thursday in Beijing.
China's vice foreign minister Kong Xuanyou, also the special representative of the Chinese government on Korean Peninsula affairs, will travel to Seoul from Friday to Saturday and hold consultations with Lee Do-hoon, the ROK's special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, Geng said at a daily press briefing.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 18:44:01|Editor: Xiang Bo
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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- China said Thursday it welcomed the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to make concrete efforts to mend ties.
The comments came after a cross-border communication channel in the truce village of Panmunjom was reopened Wednesday amid rising expectations for the DPRK's participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in the ROK.
"China hopes the international community will support the efforts by the DPRK and ROK, and China encourages all parties involved to do things that ease tensions and increase mutual trust," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a press briefing.
The inter-Korean hotline was suspended after Seoul closed an industrial park in the DPRK's border town of Kaesong following Pyongyang's nuclear test in January 2016.
The ROK Tuesday proposed holding a senior-level, inter-governmental dialogue on Jan. 9 to discuss the DPRK's dispatch of its delegation to the Winter Olympics.
"It serves the interests of the DPRK and ROK to improve ties through dialogue and promote reconciliation and cooperation," Geng said. "It is also conducive to alleviating the tension on the Korean Peninsula, achieving denuclearization and maintaining peace, stability and security of the region."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:04:05|Editor: Xiang Bo
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SHANGHAI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers have found a body from a cargo ship that capsized and sank off Shanghai Tuesday night, the city's maritime search and rescue center said Thursday.
The identity of the body has not yet been confirmed, and rescuers are still searching for 9 missing sailors.
The "Changping," loaded with 5,000 tonnes of steel, collided with another freighter before sinking near the Yangtze River estuary, according to the local water traffic management center.
Thirteen sailors were on board. Three have been rescued.
Li Weilin, a survivor, told Xinhua that the collision occurred during a shift change and the ship sank in just three to four minutes.
Li and another crew member screamed for help and were rescued by a nearby boat. Another survivor, Jiang Yuzhao, successfully jumped onto another boat.
Rescue divers found a four-square-meter hole in the hull, which is believed to have directly caused the ship to sink.
But rescuers have been hindered by large waves, wind and low underwater visibility.
The city's maritime search and rescue center has dispatched seven patrol vessels, three salvage ships and five other boats to join the search.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:09:07|Editor: Mengjie
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ISTANBUL, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- As recent news reports suggest that Turkey may be seeking to create a Sunni-ruled area in Syria near its border, analysts warned against such a move on the grounds that it would invite trouble and lead to a confrontation with both Russia and the United States.
Should Turkey attempt such a thing, it would be forcefully driven out of Syria, cautioned Haldun Solmazturk, a former general with the Turkish military. "Russia would not accept a Sunni state-like entity under heavy Turkish sway," he told Xinhua.
Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported last Saturday that around 30 sub-groups of the Ankara-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel group had united under the name of Syria's "national army," which has 22,000 soldiers in three corps and includes three brigades composed of Syrian Turkmens.
Jawad Abu Hatab, head of the so-called Syria's interim government, was quoted as saying that their main objective was to keep the areas captured by Turkish troops in Syria and defend people there against the Syrian government and terrorist organizations.
The Turkish military, backed by FSA rebels, launched a so-called Operation Euphrates Shield in northern Syria from August 2016 to March 2017, seizing several towns in its efforts to drive the Islamic State away and prevent the Kurdish cantons from uniting along the Turkish border.
"Turkey has neither the military nor economic or political power to keep part of Syrian territory in hand," argued Solmazturk, who chairs the Incek debates at the Ankara-based 21st Century Turkey Institute.
The indications suggest that Turkey intends to carve out a Sunni-held area in Syria and exercise control over it through the FSA, he said.
Numan Kurtulmus, then Turkish government spokesman, said about a year ago that Ankara would not hand over the territory seized by Turkish military to the Syrian government.
Roughly until the end of 2015, Turkey and the U.S. not only supported rebels in Syria, but also trained and equipped FSA militants in Turkey to topple the Syrian government.
Haitham Ofeisi, chief of General Staff of the so-called "national army," said the decision to establish the armed group was made with Ankara's support.
Syrian troops and terrorist groups would be cleared from the area and more "national army" troops would be formed in the areas to be liberated in the future, Ofeisi was quoted as saying by Anadolu.
The pro-government Yeni Safak daily said on Monday that the "national army" would also help Turkish troops drive Kurdish militia forces out of Afrin in northwestern Syria.
Top Turkish officials have repeatedly expressed Ankara's determination to cleanse the Kurdish militia, known as the People's Protection Units and seen by Turkey as terrorists, from Afrin and other areas along the Turkish border.
Turkey's move against Afrin and other cantons held by Syrian militia would face opposition not only from the Syrian government but also from both Russia and the U.S. as well, Faruk Logoglu, a former senior Turkish diplomat, told Xinhua.
For Solmazturk, a Turkish operation against Afrin with the support of the "national army" would amount to madness. "Both the U.S. and Russia would surely oppose that and clashes would break out," he said.
Until the summer of 2016, when Ankara started to mend ties with Moscow, a staunch supporter of Damascus in the Syrian civil war, Turkey supported Sunni rebel groups fighting to topple the Syrian government headed by President Bashar al-Assad.
Joining hands with Russia and Iran to broker a Syrian peace deal since last summer, Ankara has given up trying to oust al-Assad but kept saying he must leave.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suddenly raised his voice against al-Assad last week, calling him a terrorist. Accusing al-Assad of carrying out state terrorism in the war, Erdogan said the Syrian leader should not be allowed to remain in power.
"The deeper problem is that the Turkish government still lacks a consistent, steady Syria policy of its own," said Logoglu. "It vacillates between Russia and the U.S., between its commitment to Syria's territorial integrity and its wish to exercise long-term control through proxies over parts of Syria."
Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem accused Ankara last month of having designs on Syria's territory, while Damascus sees the presence of Turkish troops on Syrian soil as occupation.
The "al-Assad must go" attitude assumed by the ruling Justice and Development Party in Turkey is in line with the U.S. position, though Ankara says "no" to Washington's military support to the Kurdish militia in Syria.
Arguing Turkey's vacillating policy in Syria has worked to its detriment, Logoglu said, "Turkey's policy should be to support a single Syria, with one flag, one army. Otherwise, Turkey is likely to face further isolation regarding Syria."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:09:08|Editor: Xiang Bo
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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has started compiling previously missing historical records from the 14-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
The historical records will be divided into military, political, economical, cultural and social sections, as well as biographies of historic figures from 1931 to 1945, said Chen Ling, director of the office for annals of Beijing municipal government.
"Invading, looting and other crimes of Japanese troops and the resistance efforts of the Communist Party of China, Kuomintang, non-governmental forces and individuals in Beijing would be included in the historical records," she said Wednesday at a meeting marking the launch of the work.
Beijing historical records have been kept for several dynasties since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), but there were no official historical records for World War II.
The historical records compiling project will help fill the gaps in the missing period, she said. It will have about 1 million characters and be ready for publication in 2020.
On Sept. 18, 1931, China became the first country to engage the forces of fascism when the occupying Japanese troops blew up a section of the railway near Shenyang in northeast China's Liaoning Province. The Japanese troops invaded Beijing in July 1937, attacking Chinese forces at Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge.
The war lasted until Japan's unconditional surrender in 1945.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:14:10|Editor: Mengjie
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CAIRO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian army killed two terrorists in central Sinai, the southern part of North Sinai province northeastern the capital Cairo, the Egyptian military spokesman said in a statement on Thursday.
"The law enforcement forces of the Third Field Army in cooperation with the air forces managed over the past few days to kill two extremely dangerous terrorists and arrest two others in central Sinai," said military spokesman Tamer al-Refaay in the statement.
He added that the forces further found and destroyed two hideouts, a four-by-four vehicle and a motorbike belonging to the terrorists.
Egypt has been facing a wave of terrorist activities since the military ousted former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year reign and his currently outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.
Terrorist attacks have been centered in North Sinai and targeting policemen and soldiers over the past few years, before they expanded to other provinces and started to target civilians at places of worship.
Most of the attacks were claimed by a Sinai-based group loyal to the Islamic State regional terrorist group.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian security forces have killed hundreds of terrorists and arrested thousands of terror suspects during the country's anti-terror war declared by President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, the army chief then, following Morsi's ouster.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:18:50|Editor: Xiang Bo
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Liu Rui, supervisor of bridge crane team II at Guoyuan Port, talks with colleagues at the port in Chongqing, southwest China, Dec. 27, 2017. Guoyuan port, the largest inland waterways port of China, lies on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and has developed into an important multi-mode transport hub, especially for Sino-Euro trains. Statistics reveal that the throughput of Guoyuan Port reached 6.97 million tonnes in the first half of the year of 2017. "I handle almost 30,000 containers every year." said Liu Rui.(Xinhua/Yin Gang)
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:44:17|Editor: Xiang Bo
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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing municipal government will start providing financial subsidies to kindergartens this year in efforts to improve services without raising fees.
The municipal government said Wednesday that it would provide 1,000 yuan (154 U.S. dollars) per child a month to the city's first-class public kindergartens, and 700 yuan per child a month to other kindergartens.
The government will for the first time also allow private kindergartens to join the kindergarten rating held by district education commissions. In the past, only public kindergartens could join the rating, which is often related to different levels of government subsidies.
The municipal government has reinforced supervision over kindergartens after a teacher from a private kindergarten allegedly abused children.
The teacher surnamed Liu, at the RYB Education New World kindergarten in Chaoyang District, was arrested in December 2017, after the procuratorate of Beijing Chaoyang District pressed charges against Liu, accusing her of using sewing needles to "discipline" children who would not sleep.
The child abuse scandal caused widespread public outrage.
The government said it would provide incentives to both public and private kindergartens starting this year, to increase enrollment by giving 10,000 yuan for increasing the student quota by one. It will also offer rental subsidies to kindergartens, of 5 yuan per square meter per day, to increase space.
For private kindergartens to enjoy the subsidies, they must register as non-profit kindergartens and can only charge fees in accordance with the government guiding prices. The kindergartens are not allowed to raise fees to provide extra services or classes.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 19:59:21|Editor: Xiang Bo
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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- As a self-described gastronome, Shang Qingfang is always willing to try all kinds of delicacies the world has to offer. But when it comes to milk products, she favors domestic brands over imported ones.
"Domestically produced milk is always fresher than imported, which is the most important thing for me in choosing a diary product," said Shang, a resident of Wuhu City in central China's Hunan Province.
Like Shang, a growing number of Chinese customers are now buying domestic dairy products without having to worry about their quality, indicating the dairy industry's recovery from the infamous safety scandal 10 years ago.
In 2008, infant formula produced by Sanlu Group, then a leading dairy company, was found to contain melamine, killing six babies and leaving thousands seriously ill.
Since then, more cases have been discovered, plunging the industry into a years-long crisis and prompting Chinese consumers to turn to overseas milk products.
To revive the battered industry, Chinese authorities passed strict laws, tightened supervision, shut down unqualified dairy operations, encouraged industry consolidation, and increased policy support to improve milk quality.
Thanks to those measures, quality has improved greatly and the industry has expanded.
A report jointly released by the Dairy Association of China and the Ministry of Agriculture said the quality of domestic dairy products continued to improve in 2017, with 99.8 percent of fresh milk and 99.5 percent of dairy products-checked up to standard.
Xiujuan, a young mother from northern China's Hohhot City, has been feeding her son with domestic formula for nearly three years, and he is growing up healthily.
She had tried to feed her baby with foreign formula, but her son did not like the taste, forcing her to switch back to domestic brands.
"The quality of domestic dairy products can now be guaranteed, and they are fresher and cheaper than imported ones," Xiujuan said.
Outside the domestic market, Chinese dairy producers are even winning over overseas customers as they take steps to adapt to international quality standards while seeking global partnership.
In a 2017 list published by Dutch banking and finance group Rabobank, Chinese dairy giants Yili Group and Mengniu Diary were ranked among the world's top 10 dairy companies, and are expected to further explore the overseas market for future growth.
Both companies have enjoyed a stronger global presence with a steady upswing in market share outside China, with the establishment of plants in major diary countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
In the first half of 2017, Mengniu Dairy said its sales overseas had surged more than 40 percent year on year, compared with an 8.1 percent rise in overall sales. The company now holds the second largest dairy market share in Hong Kong and the third largest in Singapore.
The fast-expanding market dominance is only part of Chinese dairy producers' rising global reputation. Domestic producers like Modern Farming and Feihe Dairy Industry have won gold awards at the prestigious Brussels-based Monde Selection, which judges food quality.
To ensure product quality, Chinese regulators currently set more than 200 industrial standards for dairy products, and they are pushing for further consistency between domestic and international standards, according to a Dairy Association of China report.
At official spot checks, some major indicators, including nutrient content, exceeded the standards of the United States, Europe and Australia, according to the report.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:04:22|Editor: Mengjie
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DOHA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's cabinet approved a draft law for non-Qatari investors so as to attract more foreign capital, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported Thursday.
This came during the cabinet's regular meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, which was held on Wednesday.
Qatar's Minister of Economy and Commerce, Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani, stated that the new law aims to keep pace with modern development in the field of investment, through enhancing confidence and investment security in the country.
Under the provisions of this draft law, non-Qatari investors would be able to fund projects completely in Qatar.
Foreign investors are allowed to invest after getting approvals from the Council of Ministers, but prohibited from investing in commercial agencies and buying real estate.
The law also offers investment incentives including allocation of land to non-Qataris to establish investment through the use or rent in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations, in addition to exempting the project from income tax.
Qatar is trying to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen the foreign investment framework, since the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain have taken measures to isolate Qatar, and accused it of supporting terrorism.
Doha vehemently denies the accusations.
Photo taken on Aug. 16, 2013 shows a hippo yelling in the Serengeti National Park, north Tanzania. (Xinhua/Zhang Ping)
ARUSHA, Tanzania, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania is set to carry out a countrywide census for hippopotamus and crocodiles in an effort to scale up conservation of the wild animals, a senior official has said.
The move comes amid reports indicating that poachers are now targeting the animals for their teeth that have a profitable market in Asia.
Director General of the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Simon Mduma, said in an interview Wednesday that the hippos and crocodiles' population census will be held between July and August.
He said that funds for the exercise have been solicited and his institution expects to conduct the task during the dry season.
"Unfortunately we got the funds from stakeholders last year when the dry season was over and we failed because the exercise will mainly be done in rivers and it will involve aerial and land surveys," the official said.
According to Mduma, the one-month exercise will start with the hippos and crocodiles located in southern Tanzania's national parks and game reserves and will involve experts from the Tanzania National Parks and the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority.
The last countrywide census specifically for hippos was conducted in 2001 and the result showed there were 20,079 of them, according to records.
It is not known how many hippos are left across Africa, but during the past few decades the animal, with a reputation as the continent's most dangerous, more dangerous than lions, elephants, even Cape buffalo, has become increasingly threatened by hunting.
Available data shows Tanzania has a licensing system which allows hunting and sale of hippopotamus teeth collected from animals that die from natural cause.
However, issuance of permits for export of hippo teeth was suspended since 2004, meaning that no hippo teeth were exported legally except those obtained through sport hunting.
Conservationists believe with the existing regulatory mechanism and intensified anti-poaching efforts, the country's hippopotamus population was not threatened by the existing level of legal harvest.
A report dubbed 'Fighting the Underground Trade in Hippo Teeth' released in 2016 by the National Geographic, poaching cartels operating in Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa have recently turned to hippos for their teeth which are curved into ornaments which fetch millions of dollars in Asia.
Records of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora show that between 2004 and 2014, Hong Kong reported importing almost 60 tons of teeth from wild hippos in Africa for commercial purpose, the report said.
Trade figures show that the source countries are now predominantly Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:09:23|Editor: Mengjie
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ISLAMABAD, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Minister of State for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan said in Karachi on Thursday that the Pakistani government has no intention to ask the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for any new financial assistance.
Speaking at a press conference, Afzal said that various local and international financial institutions in the latest reports have presented a positive economic outlook for Pakistan, which is a clear indication of economic progress of the country.
Dispelling the notion that the government is facing a financial crunch, the minister clarified that his country has enough financial resources to not only meet development expenses but also pay off the local and international debts.
He further said that Pakistan carries enough foreign exchange reserves to cater to its debt obligations. "Pakistan has 19.7 billion U.S. dollars in foreign exchange reserves."
He went on to say that the government is looking to form a short-term strategy for six months to leave the country in a healthy financial condition ahead of the next general elections.
Giving a clear picture of the country's imports and exports, Afzan said that the import of unnecessary goods has been reduced while exports of the country's products have increased 17 percent in the first five months of the Financial Year 2017-18. The shaping trend will help reduce the fiscal deficit gap in the months to come, he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:24:26|Editor: Mengjie
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by Maria Spiliopoulou
ATHENS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The eight Turkish military officers who fled to Greece a day after the failed coup attempt in Turkey in July 2016 could be tried on coup plot charges in Greek courts, Greek Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis said on Thursday.
The Greek government is examining this possibility of a trial in Greece for offences committed abroad, in accordance with the Penal Code, in case it is requested by Turkey, the Greek official told a press briefing, according to Greek national news agency AMNA.
Kontonis reiterated Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' statements since the summer of 2016 that they must have a fair trial.
The Greek leader repeated the remarks also during the recent visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Athens in early December.
"The issue of their extradition has closed once and for all. The decision of the Supreme Court is absolutely respected by all of us," Kontonis said on Thursday referring to the January 2017 ruling of the Greek Supreme Court which rejected Ankara's request for their extradition, citing concerns for violations of human rights in Turkey.
Last week an independent administrative committee in Athens ruled to grant asylum to one of the eight Turkish servicemen.
According to the ruling, it was not proved that the man had participated in the coup attempt. All eight officers have denied any involvement in the plot.
However, a few hours later the Greek government filed an appeal against the ruling.
From day one of this judicial saga which has added strain in cooperation between Athens and Ankara the Greek government has repeatedly stated that it never provides shelter to coup plotters, but fully respects the verdicts of the independent Greek justice.
All servicemen remain in custody until rulings are issued on their asylum applications.
Two elephants walk at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, Aug. 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Lyu Shuai)
DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The government of Tanzania and conservation organizations on Wednesday hailed China's decision to end ivory trade, saying the move offered hope for the future of elephants in Africa.
Major General Gaudence Milanzi, Tanzania's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, said "China as a country has been at the front line in fighting poaching."
Milanzi said China's efforts, including the ban on all trade in ivory and ivory products, have helped to bring down poaching levels in Tanzania, calling upon other countries across the world to follow suit.
Milanzi praised the government of China for the good move which proved to the international community that it was determined to end the business and protect the animal.
"These outcomes are very encouraging. We applaud the Chinese leadership in this," said January Makamba, Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office responsible for the Environment.
Makamba said China's decision was consistent with its leadership in climate change and other important global issues.
"We hope other countries which have been reluctant will follow suit. Concerted global effort on the demand side makes it easier for anti-poaching efforts on the supply side to succeed," said the minister in an email to Xinhua.
China has honored its commitment to ending commercial processing and sales of ivory by the end of 2017, China's State Forestry Administration has said, adding it was China's "new year gift to the elephant."
"The Chinese authorities will continue to clamp down on ivory collection as well as processing, sales, transportation and smuggling of elephant tusks," the administration said.
The move affects 34 processing enterprises and 143 designated trading venues, with all of them to close, in the world's once largest ivory market.
"China has long been one of the world's biggest markets for ivory. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Tanzania is very delighted to see the doors of this market closed," Amani Ngusaru, the organization's country director for Tanzania said .
"We are particularly excited to see that the government of China has followed through on a great promise it made to the world, offering hope for the future of elephants in Africa," he said.
Ngusaru said it was important to realize that commercial ivory trade ban in China alone will not be sufficient deterrence for elephant poachers, adding that the same action should be taken by other nations where ivory trading is still practiced.
TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network, said in a report in December 2017 that Japan remained one of the world's largest domestic ivory markets, and is home to an active, though shrinking, ivory manufacturing industry.
The report, compiled with the support of the World Wildlife Fund, said 2.42 tonnes of ivory, including elephant tusks, antiques and jewellery, were illegally exported from Japan between 2011 and 2016.
"The country also boasts significant stockpiles of raw tusks in private ownership, a cultural legacy from its past trade," said the report titled "Ivory Towers: An Assessment of Japan's Ivory trade and domestic market".
Co-author of the report Tomomi Kitade said earlier in a report that their findings show without doubt that Japan's largely unregulated domestic ivory market is contributing to illegal trade and it is imperative that Japan's role within international illegal ivory trade be recognized.
Attilio Tagalile, a Tanzanian veteran journalist now working with WWF Tanzania, said China's ban on ivory trade will considerably help in checking poaching, especially in Tanzania which lost 90 percent of its elephant population in the Selous game reserve, one of the largest faunal reserves of the world, located in the south of country, between 1982 and 2014.
"The ban on ivory trade in China means drastic fall of ivory prices which in turn translates into drastic fall in poaching that leads to continued existence of elephants not only in the Selous Game Reserve but in Tanzania, and in Africa in general," said Tagalile.
In January 2017, former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa commended China for banning ivory trade and urged other countries across the world to follow suit.
"The banning of ivory trade in other countries like what China has done will lead to ending poaching in Tanzania," said Mkapa who ruled Tanzania between 1995 and 2005.
"It is better for other countries across the world to emulate what China has done in order to save the lives of elephants that are disappearing in various parts of the world," he said.
"China is not the only destination country for ivory trade, there is a number of other countries in Europe, America and the Far East, so our call is for the other destinations to ban the trade in their countries and that's where we can move on and succeed in our fight," he said.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on Tuesday also lauded China's ban on ivory trade as a major milestone step.
UWA Executive Director Andrew Seguya told Xinhua that China's decision will go a long way in the conservation and protection of the African elephants.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:44:33|Editor: Mengjie
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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag on Thursday slammed the U.S. court verdict in a case of Turkish banker, saying it is "a case of political conspiracy."
"Turkey is a fully independent and sovereign country. No other country can adjudicate Turkey and Turkey's institutions," Bozdag stated on his Twitter account, adding this verdict was against international law as well.
On Wednesday, a jury in New York found former Halkbank deputy chief executive officer Mehmet Hakan Atilla guilty on five charges related to conspiracy and bank fraud but acquitted him of money laundering.
Commenting on the alleged involvement of foreign parties in the case, Bozdag said the case stands as an example of the politically motivated collaboration between the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETO), the CIA, the FBI and the U.S. government.
He reiterated that all transactions in Turkey were operated in line with international agreements and UN resolutions.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Ibrahim Kalin also criticized the U.S. ruling, describing the trial as a "legal scandal" since it is marred with Gulenists connections.
In a statement issued after the verdict, Halkbank noted that it always adheres to national and international regulations in all its business and transactions, and clarified that a U.S. court's verdict involving its former employee was not a ruling on the bank itself.
According to the ruling, Atilla's guilty counts include violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, crimes to deceive the U.S. and defrauding U.S. banks.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:49:33|Editor: Jiaxin
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Firefighters work at the scene of a fire in Russia's Novosibirsk region, on Jan. 4, 2018. Chinese citizens are among those killed in a fire at a shoe factory in Russia's Novosibirsk region Thursday, the Chinese Consulate General in Yekaterinburg has confirmed. (Xinhua/Sputnik)
MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese citizens are among those killed in a fire at a shoe factory in Russia's Novosibirsk region Thursday, the Chinese Consulate General in Yekaterinburg has confirmed.
According to preliminary information obtained by the Consulate General, seven Chinese nationals died and another was slightly injured in the fire.
Chinese consulate officials are rushing to the scene for detailed information.
The Chinese Embassy in Russia said it mourned the deceased and extended condolences to their relatives.
The embassy added that it has demanded the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Emergency Situations ask authorities in the Novosibirsk region to investigate the cause of the fire and make utmost efforts to treat the injured.
JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and dozens injured in a train crash in South Africa's Free State on Thursday morning, according to local media and emergency services.
One Shosholoza Meyl train derailed between Hennenman and Kroonstad when hit by a truck, local media said.
Passenger Seipati Moletsane told eNCA.com that the train was travelling from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg when the truck could not brake and hit the first and second carriage.
Firefighters and medical services rushed to the scene to help the injured. Footage by passengers from the scene shows a number of carriages laid on the ground and engulfed in flames.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:54:34|Editor: Mengjie
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by Misbah Saba Malik
ISLAMABAD, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A 22-percent drop in the number of terror attacks was marked in Pakistan in 2017, compared to the year of 2016, according to the Global Terrorism Index report published by the Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace, due to collective efforts by the country's government and military.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani Army's media wing, said separately that a total of 483 terrorist incidents were averted last year, and that the country's intelligence agencies altogether issued 946 threat alerts, about 75 to 80 per month, about the possible terrorist attacks.
Mosques, shrines and other religious congregations remained the main target of suicide and planted explosions in 2017.
Pakistani security forces conducted 522 intelligence-based operations in which 475 people, including 452 militants and 22 security forces' personnel were killed and 88 others injured.
Some 1,760 suspected militants were arrested during the operations. Pakistani military courts, which formed after a terror attack on a school for speedy trials over terrorism related cases, also hanged 43 hard-core terrorists last year, according to the ISPR.
Some local experts believe that outlawed Islamic State (IS) is setting up its footprint in Afghanistan, and most of the terrorist attacks in the mosques and shrines in Pakistan were also claimed by them.
"The 'version' of the Islamic State practices contradicts with some of the Islamic practices in Pakistan, so they target mosques and shrines as to them praying in shrines and Shia mosques is sin," defence analyst Shahzad Chaudhry told Xinhua.
The military media wing also credited military operation Zarb-i-Azb, which was kicked off in mid-2014, for the improvement of law and order in the country. The operation mainly targeted safe havens of terrorists in the restive northwestern tribal region of North Waziristan and its adjoining areas to flush out local and foreign militants.
Tribal areas in northwestern part of the country, which once Pentagon called the most dangerous place on earth and the epicenter of the world's worst of global Jihadists, were cleared after the successful army operations, which bore fruit in the form of less terrorist attacks, according to the Pakistani Army.
In February 2017, the army also launched another operation "Radd-ul-Fassad" after a wave of terror attacks claimed over 100 lives in different parts of the country. The operation aims at eliminating the hidden terrorist sleeper cells from the country.
However, with all the efforts made by the Pakistan military, terrorists kept on carrying out small intensity and a few big attacks throughout the year of 2017. The United States also asked Pakistan to do more against terrorist networks inside the country to bring peace in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The ISPR, for its part, rejected the U.S. allegations that Pakistan didn't do a good job in anti-terrorism, reiterating that presently there is no organized infrastructure of terrorists in the country, and the terrorists from Afghanistan penetrate into Pakistan through the porous border between the two countries to launch attacks on Pakistani soil.
The army has started fencing at the border to avoid free movement of the Afghan militants into Pakistan.
Talking to Xinhua, defense analyst and retired Brigadier Muhammad Khan said that after Zarb-i-Azb, militants from tribal areas fled to Afghanistan, and carry out sporadic systematic attacks inside Pakistan by crossing the border.
He added that border fencing is a good strategy by the Pakistani army and up to 70 percent border infiltration is likely to be controlled upon the completion of the fencing next year.
Director General of the ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor recently said that Pakistan has controlled terrorist incidents to a great extent, though a few terrorist attacks are still happening in Pakistan.
Local watchers believe that though Pakistan continues to bear the brunt of the terrorist outfits, the tangible decrease in frequency and potential of the terrorist activities sparkles as the light at the end of the tunnel.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:59:35|Editor: Mengjie
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RAMALLAH, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organization Saeb Erekat slammed Thursday that the U.S. is heading to drop negotiations over final status of Jerusalem and refugees, the Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported.
Erekat said in a statement published by WAFA that "the U.S. administration is actually embarking on to a new path, which includes dictating solutions on the Palestinian people and dropping the Jerusalem and refugee files while keeping the situation as it is so that the upper hand will be for the Israeli occupation."
"We will have nothing left as Arabs without Jerusalem," he warned, urging the Arab countries to put into effect the 1980 Arab League summit resolution that calls for cutting relations with countries that move their embassies to Jerusalem.
The coming Arab League meetings will look into activating the boycott resolution, he noted, which is expected next Saturday in Amman, Jordan.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 20:59:35|Editor: Xiang Bo
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XINING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Northwest China's Qinghai Province announced the granting of subsidies to encourage eco-friendly funerals in the plateau region, local civil affairs authorities said.
According to the newly released guideline which will take effect on June 1, the government will grant 3,000 yuan (about 460 U.S. dollars) to people who choose cremation and scatter ashes of their deceased relatives in approved public cemeteries or bury ashes in biodegradable urns.
People who choose to scatter ashes on lawns and other environmentally friendly funerals will be subsidized.
Chinese tradition holds that the dead should be buried in urns beside their ancestors, which is seen as an obligation of filial piety.
But the custom has put a strain on the populous country's arable land, forests, grassland and other environmental resources.
To deal with the problem, Chinese authorities have promoted eco-friendly burials such as cremations and sea burials across the country in recent years.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 21:04:36|Editor: Mengjie
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LISBON, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- "Wildfire" has been voted Portugal's Word of the Year, Porto Editora, the publishing house that promotes the contest, announced on Thursday.
Some 30,000 votes were received with "wildfire" garnering 37 percent support and "Affection" in second place with 20 percent of the vote.
Porto Editora revealed a ten-word shortlist on Dec. 1, 2017, and invited the Portuguese public to vote online throughout the month. Nominations were based on surveys of word use during the year and words searched for in the publisher's online dictionaries.
The full list was: affection; desertification; forest; gentrification; growth; independentist; pilgrim; wildfire; withholding; victor.
The word "affection" was an early favorite. It is regularly employed in relation to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of Portugal, whose popular presidency has been characterized by a will to meet and greet members of the general public.
"Victor" commemorated Portugal's triumph in the Eurovision Song Contest while "gentrification" referenced the complex changes that booming tourism and foreign property investment have brought to traditional neighborhoods in Lisbon and Porto particularly.
But 2017 will live long in the memory for a series of forest fires that raged through Portugal destroying hundreds of hectares and causing more than 100 fatalities. Thus "wildfire" was deemed to be the outstanding term of 2017 for topical reasons.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 21:09:37|Editor: Mengjie
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MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two Russian soldiers were killed in a mortar attack on the Hmeymim airbase in Syria last month, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.
The attack was launched by "a group of mobile subversive militants" on Dec. 31, 2017, according to the statement.
It denied media reports that seven Russian military aircraft were destroyed during the mortar shelling.
The Russian air force in Syria is combat-ready and continues to fully carry out its missions, the statement added.
Moscow began military operations against terrorist groups in Syria at the request of Damascus since September 2015.
With the support of the Russian army, the Syrian government has retaken most of its territories controlled by the Islamic State group in the past two years.
Given the victory on the ground, the Russian army began a partial withdrawal of its troops in Syria early last month under the order of President Vladimir Putin.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 21:54:46|Editor: Mengjie
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DUBAI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Dubai International Airport saw almost 7 million passengers, with a growth of 5.6 percent year on year, in November 2017, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) state news agency WAM reported Thursday.
In the first 11 months of last year, total passenger number at Dubai International Airport, known as DXB, has risen 5.8 percent to 80.39 million compared with 75.95 million during Jan.-Nov. in 2016.
The airport saw 33,421 flights in November 2017, down 3.7 percent year on year, while the average number of passengers per flight remained high at 215, up 7.3 percent year on year.
Freight volumes handled at DXB increased by 0.4 percent year on year to 235,651 tons. The total volume in Jan.-Nov. period reached 2,425,475 tons, up 2.7 percent from the first 11 months of 2016.
"In the civil aviation business, you always have to be prepared for the unexpected," Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, told Xinhua at the Dubai Airshow in November last year when asked about the impact of geopolitical tensions in the region on passenger demand at DXB.
In June, 2017, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorism, and imposed a ban on air and land connections.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:04:48|Editor: Xiang Bo
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by Jamila Najmuddin
COLOMBO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's leading wildlife experts and environmentalists on Thursday welcomed China's decision to ban ivory sales, saying all countries should follow China's example in order to save tuskers globally.
Leading Environmentalist and a member of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka, Vidya Abhayagunawardena told Xinhua that China's decision would safeguard elephants across the world.
"We invite other countries to follow China's example. Especially the East Asian countries as they believe that ivory brings prosperity," Abhayagunawardena said.
"This decision will affect Sri Lanka as our country is used as a hub by international wildlife traders. A ban in China will strongly be an advantage for us all," Abhayagunawardena added.
In January last year, Sri Lanka became the first country in South Asia to publicly destroy 356 blood ivories worth millions of U.S. dollars, which was seized in a ship at the Colombo Port in 2012.
Abhayagunawardena, who was in the forefront of organizing the event to burn the blood ivory, said the consignment had been detected by the Customs and was en-route to Dubai.
He said through the gesture, Sri Lanka has sent a strong message that it would not tolerate the killing of elephants.
Presently out of the total elephant population in Sri Lanka, only 5 percent are tuskers and these tuskers were under continuous threat from poachers and smugglers.
"December was an alarming month as there were five tuskers which were reportedly killed. There may have been some unreported cases too," Abhayagunawardena said.
A 23-year-old animal lover, Savindri Perera told Xinhua that China's decision to ban the sale of ivory was welcomed not only in the island country but also across the world.
She said China was one of the most powerful countries in the world and this sent a strong message to other countries that the killing of elephants will not be tolerated.
China closed its doors to the ivory trade on Dec. 31 when it declared it illegal to process or sell ivory and its products in China.
The current partial ban in China has already led to an 80 percent decline in seizures of ivory entering China, as well as a 65 percent decline in raw ivory prices.
Some 35,000 African elephants are killed annually to feed this illegal trade, while in the past decade alone, 75 percent of African elephants were slaughtered. Environmentalists have voiced grave concern that at this rate, elephants could face extinction by 2025.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:04:48|Editor: Xiang Bo
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SHANGHAI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ant Financial, an affiliate of Alibaba, apologized Wednesday for a checked-by-default option on Alipay's annual bills that allowed its credit scoring system to access user data.
Alipay bills and the Annual User Footprint Report that analyzes how customers have spent their money over the past year are widely shared on China's social media. People tend to show off their purchasing power, especially as the new year begins, but that joy of sharing soon turned into fear and anger.
A button checked by default on the landing page meant users looking up their bills automatically agreed to use Sesame Credit, the credit scoring system of Ant Financial, allowing Sesame to collect and analyze their data and share the analysis with partner institutions.
Users were outraged and accused the company of infringing their privacy.
In response, Sesame Credit late Wednesday apologized and immediately had the default option canceled. Users who have already unwittingly entered into the agreement can deselect the service in the Alipay app.
There were more than half a billion internet users in China by the middle of 2017, and more than 90 percent use mobile payment in brick-and-mortar stores, according to a report by China Internet Network Information Center. A large percentage of those use Alipay.
Sesame Credit claims that more than 200 million users used Alipay to pay for over 100 public services. This has put cyber security at the top of the priority list.
According to the cyber security law, companies and online services that store user data on servers must acquire authorization from the users and make all clauses clear.
Han Zheng, a professor with Tongji University, said the incident showed how Chinese people are increasingly aware of privacy issues.
"We are more willing to share our data and compare with people in other parts of the world, and it has been very easy for companies to collect user data, but that situation is changing now," Han said.
"I will be more cautious when using other online services. I will make sure my personal information is safe before clicking a button on mobile payment platforms," said Zhang Menghan, who has just unsubscribed from Sesame Credit.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:09:49|Editor: Yamei
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Chinese President Xi Jinping (C, front), also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with officers and soldiers during an inspection of a division of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) army in the Central Theater Command on Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
BAODING, Hebei, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has ordered the creation of an elite combat force through real combat training, digitization, innovation and reform.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks during an inspection of a division of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) ground force in the Central Theater Command Wednesday.
Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, extended New Year greetings to all personnel from the PLA, armed police, the militia and reserve forces.
During the inspection, Xi boarded China's latest self-developed main battlefield 99A tank, known as the "king of the land battle," and the Red Arrow-10 anti-tank missile launching vehicle, to learn about armaments used in the army.
He also visited a reconnaissance company to watch training conducted by snipers, and asked about the fighting system for individual soldiers.
Xi talked with new recruits who were receiving training on their scouting and combat skills, encouraging them to sharpen their skills and strive to become reconnaissance heroes.
At around 3 p.m., Xi visited a simulation training center, and met with officers of the division. He then visited the division's history exhibition center.
After hearing a report of the division, Xi urged the army to enhance military training oriented at combat readiness and focus on combat wholeheartedly while strengthening research on digitized troops.
He asked about innovating concepts and tactics of battle, and improving real combat training and war-winning capabilities.
Xi stressed the importance of coordination among various forces and systems, demanding increased efforts in the creation of an information system and data on battles.
Underscoring the importance of innovation and reform, Xi called for enhancing the sci-tech attainment of officers and soldiers by better application of sci-tech devices.
"Efforts should be made to implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress and ensure the armed forces always follow the instruction of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC," Xi said.
"High attention should be paid to digitization so as to foster more high-quality military talent," he said.
Xi said officers and soldiers "should be cared for warm-heartedly while undesirable work styles and corruption should be contained resolutely."
CMC vice chairmen Xu Qiliang and Zhang Youxia, as well as other senior military officers attended the event.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:19:52|Editor: Mengjie
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TOKYO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Japanese mayor was under fire for allegedly saying "I'll kill you" to a reporter when the reporter approached him in the city hall to ask a question.
Takeshi Imamura, 45, mayor of Nishinomiya city in Hyogo prefecture, western Japan, allegedly made the remarks to the reporter after an internal ceremony on Thursday marking the first working day of the new year.
The reporter from the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper was trying to ask the mayor to confirm what he had said earlier at the ceremony about not seeking reelection in the mayoral race in April, according to local reports.
The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper's public relations department said that the mayor's action was extremely inappropriate and it has lodged a strong protest with the mayor to ask him to apologize.
Imamura was elected mayor of Nishinomiya in April 2014. He has also sparked controversies in the past for refusing to answer questions from media outlets which he called "biased" and for other issues.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:19:53|Editor: Mengjie
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by Kaswar Klasra, Muhammad Tahir
ISLAMABAD, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The gulf is widening between Pakistan and the United States, two longtime allies in anti-terrorism, after U.S. President Donald Trump's recent accusations of deception and providing a safe haven for terrorists against Pakistan.
In his first Tweet of the year on Monday, Trump accused Pakistan for lying to the United States and offering "little help" in hunting terrorists in Afghanistan. Furious Trump even threatened to cut aid to Pakistan.
"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion USD in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools," Trump said, adding that "they give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!"
The accusations prompted Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to call a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on the issue. The committee expressed "deep disappointment" over the U.S. president's comments.
The committee made it loud and clear that Pakistan was firmly supporting the U.S.-led international anti-terrorism effort in Afghanistan and, as a result of Pakistan's counter-terrorism cooperation, Al-Qaida had been decimated from the region.
Officials here insist that Pakistan lost around 70,000 people in the war on terror since 2001 and the country suffered over 120 billion U.S. dollars during the period.
The statement further said that it was mostly because of this endeavor, Pakistan was suffering a brutal backlash, including the killing of hundreds of its schoolchildren by terrorists based in Afghanistan, adding that Pakistan cannot be held responsible for the collective failure in Afghanistan.
"The real challenges in Afghanistan were political infighting, massive corruption, phenomenal growth of drug production and expansion of ungoverned spaces inside Afghanistan full of sanctuaries for multiple international terrorist organizations, posing a serious and direct threat to Afghanistan, its neighbors including Pakistan and the entire region," stated Pakistani Foreign office.
Aamir Ghautri, a veteran editor of Pakistan's influential daily The News told Xinhua that Trump's remarks about Pakistan showed his complete disregard of ground facts.
"On the face of it, President Trump's remarks about Pakistan show his complete disregard of ground facts and his rowdy insistence to push his foreign policy preferences through Twitter rather than the State Department on the other," Ghauri said.
"But when studied closely, the POTUS comes across as a bully who invokes threats as instruments of foreign policy against friends and foes alike thinking such barbs would work. They won't," he added.
Maria Sultan, director general of the South Asian Strategic Stability Institute, told Xinhua that Pakistan has been a U.S. front line partner in this war against terrorism. This is an unfortunate set of accusations. Pakistan will not be coerced into believing Washington's narrative on the region's security challenges or the economic future.
Mosharraf Zaidi, former advisor to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in local reports that Pakistan's land route is still important for the U.S. operations in Afghanistan as it has opted for troops surge. "The U.S. still use Pakistan's air corridor. The U.S. still needs these facilities and Pakistan can stop it."
Thousands of U.S. and its coalition forces in Afghanistan depend mostly on ground and air routes through Pakistan for supplies of ammunition and goods. As Washington is currently at odds with both Russia and Iran, it has left the Trump administration with almost no options but to rely on Pakistani supply routes to sustain the Afghan military mission.
Just three days after Trump's Tweet, the White House has confirmed suspending 255 million U.S. dollars of military aid to Pakistan, according to local reports on Wednesday.
Pakistan's former ambassador Ayaz Wazir to Afghanistan said the use of language by Trump is not expected of a person in that high position and also of an independent and sovereign state.
"It's very unfortunate that the president of the world's most powerful nation is setting wrong principles in international relations. It will not set things right but prove counterproductive," Wazir told Xinhua recently.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:24:55|Editor: Xiang Bo
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HANGZHOU, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Driving around a city looking for a parking lot in vain? A parking app launched in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou on Thursday may ease the pain.
The app gathers information about empty parking spaces and displays the cost of parking.
Companies or individuals can post information about private parking spaces they own and others can book and pay for them.
The spaces are also divided into different types, for example, those in the shopping malls may be open around the clock, while in residential areas they may only be available at certain times.
The city government, public organizations and residential areas have taken lead in posting their spaces on the platform.
Li Lei, head of Hangzhou urban management commission, expects more residents to share their private spaces on the platform.
Besides convenience, sharing of parking resources can help the city save a great sum of money on new infrastructure, he said.
Hangzhou currently has 1.27 million vehicles, and only 700,000 parking spaces, 180,000 of which are public.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 22:29:56|Editor: ZD
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by Mahmoud Fouly
CAIRO, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A recent deal to lease a Sudanese Red Sea island to Turkey for development raises Egypt's concerns amid Cairo's tense relations with Ankara and Khartoum either for political disagreement or border dispute, said Egyptian political experts.
In late December, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Sudanese counterpart Omar al-Bashir signed an agreement to temporarily lease Sudan's Suakin Red Sea island to Turkey for development by Turkish investment projects.
Located in eastern Sudan, the archeological city of Suakin has historical sites dating back to the Ottoman era and it also has a port mostly used for carrying commodities and passengers to Saudi Arabia on the opposite side of the Red Sea.
"Any movement at the Red Sea could have repercussions on the Egyptian national security, but Egypt has massive military capabilities at the Red Sea that can defend the country's borders," said Tarek Fahmy, Egyptian political science professor at Cairo University.
Fahmy believes that the Turkish-Sudanese island deal is an important development although it is unclear whether it will be for mere development or any other purposes, stressing that the Red Sea region has become "a spot of regional and international conflicts at the same time."
Relations between Egypt and Sudan have been tense over the past years on various issues.
In May 2017, the Sudanese president accused Egypt of providing military support for armed rebels in his country, which was strongly denied by the Egyptian leadership.
The two countries also have a territorial dispute over the border region of Halayeb and Shalateen, which are currently under Egyptian control.
"Suakin island is very close to the border region of Halayeb and Shalateen, so the island deal also implies a Sudanese challenging political message, especially that it was preceded by Sudanese remarks claiming rightful ownership of Halayeb and Shalateen," the professor told Xinhua.
Sudan has been annually renewing complaints at the United Nations Security Council over Halayeb and Shalateen, which it wants to settle through either dialogue with Egypt or international arbitration.
Also, Sudan and Egypt, being the two downstream partners of the Nile River, have conflicting interests regarding Ethiopia's under-construction giant dam, as Sudan sees it greatly beneficial while Egypt considers it a threat to its annual share of 55.5 billion cubic meters of the river water.
Experts believe that Sudan's island lease to Turkey is a message to other regional players including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel, as Sudan reassured that it is neither part of any regional alliances nor joining one led by Turkey and expressed openness to all peace-loving states.
On the other hand, Egypt's ties with Turkey deteriorated following the military ouster of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July 2013 in response to mass protests against his one-year rule and his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, who led Morsi's ouster as the army chief then, accuses Turkey, besides Qatar, of supporting terrorism and interfering in Egypt's domestic affairs by hosting fleeing Brotherhood members blacklisted by Sisi's administration.
"Suakin island deal complies with the Turkish strategy to increase its presence in Africa in general and in the northeastern part of the continent in particular," said Ayman Shabana, deputy director of the African Research Institute of Cairo University.
He expressed his belief that the announced purposes of the island deal, including Turkish development projects, archeological restoration and cultural revival, are only meant to cover Turkey's real purpose of establishing its presence southern Egypt, opposite to Saudi Arabia and near the Gulf region.
Shabana said that Turkey's new strategy heads towards Africa after failing to join the European Union, seeing the deal as part of Turkish attempt to exercise pressure on Egypt that foiled the Turkish ambition of having Islamists as rulers of Arab states.
"I believe the deal is meant to pave the way for a Turkish military presence in the island, which is a threat to the Egyptian national security," the professor told Xinhua.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses servicemen as he visits the Hmeymim air base in Latakia Province, Syria December 11, 2017. (Sputnik Photo)
MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two Russian soldiers were killed in a mortar attack on the Hmeymim airbase in Syria last month, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.
The attack was launched by "a group of mobile subversive militants" on Dec. 31, 2017, according to the statement.
It denied media reports that seven Russian military aircraft were destroyed during the mortar shelling.
The Russian air force in Syria is combat-ready and continues to fully carry out its missions, the statement added.
Moscow began military operations against terrorist groups in Syria at the request of Damascus since September 2015.
With the support of the Russian army, the Syrian government has retaken most of its territories controlled by the Islamic State group in the past two years.
Given the victory on the ground, the Russian army began a partial withdrawal of its troops in Syria early last month under the order of President Vladimir Putin.
A fire engine is seen at the site of a fire at a shoe factory in the village of Chernorechensky, Novosibirsk region, Russia on Jan. 4, 2018. (Russian Emergencies Ministry)
MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese citizens are among those killed in a fire at a shoe factory in Russia's Novosibirsk region Thursday, the Chinese Consulate General in Yekaterinburg has confirmed.
According to preliminary information obtained by the Consulate General, seven Chinese nationals died and another was slightly injured in the fire.
Chinese consulate officials are rushing to the scene for detailed information.
The Chinese Embassy in Russia said it mourned the deceased and extended condolences to their relatives.
The embassy added that it has demanded the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Emergency Situations ask authorities in the Novosibirsk region to investigate the cause of the fire and make utmost efforts to treat the injured.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:05:08|Editor: yan
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MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to resume direct flights to Egypt after more than two years of suspension due to a plane crash, the Kremlin said Thursday.
The first flight will likely be launched in February, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said in Moscow last month following a meeting with visiting Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Sherif Fathy.
Russia suspended all direct flights to Egypt after a Russian airplane bound for St. Petersburg crashed on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Oct. 31, 2015.
Moscow said the airliner was hit by a bomb planted by terrorists after taking off from the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. All 224 people on board were killed.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:25:12|Editor: yan
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HO CHI MINH CITY, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- An international culinary festival christened "Taste of the World" will take place here from Jan. 11-14, its organizers announced Thursday.
Special dishes of many countries in the world, including Thailand, Vietnam, Italy and Argentina, will be highlighted at over 100 booths of the four-day festival in Le Van Tam Park, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Besides food sold to hundreds of thousands of visitors, the event will also showcase artworks made from fruits and vegetables, and feature a talkshow about Vietnam's lunar new year festival and many music shows, said the municipal Department of Tourism.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:30:12|Editor: yan
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BERLIN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Senior party figures in the Christian Social Union (CSU) have urged the German Social Democrats (SPD) on Thursday to remain modest with their demands during upcoming coalition negotiations.
CSU parliamentary faction leader Alexander Dobrindt told the newspaper "Bild" that the Social Democrats had to decide "whether they wanted to assume responsibility and accept the electoral result."
"However, this cannot mean that a 20-percent-party achieves 100 percent of its goals," Dobrindt added.
Official discussions over a re-launch of the "grand coalition" between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), CSU and SPD are scheduled for Jan. 7. The CSU wants to formulate the conditions under which it will join a prospective new government by Saturday, but earlier reports that these will include cutting social benefits for refugees have already caused a row between the party and the SPD.
Speaking to "Bild" on the sidelines of the CSU's ongoing winter party conference in a Bavarian monastery, Dobrindt defended the party's tough stance on migration. He noted that "even the Greens" had accepted the joint CDU/CSU concept proposed in the policy area during previous "Jamaica" coalition negotiations. Saying that the plans included a special hardship clause demanded by the SPD, Dobrindt stressed that his party was unwilling to alter its position again.
Similarly, CSU secretary general Andreas Scheuer announced that his party would offer no further concessions and insist on limiting the inflow of refugees.
"We will not retreat beyond the lines drawn during Jamaica coalitions, including for immigration," Scheuer told the public broadcaster "ZDF".
In spite of such bellicose rhetoric, CSU party leader Horst Seehofer vowed to do everything in his power to ensure the successful formation of a new German government with the CDU and SPD.
"This project can succeed if the potential coalition partner refrains from exaggeration," Seehofer said.
Although SPD leader Martin Schulz has recently clashed with the CSU over their visions for the future of Europe, he still expressed confidence that there was a "solid foundation" on which another "grand coalition" could be built.
Previous high-level talks between the leadership of the CDU, CSU and SPD had been "very concentrated and goal-oriented", Schulz said.
The SPD leader's optimism was echoed by Dobrindt, who told "Bild" that "trust had grown" between the prospective coalition partners.
According to the magazine "SPIEGEL", the CDU, CSU and SPD have agreed to impose a news embargo on the development of coalition talks. They hereby hope to prevent that spiralling public disputes and incriminations lead to an unravelling of negotiations, as occurred during the unsuccessful "Jamaica" talks.
"SPIEGEL" further reported on Thursday that the parties want to reach a mutually-acceptable solution concerning the national use of the pesticide Glyphosate as a matter of priority. Minister for Agriculture Christian Schmidt (CSU) recently voted to support the extension of Glyphosate's license in the EU without coordinating his position with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) and the Minister for the Environment Barbara Hendricks (SPD).
Schmidt's controversial decision created significant tensions within the acting cabinet and has therefore been seen as posing a potential stumbling block to successful coalition negotiations.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:35:13|Editor: yan
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ABUJA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Troops fighting terror group Boko Haram in Nigeria's northeast region have rescued another Chibok schoolgirl kidnapped together with more than 276 others in April 2014, the army said on Thursday.
The girl, identified as Salomi Pugo, was rescued early Thursday in a bush around Pulka, some 165 kilometers to Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, said the army.
Pugo's identity was the same as the Chibok girl on serial number 86 of the available list of the abducted Chibok girls, said Onyema Nwachukwu, a spokesman for the army.
According to Nwachukwu, the rescued Chibok girl was in the company of another 14-year-old girl identified as Jamila Adams, and a child, when the troops rescued her.
The three of them are now in custody of the military, under medical observation in Borno, the spokesman said.
A total of 276 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram while writing their high school final exams at the Government Secondary School in Chibok on the night of April 14, 2014.
Fifty-seven managed to escape soon afterward, leaving behind 219.
On Oct. 13, 2016, some 21 of the girls were released by their abductors following a fruitful negotiation with the Nigerian government.
Last May, 82 other girls were released following further negotiation.
Altogether, 106 girls were admitted to a government's rehabilitation facility in Nigeria's capital city of Abuja, as two other girls were rescued and one escaped from the kidnappers' den.
Last September, the 106 schoolgirls rescued so far were sent back to school, starting with a pre-degree program specially organized for them in a university in Nigeria's northeastern state of Adamawa.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:40:15|Editor: yan
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MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russia considers a U.S. proposal to hold an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council over recent protests in Iran as "harmful", Sputnik news agency reported Thursday, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:45:16|Editor: yan
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Thursday posted an article of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, saying the United States "will not be silent on Iran."
Pence said in an editorial published by The Washington Post on Wednesday that President Donald Trump "is weighing additional actions" against Iran.
Washington "is standing with" the Iranian protesters and "will continue to support them," he said, accusing the United Nations (UN) and European countries for not doing enough to press Iran on the protests.
Over the past week, protests broke out in several Iranian cities against price hikes and economic woes. Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo has slammed the U.S. government's recent attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.
"In the past several days, the U.S. administration, led by the U.S. president, has stepped up its acts of intervention in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs under the pretext of providing support for sporadic protests" in the country, Khoshroo said in a Wednesday letter to the UN Security Council and to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Khoshroo added that Iran expects all states condemn such dangerous statements and policies and urge the U.S. government to act responsibly and adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-04 23:50:17|Editor: yan
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BERLIN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The number of migrants who arrived in Germany through family reunification programs for non-European Union (EU) citizens fell last year, German media reported on Thursday.
Some 85,000 migrants joined family members in Germany between January and December 2017, compared with 114,500 during the same period in the previous year, Newspaper Rheinische Post reported, citing an official response by the German government to a parliamentary enquiry launched by the Free Democratic Party (FDP).
Published figures include refugees as well as regular non-EU migrants.
At the same time, the government's reply showed that the number of migrants who accepted government aid to leave Germany voluntarily fell from 54,000 in 2016 to 30,000 in 2017. As a consequence, 230,000 individuals who did not have a right to residence and were officially duty-bound to return to their homes remained in the country last year.
However, the official statement admitted that the real number could be higher given that no estimates existed on the "dark figure" of illegal migrants who were unknown to authorities. Stephan Tomae, vice president of the FDP parliamentary faction, complained that this answer revealed that even in 2018, the government would be unable to offer "sufficiently concrete figures on family-reunification, refugee minors and illegal migrants."
Due to a sharp overall drop in the number of refugees and their family members arriving in Germany last year, many of the specially-created accommodation centers now have a low occupancy rate. Large and populous states such as North-Rhine Westphalia and Baden-Wuerttemberg reportedly have three times more places available than currently needed. Regional authorities have begun reducing excess capacity to lower their related costs, and repeatedly expressed concerns over the unpredictability of future demand.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 00:30:23|Editor: yan
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BANGKOK, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Thailand will bring documents concerning cooperation of the six riparian countries of the Mekong River for endorsement at the 2nd Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Leaders' Meeting next Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday.
The first document is the Five-year Plan of Action(2018-2022) to enforce cooperation and development projects, and the other is the Phnom Penh Declaration that underscores the countries' political wills on cooperations in various aspects, the ministry said at its first weekly press conference in this year.
According to the ministry, Thailand hopes to push forward concrete cooperation among the LMC countries under the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by China.
The two documents have been endorsed by the Thai cabinet on Wednesday. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will attend the 2nd LMC Summit on Jan.10 in Cambodia's Phnom Penh.
The LMC was initiated by China in 2015 and the first summit took place in Sanya, China in 2016. The first summit identified three pillars of cooperation: politics and security; economics and sustainable development; and society, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
The LMC comprises six countries -- Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai attended the 3rd MLC Foreign Ministers' Meeting in China's Yunnan province in last December.
In the meeting, Thailand emphasized that it attaches importance on the LMC with the main purpose of the sustainable development of the Mekong sub-region and reducing development disparity among member states, which will promote better livelihood, peace, and prosperity among the people of the region.
The LMC's goals are also consistent with Thailand's economic development policies such as Thailand 4.0, connectivity, promoting development in neighboring countries, as well as building a stronger ASEAN community, said the ministry.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 00:35:24|Editor: yan
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ROME, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Europe's security and prosperity are at stake in Africa, Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano told La Stampa newspaper Thursday.
Alfano wrote a letter from Senegal, the second leg of the minister's three-stop mission that began in Niger on Jan. 3 and ends in Guinea on Jan. 5.
In Europe, Italy must be conscious that while countries are carrying out enormous investments there, "our destiny of security and prosperity is at stake in Africa," he wrote.
Italy's Africa policy "conjugates security with solidarity" and solidarity with development. The three are strategically connected, because the only way to keep tens of thousands of people from fleeing their homelands and ending up as refugees and migrants in Italy is to provide them with better lives in their own countries, Alfano said.
In Niger, the minister on Wednesday opened Italy's new embassy in the capital of Niamey and appointed an ambassador.
Niger lies at Libya's southern border and is a key country of transit for refugees and migrants being smuggled towards Europe by human traffickers.
Italy has allocated 50 million euros (60 million U.S. dollars) to step up controls on the Niger-Libya border, causing "migratory flows to drop from 70,000 people in May 2016 to 4,000 in July 2017," Alfano said.
Italy also earmarked 31 million euros to "improving the conditions of local populations" and another 15 million to voluntary repatriations and refugee resettlement programs run by the United Nations-affiliated International Organization for Migration (IOM).
In December, the government of center-left Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said Italian peacekeeping troops should be shifted from Iraq to Niger to help fight human traffickers and Islamist extremists.
The lucrative human trafficking business is thought to be one of the main avenues of funding for terrorist groups, along with drugs, weapons and oil smuggling.
"The Italian government has decided to deploy a training contingent to combat the threats of Islamic jihadism, organized crime, and illegal trafficking (in Niger)," Alfano wrote.
Alfano's last stop is Guinea, a country of origin of many migrants trying to reach Europe, where he will appoint a new ambassador.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 00:45:25|Editor: Yamei
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BEIJING, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit to Cambodia will be of great significance to Lancang-Mekong cooperation and China-Cambodia ties, a senior diplomat said on Thursday.
Li will attend the second Lancang-Mekong River Cooperation (LMC) leaders' meeting in Phnom Penh and pay an official visit to Cambodia from Jan.10 to 11.
Initiated in 2014, The Lancang-Mekong cooperation has grown rapidly with a gradually improved mechanism and a steady implementation of the fruits, Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said at a press conference on Li's upcoming visit.
This year's meeting will focus on peace and sustainable development in the area. Leaders will review the progress and make plan for the future of Lancang-Mekong cooperation during the meeting, said Kong.
He said Li will announce China's initiatives and measures to deepen pragmatic cooperation and inject new impetus to the mechanism.
A series of files will be issued after the meeting, including a five-year action plan of the mechanism and a list of the second batch of cooperation projects, according to the vice Foreign Minister.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-Cambodia relations, Kong said the Premier's upcoming visit will help the two countries consolidate the traditional friendship and promote the bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperation.
"The China-Cambodia ties have become a model of country-to-country relations," he said.
During his stay in Cambodia, Li will meet with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, and hold talks with his counterpart Hun Sen. Both leaders will exchange ideas on bilateral ties and international and regional issue of common concern, so as to plan for future development of China-Cambodia relations.
According to Kong, the two sides are expected to reach consensus and sign cooperation documents on infrastructure, science, agriculture, tourism and other fields.
"We hope this visit will achieve complete success," Kong added.
People protest in Los Angeles, California, U.S., in support of anti-government protesters in Iran, Jan. 3, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS)
WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Thursday posted an article of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, saying the United States "will not be silent on Iran."
Pence said in an editorial published by The Washington Post on Wednesday that President Donald Trump "is weighing additional actions" against Iran.
Washington "is standing with" the Iranian protesters and "will continue to support them," he said, accusing the United Nations (UN) and European countries for not doing enough to press Iran on the protests.
Over the past week, protests broke out in several Iranian cities against price hikes and economic woes. Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo has slammed the U.S. government's recent attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.
"In the past several days, the U.S. administration, led by the U.S. president, has stepped up its acts of intervention in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs under the pretext of providing support for sporadic protests" in the country, Khoshroo said in a Wednesday letter to the UN Security Council and to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Khoshroo added that Iran expects all states condemn such dangerous statements and policies and urge the U.S. government to act responsibly and adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:15:29|Editor: yan
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HARARE, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Zimbabwean court on Thursday set free Martha O'Donovan, an American citizen who was arrested in November last year and charged with insulting Robert Mugabe, the country's former president.
Harare Magistrate Nomsa Sabarauta removed O'Donovan from remand and ordered the State to proceed by way of summons if it intends to pursue with prosecuting the American citizen, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights whose lawyers represented O'Donovan said in a statement.
O'Donovan was arrested in November last year and charged with subverting constitutional government and insulting the president through posting an abusive, indecent and obscene message on micro blogging site Twitter.
The American citizen became the first person to be arrested and charged with abuse of social media since the Zimbabwean government established a Ministry of Cyber Security, Threat Detection and Mitigation in October.
Mugabe resigned last month following military and public pressure, ending his 37-year reign.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:25:30|Editor: yan
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NAIROBI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The historic decision by China to terminate commercial processing and sale of ivory will usher a new era in protection of Africa's elephants and other iconic species, campaigners and officials have told Xinhua.
China's State Forestry Administration on December 31, 2017 announced the closure of domestic ivory market in line with a pledge made by Beijing at the end of 2016 to strengthen its role in protection of Africa's giant mammals.
The State Forestry Administration said the ivory trade ban was China's "new year gift to the elephant" and will lead to closure of 34 processing enterprises and 143 designated trading venues.
African wildlife campaigners have hailed the precedent setting move by China to ban trade in ivory products, saying it will boost protection of elephants that are facing a host of threats like poaching and shrinking habitat.
Kaddu Sebunya, the president of Nairobi-based African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), said China's ivory trade ban marked a significant milestone in protection of elephants and other giant land mammals inhabiting the world's second largest continent.
"The AWF commends China for the implementation of the ban. Already we have seen the effect by 80 percent decline in seizures of ivory entering China and a shrinking market," Sebunya said.
This is a game changer in curbing elephant poaching and illegal trade in wildlife, he added.
Sebunya noted that Beijing has consistently honored its earlier pledges to be part of global efforts aimed at eradicating the menace of poaching that has put the survival of African elephants at stake.
"China has made good on the commitment it made to the African Union and African States during the 2015 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit to work with Africa in curbing elephant poaching and illegal trade in wildlife," he said.
The closure of ivory market in China is expected to drastically reduce slaughter of African elephants whose population declined by 110,000 over the past decade based on statistics from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Kenyan officials applauded China's far-reaching move to end processing and sale of ivory products, saying it heralded a new dawn in protection of elephants.
"I think this is a positive development and people will be discouraged from carrying out poaching now that a key ivory market has been dismantled. It means poaching will reduce," remarked Paul Gathitu, the spokesman for the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
He urged Japan and other countries where trade in ivory products is legal to emulate China's example in a bid to save the remaining population of African elephants.
"We want all nations including Japan to take up this call and close their ivory markets," said Gathitu.
China's ivory trade ban won accolades from international conservation lobby groups that have been on the frontlines to save African elephants from looming extinction linked to human actions and climatic shocks.
John Stephenson, the CEO of Stop Ivory, said the survival of African elephants is guaranteed thanks to China's landmark decision to end commercial processing and sale of ivory.
"China's ivory ban is hugely significant and has the potential if enforced to play a huge role in the reduction of poaching levels and thus halt the seemingly inexorable journey towards extinction for the African elephant," said Stephenson.
He decried failure by Japan to outlaw ivory trade despite overwhelming evidence the practice is to blame for escalating the poaching crisis in Africa.
"Japan must not be one of the few remaining countries that regard the desire to buy and sell ivory as acceptable in the face of such devastation," Stephenson added.
Iain Douglas-Hamilton, the founder of Nairobi-based conservation lobby, Save The Elephants, hailed China's enforcement of the ivory trade ban and stressed that public education should be intensified in countries that have legal ivory markets like Japan in order to end the poaching menace in Africa.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:35:32|Editor: yan
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CAPE TOWN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- As a new school year is to begin later this month, tens of thousands of students from poor families are scrambling to apply for free tuition which President Jacob Zuma promised to deliver in 2018.
But where does the money come from? The Finance Ministry hasn't figured it out yet.
The ministry is not yet ready to pay the billions of rand needed to fund free tuition, spokesperson Mayihlome Tshwete acknowledged on Thursday.
The National Treasury is still looking for money to fund free education, he told Radio 702.
The Treasury is currently working on funding mechanisms, Tshwete said.
The Finance Ministry has been lukewarm after Zuma announced in December that the South African government would introduce free higher education and training for poor and working-class undergraduate students at public universities, starting in 2018.
The ministry responded by merely saying it was reviewing the details of the higher education proposals as well as possible financing options.
Zuma's announcement has caused a stir in the society, with those would-be beneficiaries hailing the move and opponents voicing concern about its practicability.
For the government, funding free education will put greater pressure on its straining budget which faces a revenue shortfall of about 50 billion rand (about 4.8 billion U.S. dollars).
At a press briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, Higher Education and Training Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize refused to provide details on how the government will fund free education.
She said only that Zuma's announcement on free education is proof that education remains a priority of the government's pro-poor policies.
Zuma has come under fire for making the "reckless" announcement without an accompanying implementation strategy and roll-out timeline.
The announcement was ostensibly made without consulting the National Treasury or the Department of Higher Education and Training, critics claim.
There have been fears that chaos would break out once universities open for registration.
Universities have complained that their enrolment plans and targets for 2018 are already in place, and their resources can only allow them to consider applications lodged online before the end of 2017.
However, the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on Thursday called for walk-in registrations for poor students who are qualified for free tuition.
If universities did not allow walk-in registration to occur, then the EFF would prevent any access to campuses, the EFF Students Command threatened.
As anarchy is looming, the opposition parties - the Democratic Alliance (DA) called on the government to provide leadership to prevent chaos once universities open for registration.
DA Shadow Minister of Higher Education and Training Belinda Bozzoli said on Thursday that his party is concerned by the complete lack of leadership from the government on the higher education funding crisis.
After South Africa's major universities were hit by student protests in 2015 over tuition fee hikes, Zuma appointed a commission to study the feasibility of free education, an overdue promise by the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
In 2007, the party made a resolution, pledging to have free education in seven years. The ANC has been criticized for failing to deliver its promise.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:40:33|Editor: yan
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NAIROBI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The global economy could withstand geopolitical tremors, climate change impacts and pockets of insecurity to record positive growth in 2018, an expert told Xinhua during a recent interview.
Lemma Senbet, the executive director of the Nairobi-based African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), said the resilience of world economy is guaranteed this year despite the onslaught by forces opposed to globalization, climatic shocks as well as political tensions.
"There are anti-globalization forces we have to grapple with that will be an impediment to the growth of world economy unless there are counteracting forces," Senbet told Xinhua in Nairobi.
"But we need to maximize opportunities and minimize challenges by tackling anti-globalization forces to accelerate growth," he added.
The Ethiopian-born scholar noted that the exit of Britain from the European Union and election of United States President Donald Trump have escalated opposition to free movement of people, goods and services that is key to revitalizing growth of world economy.
He warned that geopolitical risks like tensions in the Middle East and Korean Peninsula, terrorism, climate change, poverty, inequality and forced migration bode ill for the health of global economy this year.
Nevertheless, Senbet noted that the gloomy scenario can be reversed if the international community establishes solid measures to promote integration, harness the entrepreneur spirit of migrants, facilitate transfer of technology and skills.
"Globalization presents incredible opportunities and maximizes value on global economy. Technology transfer is a huge opportunity and we can exploit sectors like agriculture, infrastructure and women entrepreneurs to fight inequality," Senbet told Xinhua.
He added that financial innovations, mechanization of agriculture, support for small-and-medium-sized enterprises as well as youth-led start-ups could inject fresh vitality into the global economy this year.
Senbet underscored the critical role of China to help tackle challenges facing the world economy and unleash inclusive prosperity.
"China is an important payer on issues related to global trade and climate change. I am aware that China's policy is pro-globalization. In all the challenges at the global level, China should be constructively engaged and that will make a difference," Senbet said.
He noted that China's involvement will be crucial to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union (AU) agenda 2063 on shared prosperity.
At the same time, Senbet emphasized that light manufacturing, value addition and infrastructure modernization will unleash growth and prosperity in the low income economies.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:45:34|Editor: yan
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CAPE TOWN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- South Africa will conduct its first integrated biological and behavioral survey on HIV in transgender women, authorities announced on Thursday.
Initiated and supported by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with funding from the South African President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the project is designed to identify the social, structural, economic and cultural factors that are related to HIV infection in transgender women, the South African Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) said.
The study will help better understand risk behaviors and practices related to HIV infection and onward transmission in transgender women, the council said in a statement.
The council will lead the survey, with support from various South African and international academic and civil society partners.
The survey will be conducted later this month in the metropolitan areas of Cape Town and Johannesburg as well as in the Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape province.
"For the first time South Africa will be able to document the HIV prevalence in transgender women," HSRC's CEO Crain Soudien said.
The data can also be used to monitor the sequential stages of HIV medical care that transgender women experience from diagnosis to achieving the goal of viral suppression, according to Soudien.
"Our fight against HIV will gain traction if we continue to investigate, and understand, the significant behaviors, attitudes and perceptions which can contribute towards infection, effective treatment and support," he said.
Leigh Ann van der Merwe, CDC representative in South Africa, said that through this study the transgender community in South Africa will finally have a voice.
"We see this study as contributing towards our empowerment, especially because interventions will come from our input rather than being imposed upon us," Van der Merwe said.
The study is expected to contribute towards a deeper understanding of how this disease can be prevented, she added.
With at least 6.2 million people with HIV, South Africa has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world.
The country currently puts 4.2 million people on antiretroviral treatment, the highest treatment rate globally.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 01:50:35|Editor: yan
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GABORONE, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Wildlife authorities and experts in Botswana on Thursday hailed an ivory trade ban in China as a vital step to reducing the slaughter of the endangered animals.
In a telephone interview with Xinhua, Botswana's Environment, Natural Resources Conversation and Tourism Minister Tshekedi Khama said the move offers hope for the future of elephants in Botswana and the better part of Africa.
China closed doors to the ivory trade on Dec. 31, 2017, as it became illegal to trade in ivory and its products in the world's most populace nation.
China has taken the eradication of ivory trade upon herself and public awareness campaigns featuring celebrities have helped boost awareness of the bloody cost of ivory.
According to Khama, it is estimated that 30,000 elephants are killed by poachers in Africa every year with Botswana bearing the brunt since her economy is hinged on tourism.
He said tourism is an increasingly important industry in Botswana, accounting for almost 12 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
"It (ivory trade ban) is the greatest single step toward reducing elephant poaching and ensuring that our tourism increases the revenue to the government coffers," said Khama.
Khama hailed China for a full closure of the door on ivory trade.
Kenneth Sechele, a board member with Elephants Scents - a non-governmental organization responsible for protecting elephants from extinction - said the ban on all ivory sales has already led to an 80 percent decline in seizures of illegal ivory entering China.
"A 65 percent decline in raw ivory prices has also been realized in China. This shows that China had taken a decision that qualifies to be a historic one world over," he said.
Sechele said the ban on imports of African ivory carvings will boost the fight against wildlife crimes in Botswana and the region.
"The move by the Chinese government is a strategic decision that will rejuvenate the fight against poaching in the country and the region. China has inspired governments and individuals campaigning for the stemming of wildlife crimes," Sechele told Xinhua in a telephone interview.
Executive Director of Our Elephants, Our Pride, a non-governmental organization in Botswana, Monwametsi Mothibi, praised China's ban on ivory trade as a revolutionary stride.
Mothibi said his organization is very grateful that the Chinese government has found in its heart to stop trading in this commodity.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the population of African elephants declined by 111,000 over the past 10 years.
The overall trends in the poaching of African elephants show a decline from the 2011 peak, but are still at levels too high when viewed continent-wide.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 02:20:40|Editor: yan
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KHARTOUM, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Thursday issued a decree to extend the ceasefire in all conflict zones for three months, the official SUNA news agency reported.
"Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir issued a Republican Decree Thursday extending the declared ceasefire at the operations zones for another three months," the report said.
In January 2017, Sudan adopted a unilateral six-month ceasefire a few days after the U.S. government decided to partially lift the economic sanctions imposed on Sudan for about 20 years.
The Sudanese government has been fighting the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/northern sector in South Kordofan and Blue Nile areas since 2011, where many rounds of peace talks held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa failed to end the conflict.
The Sudanese government has also been fighting armed groups in the Darfur region since 2003.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 02:30:42|Editor: yan
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ISTANBUL, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's Interior Ministry on Thursday dismissed the mayor of Istanbul's Besiktas district from his post over a failed coup in 2016 and allegations of corruption, sparking an outcry from the main opposition.
According to the ministry's statement, Murat Hazinedar was ousted following investigations into his ties to a network accused of masterminding the coup bid and due to allegations against him, including taking unfair advantages, providing unlawful licenses to tradesmen and using public property for the benefit of private individuals.
Two municipal council members were also suspended from their duties over corruption allegations, the statement said.
Hazinedar said earlier in the day that the municipality had gone through over 180 preliminary examinations and investigations and was cleared from all the accusations.
Ankara blames the network led by Fethullah Gulen, a U.S.-based Turkish cleric, for the coup attempt in July 2016 that left 250 people dead and has listed it as a terror group.
The Republican People's Party, the main opposition from which Hazinedar comes, described the move against him as a "government plot."
Bulent Tezcan, the party's spokesman, said in a televised speech that Hazinedar will use all his legal rights against the decision. Party supporters were urged to gather in front of the municipal headquarters as a sign of solidarity.
Hazinedar was elected mayor of Besiktas in March 2014.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 02:50:45|Editor: yan
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TRIPOLI, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The total value of contracts for power plant projects in Libya is seven billion dinars (5 billion U.S. dollars), an official of the state-owned General Electricity Company said.
"The power plant construction contracts Libya signed with a number of foreign companies worth seven billion dinars. This amount represents contracts signed before 2011, as well as emergency projects signed by the company during the past few months," Ali Sasi, executive director of the General Electricity Company, told Xinhua on Thursday.
"Payments have been made for foreign companies executing a number of previous projects, while the new projects have not been funded until security and technical arrangement are made for companies to come to Libya and work on implementation of the new plants," Sasi added.
Sasi pointed out that there are projects being implemented in different parts of the country, including Sirte, Tripoli, Zwitina, and Obari, with a total capacity of 4,000 megawatts.
"If previous projects, which were supposed to be completed in 2015, were implemented, the public network would have increased by 4,000 megawatts, which means the end of any power deficit and even a large surplus," Sassi explained.
The General Electricity Company signed an agreement with Germany's Siemens in August 2017 to implement power in the country.
Most Libyan cities suffer daily power blackouts that last for as long as 12 hours, especially during the winter and summer. The power deficit exceeds 2,000 megawatts per day, while current power production does not exceed 5,500 megawatts per day.
Sasi said that power sector in Libya lost 1.5 billion dinars (1.1 billion U.S. dollars) over the past seven years. He also pointed out that the kidnapping of foreign workers at the southern Obari power plant "delayed the return of some companies, especially from South Korea."
Sasi noted final discussions will be held in mid-January with South Korea for the return of its companies to Libya.
Unknown gunmen kidnapped four foreign workers, three Turks and one German, working at a power plant in the southern city of Obari. After security agencies failed to free the workers, the remaining 300 foreign workers left Obari.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 03:00:46|Editor: Jiaxin
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KABUL, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed and 20 others injured in a suicide bomb attack in Microryan neighborhood of Afghanistan's capital of Kabul Thursday night, a health official said.
"A suicide bomb attack ripped through a road in Microryan, Police District 9, at around 08:45 p.m. local time," a security source told Xinhua.
"The incident occurred shortly after a demonstration ended in the area and those among the casualties were anti-riot police and civilians," the source said.
Earlier, a public health official told local media that 11 people, including five police personnel, were killed and 20 others injured after the explosion in the crowded area.
He said the number of casualties was likely to change as some injured were in critical condition.
Several shops and vehicles were also damaged after the blast in the area where dozens of five-story apartment buildings are located.
Security forces have cordoned off the area for precautionary measures.
Further details about the incident are still forthcoming amid the absence of any official statement.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
Kabul with a population of nearly 5 million has been hit by series of terror attacks over the past couple of years.
On Dec. 25, a teenage suicide bomber killed seven people and injured six others in nearby fortified Shash Darak locality.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 03:00:46|Editor: yan
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MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Mass killings and destruction of infrastructure were only part of the consequences of the Islamic State (IS) rule in Mosul.
There are many more hidden consequences. For instance, three years of IS rule had forced thousands of students in Nineveh Province and its capital Mosul to quit school, and they are striving to return to schools or colleges to restart academic life.
Wahid Akram, 20, who is living in the refugee camp in Khazer area, some 50 km east of Mosul, lost his dream of becoming a doctor, after the IS took control of Mosul in June 2014.
"I was in the third grade of intermediate school when Daesh (IS) group took control of my city, and I was obliged to leave school for three years," said Akram, whose house in Mosul was totally destroyed in anti-IS battles.
After the liberation, Akram tried to return to school, but he was not allowed to continue his study for free because of the age limits on the students in the government-owned schools according to the Iraqi law.
Akram has only one choice: paying about 50,000 Iraqi dinars (40 U.S. dollars) to sign up for a special examination for students outside schools.
"I was forced to sell some of my foodstuff that I received from the humanitarian agencies in the camp to get the money to sign up for the 3rd grade examination," Akram said.
He is now attending unofficial classes at a school opened by a Norwegian humanitarian agency in his camp to prepare for the examination.
"I like reading and will continue my study despite all the hurdles and I'll join Medicine College to help people and to get better life for me and my family," Akram said, showing his determination to achieve his goals.
Like Akram, there are hundreds, or even thousands more of students in other cities and towns who are struggling to return to school amid the negligence of the Iraqi government.
Um Ahmed, mother of a secondary school student, said her son Abdullah Mohammed was in the sixth grade (the last year in secondary school) in 2014, but his study was disrupted when the IS took control of Mosul just before the final examinations.
"He was the best in his class with very high marks. If not for these terrorists, he would have studied in Medicine College and I would have been waiting for him proudly to be a doctor," Um Ahmed said with sorrow and regret.
Seham Mohammed was also deprived of the right to study. She left the primary school at the sixth grade after extremist militants imposed veil on women including young girls, and introduced new textbooks preaching violence and division.
"Although my family and I are refugees in the camp, I decided to continue my education to make my dream of being a teacher come true," she said.
In Khazer refugee camp, Abdullah Younis, the principal of a school opened by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), told Xinhua that his school is opened during work days to give lessons to students in primary, intermediate and secondary schools to help them continue their study.
Younis said his school is also focusing on psychological support for students to help them forget the dark period under the IS rule.
"We are focusing on sport, drawing and other cultural activities, and if we find any talent pupil we try to support him. We are trying to provide a convenient atmosphere for the students to help them forget the previous life under the brutal IS group," he said.
Hussein al-Jubouri, an educational supervisor from the Iraqi Education Ministry, told Xinhua that the parliament should make exceptional laws for students who lost their school years when their cities and towns came under IS control.
"The Ministry of Education is an executive body, which has no right to make laws. The parliament is the legislative authority which has the power to make such exceptional laws," Jubouri explained.
Unofficial statistics show 7,600 school buildings in the areas controlled by the extremist group in the provinces of Nineveh, Salahudin, Kirkuk, Diyala and Anbar were destroyed or need repairs.
According to statistics released by the Iraqi Ministry of Planing in 2013, before the IS blitzkrieg in northern and western Iraq in 2014, up to 800,000 students were then attending schools in Nineveh Province.
The IS destroyed the education infrastructure, including burning textbooks, exploiting school buildings for other purposes, and replacing textbooks to advocate violence and apostasy.
Many of the schools buildings were used by IS militants as warehouses for weapons and explosives, or as refugee centers for their families and their supporters.
The Metrojet's Airbus A-321 with registration number EI-ETJ that crashed in Egypt's Sinai peninsula, is seen in this picture taken in Antalya, Turkey September 17, 2015. (Reuters Photo)
MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to resume direct flights to the Egyptian capital of Cairo after more than two years of suspension due to a plane crash, the country's official website for legal documents showed Thursday.
The first flight will likely be launched in February, Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov said in Moscow last month following a meeting with visiting Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Sherif Fathy.
Russia suspended all direct flights to Egypt after a Russian airplane bound for St. Petersburg crashed on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on Oct. 31, 2015.
Moscow said the airliner was hit by a bomb planted by terrorists after taking off from the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh. All 224 people on board were killed.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 03:10:48|Editor: yan
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LUSAKA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese construction giant AVIC International on Thursday donated funds to Zambia's health ministry to help combat a cholera outbreak in Lusaka, the country's capital.
The Chinese firm presented a cheque of 100,000 Zambian Kwacha (about 10,000 U.S. dollars) to Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya during a ceremony following escalating cases of the waterborne disease.
Cui Ji, the firm's representative, said the increased cholera cases in the city were a source of concern, hence the company's decision to make a donation towards the fight.
He said this was not the first time that AVIC contributed funds towards the response to the cholera fight as it contributed 40,000 Kwacha (about 4,000 U.S. dollars) a week ago to the local authority in the city for the same purpose.
He said all stakeholders needed to work together to prevent further spread of cholera.
According to figures released by the Ministry of Health on Thursday, cumulative cholera cases have now reached 2,148 countrywide, with the country's capital accounting for 2,091 of the cases and 51 deaths.
On his part, Chilufya thanked the Chinese firm as well as other partners who were coming on board to help combat the epidemic.
The minister announced further measures to combat the disease such as enhancing inspection of food outlets in the city as well as suspending the transporting of vegetables and fruits from outside for selling in the city.
He said inspections conducted have revealed that food from some food outlets in the city was contaminated with cholera and some foot outlets have since been shut down.
The authorities, he said, have shut down three outlets belonging to a popular food takeaway, Hungry Lions, after food samples showed cholera contamination as well as other food outlets in the city.
The authorities have also demanded that all food handlers in food outlets be issued with certificates.
About 40 traders have been taken to court for failure to observe measures announced recently aimed at halting the further spread of cholera.
"We will continue to work closely with local authorities countrywide to ensure that inspection of food handlers is enhanced," he said.
Children play in front of tents in Khazir Camp, some 50 kilometers east of Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 3, 2018. Nearly six months after the liberation of Mosul, more than 3,000 displaced civilians still live in the Khazir Camp. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Mass killings and destruction of infrastructure were only part of the consequences of the Islamic State (IS) rule in Mosul.
There are many more hidden consequences. For instance, three years of IS rule had forced thousands of students in Nineveh Province and its capital Mosul to quit school, and they are striving to return to schools or colleges to restart academic life.
Wahid Akram, 20, who is living in the refugee camp in Khazer area, some 50 km east of Mosul, lost his dream of becoming a doctor, after the IS took control of Mosul in June 2014.
"I was in the third grade of intermediate school when Daesh (IS) group took control of my city, and I was obliged to leave school for three years," said Akram, whose house in Mosul was totally destroyed in anti-IS battles.
After the liberation, Akram tried to return to school, but he was not allowed to continue his study for free because of the age limits on the students in the government-owned schools according to the Iraqi law.
Akram has only one choice: paying about 50,000 Iraqi dinars (40 U.S. dollars) to sign up for a special examination for students outside schools.
"I was forced to sell some of my foodstuff that I received from the humanitarian agencies in the camp to get the money to sign up for the 3rd grade examination," Akram said.
He is now attending unofficial classes at a school opened by a Norwegian humanitarian agency in his camp to prepare for the examination.
"I like reading and will continue my study despite all the hurdles and I'll join Medicine College to help people and to get better life for me and my family," Akram said, showing his determination to achieve his goals.
Like Akram, there are hundreds, or even thousands more of students in other cities and towns who are struggling to return to school amid the negligence of the Iraqi government.
Um Ahmed, mother of a secondary school student, said her son Abdullah Mohammed was in the sixth grade (the last year in secondary school) in 2014, but his study was disrupted when the IS took control of Mosul just before the final examinations.
"He was the best in his class with very high marks. If not for these terrorists, he would have studied in Medicine College and I would have been waiting for him proudly to be a doctor," Um Ahmed said with sorrow and regret.
Students attend class in a school in Khazir Camp, some 50 kilometers east of Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 3, 2018. Nearly six months after the liberation of Mosul, more than 3,000 displaced civilians still live in the Khazir Camp. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
Seham Mohammed was also deprived of the right to study. She left the primary school at the sixth grade after extremist militants imposed veil on women including young girls, and introduced new textbooks preaching violence and division.
"Although my family and I are refugees in the camp, I decided to continue my education to make my dream of being a teacher come true," she said.
In Khazer refugee camp, Abdullah Younis, the principal of a school opened by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), told Xinhua that his school is opened during work days to give lessons to students in primary, intermediate and secondary schools to help them continue their study.
Younis said his school is also focusing on psychological support for students to help them forget the dark period under the IS rule.
"We are focusing on sport, drawing and other cultural activities, and if we find any talent pupil we try to support him. We are trying to provide a convenient atmosphere for the students to help them forget the previous life under the brutal IS group," he said.
Students and their teacher pose for photos in a school in Khazir Camp, some 50 kilometers east of Mosul, Iraq, on Jan. 3, 2018. Nearly six months after the liberation of Mosul, more than 3,000 displaced civilians still live in the Khazir Camp. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
Hussein al-Jubouri, an educational supervisor from the Iraqi Education Ministry, told Xinhua that the parliament should make exceptional laws for students who lost their school years when their cities and towns came under IS control.
"The Ministry of Education is an executive body, which has no right to make laws. The parliament is the legislative authority which has the power to make such exceptional laws," Jubouri explained.
Unofficial statistics show 7,600 school buildings in the areas controlled by the extremist group in the provinces of Nineveh, Salahudin, Kirkuk, Diyala and Anbar were destroyed or need repairs.
According to statistics released by the Iraqi Ministry of Planing in 2013, before the IS blitzkrieg in northern and western Iraq in 2014, up to 800,000 students were then attending schools in Nineveh Province.
The IS destroyed the education infrastructure, including burning textbooks, exploiting school buildings for other purposes, and replacing textbooks to advocate violence and apostasy.
Many of the schools buildings were used by IS militants as warehouses for weapons and explosives, or as refugee centers for their families and their supporters.
Pro-government demonstrators march in Iran's southwestern city of Ahvaz on January 3, 2018, as tens of thousands gathered across Iran in a massive show of strength for the Islamic rulers after days of deadly unrest. (AFP PHOTO)
MOSCOW, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Russia considers a U.S. proposal to hold an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council over recent protests in Iran as "harmful," Sputnik news agency reported Thursday, citing Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
The Security Council is responsible for maintaining global peace and security, and Iran's internal issues have nothing to do with its mission, Ryabkov said.
"Iran's domestic affairs have nothing to do with the United Nations Security Council's role," he said.
He said Russia will roll out its own position, which is in line with the norms of international law.
Earlier this week, U.S. envoy to UN Nikki Haley said Washington sought to convene emergency meetings at the UN headquarters and human rights council in Geneva.
Over the past week, riots broke out in some Iranian cities in protest against price hikes and economic woes.
U.S. President Donald Trump and a number of other U.S. officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, have sided with the protesters.
Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Gholamali Khoshroo has slammed the U.S. government's recent attempts to intervene in the domestic affairs of the Islamic Republic.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 03:45:53|Editor: yan
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LAGOS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian police has deployed more anti-cultism, anti-kidnapping and anti-terror police personnel to Omoku area of oil rich Rivers State to fish out those who killed 16 worshipers on New Year Day.
Police chief in charge of the state Zaki Ahmed told reporters in Port Harcourt on Thursday that police presence in Omoku has been heavily increased so as to go after the suspects and provide more security in area.
Some 16 persons returning from a crossover church service were gunned down in the early hours of Monday in Omoku while 12 others were injured.
Ahmed said the police will bring the suspects to justice, noting that the suspects had come in through the creeks in a speed boat and attacked the worshipers.
The security chief, who said the Marine Police were now patrolling the creeks, appealed to residents to furnish the police with meaningful information that would lead to the arrest of the suspects.
He also advised multi-national companies doing business in the community to go about their businesses without any fear of molestation.
Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba-Egbema/Ndoni council area, recently started to enjoy relative peace after several months of cult-related violence.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 04:06:01|Editor: yan
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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a visit to France on Friday and meet his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron amid Ankara's efforts to ease strained ties between the European Union and Turkey.
If Turkey wants "hands of a friend" to energize the long-stalled ties with the EU, Macron is the right European leader, Uluc Ozulker, a retired diplomat and Turkey's former ambassador to France, told Xinhua.
The meeting between Macron and Erdogan will be the first high-level one of the Turkish president with a prominent European leader long after Ankara engaged war of words with several European capitals and the EU over the Turkey's post-coup attempt measures.
Turkey and the EU have been engaged in a diplomatic spat since 2016 after Brussels strongly criticized Ankara for mass arrests in the country linked to the failed coup in July 2016.
The Turkish government declared a state of emergency after the coup attempt and launched a huge crackdown on state institutions. More than 55,000 have since been arrested, including journalists, lawyers, academics and opposition politicians.
For geostrategic reasons, however, Europe does not want to break away with Turkey, while France is the right choice to gain momentum in ties between Ankara and Brussels, Ozulker said.
He pointed to the strong political, economic and social ties between Turkey and France, saying Ankara was able to start accession talks with the EU in 2005 owing to the support by then French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerard Schroder.
However, Turkey's accession negotiations did not make much progress because of the direct or indirect opposition of several member countries including France.
Ozulker noted that France was among the countries blocking four chapters of the accession talks between Turkey and the EU.
Currently, Turkey has indicated that it desires warm ties with Europe, while the French president has decided to assume a role in easing the strained ties between Turkey and the EU, according to Barcin Yinanc, a Hurriyet Daily News columnist.
"Macron himself has taken upon the task of ensuring that dialogue between the EU and Turkey is maintained, capitalizing on his good relations with Erdogan at a time when other European leaders have had problems with the Turkish president," Yinanc explained.
Macron could face potential criticism from domestic public opinion for hosting Erdogan, "who is very unpopular in Europe these days," she noted.
In fact, the criticism over the Turkish government's crackdown on the opponents, particularly journalists, has spiralled into an war of words between Ankara and Paris before Erdogan's trip.
On Wednesday, Macron expressed his views about the "problem of press freedom in Turkey" ahead of Erdogan's visit.
The French president said he will raise the issue of jailed journalists in Turkey during talks between the two leaders.
In response, Ibrahim Kalin, spokesman of Erdogan, said on Thursday that Macron's remarks on the status of press freedom in Turkey are "based on lack of information," if not made on "prejudice."
"Those who try to cast a shadow on Turkey's fight against terrorism over the rhetoric on freedom of expression should better understand the realities of Turkey," Kalin told reporters, adding that the Turkish government is fighting three terrorist organizations.
Europeans either could not understand the terror threat posed against Turkey or they are in "double standard," he said.
Erdogan will show documents to Macron to prove that those journalists are under legal prosecution not because of journalistic activities, the spokesman noted.
Loup Bureau, a French journalist, had been detained in Turkey and jailed for more than seven weeks on terror charges, before he was able to return to France in September after Macron appealed to Erdogan for his release.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 04:16:04|Editor: yan
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LAGOS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government on Thursday it has commenced mass evacuation of citizens stranded in Libya home.
Spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Sani Datti said a government delegation led by Geoffrey Onyema, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, had arrived the North African country to begin the process.
Datti said that the delegation arrived Tripoli, on Wednesday ahead of the actual evacuation operation expected to commence on Friday to transport stranded Nigerians with two indigenous carriers engaged for the exercises.
A total of 5,037 stranded citizens have been identified for evacuation home, he added, noting that the Nigerian mission in Libya is coordinating the identification of the Nigerian migrants with the support of the International Organization for Migration.
He said the evacuation exercises was being led by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency with the involvement of all the relevant agencies.
The evacuation exercise was in line with the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari to evacuate all Nigerian nationals stranded in Libya and other countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 04:31:12|Editor: yan
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MINSK, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The efforts of Belarusian diplomacy were aimed at carrying out a balanced multi-vector foreign policy in 2017, the Belarusian Foreign Ministry said in its annual report released on Thursday.
"In the face of mistrust between Russia and the West, on the one hand, Belarus has remained committed to strategic partnership with the Russian Federation, integration within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, and traditional interaction with members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States," the ministry said.
On the other hand, Belarus continued to build constructive pragmatic relations with the European Union, the United States and other Western countries, it added.
According to the report, the Chinese vector of Belarus' foreign policy was filled with new content. Belarus was among the first countries in the world to join the implementation of the Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative in a number of promising areas.
In order to diversify its foreign relations, Belarus continued to build other geopolitical pillars in the so-called "distant arc" regions: Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the report said.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 04:41:15|Editor: yan
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BAQUBA, Iraq, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces Thursday killed a prominent leader of Islamic State (IS) group in Iraq's eastern province of Diyala, while Iraqi army started to withdraw from the provincial urban areas, provincial security officials told Xinhua.
Acting on intelligence reports, the Iraqi intelligence killed IS leader of Diyala province, code-named Abu Ayed, during an operation in an area in Himreen Mountain range in north of the provincial capital city Baquba, which is located some 65 km northeast of Baghdad, according to Sadiq al-Husseini, head of the provincial security committee.
"Abu Ayed is considered one of the important targets of the terrorist organization, who has been monitored and tracked in a very precise operation," Husseini said.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi army troops began Thursday to withdraw from Diyala's cities and towns to areas outside the residential areas in accordance with a government decision to transfer the security file to the police forces, according to Awad al-Rubaie, head of security committee of the town of Abu Saida.
"The army fulfilled its withdrawal from Abu Saida, some 25 km northeast of Baquba, after more than ten years," Rubaie told Xinhua.
The move is part of comprehensive plan that would include all the city and town centers in Diyala as well as in other Iraqi provinces," Rubaie said.
The Iraqi army forces will pull out from the cities and towns according to assessment of their internal security situation and after ensuring the presence of alternative forces of the police to deploy, Rubaie added.
Despite repeated military operations in Diyala province, remnants of IS militants were still hiding in rugged areas near the border with Iran in eastern the province, as well as the sprawling areas extending from western part of Diyala to Himreen mountainous area.
Dozens of IS militants fled their former bases in Salahudin province and Hawijah area in west of Kirkuk after the Iraqi forces cleared these areas from the extremist militants during anti-IS offensives in the past few months.
On December 9, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi officially declared full liberation of Iraq from IS militants after Iraqi forces recaptured all the areas once seized by the extremist group.
However, small groups of IS militants resorted to deserts and rugged areas looking for safe havens but the security forces are hunting them down from time to time.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 05:16:25|Editor: yan
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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The femicide cases in Turkey increased sharply by 25 percent and reached 409 in 2017, causing a public outcry for more effective measures against the major social problem.
Of the 409 women, 39 percent were killed by their husband, boyfriend, or former boyfriend and husband, 33 percent by unidentified perpetrators, and 24 percent by their father, son, stepson or other relative, according to a report released by the Stop Femicide Platform.
The report also said at least 332 women were victims of sexual violence.
According to figures published by the organization on Sunday, the number of femicide cases was 237 in 2013, 294 in 2014, 303 in 2015 and 328 in 2016.
The report pointed to the current state of emergency, imposed after the coup attempt in July 15, 2016, as the primary reason for the increase in violence against women in 2017, as new laws adopted under the state of emergency prompted the violence against women.
"The state of emergency means suspension of law. Women do not see a counterpart when they report violence to the competent authorities," said Diren Cevahir Sen from the platform.
Thousands of public officers, including security and judiciary personnel, were dismissed after the coup, leading to a vacuum in human resources.
Meanwhile, projects in the Ministry of Family and public institutions related to women and children came to a halt under the state of emergency.
The government also suspended hundreds of non-government organizations, including women's rights and humanitarian organizations.
Turkey's Family and Social Policies Ministry reported that 86 percent of women in the country have encountered physical or psychological violence from a family member in their lives.
According to the ministry, 39.3 percent of women in the country are exposed to physical violence by their spouse or former spouse.
In addition, higher education does not bring immunity for Turkish women in a patriarchal country with repressive social structures. Three out of every 10 women with higher education are exposed to physical or sexual violence by their husbands, the ministry said.
Turkish women were granted equality in law, but in reality many of them suffer as a "property" of men in the conservative social structure, as the patchy implementation of existing laws often fails to protect almost 40 million women and girls in the country.
For instance, a woman refusing to marry or get back together, seeking a divorce, and suspected of cheating may easily lead to domestic violence.
Many victims do not seek help because they do not have the economic independence to stand on their own or are afraid to call the police.
The government adopts many laws against femicide but deterrence is limited, as the sentences for convicts will be reduced due to "good conduct" during trial.
Moreover, if the perpetrator's motives involve honor or family privacy, the sentence can also easily be reduced. Many women are killed by their abusive spouses even after they have appealed for police protection, as judges would send the victims home with the perpetrators.
Statistics published by the Ministry of Justice showed that sexual offenses increased while corresponding sentences decreased in recent years.
According to the Ministry of Family and Social Policies, 300 women facing domestic violence had to change identity in 2017. This figure was 40 in 2013.
In the latest case of domestic violence, Ali Yardim, 29, committed suicide on Wednesday after killing his two daughters with a pneumatic rifle. Yardim was separated from his wife and were in process of divorce.
Ali was alcoholic and often beated his wife Dilek Yardim. Dilek filed for divorce last year. They were reconciled after a while. However, Ali did not keep his promises and stabbed his wife.
Dilek filed for divorce again, and the family court gave the guardianship of their two children to her.
"He was constantly threatening me. He was coming and beating me. I have reported to the police, but they did nothing. Nobody protected us," Dilek told reporters.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 05:21:28|Editor: yan
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KHARTOUM, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sudan said on Thursday that it decided to recall its ambassador to Egypt for consultation.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to recall the Sudanese ambassador in Cairo Abdul Mahmoud Abdul Haleem for consultation," official SUNA news agency quoted Foreign Ministry Spokesman Gariballah al-Khider as saying.
Relations between Egypt and Sudan have been tense over the past years on various issues.
In May 2017, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir accused Egypt of providing military support for armed rebels in his country, which was strongly denied by the Egyptian leadership.
The two countries also have a territorial dispute over the border region of Halayeb and Shalateen, which are currently under Egyptian control.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 05:36:30|Editor: yan
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NEW YORK, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Oil prices rose on Thursday as official data showed U.S. crude inventories declined last week.
U.S. commercial crude stockpiles fell by 7.4 million barrels in the week through Dec. 29, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said in its weekly report on Thursday. Economists had projected that crude in U.S. storage would decline by 5.7 million barrels.
Meanwhile, freezing weather in the United States spurred short-term demand, especially for heating oil.
The West Texas Intermediate for February delivery added 0.38 dollar to settle at 62.01 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for March delivery gained 0.23 dollar to close at 68.07 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 05:51:33|Editor: Jiaxin
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RABAT, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Morocco and Malawi on Thursday vowed to boost bilateral cooperation.
The pledge was made during a meeting between Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita and his Malawian counterpart Emmanuel Fabiano.
The talks focused on cooperation in the fields of agriculture, tourism, transport and training, Bourita told the press following the meeting.
He stressed that political ties between Morocco and Malawi have witnessed positive developments in recent years, adding that cementing the ties is part of Morocco's policy to promote inter-African and south south cooperation.
For his part, Fabiano expressed his country's willingness to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
He also stressed the importance of private sector in enhancing Moroccan-Malawian cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 05:56:35|Editor: yan
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ANKARA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. court verdict that convicted a Turkish banker of evading Iran sanctions will further aggravate the already trouble-plagued ties between Washington and Ankara.
On Wednesday, a jury in New York found former state-owned Halkbank deputy chief executive officer Mehmet Hakan Atilla guilty of five charges related to conspiracy and bank fraud.
According to the ruling, Atilla's counts include violating U.S. sanctions against Iran and defrauding U.S. banks.
The Turkish government identified the verdict as a "plot" against Ankara, saying it is politically motivated to intervene in the domestic affairs of Turkey.
On Thursday, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag slammed the U.S. court verdict, saying it is "a case of political conspiracy."
"Turkey is a fully independent and sovereign country. No other country can adjudicate Turkey and Turkey's institutions," Bozdag said on his Twitter account, adding that this verdict was against international law as well.
Commenting on the alleged involvement of foreign parties in the case, Bozdag said the case stands as an example of the politically motivated collaboration between the Fethullahist Terror Organization (FETO), the CIA, the FBI and the U.S. government.
Turkey's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said the ruling was an "unprecedented" intervention in Turkey's internal affairs.
The trial was based on the testimony of Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab, who became a witness after pleading guilty for his involvement in gold-for-oil scheme to bypass U.S. economic sanctions against Iran.
Zarrab's testimony implicated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and former Turkish ministers in the multi-billion-dollar scheme.
Local lawyers point to the fact that the trial could pave the way for further accusations and lawsuits against other Turkish citizens.
"Some other chain trials could follow this case. Because many other names were expressed during the trial," lawyer Huseyin Ersoz said.
In his testimony, Zarrab said he was told that Erdogan and former Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan had given "instructions" to two public banks to take part in the scheme to bypass U.S. sanctions against Iran.
Zarrab said he paid tens of millions of dollars' worth of bribes to former Economy Minister Zafer Caglayan.
In a statement issued after the verdict, Halkbank said it always adheres to national and international regulations in all its business and transactions.
However, Local media suggest that the Turkish government is bracing for the possibility that Turkish banks could be hit by fines over the case.
"Turkey is integrated into the international banking system and Ankara could prefer reconciliation for not to be subject to an embargo on its international banking capacity," said Abdulkadir Selvi, a daily Hurriyet commentator.
France, Germany, the Netherlands and Britain were subject to this kind of fines for doing business with U.S.-sanctioned entities.
For instance, France's BNP Paribas agreed to a record 9-billion-dollar settlement with U.S. prosecutors over allegations of breaking U.S. sanctions against trade with Sudan, Iran and Cuba.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:06:38|Editor: yan
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday announced sanctions against five Iranian entities.
The Treasury Department said in an announcement that the five Iran-based entities are subordinate to a key element of Iran's ballistic missile program.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the nation will continue to counter Iran with "additional sanctions."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:11:38|Editor: yan
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RABAT, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- A Moroccan anti-terror court has sentenced eight people to up to 15 years in prison for terror-related crimes, local media reported on Thursday.
The defendants were jailed for "forming a gang to seriously undermine public order, inciting and persuading others to commit terrorist acts, deliberately assisting those who commit terrorist acts," Alyaoum24.com news site said.
Among the convicts, three people were deported from France, and another was linked to a terror cell busted in a joint operation between Morocco and Spain, the same source pointed out.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:41:43|Editor: yan
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By Xinhua writer Wang Jiangang
UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- One year ago, on his first day at the helm of the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres firmly pledged to make 2017 a year for peace. A year later, in his message for the new year of 2018, he solemnly issued a "red alert" to the world, wearing an anxious look.
Nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise, inequality is growing, climate change is accelerating and the world is seeing horrific violations of human rights, Guterres warned.
In his 2017 new year's message, the UN chief said that "one question weighs heavily on my heart. How can we help the millions of people caught up in conflict, suffering massively in wars with no end in sight?" A year later, the situation is turning even worse.
So far, conflicts have displaced 65 million people around the world, 91 million people globally need humanitarian assistance.
At a UN Security Council meeting in 2017, the Secretary-General described the situation on the Korean Peninsula as "the most tense and dangerous peace and security issue in the world today," emphasizing that "any military action would have devastating and unpredictable consequences."
In his 2018 new year's message, he reiterated that "global concerns over nuclear weapons reached the highest since the Cold War."
However, he is always more than happy to welcome any positive change in the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) recently reopened the hotline in its truce village of Panmunjom amid rising expectations for the DPRK's participation in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in the ROK in February.
Guterres on Wednesday applauded the reopening of the communication channel between the two countries. "It is always a positive development to have dialogue between the two countries."
Also this year, Guterres highlighted the grave threat to human being from climate change, arguing that "climate change is moving faster than we are."
Relations between the United States and the UN time and again became headlines over the past year.
In June of 2017, the U.S. announced its decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. In October, it declared to retreat from the the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and again in December the U.S. informed the UN that it would no longer participate in the Global Compact on Migration.
Nikki Haley, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, announced on the Christmas eve that the U.S. negotiated a 285-million-dollar cut in the UN's "bloated" budget for next year.
But on the other hand, an increasing number of countries and organizations have expressed explicit support to the authority of the UN and multilateralism, an ideal that helps unite all the people on earth. All this, among others, makes the UN chief delighted and contented.
The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Climate Accord, bearing the common dreams and aspirations of the mankind, are warmly and popularly received and endorsed.
Guterres, in a joyful mood, said that "member states clearly recognized this commonality when they adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, two landmark achievements all the more remarkable for coming in a period of stark division in international responses to other challenges."
The UN Blue Helmets, which has more than 120,000 troops, is currently carrying out 15 peacekeeping missions around the world, and peacekeeping operations have been steadily advancing in all its areas.
Whenever talking about the attainments of this special force, Guterres almost always puts on a smile.
As for China's contributions, the Secretary-General also gives thumbs-up. Highlighting China's 70 plus percent contributions to global poverty reduction effort, Guterres gave a high mark, noting that "China's great success and its achievements in poverty reduction have had a positive spillover effect on the world."
Despite escalating challenges and threats, Guterres remains convinced: "we can make our world more safe and secure. We can settle conflicts, overcome hatred and defend shared values."
In this years New Year message, the UN chief also urged "leaders everywhere to make this New Year's resolution: Narrow the gaps. Bridge the divides. Rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals."
"Unity is the path. Our future depends on it," Guterres concluded. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:41:43|Editor: yan
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by Eric J. Lyman
ROME, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The taste for wine in the Russian market had an Italian accent in 2017, helping to propel Italy's wine exports to the ever highest levels ever and 7 percent higher than in the previous year.
Italian wine sector analysts told Xinhua that the country must work harder to coordinate and expand efforts to promote Italian viticultural products if it wants to continue the positive trend.
All told, wine exports value totaled 6 billion euros (7.2 billion U.S. dollars) last year, the highest single-year figure on record.
By destination country, Russia was the fastest growing market with a stunning 47 percent increase on year.
By product, the sparking variety saw the fastest growth with 15 percent yearly increase, though it was still dwarfed by French champagne in terms of sales.
Exports to other countries also saw significant gains: to Britain rose by 8 percent, to the U.S. by 6 percent, and to Germany by 3 percent. All the three markets had already been significant for Italian wine producers, meaning gains are generally harder to come by.
Exports to China leapt by a quarter, but were still much lower than exports from France, which remains to be the dominant foreign player in China's wine market.
"I think they take away from this is that the 'Made in Italy' brand when it comes to food and wine products is taking hold as a recognized standard for high quality," said Domenico Bosco, head of the wine division for Coldiretti, the Italian agricultural union that calculated the wine expert figures.
"It's the maturing of the Italian wine market," Bosco said in an interview, adding that for the market to mature further, the Italian government, trade associations, and producers had to work to coordinate promotional efforts more.
Lorenzo Tersi, a consultant on wine and commercial issues, agreed. "Wine promotional efforts not only need to be increased and coordinated across the sector, but also combined with other kinds of promotions, tying it to contemporary art, to fashion, to design, to high-end food, to any area where Italy is recognized as a leader," Tersi told Xinhua.
Bosco said Italy should stress the wine array of native wine grapes in commercial production in Italy, which is far larger than in France or other wine growing countries.
"It's easy for a casual consumer to reach for a familiar wine made from an international varietal like Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon," he said. "But as that consumer looks for new tastes then Italy has to be ready to promote different varietals."
Both Bosco and Tersi predicted Italy would have another strong year for exports this year, but there could be trouble on the horizon after that.
The following year, 2019, will be the first year of release for wines produced in 2017, a year when overall wine production levels was nearly a third below normal due to unusually dry and hot weather. That low production level will be felt over several years, as more high-end and reserve wines from 2017 will be released in 2020, 2021, and beyond.
"The saving grace in terms of the market share for Italian wines may be that other major wine production areas like France and California also had challenging vintages in 2017," Tersi said.
"We just have to hope that the left over production from 2016, which will be released starting this year, and then the early releases from the 2018 vintage will be enough to help fill the demand so that consumers accustomed to Italian wine will still be able to get the wines they want." Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:51:44|Editor: yan
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VALLETTA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Armed Forces of Malta were called in Thursday evening to defuse a car bomb which seems to have been activated but failed to explode.
The car was parked in a residential area in the village of Fgura in south of the island and is believed to belong to a man known to the police.
Residents in the area are reported to have heard a loud spark coming from the car, raising suspicions that it could have had a bomb placed underneath it.
In addition to army personnel, forensic experts were also on site, searching for any evidence that could shed more light on the case.
Police sources said that the bomb was different to that which killed journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in October, but they nonetheless hope it could provide crucial information on the manner in which car bombs are made.
In a brief statement sent out on Thursday evening, the government thanked law enforcement officials investigating the case.
"The government is committed to bring those responsible for this cowardly act, which could have had grave consequences, even on third parties, irrespective of whether they were the targets, to justice," read the statement.
It added that all the resources necessary for the case to be solved would be made available to investigators.
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-05 06:51:44|Editor: yan
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LIMA, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Passenger buses and trucks have been temporarily banished from a stretch of highway near Peru's capital Lima, to prevent a repeat of a tragic crash that claimed 53 lives earlier this week, officials said on Thursday.
In Tuesday's accident, a passenger bus collided with a tractor trailer, then plummeted some 100 meters off a steep cliff, landing upside down on a rocky shoreline. Most of the victims were crushed by the impact, others were flung from the vehicle.
The crash took place along a treacherous 22-kilometer winding tract -- called the Pasamayo Serpentine due to its 52 curves -- that hugs the Pacific coastline as it links the capital with towns farther north. The turn in the road where the two vehicles collided was known as the "Devil's Curve."
"We have temporarily suspended transit along the Pasamayo Serpentine. Now buses and trucks will have to use the alternate route, where a third lane will be built," Transport and Communications Minister Bruno Giuffra said in an interview with Radio Programas de Peru (RPP).
The alternate route, which runs parallel to the Pasamayo, but farther inland, is to be expanded by an extra lane on each side, to draw traffic away from the other, more dangerous route.
Also Thursday, rescue workers, aided by a helicopter and drone, managed to locate and retrieve two more bodies that had been dashed against the cliffside, raising the death toll to 53.
Authorities investigating the cause of the tragic accident say the tractor trailer was to blame for the crash, as the unwieldy vehicle partially invaded the oncoming lane while trying to make a turn.
Authorities monitoring a growing fissure high on Rattlesnake Ridge east of Union Gap warned nearby residents Friday to be prepared to evacuate at a moments notice.
State transportation officials meanwhile were working on plans should Interstate 82 be shut down by rockfall or a landslide.
Officials first began monitoring the fissure located uphill from the Columbia Ak Anderson Quarry in October. But concerns grew Thursday, when authorities closed Thorp Road at the base of the 1,758-foot ridge after geologists reported increased movement of the hillside.
Since monitoring began, the movement of an estimated 4 million cubic yards of land has sped up, increasing the immediacy of a landslide of any magnitude, said George Machan, a senior associate geotechnical engineer with Cornforth Consultants, a Portland-based firm hired by the quarry to monitor the crack.
The largest fissure is now estimated to be some 250 feet deep.
Authorities are preparing for the worst-case scenario, but its unclear what that might be.
Officials with the state Department of Natural Resources, which is overseeing the monitoring, and Machan dont expect a massive landslide.
I just cant visualize this whole mass coming off at once, Machan said.
While noting the slippage has been accelerating in the past few weeks, Machan said the cracks angle makes it unlikely rocks and dirt would build enough momentum to create a massive landslide.
Instead, he said its more likely that falling rocks will land in the quarrys pit. Some rocks would also likely roll past it and fall down the hillside toward Thorp Road, causing little damage.
But Stephen Reidel, an adjunct geology professor at Washington State Universitys Tri-Cities campus who has watched the fissure since October after learning about it from the Yakima Herald-Republic, suggests the potential danger could be greater.
After visiting the fissure Friday, Reidel said the movement seems similar to that which caused a massive landslide onto state Highway 410 west of Naches in 2009. That slide saw 40 million cubic yards of rocks and dirt bury roughly half a mile of the highway and dam part of the Naches River. No one was hurt, but several homes in the Nile area were destroyed or damaged beyond repair. Both the Rattlesnake Ridge site and the Nile slide were located near quarries.
Reidel cautioned a slide as large as the one in 2009 is possible, but isnt the most likely scenario.
Rocks and soil near the surface could slide, but the basalt that forms the base of Rattlesnake Ridge would have to crack further for a massive slide to occur, he said.
I would be pretty surprised if the whole block slipped away. But Ive been surprised before, he said.
Reidel said hes been surprised how quickly the crack has deepened since October.
I would make sure to urge people to stay off Thorp Road and stay off the hillside, Reidel said. Its just not safe. I would never go back up there again until Ive had the opportunity to see if its safe or not.
Because of the wide range of possibilities, local emergency responders started planning for the worst Thursday and Friday.
Members of Yakima Valley Office of Emergency Management told residents near 4650 Thorp Road, a collection of trailers and modest buildings, they were under a stage two evacuation meaning they need to gather their belongings and be ready to leave.
The Red Cross is expected to open a shelter for these people when they are called to evacuate. Residents were advised they should also evacuate without an official call if they hear a large amount of rocks falling or feel movement from the ground.
State Department of Transportation officials worked on a plan to protect Interstate 82 which passes within about 100 feet of the ridges base in the event rocks fall on it.
Transportation Department spokeswoman Summer Derrey said the agency plans to install a cement barrier not far from the interstate.
Its the Department of Transportations job to protect the highway, and thats what were doing, she said.
The departments traffic engineers are working with the Washington State Patrol in planning a detour route should a slide affect the interstate.
Machan said its best to plan now, rather than later.
We would say the concern level is high, Machan said. So, its not like wait another month and well worry about it. Now is the time to be prepared.
By RALPH ANSAMI
[email protected]
The Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance notes in a new report the states relatively high property taxes are mostly because there are so many fingers in the pie.
Wisconsin has more units of government dipping into the property tax pie than many other states.
Wisconsins property tax bills finance K-12 schools, municipalities, counties and technical colleges. A state tax was also on the previous tax bill, but that small fee has been eliminated this year. It was only around $6 on a total tax bill of $2,000.
In 2015, Wisconsin ranked as one of 32 states with all five units on the tax bill, including the state tax, while 18 states had fewer fingers in the pie.
In Iron County, while the school tax levy for 2017 has dropped 3.4 percent, a sharp 18 to 20 percent rise in county taxes counteracts that reduction. The increase resulted because the county was forced to borrow $744,000 for Department of Human Services 2016 placement costs for adults and children.
Next Sept. 1, the county may need to borrow another $1 million to cover the 2017 placement costs, according to Iron County Clerk Mike Saari.
Its a huge issue for the north.
Saari said Tuesday other northern Wisconsin counties are in the same financial boat, with one county dipping deeply into its highway department budget to cover the DHS expenses.
Saari said the counties are, in effect, being stuck with costs that he believes should be covered by the state.
Were just a small county with 6,000 people. Can you imagine what some of the other counties are paying? he said.
Because town and city levies vary, the overall tax bill increase or decrease varies among municipalities. In Saxon, town taxes went down 1.9 percent, but the overall bill was up 2 percent because of the 18.1 percent county tax increase.
Heres how 2017 taxes break down for one 34.3-acre parcel of land in Saxon that was assessed at $33,400: School $258; county $193; town $155; vocational school $12.80.
In Oma, the county tax increase was nearer to 20 percent.
Many residents look only at the bottom line of their tax bills, but theres other important information there, such as comparisons to the previous years tax categories.
Iron County residents must pay for at least half of their property taxes by the end of January, while the second installment is due by July 31.
Local services
The WTA points out that historically Wisconsin local governments, rather than the state, have provided most public services. As recently as two years ago, local spending still accounted for more than half of the total.
Local governments in Wisconsin depend almost entirely on property taxes. Only counties have a significant revenue option with a possible 0.5 percent sales tax.
The WTA points out other states with local spending like Wisconsin use other taxes particularly the sales tax to help pay for services.
The WTA notes the Wisconsin constitution, which requires all property to be taxed uniformly, effectively prohibits the state from targeting tax relief to certain property types, such as residences.
The WTA said many states give homeowners breaks by shifting the burden onto other types of property owners.
Reasons for property tax increases can include variations among individual property assessments, local governments that may levy more than others and shifting property values.
News
Salt Lake City, Utah - The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released the following statement Wednesday, January 3, 2018, about President Thomas S. Monson:
We, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, unitedly express our sincere sense of loss at the passing of President Thomas Spencer Monson. He was our prophet, our leader, our brother, and our dear friend.
President Monson lived an exceptional life of service. He served as an Apostle for more than 54 years, the last 10 years of which were as the President of the Church. From his earliest days of Church service to the very end of his faithful ministry, he never failed to bear witness, in word and deed, of the truth of the restored gospel and of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We will miss his wisdom, his leadership, his meaningful example, and his loving kindness. However, we rejoice in his reunion with his beloved Frances, with other family members who have gone before, and with the prophets of God who preceded him in death, with whom he now stands. As his fellow servants, we echo the words of the Master: Well done, thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matthew 25:21).
Arizona News
Washington, DC - U.S. Term Limits (USTL), the leader in the national movement to limit terms for elected officials, is currently gathering support from state lawmakers across the nation. Its goal is to trigger an amendment convention to propose congressional term limits. Arizona is a key state in this effort. State House Representatives Paul Boyer (HD-20), David Livingston (HD-22), Ben Toma (HD-22), David L. Cook (HD-8), Darin Mitchell (HD-13), and Paul Mosley (HD-5) all signed the Article V Term Limits Convention Pledge. Former State Senator Steve Montenegro also signed the amendment pledge prior to resigning to run for U.S. Congress.
USTL President, Philip Blumel, commented, The emerging support of the amendment convention in the Arizona Legislature shows that there are lawmakers who are willing to listen to the majority of voters who want term limits. America needs a Congress that will be served by citizen legislators, not career politicians.
The U.S. Term Limits Amendment Pledge is provided to candidates and members of the state legislatures. It reads, I pledge that as a member of the state legislature, I will support and vote for the resolution applying for an Article V convention for the limited purpose of enacting term limits on Congress.
In the 1995 case, Thornton v. U.S. Term Limits, the Supreme Court of the United States opined that only a Constitutional Amendment could limit the terms of U.S. Senators and House Representatives. According to Nick Tomboulides, Executive Director of USTL, the best chance of imposing term limits on congress is through an Article V proposal convention. The Constitution allows for amendments to be proposed by either of Congress or of the states. While wed like for Congress to take the high road and propose limits on itself, our goal is to trigger the latter, an amendment convention, claims Tomboulides. That is why it is important to get buy-in from state legislators, he added. Once proposed, the amendment must be ratified by 38 states.
Blumel noted, More than 75% of Americans have rejected the career politician model and want to replace it with citizen leadership. The way to achieve that goal is through a congressional term limits amendment. These Arizona legislators know this and are willing to work to make sure we reach our goal.
According to the last nationwide poll on term limits conducted by Gallup, the issue enjoys wide bipartisan support. The results demonstrate that 75% of Americans support congressional term limits. Gallups analysis states, Republicans and Independents are slightly more likely than Democrats to favor term limits; nevertheless, the vast majority of all party groups agree on the issue. Further, Gallup finds no generational differences in support for the proposal.
Living Section
Yuma, Arizona - It's the 21st Century and many of us have given up on the practice of making what we think are futile resolutions, according to the Association of Mature American Citizens. But, perhaps we should heed the words of philosopher Alex Epstein: "It is a sad irony that those who write off New Year's resolutions because so many fail reinforces the passive approach to life that causes so many resolutions-and so many other dreams-to fail.
The solution to failed New Year's resolutions is not to abandon the practice, but to supplement it with a broader resolution-a commitment to a goal-directed life."
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-03 16:17:11|Editor: Yurou
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SEOUL, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of South Koreans gathered outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul Wednesday to stage the protest against Japan's wartime sex slavery after a secret deal between the two countries was revealed last week.
About 400 South Korean citizens staged the so-called "Wednesday protest rally", which has continued for nearly 26 years, to demand the Japanese government's sincere apology and legal responsibility for Japan's wartime crime against humanity.
Around noon, some people sat on the cold mats and others were standing outside the Japanese embassy here in the cold freezing weather. People carried placards that read "Annul the 2015 Comfort Women Agreement" and "We Want Sincere Apology."
People laid yellow flowers at a girl statue, which symbolizes young women and girls who were kidnapped, forced or duped into sex servitude for Japanese military brothels during World War.
Historians say up to 200,000 young women, mostly from the Korean Peninsula, served as sex slaves for the Japanese army during the Pacific War.
The Wednesday demonstration was the first since the South Korean government under President Moon Jae-in, who took office in May 2017, revealed its review result last week over the agreement which was reached on Dec. 28, 2015 between the Park Geun-hye government and the Japanese cabinet led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The review result showed secret deals in the 2015 agreement, which involved Seoul's acceptance of Tokyo's demand for persuading the South Korean victims and their supporters to accept the agreement, not using the word of "sex slave" officially and helping remove the girl statue symbolizing the victims.
The secret deals were not made known to the general public as well as the victims at the time. No communications were made between then South Korean government and the "comfort women" victims before reaching the agreement in 2015.
"Comfort women" euphemistically refers to the victims of the wartime sex enslavement.
The then South Korean government under the impeached Park reached a "final and irreversible" agreement with Japan in return for receiving 1 billion yen (about 9 million U.S. dollars) dedicated to a foundation supporting the victims of South Korea.
President Moon said the comfort women issue cannot be resolved by the 2015 deal despite his burden that it was an official inter-governmental promise approved by the leaders of the two countries.
An advocacy group, which has supported the comfort women victims for almost three decades, claimed the return of the 1 billion-yen fund back to Japan and the annulment of the 2015 agreement.
Coun Perez reiterates warning to barangay leaders involved in drugs
07 Aug 2017 Hits:37 Comments(0)
Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jerry Perez yesterday reiterated his warning to all barangay officials from using or selling drugs. Perez said he is closely monitoring the activities of all the barangay officials and vowed sanctions against erring leaders. Aqui gane na mio barangay ya quita ya iyo na puesto cunel dos barangay leaders quien mas temprano ya sale positivo na...
District of Columbia: An attorney for President Donald Trump sought Thursday to halt publication of an upcoming bombshell book about his White House, claiming it was "libelous."
The cease and desist letter to author Michael Wolff and publisher Henry Holt and Co. claimed the book contained "numerous false and/or baseless statements" about Trump.
The book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" is scheduled to be published on January 9, but excerpts appeared in several media outlets on Wednesday, prompting an angry reaction from the White House.
A copy of the letter from Trump`s attorney Charles Harder to Wolff and the publisher was obtained by AFP.
NEW DELHI: A complaint has been registered against 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) on charges of putting up banners and requesting donations from the public recently.
After US President Donald Trump accused Islamabad of providing 'safe haven' to terrorists, the Pakistani government imposed a ban on companies and individuals from making donations to the Saed-led JuD and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and other organisations on the UNSC sanctions list.
Asked about a crackdown on JuD and FIF, Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan told BBC Urdu that action against Saeed wasn't due to pressure from the US but under the ambit of the country's own anti-terror operations.
The PML-N government is also considering taking over the control of charities run by the JuD and the FIF. If action is taken, the JuD may lose its headquarters in Muridke, near Lahore, to the government.
The FIF is a Pakistan-based organisation that is closely connected to banned terrorist group LeT and JuD. It is also said that FIF is JuD with a new name, designed to evade scrutiny and sanctions.
The United States has labelled JuD and FIF 'terrorist fronts' for Lashkar-e-Taiba ("Army of the Pure" or LeT), a group Saeed founded in 1987 and which Washington and India blame for the 2008 attacks in Mumbai that killed 166 people.
Saeed has repeatedly denied involvement in the Mumbai attacks and a Pakistani court saw insufficient evidence to convict him.
The FATF, an international body that combats money laundering and terrorist financing, has warned Pakistan it faces inclusion on a watch list for failing to crack down on financing terrorism.
On Wednesday, the JuD and the FIF activists held a rally outside its headquarters in Muridke near Lahore in protest against the government action and also blocked a road.
Addressing the rally, JuD leader Hafiz Abdur Rehman Maki alleged that the action against the JuD and the FIF has been taken on the pressure of the US and India.
"Those trying to strangle the JuD and the FIF will soon be in the grip of Allah. We are not committing any crime to serve the humanity," he said.
Maki also said that any move by the government to take the control of 'Markaz-e-Taiba' (the JuD headquarters) and charity would not be accepted.
Marzina Bibi, a Muslim woman living in Assam, is petrified she will be declared stateless. The 26-year-old`s name was not on a preliminary list of citizens that was published at midnight on Sunday, although she holds a voter identity card and had voted in state elections in 2016.
"Why are they doing this to me?" Bibi asked, sitting beside a bamboo mat she was weaving outside her mud house in Assam`s Fofonga village. "They think I am a Bangladeshi. I was born here, my parents were born here, I am an Indian."
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which came to power in Assam in the April 2016 elections, vowed during the campaign to act against illegal Muslim immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh. But rights activists say the drive is also targeting Muslims who are Indian citizens.
Two national spokesmen for the BJP declined to comment.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi did not reply to e-mails and a telephone call seeking comment.
Citizenship and illegal migration are volatile issues in tea-growing and oil-rich Assam, home to more than 32 million people, about a third of whom are Muslims. Hundreds of people were killed in the 1980s in a violent protest by a native Assamese group against outsiders from the state taking the bulk of jobs and cornering resources, including land.
For the latest update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), all residents of Assam had to produce documents proving that they or their families lived in the country before March 24, 1971, to be recognised as Indian citizens.
According to the preliminary list of the NRC, about 19 million people in Assam have now been verified as Indian citizens. More names will be added, and officials say the final list is likely to be published in July.
Reuters spoke to nearly two dozen Muslims, including Bibi, from paddy-growing villages around Fofonga who said their names were not on the preliminary list.
"I feel we are targeted because we are Muslims," said Bibi, who said she has already proved she was Indian - she was jailed for eight months on charges of being an illegal migrant from Bangladesh and was let off only after showing documents attesting to her nationality.
Surrounded by her neighbours in the village, she showed her voter identity card and the court order for her release from jail.
NO RELIGIOUS BIAS
The BJP has said previous governments have included many Bangladeshi immigrants on electoral rolls to buy votes.
At the local NRC office in the Muslim-majority area, only around 4,500 people had made it to the preliminary list out of nearly 11,000 who had applied.
The government officer in charge of the centre, Gautam Sharmah, said there was no religious bias against Muslims.
"That`s impossible. We only look at documents," Sharmah said at his office, as people trickled in to look for their names on the second day of the list`s publication. "The time taken in the verification process depends on what kind of documents people submit."
Reuters saw a tribal Hindu man leaving the NRC office with a smile after being told that the names of all six members of his family were on the list. Soon after, two Muslim women came with their infants, and left disappointed.
Hundreds of thousands of people fled to India from Muslim-majority Bangladesh after it declared independence from Pakistan on March 26, 1971, setting off a nine-month civil war. Most of them settled in Assam and the neighbouring state of West Bengal, where there are similar demands to send back illegal Muslim immigrants.
The migrants include many Hindus, but the federal BJP government has said they will not be deported.
Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam`s finance minister who is also in charge of the citizenship register, told Reuters that all those whose names do not figure in the final NRC list would be segregated.
"Deportation is an issue handled by the central government," Sarma said.
"Hindu Bangladeshis who had faced persecution should be given shelter in India and that is the central government`s stand."
Muslims leaders have called the NRC a tool to make them stateless, likening themselves to Myanmar`s persecuted Rohingya minority. They have also warned of unrest.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told the Times of India daily that the "people who are declared foreigners will be barred from all constitutional rights, including fundamental and electoral. They will have only one right human rights as guaranteed by the U.N. that include food, shelter and clothing".
In Fofonga, Bibi said she would challenge the list if it did not include her and her family as citizens.
"We are poor people, my husband is a labourer," she said, going back to weaving her mat. "But I will go to court if we are left out."
Lucknow: Defending champions Chennai Smashers went down to Delhi Dashers in an unfortunate fashion after they had to concede the last match of the tie due to an ankle injury to Gabrielle Adcock in the Vodafone Premier Badminton League here on Wednesday.
The match, which would have decided the outcome of the tie, could not be completed as Gabrielle twisted her ankle while returning a shot.
Playing in their trump match, Adcocks couple Gabrielle and Chris were trailing 5-6 in the match. Going into the match, Chennai were trailing 1-2, but a loss will erase their slate while Delhi were awarded a point and won the tie 3-0 on points.
Earlier, Korea's Sung Ji-hyun, ranked 6th in the world beat World No.3 PV Sindhu of India to give Delhi Dashers a slight advantage (2-1 on points) against Chennai Smashers.
Sung Ji, who had lost to Sindhu on both occasions in last season, exacted her revenge to disappoint the packed stadium that braved the chilly weather to see their favourite star in action.
In the marquee clash of the day, Sung Ji prevailed over Sindhu prevailed over 11-15, 15-13, 15-14. In the third match of the tie, World No.22 Tain Houwei of China beat Chennai Smashers' Tanongsak Saemsomboonsuk 15-14,15-10 to keep Delhi Dashers alive in the tie.
In the second match of the day, Hong Kong's Vincent Wong Wing Ki registered a comprehensive 15-10, 15-13 victory over France's Brice Leverdez to reduce Delhi's deficit in the tie.
In the lung-opener, the Indo-Taiwanese men's doubles combination of B Sumeeth Reddy/ Lee Yang scored a superb 15-13, 15-11 victory over the Russian trump duo of Ivan Sozonov-Vladimir Ivanov to help Chennai Smashers draw first blood.
Mumbai: Domestic carriers, including the government-owned Air India, have waived charges for ticket cancellations and no-show due to the ongoing unrest in parts of Maharashtra.
Air India, IndiGo did not charge any fee for cancellation of tickets or rescheduling of a journey to/from Mumbai on Tuesday and Wednesday. Private carrier Jet Airways too extended the waiver to its customers till Wednesday.
Several towns and cities in Maharashtra were on edge as Dalit protests against violence in Pune spilled over to capital Mumbai, with agitators damaging scores of buses, and disrupting road and rail traffic, officials said.
Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) leader Prakash Ambedkar had called for a `Maharashtra bandh' yesterday to protest the state government's "failure" to stop the violence at Bhima Koregaon village in Pune district yesterday.
The event to mark 200th anniversary of the Bhima Koregaon battle in Pune district, in which forces of the East India Company defeated Peshwa's army, was marred by incidents of violence in which one person was killed.
With PTI Inputs
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the alleged illegal confinement of girls and women in several ashrams owned by Baba Virender Dikshit and has asked the accused 'baba' to appear before it on Thursday.
The court also directed the investigation agency to trace down the accused latest by January 4.
It indicated that warrant would be issued against 'godman' Dikshit if details about all his eight ashrams aren't submitted.
Taking note of the "seriousness and the sensitivity of the matter", a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar also asked for a list of all 8 ashrams of Dikshit to be produced as soon as possible. It also questioned the meditation being taught if the inmates are being forcibly kept in prison-like conditions.
On Wednesday, the CBI registered three cases in connection with alleged illegal confinement of girls and women, and rape at an ashram in Rohini here.
Acting on the orders of the Delhi High Court, the agency has also formed a three-member special investigation team headed by a superintendent-level officer to probe these matters.
According to the procedure, the CBI has taken over the probe into the three FIRs registered by Delhi Police at Vijay Vihar police station in Rohini by re-registering them, CBI officials said.
The two cases are against Dixit for alleged rape and criminal intimidation, while one case is against unidentified people for allegedly obstructing the work of a high court-appointed committee which went to the ashram on December 19, 2017.
The Delhi High Court had on December 20 directed the CBI to investigate the alleged illegal confinement of girls and women in the ashram where they were kept in "animal-like" conditions behind metal doors in a "fortress" surrounded by barbed wire.
The bench hearing the case had asked the CBI director to forthwith constitute a special investigation team (SIT) which will take charge of all the records and documents pertaining to the matter.
The court had asked the CBI to investigate the FIRs lodged in Delhi against the Rohini-based ashram and its founder-cum-spiritual head Dixit and the daily diary entries relating to complaints of missing girls, the commission of sexual offences and even a case of suicide there.
New Delhi: The national capital continues to reel under intense cold with a thick blanket of fog affecting the road, rail and air traffic on Thursday.
According to ANI, Delhi probably experienced its coldest day of this season today as the minimum temperature recorded in the Palam this morning remained at 7 degree Celsius.
Delhi continues to be shrouded in dense fog for the fourth consecutive day, which has severely affected services at both the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and the railway stations.
Nearly 49 trains were delayed, and at least 12 cancelled due to dense fog and zero visibility.
#Delhi: 49 trains delayed, 13 rescheduled and 12 cancelled due to prevailing fog conditions in the national capital pic.twitter.com/VjeK7T4Phz ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
Hundreds of passengers at several railway stations in north India have been left stranded after multiple trains have been cancelled, delayed, and rescheduled due to dense fog.
Low visibility due to the fog has disrupted flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International airport.
At least 20 flights were delayed, according to ANI.
20 flights delayed at Delhi airport due to low visibility as fog shrouded the national capital pic.twitter.com/dmYozsSEmt ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
Meanwhile, the armed soldiers braced the extreme weather conditions in the national capital region (NCR) to rehearse for the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in the early hours.
#Delhi: #Visuals of rehearsal for the Republic Day parade at #Rajpath, in the early morning hours, amid dense fog and intense cold wave conditions in the national capital pic.twitter.com/Vgq8I7zt8B ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
Heavy fog on January 1 had forced the airport authorities to suspend all flights for several hours before visibility returned.
Delhi airport has advanced technology for low-visibility landings, called CAT IIIB.
As a result, landings can take place with a visibility of 50 metres.
However, for take-offs, a minimum visibility of 125 metres is required.
Misty conditions on Wednesday evening also brought traffic to a crawl in Gurgaon.
The air quality in the national capital has been keeping under 'very poor' category as the fog has not been allowing the particulate matter to disperse.
The weather condition is likely to remain the same for the next few days, according to the India Meteorological Department.
New Delhi: A Delhi court will on Thursday hear a plea seeking registration of a sedition case against former prime minister Manmohan Singh, suspended Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar and others for allegedly hatching a conspiracy with Pakistan to destablise the Narendra Modi government and influencing the recently concluded assembly elections in Gujarat.
The plea was filed by BJP leader and advocate Ajay Agrawal, who claimed that "derogatory" words were used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the meeting, which was also attended by former premier Manmohan Singh and ex-vice president Hamid Ansari.
In his plea, the petitioner alleged that the meeting was held at the south Delhi residence of Aiyar which was attended among others by Pakistan's High Commissioner and an ex-foreign minister of that country.
Hosting Pakistani officials at Aiyar's residence posed a great threat to national security, he alleged.
Agrawal, who had contested the last Lok Sabha election against Sonia Gandhi from Rae Bareli, had sought the court's direction to Delhi Police to book Aiyar and others present under conspiracy and sedition charges, and investigate the matter.
The court then listed the matter for hearing today.
He said the Ministry of External Affairs and the Home Ministry were not informed about the meeting despite India's strained relations with Pakistan.
The petitioner said he had requested the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Delhi Police for a probe but in vain.
New Delhi: The government on Thursday sought parliamentary nod for additional Rs 80,000 crore bonds for the recapitalisation of public sector banks (PSBs).
This is the third supplementary demand by the government in the current fiscal.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in October had announced an unprecedented Rs 2.11 lakh crore two-year road map to strengthen PSBs, reeling under high non performing assets (NPAs) or bad loans. Their NPAs have increased to Rs 7.33 lakh crore as of June 2017, from Rs 2.75 lakh crore in March 2015.
The plan includes floating re-capitalisation bonds of Rs 1.35 lakh crore and raising Rs 58,000 crore from the market by diluting government s stake.
The government is working on the modalities for issuing the recapitalisation bonds as it aims to front-load the infusion with an aim to strengthen the state-owned banking sector, sources said, adding that the announcement in this respect, including detailed guidelines, will be made during this month.
Jaitley had also announced that banks would get about Rs 18,000 crore under the Indradhanush plan over the next two years.
Under the Indradhanush road map announced in 2015, the government had announced infusion of Rs 70,000 crore in state- owned banks over four years, while they will have to raise a further Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the market to meet their capital requirement in line with global risk norms, known as Basel-III.
In the last three-and-a-half years, the government pumped Rs 51,858 crore capital in the PSBs. The remaining Rs 18,142 crore will be injected into the banks over the next two years.
With PTI Inputs
Gurugram: Three sharpshooters of a gang have been arrested for opening fire at a Gurugram bakery after failing to extort Rs 50 lakh from its owners, police said on Thursday.
Those arrested were identified as Surender alias Sunder and Dharmender, both from Islampur village on Sohna Road, and Neeraj alias Baba, who hails from Mundia Khera village in Haryana`s Rewari district, police said.
The men were arrested by Gurugram police Crime Branch from near Rajiv Chowk on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway.
"They had opened fire at Harish Bakery in the New Colony area of the city on December 13. The incident was carried out by them at the behest of a jailed gangster Ashok Rathi," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sumit Kumar.
No one was killed or injured in the incident.
The accused would threaten businessmen to extort money under instructions from jailed gangsters.
They also shot at two people in Malpura area of Agra last month during a motorcycle snatching incident, killing one person on the spot, Kumar said.
The two are said to be involved in several cases of ransom and extortion demand. They opened fire at the office of a trader in Rajasthan`s Dholpur area last year after demanding Rs 10 lakh.
"Two pistols and cartridges were recovered from the arrested criminals," Kumar added.
The Dalits protests that erupted in Maharashtra over killing of a youth in Bhima-Koregaon in Pune has now spread to Gujarat. A day after Maharashtra bandh, protesters took to streets in Junagarh in Gujarat.
Agitating over the killing of the Dalit youth in Pune, protesters on Thursday blocked the Madhuram bypass road in Junagarh, hitting road traffic in the region.
The administration acted swiftly to minimise any damage due to the protests. Buses stationed at Junagarh bus depot were shifted to a division workshop in the area to prevent any damage.
Buses in Junagarh shifted from depots to a division workshop in order to prevent damage, in the wake of protests spreading to Gujarat #MaharashtraBhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/QlCzbQ4iup ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
This came even as an event of Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani was cancelled by police in Mumbai. The Mumbai Police reportedly sealed the venue of Mevanis event, which was also slated to be attended by JNU student leader Umar Khalid.
Several students, who came to the venue to attend the event, were either evicted or detained by the police. The organisers of the event, Sachin Bansode and Sagar Balerao were also detained the police.
The authorities claimed that this has been done to maintain law and order in the city, a day after the Maharashtra bandh called by Dalit leaders over Bhima-Koregaon violence.
The cancellation of the event also led to minor clashes between student groups and the police.
The Mumbai Police had earlier received several complaints against Mevani and Khalid for making "provocative" speeches at an event here on December 31.
Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on December 31.
According to the complainants, Akshay Bikkad and Anand Dhond, Mevani and Khalid had made "provocative" comments at the event.
Meanwhile, normalcy returned in Mumbai a day after the Maharashtra bandh called by the Dalit outfits to protest against the deadly Bhima-Koregaon violence in Pune.
The developments come three days after violent clashes between Dalit groups and supporters of right-wing Hindutva organisations during the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune district left a man dead.
The clashes broke out at Bhima-Koregaon when people were headed towards the war memorial in the village, about 30 km from Pune city, the police had said.
Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, which the forces of the British East India Company had won over those of the Peshwa.
Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community -- then considered untouchables -- were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins and the victory was seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.
Border Security Force personnel on Thursday morning killed an intruder along the international border in Budhwar area of Arnia sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
The body of the intruder was recovered by the BSF and he was later identified as 35-year-old Anwar. The intruder was reportedly a resident of Sialkot in Pakistan.
Troops observed movement of two-three persons along the IB near Nikowal Border Out Post (BoP) in Arnia sector around 5.45 am, said IG BSF, Jammu frontier, Ram Awtar.
They challenged them and opened fire resulting in the death of one intruder. The other intruders managed to escape.
The force also destroyed two Pakistani posts in retaliation to the killing of its jawan in unprovoked firing.
Two Pakistani mortar positions were "located, targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers yesterday night only. The coordinated precision fire of BSF troopers silenced Pakistani guns," a BSF spokesman said.
On Wednesday, a BSF jawan was killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistan, the first this year, in Samba sector of Jammu and the force had since then launched retaliatory fire.
Arrivals hit new high but fall short of 1 million target
Arrivals to Nepal hit a new record in 2017 but remained short of the much ballyhooed target of 1 million individuals as national elections in November and December resulted in weaker-than-expected growth, the Department of Immigration said.
MEERUT: Alia Khan, who dressed as Krishna and recited a prose from Bhagwat Gita for a competition recently has urged people to not drag her into politics.
"Islam is not so weak that we will be dismissed from it just for reciting Gita or wearing a costume. They issued fatwa but will request all not to drag me into politics," Alia said.
Alia had earlier also stated that she hasn;t given up Islam by reciting shlokas from Gita. "I have not shunned Islam by reciting shlokas from Bhagwad Gita and dressing up as Krishna. These things do not affect the religious belief and identity of any person," she had said.
She had said that she read Gita for life lessons and to gain knowledge. "I do not read Gita for any religious reference. I read it to gain knowledge and we can get knowledge from anywhere," she said.
Several Muslim clerics have been condemning Alia and termed her as 'unislamic' for dressing up as Lord Krishna and reciting Gita at an event on December 30 which was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Adityanath had even felicitated her and given her a prize of Rs 25,000 during the event.
New Delhi: The government continues to carefully monitor the flow of the Brahmaputra river for early detection of abnormalities and to ensure that corrective and preventive measures are taken, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.
Replying to a written question in the Rajya Sabha on whether construction of dams by China on the tributaries of the Brahmaputra has contaminated its waters, the minister said the government has noted the Chinese foreign ministry's statement denying such a link and that it was caused by an earthquake in the region and was not a manmade incident.
She also said India intends to "remain engaged with China on the issue of trans-border rivers to safeguard our interest, including through an institutionalised expert-level mechanism which was established in 2006".
"As a lower riparian state with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, the government has consistently conveyed its view and concerns to the Chinese authorities, including at the highest levels, and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas," she said.
The minister said she also took up the issue with the Chinese foreign minister during his recent visit here in December.
The Centre was in close cooperation with various state governments, which use the waters of the Brahmaputra river, Swaraj added.
Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may gift the Gal-Mobile water desalinisation and purification jeep to PM Narendra Modi during his four-day visit to India starting January 14, 2017.
Netanyahu and PM Modi had ridden the 'buggy' jeep during the latter's visit to Israel in July 2017. Now Netanyahu is going to gift the same jeep to PM Modi, PTI quoted sources as saying.
The news agency also said that sources had confirmed that the jeep has 'indeed' left for India and "would be arriving on time" to be presented by the Israeli Prime Minister to PM Modi.
It is said to cost around 390,000 shekels (approximately USD 111,000).
PM Modi had witnessed the demonstration of sea water purification technology pioneered by Israel at a water desalination unit on the Olga Beach during his visit to Israel.
"I am thankful to Bibi (Netanyahu) because the vehicle which I saw today, particularly during a natural calamity when people are suffering (shortage of) drinking water. Can provide drinking water," he had said after the demonstration.
Visited the GAL-Mobile water desalination unit at Olga Beach. pic.twitter.com/FuirtlyLAG Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017
! There's nothing like going to the beach with friends!@narendramodi pic.twitter.com/bmVNbQNdgt Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 6, 2017
Thank you my friend, PM @netanyahu for the signed photo, your kind words, amazing hospitality & passion towards #IndiaIsraelFriendship. pic.twitter.com/1jUtMG3F85 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2017
During PM Modi's visit to Israel, the host nation had pulled out all stops to welcome him. Netanyahu had broken protocol to come to the Ben Gurion airport to receive him, an honour reserved only for the US President and the Pope.
Hailing PM Modi as "a great leader of India and a great world leader", Netanyahu had said, "we have been waiting for the last 70 years" for a visit by an Indian PM.
India and Israel had signed seven agreements to boost cooperation in key areas like science and technology, water, research and space during PM Modi's visit to the Jewish nation.
(With PTI inputs)
NEW DELHI: Honeypreet Insan's mother Asha Taneja has sent a legal notice to actress Rakhi Sawant asking her to apologise to her daughter for defaming her. Slapping a legal notice of Rs 5 crore on the actress, Asha's lawyers have asked Rakhi Sawant to apologise to Honeypreet within 30 days.
Asha has claimed that Rakhi Sawant tried to defame her daughter by making allegations of her links with Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Insan. Rakhi had claimed that she was close with Gurmeet and her closeness did not go down well with his 'adopted daughter'.
"I realised that Honeypreet was uncomfortable seeing my close proximity with Gurmeet and even feared that I may become her 'sautan' (lover's wife) by marrying him," Rakhi said.
Rakhi Sawant is currently making a film on self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim. Titled 'Ab Hoga Insaaf', Rakhi had said that her movie will expose Gurmeet. "I promise my audiences that main baba ki sab pol khol ke hi dum lungi (I will breathe only after exposing the baba)," she had said.
Gurmeet was sentenced to 20 years in jail for raping two women and has been put behind bars. His 'adopted daughter' Honeypreet is also lodged in jail in connection with widespread violence that ensued after the Dera chief's conviction.
New Delhi: Taking exception to the apex court holding National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) "unconstitutional" and instead favouring restoration of the collegium system for appointing judges, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said he is willing to "find a way out" if there is political unanimity over the government having a say in the appointment of judges to higher judiciary.
Prasad was replying to a lively debate in the Lok Sabha on the High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017, which seeks to revise salary and pensions of the judges of these courts.
The lower House later passed the bill by a voice vote.
Many MPs who took part in the debate demanded hike in their salaries.
Prasad replied to several points raised by the members and said he "was a great supporter of (the proposal for) All India Judicial Service" on the lines of Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service.
He expressed his anguish at the Supreme Court stating in its judgement pertaining to the NJAC that because the Law Minister was a member of the Commission, he might not act impartially in cases against the government.
Prasad said the Law Minister was appointed by the same Prime Minister who had a say in deciding key appointments such as those of the President, Vice President and the Lok Sabha Speaker.
He pointed out that the collegium system came in 1993 and the Law Minister used to be part of the selection process before that, adding that "some of the finest judges were appointed" then.
The Minister cited the case of the jailed Calcutta High Court judge C.S. Karnan as an instance of how the Supreme Court collegium had erred. "When I examined files, it (the collegium) said he was well-versed in law."
"That 'the Law Minister is involved' is not a fair conclusion. I leave it to the House. If the polity decides to speak in one voice, we will find a way out," Prasad said.
As members expressed their support, Prasad said he was getting a sense of the House.
The Supreme Court had rejected the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act and the 99th constitutional amendment, which provided for the formation of the Commission.
Prasad began by stating that he was proud of the judiciary. "We should respect our judiciary. It is very important to salute courage, heritage of judiciary."
During the debate, several members also spoke about the encroachment of powers of the legislature.
Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee said if this was not stopped, a day would come when "there will be a direct conflict" between the legislature and the judiciary.
The bill seeks to revise the salaries, gratuity, allowances and pensions of the judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, including those who have retired.
Under its provisions, the Chief Justice of India will get a monthly salary of Rs 2.8 lakh from the present Rs 1 lakh and judges of the Supreme Court and chief justices of the high courts will draw a monthly salary of Rs 2.5 lakh from the present Rs 90,000.
JAMMU: The Border Security Force (BSF) reportedly killed six Pakistani Rangers after one Indian Army personnel was killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The BSF officials also reportedly said that they destroyed two Pakistani mortar positions on Wednesday evening.
A BSF official had said that troops noticed some suspicious movement of two to three persons near the Nikowal border outpost in Arnia sector around 5.45 am.
A BSF Head Constable was killed in Pakistani sniper fire on Wednesday in Samba sector after which heavy firing exchanges started between BSF and Pakistan Rangers.
Earlier on December 25, Indian Army had crossed over the Line of Control (LoC) and killed three Pakistani soldiers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the death of four Indian Army personnel who were killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan on December 23.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday invited a controversy by lauding isolated nation North Korea over its dictator Kim Jong Uns tough stand against US.
Speaking at CPM district committee meeting in Kozhikode, Vijayan talked about how Kim and North Korea successfully defended the pressure imposed by US.
"North Korea has been following tough anti-USA agenda. North Korea has successfully defended the pressure imposed by US, he said addressing party workers.
The Chief Minister also reportedly said that North Korea has been more effective than China in countering US.
The statement by the Kerala Chief Minister comes amid a fierce war of words between Kim and US President Donald Trumps administration.
Even on Thursday, the White House questioned mental health of the North Korean dictator while US Vice President Mike Pence asserted that America wont be bullied or threatened.
And a day earlier, US President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning for the isolated nation, saying he had a bigger nuclear button which could destroy North Korea.
In December, the CPM had put up a poster featuring the North Korean dictator. Tweeting a photograph of the poster, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra had said, No wonder they have converted Kerala into killing fields for their opponents.
He further took a dig at the Left party, saying hope the left is not planning to launch missiles at the RSS, BJP offices.
His tweet said, Kim Jong-un finds place in CPMs posters in Kerala!! No wonder they have converted Kerala into Killing fields for their opponents! Hope the left is not planning to launch missiles at the RSS,BJP offices as their next gruesome agenda!
New Delhi: The Rajya Sabha on Thursday expressed concern over the Bhima-Koregaon incident and the ensuing violence across Maharashtra and appealed for the restoration of peace.
The discussion on the anti-Dalit violence was taken up as soon as the House met for the day and one leader of each party was given around one minute to express their thoughts.
On Wednesday, the opposition had demanded a discussion on the violence under Rule 267, that entails suspending all the listed business of the day, but was denied permission by Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu. The opposition then had disrupted proceedings in the upper House.
On Thursday, before allowing the discussion, Naidu told the MPs to be not provocative in their statements.
"Our approach should be to see that tempers are brought down and the situation is not escalated there (in Maharashtra). After all it is a social conflict," he said.
While the members from opposition parties including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Trinamool Congress, DMK, the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Nationalist Congress Party blamed communal forces and "Hindutva outfits" for the violence and demanded impartial probe and strict action against the culprits, the BJP and its ally Shiv Sena gave a clean chit to the state BJP-Sena government.
BSP member Veer Singh demanded a judicial probe by a sitting Supreme Court judge in the Bhima-Koregaon incident.
While giving a clean chit to "Hindutva elements" Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut blamed for the violence an "invisible hand" that "replicated the divide and rule policy of the British" in Koregaon.
NCP chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sharad Pawar, while criticising the communal forces, appealed for maintaining peace in the state.
"What has happened, has happened. Now peace should be restored and efforts should be made to restore peace," he said.
In the riots in Bhima-Koregaon in Pune during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Anglo-Maratha War of 1818 on January 1, more than 30 vehicles were torched or damaged and a young man was killed.
Hundreds of thousands of Dalits had assembled at the Vijay Stambh (victory pillar) erected by the British in Sanaswadi village when stone-pelting began, allegedly by some right-wing groups carrying saffron flags.
Over the next few days, the violence spread out to Mumbai and some other parts of the state.
HYDERABAD: A woman from Hyderabad has claimed that two of her sisters, Rehana and Noor, who had gone to Saudi Arabia for employment, are stuck there. She has claimed that both are being assaulted and tortured.
Rehana and Noor's sister Farhana has appealed to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to help her. "They were taken to Saudi through an agent on the promise of a beautician job, but are now forced to work as domestic help," Farzana said.
Just a few days ago, there were reports of a Ludhiana resident Kuldeep Kaur who is stuck in Saudi Arabia since past six months. Her family had claimed that she is being given death threats and is also being beaten up in Saudi Arabia. They had reached out to Sushma Swaraj for help.
A video of 46-year-old Kuldeep Kaur had gone viral where she could be heard begging to be rescued from Saudi Arabia. In a 2-minute-long video which she sent to her daughter, Kaur said that she was duped by a travel agent who took her to Saudi Arabia.
Kuldeep reportedly said in the video that she was made to work like a slave from 6 in the morning till 10 in the night.
Stating that she was working for a Saudi couple, she also said that she was not being given food by her employers.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to examine a plea of the CBI seeking a clarification on the nature of sanction needed from a state government for conducting any inquiry or investigation into an offence in the state.
The agency challenged a limited part of the order of the Delhi High Court passed in the case of former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh on March 31, 2017, in which it had said that the consent issue will be adjudicated by the trial court.
A bench of justices R K Agrawal and A M Sapre issued notice to the former chief minister and sought his reply in four weeks.
Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha, appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation, said that the agency has challenged only the limited issue of consent in the high court verdict. The high court had stated that the matter be decided at the time of the trial.
The CBI has said that section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, does not talk about the nature of consent and, therefore, it needs a clarification on the issue as it would affect its power to investigate cases.
Section 6 of DSPSE Act deals with the consent of a state government for exercising of the powers and jurisdiction by the CBI officials.
The CBI had contended before the high court that there was a general consent granted by the Himachal Pradesh government on August 24, 1990, to probe the offences of central government employees in the territory of the state.
Virbhadra Singh, on the other hand, had contended in the high court that the consent order does not take within its scope a central minister who served as a public servant at Delhi under the central government.
He had said that he was not an official "of a central government department or any other central institution located in the territory of Himachal Pradesh".
The high court had, however, said it will be for the trial court to look into the consent order aspect when the charge sheet was filed as it would then emerge as to what was the material/evidence collected by the investigating agency that was sought to be relied upon by the prosecution.
"The issue whether such consent had been obtained generally, or specifically, as well as the issue as to what is the effect of the investigation conducted, if any, without obtaining the prior consent of the government of Himachal Pradesh, cannot be determined in the present proceedings and would fall for consideration, if and when a charge sheet is filed before the learned special judge," it had said.
In the same order, the high court had refused to quash the disproportionate assets case filed by the CBI against Virbhadra Singh and his wife, saying there was no basis to claim that the FIR was the result of any "political vendetta".
It had vacated the Himachal Pradesh High Court's October 1, 2015 interim order restraining the CBI from arresting, interrogating or filing a charge sheet in the case without the court's permission.
It had also turned down the question framed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court, whether the permission of the Speaker of the state Assembly was mandatory before the registration of an FIR.
Common cause
Only time will tell if Janajatis and Madhesis will align themselves to fight for the rights of the marginalised
New Delhi: The deadlock over the triple talaq bill continued in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday with the Opposition insisting on its reference to a Select Committee for detailed scrutiny and the government rejecting the demand.
With no agreement, the government placed the bill in the bottom of priority in the list of business, which the Opposition strongly objected to and demanded that its motions for referring the bill to a Select Committee be taken up immediately.
As Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien said that the listing of business was the government's priority and decided to go ahead with a bill on GST, Opposition members created an uproar, forcing him to adjourn the House for the day.
Here's what happened in the Rajya Sabha:
Earlier, the Opposition wanted the Chair to put the motions moved by Congress leader Anand Sharma and Trinamool Congress member Sukhendu Shekar Roy for reference of the legislation to a proposed Select Committee be put to vote immediately.
They contended that before the House adjourned on Wednesday, a division was to be taken and so the Rajya Sabha should pick up the thread from where it was left. After some discussion, the two sides agreed to conduct a short-duration discussion on the economy and take up the matter regarding triple talaq bill after that.
After Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's reply to the discussion, the Opposition returned to its demand for a vote on the two motions. Jaitley raised questions over the validity of the two motions saying the statutory requirement of 24 hours advance notice was not given and that the proposed committee was not representative in character, IANS reported.
Citing earlier rulings, he said a Parliamentary panel has to represent the character of the House and be a "microcosm of the House". Jaitley, who is also Leader of the House, also said the work of a Select Committee was to improve a bill and a "saboteur" cannot be a part of the panel and as such was disqualified to be a part of it.
Intervening, Sharma said even when he had moved the resolution on Wednesday he had said in writing that the names of BJP and NDA MPs could be included in the proposed panel. Sharma demanded that under Rule 131 an unfinished business has to be finished first.
Later, slamming the Opposition, Union Minister Smriti Irani said, "Opposition stands exposed in Rajya Sabha. For past two days repeatedly it has been said that if there are any issues that need to be spoken on the bill, those issues must be put out on the floor of the House. Why is Congress-led Opposition running away from discussion?"
She added, "I think it is a shame on them that they are trying to obstruct this path of justice for Indian Muslim women," as per ANI.
On the other hand, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said, "The government is isolated, the Opposition is one. The bill should be sent to the select committee."
"Today BJP has been exposed, they don't have the guts to empower women," Trinamool Congress MP Derek O Brien said on the debate over the bill.
EXPOSED BJP isolated in Parliament. BJP exposed in front of the people.Anti-women. Anti-people.Stalled efforts to improve #TripleTalaqBill Derek O'Brien (@derekobrienmp) January 4, 2018
On January 3, 2017, too, there was a face-off between the government and the Opposition over the bill in the Rajya Sabha. Amid noisy scenes, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 for discussion and passage.
It now remains to be seen whether the government lists the bill for consideration on Friday - the last day of the Winter Session.
The bill, which seeks to make instant triple talaq illegal with up to three years in jail for the husband, was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 28, 2017.
(With Agency inputs)
Amid incessant violations of ceasefire by Pakistan, people residing in villages along international border in Jammu and Kashmir have started moving to safer places.
While the local administration has advised people to stay inside their houses, the police department is simultaneously helping them move to safer places in armoured vehicles.
This is being done in order to avoid any damage to life or property due to firing by Pakistan troops from across the border.
After sniper firing from Pakistan killed an Indian soldier on Wednesday evening, continuous firing has been on from both sides of the border.
Pakistan is targeting several Indian posts in Samba and Hiranagar sector of Jammu and Kashmir and intermittent firing has been on.
One Border Security Force (BSF) head constable, RP Hazra, lost his life in firing by Pakistan on Wednesday evening.
Pakistan has continued a series unprovoked incidents of firing along the LoC throughout December. Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat had reviewed the operational preparedness of the security forces and prevailing security situation in the state last week.
On December 23, four Indian Army soldiers, including a Major, were killed in a ceasefire violation by the Pakistan Army on the LoC in J&K's Rajouri district.
Washington: The US is considering new regulations to prevent the extension of H-1B visas as part of president Donald Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" initiative, a move which could hit tech firms and hundreds of thousands of Indian IT professionals, as per media reports.
The move could directly stop hundreds of thousands of foreign workers from keeping their H-1B visas while their green card applications are pending.
The proposal which is being shared between the Department of Homeland Security Department (DHS) heads is part of Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" initiative promised during the 2016 campaign, US-based news agency McClatchy DC Bureau reported.
It aims to impose new restrictions to prevent abuse and misuse of H-1B visas, besides ending the provision of granting extension for those who already have a green card.
"The act currently allows the administration to extend the H-1B visas for thousands of immigrants, predominantly Indian immigrants, beyond the allowed two three-year terms if a green card is pending," the report said.
"The idea is to create a sort of 'self- deportation' of hundreds of thousands of Indian tech workers in the United States to open up those jobs for Americans," it said, quoting a source briefed by Homeland Security officials.
"The agency is considering a number of policy and regulatory changes to carry out the President's Buy American, Hire American Executive Order, including a thorough review of employment-based visa programmes," said Jonathan Withington, chief of media relations for United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.
It is typically issued for three to six years to employers to hire a foreign worker. But H-1B holders who have begun the green card process can often renew their work visas indefinitely.
The technology companies depend on H-1B to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
The proposed changes would have a dramatic effect particularly on Indian visa holders considering more than half of all H-1B visas have been awarded to Indian nationals, the report said, quoting the Pew Research Center report.
"This would be a major catastrophic development as many people have been waiting in line for green cards for over a decade, have US citizen children, own a home," Leon Fresco, who served as a deputy assistant attorney general for the Justice Department in the Obama administration who now represent H-1B workers, was quoted as saying in the report.
Fresco estimates more than 1 million H1-B visa holders in the country are waiting for green cards, many of whom are from India and have been waiting for more than a decade.
Trump had made the alleged abuse and fraud in H-1B visa system a major election issue during his campaign.
After becoming the president, he signed an executive order aimed at tightening the process of issuing the H?1B visas.
Trump had said the order was the first step to initiate "long overdue" reforms to end "visa abuses".
JAMMU: A suspected Pakistani intruder was killed by Border Security Force (BSF) forces as they foiled an infiltration bid in Arania district during the wee hours in Thursday.
The infiltration attempt came barely a few hours after Pakistani Rangers resorted to firing along the international border in Samba and Hiranagar sectors on Wednesday evening.
As per reports, the BSF personnel noticed the movement of a group of terrorists near the barbed wire fence.
The intruders attempted to infiltrate the border while taking advantage of a thick cover of fog in the area. However, the BSF personnel opened fire killing one of them, while others managed to flee back to Pakistan side.
IG BSF, Jammu frontier, Ram Awtar confirmed the report and said, "They challenged them and opened fire resulting in the death of one intruder," he said adding, "the deceased was in his thirties."
"Other intruders managed to escape from the scene," he said.
The BSF force also destroyed two Pakistani posts in retaliation to the killing of its jawan in the unprovoked firing.
Two Pakistani mortar positions were 'located, targeted and destroyed by BSF troopers yesterday night only. The coordinated precision fire of BSF troopers silenced Pakistani guns,' a BSF spokesman said.
The area has been cordoned off and further details are awaited.
On January 3, a BSF jawan was killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistan, the first this year, in Samba sector of Jammu and the force had since then launched retaliatory fire.
New Delhi: Concerned over the killing of a Hindu activist in Karnataka, a delegation of BJP MPs on Thursday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to seek a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the case and other such violent deaths in the state.
BJP MP Shobha Karandlaje, who led the delegation, said Deepak Rao, hacked to death in the Dakshina Kannada district yesterday, was the 21st person to be killed in Karnataka in recent times.
She alleged the involvement of the radical Islamic outfit, the Popular Front of India (PFI), in most of the killings.
"This is the 21st murder in Karnataka. Of these, 12 were committed by 'jihadis'. The organisation is active in Karnataka because the state government is supporting it," Karandlaje alleged.
The MPs' delegation requested the Union home minister to intervene in the matter and ensure a probe by the NIA into all the recent murder cases, she said.
"It should be linked to national security and terrorist issues. The cases should be probed by the NIA," Karandlaje told reporters after the meeting.
She accused the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government of trying to hush the cases up and of not disclosing the forensic report of another slain activist, Paresh Mesta.
Mesta was killed in Uttara Kannada district's Honnavar town last month.
She also charged the state government with supporting the Islamic group for "vote bank politics".
"Siddaramaiah himself called the PFI and its political body, and asked them to support the Congress in the next elections," she claimed.
Rubbishing the allegations, Karnataka Transport Minister and Congress leader H M Revanna said the saffron party had the "habit of creating unrest".
"The law will take its own course. We have given good governance without any caste politics. The BJP has the habit of creating unrest when the state is in peace. The CM and his team can handle such cases," he added.
Bhopal: The Congress in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat over the deaths of hundreds of cows in a shelter in the state.
The Leader of Opposition Ajay Singh said he wrote to PM Modi and Bhagwat demanding that the deaths of cows in the country's biggest shelter in Agar Malwa district's Salariya village be probed and guilty be booked for murder.
State Congress chief Arun Yadav asked why are the people who give a free hand to cow vigilantes, who kill people caught with a single cow, silent on the deaths of so many cows.
Ajay Singh said he visited the shelter with Yadav on Tuesday and saw that many cows were in a bad condition. "The cows who had died had not been buried properly and dogs were feasting on the carcasses... It was a shameful sight."
"To get votes, these people (in the Bharatiya Janata Party) do not shy away from calling the cow 'gau mata' (cow mother) and even 'rashtra mata' (mother of the nation) but once the votes are in, they forget everything."
The two Congress leaders said that in the past three months, more than 400 cows have died at the shelter but the administration is accepting only 117 deaths.
The letter was sent to Bhagwat in Ujjain where the RSS chief is currently camping with some Bharatiya Janata Party members.
Bhagwat and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan were both present at the foundation laying ceremony of this shelter, the letter said, adding Chouhan had even said the spot will be made a pilgrimage place of cows.
Mumbai: The Mumbai Police on Thursday cancelled an event which was to be attended by newly-elected Gujarat MLA and Dalit activist Jignesh Mevani and Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University's (JNU) student leader Umar Khalid in connection with their provocative speeches made earlier.
According to reports, the authorities today sealed an auditorium in the Vile Parle locality where the event was scheduled to take place. The authorities claimed that this has been done to maintain law and order in the city, a day after the Maharashtra bandh called by Dalit leaders over Bhima-Koregaon violence.
Confirming the development, Sagar Bhalerao, the vice president of Chhatra Bharati and the organiser of the event, said, ''Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mewani had been invited to this event. This had been fixed earlier, but it has now been cancelled.''
''We had booked Bhaidas Hall for All India National Students' Summit here today, but now we are being denied entry. The reason police is citing is the news doing the rounds about Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mewani for the past few days,'' Bhalerao, the organiser of the event, was quoted as saying by ANI.
Had booked Bhaidas Hall for All India National Students' Summit here today, but now we are being denied entry. Reason police is citing is the news doing the rounds about Umar Khalid and Jignesh Mewani for the past few days: Sagar Bhalerao (Chhatra Bharati,VP), Organiser #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/4Fg3mSP6wq ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
The authorities have also detained the organisers of the event - Sachin Bansode, president of Chhatra Bharati, his deputy Sagar Bhalerao and an MLC Kapil.
Meanwhile, Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code has also been imposed at the venue, reports said.
Section 144 restricts the assembly of more than five people at a place.
However, the cancellation of the event has triggered minor clashes between student groups and the police.
Hundreds of students had gathered outside the venue to attend the event who are now being forcibly evicted.
#Mumbai: Students gathered for Chhatra Bharati event outside Bhaidas Hall, being forcibly removed pic.twitter.com/eGT36BvQov ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
Several students have been taken into preventive custody by the Mumbai Police following minor clashes outside the venue of the event.
The Mumbai Police had earlier received several complaints against Mevani and Khalid for making "provocative" speeches at an event here on December 31.
Mevani and Khalid had attended the "Elgar Parishad", an event organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Bhima-Koregaon, at Shaniwar Wada in the city on December 31.
According to the complainants, Akshay Bikkad and Anand Dhond, Mevani and Khalid had made "provocative" comments at the event.
Bikkad and Dhond, both locals, approached the Deccan Gymkhana Police Station with an application and demanded the registration of a case against Mevani and Khalid for allegedly promoting enmity between different communities.
"Mevani provoked the people to come out on the streets and retaliate. Due to this statement, people took to the streets and tension gripped the city," according to the complaint.
A senior officer attached to the Deccan Gymkhana Police Station confirmed the receipt of the complaint application, according to PTI.
He added that it would be forwarded to the Vishrambaug Police Station, under the jurisdiction of which Shaniwar Wada fell, for further action.
ANI today reported that an FIR has been registered against Mevani and Khalid under Sections 153(A), 505 and 117 of the IPC at the Vishrambaug Police Station.
Meanwhile, normalcy returned in Mumbai a day after the Maharashtra bandh called by the Dalit outfits to protest against the deadly Bhima-Koregaon violence in Pune.
Maharashtra: Normalcy restored in Mumbai after protests over #BhimaKoregaonViolence in the state yesterday pic.twitter.com/m6XTMjZqww ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
The Mumbai Police today claimed that it has registered a total of 16 FIRs relating to incidents of violence during Maharashtra bandh yesterday and more than 300 miscreants have been detained.
"Total 16 FIRs registered relating to incidents during #MaharashtraBandh yesterday and more than 300 miscreants detained" says Mumbai Police #BhimaKoregaonViolence pic.twitter.com/SDfFqae9OS ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2018
The action from Mumbai Police comes three days after violent clashes between Dalit groups and supporters of right-wing Hindutva organisations during the 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune district left a man dead.
The clashes broke out at Bhima-Koregaon when people were headed towards the war memorial in the village, about 30 km from Pune city, the police had said.
Dalit groups were celebrating the bicentenary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle, which the forces of the British East India Company had won over those of the Peshwa.
Dalit leaders commemorate the British victory as it is believed that soldiers from the Mahar community -- then considered untouchables -- were part of the East India Company's forces. The Peshwas were Brahmins and the victory was seen as a symbol of assertiveness by Dalits.
(With PTI inputs)
Mumbai: While the Dalit MLAs of the ruling BJP have remained tight-lipped over the recent Bhima-Koregaon violence that engulfed parts of Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray has been more vocal in attacking the Devendra Fadnavis government over its failure to contain it.
In a strongly-worded article in its mouthpiece ''Saamana'', the party said that only BJP government led by Devendra Fadnavis is to be blamed for the deadly violence that erupted in Pune and soon spread to other parts of the state.''
Continuing its attack, the Sena article said that the people of Maharashtra had to suffer because of Mumbai Police's complicity with the ruling party. It further alleged that nothing could be done since Maharashtra's Minister of State for Home belongs to BJP.
The Sena editorial also questioned the capability of the Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis government, which is "not able to control the ongoing chaos in the state".
"There is nothing new in ordering an inquiry in such matters, everyone does that. What new the Maharashtra government has done to tackle the issue. People from other states are coming in Maharashtra and carrying out such activities", the editorial stated.
It accused the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh president and the grandson of Dr. B R Ambedkar, Prakash Ambedkar, of inciting the violence and averred that the latter should make an effort to bring back peace and normalcy in the state, rather than fanning the flames.
Giving a piece of advice to the ruling dispensation, the party said that the BJP government needs to rise above the petty politics of winning elections with the help of government machinery and the police. It should think of the welfare of the state, it added.
Cautioning the government, the Sena article said, ''In spite of wasting its resources in finishing Shiv Sena, the government should fight with the enemies of the state,'' adding, '' Entire Maharashtra is on fire and it will one day leave to ashes.''
Earlier, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut had alleged a political conspiracy behind the Bhima-Koregaon violence and the subsequent tension that spread to other parts of Maharashtra.
"Today, there is an effort to divide our state on caste lines and it's all a political conspiracy," Raut said, adding that the leaders in the past had never let the state be divided on caste basis.
Raut observed that the widespread violence "is shocking, and a matter of concern to all" and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should track down the perpetrators.
"There are some invisible hands that want to finish Maharashtra because of its political greed. It is the Prime Minister's duty to find out who that is," he added.
The reactions from Shiv Sena came in the wake of violence that spilled over to adjoining parts of Maharashtra after clashes broke out between the Dalits and alleged right-wing groups on Monday during the bicentenary celebration of the Bhima-Koregaon battle near Pune.
The right-wing groups were objecting to the observance of 'Victory Day' since they considered it to be an anti-national celebration.
Both RSS and BJP are being accused of instigating the violence by opposition leaders.
In the battle, which was fought between the British East India Company, containing Dalits in its infantry, and the Peshwas, who were upper-caste Brahmins, at Koregaon Bhima on January 1, 1818, the Marathas ultimately withdrew.
Since then the lower-caste communities have been viewing it as a symbolic victory for themselves.
(With ANI inputs)
New Delhi: The BJP asked the Election Commission to appoint micro-observers in poll-bound Tripura from outside the CPI(M)-ruled state and deploy maximum paramilitary forces, alleging that an atmosphere of fear was prevailing there.
Only those government officials should be given election duty, who give a declaration that they are not members of any political party or any trade union affiliated to any political outfit, said Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP leader and convener of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which is part of the BJP-led NDA.
"Micro-observers should be from outside the state because CPI(M) has started giving membership to the state government employees in Tripura. The elections cannot be held with the Left party members inside the booth," Sarma told reporters outside the Election Commission (EC) office.
Sarma, who is also a minister in the BJP government in Assam, claimed that more than 60 party workers were killed by the ruling CPI(M) in Tripura and there was an atmosphere of fear and threat in the state.
"We (BJP) have requested the Election Commission to deploy maximum paramilitary forces in the state to ensure free and fair elections in the state," he said.
The Left party has been ruling Tripura since 1993. The state has traditionally witnessed a two-way fight between the Congress and the CPI(M).
This time the BJP is trying to emerge as the principal opposition to the ruling Left party.
Tenure of the 60-member Tripura Assembly ends in March this year.
CTGC threatens to pull out from West Seti project
China Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC), the potential builder of the West Seti Hydropower Project, has threatened to pull out if Nepal doesnt revise its guidelines regarding the power purchase rate.
Mumbai: Akshay Kumar has faith in his "2.0" co-star Rajinikanth as the actor believes the South superstar, who recently took the political plunge, will be "very good" in his new stint as a politician.
On December 31, the 67-year-old star announced that he will float a new party that will pursue "spiritual politics" and will contest the next Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Asked about how Rajinikanth will fair as a political leader, Akshay said in a media interaction, "I am sure he is going to be very good. Obviously, he will be good (at it)."
The "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" actor features as an antagonist in the sequel to the 2010 blockbuster "Robot", directed by Shankar.
The actor is currently looking forward to the January 26 release of his latest, "Padman".
The film is a fictionalised account of Tamil Nadu-based Arunachalam Muruganantham, who created affordable sanitary napkins for the women of his village.
Akshay said "Padman" aims to overcome the social stigma surrounding periods.
"In South, people celebrate when their daughter hits puberty. People talk about it, give gifts to the girl, the girl remembers it... That I was given a gift, that means something good has happened. But here people hide.
"... So the girls start thinking something wrong has happened. She loses confidence, feels as if something shameful has happened," he added
New Delhi: Even as the central government is in the process of making Aadhaar mandatory for people to avail benefits of various social service schemes, data security issues relating to the a 12-digit unique identification number refuse to die down.
Though Aadhaar issuing body Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) have time and again said that architecture of the Aadhaar ecosystem has been designed to ensure data security and privacy, investigative reports reveal the contrary.
An investigation into the Aadhaar security loophole by the Tribune has showed that details of the 12-digit unique identification number is easily accessible.
The paper said that its reporter purchased a service by anonymous sellers over WhatsApp. The reporter paid Rs 500 via Paytm to an agent. Within 10 minutes the agent gave a login ID and password, thus giving unrestricted access to details of over 1 billion Aadhaar numbers.
Through the log in gateway, one can enter any particular Aadhaar number in the portal and access all details like name, address, postal code (PIN), photo, phone number and email of the individual
What is more shocking that by paing another Rs 300, the the agent provided software that could facilitate the printing of the Aadhaar card, the paper said.
Meanwhile, UIDAI has denied the media reports and has said that it is a case of misreporting.
The Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the government's decision on Aadhaar.
The apex court has said it may consider setting up of a constitution bench to hear pleas challenging the Centre's move to make Aadhaar card mandatory for availing various services and benefits of welfare schemes.
Meanwhile the government has extended deadline fixed for mandatory linking of Aadhaar to avail various services and welfare schemes till March 31.
JAIPUR: A Pakistani national was caught trespassing into Jaisalmer Air Force station in the wee hours on Wednesday.
As per reports, he was arrested by the air force station officials, who also recovered an Aadhaar card from him.
Authorities suspect that the arrested person may have links with Pakistani spying agencies.
Officials said the man was caught when he was trying to enter in the air force station after jumping the boundary wall.
Upon investigation, the man revealed himself as Purkha Ram, and said he had come into India 18 years ago and was working as a farm worker in Vijaynagar, situated in Rajasthan's Ganganagar district.
Gaurav Yadav, Jaisalmer superintendent of police, confirming the report, said the district police were aware of the arrest but the air force authorities have not handed the arrested Pakistani national over to the police.
Under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Act, movement of foreign nationals is restricted in the bordering villages and western part of the National Highway-15 in Barmer as the international border in the state has been declared as a protected area.
A foreign national is not allowed to visit a protected or restricted area except in exceptional cases with prior permission.
MUZAFFARNAGAR: Two activists of the Bheem Sena, a Dalit outfit, have been arrested for allegedly insulting Hindu gods in a village here, police said on Wednesday.
The incident happened in Nauna village in the Mansurpur police station area last evening.
Circle Officer Rajiv Kumar Singh told PTI that police filed a case against a number of activists of the Bheem Sena based on a complaint by Man Singh.
Singh alleged Bheem Sena activists led by their leader Lokesh Kataria forced their way into his house and insulted Hindu gods.
Two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, police said.
GUWAHATI: Assam Police on Thursday registered a case against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on a complaint against her for alleging that the BJP-led Centre was "hatching a conspiracy" to drive out Bengalis from the northeastern state by "excluding" their names from the first draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
"Look at Assam. 'Bangali Khedao' (expell the Bengalis) is going on there. There is a conspiracy in Assam to drive away the people who are staying there for the last 30-40 years. 1.25 crore people might be driven away from there in the name of the Citizenship Act," Banerjee said comparing the NRC with 1960s 'Bongal Kheda' ethnic cleansing movement in Assam that drove away nearly 50,000 Bengalis from there.
"The people are being threatened to beaten away from there. I want to clearly tell the BJP government not to play with fire. Do not stoke fire of unrest in the entire nation. do not divide and rule. Try to maintain peace," she added.
The NRC of 1951 is being updated in Assam under the supervision of the Supreme Court to identify original residents of the state in order to check illegal migration. Its first draft was published on 31 December midnight.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday said all those excluded in the first National Register of Citizens draft should not worry as no one will be discriminated against on the basis of caste and community and will be given opportunities to prove citizenship.
Sonowal also said that a mechanism has to be devised "humanely" by the central government on what to do with those who are found to be illegal immigrants after finalisation of the NRC, a list of the state's citizens.
The part draft of the NRC was published on the intervening night of December 31 and January 1 where names of 1.9 crore people out of the 3.29 crore applicants were incorporated.
The massive exercise aimed at identifying illegal immigrants in the state that borders Bangladesh is being carried out in Assam following a decision in 2005 after a series of meetings between the central and state governments and the influential All Assam Students' Union (AASU).
Assam, which faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state having an NRC, first prepared in 1951.
The current exercise, started in 2005 under the then Congress regime, got a major push only after the BJP came to power in the state with illegal immigration from Bangladesh as a poll plank.
The Supreme Court, which is monitoring the entire process, had ordered that the first draft of the NRC be published by December 31 after completing the scrutiny of over two crore claims along with that of around 38 lakh people whose documents were suspect.
Of the 3.29 crore applications submitted, there was confusion over the inclusion of 29 lakh people who had submitted certificates issued by 'gram panchayats' as proof of identity, after a Gauhati High Court order in February had deemed 'panchayat' certificates invalid, an official said.
The Supreme Court set aside the High Court order and upheld the validity of the certificates as identity proof if they were followed up with proper verification.
The apex court also asked authorities to stick to the original deadline for the publication of the draft NRC and include names of those whose claims were verified.
When the NRC was first prepared in Assam way back in 1951, the state had 80 lakh citizens then.
The process of identification of illegal immigrants in Assam has been debated and become a contentious issue in the state's politics.
A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the AASU in 1979. It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord on August 15, 1985, in the presence of then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Beirut: At least 23 civilians were killed Wednesday in the Syrian opposition stronghold of Eastern Ghouta, near Damascus, most of them in Russian air raids, a monitor said.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told AFP that 18 people were killed by Russian strikes in the town of Misraba, while the remainder died in shelling from government forces.
Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said three children and 11 women were among those killed.
Victims were taken to a hospital in Douma, where an AFP correspondent saw rescuers bringing in mostly women and children.
Medical staff tried to revive an infant who had been pulled from the rubble, but without success. A young girl among the wounded received stitches for a serious injury to her face.
A medical source at the hospital told AFP that "among the wounded were two women in their twenties. One of them lost both eyes and the other lost one eye."
The war in Syria has killed more than 340,000 people and displaced millions from their homes since it began in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.
Eastern Ghouta, a small enclave east of the capital Damascus, is controlled mostly by rebels from the Jaish al-Islam group.
Russia first launched bombing raids in 2015 in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's beleaguered forces. The strikes have helped Assad regain control over much of the war-ravaged country.
The Observatory relies on a network of sources inside Syria and says it determines whose planes carry out raids according to type, location, flight patterns and munitions used.
The latest raids came after at least seven civilians, including five children, were killed Tuesday by air strikes in northwestern Idlib province, the last outside government control, the Observatory said.
Government and allied forces backed by Russian warplanes have been battling jihadist fighters and rebels for more than a week in an area straddling the boundary between Idlib and Hama provinces.The government push on the edge of Idlib province follows two months of sporadic fighting that the United Nations says has displaced more than 60,000 people.
Idlib province, held by Tahrir al-Sham, was one of four "de-escalation zones" agreed to help halt fighting around Syria by regime backers Russia and Iran and rebel supporter Turkey.
Observers say government forces first aim to take control of the southeast of Idlib province, allowing the regime to have full control of a road that links the capital Damascus to the government-held second city of Aleppo.
Earlier Wednesday Moscow`s defence ministry said a Russian helicopter crashed in Syria on New Year`s Eve killing both pilots following a technical fault.
The Mi-24 military helicopter was flying to Hama, northwestern Syria, and there was no firing from the ground, agencies quoted the ministry as saying.
"Both pilots died in a hard landing 15 km (nine miles) from the air base," the ministry said, adding that a technician had been injured and taken to another air base at for emergency treatment.
Russia`s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu last month said the military had completed the partial withdrawal from Syria ordered by President Vladimir Putin, but Moscow would maintain a presence in the country, including three battalions and two bases.
Moscow acknowledged in recent months that its special forces are also active on the ground in the offensive against Islamic State jihadists.
Washington: Potential talks between North Korea and South Korea are 'a good thing', US President Donald Trump said on Thursday.
At the same time, he also took credit for any dialogue after Seoul and Pyongyang this week signalled a willingness to speak.
"With all of the failed 'experts' weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing," he tweeted.
With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018
In a New Year address, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had said he was open to dialogue with South Korea and could send a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be held in the South in February.
Kim had also warned that he would push ahead with "mass producing" nuclear warheads, pursuing a weapons programme in defiance of UN Security Council sanctions.
In response, Seoul on Tuesday had proposed high-level talks at a border village and on Wednesday, the two Koreas reopened a border hotline that had been closed since February 2016.
On the other hand, Trump and Kim have exchanged a series of bellicose comments in recent months, raising alarm across the world.
The US President had at times dismissed the prospect of a diplomatic solution to a crisis in which North Korea has threatened to destroy the United States, Japan and South Korea.
While, Trump has mocked Kim as 'Little Rocket Man', North Korea says its weapons are necessary to counter US 'aggression'. America stations 28,500 troops in the South, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War, as per Reuters.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday had welcomed the reopening of a hotline between North and South Korea and has voiced hope for more diplomatic initiatives to end the peninsula`s nuclear standoff.
"It is always a positive development to have a dialogue between the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea," UN spokesman Farhan Haq had said, AFP reported.
Guterres "welcomes the reopening of the inter-Korean communication channel," he had added.
UN Security Council resolutions call for the de-nuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and "we hope that enhanced diplomatic initiatives will help to achieve that goal," Haq had said.
(With Agency inputs)
Charges and accusations have been hurled at a rapid pace between the United States and Pakistan after US President Donald Trump tweeted that his country only got lies and deceit from Islamabad.
In the most recent verbal attack from Washington, spokesperson of US Department of State - Heather Nauert, said that Pakistan needs to earn the money that is provided by the US. "I dont want to say that Pakistan can do more, but Pakistan knows what it needs to do," she said. "They need to better earn, essentially, the money that we have provided in the past in foreign military assistance, they need to show that they are sincere in their efforts to crack down on terrorists.
The Trump administration has already withheld $255 million in military aid - part of a $1.1 billion package approved by US Congress in 2016. Trump in his first tweet of the new year had said that the US has already given $33 billion in aid to Pakistan in over 15 years.
While Nauert emphasised on the need for Pakistan to act against home-grown terrorist outfits, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders also said Trump would act on his words. "The President is simply following through on a commitment that he made, because this is a President that does what he says hes going to do. We know that Pakistan can do more to fight terrorism, and we want them to step up and do that," she said recently.
US ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, also accused Pakistan of playing a 'double game.'
The verbal assault has been countered by Pakistan with the country's National Security Committee condemning Trump's remarks. The US ambassador in Islamabad was summoned as well. On Wednesday, the country's Interior Minister said terrorism in South Asia is a result of American policies in the 1970s and 1980s.
Meanwhile, all-weather ally in China rushed to defend Pakistan. "Pakistan has made enormous efforts and sacrifice for the fight against terrorism and has made an outstanding contribution to the global cause of counter-terrorism. The international community should acknowledge that," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.
Guilty of constructing roads in disputed territories, China may now be regarding roads built within Indian territory as an act of aggression. In a report published in state-run Global Times, security experts in Beijing have been quoted as saying that roads on Indo-China border is a sign of war preparations.
China had ignited the Doklam standoff last year when it began constructing a road in a territory claimed by Bhutan. Since, it has ramped up military presence in Doklam and hastened road construction projects here. Yet, construction of better roads by India all along the border with China is being viewed suspiciously by Beijing. "India is clearly preparing for war, and it is drawing much experience from the defeat it swallowed in 1962 when it lacked such an infrastructure," Wang Dehua, head of the Institute for South and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Center for International Studies, was quoted as saying.
China also viewed Home Minister Rajnath Singh's recent visit to Nelong Valley in Uttarakhand with scepticism. During the visit, Rajnath Singh had said that the Centre has undertaken a special project to connect all the border posts along the Sino-India frontier with roads. He had also said that while there are 'perceptional differences' with China, India maintains good relations.
Across the border though, cordial reciprocation is mostly in short supply.
After aggressive posturing in Doklam, sources have revealed that Chinese troops entered around one kilometre inside Indian territory in Tuting area of Arunachal Pradesh in the last week of December. In other places across the border, China has reportedly begun fortifying its position and even set-up surveillance systems.
While both countries have reaffirmed that development and cooperation are paramount, China continues to test waters in border areas - not just with India but with countries like Japan, Phillipines and many others.
New Delhi: Pakistan-based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has been secretly renamed as 'Al Murabitoon', reports said on Thursday.
The rechristening of JeM founded by Masood Azhar, who is wanted in India in connection with several terror attack cases, has come at a time when India has been lobbying hard at the UN for more sanctions against the outfit.
According to inputs received from the intelligence agencies, the JeM is now using its new identity to secure entry into the universities and colleges across Pakistan.
Besides, the changed identity of the outfit is also being used to secure more funds for the organisation.
The reports, claiming to have accessed documentary evidence, said that Masood Azhar is using this new identity for organising speech and debate competitions in schools and colleges in Pakistani cities of Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalakot.
If the intelligence agencies are to be believed, the renaming of JeM is a well-calculated move aimed at shielding the outfit from international scrutiny.
However, this is not the sole reason behind JeM's renaming. JeM's new identity is also likely to help it in expanding its anti-India operations.
In view of a tough competition from as Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Taliban, the JeM has been under tremendous pressure to increase its influence in PoK and the Kashmir Valley.
While the Shariyat-seeking hardcore recruits prefer the Taliban and its affiliates, the LeT has managed to establish itself mainly due to abundant resources and the extensive use of social media.
Several pamphlets inviting entries for debate competitions have been distributed in various schools and colleges in Pakistan in the name of "Al Murabitoon." Interestingly, top leaders of JeM have been invited to the events as guests.
Another thing which draws immediate attention is the prize special swords bearing the name of Masood Azhar as the 'Ameer of Mujahedeens' being given to the winners and the runner-ups.
All this comes to light at a time when the US Administration of President Donald Trump has threatened to cut USD 255 million in aid to Pakistan over its alleged terror activities.
JeM chief's nephew Talha Rasheed was among the three militants who were killed in an encounter at Aglar in Pulwama by the security forces in November last year.
EPG all set to draft report
The Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations formed in 2016 is gearing up to draft a report suggesting new ways of bilateral ties in the changed regional and global context.
Doha: Qatar has approved legislation allowing 100-percent ownership for foreign investors in most sectors of the economy in a bid to boost non-energy revenues, the government said on Thursday.
The move comes at a time of political crisis in the Gulf, with Qatar under an economic and diplomatic boycott by neighbouring countries for the past seven months.
It is also an attempt by Qatar, the third largest economy in the Gulf, to secure new revenues to finance a budget deficit due to the slump in oil prices since mid-2014.
Overseas investors will be able to fully own businesses in almost all economic sectors but they are not allowed to purchase real estate or own franchises, according to the ministry of economy and trade.
To invest in the banking and insurance sectors, foreigners need to secure a special permit from the government, the law states.
Currently, foreign investors can own up to 49 percent of companies listed on Qatar`s stock exchange in accordance with a law passed in 2014.
The new law was approved at the cabinet`s weekly meeting on Wednesday.
"The draft law aims to increase tax revenues, protect foreign and local investors and boost Qatar`s status in global economic indicators," according to a statement by the ministry.
It is not yet clear when the draft law will come into force.
The move is the latest attempt by Qatar, the world`s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas, to secure new revenues since the Gulf crisis took hold.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in June, accusing it of links to extremist groups and being too close to Shiite Iran, Riyadh`s regional arch-rival.
Doha has denied the charges.
Qatar has increased business with existing trade partners outside the region, announced plans to produce more gas and sought new markets, most recently in West Africa.
LONDON: A violent storm packing winds up to 160 kph battered parts of western Europe on Thursday, derailing trains, toppling trees and halting flights.
Authorities said one person was killed and at least 15 others were injured in France and Switzerland.
The high winds played havoc on transport, derailing trains in Switzerland and Germany and leaving hundreds of thousands of homes across France, Switzerland, Britain and Ireland without power.
Officials said one skier was killed in the French Alps after being hit by a falling tree in Morillon in Haute-Savoie.
Several people were injured when a train was blown off the tracks near Lenk, a town south of Bern, the Swiss capital, local media reported.
In western Germany, a train derailed near Luenen when it crashed into a tree that had fallen onto the tracks, according to the dpa news agency. No injuries were reported.
The storm forced the cancellation of flights at Zurich and Basel airports and toppled a truck on a Swiss highway.
Thousands of households at Lake Zurich were left without power, and firefighters were called to help with toppled trees blocking streets and flooding due to heavy rain.
Swiss police say several people were stuck inside a cable car that halted in the ski resort of Pizol in the Swiss Alps.
St Gallen police said several rescue teams were trying to get them out. High winds prompted ski lifts to stop running at other Swiss resorts as well.
In England, the storm brought hail and lightning. Overturned vehicles forced officials to close portions of three major highways.
Some bridges were also shut down.
Extremely high tides caused the partial collapse of a harbor wall in Cornwall in southwestern England, bringing seawater flooding in.
The country's main weather forecaster, the Met Office, says gusts reached 100 mph in Cumbria, 280 miles (450 kilometers) northwest of London, early today.
The storm battered northern France with winds surpassing 145 kph some of the worst gusts to hit the country in years.
Many people posted photos of destroyed cars, collapsed scaffolding and uprooted trees on social media.
France's national electricity provider says the storm left some 200,000 households without electricity, including 30,000 in the Paris region.
In the Paris region, a falling tree hit a car and seriously injured one person, while another resident was seriously hurt falling from a building.
In all, the Interior Ministry said 15 people in France were injured, with four in serious condition, following accidents caused by high winds.
Strong winds also caused delays at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, as extra precautions were taken to safely get travelers into aircraft.
In Germany, highways near Duisburg and Juelich in the west were partially blocked because of toppled trees and flooding.
The zoos in Munich and Augsburg in Bavaria closed for the day and the railway going up Germany's tallest mountain, the Zugspitze, was shut down because of the storm.
In neighboring Austria, a ski jumping practice in Innsbruck was cancelled due to the strong winds and snow.
New Delhi: In a major embarrassment for Islamabad, the United States on Thursday placed Pakistan on a 'Special Watch List' for severe violations of religious freedom.
The US Department of State said in a press statement, "In accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as 'Countries of Particular Concern'. Today, the Department of State announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on December 22, 2017."
It added, "The Secretary also placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom."
In accordance with International #ReligiousFreedom Act of 1998, the Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom as Countries of Particular Concern". https://t.co/p06gUFU33u pic.twitter.com/QT7Dbkpp5V Department of State (@StateDept) January 4, 2018
Today @StateDept announces that the Secretary of State re-designated Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan as Countries of Particular Concern on Dec. 22, 2017. The Secretary placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List. Department of State (@StateDept) January 4, 2018
We recognize that several of these countries are working to improve their respect for religious freedom, we welcome this initiative and look forward to continued dialogue. The U.S. remains committed to advancing religious freedom around the world: https://t.co/8bJnXV65xZ Heather Nauert (@statedeptspox) January 4, 2018
"The protection of religious freedom is vital to peace, stability, and prosperity. These designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries... The United States remains committed to working with governments, civil society organisations, and religious leaders to advance religious freedom around the world," the statement further said.
The move comes days after US President Donald Trump had torn into Pakistan accusing it of giving nothing to the US but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists in return for USD 33 billion aid over the last 15 years.
On January 1, 2018, Trump in his first tweet of the year on New Year's day had said, "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more."
Earlier, in his new South Asia Policy in August 2017, Trump had called for tougher measure against Pakistan if it fails to cooperate with the US in its fight against terrorism.
(With Agency inputs)
After an attack by US President Donald Trump on North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, US Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday said that the country will not be bullied.
The US Vice President further said that America will not be threatened, adding that the country has managed to marshal an unprecedented amount of economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.
This came even as the White House questioned the mental health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un after his repeated threats to the US that he has "nuclear button on his desk."
"I think the President and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea. He's made repeated threats. He's tested missiles time and time again for years," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters at her daily news conference.
Sanders was responding to questions on Trump's nuclear button tweet, after which some political analysts in the US have been questioning his mental fitness.
"This is a President who's not going to cower down and he's not going to be weak, and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do, and that's stand up and protect the American people," Sanders said.
A day earlier, Trump, responding to the latest rhetoric of North Korean leader Kim Jong un, said that he too has a nuclear button which is not only much bigger and powerful, but also works.
"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un had said that the "Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times."
"Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday.
It came just hours after the North Korean dictator ordered his scientists to build the country's biggest Inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM), which would be launched in September, the 70th anniversary of the regime.
Earlier, in a televised New Year address, the North Korean leader had said that the entire US is within range of his nuclear weapons, and that a nuclear button is always on his desk.
(With agency inputs)
Sigmar Gabriel, the Foreign Minister of Germany noted the necessity to assure Russia to return its representatives to the Joint Center for Control and Coordination in Donbas. He claimed this at the joint press conference with Pavlo Klimkin, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine as Interfax-Ukraine reported.
It is very important to assure the Russian government to take part in the JCCC. It is important for Ukraine to have a direct contact with Russia. We want to assure and do everything possible to stop the revoke of the Russian officers and return them to this mission, he said.
As we reported Russia decided to withdraw its representatives from the Joint Center for Control and Coordination in Donbas(JCCC) on December 19th.
This decision was made due to a new order of entry to Ukraine and the introduction of a duty to inform about your intention to visit the country in advance in electronic form for Russian citizens scheduled for January 1st, 2018.
The Joint Center for Control and Coordination is a group created to monitor compliance with the Minsk Protocol, which includes representatives of the Ukrainian and Russian sides, as well as the fighters of the LNR and DNR militants. The Center started its work on September 26, 2014, in Soledar, Donetsk region.
According to the head of the German foreign service, the main goal for the talks is providing sustainable cease-fire and heavy weapons pull-out
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel hopes that the heads of the foreign ministers of the Normandy Four countries (Ukraine, France, Germany, Russia) may take place during the Munich Security Conference in February. Sigmar Gabriel said that to the reporters after the talked in Kyiv with his Ukrainian counterpart Pavlo Klimkin on January 3, Interfax reported.
"It could be good to have a meeting in the Normandy format on the level of ministers at the beginning of the year during the Munich Security Conference, Gabriel noted.
According to the head of the German foreign service, the main goal for the talks is providing sustainable cease-fire and heavy weapons pull-out.
As it was reported earlier, the 54th Munich Security Conference takes place on February 16 18, 2018.
Note that Sigmar Gabriel is visiting Kyiv to discuss the further joint steps to restore the territorial integrity of Ukraine, to release the political prisoners detained in the Russian prisons.
Gabriel and Klimkin will travel to eastern Ukraine on Thursday and visit Donetsk region, an area near the demarcation line between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian insurgents to inspect Ukrainian positions in the combat area in Donbas.
The topic will be on the agenda of the very first meeting of Minsk talks group, - MP Iryna Gerashchenko
As soon as Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE resume the negotiations of the trilateral group in 2018, the Ukrainian side will be ready to discuss the release of Ukrainians held in Donetsk. Iryna Gerashchenko, Ukraines representative in the humanitarian subdivision posted that on Facebook.
Im to raise this issue, the one about the teenagers held in captivity at a pre-trial detention center in Donetsk. I am sure all sides of the Minsk group, including the OSCE coordinators, should demand the release of these individuals, she said.
Poland is sure that it should independently decide to accept the refugees and migrants or not
Open source
Mateusz Morawiecki, the Prime Minister of Poland claimed that his country accepted more than 1.5 million of the Ukrainians, including dozens of thousands displaced persons from Donbas during the last years. He claimed this during the joint press conference with Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister as Ukrinform reported.
We accepted 1.5 million of the Ukrainians and the majority of them are people from occupied Donbas. We think that at least a few dozens of thousands are people who escaped from these territories. I emphasized at the European Council and I tell this once more that the countries of Central Europe do a lot for the migration, reduce of the tension at the East of Europe as the war between Russia and Ukraine takes place and Poland has a lot of migrant and refugees from Chechnya and we obviously reduce the tension in the migration sphere, the Polish prime minister claimed.
Also, he noted that the attitude of Poland and Hungary does not change during the last years and the countries should independently decide to accept the refugees and migrants or not.
Moreover, Morawiecki noted that the attitude of the authorities of the countries of Western Europe become more similar to the attitude of Poland and Hungary that it is necessary to provide the aid at the place of the conflict but to not accept the refugees in Europe.
Earlier the UN reported that about 107 000 people arrived in Europe through the Mediterranean Sea or land routes in the first half of 2017. The leaders of most EU countries agreed on the acceptation of the refugees by each country according to the quotas. At the same time, some countries, particularly Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic expressed their unwillingness to open the borders for the migrants.
As we reported Mateusz Morawiecki, the Prime Minister of Poland claimed that Poland accepted at least a few dozens or even hundreds of the thousands of the refugees from Ukraine. Svitlana Krysa, the Head of the Consular Department of the Embassy of Ukraine to Poland claimed that only 625 Ukrainians appealed to the Polish authorities with the request to provide them the international protection in 2017 and the dozens of thousands of the Ukrainian refugees are out of question.
The limits have been in place since January 2016, as ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin
EPA / UPG
The Kremlin decided to extend the limits on the transit of Ukrainian goods to Kazakhstan through the Russian territory. Russian president Putin submitted respective changes to the decree On measures aimed at securing economic safety and national interests of the Russian Federation. The edited document appeared on the official web portal of legal information of the Russian Federation.
On January 1, 2016, the Russian government imposed limits on the transit of Ukrainian goods via its territory; the restrictions concern only deliveries by truck from Ukraine to Kazakhstan, which should be conducted via a certain checkpoint on the Russian-Belarusian border.
Ukraine protests against such decision, claiming that Russia completely ceased the entire transit of Ukrainian goods through its territory.
Valeria Lutkovska advises avoiding entering Russia not only to the participants of the anti-terrorist operation but also to those looking for a job
The unjust opening of criminal cases against Ukrainian citizens, who work in Russia or those who were going to cancel their contract or to come back, in Russia became more frequent. Valeria Lutkovska, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights said that on air of 112 Ukraine TV channel.
Theres an increase of a number of those who were detained or left Ukraine for employment on the territory of the Russian Federation, who was unhappy with the terms of the contracts, who was going to terminate the contract. These people appeared in jail with accusations of trafficking smoking blends with narcotic substances or other. The number of these people is increasing, Lutkovska stated.
Ombudswoman also recommends the participants of the anti-terrorist operation to refrain from going to Russia.
I would ask the participants of the anti-terrorist operation not to go on the territory of the Russian Federation, and not only due to the fact that the anti-terrorist operation in Ukraine, Lutkovska said.
As we reported earlier, the Security Service of Ukraine informed that Russian security agencies are hunting down Ukrainians in Russia, and citizens of Ukraine are being systematically detained there.
Oleh Negoda, the soldier of the armed Donbas Conflict was detained in Moscow. He went to visit his sister in Saratov at the end of December 2017.
Failure to take agendas to people main reason behind election debacle: NSPN
Naya Shakti Party Nepal (NSPN) has concluded that the party faced a debacle in the recently concluded parliamentary and provincial elections held on November 26 and December 7 due to failure to take the agendas effectively to the people.
One man from Odesa, five men from Kherson, three from Mykolaiv and one from Kyiv cant get back to Ukraine
Ten Ukrainian sailors aboard of ship in Tartus seaport in Syria cant return back to Ukraine because of shipowner debts. Hromadske reported that citing Andriy Shevchenko, the head of Odesa sailors charity projects.
Four months ago, a man from Odesa, five men from Kherson, three from Mykolaiv and one from Kyiv signed a contract with a Turkish shipowner for sailing to Lebanon. However, later it becomes clear that the ship is in Syria, which is in the state of the civil war since 2011. The captain has taken documents of the Ukrainians away to stay aboard and not to bat around, Shevchenko said.
The Kherson company, that hired the sailors, reported that the previous crew hadnt received their salary for almost two years, and the ship Starshina Derov N. G was in a very poor technical condition. It was arrested for the debts of the shipowner/operator on the claim of a third person. Besides, the shipowner faced sanctions for multiple entries into ports of the occupied Crimea.
According to Shevchenko, Ukrainian diplomatic services managed to provide a minimal amount of fresh water and provision to the ship. The representative of the shipowner, whom the sailors contact, transfers a small amount of money to the local agent.
Shevchenko explained that Ukrainians could not go back home as the captain of the port did not issue a permit for them to leave the board as the uncontrolled ship posed a threat to navigation and ecology. The documents were not given back to the sailors until now.
We are waiting for the actions of the mediator from the side of the Ministry of Social Policy and the law enforcement bodies of Ukraine, the representative of the sailors' charity fund said.
As it was reported earlier, Ukraines Foreign Minister announced that at least 214 Ukrainian sailors were in custody outside Ukraine. The authorized bodies of the countries (namely Greece, India, Spain, Italy, Libya, Oman, France, Sri-Lanka) have chosen custodial detention as pre-trial restrictions. It is practically impossible to state the exact number as some of the detainees try to solve their problems by themselves without applying to consulates, trade unions or other relevant organizations.
International organizations BIMCO and ISF publish the report on the world commercial fleet labor market once in every five years. The latest Manpower Report was issued in 2016. It said that 69 thousand Ukrainians were employed to work on international ships in 2015. Our country enters the top 6 countries among those who supplies the highest number of the workforce to the shipowners.
Vyacheslav Abroskin, the First Deputy Chairman of the National Police, operative services and the investigation detachments will be present at the meeting
Open source
Headquarters' meeting that was created to investigate the murder of Iryna Nozdrovska, the layer and a human right activist will participate as well. Mykola Zhukovych, the spokesperson of the National Police in Kyiv region claimed this as 112 Ukraine broadcasted.
Today the meeting of the headquarters that was created to investigate the murder of Iryna Nozdrovska will take place. It will be held at the police office in Vyshhorod. All detachments that perform the special investigation activities on the establishments of the killer, investigators will be present there and they will estimate the initial work of the local police officers and regional department, he said.
According to Zhukovych, the further decision on the actions that aim to find the killer will be made. Also, Vyacheslav Abroskin, the First Deputy Chairman of the National Police, operative services and the investigation detachments will be present at the meeting.
At the moment, the action group is created and it cooperates with the police, work out the information provided by the non-governmental organization.
The Interior Ministry of Ukraine claimed that the best specialists of the detection were involved in the investigation of Iryna Nozdrovskas murder. It was also noted that if the specialists from other fields are needed they will be called immediately. The investigation considers four hypotheses of Nozdrovska and the main one is her professional activity.
Also, the advocate of Nozdrovska claimed that he initiated his own investigation of the murder.
We remind relatives of Iryna Nozdrovska reported her disappearance on December 29th. She disappeared on the way from Kyiv in Vyshgorodska area. She investigated the death of her sister, who in September 2015 died in a car accident caused by Dmytro Rossoshansky, the nephew of a district judge, who was in a state of drug intoxication at the time of the accident.
Two years after the accident, Iryna was able to obtain punishment for Rossoshansky. At the end of May 2017 the court sentenced him to 7 years in prison, but on December 27 he almost escaped from custody: in the Court of Appeal of the Kyiv region, the lawyer tried to appeal the verdict and bring his client under amnesty, using the violations committed by the court of the first instance. As Irina's relatives said, she constantly received threats from Rossoshansky.
Also, the protest took place near the building of the National Police due to the murder of Nozdrovska with the demands to hold the objective investigation of the crime and dismiss Dmytro Tsenov, the Head of the National Police in Kyiv region.
Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine signed the Law of Ukraine On prevention and counteraction the domestic violence.
The law provides the creation of the Unified Register of Domestic Violence Cases and Gender-Based Violence. Such register is planned to prevent new cases of violence and protection of the suffered.
It is assumed that people who found out about cases of the domestic violence should report on them to the bodies of the local authority or the National Police, or to call to the call center on prevention and counteraction the domestic violence, gender-based violence, and violence towards children.
The data about victims will be stored in the Unified Register only if the suffered agrees. Moreover, if the offender is justified or the information was belied then his personal data will be immediately deleted from the registry.
The document aims at the agreement of the acting legislation in the sphere of the counteraction the domestic violence and preparation of the base for the ratification of the Istanbul Convention.
The Ukrainian Parliament adopted the draft law on the prevention and counteraction the domestic violence by 237 voted at the beginning of December. It provided the creation of the Unified Register of Domestic Violence Cases and Gender-Based Violence. Also, the draft law was criticized for the removal of gender stereotypes term from it and the MPs did not succeed to return it. Iryna Gerashchenko, the First Vice Speaker noted that the draft law in such form contradicted the Istanbul Convention that Ukraine intends to ratify.
Power & Light Press
Kyle Durrie, found of Power & Light Press, speculates that more than a decade ago, coinciding with the inception and popularity of sites like Etsy, consumers began to react against the identical and modular, the duplicate wares churned out by corporations. As a culture, we were losing touch with handmade things, and imperfection and charming flaws, Durrie elaborated. There was a return to craft and I think things have only gotten more refined over the last decade.
That return to craft has extended to all reaches of life and all manner of goodsthink handmade soaps made from wild harvested plants, hand embroidered wearables, jewelry hammered around the block, not across the world, screenprinted towels and tees from the Grower's Market. Add to that tremendous list the charming, letterpressed bite of Power & Light's greeting cards. Everyone's baby is ugly except for yours, in block letter is typical of the voice you might expect from Durrie and company. Or, perhaps you might find something like the popular maxi pad cards, featuring an illustrated, yes, maxi pad, and the words, You're super. Maybe you've seen the three-color illustration of tube men (you know, those inflatable advertising gimmicks that car dealerships put out?) that simply offers the encouragement: Fuck yeah.
Before Durrie and her team of four others, headquartered in Silver City (611 N. Bullard, Unit F), with a small storefront currently in Madrid (3 Firehouse Lane) and a satellite store at Spurline Supply Co. (800 20th Street NW) found success with their quirky handmade cards, prints, totes and booze bags, Durrie was on a different path in life. She was an artist working in pen and ink when she hit a creative wall. That world wasn't feeling right anymore. So, she uprooted herself from Maine and moved to Oregon where she began to rethink her creative work, and took a letterpress class on a whim.
The physical equipment really struck me, she said describing the antique, large presses that she accessed in the class, despite the fact that they had fallen out of popular use in the `70s. I thought they were really beautiful. Then there was something about using a different mediummostly words, strung into simple sentences and phrases with resonance. There was substance to working with language, the medium we all casually work in everyday. What I had been struggling with before was my own hand as a drawer. Second-guessing the line work that I was doing. Working with type and text allowed me to totally pivot from the conceptual problems that I was having creatively. It gave me a practical challenge. String these letters into words and these words into sentences. I didn't care that I was a beginner. With drawing, I felt like I should know what I was doing at that point. With this craft, I was like, of course I don't know what I'm doing.
It's safe to say that Durrie now has commanding knowledge of letterpress and stringing together the right words to strike shoppers looking for the right message to send to friends, lovers, acquaintances and family. Power & Light Press has grown from a one-woman operation to a team of five, and in Durrie's collection there are four presses reclaimed from disuse in sheds and barns across the countryand a fifth one on the way. While Durrie's job description positions her as the lead designer and artistic director, she described, I work with four really smart and funny women and I want their feedback and ideas. So, while many of these ideas spring solely from Durrie's mind, others are collaborative.
Typically, the concepts for these playful little greeting cards and assorted other goods take shape out of overheard conversations, observations, jokes exchanged between Durrie and her friends. Durrie records these things in a notebook to return to and flesh out digitally before transferring the design to a plate, and then fixing the plate to the press, where it is inked and put to paper in a style of relief process printing. In addition to Power & Light's collection of four presses, they also have a handful of typefaces in wood and lead, several clocking in at around 100 years in age. These typefaces are essentially the same concept as a stamp, and at one point in history, they were how every word was printed. Like the letterpress, these fell out of fashion in favor of more efficient technologies for mass production, but Power & Light cherishes these as the precious artifacts they are, and put them to work again to flex their perennial charm.
That's another thing that is so charming about Durrie and her team's craftthat the tools they use, whether old typefaces or a Chandler & Price cast iron press from 1923have found new life through the revival of handmade objects. And that Power & Light can take an antiquated method and use it in service of a voice so modern, so enlightened and funny is a testament to both revitalization and progress. It's not so niche anymore, Durrie said, after pointing out the first press she ever owned, now on display at Spurline Supply Co. Handmade things are not this weird, specialized side thing. They are part of the conversation of objects these days. And not just as an aside, as a major speaking point.
Power & Light Press continues their hard work and steady, organic growth. The company has recently moved to a larger workshop in Silver City with a proper storefront (Open Thurs-Sat, 11am to 3pm). Their Madrid store will be open on weekends for the foreseeable future, and Albuquerque locals can find a huge breadth of their products at Spurline. February will see a release of new card designs for spring that get all the sentiments right. For Durriethat's at the core of this practice, creating cards that make people remember others in their life and reach out, communicate. It took some growing up to get there, though. I used to feel like it wasn't artistic enoughartist with a capital 'A', she said. Now, the day-to-day, creative side of running the business does feel like enough to be part of those relationships between people, that feels good.
Get in on the conversation by following Power & Light Press on Instagram @powerandlightpress, order online at powerandlightpress. com, or visit any of their stores in Silver City, Madrid or at Spurline Supply Co. in Albuquerque.
Zahra Marwan
In Zahra Marwan's numerous illustrations, she inserts magic into everyday life. Through distinct line work and often a few poetic lines, the everyday is transmuted into something beautiful and enduring. Opening on Jan. 5 at the Harwood Art Center (1114 Seventh Street NW) with a formal reception to be held that same evening, from 6 to 8pm is Marwan's When Life Becomes Floral, a selection of works completed in the aftermath of Marwan's father's death, which coincided with spring blooming in the high desert. Marwan unpacked her thoughts, processes and inspirations for the work ahead of its opening.
Alibi: What can you tell us about the content of this show? Where did these illustrations come from and when were they made?
Marwan: I started most of the illustrations for this show in October and have continued making pieces up to now, really. They're mostly composed of floral motifs, bright colors, travel [scenes] and a hint of grief, with a few being starkly black and white. They are based on lingering ideas from the past year and the confusion of experiencing my father's quick and unexpected death. I've used sketches, ideas and memories that I've kept on the side that I'm bringing to completion.
Is this a cohesive body of work with a single theme of sorts, or a collection of various unrelated works?
This is a cohesive body of work revolving around my experience of grief and traveling the 8,000 miles back home to Kuwait. I had just turned 27 when my father passed away. It was quick and unexpected, and I didn't arrive in time to say goodbye, but I made the emergency trip home. My flight back to New Mexico was a few hours after his funeral. I was profoundly confused and in pain. Spring was blooming in Albuquerque, and I continued going to my flamenco classes at the university. The show is an investigation of a question I asked myself at the time: How can I feel so much pain, and life be so beautiful?
How did you approach each of these pieces?
I approached these pieces by reflecting on imagery of my dad, abstracting the travel back home and by including imagery of the sea, where some of my fondest memories reside. They also include imagery of rituals which I wasn't prepared to take part in. These illustrations are composed of extracts of memory, abstractions of events and the sentiments which followed his death. The real life experience of losing someone I love and what I had imagined were so different. I was so confused why spring was blooming, life becoming warm, people friendly, while I felt such deep pain.
What inspires you to sit down and illustrate a scene?
I like to share stories that I've lived, and to give a certain exaggeration to real life. Story-telling banal situations in an embellished way is a big part of my culture. People spend nights gathered, adding humor and details to mundane situations. Illustrating my experiences functions as a journal of sorts, and creating them gives me relief.
What are your materials you use?
I like the washes, ease, opacity and forgiveness of watercolor. Though, sometimes I wonder if I like it because I'm impatient and it dries so quickly.
How do you stay motivated to create?
I've made it an integral part of my life and main focus, which took a long time to do. It feels like a journal or visual diary in a way. It's another way to digest experiences, feelings or normal day-to-day life.
What do you hope that people who visit the show will take away from it?
I hope that people who visit will enjoy the floral motifs, the line work and the flat imagery. I hope the aesthetic and simplicity will be pleasant. I hope that the imagery will be relateable, and that they will enjoy a small dialogue on death.
Anything else that you'd like readers to know?
My father had made light of his situation. Our phone calls leading up to his sedation in the ICU were full of jokes, and when I'd cry he'd say, Don't cry! What am I the first person in the world who's going to die? His death has so far been the most painful experience of my young and turbulent life.
The Art of Christmas: New Mexico Style
PLEASE NOTE!
Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!
All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!
(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Reel World King-Sized Fantasy The Dark Tower. The movie is a (mostly) family friendly, PG-13 adaptation of Stephen Kings epic, eight-book series about an extradimensional gunslinger battling the forces of evil in the form of the demonic Man in Black. Idris Elba and Matthew McConoughey star. The film screens from 1:30 to 3:30pm. The ABQ-Bernco Public Library starts out the new year by mixing a bit of literature with a bit of film. On Sunday, Jan. 7, folks are invited to the Central & Unser Library (8081 Central Ave. NW) for a free screening of the 2017 fantasy feature. The movie is a (mostly) family friendly, PG-13 adaptation of Stephen Kings epic, eight-book series about an extradimensional gunslinger battling the forces of evil in the form of the demonic Man in Black. Idris Elba and Matthew McConoughey star. The film screens from 1:30 to 3:30pm. View in Alibi calendar
Locals Should Submit As of Jan. 1, the New Mexico Film Office is accepting submissions for its annual New Mexico Filmmakers Showcase, a juried competition open to all up-and-coming New Mexico filmmakers. The winners of the showcase will be announced at an awards ceremony in May at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The Best in Show winner will take home a $250 cash prize from the New Mexico Film Foundation. All winning films will be screened at the 2018 New Mexico Film & Media Industry Conference this fall. There is no fee to submit. Organizers are looking for short films (60 minutes or less) in the following categories: Comedy, Drama, Documentary, Horror, Fantasy, Music Video, Sci-Fi and Student. Films must have been completed on or after October 25, 2016. One submission per person is allowed. All entrants must, of course, be New Mexico residents. Entry deadline is March 15. To fill out your application, upload your film and get it in front of this years judges, go to nmfilmoffice. submittable. com/ submit.
Brian Fairchild
Its the middle of the afternoon at izanami, the Japanese restaurant at the Ten Thousand Waves hot springs spa (21 Ten Thousand Waves Way) up in Santa Fe. Sake Sommelier Mateo Miller and Bar Manager Michael Naiman are kindly giving their lunch break to speak with me about sake (or nihonshu in Japanese), a beverage I know next to nothing about. In front of me is a bowl of crispy brussel sprouts with pork belly and pecorino cheese, along with about a dozen half-drunk cups of sake from around the bars extensive menu. The two men have spent the past hour giving me a crash course on everything sakean education that is distilled here for you, dear reader.
So, well start with the basics: Sake is an alcoholic beverage made from milled and fermented rice. It has been made in Japan in some form for about 2000 years, traditionally by farmers and monks. Now, sake is produced on a massive scale in Japan by toji, or master brewers, who have been doing it the same way for generations. It has become more popular in the US in recent decades since Japanese restaurants started importing it. You can now find at least a few brands of sake in most decent liquor stores in the country.
Sake is clear or slightly yellow in color, depending on the type, and generally tastes delicate and floral, making it excellent to pair with fish and most Japanese food. There are several different grades of sake, where the grade is determined by how much the rice is milled before its fermented. In each grade, the outer bran of the rice, which contains most of the fats and proteins, is milled away to varying degrees, with the more highly processed rice creating a refined and delicate-tasting sake. After milling, the rice is steamed and then inoculated with koji, a mold that breaks down the starches in the rice into sugar. The sugar ferments into alcohol in the same tank simultaneously. This is called multiple parallel fermentation, a process which differs from beer brewing, in which the starch-to-sugar conversion and the sugar-to-alcohol conversion happen in two different steps. Sake has an alcohol content of 18-20% after brewing, but it is typically diluted to 14-16% to bring out some of the flavors that would otherwise be overpowered by the alcohol taste.
While there are some exceptions and subcategories to the general grades of sake, the most common grades youll encounter when shopping for sake are these, in ascending order of refinement:
Futsuu: This is the sake equivalent of table wine, and it makes up 70-75% of the market. The rice used is run-of-the-mill, non-sake-specific rice. Its only barely milled in comparison to more premium sakes, and there is plenty of sugar and distilled alcohol added to the finished product to adjust taste and increase the yield. That said, there is plenty of good, drinkable futsuu sake out there. This kind of sake is typically served hot.
Honjozo: The rice used to make honjozo sake must be milled to at least 70% of its original size. Honjozo is generally light, fragrant and easy to drink.
Junmai: This type of sake is made with only rice, water and koji moldnothing else is added. Junmai is typically milled to 70% or less of the rices original size, but the rice-only aspect is the most important qualification for this type. Junmai, and all the following grades, are typically served cold to preserve the more delicate flavors.
Ginjo: In this type, the rice must be milled to at least 60%. Ginjo requires a long and labor-intensive brewing process, and thats reflected in its price tag. Tastes light, fruity and refined.
Daiginjo: The rice for daiginjo sakes is milled to 50% or less before its fermented. A very small amount of distilled alcohol is added to the mix. Daiginjo tastes complex and fragrant.
Junmai Daiginjo: The most labor-intensive brewing and the most highly milled rice is involved in making junmai daiginjo. This type of highly refined sake tastes clean and light.
Besides the degree of milling that the rice goes through, the other factors that go into the quality and particular flavor of any given sake are the type and origin of the rice used, the labor techniques, and the temperature at which its brewed. There are other, more specialized types of sake as well, such as flavored sakes made for cocktails and the unfiltered nigori.
Reading about sake and how its made is only a limited way of learning about it. The best and most enjoyable method of learning about this delicious beverage and its historical and cultural roots is to taste itideally, at a bar or restaurant where theres plenty to choose from and somebody on staff who knows their stuff. Ordering a flight is a good way to taste and compare several different kinds of sake to find out which flavors appeal to you the most. Perhaps youll love the Chikurin junmai ginjo, a strong and herbal brew, or the Daku nigori junmai, a unique, unfiltered sake with a mild and creamy palate. Its a new yearwhat better time to try something a little different?
Izanami, which by far has the most extensive sake list in New Mexico (and perhaps in the country), is a great place to taste some of the most premium and interesting sakes in the world. Because everyone behind the bar is given regular refreshers on the sakes they carry and what they each pair with, youll not be steered wrong. If you happen to find Mateo Miller behind the bar, ask him about his most recent trip to the sake breweries in Japan and watch him light up. Happy sipping.
Dateline: Florida
A Florida man was arrested for calling 911 to complain about the size of his dinner. According to the Stuart Police Department, a 51-year-old man was charged with misusing the emergency services line last month after calling twice to complain about the portion size of his dinner at a restaurant called Crabbys Seafood Shack. The man reportedly told a 911 dispatcher that he had been served clams that were extremely so small and didn't want to pay for them. The dispatcher told the man to call a non-emergency line, but he told police he'd forgotten the number. The man was not placed in custody, but is scheduled to be in court later this month.
Dateline: Pennsylvania
A woman was given a $284 billion electricity bill last week. Mary Horomanski, of Erie, Pa., told The Washington Post that she was shocked when she received a bill from her local electricity company showing an account balance of 284,460,000,000, with a first payment due of $28,176. According to the bill, the full amount wasn't due until Nov. 2018. Horomanski told reporters that her first reaction was to assess her family's electricity usage, wondering about the Christmas lights that were strung on the outside of their home. She texted an image of the bill to her eldest son, who contacted the electric company, who confirmed that the bill was a mistake. A spokesperson for the company said the cause of the error has yet to be discovered, and it was the first time the company had ever issued a bill for billions of dollars. The correct total was $284.46, which Horomanski says is still high, compared to the previous month.
Dateline: Hawaii
Two men who have been best friends for 60 years recently found out they were brothers. Alan Robinson, who was adopted as a child, and Walter Macfarlane, who never knew his father, first met in the sixth grade. The two have been best friends over the last six decades. While using a family history and DNA-matching website in an attempt to learn more about his ancestry, Macfarlane reportedly discovered a near-perfect genetic match in a man with the username Robi737. In an interview with local news station KHON2, his daughter told reporters that Macfarlane instantly knew who the other person was because Robinson went by the nickname Robi and was a pilot who flew 737s for Aloha Airlines. The two learned that they share their birth mother, a revelation they made public last week at a gathering of friends and family.
Dateline: Dominican Republic
Mourners attending the funerals of a group of people who died ingesting tainted homemade liquor reportedly drank the same liquor and also died. Officials in the Dominican Republic say a number of people died last month after drinking a homemade liquor made from sugarcane which contained methanol, a highly toxic liquid used in the production of formaldehyde and antifreeze. Methanol can cause blindness if ingested. Following the initial deaths, authorities say at least a dozen others died and at least 21 more were hospitalized when the tainted alcohol was served at the funerals of some of the victims. The deaths occurred near the border with Haiti and an unknown number of people there have reportedly died as well. Authorities in the Dominican Republic say they have yet to find the source of the tainted liquor.
Dateline: Denmark
Danish police are saying that a man carrying a large amount of cannabis got into a police car because he thought it was a taxi. Last week, Copenhagen police tweeted that an alleged drug-dealer was hurrying home when he mistook a police car for a taxi cab and entered the back seat. According to reports, the man was carrying around 1,000 joints at the time. The incident happened in Christiania, a district of Copenhagen known as a center for drug trade, according to the BBC. It is illegal to possess or distribute cannabis in Denmark. Law enforcement officials originally tweeted that the man would face a fine, but later said he could face a custodial sentence. Police have been conducting raids in Christiania in recent months, even using drones to fight the illegal trade of cannabis.
Dateline: Florida
A Florida man was arrested for punching an ATM after it gave him too much money. Cocoa police say a Wells Fargo automatic teller machine caught surveillance footage of a man hitting the device's touch screen late November. The man reportedly contacted the bank later in the day to apologize for the incident and tell the manager that he had punched the screen because the machine was dispensing too much money and he didn't know what to do. Bank officials say the man's attack cost over $5,000 in damages and pressed charges against him. He was arrested for criminal mischief by Cocoa police nearly a month after the attack.
So the earth continues to travel undisturbed in an unfathomably huge elliptical path around the sun, an impossibly massive, hot, yet verifiably real object only 93 million miles away. That burning blob of plasma gives us life. So remember that whatever spiritual, metaphysical, religious or scientific ideas this essay on prognostication engenders, we're all ultimately sun worshippers and our god is at least 4.5 billion years oldconstantly aflame with just the sort of radiation fleshy beings like us need to survive in the depths of space, by the way.
With all the uncertainty such a labyrinthine existential scheme breeds, it's no doubt the big-brained, hairless, bipedal apesof which you and I are invested tribe-membersare going to go seeking for further clarification.
That's probably especially true these days, when American culture has just spent the past two years transitioning from a hopeful, progressive, democratic society with growing global reach into a dour yet determined, regressive populist-nationalist regime dressed in protectionist and isolationist costumes to hide its ravenous imperial nature.
What's next? is not so much a rhetorical question or urgent bourgeois expletive uttered every month on bill day as it is the symbol of a real, growing quest to understand the massive changes facing human culture right now.
In the midst of crisis the answers folks seek tend to come from experts. The advice of the common man just won't do it in times when there just ain't no job growth and the North Koreans have an A-Bomb aimed at the heart of our enterprise. Economists are consulted. Planetary scientists. Mystics and lawyers. Rabbis, priests and bishops get a say too, as year-end predictions come pouring out through a gazillion media outlets.
But among our small communities, at the beginning of an all-too warm winter, we also tend to talk among ourselves. Here at Weekly Alibi, there's always a plethora of the informed, curiously shaping and inhabiting the spaces of our lives right here in Burque.
Here's who we talked to: local psychic Reta Crook-Bray, legendary Burqueno poet and bunny-man, Jeff Hartzer and public health scientist John Scariano. While their looks at the future varied and sometimes were at odds, they all wrote to us from their hearts about the futurethe place where, the Amazing Criswell noted, we will spend the rest of our lives.
The Seer
Reta Crook-Bray has been a part of the metaphysical/psychic community all of her life. While in high school her aunt and mother opened Abithas with the hope of bringing the tools to folks who practice the old ways. Reta has served Albuquerques Pagan community for near 30 years and looks forward to the years to come.
Weekly Alibi: What is happening in the world now, why have the last two years been so chaotic and where are we going?
Reta Crook-Bray: First, the past two years, fear and doubt have ruled side by side. Psychically meaning that once one allows fear and/or doubt to have a place in their life that person loses their own power.
The start to 2018 is blessing us with the full moon, Jan. 1. It is what is called a wolf moon and is full of strength and determination. It is also a supermoon, meaning that it is unusually close to the Earth, this will allow us to shed the guck and muck that we have been carrying for the past two or so years. Giving us the chance to lay a sound and strong foundation to build our goals and dreams upon.
Putting into place " resolutions" at this time of year is the norm, but think more if you will to be putting "the law" into effect, saying in effect, This is how my year will be! I will not settle for anything less than. ... Placing such statements into your energy/aura, one is adding intention and purpose to what they want and deserve.
How will things continue to change in 2018?
2018 is going to be a great year. Full of opportunities and new experiences. If one works on growing a positive vibration of good intent, all the ill and negativity that has been breeding will have no place and will have no strength to meddle.
Are there forces at work in this world beyond what the average human imagines? Are those forces working for or against us?
The extra energies that have been "hanging" around have been with us on this plane since Samhain, also known as Halloween. Several folks have felt the presence of their loved ones and others who have passed for several weeks now, not knowing exactly why but open to understanding it.
During the time of Samhain the veil between our world and the next becomes very thin. At that time spirits are able to visit and if they wish help those of us on the physical plane with what we might be trying to achieve. Energies of our guides, ancestors and guardian angels are always with us to try and help keep us on the path that we were placed upon from birth.
With that, there are also energies that when they left their physical body did not wish to leave this plane and have taken up a space filling it with a harmful and malice desire to harm those who physically reside in that space.
When off feelings come over you you can call out or pray for safety and protection from anything that wishes you harm. Cleansing your home, work, car, family and self will help clear these energies from the space and allow more peace and positive energy to reside.
What about all the dry warm weather this winter, what does that mean?
This past November, I saw a post of my friend's daughter building a snowman, normal for this time of year? yes. Where they live? No. My friend and her family live in Covington, La., just outside New Orleans. Here in New Mexico I see it as a blessing. Meaning that there are beings that are part of the land and are trying all that they can to make a better place for all of us. In doing so the energetic vibrations are so high that the traditional winter has no place here at this time.
Anything else you might want to add about the human condition, hope, the future?
As we go into 2018, keep your vibrations positive. When doubt wiggles into your thoughts tell it to "go away," or, "Be gone before someone drops a house on you." Give those negative thoughts and ill intent wishes no place to call home. And above all else be good to each other.
The Jester
A lifelong educator, writer, poet and photographerwho was also one of this towns first legitimate bloggersJeff Hartzer is also the curator of Bunnytown USA and a partner at AirDance ArtSpace. He has been a fresh and chaotic voice of this desert since 1985.
Weekly Alibi: What did you dream about 2018?
Jeff Hartzer: I awoke on New Years Day in the midst of an action-packed apocalyptic dream. A group including me, was each looking to hide in a ghost town similar to the set of AMCs season one of Preacher at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Cerrilloswith dusty roads, old half-open buildings and surrounded by a very vast unknown of emptiness. In this dream, no one knew each other, no one knew the apparently mobile enemy. We were each weaponless, lost, hungry, tired, dirty and very afraid. We were not hiding from zombies but rather from a mobile humanity on the hunt. And, we each felt helpless and yes, hopeless.
My dream was not an auspicious start to what the Chinese Zodiac refers to as the Year of the Earth Dog (2/ 16/ 2018- 2/ 4/ 2019). Our Commander-in-Chief was unfortunately born in 1946, making him in the Chinese parlance, an Earth Dog; yet, number 45 is the only POTUS in 130 years to not own a dog. Why would he? He genuinely only loves himself with no room for pets in his tiny cone of 'love. He even made Merry Christmas all about himself. Jesus! On the other paw, dogs receive all of our love (or hate) and return only geometrically increased amounts of true unconditional love no matter how kicked around or ignored they may be.
What do your dreams say about Albuquerque?
The world famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will be canceled this year for lack of hot airthe stuff will be spewing unabated in Washington, leading to a ballooning crisis. Our Peetza Governor will secede to the Democrats as scheduled. At least three giant big box stores will be reborn as marijuana dispensaries. Mother Earths sacred salt beds will tire of mistakes at WIPP; results unknown.
Don Schrader will finally have to pay taxes after the skyrocketing sales of brewskis and apparel merch for his new brew, WHIZZBANGERS goes national. At thefullwiki.org Don shares, I have drunk my piss every day since 11/10/1999. Party on, Don. Zozobra will finally marry up and have little Zozos just like Orbits little ones. Finally and most importantly, I predict that Mayor Tim Kellers new beard will become white by next Christmas.
The Scholar
As a scientist, John Scariano works with large amounts of healthcare data to determine positive outcomes for his patients. A Chicago native, hes also passionate about culture and politics and has 28 years of teaching and research experience at the UNM School of Medicine, Department of Pathology.
Weekly Alibi: How will American life and health be affected in 2018?
John Scariano: The life expectancy in the US will decrease again this year, largely to the huge amount of opioid addiction were discovering especially among white, middle class, middle-aged adults.
In the larger scope of things, how will the health of the planet be affected this year?
Approval of previously banned neonicotinoid pesticidesmade possible by the Trump administrationwill cause continued decrease in specifice pollinating insect populations, particularly bumble- and honeybee populations. On a related note, the western US will continue to face a significant drought and subsequently there will be more wildfires.
What do you see as an outcome to this and other scientific issues?
Despite the denigration of science and scientists, reason and clear thinking will gain a new beach head after Nov. 2018.
Flood-hit families struggle to cope with winter chills
Flood displaced people living at Jamuwa in Biratnagar metropolis, Morang, are facing hardship due to cold weather.
Bye, Felicia.
That pretty much sums up the political year 2017 as it heads out into history. To get a better grip on 2018, its important to keep up with local and state politics. Here are a few suggestions regarding upcoming issues and people to keep up within order to get that grip on now and get your vote out later.
Historic Election
Buckle up buttercup, the important November 2018 campaign/election season is upon us and its gonna be a bronco ride. On the ballot, here in New Mexico, we have hundreds of key positions up for election: one US Senator (Martin Heinrich), all 3 US Representatives, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney General, Commissioner of Public Lands, 3 positions on the state Court of Appeals, 2 seats on the state supreme court, all 70 state representatives, 3 pubic regulation commissioners, 6 public education commissioners, the 11th Judicial District Attorney, 5 district judges.
All 33 counties have county commission, assessor and sheriff seats up for grabs, along with probate and magistrate judge positions. This includes the Albuquerque metropolitan area of Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Valencia, Cibola and Torrance counties. Mid-term elections all around the country will be getting influenced by the national agenda and its attached campaign money. There is plenty of opportunity to get involved by finding a candidate to get behind, or maybe even becoming a candidate. Check out the the bureau of elections resources on the Secretary of States website at www.sos.state.nm.us for all the info.
Water and Air
Air and water are of extreme importance, not only all over the globe but locally as well. The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority handles our drinking water and its infrastructure for the greater metropolitan area. These are the folks pulling the water out of the aquifer or the Rio Grande river, cleaning it up and piping it into our homes to flow from our faucets. This body not only controls the water flow but has the power to guide growth and its sprawl when asked to approve a water application to business and housing developments. It is currently reviewing an application for Santolina, a proposed Westside development of 90,000 residents. This decision will impact area residents for many decades to come. To keep up with our precious agua and for other local water information, check out the water authoritys website, especially the latest news tab atwww.abcwua.org.
Another little talked about board that impacts residents with every breath we take is the city county Air Quality Board. This board is charged with implementing the federal Clean Air Act and the state Air Quality Control Act by adopting air quality regulations and standards. The board also approves, or declines, permits for industries like cement plants and gasoline tank farms in the South Valley and other businesses that release airborne toxins or dust. With federal environmental protections on shaky ground, it is up to local bodies like these to keep industries in check. And just as importantly, it is up to citizens to keep the local entities in sync with the community. A good place to keep up and get smart about local environment and political matters is www. nmpoliticalreport.com and www.kunm.org.
Susans Goodbye Session
The upcoming 30-day state legislative session is a short session which is set by the New Mexico Constitution for budget issues and whatever the governor wants to bring forth. This will be governor Susana Martinezs last session so expect her to try to push through legacy legislation like some tough as nails crime and DWI bills. The state supposedly has some extra bucks so well see if the governor goes on a crime-fighting spending spree. The quick session precedes the state house November elections so there will be some jockeying for undecided voters with some Legislative posturing about the hot button issues across New Mexico. To keep up, find your state legislator by going to www.nmlegis.gov then let them know what you think.
PRINT | EMAIL | PERMALINK Newscity State Budget Sees Growth A report issued by analysts for the Legislative Finance Committee found that gross receipts tax revenue is increasing faster than projected. Altogether, recurring revenue rose 17 percent, to $292 million, during the first third of this fiscal yearwhich ended in Octobercompared with the same period last year. According to the report, the exact causes behind the rise is unclear, but could have come as a result in the rebounding of the state's gas and oil industry last year. Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, chairwoman of the Legislative Finance Committee, told reporters that she expects the LFC to recommend 1.5 percent pay raises for state employees and teachers, but that New Mexico's reserves are critically low and might have to be filled before addressing other needs. A spokesperson for Gov. Susana Martinez took credit on her behalf, claiming the report's findings were a result of the governor's decision to reject proposed tax increases early last year. According to the Albuquerque Journal, economists in the executive and legislative branches of the state's government have estimated around $199 million in revenue above this years budgeted spending levels. The year's budgetwhich takes hold July 1will be drafted during a legislative session that begins Jan. 16.
New Bill Could Extend Protections for Native Children and Police A federal measure was introduced in Congress last month by US Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., proposing increased protections for Native children and tribal police officers involved in domestic violence incidents on tribal lands. The Native Youth and Tribal Officer Protection Act, if made law, would expand tribal jurisdiction provisions in the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act to include children and law enforcement personnel responding to domestic violence calls. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, signed into law in 2013, recognizes tribes authority to exercise jurisdiction over natives and non-natives who commit acts of domestic violence or criminally violate protection orders on tribal lands. In a statement made last month, Udall called the bill's lack of protections for children and law enforcement officers a loophole which the new measure would close. The release states the Navajo Nation is among the entities supporting the measure. The Native Youth and Tribal Officer Protection Act is cosponsored by Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev. The bill is supported by the All Pueblo Council of Governors and the pueblos of Acoma, Santa Ana and Santa Clara.
UPDATE: The order's been issued. It's here.
WASHINGTON, D.C.Just four days after the largest state in the union, California, began legal sales of marijuana for recreational use, Attorney General of the United States Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III, a staunch and longtime opponent of marijuana use, has announced that he will issue an order later today that will end federal "hands-off" policies for states that have legalized pot for either medical or personal recreational use.
According to a report on Buzzfeed.com, in anticipation of Sessions' order, senior Justice Department officials "stressed that they wanted U.S. attorneys, who are assigned to districts around the country, to use their discretion to determine whether someone should face federal charges for a marijuana offense."
"I think that U.S. attorneys need to determine what cases need to be brought in their district and if they believe additional prosecutions are necessary," one of the officials said during a briefing with reporters Thursday morning.
Though lengthy and protracted legal battles over legal marijuana likely lie ahead, Sessions elimination of Obama-era policies stopping federal authorities from enforcing anti-pot laws in states that legalize the drugfirst reported Thursday morning by The Associated Presshas the potential to end or at least slow the trend toward nationwide marijuana legalization, and make pot users and retailers in states where use is legal vulnerable to arrest by the feds.
California voted in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana use and sale in 2016, and the law went into effect on January 1 of this year, creating what would likely become the worlds largest legal marijuana market.
But marijuana users counting on the protection of Californias laws, as well as laws in 32 other states plus the District of Columbia, which legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use, could now fall victim to federal law, which still outlaws marijuana and allows for arrest and prosecution of pot users and dealers.
Colorado legalized recreational marijuana in 2014, and the Republican U.S. Senator from that state, Cory Gardner, pledged that he would oppose any move by Sessions to curtail the states law.
"This reported action directly contradicts what Attorney General Sessions told me prior to his confirmation. With no prior notice to Congress, the Justice Department has trampled on the will of the voters in CO and other states," Gardner posted on his Twitter account Thursday morning. "I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation."
In 2013, President Barack Obama issued a written directive preventing federal authorities from enforcing anti-marijuana laws in states that have legalized the drug for medical or recreational use. But Sessions has now severely restricted that directive, instead allowing federal prosecutors to decide whether to pursue marijuana enforcement in some situations even in legal pot states.
The new Sessions policy is expected, perhaps more importantly, to discourage private investment in the legal marijuana business, which has become a booming industry, with the market in California alone expected to generate more than $5 billion in sales by 2019.
"This is a victory," Kevin Sabet, chief of the anti-pot group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, said, as quoted by Bloomberg News. "It's going to dry up a lot of the institutional investment that has gone toward marijuana in the last five years."
Sessions has long been on record with his belief that the dangers of marijuana are similar to those posed by hard drugs such as heroin, and that legal marijuana sales in states such as Colorado have led to increases in crime and violence, despite statistics showing the opposite.
The American public also shows widespread and rising support for legalizing marijuana, according to a recent Gallup poll. Taken in October, the poll showed 64 percent of Americans now favoring the legalization of pot, the highest figure recorded in the half-century that Gallup has polled on the marijuana question.
As recently as 2011 only about 50 percent of Americans supported legalizing marijuana, and throughout the 1990s that figure stayed stable at a mere 25 percent, give or take a few points.
(Ed.'s note: And let's not forget, if they can screw with legal pot, they can almost as easily screw with legal porn.)
CHATSWORTH, Calif.Three giants in the pleasure products industry make up the Class of 2018 inductees into the AVN Hall of Fame Pleasure Products Branch.
Sam Boltansky of Komar Co., Joel Kaminsky of Good Vibrations and Bruce Murison of Standard Innovation are the eighth class of inductees into the Pleasure Products Branch of the AVN Hall of Fame. They represent the distribution, retail and manufacturing segments of the pleasure products industry.
The induction officially takes place at the 2018 AVN Awards Show, slated for Saturday, Jan. 27 in The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The AVN Awards are presented by MyFreeCams.com.
Sam Boltansky was one of the first people who helped to get pornography and sex toys out to the masses, but he paid a price for doing so during some turbulent times in the country.
Boltansky ran the family-owned and operated Komar Co., which in 1960 was a U.S. distributor for the U.K.-based Penguin Books. Komar Co. was moving 2 million copies of Lady Chatterlys Lover annually from a brick building in Baltimore. While federal judges prevented the U.S. governments attempts to block distribution of the book in America, it didnt stop officials from trying to go after those who distributed pornography. Boltansky was among those accused of illegally distributing obscene material and having ties to organized crime.
Boltansky fought the law, however, and eventually won an acquittal in 1972 of a federal obscenity prosecution. He continued fighting for the First Amendment, and even mounted a legal campaign to ensure prison inmates had proper access to pornography.
In addition to his work in adult and fights for the First Amendment, Boltansky also was a local real estate developer and philanthropist.
Boltansky sold his interests in the Komar Company in the early 2000s. He died in 2002.
Joel Kaminsky is currently the CEO of Good Vibrations, a premier retailer trusted for more than 30 years to provide high-quality products, education and information that promotes sexual health, pleasure and empowerment. But his history in the industry stretches back to his teenage years.
My first jobs were seasonal, during school breaks, working in the warehouse in the 1960s, and later on full time after graduating college in 1975, Kaminsky said. I started as a store supervisor of 10 stores in the Cleveland/Akron area. I would go on to run or operate stores for the next 30-plus years in eight different states along with Australia until purchasing Good Vibrations 10 years ago and then along with Babeland in August of this past year.
In the early 2000s, Kaminsky did double duty, serving as CEO of both Good Vibrations and General Video of AmericaTrans World News, where he worked alongside his niece, Rondee Kamins, who had purchased the business from her father, Mel Kamins. Prior to that, he had been with the Adult Superstore in San Francisco.
Kaminsky has long loved the industry, particularly the pleasure products side, and has been witness to changes not only in manufacturing processes, but also the real lansdscape.
I love this industry and remain optimistic and hopeful that it will continually improve. That said, I have a lot of concerns about the ease of purchasing low-quality look-alike items from the China marketplace. Many of these are sold on sites such as Amazon, eBay and the like, he said. This can result in potentially new customers developing a low opinion toward the industry, or worse, in an unhealthy physical reaction. We have chosen to stay true to vendors that we know have strict quality control and for the most part are original manufacturers.
From a positive standpoint, Im excited about the plethora of quality products that are being introduced into the marketplace, he continued. Healthy competition has driven the market upwards. Body-safe materials are now a must, as is consideration for the consumer. Rechargeable vibrators are gaining more wall space versus battery operated. Dildos are available in more colors, shapes and sizes. And gender expression products are now gaining more space as well. Manufacturers of products are providing more support in training and in offering warranties and considering consumer feedback in the manufacturing process.
Founded in 1977 by Joani Blank, Good Vibrations came to be known as an outlet for entrepreneurial people to make high-quality sex toys. At one point, Blank transformed the store into a worker-owned and operated cooperative. In 2006, some years after Blank had left Good Vibrations, the store returned to a more traditional business structure and then sold itself in 2007 to GVA-TWN. Kaminsky purchased Good Vibrations outright in 2008 and hired Jackie Strano to run operations.
Im honored to be recognized by AVN, Kaminsky said. How many people get to receive an award for merely doing what they love? Im most fortunate.
Bruce Murison helped to revolutionize the pleasure products industry a decade ago with his invention, the We-Vibe. The idea for the vibrators designed to be used by couples and worn by women during lovemaking was the result of a conversation between Murison and his wife, Melody, while brainstorming possible inventions.
The idea of creating a sex toy started as a joke between the duo, but soon led to years of research, development and hard work to create something that could reach an untapped market: couples.
Melody and I had been working in the semiconductor manufacturing industry for Nortel when the tech crash hit Ottawa in the early 2000s, Murison told AVN. My job was about to vaporize and change would soon to be upon us. I had been inventing since my early teens, and I had probably researched 20 inventions up to that point. I dreamed of building a company and taking a product to market. When Melody and I were thinking of what to do next, I came up with the idea of vibrator that couples can use together. When I did further research, I found that the adult market was poised and had long been waiting for innovation and advanced design. My vision was to create a unique product and bring high-tech, advanced manufacturing practices to the industry.
When introduced, the We-Vibe was like nothing the industry had ever seen. The C-shape of the piece was new, as was its use of silicone, which was not the norm a decade ago. We-Vibe did not look like a traditional pleasure product, and it took almost no time for the couples vibrator to develop a dedicated fan base.
Since then, the We-Vibe family of products has grown to include other version of the original piece, as well as new designs for women and couples. Recently, the parent company Standard Innovation began designing items for men as well.
Ive seen a great deal of change in my 10 years in the adult market, Murison said. It started with more and more companies using body-safe materials and focusing on both functional and aesthetic design. As the industry matures, we are seeing a shift from product marketing to lifestyle branding. More brands using consumer research and insights to guide their direction. Now we are just beginning to see what the internet of things can bring to the industry. All of this means that brands are investing heavily in research and development and are taking steps to protect their intellectual property. This is a healthy development for the industry and will ensure that companies continue to invest in innovation.
And while Murison helped to revolutionize product design and technology in the market with his invention, he admits there is more to come not only from his company, but future generations of designers and inventors as well.
Artificial intelligence and miniaturization will enable innovation that we cant yet imagine, he said. Smart learning technology will allow for sophisticated toys that are easy to use. They will learn and adapt to each unique individual's specific likes and routines. There is a fair amount of habitual nature to our sexual pleasure, and it wont take much for toys to learn precisely how to offer a customized experience, whether used solo or with a partner. Eventually, the toys will know what you mean when you ask for a quickie or an hour of pleasure.
Murison knows part of his success is a right place, right time phenomenon, but notes that We-Vibe avoided being a flash in the pan because of the dedication and hard work of people with whom he and Melody worked.
Melody and I were very fortunate that we started We-Vibe during a cultural shift when the conversation about sex toys was changing, and retail stores were becoming more welcoming to couples, Murison said. The hard work began many years before our first sale in 2008, and to make We-Vibe successful it has continued for the past decade. Its one thing to have an idea and manufacture a product, but building a business takes time and commitment. The secret to success is to stick to your knitting and find people that are good at everything you are not. Build a great team and empower them to do their best. Melody and I are very fortunate to have the most talented people behind us. Im also personally so thankful to have Frank Ferrari to run the business. Not only does Standard Innovation have a great leader in Frank, but he also allows me to do what I love and do best: focus on innovation and design.
For more information on the AVN Awards, visit AVNAwards.com.
LOS ANGELESMaia Toys is starting off the new year with a fresh line of products and a new look.
The company is concluding their year-long brand re-vamp with a full-fledged showcase of 10 new luxury sex toys, enhanced packaging, and a dedicated American sales team composed of industry veterans Lisa Hanna and Nicole Talley.
According to Hanna, Maia's president of sales, visitors at the ANME Founders Show can see the company's tripled treat of customer incentives: pricing, packaging and beautiful colors.
We have 10 new products that we are showing at AMNE that will be available in February with an incredible price point, Hanna said. We are also decreasing our price point on eight items, and offering a 5 percent AMNE special for all orders written at the show.
Retailers can look forward to more attractive and practical packaging with magnetic metal closures, and new marketing and point-of-sale materials. We have changed over all of our products to the new magnetic closure packaging, she continued. Our packaging is now up-to-date with the market and we have received a lot of positive feedback on it already.
Show visitors will also catch a live glimpse of the highly-anticipated Angel bullet vibrator, which Maia released last fall. Boasting 25 speed patterns and a waterproof, rechargeable design, the Angel brings a powerful edge to the company's product line-up.
The Angel has done extremely well with customers so far, and the accompanying display makes it a stand-out item for brick and mortar shops, said Hanna. We've put in a lot of effort to improve all aspects of the Maia Toys brand, and we now have customers asking for our products and where they can purchase them.
To learn more about Maia Toys' latest releases or to book an appointment for the January 2018 ANME trade show, email Lisa Hanna at [email protected] or Nicole Talley at [email protected]
HOUSTON, TX TS starlet Valentina Mia is ringing in the New Year by getting up close and personal with fans on Chaturbate every day this week from 3pm to 5pm CT.
I thought Id celebrate the first week of 2018 on Chaturbate getting sexy with my fans, says Mia. One of my new years resolutions is to be more giving, and you can find out what that means every afternoon for a Happy Hour you wont soon forget.
For more information on Mia Valentina on Chaturbate go here.
Follow Valentina Mia on her website, Valentina-Mia.com, on Twitter @VousValentina, on Instagram @VousValentina, and on Snapchat @VousValentina.
During his campaign, now-President Donald Trump promised business owners that they would be able to operate with minimal government intervention if he were to be elected. Fast forward to today, when his Administration has essentially handed nursing homes a get out of jail free card, allowing them to face little, if any, financial punishment for all-too-common abuse and neglect of senior citizens. According to Kaiser Health News, federal records prove that 4 of every 10 nursing homes have been cited at least once in the past 4 years for neglect or abuse that is considered avoidable.
Trump Administration Proving to be Pro-Business, Anti-Elderly
Since President Trumps election, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have reversed their stance on an Obama-era ban on arbitration agreements in nursing home contracts. The ban was stalled by the nursing home industry in December 2016 and never went into effect in 2017 as planned. Instead, CMS, now under Trumps authority, decided to abandon their fight for arbitration agreement bans, essentially giving nursing homes the idea that the Administration supports their use. As the nursing home abuse lawyers of Levin & Perconti have extensively covered in our Illinois Nursing Home Abuse blog, arbitration agreements force the elderly and their loved ones to give up their right to sue and are well-known by legal experts to favor the party attempting to enforce them. Arbitration agreements have been discussed in the news frequently in recent years, not only due to the fight over their use in nursing homes, but also because Wells Fargo attempted to use them to skirt lawsuits after opening false accounts using their customers names. As with many nursing homes, credit card companies and cell phone providers, Wells Fargo buried the arbitration clause in a lengthy customer agreement.
The second major reprieve handed to nursing homes by the Trump Administration was buried inside something that initially appeared to benefit nursing home residents. On November 28th, changes to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Federal Requirements of Participation for Nursing Homes went into effect. These changes were the second phase of a 3 part improvement plan intended to strengthen regulations that would encourage better care of the 1.4 million adults living in nursing homes. However, alongside the new requirements that required positives changes, such as individualized care plans for every nursing home resident within 48 hours of admission, was an 18 month reprieve on following many parts of the new requirements. This means no fines will be levied against a nursing home for failing to comply with implementing a baseline care plan, new smoking regulations, and other parts of the phase 2 requirements.
The third change to be made under the Trump Administration is reduced financial penalties against nursing homes for many violations. This past New Years Eve, Kaiser Health News posted an article on their website entitled Trump Administration Relaxes Financial Penalties Against Nursing Homes. The Washington Post picked up the article, but it seems no other news outlet did.
In October, CMS notified state Survey Agency Directors (such as those at the Illinois Department of Public Health), that nursing home violations classified as a one-time error shouldnt be fined. The Kaiser Health News article also addressed CMS July change to the application of daily fines for violations. This change discouraged state survey agency directors from applying these daily fines to mistakes that happened in the past and were corrected before state survey agencies become aware of them. Instead, they push for a one-time fine, which will likely result in an overall lesser payment by the nursing home. Kaiser Health News used a real-life example from a now-closed nursing home in Decatur to illustrate the drastic difference between assessing daily fines versus a one-time fine. The Decatur nursing home, Lincoln Manor, killed a patient by allowing her pain pump to perforate a stitch in her stomach for 8 days. Under the old rules, the nursing home was fined nearly $283,000, or $10,091 for the 28 day period in which nursing staff first discovered the mistake with the residents pain pump and the day they trained their nurses to avoid the same mistake in the future. With CMS new push for one-time only fines, Lincoln Manor would have paid less than $21,000 for egregious neglect that ended up killing a resident.
Failing Those Who Deserve Better
Without considering those on the other end of these laws, allowing businesses to operate without extensive regulation seems like a good idea in theory. However, nursing homes should not be lumped in with money-making corporations such as banks, credit card companies and retailers. The truth behind the nursing home industry is that many facilities are for-profit and are privately-held by investment firms and large nursing home chains, all of whom are aware that the potential for making money off the elderly is quite substantial.
In 2011, the first baby boomers turned 65, ushering in an era in which industry experts believe will create a surge in the demand for in-home skilled nursing care, nursing homes, and medical devices and products intended for the elderly. With 76.4 million baby boomers as of the 2014 census by the U.S. Census Bureau, nursing homes stand to be a valuable resource for so many of us with aging loved ones. Under the Trump Administration, however, it feels as though the emphasis is on protecting the bank accounts of those who run nursing homes and not the health, happiness, and lives of those we love.
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NC, Tarai parties persuade Dahal to lead new govt
Amid political deadlock over formation of new government, leaders of the left alliance, the Nepali Congress and Madhes-based parties are busy exploring possibilities of forming a non-UML government.
In ADGN: An Algorithm for Record Linkage Using Address, Date of Birth, Gender, and Name, newly published in Statistics and Public Policy, a pair of researchers from Harvard and Tufts build a statistical model to analyze the impact of the voter ID laws passed in Republican-controlled states as part of a wider voter suppression project that was explicitly aimed at suppressing the votes of racialised people, historically likely to vote Democrat.
There have been numerous profiles of the people targeted by these laws (the NYT even made an Oregon-Trail-style game based on the kafka-esque rigamarole the GOP put in the way of poor and black voters).
Supreme Court justice dismissed these first-person reports as "sociological gobbledygook," so the researchers set out to create an unimpeachable, quantitative, empirical model showing that voter ID laws disproportionately disenfranchised black and brown people, especially poor ones.
That's what they found.
Once Hersh and Ansolabehere were confident they had properly matched registered voters to their ID records, they used a commercial tool called Catalist to predict each voter's race. That tool analyzes names to determine how likely a given name is to be associated with one race or another. It also accounts for the demographics of the Census block where a given voter lives. Using this tool, the researchers confirmed what voting rights advocates already know to be truethat black voters are more likely to lack adequate identification under voter ID laws. According to the study, 3.6 percent of registered white voters had no match in any state or federal ID database. By contrast, 7.5 percent of black registered voters were missing from those databases. The algorithm shows a clear and disturbing racial disparity on voting rights. But Hersh says that it also shows that voter ID laws affect a relatively small percentage of the population. Across all registered voters in Texas, the researchers found 4.5 percent lack proper identification. For registered voters who actually showed up at the polls in 2012, it's 1.5 percent.
ADGN: An Algorithm for Record Linkage Using Address, Date of Birth, Gender, and Name [Stephen Ansolabehere and Eitan Hersh/Statistics and Public Policy]
A Dead-Simple Algorithm Reveals the True Toll of Voter ID Laws [Issie Lapowsky/Wired]
News / National
by Simbarashe Sithole
A Harare Central cop was reportedly shot dead during New Year's celebrations in a beer binge at Chitova 2 business centre in Murehwa.Reliable sources allege Gift Kawishi (31) was shot three times in the chest by William Mutiwa Hukuimwe (51) after a misunderstanding during a drinking spree on 1 January 2018 around 00:30hours."Allegations are that Kawishi was drinking with his friend Bothwell Dzoto (34) when they had a misunderstanding with a man identified as Stavo in the bar."The misunderstanding resulted in Stavo assaulting Kawishi with an empty bottle once on the head. Stavo then left the two moving away from them to a distance about 60 metres.Gift Kawishi and Bothwell Dzoto then followed Stavo and another fight ensued. Hukuimwe then got out his bar armed with a baton stick and started to assault the deceased and his friend," explained the source.It is further alleged that Hukuimwe was refrained from assaulting the duo with a baton stick before picking a gun from his car, a Mercedes Benz registration number ACI 5733."He reportedly pulled a FN baby pistol serial number 172181 and fired three shot on kawishi on the left lower side of his chest and he died instantly," added the source.Meanwhile, Hukuimwe is in police custody assisting with investigations under RRB number 3436354.Acting Mashonaland East province police spokesperson Tendai Mwanza could not be reached for comment as his mobile phone went unanswered.
News / National
by Simbarashe Sithole
Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) provincial chairperson for Mashonaland Central Justine Chitate has been laid to rest in Musana Bindura South constituency today (Wednesday.)He was 69 and is survived by four wives, fifteen children and many grandchildren.Chitate collapsed and died on New Year's Eve while gracing a memorial service of an MDC-T activist in ward 17.Hundreds of people converged at Chitate's homestead in Musana and all his party's vice presidents were in attendance that is Thokozani Khupe who was the guest of honour, Elias Mudzuri and Nelson Chamisa.Members of the MDC Alliance were also in attendance and gave their solidarity messages ahead of the 2018 harmonised election.Addressing mourners Khupe urged people of Mashonaland Central to remain united, trust in God before imploring them to pray for their president Morgan Tsvangirai who is battling colonial cancer."We would like to express our deepest condolences to the Chitate family and indeed to the entire MDC family for the loss of our chairman.As Mashonaland Central we urge you to remain united despite attacks by ZANU PF, for we know in this province ZANU PF killed a huge number of our supporters.This 2018 we are saying vaTsvangirai chete chete, we know he is sick but God up there will heal him let us all pray for our president since ZANU PF is already defeated in the looming election," she said.However, people were soaked in rain when burying Chitate as the rain season gets momentum.
News / National
by Staff Reporter
A Gweru woman died after she was struck on the head with a hoe handle by her husband who allegedly caught her with another man in their bedroom. Innocent Mujakachi (37), according to sources, found his wife Solani Hlanganiso in bed with another man when he attacked her and left her unconscious."She was rushed to hospital where she later succumbed to the injuries she sustained from the attack," said a source.Acting police spokesperson for Midlands province Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende confirmed Hlanganiso's death while on admission at Gweru Provincial Hospital last Sunday. She said police have since launched a manhunt for the suspected husband, who is still at large."I can confirm that police in Gweru are investigating a murder case in which a 37-year-old woman, Solani Hlanganiso died after she was attacked with a hoe handle by her husband after he found her with an identified guest in their house," she said.Asst Insp Mukwende said Mujakachi left home on December 23 during the night, saying he was going to Shurugwi, but later came back that same night only to find his wife with an unidentified man in their bedroom."On 23 December, 2017 at around 9.30 pm, the now deceased was home alone after her husband indicated that he was going to Shurugwi. She then went to see her niece at her parents' home who had visited from Harare."She returned home in the company of an unidentified male guest," said Asst Insp Mukwende. "Mujakachi suddenly returned home and found Hlanganiso with her guest. He picked up a log and attempted to strike the unidentified guest, but Hlanganiso restrained him, giving the guest a chance to escape. Mujakachi then took a hoe handle and used it to attack his wife. He fled the scene, leaving her unconscious."Asst Insp Mukwende said a fellow tenant later made a report to the police."Police attended the scene and Hlanganiso was taken to the hospital, but later died while on admission on Sunday 30 December 2017," she said.
News / National
by Stephen Jakes
The MDC-T and MDC Alliance has condemned in strongest terms the arrest and detention of Mthwakazi Republic Party youth by the military for staging a protest demanding President Emmerson Mnangagwa to address the Gukurahundi issue which he is accused of participating in.MDC-T Bulawayo spokesperson Felix Mafa Sibanda said it is with regret and extreme apprehension to note that the junta and its surrogates are at it again."We as MDC family condemn in the most and strongest words possible the barbaric assault and detain MRP cadres for expressing themselves in form of peaceful picketing/demonstration against deafening silence of President ED on Gukurahundi genocide (1983 to 1987) abruptly stopped by surrender documents ,dumped "infamous Unity Accord" he said"We therefore call upon all minded political formations and progressive civil society organizations to petition or approach the constitutional court for adjudication as a strong statement against violation of the Supreme Law,the constitution of Zimbabwe."Sibanda said MDC is clear on constitutionalism and freedoms of all, therefore they don't mind of any ideological thrust or difference"of any organization but support what is right and condemn what is unconstitutional and inhuman as how the police, army ,CIO and ZANU PF zealots manhandled and tortured members of the Mthwakazi Republican Party (MRP).Zimbabwe has never experienced being detained by the military except during the Gukurahundi genocide."Are we reverting to 1983 ...1987 era. That has to made clear by the power a that be so that it is known word wide that tables have adversely turned upside down few weeks from Mugabe infamous era. Zimbabwe is distressed to the marrow by the insensitive and disregard of the constitution of Zimbabwe which guarantees human and other rights as it were. We unreserverdly condemn that barbaric behavior by those involved and demand their arrest and be made accountable in courts of law," he said.
News / National
by Staff Reporter
This article was first publish by the Southern Eye on the 16th of September 2014. #TBT
Independence in Zimbabwe was not a time for jubilation for most ex-combatants as some found homes they had left intact destroyed and families killed, leaving them with nowhere to go.For the majority of Zipra cadres, independence in 1980 was not good news as their political wing Zapu had lost the first elections to Zanu PF.Scores of Zipra combatants were butchered or incarcerated for no apparent reason between 1981 to 1984 and some disappeared never to be seen again.One former notorious dissident Tennyson Ndlovu, who was widely known as Thambolenyoka, told Southern Eye from his base in Fiabusi, Insiza district, that 1980 evokes pain and misery Zipra combatants suffered for liberating this country.Ndlovu, whose guerrilla name was Hezel Magendlela, said when he returned to Zimbabwe after independence, he found nobody at his former home, but only the smell of gun powder as his family had been killed during the war."I had to start afresh begging from here and there. Those that were alive expected something from me, but life was just difficult for me and everybody at that time," Ndlovu said.He said becoming a bandit or an insurgent was not by choice, but was caused by the prevailing political situation at that time as Zanu and Zapu were at each other's throats.Ndlovu said after independence in 1980, he entered the country through Livingstone, Zambia, and became commander of a battalion after their leader was killed by the Rhodesia Special Branch at the border town.He assumed command and led his men and women to the Gwayi River Mine in Matabeleland North.While in Gwayi, the battalion was put on identification parade where some combatants were picked up by the special branch and were never seen again.He said the remaining members of his battalion were sent to Llewellyn Barracks (present day Imbizo) in Bulawayo where others were integrated and some were sent to a camp called Juliet in Gwanda.Some were absorbed into the Zimbabwe National Army and the rest were sent back to Gwayi."I got to Zimbabwe via Livingstone and my battalion commander was killed along the way and l took over the command. We proceeded to Gwayi River Mine where some of my members disappeared after an identification parade by the special branch," Ndlovu said."I left for Bulawayo where l thought we were going to be integrated, but was later sent to Gwanda and back to Gwayi. I was demobilised in 1982."Ndlovu said he found a job at National Foods where he worked until 1985 at the height of the Gukurahundi genocide.One day going home after work, Ndlovu said he saw a long queue of people forced to line up by soldiers who were identifying Zipra and Zapu cadres.Sensing danger, Ndlovu said he and a colleague he only identified as Sibindi went to the late Vice-President Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo's Pelandaba house to enquire about what was going on."The queues stretched from Lobengula West to the city centre and soldiers were trying to identify former Zipra and Zapu cadres. I and a colleague went to Nkomo's house in Pelandaba to ask the way forward after realising the harassment and we were advised that if we had ulomklampunzi, usebenzise (a knobkerrie, use it)."l went to Thenjiwe Lesabe in Gumtree where l was directed to go and join some revolutionaries at Silobini in Esigodini," Ndlovu said.He operated with 30 other ex-combatants in Matabeleland South."This time l was not reporting to anyone anymore, but to my conscience as l did not want to tarnish the name of Zapu and in the group l was the commissar where information was always at my fingertips," he said."We fought to bring the two parties to talk and we achieved that. The type of operation was different because Zapu was responsible for organising civilians for us to get what we needed as guerrillas, but as revolutionaries we had to use money and calves stolen from the whites to get what we wanted."I remember one day I got to tall grass and when I was clearing the way using my hands in the Halisupi area of Gwanda, l touched an elephant which trumpeted, but it did not attack me."During that time, we were everywhere; you could hear of my presence in Plumtree and in Filabusi within a day.During the operations we had to apply commando tactics whereby we operated in threes or at times individually depending on the situation on the ground. We constantly monitored the goings-on through newspapers, radio and through people."We also monitored parliamentary sessions up to the time of the signing of Unity Accord and the declaration of our amnesty," Ndlovu said.He said a total of 116 dissidents laid down their weapons in 1988 after the announcement of an amnesty and of the 30 that operated in Matabeleland South, 24 returned while the others died in action.After the amnesty, Ndlovu integrated well into the society and held several posts in the war veterans' association and in Zanu PF.Presently, Ndlovu is a farmer and a Zanu PF councillor for Ward 14 in Insiza serving a second term.Ward 14 covers Fort Rixon and Makhandeni.He is married with 12 children and 20 grandchildren.
News / National
by Simbarashe Sithole
A 33-year-old Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer is on the run after allegedly embezzling $90 000 meant for officers who were deployed for Biometric Voters Registration (BVR) exercise in Mashonaland West.Sources close to investigations allege Sargent Lameck Karombo who is a finance assistant with ZRP at Mashonaland West provincial headquarters, transferred the money from the police account to his Agribank account."On 2 January 2018 at around 11:00hours a bank statement regarding ZRP Mashonaland West Provincial Contingency Account, CBZ Bank Chinhoyi Account number 22980790015 was requested and issued."On analysing the bank statement it was discovered that there was no money in the account. A further analysis reflected that two transactions involving $60 000 and $30 000 were effected on 21 December 2017," revealed the source.Police details visited CBZ Chinhoyi branch where the money was transferred into Karombo's Agribank account number 1100000073369 and an application was done to freeze the account which had a bank balance of $13 609,15 after he had already used $76 390.85.Mashonaland West police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabweazara confirmed the case but refused to shed more light."That case is there unfortunately l am yet to get all the details as to that regard," he said.Meanwhile, ZRP officers in Mashonaland Central province who are reportedly in three phases in getting their BVR are yet to be paid.Investigations by Bulawayo24.com proved that the first phase got $198.00, the second got $60 while the third is yet to get a single cent from their employer out of the agreed $480.
News / National
by Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has announced the extension of its mobile voter registration exercise by one month.Speaking to ZBC News in Harare this Thursday morning, ZEC Acting Chairperson Commissioner Emmanuel Magade said the mop up exercise will start from the 10th of January to the 8th of February with an advance campaign exercise to alert citizens set to kick off days before the resumption of the BVR extension.Commissioner Magade said the extension has been necessitated by the High Court ruling of 29 November 2017 which said former aliens should be allowed to vote and the issuing of IDs to some citizens who had no documents at the beginning of the exercise and have since obtained them from the Registrar-General's mobile registration exercise.Some youngsters who have just attained the voting age will also be accommodated through the mop up exercise.Commissioner Magade said the provincial voters roll should be ready by end of March to beginning of April after which the public will be required to inspect it.The final voters roll is expected by May latest to pave way for the Presidential proclamation which dissolves parliament and announces the election date.According to the laws and constitution of Zimbabwe, the election should be held 30 days prior to the expiry of the incumbents' 5 year presidential term.President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assured the world that the country will hold free, fair and credible elections this year.
Opinion / Columnist
Recent arrests of Mthwakazi youths in Bulawayo and their subsequent detention at Army barracks points out to what we have been all saying.The Army is in total control of Zimbabwe and the appointment of General Chiwenga to the presidium as well as defence portfolio speaks volume of how the junta seeks to spread its tentacles of power in the government.In 2008 the MDC T won the general elections but the Army circumvented the will of the people. General Chiwenga and their coup frontman, ED Mnangagwa, delayed announcement of the result while they devised a plan to retain Mugabe as the President. A runoff was called for and the Army got into motion torturing people who had expressed their will.More than 200 people were killed and many suffered permanent injuries.The involvement of the Army buttresses the fact that they have been in control for a long time. The late General Mujuru comes to mind, he exerted much influence in the Zanu pf but gullible Zimbabweans glorify even a monster. Zimbabwean people saw Mujuru as just a kingmaker yet it was the start of Army influencing Zimbabwean politics.The Army will not be accepted directly so they put a frontman to pretend they are not involved.Mugabe could not step down after losing in 2008 because the Army needed him to camouflage their power.It is the same now again,ED is just a front for the junta.General Chiwenga is the most powerful man. After ED he will tell us he has been anointed to lead Zimbabwe.Mnangagwa might be sincere in saying we need investors to revive the economy. It ends there ...just talk. The Army will not encourage any meaningful investor except Chinese who will come to loot our resources with impunity.Zimbabweans were used to participate in a march they stood to benefit nothing.It raises the question, why are the Army Generals afraid of that they cannot surrender power to a democratically elected government?It is fear of atrocities committed during Gukurahundi were they exterminated thousands of innocent lives .Their only crime being Ndebele people.Wheels of justice might be delayed but they will surely turn one day.
Opinion / Columnist
The Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (ZAA) International has commenced its 2018 campaigns for its UK and South Africa Editions.(ZAA) UK returns for its 8th Anniversary with organisers calling on the public to nominate prospective recipients for this year's honours while South Africa has been growing strong and plans are underway for its 4th Edition.Award nominations are now open across all categories and the public will have until 28th February to put forward those individuals and organisations they feel have distinguished themselves in various ventures over the past year.The nominee announcement for both editions are scheduled to take place in March and the awards ceremonies are scheduled for April in South Africa and May in the UK."From our professionals working in various fields to our artists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and charities, Zimbabwean talent is making its presence felt in our host countries" the Chairman for ZAA International Conrad Mwanza said. He added, "the idea for ZAA was birthed from my motivation to recognise the hard work and achievements of Zimbabweans living and working abroad. Every year, I continue to be amazed at how Zimbabweans continue to break barriers in their respective fields and that's what keeps ZAA relevant."ZAA International has also released a 3 tier ticket range with early birds at 65pp before 31st January, 75pp from 1stFebruary to 31st March and 85pp thereafter. South Africa will follow a similar model with R500 in January, R650pp in February and R800pp thereafter. As per our usual standards, both events will include a 3 course meal and a drinks reception, added Bridget Mudhosi, ZAA South Africa DirectorThe high profile occasion has become the highpoint of celebration for professional and artistic achievements by Zimbabweans around the world.Last October, ZAA successfully launched another edition in Australia. The organisers, who have consolidated the awards brand in the UK, US and South Africa felt it was time to extend the platform to Australia, which hosts a number of Zimbabweans. There is a huge pull to host the event in the Motherland and plans are now underway.To Nominate, secure early bird tickets and for more info: www.zimachievers.com
Will Smith On How He Became Successful
Trending News: Will Smith Revealed How To Reach Your Goals And It's Motivating AF
Long Story Short
On his vlog, Will Smith talked about how he was able to accomplish his dreams and shared some hilarious stories with fellow A-listers Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone.
Long Story
Will Smith is one of the highest paid actors, he's consistently been in big movies for decades and when he swerved to a side career, Michael Jordan-style, he won two Grammys. But you don't get as successful as Will Smith has reached by slacking.
On a recent episode of his vlog, Will Smith was on a press tour for his new Netflix movie Bright in Mumbai, India, and shared some fascinating thoughts. Smith says that traveling to different parts of the world to meet new people and promote his movies is one of the main reasons he became so successful but that wasn't always his goal.
At first, he thought success just meant getting big in the U.S., but then Arnold Schwarzenegger came around. Well, actually Big Willy met Arny at the opening of a Planet Hollywood somewhere and Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone also happened to be there.
OMG I got these three guys in the room," Smith recalls thinking (can you blame him?). And then he said: "Okay, I want to be the biggest movie star in the world and I need you guys to tell me how to do it.
Here's what the ex-Governator said: If your movie is only big in America, it doesnt matter. Youll be a movie star only when you are a movie star in every country in the world. You have to travel, you have to go meet the people.
And so he did. But it wasn't easy. He had to stay extremely committed and dedicated every minute of every day to promote his movies.
In that part of my career, I refused to do anything that wasnt in the best interest of the goal I had set for myself, explained Smith in the vlog. There was probably a 12-year period of my life where I didnt take a drink, where I didnt go out on the weekends, I was so set on my goal it created a serious circle of protection and elevation because I refused to do anything that wasnt in my best interest." He added: Its hugely important that if you have a dream, that you have to dedicate your life to it and every hour of every day has to be dedicated to bringing into fruition the things that you dream about.
Whatever New Year's resolution you have, this has to be an excellent motivator to keep it. Whether your goal is getting ripped, falling in love or getting that promotion, just make it happen.
Smith also shared a fun story about a little game he used to play with another extremely successful actor, Tom Cruise. He says they'd compete to see who could stay on the red carpet the longest. Because Tom is not actually a human, he stayed on the red carpet for three-and-a-half hours one time," Smith said. "Then I just let him win because I see he was willing to die.
Check out the full vlog episode here:
Own The Conversation
Ask The Big Question
Wouldn't Will Smith be the coolest guy to have a non-alcoholic beer with?
Drop This Fact
For the movie Girls Trip, Jada Pinkett Smith learned an oral sex trick from none other than Will.
The protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the primary sources of tension in the Middle East today.
Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.
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..Israel Diaries..03 January '17..Everyone wants to be a hero and solve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. What do you get when an American army officer writes a semi-academic paper recommending strategy for continuing the training of the Palestinian Security Forces? Let me show you what you get.As part of the US Army War College programme, students select an area of particular interest to them and write a paper as part of the colleges Strategy Research Project. Colonel James Lock wrote a study that he called: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Opportunity Amidst Crisis. In a footnote, he noted that he served as Deputy Director for Training, Education, and Leader Development in USSC from 2015-2016. USSC trains Palestinian Security Forces and coordinates between them and the Israeli army (IDF). Therefore, he has field experience in our region. Yet, he chose to open his article with this absurd statement:Has Colonel Locks brain been asleep for the last few years? This old mainstay of anti-Israel propaganda no longer can be said to hold water by any stretch of the imagination. Shortly after that, he sets up what he seems to think is a balanced framework of the problem:
Community Colleges
Michigan CC Masters Student Transfer Processes
To counter a "complex and confusing" college transfer process, a community college in Michigan has dug in to figure out ways to simplify transfers for its students. The result, as explained in a new report from the Community College Research Center and a "playbook" issued by the project's lead investigator, is the development of 225 distinct plans with partner institutions intended to streamline the transfer process for students and improve their success rates.
Macomb Community College enrolls about 48,000 students each year in credit and non-credit courses as well as workforce training. According to Lead Investigator Donna Petras, a fall 2012 survey of incoming students found that most are interested in transferring to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor's degree; 47 percent "definitely" expected to transfer; and 41 percent said they thought they would, but they weren't sure.
In 2013 the community college set up a "university partners advisory council" (U-PAC) with 13 four-year institutions, with the intent of building its relationships with "key transfer destinations." All of the U-PAC members participated in the research project, which sought to understand the different types of transfer students, how well they did at various transfer destinations and what factors led to their success and failure.
Data was collected on Macomb students who moved into a four-year institution as transfer students between fall 2007 and spring 2009. Students were tracked through spring 2017 to understand how long they took to complete degrees. Eighty-three percent of students who ended up transferring during that period moved to a U-PAC institution. In total, 63 percent of the study sample finished their bachelor's degrees.
Among the big findings shared in the two reports are these:
Schools should prioritize transfer institutions with which to work based on student transfer data; three quarters of Macomb transfer students pursued completion of their bachelor's degree at four U-PAC institutions.
Bachelor's degree completion can be improved by prioritizing transfers; creating "clear programmatic pathways with aligned high-quality instruction"; and providing tailored transfer student advising.
Students who earned "excess credits" would be helped by colleges evaluating the credit requirements for degrees at their institutions and working with the transfer destinations to figure out why some credits may not be accepted.
The "transfer reform strategy" needs to incorporate a "guided pathways model" that is able to map the route for students to identify their goals, help them stay on the path for meeting their goals and make sure they learn the skills and knowledge appropriate to their chosen programs.
Colleges should identify transfer students earlier in their post-secondary pursuits both those already in college and those in high school who expect to transfer from a community college to a four-year institution.
Faculty should be engaged in the transfer reform work to help improve course transferability.
"Collaboration with your transfer partners is essential," wrote Petras in her conclusion. "The more knowledge you share, the greater the potential for improving transfer student success!"
The full report, "Building Transfer Student Success at Macomb Community College: A Report on Transfer and Degree Completion," is openly available on the CCRC website. The "playbook" is openly available on the Macomb website.
Just prior to the 2017 IPCPR Trade Show, Crux Cigar Company announced that the Crux Limitada PB5, the companys first limited edition cigar would be made available for a third release. This week, the company has announced it is shipping the PB5 Third Release to its retail partners.
Crux is dubbing the third release the PB517. The third release features the same blend as the previous two releases. This is highlighted by a proprietary Nicaraguan Enganoso wrapper leaf that Crux had secured back in 2012. The cigar is produced at Plasencia Cigars in Esteli, Nicaragua.
The PB5 was unveiled at 2015 IPCPR Trade Show and made its way to retailers in 2016. The second release of the PB5 followed at the beginning of 2017.
It was in 1968 when Davidoff first launched its Davidoff-branded White Label cigars. With 2018 marking the 50th anniversary, Davidoff is planning a series of activities to commemorate the milestone. Activities include a series of events, specialty commissioned cigars and accessories, and special bands that will adorn several of the White Label releases.
This is a very special year for us. We look back with pride on 50 years of creating exceptional, original cigars and accessories, but more importantly, we look forward with a great sense of exhilaration to new, unknown horizons that will bring exciting, undiscovered experiences for those who love cigars, said Charles Awad, Senior Vice President Chief Marketing Officer at Oettinger Davidoff AG in a press release.
Several Davidoff White Label lines, including the Davidoff Aniversario and Davidoff Signature will receive commemorate 50th-anniversary white label lines.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Stem cell transplants could offer new hope for people with a severe form of scleroderma -- a debilitating and deadly condition that affects the immune system, a new study suggests.
"Scleroderma hardens the skin and connective tissues and, in its severe form, leads to fatal organ failure, most often the lungs," said the study's lead author, Dr. Keith Sullivan. He is a professor of medicine and cellular therapy at Duke University Medical Center.
"In these severe cases, conventional drug therapies are not very effective long-term, so new approaches are a priority," Sullivan said in a hospital news release.
Drugs to suppress the immune system are the standard of care in the United States for scleroderma with internal organ involvement, according to the researchers. Their study tested the effectiveness of stem cell transplant along with high-dose chemotherapy and whole-body radiation to treat the disease. The study was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
For the study, 75 people with scleroderma were randomly assigned to receive one of two treatments. Roughly half of the group received a stem cell transplant designed to destroy their defective immune system and replace it with their own treated blood stem cells. The other half received 12 months of conventional immune-suppressing treatment.
After 10 years, survival was better among those who underwent chemotherapy, whole-body radiation and a stem cell transplant, the study found. People in this group also had less need for immune-suppressing drugs after their transplant.
"These results show that individuals with poor-prognosis scleroderma can improve and live longer and that these advances appear durable," Sullivan said.
The researchers noted, though, that stem cell transplant was riskier. It was associated with more serious side effects, such as low blood counts, infections and death, the study found.
"Patients and their doctors should carefully weigh the pros and cons of intensive treatment with stem cell transplant, but this may hopefully set a new standard in this otherwise devastating autoimmune disease," Sullivan said.
"These advances show the value of medical research and clinical trials in finding better therapies to advance health," he added.
The study was scheduled for publication in the Jan. 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
More information
The American College of Rheumatology has more on scleroderma.
The Maldives is ready to carry out executions, local media has reported a government minister as saying, ending a six-decade moratorium on capital punishment.
Home Minister Azleen Ahmed told Raajje TV that work has been completed on building a place to carry out the death penalty and that executions will resume as soon as legal procedures are settled.
Three young men are presently on death row after the Supreme Court upheld their sentences in 2016.
Death penalty regulations specify methods of execution as lethal injection and hanging.
The government initially decided to implement the death penalty through lethal injection, but is now ready to carry out executions by hanging.
A special unit for the purpose has been built in the high-security Maafushi prison.
President Abdulla Yameen reiterated his vow to reinstate capital punishment last August amid growing international concern.
By Gods willwhen the Supreme Court concludes [cases] to the point where the death penalty can be enforced, our mechanisms and arrangements will be complete enough to do it with the advice of the Islamic council and the word of the heirs.
The death penalty can only be carried out should all of the murder victims immediate relatives (heirs) choose to take the life of a convicted killer under the Islamic principle of Qisas (retaliation in kind).
The rules on carrying out executions state the president is required to order the execution within three days of a committee signing a document endorsing the death sentence.
The committee is comprised of the chief prosecutor, the commissioner of prisons and the chief justice.
The execution must take place within seven days of the order. The heirs of the victim are given a last opportunity to make their wishes known on the day of the execution.
| Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com
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"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted." -- Oscar Wilde
Large-scale road construction, record results by ports and airports, and the emergence of discount air carriers these are the main success stories in the transportation industry in 2017, which cannot be overshadowed even by that Ryanair row and corruption corroding Ukrzaliznytsia [Ukrainian Railways]. Although resolving these issues, as well as setting new records in the sky, on land and water will be the main challenges for the Ukrainian government this year.
The year of 2017 has seen record figures over the past 5 years in terms of the number of roads repaired across Ukraine. According to Ukravtodor, nearly 2,100 kilometers of motorways has been repaired. The result was due to the increase in financing of road construction in 2017 - up to UAH 20 billion. Meanwhile, it's too early to relax as 2,000 kilometers of renovated roads are just a drop in the sea of Ukrainian motorways. In early 2017, officials claimed that out of 170,000 kilometers of Ukraines road network, about 95% was in an inadequate condition. To cope with this task, Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan believes it is necessary to allocate around UAH 50 billion annually for a 5-year period. This sum can become a reality as early as this year. The government vowes the increase in road construction funding to UAH 46 billion. As officials assure, this became possible due to the establishment of a special Road Fund, which was launched January 1, 2018. The Fund will see money inflows from fuel tax. However, it will only be able to start a full-fledged work from January 1, 2020, when 100% of the proceeds from the excise tax on petroleum products will flow into it. This year, the Funds revenues will amount to 50% of this excise tax.
A mechanism has also been determined for allocating funds from the Road Fund. It is planned to send 60% to roads of national importance, 35% - to building roads of local importance and another 5% - to traffic safety. Such distribution is a result of road decentralization, also launched January 1. Now 120,000 kilometers of roads are transferred to the balance sheet of Ukraines regions, while the central body - Ukravtodor will retain under its management only 50,000 km of roads of international importance. So now local authorities are to decide for themselves what roads they should repair, and when.
However, in Ukrainian realities, it is half the battle to repair a road. The main thing is to make sure that the freshly-laid asphalt does not melt in the spring along with the snow. The Ministry of Infrastructure says that a quality warranty system has already been implemented in road construction and repairs.
"In 2017, the warranty is 5 years and more. The number of defects this year was quite high at 25%. We forced each contractor to do repairs under the warranty terms," said Minister Omelyan.
In the past year, the COST road quality monitoring system was introduced, which was independent of the government. COST experts independently monitor the quality of roads constructed, rating regions in terms of the quality of roads and pointing out shortcomings.
This year the FIDIC system will also be launched. It will ensure that an indispensable condition for a road repair contract would be the involvement of an independent engineer who, through their reputation, guarantees a proper quality of tender procedures and commissioning process.
Thanks to increased funding, this year promises to please Ukrainians with large-scale road construction. According to the forecasts by the infrastructure minister, about 4,000-5,000 km of roads can be repaired. Meanwhile, in the past year, Mr Omelyan himself was often in the epicenter of various scandals. The most prominent one was his struggle for Ukrzaliznytsia, which in late January 2017 was withdrawn from his ministrys subordination and fell under the control of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. The reason for the move was the dispute between Omelyan and Prime Minister Groisman over the performance of Ukrzaliznytsias ex-CEO and part-time guitarist of a Polish rock band Wojciech Balczun. Since late 2016, Omelyan has repeatedly accused him of unprofessionalism and dragging reform in the company. Eventually, the minister managed to achieve its goal - in early August, the Cabinet of Ministers dismissed Balczun, and in late August the court ruled that the government decree on the withdrawal of Ukrzaliznytsia from Omelyan ministrys subordination had been null and void. But it is too early to talk about any success following these decisions. The inter-ministerial struggle brought nothing useful to the state-owned company, where old problems remained in place, of which the most large-scale and acute one is corruption. Law enforcers this year were frequent guests at company premises, announcing either yet another search or detention of mid-level managers. At the same time, both media and experts have repeatedly stressed that Ukrzaliznytsia was much more influenced not by the minister, but by the fabulously rich brothers, people's deputies from the BPP Bohdan and Yaroslav Dubnevych (the latter, incidentally, is also the head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Transport). It is no surprise that the firms owned by Dubnevych brothers were often winners of Ukrzaliznytsias biddings worth billions of hryvnias.
The minister vehemently criticized the moves by said legislators and even repeatedly called on law enforcers to investigate into their actions. However, so far, it was all to no avail. So the battle for the state-owned company will further unfold in 2018. Moreover, the election is coming of members of the companys supervisory board and its management. Meanwhile, one of the largest state-owned companies is ruled by an acting chief, Yevhen Kravtsov. According to Omelyan, while Kravtsov remains at the helm, corruption-related losses at UZ amount to some UAH 10-15 billion.
Unstoppable discount air carriers
The past year was also full of news in air transportation. The aviation industry brought plenty of sad news but there were also some positive vibes.
Perhaps the greatest disappointment was the last-minute refusal of the Irish discount carrier Ryanair to enter the Ukrainan market. The epic struggle began in the first months of 2017. Then Minister Omelyan began spinning the topic of cheap air travel and stated that the Ministry was negotiating with this carrier. The announcement sparked a huge public response, as Ukrainians are well aware of Ryanairs cheap flights across the EU.
After a painful wait, in March 2017, Ryanair announced the launch from October 2017 of 11 flights from Boryspil and Lviv airports. It seemed that everything had already been agreed. But then came a two-month lull, after which Boryspil Airport CEO Pavlo Ryabikin stated that signing off a contract with Ryanair would make his company lose UAH 2 billion of potential revenue annually. So he has refused to sign the contract until the airport's requirements are taken into account. Part of the expert community supported Ryabikins stance, while others were sincerely stunned. Minister Omelyan went further and branded Ryabikins statement fiction.
By the way, the scandal with Ryanairs entry into Ukraine is not the first one for this company and, probably, not the last. In international business schools, case studies of this carriers entries into different markets and airports are taught to students as an example of tough and highly effective negotiations, as Ryanair pursues an aggressive strategy to achieve its goals. Anyway, the outcome of public disputes was Ryanair's statement about withdrawing from Ukraine due to the failure by Boryspil Airport officials to comply with the terms of an agreement previously reached with the Ministry of Infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Ukrainians, who had already bought their tickets, were forced to return them. In this context, it is worth noting that not only Ukrainian passengers were failed by Ryanair's actions, but also the European ones. And all because in September-October the carrier canceled about 2,000 flights because of problems with the schedules of pilots and incorrect calculation of their vacations. Several European governments put forward their claims to Ryanair in this regard.
Meanwhile, Omelyan promised that the Irish company would finally enter the Ukrainian market in 2018: "I believe that Ryanair will enter the Ukrainian market. We have already finalized the negotiations. It was possible to find a consensus with the Boryspil Airport, while such [consensus] has already been in place with the Lviv Airport. The year of 2018 will definitely be the year of cheap air travel."
For air commuters, the past year was also remembered by some positive news. Despite the failure with Ryanair, Ukrainians still got more opportunities for travel. Ukraine International Airlines announced the lower ticket prices with early booking. Now when buying tickets 10 months prior to the departure date, tariffs are: UAH 249 within Ukraine, while on international routes, its UAH 587 to UAH 1087.
Besides, last year more discount carriers entered the Ukrainian market. In December, Italys ErnestAirlines launched regular flights from Kyiv and Lviv to Milan, Naples and Venice. Now Ukrainians can fly to Italy for about EUR 50. Also, a fully-Ukrainian national discount carrier, SkyUp, will start its flights in March. So the Ukrainians will be able to experience cheaper flights to the fullest. For example, a one-way ticket from Kyiv to Odesa will cost from UAH 499... The infrastructure ministry expects that the new player will bring global changes in the market of passenger air travel. Mr Omelyan also said that he was negotiating the entry to the Ukrainian market with another two air carriers, where the share of the Ukrainian capital is 51%. Eurowings vows new flights along the Kyiv-Berlin route this year, with the further launch of flights to Dusseldorf. Hungarys WizzAir this year will significantly expand its network of routes: in the spring of 2018, it plans to launch new flights from Kyiv to Lisbon and Tallinn, and from Lviv - to Polish Gdansk and Katowice, as well as Germanys Dortmund. Also, from September 18, WizzAir will start flights from Lviv to London at a price of EUR 30. In addition, for the first time in a long time, WizzAir will start flying from Kharkiv to Dortmund and Katowice. Of course, the opening of new flights and the emergence of discount carriers should encourage more competition in the air passenger transportation market. Accordingly, for passengers, this means a further reduction in ticket prices.
Raising sails
For Ukraine's water resources, the past year was quite positive. It is safe to say that the news of 2017 can become a real springboard for the breakthrough of the countrys water-related industry this year. One of these news was the decision by the Cabinet to reduce from January 1, 2018, all rates of port charges to 20%. Also, the government ordered to reduce from 75% to 50% the rate of mandatory payments to the state budget from the profit of enterprises of the maritime complex starting January 1. According to the estimates of the Administration of Seaports of Ukraine (AMPU), which unites maritime SOEs, the reduction will allow the seaports to receive an additional UAH 800 million worth of investment.
Although, even without reducing the rate of payments to the state budget, last year the AMPU allocated UAH 1.87 billion for financing infrastructure projects in the maritime industry. This is almost 3 times more than in 2016. However, this amount could be even higher, because the financial plan for 2017 provided for investment of UAH 3.9 billion. But, according to the head of the AMPU press service, Yulia Romanska, the task was not completed due to its late approval. "This is lower than it was targeted in the financial plan, since we laid down UAH 3.9 billion. However, it was adopted only in June and, accordingly, the utilization [of funds] began only in the second half of the year," she said.
At the same time, for the funds utilizes were used to launch dredging operations vital for seaports. The largest of such projects was the one in the Yuznhy trading seaport (Odesa region), implemented by China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC). The contract for dredging marine approach channels is worth about UAH 1.65 billion. It seems that the AMPU in 2018is not going to stop at the current spot. A bidding worth UAH 500 million has been announced to select a contractor for dredging works in the ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk.
Also in the coming year, Ukraine may witness an event unprecedented for the country as two of the world's largest port operators could enter its market. Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports has already submitted to the State Property Fund an application for the lease of berths in the port of Chornomorsk.
"A tender with the SPF is still ahead and a tonne of bureaucracy, but this is an important step for Ukraine. In 2018, the world's largest operator of container terminals has every chance to begin its operations in Ukraine. This will be their first asset in the Black Sea basin," said Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan.
Port operator from the UAE, DP World, is also planning to enter. It could start its work in the Yuzhny port before the end of 2018. According to the minister, DP World can invest in Ukraines port industry from $500 million to $1 billion.
In addition to the marine issues, in the past year, Ukrainian rivers, which have long been forgotten, have also come into focus. According to experts, freight traffic along inland waterways fell by 10 times in the period from 1991 to 2017, to just 6 million tonnes per year. The Verkhovna Rada tried to reverse the negative trend by adopting a law on the stimulation of river navigation in Ukraine. It gives the right to individuals-entrepreneurs, who are ship-owners, to carry out transportation under the flag of Ukraine, whereas previously only UA-registered legal entities were entitled to do so. In addition, the law permits transportation of goods under the Ukrainian flag by vessels that are owned by companies with foreign capital. According to Omelyan, the law will allow liberalizing river transportation, creating competition and increasing the annual volume of river cargo transportation to 30-35 million tonnes.
The Verkhovna Rada is also set to consider the bill on inland waterway transport. The document provides for the creation of the Administration of Inland Waterways of Ukraine, which, in addition to their maintenance, will also engage in the efficient use of strategic inland waterway transport facilities. In addition, the introduction of a single target river tax and the abolition of a number of other charges are proposed to simplify navigation along the inland waterways. Experts are confident that the adoption of the new legislation will make a huge step in the development of river transportation. But whether the bill will fin parliament support will only become clear at the beginning of this year.
As we can see, Ukraine stands on the threshold of a real Renaissance in one of the key areas of its economy, which is the transport industry. Successful implementation of multi-billion projects scheduled for 2018 will give a real helping hand to the national economy set for growth. However, we should be aware of the fact that Ukraine is still far away from a full-fledged integration into the European transport network.
Oleksandr Kunytsky
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Pabson, NPabsan after foiling panel report
The umbrella bodies of private schools have started building pressure to foil the expert panels report proposing different options for school education reforms. The expert panel, comprising more than a dozen educationists, had submitted its preliminary report to the Ministry of Education last week.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.4
Trend:
The head of the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration has issued an Order on approval of the plan of events on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of January 20 tragedy.
The Order envisages holding events, conferences, meetings, delivering lectures, covering these events in media, spreading materials about the bloody 20 January in the leading mass media of the world, TV channels and internet.
Under the plan of events, to draw the attention of the world community to the bloody January tragedy, events will be held by Azerbaijan's embassies, diplomatic missions and Azerbaijani communities abroad to bring the truth about the 20 January to the world nations.
Humanitarian aid will be rendered to the families of the 20 January victims, redevelopment works will be carried out around the Alley of Martyrs, a special lesson will be given at all educational institutions, and the country's major religious confessions will hold special religious ceremonies dedicated to the victims.
Furthermore, a visit will be organized to the Alley of Martyrs. The victims will be commemorated by a minute of silence, the ships, cars and trains will sound horns at 12.00 on January 20.
The state flags of Azerbaijan will be lowered in the country that day as a sign of mourning.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 3
By Nigar Guliyeva Trend:
Kazakh groceries are planned to be opened in Tyumen, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk regions of Russia, the Kazakh embassy in Russia reported.
"Presently, there are two stores of Kazakh food products in Omsk, their number is planned to be increased to 50. Next are the nearby major Russian cities -Tyumen, Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk. The organizers intend to create a whole food network, the main feature of which will be natural, environmentally friendly food products manufactured in Kazakhstan, " the embassy said.
In the first half of 2018 in Omsk, it is planned to build seven pavilions with Kazakh food products. The opening of Kazakh stores in Russia is handled by KazMarket LLC.
The trade turnover between the countries for January-August of 2017 increased by 37 percent compared to the same period of 2016 and amounted to $ 11 billion. Russian exports to Kazakhstan increased by 35 percent to $ 7.7 billion, while imports from Kazakhstan increased by 42 percent up to $ 3.3 billion.
The volume of trade between Russia and Kazakhstan in January-August 2017 amounted to 26.4 percent of the Russian trade with the CIS countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend:
Mass protests in Iran negatively affected the tourism sector of Turkey, because Iranian tourists have canceled hotel reservations in the countrys eastern province of Van, the Turkish media reported Jan. 4.
Over the past week, some groups of people joined demonstrations in a number of cities of Iran, including the capital Tehran, Mashhad and Kermanshah to protest against high prices, but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.
The government officials have urged people to refrain from participating in these protests. According to the Iranian media outlets, 28 people were killed during the protests.
Reportedly, the booking of more than 5,000 rooms in the hotels of Van province was canceled since the beginning of protests in Iran.
In nine months of 2017, 335,000 Iranian tourists visited the Van province that is 40 percent more than in the same period of 2016.
According to the forecast of Turkeys Ministry of Culture and Tourism, it was expected that nearly 450,000 Iranian tourists will visit the Van province until the end of 2017.
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Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Jan. 4
By Mamed Dashdamirov Trend:
Starting from Jan. 1, 2018, legal entities in Uzbekistan will pay land tax monthly in equal portions, the countrys State Tax Committee told Trend Jan. 4.
Before 2018, the land tax was paid quarterly in equal portions in Uzbekistan.
It will be necessary to submit land tax calculations for 2018 and make land tax payment for the first month of 2018 no later than Jan. 10.
Legal entities, including non-residents, who own, possess, use or lease land plots pay land tax in Uzbekistan. The amount of tax is calculated according to the total area of land plot, except for the land occupied by water supply and sanitation facilities of settlements.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend:
Turkey will increase egg exports to Iran, Hasan Konya, head of the Turkish Union of Egg Producers (YUM-BIR), said, the countrys media reported Jan. 4.
He said the Iranian Embassy in Turkey appealed to YUM-BIR with a request to increase the exports of eggs to Iran.
Konya noted that Turkey sends 50 vans with eggs to Iran every week.
Starting from next week, Turkey plans to send a total of 2,000 vans with eggs to Iran, Konya said.
It was earlier reported that prices for eggs in Iran grew 9 percent during the week from Dec. 16 to Dec. 22, 2017 compared to the previous week and by 53.7 percent compared to 2016, reaching 126,000-175,000 Iranian rials ($3-$4.1) for 30 eggs.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Nigar Guliyeva Trend:
Uzbekistan introduced the renewed Commodity Nomenclature for Foreign Economic Activity on Jan. 1.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev earlier signed the Decree on Introduction of the 2017 Commodity Nomenclature for Foreign Economic Activity.
The document notes that the World Customs Organization made changes and additions to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding Systems (HS), which came into force in 2017.
Thus, President Mirziyoyev put the 2017 Commodity Nomenclature for Foreign Economic Activity - developed on the basis of the updated HS - into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.
Uzbek foreign trade turnover for the first nine months of 2017 grew 16.7 percent compared to the previous year and amounted to about $20 billion.
Protests for capitalhood growing stronger in Dhankuta and Doti
Protests for state capitalhood have intensified in Dhankuta of Province 1 and Doti of Province 7. The locals of Dhankuta Bazaar, the district headquarters of Dhankuta, and Dipayal, the district headquarters of Doti, enforced transport strikes to press their demands on Wednesday.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Maksim Tsurkov Trend:
From the beginning of production at the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea in November 1997 to December 1, 2017, 445 million tons of oil and 140 billion cubic meters of associated gas were produced, says an article by Khoshbakht Yusifzade, first vice-president of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, published by the official "Respublika" newspaper.
Yusifzade noted that 250 million tons (56 percent) of the total volume produced at the ACG accounts for the share of Azerbaijans profitable oil.
As of December 1, 2017, 350 million tons out of 460 million tons of oil exported by Azerbaijan to the world markets accounted for the export via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, says the article.
A contract for developing the ACG field was signed in 1994. A ceremony to sign a new contract on development of the ACG block of oil and gas fields was held in Baku Sept. 14, 2017.
The new ACG participating interests are as follows: BP - 30.37 percent; AzACG (SOCAR) - 25 percent; Chevron - 9.57 percent; INPEX - 9.31 percent; Statoil - 7.27 percent; ExxonMobil - 6.79 percent; TP - 5.73 percent; ITOCHU - 3.65 percent; ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) - 2.31 percent.
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Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Nigar Guliyeva Trend:
The government of Uzbekistan is working on the issue of introducing electronic entry visas (E-Visa) and will study the experience of Azerbaijan for the implementation of the system.
Today, the system of e- visas already functions in many countries. In particular, it has proved itself well in Azerbaijan and Georgia, thus their experience will be studied when implementing this technology in Uzbekistan, the State Committee on Tourism told the Uzbek media outlets.
The procedure will allow tourists to avoid queues at the embassy, and submit all documents online. In this case, travelers will not need to pass an interview with the consul.
Acquisition and installation of necessary equipment, development of special software products, as well as testing of the "Electronic Visa" system using the infrastructure of the existing biometric passport system of Uzbekistan is planned to be completed this summer.
Over the first six months of 2017, over 1.1 million tourists visited Uzbekistan, which is 18 percent more than in the same period of 2016. Furthermore, export of tourist services reached $694.5 million.
Earlier it was reported that Uzbek embassies in foreign countries will render all consular services by using e-documents in 2018. Exit visas will be canceled in Uzbekistan from 2019. New departments were opened abroad in 2017 to render consular and other services to compatriots.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Ali Mustafayev Trend:
Russian Aeroflot airline plans to launch a new flight with from Moscow to Kyzylorda, the Ministry for Investment and Development of Kazakhstan said in a message.
The air company plans to fly four times a week on Boeing-737-800 aircraft (Airbus 321 reserve).
Currently, Kazakh and Russian sides work on the implementation of the flight on this route.
Previously, Russian "Angara" airline also announced its plans to open flights on Krasnoyarsk - Almaty, Irkutsk - Astana, Irkutsk Almaty and Krasnoyarsk Astana routes from April 2018.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 27
By Fatih Karimov Trend:
The Iranian administration has authorized a project for producing blood bags in Iran by French investment.
According to a report released by the Islamic Republics ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade, French Macopharma, one of the leaders in establishing infusion, transfusion and biotherapy systems, will invest $8.892 million in the project, in cooperation with an Iranian private company.
Last year, Ali Akbar Pourfathollah, the head of the Iran Blood Transfusion Organization, said that Iran plans to join the countries producing blood bags in cooperation three foreign companies.
The French company, with a 50-percent share in production of blood bags, has agreed to produce six million blood bags, according to Pourfathollah.
The Iranian industry ministrys data unveils that Organization for Investment, Economic and Technical Assistance of Iran (OIETAI) has ratified the investment increase for the project by Macopharma Fardavar (join company) in September.
The data, which covers first seven months of Irans current fiscal year (March 20-Oct. 22), also indicates that the value of authorized foreign direct investment has reached $1.834 billion.
The figure has increased by 28 percent, compared to $1.438 billion worth of projects approved by the administration in the same period of the preceding year.
Over 38 investment proposals, including 32 new projects were approved by OIETAI in the 7-month period, compared to 35 proposals in the first seven months of the last fiscal year.
Germany stood at the top of the list of approved investment projects with $720.87 million for construction of a production plant of photovoltaic panels.
During the mentioned period, statistics from the Iranian government put the Irish investors in second place with $466.155 million worth of investments for a mining extraction and exploitation project, followed by China with a $232.551 million and Denmark ($102.056 million).
According to the Iranian ministry, over 71 investment proposals (worth $5.06 billion) were approved by Iran's Foreign Investment Board last fiscal year (ended March 20). The value was $6.7 billion for the preceding fiscal year (ended March 2016), registering a big growth compared to $915 million in 2015, when the international sanctions against Iran were in place.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Fatih Karimov Trend:
Irans intelligence forces have dismantled an armed terror team in western city of Piranshahr, Islamic Republics Intelligence Ministry said in a statement Jan. 4.
The team had entered the country with the aim of staging explosions, killing innocent people, and pushing forward the recent unrests, the ministry said.
In a clash with the terror team, three members of Irans intelligence forces were killed, the statement said.
One of the terrorists was arrested and a number of them were injured in the clash, the ministry said.
The intelligence forces seized five AK-47 machine guns, four grenades, military uniforms and equipment as well as notebooks containing the guidelines for creating insecurity and unrest.
In recent days, three terror teams have been arrested in western Iran, the ministry added.
At least 21 people have been killed during the ongoing protests in Iran, which began last week as protests against economic hardship and corruption grew into political rallies.
Some Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accuse foreigners and Irans enemies of fomenting the unrest.
Only in capital city of Tehran, at least 450 people have been arrested in recent days, according to Ali-Asghar Naserbakht, deputy governor of Tehran.
Following the one-week protests, pro-government rallies are held since yesterday in several Iranian cities.
On Jan. 4, Irans Army Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi expressed his gratitude to the people of the country, the Basij para-military forces, and the law enforcement force for their efforts to put an end to the recent unrest in the country.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Farhad Daneshvar Trend
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has slammed US President Donald Trump over his remarks expressing support and respect for protesters in the Islamic Republic.
Trump had earlier said that protesters would see a great support from the US.
Iran saw turmoil and political unrests over the past week, which took the lives of at least 22, including security forces.
The unrests began after some groups joined demonstrations in a number of cities, including the capital Tehran, Mashhad and Kermanshah to protest against high prices, but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.
The government officials have urged people to refrain from participating in the illegal protests.
Indonesia shrank the exclusion zone around a grumbling volcano on the resort island of Bali on Thursday after fears of an imminent eruption, allowing farmers to return to their homes, Reuters reports.
The 3,000-meter Mount Agung remains on alert for a major eruption, but officials said the danger zone around the crater would be reduced to a six-km (four-mile) radius from 10 km.
Mount Agung remains in an eruption phase and could affect settlements. All parties are urged to remain cautious, Agung Pribadi, press relations officer at the natural resources ministry, said in a statement.
The volcano has been spewing lava and ash since late November, when authorities raised the alert status to the highest.
Bali airport was closed for three days, leaving thousands of tourists stranded and prompting others to cancel their year-end holiday plans.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday voiced confidence that the economy was steadily heading toward an end to deflation, Reuters reported.
With a domestic demand-led recovery taking hold, Japan is making steady progress toward emerging from 20 years of deflation, Abe told a news conference.
He also said his administration would focus on labor market reforms that would boost productivity and address a shrinking working-age population amid a rapidly aging society.
U.S. President Donald Trump pushed for stricter voter identification rules on Thursday and accused Democratic-led states of failing to cooperate with a presidential election fraud commission that he disbanded this week, Reuters reports.
In a pair of posts on Twitter, the Republican president reiterated his allegations, without offering any evidence, that there was voter fraud in the November 2016 presidential election.
Trump won the White House through the state-by-state Electoral College system but lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes to Democrat Hillary Clinton.
Most state officials who oversee elections, including Republicans and Democrats, as well as election law experts say voter fraud is rare in the United States.
On Wednesday, the White House said in a statement it was shutting down the bipartisan panel that Trump established in May to look into allegations of fraud in the 2016 contest, saying many states had refused to provide data.
Trump had now asked the Department of Homeland Security to investigate and decide what action was needed, the White House said.
The panel was headed by Vice President Mike Pence, along with Kris Kobach, who as Kansas Secretary of State runs elections in that state and who has long urged new voting restrictions.
Their effort, however, quickly met resistance from a number of U.S. states as well as civil rights groups such as the Electronic Privacy Information Center and the American Civil Liberties Union, which had both filed lawsuits opposing it.
States and the groups balked at the information requested by the commission such as names, birth dates, political affiliation and voting histories. More than 20 states refused outright to provide the data and others said they needed to study the issue.
On Thursday, Trump said uncooperative mostly Democratic states ... fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D.
A number of states such as Texas have already passed laws requiring voter identification. Critics say that can make it harder for some people, including minorities, to vote because they are less likely to have certain IDs. Proponents say such steps are necessary and are not onerous.
In July, a federal judge in Washington noted the advisory panel lacked legal authority to compel states to provide data, even as it allowed the commissions work to move forward. A U.S. appeals court later also allowed the panel to continue.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend:
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan introduced a ban on construction of new houses with more than three storeys in the Duzce province in the north-west of the country, the Turkish media reported Jan. 4.
This decision is related to the fact that the Duzce province is located in the seismic zone.
Earlier, Erdogan noted that restrictions regarding the height of multi-storey houses will be imposed throughout Turkey, and in particular in such cities as Ankara and Istanbul.
He said that such restrictions are related to the need to preserve the environment and they mainly cover areas where environmental problems are most acute.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend:
The US is grossly interfering in Turkeys internal affairs, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued in response to a trial in the US on the case of Hakan Atilla, former deputy CEO of Turkeys Halkbank.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said that the accusations against Atilla have no legal basis.
The use of certain members of the Gulen movement as witnesses casts doubt on the whole trial process, the statement said.
US authorities in late March 2016 arrested Hakan Atilla at New Yorks JFK airport accusing him of helping Iran evade sanctions during Former President Barack Obamas term.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 4
By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend:
Iranian citizens have the right to protest rallies, but they should be held only within the laws of the country, Ibrahim Kalin, special adviser and spokesperson of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said, the Turkish media reported Jan. 4.
Kalin said that Iran is an important strategic partner for Turkey.
Turkey stands for maintaining stability in Iran, Kalin said.
He noted that the protests in Iran are provoked from abroad.
Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that the US, particularly, President Donald Trump, is provoking the events in Iran.
Over the past week, some groups of people joined demonstrations in a number of cities of Iran, including the capital Tehran, Mashhad and Kermanshah to protest against high prices, but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.
The government officials have urged people to refrain from participating in these protests. According to the Iranian media outlets, 28 people were killed during the protests.
By Sophie Jackman, KYODO NEWS - Jan 4, 2018 - 08:29 | All, World
A thaw in Japan-China relations in 2018 is likely to be restricted to areas of mutual economic benefit as the countries' fundamental rivalry in the Asia-Pacific region remains unchanged.
With next year marking the 40th anniversary of the signing of a peace and friendship treaty between the two countries, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed on the margins of a regional summit in Vietnam in November to make a "new start" in bilateral relations.
Abe said 2018 could see the two countries' leaders swap visits for the first time in a decade.
There are clear economic benefits to both countries from a political thaw. Tapping into Chinese markets makes sense for the Abe administration's pursuit of economic growth, while China can benefit from Japanese technology and the countries' linked supply chains.
Both Abe and Xi now have sufficiently solid domestic support to pursue this while accepting the risks that deeper engagement may pose to their popularity because of thorny security and historical issues, said Stephen Nagy, a fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
During December, Abe suggested Japan could cooperate with Xi's "One Belt, One Road" giant cross-border infrastructure development project even within the context of the "free and open Indo-Pacific" concept Tokyo has long been pushing.
Japan's most powerful business lobby, the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, then agreed at a bilateral business dialogue to seek cooperation with China in jointly developing infrastructure, including under the Belt and Road framework.
While concerns remain in Japan about the megaproject's quality and transparency standards, the government's green light on the Belt and Road is crucial for Keidanren members, which are "very keen to get their fingers into it...but would prefer cooperation with the (Japanese) state to ensure their investments are secure," Nagy said.
While the historical grievances that have long strained bilateral ties will remain, each government has options to handle them sensitively in order to encourage the thaw.
Xi attended this year's state memorial for victims of the 1937 massacre by Japanese troops in Nanjing, but did not give a speech.
But all of this is taking place against a background of fundamental differences in security matters.
Hot points include the uninhabited Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea -- controlled by Japan but claimed by Beijing as the Diaoyu Islands -- and more broadly China's militarization of outposts in the contested South China Sea.
China has regularly sent its ships around the Senkakus since the Japanese government purchased some of the islands from a private Japanese owner in 2012 to bring them under state control.
Sources close to bilateral ties say Tokyo and Beijing are in the end stages of decade-long negotiations on a hotline aimed at averting unintended clashes in the East China Sea or the airspace above, but still need to work out the details of the mechanism.
"We're only one collision of coast guard vessels away from plunging into the abyss," said Jeff Kingston, director of Asian Studies at Temple University Japan.
"Japanese participation in (U.S.) freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea has drawn criticism from China, so if those patrols are escalated, that could pose problems for a thaw in relations," Kingston said.
And while the threat from North Korea's development of nuclear and ballistic missiles has brought the international community together to an extent this year, further weapons testing by the North has the potential to push Japan and China apart in 2018, particularly depending on the U.S. response.
In his first national security strategy released last week, U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to boost cooperation with Japan, Australia and India, while labeling China a strategic competitor.
The pursuit of quadrilateral cooperation with Australia and India, which Abe proposed in an opinion piece in 2012, fundamentally puts Japan in the way of the expansion of Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
"Japan has a long-term vision of securing a leadership role in the region...if there is more progress in quadrilateral (talks) or if Japan pushes forward with the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor cooperation agreement with India, these variables will affect how China can realistically warm relations with Japan," Nagy said.
For now, Abe has expressed his willingness to travel to China first for a summit, then inviting Xi to reciprocate soon after.
While each leader will be eager to present the thaw as the culmination of his own efforts, Abe will likely have to accept China calling the shots to a certain degree, Nagy said.
On Trump's visit to China in November, "President Xi had to demonstrate that he was in a superior position, and the conditions will be similar with Abe, with the optics being that pressure from Xi has worked and Abe has come around to China's position," he said.
In any case, Foreign Ministry sources say planning for the key messages of these visits cannot get started until the success of a long-delayed trilateral summit in Japan involving Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and South Korean President Moon Jae In.
They say that three-way meeting will set the tone for the year.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 4, 2018 - 17:18 | All
A mayor in western Japan, who has taken a hard-line stance toward news organizations he considers "biased," refused to answer questions from a reporter on Thursday, telling him "I'll kill you" before walking away.
Takeshi Imamura, the 45-year-old mayor of Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture, made the remark when the reporter from the Yomiuri Shimbun national newspaper approached him at the city hall to confirm his intention not to seek re-election, city officials said.
The reporter was trying to double-check after the mayor said during a ceremony marking the first working day of the year, held at the city hall earlier in the day, that he would not run in the mayoral election slated in April.
Imamura, a former Nishinomiya city assembly member, is in his first four-year term as mayor after winning the 2014 election.
He has caused controversy over a policy he temporarily adopted of not answering questions from "biased" news media outlets, and making comments ridiculing a female city assembly member who criticized him.
"We will deal with this matter appropriately after confirming what happened," said a spokesman for the newspaper.
Defense
White House names acquisition leaders at DOD, Air Force
The White House announced nominations for two key defense acquisition positions Jan. 3 for the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Air Force.
Kevin Fahey, who formerly led the Army's Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology's systems engineering and integration and was the program executive officer for combat ground systems, will become the assistant defense secretary for acquisition. Fahey's last role was as the vice president of combat vehicles and armaments for Cypress International.
The White House named William Roper, the current director for the defense secretary's Strategic Capabilities Office, to be the Air Force's assistant secretary of acquisition. Roper was previously the acting chief architect at the Missile Defense Agency, the missile defense advisor for the under secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics and a national security analyst at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory.
Both positions require Senate confirmation and are referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Digital Gov
Congress requires mobile-friendly websites
With federal government websites often a generation behind commercial sites, Congress in late December passed the Connected Government Act, which requires all federal agencies that create or redesign websites for public use ensure to the "greatest extent possible" that their websites are mobile friendly.
Mobile friendly is defined as a website configuration that can be easily navigated, viewed and accessed on a smartphone, tablet computer or similar mobile device. After the legislation is signed by President Donald Trump, the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the General Services Administration, will submit a report to Congress within 18 months describing the act's and agency compliance.
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) after she saw the results from a Information Technology and Innovation Foundation report that benchmarked federal websites against industry standards. The second edition of the report, released in November, found 91 percent of the most popular federal websites failed to meet basic website standards. ITIF tested 469 federal websites using publicly available tools for page-load speed, mobile friendliness, security and accessibility.
"More and more Americans are using smartphones to access government services," Kelly said. "We have a responsibility to keep pace with technological innovation and make it easy for citizens to engage with their government."
Daniel Castro, ITIF vice president and co-author of the report, determined "a lot of federal websites" were not being actively maintained and were underperforming but were still popular.
It's a "challenge for government to track the number of websites that are out there but not being updated," Castro told GCN. "To me, the next step is getting a complete inventory of all of the federal websites -- which currently doesn't exist."
Castro urged agencies to become responsible for their own website maintenance and proposed the General Services Administration provide assessment tools for widespread government use.
GSA's 18F provides the Federalist service that can help government agencies design and manage websites.
"18F has always built responsive sites that work for all screen sizes, and our Federalist product has templates that are responsive out of the box," Will Slack, who runs the Federalist program, said. "Federalist is available to help other agencies rapidly and compliantly update their sites to be responsive."
GSA also tracks mobile traffic to federal websites through analytics.usa.gov. Currently, 45 percent of 2.5 billion visits to participating federal websites were from mobile devices or tablets.
Local governments are also keen to develop mobile-friendly websites for their residents. Municipalities that want to design for a mobile platform should start with customer research to determine what makes sense to highlight for a mobile audience, according to David Nachman, CEO of Vision, a website design and development firm that works with local governments.
"Across our customer base, we see events and parks and recreation as two areas that typically spike on mobile compared to desktop use," Nachman said in an interview. "In every case, it is beneficial to do research for your own user base and determine how mobile versus desktop usage differs."
Still, with 40 percent on average of residents viewing websites on their mobile devices, Nachman said governments must move toward a resident-centric approach and focus on customer experience. "The things that matter to constituents have changed," he said. "People are accessing these websites 24/7, and we see pretty meaningful usage after traditional business hours."
The investment in mobile-friendly websites also begs the question whether agencies should invest in mobile applications.
When it comes to accessing local government information, Nachman said the "vast majority" of mobile usage isn't not going to come from an app.
"Most customers don't have a level of engagement with their local communities to want to download an app, but they are engaged via mobile devices," Nachman said. "Too often, [agencies] charge forward into the mobile app world based on the buzz without trying to understand the customer experience that they are trying to deliver."
This article originally appeared in FCW's sibling publication GCN.
Microsoft, Amazon, and Google said they are working on updates to cloud services and other products to prevent exploitation of chip-level security vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities, which were publicly disclosed by the Register on Tuesday, could allow a hacker to steal information stored in the memory of a wide range of computer chips running on personal devices, like computers, as well as servers in data centers, including those used to run cloud computing services. It could allow a hacker to steal information stored in the memory of the chip itself, including things such as passwords and cached files. It could also pave the way for attackers to weaken other security features. One of the vulnerabilities, dubbed Meltdown, is known to affect Intel chips. Another, Spectre, could affect chips from many vendors. Indeed, Arm said that some processors based on its technology are affected. "We're aware of this industry-wide issue and have been working closely with chip manufacturers to develop and test mitigations to protect our customers," a Microsoft (MSFT) spokesperson told CNBC in an email. "We are in the process of deploying mitigations to cloud services and have also released security updates to protect Windows customers against vulnerabilities affecting supported hardware chips from Intel, Arm, and AMD." In addition to patching its cloud services and current and older versions of Windows for servers and desktops, Microsoft has updated its Edge and Internet Explorer browsers. Updates for Microsoft Surface devices are coming as well. Google (GOOGL) was the company to first alert Intel to the vulnerability, Intel (INTC) CEO Brian Krzanich said on CNBC earlier on Wednesday. Subsequently Google released some details about the issues but said a full report is still to come. A new site discussing the Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities credits Google's Jann Horn and third-party researchers with discovering them. Google said it has updated its public cloud service to prevent attacks related to Meltdown and Spectre. "We used our VM Live Migration technology to perform the updates with no user impact, no forced maintenance windows and no required restarts," Google engineering vice president Ben Treynor Sloss wrote in a blog post. But customers will still need to update the operating systems they use on the Google cloud. Google has also been busy checking on consumer services. Exploitation is "difficult and limited" for most Android devices, and the latest version of Chrome OS is patched, Google said. Amazon (AMZN) told customers of its Amazon Web Services cloud service that the vulnerability "has existed for more than 20 years in modern processor architectures like Intel, AMD, and ARM across servers, desktops, and mobile devices." It said that it's already protected nearly all AWS instances, although customers will still have to patch the operating systems they use. In the CNBC interview Krzanich said he was not aware of exploits of the issue, and Microsoft has not gotten any indication that the vulnerabilities "had been used to attack our customers," the spokesperson said. Aside from security concerns, the Register and some individuals suggested that patches to operating systems could result in performance slowdowns. But in a statement on Wednesday, Intel said that "any performance impacts are workload-dependent, and, for the average computer user, should not be significant and will be mitigated over time." Microsoft told customers of its Azure public cloud in a blog post that they "should not see a noticeable performance impact." VMware has come out with patches for its desktop and server virtualization software. Linux distribution vendor Red Hat is working on making product updates available to customers. "Red Hat is taking a proactive position that favors security over performance, while allowing users the flexibility to assess their own environment and make appropriate tradeoffs through selectively enabling and disabling the various mitigations," the company said on a website devoted to the vulnerabilities. Some Red Hat patches are live, and more will be coming in the next few days, a spokesperson told CNBC in an email.
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Bernie Sanders is calling on the United States to be more like Iceland and legally enforce equal pay for men and women, he said on Tuesday.
We must follow the example of our brothers and sisters in Iceland and demand equal pay for equal work now, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or nationality. As we fight back Republican efforts to revert womens rights to second-class, it is important to not lose sight that our real goal is to move forward and expand womens rights, the independent senator from Vermont wrote in a Facebook post.
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GETTY/Zach Gibson
Trending: Socialist Bernie Sanders Wears a $700 Jacket While Complaining About Rich People
The former presidential candidate posted in response to the Nordic countrys historic legalization of equal pay for men and women, which went into effect on Monday. Iceland is the first country to do so, and its legislation requires that any company or government agency that employs 25 people or more prove to the government that it pays men and women the same wages, or else face fines.
Sanders has pushed for equal pay before, and it was one of the major planks of his presidential campaign platform. Sanderss presidential campaign website, which is still up and running, calls the wage gap a national disgrace, saying, It is wrong that women working full-time only earn 79 cents for every dollar a man earns. We have got to move forward and pass the Paycheck Fairness Act into law.
Don't miss: Russia Will Create Its Own Bitcoin to Avoid U.S. Sanctions: Report
Iceland has been ahead of the curve in the gender equality realm for years, and the new legislation is part of the trend. According to the World Economic Forum, which releases a report measuring gender parity in countries around the world through various social and economic measures, Iceland is, for the ninth year in a row, ranked first in its efforts to close the gender gap. The small country has closed more than 87 percent of its overall gender gap, the WEF wrote in November. Iceland also ranks fifth in providing similar work opportunities for men and women.
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It seems to be a Nordic trend: Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden are all in the top five of the gender parity index. The United States did not receive such high marks.
Even though the U.S. has made strides in narrowing the gender pay gap since 1980 according to a report from the Pew Research Center in April, which found that women earned 83 percent of what men earned in 2015it still lags behind in other areas. It ranks 49th on the WEF index, with low scores in women's political empowerment and their health and life expectancy.
This article was first written by Newsweek
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Stock of FDI reached Rs151.7b in 2016-17
The stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nepal stood at Rs151.7 billion as of the last fiscal year. One-third of the total amount was equity capital while the rest was debt financing, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) said. FDI stock shows the value of foreign investors equity in and loans to domestic enterprises.
Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) and Philip Morris (NYSE: PM) have long been bastions of bountiful dividend income for investors. With the consumer-goods giant and tobacco titan currently yielding 3% and 4.1%, respectively, that remains the case today.
But which of these dividend dynamos is the better buy? Let's find out.
A man writing the word dividends
Image source: Getty Images.
Financial fortitude
Let's take a look at some key metrics to see how Procter & Gamble and Philip Morris stack up in regards to financial strength.
Revenue $65.2 billion $27.4 billion Operating income $13.9 billion $10.8 billion Operating cash flow $13.4 billion $8.1 billion Free cash flow $9.5 billion $6.7 billion Cash $16.0 billion $7.7 billion Debt $34.2 billion $34.0 billion
DATA SOURCE: MORNINGSTAR.
P&G's revenue dwarfs that of Philip Morris. Its operating income and cash flow are also significantly greater. And while Procter & Gamble and Philip Morris have similar debt levels, P&G has $8 billion more in cash reserves. For these reasons, I give the edge to Procter & Gamble when it comes to financial fortitude.
Advantage: Procter & Gamble.
Growth
Philip Morris and P&G have seen their revenues decline at similar rates in recent years. Declining smoking rates, greater restrictions on tobacco products, and a strong U.S. dollar have all dented Philip Morris' sales during this time. P&G, meanwhile, is facing intensifying competition from e-commerce-based rivals. Yet a large portion of its sales decline is due to its brand divestiture program, which is now mostly complete. Moreover, P&G;'s cost-cutting initiatives have helped it expand its margins, thereby allowing the consumer-goods giant to grow its operating profits despite its lower revenue base.
PG Revenue (TTM) Chart
PG Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts.
However, over the next five years, Wall Street expects Philip Morris to increase its earnings per share at an annualized rate of nearly 10%, fueled by the growth of its reduced-risk products. Procter & Gamble is projected to grow its earnings per share (EPS) by only about 7% annually during this time. Ultimately, it's future growth that matters most to today's investor, so I'll give a slight edge to Philip Morris.
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Advantage: Philip Morris.
Valuation
No better-buy discussion should take place without a look at valuation. Let's check out some key value metrics for P&G and Philip Morris, including price-to-free-cash-flow and price-to-earnings ratios.
P/FCF 24.13 24.17 Forward P/E 20.33 19.77
DATA SOURCE: MORNINGSTAR, Yahoo! Finance.
These two dividend stars are currently trading at remarkably similar price-to-free-cash-flow and price-to-earnings multiples, so I'll call it a draw in terms of valuation.
Advantage: None.
Additional factors
With this better-buy analysis all tied up after three rounds, let's look at some additional criteria to help you decide what's best for your portfolio.
Some investors may object to investing in certain industries. So-called "sin stocks" -- such as those in the tobacco, alcohol, and gambling industries -- often fall into this category. If it makes you uncomfortable to invest in a cigarette maker like Philip Morris, then that could help make this better-buy choice an easy decision for you.
Secondly, I should note that Procter & Gamble is currently under pressure from activist investor Nelson Peltz. Peltz recently won a seat on the company's board, and he could push for P&G to break itself up. If this situation makes you uneasy, you may want to stay clear of Procter & Gamble's stock for the time being.
Advantage: You decide.
Ultimately, you'll have to decide which of these factors is more important to you. If you appreciate balance-sheet strength and superior cash flow generation, then Procter & Gamble is the way to go. If strong future growth potential is more important to you, then Philip Morris may be the better choice. Either way, you'll be buying a solid business that should reward you with steadily rising dividend income in the years ahead.
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Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's central bank told a top-level government internet finance group that the monetary authority can tell local governments to regulate the power usage of bitcoin miners to gradually reduce the scale of their production, a source said.
While the People's Bank of China (PBOC) can't directly regulate bitcoin miners' power usage, it can ask local authorities to do so, the central bank told members of the Leading Group of Beijing Internet Financial Risks Remediation at a meeting at the end of 2017, the source said.
Experts say China is one of the world's biggest sources of bitcoin mining, where miners solve complex mathematical puzzles with computers in order to be awarded virtual coins. The intensive use of computers for bitcoin mining has boosted demand for electricity.
In September China ordered all initial coin offerings to cease and all cryptocurrency trading exchanges to be shuttered with the aim of containing financial risks. Bitcoin miners have feared that they could be the next target.
At the meeting, the PBOC said development of bitcoin mining will be limited, according to the source, who declined to be named as he is not authorised to speak on the matter.
The PBOC could not be reached for immediate comment outside business hours.
(Reporting by Ryan Woo and Beijing Newsroom; editing by Jason Neely)
How to compare cryptocurrencies valued at $2.89 and $15,334.
Bitcoin mania swept the world in 2017, with the value of the currency rocketing by more than ten times during the course of the year.
But the cryptocurrencys earliest fans online criminals are quietly abandoning the currency for more privacy-focused cryptocurrencies.
Law enforcement is now using tools developed by software firms such as Chainalysis to track Bitcoin transactions and block criminals converting their gains into cash.
The result is that criminals are moving to other, more privacy-focused currencies such as Monero where transactions are much harder to track.
Cryptocurrency fans such as John McAfee say that this means the coins could be a good investment in the future.
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The European Unions law-enforcement agency Europol said in a report that, other cryptocurrencies such as monero, ethereum and Zcash are gaining popularity within the digital underground.
MORE: Nobel Prize winner claims Donald Trump and Kim Jong-uns toxic masculinity will kill us all
MORE: Brexit and weak government make the UK one of the biggest risks of 2018, according to report
Ransomware attackers are now demanding ransoms in Monero, says Matt Suiche of Dubai security firm Comae Technologies.
Suiche said Monero is now one of the favorites, if not the favorite.
By Yashaswini Swamynathan
(Reuters) - Dominion Energy Inc (D.N) said on Wednesday it would buy Scana Corp (SCG.N) in an all-stock deal worth about $7.9 billion, offering the utility a way to appease customers and investors angered by the cost of a failed nuclear project.
Richmond, Virginia-based Dominion will pay Scana's customers $1.3 billion, averaging about $1,000 for each customer, and has promised to cut bills by 5 percent to appease users who have been overcharged for years as Scana funded the nuclear project.
Shares of Dominion, which will also assume Scana's debt of $6.7 billion, were down 4 percent in after-market trading.
Dominion's $55.35 per share offer represents a premium of 42.4 percent to Scana's Tuesday close. South Carolina-based Scana's shares were trading well below the offer price at $47.89, suggesting some investors were skeptical of the deal.
Scana, which owns the South Carolina Electric & Gas Co (SCE&G), has been under pressure since it scrapped the V.C. Summer nuclear project in July after spending about $9 billion on it with state-owned utility Santee Cooper.
The company received a subpoena in October from the Securities and Exchange Commission related to an investigation of the nuclear project. (http://bit.ly/2qjxaB1)
Scana was funding some of the project's costs from SCE&G, a move that angered customers and led to the utility rolling back electricity rates for residential users.
The nuclear project became a lightning rod for criticism, with local politicians arguing over who should pay for the aborted project.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said while the deal is a step in the right direction, it will not resolve all problems for customers.
As part of the deal, Dominion will also write off more than $1.7 billion in connection with the abandoned nuclear plant.
Guggenheim Securities analyst Shahriar Pourreza said he expects regulators to approve the deal.
"Scana does not have any other option and regulators will be aware of that, so the deal is likely to go through but it will be noisy," Pourreza said.
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Dominion is offering 0.6690 of its shares for each Scana share, or about $55.35, based on Dominion's average stock price of the last 30 trading days ended Jan. 2.
The deal is expected to immediately add to earnings after its closure in the third quarter, Dominion said.
Credit Suisse was the financial adviser for Dominion. Morgan Stanley and RBC Capital Markets advised Scana.
(Reporting by Yashaswini Swamynathan and Anirban Paul in Bengaluru; Writing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Shounak Dasgupta)
Trump-Bannon Feud Is the Death of Truth: CEO Daily for January 5, 2018
President Donald Trump denounced his former top strategist, Steve Bannon, on Wednesday, saying that he lost his mind after leaving the White House last summer.
When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, Trump said of Bannon in a statement the White House issued. Now that he is on his own, Steve is learning that winning isnt as easy as I make it look.
Earlier on Wednesday, New York Magazine published excerpts of a forthcoming book by author Michael Wolff in which Bannon criticizes Trumps campaign as well as the president and his family. The Guardian published excerpts of the book in which Bannon predicts that Special Counsel Robert Mueller will crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV over his meeting with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower in June 2016.
Bannon also called the meeting treasonous and unpatriotic, according to the Guardian.
Bannon, reached by Bloomberg News, declined to comment on the remarks published by the Guardian.
The Tesla Model 3 has a little surprise for its dedicated fans. Owners of the $35,000 electric vehicle, which launched in July 2017, have discovered a secret hidden in the computers software that features a sneaky tribute to the development team.
The easter egg, discovered by Electrek on Tuesday, is the sort of little fan service that CEO Elon Musk loves to include in his products. A 2016 update featured a virtual trip to Mars as a hat tip to Musks SpaceX efforts, while another 2017 update included a sketchpad for doodling masterpieces on the Model S and X dashboard. Sometimes, these humorous tidbits are presented in plain sight: Tesla cars feature a Ludicrous performance mode, as a nod to 1987 sci-fi comedy Spaceballs.
Those that discover the easter egg are in for a nice gesture that highlights the work behind Teslas cheapest ever vehicle. Touching the right combination of buttons reveals a photo of the team, surrounding a silver Model 3, with Musk and designer Franz von Holzhausen at the center.
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Heres how to access the easter egg:
Switch on the car.
Locate the Tesla logo on the tablet located in the center of the cars dashboard. It should be at the top of the screen, to the left of the users name.
Press the logo to visit the About Your Tesla page.
Hold down the 3 in the Model 3 title for a few seconds.
The car rendering should slide out of the way to reveal a photo of the team.
Of course, not many Tesla fans will be able to access this tribute for a while. The company is still working hard to pull production out of what Musk has dubbed the hell stage. In September 2017, Tesla revealed it has only produced 260 cars, far fewer than the 1,500 projected at the launch event. The companys ultimate aim is to ramp up production to 10,000 cars per week at some point this year, but unexpected hurdles could hamper this goal.
There are signs that production is improving, though. More reports are surfacing of non-employee customers receiving invites to customize their Model 3 and utilize their $1,000 reservation to purchase the car. Tesla prioritized one such order when a man dying of cancer came forward and said that he wished to try the car as one of his last wishes. Slowly but surely, Tesla is bringing its newest car to the general public.
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Photos via Tesla, Getty Images / Justin Sullivan
Photos via Tesla, Getty Images / Justin Sullivan
Written by Mike Brown
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President Donald Trump.[/caption] The threat of legal action to quash the publication of a behind-the-scenes close-up of the Trump White House is a common tactic in the corporate world that wont likely fly in the government context, employment attorneys said Thursday.Charles Harder, a lawyer representing President Donald Trump, is demanding author Michael Wolff and the publisher of his tell-all Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House to not distribute the book. Harder claims details of the bookpublished in media reportsare potentially libelous and violate the employment agreement signed by former strategist Steve Bannon. Harder said in the letter that legal action was "imminent." He called for the publisher, Henry Holt & Co. to cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the book. The publisher reportedly moved up the release of the book to Friday.Bannon, the head of Breitbart News who left a top role in the administration late last year, made unflattering comments about the president and his family in the book, according to an excerpt published in New York magazine. Such reports prompted the president to call his former strategist a self-aggrandizing political charlatan.Employment attorneys said the political drama does not have an obvious legal path forward, even though such employment agreementsbarring the revelation of certain details, or blocking negative commentaryare common in private corporate environments.It seems like Trump does view himself as the CEO of America Inc. and is attempting to use and enforce and gag Bannon they way a private employer would do, said Mark Konkel, a labor and employment partner at Kelley Drye & Warren. Using these corporate instincts in a government context doesnt make sense. There is a lot of bluster in this letter.Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, on Thursday described Bannon's agreement with the White House as an "ethics agreement." Asked whether Trump would sue Wolff over the publication of the book, she said: "That's something that I would refer you to the president's attorneys, but our position is very clear, that we think it is full of false and fake information." Media journalist Brian Stelter at CNN tweeted a response from Wolff's publisher Thursday evening: "We see 'Fire and Fury' as an extraordinary contribution to our national discourse, and are proceeding with the publication of the book." Nondisclosure agreements or those that require ex-employees not to disparage their employers can give a company some flexibility in severance agreements. And while freedom of speech rights are limited in that context, the government generally cannot stop someone from speaking freely. Details are still hazy on the actual employment agreement itself, but employment attorneys suggest Harder's cease and desist demand may be an intimidation tactic that holds little legal sway.Harder, of Beverly Hills, Californias Harder, Mirell & Abrams, was not immediately reached for comment Thursday. Harder was on the team that toppled Gawker Media.Konkel said if Bannon were to disclose information considered confidential or crucial to national security, then he would face criminal charges. Offering his opinion to a book author would not likely be considered libelous and such an employment agreement would be weak, Konkel said. Such actions would run afoul of free speech laws, he added.In the federal government context, it would be unusual to sign a nondisclosure agreement that would be that broad, he said. The government cant bar speech. It would be unheard of for a government entity to enforce an agreement against a former administration official to bar the official from saying anything bad about anyone he worked with in the past.If Bannon is simply telling Wolff his opinions on the presidency, that is not something an employer or the government would restrict, said Jessica Glatzer Mason, a Gardere labor and employment partner in Houston.This seems to go beyond what the Constitution allows, Mason said. They are going too far. Obviously, if he is disclosing state secrets that would be bad.Harder's cease and desist letter appears more like an intimidation tactic used often in the corporate world to pile on costs to stop accusations from moving forward, Mason said. There does not appear to be a strong reason to restrict free speech in this instance, she said.The competency of the president is a matter of public importance, Mason said.Don Schroeder, a Foley & Lardner labor and employment partner in Boston, said it would be common for a high-level executive leaving a company to have certain restrictions imposed, including confidentiality. The terms of any employment agreement Bannon signed will dictate whether there was any breach.Schroeder said Trump could ask for injunctive relief to stop the publication of the book. Any opinion commentary published in Wolff's book, he said, would not likely be considered libelous.It will depend on how broad the confidentiality agreement is and how tight, Schroeder said. Every judge is different. You would have to show the threat of irreparable harm and the likelihood on the success of the merits.Read more:Trump Wanted Loyalty in Supreme Court Pick, New Book 'Fire and Fury' SaysTrump and His Lawyers: Threats vs. Reality'Stick to the Plan': Steve Bannon Told Lawyers Why He Won't Fight Donald TrumpL.A. Lawyer Who Toppled Gawker Lobs New Libel Suit at Techdirt
Will not cooperate in biased investigation process: Silwal
A day after police issued an arrest warrant against him, former deputy inspector general Nawaraj Silwal said he would not cooperate with the probe, claiming that it was biased against him.
Former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort, seen here leaving a federal court last month, alleges that Russia probe special prosecutor Robert Mueller has overstepped his mandate (AFP Photo/Brendan Smialowski)
Washington (AFP) - Former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort sued special prosecutor Robert Mueller and the Justice Department Wednesday for allegedly overstepping their mandates, in a challenge to the Russia probe that threatens the US president.
Two months after his arrest for tax evasion and money laundering, Manafort charged in a civil suit that the department and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein gave Mueller excessively broad authority in his investigation of possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 election.
He also alleged that Mueller strayed from a focus on alleged collusion in pursuing charges against Manafort related to his work for former Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych years before the election campaign.
"The investigation of Mr. Manafort is completely unmoored from the special counsel's original jurisdiction to investigate 'any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump,'" the lawsuit said.
Manafort's dealings with Russia-backed Yanukovych, all before 2014, "had no connection whatsoever to the 2016 presidential election or even to Donald Trump," it said.
A long-time Washington political consultant, he was recruited to head Trump's presidential campaign in June 2016 but stepped down two months later after allegations surfaced from Kiev that he had been paid more than $12 million by Yanukovych's party.
On October 30 he and former aide Rick Gates were charged with 12 counts of conspiracy to launder money, tax evasion, and other related crimes related to the money they earned advising Yanukovych.
Manafort, 68, argued that he had already been interviewed by the FBI in 2014 about his Ukraine activities, which date back to the mid-2000s, further placing them outside the contours of Mueller's investigation.
Mueller, a former FBI director, was named by Rosenstein to head up an independent investigation of possible links between Russian activities and the Trump campaign last May.
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The appointment order gave him the power to examine "any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation" into possible collusion.
Manafort argues that such a broad brief is not authorized under Justice Department rules, and that the charges against him should be thrown out.
If Manafort's suit is upheld, it could constrain Mueller's ability to examine, for example, Trump's finances, including business deals with Russian property investors, which have drawn his attention according to recent media reports.
In July Trump said in an interview that his finances were a "red line" that Mueller should not cross.
But even if, as analysts predict, the lawsuit fails, it adds to a recent campaign by Republicans to undermine Mueller and weaken any case he might build against President Trump or his close family and allies.
"My initial reaction is that Manafort, an expert in the dark arts of manipulating public opinion, wants to gain additional media exposure without putting this in front of the judge who would ultimately sentence him if convicted," said Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor, on the Just Security website.
How we sleep is unbelievably important. Getting too little sleep not only makes you feel lousy and cranky, but its also linked to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and even early death. (No pressure.)
But its amazingly hard to measure our sleep, as a population. Sure, one person at a time can stay overnight at a sleep lab, hooked up to scalp electrodes but try sleeping normally that way, away from home and wired to strange equipment. Other sleep studies use self-reporting, where you write down each morning how you slept, but that data is famously unreliable.
Now, though, theres a new way to study our sleep: Fitness bands, worn by millions of people. Most of Fitibits bands, for example, have built-in heart-rate monitors, which produce much more accurate sleep-measurement results than earlier bands. These bands track your sleep automatically, in your own bed, on your normal schedule, under normal conditions.
Since Fitbit began tracking sleep stages in March 2017, it has collected data from 6 billion nights of its customers sleep. This is a gold mine by far the largest set of sleep data ever assembled. (This data is anonymous and averaged; its not associated with individual customers names.)
Its a really, really exciting and really rare data set, Fitbit data scientist Karla Gleichauf says. Its probably the largest biometric data set in the world.
The measurements include not just how long you sleep, but what stages of sleep you experience. Each morning, the Fitbit app shows which parts of the night you spent in REM sleep (the vivid-dreams stage, good for mood regulation and memory processing), in deep sleep (good for memory, learning, the immune system, and feeling rested), in light sleep, and awake. (Its always disheartening to see how much of the night you waste in little one- or two-minute wake-ups that you dont even remember.)
Each morning, the Fitbit app shows how you slept.
But wait, theres more. The Fitbit app also knows your gender, age, weight, height, location, and activity level. Therefore, the companys data scientists can slice and dice its massive sleep database in fantastic ways. They should be able to tell us who sleeps more: men or women. Northerners or Southerners. East Coasters or West Coasters. They should be able to calculate our national average bedtime. They should be able to draw all kinds of conclusions about the way we sleep and whats good for us.
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Now, for the first time, they have. Gleichauf and her boss, Conor Heneghan, Fitbits lead sleep research scientist, agreed to mine that vast sleep database to unearth some of its secrets. Some of their findings reinforce what sleep scientists have already studied; some have never been measured before.
Heres what Fitbit discovered a Yahoo Finance exclusive.
Men vs. women
Women sleep 25 minutes longer a night than men. They average six hours and 50 minutes of sleep a night, whereas men get only six hours and 26 minutes. Neither group gets anywhere close to the recommended eight hours a night.
Women get about 25 minutes more sleep a night than men.
Women also get about 10 minutes more REM sleep than men every night, too a gap that widens after age 50.
Why these differences? Its really not known if its a physiology thing, is it a cultural thing, who knows, Heneghan says. I think that would be super exciting over the next 10, 20 years for people to really get into why.
The news for women isnt all good, though: Theyre 40% more likely to suffer from insomnia trouble falling asleep than men.
(Those two findings could be related, too: Since womens sleep is less efficient, they have to spend more time in bed.)
Old vs. young
Getting older also affects your sleep. In this graph from Fitbits sleep study, you can see that we get less deep sleep as we age. When youre 20, youre getting half an hour more deep sleep a night than when youre 70.
We get less and less of the good sleep as we age.
North vs. South
Yes, its true: Northerners go to bed five minutes earlier than Southerners. They wake up earlier, too.
That may seem like a very small difference, but on the scale of billions of data points, its significant.
On the other hand, Heneghan points out that statistics can be tricky. I think North/South may be an artificial divide; urban/rural is probably a more meaningful divide, he notes. In other words, there may just be more big cities in the North.
East vs. West
East Coasters, according to the data, stay up seven minutes later than West Coasters (and wake up five minutes later, too).
I personally find this consistent with my experience of American culture, Heneghan says. I lived in New York. I lived in California. You get to 9 p.m. here in California, and the restaurant staff are kind of looking at you funny. Theres a great quote from Yogi Berra: It gets late real early around here.
The national bedtime
Heres a data point that no amount of sleep-lab studies could have unearthed: The average American goes to bed at 11:21 p.m.
Bedtime consistency
The biggest finding in Fitbits data may be the link between sleep quality and bedtime consistency.
That, Gleichauf explains, is this idea that your bedtime varies.
And in America, it really does vary by an average of 64 minutes. You might go to bed at 11 p.m. on weeknights, but stay up after midnight on the weekends.
The Fitbit data shows that your sleep suffers as a result. If your bedtime varies by two hours over the week, youll average half hour of sleep a night less than someone whose bedtime varies by only 30 minutes.
And youll pay the price.
By the time your weekly bedtime variation is 2 hours, its costing you half an hour of sleep a night.
You know how jet lag works, right? When you have jet lag, its the mismatch between the actual time, in the zone youre in, and your circadian rhythm, Gleichauf told me. Youre not on the right part of that curve to make you fall asleep. So, at night in your new city, you lie there for hours, unable to fall asleep and then in the middle of the next day, youre overcome by exhaustion.
When your bedtime varies over the week, then, youre creating self-induced jet lag. Gleichauf calls it social jet lag: On Monday, when you have to go back to work (and drag your bedtime backward), you feel crummy and youre more likely to get sick.
(Dr. Till Roenneberg, professor at the Institute of Medical Psychology at the University of Munich, calculates that every hour of social jetlag increases your risk of being overweight or obese by about 33%.)
Im super excited about this data, Heneghan says. For the first time ever, we were actually able to show the link between consistency and how long you sleep.
Social jet lag, by city
Gleichauf dove into American geography to see if there were differences in bedtime consistency and there is.
Can you guess which city has the most widely varying bedtimes over the week?
Its Boston probably because its a huge college town, with a huge population of young people.
Congratulations, Bostonyou have the most erratic bedtimes in the country.
Can you guess which one has the least variation in bedtimes?
Its Las Vegas. People who live and work in Las Vegas if theyre in the industry of nightclubs and casinos, their schedule is going to be much less weekend-dominated, Heneghan says.
Wake-up times also vary. This time, Seattle is the winner, with the least variation across the week. The losers here are New Yorkers, whose wake-up times swing an average of 73 minutes over the week. (Well, it is the city that never sleeps.)
New York is the city that never wakes up consistently.
There are also findings to be gleaned based on time and location of a particular event. Look at what happened to peoples sleep in the San Francisco area this week when the earthquake struck:
Its pretty easy to spot when the late-night earthquake struck in the Bay Area this week.
The takeaways
The reporting that Fitbits sleep scientists offer in this exploration is only the very, very beginning. The company has amassed big data big sleep data that could provide some incredible answers. We just have to ask the right questions.
Why do men and women sleep differently? Why do we get less deep sleep as we age? Beyond the party on the weekend effect, why do our bedtimes vary so much? We know that exercise is good for our sleep, but when should we exercise for the best sleep? When should we eat if we want to get the most deepest sleep? Is the kind of sleep (REM sleep, deep sleep) more important than the total time asleep? Should the nations school hours and work hours be adjusted to fit the way we actually sleep?
And, of course, theres the elephant in the data room: Fitbits data comes exclusively from people who can afford a fitness band. Would the results look different if it came from a bigger group?
Fortunately, Fitbit plans to share its data, both with other scientific institutions and in science journals; its thrilling to think of the new knowledge that may result from it.
Until then, consider trying to get to bed at a more consistent hour throughout the week. Youll sleep better, youll sleep longer, and youll feel better once youre up.
Or just move to Las Vegas.
David Pogue, tech columnist for Yahoo Finance, welcomes non-toxic comments in the Comments below. On the Web, hes davidpogue.com. On Twitter, hes @pogue. On email, hes poguester@yahoo.com. You can sign up to get his stuff by email.
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Chevrolet Equinox SUVs are parked awaiting shipment next to the General Motors Co (GM) CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada October 13, 2017. REUTERS/Chris Helgren
By Anirban Paul
(Reuters) - Canada auto sales dipped by a percent in December, marking the second straight month of sales drop, but yearly sales were up by 4.6 percent crossing the 2 million mark for the first time, with light trucks continuing to be the bestseller in the country.
About 124,247 vehicles were sold in December, bringing the total number of units sold in 2017 to 2.03 million, according to a report published by the Global Automakers of Canada (GAC).
"It wasn't that many years ago that sales levels over the 2 million mark would have seemed completely unrealistic, but there are a lot of positive fundamentals that have supported this growth, although the last two months of the year have seen sales growth moderate slightly," GAC President David Adams said.
General Motors Co's (GM.N) December sales in Canada rose 9.2 percent but that of rivals Fiat Chrysler (FCHA.MI) (FCAU.N) and Ford (F.N) fell due to weak demand.
Detroit-based GM sold 19,801 vehicles in Canada last month, with Chevrolet accounting for more than half of the total sales. (http://bit.ly/2Cx1LQr)
GM Canada sold 302,826 vehicles in 2017, up 13.3 percent over the previous year, contrasting with sales in the much bigger U.S. market where the Cadillac maker recorded a fall of 1.3 percent.
However, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCHA.MI) (FCAU.N), reported a fall in monthly and yearly sales, hurt by a lower demand for its Jeep and Dodge branded vehicles in Canada.
The company said it sold 17,654 vehicles in December, a drop of 6 percent compared to the year earlier. Full-year sales fell 4.2 percent to 267,052 vehicles.
Ford reported an 11.1 percent drop in monthly auto sales, selling 17,565 vehicles in December. However, full-year sales were up by 1.3 percent.
"We are expecting a decline in auto sales for the year in 2018," Scotiabank analyst Carlos Gomes said, noting that a slower Canadian GDP growth and vehicle price increases outpacing income growth to be likely factors.
(Reporting by Akshara P and Anirban Paul in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Shounak Dasgupta)
The Trump presidency is generally good for business, with tax cuts likely to boost profits at many companies, and some firms even offering their workers Trump bonuses, to share the windfall.
Theres one glaring exception: The marijuana business, which ought to be booming now that 8 states, including California, have declared weed legal for recreational use. Instead, Big Weed is suddenly reeling now that Trumps attorney general, Jeff Sessions, has reversed an Obama-era policy of tolerating legal marijuana. The new policy could signal an unprecedented federal crackdown on pot, along with a titanic battle between several state governments and Washington.
Cannabis, the plant that produces marijuana, is still illegal under federal law, and Congress has shown no serious interest in changing that. So it was problematic when Colorado, Washington and other states began to declare pot legal for recreational use, starting in 2012. Federal law generally trumps state law, which meant the feds could essentially overturn state legalization laws, if they were willing to go through the messy legal process and political turmoil that would require.
President Obama settled the matter after his reelection in 2012, by saying federal prosecutors have bigger fish to fry than tangling with states over pot laws. The Justice Department formalized Obamas fish policy in 2013, establishing guidelines that generally steered prosecutors away from marijuana cases. Its worth noting that the Obama policy aligns with public attitudes toward marijuana, with 64% of Americans now saying they support the legalization of weed.
Source: Gallup
The Justice Department under Trump has a different view. Sessions, long an outspoken critic of legal weed, has rescinded the Obama guidelines, reopening the possibility that the Justice Department could go after growers, sellers or users in the 8 legal states. That doesnt mean it will. But the threat of federal prosecution will slam the growth of the marijuana industry, because its hard to attract investment in a business the feds explicitly declare illegal.
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[See how Sessions crackdown on pot could hurt Republicans in November.]
Legal marijuana is an $8 billion industry, with forecasts suggesting it could exceed $30 billion by 2021. That would still be a small industry, but potential growth rates of 3x to 4x over just a few years have begun to get investors attention.
Yet a Damocles sword now hangs over the industry, dampening its prospects. Even in the so-called legal states, pot has struggled to go mainstream because of that pesky federal prohibition. Pot businesses have trouble setting up regular bank accounts or taking out ordinary loans. Deep-pocketed corporations dont want to back the industry, fearing a politicized mess should Washington intervene. The resulting hodgepodge slows the adoption of industry standards, consumer safeguards and efficiencies that would boost growth and profitability.
Californias legalization of pot, effective Jan. 1 of this year, might have normalized the whole industry, since its economy is so huge to start with and demand could soar. But normalization probably wont happen now. Small operators will continue to grow and sell pot, figuring theyll fly beneath the radar, should the feds pounce. Bigger companies will stay out, however, since theyd be likelier targets of aggressive prosecutors. Theres nothing wrong with a pot economy consisting mostly of small businesses, except that it will grow more slowly than an economy built on scale.
California and several other legal states could challenge Trumps Justice Department in some way, especially if they have to defend their own residents against legal prosecution. But its hard to see how theyd prevail, given that federal law is clear: weed is illegal.
There are several obvious ironies (or, if you prefer, hypocrisies). Republicans repeatedly tout states rights while calling for a smaller federal footprintyet on pot, Sessions is going out of his way to assert federal authority over state sovereignty. Trump also boasts of the myriad regulations he is killing, in order to free businesses from government interference. Yet his administration may now strangle the weed industry.
The simple fact, however, is that federal law declares marijuana illegal, and the attorney generals job is to enforce federal law. States that want to legalize pot may feel Sessions has overstepped his authority. But its really those states that have done so, by declaring that federal law doesnt apply to them. The black market for pot has a lot of life left in it.
Confidential tip line: rickjnewman@yahoo.com. Encrypted communication available.
Read more:
Rick Newman is the author of four books, including Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman
Good morning, Broadsheet readers! The Senate now boasts a record 22 women, theres a fire at Hillary Clintons place, andsurprise, surpriseHoda Kotb is being paid a fraction of what Matt Lauer made. Stay warm today!
EVERYONES TALKING
Looking the part. I found this piece, titled How I learned to look believable, both heartrending and hilarious. In it, writer and Ph.D. candidate Eva Hagberg Fisher describes the various outfits she wore to the many legal, semi-legal and legal-adjacent events that unfolded after she filed an account of being sexual harassed by her former graduate school adviser. She brilliantly illuminates the impossibility of looking the way a victim should lookand reveals happens when you tell a J.Crew clerk, I need something that looks like Im destroying the patriarchy. New York Times
ALSO IN THE HEADLINES
Meet Senator Smith. Tina Smith was sworn in as Minnesotas newest senator yesterday, becoming the 22nd woman to serve in the current U.S. Senatea record-breaking milestone. Smith was appointed following the resignation of Al Franken over sexual harassment allegations. For more about her and how she plans to govern, check out this Teen Vogue piece. Fortune
Not Lauer loot. When asked if shes making anything near the estimated $25 million a year that her predecessor Matt Lauer was taking home each year, new Today host Hoda Kotb told People, The answer is noIm not making Matt Lauer money. Not even close. (Her co-host Savannah Guthrie added, For either of us.) While NBC hasnt confirmed the number, the New York Post is reporting that Kotb is now making $7 million per year.
The Google gap? The women suing Google for allegedly paying male employees more than their female counterparts have added a plaintiff and narrowed the proposed class of the suit to include more than two dozen specific job titles (including software engineer and project manager). Last month, a San Francisco judge ruled that the original proposed class, all the women employed by Google in California, was too broad. Bloomberg
Story continues
MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Karen Katz, CEO of Neiman Marcus group, is reportedly preparing to step down. MSNBC is promoting Colleen King and Tina Urbanski to executive producer.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Well miss you! Essence Communications, which includes Essence magazine and its Essence Music Festival, has been acquired by the aptly named Essence Ventures for an undisclosed amount. Previously owned by Fortune parent company Time Inc, Essences all-black, all-female executive team is lead by president Michelle Ebanks, who will continue in her role. Fortune
Apple doubles down on Reese. Apple, which has already ordered two seasons of a drama series staring Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, is also developing a new original series with Witherspoon on board as executive producer. This one stars Octavia Spencer and is tied to the prominence of true crime podcasts like Serial in pop culture. Fortune
Khaled shrinks, Oprahs bank account grows. DJ Khaleds plans to use Weight Watchers (and, of course, share details of his slimdown on social media) have boosted shares of the company by nearly 9%. Thats a big win for Oprah Winfrey, growing the value of her 10% stake in the company by about $26 million in a 24-hour period. Fortune
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ON MY RADAR
The best way for companies to fight sexual harassment? Let someone else handle it Fortune
After #MeToo comes to the courts New York Times
Fire breaks out on Hillary and Bill Clintons property in Chappaqua Washington Post
Ivanka seeks the presidencyand other big claims from explosive new book The Guardian
QUOTE
The protests spreading across Iran pose no immediate threat to the nation's oil exports, analysts said. However, the unrest could cause the Trump administration to take an even tougher stance against Iran, increasing the odds of a major supply disruption. Iran has restored its oil production to nearly 4 million barrels a day since a historic 2015 deal with six world powers that lifted crippling sanctions on the country. A major disruption in Iran could send crude prices sharply higher just as the oil market is emerging from a prolonged period of oversupply. Demonstrations began last week in Mashhad, Iran's second largest city, and have spread to several urban and provincial areas, including the capital Tehran. Dissatisfaction with Iran's sluggish economy emerged as a unifying grievance, but protesters have also spoken out against Iran's leadership and its financial support for foreign groups.
The protests lack a central leader or a clear objective and have not reached the scale of demonstrations that broke out after a contested election in 2009, according to Cliff Kupchan, chairman of risk consultancy the Eurasia Group. "It's really small. It's not even a remote threat at this point to Iranian production. The 2.3 million barrels a day that Iran exports I think are quite safe right now," Kupchan told CNBC's "Closing Bell" on Tuesday. In order to disrupt those supplies, the protests would have to spark strikes in the nation's oil fields, and there is so far no indication that will happen, analysts said. "I think that's another stage down the road. I'm not saying it couldn't happen, but it's certainly not something I'm going to bet my little dollars on today. No, I think the oil price is where it should be," David Roche, president of advisory firm Independent Strategy, told CNBC Asia's "Squawk Box." At least some traders were bidding up the price of oil this week. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (New York Mercantile Exchange: @CL.1) crude hit its highest level since mid-2015 in early trading on Tuesday, slipped back throughout the session and then struck a fresh 2-year high on Wednesday morning. Analysts said that response is to be expected but so is a corresponding dip in oil prices. "There is a knee-jerk reaction in the market, but then as the market sees that actual supplies aren't really being affected, there's a little bit of a pullback typically," said Vandana Hari, founder and CEO of Vandana Insights, an Asian energy markets analysis firm. Hari said the protests spreading throughout Iran right now are distinct from the instability that has gripped producer nations like Nigeria and Libya, where militants have directly targeted oil infrastructure to achieve their political aims. Even if the demonstrations continue or grow larger, they are unlikely to affect Iranian oil supplies, she told CNBC Asia's "Capital Connection " on Tuesday.
Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy for RBC Capital Markets, said an oil worker strike is unlikely, but she sees another threat to Iranian supplies in the near term. The protests may embolden President Donald Trump to refuse to waive the sanctions targeting Iran's economy and energy industry that the United States suspended as part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Trump faces several deadlines in coming weeks on whether to extend sanctions and or certify that Iran is complying with the deal. Depending on Tehran's response to the protests, Trump may try to force Europeans to curtail Iranian crude imports and delay planned investments in Iran's oil and gas development. "If there is a particularly brutal crackdown like in 2009, he may feel more empowered to take the moral high ground with the Europeans," Croft told CNBC in an email. The Iranian regime has a vast security apparatus loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that is more than capable of suppressing the current demonstrations, analysts said. The death toll from the protests has reached at least 21, and hundreds of people have been detained, according to news reports. While Iranian protests are likely to result in further oppression, that is not likely to significantly influence international attitudes toward Iran, according to Roche. "There will be of course the usual mouthings about being nice to your citizens, but it won't lead to abrogation, for example, of the nuclear deal," he said. "That's just not going to happen."
More From CNBC
Yuzo Kano is the CEO for BitFlyer, one of Japan's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. He previously worked at Goldman Sachs developing settlement systems, and later on equities derivatives and convertible bonds.
The following article is an exclusive contribution to CoinDesk's 2017 in Review.
No matter what negative news rocked the community, what hard fork happened or what skeptics stated, bitcoin held strong in 2017.
This is due in no small part to Japan. While the wider community is what breathes life into any coin, Japan is now bitcoin's heart; the country that is at the center of its support. There used to be a concern about the longevity of bitcoin, the safety of using such a novel new invention.
2017 is the year that fear died and Japan is a big part of that reason.
Where other countries have had knee-jerk responses to bitcoin and blockchain technology, Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) expertly analyzed the technology and developed clear and fair laws to regulate virtual currency exchanges. This is no small matter bitcoin exchanges are the onboard ramp to both bitcoin adoption as well as the future of virtual currencies.
Coming home
With all the positive news this year from Japan, it's only appropriate to acknowledge the country's deep history with cryptocurrency. While we may never know for sure if he (or she) is (or was) Japanese, Satoshi Nakamoto is a Japanese name. Japan is bitcoin's home.
But though bitcoin has always had strong roots in Japan, it was also the center of its biggest controversy.
Some say that Mt. Gox's implosion, now nearly four years removed, was the worst event to ever happen to bitcoin. The numbers were staggering. 650,000 bitcoins, worth around $437 million at the time, were lost when the exchange abruptly closed. The company filed for bankruptcy. This affected over 127,000 customers around the world. Today, those lost bitcoins are worth nearly $9 billion.
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Still, this event, while terrible, forced the Japanese regulators to step in and protect consumers.
That disruption, that explosion, is why Japan has become the most forward thinking jurisdiction for bitcoin and virtual currencies. The FSA's understanding of the technology, regardless of the bad or inexperienced actors early in the space, helped lay the foundation on which the rest of the world can begin to understand and fully accept bitcoin and other virtual currencies.
Starting on April 1 of this year, the Japanese government enacted an amendment to the Payment Services Act. These amendments, which BitFlyer helped establish, have been referred to as the Virtual Currency Act and alongside additional tax reform have provided three main pieces of regulation in 2017:
1: Legal clarification of bitcoin
The Virtual Currency Act described and identified what a virtual currency is, clarified that bitcoin is considered an asset and that bitcoin can be considered a payment method.
That act, however, did not declare bitcoin as a legal currency, as some have mistakenly professed.
2: Virtual currency exchange regulation
The Japan Financial Services Authority was granted the ability to both regulate, as well as issue licenses, to virtual currency exchanges in Japan. This cemented bitcoin as an established market in Japan, where the rules are clear and consumers can be protected.
BitFlyer was proud to be granted one of the first licenses of this sort earlier this year in September.
3: One additional piece of regulation from a different act
Lastly, while not part of the Virtual Currency Act, tax reform was pushed forward on July 1, which removed a consumption tax that dissuaded foreign investors from purchasing bitcoins on Japan's market. This opened up Japans markets to international investors.
Expanding bitcoin and blockchain usage
But while Japan has led the way, the rest of the world should learn from the regulations and research that has resulted.
Here, BitFlyer has been able to work closely with government organizations to provide research and information about the usability of bitcoin and blockchain technology. The research, just like bitcoin, is borderless and publicly available. BitFlyer has also been hard at work researching and developing a world-class enterprise blockchain called "miyabi." With a top speed of over 4,000 transactions per second, miyabi guarantees immutability, finality, Byzantine fault tolerance, low latency and has no single point of failure.
This work has not gone unnoticed.
The largest interbank clearing network in Japan has selected bitFlyer to demonstrate a proof of concept, utilizing miyabi to show how blockchain can be used to revolutionize the banking industry and create a much faster settlement platform. If adopted, the largest banks in Japan will be connected through blockchain and demonstrate to the world that enterprise blockchain can be implemented securely, creating a better and more united financial world.
These developments are why we believe 2018 will be another spectacular year for bitcoin.
Volume has been growing steadily through 2017, the price has been skyrocketing throughout the year, but most importantly, the last pieces for institutional investors to get involved with bitcoin are close at hand.
Even if a bitcoin ETF doesn't gain approval in 2018, the creation of futures products for bitcoin will allow for much more liquidity to enter the markets. Past just conventional derivatives, dozens of trading firms have sprung up over the last year to allow for boutique hedge funds, family offices, or even large-sized individual traders to access the virtual currency markets.
With all of these developments, bitFlyer has realized an incredible opportunity to harness all the liquidity in Japan to fuel these new marketplaces and service new traders. BitFlyer's bitcoin trade volume (including leveraged trading) is the largest in the world. Regardless of the massive inflow of volume institutional firms can bring through derivatives, trading firms will need to trade actual bitcoin for delivery.
BitFlyer's global expansion (such as the recently launched bitFlyer US exchange) seeks to service these markets directly, by providing institutions and individuals everywhere with the ability to participate with the largest source of bitcoin liquidity in the world: Japan.
Disclosure: CoinDesk is a subsidiary of Digital Currency Group, which has an ownership stake in bitFlyer.
Lotus flower image via Shutterstock
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Shares of J. C. Penney Company, Inc. JCP have made a great start to 2018, with stock gaining over 17% in the first two trading session of the year. The recent gain in stock price can primarily be attributed to the market experts anticipation of the company having robust holiday season.
Moreover, the companys efforts towards remodeling, renovation and refurbishment of stores with special attention on enhancing the reach of national and especially private-label brands also bode well. Nevertheless, despite the recent run in share price the company has still some concerns to address. So, is this gain short-lived or does the stock still have more room to run? In a year, the stock has decreased 52.9%, wider than the industrys decline of 0.1%. Lets delve deeper.
Robust Holiday Season
The latest addition to the streak of encouraging economic indicators is the holiday season sales data from Nov 1 to Dec 24, 2017, reflecting an increase in consumer spending. According to MasterCard SpendingPulse, sales (excluding automobiles) during the period jumped 4.9% compared with 3.7% rise in the prior-year period. This marks the biggest year-over-year increase in holiday spending since 2011.
Per report, sales of electronics and appliances, jewelry, and home furnishings rose 7.5%, 5.9% and 5.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, specialty apparel as well as department stores witnessed moderate sales increase.
Solid Performance of Sephora Stores
The in-store Sephora departments continue to outperform by drawing more customers. During fiscal 2016, the company opened 61 Sephora stores. In third-quarter fiscal 2017, the company opened 38 Sephora stores, bringing the total count to 70 so far in fiscal 2017. At the end of the reported quarter, the total count of Sephora locations inside J. C. Penney was 642 stores.
Sephora is doing exceptionally well and is one of the best performing categories. These shops are part of J. C. Penneys strategy to gain a competitive advantage over other beauty product retailers and drugstores, which have significantly enhanced their cosmetics sections in the recent years. Since Sephora is part of J. C. Penneys long-term growth strategy, the company not only intends to add more stores but has also started selling Sephora products online.
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Omni-channel Initiatives & Loyalty Program
The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company continues to work on improving omni-channel reach. As online shoppers shop more than average customers, improving their shopping experience is the key to building a strong online portal. To drive more traffic online, the company is providing convenient shipping and pickup options like pick up in store same day facility, ship to any J. C. Penney store and faster home delivery across its store network. The company has made investments to boost supply chain efficiency. In third-quarter fiscal 2017, omni-channel initiatives witnessed double-digit growth.
Hurdles to Cross
J. C. Penney soft comps and earnings projections for fiscal 2017 along with high debt are major concern for investors. For fiscal 2017, the comps are projected to be in the range of down 1% to flat compared with the earlier estimate of down 1% to up 1%. Cost of goods sold is now forecast to increase by 100-120 bps year over year. The company anticipates adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of 2-8 cents, sharply below its initial estimate of 40-65 cents.
Moreover, J. C. Penney continues to struggle with high-debt levels. At the end of the reported quarter, total long-term debt was $4,039 million, reflecting a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 78.9%. Earlier, the company had announced plans to lower the net debt to EBITDA ratio to less than three times by fiscal 2017.
Hot Stocks in the Retail Space Worth Checking Out
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American Eagle Outfitters has a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.5%.
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Buckle has reported better-than-expected earnings surprise in three of the trailing four quarters, with an average earnings beat of 3.8%.
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WASHINGTON Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a vocal and longtime opponent of marijuana, will allow the nations top federal prosecutors to decide how to handle marijuana cases in states where the drug has been legalized.
The Justice Department decision, announced on Thursday, immediately caused chaos in an industry that has been growing in recent years as some states have embraced marijuana legalization, and sent stock prices of large cannabis companies nosediving as much as 35 percent. It will likely leave those in legal marijuana businesses uncertain whether the U.S. attorney in their district will resume enforcing federal law, which still regards marijuana as illegal.
Sessions rescinded four memos issued during the Obama administration that outlined guidelines to help federal prosecutors decide whether to enforce laws against marijuana growers and sellers in states where the drug is legal. The guidance effectively discouraged federal prosecution of those who were following state laws.
It is the mission of the Department of Justice to enforce the laws of the United States, and the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission, said Sessions. Therefore, todays memo on federal marijuana enforcement simply directs all U.S. attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country.
One Justice Department official called Sessionss decision a return to the rule of law. But DOJ officials struggled to explain the implications of the policy in a background briefing with reporters on Thursday, and offered little direction for the state-legal marijuana industry.
Marijuana continues to be against federal law, one said.
A senior department official said Sessions new memo removes the de-facto safe harbor that existed under Obama policy. This is something that has been under consideration at the department for a long time, and I think finally a decision was made, the official said.
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Sessions has been all over the place on issues of states rights, but has consistently opposed marijuana legalization. Hes also been reliable supporter of aggressive law enforcement action against drugs more broadly. During a hearing on Capitol Hill in 2016, Sessions, then a senator, spoke out against weed, and urged the federal government to send the message to the public that good people dont smoke marijuana. He also has called states legalization of marijuana a mistake, claimed cannabis is only slightly less awful than heroin and criticized the Obama administration for not taking a more forceful stance against the drug.
Although marijuana remains illegal under federal law, eight states and Washington, D.C., have voted to legalize the substance for recreational use. A total of 28 states have legalized marijuana for medical purposes.
A Justice Department memo in 2013, shortly after the first successful statewide cannabis legalization initiatives in Colorado and Washington state, was among the Obama administrations guidance that permitted states to forge their own way on marijuana law. A series of memoranda included the Cole memo, named after then-Deputy Attorney General James Cole, which urged federal prosecutors to refrain from targeting state-legal marijuana operations.
But those memos were not officially law, and were subject to changes from future administrations.
With support for marijuana legalization recently reaching 64 percent nationwide, the highest ever, many questioned the Trump administrations move to lay the groundwork for a crackdown. President Donald Trump, who said during the campaign that he wouldnt use federal law to prosecute state-legal marijuana, now strongly believes federal law against marijuana should be enforced, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and a representative of a legal marijuana state, called it one of the stupidest decisions Sessions has made.
One wonders if Trump was consulted it is Jeff Sessions after all because this would violate his campaign promise not to interfere with state marijuana laws, Blumenauer said in a statement. Its time for anyone who cares about this issue to mobilize and push back strongly against this decision.
Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), who also co-chairs the cannabis caucus, called on the president to overrule Sessions.
The Trump Administration needs to back off, and allow marijuana to be treated like alcohol under the law, Polis said in a statement. At stake is a growing industry that has created 23,000 jobs and generated $200 million in tax revenue in Colorado. Im calling on President Trump to overrule Attorney General Sessions and protect consumers, our economy, the will of the voters, and states rights.
Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) suggested Sessions lied ahead of his confirmation as attorney general about his intent to target state-legal marijuana operations. Gardner, in a series of tweets, also threatened to retaliate.
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Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), whose state began allowing recreational marijuana sales on Jan. 1, called Sessions move an extravagant holiday gift to the drug cartels.
Sessions has shown a preference for allowing all commerce in marijuana to take place in the black market, which will inevitably bring the spike in violence he mistakenly attributes to marijuana itself, said Rohrabacher. He is doing the bidding of an out-of-date law enforcement establishment that wants to wage a perpetual weed war and seize private citizens property in order to finance its backward ambitions.
Rohrabacher added: By taking this benighted minority position, he actually places Republicans electoral fortunes in jeopardy.
The direct impact of the policy change is uncertain. It means that U.S. attorneys the chief federal law enforcer within their regional jurisdiction now have the attorney generals blessing to aggressively pursue marijuana prosecutions. The U.S. has 94 U.S. attorneys.
We dont know a lot about the U.S. attorneys because the president fired all of them, said John Hudak, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and an expert on marijuana policy. As the acting U.S. attorneys show what theyre going to do and the newly confirmed U.S. attorneys begin to act, well get a better understanding, but until then its just uncertainty layered on top of uncertainty.
A senior Justice Department official said the message for the nations top federal prosecutors was that they should approach marijuana cases like all other cases and decide which prosecutions are priorities in their district.
We think that U.S. attorneys need to determine what cases need to be brought in their districts, one senior Justice Department official said. The attorney general believes marijuana is against federal law.
Later Thursday, Bob Troyer, the U.S. attorney for Colorado, said his office wouldnt change its priorities with the new guidance, and would continue to focus in particular on identifying and prosecuting those who create the greatest safety threats to our communities around the state.
Marijuana-reform advocates blasted Sessions decision as a sad step backward.
Jeff Sessions obsession with marijuana prohibition defies logic, threatens successful state-level reforms, and flies in the face of widespread public support for legalization, said Maria McFarland Sanchez-Moreno, executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance, a progressive nonprofit. Its now time for Congress to put the brakes on Sessions destructive agenda by limiting the Justice Departments ability to undermine states decisionmaking.
Read Sessions memo below.
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(Photo: Joshua Roberts / Reuters)
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions is rescinding a key Obama-era policy that allowed states to regulate their own legal marijuana, right on the heels of the historic kick-off to legalization in California this week.
The policy, known as the Cole Memo, will be rescinded in an announcement on Thursday, according to the Associated Press, citing two anonymous sources with knowledge of the decision. The 2013 policy laid out the precedent that the Department of Justice would not prosecute marijuana businesses and users in states where it was legal, and would focus on more serious drug offenses instead like organized crime and sales to minors.
Sessions had already announced in November that he would be cracking down on these kinds of guidance memos which essentially change laws without going through the formal process to do so. Famous guidance memos issued during the Obama administration include the transgender bathroom memo, which told schools to allow students to use the bathroom of their choice.
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Guidance documents should be used to reasonably explain existing lawnot to change it. From now on at the Department of Justice, thats what they will do. I am announcing today that this practice is over," Sessions said at a convention of the Federalist Society in Washington, D.C.
01_04_Legal_Marijuana
GETTY/Robyn Beck
In many ways, this move has been a long time coming for Sessions, who has been vocally anti-marijuana and even compared the drug to heroin, saying at a speech last March, "I am astonished to hear people suggest that we can solve our heroin crisis by legalizing marijuanaso people can trade one life-wrecking dependency for another thats only slightly less awful.
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The memo had simply laid out the priorities of federal law enforcement. And just like any attorney general, Sessions could at any time change Justice Department priorities, Ilya Shapiro, a fellow at the conservative thinktank CATO Institute, told Newsweek in November. Alberto Gonzales, former Attorney General for President George W. Bush, told Newsweek that most attorneys general are working off of a White House agenda, rather than setting their own. What people often fail to understand or appreciate is that the attorney general works for the president, he said in November. He added at the time that the optics of a decision to prosecute something so widely supported would not be good. "This is pretty low priority, he said.
This is the latest move by Sessions that blurs the boundaries on the already convoluted regulation of marijuana in the United States.
Another policy goal of Sessions has been to push Congress to oppose the Rohrabacher-Farr Act, which would stop the Justice Department from spending a penny on prosecuting medical marijuana in the 29 states (and the District of Columbia) where its legal. That budget rider has to be renewed every year, and because Congress has stalled voting on the federal budget, Rohrabacher-Farrs status is unclear for now.
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Pro-marijuana groups are responding rapidly to the news. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, in Washington, D.C., issued a statement condemning the decision. "This action flies in the face of sensible public policy and broad public opinion. The American people overwhelmingly support the legalization of marijuana and oppose federal intervention in state marijuana laws by an even wider margin," it said.
The Department of Justice did not immediately return a request for comment from Newsweek.
This article was first written by Newsweek
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Jan 4 (Reuters) - Luxury retailer Neiman Marcus Group Ltd is preparing to appoint a new a chief executive, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the situation.
Karen Katz, who has served as chief executive since 2010, is stepping aside and will be replaced by an outsider, but she will retain her board seat, the people told the financial newspaper.
The company has been hunting for a new leader for some time, some of the people told the Wall Street Journal. Several current CEOs spurned Neiman Marcus' approaches about taking its top spot, the paper reported. (http://on.wsj.com/2Aor56f)
Neiman Marcus was not immediately available for comment.
The up-market chain has been struggling with a nearly $5 billion debt load mainly due to its leveraged buyout in 2013, when Ares and Canadian public pension fund CPPIB acquired it from other private equity firms.
Seeking ways to cut debt, the retailer in March last year had explored options to change its capital structure or sell itself, but three months later abandoned that plan as its debt pile made any acquisition hard to structure.
At the time, the company had been in talks with Canadian retailer Hudson Bay Co for a full or partial sale, but those talks subsequently fell apart due to Neiman Marcus' high debt load.
(Reporting by Siddharth Cavale in Bengaluru; Editing by Martina D'Couto)
WASHINGTON Trumps former campaign chairman Paul Manafort has filed suit against special counsel Robert Mueller, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and the Department of Justice.
WASHINGTON Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort filed suit against special counsel Robert Mueller, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and the Department of Justice on Wednesday a suit that experts quickly said has little chance of success.
In his complaint, Manafort alleges that Muellers investigation diverged from its focus on alleged collusion between the Russian government and President Trumps campaign.
The investigation of Mr. Manafort is completely unmoored from the Special Counsels original jurisdiction to investigate any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump, the complaint reads. It has instead focused on unrelated, decade-old business dealings specifically, Ukraine political campaign consulting activities of Mr. Manafort.
The lawsuit is frivolous but the defendant is entitled to file whatever he wants, a Justice Department spokesperson told HuffPost in an email.
Manafort and his business associate Rick Gates were indicted by a federal grand jury in October and were charged with a dozen counts involving money laundering, failure to file foreign bank reports, and false statements. Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein appointed Mueller, a former director of the FBI, to the position of special counsel looking into the Trump campaigns alleged dealings with Russia back in May. Rosenstein had been overseeing the Russia probe after Attorney General Jeff Sessions had recused himself from the investigation.
The lawsuit, filed by the same attorney representing Manafort in his felony criminal case, contends that Rosensteins appointment order gave Mueller carte blanche to investigate and pursue criminal charges in connection with anything he stumbles across while investigating, no matter how remote from the specific matter identified as the subject of the Appointment Order.
Ill hand it to Manaforts lawyers: theyre good at convincing their client to spend money on filings that will go absolutely no where, tweeted Matt Miller, a former Justice Department spokesman during the Obama administration.
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On Twitter Wednesday, University of Texas School of Law professor Stephen Vladeck reiterated his September testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September. Vladeck said then that special counsel regulations dont raise the same issues as independent counsels, which came under scrutiny for going outside their mandate and allowing another branch of government the legislative branch to oversee the workings of the executive branch. A special counsel was much less of an intrusion than an independent counsel, Vladeck said, and the scope of the Special Counsels investigative jurisdiction is entirely within the control of the Attorney General; and the Attorney General retains the power to oversee the Special Counsels investigation as provided by the Executive Branchs own regulation, rather than congressional mandate.
Read the suit in full below.
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Peter Thiel and his venture capital firm, Founders Fund, are big believers in Bitcoin.
The PayPal co-founder and other Founders Fund partners bought $15 million to $20 million worth of the cryptocurrency thats now worth hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Tuesday that cites unnamed sources.
The report didnt say exactly when Thiel or his VC firm first bought Bitcoin, whose value has fluctuated from record highs to dramatic declines in recent months. The volatility has alarmed some economists, who worry of a bubble.
Thiel and the Founders Fund, however, dont appear to share those concerns, and are instead pitching Bitcoin to their investors as a high-risk, high-reward wager similar to its other venture bets, the report said.
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Shares of Bitcoin jumped over 13% on Tuesday from $13,412 to $15,216 after the report, according to Coindesk.
In October, Thiel reportedly said during an investment conference in Saudi Arabia that people are underestimating Bitcoin and he compared the cryptocurrency to gold.
If bitcoin ends up being the cyber equivalent of gold it has a great potential left, he said at the time. About other cryptocurrencies, however, Thiel said he was skeptical of most of them.
Other cryptocurrencies include Ripple, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
A Founders Fund spokesperson declined to comment on the report.
If your school allows you to bring a car to campus, weigh these pros and cons first.
As college drew nearer, I had visions of throwing all my belongings into the back of my Toyota Tacoma and driving off into adulthood. My parents had another idealeaving the truck at home.
They said that not having a car on campus would save me time, money, and the occasional headache. It would allow me to focus on adjusting to university life and spending my weekends around the school. This turned out to be pretty solid advice, but the right decision for me won't necessarily be the right choice for you. You need to weigh the pros and cons to determine what's best.
First, though, you need to find out your school's car policy. Some schools discourage students from having cars on campus. Others, such as Georgetown University, don't even allow on-campus parking.
Northern California's Santa Clara University, as another example, bars first-year students who live on campus from bringing their wheels with them. The school explains that keeping freshman on their feet makes them more involved in on-campus activities, and it also reserves parking space for upperclassmen.
Then again, many colleges do encourage you to bring your car. In fact, 48% of students have a car on campus, according to a 2016 survey from U.S. News & World Report. And at 14 of the 215 schools surveyed, at least 90% of students have a car.
If your school allows you to bring a car to campus, weigh these three cons first.
1. You'd Have to Pay Auto Insurance Premiums
The simple fact is that if you bring your car to college, you'll need to insure it. Most of us know that student car insurance can be costly. Leaving your car in the driveway at home, however, could save you or your family some money.
If you're included on your family's insurance coverage, your parents could drop you to an "occasional" driver on the policy. That would decrease the policy's monthly premiums. Ask your insurer about its "resident student" discount or a "student away at school" discount. There might be a 100-mile minimum requirement for the distance between your permanent address (your home) and your school to qualify.
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If you have individual insurance coverage and decide to leave your car at home, you could pause or reduce your coverage. Canceling your plan would create a gap in coverage, though, potentially raising your future premiums.
2. You'd Be Footing the Bill for Parking Costs
Having a car on campus means having to park it on or near campus. There are two ways this can become costly: parking passes and parking tickets.
Even if you live off campus, you may still have to buy a pass to park on campus. It might not be cheap either. Parking permits at University of California Santa Cruz, for example, can set you back $583 per year.
Short of buying a pass, you might be tempted to break parking regulations on campusand you're not alone there. The average college student receives two parking tickets per year, according to Best Value Schools.
Your school's parking enforcement might charge lower fines than your city's police department. They're $25 across the board at SUNY Cortland, for example. But still, the charges could pile up if you're not careful.
Research your school's policies and costs. There's a wide range of possibilities. Consider New Jersey schools as an example. Rutgers University issues 5.5 tickets per driver, William Paterson University distributes 0.12, and Princeton University doesn't ticket drivers at all, according to MyCentralJersey.com's research.
3. You May End Up Being Your Friends' Chauffeur
Almost 30% of millennials say affording rent and other necessities is among their top sources of money stress. And cars can bring more than their share of money troubles. Insurance, parking, gas, maintenance, emissions checks, and more are all part of car ownership and use.
But there are more cons than those that hit your wallet. If you're a freshman driving, having a car could help you make friends, but ask yourself if you want to be the driver each time you go off campus in a group. You might rather be the one asking for occasional rides.
But a car can do worse things than cramp your styleit can put you in an unsafe situation. If you have a car, and you drive to bars with friends, you run the risk of getting behind the wheel after drinking too much. It might not always be cheaper to take public transportation or reserve an Uber, but it's much safer.
If these cons don't sway you, then know there are some advantages to having a car in college.
1. It's the Best Form of Transportation Available
If your school has a sprawling campus or satellite campuses, driving from class to class might be less of a luxury and more of a necessity. There are other possible reasons for needing a car
You need to commute regularly for an off-campus job or internship.
There is no viable bus, train, or similar option to get you where you need to go.
The distance between your residence and classes is too far to bike.
If you decide that having a car on campus is worth the trouble, consider creating a carpool to make it worth your while. You could find classmates who live in your dorm and offer rides in exchange for something else.
2. You Can Work Your Wheels into Your Side Hustle
Having a car on campus affects your wallet in negative ways, like with insurance and parkingbut it can also make you money. Some of the best side hustles require a car.
Consider one or more of the following:
Be a rideshare driver for a company like Uber and Lyft.
Treat your car like a moving billboard with help from Carvertise.
Rent your car out to neighbors or classmates using Turo.
If you already use your car to make money or you're looking into it, do the math. See if your potential earnings would covers costs for parking, insurance, and the occasional oil change. Better yet, see if you could turn a profit.
You can perform the same calculation for office jobs or internships that require a commute.
3. It's the Cheapest Way to Return Home
Freshman and college students generally live by the academic calendar. Aside from having the summer off, there are spring and winter breaks and occasional long weekends. A student's top option is typically returning home.
No matter where you see yourself taking breaks from schoolwhether it's at Mom and Dad's or a friend's placemap the route ahead of time. If it's a few states away, you might be booking flights for each trip. If you live within a road trip's distance from home, however, having a car might be your best choiceand you may decide that putting up with parking on campus is worth having the ability to drive home at a moment's notice.
Decide Whether to Take Your Car to Campus
On a daily basis, full-time college students spend 1.4 of every 24 hours traveling, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you know you'll be taking a car to college, you should include the cost of gas and parking when figuring out the real cost of your classes. Choosing how you travel could save you time, but it could also save you money or trouble.
Research your school's policies and think critically about whether you need your car on campus.
The less time you spend behind the wheel, the more time you can use on your college experience.
Over half of all refugees admitted into the United States under President Donald Trump have been Christian, according to recent data.
Trump has taken a hard line on immigration, and even paused refugee admission for 120 days last year. But in late October, the administration once again began accepting refugees from all countries, with the caveat that their backgrounds be checked more thoroughly.
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As a result, the number of refugees fell by 70 percent during Trumps first 11 months in office, according to data from the State Department. The total number of refugees admitted under Trump from January to December 2017 was 28,875. Former President Barack Obama had admitted 93,668 refugees during the same period of 2016.
Meanwhile, around 53 percent of those who were allowed in under Trump were Christian, in line with Trumps campaign pledge to rescue Christians suffering overseas. In January 2017, Trump signed an executive order giving preference to refugees who are from a religious minority in their home country.
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This order appears to have affected who was admitted over the past year. For example, there were 1,124 refugees admitted into the U.S. from Iran, a Muslim-majority country Trump has consistently maligned during his time in office. Of those admitted, the vast majority740 peoplewas Christian.
The data by the Center for Migration Studies found that, although the number of refugees has fallen under Trump, the Trump administration is still committed to protecting refugees.
While refugee admissions are down, the Trump administration remains committed to refugee protection. The United States is still the largest donor to the U.N. Refugee Agency, researcher Nayla Rush wrote.
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Another commitment made by President Obama is being honored by President Trump. The deal to resettle Australia's unwanted asylum seekers made between Australia and the outgoing Obama administration is being carried out by the Trump administration.
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In a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull shortly after Trump assumed office, the president famously slammed the refugee deal between the U.S. and Australia as the worst deal ever. But his administration now plans to move forward with the U.S. commitment. Up to 1,250 refugees from Australia's offshore detention centers, which are located on the small island nation of Nauru and on Papua New Guineas Manus Island, could be resettled in the U.S. this year.
Only 32 percent of the refugees admitted during Trumps first 11 months were Muslim, while Buddhists and Hindus made up 9.2 percent. The majority of refugees who arrived in the U.S. under Trump came from Congo, Burma, Bhutan, Ukraine and Somalia.
During the same period in 2016 under Obama, around 45 percent of refugees admitted were Muslim.
This article was first written by Newsweek
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The Trump Justice Departments crackdown on legalized marijuana could be an issue in this years midterms if Democrats choose to make it one.
Multiple outlets reported Thursday that Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Trump administration were rolling back an Obama era policy to scale back federal prosecution of marijuana-related cases in jurisdictions where it is not illegal under state law. A majority of states including California, as of Jan. 1 allow pot use in at least some circumstances, but the growing, selling and possession of marijuana are still federal crimes.
The move, which reflects long-standing Republican antipathy to drug use going back to the 1960s, and Sessionss own view of weed as only slightly less awful than heroin, is unlikely to be popular with the solid majority 64 percent of Americans who support pot legalization. An October Gallup poll found that for the first time in the organizations history of asking about the issue a majority of Republicans supported legalization, along with 67 percent of independents and 72 percent of Democrats. President Trump himself said during his campaign that he would leave marijuana policy to the states, and Republican senators including Lisa Murkowski (whose state, Alaska, has legalized pot) and Rand Paul (the Senates leading libertarian and states-rights advocate) came out against Sessionss decision. Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado, a state that has also legalized pot, was particularly outspoken, threatening to block Justice Department appointments unless Sessions reverses himself.
Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., arrives in the Capitol for a vote on Thursday. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images)
Gardner also warned that the decision could redound against Republicans in this years midterm elections, coming on the heels of several other unpopular initiatives by the White House and the Republican-controlled Congress, including the failed health care bill and the new tax law. Last month Trumps appointees to the Federal Communications Commission voted to eliminate net neutrality, a decision with which 83 percent of Americans disagreed. Combined with the low favorability ratings of Trump, Republicans are considered at risk of losing control of at least one house of Congress.
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Will weed become another wedge issue for Democrats? Legalization has proved popular at the polls, with eight of the nine 2016 ballot measures passing, including in four states Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota that voted for Trump. (Those four states all voted to approve medical marijuana, not recreational use.) The measure in California to legalize pot was extremely popular among young and African-American voters, two groups Democrats hope to get to the polls in their attempt to win back control of Congress, governorships and state houses.
The 2017 off-year election also saw a resounding victory for Democrat Phil Murphy in the New Jersey gubernatorial race. Murphy was an outspoken supporter of legalizing recreational weed use in the state.
Phil Murphy, Governor-elect of New Jersey, and Shiela Oliver, Lieutenant Governor-elect, wave to supporters at their election night victory rally in Asbury Park, New Jersey on November 7, 2017. (Photo: Dominick Reuter/Reuters)
For Democrats, forcing their Republican opponents to choose between backing an unpopular policy or breaking ranks with the White House is an appealing prospect.
Despite being pushed from Democratic governors and activists, President Barack Obama declined to reclassify marijuana during his eight years in office, leaving it as a Schedule 1 drug in the same group with LSD and heroin. Obama said the reclassification was a job for Congress, but there was a process by which the executive branch could have taken steps to change it. Obamas Drug Enforcement Agency ruled that marijuana had no medicinal value, disappointing reform advocates who had hoped Obama, who used pot himself in his youth, would do more to help the legalization cause while in office.
The 2016 Democratic platform included language about a pathway to legalization, but it barely passed the platform committee meeting and wasnt a talking point for the Hillary Clinton campaign.
Fifteen Democratic representatives sponsored legislation in February 2017 that would remove marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., proposed legislation in 2015 that would legalize medicinal marijuana at the federal level. Booker went further and authored a bill last year to fully legalize weed. He and Gillibrand are both potential Democratic candidates for president in 2020, along with Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who also supports decriminalizing pot.
Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images, AP
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As of January 1, California began allowing the sale of marijuana to anyone over the age of 21. The move is expected to give a significant boost to Californias marijuana farmers, distributors, and retailers; an industry that analysts estimate will be worth around $7 billion within the next few years.
Although California started off the year with the most buzz around bud, its not the only state slated to legalize pot in 2018. The following states have either already legalized and are starting to transition into the commercial sale of weed, or are poised to let citizens legally toke.
New Jersey
New Jerseys recently elected governor, Phil Murphy, has been an outspoken advocate of legalization. Hell be sworn in on January 16, and Democratic state Sen. Nicholas Scutari has concocted a bill that Murphy could spearhead, according to The Courier Post:
The bill would permit those 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana-infused products in solids, 72 ounces in liquid form and 7 grams of concentrate. It would prohibit home cultivation.
Murphy has promised to sign some iteration of legal weed legislation within 100 days of assuming office.
Maine
The state of Maine legalized recreational marijuana use in 2017, and they actually went a step further than Californias one ounce maximum by allowing adults 21 and over to possess two-and-a-half ounces of weed. Theres a catch, though: the state legislature is still working out a legal framework for commercial production and sale of marijuana products. Theyre due to begin work on that starting January 5 so we can definitely expect more marijuana news from Maine this year.
Vermont
Republican Gov. Phil Scott said in December that hes is now comfortable with signing a legalization bill into law, likely in early January.
The law would likely offer only non-commercial legalization, allowing Vermont residents to possess small amounts of weed and grow a few of their own plants at home. Marijuana retail and distribution laws would likely come down the road.
Story continues
DIY marijuana growing might be coming to a state near you.
Michigan
While Michigan has allowed medical weed use for nearly a decade, a ballot drive by legal marijuana proponents in 2017 paved the way for a state-wide vote on recreational use thats now slated for on November 6, 2018. Michigans proposed legislation would allow adult residents to possess up to 2.5 ounces and grow a maximum of 12 pot plants at home.
Rhode Island
In January, a a six-person Cannabis Advisory Board is expected to make its recommendations on a legal pot bill. There is a hope that some form of legislation will pass by summer 2018, when commercial marijuana sales are expected to begin in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts
Speaking of which, as mentioned above, Massachusetts is slated to begin hosting retail marijuana establishments by July 1. The state voted to allow for the legalization of recreational pot use in 2016.
Photos via Unsplash / Esteban Lopez, Unsplash / Alex Alexander
Photos via Unsplash / Esteban Lopez, Unsplash / Alex Alexander
Written by Grace Lisa Scott
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Steve Bannon, one of President Donald Trumps former campaign chiefs and White House advisors, has described a meeting between Russians and senior campaign staff in the Trump Tower treasonous, unpatriotic, and bad shit.
The Guardian, which obtained an advanced copy of journalist Michael Wolffs forthcoming Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, revealed Bannons remarks. The book is an insider look into the tumultuous first nine months of Trumps presidency.
Bannons criticism targets a meeting on June 9, 2016 between top Trump campaign staffson Donald Trump Jr., then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushnerand British-born publicist Rob Goldstone, Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya, Russian-born lobbyist Rinat Akhmetshin, and Russian-American businessman Irakly Ike Kaveladze.
The New York Times reported about the meeting in July, after the paper learned of emails in which Goldstone promised Trump Jr. information that would incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia and would be very useful to your father. Trump Jr. responded, writing, If its what you say I love it especially later in the summer.
The three senior guys in the campaign thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the 25th floorwith no lawyers Bannon is quoted saying. They didnt have any lawyers.
Even if you thought that this was not treasonous, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think its all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately, Bannon continued, according to Wolff.
Bannon was also quoted as saying, Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.
President Trump responded on Wednesday to Bannons critical comments by saying, When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, according to the New York Times.
During the 2016 campaign, the FBI started an investigation into whether Russia tried to influence the presidential election. Following Special Counsel Robert S. Mueller took over the inquiry shortly after President Trump firing of former FBI Director James Comey.
Muellers team has brought charges against several former campaign and White House officials. Former national security advisor Michael Flynn and former foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulous pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former senior aide Rick Gates were charged with 12 counts, including conspiracy to launder money and lying to the FBI.
Former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon said he's certain that Donald Trump Jr. brought attendees of the June 2016 Trump Tower meeting to meet his father . "The chance that Don Jr. did not walk these Jumos up to his father's office of the 26th floor is zero," Bannon told author Michael Wolff. Bannon's comments appear in Wolff's "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," which is based on more than 200 interviews with the president and members of his staff. The book will be published Jan. 9 by Henry Holt. NBC News obtained a copy of the book ahead of its release. In a statement, President Donald Trump said: "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind. " Bannon is also quoted in the book saying the meeting was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." Attendees of the meeting included Russian lawyer Natalia Veselnitskaya and other Russians. Trump was reportedly in Trump Tower on June 9, the day of the meeting. Bannon joined the Trump campaign team two months after the meeting. Bannon was ousted from the White House in August after seven months as an influential operative known to have the president's ear. He has reportedly remained in contact with Trump since leaving the administration. An attorney for Trump Jr. did not respond to a CNBC request for comment.
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As President Donald Trump considers plans to create new rules that would curb H-1B visa extensions and could see thousands of mostly Indian skilled workers deported while they wait for their green cards, industry leaders in India are warning that the move could also hurt the U.S. economy.
The proposal, which was part of Trump's "Buy American, Hire American" initiative that he vowed to launch on the campaign trail, is being drafted by Department of Homeland Security leaders, sources have told McClatchy DC. If approved, it could see as many as 500,000 to 750,000 Indian H-1B visa holders forced to leave the U.S., IndiaToday.in has reported.
Read more: H-1B visas would not be extended under Trump's latest proposal, reports say
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Those who have their green card approved would be able to return to the U.S., but it would essentially mean restarting the process of establishing a life in America.
Industry leaders in India have also warned that the new rules could cause a shortage of skilled workers in the U.S., potentially damaging the country's economy.
Trump executive order immigration GettyImages-669942122
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The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), a trade association of Indian information technology, has warned that the move could create a shortage of skilled workers in the U.S. in core fields like science and technology.
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"It is not only about the Indian IT industry, but about all Indians who use H-1B visas," NASSCOM President R. Chandrashekhar told Business Today.
"Given that there is a real problem of shortage of skilled professionals in the U.S., any disruptive move will be detrimental for both India and the U.S.," he said.
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In an interview with the Times of India, he added: "The US has a big skill gap. Out of the 2 million vacant STEM jobs, 1 million are in IT related areas. All these measures, mostly political and emotive, aren't changing the skills gap and will hurt the American economy. All these factors have to be kept in mind by the US administration."
While the new rules could disrupt the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, some business leaders in India believe it could ultimately be a major gain for the Indian economy in the long run.
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Mahindra Group chief Anand Mahindra, whose firm Tech Mahindra employs more than 2,000 people in the U.S. suggested such a move would help India "rise."
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"If that happens, then I say 'Swagatam, Welcome Home'," Anand tweeted. "You're coming back in time to help India Rise."
The H-1B program offers temporary U.S. visas that allow companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals working in areas with shortages of qualified American workers. But since taking office last January, the Trump administration has been cracking down on the scheme.
The government temporarily froze the option for premium processing for it, which allowed visa applications to be cleared within 15 days for an additional fee. The standard procedure is known to take anywhere between three and six months.
This article was first written by Newsweek
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At last years Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Peter Thiel warned that investors were underestimating bitcoin. Its like a reserve form of money, its like goldits just a store of value, he said. If bitcoin ends up being the cyber equivalent of gold, it has a great potential left. Fast-forward two months, and Thiels cryptocurrency predictions have proven about as adept as his political onesthe euphoric mania surrounding bitcoin has catapulted it more than 1,300 percent in the past year, and Thiels venture-capital firm Founders Fund has cashed in on its investments. According to The Wall Street Journal, the firm is telling investors that it put between $15 million and $20 million into bitcoin, which is now worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Its not clear when Founders Fund purchased its bitcoin, nor is it clear whether it has sold off any of its investments. What is clear is that Thiel and his people consider bitcoin to be about as safe as the rest of the tech market, but with far greater potential:
The representatives have told firm backers that a cascade of cash into technology companies has stretched their valuations to historic highs, making stakes in start-ups as dangerous a risk as ever. Bitcoin, on the other hand, could multiply several times over in the coming years.
To hear the firms representatives tell it, a bitcoin investment may be a safer way to get returns than, say, investing their limited partners money into start-ups. In other words, a cryptocurrency so volatile that a beverage manufacturer saw its value soar after changing its name to Long Blockchain is considered to be a safer bet than most tech companies, which in recent months have seen their valuations balloon, but which could be facing an existential threat that could call their very business models into question.
Despite Thiels optimism, most mainstream institutions remain skeptical about bitcoin given its extreme volatility; its price can swing dramatically in a number of hours, influenced by any externality. There is perhaps no better proof of this than the aftermath of the Journal report about Thiel and his bitcoin investments: after opening on Tuesday at $13,509.87, its price jumped 12 percent to $15,098.57.
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This story originally appeared on Vanity Fair.
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The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee wants to interview President Donald Trumps social media director and his former digital director as part of the panels investigation of Russias election interference and possible influence on the Trump campaign.
On Wednesday, Senator Dianne Feinstein, the ranking member of the committee, sent letters to Dan Scavino and Brad Parscale requesting interviews and documents.
Scavino was the social media director for Trumps 2016 campaign. When Trump took office, Scavino became assistant to the president and director of social media. In addition to an interview, Feinstein asked Scavino for documents related to former FBI Director James Comey; former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn; the special counsel Russia investigation; the June 2016 meeting between campaign officials and a Kremlin-connected lawyer; Russia; Ukraine; WikiLeaks; and efforts to obtain or share emails belonging to Hillary Clinton or her associates.
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The Scavino request appears to be one of the few instances congressional investigators have targeted a current White House employee in their Russia probes. The Senate Judiciary Committee has previously sought information from Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and one of his senior advisers, and the House and Senate intelligence committees have questioned Kushner.
Scavino is reportedly behind a large number of the presidents Twitter posts, many of which have drawn scrutiny. On Tuesday, after Trump was criticized for some controversial tweetsincluding one saying his nuclear button is much bigger than that of North Korean leader Kim Jong UnScavino defended the posts. You and all of your liberal friends have NOTHING, he tweeted at CNN host and correspondent Brian Stelter, who criticized the presidential tweets.
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01_03_Scavino_Parscale_investigation
MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty
Feinsteins other request went to Parscale, who helps run the Texas-based design and marketing agency Giles-Parscale and was the digital director for the Trump campaign. Feinstein asked him for an interview and to provide communications related to Russian officials; hacked emails from Clinton or her associates; WikiLeaks; Russia; and other topics.
Parscale previously agreed to meet with the House Intelligence Committee, which is also investigating Russian election meddling. In a July statement responding to the House request, he said, I am unaware of any Russian involvement in the digital and data operations of the 2016 Trump presidential campaign. The Trump digital campaign used the exact same digital marketing strategies that are used every day by corporate America. He added that the digital effort included people from his marketing agency, the Republican National Committee and Cambridge Analytica, a data firm with ties to Trump megadonor Robert Mercer. (Feinstein has requested information from Cambridge Analytica, too.) That House interview was reportedly scheduled for October 2017.
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Feinstein has sent several batches of requests to Trump associates as part of the Senate Judiciary Committees investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, the chairman of the committee, has not signed any of those requests. In late October, Feinstein told Mother Jones that committee Democrats would move forward with the Russia investigation without the Republicans, who she said seemed focused on other topics. The committee is one of three congressional panels investigating the Russia issue.
Parscale was not available to comment, and the White House was not available to comment on behalf of Scavino.
This article was first written by Newsweek
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By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort sued Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Wednesday, alleging that his office's investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia exceeds its legal authority. The lawsuit could be the first legal test of how far Mueller's mandate extends, a question that is critical to his investigations into Manafort's and others' financial, real estate and other dealings. Under the terms of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's order in May appointing Mueller, the special prosecutor not only can probe links or coordination between Trump's campaign and Russia but also can look into "any matters that arose or may arise directly" from the investigation. Mueller's office indicted Manafort and his business partner Rick Gates in October on charges including conspiracy to launder money, conspiracy against the United States and failing to register as foreign agents of Ukraine's former pro-Russian government. Manafort's civil lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, accuses Rosenstein of exceeding his legal authority to "grant Mr. Mueller carte blanche to investigate and pursue criminal charges in connection with anything he stumbles across." "The investigation has focused on Mr. Manafort's offshore business dealings that date back to as early as 2005 - about a decade before the Trump presidential campaign launched," the lawsuit said. It added that Manafort voluntarily disclosed all of the information about his Ukraine work to the Justice Department in July 2014 as part of a since-closed investigation into stolen assets. In addition to the indictments of Manafort and Gates, Mueller's office has secured guilty pleas for lying to the FBI from Trump's former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and former campaign aide George Papadopoulos. Both those cases, unlike the Manafort indictment, relate to Flynn and Papadopoulos' communications with Russians during their work for the Trump campaign. Manafort's indictment made no reference to any activity related to his work on the Trump 2016 presidential campaign, and the lawsuit asked the court to "set aside all actions" taken so far against him. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department called the lawsuit "frivolous," but added that Manafort was "entitled to file whatever he wants." A spokesman for Mueller's office declined to comment. Manafort's lawsuit alleges that Rosenstein's order tapping Mueller violates the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the government rulemaking process. At issue is whether the scope of Rosenstein's order is too broad and runs afoul of the Justice Department's rules that establish procedures for hiring a special prosecutor. Stephen Vladek, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said he thinks the lawsuit will fail due to procedural problems as well as on its merits. The case, he said, is a "long shot." Manafort's lawsuit comes as Trump and Republicans in Congress have escalated their attacks on Mueller, the FBI and the Justice Department by accusing them of political bias. Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller in May shortly after Trump fired former FBI Director James Comey, told Congress last month that he does not think Mueller's investigation is tainted and sees no reason to have him removed. Trump has denied that his campaign colluded with Russia, although he has also said he fired Comey because of "this Russia thing." Moscow has denied meddling in the 2016 U.S. election campaign. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Peter Cooney, John Walcott and Cynthia Osterman)
Are you a frequent visitor to retail drugstores? Then you must have come across at least one of the more than 13,200 drugstores operated by Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. WBA. This Illinois-based company is the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise.
Currently, Walgreens Boots has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) but that could change following its impressive first quarter fiscal 2018 earnings report which has just released.(You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. )
We have highlighted some of the key details from the just-released announcement below:
Earnings: Walgreens Boots adjusted earnings per share of $1.28, up 16.4% year over year surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate figure of $1.27.
Revenues: Walgreens posted revenues of $30.74 billion grew 7.9% year over year which is ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $30.33 billion
Key Stats: In the reported first quarter fiscal 2018, revenues from the Retail Pharmacy USA division increased 8.9% to $22.5 billion, while revenues from the Pharmaceutical Wholesale division rose 5.6% to $5.7 billion. Revenues from the Retail Pharmacy International division also rose 4.1% to $3.1 billion. Moreover, Walgreens Boots filled 260.2 million prescriptions (including immunizations) on a 30-day adjusted basis in the quarter, reflecting an increase of 9.5% over first quarter of fiscal 2017.
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Quote
Major Factors: Per management, Walgreens Boots first quarter 2018 results were encouraging. This is on account of the companys strategic tie-ups which brought more patients to its U.S. pharmacies. The company has also been gaining increased market share in the Retail Pharmacy USA segment along with growing prescription volumes. Management is currently optimistic about its ongoing cost transformation program and remains confident about the long-term growth of the company. The company has increased the lower end of its outlook for fiscal year 2018 by 5 cents per share and anticipates adjusted earnings per share of $5.45 to $5.70.
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Stock Price: Following the earnings release, share prices rose 0.65% during the pre-market trading session.
Check back later for our full write up on this Walgreens Boots earnings report later!
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Republican members of Congress likely spent the holidays toasting their tax bill victory, but they face a long to-do list when they return to Washington Wednesday.
First, they must finish the work they punted at the end of the year, and then turn to the things they want to accomplish, even as those bigger-ticket items will require the help of Democrats.
President Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., will meet this week to discuss priorities for 2018. Heres a look at what we already know is on Congress 2018 to-do and wish lists.
White House to meet with Hill leadership on 2018 agenda
Members of Congress who won't serve throughout 2018
Government funding
Members of the House and Senate left Washington in late-December still debating how much to increase military funding levels, largely a Republican priority, and whether to increase domestic spending by a comparable amount, which Democrats want. Buying themselves more time to have that broader debate, Democrats and Republicans in both chambers approved a month-long continuing resolution (CR), which keeps the government funded at current levels through Jan. 19. That deadline gives members about two-and-a-half weeks to work out a longer-term spending deal when they return to Capitol Hill.
Hurricane disaster relief
Along with the CR, the House passed an $81 million disaster relief bill to help hurricane-ravaged states rebuild, but the Senate did not take it up because Democrats there objected to what they say is the bills unfair treatment of California, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For example, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the bill does not include funding for Medicaid, resiliency, and drinking water infrastructure in Puerto Rico. Schumer has said he wants to continue discussions on the disaster bill, with the goal of passing it sometime in January.
PHOTO: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer speaks as Sens. Debbie Stabenow, left, and Patty Murray, right, listen during a news conference at the Capitol Dec. 21, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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Members of Congress had three months to reinstate funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program, which covers 9 million children and officially expired at the end of September. But they failed to do so, even as states warned families they may lose their CHIP coverage by the end of the year. So as part of the short-term CR, Congress extended CHIP funding for six months, including three retroactively. Members of both parties are committed to a longer-lasting extension when they return this month -- Sens. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Ron Wyden D-Oregon, the top members of the Senate Finance Committee, want a five-year extension but that hasnt stopped critics from asking why Congress didnt fix this problem in September.
Lowering health insurance premiums
Trump announced in October that his administration would stop paying monthly subsidies, known as cost-sharing reduction payments, or CSRs, to help insurance companies keep low-income people covered. Nonpartisan forecasters like the Congressional Budget Office predicted that premiums for people on Obamacare exchanges would skyrocket, prompting a bipartisan group of senators to develop legislative fixes to reinstate those payments. The senators had originally called for a vote on their Obamacare stabilization bills before the end of the year, but asked McConnell to hold off until after the first of the year when it looked clear that Congress would only be able to pass another short-term extension to prevent a government shutdown.
Trump announced in September that he would phase out the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects nearly 800,000 children of undocumented immigrants from deportation, by March. Shortly thereafter, members of both parties began working on a permanent legislative fix. Any deal on DACA will likely include additional border security measures to satisfy immigration hawks. Leader McConnell has assured a vote on the agreement, assuming negotiators reach one, by the end of this month.
Banking
After theyve checked off all their must-pass items, congressional leaders will turn to passing new bills that they can tout going into the 2018 midterm election cycle. McConnell has signaled that one piece of legislative low-hanging fruit is a bill to ease restrictions on small and regional banks that were imposed as part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, which McConnell noted in his year-end news conference has 10 Democratic co-sponsors. That's an item I'm almost certainly going to call up, he said.
Infrastructure
Vice President Mike Pence said during a recent interview that the administration will vigorously pursue infrastructure in 2018. Such an effort would likely have bipartisan support, given that even independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont says he thinks Congress can make some progress working with the Trump administration on repairing roads, bridges, water systems and other key parts of Americas foundation.
Welfare-entitlement
PHOTO: Speaker of the House Paul Ryan delivers remarks in front of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, right, and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, left, during the enrollment ceremony on Capitol Hill for the Republican tax plan Dec.21, 2017. (Michael Reynolds/EPA)
House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a December news conference that his conference will try to tackle entitlement and welfare this year, the latter to pull people out of poverty, into the workforce. But McConnell has already cast skepticism on that plan, saying those overhauls would have to happen on a broad bipartisan basis. It was Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill raising the age for Social Security, and that was before I got here, so it's been a while, he said.
Revisiting Obamacare repeal?
While Trump has asserted that the tax bills repeal of the Affordable Care Act individual mandate essentially repeals the program, most of the law is still intact. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has been among those predicting another round of votes to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act entirely, including on his own bill, but congressional leaders do not support such efforts, saying instead they want to move forward on new big-ticket priorities. I wish them well, McConnell said when asked for his response to members who want to revisit Obamacare in 2018.
U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster has warned that relations between Pakistan and the United States can no longer withstand Islamabads selective crackdown on some terrorist groups while extending support and safe haven to others.
Speaking with VOA, McMaster said that President Donald Trumps January 1 Twitter post accusing Islamabad of "lies and deceit" and providing a safe haven for terrorists, expressed his frustration at Pakistans failure to go after all terrorist groups on its soil.
This is really our effort to communicate clearly to Pakistan that we have to really begin now to work together to stabilize Afghanistan, he said. We see Pakistan operating against the interests of its own people by going after these groups only selectively, by providing safe havens and support bases for Taliban and Haqqani network leadership that operate out of Pakistan as they perpetuate hell in portions of Pakistan and in Afghanistan.
McMaster has served in Afghanistan and is widely seen to be a key force behind Trumps Afghanistan and South Asia strategy, which was unveiled last August.
We can no longer be silent about Pakistans safe havens for terrorist organizations, the Taliban, and other groups that pose a threat to the region and beyond, Trump told a gathering in Arlington, Virginia, on August 21. Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbor criminals and terrorists.
Four months later, McMaster sees little change in Pakistans behavior.
[Pakistan] goes after terrorist insurgent groups, really, very selectively, and uses others as an arm of their foreign policy, he said. The president has great sympathy for the Pakistani people and how much theyve suffered at the hands of terrorists.
The U.S. National Security adviser said he hopes Pakistans neighbors, global powers, and allies such as China would also to see an end to its support for terrorist groups.
McMaster said that given Pakistans tremendous human and economic potential, its leaders are unlikely to choose the path of North Korea in becoming a pariah state.
I cant imagine a Pakistani leader using nuclear weapons to extort or for blackmail, he said.
CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monica Curtis, CEO, Energy Efficiency Alberta, will provide an update on program participation, energy savings, and environmental and economic benefits achieved during Energy Efficiency Albertas first year of operation. Board Chair, David Dodge will emcee the event.
Event Details:
January 5, 2018
10:00 am 12:00 pm
Skyfire Energy, 4038A 7th Street SE, Calgary AB
Energy efficiency and renewable energy product displays will be set up for photo and video opportunities. Displays by SkyFire Energy - solar technologies and IDEAL Insulation - insulation products.
About Energy Efficiency Alberta:
Energy Efficiency Alberta was established in January 2017 as one component of Albertas Climate Leadership Plan. CEO Monica Curtis began work in April 2017, and since then has built a delivery team of 400 agency staff and implementation contractors in Alberta to manage the design and delivery of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in the province.
The mandate of the agency is to raise awareness about energy use and the associated economic and environmental consequences; to promote, design and deliver programs and carry out other activities related to energy efficiency, energy conservation and the development of micro-generation and small-scale renewable energy systems; and to promote the development of an energy efficiency services industry in Alberta.
Energy Efficiency Alberta has launched five programs so far:
Residential No Charge Energy Savings Program
Residential Retail Products Program Online Rebates Instant Savings Home Improvement Rebates
Business, Non-Profit and Institutional Energy Savings Program
Residential and Commercial Solar Program
Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Transition Program
More information about Energy Efficiency Alberta, including Monica Curtis bio, can be found at: www.efficiencyalberta.ca/about/
For more information, contact:
Justin Archer
587-708-2560
jarcher@BRLN.ca
A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/139d9d0d-be67-4be5-871a-f7039952c329
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via OTC PR WIRE -- Costas, Inc. (OTC.PK:CSSI) (OTC:CSSI) is pleased to welcome Dr. Stephen L. Gomes, president of Gomes and Company and former Business Professor at SUNY- Stony Brook- Korea Campus and Maastricht School of Management- Netherlands, as Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective immediately.
Dr. Gomes has taught MBA Masters degree courses in Startup Management, Technology Commercialization, Strategic Alliance and Joint-Venture Practices (Oregon Graduate Institute - now OHSU, State University of New York (SUNY-Stony Brook Korea Campus) and Maastricht School of Management, Maastricht, Netherlands.
Recently, while in tenure at State University of New York at Korea, Dr. Gomes had the pleasure of hosting the famous Roger Ver, the Bitcoin.com co-founder and early investor of Bitcoin (BTC). Mr. Ver was the honored guest for the seminar in Dr. Gomess start-up management MBA econometrics classes in Incheon, Korea over a three-day period, where we lectured to a rapt student body forever changed by the experience.
COO, Dr. Gomes, brings the wisdom and operational experience to deploy the Authentatrade Crypto Exchange platform efficiently and quickly into the accelerating cryptocurrency market environment. Authentatrade has the systems, technology and customer base to operate as a direct global exchange, trading in the 24/7 cryptocurrency markets. The goal for Costas is to generate high profits through targeting customers in underserved regions and niches of trade. The difference in exchange provider transaction fees ranges from .5% to 10 %, depending on the markets served and quality of services available.
This is the only time in history that deft organization and quickly accurate execution permits a start-up business to scale to a global enterprise in weeks; said Dr. Gomes, COO of Costas, Inc. Authentatrades exchange platform technology gives Costas execution power to immediately occupy territory in specifically targeted markets where our presence is well received.
Dr. Gomes provides facility to convert market opportunities into full-scale business operations to generate revenues from daily business into quarterly profits. Costas is now quarterly focused.
Below is a Summary of Dr. Stephen Gomes extensive business background:
Dr. Gomes earned a Ph.D. in Public Management and International Relations from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs fully funded on a NASA Ph.D. fellowship.
His early career was in executive management positions with large international companies with senior responsibility for contracts with government leaders, royal family members and large corporations such as ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia and Mitsubishi Corporation in Japan. His executive duties have included extended assignments in France, Greece, China, Malaysia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, Brazil and Holland.
Dr. Gomes has helped client organizations develop over 30 strategic alliances and joint ventures including the following: developed and negotiated more than 15 public/private high-tech co-development strategic alliance agreements between major U.S. companies, universities and the Federal Research Labs with a total value of $160 million; five major supplier alliance agreements with values up to $15 million for two major U.S. Oil Companies; long term real estate asset management outsourcing alliance agreement with values up to $1 billion in real estate asset value; set up multi-party manufacturing alliance with major big three air bag manufacturing firm; assisted IBM to develop five outsourcing alliances with technology providers for the master Information Technology health care system contract for the Province of Alberta; supported negotiations and alliance discussions on behalf of 15 U.S. corporations and multinational companies with combined assets up to $10 million for each agreement.
Currently, Dr. Gomes manages Gomes & Company, which is a boutique executive consulting firm engaged in a broad range of domestic and international multi-party consulting assignments mostly focused on high tech and finance start-ups, joint venture planning, strategy planning and execution, organization problem solving and specialized business plan strategy and development. For several years, his firms main clients were Fortune 500 companies working with the Warren Company based in Providence, Rhode Island. While in San Francisco, Dr. Gomes managed the West Coast operation where he was responsible for assisting large corporate clients in the creation and implementation of strategic business alliances, facilitated technology transfer, the formation of technology co-development alliances, R&D consortia and joint ventures. He was instrumental in helping to bring in one of the firms largest clients, Andersen Consulting which became Accenture Corporation. Before being retained by the Warren Company, he was CEO of American Technology Initiative (Am Tech, Inc.), a non-profit corporation, co-founded by NASA and the private sector, based in Silicon Valley dedicated to the implementation of public-private technology development alliances and partnerships between universities, federal research labs and the private sector. Clients included NASA, Los Alamos, Cal-Tech, Boeing, and Sandia labs.
Dr. Gomes is active in a number of non-profit activities and boards. He has served in the past as a director on the National Board of Advisers for the Peace Corps and the Virginia Satir Foundation. He currently is also a fellow of the Innovation Creativity and Capital Institute ( IC2 ) of the Business School at the University of Texas at Austin, which just met in April 2017 in Austin. This is a group of international business thought leaders and professors (originally assembled by Dr. George Kozmetsky who received the National Medal of Honor from President Clinton for being the father of the Austin Technolgy Hub) who participate in the University of Texas Business School annual leadership strategy conference sessions by invitation only.
Finally Dr. Gomes is an aviation enthusiast and has been flying airplanes since he was 12 years old. At one time he was the youngest pilot in the United States. Howard Hughes hired him for his aviation expertise and knowledge of local Las Vegas flying conditions and politics. At the age of 25, Gomes was put in charge of planning a new $650 million airport for Las Vegas to replace McCarran Field which was to be built at Howard Hughes expense and turned over to Las Vegas at his cost. Later in his career Dr. Gomes used that experience with two other companies to participate in the planning of 12 major new international airports around the globe over a 20 year period.
About COSTAS (CSSI): http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/CSSI/profile
COSTAS INC. is a publicly traded company on the OTC Markets under the symbol CSSI. Costas Inc. invests in early stage Digital Currency projects. We believe strongly in the growth of Distributed Asset Technology and its integration into Financial Technologies (FINTech. Distributed Networks are the next massive internet investment market, as social media was 10 years ago. Costas Inc. strongly believes that a Distributed Asset Technology product will be the next Facebook or Twitter. The current US market of FINTech is approximately $1.24 Trillion.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:
This press release and the statements of representatives of Costas, Inc. (the "Company") related thereto contain, or may contain, among other things, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements," including any other statements of non-historical information. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "guidance," "projects," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "ultimately" or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements involve material assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and the expectations contained in such statements may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company's actual results (including, without limitation, Costas ability to advance its business, generate revenue and profit and operate as a public company) could differ materially from those stated or anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including factors and risks discussed in the periodic reports that the Company files with OTC Markets (Pink Sheets). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. The Company undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.
For further information contact:
ir@costasinc.com
Costas Corporate Phone Number
702-448-2911
MANALAPAN, N.J., Jan. 04, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sun Pacific Holding Corp. (OTCQB: SNPW) is pleased to announce that it has signed a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire a 60-acre parcel of land. This acquisition will be acquired in the wholly owned subsidiary,
National Mechanical Group. Sun Pacific is executing on its plan to own, build and manage its alternative energy business segment.
National Mechanical Group will build the facility on the 60 acre parcel. Combining both solar power and wind turbines will optimize the alternative energy output of the land. In addition Sun Pacific Holding will utilize the same Blockchain Technology used in cryptocurrency transactions to increase the levels of efficiency. The alternative energy project can provide power to over thousands of homes. Using photovoltaic solar panels and high efficiency wind turbines and the added benefit of management by Blockchain Technology, the energy distribution will be streamlined to the benefit of both the consumer and the company. While crypto Blockchain Technology is relatively new to the energy industry it is already being utilized to streamline the process by matching energy distribution and pricing with demand in real time saving both time and costs.
We are pleased to have this agreement to acquire this prime parcel of land to develop solar and wind power says Mr. Nicholas B Campanella CEO and Chairman. This acquisition will be an all-stock equity acquisition and adds to our expanding geographic footprint and overall strategy in the state of Rhode Island. With the recent energy initiative by National Grid and the state of Rhode Island green energy initiative, an effort which significantly broadens Rhode Islands program, we want to be firmly established in the state and solidify our advantage in one of the largest markets in the United States.
Renewable Energy Growth Program (REG Program)
The Renewable Energy Growth Program (REG Program) will support the development of 160 MW of distributed generation projects in Rhode Island between 2015 and 2019. Eligible technologies include wind, solar, hydropower, and anaerobic digestion.
About Sun Pacific Holding Corp.
Sun Pacific Holding Corp. (OTCQB: SNPW) uses management's knowledge and experience to serve its customers and now its shareholders through quality service and equipment, working to keep customers satisfied, and by doing our part in protecting the environment with smart green technology. For more information, visit www.sunpacificholding.com.
Safe Harbor and Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions (such as those relating to future expansion or financial results) and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's OTC Markets filings. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan" and other similar expressions. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors not within the control of the company. The company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.
simplyjeet wrote:
Indian Male 29
Tenth: 89%.
Higher secondary: 79%
Undergrad: Engineering (B.Tech. Electronics and Telecom) from a tier I university in India
First class with distinction (8.6 on a scale of 10)
Work ex: Total 7.5 years and counting.
Developer at TCS Ltd. two years in India, One in US.
Business Analyst at TCS in US for a year
Senior Consultant and then currently DC Manager at Deloitte Consulting in US - 3.5 years and counting
Target Gmat score (based on prep scores) : 710+. Qa 48 Va42
Could you please review and recommend three top schools/programs for consulting/ investment banking.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Posted from my mobile device
Nisha Trivedi
mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant
35 positive reviews on GMATClub, 2020 Top 20 of admissions consultants across the industry per P&Q: https://poetsandquants.com/2020/08/26/best-mba-admission-consultants-of-2020/
Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation at https://www.mbamission.com/consult/mba-admissions/
Read our Insider's Guides to the top b-schools: http://www.mbamission.com/guides.php?category=insiders Signature Read More
Hi, and thanks for writing! If you can get a 730+ on your GMAT (important for Indian applicants and bankers) and if you have some good extracurricular involvement, here are some of the top bschools for banking: HBS, Wharton, Booth, CBS, Stern. Other schools to consider: Kellogg, Yale, Duke, Darden. Many (though not all) of the top banks are in the NYC/Chicago area, so those are good areas on which to focus. Of course, all of the programs I've listed are very competitive, so you'd want to make a very strong case for why you want to transition to banking and how the program will get you there.Best of luck and let me know of any other qs!_________________
What do you want to be when you grow up?
This may be one of the most commonly asked questions to kids when they are young and also to high schoolers as they are about to graduate. My response was typical of what dairy industry youth would most likely say.
I want to work in the dairy industry.
While this answer was always true for me, as I got older I started to find out what my strong suits and talents were. My answer to peoples questions about my future career plans shifted toward a more specific part of dairy. I knew when I was in high school that I enjoyed writing and communication. My career path got a little narrower as I started focusing on developing more skills and connections in this area.
Those of us involved in agriculture know the hundreds of career choices a young person has to sort through. I like to think of the dairy industry as a machine with hundreds of moving parts. Each moving part is an occupation. The dairy industry relies on the dairy farmer just as much as milk truck drivers, genetic researchers, communications specialists, and so forth.
I am proud to be pursuing a career in dairy because of how elaborate the job options are for individuals like me to choose from. We are able to use our talents to better the industry into a more efficient machine. I am also confident that if I get off of my ideal career path I will be able to adjust using my knowledge of dairy.
Whatever career path I end up on, I dont plan to stray from my childhood goal of working in the industry that shaped me into the person I am today.
Elise Regusci grew up on her family's farm in Modesto, Calif. Regusci attends Cal Poly University, majoring in dairy science with an agricultural communication minor. On campus, she is the Los Lecheros Dairy Club Ag Council representative and a member of the Cal Poly dairy judging team. Regusci is the current Brown Swiss Youth Ambassador and is the 2017 Hoard's Dairyman summer editorial intern.
Following a judges warning, according to an Iranian news agency, that demonstrators will face the death penalty, Trump reminded officials the the U.S. is watching as he branded Tehran brutal and corrupt. According to Tasnim News Agency, Judge Mousa Ghazanfarabadi said that one of their charges could be Moharebeh, or waging war against God. In Iran, this is a death penalty offense. The judge was also quoted as saying some protesters will come to trial soon on charges of acting against national security and damaging public properties.
U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, also requested emergency sessions on the crisis and urged condemnation of the assault on Iranians freedoms. Haley called on all freedom-loving people to stand with the oppressed Iranians in remarks from the United Nations. If the Iranian dictatorships history is any guide, we can expect more outrageous abuses in the days to come. The UN must speak out, she said. We must not be silent. The people are crying out for freedom. All freedom-loving people must stand with their cause.
On Thursday, demonstrators gathered in Tehran to protest Irans weak economy. Subsequently, a wave of spontaneous protests swept into large cities on Saturday, with college students and others chanting against the government. 21 people have died and more than 450 have been arrested in Iran.
Irans foreign ministry responded on Tuesday, saying that Trump should focus on homeless and hungry people in his own country, rather than insult Iranians. Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi said, Instead of wasting his time sending useless and insulting tweets regarding other countries, he would be better off seeing to the domestic issues of his own country such as daily killings of dozens of people and the existence of millions of homeless and hungry people.
According to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, the people of Iran have the right to express their preferences at the ballot box, which is more than can be said about citizens of other countries in the region the U.S. considers allies. Zarif tweeted, Irans security and stability depend on its own people, who unlike the peoples of Trumps regional bffs have the right to vote and to protest.
On Tuesday, after nine people died in overnight clashes, the head of Tehrans Revolutionary Court reportedly said that detained protesters could be executed. Six deaths occurred when protesters clashed with security forces as they tried to storm a police station in Qahderijan, in the Isfahan region of central Iran.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has dismissed the protests as nothing, in a bid to downplay the significance of the increasingly violent demonstrations. However, Trump has praised protesters for challenging Irans brutal and corrupt regime. In a Tuesday tweet Trump saluted Iranians for finally acting.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, blamed the countrys enemies for the riots. Khamenei is said to have met with top political leaders and security chiefs to discuss a crack down on protests. Khamenei said Tuesday that the Islamic Republics foes were using different tools including cash, weapons, politics and intelligence apparatus to create troubles. A leaked report of this meeting was given to the National Council of Resistance of Iran by senior government sources, according to Fox News. The report suggests the protests have hit the countrys economy and threatens the regimes security, and added, The first step, therefore, is to find a way out of this situation.
On state television, Esmail Kowsari, a deputy commander for a local branch of the Revolutionary Guards, said, We will not permit insecurity to continue in any way in Tehran. If it continues, officials will take decisions to finish it.
Iran shut down social media in an attempt to stop unrest from spreading. Authorities blocked access to Instagram and the Telegram messaging app and Google has faced calls to lift restrictions on its services for internet users in Iran so that millions of protesters can connect and organize.
President Hassan Rouhani insisted that people are absolutely free to express their anger, but criticism is different to violence and destroying public property.
The demonstrations, however, were fanned in part by messages sent on social media platforms prompting a black out of some services on Sunday.
Telegram is very popular in Iran, with more than 50 per cent of the countrys population of 80 million believed to be active on the app.
CNN reported that Rouhani said in a meeting with Iranian members of parliament on Monday, Our great nation has witnessed a number of similar incidents in the past and has comfortably dealt with them. This is nothing.
Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, described the unrest as a proxy war against the Iranian people. He told local media, Hashtags and messages about the situation in Iran come from the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia.
Irans intelligence ministry released a statement saying instigators have been identified and will be dealt with seriously soon.
Rouhani has promised to mend the economy and ease social tensions, bu many feel that progress is too slow.
The most affected are the Iranian youth, with as many as 40 percent out of work according to analysts, and rural areas particularly hard-hit. On Sunday, Rouhani said that there was no problem bigger than unemployment and vowed a to deliver a more balanced media and greater transparency.
On Thursday in Mashad, the Iranian people began to show their resentment against the Islamic Republics funding of military intervention in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen at the expense of the populace.
Today, the Iranian people are largely the children of the Khomeini revolution of 1979, who have the strength, energy and the courage required to challenge the regime, and shows the widespread value of personal freedom and respect of individual rights. After nearly 40 years, Iranians retain the desire for freedom that led to the overthrow the Shah.
Iran showed its strength during the Syrian civil war, and threatens Saudi Arabia via Yemens Houthi rebels, who have launched missiles at the city of Riyad. As well, Iranian forces, backed by Hezbollah, on Mount Hermon less than 10 km from Israel, displays regional tactical success. However, Irans military power is not backed by a solid economy or popular support. The anger of the younger generation who prefer the internet to sharia has manifest itself.
In June of 2009, the Green wave of Iranian protests challenged the regime, and opposed Mahmud Ahmadinejads re-election as president. At that time, neither the United States or Europe took any action. While Iranians believed that the West would support them, they received no endorsement for their calls for freedom.
It is believed that the reason for this was the Vienna agreement on the Iranian nuclear program that occurred six years later. The agreement was meant to curb Irans attempt to produce nuclear weapons by ending sanctions that were crippling their economy. By remaining silent in the face of the repression of the Green movement, America, along with Europe, began their lean towards appeasement with the same regime that Iranians are now openly opposing, at the risk of their lives.
The Trump administration is facing an important decision. Will it immediately stand by the demonstrators, and will the White House succeed in making their words follow the facts? Europe is at a crossroads, as well. In their first statements from Berlin and Brussels, Europe has the opportunity to support the Iranian people, and show the regime that its ruthless pursuit of regional hegemony will no longer be tolerated.
As weve seen in the past few days, Americas political class, including Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are supporting the protesters in Iran. Trump has issued statements, and the pundits have tweeted. However, easy acts of solidarity are not helpful, they do not substitute for policy or strategy.
Although the regime shut down social media that was used to organize the protests, videos of demonstrations and brazen acts arson that have filled the Telegram channels of Iranian dissidents in the last few months, show that fear is receding. Irans dictatorship wont work if its citizens are unafraid of the state. In his article for Bloomberg, Eli Lake discusses measures to keep social media safe. The State Department, for example, should work closely with Telegram, WhatsApp and other platforms in Iran to figure out ways around the states cyber-ban. Allies of the Iranian regime use their codes of conduct to kick off legitimate journalists and activists like Potkin Azarmehr, a U.K.-based broadcaster who was one of the first outside journalists to begin documenting the protests this week.
Lake also suggests that lists be compiled of the names of Iranians who were arrested, murdered, and tortured by American allies who have embassies in Tehran, as well as human-rights groups there. He emphasizes that the State Department could create a crisis center to coordinate such a list, and to publicize these names in Farsi-language media.
The ongoing treatment of the detainees should be the foremost issue for Western diplomacy with Iran, according to Lake, who believes that Western diplomats should put the fate of the protesters being on the top of the agenda for any meetings with Iranian officials.
Additionally, Lake writes that, Regime figures like Foreign Minister Javad Zarif should no longer be treated like statesmen in soft-soap interviews in the Western media. Universities should stop offering them platforms. Advocates should organize campaigns against European companies seeking the windfall promised by the Iran nuclear deal.
There is currently a Change.org petition urging former US President Barack Obama to speak out in favor of the demonstrations. Lake writes, Obamas unique understanding of grassroots activism puts him in an ideal position to lead the Western cause of solidarity.
But, its important to avoid past mistakes. Neither the State Department, nor the CIA will bring freedom to Iran. Iranians will be their own liberators. The expert class should step aside and listen to those Iranians driven out of their home country, who now live in the West.
Its also important to not be discouraged. Its likely the unrest is the beginning of a longer process. While this regime has survived mass demonstrations and riots before, in the coming weeks, the West can support the Iranian people demanding freedom our true allies.
The fight has been taken online, and protesters seek secure channels free from government interference where they can organize. Irans government has blocked large portions of the internet, including YouTube, Facebook, and VPN services that can circumvent the block. The block is enforced via a combination of centralized censorship by the countrys Supreme Cybercouncil and local ISP interference, resulting in a haphazard system that can still have devastating effects on any service the regime sees as a threat.
Irans most popular encrypted messenger has been Telegram. Although cryptographers have criticized Telegrams homebrew cryptography, local Iranian users care more about the apps independence from the United States, as the apps development team is based in Russia, making it less vulnerable to US government requests. The massive group chats made possible by the app are popular.
The government targeted individual users by intercepting account reset messages sent to the users phone number.
As protests intensified, Telegram became a tool for organizers, and a target for the regime. Telegram suspended the popular Amad News channel on Saturday, for violating the services policy against calls to violence. A conversation that recommended protesters attack police with Molotov cocktails was publicly called out by Irans Minister of Technology.
However, Pavel Durov, Telegram founder, alleges that the government also requested suspensions for a number of other channels that had not violated the policy on violence. After Telegram refused, the government placed a nationwide block on the app. The government also banned Instagram.
Government representatives insist the bans are temporary and will be lifted once protests subside.
Signal, which offers group chat features with more robust encryption, is a popular alternative among US activists, but Signal is blocked in Iran for an entirely different reason. The app relies on the Google AppEngine to disguise its traffic through a process called domain fronting. This makes it difficult to detect Signal traffic amid the other Google requests. Still, it means that wherever Google is unavailable, Signal is unavailable.
Google appears to have blocked Iranian access to AppEngine to comply with US sanctions. US companies face regulations on technology exported to Iran, and its unclear how those rules extend to cloud services like AppEngine.
The blocks leave organizers with no clear way to coordinate activity across groups that often sprawl to hundreds of thousands of people, but although bans have been proposed in the past, WhatsApp is still available in the country.
The capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, has been decorated with festive flights for celebration of New Year and Christmas holidays.
The selection of photos with interesting lighting solutions in the Ukrainian capital is expected to add to the readers' festive mood on Orthodox Christmas' eve.
Read alsoUkraine to have new day off on Christmas, Dec. 25, in respect of Catholic, Protestant communities Ukraine traditionally celebrates Orthodox Christmas on January 7 according to the Julian calendar together with Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Greece, Serbia, and some other countries.
Christmas on December 25 in keeping with the Gregorian calendar was officially introduced in Ukraine in 2017.
A BUtiful Empire: Candice Cruz Redefines Beauty Standards with Global Cosmetics Line
Candice Cruz is the woman whos singlehandedly taking the beauty industry by storm. Once a single parent and homeless for a short spell as a result of domestic violence, Cruz now inspires women around the globe to embrace their true beauty. As the owner of BUtiful by Candice Cosmetics. We sat down in an exclusive interview with Cruz to discuss her journey toward creating a beauty empire that explores much more than ones outward appearance.
Los Angeles Sentinel: Youre the owner of an international e-commerce beauty brand for women. How did you come up with the concept for BUtiful by Candice Cosmetics?
Candice Cruz: The concept was a 14-year vision. After going through my own struggles as a teenager, I never thought that I was beautiful, that I mattered to anyone or anything. So, when I saw the vision, and God said here, this is what I want you to do. I didnt know how it would happen, but I knew it was for a purpose that was bigger than me.
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Candice Cruz: Having spent years working with teenage girls and young women that have gone through abuse and literally hate themselves, its motivated me more to create BUtiful by Candice Cosmetics, so that women across the world who are broken, hurt, or defeated, know that theyre beautiful and that real beauty comes from the inside out. I really want that message to resonate, that its not just about putting on makeup.
LAS: BUtiful beholds a keen distinction in its name. What exactly does BUtiful mean to you?
CC: BUtiful is about being bold, being unique, being you. Be the authentic person that you are. We feel that makeup is not necessarily made to change but made to enhance, and once we identify and can be satisfied with just being ourselves, B-U is easy. It cuts across all borders and all territories and it speaks to women that dont see themselves as beautiful trying to live up to the social norms.
LAS: What did it take to grow your business?
CC: It takes a lot of sacrifice and determination to build it and it takes the same to maintain it. My brand started online and social media marketing has been a big part of that as well as home-based parties, word of mouth. I am literally building bit-by-bit. My friend Miracle King-Pettinger is strong in areas that Im not and my friend Valerie Crabbe has also been instrumental in supporting me.
LAS: How did you build capital for your business?
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CC: I actually didnt have the capital I needed at all; thats why it took me 14 years to launch. I am a fulltime mom first, and having housed homeless women and children over the years, my dream seemed harder but I knew I could have it because I saw it. Im completely self-funded and I created an extra stream of income while working a fulltime job, thats how I did it.
LAS: Tell us about the product itself. What does BUtiful by Candice Cosmetics offer?
CC: We offer lipsticks, lip-glosses, mascara, eyeliners, glow kits, face foundations, all ranges of actual makeup we offer. Were also exploring our vegan nail polish line, which we will be expanding very soon, as well as our BUtiful subscription boxes, which is unique in itself. Theres something special about those boxes that were not letting out the bag yet, but its very different.
LAS: Why is the BUtiful brand different from any other brand on the market?
CC: Well, the products that I offer are all natural products. Theyre gluten free, theyre paraben free, all the products are health conscious. This brand goes beyond conventional beauty industry standards; there is a world of women lost in all social media beauty, trying to live up to standards which many are smoking mirrors. I want to teach women and young women across the board that healthier is better. We care so much about what we eat; were vegans, were vegetarians and we want to be more health conscious, but were not caring about what we put on our skin. What differentiates BUtiful is, its beautiful, its anointed, its Gods gift to women and prayer is on every product!
LAS: As the owner of the line, you support many causes and have your own non-profit organization. Why do you feel its so important to reach back?
CC: Its so crucial and its the base of who BUtiful is. In my own life and in my experiences as a teenager, I know what that ugly feels like. Later in life, working with young girls who are survivors of human trafficking, that have gone through all forms of mental, physical abuse, then rehabilitating and dealing with these women, their biggest thing is that if they think they look ugly, then theyre going to feel ugly.
Were trying to rebuild self-esteem; were trying to fix those broken places, and with BUtiful, it allows us to do that in such a special way. The brand came from a woman who was beaten down. The brand comes from a woman that was homeless, so identify with them and they identify with me. When they look at BUtiful, I want them to see themselves, I want them to see what theyre futures going to look like and where theyre going, because it doesnt matter what your past is. Thats the heart of BUtiful. My end goal is to build a safe house called the Colletta House for Women and Children.
LAS: Research shows that many major brands use hard fuel chemicals in their makeup. What did you do to ensure your products included the best materials?
CC: Research, research and more research. I want to give people an experience, not just a product; so, we fully research the companies we choose to work with. Anyone can slap a label on a product and people will buy it. We care about our customers overall wellbeing and that pushes us to make healthier choices when we can.
LAS: Whats on the horizon for BUtiful by Candice Cosmetics, and where do you see the line going in the near future?
CC: I am taking BUtiful into a global brand of all-around beauty. Thats everything that you can think of. Thats skin, thats hair, thats motivation. It expands so much further than cosmetics and this is just the beginning. The opportunity to even stand before Shark Tank, pitch our business model, and possibly get the extra help that we need to get to the next level is just a huge blessing and would be a dream come through. And it wouldnt hurt to be included on Oprah Winfreys favorite things list.
And ladies, if youre excited about trying the product, BUtiful by Candice Cosmetics will be hitting retail markets very soon! Until then, BUtiful women around the globe can purchase their products by visiting www.mybutiful.com. For exclusive interviews and other footage, please follow BUtiful by Candice online @ButifulbyCandice or @theBUtifulCompany. For retail opportunities, bookings and interviews, contact [email protected].
Apartment Association Files Federal Lawsuit against City
An organization representing apartment building owners filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles Tuesday, seeking relief from the citys Rent Stabilization Ordinance by arguing that it violates the constitutional rights of tenants.
The lawsuit filed by the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles says that the RSO violates the Fourth Amendment prohibition against unlawful searches and seizures by requiring that apartment owners provide the city with information on their tenants.
The information includes monthly rental amounts paid by tenants, specific unit numbers, utility payments and onsite parking availability. The city amended the RSO in 2016 to require the information from landlords as a condition of obtaining a city-issued Rental Registration Certificate, without which owners could not legally rent their units.
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The city of Los Angeles tenant rental registry is clearly unconstitutional in that it forces apartment owners to disclose confidential data without any sort of due process, said Earle Vaughan, AAGLA board president. The city of Los Angeles is merely conducting an ongoing `fishing expedition without reasonable suspicion, and has discarded any and all probable cause standards in its efforts to gather what amounts to confidential tenant data.
Rob Wilcox, a spokesman for City Attorney Mike Feuer, said the office is reviewing the complaint and has no further comment at this time.
The city would be better served by obtaining this confidential tenant information directly from the tenants themselves rather than imposing this onerous rental registry on income property owners, AAGLAs executive director Daniel Yukelson said.
Black Engineers Promote Year-Round STEM Programming for Grades 4-8
Last year, a few L.A.-area African American parents learned a startling fact only 19% of Black students, from 3rd to 11th grade, were proficient in math.
That information spurred the group to work to improve those numbers by establishing the Southern California Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers Jr.
The parents goal was to offer year-round STEM programming for elementary and middle school-aged children, and that desire matched with NSBEs mission to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.
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Christina Lincoln-Moore, a LAUSD administrator and mother of a middle-school student, said the activities of the SoCal chapter are designed to expose participants to the exciting world of math.
Mathematics is the key to all other learning. Actually, data shows when you focus on math, your language arts increase as well, explained Lincoln-Moore.
In the 21st century, we need people who are thinkers and creators. We need people to be software and electrical engineers because those roles will be the jobs that are paying [a livable wage]. African Americans wont be part of that if were not doing math. Mathematics is the key to STEM.
To increase the math proficiency levels, Lincoln-Moore and her colleagues developed the STEM program, which runs from September through June. About 45 students from various L.A. public, private, and charter schools attend the bi-weekly sessions where they participate in projects, competitions and field trips. Also, professionals in the engineering and technology fields volunteer as instructors and guest speakers.
Our volunteers work very hard to put together this programming. We meet to outline each session and we buy all of the materials because of how passionate we are and determined to make a difference for our students, said Lincoln-Moore.
Some of the trips the chapter organized this past year were tours of Compton Airport, the Griffith Observatory, and the space shuttle Endeavor at the California Science Center. In early December, the group visited the battleship Iowa, where members of the military conducted STEM projects with the students.
During the session on Dec. 30, the chapter hosted a screening of the acclaimed film, Most Likely to Succeed, at Crenshaw United Methodist Church in Baldwin Hills. The movie, which focused on re-imagining education, revealed the heights of innovation that can be achieved when educational practices are transformed to help students academically excel.
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Following the viewing, a panel moderated by Lincoln-Moore discussed with parents and students how current obstacles can be overcome and changes implemented on a local level to help children succeed.
The panelists included Kyndall , executive director of the California Mathematic Project at UCLA. His organization provides professional and leadership development for K-12 mathematic teachers throughout the state.
Educational consultant Danielle Moore participated as well. The founder of Teachingonemoore.com, Moore trains elementary school teachers on methods to guide students and open up more pathways to mathematics in the classroom.
Michael Simpson, a principal environmental engineer with the L.A. Bureau of Sanitation, was also on hand to share insight. Simpson assisted in starting the NSBE L.A. chapter and continues to support Lincoln-Moore and students in preparing for NSBE competitions where they have experienced considerable success.
We competed in the NSBE Regionals and my team won 1st place and 3rd place in the math competition and 2nd and 3rd place in the Science Bowl, said Lincoln-Moore.
While admitting the chapters year-round project takes a lot of work, Lincoln-Moore and her team of volunteers intend to continue their efforts to attract children to math and other STEM topics.
Were committed to help students discover firsthand, how engineering and technology relate to the world around them, said Lincoln-Moore, and discover the excitement of academic excellence, leadership, technical development, and teamwork. Were trying to get students to see that this is a possibility for them.
To learn more, email Christine N. Wood, Esq., lead adviser for NSBE Jr. of Southern California, at [email protected] nsbejrsocal.org.
Bryant Temple AME Holds Christmas Giveaway
Residents look over the variety of free clothing for adults and children. (Courtesy photo)
More than 400 families attended a festive Christmas giveaway at Bryant Temple AME Church on Dec. 24. A range of gifts, including toys, clothing, books, gift cards and food were distributed.
Residents expressed their appreciation and received the gifts in the positive spirit that they were offered. Pastor Dwain Jackson and Bryant Temple members coordinated the effort and a broad cross-section of local neighbors was on hand to enjoy the day.
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A wide variety of contributors donated items including church members, the City of Los Angeles, community service institutions and private companies. According to Jackson, All were committed to supporting our vision of community outreach and assisting people in need.
Reflecting on the importance of the event, Jackson said, This is ministry. Thousands of kids all over the city are in need of a little joy at this time of year. The church should be a beacon of light and serve the community.
Each hour, five new bicycles were raffled off until all thirty were gone and a book giveaway was conducted as well. Tables filled with toys offered children a variety of opportunities to have fun. Also, shoppers browsed rows of shoes and racks of clothing that appealed to their tastes.
Russella, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, said the event was a great help to local people. Receiving these items helps me a lot. Some of the people that I know here are homeless, she observed. This is an opportunity for them to enjoy themselves at Christmas time.
Describing her motivation to volunteer, church member Juanita Freeman said, Some of the people here are really in need. Theyre private and they dont want people to know that they are in need. But theyll come to something like this, she said.
Member Jean Ashley noted the events value to the well being of children. Lots of little children wouldnt have Christmas without something like this, she noted.
Some people dont celebrate Christmas because they cant afford certain things, added Porsche Reyes.
Jackson said the giveaway event was part of the churchs ongoing commitment to uplift the lives of Leimert Park families through activities such as its weekly food pantry for needy residents. The success of these events encourages us to plan even bigger and better events in the future, he said.
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Bryant Temple AME Church, located at 2525 W. Vernon Ave., in Los Angeles, observes its 50th Anniversary this year with a variety of celebrations and tributes. To learn more, call the church office at (323) 293-6201.
Call 2 Worship January 4
Watts Area Ministers hosts their Pre-Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration on Jan. 6, at 11 a.m., at the Martin Luther King Shopping Center, 103rd St. and Compton Ave., in Los Angeles, said the Rev. Dr. Reginald Pope, WAM president. The theme is Fighting to Fulfill the Dream. The celebration includes a peace march led by the Black Diamond Drill Team, scholarships presented to students, music and refreshments. Pastor John Hopkins of the True Vine Baptist Church of Lynwood will be the keynote speaker. The public is invited to attend. Call (213) 713-7108 for information.
Crenshaw United Methodist Church welcomes the Watoto Childrens Choir on Jan. 6, at 6 p.m., at 3740 Don Felipe Dr., in Los Angeles, said Pastor Royce Porter. The celebrated choir will perform on concert. To learn more, call (323) 291-0141.
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Carson Community Deliverance Center Church holds a Womens Prayer Service on Jan. 13, at 10 a.m., at 555 E. 220th St., in Carson. The public is invited to attend for worship and prayer. For information, call (310) 835-7905.
In Time Ministries present The Living Intentional Women Series on Jan. 13, at 10 a.m., at Ontario Convention Center, 2155 E. Convention Center Way in Ontario, said Dr. Terri Easley, host. The theme is A New Year, A New You? A New Mindset based on Psalm 43:19. The event aims to equip women to be change agents for God. Registration is $35 in advance and $45 at the door.
City of David Church observes its one-year anniversary on Jan. 14, at 3 p.m., at Miracle Temple Church of God Pentecostal, 733 S. Grevillea in Inglewood, said Pastor Demiko Fitzgerald. Retired AME Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland will be the guest speaker. The public is invited to attend. To learn more, email [email protected]
Lend An Ear presents Gospel Skate Night every Monday at 6:30 p.m., at World On Wheels, 4645 Venice Blvd., in Los Angeles. The donation is $15. For information, call 877-9LENDANEAR.
Email [email protected] to share news about your church or community events. The deadline is Fridays by 5 p.m. for the following weeks issue.
At its bi-annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Compton College honored 29 students who graduated with an associate of science degree in nursing on Dec. 14, 2017.
At its bi-annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony, Compton College honored 29 students who graduated with an associate of science degree in nursing on Dec. 14, 2017.
Last year, the Compton Community College District celebrated the grand opening of its all-new Allied Health Building which houses the Nursing and Child Development programs for Compton College. The 20,350-square foot Allied Health Building features three classrooms, one lecture hall, one simulation lab, four health science labs, 11 faculty offices and an office for the dean of student learning, a computer lab, and a student lounge. Each health science lab can be set up to provide for a variety of hands-on learning experiences.
Compton Colleges Nursing program provides a viable career path for those interested in health care and will help replenish the supply of qualified health care providers needed in the workforce. According to the Institute of Medicine, by 2020 nearly half of all registered nurses will reach traditional retirement age. By 2030, the United States will need an extra 3.5 million formal health care providers just to maintain the existing ratio of providers to the total population.
DRC Troops On Catholic Worshippers, Killing 8
(GIN) Troops of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under President Joseph Kabila stormed Catholic churches and attacked worshippers who had gathered to demand that the president keep his promise and step down as required by the constitution.
Security forces fired tear gas into churches and bullets in the air to break up the gatherings at Catholic masses. Some 12 altar boys leading a protest in Kinshasa were reportedly arrested, according to the French news service AFP.
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Internet links were also down as church and opposition groups defied a ban by authorities to push ahead with the demonstrations.
Catholic churches and activists had called for peaceful protests to mark a year since an accord was signed to set a new election date, free political prisoners and ease tensions, saying the terms of the deal have not been met.
Government banned the planned protest, but the church said it will defy it. The protest has the backing of major opposition parties, civil society and youth movements.
About 150 Catholic churches had urged believers to heed their call to protest, bibles and crucifixes in hand to demand implementation of a deal signed exactly a year ago and designed to restore stability with Kabila stepping down.
March spokeswoman Leonie Kandolo insisted that lay people will march today (and) the city authority and the police must fulfil their role of protecting people and property.
Eight deaths seven in Kinshasa and one in Kananga, in central Democratic Republic of Congo, a source told the French new service, adding there had been 82 arrests, including priests, in the capital and 41 in the rest of the country.
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The crackdown follows a statement by U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric urging the DRC president to step down and abide by an earlier agreement to hold elections.
The Secretary-General urges all Congolese political actors to remain full committed to the Dec. 31, 2016 political agreement which remains the only viable path to the holding of elections, the peaceful transfer of power and the consolidation of stability in the DRC, Dujarric said late Sunday.
We are telling everybody, all over the world, this guy has to go, Martin Fayulu, an opposition leader, told al Jazeera on Sunday. This guy doesnt like Congo. This guy has nothing to do with Congo and his time is up.
Kabila, 46, has ruled the DRC for 17 years and has remained in office, even though his second term officially expired in December 2016. The next elections are scheduled to take place before June 2018, but even with this latest delay its rather unlikely that Kabila will let them go ahead. w/pix of Catholic parishoner running for cover
Drug Counselor Wins Over $2 Million in Wrongful Termination Suit
A counselor who worked for a Crenshaw District agency that helps recovering drug addicts was awarded $2.6 million in punitive damages Tuesday by the same jury that earlier had found she was wrongfully fired in 2015.
The jury found the agency should have given Della Hill, 56, an equivalent position when she returned to work after taking leave to deal with physical and mental injuries.
The Los Angeles Superior Court jury deliberated less than an hour before it reached a verdict in 56-year-old Della Hills lawsuit against the Asian American Drug Abuse Program Inc. Last Wednesday, the same panel awarded Hill $1.9 million in compensatory damages, so Tuesdays decision brings her total award to $4.5 million.
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In last weeks verdict, the jury rejected defense claims that the Palmdale woman lost her job because of a funding shortfall and that retaining her would have created undue hardship on the agency. The panels finding that the AADAP acted with malice, oppression or fraud triggered a second phase of trial on whether Hill was entitled to punitive damages.
In her lawsuit brought in May 2015, Hill claimed she was the victim of disability discrimination, failure to accommodate her for her disability and failure to engage with her in the interactive process.
Defense attorney Richard Tricker said during final arguments Wednesday that AADAP lost $1.1 million in funding over a two-year period when Hill was fired. Tricker was barred by Judge Stephanie Bowick from putting on evidence he otherwise could have in the punitive damages phase of the case for failing to provide Hills lawyers with financial information regarding AADAPs assets.
Hills lawyers instead used the testimony of an expert who examined AADAPs property holdings and concluded its assets were about $24.8 million.
Hills attorney told jurors his client took time off in 2015 to deal with an injured arm and depression and was due to return on March 23 of that year, but asked for additional time until April 11. Instead, according to plaintiffs attorney Carney Shegerian, AADAP fired Hill on March 31.
This job was essential to Ms. Hill, the lawyer said, who had recommended $4.7 million in compensatory damages and $5.7 million in punitive damages.
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Shegerian showed jurors photos of a smiling Hill when she was honored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for her work in 2014. He then invited the panel to glance toward the plaintiff sitting in the courtroom, who he said is now thinner and looks markedly different.
Thats the face of depression, said Shegerian.
AADAPs CEO could not give a single example of any effort the agency made to accommodate Hill and offer comparable employment after she returned from leave, Shegerian said.
She was a non-entity to him, said Shegerian, who alleged the agency repeatedly ignored state labor laws in Hills case despite being familiar with its obligations to its employees.
Ephesians New Testament Co-hosts MLK Celebration
Ephesians New Testament Church and the City of Fontana will host the 30th celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in Fontana on January 13, at 4 p.m., at Mountain View Church, 8833 Palmetto Avenue.
The featured guest will be Dr. Cornel West, a prolific philosopher, author, scholar and activist.
Also, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, a 7-time Grammy nominee and Grammy Award winner, will perform. The free celebration will be open to the public.
For more information, visit ephesianschurch.com or call phone number (909) 823-2310.
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Erica Garner Remembered for her Relentless Campaign for Justice
Activist Erica Garner, Daughter of Eric Garner, Died December 30
Erica Garner, who became an activist for all who were wronged by the American justice system, died on Saturday, December 30.
She was 27.
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A Twitter account associated with Erica Garner spoke of her compassion for humanity. CNN reported that her family is controlling the account.
When you report this you remember she was human: mother, daughter, sister, aunt, Garners account tweeted. Her heart was bigger than the world. It really, really was. She cared when most people wouldnt have. She was good. She only pursued right, no matter what. No one gave her justice.
Garner famously and fiercely sought justice for her father, Eric Garner, who died from a police chokehold in Staten Island, New York on July 17, 2014.
She led marches and demonstrations in New York City and other places, and even appeared on national television imploring the Department of Justice to review the circumstances that led up to her fathers death.
Erica Garners mother, Esaw Snipes, said, She was a fighter, she was a warrior and she lost the battle. She never recovered from when her father died, according to CNN.
Snipes said that Garner suffered from the effects of an enlarged heart after giving birth to her son three months ago, CNN reported.
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I warned her everyday, you have to slow down, you have to relax and slow down, Snipes said.
According to Erica Garners Twitter account, the activist went into cardiac arrest and suffered major brain damage from a lack of oxygen.
In a statement about Erica Garners work as an advocate for criminal justice reform, Rev. Al Sharpton called her a warrior.
Sharpton famously joined the Garner family in their push for justice against the New York City Police Department.
Many will say that Erica died of a heart attack, but thats only partially true because her heart was already broken when she couldnt get justice for her father, Sharpton said. Her heart was attacked by a system that would choke her dad and not hold accountable those that did it.
On a summer day in July 2014, officers approached Eric Garner whom they said was selling loose cigarettes near a store in Staten Island.
A video released showed Officer Daniel Pantaleo grabbing Garner from behind and applying a chokehold while other officers helped tackle Garner, whom family members said had asthma.
On the video, in a plea that has resonated around the world, Garner is heard saying, I cant breathe. I cant breathe, repeatedly.
He died shortly after the incident. A grand jury failed to indict Pantaleo and, in 2015, the city settled a civil claim by Garners family against New York for nearly $6 million.
Before and despite the settlement, Erica Garner pushed for justice and, with a national platform, her voice became as big as any in the fight for freedom, justice and equality.
I had the honor of getting to know Erica and I was inspired by the commitment she made working towards a more just world for her children and future generations, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders tweeted. She was a fighter for justice and will not be forgotten.
Erica Garner supported Sanders 2016 campaign for president, even appearing in an ad for his campaign.
Though Erica didnt ask to be an activist, she responded to the personal tragedy of seeing her father die while being arrested in New York City by becoming a leading proponent for criminal justice reform and for an end to police brutality, Sanders said.
The police killed her unarmed, nonviolent father with an illegal chokehold and got off with nary a word, activist Brittany Packnett wrote in a Twitter post. Erica had to fight for justice. Then for her own lifeshe didnt deserve this, her father didnt deserve this. Her family doesnt deserve this. All this for being Black in America. I cant.
In a March 2015 interview on NBC News, Erica Garner spoke passionately about the Black Lives Matter movement and other protests that sought justice.
She recalled the August 2014 shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and how it wasnt until months later, when the video of her fathers death was released, that the Eric Garner incident received national attention.
Garner described seeing her father die via a cellphone video a thousand-million times, and when a grand jury failed to indict police officers, she said it was time to take her fight for justice to the streets.
To me, it was just saying, you know what? Im just going to march, she told NBC News.
Even when there werent television news cameras, Garner said she was determined to keep marching, to keep fighting.
Thats the most annoying question I get. People ask, when will you stop marching? What do you want from marching? He was my father, Erica Garner said during the interview. I will always march.
Evans Leads Faithful Centrals Multicultural Ministry
Aiming to draw converts of all ages and backgrounds, Faithful Central Bible Church launched the BRIDGE ministry to reach different ethnicities, from baby boomers to millennials, on a daily basis.
According to the vision of Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, FCBC senior pastor, the ministrys acronym stands for Believers Reaching and Impacting Diverse Groups Every Day and its twofold mission is to build faith and family.
To help fulfill that goal, Ulmer tapped FCBC Associate Pastor Trevon Evans to lead the effort. Now beginning his third year in the role, Evans is working hard to take the ministry to the next level.
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BRIDGE evolved from FCBCs Wednesday Night Service, which had been conducted for the past several years. But in 2015, Evans approached Ulmer, his pastor of 35 years, about transforming the worship from once a week to reach people once a day.
My pastor, Bishop Ulmer, has been the most influential person in helping me to rebrand the ministry. He has affirmed me, empowered me, prepared me, and guided me along the way. He has shared with me many of his pastoral experiences, and informed me of some of the pitfalls to avoid, said Evans.
Explaining how BRIDGE works, Evans said, On Monday, there is a prayer conference call. On Tuesday, a word of encouragement is emailed to everyone. On Wednesday, we have a fellowship hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., where we serve free coffee, tea, muffins, and other refreshments.
The outreach continues on Thursday with Evans emailing his sermon notes to attendees and on Saturday with members gathering to hear an inspirational message featuring a lay person sharing their story of volunteer service in the church or community.
Currently, BRIDGE activities are geared towards adults, however, there is also a service for children ages 12-years-and-under called Kidz Club. In addition, Evans said the BRIDGE ministry hopes to partner with other nonprofits to feed the homeless, serve the underprivileged, and become more of a presence in the community.
To remain focused as he pursues his goals for BRIDGE, Evans will turn to his favorite scripture of John 6:38, For I have come down from heaven not to do my will, but the will of him who sent me.
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What that basically means to me is that God brought me to earth for a greater purpose. Im not just here existing. Im not an accident, he emphasized.
God created me for some reason, so my life has significance. My goal is to realize my potential, fulfill my purpose, and live my life in a manner that encourages and inspires others.
To learn more, call Faithful Central Bible Church at (310) 330-8000.
Finding the Equity and Justice in the California Marijuana Business
Last year, the state of California, wrestled with the how to go about implementing Proposition 64. How would the state implement the use of recreational marijuana on a state, city and county level, while on a federal level marijuana is still illegal.
California State Senator Holly Mitchell, chair of the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee stated, this has proven to be especially difficult given the complexities of the challenges, including how to address jurisdictional issues between the feds, the state and cities and counties. She further stated, there also are many additional unanswered questions, such as how cannabis users are treated by the foster care and medical systems or how communities that were most impacted by prior policies are encouraged to participate in the new marketplace.
Los Angeles County and City Council worked with the community, cannabis industry, and law enforcement to iron out details, policy, rules and regulations. L.A. City Councilmember of the 8th District Marqueece Harris-Dawson advocated for the Social Equity Program with the new change, he wanted to make sure people of color had a seat at the table, especially those who had been put into the criminal justice system due to cannabis related charges.
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Dawson stated For decades, African Americans have borne the brunt of racist drug policies. The Los Angeles City Council rose to the challenge to create the most progressive Social Equity Program in the nation that specifically benefits individuals and communities that were targeted by the war on drugs. He continued, the policy will increase the participation of African-American entrepreneurs, ensuring that they reap the benefits of a system that has added to their criminalization. Additionally, the policy will close illegal shops and stop the over-concentration of illegal problem cannabis shops that we see across our communities.
Under the Social Equity program, cannabis business operators that meet the social equity criteria would be moved to the front of the license applications. These businesses would need to meet criteria, such as have low-income status, a cannabis-related conviction or being located in an area that has had a high number of cannabis-related arrests.
Harris also believes the program will contribute to Criminal Justice Reform as he stated, this social equity policy will shut down one of the major fronts on the war on drugs. Our social equity program is the most aggressive, the most progressive, and the most just Social Equity Program that anybody has anywhere in the U.S. We cannot achieve our goals of justice until we prioritize individuals and communities that suffered unjustly under the terror that was the war on drugs, this Social Equity Program is a big step in the right direction.
The City of Los Angeles has yet to start issuing local licenses to pot shops, which has frustrated medical marijuana dispensaries that have been following city rules. As for the recreational user, California adults 21 and older they can possess as much as an ounce and grow up to six plants at home as of Monday.
State Senator Holly Mitchell stated, one area that appears to be clear, is that legalized cannabis for adult consumption should result in fewer people being incarcerated and reduce the stigma associated with cannabis.
However, marijuana remains illegal in the eye of the U.S. Justice Department and it is illegal to take marijuana across state lines, bring it on a plane or mail it. Congress member Karen Bass stated, Im concerned how a Sessions-led Injustice Department will respond to blue states like California going through the legalization process. I think theres a very real possibility that the Trump administration will come after those states like they did in their tax plan.
The California industry is forecast to reach $7 billion by 2020, more than the $6.6 billion of the entire legal cannabis market in the United States in 2016, according to New Frontier Data. California is the sixth state to allow sales of recreational marijuana. Other states include Nevada Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Massachusetts will begin selling retail marijuana on July 1. Maine has approved it, but there is no set date to begin sales.
For more on local rules and regulations visit https://cannabis.ca.gov.
Harris Named Grand Marshal of 33rd Kingdom Day Parade
Adrian Dove, President and CEO, Kingdom Day Parade announced that California U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris is the Grand Marshal for the 2018 Annual Kingdom Day Parade. ABC-7 will again broadcast the entire 2 Hour 33rd Kingdom Day Parade Live on Monday, January 15, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
The 2.5 Mile parade route begins @ 10 AM on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd & Western Avenue, traveling west to Crenshaw, then South on Crenshaw, and ending at Leimert Park and Vernon.
The Kingdom Day Parade honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and has grown from its humble beginnings into the largest and longest running Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Birthday Celebration in the nation! This year, 2018 would have been Dr. Kings 89th birthday and is also the 50th Anniversary of his untimely Homegoing. Although he never reached the age of 40, his legacy will live forever. This years theme, borrowed from First Lady Michelle Obama is: When They Go Low, We Go High.
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In 2017, Kamala D. Harris was sworn in as a United States Senator for California. She serves on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on Environment and Public Works, and the Committee on the Budget.
Kamala was elected as the first African-American and first woman to serve as Californias Attorney General. In this role, she worked tirelessly to hold corporations accountable and protect the states most vulnerable people.
Dr. Dove remarked, We reached out to our distinguished Kamala Harris, because she very quickly in her capacity as a Senator, has become the embodiment of Americas struggle to regain our sense of constructive compassion and the pursuit of what Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. called the spirit of our better angels.
The Kingdom Day Parade, was first organized 37 years ago by Johnny Grant as a small local community event in San Diego that spanned only 5 blocks. In 1985, it was moved to Los Angeles and by this year it has grown to enjoy a live TV broadcast on KABC 7 for over 8 years, it now has a media audience of over 2.4 million viewers and listeners.
Several hundred thousand spectators every January line the nearly three (3) mile route which has remained true to its roots, still winding through the same inner-city streets it first began on in south central. Some of the spectators reserve side walk space with sleeping bags, coming out as early as the night before in what has become a unique Los Angeles tradition.
In deepest respect for the legacy of Dr. King the parade features more than 150 units involving over 3,000 individuals which include; the Kingdom Day Parade Queen & Her Royal Court, elaborate floats, marching bands, high school & middle school drill teams, novelty acts, equestrian units, and an exciting turn out of celebrities and community leaders.
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Congresswoman Maxine Waters was the January 2017 Grand Marshal and among other past Parade Grand Marshals are, Stevie Wonder, The Godfather of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday holiday national recognition, Congresswoman Karen Bass, Governor Jerry Brown, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Councilmembers Herb J. Wesson, III and Curren Price, Steve Harvey, LA Dodgers Star Matt Kemp, businessman Danny Bakewell, Sr., Little Richard, Debbie Allen, former Police Chief Bernard Parks, and a host of others.
The Kingdom Day Parades community and corporate supporters include; its Presenting Sponsor Blue Shield of California, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, Dennys Crenshaw, Covered California, Farmers Insurance, Los Angeles Unified School District, Downtown LA Motors, Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, U.S. Bank, METRO, KJLH Radio, KNBC Channel 4, 93.5 KDAY, KTLA Channel 5, McDonalds, and LAUSDs Beyond The Bell.
The mission of the Kingdom Day Parade and CORE-California, in strategic collaboration with corporate sponsors and the County and City of Los Angeles, together with the State of California, is to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the form of its Annual Kingdom Day Parade and other activities which promote keeping his Dream alive which helps to sustain his message of fighting for equality and agape to all mankind, continuing his fierce fight against injustice using love as its weapon.
Heart of Hope Book Breaks Down the Barriers of Mental Illness in the Black Community
From St. Louis, Missouri to social media 17-year-old Kenidra Woods has made a name for herself by becoming a national teen self-harm activist.
When the Los Angeles Sentinel last spoke with Woods, she had taken her fight against mental illness to the screens in her first ever short film, A Heart of Hope. Now, the young teen is back to discuss the taboo topic of mental health on paper in her first book, A Heart of Hope.
[The book] covers topics such as sexual abuse, self-harm, suicide, depression, and the effects it can have on [individuals], said Woods.
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A Heart of Hope is a book about a girl whose life was in so much turmoil, where she experiences sexual abuse by two men she then trusted. Soon after keeping silent, depression, self-harm, self-doubts, and suicidal idealizations had taken over her. She stayed in psych wards most of her dark days. Her last suicide attempt had changed her life forever, for the better. Slowly but surely, she realized her hope had been restored. She, indeed, had a heart of hope.
According to Mental Health America (MHA), adult African Americans are 20 percent more likely to report serious psychological distress than adult Whites. Additionally, African Americans are less likely than Whites to die from suicide as teenagers. However, African Americans are more likely to attempt suicide than White teenagers.
In the Black community, the topic of mental health is often ignored. There is a stigma and judgment attached that prevents Blacks from seeking treatment for their mental illnesses or even discussing their symptoms.
Research indicates that Black/African Americans believe that mild depression or anxiety would be considered crazy in their social circles. Furthermore, many believe that discussions about mental illness would not be appropriate even among family, said MHA.
Given these statistics, Woods felt it was important to share her story with the world, to encourage other teenagers who are suffering from a mental illness in silence to seek help and to know that they are not crazy, nor are they alone.
I feel that it is important to share this story with the world because people are ashamed to talk about these things. Theres so much stigma and these issues are much more prevalent than we can imagine. So, seeing something like this such as going through darkness, shows that theres still hope and that light is at the end of the tunnel, she said.
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While writing Heart of Hope, Woods has not only been able to encourage other teens to open up about their illness but also heal some of her own open wounds after years of self-harm and depression that stemmed from repeated sexual abuse.
The sexual abuse Woods experienced, went on for about two years. At the age of 12, she began punching herself, busting her lip, whipping herself with belts, sticking tacks in her skin, banging her head on objects and eventually she attempted suicide.
This book has changed my life tremendously in such a powerful way. It has helped me heal by actually seeing visually everything I went through and to process it all at once was a huge pill to swallow but I was made for it. I got through it, she said.
Writing this book only showed my strength greatly because thats what it took strength. I want it to register with people that [mental illness] is real life thing and it happens so often. Dont be afraid to speak out because these are the effects of keeping silent.
Aside from advocating as a teen self-harm advocate, Woods spends her free time with her family and focusing on school, where she is finishing up her junior year in high school. After completing her senior year, she plans to move to Los Angeles and attend University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).
A Heart of Hope can be purchased on Amazon, and be sure to check out Woods blog, CHEETAH Movement, a blog site that Woods is considering changing into a non-profit to create a safe place for charity events and open conversation, as well as holding panels surrounding mental health, at www.cheetahmvmt.blogspot.com
Kamlager-Dove Announces 54th Assembly District Candidacy
Sydney Kamlager-Dove, president of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Board of Trustees and district director for California State Senator Holly J. Mitchell, recently announced her candidacy for the states 54th Assembly District.
Kamlager-Dove said, Im excited about the prospect of representing Los Angeles and Culver City residents of the 54th Assembly District in the State Capitol.
I intend to promote an agenda centered on workforce development, providing career opportunities for men and women and ensuring strong environmental protections. I will continue my goal to make public college education more affordable and accessible and to end criminal justice disparities.
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Sen. Holly J. Mitchell expressed her strong support for Ms. Kamlager-Doves candidacy.
Sydney has proven herself as a policy leader and a strong advocate for community college students and faculty as a member and president on the LACCD Board of Trustees. Sydney has demonstrated her full appreciation of what it means to be a skilled public servant by taking care of the day-to-day community needs of the people of the 30th Senate District that I represent. The voters of the 54th Assembly District already know Sydney. They can confidently be assured that Sydney will deliver for them when they elect her to represent them in our State Capitol. I wholeheartedly and forthrightly endorse Sydney Kamlager-Dove for 54th Assembly District in 2018, Sen. Mitchell said.
U.S. Representative Karen Bass echoed Sen. Mitchells expression of support.
Ive watched Sydney grow to become a highly effective policymaker for the L.A. Community College District while remaining a diligent district director for the California State Senate serving Sen. Holly Mitchell. Sydney has long been an advocate for women and children. She has the right attitude, temperament and progressive mindset we need in Sacramento, particularly in light of the policy challenges we face in California with an administration in the White House whose ultra-conservative polices pose a direct threat to health and human services that provide support to women, seniors and children. I look forward to working on federal-state matters with Sydney Kamlager-Dove when the voters for the 54th Assembly District elect her as their representative in Sacramento.
Hon. Cristina Garcia, 58th Assembly District Member and chair of the California Womens Legislative Caucus, added her support.
Sydney Kamlager-Dove will be a strong voice for women and a diehard advocate for education and workforce development when she is elected to serve the residents of the 54th Assembly District, she said.
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Through her role on the LACCD Board of Trustees, Sydney knows that job training and workforce development will open doors to new careers for women and men. Sydney also knows, based on her prior nonprofit sector work with Crystal Stairs, Inc., that education for our children must start early to provide our kids with the best opportunity to be successful when they enter kindergarten and have an opportunity to attend college when they graduate from high school. I greatly look forward to the day when the special election voters in the 54th Assembly District select Sydney Kamlager-Dove as their choice for assembly member.
Kamlager Dove has been a member on the LACCD Board of Trustees since her election in March 2015. She is campaigning to succeed former Assembly Member Sebastian Ridley-Thomas. Mr. Ridley-Thomas resigned from office on December 27.
New Year Wishes and Work: Pursuing and Practicing Peace
The end and beginning of the years always find us in a critical period of transition in which, responding to the mandates of our moral tradition and the human urgencies of our history as African people, we are compelled to continue forward and turn our best New Year wishes into our most committed work. And we must continue to move forward with our work and struggle, without surrendering the achieved good of our past, misreading the meaning and tasks of our present or sacrificing the possibilities and promise of our future. In the tradition of the ancestors, we must engage in a reaffirming and re-enforcing process and practice of remembrance, reflection and recommitment to our central mission to bring, increase and sustain good in the world and enjoy the peace and prosperity central to this. Indeed, the Odu Ifa says, we must Think deeply about things, cultivate character, acquire wisdom and come forth and sacrifice so that you may have peace inside and out.
Thus, as we reflect deeply on the awesome tasks before us during the coming year, the pursuit and practice of peace must remain a central and ongoing goal. This is so, not only because of the good of peace in and of itself, but also because real peace requires and presupposes the presence and practice of other vital goods, i.e., justice, freedom, security and well-beingpersonal, collective and material. Affirming this conception, the Husia praises an official for his Maatian, i.e., righteous behavior, saying He has done good justice. He has made and practiced peace for the one who loves and wills it for its goodness. Moreover, even on the battlefield, Ramesses IIs assembled soldiers counsel him to practice peace saying, Exceedingly good is peace and there is no blame in it for those who practice it.
Thus, the pursuit and practice of peace is a millennia-old moral emphasis and obligation in the sacred texts and social teachings of African people and is posed as an indispensable social goal and human good, indeed vital to the well-being of the world. For as the Odu Ifa says, War ruins the world. And whether in New Year reaffirmations and recommitments or in the daily longing and practices in the lives of everyday people, peace has always had a center place in the goods wished and worked for in the interest of our people, humanity and the world as a whole.
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So, we wish a good and lasting peace for our people everywhere and for all the people of the world as well. Especially do we wish peace for the people of the Congo, Somalia, Southern Sudan and Western Sahara; for the people of Haiti; and for the people of Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan and wherever else war and waste, disease, deprivation, death and devastation are daily and persistent realities of life. And we wish for them, not the brutal peace of the home-grown or imposed tyrant or the criminal peace of the invading army and apartheid occupier, or the peace of corporate plunderers with their private armies and pilfered public funds, destroying lives and livelihoods, fields and forests as an act of progress, security or some other well-tailored and media-manipulated lie. Nor do we wish the imposed peace of the self-anointed overseas savior, pretending humanitarian aims of saving the people from themselves, while relentlessly destroying their lives, robbing them of vital resources, violating their rights and dignity, and structuring chaos, dependency and countless other manufactured reasons to remain or return in still more brutal forms.
On the contrary, we wish for them a peace undergirded by justice, inclusive of freedom, material, physical, psychological and spiritual well-being, security of persons and peoples, power of peoples over their own destiny and daily lives, and conditions for ongoing human development. Here, it is important to remember Dr. Martin Luther Kings distinction between a negative peace which strives for the mere absence of tension and a positive peace which requires the presence of justice. In a word, he says, True peace is not merely the absence of tension, but it is the presence of justice and brotherhood.
King offers here an echo of ethical concern and focus put forth by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, who stated that her lifes vision, work and service have been dedicated to a paradise of peace, progress and plenty, achieved and assessed by the great measuring rod of justice and fellowship. Both Bethune and King, who follows her along this path and pursuit of peace, insists on justice as an indispensable element in any true and real concept of peace, but they are also concerned with the quality of human relationswhat King calls brotherhood and Bethune calls fellowship, a sense of human relatedness and respect that leads to human solidarity and cooperation for common good.
Here it is important to understand and act on the sobering reality that peace must be practiced at home as well as abroad, in our personal, family and communal relations, as well as our societal and world relations. And so, we wish peace for every heart and home, for every family and community and for this society as a whole. For it is difficult, if not impossible, to be at peace in our homes if we fear and are oppressed through vigilante or official violence, if society is hostile to us and uses its police power to profile, harass, imprison and suppress us.
And we cannot be at peace in our families if we cannot walk freely in the streets or feel secure from the intrusion of violence from outside in our homes. Likewise, we cannot feel secure in our families and homes, unless each member renounces and rejects violence as a way to relate to each other and we all hold each other accountable. Thus, to talk of peace is first and foremost to talk about the end of violence in relationships, especially violence against children, women, the disabled, elderly, and other vulnerable persons and groups of various kinds.
Seba Ptahhotep tells us in the Husia that the violence we do will return to haunt and harm us and can never yield a good and lasting end. Thus, he admonishes against use of terror and violence to steal, rob and suppress, and says to us consider then living in peace (with others) and what they would give will come of itself. Likewise, the Odu Ifa teaches us that anyone who does good does it for themselves and anyone who does evil does it against themselves. Thus, we wish for all of us to be able to say, in the words of the Husia,us I spent a lifetime in perfect peace. Indeed, my heart taught me peace and guided me to excellence. For I spoke truthfully and acted justly in and for the world and my Maatian (righteous) work, striving and struggling to bring peace and other good in the world have been and are my essential witness and unwavering way forward.
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Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; Executive Director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture and Essays on Struggle: Position and Analysis, www.AfricanAmericanCulturalCenter-LA.org; www.OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org; www.MaulanaKarenga.org.
South African War On Corruption Moves Into High Gear
(GIN) A shakeup in the African National Party has boosted hopes that new party officials will make a clean sweep of the backroom dealings that have made millionaires out of a small South African elite and punished the majority with high unemployment and a national credit rating downgraded to junk status.
Business tycoon Cyril Ramaphosa, newly elected president of the African National Congress, has raised hopes that he will stamp out corruption, expedite job creation, improve the lackluster economy and speed up the transfer of land to black people.
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Corruption must be fought with the same intensity and purpose that we fight poverty, unemployment and inequality, Ramaphosa declared in his maiden speech after his election. We must also act fearlessly against alleged corruption and abuse of office within our ranks.
We must investigate without fear or favor the so-called accounting irregularities that caused turmoil in the markets and wiped billions off the investments of ordinary South Africans, he said.
Ramaphosa was echoing the frustration of South African citizens who turned out in the thousands this fall to march in anti-corruption protests in major cities around the country with blame often laid at the feet of the President.
Things are just going down under President (Jacob) Zuma, textile worker Florence Titus told Reuters. He needs to play a presidents role not just be there to fill his pockets and his familys pockets. He must step down.
Efforts to recover several billion rands diverted into the hands of unproductive and corrupt elites are not, however, waiting for the new administration. Last month, a 151 page application with thousands of attachments was submitted to the North Gauteng High Court suing the President, his son, and 71 others, demanding a criminal investigation and the recovery of billions of dollars within 20 days of the order.
The foundation of Helen Suzman, an anti-apartheid activist who died in 2009, was one of the filers of the suit.
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In a related development, South Africas top court ruled last week that Parliament failed to hold President Zuma accountable over his use of state funds to upgrade his private home. The courts ruling could trigger impeachment proceedings.
Extremely cold weather is a problem in many parts of the United States.
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that record-setting temperatures have been blamed for at least 12 deaths in recent weeks.
Some forecasters say the worst weather is yet to come.
On Tuesday, the U.S. National Weather Service announced wind chill advisories and freeze warnings for 40 of the 50 states.
The weather service predicted a period of much-below-normal temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills to the central and eastern U.S. over the next week.
Air temperatures fell to -13 Celsius near Cullman, Alabama, which usually has a mild winter. In the port of Mobile, Alabama, temperatures reached as low as -7 Celsius.
City officials opened warming shelters across the southern United States, as the cold weather brought light snow as far south as Austin, Texas.
On Wednesday, a winter storm dropped snow, sleet and freezing rain from northern Florida up the Southeast coast. Some cities reported snowfall for the first time in over 20 years. Cars spun out of control on icy roads from Texas to Georgia.
Hospitals across the country are reporting an increase in emergency room visits for hypothermia and other conditions linked to extreme cold.
The record-setting cold weather began in the central U.S. early last week. Omaha, Nebraska, broke a 130-year record when temperatures fell to -29 Celsius. The city of Aberdeen, South Dakota broke a 99-year record with temperatures of -36 Celsius.
In Florida, several water parks closed because of the cold weather. New Yorks Hudson River froze in some parts, forcing officials to cancel passenger ferry service.
At Niagara Falls, people took photographs of the Horseshoe Falls, where flowing water had turned to ice.
Frozen sharks were washing up along the coast south of Boston, Massachusetts, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy reported.
Forecasters warned that weather conditions could worsen, especially in the Northeast.
A winter storm warning extended from the Florida panhandle all the way up the Atlantic coast. Coastal flooding, downed trees and power lines were possible along the East Coast.
I'm Susan Shand.
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Words in this Story
forecasters n. a person who predicts (something, such as weather) after looking at the information that is available
hypothermia n. a condition in which the temperature of your body is very low
park n. an area that is designed for a specified use such as swimming, walking or nature
ferry n. a boat that moves people across a small body of water
chill n. a feeling of being extremely cold
More than 230 Peruvian writers have signed a letter rejecting the pardon of former President Alberto Fujimori.
The letter criticizes current President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski for offering the pardon, announced on December 24. Alfredo Bryce Echenique, Fernando Iwasaki and Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa spoke out in the letter.
Kuczynski said he extended the pardon for humanitarian reasons linked to Fujimoris poor health. The former leader had been serving a 25-year prison sentence for human rights abuses and other charges.
The letter says Fujimori was responsible for a government overthrow and destruction of the countrys institutions. It says the pardon demonstrates a lack of appreciation for dignity, for equality before the law, and the right to remember wrongdoing.
It also describes the pardon as a dangerous agreement between political forces hoping to control corruption cases that involve them.
In addition, Vargas Llosa wrote a commentary in El Pais, the most widely read newspaper in Spain. He said the people who voted for Kuczynski had unknowingly helped return power to Fujimori. He added that the pardon makes Kuczynski a partner and hostage of Fujimori.
The former president was found guilty of human rights violations, corruption, and approving of death squads during his time in office from 1990 to 2000.
Some Peruvians honor Fujimori for fighting rebels. Others say he was a corrupt dictator.
The pardon has led to protests in Lima, the Peruvian capital. Opponents of Fujimori were waving pictures of people imprisoned or killed during his rule.
Police fired tear gas at the crowds December 24.
Two days later, the 79-year-old Fujimori asked the public for forgiveness.
In a Facebook video filmed from his hospital bed, Fujimori said, "I am aware that the results of my government were well received on one side, but I admit that I have let down other compatriots, and I ask them to forgive me with all my heart."
Fujimori thanked Kuczynski for the pardon and said that, as a free man, he would support the president's calls for greater unity in the country.
Fujimori was taken to the hospital December 23 after suffering a severe drop in blood pressure and an abnormal heartbeat.
Some say Fujimori was acting sick in order to get a pardon. His doctor denies the accusations.
Im Jonathan Evans.
Melissa Melton wrote this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.
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Words in This Story
institution n. an established organization
appreciation n. a feeling of being grateful for something
dignity n. the quality of being worthy of honor or respect
death squad n. an armed group formed to kill particular people, especially political opponents
aware adj. knowing that something exists
compatriot n. a person from the same country as someone else
American Attorney General Jeff Sessions has cancelled a federal policy that let American states legalize marijuana.
The move came just days after California, the countrys largest state, began permitting recreational use of the drug.
President Donald Trumps top law enforcement official announced the change Thursday. Instead of the earlier hands-off policy, Sessions will let federal lawyers in states where marijuana is already legal decide how aggressively to enforce federal law.
In a memo, Sessions asked federal lawyers to consider the seriousness of the crime and its impact in deciding which marijuana activities to prosecute under these laws.
The move by Sessions is likely to create questions in states where it is legal to buy, use and grow marijuana.
Although some state laws have legalized the use of the drug for medical and recreational reasons, marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law.
In 2013, the Obama administration announced in a memo that it would not resist states efforts to legalize marijuana. The memo urged the states to keep marijuana from getting to places where it remained illegal. And it asked the states to keep the drug from criminal gangs and children.
Opposition to Sessions policy change
Republican lawmaker Cory Gardner of Colorado quickly voiced opposition to Sessions plan. Colorado is among eight states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use.
Gardner said in a Twitter message that the Justice Department has trampled on the will of the voters in Colorado and other states. He also said the action goes against what Sessions had said he would do before becoming attorney general.
Along with Colorado, recreational use of marijuana is legal in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, California, Maine and Masachussetts and in the nations capital, Washington, D.C. Another 21 U.S. states permit the use of marijuana for medical reasons.
The legal sale of marijuana has become a multi-million-dollar business. It helps fund schools, educational programs and law enforcement. In California, the business is estimated to bring in $1 billion a year in tax money within the next several years.
Maria McFarland Sanchez-Moreno is with the Drug Policy Alliance. She called Sessions policy a return to outdated drug-war policies that mainly affected minorities. She added that Sessions wants to maintain a system that has led to tremendous injustice ... and that has wasted federal resources on a huge scale.
A public opinion study carried out by Gallup in October 2017 shows that 64 percent of Americans support legalizing marijuana.
Support for Sessions policy
The attorney general and some law enforcement officials have blamed legalization for increased drug trafficking. They said drug traffickers have taken advantage of state laws to grow marijuana. Then, they sell it across state lines for more money.
Kevin Sabet of Smart Approaches to Marijuana called Sessions decision a victory.
Sessions has blamed the illegal use of marijuana and heroin for rising violence in America.
But activists argue that legalizing the drug would likely reduce violence, since criminals would no longer control the marijuana trade.
Im Caty Weaver.
The Associated Press reported this story. Hai Do adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.
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Words in This Story
recreational - adj. (of a drug) used for pleasure instead of for medical purposes
hands-off - adj. allowing people to do what they want to do without bothering or stopping them
memo - n. a usually brief written message from one person or department in an organization, company, etc., to another
prosecute - v. to hold a trial against a person who is accused of a crime to see if that person is guilty
trample - v. to treat other people's rights, wishes, or feelings as if they are worthless or not important
outdated - adj. no longer useful or acceptable : not modern or current
tremendous - adj. very large or great
take advantage of - to use (something, such as an opportunity) in a way that helps you : to make good use of (something)
Iranian Americans have been closely watching protests in Iran.
An Iranian government campaign against protesters led to the deaths of at least 21 people over the past week. More than 400 others were arrested.
Thousands of Iranians have also taken part in pro-government demonstrations.
Many Iranian Americans are hoping for a peaceful resolution and reform. Southern California is home to the largest Iranian community outside Iran.
The largest number of Iranian immigrants live in the Little Persia neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles. People there are openly critical of Irans religious government, which they consider useless and corrupt.
When you are mullah, one immigrant says of Irans religious rulers, and you want to manage a country like Iran, you destroy everything. He added that Iranians are tired of the government.
Irans government has a history of repression, said an immigrant named Ali. He told VOA that the people are angry, especially young people, and everyone is worried there will be more violence.
United States government officials have criticized the Iranian governments actions.
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has called on the Security Council to hold an emergency meeting over the protests and government actions.
Iranian officials have restricted the use of social media sites such as Instagram. U.S. President Donald Trump has promised support from the United States in messages posted on Twitter.
Some Iranian Americans say the U.S. government should react carefully because the anti-government protests are the result of internal problems.
Muhammad Sahimi works at the University of Southern California. He also follows Iranian politics.
If the U.S. intervenes in any shape or form, or even supports some faction against another, the hardliners in Iran will use that as an excuse for more violence, he said.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has already blamed what he calls enemies of Iran for inciting the protests. The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council accuses the United States, Britain and Saudi Arabia of supporting the opposition.
The demonstrations started last week as workers in a number of cities marched to protest corruption and high unemployment.
Sahimi does not believe that the protests are as popular as those in 2009. That was when students and members of the middle class denounced election results in a movement that came to be known as the Green Revolution.
Others believe the current protests will spread, as the earlier ones did.
Los Angeles publisher Bijan Khalili blames mismanagement of the Iranian economy. He says Iranian officials will not accept responsibility, and the only thing that is left is blaming it on foreign countries and foreign people.
Muhammad Sahimi says that U.S. measures set up to punish Iran for its nuclear activities are also an issue. He notes that President Trump has promised to strengthen those sanctions by removing waivers on Iranian oil. He says stronger actions will only worsen economic conditions in Iran.
Businessman Sam Kermanian says the nuclear agreement with world powers raised the hopes of Irans people. But when the economy did not improve, he adds, people became angry over corruption among religious leaders.
Los Angeles grocer Todd Khodadadi says Iranians are trying to get their rights, and they raised their voicesHopefully, peacefully, they (will) get what they want, he says.
What they want is freedom, says travel agent Farhad Besharati. Its not too much, he argues. Were in the 21st century. The government killing them? This is not fair. Its not good, he says.
These Iranian Americans say the nations of the world should defend the right to peaceful protest. They add that the demonstrations should be left in the hands of Irans people to avoid giving the government an excuse for more violence.
I'm Susan Shand.
VOA's Mike O'Sullivan reported this story from Los Angeles. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.
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Words in This Story
mullah n. a Muslim learned in Islamic teachings and religious law
hardliner n. a member of a group, often a political group, who is not willing to compromise
sanctions n. a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule.
waiver n. a document recording the surrendering of a right or claim.
grocer n. someone who sells food, meats, fruits, vegetables and usually other products
excuse n. reason
manage v. to direct or supervise someone or something
A Chinese official says the United States should not blame China for the widespread use of opioid drugs in America.
Yu Haibin of the China National Narcotics Control Commission spoke to reporters last week. He said there is little evidence that China provided much of the chemicals used to produce the powerful drug fentanyl.
Fentanyl is a synthetic drug similar to morphine that is prescribed by doctors to block pain. Fentanyl is said to be 50 to 100 times more powerful than morphine.
The U.S. and China have worked together to fight the worldwide flow of illegal man-made drugs. But some issues remain disputed.
In November, U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong concerns about what he called a flood of cheap and deadly fentanyl that is made in China. He said the drug is part of the deadliest drug epidemic in U.S. history.
Speaking of recent drug shipments, Yu said, China doesnt deny that shipments to the U.S. happen, but there isnt the proof to show how much whether its 20 percent or 80 percent.
He said U.S. officials have sent him information about only six shipments from China in the past year.
In October, the Associated Press identified 12 Chinese companies willing to export the drug carfentanil around the world. AP says the cost was a few thousand dollars for one kilogram.
Carfentanil is said to be 100 times more powerful than fentanyl. It is used as an anesthetic for elephants and other large animals.
Yu urged the U.S. to share more information with Chinese officials. He said the over-use of pain medication and cultural attitudes about drugs have increased the demand for opioids in America.
As many states decriminalize marijuana, the publics attitudes and trends of thinking toward drugs will also have a bad effect, Yu said.
Yu told reporters that China wants to work more closely with U.S. law enforcement and also with officials in Mexico. The drugs are believed to pass through Mexico on their way to the U.S.
Chinese officials announced that they raided a factory that makes fentanyl in November. Officials said they seized 4.7 kilograms of the drug. The U.S. immigration and customs agency provided information about an online seller named Diana. It turns out that Diana was an illegal drug organization of 19 people.
China has supported a U.S. proposal this year to add substances used to make fentanyl to a United Nations list of controlled substances.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most fentanyl overdoses come from illegally made versions of the drug.
The agency says more than 66,000 people in America died from drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending in May of 2017. That is more than a 17 percent increase from the year before.
Im Jill Robbins.
Mario Ritter adapted this Associated Press story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.
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Words in This Story
opioid adj. describing a drug that chemically acts like opium based drugs that block pain
narcotic adj. a powerful drug that affects the brain
synthetic adj. not natural, made artificially
anesthetic adj. a drug that causes sleep or uncosciousness
attitudes n. the way people think about something, feelings that affect ones behavior
trends n. the way an issue is changing or developing
regulate v. to control with rules
As a stalemate between China and Taiwan continues, experts say Chinas government may seek new efforts in 2018 to try to restart negotiations.
Officials from both countries recently named some of the issues they expect to be important in the coming year.
A statement from Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office says the government will continue to emphasize its long-held one-China policy. Chinese officials have said acceptance of this policy is a condition for negotiations.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen rejects that idea, however.
China considers Taiwan a rebel province and believes it must eventually be reunified with China, even if by force. Public opinion studies show most Taiwanese oppose unification.
Chinas official Xinhua news agency reported the Taiwan Affairs Office described China-Taiwan relations in 2017 as complex and severe. The office said it would oppose all forms of Taiwan independence in the coming year, Xinhua said.
Tsai, a former law scholar, has said she seeks continued cooperation with China and a peaceful relationship. But she has also promised to strongly defend the countrys security and political system.
During a year-end press conference, Tsai said that as president, she is responsible for safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining regional peace and stability.
She said Taiwan is currently part of an unpredictable geopolitical environment. Among the conditions creating this environment, she said, are the growing number of Chinese military activities in the air and at sea. China's intention to expand their military presence in the region has become increasingly evident.
She added that other security issues in the area include increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Tsai said Taiwan has been expanding and upgrading its military capabilities in recent years as a result. She said it is important for the country to be able to depend on its own military.
She also called for respect in future relations with China and promised not to take a reckless path.
Many experts say the presidents Democratic Progressive Party will delay making changes to its China policy until after local elections in late 2018.
Wu Chung-li is a political science research fellow at Taipei-based university Academia Sinica. He says voters who do not agree with China policy changes might choose opposition candidates, some of whom might favor Taiwans legal independence from China.
Wu said he believes Taiwans government sees improving ties with China as an issue of top importance. But the ruling party is also kidnapped by the local elections. I really dont know how they can make any change, he added.
Gratiana Jung is a political researcher with the Yuanta-Polaris Research Institute in Taipei. She says she thinks China might decide to use more creative means in 2018 to pressure Taiwan to return to talks and accept its one-China position.
This could include increases in Chinese military planes circling Taiwan in a show of force, Jung said. She added that Chinese officials could also attempt to limit Taiwans overseas diplomacy. China currently has more than 170 diplomatic allies, compared to Taiwans 20.
Im Bryan Lynn.
Ralph Jennings reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for VOA Learning English, with additional information from Reuters, Xinhua news agency and other sources. Caty Weaver was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.
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Words in This Story
stalemate n. dispute in which parties cannot come to agreement
emphasize v. give special attention to something
sovereignty n. a country's independent authority and the right to govern itself
maintain v. to continue something that has been started
regional adj. relating to a specific area
stability n. continuous state of something, not easily changed
geopolitical adj. relating to the political and geographic parts of something
intention n. something you plan to do or achieve
reckless adj. doing something dangerous and not caring about what might happen
Several recent studies examined how machine automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will change the future of work.
Some estimates predict these technologies could displace up to 30 percent of workers worldwide by 2030.
One study was published by PricewaterhouseCoopers, an international company providing financial and tax services. It predicted about 38 percent of American jobs could be at high risk for automation by the early 2030s. In Germany, up to 35 percent of jobs could be at risk. The company said about 30 percent could be affected in Britain and 21 percent in Japan.
The risk of being displaced will greatly increase for workers with less education, PricewaterhouseCoopers said. It estimated that in Britain, up to 46 percent of workers without a college degree could be at risk due to automation. This would drop to about 12 percent for workers with undergraduate degrees or higher.
New smart machines have the potential to replace our minds and to move around freely in the world, the study said. It added that the greatest job displacement is expected to come in the areas of transportation, storage, manufacturing and retail.
The Rand Corporation recently issued its own report on the future effects of automation and AI on jobs and the workplace. Osonde Osoba was a co-author of the report. He noted that fears over machines taking jobs from humans goes back centuries.
In 16th century England, Queen Elizabeth famously refused an inventors request for a patent for a device to make material for clothing. The Queen explained that the device would lead to major job losses, forcing affected workers to become beggars.
Osoba agrees there will be major job disruptions due to AI and automation, especially for lower skilled workers. But he told VOA he believes the future problems have been overestimated without historical evidence to back up the predictions.
Its not so much that the jobs are getting displaced, its more like tasks are getting displaced and jobs are reconfiguring over time to account for that automation.
He added that it will be very difficult for companies to completely automate most jobs, because they require a worker to perform many different duties and to react to unexpected situations.
The RAND report identifies three job types that will be very difficult to replace with a machine. These include jobs depending on human motor skills, positions requiring creative thinking and actions, and jobs dealing with intense social interaction.
There are recent examples of companies like Google and Facebook using AI to limit certain kinds of content. Osoba says this can be problematic for machines, which do not understand cultural norms in the population.
So that understanding of cultural norms, or social norms or ethical norms, thats not something thats easy at least so far we havent found that easy to program into artificial intelligence.
The McKinsey Global Institute, a private think tank, has also studied the issue. Its research suggests that up to one-third of work activities across 46 nations could be displaced by 2030. The organizations report predicts automation could force 75 million to 375 million workers into new job areas by 2030.
McKinsey identified several jobs that will not be easily replaceable by machines. These include health-care providers, engineers, scientists, accountants, technology experts and managers. It also predicted rising demand for educators, and creatives, a group of workers including artists, performers and entertainers.
The study said automation will also raise productivity and economic growth. It said this growth along with other economic influences - could help offset the displacement of millions of workers.
All workers will need to adapt, as their occupations evolve alongside increasingly capable machines, the report said.
McKinsey says this will require ongoing retraining of workers. In addition, employees will be spending more time on activities difficult to automate. This includes tasks requiring emotional, creative and cognitive skills, the study said.
Rand Corporations Osonde Osoba agrees. He says workers will increasingly have to be willing and prepared to regularly change jobs and roles to keep up with technology.
If you are thinking about concrete things an individual might do to prepare themselves, I guess being more adaptable, being more flexible, being able to reeducate yourself to fit into a different job.
He added that there will be a great need in the future for many more AI developers and researchers. For this reason, he suggests young people interested in these areas start their career paths early to prepare for these high-paying, competitive jobs.
Im Bryan Lynn.
Bryan Lynn reported this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.
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Words in This Story
displace v. force people to move from one place, job, etc. to another
retail n. the activity of selling products to the public
patent n. official document giving a person or company the right to be the only one that makes or sells a product for a certain period of time
beggar n. person who lives by asking people to give them money, food, etc.
disruption n. causing something to be unable to continue in the normal way
reconfigure v. change the way something is arranged or prepared
filter v. remove something unwanted
ethical adj. involving questions of right and wrong behavior
evolve v. to develop or make something develop over time
cognitive adj. of, relating to, or involving conscious mental activities
concrete adj. of or related to a real thing, people or actions
flexible adj. able to easily change or adapt to a situation
2 Shiite clerics and members of the Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Moblisation units) mourn the death of a religious member of their community. Sheikh Mohannad al-Mayahi, who died of his wounds two months after he was injured in the conflict in Mosul.
The following companies are subsidiares of American Tower: 10 Presidential Way Associates LLC, 3267351 Nova Scotia Company, 3286208 Nova Scotia Company, 3298099 Nova Scotia Company, 52 Eighty LLC, 52 Eighty Partners LLC, 52 Eighty Tower Partners I LLC, ACC Tower Sub LLC, AT Kenya C.V., AT Netherlands C.V., AT Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., AT Sao Paulo C.V., AT Sher Netherlands Cooperatief U.A., AT South America C.V., ATC Africa Holding B.V., ATC Africa Shared Services (Pty) Ltd, ATC Antennas Holding LLC, ATC Antennas LLC, ATC Argentina C.V., ATC Argentina Cooperatief U.A., ATC Argentina Holding LLC, ATC Asia Pacific Pte. 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18 hours ago
| September 3rd | 2021 6:43 PM
What is the Wifedoge? Meet the cryptocurrency 'wife' of Dogecoin that grew more than 3,000% in one day and Elon Musk already 'liked' it
Last July they launched the cryptocurrency Wifedoge , which is presented as the 'wife' of Dogecoin , but in essence it is a clone of it. In addition to being a curiosity of the 'crypto' world and having the 'like' of Elon Musk , the token surprised everyone this week with a growth of more than 3,000% in market capitalization in just one day, according to data from CoinMarketCap .
Smartphone chips keep getting faster, but it takes more than speed to stand out these days. So Samsung isnt just talking about how its new Exynos 9810 chip is faster than its predecessors. The company says the new chip also has a faster LTE modem and enhanced support for deep learning enhanced image processing, among other things.
In fact, Samsungs press release suggests the Exynos 9810 isnt just for phones. It could also be used in automotive systems and other products that might need the ability to process a lot of visual data quickly.
The upcoming Exynos 9810 is a 2.9 GHz octa-core processor built using a 10nm process. It uses four high-power custom CPU cores and four lower-power cores and Samsung says it offers up to 40 percent better multi-core performance and up to 2 times the single-core performance of last years Exynos 8895 chip.
Other features include a dedicated security processing unit for protecting biometric data including fingerprint, iris, and face recognition information, a Cat,18 LTE modem with support for 1.2 Gbps download and 200 Mbps upload speeds, and an updated multi-format codec for faster and more efficient processing of images and visual data.
Samsung says that can be used for 4K video stabilization, better low-light photography, and 4K video playback at up to 120 frames per second.
Its likely that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S9 will be one of the first devices to use the new Exynos 9810 chip, which is currently in mass production. But if its anything like Samsungs usual flagship phones, models with Exynos processors will probably only be sold in select markets, with customers in the US and other regions getting a model with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, probably the upcoming Snapdragon 845 chip, if its available in time.
Not surprisingly, Qualcomms next flagship processor is also expected to have enhanced features for AI and photography.
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A batch of luxury goods, confiscated from the former Secretary for Transport and Public Works Ao Man Long, was auctioned last month by the Financial Services Bureau (DSF). Radio Macau reported yesterday that the administration has earned MOP640,000 from the auction to date.
Many of the auctioned items were not purchased, including the bulk of Aos collection of rare wines and spirits, which had been previously estimated to be worth MOP3.8 million.
The asking price for the auctioned items was MOP2.8 million, well below the value of sold items. The item which gathered the most interest was a rare medicinal plant known as yartsa gunbu, 4.2 kilograms of which were put up for sale with an asking price of MOP138,000. The winning bid reached MOP400,000.
In December 2006, Ao was arrested on suspicion of various crimes, including bribery and money laundering. In January 2008, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison for 57 counts of bribery, money laundering and abuse of power, among other charges.
In April 2009, he was charged with an additional 24 counts of taking bribes, money laundering activities and abuse of power, and was sentenced to one year and six months in prison.
In May 2012, the Court of Final Appeal held a third public hearing on Aos corruption case, where it ruled that he had committed six crimes of bribery and three crimes of money laundering. Combining the first two stages of his trial and respective sentences, Ao is serving a total of 28 and a half years in prison.
China has welcomed moves by North and South Korea to use next months Winter Olympics in the South as an opportunity for talks, saying it hopes the rivals will try to meet each other halfway.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters yesterday that China hopes all sides concerned will seize this positive turn of events.
South Korea on Tuesday offered high-level talks with North Korea to find ways to cooperate on the Pyeongchang Olympics. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Monday that he was willing to send a delegation to the Olympics.
Kim also said he has a nuclear button on his office desk, a fiery threat that President Donald Trump responded to by boasting he has a bigger and more powerful button than Kim.
Commenting on Trumps tweet, Geng urged countries to maintain restraint and say things that are conducive to alleviating the situation.
South Korea says it has begun preliminary contacts with North Korea on a reopened cross-border communication system. AP
Dorji Wangchuk, a Doctor of Philosophy student of the University of Macaus (UM) Department of Communication, recently received the Top Student Paper Award at the 103rd Annual Convention of the National Communication Association (NCA) in Dallas, United States. The award was conferred by the Religious Communication Association (RCA), an organization affiliated with the NCA. The award-winning paper, titled Buddhism and its Influence on Communication in Bhutan: Search for the Middle Path in the Age of Social Media, explores the influence of Buddhism on communication behaviours in the Kingdom of Bhutan. The association commended the papers contribution to the study of religious communication. Founded in 1973, the RCA is a multidisciplinary academic society for scholars, teachers, students, clergy, journalists and others who share an interest in religious speech, rhetoric, media and performance.
10th Tap Seac Craft Market to be held in April
The Tap Seac Craft Market will return in April 2018. To celebrate, the tenth anniversary of the event, the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) is soliciting proposals for a series of programs such as interactive art installations, stage performance and creative handicraft workshops. The call for proposals is open to the general public and the deadline for submission is February 2. Inaugurated in 2008, the Tap Seac Craft Market is described by the IC as a platform for local and foreign cultural and creative practitioners to showcase and sell their products, and has gradually become a local brand of [the] cultural and creative market.
Macao Post to issue greeting card for Year of the Dog
The Macao Post and Telecommunications Bureau will issue a new greeting card for the Year of the Dog titled The Year of the Dog brings blessing. This card will be available for sale at the General Post Office, all post offices and postal kiosks from January 8. This greeting card, priced at MOP15 each, can be sent worldwide without a stamp.
Macau construction union opposes easing worker import quota
The Talent Development Committee has suggested to the government that it raise the quota for the import of non-skilled construction labor to meet growing demand. The Committee cited some 2,000 low-level job openings that remain unfilled in the territory. However, the Macao Construction Industry General Union has publicly opposed the suggestions, claiming that many local residents in the industry are already out of work. The president of the Union, Cheong Man Fun, told TDM news that most of his fellow workers in the industry are unemployed at present. Its evident that we have failed to protect local workers employment rights, he said. Unemployment in Macau stood at 1.9 percent (2.6 percent for local residents) at end-November 2017.
MSAR passport holders exempted from visa to Cook Islands
The Identification Services Bureau (DSI) announced that holders of the Macau SAR Passport visiting the Cook Islands could be exempted from visa requirements for a maximum stay of 31 days. In addition, holders of SAR passports visiting the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia can apply for a visa upon arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. Applicants must provide two photographs and pay a fee of USD50 when applying for the visa on arrival. According to the DSI, these passport holders can also choose to apply for an electronic visa before departure. At present, a total of 136 countries or territories have agreed to grant visa-free access or visa-on-arrival to Macau SAR Passport holders.
Chinas emergence as a global economic rival to the U.S. is perhaps most obvious in Latin America.
The U.S. in recent years has lost its status to China as the top trading partner in parts of Latin America, such as copper-rich Chile and agriculture and mining powerhouse Brazil. Now, all the uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trumps plans from building a southern border wall, to re-freezing Cuba relations and exiting the Paris climate change accord supported by Latin America could give an opening for China to seize more ground in the region.
Meanwhile the Chinese government is ready to expand its dominance in a region already supplying it expanding economy with everything from farm goods to raw materials.
China in 2009 surpassed the U.S. as Brazils largest export market, as South Americas biggest economy stepped up shipments of everything from iron ore to soy beans. China a year later become Latin Americas leading trade partner, when you omit Mexico and take into account only the South American nations. China has successfully established a really remarkable economic presence in the region over a relatively short period of time, according to Margaret Myers, director of the Inter-American Dialogues Latin America and the World Program.
Mexico is an exception that still looks to the U.S. for most of its commerce, thanks in some measure to the North American Free Trade Agreements zero-tariffs regime. The countrys exports to the U.S. totaled USD303 billion in 2016 compared with just $5.4 billion to China.
But Chinas encroachment in the region could accelerate if Trump makes good on threats to withdraw from Nafta, which would result in higher tariffs between Mexico and the U.S. Mexico already is making contingency plans to increase trade with non-U.S. nations in case the trade pact dissolves and the countrys proximity to Latin America makes it a natural pivot point.
To be sure, that doesnt mean that China would completely benefit from a souring of U.S.-Mexico relations. China largely seeks commodity imports from Latin America, whereas Mexicos biggest exports to its northern neighbor are cars and car parts as well as electronics items that China already produces in abundance.
But the dissolution of Nafta could create a vacuum in Mexico that China would try to at least partially fill.
Certainly Mexico will be interested in collaborating more with China as well as other countries if Nafta ends, according to R. Evan Ellis, a professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College. Mexicos partnership with the United States has really been a bulwark against the advances of China in the region. Carlos Torres & Randy Woods, Bloomberg
Authorities in Hong Kong say a climber who died after falling on South Africas Table Mountain is from the southern Chinese city.
The statement yesterday by Hong Kongs immigration department contradicts an earlier assertion by South Africas national parks service that the male climber was Japanese. There was no immediate explanation for the discrepancy.
Hong Kong says it has taken the initiative to contact the victims family to provide advice and other help.
The climber and a surviving female companion were clients of a male South African guide who also died in the accident earlier this week. The injured survivor was taken to a hospital after a dramatic rescue operation in which emergency responders descended on ropes from a cable car on the mountain, a major tourist destination overlooking Cape Town. AP
A woman in her thirties from mainland China started off the New Year by getting arrested in Macau after a disagreement over a taxi ride fare in Cotai.
She had assaulted one police officer and bitten another in the Taipa police station, the Public Security Police Force (PSP) spokesperson said yesterday during a joint police press conference at PSP.
The case started around 11.40p.m. on January 1 when the woman and her taxi driver arrived at the Taipa police station to settle a dispute over the taxi fare.
The driver said he had picked the woman up at a hotel near the Avenida Marginal da Flor de Lotus, driving her to another hotel in Cotai. Upon arrival, the taxi driver requested payment of MOP35. The woman asked to pay in RMB as she had no Macau currency.
The taxi driver agreed, but the woman added that she would pay only RMB29 and not RMB35 as the taxi driver wanted. The driver then took the woman to the police station to seek recompense.
The woman attempted to flee the premises, shoving one police officer and biting another who grabbed her arm in the ensuing brawl.
She was arrested and accused of three crimes: grievous bodily harm to an officer, damages and resist to arrest. The taxi driver was unable to recover the fare.
In another case, a man, aged 35, was accused of swindling another man in an alleged currency exchange scheme, the Judiciary Police (PJ) said.
The case was reported by the security staff of a casino in NAPE after the men both from mainland China fought at the hotel lobby on the last day of 2017.
According to the PJs investigation, the victim arranged to meet the suspect to exchange RMB for HKD. As part of the deal, the victim had agreed to pay the suspect RMB50,700 in exchange for HKD60,000.
On that day, the victim used two accounts WeChat and Alipay to transfer the total amount to the accused, who claimed that he had not received the funds and could not verify the success of the transfers. He then attempted to flee the scene.
As a fight broke out between the victim and the suspect, the casino security intervened and contacted the PJ.
The suspect informed the police that he could not verify the transfers as his phone was out of battery and said he would proceed with the payment to the victim.
The PJ believes that the man was attempting to carry out a scam, as he did not have the amount owed to the victim on hand at the time of arrest. The bureau also verified the app on the suspects phone and acknowledged that one of the victims transfers amounting to RMB33,700 had been received.
The PJ has detained the suspect and transferred him to the Public Prosecutions Office.
Woman admits exchanging fake USD
A 26 year-old woman from Taiwan has been accused of passing fake money to two men from mainland China, who were arrested for trying to exchange the currency with a casino cashier, the Judiciary Police (PJ) revealed yesterday.
The case occurred on December 29 at a Cotai casino, where the two men tried to exchange eight USD100 bank notes, totaling USD800, into HKD. The cashier suspected that the notes were forged and called the PJ.
The men told the police that they had received the bank notes from a woman earlier that day in exchange for HKD5,000.
The PJ reviewed the security footage and were able to identify the woman, who was still inside the casino.
The woman admitted to the police that she had passed money to the men but claimed to be unaware that the notes had been forged. She said that she had obtained the money during a recent trip to Singapore. However, she did not explain why she subsequently passed the notes to the men at an exchange rate much lower than their real value, which indicates that she was aware the money was fake.
In celebration of International Migrants Day, which is usually celebrated in December, Indonesian migrant workers gathered on New Years Day to welcome Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, who encouraged them to fight abuse and stand up for their rights.
The 26-year-old Sulistyaningsih, who first appeared in the global media spotlight in 2014, was back in Hong Kong after winning the last leg of her two-year legal battle last week. She received nearly HKD810,000 in damages for the abuse she experienced for over eight months at the hands of her employer.
For the domestic workers who have experienced cases like I did, dont be afraid, be courageous and please speak out, she told state broadcaster TDM.
Many migrants are afraid to speak out [] We cant do anything if they dont want to speak out [so they] should fight for [themselves] and not be afraid, said Sulistyaningsih, who was named one of the worlds 100 most influential people by Time Magazine in 2014.
Indonesian migrant groups in Macau have recorded only a few cases of abuse as domestic helpers here are not required to live with their employers, unlike Hong Kong.
Yosa Wariyanti, president of the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union, said that they have only recorded three cases of abuse, one of which is now being processed by local authorities.
However, she believed that physical abuse among domestic workers in the region should not go unreported, citing the absence of rights protection for them.
For us, Erwianas case is our case [] so we must be braver if ever a similar situation happens to us, she told the Times.
[She encouraged us] to not be afraid to report [abuse] to the police, or seek some help. She inspired us to never give up to fight for our rights, especially if we did nothing wrong.
Wariyanti also noted that domestic helpers do not know where to seek help when encountering physical abuse and are fearful of being blacklisted in Macau.
She added that the shortened visa period after a contract ends be it by the termination or natural conclusion of a contract also hinders these workers from seeking legal aid. LV
After one of the most fraught years on the Korean Peninsula in recent memory threats of war amid North Koreas strongest-ever nuclear bomb test and repeated missile launches an unexpected, very tentative interest in peace seems to have broken out.
In rapid succession: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un floats the idea in a New Years speech of better ties with his southern rival. Maybe, he says, hell even send a delegation to next months Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Seoul quickly offers to meet and talk. And yesterday, the North announces that Kim views the Souths offer positively and the two sides begin preliminary contact on a newly reopened cross- border communication channel.
Is it an elaborate ruse by the North? Wishful thinking in the South?
Some answers to questions about what it may all mean:
Q: How likely is it that the two sides will actually meet?
A: Theres a pretty good chance, though meeting is the easy part.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in has favored better ties with North Korea for years, and he campaigned on pledges to take a softer line than his conservative predecessors.
Moon was a top aide for a previous liberal president who maintained a so-called Sunshine Policy toward Pyongyang, with large amounts of aid shipped to the North and the two sides pursuing cooperative tourism and business programs.
Although Moon, who took office in May, has been pushed into a hard-line stance by the Norths repeated missile and nuclear tests, he would clearly like dialogue.
The Norths Kim, on the other hand, has shown little interest in pursuing peace since taking power in late 2011. That said, he has made repeated suggestions about improving ties in past New Years speeches. Skeptics will point out that he mixed his peace overtures with threats of war and has conducted weapons tests within weeks of past speeches.
Theres also suspicion that Kim will use any talks as cover to continue perfecting an arsenal of nukes that can reliably hit the U.S. mainland, and that his overture is mainly meant to disrupt ties between Seoul and Washington so he can weaken international pressure and sanctions.
Q: Why is it so difficult for the Koreas to make peace once they sit down and talk to each other?
A: Seven decades of simmering animosity and bloodshed is the short answer.
The Koreas were divided in 1945 at the end of World War II into a U.S.-controlled southern side and a Soviet-controlled north. Three years later, the division became formal with the founding of the opposing republics. Two years after that, the North launched a surprise invasion and the Koreas fought, with the help of the United States, the United Nations and China, one of the bloodiest wars of the 20th century.
Since then, there has been steady bloodshed, though mostly from the North, including assassinations, kidnappings and, in 2010, attacks blamed on North Korea that killed 50 South Koreans.
When the history is this bloody, and the two sides are squared off across the most heavily armed border in the world, every detail is usually contested.
Q: Even if they meet, is there any chance for a breakthrough?
A: Any time the Koreas talk its a victory of sorts, especially after the misery of last year.
Still, the rivals have done this dance many times before, and their talks dont have the best track record when it comes to results, often blowing up before anything really gets done.
If there are talks, the first round will likely be lower-level discussions meant to set up a higher-level meeting. Previous such talks have bogged down on matters of protocol, for instance, with one side objecting to the rank of a proposed participant.
If a next round is decided upon, the actual negotiations of what to do about Olympic cooperation would begin. But with decades of accrued animosity between them, nothing is guaranteed.
Q: What about President Donald Trumps tweet in which he taunted Kim Jong Un, whod earlier said he has a nuclear button on his desk, by boasting of a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than Kims.
A: For the time being, both Koreas are ignoring it.
Trumps tweets worried South Koreans at first, but they are becoming used to them. President Moon will likely prefer to focus on the rare signs of rapprochement with the North.
The North, however, rarely lets an insult pass, though theres a chance it could keep its outrage against Trump separate from whatever its intentions are with the South.
The Trump administration yesterday threw the weight of the U.S. government behind the protesters taking to the streets of Iran, rooting them on despite the risk of helping Iranian authorities dismiss a week of major demonstrations as the product of American instigation.
As Irans supreme leader accused enemies of Iran of trying to destabilize his country, the State Department pressed Tehran to unblock social media sites used by the protesters. It even offered advice to tech-savvy Iranians on circumventing state internet controls.
President Donald Trump declared it was time for change in Iran, and other officials floated the possibility of additional sanctions. At the United Nations, Ambassador Nikki Haley sought a Security Council meeting to show support for those protesting in the Islamic Republic.
We want to help amplify the voices of the Iranian people, said Haley, who appeared before cameras to recite the chants of protesters across Iran. She said Irans claim that other countries were fomenting the unrest was complete nonsense, describing the dissent as homegrown.
Borrowing from a response playbook it has used before, Irans government blamed the U.S., Saudi Arabia and Britain for the protests. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the 78-year-old supreme leader, said Irans enemies were using money, weapons, politics and spies to create problems for the Islamic system, the Islamic Republic and the Islamic Revolution.
Trump was undeterred, praising Iranians for finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. In an allusion to possible sanctions in response to human rights violations, Trump said the United States would closely monitor the situation.
The U.S. is watching! the president tweeted.
Beyond rhetoric, though, it wasnt clear what the Trump administration could do substantively to empower the protesters, who are railing against corruption, mismanagement and economic woes including higher food prices. His support also sets up a potential test of his presidential leadership if the protests already deadly grow more violent.
At least 21 people have died and hundreds have been arrested over six days of demonstrations, the largest in Iran since the Green Movement that erupted in 2009 following a disputed presidential election. The new outbreak started in Mashhad, Irans second-largest city, and has expanded to many others.
Iranian authorities have sought to suppress the protests in part by shutting down key social media sites protesters use to communicate, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and the messaging app Telegram. On Tuesday, Undersecretary of State Steve Goldstein urged Irans government to unblock the sites.
They are legitimate avenues for communication, Goldstein said. He said the U.S. has an obligation not to stand by.
Iranians seeking to evade the blocks can use virtual private networks, Goldstein said. Known as VPNs, the services create encrypted data tunnels between computers and can be used to access overseas websites blocked by the local government.
The primary U.S. goal is to ensure enough global attention to deter Iranian authorities from violently cracking down on protesters with impunity, said a senior State Department official involved in Iran policy. The official wasnt authorized to comment by name and demanded anonymity.
For Trump, the protests have served as an unexpected but welcome opportunity to rally the world against Iran, and U.S. officials said the administration was actively encouraging other countries to back the protests. Early U.S. attempts to get European allies to coordinate their messaging with the U.S. ran into obstacles, but several countries including France and Italy have joined in expressing concerns.
In the U.S., Trumps full-throated support for the protesters has renewed the debate about how best to encourage change in Iran, whose government Trump deems a top national security threat.
Under President Barack Obama, the U.S. took a more cautious approach during the last major wave of anti-government protests. It was concerned about enabling Iranian authorities to exploit longstanding suspicions of the U.S., dating back to American and British support for a 1953 coup toppling Irans elected prime minister.
Ben Rhodes, Obamas former deputy national security adviser, said too much ownership of the protests by Trump would likely be counterproductive.
I cant imagine that the people marching in the streets of Iran are looking to Donald Trump for inspiration or support, Rhodes said. I just dont think it helps things for the White House to make this into a U.S.-versus-the- Iranian-government circumstance.
But former Sen. Joe Lieberman, a staunch Iran critic, said its a given Tehran will portray dissent as externally provoked.
Thats a very weak excuse for American inaction and inconsistency with our own interests and values. Im glad President Trump is not following that advice, Lieberman said in an interview.
It wasnt immediately clear what effect Trumps support was having on the protests, although Irans state TV reported his tweets and some Iranians shared them online.
When it comes to supporting the Iranian aspirations, Trumps credibility may be dented by his hostility to the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement and his inclusion of Iranians in his travel bans.
Trumps insistence in an October speech on using the term Arabian Gulf in place of the Persian Gulf also riled the Iranian public. There also was criticism of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for saying America was working with people in Iran for a peaceful transition of that government. Josh Lederman, Washington, AP
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reopened a key cross-border communication channel with South Korea for the first time in nearly two years yesterday as the rivals explored the possibility of sitting down and talking after months of acrimony and fears of war.
The sudden signs of easing animosity, however, came as President Donald Trump threatened Kim with nuclear war in response to his threat earlier this week.
In his New Years address Monday, Kim said he was willing to send a delegation to next months Winter Olympics in South Korea. But he also said he has a nuclear button on his desk and that all U.S. territory is within iastriking distance of his nuclear weapons, comments Trump latched onto Tuesday when he boasted of a bigger and more powerful nuclear button than Kims.
The two leaders exchanged crude insults last year, as the North received new U.N. sanctions over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test explosion and a series of intercontinental ballistic missile launches.
The recent softening of contact between the rival Koreas may show a shared interest in improved ties, but theres no guarantee tensions will ease. There have been repeated attempts in recent years by the rivals to talk, but even when they do meet, the efforts often end in recriminations and stalemate.
Outside critics say Kim may be trying to use better ties with South Korea as a way to weaken the alliance between Washington and Seoul as the North grapples with toughened international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.
Kims latest announcement, which was read by a senior Pyongyang official on state TV, followed a South Korean offer on Tuesday of high-level talks with North Korea to find ways to cooperate on next months Winter Olympics in the South and discuss other inter-Korean issues.
Ri Son Gwon, chairman of the state-run Committee for the Peaceful Reunification, cited Kim as welcoming South Koreas overture and ordering officials to reopen a communication channel at the border village of Panmunjom. Ri also quoted Kim as ordering officials to promptly take substantial measures with South Korea out of a sincere stand and honest attitude, according to the Norths state TV and news agency.
South Korea quickly welcomed Kims decision and later confirmed that the two Koreas began preliminary contacts on the channel. During their 20-minute communication, liaison officials of the two Koreas exchanged their names and examined their communication lines to make sure they were working, according to Seouls Unification Ministry.
Since taking office last May, South Koreas liberal President Moon Jae-in has pushed hard to improve ties and resume stalled cooperation projects with North Korea. Pyongyang had not responded to his outreach until Kims New Years address.
Relations between the Koreas soured under Moons conservative predecessors, who responded to the Norths expanding nuclear program with hard-line measures. All major rapprochement projects were put on hold one by one, and the Panmunjom communication channel had been suspended since February 2016. Hyung-Jin Kim, Seoul, AP
Ant Financial may have to re-tool its global ambitions after stiff U.S. opposition scuppered what would have been its largest overseas acquisition.
The Chinese financial services giant controlled by Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma abandoned a plan to buy MoneyGram International Inc. after failing to win approval for the deal from a key government panel. Chinas largest online wealth management and payments service may now have to throttle back plans to expand in the worlds largest financial market as it begins preparations to go public in the next year or so.
The end of the bid comes almost a year after Ma met with then President-elect Donald Trump and talked of creating a million U.S. jobs. Ant Financials USD1.2 billion deal for Dallas-based MoneyGram wouldve added a network of 350,000 agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories that it says reaches billions of accounts. The U.S. companys shares plunged as much as 17 percent in extended trading.
But the deal faced intense scrutiny from a government panel thats become more active in blocking Chinese investments. Ant submitted its proposal to the the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. several times, to no avail. Last spring, two House of Representatives members said the acquisition could allow malicious actors to obtain data on U.S. military personnel and their families who use the service. Ant and Moneygram now plan to work together on initiatives in remittance and digital payments, they said in a joint statement.
Technology companies understand the situation and are evolving in their approach. They are doing more things organically, they are doing more strategic alliances, Jeremy Choy, head of M&A for China Renaissance, told Bloomberg Television. We dont think this is the start of a trend where people just wont do things in the U.S. A lot of technology companies are becoming increasingly global, so they have to go to the U.S. But in terms of the approach, it will be less direct than finding a target and buying 100 percent.
Ant Financial formerly part of Mas Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. is already a behemoth in China, providing services from wealth management and insurance to credit checks and consumer loans. Formally known as Zhejiang Ant Small & Micro Financial Services Group Co., the company was valued at $75 billion by Hong Kong investment group CLSA in 2016 and is expected to go public eventually. Its Alipay platform has built itself into an online giant that controls roughly half of Chinas $5.5 trillion mobile-payments market.
But the company is eager to expand internationally amid aggressive competition in its home market from Tencent Holdings Ltd. and the prospect of increased regulation on internet finance. Its struck partnerships around the globe, including in India, Thailand, South Korea and France. The company didnt respond to requests for additional comment.
Chinese takeovers of American companies have prompted warnings from lawmakers about risks to national security with CFIUS able to impose changes on deals to protect national security or recommend that the president block them. In September, Trump blocked the sale of Lattice Semiconductor Corp. to a buyer funded by a Chinese state-owned entity.
But Ant which paid MoneyGram a $30 million termination fee has disputed assertions that U.S. security would be compromised by the deal, citing its plans to keep the U.S. companys headquarters, management team and employees in Dallas. The company said MoneyGrams servers and the data stored on them would also remain in the U.S.
The geopolitical environment has changed considerably since we first announced the proposed transaction, MoneyGram Chief Executive Officer Alex Holmes said in Tuesdays statement. Despite our best efforts to work cooperatively with the U.S. government, it has now become clear that CFIUS will not approve this merger. Selina Wang, Lulu Yilun Chen, Bloomberg
Trafigura Group denied it was involved in the illicit transfer of fuel to North Korea after the South Korean government said the worlds third-biggest independent oil trader originally owned a cargo that was shipped in breach of United Nations sanctions in October.
The controversy nonetheless could spook international traders working in the region worried their oil and refined products could find their way to North Korea. In turn, that could increase the pressure on Pyongyang, making it more difficult and expensive for the rogue regime to buy fuel in the face of international sanctions.
President Donald Trump last week accused China of allowing ship-to-ship fuel sales to the isolated nation, which have been limited by UN Security Council resolutions in an effort to pressure Kim Jong Un to abandon nuclear weapons.
Trafigura said this week that it didnt order the shipment of oil to North Korea and it neither owns nor chartered the vessel Lighthouse Winmore that was seized by South Korea last year. Hours earlier, the South Korean foreign ministry said the trading house owned the cargo and authorities were investigating whether it ordered the transaction.
The trading house, which has big operations in Singapore, Geneva and Houston, originally sold the shipment to a little- known Hong Kong-based company called Global Commodities Consultants Ltd. The deal was done on a free-on-board basis from South Korea for delivery to Taiwan, it said. The contract prohibited the on-sale of the cargo in breach of sanctions and Trafigura had no involvement in its final destination, according to the company.
Global Commodities Consultants as well sold the cargo onward, it said in its own emailed statement, to a firm called Oceanic Enterprise Ltd. The cargo was sold free-on-board in South Korea and was still intended to go to Taiwan, and also contained the contractual provisions on sanctions, the company said. No contact information was immediately available for Oceanic Enterprise Ltd.
Oil shipments often change hands repeatedly in the trading industry, often while vessels are at sea, leaving the initial seller unaware of the final destination of the commodity. Still, large trading houses such as Trafigura often monitor through vessel tracking systems the end point of cargoes they sell.
The latest controversy relates to a small cargo of fuel oil that changed hands in October last year in the Yellow Sea between China and the Korean peninsula.
The Lighthouse Winmore tanker transferred the fuel in October in international waters, South Korean officials said last week, without naming Trafigura at the time. So-called ship-
to-ship transfers are used in the petroleum industry to move liquids from one tanker to another without the use of on-shore infrastructure, a technique explicitly barred for supplies to North Korea by the UN Security Council because such sales are difficult to track.
South Korea, which said it seized and inspected the Lighthouse Winmore in November, identified the charterer as Taiwan- based Billions Bunker Group. The company is incorporated in the Marshall Islands, according to Taiwans Maritime and Port Bureau.
The vessel loaded oil products from Japan on Oct. 11 in Yeosu, Yonhap News reported last week, citing South Korean government officials. It then transferred 600 tons about 4,000 barrels or enough to power a shipping vessel to a North Korean vessel, the Sam Jong 2, on Oct. 19. At current prices, the cargo would be worth less than $1.5 million. Considering that traders often make as little as one percent of the value of the deal, whoever sold it likely earned as little as $15,000 from the operation.
Vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg showed the ship making trips between Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Yeosu in South Korea during September and October. The vessel data, which are broadcast by ships voluntarily and cannot be independently verified, showed it south of Yeosu, with its destination listed as Tai Chung, Taiwan, on Oct. 15. The next transmission was Oct. 25, further to the south near Jeju island. Kanga Kong & Dan Murtaugh, Bloomberg
Two Chinese women and a Malaysian man whom prosecutors say operated a brothel near Atlanta that lured women from around the U.S. to work as prostitutes have been sentenced to federal prison.
Court records show that 45-year-old Xiaohong Huang, 59-year-old Chan Kong Chow and 54-year-old Biyun Gong were sentenced Friday. Huang and Gong are from China, while Chow is from Malaysia.
Brothels remain a blight in segments of our communities, U.S. Attorney Byung J. BJay Pak said in a news release yesterday [Macau time]. The prosecution of these defendants, the seizure of significant assets, and the dedication of law enforcement resources in targeting this long-running criminal scheme are a warning for others engaged in this conduct.
Huang, also known as Michelle and Jenny, operated a brothel at an apartment complex in Doraville from December 2005 through May 2017, while Chow and Gong managed the day-to-day operations, prosecutors said. The three lured women of Asian descent from across the U.S. to work as prostitutes, arranging for them to travel to Atlanta on commercial flights on a rotating basis roughly every 10 days, prosecutors said.
Huang advertised the brothel online and by word-of-mouth and used checking accounts to launder more than USD150,000 in illegal proceeds from the brothel, prosecutors said.
The three pleaded guilty in July to conspiring to operate an interstate prostitution scheme involving money laundering.
Huang was sentenced Friday to serve two years and nine months and was ordered to forfeit a large home in Johns Creek, cash, high-end watches and designer purses. Chow, also known as Blake Wong, got one year and nine months, and Gong got one year and three months.
All three will be turned over to immigration authorities for deportation after completing their prison sentences, prosecutors said.
In court filings before the three were sentenced, their lawyers said their clients actions were not as serious as prosecutors asserted.
A lawyer for Gong noted she had only arrived in the U.S. in 2015, long after the brothel began operating, and that she could most accurately be described as a cook, not someone with any management responsibility.
Chows attorney said he had no decision making authority and took orders from Huang doing tasks like driving the sex workers to and from the airport during the two years he worked for her.
Huangs lawyer stressed that she didnt coerce any of the sex workers, saying the women would contact her when they were coming to Atlanta and she would arrange transportation to and from the airport and provide lodging and a place to perform sex acts. In exchange, she would get $40 of the $120 the women charged, her lawyer wrote, saying the sex workers were effectively independent contractors. AP
US-IRAN The Trump administration has thrown the weight of the U.S. government behind the protesters taking to the streets of Iran, rooting them on despite the risk of helping Iranian authorities dismiss a week of major demonstrations as the product of American instigation.
SRI LANKAs president said yesterday that a commission he appointed to investigate alleged irregularities in the sale of treasury bonds has recommended the prosecution of the countrys former finance minister on bribery charges.
US-PALESTINE U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to threaten to cut off aid money to the Palestinian Authority, asking why the U.S. should make any of these massive future payments when the Palestinians are no longer willing to talk peace.
ETHIOPIA In a surprise move, Ethiopias leader yesterday announced plans to drop charges against political prisoners and close a notorious prison camp in what he called an effort to widen the democratic space for all. This is the first time the government has acknowledged holding political prisoners.
MOLDOVAs Constitutional Court has temporarily stripped the countrys pro-Moscow president of his duties for his refusal to endorse new ministers in a political standoff.
GERMANY The recent influx of mostly young, male migrants into Germany has led to an increase in violent crime in the country, according to a government-funded study published yesterday.
DENMARK Copenhagen police are investigating the theft of a bottle of vodka that is claimed to be the worlds most expensive at USD1.3 million.
NORWAY said yesterday it has suspended exports of munitions and arms to the United Arab Emirates as a precautionary line, based on its assessment of the situation in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition including the UAE has been fighting Shiite rebels for nearly three years.
PERU At least 48 people died when a bus tumbled down a cliff onto a rocky beach along a narrow stretch of highway known as the Devils Curve, Peruvian police and fire officials said.
BRAZILs state-run oil giant Petrobras has agreed to pay USD2.95 billion to settle lawsuits in the United States over the sprawling corruption scandal that has ensnared dozens of officials and business executives across Latin America.
The UK will be hit with a raft of food shortages over the Christmas holiday period if the Government doesnt step up and address the continued staff shortages across the food and drink supply chain, according to Heck founder and managing director Andrew...
Credit: CC0 Public Domain
Although China remains one of the countries with the lowest incidence of type 1 diabetes globally, a study published by The BMJ today shows that there has been a rapid increase in the number of new cases (incidence) of the condition in under 15s in the past two decades.
The findings also show that most new cases of type 1 diabetes in China are diagnosed in adults, leading to calls for more resources to improve care of the condition in adulthood.
Type 1 diabetes most often develops in children, but it can occur at any age. Available data shows that China had one of the lowest incidences of type 1 diabetes in children during 1985-94. However, since then, rates of type 1 diabetes in children have been increasing worldwide. Little is also known about its incidence in adults.
So a research group led by Jianping Weng at The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, set out to investigate the incidence of type 1 diabetes in all age groups in China during 2010-13.
They identified new cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2013 in 13 areas across China. Using the 2010 Chinese census and annual government reports on natural population growth, their study population covered more than 133 million people, around 10% of the Chinese population, including 6% of those aged less than 15 years.
They identified 5,018 newly diagnosed cases of type 1 diabetes, of which the majority (65.3%) were in adults aged more than 20 years.
The estimated incidence of type 1 diabetes in both children and adults in China were among the lowest reported in the world (1.01 new cases per 100,000 person years for all ages, and 1.93 new cases per 100,000 person years for ages 0-14 years).
Nevertheless, the researchers estimate that more than 13,000 new cases of type 1 diabetes occur every year in China, with more than 9,000 in people aged 15 or more.
This finding, they say, "highlights the importance of the care of people with adult onset type 1 diabetes and that more resources should be provided to improve the care of this age group."
The results also showed that the incidence of type 1 diabetes among children aged 0-14 years was strongly correlated with latitude, with higher rates in the north and lower in the south, but such correlation was not seen in those aged 15 or more.
The authors cannot be sure what genetic or environmental factors - or a combination of both - could be responsible for this.
Although the authors took steps to account for several factors that may have influenced the results, they point to some study limitations. For example, the higher proportion of urban populations than that of the whole nation, which hindered full study of the link between type 1 diabetes and environmental factors, and the possibility of missing cases or misdiagnosis.
Nonetheless, the authors say this is the first nationwide study to provide incidence rates for type 1 diabetes in all age groups, covering a vast geographical area. "These results should not only update the global map of type 1 diabetes in childhood, but also fill in the blank about the incidence of adult onset type 1 diabetes," they write.
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More information: Incidence of type 1 diabetes in China, 2010-13: population based study, BMJ (2018). Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) Incidence of type 1 diabetes in China, 2010-13: population based study,(2018). www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.j5295
Credit: Association for Psychological Science
Virtual assistants have become increasingly sophisticatedand more humanlikesince the days when Clippy asked if you needed help with your document. These assistants are intended to make programs and apps easier to use, but research published in Psychological Science suggests that humanlike virtual assistants may actually deter some people from seeking help on tasks that are supposed to measure achievement. Psychological Science is a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.
"We demonstrate that anthropomorphic features may not prove beneficial in online learning settings, especially among individuals who believe their abilities are fixed and who thus worry about presenting themselves as incompetent to others," says psychological scientist and study author Daeun Park of Chungbuk National University. "Our results reveal that participants who saw intelligence as fixed were less likely to seek help, even at the cost of lower performance."
Previous research has shown that people are inclined to see computerized systems as social beings with only a couple social cues. This social dynamic can make the systems seem less intimidating and more user-friendly, but Park and coauthors Sara Kim and Ke Zhang wondered whether that would be true in a context where performance matters, such as with online learning platforms.
"Online learning is an increasingly popular tool across most levels of education and most computer-based learning environments offer various forms of help, such as a tutoring system that provides context-specific help," says Park. "Often, these help systems adopt humanlike features; however, the effects of these kinds of help systems have never been tested."
In one online study, the researchers had 187 participants complete a task that supposedly measured intelligence. In the task, participants saw a group of three words (e.g., room, blood, salts) and were supposed to come up with a fourth word that related to all three (e.g., bath). On the more difficult problems, they automatically received a hint from an onscreen computer icon - some participants saw a computer "helper" with humanlike features including a face and speech bubble, whereas others saw a helper that looked like a regular computer.
Participants reported greater embarrassment and concerns about self-image when seeking help from the anthropomorphized computer versus the regular computer, but only if they believed that intelligence is a fixed, not malleable trait.
The findings indicated that a couple of anthropomorphic cues are sufficient to elicit concern about seeking help, at least for some individuals. Park and colleagues decided to test this directly in a second experiment with 171 university students.
In the experiment, the researchers manipulated how the participants thought about intelligence by having them read made-up science articles that highlighted either the stability or the malleability of intelligence. The participants completed the same kind of word problems as in the first study - this time, they freely chose whether to receive a hint from the computer "helper."
The results showed that students who were led to think about intelligence as fixed were less likely to use the hints when the helper had humanlike features than when it didn't. More importantly, they also answered more questions incorrectly. Those who were led to think about intelligence as a malleable trait showed no differences.
These findings could have implications for our performance using online learning platforms, the researchers conclude:
"Educators and program designers should pay special attention to unintended meanings that arise from humanlike features embedded online learning features," says Park. "Furthermore, when purchasing educational software, we recommend parents review not only the contents but also the way the content is delivered."
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More information: Sara Kim et al, Don't Want to Look Dumb? The Role of Theories of Intelligence and Humanlike Features in Online Help Seeking, Psychological Science (2017). Journal information: Psychological Science Sara Kim et al, Don't Want to Look Dumb? The Role of Theories of Intelligence and Humanlike Features in Online Help Seeking,(2017). DOI: 10.1177/0956797617730595
Olivier Thibault's lab at UK uses calcium imaging techniques to measure how neurons are affected over time. Thibault leads one of four groups in a multi-center grant to identify a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. Credit: University of Kentucky Office of Public Relations and Marketing
Alzheimer's disease wreaks emotional havoc on patients, who are robbed of their memories, their dignity, and their lives. It's financially devastating as well: care for Alzheimer's patients is predicted to top $1 trillion by about the time children born today are having children of their own.
Alzheimer's begins its destruction decades before there are outward signs of memory loss, so some recent scientific effort has focused on recognizing the earliest signs that portend disease onset. Those telltale signs, called biomarkers, would enable patients to receive treatment for Alzheimer's sooner, thereby delaying the disease's devastating progress or stopping it altogether.
The biomarker treasure hunt has been difficult thus far. There's been little to no progress towards finding one that is a "triple threat:" noninvasive, inexpensive, and easily translatable to community populations. So, the National Institutes of Health called for research proposals to find new ways to diagnose Alzheimer's disease and predict its progression.
Among the grant applicants: a group of scientists from four different institutions, each with a specific scientific skillset that when put together had the resources to test the presence and reliability of one such biomarker.
"When I first saw the call for applications, I was really excited," said Dr. Olivier Thibault at the University of Kentucky's Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Science. "I remembered some interesting work that came out of Dr. Bruce Berkowitz's lab at Wayne State University and thought it might be the cornerstone of a project that met the grant's parameters."
That cornerstone is called Quest MRI, a unique and dynamic process that is able to pinpoint levels of oxidative stress in specific regions of the brain over time, and in living subjects. The technique is noninvasive and in most hospitals doesn't require expensive modifications to existing equipment.
"Almost everyone with a television set has heard about the benefits of antioxidant-rich vitamins like A, C, and E, and superfoods like blueberries, green tea, and dark chocolate," Thibault said.
"Well, antioxidants are the body's defense against something called free radicals. Free radicals are natural byproducts of chemical processes in the body, and in a healthy state free radical production is offset by the work of antioxidants. But when there are too many free radicals, the balance is disrupted, and the resulting oxidative stress can increase risk for diseases like AD."
People write off the times when they can't remember where they left their keys, but realizing they don't know how to get home from the grocery store they've been visiting for years is a wake-up call that something is terribly wrong. The scientific term is "spatial disorientation," and it's a critical hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
The capacity for spatial orientation lies in a part of the brain called the hippocampus. Berkowitz and Thibault hypothesized that using Quest MRI to measure oxidative stress in the hippocampus of a live animal and compare it to that animal's ability to remember how to navigate a maze could be proof of the existence of a biomarker for AD that met the NIH criteria of cheap, easy, and scalable. Even better: the process uses inexpensive drugs that are already FDA approved, making Quest MRI easily translatable to the general population.
The NIH was impressed, and awarded the foursome $2.8 million over five years to test the hypothesis.
Rounding out the project are Dr. Geoffry Murphy at The University of Michigan and Dr. Brian Bennett at Queen's University (Canada). Bennett has developed a mouse genetically predisposed to high levels of oxidative stress, and Murphy's mice are already afflicted with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Thus begins a roughly 850-mile circuit of testing where Bennett's oxidative stress mice are flown from Ontario to Ann Arbor, where Murphy puts them - and his own AD micethrough a maze to assess spatial navigation. Murphy himself then drives the mice to Detroit, where Berkowitz uses his Quest MRI to determine free radical production in the hippocampus. Ultimately, the mice end up in Thibault's lab, which uses calcium imaging techniques to measure how neurons are affected over time, thereby measuring the relationship between free radical production, oxidative stress, and behavioral changes in the same animal. Some of the mice actually make more than one circuit to assess cognitive and corresponding biochemical changes over time.
"The entire process provides a deeply characterized analysis of mice that may well affirm Quest MRI's ability to identify the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease," Thibault said.
Even better, says Thibault, the group foresees a bonus aspect of their research: they will also be able to test the efficacy of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods to reduce free radical production in the hippocampus. Advantageous data would point to the possibility of reducing free radical production using either an antioxidant "cocktail" or a light therapy called photobiomodulation.
Either option, said Thibault, would be "the cherry on the cake."
The project is in the early planning stages, and the mice don't begin their journey until later this month, but Thibault and his colleagues are energized at the prospect of joining the hunt for a cure for Alzheimer's disease.
"To be able to identify or even predict Alzheimer's disease using Quest MRI, and then also be able to intervene using antioxidants or photobiomodulation, would be a one-two winning punch," Thibault said.
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A Binghamton University senior and her colleagues recently uncovered evidence that the current treatment for Parkinson's disease may not be as effective as it could be.
Lakshmi Hareendran was part of a research team investigating drug treatment for Parkinson's, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a loss of the brain chemical dopamine.
The dopamine circuit involved in motor movements consists of two receptors in the brain, the D1 and the D2 receptors. The current treatment for Parkinson's is the drug L-DOPA, which acts on both of these receptors to release and replenish dopamine in the brain.
Hareendran and her colleagues in the Freshman Research Immersion program (FRI) at Binghamton provided evidence that stimulating the D2 receptor produces cognitive deficits, illustrating that L-DOPA may not be the best treatment for Parkinson's.
The researchers treated rodents with L-DOPA and drugs that target either the D1 or the D2 receptors and then observed the effects on their ability to complete a behavioral task.
Stimulating the D2 receptor caused attention deficits on the behavioral tasks in both Parkinson's and control models. Stimulating the D1 receptor produced no such effects.
"Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world," Hareendran says. "Knowing that the current treatment isn't as effective as it could be is important."
Hareendran, 21, has wanted to be a doctor since she was growing up on Long Island, influenced by several doctors in her family. Even then, she was interested in neuroscience.
"I had an uncle who was a brain surgeon," Hareendran says. "As a kid, just thinking about him being able to understand something as complex as the human brain really inspired me to go down that path."
Hareendran wants to work with Doctors Without Borders someday. An experience with MEDLIFE, an organization that provides medical care to impoverished areas, helped to solidify her goal. Hareendran traveled with the group to Peru and Ecuador to help set up medical clinics.
"My parents are refugees from Sri Lanka," Hareendran says. "There was a genocide happening there for a while, so specifically with Doctors Without Borders I want to go and give back there."
Hareendran is also president of the Indian International Student Union and was a peer mentor for FRI after she finished the program.
Corinne Kiessling, research educator for the FRI neuroscience stream, emphasized Hareendran's dedication.
"She was one of those students that puts extra hours in, came in early, stayed late," Kiessling says. "As a peer mentor, she was very open and receptive, and she challenged students to find answers. She's a natural leader."
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A new King's College London study published Thursday 4 January in the British Journal of Psychiatry, found that 1 in 4 pregnant women have mental health problems. This is more common than previously thought but two simple questions can help identify these problems so that women can be treated.
It is the first UK study to examine the prevalence of mental health problems or mental disorders when seen by a midwife for pregnancy care.
They found that when interviewed with a diagnostic gold standard interview, 1 in 4 women had a mental illness not only depression (found in 11 percent) and anxiety (found in 15 percent), but also eating disorders (2 percent), obsessive-compulsive disorder (2 percent), PTSD in just under 1 percent and less commonly, bipolar disorder and other disorders.
It is already known that mental illness during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes for women, the pregnancy itself, and for the child from birth through to adolescence. It is therefore vital that these disorders are diagnosed as early as possible. The researchers sought to establish the best way of identifying problems.
The NIHR funded study went on to evaluate how well a two question screen (known as the Whooley questions) which is asked by midwives, identified these disorders and compared with a 10 item self -complete questionnaire known as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), used in many countries internationally, and compared both methods with a gold standard diagnostic Interview. The researchers recruited 545 pregnant women, over the age of 16, attending their antenatal booking appointment at an inner city maternity service in South-east London between November 2014 and June 2016.
They found that the two-questions asked by midwives performed similarly well in identifying whether a woman had "any disorder" compared with the 10 question self-complete EPDS measure. There was also evidence that identification of depression was more difficult to identify in older women than younger women.
Louise Howard, Professor of Women's Mental Health, Section of Women's Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London, report author, said "In clinical practice, maternity professionals need to identify whether or not a woman has any mental disorder, not only mood disorders which until recently have been the main focus of concern. It is therefore encouraging that, in this study, there was little difference in diagnostic accuracy between the commonly used tools the Whooley questions and the EPDSin identifying a mental disorder."
"This study supports the NICE recommendation that women should be asked, by a non-judgemental and supportive health professional, at all contacts in pregnancy and after birth about their emotional wellbeing and are given the opportunity to respond to these structured questions (the Whooley or the EPDS). A positive identification then needs to be followed by a clinical assessment by an appropriate health practitioner to establish the clinical diagnosis and appropriate intervention."
Maria Bavetta, co-founder of Maternal OCD, said, "This study shows how vital it is for pregnant women to be asked the right questions at the right time with a non-judgemental space to be listened to. I wish I had been given the opportunity to share my thoughts in a way that would have helped me access specialist maternal mental health services quicker this is a duty we need to fulfil as every mum should have the right to be the mummy they want to be."
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Biparietal diameter along with the list of criteria for competency. A teaching example from the curriculum that describes how an important measurement of a developing fetus is made. Credit: Elsevier
While ultrasound imaging is a commonly used diagnostic tool in obstetrics and gynecology, evidence suggests that the quality of ultrasound examination in clinical practice and ultrasound training in obstetrics and gynecology and radiology residency programs can be improved. To address these issues, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) convened a forum tasked with developing a roadmap for quality improvement in ultrasound imaging in obstetrics and gynecology and set up a task force to establish a consensus curriculum and competency assessment tools for residency training. The results of these efforts are published simultaneously today in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, and Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
In an effort to develop better standards, the forum, Beyond Ultrasound First, under the leadership of Beryl R. Benacerraf, MD, from Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, brought together representatives from many professional associations; the imaging community including radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, and emergency medicine among others; and government agencies, insurers, industry, and others with common interest in obstetric and gynecologic ultrasound. The aim of this forum, funded by AIUM's Endowment for Education and Research, was to increase and unify the quality of ultrasound examinations in obstetrics and gynecology with the ultimate goal of improving patient safety and quality of clinical care.
"Improving the quality of ultrasound examinations will have a substantial impact on patient care and healthcare costs," explained Dr. Benacerraf. "Furthermore, standardizing the approach to ultrasound training in residency programs and providing tools to measure competency in a comprehensive way is a novel approach that will ensure training and thus impact long term patient care. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a multi-society curriculum and competency assessment tools have been created for residency training in clinical imaging."
Roberto Romero, MD, DMedSci., Editor-in-Chief for Obstetrics of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, stated that "a curriculum in ultrasound for training future physicians in obstetrics and gynecology and related disciplines was necessary to improve the care of women and their unborn children. We are pleased to make available to the entire world the recommendations of the Task Force as well as the images and criteria for evaluation to strengthen education, enhance training, and promote high-quality medical practice."
While most obstetricians and gynecologists agree that ultrasound should be the first-choice imaging method, its use and level of competency with which it is performed are variable. The proceedings of this conference focus on the key issues identified and possible approaches to resident teaching and means to improve the inconsistent quality of ultrasound examinations performed today:
Understanding the role of ultrasound in clinical imaging and the importance of complying with ultrasound first when feasible
Ensuring that ultrasound is performed in high quality in order to minimize false positive and false negative findings
Incorporating the curriculum and competency assessment tools in residency programs to ensure standardization of training
Gaining insights into the payer's perspectives
According to Dr. Benacerraf, "Ultrasound can be immensely informative, but it requires more skill and training than just pushing a button. Those that make the effort to master the modality will reap rich rewards for their patients, trainees, and themselves, and often avoid moving on to other imaging studies by providing the diagnosis with sonography. The practice of ultrasound offers the imager the possibility of direct patient contact to guide the exam, which is unique to ultrasound and represents the essence of our profession."
The multi-society Task Force that developed the curriculum to standardize teaching of ultrasound in OB GYN for Residents was led by Alfred Z. Abuhamad, MD, of Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA. Their efforts resulted in a consensus report that describes essential topics in medical ultrasound training, a level-based framework to guide trainees to increasing competence, and a competency assessment that involves evaluation of still ultrasound images, movie clips, realtime scanning, or a combination of methods that can be implemented by individual programs.
"This consensus-based curriculum and competency assessment will provide the tools to ensure standardization of ultrasound training in residency programs. Ensuring optimal training of ultrasound in residency programs will result in improved quality of ultrasound examinations in clinical practice," commented Dr. Abuhamad.
Basky Thilaganathan, MD, PhD, FRCOG, St George's, University of London, and editor-in-chief, Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology (UOG) added, "Ultrasound imaging is now established in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology, making systematic education and assessment in this competency a necessity, rather than optional. UOG is pleased to publish the framework for curriculum based training to allow structured practical training and experience in this specialty."
Ultrasound imaging is dependent on the operator to a much greater extent than computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Obstetric ultrasound imaging is particularly challenging, given the small size of fetal organs and the variable fetal position in the uterus. This makes training and competency assessment an important factor in the quality of the ultrasound examination.
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For 17 years, Chalfonte LeNee Queen suffered periodic episodes of violent retching and abdominal pain that would knock her off her feet for days, sometimes leaving her writhing on the floor in pain.
"I've screamed out for death," said Queen, 48, who lives in San Diego. "I've cried out for my mom who's been dead for 20 years, mentally not realizing she can't come to me."
Queen lost a modeling job after being mistaken for an alcoholic. She racked up tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, and her nausea interrupted her sex life. Toward the end of her illness, Queen, who stands 5-foot-9, weighed in at a frail 109 pounds.
Throughout the nearly two decades of pain, vomiting and mental fog, she visited the hospital about three times a year, but doctors never got to the bottom of what was ailing her. By 2016, she thought she was dying, that she "must have some sort of cancer or something they can't detect," Queen said.
But she didn't have cancer. She had an obscure syndrome called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition only recently acknowledged by the medical community. It affects a small populationnamely, a subset of marijuana users who smoke multiple times a day for months, years or even decades.
There's no hard data on the prevalence of the illness. But in California and Colorado, which have loosened marijuana laws in recent years, emergency physicians say they're seeing it more often. One study in Colorado suggests there may be a link.
Dr. Aimee Moulin, an emergency room physician at University of California, Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, said she has seen a rise in the number of cases since California voters legalized recreational marijuana last November. She expects to see another increase after commercial sales are permitted starting this month.
Doctors say it's difficult to treat the condition. There is no cure other than to quit using marijuana, and many patients are skeptical that cannabis is making them sick, so they keep using it and their vomiting episodes continue.
Doctors can do little to relieve the symptoms, since traditional anti-nausea medications often don't work and there are no pills to prevent the onset of an episode. Patients may need intravenous hydration and hospital stays until the symptoms subside.
"That's really frustrating as an emergency physician," said Moulin. "I really like to make people feel better."
Diagnosing the syndrome can also be frustratingand expensive. There is no blood test to link the stomach ailment with marijuana use, so physicians often order pricey CT scans and lab tests to rule out other medical problems.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome was first documented in Australia in 2004. Physicians have historically misdiagnosed it as the more generic cyclic vomiting syndrome, which has no identifiable cause or, as in Queen's case, acute intermittent porphyria (AIP).
"Five years ago, this wasn't something that (doctors) had on their radar," said Dr. Kennon Heard, an emergency physician at the University of Colorado in Aurora, who co-authored the Colorado study showing a possible tie between the liberalization of marijuana and a surge of the vomiting illness. "We're at least making the diagnosis more now."
One surefire sign of the illness is when patients find relief in hot showers and baths. Queen said she would vomit repeatedly unless she was in a hot showerso she'd stay in there for hours. Toxicologists say the heat may distract the brain from pain receptors in the abdomen but, like the syndrome itself, that phenomenon is not well understood.
The exact cause of the condition is still a mystery. Toxicologists say the chemical compounds in marijuana may throw off the normal function of the body's cannabinoid receptors, which help regulate the nervous system.
Some people may be genetically predisposed to the syndrome, or marijuana's potency or chemical makeup may have changed over time, said Dr. Craig Smollin, medical director of the San Francisco division of the California Poison Control System, who also works as an emergency physician at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.
The vomiting link to cannabis is counterintuitive to many, because of its widely known reputation as an anti-nausea remedy for cancer patients.
"A lot of times, people just don't believe you," said Dr. John Coburn, an emergency physician at Kaiser Permanente in south Sacramento. Even after being told that quitting may help, some patients will visit the hospital multiple times before they stop smoking marijuana, Coburn said. "I can't really tell you why. I mean, why do people ride motorcycles without helmets on?" (Kaiser Health News is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.)
Cameron Nicole Beard, 19, of East Moline, Ill., said she struggled to believe her doctors about the link between pot and severe vomiting.
"Who wants to be told you can't smoke marijuana, when you think marijuana can help?" said Beard, while recovering from a marijuana-related vomiting episode at a University of Iowa hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, in October. She said she had lost 20 pounds in 10 days.
Although there's still no magic cure for a patient's marijuana-related hyperemesis, Moulin and other doctors say they're getting better at treating the symptoms, using old antipsychotic medications and cream for muscle aches.
Dr. Heard said the cases in Colorado seem to have leveled off. But without hard data, and because the overall numbers are small, it's hard to say for sure. Heard said he doesn't believe cases of the pot syndrome increased after recreational use was legalized in 2012, because chronic users probably already had medical marijuana cards.
Queen is still struggling to completely quit marijuana, but her symptoms are down to a dull stomachache. She smokes a couple of times a day, compared with her near-constant use in the past. She said it's the only thing that works for her depression and anxiety.
Queen is back to a healthy weight and hasn't been to the hospital in a year. She said she wouldn't want to discourage anybody from smoking weed; she just wants people to know heavy use can bring them some serious misery.
"Now, if I get sick, as sad as I'll be and as upset and disappointed with myself as I would be, at least it's a freaking choice," she said.
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2018 Kaiser Health News
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Sleep quality as well as duration is the key to beneficial sleep. Credit: Pixabay/ 422737 licensed under CC0
For something that can occupy such a significant chunk of time, sleep still remains a mysterious part of our lives. Although it is known to play a role in mental and physical health, such as metabolism and memory, there is much that is still not well understood.
As a general rule, it's recommended that adults get seven or eight hours of sleep per night, although that may not be the right guideline for everyone. 'The amount of sleep people need is highly individual,' said Dr. Vlad Vyazovskiy, a sleep researcher from the University of Oxford in the UK. 'It isn't only about sleep duration either but also about sleep quality.'
However, there is no doubt that a night of poor sleep affects cognitive abilities the next day. It's hard to focus when you're tired, and complicated tasks seem daunting. But how exactly does sleep loss affect your brain? To study the effects of sleep, one of the first things to note is that, on the neuronal level at least, sleep looks almost the same in humans and animals.
'If I look at the activity recorded from the brain of a human and a mouse, I can't tell it apart,' said Dr. Vyazovskiy. He and his colleagues probed the brain of mice and rats to study sleep-loss conditions as part of the EU-funded SLEEPNEED project.
One group of experimental mice carried on as they normally would, sleeping and waking up when they wanted to. As they went about their routines, electrodes were used to monitor individual neurons brain cells that transmit messages over several days and nights to determine how their activity changed during sleep. That brain activity was compared to other mice which had been deprived of sleep.
The challenge was that, even though it is relatively small, a mouse brain still contains over 70 million neurons. 'Each one is connected to thousands of others,' said Dr. Vyazovskiy. 'It's a very complex network that we believe somehow generates sleeping and waking states.'
During deep sleep, brain activity is dominated by slow delta waves. But Dr. Vyazovskiy and his team were surprised to find that some parts of the brain of sleep-deprived mice also exhibited sleep-like activity when they were awake. 'We always thought that this type of activity happens only during sleep,' said Dr. Vyazovskiy. 'But it's as if you can be asleep and awake at the same time.'
In other experiments, they looked at the effects of sleep deprivation on behaviour. The animals were taught to recognise different images and their ability to tell them apart was later tested when they were tired. They found that the mice only had trouble with the task if the two images were very similar. 'It seems like sleep deprivation only affects cognitive abilities that require significant effort,' said Dr. Vyazovskiy. Routine tasks are less likely to be affected.
The effects of sleep deprivation can be felt almost immediately but scientists do not know how long someone can last without shuteye. Credit: Horizon
Dreams intrude on waking life
Further investigation showed that it's not only sleep-deprived mice that demonstrate sleep-like brain activity when awake: it can be the case with well-rested mice too. If these results are replicated in humans, this could help explain why people with schizophrenia or psychosis, for example, claim that dreams intrude on their waking life, making it hard to tell what's real and what's not. 'Finding out how sleep mechanisms are linked to different conditions and behaviour could lead to new treatments,' Dr. Vyazovskiy said. He is now collaborating with other researchers to see if his findings can help people with psychiatric disorders.
Intuitively, it seems like complicated tasks would be hardest to perform when you're tired, as Dr. Vyazovskiy's work revealed. But another EU-funded project called SLEEP LOSS IN TEENS found that the opposite was the case when they tested adolescents.
Dr. Mairav Cohen-Zion from the Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo in Israel and her colleagues are assessing how sleep loss affects cognition, mood and behaviour in adolescents. The team compared how teenagers performed on tasks of varying difficulty when they were sleep deprived and when they had had a good night's sleep. As tasks became more difficult, tired teens performed better until they hit a limit where an extremely complex problem made them crash.
Dr. Cohen-Zion thinks that hard tasks force teens to focus even when sleep deprived so that they can retrieve and process information. However when tasks are simple, sleepiness wins. 'They did badly, because they were unchallenged and tired and didn't make an effort,' she said. 'Their attention flagged.'
Sleep in teenagers
Insufficient sleep did, however, mean that the teens' motor skills weren't as sharp, which is something that Dr. Cohen-Zion didn't foresee. 'I expected that they could do the motor skill tests in their sleep,' she said. 'We expected the teenagers to have very good hand-eye coordination since they typically play a lot of video games and spend a lot of time using screens.'
Furthermore, Dr. Cohen-Zion and her team found that a person's chronotype whether they are predisposed to being a morning lark or a night owl played a role in how sleep loss affected them. Adolescents that were evening-inclined had more trouble functioning the next day compared to those who are more morning people that slept the same amount.
Similarly, early school start times can contribute to chronic sleep loss in teenagers, who often tend to stay up late. Previously conducted sleep studies helped delay morning classes in some countries. 'In Israel where I live, most schools don't start before 8 am anymore,' she said.
So how can research help solve sleep problems? Both Dr. Vyazovskiy and Dr. Cohen-Zion think that raising public awareness is key so that people change their habits. 'Many people don't realise how important sleep is,' said Dr. Vyazovskiy.
More information: Different Effects of Sleep Deprivation and Torpor on EEG Slow-Wave Characteristics in Djungarian Hamsters. (PMID:28168294) Vyazovskiy V, Palchykova S, Achermann, P, Tobler I et al. Cerebral Cortex [2017] Different Effects of Sleep Deprivation and Torpor on EEG Slow-Wave Characteristics in Djungarian Hamsters. (PMID:28168294) Vyazovskiy V, Palchykova S, Achermann, P, Tobler I et al.[2017] europepmc.org/articles/PMC5390404 Sleep and the single neuron: the role of global slow oscillations in individual cell rest. (PMID:23635871) Vyazovskiy, Vladyslav V.; Harris, Kenneth D. Nature Publishing Group [2013] europepmc.org/articles/PMC3972489 Stereotypic wheel running decreases cortical activity in mice. (PMID:27748455) Fisher SP, Cui N, McKillop LE, Gemignani J, Bannerman DM, et al. Nat Commun [2016] europepmc.org/articles/PMC5071642 Journal information: Cerebral Cortex
Melanoma in skin biopsy with H&E stain this case may represent superficial spreading melanoma. Credit: Wikipedia/CC BY-SA 3.0
In the Jan. 5, 2018 issue of Science, researchers from the University of Chicago Medicine show that specific strains of commensal bacteria - the swarms of microorganisms naturally dwelling in the intestines - can improve the response rate to immunotherapy for patients being treated for advanced melanoma.
Although these immune system boosting drugs have revolutionized treatment of certain cancers, only about 35 percent of melanoma patients who receive them get a significant benefit. In their paper, "The commensal microbiome is associated with anti-PD-1 efficacy in metastatic melanoma patients," the UChicago researchers demonstrate that several defined bacterial species, including Bifidobacterium longum, Collinsella aerofaciens and Enterococcus faecium, were much more prevalent in the intestines of the 16 patients who responded to treatment (38 percent) than in the 26 patients (62 percent) who did not.
The presence of these specific bacteria in the intestine appears to enhance T-cell infiltration into the tumor microenvironment and augment T-cell killing of cancer cells, increasing the odds of a vigorous and durable response.
The strong correlation between specific gut bacteria and a clinical response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy suggests "a causal relationship," said study director Thomas Gajewski, MD, PhD, the AbbVie Foundation Professor of Cancer Immunotherapy at the University. "Specific bacteria clearly contribute to improved anti-tumor immunity in patients. The gut microbiota has a more profound effect than we previously imagined."
The current study follows a November 2015 Science paper from Gajewski's laboratory, one of the first to connect the presence of specific intestinal bacteria to greater potency for immunotherapy. These initial papers showed that the composition of the gut microbiome can influence how well these cancer immunotherapies work in mice.
Although the earlier mouse data was striking, "we knew there were multiple barriers that can decrease the odds that immunotherapy will work," Gajewski said. "We initially thought the microbiome was a minor component. But in our current study, these bacteria were a very strong predictor of who would respond."
The current paper focuses on humans - 42 patients going through treatment for metastatic melanoma. The researchers collected stool samples from each patient prior to treatment. Thirty-eight patients then received an anti-PD-1 drug, so-called "checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Four more patients received a related drug, anti-CTLA4 (ipilimumab).
The researchers focused on eight bacterial species that were more prevalent in patients who did respond to therapy as well as two species that were more abundant in patients who did not respond. Because of bacterial variations, the team used three different methods to determine the genetic sequences of the microbes.
Patients with a higher ratio of the "beneficial" bacteria to "non-beneficial" bacteria all showed a clinical response, meaning a reduction in tumor size.
The researchers then ran a smaller experiment in reverse. They collected fecal bacteria from three human subjects who responded favorably to treatment, and three who did not respond. They transferred those bacteria into the intestines of germ-free mice. Two weeks later they implanted melanoma cells in the mice.
Two out of three mouse groups given bacteria from human responders had slow-growing tumors and two out of three with fecal material from human non-responders had fast-growing tumors. Mice treated with PD-1-blocking drugs only showed tumor shrinkage if they had microbiota from responding patients.
Two other research teams found similar results but pinpointed different bacteria. A group from the Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus in Villejuif, France, suggested that Akkermansia muciniphila contributed to the antitumor effect of the microbiome. Another team from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, focused on Faecalibacterium and Clostridiales.
"Our results strongly suggest that the microbiota is a major factor, a gatekeeper for the immune response against a tumor," Gajewski said. "Without microbial support, the immune response just never quite gets going."
"Our results have pushed us in two directions," he added. "We have to start experimenting with probiotics as a way to enhance immunotherapy. We hope to launch a clinical trial using Bifidobacteria in 2018."
They also hope to expand the list of both beneficial and potentially harmful gut bacteria in cancer patients and to identify the mechanisms by which bacteria influence the immune system's response to cancer control.
"Our current results," the authors conclude, "open the avenue for integrating commensal microbial composition along with tumor genomes and germline genetics into a multi-parameter model for maximizing the ability to predict which patients are likely to respond to immunotherapies such as anti-PD-1."
Explore further Bacteria in the gut modulates response to immunotherapy in melanoma
More information: The commensal microbiome is associated with antiPD-1 efficacy in metastatic melanoma patients, Science 05 Jan 2018: Vol. 359, Issue 6371, pp. 104-108, science.sciencemag.org/content/359/6371/104 Journal information: Science The commensal microbiome is associated with antiPD-1 efficacy in metastatic melanoma patients,05 Jan 2018: Vol. 359, Issue 6371, pp. 104-108, DOI: 10.1126/science.aao3290
New clinical trial findings show that a therapeutic regimen involving transplantation of a person's own blood-forming stem cells can improve survival and quality of life for people with severe scleroderma, a life-threatening autoimmune Adisease. The regimen, known as myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), includes chemotherapy and total body radiation to destroy the bone marrow followed by transplantation of the person's own blood-forming stem cells to reconstitute the marrow and immune system. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found myeloablative HSCT to be superior to treatment with the immune-suppressing drug cyclophosphamide.
The findings appear in the Jan. 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Scleroderma is characterized by hardening of the skin and connective tissues. Diffuse systemic sclerosis is a severe, often fatal form of the disease that also involves the internal organs. Treatment options are limited. People with the disease may take antirheumatic drugs and immune-suppressing drugs like cyclophosphamide to help manage symptoms, but none of these medications has been proven to provide long-term benefit.
The clinical trial, called Scleroderma: Cyclophosphamide or Transplantation (SCOT), compared the safety and potential benefits of the two treatment regimens among 75 people with diffuse systemic sclerosis who had lung or kidney involvement.
Compared with cyclophosphamide, transplantation offered significantly greater long-term benefits, but also carried known short-term risks, such as infections and low blood cell counts.
"We need effective therapies for scleroderma and other severe autoimmune diseases, which can be not only debilitating to the patient but also difficult to treat," said Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which sponsored the study. "These results add to the growing evidence that stem cell transplants should be considered as a potential treatment option for people with poor-prognosis scleroderma."
Two previous clinical trials suggested HSCT benefited people with severe scleroderma. Participants in these earlier trials received non-myeloablative HSCT, a less intensive procedure using lower doses of chemotherapy that does not completely destroy the bone marrow. However, neither trial changed clinical practice in the United States, in part because of concerns about the durability of responses to treatment and the safety of these transplant regimens. The SCOT trial assessed a myeloablative transplant regimen, which researchers thought might offer better long-term outcomes. Investigators followed the participants for up to six years to assess safety and durability of remission.
Participants in the SCOT trial, conducted at 26 clinical research sites in the United States and Canada, were randomly assigned to receive either myeloablative autologous HSCT or one year of treatment with monthly doses of intravenous cyclophosphamide. Of the 36 participants assigned to the transplant arm, 33 received a transplant. The procedure began with doctors collecting a participant's blood-forming stem cells, after which the participant received chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate the bone marrow. Finally, doctors infused the participant's own blood stem cells to rebuild the bone marrow and a normally functioning immune system. Of the 39 participants assigned to the cyclophosphamide arm, 34 received at least nine of the 12 prescribed monthly doses.
The study investigators used an analytic approach based on a hierarchy of clinical outcomes specific for severe systemic sclerosis to compare every participant in the study with every other participant. These outcomes included death, survival without scleroderma-related organ damage, progression of lung and skin disease, and quality of life. At four and a half years of follow up, participants who received a transplant experienced significantly better outcomes overall than those who received cyclophosphamide. In addition, 44 percent of participants who received cyclophosphamide had begun taking antirheumatic drugs for progression of their scleroderma, compared to only 9 percent of those who received a transplant.
During the study, seven participants in the transplant arm died, compared to 14 in the cyclophosphamide arm. Of these deaths, three in each arm were among participants who did not complete their assigned treatment by either receiving the transplant or an adequate regimen of cyclophosphamide. Participants who received transplants were much less likely to die from progression of their scleroderma compared to those who received cyclophosphamide. Only two participants who received a transplant died due to disease progression, while 11 such deaths occurred among those who received an adequate regimen of cyclophosphamide. The two other deaths in the transplant arm were attributed to the treatment, which is a lower rate of transplant-related death than previously reported for HSCT. No deaths were attributed to cyclophosphamide.
Participants in both study arms experienced treatment side effects, such as infections. Most serious adverse events among transplant recipients occurred during the first 26 months after transplant. Overall infection rates in the two study arms were similar, although more transplant recipients developed infections with varicella zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
"Our findings indicate that undergoing stem cell transplantation for severe scleroderma poses more short-term risks but offers greater long-term gains than cyclophosphamide treatment," said Keith M. Sullivan, M.D., of Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, who served as a principal investigator of the SCOT study. "While treatment decisions should always be made on an individual basis, we hope that our work will help define a new standard of care for this severe, life-threatening autoimmune disease."
The investigators are continuing to follow many of the SCOT participants to further assess their long-term health outcomes.
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More information: KM Sullivan et al. Myeloablative autologous stem cell transplantation for severe scleroderma. New England Journal of Medicine, DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1703327 Journal information: New England Journal of Medicine KM Sullivan et al. Myeloablative autologous stem cell transplantation for severe scleroderma.
Facility "readiness" requires, among other things, reliable supply chains of medicines. Here, in Madagascar's rural Ifanadiana District, antibiotics for treating plague are being delivered to a remote health center where there is no road access. Credit: PIVOT, 2017
The peak epidemic season for plague in Madagascar is fast approaching and the severity of these outbreaks could be significantly reduced with improvements to their public health system, argues Matthew Bonds from Harvard Medical School and the nongovernmental health care organization, PIVOT, in a new Viewpoint publishing January 4, 2018 in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.
Bonds uses November 2017's epidemic of bubonic and pneumonic plague as a recent example to pinpoint areas of improvement in Madagascar's public health system. While the treatments for this epidemic were seemingly simple, the methods to deliver them got tangled up within an under resourced health system. The combination of delayed detection and treatment resulted in 2,200 confirmed infections, and 200 citizens dead.
Bonds and team argue for a three-pronged solution to strengthen Madagascar's health systems and control outbreaks of plague: 1) horizontal improvements of system "readiness" i.e., staffing, infrastructure, and supply chain, 2) vertical integration of clinical programs, and 3) integrating high-quality surveillance data within local health systems.
If the numerous independent multilateral and nongovernmental partners within Madagascar cooperated with its Ministry of Health, and coordinated their efforts within Madagascar's diverse communities, Bonds suggests that they could efficiently implement the existing policies to ultimately curb plague outbreaks.
Paul Farmer, the senior author of the paper, argues that, "in the district of Ifanadiana, where PIVOT has been strengthening the health system, 29 out 30 plague patients survived. This proves that when government, nongovernmental, and academic partners fully cooperate in accordance with the Ministry of Health agenda and make long-term commitments to its implementation, scourges like plague can be overcome." Once the non- and governmental partners collaborate, Madagascar has the potential to reduce the number of plague outbreaks and become an example within the global community for health system transformation, providing lessons that could prevent the world's next health crisis.
Explore further Why health officials are concerned about the Madagascar plague outbreak
More information: Bonds MH, Ouenzar MA, Garchitorena A, Cordier LF, McCarty MG, Rich ML, et al. (2018) Madagascar can build stronger health systems to fight plague and prevent the next epidemic. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 12(1): e0006131. Journal information: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Bonds MH, Ouenzar MA, Garchitorena A, Cordier LF, McCarty MG, Rich ML, et al. (2018) Madagascar can build stronger health systems to fight plague and prevent the next epidemic.12(1): e0006131. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0006131
BlockTower Capital, a digital currency hedge fund launched in August, raised $140 million and hired a former vice president at Goldman Sachs Group Inc., expanding its team to eight people, according to people familiar with the matter.
The money manager, which is based in Stamford, Connecticut, has raised capital from family offices and other institutions such as venture capital firms, the people said.
Union Square Ventures LLC and Andreessen Horowitz separately said they are investors and declined further comment. BlockTower declined to comment through a spokeswoman. The company recently informed investors that its flagship fund closed to new capital as of Jan. 1, according to an email viewed by Bloomberg News.
BlockTower also hired Michael Bucella, who joined Goldman in 2008 and most recently worked in multi-asset sales for Canada, as head of strategic partnerships and business development, according to the people.
BlockTowers launch comes amid an outpouring of interest in cryptocurrency markets, fueled by the explosive appreciation of bitcoin, which soared to a high of $18,674 in December from less than $1,000 at the end of 2016. There are now about 100 crypto-focused funds with assets of more than $2 billion, with more growth expected this year, according to a Dec. 18 report from Morgan Stanley.
While skepticism persists about market values and regulations, institutional investors are finding it easier to speculate in digital coins, which number in the thousands. Cboe Global Markets Inc., one of the worlds biggest regulated exchanges, began offering bitcoin futures contracts last month and Goldman Sachs was one of the firms clearing trades for certain clients.
The company Hedge Fund Research last month launched an index tracking funds investing in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies that it said was up 1,500 percent through November. A separate index focused on just currencies was up 1,600 percent in the same period, it said in a release.
BlockTower was started by Matthew Goetz, a former engineer who worked in investment management at Goldman Sachs for 11 years, and Ari Paul, a portfolio manager who oversaw risk at the University of Chicagos endowment investment office. Goetz is the chief executive officer and Paul is chief investment officer.
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YEREVAN. Armenias position on normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations has always been constructive, ARF Dashnaktsutyun parliamentary group secretary Aghvan Vardanyan told Armenian News - NEWS.am.
His remark came in response to a question whether there can be any positive preconditions for normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, given that Turkey is moving away from democratic principles.
Yerevan constantly offered to establish Armenian-Turkish relations without preconditions, said Vardanyan, adding that Ankara does its best to move Armenia out from regional projects.
The Secretary noted, that Armenian-Turkish protocols signed in 2009 were stillborn and cannot be revived.
Armenian and Turkish Foreign Ministers signed The Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Armenia and Turkey and The Protocol on Development of Relations between Armenia and Turkey in Zurich on 10 October 2009. Later, Ankara put forward preconditions for the Karabakh conflict that disrupted the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation process.
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Dead body of man, 45, with gunshot wounds found on Yerevan street
Armenia army General Staff chief heads for Moscow
Google locks Afghanistan government accounts
City to be built in US desert for millions of people
Denmark to build giant 'energy island' at sea
Newspaper: 'Soros' NGOs to bring 2 large-scale education programs to Armenia
Newspaper: Satellite footage of 44-day Artsakh war could make scandalous revelations
Some 6,000 Islamic extremists surrender to Nigeria authorities
Aram Khachaturian's Violin Concerto to be performed in Dubai
Digest: Trial on Armenian soldiers death to begin, footballer who played in Armenia commits suicide
Mongolia exploring possibility of signing free trade agreement with EEU
Dollar gains value in Armenia
Armenia receives donation of 27,500 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from Lithuania (PHOTOS)
Hysteria brewing in Azerbaijan media: Russia MOD making purchases to send to Nagorno-Karabakh Republic
Security Council chief: Armenia ready for border delimitation, demarcation
Lavrov reveals content of 2009 letter he sent to then Armenia FM
Lavrov: Karabakh conflict settlement agreements being successfully implemented
Italian researcher searching for Noah's Ark is laid to rest near Mount Ararat
Sputnik Armenia: Commander of Russia peacekeepers in Karabakh visits arrested Azerbaijan soldier
Armenia serviceman posthumously awarded Combat Service Medal
Afghanistan's new government to be headed by Taliban co-founder Mullah Baradar
Iranologist: Armenia-Iran-Russia format can be created on Goris-Kapan road issue
Goris mayor's lawyers file motion with Armenia court to release him on bail
Pentagon says US military mission in Afghanistan completed
Trial over death of 18 Armenia soldiers in 44-day war to begin
Yerevan-Tbilisi flight not operated since Thursday
3 new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh
Armenian side denies firing on a position in Azerbaijan-occupied Shushi of Karabakh
Armenia Defense minister receives Russia MOD delegation
US Congressman Schiff says he will continue fight for Artsakh international recognition
595 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia
World oil prices Friday do not deviate from Thursday's closing level
Russia peacekeepers provide drinking water to more than 1,500 residents of Artsakh
US to impose cryptocurrency tax
Classical music to be played in Dubai for a month, including by Armenian musicians
Storm Ida death toll in US northeast rises to 45
Newspaper: 44-day wars satellite footage to end up in Armenia oppositions hands?
Music for Future Foundation scholarship recipients to participate in Middle East Classical Music
Newspaper: Armenia NSS, Prosecutor's Office make internal deal in arms suppliers criminal case
Armenian PM Pashinyan receives a carte blanche, he will do whatever he wants: Why are international partners silent?
Digest: Artsakh marks 30th anniversary of republic, UK allocates 500,000 for demining in Artsakh
Dollar holding steady in Armenia
Spanish MP: Today is the 30th anniversary of the independence of Artsakh
2 bodies found in Karabakh searches
Aleppo to receive the first international flight from Yerevan on Saturday
US embassy in Armenia has new deputy chief of mission
Pontifical delegation office of the Holy See starts operating in Yerevan
Armenia official on chances of reconciliation with Azerbaijan: That basis has always been, it exists today too
UN: humanitarian catastrophe looms for Afghanistan
Residents of Azerbaijan-occupied Kashatagh region of Artsakh protesting outside Armenia government building
Two new loan agreements are signed between ARMSWISSBANK and EBRD
Armenia health minister: Young man infected with coronavirus has died
UK allocates 500,000 for demining efforts in Artsakh
15 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines thrown away in US since spring
Armenia government announces 3-month military training camps for reservists
Opposition Armenia Faction MPs case goes to court
Iran introduces 3-dimensional radar capable of registering up to 300 targets
Karabakh President visits Stepanakert memorial
Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan to Artsakh people: Guarantee of statehood preserving is your will to live on your land
MFA: Neither terror and threats, nor blockade, armed aggressions could break Artsakh peoples will
Taliban launch military operation against resistance in Panjshir
Armenia PM: Artsakh peoples right to self-determination is sacred
MFA: Armenia will consistently defend realization of Artsakh peoples right to self-determination
636 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia
Karabakh President: We have had achievements and losses
Armenia ex-President Sargsyan: For me war was unequal because the strong fought against the weak, we were the strong
Artsakh Republic is 30 years old
Armenia President: We have no right any more to make mistakes in any issue of pan-Armenian agenda
107 people arrested in Spain during marijuana trafficking crackdown
Newspaper: Armenia authorities decide to make insidious amendments to Electoral Code
Newspaper: Why opposition Armenia Faction MP Vahe Hakobyan met with Artsakh ex-president Bako Sahakyan?
World Health Organization monitoring new coronavirus variant named Mu
Talks between Biden and Zelenskyy kicked off at the White House
Google appeals EUR 500 million fines imposed by French regulators
Israeli FM: US plan to reopen consulate in Jerusalem is 'bad idea'
Armenian FM: There are no talks on delimitation and demarcation of borders
Armenian FM briefs his Iranian counterpart on consequences of Azerbaijan's illegal invasion
Digest: Armenian soldier killed at Ararat positions, Azerbaijan returns Karabakh citizen injured
Human rights activist: We have indisputable evidence of 80 more Armenian POWs being captured by Azerbaijan
Artsakh parliament holds special session dedicated to 30th anniversary of declaration of Karabakh independence
Azerbaijan prosecutor general complains about Russia peacekeepers in Karabakh
Armenia opposition MP: Azerbaijanis throw burning wheels at several Gegharkunik Province villages
Gayane Mahredjyan is one of a few women working on the construction of a metro in Riyadh, capital city of Saudi Arabia. She was born in Yerevan, but grew up in Beirut. In an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am, Gayane recalled her youth in Lebanon and work in different countries.
Father left for Beirut, but we stayed because of war
My parents met in Yerevan where my father came to continue his education. They fell in love, got married, but after graduating from the university, my father failed to find a job here and was forced to return to Beirut. We had to join him, but the war broke out. This is the reason we came to Beirut two years after fathers arrival. I was six then. There was a war, and I entered the engineering department of the university. That meant my family had to sacrifice everything for my education.
I had to work in the office, but my life went differently
I was 23-24 years old, and I got a job in the construction industry. All around were men who came from all over the world. Imagine, every day I dined with 50-60 men. But, the day has come when I was fed up with this. And, I decided to do something else, I started a career in advertising and selling, but, of course, in the construction industry. I dedicated seven years to all this, I was working with13 engineers. But, in 2005 I decided to leave Lebanon, and my childhood friend helped me to do it.
I left Lebanon having only $500 in my pocket
I had obligations to my family, my father practically did not work, my brother joined the army, and I had to support my family. I was already 32 years old, I was an adult and could move to Europe. But, I went to Qatar, began to work there as an engineer at the airport. There I worked for 1.5 years.
Life sent me from Qatar to Abu Dhabi, then to Dubai
From Qatar, I went to Abu Dhabi, where the port was being built. The project was designed by us. There I worked for a year and eight months, gained experience and improved my skills. I was succeeding, and once they called me and said that there is an interesting proposal for me. As a result, I went to Dubai together with my friends. I was told that one of the best companies in the world invites me to join their team. I decided to stay and had to design a business center.
When I was 37 when I started learning French
I started working in Dubai. But in 2008 the crisis began, our client went bankrupt, the annual contract was extended for 2.5 years. I was working with the French. There was French speech all around me, and I was compelled to begin to study this language when I was 36-37 years old.
Life in Dubai was completely different, everything was fleeting. After two and a half years of work, I returned to Abu Dhabi, the project was completed.
From Dubai to Oman, it is like changing a city for a village
Oman is a very beautiful country. This experience was interesting, and the Omanis themselves are very original, friendly and hospitable. They are very happy that someone is working for them, and something new is being done for their country.
In Riyadh they are surprised that I am not married and I am working
I have been living here for 2.5 years. I am working on the design of a metro. Women here are fighting for their rights. Women of Saudi Arabia have some other power, they are very smart. For example, 22% of ladies are economists, they are surprised that I am not married and I am working.
A woman should show her strength, and not try to be like a man
According to statistics, there are only three women of 200 engineers. When I took the first steps in this area, I had to work twice as much to gain a foothold in the team that consisted of men only. A woman should show her strength, something that she does well, and should try to become like a man. I have to love this work, to make sacrifices. There is a stereotype of women thinking: a man should take care of me, but this is an incorrect formula. Today, women are much easier, and it is not necessary that a man take her hand and lead her to a cinema ... Now I have a boyfriend, I'm glad of that, I develop my professional abilities. If I stop working, I'll become a housewife, then it will be impossible to find a person sadder than me in the entire world. I am not against marriage, but first of all you need to work on yourself.
There is more soul in Yerevans old building
I last visited Armenia in 2014 when I was getting my Armenian passport. This time I took a vacation and came to Yerevan. I would like to do something new here, because I see a great potential for development. I love old Yerevan. I visited many cities, but Yerevan has a special beauty, it combines old and new. However, it would be desirable, that there were no high-rise buildings, that preferences were given to 3-4 storey buildings in the French style. For example, in Dubai there are not so many beautiful buildings, there is more soul in the old buildings of Yerevan. We need to advertise our capital so that many tourists could come to visit it.
1. Yes. An unvaccinated worker is a potential health liability for the entire workforce.
2. Yes. But it should only be required in some businesses, like health care or food service.
3. No. The requirement shouldnt be forced on employees; its a discriminatory practice.
4. No. Not only should they not require COVID shots , but no proof of vaccination either.
5. Unsure. Its a hard choice between public safety concerns and personal freedoms.
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All of this is so sweet and loving it literally brought a tear to my eye.
Also I would also like to reiterate that I will always love Mira for her performance in Romy and Michelle and for her iconic guest spot on Will and Grace.
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Wait a minute shes 50?!
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I was shocked
SHOCKED
I don't know why because if you told me she was like 47 I would have been like yeah okay but there's just something about FIFTY lol
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few people know she actually won her oscar for romy and michelle
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Romy and Michelle is a movie I can never tire of watching.
Also loved her in House!
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I made my phone background a pic from their prom scene and posted it on insta and she liked it and commented "Love it!" I died.
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when an italian dad is a good dad, they're really good lol
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god this is so accurate
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Lol yup!
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Yep! And when it comes to situations like that, you want an "overprotective" stereotype.
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I had a professor when I was studying in Italy and not only was he the best, most stand up dude I've ever met in my entire life, but he was such a sweet father and husband. Like, goals af.
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yep, the best.
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Damn, no wonder he was so good at being intimidating in GoodFellas and R+J
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He and Harold Perrineau are the real fathers of daughters, as the great Steven "Big Red" Thoen said..."Don't sing about it, be about it. Don't sing it, just bring it."
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okay, we are not the ones who got fat
weindstein-I'm pregnant, you half wits
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well...i hope your babies look like MONKEYS
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Lisa Kudrow has such a weird looking face but it's beautiful. That sounds so shitty but like...idk its not ~standard beautiful~ but it's great and i love faces like that
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God I love this movie so much. Highly underrated.
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Her name always makes me think of another blonde 90s actress (even though I don't think the names are similar at all -
for some reason I just associate her face with this name) and I can't remember HER name and it's driving me nuts. Help me, ONTD!
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Mena Suvari
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OH MY FUCKING GOD!
Girl, can you read my mind?
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Mena Suvari?
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mena suvari
damn i could have refreshed
Edited at 2018-01-04 04:18 am (UTC)
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Mena Suvari?
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lol, I mix them up too
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LMAO same at mena suvari
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til these are 2 different women oops
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lol same here with the mena suvari thing!
I still read her name whenever mira's shows up even though I know now that mira was the one in romy & michelle
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Lol I'm glad you posted this because I was scrolling through this post thinking the same thing. It was driving me crazy.
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If Paul needs an alibi, I'm down.
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i watched the video of her oscar speech that someone left in that last post about her dad, and man, the tears. i rewound the part she mentions him an embarrassing amount of times. it was just so sweet.
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I really pray she gets back the career she deserves after all this
Edited at 2018-01-04 04:27 am (UTC)
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I love her
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I think my dad would kill anyone who hurt his kids/grandkids without a second thought, and that while there is some level of comfort, obviously theres even more worry.
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I cut my foot before, and my shoe is filling up with blood.
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I legit still use this as an excuse when I need a social escape hatch
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She, Ashley Judd, and Michelle Pfeiffer should join Big Little Lies season 2!
Also she's still close with Lisa Kudrow, Alan Cumming, and Jeanne Garafolo right? They need to do a reunion and also get Julia Campbell too.
Edited at 2018-01-04 04:45 am (UTC)
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She is such a sophisticated, educated, successful career woman. I love her and her father.
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Her dad is a Trump supporter so no thank you.
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And thats enough to make all the good feelings go away for me.
My mom has her faults but shes not a Trump supporter and that makes me so proud of her.
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http://www.nydailynews.com/amp/entertainment/gossip/confidential/goodfella-paul-sorvino-trump-fine-fellow-article-1.2857310
http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/04/17/paul-and-dee-dee-sorvino-on-hollywood-hate-trump-or-youre-out-their-club.amp.html
Edited at 2018-01-04 05:16 am (UTC) Google would have been your friend but here you go
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god dammit. This comment being the last one rn is such a huge record scratch in a cute post lol
Edit: as in its a shame, not that youre ruining the mood or anything!
Edited at 2018-01-04 05:14 am (UTC)
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Unsolved Mysteries was a show built on two things: re-enactments and interviews. The interview segments could either go really well...or incredibly poorly. As we know from the current political climate, public perception counts for a lot in belief of guilt or innocence.Some of the interviewees on Unsolved Mysteries came off very forthcoming and sympathetic, while others...yikes. Heres 6 people that came off as completely unreliable interviewees, leading watchers to believe in their guilt.In this ONTD original series, resident true crime junkiesandgo to the way-back machine for some of our favorite segments from the 1980s classic Unsolved Mysteries. (Note: all old episode numbers correspond with episodes on Amazon Prime.)Paul Pollis (old: 8x17, new: 1x18)Charlotte was ill with an acute ear infection on March 11, 1994. Her husband, Paul Pollis, took her to the hospital for treatment that evening while his parents cared for their two children at their residence in Girard, Ohio. Paul's family departed when the couple returned some time later and Charlotte called her mother. She has never been heard from again. Suspicion has focused almost unanimously on Paul. He supposedly went with his kids out running errands the day she vanished. They went to McDonalds, the laundromat, a scrap-yard, and the pharmacy.Charlottes mother called her the day she vanished and got no response. A neighbor claims that she saw their car backed up to the front porch and filled with bags. Her family went to the house to check on her, and Charlottes sister claims she saw footprints in the snow leading towards a shed in the yard. When they asked Paul about a key to the shed, he got pissed.The family stayed at the house. The next day, they saw Paul going all Joan Crawford on the house, cleaning and scrubbing it meticulously. Paul simply stated he likes to live in a clean house and left it at that. Paul agreed to take a polygraph test, he did not show up and disappeared, leaving a suspicious note which read, in part: "I love my wife and would never do anything to harm her intentionally" which totally set off my bullshit meter. He resurfaced three months later very Gone Girl-esque with an explanation, citing that he was going through a lot of mental anguish and that he was in no shape for a polygraph.Charlotte's family believes that the couple's daughter may have witnessed the crime. According to Charlotte's mother, the daughter started crying when she saw dark trash bags. When asked why she was crying, she allegedly stated that "mommy was put in a dark trash bag". Paul has been arrested numerous times since then, with various DUIs and felony drug possession. Charlotte has never been found.Chad Noe (and family) (old: 6x05, new: 4x10)Lets talk about this group of psychos. First, Chad marries Wendy, and while she is in the hospital, disabled from multiple sclerosis, he divorces her and takes her child away from her because, in his own words, he couldnt be expected to take care of his child AND his wife.I guess that whole in sickness and in health missed his comprehension when giving his vows. That dick move right there rubbed me the wrong way about Chad from the very beginning.Then, the family invites her, her daughter and her sister-in-law over, under the guise of actually getting to see her child, and then makes up this cock-and-bull story about how they just left them in a Walmart parking lot in BFE Oklahoma. Beverly was supposed to be driving them all the way back home, and Ida started the ride with them, but asked Beverly to take her home because Wendy was just gripin and bitchin and she didnt want to deal with it. Chad also had a habit of getting drunk and saying, oh yeah I killed her! and then backing off when he was sober. Because that is something totally normal that innocent people do.UPDATE: The bodies of Wendy, Cynthia and Lisa were found in 2013. A tip led them to a spot on a piece of property that just happened to belong to Beverlys brother. Hes been charged with accessory to murder, Beverlys been charged with murder and Ida is already dead. Sadly, I dont think Chad is being held at all responsible for this.The son apparently believes that his fathers family had nothing to do with the murders. Quite the brainwashing number they did on him.Mark Nichols (old: 1x08, new: 6x03)Most anyone who tells you Im not a violent person and yet we know their wife was seeking a divorce in a different town so she could hopefully not be discovered is lying.Christi and Mark Nichols married young at 19. Christi often displayed curious injuries and seemed scared of Mark, but wouldnt admit that he hit her. The night Christi disappeared (two days after she started speaking to a lawyer about divorcing Mark), the couple got a babysitter and went out. But at 12:30, the babysitter claims that only Mark returned home. He says that she came home and went to bed and was missing the next morning.This case has never been solved. Sadly, its probably one that cant be prosecuted without a body - until the police get together enough evidence that can conclusively prove that Christi is dead, they probably dont feel confident about a murder conviction, although they do consider Mark the prime suspect.Just listen to Marks voice when he speaks. No emotion, whatsoever. A lot is made out of people not acting right by the police, but Mark just comes off as cold. If you want public perception to think you havent murdered your wife and the mother of your children, a few tears shed goes a long way.Wayne Hecker (old: 7x16, new: 7x02)This case has it all: jealous boyfriend and a beautiful girl working a job at a topless bar. Wayne wasnt too thrilled with Taras job, but they moved in together shortly after getting together and she needed the job and needed the money.Occasionally, Tara spoke of possibly moving out of the apartment they shared. Taras parents lived across Texas (its 350 miles from Del Rio to Houston) so they werent omnipresent.The night Tara disappeared, she volunteered to leave work early, which was out of character for her because she usually wanted to stay as late as possible to earn as much as she could. A security guard escorted her to her vehicle and watched her drive away in her car. He said he did not see anything unusual or anyone follow her from the parking lot. At the same time, Wayne claims he was shooting pool in a bar. He tried to call her but claims he never made contact with her and she was not home when he says he arrived home at 5 a.m.He was the one who found her car abandoned on a Houston freeway later that morning. While he felt it was odd that her car flashers were not on and her mace was in the car, police were more concerned with the fact that Wayne was gone from the pool hall for an hour and 45 minutes during the evening. The police state that he is not eliminated as a suspect. Wayne says I dont owe an explanation to anyone but the Lord and the Lord has given me...Im waiting to hear something from him. I cant answer anybody because theres not an answer...that I have...only He has it. And until there is an answer, I dont think anyone will be satisfied. (Seriously, watch his response...this was as coherent that I could make it.)Tara also had an admirer that gave her notes that indicated she would marry him, but also indicated that she had backed out of marrying him. The police did not feel the notes they found were threatening towards her.Judy Groezinger (old: n/a, new: 3x11) (note: for reasons unknown, this case is not on Amazon Prime)After Mark Groezinger, a well-liked local to Lookout Mountain, Colorado, was found murdered in his car, police began to question his wife. There were bullets in a paper bag in the car, as well as shell casings surrounding the car. Police ruled out a robbery, as his wallet was found at the scene.You want to talk about dead behind the eyes? Judy Groezinger is another that either has no emotion or has the best resting bitch face ever seen. On the night of Marks murder, Mark wanted to play some pool after dinner. Judy claims she wasnt feeling well, so Mark took her to get a bottle of whiskey and dropped her off at their house with a friend.Judys timeline of events contradict what eyewitnesses state. She said Mark dropped her off at the house at 8, but a car driving the road where Marks car was found saw it there at that exact time.Judy also bought a gun very close to the murder. She claims Mark asked her to buy a gun, but her words are very stilted when telling the story. The pawn shop employee where she purchased the gun stated that she bought the gun while accompanied by a man, whom was described as a biker type. The same guy was seen with Judy the same night of the murder at the liquor store.Also, this friend that was Judys alibi stayed over the night of Marks murder. The day after Mark died, this friend moved in with Judy and a few years later, they bought a house. Judy claims theyre just friends and any time you have a good friend, people start rumoring.Stephen Marfeo (old: 6x09, new: 6x04)The husband does a number in this one, trying to lay the groundwork for his wife just up and leaving. Saying that she was suddenly weak and she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown? Then those weird typewritten letters, trying to discredit her and basically admitting that he strangled Doreen (and the fact that people are fairly sure he wrote those) is just another huge red flag for Stephen.But the biggest red flag is the update to this case, where Stephen claimed that being suspected in Doreens disappearance led him to kill another person, wound an innocent bystander and then commit suicide.
I HAVE ALL THE NINETIES NOSTALGIA FEELS AND IT IS GLORIOUS AND WONDERFUL AND IT'S A BANGER TOO OMG WHAT DID I DO TO DESERVE THIS IN MY LIFE
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Has Brunos entire career been reliant on nostalgia for another time? lol
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His first album wasn't so much.
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What's it matter? It's a bop!
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First bop of 2018 too! And only three days in!
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MTE
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lol ppl might not agree but yes - i would say as soon as he formed the hooligans
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I LOVE THIS OMG
so much fun!!! so much color! i feel so happy after watching this video
they snapped
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I so wanna go back to the TLC tip so hard with that video.
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right??? the 90's were awesome lol
haters were born in the 2000s etc
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I immediately watched What About Your Friends? after this.
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belcalis snatching onikas crown as we speak sis
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bardi needed a longer verse
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No she didn't...
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Yep, Bruno's part was too extended, CB could have broken it a little more.
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Issa decent bop. I'm also really glad with the 90s throwback vibes of everything lately. It makes me think of happier times like when the president of my country wasn't in a dick measuring contest with dictators. *sigh*
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Sis in the 90s the president was also a sexual abuser having an affair with a white house intern it wasnt the most sparkling time either lol
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Clinton was a sex predator but he also wasn't baiting North Korea into nuclear war so...
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It wasn't at all, but i also didn't wake up every single day with an overwhelming sense of dread.
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Bill was gross af, but at least he wasn't trying to start a nuclear war. The 90s though problematic at times it wasn't filled with the dread of hearing the news everyday to see what our fuckwit of president or the republican party is trying to do to ruin our lives/world. Compared to now the 90s were a happier, simpler time and less depressing.
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mte. bill clinton's legacy is terrible.
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I know that's bad but like I'd still have Clinton over 45.
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The nineties, when the economy was booming and our president wasn't Satan incarnate...those were the days...
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I can tell the people coming for you were born in the 90's. Clinton has a long list of things you can drag him for but if they think he wasn't a breath of fresh air after 12 years of Reagan + Bush sr basically destroying the country, there as fucking batshit as Trump stans.
Edited at 2018-01-04 11:58 am (UTC)
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Mass incarceration in the 90s sis
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ThE 90S SITCOM OPENING
THE LIVING COLOR STAGE
Caught my life! Always here for 90s nostalgia
WAIT, IM SHOOKThE 90S SITCOM OPENINGTHE LIVING COLOR STAGECaught my life! Always here for 90s nostalgia
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Omg nnnn
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lmao
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oh
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yaaaaaaaaaaaaaas omg in living color REALNESS. I miss the 90's because I was young and didn't have to pay my own bills.
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I'm so glad I grew up in the nineties tbh.
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I keep telling the youths about when home computers first became a viable option for everyone and one of them had no idea what dial-up was and i caught a sitch in my chest.
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Im happy to be a 90's baby. I miss not having to pay bills.
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Love this
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Omg I didn't even know he was gonna make this a single; it was my instant favorite when the album dropped (over a year ago?!). I love new jack swing so the 90s-ness is v. appropriate.
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i loooove it. the video is so vibrant and colorful and the song was already a bop on its own but cardi is a welcome addition. her verse is great and i love that she's got the "we got it goin on" bridge.
also i love that they didn't just skype her in for the video like so many remixes/collabs nowadays.
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I can't stand Bodak Yellow but I actually like Cardi B here. I still can't believe Bruno didn't release Chunky though, what a waste of a great song.
Also lol is that Andy's friend from Step Up 2?
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Chunky is such a jam, it would totally slay on the charts.
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yeahhh she's been a dancer for a while..which I think is why they chose her for step up. This is the most recent work I've seen her in since that era though
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Yes, it's her. Danielle Polanco is a choreographer/dancer.
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ugh chunky is gold. imma hold out hope
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this made me soo happy..I LOVED in living color. The remix is really good and also the whole video made up of minorities..god bless
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CARDI LOOKS SO GOODDDDDD. Loved this video, the vibrant colors and theme made me smile
Edited at 2018-01-04 05:28 am (UTC)
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I love it.
And Cardi features are always fire tbh.
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hes so fucking gross and i hope this year gets his ass HARD.
and i dont think the stuff about nati and janet margolin was fantasy tbh (tho in their case i really hope it is even tho its still sick)
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Wow, the universe works in interesting ways.
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ofc he doesn't talk about dylan, but at least he talked about what a creep allen is. too bad it won't stop people from working with/praising him i'm looking at you kate winslet.
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I honestly don't mind that he didn't bring up Dylan, his op-ed is specifically targeted at all the people who defend him because ~he's a genius, his art is so good.
It's a really good take down pointing out that his films are repetitive as hell and are mostly focused on getting him around the teenage girls he's obsessed with.
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yeah that's a good point, people have waved away what he did with Dylan by trying to bring the conversation back to his ~art (vom) and this guys is saying wait no his art sux & the things wrong with his movies are what is wrong with him in real life.
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mte about his films
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Winslet would sell herself to the devil and call it art if it meant another oscar win.
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i never know what to do when people praise his work, saying they love going to his movies, and when i bring some of the many issues up, are like oh i separate art from the artist. obviously they know i do not, and they are [in law] family, so....i just keep quiet at this point. sigh.
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Jeesica has her good twitter moments
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I feel like she's using the wrong emoji though lol. I've always seen that as a playful stick out your tongue emoji, not a face of disgust.
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Well duh. If you've seen one Woody film, you've seen every Woody film and he ain't subtle.
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i've ony seen what's up, tigerlily and husbands and wives. in husbands and wives, juliette lewis the the ultra mature college student who's into woody allen. i think her character was 19?
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lol yeah. I have no idea why people continue to go for him. The main character is always some version of him with some woman/girl way young
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only to men who agree w/ his ~vision
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[ Spoiler (click to open) ] Allens work is flatly boorish. Running through all of the boxes is an insistent, vivid obsession with young women and girls: Theres the wealthy, educated, respected male character in one short story (By Destiny Denied: Incident at Entwhistles) who lives with a 21-year-old Indian woman.
First, Allens revisions reduce her to 18, then double down, literally, and turn her into two 18-year-olds. Theres the 16-year-old in an unmade television pitch described as a flashy sexy blonde in a flaming red low cut evening gown with a long slit up the side. Theres the 17-year-old girl in another short story, Consider Kaplan, whose 53-year-old neighbor falls in love with her as the two share a silent, one-floor-long elevator ride in their Park Avenue co-op. Theres the female college student in Rainy Day who should not be 20 or 21, sounds more like 18 or even 17 but 18 seems better. That script includes a male college student but gives no description of his age.
Another of Allens male characters, in a draft of a 1977 New Yorker story called The Kugelmass Episode, is a 45-year-old fascinated by coeds at City College of New York. In the margin next to this characters dialogue, Allen wrote, then crossed out, cest moi its me.
Edited at 2018-01-04 08:06 pm (UTC)
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Another of Allens male characters, in a draft of a 1977 New Yorker story called The Kugelmass Episode, is a 45-year-old fascinated by coeds at City College of New York. In the margin next to this characters dialogue, Allen wrote, then crossed out, cest moi its me.
Yeah, I think it might be.
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the fact that it's in French pisses me off even further
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kill him omfg
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Wow, so disgusting.
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2018 really needs to come thru and finish him off...
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I hate this fuck so much
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lol, it's fucking amazing how arrogant and untouchable these men feel (and in many cases, are). Who DONATES that shit to a library to be READ? They seriously have no shame, it's amazing.
Meanwhile I'd never run for office in case someone finds my lj username and sees comments I've made on ontd about poop.
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lmaoo
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lol i think this all the time
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lmao me too
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LOL
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can't wait until he dies. until then people need to stop fucking working w/ him. and those who have worked with him need to apologize and condemn him, esp the people doing award season press (Greta Gerwig, Timothee Chalamet, Sally Hawkins etc)
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He needs a downfall before he dies.
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Seriously. I know it'll never happen but PLEASE let him crash before he dies. Otherwise we will have to endure the endless praises and glorified eulogies when he finally dies....
Edited at 2018-01-05 06:58 pm (UTC)
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When I was young I totally ate that shit up and I was definitely affected by it. For a while one of my favorite movies was Buffalo 66 (in which middle aged Vincent Gallo literally kidnaps a teenage girl and, of course, she falls in love with him). Romanticized abuse is SO pervasive. I really hope that this feminist movement ends it.
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romanticized abuse and Born Sexy Yesterday have such a godawful affect on how young women see themselves and how they idealize relationships.
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It is extremely normalized and I feel like it's only recently that people are acknowledging that.
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It's romanticized in music as well. So many current songs on the radio are about relationships that are unhealthy as fuck.
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I'm late but pop punk is full of fucking shitty dudes talking shit on the girl that broke their heart and how they're gonna get back at her.
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buffalo 66 is the favorite movie of the 10 years older dude who played me for over 2 years at the time i tried to brush it off but now i see what a red flag it was
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My best friend e-mailed Vincent Gallo when she was 16 (and she said so in the email) and he wrote back trying to meet up w/ her. She did not respond. This was like 13 years ago but still!
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it's terrifying how pervasive it is in our culture
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the plot of his next movie:
Were told that a plotline in the untitled Allen flick, which is currently filming in New York, centers around a middle-aged man who is sleeping with a much younger woman, among other actresses, and, according to the script, makes a fool of himself over every ambitious starlet and model.
In scenes just filmed, a character played by Rebecca Hall accuses 44-year-old actor Jude Laws character of having sex with a 15-year-old concubine. In the scene, the so-called concubine played by Elle Fanning (19 in real life) acknowledges her relationship with Laws much-older character, but then protests that she is 21 years old. After a discussion about his infidelity, Fannings character then asks Law, Were all these women for pleasure, or were you researching a project?
the cast:
Timothee Chalamet
Selena Gomez
Elle Fanning
Jude Law
Diego Luna
Liev Schreiber
Annaleigh Ashford
Rebecca Hall
Cherry Jones
Will Rogers
Kelly Rohrbach
Suki Waterhouse
Griffin Newman
Ben Warheit
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lol this movie is going to be trashed even harder than wonder wheel. /ilovethissong.gif
timmy needs to condemn this and QUICK.
Edited at 2018-01-04 08:12 pm (UTC)
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No he doesn't, I enjoy disliking him.
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like he will. ontd has a new white fave to expect too much of
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he won't lol
i think he's a great actor but errrr how do i put this kindly
he doesn't seem
okay basically he needs to reflect on his privilege
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You keep waiting for that.
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This sounds like a companion piece to that I Love You Daddy film
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I cant wait for his death party post.
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It also can't be repeated enough - Jude Law's costume/styling for this film is straight out of 70s/80s Woody Allen's closet - his fucking hair even looks the same and we all know Jude Law has been struggling with covering that hairline for decades now.
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it's always the same plot. disgusting.
also @ the cast: diego, rebecca and elle how could u betray me like this?
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jesus fucking christ
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No shit
Ugghhh I can't wait for him to die
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i find his movies so overrated
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god I hate him
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what a babe what a babe
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daddy
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he's MY man bish
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underrated, scary af, tears souls etc.
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i bet he's never invited to parties because he pops all the balloons
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These movies are gross and disturb the hell out of me but I LOVE Pinhead as a villain/horror movie figurehead. Him and Michael Myers are my favs.
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the gothest thing to say ever. <3
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the "i" not being capitalized here is killing me softly
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I want to watch the nightmare, but I really dont at the same time.
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lol i'm the same way. i havent had a sleep paralysis episode in a while but it used to happen to me quite frequently and idk about watching a movie about it.
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Yeah, it was kinda horrifying cuz I can't imagine dealing with that shit everyday.
I NEED MY SLEEP! i don't need some fucking demon screaming into my face. I NEED SLEEP!
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It Follows remains my favorite.
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I love it! One of my favorites too.
I may watch it again actually... not sure. I want to put on a movie, was thinking about watching a winter-themed horror movie to get the most out of this winter storm we're having lol. but It Follows would be fun to watch again.
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Fun fact: It Follows goes through several different seasons throughout the film even though it only takes place over the course of a few weeks. For example at the beginning of the movie the main character is swimming in the pool then a couple scenes later is seen wearing a winter coat. The grass and leaves go from summer/spring to clearly autumn in ONE SHOT. It's nuts. That's why I love that film so much. There's so many little things that make you unsettled without realizing it, and the film kind of exists in this bizarre time warp (kinda like Riverdale tbh).
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If you want winter themed I highly recommend Krampus it is OOC and amazingly bad but I love it anyway. Plus TONI COLETTE. You will spend the whole movie going "really girl, really? You signed up for this?"
Edited at 2018-01-04 09:12 pm (UTC)
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I was irritated with people saying it was overrated. It was fresh and interesting so I was on board.
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Ngl, I didn't like it as much as I'd hoped. Great premise, but I found it kind of boring. The Witch is probably my favorite horror movie of the past 5+++ years.
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I liked it, but I didn't understand the pool scene. I don't know what their plan was. Throw electronics at the monster? It didn't make sense to me.
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I SCREAMED
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I loved it bc it didn't rely on normal scurry tropes to be scurry. Like a couple times I was like "girl he's behind you! GIRL!" and he wasn't and I was like oh you fine, boo nevermind. And it was nice. I didn't find it scary at all and I wish more horror movies would do that. Not go down the same loud noise scary face bullshit. It's so typical and boring.
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Yes, it's SO GOOD. I always forget until the next time I watch it and then I'm blown away all over again.
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It didn't work for me, apart from this scene which made me squawk (also, I'm still waiting for them to make a clamshell e-reader.)
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The best horror on Netflix is The Thing lbr
of the lowkey stuff I enjoyed Honeymoon and The Invitation well enough
Dreamcatcher is the worst horror film on Netflix, maybe the worst film on netflix regardless of genre
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Ia with this entire comment
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Fuuuuck, I didn't know The Thing was on Netflix!
That's my fave horror movie of all time~
EDIT: Wait a sec, I don't see it. Maybe it's only on Netflix in certain countries.
Edited at 2018-01-04 09:51 pm (UTC)
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*checks unogs*
me, india and brazil stay blessed
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You mean you don't like a horror movie where they shit out a monster?
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I really liked Honeymoon and The Invitation.
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The Thing is iconique I love it so much. Not just great horror but a great fucking film.
The other two from that "trilogy" are also fun in their own ways but The Thing is leagues better (tho ItMoM still has a place in my heart)
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Lol vhs viral? Really?
I did not care for the nightmare and turned it off.
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Same, it was dreadful.
I did finish Slasher season 2 on Netflix I think and it was pretty fun. It was probably way longer than it needed to be but I enjoyed that it was basically Until Dawn in film version.
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I really liked The Canal and Last Shift.
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Last Shift was fun and creepy AF.
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The Canal did NOT fuck around. That shit's horror and it was determined to HORRIFY your ass.
However, I theorize it may be more effective for Catholics or anyone who grew up in a Catholic family.
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That's an interesting theory. I was raised catholic and The Canal really scared me. Last Shift, too. The Canal was on another level though. That ending with the kid...
Can you tell me more about this theory?
Edited at 2018-01-04 10:04 pm (UTC)
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Both of those are excellent, I remember being scared while watching them.
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Train to Busan is so good.
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I watched It Comes at Night last night and was blown away
And I knew it was bleak going into it, but DAMN was it just hopeless and dark in tone
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i saw that in nov and was shocked at all the bad reviews it got...like of course it had its issues, what movie doesn't? but the good outweighed the bad imo
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Critic reviews were great tho. Audience reviews were bad but that always happens with slow burn horror, esp ones that arent marketed as such
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[ Spoiler (click to open) ] expected a monster, rather than the "it" in the title referring to fear and distrust. But a post-apocalyptic plague movie is plenty scary enough for me, personally. I'm almost sure people were disappointed because they
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I need to watch that!
I'm glad you liked it. I trust your taste lol
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i loved it omfg. watching that shit on a silent as fuck 3am night was scary af and usually horror doesn't get to me anymore!
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Me too! I shut off all the lights in the house and got scared out of my mind lmao. my bf never watches horror movies with me so i always watch them alone and it heightens the experience~
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yeah, i liked that one too.
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so glad i didn't watch it alone, omg
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That movie's great. Plus the lead, in addition to being a good actress, is completely gorgeous.
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ohh i'll have to watch that!
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Thanks for the tip! Now I know what to watch!
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Just finished it....so scary!
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Imma watch it rn even though it's 11:20 pm and I'm alone. Well, roommate is upstairs. But still.
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Ohh i forgot about Creep 2. I think I'll watch that lol. Loved the first one!
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i liked the first one too but i couldn't even finish the second.
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I'd forgotten about it too, now I know what I will be watching tonight
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Creep 2 is great! But I feel like the shaky cam is 10x worse than the original. It took me two days to watch it. And the ending is predictable, but it's still worth a try.
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omg, i'll never be able to finish the babadook because of that kid. i don't even hate kids. i like them! this one, tho...i would've cracked like a nut if i were his mother, just like his mother.
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How is the Vault?
I know I just wrote in another comment that I wanted to watch a winter themed movie but id maybe I'l put this on?
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thanks! i think I'll put on Creep 2 instead
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Train to Busan made me fucking sob
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It was so good, but I don't think I can ever watch it again.
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yas @ your taste
this is why we're friends lol
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would you rather was such a nice surprise of a decent film. STAB HA IN THE LEG. KILL HAAAAAAA
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silent hill is one of my favorite horror movies of all time. i'll never not be salty @ them ruining the potential franchise with that sequel.
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Tucker & Dale is perfect!
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I fucking love Tucker and Dale vs Evil! I fucking love Tucker and Dale vs Evil!
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ocululas was ass tho...js. interesting concept but poor execution
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Housebound is the perfect horror-comedy, because it is genuinely both scary and funny. That's so rare. Usually it lists strongly to one side or another (like Tucker and Dale, which I love, don't get me wrong, but it's basically a straight-up parody).
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I love Oculus, although it made me feel old af to see the Empire Records dude playing the dad.
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hush is overrated but enjoyable for when ur bored af. gets lame after he takes off the mask tho.. like he just looks like some pathetic guy lmfao
the scene where she's skyping with her friend and the guy is in the background scares me tho and sometimes when i'm alone in a big house and skyping from the living room i remember it and i'm like TELL ME if you see anyone in the back sis
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that scene is so freaky! also kind of related. i work for a live theatre and tldr some really creepy dude managed to get into the building. when my manager was looking at security cam footage of all of it, she realized he had gone into her office while she was in there and she didn't realize. he had been in there for a few minutes and it still has me freaked out. like wtf?! i'm so glad nothing happened to her.
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Why would you share this tale
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Did anyone see "The Void" on Netflix? I was so confused. Scared, but confused...
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yes i dozed off during the last 20 minutes lol so i had to re-watch the end and it made just as much sense as it did when i was falling asleep
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sounds about right, yep. lol
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i fell asleep to it
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I hated it lol
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NC Fire Marshal's Office Creates Investigative Unit
The new Fire Investigations Unit will respond on request or assist agencies in investigating all fire deaths, any death in a multi-family dwelling from carbon monoxide poisoning, fire loss in all state properties, and fire losses larger than $500,000.
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, who is also the State Fire Marshal, announced Jan. 2 that the department has created a Fire Investigations Unit to assist the state's fire service and law enforcement agencies. "A fire death or large industrial fire could task local resources," he said. "This unit is designed to provide additional resources to agencies, which will strengthen their ability to examine the source of fires and protect our state's residents and property."
The N.C. General Assembly appropriated funding last year for two fire investigator positions to launch the unit.
Its personnel will respond on request or assist agencies in investigating all fire deaths, any death in a multi-family dwelling from carbon monoxide poisoning, fire loss in all state properties, and fire losses larger than $500,000.
"We cannot have an effective fire prevention and education program throughout the state without being at the front end of fire investigation," said Chief State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. "It is our duty to report to the legislature the nature of fire problems that exist in our state. This unit will be able to supply the needed data to update the state's Risk Reduction Program."
The new unit is divided into two regions: Retired Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Agent Bill Marshall will head the eastern region and Catawba County Deputy Fire Marshal Jason Boggs will be assigned to the Western region. Others contributing to the unit will include two DOI Criminal Investigators to assist with law enforcement functions; the General Assembly also approved having an Arson and Homicide Special Prosecutor to assist local district attorneys to prosecute difficult cases.
With global warming an ever-present worry, renewable energy particularly solar poweris a burgeoning field. Now, two doctoral students in the School of Architecture & Design (Arc/D) have demonstrated methods of optimizing the capture of sunlight in experiments at the Center for Design Research.
Green-roof boost
Mohammed Alshayeb started by asking himself what might be done to boost the performance of solar panels.
"The efficiency of a photovoltaic panel is measured under standard testing conditions at 77 degrees Fahrenheit," he said. "Every degree that the temperature increases decreases performance."
Alshayeb wondered if there was a way to "extract the heat out of the panels" when the temperature rises above 77. Because most solar panels are installed on building roofs, Alshayeb decided to compare the effects of three types of roof materials highly reflective (i.e., white), conventional (black) and vegetated (green) on the panels' performance.
The CDR roof is mostly covered with sedum, planted in trays. So Alshayeb established his test bed there, installing a solar panel monitoring system over the green roof, as well as nearby white and black portions. He also installed temperature, humidity and light sensors and a weather station to record conditions like wind speed. The sensors made recordings every five minutes for a year, and Alshayeb then analyzed the data.
What he found was that, contrary to industry practice, which favors white roofs over black, white roofs actually slightly decreased the efficiency of the solar panels due to the heat they reflected up toward the panels. However, compared to the vegetated roof, the high-reflective and conventional roof materials were not significantly different from one another. Panels installed over the green roof performed best, generating an average of 1.4 percent more energy as compared with those over the white and black roofs.
"There is a lot of research in this area, but nothing as comprehensive as he has done," said Alshayeb's faculty adviser, Associate Professor of Architecture Jae Chang. "The next step is to see the effect of increasing the height of the panel over the roof."
Bending light
Another of Chang's students, Afnan Barri, wanted to see whether she could improve the performance of light shelves. A traditional light shelf is a fixed, horizontally mounted plane that can be placed either outside, inside or on both sides of a window in order to reflect and redirect sunlight inside a building. Light shelves can thus reduce the use of artificial lighting and electricity.
Traditional, fixed light shelf systems have limited effectiveness, as they are only capable of functioning while the angle of the earth to the sun is just right. Previous experiments have shown that movable light shelves and ones with curved surfaces can diffuse sunlight with greater efficiency than traditional fixed, flat systems. This is where Barri's idea of a Dynamic Thermal-Adaptive Curved Lightshelf (DTACL) came about. She thought: "What if there were a system that could combine all these methods to enhance the delivery of natural light into buildings throughout the day without the use of mechanical and electrical controls, and unlike existing movable systems?"
Her project includes computer simulations and a field experiment to collect a year's worth of data on the performance of the DTACL system through different weather conditions on the KU campus. She created and placed on the lawn of the CDR four experimental rooms the size of refrigerators fitted with sensors and light shelves. Three of the rooms have fixed light shelves in various configurations, while one, the DTACL, uses an adaptive, composite material called Thermadapt, invented by Ronald P. Barrett and commercialized by a company he runs with his son, KU Professor of Engineering Ron Barrett-Gonzalez. Thermadapt changes shape in response to heat and sunlight, curving upward. When it cools, it flattens back out.
Barri theorized that the DTACL system would transfer light inside a building more efficiently than the fixed systems, and her initial results have proven that to be the case.
"I am still in the process on collecting, comparing and analyzing these data," she said. "However, based on a two-month pilot study and computer simulations, the indoor light intensity of the DTCAL system is twice as great as the intensity of a fixed, traditional light shelf.
"I'd like to take it overseas and perform an experiment like this in more extreme temperatures," said the native of Saudi Arabia.
Explore further Nanoparticles give solar panels a green color
More than a million people in tropical countries contract the parasite Leishmania every year through the bites of infected sand flies. Most people develop disfiguring but not life-threatening skin lesions at the sites of the bites. But if the parasite spreads to the internal organs, it causes a disease known as visceral leishmaniasis, which kills about 30,000 people every year.
Stephen Beverley, the Marvin A. Brennecke Professor and head of the Department of Molecular Microbiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is a world expert on the deadly parasite. He was studying Leishmania's basic biology when he serendipitously rejuvenated the field of parasite virology. Along with longtime collaborator Nicolas Fasel of the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, and other colleagues, Beverley discovered that Leishmania parasites infected with a virus dubbed Leishmaniavirus cause significantly worse disease than those without a virus. Other researchers later showed that viruses in related parasites such as Trichomonas, which causes vaginal infections, and potentially Cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhea, also may exacerbate disease.
Beverley talked about the nascent field of parasite virology and his newest paper, an evolutionary study that suggests that Leishmania's viruses may have helped the parasite infect vertebrates. The paper was published the week of Dec. 25 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
What are parasite viruses?
It's long been known that parasites, like every other creature, have their share of viruses. But for a long time, nobody was interested in them. Very few were infectious, they had never been associated with any diseases, and they were more or less dismissed as curiosities. But six or seven years ago, in the process of gathering evidence to answer a different question, wealong with Fasel's labuncovered some really nice evidence that showed that Leishmaniavirushas a role in disease. If a Leishmania parasite is carrying this virus, there's more severe disease, higher numbers of parasites, and the infection is more likely to metastasize. This is not what we were aiming to study, but you follow where the data goes. The data took us here, and off we went.
How do parasite viruses worsen parasitic diseases?
It's important to remember that people are not infected with both a parasite and a virus. Rather, people are infected with a parasite that has a virus hidden inside it. What we think happens is that immune cells kill some invading parasites, releasing the virus. The body then generates an immune response to fight off the virus. But when you're infected with a parasite, this is the wrong kind of immune response. It doesn't kill the parasite; it seems to help the parasite make the disease worse.
Could you reduce parasitic disease by getting rid of the virus?
We think so, and we're trying to do that in two ways. One, we know that drug treatment is more likely to fail in people infected with Leishmania that is carrying a virus. Since the virus increases parasite numbers, we think that such a scenario would call for a higher dose to kill them all. So we are talking with workers in countries where the parasite is endemic to develop a screening program to identify people infected with Leishmania parasites that are carrying Leishmaniavirus. They could then be treated with a higher dose of medicine. The other thing we're trying to do is cure the parasite of the virus. We've found some antiviral compounds that work great in a culture dish, and we're evaluating whether they can get rid of virus that is inside parasites that are inside animalsand, potentially, that are inside people.
What did you learn from surveying the evolutionary history of parasite viruses?
Leishmania is descended from parasites that infect insects, and only late in evolution did it learn how to infect vertebrates and then humans, and become a problem for us. This study started as a survey of a family of insect parasites related to Leishmania, which we performed in collaboration with a team led by Vyacheslav Yurchenko in the Czech Republic. But then we questioned whether these insect parasites could carry viruses. A lot of researchers are doing amazing work in viral discovery, but very few have hunted around in these oddball parasites. When we did, we found many new viruses, several of which were quite unique. But just as interesting is what we didn't find specifically, relatives of Leishmaniavirus in more ancestral lineages. This suggests that Leishmania acquired Leishmaniavirus about the same time it learned to parasitize vertebrates.
We were excited to find that one viral group common in the insect parasites included viruses distantly related to bunyaviruses, which are often animal pathogens. We named the new parasite virus that invaded the insect parasites "Leishbunyavirus," or LBVs. While the LBVs that infected parasites within insects were quite similar to other bunyaviruses, in ongoing work we have found that the LBVs in Leishmania have undergone big changes that seem again to be related to increased virulence, via a mechanism completely different than in the original Leishmaniavirus.
So we have two lines of evidence that suggest something happened with the viruses at the same time that the parasite made the jump from insects to vertebrates. It's very difficult to prove a role for viruses in disease by studying evolution, but the two viral "jumps" we have discovered provide a great corroboration of our experimental work, which shows that these viruses contributed to increased Leishmania parasite survival and disease pathology in vertebrates. Maybe without these viruses acting deep in evolution, these diseases would have become far less severe and terrible than they are now.
Explore further Treatment failure in parasite infection tied to virus
Credit: University of Helsinki
Environmental challenges, climate change, water and food security and urban air pollution are all interlinked, yet each is studied separately. This is not a sustainable situation, for anybody anymore. To tackle this, professor Markku Kulmala calls for a continuous, comprehensive monitoring of interactions between the planet's surface and atmosphere in his article "Build a global Earth observatory," published in Nature, January 4, 2018.
In his article, he refers to his long experience of collecting environmental data. He has built a station called SMEAR II (Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relationships, www.atm.helsinki.fi/SMEAR/), in the boreal forests of Finland showing how a rounded set of environmental measurements can be obtained.
The report calls for a global Earth observatory consisting of 1,000 or more well-equipped ground stations around the world that track environments and key ecosystems fully and continuously. Data from these stations would be linked to data from satellite-based remote sensing, laboratory experiments and computer models accordingly.
"Incomplete coverage from ground stations is the main limit to observations of Earth's conditions. Satellites can continuously monitor compounds such as CO2, ozone and aerosols, almost planet-wide. But they cannot resolve processes or fluxes, or trace the hundreds more compounds of interest. Satellite data must be 'ground-truthed'," professor Kulmala says.
This global observatory of 1,000 super-stations needs to be established soon, within 10 to 15 years. "The costs would be around 10 million (US$11.8 million) to 20 million per station, which can be compared to the building costs of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, or that of US President Donald Trump's proposed Mexican wall."
Nevertheless, a shift in how environmental data are collected and disseminated is needed, he says. "There is a scientific interest, as well, in this data," professor Markku Kulmala says, "the researchers could find new mechanisms and feedback loops in this coherent data set."
Explore further The Caribbean is stressed out
More information: Markku Kulmala. Build a global Earth observatory, Nature (2018). Journal information: Nature Markku Kulmala. Build a global Earth observatory,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/d41586-017-08967-y
A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego has developed macrophage "nanosponges" that can safely absorb and remove molecules from the bloodstream that are known to trigger sepsis. These macrophage nanosponges, which are nanoparticles cloaked in the cell membranes of macrophages, have so far improved survival rates in mice with sepsis.
This work is one example of the cell membrane cloaking technology pioneered by the lab of Liangfang Zhang, a professor of nanoengineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. His group develops new nanomedicine therapies by disguising nanoparticles as the body's own cells. Previous examples include red blood cell nanosponges to combat and prevent MRSA infections; nanoparticles cloaked in platelet cell membranes to repair wounded blood vessels; and nanofibers cloaked in beta cell membranes that could be used to help diabetes patients produce more insulin.
In the current study, Zhang's lab developed macrophage nanosponges that offer a promising solution for effectively treating and managing sepsis. Zhang's lab collaborated with Victor Nizet, a professor of pediatrics and pharmacy at UC San Diego, whose team helped test the macrophage nanosponges in vivo.
Sepsis occurs when the body launches an uncontrolled immune response to an infection, triggering widespread inflammation that can lead to organ failure, septic shock and even death. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 1.5 million Americans get sepsis and about 250,000 die from this condition each year.
Sepsis is usually treated with antibiotics. But while antibiotics can potentially eliminate sepsis-causing bacteria, they can't keep inflammation in check.
Some sepsis-causing bacteria secrete toxic molecules called endotoxins. Macrophageswhite blood cells that play a major role in inflammationrecognize endotoxins as dangerous. In response, macrophages produce inflammation-causing proteins called pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn activate other macrophages to produce more cytokines, setting off a dangerous domino effect of inflammation throughout the body.
"To effectively manage sepsis, you need to manage this cytokine storm," said Zhang.
In a paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Zhang and a team of researchers at UC San Diego showed that macrophage nanosponges can safely neutralize both endotoxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the bloodstream.
A wide range of endotoxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines naturally bind to macrophage cell membranes, so these nanosponges serve as universal traps for a broad spectrum of sepsis-causing molecules, Zhang explained. "They can work across different bacterial genus, species and strains," he said. And since they are covered in actual macrophage cell membranes, they can pass as the body's own immune cells and circulate the bloodstream without being evicted.
Researchers used macrophage cells from mice to make the nanosponges. They soaked the cells in a solution that made the cells burst, leaving the membranes behind. The membranes were collected using a centrifuge, then mixed with ball-shaped nanoparticles made of biodegradable polymer. The mixing step spontaneously coated the nanoparticles in macrophage cell membranes.
The team administered the macrophage nanosponges to a group of mice infected with a lethal dose of E. coli. The treatment kept four out of 10 mice in this group alive, while all mice in the untreated group died. One dose of the macrophage nanosponges significantly reduced the levels of endotoxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the treated mice. This prevented systemic inflammation and also reduced the bacterial count in the blood and spleen of these mice.
Zhang is working with biopharmaceutical companies to translate the macrophage nanosponges into clinical use. Next steps include manufacturing the nanosponges in large scales and conducting large animal trials.
Explore further Nanosponges lessen severity of streptococcal infections
More information: Soracha Thamphiwatana et al. Macrophage-like nanoparticles concurrently absorbing endotoxins and proinflammatory cytokines for sepsis management, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Soracha Thamphiwatana et al. Macrophage-like nanoparticles concurrently absorbing endotoxins and proinflammatory cytokines for sepsis management,(2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1714267114
Credit: CC0 Public Domain
A team of researchers with the University of Chicago, University College Dublin and Cambridge University studying a 385-million-year-old shark fossil has found evidence that suggests humans and sharks shared a common ancestor approximately 440 million years ago.
The researchers were studying a shark specimen found in Germany back in 2001. At the time, it was believed the shark was toothless, and for that reason, scientists gave it the name Gladbachus adentatus. In this new effort, the researchers conducted a much more thorough study of the remains, and in so doing, discovered that it represented a transitional species between acanthodians and chondrichthyes. This bit of evidence offered a better picture of a time period for which there are few fossil records. It suggests a new estimate for the time during which humans and sharks shared a common ancestorapproximately 440 million years ago.
The specimen is the only one of its kind ever foundthat of a shark that lived approximately 385 million years ago, during a time period known as the Devonian, which lasted from 416 million to 358 million years ago. The remains consisted of three sections, all compressed flat in resin. The resin casing preserved much of the endoskeleton, which allowed the team to collect tissue samples. Also preserved were teeth, a cranium, cartilage and gill details. The team studied all of the parts using CT scans, which gave them a more complete picture of what the creature once looked like. The researchers note that the body of the specimen looked like a sheet of scales, and that the bones in its head were very coarse.
The researchers also note that even as study of the specimen has clarified some of the evolutionary history of sharks, it has also complicated understanding of their lineagethey found evidence suggesting that shark evolution has many branches, several of which appear to have converged, leading to characteristics found in modern sharks such as a long throat and multiple gill slits. Their study also confirmed that G. adentatus actually had an abundance of teeth, both small and large.
Explore further Fossil ancestor shows sharks have a bony past
More information: Michael I. Coates et al. An early chondrichthyan and the evolutionary assembly of a shark body plan, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2018). Michael I. Coates et al. An early chondrichthyan and the evolutionary assembly of a shark body plan,(2018). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2418 Abstract
Although relationships among the major groups of living gnathostomes are well established, the relatedness of early jawed vertebrates to modern clades is intensely debated. Here, we provide a new description of Gladbachus, a Middle Devonian (Givetian approx. 385-million-year-old) stem chondrichthyan from Germany, and one of the very few early chondrichthyans in which substantial portions of the endoskeleton are preserved. Tomographic and histological techniques reveal new details of the gill skeleton, hyoid arch and jaws, neurocranium, cartilage, scales and teeth. Despite many features resembling placoderm or osteichthyan conditions, phylogenetic analysis confirms Gladbachus as a stem chondrichthyan and corroborates hypotheses that all acanthodians are stem chondrichthyans. The unfamiliar character combination displayed by Gladbachus, alongside conditions observed in acanthodians, implies that pre-Devonian stem chondrichthyans are severely under-sampled and strongly supports indications from isolated scales that the gnathostome crown group originated at the latest by the early Silurian (approx. 440 Ma). Moreover, phylogenetic results highlight the likely convergent evolution of conventional chondrichthyan conditions among earliest members of this primary gnathostome division, while skeletal morphology points towards the likely suspension feeding habits of Gladbachus, suggesting a functional origin of the gill slit condition characteristic of the vast majority of living and fossil chondrichthyans. Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B
2018 Phys.org
Two researchers from the University of Hong Kong suggest that toymakers and parents avoid gender-labelling toys, remove colour divides, and manufacture toys for both boys and girls in a wide range of colours. Sui Ping Yeung and Wang Ivy Wong's study is published in Springer's journal Sex Roles, and shows how easily preschoolers' ideas about what is appropriate for their gender is manipulated. Their study is also the first to show that a boy's preference for blue and a girl's liking of pink is not just a Western construct, but is also a phenomenon in urban Asian societies.
The researchers recruited 129 preschool Chinese children aged between five and seven from two kindergartens in Hong Kong. First the researchers assessed the children's preference for pink versus blue by showing them cards and toys in these colours. Then the children were presented with yellow and green cards and toys. They were randomly divided into so-called label and no-label groups.
Children in the no-label group were presented with coloured cards and toys which had no reference to a specific gender and these children consequently expressed no preference for a specific colour. However, preschoolers in the label group were told that yellow was a girl's colour and green a boys' colour, and corresponding gender differences emerged in the choices they made.
Apart from randomly assigning children to these two groups, the children's pre-existing preferences for yellow and green were statistically controlled, so the resulting difference between the groups speaks strongly to a causal effect of the gender labels.
According to the researchers, the gender differences between preferred colours in children is noteworthy because it is so much more prominent than most other psychological differences between the sexes.
"Our findings support the notion that gender-typed liking for pink versus blue is a particularly salient gender difference," explains Yeung. "Moreover, our findings reveal that gender differences could be created merely by applying gender labels."
"By applying gender labels, not only concrete materials such as toys could become gender-typed, but also abstract qualities such as colours, with children increasing or decreasing their likings for particular colours based on the gender labels available in their social environment," Wong says.
The findings support previous research that highlighted the strong influence that gender labels such as "for boys" or "for girls" might have. Further, the observations are in line with gender schema theory that says that once children have learnt a specific gender identity, their behaviour will be guided by the standards set as being appropriate for their specific sex. These will guide them later in life on how they interact and adapt to their surroundings, for instance, when taking on chores around the house, such as cooking, cleaning or repairing things.
Wong also commented on the cultural angle of this study: "Many gender differences and stereotypes in developed Asian regions resemble those in the West, which is not surprising given the high degree of Westernization and the prevalence of gender colour-coding typical of Western cultures in Hong Kong."
The study also goes beyond investigating why boys and girls prefer different colours. The researchers also tested whether using gender-coded colours in toys affects how well children play. The children were given yellow and green puzzles to play with. Whether the puzzles were in the gender appropriate or gender inappropriate colour did not make a difference in the children's puzzle performance.
However, the researchers caution against using this finding to support the use of gender-coded colours to increase sales. The results showed that boys and girls performed equally well but if they had been exposed to gender labels, regardless of whether they received the gender appropriate or gender inappropriate coloured puzzles, a gender difference emerged, with boys outperforming girls.
Explore further Infants prefer toys typed to their gender, says study
More information: Sui Ping Yeung et al, Gender Labels on Gender-Neutral Colors: Do they Affect Children's Color Preferences and Play Performance?, Sex Roles (2018). Journal information: Sex Roles Sui Ping Yeung et al, Gender Labels on Gender-Neutral Colors: Do they Affect Children's Color Preferences and Play Performance?,(2018). DOI: 10.1007/s11199-017-0875-3
A view of Earth's atmosphere from space. Credit: NASA
For the first time, scientists have shown through direct satellite observations of the ozone hole that levels of ozone-destroying chlorine are declining, resulting in less ozone depletion.
Measurements show that the decline in chlorine, resulting from an international ban on chlorine-containing manmade chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), has resulted in about 20 percent less ozone depletion during the Antarctic winter than there was in 2005the first year that measurements of chlorine and ozone during the Antarctic winter were made by NASA's Aura satellite.
"We see very clearly that chlorine from CFCs is going down in the ozone hole, and that less ozone depletion is occurring because of it," said lead author Susan Strahan, an atmospheric scientist from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
CFCs are long-lived chemical compounds that eventually rise into the stratosphere, where they are broken apart by the Sun's ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms that go on to destroy ozone molecules. Stratospheric ozone protects life on the planet by absorbing potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer and cataracts, suppress immune systems and damage plant life.
Two years after the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole in 1985, nations of the world signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which regulated ozone-depleting compounds. Later amendments to the Montreal Protocol completely phased out production of CFCs.
Past studies have used statistical analyses of changes in the ozone hole's size to argue that ozone depletion is decreasing. This study is the first to use measurements of the chemical composition inside the ozone hole to confirm that not only is ozone depletion decreasing, but that the decrease is caused by the decline in CFCs.
The study was published Jan. 4 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
The Antarctic ozone hole forms during September in the Southern Hemisphere's winter as the returning sun's rays catalyze ozone destruction cycles involving chlorine and bromine that come primarily from CFCs. To determine how ozone and other chemicals have changed year to year, scientists used data from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) aboard the Aura satellite, which has been making measurements continuously around the globe since mid-2004. While many satellite instruments require sunlight to measure atmospheric trace gases, MLS measures microwave emissions and, as a result, can measure trace gases over Antarctica during the key time of year: the dark southern winter, when the stratospheric weather is quiet and temperatures are low and stable.
The change in ozone levels above Antarctica from the beginning to the end of southern winterearly July to mid-Septemberwas computed daily from MLS measurements every year from 2005 to 2016. "During this period, Antarctic temperatures are always very low, so the rate of ozone destruction depends mostly on how much chlorine there is," Strahan said. "This is when we want to measure ozone loss."
They found that ozone loss is decreasing, but they needed to know whether a decrease in CFCs was responsible. When ozone destruction is ongoing, chlorine is found in many molecular forms, most of which are not measured. But after chlorine has destroyed nearly all the available ozone, it reacts instead with methane to form hydrochloric acid, a gas measured by MLS. "By around mid-October, all the chlorine compounds are conveniently converted into one gas, so by measuring hydrochloric acid we have a good measurement of the total chlorine," Strahan said.
Nitrous oxide is a long-lived gas that behaves just like CFCs in much of the stratosphere. The CFCs are declining at the surface but nitrous oxide is not. If CFCs in the stratosphere are decreasing, then over time, less chlorine should be measured for a given value of nitrous oxide. By comparing MLS measurements of hydrochloric acid and nitrous oxide each year, they determined that the total chlorine levels were declining on average by about 0.8 percent annually.
The 20 percent decrease in ozone depletion during the winter months from 2005 to 2016 as determined from MLS ozone measurements was expected. "This is very close to what our model predicts we should see for this amount of chlorine decline," Strahan said. "This gives us confidence that the decrease in ozone depletion through mid-September shown by MLS data is due to declining levels of chlorine coming from CFCs. But we're not yet seeing a clear decrease in the size of the ozone hole because that's controlled mainly by temperature after mid-September, which varies a lot from year to year."
Looking forward, the Antarctic ozone hole should continue to recover gradually as CFCs leave the atmosphere, but complete recovery will take decades. "CFCs have lifetimes from 50 to 100 years, so they linger in the atmosphere for a very long time," said Anne Douglass, a fellow atmospheric scientist at Goddard and the study's co-author. "As far as the ozone hole being gone, we're looking at 2060 or 2080. And even then there might still be a small hole."
Explore further Warm air helped make 2017 ozone hole smallest since 1988
More information: Susan E. Strahan et al. Decline in Antarctic Ozone Depletion and Lower Stratospheric Chlorine Determined From Aura Microwave Limb Sounder Observations, Geophysical Research Letters (2018). Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters Susan E. Strahan et al. Decline in Antarctic Ozone Depletion and Lower Stratospheric Chlorine Determined From Aura Microwave Limb Sounder Observations,(2018). DOI: 10.1002/2017GL074830
Credit: Ohio University
Tapping into its water-quality expertise, Ohio University's Appalachian Watershed Research Group (AWRG) is assessing data collected from regional mining operations in a first-of-its-kind study, to better predict how groundwater levels will respond to mining.
The research group, a multidisciplinary team of undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty from across the Athens campus, have pulled together a team from Geological Sciences and the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs' Environmental Studies program for the completion of this project. The goal is to create a geospatial tool to model potentially negative environmental impacts from mining operations in the future.
With funding from the federal Office of Surface Mining, the Ohio University team is digging through extensive datasets, compiling, analyzing and modeling both geological and hydrogeological information collected by Ohio-based mining companies and regulatory agencies throughout the last 40 years.
What's on the surface: A history of mines
The State of Ohio has a long legacy of resource extraction and the land shows it.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) maps created from state agency databases, including the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Divisions of Mineral Resource Management and Water Resources, as well as the Ohio Geological Survey, reveal the right-most portion of the state riddled with wells and boreholes in addition to a swath of surface mines and other oil and gas industry activity.
Ohio's rich mining legacy has had long-standing effects on the surrounding environment, most visibly as orange-red rivers via a chemical reaction called acid mine drainage. It's an issue that's plagued southeastern Ohio for more than 100 years.
Found throughout Appalachia, acid mine drainage occurs when pyrite, a mineral in coal, is exposed to both water and oxygen. The reaction often originates in underground pools that form in coal mines, which can then flood and discharge into the external environment. This discharge can adversely affect the biology or chemistry or both of surrounding waterways, thus impacting the region's surface water.
Regulators and mining companies do not currently have an accurate, technology-based mechanism for assessing the probability of the formation of these mine pools. Reclamation and remediation of acid mine drainage impacts can cost federal and state governments millions of dollars each year.
"We are aiming to improve predictions of post-mining water levels to prevent polluting discharges in the first place," Voinovich School Associate Professor Dr. Natalie Kruse, one of the project team leaders, said.
Multidisciplinary cohort explores acid mine drainage in the region
Rebecca Steinberg, a student GIS Technician on the mine-pool project, finished her first round of education at Ohio University with an undergraduate geology major and a GIS certificate.
"I was the kid with the random collection of rocks," Steinberg said. An Athens native, she decided to pursue geology in undergraduate because of its basis as the structure of the rest of the environment.
Now a first-year master of environmental studies (MSES) candidate at Ohio University's Voinovich School, Steinberg's multidisciplinary education is exemplary of the mine-pool team's diverse experiences in acid mine drainage issues.
"I'm on the GIS side of the project, but I know the geology," Steinberg said.
She and her MSES colleague Zachary Matthews work specifically on managing the large amounts of data collected for the team's eventual map-based tool. Matthews studied archeology in undergraduate, also at Ohio University, where he explored the surrounding region in OHIO's Archeology Field School.
"I just really liked being outside every day was pretty exciting, not knowing what you were going to find," Matthews said of his passion for outdoor field work.
After a year-and-a-half of traveling the country for contract work, Matthews decided to return to his alma mater and pursue a GIS certificate. He enrolled as an MSES candidate and joined the mine-pool project in the fall of 2017.
On the analysis side of the mine tool creation is Lindsey Shafer and Frederick Twumasi, two Geological Sciences graduate students under the direction of Dr. Dina Lopez.
Schafer's understanding of acid mine drainage began during her undergraduate courses as a chemistry major at Ohio University. She began working with Dr. Lopez, a faculty member on the Appalachian Watershed Research Group, during her completion of a geology minor. After graduating with her bachelor's degree in spring 2016, Schafer enrolled in the Geological Sciences program in the fall.
"With my chemistry background, I got excited because I understood the chemical reactions going on in acid mine drainage," Schafer said. "When I started working with Dina as a graduate student, I told her I wanted to work on an AMD project."
Schafer's Geological Sciences colleague on the surface mine-pool project, Frederick Twumasi, came to Ohio University after earning two degrees at the University of Ghana: a bachelor's in geology and a master's in mineral exploration. Twumasi's research work in gold mines led him to explore other environmental issues, including acid mine drainage, in extraction-based activities more broadly.
"I love chemistry, I love geology the combination of the two makes me who I am," Twumasi said. "So I asked myself, 'How can I relate that to the environment?' I really, really wanted to do environmental geochemistry because I feel the environment is all we have and its protection and management should be everyone's goal."
Together Steinberg and Matthews are organizing enormous amount of data combing through hundreds of thousands of pages of mining permits and reports collected by ODNR and entering it into an online database. Here, the MSES duo are looking for 'useable' data points well and borehole coordinates, static water levels, and total depth of wells for the later analysis and modeling aspects of the project's monitoring tool creation.
In addition to data entry and processing, Steinberg has also been the primary person for projecting data into files for GIS ArcMap ultimately the way in which the GIS-based mine pool monitoring tool will be constructed as the team's final product.
Quality assurance is also an important task for the project's completion. The data management team diligently compares the entered data to the original ODNR permits, checking for patterns of error and correcting their spreadsheets accordingly.
"This process is meant to ensure consistency and correctness of all of our entered data," Matthews said.
The Geological Sciences team is next on the chain of command, with Schafer conducting multi-variable statistical analysis on the morphological and geological data mined from these extremely lengthy datasets.
One of the challenges with unpacking this data, Schafer said, is determining the exact elevation and aquifer rock-layers identified in the surrounding region, with minimal geographic information on the wells based on years-old permits.
"In Ohio, sometimes they're very hard to identify because the layers are very thin, so it's hard to determine where those differentiating layers are," Schafer said.
Understanding where the water wells intersect with different layers of rock among different aquifers may help prevent drinking water contamination from the likes of acid mine drainage.
Potential for impact: An old problem, a new solution
The ultimate goal of the project, with guidance from the Appalachian Watershed Research Group's senior technological expertise, is to create a GIS-based prediction tool to prevent future environmental disruptions and economic costs from acid mine drainage impacts.
"Acid mine drainage is a very expensive reclamation problem in Ohio. Instead of spending all this money to fix it after the mine has already been exploited, it would be more beneficial to try and reduce the environmental impact of the mines before they go in and start mining," Schafer said.
In early December 2017, the Research Group team previewed their preliminary research findings to representatives from the Ohio agencies and mining industries whose data the project group has been utilizing for the past 6 months.
"It was more interactive," Twumasi said, reflecting on the meeting. "We told them what we found, they also told us what they really expect from us, and at the end of the day they were so happy at the progress we've made."
As the team prepares to advance into the tool-creation side of the project, the four students are motivated by the opportunity to make an impact on an environmental issue of regional significance.
"I always struggled with the idea of 'Why does the research matter?'" Steinberg said. "When you get into environmental studies, there's so many other aspects to it; there's an actual reason that we're studying the things we do."
Explore further Book about Indiana coal mine reclamation compiles years of research
Credit: CC0 Public Domain
Electricity is the backbone of European society. When a natural disaster hits the power grid, recovery can happen in a matter of hours or it could take months to fully restore electricity supply. As well as hampering emergency response efforts, power cuts can trigger accidents and bring economic activity to a halt.
JRC scientists provide scientific evidence to help EU policymakers as they work to guarantee a resilient power grid with secure access to electricity. The most recent study finds that - whether it's across borders or policy lines - collaboration and harmonisation are key to ensuring the EU's power grid can stand up to natural hazards.
The report 'power grid recovery after natural hazard impact' analyses the characteristics of different natural hazards, how they influence power grid recovery time and what the most effective mitigation strategies are.
Policy recommendations
Factors affecting the power grid recovery time in the aftermath of natural disasters include the resilience of electric power utilities and the disruption of other critical infrastructure - either as a direct result of the natural event, or because of the loss of power supply.
The report makes a number of recommendations for building the resilience of the EU power grid, including:
Integrating risk assessment and risk management efforts across various policy areas that directly or indirectly affect the electricity infrastructure; A transition of hazard mitigation strategy from 'asset hardening' (strengthening components of the grid such as buildings and equipment, to withstand hazard impacts) to 'resilience building' (designing the grid so that operation can continue when critical infrastructure is damaged); Improving cross-jurisdictional and cross-border emergency management capabilities related to the provision of electricity. Policies should ensure interoperability between neighbouring transmitter and distributor system operators, and between these operators and emergency management organisations; Space weather forecasting capabilities should be improved to provide transmission system operators with the information they need to prepare for a severe event.
Different hazards affect the grid in different ways
Scientists analysed the performance of the power grid following the impact of real-world natural hazard events:
16 earthquakes. Earthquakes are a particular hazard in the Baltic and Mediterranean countries. They cause damage to heavy equipment and brittle items. Ground failure and soil liquefaction can be devastating to a grid's infrastructure. In most cases it took between 1 and 4 days to restore power supply after earthquake impact, although the timescale ranged from a few hours to months. 15 space weather events. Until recently, this hazard was little understood in the disaster risk management community. Space weather is created by solar activity. Through geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), it affects power transmission and generation equipment, with the potential to impact the entire transmission network. Although some early warning is possible, warning lead times are typically very short. When damage is limited to tripping of a limited number of protective devices, restoration time is less than 24 hours. However, repairs of damaged equipment may take up to several months. 20 floods. Floods are a common hazard across Europe and are regularly associated with power outages. Erosion due to the floodwaters and landslides triggered by floods undermine the foundations of transmission towers. Serious, and often explosive, damage may occur when electrified equipment comes in contact with water, while moisture and dirt intrusion require time-consuming repairs of equipment. In contrast to earthquakes, early warning is possible. This enables electric utilities to shut off power to facilities in flood zones, therefore minimising damage. In this study, power was back online from 24 hours up to 3 weeks after the flood.
Background
Natural and man-made hazards continuously threaten the population in Europe and beyond. Managing risks associated with hazards is based on sound policy making in prevention, preparedness, response, and reconstruction activities.
The JRC carries out extensive work to improve the scientific evidence available for risk assessment in Europe and worldwide - not only in hazard characterisation, but also in vulnerability and exposure assessment (essential components for risk assessment) and the development of guidelines and standards for risk data (including disaster loss data).
Through the Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre, the JRC provides the knowledge base that helps the European Commission, EU countries and international partners prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters.
Scientists and engineers are fascinated by self-folding structures. Imagine the possibilities: heart stents that unfold in the right location or pop-up tents that assemble at the press of a button, as well as nanoscale versions for tiny machines. But sometimes these structures get stuck during the folding process, and scientists don't know why.
A new paper in Physical Review X by three University of Chicago scientists lays out a mathematical explanationsuch sticking points are simply intrinsic.
"People thought you could engineer around it, but it really looks like there are fundamental limits," said graduate student Menachem Stern, the first author on the paper.
Structures designed to self-assemble often start out correctly, but then the folding peters out, leaving behind islands of properly folded parts. To explore why, the team created a set of mathematical models.
When designing structures that can fold themselves, whether paper origami or tiny nanomachines, scientists start by pre-creasing the folds they need. But this also creates a set of invisible "distractor" branches. The more pre-creases added, the more distractor branches form, and the origami is more and more likely to get stuck.
"No matter how clever the design, there are always many more ways to fold incorrectly and get stuck than to fold correctly," said Arvind Murugan, assistant professor in the James Franck Institute and coauthor on the paper. "We realized that this problem of having many more ways to do something incorrectly than correctly shows up in many other areas of science and mathematics, including the design of protein structures in biology and the design of Sudoku puzzles."
Credit: University of Chicago
Using these connections, there are ways to mitigate the problem even if it is intrinsic, said Stern, Murugan and Matthew Pinson, the study's third author.
Their findings include a set of predictions for where to place hinges when designing folds, as well as for identifying problem areas and how to fix themwhich could apply to everything from paper origami to micro-machines to self-assembling tents.
More information: Menachem Stern et al. The Complexity of Folding Self-Folding Origami, Physical Review X (2017). Journal information: Physical Review X Menachem Stern et al. The Complexity of Folding Self-Folding Origami,(2017). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevX.7.041070
The zoantharian species Antipathozoanthus remengesaui, named after the president of Palau, Tommy Remengesau. This image shows a colony of open polyps on top of a black coral from Palau. Credit: James Davis Reimer
Three new species of zoantharians were discovered by researchers from the University of the Ryukyus and Kagoshima University, Japan, and the Palau International Coral Reef Center. Despite not being previously known, all three species were found widely across the Indo-Pacific, with at least two species found in the Red Sea, the Maldives, Palau, and southern Japan.
Zoantharians, or colonial anemones, include species popular in the pet trade such as Zoanthus or Palythoa, but the new species are all much more cryptic, living in marine caves, cracks, or at depths below most recreational SCUBA diving (>20 m). The research was published December 29, 2017, in the open-access journal ZooKeys.
The three new species belong to the genus Antipathozoanthus, which contains species that only live on top of black coral colonies. However, surprisingly, one of the new species does not live on black corals, but instead in narrow cracks in coral reefs.
"We think that the new species, Antipathozoanthus obscurus, has evolved away from needing to be on top of black corals to take advantage of the available space in coral reef cracks", said lead researcher Hiroki Kise. "This is yet another example of how much diversity is right underneath our noses, but we still know nothing about it."
Coral reefs, which are widely threatened by rising temperatures from global warming, are generally believed to harbour very high numbers of species, including yet many undescribed or unknown species.
The zoantharian species Antipathozoanthus cavernus was found in marine caves on black corals across the Indo-Pacific Ocean. This image shows a colony of open polyps on top of a black coral from Palau. Credit: James Davis Reimer
Amongst the other two new species is Antipathozoanthus remengesaui, named after the current president of Palau, Tommy Remengesau.
"Much of our work was based in Palau", said senior author Dr. James Reimer, "and we wished to acknowledge the fantastic support we have received from the nation. Palau is considered at the forefront of marine conservation, and much of this is thanks to President Remengesau's vision."
While the new discoveries shed more light on our understanding of coral reef biodiversity, this work is far from done. In fact, the researchers themselves estimate they still have up to ten more zoantharian species to describe from the waters of Palau and Okinawa.
The species Antipathozoanthus obscurus, described from narrow cracks and caves in coral reefs. Unlike related species, this species does not live upon black corals, but instead directly on coral reef rock. Credit: Hiroki Kise
"Marine diversity of coral reefs is amazing, with new surprises all the time", said Kise, "and biodiversity scientists still have a lot more work to do."
Explore further Two new zoantharian species found on eunicid worms in the dark in the Indo-Pacific ocean
More information: Hiroki Kise et al, Three new species and the molecular phylogeny of Antipathozoanthus from the Indo-Pacific Ocean (Anthozoa, Hexacorallia, Zoantharia), ZooKeys (2017). Journal information: ZooKeys Hiroki Kise et al, Three new species and the molecular phylogeny of Antipathozoanthus from the Indo-Pacific Ocean (Anthozoa, Hexacorallia, Zoantharia),(2017). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.725.21006
Mallory Ortberg, aka Dear Prudence, is online weekly to chat live with readers. An edited transcript of the chat is below. (Read Prudies Slate columns here. Send questions to Prudence at prudence@slate.com.)
Readers! Ask me your questions on the voicemail of the Dear Prudence podcast. Just leave a message at 401-371-DEAR (3327), and you may hear your question answered on a future episode of the show.
Q. No Facebook allowed: We have a vacation place in a popular tourist area. Its pretty rural, theres no cell coverage, and we had to go through a lot of engineering and effort to get ourselves workable internet service. My wife and I are both pretty strongly averse to social media. Weve therefore blocked all the major social media services at our homes. We often invite friends to come stay with usand we give a heads-up that theres no Facebook et al. available.
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Some guests have seemed put out by this. Is it so unreasonable? We believe that social media is monetized narcissism, that it distracts us, invades our privacy (we dont want our property to be free content for these companies), and interferes with having quality time with our gueststhat would be our answer if someone were to ask why we block the services, but we dont volunteer the reasoning. I feel like they wouldnt be likewise affronted by foregoing meat as guests at a vegetarian house. Is this so different?
A: I dont know how similar not being able to access social media sites are to eating meat-free meals, but I dont think you need to come up with direct analogies to vegetarianism in order to justify your choices. You and your wife have decided not to make that aspect of the internet available in your home, and as long as you let your guests know in advance, youve discharged your duties as polite hosts. If your guests want full internet access, then they are welcome to pay for a hotel in your popular tourist area.
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Q. Baby blunder: When my husband and I found out I was pregnant with our first child and were ready to tell our respective parents, we didnt put much thought into whose parents wed break the news to first. We happened to be at my in-laws house on Christmas Eve, so we told them that night, and of course they were overjoyed. The next day, we expected the same reaction from my parents. Instead, the first words my Mom utteredcaptured on video, no lesswere, You told [my in-laws] first, didnt you? with a scathing look on her face. When I said yes, she was devastated and didnt speak to me for two days. On the third day, I got a very tearful phone call saying how badly Id hurt her, and that since my in-laws already had grandkids the news wasnt as special to them. She said we should have told them first because Im their daughter, and that one day Id understand.
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Were my husband and I in the wrong? Her reaction completely spoiled what should have been a joyous occasion, and Ive had a hard time not being resentful toward her.
A: I want to try to be as generous as possible to your parents, but I dont think thats going to take me very far. You mothers attempt to rank how special having a grandchild is to each future grandparent, according to her own particular algorithm, makes it seem like shes going out of her way to get her feelings hurt.
If she wants to get hung up on the fact that her in-laws found out a full 24 hours before she did, rather than on the fact that you and your husband are going to be having a child, then thats her choice. I personally think its a bad one! But its certainly not one you need to apologize or take responsibility for.
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Q. Friends with exes: I am dating Simone, and we are on the verge of getting serious. She is pretty, funny, and the complete package, except for one thing. She doesnt think people can be friends with their exes.
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I can understand her perspective, because she got pretty badly burned by past boyfriends who cheated on her with their ex-wives or girlfriends. I have been lucky that all my relationships except one ended on good notes. Either we broke up over different life choices (wanting kids) or careers (moving for work). I actually ended up playing matchmaker for a few. Simone freezes up with my friends after finding out I dated this one or slept with that one in college. We have told each other about our serious past relationships, but recently she has been needling me about being a player and dropping plans with my friends if one of my known exes is there. She says she trusts me, and I have reassured her over and over.
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One of my serious exes will be staying with me for a few weeks while she house hunts. She is married to my one of my best friends, and they are moving back from out of state. I will not actually see much of her beyond picking her up at the airport. I will being seeing them socially when they move here. How do I prepare Simone? I want to be a good boyfriend here.
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A: It sounds like Simones biggest reactions have arisen when shes met a friend of yours whom youve later revealed to be an ex. The problem isnt just that youve stayed friends with a lot of people youve dated or slept withthe problem is that you dont share that information with Simone upfront. This is a pattern youre about to repeat, inasmuch as youve made plans to let one of your exes crash with you for a few weeks but dont seem to have shared that news with your current girlfriend yet. Which, by the way, I think is absolutely fine, but you do need to share this information with Simone before your houseguest arrives. I dont think you have to do much in the way of preparing her other than being honest; if Simone wants to get serious with you, shes going to have to accept that youre close with some of your exes but that youre not trying to cheat on her with any of them. If she cant accept that, its probably better to know sooner rather than later.
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Q. I grew up weird: We were brought up in a very religious, weird family setting. My grandfather was a very loving mentally ill man who nobody questioned. He believed he was a prophet and all blindly followed. We had an independent church in the basement of our deep country land.
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My mother made our lives worth it with her love and kindness, but to this day I still resent her for putting us through so much pain and confusion. I love her, and I know she was a victim too, but where do I draw the line? I see a psychiatrist and therapist just to function. She didnt harm us, but she was an adult and did nothing to protect us. How can I forgive her when she doesnt believe anything went wrong?
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A: You do not have to forgive your mother for your childhood. I know that theres a lot of value placed on forgiveness in religious settings as well as in a secular therapeutic context, but all too often what that means is that someone who was victimized or harmed in a profound way is encouraged to paper over their pain, offer unearned absolution, and perform happiness. You can love your mother, accept her flaws and limitations, acknowledge the ways in which she failed you, experience periodic anger and resentment, all while remaining in her life and seeing her as a complex, multifaceted person. Your only job with regard to your own childhood is to attempt to view it as accurately and as honestly as possible and to take care of yourself in the present. You do not have to forgive your mother nor do you have to pretend that your childhood was fine just because she does.
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Continue to see your therapist and psychiatrist. Set whatever boundaries you need to with your mother. If that means not talking about your childhood with her right now, then thats fine. If that means having a painful conversation with her about your childhood at some point and having a fight, then thats fine too. The point is that you dont have to forgive your mother in order to love her, so please dont feel like its your job to get to a place of forgiveness unless and until you decide its something youre ready for.
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Q. Day care: I telecommute most days because of medical issues. Over the Christmas break, two of my long-term friends and co-workers had emergency child care issues. (A spouse left for family medical issues, and the day care burned down.) It would have seriously damaged all of our work, so I offered to watch their girls (12, 10, and 9), who arent old enough to be left by themselves but mature enough not to be a bother. We packed down into my basement where they watched TV and read books. I would periodically check on them, but I never had any problems. Their mothers packed their lunches and snacks.
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My husband mentioned the arrangement to his sister, and she flat-out told everyone she expects me to do the same for her boys! Besides them being younger, my nephews are loud, active, and have severe behavior problems. There is no way they can be trusted to be left alone for any period of time. My sister-in-law does not take no for an answer and runs right over everyone else in the family. This will cause a fight. My husbands idea is just not to take the girls, but that screws me over with my work! How do I get out of this?
A: You and your husband are going to have to give your sister-in-law no for an answer, Im afraid. I dont know how much longer you plan on providing emergency day care for your friends, but the fact that youre willing to look after three children temporarily in order to keep your workplace afloat doesnt mean youre suddenly on the market as a full-time babysitter for any and every relative in need of child care. You say this will cause a fight, but its a fight youve got to have; your sister-in-law can and will take no for an answer if you and your husband refuse to give in to her. No, that doesnt work for us, is going to be your constant companion. Not Im sorry, but and not The reason that doesnt work is Just No, that doesnt work for us. You dont have to get out of anything because you havent promised your sister-in-law anything, and shes not entitled to anything from you just because she has unrealistic expectations.
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Q. How to put this delicately: My brotherthe baby, the favorite, the only boy, etc.is getting married. My mother is insistent on looking drop-dead gorgeous on his wedding day, and she sends me nightly links to very inappropriate (both in style and for her age) dresses shes considering buying for this event. I very nicely and politically rule them out for largely made-up reasons, but Im hoping you can help me come up with a sentence or two to delicately communicate why 1) dressing this way is inappropriate, and 2) you should not be attempting to outshine the bride. (Ive literally had to nix several ivory dresses.)
And now for some context! Her other children are married, and she dressed tastefully for those weddings, and she only moderately gets along with my brothers wealthy in-laws-to-be. I realize this shouldnt be my problem, but here we are.
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A: Hey Mom, you should run these outfits past [Brother and wife-to-be]. Anything thats not white or too bridal-looking should be fine, but its not my wedding, so you should check in with them instead of me. Good luck finding something!
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Q. I dropped off the face of the earth while dealing with an untreated mental illness: As a teenager, I lived briefly with a set of foster parents and their two daughters. I didnt know it at the time, but I was suffering from undiagnosed PTSD stemming from the situation that led to my living with a foster family. Once I turned 18 and felt I had exhausted my welcome, I moved out on my own. As my mental health collapsed, and I found myself less and less able to maintain relationships, I withdrew from almost everyone. Nobody reached out to me during that time, including my former foster family. Several years later, I learned that the younger of the two daughters apparently hates me for abandoning her. Im not sure what explanation she was offered by the family for my disappearance, but I gather it didnt paint me in a very positive light. Ive sent her a couple of messages, but after she ignored the first few, I took that as a cue that she no longer wanted to have any contact with me and stopped.
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Is there anything else I can or should do to make amends with this young woman? I feel terrible about the whole situation.
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A: While it sounds like your former foster sister was probably a child during the time of your disappearance and cant necessarily be expected to have had a fully rational view of reality, I dont think you should be too hard on your past self. You were a teenager dealing with untreated PTSD and a deeply painful upbringing. You may wish you had handled things differently, but you were doing your best at the time with the tools that you had. I only wish your former foster family could extend a little more compassion toward you. If she doesnt respond to your messages, then you certainly cant force her, but please dont feel like you have to wear a hairshirt in order to get her attention.
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Q. Grimy in-laws: My partners parents are lovely, kind, and giving people. They spend much of their time providing for others, especially caring for their nearby grandparents. They spend decidedly less time taking care of their home. Their house is covered in a layer of dust. There are cobwebs in every corner. Their kitchen has layers and layers of oil and food spills. Their floors are littered with debris. Worst of all, their bathroom is covered in black mold! My partners mother has a lot of health problems, some of which keep her from keeping up with chores and some that I believe are exacerbated by the state of the house. I believe their home has been in this state since my partner was a child, but its certainly gotten worse given recent health episodes.
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I want to help them fix their house, either by offering my time on weekends to clean or offering to pay for a housecleaning service to stop by a few times a month. However, Im afraid that if I offer to do this I will offend them! I did a little extra cleaning when I spent the holidays with them, and they seemed a little off-put by my insistence on vacuuming the house. We have a great relationship right now, and I dont want to tarnish it by giving them the impression that I find them dirty. My partner doesnt want to take the reins here, and I certainly dont want to seem like a persnickety daughter-in-law. I know this problem will only get worse as they age and more health issues emerge. Im seriously worried that theyre destroying their home and will lose it due to lack of upkeep.
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How can I broach the subject without offending them? Or should I just mind my own business and let her children take the lead? Thank you for your help!
A: A bathroom thats covered in black mold is several steps beyond being persnickety. While black mold may not be immediately dangerous, it can certainly exacerbate respiratory issues or lead to possible infection in children or people with compromised immune systems. Talk to your partner about the best way to broach the subject with your in-laws. If your mother-in-law has health problems and theyre both struggling to maintain their multiple obligations to their own parents, then its likely there is a way you can frame offering to pay for a cleaning service as a gift and a relief. Thats not to say you two should feel responsible for making sure your in-laws keep their houses initial valuethat day may already be long past.
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Be sure, too, that when and if you hire a cleaning service, you inform them ahead of time about the mold issue and make sure theyve got the right equipment to deal with it so that youre not putting their health at risk either.
Q. Re: Baby blunder: You didnt do anything wrong. Your moms reaction is manipulative and selfish. I dont know if this is part of her personality, but it makes me wonder what type grandmother shell be. If you give in to your moms childish behavior, I predict future tantrums about spending time with her grandchild. The subject is closed. Do you want to talk about something else, or should I hang up now?
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Q. Re: Baby blunder: So sorry you feel that way, mom. We happened to be at my in-laws house and we told them. Thats all. Youre still my mom, and Im counting on your help when the baby comes, and I really hope youre not going to bean-count every moment with the new baby, or I will be absolutely miserable. Love you!
A: These are both fabulous scripts that offer your mother an opportunity to focus on the (many!) joyful aspects of becoming a first-time grandmother. I hope she takes that opportunity, but if she doesnt, I think its good advice to not try to soothe her tantrums.
Mallory Ortberg: Thanks, everyone! See you back here next week at our normal time on Monday.
Discuss this column with Dear Prudence on her Facebook page!
If you missed Part 1 of this weeks chat, click here to read it.
Support of RES will change
Local source may be a cure to connection moratorium.
Slovakia is in line with the trend of utilising green energy and has several facilities that harness water, sun or wind. Similar to other countries, Slovak builders and operators enjoy generous support that compensates them for the cost of these new, expensive technologies. However, this has resulted in higher electrical prices for end-consumers and a connection moratorium for new, larger renewable energy plants. Now the government wants to change the support scheme and put more market pressure on these plants. In the meantime, the Slovak Association of Photovoltaic Industry (SAPI) has provided its own solution for the moratorium: so-called local source.
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Read also: Coal, water and nuclear energy Read more
Renewable energy sources are stigmatised in Slovakia due to mismanaged state support that will burden our wallets and the state budget for several years onward, Jozef Badida, an analyst on the Energieprevas.sk website, which is dedicated to the energy sector, told The Slovak Spectator. This is also why the moratorium on connecting new, renewable energy plants, with the exception of solar power stations placed on the roofs of family houses, has persisted here.
(Source: Third Report on the State of the Energy Union)
Meeting obligations
Although Slovakia is not a top leader in the usage of renewable energy sources (RES), it is on a good path and continues to meet its interim obligations, said Badida, who referenced the European Commissions latest report of the state of the energy union released in late November.
In 2015, the share of renewables in the gross final energy consumption of Slovakia was 12.9 percent, meaning Slovakia not only outperformed the interim target for 2015/16 (10 percent), but also the 2017/2018 target (11.4 percent). Slovakia is right on track to meet its 2020 target (14 percent).
Nevertheless, an issue with the public acceptance of renewables persists due to the overgenerous support schemes of the past and a nuclear option made clear by the Slovak government, which, in turn, makes the environment for renewables unfavourable, reads the report. The distribution system operators have declared a connection moratorium for new renewable energy plants with a generating capacity of more than 10 kW, referencing problems related to capacity and the stability of the grid.
4. Jan 2018 at 6:30 | Jana Liptakova
The courage to be free
The future holds great promise for Slovakia as a secure, sovereign, prosperous member of Europe and of the broader transatlantic community of nations, US Ambassador to Slovakia opines.
On New Years Eve 1992, thousands of Slovaks gathered on SNP Square in Bratislava, counting down the minutes to the start of 1993 and with it, the birth of the Slovak Republic. Alongside thousands of jubilant Slovaks stood an American named Paul Hacker, Consul General of the United States. As the celebrations continued into the early morning hours, he walked back to his office in what was then the US Consulate to begin the hard work needed to open the United States newest Embassy.
In the intervening twenty-five years, Slovakia has found stability, prosperity, and security through the hard work of its people, the energy and commitment of its civil society, and the strategic vision of its leaders. This is a tremendous achievement, and it comes following nearly a century of struggle on the part of ordinary and extraordinary people who had the courage to be free.
4. Jan 2018 at 12:00 | Adam Sterling
Foreign workers in Slovakia seek the most economical accommodation
Most prefer accommodation close to their place of work.
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Foreigners coming to Slovakia to work for the manufacturing industry try to live as economically as possible. They often do not arrive with their families and only work for a short period of time.
They live in various rooming houses, in former guest houses and similar properties where as many workers as possible can live for the cheapest, Jan Palencar, head of the National Association of Real Estate Agencies in Slovakia (NARKS), told the TASR newswire.
Workers try to find accommodation close to the city where they work. They can also rent accommodation due to laws permitting short-term rentals.
The law gives preferential treatment to the flats owner which means that the flats owner does not have to fear that if they terminate the agreement with the tenant, the tenant will stay in the flat by using legal obstructions, Palencar said, as quoted by TASR.
At the same time, the flats owners pay taxes to the state, he added.
The municipality, on whose territory the accommodation facility is located, adopts the regulation with which it sets the local tax for accommodation. In Bratislava, for example, the tax amounts to 1.70 a night per person in the facility.
Taxes depend on the number of nights people spend in the facility, TASR wrote.
4. Jan 2018 at 22:18 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Tragic car crash united caregivers
Caregivers met with the president and demanded the increase of their wages.
The association of caretakers I Go Home Permanently wants caretakers in Slovakia to earn at least a net 700-750 per month. (Source: SME/Fotolia)
Edita Spisakova has been working as a caregiver in Austria for eleven years and these holidays were one of many she spent abroad without her family. Even after years of experience, it is still difficult for her, she claims.
It is difficult to overcome the sadness and especially the solitude even for older caregivers like me, Spisakova told The Slovak Spectator. No Austrian family has ever replaced my own, and Im constantly replacing their own children.
She described her feelings on the Facebook group of the civic association Idem natrvalo domov (I Go Home Permanently), which was created shortly after the collision of a minibus with a truck on 14 October 2017. Seven caregivers and their chauffeur died on the ride from Austria to eastern Slovakia.
Read also:
Read also: Road accident claims lives of eight people Read more
The aim of the association is to improve the working conditions for caregivers in Slovakia to such an extent that they will not have to travel abroad for decent pay.
The number of association members is constantly rising. Recently it began activities in the regions and its representatives have already met with President Andrej Kiska, parliaments speaker Andrej Danko and Labour Ministry State Secretary Branislav Ondrus.
Slovakia is not a social state for many who really need help, the president told the media after meeting with them. We cannot take care of old people, people with disabilities and single mothers.
The association plans to visit the Labour Ministry again to discuss the wages of caretakers.
4. Jan 2018 at 9:13 | Roman Cuprik
President: Interior minister has abused his power
Andrej Kiska criticised Smer in an interview. The prime minister is silent, the interior minister refuting any wrongdoing.
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Interior Minister Robert Kalinak of Smer allegedly stands behind the tax scandal of the company KTAG, founded by President Andrej Kiska. Kiska accused the minister of organising his discrediting in an interview with the Hungarian weekly Vasarnap.
The state is rudely abusing its power to blemish and discredit anyone, Kiska said, as quoted by the Sme daily. It showed that the interior minister, who abused the National Criminal Agency, is behind all of this.
Several media outlets received tax office documents and police reports from a sender called Yegor Trutnov last autumn, indicating that Kiskas company was investigated both by the Financial Administration and the police. The tax scrutiny revealed that the firm paid 27,000 less on taxes than it should have.
KTAG admitted the mistake after the investigation, regretting its actions and paying the missing sum, Sme wrote.
NAKA did not investigate the company
Kalinak meanwhile refused the presidents accusations.
NAKA never investigated case of the tax evasions of the presidents company, his ministrys press department said, as quoted by Sme.
Read also:
Read also: Individual failure behind information leak on President Kiska Read more
NAKA did not investigate KTAG at the time the president acted as its authorised representatives, at the time the presidential campaign was approaching its climax and the firm included the campaign expenses into its accounting and asked for VAT refunds, it added.
NAKA started investigating the company only after the General Prosecutors Office reopened the case last year, said Police Corps President Tibor Gaspar.
Kiska has indirectly called on Kalinak to resign from his post in relation to the Basternak case, and has been pointing to the governments faults, Sme reported.
Part of the presidential campaign?
In the interview the president also mentioned the conflict between Finance Minister Peter Kazimir and Kalinak during Smers leadership meeting. There was a rumour that one of the tax offices employees was responsible for the leak. The tax offices officially operate under the Finance Ministry.
The president claimed that Kazimir allegedly blamed Kalinak for trying to make the whole scandal his mistake. They reportedly had a fight, Kiska went on.
The Interior Ministrys press department responded that the president is trying to find a scapegoat for his own mistakes, reminding him of using the government plane for his private trips to Poprad.
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Read also: Fico calls on Kiska to pay 1 million for use of government plane Read more
Kiska has repeatedly said it was Kalinak who had offered him usage of the plane.
He also considers the intensifying attacks by Smer to be part of the campaign before the 2019 presidential elections, Sme wrote.
4. Jan 2018 at 13:57 | Compiled by Spectator staff
How to get rid of your Christmas tree in Bratislava
The collection and removal will last three months.
The removal of Christmas trees in the Slovak capital will start on January 8, informed the municipal company Odvod a Likvidacia Odpadu (OLO), which collects and disposes of waste.
It will start in the Old Town borough and gradually move to other city districts. The collection and removal of the Christmas trees will end on March 31, the TASR newswire reported.
In the case of family houses, it is necessary to move undecorated Christmas trees to the closest collection hubs, while in the case of flats they should be placed ner waste containers, OLO spokesperson Beata Humenikova said, as quoted by TASR.
The Christmas trees will be taken to the Bratislavas waste incinerator.
By burning them with other communal waste, heat and electricity are produced and further distributed to 22,000 households, Humenikova added for TASR.
The number of collected and removed Christmas trees increases every year. While in 2014 it was 84 tonnes of Christmas trees, in 2016 it was nearly 99 tonnes and last year more than 112 tonnes.
Apart from leaving it to OLO, people can personally bring their Christmas trees and dispose of them in OLOs collection yard on Stara Ivanska Cesta, which is open from 8:00 to 18:00 every day, except Sundays and holidays.
4. Jan 2018 at 14:04 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Eastern Slovakia offers several tourist gems
Look for Spis Jerusalem, Ruska Bystra or Slovakias Little Croatia.
Spis Castle is impressive from the air as well as from the ground. (Source: Fly Media)
More information about travelling in Slovakia
Please see our Please see our Spectacular Slovakia travel guide
There are several attractions people coming to eastern Slovakia can visit, both well-known and hidden.
One of the most visited sites is Spis Castle, listed among spectacular abandoned castles around the world by CNN television.
Spis Castle is a stunning Gothic-Romanesque hybrid, CNN wrote in the photo caption that accompanied the story.
The castle was visited by a record number of tourists in 2017, amounting to 212,000 people, the regional daily Korzar wrote on its website.
More focus on hidden gems
Fewer people know that close to the castle is another tourist attraction: Spis Jerusalem. It is a unique model route with constructions situated in a part of Spisske Podhradie called Pazit. It was built by Jesuit monks between 1666 and 1675 because people could not visit Jerusalem due to the Turkish Wars.
An interesting aspect is that the builders maintained the same distance between the model objects like in Jerusalem, Korzar wrote.
The site belongs among the localities the local tourist organisation Kosice Region Tourism wants to focus on. Spis Jerusalem is a place people can visit during a trip to the more famous Spis Castle, said Kosice Region Tourisms head Lenka Vargova Jurkova, as reported by Korzar.
Another place worth visiting is the village of Ruska Bystra in the Sobrance district, whose wooded church became part of the UNESCO list in 2008.
The ambition of the tourism organisation is also to further promote the old quarry near the village of Benatina, reminiscent of the Plitvice Lakes in Croatia.
We will mark the path to the travertine lake this year, Vargova Jurkova said, as quoted by Korzar. Since in 2018 we are also celebrating the 10th anniversary of the church's inscription to the UNESCO list, we plan to work with this theme as well.
Other attractions prepared
Kosice Region Tourism focused on the Gemer region last year. Apart from Gombasecka Cave, it built a new educational path, offering information in three languages.
I also recommend visiting the villages of Stitnik (with a Gothic church) and Slavosovce (with the native house of writer Pavol Dobsinsky), as well as Slavosovce tunnel (never once used for railway transport), since they are rarities in the region, Vargova Jurkova said.
Her organisation plans to build a new promenade at Zemplinska Sirava Lake this year, connecting the local hotel with a water park.
The plan is to also reconstruct the cable car to Gerava, improve transport connection in Slovak Paradise and increase the offer of local trips, Vargova Jurkova added for Korzar.
video //www.youtube.com/embed/sRmQLJAwOYA
4. Jan 2018 at 14:10 | Compiled by Spectator staff
2018: Municipal elections and gearing up for the presidential vote
Political analysts offer their expectations for the starting year and sum up 2017.
The second half of the year in Slovak politics meant a tougher relationship between the prime minister and the president. (Source: TASR)
2017 wasnt worth much, Prime Minister Robert Fico admitted as he reported about his phone call with his Czech counterpart, Andrej Babis, during which they wished each other a better 2018 than 2017.
Fico did not specify why 2017 was disappointing for him, but the fact is that his Smer party suffered a loss in the regional elections that took place in November, and his government experienced several quakes, including a major crisis over the summer. Analysts also consider the rekindled conflict between the prime minister and the president to be one of the defining moments on the political scene.
2017 saw a shifting among opposition parties. Two new entities emerged in a more concrete form over the year: the group around MP Miroslav Beblavy known as Spolu (Together), while the leftist movement of Ivan Stefunko, called Progressive Slovakia, has already introduced some of its people and ideas.
But the political event of the year was the abrogation of the controversial amnesties of former prime minister Vladimir Meciar. Political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov, president of the Institute for Public Affairs, opines that this was also thanks to the fact that some parties that have opposed the scrapping of the amnesties in the past were in a way forced to support it now - namely Smer and the Slovak National Party (SNS).
They had no other choice, given the circumstances, Meseznikov told The Slovak Spectator. If they had not agreed with it, it would have harmed them politically.
The loss of the far right and expectations for the municipal vote
The November 4 regional elections were expected to be the event of the 2017 in Slovakia, despite the usual low turnout in this type of vote. Indeed, they did indicate to some extent how the country has progressed and what forces are prevailing in society, Meseznikov noted.
The defeat [of the far right] is purely political, not about a weakened electoral potential, Meseznikov said, pointing out the different election system applied in the regional vote.
While Meseznikov still sees a considerable electorate for the far right, he does not expect them to attain a great result in the 2018 municipal elections.
4. Jan 2018 at 13:28 | Michaela Terenzani , Radka Minarechova
Critic of the Foreign Ministry quits diplomatic service in protest
Former deputy ambassador of the Slovak Embassy in Budapest, Rastislav Mojto, did not have his contract prolonged due to an open conflict with the ministry leadership.
"I have been in an open conflict with Minister [Miroslav] Lajcak for almost a year," Rastislav Mojto told the Sme daily after he withdrew from his post of deputy ambassador at Slovakia's Embassy in Budapest as of the end of 2017.
Mojto, who has subsequently decided to leave the diplomatic service following his withdrawal from Budapest, believes he was removed from the post due to his critical statements of the ministry and its policies. Most recently, he complained on social networks that Parliament's Speaker, Andrej Danko, refused to be accompanied by him during his official visit to Hungary, Sme reported.
The ministry argues that Mojto was removed from the post due to "current personnel needs of the department" and it is common practice that diplomats are recalled without other reasons.
Mojto, a dipomat with 14 years of experience, however, decided to leave the department and the diplomatic service.
"This way I symbolically continue what Zuzana Hlavkova started and make it clear that it is not just the youngest generation criticising the ministry," Mojto told Sme. Hlavkova is a former ministry staffer who two years ago blew the whistle on the ministry over overpriced orders related to the Slovak EU Council Presidency.
Mojto claims that the ministry is preparing a new directive for its staffers to prevent them from publishing their opinions on social networks. Peter Susko from the Foreign Ministry confirmed they are currently analysing social networks to make sure the social media communication is in line with the law on state service, Sme reported.
4. Jan 2018 at 20:55 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Bratislava airport offers new connections in 2018
The M.R. Stefanik airport in Bratislava transported more than 1.9 million passengers last year but still has more to offer.
The M.R. Stefanik airport in Bratislava (BTS) has announced six new regular lines and one new regular charter flight for 2018. Moreover, new rules for transport of hand luggage for passengers flying with low-cost airliner Ryanair will come into effect mid-January.
New airliner, new destination
New air company, Georgian Airways, will launch a new connection to the Georgian capital Tbilisi on March 27. Flights will be available twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays. Prices start at 169 .
WizzAir will also offer a new connection to London, starting on March 25, which will fly seven days a week to London-Luton airport. In May, the Airbus A321, with a capacity of 230 passengers, will be available.
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Passengers can also fly to new holiday destinations from Bratislava at the end of March 2018 including summer resorts Burgas (Bulgaria), Malta, Paphos in Cyprus, and Thessaloniki in Greece, all operated by Ryanair. A connection to Bologna, Italy will be available in October 2018, airport spokesperson Veronika Sevcikova informed.
Regular charters flights will be enhanced with flights to Catania, Sicily, by the Smartwings company. Other charter flights will include places like Crete and Zakynthos (both in Greece), Gran Canaria and Menorca (in Spain), and Tel Aviv (Israel).
Record number of passengers
Bratislava Airport expects to serve more than 1.9 million passengers this year, which would be the highest figure recorded over the last nine years. This means the airport handled the highest number of passengers in its history: 2.22 million, the SITA newswire wrote on January 3.
The number of passengers flying in and out of the airport reached almost 1.76 million last year, up by 12.3 percent year-on-year. For eleven months of this year, the airport served 1.82 million travelers which is a 10-percent increase from the same period last year.
In July alone, the airport handled over 304,000 passengers which is the highest number in a single month in 66 years of the airport's operation, CEO and Chairman of M.R. Stefanik Airport in Bratislava, Jozef Pojedinec, said.
In 2017, the airport added five new destinations to its schedule Warsaw in Poland, Sofia in Bulgaria, Cluj-Napoca in Romania, Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Bologna in Italy, he added.
4. Jan 2018 at 20:49 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Asylum seekers will get new guide about Slovakia
They should learn more about cultural specifics of the country.
Asylum seekers and people granted international protection will learn more about Slovakia from a new guide issued by the Interior Ministrys Migration Office, titled New start in the Slovak Republic.
The guide will provide foreigners asking for asylum a real picture of the country that reflects the values of Slovaks and their expectations from foreigners, the SITA newswire reported.
The guide will also be used as a working aid for social field workers in asylum facilities run by the Interior Ministry, who will work and communicate with foreigners in Slovakia.
The guides goal is to show foreigners the cultural customs of Slovakia with the aim of achieving mutual understanding. It is written simply and clearly and is based on practical experiences of the Migration Offices employees as well as foreigners specifications of the biggest problems they encountered after arriving to Slovakia, SITA reported.
The foreigners who helped the writers have already undergone the asylum procedure and have been granted international protection. They have experience with Slovakias cultural specifics. Social field workers working at asylum facilities and aiding in integration, as well as experts from academia, the International Organisation of Migration, the Office of UN High Commissioner for Refugees and other non-governmental organisations also helped compose the guide.
The guide is issued in several languages and there are also translations in Persian, Pashto, French and Russian.
4. Jan 2018 at 21:09 | Compiled by Spectator staff
Sasol Ltd. is a holding company. The firm engages in the provision of liquid fuels, chemicals, and low-carbon electricity. It operates through following segments: Mining, Exploration and Production International, Energy, Base Chemicals, Performance Chemicals, and Group Functions. The Mining segment secures coal feedstock for the Southern African value chain, mainly for gasification, but also to generate electricity and steam. The Exploration and Production International segment develops and manages oil and gas exploration and production in Mozambique, South Africa, Canada, and Gabon. The Base Chemicals segment involves the marketing of commodity chemicals based on the group's upstream Fischer-Tropsch, ethylene, propylene and ammonia value chains. The Performance Chemicals segment markets commodity and differentiated performance chemicals. The Energy segment sells and markets liquid fuels, pipeline gas, and electricity. The Group Functions segment includes the head office and centralised treasury operations. The company was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Safeway Inc., is an food and drug retail company. The Company owns and operates GroceryWorks.com Operating Company, LLC, an online grocery channel doing business under the names Safeway.com and Vons.com. Blackhawk, a majority-owned subsidiary of Safeway, is a prepaid payment network utilizing proprietary technology to offer gift cards, other prepaid products and payment services. Blackhawk's payment network supports its three primary constituents: consumers who purchase the products and services Blackhawk offers, content providers who offer branded products that are redeemable for goods and services, and distribution partners who sell the products. Blackhawk's product offerings include gift cards, prepaid telecom products and prepaid financial services products, including general purpose reloadable cards and Blackhawk's reload network.
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Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of traditional and non-traditional life and health reinsurance products. It operates through the following segments: U.S. and Latin America; Canada; Europe, Middle East, and Africa; Asia Pacific; and Corporate and Other. The U.S. and Latin America segment markets individual and group life and health reinsurance to domestic clients for a variety of products through yearly renewable term agreements, coinsurance, and modified coinsurance. The Canada segment offers individual life reinsurance, and to a lesser extent creditor, group life and health, critical illness and disability reinsurance, through yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements. The Europe, Middle East, and Africa segment serves individual and group life and health products through yearly renewable term and coinsurance agreements, reinsurance of critical illness coverage that provides a benefit in the event of the diagnosis of a pre-defined critical illness and underwritten annuities. The Asia Pacific segment comprises individual and group life and health reinsurance, critical illness coverage, disability, and superannuation thr
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Ormat Technologies, Inc. operates as a holding company. The firm engages in the provision of geothermal and recovered energy power business. It operates through the following segments: Electricity, Product and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment focuses in the sale of electricity from the company's power plants pursuant to PPAs. The Product segment involves in the manufacture, including design and development, of turbines and power units for the supply of electrical energy and in the associated construction of power plants utilizing the power units manufactured by the company to supply energy from geothermal fields and other alternative energy sources. The Energy Storage segment consists of battery energy storage systems as a service and management of curtailable customer loads under contracts with U.S. retail energy providers and directly with large commercial and industrial customers. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Reno, NV.
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Where the solar panel meets the roadChina is putting a solar highway to the test. The Hindu along with a number of other sites carried reports of the photovoltaic road project The Hindu, referring to reports from Xinhua, said this trial was "based on home-grown technology."
Jinan, Shandong Province of China, is where the stretch of road is being tested. Solar panels were laid under part of a ring road surrounding the capital. The electricity generated will be connected to China's national power grid, said The Hindu. The panels transfer energy to passing electric vehicles. The goal is to achieve a stable source of "green" electricity.
News sites largely referred to reports coming in from CCTV and Xinhua. The latter said the panels cover 5,875 square meters (63,238 square feet).
Most reports said the test highway extended for 1 km (0.6 miles) but some others said for 2 km.
According to the report from Quartz, the road cost around 3,000 yuan ($458) per sq m, higher than regular streets.
Steve Hanley in CleanTechnica, meanwhile, provided some details on how the electricity will be used"to run street lights, billboards, surveillance cameras, and toll collection plazas. It will also be used to heat the road surface to keep it clear of snow. Any excess will be fed back into the local utility grid."
The highway stretch was designed for both electricity generation and public transport, according to Zhang Hongchao, who was interviewed by CCTV. Hongchao is a project designer and transportation engineering expert at China's Tongji University.
Also, CCTV said the road section features "ports with access to transportation information collecting devices." CCTV called it "a step forward in building big data in transportation."
The Hindu had details on three layers in the design: "At the bottom is an insulator to prevent moisture from getting to the photovoltaic devices in the middle layer, and on top is the layer of transparent concrete."
Xinhua described the road surface material as "transparent" and "weight-bearing" and the material allows the sunlight to penetrate. Hongchao said the expressway could handle 10 times more pressure than the normal asphalt variety.
China is not the first to think in terms of a solar-panel road. Quartz reporter Echo Huang had more details on the highway timeline: "In late 2016, a village in France opened what it claimed was the world's first solar-panel road, running for about the same length as China's new stretch though covering about half the area. In 2014, the Netherlands built a bike path embedded with solar panels."
Meanwhile, pv magazine said, "solar roads are a relatively young technology, at least in terms of achieving commercialization."
Sputnik reported on testing feedback: A mini-bus traveled at the speed of 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour over the tested road, with the driver praising the braking distance of the new surface as almost identical to that of a traditional asphalt surface, according to CCTV.
The minibus driver said he felt nothing different driving on this particular section. "I'm running at the speed of over 100 kilometers per hour," he said in the CCTV video. "There's nothing different from the ordinary highway. The braking distance is almost the same as well."
All in all, the project signals China's solar-power ambitions, said Huang.
"Last year the country became the world's top solar-energy producer, boosting its photovoltaic capacity to around 78 gigawatts, and it's aiming for 105 by 2020. China's eastern city of Huainan, meanwhile, operates the world's biggest floating solar project, which could eventually power 94,000 homes."
Qilu Transportation Development Group has invested in the construction of the project, said CCTV. The group is a state-owned transport firm operating in Shandong, said pv magazine.
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2018 Tech Xplore
A court in Ho Chi Minh City has halted a case brought by Uber B.V. against the municipal tax department, as the local company claiming to legally represent the ride-hailing service is in fact not authorized to do so.
Tran Ngoc Tam, head of the Ho Chi Minh City tax department, confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Thursday that he was informed of the lawsuit suspension by the municipal Peoples Court in the morning.
The court rejected the case as the entity that had filed the lawsuit lacks the eligibility to do so, Tam said.
The suit, a show of protest by the ride-sharing app after it was asked to pay VND66.68 billion (US$2.95 million) in back taxes by the city's taxman, was filed on December 20, 2017 by Chu Xuan Binh, a representative of Uber Vietnam Co. Ltd.
Uber Vietnam is authorized by the Netherlands-based Uber B.V. to oversee its business in the Southeast Asian country.
However, the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Court said that the authorization document, legalized by Vietnamese authorities in November 2016, contains no clauses showing that the Dutch-based company entitles its Vietnamese unit to file a lawsuit or appear in court in Vietnam on its behalf.
The court has therefore suspended the case as per Vietnamese law.
Uber retains the rights to file another lawsuit to request the court to handle the case, or lodge an appeal against the suspension decision, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Court.
An illustration picture shows the logo of car-sharing service app Uber on a smartphone next to the picture of a taxi sign. Photo: Reuters
Tax row turns into saga
The showdown between Uber Vietnam and tax authorities in the southern Vietnamese metropolis began when the ride-hailing service ignored a request to pay the VND66.68 billion back taxes late last year.
The firm later filed a petition against the tax claim to Vietnams Ministry of Finance, reasoning it had fulfilled its tax duties in the Netherlands in accordance with a treaty against double taxation signed between the European country and Vietnam.
The petition was dismissed, with the finance ministry asking the company to pay the full amount as demanded by the Ho Chi Minh City taxman.
With Uber Vietnam showing no signs of paying the taxes, the Ho Chi Minh City tax department gave it an ultimatum to pay the amount within ten days from December 12.
By that deadline, Uber Vietnam had only agreed to clear VND13.3 billion ($585,903) out of the total tax arrears, prompting the tax department to enact a coercive measure -- calling on five local banks to freeze the accounts of the company from January 1 to 10, 2018.
During this period, all money channeled into Uber Vietnam accounts at VCB, Eximbank, Sacombank, ACB and Vietinbank would be directed to that of the citys tax department, instead of the Uber B.V. in the Netherlands.
The coercive measure was intended to be lifted only after the department receives the remaining VND53.3 billion ($2.35 million) worth of taxes owed by Uber Vietnam.
Uber Vietnam then brought the issue to court, with the court eventually taking a temporary urgent measure, preventing the tax department from enacting its coercive action.
Now that the temporary urgent measure has been nullified along with the lawsuit suspension, the tax department will consider restarting its plan to freeze Uber Vietnam accounts at those five major banks, Tam said.
We will have an internal meeting to decide on when and for how long the account freezing plan should take place and inform the banks involved later, he added.
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Here are the news stories you should not miss today:
Society
-- Typhoon Bolaven, the first to hit Vietnam this year, was located around Song Tu Tay Island, part of Vietnams Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago, on Wednesday evening before weakening into a tropical depression at sea, according to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.
-- Singaporean attorney Remy Choo Zheng Xi confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday that Phan Van Anh Vu, who is being held by Singapores Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), is Vu nhom (aluminum), who is being wanted by Vietnamese police.
-- Nguyen Hong Lam, chairman of Hanois Quoc Oai District who has been missing since Tuesday last week, was found dead by hanging at his private home in Hoang Mai District on Wednesday evening.
-- Police in the northern province of Bac Ninh on Wednesday night arrested the owner of a local warehouse storing scrap metal, where an explosion occurred on the morning of the same day, killing at least two people and damaging many houses.
-- Officers in the northern province of Dien Bien busted a ring that transported 500 bricks of heroin, weighing a total of 171 kilograms, from Laos to Vietnam on Wednesday.
-- Nguyen Trong Dieu, deputy chief inspector in the northern province of Hai Duong, has been dismissed from his position for using a fake university degree.
-- The Peoples Court in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong on Wednesday sentenced Dang Van Hien to death for shooting dead three people during a quarrel over land disputes in late October 2016.
Business
-- Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Wednesday morning officially appointed Tran Sy Thanh, deputy head of the Partys Central Economic Committee, as the new chairman of PetroVietnams board of directors.
-- The State Bank of Vietnam has recently announced that its foreign exchange reserves had reached US$52 billion, which local experts considered an impressive figure that would create many opportunities for the country.
-- The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee has approved a project to run two markets that sell absolutely clean food.
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have approved a pilot project to adopt a market model that sells clean food, in a bid to enhance food safety.
The safe-food market model will be first applied to Ben Thanh Market in District 1 and Hoc Mon Produce Wholesale Market, located in the namesake district, and is expected to be implemeted at other markets by 2020.
According to a representative of the Food Safety Management Authority of Ho Chi Minh City (FSMA), merchants at the two marketplaces will first need to meet three basic requirements to be able to run their businesses.
Similar to most markets across the city, sellers must have a legitimate business license, food safety certificate, and ensure that their products have a clear origin.
At the Hoc Mon Produce Wholesale Market, which is the citys prominent supplier of pork and vegetables, a team of 14 food safety officials will be tasked with managing the quality of food sold at the venue.
They will assist merchants in the supervision of pork products via a QR-coded label, which is part of a plan by the municipal Department of Industry and Trade.
Thanks to this, customers are able to access information regarding where the pigs were raised, when and where they were slaughtered, and from which wholesale market their meat was distributed, through a mobile phone app.
For fruit and vegetables, merchants will be instructed on noting down the origin of their produce.
Meanwhile, managers of Ben Thanh Market will be in charge of ensuring product quality instead of a team of food safety officials.
The market managers, in coordination with the FSMA and district-level bureaus of health, will show sellers how to monitor the origin of their merchandise.
The FSMA will carry out regular inspections of the two markets and impose stern punishments upon those violating the regulations on food safety.
Lan Hue, a food vendor at Ben Thanh Market, expressed her excitement at the food-safety model, stating that mangers of the venue should list the necessary criteria for sellers to prepare for the plan.
However, many small-scale traders are worried that they would be unable to meet all the requirements due to limited financial capacity.
Some vendors stated they have been fetching products from various sources, thus keeping track of their origin would be really difficult.
Nguyen Thi Lan, a pork seller at Hoc Mon Market, said she does not have enough money to afford proper tables to display the meat as required.
Meeting other equipments for food safety is out of her reach as well, Lan admitted.
Many agreed that local authorities should support merchants in terms of finance to help them adapt to the new model, thus maximizing the efficiency of the project.
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Police in Vietnam have arrested the owner of a scrap warehouse where a blast had killed two children and injured several people this week.
Nguyen Van Tien, 44, who owns a warehouse storing scrap metal in Bac Ninh Province, is being held in custody for the illegal storage and trade of military weapons, the provincial Department of Police confirmed to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday evening.
An explosion occurred at the facility at around 4:10 am the same day, claiming the lives of two young children, two-year-old Nguyen Tien Nam and six-year-old Dang Thuy Trang, and wounding seven people.
Four nearby houses were knocked down, while some others were damaged.
Nearby houses were devastated by the force of the blast. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Tien and his wife, Nguyen Thi Canh, were summoned to the local police station later the same morning.
According to his statements, Tien rented the venue to run a business of collecting and reselling scrap metal, while he and his wife live in a different house in the northern province.
In December 2016, he bought seven metric tons of old bullets to extract scrap metal.
The bullets, which were stored in the yard of the warehouse, triggered the blast.
A large number of old bullets have been collected by competent agencies. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Competent agencies are continuing their investigation and will deal with the case in accordance with the law, police said.
They have been collecting the bullet shells and debris, cleaning up the affected area, and estimating damages.
Those residents whose houses were destroyed have been provided with a temporary place to stay, while family members of the injured and deceased have been offered financial support.
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A Vietnamese national being held by Singapores immigration authority has been confirmed as a business tycoon wanted at home and now faces deportation from the city-state, regardless of an official request from Vietnam, two lawyers have said.
Phan Van Anh Vu, who is in custody in Singapore after being arrested by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on December 28, is the same person known in Vietnam as Vu nhom (aluminum), a Singaporean lawyer confirmed after meeting him on Wednesday.
Lawyer Remy Choo Zheng Xi asserted to a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper correspondent in Singapore that his client is the same person seen in photos accompanying recent stories about Vu nhom published by Vietnamese media.
Remy Choo is retained by Vus family to represent him.
Lawyer Remy Choo Zheng Xi is seen in front of his law office in Singapore in this supplied photo.
Vu nhom, or Phan Van Anh Vu, is wanted after Vietnams Ministry of Public Security launched legal proceedings against him in absentia on charges of deliberately disclosing state secrets, and searched his house in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang on December 21.
He is a real estate tycoon, whose legal troubles have been widely covered by the Vietnamese press.
The ICA said on December 26 it is holding a man named Phan Van Anh Vu for allegedly committing offenses under the local Immigration Act, without giving any other details.
Possible deportation
Now that Vu nhom is being held in Singapore for violating the city-states immigration law, Ha Hai, an attorney from the Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association, said the ICA has all rights to request either repatriation or deportation for him under any circumstance.
Vu nhom reportedly entered Singapore from Vietnam by road and was trying to continue traveling to Malaysia on the morning of December 28 when he was arrested by the ICA.
Phan Van Anh Vu and one of his 'problematic' projects in Da Nang, Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Lawyer Hai, citing the Singaporean Immigration Act, said that any person reasonably believed to be a person liable to removal from Singapore under the act may be arrested without warrant by any immigration officer [] or by a police officer.
This person may also be detained in any prison, police station or immigration depot for a period not exceeding 14 days pending a decision as to whether an order for his removal should be made, Hai added.
For Vu nhom, these rules mean that the Singaporean immigration authority has all rights to arrest, detain and remove the Vietnamese without a formal request from Vietnams government, according to lawyer Hai.
The Ministry of Public Security will receive Vu nhom following his return to Vietnam.
A screenshot of a Straits Times report on the arrest of Phan Van Anh Vu.
The Vietnamese magnate is being held in a detention center of immigration offenders in central Singapore.
Lawyer Remy Choo said he will file a letter to the ICA to call for the release of his client.
The lawyer added if Vu nhom did not violate any specific rule while he was in Singapore, and therefore could not be found guilty of any charge, he should be released immediately.
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Well heres the first oddity of the year.
Seniors website Starts At 60, which is a third-owned by Seven West Media, has posted an article reporting that UK fans are accusing The Chase of being rigged, with some calling for it to be axed.
ITV, the channel that is home to the UK Chase has come under scrutiny in recent months with accusations of rigging the results and using its format to cheat players out of winnings. Even the shows animated host and comedian, Bradley Walsh could not protect the show from a fierce backlash, it reported.
The saga surrounds a final chase in which Mark Labbett made a near-perfect run of 17 of 18 final questions, eventually shattering the dreams of 3 contestants and the 60,000 (A$103,316) prize fund they accumulated.
One use on Twitter exclaimed Biggest fix on television #TheChase
This show is a joke now. Scrap it ITV #TheChase #FixedForTheChaser, another viewer said.
One person even said, I think the chasers go and get answers backstage and get a few wrong to look legitimate #thechase.
So far over 350 of the sites users have also weighed in, many theorising the Australian version may be rigged too and others lamenting too many contestants walk away empty-handed.
Labbetts response to the accusations, I understand [why they think so] because it comes down to one single thing: people dont believe were that good.
Nearing Rodney Chatman's second anniversary as executive director of public safety and chief of police for the University of Dayton, the division has attracted the attention of several organizations nationwide for its initiatives and expertise.
Since Chatman joined the University in January 2016, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators and the Association of Title IX administrators have asked him and other University administrators to present at conferences, and the Ohio Crisis Response Team has given UD public safety its Allied Professional Award.
Public safety representatives also have been tapped for panels to review officer-involved shootings in the area.
"Our goal is to be recognized among the best campus law enforcement agencies in the U.S. Our first-year enhancements during the 2016-17 academic year have been well received and we are excited about what we're rolling out this academic year," Chatman said. "Everything we do is based on the pillars established by President Barack Obama's task force on 21st century policing building trust and legitimacy, policy and oversight, technology and social media, community policing and crime reduction, training and education and officer safety and wellness."
Chatman's first initiatives focused on public safety officers being more visible on campus steady burn lights atop each cruiser to allow anyone in the student neighborhood to see them from blocks away, a substation in the student neighborhood, and regular visits with students at lunch and student organization meetings, plus special events like barbecues and bowling nights.
Others focused on professional development a fair and impartial policing workshop and Lexipol, a service to ensure public safety policies and procedures are up-to-date.
Another effort that generates awareness, the Citizen Police Academy, provided faculty, staff and students a taste of public safety's day-to-day operations. Sessions included an overview of how public safety investigates crimes, and opportunities for participants to "solve" a sample crime, go on a foot patrol and conduct a sample traffic stop.
"I have been really impressed with the public safety initiatives. Engagement with students is an important aspect of keeping campus safe. As a student, it is really impactful when officers are so willing to speak one-on-one with us about the changes and improvements," said Jamie Vieson, University of Dayton Student Government Association president. "Last year, Chief Chatman came to an SGA public meeting. Our senators had a number of questions for him, especially surrounding safety and St. Patricks Day. We are grateful he was so willing to answer our questions, because it allows everyone on campus to be on the same page.
"We hope to connect with Chief Chatman again this coming semester and look forward to keeping the open dialogue."
This academic year, Chatman is establishing a public safety advisory committee and reviving a campus community review board to evaluate the division's operations. Also, each supervisor will review 10 body camera videos a week "so we can see the extraordinary work our officers are doing, commend them, and address certain issues before they become problematic."
"We feel the policy, oversight and accountability piece is really important," Chatman said. "If we're saying we're going to be transparent, then we have to be transparent. We just can't say it we have to do it."
The division also will work with campus partners on sexual assault prevention efforts and with federal, state and local agencies to help faculty, staff and students with situational awareness in dangerous circumstances and staying safe against fraud, counterfeiting and theft. It also will create an International Student Academy to help students from other countries adjust to U.S. laws and regulations, handle parking tickets, navigate public transportation and avoid scams, especially those threatening deportation.
Chatman, who started campuswide Flyer Aware messages this year for instances that don't rise to the level of a safety advisory, also hopes to expand public safety's "virtual" presence, especially crime prevention tutorials on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. He added that he will encourage students to share crime prevention tips so students can learn from each other.
To learn more about University of Dayton public safety efforts, visit the related link and story.
Looking at traffic, there was a 6.1% year-on-year increase in revenue passenger kilometres to 7,670, after growth of 7.6% and 4.4% growth in November and October. Premium traffic rose 3.9% following gains of 7.9% and 4.4% in the two preceding months.
Capacity across the group, which is measured in available seat kilometres, swelled 4.0% for the second month in a row.
After plans were announced at the end of December, this week the group acquired assets and invest in Niki, a former part of the collapsed Air Berlin group, which will form a new Austrian arm of IAG's Vueling Spanish budget brand.
The purchase 20m of assets from the Austrian airline will be accompanied by up to 16.5m of liquidity to Niki. The assets include up to 15 Airbus A320 aeroplanes and an "attractive" portfolio of slots at various airports including Vienna, Dusseldorf, Munich, Palma and Zurich.
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Mississippi Republican Gregg Harper announced Thursday that he would not seek reelection in 2018. Harper, who is in his 5th term, represents the state's 3rd district, a safe Republican area that Donald Trump won by nearly 25 points in 2016. The district crosses the state, from the border with Louisiana to that with Alabama. It includes part of the Jackson area, as well as Meridian.
Related: Full list of House Retirements
Separately, Ohio Republican Pat Tiberi, who announced this past October that he would leave Congress by the end of January, has set January 15th as his departure date. Gov. John Kasich, who represented the 12th district prior to Tiberi (both of them served nine terms) will set the date for a special election. Donald Trump won this district by about 11% in 2016 and it likely will remain in Republican hands.
But look around before you do: The way-below-freezing temperatures can be harmful for all kinds of products that are easy to forget as you make your dash inside from the cold. These are among the worst items to leave in your car during an intense freeze.
Medication
Some medicines, including insuln, can lose their effectiveness if they freeze. As a general rule, any liquid medication in a suspended stated (i.e., it must be shaken before use) will be adversely affected if frozen. The best advice is to contact your pharmacist if you have questions.
Cellphones and tablets
A few months back, some folks who ponied up $1,000 and more for the new iPhone X got an unwelcome surprise when the weather turned cold and their freshly minted iPhones froze up. Apple soon pushed out a software update to help quell the issue, but it turns out most cellphones and tablets are susceptible to shutting down in very cold weather, which prevents the lithium batteries from discharging electricity, literally freezing your devices operations. Experts say the issue usually is fixed when the battery is brought into warmer temperatures and recharged but you wouldnt want to test the theory by leaving your phone or tablet in your car overnight. The same issue can happen in very hot weather. Both Apple and Samsung advise operating phones in temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees. In cold weather, the glass screens are more prone to cracking as well.
Canned liquids and foods
Remember your grade school science lesson: When water freezes, it expands. That means if you have a can of soda, sparking water, beer or pretty much any water-based liquid in your car, you could be looking at a potentially explosive situation. Whole milk freezes at 31 degrees, Coca-Cola at 30 degrees and a beer with 5 percent alcohol at 27 degrees. Canned goods such as beans will react similarly if left in a freezing car. Nonliquid canned goods are less prone to explosion, but be careful of any food that freezes in a car: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises to thaw it in a refrigerator, and throw it away if it looks or smells in any way abnormal. If a canned good has burst, wrap it in a plastic bag and immediately discard it where no one, including animals, can get it.
Musical instruments
Wooden instruments are particularly susceptible to damage in cold weather, as dry, frigid air can cause cracking and warping, which can sometimes be impossible to repair. At the very least, an instrument left in a freezing car will need to be retuned. The Real School of Music says to let a frozen instrument warm up gradually.
Eggs
If your eggs freeze and then crack, throw them out immediately. Uncracked frozen eggs can be allowed to thaw in a refrigerator, but the USDA advises that cooking uses may be limited as freezing causes the yolk to toughen up.
The changes, which went into effect Jan. 1, alter the way many Tricare recipients pay for and access their health care. The changes were made as a result of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 that was signed by President Obama in December 2016. The changes to Tricare included in the law aim to modernize and streamline the program, and provide beneficiaries with better care.
There are currently 9.4 million Tricare beneficiaries, including 2.2 million retired service members and 1.4 million active duty service members.
For most of these people, the revamped program will be the biggest change they have had since [Tricares] implementation in 1996, said Kenneth Canestrini, acting director of the Tricare Health Plan at the Defense Health Agency.
Heres what you need to know about the changes ahead.
Some Tricare plans will stay the same. While the changes affect a few of Tricares largest programs, there arent any changes to Tricare for Life, which offers Medicare wraparound coverage for Tricare-eligible beneficiaries who have Medicare Part A and B. The U.S. Family Health Plan and the Tricare Retiree Dental Program also are unaffected by the changes.
The biggest switch will occur for those enrolled in Tricares Standard and Extra programs, which have been combined to form Tricare Select. Select is a self-managed, preferred-provider-network plan that works similarly to its predecessors. There are approximately 1.94 million beneficiaries currently enrolled in the Standard and Extra plans.
Patients will continue to have the same level of freedom of movement and no requirements for referral of care, Canestrini said. But we will expand the network capability across the U.S. to build a network that 85 percent of the Tricare Select population will have access to.
Costs may go up for some. Until now, the Standard and Extra plans used a cost-share model in which beneficiaries paid either 20 percent of allowable charges for in-network care or 25 percent for non-network care, meaning everyone under the program incurred different costs. That changed on Jan. 1 when Select took over and implemented a copay system similar to what is seen in civilian insurance plans.
Under the new system, Tricare beneficiaries are divided into two groups based on when a person entered the military service. Those in Group A (enlisted before Jan. 1) are grandfathered into the new copay system and will pay slightly higher copays than Group B.
While some people will end up paying more in out-of-pocket fees, the copay system will provide predictability [for patients] and ease of administration, Canestrini said.
Detailed costs for 2018 for active duty military are available online for Tricare Prime and for those in Tricare Select. Detailed costs for 2018 for retired military, their families and others can be found here.
Active enrollment is required going forward. Enrollment in Tricare benefits used to be automatic, with no action required of the beneficiary. But as of Jan. 1, everyone will need to actively enroll in either Tricare Prime or Tricare Select, or else be ineligible for coverage outside of a military installation.
The good news is that Tricare automatically enrolled current beneficiaries in their appropriate plans throughout December of last year. Online enrollment through the Beneficiary Web Enrollment (BWE) website also will be up and running this week, according to Tricare.
There will be a one-year grace period for 2018, during which changes to enrollment can be made when needed.
But after 2018, changes to enrollment can only be made during the open enrollment season. To better align with the open enrollment season for federal employees, Tricare will hold its open enrollment for coverage in 2019 later this year, from Nov. 12 through Dec. 10.
Starting in 2019, you will only be able to enroll in or change your Tricare plan during the open enrollment season or within 90 days of a qualifying life event, such as a marriage, birth or relocation.
The three Tricare regions have been reduced to two. Tricare North and Tricare South have been combined to form Tricare East. Tricare West remains mostly the same.
Your Tricare benefits remain the same regardless of where you live, but each region will receive new regional contractors that serve as the main point of contact for customer service, claims processing and prior authorization for certain health care services. Tricare Easts new regional contractor is Humana Military, and Tricare Wests is Health Net Federal Services.
If you are covered under Tricare Prime and your regional contractor is changing, you will need to make sure your doctor and health providers are included in the new network. The other plans will allow you to continue to see your providers if they are Tricare authorized. The 2018 Tricare Network Provider Directories for the East and West regions are now available.
The current Tricare Retiree Dental Program will end this year. The program, which covers basic dental care for retired military and their families, will end on Dec. 31. It is being replaced with the Office of Personnel Managements Federal Dental and Vision Program (FEDVIP), which will offer retired military members more choice in dental plans and coverage. Enrollment for these plans will begin Nov. 12 and run through Dec. 10., during the new open enrollment season.
Active duty military, retirees and their family members will also be able to sign up for vision plans through FEDVIP in November. These plans will offer beneficiaries more comprehensive coverage than what is currently offered under Tricare.
Tricare will provide more information on these dental and vision plans closer to open enrollment in November.
A new University of Michigan/AARP National Poll on Healthy Aging found that a majority of people over age 50 believe that all staff in long-term care facilities should be required to get the flu vaccine. And a large majority of respondents said that if they knew that even a third of the staff at a nursing home hadnt been vaccinated, they would be less likely to choose that facility.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 68 percent of workers in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes get a flu shot. Yet at hospitals, more than 92 percent of workers are vaccinated. The CDC recommends that everyone older than 6 months be vaccinated against the flu every year.
Flu and pneumonia are a critical health concern and in recent years have resulted in over 50,000 deaths annually, making it the eighth leading cause of death, just behind diabetes, says Alison Bryant, senior vice president of research at AARP. Over 80 percent of these deaths were among older adults ages 65 and older. Increasing vaccination rates to increase herd immunity is imperative to the health and lives of our most vulnerable.
Preeti Malani, the poll director and a professor of internal medicine at University of Michigan Medical School and a specialist in infectious diseases and geriatrics, says its especially important that workers who come in contact with nursing home residents and the people who treat them be vaccinated because these are the people who will have the highest risk of hospitalizations and complications even death from the flu. Nursing homes are places where there is a lot of one-on-one health care, and care in that setting can be very intimate.
The vast majority of poll respondents (73 percent) said that nursing home medical staff should be vaccinated. What's more, 71 percent said that nonmedical staff should get a flu shot. A lower percentage (55 percent) said the flu vaccine should be mandatory for all staff. In contrast, many hospitals do require vaccination as a condition of employment but allow some staff to opt out and instead wear masks around patients during flu season.
The overwhelming majority of respondents also think that nursing homes should offer the vaccine for free to employees and require unvaccinated staff to stay home if they get sick.
The National Poll on Healthy Aging was conducted online among 2,007 people between ages 50 and 80.
As COVID-19 cases increase, hospitals handle the patient load
The vast majority of patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 have not been vaccinated. As cases increase, so area hospitalizations.
Mark Aragon, a photographer and media coordinator for Albuquerques Jackson-Wink MMA Academy, will not be granted a media credential for future UFC events.
The UFC made the announcement on Wednesday, in response to a post by Aragon in which he referred to fighter Cristiane Justino as he and with use of the pronoun his after Justinos victory over Albuquerques and Jackson-Winks Holly Holm Saturday night on UFC 219 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Justino, better known by her nickname, Cyborg, had demanded an apology and/or that the UFC not issue Aragon a media credential in the future. Aragon apologized in an Instagram post on Monday, but said his post was in response to disparaging and disrespectful remarks from Cyborg about Holm that he said he had overheard after the fight.
Jackson-Wink issued a news release apologizing for Aragons post on social media but also saying it came in response to Cyborgs alleged disrespectful remarks about Holm.
In response to our media persons recent Instagram remark about Cyborg, there is a backstory as to why he made his comment, stated a post on the gyms official Facebook page that was made on Monday. After Cyborgs victory, she was heard backstage by our media guy calling Holly a Bi#%h and laughing at a photo depicting her own toe in Hollys eye. They were heard mocking Hollys performance. Our media guy was defensive of our fighter and space and he used Cyborgs past history of steroid use, in a knee jerk, response. We were unaware of all the backstage talk and his response on a public forum until yesterday. He regrets putting JW in this position. We dont condone putting others down. Congratulations to Cyborg and her team and we look forward to a rematch.
Cyborg accepted the apology but continued to insist that Aragon not be granted a UFC media credential in the future. Wednesday, the UFC complied.
UFC is aware and troubled with the recent statements made by a social media representative from the Jackson Wink MMA Academy in New Mexico, the organization said in a statement. UFC does not condone or tolerate the remarks that were used. The organization has reached out to the Jackson Wink team to inform them that the individual in question will not be granted access for future events.
On Twitter, Cyborg expressed her appreciation.
I want to thank the UFC for showing their support, she wrote. Everyone is entitled to a work environment free from sexual harassment and prejudice.
Aragon did not respond to a text from the Journal seeking comment and has not commented further on social media about UFCs actions on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, he expressed confusion as to why, having accepted his apology, Cyborg was still demanding that the UFC not issue him credentials in the future.
The Journals Geoff Grammer contributed to this report.
Cyborgs Instagram post:
Aragons Instagram post:
Jackson-Winks Facebook post:
Cyborgs Facebook reply:
Dustin Binghams young sexual assault victims asked a judge for leniency at his sentencing hearing Wednesday, describing the former Santa Fe County deputy as a beloved family member who didnt deserve a long prison term.
This is not him, one the girls he assaulted told District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer. He has a heart of gold and doesnt deserve to be in jail for 25 years.
The judge later sentenced Bingham to a total of five years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised probation.
In November, Bingham, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of unclothed criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13, one count of clothed criminal sexual contact of a minor under 13, one count of criminal sexual contact of a minor by force or coercion, one count of child solicitation by electronic device and one count of sexual exploitation of children. The crimes were committed against two young members of his extended family and another teen girl while Bingham was a deputy.
Prosecutors, and the victim who was not a relative, asked for the maximum sentence of 25 years incarceration.
This is interesting because two victims are asking for the lightest sentence possible, and one other victim is asking for the maximum, Marlowe Sommer told Bingham in court. Its heartbreaking to have these two girls come up here and say they dont want you to go through any punishment. I really think that you betrayed a trust that they gave you unwittingly.
Bingham was an Santa Fe County deputy from April 2015 to February 2017. State Police began investigating him in January 2017 after a mother reported concern about her daughters social media contacts with Bingham. He resigned from the sheriffs office Feb. 3 after Sheriff Robert A. Garcia placed him under an internal investigation.
I dont think we should punish him because he swore to protect the public, Binghams lawyer, Stephen Aarons, told the judge Wednesday. Hes done many good things outside of this. I think his public service should qualify him for leniency instead of a harsher sentence.
Binghams parents in May called the police in Los Alamos, where they lived, and said Bingham molested the two extended family members whom he regularly visited and babysat. At one point Bingham lived with the girls family and shared a room with one of them. One girl told police that Bingham removed her bra while she was sleeping, which she discovered when she woke up the next morning without one.
District Attorney Marco Serna, who was at Wednesdays hearing, said in a statement released later that protecting children from sexual predators is the offices top priority. Bingham was a wolf in sheeps clothing while he served as a sheriffs deputy in Santa Fe County and that made him extremely dangerous, Serna said. I am disappointed that he was not sentenced to more years in prison, but we will continue to seek justice for our innocent victims.
The Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education has settled a lawsuit brought by former Superintendent Winston Brooks that claims his buyout agreement was breached when his immediate successor disparaged him in a Journal interview.
A joint motion to dismiss the complaint, filed Dec. 22 in 2nd Judicial District Court, says the parties amicably resolved their differences, but provides no details on the terms. Its unclear if Brooks received a financial settlement.
Maureen Sanders, Brooks attorney, was out of the office Wednesday and could not be reached for comment. Tony Ortiz, the school boards attorney, said he was not authorized to comment and referred questions to APS communications.
Johanna King, APS spokeswoman, confirmed that the case had settled, but said she had no other information.
Brooks filed the lawsuit in February 2015, seeking attorneys fees and $125,000 $25,000 for each of the five remarks made by then-interim Superintendent Brad Winter during a Journal interview.
The September 2014 Journal story quoted Winter as saying, I just couldnt work with him (Brooks) anymore, because he felt Brooks was not willing to collaborate with the business community, New Mexico Public Education Department and neighborhood groups.
Winter went on to say that Winston just had a profound effect on those folks. Nobody (at PED) wanted to work with him.
A month before Winters interview, Brooks had stepped down as APS superintendent with a $350,000 buyout and a settlement agreement barring the board and district administration from disparaging the conduct, character, performance or ethics of Brooks or his wife, Ann.
Winters comments violated that agreement, the lawsuit argued.
In early 2016, the case bogged down as the court debated Brooks mental capacity.
APS had sought a protection order to keep Winter from being deposed, contending that Brooks ability to proceed with the lawsuit appeared to be impaired or limited. The APS motion cited a docket sheet from a Kansas court case that appeared to show Brooks wife had been appointed guardian for her husband.
The guardianship action, which occurred just months after Brooks departure from APS, was described as uncontested and included a physician evaluation, the Kansas records show.
The APS motion said the Kansas court documents indicate impediments that could affect Brooks ability to proceed in the lawsuit and said APS didnt know who was pulling the levers in the case.
An August 2017 plaintiffs response reveals that Brooks granted his wife power of attorney in 2009, which allowed her to sue on his behalf. Its not clear why Brooks wanted his wife to have power of attorney.
In the end, Winter never gave a deposition in the case. He declined to comment on the settlement Wednesday.
Brooks led APS from 2008 to 2014, a tumultuous tenure that included conduct-related lawsuits, domestic disputes, bizarre phone calls, and in a Twitter exchange with a television reporter in 2013, Brooks compared then-Education Secretary Hanna Skandera to livestock, using the terms Moo, Moo, Oink, oink!!
Journal Staff Writer Colleen Heild contributed to this report.
SANTA FE Santa Fe and New Mexico are not immune to the influx of influenza cases that has swept the nation.
On Wednesday, Santa Fes Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center issued a news release stating that it has seen 124 confirmed cases of the flu in the last 30 days and that the hospital and emergency department was operating at full capacity.
As a result, getting care may take longer. With this surge of patients in our Emergency Department, patient wait times may be much longer than normal, especially for routine care like flu evaluations, the release said.
Early Wednesday morning, Christus St. Vincent was not accepting transfer patients from other hospitals or health care facilities because of the patient load, according to Christus St. Vincent spokesman Arturo Delgado.
Children under the age of 12 are not being allowed to visit patients during the flu season and visitors experiencing flu-like symptoms are being asked not to enter the hospital unless they are seeking care.
Children younger than 5 and adults 65 and older are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This years flu hasnt been as responsive to vaccines as in the past, said Delgado, who added that seems to be the case all over the country and the United Kingdom.
On Wednesday, the British newspaper Metro reported that flu cases have increased by 48 percent in the past seven days and are higher than previous years, including 10 times higher than 2015.
According to the CDC, influenza activity increased sharply in the United States during the week of Dec. 17-23, the most recent week for which data is available. Statistics show nearly nine of every 100,000 hospitalizations nationwide during that week were due to laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu.
The CDC lists New Mexico as one of 21 states with high influenza-like illness activity levels and one of 36 states where it is widespread.
Hospitals in Los Alamos and Las Vegas, N.M. did not immediately response to messages left by the Journal Wednesday afternoon. But Doyle Boykin, interim hospital administrator with Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, said there has been an influx of flu cases in that part of the state, as well.
We have seen an increase in influenza (flu) cases at the three Albuquerque metro Presbyterian hospitals over the past few weeks, he said. With flu season underway, Presbyterian is taking additional precautions to keep our patients and visitors healthy. We encourage the community to please remember to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing and stay home when ill to help prevent the flu from spreading.
The Christus St. Vincent news release also recommends getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids and taking Tylenol to treat fever. If symptoms worsen, the hospital advises visiting a doctor or an urgent care facility.
But the best defense against a cold or flu is to avoid it in the first place, it says: Wash your hands, use sanitizer, and get plenty of rest. If you havent already received a flu vaccination, you are encouraged to do so.
While the flu is common, it can be serious for older adults and young children, those who are pregnant or with asthma, diabetes, and heart and kidney diseases, according to the news release. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, headache and aches and pains.
A federal judge sentenced an Albuquerque man to 20 years in prison for robbing several northeast-area banks in just over a week in August 2016.
U.S. Attorney spokeswoman Elizabeth Martinez said in a Wednesday news release that Christopher Baum, 37, was charged with six counts of bank robbery.
Is any amount of money worth the next 20 years of your life in prison? said Terry Wade, special agent in charge of the Albuquerque FBI Division. Christopher Baum is going to have a lot of time to ask himself that question. Anyone else thinking about sticking up a bank should ask it, too.
According to the news release, the Albuquerque Police Department and the FBI arrested Baum in 2016 and charged him with robbing four banks, and attempting to rob another, between Aug. 16 and 24.
Baum entered a guilty plea in November 2016, admitting to robbing five banks and attempting to rob another, according to the release.
According to the release, Baum told authorities in the final robbery on Aug. 30, he drew a pistol on a bank teller at a Bank of the West on Juan Tabo NE.
Robbing a bank not only carries a significant prison term, but it also can put innocent lives at risk, Wade said.
Baum, who had three prior bank robbery convictions, was prosecuted under the worst of the worst initiative, according to the news release. The U.S. Attorneys Office says the initiative targets offenders for federal prosecution based on criminal history with the goal of removing repeat offenders from communities in New Mexico for as long as possible.
Baum will be on supervised release for three years after completing his prison sentence.
Former Albuquerque police officer Lou Golson has filed a lawsuit alleging a local car dealerships negligence put Christopher Cook in possession of the vehicle he was driving when he shot Golson repeatedly in 2015.
The lawsuit, filed in 2nd Judicial District Court on Dec. 27, came just a week before the third anniversary of the traffic stop that left Golson a 31-year veteran of the Albuquerque Police Department with lasting injuries.
According to the lawsuit, Cook arrived at That Car Place, a used car dealership located on Wyoming near Lomas, on Jan. 2, 2015, and asked to test drive an SUV. But when employees left Cook alone with the running, unlocked vehicle, he took off.
Golson alleges dealership employees never asked to see Cooks license, nor did they perform a background check on him. If they had, the lawsuit argues, they would have learned that Cook had a criminal record and a suspended or revoked license. And the dealership did not have security measures in place to stop Cook, or anyone else, from taking their vehicles, the suit alleges.
He said that if the dealership had not given him access to the vehicle, that he took and never returnedI would have never gotten shot.
After the SUV was taken from their lot, employees failed to timely report the theft, allowing (Cook) additional time to not be apprehended and to avoid or delay apprehension, according to the lawsuit.
Cook, who is also named as a defendant in the suit, was sentenced in July 2015 to 20 years in prison and is currently housed in the state penitentiary in Santa Fe.
According to police, Cook arrived at the dealership in a stolen car, and the SUV was taken from That Car Place around 10 a.m. An employee told police that he left the car warming up in the lot while he returned to the office to find an ice scraper. Thats when Cook got in the vehicle and drove away.
Golson was shot around 2:30 a.m. the next day after stopping Cook on suspicion of DWI.
As Golson approached, police said, Cook opened the SUVs door and fired multiple rounds, hitting Golsons leg and bulletproof vest. Golson also broke his wrist as he fell to the ground.
That Car Place did not respond to requests for comment.
Golson is seeking damages including medical expenses, wage losses, pain and suffering, and other relief. He has spoken publicly in recent weeks about the injuries he sustained, the medical bills, the struggle to survive financially, and the frustrations of trying to settle his workers compensation claim with the city.
Golson said Wednesday that the shooting left him medically unqualified to return to work as a police officer. He still receives periodic injections to help manage pain, he needs help putting on his shoes and he sometimes uses a cane. He is now retired from the department.
I want to make sure that, you know, these dealerships are following the rules, Golson said. They just dont think its important, but it is. I mean, I dont want this happening to any other officers because I have three kids in law enforcement.
WASHINGTON My hope for the new year is that the United States doesnt bluster and blunder its way into a tragic, needless war.
My fear is that the Trump administration is capable of doing just that.
I confess to having paid less attention than I should to the increasingly apocalyptic rhetoric from the administration about the nuclear threat from North Korea. Im not talking about President Trumps juvenile tweets calling Kim Jong Un Little Rocket Man and making fun of his weight. I mean statements by officials such as H.R. McMaster, Trumps national security adviser, who unlike the president is not known for meaningless blather.
The potential for war with North Korea is increasing every day, McMaster said last month at a defense forum. Time is running out for a peaceful solution, he declared in another public appearance. I dont think we can tolerate that risk of a nuclear-armed North Korea with advanced ballistic missiles, he told CBS in an interview.
What is alarming is that the situation McMaster describes as intolerable is the situation that exists today. And while he warns that time is running out for a peaceful end to the standoff, he has also said that there cant be negotiations under these current conditions.
I worry that with such absolutist rhetoric, the United States is ruling out the realistic options for peace and putting us on a path that may lead inexorably to war.
No amount of threatening is likely to make Kim surrender his nuclear weapons, because he sees them as an insurance policy. The North Koreans watched as Libyas Moammar Gadhafi and Iraqs Saddam Hussein gave up their nuclear ambitions and ended up being deposed and killed. Kim has no intention of making the same mistake.
North Korea conducted its first nuclear weapons test while George W. Bush was president, four more while Barack Obama was president and another under Trump. U.S. policy throughout has been remarkably consistent warnings, sanctions, more warnings, more sanctions, attempts at multiparty talks and remarkably futile.
What good does it do for McMaster to say the United States cannot tolerate what it is presently tolerating? North Korea has nuclear weapons and long-range ballistic missiles; it may or may not be able to mount a nuclear warhead on a missile and fire it accurately. If the United States launches an attack to try to destroy those weapons or take them away, the North Korean regime almost surely would be able to fire off a response that kills many thousands or even millions.
I understand why no U.S. administration wants to be the one to accept the fact that North Korea has joined the exclusive club of nations with nuclear arsenals. But this is, indeed, a fact. Trump and his advisers need to deal with reality as it is, rather than as they would like it to be.
McMaster and others should frame the North Korea situation as a threat to be ameliorated and stop speaking in terms that should be reserved for a full-blown crisis. A threat can be dealt with over time. A crisis, however, requires urgent action and at present there are no good options.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, to his credit, has been trying to cool things down. He even offered to begin talks with the North Koreans with no preconditions, though this overture was quickly nixed by the White House. Tillersons instinct is the right one: Slow down, stop shouting, start talking.
The obvious solution is some sort of negotiated deal that freezes the North Korean nuclear and missile programs at certain levels. That would mean accepting what the administration now describes as unacceptable, but it would avoid the unthinkable: a bloodbath that could leave not just Pyongyang but much of Seoul, and perhaps Tokyo, in smoking ruins.
Someone should remind Trump that he campaigned on a pledge to end the nations role as the worlds policeman. Since taking office, he has mostly allowed himself to be guided by the generals who surround him McMaster, chief of staff John Kelly, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis. On balance, this has been a good thing. But Im increasingly worried by the way the generals talk about North Korea.
And someone should remind Congress of its constitutional responsibility. Congress, not the president, is given the power to declare war and, by extension, to prevent it.
Everybody needs to lower the temperature and begin talking in reasonable terms about achievable goals. Something is wrong when the rhetoric from Pyongyang is no more belligerent than what we hear around Washington.
Robinsons columns, including those not published in the Journal, can be read at abqjournal.com/opinion look for the syndicated columnist link. Email: eugenerobinson@washpost.com; copyright, Washington Post Writers Group.
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced that he is disbanding a controversial panel studying alleged voter fraud that became mired in federal lawsuits, including from one of its own members, and faced resistance from states that accused it of overreach.
The decision is a major setback for Trump, who created the commission last year in response to his unproven claim that he lost the popular vote to Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 because of millions of illegally cast ballots.
The commission met only twice amid the series of lawsuits seeking to curb its authority and claims by Democrats that it was stacked to recommend voting restrictions favorable to the presidents party.
In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said there is substantial evidence of voter fraud and blamed the ending of the commission on the refusal of many states to provide voter data sought by the commission and the cost of ongoing federal lawsuits.
The bipartisan panel, known as the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, had been nominally chaired by Vice President Pence and led by Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Republican who has aggressively sought to prosecute alleged voter fraud in his state.
In the statement, Sanders said Trump had signed an executive order asking the Department of Homeland Security to review voter fraud issues and determine next courses of action.
The commission never had anything to do with election integrity, Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement. It was instead a front to suppress the vote, perpetrate dangerous and baseless claims, and was ridiculed from one end of the country to the other. This shows that ill-founded proposals that just appeal to a narrow group of people wont work, and we hope theyll learn this lesson elsewhere.
Other critics of the commission, including former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, D, also hailed Trumps announcement.
President Trump created his sham voting commission to substantiate a lie he told about voter fraud in the 2016 election, said Kander, president of the advocacy group Let America Vote. When he couldnt come up with any fake evidence, and under relentless pressure, he had no choice but to disband his un-American commission. Good riddance.
The 11-member commission proved a magnet for controversy from the outset and was sued by one of its own members, Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, who alleged in November that he has been kept in the dark about its operations, rendering his participation essentially meaningless.
A federal judge last month ruled partly in Dunlaps favor.
The commission had been targeted in at least eight other lawsuits seeking to curb its operations or make its deliberations more transparent. Several of those stemmed from an early sweeping request to states for voter data that some, including those led by Republicans, deemed too intrusive.
The panel met publicly in Washington in July and in New Hampshire in September. Other meetings planned across the country never materialized.
Despite the accusations of bias, both Trump and Pence had said in opening remarks at the first commission meeting that it had no preordained agenda.
That did not reassure critics.
voter-fraud
ATTN: National editors; expands; adds react, commission background
Trump abolishes controversial commission studying alleged voter fraud
Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal
WASHINGTON With a federal government shutdown looming, congressional leaders met with top White House officials late Wednesday in search of an agreement that could keep the government open and provide a long-term solution for thousands of young people whose immigration status is in flux.
The meeting of top Republicans and Democrats from the House and Senate, as well as White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, did not produce a deal. But the GOP participants issued a statement afterward saying they hoped ongoing discussions would yield an agreement soon. If an agreement isnt reached by Jan. 19 the federal government will partially shut down.
It is important that we achieve a two-year agreement that funds our troops and provides for our national security and other critical functions of the federal government, said House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a joint statement with the White House after the meeting. It also remains important that members of Congress do not hold funding for our troops hostage for immigration policy.
Democrats including those in New Mexicos congressional delegation have been pushing Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress, to include in any spending deal a provision to provide permanent legal status for roughly 800,000 young people whose parents brought them to the U.S. illegally as children. About 7,000 of these so-called dreamers or participants in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program reside in New Mexico.
President Donald Trump rescinded the Obama-era DACA program in September and said it was the responsibility of Congress to make it permanent through legislation. Under Trumps order, the DACA program expires on March 5. Dreamers who have not received federal extensions under DACA will be subject to deportation if the program is not renewed.
On Tuesday U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said the White House and Trump are open to the possibility of not only making DACA permanent for dreamers and allowing them to remain in the U.S. legally, but also including a path to citizenship.
I think hes open to hearing about the different possibilities and what it means but, to my knowledge, there certainly hasnt been any decision from the White House, Nielsen said.
Trump has said he wont sign a permanent DACA bill into law unless Congress also sends him legislation to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. On Wednesday, White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway reiterated the presidents view in an interview on Fox News.
There is no DACA without funding for the wall, Conway said.
Congressional Democrats fiercely oppose the construction of a border wall.
Its shameful for the president to use them (DACA recipients) as a bargaining chip to try and build an unnecessary, ineffective and immoral border wall, Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., said Wednesday.
In late December, Reps. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a New Mexico Democrat who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, both voted against a stopgap spending bill to keep the government open until Jan. 19 because it didnt include a provision to address the DACA issue. Udall and Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., both support a permanent DACA fix but voted for the short-term spending bill in the Senate reasoning that voting against it would harm New Mexico.
Rep. Steve Pearce, a Republican who represents New Mexicos border, also voted for the stopgap spending measure in late December. Pearce has introduced legislation that would give DACA recipients a chance to remain in the country lawfully for 10 years with an option to renew their legal status after a decade. Some Democrats contend the bill doesnt go far enough and that a permanent fix is imperative.
On Wednesday, Pearce said there are many moving parts to negotiations over the looming government shutdown, but he is pushing his DACA bill as a middle-ground solution. Pearce has said he opposes Trumps proposal to build a border wall.
I think threats to shut down the government over a DACA fix are unwise and create more problems than solutions, Pearce said. That said, our nations immigration system is broken. If common-sense corrections can be made to the immigration system while fixing DACA, then that is something I will work with my colleagues on.
Lujan Grisham told the Journal on Wednesday that nobody wants a government shutdown and she senses that Republicans are softening on the issue of a DACA deal. Pearce and Lujan Grisham are both running for governor of New Mexico in 2018.
It is clear that more of the Republican leadership is ready to deal with a DACA fix, Lujan Grisham said Wednesday night.
She said its possible that an eventual agreement will include a government spending deal, a permanent DACA solution and possibly some border security enhancements that stop short of a wall.
While neither side will get exactly what they wantthere are pieces of legislation that are ready that have broad bipartisan support, she said, referring to various border security proposals.
DENVER He was once a standout student in law school and an Army medic who deployed to Iraq. By last weekend, he lay dead in a Colorado apartment building, killed by a SWAT team after he gunned down a 29-year-old deputy.
Matthew Riehls six-year descent from a budding attorney to a gunman who live-streamed some of the final violent hours of his life was accompanied by episodes of mental illness, according to police and a document from the Veterans Affairs Department.
Three days after the gunbattle with authorities, it was still unclear whether Riehls problems were grave enough to legally disqualify him from buying a weapon. Police have said he had a rifle, but they havent released details about what weapons were used or how he obtained them.
Federal standards prevent anyone from buying a gun who has been determined to be a danger to themselves or others by a court or other authority. People who have been involuntarily committed to a psychiatric institution also cant buy from federally licensed gun dealers.
Riehl was hospitalized at a VA psychiatric ward in Wyoming in 2014, and at one point he was placed under a 72-hour mental health hold there, according to a VA document obtained by The Associated Press and other news outlets this week.
But the agency declined to say whether that treatment meant Riehl should not have been allowed to own a gun.
Stephen Fischer, a spokesman for the FBI division that manages the background-check databases used for gun purchases, didnt immediately respond Wednesday to a request for more information.
KDVR-TV in Denver reported Wednesday that Riehl had purchased 11 firearms from a store in Laramie, Wyoming, between 2010 and 2013, but it wasnt immediately known whether any of those guns were used in the Colorado shooting.
A Laramie Police Department report said David Smith, owner of Daves Guns, told police Riehl passed the required background checks. No one answered an after-hours call to Smiths store Wednesday.
Revelations about Riehls mental health history came to light amid increased scrutiny of background-check databases.
After former Air Force member Devin P. Kelley massacred 26 people at a Texas church in November, the Air Force acknowledged it failed to alert the FBI that he had a criminal history.
Kelley had been convicted of assaulting his then-wife and stepson in 2012, when he was still in the Air Force. The military never reported the conviction to the FBI, which should have stopped Kelley from buying weapons, and later blamed training and compliance measures. Kelley was found dead after the killings.
In Riehls case, a sketchy but striking picture of his life began to emerge. He joined the Army Reserve in 2003 and later the Wyoming Army National Guard, serving as a medic. He enrolled in the University of Wyoming College of Law and was named to the deans honor roll in fall 2007.
He interrupted school to serve a tour of duty in Kuwait and Iraq from 2009 to 2010. Returning to law school, he won a coveted spot on a team of students which sometimes got to argue before the Wyoming Supreme Court. He graduated in 2011 and left the military with an honorable discharge in 2012.
Some news reports have cited people who described Riehl sometimes behaving oddly in law school.
Riehls records did not show any military service-related psychiatric disorders, according to the VA document. But within two years of his discharge, he appeared to lose his way: In April 2014, he suffered a psychotic episode and was hospitalized in the mental health ward of the Sheridan, Wyoming, veterans hospital, the document said.
He escaped but was found and returned, the document said. A year later, in June 2015, he had an urgent contact for mental health with a different VA hospital, according to the document.
It offers few details and does not describe the nature of Riehls psychiatric problems. The VA has refused to elaborate, citing privacy concerns.
By mid-2016, Riehl was at the center of a string of worrisome events reported by police in Colorado and Wyoming: A fight with his father and a call to police from his mother, who was concerned about his mental health. He posted tirades on social media about the faculty at the Wyoming law school and sent harassing emails to police after getting a speeding ticket, authorities said.
University of Wyoming police began investigating Riehl last October after the social media posts, including a vague threat to shoot someone, The Denver Post reported . Riehls brother told campus police that Matthew Riehl had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
By Nov. 14, university police were concerned enough to call Colorado authorities about Riehl, according to police in Lone Tree, Colorado, about 18 miles (25 miles) south of Denver.
On Sunday, Riehl dialed 911 and police responded to his apartment in Highlands Ranch, not far from Lone Tree. He opened fire, police said, killing Douglas County Deputy Zackari Parrish and wounding four other officers and two civilians.
Parrishs funeral will be Friday.
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This story has been corrected to reflect the accurate spelling of Devin P. Kelleys last name in the 11th paragraph.
FARMINGTON As Carol Begay Greens index finger moved along the Navajo braille code she developed, she read aloud a story about a boy and his monkey.
Green, a teacher of the blind and visually impaired for the Farmington Municipal School District, has developed a braille code for the Navajo language.
Braille is a system of raised dots that enables people who are blind or visually impaired to read and write through touch, according to the American Foundation for the Blind.
The Navajo braille code Green developed uses English Braille with the absence of the letters f, p, q, r, u and v and with the addition of a prefix code for the vowels a, e, i and o.
There is also code to instruct the reader to pronounce vowels as eight plain, high tone, plain nasal or high tone and nasal.
The advantage of having this code for the reader is that they can distinguish and pronounce everything properly, Green said.
Green, who is born to Toaheedliinii (Water Flow Together Clan), was raised in Michigan, but visited her parental grandparents in Lukachukai, Ariz.
She learned basic words in the Navajo language from her grandparents and the exposure instilled a lifelong interest in further learning the language.
During Greens junior year in college, she transferred to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Ariz., and graduated from there in 1991.
Before joining the Farmington Municipal School District in 2010, she taught at Red Mesa Elementary School in Red Mesa, Ariz., and at Nataani Nez Elementary School in Shiprock.
Green developed vision problems as a child and eventually lost sight in her left eye at 13.
Cataract surgery in her right eye in 2000 led to further decline in her vision and, in 2009, she learned how to read and write braille.
Since she wanted to continue learning how to speak, read and write Navajo, she asked the Braille Authority of North America in 2013 if a braille code for Navajo was available.
When she found out there was none, she began working on one. To her knowledge, her work resulted in the first code for Navajo.
Another reason Green, who has a National Certification in Unified English Braille, developed the Navajo braille code was to provide the opportunity for blind and visually impaired Navajo students to learn about their traditional language.
With the Navajo language being taught in schools, and in some cases a requirement for students to apply for scholarships, Green wanted blind or visually impaired students to have fair opportunity.
I thought if I am going to develop it for myself, then I might as well share it so these children have that opportunity. The same as their peers, she said.
In a resolution passed by the Navajo Nation Board of Education in October 2015, the Navajo braille code was adopted to teach blind and visually impaired tribal members Navajo.
Green continues to share information about the code at various conferences and in presentations across the country.
One of Greens students in Farmington is a Navajo girl who is learning English braille.
She is just learning braille. As she moves in her progress, she might want to take the Navajo language in junior high and high school. That will be an option to her now, Green said.
Local teacher develops Navajo braille code
DENVER A Colorado man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to a shooting that killed a teenager while she sat in her vehicle.
The Denver Post reports that 25-year-old Shamil Jefferson was arrested Dec. 22, one day after 17-year-old Zalynnda Kassogue died of multiple gunshot wounds.
Arrest records say Jefferson had asked a friend to give him a ride to meet a female, potentially an ex-girlfriend. His friend agreed and said after parking, Jefferson got out of the vehicle and began shooting into a red Jeep. The friend said he then drove away and called police.
A black semi-automatic handgun was found at the scene of a nearby hot-and-run crash that Jefferson is believed to have been involved in.
Booking documents dont indicate if Jefferson has hired an attorney.
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Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com
Chief Judge Christina Armijo of the U.S. District Court of New Mexico will retire to senior status next month.
She has served on the bench more than two decades either an appellate judge or on the top federal court in the state.
Armijo, whose retirement was announced in a news release from the courthouse Thursday, was appointed to the U.S. District Court in 2001 by President George W. Bush and unanimously approved the Senate. She has been the chief judge since 2012.
Armijo, who was born in January 1951, has a lifetime appointment to the bench. Her move to senior status means she will carry a lighter caseload and District Judge William Johnson is slated to become the next chief judge, which is based on seniority, said Kelsie Kloepfer, the executive assistant to Clerk of Court.
Born in Las Vegas, N.M., Armijo comes from a large family of New Mexico attorneys and judges.
She served on the New Mexico Court of Appeals from 1996 until her appointment by Bush.
During her career, she has been honored with the Henrietta Pettijohn Award by the New Mexico Womans Bar Association for her work advancing women in the legal profession. She has also received the Outstanding Contribution Award from the State Bar of New Mexico, the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Womens Trailblazer Award and the University of New Mexico Alumni Association and Mortar Boards Lobo Award.
She received her bachelors degree from the University of New Mexico and also graduated from UNMs law school.
The news release credited Armijo with one of the largest cost-savings initiatives within the federal judiciary by facilitating the move of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court into the Pete V. Domenici U.S. Courthouse, which is expected to save about $1 million annually on rent and security costs. That move is expected to be completed next month.
Officers are investigating after they say a man was shot several times and a woman was found with a fatal injury in a home near Chico and Texas NE Wednesday night.
Officer Simon Drobik, a spokesman for the Albuquerque Police Department, wrote in an email that officers were called to the 200 block of Texas by a man who said he had been shot.
Upon arrival officers made contact with a male subject who was on the ground in front of the residence, Drobik wrote. The male sustained multiple injuries, consistent with gunshot wounds to his torso.
Another APD spokesman said late Wednesday that the man was expected to survive. His name has not been released.
Drobik said the officers were told that a woman inside the home might have been responsible for the shooting.
So they made announcements for everyone to come out, and a woman exited and was cooperative with police. She told them another woman was asleep on the floor inside.
Officers made announcements, but the female (inside) was non-responsive, Drobik wrote, Officers moved in to check the residence and located the female on the floor of the living room with an apparent injury to the head.
Drobik did not say what that injury was, but said the woman was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she died. Earlier reports had said the woman had been shot. Drobik did not identify her.
He did not know whether detectives are investigating the womans death as a homicide. He did not say if police believed either woman was responsible for the shooting, but did say no persons of interest have been identified.
It was a violent crimes call out and its under investigation, he said.
DALLAS Southwest Airlines will pay $15 million to settle class-action lawsuits that accuse the four biggest U.S. carriers of conspiring to boost prices by holding down the supply of tickets for sale.
Southwest denies breaking the law but says it settled to avoid the expense of more litigation. It will also provide information to the plaintiffs.
American, United and Delta said Thursday that they did nothing wrong and will continue to defend themselves.
Lawyers for consumers filed dozens of lawsuits against the four airlines in mid-2015 after The Associated Press first reported that the Justice Department was investigating possible collusion.
Federal officials demanded documents from the airlines which control more than 80 percent of the U.S. air-travel market to see if they were colluding to limit the number of seats in order to keep prices high.
The Justice Department hasnt taken any formal action against the carriers. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Consumer groups complained that a series of airline mergers that began in 2008 reduced competition and led to higher fares. They claimed that through back and forth comments about the need for capacity discipline, leaders of the biggest airlines pressured each other to limit seats, making them scarce and driving up prices.
Private lawsuits filed around the country were combined in a single case in federal district court in Washington, D.C. Southwest started discussing a settlement in September and reached an agreement with plaintiffs lawyers in late December, according to court documents.
Federal District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly gave preliminary approval to the deal Wednesday. Air travelers will get a chance to object before her order is made final.
Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz said these cases can go on for years, and settling will avoid the considerable time, expense, and inconvenience of continued litigation.
Southwest, the smallest of the four airlines involved, agreed to provide information and make executives available to talk with lawyers for the consumers who sued.
Representatives for the other three airlines said Southwests settlement would not affect their defenses.
We will continue to defend against the claims, which we believe are without merit, said American Airlines spokesman Matt Miller.
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David Koenig can be reached at http://twitter.com/airlinewriter
A former State Police officer convicted of a first-degree murder will get a new trial after the state Supreme Court ruled prosecutors erred by introducing evidence that the defendant remained silent during the investigation.
John Jack McDowell, 60, was convicted by a jury in December 2014 of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence and sentenced to life in prison for the death of James Chavez, 35.
Chavez was stabbed to death in his Rio Rancho home in July 2011.
During the trial, the arresting detective, while being questioned by prosecutors, said that he couldnt question McDowell about the case because McDowell had asked for an attorney. The states highest court ruled that New Mexico courts have long prohibited such statements from being made at trial, because they have an intolerable prejudicial impact on the jury.
We agree that the prosecutor erred, Justice Edward Chavez wrote on behalf of the court. For decades, prosecutors have been prohibited from commenting on or eliciting testimony about a defendants exercise of his or her right to remain silent.
District Court Judge George Eichwald presided over McDowells trial.
McDowell and his son, who is also named John McDowell, were arrested 18 months after Chavezs death. The younger McDowell was sentenced in May 2015 to 9 1/2 years in prison as part of a plea agreement.
The investigation was hampered, in part, because at least one of the witnesses was worried about retaliation because of McDowells connections to law enforcement and a motorcycle gang, according to police.
McDowell at one point during his law enforcement career was a member of Gov. Toney Anayas security detail. He later became affiliated with the Bandidos motorcycle gang, and he allegedly made silencers in a garage, dealt methamphetamine from his Rio Rancho home and ran stolen guns, according to a criminal complaint filed against him.
It is known on the streets that you dont mess with Jack McDowell due to his connections with the Bandidos biker gang and law enforcement, Rio Rancho Police Detective Richard Romero wrote in the complaint.
Police said that witnesses eventually started cooperating after they were arrested on unrelated charges.
John McDowell, the son, was dating Catherine Chavez, James Chavezs ex-wife. The Chavezes had recently divorced, and there was an ongoing feud over how to divide their assets, some of which were at the couples foreclosed-on home in Rio Rancho, which is where James Chavez was killed, according to the court documents.
McDowells attorney couldnt be reached for comment on Thursday.
Lemuel Martinez, 13th Judicial District Attorney, said prosecutors plan to retry the case.
Were going to review whether we still have the evidence and witnesses, he said. If they are available, were going to retry the case.
A couple who became victims of a car theft Thursday afternoon are now searching for their dog Darcy after the suspect, 28-year-old Pablo Chavira-Leon, told detectives he dropped off the small dog in northeast Albuquerque.
Officer Simon Drobik said Kane and Rosemarie Anderson are extremely distraught and asking the publics help in finding the 7-year-old small dog, which was apparently dropped off by Chavira-Leon at San Mateo and Menaul NE.
Rosemarie Anderson said her husband was shopping in Ross when Chavira-Leon stole the truck, with Darcy inside, from the parking lot.
This city is in trouble with these car thieves, she said.
Drobik said Chavira-Leon was taken into custody near Zuni and Tennessee SE, after fleeing the stolen truck on foot. He is charged with receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle and aggravated fleeing.
According to a criminal complaint, an officer saw Chavira-Leon driving the stolen truck around 1 p.m.
Police say Chavira-Leon immediately fled and air support was called in to follow him as he nearly caused multiple crashes with different vehicles on the road.
Chavira-Leon eventually ditched the truck and ran into a backyard, according to the complaint.
Thats when police say officers set up a perimeter in the area, causing the lock down of nearby La Mesa Elementary School, which is less than a mile away.
Chavira-Leon was found by K9 units beneath some debris in the backyard a short time later, according to the complaint. He was taken into custody without incident.
Chavira-Leon told police he was with another man when he took the truck. That man has not been located or identified.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. A California man has pleaded guilty to a methamphetamine trafficking charge in New Mexico and could get up to a life prison sentence.
Prosecutors say 25-year-old Geoffrey Lawrence Marshall Jr. of La Palma had a change of plea hearing Thursday in federal court in Albuquerque.
Federal drug agents arrested Marshall in June after seizing nearly 11 pounds of crystal methamphetamine from him during an interdiction investigation at an Albuquerque bus station.
Authorities say the meth was concealed in eight cereal cardboard boxes and cardboard drink boxes inside Marshalls luggage.
Prosecutors say Marshall is facing at least a 10-year prison term.
He remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.
Central New Mexico Community College has taken over the New Mexico Ethics in Business Awards, the future of which had been in some doubt.
Samaritan Counseling Center, which had run the awards since the late 90s, closed last year but put the program out for bid to keep it running. The program had been a major fund-raiser for Samaritan.
A CNM spokesman said it cost the school $90,000 to take over the program, an outlay it expects to recoup after two events.
We are proud to be the new stewards of this highly regarded award program that honors the organizations in our state that are leading by example with highly ethical standards, CNM President Katharine Winograd said in a news release.
CNM, CNM Ingenuity and the CNM Foundation will be involved in the program going forward, according to the release. The school said proceeds from the annual event will go toward scholarships for CNM students who are dedicated to ethics and an ethical career and to support ethics training programs through CNM Ingenuity.
This years awards event is scheduled for April 25 at Sandia Resort. The Albuquerque Journal is a sponsor of the program.
To determine the awards, nominees are taken from the community, beginning each summer. Students from the University of New Mexicos Anderson School of Management interview nominees and prepare written reports that are then reviewed by a screening committee made up of community volunteers. The committee also meets with finalists before deciding on the final honors.
A total of five awards are made in four categories: for-profit business (with two honorees); nonprofit organizations; individual leader; and young leader.
In the non-profit category, CNM was a New Mexico Ethics in Business Award winner in 2015 and the CNM Foundation won in 2006.
For information on tickets, sponsorships and tables for this years event, go here or contact the CNM Foundation at 505-224-4685.
CRANDON, Wis. Authorities say a sheriffs deputy in northern Wisconsin shot and killed a man who pointed a shotgun at him.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice says the Forrest County deputy was on patrol Thursday morning when he ran a records check on a disabled vehicle. The check found the driver was wanted on felony warrants in Texas.
Authorities say the deputy tried to make contact with the driver when the driver pointed a shotgun at him. The deputy fired his weapon in response, killing the suspect.
The deputy was placed on standard administrative leave while the shooting is investigated. The state Division of Criminal Investigation is collecting evidence and will turn its reports over to the district attorney.
No other details were released.
WASHINGTON The acrimony surrounding former White House adviser Steve Bannons very public break with President Donald Trump escalated Thursday, suggesting a permanent split between the president and the pugilistic strategist who helped put him in the Oval Office.
The new fissure in an already fractious Republican Party cast doubt on Bannons hopes to foment a movement centered on Trumpism without Trump.
It already has cost him a key backer. Rebekah Mercer, the billionaire GOP donor and Breitbart co-owner, issued a statement Thursday distancing her family from Bannon.
I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, she said. My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements.
White House officials described the president as furious at Bannons criticisms, laid out in an explosive new book that quoted the former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic.
On Twitter Thursday night, Trump said the book was full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. He also came up with a new nickname for Bannon: Sloppy Steve.
A parade of administration officials and allies worked to discredit Bannon as a disgruntled has-been. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders went so far as to suggest that Bannon ought to be booted from Breitbart, the populist website he helps run.
I certainly think that its something they should look at and consider, she said.
Bannon had helped Trump form a coalition of anti-establishment Republicans, blue-collar working class and economic nationalists that launched him to the White House, but Trump had long ago grown frustrated that Bannon seemed to be overstepping his role as a staffer.
The self-appointed keeper of Trumps nationalist flame during the presidents first six months in office, Bannon had soured on the president even before he was pushed out of the White House for feeding the perception that he was Trumps puppeteer.
None of Bannons close associates was willing to speak publicly about the fallout but privately conceded that the explosive comments may forever tarnish his brand. Bannons political appeal had been deeply tied to the perception that he was an ally of Trumps. Those close to Bannon feared that the connection had been permanently severed.
Bannon was preparing to launch a nonprofit organization designed to help give Trumps brand of conservatism populism a permanent base. Its unclear how Bannons new rift with the president, and the related impact on major donors, will affect the organization, dubbed Citizens of the American Republic.
Current and former White House officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations, said Bannon had miscalculated by attacking the president and his family. Much of Bannons political clout, they argue, stemmed from the assumption that he was acting with the imprimatur of the president, even if Trump wasnt visibly in lockstep.
Some Trump allies also expressed satisfaction that Bannon appeared to be finally cast out of the presidents inner circle.
Bannon has no contingent, former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Wednesday between media interviews to defend Trump. On Thursday, Gingrich echoed Trumps charge that Bannon had lost his mind.
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a longtime punching bag for Bannon, reveled in the aides break with the president. Id like to associate myself with what the president had to say about Steve Bannon yesterday, he said mischievously Thursday.
Since leaving the White House, Bannon spent much of his time courting donors to help finance his self-declared war on the Republican establishment. He vowed to find Republican challengers for virtually every GOP senator seeking election this fall, chiefly for the purpose of electing candidates who would remove McConnell as majority leader.
Bannon publicly backed conservative challengers in Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Mississippi and New York, where House challenger Michael Grimm issued a statement denouncing the ex-advisers comments as baseless attacks that were beyond disturbing.
Others who have received boosts from Bannon, including Arizona Senate candidate Kelli Ward and potential Mississippi Senate challenger Chris McDaniel, were more circumspect, wary of alienating either faction of the partys insurgent grassroots.
Bannons political standing was already weakened after he went all-out last month to support failed Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore despite multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Moore.
Doubling down on Moore left Bannon politically incapacitated, said Steven Law, president and CEO of the super PAC led by McConnell.
The only concern left was whether the president might give Bannon a temporary lease on life, he said. But this repudiation was so methodical and so absolute that it really slams the door on that.
White House aides have tried to look past other loaded comments from Bannon in recent months while seeking to marshal his political following on the presidents behalf.
But they warned Bannons allies over the last 24 hours that Trump would likely never take his calls again. However, there are few absolutes in Trumps orbit, White House aides acknowledge, and he has been known to bury the hatchet with those he perceived to have wronged him.
Some Trump allies even encouraged him to welcome Bannon back into his good graces.
You can either excise him or shun him, which I dont think is the best recommended strategy, or tell him to knock it off and bring himself back into the fold, Anthony Scaramucci, the former White House communications director, said on MSNBC.
Trump coolly noted Thursday that his full-throated counterassault appeared to have its desired effect on Bannon.
He called me a great man last night, Trump said, referring to Bannons radio show appearance. He obviously changed his tune pretty quick.
Michael Wolffs book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, quickly shot atop Amazons best-seller list, and the publisher moved up its release date by four days, to Friday.
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Associated Press writers Scott Bauer in Madison, Wis., Thomas Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa, and Nicholas Riccardi in Denver contributed to this report.
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While at Evalueserve, Manoj led the creation of InsightBee, a Cloud-based custom research platform from Evalueserve. The platform leverages a non-linear, digital business model that merges research skills from team members globally for achieving customized business research and delivering superior results. He then led InsightBees transformation from a pure retail model to a credit-based account plan system to capture strong demand and achieve faster traction.
Manoj Madhusudanan said, "BIS Research has been delivering extremely insightful market intelligence about the impact and potential of various emerging technologies across industries. I am pleased to have the opportunity to work as its Innovation and Growth Advisor. Having already worked closely with the companys management team for Ziligence, I look forward to adding more synergy and expertise to BIS Research's ongoing growth story."
Xiaomi India has appointed Lowe Lintas Bangalore to handle the creative mandate for the brand. Xiaomi, which is based on the vision of innovation for everyone entered India in 2014 and in just 3 years of its launch in the country, it became the fastest brand to cross the 25 million mark (sales).
India is one of the companys largest market outside China and the fastest growing among international markets. As per International Data Corporations (IDC) Quarterly Smartphone Tracker for Q3-2017, Xiaomi has 23.5 percent of the Indian smartphone market at par with Samsung as the top smartphone brand in the country. The Redmi Note 4, has propelled Xiaomi to become Indias top smartphone vendor and has contributed to more than 40 percent of the brands total sales.
The online-only brand started building its offline business aggressively in 2017 through direct distribution and its own stores Mi Homes, Mi preferred partners and partnership with large retail chains. With presence in over 30 countries and regions, Xiaomi is expanding its footprint across the world to become a global brand.
Lowe Lintas has bagged the account on the back of informal evaluations Xiaomi has done of multiple agencies to identify its communications partner.
Speaking on this new business win, Raj Gupta, CEO, Lowe Lintas commented, "It is a proud privilege for us at Lowe Lintas to be chosen by Xiaomi, a brand that has such a huge fan following. We will strive to reinforce this love and get more consumers to fall in love with Xiaomi
Hari Krishnan, President, Lowe Lintas - South further added, Xiaomi is a part of our case study to prospective partners as a perfect example of a challenger brand. A brand that has become the leader by not just talking innovation, but by living it. We are, like millions around the world, fans of Xiaomi. And it is truly a pleasure and privilege when you get to chart the course of a brand that you really look up to. This win, is special!
Commenting on the appointment of Lowe Lintas, Xiaomi Spokesperson quoted: Xiaomi is the No. 1 smartphone brand in India. And what has helped us reach there is the constant innovation that is at the core of the brand. In just under three years, Xiaomi has won immense love and innumerable fans in this country. We now aim to establish our vision of Innovation for everyone firmly and bring relevance through our products to every Indian. In Lowe Lintas, with its irrefutable experience and expertise in building lasting brands, we have found a perfect partner for the task at hand.
Suchetas portrayal of Roma is that of a lady who is full of grace and panache. Soft spoken but gifted with sharp intelligence, her personality shines through as she is always impeccably dressed and well mannered.
Confirming the development, Sucheta Trivedi said, Im extremely excited to portray the role of Roma. This is a character whose entry will bring a huge plot twist that will keep audiences hooked to the narrative.
Ishq Mein Marjawan revolves around the life of Aarohi (Alisha Panwar) who lives in Shimla with her family and her husband Deep Raichand (Arjun Bijlani) who comes in her life with a hidden motive.
Dominion Energy is purchasing SCANA Corp., a major player in the failed V.C. Summer nuclear venture, in a $14.6 billion deal that promises relief for South Carolina Electric & Gas customers.
The deal, announced Wednesday, includes a total $1.3 billion refund to SCE&G customers affected by the V.C. Summer-related surcharge.
Thomas F. Farrell II, Dominion Energy chairman, president and CEO, said the deal locks in "immediate savings" for customers and would reduce the impact of the failed nuclear project in Fairfield County.
The $1.3 billion would come as a cash payment within 90 days of the merger, according to a Dominion Energy announcement. The average SCE&G customer would be reimbursed $1,000, Dominion Energy has said. SCE&G is a Cayce-based, SCANA-owned utility company.
Farrell said, to his knowledge, the planned refund is the "largest utility customer cash refund in history."
Dominion Energy, a utilities company that operates in 18 states, has also promised an additional 5 percent rate reduction. That's equal to a $7-per-month savings for the average SCE&G customer.
The deal would make SCANA a wholly owned subsidiary of Dominion Energy, a company that already owns pipelines in South Carolina and Georgia, and is looking to expand along the Atlantic coast.
"We believe this merger will provide significant benefits to SCE&G's customers, SCANA's shareholders and the communities SCANA serves," Farrell said in a prepared statement.
Last year, SCE&G announced it was giving up alongside state-owned Santee Cooper on the decade-long, $9 billion adventure to build two nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer site.
Since the abandonment, state and federal probes have been launched, SCANA's value has tanked, and local legislators like state Rep. Bart Blackwell, R-Aiken, and state Sens. Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, and Nikki Setzler, D-Lexington have filed legislation that would reset the committees that oversaw the project. The same legislators have called for ratepayer refunds.
In total, 11 bills regarding V.C. Summer have been prefiled by the Aiken County delegation. State Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, said with the legislative session beginning again Jan. 9, there's a lot of work and rethinking to do.
"We have been told that the first week or two of House debate will be centered on all of the legislation that was in response to the nuclear financial meltdown," Taylor said.
Massey, the Senate majority leader, said he had heard the same, adding his V.C. Summer legislation will go unamended.
"At this point, it doesn't change my push," he said Wednesday afternoon. "The timing of the announcement clearly is meant to have an impact on that legislation."
Blackwell agreed. He said the announcement might "change the conversation a little bit" in the House, but, otherwise, the legislators will "push ahead."
Taylor did say, though, that he hopes the "business people" will solve the "business problems," citing his opinion that government is "rarely the solution."
"We should see how this develops," Taylor said. "There should not be a rush now."
Massey said his "initial reaction" was that the takeover is a "positive step."
"It appears to be, based on the bullet points, a better deal than what we've seen so far," Massey said. "But I don't know if it's good. I'm still having a hard time thinking that customers ought to keep paying for V.C. Summer."
Under the current deal, customers are still on the V.C. Summer payoff hook for roughly 20 years. Massey said that was a bit of a contradiction.
"They're leading with the refund portion, which makes perfect sense because it's the most appealing," he said.
Taylor, too, said he was "generally pleased" with the news, but courted a conservative approach.
"It's premature to evaluate the entire deal," Taylor said, "cause the devil is always in the detail."
Blackwell was of a similar opinion.
Gov. Henry McMaster described the possible takeover as "progress."
"Under the proposed agreement between SCANA and Dominion Energy, SCE&G ratepayers will get most of the money back they paid for the nuclear reactors and will no longer face paying billions for this nuclear collapse," McMaster said. "But this doesn't resolve the issue."
Aiken County delegation keeping busy ahead of next legislative session More than 80 bills have been prefiled in the S.C. Senate. More than 150 have been prefiled in the S.C. House of Representatives.
McMaster ended his statement by saying, once again, that Santee Cooper must be sold.
"There is more work to be done," the governor said, "but today, we are headed in the right direction.
U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., though, said he was "absolutely thrilled" with the merger news, one that involves a "trustworthy" company Dominion Energy, specifically.
"This is a very solid company," Wilson said Wednesday in Aiken, "and they'll be providing rebates to the customers, which is me."
Snow flurries swirled around Aiken County on Wednesday afternoon, bringing a temporary winter wonderland to the area while the South Carolina coast braced for Winter Storm Grayson.
The Aiken Standard received reports of snow flurries happening around the southern and eastern parts of the county.
In anticipation of the wintry weather, students in Aiken County schools were released early , which also happened to be students' first day back after winter break. Aiken County public schools will operate on a normal schedule today.
"While many areas of Aiken County experienced light to moderate snowfall this afternoon, there was little, if any, accumulation. Please be advised that morning temperatures are anticipated to be in the high teens and low 20s this week. Students should come to school properly clothed for below freezing temperatures," according to a statement from the Aiken school district.
The National Weather Service in Columbia predicted a 30 percent chance of precipitation in the area Wednesday, with a total daytime snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Several sightings of heavy snow were reported to the newspaper around the Banks Mill Road area and at Target and Lowe's on the Southside.
Readers also shared photos and videos of snow flurries seen around the Northside and downtown Aiken neighborhoods , as well as in Montmorenci, Windsor and New Ellenton.
Local residents can share snow photos with the paper by emailing them to mystory@aikenstandard.com.
Snow day at the beach
CHARLESTON (AP) It was a snow day all the way down to the beach in South Carolina on Wednesday as a powerful storm pushed snow and freezing rain into areas of the state that hadn't had a major winter storm in eight years.
The snow and ice shut down more than a dozen bridges and halted all flights at the Charleston International Airport. Forecasters say 4 inches of snow fell in Bluffton and in a few areas about 20 miles inland from downtown Charleston.
"It's a great day to stay home," Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said.
And the people who did venture out in Charleston didn't get very far. Periodic bridge closures and icy spots slowed down nearly every major highway to a crawl. The major bridges on Interstate 526 were closed for a time Wednesday afternoon.
Interstate 95 was nearly an icy parking lot for almost all of its 200 miles in South Carolina. Troopers couldn't keep up with the number of reported wrecks which numbers into the hundreds.
Once the snow and ice end, forecasters predicted strong winds that could knock down ice-laden branches and power lines. As of Wednesday evening, less than 10,000 power outages were reported in the state.
The band of heaviest snow was expected to extend from the Charleston suburbs north and east into inland Horry County, according to the National Weather Service. It was the first major winter storm along South Carolina's coast since 2010.
Chris Monoc, his wife and two sons, ages 4 and 2 were amazed by the snow in Charleston. Monoc said it looked like a snow globe outside his house a little over a mile from the iconic Ravenel Bridge near downtown Charleston.
"As soon as he saw the snow, my kids asked, can we go sledding? And I was like, 'Oh, heck, we don't have a sled here. This is Charleston. But then I figured we can get a cookie sheet or something," Monoc said.
Northeast bracing for monster snowstorm
BOSTON (AP) The bitter cold that has gripped the Northeast for the past week is expected to give way, briefly at least, to a monster snowstorm with screaming winds that could drop more than a foot of snow in some areas Thursday.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning that extends from Block Island, Rhode Island, north to coastal Maine. Most of the rest of southern New England as well as the eastern end of Long Island, in suburban New York, are under a winter storm warning.
Some people spent Wednesday preparing for the storm, which also is expected to bring damaging winds, power outages, coastal flooding and disruption to air and road travel.
"It's going to happen so you have to be prepared for it," said David Ethier, of Glocester, Rhode Island, who went to two Home Depot stores before finding a portable generator at the third one he visited in Johnston, Rhode Island.
He was told it was the store's last one.
He said he expects to lose power Thursday, as past storms have caused outages lasting two to three days. He uses a generator to power a pellet stove, a fridge, a few lights and a coffee pot.
Eastern Massachusetts was expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with Boston getting ready for 11 inches of snow and the possibility of up to 14 inches. Some areas south of the city could be in for 15 or 16 inches. Snow could fall as fast as 3 inches per hour at the height of the storm.
Providence, Rhode Island, is expected to get about 8 inches, while Hartford, Connecticut, is poised for about 5 inches.
High winds that could gust up to 70 mph are expected to cause power outages.
After the snow moves out, single-digit temperatures are moving back in Friday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., stopped by the Aiken County Government Center on Wednesday afternoon to preview his legislative goals for the new year.
Wilson's 2018 focus can be divided into four categories: creating jobs, reducing regulations, promoting international alliances and strengthening the military.
During his speech, a pamphlet a version of which was enlarged and served as a backdrop for his remarks was circulated. It lightly detailed each category.
Regarding the economy, Wilson said he will support conservative budgets and advocate for fair trade. Repealing and replacing Obamacare, an effort that has failed multiple times now, is also on Wilson's list. The pamphlet says the health care program "destroys jobs."
Locally, Wilson said he would work tirelessly to ensure the prosperity and security of the Savannah River Site: "Whatever missions can be done, I will promote or be there."
The congressman applauded state Attorney General Alan Wilson's federal court win against the U.S. Department of Energy, a win that forces the DOE to remove 1 ton of weapons-grade plutonium from SRS in two years.
Wilson said the plutonium will move to Yucca Mountain, a Nevada nuclear waste repository that President Donald Trump has attempted to resuscitate. Federal funding for the storage site ended in 2011.
"The people who live in that immediate community of Nevada understand this would be safe and secure," Wilson said. "It needs to be transported safely and securely underneath the mountain in Nevada."
Wilson said he strongly believes South Carolina is not a nuclear dumping ground. That comment directly echoes an earlier statement put out by the attorney general.
Regarding the ever-controversial Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility, Wilson said he's collaborated with South Carolina and Georgia politicians "working with Sen. Graham and congressman Rick Allen" to secure funding for continued MOX construction.
Overall, the MOX project is 70 percent complete, Wilson said.
"I want to finish MOX It's very frustrating to hear reports that it's 30 percent complete," Wilson said. "That's not true."
S.C. attorney general's plutonium removal win came with losses, too Court documents show S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson's federal court victory against the Department of Energy is not as sweeping as previous
The rest of Wilson's 20-minute conference focused on Trump: Wilson said he is "very appreciative" of what the president has done so far.
"I'm very grateful of his leadership," Wilson said.
The congressman said Trump has successfully promoted and rebuilt the American military an achievement that lines up with his own goals.
That military growth, Wilson added, is partially responsible for what he described as the routing of ISIS in the Middle East.
"We see the consequence of this," Wilson said. "ISIS has truly been defeated."
Wilson, though, later said the war on terror is ongoing and is undertaken on new fronts daily.
The South Carolina Republican, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, also praised a recent arms deal with Ukraine.
"This is very, very significant because we must stop the Russian Federation from the aggression they've had," Wilson said. "The president is standing firm."
In December 2017, the Trump administration approved the sale of anti-tank weaponry, among other lethal weapons, to the Ukrainian government. Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russia-backed separatists for almost four years .
The distributed pamphlet says Wilson supports Trump's view of "peace through strength."
On the topic of international relations, Wilson, a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said Trump has regained the trust of Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, for the American people. Wilson said the president's declaration that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and the president's recent condemnation of the Iranian government both deserve applause.
Wilson's stop in Aiken was part of a larger District 2 tour that included stops in West Columbia and North Augusta.
Wilson visits North Augusta
During his stop in North Augusta at the Municipal Building, which he called "the world's most beautiful city hall," Wilson mentioned the Riverside Village development, calling it a great example of South Carolina and Georgia working together.
"To see the vision that Lark (Jones) had and you're following through," Wilson said to Mayor Bob Pettit, "The riverfront, how exciting this is and to see the stadium, and every time I'm reading the newspaper about the expansions there and the jobs they've created, it really warms my heart to see what a positive community this is."
"I'm thinking of President Trump's economic agenda: jobs, jobs, jobs," he said about Riverside Village.
He also mentioned Fort Gordon and the new cyber command center. "How important that's going to be to this community in terms of addressing the issues that are a threat to our country from cyber, and CRSA is going to be in the middle of it," he said.
After the conference, attendee Connie Boswell asked how the recently passed tax plan impacts her as a retiree and how it will affect Social Security and Medicare. Said she worked for AT&T for 35 years and worked very hard for her retirement.
"I moved eight times chasing it and I can't afford to lose what I've got," she said.
Wilson responded by saying the growing economy will make sure the funding is there, and said retirement accounts have been significantly enhanced.
"The good news is by growing the economy, we will be able to save Social Security and Medicare," Wilson said.
Lindsey Hodges contributed to this story.
Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), spoke to reporters Jan. 3 about the protests that have rocked Iran in the last week and hinted that a former government official may have been involved in initially starting the protests that quickly spiraled out of control.
When asked by reporters whether it was true that a former official was involved in sparking the protests that started in Mashhad, Jafari said, This call [to protest] started with a website that is linked to an individual who has opened his mouth in opposition to the values and principles of the system. Jafari continued, Security officials are investigating this matter, and if they see interference by this former official, certainly he will be confronted by law enforcement.
Jafari did not specify which former official he was speaking of, but speculation by some analysts leads to former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who has been in a constant public battle with Irans judiciary over corruption cases involving his former Cabinet members. In the last few months, Ahmadinejad has released numerous videos threatening action if the judiciary did not disclose all of its documents relating to him and his Cabinet.
Since the protests started, Ahmadinejad has been silent. The website that is affiliated with him, Dolat-e Bahar, however, did publish a letter reportedly by a group of Tehran University students demanding that President Hassan Rouhani resign and immediately hold elections.
Regardless of how the protests started, it is undeniable that they quickly spread to other provinces with very little control or coordination. Jafari said that according to the IRGCs calculations, a total of 15,000 protesters were involved in the demonstrations across the country and that the largest single protest was attended by approximately 1,500 people. He said the IRGC was directly involved in quelling protests in the provinces of Hamedan, Esfahan and Lorestan.
Jafari acknowledged the economic grievances of the protesters but also indirectly criticized Rouhanis policies of wanting to link Irans economy to the West. Some feel that a friendship with America will improve the economic situation, but these people should look at a country such as Egypt, which has sacrificed everything for friendship with America, Jafari said.
In response to the protests across the country, officials held pro-government rallies. Fars News wrote, Today, in many of the countrys provinces, the revolutionary nation of Iran's roar was heard above the insults of the rioters and the enemies of Iran against sanctities. The article continued, The people of Iran once again proved they are always supportive of their revolution and will not tolerate insults against sanctities for one moment. Some of the pro-government rallies took place in Qom, Kermanshah, Hamedan, Khorasan, Esfahan and Lorestan, all provinces that experienced protests in their smaller cities.
One international consequence of the protests is that French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian decided to postpone his upcoming trip to Tehran. The decision was made after Rouhani and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on the phone.
While it appears that protests are dying down across the country, there were fears that the security situation would deteriorate into something similar to what happened in Syria. Iranians started tweeting with the hashtag We will not become Syria and expressed worries that the protests might degenerate into more violence. Others who supported the protests responded with the hashtag We will become Tunisia.
The Donald Trump administration is giving hundreds of millions of dollars worth of weapons to US allies in the Middle East to fight the Islamic State (IS) as the militant group fans out toward Africa from its former safe havens in Iraq and Syria.
Using a little-known US legal authority established by Congress after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Pentagon is doling out substantial arms packages to build up Jordan's and Lebanons air forces to take on terrorists from the air.
The Defense Department is also equipping special forces units in North African nations such as Morocco and Tunisia that face the threat of IS fighters returning to the region.
The money is part of a $600 million global increase in Pentagon security assistance since Trump took office, according to congressional records reviewed by Al-Monitor.
Its not clear whether the infusion of Pentagon money into foreign militaries represents a policy shift from the Barack Obama administration, which sought to build up local forces, so that the United States can begin to reduce its footprint on the front lines of the terror fight. The new infusion of money into the Pentagon comes as Trump's proposed budget threatens nearly $600 million in cuts to the State Department's foreign military financing program, zeroing out requests for Lebanon and Tunisia, which lawmakers have sought to restore.
This is a continuation of US policy since [the Sept. 11 attacks] to provide funds for building partner capacity, said Seth Binder, the program manager for the Center for International Policy's Security Assistance Monitor. Its easier to get these funds to partners through [the Defense Department] instead of State.
The Pentagon money, authorized under Section 333 of the 2016 US defense budget, appears to be used for similar purposes as foreign military financing. The money, which is subject to human rights vetting procedures, could help to deal with returning IS fighters and border threats.
Though US and Jordanian negotiators havent gotten any closer to making a deal on a long-term memorandum of understanding for defense after an earlier deal expired this year, the Pentagon OK'd more than $19 million in arms deliveries to Amman in October. The package includes explosive rockets, night vision goggles and M-4 machine guns. The United States also sent nearly $85 million worth of arms to the kingdom in March, including UH-60A helicopters and 105 mm howitzer cannons.
Deliveries approved in October also included a $120 million boost for Lebanons air power, including US-made light attack helicopters and high-performance drones, as well as supplying Tunisia with body armor and helicopters and outfitting a special forces unit in Morocco.
The United States also plans to beef up special forces in North Africa as IS migrates away from the battlefield in Iraq and Syria. Using the train-and-equip fund, Tunisia will receive $13 million in body armor and outmoded choppers, while the Pentagon will also outfit a special forces unit in Morocco with more than $18 million in trucks, pistols, rifles and training from US forces to deal with the emerging threat.
Weapons provided by the Trump administration could put Jordan and Lebanon in a stronger position to take the lead in the regional fight against terrorism. Jordan typically receives $1 billion in US foreign aid each year, while the Lebanese Armed Forces have received more than $1.4 billion in US security assistance since 2005, according to US Central Command.
Designed as a fast-acting fund to get lethal support to US allies to fight terrorism during the George W. Bush administration, the Global Train and Equip Fund does not require the Pentagon to run each request for money by Congress on a country-by-country basis. Instead, the Defense Department receives an annual appropriation and notifies lawmakers each time it digs into the fund.
The fund was going to be a [Pentagon] short-term thing, and after a few years youd switch to [foreign military financing], said Dave Des Roches, a former US Army colonel who worked on the fund as a Pentagon civil servant. As soon as it went out to the bureaucracy, every combatant commander got a little bit of it, and the bureaucracy spread it around.
The arms deliveries, which have topped $1 billion for Middle East countries over the past three years, are also backed up by a significant US troop presence in these countries, according to figures released by the White House and the Defense Department.
The Trump administration will need boots on the ground to build up local forces to fight terrorism. More than 2,500 US troops are stationed in the countries that benefit from the fund to make sure those weapons are used effectively and that they do not fall into the wrong hands, including 2,300 American forces in Jordan, and about 100 each in Lebanon and Tunisia.
This is a fight against a transnational enemy, one that does not respect international borders and does not place geographic limits on their areas of operations, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said at a Senate hearing in October. So, necessarily, to defend our country, we must be prepared to swiftly engage this global enemy in conjunction with our allies and partners.
Two months later, in early December, Mattis attended the Aqaba Conference in Jordan, where Arab and African leaders met to undercut the spread of violent extremism in West Africa.
The most charismatic politician to emerge in Turkey in a decade announced that he will be stepping down as co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), saying he will not seek re-election at the party congress scheduled for Feb. 11. Selahattin Demirtas, who has been held in jail for more than a year on a slew of alleged terror crimes, conveyed his resignation in a letter published by the party he has led since 2014.
Demirtas said he is stepping aside to enable the party to operate more effectively, which will remain a challenge with the government continuing its blanket repression of the opposition, in particular of pro-HDP Kurds. An HDP spokesman, Osman Baydemir, said around 10,000 HDP supporters, including scores of democratically elected mayors in the countrys predominantly Kurdish southeast, had been arrested since last summers failed coup.
In addition to Demirtas, 10 other HDP lawmakers remain in jail, including the party's former co-chair Figen Yuksekdag, all on charges of supporting terrorism. Today a court in Diyarbakir sentenced HDP lawmaker Idris Bayulken to 16 years and eight months in prison for membership of a terrorist organization and engaging in terrorist propaganda. Baluken has been languishing in an Ankara jail since February last year. Kati Piri, the European Parliament's rapporteur for Turkey, took to Twitter to condemn the move. Devastating sentence and continuation of crackdown on opposition voices, she tweeted.
Prosecutors are seeking up to 142 years imprisonment for Demirtas. They allege, among other things, that he is a member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and that he incited people to violence during riots in the Kurds informal capital, Diyarbakir, in September 2014. The unrest erupted after the government refused to take action against Islamic State militants besieging the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani. Demirtas denies all the charges.
Demirtas sidelining comes as a blow to the Kurdish movement, but paradoxically it may also be something of a boon. With his incisive wit, youthful good looks and powers of persuasion, Demirtas won over Turks and Kurds alike, carrying the HDP into the parliament for the first time in June 2015 parliamentary elections. The success of the former human rights lawyer, however, earned him the ire of Turkeys current president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Demirtas campaign pledge to deny Erdogan the expanded presidential powers that he later secured in a fraud-tainted referendum last year is believed to have kindled such spite in the famously vindictive Turkish leader that it won't go away. While Demirtas incarceration has hobbled the HDP, party insiders reckon that his resignation will make it easier to resume frozen peace talks between the government and the PKK should Erdogan decide on that route. Meanwhile, Erdogan appears to be ensconced in his alliance with far-right nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli, making it unlikely that he will reach out to the Kurds any time soon.
Some argue, however, that should the infinitely pragmatic Erdogan decide that he has a better chance of securing a clear victory in the 2019 presidential polls with Kurdish backing, he could well seek the help of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. Whether he will get it is another matter. The Kurds have no trust left in Erdogan and will not allow themselves to be manipulated for his personal ambitions only to be discarded again, said an influential pro-HDP politician who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity.
Baydemir, former mayor of Diyarbakir, and Ayhan Bilgen, an articulate HDP lawmaker from Kars province, are being touted as possible successors to Demirtas. Another name in circulation is that of the party whip, Ahmet Yildirim. HDP sources said one thing is for sure: The new co-chair will be male and Kurdish, because the other co-chair is female and Turkish.
In the meantime, Erdogan continues to make bellicose noises about invading Afrin, a Syrian Kurdish enclave in northern Syria that is run by groups affiliated with the Peoples Protection Units, a PKK affiliate. The PKK has hit back with embarrassing revelations about the two senior members of MIT, Turkeys national spy agency, who were snared by the militants in a sensational sting operation inside Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq in August last year. The men were identified as 20-year veterans of the agency.
They were said to have been plotting an unspecified operation against the PKK, allegedly at the behest of MIT chief and top Erdogan confidante Hakan Fidan. Photographs of the pair show a bespectacled man with graying stubble and another with hawkish features and a moustache. Their official ID cards, which were also published, depict them as clean-shaven. The PKK said the two were safe and being treated well. The Turkish government has not commented.
The global logistics and transportation solutions provider will offer a range of services to customers in Denmark and Southern Sweden, the company announced Wednesday.
Global logistics and transportation solutions provider BDP International has opened a new location in Copenhagen, Denmark, the company said in a statement.
The Copenhagen office will facilitate operations in Denmark and Southern Sweden in ocean and air import and export services, customs clearance, project logistics, ground transport, and warehousing and distribution, BDP said. Emphasis will be placed on the chemical, petrochemical, healthcare, energy, retail, and automotive sectors.
BDP is proud to announce the Copenhagen office as the newest addition to our global network, and newest initiative in our collective mission to provide streamlined, international coverage, said BDP Chairman and CEO Richard J. Bolte, Jr. The Copenhagen location expands our range of operations to better accommodate clients in Denmark and Sweden. As we strengthen our presence at this intersection of two, vibrant markets, we plan to implement our full scope of logistics services at a regional and global level.
BDPs newly appointed Country Manager Kenneth Werther will oversee all BDP operations in Denmark, including activities in Copenhagen, the company said. With the Copenhagen opening, BDP now has a total of 145 office locations.
Anker has discounted its fairly popular PowerCore II Slim Power Bank, with 10,000mAh capacity. Bringing it down to just $30 when you use the promo code NEW8YEAR at checkout. That is down from $38, making this a great time to pick one up.
This power bank from Anker isnt your typical power bank. This is one of the slim models, which uses Ankers new chipset for PowerIQ 2.0. This allows the power bank to be thinner and lighter but still offer intelligent charging. It does use a micro USB port for charging, and there is a full-sized USB-A port also available. With this newer chipset inside, the Anker PowerCore II Slim can actually charge quite a bit faster than other power banks with 10,000mAh capacity. Itll charge in 4 hours versus 6, making it a great one to pick up.
This item is also eligible for Amazon Primes free shipping. Which includes free two-day shipping, and pretty cheap next-day shipping if you need it here extra fast. If you are not an Amazon Prime member yet, you can sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime by hitting the link below. Youll get 30 days free (if youre a student, you get 6 months), and then its $99/year. Prime members do get a whole lot more than just free shipping though, so be sure to check out the full benefits.
FCC chairman Ajit Pai has canceled his scheduled appearance at this years CES, according to the Consumer Technology Association which organizes the worlds largest electronics fair. CTA CEO Gary Shapiro simply stated that Pai would be unable to attend and that he hopes to have a chance to speak publicly with Pai regarding tech policy in the near future. Pais attendance was announced back in November, and word that he will not be attending comes less than a week before the tech show begins. In a correspondence with Digital Trends, Shapiro added the cancellation possibly came due to the fear of violence or violent threats stemming from the reaction to Pais controversial decision to end net neutrality regulations in the United States.
CES is an international tech trade show that takes place in the United States, specifically in Las Vegas, Nevada. This means that hundreds of thousands of domestic and international attendees, journalists, and exhibitors from tech companies descend upon the city for the three-day event. Given the massive backlash against Pais decision and spearheaded 3-2 vote concerning net neutrality, its conceivable that many in attendance would not see him favorably. Still, with no official comment from Pai or the FCC at this point, theres no way of knowing for sure if this is why Pai chose not to attend the fair for the first time in half a decade.
For those not in the know, net neutrality protections have been around since 2015 in the United States. Referred to as Title II regulations, they yoked telecoms and internet service providers to the same set of regulations faced by utility companies. The main point was to prevent companies from treating some web traffic differently from others, throttling traffic, or censoring the internet, which would effectively constitute an attack on free speech. As soon as President Donald Trump appointed him to the office, Pai attacked net neutrality laws and eventually succeeded in drafting a proposal to abolish Title II regulations. The proposal was brought before the FCC for a vote, and divided up among party lines, with the majority Republicans in the Commission representing 3 of the 5 available votes, thus setting the process of abolishing net neutrality protections. Free speech advocates, tech companies like Google and Facebook, and many citizens across the net opposed the decision, creating a sizeable backlash.
Music publishing house Wixen has filed suit against music app Spotify for $1.6 billion, on the grounds that the streaming service went only to the record labels who worked with the publishers in order to license music, rather than putting in the extra time, effort, and money to work individually with each of the publishers under all of the labels it licensed to reach a deal. Wixen represents a wide stable of artists and songwriters, including the likes of Neil Young, The Doors, and the late Tom Petty. While record labels own the master recording of songs by artists in their wheelhouses, publishers are technically responsible for radio play, streaming, and other reproduced performances, which means that Spotify going directly to record labels could give Wixen a case.
For the uninitiated, record labels handle studio time, producing and mastering a track, getting albums and singles squared away for sale, and marketing them. Publishers, meanwhile, handle concerts, radio play, usage rights, and other forms of reproduced playback. Since record labels technically own the masters of any music that they arrange studio time for, it is conceivable that they could hand those masters over to Spotify without publishers involvement. Publishers, meanwhile, should theoretically handle streaming, according to the letter of the law. Essentially, Spotify reached deals with labels that did put some money back in publishers and musicians pockets, but many publishers have felt that those deals did not compensate them fairly, and went to court over it. When Wixen stands out here is that its alleging that Spotify did not involve it in negotiations at all, and is essentially using its music without proper license.
Wixen is the latest, and as a representative of high profile musicians that allegedly represent somewhere between 1% and 3% of Spotifys revenue, one of the biggest entities yet to take Spotify to court. This news actually broke just before Spotifys official IPO announcement. The IPO itself was filed back in December, which means that it could be affected by this case in some way, or perhaps even held up entirely pending the resolution of the case, so that Spotify and its investors can see just what kind of impact, if any, this will have on the music services value.
OnePlus had more or less confirmed that the Sandstone Edition OnePlus 5T will be announced tomorrow in China, and the device has just surfaced on JD.com (JingDong Mall), it seems. JD.com is one of the largest online shops in China, and an 8GB RAM variant of the phone surfaced on JD.com ahead of its announcement. As you can see, this device will resemble the Star Wars Edition OnePlus 5T, though it wont have Star Wars branding on it.
The Star Wars OnePlus 5T edition arrived with a white-colored back, and a Sandstone finish back there, and the Sandstone Edition OnePlus 5T will ship with that very same finish, it seems. The provided images indicate that the Sandstone Edition OnePlus 5T will sport a white back, so were wondering if the company will release a black variant at all. Still, the front side of the device will be black-colored, though it would be nice of the company to give its users some options. For those of you who are unaware, the company also released the Lava Red variant of the OnePlus 5T in China, and that version may start hitting more markets in the near future as well. The OnePlus 3, 3T and 5 did not sport a Sandstone finish on their back sides, not a single variant of those devices did, though the company has decided to release the Star Wars Edition OnePlus 5T with a Sandstone back, and a new variant is coming as well. It seems like OnePlus is trying to cater to its consumers, as many of them are reminiscent of the OnePlus One and 2, both of which shipped with a Sandstone back finish. Theres probably a good reason for it as well, as the regular OnePlus 5T is quite slippery, and the same was the case with the OnePlus 3, 3T and 5 as well.
As already mentioned, this variant of the phone will be announced in China tomorrow, though the device is expected to hit more markets in the near future as well, a global launch will probably follow in the near future as well. This variant of the device will probably cost as much as a regular 8GB RAM model, and it will have the same specs as the regular OnePlus 5T 8GB RAM variant as well. It seems like we wont be getting the 6GB RAM Sandstone Edition OnePlus 5T, at least according to JD.com, but who knows, it is still possible that OnePlus may opt to announce a more affordable variant of the phone as well.
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In its continued push to ensure that all of its own software is fully compatible with Android 8.0 (Oreo), Samsung has now released a new update for the Samsung Music application. The Music application is actually just the latest in a string of apps that have been updated by the company in preparation for Android Oreo. The first of its applications, namely Samsungs Smart Switch app, was updated several months ago. That was followed by the start of an open beta program for Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus users who wanted to help test out the next iteration of the OS as well as Oreo updates for Samsung Connect and, more recently, Samsung VR.
Unfortunately, there havent been too many details with regard to exactly what changes were needed to bring Android Oreo compatibility to any of Samsungs applications. However, this update which takes the Music app to version number to 16.2.08.22 and will take up an additional 26MB in storage does contain at least a few other tweaks that should be much more noticeable to end users. First, the update will add an alphabet scroll index, making it easier than ever for users to find exactly the artist or song they are looking for. Updating will also add a shuffle play feature for those moments when users dont have time to hand-craft a completely new playlist or would rather just listen to a mix of their preferred music. Finally, users with Samsung handsets featuring an edge display will be able to switch off edge lighting with the update.
Meanwhile, the beta is actually well into its fourth iteration, with the firmware version being shifted to number R16NW.G955FXXU1ZQLE just last week. With all of that said, this latest update could indicate that Samsung is nearing final optimizations for release. Oreo is speculated to be ready toward the end of this month for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus, although the company has yet to make an official announcement. In the meantime, the newly update Samsung Music app can be downloaded via the companys dedicated Galaxy Apps application or through the Google Play Store button below.
Samsung has just announced its all-new mobile flagship processor, the Exynos 9810. The company actually refers to this chip as the Exynos 9 Series 9810, in case you were wondering. This is essentially Samsungs response to the Snapdragon 845 which was announced last month, and this chip is made using the 2nd-gen 10nm FinFET manufacturing process, in case you were wondering. Now, theres plenty to talk about here, so lets get started, shall we.
The Samsung Exynos 9810 64-bit octa-core processor comes with four custom Exynos M3 cores clocked at 2.9GHz, which are made for performance (sheer power), and four ARM A55 cores which are here for efficiency. Its also worth noting that Samsungs all-new processor comes with the Mali G72MP18 GPU for graphics processing. The Exynos 9810 has an LTE Cat. 18 6CA-supported modem on the inside, in other words, it has support for up to 6x carrier aggregation (CA), and it can achieve maximum download speeds of 1.2Gbp (Cat. 18) and 200Mbps per second uplink. The Exynos 9810s modem also supports 44 MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) and 256-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) scheme, while it also utilizes enhanced eLAA (Licensed-Assisted Access) technology. This processors single-core performance is enhanced 2x, says Samsung, and its multi-core performance is around 40 percent higher than what the Exynos 8890 had to offer.
The Exynos 9810 can recognize people or items in various photos, in other words, it has the ability to search images and categorize them really fast, thanks to its neural network-based deep learning. This processor also has the ability to scan a users face in 3D, which essentially enables hybrid face detection. The Samsung Exynos 9810 also comes with a separate security processing unit, which is supposed to safeguard vital data, including your fingerprint, iris and facial security information. The Exynos 9810s dedicated image processing is here for faster and more energy-efficient image and visual processing (up to UHD resolution), real-time out-of-focus photography in high resolution and brighter pictures in low light. This dedicated image processing will also make sure that your low light images have less noise, and less motion blur. The Exynos 9810 also comes with VP9 supports and a 10-bit HEVC (high-efficiency video coding). This chip is capable of rendering 1,024 different tones for each primary color (red, green and blue), which translates to 1.07 billion possibilities of colors. In case youre wondering, the Exynos 9810 is currently in mass production, and it will almost certainly fuel the Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus flagships which are expected to launch in a month or two.
This week saw Google release the latest Android update for Google Pixel and Nexus devices in the form of the January security patch. As this is an update which is sill in the process of rolling out to devices, some Pixel and Nexus devices will have yet to receive the update. Of those that have received it already, some owners have been reporting issues to do with a drop in the general performance of the smartphone following the update.
Generally speaking, the issues have been primarily noted on Reddit where users explain how after updating there is an increased degree of lag in the general performance. This can be best summed up by a longer time for apps to load, scrolling being slower, and so on. At present, the bulk of the user reports seem to mainly surround the Google Pixels, with owners of both first and second-generation models having encountered the issue. However, it does seem as though this is not a widespread issue due to it seemingly related to how the update is applied.
For example, it would seem that the drop in performance has been linked to the sideloading of the update instead of the update being received and applied in a more organic fashion. It is not quite clear why this is the case, although a number of the users reporting this issue have also explained the update was sideloaded to begin with. Likewise, 9to5Google who first reported on this, are also reporting Google has confirmed the lag issue is linked to sideloading. So those who opt to wait and receive the update naturally should not encounter the issue following installation of the update. For those who have already sideloaded the update (or plan to), the details on this suggest a remedy to the lag issue is fairly easy to fix. Just reboot the phone. For whatever reason, rebooting the phone is apparently fixing the issue and based on the comments noted in the Reddit thread, the reboot may be essentially finalizing the update. So while the phone will reboot after installing anyway, those who then encounter the issue, a second reboot should (according to reports) fix the issue.
BarcelonaTortosa mayor Ferran Bel, who is also a PDECat MP in the Spanish parliament and leads the partys political action, announced that Carles Puigdemont will return to Barcelona to be sworn in as President of the Generalitat provided that there is a political pact with the Spanish state beforehand. The pact must be political and instrumental. Political problems should have a political response, claimed Bel speaking on Spanish TV network Cuatro, when he was asked whether he would contemplate an agreement with the Prosecutor that might allow Puigdemont to return to Catalonia without being arrested.
A distance investiture has been nearly ruled out
Ferran Bel didnt rule out the possibility of Puigdemont being appointed president via a distance investiture, but he noted that it would be for the 135 member of parliament to decide: if there are no guarantees, we will need to look for and explore other alternatives.
The Catalan MP mentioned that the priority of Junts per Catalunya and the PDECat is for Puigdemont and the ministers who are exiled in Brussels to collect their credentials personally, together with the two newly-elected MPs who are currently in custody in Spains Estremera prison.
Bel denied that ERC leader Oriol Junqueras might seek to be elected president during the investiture debate: our agreement was that Puigdemont would be the candidate, if he won more seats in the election. We wont be arguing over that, he remarked.
On Thursday Spains Supreme Court will consider whether to uphold or reverse the decision by judge Pablo Llarena to keep Junqueras on remand, after confirming Carmen Lamelas ruling to keep the ERC leader in custody on November 2.
Opponents of the Berkshire Museums planned sale of 40 artworks from its collection plan to stage a protest march tomorrow (Saturday), 9 a.m.-noon, on the sidewalk in front of the Berkshire Museum, South Street, Pittsfield, MA.
Yesterday evening, Leslie Ferrin of Ferrin Contemporary (a gallery for contemporary ceramics) told me this about the plan:
We hope to engage the Berkshire community, first by simply letting them know that we exist, and welcome all whod like to participate in the protest to join in. We are planning subsequent protests for the remainder of this month and beyond (details TBD.)
Ferrins gallery is situated on the campus of MASS MoCA in North Adams, whose director, Joseph Thompson, recently wrote an opinion piece for the Berkshire Eagle supporting the deaccession decision of his colleague, Van Shields, director of the Berkshire Museum. Its worth noting that MASS MoCA has no permanent collection, which perhaps helps to explain Thompsons lack of regard for the Berkshire Museums stewardship duties.
In a principled but unusual break from collegial solidarity, Laurie Norton Moffatt, director of the Norman Rockwell Museum in nearby Stockbridge, was an early opponent of the sales, speaking out forcefully several days before the issuance by the Association of Art Museum Directors and the American Alliance of Museums of a joint statement taking the Berkshire Museum to task for violating professional standards against monetizing important artworks for purposes other than acquisitions or care of collections.
Members of the artists family have joined Moffatt in publicly deploring the sale of Shuffletons Barbershop, one of two important Rockwells given to the Berkshire Museum by the artist himself:
The ad hoc protest group last night released this statement:
We believe the museums decision to part with the crown jewels [my link, not theirs] of its collection reflects a failure of process and vision. We want more transparency from the Berkshire Museum going forward and would like a public forum with community members and Berkshire Museum officials in the near future to discuss alternatives to their current plans. We feel the numbers presented by the Berkshire Museum dont make sense and would like a full financial disclosure made public by the museum, as has been requested by The Berkshire Eagle [my link, not theirs] and others. Most of all, we care very much about the Berkshire Museum and want it to succeed without resorting to selling the heart of its collection.
The importance of those expendable works was recently underscored by Richard Rand, former senior curator at the Clark Art Institute, Williamstown (now associate director for collections at the Getty Museum). As reported by the indispensable Carrie Saldo of the Berkshire Eagle, Rand described the Forsaken 40 as the best and consequently the most valuable in the [Berkshire Museums] collection. According to Saldos report, Rand had served on its [the Berkshire Museums] collections committee, and in recent years helped to reinstall its paintings gallery. So he knows that collection well.
In another article, Saldo noted that Shields said he and museum trustees asked two questions while selecting what artwork to auction: Is it mission critical? and Is it necessary for interpretive goals?'
Perhaps the most crucial criterion for deaccession selection was candidly acknowledged by the museum in its Frequently Asked Questions about its future plans:
Why has the Museum chosen to sell this specific list of 40 items? The board analyzed our full collection from every aspect and tried to find the solution that would both fund an endowment that would secure the Museums future, and result in the smallest number of items being removed from our collection [emphasis added]. This is not an easy choice to make, but the Board of Trustees is confident that the 40,000 objects that will remain are the best suited for the Museums new vision.
To deaccession the smallest number of items, the selloffs masterminds had to cherry-pick the ones with the highest estimated market valuea list that would closely correlate with the works of highest quality and importance.
If part of the museums mission is still (as Shields has said) to display art throughout the museum in our new core exhibitions and to make future art acquisitions that support our interpretive plan, then keeping, rather than monetizing, the cream of the collection should have been a no-brainer. Instead, the rush to auction at Sothebys seems brainless.
While Shields continues to stonewall requests that he reconsider his raid on the collection built by his predecessors, his opponents, seeking to discredit him, have dredged up a report on controversies that erupted during his 15-year gig as director of the Culture and Heritage Museums, in York County, SC (near Charlotte), from which he resigned in 2011.
He became the Berkshire Museums director in September of that year.
UPDATEHeres a photo from the protest demonstration:
Im sick of doing deaccession stories. But here we go again:
Following in the stumbling footsteps of the Berkshire Museum, La Salle University, Philadelphia, has announced plans to sell some 46 works from its collection of more than 5,000 objects. The proceeds will help fund teaching and learning initiatives in its new strategic plan, as reported by Susan Snyder and Stephan Salisbury in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In other words, the use of the proceeds will run contrary to professional guidelines for museums, which say that deaccession funds should be applied only to acquisitions (Association of Art Museum Directors) or acquisitions and direct care of collections (American Alliance of Museums, Association of Academic Museums and Galleries).
Here are a few highlights from The La Salle 46 (full checklist here):
University museums are subject to the whims of the umbrella institutions board and president, making them particularly vulnerable to decisions that are not in their own best interests. Weve gone through this before, with the threat not only to the Rose Art Museums collection, but to the museum itself. That threat disappeared with Brandeis Universitys appointment of a new president who understood the importance of the museum and its collection to the lives of students and the surrounding community. But the museum at Randolph College was not as lucky.
Both of those cases, as well as the unresolved Berkshire Museum situation, involved their institutions in lawsuits from opponents to the planned sales. So unless La Salles two-year president, Colleen Hanycz, has her head in the sand, she must know that her institution could have some legal bills to contend with before it can proceed with this plan.
Christies, which won the dubious distinction of auctioning the La Salle consignment, estimates that these disposals will raise some $4.8-$7.3 million, according to the Inquirers report.
From the looks of the museums checklist of its castoffs, this appears to be another cream-of-the-collection dispersal to raise quick cash at the expense of the museums publicparticularly its students, for whom the collection serves an important educational resource.
Ill have more to say, as I learn more.
By: Vasundhara Rastogi
The Philippines is now among the fastest growing economies in Asia. Driven by a broad-based expansion in domestic demand, its economy has continued to perform strongly in 2017. The countrys gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 6.7 percent in the first three quarters of 2017, in comparison to the projected 6.6 percent. The Philippines has grown at an average of 6.3 percent over the past five years in what economists expect will be a sustained trend in the next few years for the country.
The sustainability of economic growth and the economys limited exposure to uncertainty in global markets makes the Philippines an attractive investment destination in Asia for overseas investors. Duterte ascension to the presidency in 2016 has further strengthened the economys growth prospects. Known as a pro-reform, pro-infrastructure and anti-corruption president, Duterte has already introduced several big infrastructure projects that have the ability to make the country grow stronger in the coming years.
RELATED: Pre-Investment and Market Entry Advisory from Dezan Shira & Associates
Investment climate
In 2017, the World Banks Doing Business Report ranked Philippines 99th compared to 103rd in the previous year. Over the last six years, the countrys investment climate has shown remarkable progress, improving the countrys ranking by 49 spots in the Doing Business Report. In order to enhance its doing business ranking and encourage foreign investment, the Philippines has taken several initiatives to protect minority investors, and ease the procedures dealing with construction permits, paying taxes and enforcing contracts.
Recently in 2017, the Philippines government released a list of industries and service areas that will receive government support through fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. The 2017 investment priority plan, themed Scaling Up and Disbursing Opportunities sustains many of the old investment incentives offered by the government but has now broadened its coverage. New preferred areas that are eligible to receive incentives from the Board of Investment (BOI) under the list include the following:
manufacturing including agri-processing;
agriculture, fishery and forestry;
strategic services;
infrastructure and logistics including local government unit public-private partnerships;
health care services including drug rehabilitation;
mass housing;
inclusive business models;
environment and climate change;
innovation drivers; and
energy
Also deemed priorities are:
export businesses including services, activities in support of exporters, and production and manufacture of export products;
activities based on special laws that grant incentives like Republic Act (RA) No. 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, RA 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 and RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009, among others;
and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
Tax reform
One of the key highlights of the Philippines economy in 2017 was the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act (TRAIN) which exempts those earning an annual taxable income of R250,000 (US$5000) and below from personal income tax. The 13th-month pay and other bonuses amounting to R90,000 (US$1800) are also tax-exempt. By increasing the net income of workers, the Philippines economy will greatly benefit either from increased consumption or greater savings or investments. Another underlying objective of TRAIN is to create job opportunities and bring in foreign investment. This will raise governments overall fiscal capacity to finance public investment, especially for critical infrastructure projects such as transportation, and help sustain economic growth. According to the Philippine development plan the current tax to GDP ratio is around 14 percent. The tax reform will push the ratio upward towards 15 percent.
Key Industries
The Philippines is becoming more competitive as a regional manufacturing player supported by strong domestic consumption and export markets. Exports have been one of the primary revenue drivers for the Philippines, with the electronics manufacturing services and semiconductor manufacturing accounting for around 51 percent of the export revenues. Prioritized under the Manufacturing Resurgence Program (MRP), the manufacturing sector accounts for 23 to 25 percent of GDP. Over a period of time, the country is expected to strengthen its manufactured exports with rising FDI inflows. With a population of over 104 million and a high literacy rate, the Philippines has become the most preferred choice of electronics manufacturing and related investments.
Other key industries in Philippines are information technology (IT), business processing management (BPM) sectors, construction, healthcare, retail, food & beverage, and energy.
Outlook 2018
The Philippine economy has picked up pace in the recent times, expanding by 6.7 percent in the first three quarters of 2017. The growth was largely led by increased foreign investment and robust consumption. In 2018, both the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank expect the Philippines GDP to grow slightly faster between 6.7 and 6.8 percent compared with its earlier projections of 6.6 percent. Amid a recovery in external trade, strong consumer spending and investment, the Philippines is expected to remain one of South East Asias top economies in 2018.
As seen in 2017, the government significantly increased its public expenditure to achieve its target of spending 5.3 percent of GDP on public infrastructure, and the household consumption too remained strong, despite moderating slightly from previous year. The governments commitment to further increasing public investment by the implementation of big infrastructure projects is expected to sustain the countrys growth momentum through 2018 and reinforce business and consumer confidence in the economy. Strong domestic demand supported by expansionary fiscal policy as well as higher local employment is expected to push Philippines economic growth on a higher growth trajectory.
For the 2018 model year, the Eleanor is back in business thanks to Fusion Motor Company . Based in Chatsworth, California, the high-end luxury dealership secured the rights to build and sell officially licensed cars from Denise Halicki, co-producer of the movie and late husband of H.B. Toby Halicki, who created and starred in the original Gone In 60 Seconds.It takes approximately six months from order to delivery, and at $189,000 from the get-go, the 2018 Eleanor Mustang isnt cheap. Customers with deeper pockets can spend $100,000 more on options and customization, but then again, this is no fiberglass replica with questionable build quality.Starting from a 67 or 68 Mustang Fastback , the Fusion Motor Company strips the donor vehicle down to the frame to give the old underpinnings some tender loving care. In comes an independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, Wilwood braking system, 9-inch rear end, limited-slip differential, LED lighting, and of course, lots of carbon fiber.In a similar fashion to the exterior, the cockpit is a mashup of retro and modern touches. Niceties include air conditioning, Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, and optional extras such as Recaro racing seats and aftermarket touchscreen infotainment with satellite navigation.Be it manual or automatic transmission, Fusion offers no less than five V8 engines for the Eleanor. The most basic of basic option is the 5.0-liter Coyote from the Mustang GT , producing 430 horsepower in this application. At the other end of the spectrum, the Roush 427 develops 750 ponies at the tap of the loud pedal. And now you know why the Go Baby Go button on the shifter is connected to the nitrous oxide tank in the trunk.
If you're in the mood for adventures in space, then 2018 should leave you satisfied for now, at least. With a half dozen major planetary exploration missions launching or approaching their targets this year, the solar system is going to be a busy place:
India's lunar lander and rover, Chandrayaan-2, will launch in March.
NASA leads a return to the Red Planet in May with the departure of its Insight lander.
Japan's Hayabusa 2 and NASA's OSIRIS-REx missions will arrive at their respective asteroid targets this summer.
The European Space Agency's BepiColombo orbiter will depart for Mercury in October.
What's next: These missions will return a bounty of information on the history of Mars, the curious properties of Mercury's interior, and even the origins of the solar system itself. Of course, every question answered could prompt at least a dozen more.
Paul Sutter is a cosmological researcher at Ohio State University's Center for Cosmology and Astro-Particle Physics.
James Risen, the New York Times reporter who scored a Pulitzer in 2006, wrote a lengthy piece for The Intercept about his battles to get the paper to publish two of his stories about the NSA's warrantless wiretapping of American citizens and a botched CIA plan to deliver faux nuclear blueprints to Iran in the face of government intervention.
The impact: Though Risen's stories dealt with Bush administration-era events, the Obama administration continued to attempt to get him to reveal his sources via court filings, ultimately destroying the idea of "reporter's privilege" via an appeal to the Fourth Circuit which includes Maryland and Virginia, key locations for national security reporting.
The key questions: Risen's inside tale explores the implications of national security reporting in as the War on Terror met the Internet Age:Can our government be trusted to react credibly and responsibly when presented with proof of its own wrongdoing?Who exactly owns the information uncovered via extensive, deeply sourced reporting the reporter or the publication?Does a news organization have an obligation to defend their employees against the weight of a government investigation?Other eye-openers:
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters that the U.S. will be delaying joint military exercises with South Korea through March 18 until after the Paralympics, NBC News' Hans Nichols reports.
Why it matters: North Korea views the drills as practice for invasion, and this will likely ease some tensions for now between the U.S. and the DPRK.
Backdrop: In a New Year's Day speech, North Korea's Kim Jong-un requested that South Korea and the U.S. stop their joint drills, as he has suggested many times before. That came just before the South and the North opened up a telephone line at the border to talk for the first time under South Korean President Moon Jae-in earlier this week.
This could signal the U.S. may be somewhat amenable to some of the conversations that are happening, or willing to make concessions to make a Korean war less likely, although Mattis said the decision was a "practical" matter more than a political one, per Aaron Mehta of Defense News.
One other note, on Iran: Mattis reportedly said, "We do not have an issue with the Iranian people. We do have a big issue with the Iranian regime," per Nichols.
Across the United States, bits and pieces of an ancient but man-made ecosystem are being restored, sometimes at the expense of more common natural landscapes. For thousands of years, fires lit by indigenous peoples maintained oak savannas. Such forested grasslands were once abundant across the western US, but agriculture, lumber industry, and fire suppression have combined to bring them close to extinction. In Oregon's Willamette Valley, bringing them back is laborious work that sometimes involves sacrificing stands of other native trees.
Why it matters: Oak savanna are among the most diverse ecosystems in the U.S. and support species that aren't seen anywhere else. In the 1800s, 1.5 million acres of the Willamette Valley were oak savanna. Today, just 1-2% of that remains, echoing a decline in oak grasslands across the country.
What it is: A diverse prairie, dotted with oak trees. Buford Park at Mt. Pisgah, near Springfield, Oregon, has one of the largest remaining parcels of oak savanna in the state: a broad, sunny hillside that is open between the trees and full of wildflowers. It abuts oak forests, dry prairies and marsh-like wet prairies, and supports coyotes, bears and the occasional mountain lion.
Why it's there: In Oregon and much of America, indigenous peoples' burned dense forests to create open meadows and prairies. These grassy spaces supported a number of edible plants and provided a habitat for deer, elk and other food species.
It might seem strange to focus on restoring what was essentially a man-made ecosystem. But humans have been conducting regular burns since at least the last major climactic shift 5000 years ago. Almost as long as this ecosystem has existed, it has been stewarded by humans. The savannas and forests that once checkered the hills surrounding the Willamette Valley came from "defy the worldview of nature and culture being separate things." explains Ed Alverson, the natural areas coordinator of Lane County Parks, which has worked to restore areas of oak savanna.
How we know about it: In addition to records from the earliest settlers to the Willamette Valley, who came specifically for the vast savannas and now-gone prairies, scientists have also begun to map the habitat's extent by looking for microscopic, fossilized remnants of plants called phytoliths.
How they fix it: Because each mountain or valley is different, each restoration project is different. In some areas, native plants are added and invasive species are removed. What species go where depends on the specific soil chemistry of the environment, which can vary from hillside to hillside. They start controlled fires to mimic the ecology of the past.
In many areas, it would be too labor intensive to restore oak savanna. If a pine forest is dense and established, the plants, fungi and bacteria that oak savanna thrives with will be gone. Instead, Alverson focuses on easier restorations, and managing the ecosystem that remains.
Where we are now: Many of the projects along the west coast are in their infancy, but the impacts of the rare habitat are visible. The Klamath Bird Observatory says they've seen a noticeable shift in the types of birds passing through.
There's more: This ecosystem isn't unique to the Willamette Valley or the Northwest. Similar restoration efforts are underway in California and the Midwest. Many projects to restore oak savanna are modeled after a highly successful effort in Illinois in the 70s and 80s.
Yes, but not everyone loves the restoration efforts, at least not initially. At Mt. Pisgah, some objected to clearing trees to restore savanna, especially along popular trails. Others disliked the use of herbicides to remove invasive species. But Jason Blazar, the stewardship director at Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah, says that once they explained the long-term goals and the rarity of the ecosystem, people come around.
"When they walk through the landscape the spring following an ecological burn, and hear the meadowlark sing perched upon a small snag in a sea of tall camas," says Blazar, "they get it."
The State Department announced on Thursday that it was placing Pakistan on a watch list for "severe violations of religious freedom," Reuters reports.
Why it matters: After recent criticism from the Trump administration that Pakistan isn't doing enough to fight terrorism, and his threat to cut aid to the country, U.S.-Pakistan tensions have worsened.
What they're saying: Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Woodrow Wilson Center's Asia Program, told Axios that this announcement should be viewed "in the broader context of US-Pakistan tensions and Washington's willingness to push the envelope more when it comes to its Pakistan policy."
Attorney General Jeff Sessions will announce today that he'll be rescinding the "Cole memo," which allowed states to legalize or decriminalize marijuana without federal interference despite federal law banning the use of marijuana.
Why it matters: Sessions is trying to create as much chaos and confusion as possible, former Director of Marijuana Coordination in Colorado Andrew Freedman tells Axios. While the federal government does not have the capacity to round up every person who uses or sells weed, Freedman pointed out, this is likely to cause a lot of confusion and could allow the federal government to apply pressure at random on states that have already legalized or are moving toward it.
The decision has caused a harsh reaction from states that have legalized and various lawmakers:
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Senior White House officials are debating whether Katie Walsh should be fired from Trump's main outside group, America First, after comments she reportedly made to the author Michael Wolff, according to two sources with direct knowledge.
I'm told Jared Kushner was one of the only West Wing officials to wave people off of firing Walsh, which is surprising given there was no love lost between them when she worked in the building.
Yesterday, as Trump was fuming about Steve Bannon's comments and West Wing officials were drafting his blistering statement, attention also turned to less-noticed quotes in the book, "Fire and Fury." The Wolff reporting on Walsh that infuriated West Wingers: Figuring out what Trump wants is "like trying to figure out what a child wants," Wolff quotes Walsh as saying.Pushback: Walsh told me yesterday she never said those things, but Axios' Mike Allen reported this morning that Wolff has tape recordings of his conversations with Bannon and Walsh.
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Excerpts from Michael Wolff's forthcoming "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump Administration" in The Guardian, New York Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, and British GQ have set the Internet ablaze over the past 24 hours and resulted in the ejection of Steve Bannon from Trumpworld.
Be smart: While Bannon's ouster has earned the lion's share of the hubbub on cable and online, there's a treasure trove of important tidbits in Wolff's reporting that have nothing to do with the president's ex-chief strategist. And don't forget, Wolff claims to have hours and hours of tapes to back up his book.
1. Trump never wanted to win
"As the campaign came to an end, Trump himself was sanguine. His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. 'I can be the most famous man in the world,' he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race. His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president. Now Trump, encouraged by Ailes, was floating rumors about a Trump network. It was a great future. He would come out of this campaign, Trump assured Ailes, with a far more powerful brand and untold opportunities."
2. Trump's senior advisors think he's incapable to be POTUS
"[M]y indelible impression of talking to [Trump's senior advisors] and observing them through much of the first year of his presidency, is that they all 100 percent came to believe he was incapable of functioning in his job."
3. Flynn brushed off his Russia problem
"Michael Flynn, the retired general who served as Trump's opening act at campaign rallies, had been told by his friends that it had not been a good idea to take $45,000 from the Russians for a speech. 'Well, it would only be a problem if we won,' Flynn assured them."
4. Rupert Murdoch blasts Trump's intelligence
"Murdoch suggested that taking a liberal approach to H-1B visas, which open America's doors to select immigrants, might be hard to square with his promises to build a wall and close the borders. But Trump seemed unconcerned, assuring Murdoch, 'We'll figure it out.'
'What a f*cking idiot,' said Murdoch, shrugging, as he got off the phone."
5. Trump's media fixation
"But Trump himself was desperately wounded by his treatment in the mainstream media. He obsessed over every slight until it was succeeded by the next slight. Slights were singled out and replayed again and again, his mood worsening with each replay (he was always rerunning the DVR). Much of the president's daily conversation was a repetitive rundown of what various anchors and hosts had said about him."
6. Jared and Ivanka's POTUS pact
"Balancing risk against reward, both Jared and Ivanka decided to accept roles in the West Wing over the advice of almost everyone they knew. It was a joint decision by the couple, and, in some sense, a joint job. Between themselves, the two had made an earnest deal: If sometime in the future the opportunity arose, she'd be the one to run for president. The first woman president, Ivanka entertained, would not be Hillary Clinton; it would be Ivanka Trump."
7. Melania cried over Trump's win
"Shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Night, when the unexpected trend Trump might actually win seemed confirmed, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears and not of joy."
8. When Kellyanne Conway switches off
"Conway seemed to have a convenient 'on-off' toggle. In private, in the off position, she seemed to regard Trump as a figure of exhausting exaggeration or even absurdity or, at least, if you regarded him that way, she seemed to suggest that she might too. She illustrated her opinion of her boss with a whole series of facial expressions: eyes rolling, mouth agape, head snapping back."
9. The perfect end to Trump's day
"If he was not having his 6:30 dinner with Steve Bannon, then, more to his liking, he was in bed by that time with a cheeseburger, watching his three screens and making phone calls the phone was his true contact point with the world to a small group of friends, who charted his rising and falling levels of agitation through the evening and then compared notes with one another."
The Department of Health and Human Services has posted its long-awaited proposed rule to make it easier to form association health plans, aimed at groups of workers who team up to get better deals on health insurance. Among other things, the rule would encourage these kinds of plans by removing the requirement that says associations have to have a purpose besides health insurance.
The bottom line: The rule says its goal is to help small businesses buy health coverage more easily, but the bigger question is whether theyd pull healthy people out of the Affordable Care Act exchanges.
Amid the firestorm over Michael Wolff's forthcoming book "Fire and Fury," a lawyer for President Trump says legal action against Steve Bannon is "imminent," accusing the former White House aide of breaking a confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement he had signed with the Trump campaign.
The five-page cease-and-desist letter, which orders Bannon to retain any relevant texts and emails, says:
"You have breached the Agreement by ... communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump."
... communicating with author Michael Wolff about Mr. Trump, his family members, and the Company, disclosing Confidential Information to Mr. Wolff, and making disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements to Mr. Wolff about Mr. Trump." The lawyer, Charles Harder of Beverly Hills (who brought down Gawker), says in a statement: "[L]egal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon ... that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff ... give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent."
Charles Harder of Beverly Hills (who brought down Gawker), says in a statement: "[L]egal notice was issued today to Stephen K. Bannon ... that his actions of communicating with author Michael Wolff ... give rise to numerous legal claims including defamation by libel and slander, and breach of his written confidentiality and non-disparagement agreement with our clients. Legal action is imminent." This follows the scorched-earth statement by Trump after excerpts of the book, out next Tuesday, began leaking yesterday: "Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind." (That line is N.Y. Times Quote of the Day, BTW.)
Axios has learned that, at Trump's direction, his lawyers may go after Wolff as soon as today.
Bannon wouldn't comment on the record, but "a source with knowledge of this matter" texted me that "more than a dozen wh staffers or colleagues of potus talked with [wolff] ... because the wh was cooperating with the book."
on the record, but "a source with knowledge of this matter" texted me that "more than a dozen wh staffers or colleagues of potus talked with [wolff] ... because the wh was cooperating with the book." Reached for comment about the lawyer's letter to Bannon, Wolff told me: "I rest my case."
What has Trump so livid? Here are key excerpts from the 322-page book, obtained by Axios:
On the the July 8 preparation aboard Air Force One of the initial (and false) explanation, made under Trump's personal direction, about the Trump Tower meeting with Russians during the campaign: "Ivanka, according to the later recollection of her team, would shortly leave the meeting, take a pill, and go to sleep. Jared, in the telling of his team, might have been there, but he was 'not taking a pencil to anything.'"
"Nearby, in a small conference room watching the movie Fargo, were Dina Powell, Gary Cohn, Stephen Miller, and H. R. McMaster, all of whom would later insist that they were, however physically close to the unfolding crisis, removed from it."
"Mark Corallo [former spokesman for Trump's personal legal team] ... privately confiding [to Wolff] that he believed the meeting on Air Force One represented a likely obstruction of justice quit."
Bannon: "The three senior guys in the campaign ... thought it was a good idea to meet with a foreign government inside Trump Tower in the conference room on the twenty-fifth floor with no lawyers. They didn't have any lawyers. Even if you thought that this was not treasonous , or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately."
, or unpatriotic, or bad shit, and I happen to think it's all of that, you should have called the FBI immediately." "If [Trump] was not having his six-thirty dinner with Steve Bannon, then, more to his liking, he was in bed by that time with a cheeseburger, watching his three screens and making phone calls the phone was his true contact point with the world to a small group of friends, among them most frequently [longtime friend] Tom Barrack, who charted his rising and falling levels of agitation through the evening and then compared notes with one another."
"The unique problem here was partly how to get information to someone who did not (or could not or would not) read ... Kellyanne Conway brought him the latest outrages against him. There were his after-dinner calls the billionaire chorus. And then cable, itself programmed to reach him to court him or enrage him."
Bannon referred to Stephen Miller Trump's powerful senior adviser for policy, and keeper of the nationalist flame after Bannon's departure as "my typist."
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Go Deeper: New York magazine has a long excerpt/adaptation.
By Trend
Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 105 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on January 4.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.
The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
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By Rashid Shirinov
The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) under the Special Communication and Information Security State Agency of Azerbaijans Special State Protection Service has completed the first stage of work on the development of an anti-virus software, CERT told Trend on January 4.
This is the Multifunctional Analysis Program (MAP), work on which has been conducted since 2015. CERT noted that the program is provided with the necessary functionality and search through the database of malicious programs, which is developed by Team Cymru.
The work on the project turned out to be much more difficult than we expected. The first stage has already been completed, but it will take some time to present the beta version of the product, a CERT representative said.
He noted that the program interface will support three languages Azerbaijani, Russian and English, and that the development of anti-virus software is one of the priority plans of CERT.
MAP will allow users to analyze suspicious files in order to find out whether they contain malicious code. It will include modules of virus detection, analysis of active processes, preparation of reports on suspicious programs and files, parental control, etc.
Today, threats from the Internet pose a broad range of risks, including financial damages, identity theft, loss of confidential information/data, theft of network resources, damaged brand and personal reputation, and erosion of consumer confidence in e-commerce and online banking.
Therefore, in order to protect a computer from any kind of cyber attacks, the user should use antivirus programs and be attentive while surfing the Internet, not visiting suspicious websites and using such applications.
In general, Azerbaijans Computer Emergency Response Team processes a number of computer incidents, such as network attacks, DoS and DDoS attacks to the state authorities information resources and individual hosts, scanning of Azerbaijani information networks and hosts, unauthorized use of information resources, etc.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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By Sara Israfilbayova
The use of classical instruments of the stock market has not yet reached the desired level to form new instruments on their basis, Vugar Namazov, chairman of the board of the Baku Stock Exchange (BSE) told Trend.
Traditionally, bonds and shares are considered classic instruments of the stock market. There are also relatively new tools, such as, futures, warrant certificates, forward contracts and others.
Namazov noted that the necessary entrepreneurial thinking has not yet been formed in Azerbaijan, which would allow, in particular, perceive bonds as an alternative tool for raising funds.
Today, our main task is to develop classical instruments, then we can talk about new derivatives or, for example, financial engineering tools, it is also important to develop a money market, and after its institutionalization, futures trading will become possible, he said.
The total turnover of stock transactions on all instruments on the BSE in January-October 2017 amounted to more than 9.57 billion manats ($5.63 billion), which is 2.2 times higher than the same period in 2016, according to the BSE.
The volume of the government securities market amounted to 3.8 billion manats ($2.23 billion) [an increase of 8.4 times per year], the turnover of the corporate securities market - 1.37 billion manats ($805,800) [four-fold growth], and the derivatives market - 4.4 billion manats ($2.59 billion) [an increase of 22.2 percent].
BSE is the main stock exchange in Azerbaijan. It trades short-term treasury bonds, common stocks (primarily from former state-owned enterprises that have been privatized, including food and beverage, construction and banking companies), and foreign currency futures.
The mission of BSE is to establish and develop market infrastructure that will provide the trading of securities and efficient execution of transactions.
BSE began its operations on February 15, 2000 with the support of the State Committee for Securities of Azerbaijan. The first trading operation at the stock exchange was carried out on September 1, 2000.
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Alas, separatism was top on political agenda of 2017, keeping tension high in several points of the Earth. The developments in Spanish Catalonia and Iraqi Kurdistan represented a serious headache for the international community in 2017. That anew reminded many leaders about the protracted conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh in the South Caucasus, left out of attention for over two decades.
Many people around the world are not properly aware of this region perhaps, but since late 1980s it has been the place of a constant confrontation of two neighboring countries Armenia and Azerbaijan due to the Armenian separatism in Azerbaijani lands.
The war between the countries, that flared up in 1988 due to Armenias territorial claims against Azerbaijan, took thousands of lives and was stopped only in 1994 through signing a ceasefire agreement, which is, however, being broken by Armenia every day. Armenia had occupied 20 percent of internationally recognized lands of Azerbaijan, and more than a million of Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced persons because of the Armenian aggression.
Unfortunately, these lands Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven adjacent regions are still under Armenian occupation, and no effective way has been found so far to resolve this Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict peacefully. In defiance of the norms and rules of international law, Armenia rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Azerbaijani territories.
The past year, as well as many previous years, contained several meetings between the conflicting parties under the auspices of the mediating countries. Although the number of meetings held this year was higher than those held previous years, no tangible result has been achieved to push forward the peace diplomacy over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
During 2017, the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov and Armenia Edward Nalbandian met in February, April, July, September and December and the presidents of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Armenia Serzh Sargsyan met in Geneva in October. All the meetings were held under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group, which is designed to find a peaceful solution to the conflict. However, due to the unconstructive position of Armenia on the issue, its reluctance to engage in constructive talks, the meetings can barely be called fruitful. After decades of the conflict existence, the Armenian government still continues to play for time and avoids substantive negotiations with the aim to preserve the inadmissible status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh.
This, naturally, does not satisfy Azerbaijan, which, by the way, is ready to provide its Nagorno-Karabakh region with the highest level of autonomy within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. However, even this concession of Azerbaijan does not make the Armenian authorities join serious and constructive talks on the conflict resolution. This demonstrates the genuine desire of Yerevan that implies maintaining the conflict forever by remaining in Azerbaijani lands.
Despite all difficulties, Azerbaijan and international mediators still maintain a positive attitude on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In his recent interview, the Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus Gunther Bachler called the October meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents important and to some extent encouraging. He stressed that for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict there are some principles about final status on the table, but no real negotiation architecture.
Also, the next meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers is set for mid-January. This means that the foreign intermediaries Russia, the U.S. and France are not going to waste time in the conflict settlement process, and this, of course, is worth welcoming. The major problem is to make Armenia join substantive and constructive negotiations too.
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By Aygul Salmanova
The number of patients with thalassemia and hemophilia, inherited blood disorders, is reduced in Azerbaijan compared to previous years.
Department head at the Health Ministry Gulmirza Poladov said that due to ensuring the normal life of patients of the Republican Thalassemia center, the death rate from this disease has five-fold decreased over the past 10 years.
Currently, 3,100 patients undergo continuous treatment at the Center, of whom 2,977 are patients diagnosed with Thalassemia. In 2017, a total of 12 patients underwent transplant operations in the Republican Thalassemia Center, among which one was diagnosed with acute leukemia, one with aplastic anemia, 10 with a large Beta Thalassemia, Poladov said.
He said that the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev on medical examination of couples who want to marry is of great importance for the prevention of this disease.
Last year, about 130,000 people underwent blood tests. Of these, 3,611 people were diagnosed with Thalassemia, 103 with HIV, and 422 had syphilis. Both of 38 couples who underwent examination were diagnosed with Thalassemia. As a result of examination of the fetus of 24 pregnant women having Thalassemia, four healthy, 14 carriers and six ill fetuses were found, Poladov said.
The department head noted that 1558 patients with hemophilia registered at the moment, improved their quality of life, as a result of the increase in the level of medical services and constant provision of factor preparations provided within the framework of the State Program, which contributed to a reduction in the number of deaths from this disease.
Touching upon the HIV infection, Poladov said that Azerbaijan is among the countries with a low level of this virus.
He noted that as a result of the successful implementation of the Program of measures to combat HIV/AIDS for 2016-2020, Azerbaijan is currently among the countries with a low level of infection with the immunodeficiency virus.
It should be noted that 96 percent of HIV-infected pregnant women in Azerbaijan participate in antiretroviral therapy. World statistics show that the level of infection with the virus is from 5 to 11 percent, while in Azerbaijan this figure is 1.8 percent, Poladov said.
The department head added that over the past three years, the Ministry has had a special commission for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis.
All patients who visit this institution are examined and receive appropriate appointments. Currently, 5,404 patients undergo long-term treatment at the expense of the state, Poladov added.
Over the last 10 years significant reforms have been carried out in the country to combat such a wide-spread decease as Thalassemia. A number of projects were sanctioned for the treatment and diagnosis of the disease and improvement of the health of future generations.
In this regard, citizens have to pass a medical examination before marriage. However, doctors say that the presence of thalassemia gene in those wishing to marry does not mean that they should abandon their decision and should avoid having children. New couples get expert advice and find out what additional tests they should pass to keep their children healthy.
Moreover, the Center for Thalassemia, built upon the initiative of President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, has become a chance for many children to get good treatment.
The center has the latest diagnostic, treatment, and support units, available space and qualified personnel for the treatment of patients.
Since its establishment in 2007, the Thalassemia Center in Baku has offered all conditions both scientific and practical for studying thalassemia.
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By Rashid Shirinov
Director General of the European Commissions department for mobility and transport (DG MOVE) Henrik Hololei will visit Baku on January 27-30, Head of Political, Economics and Press & Information Section of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan Denis Daniilidis told Trend on January 3.
He said that Hololei will hold discussions on the Common Aviation Area Agreement between Azerbaijan and EU.
Earlier, Kestutis Jankauskas, head of the EU delegation to Azerbaijan said the EU hopes to initial the aviation agreement with Azerbaijan in the second half of January 2018. He noted that 99 percent of the agreements articles have already been agreed upon.
Creation of a Common Aviation Area is aimed at the opening and integration of aviation markets, which will lead to new opportunities for consumers and operators and, most importantly, to high standards in terms of flight safety as well as air traffic management. This is an initiative of the European Commission, according to which the division of airspace and its management will be common for most countries in Europe.
A horizontal agreement between Azerbaijan and the EC was signed in July 2009. It allows any EU airline to operate flights between Azerbaijan and any EU member state if there is a bilateral air services agreement and if free traffic rights are available.
Later, as part of the process of creating a wider Common Aviation Area with its Eastern and Southern Neighbors, the European Commission adopted in August 2011 a Communication on developing a Common Aviation Area with Azerbaijan.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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By Rashid Shirinov
The capital assets of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces Assistance Fund exceeded 88 million manats ($51.77 million) as of January 1, 2018, Defense Ministry reported on January 4.
The ministry also noted that the Funds dollar account has accumulated over $212,873, the euro account reached 9,536 euros, while the ruble account made up 5,000 rubles.
The Armed Forces Assistance Fund, established in 2002, targets to ensure development of the Armed Forces in accordance with the contemporary requirements, strengthening the material and technical base and financing the necessary social measures.
The Armed Forces Assistance Fund is formed on the basis of voluntary donations of individuals and legal entities and at the expense of the other donations not prohibited by the national legislation.
The Azerbaijani Army, which today is considered the most modern army in the Caucasus, consists of Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the Navy, and the Land Forces.
Today, Azerbaijani Army is one of the most powerful, highly disciplined armies in the world and the leading in the region, which is equipped with modern military machinery. Azerbaijan leaves behind many CIS and regional countries to take its place among the first 58 strongest militaries of the world, according to the U.S.-based Global Firepower survey center.
Azerbaijan provides the national Army with sufficient military budget every year. Defense spending of Azerbaijan determined in the state budget for 2017 made up 2.64 billion manats ($1.55 billion), which exceeds the spending for 2016.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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By Kamila Aliyeva
Uzbekistan, which is carrying out a large-scale campaign to attract foreign tourists, plans to take another step in this direction by introducing electronic entry visas (E-Visa).
The government of Uzbekistan is currently working on this issue and intends to study Azerbaijans experience in implementation of this system.
Today, the system of e-visas already functions in many countries. In particular, it has proved itself well in Azerbaijan and Georgia, thus their experience will be studied when implementing this technology in Uzbekistan, according to the State Committee on Tourism, Uzbek media outlets reported.
The procedure will allow tourists to avoid queues at the embassy, and submit all documents online. In this case, travelers will not need to pass an interview with the consul.
Acquisition and installation of necessary equipment, development of special software products, as well as testing of the "Electronic Visa" system using the infrastructure of the existing biometric passport system of Uzbekistan is planned to be completed this summer.
The introduction of the e-visa issuance system will require simplification of the visa regime in the country. Issuance of electronic visas will be carried out at the airports of the country in accordance with written applications filed by foreign citizens during processing of documents and regardless of the presence of the Uzbek diplomatic representation in the country where the clearance process takes place.
It is assumed that all payments for obtaining an electronic visa can be made with the help of international payment systems Visa and MasterCard.
Uzbekistan, being home to Bukhara, Khiva and Samarkand three cities considered jewels along the Old Silk Road trade routes that used to connect Europe and Asia, enjoys a large number of tourists. There are many types of tourism being offered in Uzbekistan: historical and cultural tourism, ethnic tourism, adventure tourism, ecological tourism and health tourism.
During January-September 2017, about 1.8 million tourists visited Uzbekistan, which is 17 percent more than in the same period of last year. Furthermore, exports of tourist services grew by 17 percent.
Earlier it was reported that Uzbek embassies in foreign countries will render all consular services by using e-documents in 2018. Exit visas will be canceled in Uzbekistan from 2019. New departments were opened abroad in 2017 to render consular and other services to compatriots.
ASAN Visa system was created upon the Azerbaijani presidents decree dated June 1, 2016.
ASAN Visa is issued for three days, in case of emergency - for three hours. The cost of a standard visa is $20, urgent visa - $23.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
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By Aygul Salmanova
An official delegation from the Azerbaijani city of Mingachevir led by the head of the executive committee Niyazi Bayramov visited Israel. The delegation also included Bayramos deputies Ali Ganiyev, and Hikmet Karimov, as well as the chief doctor of the city hospital Konul Alakbarov.
On the second day, guests from Mingachevir together with vice mayor of Afula Mikhail Barkan visited the industrial zone of Alon Israel.
During the meeting with the leaders of the enterprises Tosaf and Pazkar, the possibility of creating the branches of the mentioned enterprises and production of their products in the Mingachevir technological park was discussed.
The delegation also met with the managers of the international department of the hospital A-Emek. The general director of the Mingachevir city hospital, Alakbarov, expressed interest in organizing the training of Azerbaijani doctors on the basis of the A-Emek center.
The guests from Azerbaijan were warmly received by the mayor of Afula, Yitzhak Miron, the vice mayor, Mikhail Barkan and the general director of the municipal Economic Company Tom Hadad in the mayors office. During the meeting, which was also attended by the representative of AzIz in Azerbaijan Bayramov, the parties discussed further continuation and strengthening of relations.
Azerbaijan is one of the few Muslim countries, which has deep political, diplomatic and economic ties with Israel. In this context, Azerbaijan plays a special role for Israel.
Being a Muslim majority country, Azerbaijan is a home to a large Jewish community. The countrys north region of Guba is home to Azerbaijan's largest community of Mountain Jews, who live in Krasnaya Sloboda (Red Town).
The two countries cooperate not only in trade and economic sphere (Israel imports Azerbaijani oil through the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline) but also had broad interaction in military and military-technical spheres.
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By Sara Israfilbayova
The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) will receive $428.9 million in 2018 from the sale of profitable gas from the gas condensate field Shah Deniz in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, according to forecasts.
On the basis of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), the next fund receipts for other operated fields are expected: Kursangi-Garabagli deposits - $2.08 million, Surakhani-Garachuhur deposits - $3.25 million, Zykh-Hovsan deposit - $0.87 million, Muradkhanly-Jafarli-Zardab deposits - $2.39 million, Neftchala-Khylly deposit - $0.37 million, Mishovdag-Kelameddin deposits - $1.43 million, Kurovdag deposit - $2.02 million, Balakhani-Sabunchu-Ramana and Kurdakhani deposits - $11.43 million, Binagadi block deposits - $4.11 million, Gum-Deniz and Bahar deposits - $1.74 million.
SOFAZs revenues from the sale of profitable oil and gas in 2018 are projected at $5.653 million, which exceeds the corresponding indicator of 2016 by 16.9 percent.
From the sale of profitable oil from the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field, the fund will receive $ 5.194 million, according to forecasts.
A contract for development of ACG block of oil and gas fields was signed in 1994 for 30 years.
Thirteen companies from eight countries (Azerbaijan, the U.S., Great Britain, Russia, Turkey, Norway, Japan, Saudi Arabia) have participated in signing of the "Contract of the Century".
Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and BP-operated Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC) signed an agreement on future development of the ACG field in December 2016.
The agreement will cover the development of the field until 2050 and will add significant resource development potential. The document specifies the key commercial terms for the future development of the ACG field and enables the parties to conclude negotiations and finalize fully-termed agreements in the next few months.
The proven oil reserves of the block amounts to approximately 1 billion tons.
Shareholders of the ACG development include BP with 35.8 percent, Chevron - 11.3 percent, Inpex - 11 percent, AzACG - 11.6 percent, Statoil - 8.55 percent, Exxon - 8 percent, TRAO- 6.75 percent, Itochu - 4.3 percent and ONGC - 2.7 percent.
SOFAZ was established under the Presidential Decree, dated December 29, 1999, "On Establishment of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan".
The main purpose of the establishment of the Fund was to preserve and multiply the income derived from oil, create an excellent economic base, taking into account social needs, the requirements of economic progress and development of the country. Besides, the challenge ahead is to protect the country's economy from possible negative influences caused by the growth of foreign exchange earnings and avoidance of damage to financial discipline.
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By Sara Israfilbayova
Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) block, located in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, produced 445 million tons of oil and 140 billion cubic meters of gas since the beginning of development and up to December 1, 2017.
First Vice-President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) Khoshbakht Yusifzadeh stated that as of this date, 250 million tons of Azerbaijans profitable oil was sold on the world market: This makes up 56 percent of all profitable oil sold on the world market.
As of December 1, about 460 million tons of oil were exported to the world market, of which about 350 million tons was accounted for by the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.
Yusifzadeh went on to say that up to 500 million tons of oil will be extracted from the ACG by 2050.
It is assumed that the volume of oil production from the ACG in 2018 will be 204.4 million barrels, or 28 million tons.
The Vice-President added that to date, $43 billion has been invested in ACG.
A contract for development of ACG block of oil and gas fields was signed in 1994 for 30 years. Thirteen companies from eight countries (Azerbaijan, the U.S., Great Britain, Russia, Turkey, Norway, Japan, Saudi Arabia) have participated in signing of the "Contract of the Century".
Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and BP-operated Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC) signed an agreement on future development of the ACG field in December 2016.
The agreement will cover the development of the field until 2050 and will add significant resource development potential. The document specifies the key commercial terms for the future development of the ACG field and enables the parties to conclude negotiations and finalize fully-termed agreements in the next few months.
Azerbaijans revenues from profitable oil in the new contract have been fixed at 75 percent.
The ACG field, which lies 120km off the coast of Azerbaijan, is considered to be the largest oilfield in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea.
The proven oil reserves of the block amounts to approximately 1 billion tons.
From the beginning of first oil production in November 1997 and until September 1, 2017, some 435.6 million tons of oil and 136.3 billion cubic meters of associated gas were produced in the ACG block of oil and gas fields in the Caspian Sea.
Shareholders of the ACG development include BP with 35.8 percent, SOCAR - 25 percent, Chevron - 11.3 percent, Inpex - 11 percent, AzACG - 11.6 percent, Statoil - 8.55 percent, Exxon - 8 percent, TRAO- 6.75 percent, Itochu - 4.3 percent and ONGC - 2.7 percent.
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By Sara Israfilbayova
World oil prices are increasing on Thursday in the course of trading and are trading close to the maximum marks for 3 years on data of the next reduction in the U.S. fuel inventories.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $62.16 a barrel, up 0.9 percent, from their last close. They touched $62.21 shortly before, their highest level since May 2015.
Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $68.23 a barrel, up 0.9 percent, after revisiting a May 2015 high of $68.27 shortly before, Reuters reported.
American Petroleum Institute (API) reported that oil reserves in the U.S. decreased by 5 million barrels last week. Official data of the U.S. Energy Department will public data and experts on average predict that they will indicate a decrease in stocks by 4.7 million barrels.
Gasoline stocks in the U.S. are expected to grow by 2 million barrels a week, distillates - by 1.3 million barrels.
In addition, according to a survey conducted by the Bloomberg agency, oil production in OPEC countries in December did not change compared to the November level.
Oil prices have maintained support because of the protests in Iran, which have become the most serious threat to the spiritual leadership of Iran since 2009.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps sent troops to three provinces of Iran to suppress anti-government protests.
Crude prices also continue to be supported by the current agreement to reduce oil production, the main participants of which are the OPEC countries and Russia.
In November 2016, the OPEC summit was held in Vienna, where OPEC members reached an agreement on reducing oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day. In December 2016 was a meeting of oil producers outside the OPEC. Following the meeting, was signed an agreement to reduce oil production by a total of 558,000 barrels per day starting from January 2017.
OPEC and its partners decided to extend its production cuts till the end of 2018 in Vienna on November 30, as the oil cartel and its allies step up their attempt to end a three-year supply glut that has savaged crude prices and the global energy industry.
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By Trend
A judiciary official in the western province of Loreestan has denied an earlier report suggesting that a European citizen was arrested during the recent unrests in the province.
Ali Sabzevari, the head of public relations office at the provincial judiciary office of Lorestan, has said that the detained individual is originally from Borujerd County residing in a European country, Mehr news agency reported.
Sabzevari added that security officers arrested the detainee as he was capturing video footage of protests in the county.
Hamidreza Abolhassani, head of Borujerd's judiciary, earlier said that a European citizen was arrested in anti-government protests in the county.
"A European citizen was arrested in Borujerd county ... The person had been trained by European intelligence services and was leading the rioters"
Iran saw turmoil and political unrests over the past week which took the lives of at least 22 individuals including security forces.
The unrest began after some groups of people joined demonstrations in a number of cities, including the capital Tehran, Mashhad and Kermanshah to protest against high prices, but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.
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By Trend
Three members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) have been killed in an armed clash with insurgents in northwestern Iran.
The IRGC through an announcement on Wednesday said that the armed clash took place along the countrys frontier region with Iraq near the city of Piranshahr.
The announcement further added that the elite forces have launched a manhunt for the attackers.
Iran saw turmoil and political unrests over the past week which took the lives of at least 22 individuals including security forces.
The unrest began after some groups of people joined demonstrations in a number of cities, including the capital Tehran, Mashhad and Kermanshah to protest against high prices, but the economic protests soon turned into anti-government demonstrations.
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By Trend
An Iranian judicial official said on Wednesday that a European citizen was arrested in anti-government protests in Borujerd county in western Iran, but did not specify the nationality of the detainee.
"A European citizen was arrested in Borujerd county ... The person had been trained by European intelligence services and was leading the rioters," Hamidreza Abolhassani, head of Borujerd's Justice Department was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.
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By Kamila Aliyeva
The Uzbek national airline, Uzbekistan Airways, offered to open new flights which are set to link the cities of Samarkand and Bukhara with the capital of Tajikistan - Dushanbe, Tajik media outlets reported.
The proposal of the Uzbek side is being studied at the moment, and in the near future the Tajik side will take a decision on this issue, according to a source in the Tajik government.
The source expressed conviction that the decision of the Tajik side on this issue will be positive.
Flights between the two countries were terminated in the autumn of 1992, and in 2000, Uzbekistan introduced a visa regime for travel to Tajikistan.
The air traffic was interrupted with the beginning of civil war in Tajikistan, there were virtually no commercial, economic and political ties. The relations began to restore in 2016.
In autumn 2016, a protocol on cooperation was signed between the civil aviation authorities of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in the air transport sector.
Uzbekistan Airlines performed the first flight en route Tashkent - Dushanbe - Tashkent on April 11.
The air company performs flights to the capital of Tajikistan on the A320 airliners once a week on Tuesdays.
Uzbekistan Airways was established on January 28, 1992 upon the presidential decree, wholly owned by the state.
The aircraft fleet of the Uzbek airline currently has 31 aircraft of western production, including thirteen Boeing passenger aircraft, thirteen airbuses (three A-310 and ten A-320-200), three medium-haul RJ-85s and two cargo planes Boeing-767-300BCF.
The Uzbek airline operates flights to over 20 cities in Europe, America, the Middle East, Asia, 22 cities of the CIS countries and 11 destinations on local airlines.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
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By Kamila Aliyeva
Over one million tons of cement was exported by Tajikistan for the whole of last year.
About three million tons of cement was produced in the country in 2017, Avesta reported.
Most of this product is being realized inside the republic and used for the construction of hydraulic structures, roads and bridges, houses and other infrastructure.
At present there are thirteen cement production enterprises in the country. However, only five cement enterprises are engaged in export.
Tajik cement is exported to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The bulk of exports falls on Afghanistan.
Earlier, it was reported that the internal needs of the republic in cement are estimated at 3-3.5 million tons per year. The cement deficit in the country is covered by imports from Pakistan and Iran.
The country has 13 cement plants with a total production capacity of 4.7 million tons per year. At present, cement of brands 400, 500 and 600 is produced in Tajikistan.
Tajikistan started deliveries of cement to neighboring countries in 2015. Then, only 500 tons of this construction material was exported. In the current year, the republic not only increased exports, but for the first time completely abandoned the import of cement.
Over the past eight years, China has helped Tajikistan to increase cement production by almost ten times through investing in the introduction of new facilities.
At the same time, these achievements are of concern to Tajik environmentalists, who believe that an increase in the number of cement plants causes irreparable harm to the environment and the health of the countrys inhabitants.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
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By Trend
Starting from January 1, 2018, legal entities in Uzbekistan will pay land tax monthly in equal portions, the countrys State Tax Committee told Trend on January 4.
Before 2018, the land tax was paid quarterly in equal portions in Uzbekistan.
It will be necessary to submit land tax calculations for 2018 and make land tax payment for the first month of 2018 no later than January 10.
Legal entities, including non-residents, who own, possess, use or lease land plots pay land tax in Uzbekistan. The amount of tax is calculated according to the total area of land plot, except for the land occupied by water supply and sanitation facilities of settlements.
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By Kamila Aliyeva
Kazakhstan is working on a special road map for the development of the export of agricultural products, Kazinform reported.
We set ourselves the task of investigating the situation, understanding the problems and finding ways to solve them. We held brainstorms in the format of seminars with the participation of all parties - business, government officials, experts and so on, Kazakh Vice Minister of Agriculture Nurzhan Altayev wrote on his Facebook page.
Analytic structures and scientists were also involved in the study of export issues.
Following the results of the study of the export issues, we are working on a special roadmap for the development of the export of agricultural products, he said.
At the same time, to date, Kazakhstan has opened new markets for products that were never exported before. In particular, protocols were signed with China on fish products, pedigree horses, frozen lamb, honey, wheat, wheat bran, soybeans and slaughtered horses.
In 2018, the requirements for beef, pork, some types of cereals (barley, corn and rice), legumes (peas, beans, mung beans), fodder (alfalfa), oilseeds (flax, rapeseed, safflower) and melons (watermelon, melon, zucchini, melon) will be agreed upon. Following the results of the next year, it is forecasted an increase in exports to China by another 20 percent, the official said.
Veterinary requirements for the supply of live sheep, frozen and chilled lamb from Kazakhstan were agreed with Iran. As a result, in 2017, for the first time, the exports of live sheep and lamb were launched.
At the beginning of the new year, the requirements for beef and live cattle will be coordinated. We also managed to agree on special conditions for wheat exports to Iran, in connection with its ban on imports. A contract for the supply of wheat was signed between Food Corporation JSC and Iranian companies, Altayev said.
Kazakhstan has agreed with the United Arab Emirates on the veterinary certificate for the export of meat and meat products as well as poultry meat. As a result, frozen beef was exported to the UAE for the first time. According to the minister, it is planned to increase the export of livestock products to the UAE by at least 30-50 percent next year.
In relation with Saudi Arabia, our country managed to lift restrictions on the supply of live small-bred and large-horned cattle, as well as beef and mutton. In 2018, a veterinary certificate will be agreed upon, on the basis of which exports of livestock products will begin.
The growth in exports of Kazakh agricultural products amounted to 11 percent in 2017, thus showing an increase from $1.58 billion up to $1.75 billion, as compared with 2016.
In particular, in 2017, in comparison with the previous year, exports of frozen beef increased by 2 times, lamb by 7.2 times, horse meat by 1.8 times, oil crops (flax, rapeseed, sunflower and other oilseeds) - on average by 1.6 times and vegetable oil (sunflower, safflower or cotton) - by 2 times.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
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By Aygul Salmanova
Do you want to make the most amazing trip to the very heart of the Caucasus, where all the best - the richest history reflected in archeological and architectural monuments, the picturesque nature with a wonderful climate, is collected? If yes, then pack up and visit Azerbaijan!
Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan occupies a unique position mixing the best of both sides. Although a small country, it is one of the most visited countries in the region. Tourists coming to see the country can witness unique nature, rich history and historical monuments, UNESCO Heritage Sites, diverse traditions and customs, different nationalities, delicious cuisine, and amazing climate.
Muzaffar Agakarimov, the adviser of the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Tourism Association, told Azernews that a number of steps are taken towards the development of the tourism sector.
Recently, incoming tourism is becoming more popular in Azerbaijan. While after the dissolution of USSR and creation of the new state people preferred to go abroad, now the incoming and local tourism are the main directions of this sector. It should be noted that incoming tourism is the most important part of the overall tourism sector as it brings foreign currency and creates new workplaces for local people, Agakarimov noted.
The main factor affecting the tourist inflow to the country is the fact that Azerbaijan is a stable country. Another factor is the tolerant and hospitable atmosphere existing in the country. In addition, opportune infrastructure, new types of tourism also significantly contribute to this trend.
Agakarimov touched upon the new types of tourism that have been developed in the country. The most notable among them was snow and mountain tourism: best examples of this type of tourism in Azerbaijan were Tufandag in Gabala and Shahdag in Gusar, he said.
Furthermore, Azerbaijan Health and Thermal Tourism Support Association was established in the country, which had done significant to develop the tourism sector, he said. The association carried out a number of activities to push forward the tourism potential of Naftalan and Duzdag located in Nakhchivan.
He noted that an executive order approving an action plan on the development of beach tourism for 2017-2020 by President Ilham Aliyev was one of these steps. Additionally Agakarimov said that numerous events were organized by the government annually.
Among different programs the Great Silk Way played a special role. This program will stimulate further development of the countrys tourism sector, he said.
The adviser noted that the development of the railway tourism in Azerbaijan created new ground for the improvement of the overall tourism sector of the country. Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is also a significant factor that contributes to the improvement of the tourism potential of the country. In the near future, not only BTK but also Baku-Astara railway will assume an important role, he said.
The favorable infrastructure system created by the government also played substantial role in attracting tourists to the country, according to Agakarimov: Before it was very difficult to get to some regions of Azerbaijan, while now roads, electric energy supply, and water supply - all are opportune for tourist influx.
He also noted that foreign tourists mainly prefer to visit Absheron peninsula, especially Baku: Furthermore, they also travel to northwestern regions of Azerbaijan, namely Shamakhi, Gabala, Sheki; northeastern regions, that is, Guba, Gusar, Khachmaz; and Lankaran, Lerik, Masalli - the southern regions of the country.
Agakarimov mentioned that the foreigners mainly tend to choose cultural tourism: they visit historical monuments, and join various excursions. Many tourists, especially those coming from Russia and Kazakhstan, come to Azerbaijan to improve their health. They prefer to go to Naftalan or to Duzdag.
An increase in the number of tourists traveling to Azerbaijan was expected in the subsequent years, according to the adviser: More than 1,700 tourism companies operate in Azerbaijan, for which elimination of licenses had created favorable conditions. A number of new hotels, especially budget hotels, are planned to be constructed in the near future.
Agakarimov also gave some recommendations to tourists visiting Azerbaijan.
Firstly, I would recommend the tourists traveling to our country to visit ancient historical monuments of Baku, to come and see Icherisheher. They should also pay a visit to our regions. Azerbaijan is a country with rich history, great monuments and museums. For instance, I advise them to visit Art, Literature, and History museums. By visiting these museums, tourists will get detailed information on the history, art and traditions of Azerbaijan, he said.
He also encouraged the tourists to visit the regions and enjoy the beautiful nature of the country. Tourists coming to Azerbaijan are recommended to visit the Ramana and Mardakan fortresses situated at Absheron peninsula, he said.
Our guests should definitely taste the delicious, palatable Azerbaijani cuisine. You feel hungry even when its name comes to your mind. Kufte-bozbash, piti, pilafs, different varieties of dolma, tea sets, sweets, national wines of the country are among the best representatives of Azerbaijani cuisine, he stressed.
What else to do?
He noted that some regions yet need to develop.
There is no way for marking time and making no headway in the tourism sector. It requires looking ahead and making plans for the further steps to be taken. There are regions that need to improve the tourism sector. For example, the tourism potential of the beautiful Lerik and Yardimli is not fully used. Regions such as Zagatala, Balaken, Gakh are wonderful regions where both winter and summer are fine.
Agakarimov also noted that tourist routes to ancient Azerbaijani cities such as Barda and Ganja should be compiled. These routes should be designed specifically depending on the home country of our guests as a person living in Russia has different psychology and preferences from the one living in Japan, he said.
As many as 2,276,604 foreign citizens visited Azerbaijan in January to October of this year. The number of incoming tourists increased by 20 percent in 2017.
For instance, 727,577 people came from Russia, 439,305 from Georgia, and 320,904 from Iran.
In this period, 81,742 tourists travelled from the United Arab Emirates, 54,242 tourists from Iraq, 49,449 tourists from Ukraine and 31,821 tourists from Saudi Arabia.
The state pays much attention to tourism sector and Strategic Roadmap for the Development of the Tourism Industry approved in 2016 stipulates a number of measures for achieving great steps in this area.
A number of tourist facilities have been built in the regions, and cultural and historical reserves have been set up or restored.
Thanks to all these, the country has improved its tourism performance in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 released by experts of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The country is placed 71st among the most improved economies in 2017, rising 13 spots in the global ranking.
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Robert Palmer boasts 20-plus years of experience in data analytics but he chose to focus his career on healthcare after his father was diagnosed with metastatic cancer.
"The diagnosis was terrifying and the treatment choices were complex, with profound quality of life and economic implications," Mr. Palmer says, adding that although he trusted the medical team's expertise, his family was still left with unanswered questions about his father's treatment.
"This experience heightened my awareness of the limitations of the current evidence base and the need for personalized approaches to cancer care," he continues.
Today, Mr. Palmer serves as chairman, president and CEO of PotentiaMetrics, an Austin, Texas-based healthcare analytics company that spun out from Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis. The company's data analytics and artificial intelligence platforms help providers, payers and medical technology companies inform personalized treatment plans by comparing patient-level outcome data related to survival, quality of life and cost of care.
"Obtaining data is not enough," Mr. Palmer says. "It must also yield meaningful and actionable insight."
Mr. Palmer spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about how, through his work with PotentiaMetrics, he hopes to apply real-world datasets to drive personalized healthcare.
Editor's note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Question: What sparked your interest in healthcare analytics?
Robert Palmer: A cardiac surgery group asked me to develop models to determine clinical and economic outcomes for different surgical approaches. While I was developing these models, my father was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. My family trusted his physician's prognosis and advice, but in the end, we were left with difficult personal and emotional decisions, with no right answer or positive outcome potential. We wanted to know: How long might he live? How much longer if he obtained different treatments? What were the tradeoffs for different options on his quality of life? To make an informed decision, my family like thousands of others facing similar issues needed answers.
Q: How does PotentiaMetrics fit into the broader healthcare landscape?
RP: There are many solutions in the marketplace that address population-level analysis and metrics yet we do not treat populations; we treat patients. And while patients are unique, our current system is largely "one size fits all," with treatment protocols based only on a select group of patients represented in clinical trials. Without rich clinical and financial outcomes information, including comparatives, it's impossible to determine the "value" of different treatments for each patient. This is challenging, because there are few sources of information that support comparative analysis for different medical technologies and the heterogeneity of patient and provider characteristics.
Q: How does PotentiaMetrics address challenges to working with patient data?
RP: A major challenge health IT companies face is accessing meaningful patient data, because there are few sources of information that support comparative analysis. Randomized controlled trials remain the gold standard for evaluating treatment efficacy. However, trials are not always feasible, practical or timely, and often don't adequately reflect patient heterogeneity and real-world clinical practice. Another source of patient data is the EHR, which provides a massive amount of information. However, it is primarily designed to support billing and adherence to process. Likewise, paid claims data doesn't contain the level of information or context required to support personalized care.
Although most analysis is based on evidence from clinical studies, EHRs or paid claims data, it is very difficult to use these results to develop risk-adjusted prediction and treatment models for individual patients. PotentiaMetrics' approach takes the time and effort to obtain registry data from multiple institutions, including observational data. While we do not take ownership of intuitions' outcomes data, over time we have obtained unique access, resulting in outcomes databases that support risk-adjusted analysis. We are also developing our own proprietary database of longitudinal patient-reported outcome data.
Q: What are your main goals for PotentiaMetrics in 2018?
RP: Since the company's launch in 2014, we have engaged with customers across the spectrum of healthcare, including providers, payers and medical technology companies. In the process, our customers have seen the value of our product and services and it has enhanced how they deliver outcome-based value to the market. In 2018, we plan to expand our presence in the market, increase marketing and sales to accelerate growth, expand market awareness, and impact healthcare with AI, advanced data assessment and actionable insights.
Middletown-based Connecticut Valley Hospital's forensic division will become a separate entity under an executive order signed by Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy.
The executive order, signed Tuesday, creates Whiting Forensic Hospital by spinning off the Whiting Forensic Division from CVH, a psychiatric hospital.
According to the governor's office, the new 229-bed forensic hospital will be created by consolidating Whiting Maximum Security beds with beds at the Dutcher Enhanced Security building.
The new forensic hospital will be operated by the state's department of mental health and addiction services. Michael Norko, MD, will continue to lead the new forensic hospital while a search takes place for a permanent CEO.
"Having these two facilities as distinct entities governed by their own policies, procedures and staff will ensure that we can focus more directly on the changes needed to continue to improve the quality of care at Whiting," Mr. Malloy said in a statement.
Mr. Malloy's decision comes after 10 mental health workers at CVH's Whiting Forensic Division were arrested in 2017 for allegedly kicking, jabbing, taunting and throwing liquids at a 62-year-old patient. Nearly 40 staff members were placed on paid administrative leave, according to The Connecticut Mirror.
Also last year, DMHAS voluntarily decertified the Whiting Forensic Division's 91 maximum security beds because the division failed to meet CMS standards for discharge planning, The Connecticut Mirror reports, citing the Connecticut Office of Legislative Research.
Mr. Malloy's executive order states that CMS requires "that a decertified division of a facility have operations that are independent of the operations of a CMS certified facility."
The state expects the full transition to be wrapped up by the end of this month.
Alia Paavola contributed to this report.
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Baylor Scott & White Health, a 48-hospital nonprofit health system based in Dallas, plans to lay off 711 employees by March 1, according to a recently filed Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice.
All of the workers will be laid off from 113-bed Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Garland (Texas), which the health system will close Feb. 28. Baylor Scott & White decided to shut down the hospital, which has incurred significant financial losses over the last three years, after scaling back services and trying to secure a new owner for the facility without success.
Although the closure will affect 711 employees, the health system told Becker's Hospital Review it intends to place a portion of the workers in comparable positions at other facilities in its network.
The closure will also result in 105 workers at Aramark, a food service provider to the hospital, losing their jobs, according to a WARN notice filed in late December.
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Health systems across the nation are exploring ways to reengineer their ambulatory strategy to enhance coordination, meet patient demand and ensure care continuity all while reducing costs.
As the industry shifts from inpatient to outpatient care amid the transition from volume to value, health system executives are challenged to ensure patients receive care in the appropriate setting, while simultaneously working to improve the quality of services offered. Developing a strong ambulatory strategy is one way provider organizations can move closer to reaching these key objectives.
While 80 to 90 percent of healthcare spend occurs in the hospital, 85 percent of patient visits happen in the non-acute space, based on 2015 data from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics.1 With such a large percentage of patients seeking care in non-acute settings, it's vital for health systems to find ways to efficiently provide high-quality services at these care sites and design the operational model to support the strategy.
Ambulatory strategy challenges
During the Executive Leadership Forum hosted by McKesson on Nov. 14 at the Becker's Hospital Review 6th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable in Chicago, a group of 18 health system executives discussed the greatest challenges they are facing in developing and executing their ambulatory strategy.
1. Provider organizations struggle to attract physicians. Several executives said their organizations are struggling to attract the talent necessary to expand their ambulatory care network. The COO of a nearly 900-bed California health system said difficulty attracting primary care physicians has stymied his organization's attempts to expand its primary care network. Smaller hospitals are also encountering this problem. The CFO of a 129-bed hospital in New York said his organization is facing challenges attracting primary care physicians as well as specialty physicians.
The issues cited by the two provider organizations during the leadership forum are representative of a nationwide trend. According to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges released earlier this year, the U.S. faces a shortage of up to 104,900 physicians by 2030.2
2. Adding new physician groups presents challenges. Healthcare is becoming more value-focused, which requires health systems to create a culture that engages physicians in the health systems strategic objectives and more fully involves physicians in the facility's day-to-day operations. This is a difficult task, especially as health systems become more diverse and expand their networks by acquiring physician groups.
During the Leadership Forum, the COO of an academic health system in the Midwest said his organization struggled to establish a sense of cohesion after a recent merger. "[The] big challenge is learning how to integrate the clinical hospital [group] with the ambulatory community group and how to integrate academic physicians with their ambulatory counterparts," he said.
The vice president of medical affairs at an academic medical center in the Midwest echoed those challenges. He said his organization is learning how to "accommodate for the inevitable culture shock between academic physicians and community hospitals."
Many health systems are likely to encounter challenges similar to those mentioned by the provider organizations at the leadership forum, as the rapid pace of merger and acquisition activity in the healthcare sector continues. Eighty-seven health system transactions had occurred as of the end of the third quarter of 2017, leading some industry experts to suggest the total number of deals this year may exceed the 102 transactions completed in 2016, according to a Kaufman, Hall & Associates analysis.3 As health systems seek to expand their continuum of care, it is likely more partnerships between acute and non-acute providers will occur.
Accenture predicts that non-acute providers will represent 84% of the total provider acquisition volume by 2018, while purchases of payers is expected to double.4
3. HIT challenges are common. Whether pursuing a merger, acquisition or another type of partnership, health systems want a seamless integration, and technology plays a vital role in achieving this goal. Incompatible technology solutions can prevent provider organizations from realizing all the benefits they hope to achieve through the transaction.
During the Leadership Forum, many executives identified HIT issues as the greatest challenge they are facing in executing their ambulatory strategy. Several said their health systems have acquired physician practices that operate incompatible IT systems. The COO of a specialty hospital in the Midwest said this is an issue his organization has encountered. "The challenge is that ambulatory care is a different platform. We're working on how to connect with the physicians from the organizations we just acquired," he said.
Opportunities in ambulatory care
Although health systems are facing many challenges in executing their ambulatory care strategies, the executives at the Leadership Forum also identified many opportunities in the ambulatory care space.
1. Prevent patient leakage. Health systems can improve quality of care by expanding their ambulatory enterprise. Patients leak out of a health system when the system does not provide convenient access to services they need. This causes patients to receive uncoordinated, fragmented care, which can lead to unnecessary testing and conflicting treatments. During the forum, many executives said their organizations are helping patients navigate their network to prevent patients from leaving for outside providers.
Some executives said their organizations have invested in patient-scheduling platforms to help prevent patient leakage. These platforms allow patients to make future appointments before they walk out the door. The vice president of medical affairs at an academic medical center in the Midwest said his organization has nurse navigators to help keep patients from seeking care elsewhere. The nurse navigators understand what patients need and help connect them with the appropriate providers, which has helped significantly improve the patient experience.
2. Enhance efficiency with telehealth. As health systems expand their ambulatory networks, many are using telehealth to better assist patients and boost revenue by maximizing the number of patients providers are able to see each day. In fact, the vast majority of healthcare executives and providers 81 percent report interest in telehealth as a method to expand their digital health services, according to a Foley & Lardner survey.5
Many executives at the Leadership Forum expressed interest in launching telehealth services at their organizations or expanding programs already in place.
The COO of an academic health system in the Midwest said his organization recently merged with a community health system with a large ambulatory care presence. Because the hospital maintained its own facilities, the health system could avoid constructing new outpatient care sites. However, the system has struggled to get physicians to some of the more remote outpatient clinics. He said the health system is considering entering the telehealth field to overcome this challenge.
Other executives said their organizations have increased revenue by offering telehealth services at ambulatory care sites since providers in most states are reimbursed at the same rate for telehealth visits as they are for in-office visits.
3. Improve utilization of current assets. The shift from inpatient to outpatient care has left some provider organizations with facilities and beds that are no longer financially productive. However, many times these facilities can be transformed into an ambulatory center that is profitable. In addition to the financial benefits, converting a hospital into an ambulatory center can also expand access to in-demand outpatient services, which is a top priority for many healthcare leaders. According to 183 health system C-suite executives surveyed by the Advisory Board, expanding patient access to outpatient or ambulatory care settings is a top priority for 2017.6
During the Leadership Forum, several executives expressed interest in expanding their ambulatory networks. The CFO of a 14-hospital system in the Midwest described her system as "hospital-centric." However, she said the organization's strategy is changing. "We don't need more hospitals, we need more ambulatory centers. Our focus is on conversion of our existing assets and expansion in the ambulatory setting," she said.
Conclusion
As inpatient volumes in many markets remain flat or decline and the industry shifts toward value-based payment models, it's critical for health systems to provide convenient access to ambulatory services. Although it can be challenging, developing and executing a strong ambulatory care strategy is vital in today's healthcare environment and benefits both providers and patients.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
[1] National Center for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2015: With Special Feature on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. Hyattsville, MD. 2016.
[2] IHS Markit, The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand 2017 Update: Projections from 2015 to 2030. Prepared for the Association of American Medical Colleges.
[3] Hospital Merger and Acquisition Activity on Pace to Potentially Exceed 2016. 17 Oct. 2017. Kaufman Hall.
[4] Ficery and Main. Healthcare M&A: Mastering the 3D chessboard. Accenture.
[5] 2017 Telemedicine & Digital Health Survey. 8 Nov. 2017. Foley & Lardner.
[6] Annual Health Care CEO Survey. 6 April 2017. The Advisory Board Company.
Mandatory overtime for nurses at Ohio hospitals could be a thing of the past if the state passes newly proposed legislation, according to a Springfield News-Sun report.
The legislation, House Bill 456, was introduced by Rep. Robert Sprague, R-Findlay in December. It bans Ohio hospitals from requiring a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse to work overtime to remain employed.
Mr. Sprague believes the ban on mandatory overtime could help prevent medical errors that might occur when nurses are too fatigued, according to the report.
Reactions to the proposed bill are mixed.
The Ohio Nurses Association praised the legislation, saying mandatory overtime can potentially result in nurse fatigue and burnout.
"Nurses are professionals who are ethically-bound to assess their ability to care for their patients. If a nurse is too fatigued to provide the safe care his/her patient deserves, the nurse should have the right to refuse overtime without fear of discipline," Brian Burger, president of the union, said in a statement. "Prioritizing safe nurse staffing benefits everyone: nurses, patients and healthcare facilities."
However, the Ohio Hospital Association opposes the proposed bill, calling it "overly broad" legislation that "does not appropriately address the problem it purports to solve."
"Staffing a hospital is a complex process that continually changes based on community health and patient needs. OHA is working with key policymakers and interested party group representatives regarding House Bill 456. Prohibiting overtime as presented in this proposed legislation restricts hospitals' ability to adjust to the needs of their patients," the OHA said in an emailed statement.
"Furthermore, the legislation improperly assumes that all nurses share the same skill sets and are simply 'interchangeable parts' in the treatment of patients. Hospitals must have the flexibility to respond to the dynamic state of patient needs and must focus on a variety of factors when determining staffing levels, while always keeping patient safety at the core of those decisions."
If the legislation passed, Ohio would be the 19th state to outlaw nurse mandatory overtime, according to the ONA.
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Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation following the death of an 86-year-old patient in late 2015, according to NBC Bay Area.
According to a search warrant affidavit from the San Francisco Police Department obtained by NBC Bay Area, authorities are investigating whether a nurse committed a crime when she silenced an alarm on a medical device connected to the elderly patient.
An investigation by the California Department of Public Health concluded the patient was in the intensive care unit undergoing treatment for kidney failure when a dialysis tube pumping blood back into his body came loose, which triggered an alarm on the device. The patient's family members, who were in the room at the time of the incident, told state investigators a nurse silenced the alarm without checking the dialysis tube and then left the room.
When the nurse returned to the room a short time later and pulled back a blanket covering the patient, a pool of blood had formed and the tube from the dialysis machine had become disconnected, according to the patient's family members. The patient died two days later, according to the report.
Although the nurse told state investigators she never heard the alarm, the California Department of Public Health fined Kaiser $58,700 for the incident and not reporting it as law requires. The investigation also revealed Kaiser threw away evidence, including the patient's dialysis tubes.
In a statement to NBC Bay Area, Kaiser said, "We sincerely regret that this incident occurred and extend our sympathy to the family involved. While such a case is rare, we take full responsibility for the provision of safe, quality care to our patients."
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Arguments are expected to begin Thursday in a federal lawsuit brought by a radiologist who claims North Carolina's two largest academic medical centers agreed not to hire each other's faculty.
A former Duke University radiology professor, Danielle Seaman, MD, filed the antitrust lawsuit in 2015. She alleges the University of North Carolina's chief of cardiothoracic imaging told her she was passed over for a job as a radiology professor at UNC due to an agreement between the two medical schools not to hire each other's faculty.
"The intended and actual effect of this agreement is to suppress employee compensation, and to impose unlawful restrictions on employee mobility," according to Dr. Seaman's amended complaint.
According to the amended complaint, the defendants agreed the only exception to their no-hire agreement would be for faculty who were granted a promotion simultaneous to their hiring. "Under the agreement entered into between defendants and their co-conspirators, an assistant professor at Duke cannot be hired by UNC unless she is hired into a position at the associate professor rank or higher, and vice versa," states the amended complaint. The highest faculty rank at both UNC and Duke is professor; therefore, there is no possibility for promotion above that rank.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Catherine Eagles will hear arguments on whether the lawsuit should include all skilled medical workers employed between 2012 and 2017 at Duke's medical school; Durham, N.C.-based Duke University Health System; UNC-Chapel Hill's medical school; and UNC Health Care in Chapel Hill.
The judge will also consider a proposed settlement between UNC and Dr. Seaman. Under the settlement, UNC would promise not to participate in any unlawful restraints on competition and cooperate by providing witnesses, documents and data in the ongoing lawsuit against Duke's medical school and Duke University Health System.
Both Duke and UNC deny the existence of the no-hire agreement.
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FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, on Wednesday outlined new steps the agency will take to spur more generic drug competition.
Here are three things to know.
1. The agency's three-part Drug Competition Action Plan to stimulate generic drug approvals involves preventing companies from using unfair tactics to delay generic competition, removing scientific and regulatory obstacles from the generic approval process, and streamlining the internal review process to achieve generic approvals faster.
2. The FDA released two documents Wednesday to improve the submission and review of generic drug applications. The first, a draft guidance called "Good ANDA Submission Practices," lists the most common deficiencies the agency encounters in applications that can lead to a delayed approval. The FDA hopes drug companies can use this resource to submit stronger applications the first time and limit multiple cycles of regulatory review.
3. The agency also released a companion document to the draft guidance, which summarizes drug application assessment processes for FDA staff. "The document formalizes a more streamlined generic review process, including the introduction of new templates that will make each cycle of the review process more efficient and complete," Dr. Gottlieb said Wednesday.
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Maple Grove, Minn.-based Conventus Orthopaedics borrowed a $12 million from Horizon Technology Finance, according to Hartford Business.
Here are four insights:
1. Conventus Orthopaedics specializes in developing devices and technology to treat fractured arm and leg bone joints.
2. With the loan closing Dec. 22, 2017, Conventus Orthopaedics plans to use the funds to continue commercial development of its fracture management system, Conventus Cage.
3. The Conventus Cage is designed for less invasive bone and joint treatments and provides patients with a quicker recovery time.
4. Other investors in Conventus Orthopaedics include Deerfield Management and Sightline Partners.
Paul Slosar, MD, president of SpineCare Medical Group in Daly City, Calif., discusses three big trends for 2018, covering technology, business challenges and the best opportunities for spine surgeons this year.
1. The most important spine technology trend for 2018: The focus is now on surface technologies for fusion implants. The most sophisticated and advanced surface has a unique titanium nano-technology to stimulate the host bone to grow rapidly, promoting early osseous-integration. This should lower surgeons' dependence on expensive or inflammatory biologics. The porous implants may be better than smooth surfaces, but still lag behind in terms of stimulating a cellular response.
2. Key clinical or business challenges spine surgeons will face this year: The challenges to the remaining independent spine practices persist. Large multispecialty groups and hospital systems continue to grow and erode market share opportunities for the smaller practices. Ongoing insurance company denials appear to be escalating, challenging physicians (and our patients) with denials for even the most basic tests and treatments (MRI/ injections/ PT). With patients (the insurer's customers) now responsible for enormous out-of-pocket deductibles, it seems incongruous that the payers would be routinely denying these simple upstream care items.
3. Best opportunity for spine surgeons in 2018: Although it's been on the radar for several years, this may be the year that bundled payment models finally hit their stride. While CMS has adopted a more voluntary posture toward participation, that hasn't discouraged interest in their BPCI program, now entering its third year. Commercial payers are following and, in 2018, some will begin with small, selective networks of spine specialists to grow their own risk-sharing programs.
Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for Jan. 4, 2018.
DePuy Synthes sues ex-employee over breach of contract
DePuy Synthes filed a complaint against a former employee who allegedly went on to solicit former customers with new employer Zimmer Biomet, the Penn Record reports. DePuy Synthes argues the former employee is "armed with the extensive body of confidential and trade secret information entrusted to him," while employed with the company.
BCBSA upgrades quality evidence rating for MIS SI joint fusion
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association updated its quality evidence recommendation for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion using triangular implants. BCBSA upgraded its rating to "moderate" quality evidence, which indicates sufficient evidence to determine how the technology affects health outcomes. The insurer has a four-tiered rating system outlining evidence as: substantial, moderate, low to none and uncertain.
Medtronic changes leadership with 2 executive appointments
Bob White will take on the roles of executive vice president and president of the Medtronic's Minimally Invasive Therapies Group and Chris Lee is the new Asia-Pacific region president. The company shifted its leadership due to former Minimally Invasive Therapies Group Executive Vice President Bryan Hanson leaving to become president and CEO of Zimmer Biomet.
Zyga's SImmetry SI Joint Fusion System clinical trial shows reduction in back pain, opioid dependency
Zyga Technology presented a publication on the first 50 patients in its EVoluSIon clinical study. Six months post surgery, the mean low back pain was recorded at 35.1 on a 100-point Visual Analog Scale, a 54 percent reduction in pain from the pre-operative mean of 76.2. Patients also showed a reduction in opioid use, 55 percent.
Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County receives Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery recognition
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association honored Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County (N.J.) with its Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery designation. The BCBSA award recognizes facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering high quality healthcare and improve patient outcomes. In addition to the spine surgery designation award, Virtua Memorial Hospital also received designation as an Aetna Institute of Quality Orthopedic Care Facility for spine surgery.
Magnetic controlled growing rods vs. traditional growing rods for scoliosis surgery
A new study published in Spine examines the quality of life for adolescent patients who undergo scoliosis correction with magnetic controlled growing rods compared to the traditional growing rods. The economic burden and overall satisfaction scores for the magnetic controlled growing rods were significantly greater than the traditional growing rod group, according to a univariate analysis.
Orthopedic surgeon pays $5k to settle ethics violation allegation, agrees to be monitored after marrying former patient
An orthopedic surgeon paid the Iowa Board of Medicine $5,000 to settle allegations of an ethics violation after he engaged in a relationship with, and eventually married, a former patient while practicing in Fort Madison, Iowa, according to a report in The Des Moines Register. Regulators claim Joseph Darrow Jr., MD, engaged in a sexual relationship with a female patient "while or shortly after" she was his patient, and the Iowa Board of Medicine claims his behavior violated ethics rules. Read more, here.
Retired neurosurgeon gifts St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation $1M
John Moseley, MD, a retired Billings, Mont.-based St. Vincent Healthcare neurosurgeon, and his wife donated $1 million to the hospital's St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation. The donation will go toward supporting St. Vincent Healthcare's Healing Beyond Medicine Campaign, which provides spiritual care to patients and staff.
Vijay, who is all geared up to start Thalapathy 62 from mid-January, was spotted tonight at the Chennai Airport and the news broke immediately that he is travelling to Malaysia for the SIAA's Natchithra Vizha. Though many believed Vijay to be travelling to Malaysia as several other personalities from the film fraternity have also planned to travel to Malaysia tonight coincidentally for the event.
When we checked with our sources close to Vijay, they denied the trip to Malaysia, but said that the actor is off to China for a personal trip. The Natchithra Vizha is scheduled for January 6 and is expected to be a grand event.
Airline Norwegian has shaken up its senior management as part of its rapid expansion.
Geir Karlsen will join the carrier from London-based shipping company Navig8 Group.
He will replace acting chief financial officer Tore Ostby on a permanent basis.
Norwegian's route network includes flights from Belfast, London Gatwick, Edinburgh and Manchester.
The airline flew 5.8 million passengers from the UK and Ireland in 2017, up by more than a quarter on the previous year.
It has described 2018 as its "biggest ever year of growth", with new long-haul routes including its first service to South America, with flights from Gatwick to Buenos Aires, an expanded premium cabin, and in-flight wi-fi on some longer flights.
Mr Karlsen said he is looking forward to taking part in Norwegian's "ambitious growth plans".
He went on: "Aviation is characterised by strong competition background and experience will contribute to further developing the company."
Mr Karlsen has held various chief financial officer positions with companies over the past 12 years.
Norwegian operates around 130 aircraft and has more than 260 on order.
Building and civil engineering firm FP McCann has acquired two quarries in a 2m deal following the collapse of a smaller business, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal.
It's the latest expansion by the Magherafelt-based company, which employs around 1,300 people.
FP McCann bought Redrock quarry in Co Armagh and Fallaghern quarry in Co Tyrone following the administration of Markethill firm Cootes (Concrete Products) Ltd, which went bust in February owing 2.7m.
No one from FP McCann was available for comment.
In a report filed at Companies House in September, administrators Brian Murphy and Michael Jennings of business advisory firm BDO said they had been appointed to run the firm by Cootes' lender Clipper Holdings, which had bought loans from First Trust Bank.
The report states that 1.6m has now been distributed to secured creditor Clipper following the sale of the quarries and trading assets for 2.1m.
Just under 20 staff at Cootes lost their jobs following the administration. The report reveals that a company director had allegedly entered agreements to transfer company assets and quarry extraction rights to a third party, believed to be FP McCann.
However, the agreement was not disclosed to the secure lender or to the administrator in early discussions.
The third party entered the quarry in February to start work. Court proceedings were then brought by the administrators, resulting in the third party agreeing to vacate the premises.
However, the administrators were not able to continue trading on the site, and all the company's staff were made redundant.
The report adds: "In advance of formal court proceedings being continued, mediation and negotation resulted in agreement being reached with the third party in question to purchase the company's two quarries and trading assets. This sale process concluded on May 25, 2017."
Last year sales at FP McCann, which specialises in pre-cast concrete, soared by 35% to reach 227m.
Cootes Quarry on Redrock Road is listed on FP McCann's website, though the deal also included Fallaghern near Sixmilecross in Co Tyrone.
FP McCann currently works on 12 manufacturing sites in Northern Ireland and England, but also announced plans to acquire a business in Uddingston in Scotland from Laing O'Rourke. In 2015 it bought P Clarke and Sons in Co Fermanagh in a pre-pack administration.
Last year the business restructured its operations, setting up a new group company, FP McCann Group.
A strategic report filed with the 2016 accounts said: "The directors believe that the acquisitions undertaken over the last few years have contributed to a well-diversified portfolio of products and services, and our increased geographical spread of opportunities allows us to capitalise on new infrastructure opportunities."
Carillion said it is co-operating fully with the FCA
Britain's financial watchdog has opened an investigation into infrastructure giant Carillion as the firm's woes continue.
The company, which is embroiled in an ongoing crisis that has involved a string of profits warnings, said that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is probing the "timeliness and content" of announcements made between December 7, 2016 and July 10, 2017.
It covers a period of turmoil for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive contractor in which the firm's share price plunged and its chief executive departed.
Carillion said it is co-operating fully with the FCA. It has contracts worth around 35m with the NIHE every year. Last month the firm, which is scrambling to reduce its debt pile, struck an agreement with its lenders to defer a crucial financial covenant test.
Under-pressure ambulance crews are being held up at overcrowded A&Es and can't respond to emergency calls, a paramedic has claimed.
The whistleblower was speaking out after it emerged that one crew was delayed for over 10 hours during the festive period.
The paramedic, who does not wish to be named, said that the situation at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald over Christmas was "particularly bad", with ambulance staff waiting for several hours to hand over patients.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) confirmed that the longest ambulance turnaround at an A&E here between the peak holiday period from December 22 until yesterday afternoon lasted 10 hours and 28 minutes.
It took place at the Ulster Hospital over January 2 and 3.
A turnaround time is based on an ambulance crew arriving at a hospital, handing over a patient to a health and social care professional, and clearing the hospital location.
The NIAS whistleblower, an experienced paramedic, described the situation here over Christmas as "unprecedented".
"Ambulances are arriving at the Ulster Hospital bringing patients, but the patients are remaining on ambulance trolleys for hours, which means the crews can't leave," he revealed.
"We are stuck in the corridor of the Ulster Hospital and can't respond to 999 calls.
"It would be standard practice to transfer patients to hospital trolleys if available - but there is nowhere to transfer them to.
"Recently I stood in the corridor of the Ulster Hospital's A&E for four-and-a-half hours with a lady in her 80s who was on an Ambulance Service trolley.
"Figures released by health trusts show the number of patients treated, but NIAS figures show that crews have been stuck at A&E departments for up to eight hours or more, and no one seems to be addressing this.
"My job is supposed to be to go out and help people, but we are going to 999 calls that have been waiting for hours as no one was available." The paramedic believes that A&E closures and reductions to opening hours are contributing to the pressure.
"You have A&Es which have been downgraded and close earlier, and it's over six years since the City Hospital's A&E department was closed, which was supposed to be temporary," he said.
"Ambulances from several hospitals are being diverted to the Royal, but it was designed years ago when the other A&Es were still open to provide support."
He said some NIAS staff were going on sick leave due to the stress, and crews routinely went without breaks for up to 12 hours.
"Staff morale is at breaking point," he said.
"Crews aren't getting breaks for 12 hours, and they need to look after their own health.
"I go home after a shift and end up snapping at my kids for silly things, then I go back into work and have to sit with patients in corridors for hours when I should be responding to 999 calls. The Ambulance Service can't cope and the patients are suffering.
"I believe that the health trusts need to declare major incidents more frequently to help us deal with the situation, but they probably don't want to do that due to the bad PR.
"I don't think that the NIAS could cope with a major incident at the minute."
Meanwhile, Linsey Sheerin of the Royal College of Nursing's Emergency Nurse Network said that nurses here were facing "intolerable conditions".
She said that all hospitals here are "under acute pressure" and that while this is manifesting during the winter, it is being felt throughout the year.
"It's a massive, system-wide problem," she said.
"Patients waiting long times on trolleys is really demoralising for nurses.
"Sometimes you leave a patient at the end of your night shift and you come back the next morning to find them still waiting. We have a national, regional shortage of nursing staff, and the ability to open extra beds is limited as the staff aren't out there.
"We are finding it hard to retain nurses. People are working very hard, with a smile on their faces, trying their best, but it is relentless.
"I have heard of nurses breaking down in tears.
"They are in moral distress - what's the best thing to do for multiple patients? People are having to make difficult decisions the best they can.
"The demands are unprecedented. There are a number of factors, such as the older population and a delay in community care packages. Discharges were also delayed over Christmas due to the lack of care packages.
"This is manifesting in the ED (emergency department), but it's a system-wide issue across all hospitals, trusts and the NIAS. They are all under acute, severe pressure."
A concerned Lisburn man who attended the eye casualty department at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Tuesday morning said he had been shocked to witness the pressure on the service. "The department was overflowing, and there were more and more people coming in," he revealed.
"There were people sitting in corridors and nurses bringing out extra chairs. I only saw three to four different doctors, and they were inundated.
"We were there for five hours, but there were people waiting far longer than us."
The South Eastern Trust said: "Every hospital across Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland is under extreme pressure, largely due to an increasing elderly population.
"The Ulster Hospital, which serves a particularly elderly population, is under the greatest pressure it has ever been under.
"Despite full escalation measures in place including opening additional beds and fantastic work by our staff, who have volunteered for extra shifts and stayed beyond their rostered hours, there was regretfully a period when demand was so significant there was a backlog of ambulance handovers.
"It is important to stress that patients were fully cared for during this time."
It said that the trust had been unable to open four beds on one ward "due to nursing staff shortages" and had been "actively trying to recruit additional nursing staff".
The Ambulance Service said: "In normal times, we expect to turn our crews around within 30 minutes and achieve this in the majority of instances.
"Delays experienced by ambulance crews being unable to turnaround at emergency departments do have an impact on NIAS capacity to respond.
"The NIAS prioritises its workload based on the information provided by the callers.
"It responds to immediately life-threatening situations and the sickest patients as a priority.
"Increase in turnaround times has in some instances delayed response to these calls, but primarily to the lower acuity calls."
It also revealed that only five ambulance crews had been covering the Belfast area on New Year's Eve, but that the NIAS "normally aim to have seven crews covering this area".
Responding to concerns that the NIAS would be unable to respond to a major incident, it added: "In the event of a major incident, the NIAS would implement its major incident plan and would be confident of being able to respond."
APD means those on short haul flights flying into or out of Belfast must pay about 13
The British Government is seeking a better understanding of the economic costs of tourism taxes in Northern Ireland.
A call for evidence is expected early this year about VAT and Air Passenger Duty (APD) tax, to report at the next budget, a Treasury statement said.
Financial Secretary Mel Stride recognised the importance of tourism to the economy.
He said: "A call for evidence will enable the Government to fully engage with and understand the concerns of industry, in turn helping the Government to develop a better understanding of the economic costs and potential impacts of those taxes on tourism in Northern Ireland."
He said the Treasury will continue to engage and collaborate with industry at an official level.
As part of the Tory deal with the DUP the Government said it would consult on VAT and APD.
APD means passengers on short haul flights flying in or out of Belfast must pay around 13. Critics of the duty have claimed that it is causing a reduction in the number of flights in Northern Ireland, as the cost deters some passengers.
It was axed in the Republic of Ireland in 2014.
Many in the hospitality and tourism industry have been campaigning for the abolition of the 20% VAT rate on the tourism sector.
Hospitality Ulster which represents pubs and restaurants and Belfast's two airports have backed changes to taxation regime.
The Financial Secretary wrote to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee of MPs at Westminster.
Last year the committee called for regional variations in tourism VAT and other tax changes to assist the sector.
It highlighted the substantial economic benefits to the Republic of Ireland's tourism industry of the Irish Government's decision to cut tourism VAT in 2011.
MPs recommended the Government look constructively at a different rate of tourism VAT for Northern Ireland, and called on HM Treasury and the industry to work together to estimate the potential costs and benefits of doing so.
The report argued that abolishing APD on all flights would encourage airlines to bring new routes into Northern Ireland and connect the country with key business and tourism markets.
Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said he was encouraged.
''This is another positive step forward, coming so soon after the Chancellor's budget commitment to undertake research into reducing hospitality & tourism VAT and abolishing Air Passenger Duty in Northern Ireland.
''Hospitality Ulster has led the campaign for a reduction in the hospitality and tourism Vat rate in Northern Ireland, which at 20% puts us at a distinct competitive disadvantage, particularly as our nearest market, the Republic of Ireland, has a 9% tourism vat rate.
''The 20% VAT rate acts as a brake on the growth of the hospitality and tourism sector, which supports more than 60,000 jobs across Northern Ireland."
He said it was imperative that the rate was cut in Northern Ireland and it was clear that APD was a competitive disadvantage to tourism and the economy.
"The Republic of Ireland, our nearest competitor, abolished their airport tax a number of years ago and Hospitality Ulster would urge this review to do likewise.
"Hospitality Ulster has worked closely with both the Northern Ireland Assembly and our MPs in Westminster to bring about a reduced Tourism VAT rate and abolish Air Passenger Duty."
The scene of the stabbing in Co Louth
An Egyptian teenager arrested after a violent rampage in which an Asian man was stabbed to death had entered the Republic through Northern Ireland, Garda believe.
The Garda is trawling through two mobile phones recovered from the teenager as they probe whether the attacks are linked to Islamic terrorism.
The killing of the Japanese man in Dundalk has sparked an international investigation, as Garda national units liaise with colleagues in other countries to determine if the arrested man has links to international terror organisations.
The 18-year-old was in custody last night following the early-morning attacks which left the 24-year-old dead and two Irish men injured.
Two mobile devices seized from the suspect are being examined to establish if any terror-related activity or material is contained on them.
A senior source last night said: "We need to know this man's background. The mobile phones are key to the Garda investigation."
The attacks began shortly before 9am when the Japanese victim was discovered unresponsive at Avenue Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
At 9.32am Cian Murphy, who is in his early 20s, was attacked at Coes Road and stabbed in the back. He managed to make his way to his nearby workplace, where colleagues called emergency services.
At 9.40am a third victim was assaulted at Seatown Place, and was struck in the head with a fencing pole.
The injured man went for help at the nearby Smyth's Life Pharmacy. Shop owner Anne McEntegart said: "The wound was pumping, there was a lot of blood.
"It was totally random. He came in here afterwards asking for help.
"We treated the man. I had three to four staff on duty and the blood was pumping from his head."
Detectives believe that the attacker travelled on foot, and he was apprehended a short time later at a derelict property by unarmed officers.
The man was said to be in a very distressed state after his arrest, but was deemed fit to be interviewed after a number of hours. Senior investigators have confirmed that a possible terror link is one line of inquiry the Garda is probing.
Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said: "A terror attack is a line of inquiry, it's certainly a line that we would look at.
"We will endeavour to establish the suspect's background, who they are, where they've come from and why are they here.
"We're very interested to know why was he in Dundalk, why would he come here, what's the reason, what's the connection."
Detectives believe the arrested man entered Dundalk by crossing the border.
He was stopped and interacted with local officers on January 1, but did not have any identification on him. As a result, he presented at an asylum seekers' centre in Dublin city centre.
However, the man returned to Dundalk on Tuesday and stayed at a derelict property in the town that night ahead of yesterday morning's attacks.
There were emotional scenes as the funeral for Jayne Toal Reat, who was stabbed to death on Christmas Day, took place in Banbridge.
The 43-year-old died in her daughter's arms following the incident, which happened shortly before 6am at a house on Mornington Lane in Lisburn.
Ms Reat had worked in Craigavon Area Hospital. Her daughter Charlotte (21), who lives in Comber, was also injured in the attack.
A 19-year-old man, Nathan Ward, has been charged with her murder and the attempted murder of both Charlotte Reat and his own father Joseph Tweedie, the partner of the late Ms Reat.
Mourners at Thursday's funeral were asked to wear colours powder blue or baby pink colours as they were Jayne's favourite colours.
The funeral took place at St Patrick's Church in Banbridge, followed by a private cremation.
In emotional scenes Charlotte, dressed in a blue coat and still bearing cuts to her face, spent some time saying goodbye to her mother outside the church while placing her hands on the coffin.
Parish Priest, Canon Liam Stevenson, said the devoted mother had been baptised in the same church over 40 years ago.
We have all been shocked, upset and deeply troubled when news of her untimely death began to circulate on Christmas day, he said.
Those who knew Jayne well would have expected to be celebrating... but the opposite was to be the reality for all Jaynes family circle and friends.
Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder / Credit: Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com Jayne Toal Reat's daughter Charlotte, who was injured in the incident, carries her coffin into the church. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Jayne Toal Reat's daughter Charlotte, who was injured in the incident, carries her coffin into the church. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye Belfast - Northern Ireland 4th January 2018 Funeral of Jayne Toal Reat, who was murdered on Christmas Day, at St. Patrick's Church in Banbridge. The 43- year-old nurse died after an incident at a house in Lisburn on 25 December. A 19-year-old man has been charged with the murder. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com / Facebook
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Instead they were trying to absorb the reality of a sudden, unforeseen and violent death. What a contrast to the nativity scene in the stable of Bethlehem.
Born in Banbridge on March 11, 1974, Ms Reat helped out in her grandmothers confectionery shop growing up while she studied in St Marys Primary and St Patricks College.
As an avid art student, Canon Stevenson said some of her work was still on display at her former school.
After moving to Belfast to work in the hospitality industry she married Simon with whom she had Charlotte.
She later relocated to Scotland and Cambridgeshire and resumed her studies, graduating with honours as a mental health nurse, following in her late mother Annes footsteps.
The call of Banbridge, her native town, was strong and she returned with Charlotte and lived across the street from her mother, continued Canon Stevenson.
Charlotte and Anne bonded well together as so often happens between granddaughter and grandmother.
Jaynes mother fell ill and she helped nurse her day and night.
Turning to her daughter Charlotte, Canon Stevenson said her mother had been proud of her dancing skills which she began to develop aged six.
She was happy to see (Charlotte) go off to the United States, but insisted on four phone calls daily to keep in touch, he said.
Its a very strong example of the closeness between Charlotte and Jayne.
He continued: Jayne found great friendship with Joe and she moved to Lisburn a few years ago to be close to him.
Concluding, he shared the familys appreciation for the many messages of loyalty and sympathy towards them.
As the funeral cortege left St Patricks, nursing colleagues formed a guard of honour for Ms Reat.
Two cancer survivors have said that working with donkeys has helped immensely with their emotional recovery.
Annaliese Laffan (20) and Leighann Hickinson (22) took part in a nine-week pilot scheme at The Donkey Sanctuary Belfast.
Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Annaliese Laffan Leighann Hickinson and Annaliese Laffan take part in the programme Leighann Hickinson and Annaliese Laffan take part in the programme / Facebook
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Run in partnership with CLIC Sargent, it's hoped the scheme can help young cancer survivors to develop critical life skills and process their experiences after fighting the disease.
Ms Laffan said spending time with the donkeys had helped her to relax and talk about difficult issues.
She was convinced to join the pilot after facing cancer treatment for the second time.
"At first I didn't want to do it," she explained.
"I didn't know how it would work, and I was also worried about getting emotional. I had been pressing a lot down inside and it worried me to let it out."
She added: "You work with these calming animals and we would talk about our experiences and how we felt. Before you know it, you are talking about your feelings in a way you haven't expected. It was a very emotional experience."
Ms Hickinson was diagnosed when she was 20 after developing a weakness in her right side.
Doctors later found a malignant brain tumour that required surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. "I think people need more emotional support when they finish treatment and there's time for it to hit home," she said.
On her time with the donkeys, she added: "It just gave us a way to distract ourselves with the animals. They help you to relax and to talk about things. I ended up talking about so much. It felt good to talk about these things and this really helped.
"The presence of the donkeys really helps in a way that is hard to explain - you understand when you do it."
Simon Darby, from CLIC Sargent, said: "As the weeks went on I experienced goose-bump moments where the young people were talking about issues that many cancer survivors would struggle with years after treatment."
The charity's 'hidden costs' report last year highlighted the emotional impact of cancer on young patients, with 70% saying they experienced depression during treatment, and 42% saying they endured panic attacks.
Caron Whaley, director of donkey-assisted therapy at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: "Our staff facilitate the programme, but donkeys do the work.
"Vulnerable children and adults learn from their physical and emotional experience with these exceptional creatures."
Outgoing Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has denied he will be a puppet master for his successor.
Mr Adams announced he would be stepping down as leader after 34 years in charge of the republican party.
It's widely believed that his current deputy, Mary Lou McDonald, will replace him this year.
In an interview with the Irish Times, Mr Adams said he was looking forward to leaving behind the "dross and tedium" of dealing with "every single issue".
The 69-year-old said that he hoped to assist his successor if his health allows, but has "no intention or desire" of dictating from the sidelines.
"I listen to this nonsense that in some way I will control things," he said.
"Why is there not a presumption that Enda Kenny is controlling Fine Gael or that Eamon Gilmore [is controlling Labour] or Bertie Ahern [is controlling Fianna Fail]?
"I have done my best, I am happy with what I have done, but the people in charge of the leadership don't want anybody... they are not puppets."
Mr Adams said in the summer of 2016 he had cemented his plans to step down with the late Martin McGuinness.
Mr Adams said had it not been for his right-hand man's death early last year, the plan had been for both to announce their joint retirement in the summer of 2017 at the party's ard fheis.
Although no-one else other than Ms McDonald has expressed an interest in the leadership, Mr Adams said he would be loyal to whoever took over.
"If you elect anyone into the position of leadership, you have to support them," he said.
"So whoever we elect at the ard fheis, I will support them. I will never criticise them. I think it is a huge thing for people to put their name forward for this responsibility."
Regarding the stalemate at Stormont, he cited a lack of manners from the DUP as a key obstacle, in addition to an Irish Language Act and making same sex marriage legal.
"I understand all of us can say things that people find objectionable but there is a difference between me misspeaking and you misspeaking and an entire system being offensive and refusing to tolerate," he told the newspaper.
A journalist forced to flee the war-torn Middle East with his wife has praised his new adopted home of Londonderry - where his wife has given birth to the first Syrian refugee baby born in the city.
Rami Zahra's job as a journalist exposed him to constant danger from the indiscriminate bombings and shooting that ravaged Syria in 2014.
Rami (36) and his wife Shireen took their chances on the open seas and fled to Turkey. Two years later they arrived in Derry, along with 10 other families.
Good news quickly followed their arrival in the city when their little boy Joud became the first refugee child born in Altnagelvin.
Grateful for the chance of a new life for his family and for the help and welcome he has received since May 2016, Rami is preparing to resume his career as a reporter so he can provide for his family.
Mindful of all those who have helped him along the way, Rami said his teachers at the North West College, where the couple are learning English, have pulled out all the stops to help all of the Syrian families who now call Derry home.
Rami recalled the horrors that forced him to flee. "I worked as a journalist in Syria, where the press is the most dangerous work because the military there do not want to show the truth and have their crimes and human rights violations exposed," he said.
"I and my friends have been working secretly and voluntarily to record human rights violations in Syria, and we have contributed to the delivery of several large files to human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch and the UN General Assembly.
"People like us were not leaving the country voluntarily - we were forced to escape the bombings and indiscriminate killings, the poverty, the spread of disease, the absence of law and the spread of armed gangs.
"In 2014 we left for Turkey, where the United Nations offices were taking care of our affairs, and in May 2016 we arrived in Derry. The city of Derry compensated for the years of deprivation in the grinding war, the people in the city took us to their hearts, we see them now as parents and friends. They are all that we have.
"Three months after we arrived here on July 5, my son Joud became the first Syrian child to be born in Altnagelvin.
"That was such an indescribable moment for me and my wife because we knew that he was born in a safe place away from the bombings and the war. When people are assured of the health and future of their children, it is indescribable."
From those early days one of the biggest hurdles for Rami was his lack of English and inability to communicate - something he soon set about fixing with the help of the tutors at the North West College.
He continued: "The language was a difficult factor to connect with people of the city at first, but as time progressed and we learned the language a bit, it has become is a bridge to communicate and it helps so much being able to have a conversation.
"Since we came to Derry we have only experienced good things and I am especially thankful to our college professors for their continuous help."
Rami believes he is here for the long term.
"As for our family, we do not find ourselves returning to Syria after the proliferation of terrorist organisations and the destruction of infrastructure. We have nothing left, or no one we know there any more.
"Derry is our home now and we are very thankful for that."
A judge has ordered a Hungarian man accused of the rape, human trafficking and prostituting of a female to remain in custody in one of the first cases of its kind in Northern Ireland
A judge has ordered a Hungarian man accused of the rape, human trafficking and prostituting of a female to remain in custody in one of the first cases of its kind in Northern Ireland.
The arrest of Gyorgy Orsos and that of a co-accused followed a police raid on premises in Dungannon after a member of the public reported concerns for the welfare of a young woman.
It is one of the first cases to be brought using human trafficking legislation unique to Northern Ireland introduced in 2015.
Orsos (32), of John Street, Dungannon, is facing charges including two rapes, kidnapping, human trafficking, controlling prostitution for financial gain, criminal damage, and converting and concealing criminal property.
Dungannon Magistrates Court heard Orsos is alleged to have facilitated the female victim's travel here with the view to exploiting her contrary to the Human Trafficking & Exploitation (NI) Act, then unlawfully took her away by force, before destroying her mobile phone and stealing her bank cards.
He was refused bail twice and has been in custody since his arrest.
Co-accused Evelyn Covacs, the 21-year-old partner of Orsos, of the same address is also accused of human trafficking, kidnap and controlling prostitution for gain.
Although initially remanded in custody she was later released following a High Court bail application.
A defence solicitor for Orsos yesterday made a fresh application for bail at Dungannon Magistrates Court, based on delays in the case reaching trial. A committal hearing had been scheduled for November but had to be adjourned.
A senior officer previously told the court police raided a Dungannon house in May, following a report from a member of the public expressing concern for the wellbeing of a woman.
Officers found "indications the property was being used for prostitution" and there were locks on both the inside and outside of the bedroom doors.
After rescue, the victim explained she had been brought from Hungary to Northern Ireland by Orsos and Covacs in October 2016. Her understanding was she would be working in a regular job, meaning she could send money to look after her family in Hungary.
Instead, on arrival in Northern Ireland the victim claims she was raped twice by Orsos, who smashed her mobile phone with a hammer and took her bank cards. He and his partner are then alleged to have forced her to work in the sex trade.
It is alleged Covacs took photographs of the victim, which were uploaded to escort websites, and was in charge of booking clients and arranging payments.
Rejecting the bail application, District Judge John Meehan said: "At the present time the issue of delay is far short of that which would come under fundamental human rights."
The case has been adjourned for a proposed committal on February 14 when it is anticipated both Orsos and Covacs will be returned for trial.
A DUP MP has spoken out strongly about the need to understand and celebrate minority faiths in Northern Ireland.
Strangford MP Jim Shannon also said he was disheartened at the thought of far-right group Britain First operating here.
Mr Shannon was speaking after attending an inter-faith celebration in Omagh at the weekend for greater understanding towards religious minorities.
The 138 guests at the event included representatives of the main political parties and the PSNI, as well as religious leaders from the local Churches, and the Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Baha'i faiths. The audience included people from different ethnicities and diverse professions, such as doctors, nurses and teachers.
It comes after pig meat was thrown through the door of Belfast Islamic Centre before Christmas - one of several racist attacks on the Muslim community here in 2017.
"Saturday was a chance to raise awareness and educate people who didn't know as much about the faith of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Baha'is," the DUP MP said. "That also goes for those that don't know a lot about the Protestant or Catholic faiths as well.
"I despair when I hear about Britain First trying to build a profile in Northern Ireland.
"There's a mosque in my home town of Newtownards. They've been living here for 30-odd years, have businesses and have brought up their families here. They're as much a part of this community as I am.
"There have been incidents against them but I am quite convinced it's people coming from outside the town. Those people have absolutely no idea about their own future, it's completely skewed. The future we have should be a shared one."
Dr Nauman Iftikhar from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Ireland organised the Omagh gathering, and described such events as vital to improving community relations.
The anaethetist, who lives in the Co Tyrone town, said: "Religion can sometimes wrongly be a source of hatred. I believe this can be caused by misunderstanding, which leads to fear, chaos and unrest.
"So the pathway to peace is dialogue and communication. That's what we stand for and the audience in Omagh loved it and found it very educational."
The DUP is calling on Sinn Fein to "put the needs of patients above the demands of their party" and restore power-sharing to tackle the growing NHS crisis here.
Strangford MLA Peter Weir reminded Sinn Fein Stormont leader Michelle O'Neill of her promises to prioritise reform when she became health minister.
"There has been no reform of the health service because Sinn Fein have placed their party-political demands as a higher priority than growing waiting lists," he said.
"There has been no reform of the health service because Michelle O'Neill walked away from her desk and away from the route map to deliver that reform.
"The problems were exacerbated by a finance minister who walked away from his desk without even completing the one job expected of him - to deliver a budget to fund vital public services, including the health service."
Mr Weir claimed Sinn Fein was refusing to engage in talks with other parties. "Their actions do not indicate a party seeking to find solutions, but rather putting forward excuses for their intransigence," he said.
"We believe devolution is in the best interests of Northern Ireland and, despite the difficulties involved in making it work, we are committed to restoring the executive. Sinn Fein must step forward and put the needs of everyone above the demands of their party."
But Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd said if the DUP was sincere about the problems facing the health service it would end its support for "Tory austerity" and would focus on restoring devolution "on a sustainable basis".
"The DUP have piled the pressure onto our hard-pressed public services by giving the Tory government a blank cheque for its austerity policies and vicious cuts to frontline services," he said.
Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan said the pressures on accident and emergency departments meant the situation was "not sustainable".
He added: "A workforce strategy is needed to begin to address existing staff shortages and to ensure we retain the existing staff who continue to deliver vital health services under extremely challenging situations."
Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw directly appealed to Ms O'Neill to deliver a restored executive urgently.
"We hear stories of severe budgetary pressures, unacceptable waiting lists, unbelievable pressures in emergency departments, collapsing GP practices and more," she said.
The South Belfast MLA said her party had put forward workable proposals for a "robust Irish Language Act" and had advocated reforming the petition of concern to allow for marriage equality.
"Yet we have seen no practical solutions coming forward from Sinn Fein," she stated. "I would ask, for the sake of all who use our health and social care sector, that the last health minister lead her party back to the talks table urgently to restore an Executive."
UUP MLA Roy Beggs expressed doubts that hospitals here were as prepared as those in Britain to handle the winter flu outbreak.
"I would query whether hospitals in Northern Ireland were placed on high alert as many across the rest of the UK were after the major flu outbreaks in Australia and New Zealand," he said.
"Trusts being forced to appeal to staff over social media to come to work would perhaps indicate that not all preparations that could have been taken were taken."
Mr Beggs said the lack of a minister denied the health service stability and long-term planning.
"Michelle O'Neill previously said when she was minister she was prepared to show the leadership necessary to take our health service forward, but in reality all she did was walk away just when patients and our health workers needed a minister the most," he added.
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan is seeking an urgent meeting with Trust chiefs over the health crisis.
"Daily, patients and staff come to me seeking help, they are at breaking point with the situation. It cannot go on. People must come first," he said.
"I have contacted the heads of each Trust in Northern Ireland seeking an urgent meeting to find a way forward.
"The SDLP believes healthcare must be prioritised and that political leadership is required. We know that transformation is the answer; however, due to the ongoing political deadlock that urgently needed transformation has fallen aside.
His party colleague, Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly, expressed concern about the situation in Craigavon Area Hospital's accident and emergency department which she described as "unsustainable".
A tucked away Belfast eatery has been named restaurant of the year by a leading Irish guide.
La Taqueria on Castle Street has been honoured by John and Sally McKennas' Guides and described as serving up the "best Mexican food in Ireland".
The guide notes: "Never mind that their funky little restaurant in the centre of Belfast is upstairs over a Mace Express: what matters is that La Taqueria food is the real deal, and not some dumbed-down Tex-Mex mess."
Andy Rea, who is the owner of La Taqueria - which is run by Adam Lynas and his partner Eliza Vignolle - said he was proud of the restaurant's achievement.
Mr Rea formerly worked in Paul Rankin's acclaimed Roscoff restaurant and is now owner of Belfast's Mourne Seafood Bar and Home restaurants, as well as Belfast Cookery School.
"I am over the Moon. Adam worked for me in Roscoff and we always kept in contact. I put La Taqueria together, but the food and service is all Adam and Eliza," he said.
"Adam is one of the most talented chefs I have ever come across in my career. There is an absolute passion between the two of them as a couple, and you see it on the plate and feel it in the room."
Mr Rea added that the simplicity of La Taqueria's food was its selling point. "It's tacos and tequila, when you think about it ... I'm really honestly so proud and delighted for them."
Belfast Telegraph food critic Joris Minne described the announcement as "great news".
"It's a courageous decision by the McKennas and puts some perspective on our restaurant sector," he said.
"Of course, the Belfast Telegraph, in a way, paved the way for this as it included La Taqueria in its top 10 from 2017!"
There was further local glory, with Clenaghan's in Aghalee, Co Down, named newcomer of the year in the same guide. It commented: "Danni Barry has been killing it ever since she got the doors open at Clenaghan's, an old stone building in the middle of nowhere in Co Down. Exemplary technical skills meet with ruddy, agrestic country dishes in a culinary marriage made in culinary heaven."
A Queen's University lecturer in high-frequency electronics has paid tribute to his former mentor and head of department, Professor Carson Stewart, who died on December 30 in Belfast City Hospital.
Professor Stewart was a former head of the School of Electronic Engineering at Queen's, and his international status was confirmed by being made a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (IEEE)
He headed up a research group at Queen's whose work helped to pave the way for components which were later used for mobile phones, vehicle anti-collision radar, airport passenger security, and other devices.
Dr Neil Buchanan, a lecturer in high frequency electronics, was the last student supervised for a PhD by Professor Stewart before his retirement.
Dr Buchanan told the Belfast Telegraph last night: "Professor Stewart was a brilliant teacher who inspired and motivated all his students.
"He was very approachable, which was somewhat unusual in the academic atmosphere of the early Nineties. I began my career at Queen's as a undergraduate in 1990, and after a couple of week's lectures, I approached Professor Stewart and told him that I could not understand the theory of Complex Numbers. He spent half-an-hour talking to me, and as a result, I have fully understood that subject ever since."
Dr Buchanan worked for a year in industry after he graduated from Queen's, but he decided to study for a PhD.
"I saw Professor Stewart again, and although he had no funding at that time, he took me on as a PhD student. However, within three months, he had sorted out the funding for me," he said.
"He was a great PhD supervisor, he left me alone to get on with it, but if I had any problems, he was always there for me, and I knew I would be able to contact him without any trouble. He was most distinguished in his field, and well-known to his fellow experts, nationally and internationally and also a great 'people person' and I owe him a great deal.
"I am in my job today at Queen's because he gave me such a good head start."
Professor Stewart is survived by his wife, Carole, his children, Nial, Melanie and Tara, his grandchildren, Peter, Cathy, Niamh, Robyn, Rory and Finn, and the wider family, and friends.
There will be a Thanksgiving Service for the life of Professor Stewart tomorrow at Knockbreda Parish Church, Belfast.
John Dunn (50), who is from South Carolina but was bailed to an address in Dundonald, is further accused of intentionally inciting the child to engage in sexual activity
A man with an address in the United States has appeared in court in Northern Ireland accused of raping a child.
John Dunn (50), who is from South Carolina but was bailed to an address in Dundonald, is further accused of intentionally inciting the child to engage in sexual activity.
The offences are alleged to have occurred on a date between March 13, 2014 and March 17, 2015.
At Newry Magistrates Court Dunn was remanded on 500 bail and ordered to have no contact with the victim or her family, nor is he to have any unsupervised contact with anyone aged under 16 without the approval of social services.
He was also ordered to report with police three times per week and surrender his passport, visa and travel documents.
Dunn has also been banned from entering Co Down entirely, except for court appearances, and when doing so he must travel directly there and back via the A1.
The case is due back in court next month.
The T-shirt features masked men pictured in the letters 'IRA' with the words "Undefeated Army" underneath
Sinn Fein have been strongly criticised in the Republic of Ireland for selling an IRA branded T-shirt on their online shop.
The T-shirt features masked men pictured in the letters 'IRA' with the words "Undefeated Army" underneath.
It is described as "a tribute to the men and women who led the struggle against British occupation of Ireland".
Fine Gael Senator Joe O'Reilly told Tuesday's Newstalk Breakfast show that "this approach to politics is no longer acceptable".
He said: "I think a political party has to abandon this kind of thing, and I think it's important it stops. There's a cohort of young men who have not experienced the Troubles, who have not been part of a generation that knew violence - this has the potential to influence them.
"I don't think there's a justification for that kind of thing in the present context."
There were 592 patients in queues in A&E departments and in ward corridors, new figures from nurses show
People who fall sick should look after themselves at home rather than going to already overwhelmed hospitals, Health Minister Simon Harris has said.
The intervention came as health chiefs took the unusual step of urging workers to take sick days if they have flu symptoms and for children to be kept at home if it is suspected they have flu as hospitals were hit by the worst overcrowding crisis on record.
The number of people on trolleys and chairs and lying in corridors waiting for a proper hospital bed in a ward has eased slightly with the number down to below 600.
But Mr Harris urged the public to heed the Health Service Executive advice on trying to stem the spread of flu and called for non-emergency patients to avoid A&E.
"I would appeal to everyone to listen to the public health messages of the HSE in the coming days and help our frontline staff by staying home if you're ill," he said.
Mr Harris apologised again for the unprecedented overcrowding crisis.
"I am committed to breaking the cycle of overcrowding in the health service," he said.
According to the latest report from nurses, there were 592 patients in queues in A&E departments and in ward corridors.
The Irish Nurses' and Midwives' Organisation (INMO) said University Hospital Limerick had the worst record on Thursday morning, with 52 patients waiting for a bed.
Others with high levels of overcrowding included St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny with 46 people on trolleys; the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore with 37; and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, which both had 31.
The INMO said its headcount found 414 people on trolleys in A&E units and 178 waiting in corridors around wards.
Mr Harris held a meeting with hospital chief executives to discuss the overcrowding and the difficult conditions for patients and staff.
He said he stressed the importance of having clinical decision-makers in hospitals at key times to increase patient flow through the emergency departments.
"I also asked them to ensure all the beds that can be opened are opened, that the availability of diagnostics is increased and they continue to work to reduce the number of people who are in hospital, but could be discharged into the community," Mr Harris said.
He said all necessary resources will be made available to hospitals in the coming days and weeks.
The demand for access to hospital beds is traditionally at its peak in the first week of January, with the flu season compounding stretched resources.
The Irish Medical Organisation said that significant financial investment in hospital beds, GP surgeries and recruitment and retention of doctors must be at the heart of the Government's response to the crisis.
It described Mr Harris' commitment as worthless without simultaneous commitments from government for the money.
IMO president Dr Ann Hogan said: "T his is not a trolley crisis - this is a system in meltdown. No single measure will address the problem in any significant way. We have to tackle the three core issues at the same time to make any progress"
"Time for analysing the problem is over what we need is an increasing and sustained funding programme."
Irn-Bru will have more than 50% less sugar in its new recipe (Stewart Attwood/AG Barr/PA)
The makers of Irn-Bru have claimed most people will not taste the difference when the fizzy drinks reduced sugar recipe is introduced, despite fans launching a campaign against the move.
Scotlands so-called other national drink will be produced with less than 50% of its regular sugar content from later this month.
Fans are reportedly stockpiling the drink ahead of the change and a petition has been launched to save the traditional recipe.
1962-Stockpiling tins of beans because of imminent threat of global atomic war USA v USSR
2018-Stockpiling Irn Bru before the recipe changes
Dougie (@55Beats10) January 4, 2018
Ryan Allen, who started the Hands Off Our Irn Bru campaign, said: It is a national treasure in Scotland and really is part of our culture with its unique taste, branding and marketing.
Its also well known to alleviate the effects of a hangover and is many a persons craving, saviour or go-to drink after a night on the tiles.
Dont do it Barr please have a rethink on this.
Irn-Brus secret recipe was introduced by AG Barr in 1901.
The company has been grappling with a shift in consumer tastes towards low-sugar drinks and has been preparing for the implementation of a sugar tax in 2018.
The government levy, due to be introduced in April, is aimed at tackling soaring obesity rates.
Changes to Irn-Brus sugar content were announced in March last year and will see the amount per can reduce from 8.5 teaspoons to four, going from just under 140 calories to around 65 calories.
The drinks giant has tried to allay fears over the change, claiming their tests show most people cant tell the difference.
An AG Barr spokesman said: From January 2018 Irn-Bru will continue to be made using the same secret Irn-Bru flavour essence, but with less sugar.
The vast majority of our drinkers want to consume less sugar so thats what were now offering.
We know that our loyal drinkers love Irn-Bru for its unique great taste and weve worked hard to deliver this.
We ran lots of taste tests that showed most people cant tell the difference nine out of 10 regular Irn-Bru drinkers told us we had a good or excellent taste match.
Most shoppers can expect to buy Irn-Bru with reduced sugar from later this month. Give it a try when it comes out.
Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage is set to meet the EUs Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier to represent the views of the 17.4 million.
Mr Farage has called on people to tweet questions with the hashtag AskBarnier ahead of Mondays meeting in Brussels.
The anti-Brexit pressure group Open Britain derided the decision, saying it was like sending an arsonist to put out a house fire.
I'm meeting EU chief negotiator @MichelBarnier on Monday and I want to involve the 17.4m. Send me your questions below using #AskBarnier. pic.twitter.com/u04mg2UxTD Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) January 4, 2018
Speaking in a Twitter video, Mr Farage said: Who is in there representing the views of the 17.4 million? Nobody.
Well Ive finally got my meeting with Mr Barnier, its going to happen 11am next Monday morning in Brussels, but I want to involve you.
I want you to ask your questions directly to Michel Barnier, so respond, give me your name, give me your home town, give me one question use the hashtag AskBarnier and Ill pick the best three.
James McGrory, executive director of Open Britain, said: Sending Nigel Farage to Brussels to sort out Brexit is like sending an arsonist to put out a house fire.
After years of poisoning our politics, telling outright lies about the EU and cosying up to Trump, he has already done enough damage to our country and our international standing.
He has no answers to the costs and complexity of Brexit, other than to blithely say we should walk away with no deal, which would be an unmitigated disaster for our economy and our country.
Police and salvage personnel work to recover the wreckage of the seaplane that crashed into the Hawkesbury River, north of Sydney (Mick Tsikas/AAP Images via AP)
A seaplane that crashed near Sydney and killed five Britons had been rebuilt after it was destroyed in a fatal incident more than 20 years ago.
Wreckage of the De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver was lifted out of the Hawkesbury River by a crane barge on Thursday, five days after the New Years Eve tragedy.
Richard Cousins, the 58-year-old chief executive of FTSE 100 company Compass Group, died alongside his sons, Will and Edward, aged 25 and 23 respectively, his fiancee, Emma Bowden, 48, and her 11-year-old daughter Heather.
The experienced pilot, Australian Gareth Morgan, 44, was also killed.
The aircraft, which was first registered in 1964, was used as a crop duster in Australia prior to its life as a seaplane.
On November 15 1996, it was involved in a crash in Kotupna, New South Wales, in which the pilot was killed.
Under damage to aircraft the investigators said it was destroyed, and had been carrying a full load of fuel and was beginning to dump a tonne of superphosphate before it crashed.
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The report into the incident states that records showed the aircraft had completed periodic maintenance two days prior to the accident.
Nat Nagy, executive director of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), was asked about the reports during a press conference as the plane was recovered on Thursday.
I am aware of a previous incident with this aircraft, he said. There were a number of factors involved in that incident and that will be something we look at.
Its a matter of course and routine in any investigation to look at the individual aircraft history and any other incidents that may be relevant.
The aircraft, owned by Sydney Seaplanes, apparently nose-dived into the Hawkesbury River, 25 miles (40km) north of Sydney, at about 3.10pm (4.10am GMT) after setting off from Cottage Point bound for the citys Rose Bay, close to the harbour, on Sunday.
The ATSB held a joint media briefing with the NSW Police Force today on the DH C-2 Beaver Seaplane accident at Cowan Creek, Hawkesbury River, NSW. https://t.co/M2g7D9Ydxh ATSB (@atsbgovau) January 4, 2018
Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings, of New South Wales Marine Area Command, said it appeared there had been quite an impact on hitting the water.
The ATSB said the single-engine seaplane had sunk rapidly after impact, while Mr Nagy said the wings and pontoons had separated from the fuselage either on impact or some time after.
Police divers recovered six bodies from the scene on New Years Eve and teams returned to the site at 6am local time on Thursday (7pm GMT) to begin the process of lifting the wreckage from the water.
Mr Nagy said the seaplanes fuselage, its floats and one of the wings had been recovered and recovery teams were in the process of lifting the remaining pieces on to the barge.
Once returned to land, the parts will be transferred to a facility in Canberra where they will be subject to a thorough investigation, Mr Nagy said.
A preliminary report will be produced in around 30 days, before a full report in around 12 months time.
Tributes to the victims flooded in after their identities emerged on New Years Day.
Friends and colleagues said Mr Cousins was a well-known and respected businessman who helped transform Compasss fortunes upon becoming the catering firms boss in 2006.
Ms Bowden, a former arts editor at OK! Magazine, was described as the Grace Kelly of their office by Lisa Byrne, its ex-editor-in-chief.
Mr Cousins son Will was head of press for pro-European Union campaign group Open Britain, and was described by the groups chairman, Roland Rudd, as an extraordinary young man who would be missed beyond words.
Zimbabweans outside the Zimbabwe Embassy in London during the political turmoil that culminated in the ousting of Robert Mugabe
A Zimbabwean court has freed "for now" an American woman charged with subversion for allegedly describing former president Robert Mugabe on Twitter as a "sick man".
Martha O'Donovan, from New Jersey, had faced up to 20 years in prison.
A magistrate removed her from remand after prosecutors failed to provide a trial date, freeing her from the charges but only temporarily.
Ms O'Donovan's lawyer Obey Shava said she can still be summoned back to court if the prosecution feels it has more evidence against her.
But she can get her passport back.
"It all depends on what they gather but for now the case has crumbled. She is free for now," said Mr Shava, with the organisation Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.
In previous cases, the government has rarely followed up to summon people again.
A smiling Ms O'Donovan, looking relieved, said she had no comment and left the courtroom to hugs from friends.
She has denied the allegations of insulting 93-year-old former leader Mr Mugabe, who resigned in November under pressure from the military and ruling party amid fears his unpopular wife was positioning herself to succeed him.
New President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a longtime Mugabe ally whose firing as vice president sparked the whirlwind events leading to Mr Mugabe's departure, has declared that the southern African nation should let "bygones be bygones".
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights says it has represented nearly 200 people charged under a law that criminalises insulting or undermining the president.
The military rounded up eight activists for carrying placards denouncing Mr Mnangagwa during a church service presided over by the president.
A court on Tuesday released them after ruling that the military had no arresting powers.
AP
The aftermath of a bombing blamed on the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen
A rebel-controlled Yemeni court has sentenced a local Baha'i man to death on charges of disseminating the beliefs of his faith and spying for Israel.
Hamid bin Haydara, detained since December 2013, received his sentence on Tuesday.
It was condemned by local and international rights groups, including Amnesty International, which slammed it as "cruel" and "degrading".
It also called on Yemeni authorities to "immediately quash" the sentence.
The Iranian-backed Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, seized the capital Sanaa in 2014.
They have been at war with a Saudi-led coalition backing an internationally recognised government since March 2015.
The Baha'i faith originated in Iran in 1844 but is currently banned there.
Israel is home to some of its holy sites and administrative bodies.
AP
Another girl seized during a mass abduction from a boarding school in Nigeria nearly four years ago has been found, authorities said.
More than 100 of the girls remain captives of the Boko Haram Islamic extremist group, with many forced to marry their kidnappers.
Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed on Thursday that the girl's name was on the list of abducted Chibok girls.
She was found in the company of another young woman who had a child with her.
Chibok community leader Madu Usman expressed happiness that the girl finally was free but said efforts must be made to find all those who remain in captivity.
The militants abducted 276 girls in 2014.
Some escaped on their own, while more than 80 were released last year after negotiations.
AP
File photo of people looking at the Icelandic parliament, the Althing, in Reykjavik (AP)
Iceland has become the first country in the world to require all companies to eliminate gender pay gaps.
The law, which was passed with a large majority by the Reykjavik parliament in June, requires employers to ensure they do not discriminate against women and took effect in the New Year.
It seeks to erase a current pay gap between men and women of about 5.7% that cannot be explained by differing work hours, experience or education levels, as measured by Statistics Iceland.
While other countries, and the US state of Minnesota, have equal-salary certificate policies, Iceland is believed to be the first to make it mandatory for both private and public firms.
The North Atlantic island nation, which has a population of about 330,000, wants to eradicate the gender pay gap by 2022.
The country has a female prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, and ranks first on the World Economic Forum's global gender equality index.
Companies with more than 25 workers will have to obtain an "equal pay certification" from an accredited auditor showing that they are basing pay differences on legitimate factors such as education, skills and performance.
Big companies with more than 250 employees have until the end of the year to get the certification, while the smallest have until the end of 2021.
The certification must be renewed every three years.
Employers' associations came out against the law, saying that it imposed costly compliance burdens and involved too much government interference in the labour market.
Some academic economists also were sceptical of the certification requirement, arguing that the gap resulted from non-gender related factors that would be apparent if the statistical measures were perfect.
While the law might help eliminate the unexplained pay gap, it likely will not address the larger, explainable pay difference of 22% between the sexes that is based on different work volumes, according to a report by Stefan Olafsson of the University of Iceland for the European Social Policy Network.
The network provides independent policy analysis to the European Commission.
"That is still a gendered pay difference rooted in the fact that women take greater responsibility for care tasks within the household, while men spend more time in paid work," Mr Olafsson wrote.
"Still, one may assume that the certification requirement will forward the ethos of gender and other equality issues in Icelandic society, both directly and indirectly," he wrote.
AP
The incident occurred in Copenhagen with the jet ski driver then fleeing to a suburban harbour
A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in jail for aggravated manslaughter for crashing his jet ski into a boat, in Copenhagen, killing two American students.
The Copenhagen City Court said the Danish man, who cannot be named under a court order pending a possible appeal by the prosecution, fled after the fatal crash on May 6 2016, to a suburban harbour where he was arrested.
He has admitted steering the jet ski that slammed into a rental boat containing a group of students.
Leah Bell, 18, and Linsey Malia, 21, were killed.
They had gone on the trip with five other students from the Copenhagen-based Study Abroad in Scandinavia foundation.
The man had denied aggravated manslaughter and told the court he lost control of the jet ski.
Defence lawyer Jane Ranum told Denmark's TV2 the man "is relieved it is over", and he will not appeal against Thursday's outcome.
Seven other people, six men and one woman, also were on trial in the same case but were not charged with aggravated manslaughter.
All were given fines for riding jet skis within the city harbour without proper permission.
Judge Pia Petersen said the eight people did not meet beforehand to sail as a group but joined each other as they rode through the harbour.
A licence to ride a jet ski has become mandatory in Denmark following the crash.
The government has called for some identification of jet skis, like a registration plate.
Many politicians say rules forbidding the use of recreational watercraft closer than 300 metres from the coast should be enforced.
AP
The search for the missing plane was called off on January 17 last year
A ship has been dispatched into the Indian Ocean in hopes of quickly resuming the search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 if it soon secures a contract to do the job.
The search vessel named Seabed Constructor left the South African port of Durban on Tuesday as part of the Ocean Infinity company's plan to look for debris in the southern Indian Ocean.
The ship has unmanned submarines that can descend deep into the ocean.
Ocean Infinity was taking advantage of favourable weather to move the vessel toward "the vicinity of the possible search zone," the company said in a statement.
"This is designed to save time should the contract award be forthcoming, as hoped," it said.
"We will confirm as and when the contract is awarded and the search can resume."
The Malaysian government is negotiating with Ocean Infinity and will make an announcement next week, Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said on Wednesday.
The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew, disappeared soon into its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing on March 8, 2014.
The governments of Malaysia, China and Australia called off the 1,046-day official search on January 17 last year.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau's final report on the search conceded that authorities were no closer to knowing the reasons for the plane's disappearance, or its exact location.
Australia ran the original search on behalf of Malaysia because the airliner is thought to have crashed in the vast area of Australian search and rescue responsibility.
New Australian Transport Minister Barnaby Joyce told ABC on Thursday that the decision on whether to resume the search was Malaysia's.
"I can understand how Malaysians are incredibly driven by finding the wreckage," said Mr Joyce, who became transport minister two weeks ago.
"I have, to be quite frank, some concerns as to whether it will be found," he added.
Search conditions are best during the current southern hemisphere summer, before the colder months bring storm-force winds and mountainous seas.
AP
Ambulances and security forces near the scene of an explosion in Kabul which killed several policemen (AP Photo)
A suicide bomber has killed six policemen after exploding his device amid a group of security officials monitoring protests by shopkeepers in eastern Kabul.
Interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish added that another 14 policemen were wounded in Thursday evening's bombing.
Wahid Mujro, a spokesman for the health ministry, said 15 wounded were treated at Kabul hospitals.
President Ashraf Ghani called the attack "inhumane" and against the tenets of Islam.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
An online glossary posted by Turkey's state religious affairs body suggesting that girls as young as nine could marry has sparked a public outcry.
Calls have been made for an inquiry and the dismantling of the organisation.
The glossary of Islamic terms, which has since been removed, defined marriage as an institution that saves a person from adultery and said girls can marry when they reach puberty, as early as nine.
The main opposition party has asked prosecutors to investigate.
The Directorate of Religious Affairs, or Diyanet, has denied approving underage marriages and said the glossary merely interpreted Islamic laws, Hurriyet newspaper reported on Thursday.
Diyanet previously caused an uproar by suggesting a father could lust after his daughter.
AP
The Winter Olympics will take place in South Korea
The Trump administration has agreed to delay joint military exercises with South Korea until after the upcoming Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
The decision could help reduce tensions as the Koreas consider holding their first direct talks in two years.
President Donald Trump approved the postponement in consultation with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, a Pentagon spokesman said on Thursday.
"The Department of Defence supports the president's decision and what is in the best interest of the ROK-US alliance," Col Manning said, referring to the US defence treaty with the Republic of Korea.
The agreement pushes back a set of annual military exercises known as Foal Eagle, which normally are held between February and April.
Foal Eagle is a series of exercises designed to test the readiness of the two countries' militaries.
North Korea routinely objects to such manoeuvres as a rehearsal for an invasion, and there had been fears that tensions could interfere with the February 9-25 games occurring about 50 miles south of the heavily militarised border.
No announcement was made on the length of the delay.
Pyeongchang also hosts the Winter Paralympics from March 8-18.
North Korea has expressed interest in sending a delegation to participate in the Olympics.
The Pentagon did not elaborate on the reason for delaying the exercises, but it had been under quiet discussion for weeks.
US officials had understood the South Korean military would be heavily committed to providing logistical support for the Winter Games next month.
The decision appeared to offer a further opening for diplomacy to ease tensions between the North and South and between Washington and Pyongyang, which have traded insults and threats over the North's nuclear and missile programmes.
Some of Mr Trump's critics have accused him of putting the US on a path to war.
Joe Cirincione, president of the Ploughshares Fund, which advocates for nuclear disarmament, wrote in a tweet that the delay is a welcome move to lessen hostilities after Mr Trump's latest tweets about the size of his nuclear "button".
Mr Cirincione wrote: "Korean leaders have convinced him to take a step back from the brink."
For the first time in months, high-level diplomatic action is taking place.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently reopened a key cross-border communication channel with South Korea for the first time since February 2016, and the neighbours are exploring the possibility of a formal dialogue.
In a tweet early on Thursday, Mr Trump claimed his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk.
Mr Trump tweeted, "Does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasn't firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North."
Earlier this week, Mr Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after Mr Kim made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Year's address.
But Mr Trump's ambassador to the United Nations insisted talks will not be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons.
The overture about talks came after Mr Trump and Mr Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons.
In his New Year's address, Mr Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the US.
Mr Kim said he has a "nuclear button" on his office desk and warned that "the whole territory of the US is within the range of our nuclear strike".
Mr Trump mocked that assertion on Tuesday evening, tweeting: "Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"
AP
The Sixties were a time of social and political change around the world and 1968 was a particularly significant year. It has been described as a "year of convulsions", a year of seismic change. On January 5, 1968, Alexander Dubcek became leader of the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia and we saw the start of the Prague Spring.
Later that month the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong launched the Tet Offensive against South Vietnam.
American soldiers were fighting alongside the South Vietnamese, but there were anti-Vietnam War protests across Europe, as well as in the US.
In London 10,000 protesters marched on the United States Embassy and there were hundreds of arrests, as well as many injuries.
It was also an important year for the civil rights movement in America and the year in which both the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jnr and presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy were assassinated.
Meanwhile, in Europe there were student riots in Paris in May 1968, and Daniel Cohn-Bendit, otherwise known as 'Danny the Red', became a symbol of the New Left.
In Germany another young radical named Rudi Dutschke was shot, but survived and continued to advocate "a long march through the institutions of power".
This was also the year in which we had the first comprehensive coverage of war and resultant famine in Africa.
The social and political changes were such that, after 1968, the world would never be the same again, and certainly after 1968, Northern Ireland would never be the same again.
We are in the midst of a decade of centenaries here, but we are also about to enter a period of semi-centenaries - the emergence of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA), the birth of the Provisional IRA and the descent into decades of terrible violence.
This year is the 50th anniversary of the first civil rights marches in Northern Ireland.
NICRA took to the streets, with marches in Tyrone and Londonderry, and soon they were joined by the People's Democracy.
Some of the veterans of that time are planning a series of events and initiatives to mark the anniversary and, more broadly, the 50th anniversary of the civil rights movement, but it is clear that there will be a particular focus on the NICRA march in Londonderry in October 1968.
People will look at this in different ways. Some will say that we should forget about the past, but that is an ill-considered approach, because already teaching materials are being prepared about that period, academics are studying it and veteran campaigners are planning their conferences.
The events of 1968 will be remembered, whether we like it or not.
Moreover, the civil rights movement is deeply embedded in the folk memory of Irish nationalists and republicans and, indeed, it has been used by republicans to justify and legitimise the later campaign by the Provisional IRA.
At the same time unionists have tended to view it as a republican socialist strategy to undermine Northern Ireland.
At present two issues overshadow our politics: the demand for an Irish Language Act and the legacy of the past. Our society may never be able to get to the bottom of every atrocity and every murder during the Troubles, but can we at least get to a better understanding of the start of the Troubles? In that context I would make just two suggestions.
The first is that we look at the events of 1968 in their context.
For example, the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association emerged on the streets in 1968.
But it was "conceived" in 1966 in the home of veteran republican Kevin Agnew in Maghera at a meeting involving members of the Communist Party, the IRA and the Wolfe Tone Society.
We need to look back beyond 1968 if we are to avoid a truncated and distorted narrative.
The second is that, in the course of commemorations, we must not allow the public square to be dominated by nationalist and republican voices.
There is a unionist story to be told and mainstream unionist voices need to be afforded the space to be heard.
An RUC officer at the scene of the Loughinisland shootings
In Wonderland, "When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean," said Humpty Dumpty to Alice in a scornful tone. Amazed, she said: "The question is, whether you can make words mean so many different things?" He replied: "The question is, which is to be master. That's all."
In Northern Ireland, Humpty Dumpty is the Police Ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire, and his interlocutor is BBC Northern Ireland's home affairs correspondent, Vincent Kearney.
Mr Justice McCloskey, in a judicial review last month, was scathing of the Police Ombudsman for using the word "collusion" to infer serious criminality in a report on the UVF murders in Loughinisland in 1994.
By "serious criminality", Mr Justice McCloskey meant "varying degrees of participation by police officers with terrorists in the murder of six innocent civilians and the infliction of injury on five others". Of this, he concluded: "It is difficult to conceive of a more withering and damning condemnation of police officers."
"Collusion" is irresponsible language that reinforces prejudices, a fusion of lies and bitterness concocted by the Provisional IRA to distract from their campaign of mass murder.
Even with a "collusion-buster" ruling ringing in his ears, the Police Ombudsman still insisted to Vincent Kearney that he could make a word mean whatever he wanted it to mean. He was as absolute on this as he was with having "no hesitation in unambiguously" determining "collusion" in the Loughinisland report.
A confusing word was wielded to define criminality in preference to clear definitions of crime fixed in law.
It is wrong to accuse people in unclear terms not known to them. It is wrong to accuse people of criminality with no supporting evidence to prosecute. And it is wrong to deny people a hearing to defend themselves.
This is not "due process". This is why retired officers took the judicial review.
I have been a criminal justice expert on projects for the European Union in emerging democracies where this is the kind of thing we were replacing, not implementing. The hardest thing in an investigation is to get evidence. And I mean a fingerprint, or eyewitness testimony of a crime - not opinion, belief, or suspicion.
Facts beyond reasonable doubt prove guilt, nothing less. As with internment, "collusion" falls below this legal benchmark.
It is why, despite enough reports to stock a small library, no officer has been prosecuted by any historical investigation.
Mr Justice McCloskey noted this in Loughinisland, as well as no officer having been "accused of the commission of a disciplinary offence and prosecuted in that forum".
The aim of a Police Ombudsman's investigation is to establish if officers committed a crime or gross misconduct of duty and report them for prosecution, where appropriate. If it draws a blank on both fronts, it cannot comment on criminality.
The Police Ombudsman's approach is a denial of basic human and legal rights, not that this triggered the attention of any human rights watchdog.
The judgment called the Police Ombudsman's approach "procedural unfairness" that left the officers "utterly defenceless" and that he had, in effect, acted "as judge and jury" in reaching his verdict. Indeed, Mr Justice McCloskey pointed out that the Police Ombudsman's language "could be said to be expressed more forcefully than such a verdict".
RUC chief constables had sued newspapers for headlines a lot less defamatory than those of Loughinisland. In the Belfast Agreement, not only did Sinn Fein and the SDLP convince Tony Blair to get rid of the RUC, they also got him to create a Police Ombudsman to investigate it.
The political imperative was to get nationalist leaders to support the police - something they did not do in the Troubles. With the RUC gone, so was the natural counterweight to the Police Ombudsman.
The PSNI replaced the RUC and the new criminal justice arrangement worked against a chief constable exposing Wonderland. It is still a poor show, however, when it took two old cops, supported by colleagues and friends of the Retired Police Officers Association, to confront the Police Ombudsman. Mr Justice McCloskey said as much.
The more a chief constable accepted "collusion", the more likely a Police Ombudsman was to keep using it. And such is the stigma, that accused officers kept their head down. That is, until Ray White and Ronnie Hawthorne.
Two highly decorated officers, who served the people with distinction in the worst of times, had simply had enough. They took on the "collusion" Goliath.
The Police Ombudsman is under pressure from a powerful "collusion" lobby motivated by political and economic interests. When its expectations are not met (as happened in the first Loughinisland report that did not find "collusion"), it "provoked anger among the families of the dead and wounded" and Sinn Fein called for the then-Police Ombudsman, Al Hutchinson, to resign, according to An Phoblacht.
Adding to Al Hutchinson's woes, a Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) report in 2011 labelled his office "dysfunctional". Dr Michael Maguire, who was in CJINI at the time, was a co-author. When he presented the report to an Assembly committee, his opening included "collusion". There was no concern of the word being meaningless in law.
For a body scrutinising criminal justice, and given the concern of the DPP, PSNI and retired officers, it is an astounding omission.
A main point was that Al Hutchinson, a former senior officer in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, had held back from criticising the RUC and its Special Branch.
In replacing Al Hutchinson as Police Ombudsman, Dr Maguire reversed the findings of Loughinisland in a second report. Each examined the same facts and reached opposite conclusions. People that had criticised Hutchinson praised Maguire.
Dr Maguire is in the Loughinisland film No Stone Unturned.
It was made for an international audience and is damning of the RUC. He indicts the officers, despite knowing they were challenging his findings in court. The film was released a month before the judicial review.
Total failure on the prosecution front forced the Police Ombudsman's office into an area beyond its competency threshold - counterinsurgency. Imaginary operational practices were overlaid on those actually employed by the police to show what should have been done, in order to find fault with what was done.
Also, "hindsight bias" - which the 9/11 Commission into terrorist attacks in the US cautioned itself against - was ignored. Such bias is a big obstacle to impartial and accurate post-mortem analysis of other people's decisions and performance.
Honest mistakes, limitations and intelligence practices became "collusion" and police officers became criminals in a world where everything was preventable.
The glaring flaw in the Office of Police Ombudsman is that it is, essentially, unaccountable; the last resort for retired officers was to go to court.
The judicial review was taken, not in denial that there have been some corrupt police officers in the past, or that investigative procedures could, on occasion, have been better. It certainly was not to excuse the atrocious acts of evil loyalist murderers.
Rather, it was about equality - retired officers getting the same rights as every other citizen.
The retired officers did not want to upset the innocent victims of terrorism. But in a "peace process" dancing to a Provo tune, this is often impossible.
If flaws in processes equated to "dysfunctional" in the Police Ombudsman's office, what do processes "unsustainable in law" equate to?
Humpty has had a bad fall. How bad, we will soon see. Mr Justice McCloskey's final judgment will be delivered later this month.
William Matchett is the author of Secret Victory: The Intelligence War that Beat the IRA. He is Adjunct Fellow at the Edward M Kennedy Institute for Conflict Prevention at Maynooth University
There are many ways to verify the reliability of Scripture from both internal evidences of transmission and agreement, to external confirmation through archeology and science. But perhaps the most persuasive argument can be found in the area of prophecy. If a book accurately and repeatedly predicts the future, it can safely be said that something special is going on, perhaps even something supernatural. And there are so many prophecies in the Scriptures that it should be easy to take a look and decide if the Bible is supernatural.
There are so many fulfilled prophecies! In fact, there are so many fulfilled prophecies in the Bible that it is hard to know where to begin! A simple search on the internet will provide you with literally hundreds of sites listing a multitude of fulfilled prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments. It's difficult to know where to begin here in our limited discussion of the issue, so we'll focus narrowly on some of the biggest and best known of prophecies!
Here are the most known Old Testament Bible prophecies:
The Prophecies of Babylon, Nineveh, Tyre and Edom
Let's take a look at a few Bible prophecies that were fulfilled about 2500 years ago when the ancient kingdoms and cities of Babylon, Nineveh, Tyre and Edom were destroyed. The Bible makes the assertion that these entities were destroyed because they had sought to destroy the Holy Land of Israel and the people of Israel (the Jews).
Babylon Will Rule Over Judah for 70 Years
You can read the first such prophecy in Jeremiah 25:11-12. This prophecy was written sometime from 626 to about 586 BC and was not fulfilled until about 609 BC to 539 BC (approximately 50 years later, depending on your calculation)
"...This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years. But when the seventy years are fulfilled, I will punish the king of Babylon and his nation, the land of the Babylonians, for their guilt," declares the Lord, "and will make it desolate forever" (Jeremiah 25:11-12).
In this passage of Scripture, Jeremiah said that the Jews would suffer 70 years of Babylonian domination, and that after this was over, Babylon would be punished. Both parts of this prophecy were fulfilled! In 609 BC, Babylon captured the last Assyrian king and took over the holdings of the Assyrian empire, which included the land of Israel. Babylon then began to flex its muscles by taking many Jews as captives to Babylon and by destroying Jerusalem and the Temple. This domination of the Jews ended in 539 BC, when Cyrus, a leader of Persians and Medes, conquered Babylon, bringing an end to the empire. The prophecy also had another fulfillment: the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem's Temple in 586 BC, but the Jews rebuilt it and consecrated it 70 years later, in 516 BC. Restoring the Temple showed, in a very important way, that the effects of Babylonian domination had indeed come to an end.
Babylon's Gates Will Open for Cyrus
If you read Isaiah 45:1 (written perhaps between 701 and 681 BC), you will find a prophecy that was ultimately fulfilled hundreds of years later in 539 BC.
"This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut..." (Isaiah 45:1).
In this passage, the prophet said God would open the gates of Babylon for Cyrus and his attacking army. Despite Babylon's remarkable defenses, which included moats, and walls that were more than 70-feet thick and 300-feet high (with 250 watchtowers) Cyrus was able to enter the city and conquer it. Cyrus and his troops accomplished it by diverting the flow of the Euphrates River into a large lake basin. Cyrus then was able to march his army across the riverbed and into the city.
Babylon's Kingdom Will Be Permanently Overthrown
In Isaiah 13:19 (written between 701 and 681 BC) there exists yet another prophecy that was not fulfilled until 539 BC.
"Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians' pride, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah" (Isaiah 13:19).
Here, Isaiah tells us that Babylon would be overthrown, permanently. History confirms the fact that following Cyrus' destruction of Babylon in 539 BC, it never again rose to power as an empire. You've got to remember, however, that before the time of Cyrus, Babylon had been defeated by the Assyrian Empire as well, But Babylon was able to recover and later conquer the Assyrian Empire. In light of this reality, I'm sure many people doubted Isaiah when he proclaimed this prophecy. In spite of this, and just as Isaiah predicted, the Babylonian empire was defeated, and never recovered from Cyrus' conquest.
Babylon Will Be Reduced to Swampland
In Isaiah 14:23 (written between 701 and 681 BC), the prophet makes yet another prediction that does not come true until 539 BC.
"'I will turn her into a place for owls and into swampland; I will sweep her with the broom of destruction,' declares the Lord Almighty" (Isaiah 14:23).
The prophet makes the bold claim that Babylon, which had been a world power at two different times in history, would be brought to a humble and final end. But not only that, Isaiah claims that Babylon would be reduced to swampland! Well, after Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, the kingdom never again rose to power, that is certain. And history tells us that the buildings of Babylon fell into a gradual state of ruin during the next several centuries. Interestingly, when archaeologists excavated Babylon during the 1800s, they discovered that some parts of the city could not be dug up because they were under a water table that had risen over the years!
The Jews Will Survive Babylonian Rule and Return Home
In Jeremiah 32:36-37, (written from about 626 and 586 BC), yet another prophet makes a bold prediction that was ultimately fulfilled in 536 BC.
"You are saying about this city, 'By the sword, famine and plague it will be handed over to the king of Babylon'; but this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in my furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety" (Jeremiah 32:36-37).
In this passage, Jeremiah said that the Jews would survive their captivity in Babylon and return home, and both parts of this prophecy were ultimately fulfilled. Many Jews had been taken as captives to Babylon beginning around 605 BC. But, in 538 BC, they were released from captivity and many eventually returned to their homeland.
The Ninevites Will Be Drunk in Their Final Hours
In Nahum 1:10 (written around 614 BC) the prophet predicts the condition of the Ninevites at the time of their demise.
" They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble (Nahum 1:10).
In this passage, and once again in Nahum 3:11, the prophet said that during the final hours of the attack on Nineveh, the Ninevites would be drunk. Well, guess what, there is evidence that this prophecy was actually fulfilled! According to the ancient historian Diodorus Siculus: "The Assyrian king gave much wine to his soldiers. Deserters told this to the enemy, who attacked that night." Siculus compiled his historical works about 600 years after the fall of Nineveh, and in doing so, confirmed the Biblical account.
Nineveh Will Be Destroyed By Fire
Once again, in Nahum 3:15 (written around 614 BC) the prophet makes a prediction which ultimately did come true.
" There the fire will devour you; the sword will cut you down and, like grasshoppers, consume you" (Nahum 3:15).
The prophet said that Nineveh would be damaged by fire. Archaeologists unearthed the site during the 1800s and found a layer of ash covering the ruins. According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica: "...Nineveh suffered a defeat from which it never recovered. Extensive traces of ash, representing the sack of the city by Babylonians, Scythians, and Medes in 612 BC, have been found in many parts of the Acropolis. After 612 BC the city ceased to be important..."
Tyre Will Be Attacked By Many Nations
In Ezekiel 26:3 (written between 587-586 BC) the prophet predicts the attacks on Tyre that occurred in 573 BC, 332 BC, and 1291 AD.
"Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the sea casting up its waves" (Ezekiel 26:3).
The prophet said that Tyre, the Phoenician Empire's most powerful city, would be attacked by many nations, because of its treatment of Israel. At about the time that Ezekiel delivered this prophecy, Babylon had begun a 13 year attack on Tyre's mainland. Later, in about 332 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the island of Tyre and brought an end to the Phoenician Empire. Then, after that, Tyre later fell again under the rule of the Romans, the Crusaders and the Moslems, who destroyed the city yet again, in 1291.
Tyre's Stones, Timber and Soil Will Be Cast Into the Sea
In a remarkable prediction, the prophet writes in Ezekiel 26:12 (written between 587-586 BC) that the stone, timber and soil of Tyre will be thrown into the sea. This was fulfilled in 333-332 BC.
"They will plunder your wealth and loot your merchandise; they will break down your walls and demolish your fine houses and throw your stones, timber and rubble into the sea" (Ezekiel 26:12).
The prophet said that Tyre's stones, timber and soil would be thrown into the sea. That's probably a fitting description of how Alexander the Great built a land bridge from the mainland to the island of Tyre when he attacked in 333-332 BC. It is believed that he took the rubble from Tyre's mainland ruins and tossed it - stones, timber and soil - into the sea, to build the land bridge (which is still there).
In Ezekiel 25:14 (written between 593-571 BC), the prophet predicts that the Jews will eventually have revenge against the Edomites. This was not fulfilled, however for over 400 years (until approximately 100 BC)
"I will take vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel, and they will deal with Edom in accordance with my anger and my wrath; they will know my vengeance', declares the Sovereign Lord" (Ezekiel 25:14).
Ezekiel said that the Jews would one day take vengeance on Edom, a nation that had often warred with the Jews. When Ezekiel delivered this prophecy, he and many other Jews were living as captives in Babylon. They didn't have control of their own country, let alone anyone else's. But, about 400 years later, Jews regained independence for Jerusalem and the surrounding area during the "Hasmonaean Period." During this time, the Jewish priest-king John Hyrcanus I defeated the Edomites. According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition: "Edomite history was marked by continuous hostility and warfare with Jews At the end of the second century B.C., they were subdued by Hasmonaean priest-king John Hyrcanus I..."
Edom Will Be Toppled and Humbled
In Jeremiah 49:16 (written sometime from 626 to about 586 BC) the prophet predicts that Edom will be toppled. This was fulfilled in approximately 100 BC:
"' The terror you inspire and the pride of your heart have deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks, who occupy the heights of the hill. Though you build your nest as high as the eagle's, from there I will bring you down,' declares the Lord" (Jeremiah 49:16).
Jeremiah said that Edom, a long-time enemy of Israel, would be destroyed. Edom's capital city, Petra, was carved out of a mountain side and had great natural defenses. Nonetheless, it was destroyed and the kingdom of Edom no longer exists. Today, Petra is part of Jordan. The city was conquered by the Romans in the year 106 AD but flourished again shortly after that. But a rival city, Palmyra, eventually took most of the trade away and Petra began to decline. Moslems conquered Petra in the 7th Century and Crusaders conquered it in the 12th Century. Petra gradually fell into ruin.
The Greatest Old Testament Prophecy of All
There are literally hundreds of other fulfilled prophecies that we could describe here, but clearly one stand head and shoulders above the rest, and we really need to take a minute to describe it. While the Jews were certainly comforted by prophecies that predicted that their enemies would eventually be destroyed, there was a far more comforting prophecy that had been described in the Old Testament. It was a prophecy that predicted the coming of a Messiah, a savior who would deliver the Jews. While there we dozens of messianic prophecies in the Old Testament Scriptures, one of these was incredibly specific in its claims. As we examine this prophecy, we can confirm the supernatural and divine inspiration of the Bible.
The Coming of the Messiah
In 538 B.C. Daniel wrote the following bold prediction:
"So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks of years and sixty-two weeks of years" (Daniel 9:25).
In this prophecy, Daniel is claiming that there will be 69 weeks of years between the issuing of a decree to rebuild Jerusalem and the appearance of the Messiah. Now keep in mind that this bold prediction came 538 years before Christ was born.
Now let's investigate a little history, OK? In 464 BC, Artaxerxes, a Persian king, ascended to the throne. His twentieth year as king would be 464 BC. Nehemiah, the Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, was deeply concerned with the reports about the ruined condition of Jerusalem which came about as the result of their being defeated (Nehemiah 1:1-4) and as a result, he petitioned the king:
"Send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may rebuild it. So it pleased the king to send me" (Nehemiah 2:5-6).
Scripture then provides us with the exact date of this decree to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem. According to the Scriptures the decree is issued "in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king" (Nehemiah 2:1). The Jewish calendar month was Nisan, and since no day is given, it is reasonable to assume that the date would be understood as the first, the Jewish New Year's Day. And, in the Julian calendar we presently use, the corresponding date would be March 5, 444 B.C. This was the day on which the decree was issued to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.
Now let's remember this date, March 5, 444 B.C. and take a look at the appearance of the Messiah. You may recall that the Gospels tell us that Jesus, on numerous occasions, had forbidden his followers to make him known as "the Messiah". He would frequently do miracles and tell the disciples not to tell anyone who had done the miracles because his "hour has not yet come" (John 2:4, 7:6). However, on March 30, 33 A.D., when he entered Jerusalem on a donkey, he rebuked the Pharisees' protest and encouraged the whole multitude of his disciples as they shouted, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord". And Jesus said, "If these become silent, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:38-40). This was the day on which Jesus was publicly declared the Messiah.
Now let's compare the date of the decree (March 5, 444 BC) with the date of Jesus' declaration (March 30, 33 AD). Now before we begin, we need to clarify the fact that the Jewish prophetic year was composed of twelve 30 day months. In other words, the ancient evidence indicates that the Jewish prophetic year had 360 days, not 365 days. Since Daniel states 69 weeks of seven years each, and each year has 360 days, the equation is as follows: 69 x 7 x 360 = 173,880 days. In nothing more than a simple mathematical demonstration, the number of days in the period from March 5, 444 B.C. (the twentieth year of Artaxerxes) to March 30, 33 A.D. (the day Jesus entered Jerusalem on the donkey) can be determined at this point.
The time span from 444 B.C. to 33 A.D. is 476 years (remember that 1 B.C. to 1 A.D. is only one year). And if we multiply 476 years x 365.2421879 days per year (corrected for leap years), we get the result of 173,855 days. Now let's add back the difference between March 5 and March 30 (25 days). What is our total? You guessed it, 173,880 days, exactly as Daniel predicted it.
So What Does Fulfilled Prophecy Prove?
The ancient Jews were careful to use Prophecy as a measuring stick. If someone claimed to be a prophet, yet his predictions did not come true, he was abandoned and his writings did not make it into the canon of scripture. Moses was careful to set this high bar for prophets:
<> " When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him" (Deuteronomy 18:22).
Moses knew that fulfilled prophecy was an evidence! It was an evidence that God was truly at work in the heart of the prophet, giving him insight to something that only God knew about. The exact fulfillment of all the prophecies that we've talked about from the Old Testament is more than enough to demonstrate the accuracy and divine inspiration of the Bible and the truth of Christianity. Remember, only God can "declare the end from the beginning" and forecast to the very day "things that are not yet done" (Isaiah 46:10).
<> " I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will" (Isaiah 46:10).
Photo credit: Unsplash/Amanda Dalbjorn
This article is part of our larger End Times Resource Library. Learn more about the rapture, the anti-christ, bible prophecy and the tribulation with articles that explain Biblical truths. You do not need to fear or worry about the future!
Battle of Armageddon
Antichrist
End Times
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Prophecies of Jesus
End Times Bible Prophecy
Old Testament Bible Prophecy
Signs of the End Times
666 Meaning
Horsemen of the Apocalypse
Purgatory
What is Premillennialism?
What is Amillennialism?
What is Postmillennialism?
The Second Coming of Jesus
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Typbar TCV is the first typhoid vaccine, clinically proven to be administered to children from 6 months of age to adults and confers long term protection against typhoid fever.
Bharat Biotechs Typbar TCV, the worlds first clinically proven Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine against typhoid fever has received prequalification from World Health Organisation (WHO). This enables the procurement and supplies of this life saving vaccine to UNICEF, Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and GAVI supported countries. Typbar TCV has been evaluated in Human Challenge Studies at Oxford University and typhoid conjugate vaccines have been recommended by WHOs Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (WHO-SAGE).
Typbar TCV is the first typhoid vaccine, clinically proven to be administered to children from 6 months of age to adults and confers long term protection against typhoid fever.
International Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimates that in 2016, there were approximately 12 million cases of typhoid fever resulting in around 130,000 deaths. Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi), which infects humans due to contaminated food and beverages from sewage and other infected humans. Currently a third of the global population is at risk of typhoid fever, which results in reduced school attendance, loss of work and wages, lowered pregnancy outcomes and impaired physical and cognitive development of children. In most developing countries the cost of a course of treatment for typhoid fever ranges from $50 to $5000 for outpatient and inpatient treatments.
Typbar TCV is a result of dedicated product development at Bharat Biotech since 2001, where all aspects of the product profile were studied and evaluated in human clinical trials. With 5 years of follow up data for seroconversion, Typbar TCV at 25g / dose has proven long term protection for children and adults alike, and can be administered to children from 6 months of age. Bharat Biotech is thankful to Dr. John Robbins, who in 1999 trusted the team to deliver the promise of vaccines against typhoid fever.
Enlightening the importance of WHO prequalification for an effective typhoid vaccine that is also safe for infants Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said Typbar TCV is the first typhoid conjugate vaccine, clinically proven to be administered to children from 6 months of age to adults and confers long term protection against typhoid fever. When we started this project, Typhoid fever was a neglected tropical disease. This success is a true reflection of Team Bharat Biotechs, ability to develop novel vaccines and sustain long term product development for fighting infectious diseases. It demonstrates the power of global partnerships to achieve novel breakthroughs.
WHO-SAGE recommended the use of typhoid conjugate vaccines for use in infants between 6 and 23 months of age and catch up vaccinations for children between 2 and 15 years of age. This recommendation paves the way for countries to introduce the vaccine into their immunization programs.
With the recent Gavi Board approval of an US$ 85 million funding window to make the typhoid conjugate vaccine available in Gavi-supported countries, we now expect the first introductions to take place as soon as the first half of 2019, said Dr Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. One of the main barriers to controlling typhoid has been the availability of a vaccine that is effective in young children, so this vaccine will be a game-changer for millions of the most vulnerable. This vaccine will not only save lives but considering the growing spread of drug resistant strains of typhoid, it will also prove to be a valuable weapon against antimicrobial resistance.
Revealing the go-to-community strategy for its affordable global typhoid fever vaccine in the global markets Dr. Ella said; For Typbar TCV to reach vulnerable populations, we are pleased to announce the price of $ 1.50/ dose for procurement for GAVI supported countries. Also, recognizing the importance of sustained vaccine procurement for low income and low-middle income countries, and in the interest of global public health, we announce a further price reduction to around $ 1.0 or below / dose, post procurement of 100 million doses for LICs and LMICs.
The threat of antimicrobial resistance due to the overuse of antibiotics has resulted in multi drug resistant typhoid, similar to the reports from several parts of the world, and especially from Hyderabad Pakistan, where ceftriaxone-resistant typhoid was detected during 2016. Bharat Biotech has partnered with Aga Khan University Hospital in Hyderabad, Pakistan to introduce Typbar TCV to vulnerable populations in Pakistan. Towards this endeavor Bharat Biotech had generously donated 50,000 doses and agreed to supply an additional 200,000 doses at highly subsidized rates.
Indias leadership in developing this new typhoid vaccine reinforces a national commitment to improving the health of children around the world. For too long, typhoid, which invariably affects the worlds poorest people, has been neglected in efforts to improve global health, said Dr. Anita Zaidi, the director of the Vaccine Development, Surveillance, and Enteric and Diarrheal Diseases teams at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which supported efforts that helped generate data for prequalification. With this new vaccine the first-ever to be useful for preventing typhoid in young children countries will finally be able to protect millions of children who are most vulnerable to this deadly disease.
Oxford University conducted a human challenge study with Typbar TCV at 25g / dose, where the subjects were challenged with live S. Typhi proving a protective efficacy of 87% against typhoid fever.
The WHO prequalification of Typbar TCV marks an important milestone in the global effort to rid the world of typhoid fever and improve health for some of the most vulnerable populations in the world. said Prof Andrew Pollard, University of Oxford.
With the aim to accelerate the introduction of new typhoid conjugate vaccines as part of an integrated approach to reduce the burden of typhoid disease, Bharat Biotech has partnered with the Typhoid Vaccine Acceleration Consortium (TyVAC), a union between the Center for Vaccine Development at the University of Maryland, the Oxford Vaccine Group at Oxford University, and PATH. The consortium is conducting effectiveness studies for typhoid conjugate vaccines in Nepal, Malawi, and Bangladesh. Bharat Biotech has donated 50,000 doses of Typbar TCV, towards the conduct of these studies.
The prequalification of the first typhoid conjugate vaccine is a major advancement for child health, said Dr. Kathy Neuzil, director of the Center for Vaccine Development at the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine. Typbar TCV can be incorporated into routine vaccination schedules, giving us the best chance to reach children most at risk for this devastating disease.
In its efforts to become a comprehensive health care solutions provider for vaccine preventable infectious diseases, Bharat Biotech has partnered with the University of Maryland and the Wellcome Trust to develop and evaluate vaccines for non typhoidal salmonella (NTS) against the serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis. The burden of disease from NTS is highest in sub Saharan Africa and a successful vaccine will result in a major impact on the disease burden from salmonellosis in Africa. Further, to develop a Salmonella Paratyphi A vaccine with the aim of providing future combination vaccines towards complete protection against salmonellosis, Bharat Biotech has an ongoing partnership with the University of Maryland.
Bharat Biotech has also partnered with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and the Centers for Disease Control USA, to evaluate the effectiveness of Typbar TCV in Navi Mumbai. Dr. Krishna Ella, has generously donated 100,000 doses and agreed to supply an additional 300,000 doses at highly subsidized rates towards the conduct of these effectiveness studies.
Dr. M. K. Bhan, Former Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, said Typbar TCV is a weapon against the high but under appreciated burden of Typhoid fever in children and adults. Immunisation will reduce use of antibiotics in acute febrile illnesses and antibiotic resistance.
To provide global access to Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines, to save lives of populations in low income countries, Bharat Biotech is collaborating with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). Bharat Biotech is able to supply up to 50 million doses / year and is actively working on expanding its manufacturing capacity to reach ~ 200 million doses. This will truly fulfill its mission to develop novel vaccines, manufacture and supply high volumes of high quality vaccines at affordable prices for low income countries and low-middle income countries.
Mr. Ira C. Magaziner, Chief Executive Officer at CHAI stated, This significant price reduction for the typhoid conjugate vaccine will help save thousands of lives, particularly of the most vulnerable children. With its promise of an even lower price in the future, Bharat Biotech is making an important contribution to enable sustainable access to this vaccine in low-income countries.
Registrations for Typbar TCV are in process in more than 30 countries globally. With the vaccine already registered in India, Nigeria, Cambodia, Nepal, etc signaling assured global access to this life saving vaccine and delivering it to the populations that need it the most.
Pulses seemed primed to take off in the Canadian Prairies, until India surprised Canadians farmers with 50 per cent tariffs on pea imports a couple months ago.
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 3/1/2018 (1340 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
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Pulses seemed primed to take off in the Canadian Prairies, until India surprised Canadians farmers with 50 per cent tariffs on pea imports a couple months ago.
Additional tariffs have followed, including 30 per cent on the import of chickpeas and lentils.
The sales of seeds for these products has already noticeably dropped, Wawanesa-based Ellis Seeds co-owner Simon Ellis said on Tuesday, adding that this points to fewer acres being planted next season.
With Indias position as Canadas biggest importer when it comes to pulses, Keystone Agricultural Producers president Dan Mazier said the tariffs will certainly have an impact.
Its particularly troubling in todays political climate, where U.S. President Donald Trump is calling all manner of trade deals to question.
On the plus side, Mazier said the pea processing plant that recently broke ground in Portage la Prairie should serve as a boon to the industry in Manitoba.
Rather than export raw product, greater value will be added locally, serving as an economic driver closer to where it is produced.
Movie director and celebrity James Cameron has also been drawing attention to pulses in recent months as the result of his investing in a Saskatchewan pea processing plant.
Any time a celebrity endorses the agricultural industry its a good thing, Mazier said, adding that Cameron has helped shine a light on pulses positive properties, such as its ability to serve as an alternative source of protein.
"The world markets are looking for these plant proteins, which can help out the rest of the food chain," Mazier said.
While he said this bodes well for the future, Canada still needs to secure strong export markets, and with India so crucial to the nations agricultural industry, the tariffs remain a concern.
On Tuesday, Ellis took to Twitter to urge Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland to make the India tariffs a priority.
He said that a formal letter would likely follow, and that he encourages others impacted by these tariffs to let elected officials know that they should be a priority.
"They need to really get over there and do what they can to work with trade issues out there as quickly as possible, because locally we dont grow too many lentils, but there are a few and its huge," Ellis said, adding that among many of those hes spoken with "its actually had a sizable impact."
Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers did not return a call for comment by press time on Tuesday.
tclarke@brandonsun.com
Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB
Residents in Sydney's inner west and south have been urged to sign a petition calling on the government to fix the mess of the national broadband network after delays left locals without a date they could expect to switch.
Anthony Albanese, the federal member for the Grayndler electorate, launched the online petition on January 2, urging the government to give us our NBN and slamming the delays.
Twenty-one per cent had the NBN but were unhappy with it.
Within two days, 650 people had signed the petition. Of those, 53 per cent said they did not have the NBN but wanted the service.
Another 21.3 per cent had the NBN but were unhappy with it, and 2.6 per cent had the NBN and were happy with it.
Music streaming company Spotify has confidentially filed to go public - moving forward with an unusual plan to list its shares directly on the New York Stock Exchange - even as it faces a new $US1.6 billion ($2 billion) lawsuit alleging copyright infringement.
Wixen Music Publishing is suing Spotify, alleging that the company violated its copyright on more than 10,000 songs.
It has a catalogue of more than 30 million songs, more than 60 million paying users and more than 140 million total users. It is available in 61 countries. Credit:Krisztian Bocsi
A lawsuit of this nature could scare potential investors, upset existing investors and lower the company's market value.
Spotify confidentially filed paperwork for an initial public offering with the Securities and Exchange Commission, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. Axios first reported news of the filing.
San Jose, California: Twitter says President Donald Trump did not violate its terms of service when he once again used the service to escalate rhetoric about nuclear arms.
In response to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's New Year address, in which he said he had "a nuclear button" on his desk and threatened to use it against the United States, Trump said Tuesday night that his "nuclear button" is "much bigger" and "more powerful."
Since Trump rode Twitter to the presidency, the social media company has fielded calls to strip Trump of his social-media megaphone. Now there are calls for Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey - who has characterised Trump's use of the platform as "fascinating" and "complicated" - to quit or be fired if the company doesn't ban Trump.
A Twitter spokeswoman said the company would have no comment on the calls for Dorsey's resignation.
Washington: The Trump administration on Thursday proposed opening nearly all US offshore waters to oil and gas drilling, reversing protections in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific.
The bid to expand American energy production faces objections from environmentalists, state officials and some business groups worried about spills and the potential impact on coastal tourism.
A Shell floating drill rig Kulluk in Kodiak Island, Alaska's Kiliuda Bay as salvage teams conduct an in-depth assessment of its seaworthiness after it ran aground off an island near Kodiak . Credit:AP
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said the draft National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2019 to 2024 would make over 90 per cent of the outer continental shelf's total acreage available for leasing, including areas put off-limits by the Obama administration.
"We want to grow our nation's offshore energy industry, instead of slowly surrendering it to foreign shores," Zinke said in prepared remarks, saying the plan is part of the Trump administration's "American Energy Dominance" agenda.
Few political allegations are as persistent as the charge that Donald Trump is Vladimir Putin's puppet.
The theory goes like this: In 2016, the Trump campaign colluded with Moscow to hack into the emails of the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton's campaign chair. The Russians then gave the emails to WikiLeaks, which made them public and wrecked the anti-Russian Clinton's chances of winning the White House a result that confounded almost all political experts.
Ever since the election, Trump and his team have been busily covering up the crime. Trump is also vulnerable to Kremlin blackmail, we are told, because an intelligence dossier produced by an ex-British spy shows Trump's dirty deeds in Moscow hotels years before he ran for president.
All of this supposedly explains why Trump wants to appease a brutal dictator. It is also why headlines, such as "Putin's first year in the White House", and "Donald Trump: Kremlin Employee of the Month" often litter the American press.
It was apparently home to short-lived settlements that appeared and disappeared over thousands of years. Every now and then, people arrived to build tent-like structures, fish for salmon, and hunt for hare and other small game. DNA from an infant found at the Upward Sun River discovery site is giving scientists the best look yet at the Native American's genetics. Credit:Ben Potter In 2010, Potter and his colleagues discovered human bones at Upward Sun River. Atop a hearth dating back 11,500 years were the cremated bones of a 3-year-old child. Digging into the hearth itself, archaeologists discovered the remains of two infants. The two infants were given names: the baby girl is Xach'itee'aanenh T'eede Gaay ("sunrise girl-child," in Middle Tanana, the dialect of the local community), and the remains of the other infant, or perhaps a fetus, is Yelkaanenh T'eede Gaay ("dawn twilight girl-child"). The Healy Lake Village Council and the Tanana Chiefs Conference agreed to let scientists search the remains for genetic material. Eventually, they discovered mitochondrial DNA, which is passed only from mother to child, suggesting each had different mothers. Moreover, each infant had a type of mitochondrial DNA found also in living Native Americans.
That finding prompted Potter and his colleagues begin a more ambitious search. They began collaborating with Willerslev, whose team of geneticists has built an impressive record of recovering DNA from ancient Native American bones. Among them are the 12,700-year-old Anzick Child, the oldest genome ever found in the Americas, and the Kennewick Man, a 8500-year-old skeleton discovered in a river bank in Washington state. Questions over his lineage provoked a decade-long legal dispute between scientists, Native American tribes and the Army Corps of Engineers. Living Native Americans descend from two major ancestral groups. The northern branch includes a number of communities in Canada, such as the Athabascans, along with some tribes in the United States like the Navajo and Apache. The southern branch includes the other tribes in the US, as well as all indigenous people in Central America and South America. Both the Anzick Child and Kennewick Man belonged to the southern branch, Willerslev and his colleagues have found. So he was eager to see how the people of Upward Sun River might be related. But the remains found there represented a huge scientific challenge.
The search for DNA in the cremated bones ended in failure, and Willerslev and his colleagues managed to retrieve only fragments from the remains of Yelkaanenh T'eede Gaay, the youngest of the infants. But the researchers had better luck with Xach'itee'aanenh T'eede Gaay. Eventually, they managed to put together an accurate reconstruction of her entire genome. To analyse it, Willerslev and Potter collaborated with a number of geneticists and anthropologists. Sunrise Girl they discovered, was more closely related to living Native Americans than to any other living people or to DNA extracted from other extinct lineages. But she belonged to neither the northern or southern branch of Native Americans. Instead, Sunrise Girl was part of a previously unknown population that diverged genetically from the ancestors of Native Americans about 20,000 years ago, Willerslev and his colleagues concluded. They now call these people Ancient Beringians. Beringia refers to Alaska and the eastern tip of Siberia, and to the land bridge that joined them during the last ice age. Appearing and disappearing over the eons, it has long been suspected as the route that humans took from Asia to the Western Hemisphere.
There has been little archaeological evidence, however, perhaps because early coastal settlements were submerged by rising seas. Thanks to her unique position in the Native American family tree, the baby girl has given scientists a clear idea how this enormous step in human history may have happened. Her ancestors - and those of all Native Americans - started out in Asia and share a distant ancestry with Chinese people. In the new study, the scientists estimate those two lineages split about 36,000 years ago. The population that would give rise to Native Americans originated somewhere in northeast Siberia, Willerslev believes. Archaeological evidence suggests they may have hunted for woolly rhino and other big game that ranged over the grasslands. "It wasn't such a bad place as we kind of imagine it or as we see it today," he said. In fact, Siberia appears to have attracted a lot of genetically distinct peoples, and they interbred widely until about 25,000 years ago, the researchers determined. About a third of living Native American DNA can be traced to a vanished people known as the ancient north Eurasians, known only from a genome recovered from the 24,000-year-old skeleton of a boy.
But the flow of genes from other Asian populations dried up about 25,000 years ago, and the ancestors of Native Americans became genetically isolated. About 20,000 years ago, the new analysis finds, these people began dividing into genetically distinct groups. First to split off were the Ancient Beringians, the people from whom Xach'itee'aanenh T'eede Gaay descended. About 4000 years later, the scientists estimate, the northern and southern branches of the Native American tree split. According to Ripan Malhi, an anthropologist at the University of Illinois and a co-author of the new study, these genetic results support a theory of human migration called the Beringian Standstill model. Based on previous genetic studies, Malhi has argued that the ancestors of Native Americans did not rush across Beringia and disperse across the Americas. Instead, they lingered there for thousands of years, their genes acquiring increasingly distinctive variations. And while the new study reveals the existence of the Ancient Beringians, it doesn't tell scientists much about their ultimate fate.
But knives and other tools found at the Upward Sun River site belong to a tradition, called the Denali Complex, that endured until at least 7000 years ago. The people made those tools elsewhere in central Alaska may have been Ancient Beringians. If so, they survived for nearly 13,000 years after splitting from the ancestors of other Native Americans. "The archaeology fits with them lasting for quite long," Potter said. The Native Americans who today live around the Upward Sun River site belong to the northern branch of the genetic family. The new study indicates that their ancestors returned north at some point to Alaska, perhaps replacing or absorbing the Ancient Beringians. If the latter, and if geneticists are able to sequence more DNA from northern branch tribes, then they may stumble across living proof of an ancient North American people that no one knew existed. "My answer to the question, 'What happened to the Ancient Beringians?' is: 'We don't know'," Potter said. "And I like that answer."
Black robes, turbans and terror when it comes to being the bete noire of the Western imagination, few countries can compete with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979 overthrew the autocracy of the Shah, leading directly into the US embassy hostage crisis and the Iran-Iraq War, the United States and its allies have repeatedly sought to imagine and create a Middle East and a world in which Iran and more importantly Iran's foreign policies ceased to exist, whether through an impenetrable system of sanctions and diplomatic isolation or through simple military destruction.
After thousands of Iranians took to the streets this week in protest over the way their country is run, only to be met with lethal repression and media censorship, it is hardly surprising to see the US and Israeli governments and Western analysts race to the microphones to cry "I told you so" and in some cases to advocate regime change. If their experiences in Iraq, Libya and Syria have not taught these pundits the virtues of forbearance, perhaps they might consider the history of foreign intervention in Iran itself, from the Anglo-Soviet overthrow of Reza Shah in 1941 and the CIA-engineered coup against Mohammad Mosaddeq in 1953 to the arming and encouragement of Saddam Hussein in the 1980s.
The people of Iran are also struggling to imagine a different world, one in which the nation's wealth and its prominent role in world affairs translates into prosperity and dignity for ordinary men and women. As was the case in the so-called "Arab Spring" upheavals of 2011-12, the Iranian regime is confronted by an increasingly youthful population 60 per cent of its citizens are under 30 who lack prospects and are denied avenues to express their deep dissatisfaction.
From a Western perspective, talk of change tends to focus on the ruling clerical establishment and in particular the figure of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But Iranians themselves are doubtless also wondering about the wisdom of electing President Hassan Rouhani, whose nuclear deal with six major powers may have ended some of the sanctions the country faced but has not yet translated into better times. They will also be asking themselves what it would take to remove the thuggery of state-run militias from their daily lives and to roll back the extensive business interests and political power of the Pasdaran, or Revolutionary Guard Corps.
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Hes seeing Red!
A new subway line could serve Red Hook, Gov. Cuomo announced in his annual State of the State speech on Wednesday, during which he called on two state-run agencies to probe whether building an underwater tunnel that connects the coastal enclave with the outer borough of Manhattan will stimulate growth in the transit-starved nabe.
Explore whether Red Hook has enough transportation alternatives or if they should study the possibility of a new subway line to stimulate Red Hooks community-based development, the way we did on the west side of Manhattan, and with the east-side line, Cuomo said while delivering his speech up in Albany.
But first, the states Commander in Chief asked that Port Authority of New York and New Jersey honchos pack up their maritime operation at the Red Hook Container Terminal a waterfront port roughly the size of Brooklyn Bridge Park that runs from the foot of Carroll Street to Atlantic Avenue and ship it down to Sunset Parks South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, in order to free up the massive marina for its potential redevelopment into a new transit hub.
Red Hook is full of untapped potential, and with this proposal, I am calling on the Port Authority to accelerate consideration of relocating its Red Hook maritime activities to free up this waterfront for more productive community use, Cuomo said in a press release.
Last year, Port Authority chiefs floated the idea of selling the terminal when its current lease expires this year, but ultimately decided to keep the port in the shipping business for bit longer as they consider a future sale.
And Cuomos isnt the first call to bring a subway to the nabe. In 2016, executives at California-based engineering firm AECOM pitched a massive redevelopment of the waterfront including the container-terminal site that proposed extending the 1 train from its terminus in Manhattan to Red Hook and building massive high-rises, but local leaders and residents slammed the idea, charging the ports maritime roots should not be abandoned.
The governors announcement came on the heels of Mayor DeBlasios in-development plan to lay 14 miles of light-rail tracks from Sunset Park through Red Hook and into the outer borough of Queens as part of a new trolley, the Brooklyn Queens Connector.
Other subway-starved areas were conspicuously absent from Cuomos plan to increase locals transit options, including Marine Park, which is not being served by the mayors streetcar and where locals are still pushing for a century-old proposal to stretch the 2 and 5 trains route from Eastern Parkway to Avenue U.
City officials said its too early to say if the governors proposed Red Hook subway would impact Hizzoners trolly plan and did not respond to a request for comment whether his suggestion to bring another transit-infrastructure project to the nabe is merely the latest swipe in the two pols ongoing spat.
A spokesman for the Port Authority said its honchos look forward to working with leaders at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority on the tunnel project.
We anticipate including the study in our Port Master Plan analysis that is currently underway, and we will work with New York City officials on a timetable for discussions on consolidation alternatives at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal, said Steve Coleman. We look forward to collaboratively developing options for the maritime activity.
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Hes saying your prayers!
A Park Slope pastor offers down-and-out locals a direct line to the man upstairs in the form of a special mailbox outside his Seventh Avenue church where needy passersby can drop their written requests for spiritual aid, he said.
I bring these prayers to the alter, I lift them up to God, and I ask for Gods grace for these people, said Rev. HyoungDock Yoo, a clergyman at Grace United Methodist Church.
Yoo installed the confidential prayer-deposit box at a friends suggestion six years ago, after he moved from Connecticut to preach at the Park Slope house of worship at 33 Seventh Ave. News of the receptacle was first reported by City Lab.
The preacher said he received hundreds of prayer requests since, from people of all creeds and walks of life that are suffering deeply personal crises that drove them to seek help from above.
There are a lot of desperate people, Yoo said. The last thing they can think to do is turn to God.
Yoo reaches out to the boss each morning at dawn, kneeling down at the 150-year-old churchs alter for a moment of silent prayer, during which he passes along the days special requests as his two-year-old Maltese mix, Lucy, plays in the background, he said.
Shes not very good at prayer, Yoo said.
Anonymous prayer pleas usually come in at a rate of about two or three a week, but more tend to arrive around the holidays or amid a national crisis, such as the aftermath of a terrorist attack, the pastor said.
But most petitions are unique to their maker, according to Yoo, who said the requests for divine intervention are prompted by all types of calamity, including cancer scares, financial emergencies, drug addiction, and even rent hikes.
The faith leader admitted he cant promise anything on behalf of the Lord above, and that most people who use the prayer box arent the church-going type, leaving him unsure of their fates.
I dont know if Im helping them or not, Yoo said. They have to wait for God to intervene, or they will find their own way to God.
But that doesnt bother the local pastor, who said he always holds the whole of Park Slope in his own prayers.
I can still do my best, the reverend said. I want them to know Im here to pray for the community.
Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN), the all-island organisation responsible for the promotion of business angel investment, is forecasting a 17% increase in angel investing in Irish start-ups as the economy grows in 2018, and they also predict it will reach 25 million per year by 2020.
HBAN also anticipates that funding for start-ups in the Medtech sector in particular will grow significantly and artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality also.
Last year, the medtech sector proved to be attractive to HBAN angels, with 4.1 million invested in just seven major deals. One of the big stories was Cork-based, AventaMed which received 1.8 million in a deal with three HBAN syndicates MedTech, Boole and Irrus. HBAN predicts that Irelands medtech hub will continue to present excellent opportunities for angel investors in 2018, and that the average deal value done in this space will increase from this years 585,000.
National Director at HBAN, John Phelan said, "The Irish start-up scene is vibrant and growing and it provides excellent opportunities for investors. Irish start-ups are increasingly of interest to US and other off-shore investors as they recognise that Irish start-ups seeking angel investment are often more developed with revenue streams, technology and business platforms already in-situ. Some are even making a profit."
HBAN will hold its national conference on Thursday, 8th February in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham. The conference is open to non-HBAN members who want to see how the HBAN network works, connect with HBAN angels and listen to pitches from high-potential start-ups.
Source: www.businessworld.ie
Didi Chuxing's buyout of Brazilian ride-hailing company 99 is only the latest in a series of Didi overseas acquisitions as the Chinese ride-hailing market becomes increasingly saturated. Photo: Visual China
Chinese ride-hailing kingpin Didi Chuxing has acquired Brazilian peer 99 as Didi continues its overseas push, posing a challenge to U.S.-based Uber.
The terms of the deal have yet made public, but the New York Times, citing anonymous sources, reported that the acquisition was worth $600 million. The Beijing-based Didi had already taken a minority stake in the Brazilian ride-hailing company in early 2017.
Founded in 2012, 99 has 14 million registered users in more than 400 cities across Brazil. The South American country with a population of more than 200 million is one of the largest battlegrounds for global tech titans Uber Technologies Inc. and Didi.
We are confident that being part of Didi Chuxing will vastly enhance our capability to expand our services throughout Brazil to bring critical value to users, drivers and cities, 99 CEO Peter Fernandez said in a statement.
Didis move came weeks after it netted $4 billion in a round of fundraising from a group led by Japanese telecom giant SoftBank Group Corp., giving the company an estimated valuation of $56 billion.
Didi, which was created by a 2015 merger between Didi Dache, which was backed by Internet titan Tencent Holdings Ltd., and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.-backed Kuaidi Dache, has attracted dozens of global and domestic investors, including banks, private equity firms and Internet companies.
Facing an increasingly saturated market in China, where it has become the undisputed leader in the ride-hailing business, Didi has ventured further afield in recent years. For example, the company has expanded its alliance with international ride-hailing startups to Singapores Grab, Estonias Taxify, Indias Ola, and the Middle Easts Careem in addition to Brazils 99. Early last year, Didi invested $100 million in U.S.-based Lyft, Ubers main rival at home.
Last month, Didi announced a partnership with Ledi Technology Co., allowing the Taiwan company to use the Didi brand and platform on the island.
Didi, which now has around $15 billion available in its capital budget, will no doubt be able to extend its global footprint in the near future in order to launch an all-out fight with Uber, said blogger and industry analyst Wang Guanxiong.
Wang added that the worldwide war between Didi and Uber has only just begun, even though the two companies reached a truce in China after Ubers operation in the country was merged into Didi in 2016.
Contact reporter Mo Yelin (yelinmo@caixin.com)
The death rate from cancer in the US has declined steadily over the past 2 decades, according to annual statistics reporting from the American Cancer Society. As of 2015, the cancer death rate for men and women combined had fallen 26% from its peak in 1991. This decline translates to nearly 2.4 million deaths averted during this time period.
During the most recent decade of available data, the rate of new cancer diagnoses decreased by about 2% per year in men and stayed about the same in women.
Cancer Statistics, 2018, published in the American Cancer Societys journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, estimates the numbers of new cancer cases and deaths expected in the US this year. The estimates are some of the most widely quoted cancer statistics in the world. The information is also released in a companion report, Cancer Facts and Figures 2018, available on the interactive website, the Cancer Statistics Center. A total of 1,735,350 new cancer cases and 609,640 deaths from cancer are projected to occur in the US in 2018.
The drop in cancer mortality is mostly due to steady reductions in smoking and advances in early detection and treatment. This new report reiterates where cancer control efforts have worked, particularly the impact of tobacco control, said Otis W. Brawley, M.D., chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. A decline in consumption of cigarettes is credited with being the most important factor in the drop in cancer death rates. Strikingly though, tobacco remains by far the leading cause of cancer deaths today, responsible for nearly 3 in 10 cancer deaths.
Major cancer types: Lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer
The overall drop in cancer death rates is largely due to decreasing death rates for lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
Lung cancer death rates declined 45% from 1990 to 2015 among men and 19% from 2002 to 2015 among women. From 2005 to 2014, the rates of new lung cancer cases dropped by 2.5% per year in men and 1.2% per year in women. The differences reflect historical patterns in tobacco use, where women began smoking in large numbers many years later than men, and were slower to quit.
Breast cancer death rates declined 39% from 1989 to 2015 among women. The progress is attributed to improvements in early detection.
Prostate cancer death rates declined 52% from 1993 to 2015 among men. Routine screening with the PSA blood test is no longer recommended because of concerns about high rates of over-diagnosis (finding cancers that would never need to be treated). Therefore, fewer cases of prostate cancer are now being detected.
Colorectal cancer death rates declined 52% from 1970 to 2015 among men and women because of increased screening and improvements in treatment. However, between 2006 and 2015, the death rate among adults younger than 55 increased by 1% per year.
Cancer outcomes vary among racial/ethnic groups
The rates of new cancer cases and cancer deaths vary quite a bit among racial and ethnic groups, with rates generally highest among African Americans and lowest for Asian Americans. The cancer death rate in 2015 was 14% higher in Blacks than in whites. That gap has narrowed from a peak of 33% in 1993. However, the racial gap was much larger for those younger than 65 than it was for those 65 or older, likely in part due to universal health care access for seniors through Medicare.
Racial and ethnic disparities in the cancer burden are a reflection of several factors related to socioeconomic status. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2016, 22% of Blacks and 19% of Hispanics/Latinos lived below the poverty line, compared to 9% of whites and 10% of Asians.
People with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to smoke and be obese, partly because of targeted marketing to this population by tobacco companies and fast food chains. In addition, community factors often limit opportunities for physical activity and access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
In 2016, 11% of Blacks and 16% of Hispanics/Latinos were uninsured, compared to 6% of whites and 8% of Asians.
Even when other factors are equal, studies show that racial and ethnic minorities tend to receive lower-quality health care than whites.
Cancer in children and adolescents
Cancer is the second most common cause of death among children ages 1 to 14 years in the US, after accidents. In 2018, an estimated 10,590 children in this age group will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,180 will die from it. Leukemia accounts for almost a third (29%) of all childhood cancers, followed by brain and other nervous system tumors (26%).
Cancer incidence rates increased in children and adolescents by 0.6% per year since 1975. However, death rates have declined continuously. The 5-year relative survival rate for all cancer sites combined improved from 58% for children diagnosed during 1975 to 1977 to 83% for those diagnosed during 2007 to 2013.
Special section on ovarian cancer
Each year, American Cancer Society researchers include a special section in Cancer Facts & Figures highlighting an issue of cancer research or care. This year, the topic is ovarian cancer. The reports authors say improving the ability to detect ovarian cancer early is a research priority. Some key facts about ovarian cancer:
Women diagnosed with local-stage ovarian cancer have more than a 90% 5-year survival rate.
About 4 out of 5 ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed with advanced disease that has spread throughout the abdominal cavity.
Ovarian cancer accounts for just 2.5% of all cancer cases in women, but 5% of cancer deaths because of the diseases low survival rate.
In 2018, there will be an estimated 22,240 new cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed and 14,070 deaths in the US.
The special section provides information about ovarian cancer risk factors, incidence and mortality rates and trends, early detection, and treatment that is primarily related to epithelial tumors, the most common subtype of ovarian cancer. Understanding of this subtype has evolved rapidly in recent years.
Other highlights from the report:
The overall estimate of 1,735,350 cases for 2018 equals more than 4,700 new cancer diagnoses each day.
The lifetime probability of being diagnosed with cancer is 39.7% for men and 37.6% for women, which is a little more than 1 in 3.
The most common cancers to be diagnosed in men are prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers, which account for 42% of all cases, with prostate cancer alone accounting for almost 1 in 5 new diagnoses.
The most common cancers to be diagnosed in women are breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, which combined represent one-half of all cases; breast cancer alone accounts for 30% of all new cancer diagnoses in women.
The most common causes of cancer death continue to be lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers in men and lung, breast, and colorectal cancers in women. These 4 cancers account for 45% of all cancer deaths, with 1 in 4 cancer deaths from lung cancer.
Liver cancer incidence continues to increase rapidly in women, but appears to be stabilizing in men. People infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are at greater risk for liver cancer. All baby boomers (those born between 1945 and 1965) are recommended to be tested for HCV because 80% of HCV-infected people are in this age group.
Cancer Statistics 2018 can be viewed at cacancerjournal.com, while Cancer Facts & Figures 2018 is available at cancer.org/statistics.
Published On Jan 04, 2018 10:08 AM By Raunak
Kia Motors Indias first-ever managing director and chief executive officer will oversee its upcoming plant, which will roll out its compact sedan and SUV from 2019, in Andhra Pradesh
Kia has appointed Kookhyun Shim as MD and CEO of its Indian operations. Shim will not only strategise Kias plans for the Indian market but will also supervise its upcoming Andhra Pradesh-based facility which will be operational in 2019. The plant is part of an USD 1.1 billion (approximately over Rs 7,000 crore) investment that Hyundais subsidiary brand has announced in April 2017.
Kookhyun Shim has over 30 years experience in the automotive industry. Before being appointed as MD and CEO of Kia Motors India (KMI), he was serving as head of Kia Motors Georgia plant coordination group. Prior to this, he was the head coordinator of production in Slovakia. Speaking about recent developments of KMI, it announced in April 2017 that a compact sedan and SUV will be its initial products for the Indian market. Later, it was reported that the automaker is planning a sub-4m SUV, which is expected to be based on Hyundais Carlino concept.
Kia recently revealed the Stonic compact SUV, which is also being considered as a potential offering for the Indian market, in Europe. However, nothing has been officially confirmed by the South Korean automaker till now. But not to worry, Auto Expo 2018 is around the corner and Kia is expected to have a big show since this will be its first-ever appearance in the country.
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State Bank of India (SBI) has released an official employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the posts under Specialist Cadre Officers. The recruitment is for Chartered Accountants for the designation of Deputy Managers.
Interested candidates can check out the details of the eligibility, salary scale, application process and more here and apply before the deadline ends on 28 January 2018.
SBI Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details
CRITERIA DETAILS Name of the post Deputy Manager (Internal Audit) Total number of posts 50 vacancies Eligibility Chartered Accountants with minimum 2 years experience in statutory/internal/ Concurrent Audit of Banks, in/with a Chartered Accountant firm engaged in statutory/internal/ Concurrent Audit of Banks or in the employment of a Bank. 'Experience Certificate issued by the firms for employees working in CA firms/Copy of the engagement letter from Banks for others, would be required,' reads the official notification, adding that working knowledge in MS office is also required. Age limit Candidates applying for the posts should be in the age group of 21-35 years. Salary Scale Rs 31, 705 to Rs 45,950
Job Role Conducting Audit of branches/ offices of the Bank and/ or its Subsidiaries/ Associates/ JVs located within India or abroad at the direction of the Internal Audit Department of the Bank, preparation of reports for the activities audited containing the findings of audit, preparation of memorandum/reports for reporting to Management and/ or Board Level Committee and any other work that may be entrusted by the Bank.
Selection Process The selection of candidates will be on the basis of online written test and interview/group discussion official website sbi.co.in
Test Centres for SBI Recruitment Exam
CITY Ahmedabad Vadodara Bangalore Bhopal Raipur Bhubaneshwar Chandigarh Jammu Srinagar Chennai Madurai Guwahati Hyderabad/Secunderabad Vishakhapatnam Kolkata/Greater Kolkata Lucknow Varanasi Mumbai/ Greater Mumbai/Thane/Navi Mumbai Nagpur Pune Dehradun Jaipur New Delhi/Delhi NCR Patna Ranchi Ernakulam Trivandrum
Also Read: Bank Jobs 2018: Apply for South Canara District Central Co-operative Bank Recruitment Now!
SBI Recruitment 2018 Dates
EVENT DATE Application start date 5 January 2018 Application end date 28 January 2018 Tentative Date for downloading call letter 12 February 2018 Online exam date 25 February 2018
Click here to read the official advertisement
How to apply for SBI Recruitment 2018 for Deputy Manager?
In order to apply for SBI Recruitment for Deputy Manager, follow the steps given here:
Step 1 Log on to the official website of State Bank of India Careers Step 2 On the homepage, click on the recruitment link that is scrolling from right to left. The link reads, 'Recruitment of Specialist Cadre Officers in State Bank of india' Step 3 The list of recruitments will be opened in a new page. Check for the relevant advertisement notification Step 4 Click on Apply Online Link Under "Recruitment of Specialist Cadre Officers in State Bank of India(Apply Online from 05-01-2018 to 28-01-2018)
Advertisement no. CRPD/SCO-CA/2017-18/08"
Step 5
The registration form will be open from 5 January 2018. Fill in the requisite details and attach the necessary documents
Step 6
Pay the application fees
Step 7
Complete the registration process
Note
There will not be any call letters sent through post. Candidates must download it once it is released on the website. For more updates on the recruitment, keep checking CareerIndia
Indian Railways Recruitment 2018 for Engineer Posts: Check Eligibility, Salary And How To Apply
The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Patna has released an employment notification, calling out for aspirants to apply for recruitment for filling various government posts such as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor.
The vacancies are in the department of civil engineering, computer science and engineering, electronics and communication engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and architecture under 4 tier flexible faculty cadre structure.
NIT Patna Recruitment for Professor Vacancy details
Number of vacancies: 122
Name of the posts: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Professor
Eligibility
Name of the post Qualification Assistant Professor Interested candidates must have a PhD degree in the relevant discipline, with experience. Associate Professor Interested candidates must have a PhD degree in the relevant discipline. They should be possessing an experience of six years after PhD, of which at least three years at the level of Assistant Professor with academic grade pay of Rs 8000 Or nine years total working experience, of which three years should be after PhD, with at least three years at the level of Assistant Professor with academic grade pay of Rs 8000. Professor Interested candidates must have a PhD degree in the relevant discipline, with experience.
NIT Patna Recruitment Salary Details
Name of the post Qualification Assistant Professor Selected candidates will get a monthly salary of Rs 15,600 to Rs 39,100, along with a grade pay of Rs 8,000. Associate Professor Selected candidates will get a monthly salary of Rs 37,400 to Rs 67,000, along with a grade pay of Rs 9,500. Professor Selected candidates will get a monthly salary of Rs 37,400 to Rs 67,000, along with a grade pay of Rs 10,500.
Dates to remember
Last date for submission of online application: January 22.
Last date for receipt of hard copy of the duly filled application form: January 31 by 5:30 pm.
Also Read: UPPSC Recruitment 2018 for 2000 Lecturers and 595 Dental Surgeon Posts
How to apply for Professor Recruitment in NIT Patna online?
In order to apply for Professor Recruitment in NIT Patna online, follow the steps given here:
Step 1 Log on to the official website nitp.ac.in Step 2 Click on the recruitment link on the homepage that reads "Faculty Recruitment Advertisement No. NITP/Rect./01/2018 - for Assistant, Associate and Professor level. Get Advertisement | Apply online" Step 3 A log in page will appear on the screen. Fill the required details such as applicant name, e-mail ID and password in the space provided Step 4 Click Register button to register as a new user
Step 5
Once you register, your login credentials will be given. Log in using that
Step 6
Complete the registration process
How to apply for Professor Recruitment in NIT Patna through post?
In order to apply for Professor Recruitment in NIT Patna through post, follow the steps given here:
Click here to download the application form Fill in the relevant details Attach all the supporting documents Send it by speed/registered post
NIT Patna Mailing address
'The Director, NIT Patna, Ashok Rajpath, Patna-800005, India'.
JNU Recruitment 2018 for Professor Posts: Earn Up to Rs 67000!
Nissan has introduced a technology that will enable vehicles to interpret signals from drivers brain. The break-through technology redefines the way how people interact with their cars. The companys Brain-to-Vehicle, or B2V, technology promises to speed up reaction times for drivers and will lead to cars that keep adapting to make driving more enjoyable.
Nissan will demonstrate capabilities of this exclusive technology at the CES 2018 trade show in Las Vegas. B2V is the latest development in Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the companys vision for transforming how cars are driven, powered and integrated into society.
When most people think about autonomous driving, they have a very impersonal vision of the future, where humans relinquish control to the machines. Yet B2V technology does the opposite, by using signals from their own brain to make the drive even more exciting and enjoyable, said Nissan Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci. Through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, we are moving people to a better world by delivering more autonomy, more electrification and more connectivity.
The technology aims predict actions by catching signs that the drivers brain is about to initiate a movement such as turning the steering wheel or pushing the accelerator pedal driver assist technologies can begin the action more quickly. This can improve reaction times and enhance manual driving. Also it can detect and evaluate driver discomfort after which artificial intelligence can change the driving configuration or driving style when in autonomous mode.
Other possible uses include adjusting the vehicles internal environment, said Dr. Lucian Gheorghe, senior innovation researcher at the Nissan Research Center in Japan, whos leading the B2V research. For example, the technology can use augmented reality to adjust what the driver sees and create a more relaxing environment.
Nissan
Auto enthusiasts from around the world eagerly wait to witness the improved or bettered version of their favorite super car. Spy-shots give us a glimpse of whats in store in the coming times. Here below is a list of cars which is expected to be introduced in 2018.
Porsche 911
After the 964, the 993, the 997 and the 991 comes the new generation 911 . The upcoming model was spotted testing on the Milton Road near the Grand Canyon. The 911 will be built on a new modular platform and feature a wider range of powertrains. It is also expected to include its first ever hybrid set-up. The overall design wont deter from the classic 911 layout as it hasnt since its inception. The headlamps though will get a new signature which will debut in all future Porsches in the coming years.
BMW 8 Series
The BMW 8 Series has been doing rounds for quite some time and the launch is imminent. BMW has revived this series after decades and it will include the flagship coupes and convertibles that run primarily on fossil fuels. As a part of its product realignment strategy, the 6 Series has now been reformed into the 8 Series making way for newer cars under the 6 brand.
Aston Martin Vanquish
Back in December the upcoming Aston Martin Vanquish was subjected to extreme winter weather (-25 degrees Celsius) testing in Finland. This time around, the vehicle will get sportier air dams on the front bumpers and redesigned tail lamps. Although the company has not revealed the exact technical specifications for now, Aston Martin s boss, Andy Palmer had claimed that the new model will take on the likes of the 789bhp Ferrari 812 Superfast. We believe that the vehicle might get the DB11 s twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 engine with a power output figure of about 700bhp.
BMW M3
BMW has been working on the all-new generation of the G20 3 Series sedan for a while now. The Bavarian carmaker has now taken to the street with the first prototype of the performance derivative of the saloon, the M3 . Based on what can be seen, the new model gets massive air intakes on the front, flared wheel arches, sharp creases and aerodynamic mirrors. The new model will get sharper taillights than the current generation model. Under the hood will be the same turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six motor. But it will be heavily revised to make it more modern, powerful and even more efficient than the current one. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system for the motor is also on the cards but nothing has been confirmed yet.
Photo: The Canadian Press
Diane Zhao has made the journey from China to Niagara Falls three times before, but she has never seen it like this a veritable ice palace, straight out of a fairy tale.
"I just wanted to see the ice and the frozen falls," Zhao said of her fourth trip to the falls. "It's so huge and beautiful."
About 14 million people visit the Niagara Region in southern Ontario each year, most of them in the summer months, according to local authorities.
The Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the region's star attraction, has seen more visitors than usual this winter, the Niagara Parks Commission says, as record cold temperatures in recent weeks have turned the surging waters and their surroundings into an icy winter wonderland.
"This has been wonderful," parks commission chair Janice Thomson said. "Just in the past week we've seen (such a) flow of people."
Word of the wintry spectacle has spread across the globe in recent days as stories about the icy falls have been published by the likes of CNN, the Washington Post, BBC and news outlets in continental Europe.
Many visitors hear the falls have frozen and want to see the mighty flow of water brought to a standstill, Thomson said.
"Of course we know the falls aren't frozen over," Thomson noted.
Rather, spray and mist freeze into a crust over top of the water, creating the illusion that the falls have stopped falling, she explained.
Niagara Falls has only truly stopped once, the Niagara Parks Commission says for 30 hours in March 1848, when millions of tons of ice temporarily clogged the source of the Niagara River.
While the falls aren't truly frozen today, the effect is still stunning, and the same mist that freezes over the falls has formed an icy casing over every tree branch, railing and lamppost in the surrounding area.
Huge blocks of ice are pushed over the falls and into the frigid waters below, where they swirl in whirlpools or freeze into a glacier-like "ice bridge" that sometimes reaches 10 storeys high.
China sees a rise in clinker imports
04 January 2018
China imported 184,600t of clinker in the first 11 months of 2017, over four times the amount imported during the year-ago period, according to Caixin Global. These figures have been attributed to a surge in domestic prices making it more cost effective to import the material.
The majority of the clinker was imported from Vietnam for companies based in Hainan, Shandong, Zhejiang and Beijing.
The rise in domestic clinker prices has been linked to a government campaign to limit the production of some heavy industries such as cement to reduce air pollution. On 5 December, the price in Anhui province and some areas of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces saw an increase of CNY50/t (US$7.68/t) to over CNY500/t.
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Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., have released the Louisiana Students Rights Review, a 15-page guide that explains the religious freedom rightsof teachers and students in public schools.
The review says that public schools in the U.S. do not need to be religion-free zones.
"To the contrary, both federal and state laws specifically protect religious freedom rights in public schools," the document reads. "Thankfully, Congress and our state legislature still recognize the fundamental importance of religious liberty the first freedom listed in the Constitution's Bill of Rights."
The document also says that just because schools have to stay neutral on religion, that shouldnt keep students from practicing their faith on school property.
Instead, students are free to pray, discuss their faith, read the Bible and invite others to religious events. That the U.S. Constitution protects that type of speech, the review says.
However, the document did note that all religious activity has to be student-led and student-initiated.
The U.S. Supreme Court has outlined a set of factors that would keep student prayer at such events from running afoul of the law," the document reads. "Such a prayer should be permissible if: (a) the school allows a time at graduation for a student to share a message of his or her own choosing; (b) neutral criteria determines which student is allowed to speak during this time; (c) there is no involvement or prior review of the speaker's message by the school officials or staff; and (d) students are instructed that their speech may not materially and substantially interfere with the graduation ceremony, or be vulgar, lewd or obscene."
Schools can also recognize Christmas and Easter with parties as long as the purpose is educational and does not advance a particular religion.
Faculty and teachers are allowed to organize bible studies and prayer groups outside of instructional time, according to the document.
They may also discuss religion in the classroom if it is relevant to the classrooms subject.
The document comes after a Louisiana mother sued the Webster Parish School District in December, claiming that the district was unconstitutionally promoting Christianity.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: January 4, 2018
Ten Commandment monuments erected in Alabama, Oklahoma and New Mexico have brought lawsuits and removals.
But when an 800-pound granite tablet engraved with Thou shalts and Thou shalt nots went up in a suburban Dallas shopping mall just before New Years, not a protester was in sight.
The difference, of course, is location, location, location. The controversial tablets were originally placed on public land, while the Texas tablets are in a privately owned shopping mall.
Were not trying to make a statement or create a controversy, Richard Morton, general manager of the Music City Mall at Vista Ridge, told Texas reporters Friday(Dec. 29) as the block was unveiled. Instead, he said, the monument reflects the mall owners belief system and he is not afraid to share it.
The owner is John Bushman, a former Marine and businessman from Odessa, Texas, who has said he hopes people find peace and love in the Ten Commandments. A second granite tablet bearing two of what Bushman has called the greatest commandments to love the Lord and thy neighbor is on the second floor.
Several of Bushmans other businesses, including hotels and casual dining restaurants in Texas, Colorado and New Mexico, have similar Ten Commandment displays. He has told Dallas media he wants the Music City Mall to be a community space.
A shopping mall operates like a public, community space where all are welcome. But it is actually a private space where church-state laws demanding a neutrality toward religion dont apply.
Local non-Christians have, so far, not objected publicly. Dallas is among the most Christian U.S. cities, with a population that is 78 percent Christian and with 18 percent who claim to have no religious affiliation, according to the Pew Research Center. Adherents of non-Christian faiths make up just 4 percent of Dallas-area residents.
But the tablets have inspired numerous comments on the blogosphere. Hemant Mehta, an atheist author and advocate with the popular Friendly Atheist blog, wrote of owner Bushman: He wouldve been better off just putting up a sign saying Thou shalt not steal and leaving it at that. Instead, he used his faith to create a spectacle, to drum up publicity, to make more money. Just like Jesus wanted.
Gary Randall, who writes for the blog Faith and Freedom, praised the monument. (I)t is the basis for the legal system in America, the most free, prosperous, blessed and exceptional nation in the history of the world, even though secularists claim the Commandments are not the basis for our laws, he wrote.
Some local shoppers say they love the monument. I think its great, Im excited, Colette Franklin, a resident of nearby Denton, told Community Impact Newspaper at the unveiling, which kicked off with a Christian prayer. I think its great we can get back to things that we used to have and make people aware of this foundation. We teach these values already to our kids, and this helps to enforce it.
Courtesy: Religion News Service
Photo: Music City Mall Lewisville general manager Richard Morton unveils a stone tablet that displays the Ten Commandments on Dec. 29, 2017, in Lewisville, Texas.
Photo courtesy: Music City Mall Lewisville
Publication date: January 4, 2018
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In mid-December, a science editor for BuzzFeedUK, Kelly Oates, tweeted, "All I want for Christmas is full communism now." Once this tweet was noticed, she withdrew it and issued an apology.
A month earlier, another BuzzFeedUK staffer, Blake Montgomery, had responded to a tweet from President Trump.
The president had declared November 7, 2017 as "National Day for the Victims of Communism." Montgomery then tweeted, that "victims of Communism" was just a "white nationalist talking point." He has since withdrawn the tweet and apologized.
The apologies notwithstanding, this shows how there is a great deal of ignorance about Communism and its less violent cousin, socialism, in our day. Millennials, who should know better, are arising who think a government-run economy is more fair and just than a market-based economy.
At D. James Kennedy Ministries, one of our television producers spoke with some young people during last year's presidential run of Bernie Sanders, an out-of-the-closet socialist. At the time, Sanders was making great headway with millennials.
Here are some of the comments captured on film from some young people in South Florida. Alas, they are now typical of the views of millions of Americans:
"I think socialism means doing what is best in society for everyone."
"Socialism is the means of production being controlled by the people. Capitalism is when other people control your means."
"We have to take care of each other. We haven't done that for a long time in this country."
I have interviewed conservative economist Steve Moore of FreedomWorks and the Heritage Foundation. He told our viewers: "What really troubles me is how many young people in America today, the millennials, are graduating after eight years of grade school, four years of high school, four years of college if not more, and they think that socialism is the way we should design our economy....That [is] just so disappointing because when you go to socialist places, you see that very few people work. Everybody thinks it's wonderful you're going to get all these free things, but you know at some point you've got all the people in the wagon and nobody's there to pull it anymore."
I also interviewed Bishop Harry Jackson, pastor of a large church in the greater D. C. area. He told our viewers, "[T]hings like socialism are attractive because in a secular society without God, folks see that culture as being the provider of all things. I don't think young people are looking beneath the 'gimmies,' the benefits, the promise."
The pollster George Barna also told our viewers recently, "37 percent of Americans say they prefer socialism to capitalism. When you look at the millennial generation, it's a significant majority of them who prefer that."
Could you imagine the outcry if somebody were to proclaim, "What we need is a modern Adolf Hitler"---the head of the National Socialist German Workers Party? Such ignorance and maliciousness would be rightfully condemned. Yet Lenin and Stalin and Mao, 20th century leaders of Communistic socialism, seemingly get off the hook.
As D. James Kennedy and I pointed out in our book, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? "Hitler has slain his millions. Stalin his tens of millions."
Millennials don't seem to know this history. Perhaps they've never heard of The Black Book of Communism. The publisher is Harvard University Press (1999).
This book documents in no uncertain terms the brutality that the Communists inflicted on the world. The authors write of Communism's death toll in the 20th century: "The total approaches 100 million people killed." (p. 4, emphasis added). The tolls are staggering: nearly 20 million killed in the Soviet Union under Stalin (which is frankly a low estimate), 65 million in China under Mao, and millions more in Cambodia, North Korea and Ethiopia, among others.
They point out: "One cannot help noticing the strong contrast between the study of Nazi and Communist crimes.... scholars have neglected the crimes committed by the Communists." (p. 17)
We do not even know the exact number of Ukrainians Stalin killed. He reportedly had the census workers shot, so that history would never know how many he forced into starvation. Perhaps at least 3.5 million human beings died just in the Ukraine in the 1930s, in what Robert Conquest has called "the harvest of sorrow." Some estimate it was as many as 8 million killed.
Young people in the West today, including America and Great Britain, need to learn the truth about socialism and Communism. I highly recommend two easy-to-read novels exposing the truth by a former Communist, British writer George Orwell, Animal Farm (a parable on the Russian Revolution---where the revolutionaries turned out to be worse than the czar) and 1984.
To think that young people today could long for a resurrection of "full communism" just reflects how little they know about history. "History repeats itself," writes British poet Steve Turner. "It has to. No one is listening."
Jerry Newcombe, D.Min., is an on-air host/senior producer for D. James Kennedy Ministries. He has written/co-written 28 books, e.g., The Unstoppable Jesus Christ, Doubting Thomas (w/ Mark Beliles, on Jefferson), and What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? (w/ D. James Kennedy) & the bestseller, George Washington's Sacred Fire (w/ Peter Lillback) djkm.org @newcombejerry www.jerrynewcombe.com
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As a New Year is ushered in all over the world, many will be reflecting on what future developments will define the trajectory of the Church in the new year. In 2017, the assembly in the West was further divided by the aftermath of a bitter political race, which seemed to have worsened with the decision to move the embassy of the United States to Jerusalem. It is on record that both the Pope and the Anglican Church in the United Kingdom are united and agreed that this is wrong and they stand on plain justice and reject any other consideration albeit how it is conceived. More are divided over race issues.
At least 27 people were killed in a shocking shooting at Texas church and many other wounded in what looked like a meaningless attack in a small Texas town where everybody knew everybody. In Nigeria, in the oil rich River State, gunmen killed at least 14 church goers returning from a crossover service into 2018, in what looked like a mafia-like coordinated attack. A manhunt for the bandits is still ongoing. Violence assumes a new dimension as Churches take extra measures for their safety.
The eschatological voices were not silent in 2017 as many pulpits drew attention to the signs of Christ's imminent coming ... leaving many wondering ... when indeed will Christ return and how to prepare. Late 2017 saw the passing of RC Sproul a man who influenced many to see God's Holiness and be able to come, like Isaiah did, to a new conclusion that " I am undone " ... teaching us to seek afresh to walk with God. In 2018, there is a vacuum that Church Fathers, must fill ... but who, these days, desires such a hazardous and troublous appellation?
All this as liberal movements push to neutralise gender, and it is less clear in what category of games transgender athletes fall pointing to a coming era when all sexes compete together ...male and female and whatever is in between. A world when women go to war and men or test-tubes and machines carry pregnancies ... the traditional role of women to nurture children and families is already passe and considered even potentially abusive.
So what will 2018 offer? I have no prophetic credentials and speak from plain insights and it seems we are replaying a scene as seen in Genesis 6. A time when God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and the imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil and continually so. In verse 11 of Genesis 6, it says "The earth also was corrupt before God and filled with violence." ... but also spoke of a time when Noah found grace in the eyes of God.
One has to conclude that in 2018, things can and will only get worse, while a remnant chosen by God will continue to shine and find grace to stand apart. The remnant will repent and seek after God, and live in quietness and trust in God ... doing the works, God Himself has commissioned. The rest, helped by a bolder intelligentsia and a ravenous polity, will continue as though God does not exist or that He exists for their own selfish insatiable appetites and to fulfil their never ending quest for rights and wicked wants and desires.
The true prophets will point to the count down to the end ... the false will embolden everyone to do as they please. Meanwhile the violence, politics and social chaos will continue in its downward spiral as the remnant walking with God brings about revivals as we have never seen, many returning to escape deceptions and the wrath that must come. Ponder Anew.
There you have it ... my prophecies for 2018. Happy New Year.
Donald Trump did not want to be president: Why many evangelicals will like that
Donald Trump did not want to be President.
That is one of a number of dramatic claims made in Michael Wolff's book and dominating political headlines both in the US and the UK. Alongside the suggestion former British Prime Minister Tony Blair told Trump the British government was spying on him during the campaign and that media mogul Rupert Murdoch branded Trump 'a f***ing idiot' after a phone call, the portrayal of Trump as never wanting to win the campaign is one of the most shocking allegations to emerge so far.
'As the campaign came to an end, Trump himself was sanguine,' the book reads according to an extract in the New Yorker magazine. 'His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win. "I can be the most famous man in the world," he had told his aide Sam Nunberg at the outset of the race. His longtime friend Roger Ailes, the former head of Fox News, liked to say that if you want a career in television, first run for president. Now Trump, encouraged by Ailes, was floating rumors about a Trump network. It was a great future. He would come out of this campaign, Trump assured Ailes, with a far more powerful brand and untold opportunities.'
But win he did on the coat tails of some of the most powerful evangelical leaders in the US: Jerry Falwell Jnr, Franklin Graham, Robert Jeffress and dozens more who said 'God showed up' in the 2016 presidential election.
'Political pundits are stunned. Many thought the Trump/Pence ticket didn't have a chance. None of them understand the God-factor,' Franklin Graham wrote on Facebook after the election in November.
The utter chaos of Trump's early administration portrayed in Wolff's book is unlikely to dampen their enthusiasm for a President they see as raised up by God 'for such a time as this'.
The motif of a reluctant leader, who does not want power but is individually chosen by God for a specific role, is one familiar to evangelicals.
'Who am I,' asked the Old Testament hero Moses (Exodus 3:1), 'that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?'
'How can I save Israel?,' cried Gideon in the Bible's account (Judges 6:15) of the would-be warrior meeting God' angel. 'My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.'
'Lord God!,' protested the Jewish prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6). 'I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.'
For evangelicals such as Falwell, Graham and Jeffress, the idea that their hero Trump never wanted to win the presidency will not dampen their excitement for him as a man sent from God. If anything it will fan the flames of their enthusiasm it was not Trump's plan but God's plan, they may think.
But while Trump's backers may cite the examples of Moses, Gideon and Jeremiah and shining examples of leaders who did not want power but had it thrust upon them, there are other less flattering examples.
Jephthah, for example, was equally reluctant when chosen. 'Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?,' he says according to Judges 11:7.
Jephthah went on to burn his own daughter in a sacrifice after a reckless vow.
And ultimately King Saul, who hid among baggage when the Israelites tried to crown him (1 Samuel 10.22), ends up going mad according to the Bible's account and is possessed with an evil spirit that drives him to try repeatedly to murder his successor.
So reluctance for power is not, in the Bible's telling, an automatic sign that everything will work out well in the end.
Franklin Graham tells Rosie O'Donnell who's really going to hell after Twitter attack on Paul Ryan
Rev. Franklin Graham has come to the defense of House Speaker Paul Ryan after Hollywood actress and leftist Rosie O'Donnell attacked him on Twitter.
Ryan tweeted (@SpeakerRyan) a message about the true meaning of Christmas on December 23: "At the end of each year, no matter how short -- or long -- it may feel, there is always Christmas. Waiting for us is thta sense of wonder the shepherds felt when the angels appeared in the night sky to herald the birth of a Savior."
O'Donnell acknowledged Ryan's tweet on December 25 when she wrote (@Rosie), "paul ryan -- don't talk about Jesus after what u just did to our nation [with tax cuts] -- u will go straight to hell u screwed up fake altar boy #JUDASmuch."
The actress received tons of support on social media, since many people do not like Ryan. However, there were also several people who chastised O'Donnell for bullying the politician. One of them is Rev. Franklin Graham.
He wrote on Facebook: "Rosie, you don't have the keys to hell, but I know the One who does. And I can tell you who will be there. Hell is going to be filled with people who rejected God's offer of salvation and turned their backs on His laws and standards, refusing to repent."
Instead of attacking people of faith, Graham suggested that she put her trust in God instead and accept His gift of salvation. "Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, and He took your sins and mine to the Cross, dying in our place, so that we might live - if we would turn from our sins and put our faith in Him. I hope one day you will put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and let him heal your heart, clean up your mouth, and forgive your sins. Do that today - you'll never regret it," he added.
Microsoft news: Kinect adapter productions discontinued
Microsoft decided to stop manufacturing Kinect Adapter for the Xbox One console. The company said it will focus on developing new accessories for its customers.
Microsoft told Polygon that the adapter "will no longer be available." The company justified its decision to stop the manufacturing process to make way for new projects. "After careful consideration, we decided to stop manufacturing the Xbox Kinect Adapter to focus attention on launching new, higher fan-requested game accessories across Xbox one and Windows 10," a Microsoft spokesperson said. The representative did not give further information if the company might consider bringing the adapter in the future.
Many Xbox One gamers expressed their sadness over the news, and Microsoft received some backlash from netizens. One netizen on Facebook suggested that Microsoft develop an Xbox One console with the Kinect already built in. There are others who are saying that they are now looking for other gamers who own a Kinect adapter and purchase it directly from them.
Microsoft did not disclose further information about new accessory projects they are working on. Microsoft's latest addition to the Xbox One console franchise is the Xbox One X released in November 2017. Even before the release of the Xbox One X, there had been many reports saying Microsoft had already stopped its Kinect production.
Polygon also reported that few people already speculated that Microsoft already discontinued the product because most retailers selling it are out of stock. However, a number of Kinect games still support the peripheral function. Microsoft did launch new updates to make sure Kinect games are playable without the Kinect.
The Kinect was first introduced in 2009 during the E3 event as Project Natal for the Xbox 360 and a model for Microsoft Windows was released on Feb. 1, 2012. Gizmodo and other technology publications consider the Kinect function as one of "Microsoft's most revolutionary ideas."
Senior Anglican priest slams opposition to assisted dying as 'pure fatalism and superstition'
A senior Anglican priest has spoken out in favour of assisted dying, dismissing as 'pure fatalism and superstition' the notion that 'the time of someone's death is purely God's business'.
Canon Rosie Harper, the chaplain to the Bishop of Buckingham and a member of the Church's General Synod, has written a controversial post on the ViaMedia blog urging acceptance of the right to die.
In it, she writes: 'Don't tell me that the time of someone's death is purely God's business. That at the moment when all a human soul wants is for it to end, God stands at the end of the bed and says: "No my child, it is my will that you suffer just a few more days." That is pure fatalism and superstition.'
She adds: 'When our lives are nearing the end there are now many societies where that degree of both choice and responsibility remains. That is not the case in the UK.
'Just when you might think we need our freedom the most the medical profession (by law) take it away from us. Just when you might think that God would most honour the freedom he has given us the Christian community take it away from us.'
In the post, Canon Harper reflects that she is writing on the subject for both 'personal and professional' reasons, reflecting on the deaths of her Swiss uncles, one from an aggressive brain tumour.
'It is professional because in the parish where I work there are a lot of funerals. Mostly the bereaved tell me of the immense kindness of all around; family and friends, doctors and nurses. They tell of the shock of sudden unexpected death and also the oblique conversations about the use of morphine. They also sometimes tell me of bad deaths. Deaths where there is no way of giving the dying person their final wish: "please, dear God, please help me to die."'
Invoking the Christian concept of free will, Canon Harper goes on: 'Even people who would use language such as "God has a plan for your life" don't actually mean that everything that happens to them from birth to death is controlled. Of course not. We rejoice in our free will, even in the knowledge that we risk miss-using it. That's part of the deal. Our conception is a risk. We may be born to loving parents, or our mother might have been kidnapped and raped. The will of God? Throughout our lives we make choices and many of them are life and death choices. To smoke or drink or over eat. To enjoy extreme sports, to ride a motorbike. For all those things we choose and we also take responsibility.'
Assisted dying remains illegal in the UK. The Church of England continues officially to support the current law, though some Church figures, including the former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, have said they are in favour. The Catholic Church in England and Wales and around the world is firmly opposed.
In November, a study by the campaign group Dignity in Dying said that thousands of terminally ill people who want to travel abroad to end their life in specialist clinics cannot afford to doing so, leaving them to face often 'painful and traumatic deaths at home'.
The study found that while more than half of Britons would consider travelling abroad to countries such as Switzerland for an assisted death, only a quarter said they could afford the cost, averaging 10,000.
Governor Andrew Cuomo began his 2018 State of the State address 19 years to the dayand hourthat Kendra Webdale was pushed to her death in front of a subway train by Andrew Goldstein, a man with untreated serious mental illness. Before Cuomo finished his speech, something similar had happened again: mentally ill Andrew Cordero pushed Jacinto Suarez onto the subway tracks in Brooklyn. Suarez, too, died. Kendras death led to the adoption of Kendras Law, which empowers judges to mandate treatment for the mentally ill who are a danger to themselves or to the community. The death of Jacinto Suarez should lead to further reforms.
While Cuomo didnt mention Webdale or Kendras Law, he did talk about mental illness and the homeless. Homelessness is on the rise in our cities and worse than ever before, the governor said. It pains me personally to acknowledge this reality. As well it should: Cuomos unapologetic embrace of the long-standing bipartisan policy of closing state psychiatric hospitals is increasing both homelessness and incarceration.
The governor recounted his own history on the issue, recalling that he headed Mayor Dinkinss homeless commission in 1992. I arranged for parents of the seriously mentally ill to testify before that commission. The parents wanted New York to adopt policies that would allow them to get care for their seriously mentally ill children before they became a danger to themselves or others. Cuomo rejected their pleas, siding with the mental health establishment, which has never been willing to take responsibility for the most seriously ill. As Cuomo wrote in the commissions report, The Commission considered and rejected a lowering of the standard for involuntary institutionalization as . . . inappropriate and unnecessary. He noted that sick people could be sent to state hospitals for months to be stabilized. But during his tenure as governor, he has closed state psychiatric hospitals, effectively taking that option off the table.
The governor spoke eloquently about the plight of people incapable of taking care of themselves. While we aggressively protect an individuals civil liberties, we believe in helping people in need. Leaving the sick to fend for themselves is not progressive, charitable or ethical or legal. Cuomo emphasized the need for more outreach, proclaiming that some jurisdictions say case law prevents them from helping mentally ill street homeless. If that is their excuse, they should tell us what law stops them from helping sick homeless people and we will change the law this session. But the governor is being disingenuous: the changes needed are the same ones that Democrats have refused to support in the past, and that he blocked when he headed the mayors homeless commission. These proposals have been made multiple times in recent years by State Senator Catharine Young, and more recently were included in the campaign platform of Assembly Member Nicole Malliotakis when she ran for mayor of New York City.
From a practical standpoint, New York law requires someone to become a danger to self or others before he or she can be involuntarily committed. But laws should prevent violence, not require it. New York is one of the few states without an adequate need for treatment or grave disability standard. A second problem is that in New York, even after someone is found to be a danger to self or others and involuntarily committed, he or she can still refuse treatment; a second hearing is required to overcome that objection. New York must pass a law requiring the involuntary-treatment hearing to be held at the same time as the involuntary-commitment hearing.
Kendras Law lets courts order the most seriously mentally ill who have already accumulated multiple incidents of violence, arrest, hospitalization, or homelessness to stay, for up to one year, in mandated and monitored treatment while they continue to live in the community. This arrangement is less restrictive and more humane than inpatient commitment or incarceration. It has been proven to reduce homelessness, arrest, and incarceration, and it is more cost-efficient. But it is impossible for community providers to ramp up their programs when the governor keeps putting a five-year sunset on the bill. He should insist that it be made permanent this year.
Cuomo called for more agency outreach, but he didnt mention outreach to mentally ill prisoners, who are being discharged from jails and prisons, and involuntarily committed patients, who are being discharged from hospitals. These are the most likely people to become homeless or incarcerated. Mentally ill Andrew Cordero had been arrested three times since September, and police had been called to his home multiple times as a result of his bipolar disorder.
The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) must focus on the seriously mentally ill. While Governor Cuomo identified the homeless seriously mentally ill as a priority, his mental health commissioner recently touted the release of a new OMH-funded coloring book. Andrew Goldstein and Andrew Cordero did not need coloring booksthey needed treatment. OMH should stop funding programs that dont reduce homelessness, arrest, incarceration, and needless hospitalization, and transfer funds to the programs that do. OMH should also set up a hotline that families and the public could call to report someone with mental illness who may need Kendras Law to stay safe. And OMH should end the practice of giving funding and veto power to nonprofit trade associations that lobby to close more hospitals, in contravention of Kendras Law.
Governor Cuomo knows how to deliver a good speech. But until the governor puts some meat and money behind his proposals for the seriously mentally ill, they are only words.
Photo by sdominick/iStock
New York governor Andrew Cuomo is heading into a reelection year with an unbalanced budget, and hes blaming most of his states woes on Washington. Federal tax reform amounts to an assault on New Yorks own tax system, according to the governorwho also rips the Trump administrations decision to decline participation in a proposed $13-billion-plus, trans-Hudson commuter railway tunnel. But New Yorks budget problems are mostly of its own making. While Washingtons scale-back of state-and-local tax deductibility likely will bite deep, that wouldnt even be an issue if the states tax levels werent so infamously out of line with national averages. Albanys money problems reside in its inabilityor unwillingnessto control spending.
This was vividly illustrated at years end by the New York Times in its dissection of the Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys East Side Access projectan effort to connect the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal that has produced what the Times termed The Most Expensive Mile of Subway Track on Earth. To the uninitiated, its an astounding tale of favoritism, featherbedding, and what seems like fraudbut which, adjusting for occasional freelancing, is structurally entirely legal.
This speaks principally to the low quality of lawmaking in New York, where insider advantage-taking almost always tops the public interestand not just in construction. Indeed, the only real surprise is the heft of the East Side Access tab which, the Times reported, has ballooned to $12 billion, or nearly $3.5 billion for each new mile of track [or] seven times the average elsewhere in the world. (The three-station Second Avenue subway project came in at an equally scandalous $2.5 billion per mile.)
Cuomo, who controls the MTA, bears statutory responsibility for the extravaganceas well as for the special-interest-driven work rules and management practices that have hamstrung public-works reinvestment all across the state. The governor didnt create the system, but hes been quiet regarding its corrosive consequences, and has never attempted reforms. Indeed, he didnt touch on the topic when, with a straight face, he proposed a new subway lineunder New York Bay, between Manhattan and Red Hook, Brooklynduring his annual State of the State address yesterday.
Cuomo also used his address to tout a congestion-pricing plan for Manhattan a tax on traffic entering the boroughs principal business districts. Its an old plan, to be sureMayor Bloombergs best efforts were unavailingdesigned ostensibly to reduce traffic congestion while raising money for transit-infrastructure upgrades. As with construction, though, it makes little economic sense to pour renewal dollars into such a wasteful system. It would be better first to wring low-hanging efficiencies from the cash already being spentbut, again, the governor is silent on public-works reform. This is no surprise. He will rely heavily on support from construction unions, big-bucks contracting companies, and other interested parties this election year, as he has in the past. But while New Yorkers in and out of government are free to practice business as usual, its a little over the top to expect outsiders to play that game, too.
So its not surprising that the Trump administration has exhibited no enthusiasm for the so-called Hudson River Gateway Tunnel commuter-rail projectan Amtrak-driven undertaking meant to connect New Jersey with Penn Station. Original estimates put the cost at $7.7 billion, but its now pegged at more than $13 billion, and even that might be a bargain; at the informal current rate of $3.5 billion per mile, its five miles of track would top out well in excess of $18 billionabsent real contracting and work-rule reform. But there was no hint of reform in the letter Cuomo budget director Robert Mujica dispatched to Washington on New Years Eve, effectively urging the Trump administration to lay aside cost concerns, fill up its thermos with Albany-flavored Kool-Aid, and enlist in the undertaking. But Trump, who has wrestled with New Yorks wasteful construction practices his entire career, is surely leery of the many unique burdens the Empire State lays on its taxpayers.
The Gateway Tunnel project is a worthy one, as is East Side Access, and even a Red Hook Express. There is even some wisdom in a well-thought-out congestion-pricing tax. But costs matter. The outrageous wastefulness detailed in the Timess subway-construction report infects public investment everywhere in New Yorkdriven by the greed of construction unions and other special interests and abetted by the advantage-taking and cowardice of New Yorks elected leadership at every level of government. Cuomo had nothing to say about this in his report to the legislature, and its impossible to imagine the lawmakers taking him seriously even if he had spoken out. Keep that in mind when the complaining about Washingtons unwillingness to subsidize New Yorks profligacy begins in earnest.
Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Last year marked 10 years of the Big Give, and the week-long Christmas Challenge raised over 11.3m for 528 participating charities. The campaign also received the highest number of donations, hitting 29,500 over three times the number in 2015.
The Christmas Challenge provides an opportunity for charities to raise substantial funds, but it has not been without growing pains. Until 2015, the campaign ran on a competitive model where match funds were allocated to groups of charities and used up on a first-come-first served basis. From customer feedback, we knew that there were several pain points in this process:
The government has announced how it will spend 330m raised from dormant bank and building society accounts to help good causes.
Around 280m will be allocated to initiatives across England to grow social investment, help disadvantaged young people into work, and increase financial inclusion.
The other 50m will be distributed by the Big Lottery Fund to good causes in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with each devolved administration deciding how the funds are used.
Funding for social investment
Of the 280m, around 135m will go to social investment - 125m to wholesaler Big Society Capital (BSC) and 10m for Access: the Foundation for Social Investment, BSCs sister organisation.
This fulfils a pledge made by the coalition government in 2012 to give 400m to BSC from dormant accounts. BSC has already received 300m.
Last July, BSC lauched a new strategy which said it would focus its investment on supporting communities to improve lives and providing homes for people in need.
A blog on the BSC website says the extra 25m it will now receive will be used to try more innovative approaches.
It says: "The aim will be to address areas of market failure - areas where commercial investors may not know what the real risks are, because they dont have the evidence or track record to go on.
"We can create exemplar funds, showing what works and what the actual risks are, so that over time the wider investment market will have the confidence to replicate the model, creating a sustainable market in the long run."
A blog on the Access website says the 10m it will receive will support blended finance.
It says: "We will blend this 10m with funds from Big Society Capital to focus on providing the sort of finance that many charities and social enterprises, in particular smaller and medium sized ones, most need."
Other funding
Another 90m will be invested in support of projects that help disadvantaged young people into employment. These initiatives will be jointly designed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the Department for Education and Big Lottery Fund.
The Big Lottery Fund will set out plans for engagement with young people and experts across different sectors on how this money will be distributed early next year.
The remaining 55m is set to be awarded to financial inclusion initiatives which will tackle issues such as problem debt, as well as improving access to financial products and services for those on lower incomes.
This is in line with priorities set in 2008 by the Labour government, in the Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Act.
Tracey Crouch, the minister for civil society, said: By unlocking millions of pounds from dormant accounts for a range of good causes, we can make a real difference to lives and communities across the country.
This is part of the governments commitment to building a fairer society and tackling the social injustices that hold people back from achieving their full potential.
I am grateful to the banks and building societies, as well as Reclaim Fund, for their work to free up these funds for good causes.
Working in close partnership with the financial sector and civil society, we are determined to help create a country that works for everyone and build a Britain fit for the future."
According to its latest accounts, the Reclaim Fund holds 569m in money gathered from dormant bank accounts. The amount in the pot is likely to keep growing for some years. In 2016, 125m was raised from dormant accounts, and 13m redistributed back to account holders.
Prior to todays announcement, Reclaim Fund, which was set up by the Co-operative Banking Group to administer the dormant accounts scheme, had transferred more than 362m to the Big Lottery Fund for reinvestment in the community.
Of the 981m it has received since its inception, some 50m has been reclaimed, according to the accounts.
Rob Wilson, the former minister for civil society, claimed on Twitter today that DCMS had had to work hard to secure the right to give away the money from an "overly cautious" reclaim fund.
An account is dormant if no transactions have taken place for 15 years.
2bn dormant assets
The funding distributed today is separate to 2bn of dormant assets identified by the Independent Dormant Assets Commission in March last year, which have also been earmarked for good causes.
The Office for Civil Society said at the time that the unclaimed assets lying dormant in the financial sector could transform the charity sector and pledged to consult on how the money should be spent.
A consultation has yet to be published. A spokeswoman for DCMS told Civil Society News: An announcement on the report will be made in due course.
Steve Reed, Labour's shadow civil society minister, criticised the government's latest announcement for including money previously pledged and failing to address the 2bn of dormant assets funding.
He said: Its welcome that cash-starved charities will finally get some funding out of a government thats spent the past seven years cutting them to the bone. But the money on offer is just a fraction of the 2bn boost promised less than a year ago, and two-fifths of it has been announced before.
The question on every charity treasurers lips today is wheres the rest of the money?
While any new funding is welcome, charities will once again feel short-changed by a government that misses no opportunity to undermine and sideline the sector.
Peter Holbrook, chief executive of Social Enterprise UK, welcomed the announcement but warned more preventative measures needed to be introduced.
He said: The release of further capital from dormant assets is good news, and we welcome the acknowledgement of the role that social enterprise has in solving some of our biggest societal problems.
"We also welcome more money being released into social investment, particularly given the ambition for this to increase the investors appetite for risk and subsequently enable greater innovation from across the social sector.
"Equally important and yet missing from the announcement are changes in policy to address the causes of the some of these problems. There is a danger that we are spending money on treating the symptoms and not curing the disease."
Changes to income tax in Scotland will mean more people can claim back tax on donations to charities, but charities should claim as normal, HM Revenue & Customs has clarified.
The Scottish government has introduced a 19p starter rate of tax, which will be the highest rate for anyone earning between 11,850 and 13,850 a year.
Income over 24,000 in Scotland will now be taxed at 21 pence in the pound, while higher rates kick in above 44.273.
HMRC has said that if someone has signed a Gift Aid declaration to say they have paid enough tax, charities will receive Gift Aid at the normal rate of 25 pence per 1 donated. Anyone in Scotland earning over 24,000 can now claim back the difference by asking HMRC to amend their tax code.
Anyone paying the starter rate as their highest rate of tax needs to have paid tax on roughly 1.06 for every 1 they give to charity, in order to correctly sign a Gift Aid declaration.
Ahead of the devolution of Scottish income tax powers, the government discussed with charities the potential implications for Gift Aid of UK and Scottish income tax rates diverging, an HMRC spokesman said.
Having listened to their views and to ensure the effective operation of gift aid across the UK, the government decided that it would not make changes at that time. This means that charities should continue to claim relief at UK basic rate whether the donor was or was not a Scottish taxpayer.
The government remains committed to the continued effective operation of Gift Aid in all parts of the UK and will continue to consider all issues affecting this and all other charity tax reliefs as part of its regular dialogue with the charity sector.
Jewish Cares chief executive, Simon Morris, has said he will step down from his role this summer after 20 years at the charity.
He has been chief executive for the last 15 years and oversaw a process of modernisation, the charity said.
The charity will begin the process of finding a new chief executive shortly and Morris intends to stay until his replacement is in post.
Jewish Care is the largest provider of health and social care services for the Jewish community in the UK. Its most recent accounts show it had a total income of 56m in the year to March 2017, with spending of 53m.
Lord Levy, president of Jewish Care said: Over the last 20 years Jewish Care has transformed into a leading social care provider both in the national arena and within the Jewish community. It is a jewel in the crown. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Simon. His contribution to Jewish Care and our community has been invaluable.
Steven Lewis, chair, added: I have enjoyed working with Simon and whilst I will be sorry to see him step down as chief executive, I fully understand and respect his desire to seek new challenges.
Thanks to Simons leadership this organisation is in a strong position. He is a hard act to follow, but we are confident we will attract high calibre candidates with the skills, vision and passion to drive us forward. Simons departure will mark the next chapter in Jewish Cares long history.
For now, it is very much business as usual. We will never lose sight of our primary objective; to provide quality care services to the thousands of people who rely on us every day of the year.
Morris said: After twenty years at Jewish Care its time for me to have a change. I feel honoured and privileged to have been in this position and proud of the progress that has been made during my time here. Progress that would not have been possible without support from the Jewish Care board of trustees, my colleagues and the wider community.
Like the young Aztec men and women selected for sacrifice, who lived in delightful ease and luxury until the appointed day when their hearts were to be carved from their chests, journalistic subjects know all too well what awaits them when the days of wine and rosesthe days of the interviewsare over. And still they say yes when a journalist calls, and still they are astonished when they see the flash of the knife.
Thus ends Janet Malcolms 1989 masterwork on the journalist-subject relationship, The Journalist and the Murderer. Its less famous than her opening gambit about journalistic con-artistry, which reads, Every journalist who is not too stupid or too full of himself to notice what is going on knows what he does is morally indefensible. Then Malcolm delivers the fatal thrust: Journalists dont just seduce, betray, and profile murderers, theyre metaphorical murderers themselves.
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It is a claim that, depending on the reader, is outrageous, thrilling, cathartic. And its mostly wrong, especially when it comes to daily news.
Ive spent the last 10 years studying what it feels like for ordinary people to become the focus of news stories. Only in rare cases do journalism subjects feel betrayed by reporters. In fact, many have positive experiences making the news. Past survey research has found that over 60 percent of subjects of even inaccurate news stories say they are not just willing but eager to do it again. Thats because a news appearance can confer a lot of benefits on a private citizen, especially publicity and status. Many subjects conclude those benefits outweigh the more negative aspects of participating in a news story, such as aggressive reporters or even inaccuracies in the coverage.
Since 2008, Ive interviewed more than 90 private citizens who wound up in the daily news as experts, survivors, witnesses, heroes, criminals, and more for my book, Becoming the News. Most recently, Ive talked to voters who spoke to national news outlets about the 2016 presidential election. Even in the highly polarized political climate following the election, subjects experiences were largely the same: they had goals they hope to achieve when speaking to reporters, and assessed the overall experience in light of the consequences of the coverage on their lives. Some people had been named in only one article. But those who had made the news for big events had appeared in multiple stories across many outlets in print, radio, and TV. My interviews lasted up to four hours, covering everything from the subjects original experience to the interview process to what they thought of the news coverage and any repercussions they faced afterwards.
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No question the journalist-subject encounter is unequal. From the subjects point of view, journalists show up late, leave early, and get a lot wrong in the process.
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And while subjects rarely feel betrayed, they do often feel manipulated and pressured, especially in the wake of traumatic events. In fact, the practices that subjects find most exploitative are the ones baked into journalistic routines, responses to the daily pressures of journalistic work, like deadlines. Often, the whole experience is more surreal to subjects than it is damaging. The word they most often use to describe what it feels like to interact with journalists and find themselves in the media spotlight isnt even negative. Its weird.
Though many people reported positive experiences overall, the negative scenarios they encounter highlight some of the most difficult inflection points in the relationship between journalists and their subjects. Below I illustrate these experiences through the eyes of some of the archetypical subjects reporters include: the survivor, the expert, the witness, and the hero.
The Survivor
Alegra (all subject names here are pseudonyms) agreed to speak to the press after she contracted an illness that ended her pregnancy. The severity of the condition for pregnant mothers was little understood, so she felt a strong obligation to spread the word.
The process was grueling and uncomfortable. Alegra hated the spotlight. TV crews, in particular, were hurried and disruptive. She understood it was part of their job to be pushy, but it was hard to take. She recalled that one national network really wanted a picture of the baby that I lost, and I just refused over and over and they continually asked until the minute they put it on air. It was annoying and it upset me and my husband, but thats their job, you know? You just have to expect that. They want to get their story.
Alegra was exceptionally understanding, though many subjects are willing to put up with a lot in exchange for the chance to spread information. Alegra and her husband were willing to weather the inconvenience and emotional whirlwind of fending off aggressive journalists, because they felt they had a lot to gain. As she explained, We felt that if we could at least get this out to one pregnant mom and she alerts her gynecologist earlier than I did, and is saved, then its helpful.
But if subjects feel journalists bullied them excessively or the published story failed to deliver benefits (if, for example, they feel the journalist omitted or badly distorted their main point), theyre likely to conclude the exchange was unfair.
The Expert
Its often nerve-wracking and uncomfortable to be in the news, but sources arent clueless. The experts I spoke towho provided background or specialized knowledge to reportersgenerally knew they were forfeiting control over their words and images in exchange for the chance to be in the news.
Subjects easily piece together theories about what journalists plan to write based on the questions journalists ask and how they react to the answers. Based on those cues, subjects then try to adjust their behavior in the interview and their expectations for the story.
Often subjects feel like theyre being pressured to say something the reporter wants them to say. Bella, a university professor, was contacted by a reporter from a national paper about a new product related to her area of expertise. She explained, We had quite a pleasant conversation in which [the reporter] described [the product] and I made some comments. But it was very clear to me that he had a storyline for his article, and that involved asking a professor whose field this was, and that that person would be aghast.
I asked her how she could tell. She replied, Oh, I mean, it was transparent. It really was: Did I not disapprove of this? He had that storyline. And I could tell it to such a degree that I had to keep resisting it very consciously. She later concluded, He was not rude. I dont feel like I had a terrible experience. I just felt like I was part of a scripted, already written piece where I was supposed to be just the line from the Ivy League professor.
Bella said she spent so much time trying to deflect the reporters pressure to fit a particular role she ultimately wasnt able to convey much of substance at all.
The Witness
Deanne was the sole witness to a suicide attempt that left her shaken. A TV crew soon appeared out of nowhere. She said, I saw the reporter and her crew. I think she had a little posse of three people with her. But the minute I said, Yeah, I was here. I saw what happened, I didnt expect that immediately she was going to say, Harry, turn on the lights, and I was going to have a microphone in my face. There was just no transition. She never said, Would you be willing to discuss it? It was just Boom! Were in it.
Catastrophe survivors and witnesses may want to speak to reporters, for a lot of different reasons. But they may need a minuteor longerto decide whether they want to talk to the media right then. (See, for instance, a Hurricane Harvey survivors reaction to being questioned by a reporter this summer.)
Deanne said she got a fake vibe as soon as the journalist started interviewing her. The brash, no-nonsense reporter abruptly turned maudlin, apparently trying to get Deanne to emote for the camera. As Deanne said, It was fake. It was cheesy. It was like shes giving me these knowing, sympathetic looks and I was like, How the hell did I get here?
Snapping into a different character on-air may feel normal and necessary to journalists. But that shift can feel phony and manipulative to subjects, especially if theyre reeling from traumatic events. If you just saw someone die, or narrowly escaped death yourself, you dont want someone to fake sympathyyou want them to be sympathetic.
The Hero
Keith, a police officer credited with averting a major terrorist attack, initially enjoyed the recognition as a hero. (He had lunch with the mayor and received a call form the president.) But soon he started to feel uneasy. He was still grappling with what he had seen and done. But the real problem was having to reconcile the medias version of himselfa kind of supermanwith the person he knew himself to be.
Keith recalled, Im being paraded all over the city. Then you get quiet time and the id and the ego start playing ball in your head. I dont feel like superman, but everyones telling me I am. Im a normal guy. No, youre not. Im Keith. No, youre not! Its like Im on shrooms. I find myself every night at three in the morning staring at my refrigerator. Whats going on? What the fuck is going on in my life? This is really fuckin weird.
He concluded, I think the media caused this. Depression set in. For no fucking reason. It was the battle in my head between being superman and No! Im not superman. But everybody tells you you are. Youre torn between what the media says you areand meanwhile Im still the guy who yells at his dog and fights with his wife and road rages on the way home and probably drinks too many beers. But Im still Keith. It was really weird.
Keith took no issue with how he was represented by specific journalists for specific stories. He hardly remembered those details. It was the cumulative effect of the news coverage and the way people were reacting to it that felt so weird.
This may be the most fundamental difference between how journalists and their subjects view the news process. Daily journalists tend to focus on producing an accurate story, then move on to the next. But to subjects, the news product matters relatively little. Sure, they want it to be accurate and, whenever possible, flattering. But really, its the consequences of the coverage they care about most.
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Ruth Palmer is Assistant Professor of Communications at IE University in Madrid and Segovia. She is the author of Becoming the News: How Ordinary People Respond to the Media Spotlight (Columbia University Press, 2017).
The story starts with a text message. Late one night this past February, veteran reporter R.G. Dunlop received a cryptic message from a longtime trusted source. It said something like, Do you know about Rep. Dan Johnsons past? I hate hypocrites, Dunlop says. At the time, he didnt know much about Danny Ray Johnson, the Kentucky state representative in question. Dunlop, along with reporter and producer Jacob Ryan, started looking into that initial tip.
As the months passed, new leads emergedand the story became bigger than Dunlop ever expected. We didnt know what we had, he says.
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What started as a late-night text eventually turned into a seven-month, five-part investigation into the preacher-turned-politician. The resulting podcast, The Popes Long Con, is a herculean effort from the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting and Louisville Public Media. It launched on December 11, and two days later, the investigations subject, Johnson, died by suicide. He drove to a bridge outside Mount Washington, Kentucky, and shot himself with a .40-caliber handgun, according to Bullitt County Sheriff Donnie Tinnell. It was a tragic and unexpected outcome following the release of KyCIRs investigation. Yet the team handled the aftermath with the same sensitivity, professionalism, and commitment to truth that defined The Popes Long Con.
Louisville Public Media created KyCIR, its nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, almost four years ago to expose wrongdoing in the public and private sectors and to hold leaders accountable. The Popes Long Con does both. For seven months, Dunlop and Ryan tracked how Johnson, who called himself Pope, was able to cultivate a public persona built on lies and deceit. Johnsons past was riddled with unexamined controversy, including attempted arson, false testimony, and an alleged molestation. We wanted to find out: why did he do this? And how did he pull it off?, says Brendan McCarthy, KyCIRs managing editor.
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A former bishop of an evangelical church, Johnson was elected to the Kentucky legislature in 2016. His campaign was not without controversy; he made national headlines after posting racist images of President Barack Obama and his family on Facebook. That incident, and everything from his past, went largely unchecked by state and local media organizations, including KyCIR, during his campaign. (The medias shortcomings ultimately became part of the podcasts final episode, When Our Institutions Fail.)
Nobody took the bait then, but KyCIR eventually did. The Popes Long Con is its biggest investigation to-date. Usually the teams investigations result in a 3,000-word web story and a five-to-six minute radio piece. This one culminated in a more than 10,000-word web story and five-part podcast. We knew fairly quickly that it would be more complex than we initially envisioned, Dunlop says.
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Dunlops initial source told him about a mysterious attempted arson plot involving Johnson from 32 years ago. He employed basic shoe-leather reporting to find the right records and documentation. When he couldnt find them in the local court archives, he turned to the federal court system, which led to the discovery of additional records, including one about Johnsons possible involvement in a church fire in 2000. He talked to arson investigators and the police personnel involved in those cases. The more he dug, the more he found. The church fire investigation led him to sources who hinted at impropriety in the church, including an alleged sexual assault. Dunlop asked the Louisville Metro Police Department for records and came across a heavily sanitized report involving a sexual assault allegation. The accusers name wasnt on it, and the details were minimal, but it was enough to spur Dunlop to find out more. (The accuser, Maranda Richmond, was 17 at the time of the alleged assault, and while she did go to the police, they ultimately closed her case with no resolution or charges. When Johnson hit the campaign trail in 2016, Richmond reached out to people in media and politics about her story, but the concerns didnt gain traction, according to KyCIR.)
At the same time, Dunlop, with the help of KyCIR colleagues, excavated the material for the five episodes from more than 100 interviews and 1,000 pages of public documents. It was one of those dont leave any stone unturned situations, and we tried to turn them all over, Dunlop says. They followed leads and tracked down sources in Texas, California, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. They obtained documents from the Louisville arson investigators, the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and leveraged public court filings, sworn statements, campaign finance reports, copies of bank statements, and licensing records. They culled archives, pored over Johnsons sermons and campaign videos, and consulted expert sources.
And, in an effort to proactively combat any accusations of fake news, the KyCIR team posted many of these findings online for the public. There is such distrust of the media, McCarthy says. Showing our work and sharing the resources [was important] to engender trust with our audience.
For a long time, KyCIR thought theyd get an interview with Johnson himself. He declined many requests, cancelling meetings and invoking fake news in phone calls with the team. But despite Johnsons unwillingness to cooperate, KyCIR eventually had a story which was ironclad in Dunlops words.
When the podcast launched, the response was immediate. KyCIR broke all their web traffic records in the first day, and its audience overwhelmingly lauded the investigation. Republican and Democratic statewide leadership asked Johnson to step down from public office, and the Louisville Metro Police reopened the investigation into the alleged sexual assault, though Johnson publicly denied all the accusations uncovered in The Popes Long Con.
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And then the unexpected happened. Two days after the podcasts launch, when three episodes had aired on the radio, Johnson shot himself. To be honest, were still wrestling with this, McCarthy says. Its any journalists nightmare to have someone you reported on commit suicide in the wake of a report. Its something here nobody had envisioned. Dunlop was at home when he found out and immediately checked in on the woman who accused Johnson of sexual assault: I suspected this would be very difficult for her, which in fact it was.
Theres no playbook for journalists about how to handle situations like this, he says: You dont turn to page 13 and figure out how to deal with this. Lots of hugging and the unwavering support of colleagues, friends, and listeners helped as the KyCIR team grappled with the tragedy. They kept hearing from same message from people: We need you. The reporting may have factored into Johnsons death, but Dunlop supports the work accomplished by the KyCIR team. No one has challenged any aspect of the story, Dunlop says. Its not as though a story that was erroneous brought this man down. We revealed his life history, and it obviously didnt resonate well with him. While in my head I understand I didnt kill Mr. Johnson, he pulled the trigger, it feels very difficult to get over the emotional part of this. Louisville Public Media also made counselors available to its staff following the news of Johnsons suicide.
KyCIR also modified the roll-out of its investigation following Johnsons death. Initially, the plan was to air all five episodes on the radio, but they chose not to air the last two out of respect for victims of trauma in the immediate wake of Johnsons suicide, according to a statement from Stephen George, executive editor of Louisville Public Media. Instead they immediately released all five episodes online for those who wanted to hear the stories. KyCIR followed up their investigation with coverage of Johnsons suicide, though Dunlop and Ryan were not involved in the reporting, and plans to produce a final chapter of The Popes Long Con in the coming weeks.
Unsurprisingly, The Popes Long Con became part of the story after Johnsons suicide, with some directing the blame on KyCIRs reporting. Johnsons widow, Rebecca Johnson, pushed this narrative on The Today Show: I am confident if that little greasy reporter had not done what he did, my husband would be alive right now. (She did acknowledge other factors in interviews with her local broadcast news station WHAS.) And The Washington Post, in both an opinion piece and reported story, lumped Johnsons suicide in with the #MeToo movement. Kathleen Parker, a WashPo opinion writer, used Johnson as a peg for what shes calling a rush to judgment in the recent wave of sexual harassment accusations: Johnsons suicide reminds us that the best of causes conducted without the usual rules of law can lead to disastrous, even fatal, consequences. It was a poorly received piecebased on a quick read of its reader commentsand an insensitive one, incorrectly writing that the accuser remained anonymous (she spoke with KyCIR on the record). Another WashPo news story also all but ignored KyCIRs reporting in writing about Johnsons career and death.
This ensuing media coverage frustrated the KyCIR team for two reasons. First, there was minimal pushback from reporters against claims like the ones made by Johnsons widow. I wish there had been a more questioning attitude by reporters after Mr. Johnson died, and less an unquestioning acceptance of what were people were saying about us and our work, and whether or not they accurately or inaccurately represented our work, Dunlop explains. Second, the media incorrectly identified The Popes Long Con as belonging to the #MeToo movement. The sexual assault allegation was just one episode of the five-part series, Dunlop says, and while important, its not the full story: Its one part of a multifaceted, complicated life. Some of the accounts overlooked the other facets of his life.
The Popes Long Con is an exemplar not only of dogged local reporting, but also a how-to for newsrooms grappling with unexpected ramifications. For KyCIR, the results of their investigations usually mean a change in law or policy, sometimes a resignation from public office. But never before has it meant reconciling with the death of a subject. We wanted justice to be done, but nobody wanted him dead, Dunlop says.
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Meg Dalton is a freelance journalist and audio producer based in Connecticut. She's reported and edited for CJR, PBS NewsHour, Energy News Network, Architectural Digest, MediaShift, Hearst Connecticut newspapers, and more. Follow her on Twitter: @megdalts. Find her on Twitter @megdalts.
The investigative profile of preacher-turned-politician Dan Johnson was devastating.
Johnson called himself the Pope, and in a five-day series called The Popes Long Con based on a seven-month investigation and more than 100 interviews, the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting described how Johnson, a recently elected Republican state lawmaker, had lied about his background, burned his carand possibly his churchfor insurance money, and allegedly molested a 17-year-old girl during a sleepover.
Read more: Any journalists nightmare: The Popes Long Con unraveled a web of lies, with tragic consequences
After three installments were broadcast on an affiliated public radio station, WFPL, Johnson drove to a bridge south of Louisville and shot himself. In a suicide note posted on Facebook, Johnson denied the allegations. His widow blamed the media for his death. And one listener who commented on the stations website called KyCIR evil and attributed the death to its unwarranted and sustained political attack.
But most readers and listeners who commented defended the report, noting it was meticulously documented and sourced. And experts on suicide and journalistic ethics say that suicide is so rare, so unpredictable, and so often caused by multiple factors that it cannotand should notbe blamed on news coverage.
Suicide is never caused by one thing, said Julie Cerel, president of the American Association of Suicidology. A licensed clinical psychologist and professor in University of Kentuckys College of Social Work, Cerel said many people are accused of misconduct but dont take their own lives, just as a lot of kids are bullied but very few die of suicide.
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Samuel Freedman, a religion columnist at The New York Times and a professor at Columbia Universitys School of Journalism, said reporters and editors should weigh the potential harm of stories on subjects but that is not an argument for self-censoring. The media must consider the public harm of not publishing, he said, such as allowing an alleged sexual predator to keep trusted positions in a church or state government.
Kathleen Culver, director of the Center for Journalism Ethics at University of Wisconsin, noted that KyCIR tried to reach out to the subject to allow him to speak for himself.
The death of news subjects by suicide is not common, but it is hardly unprecedented.
The most famous instance came in 1965, after editors at The New York Times received a tip that the state grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan, a former top officer in the American Nazi Party, not only was Jewish but had been raised in an Orthodox home and bar mitzvahed. The Times sent a reporter to confront Dan Burros about his bizarre background and he vowed to kill the reporter, and possibly himself, if it disclosed his secret.
Ill be ruined, he said. This is all Ive got to live for.
Under the headline, State Klan Leader Hides Secret of Jewish Origin, the Times published the story, one of the most famous in its history, on the front page on October 31, 1965. Later the same day, Burros fatally shot himself in the head and chest.
ICYMI: The New York Times begins 2018 on a sour note
The newspaper received angry letters questioning the wisdom of invading Burross privacy and exposing an obviously sick person. Even some staff members in the newsroom felt the paper may have gone too far, given that Burros was merely an oddball rather than a major public figure, Gay Talese wrote in his history of the Times, The Kingdom and the Power.
Its sad when someone commits suicide, but the job of journalists is to try to ascertain the truth of the situation and not primarily engage in considering the consequences before we write.
But others said the story, which later inspired a book by Times editors Arthur Gelb and A.M. Rosenthal, One More Victim, as well as a movie, The Believer, starring Ryan Gosling, performed a public service in focusing attention on a fanatic with the potential for causing public harm.
Experts say it is impossible for journalists to predict the consequences of their work. We cant see around corners, said Edward Wasserman, dean of the California-Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Still, Wasserman, a former editor at the Miami Herald and the Casper, Wyoming Star-Tribune, said some discoveries dont rise to the level of public significance and are merely interesting or titillating, making it callous and cruel to publish them.
For example, in 2006 before a sweeps week, KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh aired a series of promotions for a report on a local minister suggesting he was involved in improper behavior; the promos showed a reporter confronting the pastor about his visits to an adult bookstore. He went to a motel and killed himself. Angry viewers accused the station of assassinating the preacher, according to an editorial column in the Post-Gazette, which said TV stations ought to take a contemplative look at the impact salacious, fear-mongering sweeps-month promos and reports can have. The stations general manager issued a statement expressing condolences; he said the station never aired the story because it had received advance word from somebody close to the minister that he was considering harming himself.
In 1998, the owner of a martial arts studio in Charlottesville, Virginia, killed himself after a local news outlet, C-Ville Weekly, reported that a two-way mirror had been installed in the womens room there. A reporter had contacted the owner, who said he hadnt known the mirror could be viewed from the other side, and that planned to alert authorities. Instead, he drove to a wooded park and stabbed himself to death. In a suicide note, he denied wrongdoing. While some of his former students angrily questioned whether they had been spied on, others said the owner had been treated unjustly by the media and that the pressure drove him to take his own life.
Author Orville Schell, who preceded Wasserman as Berkeley dean, told The Washington Post at the time that the reporter acted responsibly. Its sad when someone commits suicide, but the job of journalists is to try to ascertain the truth of the situation and not primarily engage in considering the consequences before we write, he said. That really is the job of policymakers and managers.
Two years earlier, the Navys highest-ranking officer, Admiral Jeremy M. Boorda, committed suicide shortly after he was told of an impending magazine article suggesting that he wore two Vietnam War combat decorations that he had not earned. Newsweek had requested an interview earlier in the day. Defense Department and Navy colleagues said that while the magazine article may have pushed the admiral over the edge, he had been under great stress at the Navy, which has been overwhelmed with a cheating scandal at the Naval Academy and the sexual assault of dozens of women at a convention of naval aviators.
Other stories have ended in tragedy, despite precautions taken by news organizations.
In 2012, before the Tampa Bay Times published a story about a 39-year-old woman who suffered from a rare, debilitating condition called persistent genital arousal disorder, editors allowed the reporter call her in advance and read her the story word for word because it was so sensitive. In an email before it ran, Gretchen Molannen thanked the reporter for doing the piece. I am flattered that you cared so much to want to help, she said. I just hope this will educate people that this is serious and really exists, and that other women who are suffering in silence will now have the courage to talk to a doctor about it. But the day after publication, she committed suicide. One angry reader wrote that the Times had blood on its hands, while another said the story did not belong in a mainstream newspaper.
Molannen, though, had told the reporter that her condition was so debilitating that she had attempted suicide at least three times during the year before the story ran. Then-Managing Editor Mike Wilson issued a statement that said, We cant know all of the complex factors that led Gretchen to the awful choice she made. But we hope and believe that her story will help other men and women who quietly suffer from similar conditions.
ICYMI: The myth of journalistic betrayal
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Andrew Wolfson Andrew Wolfson is a reporter on the Courier Journals project team, where he previously covered legal issues and other topics. Wolfson has won a George Polk Award for national reporting and an American Bar Association Silver Gavel, and he was a member of a reporting team awarded a Pulitzer Prize.
New York media bad boy Michael Wolff threw a hand grenade into the Washington scene on Wednesday with a lengthy New York magazine excerpt from his new book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House. One of the revelations: According to Wolff, not only did both Trump and his entire campaign team expect him to lose the presidential race, but the former reality TV host never really wanted to win in the first place.
ICYMI: The New York Times begins 2018 on a sour note
As the campaign came to an end, Trump himself was sanguine. His ultimate goal, after all, had never been to win, Wolff writes. Not only would Trump not be president, almost everyone in the campaign agreed, he should probably not be. When it looked as though victory was almost certain, Don Jr. told a friend that his father, or DJT, as he calls him, looked as if he had seen a ghost. Melania was in tears and not of joy.
The book has already caused Trump to publicly disavow his former adviser, Breitbart News Chairman Steve Bannon, the man whom many assume was a key source for Wolffs book. Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my Presidency. When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind, the president said in a statement. Trump went on to say that Bannon only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books.
ICYMI: 11 images that show how the Trump administration is failing at photography
Trumps ire was no doubt sparked by some of the explosive quotes and details Bannon provided the author, including one comment about a meeting Donald Trump Jr. and senior members of the Trump campaign had with a Russian lawyer offering the campaign dirt on Hillary Clinton, calling it treasonous and unpatriotic. For her part, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Wolffs book is filled with false and misleading accounts from individuals who have no access or influence with the White House.
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More on the Trump allegations and his all-out war with Bannon:
Number one with a bullet : CNN media reporter Brian Stelter says the Wolff book is already #1 on Amazons bestseller list despite the fact that it hasnt been officially released. According to Stelter, New York magazine had to speed up the rollout of its exclusive excerpt after The Guardian got hold of a copy and ran excerpts.
Don Jr. on the hot seat : Bannon also reportedly told Wolff that the investigation into the Trump campaigns alleged collusion with the Russian government during the campaign will likely focus on money laundering, and the Breitbart chairman predicted: Theyre going to crack Don Junior like an egg on national TV.
But is it true? Wolff has been criticized in the past for taking a somewhat loose approach to facts, The Washington Post notes , and several people quoted in the book have already denied statements attributed to them, including Trumps former Deputy Chief of Staff Katie Walsh.
Murdoch not impressed : Among the other revelations in the book: Trump had three televisions installed in his private bedroom, has ordered staff not to touch his toothbrush, eats McDonalds because he is afraid of being poisoned, and was once referred to by News Corp. founder Rupert Murdoch as a fucking idiot.
Other notable stories:
Sources tell Page Six that new Today show host Hoda Kotb, who is replacing former host Matt Lauer, will make about $18 million less per year than her predecessor. Lauer, you may remember, departed the network after a number of former staff reported that he had sexually harassed them.
Washington Post media columnist Margaret Sullivan, former public editor at The New York Times , writes about how the Times often comes under fire for valid reasons. She said the paper allows those at the top of government and business to seize its megaphone, sometimes while wearing the invisibility cloak of anonymity.
BuzzFeeds business editor, former New York Times editor Jennifer Kingson, has left the company, according to a report by Talking Biz News. The site has apparently decided to consolidate both its business and technology coverage under tech editor Mat Honan.
Digiday says some publishers who rely on traffic from Facebook are worried the social network may remove news from its so-called news feed completely, after the company tested a newsless news feed in several countries late last year. Some publishers found their traffic from Facebook fell by as much as 60 percent during the change in those countries.
According to a report in The New York Times , Googles search algorithms appear to reinforce some conspiracy theories about issues like global warming by showing users ads that make fake or unsupported claims when they search for the term.
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Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
WHEN TONIKA JOHNSON walks into the Kusanya Cafe in Englewood, it is as if she inhabits a scene from one of her photographs. Neighbors drink from coffee mugs, and theres small talk at the metal counter. The cafes fogged and frosted windows restrict the view from the snow-covered sidewalk.
Englewood, which consistently has been named one of Chicagos highest-crime neighborhoods, is often shrouded, too. Even as the number of shootings in Englewood plummeted this year, the neighborhood can seem stuck in an endless loop of news stories about gang warfare and gun violence and school closings.
RELATED: Suburban Chicago news company vies for recognition in unfamiliar terrain
Through each news cycle, Johnsona street photographer and community activist who grew up here on the citys southwest sidehas documented Englewoods subtle moments of beauty and joy. Among Johnsons images, a viewer encounters a father at a park swing with his baby, a mother and daughter on a stoop, a woman at a laundromat fixing a childs hair.
For people who are from Englewood or a neighborhood like it, its the story of here, Johnson says of her photographs. Its an artistic photo album.
In December, Chicago Magazine named Johnson one of its Chicagoans of the Yearan honor she shares with scientists who created a treatment for river blindness and the more than 300 lawyers who helped passengers at OHare International Airport after Donald Trumps travel ban, among others. The magazine billed Johnson, who is 38, as Englewoods Everyday Archivist. At the cafe, Johnson is gently ribbed for being a media darling.
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Im not used it, Johnson says with a laugh. Its forcing me to think about my art in a way I hadnt thought of it before. I didnt fully accept responsibility of the larger context. I was just taking pictures.
Since she began photographing her neighborhood in 2006, Johnsons reputation has mostly been confined to the community. That changed this year. Johnsons work was featured on giant billboards in Englewood as part of a campaign to rebrand the neighborhood from the inside out. Andin a protest against Trumps campaign rhetoric about Chicago violenceshe has recently tried to get her images in front of a larger audience, outsiders who dont know Englewood with the intimacy of a lifelong resident raising her two teenagers in the same neighborhood. In 2017, Johnson exhibited her work at Rootwork Gallery, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Harold Washington Library.
To me, much of the power of her work comes from its authenticity, says Mick Dumke, a reporter for ProPublica Illinois who has known Johnson since she was a photography intern at the Chicago Reporter. While so many narratives about Englewood and Auburn-Gresham are centered on decay, Tonis images are full of the colors and poetry of everyday existence. Photo by photo, she challenges preconceptionsnot by shouting at us to open our eyes, but by showing us what we would see if we did.
The Chicago Reader featured her pictures in an August cover story about life beyond the headlines in Englewood. In one of the images, a woman is captured in a solitary moment, walking down a wide street. Johnson snapped the photo from an abandoned elevated rail line. In another, a 24-year-old smiles into the camera as her yellow curls consume the frame.
Tonika provided a beautiful story for the Reader, says Jamie Ramsay, the alt-weeklys photo director. Johnsons work, says Ramsay, was uplifting and well-executed.
Photographers, says Johnson, no longer have the privilege to stay in a neighborhood to get to know it.
JOHNSON SAYS HER WORK is inspired by early mentors in photojournalism, John H. White and Ovie Carter, two black photographers whose Pulitzer Prizewinning work helped shape and define photojournalism in the city. Carter, whom Johnson met when she was a high school student, encouraged her to pursue a journalism degree, which she did at Columbia College Chicago. She also studied photography while at Columbia College, where White teaches. Of her mentors, Johnson says she was amazed at how they captured the neighborhood that was so familiar to me with such dignity, photographic precision and truth without exploiting the obvious inequities.
While in college, during her photography internship at the Reporter, Johnson met Dumke and some of the citys great reporters, including Sarah Karp and Laura Washington. She watched them tackle big reporting projects with a passion and zeal that intimidated her. On one of her first assignments with Dumke, to interview inmates at the county jail, Dumke had to remind Johnson to take pictures, she recalls.
She brings the lens of an insider, someone who isnt just looking at Englewood because of its national reputationwho isnt there just to extract the value of shocking photographs to sell to an exploitative, voyeuristic public.
Johnson spent 10 weeks in 2017 as a photojournalism fellow at Chicagos City Bureau, a nonprofit civic journalism lab on the citys south side. During her fellowship, Johnson worked on a project that maps the citys racial segregation through images. The project, Folded Map, is still in progress, though there are plans to exhibit Johnsons work at the Loyola University Museum of Art this fall. Johnson detailed Folded Map in a Medium post in late December:
My idea was to choose homes on opposite sides of the city (6100 S. Wolcott and 6100 N. Wolcott, for instance) and document their differences through photography. By the time my fellowship ended, my project wasnt complete but City Bureau helped me develop it into a powerful visual investigation of geography, territory, its relationships to the people who inhabit these neighborhoods and the historical economic forces that have shaped them.
Her photographs are compelling because she brings the lens of an insider, someone who isnt just looking at Englewood because of its national reputationwho isnt there just to extract the value of shocking photographs to sell to an exploitative, voyeuristic public, says City Bureau co-founder Bettina Chang. She is examining and pulling apart the layers of life in a place that she calls her own.
The images she captures arent sanitized, Chang says of Johnsons work. She doesnt turn away from the signs of poverty and other misfortune in Englewood, but she also isnt solely looking for those types of photographs.
Im just hoping people will see her work and understand more than what people are saying about Englewood.
JOHNSON IS ALSO PROGRAM MANAGER of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood, which she co-founded in 2010. She says the citys news photographers used to spend time in neighborhoods like hers. But as newsrooms have downsized, and with fewer photographers left on staff at the major news outlets, photographers only seem to show up when something bad happens or if they have a project to document, which usually centers on crime or violence.
They no longer have the privilege to stay in a neighborhood to get to know it, says Johnson.
The Chicago Sun-Times eliminated its photography staff in 2013. Rich Hein, the Sun-Times photo editor, acknowledges the coverage gap such reductions can create.
The only time I will assign someone is when the news desks comes up with an angle, he says. Generally we would only go when somebody was killed or if there was a police shooting or a policeman was shot. Unfortunately, without a photo staff, that is what we are going to cover.
Too many images of black America depict it as deficit-ridden, says Tracie Hall, founder and owner of Rootwork Gallery, which exhibited Johnsons work in 2017. Hall says Johnsons images capture a part of black American life that can be invisible to outsiders.
Im just hoping people will see her work and understand more than what people are saying about Englewood, Hall says about Johnson. This photographer is actually capturing that world and showing it to be full of radiance and beautiful people.
RELATED: Chicago reporters on covering the citys violence during the Trump era
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Jackie Spinner is CJRs correspondent for Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. She is an associate journalism professor at Columbia College Chicago and a former staff writer for The Washington Post. Follow her on Twitter @jackiespinner.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed sweeping changes to the sexual harassment policies covering state and local officials Tuesday following national attention on the problem of sexual misconduct in the workplace.
The Democrats proposal includes a prohibition on taxpayer funded legal settlements involving complaints against individual government officials. It would also require that all harassment settlements to be made public unless the victim prefers they remain confidential.
Hes also pushing for changes to private employment rules to void forced arbitration clauses in employee contracts that keep sexual harassment cases out of the courts.
The last year brought a long overdue reckoning on sexual harassment, Cuomo said, and provided an opportunity for lawmakers to address a problem that goes back decades in state government.
There must be zero tolerance for sexual harassment in any workplace, and we can and will end the secrecy and coercive practices that have enabled harassment for far too long, Cuomo said.
The proposals will be part of Cuomos State of the State address on Wednesday, the first day of the 2018 legislative session.
Lawmakers have already proposed many of the ideas laid out by Cuomo. Currently, a patchwork of different harassment policies covers the state Senate, Assembly, executive branch and local governments.
Now, theres broad support among lawmakers from both parties that more must be done something that pleases advocates who have long pressed Albany for greater action on the topic of sexual harassment.
Its going to be a productive and empowering year, predicted Sonia Ossorio, president of the National Organization for Women-New York.
Outlawing secret, taxpayer-funded settlements that allow officials to resolve complaints without public scrutiny is a top priority. Democratic leaders of the state Assembly were criticized in 2012 after approving a secret, $103,000 settlement over harassment complaints against former Assemblyman Vito Lopez.
Efforts to outlaw such taxpayer-funded settlements and make other changes to the states policy now have broad support among lawmakers from both parties.
Sen. Elaine Phillips, R-Long Island, said the goal is to punish abusers, prevent harassment and further protect all victims.
Other proposals from lawmakers include stronger protections against workplace retaliation for employees who report harassment, and a new law formally making sexual harassment a discriminatory practice a move that would make it easier for workers to bring lawsuits against employers.
This year weve seen what happens when celebrities speak out against those who have sexually harassed them, said Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan. But in this (hash)MeToo moment, we must also ensure that regular working people can hold their harassers to account as well.
Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Indianapolis is being sued by a former courts official who alleges that she was fired after she installed air fresheners to combat a co-workers body odor.
Amber Bridges federal lawsuit says she was fired last year for creating a hostile work environment after the malodorous co-worker complained about the air fresheners. According to the complaint, Bridges action to improve the overall quality of air in the office prompted other staff to install air fresheners in the work area.
The Dec. 21 complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana claims that employees and staff started complaining about the chronic body odor in November 2016. As a former lead staff in the magistrate court, Bridges notified her supervisors about the complaints and later installed the air fresheners.
Bridges claims her firing was unlawful according to her association with an individual with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Indianapolis Star reported . She alleges the co-workers body odor is a protected disability under the ADA.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says on its website that those who have an association with people who have a disability also are protected from workplace discrimination, including a person with a disabled spouse and someone who performs volunteer work for people with AIDS.
The commission claims that the standard exists to protect individuals from actions based on unfounded assumptions that their relationship to an individual with a disability would affect their job performance, according to their website.
The commission has considered body odor a protected disability in some cases.
Kevin Betz, an employment attorney, said it can be common for individuals to file suit against an employer based on an association with a disability. Betz said there are cases where a co-worker, family member or friend of an individual with a disability has received adverse actions in the workplace.
Both Bridges attorney and the citys attorney declined the newspapers request for comment.
Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Investigators on Tuesday were combing through a mangled Greyhound bus to determine whether any mechanical problems caused it to careen from a road in the Utah desert on New Years Eve, killing a 13-year-old girl and injuring 12 other people.
Meanwhile, the driver of the bus remained hospitalized in critical condition with skull fractures and other serious injuries, Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Steve Salas said.
The bus was carrying 14 people, including the driver, when it drifted off the shoulder of Interstate 70 and crashed into a ravine about 300 miles (483 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.
A passenger told authorities there may have been a medical issue with the driver, but Salas said investigators had not confirmed that report. He also said he did not know the name of the driver or whether he had any previous accidents.
Some of the passengers were unconscious and trapped during the crash and had to be helped from the bus by other passengers. One woman helped drag her husband out of the bus and up a hill to the side of the highway.
Salas said most of the passengers escaped from the wreckage by climbing out of a rear window of the bus, which remained upright as it bridged the ravine. Passengers flagged down a truck driver for help.
Just looking at the impact itself and the amount of energy that was moving forward when that thing collided with the dirt, it is surprising that we didnt have more fatalities, Salas said.
No other motorists saw the crash, and investigators have not yet determined how fast the bus was going before the deadly crash.
Investigators dont believe it was braking or slowing but instead drifted off the right shoulder of the highway along a curve and traveled about 1,000 feet (300 meters) alongside the interstate before it came to a stop in the steep ravine.
The bus is not equipped with seatbelts for passengers, Salas said. The drivers seat is the only one on the bus with a seatbelt, but investigators dont know if the driver was wearing it.
Most of the injured people had neck and back injuries.
Authorities identified the girl killed as Summer Pinzon of Azusa, California. She was sitting next to her mother, who was hospitalized with a leg injury after the crash, Salas said.
Authorities did not release the mothers name but said the two were headed to California.
The bus driver and two passengers were taken by helicopters in serious condition to hospitals. Other injured passengers were taken to hospitals by ambulances.
Salas did not have an update about how many of the other passengers remained hospitalized.
Lanesha Gipson, a spokeswoman for Greyhound, did not have details Monday about the driver but said the company is cooperating with authorities and conducting its own investigation.
Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Police in Washington state have begun enforcing the new distracted driving law following the end of a six-month grace period.
Under the new law, drivers are prohibited from holding an electronic device including phones, tablets and other electronic devices while driving, including while in traffic or waiting for a traffic light to change.
However, the measure would allow the minimal use of a finger to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of a personal electronic device while driving.
KOMO-TV reports that drivers caught with a cellphone in hand will be issued a $136 ticket. The fine increases to $234 if a driver is caught a second time. The first distracted driving offense would also be reportable to insurance companies, which could raise rates like any other moving violation.
Another section of the bill also says a person who engages in any activity not related to the actual operation of a motor vehicle is subject to pay an additional fine of $100. It only applies, if an officer catches a driver being distracted while committing a standard traffic offense, such as running a stop sign because their coffee spilled or a pet jumped in their lap.
The bill doesnt prohibit drivers from doing other things like eating, putting on makeup or having a pet in the car but it would create an extra fine if those distractions cause the driver to drive dangerously.
Exemptions to the bill would include using an electronic device to contact emergency services, to operate an emergency vehicle, to allow transit system dispatch services to communicate time-sensitive messages and to allow any activities that are federally authorized for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Operating an amateur radio station and two-way or citizens band radio services are also exempt under the bill.
The new law was enacted by state lawmakers last year, and it was initially set to take effect in 2019 to give the public and the state patrol some time to adjust and prepare for the change.
Gov. Jay Inslee pushed for the law to take effect in July 2017, but instructed law enforcement agencies to give drivers a six-month grace period in order to adapt to the new law.
Washington State Patrol says nearly 7,000 warnings were issued to drivers during the grace period.
(Alexis Myers and AP correspondent Rachel La Corte contributed to this report.)
Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
One of bitcoin's biggest bulls sees a $50,000 future for bitcoin in 2018.
Spencer Bogart, a partner at Blockchain Capital, thinks the controversial cryptocurrency will continue to perform, as long as both retail and institutional investors get involved and stay there.
On the institutional side, there is only room to move up, according to Bogart. And surveys show growing interest in bitcoin ownership from retail investors, especially young ones.
"Institutional ownership is still effectively zero percent. There's a lot of room for upward movement here," Bogart said on CNBC's "Fast Money." "The drawbridges for institutional pools of capital have just been lowered."
Bogart admits bitcoin is still new, calling it a "bit of an exotic product for institutional investors," but he is confident the popularity will eventually trickle down to these investors, even if they sit out a couple of rounds to focus on derivatives.
"If institutional players want to play in this market, they'll dip their toe in the water or wait on the sidelines to see if the products themselves function," Bogart said. "This is a first round of product set that's going to evolve and mature and eventually become a deep market."
But much of Bogart's confidence comes from bitcoin's popularity among young adults. He referenced a Harris Poll for Blockchain Capital that found 19 percent of Americans and 32 percent of millennial Americans said they would invest in bitcoin in 5 years.
"When I think about what are likely good indicators of future technology trends, I pick younger demographics over older demographics every time," he said.
In the blockchain versus bitcoin debate, Bogart said it will still be important to focus on bitcoin in the coming year. But the verdict is out on the long-term value, so he'll keep investing in both, he said.
"There's certainly a thesis that suggests that a lot of the value accrues to the underlying protocols like bitcoin, ethereum, litecoin," he said. "But I think that there is a lot of value accruing to the businesses built on top of these networks. The Ripples of the world, the Coinbases of the world, are worth a significant amount of capital right now."
On Tuesday, the U.S. government torpedoed MoneyGram's multi-million-dollar merger with Ant Financial, which is controlled by Alibaba founder Jack Ma .
"It is not surprising that a number of Chinese companies have hit the buffers in Washington as trade tensions between the two countries are flaring," state news agency Xinhua said in a commentary published on Wednesday afternoon.
China warned of a "bumpy journey" in trade with the U.S. and "retaliatory measures" a day after Washington blocked MoneyGram's proposed sale to a financial services firm affiliated with Chinese tech giant Alibaba .
The current U.S. administration has taken a tough stance on the sale of U.S. companies to Chinese entities, with the MoneyGram deal the latest to fall through.
That decision came despite high-profile meetings between President Donald Trump and his Chinese counter, Xi Jinping, last year that were seemingly amicable.
Xinhua said on Wednesday the U.S. "is stuck in a zero-sum mentality," and "U.S. politicians have failed to catch up with China's understanding of cooperation and adopted an increasingly protective and isolationist approach."
"The bonhomie that grew between China and the United States in Beijing in November, when the two signed hundreds of billions of dollars of deals, seems to be fading away as the U.S. side is stuck in a zero-sum mentality," the commentary said.
"China and the United States are about to ride a bumpy journey in trade in 2018 if the U.S. government goes it own way, and retaliatory measures by China could be on the table," it added.
The Xinhua comments followed comments from China's foreign ministry on Wednesday afternoon on the same issue.
"The Chinese government always encourages Chinese enterprises to conduct outward investment and cooperation in accordance with market principles and on the basis of abiding by the local laws and regulations," said Geng Shuang, the ministry's spokesman.
"Meanwhile, we also hope the U.S. will provide a fair and predictable environment for the Chinese enterprises to invest and develop there," he added.
China's ruling Communist Party mouthpiece lashed out at bitcoin on Wednesday, labelling the volatile cryptocurrency a bubble and a modern-day tulip mania.
A People's Daily commentary written under the name "Wei Liang" said it was an established fact that bitcoin was a bubble.
"Irrespective of whether it is assessed on price or value, bitcoin is flooded with froth," it said. "Its so-called advantages scarcity, authenticity, strong liquidity, transparency and decentralisation are only covers for speculation and cannot support its volatile price."
It said bitcoin's bubbles were created by a combination of hype, mystery, decentralisation and possible insider trading, suggesting that a small group of bitcoin owners were speculating on its price and manipulating general investors.
The commentary compared bitcoin to the seventeenth century mania in which prices for tulip bulbs skyrocketed and then collapsed. It also said there would be more "bubble breaking" in bitcoin after governments around the world tightened regulation.
The central government sees bitcoin as a source of risk. It banned domestic cryptocurrency exchanges last year after failing to regulate the fast growth of initial coin offerings, the virtual currency equivalent of an initial public offering.
More from the South China Morning Post :
China's bitcoin crackdown raises cryptocurrency demand as they move to peer-to-peer platforms
Bitcoin's all the rage with millennials but it's certainly no passing fad
Bitcoin bubble embodies our bipolar year of optimism and doubt
The assessment in the party mouthpiece comes after a roller-coaster ride for bitcoin last year its price ballooned by about 20 times during the year but also plunged 40 per cent in one day.
In December, it rocketed to near US$20,000 and briefly plunged below US$13,000 at least twice, according to Coinbase, one of the world's biggest bitcoin exchanges.
Bitcoin investors are on alert to see whether Beijing will take further action against cryptocurrencies, such as shutting down bitcoin "mines", the energy-hungry operations that create bitcoin by solving mathematical problems using vast banks of computers.
China's crackdown has so far appeared to have little effect on bitcoin's price, with investors from neighbouring South Korea and Japan taking over in the trade where Chinese investors left off.
Chinese investors have also taken to unregulated peer-to-peer exchanges, where sellers and buyers of bitcoin negotiate prices on a one-on-one basis.
There were just four such platforms in October after the crackdown, but the number had risen to 21 by the end of November, according to the state-run National Committee of Experts on Internet Financial Security Technology. The platforms include two formed by Huobi and OKCoin, China's two biggest bitcoin exchanges before the crackdown.
It's just one of the opportunities for new business that former China-based exchange operators have been exploring in the last few months.
In December, Huobi partnered with Japanese financial group SBI to launch two exchanges in Japan. ViaBTC also launched CoinEX, a Hong Kong-based exchange that uses Bitcoin Cash, a spin-off of bitcoin.
Just three working days into 2018, pay for the average FTSE 100 chief executive will pass the median worker salary of 28,758 pounds ($38,855), the report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and pressure group the High Pay Centre showed.
The average boss of one of Britain's top companies will on Thursday have earned the same as the typical worker will make in the entire year, according to a new report, stepping up pressure on companies ahead of the annual reporting season.
And that is despite the mean pay of FTSE 100 CEOs falling by about 17 percent in 2017 to 4.5 million pounds amid pressure from investors, the government and wider society for excessive pay to be reined in.
Even with that pay cut, the ratio of CEO pay to the pay of the average full-time worker is still 120:1, the report on "Fat Cat Thursday" showed, with the best-paid boss advertising company WPP's Martin Sorrell on 48.2 million pounds.
"The drop in pay in the last year is welcome, although relatively marginal, and will have largely been driven by the growing public and shareholder concerns and the Prime Minister's stronger focus on boardroom excess and plans to reform corporate governance," CIPD Chief Executive Peter Cheese said.
After a high-profile government review of the UK Corporate Governance Code in 2017, Britain's leading companies will now be forced to disclose the pay ratio between the CEO and average worker, a move welcomed by the High Pay Centre's Stefan Stern.
"Publishing pay ratios will force boards to acknowledge these gaps. We look forward to working with business and government to make this new disclosure requirement work as effectively as possible," he said.
Luke Hildyard, Stewardship and Corporate Governance Policy Lead at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, said just 7 percent of FTSE 100 annual reports detailed the difference between the CEO's pay and that of the wider workforce.
"Huge pay differences between executives and the wider workforce symbolise how too many companies fail to understand or appreciate the value of their workers," he said.
Brad and Jandy Sprouse are the owners of Great Lakes Ranch, a sprawling homestead in Leelanau County, Mich., surrounded by thousands of acres of empty pine forests, lakes and rivers. The couple's idyllic home is also the headquarters of the Sprouses' business: breeding Tibetan Yak. "We get up in the morning and ... we take in the view with all the animals in front of us and the beautiful valley and have a cup of coffee before we head out to the barn," Jandy Sprouse says on CNBC's "Blue Collar Millionaires."
Brad and Jandy Sprouse CNBC | Blue Collar Millionaires
In addition to the livestock, the couple also sells local yarns, fibers and cozy products from yak wool through their Great Lakes Ranch Fiber, Yarn and Fashion Store. Brad Sprouse got started in the business in 1981 raising llamas. In 1991, the ranch added Tibetan Yak, and in 1993 they began breeding Suri alpacas, according to the ranch's website. Today they focus only on yak. But it's been lucrative. For example, according to "Blue Collar Millionaires," which aired in 2015, it cost the couple $350 per year to raise an alpaca, even "with vet bills, grain, hay the whole works," says Jandy. Not bad, considering that they could sell the animals for $15,000 to $35,000 a head. Why? Many expensive suits and knits are made from alpaca.
The computer industry is on Wednesday to patch a massive security vulnerability that's present in the processors used on almost all the computers in the world. The vulnerabilities could allow a hacker to steal information stored in the memory of a wide range of computer chips running on personal devices not just computers and phones, but also the servers in data centers, including those used to run cloud computing services. The widespread vulnerability could allow a hacker to steal information stored in the memory of the chip itself, including things such as passwords and cached files. It could also pave the way for attackers to weaken other security features.
'Meltdown' and 'Spectre'
One of the vulnerabilities, dubbed Meltdown, is known to affect Intel chips. Another, Spectre, could affect chips from many vendors, including Intel as well as AMD and Arm. Although there are no known exploits for the problem yet, the problem is alarming because it could affect so many computers. Intel and AMD chips power nearly all personal computers and the computers used in data centers, including those that power online services and cloud computing services, while Arm chips power many smartphones. A site with detailed information about Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities says that Google's Jann Horn and third-party researchers discovered them around the same time.
Intel, others respond
CEO Brian Krzanich also told CNBC that first alerted it to the vulnerability, and Google has published a detailed rundown of the exploits. Intel and other companies were scrambling to fix the problem before word got out, the New York Times reports, but news of the vulnerability was reported by The Register on Tuesday, so the companies and researchers rushed to release information about it on Wednesday.
What you should do
Individuals should apply the first available security updates from the companies who make the software on their devices, like Microsoft Windows, or Apple for iOS. Service providers such as Amazon are working to patch the servers used in their data centers, and some users may experirence down time as they do this.
A man walks past a Bitcoin symbol on a window of the offices of the bank 'La Maison du Bitcoin' in Paris.
"The decision to close GBTC to new purchases is driven by concerns pertaining to suitability and eligibility standards of this product," according to an internal memo the newspaper reviewed.
The ban prevents the financial giant's roughly 17,000 advisors from pitching investments related to bitcoin and executing client requests to trade Grayscale's bitcoin investment trust (GBTC) , the newspaper said, citing a person familiar with the matter.
Merrill Lynch financial advisors cannot buy bitcoin -related investments for their clients, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.
A Merrill Lynch spokesperson confirmed the report to CNBC.
Michael Sonnenshein, director of sales and business development at Grayscale, said in a statement to CNBC that, " We look forward to speaking with Merrill Lynch and addressing any questions or concerns they have about the Bitcoin Investment Trust. We are unaware of any similar policies at other brokerage firms."
GBTC is traded over the counter, rather than through a formal venue like the New York Stock Exchange. The bitcoin trust is the top holding of two of Ark Invest's exchange-traded funds, which unsurprisingly were among the top performing ETFs last year, according to ETF.com.
Merrill Lynch previously banned access to the bitcoin futures that CME, the world's largest futures exchange, and its competitor Cboe launched in mid-December.
Bitcoin has soared more than 1,300 percent over the last 12 months and has drawn strong criticism that the digital currency is in a highly speculative bubble.
Read the full Journal report here.
College graduates crippled by burdensome student loan debt might want to consider moving to Kansas. The Kansas Department of Commerce is offering many new, full-time residents some pretty attractive perks. Seventy-seven different counties, which cover most of the state, offer student loan repayments and/or state income tax waivers as an incentive to get people to move there. The program, called Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ), has been "highly effective" in attracting new residents, Kevin Doel, director of communications at the Kansas Department of Commerce, tells CNBC Make It.
Program pays off for graduates with debt
Packing up your stuff and plopping yourself in a new apartment in one of those Kansas counties won't be enough to get that student loan debt wiped out.
In order to be eligible for the student loan repayment program, you must have established residency in the county after July 2011 and on or after the date in which your county opted in to the program, and have obtained either an associate's, bachelor's or post-graduate degree before moving there. You'll also need to have a "sponsor" available, which could be either your county or employer. Employers "have shown strong interest in using this program as a recruitment tool," Doel says. For example, Kearny County Hospital is currently sponsoring five individuals, he says. Overall, there are currently 58 sponsoring employers. Once you secure your sponsor, your student loan repayment is funded half by that sponsor and half by the state. "We spent about $2.2 million in student repayment loans last year," Kansas Governor Sam Brownback tells CNBC's "Power Lunch." He also notes that the $2.2 million figure is the state's expenditure, while the other half of the student loan repayment is sponsored locally. So far, the Kansas Department of Commerce has received over 3,400 ROZ applications for student loan repayment assistance, and over one-third of the applicants are moving to Kansas from out-of-state. "The ROZ program has also helped over 2,000 Kansans return home and has attracted individuals with a wide range of talents and occupations," Doel tells CNBC Make It. "It has been particularly effective in attracting educators and healthcare professionals. The ROZ applicants have stated the incentives were important in their decision to move to a ROZ county."
Student loan debt is crippling the country
Participants in Kansas' program can receive annual payments equal to 20 percent of their outstanding student loan balance, up to maximum of $3,000 per year or $15,000 over the course of five years. With the current average student loan debt per borrower nationwide at $26,700, according to consumer spending site ValuePenguin, and the amount of student loan debt ballooning over the past decade by more than 250 percent across the U.S., rural towns might have just found the secret to scoring new residents.
The 77 counties participating in the ROZ program also offer a five-year income tax waiver for new residents who have made less than $10,000 in Kansas income within five years prior to moving to the county, with the credit covering 100 percent of the taxpayer's Kansas tax liability. Currently, the income tax credit is available until tax year 2021, according to Kansas' Department of Revenue. However, there is no indication as to what the Kansas legislature will do beyond that point, Doel says. Last month, President Donald Trump signed into law a sweeping tax overhaul, and along with it, a complex tangle of tax code changes that is still being unpacked.
Other towns are also offering financial incentives
Data released in March from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that the population in counties outside of metro areas decreased a bit in 2016, making it the sixth straight year of population decline, FiveThirtyEight reports. In light of shrinking populations, a slew of other towns and cities in rural areas of the country also offer financial perks to incentivize people to move there. In New Richland, Minnesota, for example, you can receive a free lot to build a single-family "dream home," according to a brochure from the town. In order to receive the free land, you must build your new home within one year after the property is deeded to you, and you will be responsible for "special assessment" costs to cover things like water and sewage, which could run between $14,000 to $25,000. As another type of incentive to attract new residents, Harmony, Minnesota (which boasts a population of 1,000 residents) offers a cash rebate program for home construction. For those building a new home, the Harmony Economic Development Authority will provide a cash rebate ranging from $5,000 to $12,000. There are no restrictions or limits on the applicant's age, income level or residency, either. "The program has helped create almost $1.1 million in new taxable building value and has gotten us even better mileage as a marketing tool," Chris Giesen, vice president of community and economic development associates (which represents the Harmony Economic Development Authority), tells CNBC Make It. Other cities that have also offered financial incentives as a tool to recruit new residents include Niagara Falls, New York, Curtis, Nebraska and New Haven, Connecticut.
Cities that offer recent grads the best salaries
Snow days can easily be an inconvenience for both employers and employees. Even if a company is operating with a normal schedule, managers may still face a short staff due to local school closures, blocked off roads or unshoveled streets that all contribute to an employee calling out of work. Although some leading companies like Amazon, Hilton and Dell have added more remote work positions to their roster, other employers still fear that flexible work schedules will decrease productivity and collaboration. To convince your boss that a remote work policy can be good for business not only on a snow day but year-round, FlexJobs career specialist Brie Reynolds suggests following these five steps:
Thinkstock | Getty Images
1. Evaluate the demands of your position
Before scheduling a meeting with your boss to discuss an adjustment to their schedule, Reynolds says an employee should first evaluate the responsibilities of their job. "For example, if you work in sales and meet with a lot of clients in the office then working from home may not be best for you," she tells CNBC Make It. "Maybe think about adjusting your schedule to only take clients during a certain time and get a flexible schedule that way." If you have any friends who have negotiated a flexible work schedule, Reynolds also suggests asking them how they went about convincing their boss.
2. Check in with your HR department
Check with your company's HR department to get insight into whether the company has a remote work policy that isn't being employed in your division, or if they have ever had one in the past. If there was once a remote work policy in place, ask why it was eliminated. If there is one that is currently in place that other departments are using, ask workers from that department how the flexibility is impacting them. Then, present any positive feedback you receive to your boss.
3. Draft a proposal
After getting information on your company's relationship with remote work, draft a proposal that makes the case for why a flexible schedule will be good for your work, your team and your boss. In explaining its benefit, Reynolds advises employees to steer clear of focusing on personal motivations. "Some people have a more personal relationship with their boss, but if you don't, then keep it on a professional level," she says. "It will show that you thought about not only yourself, but the impact it will have on the company as a whole." For example, Reynolds says you can make the business case for how a remote work policy can eliminate your commute and help you start your day less stressed.
4. Plan for a trial period
In addition to drafting a proposal, Reynolds says employees should also create a plan that allows their boss to agree to a trial period. In this plan, you should outline how long the trial period will be, what you will be doing during that period and how you and your boss can measure your success. Mapping out a trial period, Reynolds says, can be great if you know your boss will be hesitant about committing to a full-time work-from-home plan.
5. Present your idea
A massive winter storm forced an Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger jet, to divert to a small New York airport around 1 p.m. ET on Thursday after heavy winds and whiteout conditions closed runways at its intended destination: John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The 325 passengers aboard Singapore Airlines Flight 26 from Frankfurt, Germany, found themselves on a snowy runway for more than three hours at humble Stewart International, about 80 miles north of JFK.
Passengers were leaving the plane after 5 p.m. ET using outdoor stairs, according to Manoel Gerlach, a passenger aboard the plane who was traveling with his wife and toddler son.
The sight of the giant plane, whose 262-foot wingspan is more than double that of a Boeing 737, was unusual for the airport, which is dwarfed by JFK in terms of passenger traffic. In 2016, about 137,000 passengers boarded at Stewart. At JFK, some 29 million passengers boarded, according to the Department of Transportation.
The airport's 11,800 foot runway can easily accommodate the large plane, and the airport even bills itself as an "efficient diversion airport" because the runway is so long. But the airport's gates aren't high enough to reach the plane's doors. Stairs were brought to the aircraft and passengers exited the plane into the outdoors, Gerlach said.
Singapore Airlines transported the passengers to New York by bus. transportation to New York for the passengers, a spokesman said.
Mobile ad agency Fetch has filed a lawsuit against Uber, claiming that the taxi app firm owes it $19.7 million in unpaid invoices. The move marks the latest step in a legal row that started in September. Uber had initially sought $40 million in damages from Fetch, alleging that the Dentsu-owned agency billed it for fake clicks on its online ads, allegations that Fetch denied. But Uber voluntarily dismissed that lawsuit on December 22, Reuters reported Tuesday, after the case was reassigned to Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers at the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California. It said it would seek claims in a San Francisco state court instead.
A phone displays the Uber ride-hailing app on September 22, 2017 in London, England. Uber is appealing Transport for London's decision not to renew its operating license. Leon Neal | Getty Images
Now Fetch has asked for Judge Rogers to determine both companies' contractual responsibilities and to direct Uber to pay it the monies Fetch claimed it is owed. Uber is said to have noticed a problem when it canceled a campaign set to appear on the Breitbart News website, where ads were placed by Fetch, but they continued to appear on the site. Uber said the agency was "running a wild west of online advertising fraud," and claimed credit for app downloads that happened without customers clicking on ads. Fetch CEO James Connelly told CNBC via email in September that it had terminated its two-year agreement with Uber in May 2017 due to non-payment of invoices and that it had advised the company on reducing ad fraud.
Ventura County Public Works Agency teams engaged in debris clean-up this week near Thomas fire burn areas. Source: Consortium Media
A winter storm is forecast to strike next week in Southern California that could bring up to 4 inches of rain and result in mudslides or flooding in some wildfire-scarred areas. Crews were scrambling this week to clean out debris in catch basins and prepare for heavy rains forecast to fall in burn areas Tuesday into Wednesday. The absence of vegetation and roots in burned-out hillsides and canyons makes them more susceptible to mudslides and even landslides, officials said. "To think that there won't be flooding would be very foolish," Tom Fayram, water resources deputy director for Santa Barbara County Public Works, said in an interview Thursday. "We've actually started while the fire is still burning clearing about 11 debris basins." The region's first major winter storm could bring rain to Ventura and Santa Barbara counties where the Thomas fire has burned as well as precipitation to residential areas in Los Angeles where other recent blazes have left hillsides bare of vegetation and prone to mudslides and flooding.
"We have a lot of steep, fire-denuded hill slopes where a lot of heavy rain at once could cause flooding and debris flows," said Paul Meznarich, U.S. Forest Service spokesman for the Thomas fire, told CNBC. "We want rain but we don't want a lot of it coming down hard in a short period of time because that brings its own problems with it." The National Weather Service is forecasting there could be about 2 to 4 inches of rain in the foothills and mountains areas of some of the recent burned areas from the approaching storm. There also is significant rain forecast for the coastal and other areas of the region. Jayme Laber, a hydrologist at the NWS office in Oxnard, California, said forecast models are showing that rain rates Tuesday into Wednesday in recent burn areas could approach a rate of about one-half-inch an hour, or enough to trigger flashfloods and debris flows. "Any recent burn area is considered a risk for mud and debris flow in the event there is a large amount of rain," said Capt. Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Wildfires often happen in September and October in Southern California and give local public works agencies time to prepare for the winter rains. However, given the Thomas fire started in December it has left little time for communities to prepare for the major storm system next week.
Fire fighters attack the Thomas Fires north flank with backfires as they continue to fight a massive wildfire north of Los Angeles, near Ojai , California, U.S., December 9, 2017. Gene Blevins | Reuters
Overall, the Thomas fire the largest wildfire in California history has scorched nearly 282,000 acres, or about 440 square miles, and destroyed or damaged more than 1,300 structures. The blaze, which also has caused losses to agriculture exceeding $171 million, was 92 percent contained as of Thursday morning. In Ventura County, the fire destroyed homes from Santa Paula to Ventura and left bare slopes along a coastal highway that connects Ventura to Santa Barbara. Some of the burned areas have a history of major debris flows and flooding after fires. For example, the western Ventura County town of La Conchita, where slopes burned last month, experienced a deadly mudslide in 2005 after rains. That event killed 10 people and destroyed more than a dozen homes. "The whole face of that slope [in La Conchita] burned," said Jim O'Tousa, a Ventura County geologist. "We are concerned about debris flows off that slope and out of the canyons on either side." Another potential danger is hillsides that burned above Summerland, Montecito and Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County. The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting Wednesday to discuss the flooding risk and heard how county workers are already clearing debris basins from burned areas in preparation for the storm. Meantime, in LA County where the so-called Creek and Skirball fires burned homes and hills in December there are preparations underway for the approaching storm. Also, more than 100 fire stations in the LA area are providing sandbags for residents to use as a way to protect homes. Besides December's fires, LA Fire's Scott said a concern with the approaching storm is areas burned in September's so-called La Tuna fire the largest acreage fire in LA city history. Even so, local agencies have had more time to perform field work to shore up those burn areas that may cause mudslides.
WATCH: Wildfires getting worse and more expensive to fight
You'll soon be able to use Alexa to start heating food in your microwave.
Amazon introduced new tools on Thursday that allow kitchen appliance makers to build Alexa, the voice assistant that powers Echo devices, into microwaves and eventually conventional ovens. You might, for example, tell Alexa to set the microwave for 3 minutes or ask Alexa to preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
The functions won't work with existing microwaves and ovens, so manufacturers will have to build new smart ovens to support Alexa.
Whirlpool has signed on to launch an Alexa-ready microwave that will be the first to the market. GE, Kenmore, LG and Samsung will also sell new products with Alexa.
Alexa is already built into other smart appliances, including LG refrigerators. Google and Apple have yet to announce similar features for Google Assistant or Siri.
According to AT&T, retrained employees are two times more likely to be hired into one of their newer, mission-critical jobs and four times more likely to make a career advancement.
AT&T said on Thursday it will roll out next generation 5G mobile internet in a dozen U.S. cities by late 2018.
America's second-largest wireless carrier said it expects to be the first U.S. company to introduce the technology if its timeline is achieved.
AT&T's announcement comes after international 5G standards were agreed in December by 3GPP, the body that develops and governs cellular standards.
"We're moving quickly to begin deploying mobile 5G this year and start unlocking the future of connectivity for consumers and businesses," Melissa Arnoldi, president of AT&T technology and operations, said in a press release on Thursday.
"With faster speeds and ultra-low latency, 5G will ultimately deliver and enhance experiences like virtual reality, future driverless cars, immersive 4K video and more."
AT&T also said that it also plans on trialing 5G technology with businesses.
The mobile industry has promised 5G would bring faster internet speeds to stream videos or download data. But it is also seen as a technology that can underpin driverless cars, allowing vehicles to send large amounts of data from their sensors back and forth.
AT&T did not disclose which areas would receive 5G first.
In the first month of Barack Obama's second year in the White House, Fox News highlighted a controversy: a photograph showed his feet on the historic Resolute Desk. "Is President Obama disrespecting the Oval Office?" the Fox website asked. In the first month of Donald Trump's second year, he has called for the imprisonment of political opponents and taunted North Korea's nuclear-armed leader with threats of annihilation. In a new book informed by extensive White House access, top officials described the president with words like "crazy" and "stupid," depicting Trump as an immature 71-year-old incapable of maintaining attention long enough to process new information or even conduct a serious conversation. The contrast underscores two things at once: the triviality of attacks on how Obama handled his presidential duties and the gravity of questions about Trump's fitness to handle them now. The latter poses a growing threat for Republicans who seek to maintain their majority in Congress in the 2018 elections while shielding an unpopular president from accountability. Throughout 2017, Trump's behavior as president was the dominant national story, not much of which has flattered him or his party. Most Americans disapprove of his job performance, and the tax cut that provided his sole major legislative accomplishment. Trump's alienation of big chunks of the electorate notably college-educated whites, women and young voters fueled striking Democratic victories last fall in Virginia and Alabama.
President Trump ponders the answer to a question from a reporter en route to Hanoi, Vietnam, aboard Air Force One. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters
Nor do a growing economy and rising stock values offer Republicans much comfort in 2018. Early polling shows Democrats strongly positioned for midterm gains in November. In recent days, Republicans have found more cause for alarm. Trump's year-end interview with The New York Times featured a series of rambling, unfocused assertions at odds with reality. His tweeted demand of "Jail!" for former Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin evoked images of autocratic leaders elsewhere. His belligerent boast of having "a much bigger and more powerfulnuclear button" than North Korea's Kim Jong Un's amplified doubts about the capacity for handling the presidency's power over war and peace. "It raises the question about whether the president has the judgment and discipline that are commensurate with that power," said Richard Haass, a national security aide under both Presidents Bush and now head of the Council on Foreign Relations. "That ought to concern people." So does the harsh depiction in Michael Wolff's expose of Trump's first year in office. In the book "Fire and Fury," those deriding the president's capabilities, judgment and stability include his senior-most aides and family members. "He couldn't really converse, not in the sense of sharing information or of a balanced back-and-forth conversation," Wolff wrote in characterizing the view of Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner. At another point, Wolff described the president as "a figure of sputtering and dangerous insecurities." Determining his wishes, Wolff quotes ex-White House aide Katie Walsh as saying, was "like trying to figure out what a child wants." The damaging assessments extend beyond the personal. Steve Bannon, who served as chief executive of Trump's campaign and chief strategist in his White House, called it "treasonous" for top Trump advisers to meet with Russians offering dirt on Hillary Clinton at Trump Tower in June 2016. Contradicting the president's assertions that he knew nothing of that meeting until much later, Bannon said there was "zero" chance that Donald Trump Jr. did not take those Russians to his father's office that day.
Donald Trump Jr. Albin Lohr-Jones | Pool via Bloomberg | Getty Images
The pattern of Republican reaction to such disclosures has been to ignore or downplay them. GOP lawmakers generally cast the president as an unconventional, deliberately provocative figure and say they await results from investigations by Congress and Justice Department special counsel Robert Mueller. That partly reflects their desire to achieve priorities they share with the White House, especially the tax cut. It partly reflects their fear of zealous Trump supporters within the GOP rank-and-file, who might oust them in party primaries. Yet the more damaged Trump becomes legally or politically or both the more vulnerable House and Senate Republicans become among the broader November electorate. History shows that voters angry or uneasy about an incumbent president turn against his party in midterm elections. Democrats won't capture the Senate seat in Utah opened up by the retirement of veteran Republican Orrin Hatch. But the favorite to win it, former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, foreshadowed today's concerns with his March 2016 speech excoriating Trump's "temperament, his stability, and his suitability to be president." "This is a time for choosing," Romney declared in urging Republicans to nominate someone else. The party's House and Senate candidates have the most to fear from voter choices now.
WATCH: Wien says GOP will lose House & Senate because of Trump
As Neiman Marcus continues to grapple with a steep debt load and industry headwinds, CEO Karen Katz is stepping down, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC on Thursday.
The luxury retailer has already identified her replacement, the sources added. The successor could be named as soon as Friday, some of the sources said.
Katz's plans to step aside were first reported by The Wall Street Journal earlier on Thursday.
The sources asked not to be named because the information is confidential. Neiman Marcus did not have an immediate comment.
The high-end retailer is one of many that has struggled to cope with leverage left behind from a flurry of private equity interest in the retail industry. The firms were buoyed by low interest rates and the attraction of recognizable names, but have found themselves financially hindered as they need to make necessary investments to adjust to the rapidly changing landscape.
Neiman Marcus was acquired by TPG Capital and Warburg Pincus in 2005 for $5.1 billion. It was sold to Ares Management and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in 2013 for $6 billion.
Last year the retailer hired investment bank Lazard to help cope with its roughly $4.4 billion in long-term net debt. At one point it flirted with the idea of selling to Hudson's Bay Company, but the challenge of combining heavily indebted companies proved too steep.
Some of Neiman's challenges have been specific to the retailer: It made its name in large part on high-end clothing and personal shopping, but the younger generation spends less on, and seemingly cares less about, clothes. The stronger U.S. dollar has also been negative for Neiman Marcus, curbing spending at its Bergdorf Goodman department stores, which are popular with New York tourists.
Department stores across the board have struggled as brands increasingly look to reach their shoppers without a middleman, and they deal with excess real estate no longer in sync with how consumers shop.
Department stores J.C. Penney and Macy's both saw their stocks rattled on Thursday, despite a relatively strong holiday performance, a sign of investor skittishness toward the industry at large.
In its search for a new leader, Neiman Marcus finds itself in a position similar to that of its peers, which must consider whether outside influences can help them change course. The retail industry is infamously insular in its hiring practices, and the industry has evolved such that the expertise required by a retailer 10 years ago may no longer be relevant.
Still, the very challenges that retailers are facing have made it harder to entice outsiders, industry sources have told CNBC.
The Beijing corps of the Chinese People's Armed Police takes an oath during a ceremony on January 2, 2018, in Beijing, China, as annual military training activities begin.
Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed China's entire armed forces in a speech Thursday, in which he urged troops to show the "fighting spirit of fearing neither hardship nor death."
At a first-of-its-kind meeting for the whole People's Liberation Army, Xi spoke to more than 7,000 armed officers in Hebei province of northern China, reported state news agency Xinhua. In other parts of the country, over 4,000 branches of the military also listened to Xi's address.
As reported by Xinhua, Xi commanded troops to: "Create an elite and powerful force that is always ready for the fight, capable of combat and sure to win in order to fulfil the tasks bestowed by the Party and the people in the new era."
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Xi occupies multiple roles as well as the presidency of China, and is chairman of the Central Military Commission. He is considered one of China's most powerful leaders in history, with "Xi Jinping Thought" written into the Communist Party's constitution last year alongside that of Mao Zedong.
China's flexing of its military muscles comes amid an international security crisis in the region: the nuclear threat from North Korea.
"It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War II," Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Thursday at a news conference, as reported by Reuters.
Japan's military spending has risen in recent years despite its pacifist constitution. Reuters reported that as of April 1 this year, Japan's defense budget will be 5.19 trillion yen ($46 billion), a 1.3 percent year-on-year rise.
U.S. President Donald Trump struck a defiant tone in his latest tweet about North Korea Thursday, saying that he was "firm, strong, and willing to commit (the U.S.') total 'might'" to addressing the issue.
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Trump was criticized for a tweet earlier this week that boasted about the size of his "nuclear button" in comparison to that of North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un.
Facebook will chip away at Google's dominance in digital advertising thanks to the growth of Instagram and video ads, according to a new research note from Cowen.
Cowen analysts, who surveyed 50 senior ad buyers, said Facebook and Instagram ad budgets will increase in 2018 and 2019, and budgets for Google ads will decline slightly.
Google and Facebook together dominate digital advertising, with about 63 percent between the two of them in 2017, according to eMarketer. This year, the firm projects Google will make $40.08 billion in U.S. digital ad revenue, while Facebook is poised to bring in $21.57 billion.
Though YouTube is still the preferred digital video platform to advertise on, Facebook is encroaching on its top position. In particular, 41 percent of the survey takers considered Facebook video the best place to launch a new ad campaign over TV (25 percent) and YouTube (10 percent). While the digital ad market is expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 13 percent between 2018 and 2023, Google is only expected to increase 11 percent.
There was also increasing interest in advertising on Snapchat-like service Instagram Stories, with ad buyers saying they preferred Instagram Stories over Snapchat.
Both Facebook and Google shares are expected to outperform, with Facebook's price target at $220 and Alphabet's at $1,230.
Macy's and J.C. Penney both reported 2017 holiday sales results that outpaced analysts' expectations and topped performances from the year prior, but Wall Street has a hard time forgetting the underlying troubles that still plague the industry.
Retailers are being forced to reimagine how they operate and what they sell: faster fulfillment, less apparel inventory, a loyal customer base, and easy-to-navigate websites and mobile apps are becoming the new norm.
Macy's shares closed down more than 3 percent Thursday. J.C. Penney's stock was down around 6 percent at one point before regaining some ground to end modestly lower Thursday in spite of the retailers' largely positive results. Earlier in the week, department store stocks were rallying in anticipation of a healthier holiday across the board. But the uptick was inevitably short-lived.
"Good holiday sales are a plus for the industry and are most welcome, but when you look at retail earnings expectations they are still uninspiring Amazon will continue to put pressure on all segments of the industry [and] e-commerce margins are unlikely to expand anytime soon as more transactions move online," Retail Metrics founder Ken Perkins told CNBC.
"Investments in logistics and the build-out of e-commerce, which are vital for survival, will continue to be a drag on earnings," Perkins said.
Both Macy's and J.C. Penney are still expected to report a drop in revenue and negative same-store sales for fiscal 2017 in light of Thursday's results. Although Macy's raised its annual outlook, citing a bump from federal tax reform, it won't be enough of a boost to get the company back to positive, like CEO Jeff Gennette aspires to do longer term.
"A healthy store base combined with robust digital capabilities is Macy's recipe for success," Gennette said Thursday in a statement, speaking to future initiatives.
U.S. President Donald Trump's lawyer is threatening legal action against former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon for making "disparaging" and "outright defamatory" statements in a new book. Those statements were made to Michael Wolff, the author of a book that chronicles Trump's first year in office. The president's attorney Charles Harder sent a letter to Bannon on Wednesday, demanding him to "cease and desist" any more of such claims.
In the book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," Bannon was quoted as saying that a June 2016 Trump Tower meeting between the president's eldest son, Donald Jr., and a Russian lawyer was "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." Bannon also said there was "zero" chance that then-candidate Trump did not meet with the attendees at a later date or time. The book will hit shelves on Jan. 9 but excerpts of key sections were published on Wednesday. Trump, in a Wednesday statement, blasted Bannon. He said the former chief strategist had "not only lost his job" but also "lost his mind" when he left the White House. The president added that Bannon had little to do with his election victory and blamed him for the loss in the Alabama special U.S. senate election last month.
Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon attends a ceremony at the White House April 10, 2017 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images
This week, Tilman Fertitta travels to Chicago to meet with two companies putting a twist on classic products. First, is Nino's, a family run pasta maker, is trying to rebuild their legacy. Next, Social Sparkling Wine, is a clean alcohol beverage, whose owner is trying to tap into bars and restaurants. If they can impress Tilman, he could take their businesses to the new heights. But if they can't, their chance for a deal will fizzle out.
Check out the clips above.
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About "Billion Dollar Buyer"
Billion Dollar Buyer introduces promising companies across the country to one of America's most successful businessmen: billionaire hospitality mogul Tilman Fertitta, Chairman, CEO, and sole shareholder of Landry's, Inc.
Republican Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado promised on Thursday to put holds on all nominees for Attorney General Jeff Sessions' Justice Department, amid a furor over a policy change that aims to reverse the federal government's permissive stance toward states that legalize marijuana.
On the Senate floor, a visibly agitated Gardner decried a "complete reversal" of the position he said Sessions and President Donald Trump had taken with respect to enforcing federal laws that outlaw marijuana use.
"Prior to his confirmation, then-Senator Sessions told me there would be no plans to reverse the Cole memorandum," Gardner said. He referred to a 2013 memo penned by former Deputy Attorney General James Cole essentially assuring that the Obama administration would not stop states from legalizing marijuana.
"One tweet later, one policy later, a complete reversal of what many of us on the Hill were told before the confirmation, what we had continued to believe the last year," Gardner said. "And without any notification, conversation, or dialogue with Congress [the policy was] completely reversed."
Gardner said he will be putting holds on every nomination to the Justice Department until Sessions "lives up to the commitment that he made to me in my pre-confirmation meeting with him."
A Senate hold enables a single senator to block a nomination, a motion or even a piece of legislation from being seen in the Senate.
To put holds on all nominations is especially consequential for the Justice Department, which reportedly is still missing Senate-confirmed leaders in at least six divisions.
On Thursday, Sessions issued a directive rescinding Cole's policy. The former Alabama senator directed federal prosecutors "to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country."
The Department of Justice later said in a public statement that Sessions' decision represented "a return to the rule of law."
Trump, Gardner noted on the Senate floor, had previously stated that as a presidential candidate, he wouldn't use federal authority to shut down sales of recreational marijuana.
"I think it's up to the states," Trump said in a 2016 interview. "I'm a states person. I think it should be up to the states. Absolutely."
Brandon Rittiman tweet: Had to ask @realDonaldTrump about #marijuana in light of his alliance with @GovChristie:#9NEWS #COpolitics
"I would like to know from the attorney general what has changed," Gardner said on Thursday. "What has changed President Trump's mind that the Cole memorandum would be reversed and rescinded?"
Cory Gardner tweet 1: .@realdonaldtrump had it right. This must be left up to the states.
Cory Gardner tweet 2: I am prepared to take all steps necessary, including holding DOJ nominees, until the Attorney General lives up to the commitment he made to me prior to his confirmation.
Marijuana has remained federally prohibited for decades, and Colorado is one of the pioneers of legalization at the state level. In 2016, the state topped $1 billion in legal weed revenues, allowing the government to reap a $198.5 million windfall in marijuana taxes.
In 2012, Colorado became the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Since then, marijuana sales have created hundreds of millions in revenue for the state every year.
The Department of Justice did not respond to a request for comment on Gardner's remarks in time for publication of this story.
About this same time last year, Macy's released more than 60 locations that would close in 2017, saying 100 total closures would take place over time. Eleven stores were officially added to that list Thursday. (See a full list of locations below.)
Macy's will close nearly a dozen stores early this year, as part of a previously announced plan to trim the retailer's massive store fleet and cut back on expenses.
The department store chain said it's nearing the completion of 81 of the 100 planned closures, with the 19 remaining locations having yet to be announced. Since 2015, Macy's has closed more than 120 stores.
The closures, along with other efforts, should help Macy's save as much as $300 million in expenses annually, starting in fiscal 2018, which will be reinvested back into the business, the company said. The closures will also result in about 5,000 job cuts.
"While closing a store is always a difficult decision because of the impact on our customers, our associates and the community, Macy's is delighted to have served these communities over the years," a spokeswoman said in a statement.
The Cincinnati-based retailer has said it wants to focus on its best real estate while investing more in its web operations, in a push to win more shoppers online. In recent months, foot traffic has also been steadily declining at many of America's less-profitable malls.
Macy's shares have fallen more than 25 percent over the past 12 months, and the stock was down more than 3 percent Thursday on this news.
The following Macy's stores are closing in early 2018. In most cases, clearance sales will begin on Jan. 8 and run for up to 12 weeks.
Kathy, 65, and Phil, 74, live together in this RV along with their aging Standard Poodle in a parking lot on December 18, 2017 in Santa Barbara, California. She currently works part time in Santa Barbara and struggles financially. She says she spent her career working as a paralegal and was a homeowner.
Income inequality in California is getting worse. In affluent areas such as Santa Barbara, the cost of living continues to rise while wages stay stagnant, leaving residents struggling to make ends meet. Even many of those with jobs can barely afford to stay in the city they've called home for years, and more of them are now forced to live out of their cars. "It's a kind of middle-class homelessness," writes Steve Lopez in an article on the issue for the Los Angeles Times. One local organization taking aim at the problem is the New Beginnings Counseling Center, which runs Safe Parking, a program that matches approved clients with monitored parking spots in lots near churches, government offices and nonprofits, where they can stay overnight.
The Safe Parking program has been around since 2004 but, just in the past 18 months, it has expanded from 20 lots to 23, according to the L.A. Times. There's also a waiting list of more than 40 families. Of the program's 150 clients, 40 percent are employed, including Marva Ericson, a certified nurse assistant currently living out of her Kia. After a series of seizures forced Ericson to quit her job, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor while taking care of her dying mother. Although Ericson regained her health and was able to return to work, she still struggled to make ends meet. Despite working two jobs, earning between $12 and $14 an hour, she lost her apartment three months ago and has been spending nights in her car since. "I wake up and I say, 'Thank you God for keeping me safe last night, and thank you for the Safe Parking program,'" Ericson told the L.A. Times.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed his interest in crypto currency and its potential uses in his 2018 mission statement, issued on Thursday.
The statement was all about how Zuckerberg is taking on a new personal challenge for 2018: fixing Facebook. (Last year's challenge was visiting all the states he'd never been to and meeting people there.)
Zuckerberg mentioned cryptocurrency only in passing as an example of technology that decentralizes power. But the concept could also help Facebook catch up to Asian messaging rivals when it comes to mobile payments.
In China, it is so easy to make purchases with WeChat Pay and AliPay that cash is becoming obsolete. In Chinese cities, beggars seek mobile payments to their accounts using QR codes rather than spare change.
Combined, Alibaba and WeChat hold an estimated 92 percent of the marketshare for mobile wallets in China, which has an estimated 500 million mobile payment users. The rest of the world has some 556 million mobile money accounts, according to research from finance industry consortium CGAP.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said his mission in 2018 is to fix Facebook's large list of issues, including foreign interference on the platform, ongoing instances of harassment and potential threats to the mental health of its users.
"My personal challenge for 2018 is to focus on fixing these important issues," Zuckerberg wrote in a post on his Facebook page Thursday. "We won't prevent all mistakes or abuse, but we currently make too many errors enforcing our policies and preventing misuse of our tools. If we're successful this year then we'll end 2018 on a much better trajectory."
Facebook was under much scrutiny in 2017 for a litany of issues, including admitting Russians bought ads with the intent to sway the 2016 U.S. elections. Its ad-targeting capabilities were also allowing companies to find potential customers using racially discriminatory and derogatory terms.
Facebook is facing four major challenges as it matures as a company, said Aaron Shapiro, CEO of advertising agency Huge. The company needs to find its role in society, address mental health issues, assuage users' privacy concerns and remain relevant while growing revenue. But while Facebook has done a good job at acquiring companies like Instagram, it's never really addressed the other issues until now, Shapiro said.
The most pressing issue Facebook has to address is fixing its "fake news" problem, said Ronn Torossian, founder and CEO of public relations firm 5WPR. His firm does crisis management for major technology companies.
"We're living in an era where the president of the United States arguably the most powerful person in the world speaks about fake news as an issue every day," Torossian said. "If you have a report coming out that says Facebook was a big purveyor of this fake news, you need to fix this thing."
Zuckerberg who has taken on a personal challenge every year since 2009 said in his post that one of the most interesting issues facing the technology industry is the concept of "centralization vs. decentralization." Technology was expected to give people more control over their lives, he wrote. But as a handful of technology companies become the dominant players and governments used technology to monitor citizens, people increasingly believe technology is becoming a controlling, centralized power.
"There are important counter-trends to this like encryption and cryptocurrency that take power from centralized systems and put it back into people's hands," Zuckerberg wrote. "But they come with the risk of being harder to control. I'm interested to go deeper and study the positive and negative aspects of these technologies, and how best to use them in our services."
The fact that Facebook is used by more than a billion people on a daily basis makes it both an ideal communication tool and an easy way to spread misinformation, said eMarketer principal analyst Debra Aho Williamson. People see major tech companies as having vast control over their lives, and Facebook will have to learn how to balance its influence with public perception.
"Recognizing its power, and understanding how that power can be used for both good and potentially bad purposes and doing something about that is probably Facebook's biggest challenge," Williamson said.
The fact that Zuckerberg is acknowledging the problems is admirable and positive, 5WPR's Torossian said. And saying he'll do so on his Facebook page is an intelligent move.
"It's PR 101. ... He doesn't have to do an interview. He doesn't have to shout it from the rooftops. All he has to do is put it out on Facebook, and he controls the message," Torossian said.
See the full text of Zuckerberg's post below:
January 1 saw the official legalization of recreational marijuana in California, and with it a potential huge boost to an industry that one research company estimated could be worth $6 billion by 2021. And those living in and around Los Angeles should get set for trucks driving around the city wrapped in advertising for MedMen, one of the stores "mainstreaming marijuana," and a company that has spent more than $500,000 on marketing already. But the ads which have already run on billboards around LA's wider metropolitan area won't feature any buds, blunts or bongs. Instead, the posters will show close-ups of people's faces with phrases such as "Heal. It's legal," and "Relax. It's legal."
An ad for marijuana store MedMen MedMen
They are real MedMen customers, said Daniel Yi, the firm's vice president of corporate communications. "This is not about marijuana," he told CNBC in an email. "This is about the people who use cannabis for all the reasons people have used cannabis for hundreds of years. Yes for recreation, just like alcohol, but also for wellness." MedMen lists six stores in Southern California and three in New York on its website, and Yi added that each has more than 1,000 different products. "Many of them have nothing to do with 'getting high' This is about giving choice and a safe and inviting environment for adults who want to make cannabis a part of their lives," he said.
A MedMen store in West Hollywood, California, on 2 January 2018. Bloomberg | Getty Images
As well as the pure product itself, stores will sell skin creams, bath bombs and teas infused with cannabidiol (known as CBD), one of the active elements of cannabis. MedMen's "Faces" ads have featured on billboards around the Whisky a Go Go nightclub on Sunset Boulevard and the company has also run print and digital ads in what Yi claims is the "largest marijuana marketing campaign in history." It's an adspend that MedMen will be hoping will keep sending people into its shops. CEO Adam Bierman told CNBC's "The Profit" in August 2017 that each customer spends $85 on average. With about 180 customers a day, that would equate to $15,000 takings per store.
Executive chef Mark Ladner of Del Posto led the New York City Italian restaurant to its first Michelin star, but by the time it was awarded, he had moved on to a bigger ambition bringing fine-dining pasta to the masses for under $10. "I always wanted to crack the code on making pasta that typically takes a long time to cook, and figure out a way to provide it to people more quickly without sacrificing the quality or the al dente bite," said Ladner, who left Del Posto last February to found his fast-casual pasta restaurant, Pasta Flyer. In November the fast-casual restaurant opened its first New York City location, in Greenwich Village. Pasta Flyer is serving a few hundred people a day, about 50 percent being takeout and delivery orders. Ladner said lines are steady throughout the day, but they haven't had lines out the door, but he added that's a good thing as it can at least partially be attributed to an efficient and quick line. Ladner is in good company among top chefs taking menus downscale some of the world's most renowned restaurateurs are entering the fast-casual market, which promotes authentic ingredients and quick service while offering a slightly more expensive alternative to fast food chains. Danny Meyer, founder and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group, opened Shake Shack in 2004. Momofuku's chef David Chang opened the six-store New York chain Fuku, and Chef Jose Andres of minibar in Washington, D.C., opened Beefsteak in 2015. Chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara of Eleven Madison Park and The Nomad opened their first fast-casual spot, Made Nice, in April of this year. Franklin Becker, a "Top Chef Master" and former head of several pricey New York City restaurants under the EMM Group brand, teamed with fast-food investment firm Aurify Brands to launch Little Beet in 2015. Euromonitor estimated that the United States fast-food market was 10 percent fast-casual restaurants in 2015. One year later The National Restaurant Association estimated they consume 18 percent of the market, a $47 billion industry, and they're predicting that chef-driven fast-casual concepts will be a top trend in 2018.
Mark Ladner opened up Pasta Flyer, a fast casual restaurant in New York City's Greenwich Village, after serving as executive chef at Del Posto since it opened in 2005.
The check average at Del Posto was $300 a person, while the check average [at Pasta Flyer] is closer to $10 a person. Mark Ladner former executive chef of Del Posto and founder of Pasta Flyer
Ladner's favorite dish on the Pasta Flyer menu the rigatoni, which costs $7.50 and is ready for the customers 30 seconds after they order. "The check average at Del Posto was $300 a person, while the check average here is closer to $10 a person," Ladner said. Yet he says the quality is nearly the same. "I'll try to make something as good as I possibly can, and then we'll cost it out and see if it is actually realistic to produce it that way." While Ladner uses the same vendors he had at Del Posto, he had to work out arrangements at new price points. The pasta itself is made in Italy, then sent to the Midwest to be processed and sent frozen to Pasta Flyer. When it is ordered, it is cooked in 15 seconds in front of the customer. The other 15 seconds are for the sauce and the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. The back of the store operates like a fine-dining kitchen. "At [Pasta Flyer], from the back door until you get to the service line, it's essentially slow food, and then the service line itself is fast. So we're not sacrificing that much to make the food fast."
Food critics weigh in
A powerful winter storm that struck the Southeast this week is the latest blow to an already struggling Florida citrus industry, a state official told CNBC on Thursday.
Heavy snow and high wind pounded the Southeast on Wednesday, dumping snow on Florida's capital for the first time in three decades and damaging crops. The governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia declared states of emergency, warning residents to expect icy roads and freezing temperatures.
The storm was making its way to Maine on Thursday, knocking out power and icing over roadways along the way.
Late last year, Florida's hopes for a good year in juice production were crushed after Hurricane Irma caused losses of 50 to 70 percent of Florida's citrus crop in portions of South Florida. The storm losses were initially pegged at $761 million, but that number has since grown.
"This is pretty much the knockout year for Florida citrus," said Shannon Shepp, executive director of Florida's Department of Citrus. "We're doing everything we can to make this American icon survive, and it's like the hits just keep on coming."
The New York Daily News tweeted its latest front page featuring an illustration of President Donald Trump and former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon as birds engaged in a cockfight.
The headline, "Cuck Fight," was emblazoned across the front. "Cuck" is a pejorative term used by the so-called alt-right for a man who has no self-respect, or more broadly for politically liberal males.
August 2017: "I want to thank Steve Bannon for his service." January 2018: "When (Steve Bannon) was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."
The cover also references Trump's retort to quotes from Bannon in Michael Wolff's upcoming tell-all book about the Trump administration titled "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House."
In the book, Bannon is quoted as saying a meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a Russian lawyer in 2016 was "treasonous," The Guardian reported.
In his reply, Trump said the Breitbart News executive chairman "lost his mind" when he "lost his job" at the White House.
The White House says Bannon's departure last August had been a mutual decision between chief of staff John Kelly and himself.
One of North Korea's test ballistic missiles last year crashed in a city not far from Pyongyang, according to new findings by online news magazine The Diplomat.
In April, Pyongyang launched a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile that failed shortly after launch and ended up hitting the city of Tokchon, roughly two hours from the capital, The Diplomat reported on Wednesday.
The missile's failure was widely reported at the time but it was not previously known that the Hwasong-12 crashed in a populated area.
From a location near North Korea's Pukchang Airfield, the missile flew approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles) to the northeast where it struck a complex of industrial or agricultural facilities in Tokchon, The Diplomat said, citing satellite imagery. That complex, located near residential and commercial buildings, likely experienced a large explosion but The Diplomat said it was impossible to determine whether there were casualties.
The prospect of nuclear war breaking out on the Korean Peninsula dominated global headlines for the last year, but many analysts believe the risk of a nuclear accident could be an even greater threat amid Pyongyang's lax safety regulations.
Read The Diplomat's story for more details about the crash.
A powerful winter storm grounded more than 4,000 flights and halted operations at New York City airports Thursday.
New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport suspended flights because of whiteout conditions and high winds.
Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, a United Airlines hub, was most affected by cancellations, with more than 1,000 canceled flights, close to 80 percent of its schedule, according to FlightAware, a plane-tracking website. At Boston Logan International Airport, a hub of JetBlue Airways and an important airport for business travel, 720 flights were canceled.
Travel disruptions will continue into Friday, capping off a shortened back-to-work week for business travelers. Airlines canceled more than 600 flights on Friday because of the storm, according to FlightAware.
American Airlines scrubbed its entire Thursday schedule in and out of the three main New York-area airports. It said operations would resume on Friday.
All major U.S. airlines including American, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United waived change fees for travelers booked to fly in and out of these airports.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Wednesday it had 524 pieces of snow equipment at the area's airports that can melt up to 500 tons of snow an hour, but they will soon be faced with a new challenge: ice. Forecasters said bone-chilling temperatures are expected in the storm's wake.
I visited Puerto Rico for a week from Dec. 23 until Dec. 30. It was my first time visiting my friends and family since Hurricane Maria ravaged the island in September. I was happy to be back, but I also felt somewhat guilty not having experienced the destruction left in the storm's wake firsthand.
I could tell people were exhausted from everything they went through. The uphill recovery they were facing didn't help the situation, either.
I went out for drinks with my brother-in-law one night. We ran into a friend of his who worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers making sure the power generators used by FEMA were running smoothly.
This guy has traveled the entire island over the past three months. He told us stories of what he saw and gave his assessment of the situation. He said there are parts of the island that are slowly recovering. However, he would advise people to leave if they lived in one of the smaller towns in the center of the island.
My brother-in-law's friend noted he was skeptical of the government's prediction it would have power fully restored by May, especially in those smaller towns. Given what I know about the situation and what I saw, I can't say I'm surprised by this.
It's been more than three months since the storm hit the island. Only 55 percent of Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority customers have power. Many of those customers had to wait months before the power returned. My mom, for example, was without power for three months, with it only coming back in late December.
The blackouts led not only to desperation but also to deaths. An analysis conducted by The New York Times found that deaths in Puerto Rico stemming from the hurricane could total more than 1,000. Also, more than 200,000 residents have now moved to Florida from the island since the hurricane.
The damage done to the island is still visible in Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan. On my way home from the airport, I saw power lines still down, intersections without working traffic lights and knocked-down road signs. The roads themselves were also in worse shape than prior to the hurricane's arrival. When I visited my brother, I saw a parking spot being taken up by a tree.
The share price of Chinese social network Renren has almost doubled after the company said it was raising money through a digital currency sale.
Renren is looking to raise funds through an initial coin offering (ICO), according to a white paper released Tuesday. It laid out plans for a so-called "open social network platform based on blockchain" called RRCoin.
The company, headquartered in China and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, saw its stock climb 47.39 percent to $18.32 a share by the close of the U.S. trading session Wednesday.
Renren declined to comment when contacted by CNBC.
Start-ups bagged billions of dollars through ICOs last year, but regulators are looking to crack down on the method due to concerns over fraud. A number of celebrities, from socialite Paris Hilton to rapper Ghostface Killah, have given backing to the practice.
China's regulators moved to ban ICO in 2017, saying the practice involved financial scams and other illegal activities. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has raised its own concerns over the means of funding, and in December froze the assets of a firm that raised funds through an ICO.
Several companies have seen their stock price soar after claiming an involvement with cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
U.S. retailer Overstock.com has seen its stock price skyrocket since it said it was entering the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, while small cap fruit juice company Future Fintech formerly known as SkyPeople Fruit Juice surged as much as 200 percent on the mere mention of financial technology (fintech) in its name.
Sears Holdings, parent company of Sears and Kmart stores, told its employees Thursday that it will be closing more than 100 additional stores this year.
That consists of 64 Kmart stores and 39 Sears stores, all of which are expected to shut between early March and April.
"We will continue to close some unprofitable stores as we transform our business model so that our physical store footprint and our digital capabilities match the needs and preferences of our members," the company said in a statement.
Sears wouldn't say how many of its employees would be impacted by the closings but did say the majority of the jobs are part-time positions, and eligible associates will receive severance.
Liquidation sales will begin as early as Jan. 12 at the closing stores, Sears said. (See below for a complete list of the locations being shut.)
About this time last year, Seritage Growth Properties, the real estate investment trust that Sears CEO Eddie Lampert spun off from the retailer, said in an SEC filing that the department store chain had exercised its right to terminate the leases on 19 unprofitable stores. This marked the second time Sears chose to shutter a chunk of the stores it sold off to Seritage in 2015.
Since then, Sears has announced handfuls of additional closures and most recently unveiled plans to pay $407 million toward its pension plan in order to unlock and allow for the sale of 140 properties, though the company didn't define when those sales will take place.
At the end of November, Sears reported a narrower net loss for its fiscal third quarter than it did a year ago, as the company pushes to return to profitability against a backdrop of vendor disputes and loans coming due.
Meantime, the department store chain has been testing smaller store formats across the U.S., and in some cases moving to occupy a pint-sized portion of a bigger box, as mall operators redevelop their properties.
On a recent call with analysts and investors, Sears CFO Rob Riecker said the retailer would be building on those new concepts in the coming months, "delivering specialized integrated retail experiences" to customers. Sears also recently started selling two of its brands, Kenmore and DieHard, on Amazon.com.
Earlier Thursday morning, Macy's also revealed the locations of 11 stores that it will be closing in 2018 (nearing in on its previously announced plans to close 100 locations, beginning last year). The company has shuttered more than 120 locations since 2015, hoping that by whittling down its real estate portfolio it can focus on its best assets.
With growing competition from online players and with more brands choosing to sell through their own platforms, department stores including Sears, Macy's, J.C. Penney and Kohl's have been forced to rethink their strategies: what inventory they will carry and how they will get it to shoppers.
Sears shares have tumbled more than 60 percent over the past 12 months. The stock was falling close to 4.5 percent Thursday afternoon.
Click here for a full list of Sears' latest round of closures.
From a distance, the Segerstrom lima bean farm in Costa Mesa, California looks as unassuming as its owners, Ted and Rae. But the farm's repurposed horse barn was recently filled with the couple's collection of vintage muscle cars worth millions of dollars. CNBC's "Secret Lives of the Super Rich," got a private tour of the auto stockpile in a recent episode.
The Segerstrom Collection CNBC
The Segerstrom family began amassing their immense fortune in the 1960s, when Ted's father transformed part of their farmland into what is today some of the most expensive real estate in the world: the highest-grossing mall in the U.S., California's South Coast Plaza. Ted's love of classic cars began when he was a child and has continued throughout his life. Vintage rides even play a role in Ted's retelling of the early days of his relationship with his wife Rae. "When we were dating back in the 70s our first date in my '72 Mach 1 we got in an accident," says Ted. "And I still married him," says Rae.
Ted and Rae Segerstrom CNBC
Over the past three decades, Ted has carefully handpicked and cataloged each vintage vehicle in his 85-car collection. "You don't want the ordinary car," says Ted. "I lean towards the specialty ones." The collection centers around cars made by racing driver and automotive designer Carroll Shelby. "We grew up with him as a real symbol," says Ted. "He's a legend." The Segerstroms now safeguard some of Shelby's most iconic creations, including a pair of 1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KRs worth $800,000.
1968 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KRs CNBC
Ted says the jewel of his collection, and one of his favorites, is the first Paxton Shelby ever built: a 1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Paxton Supercharged, now worth half a million dollars. "We have such a fondness for those cars," says Ted. "It's really hard to say no."
1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Paxton Supercharged CNBC
After purchasing each vintage vehicle, the Segerstroms oversee a painstaking restoration process in order to preserve them. "That's the way we like to have them," says Ted. "This is what made them so special, and that's the way we're going to keep them."
The Segerstrom Collection CNBC
The Segerstroms hope to one day showcase their collection in a car museum, which they plan to run as a non-profit with all proceeds benefiting the Shriners for Children Medical Center in Pasadena, California. "All profits of the company will go to that hospital every year," says Ted. "That's our life work." "Secret Lives of the Super Rich" is available on demand on CNBC. Don't miss: This $2.6 million sports car is one of the fastest on the planetand Floyd Mayweather once owned it
LG launches self driving robots to assist travelers at South Korean airport. Source: LG
A Korean tech giant on Thursday announced new robots that take aim squarely at the jobs of many services industry workers around the globe. There have long been predictions that advances in artificial intelligence and automation could end up eliminating millions of jobs over time, and tech companies have been testing robots to carry out a variety of tasks from working in a pizza parlor to making deliveries that could greatly affect the services industry in the future. For its part, South Korean giant LG Electronics is the latest company that is planning to sell robots to solve tasks currently completed by humans. On Thursday, LG said it will showcase three new "concept robots" at the global consumer electronics show, CES, in Las Vegas next week. Those robots are designed for commercial use at hotels, airports and supermarkets, according to the company. An LG spokesman later told CNBC that the robots are still "concept" products and that they are "a long way from ready to go public."
The three new concept robots from LG Electronics are aimed at the services industry, in areas like hotels, airports and supermarkets. Source: LG Electronics
The first one is a server robot that can deliver food and drinks to customers at hotels and airport lounges. It can essentially replace the work done by the waitstaff and be able to do it around the clock. Second is a porter robot that can handle check-in and check-out services at hotels and carry luggage to rooms. The hotel industry is already experimenting with replacing humans with machines. For example, there are hotels in Japan that are staffed by robots. Finally, LG's third new robot is made to work with customers at a supermarket, telling them the price of products and then guiding them through the aisles. If popularized, such technologies would likely be bad news for many of those working in the services industry.
LG is rolling out series of robots to replace many service industry jobs. Source: LG
The International Labour Organization said as of May that nearly 50 percent of the global workforce is employed by the services sector. That includes trade, transportation, accommodation, food and other administrative and business services. Meanwhile, a report released by McKinsey & Company last November suggested that by 2030, as many as 800 million workers globally could be replaced by robots. Even if automation adoption is slower, as many as 400 million people could still be affected, the report said. This is not the first time that technological developments are displacing labor markets. In the manufacturing sector, for example, companies introduced conveyor belts and assembly lines at factories in the early 20th Century that brought down labor costs and temporarily put people out of work. According to McKinsey, new technologies often create more jobs than they destroy, sometimes in areas that "cannot be envisioned at the outset." To do that, displaced workers need to acquire new skills. But not everyone is convinced by the argument that automation will create enough new jobs especially to service and program AI and robots. The former president of Google China told CNBC in November that robots are "clearly replacing people jobs. They're working 24 by 7. They are more efficient. They need some programming. But one programmer can program 10,000 robots." CNBC's Matthew J. Belvedere contributed to this report.
WATCH: Here's why Japan's obsessed with robots
Wealthy Republican donor Rebekah Mercer will not support former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon's future endeavors, she told The Washington Post on Thursday.
In a rare statement to the newspaper, Mercer said, "I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected."
"My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements," the daughter of hedge fund manager Robert Mercer told the Post.
The Breitbart News executive chairman irked Mercer, his top financial backer, when he told other donors that he thought he would have her financial support if he ran for president, the Post reported Wednesday, citing a person familiar with Bannon's conversations.
He also irked her with his actions in the Alabama Senate special election, the newspaper reported. Bannon supported Republican Roy Moore, the ex-judge who lost to Democrat Doug Jones in the deep-red state amid accusations of teen sexual abuse decades ago.
Bannon also alienated Mercer with remarks "that seemed to stoke unnecessary fights," the newspaper said. It did not specify what those remarks were.
The report followed the Wednesday revelation of Bannon's explosive comments to reporter Michael Wolff. Among other remarks, Bannon called Donald Trump Jr.'s June 2016 meeting with a Russian lawyer "treasonous."
The Bannon quotes from Wolff's upcoming book "Fire and Fury" prompted a remarkable statement from President Donald Trump, in which he declared that his former key advisor had "lost his mind."
On Thursday, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Breitbart News should consider parting ways with Bannon.
Publisher Henry Holt and Company plans to release the book days early on Friday due to what it called high demand. The decision came after Trump's personal attorney sent a cease and desist letter to Wolff and Henry Holt and demanded an apology for the content of the book.
The Mercer family has funneled millions of dollars into Republican super PACs and Bannon's initiatives.
CNBC could not immediately reach Mercer for comment.
Spotify wants to sell its shares to public investors this spring. And as part of its prep plans, the streaming music company has cleaned up a sticky debt deal, with the help of a big Chinese tech company.
The short version: TPG and Dragoneer Investment Group, who had led a debt round that lent $1 billion to Spotify, late last year turned some of that debt into equity, which the companies then sold to Tencent, the Chinese internet giant, according to people familiar with the deal.
The complicated transaction let TPG and Dragoneer earn a nice return on their investment. It also allowed Spotify to solve a potentially contentious business dispute before it tries a novel IPO strategy.
More from Recode:
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Longer version: In 2016, TPG, Dragoneer and Goldman Sachs lent Spotify $1 billion via convertible debt financing, which was supposed to give the lenders the ability to eventually turn their loans into equity.
The deal let Spotify bide time before an IPO, but not too much time: The longer Spotify took to go public, the better the terms would get for the lenders. News emerged Wednesday that the company had confidentially filed IPO documents in late December.
But since signing that 2016 deal, Spotify, guided by its chief financial officer Barry McCarthy, began to pursue a direct listing a largely untested way for Spotify to be traded as a public company without raising any new cash.
That unusual version of an IPO would allow Spotify to save money on banking fees. It also technically didn't qualify as an IPO under the terms of the debt deal, which meant lenders wouldn't be guaranteed the chance to convert their debt into equity.
Enter Tencent, which bought Spotify stock from existing shareholders as part of an equity swap and sale the two companies announced in December.
What wasn't announced was that some of the stock came from TPG and Dragoneer, which converted the debt into equity at about a $10 billion valuation and then sold it to the Chinese conglomerate at about a $20 billion valuation, according to a person familiar with transaction.
TPG and Dragoneer still hold some Spotify debt, according to sources familiar with the companies.
Spotify, Tencent, TPG, and Dragoneer declined to comment.
That deal helped clear the way for Spotify's direct listing. While it's not clear that TPG and Dragoneer had any way to force Spotify to convert their debt, it's in the streaming company's interest to remove as many question marks as possible before its offering, which has already raised eyebrows from regulators.
By Theodore Schleifer and Peter Kafka, Recode.net.
CNBC's parent NBCUniversal is an investor in Recode's parent Vox, and the companies have a content-sharing arrangement.
The Trump Interior Department announced Thursday plans to offer blocks in the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans for oil and gas exploration in an ambitious new five-year offshore lease plan.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said the draft proposal for offshore leasing between 2019 and 2024 would offer about 90 percent of the U.S. outer continental shelf, the largest lease sale ever. The only area that will not be included is the North Aleutian Basin in Alaska.
The plan would open the door for drilling in areas far beyond the U.S. epicenter of offshore drilling in the central and western Gulf of Mexico, giving oil and gas companies the opportunity to explore areas left out of leases for decades.
But the move also sets up a battle with environmental groups and coastal governors opposed to drilling off the shores of states from California to North Carolina. Additionally, it comes at a time when oil prices are on the rise, but stuck in a range that makes multibillion-dollar projects in new offshore areas unattractive for many drillers.
It would also overturn indefinite bans on drilling in much of the Arctic Ocean and parts of the Atlantic announced during the final days of the Obama administration, potentially sparking a court battle over executive authority.
The administration's expansive lease schedule was widely anticipated.
In April, Trump signed the America First Offshore Energy Executive Order instructing Zinke to revise the current five-year schedule for leasing blocks of the U.S. outer continental shelf, the waters off the U.S. shore that the federal government governs. At the time, he explicitly said it reversed the Obama administration's ban on Arctic leases.
Revisions are not uncommon when a new president takes office; Obama initiated a new five-year planning process in his first term.
The revision process, which includes conducting environmental impact studies and taking public comments, has taken about two years in the past, said Connie Gillette, chief of public affairs for the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the unit of the Interior Department that oversees the lease schedule. Gillette confirmed to CNBC that the bureau will attempt to finalize the plan by 2019, but would not circumvent the process.
Zinke said Thursday that Interior would try to complete the process in "months."
In its latest plan for the 2017-2022 period, the Obama administration offered a conservative selection of leases in the western and central Gulf of Mexico and Alaska's Cook Inlet, leaving contested areas like the Atlantic, Pacific and eastern Gulf of Mexico off the table.
Drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific outer continental shelf faces stiff opposition from many governors, including Trump allies like Florida Gov. Rick Scott.
"I have already asked to immediately meet with Secretary Zinke to discuss the concerns I have with this plan and the crucial need to remove Florida from consideration," Scott said in a statement.
@FL:GovScott: Governor Scott's Statement on Trump Administration's Plan on Offshore Oil Drilling:
Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., also plans to challenge the Trump administration's plans to relax offshore drilling safety rules put in place after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.
A lawyer for President Donald Trump demanded on Thursday that the author and publisher of an explosive new book about the White House stop releasing material and retract and apologize for excerpts already published.
In a letter to journalist Michael Wolff and publisher Henry Holt & Co., lawyer Charles Harder accuses them of publishing "false/baseless statements" about the president. He makes claims including defamation and invasion of privacy related to the new book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House."
The letter warned of a possible lawsuit that could lead to "substantial monetary damages and punitive damages."
The book was not set for release until Tuesday, but its publication got moved to Friday due to what Henry Holt called "unprecedented demand." Excerpts published Wednesday featured fiery quotes from former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and potentially embarrassing depictions of life and work inside the White House.
"Mr. Trump hereby demands that you immediately cease and desist from any further publication, release or dissemination of the Book, the Article, or any excerpts or summaries of either of them, to any person or entity, and that you issue a full and complete retraction and apology to my client as to all statements made about him in the Book and Article that lack competent evidentiary support Wolff and Henry Holt and Company did not immediately respond to requests for comment," the letter reads.
In a statement, Henry Holt director of publicity Patricia Eisemann confirmed that the company got the cease and desist letter but would go on with publishing the book.
Former Trump legal spokesman Mark Corallo (left) and President Donald Trump's personal attorney Marc Kasowitz arrive to the National Press Club in Washington to read a statement to members of the media, Thursday, June 8, 2017.
The former spokesman for President Donald Trump's private legal team quit this summer because he believed a statement dictated by the president aboard Air Force One may have obstructed justice, an explosive new book claims.
That claim is reported in "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," by author Michael Wolff, which the White House says is full of "false and misleading" information. On Thursday, Trump's personal attorney sent a cease and desist letter to Wolff and his publisher, Henry Holt & Co., and demanded an apology for the content of the book.
The book is set to go on sale Tuesday, but excerpts have been made available to the public. NBC News has obtained a copy.
"Mark Corallo was instructed not to speak to the press, indeed not to even answer his phone," Wolff writes. "Later that week, Corallo, seeing no good outcome and privately confiding that he believed the meeting on Air Force One represented a likely obstruction of justice quit."
The statement the president reportedly dictated concerned the purpose of a June 2016 meeting between Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., senior advisor Jared Kushner, then-campaign chairman Paul Manafort and a Russian lawyer.
That initial explanation suggested the primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss Russian adoptions. That was later shown to be misleading, and Trump Jr. has said that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential dirt on political rival Hillary Clinton.
Advisors to the president told The Washington Post in July that the initial statement could raise questions about whether the president is attempting to hide something.
Corallo did not respond to a request for comment from CNBC.
President Donald Trump claimed on Thursday that talks between North and South Korea likely would not have occurred without his tough rhetoric against Pyongyang.
Lambasting "failed 'experts'" discussing the matter as "fools," Trump questioned whether the two nations would have engaged in conversation had he not been "firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North." The president also welcomed the development as a "good thing."
Tweet
North Korea reopened its cross-border communications channel on Wednesday with South Korea for the first time in almost two years. The move signaled a vital diplomatic breakthrough as geopolitical tension has risen over North Korea's nuclear capability.
Trump ignited concern on Tuesday when he said that the U.S. had a "much bigger" and "more powerful" nuclear "button" than North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's.
The president said sanctions were "beginning to have a big impact" on Pyongyang. The U.S. and its allies have placed increasing economic pressure on North Korea to inhibit its development of its arsenal of nuclear weapons and ballistics missiles.
"What's in it for Grassley? It's hard to find anything. He was just re-elected in 2016 to his seventh term and he's 84. He also comes from Iowa where the polls say President Trump's support has very much eroded."
Grassley even tweeted an emphatic reminder to Comey Wednesday night about how federal law enforcement agencies must remain under the oversight of elected officials.
This is a fabulous development for the Trump team because it now has a respected and powerful ally joining it in its criticism and suspicions about Comey, the Justice Department and the FBI.
The investigation of potential crimes committed by Washington bureaucrats in alleged attempts to thwart the Trump campaign may come to nothing. But Grassley's depiction of this effort as being a defense of the ultimate sovereignty of the voters now gives it a higher calling of sorts. This will help Grassley's Senate investigation efforts and those of House Intelligence Committee chairman Devin Nunes.
It's important to note here that Grassley has already been perhaps the most effective ally for President Trump since he took office. It was Grassley who cleared away the last vestiges of Democratic Party obstructionism against the Trump judicial nominees back in November. That move helped President Trump set the record for most federal judges appointed in the first year of a presidency. No matter how long Donald Trump remains as president, the continuing pace of judicial nominations coming out of the White House will have a very long lasting and important impact. Without Grassley, that simply doesn't happen.
But Grassley is not a Trump toady. First off, he took his time in his decision to eventually put the Trump judicial nominees on the fast track.
Second, Grassley handled another incident last month with a prudent level of independence. When Trump critics were rightfully questioning some of his judicial nominees who did poorly in their congressional confirmation hearings, Grassley didn't rush to defend the nominations.
And he did clearly and publicly tell the White House to rescind the nominations of the two most egregiously embarrassing judicial nominees.
Those nominees did step aside, and there wasn't a nasty Trump tweet or anything else in response. Grassley literally forced the Trump team to adjust course, and he did it without starting World War III.
What's in it for Grassley? It's hard to find anything. He was just re-elected in 2016 to his seventh term and he's 84. He also comes from Iowa where the polls say President Trump's support has very much eroded. That means his support for the president could make the next year or so a nightmare back home. Finally, the hint of disastrous scandal that swirls around the Trump team could stain Grassley's reputation by association.
But all of the above just adds to Grassley's value for the White House.
He doesn't have to help Trump in these endeavors, but he is. He has more to lose than to gain, but he persists and now with the FBI scrutiny, he's taking it to a new level. The best explanation for this seems to be that as Judiciary Committee chairman, he wants to maintain as much of the power of his office as possible over unelected bureaucrats and rank-and-file senators.
Compared to the Bannons, Scaramuccis, and even Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Grassley has done more to help President Trump than anyone actually in his administration.
Now the only question is: How long will it last? This is one working relationship this president cannot afford to mess up.
Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.
For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
Besides withholding financial aid, some experts are suggesting the Trump administration impose sanctions and travel restrictions on Pakistan to pressure it stop providing a safe haven for terrorists.
Yet such action comes with risks that it could raise the cost of the Afghanistan war and jeopardize the U.S.-led coalition's access to key Pakistani supply lines, according to national security analysts.
In his first tweet of 2018, President Donald Trump on Monday vented that Pakistan has already received more than $33 billion in U.S. in the past 15 years and "given us nothing but lies & deceit."
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664
Then, Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, announced Tuesday the U.S. will withhold $255 million in assistance to Pakistan. "They work with us at times, and they also harbor the terrorist that attack our troops in Afghanistan," she said. "That game is not acceptable to this administration."
"We could actually recognize that Pakistan isn't a friend but is an enemy, and then calibrate our policies accordingly," said Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based hawkish think tank.
Roggio suggests Washington impose sanctions on Pakistan and unleash travel restrictions on some individuals as a way to get Islamabad to change course. Also, he said the U.S. could formally designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Reuters reported Wednesday that the administration has been letting members of Congress know it plans to cut "security assistance" to Pakistan.
Analysts say calling out Pakistan's "games" is long overdue, but it still comes with risks.
"It will increase the violence in Afghanistan and make any U.S. progress in Afghanistan much more complicated and expensive," said Bharath Gopalaswamy, director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank.
Specifically, Gopalaswamy said the U.S. coalition's logistics supply to Afghanistan could suffer if Pakistan cuts access. Also, he said, the U.S. may ultimately "push Pakistan more into the Chinese orbit."
Indeed, Pakistan's top diplomat this week threatened that Islamabad might shift policies away from the U.S. and establish closer ties with Russia and China. In addition, the Pakistan central bank plans to use the Chinese yuan for bilateral trade and investment activities with Beijing.
"The administration is facing a set of questions that all previous U.S. administrations have faced in the last 18 years," said Alyssa Ayres, who served in the State Department during the Obama administration and now is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank based in Washington.
The U.S. has spent well over $800 billion fighting the Afghanistan conflict, and there have been more than 2,400 U.S. military fatalities and tens of thousands of soldiers wounded.
On Monday, a U.S. Special Forces soldier was killed by enemy fire in an area where the coalition forces have been battling the Taliban and an affiliate of the Islamic State. It followed at least 15 deaths last year of U.S. service members in Afghanistan.
Ayres said 2011 was one of the worst years of U.S.-Pakistani relations when U.S. forces killed Osama bin Laden in a raid on his compound in Pakistan. It led the Pakistanis to then shut supply routes for the U.S.-led coalition fighting in Afghanistan. However, those routes later got reopened but Ayres said there's a chance Pakistan could shut them again.
If the supply lines do get cut, defense experts say, it could make the Afghanistan war costlier to wage from an economic standpoint. Even so, the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan today is far below the roughly 100,000 forces that were in the country during the peak in 2011 so presumably any impacts maybe lessened.
There are approximately 14,000 U.S. forces in Afghanistan, according to the Pentagon.
A Department of Defense spokesman was asked Wednesday about how critical the Pakistan supply routes are today for the U.S.-led troops in Afghanistan.
"Due to operational security, we won't be able to provide a specific percentage of U.S. supplies going into Afghanistan through multiple routes," he said. "While the U.S. favors shipping cargo via Pakistan because of cost, we have built flexibility and redundancy into our overall system of air, sea, and ground routes to transport cargo into and out of Afghanistan."
Some believe the U.S. military in 2018 will accelerate the use of drone strikes against terrorist networks in tribal regions of Pakistan. This includes the U.S. targeting the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani terror network, which has conducted attacks in Afghanistan and has links to al-Qaeda.
There were eight U.S. drone counter-terrorism strikes during 2017 in Pakistan compared with just three in 2016 and 117 strikes in 2010, according to figures from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies .
"The Obama administration tried to wind it down," said Roggio. He said the Trump administration was "trying to be judicious" with just eight strikes in 2017, although given the president's frustration over Pakistan now "I don't expect the U.S. to pull punches this year."
White House Director of Social Media and Assistant to the President Dan Scavino Jr. shows a message on his iPhone to White House Chief of Staff John Kelly as U.S. President Donald Trump tours the U.S. Secret Service James J. Rowley Training Center on October 13, 2017 in Beltsville, Maryland.
The White House will bar staff and guests from using personal phones in the White House starting next week.
The devices will no longer be allowed because "the security and integrity of the technology systems at the White House is a top priority for the Trump administration," press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement Thursday.
Some White House aides expressed concerns about being able to text family members during busy days, as their work phones cannot text, Bloomberg reported.
"Staff will be able to conduct business on their government-issued devices and continue working hard on behalf of the American people," Sanders said.
President Donald Trump and other White House officials have repeatedly decried leaks of information from the administration to journalists. The decision was "not about leaks," Sanders added, according to The Associated Press.
The press secretary said that individuals would have a place to store phones at the West Wing entrance. The statement didn't address whether Trump would be exempt from doing so.
Personal cellphones are barred in many sensitive areas across the U.S. government.
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Im increasingly skeptical of security holes that have their own logos and PR campaigns. Yesterdays sudden snowballing of disclosures about two groups of vulnerabilities, now known as Meltdown and Spectre, has led to enormous numbers of reports of varying quality, and widespread panic in the streets. In the case of Intel's stock price, that's more like blood in the streets.
While its true that both vulnerabilities affect nearly every computer made in the past two decades, its also true that the threat especially for plain-vanilla Windows users isnt imminent. You should be aware of the situation, but avoid the stampede. The sky isnt falling.
How the Meltdown and Spectre flaws were discovered
Heres how it all unwound. Back in June 2017, a security researcher named Jann Horn, working for Googles Project Zero team, discovered a way for a sneaky program to steal information from parts of a computer that are supposed to be off limits. Horn and Project Zero notified the major vendors Google, of course, as well as Intel, Microsoft, Apple, AMD, Mozilla, the Linux folks, Amazon and many more and a quiet effort began to plug the security holes without alerting the bad guys.
Although the Linux community leaked details, with the KAISER series of patches posted in October, few realized the enormity of the problem. By and large, people in the know agreed to keep it all quiet until Jan. 9 this months Patch Tuesday.
On Monday, Jan. 1, the beans started spilling. An anonymous poster calling him/herself Python Sweetness put it out in the open:
There is presently an embargoed security bug impacting apparently all contemporary CPU architectures that implement virtual memory, requiring hardware changes to fully resolve. Urgent development of a software mitigation is being done in the open and recently landed in the Linux kernel, and a similar mitigation began appearing in NT kernels in November. In the worst case the software fix causes huge slowdowns in typical workloads.
John Leyden and Chris Williams at The Register turned the leak into a gush on Tuesday, with details about the effort to plug the Meltdown security hole:
A fundamental design flaw in Intel's processor chips has forced a significant redesign of the Linux and Windows kernels to defang the chip-level security bug.
Programmers are scrambling to overhaul the open-source Linux kernel's virtual memory system. Meanwhile, Microsoft is expected to publicly introduce the necessary changes to its Windows operating system in an upcoming Patch Tuesday: These changes were seeded to beta testers running fast-ring Windows Insider builds in November and December.
By Wednesday, the Patch Tuesday gag was thrown to the wind, with a definitive statement by Googles Project Zero, festooned with official logos (free to use, rights waived, via CCO) and metric tons of ink followed. There are thousands of explainer articles circulating at the moment.
If you need an overview, look at Catalin Cimpanus essay in BleepingComputer or The New York Times piece from Cade Metz and Nicole Perlroth. The Times says:
The Meltdown flaw is specific to Intel, but Spectre is a flaw in design that has been used by many processor manufacturers for decades. It affects virtually all microprocessors on the market, including chips made by AMD that share Intels design and the many chips based on designs from ARM in Britain.
[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]
Those of you hating on Intel should note that theres plenty of blame to go around. That said, I still cast a jaundiced eye at CEO Brian Krzanich selling $24 million in INTC stock on Nov. 29.
Microsoft releases Windows patches
Yesterday evening, Microsoft released Windows patches Security-only Updates, Cumulative Updates, and Delta Updates for a wide array of Window versions, from Win7 onward. See the Update Catalog for details. (Thx, @Crysta). Note that the patches are listed with a Last Updated date of Jan. 4, not Jan. 3, the nominal release date. The Win7 and 8.1 patches are Security Only (the kind you have to install manually). Ive been assured that the Win7 and 8.1 Monthly Rollups will come out next week on Patch Tuesday.
The Win10 patch for Fall Creators Update, version 1709, contains other security fixes besides those related to Meltdown. The other Win10 patches appear to be Meltdown-only. Those of you running the beta version of Win10 1803, in the Insider Program, have already received the patches.
BUT you wont get any patches installed unless and until your antivirus software sets a specific registry key. (It now appears as if the value of the key doesnt matter; just the presence of the registry entry turns on Meltdown protection. Thx, @abbodi86, @MrBrian.) If youre running third-party antivirus, it has to be updated before the Meltdown patch installer will run. It looks as if there are known problems with bluescreens for some antivirus products.
There are also cumulative updates for Internet Explorer 11 in various versions of Win7 and 8.1 listed in the Update Catalog. The fixes for Win10, and for Edge, are inside the respective Win10 cumulative updates. Microsoft has also released fixes for SQL Server 2016 and 2017.
Note that the Windows Server patches are not enabled by default. Those of you who want to turn on Meltdown protection have to change the registry. (Thx @GossiTheDog)
Windows XP and Server 2003 dont yet have patches. No word on whether Microsoft will release those sooner or later.
Kevin Beaumont, @GossiTheDog, is maintaining a list of antivirus products and their Meltdown-related problems. On Google Docs, of course.
Meltdown and Spectre facts
With all the news swirling, you might feel inclined to get patched up right now. I say wait. Theres a handful of facts that stand in the way of a good scare story:
There are no active exploits for either Meltdown or Spectre, although there are some demos running in labs. Updating Windows (or any operating system, including macOS and ChromeOS) isnt sufficient. You have to install firmware updates, too, and none of the major PC manufacturers have firmware updates. Not even Microsoft. Its unclear at the moment which antivirus products set the magic registry key, although Windows Defender appears to be one of the compliant products. If the world were ending, Microsoft wouldve released Monthly Rollups for Win7 and 8.1, yes?
In addition, we have no idea how these rushed-to-market patches are going to clobber the billion or so extant Windows machines. Im already seeing a report of conflicts with Sandboxie on AskWoody, and Yammer going offline isnt reassuring.
Its possible Microsofts kernel team has pulled off another change-the-blades-while-the-blender-is-running feat. But its also possible that well hear loud screams of pain from many corners today or tomorrow. The anticipated performance penalty may or may not pan out.
There's an enormous amount of official Microsoft documentation:
Just about every hardware or software manufacturer you can name has its own warnings/explanations posted. I found AMD's response (basically, Meltdown poses "near zero risk" on AMD chips) particularly enlightening. Reddit has a megathread devoted specifically to the topic.
Grab a box of popcorn and join us on the AskWoody Lounge.
CORNWALL, Ontario Isabelle Cabot, 41, of Cornwall attended police headquarters on Jan. 3, 2018 to deal with outstanding charges as a result of a drug warrant that was executed at a Fifth Street residence on Dec. 20, 2017.
She was taken into custody, charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of fentanyl and possession of property obtained by crime. She was then released to appear in court on February 13th, 2018.
ASSAULT
CORNWALL, Ontario A 25-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on Jan. 3, 2018 and charged with assault. It is alleged during an argument on Jan. 3, 2018 the man assaulted his girlfriend and police were contacted to investigate. During the investigation the man was taken into custody, charged accordingly and held for a bail hearing. His name was not released as it would identify the victim in the matter.
There were 35 calls for service in the City of Cornwall in the last 24 hours (8 a.m. the previous day to 8 a.m. the day of the release). To see whats happening in your neighbourhood visit our Crime Plot Map @ http://www.cornwallpolice.ca/ . CCPS reserves the right not to post all calls for service in order to protect the identity of the victims.
UNITED COUNTIES of SD&G, Ontario Cold temperatures are returning to Cornwall and SD&G on Thursday, Jan. 4 after a brief reprieve.
Temperatures will fall rapidly this evening to reach lows of minus 20 to 25 degrees celsius, says an Extreme Cold Warning from Environment Canada. Wind chill values due to northwest winds up to 50 kilometres per hour will be in the minus 35 to 40 range. Temperatures and wind chill values will be lower on Friday night. The extreme cold will continue until Sunday morning.
The cold weather will continue until Sunday, with a high of minus 32 on Friday.
Environment Canada recommends covering up if going outside for any amount of time as frostbite can form within minutes.
Environment Canada is also asking the public to be mindful of their pets.
If its too cold for you to stay outside, its too cold for your pet to stay outside, their statement reads.
Light snow is also in the forecast as of Thursday and should continue through the weekend.
The cold snap is expected to end on Monday, when temperatures are expected to rise to zero.
Celestyal Cruises has announced appointment of Gordon Dirker as Vice President, Business Development North America.
He is responsible for all North American field sales activities, reporting to Leslie Peden, President, Celestyal Cruises Inc.
Dirker is an experienced sales professional with 21 years of senior-level success in leisure, travel and tourism, both B2B and B2C, with a skill set comprising C-level negotiations, tour operations, expedition cruising and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Throughout his career he has cultivated strong relationships and is well-respected in the industry.
From 2014 until 2017, Dirker was Vice President, Americas at Hurtigruten. He drove growth throughout the Americas B2B and B2B2C distribution channels and reported directly to the Global Vice President of Sales in Oslo. While at Hurtigruten he in-sourced and established Hurtigrutens sales operation in Seattle, USA, increased sales by 68 percent and signed newly-preferred distribution partnerships with key North American consortia, according to a statement.
Prior to Hurtigruten, Dirker was the Director of Sales at Brendan Vacations (part of Travel Corporation), where he managed the companys national sales efforts. During his tenure at Brendan Vacations, Dirker developed additional distribution channels and bolstered existing partnerships, which increased market share for the company.
All Celestyal Cruises Business Development Managers in North America now report to Dirker, he is responsible for sales development in California, Oregon and Washington, in addition to nationwide team management responsibilities.
The appointment of Mr. Dirker signals the next stage in building and investing in our trade partnerships, which includes the addition of a further three Business Development Managers and the creation of a new Marketing Executive role for North America, said Leslie Peden, President Celestyal Cruises, Inc. We are thrilled to have Mr. Dirker onboard and look forward to his success.
Royal Caribbean Cruises announced that Laura B. Miller has been named senior vice president and chief human resources officer.
Miller joins Royal Caribbean with more than 25 years of experience implementing human resources strategies for leading companies including ADT Corporation, Coca-Cola and Raytheon Company. Miller will report directly to Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO.
"At Royal Caribbean, we know it takes all 67,000 of our employees working together to surprise and delight almost 6 million guests each year," said Fain. "Laura understands the importance of teamwork, and her background and skills are ideally suited for the role of leading and managing our HR organization as we strive to identify, hire, develop, motivate and retain the best employees, both shipboard and shoreside, responsible for providing our guests with extraordinary vacations."
Miller most recently served as SVP and chief human resources officer for ADT Corporation, where she was responsible for leading all human resource functions for the $3.6B company with approximately 17,000 employees in over 200 locations. Prior to that, Miller was the chief human resources officer for Coca-Cola Refreshments, a $20B subsidiary of the Coca-Cola Company, where she lead a team of over 650 HR professionals that were responsible for supporting 70,000 employees in over 600 locations, according to a statement.
Miller graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Industry and Labor Relations.
As of December 31, 2017, Royal Caribbean's global brands employed over 67,000 employees, including 61,000 shipboard employees as well as 6,000 full-time and 100 part-time employees in shoreside operations.
Password managers began as free or low-cost apps for consumers, tracking passwords and sign-ins to websites and applications, making it possible for users to create and manage long, hard-to-guess and unique passwords for all their accounts. Most work by encrypting the password lists with a single master password that only the user knows, so that even the password manager company employees themselves -- or hackers -- couldn't get into the password lists.
All the major password managers also have mobile apps, making it easy for users to log into their accounts from any device. They also support multi-factor authentication for additional security.
Enterprise single sign-on (SSO) and cloud access solutions leave holes
Enterprises, however, usually have their own systems for managing internal passwords. They use single sign-on (SSO) vendors and cloud access security brokers to manage their employees' access to online services. Even so, many business use password managers to supplement their core access systems.
But one of the big security gaps of enterprise-grade solutions is that they don't cover all the accounts that employees use for work. "SSO continues to expand," says Andrew Howard, CTO at Kudelski Security, "but they're not everywhere yet."
As a result, the business leaves it to users to keep track of all the passwords on unsupported systems. Some critical employees, like those responsible for administration, can have many accounts on lots of different systems. "It's not usual for us to see clients where admins have 500 or 600 different sets of credentials," Howard says. "The worst-case scenario to me is that they use the same passwords for all 600 applications, and if that one password is exploited, all 600 systems are vulnerable."
According to a survey by Ovum, 56 percent of organizations did not have SSO available at all, and for an additional 22 percent, SSO only covers some enterprise systems. Smaller companies often don't have the resources to implement a full-scale SSO system.
Take, for example, Intent Media, a small New York advertising company. It uses authentication services from Google and GitHub but doesn't have an enterprise SSO system set up, says Rob Park, the company's VP of engineering. Instead, it uses the 1Password platform to help employees keep track of both personal and business passwords. "Password managers tend to work for us in all circumstances given their flexibility -- not to mention availability of apps and devices," Park says. "It's that range of coverage of use cases that's important to us."
Even when companies do have SSO in place, these systems don't cover personal accounts. Since people tend to reuse passwords to remember them more easily, business account credentials often wind up being the same as those used on random websites.
Employees also create their own personal accounts on services such as Dropbox or Evernote and then use those accounts for business. "We recently did a survey and we found out that of the top 36 domains that employees are using in the workplace, at least 50 percent of them are popular personal solutions," says Rachael Stockton, director of product marketing for LastPass, which sponsored the Ovum survey.
"We also found that when you look at some of the most popular websites and services used in the enterprise, about half of them don't have out-of-the-box support for SSO, they're not SAML-based," Stockton says. "LinkedIn, PayPal, American Express, Box, Mailchimp -- so you have 50 percent of windows left open and uncontrolled." In addition, according to the Ovum survey, 23 percent of employees use their personal social media credentials to sign into business systems and applications.
So what do people do? Too often, they save their passwords in plain-text files. "If you look at the Sony hack, the attackers just looked for any file that had 'passwords.doc' in the file name," says Jackson Shaw, VP of product management at One Identity LLC, which offers a password manager in addition to enterprise SSO and identity management products. "They came up with something like 3,000 different files with passwords in them. We're dying in a sea of passwords."
In November, One Identity published a survey of global IT security professionals conducted by Dimensional Research and found that 54 percent of companies had a password vault for their administrative and other privileged accounts -- but 36 percent were using spreadsheets and 18 percent were using paper. For general users, only 42 percent of companies had a password vault. The need for centralized password managers has become a necessity as a matter of convenience and fundamental security," says Philip Lieberman, president at Lieberman Software Corp.
Password managers step in
Password manager vendors have spotted a potential market here, and have added business-friendly features to their products. That includes administration tools for enterprise customers and separate vaults for business and personal passwords so that employees can take their personal password lists with them if they leave a company.
Three of the biggest ones are LastPass, Dashlane and 1Password. Market share numbers aren't publicly available, but each has between 1 and 5 million installs on Android devices, according to SimilarWeb, and all have entered the enterprise market. (For a comparison of features among the consumer versions of password managers, see The 6 best password managers.)
The software runs in the background on the desktop, in the browser or in mobile devices, and it notices when a user encounters a login screen. When the user types in a password, the software asks if it should be saved. On future visits, the credentials are entered automatically. If a user leaves a company, they lose access to the list of business passwords, but can continue using the apps and their personal password lists for free.
"The primary benefit is that you're actually changing that individual's security behavior," says Jeff Paradise, CMO at Dashlane, Inc. "You are truly protecting the way they're using the web, and how they're managing passwords both personally and professionally. Very few solutions today solve for that."
For example, the tools tell the user when a password is insecure or a duplicate, and can automatically generate better, stronger passwords. "It increases the security for the end user, and it's also decreasing huge points of risk for the organization," says Paradise.
Other approaches that companies have tried to improve security often backfire. Say, for example, a user has to come up with a new password every 30 days. It becomes impossible for an employee to create and remember unique, strong passwords. They either use a variant of a single password or write the passwords down. "What's easiest is not always what's safest for the organization," Paradise says.
The enterprise version of the product includes a security dashboard that provides an overview of employees' security practices, using aggregated data. "We have found huge overlaps in passwords that were the same between their personal accounts and business passwords," he says.
According to a Dashlane market survey, 80 percent of users reuse passwords, and the average number of passwords per person is 150. LastPass puts it at 191. "Using different, secure passwords for every service is just not very convenient, and sharing accounts is everyday practice," says Julian Weddige, founder and head of operations at SmartPatient GmbH, which makes prescription management tools.
SmartPatient uses SSO via Active Directory for its critical services, and uses the 1Password password manager for all users. "From an enterprise perspective, shared team vaults and central review of password strength are a big step forward," he says. The option for private vaults helped it gain acceptance with employees, he adds. "What is still lacking, though, is an option for connecting 1Password to Active Directory for user management," he says.
This fall, 1Password's main competitors, Dashlane and LastPass, both rolled out Active Directory integration and support for SAML-based provisioning and deprovisioning. "We are trying to offer an all-in-one approach," says LastPass's Stockton. LastPass also added integration with the popular Okta single sign-on platform.
Another password management company looking at attracting business users is Myki, Inc., a Beirut-based startup that launched last year with a service that lets users avoid the cloud altogether. The password vaults are synced by pairing mobile devices with computers. It rolled out an enterprise offering this month that integrates with Active Directory and Google for Work, says Priscilla Elora Sharuk, the company's cofounder and COO.
Managing passwords for shared accounts
Many organizations have company accounts for online services that multiple employees can access. A Twitter account, for example, could be accessible to several marketing staffers. An Amazon cloud services account could be shared by several administrators. Employees need to be able to keep each other up to date about password changes, and remember to cut off access to those who leave the company.
Myki, for example, lets companies create user groups for shared access credentials, and set up rules that can be inherited between groups. "Every enterprise has a password problem," says Sharuk. "If they have strict password policies in place, their employees will be pushed to either keep forgetting their passwords, wasting the IT department's time with resetting them, or they'll start writing them down on a piece of paper or in their notes somewhere. Both are counter-productive compromises."
There's another step that employees can take that would be problematic for companies, she added. They can install their own password managers without any corporate approval or oversight. That means the enterprise will have lost control of those passwords to some third-party provider, she says.
Losing control is actually the best-case scenario. If the employee picks an unsafe service to store their passwords, the consequences can be even worse.
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The manufactured outrage over the annual Dalit-led celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Koregaon, unless seen through the pseudo-nationalist lenses, is yet another aggressive Hindutva attempt to muzzle the new Dalit voices that are becoming louder after the marginalisation of the likes of Mayawati and Ramdas Athawale.
It is an expression of the venomous bigotry that drives the ill-informed Hindutva narrative - the very same bigotry that sparked off the Karni Sena anger against Padmavati, a film purportedly (I use the word deliberately because no one has seen it, apart from Arnab Goswami and Rajat Sharma, outside the CBFC) based on an allegorical Sufi poem written in 1540 CE by a Muslim, Malik Muhammad Jayasi, about a fictional princess from Sinhala (modern-day Sri Lanka; note, she wasn't a Rajput), who becomes the queen of Chittor, and Allauddin Khilji falls in love with her.
Understandably, the country has gone into election mode, and Hindutva loyalists have little to brag about after three and half years in power, except an economy where the fiscal deficit has spiralled out of control, jobs are hard to find, the farming sector is wracked by crises and prices of essential commodities showing no signs of abatement, even as Pakistan continues to kill and maim our braveheart soldiers in cold blood. There's only one way to deflect national attention away from the paralysis of equitable development that has set in. And the cynical strategy is to manufacture controversies to polarise voters - Hindus against Muslims and Christians, and the upper castes against Dalits.
The Mahar memorial at Bhima Koregaon. (Credit: Wikipedia)
It started with the so-called "love jihad" and the alleged cow smugglers, but the virus, post-Gujarat Assembly elections, has infected the national discourse. Branding Rahul Gandhi as being anti-triple talaq bill when all his party, along with 17 others, has asked for is a parliamentary select committee review of one provision of the bill, is the latest expression of this nation-corroding argument.
Questioning the legitimacy of Jignesh Mevani joining the annual celebrations of the Battle of Koregaon - the victory of a unit of the East India Company (comprising 900 Mahar soldiers) over the Peshwa Bajirao II's army in the Second Anglo-Maratha War, a commemoration whose history goes back to January 1, 1927, when BR Ambedkar started the tradition as an assertion of Dalit opposition to upper caste oppression, which had been institutionalised by the Brahminical Peshwas - is a strand of the same divisive narrative.
Any Indian citizen can legitimately join a celebration, even it has political overtones, in any part of the country. If a Bhojpuri film star can represent North East Delhi and become the president of the BJP's Delhi unit, how can Jigesh Mevani be questioned for emerging as yet another national voice of the Dalits? Only those with a Peshwa mindset will parrot (reminds me of Padmavati's parrot in Jayasi's poem) such arguments, including the one linking Mevani with Umar Khalid, who, like any other Indian citizen, has the right to engage in a political or any other activity in any part of the country. This argument is as destructive as the mischievous misrepresentation of the acronym HAJ (Hardik, Alpesh and Jignesh) formed with the first letters of the names of the three youth leaders who turned the political tide in Gujarat during the recent elections.
Politics aside, let's turn to facts to make sense of the mayhem that just shook Maharashtra:
1) It was Chhatrapati Shivaji, who's much loved by the Hindutva army, who inducted Mahars into his army as scouts and guards of forts.
2) The tradition was discontinued by the Peshwas, who heaped inhuman insults upon the Mahars, like insisting that they have a broom tied to their back (to clear their footprints) and hang an earthen pitcher from their necks to prevent their shadow from "polluting" the streets. The celebration of the East India Company's victory in the Battle of Koregaon is not a homage paid to a colonial army, but an assertion of Dalit power against Brahminical oppression.
3) If the celebration of the Battle of Koregaon tantamounts to paying homage to colonialism, then the BJP, too, stands guilty of the same charge because of its opposition in Karnataka to Tipu Sultan, who fought the East India Company till his last dying moment.
Babasaheb Ambedkar with the Mahar regiment. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
4) After the Second Anglo-Afghan War, when British colonial generals, led by Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts, floated the myth of the martial races, the Mahars were edged out of the British Indian Army and eventually the regiment bearing the name of the caste was disbanded in 1895.
For the Mahars, the army provided an escape from their dehumanised life in a caste-oppressed society, which was why they kept demanding that their regiment be reinstated - a demand that was supported by Mahatma Gandhi's political guru, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and later, the Indian National Congress even though it was opposed to the army recruitment policies of the British Raj.
5) It was the British Indian Army that provided a caste-free upbringing to BR Ambedkar, whose father, Subedar Ramji Sakpal, was a teacher in the Mahar Regiment school at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. That may have been the reason why Ambedkar, as member of the viceroy's Defence Advisory Committee in 1941, made a strong pitch for the revival of the Mahar Regiment.
6) The viceroy accepted Ambedkar's plea and the first battalion of the Mahar Regiment was raised in Belgaum in October 1941. In the years that followed until Independence, the regiment expanded steadily, saw action in Burma and Iraq, was among the first to become a machine gun regiment in 1946 (it was then that the Koregaon Victory Pillar, the scene of the January 1 celebrations, was replaced by two crossed Vickers machine guns on the regimental crest), and provided security to refugees during the Partition bloodbath. Post-Independence, it became a more integrative unit with the induction of Bengalis, Oriyas and Gujaratis who were rejected as non-martial by the British. The Mahars today are 21 battalions strong and have produced two distinguished Army chiefs, General KV Krishna Rao and General K Sundarji.
Most importantly, the regiment has given the community back the self-pride that the Peshwas had snuffed out.
Hindutva bullies who don't want the Dalits to celebrate their moment of freedom are pursuing cynical electoral manoeuvres that can only lead to one loss - the inclusive idea of India that had been so caringly seeded by Jawaharlal Nehru and nurtured by all those who practise the politics of inclusion.
Also read: Bhima Koregaon violence: How upper-caste bias is distorting the view
The real intentions of Pakistan behind the Christmas Day meeting between Kulbhushan Jadhav and his wife and mother - with a glass partition in between - have been exposed by Maulana Ameer Hamza, one of the founders of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). That the entire event was stage-managed by Pakistan to score brownie-points against India was revealed by Maulana Ameer Hamza at a public rally last week in Rawalpindi when he said: "ISI and Pakistan government humiliated Jadhav's family during their visit to Islamabad. They also made Jadhav face his family across a glass wall India had requested Pakistan to allow Jadhavs mother and wife to meet him. Pakistan showed mercy and invited them. India thought that they would meet Jadhav face-to-face on a sofa, but the ISI didnt allow it.
Hamza's boastful remarks indicate the following:
1) The meeting between Jadhav and his wife and mother was a charade, meant to humiliate the Jadhav family and send a wry message to India;
2) The existence of a nefarious nexus between the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pakistan government and how the ISI choreographed the entire event though preparations for the meeting were largely between the foreign offices of the two countries;
3) The camaraderie between terror outfits and the Pakistani military establishment as Maulana Ameer Hamza was speaking at a public rally which couldnt have taken place without the ISI's prior approval and the fact that he sought to lionise the ISI at the Rawalpindi rally.
Does it not sound weird that the leader of a notorious terror outfit praises the host countrys premier intelligence agency? Such a scenario would have been shameful for any civilised nation, but in Pakistan it is a routine. Its not for nothing that Pakistan is repeatedly hauled over the coals by the international community over terrorism, the latest in this never-ending series being extremely tough remarks against Pakistan by US President Donald Trump.
Image: Reuters photo
The ICJ angle
Pakistan took the extreme measure of allowing Kulbhushan Jadhav to meet his mother and wife knowing that they needed to pre-empt any strictures being passed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
On September 13, India submitted its written pleadings to the ICJ. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, while responding to a question regarding the development, had stated that "India hassubmitted its memorial (written pleadings) to the ICJ in the Jadhav case involving egregious violation of Vienna Convention on Consular Relations 1963 by Pakistan. This is in furtherance of our application filed before the Court on May 8, 2017".
Earlier in May 2017, the ICJ had stayed Jadhavs execution by Pakistan and had asked both parties to submit their written pleadings by September 13, 2017.
Pakistani commentator Ejaz Haider had recently commented in an editorial: "That Jadhav is important for India is a no-brainer and can be evidenced by New Delhi approaching the ICJ."
One could counter that by saying thus: That Jadhav is important to Pakistan is a no-brainer and can be evidenced by Pakistan constantly using him as a tool to pick on India sponsoring terrorism in Balochistan.
The reality is that Pakistan got Jadhav on a platter and is using him to the hilt. It needs to be recalled that Jadhav was kidnapped in Iran and delivered to Pakistan by a faction of the Taliban working for Iran. The Taliban sold him to the Pakistanis for a price. And thereby hangs the tale.
How the meeting was a charade
Pakistan first announced that they would accede to the Indian request to let Jadhavs family meet him in Pakistan and promptly provided visas for the same on December 20, 2017.
However, it is noteworthy that Pakistan did not grant consular access to any authorised personnel of the Indian Mission in Islamabad prior to the meeting, but instead only permitted the family to meet Jadhav.
The meeting on December 25 was more of a charade than a meeting on humanitarian grounds. Importantly, the family was not allowed to converse in Marathi with Jadhav, to ensure that the Pakistanis could understand what exchange took place between the prisoner and his family.
The familys meeting with Jadhav, according to their own version, showed that Jadhav was under stress and spoke under coercion. Pakistan subsequently claimed that the procedure followed for the meeting, including asking the mother and wife to change their attire, had been agreed to by both countries in advance, a fact which India has firmly denied.
The Afghanistan angle
Earlier in September last year, Pakistan's foreign minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, let out a canard that there was a proposal for a swap between Jadhav and a Pakistani who was involved in the Peshawar Army Public School attack and was said to be in Afghan custody. Asif claimed that Indias NSA Ajit Doval had told him that India could exchange that terrorist with the "terrorist" Pakistan had, namely Jadhav.
Asif made these remarks while speaking at the Asia Society in New York, but the idea was quickly shot down by both India and Afghanistan. The issue of a swap may well have been discussed at some stage, but there appears to be no reason why Afghanistan should give their acquiescence to an Indian request to let off a known Afghan terrorist in their custody.
Furthermore, if one goes back to reports of the terrorist strike at the APS Peshawar, there were six terrorists involved in the attack - one Chechen, two Afghans and three Arabs. In the rescue operation carried out by Pakistani Special Services Group, all six terrorists were killed. So who is this special guy the Afghans were holding on to as Asif claimed in September 2017?
The mastermind of the Peshawar attack Omar Khorasani, was killed in a drone strike in October 2017.
The Iran angle
So much for Pakistan's claims of being the honest dealer and allowing India to meet with the family of commander Kulbhushan Jadhav. By the way, Jadhav is not a serving Indian Navy officer and had, in fact, retired in 2001. He had been working independently in Chahbahar Port in Iran since 2003.
At the time of his arrest in March 2016, the Pakistani establishment planted a fake passport on him in the name of Hussein Mubarak Patel and claimed that he was a spy who had worked for Indias external intelligence agency, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) since 2013.
The Pakistani narrative has always held that he is an active naval officer, a claim that appears false because of two things. First, India would not send a serving naval officer as an undercover agent to Iran. Second, if the officer was serving and had been posted to Chahbahar in uniform he would have diplomatic cover.
Meanwhile, on December 25 last year, Iranian Parliament speaker Ali Larijani (a Shia country that the Sunni Pakistan is frantically trying to become close to), while addressing a news conference in Islamabad after attending a six-nation anti-terror conference in Islamabad, said: Kulbhushan was doing business in Chahbahar and we had no information about him being a spy. The security institutions of both countries (Pakistan and Iran) had already exchanged information in this regard.
It is time for India to call Pakistans bluff and continue to work with the international community and increase pressure through the ICJ to get consular access to Jadhav. India must make all efforts to ensure that Jadhav is brought back to India alive. That would be a fitting honour for a former naval officer and an Indian national who deserves better than being a pawn in Pakistani hands.
Also read: Why India was wrong in taking Kulbhushan Jadhav's case to International Court of Justice
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LTD, Accenture Zambia Limited, Accenture do Brasil Limitada, Accenture plc, Accenture s.r.o., Acceria, Acquity Customer Insight Limited, Acquity Group, Adaptly LLC, Adaptly UK Limited, AddVal Technology, Adqptly, Advantium Inc., Agave Consultants Limited, Agilex Technologies Inc., Allen International, Allen International Consulting Group Ltd, Alnova Technologies Corporation S.L., AlphaBeta Advisors, Altima, Altima Asia Ltd., Altima SAS, Altitude, Altitude LLC, Analytics 8 LP, Analytics 8 Pty Ltd, Analytics8, Aorui Advertising (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Apis, Appaloosa Technology SAS, Arca, Ariba - BPO, Arismore, Aspiro Solutions (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Avanade, Avanade (Guangzhou) Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd., Avanade (Thailand) Co Ltd, Avanade Asia Pte Ltd, Avanade Australia Pty Ltd, Avanade Belgium SPRL, Avanade Canada Inc., Avanade Denmark A/S, Avanade Denmark ApS, Avanade Deutschland GmbH, Avanade Europe Holdings Ltd, Avanade Europe Services Ltd, Avanade Federal Services LLC, Avanade Finland Oy, Avanade France SAS, Avanade GZ Computer Technology Development Co. Ltd. (SH), Avanade Guangzhou, Avanade Holdings LLC, Avanade Hong Kong Ltd, Avanade International Corporation, Avanade Ireland Limited, Avanade Italy SRL, Avanade KK, Avanade Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avanade Netherlands BV, Avanade Norway AS, Avanade Poland Sp. z o.o., Avanade Poland Sp. z.o.o., Avanade Schweiz GmbH, Avanade South Africa, Avanade South Africa Pty Ltd, Avanade Spain SL, Avanade Sweden AB, Avanade UK Ltd, Avanade do Brasil Limitada, Avanade Osterreich GmbH, AvantBiz Consulting Limited, Avenai, Axia Ltd., BABCN LLC, BCT Solutions, BCT Solutions Pty Ltd, BPO Servicos Administrativos Ltda, BRIDGE Energy Group, Beacon Consulting Group Inc., Beijing Genesis Interactive Technology Co. Ltd., Boomerang Pharmaceutical Communications, Boomerang Pharmaceuticals Communications Ireland Limited, Bow & Arrow, Brand Learning, Brand Learning Group Limited, Brand Learning LLC, Brand Learning Ltd, Brand Learning Partners Limited, Brand Learning Pte Limited, Bridge Energy Group LLC, Brightstep AB, Byte Prophecy, CAS, CRMWaypoint, CadenceQuest Inc., Capable Marketer Limited, Capgemini - North American health practice, Capital Consultancy Services Inc., Certus Solutions Consulting Services Ltd, Certus Solutions Ltd, ChangeTrack Research Pty Ltd., Chaotic Moon Studios, Chengdu Mensa Advertising Co. Ltd., Cimation, Cimation UK Limited, Cirruseo, Cirruseo SAS, Clarity Insights, Clearhead, Clearhead Group, Clearhead Group LLC, ClientHouse GmbH, Cloud Sherpas, Cloud Sherpas (GA) LLC, Cloud Sherpas (SN) (PTE.) Limited, Cloud Sherpas New Zealand Ltd., Cloud Talent Limited, Cloudsherpas, Cloudsherpas Inc., Cloudworks, Codagenic Pty. Ltd., Computer Research and Telecommunications LLC, Concrete Desenvolvimento de Sistemas Ltda., Concrete Solutions, Concrete Solutions Ltda., Context Information Security, Coritel S.A., Corliant Inc., CreativeDrive, CustomerWorks Europe SL, Cutting Edge Solutions Ltd, D5 Global Holdings LLC, DAZ Systems Inc, DAZ Systems LLC, DAZSI Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., DMA Solutions Limited, Davies Consulting, DayNine Consulting, DayNine Consulting (Australia) PTY LTD, DayNine Consulting (Deutschland) GmbH, DayNine Consulting (New Zealand) Limited, DayNine Consulting France SAS, DayNine Consulting Japan K.K., DayNine Consulting LLC, Declarative Holdings, Declarative Holdings LLC, Defense Point Security, Deja vu Security, Design Strategy and Research de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Designaffairs LLC, Digiplug S.A.S., Digiplug SAS, Digital Consulting & Software Services LLC, Droga5, Droga5 LLC, Droga5 Studios LLC, Droga5 UK Ltd., Duck Creek Technologies, Duck Creek Technologies LLC, Deja Vu Security LLC, ESR Labs, Elcurator SAS, Enaxis Consulting, Enaxis Consulting L.P., End-to-End Analytics, Energuia Web, Energuia Web S.A., Energy Management Brokers Ltd., Energy Quote Private Ltd., EnergyQuote JHA, EnergyQuote JHA Ltd., EnergyQuote Trading Ltd., Enimbos, Enkitec, Enterprise System Partners, Enterprise System Partners B.V. , Enterprise System Partners Bilisim Danismanlik Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Enterprise System Partners Global Corporation, Enterprise System Partners Limited, Enterprise System Partners PR LLC, Enterprise System Partners S.A.S., Entropia, Epylon, Evopro Group, Exactside Limited, Fairway Technologies Inc, Fairway Technologies LLC, Filmproduction ApS, First Annapolis Consulting, First Annapolis Consulting Inc., First Annapolis Consulting LLC, First Annapolis International, Fjord, Focus Group Europe, Focus Group Europe Limited, Formicary, Formicary Holdings Limited, Formicary Limited, FusionX, FutureMove Automotive, Gapso Servicos de Informatica Ltda., Genfour, Genfour Limited, George Group Consulting L.P., Gestalt LLC, Gestion Altima Canada Inc., Global Public Firm S.L., GlobalView SAS, GoodFilm GmbH Filmproduktion Stuttgart, H.B. Maynard and Co. Inc., Hagberg Consulting Group, Hangzhou Aiyunzhe Technology Co. Ltd., Happen, Hjaltelin Stahl, Hjaltelin Stahl K/S, Hytracc Consulting AS, Hytracc Consulting Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Hytracc Consulting UK Limited, Hytracc Holding AS, I-Faber S.p.A., IBB Consulting, IMJ Corp, IMJ Corporation, INCAD, INSITUM, IT One Company Limited, ITBS Servicios Bancarios de Tecnologia de la Informacion SL, Icon Integration, Imagine Broadband (USA) Ltd, Imagine Broadband USA LLC, Imaginea Inc, Industrie&Co, Infoman AG, Infoman Schweiz AG, Informatica de Euskadi S.L., Infusion Development Inc., Infusion Development UK Limited, InfusionDev LLC, Innoveer Solutions India Pvt Ltd, Insitum Consultoria Argentina SRL, Insitum Consultoria Brasil LTDA, Insitum Consultoria Colombia SAS, Insitum Consultoria Europa SL, Insitum Consultoria Peru SAC, Insitum Consultoria S.A. de C.V., Intrepid, Intrigo Systems Inc, Intrigo Systems India Pvt. Limited, Intrigo Systems LLC, Inventor Advertisement (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inventor Technology Limited, InvestTech, Investtech Systems Consulting LLC, Javelin Group, Javelin Group (Bulgaria) EOOD, Javelin Group Limited (UK), Javelin Group SASU, K Comms Group Limited, KCS.net AG, KCS.net AG West, KCS.net Deutschland GmbH, KCS.net Holding AG, KCS.net Osterreich GmbH, Kaper Communications Limited, Karma Communications Debtco Limited, Karma Communications Group Limited, Karma Communications Holdings Limited, Karmarama, Karmarama Comms Limited, Karmarama Limited, Knowledge Rules Inc., Knowledgent, Knowledgent Group LLC, Kogentix, Kogentix LLC, Kogentix Ltd, Kogentix Singapore Pte. Ltd, Kogentix Technologies Private Limited, Kolle Rebbe, Kolle Rebbe GmbH, Kream Comms Limited, Kunstmaan, Kunstmaan NV, Kurt Salmon, Kurt Salmon Canada LTD, Kurt Salmon UKI, Kurt Salmon UKI Ltd., Kurt Salmon US LLC, LINKBYNET, LabAnswer, LabAnswer Government, LemonXL Limited, Logistics Market Place Limited (UK), Loud & Clear Creative Pty Ltd, MAXIM Systems Inc., MCG US Holdings LLC, Mackevision CG Technology and Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Mackevision Corporation, Mackevision Japan Co. Ltd., Mackevision Korea Ltd, Mackevision Medien Design, Mackevision Medien Design GmbH, Mackevision Singapore Pte. Ltd., Mackevision UK Ltd, Maglan, Maglan Information Defense Technologies Research Ltd., Maihiro, Matter, Matter Llc, Maud Corp Pty Limited, Maxamine International, Media Audits Ltd., Media Hive, Mediasenz Pty Ltd., Meredith Specialty LLC, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing, Meredith Xcelerated Marketing Corporation, Meridian Informed Purchasing Ltd., Mindtribe, Mindtribe Product Engineering LLC, MobGen, MobGen Technology S.L, Moonrise NV, Mortgage Cadence, Mortgage Cadence an Accenture Company, Most Champion Ltd, Mudano, N3 LLC, NBS Marketing Inc., NYTEC, Nanjing Demeng Advertising Co. Ltd., Nashco Consulting, NaviSys Inc., NellArmonia, Neo Metrics Analytics S.L., Neo Metrics Chile, Neo Metrics Chile S.A., New Content, New Content Chile SpA, New Content Editora e Produtora Ltda., New Energy Aborda, New Energy Associates Ltd, New Energy Group, New Energy S.r.l., NewsPage, NewsPage (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, NewsPage China Ltd., NewsPage Pte Ltd, Nice Agency Limited, Northstream, Northstream AB, Northstream Holding AB, OCTO Technology, OPS Rules Management Consultants, Octagon Research Solutions Inc., Octo Technology LTDA, Octo Technology Pty Ltd, Octo Technology SA, Octo Technology SPRL, Octoman SAS, Odgaard ApS, Olikka, Openminded, Operaciones Accenture S.A. de C.V., OpusLine, Orbium, Orbium Consulting Ltd, Orbium GmbH, Orbium Holding AG, Orbium Inc., Orbium International AG, Orbium International sp. z o.o., Orbium Licences AG, Orbium Limited, Orbium Pte. Ltd., Orbium Pty Ltd, Orbium Services sp. z o.o., Orbium Sarl, Origin Digital, PCO Innovation, PCO Innovation Canada Inc., PCO Innovation EURL, PIXO PUNCH Limited, PLM Systems S.r.l, POC Holdings, PRION GmbH, PT Accenture, PT Asta Catur Indra, PT Kogentix Teknologi Indonesia, Pach Invest SARL, Pach Invest SAS, PacificLink Group, PacificLink iMedia Ltd., Paja Finanssipalvelut Oy, Parker Fitzgerald Inc, Parker Fitzgerald Inc., Parker Fitzgerald International Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Limited, Parker Fitzgerald PTY Ltd, Parker Fitzgerald Services Limited, Parker Fitzgerald Solutions Limited, Partners Technology Mexico Holdings BV, Pecaso Ltd., Pegasus Production K/S, Perseroan Terbatas. Accenture, Phase One Consulting Group, Pillar Technology, Pollux, Pragsis Bidoop, Pragsis Bidoop UK Ltd, Pragsis Technologies S.L, PrimeQ, PrimeQ Australia Pty Ltd, PrimeQ Ltd, PrimeQ NZ Pty Ltd, Procurian Germany GmbH, Procurian Inc., Procurian International I LLC, Procurian International II LLC, Procurian LLC, Procurian Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procurian Switzerland GmbH, Procurian USA LLC, Proquire LLC, PureApps Ltd., Qi Jie Beijing Information Technologies Co Ltd, Radiant Services, Radiant Services LLC, Random Walk Computing Inc., Reactive Media Limited, Reactive Media Pty Ltd., Real Protect, Realworld OO Systems Ltd., Redcore, Redcore (Asia) Pte Ltd, Redcore (India) Private Limited (India), Redcore (New Zealand) Limited, Redcore Group Holdings Pty Ltd, Redcore Pty Ltd, Renacentis IT Services, Revolutionary Security, RiskControl, Rothco, Rothco Holdings Designated Activity Company, Rothco Unlimited Company, S.C. EnergyQuote S.r.l., S3 TV Technology Limited, S3 TV Technology Ltd., SALT Solutions GmbH, SEC Servizi, SEC Servizi S.p.A., SOPIA Corp., Sagacious Consultants, Sagacious Consultants LLC, Sanchez Capital Services Pvt Ltd, Schlumberger Business Consulting, Seabury Airline Planning Group, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace (UK) Limited, Seabury Aviation & Aerospace Asia (Hong Kong) Limited, Seabury Aviation Consulting LLC, Seabury Cargo Advisory B.V., Seabury Consulting, Seabury Corporate Advisors LLC, Seabury Human Capital LLC, Seabury Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Seabury Structured Finance LLC, Search Technologies BPO, Search Technologies BPO Inc., Search Technologies GmbH, Search Technologies International LLC, Search Technologies LATAM, Search Technologies LATAM S.A., Search Technologies LLC, Search Technologies Limited, Sente Partners LLC, Sentelis, Servicios Tecnicos de Programacion Accenture S.C., Shackleton, Shackleton Barcelona S.L., Shackleton Chile S.A., Shackleton Madrid S.L., Shackleton S.A., Shanghai Baiyue Advertising Co. Ltd., Shun Zhe Technology Development Co. Ltd., Silveo, Simian Pty Limited, SinnerSchrader AG, SinnerSchrader Commerce GmbH, SinnerSchrader Content GmbH, SinnerSchrader Deutschland GmbH, SinnerSchrader Praha s.r.o., SinnerSchrader Swipe GmbH, Sinnerschrader, Sistemes Consulting S.L., Solutions IQ, Solutions IQ LLC, SolutionsIQ, SolutionsIQ India Consulting Services Private Limited, Storm Digital, Storm Digital B.V., Structure Consulting Group, Structure Consulting Group LLC, Sutter Mills, Systor AG, TQuila Limited (UK), Tadata Creative Unlimited Company, Tara Insurance DAC, Tara Risk DAC, TargetST8, TargetST8 Consulting LLC, Tech - Avanade Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Tecnilogica Ecosistemas S.A., Tecnilogica Ltd., Tecnilogica, The Brand Learning Partners Limited, The Callisto Integration Corporation, The Monkeys, The Monkeys Pty Limited, The Myrtle Group, Total Logistics, Total Logistics Supply Chain Consultants Limited, Tquila, Troop Studios Pty Ltd, VanBerlo, Verax Solutions, Verax Solutions Corporation, Vertical Retail Consulting (Shanghai) Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong, Vertical Retail Consulting Hong Kong Ltd., Vertical Retail Consulting Ltd., Vivere Brasil Servicos e Solucoes SA, Vivere Brasil Solucoes De Credito Ltda., Wabion GmbH, Weblinc Pty Ltd, Wire Stone, Wire Stone LLC, Wire Stone Sarl, Wolox, Workforce Insight Inc, Yesler, Zag, Zenta, Zenta Global Philippines, Zenta Global Philippines Inc., Zenta Mortgage Services LLC, Zenta Recoveries Inc, Zenta US Holdings Inc., Zielpuls, Zielpuls (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zielpuls GmbH, avVenta, designaffairs, designaffairs Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., designaffairs GmbH, designaffairs group China Co. Ltd., dgroup, i4C Analytics, iDefense, and solid-serVision.com GmbH.
The Trump administration will suspend most security assistance to Pakistan, the State Department said on Thursday, expanding its retribution over militant safe havens that U.S. officials blame for ongoing violence in Afghanistan.
State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, speaking to reporters, said the suspension would allow the administration, which will freeze the aid payments but not allocate the money elsewhere, to reassess in the coming year.
Because the administration had previously said it would suspend $255 million in foreign military funding for Pakistan, the new announcement will have limited practical effect in the short term, as officials wait to see if Pakistan takes new action against militants.
But it sends as a strong signal to an on-again, off-again counterterrorism ally. The Trump administration is seeking to take a harder line against Pakistan as it expands
, more than 16 years after that conflict began.
Also on Thursday, the State Department announced it would put Pakistan on a watch list for countries that fail to protect
CAE Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and supplies simulation equipment and training solutions to defense and security markets, commercial airlines, business aircraft operators, helicopter operators, aircraft manufacturers, and healthcare education and service providers worldwide. The company's Civil Aviation Training Solutions segment provides training solutions for flight, cabin, maintenance, and ground personnel in commercial, business, and helicopter aviation; flight simulation training devices; and ab initio pilot training and crew sourcing services, as well as end to end digitally-enabled crew management, training operations solutions, and optimization software. Its Defence and Security segment offers training and mission support solutions for defense forces across multi-domain operations, and for government organizations responsible for public safety. The company's Healthcare segment provides integrated education and training solutions, including surgical and imaging simulations, curriculum, audiovisual and centre management platforms, and patient simulators to healthcare students and clinical professionals. The company was formerly known as CAE Industries Ltd. and changed its name to CAE Inc. in June 1993. CAE Inc. was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Saint-Laurent, Canada.
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The following companies are subsidiares of Centene: APS Parent Inc., AWC of Syracuse Inc., Absolute Total Care Inc., AcariaHealth Inc., AcariaHealth Pharmacy #11 Inc., AcariaHealth Pharmacy #12 Inc., AcariaHealth Pharmacy #13 Inc., AcariaHealth Pharmacy #14 Inc., AcariaHealth Pharmacy Inc., AcariaHealth Solutions Inc., Access Medical Acquisition LLC, Access Medical Group of Florida City LLC, Access Medical Group of Hialeah LLC, Access Medical Group of Lakeland LLC, Access Medical Group of Miami LLC, Access Medical Group of North Miami Beach LLC, Access Medical Group of Opa-Locka LLC, Access Medical Group of Perrine LLC, Access Medical Group of Tampa II LLC, Access Medical Group of Tampa III LLC, Access Medical Group of Tampa LLC, Access Medical Group of Westchester LLC, Accountable Care Coalition Direct Contracting LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Chesapeake LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Community Health Centers II LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Community Health Centers LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers II LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers III LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers IV LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers V LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers VI LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Elite Providers VII LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Florida Partners LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Georgia LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Maryland LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Maryland Primary Care LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Mississippi LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of New Jersey Inc., Accountable Care Coalition of North Texas LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Northeast Georgia LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Northeast Partners LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Northwest Florida LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Prime Health LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Quality Health II LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Quality Health III LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Quality Health LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Partners LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Physician Partners LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Texas Inc., Accountable Care Coalition of Southeast Wisconsin LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Tennessee LLC, Accountable Care Coalition of Texas Inc., Agate Resources Inc., AirLogix, Ambetter of Magnolia Inc., Ambetter of North Carolina Inc., Ambetter of Peach State Inc., America's 1st Choice California Holdings LLC, American Progressive Life and Health Insurance Company of New York, Apixio, Apixio Inc, Arch Personalized Medicine Initiative LLC, Arkansas Health & Wellness Health Plan Inc., Arkansas Total Care Holding Company LLC, Arkansas Total Care Inc., B2B Gestion Integra S.L.U., B2B Salud S.L.U., Bankers Reserve Life Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Blackcrow Asistencia Medica S.L, Bridgeway Health Solutions LLC, Bridgeway Health Solutions of Arizona Inc., Buckeye Community Health Plan Inc., Buckeye Health Plan Community Solutions Inc., CCTX Holdings LLC, CMC Real Estate Company LLC, CT Poprad s.r.o., CT Presov s.r.o., Calibrate Acquisition Company, California Health and Wellness Plan, Cantina Laredo Clayton LP, Cardium Health Services, Care 1st Health Plan of Arizona Inc., Care1st Health Plan Administrative Services Inc., Carolina Complete Health Holding Company Partnership, Carolina Complete Health Inc., Casenet LLC, Casenet S.R.O., CeltiCare Health Plan Holdings LLC, CeltiCare Health Plan of Massachusetts Inc., Celtic Group Inc., Celtic Insurance Company, Cenpatico Behavioral Health LLC, Cenpatico Behavioral Health of Arizona LLC, Cenpatico of Arizona Inc., Centene Center I LLC, Centene Center II LLC, Centene Center LLC, Centene Company of Texas LP, Centene Europe Finance Company Limited, Centene Health Plan Holdings Inc., Centene Institute for Advanced Health Education LLC, Centene International Ventures LLC, Centene Investments LLC, Centene Management Company LLC, Centene Venture Company Alabama Health Plan Inc., Centene Venture Company Florida Inc., Centene Venture Company Illinois Inc., Centene Venture Company Indiana Inc., Centene Venture Company Kansas Inc., Centene Venture Company Michigan Inc., Centene Venture Company Tennessee Inc., Centro Inmunologocia De La Comunidad Valenciana S.L., Centurion Correctional Healthcare of New Mexico LLC, Centurion Detention Health Services LLC, Centurion LLC, Centurion of Arizona LLC, Centurion of Delaware LLC, Centurion of Florida LLC, Centurion of Kansas LLC, Centurion of Minnesota LLC, Centurion of Mississippi LLC, Centurion of New Hampshire LLC, Centurion of Pennsylvania LLC, Centurion of Tennessee LLC, Centurion of Vermont LLC, Centurion of West Virginia LLC, Centurion of Wyoming LLC, Chrysalis Medical Services LLC, Clinica Santo Domingo De Lugo S.L., Collaborative Health Systems IPA LLC, Collaborative Health Systems LLC, Collaborative Health Systems of Maryland LLC, Collaborative Health Systems of Virginia LLC, Comfort Hospice of Missouri LLC, Comfort Hospice of Texas LLC, ComfortBrook Hospice LLC, Community Medical Group, Community Medical Holdings Corporation, Comprehensive Health Management Inc., Comprehensive Reinsurance Ltd., Coordinated Care Corporation, Coordinated Care of Washington Inc., Country Style Health Care LLC, Discare CZ a.s., District Community Care Inc., Dr Magnet s.r.o., Elche-Crevillente Salud, Envolve Benefits Options Inc., Envolve Captive Insurance Company Inc., Envolve Dental IPA of New York Inc., Envolve Dental Inc., Envolve Dental of Florida Inc., Envolve Dental of Texas Inc., Envolve Health, Envolve Holdings Inc., Envolve Inc., Envolve Optical Inc., Envolve PeopleCare Inc., Envolve Pharmacy IPA LLC, Envolve Pharmacy Solutions Inc., Envolve Total Vision Inc., Envolve Vision Benefits Inc., Envolve Vision IPA of New York Inc., Envolve Vision Inc., Envolve Vision of Florida Inc., Envolve Vision of Texas Inc., Essential Care Partners LLC, Exactus Pharmacy Solutions Inc., Family Nurse Care II LLC, Family Nurse Care LLC, Family Nurse Care of Ohio LLC, Fidelis Care, Forensic Health Services LLC, Foundation Care LLC, Godgrace Asistencia Medica S.L., Golden Triangle Physician Alliance, Grace Hospice of Austin LLC, Grace Hospice of Grand Rapids LLC, Grace Hospice of Illinois LLC, Grace Hospice of Indiana LLC, Grace Hospice of San Antonio LLC, Grace Hospice of Virginia LLC, Grace Hospice of Wisconsin LLC, Granite State Health Plan Inc., Growly Asistencia Sanitaria S.L., HHS Texas Management Inc., HHS Texas Management LP, Hallmark Life Insurance Company, Harmony Behavioral Health IPA Inc., Harmony Behavioral Health Inc., Harmony Health Management Inc., Harmony Health Plan Inc., Harmony Health Systems Inc., Health Care Enterprises LLC, Health Net Access Inc., Health Net Community Solutions Inc., Health Net Community Solutions of Arizona Inc., Health Net Federal Services LLC, Health Net Health Plan of Oregon Inc., Health Net LLC, Health Net Life Insurance Company, Health Net Life Reinsurance Company, Health Net Pharmaceutical Services, Health Net of Arizona Inc., Health Net of California Inc., Health Plan Real Estate Holdings Inc., HealthSmart Benefit Solutions Inc., HealthSmart Benefits Management LLC, HealthSmart Care Management Solutions LP, HealthSmart Information Systems Inc., HealthSmart Preferred Care II LP, HealthSmart Preferred Network II Inc., HealthSmart Primary Care Clinics LP, HealthSmart Rx Solutions Inc., Healthy Louisiana Holdings LLC, Healthy Missouri Holdings Inc., Healthy Washington Holdings Inc., Heritage Health Systems Inc., Heritage Health Systems of Texas Inc., Heritage Home Hospice LLC, Heritage Physician Networks, Home State Health Plan Inc., HomeScripts.com LLC, Hospice DME Company LLC, Hospinet S.L., Hospital Polusa S.A., Hospital Povisa S.A., Hudson Accountable Care LLC, IAH of Florida LLC, Illinois Health Practice Alliance LLC, Infraestructuras y Servicios de Alzira S. L., Integrated Care Network of Florida LLC, Integrated Mental Health Management LLC, Integrated Mental Health Services, Interpreta Holdings Inc., Interpreta Inc., Iowa Total Care Inc., Kentucky Spirit Health Plan Inc., LBB Industries Inc., LifeShare Management Group LLC, LiveHealthier Inc., Louisiana Healthcare Connections Inc., MH Services International Holdings (UK) Limited, MHM, MHM Correctional Services LLC, MHM Health Professionals LLC, MHM Services Inc., MHM Services of California LLC, MHM Solutions LLC, MHN Government Services LLC, MHN Services LLC, MHS Consulting International Inc., MHS Travel & Charter Inc., MR Centrum Melnick s.r.o., MR Poprad s.r.o., MR Zilina s.r.o., Magnolia Health Plan Inc., Managed Health Network, Managed Health Network LLC, Managed Health Services Insurance Corporation, Maryland Collaborative Care LLC, Maryland Collaborative Care Transformation Organization Inc., Mauli Ola Health and Wellness Inc., Medicina NZ spol s.r.o., Meridian Health Plan of Illinois Inc., Meridian Health Plan of Michigan Inc., Meridian Management Company LLC, Meridian Network Services LLC, MeridianRx IPA LLC, MeridianRx LLC, MeridianRx of Indiana LLC, Michigan Complete Health, Mid-Atlantic Collaborative Care LLC, Nebraska Total Care Inc., Network Providers LLC, New York Quality Healthcare Corporation, Next Door Neighbors Inc., Next Door Neighbors LLC., North Florida Health Services Inc., Northern Maryland Collaborative Care LLC, Novasys Health Inc., OB Care, OB Klinika, Ohana Health Plan Inc., Oklahoma Complete Health Inc., One Care by Care 1st Health Plans of Arizona Inc, Operose Health (Group) Ltd., Operose Health (Group) UK Ltd., Operose Health Ltd., OptiCare Health Systems - Managed Vision Business, PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy, Panther Pass Co LLC, Panther Specialty Holding Co LLC, Pantherx Access Services LLC, Pantherx Specialty LLC, Parker LP LLC, Peach State Health Plan Inc., Penn Marketing America LLC, Pennsylvania Health and Wellness Inc., Phoenix Home Health Care LLC, Pinnacle Home Care LLC, Pinnacle Senior Care of Illinois LLC, Pinnacle Senior Care of Indiana LLC, Pinnacle Senior Care of Kalamazoo LLC, Pinnacle Senior Care of Missouri LLC, Pinnacle Senior Care of Wisconsin LLC, Premier Marketing Group LLC, PrimeroSalud S.L., Pro Diagnostic Group A.S., Pro Magnet CZ s.r.o., Pro Magnet s.r.o, Pro RTG s.r.o, Progress Medical A.S., Prowl Holdings LLC, QCA Healthplan Inc., Qualchoice Life and Health Insurance Company, Quincy Coverage Corporation, R&C Healthcare LLC, RMED LLC, RX Direct Inc., Rapid Respiratory Services LLC, Ribera Lab S.L.U., Ribera Salud II, Ribera Salud Proyectos S.L., Ribera Salud S.A., Ribera Salud Tecnologias S.L.U., Ribera Slaud Infraestructuras S.L.U., Ribera-Quilpro UTE, Salus Administrative Services Inc., Salus IPA LLC, Secure Capital Solutions 2000 S.L.U., SelectCare Health Plans Inc., SelectCare of Texas Inc., Seniorcorps Peninsula LLC, Servicios De Mantenimiento Prevencor S.L.U., SilverSummit Healthplan Inc., Social Health Bridge LLC, Social Health Bridge Trust, Specialty Therapeutic Care GP LLC, Specialty Therapeutic Care Holdings, Specialty Therapeutic Care Holdings LLC, Specialty Therapeutic Care LP, Sunflower State Health Plan Inc., Sunshine Health Community Solutions Inc., Sunshine Health Holding LLC, Sunshine State Health Plan Inc., Superior HealthPlan Community Solutions Inc., Superior HealthPlan Inc., The Practice Properties Limited, The WellCare Management Group Inc., Torrejon Salud S.A., Torrevieja Salud S.L.U., Torrevieja Salud UTE, Traditional Home Health Services LLC, Trillium Community Health Plan Inc., U.S. Medical Management Holdings Inc., U.S. Medical Management LLC, UAM Agent Services Corp., US Script, USMM Accountable Care Partners LLC, Universal American Corp., Universal American Financial Services Inc., Universal American Holdings LLC, WCG Health Management Inc., WellCare Health Insurance Company of America, WellCare Health Insurance Company of Kentucky Inc., WellCare Health Insurance Company of Louisiana Inc., WellCare Health Insurance Company of Nevada Inc., WellCare Health Insurance Company of New Hampshire Inc., WellCare Health Insurance Company of New Jersey Inc., WellCare Health Insurance Company of Oklahoma Inc., WellCare Health Insurance Company of Washington Inc., WellCare Health Insurance Company of Wisconsin Inc., WellCare Health Insurance of Arizona Inc., WellCare Health Insurance of Connecticut Inc., WellCare Health Insurance of Hawaii Inc., WellCare Health Insurance of New York Inc., WellCare Health Insurance of North Carolina Inc., WellCare Health Insurance of Southwest Inc., WellCare Health Insurance of Tennessee Inc., WellCare Health Plans, WellCare Health Plans of Arizona Inc., WellCare Health Plans of California Inc., WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky Inc., WellCare Health Plans of Massachusetts Inc., WellCare Health Plans of Missouri Inc., WellCare Health Plans of New Jersey Inc., WellCare Health Plans of Rhode Island Inc., WellCare Health Plans of Tennessee Inc., WellCare Health Plans of Vermont Inc., WellCare Health Plans of Wisconsin Inc., WellCare National Health Insurance Company, WellCare Pharmacy Benefits Management Inc., WellCare Prescription Insurance Inc., WellCare of Alabama Inc., WellCare of Arkansas Inc., WellCare of California Inc., WellCare of Connecticut Inc., WellCare of Florida Inc., WellCare of Georgia Inc., WellCare of Illinois Inc., WellCare of Indiana Inc., WellCare of Kansas Inc., WellCare of Maine Inc., WellCare of Michigan Holding Company, WellCare of Mississippi Inc., WellCare of Missouri Health Insurance Company Inc., WellCare of New Hampshire Inc., WellCare of New York Inc., WellCare of North Carolina Inc., WellCare of Ohio Inc., WellCare of Oklahoma Inc., WellCare of Pennsylvania Inc., WellCare of Puerto Rico Inc., WellCare of South Carolina Inc., WellCare of Texas Inc., WellCare of Virginia Inc., WellCare of Washington Inc., Wellcare Health Plans Inc., Western Sky Community Care Inc., Windsor Health Group Inc., Winning Security S.L., Worlco Management Services, and nirvanaHealth LLC.
The following companies are subsidiares of Danaher: AB SCIEX, AB Sciex Germany GmbH, AB Sciex LLC, AB Sciex LP, AB Sciex Pte Ltd., Accu-Sort Systems, Acme Cleveland Corporation, Advanced Vision Technology, American Precision Industries, Applied Biosystems, Applitek NV, Aquatic Infomatics ULC, Aquatic Informatics, Armstrong Tools, BC Distribution BV, Beckman Coulter, Beckman Coulter Australia Pty Ltd, Beckman Coulter Biotechnology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter Biyomedikal Urunler Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited [irketi], Beckman Coulter Canada LP, Beckman Coulter Commercial Enterprise (China) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter France S.A.S., Beckman Coulter G.m.b.H., Beckman Coulter Genomics Inc., Beckman Coulter Hong Kong Limited, Beckman Coulter Inc., Beckman Coulter India Private Limited, Beckman Coulter International SA, Beckman Coulter International Shanghai Trading Co., Beckman Coulter Ireland Inc., Beckman Coulter K.K., Beckman Coulter Korea Ltd., Beckman Coulter Laboratory Systems (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter Limited Liability Company, Beckman Coulter Mishima KK, Beckman Coulter Nederland B.V., Beckman Coulter Nippon GK, Beckman Coulter S.L.U., Beckman Coulter Saudi Arabia Co.Ltd., Beckman Coulter Srl, Beckman Coulter Taiwan Inc., Beckman Coulter United Kingdom Limited, Beckman Coulter de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Beckman Coulter do Brasil Ltda., Beckman Finance ApS, Beckman Holdings Ltd., BioTector Analytical Systems Ltd, Biosafe S.A., Blue Software LLC, Cepheid, Cepheid AB, Cepheid Europe SAS, Cepheid GmbH, Cepheid HBDC SAS, Cepheid UK Ltd., ChemTreat, ChemTreat Inc., ChemTreat International Inc., Cispus Hong Kong Holding Limited, Cytiva, Cytiva BioProcess R&D AB, Cytiva Biotechnology (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Cytiva Biotechnology (Hang Zhou) Co. Ltd., Cytiva Europe GmbH, Cytiva Sweden AB, Cytiva Sweden Holding AB, DH Europe Finance II Sarl, DH Europe Finance Sarl, DH Holding Italia SRL, DH Japan Finance Sarl, DH Life Sciences LLC, DH Netherlands BV, DH Technologies Development Pte Ltd., DHKAB Company AB, DTIL Ireland Holdings Ltd., Danaher (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Danaher Hong Kong Limited, Danaher Medical ApS, Delta Consolidated Industries, Devicore Medical Products Inc., Easco Hand Tools, Esko, Esko BV, Esko Finance BV, Esko Graphics BV, Esko Software BV, FHAB Company AB, Fluke, G. Lufft Mess- und Regeltechnik GmbH, GE Biopharma, Gelman Sciences Inc., Gendex, Genetix Group, Gilbarco Veeder Root, Gilzoni Ltd., Global Life Sciences Solutions Austria GmbH & Co. KG, Global Life Sciences Solutions Germany GmbH, Global Life Sciences Solutions Korea Ltd., Global Life Sciences Solutions Manufacturing UK Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions New Zealand, Global Life Sciences Solutions Operations UK Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLC, Global Life Sciences Technologies (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Global Life Sciences Technologies Japan KK, Hach Company, Hach Lange Finance GmbH, Hach Lange GmbH, Hach Lange Sarl, Hach Sales & Services Canada LP, Hach Ultra Japan KK, Hach Water Quality Analytical Instru. (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., HemoCue AB, HyClone Laboratories LLC, Hybritech Incorporated, Hyclone Life Sciences Solutions India Private Limited, IDBS Group, IRIS International, Imaging Sciences International, Immunotech SAS, Immunotech Sro, Intabio LLC, Integrated DNA Technologies, Integrated DNA Technologies BVBA, Integrated DNA Technologies Inc., Integrated DNA Technologies Pte. Ltd., Iris International Inc., Joslyn Holding Company LLC, KVHG GmbH, KaVo, KaVo Kerr, Kaltenbach & Voigt, Keithley Instruments, Kipp & Zonen BV, Kollmorgen, Labcyte Inc., Laetus, Leica Biosystems Imaging Inc., Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd, Leica Biosystems Newcastle Limited, Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH, Leica Biosystems Richmond Inc., Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte Limited, Leica Microsystems, Leica Microsystems (UK) Limited, Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH, Leica Microsystems Cambridge Limited, Leica Microsystems IR GmbH, Leica Microsystems Inc., Leica Microsystems Limited, Leica Microsystems Ltd. Shanghai, Leica Mikrosysteme Vertrieb GmbH, Life Sciences Holdings France SAS*, Lifschultz Industries, Linx Printing Technologies, Linx Printing Technologies Limited, MDS Analytical Technologies, Marconi Data Systems, McCrometer Inc., Microtest, Molecular Devices, Molecular Devices (Austria) GmbH, Molecular Devices LLC, Navman Wireless, Navman Wireless OEM Solutions, Nihon Pall Ltd., Nihon Pall Manufacturing Limited, Nobel Biocare, OTT Hydromet Corp, Pall, Pall (Canada) ULC, Pall (China) Co. Ltd., Pall (Schweiz) GmbH, Pall Aeropower Corporation, Pall Artelis BVBA, Pall Asia Holdings Inc., Pall Australia Pty. Ltd., Pall Austria Filter Ges.m.b.h, Pall Corporation, Pall Europe Limited, Pall Filtersystems GmbH, Pall Filtration Pte. Ltd., Pall Filtration and Separations Group Inc., Pall France SAS, Pall GmbH, Pall India Pvt. Ltd., Pall International Sarl, Pall Italia Srl, Pall Korea Ltd., Pall Life Sciences Belgium BV, Pall Life Sciences Puerto Rico LLC, Pall Manufacturing UK Limited, Pall Medistad BV, Pall Netherlands BV Irish Branch, Pall Technology UK Limited, PaloDEX, Pantone LLC, Pelton & Crane, Phenomenex, Phenomenex Inc., Precision NanoSystems, QHC Ireland Finance Limited, Radiometer, Radiometer Basel AG, Radiometer K.K., Radiometer Medical ApS, Radiometer Medical Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Radiometer Turku Oy, Raytek, Reytek Corporation, SH Switzerland Finance Sarl, Sea-Bird Electronics Inc., SenDx Medical Inc., Shanghai AB Sciex Analytical Instrument Trading Co. Ltd., Sutron, Sybron Dental Specialties, TCIL Ireland Finance Ltd., Tektronix, Thomson Industries, Tianjin Bonna-Agela Technologies Co. Ltd., Trojan Technologies, Trojan Technologies Group ULC, VSS Monitoring, Videojet Do Brasil Comercio de Equipamentos Para Codificacao Industrial Ltda., Videojet Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Videojet Technologies Europe B.V., Videojet Technologies Inc., Viridor Waste Management Limited, Vision Systems Limited, Willett International, X-Ray Optical Systems Inc., X-Rite, X-Rite Europe GmbH, X-Rite Incorporated, X-Rite Switzerland GmbH, XOS, Yukon Hong Kong Holding Limited, and Zhuhai S.E.Z. Videojet Electronics Ltd..
Wall Street analysts have given Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but Eaton Vance California Municipal Bond Fund wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.
View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.
Gastar Exploration Inc., an independent energy company, engages in the exploration, development and production of oil, condensate, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. Its principal activities include the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and natural gas properties on unconventional reserves, such as shale resource plays. The company holds interests in the oil and natural gas-rich reservoirs, including the Oswego limestone, Meramec, and Osage bench formations within the Mississippi Lime; and the Woodford shale formations. As of February 28, 2018, its principal assets included the STACK play covering approximately 67,800 net acres located in the Mid-Continent area of the United States. The company was formerly known as Gastar Exploration Ltd. and changed its name to Gastar Exploration Inc. in January 2014. Gastar Exploration Inc. is based in Houston, Texas.
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NCI Building Systems, Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets metal products for the nonresidential construction industry in North America. It operates in four segments: Engineered Building Systems, Metal Components, Insulated Metal Panels, and Metal Coil Coating. The Engineered Building Systems segment offers engineered structural members and panels; and self-storage building systems under the Metallic, Mid-West Steel, A & S, All American, Mesco, Star, Ceco, Robertson, Garco, Heritage, and SteelBuilding.com brands to builders, general contractors, developers, and end users directly, as well as through private label companies. The Metal Components segment provides metal roof and wall systems, metal partitions, metal trims, doors, and other related accessories for use in new construction, and repair and retrofit applications; roll-up doors; and interior and exterior walk doors under the MBCI, American Building Components, Eco-ficient, Metal Depots, and Doors and Buildings Components brands to manufacturers, contractors, subcontractors, distributors, lumberyards, cooperative buying groups, and other customers. The Insulated Metal Panels segment offers insulated metal panels for architectural, commercial, industrial, and cold storage end-market applications under the Metl-Span and CENTRIA brands. The Metal Coil Coating segment engages in cleaning, treating, and painting flat-rolled metals in coil form, as well as in slitting and/or embossing the metal, before the metal is fabricated for use by industrial users. It also cleans, treats, and coats heavy and light gauge metal coils for use in construction products, heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters, lighting fixtures, ceiling grids, office furniture, appliances, and other products; and provides toll coating and painted metal package services under the Metal Coaters and Metal Prep brands. NCI Building Systems, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
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Wall Street analysts have given PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys.
View MarketBeat's top stock picks here.
Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and creditor and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its field sales force, advice centers, and online, as well as through independent insurance advisors and affinity relationships. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset, cash management, transaction banking, and treasury services to institutional clients; correspondent banking and trade finance services for financial institutions; and short-term funding and liquidity management services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, governments, and central banks. Royal Bank of Canada has a strategic partnership with Royal College Of Physicians & Surgeons Of Canada to support the needs of Canada's medical specialists. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
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Oshkosh Corp. engages in the design, manufacture, and market of specialty vehicles and vehicle bodies. It operates through the following segments: Access Equipment, Defense, Fire & Emergency, and Commercial. The Access Equipment segment consists of JerrDan and JLG, which manufactures aerial work platforms; and telehandlers that are used in construction, industrial, institutional, and general maintenance applications to position workers and materials at elevated heights. The Defense segment produces tactical wheeled vehicles; and supply parts and services for the United States military and other militaries around the world. The Fire and Emergency segment sells commercial and custom fire vehicles; simulators and emergency vehicles primarily for fire departments, airports and other governmental units; and broadcast vehicles for broadcasters and television stations. The Commercial segment includes McNeilus, CON-E-CO, London, Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc (IMT), and Oshkosh Commercial. The company was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Oshkosh, WI.
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Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland.
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Anixter International Inc., through its subsidiary, Anixter Inc., distributes enterprise cabling and security solutions, electrical and electronic wire and cable solutions, and utility power solutions worldwide. The company operates through Network & Security Solutions (NSS), Electrical & Electronic Solutions (EES), and Utility Power Solutions (UPS) segments. The NSS segment offers copper and fiber optic cable and connectivity, access control, video surveillance, intrusion and fire/life safety, cabinet, power, cable management, wireless, professional audio/video, voice and networking switches, and other ancillary products for the technology, finance, transportation, education, government, healthcare, and retail industries, as well as telecommunications service providers. The EES Solutions segment provides electrical and electronic wires and cables, shipboard cables, support and supply products, low-voltage and instrumentation cables, industrial communication and control products, security cables, connectors, industrial Ethernet switches, and voice and data cables to the commercial and industrial, and original equipment manufacturer markets. The UPS segment supplies electrical transmission and distribution products, power plant maintenance, repair and operations supplies, and smart-grid products, as well as arranges materials management and procurement outsourcing for the power generation and transmission, and electricity distribution industries. The company serves contractors, installers, system integrators, value-added resellers, architects, engineers, and wholesale distributors in various industries, including manufacturing, resource extraction, telecommunications, Internet service providers, finance, education, healthcare, retail, transportation, utilities, and defense, as well as government customers. The company was formerly known as Itel Corporation. Anixter International Inc. was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Glenview, Illinois.
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Bank of America Corp. is a bank and financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking and nonbank financial services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth and Investment Management, Global Banking, Global Markets, and All Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers credit, banking, and investment products and services to consumers and small businesses. The Global Wealth and Investment Management provides client experience through a network of financial advisors focused on to meet their needs through a full set of investment management, brokerage, banking, and retirement products. The Global Banking segment deals with lending-related products and services, integrated working capital management and treasury solutions to clients, and underwriting and advisory services. The Global Markets segment includes sales and trading services, as well as research, to institutional clients across fixed-income, credit, currency, commodity, and equity businesses. The All Other segment consists of asset and liability management activities, equity investments, non-core mortgage loans and servicing activities, the net impact of periodic revisions
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Air Canada provides domestic, U.S. transborder, and international airline services. It offers scheduled passenger services under the Air Canada Vacations and Air Canada Rouge brand name in the Canadian market, the Canada-U.S. transborder market, and in the international market to and from Canada, as well as through capacity purchase agreements on other regional carriers. As of December 31, 2020, the company operated a fleet of 169 aircraft under the Air Canada mainline brand name comprising 91 Boeing and Airbus narrow-body aircraft, and 78 Boeing and Airbus wide-body aircraft; 136 aircraft under the Air Canada Express brand name, including 49 Bombardier regional jets, 62 De Havilland Dash-8 turboprop aircraft, and 25 Embraer 175 aircraft; and 39 aircraft under the Air Canada Rouge brand name consisting of 14 Airbus A321 aircraft, 5 Airbus A320 aircraft, and 20 Airbus A319 aircraft. It also provides air cargo services in domestic and U.S. transborder routes, as well as on international routes between Canada and markets in Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. In addition, the company operates, develops, markets, and distributes vacation travel packages in the Caribbean, Mexico, the United States, Europe, Central and South America, South Pacific, Australia, and Asia; offers cruise packages in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean; and provides travel loyalty programs. Air Canada was founded in 1937 and is headquartered in Saint-Laurent, Canada.
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The following companies are subsidiares of Abbott Laboratories: 3A Nutrition (Vietnam) Company Limited, ABON Biopharm (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AGA Medical Belgium, AGA Medical Corporation, AGA Medical Holdings Inc., ALR Holdings, AML Medical LLC, APK Advanced Medical Technologies LLC, ATS Bermuda Holdings Limited, ATS Laboratories Inc., Abbott, Abbott (Jiaxing) Nutrition Co. Ltd., Abbott (UK) Finance Limited, Abbott (UK) Holdings Limited, Abbott AG, Abbott Asia Holdings Limited, Abbott Asia Investments Limited, Abbott Australasia Holdings Limited, Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd, Abbott B.V., Abbott Bahamas Overseas Businesses Corporation, Abbott Belgian Investments, Abbott Bermuda Holding Ltd., Abbott Biologicals B.V., Abbott Biologicals LLC, Abbott Bulgaria Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Capital India Limited, Abbott Cardiovascular Inc., Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc., Abbott Delaware LLC, Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., Abbott Diabetes Care Limited, Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corporation, Abbott Diagnostics GmbH, Abbott Diagnostics International Ltd., Abbott Diagnostics Technologies AS, Abbott Doral Investments S.L., Abbott Equity Holdings Unlimited, Abbott Equity Investments LLC, Abbott Established Products Holdings (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Finance Company SA, Abbott Financial Holdings SRL, Abbott France S.A.S., Abbott Fund Tanzania Limited, Abbott Gesellschaft m.b.H., Abbott GmbH & Co. KG, Abbott Health Products LLC, Abbott Healthcare (Puerto Rico) Ltd., Abbott Healthcare B.V., Abbott Healthcare Costa Rica S.A., Abbott Healthcare LLC, Abbott Healthcare Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Abbott Healthcare Products B.V., Abbott Healthcare Products Ltd, Abbott Holding (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding GmbH, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited, Abbott Holding Subsidiary (Gibraltar) Limited Luxembourg S.C.S., Abbott Holdings B.V., Abbott Holdings LLC, Abbott Holdings Limited, Abbott Holdings Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Hungary Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Iberian Investments (2) Limited, Abbott Iberian Investments Limited, Abbott India Limited, Abbott Informatics Asia Pacific Limited, Abbott Informatics Canada Inc, Abbott Informatics Corporation, Abbott Informatics Europe Limited, Abbott Informatics France, Abbott Informatics Germany GmbH, Abbott Informatics Netherlands B.V., Abbott Informatics Singapore Pte. Limited, Abbott Informatics Spain S.A., Abbott Informatics Technologies Ltd, Abbott International Corporation, Abbott International Enterprises Ltd., Abbott International Holdings Limited, Abbott International LLC, Abbott International Luxembourg S.ar.l., Abbott Investments Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Ireland, Abbott Ireland Financing Designated Activity Company, Abbott Ireland Limited, Abbott Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Abbott Knoll Investments B.V., Abbott Korea Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Bangladesh) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco (Dos) SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Chile) Holdco SpA, Abbott Laboratories (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Laboratories (Mozambique) Limitada, Abbott Laboratories (Pakistan) Limited, Abbott Laboratories (Philippines), Abbott Laboratories (Puerto Rico) Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories (Singapore) Private Limited, Abbott Laboratories A/S, Abbott Laboratories Argentina Sociedad Anonima, Abbott Laboratories B.V., Abbott Laboratories C.A., Abbott Laboratories Finance B.V., Abbott Laboratories GmbH, Abbott Laboratories Inc., Abbott Laboratories International LLC, Abbott Laboratories Ireland Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited, Abbott Laboratories Limited - Laboratoires Abbott Limitee, Abbott Laboratories NZ Limited, Abbott Laboratories Pacific Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Poland Spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Laboratories Products B.V., Abbott Laboratories Residential Development Fund Inc., Abbott Laboratories S.A., Abbott Laboratories SA, Abbott Laboratories Services Corp., Abbott Laboratories Slovakia s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Laboratories Trustee Company Limited, Abbott Laboratories Uruguay S.A., Abbott Laboratories Vascular Enterprises, Abbott Laboratories d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories de Chile Limitada, Abbott Laboratories de Colombia S.A., Abbott Laboratories de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Abbott Laboratories druzba za farmacijo in diagnostiko d.o.o., Abbott Laboratories s.r.o., Abbott Laboratories(Hellas) Societe Anonyme, Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios S.A., Abbott Laboratorios del Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Abbott Laboratuarlari Ithalat Ihracat ve Ticaret Ltd.Sti, Abbott Laboratorios Lda, Abbott Laboratorios do Brasil Ltda., Abbott Limited Egypt LLC, Abbott Logistics B.V., Abbott Management GmbH, Abbott Management LLC, Abbott Manufacturing Singapore Private Limited, Abbott Mature Products International Unlimited Company, Abbott Mature Products Management Limited, Abbott Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Abbott Medical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Abbott Medical (Portugal) Distribuicao de Produtos Medicos Lda, Abbott Medical (Schweiz) AG, Abbott Medical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Abbott Medical (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Australia Pty. Ltd., Abbott Medical Austria Ges.m.b.H., Abbott Medical Balkan d.o.o. Beograd (Novi Beograd), Abbott Medical Belgium, Abbott Medical Canada Inc./ Medicale Abbott Canada Inc., Abbott Medical Danmark A/S, Abbott Medical Devices Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Espana S.A., Abbott Medical Estonia OU, Abbott Medical Finland Oy, Abbott Medical France SAS, Abbott Medical GmbH, Abbott Medical Hellas Limited Liability Trading Company, Abbott Medical Ireland Limited, Abbott Medical Italia S.p.A., Abbott Medical Japan Co. Ltd., Abbott Medical Korea Limited, Abbott Medical Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Abbott Medical Laboratories LTD, Abbott Medical Nederland B.V., Abbott Medical New Zealand Limited, Abbott Medical Norway AS, Abbott Medical Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Medical Sweden AB, Abbott Medical Taiwan Co., Abbott Medical U.K. Limited, Abbott Medical spoka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia, Abbott Middle East S.A.R.L., Abbott Molecular Inc., Abbott Morocco SARL, Abbott Nederland C.V., Abbott Nederland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Netherlands Investments B.V., Abbott Norge AS, Abbott Nutrition Limited, Abbott Nutrition Manufacturing Inc., Abbott Operations Singapore Pte. Ltd., Abbott Operations Uruguay S.R.L., Abbott Overseas Cyprus Limited, Abbott Overseas Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Overseas S.A., Abbott Oy, Abbott Point of Care Canada Limited, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Abbott Poland Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Procurement LLC, Abbott Products (Philippines) Inc., Abbott Products (Spain) S.L., Abbott Products Algerie EURL, Abbott Products B.V., Abbott Products Distribution SAS, Abbott Products Egypt LLC, Abbott Products Limited, Abbott Products Limited Liability Company, Abbott Products Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Products Operations AG, Abbott Products Operations LLC, Abbott Products Romania S.R.L., Abbott Products Tunisie S.A.R.L., Abbott Products Unlimited Company, Abbott Resources Inc., Abbott Resources International Inc., Abbott S.r.l., Abbott Saudi Arabia Trading Company, Abbott Scandinavia Aktiebolag, Abbott Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, Abbott South Africa Luxembourg S.a r.l., Abbott Strategic Opportunities Limited, Abbott Trading Company Inc., Abbott Universal LLC, Abbott Vascular Devices (2) Limited, Abbott Vascular Devices Limited, Abbott Vascular Inc., Abbott Vascular Instruments Deutschland GmbH, Abbott Vascular International, Abbott Vascular Japan Co. Ltd, Abbott Vascular Limitada, Abbott Vascular Netherlands B.V., Abbott Vascular Solutions Inc., Abbott Ventures Inc., Abbott West Indies Limited, Abbott drustvo sa ogranicenom odgovornoscu za trgovinu i usluge, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc., Alere, Alere (Shanghai) Diagnostics Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Healthcare Management Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Medical Sales Co. Ltd., Alere (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd., Alere A/S, Alere AB, Alere AS, Alere AS Holdings Limited, Alere BBI Holdings Limited, Alere Bangladesh Limited, Alere China Co. Ltd., Alere Colombia S.A., Alere Connect LLC, Alere Connected Health Limited, Alere Connected Health Ltd., Alere Diagnostics GmbH, Alere DoA Holding GmbH, Alere GmbH, Alere GmbH (Austria), Alere GmbH (Germany), Alere HK Holdings Ltd., Alere Health B.V., Alere Health BVBA, Alere Health Corp., Alere Health Sdn Bhd, Alere Health Services B.V., Alere Healthcare (Pty) Limited, Alere Healthcare Connections Limited, Alere Healthcare Inc., Alere Healthcare Nigeria Limited, Alere Healthcare S.L., Alere Holdco Inc., Alere Holding GmbH, Alere Holdings Bermuda Limited, Alere Holdings Pty Limited, Alere Home Monitoring Inc., Alere Inc., Alere Informatics Inc., Alere International Holding Corp., Alere International Limited, Alere Lda, Alere Limited, Alere Limited (New Zealand), Alere Medical BVBA, Alere Medical Co. Ltd., Alere Medical Pakistan (Private) Limited, Alere Medical Private Limited, Alere North America LLC, Alere Oy Ab, Alere Philippines Inc., Alere Phoenix ACQ Inc., Alere Pte Ltd, Alere S.A., Alere S.r.l., Alere S/A, Alere SAS, Alere San Diego Inc., Alere Scarborough Inc., Alere Spain S.L., Alere Switzerland GmbH, Alere Technologies GmbH, Alere Technologies Holdings Limited, Alere Technologies Limited, Alere Toxicology AB, Alere Toxicology Inc., Alere Toxicology S.r.l., Alere Toxicology Services Inc., Alere Toxicology plc, Alere UK Holdings Limited, Alere UK Subco Limited, Alere ULC, Alere US Holdings LLC, Alere s.r.o., Alisoc Investment & Co, Amedica Biotech Inc., Ameditech Inc., American Generics S.A.S., American Medical Supplies Inc., American Pharmacist Inc., Antares S.A., Apica Cardiovascular Limited, Aquagestion Capacitacion S.A., Aquagestion S.A., Arriva Medical LLC, Arriva Medical Philippines Inc., Arvis Investments Limited, Atlas Farmaceutica S.A., Avee Laboratories Inc., Axis-Shield AD III AS, Axis-Shield AD IV AS, Axis-Shield AS, Axis-Shield Diagnostics Limited, Axis-Shield Ltd., BBI Animal Health Limited, BBI Diagnostics Group 2 Public Limited Company, Banco de Vida S.A., Bioabsorbable Vascular Solutions Inc., Bioalgae S.A., Biohealth LLC, Biosite Incorporated, Bosque Bonito S.A., Branan Medical Corporation, Brandex Europe C.V., British Colloids Limited, CFR Chile S.A., CFR Interamericas EL Salvador Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, CFR Interamericas Nicaragua Sociedad Anonima, CFR Interamericas Panama S.A., CFR Pharmaceuticals, California Property Holdings III LLC, CardioMEMS LLC, Caripharm Inc., Cephea Valve Technologies, Cephea Valve Technologies Inc., Colibri Medical Aktiebolag, Comercializadora y Distribuidora CFR Interamericas Honduras S.A., Concateno South Limited, Concateno UK Limited, Consorcio Tecnologico en Biomedicina Clinico-Molecular S.A., Continuum Services LLC, Cozart Limited, Dextech S.A., Diagnostik Nord GmbH, Distribuciones Uquifa S.A.S., Domesco Medical Import-Export Joint-Stock Corporation, Duphar International Research B.V., Endocardial Solutions, Epocal (US) Inc, Esprit de Vie S.A., European Chemicals & Co, European Drug Testing Service EDTS AB, European Services S.A., Evalve Inc., Evalve International Inc., FARMINDUSTRIA S.A., Fada Pharma Paraguay Sociedad Anonima, Fadapharma del Ecuador S.A., Farmaceutica Mont Blanc S.L., Farmacologia Em Aquicultura Veterinaria Ltda., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV Ecuador S.A., Farmacologia en Aquacultura Veterinaria FAV S.A., Fernwood Investment S.A., First Check Diagnostics LLC, Focus Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Forensics Limited, Forestcreek Overseas S.A., Fournier Pharma Corp., Fournier Pharma GmbH, Fournier Pharmaceuticals Limited, Framed B.V., Gabmed GmbH, Garden Hills LLC, Global Analytical Development LLC, Globapharm & CO LP, Glomed Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Golnorth Investments S.A., Gynocare Limited, Gynopharm Sociedad Anonima, Gynopharm de Centroamerica S.A., Gynopharm de Venezuela C.A., Hi-Tronics Designs Inc., IDEV Technologies Inc., IG Innovations Limited, IMTC Finance B.V., IMTC Holdings B.V., IMTC Technologies Inc., Ibis Biosciences LLC, Igloo Zone Chile S.A., Igloo Zone S.L., Inmobiliaria Naknek S.A.C., Innovacon Inc., Instant Tech Subsidiary Acquisition Inc., Instant Technologies Inc., Instituto de Criopreservacion de Chile S.A., Integrated Vascular Systems Inc., Inverness Canadian Acquisition Corporation, Inverness Medical (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Australia Pty Ltd., Inverness Medical Innovations Hong Kong Limited, Inverness Medical Innovations SK LLC, Inverness Medical Investments LLC, Inverness Medical LLC, Inverness Medical Shimla Private Limited, Inversiones K2 SpA, Inversiones Komodo S.R.L., Ionian Technologies LLC, Irvine Biomedical Inc., Kalila Medical, Kangshenyunga S.A., Knoll UK Investments Unlimited, LLC VeroInPharm, Laboratoires Fournier S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano Lafrancol S.A.S., Laboratorio Franco Colombiano del Ecuador S.A., Laboratorio Internacional Argentino S.A., Laboratorio Synthesis S.A.S., Laboratorios Lafi Limitada, Laboratorios Naturmedik S.A.S., Laboratorios Pauly Pharmaceutical S.A.S., Laboratorios Recalcine S.A., Laboratorios Transpharm S.A., Laboratory Specialists of America Inc., Lafrancol Dominicana S.A.S., Lafrancol Guatemala S.A. Sociedad Anonima, Lafrancol Internacional S.A.S, Lafrancol Peru S.R.L, Lake Forest Investments LLC, Lightlab Imaging Inc., Limited Liability Company Abbott Laboratories, Limited Liability Company Abbott Ukraine, Limited Liability Company VEROPHARM, Lung Fung Hong (China) Limited, Mansbridge Pharmaceuticals Limited, MediGuide LLC, MediGuide Ltd., Medscreen Holdings Limited, Metropolitana Farmaceutica S.A., Midwest Properties LLC, Murex Argentina S.A., Murex Biotech Limited, Murex Biotech South Africa, Murex Diagnostics Inc., Murex Diagnostics International Inc., Natural Supplement Association LLC, Negocios Denia Sociedad Anonima, Neosalud S.A.C., Nether Pharma N.P. C.V., NeuroTherm LLC, Normann Pharma-Handels GmbH, North Shore Properties Inc., Novamedi S.A., Novasalud.com S.A., Nutravida S.A., OJSC Voronezhkhimpharm, Omnilab Iberia Sociedad Limitada, OptiMedica, Orgenics France SAS, Orgenics International Holdings B.V., Orgenics Ltd., PBM-Selfcare LLC, PDD II LLC, PDD LLC, PT Alere Health, PT. Abbott Indonesia, PT. Abbott Products Indonesia, Pacesetter Inc., Pantech (RF) (PTY) LTD, Pembrooke Occupational Health Inc., Penagos S.A., Pharma International Sociedad Anonima, Pharmaceutical Technologies (Pharmatech) S.A., Pharmatech Boliviana S.A., Polygon Labs S.A., Quality Assured Services Inc., RF Medical Holdings LLC, RTL Holdings Inc., Ramses Business Corp., Recben Xenerics Farmaceutica Limitada, Redwood Toxicology Laboratory Inc., Rich Horizons International Limited, SC VEROPHARM, SJ Medical Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., SJM International Inc., SJM Thunder Holding Company, SPDH Inc., Saboya Enterprises Corporation, Salviac Limited, Scanax AS, Sealing Solutions Inc., Selfcare Technology Inc., Shandong Abbott Dairy Product Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Medical Devices Science and Technology Co. Ltd., Shanghai Abbott Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Shanghai Si Fa Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Sinensix & Co., Spinal Modulation LLC, St. Jude Medical, St. Jude Medical AB, St. Jude Medical ATG Inc., St. Jude Medical Argentina S.A., St. Jude Medical Asia Pacific Holdings GK, St. Jude Medical Atrial Fibrillation Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Brasil Ltda., St. Jude Medical Business Services Inc., St. Jude Medical Cardiology Division Inc., St. Jude Medical Colombia Ltda., St. Jude Medical Coordination Center, St. Jude Medical Costa Rica Limitada, St. Jude Medical Europe Inc., St. Jude Medical Export Ges.m.b.H., St. Jude Medical GVA Sarl, St. Jude Medical Holdings B.V., St. Jude Medical India Private Limited, St. Jude Medical International Holding, St. Jude Medical LLC, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings II, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings NT, St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings SMI S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Luxembourg Holdings TC S.a r.l., St. Jude Medical Mexico Business Services S. de R.L. de C.V., St. Jude Medical Middle East DMCC, St. Jude Medical Operations (Malaysia) Sdn. 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MasTec, Inc. engages in the provision of infrastructure construction services. It operates through the following segments: Communications; Oil and Gas; Electrical Transmissions; Clean Energy and Infrastructure; and Other. The Communications segment performs engineering, construction, maintenance and customer fulfillment activities related to communications infrastructure, primarily for wireless and wireline/fiber communications, and install-to-the-home customers. The Oil and Gas segment offers services on oil and natural gas pipelines and processing facilities for the energy, and utilities industries. The Electrical Transmission segment deals with the energy and utility industries. The Clean Energy and Infrastructure segment serves energy, utility and other end-markets through the installation and construction of power generation facilities, including from clean energy and renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass, as well as various types of heavy civil and industrial infrastructure. The Other segment comprises of equity investees, other small business units that perform construction, and other services for a variety of international end-markets. The company was founded by
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Robert Huish is an associate professor in International Development Studies at Dalhousie University. Patrick Balazo is a researcher at Dalhousie.
This article was originally published on The Conversation , which features includes relevant and informed articles, written by researchers and academics in their areas of expertise and edited by experienced journalists.
New technology can have profound impacts on society in ways never intended.
The radio carried codes during the First World War, but later became a household fixture. Early telephones were leased in pairs but after Western Union, a telegraph company, adopted exchanges, it led to rapid long-distance communication. Likewise, mobile phones have evolved from bulky walkie-talkies to small supercomputers.
And now Facebook, originally a connection platform for university students, conjoins one in four people. But today, in Myanmar, Facebook is helping fuel a genocide against the Rohingya people.
Based on our research in Myanmar and in Cuba, we argue that internet usage in Myanmar is dangerous. Unbridled connection to Facebook creates what we call a virtual coercive, a digital space that bolsters coercion. We suggest that Cubas internet model may provide lessons to manage social media amid political chaos.
The utility of inventions can be unpredictable, and so too can the social impacts be catastrophic.
Distracted driving is an unforeseen consequence of mobile phones that kills or maims thousands each year. Dealing with distracted driving involves better driver education, curbing usage behind the wheel and penalties for stupidity.
Radio enabled unimaginable horrors during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
Blood on hands
But in conditions of genocide, can a technology like radio be limited or restricted? Its an essential service, but with blood on its hands. Thats a burden Facebook now shares.
In 2010, Myanmar had 130,000 heavily restricted internet users. In seven years, SIM card prices plunged from more than US$3,000 to $1. The government also relaxed censorship laws, allowing Facebook to attract 30 million Burmese users. Many of them view Facebook as the internet.
Beginning in late August, Burmese security forces pursued a scorched-earth campaign against the Rohingya. Some 6,700 were killed and 645,000 were forced to to seek refuge in Bangladesh.
Along with ultra-nationalist monk Ashin Wirathu, a host of Facebook pages spread hate speech. This vitriolic propaganda further vilifies the already marginalized and much-maligned Rohingya.
(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Anti-Rohingya content includes explicitly racist political cartoons, falsified images and staged news reports. This content goes viral, normalizing hate speech and shaping public perception. Violence against Rohingya people is increasingly welcomed, and then celebrated online. This virtual coercive serves the Myanmar militarys interests.
The military juntas monopoly on information has provided little arena to foster media literacy. Such propaganda in this virtual coercive of anti-Rohingya propaganda preys upon the ill-informed. For many, the misinformation spread through Facebook justifies what the United Nations has dubbed a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.
Myanmar citizens now have unbridled access to low-cost internet on their mobile devices. Freedom of speech advocates will laud this. But this open information pipeline reinforces Facebooks dark side of self-reaffirmation with limited perspective.
This is to the Burmese militarys advantage. Just as radio fuelled genocide in the 1990s, Facebook is making it happen in Myanmar today.
Fiction becomes reality
Facebooks virtual coercive is one of division, competing realities and a lack of mutual acceptance. In Facebooks virtual coercive, fiction is reality and lies can validate.
Considering this, we argue that constant Facebook use in Myanmar is too risky to ignore. Societies require spaces for tolerance of differing ideas, trade, negotiation, volunteerism and face-to-face dynamics. This is lacking in Myanmar.
Cuba may be an important example in this discussion.
The nature of internet access in Cuba has not led to the abusive coercion or divisive politics. Protests through social media that are common in other parts of the world do not exist in Cuba.
Why?
Internet in Cuba is, simply put, expensive. Spending US$3 for an hour of WiFi in internet parks is about 10 per cent of a Cubans monthly earnings. With only limited time to be online, Facebooks bandwidth-clogging bulk makes it unpopular in Cuba. Instead, other SMS and chat apps such as IMO, a direct video chat service, is preferred.
Cubans access internet in small doses
Cuba has only limited capacity to monitor its internet traffic, and the government worries about unbridled access.
And so Facebook cannot be accessed during working hours in most government and university settings in Cuba. It creates a disincentive to rely on Facebook for news and connections.
Cubans surf the net in small doses and often in public spaces. This breaks the virtual coercive through face-to-face interactions.
The shortcomings of Cubas model are obvious given it creates a barrier to information. Free-speech advocates will be quick to dismiss the idea of limiting the time spent online, never mind the dangers of a state having the responsibility to curtail social media.
But is unbridled access to Facebook really a pillar of free speech if the platform can be harnessed for the purpose of eliminating an entire population?
Its time to entertain disconnecting from the virtual coercive in order to engage in real space. Maybe in this way, Facebooks dark side can be kept at bay while still serving its original purpose of connecting people and enriching, not destroying, lives.
ANANTAPUR: Embarrassing scenes were witnessed at the Janmabhoomi Mavooru public meeting in Pulivendula, home turf of the leader of the Opposition in Kadapa district on Wednesday. Telugu Desam leaders and also Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu interrupted the speech of YSR Congress Member of Parliament Avinash Reddy as he attempted to praise YSR.
As part of the Janmabhoomi programme, Mr Naidu had inaugurated two lift irrigation canals of Gandikota-Chitravati, which would provide water for seven mandals in the Pulivendula Assembly segment and then headed for Pulivendula town, where he addressed a public meeting. Mr Avinash Reddy who participated in the meeting as a local MP, said that while the Gandikota and Chitravathi projects were launched by Mr Naidu, more than 85 per cent of works related to those projects were completed by the YSR who spent `1,300 crore. We cannot forget his contribution.
A couple of over-enthusiastic Telugu Desam men tried to grab the mike from Mr Avinash Reddy. The Chief Minister intervened and told him, This is not a venue for speaking about political issues. I can proudly say I have given water to Pulivendula after delaying water to my home town Kuppam. Ironically, leader of the Opposition and Pulivendula MLA Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, was on a padayatra in the Chief Ministers home district of Chittoor at the same time, and indulged in some TD-bashing himself.
Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy said Mr Naidu had no right to ask for votes from the people in the coming polls. I found Chandrababu Naidus assertion that people should feel ashamed if they did not vote for him in the next election laughable. The ground reality is that people are deeply ashamed of having voted for him. In fact, after all the betrayals, it is he who should be ashamed of seeking votes. I have a question for the Chief Minister: Why should the people vote for you? Is it for your failed promises? Mr Jagan Mohan asked.
New Delhi: India is ready to bear all expenses, if necessary up to Rs 400 crore, to make Hindi one of the official languages of the United Nations but its rules for acquiring such a status prevents the country from doing so, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj said in Parliament on Wednesday.
The United Nations has a specific procedure for a language to be recognised as an official language of the UN. According to that procedure, getting Hindi accepted as an official language of the UN will involve adoption of a Resolution by the UN General Assembly with a minimum two-third majority, as the additional expenditure, according to UN rules have to be contributed by all member-states, Ms Swaraj said, in a written reply.
Therefore, according to the UN rules, support of two-third member-countries (129 nations) is required out of the total 193 member-nations, Ms Swaraj said in the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.
It is not difficult to get the support of two-third member-nations. But when the issue of bearing the expenses comes, many small nations become hesitant which has led to a big hurdle in making Hindi an official languages of the UN, Ms Swaraj was quoted as saying in the Lok Sabha, adding that despite this, the efforts are on.
When a Bharatiya Janata Party member said that India has to pay Rs 40 crore as cost for making Hindi one of the languages in the UN, the minister the government is ready to pay even Rs 400 crore if required but the world bodys rules does not allow to do so.
From Telangana state, the three backward districts are Bhupalapally, Asifabad and Khammam, and those from AP are Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and Kadapa. (Representational image)
Hyderabad: Three districts each from TS and Andhra Pradesh figure in the list of 115 backward districts notified by the Centre as lagging in education, health, nutrition, basis infrastructure like rural road connectivity rural household electrification, access to potable water and individual toilets. The list was drawn up in consultation with the NITI Aayog.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with incharge officials of these districts on Friday as part of the conference to launch his ambitious programme Transformation of Aspirational Districts, which aims to bring back to mainstream, the backward districts.
From Telangana state, the three backward districts are Bhupalapally, Asifabad and Khammam, and those from AP are Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and Kadapa. Of these, Khammam and Visakhapatnam have been identified as districts affected by Left wing extremism.
Centre turns down 3 more districts
The Telangana state government had requested the Centre to include three more districts Kothagudem, Gadwal and Mahabubabad to the list but was turned down.
The initiative was launched in line with Mr Modis vision of a new India by 2022 under which the Centre has embarked upon a major policy for rapid transformation of 115 backward districts.
Senior government officials in the rank of additional secretary and joint secretary have been designated as prabhari (incharge) officers to coordinate the efforts of the Centre and the states in addressing the specific developmental needs of the districts.
Fridays meeting of the prabhari officers has been entrusted with the responsibility to co-ordinate the efforts of the Centre and the states towards rapid transformation of 115 backward districts.
Cabinet secretary P.K. Sinha will chair the meeting with NITI Aayog chief executive officer Amitabh Kant. Secretaries of key ministries would also attend this session. The home secretary will brief the Prabhari Officers.
Among the 115 backward districts, 35 are affected by Left wing violence. Soon after this event, meeting of representatives of the state governments and Prabhari officers is being organised to ensure that transformation of backward district is carried out by a dedicated team of central and state governments.
Chennai: Ruling AIADMK on Wednesday appointed 12 spokespersons, including the former editor of its erstwhile mouthpiece Namadhu MGR who fell out with the V. K. Sasikala family couple of months back. It announced that only the aforesaid leaders are authorised to participate in television debates and articulate views of the AIADMK in public forums.
The seal of AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam was visible in the list since many of his supporters C Ponnaiyan, J. C. D. Prabhakar, Kovai Selvaraj, K C Palanichamy, and Prof Theeran have made the cut. The party has also brought in its leading women speakers B Valarmathi and S Gokula Indira both ministers in the J Jayalalithaa cabinet besides retaining Dr Vaigai Chelvan, one of the prominent faces in the AIADMK.
Eight people, including Tamil Development Minister MaFoi K. Pandiarajan, Nirmala Periyasamy, Rajya Sabha MP S. R. Balasubramanian and R. Vaithilingam, who were spokespersons during Jayalalithaa regime have not been renominated. Sources said it was decided not to appoint ministers and MPs as spokespersons.
Appointment of Marudhu Azhaguraj, the former editor of Namadhu MGR, which served as the AIADMK mouthpiece since M. G. Ramachandrans death to the split in the party after Jayalalithaas death in 2016, is significant since the Sasikala family, which currently controls the newspaper, sacked him in August for publishing an article that was highly critical of the BJP. Azhaguraj, who has an impeccable command over Tamil and was appointed as editor of Namadhu MGR by late Jayalalithaa, is an active member of the AIADMK. With several of Panneerselvams supporters figuring on the list, sources said the appointments were in line with the understanding reached between the two factions while working out the merger.
Former MLAs K Samarasam, A. S. Maheswari and R. M. Babu Murugavel are others who have been appointed as spokespersons of the AIADMK. Announcing their appointment, coordinator Panneerselvam and joint coordinator Edappadi K Palaniswami said they will propagate the ideals and articulate the partys stand on several issues in television, print media and on the social media sites.
Except the aforesaid spokespersons, none have been authorised by the AIADMK headquarters to represent the party in television debates and speak on behalf of the party to newspapers, the duo said in a joint statement. They said among the coalition partners, Y Jawahar Ali of the Indian National Muslim League, has been authorised to appear on television debates.
Interestingly, the trio M Thamimum Ansari, Karunaas and Thaniarasu who have been swinging like a pendulum ever since the crisis began in AIADMK will not be able to represent AIADMK in television debates. The appointment comes more than a month after OPS and EPS issued a gag order after it was brought to their notice that those representing the AIADMK often speak out of turn and sometimes even contradicting the official party line.
AIADMK to have own newspaper, channel
AIADMK was one of the few parties that boasted of a dedicated channel JJ TV in the beginning and Jaya TV later tom-tomming its achievements and serving as its propaganda and publicity arm. After the upheaval in the ruling party following the demise of its charismatic leader J. Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK is now bereft of any communication tool that takes its message to the cadre and people.
On Wednesday, when the AIADMK top brass coordinator O. Panneerselvam and joint coordinator Edappadi K. Palaniswami met in Chennai for the first time in the New Year, their agenda was to launch a dedicated channel for the party and a newspaper that would serve as its mouthpiece.
Sources said Palaniswami told the MLAs meeting that efforts are being taken to launch a daily and a television channel to take the good work of the Amma Government to the people.
The move comes after Namadhu MGR launched by J Jayalalithaa after her mentor M. G. Ramachandrans death in 1987 eventually became the AIADMKs mouthpiece and Jaya TV went under the control of the Sasikala family that is now functioning as a separate faction. The channel is blacking out news relating to the AIADMK Government since August 2017 and Namadhu MGR does not even carry statements by the Chief Minister and his deputy.
Jaya TV was almost an extension of the AIADMK that carried news only related to Jayalalithaa and the party since its inception in 1999. When Jayalalithaa was the Chief Minister, she occasionally went live on Jaya TV to make announcements relating to her government, giving it a semi-official status.
CHENNAI: TTV Dhinakaran bought his RK Nagar bypoll win by heavily bribing the voters who sold their democratic right like begging from a thief, actor-activist Kamal Hassan said Thursday.
Breaking out from a brief lull in his fiery attacks on high corruption in the government, Kamal said in an article in Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan that TTVs win in RK Nagar was a blot on democracy.
He did not spare the AIADMK either, accusing the ruling party of fixing Rs 6,000 as the rate per vote, whereas the independent candidate (TTV) changed his rate depending on the voter.
In his no-holds-barred attack against Dhinakaran, even without naming him, Kamal in his article said the electorate of R K Nagar, represented twice by late J. Jayalalithaa, have dug their own grave by voting the independent candidate who fixed the highest rate for their votes.
Kamals outburst comes four days after his long-time friend Rajinikanth announced political plunge. In the article, Kamal said his own political plan was very much on the cards and he was racing against time to complete his film projects.
The actor also referred to EC rescinding the RK Nagar by-poll in April. This is not the first time that Kamal is attacking TTVs Mannargudi clan. He had opposed V.K. Sasikala becoming Chief Minister in February last year.
The very people who stepped out of their houses during the historic 2015 floods that almost submerged Chennai to lend a helping hand to the needy have sold themselves to a `20 token. This (act of getting money for votes) is equal to begging and that too akin to begging from a thief. There cant be more ridiculous action than this, the actor said.
It is not that people of RK Nagar are inhuman; it is just that poverty made them blind (towards money) and remember your honest vote is the most potent weapon to eradicate poverty from your lives. Though it may not bring instant happiness that a Rs 20 token can bring, I am hopeful that you people will realise that a vote that is cast with honesty will give you long-term happiness, he said, referring to allegations that Rs 20 tokens were given to voters to be exchanged for `10,000 or more at a specified locations later.
RK Nagar bypoll is a big stain on Tamil Nadu politics; it is a big stain on Indian democracy. I won't call this purchased win even a scam...this is a day light crime, Kamal said.
The actor has over the last couple of years been on the forefront in criticising the government on various issues and had even asked his fans to send evidence of corruption in various departments through digital platform to the ministers concerned.
Dhinakaran won the R K Nagar byelection by a margin of 40,000 votes trouncing AIADMK nominee E. Madhusudhanan and pushing to the third place N Marudhu Ganesh of the DMK, which even lost the deposit.
Kamal has insulted RK Nagar voters, says Dhinakaran
Rebel AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dhinakaran on Thursday hit back at actor-activist Kamal Haasan on his allegations that his victory in R K Nagar by-poll was bought through money, saying he had insulted and hurt the voters.
I strongly condemn Kamal Haasan for making allegations against my victory in R K Nagar. By making such unfounded allegations, Kamal has hurt and insulted the electorate, Dhinakaran told reporters here. He was responding to Kamal Haasans charge that R K Nagar victory was a blot on the democracy since it was bought by money.
This doesn't befit his age and experience. Under the garb of attacking the winner, he is attacking the people, who are mainly from poorer sections, saying they voted for money, Dhinakaran said. The AIADMK rebel has been maintaining that he did not bribe voters in R K Nagar, but the ruling party says his victory was managed only through money power.
He denied bribing the voters, saying, if at all money would have played a role in the electoral outcome, Two Leaves (AIADMK) would have won. Whether you accept or not, people of RK Nagar have voted for me. Don't hurt those loveable people (by making such allegations), Dhinakaran said and questioned whether Kamal Haasan was a judge or God.
Kamal should have contested the bypoll to face the reality. Politics is not some scripted movie where one can mouth dialogues written by someone else, he said.
On his victory, he said RK Nagar voters have recognised we are Amma's (Jayalalithaa) successors. Those who are apprehensive due to this are saying such things (of bribing the voters).
Ghafoor said the US had only reimbursed the expenditure which Pakistan had incurred while supporting coalition forces in Afghanistan. (Photo: AP)
Islamabad: A senior Pakistan Army official said on Wednesday that no amount of coercion could dictate Pakistan on how to conduct its policies and affairs.
"No amount of coercion can dictate us how to continue. We wish to move forward through cooperative engagement but we will not compromise on self-respect and dignity," Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor was quoted by Geo News as saying.
Responding to a question regarding the US drone attacks in Pakistan, Ghafoor said the country would respond to such acts according to the aspiration of its people.
The army spokesperson's reaction came as the US withheld USD 255 million in aid to Pakistan following United States President Donald Trump's tweet castigating Islamabad for providing safe havens to terrorists.
"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump said on twitter on Monday.
Outraged over Trump's tweet, Pakistan had summoned the US ambassador David Hale to lodge its protest against the tweet.
Ghafoor said the US had only reimbursed the expenditure which Pakistan had incurred while supporting coalition forces in Afghanistan.
He further said better relations with India were not possible till pending issues were resolved between the two sides.
Ghafoor emphasised that Pakistan needed to remain united in order to tackle the challenges it faces.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi said Islamabad's cooperation with Washington was not based on any aid consideration, but "on our national interests and principles".
She added that Pakistan could review its cooperation with the US if it is not appreciated.
To say that the state of Utah is excited about the prospect of Mitt Romney filling the states soon-to-be-open U.S. Senate seat is a massive understatement. GOP voters in the state have been standing behind Romney through thick and thin since he lit the fire within the states presentation of the Olympics in 2002. According to the New York Times Presidential Election Poll, in 2012, Mitt won over 70 percent of the states vote. Now, having shown off his leadership capacity and established a powerful following, Romney is ready. In the next few weeks, Utah voters will watch to see if their beloved Mitt rises once again to the occasion, and announces his candidacy.
Mitt has always been a powerful political candidate, running twice for president, serving as governor of Massachusetts, and even launching a previous Senate campaign in 1994. As a stalwart leader, he has risen to the top in many occasions and held firm in times of trial. Should he elect to run again in pursuit of Orrin Hatchs soon-to-be-open Senate seat, he will face perhaps the most auspicious political opportunity he has ever seen, but what will he have to offer?
In the October 2012 presidential debate, Romney stated that his financial plan in Washington would be tax relief for the middle class balancing our budget [and] helping small businesses. With Utahs powerful small business owners playing a key role in the vote, Mitt will target them first. As he wins them over, his efforts will yield commanding authority in D.C., just what he needs to disrupt the current GOP standards that are in many ways an aberration from his more moderate ideals.
Regarding health care, Romney brings a world of experience to the table. Again, in the October 2012 presidential debate he said, The federal government taking over health care for the entire nation and whisking aside the 10th Amendment, which gives states the rights for these kinds of things, is not the course for America to have a stronger, more vibrant economy. Health care is a sacred topic to Romney. Having had success with his policies as governor of Massachusetts, he will have to choose whether to fight to let Utah constituents battle it out at the state level, or push to have his ideas implemented at the national level by the all-powerful force of Congress. Either way, his health care proposals will be an upgrade from what most Americans have had to deal with over the past few years.
In Washington, Romney will push for efficiency and fight to stop the government from engaging in its recently prevalent profligate behavior. To accomplish such an end, he will cut back on the number of government employees and by so doing, bring the budget back into balance. Attempting to combine some agencies and departments, as he said in 2012, he will use all the power that the people of Utah want to give him to make American government efficient again. Following in the steps of Jeff Flake and Bob Corker, he will keep President Trump in line and point the U.S. moral and political compasses in the direction they need to go.
Without a doubt, Utahns are tuned in and anxious to watch the Romney name take center stage once again. Images of Romney T-shirts, street signs and TV commercials still dance joyfully in their election memories. The people want him in office, and an election win may be as easy as just announcing it. Only time will tell whether he opens the election door or not, but this is, for many Utahans, a very happy, very anxious time. Voters stand at the ready chanting the same old tune, Run Romney, run!
Robert is a Brigham Young University student raised in Holladay, UT.
SALT LAKE CITY Teens may think they're playing it safe by using e-cigarettes, hookahs and smokeless tobacco, but they're twice as likely to have smoked cigarettes a year later if they use alternative tobacco products, a new report says.
Consequently, the gains made in public health as cigarette smoking has declined in recent years may be at risk if the use of novel tobacco products continues to rise, according to the authors of the study, published Tuesday in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, examined the records of 13,651 adolescents enrolled in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health, a nationwide study begun in 2013 by the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.
At the beginning of the study period, the teens, ages 12-17, had not smoked a cigarette, and a year later, a majority of them were still not tobacco users.
However, youths who reported using e-cigarettes or other non-cigarette forms of tobacco the first year of the study were twice as likely to have smoked at least one cigarette or smoked in the past 30 days one year later.
These alternative forms include hookah tobacco, smokeless tobacco and other types of combustible tobacco, such as bidis, cigarillos, filtered and traditional cigars, kreteks and pipes.
Having smoked at least once is significant in teens, the study authors said, because of how fast tobacco addiction can take hold.
About 90 percent of adult smokers had their first cigarette before they turned 18, and smoking only one cigarette a month in adolescence is associated with future daily smoking in adulthood, the report said.
"Cigarette ever use is a meaningful outcome given that nicotine dependence can manifest in adolescents soon after their first puff, but other smoking milestones, such as daily smoking, can take years to develop," the report said. "Past 30-day use is the standard surveillance measure for current smoking among youths and is associated with smoking in adulthood."
The lead author of the study said that previous research has shown an association between e-cigarette use and future cigarette smoking, but this study is the first to demonstrate that the association is consistent across every alternate type of tobacco delivery.
We hear so much talk about e-cigarettes, which are now the most used tobacco product among adolescents, even higher use than cigarettes. And there is a lot of talk about cigarettes, which is absolutely justified. But when you look at these other products too, like smokeless tobacco and cigarillos, theyre having the same magnitude of relationship with future smoking, said Shannon Lea Watkins, a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education at the University of California, San Francisco.
Even a little bit of use of these products can get kids addicted, she said.
The findings are also important because some of the novel tobacco products have especially high rates of use among adolescents in vulnerable populations. For example, smokeless tobacco use is higher among rural white adolescents, while cigarillo use is seen more often among lower-income African-American teens, she said.
Although rates of smoking among teens have declined steadily in the past 20 years, in 2016 about 3.9 million middle and high school students were using at least 1 tobacco product, and 1.8 million were using two or more, the JAMA Pediatrics report said.
In Utah, about 15.5 percent of high school seniors reported using e-cigarettes in 2017, according to the state Department of Health. Among all high school students, about 11 percent reported vaping last year, compared to 5.8 percent in 2013.
The new findings can help public-health officials better target anti-tobacco messaging and also shows that it's important for such campaigns to include all types of tobacco delivery, not just e-cigarettes, Watkins said.
We should think about the overall public health burden, and their potential to convert non-cigarette users to cigarette users, when we are making choices about the regulation of these product, Watkins said.
We should think not only the harm these types of products cause, but also the potential harm that comes from cigarettes. And even if kids use these products and dont convert to cigarette smoking, its not the only relevant health concern.
In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration announced its intention to begin regulating all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, hookahs and cigars, as it does cigarettes. Companies that make e-cigarettes and other non-combustible products have until 2022 to submit applications for approval; manufacturers of combustibles such as cigars and hookah tobacco must apply by 2021. They are allowed to continue to sell the products while the FDA reviews their applications.
E-cigarettes also known as vapes or vape pens deliver nicotine and flavorings through vapors that users inhale. Critics, which include the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, want the FDA to ban flavoring that attracts kids.
Its not surprising that products like e-cigarettes and cigars have become popular with kids when they are sold in sweet flavors like gummy bear and cherry dynamite, said Vince Willmore, vice president of communications for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, which was not involved in the research.
Our nation has made enormous progress in reducing youth cigarette smoking. We cant allow a new generation of tobacco products to undermine these gains, Willmore said.
E-cigarettes are commonly marketed as a safer alternative to conventional smoking, a claim that is not supported by research, according to a new study by researchers at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. In that report, the authors examined more than 2 million social media posts that involved e-cigarettes and found that automated bots were using fake accounts to promote the idea that e-cigarettes help people quit smoking.
And in another report released Tuesday, researchers said that nearly 3 million American teens had been exposed to online marketing of tobacco, as cigarette manufacturers have shifted their marketing strategies from traditional forms of media to the internet.
"Online marketing may make these adolescents more susceptible to tobacco use initiation by altering perceived norms and risk perceptions regarding tobacco use," the authors wrote.
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease and death among Americans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. If current smoking rates continue, more than 5 million people who are now under the age of 18 will die prematurely from smoking-related conditions, according to the CDC.
SALT LAKE CITY Leaders from Utah and around the world have responded to the death of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson, who passed away on Tuesday night.
Here are the reactions so far:
President Thomas S. Monson was a mighty prophet of God and we are honored to have served by his side these past 10 years. His far-reaching and multifaceted ministry touched the lives of people from all walks of life in remarkable ways. As a result, President Monsons legacy will continue to be an influence for good in the lives of countless individuals and families for generations to come. To his family, we extend our most sincere condolences and love.
LDS Church First Presidency
We, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, unitedly express our sincere sense of loss at the passing of President Thomas Spencer Monson. He was our prophet, our leader, our brother and our dear friend.
President Monson lived an exceptional life of service. He served as an apostle for more than 54 years, the last 10 years of which were as the president of the Church. From his earliest days of church service to the very end of his faithful ministry, he never failed to bear witness, in word and deed, of the truth of the restored gospel and of the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"We will miss his wisdom, his leadership, his meaningful example, and his loving kindness. However, we rejoice in his reunion with his beloved Frances, with other family members who have gone before, and with the prophets of God who preceded him in death, with whom he now stands. As his fellow servants, we echo the words of the Master, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord' (Matthew 25:21).
LDS Church Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...https://t.co/ETD3fWtfU3 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018
"Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While serving for over half a century in the leadership of his church, President Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion. Considered a prophet by the nearly 16 million members of the LDS Church, his message was one of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Our thoughts and prayers are with his three children and the rest of the Monson family."
President Donald Trump
Jeanette and I join millions of people around the world in mourning the death of LDS Church President @ThomasSMonson. His life was a sermon of service. He cared about all people as children of God. His influence for good will be felt for years to come. Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) January 3, 2018
Jeanette and I join millions of people around the world in mourning the death of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson. His life was a sermon of service. He cared for all people as children of God. The state of Utah and its citizens are better people because of his example of kindness, his personal ministry and his visionary leadership.
While serving as the lay leader of his inner-city LDS congregation at a very young age, Thomas Monson learned to serve those who struggled with lifes challenges, especially the many widows in his neighborhood. That meaningful one-on-one service set him on his lifelong pathway of compassionate leadership that will endure in all of our hearts.
Throughout my years of public service it has been a distinct privilege to associate with President Monson and his sweet wife, Frances. They became dear friends and mentors to our family. His legacy of service, compassion and unwavering love for all of Gods children will be felt for generations to come.
As we celebrate President Thomas S. Monsons remarkable life, let us remember his focus on the one his admonition to serve the individuals around us recognizing that even the smallest actions can lift lives and brighten our world.
Our prayers are with President Monsons family and friends as they mourn his passing.
Gov. Gary Herbert
President Thomas S Monson was a dedicated disciple who spent almost eight decades in the service of his fellow men and his God. He was a strong advocate for Christlike love and the principle of eternal families, and his years as prophet were marked by a massive expansion of the missionary system and the temple network. He led by example, and his messages of love, redemption, and optimism will continue to inspire and shape those he leaves behind, both in and outside the church. My prayers and the prayers of many others are with him and his family today.
Sen. Mike Lee
President Monson was among the greatest men I have ever known. Service was his motto and humility his hallmark. Countless were the lives he touched as a prophet, father, and friend. He emulated Christ in every particular, helping all of us draw closer to God by drawing all of us closer to each other. Im so grateful for the life of my dear friend and for the example he left for everyone to follow.
Sen. Orrin Hatch
President Monsons service to Utah, the LDS Church and the world is without equal. He will be greatly missed, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. I am heartened by the belief that his passing leads to a divine reunion with his wife, Frances. My thoughts today are with his family and the millions throughout the world in mourning.
Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah
Today, I give thanks for the life and example set by President Thomas S. Monson. His tireless, charitable service, cheerful demeanor, love of others and ministry touched millions of lives. He provided inspiration for Latter-day Saints throughout the world. God bless him and his family.
Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah
"Im saddened to hear of the passing of President Monson. He was truly a man who dedicated his life to God. His service and leadership blessed the lives of many. #LDSChurch."
Im saddened to hear of the passing of President Monson. He was truly a man who dedicated his life to God. His service and leadership blessed the lives of many. #LDSChurch Rep. Chris Stewart (@RepChrisStewart) January 3, 2018
Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah
I was saddened to learn that President Thomas Monson has passed away. While we mourn the loss of an exceptional man, we also honor his remarkable life that he dedicated to serving others. When he spoke, people all over Utah, the country and the world listened. He truly understood that when you are in the service of your fellow man you are in the service of God. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and members of the LDS Church during this time.
Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes
Thomas S. Monson walked where Jesus walked, lifting the downtrodden, comforting the wounded, healing the sick, brightening the lives of the lonely at heart. More even than his words of strength and inspiration, he will be remembered for the abundance of his love and the overflowing of his compassion for every one of Gods children. Ann and I and our family join the widows and orphans and homeless and countless others who today mourn the life of a true prophet of God and apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thomas S. Monson walked where Jesus walked, lifting the downtrodden, comforting the wounded, healing the sick,... Posted by Mitt Romney on Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Mitt Romney
I send my condolences to the LDS Church and to the family of its leader, Thomas Monson.
Former Vice President Al Gore
I send my condolences to the LDS Church and to the family of its leader, Thomas Monson. https://t.co/B8iOhVZT15 Al Gore (@algore) January 3, 2018
"As a young child, I loved President Monsons inspirational stories of service and love. As an adult, I admire and try to follow President Monsons example of giving compassionate service and caring for others. He was never too busy to to give personal time and comfort to the people he served. He was a tremendous example for me of a leader who demonstrated Christlike love. His example of service to others inspired me to be more caring and compassionate. The influence of his life and legacy will long be felt."
Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. Over the past few years, as Salt Lake City has dealt with critical issues, most notably homelessness, the LDS Church has responded with a high level of compassion and resolve set clearly by President Monson and his deep concern for those less fortunate. We have lost a dedicated partner to the Capitol City and he will be missed.
President Monson's values also guided the LDS Church, and set a high moral standard, as to how we will treat immigrants and refugees both inside and outside our borders. I believe his example has helped to ensure Salt Lake City and Utah will always be seen as welcoming places.
My thoughts and prayers are with President Monson's family, and members of the LDS Church, as they grieve the loss of their family member and leader.
Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski
He is truly a friend of all people. His willingness to work with all leaders and religions in the State of Utah has set him apart as a giant in our community. His love, compassion, and empathy have strengthened our entire state. His influence has added to the quality of life, economic development, and personal example that so many of us in Utah have benefited. He has spent his life in service to us all.
Utah has lost a great leader. @ThomasSMonson influence has far exceeded his religious responsibilities, stewardship and love for the Latter-day Saints around the world. His love, compassion and empathy have strengthened our entire state. He spent his life in service to us all. Lane Beattie (@LaneBeattie) January 3, 2018
Lane Beattie, president and CEO of the Salt Lake Chamber
President Thomas S. Monson was truly larger than life not because he traveled the world, held positions of prominence or was adored by millions of church members but because he relentlessly sought out and ministered to the one. He recognized that opportunities to help the poor, cheer the lonely and strengthen the struggling soul usually came at inconvenient moments. President Monson challenged people everywhere to live their lives with a sensitivity to spiritual nudges so that they could become the answer to someones silent cry for help. He said, We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. When it speaks, wise men and women obey. Promptings of the spirit are not to be postponed. Throughout his life President Monson was the epitome of the adage that God hears every prayer, then usually answers it through the goodness and kindness of another human being. Thomas Monson proved that responding to every inclination and every prompting to do good and lift others is the surest path to a life well lived and a legacy worth leaving.
Boyd Matheson, Sutherland Institute president
I love President Thomas S. Monson, and I will miss him. Throughout my life, he has been an example of selfless service and visionary leadership. When I was a young leader of a Latter-day Saint congregation, I looked to President Monson for inspiration and was blessed by his example, and I have continued to look to him for spiritual guidance. His life was a living illustration of individual ministry to the lonely and the downtrodden. His example moved me then, as it does now, to come to the rescue of those in need and to lift those who are weary.
I will always treasure the quiet interactions we shared together. In his presence, I knew I was speaking to someone intimately familiar with the Lord. Beyond his talks, teachings, and testimony, his service and charity toward his fellow men were unsurpassed. His love for the human family, like his love for God, was unbounded.
As a community leader, President Monson was peerless, and yet, he never sought the accolades of the world. His sights were set on a more lasting and transcendent goal of lifting the human spirit and condition to a higher plane. He was blessed with a wry sense of humor and a seemingly bottomless well of stories, a gift for language that he used to touch the lives of millions, as well as to lift each person that he met individually.
Saysha and I express our sincere and deepest condolences to President Monsons family, as well as to the members of the LDS Church who are mourning the passing of their prophet. We are all better because of President Monsons service, and it is my hope that we might all, as he did, come to the rescue of those who are in need around us.
Attorney General Sean Reyes
"We were saddened to learn of the passing of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson. He was a kind and compassionate man who led with humility. He gained great admiration for his ability to show his care for each person he encountered. His deep concern for those less fortunate, and his leadership on how to treat immigrants and refugees set an example for all. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, and to the members of the LDS Church."
Utah Senate Democrats
President Monsons gift for taking keen interest in each individual, and for remembering the circumstances of their lives will be missed. He was remarkable. He knew details about everyone. And he cared for everyone,. He became a bishop when he was just 22. He was remarkably intelligent. He used to visit people regularly at hospitals. He had an amazing memory, and a remarkable sense of empathy for all people. He was a very loving, compassionate person.
Utah House Democrats
Heartbroken to learn President Thomas Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has passed away. Lynne and I send our deepest condolences to his family and loves ones during this hard time."
Heartbroken to learn President Thomas Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has passed away. Lynne and I send our deepest condolences to his family and loves ones during this hard time. Dean Heller (@SenDeanHeller) January 3, 2018
Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nevada
"Grateful for President Thomas S. Monson's many years of selfless service. Cheryl and I express our condolences to his family. His legacy is one of kindness, peace, and hope. As he always said, "the future is as bright as your faith."
Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona
Grateful for President Thomas S. Monson's many years of selfless service. Cheryl and I express our condolences to his family. His legacy is one of kindness, peace, and hope. As he always said, "the future is as bright as your faith" https://t.co/4rMkKPMwUt Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) January 3, 2018
"Saddened to learn of the passing of @LDSchurch President Thomas S. Monson. Our condolences go out to the Monson family. Were proud to call President Monson an alumnus, as well as a past faculty member. His legacy of service & good deeds is something we should all strive toward."
Today I join @LDSchurch in mourning the passing of @ThomasSMonson. pic.twitter.com/v3zEYSFSMU Senator Mike Crapo (@MikeCrapo) January 3, 2018
University of Utah
Saddened by the passing of LDS President @ThomasSMonson #PresMonson had a servant's heart and always looked for ways to help others. More: https://t.co/00u8wlo6TK Raul R. Labrador (@Raul_Labrador) January 3, 2018
"He was a kind person with a calming voice, a strong leader for his church and a prophet who personally reached out to individual members. I will always appreciate the LDS Churchs generous dedication to interfaith ministries under his presidency and throughout his many years of devoted service. I call upon the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah to join with me in prayer for President Monsons family and the good people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
Saddened to learn of the passing of @LDSchurch President Thomas S. Monson. Our condolences go out to the Monson family.
Were proud to call President Monson an alumnus, as well as a past faculty member. His legacy of service & good deeds is something we should all strive toward. pic.twitter.com/94zOeA3Ykr University of Utah (@UUtah) January 3, 2018
The Rt. Rev. Scott B. Hayashi, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah
Thomas S. Monson blessed generations of students through his warm and wise counsel. We pay tribute to him with these photos and quotes from his visits to campus. https://t.co/NaXEhZLTPf #PresMonson BYU (@BYU) January 3, 2018
We offer our condolences to @LDSchurch on the passing of President @ThomasSMonson. His commitment to the poor and needy and his leadership of the Church since 2008 are truly commendable. #PresMonson Baitul Hameed Mosque (@thechinomosque) January 3, 2018
I had the wonderful privilege of getting to know and meeting with President @ThomasSMonson many times through the years. He was a man of God, a friend to all, and one who truly lived what he preached. Thank you, #PresidentMonson, for your legacy of Christlike love and service.
Donny Osmond
"@ThomasSMonson, I am forever grateful to God for your life, your love, your counsel and your unwavering testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You will be greatly missed! "Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time" President Thomas S. Monson."
Thurl Bailey, former Utah Jazz player
"We accompany the @MormonChile community in their grief."
@ThomasSMonson, I am forever grateful to God for your life, your love, your counsel and your unwavering testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You will be greatly missed!
"Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time"
President Thomas S. Monson Thurl Bailey (@bigTbailey) January 3, 2018
Chilean Association of Interreligious Dialogue for Human Development
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson. He earned his bachelor's degree at the Eccles School and served as a faculty member. We are proud to have named the Thomas S. Monson Center, which houses @KemGardnerInst, after the faith leader."
Acompanamos a la comunidad @MormonChile en su duelo. https://t.co/XvuHnCJPe2 ADIR Chile (@adir_chile) January 3, 2018
David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah
Becket President William Mumma's statement on the passing of President Thomas Monson of the @LDSChurch: pic.twitter.com/5aOJQm0IP5 BECKET (@BECKETlaw) January 3, 2018
We are saddened to learn of the passing of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson. He earned his bachelor's degree at the Eccles School and served as a faculty member. We are proud to have named the Thomas S. Monson Center, which houses @KemGardnerInst, after the faith leader. pic.twitter.com/iUrvIW8lHR Eccles School (@UBusiness) January 3, 2018
"President Thomas S. Monson was an honorary member of the Thunderbird family & we send our condolences at his passing."
President Thomas S. Monson was an honorary member of the Thunderbird family & we send our condolences at his passing pic.twitter.com/FXqbScZPm4 Southern Utah University (@SUUtbirds) January 3, 2018
Southern Utah University
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. He was a Scout in every way and the epitome of servant leadership. We are thankful for all he did for youth and our communities. #bsa #gslc #scoutingmatters #PresMonson pic.twitter.com/26xd1YKH5D BSA Great Salt Lake (@saltlakescouts) January 3, 2018
My deepest condolences to the @LDSchurch on the passing of its President, Thomas S. Monson. As a person of faith, I pray that you find comfort in God during this difficult and uncertain time. Please know that you have in us well-wishers and friends. pic.twitter.com/wGcvl1ELdp Harris Zafar (@Harris_Zafar) January 3, 2018
Every time I had the honor to meet President Monson, he was the epitome of gentleness and generosity. He has always inspired me to be kind and in-service. Along with my wife, Angel, we send our deepest sympathies to his family and all of lives he has touched through his commitment to the LDS faith. May he rest in peace.
I had the wonderful privilege of getting to know and meeting with President @ThomasSMonson many times through the years. He was a man of God, a friend to all, and one who truly lived what he preached. Thank you, #PresidentMonson, for your legacy of Christlike love and service. pic.twitter.com/lTeEPxgBZg Donny Osmond (@donnyosmond) January 3, 2018
Mitchell Vice, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate
Statement from BYU President Kevin J Worthen on the profound impact of Thomas S. Monson #PresMonson pic.twitter.com/3PvJ04rBeh BYU (@BYU) January 3, 2018
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. He was a Scout in every way and the epitome of servant leadership. We are thankful for all he did for youth and our communities."
Great Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America
"My deepest condolences to the @LDSchurch on the passing of its President, Thomas S. Monson. As a person of faith, I pray that you find comfort in God during this difficult and uncertain time. Please know that you have in us well-wishers and friends."
Author Harris Zafar
"To my beloved LDS friends: My deepest condolences on the death of President Thomas Monson. He was a man of exceptional generosity and dedication for whom I had respect and admiration. He leaves a great legacy. May his memory be a blessing to you and your posterity."
Robert P. George, Princeton professor
"Under Thomas Monsons leadership, AJC (American Jewish Committee) and the LDS Church deepened a mutual relationship, focusing on complex religious liberty issues, humanitarian disaster relief, sustaining religious identity, support for the state of Israel, and other shared concerns. Significantly, President Monson led the church in renewing in 2012 its commitment to prevent posthumous proxy baptisms of Holocaust victims and other well-known Jews.
Rabbi Noam Marans, AJC director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations
"Saddened to hear of the passing of Thomas S. Monson. President Monson leaves a legacy of generosity, community building and a lifetime of selfless service. My condolences to his family, loved ones and the millions members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
Andrew Scheer, leader of the Official Opposistion and leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
"A joyous reunion - Tom and Francis are together again. One of the kindest, most humble and loving men I have ever met, Thomas S Monson #ldspresident passed away tonight. He was 90. It isnt sad, when you know they are finally home. Wonderful things are on the horizon."
Glenn Beck
A joyous reunion - Tom and Francis are together again. One of the kindest, most humble and loving men I have ever met, Thomas S Monson #ldspresident passed away tonight. He was 90. It isnt sad, when you know they are finally home. Wonderful things are on the horizon Glenn Beck (@glennbeck) January 3, 2018
"The Muslim community in Utah is deeply saddened by the loss of the great leader, President Monson, admired for his kind nature and service. Aging is not necessarily essential for greatness, but living effectively is. We will remember him as a compassionate leader whose charitable nature benefitted the needy locally and victims to disasters across the world.
During his tenure, the Muslims always felt Utah to be a warm and welcoming home. I say this to my Mormon brothers and sisters: although its difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."
Salman Masud, M.D., president of Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake.
SALT LAKE CITY Sheri Dew said her heart stopped when she heard Tuesday night that LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson had died.
Elaine Dalton cried.
President Monson's biographer, Heidi Swinton, called the 90-year-old prophet's passing "a painful experience for me."
They and others who worked with and knew President Monson spoke Wednesday about the ways he changed them, led them and, most of all, how he never stopped ministering person-to-person even as he led a church with 15.9 million members.
President Monson died Tuesday night of causes incident to age, surrounded by family. He was 90. Wednesday came the outpouring of love and support from religious, civic and political leaders, and from thousands across the globe who have been touched by the grace of the man revered as both powerful leader and humble servant as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
And as an era ends, they remembered the numerous, well-loved personal accounts he shared in general conference talks, in meetings and in personal interactions and the lessons those stories conveyed. They are lessons that will be retold in anticipation of funeral services, scheduled Friday, Jan. 12., at noon in Salt Lake City.
Swinton, speaking by phone from Hawaii, described a younger President Monson "as a flurry of activity all the time," unusual in his ministry because he had the capacity of a great administrator but continued giving his attention to each individual person he met even after he became the prophet-leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008.
"His legacy," she said, "lives on in the goodness in each one of us because of what he taught us from the pulpit and in his life. ... I saw him as a prophet and as a man we could learn from as we live our own lives."
Best friend
President Monson called Dalton to be the church's Young Women general president soon after he became the church president. Dalton felt prompted to call his daughter, Ann Monson Dibb, as one of her counselors, but that made her so nervous that she wrote the proposal in a note rather than bring the suggestion to him personally, as he'd requested, but he agreed.
"President Monson gave everything to the church, including his precious daughter," she said. Dibb was constantly at her father's side over his final years as he dealt with health and memory problems.
"Her example will tutor me the rest of my life," Dalton said.
She spoke with Dibb on Wednesday morning.
"She is very sad," Dalton said, "but she also has an eternal perspective and mentioned how wonderful that reunion must have been as President Monson saw his beloved Frances again. She said, 'That is such a comfort to me.'"
Sister Frances Monson preceded her husband in death, passing away in May 2013.
Dalton believed hers was the first call President Monson extended as the church's new president in 2008. After he met with her and her husband, Steve, for two hours, he handed her a fresh, white rose.
Dalton had made the white rose her symbol when she was in the Young Women program as a girl.
"I thought, 'how did he know?'" Dalton said. "President Monson handing me that rose was a witness to me of the prophetic mantel he had. Since then, we've planted white roses all over our yard as a constant reminder we are led by a prophet of God. That happened time and time again. He would say and do things only I knew, that no one else knew, not even my husband."
Behind the scenes, President Monson treated Dalton like a best friend.
"He will be missed," said Dalton. "He had a large presence."
Bright spot
When President Monson couldn't help a person or a group on his own, he enlisted others. He regularly called Keith McMullin, an LDS Church general authority and member of the Presiding Bishopric from 1995 to 2012.
"This is Tom Monson," he'd say. "How would you like to paint a bright spot on your soul today?" Then he would ask McMullin to visit a sick person or ask if the church's Welfare Square could dispatch a truck with commodities to the Utah Food Bank.
"I came to understand his big heart, said McMullin, who today is the president and CEO of Deseret Management Corp. "If there was a suffering heart, a group of people in need, you would find him leading the charge in resolving the issue. He was a man of great compassion."
President Monson worked closely with then-church President Gordon B. Hinckley in 1985 during a landmark moment in church history. Leaders asked members to fast for one day and give the money saved by skipping two meals each to help famine victims in Ethiopia.
"In one 24-hour period, church members contributed over $6 million," McMullin said. A second fast later in the year raised another $5 million. ... The church has always been involved in reaching out to people not of our faith, but that marked a turning point."
It was the first time the church had collected large funds exclusively for humanitarian work and led to the creation of LDS Charities.
"President Monson was instrumental in this work as a member of the church's Welfare Committee and as a counselor in the First Presidency to President Ezra Taft Benson, President Howard W. Hunter and President Hinckley," McMullin said. "His wisdom manifested itself on every hand."
Since 1985, LDS Charities has provided $1.89 billion in assistance in 189 countries. In 2016 alone, LDS Charities served millions of people in 147 countries, working with more than 1,500 partners on 2,630 projects.
He saw it
Swinton had a desk in President Monson's office as she wrote his biography for Deseret Book.
"I learned firsthand how important every individual is that we pass by," she said.
He teased her as she followed him to meetings and read his journals "He called it 'stalking him,'" she said and then he lifted her, too. As she neared her deadline, she said she lost confidence that she had brought his story to the page the way she wanted.
"He saw it in my eyes and in my face," said Swinton, who will complete a church assignment next week with her husband, the director of the Hawaii Temple visitor's center. "He sat me down and ministered to me and talked me through it."
She went home to choose a name for the book, but none of the possibilities she'd written on pages and pages of ideas was right. All of a sudden, "To the Rescue" came to mind.
"It was a great name," she said. "I was jubilant. I went in the next day and told him, 'I've got it' and told him what it was. He smiled and said, 'You're right.' That's a connection that I will always treasure. It was what people have been feeling about him since before he was a prophet, before he was an apostle and before he was president of the church."
True accounts
President Monson was a renowned storyteller. Dalton remembered how she loved President Monson's energetic, memorized general conference talks as a girl because he told stories from his life.
But he disliked that term. He did not tell stories, he told Swinton and Dew, who published his biography at Deseret Book. Instead, he said, he shared "true accounts."
"I'll never forget his ability to take a story and teach a sermon," said Dew, executive vice president of Deseret Management Corp. "He had a gift for that type of teaching. He taught, truly, as the Savior taught. He was a teacher every day of his life, and he taught by extracting principles from stories."
He told stories on himself, too, with a great sense of humor and laugh, she said.
His predecessor, President Gordon B. Hinckley, could do more in 15 minutes than anyone Dew has ever met, she said. President Monson regularly held 90-minute meetings full of his true accounts.
"I'd often leave thinking, 'What was he trying to tell me?' Dew said. "And I'd spend a lot of time on those stories."
President Monson's love for stories extended to books and newspapers. He spent years as an executive with the Deseret News and loved publishing deeply. Dew remembered bringing a proposal from Doubleday to the First Presidency. Doubleday wanted to print a commercial copy of the Book of Mormon. As the First Presidency considered how to ensure the scripture's sacred text was protected, President Monson was rubbing the proposed paper stock between his fingers.
"Well, President Hinckley," he said, "I don't know if I care for the paper they're recommending."
"Tom," President Hinckley replied, "you're probably the only one who cares about that."
"President Monson loved all caps, underscored, put in bold loved the Deseret News," said Dew, who oversees the paper in her role at DMC. "He was intimately connected to its history, its inception, its mission. He loved everything it stood for and accomplished. If you trace its history, there are an enormous number of times President Monson was a crucial figure in a decision about the paper's future. He felt it was crucial for the church to own a major newspaper in its home city. I've seen him celebrate it and protect it. He left no doubt it was singular and we better not tamper with it. It's almost as though he's been the Deseret News' guardian angel."
McMullin said President Monson reminded him of that in the final DMC board meeting he attended.
"He felt the Deseret News is a vital organ in the community as a vehicle by which people can raise their voices and be heard and voices of clarity and truth can be shared with the people, both in digital and print form," McMulllin said.
A changed church
McMullin knew President Monson for more than four decades and believed he heard every one of President Monson's stories more than once. He recently felt a prompting to consider whether he'd learned the lessons of those stories.
"I was being told, 'here is a great man, a great leader, a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is teaching you.' The feeling was not, can I repeat them, but am I doing them? Am I about the business those stories impart?"
Dew's favorite true account was a commitment President Monson made and declared to the church.
"I wanted the Lord to know," he said, "that if he wanted something done, he could count on Tom Monson."
Dalton said President Monson emulated Christ in a way that tutored the entire church by example.
"His example changed me," she said, "and I know it changed the church."
That sentiment resonated with Swinton.
"It's the changes in people's lives because they were touched by Thomas Monson that he will be remembered for," she said. "Everywhere I've gone in the world to talk about him, without fail, someone comes up to me with a personal story about how President Monson made a difference for them individually.
"We can learn from that. I did. I learned I can make a difference one person at a time."
Funeral services
The public may attend funeral services Friday, Jan. 12, at noon. The funeral will be open to the public ages 8 and older. A public viewing open to all ages will take place Thursday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. in the Conference Center.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia There was a young boy in a Manchester United jersey and an old woman whose face was tattooed with an Orthodox cross. There was a businessman in a finely tailored suit and a police woman in uniform. There were two women in black niqab head coverings and two others in short, brightly colored skirts.
It was a Monday morning in October at the Sitota Center for Mental Health Care in the Ethiopian capital and, in the waiting area in front of a bustling reception desk, the weary faces of a rapidly changing nation were on full display.
Although still one of the poorest nations in the world, Ethiopia is the fastest growing economy on the planet, according to the World Bank. Thats in no small part the result of decades of international aid, foreign capital and charitable giving that came in the wake of the nations infamous famine in the 1980s.
That investment has come in big ways, like the $487 million in foreign assistance the U.S. government spent in 2017 on health, education and security projects. And it has come in small ways, like the Utah-based Children of Ethiopia Education Fund, which seeks to help girls from heavily impoverished communities get quality schooling, a mission that costs $30 per child, per month. It has come to address specific crises, as in the case of LDS Charities, which has worked with International Relief and Development to bring water to 22 villages along the drought-striken border with Somalia. And it has come to address broad issues, as is the case for what is arguably the most famous American charity in Ethiopia, Save the Children, which supports myriad projects aimed at health, nutrition, safety and sanitation.
Now those investments are finally paying off. The rapid development has pulled millions out of abject poverty, prompted a mass migration into the nations urban center, stoked a growing middle class, and put the tools of the information age in the hands of an increasingly tech-savvy population.
But those changes have come with side effects that few saw coming: A skyrocketing demand for psychiatric services that has left mental health providers feeling helpless to keep up. And that could offer some vital lessons to the international community as it looks to replicate Ethiopias economic miracle in other places in desperate need of help.
'It was easy to get help'
When Wubeshet Abebaw first sought help for his depression three years ago, he was admitted without delay to Sitotas in-patient treatment program.
At that time, if you knew that you needed help, and you knew about the center, and you had the money to pay for treatment, it was easy to get help, Abebaw said. The wait was only minutes.
But when Abebaw returned to Sitota for an emergency visit following a close friends suicide in late October, the waiting room was packed.
Past the reception desk, in a spartan office decorated with Van Gogh prints, Dr. Yonas Baheretibeb was trying to keep up with the deluge. It was early afternoon, and he was already far behind on appointments.
When Baheretibeb, a jovial and energetic man in his early 50s, began practicing psychiatry in Ethiopia a quarter-century ago, a very busy day might include visits from four or five patients. Today he regularly sees 30 in a day.
And those are the fortunate ones the ones who recognize they need help, are able to travel to Baheretibebs clinic in Addis Ababa, and can afford to pay for private medical care. The World Health Organization estimates there are more than 15 million people who suffer from mental illness in the worlds most populous landlocked country. But there are only a handful of clinics that specialize in psychiatric care here. And despite an economic boom that some have called a miracle, in a country still remembered in much of the world as a place of mass famine, it is only a small number of people who can afford the care.
Meanwhile, the number of care-seekers is growing. And fast.
Relief from holy water
Its not that there werent mental health problems in Ethiopia in the past, Baheretibeb said. During its modern history, Ethiopia has battled widespread starvation, political turmoil and civil war, with predictable psychiatric consequences.
Ethiopians among the worlds most religious people have always sought help from their religious institutions, Baheretibeb said. A plurality belongs to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. There are also substantial populations of Muslims and Protestants. There are Catholics, Rastafarians and a quickly growing number of Mormons.
Confronted by anxiety, emptiness or hopelessness common symptoms of mental health struggles most Ethiopians would first seek relief from holy water, Baheretibeb said.
They would visit their priest or the leader of their mosque, he said. And there was absolutely nothing wrong with that approach.
Religious communities can be a powerful force in giving people the support they need to overcome mental illness, Baheretibeb said. Whether one believes in the power of prayer or the power of placebos, he said, it doesnt matter if it works.
But belief alone, he noted, wont cure everyone.
That was the case for Viti Luwigis brother, who suddenly began feeling despondent about three months ago.
First we brought him to the church to pray, said Luwigi, the daughter of an Ethiopian mother and Italian father. The church father said, dont worry, he will be in the healing system very soon. Just keep praying. Pray harder. He needs to tell himself he is fine, and then he will be fine.
Although dedicated to her church, Luwigi said she was pretty sure her family was getting bad advice.
He was only getting worse, she said.
She quickly sought medical help, and was able to secure an in-patient bed for her brother at Sitota. A month later, her brothers health has significantly improved, she said.
If wed kept going to the church leaders, he would still be in the same condition, and he probably would be worse, she said.
We cant treat everyone
It wasnt long ago, Baheretibeb said, that when the advice of spiritual leaders failed, Ethiopians just gave into their fates.
Now when people want more answers, they Google it, he said. They quickly come to learn that there is medication and treatment for mental illness.
About 15 percent of Ethiopians had access to the internet as of June, according to the United Nations. By way of contrast, nearly 90 percent of neighboring Kenyans are internet users.
But Ethiopias internet penetration rate was 400 percent higher in June than it was just 18 months earlier. And Baheretibeb said the patients he is seeing are accessing information about mental health in other ways, too.
Several hospitals have held campaigns to raise awareness of the need for mental health care, particularly among the nations large homeless and refugee populations. National journalists have been encouraged to attend workshops on how to report compassionately on mental health issues.
Awareness is generally a good thing, Baheretibeb said, but in a nation with just a few specialized clinics, it also creates a problem.
We dont have the capacity, he sighed. We cant treat everyone who is in need.
Rather than creating hope, the availability of information without the availability of care can create despondency. It might, Baheretibeb said, be making things even worse for some people.
Abebaw said that every time he visits the clinic he sees people who are unable to get an appointment or simply cannot pay.
It breaks my heart, he said, because I know exactly what they are going through, and I think why do I deserve help but they dont?
Luwigi feels the same way. Her brothers 29-day stay at Sitota cost 24,827 bir about $920. That might be a bargain by American medical billing standards but, notwithstanding the tremendous economic growth it has experienced in recent years, Ethiopia is still a country where a third of the population lives on less than $2 a day.
Were very fortunate to have the ability to pay, said Luwigi, whose family owns and operates an auto mechanic shop. If we couldnt help him, if we couldnt afford it, it would be devastating. Seeing people leave the hospital without treatment, outside and suffering, makes me feel very bad.
'Our lifestyle is changing'
Ethiopia has a rudimentary socialized medical system that is bolstered by a network of charitable hospitals. Under the tenets of Ethiopias National Mental Health Strategy, every state-run hospital is supposed to offer mental health services that are either free or affordable and accessible to all and fully integrated into the primary and general health system.
But with copious other priorities from fighting malaria and HIV to building roads and bridges to providing clean water and electricity to everyone that goal is still very much a goal.
After two in-patient visits and a lot of follow-ups at the private clinic, Abebaw said, he ran through his savings very quickly. When he went looking for more affordable care, it was impossible to get an appointment with a doctor at a state hospital.
A whole hospital might have one doctor, he said.
The National Mental Health Strategy, which was adopted and theoretically put into action in 2012, also calls for close-to-home care, services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, programs that address skill development and that lead to improved functioning and employment opportunities, and treatment specifically designed to help vulnerable groups with specific needs.
No one is arguing with the compassion behind those goals but, five years later, access to the most basic of services at public hospitals remains hard to come by. And that has prompted more psychiatrists to hang out a private shingle.
That is how Lebeza Psychiatry Center in Addis Ababa came to get started about a year ago. The centers general manager, Dr. Asmeret Andebirhan, said the rising rate of addictive substance abuse and lack of resources to treat it was key in her decision to help open a new private clinic.
Khat, a mild psychotropic plant that is openly sold on street corners across Ethiopia, has long been a concern for public health officials in Ethiopia. Traditional honey wine and beer also factor into the addictive environment.
But as more Ethiopians move to the city, and away from their traditional support networks and as they have more disposable income in their pockets Andebirhan said abuse of marijuana, cocaine and other street drugs is rising.
Substance abuse isnt the only mental health problem linked to urbanization. Andebirhan said there are clear mental health consequences when families that have lived in a community for generations are suddenly split apart.
Raising a child, in the old days, was the responsibility of the society, Andebirhan said. Neighbors, other mothers, grandmothers and grandfathers, they would all help. But now, because of the distance between families, children are being raised only by their parents.
And those parents, Andebirhan said, are often working multiple jobs. Were seeing a lot of depression and anxiety in middle-income young women, especially those who are working and who have families and children, she said.
Weve compromised the traditional support system we have, she said. Our lifestyle is changing. You could say it is changing in a good way. Or you could say it is changing in a bad way. However you see it, its changing in a big way.
There is a big discrepancy
One of the biggest ways Ethiopian lives are changing comes by way of the information revolution.
Now we have the Facebook generation, Baheretibeb said. Ethiopians today watch movies from Hollywood and listen to CNN. Everything is more American. The expectation of what mental health treatment looks like is very Western.
But the reality, he said, is really quite different.
Theres no mediation. There are no appointments available, he said. There is a big discrepancy between what they see in the media and what they experience in reality. And the reality is that not only are they struggling to get mental health care; sometimes they are struggling to eat three times a day. They arent just struggling to get treatment for anxiety; theyre struggling to find treatment for malaria.
Abebaw, the man who lost a friend to suicide, in October, knows all about how hard it can be to get state hospital treatment for malaria. Hes had it five times.
And depression is far, far worse, he said. If I have to choose between depression and malaria, Ill choose malaria.
He manages his depression and anxiety with a variety of prescriptions, now, and most days are good days, but there are still bad ones.
And the day he learned about the loss of his friend was a very bad one.
That night, Abebaw sat in his car, plugged his headphones into his iPhone, and listened to a recording of the Bible in Amharic. The next day he saw his doctor, who upped his dosage of antidepressants.
Given that theres a long way to go before her nation comes anywhere close to achieving its lofty goals for making mental health care accessible to all, Andebirhan thinks Abebaws approach continuing to turn to faith while also pursuing the best psychological care they can find as the countrys mental health capacity continues to grow might be the right one for a lot of other Ethiopians.
For centuries, we were depending on religion and depending on spiritual practices, she said. Im highly supportive of holistic care. The solution, I think, is going to be both a modern and a traditional one.
Deepika and Ranveer Are Next In Line For A Grand Marriage?
Latest updates reveal that actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are the next to tie the knot after Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. It seems they are ready to taste the relationship of becoming a husband and wife. According to reports, Ranveer and Deepika have planned on getting engaged on Deepikas 32nd birthday this year.
The actress will turn 32-year-old on January 5 and is apparently going to exchange rings with Ranveer Singh, who has been her boyfriend for five years now. Moreover, they will fly to Sri Lanka along with their respective families for celebrating Deepikas birthday after which the engagement ceremony is to be held.
The couple wants to take their relationship to the next level soon after Ranveer earlier proposed Deepika in public. Ranveer in a video was heard saying, There is nobody like you, God bless you. Love you a lot. They started dating since their stint in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram Leela. On the work front, their film Padmavati is yet to see daylight as it is still unclear about its release due to the controversies surrounding the film.
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Source: media2.intoday.in
5 Bollywood Actors Who Will Be Debuting In South Cinema In 2018
South Indian cinema is probably the only regional cinema that gives Bollywood films a tough competition to Bollywood films in terms of box-office collections, technicalities, and stories. A number of South films have broken and established numerous box-office records and are gaining fast acceptance in Hindi belt thanks to the dubbed Hindi versions along with massive popularity their actors have all over India.
If you'll have a look at the top 10 highest grossing films of 2017, Baahubali 2 rules the chart. The SS Rajamouli directed saga became a box-office juggernaut and its Hindi version grossed 511 Crores along with 1700 Crores worldwide gross. Seeing the worldwide popularity of South Indian cinema, it is now obvious that a number of Bollywood stars will be looking to do films down south. Here are 5 Bollywood actors who will be debuting in South films in 2018:
Akshay Kumar: The actor will be portraying a character with the shades of grey named Dr. RIchard aka Crow Man. The makers were looking at various big names ranging from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Aamir Khan before finally zeroing on Akshay Kumar.
Nidhhi Aggarwal: The actress made her Bollywood debut with Munna Michael this year and is now gearing up for her Telegu debut titled Savyasachi in which she will star alongside Naga Chaitanya.
Shraddha Kapoor: The actress will be making her Telegu debut in the trilingual film Saaho in which she will be paired opposite Baahubali alum Prabhas. The film is an action thriller and everyone has high expectations from the film.
Sunny Leone: The actress has signed on to star in Veeramadevi which will get released in 5 languages and will be filmed in Tamil. The film centers on a female warrior who lived in South India decades ago.
Anurag Kashyap: The director-actor will star in the upcoming Tamil thriller Imaikkaa Nodigal.
Shah Rukh Khan's Zero: Everything You Should Know About His Ambitious Film
Shah Rukh Khan will finally be back to the cinema halls on 21st December 2018 with his upcoming film Zero. The project was kept tightly under wraps ever since it was announced and all the secrecy surrounding the film piqued everyone's curiosity about it. Very few details were shared by the cast & crew of the film and there were a lot of speculations in the social media about the title of the film.
The film is directed by Tanu Weds Manu fame Anand L Rai and it will be the first time he is collaborating with King Khan. Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma joined the film later and the film is said to be high on visual effects as SRK will be playing a vertically challenged man in the film. The first look of the film was shared by SRK on the New Year and the wait is definitely worth for the most awaited film of the year. Here's everything you should know about SRK's ambitious project:
Budget: The film is said to be one of the most expensive ever in Hindi Cinema and earlier it was reported that the budget is in excess of 150 Crores which SRK later denied. Some trade pundits are putting its production between 150-200 Crores.
Visual Effects: SRK's in-house company Red Chillies VFX is doing the VFX for Zero and the film is said to employ the latest technology in order to make SRK look like a 3 ft. person. Also, the inspiration is being taken from The Lord of the Rings trilogy that used optical illusions for its Hobbit characters.
Reunion: SRK will be reuniting with his favourite 2 co-stars Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. It will be SRK's 4th film with Anushka Sharma while it will be his second film with Katrina Kaif. The trio appeared together in 2012 hit Jan Tak Hai Jaan.
Trending: The film's first look has set the social media ablaze with Zero currently a no. 1 trend on Youtube with more than 8 million views and more than 203,000 likes in less than 48 hours.
Script: The film is written by National Award winner Himanshu Sharma who has written hit films for Anand L Rai like Raanjhana, Tanu Weds Manu and Tanu Weds Manu Returns. He is known for his ability to combine comedy-drama with emotions.
Cameos: The film will have cameos by a number of Bollywood biggies who will be playing themselves like, Juhi Chawla, Salman Khan, Deepika Padukone, Kajol, Alia Bhatt, Sridevi, Karisma Kapoor and Rani Mukerji.
Bumblebee to Aquaman: Check out the most awaited Hollywood films of 2018
If you thought 2017 was probably the biggest year for Hollywood in terms of big franchises, think again, because 2018 promises to be a step ahead. With sequels such as Deadpool 2 and The Incredibles 2, audiences know their safe bets, but there are also some first-time films under big franchises and cinematic universes that are keeping fans equally excited. Heres the list of top five films that are expected to set the cash registers ringing this year!
The Avengers: Infinity War
The magnum opus of the Marvel cinematic universe will see the coming together of all the Marvel superheroes: from Robert Downey Jrs Iron Man to Chris Pratts Star Lord. Together theyll be fighting against their common enemy, Thanos. With the previous two instalments ruling the box-office collections across the globe, its highly likely that the third instalment will follow suit. The Avengers: Infinity War also stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Holland, Zoe Saldana, and Bradley Cooper could any films star cast get any cooler than this? And heres the best part, the film releases in India a week earlier than the US.
Release: 27 April 2018
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Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Ever since the Mosasaurus leapt from a water body to eat Indominus Rex, fans of the big lizards have been eagerly expecting the second (and overall fifth instalment) of the Jurassic World franchise. The film, titled Jurassic Park: Fallen Kingdom, will follow the story of Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard), who return to the island to save the remaining dinosaurs, including the T Rex, from an impending volcanic eruption.
Release: 22 June 2018
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Solo: A Star Wars Story
After the success of the first ever Star Wars spin-off, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, it came as no surprise when the makers of the cult franchise announced another spin-off. This time, the plot is based on the legendary character of Han Solo, which was played by actor Harrison Ford in the seven instalments of the Star Wars series. The film, which has been titled Solo: A Star Wars Story, follows the story of the young Han Solo, a smuggler before he met Luke Skywalker (played by Mark Hamill) and Princess Leia (played by Carrie Fisher) in Star Wars Episode IV: a New Hope (1977), and explore his friendship with Chewbacca. Actor Alden Ehrenreich essays the role of Han Solo, while Donald Glover plays Lando Calrissian.
Release: May 25, 2018
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Aquaman
After saving the world from Steppenwolf and his army of nasty parademons who feed on fear, Jason Momoa returns as Arthur Curry aka Aquaman in the standalone film, titled Aquaman, as a part of the DC Extended Universe. Momoas portrayal of the half-Atlantean and half-human superhero received the thumbs up from both critics and fans, and everyone is eagerly anticipating the standalone instalment, which will explore Aquamans role in maintaining a fine balance between the surface dwellers and people from his kingdom.
Release: Dec 21, 2018
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Bumblebee
The Transformers film franchise, despite its critics, has been one of the highest grossing Hollywood film franchises. One shouldnt be surprised if its first ever spin-off, titled Bumblebee, adds more moolah to the franchise. Starring John Cena and Hailee Steinfeld, the film follows the story of Bumblebee the Autobot, on the run and hiding in California in 1987, some two decades before the events of the first film (2007).
Release: Dec 21, 2018
Aishwarya Is My Mother, Shah Rukh Is My Son: 6 Times Bollywood Fans Made Bizarre Claims!
Bollywood actors enjoy nothing less than a demi-god status in our country, where people worship them (literally). Legions of fans are quick to come to their stars defence should any problem arise. But sometimes, this fan-love goes a bit too far. Make that way too far!
The latest example is that of a 28-year old man, Sangeeth Kumar from Andhra Pradesh, who is claiming that actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is his mother! Yes, you read that right! He claims that he was born six years before she went on to win the Miss World crown in 1994.
As bizarre as it may sound, he has added that he was born through IVF, and spent the first two years of his life with his grandparents Brinda Krishnaraj Rai and Krishnaraj Rai, Aishwaryas parents. Aishwarya is yet to comment on this.
This is just the latest entrant to a list of such hard-to-believe claims made by fans in all these years.
SHAHID IS MY HUSBAND!
In 2012, the late actor Rajkumars daughter, Vastavikta, claimed to be actor Shahid Kapoors wife. She would follow him to his shoots and wait outside his building. Matters came to a head when she scaled Shahids building perimeter wall and reached his apartment on the 13th floor. Shahid ultimately had to file a police complaint against Vastavikta.
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MARRIED TO THE ALREADY MARRIED RAVEENA
Actor Raveena Tandon found herself at the receiving end of a fans obsession in 2014 he claimed to be her husband. Raveena, who is married to film distributor Anil Thadani, filed a police complaint after he allegedly attacked Anils car when the latter was arriving home, and even threw stones at the couples house. The police took action against the man, who said he was just trying to protect Raveena.
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MOTHER OF GOD!
So this woman believed that she was the mother of Shah Rukh Khan. Yes! This happened way back in 1996, when a woman from Latur, Maharashtra, went to court, saying that Shah Rukh Khan was her son, and that she had taken him as a child in the 1960s to Mumbai, where she worked as a labourer. She had lost him there, but after all these years, recognised him from his films poster. The court, however stayed the proceedings.
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WE ARE DHANUSHS PARENTS
In March 2017, R Kathiresan and his wife K Meenakshi from Melur, Tamil Nadu, filed a lawsuit saying that actor Dhanush was their long-lost son, who had run away to Chennai when he was 16. They asked him to give them a monthly maintenance of Rs 65,000. However, the actor moved the Madurai bench of the High Court, requesting the proceedings to be quashed, and appeared before the court to verify that he doesnt have the specified birthmarks that the couple had insisted on.
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BACHCHAN JRs OTHER WIFE
This happened in 2007, when a model, Jhanvi Kapoor, attempted suicide outside the Bachchans residence in Mumbai. She cut her wrists, claiming that she was unable to bear Abhisheks marriage with actor Aishwarya Rai later in the day. Jhanvi later said that she had met Abhishek on the sets of his film Dus, where she was one of the dancers in a song sequence. The two exchanged phone numbers and interacted regularly through e-mail, she claimed. And then came the bombshell: the model said that Abhishek had applied sindoor on her forehead the previous year, and married her in the presence of a few friends. However, she couldnt produce any proof.
Tencent has hit back against suggestions that it monitors user accounts by stating that it does not store user messages sent via its popular WeChat service.
In a social media post, the Chinese firm stated: WeChat does not store any users chat history. That is only stored in users mobiles, computers and other terminals. WeChat will not use any content from user chats for big data analysis. Because of WeChats technical model that does not store or analyse user chats, the rumour that we are watching your WeChat everyday is pure misunderstanding.
The statement was prompted in response to an observation made by Li Shufu, the chairman of Geely, which owns Volvo. Li was quoted as saying that Tencent chairman Ma Huateng must be watching all our WeChats every day.
There is some basis behind Lis claim, as the Chinese government does require social media platforms to remove any posts that it deems illegal. WeChats privacy policy notes that it may be required to retain and supply user information in response to a request by a government authority, law enforcement agency or similar body.
Chinas stringent censorship laws have been a roadblock to western Internet companies that would otherwise be keen to tap into the vast market. The country has shown no willingness to compromise, with the Qi Xiaoxia, director general of the Bureau of International Cooperation at the Cyberspace Administration of China, stating last month that companies such as Google and Facebook would need to comply with the censorship laws if they wished to enter China.
WeChat is Chinas most popular messaging service, although more internationally known services have recently been blocked in the country. The government restricted access to WhatsApp in the run-up to October 2017s Communist Party congress, while in November last year Skype was taken down from both the Apple and Android app stores.
An extensive survey conducted by Digit.in across the country has shed light on what smartphone users feel about the devices they own. Our previous report highlighted that a majority of smartphone users own and use a Xiaomi device.
As we gather more insights from our Great Indian Mobile Survey, its comes to light that Apple is the highest ranked smartphone brand when it comes to after-sales support. A majority of Apple users, 56.79 percent, gave the company top marks for providing quality after-sales support for iPhones. On a scale of 1 to 5, Apple received an average score of 4.18, highest amonst all surveyed brands. Apple iPhone repairs can be easily initiated from the companys repair website and authorised repair centres can also be located by performing a location search on the platform.
On the heels of Apple and on second position for the best after-sales service as rated by consumers is Samsung. Samsung bags the number two spot when it comes to customer satisfaction for after sales services for phones. 36.36 percent of Samsung mobile users who took Digits Great Indian Mobile Survey awarded ace marks to the South Korean companys after-sales services. On an average, Samsung received a score of 3.89 out of 5. Samsung also allows mobile phone users to perform an easy search for after-sales support centres based on their location and also provides support services through a 24/7 toll-free number.
Huawei comes in Third with an average score of 3.72 out of 5 as rated by users of Huawei-made mobile phones who took the survey. Huawei has more than 260 authorised service centres across India, with exclusive service stores in Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Indore, Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Delhi, Gurgaon and Ludhiana. 24.07 percent of Huawei users gave the highest rating to the brand for its after-sales support for mobiles.
OnePlus and Xiaomi came in at number 4 and number 5 respectively for their after-sales support. The competition between the two brands was very close with OnePlus scoring an average 3.54 out of 5 and Xiaomi scoring 3.53 out of 5 for after-sales services. 25.68 percent of OnePlus users and 22.64 percent of Xiaomi mobile users gave top marks to the brands. Motorola was rated 3.5 out of 5 on an average by its users, giving it the number 6 spot.
All our survey results are based on user opinions through which we aim to better inform the mobile user community in India. Let us know your thoughts on the after-sales support you get from your smartphone vendor. You can read other highlights from our Great Indian Mobile Survey here.
West Africa-focused oil and gas outfit Lekoil on Thursday said its joint venture with Green Energy International had signed a contract with Sinopec Changjiang Engineering Services Limited to acquire 197 sq km of 3D seismic data at the Otakikpo Marginal Field in the Niger Delta.
The seismic acquisition over Otakikpo is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2018 to kick-off phase two development of Otakikpo, Lekoil said in a statement.
As the Otakikpo field nears its first phase target production of 10,000 bopd, the joint venture is now focused on the second stage of its development Plan which aims to increase steady state production up to approximately 20,000 bopd.
Lekoil chief executive Lekan Akinyanmi said: "With significant milestones already achieved in 2017 as he Otakikpo Technical and Financial Partner, today's announcement demonstrates Lekoil's progress into the next phase of delivery and growth.
The Company expects the phase two development to be fully funded by industry players, which the company is already in discussions with."
Oil and gas explorer SDX Energy has abandoned its ELQ-1 well on the Gharb Centre permit in Northern Morocco and will move onto another prospect nearby.
Drilling to a depth of 1,484 metres encountered just 22.6 net metres of reservoir interval and two metres of marginal net conventional gas pay, leading SDX's management to the opinion that the intervals were not commercially sufficient for it to complete the well. SDX will plug the well and then move the drilling rig to the nearby ONZ-7 development location.
Elsewhere, SDX was granted a four-month extension to 22 July at its Lalla Mimouna permit, allowing it sufficient time to evaluate the results of its upcoming exploration drilling campaign, expected to take place in March. The AIM-listed outfit has connected the KSR-16 well to the sales line, with flow testing expected to commence later in January.
Paul Welch, president and chief executive of SDX, said, "Despite the result at ELQ-1, we remain very upbeat about the remainder of our Moroccan drilling campaign, which has already yielded discoveries from the first three of this nine well campaign."
"It is important to note that this well is also the only one in the current program drilled using legacy low-resolution 3D data, acquired from the previous operator. It was an important test that has strengthened our belief in the need to acquire high-resolution 3D seismic data, that we have successfully used in our first three wells, across all of our concessions of interest."
As of 0920 GMT, shares had dropped 4.81% to 51.50p.
UK farmers will continue to receive government subsidies for a number of years after Britain leaves the EU in 2019, Environment Secretary Michael Gove said on Thursday.
In a speech to the Oxford Farming Conference, Gove said he wanted to move from the current system, under which farmers receive 3bn annually from the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), to a new approach of public money for public goods.
Gove's department had briefed overnight that payments would continue until 2024 under the proposals, which will be put out to consultation later this year.
"That guaranteed income should provide time for farmers to change their business model if necessary, help to make the investment necessary for any adjustments and prepare for the future," Gove said.
Gove, a proponent of a so-called hard Brexit, told delegates the subsidy would be protected in cash terms until the end of the current parliament in 2022. Britain will leave the EU in March 2019 and expects a two-year transition, or implementation, period to follow.
I then envisage guaranteeing that Basic Payment Scheme payments continue for a transition period in England, which should last a number of years beyond the implementation period, depending on consultation, he said.
"During these years, we propose to first reduce the largest BPS payments in England. We could do this through a straight cap at a maximum level or through a sliding scale of reductions, to the largest payments first."
Gove said a new system of subsidies after Brexit would take greater account of efforts to protect and enhance the environment, such as through planting woodland and increasing biodiversity.
He said CAP was a "a fundamentally flawed design".
"Paying land owners for the amount of agricultural land they have is unjust, inefficient and drives perverse outcomes. It gives the most from the public purse to those who have the most private wealth," he said.
"It bids up the price of land, distorting the market, creating a barrier to entry for innovative new farmers and entrenching lower productivity."
"Indeed, perversely, it rewards farmers for sticking to methods of production that are resource-inefficient and also incentivises an approach to environmental stewardship which is all about mathematically precise field margins and not truly ecologically healthy landscapes."
By Damali Mukhaye.
Nine butcheries in kalerwe and Ntinda have been shut down by Kampala capital city authority for failing to meet the minimum health and quality standards.
This was during a joint operation conducted by KCCA and the Uganda national bureau of standards across the city.
KCCAs Supervisor of Animal Production Dr. Emilian Ahimbisibwe, says the operations will continue until all the butcheries meet the required public health standards.
KCCA is also checking the structural standards of these butcheries and investigating meat preservation mechanisms.
For the last four years, AirlineRatings.com has singled out Qantas for the top spot in its annual ranking of the worlds safest airlines. This year, the website assessed 409 major airlines before compiling its final verdict, a list of the top 20 safest carriers in alphabetical order.
Our top 20 safest airlines are always at the forefront of safety innovation, operational excellence and the launching of new more advanced aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787, said Geoffrey Thomas, AirlineRatings.coms Editor-in-Chief. Qantas has been the lead airline in virtually every major operational safety advancement over the past 60 years and has not had a fatality in the jet era. But Qantas is not alone. Long established airlines such as Hawaiian and Finnair also have perfect records in the jet era.
To arrive at its top 20, AirlineRatings.com took into account factors like previous incidents, audits from governments and the aviation industrys regulatory bodies, fleet age, and airlines records of crashes and other serious incidents.
Click through the gallery above to see the worlds safest airlines for 2018, in alphabetical order.
This year AirlineRatings.com also announced the low-cost carriers with the best safety records. The top 10, in alphabetical order, are: Aer Lingus, Flybe, Frontier, HK Express, JetBlue, Jetstar Australia, Thomas Cook, Virgin America, Vueling and WestJet.
At the bottom of the list, with only a single star rating out of seven stars, are 2018s least safe airlines. North Koreas Air Koryo, Surinames Blue Wing Airlines, and Indonesias Trigana Air Service pull up the rear, along with four carriers from Nepal: Buddha Air, Nepal Airlines, Tara Air, and Yeti Airlines.
RELATED: Inside The North Korean Dictatorships Airline That Only Flies To Two Destinations
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Four big tech players this week moved to improve their handling of open source software licensing violations.
Red Hat, Google, Facebook and IBM said they would apply error standards in the most recent GNU General Public License agreement, GPLv3, to all of their open source licensing, even licenses granted under older GPL agreements.
"There is no procedure in the older GPLs that allowed a licensee to correct his mistakes," said Lawrence Rosen, an intellectual property attorney at Rosenlaw & Einschlag and former general counsel for the Open Source Initiative.
"This will make everything consistent with GPLv3," he told LinuxInsider. Enforcement of GPL versions prior to v3 could be unpredictable, noted David Levine, assistant general counsel for Red Hat.
"The way GPLv2 is often read, if you fail to comply with the terms of the license, it terminates without an opportunity to correct errors. You have no license," he told LinuxInsider.
"Most errors tend to be inadvertent," Levine said. "GPLv3 provides an opportunity for a cure period. This provides the licensee peace of mind to know that he or she will be provided an opportunity to correct errors before the license is revoked."
Room for Error
Under the language in GPLv3, a user found violating a license can have it reinstated after correcting the violations.
Initially, the license is renewed provisionally, but if the user doesn't hear from the owner of the license for 60 days, the renewal becomes permanent.
A license also is reinstated permanently if a user fixes a violation within 30 days of being notified for the first time of the infraction.
By using GPLv3's error standards, the companies will be removing some uncertainty in past versions of the agreement.
"The previous guidelines allowed a certain amount of flexibility that caused confusion among some folks and allowed others to feather their own nests by questionable enforcement actions," said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.
"The new model is more fixed for both compliance and enforcement," he told LinuxInsider.
Encouraging Open Source
Creating a more consistent approach to error handling can be beneficial to the community, noted Jim McGregor, principal analyst at Tirias Research.
"They're getting rid of some of the ambiguity associated with the platform," he told LinuxInsider. "The last thing you want when you're a developer is to be under the impression that you're doing everything right and then be hit with a cease and desist order."
One of the motives behind the companies' action is to build and reinforce institutions in the community that promote balance and predictability in license compliance, said Red Hat's Levine.
"When enforcement takes place, alleged violators should be offered opportunities to correct violations. This is the community norm," he noted.
The companies want to grow the use of open source software and contributions to the open source ecosystem, Levine said. They view their commitment to the error standards in GPLv3 as an important step toward increasing participation in open source communities.
Fueling Linux Growth
The companies expressed hope that this week's actions will influence others.
"We believe in promoting greater fairness and predictability in license enforcement and the growth of participation in the open source community," Red Hat Executive Vice President Michael Cunningham said. "We encourage other GPLv2 copyright holders to follow our lead."
The companies' move could foster innovation, suggested Allen Lo, deputy general counsel at Facebook.
"Open source accelerates the pace of innovation in the world," he said. "Extending the good-faith opportunity for developers to correct errors in license compliance has the potential to help move the industry forward and allow engineers to focus on building great things."
It also has the potential to move Linux forward, according to Mark Ringes, assistant general counsel at IBM, who noted that "extending GPLv3's non-compliance cure provision to GPLv2 will enable the continued adoption and robust growth of Linux for decades to come."
John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.
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Is social media evolving into an antisocial medium? Days after one of its former execs argued that the answer is yes, Facebook published a post addressing the issue.
"I think we have created tools that are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works," Chamath Palihapitiya, who once served as vice president for growth at Facebook, told an audience at the Stanford Graduate School of Business last week.
"The short-term, dopamine-driven feedback loops we've created are destroying how society works," he maintained.
There is a lack of civil discourse and cooperation on social media, as well as widespread distribution of misinformation and mistruth, according to Palihapitiya.
"It's not an American problem," he said. "This is not about Russians ads. This is a global problem."
Good and Bad Social Media
Some people feel bad after using social media, but others do not, wrote Facebook Director of Research David Ginsberg and Research Scientist Moira Burke.
"According to the research, it really comes down to how you use the technology," they said.
"For example, on social media, you can passively scroll through posts, much like watching TV, or actively interact with friends -- messaging and commenting on each other's posts," Ginsberg and Burke pointed out.
"Just like in person, interacting with people you care about can be beneficial, while simply watching others from the sidelines may make you feel worse," they explained.
Wellness Through Better New Feeds
To help foster interaction, Facebook has made a number of changes to its services, Ginsberg and Burke noted.
For example, it has started demoting clickbait headlines and false news, and prioritizing posts from people users care about to foster more meaningful interactions and reduce passive consumption of low-quality content.
It also added a "snooze" feature allowing users to hide posts from a person, group or page for 30 days.
Take a Break is another tool designed to remove stressful content. It gives users more control over when they see an ex-partner, what their ex can view, and who can look at past posts about the relationship.
In addition, the company has launched several suicide prevention initiatives, the Facebook researchers wrote.
Facebook has invested US$1 million toward research to better understand the relationship between media technologies, youth development and well-being, they added.
PR Awareness
Facebook's acknowledgment that there's more to social media than fun and sharing, and its moves to address the darker aspects of its community may not be entirely altruistic, suggested John Carroll, a mass communications professor at Boston University.
Still, "it's a sign their awareness of bad PR has started to rise," he told TechNewsWorld, .
"Many people think these steps are largely cosmetic. I don't see a lot of newfound enlightenment in Mark Zuckerberg these days," Carroll added. "He's in a position of influence and importance in the world that he doesn't want to face up to."
Two Sides to Interaction
Social media can both foster and inhibit interaction, asserted Karen North, a professor of digital social media at the University of Southern California.
"It can extend out social interactions to times and places when we wouldn't otherwise be able to interact with each other," she told TechNewsWorld.
"Usually to interact with people, you need to be in proximity to each other," North explained. "Social media allows us to be together even when we are physically apart."
However, social media interaction differs from proximity interaction because it's done through a device and involves content creation.
"That can interfere with people interacting more personally," North said.
Avoiding Social Media Blues
There are a number of ways for individuals to avoid the potential negative consequences of social media, said Brian Primack, director of the University of Pittsburgh Center for Research on Media, Technology and Health.
There is a connection between increased depressive symptoms and the increased proportion of social media friends you don't know in real life to those you do know, he noted.
"We also found that your mental health is better if you report that a higher proportion of your friends is what you would consider 'close' friends," Primack told TechNewsWorld.
Limiting the number of social platforms you participate in can be beneficial, as the number of platforms a person uses can be a predictor of poor mental health, he observed.
Establish strict guidelines for when and where you use social media, may be helpful, Primack ventured.
"Many families are declaring evening time to be device free," he noted. "They have everyone in the family drop their devices in a box at the front door, so that everyone can really focus on each other during a family dinner and other evening activities."
John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.
REINACH The textile colour and chemical specialists Archroma has become a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact a voluntary CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative with over 9,500 participating companies.
Archroma says signing up to the agreement signifies the firms dedication to sustainability of every kind, underlined by this commitment to adhere to the UN Global Compacts 10 principles, these include; human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption.
Beijing successfully lowered air pollution levels following a crackdown on polluters last year, bringing China's capital in line with air quality targets, according to Chinese officials.
The announcement Wednesday by the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau followed a 2013 plan that ordered the city to reduce the yearly average concentration of particulate matter to less than 60 micrograms. According to the bureau, the capital succeeded by reducing PM2.5 concentrations to 58 micrograms per cubic metera reduction of 35.6 percent from 2012.
Reuters reported that the figures provided by the government agency were in line with the news agency's own estimates.
Despite meeting the target, northern China is still a ways off its official PM2.5 of 35 micrograms per cubic meter and even further off the maximum of 10 micrograms per cubic meter recommended by the World Health Organization.
"Current air pollutant levels remain a lot higher than the national air quality standard, indicating the improvement in air quality will still be a long-term process," Beijing's environment agency said.
PM2.5 is particulate matter with a length of 2.5 microns or less. Often a mix of chemicals, the microscopic cocktail of toxins from power plants, automobiles and other sources of industry harm human lungs and can cause heart problems if they enter the bloodstream.
Brought about in 2013 by public anger over frequently hazardous air pollution levels, the initiative received a late push from the government in October to ensure 2017 targets were met. The push included 27 other northern Chinese cities.
To reduce air pollution, Beijing closed nearly 2000 factories in the cement, foundry and furniture sectors and shut down coal power plants in the past five years. The city also took nearly 2 million high-emission vehicles off the road.
In north China's drive to switch to residential winter heating systems, it began phasing out coal-powered boilers to switch to gas or electric-powered equipment. It also shut down or curbed production at heavy industrial plants.
The government partly attributed the air quality improvement to drier and windier weather.
Wednesday's announcement came just two days after China announced it would suspend the production of hundreds of car models to curb air pollution.
A new report from Food & Water Watch documents how a Scottish energy billionaire's dangerous plan to ship gas liquids across the Atlantic is linked to a controversial pipeline currently under construction across Pennsylvania.
The report, The Trans-Atlantic Plastics Pipeline, tracks how the fracking boom in the U.S. has spawned a resurgence in petrochemical and plastics manufacturing. A British company called Ineos has contracted with U.S.-based drilling companies to supply it with ethane, a gas liquid used to make plastics. And in order to deliver these liquids, Sunoco is building the 350-mile Mariner East 2 pipeline across the state. The pipeline ends at the Marcus Hook facility south of Philadelphia, where massive "dragon ships" owned by Ineos carry gas liquids to Norway and Scotland.
"Fracking is creating a public health and climate disaster while propping the highly polluting plastics industry," said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch.
"People on both sides of the Atlantic are suffering the costs, with extremely detrimental effects to our global environmenteverything from air pollution and climate altering emissions to the proliferation of plastic waste can be tied to the companies benefiting from this poisonous process."
Shipping gas liquids to Europe will drive more fracking in Pennsylvania, with all the accompanying water and air pollution that has been well-documented over the last several years of drilling in the state. That drilling is the rationale behind the Mariner East 2. Though the project has been approved by state regulators, communities along the 350-mile route are fighting against the pipeline's construction through a mix of municipally-oriented strategies and nonviolent direct action tactics.
"Sunoco Logistics, aka Energy Transfer Partners, continues to insist that it is providing a 'public benefit,' while in fact it is simply lining its pockets at the expense of the environment," said Ellen Gerhart, a Huntingdon County resident who has been resisting Sunoco's pipeline construction on her land.
"We, as landowners facing eminent domain by this company, will continue to resist, and stand in solidarity with our friends in both the U.S. and Europe. The fight is not over."
The environmental hazards will be evident across the Atlantic, too. In Scotland, Ineos will be "cracking" the ethane to make ethylene, an industrial process that causes air pollution and creates additional plastic litter, like the small pellets called nurdles that are littering shorelines across the UK. Earlier this month, the Ineos petrochemical facility in Grangemouth, Scotland had a substantial ethylene leak that forced the evacuation of employees.
All of the companies involved in the trans-Atlantic pipeline, the report shows, have poor environmental records. The Grangemouth facility has been repeatedly cited by Scottish authorities for emissions and pollutions violations, along with workplace safety violations. One of the drilling companies in Pennsylvania, Range Resourcesperhaps best known for a water contamination incident in Texashas been fined almost $21 million by state regulators. The company has been charged with more than 500 health and safety violations between 2005 and 2016.
And Sunoco, according to one analysis, had a higher rate of oil spills than any of its competitors in the U.S. It recently completed a merger with Energy Transfer Partners, the company behind the highly controversial Dakota Access pipeline.
Food & Water Watch offers several recommendations to communities and political leaders both sides of the Atlantic, starting with a complete ban on fracking everywhere, a ban on fossil fuel imports and ending fossil fuel infrastructure projects that are harming the environment and contributing to the mounting threats posed by climate change.
By Sharon Kelly
Pennsylvania suspended permits for Sunoco Pipeline on Wednesday, LP's $2.5 billion Mariner East 2 pipeline project, after finding that the company committed "egregious and willful violations" of state laws.
The order directs Sunoco, a subsidiary of Dakota Access Pipeline builder Energy Transfer Partners, to stop Mariner East II construction activities across Pennsylvania. The 306-mile pipeline project would carry 275,000 barrels a day of butane, propane and other liquid fossil fuels from Ohio and West Virginia to the Atlantic coast for export.
"Suspension of the permits described," the order states, "is necessary to correct the egregious and willful violations described herein."
Construction has been plagued by numerous spills and contaminated drinking water supplies for homes in Silver Lake Township, Pennsylvania. State regulators had discovered that Sunoco was drilling under streams without permits when a spill contaminated a high-quality creek in Berks County, Pennsylvania, the order notesand then found unpermitted construction at over a half-dozen other locations along the pipeline's route.
The 24-page order requires the company to provide a report that "fully explains the failures that led to the violations," to outline the steps it will take to prevent recurrences, to address the private water wells contaminated in Silver Lake Township "to the satisfaction of the private well owners," and to "properly abandon" illegally drilled pilot holes within 10 days, as well as a long list of other terms and conditions. The only activities allowed will be those associated with ensuring the shutdown is done safely and without further environmental damage.
"Until Sunoco can demonstrate that the permit conditions can and will be followed, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has no alternative but to suspend the permits," Pennsylvania DEP Sec. Patrick McDonnell said in a statement announcing the order.
Pipeline opponents called on the department to go further.
"What we really need is a full and permanent halt to construction and a full, transparent and public assessment of the risks associated with the Mariner East 2," Food & Water Watch organizer Sam Rubin said in a statement. A May Food & Water Watch report called attention to the role that Mariner East II would play in efforts to convert ethane from fracked gas wells into a new glut of plastics, citing the health hazards for workers and communities near petrochemical manufacturing, as well as the growing plastics gyres in the Pacific Ocean.
More directly, Sunoco has a checkered record nationwide when it comes to hazardous materials pipeline spills. Resolutions passed by eight local governments along Mariner East II's route observe that over the past decade, Sunoco Logistics has spilled hazardous materials 296 timesmore often than any other operatoraccording to federal pipeline safety regulators.
This is not the first time Mariner East II has been halted. Last summer, a Pennsylvania court ordered Mariner East II construction temporarily suspended following numerous objections, until Sunoco agreed to stronger project oversight from the state.
Energy Transfer Partners, parent company of Sunoco Pipeline, said that it did not plan to abandon construction efforts.
"We received an order this morning from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that instructed us to suspend construction activities in Pennsylvania with respect to Mariner East 2 until reauthorized by the Pennsylvania DEP," Energy Transfer Partners spokesman Jeff Shields said in a statement. "The order requires us to submit various reports related to current and future construction activities. We intend to expeditiously submit these reports and we are confident that we will be reauthorized to commence work on this project promptly."
Still, there are signs that investors are growing frustrated with delays. The project's permits originally anticipated that construction would be done by 2016. This fall, Energy Transfer Partners CEO Kelcy Warren told investors during an earnings call that it might try to bring in a joint venture partner to help carry the costs. "We are open-minded," Warren said. "If a partner was bringing liquids, bringing value to the project, we would consider that."
Pipeline opponents say that the risks won't end after construction is over, citing safety concerns associated with the liquid fuels Mariner East II will carry very close to schools, senior homes and businesses through the densely populated suburbs of Philadelphia. An analysis by FracTracker found that over 100,000 people live within a quarter mile of Mariner East II's proposed path. A worst-case scenario explosion could bring a fireball with an even larger radius, a study by commissioned by a local safety coalition found last year, prompting one school to start conducting safety drills.
That's in addition to the environmental concerns associated with the problem-plagued construction.
"In my district alone, pipeline construction has contaminated almost two dozen wells, disrupted businesses, created significant environmental damage and resulted in the development of an expanding sinkhole that currently threatens at least two private homes and is within 100 feet of Amtrak's Keystone Line," State Sen. Andy Dinniman wrote on Dec. 18 to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. "I should point out that all of these incidents have occurred in a single Chester County municipality [near Philadelphia] as a result of pipeline construction."
Public safety advocates said that they considered Wednesday's order a partial victory.
"[The] announcement is a small step in the right direction, but the responsible course of action for Gov. Wolf is to stop Mariner East construction until and unless a public safety risk assessment is available," Caroline Hughes, a representative from Goshen United for Public Safety said. "Del-Chesco United intends to use this temporary halt to continue to call for the Mariner East risk assessment which Gov. Wolf should have undertaken from the beginning."
Other grassroots activists have staged tree sits and other protests to halt Mariner East II's construction at a Camp White Pine in Huntington County. Elise Gerhart and her mother Ellen, a retired public school teacher, have said the company attempted to illegally cut trees on their land to clear the pipeline's path.
"I'm very skeptical that the governor's office is taking people's concerns seriously," Elise told NPR's State Impact after Wednesday's order. "I really believe that the governor wants to push this project through."
Given the company's record, she questioned whether Sunoco would adequately follow the DEP order's new requirements. "We have to go out there and see what they're doing and report it," she said.
Reposted with permission from our media associate DeSmogBlog.
By Jim Yuskavitch
Frank Moore is a fly-fishing legendat least along Oregon's North Umpqua River, which has been renowned for its summer steelhead since the 1930s, when Western fiction author Zane Grey fished its waters. Moore is a D-Day veteran; he returned after the war to live beside the river with his wife, Jeanne. Together, they became among the North Umpqua's most vocal and effective advocates. In 1966 they founded the Steamboaters, a group of local angler-conservationists who still zealously guard the welfare of the river and its population of wild and wily steelheads.
Now a coalition of fish conservation groups is seeking to extend the Moores' lifelong contribution into the future with a Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Sanctuary that will protect a vital spawning habitat. Beyond that, the effort may prove to be a viable alternative to more restrictive approaches (like wilderness or wild-and-scenic-river designations) in an inclement political era.
The goal of the sanctuaryan approach largely spearheaded by the Portland-based Wild Salmon Centeris to permanently protect salmon strongholds from future habitat degradation. Most such areas, said Mark Trenholm, the center's senior program manager, are stressed and in need of recovery. "We are trying to save the last best places for salmon," he said. Among other campaigns are a 60,000-acre Elk River Salmon Emphasis Area (SEA) on Oregon's south coast, a 28,000-acre Kilchis SEA on the north coast, and an ambitious proposal for a 700,000-acre Copper River Salmon Reserve in Alaska's famed Copper River Delta.
Unlike traditional land protection strategies like wilderness designations, salmon emphasis areas don't need to meet stringent wildness criteria. They can include fish-conservation-management directives such as habitat restoration without precluding other uses of the land, like logging and motorized vehicle access, theoretically making them less controversial and easier to get through Congress.
The Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Sanctuary would encompass 104,000 acres in the Steamboat Creek watershed within the Umpqua National Forest, probably the North Umpqua's most important steelhead-spawning tributary. "The basic premise is to give the Forest Service direction that gives wild fish priority," said John Kober, executive director of Portland-based Pacific Rivers, the organization that has been at the forefront of the sanctuary campaign.
Jeanne and Frank Moore talk wild steelhead conservation at their home above the North Umpqua River in the Southern Oregon Cascade Mountains. Jim Yuskavitch
Supporters of the sanctuary stress that it would still allow other natural resource uses. "This is a wild-fish-emphasis area, but it is not a wilderness area," said Oakley Brooks, the Wild Salmon Center's communications director. "There will be logging. Frank is adamant that he does not want to lock the place up, but he wants to protect wild steelhead."
Even so, salmon sanctuary advocates find themselves battling against the current. The proposed Elk River SEA in the Siskiyou National Forest on Oregon's south coast, for example, would have established a 60,000-acre preserve on public land to protect the Elk's runs of Chinook and Coho salmon and steelhead. Old-growth forests would be protected, but otherwise logging would have been allowed. But despite lots of local support, the proposed legislation faltered.
"It never really settled into a slot," said Jerry Becker, a consulting forester and founder of the Friends of the Elk River (now Wild Rivers Land Trust). "It kept getting revised and ultimately never got a bill or a hearing." Becker noted that the Forest Service was also reluctant to sign on to a new management designation. Proposals for salmon emphasis areas on Oregon's north coast were caught up in a lawsuit by a number of county governments, who accuse the state of illegally reducing logging on state forest. The Copper River Salmon Preserve campaign has also faltered.
If eventually designated as wild and scenic, most of the Elk River's headwater tributaries will be protected by buffer zones, but won't include salmon specific conservation measures as intended in the original Elk River salmon emphasis area proposal. Jim Yuskavitch
Wild fall Chinook salmon spawn in a southwestern Oregon coastal stream. Salmon sanctuaries would ensure that wild salmon and steelhead spawning and rearing habitat would be protected from human development and disturbance. Jim Yuskavitch
Salmon-protection efforts have not halted, however. Oregon's Democratic senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, are sponsoring the Oregon Wildlands Act, which would create two new wilderness areas and designate most of the Elk River's major upper tributaries as Wild and Scenic (although it would not give as much protection as the original salmon emphasis area proposal). And coalitions of conservation groups have worked with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to designate 20 coastal watersheds as Wild Fish Emphasis Areas, where no hatchery salmon or steelhead will be stocked for the next 10 years.
But at the moment, the bright spot for salmon-specific protective designation is on the North Umpqua. With the support of senators Wyden and Merkley (and Representative Pete DeFazio), Senate Bill 513 would create the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area. (The word 'sanctuary' was dropped because of Republican concerns that wild-fish advocates were trying to establish a new protective designationwhich they are.) "All we need now," said Kober, "is to attach it to a must-pass bill." If the Moore sanctuary succeeds, it could make the upstream journey to the next salmon sanctuary a little less difficult.
Reposted with permission from our media associate SIERRA magazine.
SBI has collected more than 1000 crores in the penalty from its customers for not maintaining the minimum balance in their account. The data submitted by public sector banks regarding the penalty fees collected show growth compared to the last year. SBI is leading the charge with 1771 crores of rupees.
This amount is more than its net profit for the second quarter which is 1581 crores. This penalty amount collected is only for the April to November 2017. While it was one of the last banks to impose fines on accounts for not maintaining the minimum balance, it has become the leader in collecting fines without delay or default.
And, banks in recent times have become too sincere in their ways to collect as much money as much possible from customers. Earlier, this scheme of minimum balance was started by private banks, but soon Government banks followed despite much furore, and cry nothing happened. They reimposed the fine after five years. Basic saving account, Jan Dhan account and pension accounts are exempted from the penalty. PNB is second in the list with 97 crores.
Public Banks have found a new and greedy method to generate profits by fining the people in the cruelest way possible. Their big bad loans could not be written off by meagre amounts they collect from the general public, but surely these tactics used by banks bring a very bad name to the very brand they represent.
These charges are divided into the kind of place your branch resides, such as metro, urban and rural. The minimum amount to be kept in the account varies accordingly. The minimum monthly average balance(MAB) has become a very fine tool for banks to reduce their NPAs. SBI has 42 crores of Saving accounts. The total penalty collected by public sector banks due to non-compliance with the minimum monthly average balance is more than 2000 crores. it is an addition to the long list of charges that a bank collects from its customers.
BANKING On SBI
We might see more such well-structured charge to make customers even guilty of owning money. Banks, which in recent time have come under attack due to bad NPAs were trying to find ways and means to cut costs. the uproar around this scheme is old since private banks started enforcing measures to the saving accounts in the country, but none thought that one-day public sector banks would have to take the same route.
Where we are headed in the banking is clearly visible from the budgets of each financial year, where crores of the funds are infused in the banks to maintain their liquidity. this occurs despite banks being one of the top government financial bodies in the economy.
Recent consolidation of the SBI subsidiaries by the government of India is a step towards bringing more centralized approach and easy management of the assets. People have been protesting against MAB since it was launched but as given the circumstance, the people who earn less are penalized more, and then the dreams of digitization die an ironical death.
New Health Minister to be appointed soon
Chief Minister Howard Quayle says a new appointed will be made soon.
The Chief Minister says a new Health Minister will be appointed soon.
Kate Beecroft resigned yesterday after just over a year in the role following a meeting with Howard Quayle.
Mr Quayle revealed he called a meeting with the Minister on Tuesday to have a full and frank conversation on a range of issues, which was followed by Mrs Beecroft's resignation yesterday.
The Chief Minister plans to appoint a new Minister to delivery the objectives of the Council of Ministers' Programme for Government.
The Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT), a non-profit based in Stamford, Connecticut, dedicated to funding breakthrough cancer gene therapy treatments, has had its funding pay off with a promising study on breast cancer coming out of The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Canada. The study suggests that a combinations of two immunotherapies -- oncolytic viruses and checkpoint inhibitors -- could be much more successful than traditional treatments in fighting breast cancer and possibly other cancers. The study, which used mouse models, was published in Science Translational Medicine and was conducted by ACGT grantee, Dr. John Bell, and his research lab in conjunction with Dr. Marie-Claude Bourgeois-Daigneault, lead author of the study and postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Bell's research group.
Cancer immunotherapy has proven to be a powerful tool in fighting cancer and has revolutionized treatment for cancers such as melanoma and leukemia. Unfortunately though, other forms of cancer, and especially solid tumor cancers, have remained resistant.
ACGT has a track record of funding innovative, breakthrough cancer treatments and was one of the initial funders for laboratory research and clinical trials of immunotherapy in support of Dr. Carl June's work at the University of Pennsylvania, where his team has been successfully treating relapsed pediatric leukemia with gene therapy. ACGT started funding cancer cell and gene therapies in the early 2000's when it was still deemed 'risky' science. Since then, ACGT has administered a total of 55 grants, including 19 clinical translation grants and 36 young investigator grants totaling more than $28 million. Dr. John Bell received a clinical translation grant from ACGT in 2013 for his work with oncolytic viruses and their applications in treating other cancers like brain cancer.
For the study out of Ottawa and Dr. John Bell's lab, Dr. Marie-Claude Bourgeois-Daigneault stated, "It was absolutely amazing to see that we could cure cancer in most of our mice, even in models that are normally very resistant to immunotherapy. We believe that the same mechanisms are at work in human cancers, but further research is needed to test this kind of therapy in humans."
In the current study, the researchers focused on "triple negative" breast cancer, which is the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat kind of breast cancer.
The researchers studied three mouse models of triple negative breast cancer, and found that all were resistant to a checkpoint inhibitor which is commonly used to treat other kinds of cancer. They also found that while an oncolytic virus called Maraba could replicate inside these cancers and help the mouse's immune system recognize and attack the cancer, the virus alone had minimal impact on overall survival.
The researchers then tested the virus and checkpoint inhibitor together in models that mimic the metastatic spread of breast cancer after surgery, which is very common in patients. They found that this combination cured 60 to 90 percent of the mice, compared to zero for the checkpoint inhibitor alone and 20 to 30 percent for the virus alone. In these models, the virus was given before the surgery and the checkpoint inhibitor was given after.
"Our immune system is constantly trying to recognize and kill cancer cells, but the cancer cells are always trying to hide from it," explained Dr. Bell, senior scientist at The Ottawa Hospital and professor at the University of Ottawa. "When you infect a cancer cell with a virus, it raises a big red flag, which helps the immune system recognize and attack the cancer. But in some kinds of cancer this still isn't enough. We found that when you add a checkpoint inhibitor after the virus, this releases all the alarms and the immune system sends in the full army against the cancer."
A recently-published clinical trial confirmed that oncolytic viruses and checkpoint inhibitors have potential for treating melanoma, but this is the first study to show the potential in breast cancer. It is also the first study to test viruses and checkpoint inhibitors in a surgery and metastasis model, which is particularly relevant for patients.
Ongoing clinical trials are testing oncolytic viruses (including Maraba) in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in people with cancer. People who are interested in these trials at The Ottawa Hospital can read these frequently asked questions.
"ACGT has long believed that the cure for cancer lies in the genes," said Margaret Cianci, executive director of the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy. "Using tools like viruses and checkpoint inhibitors to activate the immune system and create a cellular response against cancer is incredibly promising. We always have big hopes for our scientific grants and to see results like these is very exciting."
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About Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT)
Established in 2001, ACGT is the nation's only non-profit dedicated exclusively to cell and gene therapy treatments for all types of cancer. One hundred percent of contributions go directly to research. Founded by Barbara Netter and her late husband Edward, ACGT was created to conduct and accelerate critically needed innovative research. ACGT is located at 96 Cummings Point Road, Stamford, Connecticut 06902; 203-358-5055. To learn more, visit acgtfoundation.org or join the ACGT community on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube at @acgtfoundation.
About The Ottawa Hospital
The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada's largest learning and research hospitals with more than 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of $1.2 billion. The focus on research and learning helps the Ottawa Hospital develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, the Ottawa Hospital delivers specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but its techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. The Ottawa Hospital engages the community at all levels to support its vision for better patient care. See ohri.ca for more information about research at The Ottawa Hospital.
About the University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is home to 50,000+ students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. The campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. The University is one of Canada's top 10 research universities -- with professors and researchers exploring new approaches to today's challenges. The University is one of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world and attracts exceptional thinkers and welcomes diverse perspectives from across the globe. uottawa.ca.
Acknowledgements and additional information
Dr. Bell's research is supported by generous donors to The Ottawa Hospital. This study was also supported by the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, the Canadian Institute for Health Research, the Terry Fox Research Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation and BioCanRx.
Maraba virus therapy was jointly pioneered by Dr. John Bell (The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa), Dr. David Stojdl (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa) and Dr. Brian Lichty (McMaster University). Drs. Bell, Stojdl and Lichty founded a company called Turnstone Biologics which is advancing the development of the virus. Turnstone did not fund the research described here.
Dr. Bell is also the Scientific Director of BioCanRx, Co-leader of the Immuno-oncology Translational Research Initiative at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and founder of the Canadian Oncolytic Virus Consortium.
The research described here was published in Science Translational Medicine on January 3, 2018. The publication is titled "Neo-Adjuvant Oncolytic Virotherapy Before Surgery Sensitizes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer to Immune Checkpoint Therapy". The authors are: Marie-Claude Bourgeois-Daigneault, Dominic Guy Roy, Amelia Sadie Aitken, Nader El Sayes, Nikolas Tim Martin, Oliver Varette, Theresa Falls, Lauren Elizabeth St-Germain, Adrian Pelin, Brian Dennis Lichty, David Francis Stojdl, Guy Ungerechts, Jean-Simon Diallo and John Cameron Bell. The paper is featured on the cover of the journal, together with a similar study on brain cancer from a different group.
Oral health issues are common among older adults. These issues include tooth loss, gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth. These conditions can also affect an older adult's well-being because they may make it harder to eat, swallow, speak, get adequate nutrition, and even smile.
Oral health issues like tooth loss and gum disease are also linked to increased risks of frailty. Frailty is the medical term for becoming more vulnerable to declining health or the inability to perform the activities of daily living. Frailty is a major healthcare challenge for older adults and caregivers. Someone who is frail can be weak, have less endurance, and be less able to function well. Frailty increases the risk for falls, disability, and even death.
Over a three-year period, researchers from the United Kingdom examined the relationship between poor oral health and older adults' risks for becoming frail. They published their findings in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
The researchers studied information from the British Regional Heart Study. This study included 7,735 British men. They were first examined in 1978 to 1980 when they were 40- to 59-years-old. In 2010 to 2012, researchers invited 1,722 surviving participants to be re-examined. During that time period, the participants were 71- to 92-years-old.
Participants were given physical exams, which included height, weight, and waist measurements. They also took timed walking tests and had their grip strength measured. They answered questions about their medical history and lifestyle. They also answered a questionnaire asking about medical, social, and health-related information.
The exam included a dental exam. Dental health professionals counted the participants' natural teeth and measured the health of their gums. Participants answered questions about their dental health, including if they had dry mouth.
Researchers also noted the participants' frailty status. Participants were considered frail if they had at least three of these issues: exhaustion, weak grip strength, slow walking speed, weight loss, or low levels of physical activity.
The researchers found out the following facts about the participants' dental issues:
20 percent had no teeth
64 percent had fewer than 21 teeth
54 percent had gum disease
29 percent had at least two symptoms of dry mouth
34 percent rated their oral health as "fair to poor"
11 percent said they had trouble eating
The researchers said that men with dental issues were more likely to be frail than men without those issues. These dental issues included having no teeth, having trouble eating, having dry mouth symptoms, or rating oral health as "fair to poor."
The researchers also noted that complete tooth loss, dry mouth, and additional oral health concerns were especially linked to developing frailty.
The researchers concluded that these findings highlight the importance of oral health for older adults, suggesting that poor oral health contributes to frailty.
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This summary is from "Influence of poor oral health on physical frailty: a population-based cohort study of older British men". It appears online ahead of print in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The study authors are Sheena E. Ramsay, PhD; Efstathios Papachristou, PhD; Richard G. Watt, PhD; Georgios Tsakos, PhD; Lucy T. Lennon, MSc; A. Olia Papacosta, MSc; Paula Moynihan, PhD; Avan A. Sayer,PhD; Peter H. Whincup, PhD; and S. Goya Wannamethee, PhD.
About the Health in Aging Foundation
This research summary was developed as a public education tool by the Health in Aging Foundation. The Foundation is a national non-profit established in 1999 by the American Geriatrics Society to bring the knowledge and expertise of geriatrics healthcare professionals to the public. We are committed to ensuring that people are empowered to advocate for high-quality care by providing them with trustworthy information and reliable resources. Last year, we reached nearly 1 million people with our resources through HealthinAging.org. We also help nurture current and future geriatrics leaders by supporting opportunities to attend educational events and increase exposure to principles of excellence on caring for older adults. For more information or to support the Foundation's work, visit http://www.HealthinAgingFoundation.org.
About the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Included in more than 9,000 library collections around the world, the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) highlights emerging insights on principles of aging, approaches to older patients, geriatric syndromes, geriatric psychiatry, and geriatric diseases and disorders. First published in 1953, JAGS is now one of the oldest and most impactful publications on gerontology and geriatrics, according to ISI Journal Citation Reports. Visit wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/JGS for more details.
About the American Geriatrics Society
Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is a nationwide, not-for-profit society of geriatrics healthcare professionals that has--for 75 years--worked to improve the health, independence, and quality of life of older people. Its nearly 6,000 members include geriatricians, geriatric nurses, social workers, family practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and internists. The Society provides leadership to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public by implementing and advocating for programs in patient care, research, professional and public education, and public policy. For more information, visit AmericanGeriatrics.org.
Washington, DC - Jan, 3, 2018 - Studies in mice and in tissue cultures suggest that giving vitamin C with tuberculosis drugs could reduce the unusually long time it takes these drugs to eradicate this pathogen. The research is published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.
In the study, the investigators treated Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected mice with anti-tuberculosis drugs or vitamin C alone, or the drugs and vitamin C together. They measured M. tuberculosis (Mtb) organ burdens at four and six weeks post treatment.
Vitamin C had no activity by itself, but in two independent experiments, the combination of vitamin C with the first-line TB drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin, reduced the organ burdens faster than the two drugs without vitamin C, said first author Catherine J. Vilcheze, Ph.D. Instructor, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY. Experiments in infected tissue cultures demonstrated similar results, shortening the time to sterilization of the tissue culture by seven days.
"Our study shows that the addition of vitamin C to TB drug treatment potentiates the killing of Mtb and could shorten TB chemotherapy," said principal investigator William R. Jacobs, Jr., PhD., Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Einstein College of Medicine. That's important because treatment of drug susceptible tuberculosis takes six months, "resulting in some treatment mismanagement, potentially leading to the emergence and spread of drug-resistant TB," said Dr. Jacobs.
Such long term treatment is needed for tuberculosis because a subpopulation of Mtb cells can form Mtb persister cells, dormant cells that are virtually impervious to antimicrobials.
In earlier studies, the investigators discovered that while high levels of vitamin C will kill actively dividing cells, lower concentrations will stimulate respiration and prevent the formation of persisters, said Dr. Jacobs. Then, in the presence of TB drugs, that increased respiration will lead to rapid death of the cells. "Thus in our new paper, we postulate that vitamin C is stimulating respiration of the Mtb cells in mice, thus enabling the action of isoniazid and rifampicin."
A French study conducted in 1948 suggested that vitamin C was safe for humans, and potentially beneficial. Investigators gave high daily doses of vitamin C to terminally ill patients with no side effects. While the infection did not regress, that study characterized other effects as "remarkable:" bedridden patients regained appetite and physical activity.
Tuberculosis is a major worldwide public health problem, infecting the lungs and other organ systems. In 2016, the disease sickened more than 10 million people worldwide, and killed 1.7 million. In the United States, cases number in the low thousands, out of a population of around 3,30 million. Treatment of multidrug resistant TB takes at least two years, and requires use of toxic second-line TB drugs with severe side effects.
"Vitamin C is known to be safe and our current mouse studies suggest that vitamin C could enhance TB chemotherapy," said Dr. Jacobs. "A clinical trial of vitamin C with TB chemotherapies could demonstrate that such an adjunct therapy could reduce patients' exposure to toxic TB drugs and also reduce the spread of TB from infected individuals."
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The American Society for Microbiology is the largest single life science society, composed of more than 50,000 scientists and health professionals. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences.
ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications and educational opportunities. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences.
BINGHAMTON, NY- Sleeping less than the recommended eight hours a night is associated with intrusive, repetitive thoughts like those seen in anxiety or depression, according to new research from Binghamton University, State University of New York.
Binghamton University Professor of Psychology Meredith Coles and former graduate student Jacob Nota assessed the timing and duration of sleep in individuals with moderate to high levels of repetitive negative thoughts (e.g., worry and rumination). The research participants were exposed to different pictures intended to trigger an emotional response, and researchers tracked their attention through their eye movements. The researchers discovered that regular sleep disruptions are associated with difficulty in shifting one's attention away from negative information. This may mean that inadequate sleep is part of what makes negative intrusive thoughts stick around and interfere with people's lives .
"We found that people in this study have some tendencies to have thoughts get stuck in their heads, and their elevated negative thinking makes it difficult for them to disengage with the negative stimuli that we exposed them to," said Coles. "While other people may be able to receive negative information and move on, the participants had trouble ignoring it."
These negative thoughts are believed to leave people vulnerable to different types of psychological disorders, such as anxiety or depression, said Coles.
"We realized over time that this might be important -- this repetitive negative thinking is relevant to several different disorders like anxiety, depression and many other things," said Coles. "This is novel in that we're exploring the overlap between sleep disruptions and the way they affect these basic processes that help in ignoring those obsessive negative thoughts."
The researchers are further exploring this discovery, evaluating how the timing and duration of sleep may also contribute to the development or maintenance of psychological disorders. If their theories are correct, their research could potentially allow psychologists to treat anxiety and depression by shifting patients' sleep cycles to a healthier time or making it more likely a patient will sleep when they get in bed.
The paper, "Shorter sleep duration and longer sleep onset latency are related to difficulty disengaging attention from negative emotional images in individuals with elevated transdiagnostic repetitive negative thinking" was published in ScienceDirect.
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ITHACA, N.Y. - An electricity-conducting, environment-sensing, shape-changing machine the size of a human cell? Is that even possible?
Cornell University physicists Paul McEuen and Itai Cohen not only say yes, but they've actually built the "muscle" for one.
With postdoctoral researcher Marc Miskin at the helm, the team has made a robot exoskeleton that can rapidly change its shape upon sensing chemical or thermal changes in its environment. And, they claim, these microscale machines - equipped with electronic, photonic and chemical payloads - could become a powerful platform for robotics at the size scale of biological microorganisms.
"You could put the computational power of the spaceship Voyager onto an object the size of a cell," Cohen said. "Then, where do you go explore?"
"We are trying to build what you might call an 'exoskeleton' for electronics," said McEuen, the John A. Newman Professor of Physical Science and director of the Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science. "Right now, you can make little computer chips that do a lot of information-processing ... but they don't know how to move or cause something to bend."
Their work is outlined in "Graphene-based Bimorphs for Micron-sized, Autonomous Origami Machines," published Jan. 2 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Miskin is lead author; other contributors included David Muller, the Samuel B. Eckert Professor of Engineering, and doctoral students Kyle Dorsey, Baris Bircan and Yimo Han.
The machines move using a motor called a bimorph. A bimorph is an assembly of two materials - in this case, graphene and glass - that bends when driven by a stimulus like heat, a chemical reaction or an applied voltage. The shape change happens because, in the case of heat, two materials with different thermal responses expand by different amounts over the same temperature change.
As a consequence, the bimorph bends to relieve some of this strain, allowing one layer to stretch out longer than the other. By adding rigid flat panels that cannot be bent by bimorphs, the researchers localize bending to take place only in specific places, creating folds. With this concept, they are able to make a variety of folding structures ranging from tetrahedra (triangular pyramids) to cubes.
In the case of graphene and glass, the bimorphs also fold in response to chemical stimuli by driving large ions into the glass, causing it to expand. Typically this chemical activity only occurs on the very outer edge of glass when submerged in water or some other ionic fluid. Since their bimorph is only a few nanometers thick, the glass is basically all outer edge and very reactive.
"It's a neat trick," Miskin said, "because it's something you can do only with these nanoscale systems."
The bimorph is built using atomic layer deposition - chemically "painting" atomically thin layers of silicon dioxide onto aluminum over a cover slip - then wet-transferring a single atomic layer of graphene on top of the stack. The result is the thinnest bimorph ever made. One of their machines was described as being "three times larger than a red blood cell and three times smaller than a large neuron" when folded. Folding scaffolds of this size have been built before, but this group's version has one clear advantage.
"Our devices are compatible with semiconductor manufacturing," Cohen said. "That's what's making this compatible with our future vision for robotics at this scale."
And due to graphene's relative strength, Miskin said, it can handle the types of loads necessary for electronics applications. "If you want to build this electronics exoskeleton," he said, "you need it to be able to produce enough force to carry the electronics. Ours does that."
For now, these tiniest of tiny machines have no commercial application in electronics, biological sensing or anything else. But the research pushes the science of nanoscale robots forward, McEuen said.
"Right now, there are no 'muscles' for small-scale machines," he said, "so we're building the small-scale muscles."
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This work was performed at the Cornell NanoScale Facility for Science and Technology and supported by the Cornell Center for Materials Research, the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Kavli Institute at Cornell.
For our closest genetic relatives, it pays to have powerful allies
DURHAM, N.C. -- Never trust anyone who is rude to a waiter, advice columnists say. For most people, acting nasty is a big turnoff.
But while humans generally prefer individuals who are nice to others, a Duke University study finds bonobos are more attracted to jerks.
The researchers were surprised by the findings because these African apes -- our closest relatives in the animal kingdom along with chimpanzees -- have been shown to be less aggressive than chimps.
The results support the idea that a tendency to avoid individuals who mistreat others is one of the things that make humans different from other species.
Even infants as young as three months old show an ability to distinguish nice guys from creeps, and prefer interacting with people they see helping others over those who are mean, previous studies show.
To find out if our closest relatives share the same social bias, Duke's Brian Hare, an associate professor of evolutionary anthropology, and doctoral student Christopher Krupenye studied adult bonobos at Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In one series of trials, they showed 24 bonobos animated videos of a Pac-Man-like shape as it struggles to climb a hill. Then another cartoon shape enters the scene. Sometimes it's a helpful character who gives the Pac-Man a push to the top, and other times it's an unhelpful one who shoves him back down.
Afterwards, the researchers offered the bonobos two pieces of apple, one placed under a paper cutout of the helpful character and another under the unhelpful one, and gauged the bonobos' preference by watching to see which one they reached for first.
In another experiment, the bonobos watched a skit in which a human actor drops a stuffed animal out of reach. Then another person tries to return the toy to its rightful owner, but before they can a third person snatches it away. Afterwards, the bonobos choose whether to accept a piece of apple from the do-gooder or the thief.
In each experiment, the bonobos were able to distinguish between helpful and unhelpful individuals just like humans can. But unlike humans, most bonobos tended to choose the jerks.
The researchers also measured the apes' baseline preferences for each of the people in the stuffed animal skit at the beginning of the experiment, before the drama with the toy unfolded. The bonobos liked the mean people even more after they started behaving badly.
The researchers say there may be a good reason for these puzzling results. It could be that bonobos interpret rudeness as a sign of social status and are simply trying to keep dominant individuals on their side. In other words, it pays to have powerful allies.
To test the idea, the team showed 24 bonobos another set of animated videos in which one cartoon character repeatedly prevents another one from claiming a coveted spot. The apes generally preferred the character who hogged the spot over the one who yielded.
For bonobos, schmoozing with dominant individuals could mean better access to food, mates or other perks, or less chance of being bullied themselves, Krupenye said.
The fact that bonobos prefer bullies and humans don't suggests that an aversion to jerks is a fundamental aspect of human behavior that may be unique to our branch of the primate family tree.
In humans, the thinking goes, shunning wrongdoers not only helps people avoid bad partners, but also discourages wrongdoers from behaving badly in the first place. The threat of social rejection keeps them in check.
Scientists say this bias may be what enables humans to work together in large numbers -- even with complete strangers -- in ways that other species do not.
"Humans might have this unique preference for helpers that is really at the heart of why we're so cooperative," said Krupenye, now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.
The results appear online January 4 in the journal Current Biology.
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This research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF-GRFP DGE-1106401, NSF-BCS-08-27552-02, NSF-BCS-10-25172).
CITATION: "Bonobos Prefer Individuals That Hinder Others Over Those That Help," Christopher Krupenye and Brian Hare. Current Biology, Jan. 22, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2017.11.061
DURHAM, N.C. -- Scleroderma with internal organ involvement is a debilitating and lethal autoimmune disorder with few effective treatments. But a study led by Duke Health researchers has found new cause for optimism using an aggressive stem cell transplant regimen.
The researchers, publishing in the Jan. 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, found significantly improved survival among patients with a severe form of scleroderma who underwent chemotherapy, whole body radiation and a stem cell transplant. Patients also had less need for immune suppressant drugs after transplant.
"Scleroderma hardens the skin and connective tissues and in its severe form leads to fatal organ failure, most often the lungs" said lead author Keith Sullivan, M.D., James B. Wyngaarden Professor of Medicine and Cellular Therapy at Duke. "In these severe cases, conventional drug therapies are not very effective long-term, so new approaches are a priority."
Earlier publications suggested that stem cell transplant might be a viable treatment, using less intensive treatment without irradiation. These studies showed that reduced-intensity stem cell transplant improved survival, but the disease often returned and patient safety remained a concern. As a result, conventional immunosuppressive drug treatment remained the standard of care in the U.S.
In the current study, Sullivan and colleagues developed a transplant conditioning regimen that included high-dose chemotherapy plus whole-body radiation to fully wipe out the patient's defective immune-forming system, with the aim of improving survival and diminishing the effects of the disease. They limited radiation by shielding patients' kidneys and lungs while repopulating the blood and immune system.
Thirty-six scleroderma patients were randomly assigned to receive transplant. The regimen was designed to destroy the patients' defective autoreactive immune system and replace it with their own blood stem cells that had been removed and treated to eliminate self-reacting lymphocytes.
For comparison, 39 additional patients were randomized to receive 12 monthly intravenous injections of cyclophosphamide, a conventional immune suppressing treatment for severe scleroderma.
The study was conducted over a 10-year period at 26 universities in the United States and Canada. The primary study endpoint at 54 months was a global rank composite score based on a hierarchy of scleroderma features including survival, organ function, quality of life and skin hardening. Results showed significant benefit with transplant: 67 percent of 1,404 pairwise comparisons favored transplant vs. 33 percent favoring cyclophosphamide.
By study endpoint, fewer transplant recipients resumed use of anti-scleroderma drugs (9 percent vs. 44 percent of controls). Overall survival at 72 months was 86 percent after transplant vs. 51 percent after cyclophosphamide -- a highly significant benefit.
"These results show that individuals with poor-prognosis scleroderma can improve and live longer and that these advances appear durable," Sullivan said.
Treatment-related mortality at the study endpoint of 54 months was 3 percent among transplant recipients while cyclophosphamide recipients had no treatment-related deaths. In the short term, transplant recipients also had more serious side effects, such as low blood counts and infections.
"Patients and their doctors should carefully weigh the pros and cons of intensive treatment with stem cell transplant, but this may hopefully set a new standard in this otherwise devastating autoimmune disease," Sullivan said. "These advances show the value of medical research and clinical trials in finding better therapies to advance health."
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In addition to Sullivan, study authors include Ellen A. Goldmuntz, Lynette Keyes-Elstein, Peter A. McSweeney, Ashley Pinckney, Beverly Welch, Maureen D. Mayes, Richard A. Nash, Leslie J. Crofford, Barry Eggleston, Sharon Castina, Linda M. Griffith, Julia S. Goldstein, Dennis Wallace, Oana Craciunescu, Dinesh Khanna, Rodney J. Folz, Jonathan Goldin, E. William St. Clair, James R. Seibold, Kristine Philips, Shin Mineishi, Robert W. Simms, Karen Ballen, Mark H. Wener, George E. Georges, Shelly Heimfeld, Chitra Hosing, Stephen Forman, Suzanne Kafaja, Richard M. Silver, Leroy Griffing, Jan Storek, Sharon LeClercq, Richard Brassington, Mary Ellen Csuka, Christopher Bredeson, Carolyn Keever-Taylor, Robyn T. Domsec, M. Bashar Kahaleh, Thomas Medsger, and Daniel E. Furst, for the SCOT study investigators.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, provided funding support (N01-AI05419, N01-AI25481, HHSN 272201100025C, HHSN272200900057C, 1UMZAI117870). Data from the trial are freely available at the ImmPort database and at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT00114530.
Ever since Albert Einstein developed the special theory of relativity in Zurich in 1905, by fourth dimension one usually means time. But how can one visualize a fourth spatial dimension - in addition to top-bottom, right-left and front-back? In the arts Salvador Dali tried that: his crucifixion scene painted in 1954 shows as cross consisting of the three-dimensional unfolding of a hypercube in four dimensions (similarly to the unfolding of a cube into squares). A completely different, but no less fascinating, look into the fourth spatial dimension was now obtained by two teams of scientists from Switzerland, USA, Germany, Italy and Israel. The ETH researcher Oded Zilberberg, professor at the Institute for Theoretical Physics, played a pivotal role in both publications, which were recently published in the scientific journal Nature. He provided the theoretical basis for the experiments in which a four-dimensional physical phenomenon could be observed in two dimensions.
The quantum Hall effect
Both experiments dealt with the so-called quantum Hall effect. Commonly, that effect manifests in the boundary layer between two materials, in which electrons can only move in two dimensions. A magnetic field perpendicular to the material initially leads to the classical Hall effect: a current flowing through the material gives rise to a voltage in the perpendicular direction - the larger the magnetic field, the higher the voltage. The reason for this is that the magnetic field generates a force acting at right angles to the direction of motion (the Lorentz force) that deviates the electrons. At very low temperatures and very large magnetic fields, however, quantum mechanics starts playing a role, which means that the voltage no longer increases continuously, but rather jumps in discrete steps. Three Nobel Prizes in Physics have so far been awarded for experimental and theoretical work on the quantum Hall effect.
A question of topology
The quantum Hall effect can also be understood as a topological phenomenon. Topology describes, for instance, how many "holes" an object has and into what other shapes it can be transformed without cutting it. Similar laws are responsible in the quantum Hall effect for the electrons' only being able to move along topologically well-defined paths. For particular strengths of the magnetic field, for example, the electric current can only flow along the edges of the material, but not inside it. Around twenty years ago, it was shown mathematically that analogous topological effects should also occur in four spatial dimensions. "At the time, however, that was more like science fiction", says Oded Zilberberg, "as actually observing something like that in an experiment seemed impossible - after all, physical space only has three dimensions."
Virtual dimensions by topological pumping
But Zilberberg had a clever idea: using so-called topological pumps it should be possible to add a virtual dimension to both of the real dimensions of the quantum Hall effect. A topological pump works by modulating a specific control parameter of the physical system, which causes its quantum state to change in a characteristic way over time. The end result then looks as though the system had been moving in an additional spatial dimension. In this way one can, theoretically, turn a two-dimensional system into a four-dimensional one.
An optical image of the fourth dimension
That this can also work in practice has now been shown in two independent experiments. A team of physicists led by Mikael Rechtsman at Penn State University and including Kevin Chen's group at the University of Pittsburgh in the USA has realized Oded Zilberberg's idea by burning a two-dimensional array of waveguides into a fifteen-centimetre-long glass block using laser beams. Those waveguides were not straight, however, but rather meandered through the glass in a snake-like fashion so that the distances between them varied along the glass block. Depending on those distances, light waves moving through the waveguides could jump more or less easily to a neighbouring waveguide.
The varying couplings between the waveguides acted as topological pumps and thus doubled the number of dimensions of the experiment from two to four. The researchers could now literally "see" the expected four-dimensional quantum Hall effect by feeding light into the waveguides at one end of the glass block and recording what came out at the other end with a video camera. In this way, for instance, the characteristic edge states of the four-dimensional quantum Hall effect, in which light should emerge only from the waveguides at the edge of the lattice, became directly visible.
Four-dimensional quantized transport of cold atoms
Using extremely cold atoms trapped in optical lattices made of crossed laser beams, Immanuel Bloch and his collaborators at the Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics in Munich also realized topological pumps. In their experiment, the pumping was effected by periodically varying the properties of the split lattice wells in which the atoms were trapped. By measuring the resulting two-dimensional motion of atoms in the lattice they were able to confirm that the atoms, indeed, behaved according to the topology of the quantum Hall effect in four dimensions. In particular, they were able directly to observe the quantized transport phenomena predicted to occur in that case (which are the equivalent of the voltage perpendicular to the direction of the current in the ordinary two-dimensional quantum Hall effect).
Progress in fundamental research
So what's the practical use of all this? "Right now, those experiments are still far from any useful application", Zilberberg admits. But for fundamental research they represent important progress. Physicists can now investigate not just on paper, but also experimentally the effects that phenomena occurring in four (or even more) dimensions can have in our usual three-dimensional world. Quasicrystals in metallic alloys are one example. In three spatial dimensions such quasicrystals have no periodic structure, but when one looks at them in higher virtual dimensions, they actually exhibit regular patterns. And, finally, there is string theory, according to which higher spatial dimensions are "compactified" in such a way that, at the end, our normal three-dimensional world emerges.
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Boulder, Colo., USA: In Oklahoma, reducing the amount of saltwater (highly brackish water produced during oil and gas recovery) pumped into the ground seems to be decreasing the number of small fluid-triggered earthquakes. But a new study shows why it wasn't enough to ease bigger earthquakes. The study, led by Ryan M. Pollyea of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, was published online ahead of print in Geology this week.
Starting around 2009, saltwater disposal (SWD) volume began increasing dramatically as unconventional oil and gas production increased rapidly throughout Oklahoma. As a result, the number of magnitude 3-plus earthquakes rattling the state has jumped from about one per year before 2011 to more than 900 in 2015. "Fluids are basically lubricating existing faults," Pollyea explains. Oklahoma is now the most seismically active state in the lower 48 United States.
Previous studies linked Oklahoma SWD wells and seismic activity in time. Instead, Pollyea and colleagues studied that correlation in space, analyzing earthquake epicenters and SWD well locations. The team focused on the Arbuckle Group, a porous geologic formation in north-central Oklahoma used extensively for saltwater disposal. The earthquakes originate in the basement rock directly below the Arbuckle, at a depth of 4 to 8 kilometers.
The correlation was clear: "When we plotted the average annual well locations and earthquake epicenters, they moved together in space," says Pollyea. The researchers also found that SWD volume and earthquake occurrence are spatially correlated up to 125 km. That's the distance within which there seems to be a connection between injection volume, fluid movement, and earthquake occurrence.
By separating data by year from 2011 through 2016, Pollyea and colleagues also found that the spatial correlation for smaller earthquakes weakened in 2016, when new regulations reduced pumping volumes. Yet the spatial correlation for M3.0+ earthquakes persists unabated. In fact, two particularly alarming earthquakes shook the region in September 2016 and November 2016. The first, M5.8, was the largest ever recorded in Oklahoma. The second, M5.0, rocked the area surrounding the nation's largest oil storage facility, containing millions of barrels of oil.
Pollyea's theory for why reduced fluid pressure has only affected small faults: "It's like the traffic on the freeway is still moving, but the smaller arterials are cut off." He emphasizes that so far, they can't predict single earthquakes or even blame specific wells for specific shaking. But to reduce large fluid-triggered earthquakes, Pollyea concludes, "It appears that the way to do it is to inject less water."
Image: Figure 2 from Pollyea et al., Annual geographic centroid locations for the years 2011-2016 (the underlying fault map is by Marsh and Holland, 2016), including volume-weighted well centroids, the 1 radius of gyration, and M3+ earthquake centroids.
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Geospatial analysis of Oklahoma (USA) earthquakes (2011-2016): Quantifying the limits of regional-scale earthquake mitigation measures Authors: Ryan M. Pollyea (Virginia Tech; rpollyea@vt.edu); Neda Mohammadi; John E. Taylor; Martin C. Chapman; https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geology/article/525806/geospatial-analysis-of-oklahoma-usa-earthquakes.
GEOLOGY articles are online http://geology.geoscienceworld.org/content/early/recent. Representatives of the media may obtain complimentary articles by contacting Kea Giles at the e-mail address above. Please discuss articles of interest with the authors before publishing stories on their work, and please make reference to GEOLOGY in articles published. Non-media requests for articles may be directed to GSA Sales and Service, gsaservice@geosociety.org.
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January 4, 2018, Baltimore, MD: Insilico Medicine, a Baltimore-based next-generation artificial intelligence company specializing in the application of deep learning for drug discovery announced the publication of a new peer-reviewed research paper titled "Use of deep neural network ensembles to identify embryonic-fetal transition markers: repression of COX7A1 in embryonic and cancer cells" in Oncotarget. The paper is a culmination of a collaboration, which started in 2015 with the first applications of deep neural networks (DNNs) to the gene expression data from the highly-controlled and standardized experiments performed by BioTime. Scientists at BioTime started with the cells from several embryonic stem cell lines and differentiated them into the many fully-differentiated cells collecting samples and analyzing the gene expression data during the many stages of differentiation.
"At Biotime and AgeX we aspire to use the most cutting-edge technologies to study aging and regeneration. We contracted Insilico Medicine to develop a deep learning systems for analyzing the differentiation state of the samples before this technology became widely popular. We also developed methods to derive biologically-relevant information from these systems, identified most interesting genes and performed additional experimental validation. It is rare to find genes whose abnormal expression is observed in so many diverse cancer types such as those of the breast, lung, kidney, bone, and muscle," said Michael D. West, Ph.D., CEO of AgeX.
Some of the genes involved in embryonic to fetal transition process displayed a rare profile of being nearly universally dysregulated in diverse types of cancer. One of the most important genes highlighted using the feature importance analysis was COX7A1. The discoveries may lead to novel strategies to induced tissue regeneration as well as treat and diagnose cancer. A short video describing the discovery and AgeX's commercial plans is available for viewing at http://www.agexinc.com.
"We are very happy to be collaborating with AgeX on the applications of AI to regenerative medicine. One of the main challenges with deep learning in biomedicine is experimental validation and the need of expert interpretation which sometimes takes a lot of time. The techniques we used in 2015 could make headlines but with BioTimes highly-diligent scientists we took the time to get the biology right. We hope to use this experience to develop better AI to make humans do more, live longer and feel better", said Alex Zhavoronkov, PhD, CEO of Insilico Medicine, Inc.
Insilico Medicine is scheduled to present its research in the applications of AI to drug discovery and biomarker development at over 30 conferences in 2018. Alex Zhavoronkov will speak and panel at the AI in Pharma Reception organized by another leading AI company, Atomwise and at the WuXi Global Forum 2018 during the JP Morgan Healthcare conference in San Francisco 8-10 of January. During the conference Insilico will also present a live demo of its blockchain- and AI- enabled system for returning the control over the life data back to the individuals called Longenesis.
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Paper Reference:
West M, Labat I, Sternberg H, Larocca D, Nasonkin I, Chapman K, Singh R, Makarev E, Aliper A, Kazennov A, Alekseenko A, Shuvalov N, Cheskidova E, Alekseev A, Artemov A, Putin E, Mamoshina P, Pryanichnikov P, Larocca J, Copeland K, Izumchenko E, Korzinkin M and Zhavoronkov A. Use of deep neural network ensembles to identify embryonic-fetal transition markers: repression of COX7A1 in embryonic and cancer cells, Oncotarget. 2017; in press, https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.23748
About AgeX Therapeutics
AgeX Therapeutics, Inc., a subsidiary of BioTime, Inc. (NYSE American: BTX), is a biotechnology company applying technology relating to cellular immortality and regenerative biology to aging and age-related diseases. The company has three initial areas of product development: pluripotent stem cell-derived brown adipocytes (AGEX-BAT1); vascular progenitors (AGEX-VASC1); and induced Tissue Regeneration (iTR). Initial planned indications for these products are Type 2 diabetes, cardiac ischemia, and tissue regeneration respectively. For more information, please visit http://www.agexinc.com or connect with the company on Twitter or Facebook.
About BioTime
BioTime is a late stage clinical biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing products addressing degenerative diseases. The Company's current clinical programs are targeting three primary sectors, aesthetics, ophthalmology and cell/drug delivery. Its clinical programs are based on two platform technologies: pluripotent cells, which can become any type of cell in the human body, and cell/drug delivery. Renevia, a cell delivery product, met its primary endpoint in an EU pivotal trial for the treatment of facial lipoatrophy in HIV patients earlier this year. Submission for approval of Renevia is expected later this year, with an anticipated commercial launch in 2018. OpRegen, a retinal pigment epithelium transplant therapy, is in a Phase I/IIa multicenter trial for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in developing countries. BioTime also has significant equity holdings in two publicly traded companies, Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE American: AST) and OncoCyte Corporation (NYSE American: OCX), and a private company, AgeX Therapeutics, Inc.
BioTime common stock is traded on the NYSE American and TASE under the symbol BTX. For more information, please visit http://www.biotime.com or connect with the company on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Google+.
To receive ongoing BioTime corporate communications, please click on the following link to join the Company's email alert list: http://news.biotimeinc.com.
About Insilico Medicine, Inc.
Insilico Medicine, Inc. is a bioinformatics company located at the Emerging Technology Centers in Baltimore with R&D resources in 6 countries. The company is widely recognized by the industry for applying next-generation artificial intelligence technology to drug discovery and aging research. For its pioneering work in the applications of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Reinforcement Learning (RL) and collaborations with the pharmaceutical companies it was selected as the Top 100 AI companies 2018 by CB Insights and Top 5 AI companies for social impact 2017 by NVIDIA. The company pursues internal drug discovery programs in cancer, dermatological, metabolic and CNS diseases, sarcopenia, fibrosis and senescence. Company website: http://www.insilico.com
For further information, images or interviews, please contact:
Qingsong Zhu, PhD
zhu@pharma.ai
AMES, Iowa - Iowa State University plant scientist Patrick Schnable quickly described how he measured the time it takes for two kinds of corn plants to move water from their roots, to their lower leaves and then to their upper leaves.
This was no technical, precise, poster talk. This was a researcher interested in working with new, low-cost, easily produced, graphene-based, sensors-on-tape that can be attached to plants and can provide new kinds of data to researchers and farmers.
"With a tool like this, we can begin to breed plants that are more efficient in using water," he said. "That's exciting. We couldn't do this before. But, once we can measure something, we can begin to understand it."
The tool making these water measurements possible is a tiny graphene sensor that can be taped to plants - researchers have dubbed it a "plant tattoo sensor." Graphene is a wonder material. It's a carbon honeycomb just an atom thick, it's great at conducting electricity and heat, and it's strong and stable. The graphene-on-tape technology in this study has also been used to produce wearable strain and pressure sensors, including sensors built into a "smart glove" that measures hand movements.
Researchers describe the various sensors and the "simple and versatile method for patterning and transferring graphene-based nanomaterials" to create the flexible sensors in a paper featured on the cover of the December 2017 issue of the journal Advanced Materials Technologies.
The research has been primarily supported by the Faculty Scholars Program of Iowa State's Plant Sciences Institute.
Liang Dong, an Iowa State associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, is the lead author of the paper and developer of the technology. Seval Oren, a doctoral student in electrical and computer engineering, is a co-author who helped develop the sensor-fabrication technology. Co-authors who helped test applications of the sensors are Schnable, director of Iowa State's Plant Sciences Institute, a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Iowa Corn Promotion Board Endowed Chair in Genetics and the Baker Scholar of Agricultural Entrepreneurship; and Halil Ceylan, a professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering.
"We're trying to make sensors that are cheaper and still high performing," Dong said.
To do that, the researchers have developed a process for fabricating intricate graphene patterns on tape. Dong said the first step is creating indented patterns on the surface of a polymer block, either with a molding process or with 3-D printing. Engineers apply a liquid graphene solution to the block, filling the indented patterns. They use tape to remove the excess graphene. Then they take another strip of tape to pull away the graphene patterns, creating a sensor on the tape.
The process can produce precise patterns as small as 5 millionths of a meter wide - just a twentieth of the diameter of the average human hair. Dong said making the patterns so small increases the sensitivity of the sensors.
(The process, for example, produced a detailed image of Iowa State's Cyclone mascot that was less than 2 millimeters across. "I think this is probably the smallest Cyclone," Dong said.)
"This fabrication process is very simple," Dong said. "You just use tape to manufacture these sensors. The cost is just cents."
In the case of plant studies, the sensors are made with graphene oxide, a material very sensitive to water vapor. The presence of water vapor changes the conductivity of the material, and that can be quantified to accurately measure transpiration (the release of water vapor) from a leaf.
The plant sensors have been successfully tested in lab and pilot field experiments, Dong said.
A new three-year, $472,363 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative will support more field testing of water transport in corn plants. Michael Castellano, an Iowa State associate professor of agronomy and William T. Frankenberger Professor in Soil Science, will lead the project. Co-investigators include Dong and Schnable.
The Iowa State University Research Foundation has applied for a patent on the sensor technology. The research foundation has also granted an option to commercialize the technology to EnGeniousAg - an Ames startup company co-founded by Dong, Schnable, Castellano and James Schnable, an assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a collaborator on another Iowa State sensor project that sparked establishment of the company (and Patrick Schnable's son).
"The most exciting application of the tape-based sensors we've tested so far is the plant sensor," Dong said. "The concept of wearable electronic sensors for plants is brand new. And the plant sensors are so tiny they can detect transpiration from plants, but they won't affect plant growth or crop production."
But that's not all the sensors can do. The technology could "open a new route" for a wide variety of applications, the authors wrote in their paper, including sensors for biomedical diagnostics, for checking the structural integrity of buildings, for monitoring the environment and, after appropriate modifications, for testing crops for diseases or pesticides.
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The National Academy of Engineering announced today that the 2018 Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Tech Education will be awarded to Paul G. Yock of Stanford University.
Washington, D.C.--The National Academy of Engineering announced today that the 2018 Bernard M. Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Technology Education will be awarded to Paul G. Yock of Stanford University "for the development and global dissemination of Biodesign, a biomedical technology program creating leaders and innovations that benefit patients." The $500,000 annual award recognizes new methods and concepts in higher education aimed at developing engineering leaders.
The Gordon Prize will be presented at a gala dinner event in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018.
"Paul Yock's work creates original innovations in health technologies and advances the expanding role of engineering in medicine." said NAE President C. D. Mote, Jr. "The cumulative impact of this work is monumental."
Founded by Yock, the Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign utilizes a needs-driven approach to train the next generation of multidisciplinary leaders who will create innovations in health technology. It is a mentor-guided, entrepreneurial, and immersive experience that emphasizes and instills a comprehensive understanding of the innovation process for those in several fields.
Through his dedicated commitment to the Biodesign program, Yock has shown that innovation is a discipline that can be both organized and learned, allowing students to focus on and build sustainable careers as innovators and leaders. Since its development, a number of programs around the world have based their curriculum on its model. Since its establishment in 2001, 199 fellows have completed the Stanford Biodesign program.
Paul Yock is the Martha Meier Weiland Professor of Medicine and founding co-chair of Stanford University's department of bioengineering. He began his career as an interventional cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, and then moved to Stanford in 1994. From 1997 to 1998, Yock served as acting chief of the division of cardiovascular medicine. Yock also founded the Stanford Center for Research in Cardiovascular Interventions, training dozens of fellows in intravascular ultrasound and interventional cardiology. He received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School and was elected into the National Academy of Engineering in 2009.
The Gordon Prize was established in 2001 as a biennial prize acknowledging new modalities and experiments in education that develop effective engineering leaders. Recognizing the potential to spur a revolution in engineering education, NAE announced in 2003 that the prize would be awarded annually. The recipient receives a $500,000 cash award, half granted to the recipient and the remainder granted to the recipient's institution to support the continued development, refinement, and dissemination of the recognized innovation.
The mission of the National Academy of Engineering is to advance the well-being of the nation by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and by marshalling the expertise and insights of eminent engineers to provide independent advice to the federal government on matters involving engineering and technology. The NAE is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, an independent, nonprofit organization chartered by Congress to provide objective analysis and advice to the nation on matters of science, technology, and health.
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Contacts:
Randy Atkins
Senior Program Officer for Media/Public Relations
National Academy of Engineering
202-334-1508
RAtkins@nae.edu
Maggie Bartolomeo
Communications/Media Associate
National Academy of Engineering
202-334-2226
MBartolomeo@nae.edu
New clinical trial findings show that a therapeutic regimen involving transplantation of a person's own blood-forming stem cells can improve survival and quality of life for people with severe scleroderma, a life-threatening autoimmune Adisease. The regimen, known as myeloablative autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), includes chemotherapy and total body radiation to destroy the bone marrow followed by transplantation of the person's own blood-forming stem cells to reconstitute the marrow and immune system. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found myeloablative HSCT to be superior to treatment with the immune-suppressing drug cyclophosphamide.
The findings appear in the Jan. 4 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Scleroderma is characterized by hardening of the skin and connective tissues. Diffuse systemic sclerosis is a severe, often fatal form of the disease that also involves the internal organs. Treatment options are limited. People with the disease may take antirheumatic drugs and immune-suppressing drugs like cyclophosphamide to help manage symptoms, but none of these medications has been proven to provide long-term benefit.
The clinical trial, called Scleroderma: Cyclophosphamide or Transplantation (SCOT), compared the safety and potential benefits of the two treatment regimens among 75 people with diffuse systemic sclerosis who had lung or kidney involvement.
Compared with cyclophosphamide, transplantation offered significantly greater long-term benefits, but also carried known short-term risks, such as infections and low blood cell counts.
"We need effective therapies for scleroderma and other severe autoimmune diseases, which can be not only debilitating to the patient but also difficult to treat," said Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., director of NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), which sponsored the study. "These results add to the growing evidence that stem cell transplants should be considered as a potential treatment option for people with poor-prognosis scleroderma."
Two previous clinical trials suggested HSCT benefited people with severe scleroderma. Participants in these earlier trials received non-myeloablative HSCT, a less intensive procedure using lower doses of chemotherapy that does not completely destroy the bone marrow. However, neither trial changed clinical practice in the United States, in part because of concerns about the durability of responses to treatment and the safety of these transplant regimens. The SCOT trial assessed a myeloablative transplant regimen, which researchers thought might offer better long-term outcomes. Investigators followed the participants for up to six years to assess safety and durability of remission.
Participants in the SCOT trial, conducted at 26 clinical research sites in the United States and Canada, were randomly assigned to receive either myeloablative autologous HSCT or one year of treatment with monthly doses of intravenous cyclophosphamide. Of the 36 participants assigned to the transplant arm, 33 received a transplant. The procedure began with doctors collecting a participant's blood-forming stem cells, after which the participant received chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate the bone marrow. Finally, doctors infused the participant's own blood stem cells to rebuild the bone marrow and a normally functioning immune system. Of the 39 participants assigned to the cyclophosphamide arm, 34 received at least nine of the 12 prescribed monthly doses.
The study investigators used an analytic approach based on a hierarchy of clinical outcomes specific for severe systemic sclerosis to compare every participant in the study with every other participant. These outcomes included death, survival without scleroderma-related organ damage, progression of lung and skin disease, and quality of life. At four and a half years of follow up, participants who received a transplant experienced significantly better outcomes overall than those who received cyclophosphamide. In addition, 44 percent of participants who received cyclophosphamide had begun taking antirheumatic drugs for progression of their scleroderma, compared to only 9 percent of those who received a transplant.
During the study, seven participants in the transplant arm died, compared to 14 in the cyclophosphamide arm. Of these deaths, three in each arm were among participants who did not complete their assigned treatment by either receiving the transplant or an adequate regimen of cyclophosphamide. Participants who received transplants were much less likely to die from progression of their scleroderma compared to those who received cyclophosphamide. Only two participants who received a transplant died due to disease progression, while 11 such deaths occurred among those who received an adequate regimen of cyclophosphamide. The two other deaths in the transplant arm were attributed to the treatment, which is a lower rate of transplant-related death than previously reported for HSCT. No deaths were attributed to cyclophosphamide.
Participants in both study arms experienced treatment side effects, such as infections. Most serious adverse events among transplant recipients occurred during the first 26 months after transplant. Overall infection rates in the two study arms were similar, although more transplant recipients developed infections with varicella zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles.
"Our findings indicate that undergoing stem cell transplantation for severe scleroderma poses more short-term risks but offers greater long-term gains than cyclophosphamide treatment," said Keith M. Sullivan, M.D., of Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, who served as a principal investigator of the SCOT study. "While treatment decisions should always be made on an individual basis, we hope that our work will help define a new standard of care for this severe, life-threatening autoimmune disease."
The investigators are continuing to follow many of the SCOT participants to further assess their long-term health outcomes.
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Data from the SCOT study are freely available through the NIAID-sponsored ImmPort database. The SCOT results were presented in part at the American College of Rheumatology 2016 annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The study was supported by NIAID under award numbers N01-AI05419, HHSN272201100025C, N01-AI25481, HHSN272200900057C and 1UMZAI117870. For additional information about the Phase 2 SCOT study, see ClinicalTrials.gov, using identifier NCT00114530.
Reference: KM Sullivan et al. Myeloablative autologous stem cell transplantation for severe scleroderma. New England Journal of Medicine DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1703327 (2018).
NIAID conducts and supports research--at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide--to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.
NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health
Like Earth, space has weather. Except instead of swirling winds and downpours of precipitation, space weather is defined by shifting electric and magnetic fields and rains of charged particles. At the very beginning of space, starting just 60 miles above Earth's surface, there's a layer of the atmosphere that shifts and changes in concert with both types of weather.
Above the ozone layer, the ionosphere is a part of Earth's atmosphere where particles have been cooked into a sea of electrically-charged electrons and ions by the Sun's radiation. The ionosphere is comingled with the very highest -- and quite thin -- layers of Earth's neutral upper atmosphere, making this region an area that is constantly in flux undergoing the push-and-pull between Earth's conditions and those in space. Increasingly, these layers of near-Earth space are part of the human domain, as it's home not only to astronauts, but to radio signals used to guide airplanes and ships, and satellites that provide our communications and GPS systems. Understanding the fundamental processes that govern our upper atmosphere and ionosphere is crucial to improve situational awareness that helps protect astronauts, spacecraft and humans on the ground.
Two new NASA missions are teaming up to explore this little-understood area that's close to home but historically hard to observe. The Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk, or GOLD, instrument launches aboard a commercial communications satellite in January 2018, and the Ionospheric Connection Explorer, or ICON, spacecraft launches later in 2018. Together, they will provide the most comprehensive observations of the ionosphere we've ever had.
The two missions provide distinct but complementary perspectives: ICON, in low-Earth orbit, flies directly through and just above regions of interest, capturing detailed remote and in situ data on the forces that shape this area. GOLD, in geostationary orbit over the Western Hemisphere, will build up a full-disk view of the ionosphere and upper atmosphere every half hour, providing detailed large-scale measurements of related processes -- a cadence which makes it the first mission to be able to monitor the true weather of the upper atmosphere, rather than the longer cycles of its climate. GOLD is also able to focus in on a tighter region and scan more quickly, to complement additional research plans as needed.
The missions could be likened to photography we're familiar with on Earth. GOLD specializes in landscapes from its view 22,000 miles above the planet's surface and ICON -- at 350 miles above Earth -- captures detailed close-ups. During parts of its orbit, ICON passes through GOLD's field of view and each mission will get a unique snapshot of the same region. This overlap in their data makes it easier to identify what caused a certain change to the upper atmosphere at a given time.
One shared goal for the missions is to systematically measure weather-related shifts in the upper atmosphere. For the first time, we'll be able to see how the upper atmosphere changes in response to hurricanes and geomagnetic storms alike.
"We used to think only solar wind could affect the ionosphere, and only the lower atmosphere was affected by terrestrial weather," said Doug Rowland, ICON mission scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The solar wind is the Sun's constant outflow of charged particles and magnetized material. "But now we're going to get to see how that energy couples together."
Several types of terrestrial weather events are of particular interest. Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, for example, have developed a theoretical model of El Nino's repercussions on the ionosphere. Their model suggests El Nino-driven warming of the Pacific Ocean causes an increase in water vapor, which in turn increases the amount of solar energy the atmosphere absorbs. That added heat causes wind patterns to fluctuate and alter conditions in the ionosphere. Tropical cyclones are also suspected to have effects on the ionosphere. Data from ICON and GOLD are expected to answer these questions and further reveal unanticipated mechanisms at work.
"There are huge scientific modeling efforts associated with both of these missions," said Sarah Jones, GOLD mission scientist at NASA Goddard. "We already have models that are filled with really good science, but these new measurements will lead to a better understanding of the physics in the models."
In addition to working together to determine how different types of energy flow through the upper atmosphere, the two missions also have their own research objectives. GOLD's science focuses on observing what drives change -- the Sun, Earth's magnetic field and the lower atmosphere -- in the upper atmosphere. GOLD is particularly interested in how the upper atmosphere reacts to geomagnetic storms, which are temporary disturbances of Earth's magnetic field set off by solar activity. During nighttime, GOLD examines disruptions in the ionosphere -- dense, unpredictable bubbles of charged gas that appear over the equator and tropics, sometimes interfering with radio communications.
On the other hand, ICON concentrates on how charged and neutral gases in the upper atmosphere behave and interact. Several forces -- including shifts in neutral winds, pressure gradients and solar activity -- act on the ionosphere simultaneously; ICON was designed to study each of them individually, making it easier for scientists to elucidate cause-and-effect relationships.
ICON and GOLD join a small fleet of spacecraft that study a vast interconnected system from the space surrounding Earth and other planets to the farthest limits of the Sun's constantly flowing streams of solar wind. A third mission in the fleet -- the 16-year-old Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics, or TIMED, will specifically complement the new efforts to study the upper atmosphere. TIMED, which launched in 2001, doesn't carry all the instruments necessary to analyze the motion of the particles in the upper atmosphere that ICON and GOLD bring to the effort, but it still can provide key measurements from a third vantage point to help scientists fill in pieces of the puzzle. Together they will provide key information about how Earth's upper atmosphere connects to the dynamic and complex system of space that fills our solar system.
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ICON and GOLD are Explorer-class missions. NASA Goddard manages the Explorer Program for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington, D.C. UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory developed the ICON mission and the two ultraviolet imaging spectrographs onboard; the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., developed the MIGHTI instrument; the University of Texas in Dallas developed the Ion Velocity Meter; and the ICON spacecraft was built by Orbital ATK in Dulles, Virginia.
GOLD is led by the University of Central Florida, and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado Boulder built the instrument. GOLD is a NASA mission of opportunity -- an instrument hosted on an otherwise unrelated satellite. GOLD flies in geostationary orbit on a commercial communications satellite, SES-14, built by Airbus for Luxembourg-based satellite operator, SES. GOLD is the first NASA science mission to fly as a hosted payload on a commercial communications satellite.
NASA Goddard manages the TIMED mission for the Heliophysics Division within the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, built the spacecraft for NASA.
NASA satellites provided data that showed a more well-formed storm and strong thunderstorms with heavy rainfall potential over central Madagascar and off-shore.
On Jan. 4 at 5:05 a.m. EST (1005 UTC), the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder or AIRS instrument that flies aboard NASA's Aqua satellite gathered temperature data on the storm using infrared light. Infrared imagery showed that strong thunderstorms were over east central Madagascar and over the center of the storm's circulation, which is located off-shore from northeastern Madagascar. Cloud tops were as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 53 degrees Celsius). NASA research has shown that storms with cloud top temperatures that cold can generate heavy rainfall.
On Jan. 4 at 5:42 a.m. EST (10:42 UTC) NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured this visible image of Tropical Cyclone Ava just off shore of northeastern Madagascar. The image showed a more well-rounded circulation center off the northeastern coast of Madagascar, and a large, thick band of thunderstorms feeding into the center that stretched along the north and central coasts of the island nation.
At 10 a.m. EST (1500 UTC) on Jan. 4, Ava's maximum sustained winds had increased to 55 knots (63 mph/102 kph). It was centered near 17.5 degrees south latitude and 51.1 degrees east longitude. That's about 289 nautical miles northwest of St Denis, Reunion Island. It was moving to the west at 6 knots (6 mph/11 kph).
Meteo Madagascar, the national weather service for the country has issued a yellow alert that covers a large area of the island's east coast. For updated warnings, visit: http://www.meteomadagascar.mg/cyclone.
Ava is expected to strengthen to 70 knots (80 mph/130 kph) by Jan. 5 as it travels southward along the east coast of Madagascar over the next 5 days, when it is expected to move south of the island nation on Jan. 9.
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For the first time, scientists have shown through direct satellite observations of the ozone hole that levels of ozone-destroying chlorine are declining, resulting in less ozone depletion.
Measurements show that the decline in chlorine, resulting from an international ban on chlorine-containing manmade chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), has resulted in about 20 percent less ozone depletion during the Antarctic winter than there was in 2005 -- the first year that measurements of chlorine and ozone during the Antarctic winter were made by NASA's Aura satellite.
"We see very clearly that chlorine from CFCs is going down in the ozone hole, and that less ozone depletion is occurring because of it," said lead author Susan Strahan, an atmospheric scientist from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
CFCs are long-lived chemical compounds that eventually rise into the stratosphere, where they are broken apart by the Sun's ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms that go on to destroy ozone molecules. Stratospheric ozone protects life on the planet by absorbing potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation that can cause skin cancer and cataracts, suppress immune systems and damage plant life.
Two years after the discovery of the Antarctic ozone hole in 1985, nations of the world signed the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, which regulated ozone-depleting compounds. Later amendments to the Montreal Protocol completely phased out production of CFCs.
Past studies have used statistical analyses of changes in the ozone hole's size to argue that ozone depletion is decreasing. This study is the first to use measurements of the chemical composition inside the ozone hole to confirm that not only is ozone depletion decreasing, but that the decrease is caused by the decline in CFCs.
The study was published Jan. 4 in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
The Antarctic ozone hole forms during September in the Southern Hemisphere's winter as the returning sun's rays catalyze ozone destruction cycles involving chlorine and bromine that come primarily from CFCs. To determine how ozone and other chemicals have changed year to year, scientists used data from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) aboard the Aura satellite, which has been making measurements continuously around the globe since mid-2004. While many satellite instruments require sunlight to measure atmospheric trace gases, MLS measures microwave emissions and, as a result, can measure trace gases over Antarctica during the key time of year: the dark southern winter, when the stratospheric weather is quiet and temperatures are low and stable.
The change in ozone levels above Antarctica from the beginning to the end of southern winter -- early July to mid-September -- was computed daily from MLS measurements every year from 2005 to 2016. "During this period, Antarctic temperatures are always very low, so the rate of ozone destruction depends mostly on how much chlorine there is," Strahan said. "This is when we want to measure ozone loss."
They found that ozone loss is decreasing, but they needed to know whether a decrease in CFCs was responsible. When ozone destruction is ongoing, chlorine is found in many molecular forms, most of which are not measured. But after chlorine has destroyed nearly all the available ozone, it reacts instead with methane to form hydrochloric acid, a gas measured by MLS. "By around mid-October, all the chlorine compounds are conveniently converted into one gas, so by measuring hydrochloric acid we have a good measurement of the total chlorine," Strahan said.
Nitrous oxide is a long-lived gas that behaves just like CFCs in much of the stratosphere. The CFCs are declining at the surface but nitrous oxide is not. If CFCs in the stratosphere are decreasing, then over time, less chlorine should be measured for a given value of nitrous oxide. By comparing MLS measurements of hydrochloric acid and nitrous oxide each year, they determined that the total chlorine levels were declining on average by about 0.8 percent annually.
The 20 percent decrease in ozone depletion during the winter months from 2005 to 2016 as determined from MLS ozone measurements was expected. "This is very close to what our model predicts we should see for this amount of chlorine decline," Strahan said. "This gives us confidence that the decrease in ozone depletion through mid-September shown by MLS data is due to declining levels of chlorine coming from CFCs. But we're not yet seeing a clear decrease in the size of the ozone hole because that's controlled mainly by temperature after mid-September, which varies a lot from year to year."
Looking forward, the Antarctic ozone hole should continue to recover gradually as CFCs leave the atmosphere, but complete recovery will take decades. "CFCs have lifetimes from 50 to 100 years, so they linger in the atmosphere for a very long time," said Anne Douglass, a fellow atmospheric scientist at Goddard and the study's co-author. "As far as the ozone hole being gone, we're looking at 2060 or 2080. And even then there might still be a small hole."
To read the study, visit: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2017GL074830/abstract
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Kendallville, IN (46755)
Today
Cloudy skies with a few showers this afternoon. High near 75F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..
Tonight
Showers early, then cloudy overnight. Low 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
We also need to share our data. So says world's most prominent geoscientist, Markku Kulmala, professor of physics at the University of Helsinki, Finland, and head of the Aerosol and Haze Laboratory at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China.
Environmental challenges, climate change, water and food security and urban air pollution, they are all interlinked, yet each is studied as such, separately. This is not a sustainable situation, for anybody anymore. To tackle this, professor Markku Kulmala calls for a continuous, comprehensive monitoring of interactions between the planet's surface and atmosphere in his article published in Nature, January 4, 2018.
In his article "Build a global Earth observatory", he refers to his long experience of collecting environmental data. He has built a station, and not just one, but probably the most impressive station, called SMEAR II (Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relationships), in the boreal forests of Finland showing how a rounded set of environmental measurements can be obtained.
Now building on a large scale, the answer is a global Earth observatory, consisting of 1,000 or more well-equipped ground stations around the world that track environments and key ecosystems fully and continuously. Data from these stations would be linked to data from satellite-based remote sensing, laboratory experiments and computer models accordingly.
"Incomplete coverage from ground stations is the main limit to observations of Earth's conditions. Satellites can continuously, online 24/7, monitor some compounds, such as CO2, ozone and aerosols, almost planet-wide. But they cannot resolve processes or fluxes, or trace the hundreds more compounds of interest. Satellite data must be 'ground-truthed', professor Kulmala says.
This global observatory of 1,000 super stations needs to be established soon, within 10-15 years.
"The costs would be around 10 million (US$11.8 million) to 20 million per station, which can be compared to the building costs of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Geneva, Switzerland, or that of US President Donald Trump's proposed Mexican wall."
Nevertheless, a shift in how environmental data are collected and disseminated is needed, there is no question about that.
"There is a scientific interest, as well, in this data," professor Markku Kulmala says, "the researchers could find new mechanisms and feedback loops in this coherent data set."
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Markku Kulmala is a professor of physics and director of the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research at the University of Helsinki, Finland; and head of the Aerosol and Haze Laboratory at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China.
Markku Kulmala, Build a global Earth Observatory, Nature, Vol. 553, 4 January 2018
Image: Juho Aalto, SMEAR II Station in Hyytiala, Finland
Contact details: Markku Kulmala, + 358 40 596 2311, markku.kulmala@helsinki.fi
Kind regards, Press Officer Minna Merilainen-Tenhu, +358 50 415 0316, @MinnaMeriTenhu, minna.merilainen@helsinki.fi
LAWRENCE, Kan. - With global warming an ever-present worry, renewable energy - particularly solar power -- is a burgeoning field. Now, two doctoral students in the School of Architecture & Design (Arc/D) have demonstrated methods of optimizing the capture of sunlight in experiments at the Center for Design Research.
Green-roof boost
Mohammed Alshayeb started by asking himself what might be done to boost the performance of solar panels. "The efficiency of a photovoltaic panel is measured under standard testing conditions - at 77 degrees Fahrenheit," he said. "Every degree that the temperature increases decreases performance."
Alshayeb wondered if there was a way to "extract the heat out of the panels" when the temperature rises above 77. Because most solar panels are installed on building roofs, Alshayeb decided to compare the effects of three different types of roof materials - highly reflective (i.e., white), conventional (black) and vegetated (green) - on the panels' performance.
The CDR roof is mostly covered with sedum, planted in trays. So Alshayeb established his test bed there, installing a solar panel monitoring system over the green roof, as well as nearby white and black portions. He also installed temperature, humidity and light sensors and a weather station to record conditions like wind speed. The sensors made recordings every five minutes for a year, and Alshayeb then analyzed the data.
What he found was that, contrary to industry practice, which favors white roofs over black, white roofs actually slightly decreased the efficiency of the solar panels due to the heat they reflected up toward the panels. However, compared to the vegetated roof, the high-reflective and conventional roof materials were not significantly different from one another. Panels installed over the green roof performed best, generating an average of 1.4 percent more energy as compared to those over the white and black roofs.
"There is a lot of research in this area, but nothing as comprehensive as he has done," said Alshayeb's faculty adviser, Associate Professor of Architecture Jae D. Chang. "The next step is to see the effect of increasing the height of the panel over the roof."
Bending light
Another of Chang's students, Afnan Barri, wanted to see whether she could improve the performance of light shelves. A traditional light shelf is a fixed, horizontally mounted plane that can be placed either outside, inside or on both sides of a window in order to reflect and redirect sunlight inside a building. Light shelves can thus reduce the use of artificial lighting and electricity.
Traditional, fixed light-shelf systems have limited effectiveness, as they are only capable of functioning while the angle of the sun to the earth is just right. Previous experiments have shown that movable light shelves and ones with curved surfaces can diffuse sunlight with greater efficiency than traditional fixed, flat systems. This is where Barri's idea of a Dynamic Thermal-Adaptive Curved Lightshelf (DTACL) came about. She thought: "What if there were a system that could combine all these methods to enhance the delivery of natural light into buildings throughout the day without the use of mechanical and electrical controls, and unlike existing movable systems?"
Her project includes computer simulations and a field experiment to collect a year's worth of data on the performance of the DTACL system through different weather conditions on the KU campus. She created and placed on the lawn of the CDR four experimental rooms the size of refrigerators fitted with sensors and light shelves. Three of the rooms have fixed light shelves in various configurations, while one, the DTACL, uses an adaptive, composite material called Thermadapt, invented by Ronald P. Barrett and commercialized by a company he runs with his son, KU Professor of Engineering Ron Barrett-Gonzalez. Thermadapt changes shape in response to heat and sunlight, curving upward. When it cools, it flattens back out.
Barri theorized that the DTACL system would transfer light inside a building more efficiently than the fixed systems, and her initial results have proven that to be the case.
"I am still in the process on collecting, comparing and analyzing these data," she said. "However, based on a two-month pilot study and computer simulations, the indoor light intensity of the DTCAL system is twice as great as the intensity of a fixed, traditional light shelf.
"I'd like to take it overseas and perform an experiment like this in more extreme temperatures," said the native of Saudi Arabia.
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Severe snowy weather in winter or extreme rains in summer in the UK might be influenced by warming trends in the Arctic, according to new findings.
Climate scientists from the UK and the US examined historic data of extreme weather events in the UK over the past decade and compared them with the position of the North Atlantic polar atmospheric jet steam using a measure called the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index.
The NAO indicates the position of the jet stream - which is a giant current of air that broadly flows eastwards over mid-latitude regions around the globe - through a diagram which shows 'negative' and 'positive' spikes, similar to how a heart monitor looks.
The researchers highlight that the exceptionally wet UK summers of 2007 and 2012 had notably negative readings of the NAO, as did the cold, snowy winters of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011, while the exceptionally mild, wet, stormy winters experienced in 2013/2014 and 2015/2016 showed pronounced positive spikes.
The scientists also highlighted a correlation between the jet stream's altered path over the past decade - so-called jet stream 'waviness' - and an increase during summer months in a phenomenon called Greenland high-pressure blocking, which represents areas of high pressure that remain nearly stationary over the Greenland region and distort the usual progression of storms across the North Atlantic.
Increased jet waviness is associated with a weakening of the jet stream, and the accompanying 'blocking' is linked to some of the most extreme UK seasonal weather events experienced over the past decade. The strength and path of the North Atlantic jet stream and the Greenland blocking phenomena appear to be influenced by increasing temperatures in the Arctic which have averaged at least twice the global warming rate over the past two decades, suggesting that those marked changes may be a key factor affecting extreme weather conditions over the UK, although an Arctic connection may not occur each year.
Edward Hanna, Professor of Climate Science and Meteorology at the University of Lincoln's School of Geography, carried out the study with Dr Richard Hall, also from the University of Lincoln, and Professor James E Overland from the US National Oceanographic & Atmospheric Administration Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory.
Professor Hanna said: "Arctic warming may be driving recent North Atlantic atmospheric circulation changes that are linked to some of the most extreme weather events in the UK over the last decade.
"In winter, a positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is linked with a more northward, vigorous jet and mild, wet, stormy weather over the UK, while a negative NAO tends to be associated with a more southerly-positioned jet and relatively cold and dry but sometimes snowy conditions. In summer the jet stream is displaced further north, so a positive NAO is typically associated with warm dry weather, while a negative NAO often corresponds to wetter, cooler UK weather conditions.
"While part of the uneven seasonal North Atlantic Oscillation changes might be due to natural random fluctuations in atmospheric circulation, the statistically highly unusual clustering of extreme NAO values in early winter, as well as extreme high summer Greenland Blocking Index values since 2000, suggest a more sustained, systematic change in the North Atlantic atmospheric circulation that may be influenced by longer-term external factors. This includes possible influences from the tropical oceans and solar energy changes as well as the extreme warming that has recently occurred in the Arctic.
"Of course, weather is naturally chaotic, and extremes are a normal part of our highly variable UK climate, but globally there has recently been an increase in the incidence of high temperature and heavy precipitation extremes. The cold UK winter episodes we noted are not so intuitively linked to global climate change but reflect part of a long-term trend towards more variable North Atlantic atmospheric circulation from year to year during winter months, especially early winter.
"This trend has culminated in the last decade having several record negative and positive December values of the North Atlantic Oscillation, with lots of resulting disruption from extreme weather over the UK. On the other hand there has been no really notably dry, hot, sunny summer in the UK since 2006; summers overall have either been around average or exceptionally wet, and this appears to be linked with strong warming and more frequent high pressure over Greenland in the last decade."
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The study has been published in Weather, the magazine of the Royal Meteorological Society.
Maria Martinez-Cosio, associate vice provost for faculty development at The University of Texas at Arlington, was one of just four North Texas women honored by Ford Motor Company with a Mujeres Legendarias Award.
Mujeres Legendarias, or legendary women, is a national program honoring Hispanic women who improve their communities by embodying the four pillars of the Ford brand: quality, safe innovation, smart innovation and sustainability. Award recipients are leaders in education, business, volunteerism and art.
Martinez-Cosio, who also is a UTA associate professor of sociology, was honored for leading efforts that resulted in transformational change on the UTA campus in the critical areas of access and success for traditionally underserved populations such as low-income, Hispanic or first-generation students.
"This is a well-deserved honor for the tremendous work Maria has done and continues to do for UTA's incredibly talented students and faculty" UTA Provost Teik C. Lim said. "Maria has always managed to keep the spotlight on the underserved population and how to serve them most effectively".
Martinez-Cosio guided UTA's successful application for the designation of Hispanic-Serving Institution, or HSI, from the U.S. Department of Education in 2014. UTA is the largest public four-year university in Texas designated as an HSI and one of only 10 universities in the nation to achieve the designation of both HSI and R-1: Highest Research Activity in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
The HSI designation allowed UTA to become eligible for additional federal funding for initiatives aimed at expanding educational opportunities and increasing degree attainment rates among all students. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Education awarded UTA a highly competitive, five-year $2.62 million grant to enhance services and increase graduation and retention rates among lower-income and Hispanic students. Martinez-Cosio is the co-lead principal investigator on the grant with Carla Amaro-Jimenez, associate professor in UTA's College of Education and Jennifer Luken, director of UTA's TRiO-Student Support Services. The grant funds the UTA IDEAS Center - for Innovation, Diversity, Excellence, Access and Success.
The IDEAS Center is located in UTA's Central Library and offers access to support services for students in transition, particularly transfer students, veterans and those from underserved populations. The grant also provides funding for professional development of faculty members, exposing them to innovative methods of teaching to help them build connections with first-generation students.
"On days when I need a little mood boost, I stop in the IDEAS Center. I see students working with mentors and tutors, students brainstorming on white boards purchased with grant money and collaborating in groups using new spaces that we designed. It truly reaffirms why we do what we do at UTA," Martinez-Cosio said.
Martinez-Cosio was born in Mexico and immigrated to San Diego with her parents when she was 10 years old. She loved to read and learn but had to work hard to overcome a language barrier. No one in her family had attended college, so Martinez-Cosio didn't plan to either, until a high school counselor suggested it. He helped her fill out an application to the University of California, San Diego, and she was accepted.
To pay for tuition, Martinez-Cosio drove a school bus for disabled students in a nearby school district each morning and afternoon, and she squeezed in classes in between bus routes. Eventually, she earned a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and a doctorate in sociology. Along the way she discovered her passion for community service and removing barriers to higher education. She says she is humbled by the award.
"One of UTA's greatest strengths is our diversity among both students and faculty. We want to continue to build upon this by attracting even more Latino and African American faculty members," Martinez-Cosio said. "I sincerely thank Ford Motor Company for honoring the work we are doing, because I believe this will show students the impact you can make by going beyond a bachelor's degree. We want to encourage students from all backgrounds to earn a master's and a Ph.D. and return to campus and teach."
Martinez-Cosio's work exemplifies progress along UTA's Strategic Plan 2020 Bold Solutions | Global Impact. Transforming the student experience by enhancing access and ensuring success is one of the plan's guiding aspirations.
"It's vitally important for our state to add more degree-holding citizens from all walks of life because that infuses an immense amount of knowledge and creativity into the workforce," said state Rep. Roberto Alonzo, D-Dallas. "I commend UTA for the work it has done over the past few years to increase access to higher education for all Texans."
The 2017 North Texas Mujeres Legendarias Awards also recognized commercial real estate agent Amanda Moreno-Lake, artist and teacher Viola Delgado and co-founder of Sierra Shred Lucretia Lucio. Previous recipients from UTA include Liliana Perez-Nordtvedt, associate professor of marketing, and Minerva Cordero-Epperson, professor of mathematics and associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Science.
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Despite decades of clinical research establishing chemotherapy with thoracic radiation as the standard-of-care for the initial management of non-metastatic small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), a large percentage of U.S. patients do not receive these treatments and in turn have lower overall survival, according to research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
The findings, reported today in JAMA Oncology, also describe obstacles encountered by patients when receiving cancer treatments, such as their insurance status and socioeconomic factors.
"For patients who received both chemotherapy and radiation, median survival was 18 months. Among the group of patients who received neither chemotherapy nor radiation, prognosis was dismal with a median survival of only 3-4 months," explained senior author Stephen G. Chun, M.D., assistant professor of Radiation Oncology. "In order to improve access to care and address related disparities, it is critical to understand the barriers patients face when getting treated for lung cancer," said Chun.
While patients with Federal government insurance (Medicare/Medicaid) were just as likely to receive chemotherapy as those with private insurance, they were significantly less likely to receive radiation therapy. Being uninsured was associated with a lower likelihood of both chemotherapy and radiation administration, explained Chun.
For the retrospective, population-based study, the MD Anderson team used the National Cancer Database (NCDB), a nationwide outcomes registry of the American College of Surgeons, the American Cancer Society and the Commission on Cancer. They identified 70,247 patients diagnosed with non-metastatic, or limited-stage, SCLC and evaluated survival and socioeconomic factors to determine obstacles to cancer treatment utilization in the United States.
The patients were 55.3 percent female and 44.7 percent male. Initial treatment was 55.5 percent chemotherapy and radiation, 20.5 percent chemotherapy alone, 3.5 percent radiation alone, 20 percent neither chemotherapy nor radiation and 0.5 percent not reported.
Patients who received chemotherapy and radiation had a median survival of 18.2 months. Patients who received either chemotherapy or radiation alone had a median survival of 10.5 and 8.3 months, respectively. Patients who received neither chemotherapy nor radiation therapy had a significantly worse median survival, 3.7 months, compared with all other treatment groups.
Multiple socioeconomic factors were highly associated with overall survival. Treatment at a non-academic center, lack of health insurance and Medicare/Medicaid coverage were also associated with significantly shorter survival.
"There are targeted access programs that provide competitive reimbursement for the administration of chemotherapy, and our findings suggest that these programs have improved chemotherapy access," said Chun. "However, these programs give no financial assistance for radiation therapy, which could in part, explain why patients with Medicare and Medicaid were less likely to receive radiation."
One limitation of the study was a small amount of cases with insufficient date or follow-up. The NCDB limits data collected to the first course of treatment. It is impossible to know if patients eventually received standard-of-care treatment, according to Chun. Additionally, while chemotherapy and radiation are reported, the NCDB does not provide information on whether they were delivered concurrently or sequentially.
"Receiving appropriate, evidence-based therapies for limited-stage SCLC is critical, and our findings underscore the need for patients to personally advocate for the standard-of-care treatment for their cancer," said Chun.
Additional research is planned to further define population patterns, specific treatment insufficiencies and the contributing factors to wide-ranging care delivery.
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Other MD Anderson authors include: Todd A. Pezzi, M.D., James W. Welsh, M.D., Ritsuko U Komaki., Stephen M. Hahn, M.D., Clifton D. Fuller, M.D., Ph.D., all of Radiation Oncology; David L. Schwartz, M.D., Radiation Oncology and University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center; Abdallah S.R. Mohamed M.D., Radiation Oncology and Alexandria University; Boris Sepesi, M.D., Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery; and Christopher M. Pezzi, M.D., Baptist M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.
Drs. Mohamed and Fuller received funding support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (1R01DE025248- 01/R56DE025248-01) and the NIH/National Cancer Institute (NCI) Head and Neck Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) Developmental Research Program Award (P50CA097007-10). Dr. Fuller received support from the Paul Calabresi Clinical Oncology Program Award (K12 CA088084-06); a National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Mathematical Sciences, Joint NIH/NSF Initiative on Quantitative Approaches to Biomedical Big Data (QuBBD) Grant (NSF 1557679); an Elekta AB/MD Anderson Department of Radiation Oncology Seed Grant; and the Center for Radiation Oncology Research (CROR) at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The study is supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center Support (Core) Grant CA016672 to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Regarding disclosures, Dr. Fuller reports receiving speaker travel funding from Elekta AB. No other disclosures are reported.
Children commonly show signs of a mental disorder soon after receiving a diagnosis involving a of a chronic physical condition, according to a recent study in BMJ Open.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo surveyed children between the ages of six and 16, and all within a month of their diagnosis with asthma, food allergy, epilepsy, diabetes or juvenile arthritis. According to parents' responses to a standardized interview, 58 per cent of children screened positive for at least one mental disorder. This is the first study of its kind to recruit children with different conditions, and so soon after diagnosis.
"These findings show that risk for mental disorder is relatively the same among children with different physical conditions," said Mark Ferro, a professor in the School of Public Health and Health Systems at Waterloo and Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health. "Regardless of their condition, children with a physical and mental health problems experience a significant decline in their quality life within the first six months after receiving their diagnosis, indicating a need for mental health services early on."
Six months after diagnosis, the number of kids showing signs of a mental disorder dipped slightly to 42 per cent. Anxiety disorders were most common, including separation anxiety, generalized anxiety and phobias.
"It is possible that the number is higher very early because there is some uncertainty surrounding the prognosis, or unanswered questions about management and treatment," said Alexandra Butler, a graduate student at Waterloo and lead author of the paper. "It is important to not only identify at-risk children early but to also have resources to support them."
The researchers found that age and gender had no impact on the results. A subset of kids self-reported on their own mental health. Where 58 per cent of parents reported that their children presented signs of a mental health problem, only 18 per cent of kids reported it. This result speaks to the need for health professionals to get multiple perspectives when assessing children's mental health.
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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded this study. It was a pilot for a larger study currently recruiting up to 1,000 children from McMaster Children's Hospital.
Heavy rain and snow have hit many parts of Switzerland, leaving several thousand people in the Alps cut off from the outside world.
A number of mountain villages, notably in the Valais, the Bernese Oberland regions as well as in Graubunden and in central Switzerland were blocked as roads or rail links were suspended due a high risk of avalanches and mudslides, according to media reports.
Holiday homes were also evacuated in a village in the St Bernard area in southwestern Switzerland, local officials said.
Several rivers in lower-lying regions of western Switzerland have broken their banks, it is reported.
Security services have set up flood prevention barriers along the banks of the rivers, Rhine and Aare, in the north of the country.
Weather experts say the critical situation is expected to persist over the next few days and comes in the wake of a storm which swept across much of Switzerland and other parts of Europe on Wednesday.
At least eight people were injured in the storm which has caused material damage worth an estimated CHF50 million ($51 million).
+ How storm Burglind hit Switzerland
swissinfo.ch with agencies/ug
Algerian prosecutors have opened a probe into the death of a migrant from the North African country in a Spanish jail, after police said he hanged himself.
Mohamed Boudarbala, 36, was found dead Friday in his cell in a new prison in the southern town of Archidona currently used as a so-called CIE a centre where migrants are held pending asylum claims after they arrive in Spain.
Police said an autopsy showed he hanged himself with a sheet, but an activist group and Boudarbalas brother have called for an independent probe after allegations of police brutality ahead of his death.
Algerian Justice Minister Tayeb Louh said prosecutors from the country were looking to shed light on the circumstances of the suspicious death last week in the detention centre, APS news agency reported.
His brother Ahmed Boudarbala denied Mohamed was suicidal.
He was sporty, young, very happy and very positive. He died in murky circumstances, he told a news conference in Malaga this week.
Forty Algerian migrants who were detained alongside Boudarbala, were deported to their homeland on Wednesday accused of illegally entering Spain.
According to the International Organization for Migration, migrant arrivals by sea to Spain tripled in 2017 on the previous year, with some 21,500 people arriving.
Nine foreign backpackers, including five from France, were rushed to hospital in various states of "agitated delirium" after ingesting a travel sickness drug they mistook for cocaine and falling seriously ill, Australian authorities and reports said.
Three of them two French and one German remained in hospital Thursday after paramedics were called to a house in the Perth suburb of Victoria Park Tuesday night.
The seven men and two women aged between 21-25 took the drug Hyoscine and fell into an unconscious or semi-conscious state, Western Australia Police said.
Royal Perth Hospital emergency doctor David McCutcheon said late Wednesday the trio were still in a critical condition.
Several of these people would have died Im pretty sure without medical intervention, he told the West Australian newspaper, adding that the nine were brought to hospital in a state of agitated delirium.
They were hallucinating, their hearts were racing, several of them had to be put in a medically induced coma for their own protection and I really need to emphasise how seriously unwell they were.
WA Police said the prescription drug Hyoscine also known as Scopolamine, which is used in low doses as a sedative and for the treatment of travel sickness was the only identifiable drug detected in the samples taken from the patients.
The drug has gained notoriety internationally from its use as a truth serum.
One victim, an Italian who gave his name as Simone, told the West Australian the drug arrived at the house in a package addressed to a person who did not live there anymore.
When the residents opened the package, they found some white powder wrapped in a piece of paper with the word scoop written on it.
Thinking it was cocaine, they divided the powder up and snorted the substance, Simone said, telling the newspaper that he then became paralysed and could not scream for help.
We were powerless, we couldnt do anything, he added.
A neighbour told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation the nine were suffering from seizures and had glassed eyes when they were taken from the house on stretchers.
It was so scary to look at A lot of them were shaking and trying to get out of the bed, but I dont think they knew they were doing it, Sophie Barnet said.
Female French jihadists arrested in Kurdish-held parts of Syria should face justice there so long as they can be guaranteed a fair trial, the French government said on Thursday.
Debate has been swirling in France over the fate of women who went to Syria to marry Islamist fighters and now find themselves in custody, not least following heavy defeats for the Islamic State group.
This week Emilie Konig, a 33-year-old Muslim convert from Brittany who became a notorious jihadist recruiter, became the latest of a string of European women to plead publicly for repatriation.
But French government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux indicated there are no plans to bring her home.
If there are legal institutions capable of guaranteeing a fair trial assuring their right to a defence, women arrested in Kurdish-held Syria should be judged there, Griveaux told RMC radio.
Whatever crime may have been committed even the most despicable French citizens abroad must have a guaranteed right to a defence, he added. We must have confirmation of that.
Konig, who features on UN and US blacklists of dangerous militants, was arrested last month and is being held in a Kurdish camp with her three young children along with several other French women.
They have been arrested, and as far as we know they did not surrender of their own accord, Griveaux said. They were arrested in combat.
Konigs lawyer Bruno Vinay argued Wednesday that France must repatriate her under its international commitments.
A policemans daughter who converted after meeting her first husband, Konig set off for Syria in 2012, leaving her first two children in France to join her new partner, who was later killed.
She frequently appeared in propaganda videos and French intelligence intercepted messages to her contacts at home urging them to attack French institutions or the wives of soldiers.
Some 30 French jihadists, both men and women, are currently in the custody of Kurdish and Iraqi forces, according to a source close to the investigation.
Must face justice for crimes
Of some 5,000 EU Islamists believed to have gone to fight, around a third have returned home, according to the Soufan Center, a US-based NGO that conducts research on global security.
So far, France, Germany and Britain have tackled returnees on a case-by-case basis.
The Syrian Kurds representative in France told AFP that authorities in their territory, covering swathes of north and northeast Syria, were ready to either take the women to court or send them home with their children.
With France, an allied country, we can come to an agreement that works out well, bearing in mind that the priority is that these terrorists are held accountable for their crimes, Issa said.
No foreign national has yet appeared in court in Kurdish-held areas, Issa added, adding that their forces on the ground have some 1,300 terrorists in custody including foreigners.
Kurds currently hold just under a third of Syrian territory including the Raqa region, ISs former capital while the regime holds around a half, following the multi-sided civil war which has raged since 2011.
France is part of the US-led international military coalition that has been carrying out air strikes against IS.
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Danish police are investigating the theft of what is claimed to be "the world's most expensive" bottle of vodka, in what the bar owner says could be an inside job.
The bottle, made from white and yellow gold and containing a diamond-encrusted replica of the Russian Imperial Eagle on its cap, is said to be worth $1.3 million (one million euro).
A CCTV recording sent to AFP shows a masked man grabbing the Russo-Baltique vodka and fleeing Cafe 33 bar in Copenhagan early on Tuesday.
Somebody must have gotten the key from someone who previously worked here, Brian Ingberg, owner of the bar, told AFP.
The bottle, which featured in the political thriller House of Cards, is not insured and was loaned from a Russian businessman, he said.
The bottle was served to the American president, played by actor Kevin Spacey, in season three of the Netflix show.
Copenhagen police said no suspect has been caught yet.
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Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of bank and tax fraud in special prosecutor Robert Mueller's sprawling Russia meddling probe.
Answering the second set of charges brought against him by Muellers team, Manafort asked the federal court in Alexandria, Virginia for a jury trial.
A trial date was set for July 10.
On February 28 Manafort, 68, also pleaded not guilty in a Washington court to charges of money laundering, illegal lobbying and lying, setting up the first trial to result from Muellers investigation.
The charges in both cases relate to Manafort laundering some $75 million in relation to his work for Russia-backed former Ukraine president Viktor Yanukovych between about 2006 and 2014.
Manaforts former aide in Ukraine and on the Trump campaign, Rick Gates, negotiated a plea deal last month with Mueller, accepting reduced charges in exchange for cooperation in the broader probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russians who interfered in the 2016 presidential race.
But Manafort, a veteran Washington Republican political consultant, has refused to do a deal and will go to trial instead.
The trial related to the charges set in the Washington court will begin on September 17.
2018! Cant be, just cant be. But it is, so get over it.
The following is a package of numbers and other tiny bits of things to think about as we begin a new year of outdoor opportunity.
I wrote recently about the decline in South Dakota pheasant numbers. The drop in numbers has affected the state economy as less and less wing shooters head to the state to experience what a few short years ago was one of the most fantastic and affordable of all hunting activities.
Harvest predictions
It has been quite easy to predict each upcoming less-productive annual harvest of wild pheasants, as South Dakota wildlife officials survey the success of spring nesting by actually counting numbers of birds in visible early summer broods.
Surveys counted roosters, hens and broods, along 110 routes each year to provide the numbers that fill comparable columns. Last years counts told a disappointing story when just 16 of the 110 state-wide routes indicated an increase in pheasants seen and counted per mile.
All the rest recorded dropping numbers, many of which were significant. Over the last ten years, officials built an average-per-mile tally which tells an even more dismal story. Many of the most recent counts are down as much as 50-70 percent from the average counts. But to be sure, pheasant hunting is not dead.
Hard hunting and selecting the right regions where the birds are holding their own are the secrets to success. And of course, every stakeholder is hoping for more favorable pheasant friendly climate conditions.
Climate
Rain may be the key factor in most of South Dakota. A less severe winter will seem to be the common thread that holds Ohio duck hunters together. After all, Ohio is not even close to being a flyway state.
Sure, the western reaches of the state get a pretty good batch of northern ducks each fall as migrators, especially divers, come down the chute centered on Lake Sinclair and Lake Eries western basin.
But for the most part, Ohio hunters do most of their shooting on local waterfowl. Duck hunters can keep a close eye on migrating ducks and geese by logging on to Waterfowl360.com., a real-time website that allows online-able hunters to offer daily reports and opinions about waterfowl movements.
The site also features updated maps that visibly show migration movements and density. Waterfowl360.com is offered by Duck Unlimited but open to anyone, not just DU members.
2018 is predicted by this writer to be the right year for local anglers to break one or more Ohio fish records. Just a few days ago, a new state record Lake Trout was certified by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio, the official keepers the Ohio record book and as such, takes an entry through a process of verification before recognizing an entry to be a new record.
Lake Trout
On Dec. 1, 2017, James Beres, of Lorain, landed a 26.63 pound Lake Trout while he trolled the Lake Erie inshore waters for walleyes. Beres big trout topped the previous 20.40-pound fish easily.
That Lake Trout claimed the top spot in 2000, a prize that one would have guessed to a record holder for the century but as all anglers know, theres always that chance for a bigger one.
Resolutions for 2018?
Fish more. Hunt more. Shoot more. Read more. Call your parents more. Call your children more. Visit a friend more.
Enjoy a campfire more. Wash your wifes car more. Wash your husbands truck more. Contact your congressman more. Volunteer more. Pay ahead more. Pay back more.
Support a charity more. Recycle more. Pick up highway litter more. Write a letter more. Be a good person more.
Hello again, friends;
The new year brings to mind new beginnings. This is the time to reimagine the future and set resolutions to bring new plans to life.
If you are an aspiring or beginning farmer, this will be the year that brings you another step deeper into the vibrant agricultural community that stewards the land and feeds our local communities. The 2012 U.S. Census of Agriculture found beginning farmers, defined as those with 10 years or less experience, operate 25 percent of U.S. farms. As the current generation of farmers retire, it is important to support the next generation.
When I was just out of college, I went to work on a new vegetable farm nestled in a picturesque valley of a sleepy New England town. The farmer I worked for did not grow up on a farm but knew from a young age that farming was the career he would pursue. Land was expensive and hard to come by, but he discovered that small-scale farms direct marketing to local customers had the potential to be economically viable. Rather than purchase farmland, he was able to secure a long-term lease on 20 acres from a land conservancy.
The year I worked on that ambitious start-up farm, I learned more than how to hook up the brush hog to the tractor PTO, snap the scapes off the garlic, and trellis tomatoes with the California Weave. I also learned about the challenges beginning farmers face. There was the uncertainty of building a business on land you do not own, the financial limitations, and the learning curve involved in a job that requires expertise in just about everything.
The farmer I worked for inspired me with the grit, exuberance and integrity with which he built his business.
Its been over 10 years since I worked on that farm. The farm I worked on is now a well-established business and supports the farmers growing family, a team of employees, and the hundreds of families who are fed by the food he produces.
As he built his business, he made a commitment to teach and support other beginning farmers by offering apprenticeships on his farm. Over the years, dozens of his apprentices have gone on to start or manage farms or work in an agricultural field. He is not only growing food on his farm, he is growing new farmers.
The USDA helps grow new farmers, too. The farmer I worked for experienced the kinds of challenges faced by beginning farmers across the country. A 2009 report from the USDA Economic Research Service explored some of the obstacles beginning farmers face when getting started, including high startup costs and limited availability of land. To help lessen some of these barriers, the USDA, through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides loans and conservation assistance to beginning farmers.
Americas next generation of farmers are supported through FSAs Beginning Farmer direct and guaranteed loan programs. Farm ownership loans can provide access to land and capital. Operating loans can assist beginning farmers in becoming prosperous and competitive by helping to pay normal operating or family living expenses; open doors to new markets and marketing opportunities; assist with diversifying operations; and so much more.
Through the microloan programs, beginning farmers have an important source of financial assistance during the start-up years.
While FSA is fully committed to all farmers, there is a special focus on the particular credit needs of farmers and ranchers who are in their first 10 years of operation. Each year, FSA targets a portion of its lending by setting aside loan funds for financing beginning farmer and rancher operations.
Make a resolution this year, to visit USDAs website for new farmers at https://newfarmers.usda.gov/ and contact your local FSA office to learn more about the opportunities we offer as you begin to grow your own farm.
Thats all for now,
FSA Andy
HARRISBURG, Pa. Charles Farms, from Lancaster County, was the states top producer in the 2017 Pennsylvania Soybean Yield Contest, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Soybean Board. The farms winning yield was 107.17 bushels per acre.
According to contest coordinator and Penn State Senior Extension Agent Del Voight, for the first time in the 25-year history of the contest, three of the contest entrants exceeded 100 bushels per acre.
Lebanon County growers Darren Grumbine and Zach Alger also recorded 100-plus bu./acre yields of 105.75 bu./acre and 101.5 bu./acre respectively. The mean yield of the contest entrants in 2017 was 80.85 bu./acre, up from the 2016 average of 76.82 bu./acre.
Growers in the north cited too little rainfall during pod fill as the major issue impacting yields, said Voight. Over the 25 years of the contest, the yields reported by the contest participants have increased at a rate of 1.2 bushels per acre per year. This is more than double the state average of .4 bushel per acre increase per year.
The contest recognized not only the statewide grand champion, but also the top growers in each of five regions of Pennsylvania, based on maturity maps:
Regional winners
First place Overall & South Central Region, Charles Farms (Lancaster, Pa., Lancaster County) 107.17 bu./acre; first place Central Region, Jay Arentz (Littlestown, Pa., Adams County) 92.24 bu./acre; first place Southeast Region, John Frederick (New Hope, Pa., Bucks County) 83.55 bu./acre; first place Northern Region, Scott Snyder (Montoursville, Pa., Lycoming County) 62.37 bu./acre; first place Western Region, Mike Reskovac (Waltersburg, Pa., Fayette County) 71.08 bu./acre.
In addition to the statewide title, Charles Farms was the South Central Region winner, planting Pioneer P31T77 in 7.5 rows following corn. The crop was planted with a drill using no-till techniques on April 20, 2017, at a seeding rate of 192,000 plants per acre.
The field was harvested on Sept. 26, at 13.3 percent moisture. The Charles used Pioneer Premium seed treatment, Priaxor fungicide for pest management, and Gly Star K-Plus and FirstRate for herbicides.
Central region
Adams Countys Jay Arentz won the top yield honors in the Central Region with 92.24 bu./acre. He planted TA Seeds 2849 RR2 STS.
John Frederick, from Bucks County, was the top producer in the Southeast Region. He planted HiSoy 39A22 and yielded 83.55 bu./acre. Scott Snyder, of Lycoming County, won top honors in the Northern Region.
He planted Pioneer 36T86 for a 62.37 bu./acre yield. Mike Reskovac, Fayette County, was the top entrant in the West Tier with 71.08 bu./acre yield with Diehl Fields DF2.6.
Awards
As the top state winner, Charles Farms will receive a trip for two to the Commodity Classic, the annual joint convention of the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, and the National Grain Sorghum Producers, Feb. 27-March 1, in Anaheim, California.
The regional winners also receive a trip to the 2018 Commodity Classic.
The contest was launched by the Pennsylvania Soybean Board in 1992. A summary of the crop production practices from the 2017 contest entrants will be available in January at the Pennsylvania Soybean Board booth at the 2018 Keystone Farm Show in York, Pa., and on the Soybean Yield Contest page at www.pasoybean.org.
Aimee and Tim Hum, of Lisbon Road, Canfield, recently traveled to Capuli, Ecuador, on a 10-day mission trip through Greenford Christian Church.
While there, they got to visit with Lissette, the child they sponsor through Compassion International, and her father, Jaime. The trip to this remote village includes an airplane ride to Quito and another to Esmeraldas, then a three-hour bus trip and a five-hour motorized canoe ride up the Onzole River. (Submitted photo)
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The Green Party has urged Defra Secretary Michel Gove to end the use of agricultural land as a 'tax haven'.
Green Party MEP Molly Scott Cato said she will be laying down the challenge to Mr Gove, urging him to end the use of agricultural land as a "tax haven and tax shelter".
Dr Scott Cato, who sits on the European Parliaments Agriculture Committee, will speak at the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) this week, which will also be attended by Mr Gove.
He will be the first Defra secretary to take to the stage at this alternative farming event which runs parallel to the long-established Oxford Farming Conference (OFC).
Ahead of her speech at ORFC, Molly Scott Cato said Gove must "call time" on the UK's largest land owners who are "using agricultural land to hide and shelter their wealth".
'Stifles innovation'
Agricultural land offers generous tax breaks as it is exempt from inheritance tax after two years if it is actively farmed.
The fact that the sale of a farming asset can be rolled over into a new business or acquisition offers further tax relief, she added.
Last summer, Michael Gove said that post-Brexit farm subsidies will be based on measures to protect the environment and enhance rural life, rather than on the amount of land farmers own.
But Dr Scott Cato says he must go much further: Land banking and earning an income from land assets also encourages a rentier economy and stifles innovation. If Michael Gove is to bring about genuine radical reform he will need to challenge the large land owners.
Nobody can seriously suggest that we should be subsidising set ups like that of international racehorse breeders Juddmonte Farms which is owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.
Farmers will receive money to make improvements to the environment under a new system of subsidies, Defra Secretary Michael Gove has announced.
In a speech to the Oxford Farming Conference on Thursday (4 January), Gove reiterated his 'green Brexit' pledge to the farming industry.
Under it, farmers will be rewarded for planting wildlife habitats, woods, wildflower meadows and other environmental benefits after Britain leaves the European Union in March 2019.
The government plans to guarantee that BPS payments will continue for a transition period in England, which should last a number of years beyond the implementation period, depending on consultation.
The implementation period is expected to start in March 2019 and end around 2 years later.
During this transition period, the government will propose to first reduce the largest BPS payments in England. It could do this through a straight cap at a maximum level or through a sliding scale of reductions, to the largest payments first.
He set out plans to scrap the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which he has previously said 'environmentally damaging and socially unjust'.
'Fundamentally flawed'
Gove told the conference that the current subsidy system is "fundamentally flawed".
He told the conference: "Paying landowners for the amount of agricultural land they have is unjust, inefficient and drives perverse outcomes. It gives the most from the public purse to those who have the most private wealth."
He said that the government will instead replace the CAP with a system that delivers government subsidies to farms that boost the natural environment.
I want to develop a new method of providing financial support for farmers which moves away from subsidies for inefficiency to public money for public goods, he said.
After a transition, we will replace BPS with a system of public money for public goods. The principal public good we will invest in is environmental enhancement.
'Resource-inefficient'
Gove added that CAP perversely rewards farmers for sticking to methods of production that are resource-inefficient.
He also explained that it incentivises an approach to environmental stewardship which is all about mathematically precise field margins and not ecologically healthy landscapes.
Gove has overseen hardline environmental policies in his 7 months as Defra Secretary which have irked the industry, including plans to introduce CCTV in all slaughterhouses, a pledge to ban neonicotinoids, possible action on restricting live exports and the reintroduction of beavers in the UK.
He also warned in October that the UK is 30 to 40 years away from the fundamental eradication of soil fertility.
But the farming industry has raised concerns and doubts over his commitment to a 'green Brexit', one which focuses on animal welfare and the environment over food production.
'Thought out balance'
Reacting to today's announcement, NFU Vice President Guy Smith posted on social media: "Britain could increasingly import its food needs from places where they are deforesting. We need to find a properly thought through balance."
And in the NFU President's New Year message, Meurig Raymond said that it is seen as "more important than ever" that the government recognises the work of British farmers in providing food, maintaining Britain's farmed landscape and contributing billions to the economy.
"Three cornerstones environment, productivity and volatility which we believe should form the basis of bold and ambitious future policy measures," he said.
The government will release further information on post-Brexit agricultural plans in Spring.
Michael Gove's call for a move away from farming "subsidies for inefficiency" in a speech on his vision for the future of farming has attracted a mixed reaction from the industry.
Farmers will receive money to make improvements to the environment under a new system post-Brexit. Until then, the current 3bn sum paid to farmers and landowners will continue until 2022 - longer than the Government had previously pledged.
In a speech to the Oxford Farming Conference on Thursday (4 January), Gove reiterated his 'green Brexit' pledge to the farming industry.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Defra spokesperson and ex-leader of the party Tim Farron said for Gove to imply that farm payments are a reward for inefficiency is an "insult" to British farmers.
"It shows he has no understanding of the reality of farming in this country," Mr Farron said.
"British farmers are some of the most efficient and dynamic in the world. Farm payments compensate for the fact that the market is broken, because supermarkets and processors dominate the industry and exploit farmers.
"The overwhelming majority of livestock and dairy farmers would be in the red if it wasnt for direct farm payments.
"Goves announcement also does nothing to address the impending tariff catastrophe facing farmers once we leave the single market."
'Once-in-a-generation'
However, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), a rural organisation which represents more than 30,000 farmers, said it has welcomed the commitments made by Gove.
CLA Director of Policy Christopher Price said: Exiting the European Union gives us a once in a generation opportunity to build a new food and land use policy that is significantly better than the Common Agricultural Policy.
This speech is the latest evidence that Government is embracing our vision for a new policy based on rewarding farmers for the range of public benefits they deliver.
We have been clear that significant change is necessary but it is right to take the necessary time to design and implement a policy without causing immediate and dramatic disruption to thousands of farming businesses across the countryside.
We are pleased the Secretary of State has listened to our concerns on this issue and extended the period of operation of the existing Basic Payment Scheme to ensure a full and smooth transition.
'Failure to recognise'
Jonathan Stiff, Head of Rural Division at Cheffins, gave a mixed reaction, welcoming a five-year transitional period, but also expressing concern over a heavy focus on environmental measures over improving food productivity.
He said: Not only does this give the farming industry a basis on which to plan and adapt their businesses through a five-year transitional period from the point of Brexit in March 2019, it should also give the government sufficient time to plan a replacement support system that is well-considered and hopefully more balanced in its approach, rather than being single-mindedly focused on environmental measures.
However, the other side of the argument is that it is disappointing that Michael Gove continues to focus on the replacement of the BPS scheme rather than focusing on the principles of our new trading relationships with the EU and the rest of the world, as ultimately this will be what has a larger impact on the farming industry than the restructure of the funding system.
Similarly, it is disappointing that he continues to focus on environmental measures without formulating any proposals for improving productivity, training or technological advancement. A shift towards purely environmental work will increase the UKs reliance on imported food which will have its implications for farmers and growers across the country.
There is a failure from Mr Gove to recognise the efforts of the huge numbers of farmers and landowners who work hard to manage the rural environment in a manner which facilitates quality food production and a cared for countryside for the public good.
'More detail'
Environmental charity the Soil Association said it "warmly welcomes" the move towards an agricultural policy that prioritises environmental protection.
A spokesperson said: "We now need to see more detail on how farmers will be enabled and encouraged to shift to higher animal welfare systems, move away from synthetic pesticides, restore degraded soils and improve water quality.
"The greatest test of this transition is whether the UKs food and farming system measures up to the monumental challenges of public health, which was highlighted in the speech, and climate change, which received just two mentions.
"The Government must also make an ambitious and unambiguous commitment to organic and other agroecological approaches which are proven to deliver on animal welfare, biodiversity, soil health and climate change - both during and after 2024."
Red Tractor Assured farmers can continue to buy professional rodenticides without taking part in a stewardship training course.
The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) has announced that the farm assurance schemes standards which were updated in October last year are fully aligned with its UK code of best practice on rodent pest management.
Non-assured farms must continue to take a course and carry a certificate of competence to buy professional rodenticides.
Red Tractors head of external affairs, Philippa Wiltshire, said: This is good news for our farmers who are automatically demonstrating CRRU compliance by passing their Red Tractor audit.
It also shows a unified approach and a commitment from the industry to use professional rodenticides responsibly.
'Unaware'
Red Tractor members have benefited from the earned recognition agreement for the past two years as part of a transitional arrangement pending changes to the schemes standards.
But after amended standards came in to force on 1 October, full recognition from the CRRU has been gained with a new agreement starting on 1 January 2018 on an ongoing basis.
There will be many members who are still unaware of this important membership benefit. We hope that word will spread now that the new standards have been recognised, Mrs Wiltshire added.
Reduce risk
A key objective of the CRRU is to reduce the risk to non-target species.
Assurance standards do not allow routine permanent baiting, and baits can only be sited where evidence shows they are being continuously effective.
A site survey and risk assessment of watercourses and populations of non-target species should also be carried out and recorded before treatment.
When not managed responsibly, professional rodenticides can pose a risk to wildlife, livestock, pets and even humans.
Vets have found signs that the midge-borne Schmallenberg Virus had been circulating in Dumfries and Galloway in the autumn of 2017.
The results have been revealed by SAC Consulting Veterinary Services which has been monitoring bulk milk samples from 50 dairy herds across the country throughout the autumn.
First entering the UK on wind flows from Europe in 2011, Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) is spread by midges and affects both cattle and sheep, but does not affect humans.
Initial infection can cause general symptoms of reduced appetite, a raised temperature, milk drop and scour. Some of these acute infections may be hard to detect, particularly in cattle and sheep at grass.
When cattle and sheep are infected in the earlier stages of pregnancy, infection of the foetus may lead to skeletal deformities in the lambs and calves when born.
Such cases were first seen in Southern Scotland in 2013 but the diseases profile fell in the following seasons.
In 2017, SAC Consultings Veterinary Surveillance Network identified foetal deformities caused by SBV in Southern Scotland and Northern England.
Cases were seen initially in lambs from mid-January 2017 and the last case was confirmed in early May. These dates suggest a potential infection window between mid September and mid December 2016.
Early warning
George Caldow, Head of SAC Consulting Veterinary Services, said: Each farm acts only as sentinel to SBV virus activity in the local area and circumstances vary from farm to farm with regard to virus spread and midge activity.
The results of the study so far can therefore only act as a guide, but do suggest that there has been some active transmission of the SBV virus in Dumfries and Galloway in the autumn of 2017.
This could potentially lead to the birth of deformed lambs and calves. However, in other areas of the country, particularly north of the Central Belt, we expect the disease risk to be much lower. Farmers concerned about potential SBV risk should speak to their vets in the first instance.
Nigel Miller, SRUC Board Member and Chairman of Livestock Health Scotland, said: The SBV survey has highlighted the value of targeted surveillance and the strength of the SAC Consulting veterinary surveillance team linking up with milk producers across Scotland.
The positive bulk milk samples from the south west not only provide an early warning of possible problems ahead, during the 2018 calving and lambing period, but also increase our understanding of the ability of the Schmallenberg virus and its vectors to persist and spread under Scottish climatic conditions.
NFU Scotland is calling for the publication of a report into greening in Scotland, ahead of the Unions annual conference in February 2018.
The announcement that Professor Russell Grigg was to lead a group looking at greening was made at the NFU Scotland conference in February 2017.
Publication of the Griggs Group report would enable work to be done on what future support for arable farming might look like post-Brexit when the Scottish Government can determine its own agricultural policy.
The Griggs Greening Group Report, along with the work of the Agricultural Champions, is seen as important in ensuring that Scotland has the correct policies to deliver a profitable and environmentally friendly future for the agriculture industry.
A recent meeting of NFU Scotlands Combinable Crops Committee considered what future support for arable farming might look like once the UK leaves the European Union and the current EU Basic Payment Scheme ends.
To aid that debate, there was a strong call for the Russell Griggs Greening Group Report to be made available.
Environmental protection
Committee Chairman Ian Sands said: Protection of the environment will continue to be important post Brexit. Instead of a one size fits all policy, Scottish Government will have the opportunity to target measures that are more appropriate to Scotland.
This was something that both we and the Scottish Government pushed for during the negotiation of the last round of Common Agricultural Policy reforms. We didnt get it and instead ended up with a highly complex package that has satisfied no one.
NFUS wants to see farmers rewarded for existing good environmental standards that protect Scotlands countryside. That should include payment for measures that go beyond good farming practice, set at a level that encourages uptake.
Competitive
Mr Sands said it is "vital" that Scottish farmers can continue to be competitive in growing crops that form the raw material for much of Scotlands food, drink and feed exports.
What we are lacking, however, is information on what the real environmental needs are, he said.
NFU Scotland said some farmers hosted farm visits by Professor Griggs Group earlier in 2017, but at the start of 2018, the union said it is still waiting to see the groups views.
Mr Sands added: It would be very helpful if the report was available to industry and other stakeholders by the time of the Unions conference in Glasgow in February exactly a year after the initial announcement on the groups formation.
A post shared by ai (@journalismgeorge) on Oct 20, 2017 at 4:42am PDT
This ones an old taberna (tavern) thats been around since 1827, and Cervantes is said to have written one of his books in the same building on Calle de las Huertas. Its known for its vermouth on tap, great tapas, and its dish of bulls tail (rabo de toro); there are also meatballs, croquettes and cod if youd like something less startling.
A post shared by travelplanet24 (@travelplanet24) on Jan 3, 2018 at 6:07am PST
The first destination on your Bucharest itinerary ought to be the infamous. It was built in 1984 by order of President CeauAAescu. The 3,107 opulent rooms can be viewed by guided tour only, which must be booked well in advance. Check with your hotel or tour operator. Also a must-visit is the in the heart of Bucharest. Its at the centre of efforts to revitalize the citys historic core. At its western end, Lipscani Street crosses Calea Victoriei, one of Bucharests oldest streets that was built in 1692.For a historical insight into the countrys past, plan a visit to the, which is housed in the beautiful Tailors Synagogue. The museum highlights important Jewish contributions to the country. If you like art,will be of your interest. The building houses Romanian icons and carved altars from pre-communist era churches. If youve seen enough of the city and want to venture further, theres a monastery on an island inthat is a day trip away from Bucharest. Its said to be the resting place of Vlad AepeAA, the prince who inspired Dracula.
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Sharing knowledge and best practice
Author: Tony Hanley
With the first course dates rapidly approaching for the FIAs new qualification examination, and interest mounting from different parts of the world, the association received an invitation from the newly formed Chapter of the NFPA in Israel to present at their conference in Tel Aviv.
FIA Director Tony Hanley, who is responsible for the new AO qualification, accepted the invitation on behalf of the FIA.
He made the presentation to around 200 delegates that included representatives from NFPA, USA, the Israeli Military, Fire Commanders and active and passive fire trade operators and contractors.
The presentation covered current UK fire regulations, the ever-increasing demand for the UK fire industry to demonstrate suitable competency, and how the FIA has risen to the challenge by embarking on the full overhaul and upgrade of its professional training material to Awarding Organisation recognised qualifications.
Mr Yacov Azuz, Chairman of the NFPA, Israel, commented, We thank the FIA and Tony for delivering such an informative presentation which we believe we have scope to emulate over time here in Israel, and we hope to collaborate closely with the FIA in the future.
Tony Hanley commented, I dont believe that we should limit ourselves to sharing our recognised qualifications to just the UK seeing as this exercise has demonstrated how valuable it may well be to other countries, even with differing codes and standards.
We definitely are raising the bar now.
Ibrahim & Aarav Want To Be Bollywood Stars, Not Actors
Saif was quoted as saying, "Ibrahim, Aarav (Akshay Kumar's son) and that group of youngsters want six packs and aspire to be Bollywood stars. I don't know if anyone wants to be an actor. It is kind of disturbing because not everyone makes it."
Saif Had An Honest Confession To Make!
The 'Chef' actor revealed that initially he too just wanted to be a "star" and said, "But then what the heck? Talking of being a star, my wife points out that till a few years ago, even I didn't want to be an actor, I wanted to be a star (laughs)."
Ibrahim Feels He Is Already An Actor Before Sara
"Ibrahim (already) thinks he is an actor before Sara because he did Tashan (2008). And he was upset when it didn't work (laughs). But he is a good looking guy," Saif had said in one of his earlier interviews.
Saif Thinks Sara Became An Actor For This Reason
"All our friends' children in our peer group want to be actors because they see it as an attractive profession with respect, money, affluence and a certain amount of privilege. But how many of them are interested in acting, I don't know. Sara has a degree from the London School Of Economics and still want to be an actor over a banker so obviously, there is something very attractive about this lifestyle."
He Recalls The Most Defining Moment In Sara's Life
Saif revealed that Sara aspired to be an actress from a very young age. Narrating an incident he said, "I have seen her do a very funny advert when she was four and she's been like this all along. There was actress Aishwarya Rai on stage in New York with people going ballistic and Sara sitting on the floor behind the curtain saying 'This is what I want to do."
When Saif Sounded Like He Wasn't Happy With Sara Joining Films
Earlier in 2017 when quizzed about Sara's debut, Saif had stated in an interview, "Why would she want that for herself? Look at where she studied. After having done that, why wouldn't she want to live and work in New York, rather than do this? I am not looking down on acting, it's just it is not the most stable profession. And everyone lives in constant fear. And there is no guarantee that despite doing your best, you will succeed. This is not the life, any parent would want for their children."
We Are Confused, Saif!
However recently the actor told IANS, "It is like Soha's track but Soha didn't always want to become an actor, Sara did and this is something that she really wants to do. So absolutely good luck, I think it's a great job. We'd be talking about Sushant Singh Rajput all day which is great but it's not as interesting as discussing history with art like we used to."
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra starts shooting for her upcoming television series Quantico.
New York City
The shoot is held in New York City and it's cold as hell and filled with ice and snow.
Trench Coat
Priyanka Chopra is wearing a trench coat, thigh high boots and gloves to keep herself warm in the chilly conditions.
Worldwide Fanfare
She also posed with Indian fans during the shoot of Quantico in New York City.
Happy Times
PeeCee is truly having one helluva time shooting for Quantico in NYC, folks!
Too Cold
Despite the extreme cold weather conditions, Priyanka Chopra still gave her best during the shoot of Quantico.
Quantico Shoot
The first leg of Quantico was shot in Italy and the second leg is being shot in NYC.
PeeCee
Be it extreme cold or hot, Priyanka Chopra will always be present for shoots no matter what the conditions are.
Mohanlal had recently underwent an intense training to lose a few kilos for the perfection of his character in Odiyan. The actor did impress one and all with his new makeover, which was well-received by the audiences.
There were reports doing the rounds that Mohanlal will join the shoot of Odiyan in the month of January, in his all-new look. But now, it seems like the next schedule of shoot of Odiyan has been pushed ahead.
Image Courtesy: Facebook
According to the latest reports that have come in, Mohanlal will next join the shoot of his upcoming venture to be directed by Ajoy Varma. Latest reports suggest that, Mohanlal will head to Mongolia for the shoot of this yet-to-be-titled film. Reportedly, the filming of this much awaited venture will commence on January 18, 2017.
This upcoming film of Mohanlal is touted to be a thriller and if reports are to be believed, Mohanlal has allotted 15 days of time for the shoot of the film. Reports also suggest that, Mohanlal will be seen sporting a thick beard and moustache in this upcoming film. This upcoming film is Ajoy Varma's debut venture in Malayalam. He has directed a film titled SRK in Hindi.
This yet-to-be-titled film is being produced by Santhosh T Kuruvila. Apart from Mongolia, this upcoming film will also be shot in Mumbai. Earlier, there were reports doing the rounds that Prakash Raj is also a part of the project. Rumours were also rife that Meena and Trisha have been roped in to play the role of the leading ladies.
Coming back to Odiyan, as per the latest reports that have come in, Mohanlal will join the final schedule of Odiyan only after completing the shoot of Ajoy Varma movie. If reports are to be believed, the next schedule of Odiyan will only commence in the month of February.
The first two schedules of shoot of Odiyan have already been completed. The filming of Odiyan commenced in 2016 at Varanasi and later, the team headed to Thenkurissi in Palakkad for the second schedule. Apart from Mohanlal, Odiyan also features Manju Warrier and Prakash Raj.
Vijay (Mersal)
In Mersal, Vijay appeared in three different roles and he was able to give uniqueness to each character. Among the three characters, his portrayal of Vetrimaaran, the father character deserves a special mention as the actor made the role truly a memorable one.
Ajith Kumar (Vivegam)
Thala Ajith as Ajith Kumar is fondly called, only had a single release in the year 2017 in the form of Vivegam. The actor played a character named Ajay Kumar aka AK, who is an agent. The film had numerous action sequences and the actor had put in a lot of effort for the perfection of the scenes, which won him a lot of praises.
Madhavan (Vikram Vedha)
Madhavan gave the entire film audiences a big treat in the form of Vikram Vedha. The actor played the character named Vikram, a police officer who upholds values. It was indeed a controlled, subtle and matured performance from the actor, which turned out to be one of the biggest positives of the movie.
Dhanush (VIP 2)
Through the film VIP 2, Dhanush once again stepped into the shoes of the character Raghuvaran, which is one of the most celebrated onscreen characters of the actor. This time too, he didn't disappoint and put up a fine show as the central character.
Arun Vijay (Kuttram 23)
The film Kuttram 23 turned out to be a crucial one for Arun Vijay. The actor, who played the role of a police officer in the movie came up with a matured performance. In fact, he suited the role perfectly well and won the love of the audiences.
Gautham Karthik (Rangoon)
Gautham Karthik had a good number of releases in the year 2017. But, it was his performance in the film Rangoon, that fetched him a lot of praises. The actor portrayed the role of a youngster named Venkat in this crime thriller, to perfection.
Jayam Ravi (Vanamagan)
Jayam Ravi once again proved his versatility with his notable performance in the film Vanamagan. In the film, the actor played a character of a tribal named Jaara. It is not an easy character to play but the actor pulled it off with ease.
Karthi (Theeran Adhigaram Ondru)
Karthi's portrayal of the police officer named Theeran Thirumaran paved way for one of the career best performances of the actor. The actor did put up an impressive show and he did fit in perfectly into the shoes of an ideal police officer.
Sivakarthikeyan (Velaikkaran)
Sivakarthikeyan came up with the film Velaikkaran, towards the fag end of the year. The actor got to play a different role in this movie, with due importance given to emotional and intense sequences. With his performance, Sivakarthikeyan proved that he could handle such roles with ease.
Suriya (Singham 3)
Suriya's third outing as Durai Singham was packed with more energy and vigour. The actor once again impressed with the powerful portrayal of this character, which has a huge fan a following. Suriya as Durai Singham once again packed a powerful punch.
Vijay Antony (Annadurai)
Vijay Antony came up with the much awaited film Annadurai, which offered a good scope of performance for the actor in him. He played dual roles of twin brothers in the film and was successful in their portrayal.
Vijay Sethupathi (Karuppan)
Vijay Sethupathi had a fantastic 2017. His amazing portrayal of Vedha in the film Vikram Vedha was definitely the talk of Kollywood. Apart from that, he also impressed the audiences with his act in the film Karuppan, in which he played the role of a villager.
Vishal (Thupparivaalan)
Vishal played the role of a highly skilled detective named Kaniyan Poongudran in the film Thupparivaalan. This detective had some unique characteristics and they were quite safe in the hands of an actor like Vishal.
Shares of China Mobile (NYSE:CHL), the biggest wireless carrier in China, fell 4% in 2017 on concerns about a seasonal slowdown in its revenue and earnings, exacerbated by higher capex for its 5G expansion. As a China Mobile shareholder, I'm disappointed with those results. But I also don't plan to sell the stock either, since it's become too cheap to ignore for four simple reasons.
1. Its valuation
Analysts expect China Mobile's revenue and earnings to both rise 9% this year. Next year, analysts anticipate 5% sales growth and 6% earnings growth. Those growth rates are much higher than analyst expectations for US telcos AT&T (NYSE:T) and Verizon (NYSE:VZ).
Yet China Mobile trades at just 12 times trailing earnings, which is much lower than the industry average of 22 for telecom companies. AT&T and Verizon have respective P/E ratios of 19 and 14.
China Mobile is also cheaper than its direct competitors, China Unicom (NYSE:CHU) and China Telecom (NYSE:CHA), which respectively trade at 67 and 13 times trailing earnings.
Looking ahead, China Mobile trades at 12 times forward earnings, compared to China Unicom and China Telecom's respective forward P/E ratios of 30 and 12.
2. Its dividend
China Mobile pays semi-annual dividends, which vary annually based on its earnings growth. That yield fluctuated between 2.75% and 5% over the past five years, but it's consistently remained higher than China Unicom and China Telecom's payouts.
China Mobile also paid a special dividend last year to mark the 20th anniversary of its public listing in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, China Unicom actually withheld its dividend last year amid plummeting profits. China Telecom pays a decent 2.9% dividend yield, but it's only paid out once per year.
Income investors who want stable dividends will likely prefer AT&T and Verizon's bigger 4%-5% yields and their reliable annual hikes, but China Mobile's dividend is still a nice bonus which easily bests its domestic peers.
3. Its slow but steady growth
In the second half of 2017, several analysts expressed concerns about a sequential slowdown in China Mobile's revenue and EBITDA amid tougher competition and higher spending on network upgrades. There were also concerns about the Chinese government's decision to support the "narrow band" Internet of Things (IoT) -- a standard which China Mobile couldn't support with its existing networks.
Yet China Mobile's year-over-year growth remains positive, and its subscriber base continues to grow. It served 883.9 million wireless customers in November, representing 4.3% growth from a year earlier. Within that total, 71.7% were higher-paying 4G subscribers, compared to just 60.1% a year earlier.
China Mobile's wireline subscribers rose 42.7% to 110.1 million, giving the company more room to bundle its wireline, wireless, and pay TV services.
A growing percentage of 4G subscribers and a rising number of wireline customers gives China Mobile more room to grow its average revenues per customer.
4. Its wide safety net
China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are all state-backed enterprises. The government regularly monitors all three companies and rotates their management to ensure that one company doesn't overwhelm the other two.
This throttles China Mobile's growth, but it also gives the company a wide safety net and prevents margin-crushing price wars. It also ensures that the three telcos cooperate on certain deals, like the sale of their towers to China Tower in late 2015. That deal allowed the telcos to lease back the towers and save hundreds of millions per year.
The key takeaways
China Mobile isn't the ideal telco for income investors, since it's somewhat volatile and US telcos offer better yields. But for investors seeking a conservative, long-term play on China's rising internet penetration rates, China Mobile is simply too cheap to ignore at these low valuations.
The tax reform law passed at the end of 2017 made massive changes to the way the U.S. government collects taxes. One of its biggest elements affected the way that corporations get taxed, with massive tax cuts for companies of nearly all sizes.
Most of the attention that corporate tax reform has gotten has gone to the largest corporations and the billions in savings they will reap. Yet when you look at the actual marginal rates, the biggest tax rate decline goes to more modestly sized small business with relatively small profits.
Why mid-sized businesses got the biggest corporate tax rate drop
The headline numbers on corporate tax reform emphasized the decline from 35% to 21% in the top corporate tax rate. The way that most reports explained the reduction made it seem as though corporations never paid more than 35% of their marginal income in taxes.
Yet when you look at the corporate tax brackets, you'll notice a strange phenomenon. The highest tax rate actually applies to corporations with incomes between $100,000 and $335,000, which are in a special 39% tax bracket.
Corporate Income Marginal Corporate Tax Rate $0 to $50,000 15% $50,000 to $75,000 25% $75,000 to $100,000 34% $100,000 to $335,000 39% $335,000 to $10 million 34% $10 million to $15 million 35% $15 million to $18,333,333 38% Above $18,333,333 35%
The reason the two bolded brackets are there has to do with the intent of lawmakers. In general, the legislation setting previous corporate tax rates intended to have two general rates: 34% and 35%. For extremely small businesses, though, lawmakers wanted lower rates to apply in order to encourage start-ups. Still, once those small businesses grew to a large enough level, the brackets were set up to take away the benefit of those lower rates.
Here's how it works. For the first $50,000 in income, corporations pay 15% in tax, a 19-percentage-point savings compared to the higher 34% rate that works out to $9,500. On income between $50,000 and $75,000, the 9-percentage-point difference works out to $2,250, for a total of $11,750.
In order to claw back that $11,750 for larger small business corporations, lawmakers established a 5-percentage-point hike in the tax rate from 34% to 39%. Corporations therefore pay an extra 5% on the $235,000 in income between $100,000 and $335,000. Five percent of $235,000 is $11,750, so once you get to $335,000, you're paying an effective rate of 34%.
A similar effect occurs for larger businesses. After paying 34% on the first $10 million, lawmakers sought to claw back the $100,000 in savings from the 1-percentage-point difference between 34% and 35%. They did so by boosting the tax rate by 3 percentage points to 38% on $3,333,333 worth of income, as 3% of $3,333,333 is $100,000.
The real impact of the new corporate tax rates
The changes to corporate tax rates makes brackets a lot simpler: there's only one, 21%, which applies to all taxable corporate income.
Notice that that rate is actually a tax increase for those at the bottom of the income spectrum. Corporations with $50,000 in income will pay $3,000 more in taxes. Those with $75,000 in income get back some of those losses but still pay a total of $2,000 more. Yet once you get to $100,000, you'll pay just $1,250 less in taxes than you otherwise would have.
For those at the top of the 39% bracket, though, income of $335,000 produces tax savings of $43,550. Put another way, the tax savings on the extra $235,000 of income between $100,000 and $335,000 results in additional savings of $42,300 -- or fully 18% of that additional income.
How small corporations could potentially get even bigger savings
Given the new flat 21% corporate tax rate, the big question facing many small corporations is actually whether it makes sense to use a corporation at all as your business entity. With substantial tax benefits available to small businesses that are set up as pass-through entities like limited liability companies, it's questionable whether many new businesses will ever choose corporate status.
Nevertheless, the fact that the tiniest corporations will pay more in tax -- and mid-sized small corporations will see the biggest marginal tax savings from corporate tax reform -- is interesting in that it went largely unnoticed in debate among lawmakers. The new rules certainly give start-ups a big incentive to grow as quickly as possible.
A Gloucestershire farmer needed 40 stitches for a nasty cut above the eye after he was attacked by an animal rights activist during the badger cull.
Masked Daniele Rinaudo, 33, and another unknown man, attacked farmer David Barnes in Gotherington on 27 September 2015.
Gloucester Crown Court heard that Mr Rinaudo struck Mr Barnes with a torch after he had come to the help of a distressed neighbour.
See also: Read the latest news on bovine TB and the badger cull
Masked men
Sam Jones, prosecuting, said Mr Barnes had driven his Land Rover to help neighbour Ulyana Andrews, who had been terrified by the masked men shining torches into her isolated home at about 9pm that night.
She could see that the men were wearing balaclavas and feared they could be dangerous criminals.
When he arrived on the scene, Mr Barnes came across a vehicle in which Mr Rinaudo was the passenger. He approached the open window of Mr Barnes vehicle and was holding what he calls a technical torch.
The man jabbed the rear end of the torch at Mr Barnes face. Mr Barnes grabbed it from the man and threw it into the footwell of his Land Rover, Mr Jones said.
The defendant then got out of the car with a black cotton bandana over his face. He approached Mr Barnes and shone his torch into his face while the first man was still scuffling with him.
The defendant tried to jab the torch at Mr Barnes. He was effectively using the torch as a weapon.
Blow to the head
He added: Mr Barnes says the door of his Land Rover came off the vehicle and fell to the road. He got out of his vehicle and the defendant then struck him to the head while holding the torch in his hand.
It was a blow which caused significant injury to Mr Barnes head. He fell and says there was an attempted kick delivered by the other man.
Looking at pictures of Mr Barnes, taken after the incident, Judge Jamie Tabor QC said: He suffered a very nasty cut over the eye.
Mr Jones added: It was a 45mm wound which required 40 stitches. There was also an injury to the top of Mr Barnes head, which had to be glued. He received treatment at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. There is permanent scarring.
By the time police arrived at the scene, the car the defendant was travelling in had slewed into a ditch and both he and the other man had fled, Mr Jones said.
Judge Tabor commented: It is difficult to understand why the fled if they were proud of their cull monitoring activities and thought they had done nothing wrong. They left their woman driver to carry the can.
Richard Tutt, defending, said Mr Rinaudo had never done anything like this before and he deeply regretted his actions. had done various kinds of voluntary work in animal welfare and was highly though of by many, added Mr Tutt.
He accepts entirely that this must have caused concern to the householder, he said.
Mr Rinaudo, of Anns Road North, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to unlawfully wounding Mr Barnes and was sentenced to 16 months jail suspended for two years.
He was also placed under home curfew from 9pm-5am for six months, ordered to pay 1,160 compensation to Mr Barnes and also ordered to pay 500 costs.
Judge: No excuse
Judge Tabor made a two-year restraining order against Rinaudo. He told Mr Rinaudo: Badger culling is a very controversial topic. Passions run high on both sides and I am not here to decide the merits of the respective arguments.
Monitoring culling is lawful if it is monitoring and not an excuse for criminal activity such as criminal damage or violence.
On this September evening Mrs Andrews was frightened, and probably terrified, by the behaviour of this group of monitors.
Your behaviour would make right-thinking people feel that serious crime was afoot. Your benevolent feelings towards badgers does not appear to have been extended to local homeowners.
The judge said he accepted that Rinaudo was genuinely sorry and it was that, plus his previous good character and the fact that only one blow was struck, which saved him from immediate jail.
[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.]
Press News - for immediate release January 5, 2018 (NEW YORK and AIX EN PROVENCE, FRANCE) 3dRudder, an innovative technology company, leader in delivering solutions to virtual reality motion issues, announces today the 3dRudder Blackhawk, a new foot motion controller for PC Gaming and VR, to be honored with a CES Innovation Award in the Computer Accessories product category and presented for the first time at CES 2018 in Las Vegas. The 3dRudder Blackhawk represents the next evolution in the product line and offers a newly redesigned device providing added functionalities. It fully really takes the space limitations out of the room-scale VR experience. Users control their motion intuitively with their feet while sitting, leaving the hands free to grab hand controllers and maximize the immersion while playing games. New Active Dead Zone feature adjusts automatically reactivity and stability depending on the movement direction and speed of the user. In a device like the 3dRudder, the dead zone in a 2-dimensional plan (horizontal movements) is like a circle of stability. In a 3-dimensional space, its like a sphere of stability. In VR, you need stability when you stay still. But when the action heats up, when you move and change directions quickly, you need reactivity: the more intense the action, the lower the dead zone. The Active Dead Zone will be addressable as well by game developers directly from their games. New design includes leds and foot straps bindings. The blue leds are visually indicating the state of the 3dRudder also providing an aerial and futuristic shape to the device. The foot straps bindings are designed to help users in gaining the most precise control in their movement. When the game gets tensed especially with fast-paced FPS, some players tended to inadvertently let their feet slide away from the 3dRudder. With the new design, its no longer the case and the overall experience is greatly enhanced. Gamers can also now better take advantage of the revolutionary 4th vertical axis provided by the 3dRudder. Foot straps can be adjusted and snap in and out of the device at their convenience. 3dRudder is also introducing two foot kits to let users of the existing device upgrade it, should they choose to do so. The Foot Guides kit includes 2 bases to be fixed at the top of each existing pad and 2 guides to be plugged into the bases. The Foot Straps kit contains the 3dRudder Blackhawk wings to be plugged on the device. Both kits are interchangeable at the users convenience. 3dRudder Blackhawk technical specifications and pricing Model Number : 3dRudder VR Edition 2 Blackhawk
: 3dRudder VR Edition 2 Blackhawk Length : 13.39 inches / 34cm
: 13.39 inches / 34cm Width : 13.39 inches / 34cm
: 13.39 inches / 34cm Height : 4 inches / 7,2cm without the wings, 10 inches / 17cm with the wings
: 4 inches / 7,2cm without the wings, 10 inches / 17cm with the wings Weight : 4.4 pounds / 2 kg
: 4.4 pounds / 2 kg Maximum tilt = 20
= 20 Free accompanying software dashboard, regularly updated for new functionalities For developers: supported game engines are Unity 3D, Unreal Engine 4, Xenko, Stingray and OpenSpace3D; supported program tools are SKD C++, C# and Python. Pricing: 3dRudder Blackhawk will ship for $139/139 starting Spring 2018; 3dRudder Original now ships for $99/99; Foot guide kit ships for $24/24 and Foot straps kit ships for $19/19, and will be available from February 2018 on the company website at www.3drudder.com . CES 2018 Innovation Award Products entered in the program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, independent engineers and members of the trade media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics products across 28 product categories. The prestigious CES Innovation Awards are sponsored by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), owner and producer of CES 2018, the global gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies, and have been recognizing achievements in product design and engineering since 1976. It is truly an honor to have received the CES 2018 Innovation Award for the 3dRudder BlackHawk, said Stanislas Chesnais, CEO 3dRudder. The new design, including leds and foot straps, coupled with the Active Dead zone functionality represents a step forward in the VR foot motion controller technology that we started developing 4 years ago and a new standard for all VR accessories. What to expect and discover on 3dRudder booth at CES 2018? Beyond showing the 3dRudder Blackhawk and the 2 kits, the 3dRudder booth will also feature great invitees such as Dead Effect 2 VR, the much-acclaimed VR FPS that will announce native support of the 3dRudder and Air Car, a rare flying experience that beautifully supports the 3dRudder. Attendees will be able to experience the 3 types of locomotion offered by 3dRudder: - Walk / run - Spectate, hover over / helicopter - Altitude control / flight Meet us at CES Unveiled Las Vegas on January 7th, 2018 and at CES 2018 from January 9th to 12th (Convention Center, South Hall 1, booth # 21403). For more information, please visit our website at www.3drudder.com Members of the press attending the show are invited to schedule a demo of the new 3dRudder Blackhawk and experience its new features by sending an email to the below media contacts. About 3dRudder 3dRudder was founded in 2014 and has an office in Aix en Provence, France and New York, USA. The flagship product of the same name, 3dRudder, is a foot-powered movement controller, providing the most natural way to move in a 360 VR environment. For gamers, designers, architects, and professionals who want to do more in their 3D digital environments, 3dRudder keeps your hands free and enables total immersion in a virtual reality. CES Innovation Award Honorees three years in a row since 2016, 3dRudder is poised to establish the new grounds of Virtual Reality movement and control. Nadia Francois Communication [email protected] +33 6 61 44 19 84 3dRudder.com
Instagram Stories can soon be used as WhatsApp Status; feature likely under testing News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu
Back in October 2017, Facebook offered the users of Instagram the flexibility to share their Instagram Stories directly on Facebook. Following the same, Facebook appears to be looking forward to bring this flexibility to WhatsApp as well.
According to a report by TechCrunch, the company is currently testing to let users post their Instagram Stories directly to WhatsApp in the form of WhatsApp Status. Notably, both WhatsApp Status and Instagram Stories are inspired by the Snapchat feature that lets users share edited photos, videos and GIFs. These statuses will automatically vanish after 24 hours just as in Snapchat. The report adds that an Instagram Story that is posted on WhatsApp as a Status will also be encrypted similar to the rest of the messaging app.
The report quotes a spokesperson stating that they are always testing new ways to enhance the user experience on Instagram and make it simpler and easier for users to share any moment with the people around them who matter the most to them.
The report goes on stating that the ability to post Instagram Stories on WhatsApp is under testing within a limited number of users. Users of Instagram will get an option to share the Stories on WhatsApp from the Instagram sharing screen and on tapping this they will be taken to WhatsApp Status. Over there, they need to hit 'Send' to post the story on WhatsApp as a Status.
A post by a local blog called TecnoBlog in Brazil that has been reporting several such sightings in the past has posted a picture with the Instagram Story on the left and the WhatsApp Status of the same on the right. Notably, the shared WhatsApp Status appears to have an Instagram icon at the bottom right corner.
There could be a few reasons for Facebook to choose to make the Instagram Stories shareable on other platforms such as WhatsApp. The first one could be to add more functionality and make the Instagram Stories those have become quite popular more usable. According to Facebook, there were over 300 million daily active users of Instagram Stories and this number outshines that of the Snapchat product that was the first one of this sort. Apparently, letting users share the same on WhatsApp will let the company generate more traffic, especially in the markets where WhatsApp is highly popular. The other reason could be to increase the usage of WhatsApp Status.
On the whole, the ability to share Instagram Stories and use them as WhatsApp Status will let Facebook increase its overall user engagement and traffic as well. This way, the company might attempt to destabilize Snapchat and other platforms.
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Microsoft releases new Windows update for Intel chip security flaw News oi-Samden Sherpa Microsoft is aware of this industry-wide issue and has been working closely with chip manufacturers to develop and test mitigations to protect its customers.
World's popular chip-maker Intel just recently confirmed a potential security flaw in its chips. Findings and reports further suggested that the security bug, if used for malicious purposes, had the potential to improperly gather sensitive data from computing devices.
However, Intel had announced that it "is committed to the product and customer security and is working closely with many other technology companies, including AMD, ARM Holdings, and several operating system vendors, to develop an industry-wide approach to resolve this issue promptly and constructively."
And now amidst all this scenario, Microsoft has now announced that it is issuing emergency updates to supported versions of Windows. According to a report by The Verge, the software update is part of a number of fixes that would protect against the processor bug in Intel as well as AMD and ARM chipsets.
"We're aware of this industry-wide issue and have been working closely with chip manufacturers to develop and test mitigations to protect our customers," Microsoft said in a statement to The Verge.
"We are in the process of deploying mitigations to cloud services and have also released security updates to protect Windows customers against vulnerabilities affecting supported hardware chips from Intel, ARM, and AMD," it added. Amazon and Google have also been reportedly working on security updates to their Cloud services and other products.
Meanwhile, the security flaw in Intel's chips makes it vulnerable to hacking. It was first discovered by a British tech website, the Register. "Recent reports that these exploits are caused by a 'bug' or a 'flaw' and are unique to Intel products are incorrect," Intel was quoted as saying.
With all sort of reports being filed Intel has also argued that "many types of computing devices -- with many different vendors' processors and operating systems -- are susceptible to these exploits."
"Intel has begun providing software and firmware updates to mitigate these exploits," the company has stated. "Intel is committed to the industry best practice of responsible disclosure of potential security issues, which is why Intel and other vendors had planned to disclose this issue next week when more software and firmware updates will be available."
Intel has also advised users to check their operating system vendor or system manufacturer and apply any available updates as soon as they are available. Security updates are always an important one generally.
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Government gives free Acer laptops to 31,000 degree college students News oi-Samden Sherpa The Acer laptops were purchased through a tender process for Rs. 45 crore, with each costing Rs. 14,490.
While the government is working towards empowering citizens digitally through the Digital India scheme, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has now announced that his state government body is now gifting free laptops to qualified students in colleges.
As per the recent report, the CM is gifting laptops to about 31,000-degree college students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). It seems like a good move as selected students will be able to do much more. However, as part of the initiative, all the laptops will have two stickers - a state government logo and a picture of Siddaramaiah affixed on the top.
"The Acer laptops were purchased through a tender process for Rs. 45 crore, with each costing Rs. 14,490. It meets the requirement of the students studying in 412 state-run and state-aided colleges and 85 polytechnics across the state," an official told IANS.
As for the offering, the laptops come with Windows 10 version and are configured with an Intel quad processor, 1 terra byte (TB) hard drive, 4 gigabytes (GB) of Random Access Memory (RAM) and a 14-inch screen. This sounds like a good deal for the students.
"All the laptops will be distributed to the SC/ST students in backpacks through their respective colleges across the state under the 'Free Laptop Scheme' by the state higher education department in a fortnight," said the official.
Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, made Rs. 300 crore budgetary provision to purchase the laptops for 1.8 lakh college students of all categories across the state during fiscal 2017-18.
Though a decision to gift free laptops to students in degree and professional courses was taken by the government in July last year, the scheme could not be fully implemented due to procedural delays.
"The remaining 1.5 lakh laptops for students of general and other categories will be distributed soon, as a separate tender has been floated to buy them," added the official.
In a related development, the state cabinet on Tuesday also decided to distribute bicycles to all students of class 8 in state-run and state-aided schools across the state in 2018-19 at an estimated cost of Rs. 185 crore.
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U.S. Department of Defense
Press Operations
News Release
No. NR-003-18 January 03, 2018
DoD Announces Defense Enterprise Science Initiative to Support University-Industry Basic Research
The Department of Defense (DoD) announced an award competition for the Defense Enterprise Science Initiative (DESI), a new pilot program that supports university-industry collaboration on use-inspired basic research. DESI is sponsored by the Basic Research Office, Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and executed in collaboration with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Army Research Office.
DESI incentivizes use-inspired basic research, or a scientific study directed toward increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding in the context of end-use applications. Projects funded by DESI will bring together university and industry teams with the aim of discovering novel solutions to challenging defense and national security problems. Through these projects, DESI aims to accelerate the impact of basic research results on defense capabilities, inform existing or future acquisition programs, and support sustainable collaboration between the nation's universities and the private sector.
This year's announcement is themed around technologies to enable a new generation of sensing, mobility, and autonomy. Research topics include power beaming, highlymaneuverable autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle, soft active composites, and metamaterialbased antennas. Additional topic areas identified by the applicants will also be considered.
For more information, please see the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA9550-18-S-B001 at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=299112.
http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1407566/
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USS Frank Cable Arrives Hawaii
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS180103-05
Release Date: 1/3/2018 9:48:00 AM
From USS Frank Cable Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 2.
Frank Cable is currently in route to its homeport at Naval Base Guam, following more than eight months in a scheduled dry-dock phase maintenance availability (DPMA) in Portland, Oregon.
Frank Cable departed from Guam, March 7 for DPMA where it went through a main reduction gear foundation repair and shafting, a collection holding tank replacement and received more than 600,000 pounds of renewed steel to enhance survivability and watertight resistance.
"The crew is excited to visit Hawaii after a successful Dry-dock Phase Maintenance Availability in Portland, Oregon," said Capt. Jeff Farah, commanding officer, Frank Cable. "They have worked incredibly hard over the past nine months and I am extremely proud of each and every one of them."
While this is a working port, said Farah. "We are all looking forward to enjoying all that Hawaii has to offer before continuing home to our families and friends in Guam."
Under the two-tender concept, the crews of USS Frank Cable and USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) work together to repair, re-supply and re-arm submarines and surface vessels forward deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
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USS Wasp (LHD 1) Arrives in Pearl Harbor for Port Visit
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS180103-19
Release Date: 1/3/2018 1:21:00 PM
From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for a final port call en route to her new homeport of Sasebo, Japan, Dec. 28.
Following its return from the Wasp's first deployment in more than a decade, the ship entered a six-month maintenance availability, and proceeded to a compressed work-up schedule in preparation for the upcoming transit to Japan.
Wasp departed Norfolk, Virginia, Aug. 30, but was diverted to the Caribbean in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria, Sept. 4. The crew spent the next two months providing humanitarian assistance to the U.S. Virgin Islands and the island nation of Dominca, and worked extensively to assist with repairing the devastated infrastructure of Puerto Rico.
The visit in Hawaii provides the crew a tangible progression for a homeport shift that has been nearly two years in the making.
While in port, the crew will have the opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved liberty; they will also load stores and make preparations for the final leg of their journey to Sasebo, where they will relieve USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) as the Amphibious Force 7th Fleet flagship.
Wasp is the 10th United States naval ship to bear the name, and the first ship of the LHD class. The ship is a low-draft, mission-focused, ocean-going vessel, which as a part of the surface fleet has the ability to counter and outpace evolving threats both independently or within a network of surface combatants. Its broad spectrum of both flight deck and well deck capabilities make the ship ideal for amphibious and aerial combat operations, as well as the ideal platform for humanitarian relief scenarios.
The upcoming homeport shift to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility will afford Wasp the opportunity to demonstrate her newest capability - showcasing the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter as it operates for the first time in an operational environment overseas.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces throughout the Pacific theater of operations in coordination with U.S. 7th Fleet to promote ongoing peace, security, and stability.
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USS Carney Brings in New Year in Brindisi Italy
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS180103-13
Release Date: 1/3/2018 10:17:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James Turner USS Carney Public Affairs
BRINDISI, Italy (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) arrived in Brindisi, Italy, Dec. 30 for a scheduled port visit, giving the crew a chance to bring in the New Year and celebrate the U.S.-Italy relations as the two nations work together for a stable and secure Europe.
The ship's presence in the Mediterranean Sea is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy's continued commitment to the collective security of the European region.
"My crew and I are overjoyed to be in Brindisi for the New Year," said Cmdr. Peter F. Halvorsen, commanding officer of Carney. "Brindisi has been an important port in the Mediterranean since Roman times, and our visit shows the strong ties we have with Italy and Europe."
Quick Facts:
Strengthening partnerships during the port visit to Brindisi builds enduring relationships. It is the first visit to Brindisi since the USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) visited in 2001.
Previous port visits to Italy include Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Monterey (CG 61) in November 2017, USS Hue City (CG 66) in August 2017 and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) in December 2016.
USS Carney (DDG 64), forward-deployed to Rota, Spain is currently conducting a routine patrol to support U.S. national security interests in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
The U.S. 6th Fleet command ship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), is homeported in Gaeta, Italy.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
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USS Carney Departs Brindisi, Italy
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS180103-09
Release Date: 1/3/2018 9:59:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James Turner USS Carney Public Affairs
BRINDISI, Italy (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) departed Brindisi, Italy, Jan. 2, 2017, after a scheduled port visit.
The port visit was the first for a U.S. naval ship to Brindisi since 2001, and was the third for the Carney during its fourth forward-deployed patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.
While in Brindisi, the crew enjoyed liberty, cultural exchanges, and were able to see some of southern Italy's historical and cultural treasures.
"The crew and I enjoyed our stay in Brindisi," said Cmdr. Peter F. Halvorsen, commanding officer of Carney. "We are thankful for the hospitality of our Italian hosts as we brought in the New Year. It was an absolute honor for the crew to be the first U.S. Navy warship to moor here in more than 16 years."
Previous port visits to Italy include Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Monterey (CG 61) in November 2017, USS Hue City (CG 66) in August 2017 and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) in December 2016.
USS Carney (DDG 64), forward-deployed to Rota, Spain is conducting a routine patrol to support U.S. national security interests in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, and demonstrate a continued commitment to the collective security of the European region.
U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
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Norway suspends arms exports to UAE over Yemen War
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 11:12AM
Norway has suspended arms exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over concerns that the weapons could be used in the deadly Saudi-led military campaign against Yemen, in which Abu Dhabi has played an active role.
Under the existing circumstances, permits for arms export to the UAE have been temporarily revoked and no new licenses will be issued, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
So far, there has been no evidence about the use of Norwegian-manufactured weapons in the war on Yemen, but the UAE's involvement in the military campaign could involve that risk, the ministry noted.
According to Statistics Norway data, Norwegian arms exports to the UAE rose from $5 million in 2015 to $9.7 million in 2016.
Abu Dhabi has served as the key ally of Saudi Arabia in the latter's military offensive against Yemen which was launched in 2015 to restore the former Riyadh-allied government. Emirati Elite Forces have been fighting on the ground in Yemen since then.
In June 2016, American news website The Daily Beast published an investigation bankrolled by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism NGO, which said militants backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had reportedly kidnapped and tortured hundreds of people in southern Yemen.
The probe said the militants, who would fight under the banner of the Elite Forces, had separated the men away from their homes and brought them to a secret prison compound in southern Yemen, where they were tortured.
Earlier in 2016, the United Nations had likewise reported an increase in forced disappearances in the country's south.
Local rights activists and the abductees' families told the investigators that the situation at al-Riyyan Airport - used for incarceration - compared to that of the notorious US-run prisons such as Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and Abu Ghraib in Iraq.
According to various reports, Abu Dhabi holds notable sway in southern Yemen and looks to be trying to expand its leverage there by lending support to southern separatist groups.
At least 13,600 people have been killed since the onset of the Saudi-led war against Yemen in 2015. Much of the Arabian Peninsula country's infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and factories, has been reduced to rubble.
The Saudi-led war has also triggered deadly cholera and diphtheria epidemics nationwide.
According to the World Health Organization's latest count, the cholera outbreak has killed 2,167 people since the end of April and is suspected to have infected 841,906.
The UN has described the current level of hunger in Yemen as "unprecedented," emphasizing that 17 million people are now food insecure.
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Palestinians won't be blackmailed by US threat to cut aid: PLO official
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 07:54AM
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has voiced anger at a threat by US President Donald Trump to cut off aid to the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, saying the nation "will not be blackmailed."
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the PLO's Executive Committee, condemned Trump's decision last month to recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the "capital" of Israel and move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to the occupied city.
"By recognizing Occupied Jerusalem [al-Quds] as Israel's capital, Donald Trump has not only violated international law, but he has also singlehandedly destroyed the very foundations of peace and condoned Israel's illegal annexation of the city," she said. "We will not be blackmailed."
Trump's policy shift on Jerusalem al-Quds led Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to formally declare that Palestinians would no longer accept the US as a mediator to help resolve the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict as Washington is "completely biased" towards Tel Aviv.
In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Trump said that the US pays "the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year" and yet gets "no appreciation or respect."
"But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?" he asked.
Ashrawi further stressed that "Palestinian rights are not for sale."
The US president "sabotaged our search for peace, freedom and justice. Now he dares to blame the Palestinians for the consequences of his own irresponsible actions!" the PLO official added.
Trump's tweets came hours after US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said that the Trump administration was considering clamping down on funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency, which provides aid to millions of Palestinian refugees.
"He doesn't want to give any additional funding until the Palestinians agree to come back to the negotiation table, and what we saw with the resolution was not helpful to the situation," she said.
Official reports said the US was the largest donor to the agency, with a pledge of nearly 370 million dollars as of 2016.
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Trump threatens to withhold financial aid to Palestinians
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 02:12AM
US President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold future aid payments to the Palestinian Authority (PA), saying the body is no longer willing to engage in peace talks with Israel.
Trump made the announcement in a series of tweets on Tuesday, admitting that the peace process brokered by Washington had stalled and threatening to cut the US aid to Palestinians, currently worth more than 300 million dollars a year.
"We pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect," Trump tweeted.
"With the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?" he noted.
Earlier in the day, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley had also disclosed plans by Washington to cut funding to a UN agency that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.
"The President has basically said he does not want to give any additional funding, or stop funding, until the Palestinians agree to come back to the negotiation table," Haley told reporters when asked about future US funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees.
"The Palestinians now have to show to the world that they want to come to the table. As of now, they're not coming to the table but they asked for aid. We're not giving the aid, we're going to make sure that they come to the table and we want to move forward with the peace process," she said.
Official reports said the US was the largest donor to the agency, with a pledge of nearly 370 million dollars as of 2016.
Earlier this week, the Palestinian Authority temporarily called back its ambassador to Washington to discuss the future of its ties with the United States.
Tensions between the US and Palestinians started escalating after Trump announced last month that Washington would recognize Jerusalem al-Quds as the capital of Israel and would relocate the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the occupied city.
Palestinians condemned the decision, asserting that the US has no credibility as a Middle East peace broker.
The dramatic shift in Washington's policy vis-a-vis the city triggered demonstrations in the occupied Palestinian territories, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, Morocco and other Muslim countries.
On December 21, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution that calls on the US to withdraw its controversial recognition of Jerusalem al-Quds as Israeli "capital."
In an attempt to avert the resolution, Trump had warned that "we're watching," threatening reprisals against countries that backed the measure, which earlier faced a US veto at the UN Security Council.
Israel, however, rejected the world body's resolution while thanking Trump for his decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem al-Quds.
Jerusalem al-Quds remains at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Palestinians hoping that the eastern part of the city would eventually serve as the capital of a future independent Palestinian state.
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Yemeni army, allies killed nearly 400 Saudi soldiers, 894 mercenaries in 2017: Report
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 04:31PM
Yemeni army soldiers, backed by allied fighters from the Popular Committees, killed nearly 400 Saudi soldiers and hundreds of Saudi-backed militiamen loyal to Yemen's resigned president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, last year in retaliation for the Riyadh regime's deadly military campaign against the crisis-hit country.
The Yemeni Joint Operations Command announced in a statement on Wednesday that Yemeni forces shot and killed 399 soldiers in the kingdom's southwestern border regions, and fatally shot 894 Saudi mercenaries across Yemen in 2017, Yemen's official news agency SABA reported.
The statement added that Yemeni soldiers and their allies also destroyed eight M1 Abrams main battle tanks, 196 armored vehicles, 31 tanks and 1,337 military vehicles during the mentioned period.
Yemeni naval forces also struck two gunboats, four battleships, a spy submarine and a frigate last year.
Moreover, the country's air defense units and fighters from the Popular Committees intercepted and shot down two General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, one McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle warplane, two Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopter, a Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle as well as 19 reconnaissance aircraft.
Yemeni forces also launched a total of 45 domestically-produced ballistic missiles, including three solid propellant and Scud-type Borkan-1 (Volcano-1) ones, three Borkan-2 (Volcano-2) missiles and three long-range Borkan H-2 missiles into the positions of Saudi troopers and Saudi-backed militiamen.
Additionally, Yemeni army forces and their allies lobbed a total of 293 homemade and tactical rockets at the gatherings of Saudi soldiers and their mercenaries throughout last year.
At least 13,600 people have been killed since the onset of Saudi Arabia's military campaign against Yemen in 2015. Much of the Arabian Peninsula country's infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and factories, has been reduced to rubble due to the war.
The Saudi-led war has also triggered a deadly cholera epidemic across Yemen.
According to the World Health Organization's latest tally, the cholera outbreak has killed 2,167 people since the end of April and is suspected to have infected 841,906.
On November 26, the United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) said that more than 11 million children in Yemen were in acute need of aid, stressing that it was estimated that every 10 minutes a child died of a preventable disease there.
Additionally, the UN has described the current level of hunger in Yemen as "unprecedented," emphasizing that 17 million people are now food insecure in the country.
It added that 6.8 million, meaning almost one in four people, do not have enough food and rely entirely on external assistance.
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McMaster Says U.S. Must Reveal 'Insidious' Russian Meddling To Prevent Further Attacks
RFE/RL January 03, 2018
WASHINGTON -- Top White House adviser H.R. McMaster says one of the most important tasks in defending U.S. national security is to reveal Russia's "insidious" interference in elections worldwide to prevent Moscow from meddling again in the democratic process.
"What we have to do is come up with a way to deal with this very sophisticated strategy [of meddling]," McMaster, U.S. President Donald Trump's national security adviser, told Voice of America (VOA) in an interview conducted at the White House on January 2.
"This new kind of threat that Russia has really perfected...the use of disinformation and propaganda and social-media tools to really polarize societies and pit communities against each other, to weaken their resolve and their commitment," McMaster said.
U.S. intelligence officials concluded last January that Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an "influence campaign" targeting the 2016 election, aiming to undermine confidence in U.S. democracy, tarnish the reputation of Democrat Hillary Clinton, and help Republican Donald Trump.
Officials in Europe have also concluded that Russia attempted to meddle in elections there, including in France, Spain, and the Brexit vote in Britain.
McMaster said that "insidious is the right word" to describe Russia's actions.
"So, one of the most important remedies is to pull the curtain back on it to show this activity, to show what the source of this activity is -- what the purpose of this activity is," he said.
"And so doing this, you're going to undercut a lot of their ability to exert that kind of negative influence on our society or others.
"The Russians were very active in Europe...in the French election recently, in the Spanish referendum in regards to Catalonia [independence]. You see them active in Mexico already. I mean, what they did in Montenegro to try to foment a coup," he said.
"Pulling the curtain back on Russia's destabilizing behavior, I think, is a very important first step, because once everybody sees what they're up to, they lose a lot of their power to foment [trouble] and to pit communities against each other."
McMaster noted that Russia has denied interfering in the U.S. or other elections, but he labeled it as "implausible deniability."
He said the Russians "are the same people" who denied they shot down Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 and "murdered" 298 people, that "they have soldiers in Crimea or eastern Ukraine," or that they are providing cover for the Syrian regime of President Bashar al-Assad and his alleged use of chemical weapons.
Dutch investigators and others say a Malaysia Airlines passenger plane that crashed in a conflict zone in eastern Ukraine in July 2014 was brought down by a Russian-made surface-to-air missile.
The United States and other Western countries have imposed sanctions on Russia for its illegal annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region and for its support of separatists in eastern Ukraine in a war that has killed more than 10,300 people since 2014.
"[The denials are] just not credible anymore," he said. "So, what we need to do, I think, with Russia is confront their destabilization behavior. As I mentioned, pull the curtain back on it."
Nevertheless, he added, it was important for the United States to find ways to cooperate with Russia.
"We also have to deter further conflict with Russia," he said. "What we'd like to do is find areas where we can cooperate with Russia in areas where our interests overlap," he said.
"One of those areas we've been talking about is in North Korea and other is in Iran.
"How can it be in Russia's interest to help empower Iran from the Middle East? They're going to pay a huge price for that," he added.
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/mcmaster-russia-election-meddling- insidious-implausible-deniability/28953524.html
Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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Norway Suspends Licenses for Exporting Arms to UAE Foreign Ministry
Sputnik News
16:29 03.01.2018(updated 16:56 03.01.2018)
STOCKHOLM (Sputnik) - Norway has decided to suspend all valid licenses for exports of weapons and ammunition to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to its involvement in the armed conflict in Yemen, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday.
"Following a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Yemen and the increasing risk associated with the United Arab Emirates' military involvement in Yemen, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided on 19 December 2017 to suspend valid licenses for A-materials (weapons and ammunition) to the United Arab Emirates," the press release read.
The ministry noted that new export licenses of A-materials to the United Arab Emirates would not be granted in this situation. The press release added that there was no information about Norwegian ammunition being used in Yemen, but the decision was an expression of the country's hard line on the issue of arms exports.
"Norway generally has very strict legislation and relevant guidelines for exports of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment," Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soreide said, as quoted in the press release.
The ministry stressed that the development of the armed conflict in Yemen in the fall of 2017 had been serious, and there were grave concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region. In this regard, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry is closely following the situation in Yemen and makes thorough individual assessments of each application for export licenses, "especially considering the risk of using Norwegian defense materials in Yemen and human rights violations," the press release added.
Yemen has been engulfed in a military conflict since 2015, with the government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi fighting against the Houthi rebels, backed by army units loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. Since March 2015, the Saudi-led coalition of mostly Persian Gulf Arab countries has been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen under Hadi's request.
In November, tensions between the rebels and Saleh escalated and shortly after reaffirming the end of his alliance with the Houthis, Saleh was killed by the rebels.
Sputnik
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Trump Threatens to Cut Off Aid to Palestine Unless Peace Negotiations Resume
Sputnik News
01:45 03.01.2018(updated 02:20 03.01.2018)
US President Donald Trump wrote a pair of tweets on Tuesday where he questioned why the US was continuing to give "massive" amounts of money in aid payments to Palestine if they were "no longer willing to talk peace" with Israel.
In the tweets, Trump noted that the US pays "hundreds of million dollars a year" to Palestine in foreign aid but receives "no appreciation or respect for it." He implied that the money flow will stop if the Palestinians do not return to the negotiating table with the Israelis.
"We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table," said Trump, referring to his controversial December decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem a city that Israel considers to be its capital but the international community writ large does not.
In December, Trump also threatened to end foreign assistance to countries that voted in the UN to condemn his decision to move the embassy. "Let them vote against us. We'll save a lot. We don't care. But this isn't like it used to be where they could vote against you and then you pay them hundreds of millions of dollars and nobody knows what they're doing," Trump reportedly said during a cabinet meeting. He also threatened to pull US funding of the UN.
While Trump has been known for indulging in idle threats and tough talk over Twitter, he sometimes does deliver. On Monday, he vowed to put an end to foreign aid to Pakistan in retribution for their alleged harboring of Islamic terror groups. The next day, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley announced that some $255 million in US foreign aid payments to Pakistan would indeed come to a halt.
According to foreignassistance.gov, the US paid $291 million to Palestine in 2017. An additional $251 million in aid is planned for 2018. Foreign aid to Palestine peaked in 2009, when the US gave over $1 billion.
By comparison, the US gives $3.1 billion in aid to Israel every year in 2017, only Afghanistan received more.
Sputnik
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North Korea leader orders hotline with South reopened
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 06:32AM
North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un has given an order to reopen a cross-border telephone hotline with South Korea, as Pyongyang and Seoul make overtures to one another.
An unidentified North Korean official said in a televised statement that Kim had on Wednesday ordered the telephone hotline restored in Panmunjom, the "truce village" that is located at the heavily-guarded demilitarized zone (DMZ), where the Koreas have historically held talks.
South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman was also quoted by AFP as saying on Wednesday that North Korea's Central Television (KCTV) "said the North will open a dialog channel with the South at 3:30 p.m. (0630 GMT) today."
The telephone line had long been a contact point for exchanging messages between the two Koreas. The North, however, stopped using it after the South's ousted president Park Geun-hye shut down a joint industrial complex in the North Korean town of Kaesong in early 2016.
Later in the day, the South's Unification Ministry said in a statement that Seoul had begun preliminary contacts with Pyongyang on the reopened communication system.
It said officials were first trying to examine whether the communication lines were working well.
The two Koreas have long had strained ties. Tensions recently skyrocketed with repeated North Korean missile and nuclear tests and increased South Korean joint military action with the United States.
However, a series of overtures between the two Koreas began when Kim used his annual New Year address to express interest in dialog with the South as well as in North Korean participation in the Winter Olympic Games, to be held in the South Korean city of Pyeongchang from February 9 to 25.
South Korea quickly responded by proposing high-level talks with the North on January 9.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who has long favored engagement to ease the tensions with the North, earlier on Tuesday welcomed Kim's suggestion of an opportunity to launch new dialog.
North Korea is yet to respond to the South's specific offer of high-level talks. In his address, Kim had merely said the Winter Olympics could provide a reason for officials from the two Koreas "to meet in the near future," without specifying the level of potential talks.
The last high-level talks between the two neighbors was held in December 2015 to ease border tensions but ended without any agreement.
Over the past two years, Pyongyang has quickly advanced its nuclear and missile weapons programs to counter threats from the US and its regional allies South Korea included.
Washington has now sought to downplay the prospect of talks between the Koreas, saying talks are futile if North Korea does not denuclearize.
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Haley warns of 'tougher measures' if North Korea stages new missile test
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 05:02AM
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley says North Korea is possibly preparing for a new missile test, warning of "tougher measures" against the South Asian country.
"(W)e hear reports that North Korea might be preparing for another missile test," Haley told reporters at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday.
"I hope that doesn't happen. But if it does, we must bring even tougher measures to bear against the North Korean regime."
Her remarks come as President Donald Trump on Tuesday made a sharp retort to the North Korean leader's recent threat that he had a nuclear button on his desk, saying his nuclear button "is a much bigger & more powerful one than his."
Kim Jong-un used his televised New Year's Day speech to warn that "the entire United States is within range of our nuclear weapons, and a nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat."
But Kim said he was "open to dialogue" with South Korea. He said the Winter Olympics could provide a reason for officials from the two Koreas "to meet in the near future."
Elsewhere in her remarks, Haley dismissed proposed high-level talks between North Korea and South Korea, saying it would not take any talks seriously unless Pyongyang abandons its nuclear weapons program.
Her dismissive assessment of the talks stands in contrast to the US State Department's more cautious response.
The White House and the State Department denied that in offering to send a delegation to South Korea for the Winter Olympics in February Kim succeeded in driving a wedge between Washington and Seoul.
However, there was an obvious gap between Haley's remarks and South Korea's willingness expressed earlier on Tuesday to talk with the North "at any time and place, and in any form."
South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon suggested the talks be held next week in the border village of Panmunjom, where they last held contacts two years ago.
Calling the North "a very reckless regime," Haley said, "North Korea can talk with anyone they want but the US is not going to recognize it or acknowledge it until they agree to ban the nuclear weapons that they have."
Pyongyang has repeatedly defended its weapons program as being defensive in nature and a deterrent against hostility by foreign powers.
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Trump boasts of bigger 'nuclear button' than Kim Jong-un's
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 03:20AM
US President Donald Trump has made a sharp retort to the North Korean leader's recent threat that he had a nuclear button on his desk, saying his nuclear button "is a much bigger & more powerful one than his."
"North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.' Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!" Trump said in a tweet on Tuesday.
The US president's reply came a day after Kim used his televised New Year's Day speech to warn Washington that, "The entire United States is within range of our nuclear weapons, and a nuclear button is always on my desk. This is reality, not a threat."
During his address, the North Korean leader stressed the importance of reducing military tensions on the Korean peninsula, also expressing an interest in dialogue with South Korea.
North Korea has been under a raft of harsh UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear tests as well as multiple rocket and missile launches. Pyongyang has firmly defended its military program as a deterrent against the hostile policies of the US and its regional allies, including South Korea and Japan.
On November 29, North Korea said it had successfully tested a new missile that put the US mainland within range of its nuclear weapons. It also declared itself a "nuclear state."
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Trump Says U.S. 'Nuclear Button' Much Bigger Than North Korea's
January 03, 2018
U.S. President Donald Trump has responded to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's boast that he has a "nuclear button" on his desk by warning that the United States has a "bigger and more powerful" nuclear trigger.
"North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times'," Trump tweeted on January 2.
"Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"
Kim in his annual New Year's address had warned he had what he called a "nuclear button" on his desk and weapons that he claimed can reach all of the United States, but he said he would only use the weapons if Pyongyang's security was threatened.
"This is a reality, not a threat," Kim said, while he also extended an invitation to South Korea to restart talks and said his country was interested in taking part in the Pyeongchang Games next month.
Trump said he was skeptical about any reopening of talks between the two sides, but South Korea responded positively by proposing high-level talks with Pyongyang on January 9.
If the meeting goes ahead, it would be the first time the two sides have met in more than two years.
Meanwhile, North Korea on January 3 reopened a cross-border hotline with South Korea, a further sign of a thawing in relations between the rivals.
The communication link, which had not been used since 2016 because of an intensifying dispute over the North's nuclear and ballistic-missile programs, was reestablished at the border village of Panmunjom in the demilitarized zone on January 3.
"I believe it signals a move toward an environment where communication will be possible at all times," South Korean presidential spokesman Yoon Young-chan said.
Based on reporting by AP, AFP, Yonhap, and dpa
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/korea-us-trump- kim-nuclear-button/28952520.html
Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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Pyongyang, Seoul Hold Phone Call Via Reopened Hotline S Korean Official
Sputnik News
11:21 03.01.2018(updated 15:39 03.01.2018)
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The North and South Korean liaison officers have held a phone conversation via the reopened communication channel in Panmunjom, the shared border village, South Korea's Unification Ministry official said, as quoted by the Yonhap news agency.
"The call has been made between the South and North's liaison officers in Panmunjom," the official said.
According to the news agency, the phone call took place at 15:30 local time [06:30 GMT]. The two sides confirmed that the telephone and fax machines were operating normally.
No further details regarding the phone call have been provided.
Earlier in the day, a high-ranking North Korean official said that the country's leader Kim Jong-un had ordered to reopen a contact channel between Pyongyang and Seoul to discuss issues related to the upcoming Olympic games in Pyeongchang.
The day before, South Korea's Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon proposed holding high-level talks on January 9 between the two countries at the demilitarized zone, in Panmunjom in order to discuss the issue of North Korean athletes participating in the upcoming Olympics, slated for February 9-25.
However, following the proposition, US Envoy to the United Nations Nikki Haley said that the US would not recognize any possible talks between the North and the South unless the talks resulted in a ban of all nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula.
Sputnik
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Sharp Reactions in Congress to Trump Tweet on North Korea
By Michael Bowman January 03, 2018
U.S. President Donald Trump's tweet warning North Korea's leader that he has a "Nuclear Button" that is "much bigger & more powerful" than Kim Jong Un's set off a series of sharp reactions Wednesday on Capitol Hill as the Senate gaveled in for its first day of business in 2018.
"It's embarrassing, it's counterproductive and it's dangerous," said Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, the Foreign Relations Committee's top Democrat.
"It puts the president of the United States in the position of being a fool or deadly serious [about ordering a nuclear strike]," Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island told VOA. "We don't need that."
But Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming had a different view about the wisdom of the provocative presidential tweet, saying: "We finally have a president who is actually dealing with the problem at hand, instead of what we've seen previously, which was ignoring the problem."
Vice President Mike Pence echoed that view in an exclusive interview with VOA on Wednesday.
"President Trump has provided a kind of clear leadership on the world stage that has made immeasurable progress particularly with regard to North Korea," Pence said. "President Trump made it clear [that] America will not be bullied, America will not be threatened."
On Tuesday, Trump tweeted: "North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.' Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!"
No such button
Nuclear experts have pointed out that, in fact, no such physical button exists. Rather, U.S. presidents have access at all times to communications equipment for ordering a nuclear launch.
The system allows America to respond promptly to a nuclear attack from abroad. A growing number of Democrats have insisted that a preemptive U.S. nuclear strike against North Korea or any other adversary would require authorization from Congress as an act of war.
"He [Trump] doesn't have a [nuclear] button he can use without us. No wars without Congress, period," Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia told VOA. "We [lawmakers] better make sure we hold him accountable for that and give him a little Constitutional education."
Late last year, Democrats introduced a bill that would prohibit a U.S. president "from using the Armed Forces to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless such strike is conducted pursuant to a congressional declaration of war expressly authorizing such strike."
At a recent Senate hearing examining presidential nuclear authority, Republicans cautioned against creating any doubts on the world stage about America's nuclear deterrent and its determination to respond to threats.
"Every single word that's been uttered here this morning in this hearing is going to be analyzed in Pyongyang, and they are going to look very carefully at how we, the American people, view this," declared Senator James Risch of Idaho.
"One of the things that voters think about when they elect someone to the office of president of the United States is whether or not they want to entrust them with this [nuclear] capability," said Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
Odd timing
Trump's tweet came amid tentative steps to reestablish and broaden communications between North Korea and South Korea.
North Korea reopened a cross-border communications channel with South Korea on Wednesday, the first significant sign the bitter rivals are seeking to improve relations after years of rising tensions.
The sudden thaw in frosty ties between North and South Korea began Monday, when North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used his annual New Year's Day address to call for direct talks with Seoul and to announce his willingness to send a negotiating team to South Korea to discuss his country's possible participation next month in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Seoul responded Tuesday by offering to hold talks with North Korean diplomats next week, January 9, in Panmunjom. The meeting would be the first high-level inter-Korean talks since December 2015.
Democrats accused Trump of sabotaging diplomacy at a critical moment.
"The president always undercuts diplomacy," Kaine said. "If you undermine diplomacy, you raise the risk of unnecessary war."
Pence, by contrast, argued that, under Trump's leadership, an unprecedented amount of non-military pressure is being brought to bear on North Korea.
"After decades of North Korea stalling and ignoring the world community and continuing to develop nuclear and ballistic missiles, we're now literally beginning to see movement among nations in the region. China is doing more than ever before," the vice president said.
While some Republican lawmakers simply ignore Trump's most provocative tweets, Democrats continue to blast the president's social media messaging.
"I don't let my 11-year-old have a Twitter account, and I would suggest that somebody in the White House might want to do a better job of controlling the president's Twitter account," New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich told VOA.
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India to buy $260mn worth of Israeli missiles, Russian bombs
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 03:44PM
The Indian Defense Ministry has authorized major arms deals with Israel and Russia, as the country steps up efforts to modernize its military amid territorial disputes with neighbors China and Pakistan.
Under the first deal that the ministry announced on Tuesday, the Indian Navy would receive up to 131 Barak surface-to-air missiles worth $72 million, AFP reported.
The missiles are probably of the Barak 8 type that Israeli weapons manufacturer Rafael has jointly developed with its Indian partners and would be used to replace India's aging Barak 1 air defense systems.
The weapons would also be deployed onboard India's first locally built aircraft carrier, the INS Vikrant, which is still under construction.
The news came a fortnight ahead of a high-profile visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel is one of the top three weapons suppliers to India.
Last year, the Indian Navy had announced a global tender for 10 short-range surface-to-air missile systems and 600 missiles at the cost of about $1.5 billion.
But the time-consuming process prompted Indian officials to drop the plan and go ahead with a follow-on offering of Barak missiles.
Last year, New Delhi granted a $2 billion deal to another Israeli firm - Israeli Aerospace Industries - in order to equip the Indian Army and Navy with missile defense systems.
Days before finalizing the Barak deal, India informed Rafael that it was cancelling a $500 million agreement for 1,600 Spike anti-tank missiles. New Delhi agreed to the contract in 2014, preferring the Israeli missiles over the Javelin system offered by Washington.
The Indian Defense Ministry says it would instead invest the money in a domestic alternative that the state-owned Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has promised to deliver in four years.
Bomb deal with Russia
As an extension of its wide-ranging military cooperation with Russia, the Indian Defense Ministry also announced a $188 million deal to buy 240 bombs from Russia's JSC Rosonboron Exports.
"This procurement will address the deficiency of precision-guided munitions in the IAF (Indian Air Force) arsenal, besides enhancing the offensive capabilities of the IAF," it said in a statement.
In late December, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Moscow was looking forward to finalizing a contract to supply India with four to five regiments of S-400 Triumf advanced Air Defense Systems.
India has signed a number of major military deals since 2014, the year Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power.
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Iranians hold nationwide rallies to denounce riots, back Islamic establishment
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 08:37AM
Iranians from all walks of life have taken to the streets of several cities to renew their allegiance to the Islamic establishment and condemn the recent wave of deadly violence in some areas.
Holding banners and national flags, the demonstrators chanted pro-government slogans during the mass rallies which were held in different towns and cities, including Ahvaz, Kermanshah, Bushehr, Abadan, Gorgan and Qom.
Several other cities are slated to hold similar rallies on Thursday, while Tehrani residents will hold a rally following the Friday prayers.
Last week, a number of peaceful protests over economic grievances started in several cities, but those gatherings suspiciously changed color and turned ugly when groups of participants, some of them armed, launched attacks on public property, police stations and religious sites.
Over a dozen people have been killed in the ensuing violence, according to state media reports.
The participants further shouted slogans against the United States and the Israeli regime, which welcomed the turmoil and voiced support for the riots.
US President Donald Trump has angered Iranians by repeatedly posting insulting tweets against the nation in recent days.
Iranian authorities have taken turns to censure Washington and its allies for interfering in the country's domestic affairs.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Tuesday that enemies have been using various tools to deal blows to the Iranian nation and the Islamic establishment during the latest developments.
President Hassan Rouhani has also said that based on the rights enshrined in the Constitution and the Charter of Civil Rights, people are free to criticize the government or stage protests, but the manner of expressing such criticism should be constructive and help improve domestic conditions.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has also said the Islamic Republic's security and stability depend on its own people, and that "infiltrators" will not be permitted to violate the rights of Iranians.
The Interior Ministry said Tuesday that the situation in most of the country has now returned to normal, and that the unrest will soon come to an end.
The Intelligence Ministry also said it has identified and arrested a number of the agents behind the violence.
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Enemies target Iran due to its resistance, support for oppressed: IRGC chief
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 04:11PM
The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says enemies have been struggling to pose cultural and economic threats to the Islamic Republic, which has stood up to their hegemonic moves.
"Enemies know that they can by no means threaten the Islamic Republic of Iran militarily, and after the Sacred Defense (during Iraq's imposed war on Iran), they have invested heavily to carry out cultural, economic and security threats against Iran," Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said on Wednesday.
In reaction to recent protests in some Iranian cities, the IRGC commander added that Iran's enemies "are doomed to failure" with regard to the riots.
He said the Iranian nation has been targeted due to its resistance against the US and its "lackeys" as well as Tehran's support for the oppressed nations worldwide.
Today, the enemy, which has suffered due to its failing policies in the region, is seeking to create insecurity in the Islamic Iran, he said, warning against any compromises with foreign powers.
Elsewhere in his remarks, the IRGC commander said "a large number of the arrested trouble-makers at the center of the sedition had received training from counter-revolutionaries and the terrorist Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO), and there will be firm action against them."
Last week, a number of peaceful protests over economic problems broke out in several Iranian cities, but the gatherings turned violent when groups of participants, some of them armed, vandalized public property and launched attacks on police stations and government buildings.
Over a dozen people have been killed in the ensuing violence, according to state media reports.
On Wednesday, Iranians from all walks of life took to the streets in several cities to condemn the violence.
The participants voiced support for the government and shouted slogans against the US and the Israeli regime for backing the riots.
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VP Pence Vows US Solidarity With Iranian Protesters
By Peter Heinlein January 03, 2018
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has vowed the United States will stand with Iranian anti-government protesters for the long haul, and he said President Donald Trump stands ready to back the uprising with more than just words.
"President Trump's unapologetic willingness to stand with the courageous people of Iran, I know, is giving hope to the people on the streets of the cities of that country," Pence said in a VOA interview. "And we're going to continue to support them not just verbally as they bring about change in their country."
State Department officials have told VOA the administration is considering economic sanctions or other actions against people or organizations that commit violence against peaceful protesters.
Speaking to VOA contributor Greta Van Susteren in his ceremonial office in the Executive Office Building on Wednesday, Pence declined to elaborate on what actions the United States might be considering, saying only that there is "an extraordinary amount that the United States and countries around the world can do for the people of Iran if they continue to stand up for their own freedom."
The vice president said the administration believes current sanctions on Tehran are working, and could be increased. "This president and this administration are absolutely committed to continue to bring the full economic weight of the United States and these economic sanctions to bear on Iran."
2018 vs 2009
The Trump administration's quick embrace of the Iran demonstrations contrasts with the Obama administration's more muted response to street protests in 2009 that lasted for months before dissipating under a deadly government crackdown.
At the time, American officials expressed worries that by forcefully backing one faction in Iran's political divide, the U.S. would be inserting itself into a domestic political dispute. Iranian leaders frequently blame the United States and other countries of fomenting unrest.
Pence said that reluctance to get involved was a mistake.
"I remember back in 2009 seeing this largely youth-driven movement following a fraudulent election in Iran, people taking to the streets demonstrating incredible courage that the people of Iran did to claim a democratic and free future. And they looked to the White House in those days in 2009 and they looked for leadership and there was none. There was deafening silence from the Obama administration," Pence said.
"Unlike the past, this time America stands with the brave Iranian protesters who are risking their lives for freedom," Pence tweeted in a summary of his VOA interview.
The vice president called the American people "a natural ally" of Iran and said he sees a parallel between Trump's words of support for Iranian protesters and President Ronald Reagan's encouragement of Soviet dissidents in the 1980s.
"If I had one hope today, it is just as the dissidents in the old Soviet Union heard of Ronald Reagan's Evil Empire speech and were encouraged to know that they were not alone, my hope is that the people who are taking to the streets in Iran know that under President Donald Trump they are not alone, that the American people stand with them," Pence said.
The vice president's comments came as Trump tweeted a statement backing the uprising, even as Iran's state media reported that tens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators had staged rallies across the country following days of anti-government protests.
"Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government," Trump said in a Twitter comment. "You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!" It was not immediately clear what assistance Trump had in mind.
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How Iran Protests Play into Middle East Power Struggles
By Heather Murdock January 03, 2018
"Part of me is feeling hope," said Arash Azizi, a New York University researcher, far from his home in Iran. "We see the rising up of the downtrodden."
"But I am even more worried than hopeful," he added.
More than 20 people have been killed and 450 arrested since a protest movement in cities and towns across Iran began in late December, and analysts say if it continues, the impact many not just be in Iran, but across the region.
Mostly peaceful protests could turn into clashes and Iran's rivals are watching for the prospect of a weakened state, according to Reza Marashi, research director with the National Iranian American Council.
Protesters are demanding an end to "mismanagement, nepotism and corruption," he said, and have called for the fall of the government in recent days.
Unlike mass protests in 2009 against an election seen as illegitimate, the movement is without clear leadership, and normally outspoken activists in Iran have been largely silent. It is still not clear if the demonstrations will continue with the same velocity as they have in the past week. And if they do, according to Marashi, it is too early to predict an outcome.
The 2009 protests lasted for months, but were ultimately crushed by security forces. Thousands of people were arrested and dozens killed. The election results were upheld.
Current protests have attracted considerably smaller crowds, but in a larger number of cities and towns, said Marashi. "It's more important to see how it plays out over the weeks and months," he said.
Iran-Saudi rivalry
Iran is embroiled in proxy wars with Saudi Arabia in Syria and Yemen, as well as funding Hezbollah, a Lebanese military and Israeli archenemy. It is also a key player in Iraq, and its internal politics have the potential to impact almost every corner of the region.
Among the protesters' grievances are vast sums of money sent abroad while people are hungry at home.
In the past two years, tensions between Tehran and Riyadh have become explosive, and Iranian officials have accused Saudi Arabia, the United States and Britain of having a hand in the protests.
"This is a silly claim, with no basis in fact," said Mark Fitzpatrick, executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Americas office. "It is farcical because the Saudis have little influence in Iran."
In recent days, protesters also began calling for the collapse of their government, demanding "Death to the dictator!" and "Clerics should get lost!" Among Iran's main rivals, this sparked speculation or perhaps hope that the Iranian government will fall or be damaged.
For Saudi Arabia, this could mean a shift of regional power toward Riyadh as Iran's influence and ability to fight regional conflicts decrease, according to Khaled Almaeena, a Saudi political and media analyst based in Jeddah.
"For too long, Iran has been interfering with other states," he said.
Domino effect
If the past is an indicator of the future, these protests are likely to lead to a violent crackdown if they continue, according to Azizi of NYU.And while many protesters have expressed a willingness to risk physical harm to achieve their aims, there has yet to emerge any alternative to the current government.
"Some people say, If we want to bring down the Islamic Republic, I'm the first to sign up,'" he said. "'But what's next?'"
Violence on Iranian streets may also increase the threat of clashes in other parts of the region, according to Josepha Ivanka Wessels, a senior researcher at Lund University in Sweden.
"The prospect of major bloodshed at the hands of the state looms large and if that happens, the ensuing domino effect could create yet another volatile and explosive situation in an already stormy and dangerous region," she writes in The Conversation, a journal that features articles written by academics.
Real change?
Still, many in Iran are hopeful that the protests will inspire real change at any cost, according to Azizi.
"People ask how long are we going to keep up this bizarre regime that takes up our blood and treasure to survive," he said.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, widely seen as progressive and democratically elected, has spoken up for the public's right to express their grievances, but has also downplayed the protest movement.
"Our great nation has witnessed a number of similar incidents in the past and has comfortably dealt with them. This is nothing," he told Iranian members of parliament on Monday.
Other Iranian leaders have stressed that the death penalty will be applied to some protest-related arrests.
If demonstrators are not dissuaded by this threat and the lack of alternate leadership, some analysts say even continued protests may have no immediate impact.
"The regime has full control of all security forces as well as the judiciary, the communications networks and other sources of power," said Fitzpatrick. "So far, it has been retrained in exercising these tools of force, but it will not hesitate to do so if the protests grow to the point where they might be seen as threatening the regime's hold on power."
In the context of Iranians' long-term internal struggle for civil and political rights, these protests are significant, added the National Iranian American Council's Marashi.
"Iranians strive for democracy, not revolution," he said.
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Turkish Banker Convicted of Laundering Iran-Turkey Deals Through US Banks
By VOA News January 03, 2018
A Turkish banker has been convicted in a U.S. court for participating in a billion-dollar plot to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran.
A court in New York City has convicted Mehmet Hakan Atilla on four counts of conspiracy, including conspiracy to defraud the United States, plus one count of bank fraud. The 47-year-old Turkish national was acquitted on a charge of money laundering.
The case has strained relations between Turkey and the United States.
Atilla is a deputy general manager at Turkey's state-run Halkbank. U.S. prosecutors charged him with helping to facilitate a deal in which Iran traded oil and gas for gold, moving some of the transactions through U.S. banks without their knowledge.
Atilla was heard on telephone recordings setting up fake food and agriculture deals with Iran to disguise deals that were really sales of oil. Atilla's lawyer said his client was merely "a hapless pawn" in those deals, blaming Atilla's boss, Reza Zarrab, instead.
Zarrab, a Turkish-Iranian trader who has admitted arranging the deals, told the court he paid about $50 million in bribes in 2012 to the Turkish finance minister to push the deals through. Zarrab testified that he believed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was aware of the scheme.
Erdogan said the case is an American conspiracy to blackmail Turkey, a strategic partner with the U.S. in Middle East affairs.
Iran and the United States have had chilly relations since the Iran hostage crisis from 1979-1981, in which 52 Americans were held by student activists in Iran for 444 days until a release was negotiated. The United States now bans most financial dealings with Iran, which is a major oil-producing nations.
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Disease Outbreaks Plague Rohingya Refugees in Bangladesh
By Steve Sandford January 03, 2018
At Balukhali refugee camp in Bangladesh, unclean water, cramped living quarters and squalid conditions create a prime environment for outbreaks of preventable diseases among the estimated 650,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled strife in neighboring Myanmar.
While 900,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine already have been delivered by more than 200 mobile vaccination teams, another contagious bacterial infection, diphtheria, has emerged.
"Diphtheria is a vaccine preventable disease. It's an illustration of how the Rohingya population that are living in the makeshift settlements here had very little access to health care in their place of origin in Myanmar," said Kate Nolan, emergency coordinator with international aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders.
Diphtheria often causes the buildup of a sticky grey-white membrane in the throat or nose. The infection causes airway obstruction and damage to the heart and nervous system. The fatality rate increases without the diphtheria antitoxin.
"This is an extremely vulnerable population with low vaccination coverage, living in conditions that could be a breeding ground for infectious diseases like cholera, measles, rubella and diphtheria," said Dr. Navaratnasamy Paranietharan, the World Health Organization representative to Bangladesh.
Myanmar's health sector is rated among the worst in the world, particularly in the ethnic regions where conflict and poverty have delayed medical development.
The Rohingya refugees fled Myanmar's northern Rakhine state after insurgents attacked security forces in late August, prompting a military crackdown that has since been described as ethnic cleansing.
'Appalling' health care
Myanmar's government denies it has engaged in ethnic cleansing, and it insists that a majority of the violence and burning of Rohingya villages was done by the Rohingya militants who attacked the Myanmar security forces.
"The health care facilities for the Rohingya in Rakhine state are appalling and just a small amount of the needs were being met, even before the attacks in August," said Rohingya expert Chris Lewa of the Arakan Project, a human rights organization that monitors and documents the situation.
According to Lewa, the impoverished Rohingya population in northern Rakhine say they are treated with discrimination by Myanmar medical staff at government hospitals and face severe movement restrictions when traveling to health care facilities.
Lewa points to Myanmar's Maungdaw District, where the army conducted so-called "clearance operations" following deadly insurgent attacks last year.
"Health facilities set up by INGOs [international nongovernmental organizations] in Maungdaw have been burned to the ground, which will make it even more difficult for them if and when they are allowed to return," Lewa added.
Currently, INGOs are not allowed in the areas outside Maungdaw.
Doctors Without Borders has responded to the rapid spread of diphtheria in neighboring Bangladesh by converting one of its mother and child inpatient facilities at the Balukhali makeshift settlement, and at another inpatient site, into treatment centers.
"The emergence of this disease is a concern because it contributes to an existing precarious public health situation that we have in the makeshift settlements," Nolan said.
Tracking down carriers
Now, potential carriers must get antitoxins and antibiotics to prevent the further spread of the bacterium and kill it.
"We need to find all the suspected cases in the camps and get them all here to start the antibiotic treatment and keep them isolated for 48 hours," said on-duty doctor Thomas Hansen.
Because the disease spreads easily through water droplets from sneezing and coughing, medical teams are tasked with following up on initial quarantine with visits to a patient's family to trace and treat people who might have come in contact with the disease in the community.
Doctors Without Borders and health partners like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are working together to isolate suspected cases.
One of the biggest challenges for health workers, however, is getting to remote locations where potential outbreaks can occur.
With the sudden influx of the 650,000 refugees, new land clearance has led to huts being constructed well beyond the main roadways.
"They live in areas that are difficult to reach. You cannot reach them by cars or Tom Toms [three-wheeled taxis] because of no roads, so they will have to carry their patients to where they can get treatment," said Dagne Hordvei, team leader with the Norwegian Red Cross.
"We have an agreement with [Doctors Without Borders] that we take the measles patients from them, and they take the diphtheria patients, with lots of activity going out to the communities to try to reduce the speed of the spreading of diphtheria."
Vaccination campaign
As Bangladesh's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare working with the World Health Organization, UNICEF and other health partners implements a vaccination campaign to prevent future outbreaks of diphtheria, it appears that at least some of the next generation of Rohingya will have protection from preventable diseases.
"We are working with partners to ensure that clinical guidance is available to health workers, and that there are enough beds and medicines for those who get sick. But the only way to control this outbreak is to protect people, particularly children, through vaccination," said the WHO's Paranietharan.
As of December 21, Doctors Without Borders has seen more than 2,000 suspected diphtheria cases in its health facilities, and the number is rising daily. Most of the patients are between the ages of 5 and 14 years old.
More than 20 Rohingya in Bangladesh have died from the disease.
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Russia confirms copter crash in Syria, cites technical fault
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 3, 2018 10:39AM
Russia has confirmed that a Russian military helicopter earlier crashed in northwestern Syria, killing two pilots and injuring a technician.
Russia's Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that a Russian Mi-24 helicopter carrying three personnel had crashed over Hama Province on December 31.
The copter was making a hard landing 15 kilometers from the Hama airfield in the province's capital of the same name when it crashed, the ministry said. It cited a technical fault as the cause of the crash, dismissing some reports that the aircraft had been fired at.
The technician injured in the crash was transported to Khmeimim Airbase. The base, one of the two run on a permanent basis by Russia in Syria, is located in the province of Latakia, which neighbors Hama.
Russia has been carrying out an aerial bombardment campaign against extremist militants in Syria at Damascus' request since September 2015. Along with Iranian advisory military support, the Russian campaign has helped eliminate Daesh terrorists and retake territory they had overrun in Syria.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, some 60,000 militants have been killed in the Russian campaign.
In mid-December last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to begin withdrawing from Syria as Daesh was routed in the country.
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Syrian Army Liberates Six Settlements in Hama Province - Source
Sputnik News
16:54 03.01.2018(updated 17:00 03.01.2018)
DAMASCUS (Sputnik) - Syrian government forces have liberated six settlements from militants of the Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly known as Nusra Front) terrorist group, outlawed in Russia, in Hama province, a Syrian military source told Sputnik.
"The Syrian army has regained control over the towns and settlements of Khvein al-Kabir, Az Zarzur, Sham Al Hawa, An Niha, Kliat Tubia and Al Musharraf in the northeast of Hama province," the source said.
According to the source, the army re-established control over these settlements during military operations conducted in the direction of Idlib province. During the offensive, the Syrian army also destroyed militants' equipment, weapons, armored vehicles and vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns.
According to Syrian President Bashar Assad, terrorism in the country is currently being spearheaded by the Jabhat Fatah al Sham terror group after the Daesh insurgents were defeated.
The advance follows the recently reported operation south-east of this area, in the so-called "Hernon Pocket," where the local government managed to reach a deal with the al-Nusra jihadists through intermediaries on joining the program of reconciliation and establish a ceasefire regime in the area. The victories of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), which allowed the government forces to gain control over the dominant terrain, contributed to the success of the talks.
The SAA proceeds to crack down on terrorists following Russia's partial withdrawal from Syria after a two-year-long aerial campaign. The decision to pull out was announced on December 11 by Russian President Putin, who specified, however, that the bases in Tartus and Hmeymim, as well as the center for Syrian reconciliation, would continue to operate.
Sputnik
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War across Taiwan Strait unlikely in 2018: U.S. scholars
ROC Central News Agency
2018/01/03 14:13:41
Washington, Jan. 3 (CNA) Several U.S. scholars believe China's recent military and cyber actions constitute a threat to regional security, but they do not believe it likely that the situation will escalate into war in 2018.
In an interview with CNA, Ian Easton, an analyst from the U.S. think tank Project 2049 Institute, said China's increasing military activities, both in the form of drills near Taiwan and large-scale cyberattacks, are a threat to security in the region.
He described the threat as one that has surpassed the limits of what the international community can accept.
Michael Chase, of Rand Corporation, another U.S. think tank, described what China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) was doing as "deterrent diplomacy," in which it was spreading threats through its fighter jets and social media pages in both Chinese and English.
As part of China's campaign of intimidation, the PLA deployed military aircraft 23 times and aircraft carriers twice on training missions not far from Taiwan between August 2016 and December 2017, according to a report by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense.
Yet while tensions across the Taiwan Strait are on the rise, neither Easton nor Chase believed that war is inevitable or imminent.
Easton recommended that as the U.S. reiterates its commitment to supporting Taiwan's defense capabilities, it should provide Taiwan with fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft, including the new F-16 and F-35 fighters.
The U.S. should also be cooperating with Taiwan in the areas of land and naval warfare, missile defense, and cyber security, he said.
(By Leaf Jiang and Kuan-lin Liu)
Enditem/ls
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Saakashvili Says Russia's FSB Involved In Fabricating Evidence Against Him For Kyiv Trial
RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service January 03, 2018
KYIV -- Mikheil Saakashvili, the leader of Ukraine's Movement of New Forces party and the former president of Georgia, has accused Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) of involvement in the fabrication of evidence used against him at a trial in Kyiv.
Saakashvili made the accusation to reporters after a January 3 court hearing in Kyiv where prosecutors asked the court to place him under house arrest for refusing to answer questions from the Main Directorate of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU).
Judges adjourned the hearing at the request of prosecutors until January 11 without issuing a ruling.
Ukrainian Prosecutor-General Yuriy Lutsenko has accused Saakashvili, the former governor of Ukraine's Odesa region, of abetting an alleged "criminal group" led by Ukraine's former President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled to Russia after his ouster in February 2014.
Ukrainian authorities also claim that protests led by Saakashvili in Ukraine are part of a Russian plot against the government in Kyiv.
Part of the evidence presented in the case is a recording of an alleged telephone conversation between Saakashvili and a pro-Russian Ukrainian businessman who is hiding in Russia.
Lutsenko has charged that the businessman, Serhiy Kurchenko, offered Saakashvili money to organize protests and public disorder in Ukraine, and that Saakashvili accepted a half-million-dollar payment.
Saakashvili, who attended the January 3 Kyiv hearing with his wife and a son, denies all charges.
He told reporters after the hearing that the forensic evidence presented by prosecutors was flawed.
Saakashvili also alleged that the evidence against him was fabricated by the SBU "with the involvement of" the FSB.
"The so-called forensics saying it was proven that my so-called conversation with Kurchenko was authentic has a lot of flaws," Saakashvili said.
"First of all, I refused to give them a voice sample when I was interrogated by the SBU security service," he said.
"In spite of that, they were able to present forensic conclusions saying that the voice on the tape is mine," Saakashvili said. "But their own expert says in the documentation that the forensic team didn't have a proper voice sample to make a thorough analysis."
"This reminds me of the old Soviet style when authorities proved the authenticity of whatever they themselves claimed," he said.
Saakashvili has also said the Ukrainian authorities are trying to deny him temporary protection status and "create conditions" for his "expulsion from the country" so he can be extradited to Tbilisi, where he faces multiple charges -- including abuse of his presidential powers and complicity in the 2006 murder of Georgian banker Sandro Girgvliani.
"Ten minutes ago a trial against me started in Tbilisi, the same time as in Kyiv," Saakashvili said during his Kyiv hearing on January 3. "Do you think it's by chance? Oligarchs are able to make deals. But they could have at least decided on different times."
On December 18, Saakashvili appeared at the Prosecutor-General's Office in Kyiv but refused to answer questions from investigators there.
He told reporters on December 18 that he would give testimony only when the case was handed over to the SBU, "as required by law."
Saakashvili was president of Georgia from 2004 to 2013.
He gave up his Georgian passport in 2015 when he accepted Ukrainian citizenship in order to take the post of Odesa governor at the request of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
Saakashvili resigned from the Odesa post in November 2016, complaining of rampant corruption, and has since become an ardent opponent of Poroshenko.
With reporting by Merkhat Sharipzhanov and Interfax
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-saakashvili-says-russia-fsb- fabricated-evidence-trial/28952821.html
Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
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Its happening tomorrow HMD will unveil the new Nokia 6 (2018). TENAA posted photos of the phone in a controlled environment, now we catch a glimpse of the handset in the wild.
Nokia 6 (2018) in the wild
With the screen on, you can see the new, thinner bezels more clearly. The new Nokia 6 is shorter than the old one while having the same screen (in terms of size and aspect ratio). Of course, this means that the fingerprint reader moved to the back. Theres a good distance between it and the camera, which is what we like to see.
If you check the date on the screen, youll see these shots were taken yesterday (its probably a review unit).
Source (in Chinese)
With Valentines Day approaching, theres a rise in demand for pink phones we chose to believe thats the reason that the Rose Pink versions of the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are arriving in the UK only now.
You see, those phones first appeared at the end of June last year in Taiwan, then in North America in July and in Europe (but not the UK) in September. Now... now were close to the launch of the Galaxy S9.
Samsung Galaxy S8 in Rose Pink
The price of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ has fallen quite a bit since launch, making them a good deal. Especially if you dont care about dual cameras (the small S9 wont have one anyway).
Samsung.com lists the phones as coming soon (note: the Dual SIM version wont be available in Pink). Other retailers are yet to list the new color option, most stick to the classic Midnight Black and Orchid Grey.
Source
Saturday, Sept. 4
Havre High Class of 1972 get-together, 2 p.m., Great Northern Fairgrounds Community Building. All classmates are invited and encouraged to attend, and organizers said it will be great to see as many classmates as are able to make it. For info, text or call 262-3394.
PAWS Adopt Your Soulmate adoption event, 8 a.m. - noon, PAWS of Chinook Animal Shelter Blaine County Fairgrounds.
Saturday Market, 8 a.m. to noon, Town Square, on the 300 Block of First Street, with food, craft and commercial vendors.
Tuesday, Sept. 7
Burger Feed fundraiser, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Eagles Club. Meal includes salad, baked beans, chips and all the fixings with 1/4-pound burger, $7, and double burger, $8. All proceeds, along with some proceeds from 6:30 p.m. bingo, go toward the current Eagles Club project.
MSU-N Gender & Sexuality Alliance LGBTQ2s+ and Allies Group meeting, 5:30-6:30 p.m., open to community, too. For info, contact Brent Olinger 406-265-3534 or [email protected]
Wednesday, Sept. 8
Books and Babies, 10:15 a.m., Havre-Hill County Library.
Story Time, 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Havre-Hill County Library.
Thursday, Sept. 9
7th Annual Suicide Prevention and Awareness Walk, 7 p.m., MSU-Northern Campus near the clock tower. Sponsored by the Hill County Suicide Awareness Coalition.
Legotime at Havre-Hill County Library from 3:30-5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 10
Mamma Mia! a Montana Actors Theatre production, 8 p.m., MSU-Northerns Little Theatre, Cowan Hall. Doors and Backstage Lounge open 7:30. Masks are not required, but are encouraged, and anyone with respiratory problems or who has been in contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 can get a ticket exchange or refund.
Saturday, Sept. 11
Air Fair 2021, 7 a.m. - noon, Havre City-County Airport. Free admission to come see the airplanes and watch the air-games. Free airplane rides for kids who meet the height requirement and if weather allows. Breakfast will be sold 7 - 11 a.m. Pilots who fly in eat free.
Mamma Mia! a Montana Actors Theatre production, 8 p.m., MSU-Northerns Little Theatre, Cowan Hall. Doors and Backstage Lounge open 7:30. Masks are not required, but are encouraged, and anyone with respiratory problems or who has been in contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 can get a ticket exchange or refund.
Saturday Market, 8 a.m. to noon, Town Square, on the 300 Block of First Street, with food, craft and commercial vendors.
Chinook Farmer and Flea 59523, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Blaine County Fairgrounds, with food and product vendors.
Sunday, Sept. 12
Mamma Mia! matinee, a Montana Actors Theatre production, 2 p.m., MSU-Northerns Little Theatre, Cowan Hall. Doors and Backstage Lounge open 1:30. Matinees will follow social distancing guidelines. Seats will be grouped by purchase to keep family groups separate from other patrons. Anyone with respiratory problems or who has been in contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 can get a ticket exchange or refund.
Monday, Sept. 13
Havre Dog Park Board meeting, 6 p.m., Old Station Brewing. Everyone is welcome.
The North Central Hangar of the Montana Pilots Association monthly meeting, 7:30 p.m., terminal, Havre City-County Airport.
Melodious Mondays, with Mary Stevens playing piano at Havre-Hill County Library, 10 a.m., 402 3rd St. This is free and open to everyone.
Tuesday, Sept. 14
Blue Horizons Senior Camping Club 3-Day Camp-out, starts this day, in Zurich Park, 1.5 miles north of Zurich. Interested campers are welcome. For info, call 406-945-2022.
Burger Feed fundraiser, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Eagles Club. Meal includes salad, baked beans, chips and all the fixings with 1/4-pound burger, $7, and double burger, $8. All proceeds, along with some proceeds from 6:30 p.m. bingo, go toward the current Eagles Club project.
MSU-N Gender & Sexuality Alliance LGBTQ2s+ and Allies Group meeting, 5:30-6:30 p.m., open to community, too. For info, contact Brent Olinger 406-265-3534 or [email protected]
Wednesday, Sept. 15
Recycle Hi-Line meeting, 7 p.m., Hill County Electric/Triangle Communications Hospitality Room.
Books and Babies, 10:15 a.m., Havre-Hill County Library.
Story Time, 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Havre-Hill County Library.
Thursday, Sept. 16
Mamma Mia! a Montana Actors Theatre production, 8 p.m., MSU-Northerns Little Theatre, Cowan Hall. Doors and Backstage Lounge open 7:30. Masks are not required, but are encouraged, and anyone with respiratory problems or who has been in contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 can get a ticket exchange or refund.
Legotime at Havre-Hill County Library from 3:30-5 p.m
Friday, Sept. 17
Mamma Mia! a Montana Actors Theatre production, 8 p.m., MSU-Northerns Little Theatre, Cowan Hall. Doors and Backstage Lounge open 7:30. Masks are not required, but are encouraged, and anyone with respiratory problems or who has been in contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 can get a ticket exchange or refund.
Saturday, Sept. 18
Mamma Mia! a Montana Actors Theatre production, 8 p.m., MSU-Northerns Little Theatre, Cowan Hall. Doors and Backstage Lounge open 7:30. Masks are not required, but are encouraged, and anyone with respiratory problems or who has been in contact with someone who has recently tested positive for COVID-19 can get a ticket exchange or refund.
Havre Trap Club Midnight Shoot, 7 p.m. registration, 8 p.m. shoot, Havre Trap Club, east off the south end of 5th Avenue. Cost is $25 and $5 for additional fun shoots. Everyone is welcome. For info call Jim Bachini, 406-265-2485 or 406-262-3739, or Matt Sasaki, 945-5982.
Saturday Market, 8 a.m. to noon, Town Square, on the 300 Block of First Street, with food, craft and commercial vendors.
Monday, Sept. 20
Melodious Mondays, with Mary Stevens playing piano at Havre-Hill County Library, 10 a.m., 402 3rd St. This is free and open to everyone.
Tuesday, Sept. 21
Burger Feed fundraiser, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Eagles Club. Meal includes salad, baked beans, chips and all the fixings with 1/4-pound burger, $7, and double burger, $8. All proceeds, along with some proceeds from 6:30 p.m. bingo, go toward the current Eagles Club project.
Havre Police Department
Officers arrested a 16-year-old on charges of partner or family member assault and theft after a Sixth Street caller reported Tuesday at 12:25 p.m. a disturbance.
Officers investigated after a Third Street caller reported Tuesday at 1:55 p.m. that a blue bicycle with a basket had been stolen.
Officers investigated after someone said Tuesday at 2:56 p.m. that they needed to speak to officers about a stolen cellphone.
Officers investigated after a U.S. Highway 2 East caller reported Tuesday at 5:37 p.m. that a van trailer was stolen.
Lara Shante Lawrence of Harlem, 20, was issued a summons on a charge of violating a no-contact order. Dispatch log records indicate she reported Tuesday at 6:23 p.m. to police that property had been stolen. At 7:24 p.m. an officer near a First Street business reported that someone had driven off without paying for gas.
Officers made an arrest during a motor vehicle stop today at 12:34 a.m. on Sixth Avenue. No further information was provided on the arrest.
Officers investigated after a First Street caller reported today at 1:13 a.m. that a wrecked green Honda was parked with its tail end sticking out onto First Street.
Hill County Sheriffs Office
Deputies issued a warrant and arrested Kevin Russell Bigby of Havre, 34, on a Justice or City court warrant Tuesday at 2:05 p.m. at the detention center.
Deputies issued a summons to Lydell Meyers of Box Elder, 46, Tuesday at 3:43 p.m. on a theft charge.
Deputies investigated after a Ninth Street West caller reported today at 12:10 a.m. that a juvenile had not come home yet.
Havre Fire Department
Medical crews responded to four calls Tuesday and two today.
Havre Animal Shelter
The animal shelter held this morning one medium-haired, one long haired and three short-haired cats.
The animal shelter held this morning a female pit bull terrier, a female Labrador retriever, a female akbash-Australian shepherd mix and a female affenpinscher.
Press release
Four Montana Farm Bureau members including a Chester farmer have been chosen to serve on National Issue Advisory Committees for American Farm Bureau Federation.
Were very pleased to have four members of Montana Farm Bureau represented on these very important committees, said MFBF President Hans McPherson. The appointments are for two years, so we thank those who have served in past years, and look forward to these new committee members being active on the national level.
These committees play an important role in AFBFs policy implementation and development. Over the past years, committee members have made significant contributions to AFBFs mission, from participating in advocacy fly-ins and doing media interviews to helping Farm Bureau develop comments on proposed regulations and providing input into the resolutions process.
The committees will meet March 8-9 at the American Farm Bureau offices in Washington, D.C., where they will discuss issues and how Farm Bureau policy can be crafted to address the concerns of the nations farmers and ranchers.
The four Montana agriculturalists are:
Farm Policy Megan Hedges, wheat and pulse farmer, Chester
Animal Care Tonya Liles, cattle rancher, Terry
Environmental Regulations Don Steinbeisser, Jr., diversified farmer, Sidney
Federal Lands Chuck Rein, cattle rancher, Big Timber
ANN ARBORMillions of Americans hear ringing in their earsa condition called tinnitusand new research shows an experimental device could help quiet the phantom sounds by targeting unruly nerve activity in the brain.
In a new study in Science Translational Medicine, a team from the University of Michigan reports the results of the first animal tests and clinical trial of the approach, including data from 20 human tinnitus patients.
Based on years of scientific research into the root causes of the condition, the device uses precisely timed sounds and weak electrical pulses that activate touch-sensitive nerves, both aimed at steering damaged nerve cells back to normal activity.
Human participants reported that after four weeks of daily use of the device, the loudness of phantom sounds decreased, and their tinnitus-related quality of life improved. A sham treatment using just sounds did not produce such effects.
Results from tests in guinea pigs and a double-blind human study funded by the Coulter Foundation validate years of preclinical research funded by the National Institutes of Health, including previous tests in guinea pigs.
The U-M team has new NIH funding for an additional clinical trial to further refine the approach. U-M holds a patent on the concept behind the device and is developing it for potential commercialization.
The brain, and specifically the region of the brainstem called the dorsal cochlear nucleus, is the root of tinnitus, said Susan Shore, the U-M Medical School professor who leads the research team. When the main neurons in this region, called fusiform cells, become hyperactive and synchronize with one another, the phantom signal is transmitted into other centers where perception occurs.
If we can stop these signals, we can stop tinnitus. That is what our approach attempts to do, and were encouraged by these initial parallel results in animals and humans.
A dual-stimulus approach to treating tinnitus
The approach, called targeted bimodal auditory-somatosensory stimulation, involves two senses. The device plays a sound into the ears, alternating it with precisely timed, mild electrical pulses delivered to the cheek or neck.
This sets off a process called stimulus-timing dependent plasticity, or STDP, which was first explored in animals and led to long-term changes in the rate at which the nerves fire. The approach aims to reset the activity of fusiform cells, which normally help our brains receive and process both sounds and sensations such as touch or vibrationwhat scientists call somatosensory inputs.
Under normal conditions, fusiform cells help our brains focus on where sounds are coming from, and help us tune out sensations that result from the movement of our own head and neck.
But the U-M teams previous work in animals showed that loud noise can trigger a change in the nerve cells activityaltering its timing so that they fire off synchronized signals spontaneously instead of waiting for an actual sound in the environment.
The toll of tinnitus
These events in animals parallel what happens in humans. After exposure to such things as loud noises, head or neck trauma, or other triggering events, some people develop a persistent sensation that theyre hearing sounds like ringing or a grinding noise.
Approximately 15 percent of Americans have some level of tinnitus, but the worst symptoms occur in about 10 percent of sufferers, according to estimates based on interviews with nationally representative samples of Americans. Many of those with more severe tinnitus also have hearing loss.
Some cases are severe. As many as 2 million people cant work or carry out other daily activities because of the tinnitus itself, or the psychological distress it causes them. Tinnitus is the most common cause of service-connected disability among veterans of the U.S. military.
Current approaches to tinnitus treatment focus include efforts to address the psychological distress it causes, for instance through cognitive behavioral therapy. Other approaches use sound to mask the phantom sounds or attempt to modulate the brain response.
For more severe cases, some patients turn to invasive, and therefore riskier, approaches such as deep brain stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation. The current approach provides a novel and unique, non-invasive strategy that aims to modulate and correct the aberrant neural pathways that cause tinnitus.
Study details
Shore and her colleagues are based in U-Ms Kresge Hearing Research Institute, which is part of the Department of Otolaryngology at Michigan Medicine, U-Ms academic medical center. Co-first authors Kendra Marks, David Martel and Calvin Wu are members of the Shore laboratory.
They recruited a particular kind of tinnitus sufferer for their study: those who can temporarily alter their symptoms if they clench their jaws, stick out their tongues, or turn or flex their necks. These maneuvers, Shore says, appear to be self-discovered ways of changing the activity of fusiform cellsproviding an external somatosensory signal to modulate their tinnitus.
The U-M device delivers sounds matched to the loudness and pitch of the phantom sounds that each patient hears. It also delivers mild electrical impulses applied to the area of the head involved in the patients own tinnitus-altering maneuvers.
The crucial timing of the auditory and electrical stimulation came directly from tests in guinea pigs that had noise-induced tinnitus, reported in the new study. Those tests showed that specific timing between delivery of the two kinds of stimuli was necessary to suppress the hyperactive fusiform cells.
After patients had the device calibrated to their own tinnitus symptoms, they learned to apply its earphones and electrodes for a 30-minute session each day. Half the group received the bimodal sound-and-electricity treatment for the first four weeks, while the other half received just sounds. Then, they all took a four-week break, and started the next four weeks receiving the opposite of what theyd received before. None of them knew which option they got first.
Every week, the patients took a survey about how much their tinnitus was affecting their lives, and a test of how loud their tinnitus sounds were.
Results in human participants
Overall, the loudness of phantom sounds decreased only after the actual, or bimodal, treatment, but not the sham treatment of sound only. For some the decrease was around 12 decibels, about the magnitude of an electric light bulbs hum. Two participants said their tinnitus disappeared completely.
The quality of life surveywhere a low score indicates less impact from tinnitusis called TFI, and is measured on a 100-point scale. Statistical modeling of the results revealed that, on average, patients experienced significantly reduced scores for the active treatment, though the size of the effect in individual patients varied. On average, scores also stayed lower for weeks after treatment ended. This effect was not significant for the sham treatment.
No patient experienced a worsening of symptoms or quality of life, or other adverse events. Some said their phantom sounds got less harsh or piercing, or became easier to ignore.
Were definitely encouraged by these results, but we need to optimize the length of treatments, identify which subgroups of patients may benefit most, and determine if this approach works in patients who have nonsomatic forms of the condition that cant be modulated by head and neck maneuvers, Shore said.
The research was funded by NIH grants DC004825 and DC00011, and by the Wallace H. Coulter Translational Research Partnership. The device was built at in2being LLC based on patent 9,242,067 granted to U-M in 2016. The device is experimental and not commercially available; potential cost of treatment has yet to be determined.
More information on the design of the clinical trial is available at myumi.ch/L19Mn. Further funding will come from the NIH BRAIN Initiative, myumi.ch/6n1yz.
Recruitment for the next clinical trial will begin in early 2018, with the trial expected to start in late summer. Information will be posted on www.clinicaltrials.gov six months before the start of the trial, and is also available via [email protected].
In addition to Shore, Marks, Martel and Wu, the studys authors are U-M assistant professor of otolaryngology Gregory Basura; U-M assistant professor of otolaryngology Kara Schvartz-Leyzac, and Larry Roberts, professor emeritus at McMaster University in Canada. Reference: Science Translational Medicine, 10, eaal3175.
More information:
University of Michigan
The statistics about asthma are staggering. According to a recent Global Burden of Disease Study, more than 334 million people worldwide may suffer from this common chronic disease. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that asthma afflicts an estimated 25 million people, about 8 percent of the population. It hits children even harder about 10 percent of them have this respiratory malady that hinders breathing. Asthma accounts for a quarter of all emergency room visits and more than 500,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year. It kills about 3,500 Americans annuallymost of these deaths are preventable with proper treatmentand contributes to another 7,000 deaths.
And the financial tab is steep. Medical care, absences from work and school and premature deaths cost the United States an estimated $56 billion every year. Worse, all of these numbers are rising, alarmingly so among certain populations. In just a decade, for instance, the asthma rate among black children rose more than 50 percent, and the disease now affects 17 percent of this group. Asthma is increasingly damaging to economies and public health, and researchers and policymakers have noticed. In recent years the United Nations has spotlighted the disease several times, citing it as a growing threat to global health and economic development. The Global Asthma Network, formed to improve asthma care internationally, has published two reports about the disease, most recently in 2014. In 2013 the World Health Organization (WHO) called for a global action plan and international monitoring of asthma and other noncommunicable diseases.
Genetic Sleuthing
To fight asthma effectively, its causes must first be identified. Scientists have established that the disease stems from some combination of genetic inheritance and environmental factors such as air pollution, chemical substances and indoor and outdoor allergens (smoke and pollen, for example). But much about asthma remains unknown. The fundamental causes of asthma, according to the WHOs most recent fact sheet, are not completely understood. Science is still many years away from solving the mystery of the biological causes of this disease. Asthma is what we in the field of genetic epidemiology classify as a complex trait, said Andrew T. DeWan, M.P.H., Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology. Genetic characteristics inherited from your parents make about a 50 percent contribution to the risk of developing asthma, but there is also a large component that is not inheritedall sorts of environmental influences.
So far, researchers have postulated associations between asthma and more than 400 genes, a huge pool of possibili- ties. But thats just the start of this diseases complexity. To discover asthmas foundations, researchers must identify not only the causative genes but also the specific mutations within them that point to the disease. Further, the genes that may affect risk for asthma seem to connect or interact in myriad combinations, and these are not necessarily con- sistent: the combinations that lead to asthma seem to vary from individual to individual and group to group. All of these possible genetic combinations may be further influenced, or not, by how they respond singly or collectively to factors in each individuals environment. A cluster of genetic characteristics that leads to asthma in one person might have little or no effect on someone else, possibly because of other genetic factors or because of dif- ferences in the individuals environments. To muddy things further, a study published recently in JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association found that a third of 600 adults diagnosed with asthma didnt actually have the disease, which casts some doubt on statistics about asthma.
DeWan works to cut through this welter, winnowing out the genes or genetic combinations that probably dont lead to asthma and verifying those that look promising. A lot of my research, he said, is focused on dealing with this mixed bag of results to get a better biological understanding of asthma. Much of this is done through large-scale statistical analysis of genetic data, looking in big populations for mutations linked to the disease. A recent study that DeWan co-authored, for instance, surveyed the scientific literature to find genes that have been associated with asthma.
DeWan and his colleagues identified 251 of them, then tried to replicate those findings through a genetic analysis of an independent population. (They recently updated their search; the current count of genes reportedly associated with asthma is now over 400.) In their statistical analysis, DeWan and his colleagues got minor hits on several genes and also identified one previously unassociated gene (RAD50), but they were unable to replicate any links to asthma in the vast majority of reported genes.
These big data sets will give us the statistical power to find what is really a needle in a haystack. ANDREW DEWAN
That doesnt necessarily mean these genes arent implicated in the disease, noted DeWan, but the caveat in our paper is that there may be many false positives in our initial literature search. Thats one reason genetic epidemiologists require that results be replicated. Though many findings about genetic contributions to asthma may seem inconsistent and ambiguous, the picture is slowly coming into better focus as more studies connect the same genes, such as ADAM33 and ORMDL3, to the disease. I think the true number of genes that contribute in some way to the risk of developing asthma is well over 100, said DeWan.
To whittle that number further, he will continue to combine the technological power of high-speed sequencing with the growing quantity and availability of genetic data. The sequencing of the human genome, coupled with advances in computer power, has made possible a revolution in genetic analysis. But to continue that progress, researchers such as DeWan need more extensive genetic data.
Thats happening. Many large population-based stud- ies in the United States and abroad are genotyping and sequencing their subjects, each of them collecting data on 50,000 to 100,000 individuals. To detect the small effects of these genetic variants on asthma, we need much larger sample sizes, said DeWan, and were now getting to that point. Were trying to understand which inherited genetic variants are contributing to an individuals risk of develop- ing asthma by looking in large populations, and these big data sets will give us the statistical power to find what is really a needle in a haystack.
The analysis entails sequencing the genomes of thousands of people and then looking for mutations, and combinations of mutations, common to people with asthma. If DeWan and others can identify the ones that contribute to asthma, they may be able to predict who will develop the disease. Once thats possible, so is prevention. If we can understand the biological processes that cause asthma, said DeWan, we can develop better treatments for it and intervene at a pharmaceutical level to prevent or lessen the symptoms. Someday genetic markers could help identify which individuals will respond, or not respond, to certain drugs and treatments, opening the way to effective targeted therapies. Genetic knowledge might also make it possible to predict which environmental factors should be avoided by people with a certain combination of mutations. The goal is to reduce the overall severity of asthma and its public health costs, said DeWan.
Andrew DeWan and Yasmmyn Salinas extract genomic DNA from saliva samples collected as part of FAstGen, a study of genetic variants contributing to asthma susceptibility in families that have multiple children with asthma. The DNA samples are currently being sequenced to reveal all of the genetic variants in the protein-coding regions of the genome.
Why Asthma?
These possibilities lie well into the future. In addition to his statistical analyses of large populations from all over the world, DeWan is conducting a local study named FAstGen (Family-Specific Genetic Variants Contributing to Asthma Susceptibility). Funded by the National Institutes of Health, DeWan and his team have recruited almost 250 two-generation families who have a minimum of three children, at least two of whom have asthma. This is a narrowly focused study, but these families are more likely to have inherited genetic variants contributing to asthma, due to the fact that multiple family members have asthma. DNA samples have been collected from all participants, and their exomes are being sequenced. Thats the quick part, said DeWan. Well probably be analyzing these data for the next couple of years, looking for rare mutations that are contributing to the development of asthma in individual family members. DeWan likes working on asthma because its a major public health problem with complex causes. From a methods or analytical perspective, there are a lot of extremely interesting challenges, he said. And if we can develop methods to detect genetic associations in a really complex trait such as asthma, maybe we can do this with other traits such as cancer or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
A Ph.D. candidate working in DeWans lab, Yasmmyn Salinas, is searching for genetic links between asthma and obesity. Researchers have noticed that the two diseases often occur together and seem to instigate each other, but any genetic connection remains unclear. One of the hypotheses, said Salinas, is that they are controlled by the same metabolic pathways, so there is probably a set of genes that affects both diseases. I will look for these genes by studying the whole genome of a large adult population. With support from an NIH predoctoral research grant, she will be analyzing a Norwegian cohort of more than 50,000 people. This sort of large-scale genome- wide analysis done simultaneously on multiple diseases is a new development in genetic epidemiology.
Salinas doesnt know what she will find, but the possibilities excite her. If she can identify a gene or genes linked to both asthma and obesity, those genes could be pharmacologically targeted to prevent them from activating the diseases. That could be particularly important, noted Salinas, because the population of asthmatics who are obese tends to have much worse outcomes, and the medications available for asthma dont work quite as well in that population. We hope we can find a more targeted therapy for that population. Salinas was drawn to the study of obesity-related conditions like asthma partly for personal reasons. She grew up in a city once called the fattest city in America McAllen, Texasand has seen her own family members suffer from the wide-ranging health effects of obesity. Thats how I got interested, said Salinas, who plans to pursue a career in academia after graduation in 2019. I hope to make a difference in the prevention of these diseases.
Yale School of Medicine
Law officers charge hoarder with animal cruelty
Robert "Tony" Fore faces felony animal cruelty charges.
A 61-year-old Fletcher man is back in Henderson County to face animal cruelty charges after he was picked up in Florida and extradicted to Hendersonville.
Robert Brian "Tony" Fore, of 71 Maxwell Drive, was served with animal cruelty warrants after he was taken into custody in Florida and returned to the county jail here. Fore was served with warrants for two felony counts of killing an animal by starvation, four felony counts of cruelty to animals and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals that stemmed from Sandy Jean Fore remains at large.offenses occurring in early March of 2017. He is currently in the Henderson County Jail under a $15,000 bond with a court appearance scheduled for Jan. 23.
Fore, and his wife, Sandy Jean Fore, fled the area after surrendering 40 dogs and cats on March 4. Sandy Jean Fore still has outstanding warrants for multiple charges of killing an animal by starvation and cruelty to animals. She may be using the alias of Jeannie Fore or Jeannie Hughes. Anyone with information regarding Sandy Fores whereabouts was asked to contact the Henderson County Sheriff's Office at 828-697-4911.
Gardai were forced to arrest a drunken man who refused to stop shouting abuse at passers-by.
Thomas Dunne (35) was repeatedly told to stop what he was doing and leave the area, but he failed to do so.
He later told gardai: "I'm very sorry for what I did."
Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted Dunne and fined him 100.
The defendant, of East Wall Road, Dublin 1, admitted before Swords District Court to public drunkenness and threatening and abusive behaviour.
The breach of the peace took place at River Valley Road, Swords, at around 11.30pm last September 24.
Sgt Bob Kavanagh said Dunne was verbally abusive to pedestrians.
Methadone
The sergeant added that Dunne was asked by gardai to stop what he was doing and leave the area but he refused and continued to shout abuse at members of the public.
The court heard that Dunne, who is unemployed and on social welfare, had 30 previous convictions, including six for public order matters.
Defence lawyer Patrick Jackson said his client was very sorry for his behaviour and wished to apologise to gardai.
Mr Jackson said Dunne has had battles with alcohol and drugs, but he was now stabilised on methadone and was linking in well with the support services.
The lawyer said the defendant's last conviction for a public order offence was in 2008, so there had been a large gap in his offending behaviour.
He also said Dunne had "underlying issues" and his past was "reasonably tragic", adding that he had not wished to upset anyone with his behaviour.
Derek Foran has been charged with attempting to rob the Speaker Connolly pub in Firhouse
An injured man has been charged following an attempted robbery at a Dublin pub that ended when the alleged raider was tackled by customers.
Derek Foran (33) appeared in court with a bandaged head and fingers and with heavy facial bruising after he was arrested at The Speaker Conolly Pub in Firhouse on New Year's Day.
Judge John King granted him bail but remanded him in custody until he is able to take it up.
Fractured
Mr Foran, a father-of-one from Allenton Avenue in Tallaght, is charged with attempting to rob Jason Doyle, the pub's acting manager, on January 1.
The accused, who was wearing a red hooded top bearing the logo "Animal" and black tracksuit bottoms, had two black eyes when he was taken before Dublin District Court.
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He had two fractured ribs, a fractured finger and had received 30 stitches to his head, the court heard.
Garda James Ward told Judge King he arrested Mr Foran at The Speaker Conolly Pub at 11.40pm on January 1.
He was taken to Tallaght Garda Station, where he was charged at 8.08pm on Tuesday.
The accused made no reply to the charge after caution.
Objecting to bail, Gda Ward cited the seriousness of the charge. He told Judge King he had concerns the accused would not turn up in court and would interfere with prospective witnesses.
Judge King said he did not believe the garda's objections were very strong and granted bail.
He said there was a "very serious charge here", but Mr Foran has a presumption of innocence.
Defence barrister John Griffin said Mr Foran was living with his mother in Tallaght.
The judge set bail in the accused's own bond of 300, with no cash required.
However, he did require an independent surety of 1,000, half of which is to be lodged in cash.
Conditions are that he resides at his home address, observes a curfew between 10pm and 6am, signs on daily at Tallaght Garda Station and has no contact, directly or indirectly, with witnesses.
Hospital
Mr Griffin said the accused had appointments at Tallaght Hospital and the Eye and Ear Hospital this week to treat his injuries.
The judge made a recommendation to the prison governor that the accused receives all necessary medical treatment.
He remanded Mr Foran in custody with consent to bail, to appear at Cloverhill District Court on January 9.
He granted legal aid after Mr Griffin said the defendant was unemployed.
Notorious 'Scissor Sister' killer Linda Mulhall has been released from jail after serving a 15-year sentence for manslaughter in one of Ireland's most notorious criminal cases.
Linda (42) walked free from the women's Dochas Centre prison on Tuesday after she refused temporary release over the Christmas period.
She is believed to be based in Dublin but the authorities have not been given an address for the convicted killer.
It is understood that Tallaght woman Linda was let out of prison at least a week before her planned release date.
Butchering
Linda had been locked up since 2005, serving a manslaughter sentence for brutally butchering her mother's lover Farah Swaleh Noor, in one of the most infamous cases in our history.
Her younger sister Charlotte Mulhall is serving a life sentence for the gruesome murder.
Along with Charlotte (33), Linda chopped up Kenyan Noor at her mother's home at Richmond Cottages, Ballybough, north Dublin, in 2005.
She admitted hitting him "a good few times" on the head with a claw hammer, while Charlotte stabbed the 36-year-old up to 20 times with a kitchen knife.
The women spent hours sawing up his body in the bathroom.
They then dumped his limbs and torso in the Royal Canal before taking his head on the bus to Tallaght, where it was hidden in a park before being moved.
While serving her jail time, it emerged that Linda had been in a romantic relationship with a male prison worker.
Last November, it was also revealed that Charlotte had been involved in a romantic relationship with a separate prison worker.
Sources say that while Linda might struggle to adapt to life on the outside, her situation is far better than this time last year, when she suffered a broken arm and severe facial injuries in a bizarre prison incident.
The convicted killer spent 13 hours receiving emergency treatment in hospital for her injuries after she fell into a press when locked into her en-suite room in the Dochas Centre.
It is understood that Linda suffered the injuries after becoming "dizzy". It is not known if she had been on drugs at the time.
Linda's behaviour in jail over the past seven years has been described as "excellent" by jail insiders and she has not received a P19 disciplinary report since 2010, when she refused to take a saliva test.
This is in stark contrast to her earlier behaviour, when she was disciplined for breaking jail rules around a dozen times between 2007 and 2009.
These were for a wide variety of offences, including fighting with other inmates and being caught with a mobile phone and a charger.
Linda and Charlotte's murder trial in 2006 was a national sensation because of the gory evidence that was presented to a shocked courtroom.
Grotesque
The now-deceased judge, Mr Justice Paul Carney, who passed sentence on the sisters in December 2006, described the violent death of Noor as "the most grotesque case of killing" that he had experienced in his professional lifetime.
In her statement to gardai, Linda said that she was on Charlotte's lap in the sitting room listening to a CD when Noor came in and put his arm around her waist.
He had been earlier making threatening gestures at the sisters' mother Kathleen Mulhall, who was later jailed for five years for cleaning up the murder scene.
Kathleen asked Noor: "What the f**k are you doing?"
Linda recalled: "Farah kept saying, 'You're so like your mammy'."
Linda said that Charlotte was telling Noor to get his hands off her, and then her sister picked up a Stanley knife and cut his throat.
A fishing Boat washed up on the Quay at the Claddagh in Galway City after the flooding
A mini-storm will hit the country today before a "dramatic change" will see temperatures plunge for the weekend.
Homeowners and businesses along the south and west coast are now being warned of a "real risk" of further flooding in the wake of Storm Eleanor.
Emergency responders, ministers and Met Eireann held a meeting in Dublin yesterday to assess the fallout from the storm which left parts of Galway city under water.
They are now concerned that blasts of heavy wind will hit the west coast before sweeping across the country today.
Forecaster Evelyn Cusack says that once that clears people should prepare for an icy spell due to severe night frost.
Affected
At the height of the storm, some 150,000 properties were without power, with a number of water treatment plants affected and some localised cut-offs.
Irish Water reported that 12 of its water treatment plants had been affected by an interrupted power supply.
Minor transport disruption was reported to road, rail and air travel. Ferry crossings on the Irish Sea were affected, with some rescheduling taking place.
"There is, unfortunately, still some threat coming towards us," said chairman of the National Emergency Co-ordination Centre, Sean Hogan.
He said a combination of wind strength, a change in direction towards Galway and high waves in the Atlantic Ocean caused a surge of water into the city.
People along the south and west coast have been urged to stay away from coastlines until the windy weather passes.
The Government is to review its severe weather warning system after businesses in Galway were hit with unprecedented floods in a matter of minutes.
Major concerns have arisen about how Galway City Council dealt with the onset of flooding following Storm Eleanor, which destroyed businesses and homes and dozens of cars as storm waters surged through the city at tea-time on Tuesday.
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy insisted suitable preparation and planning was in place in Galway, but forecasters and local authorities could not "predict everything that will happen".
"A particular confluence of events meant that Galway was very badly hit," he said. "It happened very, very quickly.
"But then the teams were on the ground, ready to respond from the local authority and they have been there working overnight."
A high tide advisory notice was issued by the Office of Public Works which covered the period from Tuesday morning until today, with local authorities advised to monitor storm surges and sea levels.
But Galway City Council said that given the wind direction, flooding was unlikely.
City chief executive Brendan McGrath defended the response, saying that all precautions possible were in place, but that the flooding was "unprecedented".
Mr Murphy said that improvements to the warning system would be put in place.
"There was adequate planning and preparation but every time we have an event like this we learn lessons," he said.
Debrief
"It's important that we do. So when we had Storm Ophelia, one of the first things we did that day was have a 'hot debrief' on the lessons learned from how events unfolded over the course of that day.
"Planning for this storm as well, Eleanor, and Dylan which we also had recently, are feeding into a piece of work that we're doing at the moment that I'll bring to Cabinet very shortly. It will be on lessons learned and how we can improve our warning systems into the future because we are going to have more storms. That is going to be a feature in terms of severe weather events."
Met Eireann's Evelyn Cusack said that despite scenes of devastation in Galway over the past 24 hours, Ireland has actually been relatively lucky that the situation hasn't been worse.
"We have had this very strong and vigorous Atlantic south-westerly over Christmas and part of the reason it is so vigorous is because there is Arctic air across north America.
"You might say what has that to do with Ireland, but that is enhancing our jet stream and is bringing the weather systems across the Atlantic.
"We have been very fortunate. While we have had some severe weather we have escaped the worse of it," she said.
Dublin actress Maria Doyle Kennedy is back on RTE screens and ready to make her mark on legal drama Striking Out as a criminal solicitor with a "sharp mind" and "even sharper tongue".
Her character George Cusack certainly means business - if the first pictures of the actress in her role are anything to go by.
Impressive
Maria (53) was one of a number of new cast additions to join the second series of Striking Out, as well as Vikings actor Moe Dunford, who takes on the role of Eric's brother Sam.
They join an already impressive cast featuring Men Behaving Badly actor Neil Morrissey and leading lady Amy Huberman.
The wife of Brian O'Driscoll stars as Tara Rafferty - a legal eagle whose personal and professional life undergoes huge changes after she discovers her fiance is having an affair with a colleague.
Series two will see Maria's formidable character sharing an office with Amy's character.
Speaking previously about her new co-star, mum-of-two Amy described the addition of Maria to the Striking Out family as "fantastic".
"Her and Tara are a great team together, but they don't really work together," she said.
"It's been a joy to be on set with her."
Maria will be back on Irish screens following her role in EastEnders spin-off Red Water, featuring soap stars Jessie Wallace and Shane Ritchie.
The complex relationship between Tara and former fiance Eric, played by Rory Keenan, will remain centre stage in series two, while the arrival of Eric's brother Sam brings new tensions.
Eric will face tough personal and professional choices in the series as he investigates the increasingly dubious actions of his father, Richard Dunbar.
Struggles
Meanwhile, troubled Ray, played by Emmet Byrne, tries to turn his life around as he starts legal studies but struggles to find a balance between his old life and his chosen new path.
The new series of Striking Out kicks off on RTE One at 9.35pm on Sunday
There is no evidence of people declaring themselves homeless in a bid to "game the system", Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has said.
However, Mr Murphy has refused to criticise housing tsar Conor Skehan for claiming that families living in emergency B&B or hotel accommodation may be self-declaring themselves as homeless to jump the housing waiting list.
Mr Skehan, outgoing chair of the Housing Agency, provoked an outcry from homeless charities with the suggestion that some families may be "gaming the system" as a result of a now-defunct rule that Dublin local authorities should provide up to 50pc of all new social housing allocations to homeless individuals and families.
Policy
But when asked about the comments, Mr Murphy said it was "fair enough" for Mr Skehan to offer his analysis on the problems facing the sector.
However, he added: "I've no evidence in my department of people presenting or trying to 'game the system'."
The minister said he believed Mr Skehan was trying to point out "an unintended consequence of previous government policy".
The 50pc rule, which was introduced in January 2015, has since been rescinded but some local authorities continue to prioritise homeless accommodation.
In an interview in the Irish Times this week, Mr Skehan said: "We unwittingly created a problem by prioritising self-declared homelessness above all other types of housing need, which created a distortion in the waiting list system and may have encouraged people to game the system."
Mr Murphy said the chair of the Housing Agency is in a position to advise on government policy and "how it might be impacting".
"I think it's fair enough that he can do that. It's his role. It's not for me to criticise him for doing that. It's important that we have different voices in this debate," Mr Murphy said.
"My commitment is to make sure that we build as many homes as possible, to make sure that we get these people who are in very difficult circumstances, individuals and families, into homes and secure tenancies as quickly as possible."
Mr Murphy added that homelessness is a "very complex issue".
"People find themselves in a very difficult situation in their lives through no fault of their own. They come to local authorities and they come to our emergency response services looking for help," he said.
"We do a detailed assessment. We help them into temporary accommodation but ideally help them into a permanent solution immediately."
The attacker, said to be Wayne Bradley, is caught on CCTV brandishing the bat
A young man has claimed he was beaten repeatedly with a weapon by gangland criminal Wayne Bradley for trespassing at his north Dublin property.
Shocking CCTV footage shows the victim being struck a number of times in the back and legs with a bat by a man believed to be Bradley.
The video shows the attacker savagely swinging the bat full force several times during the vicious assault in Finglas.
However, the victim has since posted a message on Facebook in which he says that he has no issue with Bradley (39).
He told how they were "mates" and that he has apologised to him three times, claiming he was under the influence of "tablets" when he trespassed at Bradley's home.
"It will never happen again, I was out of my head on tablets," he said in his bizarre post.
According to the footage, the incident happened shortly before 1am on December 21.
A third man was also present for the violent altercation but does not appear to get directly involved in the assault.
Gardai in Finglas are aware of the incident but are not investigating it as they have not received a complaint.
Notorious criminal Bradley is under threat from a number of different crime organisations including a north inner city crew with links to the Hutch mob and a vicious Finglas gang who are associated with the Kinahan cartel.
"Wayne has been trying to keep his head down as much as possible because of the threats. He basically locked himself into his house over Christmas," a source said last night.
It is understood Bradley has not got involved in a bitter criminal feud in the locality that has seen a number of violent incidents as well as multiple gun and drug seizures by gardai. SENTENCE Bradley served a five-year jail sentence for his role as a look-out during a raid on a Tesco store in Celbridge in 2007 under the direction of slain gang boss Eamon 'The Don' Dunne.
Older brother Alan 'Fatpuss' Bradley (43) served a six-and-a-half year sentence for the same offence.
Gardai are aware of an incident in December 2016, in which a Kinahan-aligned dealer threw an object, believed to be a rock, at an SUV vehicle which was occupied by Wayne Bradley.
It is not believed that anyone was injured in the incident but sources say that the dealer's motivation was to show Bradley "who was the boss of the area" even though Bradley is not suspected of involvement in the local drugs trade.
Last April, the Herald revealed that gardai were monitoring the activities of Bradley's Kinahan-linked enemy after they received information that the thug who is aged in his 20s, was driving around in a high-powered Audi car and was intending to shoot either Wayne or his older brother, 'Fatpuss'.
On the night, an up-and-coming criminal working for Bradley's enemy was involved in a car chase with gardai in Dunboyne, Co Meath, but was not arrested.
Release
Meanwhile, elder brother 'Fatpuss' is due to be released from jail within days after he spent Christmas behind bars when 29 days that he spent on bail from prison, while seeking early release, were added to the end of his sentence.
He was granted bail on September 20 and released pending the outcome of a legal challenge against his imprisonment for trying to rob a security van in 2007.
Bradley was jailed for seven years on a charge of conspiring to steal from a security van transporting almost 1m in cash as part of a raid organised by slain crime lord Eamon 'The Don' Dunne's gang.
Alongside his brother Wayne and other 'Don' gang members, Bradley pleaded guilty to conspiring to steal cash from Chubb Ireland in November 2007 at Tesco, Celbridge, Co Kildare.
He had been sentenced in April 2012 to nine years, dating from February 14, 2012, with the final two years suspended. This sentence was reduced on appeal to eight years with 18 months suspended.
'Fatpuss' was the second-in-command of the 2007 crime, just behind gang boss Eamon 'The Don' Dunne and also has close links to several major gangland criminals in the capital.
Wayne and 'Fatpuss' were considered major players in robberies in the 1990s and early 2000s.
'Fatpuss' was suspected of involvement in at least a dozen robberies, including a 1996 heist at the Santry Omniplex which netted about IR600,000 and, at around the same time, a robbery at Dunnes Stores in Cornelscourt, Dublin, worth about IR400,000.
Supplier News
4 January 2018
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Guestwareis a cloud-based solution for hotels and resorts to optimize guest service and maintenance processes. Guestware enables staff to improve guest service ratings while providing leadership the data to ensure that guests are happy, staff are productive, and the facility is well maintained. The company has focused on elevating the guest experience in the hospitality industry for over 20 years. Today, the Seattle-based company is doing business with select and full service hotels and resorts in over 70 countries. For more information about Guestware, go to guestware.com or call 888-50-GUEST.
About Intelity
Intelity, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is the creator of the world's first and most widely used integrated guest services platform, ICE (Interactive Customer Experience). With certified integrations to all major hotel back-end management systems (POS, PMS, Ticketing, Spa and Room Controls), Intelity's complete guest service platform is a centralized property-automation system that delivers concierge-level services, guest request tracking and fulfillment, business-intelligence analytics, marketing/messaging capabilities, and a full content management system. Since beginning operations in 2007, the Inc. 5000 company has gained a reputation as a leader in hospitality technology with installations across six continents, including most major brands and many celebrated independent properties. Intelity was recently designated as the "Official Mobile & In Room Technology Provider" for Forbes Travel Guide, as well as the "Best Mobile App in Hospitality" from Travel Weekly's Magellan Awards and the "World's Leading Hotel Brand App" from the World Travel Awards. For more information, please visit www.intelitycorp.com.
Press Release
4 January 2018
Mr Kevin Goh, newly appointed Ascott's Chief Executive Officer, said: "With these nine new management contracts secured in China, Ascott has exceeded our target of 20,000 units for our biggest market China three years ahead of schedule. 2017 was our strongest year as Ascott's global portfolio crossed 72,000 units, adding a record high of about 24,000 units within the year. We are confident of achieving our global target of 80,000 units in 2018, well ahead of 2020 as we press ahead with our aggressive expansion plans via strategic alliances, management contracts, franchises and investments."
CapitaLand's wholly owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has exceeded its target of 20,000 units for China in 2017, ahead of its planned schedule of 2020, as it sealed contracts to manage nine properties with over 2,000 units in China. With these new properties, Ascott made inroads into new cities such as Harbin and Zhuhai, and widened its presence in Chongqing, Foshan, Shanghai and Wuxi. It also marked a record year of growth in China, as it added over 5,600 units across 28 properties in 2017, double the over 2,700 units across 15 properties added in 2016.
About The Ascott Limited
The Ascott Limited is a Singapore company that has grown to be one of the leading international lodging owner-operators. Ascott's portfolio spans more than 180 cities across over 30 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA.
Ascott has about 70,000 operating units and over 48,000 units under development, making a total of about 118,000 units in over 700 properties.
The company's serviced residence and hotel brands include Ascott The Residence, he Crest Collection, Somerset, Quest, Citadines, lyf, Preference, Vertu, Harris, Citadines Connect, Fox, Yello and POP!.
Ascott, a wholly owned subsidiary of CapitaLand Limited, pioneered Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984. Today, the company boasts over 30 years of industry track record and award-winning brands that enjoy recognition worldwide.
Ascott's achievements have been recognised internationally. Recent awards include DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2020 for 'Best Serviced Residence Brand'; World Travel Awards 2019 for 'Leading Serviced Apartment Brand' in Asia, Europe and the Middle East; Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2019 for 'Best Serviced Residence Brand'; Business Traveller China Awards 2019 for 'Best Luxury Serviced Residence Brand'; and TTG China Travel Awards 2019 for 'Best Serviced Residence Operator in China'. For a full list of awards, please visit https://www.the-ascott.com/ascottlimited/awards.html.
About CapitaLand Limited
CapitaLand Limited (CapitaLand) is one of Asia's largest diversified real estate groups. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, it owns and manages a global portfolio worth S$131.9 billion as at 31 December 2019. CapitaLand's portfolio spans across diversified real estate classes which includes commercial, retail; business park, industrial and logistics; integrated development, urban development; as well as lodging and residential. With a presence across more than 200 cities in over 30 countries, the Group focuses on Singapore and China as its core markets, while it continues to expand in markets such as India, Vietnam, Australia, Europe and the USA.
CapitaLand has one of the largest real estate investment management businesses globally. It manages seven listed real estate investment trusts (REITs) and business trusts as well as over 20 private funds. Since it pioneered REITs in Singapore with the listing of CapitaLand Mall Trust in 2002, CapitaLand's REITs and business trusts have expanded to include Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust, CapitaLand Commercial Trust, Ascott Residence Trust, CapitaLand Retail China Trust, Ascendas India Trust and CapitaLand Malaysia Mall Trust.
Visit www.capitaland.com for more information.
External Article
4 January 2018
Two California state lawmakers Wednesday introduced a bill that would require hotels to provide housekeepers with a "panic button" to prevent violent assaults and sexual harassment.
Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, jointly introduced the so-called hotel maid "panic button" bill with Assemblyman Bill Quirk, D-Hayward. If it gets passed, it would make California the first in the nation to have a statewide law requiring hotels to provide employees working alone in guest rooms with a panic button.
Performance
4 January 2018
Hotels in the U.S. recorded a 5.3 percent increase in GOPPAR in November, which was in spite of an uplift in costs, which included a 9.5 percent increase in labor costs on a per available room basis, according to the latest worldwide poll of full-service hotels from HotStats.
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The year-on-year increase in RevPAR at hotels in the U.S. was steady, with growth recorded in both room occupancy (+1.3 percentage points), to 74.8 percent, as well as achieved average room rate (+1.7 percent) to $201.52.
Increases in non-rooms revenues, which included food/beverage (+3.7 percent) and conference/banqueting (+4.0 percent), in addition to the 3.5 percent increase in rooms revenue, contributed to the 4.1 percent year-on-year increase in TrevPAR to $246.81.
Although the year-on-year growth painted a positive picture of performance, TrevPAR levels were approximately $36 behind the performance in October, further highlighting the stand out performance, but were also 2.3 percent behind the year-to-date performance for hotels in the U.S. at $252.42.
Profit & Loss Key Performance Indicators U.S. (in USD)
November 2017 v November 2016
RevPAR: +3.5% to $150.76
TrevPAR: +4.1% to $246.81
Payroll: + 1.8 pts to 35.8%
GOPPAR: +5.3% to $87.68
While payroll levels continued their upward trajectory this month, recording a 1.8 percentage point year-on-year increase to 35.8 percent of total revenue, this was outweighed by the comfortable top line growth and enabled hotels in the U.S. to record a profit per room increase of 5.3 percent to $87.68. This was equivalent to a profit conversion of 35.5 percent.
The growth in profit this month was also in spite of a 2.3 percent year-on-year increase in "overhead" costs, including sales/marketing (+3.7 percent) and utilities (+8.3 percent), on a per available room basis.
"November is always a challenging month of trading for hotels in the U.S. due to the timing of Thanksgiving and many people taking vacation time to spend with family around this period. Despite this, hotels in the U.S. have managed to maintain their upward trajectory to good effect this month.
With a steady increase in top and bottom line performance so far in 2017, hotels in the U.S. are on target for a third consecutive year of profit growth
," said Pablo Alonso, CEO of HotStats.
One of the standout performances this month was in San Francisco, as hotels recorded a 20.4 percent year-on-year increase in GOPPAR to $96.41, which was primarily as a result of accommodation demand generated by the 2017 Dreamforce conference.
Profit & Loss Key Performance Indicators San Francisco (in USD)
November 2017 v November 2016
RevPAR: +9.8% to $216.73
TrevPAR: +8.2% to $299.05
Payroll: +1.0 pts to 43.2%
GOPPAR: +20.4% to $96.41
While hotels in San Francisco suffered a 3.4 percentage point drop in room occupancy this month, to 80.1 percent, this was more than offset by the 14.4 percent increase in achieved average room rate, to $270.59, which helped drive a 9.8 percent increase in RevPAR to $216.33.
Rate growth was achieved across most segments in November, with the greatest margin of increase recorded in the Best Available Rate (+24.7 percent), Residential Conference (+20.4 percent) and Leisure (+11.4 percent) segments.
In addition to the growth in RevPAR, increases were also recorded in food/beverage (+5.9 percent) and conference/banqueting (+5.3 percent) revenues on a per available room basis, which helped fuel the 8.2 percent increase in TrevPAR to $299.05.
"The four-day Dreamforce event is the biggest software conference in the world and reportedly had more than 171,000 registered 'Trailblazers' from 91 countries, fuelling demand for hotel accommodation across the city.
Although the Moscone Center in San Francisco has been the home of the event for some years now, this year the timing of the conference shifted to November from October in 2016, which had a significant impact on the year-on-year performance of hotels in the city
," added Pablo.
Despite the strong total revenue growth, payroll levels at hotels in San Francisco increased by 1.0 percentage points this month to 43.2 percent of total revenue. This was equivalent to a 10.8 percent year-on-year increase on a per available room basis, highlighting the challenges of labor cost in the Bay City.
As a result of rising costs outpacing revenue growth, profit per room at hotels in San Francisco for year-to-date 2017 remains 6.1 percent behind the same period in 2016, at $119.17.
2017 has also been a challenging year so far for hotels in Philadelphia. After a strong start, hotels in Pennsylvania's largest city faced a tough period of trading over the summer, as year-on-year profit per room plummeted by 25.0 percent in the period from June to September.
While November provided some respite, top line performance at hotels in Philadelphia has been challenged throughout 2017 by declining average room rate, which has dropped by 3.2 percent year-to-date, with the rate in the corporate segment providing the biggest challenge as it has plummeted by 23.2 percent in the 11 months to November 2017.
Furthermore, in line with the trend across hotels in the U.S., profit levels at properties in Philadelphia are being challenged by labor costs, which have increased by 2.2 percentage points year-to-date to 33.8 percent of total revenue.
As a result, profit per room for year-to-date 2017, at $94.94, remains 3.6 percent behind the same period in 2016 at $98.53.
Profit & Loss Key Performance Indicators Philadelphia (in USD)
November 2017 v November 2016
Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) announces companies registered to attend this year's Middle East Conference on 23-24 January at the Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, Dubai.
Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG) announces companies registered to attend this year's Middle East Conference on 23-24 January at the Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, Dubai.
Companies in attendance include:
AccorHotels
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise
Amadeus
Aruba Networks
Assa Abloy Hospitality
Belden
Calix
dailypoint
Danmagi
Deloitte
Dubai Parks & Resorts
E. Horner & Associates Pty Ltd
Elfiq Networks
ELKO EP
Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM)
Enseo
Exterity
Glion Institute of Higher Education
GuestTek
HFTP
Hospitality & Retail Systems (HRS)
Hospitality Technology Consulting
Hospitality Technology Network, LLC
Hotel News Middle East
Hyatt Hotels Corporation
IBM Corporation
Ikusi
iLumio
Intelity
Jumeirah Group
Jung
Kathrein Solutions GmbH
Kempinski Hotels
Kerzner International Resorts Inc.
KNX Association
LUX* Resorts
m3connect GmbH
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Marriott International
MCOMS
Messerschmitt Systems AG
Mitel Connected Guests
Movenpick Hotels & Resorts
Neorcha
Otrum
Passman
Prologic First
PwC
Radisson Blue Edwardian Hotels
Rotana Hotel Management Corporation
Ruckus Wireless, Inc.
Sabre
Salto Systems
Samsotech
Televes
The Conceptual Group
TravTalk Middle East
Ubiq Global Solutions
Willard Solutions International
Xn Protel Systems
Conference registration is open to any full-time employee of a company who owns, manages or franchises a hotel. For all other industry participants, HTNG membership is required. Technology providers, consultants and others who are not HTNG members should check with HTNG's Membership Department to ensure eligibility.
Registration and more information for the 2018 HTNG Middle East Conference can be found here.
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Meidinger relocates to the Taiwanese capital with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. The 47-year-old was previously the resident manager at Grand Hyatt Taipei from 2006 to 2010. Most recently he was general manager of The Excelsior, owned by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, in Hong Kong.
Grand Hyatt Taipei has tapped veteran hotelier, Jan-Hendrik Meidinger, as its new general manager. In his new role, Meidinger will lead one of the region's iconic properties and its 1,000 hotel Ambassadors.
Meidinger relocates to the Taiwanese capital with more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. The 47-year-old was previously the resident manager at Grand Hyatt Taipei from 2006 to 2010. Most recently he was general manager of The Excelsior, owned by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, in Hong Kong.
"I'm thrilled to be returning to Taiwan and to Grand Hyatt Taipei," said Meidinger, who succeeds Sammy Carolus to lead the 853-room property. "The Taiwanese have an excellent tradition of hospitality and I'm excited to work with the team here. Together, I believe, we can take the hotel and our guest experience to the next level. Coming back to Taipei feels like I've come home, in particular, since both of my children were born here."
A German national, Meidinger began his career with the Hyatt Group in 1999 as assistant front office manager at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. He was then promoted to the position of executive assistant manager, rooms, before being named hotel manager of Grand Hyatt Taipei in 2006. In 2010, Meidinger was named general manager of Hyatt Regency Guam before taking the helm at Park Hyatt Saigon in 2014, where he managed the complete refurbishment of this iconic hotel.
Meidinger is a graduate of the University of Surrey, UK, where he majored in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. Born in 1970, he is fluent in German and English.
Last year, Grand Hyatt Taipei opened a new thermal spa following a landmark renovation that stripped the city's largest five-star hotel to its concrete fundamentals. This year, the property was once again the talk of the town after being voted the 'No. 1 Hotel in Taipei' in the annual Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2017.
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G Herbo quietly dropped one of the year's more under-the-radar releases, Humble Beast, which featured strong lyricism and vivid street narratives centered around his hometown of Chicago. In fact, it's evident that location played a pivotal role in shaping the man Herbo became; he clearly feels a strong connection to Chi-Town, despite the strenuous and sometimes violent conditions. In fact, many Chicago-based artists have a similar relationship with the city, and as a result, it has become one of hip-hop's most definitive and important hubs. Now, G Herbo has given his fans a chance to better understand his upbringing, through a detailed documentary called City Of Sorrow.
The documentary, which arrives courtesy of Mass Appeal, follows Herbo as he returns to Chicago to visit his old middle school, Hyde Park Academy. There, the rapper delivers an inspiring speech, telling the kids "that no matter what you do in life, the main three things to remember is to keep faith in yourself, stay focused and keep working hard." It's cool to see Herbo taking on the role of a mentor, cementing the fact that he's already wise beyond his years. Aint nothing easy. Everything in life is hard, there will be ups and downs, youre gonna lose, youre gonna fail. But you only fail if you give up.
If you're a fan, you should definitely catch City Of Sorrow before revisiting Humble Beast. Shout out to G Herbo for this one.
For those who have been partaking in the United States' newfound influx of legal marijuana options, especially for those seeking it out to aid in battles against severe medical conditions, Jeff Sessions has just put a huge roadblock in the way.
According to NBC, current Attorney General Jeff Sessions gave lawyers operating in the U.S. the go-ahead to "aggressively enforce federal laws against marijuana," even in those select states where it is already legal to possess or use the substance. This is being seen as a huge reversal of policy that the Obama administration had put into place to protect legalized marijuana from unnecessary federal interference and, in the process, allowed the pot industry to flourish financially (think of all the tax dollars Mr. Sessions).
In a three paragraph memo that is available on the Justice Department's website, Sessions wrote that "the previous issuance of guidance undermines the rule of law and the ability of our local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners to carry out this mission." In his mind, Sessions is simply directing "all U.S. Attorneys to use previously established prosecutorial principles that provide them all the necessary tools to disrupt criminal organizations, tackle the growing drug crisis, and thwart violent crime across our country."
There has already been some severe backlash in response to his decision, including from Cory Gardner, who threatened to hold up DOJ matters unless Sessions reconsiders his stance on legal marijuana. The Colorado Senator will surely not be the last person on Capitol Hill to fight back against the Attorney General's decision.
Reese LaFlare's been working hard. The rapper dropped off a new project a few days a go with Maybe Later which featured K Camp, UnoTheActivist and Yung Bans. However, the rapper comes through today with some new music. After leaking online earlier today, Reese LaFlare officially releases his PartyNextDoor collaboration "They Don't" produced by London On Da Track.
Reese LaFlare comes through with his monstrous new single "They Don't." The single features Toronto crooner, PartyNextDoor, and is produced by the London On Da Track. It's a track that dives closer to PartyNextDoor's dark and cold sound. Reese LaFlare handles the verses while PND leads the chorus. It's an interesting song that blends a variety of sounds together. London On Da Track produced a track that finds a middle ground between the two artists. Hopefully, they collaborate more in the future.
Quotable Lyrics
I just want to give you what you want, want, want
Lame ass hoes talkin' wah wah wah
Pull up on you, tell you this n*gga ain't shit
You don't be trippin, you know these hoes ain't shit
If you were looking forward to a new instalment of Adult Swim's Rick And Morty this year, unfortunately, you'll have to resort to watching re-runs of past seasons since the crew hasn't even begun to create season's four plan.
One of the writers for the favourited show, Ryan Ridley, chatted with the Detroit Cast recently to discuss exactly what's going on, explaining that everyone simply hasn't gotten "their shit together."
They really take their time. I never understood why everybody all parties, Dan, Justin, and Adult Swim didnt get their shit together, and make the show fast," he said. "I just dont get it. It doesnt make any sense to me. Im sure they all have their reasons. I know how long this show takes to write, let alone animate. Id be surprised if there was a fourth season on the air anytime sooner than 2019 late 2019. Get your shit together, you guys. Get it all together, and put it in a backpack.
Do you guys think you can wait that long?
Tdot Illdude recently dropped off his brand new mixtape, which features one of the lengthiest album titles in recent memory: The Last Illustration Of Tdot Illdue By Thomas Jude. The title suggests an almost literary quality to the project, especially when paired with the artwork; one might think we're about to take a journey into some serious art-rap territory. However, the New Jersey rapper keeps things relatively close to the trap stratosphere, opting for a dark, minor key banger from Charlie Heat; for some reason, many modern trap instrumentals tend to sound like twisted nursery rhymes, and I'm okay with that.
Tdot is an intriguing lyricist, spitting hilarious bars with casual swagger, like "give your wifey some underwear, n***a these are the wonder years." If you haven't yet checked out his surreal rap odyssey, hit the link above for a glimpse into the psyche of the enigma, Tdot Illdude. After all, from this point on, he'll be retiring the name and going by Thomas Jude.
Quotable Lyrics
Give your wifey some underwear
N***a these are the wonder years
I'm Durant in his Thunder years,
All the pain and the fuckin' tears
But a victory's fuckin' near
Just after the end of World War I, a young Army officer who was born in Denison, Texas, was assigned to accompany an expedition of military vehicles driving across America. The mission was to determine the difficulties the nation might face moving an entire army across the continent.
Lucky thing the country was no longer at war. The convoy constantly ground to a halt on unpaved roads, sinking into mud, slipping into ditches and sliding into quicksand. The cross-country journey took 62 days, averaging about six miles an hour, something close to the speed of a leisurely walk.
The lessons of that ordeal stuck in the young officer's mind. A generation later, former Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower cited his 1919 convoy experience as a reason for Congress to authorize construction of the Interstate Highway System. The commander-in-chief also proposed paying for the new freeway system with revenues from federal excise taxes on gasoline and lubricating oil.
President Eisenhower knew not only how to get freeways built, but also how to pay for them. We could sure use his help today in Austin. Instead, we're stuck with state leaders who can't figure out how to perform the basic governmental function of paying for highway projects. Our state's political leadership needs to quit dodging this issue and make some tough decisions about how Texas will finance its future roadways.
The problem is that freeway projects cost a lot of money, but the Republicans running the show in Austin don't have the political courage to pass the cost onto taxpayers. Take, for example, what recently happened to a couple of highway expansions proposed for the Dallas and Austin areas. The Texas Transportation Commission removed them from its ten-year plans because both of those projects rely partly on revenue from toll roads.
Conservative elected officials once embraced toll roads as a way to bankroll increasingly expensive highway projects without raising taxes. But the proliferation of these pay-for-play roadways has triggered a tea party style backlash. So state lawmakers faced with a prairie fire of popular opposition have flip-flopped from toll road champions to toll road critics.
So it has come down to this: Our state's Republican leaders won't raise taxes to raise money for highways, but now they're also against toll roads. How in the world do they propose to pay for new road projects?
That's a serious concern for pragmatic local elected officials. As the Chronicle's Dug Begley reports ("Toll road pushback worries area leaders," Monday, Page 1A), government leaders in the Houston area are fretting about what this means for the future of highway construction here. The massive redesign of the freeway system around downtown Houston was included in the state's latest plan, but some local transportation officials worry about the next step in that huge undertaking.
And make no mistake, Texas needs more money for highways. The American Society of Civil Engineering considers at least 38 percent of Texas roads to be in fair or poor condition, and the Federal Highway Commission rates nearly one in five bridges in our state as either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete. Meanwhile, TXDOT reported that between 2002 and 2014, highway construction costs rose 80 percent. At the same time, cars and trucks are becoming more efficient, so they're burning less gasoline and the state is collecting less in tax revenues.
Texas can't make concrete and asphalt out of fairy dust. No matter how low our taxes go, no major corporation like Amazon will want to move into a state that doesn't have decent roads. Our state's elected leaders should follow Ike's example. They should face the unavoidable truth that Texas needs to raise a lot more money for transportation projects, and they need to devise a plan to get the job done.
Last years economic restructuring has led to an increase in labour productivity in Singapore, but economists are uncertain about any long-term effects on productivity. The rise was also probably concentrated in certain sectors, such as manufacturing, they added.
The economy grew 3.5% for the whole of 2017, which is more than double of initial forecasts, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his New Year message.
The growth has largely been attributed to gains in labour productivity. Manpower Minister Lim Swee Say had previously quoted a 3% productivity growth for 2017, making it the highest increase since 2010.
However, economists are uncertain that the pace can continue as the growth is pegged to the current global economic recovery, rather than internal forces.
Productivity tends to pick up in an upswing there is some slack so companies can increase capacity without needing to hire, Maybank Kim Eng economist Chua Hak Bin told The Business Times. Once that capacity tightens, it becomes much tougher. It is far too early to conclude that restructuring efforts delivered productivity improvements.
OCBC economist Selena Ling said sustained growth in both the economy and the labour market may leave a more optimistic view of long term prospects.
We are hoping that there will be clearer improvements this year, but the pick-up could remain sector-specific, Ling said. Now that growth in the services sector is gaining pace, the question is whether it will translate to more opportunities and more wage growth for workers.
Economists predict the economic growth to moderate in 2018 as the electronics manufacturing cycle slows down but services, which makes up two-thirds of the economy and hires the bulk of workers, could contribute more to growth this year.
Saif Ali Khan Says He Wouldn't Have Done Vikram Vedha Remake With Hrithik Roshan if They Had to Dance Together
What happened?
Details emerged yesterday about two major security flaws in the processors used in most computers and phones, and many technology companies are scrambling to issue fixes for their customers. The two vulnerabilities, known as Meltdown and Spectre, affect the vast majority of computing devices made since the 1990s, with Meltdown impacting devices that utilize Intel processors, and Spectre more broadly affecting machines using chips made by Intel, AMD, and ARM Holdings.
Meltdown and Spectre -- discovered by folks working at Google's Project Zero in conjunction with researchers from several countries -- allow attackers to compromise people's computers by exploiting mistakes in the way that processors handle the memory used by multiple processes running at the same time. The bugs potentially allow a criminal to access memory containing passwords or other private information, as well as to capture users' keystrokes and mouse/tap input. Anyone accessing any website that uses JavaScript (i.e., pretty much everyone) could be at risk of attack if a website being accessed has been compromised and exploit code loaded onto it.
In an interview with Reuters, Daniel Gruss, one of the researchers who discovered Meltdown, described the bug as "probably one of the worst CPU bugs ever found."
How should you protect yourself?
Sadly, the answer is somewhat complicated:
For various technical reasons, Spectre is a difficult flaw to fix, and, to be blunt, we will likely be suffering from its vulnerability for quite some time. It is unlikely that software providers will be able to provide fixes -- so we must hope that the hardware firms find a way to address it. The good news, however, is that Spectre appears to be an extremely difficult vulnerability to exploit.
As for Meltdown, Microsoft and Apple have issued operating system patches -- so make sure to keep your devices up to date. Some users of third-party antivirus software may not automatically receive the Microsoft patch. Also, Microsoft and Mozilla have issued patches for their web browsers -- to defend against exploitation via browsing -- so make sure that you have the latest version of your browser (which most people will have via auto-update). While Google has issued fixes for Android, it has not yet fully fixed its Chrome browser -- so, if you use Chrome, you should enable the browser's Site Isolation feature which keeps the websites on different browser tabs into separate spaces in memory .
Adding to the mix, however, is a monkey wrench: Some folks claim that installing the patches slows down computers using Intel chips by as much as 30 percent.
Eventually, there will likely also be BIOS updates available as downloads, and updates for smartphones and tablets -- these should be installed as well.
In 2012, Dinesh Seemakurty was studying biomedical engineering as a prelude to medical school when his career plans jackknifed. Seemakurty, then a student at USC, was visiting relatives in India when his grandfather fell ill and checked into the hospital. But there was no medical supervision there, beyond nurses looking in every six hours, and no one noticed that his grandfather's condition had destabilized until it was too late.
As a former emergency medical technician, Seemakurty knew that lives often depend on the information medical workers get about a patient and how quickly they get it. "In these emerging countries--and even in impoverished areas of the U.S.--you don't have that access to patient information," says Seemakurty. "When you don't know, you can't conduct treatment."
In 2015, Seemakurty, then 21, and his classmate Michael Maylahn, then 23, launched Stasis Labs in Los Angeles. The company makes systems that monitor vital signs and deliver data to clinicians' smartphones. Stasis expects to offer products in the United States. But it first went where it was most needed--far from home.
The right features
U.S. companies that spy opportunities in developing markets often strip down products to make versions that can be produced cheaply enough to sell there, and Seemakurty and Maylahn thought they could succeed with an inexpensive, bare-bones machine. To make sure, Seemakurty asked the physicians he met in India a question. The top manufacturers of vitals monitoring devices are GE and Philips, whose products cost as much as $10,000. "We said, 'If we gave you a Philips monitor for $500 rather than $10,000, would you buy it?'" says Seemakurty.
The answer, surprisingly, was no.
The problem, physicians explained, wasn't price. It was manpower. Vitals monitors track things like pulse rate, temperature, and blood pressure. That data means nothing unless someone sees it. In India and other developing countries, hospitals are often severely understaffed--so a patient's condition can deteriorate for hours before a nurse takes note.
"In emerging countries--and impoverished areas of the U.S.--you don't have access to patient information."
Seemakurty and Maylahn stopped pruning features that didn't matter and doubled down on features that did. They developed a cloud-based system to deliver patient data directly to doctors' and nurses' smartphones.
Price still mattered--and would matter more should Stasis decide to expand into places like Africa. So the two looked for costs to cut. One idea: making monitors for use outside of intensive care units. Inside an ICU, a patient's condition can change in seconds, so real-time data is critical. But for other patients, providing data in five-minute intervals is adequate, and costs significantly less. Also, the founders opted to charge hospitals an annual fee per device that includes all hardware, software, and connectivity. "It creates a partnership," says Seemakurty. "We are incentivized to make sure this product is up and running."
A tale of two headquarters
At first, Seemakurty and Maylahn thought they could manage everything from California. But after Seemakurty spent 35 days visiting 33 hospitals across India to show off a prototype, he realized launching there required living there. A distributor or partner might succeed with a finished, proven product. But a product as new as Stasis Labs' monitor "is very much driven by the market," says Seemakurty. "Being in the hospitals, doing installations, training nurses, talking to doctors--that influences not just the design but the way your team thinks."
They also learned that founders on two continents can scout money in both. Stasis raised $5 million in a seed round for U.S. investors. But Indian venture capitalists also anted up. "We were two kids coming out of college and tackling incumbents," says Seemakurty. "Having Indian investors was a sign that validated us with U.S. investors."
Seven Stasis employees, including Maylahn, work in California; 18 are in India. Sales and business development reside in Bengaluru, because India is where the customers are. The founders divided engineering staff between the locations to maintain a 24-hour development cycle. They could have based technical staff in India, where programmers are cheaper, but did not like the message that sent. "Outsourcing is pretty common, but that is not the kind of organization we want to build," says Seemakurty. "We want to be one cohesive company."
Stasis expects to focus on India through 2018. Its size and relatively sophisticated tech infrastructure make it an ideal first market, says Seemakurty. And, he adds, most hospitals are small: Eighty-four percent have just 50 to 100 beds. That means less bureaucracy and faster buying decisions--critical for any startup.
Seemakurty and Maylahn are still mulling ways to expand. Now that they have a finished product, they expect to sell through local distributors in new markets. They also expect to sell it online.
The road back home
Potential next markets include Africa, other parts of Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Also: the U.S. With money in the bank and a solid track record, the company expects U.S. regulations will be easier to surmount.
"Each market has its own requirements and regulations," says Seemakurty. "If it turns out the product we have makes more sense in emerging markets, that's where we will expand. But if the product also has what is required for the full global market, there is no reason we can't do developed and developing countries at the same time."
The founders believe price will make it popular in poorer regions, and hope design will make it popular elsewhere. Indian doctors offered a key insight: Competing machines have complex interfaces with flashing screens, which may frighten and confuse patients. So Stasis designed a streamlined black box with six simple icons, each representing a vital sign. If the icon is green, all is well. If it's yellow, something's wrong. (Data delivered to clinicians' phones is more detailed.)
That simple, nonthreatening device could serve a domestic niche unfilled by the company's huge competitors. "Stasis was not built just for emerging markets," says Seemakurty. "It was built to reinvent how you monitor patients everywhere."
What the Experts Say
Vijay Govindarajan, distinguished professor at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College
The cost of R&D can probably be recovered in India, at which point it may be possible to reduce the price for even poorer markets. Stasis may also be able to reduce the price further in some markets by delivering data every 20 or 30 minutes instead of five. That's still an improvement in countries where they don't monitor at all. I would recommend that before trying the U.S., Stasis go to other developing economies. Some hospitals in India have opened branches in Africa. Once you sell the product in India, that would be a natural way to migrate. Coming to the U.S. is going to be tough. There are going to be a lot of regulatory approvals. Another option is to partner with GE and Philips and use their distribution channels to get products into the U.S.
Laura Sampath, vice president of programs at VentureWell, a nonprofit that supports innovators creating socially conscious businesses
If you are not willing to relocate to the target market, then your likelihood of failure is much higher. Anytime I see an innovator who says, "I am just going to stay at home and do it from a distance," I get really worried about the person's commitment and ability to be successful. Dinesh understands that there are too many pieces of company building that he cannot manage overseas. One reason Stasis has been successful is it's working through the private hospital systems in India, which are much more open to innovations and new technologies. What does that strategy look like as the company moves into markets like Africa and the Middle East? In some countries, you have to work with the public sector, because there is not a developed private sector.
Jane Chen, co-founder of Embrace Innovations, a San Francisco-based business that makes blanket-like incubators for developing markets
Going home for the holidays often means returning to the favorite haunts that buoyed us in previous lives -- the places that were with us through long nights of homework, that welcomed us on first dates or maybe gave us our first jobs. These businesses remind us of where we're from and show us what it means to be more than a successful brand but also a vital community member and a symbol of home.
Below, a few of us at Inc. pay tribute to the cherished hometown establishments we make it a point to visit when we're homeward bound -- for coffee that's smoother, service that's brighter, movies that are more special, or fast food that is more mouth-watering than what we've found anywhere else in the country.
Colectivo Coffee (Milwaukee, WI)
Colectivo is a Wisconsin roaster and coffee chain that makes gorgeous lattes, roasts delicious beans, carries amazing baked goods like peanut butter-chocolate chip-banana muffins, and whips up delicious pesto breakfast burritos. They're not from my home state, but my adopted home state by marriage. Whenever I visit my in-laws in Milwaukee or my sister in Madison, my husband knows our first stop is always Colectivo. This Brooklyn-based coffee snob has access to a plethora of local roasters in her neighborhood--yet still orders a five-pound bag of beans from Colectivo once a month to brew at home .
Earlier this year, Colectivo expanded to Chicago and announced a cafe in Evanston, the first suburb outside of the Windy City--which works out well for me, because my brother lives there!
- Danielle Sacks, Senior Editor
Del's (Cranston, RI)
For such a small state, Rhode Island has a lot of weird food: New York System wieners, Johnnycakes, and our official state drink, coffee milk. But my personal favorite is Del's Lemonade. It's not some sloppy gas station slushie; it is the perfect Rhode Island lemonade made with real lemon pieces. In my youth, the realest vendors knew to sell you a salty pretzel rod to complement the not-too-sweet flavor. It's the first thing I look for when I visit Rhode Island in the summer. The business is still family run. For adult non-Rhode Islanders who can't handle the real thing, I suggest the widely available Del's Shandy, a mix of lemonade and Narragansett Beer.
- Ernie Monteiro, Photo Editor
In-N-Out Burger (San Jose, CA)
If you've never been fortunate enough to eat an In-N-Out burger, it's easy to dismiss it as a West Coast fad. But since I moved to New York seven years ago, In-N-Out has always been my first stop off the plane coming home to California. The lines are never short, but good things come to those who wait: 10 minutes in exchange for paradise in a bun. The meat is fresher, the fries are hand-cut, and the tomatoes taste like tomatoes. True love is living thousands of miles away from home and still never forgetting what a perfect In-N-Out order looks like: a Double-Double burger (coronary thrombosis on a gently toasted bun), Animal Fries (caramelized onions drenched in melted American cheese), and a chocolate shake (it's made of real ice cream!).
- Vanna Le, Senior Editor
iPic (Boca Raton, FL)
Life in my hometown of Boca Raton, Florida, is an ongoing exercise in luxury and pampering, and nightlife revolves around eating out and going to the movies. I don't suppose any other town could have given rise to iPic, the gold standard in movie-going indulgence. The pop-art interiors and Vegas-y bar rooms are a bright contrast to the grungy dowdiness of traditional cineplexes. In the overly spacious theater, an attendant brings you complimentary popcorn as you cozy up with a blanket and pillow on a leather recliner nestled into a privacy pod. Once ensconced there, a call button rings a waiter at any time throughout the movie to fill your order from the full bar or bistro kitchen. It feels like home, but better. iPic now has 16 locations nationwide, from Westwood to Westchester, but the Boca location is still my favorite--in part for the peacocking mise-en-scene that includes six-figure cars valeted conspicuously in front of the theater. But mostly because, when I'm home, it's where my entire family can share at least one movie night together, and no one has to jockey for the good seat on the couch.
- Marli Guzzetta, Research Director
Kopp's Frozen Custard (Milwaukee, WI)
I don't get back to Milwaukee much, but when I do, I try to make it to Kopp's Frozen Custard, and so does pretty much everyone I know. It's not the only place in town you can get a proper Wisconsin butter burger, with a big fat pat of butter melted on top of the patty. A lot of people prefer the one from Solly's, in fact. But Kopp's custard is worth the trip in its own right. (Whatever you do, don't waste your time with Culver's!) Even if you've ever been to Milwaukee, Kopp's might feel familiar. Garry Marshall modeled some of Arnold's Drive-In from Happy Days after the exterior of Kopp's.
- Jeff Bercovici, San Francisco Bureau Chief
Publix (Lakeland, FL)
Florida is a relatively new state, and many of us who grew up in South Florida in the Eighties and Nineties were used to seeing scrub brush or old farmland razed and reborn as shopping centers and tract housing almost overnight. Reactions to this development were mixed, but just about everyone was happy to see the bright green, art deco logo for a Publix supermarket--a torch in the wilderness that meant your daily comings-and-goings had just gotten much easier. Clean, beautifully organized, bright and welcoming, Publix was everything Florida promised its Northeastern transplants that the Sunshine State would be.
Even though Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Fresh Market have started moving into those strip malls, Publix is still the grocery store where I shop when I'm back home. To me, Publix is the delicious glazed chocolate-and-vanilla bundt cakes from the bakery that my grandmother always kept in the microwave, or the buy-one-get-one-free bunches of the brightest gladiolus that I would bring her from the store's florist on weekends. It's the famous deli subs--packed to the brim with ingredients that seem a little a fresher, a little better than they do anywhere else--that we'd eat while watching Dan Marino play at Joe Robbie Stadium. It's the cheap, sweet, fresh cut pineapple that my brother and I ate by the pound after coming home from school or sports. Most importantly, Publix is the kind, hard-working people of every stripe who go out of their way to make shopping there a pleasure, as its motto goes.
- M.G.
Tastee Diner (Bethesda, Maryland)
When I return to Bethesda, Maryland, I barely recognize the place. Phalanxes of soulless glass skyscrapers have supplanted the streetscape of mom-and-pop shops I'd grown up with. But there on a side street, Tastee Diner hangs on.
The Bethesda location was the first of three to open in 1935 in a metal dining car with six booths and a counter. I remember the wind-up toys kids like me could play with while we waited for our food; my favorite was a three-piece band featuring Alvin and the Chipmunks. When I was a little older, I learned to drink coffee here from thick white mugs during breaks from pasting up my high school newspaper at a nearby print shop. Years later, I would bring my own children. The waitress would read the table correctly and offer them double orders of fries instead of a second veg.
The Tastee web site lists celebrities that visited over the years: Julie Louis Dreyfus, Julia Child, Annie Leibovitz, John F. Kennedy Jr. and Caroline Bessette-Kennedy. Suburban Maryland is almost as politics-drenched as neighboring D.C., so Tastee also fed Chelsea Clinton, Josh Bolten and John Roberts.
I've never seen any of those people. But the web site also says today's lunch special is meat loaf: $8.95. I know just how it will taste.
- Leigh Buchanan, Editor-at-Large
The Varsity (Atlanta, GA)
All Atlantans know "What'll ya have!" is an exclamation and not a question, slung at you from behind a gleaming silver counter by folks in red and white paper hats. They speak a different language behind the double doors of The Varsity, an Atlanta icon since 1928.
My order: two chili cheese slaw dogs, ring one, and an F.O. Translation: two chili dogs topped with mustard and coleslaw, an order of onion rings and a creamy orange milkshake.
The Varsity was surprisingly ahead of the curve: drive-through service while cars were still young, a focus on youth culture thanks to its location near Georgia Tech's campus, and fast, cheap food before "fast food" was ubiquitous. Over time, it developed its own culture and lingo--and when the rest of the world modernized, The Varsity's culture remained "ours."
That's part of the charm: It's the same atmosphere now as when I was a kid. Or when my dad was a kid. Or his dad. Some say the food is greasy and expensive. But those heavenly onion rings? I have to experience them at least once per year.
- Cameron Albert-Deitch, Assistant Editor
Wawa (Wawa, PA)
Wawa sold me my first coffee-flavored gateway drug. The chain's frothy, sugary, French Vanilla cappuccinos bore little resemblance to either Italian espresso or the carefully curated third-wave pour-overs so popular today; but as a coffee-averse teenager with a lot of AP Calc homework, the Wawa two blocks away from my childhood home in suburban Philadelphia got me through a lot of (delicious) late nights.
Ask anyone who grew up with Wawa, and they'll likely have their own Proustian recollections of their favorite products. Wawa, of course, is the greatest American convenience store ever, as anyone from Philly or most of the non-New York mid-Atlantic can (and eagerly will) tell you. New York bodegas have their charming individuality. 7-Elevens have, well, that pervasive weird chemical smell of warm-ish hot dogs. But Wawas have it all: deli counters for handmade hoagies, convenience-store aisles of unhealthy snacks, and a crazy cheap coffee bar full of magical concoctions that put Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts to shame.
It's also a private, family-and-employee-owned business that opened its first store in 1964. Half a century later, Wawa has more than 30,000 employees, an estimated $9 billion in annual sales and 750 locations stretching from Florida to New Jersey. As I look forward to spending the holidays with my own family down the road from company headquarters in Wawa, Pennsylvania, I can already taste the French Vanilla.
- Maria Aspan, Senior Editor
Wegmans (Rochester, NY)
Every Western New Yorker knows how lucky enough they are to have a local Wegmans. The warehouse super-store has the feel and charm of a Trader Joe's with the product range of a Whole Foods. Inside you'll find a bakery, deli, pizzeria, French patisserie, organic/natural food section, cheese shop, butcher, sushi counter, coffee shop, florist, pharmacy, sit-down restaurant, home goods store, and of course a couple dozen aisles of groceries.
In many communities, including my hometown of Canandaigua, New York, Wegmans is where you greet neighbors, catch up with old elementary school teachers, and meet up with a friend for some late-night grub. On Thursday nights, the parking lot is cleared for antique car shows. On Fridays in the summer, you'll find jazz and cocktails on the back patio, and on Saturday's, Costco-style sampling stations fill the store. Many of my high school friends had Wegmans was their first job, and with the company's scholarship program, it was a means for them to attend college. For shoppers, Wegmans is an extension of their home.
- Brit Morse, Editorial Intern
Waffle House (Norcross, GA)
Everyone in the South has their favorite Waffle House menu item. Mine's the hash browns. I get them smothered, covered, chunked, and diced (which means with sauteed onions, cheese, ham, and tomatoes). But WaHo's allure doesn't come from its extremely cheap and greasy food. No, it comes from the 24/7 breakfast chain's sheer reliability. Need a quick bite before work? It's there. Drunk at 3 a.m.? It's there. Meeting up with friends? There's no better spot.
The Georgia-based chain puts a premium on crafting identical experiences across more than 2,100 locations in 25 states, from the food to the restaurant facades and layouts. It's ironic, then, that I love Waffle House for its absurdity. Anything can happen at a Waffle House: From the heartwarming (a group of customers stepped up to help staff an Alpharetta, Georgia Waffle House during the 2014 Snowpocalypse) to the downright strange (someone attempted to rob a Waffle House with a pitchfork earlier that same year).
No matter what happens, one thing's certain: Waffle House employees will always greet you with a smile.
Along with your goals to be more productive, focused, or healthy in the new year, you might also be thinking about ways in which you might increase your creativity. While there are many tangible ways you can improve your creative ability, recent research suggests that some effective methods may actually be at odds with the typical goals and resolutions we set for ourselves. Here are three surprising yet simple methods to increase your creativity.
1. Think less.
In a 2017 experiment, UK researchers discovered that when they used an electric current to suppress the part of our brain that controls cerebral and executive order thinking, people were less mentally constrained, and were thus able to think more creatively. Earlier research at Stanford demonstrated similar findings, in which researchers found that excessively using our prefrontal cortex, as in when you are overthinking a problem, actually hinders creativity. When we think too hard, our brain tries to use the same mental shortcuts it has previously used to solve problems, making it difficult to come up with novel solutions.
The next time you are in search of a creative solution, find ways to think less deeply about it, perhaps with a glass of wine, when you are especially tired, or while you go for a walk.
2. Clutter your life.
Past studies have shown that clutter has damaging effects to our productivity--it makes it difficult for us to focus and process information. This mental constraint, however, is perfect grounds for sparking creative thought. In fact, in a study at the University of Minnesota, researchers found that messy rooms actually help people try new things and come up with more creative ideas.
Though it may not make sense to continually clutter and declutter your workspace based on the type of outcome you'd like to achieve, you might instead consider designing a thoughtfully "cluttered" creative room or space for yourself at work or at home.
3. Ditch your routine.
In a study by researchers at Albion University, students were asked to solve puzzles requiring either analytical or creative skills. It was found that when people completed the puzzles during their least optimal times of day (as in, when a night owl was asked to respond in the morning, or an early bird at night), they were 50 percent more successful at solving the creative tasks. Performance on analytical tasks did not change based on time. Fatigue makes our brains disorganized. This means that we can't focus, but it also means we make messy connections that we don't make when we are feeling sharp.
When needing to solve a problem creatively, find ways to break away from the routine you typically find effective. If you work best when you're awake, tackle this particular project when you're winding down for the night. You might find that, in your quest for creativity, you're actually more productive when you don't feel as such.
Amber Bridges got fired because of bad body odor, but not hers. Another employee had bad body odor and Bridges tried to solve the problem by bringing in air fresheners and others followed suit. The smelly employee complained to HR and Bridges was fired for creating a "hostile work environment."
A hostile work environment doesn't mean that Bridges was being rude, it means that she violated a law against illegal discrimination. You'll hear this term used most often in relationship to sexual and gender harassment, but it can be used in a case of disability discrimination as well.
Bridges is suing, rather ironically, saying her termination was a result of her association with the stinky co-worker, and that she should be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well.
While we don't have more details than that, I can already tell where this organization went wrong and how Bridges, herself, made mistakes.
Passive Aggressiveness Never Solves Anything
Bridges, understandably, didn't want to smell foul odors at work, so she brought in air fresheners. Problem solved, right? Well, what she should have done is either speak directly to the employee in her role as a team leader or asked the employee's manager to speak with the employee.
Yes, it's emotionally easier to simply spray Febreeze everywhere, but in this case, her actions made the other employee far more uncomfortable than a simple conversation would have.
What Should Bridges Have Done?
As a team lead, Bridges should have spoken to the employee privately or asked the manager or HR to do so. Whoever spoke with the employee should, according to Employment Attorney Jon Hyman "suggest that she pay some attention to her grooming before each workday. That you all have to share the work-space and its air, and everyone should try to respect each other by paying attention to some basic grooming an hygiene."
If the problem was a hygiene one, it's perfectly reasonable and not a violation of law to require employees to shower regularly and wear clean clothing. If the problem employee simply wasn't bathing and didn't respond to a team lead's suggestion, then you should escalate it to HR and let them handle it from there. Honestly, hygiene is something most HR managers learn how to handle in their first six months.
But What if It Was a Disability?
What do you do if the employee reports that yes, she showers every day, yes her clothes are clean, and yes, she wears deodorant, but she still stinks, then you suggest that she see her doctor and begin the process of obtaining protection through the ADA. Chronic body odor can be covered, but the company needs the paperwork filled out.
So, the smelly employee goes to HR, gets the proper paperwork, takes it to her doctor, and then begins something called the interactive process.
The Interactive Process
An employee with an ADA covered disability is entitled to a "reasonable accommodation" and that is determined through a back and forth with the employer. Hanging air fresheners may end up being the solution, but that wouldn't be the only one. The important thing to do is have the back and forth and come to a solution that is satisfactory.
This solution doesn't have to be the employee's first choice, but it does have to be reasonable for all parties. There are some disabilities, of course, which cannot be reasonably accommodated. A person with chronic body odor who works with a computer can be in a private office, but there probably isn't a reasonable accommodation for a waiter with chronic body odor.
Will Bridges Win Her Lawsuit?
When Hezekiah Allen grew medical marijuana for California's loosely regulated market in Humboldt County, the general rule of thumb: willful ignorance. "I would spend nine months working with the plants and then they'd go into a duffel bag into someone's trunk," says Allen. "I'd have no idea where they were going."
Allen would only sell to pot brokers and dispensaries who had paperwork proving they were legal, but he says it was easy for companies to pass off as legitimate in California's gray market, a loosely regulated underground economy. The less he knew about who he sold to, says Allen, now the executive director of the California Growers Association, the less liability he assumed.
That sort of casual looking the other way by cannabis small business owners came to an end on January 1, when California became the sixth state to roll out recreational marijuana sales. Following a slew of legalization in recent years--in states including Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Nevada--the country's largest marijuana market is finally legal after two decades of gray market existence. Now anyone with a valid identification card over 21 years old can buy pot at adult-use dispensaries, unleashing years of pent up excitement.
But the California legal market is dwarfed by the state's black market and could act as a reality check on the euphoria cannabis businesses are feeling in the afterglow of legalization. According to Erick Eschker, an economics professor at Humboldt State University, about $5.5 billion of California's $7.8 billion in pot sales is generated from unlicensed and unregulated growers, distributors, and dispensaries. (The remaining $2.3 billion in sales come from the medical market.)
Lori Ajax, the head of the Bureau of Cannabis Control, California's marijuana regulatory organization, says that legalization is not a "magic button" that will instantly shrink the existing black market. Ajax says it will take years of enforcement to reduce the size of California's underground cannabis economy.
One of the biggest challenges in converting black market businesses to legal ones is cost. Nat Buttrick, the co-founder and CEO of Madrone California, a licensed collective of small cannabis farmers, says many businesses are deciding not to get permits--which can cost between $5,000 and $120,000 a year depending on the size and scope of a business--because they don't have enough crops to justify the cost. Equally, if their current parcels of land are not zoned for marijuana growing under the new rules, they don't have the resources to move.
"I am blown away by how many brands I am familiar with when I go into a dispensary that won't be there anymore," says Buttrick of the new legal reality. "There are many manufacturers that I thought had permits that actually don't have permits and now many products will be banned."
The Bureau of Cannabis Control is trying to ease this transition by offering small businesses temporary licenses, which last four months, so they can get into the legal market and then apply for an annual license. Once companies get a temporary license, they have a six-month transition period to sell their products that don't meet the regulatory standards. (In the legal market, every product must be tested, but during the grace period untested products will be allowed to be sold if they are clearly labeled, says Ajax.)
Beyond permit costs, the even bigger inhibitor is the financial reality of being part of a regulated industry. Under U.S. tax code 280e, many marijuana companies pay effective tax rates as high as 60 percent. To be compliant in California, says Steve DeAngelo, executive director of Harborside, one of the nation's largest dispensaries, they have to also "pay for security measures, mandatory product testing, licensing fees, taxes, employee benefits." In other words, these costs make it harder for legal players to compete with a black market that is perpetually undercutting them.
Just take a look at a typical harvest season, says DeAngelo. Every October, a glut of product hits the market, causing prices to drop and customers to flock to illegal product. "Harborside loses about 20 percent of our customers because prices are cheaper in the black market," he says. Now this dynamic won't just be seasonal, but a daily reality.
Prices in California's new recreational legal market are expected to initially inflate, just like they did in the early days of regulated markets in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon. The Associated Press calculated that a batch of cannabis that sold for $35 in the medical market could cost $50 to $60 in the recreational market--a 70 percent increase. Part of the price increase is because a 15-percent state tax, plus an additional 7.5 percent city sales tax on each purchase. Eventually, as the legal market matures and supply and demand increase, prices will drop. According to Cy Scott, the founder of Headset, a marijuana data company, prices dropped in Washington's legal market from $50 to $15 for a gram of marijuana about 12 months after the first day of legal sales.
An inevitable byproduct of all this is that legal dispensaries may not actually have enough product to sell, further exacerbating price increases. DeAngelo says if thousands of California marijuana growers and product manufacturers don't get licenses, there will be a damaging ripple effect. "You will see the pool of available material shrink by a factor of ten," he warns. "Manufacturers and extractors will become distressed, you will have a sharp reduction in supply to dispensaries and this will lead to price increases. Dispensaries that do not have a well-developed supply chain may find their shelves largely bare."
The best way out of this cycle, says BBC's Ajax, is for customers to recognize the value of purchasing regulated, lab-tested products--and eventually demand it.
So, how long will this take to happen? It depends on who you ask. Humboldt State's Eschker estimates that about half of the total black market sales in California will convert to legal sales in the recreational market in the next year. Others believe the black market won't disappear until national legalization, which was served a blow today when Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama-era policy that allowed the state-regulated marijuana markets to flourish.
By Lisa Curtis, founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli.
Nearly a decade after a trip to West Africa sparked what turned out to be a multi-million dollar idea, I was back. While passing through the villages of Ghana and Benin, I was reminded of how much living in a small West African village had taught me about business fundamentals.
The Art of Small Talk
My village in Niger was tiny, home to just 2,000 people. Geographically, it should have taken no more than ten minutes to cross it, and yet it always took forty. Every couple of feet, I would stop to speak with a neighbor or friend, asking about their health, family and farm. While this might sound like a terrible waste of time, it built incredibly strong relationships.
The foundation of any relationship is trust. Yet, trust takes time to build over the course of every interaction, short or extensive. Recently I was in a sales meeting with a notoriously tough young buyer. She immediately lightened up when we began discussing our shared annoyance at how often older people asked our age. It was an uncommon way to start a sales meeting but resulted in an extremely positive sales result.
Move Away From a Scarcity Mindset
One day I was walking in my village when I came across two little boys pushing toy cars down the street. Upon closer look, I saw that the cars were homemade and crafted entirely of trash. Ive never seen anything like that in the U.S. When products are just a single click away, such resourcefulness is kicked to the curb.
I constantly challenge my team to find creative ways to use our small size to our advantage. For example, Whole Foods told us that they wanted to launch a new product of ours but they wanted us to deliver it within just a few months. At first, we thought we couldn't do it -- most food companies take over a year to launch a new product. But the opportunity was too big to pass up and so we put everything we had into hitting the deadline. We hit it, and hit a good lesson in our own resourcefulness.
Know Your Values
While in Benin, I met an incredible entrepreneur named Pierrette who had pulled herself and her children out of poverty with her business. She told me that she was guided every day by her desire to help more struggling women in her community. At my company, we all work towards the same goal of creating and selling superfood moringa products. But more importantly, we are guided by our core values and shared interest in using moringa to improve nutrition and livelihoods worldwide. Small villages survive off the support that neighbors offer each other when hard times hit. Placing concern for people on an equal footing as concern for profit has been a guiding star for our growth.
Be Transparent
In a village, its impossible to keep anything secret. This type of radical transparency is something I now use in my business. Transparency is integral to building community as it helps everyone feel like they understand and are contributing towards the broader goals. We have a monthly team huddle where we disclose all of our financials and talk through what they mean for the company. We also undergo an annual audit and publish the results online. I try my best to lower the barriers of communication so that everyone -- from our customers to our leadership team -- feels comfortable asking hard questions and knows that they will get honest answers.
Although the complexities of West African villages are profound, there is something to be learned from contributing to and drawing from a tight-knit community. A village mindset prioritizes communal living -- shared ideas, customs and connection. My business was started in my parents kitchen, a place where I had come together with my own village over the years to share food, exchange ideas and find support. Although we now sell our products nationwide, the shared space and origins of who we are are not forgotten and have become integral to who we are today.
The aftermath of the Omagh bomb explosion in August 1998
Events marking 20 years since the Omagh bomb will be a "fitting tribute" to victims throughout the Troubles, organisers have said.
The Irish Government is funding a special series of commemoration projects ahead of this summer's anniversary. A cash injection worth 16,000 will help pay for remembrance works like art and music.
The Real IRA dissident republican blast killed 29 in the busy Co Tyrone market town. Nobody was convicted of murder despite extensive police investigations.
Cat Wilkinson, whose brother Aiden Gallagher, 21, died in the August 1998 explosion, said she was grateful for the extra money.
"It will help the families who will be thinking and reflecting back over the last 20 years.
"It gives them something to focus positively on and really connect with the rest of the community."
The Omagh bombing inflicted the greatest loss of life of any terror atrocity in the history of the Northern Ireland Troubles and came just months after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
The dead came from both sides of the Irish border, England and Spain. One of the victims was pregnant with twins.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade funding has been allocated to the Omagh Support and Self-Help Group, run by and for the bereaved and offering services like welfare and complementary therapies.
Bags of wildflower seeds will be decorated with paintings and words themed around Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney's line "Believe that a farther shore is reachable from here".
They will be put together as an installation by artist Carole Kane in a throwback to events of the time when floral works made from masses of wreaths received from around the world were presented to the bereaved families.
At the anniversary event, the bags of seeds will be distributed for scattering later, in some cases around the world at the scene of other atrocities.
A newly-composed music piece will be performed by Omagh Community Youth Choir.
Ms Wilkinson urged the local and wider community to get involved, since the whole community was affected by what was a "brutal and callous" attack on civil society.
"The families of Omagh felt enormous support worldwide which gave them the courage, strength and hope to face the difficult journey ahead," she said.
"We would hope that this project would be a fitting tribute to the victims, survivors, witnesses, first responders and civic and religious leaders who have not only been affected by this atrocity but throughout the history of the Troubles."
Omagh District Council is also organising a series of memorial events.
Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said: "Support for this vital reconciliation work is an important expression of the Government's unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation on this island as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement."
The holder of the winning jackpot ticket, worth 38.9 million euro, has contacted the National Lottery offices
A 40 million euro jackpot winning EuroMillions ticket was sold in a local shop in Malahide, Dublin, it has been revealed.
Amy Cong, owner of the independent Village Shop in the town's shopping centre, said she has a lot of regulars but has no idea who the winner is.
"This is a small shop in the centre of Malahide but we are busy and we have a lot of regular customers," she said.
"We have been barely able to contain our excitement since we were told by the National Lottery yesterday that we sold the ticket. We had absolutely no idea! There is an amazing buzz here today. We have no idea who the lucky winner is but we wish them the best of luck in the future."
The holder of the winning jackpot ticket - worth 38.9 million euro from last Friday's draw - has contacted the National Lottery offices and arrangements are being made for the prize to be collected in the coming weeks.
A spokeswoman said: "We have verified the winning ticket and the ticket holder is understandably delighted at their good fortune.
"They are getting independent legal and financial advice and we look forward to having them come to the winner's room to collect their cheque in the near future. This is a life-changing amount."
Ms Cong, originally from the Shandong province in east China and living in Ireland for the last 20 years, said she expects to be a lot busier after selling the ticket for the massive windfall.
She also gets a 25,000 euro bonus for selling the jackpot numbers.
"My husband and I have been running the Village Shop for over five years now but we've never experienced anything like this," Ms Cong said.
"At the moment, we have just one employee working in the shop but today's exciting announcement could make us a whole lot busier in the coming months as one of Ireland's lucky EuroMillions winning retailers.
Ireland has had 12 jackpot winners in the EuroMillions including two syndicates in the last year which won separate pots of 88.5m euro and 29m euro.
Garda have been searching a vacant property on Avenue Road in Dundalk, Co Louth, close to the scene of the killing of a Japanese man
Flowers and a can of Japanese coffee on Avenue Road in Dundalk, Co Louth, close to the scene of the killing of a Japanese man
A series of attacks in Ireland which left one man dead and two others injured has not been linked to terrorism.
As detectives continued to question a teenage suspect over the random killing and assaults in Dundalk, Co Louth on Wednesday morning they said no terrorist link has been established.
The arrested man, aged 18 and from Egypt, was being interviewed while gardai liaise with counterparts in the UK and Cairo in a bid to establish the man's background.
"An Garda Siochana extends its sympathies to the families of the deceased person and our thoughts are with those injured," the force said in a statement.
"An Garda Siochana is currently liaising closely with our security and law enforcement partners worldwide to share and assess any relevant intelligence and its potential impact on the current investigation.
"At this time, we can find no established link to indicate that this tragedy is terrorist-related."
Following the man's arrest gardai said a number of lines of inquiry into the motive for the attacks were being investigated, including terrorism.
The dead man was Japanese, aged 24, and had been living in Ireland for a year.
He has been named as Yosuke Sasaki and is understood to have come from Ebina, west of Tokyo.
He worked in a call centre in Dundalk and it is believed he was targeted randomly on Avenue Road in Dundalk shortly before 9am on Wednesday as he made his way to the office.
Officials in the Japanese embassy in Dublin have been liaising with the dead man's family and have appealed for privacy.
In the second incident, an Irish man was injured when he was stabbed a short time later on Coes Road in Dundalk, near the scene of the first incident.
At 9.40am gardai received a report that another local man had been injured in an attack with a fence pole at Seatown Place.
The arrested man had come into contact with gardai in Dundalk on January 1 when inquiries about his immigration status were conducted.
It is believed he had applied for asylum in the Irish Republic.
Gardai can hold the arrested man until this evening when a decision will be made on whether to charge him or apply to have his period of detention extended.
Gardai said officers were liaising internationally with counterparts as the investigation develops.
It also noted that the threat level in Ireland from international terrorism remains unchanged and is classed as moderate, meaning an attack is possible but not likely.
"The level of threat remains under constant review by An Garda Siochana in consultation with the Defence Forces," it said.
"The public should be reassured that An Garda Siochana is committed to ensuring that the security of the state and our public areas remains a policing and security service priority."
Gardai urged people to remain vigilant and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan extended his sympathies those killed or injured, including Mr Sasaki.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. I want to wish those who were injured a speedy recovery," he said.
Mr Flanagan praised the work of gardai involved in the incident and cautioned about people jumping to conclusions over the attacks.
"There has, understandably, been speculation and concern about the motivation for this attack ... and would caution against drawing judgments until the gardai can establish the facts in the course of their investigation," he said.
Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein president who represents Co Louth where the attacks took place, said: "I want to express my deep sense of shock at the brutal murder of Yosuke Sasaki in Dundalk and the wounding of two other citizens."
Mr Adams said he had sought answers from Mr Flanagan over what contact the arrested man had with the immigration service; what his status was; what steps gardai took after coming into contact with him; and whether all necessary steps were taken by state agencies who dealt with him.
During the 1970s 'Porridge' got lots of laughs. That's because it was the title of a popular BBC sitcom starring Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale. Now Ireland's best-known porridge oats brand, Flahavan's turns to comedy with a new ad campaign. Comic Steve Bennett fronts the first-ever TV commercial to be shot at Flahavan's mill in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford.
Entitled 'Not Your Run of the Mill Oats', the ad is delivered tongue-in-cheek to show what's different about Flahavan's milling through seven generations of the family-owned business dating back to 1785. The construction of the current mill was completed in 1959.
The ad opens with two men on a cycle path. The camera slowly pulls back to reveal a panoramic shot of the country's longest greenway, the Waterford Greenway, as it crosses the viaduct at Kilmacthomas, right beside the mill.
Bennett plays a feisty tour guide who escorts a small group of visitors and talks them through the stages of the oat-milling process. As a result of some distractions and unforeseen events, the secrets to producing Flahavan's porridge oats aren't properly communicated.
As well as the 40-second TV ad, there's a 10-second teaser, radio and outdoor ads. The campaign was created by BBDO Dublin, with Red Rage hired to roll out the TV ads. Flahavan's sales and marketing director John Noonan says the new ads allow them to show off the mill where the porridge oats are produced for the first time.
"Thanks to the Waterford Greenway, which opened in 2016, anyone who cycles around Kilmacthomas will be familiar with the mill, which can be clearly seen from the greenway," Noonan said. "The new TV ad provides a chance for people to look behind the scenes at the mill. Flahavan's porridge oats accounts for two million servings in Ireland each week and the brand is marketed in 17 countries worldwide."
As well as traditional porridges, the Flahavan's range includes Super Oats for children, flapjacks, muesli and granolas. For his work in extending the brand, Noonan was voted Marketer of the Year in 2009. Resident MC at the Roisin Dubh Comedy Club, Bennett's sharp tongue gets crowds on side. He won 'Show Me the Funny' and best newcomer at the UK Musical Comedy Awards in 2014.
Staying with food, it appears vegan will be all the rage again when ordering home deliveries online this year. Just Eat reports that vegan will be the food trend of 2018 largely thanks to consumer seeking out image-conscious and healthy foods.
Last year saw a tenfold increase in demand for vegetarian options. One in three of Just Eat's 2,100 takeaway restaurants online now provide vegetarian and vegan choices on their menus. Just Eat marketing director Edel Kinane says outlets like Bombay Pantry have even launched their own vegan menu, an indication that there's more to Indian food than just chicken tikka masala.
Demand for healthy choices generally grew by 94pc last year and gluten-free options were up by 72pc. The most popular days of the year for ordering takeaways online are New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, back to school and summer festivals like Electric Picnic - 80pc of orders are made using either the Just Eat app or mobile.
Just under one in seven Irish holiday-goers have arrived at an airport only to realise they forgot their passport.
A study of 5,000 Irish people by AA Travel Insurance shows that men were slightly more likely than women to have experienced a forgotten passport nightmare, with almost 16pc of men leaving their passport behind compared to almost 10pc of women.
The survey also found that more than one in 10 Irish people have either lost or had their passport stolen at some stage in their lives. A similar number of respondents admitted that they had misplaced their travel documents on at least one occasion. Women are more likely to have lost their passport or had the document stolen - 13pc of women compared to 8pc of men.
No sooner has Bobby Kerr packed in his role at Insomnia to focus on his gigs at Newstalk than a new coffee brand and cafe pops up. Handprint Coffee is based at Freshii's new outlet in Dublin's Point Square, beside the 3Arena. It's a joint partnership between the Bell Lane coffee roastery and Freshii franchise owners Dave O'Donoghue and Cormac Manning. How refreshing to learn that Handprint sustainable coffee is served in compostable cups.
Scottish craft beer Brewdog is living up to its name by offering puppy parental leave for its staff in the UK and US. The 'punk' brewer now allows its near-1,000 workforce a week off when they get a new pup. Staff are also encouraged to bring their mutts to work. Barry & Fitzwilliam now handles Brewdog's distribution rights for Ireland. As they say, "in hops we trust".
Michael Cullen is editor of Marketing.ie; cullen@marketing.ie
A recent industry-wide initiative to reassess the iodine nutrition of lactating dairy cows is having a beneficial effect on milk iodine concentrations, Teagasc has said in a recent research update.
Until spring 2017, the animal compound feed industry in Ireland had adopted using 60mg iodine per day as the normal supplementation rate rather than 12mg iodine per day as originally recommended.
In January 2017, all manufacturers of compound feed in Ireland were requested to revert to the recommended rate of 12mg/d.
In research involving its dairy herds in Moorepark, Teagasc varied the supplemental iodine intake and milk iodine concentrations of the herds.
Herd 1 and Herd 2 were receiving close to the target iodine supplementation rate, but Herd 3 was receiving surplus supplemental iodine.
Consequently, the bulk tank milk for Herd 1 and Herd 2 was well below the upper limit for milk iodine concentration, but Herd 3 was exceeding the upper limit.
Teagasc has said that the results clearly indicate that it is feasible to maintain milk iodine concentration at between 20 and 150g/kg by providing approximately 12mg iodine per day.
It also said in the update that Initial feedback from processors in 2017 indicates that the iodine specifications for the Infant Milk Formula market have been easier to achieve than in previous years.
It said this reflected the prompt changes to the iodine inclusion rate implemented by the majority of feed manufacturers in line with Teagasc guidelines.
Teagasc said co-operation from dairy farmers, the feed industry, dairy nutritionists and veterinarians is required to continue using the recommended 12mg per day of iodine, facilitating profitable and sustainable growth of the Irish dairy industry.
Iodine toxicity is especially important for newborn infants, who are more sensitive to it because of an immature thyroid gland. Infant milk formula (IMF) is a key market for the growing Irish dairy industry, but milk produced when cows are fed surplus iodine in supplemental concentrate is generally unsuitable for inclusion in IMF.
Iodine concentrations in raw milk (bulk tank) should be maintained between 20 and 150g/kg. This ensures that cows are maintained in adequate iodine status, and that the milk produced is safe for a diverse product portfolio.
Irelands largest farmer-owned Co-Operative this afternoon announced that John OGorman has been elected as its new Chairman.
Mr OGorman who has served as Vice-Chairman since 2017 replaces James Lynch who served as Chairman for three years and recently stepped down having served the maximum term permitted on the Board of Dairygold.
Mr OGorman, from the Tipperary region was first elected to the Board of Dairygold in January 2013.
Speaking after his election as Chairman John OGorman said: Im honoured to have been elected to serve as Chairman of Dairygold. It is a long-standing and ambitious organisation with a deep commitment to its members and shareholders.
"I am grateful to the Board for the confidence and trust they have shown in me today and to the members who have supported me over many years. I look forward to working closely with the Board, Chief Executive Jim Woulfe, staff and Dairygolds Members."
He also paid tribute to his predecessor James Lynch who served as Chairman with great leadership and stewardship over the last three years.
Dairygold has had a remarkable period of growth and development that has supported our Members to realise their on-farm ambitions. I look forward to playing my part in Dairygolds continued success and exciting future.
John OGorman and his wife Alison have three daughters and live in Clogheen, Co Tipperary. John holds a Bachelors degree in Accounting and Business Management and a Diploma in Corporate Direction, Food Business from UCC. The position of Vice-Chairman will be filled at the next meeting of the Dairygold Board.
A farmer who caught both his parents as they dropped dead from heart failure has told how his own sons saved his life when he stopped breathing because of the genetic condition.
RTEs flagship farming programme, Ear to the Ground, reveals tonight that 10,000 people die every year because of cardiovascular disease but 80pc of those deaths are preventable.
After carrying out nearly 5,000 health checks in marts over the past four years, the Irish Heart Foundation found eight out of 10 farmers tested had risk factors for heart disease or strokes.
After watching his mother and father both die of heart conditions, Westmeath councillor and farmer, John Dolan, had his own life saved by the quick-thinking actions of his sons when his heart stopped suddenly one morning last July.
Medics told him afterwards that he had been clinically dead but the CPR carried out by his young son saved his life.
I remember seeing this light in front of me. there is no doubt about that. I wouldnt have been particularly religious, but I remember that sensation said the farmer.
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I knew I was moving towards a light. I was quite OK with it."
The programme revealed how he was saved from death by his young sons, Shane and Cathal, who jumped into action after seeing their father slump on the breakfast table after experiencing a cardiac arrest caused by the condition Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
I was sitting across the table from him and we were chatting and the next thing his head just hit the table, said his son Shane.
Cathal rang the ambulance and I started CPR even though I didnt really know what to do.
The ambulance talked me through what to do and they stayed on the line the whole time until the ambulance was outside the house.
I think before the ambulance came, his heart was stopped, and he actually did die, and they had to get him back with a debrilliator.
It took three jumps of the debrilliator to get him back alive again. They told us that afterwards.
So, it was just that close.
Heart Disease
The father-of-three revealed his family history of heart disease was always in the back of his mind before he almost lost his own life to the condition.
I was in the unique position that both my parents dropped dead and I actually caught both my parents as they hit the ground which is very unusual.
What is wrong with me is from my mothers genes which is a (cardiac condition) commonly known as Sudden Death Syndrome.
So, I was acutely aware there was always the potential that there could be a problem.
After being rushed to hospital following his collapse in July, he was in a coma for the next two weeks.
At the beginning there wasnt much hope at all for him, said his daughter Aoife.
A consultant told they family that the farmer may not recover at all or he may suffer disabilities because of damage to his brain.
The third outcome is what we have here today is that he recovered very well, and he is well able to do his day-to-day business and he is back to his good old jokey self, said his daughter Aoife.
The farmers own GP said he has astonished the medical profession with his remarkable recovery in recent months.
She says we cant explain medically how you survived. It took a while for that to sink in, said John.
I just realise just how lucky I was, the percentages are very small that you would survive something like this.
Not too many people get a second chance.
The Irish Heart Foundation reveals on the RTE show that every minute without CPR the person loses 10pc chance of surviving.
Marese Damery, from the Irish Heart Foundation, said they have carried out health checks on nearly 5,000 farmers over the last four years at marts with worrying results.
"What we have found is 80pc of farmers have risk factors for heart disease and strokes. Its high particularly in relation of overweight or obese.
86pc of farmers are overweight or obese of the people we have seen so far.
Ear to the Ground will be shown on RTE One tonight, Thursday January 4 at 8.30pm
Irish communications company Blueface has agreed a merger deal with a bigger US rival, Star2Star, that will create a business understood to be worth $500m.
The merger will make the merged StarBlue a top five global provider in the growing unified communications market.
Blueface provides internet-based phone services for businesses. The merger comes less than a year after the BDO Development Capital Fund supported a 10m funding round for the fast-growing firm.
Blueface backers include brewing heir Edward Guinness, the Earl of Iveagh, and his family, who are set to remain involved in the company following the merger.
The management team led by Alan Foy also took a stake in the business in 2011 and backers included Enterprise Ireland.
The BDO Development Capital Fund has exited the business.
The merger is a "game-changing event" in the unified communications as a service (UCaaS) landscape, according to Blueface CEO Alan Foy.
He will become group CEO of Star2Star and Blueface following the merger and said that it "combines the best of proprietary UCaaS technology with an expansive geographic distribution, capability and reach."
Mr Foy continued: "It positions the combined Blueface and Star2Star company as one of the leading platform and service providers that can service businesses of all sizes, partners and wholesale customers."
He told the Irish Independent that Star2Star would continue to expand in North America, while Blueface would also continue its expansion in the EMEA region. "The company plans to launch into new markets through both organic growth and acquisitions," he said.
Following the deal, Norman Worthington, CEO of Star2Star, will become executive chairman of Star2Star and Blueface.
Florida will remain the North American headquarters for Star2Star, while Dublin will remain as the European HQ.
Founded in 2004, Blueface's proprietary cloud voice unified communications platform services business customers of all sizes. Initially focused on the residential market, in 2010 the company launched its business-to-business offering.
In 2011, it established its UK business and the following year Blueface acquired Kebu in Italy to form Blueface Italia. Blueface considered a stock market flotation in early 2016, but abandoned the plan, citing market volatility and cultural and integration difficulties relating to two potential acquisitions. Also in 2016, the company expanded into the US, France, Germany and Spain.
Blueface was advised on the merger by Mason Hayes & Curran, Grant Thornton (Dublin) and Q Advisors. Star2Star was advised by Pepper Hamilton, Grant Thornton (Atlanta) and Spurrier Capital.
Irish companies are still not focusing enough on Brexit preparations, the head of Enterprise Ireland has warned. Stock photo: PA Wire/PA Images
Irish companies are still not focusing enough on Brexit preparations, the head of Enterprise Ireland has warned.
Julie Sinnamon said companies needed to have a plan in place to deal with the potential fall-out, especially those exposed to the British market.
At the publication of the agency's annual results, she said there had been a big increase in the number of companies participating in trade missions, as well as a rise in interest in eurozone markets.
But she added: "Despite all of the roadshows, all of the work we've done through broadcasting, Brexit scorecards (an EI initiative), there still is not enough focus by Irish companies in terms of preparing for Brexit.
"This continues to be a major focus for us in 2018. I think companies were initially very slow to believe that this was actually going to happen. I think when we saw a hike in the exchange rate, it had an increased focus.
"What we have seen since then is a higher level of interest from companies beginning to take action. The big issue has been getting sufficient companies to move in to action as supposed to talking about it."
Ms Sinnamon said not enough companies had looked at the risks and put plans in place to address them.
Brexit has had an impact on exporting firms in terms of cash flow and profitability.
"The strongest and most professional companies are committing a lot of resources to Brexit if they are exposed to the UK market, so everybody exposed to the UK market has to have a plan," she said.
About 70 Enterprise Ireland (EI) client companies had availed of a Brexit grant by last month since the scheme went live earlier last year, according to data obtained by Fianna Fail.
The EI 'Be Prepared Grant' provides firms with up to 5,000 to get themselves in shape to deal with any potential fallout from the UK's EU exit.
The grant support is designed to help firms cover consultancy, travel and other out-of-pocket expenses associated with drawing up a Brexit action plan.
HBAN is expecting angel investment in Irish start-ups to grow by 17pc in 2018, with increased funding in particular for the medtech sector.
In forecasting its predictions for the year ahead, the group has also identified that artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) will be big trends amongst start-ups.
HBAN also reiterated its plans to increase the amount invested in Irish start-ups to 25m per year by 2020, as the Irish economy continues to recover.
National Director John Phelan said that the vibrant start-up scene in Ireland "provides excellent opportunities for investors".
"Irish start-ups are increasingly of interest to US and other off-shore investors as they recognise that Irish start-ups seeking angel investment are often more developed with revenue streams, technology and business platforms already in-situ. Some are even making a profit," he said.
In the last ten years, HBAN angels have invested over 80m in Irish start-ups and have completed 395 investments.
The medtech sector secured over 4.1m angel investment last year, in just seven deals, demonstrating the sector's popularity.
One of the big stories was Cork-based, AventaMed which received 1.8m in a deal with three HBAN syndicates MedTech, Boole and Irrus.
While HBAN forecasts AI and IoT to be big in 2018, Mr Phelan said the group is also seeing companies beginning to understand the business application of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)
"AI has growing phenomenally for the last number of years, is estimated to reach revenues of $60 billion by 2025[1], and has reached a critical point....IoT is growing exponentially with lots of different platforms for both products and infrastructure. We are starting to see emerging business models for applications and its another exciting and fast moving space," he said.
"We are also seeing companies beginning to understand the business application of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Previously in VR, it was mainly the techies who understood the technology and created the visuals. However, as more creatives engage with the technology, the images will become more beautiful and realistic. This will broaden the appeal for the consumer market and I think were set to see some interesting start-ups in this space as the business models develop.
Mr Phelan said that although the start-up scene in Ireland is fertile, it needs to be continually nurtured.
"Both the Employment Incentive and Investment Scheme (EIIS), which enables individual investors to obtain income tax relief on investments made, and the Key Employee Engagement Programme (KEEP), which provides advantageous tax treatment on employee share options, are helpful to the start-up sector," he said.
"Notwithstanding that many investors are returning to the property investment market, HBAN would like to see more schemes and policies that incentivise investing in and creating the next generation of Irish start-ups."
HBAN will hold its national conference on Thursday, February 8, in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham.
Nama has the capacity to fund the delivery of 20,000 residential units by end-2020, if commercially viable, according to its 2017 year-end review.
It is estimated that 7,200 residential units have been delivered between 2014 and 2017 through NAMA funding.
Meanwhile construction has begun on sites that will deliver a further 2,500 units financed by the States bad bank.
A further 7,000 units have received planning permission but are not yet under construction, while planning applications have been lodged, or will be submitted during 2018, for another 8,500 units.
Since the start of 2012, NAMA has delivered 2,456 houses and apartments for social housing, excluding houses provided under Part V arrangements, according to its 2017 review.
One hundred percent of government-guaranteed Nama senior bonds have now been redeemed the final 2.6bnn of the original 30bn senior debt issued was redeemed by October last year.
This means that Namas primary objective has been achieved with the elimination of a 30.2 billion (at its peak) contingent liability of the Irish State.
In addition Nama has generated over 40.5bn in cash, primarily from asset and loan sales as well as rental receipts from properties controlled by debtors and receivers.
Subject to favourable market conditions, it expects to return a surplus of 3bn to the Exchequer by the time it completes its work in 2020.
In his October 2017 budget speech, the Minister for Finance announced that the Government had decided to establish a new vehicle, Home Building Finance Ireland (HBFI), to increase the availability of debt funding to commercially viable residential development projects.
While HBFI will draw on the expertise and skill in residential development funding that resides in Nama, it will be a legally independent entity.
The 750m initial funding for HBFI will come from Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).
According to a statement from Nama, HBFI funding has potential to fund the construction of 6,000 units in the coming years. This will be additional to the output from NAMAs residential delivery programme.
It is expected that HBFI will commence operations in mid-2018.
Ryanair began the new year with the huge challenge of negotiating collective bargaining structures with unions across Europe, and then hammering out pay deals and conditions, first with pilots and eventually with cabin crew and other workers. Photo: Getty Images
Ryanair executives and trade union Forsa will meet again later this month as they thrash out a historical negotiating framework that will later lead to talks on pilot pay and working conditions.
The two sides met yesterday morning for almost two hours following an initial meeting days before Christmas. That came after Ryanair dramatically said it was reversing a more than 30-year-old policy, by recognising unions across Europe.
But German pilot union Vereinigung Cockpit has warned that it may escalate strike action unless Ryanair agrees to accept whatever negotiating team the union assembles to start crunch talks that failed to get off the ground before Christmas.
In Ireland, Ryanair is negotiating with Forsa - newly formed following the merger of Impact and two other unions - and its Irish Airline Pilots' Association (Ialpa) branch.
Forsa head of communications Bernard Harbor, who is part of the union negotiating team, said yesterday's talks with Ryanair were constructive.
He said the sides would continue working towards establishing a collective bargaining framework before addressing other matters.
"Both sides are keen to do it as quickly as possible and anxious to get a comprehensive agreement tied down," he told the Irish Independent.
Ryanair said it did not comment on "rumour or speculation".
The airline's negotiating team consisted of its chief operations officer, Peter Bellew, and chief people officer, Eddie Wilson.
Ryanair began the new year with the huge challenge of negotiating collective bargaining structures with unions across Europe, and then hammering out pay deals and conditions, first with pilots and eventually with cabin crew and other workers.
Today, Mr Bellew and another member of the airline's human resources team will meet the British Airline Pilots' Association at Heathrow airport.
Abodoo, based in Gorey, was founded last September by Vanessa Tierney and Ben Wainwright. It serves as a recruitment and careers service aimed at those who want to work, or hire those who work, remotely or from home. Stock photo: Getty Images
Cork-based Voxpro co-founder Dan Kiely has invested 200,000 in a Wexford-based careers start-up, Abodoo.
The cash represents a small chunk of Kiely's new-found wealth after selling the contact centre business Voxpro to Canadian firm Telus International in a deal worth up to 100m if 'earn-out' conditions are met.
Abodoo, based in Gorey, was founded last September by Vanessa Tierney and Ben Wainwright. It serves as a recruitment and careers service aimed at those who want to work, or hire those who work, remotely or from home.
"We have ambitions to change the way people and businesses view remote working and to create a community," said Mr Wainwright.
"We are unique, we look different and we are free to access for candidates and employers.
"There is no risk or charges unless a business makes an offer. Even then, they have a 90-day money-back guarantee.
"We are that confident that the matching process will result in long-term recruits and reduced attrition."
Remote working has been slow to take off in Ireland. However, better broadband has spurred some multinational firms into greater adoption.
Apple's Cork campus has 700 remote workers, with a requirement that those at home have a 6Mbs broadband service.
Acquired last August by Telus International, Voxpro has call centres in Cork, Dublin, Bucharest, Manila and in the US cities of Athens and Folsom.
Founded in Cork 20 years ago by Mr Kiely and his wife Linda, the company has built up expertise in high-end support for some of the world's booming tech companies.
"Dan has followed Abodoo since our establishment and, like us, he believes smart working is the future," said Ms Tierney.
"His investment will support our expansion into the UK and other European markets. Candidates are already registering with us from around the world. With Dan's guidance, we'll be able to capitalise on this through regional and in-country presence and international marketing."
Ms Kiely said that the company had also received support from the IDA and Eir.
"Our goal is to continue to attract registrations from candidates seeking more flexible careers," she said.
"Typically, these are commuters who want a career that fits with their lifestyle."
Young couples are taking on debt that "threatens to absorb everything they do in their lives" because affordable homes no longer exist in Dublin, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has said.
He has also warned that Ireland's ability to attract foreign investment will be hampered by the lack of housing unless the Government gets on top of the problem.
In a stark assessment of the crisis, Mr Martin described the 'rapid build' programme as a "disaster" and said former housing minister Simon Coveney had been an "abysmal failure" when it came to meeting targets.
Fianna Fail wants the Government to start building affordable homes through local authorities or a new agency - even if that requires some form of State subsidy.
"I don't think houses are affordable in Dublin. I think for ordinary, average industrial wage workers or even people on 40,000 or 50,000, people who buy in Dublin now are putting themselves in very difficult scenarios in terms of debt and repayments," Mr Martin told the Irish Independent. "It threatens to absorb everything they do in their lives."
He added that up to 50pc of young workers' wages was being spent on rent which makes talk of tax cuts "a bit cosmetic".
Later this month Fianna Fail plans to bring forward fresh proposals for dealing with the housing crisis, with a focus on affordability.
Mr Martin said deals could be done with private sector developers to keep prices at a rate that young people can afford. Asked whether this would involve a subsidy from the State, he replied: "Not necessarily, you just don't make as much money. There are some very good examples in Dublin and Clare recently, where there's a set template whereby you agree in advance that you make a certain margin."
He added: "If we have to subsidise some of the activity to make the houses affordable, it makes sense economically in the long term. We need to get the market working again."
Mr Martin said some of the price hikes were being driven by site values, which meant State lands should be used where possible.
"It is without question going to affect us, medium term, on foreign direct investment if we're not in a position to convince people that young workers can get places to live."
Mr Martin argued that the crisis was being used against Ireland when it came to competing for international jobs.
"I think it has probably militated against us winning some of the financial services from Brexit," he said.
There is no evidence of people declaring themselves homeless in a bid to 'game the system', Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has said.
The minister has refused to criticise housing tsar Conor Skehan for claiming that families living in emergency B&B or hotel accommodation may be self-declaring themselves as homeless to jump the housing waiting list.
Mr Skehan, who is the outgoing chair of the Housing Agency, provoked an outcry with a suggestion that some families may be "gaming the system" as a result of a now defunct rule that Dublin local authorities should provide up to 50pc of all new social housing allocations to homeless individuals and families.
But when asked about the comments, Mr Murphy said it was "fair enough" for Mr Skehan to offer his analysis on the problems facing the sector.
However, he added: "I've no evidence in my department of people presenting or trying to game the system."
The minister said he believed Mr Skehan was trying to point out "an unintended consequence of previous government policy".
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"I think it's fair enough that he can do that. It's his role. It's not for me to criticise him for doing that. It's important that we have different voices in this debate," Mr Murphy said.
"My commitment is to make sure that we build as many homes as possible, to make sure that we get these people who are in very difficult circumstances, individuals and families, into homes and secure tenancies as quickly as possible."
Mr Murphy added that homelessness was a "very complex issue".
"People find themselves in a very difficult situation in their lives through no fault of their own," he said.
Vulture funds have received a massive blow in their attempts to repossess homes.
It has come about because a second lender was forced to admit it was incorrectly calculating arrears levels on mortgage accounts.
This latest admission sees Tanager forced to withdraw legal proceedings against a number of property owners in arrears.
The development is set to cast doubt over future moves by Tanager to take repossession actions against those behind on their repayments.
It comes just two months after subprime lender Start Mortgages had to stop repossession proceedings after it emerged it has been miscalculating the arrears on accounts.
Tanager, a US fund that bought Bank of Scotland mortgages, is now recalculating how it works out arrears on accounts.
Owned by Apollo in the United States, Tanager snapped up more than 2,000 distressed home loans from Bank of Scotland Ireland in 2010.
Financial experts said other funds that bought mortgages were now likely to be forced into admitting they have been miscalculating arrears levels, which will force them to withdraw repossession cases.
In letters sent to mortgage holders, Tanager, through its mortgage servicing agency Lapithus, has had to change how it calculates arrears.
Up to now it has been adding the arrears amount to the overall mortgage balance, so-called arrears capitalisation.
This inflated the monthly repayments.
In a letter to one mortgage holder, Lapithus/Tanager stated that the way it was calculating the arrears led to higher monthly repayments.
It will change its calculations, which will reduce the arrears owed.
"As your arrears balance will reduce as part of this change, Tanager has decided to withdraw its legal proceedings against you," it said.
Costs
Tanager said it would apply to the circuit court to have the repossession proceedings withdrawn and would cover any legal costs incurred by the mortgage holder.
Consumer advocate Brendan Burgess, of the Askaboutmoney.com website, said that the development raised questions about Tanager's ability to undertake future repossession actions.
He also said there were now question marks over past repossession cases taken by the vulture funds.
"All repossession cases should be struck out because Tanager calculated the arrears incorrectly," he said.
A spokesperson for the Central Bank said it was aware of the issue.
Tanager said: "Following a review of its practice for recalculating a customer's constant monthly instalment payment for customers who are in arrears, Tanager DAC is updating this practice."
It said it was implementing changes to its processes and would notify customers affected by the end of January.
A spokesman for Tanager/Lapithus said repossession cases had been dropped where the revised arrears amount was substantially reduced, impacting less than 30 customers.
He insisted that nobody lost their home as a result of the miscalculation of arrears, but there were a small number of investment properties that were being examined.
A scene from Cartoon Saloons animated feature The Breadwinner, which has been nominated for a Golden Globe
Profits at the Oscar-tipped Cartoon Saloon animation studios increased by 16pc in 2016 to 273,878.
Revenues soared by 43pc at the Kilkenny-based animation studio, up from 2.7m to 3.86m.
The studio is being tipped for an Oscar nomination to add to its previous two. It collaborated with Hollywood star, Angelina Jolie on its animated feature 'The Breadwinner', which has been nominated for a Golden Globe.
In an interview yesterday, MD of Cartoon Saloon, Gerry Shirren said he hoped that "Kilkenny will become a magnet for talent and a centre of excellence for animation in Ireland".
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Mr Shirren said that the number employed by Cartoon Saloon had increased to over 80 during 2017 and should grow further in 2018.
Commenting on the 2016 accounts just filed, Mr Shirren said that 2016 was "a solid year".
Mr Shirren said that the increased revenues "reflected an increase in activity in the studio operations, with 'The Breadwinner' feature in production".
He added that the studio was breaking into Asian markets for the first time, with 'Song of the Sea' continuing its worldwide release roll-out.
Mr Shirren said that 'Song of the Sea' was released in both China and Japan.
A full-scale cyber war is predicted to break out between countries in 2018, according to information security provider Ward Solutions.
The provider also predicts that nation states and law enforcement agencies around the world will begin to use cyber tactics offensively over the coming year.
Last year saw a significant escalation in the number of cyber-attacks levied against countries, and Ward believes that 2018 will see similar growth in the number of attacks.
The security company, which has around 300 clients, said that it expects governments to adopt combative cyber strategies tackling both aggressive countries and state-backed cyber criminals, a strategy that it says is likely to lead to the emergence of a cyber security war.
"2018 will see cyber security threats increase further in sophistication and the amount of damage that they can potentially cause," Pat Larkin, CEO, Ward Solutions, said.
"We would expect certain nations to go on the offensive against hackers and launch coordinated cyber campaigns to disable them before they have the chance to strike. Offensive cyber strategies will become a key element in countries national defence plans, helping them to prevent attacks," Mr Larkin continued.
A further prediction from the company is that this year cyber criminals will embrace artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, using them to supplement their attacks and circumvent the advanced cyber security tools employed by businesses.
GDPR
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into affect in May, will also remain a key priority for Irish companies in 2018, according to Ward Solutions.
"It is likely that punitive examples will be made of large organisations who will be fined heavily for failing to comply with the legislation," Mr Larkin said.
"The focus on GDPR compliance will also drive the need for an overarching framework that will enable companies to maintain compliance with information security standards going forward."
Bitcoins future may be uncertain but blockchain is here for good
Forget politics and religion. This year, the most heated debate around may be about the future of Bitcoin.
Inspired by the crash of 2008, Bitcoin cuts out the middlemen: there are no intermediary banks, clearing houses, regulators, or financial services companies.
Evangelists herald it as a financial revolution while sceptics call it a bubble. Regardless of their advice, investors - amateur and professional - are scrambling to be a part of it.
Bitcoin's extreme volatility makes predicting its longevity difficult, but it's the technology that powers the currency, blockchain, that's capturing the imagination of businesses across the world.
So, what is it? Put simply, blockchain is a distributed record of transactions - a 'digital ledger' - that is stored and maintained by everyone on a computer network, not just a single private custodian, like a bank, or a funnel of closed-off third-parties. Every transaction must be processed and verified as legitimate by a majority of the blockchain network. Once it is, a record of the transaction is permanently and unalterably locked into the blockchain, visible to everyone.
Blockchain makes interactions between payers and payees, or customers and suppliers, more transparent, trustworthy, and less likely to be fraudulent. They're more secure, too: a blockchain is distributed between computers, so a hacker has no single point of entry or vulnerability to exploit.
The usefulness of blockchain technology isn't just limited to money. Industries as diverse as law, recruitment, and healthcare could see their business costs reduced by using blockchain to speed up administrative processes, improve customer relations, and decrease spend on third-party fees.
An increasing number of Irish companies are applying blockchain technology to their business operations, and many others are exploring its possibilities. Already, Belfast blockchain company Arc-net has used the technology to improve food safety and supply chain logistics. Other Irish startups are using blockchain to simplify foreign currency exchange and reimburse passengers whose flights are delayed or cancelled with vouchers.
In 2017, we saw a 41pc rise in blockchain-related jobs compared to last year. Roles are opening up in software development, business analysis, project management, data science, accounting and management consulting. We fully expect this number to increase, and for blockchain jobs to further diversify, in 2018.
Dubai, London, Singapore and Zug, Switzerland (more commonly known as the 'Crypto Valley') have all looked to position themselves as leading innovation hubs for blockchain technology. Zug is already home to major industry players including Ethereum, ShapeShift, Xapo, Tezos, Melonport, and Monetas. The local government has embraced the technology and is making it possible for citizens to pay for services in bitcoin. It also recently announced a 'digital ID' initiative running on the Ethereum blockchain.
Deloitte was one of the first major corporates to identify the potential of blockchain. It currently employs a team of 800 dedicated blockchain professionals across its US operations.
Interestingly, approximately 75pc of all blockchain jobs result from cross-training existing employees - an increasingly popular trend, according to Eric Piscini, a Deloitte principal who oversees much of the firm's blockchain work.
This is good news for Irish industry. We have a ready-made highly educated and dynamic workforce, and a proven track record of adapting to the needs of new industries. Our growing reputation as a fintech hub is the latest example of this. Furthermore, Ireland offers a thriving R&D ecosystem coupled with a robust intellectual property regime.
Ireland to become a European blockchain leader
Ireland is currently ranked as the eighth most innovative EU country, and the Government's recent 8.2bn R&D investment as part of its strategy for science, technology and innovation has the potential to strengthen our position further.
Earlier this year, Deloitte chose Dublin as the base for its EMEA Blockchain Lab. In another welcome development, the Blockchain Association of Ireland called for the creation of a 'Crypto Coast', a regional hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain companies stretching from Dublin to Wexford. Here, there is potential for new revenue generation and job creation.
Ireland is well-positioned to become a European blockchain leader, but for this to happen, the technology must be embraced by the Government, the Central Bank, and wider industry. This doesn't mean they need all the answers to the various regulatory headaches presented by blockchain, but they should demonstrate a commitment to creating the necessary conditions for blockchain companies to thrive.
In short, while Bitcoin continues to polarise opinion, and could yet crash and burn, blockchain is here to stay. Its applications are practically limitless, and Ireland, with its existing tech credentials, is in a strong position to capitalise on a genuinely disruptive innovation.
To maximise this potential, in 2018, industry and Government will need to work in close collaboration to build a clear policy agenda and vision for blockchain in Ireland, and ensure that businesses have access to the right talent.
Orla Moran is the general manager of IrishJobs.ie
'Google Photos or Flickr?" Dermot Costello is asking how to organise his photos online. Like many of us, the 49-year-old tech boss has pictures buried in old PCs, laptops and phones.
Normally, this is a challenge for another day. But Costello can't put it off. He has stage-four cancer. Having recently made the decision to come off treatment, he now has weeks, if not days, to live.
Ideally, he says, he wants an online photo back-up service without a subscription.
"That way, it doesn't matter if my wife forgets to pay for it afterwards."
Google is the preferable service, I say, as it is unlimited. Costello takes a note, before asking about a good, easy-to-use photo-editing app. Snapseed, I reply. He takes another note.
There are many reactions that people have when you tell them you have terminal cancer, he says.
"One of the things about cancer is that once people find out you have it, everybody wants to tell you cancer stories. It'll often be an uncle who died of it.
"They want to tell you all about him and the cancer. I say, 'Look, I'm not my cancer. I'm still Dermot Costello.'"
In Dublin, that has been a good name to have.
Costello is one of the more popular figures on the local tech scene and one of the most successful.
As European head of the US tech firm Qualtrics, he has grown a formidable operation from nothing to 250 people in just four years.
Utah-based Qualtrics founder Ryan Smith, in a previous interview with this reporter, spoke about how "awesome" he is as a colleague.
Despite his illness, Costello is pushing on with one last project. He wants to oversee the setting up of a cancer-immunology research programme.
In Ireland, this will cost an estimated 500,000 over three years. His company has promised to match the first 100,000 raised, with the rest targeted from a campaign called '5 For The Fight' (see panel).
Other than being with family and friends, this is what he intends to spend his remaining time on.
"There is no bucket list, no world trip missed," he says. "I really don't need to sit on a pyramid and watch the sun rise. I've lived well.
"I made lots of good friends and had a great marriage and great kids. And I've partied. The balance feels right."
Nor is there any fear of death.
"Why would I have? Death is a natural, inevitable part of life. And you love your life as best you can. All parties come to an end."
But having no regrets about a life lived doesn't mean an absence of sorrow in missing what is to come.
"My children are young," he says. "Now I'm going to leave them. I would have liked to have seen my daughter's wedding or my son's wedding.
"I feel I would have been at my best when they were young adults. And then my wife is going to lose a husband. We're almost 20 years married, we're a very tight family."
Qualtrics has a special relationship with cancer. The father of the survey software company's co-founders was suffering from throat cancer in 2002. Future chief executive Ryan dropped out of college to care for him.
Together, they worked on what would become the modern company that now has 8,000 corporate customers. Scott Smith recovered, but his sons did not forget about what had affected him.
"They've been incredible to me," says Costello. "Ryan rings me up, asks how things are going, offers me anything.
"They don't have to do that but that's the kind of company it is."
When it comes to tackling cancer, Smith means business. He has set a $50m (41.5m) goal for the company's global '5 For The Fight' campaign.
In Ireland, Costello and his colleagues chose a Cork-based organisation, called Breakthrough Cancer Research, as its partner in its own 500,000 campaign.
"We like them a lot because they are scrappy, like us, as a company," says Costello. "They have already had 250 novel discoveries, with six new treatments delivered and over 750 patients treated.
"They work with Cork University Hospital and try to put together clinicians with researchers, so that they can get the research out into the field as quickly as possible and into the hands of the people that need it."
If successful, the 500,000 will fund a PhD student, a post-doctoral researcher and a research assistant for three years.
"The aim is for them to look at some of the most difficult cancers, like pancreatic cancer, which Steve Jobs died of."
Costello's current efforts have raised almost 40,000 toward the campaign, he says. He'd like to see it go a bit higher, even if time is short.
"I really want to make this a success," he says. "If we can get to a situation where no other family has to go through what my family has been through, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?
"The thing is that I genuinely think cancer is beatable. We just have to really get after it."
Whatever comes of the '5 For The Fight Campaign', however, it won't help Costello.
"My time is up," he says. "It's my liver that's letting me down now. I've got tumours all over my lungs, my liver, my abdomen. They have also gone to my back. So there is no more treatment now, I'm off all of it. Now it is just time."
There was an option, he says, of continuing with treatment. But it came at too great a cost.
"It was a joint decision," he says. "We sat down and talked about it. I had to put quality back into my life because the treatment was just absolutely destroying me. It was making me feel terrible.
"I asked whether there was anything else. But there's nothing else.
"We have literally taken all the conventional stuff and there's no more trial stuff for my type of cancer right now.
"So we made a decision together, one I'm very comfortable with. I want to keep whatever I have left as normal as possible. And I want to help with 5 For The Fight."
Keeping things normal includes a desire to continue helping with things at work.
This is tough for Costello. He has over 20 years of institutional optimism and exuberance, the trademarks of modern tech companies.
"It's hard, stepping back. I've always been very action-oriented and love to be involved in the thick of things.
"I was managing director for Europe, I'm now chairman for Europe. I'm still involved in the business but I'm taking a further step back. But we've got an amazing management team who have totally stepped up. I'll work for as long as I can."
Overall, cancer has been rough on Costello's wider family. His mother died in 2016 from the same colorectal cancer that he has now.
"She was diagnosed after me and she died before me, because it was a very late-stage diagnosis and wasn't caught in time."
He thinks that anyone over the age of 40 should get themselves checked.
"It's a very simple procedure. It's a little uncomfortable. But it's not painful in any shape or form. How old are you?"
Forty-four.
"There you go. You're certainly at an age where you'd want to be thinking about it. Especially if you've a history in your family of any form of cancer."
Religion doesn't play a big part in Costello's life, despite having friends among the clergy. So he is not placing too much faith in an afterlife. "I feel that if there is a judgement day, I've done my best," he says.
He still looks to objects for strength, though. Costello carries a rock around with him in a pocket, which was given to him by his daughter.
"She gave it to me last year as a symbol of love and strength," he says. "I carry that round with me for courage."
But Costello wants his friends, colleagues and family to know that he has no regrets. "A friend of mine recently put it well. He said you can live to be 100 years old and not have achieved what you want. Or you can live to 49 and have lived life.
"I have enjoyed myself. I feel I had the right balance in life. I tried to do it the right way. I made lots of great friends on the way. And most importantly, I have a great family.
"I'd rather 49 years of that than 100 years of not that."
Editor's note: Since this interview was completed, Dermot Costello passed away. Independent.ie would like to express our condolences to his family and friends
To donate to '5 For The Fight', visit 5forthefight.everydayhero.do. Companies who wish to get involved can access resources, advice and logos by emailing 5ftf-emea@qualtrics.com with their request.
As interviews go, getting to experience the dangers of using my mobile phone while driving through virtual reality simulation was definitely a first.
I crashed the virtual car. Badly.
The use of virtual reality and 3D are some of the many techniques being used by BBDO Dublin advertising agency, which was formerly known as Irish International.
Fresh from three years working in the New York office of Effie, the global marketing and communication awards body, Neal Davies recently took over at the agency and is ideally placed to deliver an insightful verdict on where the industry is headed.
Founded in 1966, Irish International has worked with the likes of Barry's Tea, Aer Lingus, Guinness, and the Irish Road Safety Authority (RSA).
"The RSA ads' use of 3D and virtual reality is quite amazing," says Davies.
"I can tell you that you need to drive better and that it distracts you from your driving while you have got your phone in your hand. You can either learn the hard way or we can put you in one of the road shows that we do, where you can actually experience what it is like to do that," he says
"This not the work of a traditional big budget TV agency, it's evidence of a company that is thinking about how to best apply technology to the briefs that we have been given by our clients."
According to Davies, a benefit of the company being part of the international organisation that is BBDO is that there is a lot knowledge-sharing.
"There is a resource that we have based in London called BBDO Knows and that's a brilliant resource. For example, when we were pitching for the Lidl account it enabled us to find out what sector information we can find out on retail that were all aggregated centrally ... and that's invaluable."
We turn to the hot topic of digital marketing, on this Davies admits that there is a desire within the industry to focus on 'what's the shiny new thing that we should be doing?' Something he says can be charted back over the last two decades.
"Twenty years ago the shiny new thing was the internet, and then it was 'gotta do something viral', and then it was 'we have to be on Myspace', and then it's Facebook and YouTube and Instagram and Twitter, and 'ooh what about artificial intelligence and what about machine learning?'
"You have this long list of whatever the latest shiny new thing is, which tends to both seduce and deceive at the same time."
However, Davies, the first person with an agency background to lead Effie Worldwide, and with nearly a quarter century of marketing experience with the likes of TBWA, McCann, Naked and Kodak, says the basics are still vital and a holistic approach necessary.
"The right way to play it is the consistent thinking of 'what is the brand's business problem that we need to solve?' Once we understand that, what role does communications as a whole need to play in delivering that? What message and behaviour do we need to get out in front of our potential audiences and, once you have made that decision, what channels are the best ones to help us deliver those things?"
On the subject of 'likes' Davies says that these are not a means to an end, what a business needs to look at is how do they help you get to your business objective rather than the other way around?
"The advertising industry and the marketing industry as a whole has been crying out for directly attributable, measurable results for a long time and that means that sometimes we end up celebrating the wrong measurements.
"For me it is all about answering the questions of 'What did you set out to achieve?' 'What are the sales goals?' and 'What is the return on marketing investment that you can deliver?'
"There are very few instances where something that exists purely in social media will succeed, unless it is surrounded by other channels that are orchestrated by other channels in the right way which can support that message."
Davies acknowledges that digital is no longer the add-on and is "how we do business now" and even if it is not the full answer it has to be part of any solution.
On the matter of television, one of the more tradition methods of advertising, he describes it as "important, but not the most important thing any more".
I raise the issue of possible problems in measuring data from social media. This, he says, goes back to client expectations.
"Each one of those things is a rabbit hole - you end up having conversations about data for data's sake, rather than how does it manage against your business objectives.
"What is important about data is how you use it to optimise your online campaigns.
"The beauty of digital and social is that you can correct as you go along, as opposed to 'we made a TV spot, we just need to keep running it' and that flexibility and nimble approach is very important."
For Davies, the challenge is staying on top of what technology means to the business.
"A lot of activity in the next two years will be around customer experience and data rather than more mainstream elements of advertising ... and in advertising we have always made things for screens, be they TV or paper, but if you look at voice technology, will we even have screens in 10 years' time?
"What will be consistent is saying 'what's the problem, how do we solve it and which touch points are going to be there'?"
The native of Northern England says that he does not think there are any cultural differences between Ireland, the UK, and the US - but there is a large difference is in the scale of the markets,
"I don't mean that to be Ireland is small, what I mean is that America is massive because you are dealing with a continent. Chicago as a city is the third or fourth-biggest advertising market in the world."
In addition, Davies notes that there is a lot more family ownership of brands in Ireland.
"You are actually talking to the person who's name is above the door," he says, adding that there also "seems to be a lot more State and semi-State spend in Ireland".
In terms of how to innovate in the advertising industry he says "that it is not always about bringing people in but it is about empowering people in the right way - nobody works in isolation here".
The conversation turns to where the industry is heading and on this, Davies says he is excited about "the potential of what might come next and experimenting and learning something new".
"You are now able to cut information in a way that allows for more targeted use of information.
"The one-to-one marketing is immensely interesting - the question becomes are we going to have one new advertising model? Or are we going to have a series of different advertising models because there are different types of brands that may require a different model? We might see different disciples emerging.
"Whatever happens in the next two, five, 10, 15 years, I don't know, but what we have witnessed in the past of either resisting change, or pretending change isn't happening, or fluffing change and getting it wrong, isn't going to be the right answer."
Air pollution kills 1,200 people in Ireland each year and dangerous readings in New Ross, County Wexford, in mid-December has led to concerns about the health of its residents.
In 2016 Wexford County Council set up real-time monitoring equipment in Wexford Town and New Ross.
The system measures fine particles in the air from smoke and fuel emissions known as PM10 and PM2.5, which can penetrate into the lungs and bloodstream.
"On one particular evening in mid-December we were reaching limits of PM10 and PM2.5," the council's senior executive scientist, Brendan Cooney, told Independent.ie.
"To put that into perspective, the air quality was so bad that a UCC professor told me that New Ross had worse air quality than Beijing in 2008 - - when there were concerns over athletes exposure to smog during the Olympics."
The Beijing Olympics of 2008 were the most polluted games ever, researchers confirmed. It's one of the worst polluted cities in China.
In Ireland, like many EU countries, residential heating is a significant source of PM2.5 emissions. The main source of air pollution is coal and, particularly in the midlands, peat.
Dublin imposed a ban on smoky coal in 1990, Cork followed five years later and it was extended to 25 other urban areas in 2013. However, it's still a problem for smaller, regional towns.
New Ross is particularly vulnerable to air pollution because it sits in a valley, which means that smoke doesn't dissipate on a calm night.
"On this day it was bad because it was very cold with very little wind. We always see a surge in air pollution from about 4pm in the winter when people have their fires burning at home," said Mr Cooney.
"People think that we have good air quality in Ireland. Now generally we do, but in small areas and in regional towns, and during particular times of the day, the air quality is quite poor.
"On nights of poor air quality, those nights people with asthma will have to use their inhalers more. You'll see more people being admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties. It is a serious problem and something that people need to be more aware of," said Mr Cooney.
The HSE confirmed that Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma in the world. One-in-five children in Ireland suffer from asthma and overall there are four deaths a day directly associated with poor air quality across all age groups. There are 1,200 premature deaths in Ireland related to air pollution. The main cause of death is cardiovascular disease when pollutants enter the bloodstream.
In December, Minister Denis Naughten announced that the Government will impose a ban on the burning of smoky coal nationwide. The ban is expected to come into effect in September this year when coal stocks are depeleted.
"We've seen the difference a smoky coal ban makes. When Dublin became a designated smokeless zone we saw a drop in the number of people being admitted to hospitals," said Mr Cooney.
A spokesperson for the Environment Protection Agency said that Ireland is above the more stringent World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality Guideline values at a number of monitoring stations for both PM10 and PM2.5.
"This is predominantly due to the burning of solid fuel. It is especially an issue in smaller towns and villages that do not have access to natural gas and/or where the use of smoky coal is permitted.
The EPA said that Ireland has never exceeded EU limit values for PM10 and PM2.5. However, Ireland hasn't met air quality targets of what the WHO, EEA or the Protection of Human Health deem is safe.
"These guideline values are not a legal limit value but they are developed by the WHO with the current understanding of the health impacts of air pollution - that there is 'no safe level of air pollution'."
It also said that Dublin, despite being the capital, has a good quality of air when compared to many other EU cities but warned that it's approaching the EU limit for nitrogen oxides.
"This is due to a continued over reliance on fossil fuel powered motor cars. It is also important for air quality in the city and Ireland in general that home owners make clean air choices when deciding how to heat their homes.
"The EPA will carefully review all monitoring received from Local Authorities, including in relation to New Ross and will move to take appropriate action regarding ambient air quality monitoring in those areas."
A 35-YEAR-OLD Dublin man has been granted bail after being charged over a stab attack on his brother Ross Hutch during an "ongoing dispute".
Ross Hutch (25) who once appeared on RTE's Winning Streak, was treated by emergency services after he received a head injury on Wednesday night.
His brother Alan Hutch (35) from Portland Place, in north inner city Dublin, was arrested.
He appeared before Judge Bryan Smyth at just after 4.30pm an evening sitting of Dublin District Court.
He was charged with assault causing harm at his home address to Ross Hutch on January 3.
The alleged offence is contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
Garda Damien Kildea, from Mountjoy Station, told Judge Smyth that Alan Hutch was charged at 3.13pm on Thursday and he made no reply after caution before he was handed a copy of his charge sheet.
He said there was no objection to bail subject to conditions. Garda Kildea asked that one term would state the accused could have no contact with the injured party in this matter. He said the two men were brothers and added that there appears to be an ongoing dispute between himself and his brother.
Judge Smyth agreed to make that one of the bail terms and imposed other conditions sought by the Garda. He set bail at 250 in Mr Hutchs own bond but did not require a cash lodgement.
He ordered the accused to sign on three days a week at a garda station the name of which was written on a note and given to the judge but not read out and remain of sober habits. The accused was warned by the judge that he must be of good behaviour and have no contact with the alleged injured party Ross Hutch.
Alan Hutch, dressed in a navy hoodie, black trousers and runners, did not address the court during the hearing and there has been no indication as to how he will plead.
Garda Kildea said directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) needed to be obtained and he asked for a four-week adjournment.
Mr Hutch was released and ordered to appear again on Feb. 1 next when the case will be listed for directions from the DPP to be outlined. Legal aid was granted after defence solicitor Declan Fahy told the judge his client was unemployed and a statement of his means was furnished to the court.
An injured man has been charged following an attempted robbery at a Dublin pub that ended when the alleged raider was tackled by customers.
Derek Foran (33) appeared in court with heavy bruising to his face and a bandaged head and fingers after he was arrested at The Speaker Conolly Pub in Firhouse on New Year's Day. Judge John King granted him bail but remanded him in custody until he is able to take it up.
Mr Foran, a father of one from Allenton Avenue in Tallaght, is charged with attempting to rob Jason Doyle, the pub's acting manager. The accused had two black eyes when he was brought before Dublin District Court yesterday. He had two fractured ribs, a fractured finger and received 30 stitches to his head, the court heard.
Garda James Ward told Judge King he arrested Mr Foran at The Speaker Conolly Pub at 11.40pm on January 1.
He was brought to Tallaght Garda station, where he was charged at 8.08pm on Tuesday.
Objecting to bail, Garda Ward cited the seriousness of the charge. He told Judge King he had concerns the accused would not turn up in court and would interfere with prospective witnesses. Judge King said he did not believe the garda's objections were very strong and granted bail. He said there was a "very serious charge here", but Mr Foran enjoyed a presumption of innocence.
Defence barrister John Griffin said Mr Foran was living with his mother in Tallaght. He said gardai appeared to be happy with his identity and where he lived.
The judge set bail in the accused's own bond of 300, with no cash required. However, he did require an independent surety of 1,000, half of which is to be lodged in cash.
Conditions are that he resides at his homes address, observes a curfew between 10pm and 6am, signs on daily at Tallaght Garda station and has no contact, directly or indirectly with witnesses. He is also to stay out of the Firhouse area at all times.
Mr Griffin said the accused had two fractured ribs, a fractured finger and had received 30 stitches to his head. He had appointments at Tallaght Hospital and the Eye and Ear Hospital this week. The judge made a recommendation to the prison governor that the accused receive all necessary medical treatment.
He remanded Mr Foran in custody with consent to bail, to appear in Cloverhill District Court on January 9. He granted free legal aid after Mr Griffin said Mr Foran was unemployed.
Youths barricaded themselves in a room at Oberstown detention centre and during the stand-off anything they could destroy was destroyed, a court has heard.
Dylan Hafford, (19), with an address at Francis Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth was spared extra jail time after he pleaded guilty yesterday to criminal damage at the centre which is responsible for detention and remand of young people up to 18 years.
Hafford admitted causing 5,600 worth of damage to furniture, windows, door and smoke alarms during an incident on February 2, 2016.
The case was heard at the Dublin Childrens Court because he was a juvenile at the time of the incident but was now an adult, Judge Gerard Jones noted.
Garda Fionnuala Monaghan told Judge Jones the youth and a co-accused went into a multi-purpose room in the detention centre and barricaded themselves in the room. She said they remained there for several hours and they basically destroyed the whole room. A couch was ripped up, TVs were taken off the walls and anything they could destroy was destroyed.
She said it was very stressful for the staff who had to leave the room, however, none of them was injured.
The court heard he already had 50 prior criminal convictions and had received a five-year sentence with the final two suspended imposed at Dundalk Circuit Court in 2017 for an aggravated burglary offence.
Judge Jones was told the teen had 24 theft convictions mainly burglaries as well as five for criminal damage, 10 assaults, two for obstructing a garda, three trespassing offences as well as one vehicle theft and a breach of the peace.
Defence counsel Damian McKeone pleaded with the court not to add to the youths existing prison term which ends next year.
He asked the judge to note that that Hafford was only 17-years-old at the time and the offence happened almost two years ago. Counsel said the youth had lived with his mother and had also been close to an aunt and an uncle.
The uncle died before he went into custody and the aunt passed away five weeks after he was detained.
He was not granted compassionate bail and just completely lost his head. He knows it was no excuse and was sorry, counsel said.
The barrister said the youth admitted he had a serious addiction to tablets but was clean of drugs now. He had taken part in a culture of peace and non-violence programme and has also done a course in mosaics, the barrister said, adding that on release the teen wanted to started afresh.
He will also have a suspended sentence over him when he gets out, counsel submitted.
Hafford did not address the court.
Judge Jones said the maximum sentence he could impose for the offence was 12 months.
He said Hafford was a very violent young man with a dreadful history including 50 convictions and there was no justification for the offence. He imposed an eight-month term but back-dated it to run from a date in October when Hafford was first charged with the Oberstown incident, meaning his time in custody has not been extended.
His accomplices case was adjourned until a date in February.
Mohamed Morei is brought before a special sitting of Dundalk district court. Picture: Gerry Mooney
An 18-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a Japanese national in Dundalk.
Mohamed Morei appeared before a special sitting of Dundalk District Court charged with the murder of Yosuke Sasaki on January 3 last.
The accused appeared before Judge Gerry Jones, and the court heard that there were issues in confirming Mr Morei's nationality.
Garda Inspector Martin Beggy told the court: "There is an issue with his nationality. That is undetermined at present."
Inspector Beggy also told the court that there was nothing "in common between the deceased and the accused."
Giving evidence, garda Damien Welby said that he arrested the accused at 4.32 today at the Crescent.
Mr Morei was charged at 5.20pm and made no reply when cautioned. He charge was then read to him by an interpreter.
Gda Damien Welby, of Blackrock garda station, was the unarmed officer who initially arrested the accused in the day the alleged murder took place.
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The accused made a number of outbursts during the brief court sitting, at different points exclaiming: "I'm not gay", "F*** you" and "I'm no Muslim".
Defence counsel Barry Callan applied for free legal aid for the accused, that an Arabic translator be provided and that he be medically and psychologically evaluated.
There was no application for bail, and the accused will appear before Cloverhill court next Thursday, January 11 via video link.
A large garda security presence was put in place as the accused arrived at Dundalk district court, including members of the Armed Support Unit (ASU).
Several people had also gathered outside the courthouse, with Gardai forced to restrain a number of individuals who attempted to confront the accused.
Gardai have seized cocaine worth 70,000 and arrested two men during an operation in Dublin on Wednesday.
Gardai say that an operation by the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Special Crime Task Force seized the drugs in the Abbotstown area of Finglas on Duiblin's northside.
Two men, one aged 35 and the other 23, were arrested and both are being detained at Finglas Garda Station under the provisions of Section 2 Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.
More to follow...
The scene of the fatal stabbing on the Dublin Road in Ballyjamesduff Co Cavan. Pic Steve Humphreys
A man has been arrested in Cork for questioning in connection with the murder of a man in Cavan on New Year's Eve.
Marek Swider (40), who is a Polish national, was found with fatal stab injuries in a house in Ballyjamesduff last Sunday night.
Mr Swider had been living and working in the Cavan area for a number of years.
His death was upgraded to a murder investigation following a post mortem examination by the State Pathologist's Office.
The incident occurred in the Cavan property off Dublin Street around 11pm last Sunday night.
Gardai last night arrested a man in Cork city for questioning in relation to the death of Mr Swider.
The man, who is a Polish national, is not understood to have a Cork address.
He can be questioned for an initial period of 12 hours under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act which can be further extended.
It is understood the man was arrested after he presented himself at a Cork city garda station last night.
He is now being questioned at the Bridewell Garda Station.
Gardai have appealed for any who witnessed the incident last Sunday night or who has information about the incident to contact Bailieboro
Garda Station on 042-9694570.
They have also appealed to anyone who was driving on the Dublin road in Ballyjamesduff between 10.30pm and midnight and who may have
dashcam footage to contact them.
Members of the Polish community or anyone who may have any information is urged to to contact them at Bailieboro, or the Garda Confidential
Line on 1800 666 111.
There were emotional scenes as the funeral for Jayne Toal Reat, who was stabbed to death on Christmas Day, took place in Banbridge.
The 43-year-old died in her daughter's arms following the incident, which happened shortly before 6am at a house on Mornington Lane in Lisburn.
Ms Reat had worked in Craigavon Area Hospital. Her daughter Charlotte (21), who lives in Comber, was also injured in the attack.
A 19-year-old man, Nathan Ward, has been charged with her murder and the attempted murder of both Charlotte Reat and his own father Joseph Tweedie, the partner of the late Ms Reat.
Mourners at Thursday's funeral were asked to wear colours powder blue or baby pink colours as they were Jayne's favourite colours.
The funeral took place at St Patrick's Church in Banbridge, followed by a private cremation.
In emotional scenes Charlotte, dressed in a blue coat and still bearing cuts to her face, spent some time saying goodbye to her mother outside the church while placing her hands on the coffin.
Parish Priest, Canon Liam Stevenson, said the devoted mother had been baptised in the same church over 40 years ago.
We have all been shocked, upset and deeply troubled when news of her untimely death began to circulate on Christmas day, he said.
Those who knew Jayne well would have expected to be celebrating... but the opposite was to be the reality for all Jaynes family circle and friends.
Instead they were trying to absorb the reality of a sudden, unforeseen and violent death. What a contrast to the nativity scene in the stable of Bethlehem.
Born in Banbridge on March 11, 1974, Ms Reat helped out in her grandmothers confectionery shop growing up while she studied in St Marys Primary and St Patricks College.
As an avid art student, Canon Stevenson said some of her work was still on display at her former school.
After moving to Belfast to work in the hospitality industry she married Simon with whom she had Charlotte.
She later relocated to Scotland and Cambridgeshire and resumed her studies, graduating with honours as a mental health nurse, following in her late mother Annes footsteps.
The call of Banbridge, her native town, was strong and she returned with Charlotte and lived across the street from her mother, continued Canon Stevenson.
Charlotte and Anne bonded well together as so often happens between granddaughter and grandmother.
Jaynes mother fell ill and she helped nurse her day and night.
Turning to her daughter Charlotte, Canon Stevenson said her mother had been proud of her dancing skills which she began to develop aged six.
She was happy to see (Charlotte) go off to the United States, but insisted on four phone calls daily to keep in touch, he said.
Its a very strong example of the closeness between Charlotte and Jayne.
He continued: Jayne found great friendship with Joe and she moved to Lisburn a few years ago to be close to him.
Concluding, he shared the familys appreciation for the many messages of loyalty and sympathy towards them.
As the funeral cortege left St Patricks, nursing colleagues formed a guard of honour for Ms Reat.
Doctors fear the worst could yet be to come for the embattled health service - as the number of patients on trolleys reached a new record high.
An unprecedented 677 people were on trolleys and on wards awaiting a bed in hospitals nationwide yesterday, according to figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
The unprecedented figures were up from a previous high of 656 recorded on Tuesday by the body.
A leading hospital consultant warned Emergency Departments are like "war zones" as the trolley crisis worsens. Dr Emily O'Conor, president of the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine also raised concerns the so-called 'Aussie flu', which is one of the two dominant strains circulating at the moment, could be life-threatening to children with the number of infections expected to rise when schools re-open next week.
Meanwhile, Dr James Gray, an emergency consultant at Tallaght Hospital, told the Irish Independent that "we are officially in the influenza season" pointing out that both the A (H3N2) strain, dubbed the 'Aussie flu', as well as Influenza B are both circulating at the moment.
"And if the Australian experience is anything to go by, we are going to be in for some torrid times here in Ireland."
He said the trolley crisis had become a "year-round crisis, and not a winter crisis like we used to have a few years ago".
"It's an emergency that keeps on going and nobody seems to be able to deal with it," said Dr Gray. "We were in the same situation last year."
"We are in the eye of the storm now," he said.
He referred to the figures showing a record number awaiting a bed nationwide, saying: "It's unacceptable having anybody on a trolley.
"They are patients who have had their ED care, they have been seen by the ED doctors and because of lack of bed capacity these patients are languishing on trolleys.
"There are solutions to this and the primary solution is bed capacity. We have lost a total of 1,600 beds in the acute hospital system in the last decade.
"Although there is a modest improvement in bed capacity, overall, demand has increased much more so," Dr Gray said.
He said scheduled care got reduced to "almost zero when we have these sort of surges on top of surges".
"When you have a surge on top of a surge like we are having, that scheduled care gets cancelled to try and optimise the bed capacity," he said. But he added it was a "false economy".
Dr Peadar Gilligan, a consultant in emergency medicine at Beaumont Hospital, told the Irish Independent that by midday yesterday some 51 patients were either awaiting or receiving care in the department.
"Influenza cases are rising," he said.
Meanwhile, the Irish Medical Organisation said the overcrowding crisis in hospitals exposes the perilous state of the health services.
In a statement, it said the shameful situation being experienced this week had its roots in years of under-investment and cutbacks across the health service.
"This isn't a flu crisis or a temporary blip ... this chaos is the reality of our health services today. Department of Health figures confirm that we are effectively running an emergency service only on a year-round basis with elective procedures now down to a trickle. In the UK it is seen as an option of almost last resort to cancel elective procedures while we in Ireland do this routinely which has led to a situation whereby 80pc of admissions are emergency admissions."
The latest flu figures will be released today and are expected to show a sharp increase in numbers affected, which will heap further pressure on overstretched GPs and EDs already dealing with a variety of flu-like and respiratory illnesses.
Health Minister Simon Harris said: "It is vital that we begin to see an impact from the exceptional measures being undertaken to reduce overcrowding in our EDs."
He said he would be directly updated today by each hospital group CEO on this.
Labour Party health spokesperson Alan Kelly said: "Rising trolley numbers like these are not sustainable for patients, their families and the hard-working staff in hospitals."
A leading hospital consultant has warned emergency departments (EDs) are like "war zones" as the trolley crisis worsens.
Dr Emily O'Conor, president of the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine, raised concerns that so-called 'Aussie flu' could be life-threatening to children, with the number of infections expected to rise when schools reopen next week.
Dr O'Conor said EDs resembled "war zones" and seeing patients facing lengthy waits on trolleys was "soul destroying" for medics.
"Staff are exhausted. They're working in appalling conditions - we are keeping people waiting eight hours to see a doctor.
"When you're trying to run an ED, you pick out the sickest patients but we are concerned we're missing someone who's really sick.
"Our primary concern is for patients. None of us want to see patients in congested EDs - it's not pleasant, it's stressful and doesn't encourage people to work in EDs.
"But the ownership of this problem is way beyond the EDs. We need more beds, more doctors and nurses, discharging people, getting them home, social care packages in place to get people out of hospital."
Dr O'Conor appealed for the Government to better resource hospitals, adding it had been "a long Christmas" for staff. "There was no holiday period for many. EDs keep going. They have to," she said.
Dr O'Conor also revealed concerns at the heart of the health service as Aussie flu sweeps the country and schools re-open next week.
"Flu will always hit the paediatric population but the concerning thing about the Australian flu is there were two spikes of this virus in Australia, among the elderly and then children.
"The second spike of deaths in Australia was children aged between four and 16. It killed children in Australia, so we don't know what will happen in Ireland but that is a big concern."
Dr Colm Henry, clinical adviser for HSE hospitals, said Aussie flu had so far affected older people but a B strain of influenza was more likely to affect children. "I don't dismiss the concerns, I share them," Dr Henry said.
"Parents should access information from the HSE website and all vulnerable groups should get vaccinations."
Dr Henry also said he "shared the concerns" about the trolley crisis, but added: "I want to reassure people we are working very hard to reduce this, to stop people waiting on trolleys."
He added that operations hadn't been cancelled due to the trolley crisis and non-emergency procedures had not been scheduled for this time of year due to the expected busy period. Emergency operations were still going ahead, he added.
Gardai investigate a stabbing incident on the Avenue Road in Dundalk which has left one man dead. Picture: Gerry Mooney
Gardai investigate a stabbing incident on the Avenue Road in Dundalk which has left one man dead. Picture: Arthur Carron
Gardai investigate the stabbing incident on the Avenue Road in Dundalk. Photo: Arthur Carron
Tributes have been paid to a 24-year-old Japanese national who was stabbed to death in Dundalk yesterday.
An 18-year-old Egyptian man was arrested by gardai following three early morning attacks which left 24-year-old Yosuke Sasaki dead and two Irish men injured.
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The suspect remained under questioning after a rest period overnight.
Today, gardai confirmed that there was no established link to indicate that this tragedy is terrorist related.
However, enquires are continuing internationally as the investigation develops.
"An Garda Siochana is currently liaising closely with our security and law enforcement partners worldwide to share and assess any relevant intelligence and its potential impact on the current investigation.
"At this time, we can find no established link to indicate that this tragedy is terrorist related. However, enquires are continuing internationally as the investigation develops.
"The threat level in this jurisdiction from international terrorism remains unchanged (MODERATE), where an attack is possible but not likely. The level of threat remains under constant review by An Garda Siochana in consultation with the Defence Forces."
At the scene of the stabbing of Yosuke Sasaki (24) on Avenue Road some bouquets of flowers have been left by friends, along with a small can of tinned coffee from Japan.
Life taken too early, under such tragic circumstances, said a message in one of the bouquets.
A spokesman for the Japanese Embassy said they had made contact with and were providing support to Mr Sasakis family. He requested that the media respect the privacy of the family at this difficult time.
The CEO of the National Pen company where Yosuke Sasaki worked has said he had only joined the firm last August but during his relatively short time with the contact centre he was a valued member of staff who made a positive impact.
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that we confirm the death of our colleague in Wednesdays incident in Dundalk, said Peter Kelly from the company that specialises in personalised marketing merchandise.
Senior Management and wider colleagues extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and have been liaising directly with the Japanese Embassy.
This is a time of profound sadness for management and staff. We will do everything possible to assist the family at this tragic time, he added.
Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan, paid tribute to the victims of the attack.
"I want to express my sympathy with those affected by yesterdays attacks in Dundalk in which a young man from Japan, Yosuke Sasaki, was killed; our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. I want to wish those who were injured a speedy recovery," he said in a statement.
"There has, understandably, been speculation and concern about the motivation for this attack. I welcome An Garda Siochanas statement in this regard and would caution against drawing judgments until the Gardai can establish the facts in the course of their investigation."
On the corner of Avenue Road and the Inner Link Road, gardai had sealed off a semi-derelict house where the suspect who was arrested is believed to have been squatting prior to the attacks.
It is not known how long he may have been living there, but it is believed he was sheltering in some shed buildings at the rear of the vacant house.
Neighbours said they did not see anyone coming or going from the house in recent days.
The company where Mr Sasaki worked, National Pen, said it would be issuing a statement this afternoon.
The family of the second man who was attacked, Cian Murphy, declined to comment on his current condition.
Today, gardai were trawling through two mobile phones recovered from a teenager as they probe whether a violent rampage is terror related.
The attack in Dundalk has sparked an international investigation as Garda national units liaise with colleagues in other countries to determine if the arrested man has links to international terror organisations.
Two mobile devices seized from the arrested man are being thoroughly examined to establish if any terror-related activity or material is contained on them.
A senior source last night said: We need to know this mans background. The mobile phones are key to the Garda investigation.
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The attacks began shortly before 9am when the Japanese victim was discovered unresponsive with a knife in his back at Avenue Road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
At 9.32am, Cian Murphy, who is in his early 20s, was attacked at Coes Road in Dundalk and stabbed in the back. He managed to make his way to his nearby workplace where colleagues called emergency services.
At 9.40am, a third victim was assaulted at Seatown Place, and was struck in the head with a fencing pole.
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Detectives believe that the attacker travelled on foot, and he was apprehended a short time later at a derelict property by unarmed gardai.
The man was said to be in a very distressed state after his arrest, but was deemed fit to be interviewed after a number of hours.
Senior investigators have confirmed that a possible terror link is one line of inquiry gardai are probing.
At a press conference, Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan, of the Louth Garda division, said: A terror attack is a line of inquiry, its certainly a line that we would look at. We will endeavour to establish the suspects background, who they are, where theyve come from and why are they here.
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Were very interested to know why was he in Dundalk, why would he come here, whats the reason, whats the connection, the senior garda added.
Detectives believe that the 18-year-old arrested man entered Dundalk through Northern Ireland.
He was stopped and interacted with local officers on January 1 but did not have any identification on him. As a result, he presented at an asylum seekers centre in Dublin city centre.
However, the Egyptian man returned to Dundalk on Tuesday and stayed at a derelict property in the town that night ahead of yesterday mornings attacks.
A number of Garda national units were also briefed after concerns were raised that the violent rampage matched profiles of Islamic extremists. The Garda Special Detective Unit (SDU) was briefed on the incident in the immediate aftermath, with the units counter-terrorism section now in contact with colleagues in Egypt and the UK.
The forces National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) was contacted by officers in Dundalk after it emerged that this unit had interacted with the suspect on Monday.
Last night, specialist Garda officers were trawling through the two mobile phones in an attempt to establish if the Dundalk attacks are in any way linked to Islamic terrorism.
One of the injured men, a 23-year-old from the locality, went for help at the nearby Smyths Life Pharmacy.
The shop owner Anne McEntegart said: The wound was pumping, there was a lot of blood. It was totally random. He came in here afterwards asking for help. We treated the man. I had three to four staff on duty and the blood was pumping from his head. He came in and asked for help.
A garda pictured at the scene and inset, broken glass in the front door
A MAN has been injured following a shooting in south Dublin tonight.
The 21-year-old was shot in the leg in Cherry Orchard, Dublin.
A garda spokesperson said the shooting incident took place at around 8.05pm at Cherry Orchard Parade.
The victim was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
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It is understood that at least three shots were fired during the incident, with one going in the front door of the house and two others through the top windows.
Nobody else was injured in the shooting.
Local councillor, Daithi Doolan, condemned the attack and called for further resources to be given to the area.
Its a terrible start to the New Year, he said.
"Tonight's shooting in Cherry Orchard was an attack on the whole community.
The gardai must receive every resource possible in Ballyfermot to tackle gun crime. This is a great community made up of hard working families.
"Residents deserve better than gun violence. I am calling on all political representatives to work together with gardai to ensure gun crime is tackled head on. Cherry Orchard families must be allowed to live, work and play in safety, he added.
The house remains sealed off.
The scene in Cavendish Street , west Belfast where a car has crashed through the front window of a property on January 3rd 2018 (Photo by Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph)
A young family escaped injury after joyriders crashed a car into their west Belfast home in the early hours of yesterday.
A Range Rover Vogue, stolen during a burglary, ploughed through the living room of the terraced property on Cavendish Street at 4.55am.
Roisin Murray (38) and her daughter Molly (16) were in bed at the time, while other daughter Claiodhna (19) was out.
Ms Murray, a pharmacy dispensing assistant who has lived in the house for 30 years, said she thought she was being burgled when she heard the smash.
She explained: "I was in bed and I heard the wind blowing, then I heard a thud.
"I came downstairs, I heard someone and I could see lights. I was frightened and I started screaming to Molly to get her phone because I thought it was a burglary.
"When I opened the door the headlights of the Range Rover were beaming in, and the glass and bricks were everywhere."
Ms Murray had spent thousands refurbishing her home just before Christmas.
"I'm still in shock, to be honest, it's not something you expect. I was standing in the living room and I could hear the neighbours shouting for us to get out," she said.
"The car was leaking petrol and it had also hit my gas box at the front of the house, and they were worried that there would be an explosion. We are still shaken up that it's happened."
Residents in the street witnessed four men running from the vehicle.
Neighbour Ciara Murphy (26) was also in bed - nursing a broken toe - when the drama unfolded. Her children, aged one and 10, were asleep at the time.
Her Seat Leon, which she bought last year, is a write-off as a result of the joyriders' actions.
She said: "This is a quiet street with nice neighbours.
"It's just ordinary, decent people who live here and I feel sorry for Roisin."
Sinn Fein MLA Fra McCann hit out at those responsible.
He said: "They care nothing for people and need to be removed from our community."
The PSNI appealed for witnesses. Inspector Laura Kelly said: "The Land Rover, along with a silver Toyota C-HR, were reported stolen in a creeper-style burglary from a house in Carney Hill in Holywood.
"Car keys were taken from the property along with number of other items, including a JVC 50in television, tablet and a PS4 games console.
"Anyone with information should ring 101 quoting reference 182 of 3/1/17."
Alternatively, people can ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A man has been arrested following an armed raid at a Dublin supermarket this morning.
According to gardai, a lone masked male entered a supermarket in Donabate armed with an iron bar at approximately 8.45am this morning.
Gardai have confirmed to Independent.ie that a robbery did take place but no details have yet emerged regarding the nature of the robbery.
Gardai say that the man has been arrested and he is being detained at Ballymun Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
More to follow...
Roisin Shortall of the Social Democrats was sent complaint. Photo: Steve Humphreys
A former senior government adviser has warned the leadership of the Social Democrats that the online behaviour of some of their supporters is worse than that of "Sinn Fein's keyboard warriors".
Ed Brophy, who served as the chief of staff to Tanaiste Joan Burton, sent a complaint this week via email to Social Democrats co-leader Roisin Shortall. Mr Brophy, a pollster and 'Sunday Independent' columnist, claims Social Democrats activists have engaged in various online attacks in recent months.
He has described the behaviour of some of the party's members as being worse than that engaged in by "Sinn Fein's keyboard warriors".
It is understood that Mr Brophy appealed to Ms Shortall to ensure members engaged in a respectful and dignified manner on social media platforms.
Ms Shortall has yet to respond to the former government adviser.
The Social Democrats did not respond to queries. Mr Brophy declined to comment.
Example
However, he tweeted this week: "Online hate speech rife among @SocDem activists - worse than Sinn Fein keyboard warriors, now under orders to curtail their worst instincts."
Mr Brophy also tweeted what he claimed was an example of the abuse.
In the post on Facebook, the poster - who is alleged to be a Social Democrats activist - attacks Mr Brophy.
Mr Brophy served as a senior adviser in the Fine Gael-Labour government during various challenges. He now serves as a pollster and strategist for the research company Ireland Thinks.
But in the email to Ms Shortall - a Dublin North West TD who quit the Labour party in 2013 - Mr Brophy said there had been more instances.
The controversy comes just weeks after the Dail passed a Fianna Fail bill which pledged a crackdown on certain social media practices.
TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has defended his meeting with controversial Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban.
He said there may be suggestions that he shouldn't meet other world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, but the government should engage with them and raise issues where there is disagreement.
Mr Varadkars decision to meet Mr Orban was criticised by Labour leader Brendan Howlin who accused the Hungarian leader of stoking "right-wing populism and anti-migrant sentiment".
Mr Orban took a hard-line approach to Europe's migrant crisis in 2015 including the construction of a fence on Hungary's southern border.
He has also said in the past that he wants to build an illiberal state and has been criticised from within the EU over policies in relation to non-governmental organisations in Hungary and educational freedom.
Mr Varadkar said he raised issues where Ireland disagrees with the Hungarian government at his meeting with Mr Orban in Budapest today.
But he defended his decision to meet him.
He said there will be people who say he shouldnt meet the Polish prime minister who also has a tough stance on migration or the new Austrian Chancellor who has formed a government with support from a far right party.
Mr Varadkar added: Id imagine if I met the prime minister of Spain, Sinn Fein would criticise me about that because of Catalonia.
Lots of the far left dont think I should travel to America to speak with President Trump.
"And I assume none of them think I should meet the Chinese or anyone in the Middle East.
So you could have a foreign policy thats entirely about splendid isolation or you could actually engage with people, find areas of common interest and work on them together.
He also said you should also not be afraid to raise and discuss issues where you dont agree... and those were among the issues that we discussed here today."
Mr Varadkar said he expressed Ireland's support for the EU policy of burden sharing in relation to taking in refugees.
Hungary obviously has a very different view on that and there were was no alignment on that issue, he said.
Mr Orban has been a critic of this plan and said he told the Taoiseach about the historic and cultural reasons why the issue of migration is so important to Hungary.
Mr Orban also said he was not in favour in what he argued was the chaos of the EU response to the migrant crisis and insisted the union's external borders need to be protected.
Mr Varadkar later said that he had expressed Irelands commitment to free speech and free association as well as raising European values like academic independence.
The two leaders strongly agreed on opposing any move to harmonise taxes across the EU and the need to protect the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as the EU begins talks on its long-term Budget post 2020.
Hungarys corporation tax rate is around 9pc and while Irelands is 12.5pc and both Mr Varadkar and Mr Orban agreed it was important for countries to be able to set their own tax rules to allow for competition among member states.
The pair also discussed Brexit and Mr Varadkar thanked Mr Orban for the support his government has offered over Irelands specific concerns.
Mr Varadkar said both countries regret the Brexit decision, but respect it, and want to see a close relationship between the UK and EU in future including uninterrupted trade in goods and services.
Mr Varadkar will travel to Bulgaria tomorrow where he will meet prime minister Boyko Borissov.
Bulgaria is assuming the Presidency of the EU Council for the next six months.
What a way to banish the January blues.
A small village shop in Malahide is celebrating after being revealed as the seller of last Fridays winning 38.9m EuroMillions Jackpot.
The owner of the Village Shop in Malahide, Amy Cong, said she found out last night when she had a visit by officials from the EuroMillions headquarters.
It was just unbelievable news, she said, adding that she hopes the lucky winner is one of their regular customers - and that they still keep coming to her shop.
A qualified accountant, she said she never thought she would be in the newsagent trade but says she loves being out front meeting customers - especially when something like this happens.
A Lotto spokesperson revealed the winner has made contact and that the ticket is in safe keeping in their HQ.
They are currently getting independent legal and financial advice.
The winner wishes to remain private and is expected to collect the vast sum next week, the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile Amy is overjoyed at selling the golden ticket to a lucky customer saying: This is unbelievable. I am delighted for the winner and the area. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would sell a big winning jackpot ticket.
Ms Cong - originally from the Shandong province of Eastern China - has lived in Ireland for over 20 years and has been running the shop with her husband Ken since 2013.
The shop previously sold a Lotto Plus 1 winning ticket worth 300,000.
This is a small shop in the centre of Malahide but we are busy and we have a lot of regular customers. We have been barely able to contain our excitement since we were told by the National Lottery yesterday that we sold the ticket, she said.
We had absolutely no idea! There is an amazing buzz here today. We have no idea who the lucky winner is but we wish them the best of luck in the future.
My husband and I have been running the Village Shop for over five years now but weve never experienced anything like this. At the moment, we have just one employee working in the shop but todays exciting announcement could make us a whole lot busier in the coming months as one of Irelands lucky Euromillions winning retailers, she said.
Meanwhile the National Lottery has confirmed that the winner of the golden ticket has made contact and arrangements are being made for the claim to be made. A spokesperson said that will be sometime in the next few weeks.
We have verified the winning ticket and the ticket holder is understandably delighted at their good fortune. They are getting independent legal and financial advice and we look forward to having them come to the winners room to collect their cheque in the near future. This is a life-changing amount.
Malahide had a very lucky EuroMillions Christmas. On Friday Dec 22nd Donnybrook Fair in the village sold a winning EuroMillions Plus ticket worth a cool 500,000 to a retired Florida-based priest home on holidays for Christmas.
National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, today congratulated Amy and her team on being the sellers of the lucky EuroMillions ticket. He confirmed the shop gets a 25,000 bonus as a result.
This is fantastic news and we are delighted for Amy and everybody involved with the store in Malahide. And of course for the lucky winner. This was the third EuroMillions jackpot won in Ireland in 2017 and the 12th since EuroMillions began in 2004. 2017 was also an amazing year for our EuroMillions Plus players with 31 wins of 500,000 each.
Locals prepare more sandbags in the aftermath of Storm Eleanor in Galway. Photo: Andrew Downes
Once again, a major urban area has fallen victim to the ravages of nature.
The flooding in Galway which caused such devastation to businesses and homeowners could well be repeated in other parts of the country over the coming days, but one thing is absolutely certain - similar events will occur in the future.
While a single event cannot be linked to climate change, there's is little doubt our weather systems are changing. The severity of the winter storms we have seen may be linked to seasonal variations, but the reality is we are experiencing more frequent storms and flooding, and the science tells us we can expect more of the same. So, what to do?
The Office of Public Works knows the extent of the flood defences needed, and has set out the types of schemes required, and their scale; outlined their probable cost and set out the benefits which will accrue if the works are completed. The bill will be steep - at least 1bn.
In Galway city alone, works totalling almost 10m are needed to protect around 900 properties.
Defences in Cork will cost more than 100m, but some people are opposed due to the visual impact they will have on the city. Similar debates are likely in other at-risk areas.
While OPW Minister Kevin 'Boxer' Moran says he will push for additional funding, the simple fact is that we have ignored our flooding problem for many years, and are only now playing catch-up. The devastation in Galway is testament to our inaction.
But what's notable about the events in Galway is that no-one predicted the speed at which the flooding occurred.
The National Emergency Co-ordination Group on Severe Weather noted that an orange-level warning was issued by Met Eireann at 5am on January 2 for the city, but also Leinster and Munster, with high wind speeds expected.
The possibility of storm surges allied with high tides were also forecast, with a high tide alert issued at 11.46am the same day to all coastal local authorities.
Galway City Council insists temporary flood defences put in place for Storm Ophelia remained in situ, floodgates were in operation and thousands of sandbags were still available.
Vigilant
However, the council did advise that "no serious flooding" was expected due to the wind direction, but added that the public should "remain vigilant".
Water levels were also at record highs around Galway, according to hydrometric data from the OPW. Wolfe Tone Bridge in the city recorded its highest ever level, at 6.58m, since records began in 1992. Monitoring stations at Oranmore Bridge, Clarinbridge and Kilcolgan were also at record highs.
And the Marine Institute has said the storm surge was almost a metre higher than expected. The water level at Galway Port was expected to be just under six metres at 6pm on January 2, but data shows it was well in excess.
The city council has defended its response, saying authorities did all they could to avoid flooding.
"We can cope in the city with a 5.6m to a 5.8m storm tide...we believe it was somewhere in excess of 6.5m so that is utterly unprecedented," chief executive Brendan McGrath told the Irish Independent.
So what do the events of Galway tell us?
Flood defences are needed, not just in the City of the Tribes but in all at-risk areas identified by the OPW. They also tell us the National Flood Forecasting System being developed is badly needed. But they also tell us that no matter what measures are in place from local authorities and the State to protect communities, nature will always find a way.
There is also the question of the warning system employed. Was enough done? Were businesses and homeowners advised of the risks to the extent required?
Perhaps the plethora of yellow, orange and red warnings aren't enough. Perhaps the public doesn't accept the dangers.
The fact that motorists insisted on driving their cars through flood waters suggests that not everyone accepts the risk to life and limb that arises in these events.
The fact no-one died is a relief, but it is of little comfort to homeowners and businesses counting the cost.
Storm Eleanor left a wake of destruction behind her as she passed through The Quays in Westport where she tossed yacht's from their moorings (Photo: Paul Mealy)
A man taking photographs gets caught by crashing waves at High Rock in Portmarnock, Dublin. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA
Large swathes of the country remain under a Status Yellow weather warning this morning as the danger of coastal flooding remains.
An updated Status Yellow weather warning for Munster, Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Wexford, Wicklow, Offaly, Galway and Mayo came into effect at 5am today and runs until 1pm this afternoon.
It warns that winds of a mean speed of 55 to 65kmh can be expected with gusts in those places hitting between 90 and 110 kmh.
It also advises that there is a risk of coastal flooding on western and southern coasts of Ireland.
Heavy rain along with sleet or wet snow is also forecast for higher ground in the north of the country this morning.
Gardai reported this morning that there was flooding on routes around Bantry in Cork.
They have also warned motorists to watch out for fallen debris on minor roads.
Nationwide weather update #StormEleanor : High winds and surface flooding in places. Watch out for fallen debris on minor routes. #slowdown pic.twitter.com/cLB3h0zzCF An Garda SAochAna (@GardaTraffic) January 4, 2018
The AA report that the N71 is impassable between Bell Height and the suspension bridge in Kenmare.
The AA also report that there is flooding on the R152 approximately 2km before Kilmoon Cross and motorists are being asked to avoid the road.
ESB Networks have also reported that a 'large fault' is affecting Cobh and surrounding areas and that it will be after midday before power is restored.
High tide passed in Cork city last night without flooding, however the flood warning remains in place.
Galway escaped without any further flooding this morning.
However, more mini-storms are expected today and tomorrow before a "dramatic change" sees temperatures plummet.
Homeowners and businesses along the south and west coast are now being warned of a "real risk" of further flooding in the wake of Storm Eleanor.
Chair of National Emergency Co-ordination Centre Sean Hogan said there is "unfortunately still some threat coming towards us".
Mr Hogan said parts of Galway city that are not normally susceptible to floods were hit.
He said adequate warnings were issued to local authorities but there are always "limitations" because storms can change direction at any moment.
"What was a surprise was the extent of what happened in Galway and the speed at which it happened," he said.
Mr Hogan said a combination of wind strength, a change in direction towards Galway and high waves in the Atlantic Ocean caused a surge of water into the city.
He urged people along the south and west coast to stay away from coastlines until the windy weather passes on Friday.
Met Eireann's Evelyn Cusack said two smaller weather events will take place in the southwest in the coming days.
"This is not a major event that we know of as yet," she said, but added that it's "not certain" what way the approaching weather fronts will develop.
By the weekend there will be a "dramatic change" with a return to calm but very cold weather with heavy frost at night.
Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy insisted suitable preparation and planning was in place in Galway yesterday but forecasters and local authorities "can't predict everything that will happen".
"We believed the main problems would be this morning," he said.
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Meanwhile, financial supports have been promised to those affected by Storm Eleanor as a massive clean-up operation is underway in the worst-hit areas and the country braces for continued strong winds.
The storm wreaked havoc from west to east of the country last night bring gusts of 155km/h, causing flooding and leaving thousands without power.
The Departments Community Welfare Services staff will assess the level of service required across the country, particularly in the Galway area, which was hit with the worst of the flooding.
As the clean-up operations begin, financial supports will be made available to householders affected and the Humanitarian Assistance scheme activated as necessary according to the Government.
High tide has passed this morning in Galway with no flooding. However, emergency services remain on duty and there is a warning that high tide this evening might bring rising waters.
Late last night ESB Networks apologised to customers who were still without power as a result of Storm Eleanor.
Aisling Brady has been in hospital in the UAE since November
An Irish teacher who suffered a near-fatal blood clot while teaching in Dubai is to be flown home on Friday following an online campaign by her boyfriend and family.
Aisling Brady (26), from Trim, Co Meath, will be transported to the Mater Hospital in Dublin via air ambulance early Friday morning.
An online campaign set up by her boyfriend, Kristian Mansfield, has raised more than 150,000, which covered the cost of the medical evacuation.
A number of Irish hospitals also contacted the Brady family after learning of Aisling's situation and offered a bed for her.
The young physics and maths teacher was rushed to hospital in the UAE in November after fainting and hitting her head.
She subsequently suffered three seizures, three cardiac arrests and a stroke as a result of a blood clot, otherwise known as a pulmonary embolism.
Aisling has been living in the UAE since 2016 and travelled on a number of long-haul flights last year, which doctors believe may have worsened the clot.
Her condition is said to be improving and she will now travel home to receive more medical treatement.
Her parents Terry and Antoinette Brady immediately travelled to be by her bedside in Dubai.
The family said they are blown away by the support provided by friends, family and members of the public.
Speaking previously to Independent.ie, Mrs Brady said: "Because of the different complications, there were so many fireballs thrown at her. Trying to get her home in a safe way is going to be complicated, but we're hopeful we can do it.
"I want to raise awareness and warn people going away to work abroad that you should check your medical insurance, nobody tends to check these things as you never think you will need it.
"Everybody that knows Aisling understands she is resilient, driven, stubborn and tenacious and she will not settle for anything less than getting her life back up to speed," he wrote.
"With the right help and support, there is every hope we can together get her back to her loving and caring self. She has left huge footprints in the world, on our lives, let's make sure she can keep doing that."
The definitive narrative in the Abrahamic faith traditions centres around the notion of salvation. The Christian and Jewish traditions, in particular, place great emphasis on the idea that salvation will emerge from the least likely quarters.
This expression of the human desire for a new redeeming age is now being played out by reckless and chaotic Donald Trump, the most ludicrously unlikely candidate for the presidency in the history of America, yet he surprised us all.
Trump is a master of the art of manufacturing outrage, of the amplification of differences, and of playing the role of saviour from all that is assumed to be wrong with the world. What we have here is the narcissistic attempt to place oneself at the centre of things, obliterating all that gets in the way. The most worrying aspect of Trumpism is the attempt to silence the press and weaken the judiciary.
We are looking at the machinations of the school bully played out on a global scale. The world of alternative facts, of crass populism, and of a systematic lack of concern for the truth define Trump's crude pragmatic approach to politics.
American visitors to Britain find Trump an embarrassment. His inability to speak English with basic competence, his views expressed on women, and his scattergun rage against the world do not endear him to a very high proportion of the American people.
Overall, the limits of Trump's language are indicative of the limits of his understanding of the world.
Trump seemed to have tackled effectively the dead hand of Washington bureaucracy, which he refers to as "the swamp". Sadly, he has not drained the swamp, as promised, but redesigned it.
Philip O'Neill
Oxford, England
I didn't vote for TDs' huge pay rise
It's barely a week since we were awakened with renewed joy, hope, energy and positivity with the birthday of Jesus. Allowing this to filter through and anticipating it to reflect on our lives for the coming year, I felt renewed faith.
I regret that on only the second day of the new year, Tommy Marren on Midwest Radio and Tom Towey's letter ('Coping classes left to struggle on', Letters, January 2) both report the massive increase of over 3,500 for our politicians year on year until 2020. No vote of conscience there.
Surely this takes the biscuit when later in the day we hear that there are 600 patients on hospital trolleys, one at least for over 24 hours, and apart from the inconvenience and abuse of ill and vulnerable patients mistakes are made, standards drop and the work of our great frontline staff is compromised.
Add to this the homelessness situation which is increasing daily, and an Garda Siochana with its lowest esteem ever, reduced to invisibility. The list goes on.
So the Government thinks politicians deserve this huge rise and President Michael D Higgins has no conscience in accepting two top-of-the-range BMWs to the value of 200,00 of taxpayers' money.
One has to wonder if this Government has a grudge against the vulnerable of our society, considering that as we speak the Eighth Amendment is in the process of being hobbled to allow our unborn babies to be destroyed.
The reason why this is disturbing is that we are led to believe we must vote, that it's a moral requirement - well, one has to rethink. When I voted, I did not expect I would have any hand, act or part in supporting any of the above.
Of course, not all politicians fall into this category - many take responsible decisions we hope, like Simon Coveney, and to Sinn Fein's credit they are not accepting the latest pay rise.
Mary Haran
Aclare, Co Sligo
The boy who cried 'Storm'
Storms seem to be coming with increasing frequency, and with names like long-lost relatives that suddenly turn up on your doorstep. You are cautious of them but unsure of their actions and what effect they will have on you.
In Galway city, Storm Ophelia passed us by with the greatest talking point being thrillseekers swimming at Blackrock.
Last week we had Storm Dylan which, although generating a bit of a breeze in the city, didn't merit any mention on the RTE 'Six One News' the following day because it caused no damage.
On Tuesday night, we had Storm Eleanor which, despite warnings from Met Eireann, took us all by surprise here in the city, causing widespread flooding.
Surely there has to be a better system of warning people of possible predicted damage, otherwise it becomes a case of people ignoring the boy who cried wolf too many times.
Tommy Roddy
Salthill, Co Galway
RTE Celebrity Homes insensitive
On reading Geraldine Gittens' article, 'Senator David Norris' Georgian home declared the winner of Celebrity Home of the Year' (Irish Independent, January 3), I wondered - given the plight of the homeless and the great struggle many thousands have accessing a modest, secure place to live - was RTE a tad insensitive indulging itself in the making of this trivial programme.
It really does beg the question - do those who reside in the leafy suburbs have the slightest understanding, or empathy, for struggling fellow citizens?
Jim O'Sullivan
Rathedmond, Co Sligo
Global politics has come to this
Come on, little men: 'My button is bigger than yours!' If you compare brains or hearts, I think it will be whose is smaller and darker.
Dennis Fitzgerald
Melbourne, Australia
Be constructive or stay out of it
After reading Dermot Staunton's letter on the issue of sexual consent classes, ('If 'yes' and 'no' are redundant, how are we to indicate consent?', Letters, January 2), one might be forgiven for thinking that Mr Staunton has never had to ward off the unwelcome advances of a male or female that is under the assumption that sex is on the table.
Lucky him!
The problem is not searching for the correct word in a multicultural society, the problem is these "two simple monosyllabic words" are often ignored or misinterpreted which is why we have the word 'rape'.
As for the age of consent, while some young people are sexually active at a much younger age than 17, not all want to have sex and some might be under severe pressure to have sex.
Rather than engaging in reductio ad absurdum regarding Minister Katherine Zappone's efforts to protect our young people, Mr Staunton would be better off providing some actual constructive criticism or staying out of the way.
Louise Bailey
Ennis, Co Clare
North Korea called South Korea yesterday on a hotline that had previously remained dormant for two years, in a major diplomatic breakthrough that could pave the way towards future peace talks.
Pyongyang's state-run TV station reported yesterday that the inter-Korean communications channel in the shared border village of Panmunjom would be opened at 3pm.
This was confirmed by South Korea's unification ministry who said that the North made contact via the phone line at exactly the time ordered. "We have checked the communication line and are contacting each other," it said.
The breakthrough came despite an astonishing tweet late on Tuesday by US President Donald Trump, boasting that his "nuclear button" was bigger than North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un's.
"Will someone from his depleted and food-starved regime please inform him that I too have a nuclear button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my button works!" he wrote, to an aghast Twitter audience.
Kim's olive branch to the South followed a New Year's Day speech in which he said he was "open to dialogue" with Seoul and to sending a team to South Korea's Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in February.
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His South Korean counterpart, President Moon Jae-in, responded positively to his overtures on Tuesday with a proposal for high level talks, calling it a "ground-breaking chance" to improve relations.
However, initial calls to the hotline, which was first established in 1972 and is maintained by the Red Cross, went unanswered for 48 hours, reported Seoul's unification ministry.
The North's silence was broken yesterday morning by Ri Son-gwon, the head of Pyongyang's agency handling inter-Korean affairs.
"By upholding a decision by the leadership, we will make close contact with South Korea in a sincere and faithful manner," he said. "We will discuss working-level issues over our potential dispatch of the delegation."
He did not specify whether the North would accept Seoul's offer for talks next Tuesday but said that Kim "highly appreciated and welcomed" President Moon's support of his peace offer.
The two nations, who are still technically on a war-footing, have not held a high-level dialogue since December 2015. Pyongyang then cut off the hotline in February 2016 in protest at Seoul's closure of the Kaesong joint industrial complex following a North Korean nuclear test.
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President Moon's press secretary called the restoration of the hotline "very significant".
In his New Year's speech, Kim spoke of lowering tensions and melting "frozen North-South relations".
Mr Trump appeared to take credit for early signs of a thaw in relations between the North and South, claiming that his pressure on Pyongyang with increased sanctions and threats of military actions was having a "big impact".
Mr Trump tweeted that "rocket man [Kim Jong-un] now wants to talk to South Korea for the first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see!"
Yesterday, Mr Trump also appeared to threaten to cut off aid money to the Palestinian Authority, asking why the US should make "any of these massive future payments" when the Palestinians are "no longer willing to talk peace".
Acknowledging his push to broker peace in the Middle East has stalled, Mr Trump tweeted: "We pay the Palestinians hundreds of millions of dollars a year and get no appreciation or respect. They don't even want to negotiate a long overdue ... peace treaty with Israel."
The tweet came after Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, threatened to cut aid to the UNRWA, the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees, unless the Palestinian leadership came back to the negotiating table.
Mr Trump infuriated Palestinians and Muslims across the Middle East when he announced late last year that the US would consider Jerusalem the capital of Israel and move its embassy there, upending decades of US policy and igniting protests.
While the Palestinians have not closed the door to a potential deal with Israel, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said the announcement had destroyed Mr Trump's credibility as a Middle East peace broker, calling the decision "a declaration of withdrawal from the role it has played in the peace process".
An Australian fisherman charged in relation to a fatal Christmas attack on an Irishman has had the count against him upgraded to murder.
Charlie McCarthy (32) died from injuries sustained in a street attack in East Fremantle outside Perth in western Australia.
He died 24 hours after being struck in the head following a confrontation with two fishermen as he walked home with his Australian wife, Nicole, after attending a festive event on December 22 with friends.
Mr McCarthy, who was from Aghada in Cork, was confronted by one of the fishermen as he walked on Riverside Road to try to find a taxi home. Words were exchanged and the man then allegedly attacked Mr McCarthy.
During the altercation, he was struck in the head, by the temple, apparently with a heavy screwdriver-type implement used to help load a fishing speargun. A 34-year-old local fisherman was arrested a short time later.
Mr McCarthy, a father of two who worked for a cable firm, was rushed to hospital with traumatic brain injuries and he passed away on Christmas Eve.
Australian police initially charged Andrew Doan with grievous bodily harm.
When nuclear weapons were deployed against a US enemy at the end of World War II, for the first and last time to date, the American public initially mostly supported their use. That changed when the fallout - killing tens of thousands within seconds around the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki - became apparent.
It's a sentiment which has lasted for decades, and, if anything, only appeared to get stronger - until recently.
When President Barack Obama paid tribute to the people of Hiroshima in May 2016, he urged the international community to "choose a future when Hiroshima and Nagasaki are not considered the dawn of atomic warfare but as the start of our own moral awakening".
At the time, nobody would have predicted the victory of Donald Trump in the elections the following year, however.
During his first year in office, Trump has shattered the cautious and history-burdened way we used to discuss nuclear weapons.
On Tuesday evening, the president further escalated his war of words with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, asserting his "nuclear button" was "much bigger & more powerful" than his adversary's. He went on to threaten that the US arsenal "works".
Kim had previously taunted Trump in a New Year's Day speech, saying that his nuclear button was always on his desk.
The president's response a day later was only the latest escalation of rhetoric - last summer, Trump had already warned North Korea of "fire and fury" - and his remarks have made analysts wonder whether Trump is aware of the catastrophic impact an activation of either of those buttons would have.
Observers from the United States and abroad criticised the remarks as "infantile" and ill-advised.
"Trump plays with the subject so carelessly and recklessly as if it were some kind of video game," argued Aaron David Miller, a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre who has advised several secretaries of state. "My head's exploding," he wrote on Twitter.
Whereas Trump may be the first US president to engage in such rhetoric, there appears to be some precedent for it. The way Trump discusses nuclear weapons may fall into a pattern that has been observed among military officials in the past, as researchers pointed out on Tuesday.
They were referring to a 1985 study by Carol Cohn who analysed remarks that compared nuclear war with "an act of boyish mischief." Cohn argued they were an expression of a "competition for manhood," and "a way of minimising the seriousness of militarist endeavours, of denying their deadly consequences," concluding they posed a "tremendous danger" in real life.
That's especially true if you're the president of the United States.
The worry is that Trump's remarks are eliminating the reasoning that may have prevented world leaders from resorting to nuclear weapons ever again since World War II.
The best-known explanation for this reluctance relies on the concept of deterrence, which assumes that the repercussions of a nuclear war would be so catastrophic - some scenarios predict a "nuclear winter" which would wipe out the majority of humanity - that no leader would want to start such a conflict. For that reason, several nations have committed to not using nuclear weapons first.
To some, Trump's August "fire and fury" remarks indicated the US commander in chief may be willing to launch an attack against Pyongyang without being attacked first - appearing to mark a reversal of decades-long implicit consensus, even though Trump later softened his stance at the insistence of his advisers.
A second theory for why nuclear weapons have remained ostracised for decades frames the decision to trigger their use as a 'moral taboo'. In her book 'The Nuclear Taboo', researcher Nina Tannenwald writes that US leaders have been dissuaded from their use by moral restraint. Relying on historic analysis, Tannenwald argued that "powerful revulsion associated with nuclear weapons had played a role in inhibiting their use".
Compare that with Trump's references to Kim as 'rocket man', or his proclamation last August that his "first order as president was to renovate and modernise our nuclear arsenal".
"It is now far stronger and more powerful than ever before," Trump wrote.
The former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Obama, Admiral Mike Mullen, warned on Sunday that the United States was now "closer to a nuclear war with North Korea" than ever before. Trump is not the only one to be blamed for that, as North Korea's continuing missile tests have put significantly more pressure on the president.
But analysts fear his response to that pressure may normalise the possible future use of nuclear weapons to a dangerous extent.
A Gallup poll last September found US public support for attacking North Korea was already extraordinarily high, considering the likely fallout.
An extensive Stanford study last year similarly found that a majority of citizens would be in favour of relying on nuclear weapons to attack civilians in a non-nuclear adversary.
Sixty per cent of Americans would accept the deaths of two million Iranian civilians in such an attack, for instance, if the strike spared the lives of 20,000 US military personnel.
"These findings highlight the limited extent to which the US public has accepted the principles of just war doctrine and suggest that public opinion is unlikely to be a serious constraint on any president contemplating the use of nuclear weapons in the crucible of war," wrote the two researchers, Scott Sagan and Benjamin Valentino.
The social media outrage over Trump's Tuesday remarks may have been fierce, but public acceptance of his threats already appears far more widespread than nuclear disarmament advocates would hope.
Pakistan is ready to face any US action in the wake of President Donald Trump's tweet on New Year's Day threatening the country, the defence minister and the army spokesman said.
Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir said on Thursday there should be "no doubt or fear as the defence of Pakistan is in competent and strong hands".
Earlier, army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said Pakistan's response will be in line with the wishes of the Pakistani people.
Mr Trump has accused Islamabad of providing a safe haven for terrorists.
On Monday, he tweeted that the United States had "foolishly" given Pakistan more than 33 billion US dollars in aid in the last 15 years and had got nothing in return but "lies & deceit".
Washington confirmed it will withhold 255 million US dollars in US military aid to Pakistan this year, a threat first issued last August when Mr Trump announced his Afghan policy which took aim at Pakistan and demanded an end to Islamabad's alleged support for the Afghan Taliban.
Pakistan denies supporting militants, pointing to its own war against extremist groups battling to overthrow the government.
In contrast to recent visits by US secretary of state Rex Tillerson and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis who spoke of "engagement and trust-building during their visits here ... now President Trump and Vice President Pence are talking of threats, insults and 'putting Pakistan on notice'," Mr Dastagir said.
"We have to develop our strategy cool-headedly."
Ayaz Sadiq, speaker of the lower house of parliament, told reporters after a closed-door meeting of the parliament's national security committee that they discussed the situation following Mr Trump's tweet and that a follow-up meeting will decide on the "strategy".
"A balanced response is needed that would preserve the country's dignity while engaging with the US," Mr Sadiq said.
On Wednesday night, Mr Ghafoor told local Geo TV that Pakistan wants to continue cooperation with the US but will not "compromise on national interests and prestige".
"Allies don't fight," he said, adding "the US should realise how Pakistan has been cooperative in the war against terror".
Pakistan says much of the money it received from the US came as reimbursement in coalition support for services the country provided in the war on terror.
It says the US still owes Pakistan nine billion US dollars in the coalition support fund.
The uneasy US-Pakistan relationship has been on a downward spiral since the 2011 US operation that killed Osama bin Laden in his hideout in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad.
AP
A court in Norway has said the country's government can hand out oil drilling licences in the Arctic.
The ruling dealt a blow to two environmental groups that had filed a lawsuit against further drilling in the Barents Sea.
The Oslo District Court acquitted the government against charges from Nature and Youth and Greenpeace Nordic that drilling for oil and gas in Arctic waters would violate the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Norwegian constitution.
The court cited the constitution, saying "natural resources shall be managed on the basis of long-term considerations, which will safeguard this right for future generations as well".
Activists decried the decision.
"Climate change is global. And climate scientists are freaking out.
"The Norwegian oil policy is letting down my generation and threatens my future," said Ingrid Skjoldvaer, head of Nature and Youth.
The groups had sued Norway's ministry of petroleum and energy in an attempt to invalidate the latest round of 10 production licences in the Barents Sea on the edge of the Arctic Ocean.
The oil ministry had said the licensing round was in compliance with the constitution and noted it was backed by a large majority in Norway's parliament.
The government said following the court ruling that it now "had a sound basis for its decision to award the production licences".
The court also said the groups should pay legal expenses worth 580,000 kroner (52,671).
Greenpeace spokesman Truls Gulowsen said the group was considering whether to appeal.
AP
View of the Cypriot city of Nicosia, the factory was located in a suburb
A court in Cyprus has found the government negligent for allowing a factory to emit for years a chemical that experts say caused cancer in nearby residents, a lawyer who represented the victims has said.
Loukis Loucaides said, in its ruling last week, the court also held the owners of the Astrasol factory responsible over the dichloromethane emissions.
The emissions were found to cause a variety of cancers to the Nicosia suburb's residents, including a three-year-old child.
Mr Loucaides said it was the first time a court accepts expert evidence saying that the solvent caused cancers like brain and prostate cancer, Hodgkin's and leukaemia.
He said over 80 cancer cases appeared in a cluster within a 500-metre radius of the factory that used dichloromethane to manufacture shoe soles when it operated between 1976 and 2009 in the suburb of Latsia.
"You would have expected a state to have stopped the factory's operation, conducted an investigation and made absolutely sure that it was safe for neighbours," Mr Loucaides said.
Years of protests by local residents failed to get authorities to heed their fears.
But in 2009, some 23 families filed lawsuits in a civil court against the factory owners and the government.
It took nearly a decade for the slow-moving Cypriot justice system to deliver a ruling in a single, pilot case.
But Mr Loucaides praised judge Alecos Panayiotou for what he called his "integrity and impartiality".
Mr Loucaides said his clients have authorised him to ask Cyprus' attorney-general to launch criminal action against specific individuals who could be liable for allowing the factory's operation.
The lawyer said victims will seek possible financial compensation individually in separate legal action.
AP
Department store chain Debenhams has warned over profits after it slashed prices to boost flagging sales over the festive period amid competitive and volatile trading.
In a trading update brought forward from next week, the retailer said UK like-for-like sales tumbled 2.6% in the 17 weeks to December 30, with overall group sales down 1.8%.
It said tactical promotional action helped group sales improve over the six-week Christmas period, rising by 1.2% on a like-for-like basis, but it saw worse-than-expected trading in the first week of the post-Christmas sales.
Debenhams warned that should the current competitive and volatile environment continue into the second half, full-year profit before tax is likely to be in the range of 55 million to 65 million.
This comes after profits for the year to last September slumped 44% to 59 million.
The group said it was ramping up cost savings, with around another 10 million earmarked for this financial year under a reorganisation being led by chief executive Sergio Bucher.
Mr Bucher revealed plans in April to close 11 warehouses and put up to 10
stores under review, in a move affecting at least 220 jobs.
Mr Bucher said: The market has been challenging and particularly promotional in some of our key seasonal categories and we have responded in order to remain competitive for our customers, which has impacted our profit performance.
But he insisted the group was seeing positive early signs from his turnaround.
The market dynamics we have seen have reinforced our view that we need to move even faster to implement the cultural and organisational changes needed to ensure Debenhams is in the best possible shape for todays fast-changing retail environment, he added.
President Donald Trump says responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
The Trump administration has moved to vastly expand offshore drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic oceans with a plan to open up waters off the California coast for the first time in more than three decades.
The new five-year drilling plan also could open new areas of oil and gas exploration in areas off the East Coast from Georgia to Maine, where drilling has been blocked for decades.
Many politicians in those states support offshore drilling, although the Democratic governors of North Carolina and Virginia oppose drilling off their state coasts.
Florida Governor Rick Scott, a Republican, also opposes offshore drilling near his state, as do the three Democratic governors on the West Coast.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke announced the plan on Thursday, saying responsible development of offshore energy resources would boost jobs and economic security while providing billions of dollars to fund conservation along US coastlines.
The five-year plan would open 90% of the nation's offshore reserves to development by private companies, he said, with 47 leases proposed off the nation's coastlines between 2019 and 2024.
Nineteen sales would be off the coast of Alaska, 12 in the Gulf of Mexico, nine in the Atlantic and seven in the Pacific, including six off California's coast.
Industry groups praised the announcement, which would be the most expansive offshore drilling proposal in decades.
The proposal follows President Donald Trump's executive order in April encouraging more drilling rights in federal waters, part of the administration's strategy to help the US achieve "energy dominance" in the global market.
"To kick off a national discussion, you need a national plan - something that has been lacking the past several years," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association.
A coalition of more than 60 environmental groups denounced the plan, saying it would impose "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life.
"These ocean waters are not President Trump's personal playground.
"They belong to all Americans and the public wants them preserved and protected, not sold off to multinational oil companies," read the coalition statement, which was signed by leaders of the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defence Council, League of Conservation Voters and other environmental groups.
They said the " extreme proposal is a shameful giveaway" to the oil and gas industry, which supported Mr Trump in the election campaign.
The proposal comes less than a week after the Trump administration proposed to rewrite or kill rules on offshore oil and gas drilling imposed after the deadly 2010 rig explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The accident on BP's Deepwater Horizon rig killed 11 workers and triggered the biggest offshore oil spill in US history.
The Trump administration called the rules an unnecessary burden on industry and said rolling them back will encourage more energy production.
Environmentalists said Mr Trump was raising the risk of more deadly oil spills.
Mr Scott said he has asked for an immediate meeting with Mr Zinke to discuss his concerns, adding: "My top priority is to ensure that Florida's natural resources are protected."
AP
US President Donald Trump is disbanding his controversial voter fraud commission amid infighting, lawsuits and state officials' refusal to co-operate.
Mr Trump convened the commission to investigate the 2016 presidential election, after alleging repeatedly and without evidence that voting fraud cost him the popular vote. Mr Trump won the Electoral College.
The White House blamed the decision to end the panel on more than a dozen states which have refused to comply with the commission's demand for reams of personal voter data, including names, partial social security numbers, voting histories and party affiliations.
"Rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, today President Donald J Trump signed an executive order to dissolve the commission, and he has asked the Department of Homeland Security to review its initial findings and determine next courses of action," White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.
Critics saw the commission as part of a conservative campaign to make it harder for poor people and minority voters to access the ballot box, and to justify Mr Trump's claims of voter fraud.
Mr Trump has repeatedly alleged, without evidence, that between three million and five million people voted illegally in the 2016 election, delivering the popular vote to his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton. Mrs Clinton received more than 2.8 million more votes than Mr Trump nationwide.
While there have been isolated cases of voter fraud in the US, past studies have found it to be exceptionally rare.
Critics also viewed the commission as part of an attempt to distract from the ongoing investigations into Russian election meddling and potential collusion between Moscow and Trump campaign aides.
The intelligence community concluded that the Russian government mounted a campaign to help Mr Trump win, hacking email accounts and spreading false stories.
Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a conservative Republican and the commission's vice chairman, characterised the decision to dissolve the bipartisan group as a "tactical change" and argued that the DHS can pursue an investigation of election fraud more quickly and efficiently.
"The Democrats, both on and off the commission, made very clear that they were not interested in determining the scope and extent of voter fraud and, indeed, they were trying to stop the commission in its tracks," he said. "The Democrats lost their opportunity, lost their seat at the table, by stonewalling."
Mr Kobach, a vocal supporter of tough voter ID laws, alleged that Democrats wanted no investigation.
"Their motto is 'Nothing to see here'," he said.
One of the members of the commission, Democratic Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, sued the commission in federal court, alleging that it had violated federal law by refusing to provide him documents available to other members, among other charges.
Mr Dunlap said on Wednesday that Mr Kobach and his allies "were the ones that were stonewalling", and that they had "very definite ideas of what they wanted this commission to come up with".
Three Democratic senators - Michael Bennet of Colorado, Cory Booker of New Jersey and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota - had also asked the US Government Accountability Office to investigate the commission, which it agreed to do in October.
Mr Kobach said he intends to work closely with the DHS and the White House and expects the bulk of the DHS investigation to be done by mid-summer.
More than a dozen states, as well as the District of Columbia, had rebuffed the commission's request for voter data, citing privacy concerns and a fear that complying would legitimise the idea that voter fraud is widespread.
While there have been isolated cases of people voting illegally, and many voter rolls contain outdated data, there is no evidence that voter fraud is a widespread problem in the United States or has affected election results.
A study by a Loyola Law School professor found that, out of one billion votes cast in all American elections between 2000 and 2014, there were only 31 known cases of impersonation fraud.
During the commission's first meeting, Mr Trump had questioned the motives of states which refused to comply with the commission's request, suggesting they had something to hide.
Voter advocacy groups and Democrats applauded Wednesday's decision.
"It is no surprise that a commission founded on a lie of widespread voter fraud proved to be a fraud itself," said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, a Democrat, who had refused to comply with the commission's request for voter data.
"No taxpayer dollars should have been wasted on Mr Trump's voter suppression crusade."
Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union Voting Rights Project, accused the commission of engaging in "a wild-goose chase for voter fraud, demonising the very American voters whom we should all be helping to participate - with the not-so-secret goal of making voting harder with unnecessary barriers.
"President Trump has tried and failed to spread his own fake news about voter fraud."
AP
Police at the scene of a branch of Paddy Power in Rookery Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, after a man was arrested following a fatal stabbing at the betting shop Photo: Matthew Cooper/PA Wire
A man has been arrested after a fatal stabbing at a betting shop.
West Midlands Police said the victim was pronounced dead after officers were called to a branch of Paddy Power in Rookery Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, at 12.45pm on Thursday.
The force said in a statement: On arrival at the bookmakers, a man was found with severe head injuries.
Due to the extent of his injuries, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
At this stage, this is believed to be an isolated incident.
A police spokesman said a cordon was in place and inquiries are continuing.
The road has been closed at Newcombe Road at the junction with Rookery Road. Buses are currently being diverted away from the area, the spokesman added.
Anyone with information about the death is asked to call police on 101.
The strength of protests shaking Iran was unclear on Thursday after a week of unrest that killed at least 21 people.
There were fewer reports of demonstrations as government supporters again took to the streets in several cities and towns.
It was not immediately clear if the drop in reports of new demonstrations challenging Iran's theocratic government meant the protests are subsiding or that the authorities' blocking of social media apps has managed to stop protesters from offering new images of rallies.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration acknowledged the speed and breadth of the protests took both it and the Iranian government by surprise.
The past week's protests have been the largest in Iran since the disputed 2009 presidential election, which ended in bloodshed.
While many Iranians denounce the violence that has accompanied some demonstrations, they echo the protesters' frustration over the weak economy and official corruption.
Thousands rallied on Thursday in support of the government in various towns and cities, including in the northeastern city of Mashhad, where the anti-government protests began last week and extended to other cities.
State television repeatedly broadcast nationalistic songs and described the pro-government rallies as an "answer to rioters and supporters to the riot".
That appeared to be a reference to President Donald Trump who tweeted in support of anti-government rallies.
The TV also broadcast footage of similar pro-government gatherings on Thursday in the cities of Shiraz, Isfahan, Ardabil, Birjand and Yasuj.
Meanwhile, a top Russian diplomat warned the United States not to meddle in Iran's affairs and suggested that Washington wants to use the unrest to undermine the Iran nuclear agreement.
"We warn the US against attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov told the state news agency Tass on Thursday.
Mr Ryabkov also said Washington "is tempted to use the moment to raise new issues with regard to the JCPOA", the joint comprehensive plan of action that limits Iran's nuclear programme, including restricting uranium enrichment for 10 years.
Vice President Mike Pence said on Wednesday the US wants an agreement lasting longer.
In a letter on Wednesday to United Nations officials, Iranian ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo complained that Washington was intervening "in a grotesque way in Iran's internal affairs".
He said Mr Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were personally stirring up trouble.
"The president and vice-president of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts," the ambassador wrote to the UN security council president and UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres.
Mr Trump's UN envoy, ambassador Nikki Haley, has called for an emergency security council meeting on Iran, saying the UN needed to speak out in support of the protesters.
As yet, no meeting has been scheduled.
AP
Women in the holy city of Qom show their support for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini. Photo: Mohammad Ali Marizad/AP
Iran's government has rallied tens of thousands of its supporters to counter anti-regime protests which have gripped the country for the last week.
The demonstrators turned out in towns and cities rocked by some of the largest riots in nearly a decade, where people have been protesting against rising costs and corruption.
Crowds in Qom, Ahvaz and Kermanshah waved Iranian flags and pictures of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as signs reading 'Death to seditionists'.
Some also held placards saying 'Death to America and Israel', referencing the ayatollah's comments on Tuesday accusing Iran's foreign enemies of fomenting the unrest.
The Fars news agency, affiliated to the elite Revolutionary Guards, described the well-attended rallies as "the revolutionary outburst of Iranian people against lawbreakers".
Such rallies are often organised by the government to demonstrate its popular support and justify any crackdown on opposition demonstrations.
Some small anti-regime protests were held yesterday, but they lacked the intensity and numbers seen in previous days.
More than 21 people, including two teenage boys, have been killed in clashes in the last week. Some 1,000 have been arrested, with the head of Tehran's Revolutionary Court warning they could potentially face the death penalty.
While initially focusing on Iran's flagging economy and rising food prices, the protests developed into demands for wholesale change with anti-Khamenei and anti-Islamic Republic slogans - an outright rejection of the ruling system.
Hassan Rouhani, Iran's president, told his Turkish counterpart President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he hoped the protests would come to an end in the coming days.
The Revolutionary Guards also claimed the protests were petering out. "Today we can announce the end of the sedition," said Guards commander Mohammad Ali Jafari. "There were a maximum of 1,500 people in each place and the number of troublemakers did not exceed 15,000 people nationwide."
But protesters said they would continue until their demands were met. "The regime is trying to show the world that they have more supporters than detractors by organising big rallies, but it will not silence us," one activist from Mashhad, using only the name Ali, said. "This isn't an overnight movement, this hasn't sprung up from nowhere."
Abdollah Ramezanzadeh, Iran's former government spokesperson, said the regime ignored the protesters' concerns at their peril.
"What are these lies? Which enemy?" he wrote on Twitter. "These are our youth. They are fed up with being ignored, unemployment, despair, poverty, lack of future and bias. I recommend the regime to listen and turn this into an opportunity for dialogue before the entire house burns down."
The US denied it was behind the protests, while at the same time encouraging Iranians to rise up against the regime.
President Donald Trump is hoping it may destablise the country he has called the "biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world".
In one Twitter message, he declared: "Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time!"
EU ambassadors at the UN are concerned Mr Trump is trying to use the unrest as a vehicle to place pressure on governments to abandon support for the Iran nuclear deal signed by Barack Obama in 2015. ( Daily Telegraph, London)
Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
Posted Thursday, November 9, 2017 1:52 pm
Bernero assails business leaders for accepting mediocrity As he prepares to leave office, the Angriest Mayor in America is still angry. Very.
In a farewell address to the Rotary Club of Lansing, Virg Bernero called out community leaders for their willingness to accept mediocrity. His talk was pointedly titled Mediocre or Marvelous: Metro Lansing at the Crossroads. He left no doubt which he thinks it is.
Theres no reason Im not going to offend you today, just as I always have, Bernero warned. Strap yourself in.
With under two months left in office, the mayor declared the condition of the city good. Unemployment is nil. The city is safe. GDP is up. The population is growing, Michigan Avenue is coming alive.
Were solidly good. But not great. The culprit: an unwillingness by Lansings Establishment well represented in his audience to demand regionalism.
Heres the thing that really galls me.
This is why I yell at you. Because I know you. I know one or two or three or all of you at every one of these tables. And I know you to be people of excellence, that strive. You dont accept mediocrity from yourself or your employees and your colleagues. But you accept this for your communities. Thats whats galling to me.
Why do we need all these governments? Why should we put up with I am Delta banners? You are west Lansing, you aint Delta. You dont go travel and tell people youre from Delta. You say youre from Lansing. I know you do.
Why is it called the Capital Regional International Airport? The ticket says LAN.
What is this bullshit? yelled Bernero.
You are Lansing. Embrace it. Love it. You will be better because of it. I dont understand and I dont accept it.
You know what else? Bernero continued, the ballroom at the Lansing Center very quiet. You dont accept it for your businesses but you accept it for your community. You say, It just cant be done. But, he went on, It would be done if you demanded it. It would be done because township officials, the supervisor, the treasurer, the clerk, theyre worried about what you think. They care about what you think.
No doubt some were thinking that it could have been done if Bernero were not so tempermental, that he had become an obstacle to regionalism and had to go after three terms.
He read their minds. Im in a pissing match with Lansing Township, he said. Well, it must be Bernero hes got some wild hair.
No! They have screwed us continuously because they are a client state.
They represent Eastwood. They are the Township of Eastwood.
All these people I cant get along with.
I got the county to take the zoo, which I couldnt afford anymore. I got the county to agree to a new countywide millage for a regional trail. But I cant play well with others. Seems like I have a pretty decent track record.
But Lansing Township theyre different, he said sarcastically. I guess well just put up with it and hope for the best and hope that the tapeworm doesnt kill the host.
In Grand Rapids, the community leaders invest in the city. Here, he said, major institutions such as the MSU Federal Credit Union and Delta Dental build outside the city. And we wonder why the city sucks.
Its what you want, he told his powerful audience.
Why? Change is scary. Without change, well, you get mediocrity.
Again, you dont accept it in your business but you accept it in the community because its working out OK, right now, were able to grow and the bottom line looks pretty good and so well leave that for somebody else.
Whats needed is simple, if not simple to achieve: metro government.
In metro government, if the money goes it comes back because were all in one metro government. Im willing to say, OK, then, we wont have a Lansing. If Lansing and East Lansing and Lansing Township were to merge, a few petty politicians would lose their jobs.
We wouldnt be twice the city, wed be 10 times the city.
But we wont even consider it. We dont even talk about it. You think mergers are even discussed? Were in a political campaign and all I hear about is potholes.
Potholes. For some reason Bernero wouldnt fix the potholes. I guess I must love potholes. Thank God were going to get a mayor whos gonna fix potholes.
Have you listened to the dialogue around here, for God sake? Wheres the media? Where are the tough questions? Where, indeed.
French President Emmanuel Macrons wife Brigitte has told aides she will no longer take a back seat when they attend state functions and visits. Photo: Morris MacMatzen/Getty Images
Brigitte Macron has been accused of acting like Marie Antoinette for insisting on standing beside, not behind, her husband at state functions and visits.
But France's first lady is adamant that the time has come to break with protocol that reflects a bygone, sexist era.
According to RTL radio, Ms Macron told aides she will no longer take a back seat as she ramps up her role eight months after her husband Emmanuel Macron was elected.
"A woman today does not have to be behind," she was cited as telling them.
Tristan Bromet, her chief of staff, said that the change sprang "from the conception of the couple she forms with Mr Macron: a modern union in which the woman is placed at the same level as the man".
The news triggered a flood of online jokes, with some pointing out that male spouses were also expected to step back at official ceremonies, including Britain's Prince Philip.
One Twitter commentator compared Ms Macron to Queen Marie Antoinette, saying: "We elected your husband, not you, so stay where you were please darling."
Another wrote: "It's confirmed: Brigitte Macron, unelected, takes herself for the Queen of France."
Political reaction followed. In a reference to the couple's 24-year age gap, Gilbert Collard, a far-right MP close to Front National leader Marine Le Pen, quipped: "I can well imagine [Emmanuel] Macron two steps behind, sucking his presidential thumb."
That jibe prompted online fire, with one commentator remarking: "That's not very elegant of you. You lack respect for the presidential function, for the man, but above all for the woman."
Ms Macron (64) is expected to apply her new rule when the couple travel to China for a three-day visit next week.
The first sign she was unhappy with current protocol emerged at the UN in September, when she eschewed a second-row seat assigned to spouses and sat instead with the French delegation.
Speaking recently to the 'Telegraph', her top Elysee aide said she had no intention of being a wallflower. "What is this medieval notion of a woman in a couple who says nothing? Everyone knows from Napoleon to today around the world, head of states' partners play a role."
This week, 'Le Monde' reported that the presidential entourage was delighted with her "flawless" performance since her 40-year-old's husband's election in May.
"Everyone is now convinced that she is an asset for Emmanuel," a friend of the couple said. "She is part of his balance and his success. Above all, the French have adopted her."
Palestinian authorities have reacted with outrage and accused Donald Trump of "blackmail" after the US suggested it would temporarily stop funding humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.
In a tweet, Mr Trump accused the Palestinians of being "no longer willing to talk peace". The Palestinians previously said they rejected any US role as a mediator in the Middle East in protest against Mr Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
The Palestinian President's office rebuffed Mr Trump's remarks, saying: "Jerusalem is not for sale, neither for gold nor silver."
Mahmoud Abbas's spokes-man, Nabil Abu Rdeneh, said: "If the United States is keen on its interests in the Middle East, it must implement the international resolutions which call for a state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Without this, the United States will push the region to the abyss."
The US is the largest donor to the UN Relief and Works Agency, with a pledge of more than 303m as of 2016, according to the agency's website. The site says there are 5.9 million UNRWA refugees and other registered persons eligible for its services.
Donald Trump has attacked his former chief strategist ahead of the release of a book that paints the US president as juvenile and his White House as chaotic.
Mr Trump said that Steve Bannon "has nothing to do with me or my Presidency" and added: "When he was fired, he not only lost his job, he lost his mind."
Meanwhile, the president's lawyer Charles Harder threatened legal action against Mr Bannon over "disparaging statements and in some cases outright defamatory statements".
Mr Harder sent a letter to Mr Bannon saying the former aide violated confidentiality agreements by speaking with the book's author Michael Wolff.
The letter demanded Mr Bannon "cease and desist" any further disclosure of confidential information.
The furore was was spurred by an unflattering new book by Mr Wolff that paints Mr Trump as a leader who does not understand the weight of the presidency and spends his evenings eating cheeseburgers in bed, watching television and talking on the phone to old friends.
Excerpts of Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House were published online by New York magazine and other media outlets ahead of the January 9 publication date.
The release left Mr Trump "furious" and "disgusted," said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who complained that the book contained "outrageous" and "completely false claims against the president, his administration and his family".
In the book, Mr Bannon is quoted as describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower between Donald Trump Junior, Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic."
Mr Bannon also speaks critically of president Trump's daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka, calling her "dumb as a brick".
"A little marketing savvy and has a look but as far as understanding actually how the world works and what politics is and what it means - nothing," he is quoted saying.
New York magazine also published a lengthy adaptation of the book on Wednesday, in which Mr Wolff writes that Mr Trump believed his presidential nomination would boost his brand and deliver "untold opportunities" - but that he never expected to win.
It also claims Mr Trump Junior told a friend that his father looked as if he had seen a ghost when it became clear he might win the presidency. The younger Trump described Melania Trump as "in tears - and not of joy."
The first lady's spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, disputed that, saying Mrs Trump supported her husband's decision to run, encouraged him to do so and was happy when he won.
"The book is clearly going to be sold in the bargain fiction section," Ms Grisham said in a statement.
The book was based on more than 200 interviews, including conversations with the president and senior staff.
Portugal's politicians are looking at ways of raising more money
Portugal's political parties have said they will review a decision to award themselves a broad tax rebate and scrap limits on the private funds they can raise after the country's president vetoed the new law.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa blocked the legislation, saying politicians did not explain why the change was needed and did not create enough safeguards to clarify the sources of private donations.
Traditionally in Portugal, parties operate on mostly public funds to avoid undue influence from private individuals or corporations.
They can accept some private funds but the amount is indexed and limited.
Carlos Cesar, parliamentary leader of the governing Socialist Party, acknowledged the change had been poorly explained.
Party leaders in the Republican Assembly, or parliament, agreed on Thursday to review the law in mid-February.
AP
Over-50s travel and insurance firm Saga has embarked on a management shake-up following a December profit warning.
The company said that managing director of tour operations Jeannette Linfoot left the business last month.
Robin Shaw, meanwhile, has been appointed to the new role of chief executive of Saga Travel after a restructure that will see tour and cruise operations combine.
Also as part of the reshuffle, Gary Duggan has taken over from Roger Ramsden as chief executive of Saga Services.
Mr Ramsden was due to take up a new role within the group but this will now not be taken forward following the review, Saga said, adding he will leave in the first quarter.
Saga boss Lance Batchelor said: These changes provide us with a more focused executive team as we target and invest in growth in the Saga customer base to achieve our long-term ambitions.
The reshuffle comes after Saga warned the collapse of airline Monarch had hit earnings and said efforts to attract new customers will see next years profits fall.
The group said Monarchs demise in October, which saw holidays cancelled for around 860,000 people, had knocked its tour operations business, leaving it with a 2 million one-off hit.
Saga said this would now slow growth in underlying pre-tax profits to between 1% and 2% for the year to January 31, down from more than 5% in the first half.
There was further gloom for the new financial year as the group added that a plan to invest an extra 10 million a year into attracting new customers, alongside other headwinds, would see underlying profits fall by around 5%.
Shares tanked on the news, falling as much as a quarter at one stage to hit their lowest level since its stock market flotation in May 2014.
As well as the Monarch blow, Saga also said its insurance arm suffered difficult trading in the home and travel divisions, with earned profit for retail broking expected to fall marginally over the current financial year.
Prosecutors in South Korea have filed additional bribery charges against the country's ex-president, alleging that she received official funds from her spy chiefs for personal purposes.
Park Geun-hye was removed from office in March 2017 and is on trial on a broad range of corruption and other charges which could lead to a lengthy prison term.
Her ousting followed months of protests that drew millions of South Koreans into the streets calling for her removal.
Among the key charges are that Park colluded with longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil to take tens of millions of dollars from companies in bribes and extortion.
The new charges prosecutors imposed on Thursday accuse Park of receiving a total of 3.5 billion won (2.4 million) of official funds from three of her spy chiefs, said an official at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.
She allegedly used the funds to pay maintenance fees for her private residence and her confidante's boutique and give incentives including cash to her presidential aides, said the official.
Two of the former National Intelligence Service directors have already been charged with taking money from the NIS's coffers to give to Park's close aides.
In October, Park called herself a victim of "political revenge" and her lawyers resigned collectively in an apparent protest after a Seoul court decided to extend her detention.
The Seoul Central District Court later appointed new lawyers for her, but Park has not attended court trials since then, citing sickness.
Park's new charges could require more hearings to review them, but the Seoul court is expected to issue a verdict on her in coming months, according to the prosecution official. The previous charges could already potentially send her to jail for life.
Park, the daughter of a deeply divisive dictator, became South Korea's first female president in early 2013. A small number of her supporters - many in their 50s, 60s and 70s - have been rallying near the court and elsewhere in South Korea in recent months, calling for her release.
AP
The archeological museum in Skopje, the capital of the country that calls itself Macedonia
An acrimonious dispute over what neighbouring Macedonia calls itself can be solved this year, after festering for more than two decades, Greece's foreign minister has said.
Nikos Kotzias said Greece is seeking a deal on a "composite" name with universal application for the tiny country that gained independence peacefully from former Yugoslavia in 1991.
Ever since, the two countries have disagreed over the former Yugoslav province's name.
Macedonia says that was what it was called for a very long time before independence.
Greece says the name implies claims on the adjoining northern Greek province of Macedonia.
Athens is also upset at Macedonia's appropriation of ancient Greek history.
Macedonia's new government has expressed willingness to settle the dispute.
Mr Kotzias spoke after talks on Thursday with Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras.
AP
New Delhi, Jan 5 (IBNS): Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley attacked the principal opposition party, Congress, over its stand on triple talaq bill which was tabled in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday but soon followed by uproar in the House, media reports said.
The Congress, though not opposing the bill, asked the government to send it to the select committee for changes.
Jaitley termed Congress' demand to refer the bill to the select committee as invalid, The Times Of India reported.
Citing Rule 70 (sub-rule 2a), Congress MP Anand Sharma tried to justify the Opposition's demand to refer the bill to the select committee.
Countering Congress for not following the parliamentary procedures, Jaitley said the whole country "is watching that in the other House you supported the Bill and here you are trying to derail it."
"Now, we are taken by surprise that we all assemble here after 3 PM, a motion is suddenly submitted to us. For the first time breaking all parliamentary convention and procedures, an invalid motion is moved" he added.
Apart from Congress, other opposition parties like AIADMK, Trinamool and several BJP-allies are in favour of sending the bill to the select committee for changes.
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said her party supports the bill but it is full of errors which will put Muslim wives in trouble.
Posted Thursday, January 4, 2018 1:32 pm
Michigans marijuana industry is fueling a boom in Lansing properties zoned for industrial uses, with values increasing by 40 to 50 percent or more in the last year, according to elected city officials and at least one developer.
On the upside, the marijuana speculators, as First Ward Councilwoman Jody Washington calls them, will significantly increase property values. On the downside, some Lansing small businesses are finding they no longer have a place to operate and are scrambling to find an affordable replacement.
Thats the case for Greg Days, who owns Bill and Charlies Automotive at 1206 E. Oakland Ave. The business, under different owners, has been in that location since 1970, he said, but last month he was informed the property had been sold and the new property owner was terminating his month-to-month lease.
Ive been looking for a new place. I have a Realtor looking. I have friends and family looking. But there isnt anything, he said, standing in his shop near two hydraulic lifts and a large truck missing an engine.
Lately, his days have less to do with repairs and oil changes on the mostly highend foreign imports he services and more on figuring out where to relocate his business. His shop, which has to be located in an industrial zone, needs at least the same 6,500 square feet and 14-foot-high ceilings to accommodate his operations.
The building sold in March 2016 for $210,000. On Nov. 27, 2017, Team One Realty LLC bought the property for $1.1 million.
A company named HG Lansing LLC has applied for both marijuana grow and provision center licensing for the property. HomeGrown, a marijuana dispensary, is located at the far west end of the building where Days runs his mechanics shop.
Foreshadowing Lansings changing economy, the scent of marijuana cultivation overwhelms the smell of greases and oils.
Developers and Realtors are reticent to speak on the record about the land boom. One developer who spoke said his company was not involved in leasing or selling industrially zoned properties to marijuana businesses out of concern for zoning battles as well as the relatively unsettled conflict between federal and state law. But he acknowledged the run-up in prices.
Councilwoman-at-Large Kathie Dunbar welcomed increasing property values, noting that new owners would have a difficult time appealing for lower tax assessments. They dont have a reason to go to the tax tribunal and say this property isnt worth that much, if they are paying that much, do they? she said.
And while she acknowledged there might be some small businesses being pushed out of their homes, she is also aware of other small businesses that are being bought out by marijuana interests with cash for more than they might otherwise get for their business.
Washington, who represents the area where Days business is located, said the land speculation is bad for the area. She accused the speculators of snatching up the industrial zoned properties and pushing our small businesses out for grows. As a result, she favors revisiting the licensing ordinance adopted last summer. She wants to add caps on the number of licenses issued for growing, processing, transporting and compliance facilities. That ordinance already has a hard cap of 25 for provisioning centers.
Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope said by text message Tuesday that as of Friday, his office is reviewing 85 applications for provisioning centers, 34 for growing operations, nine for processing facilities and one for a safety compliance operation. He can only approve 20 of the 85 provisioning center applications.
Dunbar said she would oppose any move to place caps on the other licensing options.
I conceded to the cap of 25 provisioning centers in order to get an ordinance in place to comply with the state, she said. I am for the free market.
New Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said Tuesday that increasing property values are good for the city and that he wanted to wait and see how the licensing process played out before pushing any new regulations.
But Carol Wood, who was expected to be elected Council president Tuesday night, said her concern is that many of the industrial sites abut residential neighborhoods and worries about the impact to those areas.
We have dealt with the smell issue with grows in residential areas with home grows before, she said. Are we going to deal with that with these grows? She said she would support adding caps for additional licensing categories, but she said the Council will have to move carefully since it is facing a lawsuit from Let Lansing Vote challenging the ordinance. The lawsuit was filed Dec. 19 in Ingham County Circuit Court. The group, which circulated a petition to create its own marijuana licensing ordinance, is challenging the determination by Swope that rejected the petitions as not having enough valid signatures.
We will certainly be talking about it, Wood said. But we will have to be careful moving forward until the lawsuit is settled.
Jammu, Jan 4 (IBNS) : The Border Security Force on Thursday destroyed two mortar positions of Pakistani forces across the border and shot dead an intruder in R S Pura area of Jammu, media reports said.
The incident comes a day after a BSF jawans was killed in Pakistani sniper fire.
According to a Hindustan Times report which quoted a senior BSF officer, the Pakistani troopers first resorted to unprovoked firing from small arms and then started mortar shelling.
This prompted BSF personnel to retaliate and destroy two Pakistani mortar positions.
The report said in the morning, BSF troopers detected an intruder in the Budhwar area of R S Pura sector despite dense fog, and neutralised him.
The body of the intruder has been recovered.
On Wednesday, BSF head constable R P Hazra was injured by a Pakistani sniper shot. He was rushed to a nearby medical facility, but succumbed to his injuries.
New Delhi, Jan 4 (IBNS) : The Government has rescued three Indian and seven Nepalese girls from Kenya, who held captive by an organised crime syndicate for human trafficking, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Thursday.
The girls have been flown back, the minister said
In a series of tweets, Swaraj said, "We have rescued three Indian girls from Kenya. The girls were victims of an organised crime syndicate that indulged in trafficking of girls. Seven Nepalese girls were also rescued. Their Passports and phones were taken and they were held captive in Mombasa," Swaraj said in a series of tweets.
"We have flown our girls back to India. We are sharing details with Government of Punjab so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved," she said.
The ministry is sharing details with the Punjab government so that a case is registered against the agents and people involved, Swaraj said.
She also appreciated the efforts of Indian High Commissioner in Kenya Suchitra Durai and first secretary Karan Yadav in rescuing the girls.
"I appreciate the efforts of Ms.Suchitra Durai, Indian High Commissioner in Kenya. Our First Secretary Karan Yadav deserves a special mention. We thank the Kenyan Police for their help."
The minister also thanked the Kenyan Police for their help.
Guwahati, Jan 4 (IBNS): Amidst massive protest by BJP, Congresss Assam unit, All Assam Students Union (AASU) and other regional parties, over the controversial statement made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the ongoing National Register of Citizen (NRC) updating process in the state, at least three FIRs were lodged at two police stations in Guwahati against the West Bengal CM on Thursday.
According to the reports, Krishak Sramik Kalyan Parishad lodged an FIR against the West Bengal CM for her controversial remarks on the NRC at Dispur police station, while several lawyers of Guwahati and a social activist Kailash Sarma filed two FIRs at Latasil police station in the city.
Krishak Sramik Kalyan Parishads leader Pradip Kalita said that, while the NRC updating process is going on in Assam under the Supreme Court supervision, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has disrespected the apex court verdict.
The farmers organization leader also accused that, the West Bengal CM is trying to create untoward like situation in Assam and demanded arrest her immediately.
Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said at a public meeting held in Birbhum district that, NRC is a conspiracy to expel Bengalis from Assam.
Bengalis who had been living in Assam for 30 years have now been conspired to be kicked out of the state. Their names are being struck off from the civil list, Mamata said.
Meanwhile, AASU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharya said that, Mamata Banerjee don't know about Assams environment.
The NRC updating process is going on in Assam to find out only those people who came to Assam after March 24, 1971. The NRC is not against the Bengalis, Muslims or other communities, Bhattacharya said.
(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Guwahati, Jan 4 (IBNS): Four youths and a minor boy were found dead in unconscious condition from inside a locked vehicle in lower Assams Nalbari district on Thursday.
According to the reports, the local people of Mukalmuwa area in the lower Assam district found the bodies of five youths aged between 12-25 years from the vehicle.
Local villagers said that, the youths were staying in the vehicle at night after taking part in a picnic and returned to their native village Galdighola.
Assam police DIG Diganta Bora said that, the vehicle was parked roadside in the area since last evening after several persons of the village returned from a picnic.
Among them four youths decided to stay inside the vehicle at night and a minor boy also joined them. They were staying inside the vehicle and listening to loud music by using a Honda generator. While the music continued to play till early morning, local people rushed to the area and found them in unconscious condition, the top police official said.
Local villagers immediately admitted the youths at the nearest hospital, but doctors declared them dead.
The deceased youths were identified as Suman Kaiborta, Gautam Kaiborta, Bikash Kaiborta, Padum Kaiborta and minor boy Narayan Kaiborta.
(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
Patna, Jan 4 (TheBiharPost/IBNS): Vigilance sleuths in Bihar on Thursday raided the various locations of a young IAS officer Deepak Anand for allegedly possessing property disproportionate to his known source of income.
Anand who was earlier posted as the district magistrate of Saran is accused of possessing property worth Rs 2.44 crore disproportionate to his known source of income.
On Wednesday, the vigilance sleuths conducted raids in Patna, Sitamadi, Katihar and Jharkhands Godda district and seized various incriminating documents, authorities said.
Sitamarhi is the native village of the IAS officer while Godda is his sasural (in-laws house).
The authorities laid their hands on various bank accounts being operated by others during the raid.
The sleuths also unearthed Kisan Vikas Patra valued at Rs25 lakh, postal investments worth Rs27.50 lakh and jewelry receipts worth Rs25 lakh.
Reports said during the raids the sleuths also sealed the hostel room of IAS officials wife Shikha Anand who is doing post graduation in radiology from a private medical college in Katihar.
He is the third IAS officer being investigated in a corruption case.
http://thebiharpost.com
New York, Jan 4 (JEN) The head of the new United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, known as MINUJUSTH, has said the operation will carry out its work in an innovative in the island nation complete with an unusually tight timeframe and a bench-marking exit strategy.
Describing what is unique about the mission, the Special Representative and Head of MINUJUSTH, Susan Page, underscored that it focusses exclusively on the rule of law.
The new mandate by the [UN] Security Council is to work with the Government of Haiti to strengthen its rule of law intuitions. It's also to continue to support the HNP, the Haitian National Police, and to work on justice and human rights and that includes human rights reporting, monitoring and analysis, she told UN News.
MINUJUSTH is also unique in that its mandate calls for a benchmarking exit strategy.
Within two years, we can figure out how we [will exit the country] but with benchmarks for progress that can be measured, she stressed.
The mission head stated that the country team created a framework with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which, along with SDG 16 to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies is working in conjunction with the Haitian Government.
This is a way of bringing the entire country team together, along with the peacekeeping mission, to attain those goals, she continued, adding that the Government has already signed up to be a partner in trying to accomplish this for its own development.
Mobile team approach
Page explained that while MINUJUSTH is almost exclusively based in the capital, Port-au-Prince, it will also have a 'mobile approach' that will take teams into the field reaching the greatest number of people.
The mission chief told UN News that the teams will focus on peace, justice and rule of law, to help the people figure out their needs, and then connect them with top-level political figures to see how the UN can help the Government address those needs.
Once they have a baseline of what the people are looking for, what they need knowledge about, we hope that this bottom-up and top-down approach will help Haiti to strengthen its own institutions with a bit of push from us, she explained.
Page sees this new approach as a possible new peacekeeping model, commenting that with the aim of doing more with less, one of the ways we can reach people is by being more flexible and being more mobile.
On the ground
Turning to the situation on the ground, Ms. Page noted that while Haiti's political system had been less than stable, now, all of that is settled.
Now that Haiti has its elected officials at all levels, including at the lowest levels in the communes, we have something to work with, she said.
The police will continue to work with the Haitian National Police on their strategic development plan, but they also have a programme that is strengthening the mid-level to upper level cadres of the National Police, she added
As for the ongoing combat against cholera in the country, Ms. Page expressed hope to get to zero transmission.
One of the ways we continue to work is through the country team, she said, mentioning the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), which are working to strengthen sanitation and water systems.
It's really a whole of UN approach; and with the Government's strategic vision and roadmap of how they intend to get there. And we can help them with that, she said reassuringly.
Photo: Logan Abassi/MINUJUSTH
New York, Jan 4 (JEN) United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the reopening of the communication channel between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea, his deputy spokesman said on Wednesday.
It is always good to have a dialogue between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Republic of Korea, Farhan Haq told reporters in response to a question during the daily news briefing at UN Headquarters in New York.
He went on to say that the UN remains committed to ensuring the implementation of Security Council resolutions on the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. We hope that enhanced diplomatic initiatives will help achieve this goal, he added.
According to media reports, DPRK announced Wednesday the reopening of a channel of communication, the day after the offer of dialogue made by the Government of the Republic of Korea.
This communication channel, established in August 1972, was cut in February 2016 by Pyongyang after Seoul decided to close the inter-Korean industrial zone of Kaesong, in the wake of a nuclear test by the DPRK.
Meanhwile, the President of the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly, Miroslav LajAak, met today with Ja Song Nam, the Permanent Representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to the United Nations, at the request of the Permanent Representative.
According to a note issued by the Assembly President's Office, Mr. LajAak said he was pleased with the readiness of DPRK to constructively engage in a dialogue with the Republic of Korea, including a possible participation of a delegation from DPRK in the Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea, as well as with the reopening of the communication channels.
UN Photo/Yubi Hoffmann
Image: Screengrab from YouTube
Bloemfontein, Jan 4 (IBNS): At least 14 people have been killed and 268 others injured after a train and a truck collided in Free State province in South Africa, reports said.
The accident took place on Thursday at a crossing in Kroonstad city.
The truck reportedly failed to stop at the crossing and rammed into the train, which caught fire.
According to rescue workers, some bodies were burned beyond recognition.
The train was carrying around 430 passengers.
Local news outlet eCNA quoted an witness as saying that the driver of the truck was arrested by police.
Image: YouTube Screengrab
Image: Google Maps
Kabul, Jan 4 (IBNS): The death toll in the Kabul suicide attack on Thursday evening has risen to 15, while 20 people have suffered injuries.
According to local media, the incident took in the Banaye area of Kabul's PD9 at around 8:30 pm.
The casualties have been confirmed by Kabul Police.
According to witnesses, a suicide bomber detonated his explosive while a confrontation between civilians and police forces was going on.
No group has so far claimed the attack.
Image: Google Maps
Toronto, Jan 4 (IBNS): Canadian man Joshua Boyle, who was rescued from Taliban captivity after five years, will have to stay in jail for five days after he was arrested in charges with sexual assault and forcible confinement, media reports said.
He will be brought to court early next week, reports said.
According to local news outlet Toronto Star, Boyle is facing 15 charges including assault, sexual assault, unlawful confinement, uttering death threats, causing someone to take antidepressant and misleading police.
The 34-year-old appeared in Ottawa Court on Jan 1 and has been remanded in custody of the law.
All of his offences have occurred in a period of 45 days, starting from Oct 14 to Dec 30, 2017.
Boyle, his wife Caitlan Coleman and their three children were rescued from the Taliban affiliated Haqqani Network from Pakistan by the country's forces.
They returned to Canada on Oct 13, 2017.
Joshua Boyle (34) and Caitlan Coleman (31), who were kidnapped by the Taliban linked Haqqani network in 2012 as the couple crossed into Afganistan, reached Canada in Octber last year.
Coleman was pregnant at a time the couple was kidnapped in 2012 and they had four children in the captivity.
Interacting with media, after reaching Canada, Boyle said: "The stupidity and evil of the Haqqani network's kidnapping of a pilgrim and his heavily pregnant wife engaged in helping ordinary villagers in Taliban-controlled regions of Afghanistan was eclipsed only by the stupidity and evil of authorising the murder of my infant daughter."
The Pakistan government first issued a statement on Thursday to confirm the news of the rescue of the Canadian family with the help of an operation carried out by the troops and intelligence agencies of the country.
In a youtube video uploaded in 2016, Boyle, as per the instructions given by the kidnappers, urged the Afganistan government that if it did not stop killing the Talibani prisoners then his family will be killed.
Later, Boyle's parents made a video to address the captivators, saying: "Weve done the best an ordinary Canadian family can do. Ive personally written to several of the most senior government officials in Afghanistan, those with great power over the execution of your brothers.
(Reporting by Suman Das)
Image: Screengrab from YouTube
Posted Thursday, January 4, 2018 1:32 pm
Barely settled into the Mayors Office, Andy Schor will face an early test of his collegial relationships with the City Council.
Looming is a battle over whether Lansings legislative body can order the release of documents under the state Freedom of Information Act over the opposition of the Mayors Office.
The issue is twofold. The first question centers on the City Council president waiving attorney client privilege asserted by the mayor. The second deals with the City Attorneys Office and its conflict of interest when the Council president legally orders a reversal of a FOIA denial, but the Mayors Office refuses to comply.
The fight has been brewing for weeks, originating from a request by City Pulse for documents related to the exit and large payout to former City Attorney Janene McIntyre. The original document request was granted in part, but heavily redacted based on the claim by former Mayor Virg Bernero citing attorney client privilege. An appeal of the Bernero administrations action to City Council President Patricia Spitzley resulted in a partial reversal of the decision.
Spitzley, an attorney, served as the legal director for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for a time. As part of her job, she routinely handled FOIA requests for the department. In a Dec. 21 letter, Spitzley ordered the release of billing records from Dykema Gossett, the law firm that handled the negotiations for McIntyres exit from the city.
The document is to be released unredacted, she wrote. But City Attorney Jim Smiertka is refusing to release the materials Spitzley cleared for disclosure.
The Attorney Client Privilege has not been waived in this case, Smiertka said by email last week.
Attorney client privilege is a legal concept that keeps legal advice and conversations between attorneys and their clients secret. It can only be broken if the client releases the privilege. But who exactly the client is in this situation is unclear.
With a new mayor in office, the question now is whether the claim of privilege, designed to ensure secrecy, applies to the executive office in general or only to the person in the office at the time Bernero.
If it is the former, Schor, sworn in on Monday, must decide whether to fight with the City Council to withhold the documents or release them. On the other hand, if the privilege was with Bernero acting as himself, can the City Council release the documents anyway?
Smiertka did not respond to questions related to the privilege. Schor said that he was unaware of the issue and wants to consult with the the city attorney.
The McIntyre departure issue has hung over the city for nearly two years. In January 2016, she requested and was granted a Family Medical Leave by the city. Records show that the city hired Dykema Gossett on Jan. 7 of that year to negotiate her exit. She left the citys employment on March 4. Under a separation agreement signed by Bernero and McIntyre, she was paid $160,663 in compensation. Bernero characterized nearly $80,000 of that payout as greasing the skids for her departure and less expensive than a legal fight. He has never disclosed why she left or what the additional compensation addressed.
For her part, Spitzley said she is uncertain where the privilege sits now that Bernero has left office and Schor has been sworn in.
That in turn could result in the Council seeking outside legal representation to determine the next steps in addressing the conflicting issue. She said she believes the city attorney is in conflict on this issue because he is serving both the city council and the Mayors Office.
She is also concerned that there is a structural issue between the power of the Council and the administration of the mayor. Under FOIA, appeals go the head of the public body in this case the City Council before a court action. The appeal to the head of the body can be circumvented completely and the issue taken to circuit court.
Because the Lansing City Charter makes the head of the public body the Council president, refusing to comply with her Dec. 21 letter could have further ramifications.
Spitzley said she believes the refusal to release the documents is a likely charter violation.
Technically, the Council has no official president. That will likely change tonight when Councilwoman Carol Wood is expected to win the approval of the body as its new president. She served as vice president last year and was briefed on Spitzley decisions regarding the FOIA appeal.
She said she will continue to pursue the release of the documents as ordered by Spitzley and believes it is likely the body will have to hire outside counsel to shift through the legal issues the situation gives rise to. Such a move will require approval of five of the eight members.
Councilwoman Jody Washington, who represents the First Ward and will likely be selected as vice president tonight, said she supports Spitzleys decision. In her position at the state Department of Corrections, Washington handles FOIA requests as well.
Ive never known of a bill to have attorney client privilege, she said. I support releasing the documents.
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Emergency exits in planes are designed for passenger safety. While most of us hate sitting next to the emergency door, for the obvious reason - of not being able to enjoy the view outside - one man pulled off a bit of a stunt using the exit.
Travelling on a Ryanair flight, the said passenger got so tired of waiting upon arrival that he pulled open the emergency exit, got out, and sat on the wing of the plane.
afp
"We had been waiting around half-an-hour to get out of the plane. The man calmly went to the emergency exit, pulled the mechanism to open the door, looked out, came back to get his backpack and went out on the wing," a fellow passenger Fernando del Valle described the incident to AFP on Monday evening.
Also read: Missed Flight? Airlines Can Cancel Your Connecting Flight Booked Under The Same PNR
Valle added that the captain was stunned and inquired who got out of the plane through the emergency exit.
afp
The Ryanair flight had arrived from London to Malaga in southern Spain. The unidentified man was immediately arrested, said Ryanair in a statement. The airlines had reported the passenger to air safety authorities but the captain asked Spain's Guardia Civil police force to intervene.
Also read: A Bom-Del Flight Query Lands Indian Origin US Citizen In Jail. Airline Staff Heard It 'Bomb Hai'
There you go, guys. Now you know what happens when you take matters into your own hands and pull open an emergency exit! Stay safe, fly responsibly.
Akshay Kumar is one actor who happily admits that he loves to challenge himself with every film. With Padman he has left his fans stunned. The actor happily wore pink panties along with sanitary pads in the film.
HT
When asked if it was challenging for me, he proudly said,
Wearing pink panties with sanitary pads was not at all challenging and shameful for me, I did with complete ease, you guys feel its a challenge, but its the most natural thing. The day you guys will stop seeing it as a challenge, the percentage will automatically come down from 82 to 12 or maybe zero.
Akshay highlighted that 82 percent of women in India do not use sanitary napkins which is extremely harmful to them.
DC
He even shared that he visited tons of rural areas to create awareness about the pads where he was shocked to see certain taboos around periods,
Since last few months I have been meeting women, the biggest problem for them is their periods, Its not because of their periods, but people around them and their taboos, they do not have personal hygiene at all which is very disheartening. There are boys teasing girls in school seeing their stains. I was shocked to see how people tease girls, you know whats their code word for chums, they say, Uska 5 day test match shuru hogaya . Its shocking and shameful."
The Padman actor even feels its very important for girls to get an education from home about periods,
Its very important to educate from home. I will tell you one story, I have a friend Gurpreet he is a Punjabi actor who narrated me a story, his wife, and daughter were once talking about periods where his daughter was saying to her mom that its her period and her pads are over.
Gurpreet came in and asked what happened, they were obviously shy to tell him. He then asked his daughter that her pad is over and they were shocked. He took his daughter to a medical shop in the midnight and bought her the pad and since then her daughter loves him immensely because she thinks her dad is her best friend. We have been finding a way to make our daughters our best friend and I feel this is one of the ways. Talk to them about periods because thats the most intimate thing for them and see how they become your best friend.
HT
When asked whats next social topic he is been looking for, he said,
I have never thought of any cause now. But recently I met a fan and she asked me after Padman whats next. I asked her you tell me, she with a very stern voice told me Make something on Dowry. She said it so strongly that even I got scared.
Well, we wont be surprised if Akshay will take up the most heinous crime (dowry) in society for his next film.
Bollywood's Khiladi Kumar who is on changing the world spree, is now making yet another impact film. After Toilet: Ek Prem Katha which made the government actually consider the poor statistics, Akki will now portray the role of Padman.
Twitter
The story is based on Padmashri Arunachalam Muruganatham, the man who revolutionized the manufacture of the low cost sanitary napkin in India. And since then, there has been an uproar on the high prices of Sanitary napkins and protest over insane tax.
Akshay, who has proudly produced the movie too with his wifey Twinkle, says he has not hidden these things with his son Aarav as well. During a media interaction, Pinkvilla quoted Akshay,
Twitter/Twinkle Khanna
"Twinkle Khanna told everything about periods to son Aarav. Nothing is hidden in our family. We don't live double-faced lives. We have kept it very open."
Addressing the issue further, Akshay said, "This problem is there in every country but in ours, it's huge. It's an important film. Ye ek aisa mudda hai jo har koi haath nai lagta. I am catering it as a love story with a social message."
Padman/Screengrab
Padman is slated to release on 26th January and will also feature Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor in lead roles.
Bollywood celebrities are always stalked and followed, well not only on Instagram and Twitter, but in real life as well.
From a woman claiming to be SRKs real mother to a couple claiming to be Tamil superstar Dhanushs parents, the history of such celebrity cases is crazy. And now, according to a claim by a 29-year old from Andhra Pradesh, he says that he's the son of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, born through IVF.
Twitter/ Aishwarya FC
After his claims, Vizag police is ready to take action against Adireddy Sandeep Kumar if Bollywood actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan files a formal complaint charging him of tarnishing her image by claiming to be her son.
However, if the person is proven medically and mentally ill, chances are very little to act against him as per the law, the police clarified.
Speaking to TOI, Chodavaram circle inspector M Srinivas from Visakhapatnam, said, "We can act from our side if we receive any formal complaint from the victim concerned. We also came to know through unofficial information that Sandeep had earlier claimed to be a disciple of music director AR Rehman."
According to information and videos that went viral on the social media, Sandeep, who is from Andhra Pradesh, has claimed that he was born to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 1988 in London, through IVF treatment. This was six years before she won the Miss World crown, in 1994. In 1988, she was 15 years old. According to Kumar's claims, he was born to Bachchan when she was 15 years old.
Posted Thursday, January 4, 2018 1:32 pm
Hey! Dont bogart that joint, man! This week, California will join Washington D.C. and seven other states with its vote to legalize recreational marijuana. Here at home, Michigan tries to bring some order to the growing and sale of medical marijuana.
In the meantime, everyone holds their breath in hopes that the Department of Justice will continue to turn a blind eye to the federal policy which places marijuana on its Schedule I list with the likes of heroin and LSD.
Since 1937, when marijuana was initially made illegal, the drug has faced disparate enforcement and public response. It was not coincidental that the infamous movie Reefer Madness hit the circuit in 1936. Can we expect a similar backlash in 2018?
Thats one of the fascinating questions Washington D.C. history professor and author Emily Dufton considers in her new book, Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall of Marijuana in America.
Dufton, who began working on the book as the basis of her masters thesis, was inspired by demonstrations against the Iraq War back in 2003. She realized 60s-style protests had a limited role in modern times.
I thought there has to be a better way to increase the efficacy of activism, she said. Previously, researchers had mostly studied the left and what they were doing while no one was exploring conservative grass roots activism.
While exploring grass roots activism she discovered the Just Say No campaign. Though often credited to Nancy Reagan, it was created by parent groups that banded together as a response to their childrens drug use. By 1987 there were more than 10,000 Just Say No clubs meeting across the country.
Dufton also delved into several pro-marijuana initiatives in the 70s. These groups seemed to indicate that legalization was right around the corner, a temporary dalliance that even saw some support from the Carter Administration.
Dufton also gives brief mention to Michigans own John Sinclair, who turned his marijuana bust into a lifetime of advocacy.
She details in her book how the Just Say No program was co-opted by the private sector to promote their consumer products. The pro-marijuana initiative also faced a total downer when Jimmy Carters drug czar, Peter Bourne, did some lines of cocaine at pro-marijuana group NORMLs Christmas party. The ensuing controversy resulted in his firing, costing anti-drug war activists an important ally.
Todays activists, at both a national and local level, would be well served to take a trip back in time with Duftons book. Theyll learn the battle is far from over.
One example of success that Dufton cites in her book is that of Mary Jane Rathbun, popularly known as Brownie Mary. Mary was a San Francisco waitress turned care taker for gay young men struggling with HIV/AIDS.
Dufton titles the chapter The Florence Nightingale of Medical Marijuana and shows first-hand how a grass roots movement could be started by inspired individuals.
Dufton also reminds readers about Robert Randall, the person who has been called the father of the movement. Randall popularized the use of marijuana for slowing the onset of glaucoma.
He was busted for growing marijuana and his subsequent trial found him not guilty, turning him into a national activist for medical marijuana.
Its important to note that Brownie Marys business wasnt run just for love. She was regularly making $500,000 annually from her business. This was pointed out by law enforcement officials when they busted her in 1981 and again in 1992.
The second bust rocketed her into national fame and in 1992, 80 percent of San Francisco voters supported a ballot issue for medical marijuana. Prop 215, passed in 1996, made California the first state to legalize medical marijuana.
Dufton also points out that while parent activists called the new law a Trojan horse, their cries were largely ignored as other states began seeking their own protections for the use of medical marijuana.
Dufton writes a cautionary tale for current activists. History shows that nothing is certain and you never know what lies around the corner, she said.
The book argues that doctors need to be won over by the drugs potential medical uses and more research needs to be done, but the necessary research can be limited by the drugs Schedule I classification.
Dufton also warns that even though Big Pharma, which has the most to lose from legalization, may not have the same clout as the parenting movement of the 80s, it is still a formidable opponent.
Book Club meets Jan. 11
City Pulse will kick off its book club for 2018 at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Schuler Books & Records in Eastwood Towne Center, not Jan. 4, as previously reported. For the entire year, the club will read books related to 1968 in this its golden anniversary year. The first book is 1968 The Year that Rocked the World, by Mark Kurlansky.
Bollywood surely knows how to make fairytale weddings a reality and after Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's grand Tuscany wedding, looks like another couple has decided to take the plunge.
Amidst break up, rumors and controversies surrounding their upcoming film Padmavati, reports now claim that Deepika and Ranveer Singh are all set to get engaged.
GQ India
(Do we hear hearts breaking? Oh yes!)
Pinterest
Bollywood's most talked about and adored couple (fondly known as DeepVeer) have secretly flown to Sri Lanka and rumour has it that the couple is all set to make it official by exchanging the rings.
Agencies
The couple has been dating for over five years now might exchange rings on 5th January, which also happens to be Deepika's birthday.
pinterest
Neither Deepika nor Ranveer's team has given a nod to these rumors but there can't be smoke without any fire, right? If this comes out to be true, be ready for some lovey-dovey pictures and videos from their engagement tomorrow. Let's hope for the best!
Ever since Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have been in a relationship there are constant rumours of their engagement or marriage. Almost every year theres a speculation around their marriage. Well, seems like fans cannot contain their excitement to see them become a married couple. Especially after Anushka and Virats marriage, the rumours of their engagement seemed to be more believable. But sadly, it isnt true.
Twitter
Its Deepikas 32nd birthday and rumours were doing the round that they might get engaged on the same day. However, a close source to Indiatimes denied the news saying,
They are very much in love, but right now they are only focusing on their career. The engagement rumour is not at all true.
Twitter
We also got in touch with both their managers, even they negated the news. The Ram Leela couple are in Sri Lanka, they had gone to celebrate New Year in the beautiful country and will come back after celebrating Deepikas 32nd birthday.
twitter
Ranveer and Deepika have been dating each other since 5 years now. There have been tons of rumours around their breakup too, but they are intact. Every time they quash their breakup rumours in style.
Talking about their respected families, they too are very happy with their relationship. Now, who can forget when Deepika's father Prakash Padukone for the first time spoke about his daughters relationship with Ranveer? The Padmavati actor in Koffee With Karan 5 had said that DP is a perfect marriage material.
Bollywoodlife
Mr. Padukone was asked to comment on Ranveers statement to which he had said,
They are adults and know what they are doing. As father, I have given Deepika the freedom to take her own decisions. Even in this case, she is free to decide whatever she wants to do.
Twitter
The lovebirds are right now waiting for the release of their next Padmavati which has been the hottest topic of town. Well, their engagement rumours have surely shifted everyones attention from Padmavatis controversy.
After assisting Anurag Kashyap in films including Gangs of Wasseypur, director Neeraj Ghaywan made waves with his film Masaan, a film that gives you more than what you can expect out of cinema.
Twitter
The movie that gave the director global recognition in 2015 won several accolades internationally. Based on two different storylines, the movie is about inter-caste relationships.
Twitter
Recently, the man slammed filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri for bringing up caste to narrate an everylife incident in the wake of clashes in Maharashtra between Dalits and Maratha groups.
Sometime ago, on a flight I saw a great Dalit leaders grandson sitting on 1A, business class and I wrote this in notes. Just found. pic.twitter.com/NaEW2bGnkC Vivek Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) January 3, 2018
I am a Dalit. I won the Cannes film award for our country. Also the Cannes advertising award. I won the National award & the Filmfare award. All without using my Dalit identity. And yes, I fly business class now and I will offer you my seat next time youre on the same plane. pic.twitter.com/i2kfuqpwCi Neeraj Ghaywan (@ghaywan) January 3, 2018
Ghaywan is winning applauses on Twitter thereafter.
Well said Dr. ANKIT SRIVASTAVA (@DrAnkit_1986) January 4, 2018
Wow Neeraj atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) January 3, 2018
Indeed, Neeraj Ghaywan has won several admirers!
The latest ban on the display of non-vegetarian food because it hurts peoples sentiments got us thinkinghow on earth can someone come up with such absurd bans, right? Well, to our surprise, when we researched laws from around the world, we found that we are all surrounded by a crazy bunch of bans, and not just in India. Here are 11 insane things that are banned around the world and you gotta check it out now.
1. Video Games In Greece
In 2002, the government in Greece banned video games across the country. The actual intention behind this ban was to stop illegal gambling, which accidentally led to a ban on video games. So, if you are playing video games even on your home computers in Greece, you might just end up in jail.
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2. Chewing Gum In Singapore
Back in 2004, the Singapore government put a ban on chewing gum imports. You cant buy or sell chewing gum in the country and if you are caught doing so or spitting the gum on the streets, you will have to pay a heavy fine of $500. All this because back in 1992, someone used a chewed gum to bring the public transportation system to a halt.
Unsplash
3. Ketchup Ban In French Schools
The school cafeterias in France banned ketchup because the government felt that the teenagers were consuming too much ketchup, which was somehow affecting the originality of their traditional cuisine. Imagine the kids there having to eat their fries without the ketchup.
Unsplash
4. Kissing In A Moving Vehicle In Italy
In Eboli, a town in Southern Italy, kissing in a moving vehicle is banned. If you are breaking this law, it can cost you several hundred euros. To be honest, this one makes sense. If the person driving kisses someone else, it could cause an accident but what if neither of the two people are driving?
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5. Naming A Child In Denmark
Now this ones just stupid. Denmark imposed rules on how parents could name their babies to keep Danish children safe from odd names. You can choose a name from a list of 24,000 names. In case, you want to name a child on your own, you have to get permission from government officials.
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6. Yellow T-shirts In Malaysia
Yellow, yellow, dirty fellow it seems the Malaysians take this nursery rhyme quite seriously. Anyway, yellow is considered the colour of protesters by the Malaysian government and so they decided to ban yellow clothing because a particular group of opposition activists was using yellow things to protest against the government.
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7. Small Breast Pornography In Australia
If this doesnt make you go WTF, what on earth will? So, pornography isnt banned in Australia but this particular ban was imposed because the government thought this kind of activity will encourage the average civilians to become child molesters or even worse, child rapists.
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8. Kinder Joy In USA
What harm does a chocolate surprise do to the US? Banning Kinder Joy is the stupidest of all the bans. The reason behind this ban was that the government was worried about the choking hazard that could be posed by a non-food product component, such as the small toy that comes in the case.
YouTube
9. Blue Jeans In North Korea
Do we need to say anything about the absurd things happening in North Korea? This one barely comes across as a surprise. Jeans, particularly blue jeans was banned in North Korea because the colour blue is associated with America. Duh.
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10. Dying In The Houses Of Parliament In United Kingdom
Wonder how theyll hold people accountable if they do break this ban? You can't die inside the House of Parliament in Britain because anyone dying inside is entitled to a state funeral and the government doesnt want to host any more state funerals than it actually has to.
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11. Jogging In Burundi
Go for a jog and end up in jail? In the country of Burundi, jogging is considered an act of war, so one of the Presidents officially banned morning joggers to stop the conflicts between ethnic groups and they believed this law would halt the war.
Unsplash
They say that God lies inside every individual, especially children who embody innocence and truth. However, many fanatics have failed to understand this, giving rise to terrorism and forgetting humanity. Even a teenager in today's times is not tolerated reciting holy verses from scriptures of a different religion.
15-Year-old Alia Khan dressed up as Krishna and recited parts of Bhagwat Gita as a part of a competition. And now has a fatwa issued against her.
ANI
"Islam is not so weak that we will be dismissed from it just for reciting Bhagwad Gita or wearing a particular kind of costume," said 15-year-old student, Alia Khan, on Thursday, after she was issued a fatwa (religious decree) by Dar-ul-uloom of Deoband.
The Islamic seminary issued the fatwa to Khan on January 2 for reciting the verses of the Hindu holy book at an event in her school recently, ANI reported.
The Class 10 student won the second prize for her performance and was also given a cash prize of Rs. 25,000. However, she was later issued the decree by the Ulema or Islamic scholars, who termed her action un-Islamic.
ani
The function was organised by the Uttar Pradesh government to mark the 101 years of the historic Lucknow Pact of Freedom Struggle. The event was based on famous freedom fighter, Bal Gangadhar Tilak's interpretation of Bhagwad Gita.
With the increase in global warming and due to climate change, the world is modifying at a tremendous speed, probably earlier that it should. According to a group of scientists, a new research has revealed that there is a massive decline in Cheetah populations.
It has already been listed as a 'vulnerable' species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. National Geographic reports that the animals are "dangerously close to extinction", according to the latest research carried out by the Big Cats Initiative.
Their research reflects that there are less than 3,577 free-ranging adults spread across Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
"Humans have altered more than 90 percent of the historic cheetah's habitat, which once ranged across stretches of Africa and Asia," National Geographic says.
The Doklam standoff has created quite the tension between India and China, and the two countries are still trying to find a common ground of peace between each other. The tensions may have de-escalated on the Sikkim-Bhutan border, but recently, there has been another incident that has made it difficult for India to trust China.
When residents of the area observed something unlikely happening and informed the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). It is unusual for the Chinese to undertake track construction in the area, more so during winter months. The incident, that happened on December 26, when residents witnessed a Chinese civilian track construction party which did not have any soldiers around crossed into the Indian side of the LAC.The ITBP, along with the army have foiled a Chinese attempt to build a track on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Tuting area of Arunachal Pradesh.
This area near Kapang La is where Siang river crosses from Tibet to Arunachal Pradesh, but the Chinese workers did not cross the river.On December 28, the Chinese workers were told to return to their side of the LAC, and their road construction equipment was seized. There was no direct contact between Indian and Chinese soldiers at the time, reported The Indian Express. Their construction equipment, which included two JCBs and a water bowser, was seized the tyres were deflated and the chains of the JCBs were removed. The area has been barricaded, and is being jointly manned by the ITBP and Army.
According to sources, the Chinese track construction party was building a 12-feet wide, 1-km long track inside Indian territory. Because of the curved nature of tracks in mountain areas, it meant that the Chinese were nearly 400 metres inside Arunachal Pradesh.
Having beggar knock your car's window or simply lurk around you when you are devouring street food is a common sight in India. And sometimes because you're having an awesome day you give them a few rupees, don't you?
Also read: MBA Graduate Who Worked In London, US Green Card Holder Among Beggars Held In Hyderabad Ahead Of Ivanka's Visit
But have you ever thought how much money these beggars make by doing this?
Several movies and documentaries have been made on the earnings of these beggars and exactly what they do with it.
Meet the 40-year-old Chhotu Baraik from Jharkhand.
daily.bhaskar
Chhotu earns INR 30,000 a month by begging - an amount most millennials earn after spending a year in their first job, even two sometimes.
Also read: In Ajmer, Beggars Open Bank Accounts To Save Their Earnings From Robbers, Thieves And The Police
He works at Chakradharpur railway station and you can easily find him inching in one of the many trains that run there.
daily.bhaskar
Amongst his other businesses, he is the distributor of Vestige, sells membership of services and products to people on train, station and nearby areas, and owns a utensils shop in Bandi village of Simdega district.
The shop is managed by one of his wives. Chhotu has agreed to earning nearly 4 lakhs a month and says that he sends monthly amounts to all his wives.
daily.bhaskar
Are you having conflicted feelings about this too? Think about it.
Also read: Hyderabad To Become 'Beggar Free' City, Spot One, Inform And Get Rs 500 As Reward
American Space agency NASA has released its new logo which it claims represents its quest for knowledge. The space agency - while observing 60th years of its establishment - has said the logo it has released for use in observing the 60th anniversary of its establishment as a US government agency in 2018 represents its quest for knowledge.
A crescent moon, a ringed planet and a field of stars amid a nebula of light blue represent the agency's scientific underpinnings, particularly the enduring quest for answers to age-old questions about the workings and evolution of our planet, solar system and the universe, NASA said on Wednesday. NASA considers its birthday to be October 1, the day the agency opened for business. The logo depicts how NASA is building on its past to soar toward a challenging future.
NASA
"NASA" and "60" are stacked, bold and tall, atop the continental US, the curvature of Earth, and the light of an approaching dawn.
This placement, according to NASA, captures the spirit of a metaphor about knowledge and discovery, often attributed to 17th-century physicist Isaac Newton: "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."
Similarly, the agency too was built on the legacy and expertise of giants in government-sponsored research and development, it said.
The light blue and white arc just below the alphanumeric elements recalls the sunrise, seen 16 times each day aboard an Earth-orbiting spacecraft, and symbolizes opportunity yet to come through exploration of the Moon, Mars and destinations far beyond, NASA said.
Jet Airways has grounded two of its senior commanders for fighting inside the cockpit of a London-Mumbai flight on January 1. The commander flying as co-pilot allegedly slapped the lady commander mid-flight after which she left the cockpit in tears.
After great persuasion, the lady pilot went back to the cockpit but reportedly came out in a huff shortly afterwards. This time, a frightened cabin crew, fearing for everyone's safety, requested her to go back to the controls and operate the flight to its destination.
Luckily, the plane landed safely.
reuters/representational image
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the licence of the male co-pilot and ordered a probe into the entire episode.
Also Read: Jet Airways To Pay Rs 50,000 To Passenger Who Found A Button In His In-Flight Lunch
This unprecedented cockpit fight happened on 9W 119 soon after Jet's Boeing 777 took off for its 9-hour journey to Mumbai with 324 passengers and 14 crew members on board on New Year's Day at 10am (UK time).
Both the pilots of this flight were commanders and the lady was captaining 9W 119 while the other was the co-pilot for this sector.
"Shortly after the plane took off, the two pilots had a fight. The co-pilot slapped the lady commander and she left the cockpit in tears. She stood in the galley sobbing. The cabin crew tried to comfort her and send her back to the cockpit, but in vain. The co-pilot also kept buzzing (calling from the intercom in the cockpit) the crew, asking them to send the second pilot back," said sources.
reuters/representational image
When the cabin crew could not do so, the co-pilot reportedly came out of the cockpit leaving the cockpit unmanned in gross violation of safety rules and persuaded the commander to return with him to the controls.
Also Read: Delhi-Mumbai Jet Airways Flight Diverted To Ahmedabad After Hijacking Note Found In Toilet
"However, they had a fight for the second time following which she came out again. This time, the cabin crew was quite afraid of the fight happening in the cockpit. They requested her to go to the cockpit and fly the plane safely to its destination," said sources. Realising the fear factor among everyone, she returned to the cockpit and the plane landed safely in Mumbai just after midnight of January 1-2.
reuters/representational image
Confirming this fight, a Jet Airways spokesman said: "A misunderstanding occurred between the cockpit crew of Jet Airways flight 9W 119, London - Mumbai of January 01, 2018. However, the same was quickly resolved amicably and the flight with 324 guests including 2 infants and 14 crew continued its journey to Mumbai, landing safely.
The airline has reported the incident to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the concerned crew have been derostered pending an internal investigation that has since been initiated. At Jet Airways, safety of guests, crew and assets is of paramount importance and the airline has zero tolerance for any action of its employees that compromises safety."
Posted Thursday, January 4, 2018 1:32 pm
For 2 years, the Creole restaurant has been serving New Orleans-style bistro cuisine in the former home of Old Towns historic Creole Gallery. But this weekend, Metro Lansing diners will get one last chance to order its upscale menu items such as the sous vide pork chop and the roasted steelhead before it transforms into a more casual dining location.
Our food and drinks are amazing, but with our price points we were being viewed more as a place to go for special occasions, said co-owner Sam Short. So were sending the old menu off with a bang before switching it up next week. And I think people are really going to like the new concept.
The Creole is closed Monday through Thursday this week as Shorts team gives the interior a fresh coat of paint and a new look. Then this Friday, Jan. 5-Sunday, Jan. 7, the old menu will get a final hurrah. It will be closed again next Monday-Thursday as the final touches are made before permanently reopening on Friday, Jan. 12 as the Creole Burger Bar & Southern Kitchen.
Our chef, Scott Macpherson, is a worldclass act, and we wanted more people to see what we see, Short said. Were keeping the creative, chef-driven aspect and transitioning into something thats more reasonably priced.
If the new name doesnt give it away, the menu will be burgercentric, featuring specialty creations that include wild game options. There will also be hand-cut fries and a second line parade full of Southern staples, including shrimp and grits, oyster po boys and build-your-own jambalaya. All entrees will be priced in the $10-$18 range, with appetizers in the $5-$9 area. Short said the restaurants popular weekend brunch will survive the transition, albeit with two or three tweaks.
The drink menu will also get an overhaul, including the addition of a full tap system and a new line of creative cocktails. The most notable newcomer will be the Punch Pots, 128-ounce copper kettles filled with shareable mixed drinks for four that will be left at the tables. There will also be a pared down wine menu, including two new wines that will be available on tap, as well as 150 types of whiskey.
Lansing has a rich restaurant culture thats nurtured a growing base of adventurous diners, and this new concept is very much in line with that, Short said. Weve been able to connect with those diners at our other locations, and now its time to bring that here to the Creole.
Short is one of the partners of the Potent Potables Project, which refashioned the former dive bar Zoobies Old Town Tavern into a hip watering hole in 2013, and constructed the gourmet wood-fired pizza joint the Cosmos as its conjoined twin in 2015. The group also launched the Dolson in Charlotte last year. He said that the groups long-gestating Punk Taco bar/restaurant near Frandor is definitely still on, just not at the Frandor location where work has been stalled for over a year.
We had to walk away from that deal, but were planning to bring Punk Taco to somewhere in Old Town in 2018, Short said. We try to do a little something different at each location. Its fun to keep people on their toes.
The Creole Burger Bar & Southern Kitchen (opens Friday, Jan. 12) 1218 Turner St., Lansing 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Monday-Thursday; 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday (517) 371-1361, thecreolelansing.com
Jagsir Singh, a 32-year-old sepoy from Punjab martyred in firing by Pakistani troops in Nowshera sector of Jammu. He served the country till his last breathe and was cremated at his native village Lohgarh Thakran in district Ferozepur with full state honours.
As the entire village came to pay respects, the jawan was buried amid slogans against Pakistan. Jagsirs wife Mohinderpal Kaur and father Amarjit Singh too vent their anger against Pakistan.
representational image
He is survived by his parents, wife, a younger brother, a sister and two daughters and a son. The family has requested the government to bear the expenses of his three children.
According to The Indian Express, Malkit Singh, sarpanch of the village, said, The family wants that the government bear the expenses of education of the three children. Also, apart from compensation and a government job, we also want that a road/school should be named after him. We will see a memorial is built in village dedicated to him.
This past Christmas, people in Germany experienced the true season of giving, thanks to their government. The general public didnt have to pay any electricity bills for the weekend, and were in fact paid to use power.
Despite how ludicrous that sounds, its actually true. Electricity tariffs in the country went into the negative for most people on that Sunday and Monday, December 24 and 25, because they just had more power than was needed.
So how does that happen? Well, Germany has invested over $200 billion in renewable energy over the past few decades, especially wind and solar power. Unfortunately, they dont have the battery technology to store any excess power. On most days, that question never arises. However, on days when its sunnier than usual or major holidays when major factories are closed, the power plants generate more electricity than the entire country needs. And with the supply so much more than the demand, it obvious drops the price below zero.
In addition, because Germany doesnt have enough in the way of solar batteries, all of that power would go to waste if it wasnt being tapped immediately, so people are incentivised with money to turn the lights on. Theyre not given a cash or cheque of course, but that negative balance is counted against their usual electricity bills.
According to the New York Times, some manufacturing plants and offices were paid about $60 per megawatt-hour to use electricity on negative-priced days through the year. Its something governments and utilities companies have to think about, as the world slowly makes the transition to renewable energy.
With CES 2018 about to commence, Samsung has just unveiled some of the coolest pieces of technology its going to debut at the world's largest consumer electronics expo.
Images courtesy: Samsung C-Lab
Samsung C-Lab, the in-house experimental tech arm, will showcase three new devices at CES, the like youve never seen before, and each wildly different from the next. Each has been developed by Samsung employees under the C-Lab incubation initiative, with funding aid from the company.
Sound-Ray Directional Speakers
The first device called Sound-Ray (or S-Ray) is one that merges the privacy of headphones with the convenience of Bluetooth speakers. Its a speaker that projects sound in a singular direction, so that only the person its aimed at can hear whats playing. Basically, you can blast some Nirvana on a comfortable speaker without disturbing your roommate working a few feet away.
It comes in three variants, the S-Ray Mini, S-Ray Handy, and S-Ray Neck Band. The Handy is a portable speaker, while the Mini comes in the form of a smartphone cover and the Neck band is, obviously, worn around your neck.
GoBreath
GoBreath is actually a medical device for people whove damaged their lungs. Conceptualised by a doctor at the Samsung Medical Center, its a portable device with an accompanying app to let users breathe easier. The product can, according to Samsung, teach patients basic techniques such as inspiration, coughing or deep breathing, as a way to rehabilitate their lungs after an accident or surgery.
Relumino
Relumino is one way VR is being applied to medical devices. Its basically a pair of battery-powered glasses that help those with visual impairments see better. An onboard processor renders images from a built-in camera and projects it onto the devices display.
Theyre meant to have the form factor of traditional eyeglasses, but the device prototype right now features a VR headset with a phone inside. Eventually, the completed product is supposed to improve image clarity by highlighting outlines, inverting colours, remapping footage from blind spots to visible areas and reducing glare from certain colours.
Until very recently, when you shopped for a database you had to choose: Scalability or consistency? SQL databases such as MySQL guarantee strong consistency, but dont scale well horizontally. (Manual sharding for scalability is no ones idea of fun.) NoSQL databases such as MongoDB scale beautifully, but offer only eventual consistency. (Wait long enough, and you can read the right answerwhich isnt any way to do financial transactions.)
InfoWorld
Google Cloud Spanner, a fully managed relational database service running on Google Compute Engine (GCE) released in February 2017, has the scalability of NoSQL databases while retaining SQL compatibility, relational schemas, ACID transactions, and strong external consistency. Spanner is a sharded, globally distributed and replicated relational database that uses a Paxos algorithm for reaching a consensus among its nodes.
One alternative to Spanner, and the subject of this review, is CockroachDB, an open source, horizontally scalable distributed SQL database developed by ex-Googlers who were familiar with Spanner. CockroachDB borrows from Googles Spanner for the design of its data storage system, and it uses a Raft algorithm for reaching a consensus among its nodes.
Like Cloud Spanner, CockroachDB is a distributed SQL database built on top of a transactional and consistent key-value store, in CockroachDBs case on RocksDB. CockroachDBs primary design goals are support for ACID transactions, horizontal scalability, and (most of all) survivability, hence the name.
CockroachDB is designed to survive disk, machine, rack, and even datacenter failures with minimal latency disruption and no manual intervention. Of course, to accomplish that you need to run a cluster of many instances of CockroachDBs symmetric nodes, using multiple disks, machines, racks, and datacenters.
Unlike Cloud Spanner, which uses the TrueTime API available for time synchronization in Google data centers, CockroachDB cant count on the presence of atomic clocks and GPS satellite clocks to synchronize the time accurately across nodes and data centers. That has a number of implications. To begin with, Google TrueTime gives an upper bound for clock offsets between nodes in a cluster of seven milliseconds. Thats small enough that a Spanner node just waits seven milliseconds after a write before reporting that a transaction has committed, to guarantee external consistency.
Without TrueTime or a similar facility, CockroachDB must fall back to NTP, which gives upper bounds on clock synchronization between 100 milliseconds and 250 milliseconds. Given that larger time window, CockroachDB doesnt wait after writes. Instead it sometimes waits before reads, basically restarting a transaction if it reads a value with a timestamp greater than the beginning of the transaction, again to guarantee consistency.
When all the nodes in a CockroachDB cluster have the small upper bounds for clock offsets that you can get from GPS or atomic clocks, which is something just becoming available on major public clouds, it can make sense to run them with the --linearizable flag. That makes them wait for the max clock offset before returning a successful commit, just like Spanner.
How CockroachDB works
Each CockroachDB node consists of five layers:
SQL, which translates client SQL queries to key-value operations
Transaction, which allows atomic changes to multiple key-value entries
Distribution, which presents replicated key-value ranges as a single entity
Replication, which consistently and synchronously replicates key-value ranges across many nodes, and enables consistent reads via leases
Storage, which writes and reads key-value data on disk
The SQL layer parses queries against a Yacc file and turns them into an abstract syntax tree. From the abstract syntax tree, CockroachDB generates a tree of plan nodes, which contain key-value code. The plan nodes are then executed, communicating with the transaction layer.
The transaction layer implements ACID transaction semantics with two-phase commits across the entire cluster including cross-range and cross-table transactions, treating single statements as transactions (also called auto-commit mode). The two-phase commit is accomplished by posting transaction records and write intents, executing read operations, and treating any write intents encountered as transaction conflicts.
The distribution layer receives requests from the transaction layer on the same node. It then identifies which nodes should receive the request, and sends the request to the proper nodes replication layer.
The replication layer copies data between nodes and ensures consistency between these copies by implementing a Raft consensus algorithm. You can control the replication factor at the cluster, database, and table level using replication zones. The consensus algorithm is used only for writes, and requires that a quorum of replicas agrees on any changes to a range before those changes are committed.
The storage layer stores data as key-value pairs on disk using RocksDB. CockroachDB relies heavily on multi-version concurrency control (MVCC) to process concurrent requests and guarantee consistency. Much of this work is done by using hybrid logical clock (HLC) timestamps.
Like Spanner, CockroachDB supports time travel queries (enabled by MVCC). These can go back as far as your most recent database garbage collection, done by default on a daily basis.
CockroachDB installation and use
CockroachDB runs on Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems, at least for development and test. Production Cockroach databases usually run on Linux VMs or orchestrated containers, often hosted on public clouds in multiple datacenters. The Windows binary of CockroachDB is still in a beta phase and not recommended for production, and Apple no longer makes server hardware.
Cockroach Labs CockroachDB installation instructions. Note the support for Mac, Linux, and Windows. Within the Mac page, note the options of installing with Homebrew, downloading a binary, building from source, and using Docker.
As you can see in the screenshot above, there are four options for installing CockroachDB on a Mac. I chose Homebrew as likely the easiest of the four.
By the way, Cockroach Labs posts a warning on the site that says running a stateful application such as CockroachDB in Docker is tricky, not recommended for production deployments, and to use an orchestration tool like Kubernetes or Docker Swarm to run a cluster instead. Ill discuss container orchestration options in the next section.
IDG Installing CockroachDB with Homebrew in a Bash shell. This installation method is only available on Macs.
Installation on a Mac is as easy as brew install cockroach as shown above. In my case, the automatic update of Homebrew took a lot longer (enough time to brew tea) than the actual CockroachDB installation, which only took a few seconds.
Once you have CockroachDB installed, its fairly easy to spin up a local cluster, although there is the extra step of generating security certificates with the cockroach cert command if you want the cluster to be secure. Once you have a cluster running (using the cockroach start command once for each node, with subsequent nodes set to join the first nodes cluster), you can connect to the web administration page on any node with a browser, and use the embedded cockroach sql client to send SQL queries to any node. Most browsers will complain about sites with CockroachDB-generated certificates, but you should be able to click through that dire warning and continue to the site.
The recommended CockroachDB production settings are different than the defaults, which were set up for development and test instances. You can develop on a one-node cluster if you wish. For production, you should have a minimum of three nodes, run each node on a separate machine, VM, or container, and give each instance extra cache and SQL memory. The default settings are 128 MB each for cache and SQL memory; the recommended production settings are to give each 25 percent of RAM:
cockroach start --cache=25% --max-sql-memory=25%